FACE
1. Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Procedure
Loose skin and excess 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 seals 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 vibrant look.
Side Effects
Scarring from the procedure would 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
An incision is made in the area of skin separating the nostrils. Certain amounts of underlying bone and cartilage are either removed or added to provide a newly shaped structure. This procedure 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 proportionate with the other parts of the face achieving facial balance.
Side Effects
Side effects include: soreness, swelling, and bruising particularly around the eyes. Several red spots may also appear caused by small blood vessels bursts.
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 made 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 form 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 positioned 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 and finer forehead, reduced frown lines, and raised eyebrow line, restoring a rejuvenated and radiant look above the eyes. Browlift also corrects sagging foreheads and brows which interfere with vision.
Side Effects
Side effects such as numbness, discomfort, and itchiness 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. On the average, it takes 1 to 2 months for the patient to be fully healed and resume physical activity.
5. Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
Procedure
A thin layer 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 proportionate to the shape of the head and face.
Side Effects
A thin white scar is hardly recognized 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
An incision is made where the breast implant is 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 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
The nipple and areola are placed to a higher location on the breast as excess skin is removed. The skin previously above the nipple is brought down around the nipple and sutured together under the breast.
Results
Breast lift raises and reshapes one’s breast improving its firmness and contour.
Side Effects
Mild discomfort, numbness, temporary bruising, and swelling are some of the side effects that may be experienced after undergoing breast lift procedure.
Recovery Period
Expected recovery period is 1 to 2 months while fading of scars may take several months to one year.
4. Breast Reconstruction
Procedure
The two basic breast reconstruction techniques are 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 creates a breast mound that matches the other breast to provide symmetry and balance when a woman is wearing a bra.
Side Effects
Mild discomfort, tightness, swelling, and decreased arm movement may be experienced after undergoing breast reconstruction.
Recovery Period
Expected recovery period may take about 6 weeks. Most scars fade over time, but may take a few years to lighten.
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. Implants made from saline are first deflated before removed.
Results
Breast implants are removed to either to decrease breast size or replace the implant.
Side Effects
Mild discomfort, swelling and bruising should be expected after undergoing surgery.
Recovery Period
Expected recovery period is two to three weeks.
BODY
1. Liposuction (Lipoplasty)
Procedure
Different types of fat-melting fluids, ultrasound waves, and laser are usually used to melt unwanted fat in specific areas of the body. These are then suctioned out using a cannula.
Results
Unwanted fat is removed from the body to give it a better shape and balance.
Side Effects
The side effects of liposuction can last for several weeks to months. They are swelling, bruising, pain and discomfort, tiredness, soreness, numbness, and tightness.
Recovery Time
Though most patients can resume working a few days after liposuction, the surgeon usually asks the patient to refrain from doing their normal activities for two weeks.
2. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Procedure
To be able to tighten and repair muscles and remove excess skin, the surgeon makes an incision below the navel and above the pubic hairline. This is the general procedure for a tummy tuck.
Results
Aside from trimming the waistline and flattening the belly, a tummy tuck can also get rid of stretch marks between the belly button and the pubic hairline.
Side Effects
The following are the side effects of tummy tuck: swelling, bruising, and pain and discomfort in the treated area.
Recovery Time
Sutures will be removed a few weeks after the tummy tuck. A patient may return to work after 2-4 weeks and resume normal activities after 6-8 weeks.
3. Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Procedure
Upper arm lift surgery is accomplished by making an incision inside the upper arm then removing excess skin to give it a better shape.
Results
Because of its ability to remove saggy skin and fat, a smoother, firmer and more toned upper arm skin can be achieved through upper arm lift.
Side Effects
Pain, bruising, and swelling can not be avoided for the following weeks. Medication is usually given to help the patient deal with pain.
Recovery Time
A patient must keep in mind that the healing process is also important. Hence, they are advised to restart working one week after the upper arm lift, and to resume strenuous activities only after one month.
4. Buttock Lift
Procedure
Incisions are placed below the butt area to prevent scars from being noticed. The process usually involves tightening of the muscles and re-draping of the skin.
Results
A butt lift can give a better-contoured butt with a younger-looking skin.
Side Effects
Pain and numbness are the usual side effects but swelling may also occur.
Recovery Time
Work can be resumed after two weeks.
5. Thigh Lift
Procedure
Usually done in conjunction with liposuction, a thigh lift is done by making an incision along the groin crease. The surgeon would then remove excess fat, stretch skin and suture it back into place. Any remaining skin is removed.
Results
By eliminating excess skin and fat, thigh lift can reshape the thighs and give it a more toned and firmer look.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of thigh lift are pain, bruising, and swelling. Though temporary, these may cause the patient discomfort. This is why the surgeon usually prescribes medication for pain and gives the patient specific instruction for swelling and bruising.
Recovery Time
10-14 days following surgery, patients can go back to work. |
