|
Frequently Asked Questions
RHYTIDECTOMY (Facelift)
- HOW MANY YEARS WILL I LOOK YOUNGER?
It is not possible to change a 40-year old face into a 20-year old one only by this surgery. Although this seems to be obvious, it is important to emphasize it since, in view of some erroneous information that has been transmitted by uninformed people or by the media, some patients believe that surgeons will be able to "set back the clock" to meet their expectations. No plastic surgeon will be capable of reaching this goal.
- AND WHAT ABOUT SCARS? WILL THEY DISAPPEAR?
The purpose of plastic surgery is improving facial flabbiness, wrinkles, creases, etc., providing facial rejuvenation. Scars, however, are permanent, although they tend to fade and become less visible within time. Meanwhile, you may use makeup and proper hairdos to conceal the inconvenient caused by recent scars. Also, each patient has a different reaction regarding cicatrization evolution, and in some cases, scars become almost invisible. Despite this previous notice, some patients forget the details informed to them during the initial appointment with the doctor and start to worry specifically with the presence of the scars, mainly in immediate and mediate periods after surgery. We hope you will not become one of them and check the website of the Brazilian Plastic Surgery Society to obtain additional information. Itching, burning or numbness may occur on scars. They are temporary and tend to disappear.
- HOW LONG DOES THE RESULT LAST?
Facial, neck and eyelid surgery delay, in visual terms, the aging process in those areas. It delays but does not interrupt the body’s evolution process. In some cases, retouches or reviews are required after some time.
- IS RHYTIDECTOMY CONSIDERED AS A SMALL OR MEDIUM SURGERY? WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS?
Rarely a rhytidectomy may cause serious complications. However, as in any surgical procedure, occasionally there may be some problems during its evolution. Fortunately, such problems may be corrected further by means of surgical review, in order to achieve the desired results. Surgeons are not obliged to make further surgeries (retouches, corrections or complementations), provided that the problems are not a result of his/her professional fault or negligence.
- ARE PRE AND POST-SURGERY PICTURES IMPORTANT?
Obviously; the only way to evaluate whether the result has been achieved is by comparing pre and post-surgery pictures, taken under identical situations in both periods. Pictures of patients are integral part of your doctor’s records.
- WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED IN THIS SURGERY?
Both general and local anesthesia or combined ones are used, as the case may be. Your doctor will recommend the most convenient one for your case. The final result will be the same.
- HOW LONG DOES THE SURGERY TAKE?
In the case of a complete surgery, involving face, eyelids and neck, it may take from 3 to 4 hours, as the case may be. However, surgery duration should not be confused with the time in which a patient stays in the Surgery Room, since that includes the period for anesthetic preparation and post-surgery recovery. Your doctor will inform you on the total duration of the surgery.
- ARE BANDAGES NECESSARY?
Yes. Normally dry bandages are used. The largest bandage is removed in the first 24 hours, and only a small one will be placed on residual scars, after this period.
- IS IT NECESSARY TO OCCLUDE THE EYES AFTER SURGERY?
Not necessarily. Doctor may recommend the use of cold compresses on the eyes or similar procedure, which may be changed by the patient himself/herself, in order to diminish post-surgery swelling of the eyes.
- IS THERE POST-SURGERY PAIN?
Post-surgery generally has no pain provided that the patient follows the doctor's recommendations. In cases of some pain, this can be easily lessened by common painkillers.
- WHEN WILL STITCHES BE REMOVED?
Great part of the stitches in eyelids is removed after 48-72 hours. The remainder stitches (face, neck and scalp), between 8 and 12 days.
- WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO USE MAKEUP?
For eyelids, 3 days after stitches are removed. On the face, around the 5th day. Your surgeon will provide you with more details on this matter.
- WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO WASH AND COMB MY HAIR?
Between the second and seventh day after surgery, hair can be washed and dried (with certain care). To dry it, you should use manual drier with slightly heated air. Hair dye is only allowed after the 3rd week.
- WHAT ABOUT THE HAIRCUT REQUIRED BEFORE SURGERY? IT IS VERY EXTENSIVE? WILL I BE ABLE TO CONCEAL IT AFTER SURGERY?
Hair is cut only in the areas where the scars will be located. During the immediate period after surgery, this can be easily concealed by a proper hairdo.
- WHAT IS POST-SURGERY EVOLUTION LIKE?
You should bear in mind that until the final result is obtained there will be different cicatrization phases, which are typical of this type of surgery. Swelling, bruises, oversensitivity in some areas, numbness in other areas in the first days are common to all patients; obviously, the intensity of such problems may vary from patient to patient. But don't panic. Within time, your body will be in charge of dissipating all small intermediary problems which inevitably will call other people's attention, who will probably say: "Isn't there anything wrong happening?" "Will this disappear?" It is evident that any concern should be transmitted to the doctor. We will provide you with all clarifications for your tranquility. Some patients get anxious in view of the temporary aspect caused by swellings and bruises. All of this is transitory and normally it reflects the desire of reaching the final result as soon as possible. But remember that no facelift results should be analyzed before the 3rd month after surgery.
- FINALLY, IS THE RESULT REALLY WORTHY?
Each case must be analyzed in the first appointment, individually, when all questions should be asked and clarified. Some patients seek this surgery to become more beautiful and of course, this is not the fundamental purpose of the surgery, but only an additional effect. Once patient and doctor mutually opt to perform the surgery, this means that the result is worthwhile. Otherwise, the operation should be refused.
[ Back ]
|
|
|
