FACE
1. Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Procedure
The incision for an upper blepharoplasty is done in the lid crease. Eyelid surgery is conducted with either a scalpel or Carbon Dioxide laser that seals blood vessels and cuts the skin to remove the fat. Incision of lower eyelid can be done either inside the eyelid (eliminated external scars) or, if there is a lot of excess skin, incision underneath the eyelashes. The eyelids function normally after surgery.
Results
Corrects drooping eyelids or puffy bags under the eyes leaving a significantly smoother skin and youthful appearance.
Side Effects
Scars are usually unnoticeable. Temporary effects include soreness, swelling, and bruising around the eyes.
Recovery Time
Though stitches in both eyelids will remain for a week, the average recovery time for eyelid surgery is 1 to 2 weeks.
2. Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
Procedure
There are two main nose surgery techniques: open (incisions at the base of the nose) and closed (incisions inside nose). Both techniques can change the size, remove a lump, narrow the nostrils, change the angle, or even refine the tip of one’s nose.
Results
Significantly improves the structure of the nose to achieve balance with the other facial features.
Side Effects
Common side effects from a nose surgery are soreness, swelling, and bruising particularly around the eyes. Several red spots may also appear caused by the bursting of small blood vessels.
Recovery Time
Full healing period is from 4 to 6 months.
3. Face Lift (Rhytidectomy)
Procedure
Revitalizes the face by tightening the skin and muscles of the face, chin, and neck. A small incision is made behind the hairline and around the ear to remove facial fat and tighten muscles.
Results
Improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck by giving a significantly toned and smooth facial appearance that lasts from seven to ten years.
Side Effects
Common side effects include temporary swelling, headaches, and bruises. Severe or sudden pain should be reported to the physician immediately.
Recovery Time
Recovery period usually takes two to three weeks. Limited sun exposure for several months is also advised.
4. Browlift
Procedure
A small telescope is inserted through small incisions behind the forehead hairline which is used to guide the surgeon in lifting the tissues of the forehead or brow. This procedure weakens the small muscles of the forehead responsible for frown lines are making them smoother or even disappear.
Results
A browlift procedure gives a smoother forehead, reduced frown lines, and raised eyebrow line, restoring a more youthful and refreshed look above the eyes.
Side Effects
Numbness and discomfort can be felt around the entire length of the incision for a few weeks. Itchiness may be felt as the nerves grow back.
Recovery Time
Wound healing may take 5 to 10 days. It would take a month or two for the patient to be fully healed and resume to 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 are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to restructure the ear without removing cartilage.
Results
Improves the structure of the ear to make it significantly proportional to the shape of the head and face.
Side Effects
A thin white scar is unnoticeable as it is hidden in the ear crease. Also, some degree of bleeding and bruising may occur.
Recovery Time
Though average recovery time is 2 to 3 weeks, it is also recommended to abstain from strenuous activities.
BREAST
1. Breast Augmentation
Procedure
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.
Results
Breast augmentation is designed to surgically enhance a woman’s body contour.
Side Effects
Several side effects include temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, and bruising. Breast may also be sensitive to stimulation for several weeks after augmentation.
Recovery Period
Work can be resumed within a few days. Physical contact with breasts, excluding her bra, should be avoided 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 most common breast reduction procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, which extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease under the breast. Once excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin are removed, the nipple and areola are moved to their new position, shaping the new contour of the breast.
Results
The procedure removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin, making breasts smaller and firmer.
Side Effects
Possible side effects of breast reduction include: bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia. Some patients develop small sores around the nipples after the procedure but can be treated with antibiotic creams.
Recovery Period
Recovery period is expected to be 4 to 6 weeks after breast reduction surgery.
3. Breast Lift
Procedure
Excess skin is removed as the nipple and areola are moved to a higher location on the breast. The nipple is positioned so that it will be even 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
The breast is raised and reshaped by removing excess skin and repositioning the remaining tissue and nipples to improve its appearance.
Side Effects
Temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, and dry breast skin may be experienced after breast lift procedure.
Recovery Period
Expected full recovery period is 1 to 2 months. The fading of scars may take several months to one year.
4. Breast Reconstruction
Procedure
The two major types of breast reconstruction include use of 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
Loss of normal sensation to the breast may be experienced and the feeling may return for quite some time.
Recovery Period
Expected recovery period after breast reconstruction may take about 6 weeks. Most scars fade over time, but may take a few years to lighten.
5. Breast Implant Removal
Procedure
An incision is made 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 shrink the implant to facilitate removal. If the implant is silicone-filled, it is inspected for any signs of damage before removal.
Results
Breasts may become smaller than they were before the implants because of hormonal changes or weight loss. Sagging may also become more evident after breast implant removal.
Side Effects
Mild discomfort, swelling and bruising may be experienced after breast implant removal procedure.
Recovery Period
Expected initial recovery from the procedure takes a few days and full activity within two to three weeks.
BODY
1. Liposuction (Lipoplasty)
Procedure
Liposuction makes use of different methods to melt fat and remove it from the body. The surgeon then suctions melted fat by using a long, hollow instrument called a cannula.
Results
Liposuction removes unwanted body fats to be able to give a more pleasing body shape.
Side Effects
Some side effects of liposuction are pain, swelling, bruising, numbness, soreness, tiredness and tiredness. The surgeon usually prescribes medication for pain and discomfort.
Recovery Time
Most patients return to work after a few days and return to doing their normal activities after a couple of weeks.
2. Tummy Tuck
Procedure
During a tummy tuck, a horizontal incision is placed within or above the pubic area. A second incision may be placed around the navel if there is loose skin above it. The incision helps the surgeon tighten abdominal muscles and remove excess skin.
Results
A tummy tuck flattens the abdomen and trims the waistline by tightening the abdominal muscles.
Side Effects
After a tummy tuck, patients may experience pain and discomfort, swelling, soreness, bruising, or numbness in the abdominal for several weeks or even months.
Recovery Time
Complete recovery for a tummy tuck will probably take 6-8 weeks. This means that prior to this, patients should restrain from doing any form of their normal activities and even exercise.
3. Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Procedure
To conduct an upper arm lift procedure, the surgeon makes an incision inside or at the back of the arm, then removes excess and saggy skin.
Results
Upper arm lift gives the patient a more youthful appearance by tightening the skin of the upper arms and reducing flabbiness.
Side Effects
Patients of upper arm lift surgery will experience pain, bruising and swelling for several weeks.
Recovery Time
Though full recovery may take 4 weeks or longer, a patient is allowed to go back to work after a week.
4. Buttock Lift
Procedure
To avoid scars from being noticed, the surgeon places the incision below the butt area. This enables him/her to tighten the muscles and removed droopy skin after.
Results
A noticeably shapelier and firmer butt can be achieved through butt lift.
Side Effects
Like other surgical procedures, butt lift patients may experience pain, swelling and numbness – which are always temporary.
Recovery Time
Patients may return to work after two weeks but the final results are usually seen a few weeks after.
5. Thigh Lift
Procedure
Thigh lift is done by making an incision along the groin crease to remove fat deposits and skin. The remaining skin is then tightened and sutured back into place.
Results
Thinner thighs with better-looking contour is the aim of thigh lift.
Side Effects
The thighs will be tight and swollen for a few weeks after a thigh lift. This is normal and can be controlled by using support garment and applying cold compress. The surgeon usually prescribes medication for discomfort.
Recovery Time
Patients may return to work after 10 days and are prohibited from sitting prior to this period. Normal activities may be resumed within 4-6 months.
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