FACE
1. Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Procedure
Tiny cuts into the natural creases or folds of the eyelids are made and loose skin and extra fat tissues are removed. 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 revitalized and rejuvenated look.
Side Effects
The scarring from the procedure should flatten in time and become barely noticed. 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 facial features.
Side Effects
Soreness, swelling, and bruising particularly around the eyes are some of the common side effects of rhinoplasty. 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
Incisions are done behind the hairline and around the ear to remove 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 results to 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
The forehead skin is elevated and measured for removal of excess tissue, skin, and muscle. 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
A browlift procedure gives a smoother forehead, reduced frown lines, and raised eyebrow line, restoring a rejuvenated and radiant look above the eyes.
Side Effects
Numbness and discomfort are normally experienced around the entire length of the incision for a few weeks 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
Incisions are made behind the ear to remove a thin strip of skin. The skin is removed and stitches and sutures are used to sculpt the cartilage to the desired shape.
Results
Significantly restructures the ear to make it proportional to the shape of the head and face.
Side Effects
A thin white scar is barely 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
A breast implant is placed behind the breast tissue or above the breast muscle. Implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with varying designs, in a range of materials.
Results
Breast augmentation is intended to surgically enhance and contour the patient’s breasts making it as natural looking as possible.
Side Effects
Physical discomfort, tightness, swelling, and decreased arm movement may be experienced after breast augmentation.
Recovery Period
Average recovery period is 1 to 2 weeks.
2. Breast Reduction
Procedure
Surgical markings are drawn on the patient’s breasts 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 extracted. In most cases, the nipples are moved to a higher position on the breast, but remain attached to the nerves and blood vessels.
Results
Breast tissue and skin reduction decreases the weight of the breast and reshapes it into proportion.
Side Effects
The incisions and tissue movement may cause one’s breasts to be sore, swollen, and bruised. Pain can be treated by a prescription from the plastic surgeon. It can also be expected that bandages are worn for about two days after surgery.
Recovery Period
Initial recovery period is 1 to 2 weeks. There should be no 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 procedure raises and reshapes one’s breast improving its curve and firmness.
Side Effects
Transient bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, and dry breast may be experienced after undergoing breast lift procedure.
Recovery Period
Initial healing time is 1 to 2 months while fading of scars may take several months to one year.
4. Breast Reconstruction
Procedure
There are two basic categories of reconstruction: breast implants, 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
A breast mound is created that matches the other breast to provide symmetry when a woman is wearing a bra.
Side Effects
Physical discomfort, tightness, swelling, and decreased arm movement may be experienced after breast reconstruction.
Recovery Period
Scars fade over time, but may take a few years to lighten. Estimated recovery period may take about 6 weeks.
5. Breast Implant Removal
Procedure
Breast implant removal is conducted under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia combined with sedation. The surgeon removes the implant by either: operating through an incision under the breast or making an incision through the nipple. If the implant is made of saline, the surgeon may choose to deflate it first to facilitate removal.
Results
Breast implants are removed to decrease breast size or even place or replace with a new implant.
Side Effects
Mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising may be experienced after breast implant removal procedure.
Recovery Period
Everyday activities can be resumed within a few days and full activity within 2 to 3 weeks.
BODY
1. Liposuction (Lipoplasty)
Procedure
Liposuction is usually done in the outpatient department of a surgical center or a hospital. It makes use of fluid solutions, ultrasound waves, or laser to melt unwanted fat in specific parts of the body. After being melted, the fat is then suctioned by using an instrument called a cannula.
Results
A better balanced body is the result of liposuction since it removes unwanted pockets of fat.
Side Effects
Pain, swelling, bruising, soreness, tiredness, tightness, and numbness are the usual side effects of liposuction.
Recovery Time
A patient can resume working after a few days but complete recovery will take around two weeks.
2. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Procedure
A tummy tuck is usually done under IV sedation or general anesthesia. It requires a horizontally-oriented incision below the bikini area and above the pubic hairline. This incision allows the surgeon to remove excess skin and fat and tighten and repair loose abdominal muscles.
Results
A tummy tuck is the most effective way of tightening the abdomen and narrowing the waistline.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of a tummy tuck are pain and swelling. Aside from these, they may also experience bruising, soreness and numbness for a few weeks.
Recovery Time
Following a tummy tuck, a patient may spend 3-5 days in the hospital. After 2-4 weeks, he/she may resume working then go back to doing normal activities after 4 more weeks.
3. Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Procedure
Excess skin is removed during an upper arm lift surgery by making an incision at the back of the upper arm.
Results
An upper arm lift can result to a firmer and younger-looking upper arm skin.
Side Effects
It is normal to feel pain and swelling in the treated area for about a month or so.
Recovery Time
It will take about one week for the patient to return to work and one month for strenuous activities to be resumed.
4. Buttock Lift
Procedure
Before muscles are tightened and skin is re-draped, incisions are made below the butt area.
Results
More toned buttocks with less cellulites can be achieved.
Side Effects
Patients normally experience pain, swelling, and numbness – which are usually temporary.
Recovery Time
It will take several weeks for a patient to fully recover but may resume work after two weeks.
5. Thigh Lift
Procedure
The surgeon usually makes an incision on the upper and inner region of the thigh to remove excess fat, stretch the skin, and suture it back into place. This is the usual procedure for a thigh lift.
Results
A beautiful skin minus the flabbiness results from a thigh lift surgery.
Side Effects
The common side effects of thigh lift are only temporary. They are pain, swelling, numbness, and bruising. These side effects usually last for a few weeks.
Recovery Time
Patients can go back to work after 14 days. |
