FAQs About Cosmetic Procedures

BLEPHAROPLASTY
Q: Because of my drooping eyelids, I’m often asked if "I’m tired" or "not feeling well." Can cosmetic surgery help my appearance?

A: A surgical procedure called Blepharoplasty is one option for drooping eyelids. A more youthful, vibrant appearance is achieved by removing excess skin and fat from the upper and lower eyelids as necessary to decrease puffiness and heaviness around the eyes. The surgery is usually performed in an outpatient setting with postoperative monitoring. The incisions follow the natural lines and creases around your eyes so surgical scars are generally not an issue. After two to three days, you should be able to read or watch television and use of contact lenses may resume two weeks following surgery. Most people feel ready to resume normal activities outside the home in a couple of weeks.

For many people, Blepharoplasty is the answer to an older, tired appearance caused by heavy, sagging eyelids.

BOTOX
Q: I’m 43 years old and have frown lines between my eyebrows. What can you tell meabout BOTOX injections?

A: BOTOX treatments work to eliminate facial wrinkles caused by years of facial movement such as laughing, smiling or frowning. Deep creases across the forehead, furrows between the eyebrows and/or facial wrinkles caused by sun damage may require treatment other than BOTOX. BOTOX is most commonly used in adults 25 years of age and older for the treatment of frown lines, forehead creases, and crow’s feet. BOTOX injections are administered in the clinic setting using an ultra-thin needle. There is very little pain and the actual injections take only seconds while the entire procedure takes ten minutes or less. The number of BOTOX injections you’ll need depends on the areas that are affected: neck or forehead: 8-12 injections; frown lines between eyebrows: 5-7 injections; lines around eyes: 2-3 injections.

You may return to work or normal daily activities immediately after the treatment with few restrictions. Side effects are minor and rare. Usually, muscle action diminishes after 2 weeks and facial wrinkles may soften after a few months. Typical results last 3 months. Repeat treatments further soften the wrinkles.

BREAST LIFT
Q: My breasts were never large, but after three children they have lost volume and sag. Is there a cosmetic procedure to restore my former appearance?

A: As women age and skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. Breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. The best results are usually achieved in women with small, sagging breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in heavy breasts. If more children are in your future, you should consider postponing mastopexy, as pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts and offset the results of the procedure.

Mastopexy is an outpatient procedure that takes up to three hours to complete. For a few days following surgery, a surgical bra must be worn, followed by a soft support bra for three to four weeks. Healing is a gradual process, but most women return to work after one week and resume normal activities after one month.

It is important to note that a breast lift won’t keep you firm forever. Women who have implants along with their breast lift may find the results last longer.

BREAST REDUCTION
Q: My breasts are oversized and out of proportion with the rest of my body. I am considering a breast reduction. Can you tell me more about it?

A: Breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure that can improve the size and shape of your breasts to make them more proportionate to the rest of your body. It is also beneficial in providing relief from physical symptoms (i.e., back and shoulder pain) caused by the excessive weight of larger breasts. The surgery involves several incisions through which excess breast tissue and skin is removed. The nipple and areola are moved to a higher position and the remaining breast tissue is reshaped.

After surgery, gauze dressings will be placed on your breasts. In just a few weeks, you will be able to move about more comfortably. You will be instructed to wear a support bra for four weeks, until the swelling and discoloration of your breasts diminishes. In most cases, you will be able to return to work in one to two weeks.

LIPOSUCTION
Q: I diet and exercise regularly, but the shape and size of my hips stay the same. What more can I do?

A: Liposuction is an outpatient procedure that helps to recontour or “sculpt” the body by removing unwanted localized deposits of fat from specific areas (i.e. abdomen, hips, thighs, knees, chin, and neck). Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube is inserted to the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. Thefat cells are then broken apart and suctioned out.
Depending on the size of the area and the amount of fat being removed, the time required to perform liposuction will vary.

Following liposuction, a compression garment will be worn for several weeks. Most people return to work within the week following the procedure, although a feeling of soreness will be experienced for several weeks. Liposuction is not a replacement for diet and exercise and it is not a means of weight loss, but it is a safe, effective way to improve problem areas of your body when performed by an experienced, board certified Plastic Surgeon.

SPIDER VEINS
Q: I like to wear shorts in the summer, but have spider veins on my legs. What is their cause and can I get rid of them?

A: Spider veins are superficial veins that have become permanently dilated. They may appear in a linear, branch-like, or cartwheel (spider) shape. There are two common methods used to treat spider veins in the legs: Sclerotherapy and Laser therapy (or a combination of both). Sclerotherapy is the method of injecting sclerosing solution into each affected vein, causing the vein to collapse and fade from view. No anesthesia is needed and each session (two or more are usually required) lasts less than an hour. Laser therapy is the use of an intense beam of light that is directed at the smaller caliber spider veins. Most patients need several 30-minute sessions to achieve desired results. Again, either method takes a series of treatments over a prolonged period to achieve results.

Recovery from each spider vein treatment session takes approximately one month. Normal activity may be slightly modified as healing takes place.

Most patients are very pleased with the results of Sclerotherapy and/or Laser treatment as clearer, healthy-looking skin is the result.

BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
Q: I have had a mastectomy due to cancer. What can you tell me about breast reconstruction?

A: The most common technique combines skin expansion and the subsequent insertion of an implant. A “balloon” temporary expander is inserted beneath your skin and chest muscle. Through a tiny valve mechanism buried beneath the skin, a salt-water solution is periodically injected to gradually fill the expander over several weeks or months. When the skin has stretched adequately, a permanent implant is then inserted after removing the expander. The nipple and dark skin (areola) surrounding it are reconstructed in additional outpatient procedures.

The surgery process is slightly different for each woman. However, one thing seems consistent among all reconstruction patients—they feel it’s worth it.

Breast reconstruction can dramatically improve your physical appearance, emotional recovery from cancer, and sexual confidence. You’ll want to check with your insurance carrier, but if your insurance paid for removal of your breast due to cancer, then it will generally pay for reconstructive surgery.

About Ann K. Passmore, M.D.
Learn more about the Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Center