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. 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
Corrects drooping eyelids or puffy bags under the eyes to significantly improve the cosmetic appearance of the eyes.
Side Effects
Small scars are usually unnoticeable and will generally lighten over several months. Temporary effects include soreness, swelling, and bruising around the eyes.
Recovery Time
Though stitches are removed a few days after surgery, 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, remove a lump, narrow the nostrils, change the angle, or even refine the tip of one’s nose.
Results
The structure of the nose is significantly improved to achieve balance with the other facial features.
Side Effects
Common side effects from a nose surgery include: 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 4 to 6 months.
3. Face Lift (Rhytidectomy)
Procedure
A small incision is made behind the hairline and around the ear to remove facial fat and tighten muscles. Excess skin from the edges of the original incision and the skin are pulled back into place and closed with sutures or staples.
Results
Leaves a significantly toned and smooth facial appearance that lasts from seven to ten years.
Side Effects
Temporary swelling, headaches, and bruises may occur. 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 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. The small muscles responsible for frown lines are weakened to make the forehead smoother or make the frown lines disappear.
Results
A browlift procedure gives a smoother forehead, reduces frown lines, and raises the eyebrow line, restoring a more youthful and refreshed look above the eyes.
Side Effects
Numbness and discomfort may 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 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 to restructure the ear without removing cartilage.
Results
Significantly improves the structure of the ear to make it 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. Some degree of bleeding and bruising may also occur.
Recovery Time
Expected recovery period is 2 to 3 weeks.
BREAST
1. Breast Augmentation
Procedure
Making an incision under the breast fold, around the nipple or in the armpit are some of the techniques in a breast augmentation procedure. The implant, saline or silicone, round or teardrop in shape, is placed above or below the muscle.
Results
Breast augmentation is designed to surgically enlarge and contour the patient’s breasts.
Side Effects
Discomfort, tightness, swelling, and decreased arm movement are some of the possible side effects of breast augmentation.
Recovery Period
Estimated recovery period is 1 to 2 weeks.
2. Breast Reduction
Procedure
Anchor-shaped incision is made encircling the areola, which extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease under the breast. Once the excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin are removed, the nipple and areola are moved to their new position giving shape to the new contour of the breast.
Results
Excess breast tissue, fat and skin are removed making the breasts smaller and firmer.
Side Effects
Bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia may be experienced as side effects of the procedure. Some patients develop small sores around the nipples after the procedure but can be treated with antibiotic creams.
Recovery Period
Recovery period is estimated to be 4 to 6 weeks after breast reduction surgery.
3. Breast Lift
Procedure
The nipple and areola are moved to a higher location on the breast as excess skin is removed. The skin that was previously above the nipple is brought down around the nipple and sutured together under the breast.
Results
As excess skin is removed, the breast is raised, reshaped, and repositioned to improve the breasts’ appearance.
Side Effects
Possible side effects include, temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, and dry breast.
Recovery Period
Recovery period is 1 to 2 months while fading of scars may take several months to one year.
4. Breast Reconstruction
Procedure
Using the patient’s own tissues, breast implant reconstruction, or combination of both are some of the techniques used in breast reconstruction. All techniques involve various stages before the end result is achieved.
Results
Breast reconstruction creates a breast mound that go with the other breast to provide symmetry when a woman is wearing a bra.
Side Effects
Side effects such as discomfort, tightness, swelling, and decreased arm movement may be experienced after breast reconstruction.
Recovery Period
Expected recovery period is 6 weeks. Most scars fade over time, but may take a few years to lighten.
5. Breast Implant Removal
Procedure
Aside from breast implant removal, the patient may also opt for removal of the scar tissue barrier or "capsule" that naturally forms around the implants when they are inserted.
Results
Breast implant removal leaves one’s breasts nearly as attractive as they were prior to surgery.
Side Effects
Following breast implant removal surgery, there may be some mild discomfort, swelling and bruising.
Recovery Period
Recovery period is 1 to 2 weeks.
BODY
1. Liposuction (Lipoplasty)
Procedure
During liposuction, the surgeon uses different techniques like fat-melting fluids, ultrasound waves, and even laser to melt fat and suction it from the body using a long hollow instrument called a cannula.
Results
Through liposuction, excess fat is removed and a more shapely body is revealed.
Side Effects
Liposuction usually results to pain and discomfort, swelling, bruising, and tightness around the treated area.
Recovery Time
Recovery time for liposuction usually takes about two weeks.
2. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Procedure
A tummy tuck usually requires a horizontal incision between the pubic hairline and the navel. Once made, it allows the surgeon to repair loose muscles and remove excess skin.
Results
A tummy tuck gets rid of loose and sagging skin resulting to a flatter abdomen and a trimmer waistline.
Side Effects
Swelling, pain and numbness are common after a tummy tuck. Other side effects are soreness, numbness and bruising of the treated area.
Recovery Time
After tummy tuck, a patient may go back to work in 2-4 weeks and restart doing more strenuous activities in 6-8 weeks.
3. Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Procedure
The surgeon usually makes the incision and the back or inside the upper arm to make it less visible. Loose and saggy skin is then removed and the arm is sutured back in place.
Results
Upper arm lift reshapes the contour of the upper arm, making it thinner, firmer, and tighter.
Side Effects
Most common side effects: pain and swelling. These, however, will gradually reduce over the course of four weeks.
Recovery Time
It will take 4 weeks after an upper arm lift for a patient to recover fully.
4. Buttock Lift
Procedure
The line between the butt area and the thighs are usually the places for incision. The muscles are tightened after to make the butt firmer.
Results
Butt lift can give a firmer and more contoured buttocks.
Side Effects
Usual are swelling, discomfort, and pain.
Recovery Time
Patients are usually off work for two weeks.
5. Thigh Lift
Procedure
To conduct a thigh lift surgery, the surgeon makes an incision on the inner part of the thigh, along the groin crease to enable the removal of excess fat and loose skin.
Results
Thigh lift restores the smoothness and firmness of the thighs by eliminating unwanted fat deposits and skin.
Side Effects
Aside from initial pain, swelling, and bruising, a patient may also feel a degree of numbness in the thigh area. This would gradually disappear after a few months. Any case of sudden, severe pain should immediately be reported to the surgeon.
Recovery Time
Patients return to work after 10 days. |
