You’re contemplating a cosmetic surgery procedure, but before you book a consultation you need some answers. Here are some of the most common facial surgery questions answered.
Q: How do I know which procedure is right for me?
A: You may have an idea of what you want to change on your face, but a qualified surgeon will be able to advise you on how best to address your concerns. Only after a thorough consultation will they be able to recommend a treatment plan that can address your requirements, while marrying what’s aesthetically achievable.
No single procedure is right for every patient, and it’s important to know that facial surgery is not a case of one size fits all. It’s also important to acknowledge that while you believe a facelift may be the answer, a surgeon’s expertise may lead them to recommend a procedure that you hadn’t already thought of.
Q: How do I select the most suitable surgeon for my procedure?
A: It’s important to select a surgeon who not only has the relevant procedural expertise for your particular surgery, but who makes you feel comfortable and will encourage you to express your desires and motivations for surgery during your consultation. Look for an experienced doctor who is a member of a professional body, and who can show they have met additional requirements for continuing education and experience in cosmetic surgery. The doctor’s training and certification should be appropriate to the procedure you are after. ‘Before’ and ‘after’ images of their patients will show you examples of the doctor’s aesthetics. Although online is a good source for initial research, ‘word of mouth’ recommendations from other patients are also helpful.
Q: My procedure is booked. What do I do now?
A: Your surgeon will recommend a number of steps for you to take prior to surgery – to ensure your body is in the best physical state. You may be advised to stop taking aspirin or anti- inflammatory medications, Vitamin E and other herbal supplements two weeks prior to surgery. If you smoke, your doctor will advise you to quit well in advance due to the additional risk of complications during and after surgery posed by nicotine intake. You will also need to refrain from smoking post-surgery, as smoking impairs healing. It’s also recommended that you drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest in the lead up to your surgery.
Q: Will I be in much pain after surgery?
A: Discomfort is to be expected after any surgery and the level of pain experienced will vary between patients. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to manage your pain effectively, and some patients will be able to move from prescription pain medication to paracetamol after only a few days. Typically, patients report feeling less pain than they expected after their procedure.
Q: Will I have much bruising or swelling?
A: Bruising and swelling are to be expected after any surgery and, depending on the extent of your surgery, should begin to subside after around one week, usually completely disappearing after two to three weeks.
Q: Will I be able to go home immediately after surgery?
A: This depends on what surgery you are having. Most facial surgery procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, although more extensive procedures may require you to stay overnight. Typically, you will be moved to a ‘recovery’ area immediately after your surgery and allowed to go home several hours afterwards.
If you have undergone sedation, you will need someone to drive you home and assist you overnight.
Q: Will I have any scarring?
A: Any scarring caused by your surgery will typically diminish over time to become barely visible. In some procedures, such as facelifts and eyelid surgery, great care is taken to place scars in hidden areas – such as the hairline, in skin folds and creases. There are steps you can take to minimise your risk of scarring such as eating well, and avoiding smoking and alcohol, all of which will facilitate the body’s natural healing process.
Q: When can I go back to work?
A: The length of time you take off work will depend on the type of facial surgery procedure you are having. Typically, less invasive surgery will require one to two weeks off work, whereas more invasive surgery or multiple procedures will need two to three weeks. During your ‘down time’ you may need to wear bandages, or have stitches removed prior to returning to work.
Q: When will I be able to resume my normal activities such as exercise?
A: Aerobic activity can slow recovery after facial surgery by increasing the time it takes for swelling to subside.
It is recommended you avoid strenuous activity for about a month after surgery.
Q: How long will it take for my final results to appear?
A: The results of facial surgery tend to emerge gradually, and may take up to 18 months to settle completely. Initially, the results will be hidden by bruising and ‘swelling’, which will settle after a couple of weeks. CBM
