FACE
1. Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Procedure
Loose skin and extra fat tissues are removed from the tiny cuts made in the natural creases or folds of the eyelids. The procedure is done with either a scalpel or Carbon Dioxide laser that blocks blood vessels and cuts the skin to remove the fat. The incision can be done either inside the eyelid (eliminated external scars) or, if there is a lot of excess skin, underneath the eyelashes.
Results
Corrected drooping eyelids and puffy bags under the eyes give a youthful and revitalized look.
Side Effects
The scarring from the procedure should flatten in time and become hardly visible. Temporary effects include soreness, swelling, and bruising around the eyes.
Recovery Time
Stitches are removed a few days after surgery but, expected full recovery period for eyelid surgery is 1 to 2 weeks.
2. Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
Procedure
The two main nose surgery techniques are: open (incisions at the base of the nose) and closed (incisions inside nose). Both techniques can change the size, get rid of a lump, narrow the nostrils, alter the angle, or even refine the tip or nasal bridge of one’s nose.
Results
Significantly improve the nose making it complement with the other parts of the face achieving facial balance.
Side Effects
Common side effects include: soreness, swelling, and bruising particularly around the eyes. Several red spots may also appear caused by the bursting of small blood vessels.
Recovery Time
Expected healing period is 4 to 6 months.
3. Face Lift (Rhytidectomy)
Procedure
An incision behind the hairline and around the ear is created to remove the facial fat and sculpt the muscles. Excess skin from the edges of the original incision and the skin are repositioned and closed with sutures or staples.
Results
The removal of fat and excessive muscles leaves a rejuvenated facial appearance that lasts from seven to ten years.
Side Effects
Temporary swelling, headaches, and bruises may occur within the recovery period. Severe or sudden pain should be reported to the physician immediately.
Recovery Time
Recovery period takes two to three weeks. Limited sun exposure for several months is also recommended.
4. Browlift
Procedure
Several incisions are placed behind the hairline where an endoscope is inserted to guide the surgeon in lifting the tissues of the forehead or brow. The small muscles responsible for frown lines are weakened to make the forehead smoother or make the frown lines disappear. The incision is closed with stitches or staples.
Results
Gives a smoother forehead, reduced frown lines, and raised eyebrow line, restoring a rejuvenated and radiant look above the eyes. A browlift also corrects sagging foreheads and brows which interfere with vision.
Side Effects
Several side effects include: numbness, discomfort, and itchiness. These are usually experienced any time during the recovery period and can be managed by medication. Itchiness may also be felt as the nerves regenerate.
Recovery Time
Wound healing may take 5 to 10 days. It normally takes 1 to 2 months for the patient to be fully healed and resume physical activity.
5. Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
Procedure
A thin strip of skin is removed through the incisions made behind the ear. As the skin is removed, stitches and sutures are used to sculpt the cartilage to the desired shape.
Results
Significantly restructures the ear to make it complement with the shape of the head and face.
Side Effects
A thin white scar is hardly visible as it is hidden in the ear crease. Bleeding and bruising may occur to a certain degree.
Recovery Time
Expected recovery period is 2 to 3 weeks.
BREAST
1. Breast Augmentation
Procedure
Breast augmentation is generally done as a day procedure under sedation or general anesthetic. Several breast augmentation techniques are used with the incision being placed under the breast fold, around the nipple or in the armpit. The implant, saline or silicone, round or teardrop in shape, is placed above or below the muscle. The breast augmentation procedure is individualized for each woman.
Results
Breast augmentation is designed to surgically enhance breasts into the patient’s desired size and shape.
Side Effects
Temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation and bruising may be experienced after breast augmentation. Breast may also be sensitive to stimulation for several weeks.
Recovery Period
The patient can return to work within a few days but should avoid any physical contact with breasts (excluding her bra) for approximately three to four weeks. Scars should fade and flatten anywhere from three months to two years after breast augmentation surgery, depending upon how an individual heals.
2. Breast Reduction
Procedure
The two popular procedures for breast reduction are the peri-areola mastopexy with reduction and the Œinverted-T pattern. The excess breast tissue is excised and the nipple is repositioned higher producing a lift/reduction.
Results
After breast reduction, the patient is expected to have smaller breasts with a more pleasing shape and position.
Side Effects
Possible bleeding, infection, or reactions to the anesthesia are some of the side effects of breast reduction. Some patients develop small sores around the nipples after the procedure but can be treated with antibiotic creams.
Recovery Period
It may take 6 months to a year for breasts to settle into their new shape, but swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks after breast reduction surgery.
3. Breast Lift
Procedure
Excess skin may also be removed as the nipple and areola are moved to a higher location on the breast. The nipple is normally positioned so that it will be even (vertically) with the lower crease between the breast and chest. The skin that was previously above the nipple is brought down around the nipple and sutured together under the breast.
Results
Breast lift procedure removes excess skin in and around the breast that has been stretched during pregnancy or weight fluctuations. Breast implants may also be used in conjunction with this procedure to achieve the desired result.
Side Effects
Temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, dry breast skin may be experienced after breast lift procedure.
Recovery Period
The patient can return to work within one week or more and may resume strenuous activities after one month after breast lift procedure. The fading of scars may take several months to one year.
4. Breast Reconstruction
Procedure
There are two major types of breast reconstruction: using the patient’s own tissues and breast implant reconstruction. Sometimes there can be a combination of both. It is important to realize that whichever method of breast reconstruction is chosen, it may involve various stages before the end result is achieved.
Results
Breast reconstruction has been shown to have psychological benefits for women who've had a mastectomy.
Side Effects
Recovery Period
Recovery period after breast reconstruction may take about 6 weeks to recover from a combined mastectomy and reconstruction or from a flap reconstruction alone. Most scars fade over time, but may take a few years to lighten.
5. Breast Implant Removal
Procedure
Breast implant removal requires an incision either under the fold of the breast or around the areola. The capsule around the implant is incised and the implant is carefully removed. If the implant is filled with saline, the surgeon may choose to deflate the implant to facilitate removal. If the implant is silicone-filled, it is inspected for any signs of damage before removal.
Results
Breasts may also be smaller than they were before the implants because of hormone changes or weight loss. Sagging may also become more apparent after breast implant removal.
Side Effects
For the first few days after breast implant removal, there may be mild discomfort, swelling and bruising.
Recovery Period
Initial recovery from breast implant removal surgery is usually quick, with many patients returning to everyday activity within a few days and full activity within two to three weeks. Full recovery often takes a few months.
BODY
1. Liposuction (Lipoplasty)
Procedure
During liposuction, the area to be treated is infiltrated with a certain kind of fat-removing fluid while a small cannula suctions out the fat. Other liposuction methods use ultrasound waves and laser to melt the fat. Liposuction can be performed almost on any part of the body with pockets of fat.
Results
Liposuction is used for body reshaping. It can remove disproportionate pockets of fat to create a more balanced form.
Side Effects
Side effects of liposuction may be experienced when anesthesia wears off. Pain medication can be prescribed for discomfort as necessary but when pain is extreme, the surgeon should be contacted immediately.
Recovery Time
For most patients, recovery from liposuction will be very quick. They can return to work a few days and resume normal activities after about two weeks.
2. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Procedure
To conduct a tummy tuck, an incision is made across the lower abdomen and while excess skin and fat are removed. Stomach muscles are also tightened and the navel is repositioned.
Results
Tummy tuck repairs abdominal muscles and removes of excess skin resulting to a flatter stomach.
Side Effects
Pain and swelling must be expected a few days following surgery and plastic surgeons usually prescribe painkillers if needed. Other side effects are soreness, numbness, bruising, tightness, and tiredness for the next weeks or even months.
Recovery Time
For the first six weeks after a tummy tuck, strenuous exercise must be limited and an abdominal binder should be used at all times. To ensure proper recovery, a patient may need to take up to one month off of work but full recovery may take may take a few months more.
3. Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Procedure
Upper arm lift involves the removal of excess skin of the upper arm by making an incision inside of the upper arm, or at the back of the arm from the armpit to the elbow.
Results
Upper arm lift removes excess skin and fat deposits, leaving the upper arms with a more pleasing contour.
Side Effects
Swelling and bruising, the most common side effects of upper arm lift, will disappear over three to four weeks.
Recovery Time
Though it usually takes at least four weeks for a full recovery, patients may resume work one week after the upper arm lift.
4. Buttock Lift
Procedure
During a buttock lift procedure, incisions are made under the buttock area, and excess skin and fat are removed. It is often done in conjunction with liposuction to achieve the best results.
Results
Buttock lift removes the excess, droopy skin in the buttocks . It can also get rid of severe cellulites.
Side Effects
Common side effects of buttock lift are pain, bruising, and numbness. These usually resolve within several months.
Recovery Time
Though patients are able to work about two weeks after surgery, they are fitted with a body garment that hastens the healing process and helps the skin adapt to its new contours.
5. Thigh Lift
Procedure
Thigh lift usually lasts up to four hours. It involves making an incision on the upper and inner region of the thigh, and the removal of excess fat and skin.
Results
Thigh lift removes excess, loose and sagging thigh skin, thus improving its contour.
Side Effects
Bruising, swelling, numbness, the usual side effects, will disappear within several weeks to months after a thigh lift surgery.
Recovery Time
Most patients are back to their normal activities two to three weeks following the thigh lift, and back to full activity after four to six weeks.