FACE
1. Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Procedure
The incision for an upper eyelid surgery is done on the lid crease. The procedure 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
Significantly improves the cosmetic appearance of the eyes by correcting drooping eyelids or puffy bags under the eyes.
Side Effects
The scarring from the procedure should flatten in time and become inconspicuous. 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
The two main nose surgery techniques are: open (incisions at the base of the nose) and closed (incisions inside nose). Both techniques can modify the size, remove a lump, narrow the nostrils, change the angle, or even refine the tip of one’s nose.
Results
Improve the nose aesthetically to blend harmoniously with the other facial features.
Side Effects
Typical side effects 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
Expected healing period is 4 to 6 months.
3. Face Lift (Rhytidectomy)
Procedure
Small incisions behind the hairline and around the ear are made to remove facial fat and sculpt the 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
Substantially tighter, toned, and smooth facial appearance that lasts from seven to ten years.
Side Effects
Temporary swelling, headaches, and bruises may take place. 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 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, reduced frown lines, and raised eyebrow line, restoring a more youthful and refreshed look above the eyes.
Side Effects
Numbness and discomfort are typically experienced around the entire length of the incision for a few weeks and can be managed by medication. Itchiness may also be felt as the nerves grow back.
Recovery Time
Wound healing may take 5 to 10 days. It normally takes 1 to 2 months 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
Incisions 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 intended to surgically enlarge and contour the patient’s breasts.
Side Effects
Discomfort, tightness, swelling, and decreased arm movement are some of the potential side effects of breast augmentation.
Recovery Period
Recovery period may take 1 to 2 weeks.
2. Breast Reduction
Procedure
Anchor-shaped incision is done 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 resulting to smaller and firmer breasts.
Side Effects
Bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia may be expected 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
Estimated recovery period is 4 to 6 weeks after breast reduction surgery.
3. Breast Lift
Procedure
As excess skin is removed, the nipple and areola are moved to a higher location on the breast. The skin that was previously above the nipple is brought down around the nipple and sutured together under the breast.
Results
To improve the breasts’ appearance, excess skin is removed and the breast is raised, reshaped, and repositioned.
Side Effects
Estimated side effects include, temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, and dry breast.
Recovery Period
Estimated recovery time is 1 to 2 months while fading of scars may take several months to one year.
4. Breast Reconstruction
Procedure
Utilizing the patient’s own tissues, breast implant reconstruction, or combination of both are some of the techniques used in breast reconstruction. Whichever method of breast reconstruction is chosen, it may involve various stages before the end result is achieved.
Results
Breast reconstruction creates a breast mound that matches the other breast to provide symmetry when a woman is wearing a bra.
Side Effects
Possible side effects include discomfort, tightness, swelling, and decreased arm movement.
Recovery Period
Estimated 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
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
Initial recovery period is 1 to 2 weeks.
BODY
1. Liposuction (Lipoplasty)
Procedure
To conduct liposuction, fluid solutions, ultrasound waves, or laser are used to melt fat, which are then suctioned from the body by using a cannula.
Results
Liposuction removes disproportionate pockets of fat to give the body better shape and balance.
Side Effects
After liposuction, a patient may feel pain and swelling, tightness, bruising, and tiredness. Pain medication is usually given.
Recovery Time
It usually takes around two weeks for a patient to fully recover.
2. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Procedure
The general procedure for a tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision above the pubic area. The length of the incision will depend on the degree of correction needed. After the incision, the surgeon is now able to repair loose muscles and remove excess skin.
Results
The main goal of a tummy tuck is to tighten the abdominal area and narrow the waistline.
Side Effects
Tummy tuck induces swelling, bruising, numbness, soreness, and tightness of the abdominal area.
Recovery Time
Though full recover may take about 6 to 8 weeks, a patient can return to work 2-4 weeks after a tummy tuck. Scars, however, will fade within 3 months to years.
3. Upper Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
Procedure
To remove excess skin on the upper arm, the surgeon makes an incision at the back of the upper arm. This is the basic procedure in upper arm lift.
Results
Upper arm lift redefines the contour of the upper arm. It tightens and smoothens the arm by getting rid of unwanted saggy skin.
Side Effects
For about a month, the patient will feel pain, bruising, and swelling. The surgeon normally prescribes medication for this.
Recovery Time
Work may be resumed after two weeks but full recovery will take about a month.
4. Buttock Lift
Procedure
Incisions are placed below the butt area. Skin is then stretched and muscles are tightened to produce the desired results.
Results
A younger-looking backside with firmer and more toned skin.
Side Effects
Temporary swelling and some pain are the usual side effects.
Recovery Time
Two weeks after the procedure, the patients can go back to work.
5. Thigh Lift
Procedure
During a thigh lift surgery, the surgeon places the incision along the groin crease to make it less noticeable. Fat deposits and excess skin is then removed to give the thighs better shape.
Results
A younger-looking appearance with tight and smooth skin is the result of a thigh lift.
Side Effects
Most bruising and swelling will disappear after a few weeks but it will take several months for constant numbness to disappear.
Recovery Time
10-14 days after – patients can return to work. |