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BREAST LIFT: The Post-Operative and Recovery Period

Jun 8

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In every surgery, it is also important to be aware of some facts regarding the post-operative period and especially the recovery phase. After the entire breast lift procedure, dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. You’ll need to wear an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling and support your breasts through the healing process. There might be some pain, but it should not be severe and it can be treated by a prescription from your plastic surgeon. After the bandages and surgical bra have been removed, your doctor may suggest that you wear an athletic or sport bra until the swelling subsides.

You will feel drowsy and dizzy from the anesthetic which is completely normal. This usually takes about 48 hours to wear off. During this period, avoid performing strenuous activities like heavy lifting or straining. You can return to work normally within a week and to full activity within a month. Sensation in your nipples may be reduced temporarily, but sensation usually returns to normal as your breasts heal. Breast feeding is typically unhindered because the connecting glandular tissue of the nipple and areola are left intact during breast lift surgery.

You will be discharged from the clinic or hospital the next day. You will be given an ample supply of painkillers and a set of instructions on what to do following your surgery. Your surgeon will visit you to see how you are doing and to arrange your first follow up visit. You will be given a date and time of this appointment. You will also be given contact details for your surgeon if you need to get in touch.

The final results of your breast lift will become visible over the next few months as breast shape and position continue to settle. Incision lines are permanent, but will continue to lighten over time. The results of your breast lift surgery will be long-lasting. However it could not stop the aging process and your breasts will continue to change due to aging and gravity. But, you’ll be able to retain your new look longer if you will maintain your weight and keep a healthy lifestyle.

Keep in mind that while a breast lift in the Philippines and in any other country, does not usually affect breast function, if you are planning to become pregnant, you still have to discuss it with your plastic surgeon. Changes that occur in the breasts during pregnancy can minimize or reverse the improvement a breast lift provides. Similarly, plans for significant weight loss should also be discussed.

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3 Different types of Abdominoplasty or Tummy-tuck

Jun 8

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Abdominoplasty in the Philippines or most commonly known as ‘tummy tuck’ is a popular surgical procedure that involves taking away excess skin and fat from the waist which cannot be remove by diet and exercise alone. This procedure is the most effective way to tighten the stomach area. It also gets rid of baggy or wrinkled skin. Stretch marks between the belly button and pubic hair are also eliminated. Fat tissue in the lower abdomen can also be removed. The abdominal wall muscles are tightened so that even when sitting down or bending over the abdomen doesn’t stick out.

Tummy tuck has three major variations namely: Traditional abdominoplasty, Partial or ‘mini’ abdominoplasty and extended abdominoplasty. The first type which is the traditional abdominoplasty is the most commonly performed type of tummy tuck surgery. It is ideal for men and women who are in good physical health and who have a considerable portion of loose skin to remove from their midsection. It involves the formation of a hip-to-hip incision, as well as incisions around the belly button. Since it addresses the patient’s entire abdominal area, this procedure often involves moving the belly button to ensure that it will give natural looking results. Traditional tummy tucks are commonly combined with abdominal liposuction.

Mini Abdominoplasty is also known as the scar less tummy tuck surgery. This kind of tummy tuck are intended for patients who are within 10% of their ideal body weight and are contented with making alterations only to the part of the abdomen that is below the navel. Mini tummy tucks require only a single small incision and does not necessarily involves repositioning the navel. Partial abdominoplasties result in less dramatic changes to the appearance of the abdomen unlike other types of abdominoplasty surgery, but also offer a shorter recovery time than most tummy tuck procedures.

The last type which is the extended abdominoplasty is often an effective treatment for patients who wish to refine their figures following substantial weight loss. Such patients usually need help restoring tone to the abdominal, hip, flank, and back muscles, and are also bothered by abundant amounts of excess skin, sometimes weighing several pounds. This procedure is ideal for patients who have a significant amount of excess fat and skin in the flank, upper hip, and lower back regions.

Different patients prefer different types of tummy tuck depending on their own physical condition, personal preference as well as the budget. During the consultation process, it is better to ask your surgeon for the finest type of abdominoplasty that will best achieve all your realistic goals.

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Rhinoplasty 101: A Quick Look from the Past

Jun 8

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Rhinoplasty came from two greek words rhino which means “nose” and plassein which means “to reshape”. Rhinoplasty was believed to have been discussed as an aesthetic objective during the middle or late Renaissance. The earliest report of nasal surgery perhaps, is the description of the treatment of nasal fractures in the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus in which the first use of pressure dressing in surgery is found. In the country of India, one of the Brahman holy books, the Sushruta Veda describes the repair mutilated noses by a cheek flap, using a leaf as a pattern. The procedure was performed by tile makers and was apparently quite common, due to the practice of cutting off the tip of the nose as punishment.

Cutting of the nose or nose tip was a common way of punishing thieves in India. The injured nose served as a warning to others and the convicts logically wished to have their noses restored. By surgically reshaping noses, Sushata Samgita (an Indian Surgeon) made it possible for convicts to get a fresh start and live a life where they were not stigmatized by their previous conviction. By the middle 1800s different surgeons in America and Europe began to experiment cosmetic surgical procedures to enhance the shape and appearance of the nose.

The first intranasal rhinoplasty was performed by John Orland Roe in 1887 and was transformed into a medical art from by Jacques Joseph in 1898 which aims to help people when the size of their nose caused them social embarrassment.

This procedure took a huge advancement throughout the most tragic times of the 20th century during the WWII. In order to provide wounded troops greater quality of life, surgeons were strained to make major technological advances which lead to the improvement of anesthesia and antiseptic techniques, bringing major advances in rhinoplasty surgery.

During the old times, this type of surgery cost a lot and could only be afforded by rich or famous people. From 1950 till today, the development of rhinoplasty has been improved upon by technological advances. Rhinoplasty can now be done on any kind of patients, irrespective of their cultural and financial background. It also became quiet cost effective which allows more people to get a nose job.

In the present time, nose-reshaping surgery or the nose job is one of the most common types of facial surgery. Rhinoplasty in the Philippines was known to improve the appearance and proportion of the nose. It enhances facial harmony and boost self confidence. Surgery of the nose may also correct impaired breathing caused by structural abnormalities in the nose.

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Who should consider Blepharoplasty or Eye Bag Removal Surgery?

Jun 8

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Eye bag removal surgery, technically known as blepharoplasty is a one of the most common facial surgery in the Philippines. It is essential for both men and women who have loose skin, surplus fatty tissue and relaxed muscles in the eyelids. This surgical procedure will make the eyes look younger by smoothing and firming up the lids.

Blepharoplasty won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently but it could definitely enhance your appearance and self-confidence. Before making the decision to undergo eye bag removal surgery, you have to think of realistic expectations that you want to achieve after all the procedures are done.

The best candidates for blepharoplasty are those people whose eyes are puffy, appear to be hooded or are generally tired looking then this is how you will appear to that makes them look tired, stressed or exhausted. There are various reasons why you should consider having this kind of surgery. If you have drooping eyelids to such an extent that they are affecting your vision then blepharoplasty is an option. This is clearly a physical problem and one that needs to be addressed.

There are also aesthetic reasons for surgery such as being fed up of bloated bags under the eyes; wanting to tighten drooping eyelids and having a tired and old appearance. This surgery can deal with excessive wrinkling on the lower eyelids. It can also brighten and generally, liven up the eyes making it look younger and fresher.

Those bags under the eyes and drooping eyelids are clear signs of the ageing process and so this procedure is usually performed on people aged 35 upwards. It is not usually carried out on younger people. Nevertheless there also some younger people who want to have this surgery, generally because they have very noticeable bags under the eyes and ‘hooded’ eyes. ‘Hooded’ eyes are where the upper lids droop so much that they appear to obscure the eyes which affect the vision as well.

As you talk to your surgeon during the consultation, he or she will advise you on your suitability for surgery. People who achieve the most from this procedure are those who are typically healthy and those who have realistic expectations. It will improve the appearance of your eyelids but will not give you absolute perfection. As with any procedure, there are some facial aspects which cannot be corrected. These include deep wrinkles, dark circles underneath the eyes, ‘crow’s feet’ and sagging eyebrows. It cannot change ethnic or racial characteristics as well.

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Factors to look for when choosing a Facelift Surgeon in the Philippines

Jun 8

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Wrinkles on the face, lose and saggy skin as well as extra fats drooping around the next make a person look older than he/she actually does. However, the good news is that these visible signs of aging can definitely be corrected by Facelift also know as rhytidectomy. This process could not stop the aging process but it could restore your youthful appearance by removing extra skin and fat and straitening the muscles.

The decision to have a facelift is extremely personal and you will have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. After weighing all the benefits over the risks and you still finds yourself wanting to have a facelift, then it would be of outmost importance to choose a qualified surgeon for you and to know the cost of the said procedure.

To further have an idea on how to choose the right surgeon for your facelift in the Philippines, it is very important to look or search for the following:

Training

Pick a surgeon who has completed at least five to six years of formal training in plastic and reconstructive surgery in accredited training hospitals. There are 4 residency programs in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery which are accredited by the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery and the Philippine College of Surgeons. These are the training programs of the UP-PGH Medical Center, UST, and the 2 consortium programs approved by the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery where residents rotate in various hospitals. Training includes three to five years of general surgery residency and two to three years of plastic surgery residency. Doctors who have completed residency training in plastic and reconstructive surgery are the only doctors who can rightfully claim to be plastic surgeons.

Certification

A good surgeon should have completed the accredited plastic residency training program enables the doctor to become a “board-eligible” plastic surgeon, meaning that he is qualified to take the written and oral examinations of the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery. After the doctor passes both written and oral examinations, he becomes a “board-certified” plastic surgeon.
Many doctors who perform cosmetic surgery procedures are board-certified in specialties other than plastic surgery or may even lack such credentials. It is recommended that the patient choose a plastic surgeon that is duly certified by the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery, the only organization recognized by the Philippine College of Surgeons to grant board certification in the field of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in the Philippines.

Experience

Good credentials provide a reasonable indication of a doctor’s qualification to perform cosmetic surgery, and should serve as the basic starting point. Patients should then ask the surgeon about his experience. How long has he been in practice and how many times has he done the procedure you are considering? The broader your surgeon’s experience is, the greater your chances for a successful surgery.

Testimonials and Before and After Pictures

It would also help you decide whether a surgeon is good or not by reading all the testimonials of a surgeon’s patients. They could testify whether the doctor did a great job in their operation or not. Browsing the before and after pictures will also give you some proofs how good a surgeon is.

If your surgeon passed all the above pointers then it the possibility to have a successful operation would be greater. The price might be higher than any other surgeon however, you should always keep in mind that the price should not be the major factor in choosing a doctor but the success of your expectations to turn back the clock.

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Liposuction 104: How to Minimize the Risks and Possible Complications

Jun 8

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All cosmetic surgery, including liposuction, is not without its risks. They are quite rare, however, it you should still be aware of this before going ahead. Some common dangers of liposuction include infection, a reaction to the anesthesia, blood clotting, and fluid loss. Less severe liposuction risks include bruises and scars, a numbing of the skin, and moderate problems such as changes in skin pigmentation.

Non-life-threatening liposuction complications include bruising, scars, a lumpy appearance, sagging or discolored skin, focal skin necrosis, fainting after surgery, numbness, and non-lethal drug interactions. All liposuction problems should be discussed with your doctor, as some may become serious if left untreated.

Complications of liposuction usually includes infection, extended healing time, allergic reaction to medication or anesthesia, fat or blood clots – clots can migrate to the lungs and lead to death, excessive fluid loss – fluid loss can lead to shock and, in some cases, death, fluid accumulation, friction burns, damage to the skin or nerves and even damage to vital organs.

The most vital dangers of liposuction include risks associated with removing too much fat from targeted areas at once, as well as having too much liposuction performed in a single day. Excessive liposuction can cause problems including dents, lumps, and sagging skin.

In order to minimize such surgical complications and the side effects of overexposure to anesthesia, patients should schedule multiple liposuction procedures at least several days apart. You should also be honest to your surgeon regarding smoking, drinking alcohol and taking in of aspirins. Those three could bring a lot of complications such as excessive bleeding if you weren’t able to stop few weeks before your surgery.

To maximize the success of liposuction surgery, it is extremely important to choose a cosmetic surgeon who will clearly and thoroughly explain potential liposuction side effects and risks. He or she should also have proper and extensive training, along with state-of-the-art facilities and a good standing in the field. Do not be contented that you got the lowest price for your surgery because you might end up spending more for another surgery.

You should also learn how to disclose your entire medical history to your doctor and discuss all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take on a regular basis. Patients should fully understand what is involved in this procedure. Patient should always follow their cosmetic surgeon’s instructions for surgical preparation and postoperative care up to the time of their full recovery.

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Facelift 101: The Beginning of Rhytidectomy

Jun 8

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All of us are familiar with rhytidectomy, most commonly known as “face lift“, as a procedure that could make a person look younger than what he or she actually is. It is the process of removing excess facial skin from the face, neck and cheeks to improve visible signs of aging. If you are interested on having this kind of facelift, you might to have some ideas on how it all started.

The history of facelift surgery spans the last century. In 1901, a doctor named Hollander described a surgical procedure in which he had “lifted” the patient’s face to achieve a fresher and more youthful appearance. The doctor made incisions around the perimeter of the subject’s face, then pulled back the epidermis and removed the extra tissue. The incisions were closed, and the operation was considered as a successful one.

During this time only the top layer of the skin was tightened. The fat and muscles beneath the skin were untouched making it stay saggy and aged as they were. There were undeniable improvements to patients’ faces, but these were temporary. In 1910, Dr. Lexer then brought up the concept of cutting more deeply into the skin, repositioning not only the epidermis but the subcutaneous layer as well. This produced longer-lasting results, and was the basis for facelift surgeries over the next 64 years.

The latter seemed to be an effective way of tightening the skin however; doctors found out that they could still go deeper. In 1974, they began repositioning the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS). The SMAS is the layer of muscle and tissue below the skin. Thus, came the concept of a facelift that did not depend on the detachment of the epidermis. By repositioning both the skin and the SMAS, plastic and cosmetic surgeons are now able to provide patients with amazing, long-lasting, and unnoticeable results.

More advances came in time, leading to facelift surgery that was less traumatic than ever before where patients seemed to have a lot of uncertainties. Incisions were made above the patient’s hairline, which kept visible scarring to its minimum. Faster, less invasive procedures were also introduced in recent years. Now facelifts in the Philippines can be carried out with endoscopes, and there are even several noninvasive facelift alternatives as well done by different Filipino surgeons. While Dr. Hollander’s approach seems crude in the present time, but we still have to thank for the improvement of the modern facelift surgery that people enjoy nowadays.

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FACELIFT: Basic Procedures and Techniques

Jun 8

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A face lift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure used to reduce facial wrinkles, eliminate telltale signs of aging, and improve the overall appearance of the face and neck. Lots of people undergo rhytidectomy to help them reverse the harmful effects of time, stress, and other elements.

During face lift surgery, most patients are given a local anesthesia together with a sedative, so that they are awake but unable to feel the pain of the procedure. Some doctors also uses general anesthesia, which puts the patient to sleep. Your doctor will recommend which anesthesia is best for you.

After the anesthetics took effect, the surgeon then begins by making an incision above the hairline from the temple and curves around the earlobe, ending at the bottom of the hairline. The surgeon may also make a small incision under the chin to specifically tighten the skin of the neck separating the facial skin from the underlying tissue.

The doctor first separates the skin from the fat and muscle underneath. He or she may suction out (via liposuction) or trim excess fat to give the face a sleeker look. is There is a layer of tissue called the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) underneath the skin. The doctor tightens this layer by folding it — pulling it back over itself. Tightening the SMAS layer lifts the cheeks, gives the jawline more definition, and firms the neck. There would also be some procedures done on the neck itself which is known as the neck lift. The neck lift incision often begins in front of the ear lobe and wraps around behind the ear ending in the lower scalp.

The skin is then repositioned with stitches or staples, and the treated area is wrapped with bandages. The removal of accumulated fat and excess skin generally results in a noticeable reduction of sagging and age lines in the face. Combined with the tightening of facial muscles, such face lift surgery procedures can give patients a refreshed, younger-looking, and more vibrant appearance.

For older patients seeking substantial alterations to their appearance, face lift surgery is likely to be more invasive than for patients in their 30s and 40s, who often require relatively slight adjustments to counteract moderate signs of aging. The entire surgery can take about two to four hours, depending on the extent of the tissue and muscle work, and the number of different procedures being performed and the healing process will last for several weeks. During this time, pain medication is usually prescribed, and physical and social activity may be limited initially. Because incisions are made above the hairline whenever possible, virtually any scarring will be obscured by the patient’s hair. You should ask your surgeon from time to time to know where you can go back to your normal activities and what to do during the entire recovery process.

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Non Surgical VS Surgical Eye Bag Removal

Jun 8

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Lots of people suffer from dark circles under or around the eyes. These dark circles could make people look tired, exhausted and sometimes unhealthy. These eye bags occur due to a wide variation of reasons such as stress and lack of sleep. These dim bags could occur to both man and women of all ages.

There is a wide range of non surgical procedures to remove those irritating eye bags. First and foremost, getting enough sleep would help you get rid of those puffy eye bags. You should sleep at least 7-8 hours daily so you could give enough time for your skin to replenish.

Vitamin E is also good for revitalizing skin and it will not only nourish the skin under your eyes, but also cause your eye bag to diminish. You could roll it over your eye bag (the soft capsules) while gently squeezing it so that the liquid in the capsule oozes out. You could do this as your before-bed time ritual and it could really help eliminate those dark circles.

Another famous way of treating this dilemma is thru natural eye-mask using slices of cucumbers. You just have to put it over your eyes everyday and you could see gradual improvements on the skin under your eyes. Having a healthy diet could also help you with this. Eat protein rich food such as egg white, animal liver, tomato, beans as they can replace the dead cells that form your eye bags.

However, for some people, they find those natural ways unhelpful since they could not see any changes after weeks or months of following those procedures. Some people don’t have the time as well to perfume those routinely task. In such cases, there are simple but definitely effective surgical procedures that could help you eliminate those popping eye bags.

This surgery is technically known as blepharoplasty. It improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, and gives a rejuvenated appearance to the surrounding area of your eyes, making you look more rested and alive. Blepharoplasty involves the removal of excess skin, fat and muscle from around the eyes to correct droopy upper eyelids. This can be done as an outpatient basis and it takes around 30 to 45 minutes per eyelid surgery, under local anesthesia, with or without sedation.

The only disadvantage of this surgical over procedure over the non surgical remedy is that you definitely need to spend more. However, it will always depend on your own preference whether you will to fast and effective blepharoplasty or you will just stick to the long but natural process of eradicating eye bags.

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How to Get a Qualified Surgeon for Your Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Jun 8

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Most women aren’t really satisfied with the small or normal size of their breasts. More often than not, they believe that a larger and fuller breast looks more beautiful and could make them feel more confident. Good thing is that surgeons found a very comfortable way to enhance those breasts through breast augmentation surgery.


Technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, breast augmentation is an aesthetic surgery done to enlarge small, underdeveloped breasts, performed to balance asymmetric breasts due to post mastectomy reconstruction, and give breast volume to women who have given birth.

Breast Augmentation is fairly safe but no procedure is completely risk free. There are several concerns regarding breast augmentation like the surgery itself, the implants and the risk of anesthesia. However these complications could be lessen by choosing the right surgeon. In order to find a doctor that could give your desired results, it is important to look for the following:

Training

Pick a surgeon who has completed at least five to six years of formal training in plastic and reconstructive surgery in accredited training hospitals. There are 4 residency programs in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery which are accredited by the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery and the Philippine College of Surgeons. These are the training programs of the UP-PGH Medical Center, UST, and the 2 consortium programs approved by the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery where residents rotate in various hospitals. Training includes three to five years of general surgery residency and two to three years of plastic surgery residency. Doctors who have completed residency training in plastic and reconstructive surgery are the only doctors who can rightfully claim to be plastic surgeons.

Certification

A good surgeon should have completed the accredited plastic residency training program enables the doctor to become a “board-eligible” plastic surgeon, meaning that he is qualified to take the written and oral examinations of the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery. After the doctor passes both written and oral examinations, he becomes a “board-certified” plastic surgeon.
Many doctors who perform cosmetic surgery procedures are board-certified in specialties other than plastic surgery or may even lack such credentials. It is recommended that the patient choose a plastic surgeon that is duly certified by the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery, the only organization recognized by the Philippine College of Surgeons to grant board certification in the field of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in the Philippines.

Experience

Good credentials provide a reasonable indication of a doctor’s qualification to perform cosmetic surgery, and should serve as the basic starting point. Patients should then ask the surgeon about his experience. How long has he been in practice and how many times has he done the procedure you are considering? The broader your surgeon’s experience is, the greater your chances for a successful surgery.

Testimonials and Before and After Pictures

It would also help you decide whether a surgeon is good or not by reading all the testimonials of a surgeon’s patients. They could testify whether the doctor did a great job in their operation or not. Browsing the before and after pictures will also give you some proofs how good a surgeon is.

If you are thinking of having a breast augmentation surgery, you should really give time researching for your surgeon’s background. This will not only give you some information about how good a surgeon is, but it could also make you feel comfortable and confident.

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