Cosmetic Facial Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is elective and cosmetic surgery patients are usually healthy. Most procedures are performed as an outpatient. Occasionally, they stay overnight in the hospital to control of pain or nausea, for help in simple daily care, or for observation to prevent or recognize any possible complication. An overnight stay is more likely in the older patient or one undergoing most extensive operations. Some patients just prefer the “tender loving care” provided in a hospital and wish to limit the need for help at home. Few bandages are necessary. Patients need tender loving care, some assistance with simple wound care, the application of ice or lubricating ointment to the eye, and modest help with the needs of everyday living, post-operatively at home or in the hospital. When possible, they can recover with help at home.
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Browlift
A browlift is most commonly performed in the 40 – 60 age range to minimize the visible effects of aging. However, it can also help people of any age who have developed furrows or frown lines due to stress or excess muscle activity. Individuals with inherited conditions, such as a low, heavy brow or furrowed lines above the nose can achieve a more alert and refreshed look with this procedure.
Facelift
A facelift (technically known as rhytidectomy) can’t stop the aging process. What it can do is “set back the clock,” improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and re-draping the skin of the face and neck. A facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, or nose reshaping.
Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery (technically called blepharoplasty) is a procedure to remove fat – usually along with excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes – features that make you look older and more tired than you feel, and may even interfere with your vision.
Surgery
1. Many facial procedures are performed as an outpatient and do not require staying overnight at the hospital. However, the patient may choose to remain in the hospital for convenience or, because of the length of the procedure and mild to moderate discomfort, wish to stay overnight in the hospital. The primary post-op need is reassurance, intravenous or oral pain medication, and intravenous medication for the treatment of nausea.
2. Drains may be placed to minimize swelling and facilitate a more rapid recovery.
3. When lower lid surgery is performed, a single suture may be placed in the lateral corner of each eye to minimize eyelid irritation and help maintain the correct position of the lower lid during healing. These sutures prevent the eye from opening completely but do not occlude vision completely- the patient can see, although the eyelid slit appears temporarily smaller until they are removed. The sutures are removed within 2 to 3 days after surgery by Dr. Menick.
Because many patients tend to sleep with their eyes open after surgery, a bland eye ointment is applied to the white of the eye, especially at night while sleeping, and in the daytime, as necessary, to prevent irritation. Ice compresses are applied to decrease swelling and increase comfort. Ice and tap water can be placed in a bowl with a washcloth or 4 x 4’s wet with cold water, rung out, and laid across the eyes, replacing them as necessary.
4. Complications are rare, but can occur. A post-operative hematoma – usually appearing as a significant lateral facial and neck swelling, often one – sided and sometimes associated with increasing discomfort – can occur. A hematoma of the eyelid can, on very rare occasions, lead to blindness after lower lid blepharoplasty.