Q: Am I too old for breast Augmentation?

A: For all you ladies in your 40's and 50's, there is good news. You can never be too old to enjoy your body! Your only regret may be that you waited this long to have the procedure performed.

Q: My breasts are extremely uneven. One is an A/B cup, and the other is a B/C cup. This is partly due to an uneven breast bone and partly because I have less tissue in one breast. I am interested in breast implants but am concerned that it will only exaggerate my problem. What can I do?

A: Uneven breast are more common than most people think. Fortunately, for those with uneven chests, breast augmentation can bring excellent results. Implants themselves can be of different size as well as the pockets they occupy be in different locations. Another option would be reducing the size of the larger breast through a reduction mammoplasty procedure.

Q: What is capsular contracture and what happens if I suffer from this condition post surgery?

A: Capsular contracture is the hardening of internal scar tissue. You will be educated in proper massage techniques that should minimize the problem. Antibiotics or Vitamin E may also be used to deter the problem. In serious cases, studies have shown that taking the asthma drug Accolate twice a day for three to six months can soften existing complications. In extreme cases the breast implant should be removed or replaced.

Q: Would placing the implant under the muscle (sub muscular) provide a more natural looking breast?

A: In very thin patients, a sub muscular or sub pectoral implant may look more natural and rippling may be less noticeable. A sub glandular implant would look more natural in a patient with a higher degree of ptosis (drooping) or a woman with more breast tissue.

Q: I have heard rumors that women experience a loss of sensation in the nipple following breast augmentation, is this true?

A: These rumors are unsupported by patients. Most doctors will agree that loss of sensation in the nipple is minimal. Usually less than a 10 percent loss of feeling is normal. In most cases even a small loss of sensation goes unnoticed.

Q: I have very small breasts. My cup size is less than an A. I have tried everything from herbal formulas to gaining weight to increase the size. Is there any way to increase my bust size without surgery?

A: Unfortunately, there is no proven way to significantly increase bust size without surgery. There is a suction device that may stimulate blood flow and marginally increase cup size, but is most effective on making large breasts even larger.

Q: I have heard about implants going in through the umbilical/naval, resulting in no scarring around the breast area. Is this a preferred method, or should I go with a more conventional method?

A: It is more difficult for a surgeon to make an even pocket for both implants when using this method. This can lead to uneven breasts following the surgery. Most prefer an incision site closer to the breast.

Q: What results can I expect?

A: Every woman's breasts are different, therefore every breast lift operation brings different outcomes. In general, mastopexy gives women more youthful and perkier breasts that sit higher on the chest. While your breasts may not appear perfect, they will appear less droopy and deflated.

Q: How long with the benefits of a breast lift last?

A: The youthful appearance and upright position will last a long time. Nonetheless, aging breast tissue will not maintain the shape that the mastopexy initially brought. A breast lift can diminish the effects of aging, but gravity can eventually cause ptosis to return.

Q: Will a breast lift make my breasts look rounder and fuller?

A: Breast lift surgery does not significantly change the size of the breast. If you want fuller looking breasts but have a high degree of ptosis, you might consider a breast augmentation in conjunction with a mastopexy.

Q: Can exercise tighten the skin of the breast?

A: Unfortunately no. Exercise is good for the body in general, and greater muscle tone can help fill out loose skin in the vicinity. However, exercise increases bulk and cannot actually tighten the breast skin.

Q: Does a mastopexy take care of stretch marks?

A: Stretch marks are essentially scars produced by distension of the skin. Some stretch marks will be removed along with the extra skin, mainly at the lower and center parts of the breast. The stretch marks that remain may be tightened and smoothed somewhat.

Q: I have heard that loss of sensation of the nipple is a major problem, is this true?

A: Loss of feeling is a possibility because virtually every mastopexy involves cutting around the nipple to move it to a higher location. Nerves will grow back slowly. If full feeling has not returned within two years, chances are it will not return to pre surgery receptivity.

Q: Am I a candidate for Buttock Augmentation?

A: If you are in good health (no serious health concerns) and have realistic expectations -- you may be a good candidate for Buttock Augmentation. Some individuals can exercise and lift weights or 'do' squats until they are blue in the face and cannot seem to build muscle in the buttock area. If you are one of these individuals, you may be a candidate for Buttock Augmentation.

Q: What about fat transfer for buttock implants?

A: Not usually performed. Fat is good for augmenting smaller areas, such as areas on the face, or even in cellulite smoothing, but not larger areas. Free Fat Transfer (FFT), or Micro Fat Grafting (MFG), is commonly used for lip enhancement, or smoothing wrinkles and cellulite depressions, but because it tends to be absorbed or 'washed' from the area, it isn't ideally suited for larger fills.

Q: What should I expect post-operatively?

A: You can expect to be pretty sore. You are not allowed to sleep on your back for several weeks and can sit with the help of a pillow at 1 week post-op. Pain medications should alleviate most of the pain or discomfort you may feel. You must be careful not to strain the muscles in that area or squat for a few weeks. Your sutures on the exterior may be of the dissolving or non-dissolving type. Of they are non-dissolving they will be removed in approximately 10 days.

Q: How soon can I get back to day to day activities and work?

A: It depends greatly on the specific procedure, and the individual. Some patients tolerate surgical procedures better than others. But, on average most patients are back to work within a week, or ten days. Your surgeon will advise you of the time you'll need and can give you guidance in the amount of time you will be away from your workplace. If complications arise, additional time away from work may be required.

Q: How long until I will see the final result?

A: This depends on the individual. Some people bruise easily, while others don't. Generally there will be swelling and some bruising after surgery. Both will usually disappear over a week or two. The final optimal result can usually be appreciated a few months after surgery. At first, you may feel uncomfortable after buttock implant surgery. It may seem to you at first as though you're sitting on a wallet, or padding.

Q: How much do implants weigh?

A: Generally it depends on the type and size of the implant. But, generally they only weigh a few ounces each.

Q: Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

A: An individual who has already tried diet and exercise but has problem areas of excess fat in specific areas. These areas can include, but are not limited to; hips and buttocks, abdomen, thighs, and waist.

Q: How soon are the results noticeable after liposuction?

A: Most people notice a substantial improvement in their body contour within a day. However, the anesthetic injected to "numb" the sculpted area takes about two days to drain. This post-operative swelling can briefly obscure the results. By six weeks, 90% of the healing and remodeling of the fat compartment and contraction of the skin over this area has occurred. Further improvement can continue for up to 6 months following the procedure.

Q: Will the fat return after a liposuction?

A: If the patient gains weight following the surgery, the body will distribute the fat in different areas. The treated areas will no longer have the same capacity to store additional fat due to the removal of a large portion of the fat cells. It is possible for the body to create new fat cells, but usually only when significant amounts of fat are gained. Because liposuction is not a reliable method of weight loss, patients should expect to maintain their results through diet and regular exercise.

Q: What happens to the excess skin?

A: Skin is considered to be a dynamic organ, which has elasticity and is able to shrink and re-conform to the new body contour. This can be seen in everyday life, such as when a woman becomes pregnant. Although rarely necessary, when the skin has lost its elasticity, having excess skin removed is an option.

Q: How quickly will I recover from liposuction?

A: Because liposuction is a minimally invasive surgery, the recovery is much easier to withstand and quicker than most other surgeries. Within 24 hours following the procedure, patients are able to care for themselves and resume normal activities. As with all surgical procedures, it is recommended to rest as long as possible. The longer you can stay down… the less bruising you will have. Discomfort should be at a minimum after the four days. Recovery will also depend on the individual and the amount of fat removed.

Q: Will I have scars from liposuction?

A: Some scarring will be evident immediately following the procedure; however, incisions are made in areas that are better concealed or within creases of the skin. The incisions made to insert the cannula are quite small resulting in modest scarring.

Q: Why is it important to wear a compression garment following the surgery?

A: This garment is intended to encourage proper drainage of incisions. It should be worn 24 hours a day for 3 to 6 days. Absorbent pads will also be worn to soak up blood and remaining anesthetic fluids. These pads are worn for 24 hours after all drainage has stopped.

Q: Do I need a tummy tuck, or can I just have liposuction performed?

A: This is greatly dependent on your overall goals and lifestyle following the procedure. Since liposuction does not involve skin removal or muscle tightening, it would be paramount (to fully benefit from the procedure) to maintain a healthy lifestyle following the procedure. If excess skin and muscle laxity are a problem, liposuction will not suffice, a full or mid abdominoplasty would address these issues.

Q: What is the scarring like after a tummy tuck?

A: The resulting scar from a tummy tuck depends greatly on how much skin is removed. As with any scar, it will fade with time. There are ways to assist the fading of scars as well. Vitamin E cream and specialized skin rejuvenation creams are widely available. Also, the horizontal incision made during the abdominoplasty is performed below the panty line. Due to these techniques, the resulting scar unnoticeable.

Q: How long after an abdominoplasty procedure can I expect to be back in the gym?

A: This is dependent on the extent of the surgery and whether the muscles were tightened or not. Typically, patients are active within 1 to 2 weeks and can expect to back in the gym in approximately 1 month.

Q: Where are the incisions made for a brow lift?

A: The location of brow lift incisions are dependent on the technique used. The lateral temporal method involves a single incision along the temple and scalp. Endoscopic browplasty involves incisions along the top of the scalp and a temple incision on each side. For the pretichial and trichial brow lifts, a continuous incision is made which follows the hairline contour and extends down along the temples. All methods of browplasty have minimal to no visible scarring.

Q: What is the recovery like following browplasty?

A: During the first seven to ten days, following the surgery, some swelling and bruising around the eyes is common. Keeping the head slightly elevated will help minimize swelling. Some patients will experience thinning of the surrounding hair. In nearly all cases, this is temporary, and hair growth will eventually return to normal density and appearance. Numbness above the scalp incisions near the top of the head is also common but usually brief. Patients should utilize the first seven days following the surgery for rest. Following the first week, normal (low impact) activities can be resumed. Sutures are removed within five days following the surgery. Strenuous activities should be minimized for two weeks after the procedure.

Q: Does a brow lift look better if my eyelids are done at the same time?

A: Depending on desired outcomes, many clients choose to supplement a brow lift with either eyelid surgery or a face lift. Combining facial procedures brings balance to your new look.

Q: Will the frown lines on my forehead be addressed by browplasty?

A: As we age, our skin loses its elasticity. By lifting the skin on the brow and altering and conditioning the muscles underneath your surgeon creates a smoother forehead.

Q: How long can I expect the results to last?

A: Depending on your genetics and lifestyle, you can expect the results to last for many years. However, as the years pass and we continue to age, gravity will no doubt take effect once again. For those who do not abuse their skin, most can expect the benefits of browplasty to last up to fifteen years.

Q: Who will cheek implants benefit?

A: If you have sunken, hollow cheeks and feel like your face would benefit from plumper, more accentuated cheeks then you would benefit from cheek implant surgery. Men or women choose this surgery, many in conjunction with other facial procedures, to help them achieve a fresh-faced, younger look.

Q: What Are Cheek Implants Made From?

A: Facial implants are either solid or porous. Usually, solid implants are made of silicone. Porous implants are usually made of polyethylene. Porous implants are less likely to move around after place, but are more expensive and require a larger incision.

Q: How long will cheek implant surgery take?

A: The procedure is performed under local (conscious but area is numbed) or general anaesthetic (completely unconscious), this will be decided by the anaesthetist or surgeon. For this reason it may be possible in some cases to return home the same day.

Q: What results can I expect from cheek implants?

A: Patients who have had cheek implants can expect, after initial post-surgery swelling has passed, a natural and healthy look whereby the face is fuller in the cheek and the overall proportions of the face have been improved. Click here to see before and after pictures of cheek implant surgery.

Q: Are there risks associated with cheek implant surgery?

A: As with all operations, there are some risks associated with cheek implant surgery. Your surgeon can help put you at ease regarding any worries you may have. You can talk through these concerns directly with your surgeon.

Q: Can I combine cheek implants with other procedures?

A: Yes, cheek implants can be combined with various different facial procedures. You may like to explore chin implants or dental implants to give further definition to your face. A facelift (or mini-facelift) would achieve a fresher-looking face with tauter skin.

Q: Will I be in much pain after undergoing cheek augmentation?

A: Patients may experience some discomfort after cheek augmentation and talking, smiling and other facial movements may be limited by swelling. Medication can help to manage any post-operative discomfort.

Q: Are chin implants safe, and will it feel natural?

A: All facial Implants have proven to exhibit a safe, predictable, low-risk cosmetic surgical procedure. The implants are designed specifically for use in the chin come in wide shapes and sizes. The implants are custom-trimmed by your surgeon for a more natural fit. Chin implants, when positioned and inserted skillfully, look and feel like normal bone. In most cases you cannot tell the difference.

Q: Will there be any scarring? If so, where will the scars be located?

A: This depends on the incision choice by you and your doctor. If incisions are made intra-orally, no visible external scars will be present. If your surgeon places the implant through an incision under your chin, a very small scar will be present in a well-concealed region.

Q: Will Chin Surgery be painful?

A: The majority of patients do not consider chin surgery to be painful procedure. In augmentation, there is a period of 'tightness' associated with the increased volume from the chin implant. This 'tightness' is worst immediately following the surgery due to the body's normal swelling response. Prescribed pain medication will assist for a few days following the surgery.

Q: How long before the results are visible?

A: The results are immediate, although you may think that the implant is too big at first glance. Give your mind time to recognize the difference between swelling and augmentation. The final result should be evident in a few months.

Q: How quickly can I get back to an active lifestyle?

A: Most people are ready to resume a normal schedule after a few days. You will need to take care, however, to avoid any activity which might cause an impact to your face for three or four weeks. Activities requiring a helmet or chin-strap should be avoided.

Q: Can bulging fat be removed during eyelid surgery?

A: No, the internal fat tissues are too delicate to be surgically removed. Furthermore, fat removal is no longer a major part of eyelid surgery.

Q: How long will the swelling and bruising last?

A: The greatest amount of swelling and bruising will be right after the surgery. Most can expect these conditions to subside within 7 to 10 days.

Q: Are the scars following the surgery very noticeable?

A: Full thinning of the scars will occur within six months. During this time, the scarring is not visible unless closely inspected. The incisions are hidden in the crease and along the back of the eyelid.

Q: What is Asian eyelid surgery?

A: Nearly half of all Asian people are born with a crease on their upper eyelid. This surgery removes that crease creating a smooth uniform eyelid.

Q: I have dark circles beneath my eyes, will blepharoplasty correct this?

A: Not completely. The depressions are caused by a deficiency of soft tissue along the cheek and are not directly associated with the eyelid. While eyelid surgery and chemical peels may help, they will not completely eliminate them.

Q: How long will the improvement last?

A: While procedures such as brow lifts and face lifts are designed to fight gravity, blepharoplasty combats aging skin. Eyelid surgery can be considered permanent in most people, and generally only needs to be performed once.

Q: Will the face lift surgery eliminate all of my facial wrinkles?

A: A face lift will dramatically reduce the amount of wrinkles of the lower two-thirds of the face. By removing excess fat and reshaping loose muscle, cosmetic surgeons reduce sagging in the cheeks and around the jaw. A face lift alone will not erase all common signs of aging. When used in conjunction with other facial procedures such as browplasty (brow lift) or blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), the entire face will eliminate 90% of your facial wrinkles.

Q: Will the face lift make me look unnatural?

A: The goal of a face lift is to rejuvenate, not distort. When the proper techniques are used and excess stretching of the skin is avoided, the outcome is a completely natural look.

Q: What areas of the face does a face lift address?

A: A traditional face lift treats the lower two-thirds of the face, including the cheeks, jowls and neck. It will not improve areas of the upper face such as the brow or eye area, which is better treated with a brow lift, or eyelid surgery.

Q: What is the recovery like after a face lift?

A: After surgery, the face is likely to appear bruised, pale and swollen and some numbness can occur. It's best for patients to take avoid any strenuous activities during the first week and to keep the head elevated during the first few days to help control swelling. In some cases, bruising can take two to three weeks to fully fade. Hereafter, normal activities can be resumed with no consequence to the procedure.

Q: Are there any bandages used after the surgery?

A: Bandages may be utilized following the surgery, but are typically removed the day after the surgery. These bandages include surgical drains to properly drain the incisions. Depending on your physicians' recommendations, a lighter bandage may be used for a longer time.

Q: Will I have noticeable scars following the surgery?

A: The incisions made for a face lift are located within the hairline and any natural contours in and behind the ear. Some individuals require another incision underneath the chin. In all cases, the incisions are minimal and in well concealed areas to minimize the amount of scarring. This allows the result to look natural and unaltered.

Q: Is there much pain following the procedure?

A: Significant pain is not normal following the procedure; however, most patients will experience a sensation of tightness in the face. Will uncomfortable, this tightness is not painful, and subsides within the first week.

Q: What can I expect from a Neck Lift?

A: Your expectations need to be realistic. Overall, patients are pleased with the outcome and find they gain a feeling of increased self-confidence especially when wearing clothes that reveal the neckline. The primary achievement will be having a completely natural look that gives the impressions you have lost weight and/or look younger.

Q: Who would best represent an Ideal Candidate for Neck Lift?

A: A neck lift can be performed on individuals above 18 years of age who feel the need to improve their necks. Typical patients range between the ages of 30 and 70. A neck lift can address various cosmetic issues, including:

• Turkey neck
• Excess fat and/or skin in the neck
• Retrognathia

Q: How Much Pain is Associated with Neck lift?

A: There will be some discomfort after undergoing neck lift surgery, which can be lessened with prescribed pain medication. Some degree of swelling and possibly bruising can be expected, but this is only temporary.

Q: What is the recovery like after a neck lift?

A: It's best to keep the head elevated as much as possible at first to help control swelling. Numbness can also occur though this typically fades within a few weeks as well.