 Frequently Asked Plastic Surgery Questions
Patient: How can I be sure my surgeon and I are on the same page about what I hope to accomplish with my facelift surgery?
Dr. G: Trust your intuitive initial assessment of your surgeon. He must be able to explain in clear terms what the surgery can and can not do for you, any risks and complications, and how confident he is in performing your procedure. He should also be able to give you an accurate idea of how you will look post-surgically and how long it will take to get there. We believe that it's very important for patients to have the opportunity to express what bothers them about their appearance. We will then offer suggestions and together decide upon a treatment plan.
Patient: I've heard that some surgeons use computer imaging to give patients a better idea of how a procedure can improve their looks. Do you use it?
Dr. G: Yes, we do have computer imaging available at our center. In our experience we've found it a very useful tool for patients who are considering rhinoplasty or facial implants. It's particularly useful in evaluating profile changes. It also helps in our communication, allowing for patient input in guiding our surgical planning.
Patient: Are their different ways to perform a facelift and if so, how do I know which one will give me the best results?
Dr. G: Yes, there are several. Our facelift approach is to target the specific areas of concern which generally involve the mid to lower portion of the face. We perform a deep plane facelift which suspends the underlying muscle and subcutaneous tissue. This procedure allows us to re-drape the skin without pulling it too tight to avoid that windswept look. Another advantage is that it provides a long lasting result.
Patient: I've seen advertisements for a facelift that can be done quickly and has a rapid recovery. What can you tell me about it?
Dr. G: Our goal is to give you natural, long lasting results. What you've read about is a very superficial facelift that doesn't tighten the underlying structure and will not last long . Therefore, you may require a second facelift in a relatively short period of time.
Patient: I'm considering a rhinoplasty. Can you tell me how much in-put I will have about how my new nose will look?
Dr. G: We believe that there needs to be an open dialogue between the patient and doctor. Some patients seek a stronger profile, while others want a softer appearance. Each person's nose should fit his or her face, and as such, must be unique. In other words, we customize the surgery to each patient's goal. As we see it, our job is to create a natural looking nose that blends with your facial features.
Patient: I've had a few rhinoplasties and I am still very dissatisfied. Is it safe to undergo another operation? If so, how can I be sure this will be the last time?
Dr. G: In general, it is safe to repeat a rhinoplasty which is called a revision rhinoplasty, as opposed to an initial or primary rhinoplasty. Specifically, the advisability of a revision rhinoplasty is something that we need to evaluate during your consultation. A revision rhinoplasty is a much more complex surgery than a primary rhinoplasty and requires a surgeon who is both experienced and comfortable with this procedure. In our rhinoplasty practice, which is extensive, about one-third of the cases are revisions. These people are referred to us from all over the country.
Patient: I'd like my very thin lips to be made fuller, but I'm concerned that they might look too big. Can you solve my dilemma?
Dr. G: Absolutely. Our preference for lip augmentation is to utilize injectable fillers. These vary in longevity from temporary to permanent. We will discuss the advantages of each and then together choose the appropriate means of correction. Permanent fillers usually require a series of two to three treatments. This gradual change allows patients to determine their appropriate lip size.
Patient: I went for a plastic surgery consultation and the surgeon suggested facial implants. Can I safely have both a cheek and chin implant? And how long do they last?
Dr. G: Yes, both a chin implant and cheek implant can be placed safely. The material we use has a proven 40 year safety record. Your implants' effect should last a lifetime.
Patient: What can you do to erase the bags under my eyes?
Dr. G: The best way to deal with bulges under the eyes is by removing the fat pads during lower eyelid surgery. Once done, the results should be permanent.
Patient: Is surgery the only approach to bags under the eyes?
Dr. G: No, there is another non-surgical alternative for those patients who have a hollowed appearance under the eyes. The procedure is done in our center using an injectable material. The recovery time is shorter than with a surgical blepharoplasty, no sedation is necessary, and the recovery time is much shorter.
Patient: I've heard different opinions about whether a fat transfer lasts. What can you tell me about it?
Dr. G. We are extremely experienced in the use of fat transfer to contour the face. The longevity and success of a fat transfer is technique dependent. You will find that a physician who uses the method that we teach nationally gets results that are long lasting, if not permanent. |
