Surgical Procedures : Plastic / Cosmetic Services
Facelift / Rhytidectomy

A facelift, technically known as a rhytidectomy (literally, surgical removal of wrinkles), is a type of cosmetic surgery procedure used to give a more youthful appearance and removing signs of aging on your face.  It usually involves the removal of excess facial skin, with or without the tightening of underlying tissues, and the redraping of the skin on the patient's face and neck

Facelifts are helpful for eliminating loose skin folds in the neck and laxity of tissues in the cheeks. A facelift requires skin incisions; however, the incisions in front of and behind the ear are usually inconspicuous

- a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck
- it is a procedure to tighten the skin and muscles of the face and neck

What to expect during consultation?
- The success and safety of your facelift depends very much on the truthfulness of the patient during the consultation.
- Special inquiry is made regarding medications, allergies, medical problems, previous surgeries and smoking and drinking habits.
- The surgeon will:

  • Evaluate the patient’s general health status
  • Discuss the options available and recommend a treatment plan
  • Discuss the outcomes and any risks or complications about the procedure
  • Discuss the procedure itself, its benefits and limitations
  • Examine and measure the face
  • Take photographs

Preparation for surgery
- Prior to the procedure, the patient will be asked to:

  • Get lab testing
  • Get medical evaluation
  • Take certain or discontinue certain medications
    • Discontinue Aspirin for at least 2 weeks
  • Stop cigarette smoking for at least 2 weeks

- Pre-operative instructions include:

  • What to do the night before and morning of surgery
    • Shower and wash the hair the night before surgery and on the morning of surgery
    • Avoid eating and drinking after midnight prior to surgery
  • Type of anesthesia during the facelift
  • Post-operative care and follow-up

Description of the procedure

Step 1 – Anesthesia
- The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia

Step 2 – The Incision

Depending on the on the degree of change the patient would like to see, the facelift choices include:

- Classic Facelift

  • Incision often begins in the hairline at the temples, continues around the ear and ends in the lower scalp
  • Once the incisions are made, undermining is perfomed. The extent depends on the degree of aging.
  • Skin is redraped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed.

- MACS Lift

  • Minimal Access Cranial Suspension Lift
  • Incision is along the sideburn and temporal hairline
  • Soft tissue under the cheeks are being lifted and contoured

Step 3 – Closing the incisions

Once healed, the incision lines from a facelift are well concealed within the hairline and in the natural contours of the face and ear.

Step 4 – Results

The visible improvements of a facelift appear as swelling and bruising subside.

Potential risks and complications
- The surgeon will discuss the details of all risks and possible complications of the surgery.
- The risks include:

  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Bleeding (hematoma)
  • Infection
  • Poor wound healing
  • Anesthesia risks
  • Correctable hair loss at the incisions
  • Facial nerve injury with weakness
  • Facial asymmetry
  • Skin loss
  • Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
  • Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Pain, which may persist
  • Skin contour irregularities
  • Skin discoloration, sensitivity or swelling
  • Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal
  • Unsatisfactory results may include asymmetry, unsatisfactory surgical scar location, unacceptable visible deformities at the ends of the incisions (It may be necessary to perform additional surgery to improve your results)
  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
  • Possibility of revisional surgery

What to expect post-operatively
- Post-operative care:

  • Patients are instructed to rest with the head elevated for several days
  • Blood pressure is monitored closely and controlled strictly
  • Drains will be removed on the first post-operative day
  • Pain medications and oral antibiotics will be given

-    Maximal swelling is expected for the first 7 to 10 days
-    Bruising is evident

MACS Facelift (Minimal Access Cranial Support)

MACS Facelift (Minimal Access Cranial Support)

The macs-facelift (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension), S-lift, soft lift or also mini lift is an advanced technique for natural facial rejuvenation. The macs lift has, above all, an effect on the jaw line and sagging cheeks.

The macs lift is less drastic than the classic SMAS facelift. The macs-facelift guarantees lasting results, a smaller incision and thus a quicker recovery process. The “mini” in minilift therefore stands for mini scars and mini recovery period!

Forehead Lift (Brow Lift)

Improves the creases that develops across the forehead called "frown lines".   This procedure is also done to improve sagging or "tired" eyebrows and give you a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

Temporal Lift

Also called lateral brow lift.  This is the procedure of choice when you notice sagging, or the appearance of hooding or creasing of the outer eye.  These are one of the earliest signs of aging, but very easy to correct

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid/Eyebag Surgery)

Upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure intended to reshape the upper lid that tends to droop, creating an impression of "sadness" or "tiredness."  The redundant upper lid skin may cause loss of peripheral vision, making simple tasks difficult such as driving or reading.  This procedure can also correct in-born lid defects that appears "heavy" on one eye (ptosis)

Lower Blepharoplasty (eyebag removal) is also a surgical procedure that removes the "puffy" lower eye bag.  This procedure also reduces the lower lid skin redundancy.

Slit-eye/Deep set Creation

Majority of Eastern Asian eyes do not manifest the upper lid crease.  This procedure is similar to an upper blepharoplasty but highlights the creating of a natural upper lid fold.

Rhinoplasty / Nose Surgery

Rhinoplasty or "nose reshaping" is used to improve the function or appearance of the nose.  This surgical procedure has many variations and modifications in order to provide patients their cosmetic or reconstructive goals.

This surgical procedure can improve the height and shape of the nose (tip and root), diameter of the nostril and ala (alar plasty or nose trimming) and columellar lengthening (bridge of nose improvement)

What is rhinoplasty?
Informally known as a nose lift, rhinoplasty is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure designed to improve the aesthetic appearance of not only the nose, but also to create a harmonious balance of facial features. It is for those dissatisfied with the anatomical attributes of their nose and can not only help improve physical appearance, but boost self-esteem as well.  As it is a somewhat delicate operation, it is best performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who has a good understanding of facial anatomy. A number of procedures can be performed, including decreasing or increasing the size of your nose, reshaping the tip, or even reducing its width.

What to expect during consultation

Description of the procedure
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Patients undergoing rhinoplasty stay for a while under observation, then go home. The actual procedure takes approximately one to three hours, but can be longer.  It is usually performed with local injections of anesthesia with intravenous sedation, or in some cases, under general anesthesia. If you are to be sedated or undergo general anesthesia, you will be asked not to take anything by mouth for at least 6 hours prior to the procedure.  You may also be given pre-operative antibiotics and pain relievers.

The techniques performed depend on the type of correction desired. In most cases, it entails one or more incisions, discreetly placed so that excess skin may be removed. It can also involve altering or removing cartilage, inserting an implant or modifying the bone structure through an incision. Two primary techniques are in use today: open and closed rhinoplasty. Closed rhinoplasty involves making an incision on the inside rim of the nostril. The other, open rhinoplasty, includes one more incision made on the columella (i.e. the tissue that separates the nostrils), often in a zigzag shape.

Specifically, rhinoplasty can help correct the overall size and shape of the nostrils. Usually, this involves removing a portion of the skin where the nostrils meet the face. Known as the Weir Excision, this allows for any resulting scar to remain very discreet, since it is located in a natural crease. Flared nostrils can be reduced by placing one or more incisions on the inside of the nose and suturing the incisions. In most cases the bridge needs to be heightened, in which case one of the following may be added: an implant, cartilage, or soft tissue.  Any bumps on the bridge of the nose can also be removed.  Also, the actual angle of the nose relative to the upper lip can be changed.  Rhinoplasty can also improve the tip of the nose, making it less bulbous, pointy, squared or hooked. Modification can include altering the actual cartilage maintaining the shape or just the soft part of the nose. Finally, the length of the nose can be moderately decreased by targeting the septum at the base and removing part of it.

Potential risks / complications of the procedure
Bloody drainage is common in the first 48 hours after surgery and blood-tinged nasal discharge may persist for 1-2 weeks following surgery. Profuse bleeding is unusual. Nasal swelling is expected and may not be readily noticeable until after the splint is removed. Most of the swelling subsides in 4-6 weeks, but subtle swelling may persist for 6-12 months. In certain situations, the doctor may inject a small amount of steroid into your nose to help reduce the swelling. Bruises following nasal surgery usually manifests as "black eyes" and usually resolves in 2-3 weeks and may be concealed with makeup. Nasal breathing may be difficult for 2-3 weeks after surgery due to swelling inside the nose. This "stuffiness" will subside gradually and IS NOT improved with nasal sprays. Itching, numbness and a "wooden feeling" to the nose are common. All of these do subside, although, it may take months for your nose to feel completely "normal".

Permanent risks include tiny burst blood vessels in the nose and scarring.  Some more serious risks are those related to any surgical procedure, such as bleeding, infection and complications arising from the administration of anesthesia.

What to expect following nasal surgery
Recovery depends on the extent of correction. Patients generally return to work/school within one to two weeks, while strenuous activity that raises blood pressure should be avoided for up to three weeks. While the nose heals, it should not be touched or rubbed. Activities that involve bodily contact, such as basketball or other sports, are to be avoided until full recovery is completed. This may take up to several months. Swelling may last up to a year.  Though a change is immediately apparent following surgery, bandages, swelling and bruising may "hide" results. The true results from rhinoplasty appear in the months following surgery. Complete recovery from swelling may take up to a year, however patients usually notice improvement earlier.

Buccal fat pad excision

This procedure removes the right amount of "cheek fat," creating a very natural, more sculptured and thin appearance of the mid-face.

Chin Augmentation/Reduction

Chin augmentation is a common procedure that improves the lower part of the face.  The chin may be congenitally (in-born) deficient and enhancement brings a natural balance to the entire face

Chin reduction or mentoplasty addresses the protruding chin wherein just the right amount of "chin-removal" brings back the balance of the entire face

Dimples creation

It takes only a few minutes to have a naturally auspicious dimple to add to your smile.

Cleft chin creation

It takes also a few minutes to express yourself.

Mole excision

Moles are naturally occurring.  Some moles need to be examined by a specialist just to rule out any signs of potential malignancy.

Ear hole repair Hair Transplant Collagen/ Soft Tissue Fillers

Tissue fillers are used to slightly enhance some parts of the face or body like the lips and laugh lines.

Breast Augmentation

This procedure enhances volume of the breast by using FDA approved implants.  This procedure is individualized to cater each need for shape and volume of the desired breasts.  New generation implants has been proven safe and does not cause any health hazard.

Breast Reduction

Some patients complain of big breasts causing shoulder, back pain and sometimes embarassment.  This procedure reduces the amount of breast volume into a more manageable and appealing "breast form."

Definition
Breast reduction  ( reduction mammaplasty )  is a surgical procedure performed to decrease the size and reshape  the breasts.

Purpose

Women

  • Women with  very large breasts (macromastia, or mammary hyperplasia) breast reduction will render  relief of  back, shoulder, and neck pain.
  • Women may also feel uncomfortable about their breast size and have difficulty finding clothing that will fit properly.
  • Large breast size may also limit women’s abilities to perform routine daily activities and may cause significant emotional distress.
  • Additionally, breast reduction may be needed after reconstructive surgery following mastectomy ( the surgical removal of cancerous breast tissue ), to make the breasts more symmetric.

Men

  • Men who  have enlarged breasts (gynecomastia) may also be candidates for breast reduction surgery.
  • Gynecomastia  maybe secondary  to  excessive alcohol intake, marijuana use or anabolic steroids . Surgery is not recommended for men who continue to use these products.

Preparation
Consultation is necessary between surgeon and patient to ensure that there is an understanding and agreement with the expected final results  .  Measurements and photographs are taken pre – operatively . Most  doctors also recommend a mammogram before the operation to ensure that there is no cancer especially for high risk  patients.

Description
Breast reduction ( reduction mammoplasty  )  is most often performed in a hospital, under general anesthesia. The surgical operation usually requires approximately two to four hours. The most commonly made incision encircles the areola (darkened area around the nipple) and extends downward and around the underside of the breast which  produces the least conspicuous scar. Excess tissue, fat, and skin are removed, and the nipple and areola are repositioned. Liposuction (fat suctioning) , is used to remove extra fat from the armpit area is necessary in few cases . Recovery  may require a hospital stay of up to three days.

Breast reduction surgery for males with gynecomastia is almost  similar to that described for females. The surgical options are discussed by your chosen plastic surgeon which will range from open surgery to liposuction depending on the grade of the gynecomastia.

In  breast reduction surgery, the breast tissue is cut along predetermined lines and (A) excess tissue is removed (B). The nipple is placed higher on the breast (C), and the two sides of the incision are brought together (D), removing any excess skin (E).


Aftercare
A special supportive bra or an elastic bandage is placed over gauze bandages and drainage tubes after surgery . The bandages and tubes are removed in a day or two  however  the bra is worn around the clock for several weeks. Sutures  ( stitches ) are removed one to three weeks after the operation. Scars will typically remain red and perhaps raised for  several months  gradually  fading  and less noticeable. It takes  a year before the breasts achieve their final position and size. Normal activities (  including sexual relations ) may be restricted for several weeks.

Risks
Women whose breasts are not fully developed or who plan to breastfeed are not good candidates for  breast reduction surgery .
Risks include bleeding , infection ,  anesthesia reactions , or unexpected scarring common to any operation. Breast reduction may result in decreased sensation  in the breasts or nipples and/or impaired ability to breastfeed. The breasts may be slightly uneven, or the nipples may be asymmetric  when healing is complete which is  consistent with normal breast tissue.

Normal results

  • Smaller breast size should be achieved  and the accompanying pain and discomfort should be alleviated.
  • Self-esteem should be improved for both females and males having breast reduction surgery.

Morbidity and mortality rates
Mortality (  deaths )  rates associated with breast reduction surgery are extremely rare and are generally attributed to anesthesia errors, overdoses of pain medications, or postoperative infections.

In very rare cases , the skin of the breast or nipple does not heal properly.  Additional surgery maybe necessary to graft skin. Approximately 10% of women experience some loss of sensation in their nipples.

Permanent scars are left after breast reduction surgery which becomes less prominent over time. However women who smoke often experience more prominent scars because smoking interferes with the healing process.

Breast Lift

"Sagging breast" is a result of gravity, child birth and aging.  The nipple and lower breast have a tendency to "fall away" from the chest, losing its normal consistency, feel and appearance.  Breast lift procedures are also individualized to the different grades of breast ptosis and sagging.  Ask your plastic surgeon about Breform and the conventional breast lifting.

Nipple/areola reduction

The nipple and areola normally enlarges after pregnancy and breast feeding.  Nipple and areola reduction brings back the normal pre-pregnancy appearance of the nipple and areola

Body Contouring Liposuction

A type of liposuction procedure, body contouring liposuction emphasizes on body contour creation or "sculpting" instead of fat elimination.

Liposuction

What is Liposuction?

Also known as lipoplasty, liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits, improving your body contours and proportion, and ultimately, enhancing your self-image.

What happens during liposuction?

Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – The incision
Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions.

First, sterile liquid solution is infused to reduce bleeding and trauma. Then a thin hollow tube, or cannula, is inserted through these incisions to loosen excess fat using a controlled back and forth motion.

The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula.

Step 3 – See the results
Your improved body contour will be apparent when the swelling and fluid retention commonly experienced following liposuction subside.

With continued practices of healthy diet and fitness, the loss of excess fatty tissue should be permanently maintained. However, substantial weight gain can alter an otherwise permanent result.

The results will be long-lasting
Couple smiling after liposuctionIt may take several months for the swelling to fully dissipate after liposuction surgery. As it does, your new contours and enhanced self-image should continue to develop.

The fulfillment you feel from the initial results of liposuction should continue as long as you control your weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

A significant weight gain can reverse your results. Following liposuction, your slimmer and better-proportioned body should more accurately reflect the healthy and active life you lead.

Tummy Tuck

Also known as Abdominoplasty, this procedure eliminates excess skin and fat on the anterior abdomen that usually protrudes or sags. It is sometimes referred to as "apron-ning" of the abdomen, and is usually sought by post-pregnancy patients with loose tissues and individuals with sagging from major weight loss. Tummy tuck removes these excess fat and skin, and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles (diasthesis), giving one an abdominal profile that is smoother, firmer and more appealing.

What happens during tummy tuck surgery?

Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – The incision
A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and navel. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the degree of correction necessary.

Through this incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and sutured and excess fat, tissue and skin is removed.

A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.

Tummy Tuck, Outline

Tummy Tuck, Pre-Interior Incision


Tummy Tuck, Interior Incision

Tummy Tuck, Exterior Incision

Tummy Tuck, Lower Incision Outline

Tummy Tuck, Lower Incision

Step 3 – Closing the incisions

Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips close the skin incisions.

Step 4 – See the results

Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.

The final results may be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete.

Within a week or two, you should be standing tall and confident about your new slimmer profile.

Buttocks Augmentation

Similar to breast augmentation, this procedure uses a specialized implant to enhance the size of one's buttocks.

Thigh Lifts

Background on Thigh Lifts
Time and gravity can cause the skin of the thighs to lose tone causing tit to sag and lose smoothness. Furthermore, this condition can be exaggerated by massive or abrupt weight loss, and by previous liposuction for cellulite. The thigh lift is a cosmetic procedure usually involving both liposuction and the removal of excessive skin (and at times involves Buttocks Lift) to tighten the skin of the thighs and reduce sagging in the inner or outer thigh or both.

Thigh Lift Consultation
During the initial evaluation, a thorough medical history (medical conditions are addressed preoperatively to ensure the safety of the patient) and a focused physical examination will be performed taking into consideration skin tone, excess fat, and other factors contributing to thigh contour. The techniques of liposuction and thigh lifting will be described in detail. Informational materials will be provided.

Patients who benefit from lower body lift surgery have:

  • Loose skin in their buttocks and back of their thighs
  • Loose skin in their hips and side of their thighs
  • Loose skin in the front of their thighs
  • Loose abdominal skin or in their inner thighs
  • Relatively thin layers of fat below the skin of these areas
  • Acceptance of the thin scars around the waist
  • Patients who have had massive weight loss

Thigh Lift Surgery
Thigh lift surgery is commonly performed under general anesthesia. Immediately before surgery markings shall be on the thighs while standing up. The skin is pinched and elevated towards the groin. Thigh lift basically involves the removal of redundant skin using a low transverse incision that hides within the underwear or within the groin crease (depending on the area of the thigh being addressed). The thighs (and buttocks) tissues are lifted and supported in this procedure to help reduce scarring. Layered suture techniques are used to carefully close the area of incision in order to maintain the lift, tightening and smoothing the remaining skin. The procedure can be combined with liposuction in select patients. Following surgery, the patient is advised to rest as much as possible avoiding too much leg motion.

Risks Associated with Thigh Lift Surgery
As with any surgery, there are complications that can occur.  And both surgeon and patient should be aware of the potential hazards of surgery and specific risks associated with thigh lift surgery.

  • Seromas (collections of fluid below the skin) may require the use of drains
  • Infection, delayed healing from small separations in the incision closure in areas of high tension and stretch
  • Numbness and decreased sensation in areas adjacent to the incision
  • Slight asymmetries, rippling or dimpling of the skin  may occur in spite of efforts to balance skin and fat removal
  • Bleeding may lead to bruising, but it is very rare to require transfusions
  • Blood clots to the lung (pulmonary emboli) are rare.  Sequential compression devices (SCD’s) on the calves during surgery has significantly lessened the incidence in body contouring procedures
  • Rare occurrences of damage to regional organs
  • Poor scarring, and distortion of the vulvar tissues

Smokers are advised to discontinue smoking four weeks prior to and after surgery, as smoking increases the risks of complications and delays wound healing by altering blood circulation in the skin. Risks of complications can more or less be avoided by closely following instructions before and after the surgery.

Thigh Lift Recovery Process
Although the recovery period varies with each patient and the type of procedure performed, majority of patients are able to resume most normal activities within one to two weeks after surgery. Compression garments may be placed on the patient to control swelling, to support the suspended tissues, and to smooth and flatten the skin. Activity is determined by the progress of the healing of the incision. After surgery, pain is relieved with medication. Thigh lift scars will undergo a period of maturation that typically lasts a year or more.

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

SHORT DESCRIPTION / DEFINITION OF THE PROCEDURE
Arm lift or Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure to contour or reshape the upper arm. This area involves the axilla (underarm) up to the elbow.

MORE IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCEDURE
A variety of reasons can cause the unsightly sagging appearance of the upper arm. This may be caused by rapid weight loss, as a normal part of aging, or it may even run in your family.

Exercise and diet can tone the upper arm, however, the excess of skin and fat cannot always be adressed.
In essence, a brachioplasy contours and reshapes the arms as well as reduces excess skin and fat yielding a more aesthetic appearance.
It is important to note that this procedure is for individuals with upper arm skin laxity with realistic expectations. This is not for individuals who are extremely overweight or obese. Also, candidates for this procedure must be healthy, non-smoking individuals with no concomitant illnesses.


WHAT TO EXPECT DURING CONSULTATION

  1. Your plastic surgeon will ask you a series of questions pertaining to your history, both medical and psychosocial, and your daily lifestyle, please give an honest answer during this process.
  2. Your plastic surgeon will also ask you about previous surgeries, allergies and ilnesses, as well as a history of smiking.
  3. Your plastic surgeon may take a baseline picture which will be included in your record. This will be used in the planning process as well as documentation for comparison after the procedure has been done.
  4. Your plastic surgeon may discuss with you treatment options as well as possible complications and outcomes.

PREPARATION FOR THE SURGERY

  1. Before the procedure, your doctor will order laboratory tests, and depending on your age or risk factors, ask for a medical clearance from an internist.
  2. You may be askes to discontinue or adjust certain medications, both therapeutic and herbal.
  3. You will be asked by your doctor to discontinue smoking as this will impede healing, and depending on the anesthetic to be used, may increase your chances of anesthetic complications.
  4. You will be instructed on what to do on the day of surgery, the type of anesthetic to be used and other special preparations and antibiotics to be taken.
  5. It is advisable to have someone accompany you during the day of surgery especially if a eneral anesthetic was used.

STEP BY STEP DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCEDURE

Anesthesia
These are the drugs which will be used during the procedure to ensure that you are comfortable. This may range from local anesthetics with or without sedation, to general anesthetics. The choice will be made by your physician depending on what suits you best.

Incision
Though the incision is usually placed on the inside or at on the back of the arm, your doctor will decide on the best scar placement to make it less conspicuous and more cosmetically acceptable. The length of the scar is also influenced by how much reduction is needed as well as your doctors preference.

The incision is made, the connective tissue is tightened with sutures, excess skin and fat may be removed, and the skin will be redraped to the new contour of your arm.

Closure
Incisions will be closed using absorbable and non-absorbable sutures. The non-absorbable ones have to be removed in 7-10 days.
Immediately after the operations, you will see a tighter arm with and improved contour and minimal to no sagging. However, swelling and bruising may be apparent, however this may still be normal.

POTENTIAL RISKS / COMPLICATIONS OF THE PROCEDURE


Like all surgical procedures, there are related risks to be considered. It is the patients choice if he/she wants to push thru, weighing the potential benefits and risks. Your doctor may ask you to sign consent forms to make sure you have fully understood the above.
The potential risks would include:

  1. Bleeding under the skin (Hematoma) and fluid accumulating under the skin (Seroma). This may or may not require and operation to correct.
  2. Although all precautions will be undertaken to avoid this complications, infections can still happen. This may warrant the use of antibiotics, or in a worst case scenario, require a re-operation.
  3. People heal at different rates and in different manners. In some individuals, the scar may be hairline and inconspicuous, while in otheres, it may turn out to be a thigh raised scar. Some patients will heal in a shorter period of time, while others may have poor wound healing which may result to wound separation.
  4. Decrease in sensation or even persistent pain can be noted. Skin discoloration and prolonged welling may also ensue.This is related to possible damage to nerves, vessels and muscle.
  5. Anesthetic related complications may also appear.
  6. And among other risks which will be discussed by your surgeon.

WHAT TO EXPECT POST-OPERATIVELY

  1. After the procedure, you may go home with bandages, dressing or even a plastic drain depending on your surgeons judgement.
  2. You surgeon will give you instructions on medication to take, how to care for your wounds and drains, asctivities which you can/cannot do, when you can bathe, when the sutures are to be removed and when your are to followup.
  3. If done in the outpatient,  you may be allowed to go home the same day, if a general anaesthetic was used, you will need someone to accompany and assist you.
  4. As long as you maintain a reasonable diet and exercise and avoid rapid weight gain, the results can be long-lasting.

DEFINITIONS OF SOME OF THE MEDICAL TERMS MENTIONED IN THE TEXT

  • Arm lift (Brachioplasty): A surgical procedure to correct sagging of the upper arms and improve its contour.
  • General anesthetics: Medicine/gases, which may be given to a patient to control pain and consciousness.
  • Local anesthesia: A drug injected directly on the target site to relieve pain.
  • Sutures: Stitches used to keep tissue and skin together