Pre- and Post-Surgical Questions

In Denver, Colorado
The Art of Compassion    The Science of Beauty

Surgical and non-surgical procedures performed on your face and neck should not be taken lightly. The more questions you ask, the better you'll feel about your decision for cosmetic surgery.

Here is a list of questions people frequently ask about their cosmetic surgery, and the answers.

How long does a typical cosmetic surgery usually take?
There are many factors that determine the length of the procedure, including:

  • The type of procedure performed
  • Body type
  • Age
  • Overall health

For example, a facelift may take anywhere from two to four hours depending on which variation is used and whether any other procedures are conducted at the same time. An eyelid surgery may take from 30-90 minutes.

Are cosmetic surgeries dangerous?
Not when they’re performed by properly trained and qualified cosmetic surgeons. An experienced cosmetic surgeon will screen his patients carefully, making sure that no procedure is performed that is not suitable for that particular patient.

As you probably know, all surgery brings some risk. Any time the skin is incised or a general anesthetic is administered, special care must be taken to monitor the patient and prevent unwanted developments.

  • A cosmetic surgeon, like any other type of surgeon, will pay scrupulous attention to sterility to avoid infection. Antibiotics are usually given, too, to prevent infection.
  • A good surgeon will take particular care to minimize bleeding, perhaps using a laser, which is also an excellent way of making surgery quicker, safer, and potentially less painful.
  • A fully qualified anesthesiologist will calibrate the dosage and monitor the patient’s vital signs until that patient is alert and aware again after surgery is finished.

What do I do prior to my surgery?
Prior to setting up an appointment, you can download and fill out a patient information form and a confidential medical history form. This will help your cosmetic surgeon assess your overall health and note any medications being taken.

Most surgeons will give you specific instructions prior to your appointment, as well as any prescriptions, so that you can have them filled beforehand. Some of the standard recommendations are:

  • Refrain from smoking for at least two weeks prior to the procedure.
  • Notify your doctor if you are taking any prescription medication.
  • Make sure you schedule somebody to drive you home after surgery, as the effects of anesthesia take time to wear off.
  • Prepare your home recovery space by stocking up on groceries, good books, the TV guide, pillows, blankets, etc., and by getting all laundry and cleaning done beforehand. If necessary, arrange for someone to care for children or walk the dog.

Do many people have cosmetic surgery?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 100,000 people elected to have facelift surgery in 2006. The most popular procedure was breast augmentation, 329,000 women electing that, and next in popularity was nose surgery (307,000).The next in order for 2006 were liposuction (303,000), eyelid surgery (233,000) and tummy tucks (146,000). These numbers go up every year.

How do I pay for my surgery?
There are a number of financing companies which offer low-interest, even zero-interest loans for cosmetic surgery. One example is CapitalOne, who often offers low down-payment options, and many timeframe choices. Most experienced cosmetic surgeons work to help you make your cosmetic surgery affordable. If you prefer, you can use one of your own credit cards, particularly as many offer “rewards” of some type, such as free airline miles.

How long before I am back to normal?
Recovery may take just a few days or several weeks, depending on the type of surgery. You can receive specific information about this by consulting with your cosmetic surgeon. You may see some immediate results, after cheek or chin implants, for example, but sometimes the full benefit of the operation is not evident until several months later, after any swelling or bruising has subsided and scars have shrunk down.

How long will my new look last?
Many cosmetic procedures are permanent in the sense that your shape is now different (as after nose surgery or ear surgery). However, aging, weight gain, and other real life events may cause future problems that will need to be addressed later. Facelifts, brow lifts, and neck lifts last many years, but eventually time will make its mark again. It is helpful if you do your part by monitoring your diet, exercising, and using sunscreen to maintain your new look.

Modern cosmetic surgery is an exciting field, and a constantly developing one. Computers and lasers have changed it forever, and research is ongoing into all aspects of it. We are lucky to live at such a time, and to have so many excellent options for rejuvenating our bodies and so many opportunities to change inherited traits and repair any past injuries. A highly trained and experienced cosmetic surgeon is a mine of information, so find a good one in your area and ask all your questions.

 

If you’re interested in learning more about eyelid surgery, cosmetic surgery, eyelid lift, facelift, eyelid tuck, necklift, puffy eyelid, brow lift, plastic surgery, blepharoplasty, or any other cosmetic surgery, in Denver or Boulder, Colorado, contact Dr. Fante for an initial consultation.