FACE
1. Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Procedure
The incision for an upper eyelid surgery, made with either a scalpel or Carbon Dioxide laser, is in the lid crease. During the process, skin, muscle and fat are removed. For lower eyelid surgery, the incision can be made either inside the eyelid or underneath the eyelashes, if there is a lot of excess skin.
Results
Eyelid surgery improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, making the patient look more rested and alert.
Side Effects
Side effects may include some swelling, bruising, dry eyes, and discomfort that can be controlled by medication, cold compresses and ointment. A patient may also experience irritation at the incision sites.
Recovery Time
The eyelids should function normally after surgery but final results will appear within several weeks. It usually takes a year before the incision lines are fully refined.
2. Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
Procedure
Two methods can be used: open procedure, where incisions are hidden at the base of the nose, or closed procedure, where incisions are inside the nose. Through these incisions, the surgeon then raises the soft tissues that cover the nose providing access to reshape the structure of the nose.
Results
A rhinoplasty can improve nose size (in relation to your face), nose width at the bridge, nostril size and position, and nose profile (by downsizing visible humps, or depressions on the bridge).
Side Effects
After a nose surgery, a patient may have difficulty breathing, feel pain or nauseated. Pain medication is usually given.
Recovery Time
Stitches are removed three days after the surgery, the cast on day seven, and all nasal packing, splints and other post-surgical dressings, after two weeks. It may take a year for the swelling to completely disappear.
3. Face Lift (Rhytidectomy)
Procedure
Face lift is a surgical procedure that tightens the skin and muscles of the face, chin, and neck. To do this, the surgeon makes incisions behind the hairline and around the ear to remove facial fat and tighten muscles.
Results
Visible signs of aging are significantly decreased resulting to a toned and smooth face which usually lasts from seven to ten years.
Side Effects
Allergic reaction to anesthetic or medication, swelling, and scarring are some side effects of face lift. A patient should immediately report severe or sudden pain.
Recovery Time
Recovery usually takes two to three weeks. During this period, a patient is advised to limit sun exposure.
4. Brow Lift (Forehead Lift, Endobrow lift, Open browlift, Temporal lift)
Procedure
In this procedure, a small telescope, used to guide the surgeon in lifting the tissues of the forehead or brow, is inserted through small incisions behind the forehead hairline. The small muscles of the forehead responsible for frown lines are then weakened to make them smoother or disappear completely.
Results
A brow lift gives the patient a smoother forehead, reduced frown lines, and raised eyebrow line.
Side Effects
After a brow lift procedure, some patients may experience forehead paralysis, brow asymmetry, permanent hair loss, or even early relapse.
Recovery Time
Initial wound healing may take 5 to 10 days. Healing will continue for several weeks but most signs of the surgery fade completely within 2 - 3 months.
5. Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
Procedure
The surgeon can either make an incision on the back of the ear to sculpt the exposed ear cartilage and re-position it closer to the head, or remove skin and fold back the ear cartilage to reshape it. In this technique, non-removable stitches help the cartilage maintain its position.
Results
Ear surgery can correct protruding ears, deformed earlobes, "lop ear", and "cupped" or "shell ear". This surgery can also create ears for patients who are missing all or part of their ears.
Side Effects
During recovery, temporary discomfort and numbness, headaches, swelling, and unusual sensations may be experienced.
Recovery Time
Patients are often required to rest for at least one to three weeks after surgery, depending on their age and the complexity of the procedure. Ears must not be bent for at least a month or more.
BREAST
1. Breast Augmentation
Procedure
During breast augmentation, an incision is created where the breast implant will be inserted. It is created either at the back of the breast tissue or above the breast muscle. Breast implants vary in shape, size, designs, and in a range of materials.
Results
Breast augmentation surgically enhances and contours the patient’s breasts, making it look natural as possible.
Side Effects
Mild discomfort, swelling, and decreased arm movement may be experienced after undergoing surgery.
Recovery Period
Initial recovery time for the patient is 1 to 2 weeks.
2. Breast Reduction
Procedure
Surgical markings are drawn on the patient’s breasts in order for the surgeon to make the correct incisions during surgery. Flaps are created on both sides of the breast and the excess skin, fat, and glandular tissues are removed. In most cases, the nipples are placed to a higher position on the breast, but will remain attached to the nerves and blood vessels.
Results
The removal of breast tissue and skin reduces the weight of the breast and contours in proportion with the body.
Side Effects
The patient’s breasts may be sore, swollen, and bruised caused by the incisions and tissue movement during surgery. Pain can be alleviated by a prescription from the plastic surgeon. Bandages are worn for about two days after surgery.
Recovery Period
Initial recovery time is one to two weeks. It is also advised to avoid heavy lifting or pushing for three or four weeks.
3. Breast Lift
Procedure
As excess skin is removed, the nipple and areola are placed to a higher location on the breast. The skin previously above the nipple is brought down around the nipple and sutured together under the breast.
Results
Breast lift hoists and reshapes one’s breast improving its firmness and contour.
Side Effects
Some of the side effects that can be expected after undergoing breast lift surgery are mild discomfort, numbness, temporary bruising, and swelling.
Recovery Period
Estimated recovery period is 1 to 2 months while fading of scars may take several months to one year.
4. Breast Reconstruction
Procedure
Breast reconstruction can be performed using two techniques: breast implants, where an inflatable or balloon-type tissue expander behind the pectoral (chest) muscle is placed, and tissue flaps, where a flap of tissue harvested from one’s abdomen or back is relocated to the breast area.
Results
Breast reconstruction provides symmetry and balance after one has undergone mastectomy.
Side Effects
Mild discomfort, tightness, swelling, and decreased arm movement should be expected after undergoing breast reconstruction.
Recovery Period
Estimated recovery period may take about 6 weeks. Most scars fade over time, but may take a few years to diminish.
5. Breast Implant Removal
Procedure
The surgeon removes the implant by either operating through an incision under the breast or creating an incision through the nipple. Implants made from saline are first deflated before removed.
Results
Removal of breast implant is performed either to decrease breast size or replace the implant.
Side Effects
Some of the side effects that may be experienced are mild discomfort, swelling and bruising.
Recovery Period
Estimated recovery period is two to three weeks.
BODY
1. Liposuction (Lipoplasty)
Procedure
There are different methods used in removing fat from the body. The most common methods use fluid solutions, laser, or ultrasound to melt fat and remove it. An instrument called the cannula is used to suction fat out of the body.
Results
Liposuction eliminates excess fat from different areas of the body to give it a better shape.
Side Effects
A few days after liposuction, a certain degree of pain and swelling will be experienced. Other conditions include soreness, numbness, tiredness, tightness and bruising.
Recovery Time
A patient needs a few days off from work to allow wound healing. Additional two weeks will be needed for full recovery.
2. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Procedure
The surgeon tightens and repairs muscles and removes excess skin by making an incision above the pubic hairline and below the navel area.
Results
A tummy tuck produces a tighter and flatter stomach and a narrower waistline.
Side Effects
Following a tummy tuck are these side effects: temporary pain and discomfort, tightness, soreness, bruising and even numbness of the abdomen.
Recovery Time
Generally, patients may return to work 2-4 weeks after the surgery and resume more strenuous activities like exercise after 6-8 weeks.
3. Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Procedure
Upper arm lift surgery usually takes around two hours. After anesthesia is administered, incisions are made at the back of the upper arm to enable the removal of excess skin.
Results
A significantly tighter and smoother skin is the result of an upper arm lift procedure. This is because of the removal of fat deposits and saggy skin.
Side Effects
Pain, swelling, and bruising are the most common side effects of upper arm lift. These will eventually disappear after several weeks.
Recovery Time
The healing process for an upper arm lift may take from 2 weeks to about a month. In 2 weeks, the patient is allowed to continue moderate activities but it will take a month before he/she can get into rigorous activities like sports.
4. Buttock Lift
Procedure
The process involves the tightening of muscles and removal or droopy skin.
Results
A butt lift can give a more toned backside with a better contour.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of butt lift include pain, numbness, and swelling.
Recovery Time
It usually takes more then 3 weeks for a patient to fully recover but may return to work after 2 weeks.
5. Thigh Lift
Procedure
Thigh lift surgery is accomplished by making an incision on the upper region of the thigh, along the groin crease. After excess fat is removed, the surgeon stretches the skin and sutures in back into place, removing the remaining skin in the process.
Results
Dramatic changes on the appearance of the thighs will be seen after a thigh lift. These are reduced flabbiness, removal of saggy skin, and a more tone appearance.
Side Effects
It is important to keep in mind the following side effects of thigh lift. They are pain and discomfort, a certain degree of swelling and bruising, and numbness. Though these will fade after a few weeks, a patient still needs to get instructions from the surgeon to be able to know how to care for them.
Recovery Time
Patients are able to work 10 days after thigh lift. |
