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 removing the fat. Incision for 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 is required. The eyelids function normally after surgery.
Results
Corrects drooping eyelids or puffy bags under the eyes giving a refreshed and rejuvenated look.
Side Effects
Scars are usually unnoticeable. If not properly taken care of, other side effects include haematoma and infection.
Recovery Time
Though stitches in both eyelids will remain for a week, the average recovery time for eyelid surgery is 1-2 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
Improves the structure of the nose to achieve balance with the other facial features.
Side Effects
Usual 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
Rejuvenates the face by tightening the skin and muscles of the face, chin, and neck. Incisions are made behind the hairline and around the ear to remove facial fat and tighten muscles.
Results
Gives a significantly toned and smooth facial appearance that lasts from seven to ten years.
Side Effects
Usual side effects include temporary swelling, headaches, and bruises. Severe or sudden pain should be reported to the physician immediately.
Recovery Time
Patient recovery 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.
Side Effects
Numbness and discomfort can be felt around any 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 reshape the ear without removing cartilage.
Results
Gives a natural-looking fold when ear surgery is complete.
Side Effects
There will be a thin white scar afterwards which is unnoticeable as it is hidden in the ear crease.
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
Breast augmentation is a procedure done 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 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 beneath the breast. After the surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, moving the nipple and areola to their new position, he or she then brings the skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast.
Results
Breast reduction proportions breasts to the rest of the body, and can provide 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
Bleeding, infection, or reactions to the anesthesia are some of the possible 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
Breasts may take 6 months to a year 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 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
Breast lift procedure raises and reshapes the breast by removing excess skin and repositioning the remaining tissue and nipples to improve its appearance.
Side Effects
Several side effects of the procedure are: temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, and dry breast skin.
Recovery Period
Full recovery period is 1 to 2 months. 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
There may be a loss of normal sensation to the breast, though some feeling may return.
Recovery Period
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 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 become 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
Mild discomfort, swelling and bruising are some of the common side effects of this procedure.
Recovery Period
Initial recovery from breast implant removal surgery is takes a few days and full activity within two to three weeks.
BODY
1. Liposuction (Lipoplasty)
Procedure
Liposuction generally involves the use of fat-melting fluids, ultrasound waves, or laser to remove fat. The length of the surgery will depend on the method and the amount of fat to be removed.
Results
The main goal of liposuction is to improve body contour through the removal of excess fat.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of liposuction are pain and discomfort. Though medication is often prescribed to reduce these conditions, a surgeon should immediately be contacted when they persist.
Recovery Time
After liposuction, normal activities may be resumed after two weeks.
2. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Procedure
The incision for a tummy tuck is made above the pubic area between both hip bones. After another incision around the navel, the skin is lifted to reveal abdominal muscle. Loose, separate muscles are then tightened and abdominal areas are repaired.
Results
A tummy tuck can help flatten the tummy and give the body a more toned and youthful look.
Side Effects
Soreness, pain and swelling are the most common side effects of tummy tuck. Other side effects that may persist for months are tiredness, numbness, bruising, and tightness.
Recovery Time
Sutures from a tummy tuck are usually removed within two to three weeks. Strenuous exercise must be avoided and abdominal binder must be used at all times for six weeks. Patients normally resume work after a month but it may take a few more months before complete recovery.
3. Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Procedure
Upper arm lift removes excess, sagging skin of the arms by making an incision either inside of the upper arm, or at the back of the arm from the armpit to the elbow. It is often combined with liposuction.
Results
Upper arm lift repairs saggy and flabby arms giving a smoother and more toned skin.
Side Effects
A few weeks of pain, swelling, and bruising are the most common side effects of upper arm lift.
Recovery Time
Patients usually resume work a week after the upper arm lift. They are, however, advised to keep the arm elevated and restricted from lifting heavy objects.
4. Buttock Lift
Procedure
The incision for but lift is made under the butt area to avoid noticeable scarring. Muscles are then manipulated and excess skin are removed.
Results
Cellulites and droopy skin are the main targets of a butt lift.
Side Effects
Pain, bruising, and numbness are common but they usually fade within several weeks.
Recovery Time
Patients can return to work after two weeks but full recovery needs a few ore weeks.
5. Thigh Lift
Procedure
In a thigh lift procedure, incisions are made in the upper region of the thigh along the groin crease and excess skin and fat are removed and the remaining thigh skin is elevated and tightened.
Results
Thigh lift reshapes the thighs by reducing excess skin, and fat, resulting to a smoother skin and better-proportioned contours of the thighs.
Side Effects
Bruising, swelling, and the feeling of tightness should be expected after a thigh lift. Support garment is usually worn to reduce swelling, which eventually disappears after three weeks.
Recovery Time
Patients usually take 7-10 days off from work to allow recuperation. Full recovery for thigh lift, however, takes from 1-2 weeks.