FACE
1. Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Procedure
Two types: upper eyelid and lower eyelid surgery. The former is done by placing the incision in the lid crease to be able to remove skin, muscle and fat. On the other hand, in lower eyelid surgery, the incisions are placed either inside the eyelid or underneath the eyelashes, if there is excess skin.
Results
Eyelid surgery gives the patient a more rested and alert look by improving the appearance of the upper eyelids, and removing the baggy skin under the eyes.
Side Effects
Though side effects are rare, they are usually controlled by medication, cold compress and ointment. Some side effects are swelling, bruising, discomfort and irritated or dry eyes. A patient may also experience itching at the incision sites.
Recovery Time
Several weeks after the surgery, final results can be seen by the patient. However, it may take a year for the incision lines to fully refine.
2. Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
Procedure
In this procedure, the surgeon makes incisions inside the nose or in the area of skin separating the nostrils. Then, a certain amount of bone and cartilage is added to, rearranged, or removed to provide a better shaped structure.
Results
Nose size and width, nostril size and position, and nose profile can be improved to better suit facial structure.
Side Effects
Several side effects are difficulty in breathing, pain or nausea, which are usually treated with medication.
Recovery Time
All stitches, cast nasal packing, splints and other dressing are removed within two weeks. The swelling, however, will only disappear after a year.
3. Face Lift (Rhytidectomy)
Procedure
In a traditional face lift, the incision begins behind the hairlines, around the ear, then returning to the point of origin on the lower scalp. This allows the surgeon to tighten the skin and muscles of the face, chin, and neck. The procedure usually takes two to four hours depending on the type of face lift needed.
Results
It removes or reduces the appearance of wrinkles, deep creases, and loose skin.
Side Effects
After a face lift, a patient may experience little pain, bleeding, swelling and scarring. The surgeon usually prescribes medication for pain. A cold compress may be used to diminish swelling. Any undue discomfort should immediately be reported.
Recovery Time
Skin may feel numb for weeks to months post surgery but most people return to their normal activities two to three weeks after a face lift.
4. Brow Lift (Forehead Lift, Endobrow lift, Open browlift, Temporal lift)
Procedure
Small incisions are made behind the forehead hairline enabling the surgeon to weaken the small muscles responsible for frown lines and make them smoother or completely disappear.
Results
Forehead creases, frown lines, and sagging brows are significantly reduced, giving a more toned and youthful look.
Side Effects
Unavoidable side effects are swelling and bruising which usually last for 10 days. Elevation and cold compress may reduce the swelling. Numbness and itching may be experienced as incisions heal but both will disappear over time.
Recovery Time
It usually takes five to ten days before the wound heals initially. For most patients, recovery time will not be more than two weeks, but it will take 2-3 months before signs of the surgery completely disappear.
5. Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
Procedure
There are two possible methods: place 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 the cartilage back to reshape it. In the latter method, cartilage position is maintained by non-removable stitches.
Results
Ear surgery can correct misshapen ears, "lop ear", "cupped" or "shell ear", and deformed earlobes. Patients with missing ears or ear parts can also benefit from this surgery.
Side Effects
After surgery, a patient may experience headaches, swelling, temporary discomfort and numbness, and unusual sensations.
Recovery Time
It usually takes one to three weeks before patients can resume normal activities. They are also advised not to bend their ears for at least a month or more.
BREAST
1. Breast Augmentation
Procedure
Breast augmentation is a procedure performed 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.
Results
Breast augmentation is designed to surgically enhance and enlarge a woman’s body contour.
Side Effects
Several side effects that may be experienced include temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, and bruising. The breasts may also be sensitive to stimulation for several weeks after augmentation.
Recovery Period
Work can be resumed within a few days. It is advised to avoid physical contact with breasts, excluding one’s 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 procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, which extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. After the surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, moving the nipple and areola to their new position, one then brings the skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast.
Results
Breasts are proportioned to the rest of the body, providing relief from physical symptoms such as back, neck, and shoulder pain and rashes beneath the breasts caused by the excessive weight of large breasts.
Side Effects
Some patients develop small sores around the nipples after the procedure but can be treated with antibiotic creams.
Recovery Period
Swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks after breast reduction surgery. Breasts may take 6 months to a year to settle into their new shape, but
3. Breast Lift
Procedure
As the nipple and areola are moved to a higher location on the breast, excess skin is removed. The nipple is positioned in a way that it will be even with the lower crease between the breast and chest. The skin previously above the nipple is brought down around the nipple and sutured together under the breast.
Results
Breast lift procedure hoists and reshapes the breast by removing excess skin and repositioning the remaining tissue and nipples to improve its appearance.
Side Effects
Some side effects that may be experienced after the procedure are: temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, and dry breast skin.
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
Breast reconstruction can be performed using the patient’s own tissues, breast implant, or even 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 symmetrical balances the woman’s breast especially after mastectomy..
Side Effects
Some patients experience a loss of normal sensation to the breast, though some feeling may return in a few weeks.
Recovery Period
Recovery period may take about 6 weeks. Most scars fade over time, but may take a few years to fade out.
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. Saline-filled implants are deflated before removed and if the implant is silicone-filled, it is inspected for any signs of damage before removal.
Results
Breasts may become smaller because of hormone changes or weight loss. Sagging may also become more apparent after breast implant removal.
Side Effects
Mild discomfort, swelling and bruising may be experienced.
Recovery Period
Initial recovery from breast implant removal surgery takes a few days while return to full activity may take two to three weeks.
BODY
1. Liposuction (Lipoplasty)
Procedure
Fluid solutions, which usually come in different names, ultrasound waves, and laser melt fat in certain areas, which are then suctioned using a cannula.
Results
Liposuction reshapes the body by removing from the body unwanted, excess fat.
Side Effects
Liposuction may bring about the following side effects: pain, swelling ,bruising, numbness, tightness, tiredness, and soreness.
Recovery Time
Normal activities may only be resumed two weeks after liposuction
2. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Procedure
During a tummy tuck procedure, a long incision running from hipbone to hipbone will be made. This permits the skin to be separated from the abdominal wall and subsequently enables the surgeon to tighten muscles and stitch them. The peeled skin is then re-draped and excess skin is removed.
Results
Having a tummy tuck results to tighter abdomen and trimmer waistline.
Side Effects
The patient should take note of the following side effects: temporary soreness and pain, bruising, swelling, and eve numbness of the abdominal skin.
Recovery Time
Tummy tuck patients may start doing light to moderate activities after 2-4 weeks. More strenuous activities may be resumed after 6-8 weeks.
3. Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Procedure
Upper arm lift is usually conducted under general anesthesia. It is done by making an incision at the hidden part of the arm (usually at the back) to make way for skin and fat removal.
Results
Upper arm lift can remove loose and flabby skin giving the arms a thinner and firmer appearance.
Side Effects
After the surgery, the treated area will be swollen and painful. Though mild and temporary, medication will be prescribed by the surgeon. Numbness will also be felt for the first few months but bruising and swelling will disappear within 3 weeks.
Recovery Time
One week after the upper arm lift, the patient will be allowed to return to work and do light activities. Bending the arm or lifting anything is not allowed during this period. In two weeks, the patient can resume moderate activities like light exercise but it will take a month before more strenuous activities can be continued.
4. Buttock Lift
Procedure
The surgeon incision site is usually the area below the butt. S/he then manipulates the muscles to tighten them and enable the re-draping of the skin.
Results
A firmer and better-contoured butt is the result of a butt lift.
Side Effects
General side effects of butt lift are pain, swelling, discomfort, and bruising.
Recovery Time
Surgeons usually advise patients to file for two weeks leave to allow recovery.
5. Thigh Lift
Procedure
Generally conducted under general anesthesia, the thigh lift procedure is started by an incision on the groin crease. Unwanted fat and excess skin would then be removed and stretched skin will be sutured back into place.
Results
Through thigh lift, the patient can now get rid of loose and flabby skin and achieve a thinner and firmer thighs.
Side Effects
The feeling of pain, swelling, and bruising is unavoidable after a thigh lift surgery. A patient is bound to feel them for a few weeks following the procedure.
Recovery Time
14 days after the surgery, patients may go back to work. |
