Tag cosmetic surgery

Cosmetic surgery is a procedure that can truly transform a person’s life. Its effects go far beyond the physical appearance of the patient as it also boosts the patient’s morale and self-confidence, empowering them to go after their goals, build better relationships with others, and enjoy a better quality of life. When looking at the power of cosmetic surgery, it is easy to understand why it is something that patients should prepare well for. Whether you are considering a facelift, a rhinoplasty, an eyelid surgery, or another procedure, it would be good to know how to prepare for facial cosmetic surgery. Proper preparation is an important factor in ensuring a safe and smooth process and optimal results.

How to Prepare for a Cosmetic Surgery

Choose the Right Surgeon

The first and most crucial step is selecting the right surgeon. Choose a licensed surgeon who has an excellent background in facial procedures. Do a thorough background check. Look for before-and-after photos of patients, and do not forget to read patient reviews. A good surgeon will provide detailed answers to all your questions about the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes.

Your Discovery Consultation

This is your first consultation with your surgeon. Be honest and open about your goals and expectations. Your surgeon will evaluate your facial structure, skin condition, and overall physical health to determine the best approach for your situation. Do not hesitate to ask about the recovery process, potential risks and complications, and whatever necessary pre-and post-operative care is needed for your particular situation.  Inform your doctor about any supplements or medications you are taking and disclose all existing medical conditions you may have to ensure your safety and prevent any problems during or after surgery.

Your surgeon will give you instructions to follow during the weeks leading up to your procedure. Be sure that you strictly follow them. These instructions may include:

• Avoiding Certain Medications and Supplements: Discontinue any blood-thinning medications or supplements that you may be taking. This specifically includes ibuprofen, aspirin, and some herbal supplements like ginkgo biloba and vitamin E to help reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
• Quitting Smoking and Avoiding Alcohol: Smoking can disrupt the healing process and may even increase the risk of complications. Alcohol can cause skin dehydration and negatively affect anesthesia.
• Adjusting Your Skincare Routine: You may need to adjust your skincare routine as your surgeon may recommend that you stop the use of some skincare products, especially those with steroids or strong acids.

Prepare for Recovery

Patients have different recovery times because everybody is different and because of the differences in the procedures. Still, good preparation will help you heal faster and make the process of recovery smoother.

• Follow a Healthy Diet: Make sure that your body is well-prepared not only for the surgery itself but also for recovery. You should also be mindful of what you eat and ensure that you are getting the nutrition your body needs. Eating nutrient-rich foods will help promote better healing. Ensure that you are getting a lot of vitamin C, A, and protein. Keep yourself hydrated.
• Arrange for Assistance: Ask someone you trust to take you home after your surgery. They can help you with the everyday chores and needs for the first few days.
• Set Up a Comfortable Recovery Space: Prepare your stock of essentials like extra pillows, cold compresses, soft foods, books, movies, or other forms of entertainment.
• Understand the Anesthesia Process: Different types of facial surgery will require different types of anesthesia. Your surgeon may use local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Make sure that you discuss this with your surgeon and anesthesiologist, especially if you have concerns or a history of reactions to anesthesia.
• Plan for Time Off from Work and Social Activities: Healing from cosmetic surgery takes time. The healing process involves bruising, swelling, and discomfort. Most procedures will require one or two weeks of downtime, but it can take several months before you fully recover. Plan a time off work and limit your social activities.
• Prepare Mentally and Emotionally: It is natural to be excited about the transformation that will result from the procedure, but it is also normal to have anxiety and second thoughts mixed with feelings of excitement. Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally by having realistic expectations. Focus on positive thoughts and connect with other people who have undergone similar procedures. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon so he can address your concerns and appease your worries.
• Stay Hydrated and Get Plenty of Rest: Drink plenty of water, especially during the weeks before your procedure. Proper hydration will help you get healthy skin. Rest and sleep, on the other hand, will strengthen your immune system and prepare your body for recovery.
• Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect your skin from the sun to avoid damaging it. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing if you need to go outdoors.

Start Your Journey Towards a Safe and Stress-Free Cosmetic Surgery Today

Proper preparation for cosmetic surgery has a great impact not only on the procedure but also on your recovery and results. By choosing a reputable surgeon and following their pre-operative and post-operative instructions, you can ensure a successful procedure. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, getting custom facial implants, or looking for a surgeon who can help you with your cosmetic goals, schedule a consultation with us to get started.

Nowadays, it is very common for people to consider body procedures to alter their appearance. Patients interested in these procedures may consider cosmetic or plastic surgery. Although they sound similar, they serve different purposes. This may lead you to the question, “What is the difference between cosmetic and plastic surgery?” Understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision about which procedure best suits your needs.

What Is Cosmetic Surgery?

Cosmetic surgery is elective, meaning it is not considered “medically necessary” and focuses entirely on improving how you look. Its primary goal is to enhance features and help boost your self-confidence. Some of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures are facelifts, liposuction, breast augmentations, and rhinoplasty. Many patients undergo cosmetic surgeries to smooth wrinkles, contour their bodies, or achieve an overall more balanced aesthetic. 

Understanding Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery, on the other hand, is a large field that consists of both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Many plastic surgeons perform cosmetic procedures, but their training also includes reconstructive techniques. The reconstructive aspect of their training gives them the skills to restore skin form and function to patients who have experienced skin damage due to trauma or have a deformity. Reconstructive surgery is commonly employed to correct congenital anomalies or rebuild tissues after cancer treatments. For these patients, the goal is both to restore functionality and achieve a natural appearance.

Training and Expertise

Cosmetic and plastic surgeons both undergo extensive training, but the trainings have different focuses. Plastic surgeons complete rigorous residency programs during which they learn both cosmetic and reconstructive techniques, such as microsurgery and tissue transplantation. Many plastic surgeons later choose to perform cosmetic procedures as well. Other specialists, like dermatologists, sometimes also perform those treatments. 

Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your Needs

Whether you would benefit more from a cosmetic surgeon or a plastic surgeon depends on your personal goals and health needs. If your primary concern is to enhance your appearance, say you wish to reduce wrinkles or reshape your features, a cosmetic surgeon may suffice for your needs. That being said, if you need surgery to repair damage from an injury, congenital condition, or disease, a plastic surgeon’s reconstructive expertise is essential. In fact, many patients benefit from a surgeon skilled in both areas. Choosing a surgeon with skills in both areas ensures that your care is comprehensive, well-rounded, and can effectively address both aesthetic and functional concerns.

Additionally, it is crucial to choose a surgeon with significant documented experience in your selected procedure. Check their credentials prior to choosing them as your surgeon and complete research to ensure they have a successful track record of past surgeries. Ask detailed questions during your consultation, and review “before and after” photos before making your decision.

Cost, Risks, and Recovery

Costs

Cosmetic procedures are elective and, therefore, not usually covered by insurance. This quality makes them a significant financial investment. Reconstructive plastic surgeries, on the other hand, are more likely to be considered medically necessary and are covered by insurance in those cases. Be sure to review your options for funding your surgery with your insurance provider and your surgeon beforehand.

Risks

Any surgery or procedure comes with risks. Your surgeon should thoroughly educate you on the risks and benefits of the treatment you are considering before proceeding. You should ask questions freely during your consultation and take steps to ensure you are fully informed about what the procedure will entail with that specific surgeon. For your safety and peace of mind, choose a qualified surgeon whom you trust.

Recovery

Recovery times from cosmetic and plastic surgeries will depend on the specific procedure you undergo. You should be able to return to your regular routine fairly quickly after minimally invasive cosmetic treatment. More extensive reconstructive surgeries, however, can require a longer recovery period with follow-up care. 

The Broader Impact on Quality of Life

Cosmetic or plastic surgery can make a noticeable positive impact on your quality of life. Cosmetic enhancements can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more confident in social and professional settings. Reconstructive procedures can restore a natural-looking appearance while also addressing function. Both classes of procedures can dramatically upgrade your daily life. 

Choosing the right surgical type depends on your personal needs, goals, and medical history. By consulting with a board-certified surgeon and having an open discussion about your expectations, you can make an informed decision about whether you would benefit more from cosmetic or plastic surgery. Call today to schedule an appointment.

A seroma is a condition that describes a post-surgical phenomenon where fluids begin to accumulate under the skin at the site of surgery. Seroma is quite common after both medical and cosmetic surgery. Informing yourself about the risk of a seroma can help you be more adequately prepared should it come up. Seromas can be medically serious in certain situations. Take a look at this overview of this post-surgical condition, which may help you understand how it relates to cosmetic body surgery.

√What Is a Seroma?

A seroma is a build-up of natural fluids or healing tissue in the body that has the potential to develop after any surgery or serious medical procedure. Seromas are a natural healing response of the body in response to the physical trauma of surgery. Seromas are not typically medically hazardous but are nevertheless unpleasant and desirable to avoid.

How Common Is Seroma After Cosmetic Surgery?

It is quite common for a patient to develop a seroma after cosmetic surgery. In fact, these lumps have the potential to form after any invasive surgery. The surgeries that most commonly provoke the development of seromas include BBLs (Brazilian Butt Lifts) and tummy tucks. Other common surgeries that provoke seromas include:

• Hernia repair
• Abdominoplasty
• Breast augmentation
• Liposuction

Although seromas are not typically considered medically dangerous, they carry a risk for infection and can interfere with the body’s healing process after surgery. For these reasons, your physician may opt to drain a large seroma that has become infected.

Why Do Seromas Develop?

Seromas remain a natural risk of any invasive surgery due to their nature as part of the body’s healing response. That said, there are some elements of a surgery that can increase the risk of developing a seroma:

• Utilizing low-vacuum drains
• The use of electrocautery when closing skin flaps over the surgical wound
• Excessive movement or strain directly following surgery
• Removing drain tubes from the surgical site too abruptly following surgery

In addition, larger-scale surgeries and surgeries that take more extended periods to complete have been shown to increase the overall risk of developing a seroma.

When Should I Seek Assistance?

Staying aware of the signs of infection in a seroma can help you avoid dangerous situations and further medical expenses down the line. Keep an eye out for the following signs that your seroma may have become infected:

• Fever
• A rapid increase in swelling
• Pain
• Increased heart rate
• White or bloody drainage surrounding the seroma
• Confusion
• Blood pressure changes

You can discuss with your physician prior to your procedure whether or not they think that you are at particular risk for developing a seroma following your surgery. This can help you know whether you should anticipate needing to bear with one.

Treating a Seroma

Many seromas will disappear on their own accord as the body naturally reabsorbs the fluids that have accumulated in them. The use of certain anti-inflammatories or over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, may, on occasion, augment this process.

Large seromas that have become infected or are causing pain can be drained and removed by your surgeon. If your surgeon opts to drain the seroma, they will remove the fluid using a syringe. Surgically removing a seroma involves a very mild excision of the lump.

Preventing the Development of Seromas

There are some steps that you and your doctor can take to attempt to prevent the development of seromas. One common preemptive step involves the use of surgical drainage systems that attempt to drain excess fluid from the surgical site, thus preventing the development of seromas.

In addition, compression garments are commonly utilized to help the skin and tissue of the surgical site heal faster and more effectively. This, in turn, can help to deter the development of seromas at the surgical site.

Preventing seromas is preferable, but it is important to note that, in most cases, these growths are not medically serious or dangerous. Often, patience is all that’s required as your body engages in its natural healing process.

The Best Surgeon in Beverly Hills

Dr. Gabriel Chiu is a board-certified surgeon dedicated to offering his clients in Beverly Hills the highest level of treatment available. If you are interested in discussing plastic surgery with a professional, contact our cosmetic surgery center today.