| Q:
HOW MUCH WILL I REJUVENATE? |
A: Surgery
cannot turn a 40-year-old face into a 20-year-old one, but can make
a face look 5-10 years younger. Although this seems obvious, it must
be emphasized because incorrect information spread out by misinformed
laypeople and/or the biased media lead some patients to believe that
it is possible to “set the aging process back” at their
wish. No plastic surgeon is able to achieve this.
| Q:
WHAT WILL THE SCARS BE LIKE? WILL THEY DISAPPEAR? |
A: Cosmetic
surgery aims at improving flaccidity, wrinkles, creases, etc., thus
rejuvenating the face. The scars, however, are permanent, but become
less and less visible as time goes by. In the meanwhile, they can be
perfectly camouflaged with resources such as make-up and suitable hairstyles.
The scarring process varies with the patients, and in certain cases
the scars become nearly invisible. Many patients, however, forget the
details that are discussed at the initial consultation and begin to
worry about their scars during the immediate and intermediate stages.
We hope you are not one of them. Please visit the website of the SBCP
– Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica (Brazilian
Society of Plastic Surgery). The scars may itch, … ardor …,
or feel numb. This is temporary, and most likely to disappear with time.
| Q:
HOW LONG DOES THE RESULT LAST? |
A: Cosmetic
surgery of the face, neck, and eyelids visually rejuvenates these areas.
However, it does not interrupt the aging process. In some cases, retouches
will be necessary after some time has elapsed.
|
Q:
IS FACIAL REJUVENATION SURGERY (FOR WRINKLES) REGARDED AS MINOR,
OR MAJOR SURGERY? ARE THERE ANY RISKS ASSOCIATIED WITH THIS SURGERY?
|
A: Serious
complications from a rhytidoplasty are rare. However, since it is a
surgical procedure, minor problems may occasionally occur post-operatively,
which fortunately can be corrected with surgical revisions to achieve
the desired result. The surgeon is not held responsible for doing retouches,
corrections, or any complementary operations, providing the problem
is not due to his or her lack of skill, negligence, or professional
imprudence.
| Q:
ARE THE PRE-OP AND POST-OPERATIVE PICTURES IMPORTANT? |
A: Of course.
The only way to evaluate the result is by comparing the pre-op and post-op
photographs, taken under identical photographic conditions. These photos
are part of the patients’ medical histories.
| Q:
WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED FOR THE OPERATION? |
A: Local,
general, or combined anesthesia can be used, depending on each case.
Your surgeon will recommend the type of anesthesia that is most suitable
for you. The end result will be the same.
| Q:
HOW LONG DOES THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE TAKE? |
A: When
face, eyelids and neck are involved, the entire surgical episode may
take three to four hours, depending on the case. However, the operating
time should not be confused with the length of stay in the Surgery Center,
which also involves both preparation for anesthesia and post-operative
recovery. Your surgeon can tell you the total amount of time.
| Q:
WHAT IS THE LENGTH OF HOSPITALIZATION? |
A: It varies
from half a day to 24-36 hours, depending on each individual case, and
always considering the patient’s safety and comfort.
| Q:
WILL DRESSINGS BE USED? |
A: Yes.
Generally, dry dressings are used. The large one is removed about 24
hours after surgery, a light dressing being left on the residual scars.
| Q:
WILL THE EYES BE PATCHED SHUT POST-OPERATIVELY? |
A: Not
necessarily. It may be recommended that cold-water compresses (wet cotton,
or similar material) be applied to the eyes, to reduce the post-operative
edema. The compresses can be changed as often as the patient deems necessary.
| Q:
IS THE POST-OPERATIVE PERIOD PAINFUL? |
A: In general,
the post-operative period is not painful, providing the patient follows
the surgeon’s recommendations. Any occasional pain or discomfort
can be relieved with common analgesics prescribed by your doctor.
| Q:
WHEN WILL THE STITCHES BE REMOVED? |
A: Most
of the eyelid stitches are removed after 48-72 hours post-operatively.
The remaining stitches (in the face, neck, and scalp) are removed between
the 8th and 12th day.
| Q:
WHEN CAN I WEAR MAKE-UP? |
A: For
the eyelids, 3 days after removal of the stitches. For the face, around
the 5th day. Your surgeon can give you more details about your make-up.
| Q:
WHEN CAN I WASH AND COMB MY HAIR? |
A: Between
the second and the seventh day post-operatively, your hair can be (carefully)
washed and combed. A handheld hairdryer can be used, the air being slightly
warmed. Tints should only be applied after the third week.
| Q:
IS THE “HAIRCUT” FOR THE SURGERY VERY EXTENSIVE? CAN
IT BE DISGUISED DURING THE POST-OPERATIVE PERIOD? |
A: The
hair is cut only in those areas where the scars are going to be placed.
During the immediate post-operative stage, this can be perfectly disguised
by means of a suitable hairstyle.
| Q:
WHAT IS THE POST-OPERATIVE PERIOD LIKE? |
A: You
should bear in mind that you will go through several phases of development
before achieving the desired result of this type of surgery. Edemas
(swelling), black-and-blue or purple spots or areas (where blood has
escaped into the tissues from ruptured blood vessels), hypersensitivity
in some areas and numbness in others, are common to all patients. Obviously,
these post-operative events occur to a greater degree in some patients
than in others. We hope you are among the latter. If not, do not worry.
With time, your organism will resolve all these minor side effects that
will inevitably call the attention of someone who will not refrain from
making an insensitive remark, like “Have you had any complications?
Is it really going to disappear?” Needless to say, any doubts
or concerns you may have during this time period should be addressed
with us, and we will give you all the necessary explanations to ease
your mind. You may go through a short period of “emotional depression”
in the first days, caused by the transitory side effects, as well as
the anxiety to see the final result as soon as possible. Be patient,
and remember: the outcome of a facelift should only be evaluated after
three months have elapsed post-operatively.
| Q:
ROUNDING IT OFF: IS THE RESULT OF A FACE LIFT REALLY WORTH IT? |
A: Each
individual case is evaluated at the initial consultation. Some patients
seek a facelift to become “more beautiful”. This is not
the primary goal of the surgery, but an additional result that is sought.
During the first consultation, the surgeon will clarify all the details
that have been described here, as well as those that may have escaped
us. If a mutual decision for the surgery is made by both you and your
surgeon, and you, the patient, have realistic expectations, the result
will be worth it. Otherwise the operation is not recommended.
| INSTRUCTIONS
REGARDING FACIAL REJUVENATION SURGERY |
PRE-OPERATIVE
PRECAUTIONS:
How
much will I rejuvenate? 
