Sam DeVictor, MD

Benefits of Botox for Facial Paralysis

For many people who experience facial paralysis, the symptoms will subside on their own, so it’s not always recommended that they seek out treatment. Those who struggle with long-term facial paralysis symptoms may decide to move forward with surgical interventions or other solutions. Botox injections offer a conservative treatment option that significantly improves facial paralysis symptoms for a short time. Retreatment will be necessary to maintain the results. Regular Botox injections can also alleviate tightness and spasms related to facial paralysis. When combined with physical therapy, Botox injections improve muscle movement and facial expression.

Recovery After Botox for Facial Paralysis

Botox injections are often referred to as “lunch hour procedures” because you can receive these injections and return to your daily routine with little to no downtime. Your cosmetic surgeon may recommend some simple aftercare steps, but for the most part, side effects are minimal. You may need to avoid certain cosmetics and skincare products for a day or two after treatment to avoid irritation and inflammation.

Risks Associated with Botox for Facial Paralysis

There may be some skin redness, sensitivity, discomfort, and inflammation immediately following treatment. Symptoms are usually mild and diminish within a few hours. There may be some bruising at the injection sites, but this is typically mild. Three to five days after treatment, patients should see a noticeable improvement in facial paralysis symptoms. These improvements should continue for 3-4 months.

Apart from these mild side effects, there are relatively few risks associated with Botox for facial paralysis. However, it’s important to know the risks before beginning treatment. To mitigate risks, your surgeon should perform a thorough analysis and review all options before moving forward with treatment. The goal is to ensure that the benefits of Botox treatment for facial paralysis will outweigh any potential adverse effects. Each person will respond differently to treatment, and most patients only experience the mild symptoms described above.

Benefits of Brow Lifts

If you want to smooth your skin, lift your eyes, and improve your overall appearance, a brow lift may be for you.

Some of the many benefits of this cosmetic surgery procedure include:

• Reducing the appearance of forehead and brow line wrinkles
• Renewing the eyebrow arch
• Elevating the brow line to its natural position
• Minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes
• Eliminating excess skin

Recovery After Brow Lifts

Brow lift recovery will vary slightly based on the type of brow lift received. To minimize bruising and swelling, the forehead may be taped or bandaged around the surgical site. Additionally, a drain may be placed to remove fluids and blood around the incision sites that may accumulate under the skin. Once the original bandaging is placed, your surgeon will provide aftercare instructions that should be followed throughout healing. In 10-14 days, any stitches will be removed. After the first two weeks, you can return to work in most cases. After a month, you can resume more of your regular routine, including light exercise with your surgeon’s approval. Healing will continue for a few months after brow lift surgery.

Risks Associated with Brow Lifts

When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, brow lifts are a relatively low-risk procedure, but all surgical procedures do come with associated risks.

Some of the common risks include:

• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Numbness
• Pain
• Asymmetry
• Need for revision surgery to achieve desired results
• Infection

Benefits of Brow Lift for Facial Paralysis

For those with facial paralysis, a brow lift improves the position of the eyebrows and restores greater symmetry to the face, especially when coupled with additional treatments to address other effects of facial paralysis.

Some of the many benefits of a brow lift for facial paralysis include:

• Creating a more natural and symmetrical resting brow position
• Restoring the brow arch
• Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes
• Improving vision by lifting a brow line that may be drooping and blocking sight

Recovery After Brow Lift for Facial Paralysis

Following your procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will wrap the area in bandages that help with swelling and discomfort. Make sure to closely follow all post-surgery care instructions to minimize the risk of scarring and other adverse effects. A tube may be placed to drain fluid away from the surgical site. In this case, we will schedule a follow-up visit shortly after your surgery to remove the drain and check on your progress. Your cosmetic surgeon will let you know how to clean the surgical site, and when you can shower, go back to work, and start exercising again. Healing will continue for a few months, and your surgeon can consult with you on when it’s okay to incorporate other daily activities into your routine.

Risks Associated with Brow Lift for Facial Paralysis

Any surgery will have some potential risks. However, a skilled cosmetic surgeon can safely provide surgical treatments and offer aftercare instructions to ensure you heal quickly and completely. When choosing a brow lift as part of a treatment plan for facial paralysis, it’s even more important to find an experienced professional who understands both the treatment of facial paralysis and brow lift surgery. Most often, patients will simply need to manage mild post-procedure side effects like bleeding, swelling, and pain. However, more serious side effects are always a risk.

Even with an experienced surgeon, risks associated with brow lift surgery, including:

• Overcorrection – lifting the brow too far, causing an unwanted alteration in the resting facial expression. This will often indicate a need for retreatment.
• Hematoma – blood accumulating beneath the skin in the treated area.
• Scarring – your surgeon will do their utmost to hide incision scars within the natural lines of the brow, but this isn’t always adequate to completely conceal scar tissue.
• Injury – there are many nerves, muscles, blood vessels, and other essential structures around the eyebrows, and it’s easy to damage these during the brow lift procedure.
• Numbness – loss of sensation in and around the treatment area.

Benefits of Cleft Lip Revision

In early life, cleft lip treatments almost always focus on function. For infants, cleft lip repair is needed to allow the child to eat since a cleft lip can prevent the baby from latching on during feeding. As they get older, learning to speak clearly can be more difficult for those with cleft lip. Addressing these issues is important, but the original surgeries don’t always look the best later in life. As the child continues to grow and change, their repaired cleft may not look or function as well as it originally did. Revision procedures ensure patients look and feel their best for years to come.

Recovery After Cleft Lip Revision

Following cleft lip revision surgery, your surgeon will place dressings as needed and will walk you through how to keep the area clean and when to replace bandages. You will likely experience some discomfort as well as swelling and bleeding for the first few days after the procedure. This discomfort should be well-managed with pain medication. If stitches are needed, they will be removed after about a week. For the first ten days following cleft lip revision surgery, discomfort should diminish as the surgical site heals. After one to two weeks, patients are typically able to resume their daily routine.

Risks Associated with Cleft Lip Revision

Working with a skilled cosmetic surgeon will significantly reduce risks associated with surgical treatment, but there are always some risks with any surgery. It’s important to understand these risks before moving forward with cosmetic surgery.

Some of the risks associated with cleft lip revision include:

• Allergic response to surgical materials like tape, stitches, latex gloves, and topical creams
• Adverse response to anesthesia
• Excessive bleeding that doesn’t improve within a few hours or days after treatment
• Damage to nerves, muscles, and other deeper structures
• Poor healing
• Infection

Benefits of Cleft Rhinoplasty

There are numerous benefits to undergoing cleft rhinoplasty. One of the most important is to improve self-confidence. Many cleft rhinoplasty patients are children and teenagers. This time frame can be challenging for anyone who looks different from the perceived norm. By addressing nasal malformation related to clefts, these young people (and adults who receive this treatment) often feel much more confident following their cleft rhinoplasty procedure.

In addition to increased confidence, other benefits include:

• Create a more symmetrical appearance to the nose and nostrils
• Remove any bumps or irregular shapes
• Change the shape of the tip of the nose
• Unblock or alleviate airway blockage
• Straighten or reposition the nose
• Improve the facial profile with adjusted nose protrusion

Recovery After Cleft Rhinoplasty

Before you even get started with cleft rhinoplasty, your cosmetic surgeon will discuss what to expect during your recovery. You’ll also schedule follow-up visits with your surgeon periodically to ensure proper healing. While everyone heals a little differently, it usually takes about a week for the initial discomfort and swelling from the procedure to subside. For this reason, surgeons recommend patients take at least a week off of work, school, and other activities to rest and heal. During this time, prescription or over-the-counter pain medication should be taken as directed to manage discomfort and swelling. After the first week, your surgeon will likely need you to return to have sutures, splints, and other surgical materials removed.

For the first two weeks, any strenuous activities (including playing sports and exercising) should be avoided due to the risk of injury and bleeding. Patients can begin to resume exercise and other activities gradually after this time. However, it’s advised to pay attention to how the nose responds. If you notice swelling, pain, discoloration, or bleeding, forego the preceding activity for a bit longer. Most people are able to fully resume regular activities within four weeks. Most of the swelling will also subside at this point, but swelling and discoloration may continue for up to a year post-procedure.

Risks Associated with Cleft Rhinoplasty

Like all surgeries, there are risks associated with cleft rhinoplasty. Choosing an experienced and qualified facial plastic surgeon will mitigate risk significantly, but it’s still important to understand the potential risks before undergoing any surgical procedure.

Everyone responds differently to surgery and recovery, but some of the common risks associated with cleft rhinoplasty include:

• Adverse response to anesthesia
• Allergies to tape, sutures, bandages, and other surgical materials
• Severe or long-lasting bleeding
• Numbness and tingling
• Pain and inflammation
• Skin discoloration
• Poor healing and infection
• Scarring
• Need for revision rhinoplasty procedure
• Nerve, muscle, blood vessel, or other structural damage
• Trouble breathing or changes in the airway

Benefits of Deep Neck Lifts

Deep neck lifts are not the best options for every person, but if you want to sculpt the jaw and neckline to achieve a dramatic improvement, a deep neck lift might be right for you.

Some of the many benefits of deep neck lifts include:

• Dramatic Results – by repositioning the skin, neck fat, muscle, glands, and connective tissues, it’s possible to change the contours of the jaw and neck for a smooth, defined appearance.
• Long-Lasting – once completed, the results of deep neck lifts can last a decade or longer.
• Remove Double Chin – by eliminating excess fat tissues in the chin and jaw, deep neck lifts deliver a more defined appearance and a more elegant-looking neckline.
• Minimal Scarring – while dramatic results are possible, this surgical procedure is performed in such a way that scarring is minimized.
• Feel Your Best – by improving the appearance of the neck and jaw, deep neck lifts help improve self-confidence.

Recovery After the Deep Neck Lift Procedure

Following your deep neck lift procedure, you’ll need to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions carefully to ensure you heal quickly and completely with minimal downtime. With proper post-procedure care, you should start to see facial rejuvenation within one to two weeks. During this healing time, you will notice skin bruising and swelling that can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications. You should not lift anything heavy or overexert yourself as you heal. Make sure to get plenty of sleep throughout neck lift recovery. It’s best to sleep with your head elevated to ensure good blood circulation. After the first seven days, you can return to a low-impact daily routine, including going back to work if your job doesn’t involve any physically taxing duties. You will need to wait about two weeks before resuming light exercise routines and activities. You’ll see the final results of your procedure within four to six weeks. After the first six weeks, you can resume intense workouts and other strenuous activities. While there will be a surgical scar, your surgeon will do their utmost to hide it beneath the jaw and behind the ears, and it will fade for the following six months to a year after healing. To further reduce the appearance of scar tissue, you may want to consider using silicone gel as part of your daily skincare routine. One of the best available options is Silagen 100% Pure Silicone Gel + SPF 30. This product not only aids in healing and reduces the appearance of scarring, but it also protects against hyperpigmentation caused by post-procedure sun exposure.

Risks Associated with Deep Neck Lift

Before you receive a deep neck lift procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will talk you through all the possible risks. They’ll also carefully review your medical and treatment history to ensure any risks are mitigated. A well-trained surgeon can make all the difference when it comes to the outcomes of your deep neck lift.

The most common risks include:

• Hematomas (bleeding below the skin)
• Infection
• Poorly healing wounds or skin necrosis
• Scarring
• Injury to nerves
• Adverse response to anesthesia

Benefits of Deep Plane Facelifts

Every cosmetic surgeon has a different approach and each person’s needs are different. However, there are many reasons why cosmetic surgeons may prefer this procedure and recommend you as a candidate for a deep plane facelift, including:

• Longitudinal studies and research are still ongoing but early indications suggest that the deep plane facelift procedure may deliver longer-lasting results compared with other forms of facelifts.
• More natural-looking results may be possible since deeper structures can be repositioned during the deep plane facelift. This reduces the risk of skin looking pulled or unnaturally taught since the deeper structures match the appearance of the smoothed skin tissues.
• A greater ability to remodel facial structures with more precision means the surgeon is able to achieve a more dramatic change. This includes repositioning fat stores in the cheeks for a generally more lifted appearance.

Recovery After the Deep Plane Facelift Procedure

Like any surgical procedure, deep plane facelifts do require recovery time. As you heal following treatment, you may notice skin tightening, numbness, bruising, and swelling. These side effects should begin to diminish within the first week after your deep plane facelift and continue to resolve over the next 2-3 weeks. Our team will walk you through the recovery process and make sure you have everything you need. If you have any concerns or questions throughout the process, please contact your surgeon to follow up.

Other Considerations

In many cases, a deep plane facelift works best when combined with other treatments. For instance, after a deep plane facelift, there may be some areas that are not directly addressed with this surgery. Specifically, laser resurfacing may be used to address skin flaws, pigmentation, and acne scarring. Injectables may be recommended for a fuller lip or to smooth and reshape deep folds. Additionally, facelifts may be recommended in conjunction with a neck lift to smooth and tighten the skin of the neck and throat. The best way to learn more about is to schedule a facelift consultation at Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Risks Associated with Deep Plane Facelifts

While there are risks associated with any procedure, the deep place facelift has not been shown to have any increased risks compared to other types of facelifts. The risks of any procedure will vary from patient to patient based on history and post-procedure care. Additional questions and concerns can be discussed in greater detail at a consultation to help you to feel comfortable.

Benefits of Earlobe Repair

The main benefit of earlobe repair is to restore the ear to its appearance prior to being damaged. This improves confidence as many people feel that damaged earlobes are noticeable and draw unwanted attention. Sagging earlobes can also leave people looking older. Tightening the earlobes restores a more youthful appearance. Following earlobe repair, patients can re-pierce their ears. They should wait for three to six months or consult their surgeon before piercing ears following earlobe repair.

Recovery After Earlobe Repair

In most cases, earlobe repair is a same-day surgery that can be performed quickly under local anesthesia, so the patient is able to drive themself home after. Patients are typically able to return to work as soon as the day after treatment. There may be some mild pain for the first few days, but this is almost always manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Dressings or bandages are not typically required. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on caring for the area as well as recommend antibiotic ointments to be applied regularly. Any stitches should be removed after the first week or two.

Risks Associated with Earlobe Repair

The risks associated with earlobe repair surgery are relatively low when the procedure is performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon. Most adverse effects of earlobe repair are typically very minor, but it’s still important to understand potential risks before beginning treatment. Infection is one of the main concerns associated with earlobe repair (and all plastic surgeries). For this reason, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions closely. Additionally, there may be some scarring after the earlobe heals, but the surgeon will typically work to hide any scars on the back of the earlobe or in other less noticeable areas. If you notice excessive scarring or the formation of keloid scars, the procedure may require a revision.

Benefits of Eyelid Reconstruction

Some of the many benefits of eyelid reconstruction include:

• Improving the appearance of the face and eyes
• Renewing eyelid function
• Restoring vision

Recovery After Eyelid Reconstruction

Immediately following surgery, your eyes will be swollen and bruised. Use cold compresses, keep your head elevated, and take pain relievers as directed during healing. It’s also important to moisturize the eyes as they can become dry. Lubricating eye drops and gels significantly improve dryness and irritation. Following upper eyelid reconstruction, patients can return to work after a few days. For lower eyelid surgery or combined eyelid reconstruction surgery, recovery takes a bit longer, and most patients will need to take at least two weeks off from work. Other activities can be reintroduced as tolerated after the first three weeks. Swelling and bruising will gradually subside over three to six weeks following surgery. The final results are typically revealed after two months following treatment.

Risks Associated with Eyelid Reconstruction

By working with a skilled professional cosmetic surgeon, you significantly reduce the risks associated with surgery. However, even the best cosmetic surgeons can’t prevent every surgical risk. Before you decide to proceed with surgery, discuss all potential risks with your surgeon and follow all aftercare instructions to minimize side effects.

Be aware that there are always risks when you move forward with surgery, including:

• Infection – the area around the eyes can be especially difficult to keep clean and sanitized during healing. This increases the risk of infection.
• Scarring – your surgeon will hide the incisions within the eye’s natural creases as much as possible, but there may still be some visible scar tissue after healing.
• Deeper Tissue Injury – nerves, muscles, blood vessels, and other structures can be damaged unintentionally during surgery.
• Numbness – loss of sensation around the surgical site that may be temporary or permanent.
• Vision Impairment – short or long-term loss of vision.

Benefits of Eyelid Surgery

The main benefit of eyelid surgery is the cosmetic improvement, but there are many other reasons why blepharoplasty is such a popular treatment, including:

• Long-Lasting Results – The results of your eyelid surgery should last more than a decade.
• Improved Vision – Removing excess skin and lifting sagging eyelids can make vision clearer.
• Minimized Scarring – Because the incision is made in the eyelid crease, any scarring is hardly noticeable.
• Increased Confidence – When we look our best, we feel more confident and self-assured.

Recovery After Eyelid Surgery

Following surgery on the upper and lower eyelids, your surgeon will carefully apply ointment to aid in healing and prevent irritation and discomfort. Depending on the extent of the procedure, iced gauze may be applied over the eyes for the first few hours or days. Topical and oral medications will be provided by your surgeon to promote healing, prevent infection, and reduce discomfort. Follow all instructions provided by your surgeon and protect your eyes from sun exposure as they heal. Most people are able to return to their daily routine with some minor adjustments after the first two weeks. Exercise, heavy lifting, and general exertion should still be minimized until released by the surgeon. Initial healing will usually take a few weeks, but the surgical site will continue to improve for three to six months. Throughout healing, you will return to your surgery practice for follow-up visits to ensure you’re healing properly.

Risks Associated with Eyelid Surgery

Making the choice to receive cosmetic surgery should never be undertaken lightly. Even performed by a skilled surgeon, surgical procedures involve risk. Be sure to discuss potential risks and side effects with your surgeon before beginning the procedure.

Common risks associated with eyelid surgery include the following:

• Bleeding around the incision
• Bruising and swelling
• Pain or irritation
• Dry eye
• Lower eyelid rolling out (ectropion)
• Infection
• Sun sensitivity
• Scarring

Benefits of Facelift for Facial Paralysis

The most important benefit of a facelift for facial paralysis is allowing the patient to reclaim their sense of self and experience greater confidence again. Additionally, facelifts help to counteract other negative effects of facial paralysis, including difficulty speaking, eating, and making facial expressions. Facelifts are also versatile, which means the individual’s facelift surgery plan can be customized to target exactly the areas that need to be addressed while minimizing the impact on areas of the face that are not negatively impacted by facial paralysis.

Recovery After Facelift for Facial Paralysis

Following a facelift, the cosmetic surgeon will place bandages and provide instructions for changing out coverings at home, or they will schedule a follow-up appointment to remove and replace the bandages and dressings. For the first week after treatment, you’ll likely notice bruising, swelling, and discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Between ten days and two weeks after surgery, you can return to work. Make sure to get plenty of rest during this time to allow your body to heal. Your surgeon will let you know when it’s safe to resume other daily activities. When in doubt, pay attention to your body’s response, and forego any activities that cause bleeding, swelling, or pain.

Risks Associated with Facelift for Facial Paralysis

Surgical procedures all have complications, we have the necessary training and experience to mitigate the vast majority of surgical risks. Even with the added complexity of addressing facial paralysis, an experienced facial plastic surgeon can safely provide facelift procedures.

While our trusted surgeons will work to provide the safest treatment, there is still a possibility that patients can experience adverse effects like:

• Infection
• Scarring
• Excessive bleeding
• Worsening swelling and pain
• Skin numbness around the surgical site

Benefits of Facial Paralysis Treatment

The main benefit is clear – the restoration of facial expression and movement.

Other benefits include:

• More confidence
• Greater range of facial motion
• Increased comfort during facial movement
• Address ancillary concerns like drooping skin
• Improved speech clarity

Recovery After Facial Reanimation

Your recovery plan will vary depending on the specific procedure you receive. A consultation with our surgeons to discuss proper care after the procedure and to promote healing will be important. You should schedule follow-up visits with us to ensure you make a full recovery.

Risks Associated with Facial Paralysis Reanimation

Risks associated with facial reanimation surgery for paralysis are similar to risks associated with other surgical procedures. Immediately following treatment, you may experience swelling, bruising, bleeding, scarring, infection, and general discomfort as the surgical sites heal. Because of the variety of procedures offered for facial paralysis, there will be a more in-depth discussion at the time of your consultation.

Benefits of Reconstruction Surgery

The main reason people choose to receive reconstruction surgery is that they want to restore their natural appearance, so they can look and feel more like themselves.

There are many additional benefits to receiving reconstructive plastic surgery, including:

• Improved self-esteem and self-worth
• More aesthetically pleasing appearance for increased confidence
• Increased function and range of motion
• Relief from pain

Recovery After Reconstruction Surgery

Following your reconstruction surgery, your plastic surgeon will walk through aftercare instructions to ensure you heal quickly. They should also schedule periodic follow-up visits to check your healing progress. Regardless of your specific recovery plan, it’s essential to get plenty of rest as you heal. The surgical site should also remain elevated as much as possible to minimize swelling, inflammation, and discomfort. You should also eat a nutrient-rich diet and drink plenty of water. Depending on the complexity of your procedure, you will likely need to refrain from exercise for several weeks. Your surgeon can give you a specific time frame. If you notice any concerns, consult with your surgeon right away.

Risks Associated with Reconstruction Surgery

Deciding to receive surgery will always come with associated risks, but a qualified plastic surgeon can perform surgeries in such a way that risks are minimized. Risks commonly associated with surgery include bleeding, bruising, scarring, infection, and swelling following the procedure.

Benefits of Fat Grafting

Fat grafting is a safe and versatile procedure. It uses biocompatible materials harvested from the patient’s body. This means people are less likely to experience adverse reactions following fat grafting, making it one of the safest ways to achieve a smooth, full, plump, youthful appearance. Fat grafting may be recommended to smooth out skin that has lost fullness due to aging, or fat can be injected to reshape facial features. In addition to improving the patient’s appearance, fat grafting can also be used to plump up concave areas of skin that have been damaged and scarred.

Recovery After Fat Grafting

There are only mild side effects during healing from a fat grafting procedure. In most cases, patients return to their regular activities the day after their procedure. After the first few days, swelling, bruising, and other common symptoms of this treatment should be reduced or completely resolved. Once the desired results are achieved, patients typically maintain these results for life. However, it’s important to remember that the natural fatty tissues injected under the skin are still subject to being lost if the patient loses weight. For this reason, it’s often recommended to wait until the patient is at or near their goal weight before pursuing fat grafting. Gaining weight may also impact the results of facial fat grafting as can changes in facial shape related to aging.

Risks Associated with Fat Grafting

One of the many benefits of fat grafting for facial rejuvenation is the safety of this procedure. The few side effects and risks related to this treatment are very mild. The majority of patients will simply experience minor bruising, swelling, and discomfort. Others may experience more advanced symptoms like severe bruising (hematoma) and changes in sensation near the treatment site.

Some patients develop more serious side effects following fat grafting, including:

• Bacterial infection
• Fatty cell necrosis
• Blood clots
• Fat embolism
• Deformity

More severe side effects are rare, especially when fat grafting procedures are performed by an experienced and qualified cosmetic surgeon.

Benefits of Lip Lift Treatment

There are many benefits you can expect following a lip lift, including:

• Fuller lip appearance
• More youthful look
• More attractive smile
• Feel more confident about your smile
• Enjoy permanent results

Recovery After Lip Lift Surgery

It’s important to rest for at least 24 hours after your lip lift surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions, but you should be sure to keep the area clean, avoid rubbing or irritating skin, and make sure to protect the healing surgical site from the sun. You should also keep your skin moisturized as it heals. Your surgeon can recommend a good product to protect the skin without causing irritation. Additionally, you should avoid exercise and other strenuous activities, stop smoking, and brush your teeth very carefully.

Risks Associated with Lip Lifts

The most common risk associated with lip lift surgery is scarring. Most surgeons will make an effort to minimize the appearance of surgical scars by placing incisions along existing creases in the skin. Infection is always a risk when receiving surgical procedures, but with proper aftercare, the risk for infection is minimal.

Benefits of Mini Neck Lifts

The main benefit of a mini neck lift is improving the appearance and definition of the neck, chin, and jaw.

Additional benefits include:

• Removing turkey neck and excess or saggy skin
• Eliminating double chin and excess fat in the chin and jaw
• Tightening and smoothing the neck
• Significantly shorter recovery times compared with traditional and deep neck lifts
• Less risk for scarring and other potential side effects of neck lifts

Recovery After the Mini Neck Lift Procedure

Following a mini neck lift procedure, your board-certified plastic surgeon will provide aftercare instructions to ensure fast and comfortable healing. For the first day or two, you will need to keep your head bandaged, rest, and take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain. Within the first few days, swelling and bruising are common, but they should begin to improve after a week. Full healing will continue for several months, but patients can typically return to their regular routines within a few weeks to a month following the procedure. The results will last about five years, but these results can be prolonged with a good skincare routine. This should include retinol to tighten the skin, improve cell turnover, and promote the production of collagen and elastin.

Risks Associated with Mini Neck Lift

The risks associated with mini neck lifts are similar to other minimally invasive surgeries. Your cosmetic surgeon will review potential risks with you as well as discuss any lifestyle or medical factors that increase the risk for adverse effects. In most cases, bruising, swelling, and bleeding below the skin are the only side effects patients deal with. Scarring is another common concern, but the procedure is designed to hide the incision sites and scars.

Benefits of Mohs Defect Reconstruction

The main benefit of Mohs defect reconstruction is clear – the restoration of a patient’s appearance following surgery. For those patients whose skin cancer is removed from the face, Mohs defect reconstruction may be especially beneficial. Repairing Mohs defects can also improve confidence and help patients move forward following skin cancer treatment.

Recovery After Mohs Defect Reconstruction

Immediately following your Mohs defect reconstruction surgery, you may notice some swelling and pain. This is a normal part of the healing process. For the first week, change bandages and dressings regularly and keep the area clean as instructed by the surgeon. For most people, over-the-counter pain medications are adequate to manage discomfort, but prescription pain medications may be prescribed as needed. Within a week, any stitches will be removed, and swelling and discomfort typically begin to diminish as well. Most people can return to work around this time, and they can gradually add more activity as tolerated over the next two to three weeks.

Every person heals differently, so the amount of time it takes to recover will vary. After your procedure, your surgeon should provide a healing and aftercare plan to guide you through the process. Following all instructions is essential to ensure you make a full recovery with minimal discomfort.

Risks Associated with Mohs Defect Reconstruction

Any surgery comes with some risks, but Mohs defect reconstruction surgery, when performed by a qualified professional, has significantly low risk.

While Mohs defect reconstruction is considered a safe procedure, some risks and concerns patients should be aware of before getting started include:

• Poor wound healing – skin grafts and other repairs can be rejected by the body, or the site may not heal well in general.
• Infection – look for skin that is warm to the touch around the surgical site, fever, nausea, chills, and other common signs of infection.
• Excessive bleeding – if the surgical site continues to bleed after the first few days, contact your surgeon.
• Numbness – loss of sensation in the treatment area is common during healing and can be permanent.

Benefits of Otoplasty

Like other types of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, otoplasty can improve the patient’s sense of confidence and self-esteem. Unlike other types of plastic surgery that are only recommended for adults, otoplasty may be recommended for adolescents and even younger children to improve the appearance of genetic malformations.

Recovery After Otoplasty

After otoplasty, there will likely be mild pain and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers are adequate to manage pain for most people, but your surgeon may recommend prescription pain medications if they believe it’s necessary. Your surgeon will place bandages and instruct you on when to remove them. Make sure to follow these directions closely as removing the bandages too soon can lead to poor healing and other concerns, including increased chances for revision surgery. Once the bandages are removed, your surgeon will provide care instructions to ensure the surgical sites heal quickly and comfortably.

Risks Associated with Otoplasty

Any surgical procedure will have associated risks, but when you work with a skilled facial plastic surgeon, you can be assured that they will do their utmost to provide safe, well-planned treatment that mitigates risk. While your surgeon will do everything possible to ensure you achieve the desired results with little to no negative side effects, some adverse responses can occur following surgery.

Some of the common risks associated with otoplasty include:

• Allergic response to surgical materials, dressings, or medications
• Adverse response to anesthesia
• Excessive bleeding
• Loss of sensation or change in sensation
• Pain that lasts after healing
• A wound that doesn’t heal properly
• Scarring
• Infections

Benefits of Platinum Eyelid Weights

There are many benefits of choosing platinum eyelid weights to ensure eye function, including:

• Allowing for complete passive and intentional eyelid closure
• Protecting the eye from damage and irritation
• Improving the ability to blink
• Increasing eye moisture
• Biocompatible platinum is safe even for those who have sensitivity to metals
• The ultra-small weight won’t interfere with metal detectors or MRIs

Recovery After Platinum Eyelid Weight Placement

Immediately following treatment, patients will experience swelling, bruising, and discoloration. These symptoms may increase for the first few days before starting to improve. Most symptoms resolve within two weeks, but it may take several months for the symptoms to resolve entirely. Be conscious of the fact that when you’re sleeping, your eyes may swell up, but that overnight swelling should subside through the day.

The surgeon will provide specific instructions to follow during healing, but most patients should:

• Apply ice packs as long as tolerated for the first three days. Then, apply an ice pack for twenty minutes at a time a few times a day for the next week.
• For the first week, sleep propped up or seated in a recliner to reduce pressure on the eyelids.
• The day after treatment, you can shower and wash your face. Be gentle around the incision.
• Apply antibiotic ointments and take oral antibiotics as directed by your surgeon.
• Take pain relievers to manage discomfort.
• Avoid strenuous activities and exercise for the first two weeks.
• Do not use cosmetics for the first few weeks following surgery.

Risks Associated with Platinum Eyelid Weight Placement

Like other surgical procedures, platinum eyelid weight placement has risks. Your surgeon will take steps to reduce any risks before, during, and after the procedure.

However, if you notice any of the following warning signs, contact your facial plastic surgeon as soon as possible as they are warning signs of more serious concerns:

• Fever
• Vomiting or nausea
• Pain that increases instead of subsiding
• Numbness or tingling

Benefits of Revision Rhinoplasty

While revision rhinoplasty shouldn’t be undertaken casually, there are many benefits to receiving this procedure, including:

• Improving appearance and confidence related to imperfect primary rhinoplasty results.
• Restoring or improving nasal function.
• Completing procedures that were not finalized due to complications.
• Repairing scar tissue from prior rhinoplasty procedures.
• Replacing tissues that were damaged or weakened by previous procedures.
• Correcting deviated septum, external valve collapse, narrowed airways, and other functional issues.

Recovery After Revision Rhinoplasty

Before beginning the procedure, your surgeon will provide precise instructions to help you heal and recover quickly. Immediately following your surgery, you will notice bruising, swelling, and pain that will last for several days. You should begin to improve within the first week of treatment and notice continued improvement for several months. After the first two months, you may have some swelling, but you should have a good idea at this point of what your results will look like.

While your surgeon will provide individual instructions, some basic aftercare steps for recovery following revision rhinoplasty include:

• Plan to take at least one week off work and other daily tasks to heal and rest.
• Take pain relievers as recommended or prescribed by your surgeon to minimize discomfort.
• Follow provider instructions on changing out bandaging and other protective items.
• Avoid blowing your nose for at least two weeks or as instructed by your surgeon.
• Shield your nose from potential harm during healing and avoid activities that may lead to injuring your nose.
• Avoid strenuous activities (sports, exercise, heaving lifting, etc.) for two to three weeks

Risks Associated with Revision Rhinoplasty

Anytime you decide to undergo a surgical procedure, you should discuss your options with your surgeon and fully understand any associated risks before moving forward. Revision surgeries can be even more complex, so it’s essential to carefully consider all possible risks and concerns. In most cases, cosmetic surgeons will not undertake or recommend revision rhinoplasty until at least one year after the original rhinoplasty procedure. This ensures all tissue has healed fully, and for some people, inflammation associated with the original rhinoplasty may not fully subside for up to twelve months.

With revision rhinoplasty, this secondary surgery actually presents unique challenges and concerns for the patient and surgeon with a higher level of risk. At Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, our surgeons are experts in facial reconstructive surgery, meaning they have the skills and experience to safely perform advanced procedures like revision rhinoplasty. Working with a qualified professional and taking time to understand and plan your procedure will alleviate many of the risks.

Some of the risks associated with revision rhinoplasty that our surgeons will discuss with you include:

• Enhancement of tissues that have been previously altered by surgery may be more difficult due to hardening of tissue and scarring.
• There may be less bone and other tissue to work with due to changes made by previous surgeon, making the procedure much more challenging and delicate.
• Weakened nasal structures may lead to short and long-term airway health concerns.
• May need to add tissue to reinforce nasal structures as part of the process, which requires additional surgical procedure to remove cartilage and other tissue from the body.
• Increased bleeding and other concerns related to revision surgery, especially since most revision rhinoplasty procedures are open rather than closed to ensure results.
• General anesthesia is likely to be needed for longer due to the increased precision of the procedure requiring longer time to complete.

Benefits of Rhinoplasty

The most obvious benefit of cosmetic rhinoplasty is achieving the desired appearance of nose structures.

Additional rhinoplasty benefits include:

• Creates a more symmetric or balanced facial appearance
• Correct breathing issues
• Improve sleep
• Increase self-confidence
• Long-lasting results

Recovery After Rhinoplasty

Immediately following surgery, your plastic surgeon bandages the nose to provide support and protection as the nose heals. In most cases, the exterior bandages will be removed at the first post-operative visit, and the nose drip pad will be removed and replaced by you at home. Your plastic surgeon will provide specific guidance following your procedure, so be sure to follow their specifications. You should rest for the first 48 hours after treatment, and most people need to stay home from work for at least the first week. Do not blow your nose for the first week after surgery. You should keep your head elevated for a few days even during sleep. You should limit exercise and other strenuous activities for several weeks up to a month, depending on your specific situation.

Risks Association with Rhinoplasty

Like any surgical procedure, there are risks associated, but when you choose a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with the appropriate skills and experience, it’s possible to safely receive rhinoplasty while feeling assured that risks will be minimized. Common risks of rhinoplasty surgery include trouble breathing, swelling, numbness, pain, and bleeding immediately following surgery and as the site heals for the first few days. Less common effects include infection and adverse response to anesthesia. Long-term risks include scarring, being unhappy with the final results, and other difficulties that lead to a need for revision rhinoplasty treatment.

Benefits of Selective Myectomy

The most obvious benefit of selective myectomy is the relief from facial tightness-related synkinesis and muscle spasms.

Additional benefits include:

• Alleviating muscle tightness
• Relieving pain in the neck and jaw related to muscle tightness
• Giving facial expressions a more balanced appearance
• Creating a symmetrical appearance
• Reducing damage from biting the cheeks or tongue due to muscle tightness

Recovery After Selective Myectomy

Following treatment, most patients can return home the same day. Patients usually need a trusted loved one to drive them home and monitor them for the first day. Selective myectomy patients may notice some swelling in the lips and discomfort that lasts for several days. The surgeon provides specific aftercare instructions, but recovery care usually involves taking antibiotics and using a cleansing and antimicrobial oral rinse to prevent infection during healing.  The aftercare diet should be soft foods that are unlikely to irritate the incisions or open stitches. Because the incisions are usually made inside the mouth, there is minimal risk of scarring.

Risks Associated with Selective Myectomy

Most risks associated with selective myectomy are the same that can be expected following any surgical procedure. Infection, excessive bleeding, and damage to deeper tissues and structures are all possible. However, these risks are uncommon, especially for patients who follow the aftercare instructions. Additionally, some people may lose feeling in their lower lip, but this more serious side effect is almost always temporary with normal sensation restored after a few months. Others feel bumps or knots within their surgical incisions. These lumps are usually scar tissue that forms during the healing process. Massaging and stretching the knotted area can reduce the size or eliminate them entirely.

Benefits of Static Sling

There are many benefits of static sling. The most important is the restoration of confidence and self-esteem experienced by those who have been struggling with the adverse effects of facial paralysis on their appearance. Additionally, static sling can allow those with facial paralysis to speak more clearly, chew more effectively, smile, and generally have more natural-looking facial movements. For others, facial paralysis makes it difficult or impossible to completely close their eyes. Static sling can restore the ability to blink and keep eyes closed, which alleviates symptoms like dry, watery, or itchy eyes.

Recovery After Static Sling

Static sling surgery is an invasive procedure, so it’s important to talk through all potential risks and the recovery process with your cosmetic surgeon before moving forward with this treatment option. After static sling treatment, the patient will need to care for surgical sites on both the face and the thigh. Swelling and pain are the two most common symptoms impacting the surgical sites.

Rest is extremely important to ensure healing. Patients can stand and walk after this procedure, but activity should be minimized for the first two to three weeks following surgery to allow the face and leg to heal. The use of compression wraps on the leg can help to alleviate pain and swelling. The facial incision may be wrapped in bandages, or it may have a drain for a short period to remove fluid that collects under the skin. This drain will need to be removed by your surgeon during a follow-up visit. Most symptoms subside within the first few weeks after treatment.

Risks Associated with Static Sling

Your plastic surgeon will walk you through all of the risks and considerations associated with surgery before beginning treatment. It’s important to understand that a static sling doesn’t improve facial movement. Instead, it’s designed to restore facial symmetry, which can lead to some improvement in certain facial movements. One of the main concerns related to static sling is that this procedure is not permanent. Over time, the fascia lata will stretch out, leading to drooping, but this typically doesn’t happen for several years following treatment. Risks associated with static sling include excessive bleeding, adverse response to anesthesia, infection, and scarring. Most risks can be avoided by working with a qualified facial plastic surgeon and getting in touch with your surgeon at the first sign of concern.

Benefits of Temporalis Tendon Surgery

The main benefit of temporalis tendon transfer is restoration of appearance and improved function for those who struggle with long-term facial paralysis. Additional benefits include improving speech, alleviating discomfort related to facial paralysis, and allowing for more natural-looking facial expressions.

Recovery After Temporalis Tendon Transfer

Temporalis tendon transfer is an advanced surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia, and it may require a stay at the hospital. Once released, you’ll follow the care instructions outlined by your surgeon. You’ll need to eat soft foods for a few weeks after treatment. Avoid touching or placing pressure on the side of the face where surgery was performed. You should also sleep propped up to allow circulation and avoid blood pooling, which can increase inflammation. Your surgeon will provide recommendations for when you can return to work and other daily activities based on your specific procedure and the way your body responds.

Risks Associated with Temporalis Tendon Surgery

Temporalis tendon transfer is an advanced surgical procedure, which means there are numerous potential risks. The important thing to remember is that your plastic surgeon has years of training and experience performing these procedures, and they will take every precaution before, during, and after treatment to ensure you make a full recovery. However, it’s always wise to go into surgery with a complete understanding of potential risks.

Some common risks associated with temporalis tendon transfer surgery include:

• Anesthesia Complications – adverse reactions to general anesthesia may occur, requiring emergency intervention.
• Allergic Response – adverse reactions to medical dressings, stitches, medications, or other aspects of the medical procedure.
• Infection – the surgical site may become infected, leading to swelling, skin feeling warm to the touch, and fever.
• Scarring – surgeons will do their best to disguise scarring within the natural lines of the face, but some scarring may still occur.
• Damage – deeper tissues like nerves and muscles may be inadvertently damaged during the procedure.
• Numbness – this loss of sensation may be temporary or permanent.