If your wound is severe, you may have to undergo debriding, which is the removal of dead tissue, prior to reconstructive surgery.

Once that is done, there are several types of wound treatments your plastic surgeon may suggest:

• Skin grafts. This is often used for burn patients; skin is removed from one area of the body and transplanted to another. There are two types of skin graft: split-thickness grafts in which just a few layers of outer skinare transplanted and full-thickness grafts, which involve all of the dermis. There is usually permanent scarring that is noticeable.During a skin graft, a special skin-cutting instrument known as a dermatone removes the skin from an area (the donor site) usually hidden by clothing such as the buttocks or inner thigh. Once removed, the graft is placed on the area in need of covering and held in place by a dressing and a few stitches. The donor site is also covered with a dressing to prevent infection from occurring. Recovery time from a split-thickness skin graft is generally fairly rapid, often less than three weeks. For full-thickness skin graft patients the recovery time is a few weeks longer. Aside from burn patients, skin grafts can also be used during breast or nose reconstruction.

• Microsurgery. Have you lost a finger, toe, ear, or even a lip? Microsurgery may allow for those to be re-attached. Simply stated, it is a procedure in which the surgeon uses a microscope for surgical assistance in reconstructive procedures. By using a microscope, the surgeon can actually sew tiny blood vessels or nerves, allowing him or her to repair damaged nerves and arteries. This may also be a method to relieve facial paralysis or reconstruct breasts. Microsurgery is frequently used with other surgical procedures such as the free flap procedure.

 

• Free flap procedure. A free flap procedure is often performed during breast reconstruction or following surgery to remove head or neck cancer. During the procedure, muscle, skin, or bone is transferred along with the original blood supply from one area of the body (donor site) to the surgical site in order to reconstruct the area. The procedure often involves the use of microsurgery. Healing of the surgical site can be slow and require frequent wound care. Total recovery may take six to eight weeks or longer.

 

• Tissue expansion. Tissue expansion is a medical procedure that enables your body to “grow” extra skin for use in reconstructive procedures. This is accomplished by inserting an instrument known as a “balloon expander” under the skin near the area in need of repair. Over time, this balloon will be gradually filled with saline solution (salt water), slowly causing the skin to stretch and grow, much the same way a woman’s skin stretches during pregnancy.Once enough extra skin has been grown, it is then used to correct or reconstruct a damaged body part. This procedure is especially common for breast reconstruction.Tissue expansion has many advantages in that the skin color and texture are a near perfect match for the area in which it is needed and there is little scarring since there is no removal of skin from one area to another. The major drawback to tissue expansion is the length of the procedure, which can be as long as four months. During this period, as the balloon expander grows, the bulge under the skin grows with it. This bulge may be desirable for a breast reconstruction patient; however, for patients undergoing this procedure for scalp repair, the bulge may be uncomfortably noticeable.

What Happens After Surgery for Wound Treatment?

For any surgery involving the removal and transplantation of skin, it is extremely important that you follow the general instructions and guidelines for the care of your wound once you are sent home.

Daily Activity After Cosmetic Surgery

Easy does it! Remember, your energy level will decrease when you return home after cosmetic surgerycompared to when you were in the hospital. Patients often report being more tired and easily fatigued when at home than while they were in the hospital. You may find it helpful to set up a regular routine, but remember to pace yourself. If you are tired, take time to rest. Do not overdo it.

Skin Changes After Cosmetic Surgery

Be patient with your healing after cosmetic surgery to repair burns or wounds! As you continue to heal, you will notice changes in the color, appearance, and feeling of your skin at the surgical site. You also may notice numbness, a tingling sensation, or minimal feeling around your incisions. This is normal. These sensations will continue to improve over the next few months.

Perfusion and Circulation After Cosmetic Surgery

After your cosmetic surgery, it is important to monitor perfusion (passage of fluid) and circulation of the wound site. Avoid wearing clothing that constricts or applies pressure around your wound. Also, your doctor may give you a additional instructions to help with circulation to the wound.

The following are signs indicating that there may be an infection at the surgical site. Notify your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• White pimples or blisters around incision lines.
• An increase in redness, tenderness, or swelling of the surgical site.
• Drainage from the incision line. Occasionally, a small amount of bloody or clear yellow-tinged fluid may drain. Notify your doctor if it persists or if it changes in consistency.
• A marked or sudden increase in pain not relieved by the pain medication.

You may experience some other, more general signs of infection that will require medical treatment. If you notice any of the following symptoms of infection, it is important that you call your health care provider as soon as possible.

• A persistent elevation of body temperature greater than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit (Take your temperature daily, at the same time each day
• Sweats or chills
• Skin rash
• Sore or scratchy throat or pain when swallowing
• Sinus drainage, nasal congestion, headaches, or tenderness along the upper cheekbones
• Persistent, dry or moist cough that lasts more than two days
• White patches in your mouth or on your tongue
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Trouble urinating: pain or burning, constant urge or frequent urination
• Bloody, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine

Contouring and highlighting are like chocolate syrup and vanilla ice cream: best together. First, let’s review these makeup techniques before getting into the mind-blowing contouring maps that follow.

Contouring is when you use a matte (read: not shimmery) powder, cream, or pencilproduct that’s two shades darker than your skin tone to shade areas you’d like to define or reshape, like your nose, forehead, chin, and cheekbones.

Highlighting (or strobing) offsets contouring by accentuating areas of your face with light concealer or highlighter. To properly highlight or strobe, use a concealer that’s two shades lighter than your skin tone or a highlighter that flatters your complexion to emphasize the areas of your face that naturally catch the light.

 

Figure out which contouring plan is right for you based on your face shape. Here’s a handy guide:

1. Diamond Face Shape

How to tell if your face is shaped like a diamond:

• Your hairline is more narrow than your cheeks.
• Your chin is slightly pointed.
• Your face is longer than it is wide.

Where you should contour:

• The area below your cheekbones starting from your ears and ending in the middle of your cheeks.

Where you should highlight:

• Under your eyes in an upside-down triangle shape and along your brow bone to brighten your eyes.
• In the middle of your forehead and the middle of your chin to help broaden these naturally narrow areas.

2. Heart Face Shape

How to tell if your face is shaped like a heart:

• Your cheeks are wider than your hairline.
• Your chin is narrow and pointed.
• A true heart-shaped face also has a widow’s peak.

Where you should contour:

• Along the sides of your forehead and temples to create balance between the wider upper half of your face and the more narrow lower half.
• The area below your cheekbones starting from your ears and ending in the middle of your cheeks.
• The small area right below your chin to soften the point.

Where you should highlight:

• Under your eyes in an upside-down triangle shape, which brightens your eyes.
• In the middle of your forehead and the middle of your chin to help broaden these naturally narrow areas.

3. Oblong Face Shape

How to tell if your face is oblong:

• Your face is almost twice as long as it is wide.
• You have no major points along your jaw, chin, or hairline.

Where you should contour:

• Along your hairline to create the illusion of a lower hairline.
• Under your chin to make your face appear a little rounder.
• The area below your cheekbones starting from your ears and ending in the middle of your cheeks.

Where you should highlight:

• Under your eyes in an upside-down triangle shape to brighten your eyes.

4. Oval Face Shape

How to tell if your face is shaped like an oval:

• Your face is 1.5 times longer than it is wide.
• You have no major points along your jaw, chin, or hairline.
• Your face resembles an upside-down egg.

Where you should contour:

• The sides of your forehead just slightly to make your hairline appear a little more narrow.
• The area below your cheekbones starting from your ears and ending in the middle of your cheeks.

Where you should highlight:

• In the middle of your forehead and the middle of your chin.
• Under your eyes and along your brow bone to brighten your eye area.

5. Rectangle Face Shape

How to tell if your face is shaped like a rectangle:

• The width of your hairline and jawline are about even.
• Your face is longer than it is wide.

Where you should contour:

• On the sides of your forehead to make your hairline appear more narrow.
• Along your hairline to create the illusion of a lower hairline.
• Under your jawbone to make your jawline appear more narrow.
• The area below your cheekbones starting from your ears and ending in the middle of your cheeks.

Where you should highlight:

• In the middle of your chin.
• Under your eyes and along your brow bone to brighten your eye area.

6. Round Face Shape

How to tell if your face is round:

• Your face is about as wide as it is long.
• You have no major points along your jaw, chin, or hairline.

Where you should contour:

• On the sides of your forehead and along your temples to make this wider area appear more narrow.
• The area below your cheekbones starting from your ears to in the middle of your cheeks, and then curving down to your jawline to lengthen your face.

Where you should highlight:

• In the middle of your forehead and the middle of your chin.
• Under your eyes in an upside-down triangle shape to brighten your eyes.

7.  Square Face Shape:

How to tell if your face is shaped like a square:

• Your face is about as long as it is wide.
• The width of your hairline and jawline are about even.

Where you should contour:

• On the sides of your forehead to make your hairline appear more narrow.
• Under your jawbone to make your jawline appear more narrow.
• The area below your cheekbones starting from your ears and ending in the middle of your cheeks.

Where you should highlight:

• In the middle of your forehead and the middle of your chin.
• Under your eyes and along your brow bone to brighten your eye area.

That red, itchy rash on your scalp that has flaky scales could be seborrheic dermatitis, or seborrhea. It’s a common skindisease that looks similar to psoriasis, eczema, or an allergic reaction. And it can appear on your body as well as your scalp.

Causes

We don’t know what exactly causes seborrheic dermatitis. It seems to be a combination of things, including:

• Stress
• Your genes
• A yeast that normally lives on skin
• Certain medical conditions and medicines
• Cold, dry weather

It doesn’t come from an allergy or being unclean.

Newborns and adults aged 30-60 are more likely to get seborrheic dermatitis. It’s more common in men than women and in people with oily skin. These medical conditions can also raise your risk:

• Acne
• AIDS
• Alcoholism
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Epilepsy
• Heart attack or stroke recovery
• Parkinson’s disease
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea

Symptoms

Dandruff and cradle cap are common names for seborrheic dermatitis. Babies 3 months and younger often get cradle cap: crusty yellow or brown scales on their scalp. It usually goes away before they’re a year old, although it can come back when they reach puberty.

You might get seborrheic dermatitis on your face, especially around your nose, on your eyelids, or behind your ears. It can show up on your body, too:

• In the middle part of the chest
• Around the navel
• On buttocks
• In skin folds under arms and on legs
• In the groin
• Below breasts

On babies, seborrheic dermatitis might be mistaken for diaper rash.

Skin can itch, burn, or look red. The scales that flake off could be white or yellowish and look moist or oily.

Because it can look like other skin conditions, you should see your family doctor to get a diagnosis and the right treatment. The dermatologist will ask about your medical history and look at your skin. You may need other tests if the doctor thinks it’s related to another medical condition.

Treatment

Sometimes, seborrheic dermatitis will clear up by itself. More often, it’s a lifelong issue that clears and flares. It can last for years at a time, but you can usually control it with good skin care.

Adults with seborrheic dermatitis on their scalp can use an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo that contains one of these key ingredients:

• Coal tar
• Ketoconazole
• Salicylic acid
• Selenium sulfide
• Zinc pyrithione

For infants with cradle cap, shampoo their scalp daily with warm water and baby shampoo. If that doesn’t help, talk to your pediatrician about medicated shampoos before you try one. A dandruff shampoo could irritate your baby’s scalp. To soften thick patches first, rub mineral oil onto the area and brush gently with a baby hairbrush to help peel the scales off.

On the face and body, keep the affected areas clean wash with soap and water every day. Sunlight may stop the growth of the yeast organisms that inflame the skin, so being outdoors and outdoor exercise could help make the rash go away. Always be sure to wear sunscreen.

Other treatments include:

• Antifungal products
• Corticosteroid lotions
• Prescription-strength medicated shampoos
• Sulfur products

Often the best results come from a combination of treatments, both medication and lifestyle.

Work with your doctor or pediatrician if you’re using a treatment other than shampoo, since there could be side effects, especially if you use it for longer or more often than prescribed.

If your seborrheic dermatitis doesn’t get better, or if the area becomes painful, red, swollen, or starts to drain pus, see your doctor.

What are varicose veins?

Causes of varicose veins:

Diagnosing varicose veins:

Treating and preventing varicose veins:

Losing 30 kgs or more is a major achievement. But once you have reached that goal, you might find that your thinner,healthier body needs some additional fine-tuning to make you look great. It is because significant weight loss after a bariatric surgery or otherwise, leaves behind large amounts of excess skin around the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, breasts, arms and face which has lost elasticity. Only a Plastic surgeon can offer body contouring surgeries designed specifically for each patient. These surgical procedures remove excess fat and skin, tighten, lift and reshape the body.It helps your clothes fit better and allow you to participate comfortably in your favourite activities.

 

 

There are a variety of procedures that can treat your needs after massive weight loss. Your Plastic surgeon will work with you to Identify the problematic areas and provide solutions for the same. The areas most often treated in Body contouring surgeries are:

Areas of Body Lift Treatment

Abdomen:

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck involves removing of the excess skin and tightening the underlying muscles. An incision is made above the pubic area from hip to hip , sometimes extending into the back. Panniculectomy involves removing any overhanging apron of tissue below the belly button. An umbilicoplasty is also performed concurrently.

Buttocks/Upper thighs:

A belt lipectomy or body lift is a procedure to remove excess skin and lift the thighs and buttocks. It is usually done as a continuation of abdominoplasty , the incision being extended to the belt area in the upper hips and excess skin is removed below the incision. Thighs: A medial thigh lift addresses the issues of excess skin in inner and anterior thighs. It involves an incision in the inner thigh extending from groin to lower down

Breasts/Chest:

A number of procedures are available, including breast lift with or without augmentation and breast reduction.

Arms:

Brachiaplasty or tightening of loose skin of arms can be combined with breast procedures or done alone.

Face and neck:

If the loose skin of face and neck is bothersome, a facelift or a necklift can be done.

Successful outcomes from body contouring surgeries are achieved if these following criteria are met. Stable weight for atleast an year.

Overall good health with minimal co- morbid conditions like Diabetes and hypertension NonSmoker- Smoking slows down the healing and increases the risk of complicatins.You will be asked to quit smoking 6 weeks before surgery.

Nutritionally fit-Deficiencies of protein and vitamins slows down your healing process.

Following body contouring surgery, dressings and bandage will be applied to the incision sites. There may be drains placed inside which will be removed after 48hrs. You will be given a compression garment to be worn for 6 weeks. Your post-surgery activities will be restricted for a couple of weeks which means you cannot take heavy exercises , lifting weights etc. However, walking is encouraged after surgery.

A certain degree of soreness and bruising for two to three weeks is common after surgery. Most people can return to work comfortably after two weeks.During the recovery period, you will be monitored by your Plastic surgeon to ensure best results.

Body lift procedure steps

Body lift procedures are surgical procedures and they require extensive incisions. Incision length and pattern depend on the amount and location of excess skin to be removed, as well as surgical judgment.

Advanced techniques usually allow incisions to be placed in strategic locations where they can be hidden by most types of clothing and swimsuits.

Step 1 – Anesthesia

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

Step 2 – The incision

One common technique of complete lower body lift uses incisions similar to a bikini pattern to tighten the abdomen, groin, waist, thigh and buttock in one procedure.An incision around the body removes an apron of excess skin and fat and repositions and tightens tissues.

Surgical body lifts may require liposuction to achieve an improved contour.

Step 3 – Closing the incisions

Deep sutures within underlying tissues help to form and support the newly shaped contours. Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips may be used to close the skin incisions.

Step 4 – See the results

The results of a body lift are visible almost immediately. It may take as long as one to two years for the final results to fully develop.

Facial trauma is any injury of the face and upper jaw bone (maxilla).

 

 

Causes

Blunt or penetrating trauma can cause injury to the area of the face that includes the upper jaw, lower jaw, cheek, nose, or forehead. Common causes of injury to the face include:

• Automobile accidents
• Penetrating injuries
• Violence

Symptoms

• Changes in sensation and feeling over the face
• Deformed or uneven face or facial bones
• Difficulty breathing through the nose due to swelling and bleeding
• Double vision
• Missing teeth
• Swelling around the eyes that may cause vision problems

reatment

Patients who cannot function normally or who have significant deformity will need surgery.

The goal of treatment is to:

• Control bleeding
• Create a clear airway
• Fix broken bone segments with titanium plates and screws
• Leave the fewest scars possible
• Rule out other injuries
• Treat the fracture

Treatment should be immediate, as long as the person is stable and there are no neck fractures or life-threatening injuries.

Possible Complications

General complications include, but are not limited to:

• Bleeding
• Uneven face
• Infection
• Brain and nervous system problems
• Numbness or weakness
• Loss of vision or double vision

What is buttock augmentation?

Buttock augmentation, sometimes referred to as a “Brazilian butt lift” when fat transfer is involved, uses butt implants, fat grafting or sometimes a combination of both to increase the size of your behind.

What buttock augmentation surgery can do

• Increase fullness, roundness and projection of your butt or buttocks
• Improve the balance of your figure
• Enhance your self-image and self-confidence

Buttock augmentation surgery is right for someone who does not like the shape of their butt or is looking to balance their body. It is commonly performed in one of two ways, with butt implants or fat transfer. The fat transfer procedure is commonly known as a Brazilian butt lift.

Buttock augmentation candidates

Buttock augmentation is a very personal procedure and you should do it for yourself, not for someone else.

You may be a good candidate for buttock augmentation if:

• You are physically healthy
• You have realistic expectations
• You are bothered by the feeling that your butt is too small
• You are unhappy with the roundness or general shape of your butt
• Your butt is asymmetrical

Buttock augmentation recovery

After buttock augmentation surgery, you will be taken into a recovery area to be closely monitored.

You may be permitted to go home after a few hours. Before leaving, you will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for your buttocks and any areas that may have been liposuctioned following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

You will be instructed to wear a support garment “around the clock” following your surgery. Your surgeon will tell you how long you need to wear the garment and if there are any other garments that you may have to wear during your recovery.

Each buttock augmentation procedure has specific steps that you need to take to ensure a healthy recovery and good results:

Buttock augmentation with implants

You will need to wear a support garment for approximately two to three weeks after your procedure. This will help the skin redrape properly and provide support to the augmented buttocks. Final results are noticeable three months after surgery. At this point, most of the swelling will be gone and the implants will be settled in their normal position.

Buttock augmentation with fat grafting

You will be asked to avoid prolonged sitting for about two weeks (some surgeons prefer longer). This is very important because prolonged sitting will damage the fat.

You will also be encouraged to sleep face down or on your side. When you do have to sit, you will have to use a pillow or cushion placed behind the legs (hamstring muscles) to help raise the buttocks, avoiding pressure onto the fat grafts.

You will also be provided with a support garment that will apply even compression to the areas that were treated with liposuction. In addition, small temporary drains may be placed in existing incisions beneath the skin to remove any excess blood or fluid.

You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Your surgeon may encourage you to seek a lymphatic massage from a licensed massage therapist. You can generally resume exercise after six to eight weeks.

With either procedure, it is important to be informed about the steps you can take to aid your recovery.

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?
• How long will I wear the compression garment?
• Are stitches removed? When?
• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
• When do I return for follow-up care?

It may take several months for the swelling to fully dissipate. As it does, your new contours and enhanced self-image should continue to develop.

Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It’s important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Buttock augmentation risks and safety

The decision to have buttock augmentation surgery is extremely personal. You will have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any buttock augmentation risks and potential complications.

Buttock augmentation with implants risks include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Opening of the incisions with implant exposed requiring removal
• Scarring
• Nerve damage
• Firmness
• Implant rupture
• Implant migration
• Fluid accumulation (seroma)
• Pressure on your sciatic nerve
• Anesthesia risks

Buttock augmentation by fat transfer risks include:

• Excessive loss of blood
• Blood clots
• Bruising
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Possibility of revisional surgery
• Numbness and pain
• Fat embolism, injection of fat into the bloodstream that causes inflammation in the lungs
• Infection
• Fluid shifts and lidocaine toxicity
• Complications of liposuction
• Complications of anesthesia
• Swelling and bruising
• Asymmetry
• Possible need for a revision surgery at a later date
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Anesthesia risks
• Oil cyst
• Hematoma
• Stretch marks
• Cellulite

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

What is ear surgery?

Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, can improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear.

Otoplasty can correct a defect in the ear structure that is present at birth that becomes apparent with development or it can treat misshapen ears caused by injury.

Ear surgery creates a more natural shape, while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. Correction of even minor deformities can have profound benefits to appearance and self-esteem.

If protruding or disfigured ears bother you or your child, you may consider plastic surgery.

What ear surgery can treat

• Overly large ears — a condition called macrotia
• Protruding ears occurring on one or both sides in varying degrees — not associated with hearing loss
• Adult dissatisfaction with previous ear surgery

Ear surgery candidates

Children who are good candidates for ear surgery are:

• Healthy, without a life-threatening illness or untreated chronic ear infections
• Generally 5 years old, or when a child’s ear cartilage is stable enough for correction
• Cooperative and follow instructions well
• Able to communicate their feelings and do not voice objections when surgery is discussed

Teenagers and adults who are good candidates for ear surgery are:

• Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
• Nonsmokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for ear surgery

Ear surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

 

Step 2 – The incision

Correction of protruding ears uses surgical techniques to create or increase the antihelical fold (just inside the rim of the ear) and to reduce enlarged conchal cartilage (the largest and deepest concavity of the external ear). Incisions for otoplasty are generally made on the back surface of the ear. When incisions are necessary on the front of the ear, they are made within its folds to hide them. Internal, nonremovable sutures are used to create and secure the newly shaped cartilage in place.

Step 3 – Closing the incisions

External stitches close the incision. Techniques are individualized, taking care not to distort other structures and to avoid an unnatural “pinned back” appearance.

Step 4 – See the results

Ear surgery offers near immediate results in cases of protruding ears, visible once the dressings that support the new shape of the ear during initial phases of healing are removed. With the ear permanently positioned closer to the head, surgical scars are either hidden behind the ear or well-hidden in the natural creases of the ear.

 

Ear surgery risks and safety

The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal and you will have to weigh the potential benefits in achieving your goals with the risks and potential complications of ear surgery. Only you can make that decision for yourself.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo, the alternatives and the most likely risks and potential complications.

Possible breast augmentation surgery risks include:

• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Blood clots
• Asymmetry
• Infection
• Poor wound healing
• Change in skin sensation
• Skin contour irregularities
• Skin discoloration/swelling
• Anesthesia risks
• Unfavorable scarring
• Allergies to tape, suture materials, glues, blood products, topical preparations or injected agents
• Pain, which may persist
• Possibility of revisional surgery

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

Where will my surgery be performed?

Ear surgery may be performed in your board-certified plastic surgeon’s accredited office-based surgical facility, an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital. Your plastic surgeon and the assisting staff will fully attend to your comfort and safety.

After surgery, bandages or dressings will be applied to keep your surgical site clean, protect it from trauma and to support the new position of the ear during initial healing.

You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to take care of your ears following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection and when to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.

When you go home

Should any complications occur, notify your plastic surgeon who will determine if any additional treatment is needed.

Be careful

Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, sunlight or tanning bed light, abrasion or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

It’s very important to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.

What is breast lift surgery?

A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour.

Sometimes the areola becomes enlarged over time, and a breast lift will reduce this as well.

A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure with a breast profile that is more youthful and uplifted.A woman’s breasts often change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness. These changes and loss of skin elasticity can result from:

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Weight fluctuations
• Aging
• Gravity
• Heredity

What breast lift surgery can’t do

Breast lift surgery does not significantly change the size of your breasts or round out the upper part of your breast.If you want your breasts to look fuller, consider breast lift and breast augmentation surgery.

If you want smaller breasts, consider combining breast lift and breast reduction surgery.

Breast lift risks and safety

The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal, and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of breast lift surgery are acceptable.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any breast lift risks and potential complications.

Breast lift risks include:

• Anesthesia risks
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Infection
• Poor healing of incisions
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
• Breast contour and shape irregularities
• Breast asymmetry
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Fluid accumulation
• Potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Possibility of revisional surgery

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all of your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

Breast lift and breast implant placement

Some women may want to consider placement of a breast implant in addition to the breast lift.

An implant can provide improved upper breast fullness or cleavage. Implants can be placed at the same time or as a second procedure, depending on the experience of the surgeon.

Preparing for breast lift surgery

In preparing for breast lift surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Get a baseline mammogram before surgery and another one after surgery to help detect any future changes in your breast tissue
• Stop smoking
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat that you can’t seem to get rid of through diet and exercise.

A plastic or dermatologic surgeon usually does the procedure on your hips, belly, thighs, buttocks, or face to improve their shape. But liposuction can also be done with other plastic surgeries, including facelifts, breast reductions, and tummy tucks.

Liposuction removes fat from your body using suction. During liposuction, small, thin, blunt-tipped tubes (cannula) are inserted through tiny cuts in the skin. Fat is suctioned out through these tubes as the doctor moves the tubes around under the skin to target specific fat deposits.

In recent years, improved techniques have made liposuction safer, easier, and less painful. These newer techniques include:

• Tumescent liposuction. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area of your body where the tube will be inserted. Next, a large amount of an anesthetic solution containing lidocaine and epinephrine is injected into the fatty tissue before traditional liposuction is done. Tumescent liposuction may not require general anesthesia (which makes you sleep through the procedure).
• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction. This technique uses ultrasound to liquefy the fat, which makes it easier to remove. This technique may be particularly helpful in removing fat from the neck, upper abdomen, sides, and back.
• Laser-assisted liposuction. This technique uses low-energy waves to liquefy the fat, which is removed through a small cannula.

Liposuction is usually done as an outpatient procedure in a properly equipped doctor’s office, ambulatory surgery center, or hospital. In general, it does not require an overnight hospital stay unless a large volume of fat is being removed. Local anesthesia is used in some cases. And you may or may not be given a sedative to help you relax. If a large area or volume of fat is being treated, general anesthesia or deep sedation with a local anesthetic may be used.

What To Expect After Treatment

After the procedure, the area of the body that was treated is firmly wrapped to help reduce swelling, bruising, and pain. Elastic bandages and tape, support hose (such as those used to treat varicose veins), a special girdle, or another type of firm-fitting garment may be used, depending on which part of the body was treated. You may have to wear the compression garment or wrap for 3 to 4 weeks. Expect a lot of bruising and swelling for at least the first 7 to 10 days.

Fluid may drain from the incision sites for several days. You may be given antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.

Most people are able to get up and move around as soon as the treatment is finished and after the effects of the anesthesia and any sedation have worn off. You can return to your normal activities as soon as you feel comfortable, although this may take several days to a few weeks. Most people can return to work within a few days. Recovery may take longer if large areas were treated.

Why It Is Done

The main purpose of liposuction is to reshape one or more areas of your body, not to reduce body weight. Liposuction is typically used on “problem” areas that have not responded well to diet and exercise. These areas are often on the outer thighs and hips on women and the waist and back on men. The face, neck, abdomen, back, buttocks, legs, and upper arms are all commonly treated areas.

Liposuction is sometimes used in combination with other cosmetic surgery procedures, such as a “tummy tuck” (abdominoplasty), breast reduction, or face-lift.

Liposuction may also be used to treat certain medical conditions, including:

• Benign fatty tumors (lipomas).
• Abnormal enlargement of the male breasts (gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia).
• Problems with metabolism of fat in the body (lipodystrophy).
• Excessive sweating in the armpit area (axillary hyperhidrosis).

Liposuction is not used to treat obesity. It will not get rid of cellulite or stretch marks.

How Well It Works

Liposuction is usually very effective at removing fat deposits in small areas. But if you regain weight after having liposuction, the fatty bulges that were removed are likely to return or may appear in a different place.

Some improvement in body contour is usually noticeable right after surgery. And improvement may continue for several weeks or even months as the swelling goes away. The full effects of having liposuction may not be visible for several months to a year.

Liposuction (except for laser liposuction) generally does not tighten the skin over the treated area. After fat has been removed, the skin around the area may be somewhat loose. It may take up to 6 months for the skin to tighten around the treated area. Some people’s skin is very elastic and retracts more quickly than other people’s skin. Younger skin tends to have greater elasticity than older skin.

People who expect liposuction to help them lose weight are usually disappointed.

Risks

Liposuction done by an experienced doctor in a properly equipped facility is usually safe. Having more than one area treated, or having a very large area treated, may increase the risk of complications during or after the procedure.

Common side effects of liposuction include:

• Temporary swelling, bruising, soreness, and numbness in and around the treated areas.
• Irritation and minor scarring around the incision sites where the cannulas were inserted.
• Baggy or rippling skin. The skin will usually tighten and retract after a few months. But in some people the skin may remain somewhat loose.

Less common side effects include:

• Permanent color changes in the skin.
• Uneven skin surface over the treated area.
• Damage to the nerves and skin. The heat generated during ultrasound-assisted liposuction may burn the skin or damage the tissue under the skin.

If you gain weight after having liposuction, your body may store the new fat in a different place than where you had fat cells removed. New fat can grow deep inside your body, around your organs, such as your heart or liver. This type of fat can be more harmful to your body than fat that is stored near the surface of your body, such as on your hips or thighs. So people who have liposuction need to be careful not to gain extra weight.

Dangerous complications

Although death is very rare with liposuction, it can happen. If you are having a large amount of fat removed, are obese, or have health problems, your risks go up. Possible complications include:

• Excessive blood and fluid loss, leading to shock. But this is extremely unlikely.
• Fat clots or blood clots, which may travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) and become life-threatening.
• Buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This is most likely to occur when a large volume of fluid is injected into the body.
• Infection. In some cases, antibiotics may be given before or after liposuction to help prevent infection.
• Toxic reaction to the injected solution (lidocaine toxicity), especially if large areas or many areas are treated at one time.
• A puncture into the cavity containing the abdominal organs or damage to an organ such as the spleen.

Liposuction should not be done in people who have severe heart problems, who have blood-clotting disorders (such as thrombophilia, a disorder in which the blood clots easily or excessively), or during pregnancy.