Revision Surgery: When to Consider
March 21st, 2011
All surgeons want you to have the best result possible after any surgery. Additionally, plastic surgeons want their patients to also look better. I believe that the aesthetic nature of plastic and reconstructive medical training, appeals to people drawn to the artistry and sculpting of this particular specialty. While cosmetic surgery can offer patients significant improvements in their appearance, unfortunately, perfect results are not possible. Our bodies are not symmetric and individual anatomy differs from one person to the next. Variations in surgical results do occur.
Some results are better than others. There are many factors that contribute to a less than desirable result. These may include, surgical problems, or not following strict after-care instructions, which may lead to unwanted bleeding or infection. Recovery is not the same for everyone and we all heal differently. Some patients make more scar tissue, which may contribute to imperfect results after surgery.
When should surgery be revised for an unsatisfactory result? This relates to internal healing. Internal healing like scar maturation takes from 6 months to a year. During this recovery period, dramatic changes take place, often revealing the expected appearance. In my experience, some unsatisfied patients are a little impatient and perhaps too quick to judge. It takes time and patience to see final results with most cosmetic surgery results. However, if after 6 months there is not significant improvement, I suggest visiting with your surgeon about the possibility of revision (redoing) surgery.
Facelift: What’s in a Name?
March 15th, 2011
What’s in a name? I find it interesting that new terms used for cosmetic surgery procedures may often gloss over the seriousness of the surgery. The current euphemisms being used for a facelift are prime examples. As a result of this new terminology, I find patients do not want to hear that they need a facelift to correct their jowls or turkey neck. They prefer to hear words like facial rejuvenation, mini-lift, lower facelift, lunch-time lift, short incision facelift, short recovery facelift or better still (my favorite) the non-surgical facelift! A market driven economy has helped to put a happy face on anti-aging procedures, by trivializing this surgery to increase profits.
According to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, there were about 95,000 performed last year. Regardless of the trendy name, surgery is serious business. There is an element of swelling and bruising after facelift surgery, as with most facial procedures. It is difficult to cover or hide during the initial recovery period. For this reason, many patients choose not to be seen while they are recovering from a facelift. In a culture where youthful beauty is celebrated, few of us want to submit eagerly to the effects of aging. Surprisingly some patients are not self-conscience in the least and continue with all their social engagements.
Facelifts are also combined with many other facial procedures (nose surgery, eyelid surgery, facial implants, chemical and laser peels, and forehead lifts). When procedures are added to a facelift, it increases the amount and duration of swelling following surgery. Combining surgeries also increases risk factors. Because of the additional safety concerns, I strongly discourage patients from combining surgeries in my own practice.
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