- FAQ-Breast Augmentation
- FAQ-Rhinoplasty
- FAQ-Liposuction
- FAQ-Facelift
- FAQ-Eyelid Surgery
- FAQ-Tummy Tucks
What is an implant made
of and are there different types?
Implants
made today are most commonly comprised of a silicone shell and are then
usually filled with a saline solution. Silicone gel-filled implants have just
recently been approved for general use by the FDA. There are different
types of implants, including differences in size, shape and texture. The shape
of the implant can be either contoured (a tear-drop shape) or round, while the
texture can be either smooth or textured. The implant type that is best for
you will depend upon your individual circumstances and is best determined with
the help of your doctor.
How long does the surgery
for breast augmentation last?
Breast
augmentation typically takes between one and three hours to complete, but the
exact time will vary according to the particular patient, the technique used,
the implant placement, and the type of anesthesia used.
Is breast augmentation a
painful procedure?
The
procedure itself should not be painful as some form of anesthesia will be
used. After surgery, you may feel some degree of pain, though this will vary
from patient to patient. Further, there is typically more pain associated with
the submuscular placement of the implant. Though any pain experienced usually
clears up within two days or so, pain medication can be prescribed by Dr.
Graham.
Will insurance cover a
breast augmentation procedure?
Breast
augmentation is a cosmetic surgery and is not usually covered by
insurance companies. Some carriers may offer some degree of coverage in cases
where breast augmentation is used after mastectomy.
Does breast augmentation
cause changes in sensitivity
to the breasts?
Changes
in sensitivity to the breast or nipple can occur after breast augmentation,
though these changes are most often temporary. Some patients experience an
increase in sensitivity, others a decrease, and a small percentage of women
even experience a complete loss of feeling in the breast or nipple.
Will breast implants
affect future pregnancy in any way?
It is
possible for breast implants to adversely affect the ability to breast feed in
the future. Also, pregnancy can alter the appearance of augmented breasts
just as it can with natural breasts, and a postpartum lift may be required.
Are there concerns about
mammograms with breast augmentation?
Breasts
implants, particularly those in the subglandular placement, can interfere with
mammogram readings. Women with implants should be sure to tell the mammogram
technician that they have implants. Calcium deposits can form around the
implant and be misdiagnosed as cancer, in which case the implant may need to
be removed in order to determine the presence of cancer.
What are the possible
locations for the incision and is one better than the others?
Breast
augmentation can involve incisions placed in one of three locations:
periareolar - around the nipple; inframammary, - within the crease beneath
the breast; or axillary, which is below the armpit. The best incision
placement for you will depend upon several factors and should be determined
with the help of Dr. Graham. In general, however, the axillary and
inframammary placements are typically associated with fewer complications with
future breast feeding, though both of these placements do produce a visible,
though small, scar. The periareolar placement, on the other hand, involves a
less visible scar, but it is associated with an increase in breast feeding
complications.
How do breasts with
implants feel after surgery?
Generally
speaking, breast with implants tend to feel more firm than natural breasts.
Most patients, however, find this to be a good thing. Many factors can impact
just how natural your breasts will look and feel after breast augmentation,
including the implant placement, the implant surface and filler, the texture
of your skin and the amount of existing tissue that you have.
How much recovery time is needed after surgery?
Individual patients will recover in different ways and in different amounts of
time after breast augmentation. On average, however, patients can usually
return to work within several days after their procedure, though strenuous
activity will need to be avoided for 3 weeks or longer.
How long does it take for
the scars to heal and fade?
Full
fading of the scars after breast augmentation can take anywhere from several
months to a whole year.
What are gummy bear
implants?
Gummy
bear implants, technically known as cohesive gel implants, are a fairly new
type of implant with an inner substance similar in quality to a gummy bear.
They were designed like this to decrease wrinkling. Further, they are said to
maintain their shape and integrity if leakage or rupture occurs.
What are contoured
implants vs. round implants and is one best?
Contoured
implants, also known as anatomical implants, are in the shape of a tear drop
while round implants are simply round. The one that is right for you will
depend on several factors and is best determined with the help of Dr. Graham.
Some people prefer the contoured implants, saying that they have a more
natural shape since there is less fullness toward the top. However, other
people believe that the most natural appearance is achieved by using round
implants in the submuscular placement. Because contoured implants have a
specific shape to them, problems can result if they shift or turn, which can
require further surgery. To help reduce the risk of shifting, most contoured
implants are textured.
About the Procedures:
There are different types of procedures, all of which fall under the umbrella
of rhinoplasty.
Cosmetic or functional surgery of the nose usually takes two to
three hours and may be done either with you asleep under general anesthesia or
awake under sedation. Most incisions are placed inside the nostrils, but in
some cases a small incision may be made in the natural creases along the sides
or near the base of the nose. These heal quickly and leave scars that are
nearly invisible. At the end of the operation, a cast will be placed on your
nose. If there is any bleeding, a light dressing may be placed inside the
nostrils and removed the same day or the next day. If any sutures were placed
in a natural crease, they are removed in several days. The cast is usually
removed in one week.
Alternatives to Rhinoplasty:
Are there any alternatives? What are they?
For cosmetic purposes, no. For purposes of improved breathing, you can try
strips to open airways; however, they are not a permanent solution and often
fall short of expectations
Best Candidates:
Is rhinoplasty right for you?
Anyone who is dissatisfied with the appearance of their nose and has realistic
expectations for an improvement can have a rhinoplasty procedure, more
commonly called a nose job. However, this is surgery and should be approached
as seriously as any other surgery. Patients who pursue surgery to make
themselves feel better or more confident are the best candidates for
rhinoplasty. Patients who seek rhinoplasty to improve their relationships,
jobs or other areas of their lives or are obsessed with their nose or other
body parts usually set themselves up for a disappointment since they are
depending so much on the outcome of the surgery to change their lives. I
discourage these types of patients from pursuing the surgery.
Medications & Conditions:
Health conditions, pre-existing conditions, medications, contraindications.
Yes there are certain medications that you should avoid prior to your surgery.
For a list of those medications you should consult Dr. Graham’s office prior
to your scheduled surgery.
Post Surgery & Results:
Most people are amazed by how little pain there is after nasal surgery. The
most uncomfortable part of the recovery is the inability to breathe through
the nose for several days due to swelling. This usually improves within one or
two weeks. Expect some swelling around your eyes for several weeks. As the
swelling subsides, you will start to see the improvements from your surgery. A
few special precautions are required during your recovery. Bending or lifting
can prolong swelling, so this is not recommended for three weeks after
surgery. Running, cycling, or aerobics should not resume for three weeks.
Contact sports should be avoided for six weeks, as it takes that long for the
bones to fully heal. You may drive when the swelling subsides enough not to
interfere with vision, and flying should be avoided for two to three weeks after surgery.
Revision Rhinoplasty:
Revision rhinoplasty is surgery that is meant to repair prior rhinoplasty
surgery results. If done properly, it is possible to take results that were
less than satisfactory and bring them up to your expectations.
Ethnicity-Related Issues:
It is very important for every patient to be educated about nasal features
that define their ethnic nose so they can make an informed decision as to
whether they want those features refined, or eliminated! Furthermore, many
ethnic noses have skin, bone and cartilage (the components that form the nose)
qualities that limit the range of possible results. An ethnic nose can be
refined slightly to improve the look while still retaining the features that
define that ethnicity. Those interested in eliminating their ethnic features
altogether in exchange for a completely different look may be disappointed.
These patients need to be made aware of the surgeries limitations.
Will liposuction treat
cellulite?
Liposuction may be able to smooth out some amount of cellulite, but generally
speaking the procedure is not intended to treat cellulite. There are other
treatments, such as endermologie, that can more effectively treat cellulite.
How long will liposuction
results last or are they permanent?
If you
follow a healthy diet and get regular exercise after your procedure, the results
can be fairly permanent. Liposuction is not a substitute for diet and exercise.
If you gain a significant amount of weight after liposuction, the fat may return
to those areas from which it was removed.
Is it true that patients
must wear a girdle while recovering?
Patients are often required to wear some type of compression garment or bandage
after surgery for up to 2 weeks. This is similar to a girdle. The garment or
bandage helps to decrease the risks of fluid collection and hematomas and helps
to reduce swelling and support the treated areas.
Is liposuction covered by
insurance?
Insurance
typically does not cover liposuction. However, when the procedure is used for
breast reduction, insurance coverage may be available to some degree. It's best
to check with your own carrier regarding the availability and degree of
coverage.
How much time is needed to
recover after liposuction?
Recovery
time after liposuction varies for each patient. Generally, most patients are
able to return to work within one to two weeks after surgery, though more
strenuous activity will need to be postponed for two to four weeks.
What areas of the body can
liposuction be used on?
Liposuction
can be used on many areas of the body and face. The cheeks, chin, neck, upper
arms, abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles are some of the
most commonly treated areas.
What is the anesthesia that
is used?
Liposuction
can be performed using general anesthesia, local anesthesia, or an epidural.
Can you explain what
tumescent liposuction is?
Tumescent
liposuction is a liposuction technique, which utilizes large volumes of a fluid
containing saline and lidocaine that is injected into the fatty tissues before
the fat is suctioned out. The solution causes the fatty tissues to become
swollen and firm, or 'tumesced'. This technique is associated with more precise
results, quicker recovery times, and a decrease in post-operative bruising and
swelling. Further, a local anesthesia is typically all that is required.
However, tumescent liposuction takes as much as four to five hours to complete,
which is longer than traditional liposuction, and carries the additional risks
of fluid collection in the lungs and lidocaine toxicity.
Can you explain what a
cannula is?
A cannula
is a blunt-tipped, narrow tube that is used during liposuction. It is inserted
into small incisions in the skin and then manipulated to disrupt the fat cells
prior to their removal.
About how long does
liposuction surgery last?
Traditional
liposuction typically takes between 1 and 2 hours to complete. If large areas or
multiple areas are being treated at the same time, the procedure can take
longer. Also, ultrasound assisted liposuction and tumescent liposuction both
take longer than traditional techniques, about 1 ½ to 3 ½ hours and 4 to 5 hours
respectively.
What type of person makes
the best candidate for liposuction?
The best
candidate for liposuction is a healthy individual of normal body weight with a
few areas that have proven resistant to exercise and diet, such as 'saddlebags'
on women or 'love handles' on men.
Facelift
What is
Facelift? Who is
it for? What is it meant to do?
Rhytidectomy,
more commonly known as a facelift, is a type of cosmetic surgery, which can
reduce the most visible signs of aging occurring in the lower two-thirds of
the face and neck. The procedure involves the removal of excess fat, the
tightening of neck muscles, and the removal of sagging skin.
Age-Related Issues:
Too old for Facelift? How about too young? Children,
teenagers, and the elderly each have their own special considerations.
Most surgeons prefer to wait until there is a significant amount of redundant
facial skin, which usually involves patients in their late 50s or 60s. The
exception is the patient in their 30s or 40s who has experienced significant
weight loss.
Best Candidates:
Is Facelift right for you? Physically, mentally, and
emotionally, there are considerations:
The best results from facelifts are experienced by patients whose face and
neck have started to sag or droop, but whose skin still retains some of its
elasticity, and whose bone structure is well-defined. Patients who are
expecting the facelift to define the cheekbones may need to be consulted on
cheek implants. Most
patients range between 40 and 60 years of age, but facelifts have been
successful on people in seventies and eighties. Individuals under the age of
40 should give careful thought before having the procedure. Younger patients
may not see the results that older patients see simply because they have fewer
wrinkles and greater skin elasticity. However, some people who have lost
excessive amounts of weight, or have genetic problems may want a consult on
the procedure.
Post Surgery & Results:
How long
before I can resume normal activities after my facelift?
This will depend on the individual. Most people are able to return to
work between 10 and 14 days after their surgery even though swelling
and bruising may take up to three weeks to disappear. Doctors advise against
returning to any strenuous activities for at least two weeks. Sun exposure
should also be limited.
Eyelid Surgery
Is an overnight stay required?
Blepharoplasty
is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require an overnight stay.
What type of anesthesia is used?
Blepharoplasty
most commonly involves a local anesthetic combined with light intravenous
sedation.
Are there scars from eyelid surgery?
As with any
surgical procedure, there are scars. The incisions are typically placed within
the normal creases and folds of the upper and lower eyelids. This will allow
for incisions, or scars, to be barely visible within several months following
the procedure. Patients requiring fat removal from the lower eyelids alone may
be able to have incisions made on the inside of the eyelid, thus resulting in
no visible scarring.
Will blepharoplasty help with sagging eyebrows or crow's
feet?
Blepharoplasty
will not elevate a drooping eyebrow or eradicate the wrinkles surrounding the
eyes. Other procedures, the brow lift for instance, are designed for this
purpose.
Will blepharoplasty help with dark under eye circles?
Dark under eye
circles related to large bags can improve a bit. However, the dark appearance
of the lower eyelid skin typically remains even after blepharoplasty. Other
procedures, chemical peels and laser resurfacing for instance, may be able to
help with this.
How much time do I need to take off from work?
Most patients
are able to return to work within one to two weeks following surgery. Due to
bruising and swelling, however, you may choose to hold off on any major social
engagements for at least four weeks.
Tummy
Tucks
How permanent are tummy tuck results?
The results of a tummy tuck can be very long lasting. You can also help to
maintain your results by getting regular exercise and following a healthy
diet.
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, technically known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure
designed to improve the appearance of the abdominal area. The abdomen is made
flatter by removing excess skin and fat and often tightening the abdominal
muscles.
How much time is needed to recover after a tummy tuck?
The amount of time needed to recover after tummy tuck surgery will vary for
each patient. Most patients are able to go back to work within two to four
weeks after their procedure, though more strenuous activities will need to be
postponed for four to six weeks.
What is the anesthesia used for the procedure?
General anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation is most
commonly used for tummy tuck procedures.
Are there any risks of undergoing a tummy tuck?
Almost any type of surgery carries some degree of risk. The potential risks
and complications that can occur with tummy tuck surgery include the
following: bleeding beneath the skin flap, blood clots, conspicuous scarring,
infection, poor healing, skin loss, and the need for further surgery.
Where are the scars located for tummy tuck surgery?
A traditional tummy tuck involves one long incision made just above the pubic
area and running from hipbone to hipbone. In addition, a second incision is
often made around the belly button. For a partial abdominoplasty, the incision
around the belly button is usually not required and the one above the pubic
areas is usually significantly shorter. The scars that result from these
incisions will fade and flatten in time.
Will weight gain after a tummy tuck affect the results?
The results of a tummy tuck procedure can be negatively impacted by any
significant amount of weight gain afterwards.
Who is the ideal candidate for a tummy tuck?
The best candidate for a tummy tuck is a patient who, though in relatively
good shape, has loose abdominal skin or a large fat deposit in the abdomen
that does not respond to exercise and diet. In addition, women after pregnancy
or patients after significant weight loss can particularly benefit from the
procedure.
Can stretch marks be removed with a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck will typically remove stretch marks that are located on the lower
abdomen. Other stretch marks may not be removed. For instance, stretch marks
on the upper abdomen may simply be moved downward, though they may appear
somewhat tighter and smoothed out.
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