Facial Surgery

Planning Your Facial Surgery Procedure

If you're considering undergoing facial surgery, the first thing you need to do is learn more. You want to know what sorts of surgery are out there, which ones could potentially help you, and what sorts of complications these surgeries can have. Once you've learned enough to at least know which procedures you're interested in considering, next step is to find a surgeon to have a consultation with. If your consultation goes well, it will pave the way for a successful and beautiful surgery.

Facial Surgery Consultation

Your facial surgery consultation is a fantastic learning opportunity. Chances are good that your consultation will be free, which just makes it even better. You can set up your consultation by phone, or possibly through a form on your surgeon's website.

On the day of your consultation, you will visit the surgeon's office. You may get a short tour of his or her facilities, and you will get a chance to meet the surgeon and some key members of the staff. At your consultation, your surgeon's primary goal is to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for this surgery, and to determine how facial surgery could best help you. Your primary goal is to determine whether this is a surgeon that you feel comfortable with and whether this surgeon is the one that you want for your surgery.

You should make sure to bring a copy of your medical history to your consultation, including any relevant surgeries and illnesses. You should also bring a list of any medications and supplements that you are currently taking. Some people feel inclined to leave out certain aspects of their history because they think that it might harm their chances of undergoing the procedure. Some people also are tempted to leave out certain supplements that they're taking, either because they feel somewhat embarrassed, or for another reason.

Regardless of how tempting this can be, you should make sure that you are completely honest. The information that you disclose forms an important part of the surgeon's decision-making process. If a certain condition could prohibit you from getting the surgery, it's better that your doctor knows about it. Your health could depend on it. Similarly, certain supplements that are ordinarily healthy can cause excessive bleeding or other potentially serious complications during facial and healing. Honesty isn't just the best policy; it's also the safest.

In addition to reviewing your information, your surgeon will also give you a detailed physical examination. This will help him or her to detect any potential risk-factors, and it will also help the surgeon to know how the facial surgery could best improve your appearance.

At your consultation, you will also have the opportunity to express your goals to the surgeon. As such, you should have at least a decent understanding of what you are hoping to get from the surgery. Take some time before your consultation to think about what your goals really are, and see how concrete and physical you can make them in your mind. The better you understand your own desires and aesthetic preferences, the more able you will be to convey them to your surgeon.

It is imperative to the success of your surgery that you and your surgeon be on the same page regarding your goals. Aesthetics and ideals of beauty can differ greatly from person to person, and you want to make sure that you get the face that you want. It can sometimes be helpful if you bring some pictures of the sorts of results that you would like and then explain what it is about them that you like.

However, you should be aware that you may need to refine your goals somewhat during your discussion with your surgeon. Because your surgeon has received so much specialized training, he or she is uniquely able to discern what is realistic to expect from a facial surgery. There are some people who will never have Angelina Jolie's lips, no matter how much surgery they get. However, if there's a patient who is dead set on that goal and completely unwilling to settle for something more doable, she may end up with unpleasant results.

Also, your surgeon is uniquely able to know how to operate so as to enhance the beauty of the entire face. You may think that Natalie Portman's nose is absolutely beautiful, but it might look extremely disproportionate on your face. Facial beauty is the result of the combined effect and harmony of all aspects of the face. Your surgeon can help you to know if the features you want would fit well with your face. If they would not, he or she may be able to suggest slightly different ones that would harmonize better with the rest of your face.

During your consultation, your surgeon will also give you a brief overview of the surgery that you are considering undergoing. He or she will tell you exactly how it will be performed, what sort of anesthetic will be used, what the recovery period will be like, and how much the surgery will cost. This overview will mean the most to you if you already know something about the procedure. Depending on whether the surgeon performs the procedures at his or her office, you may get a chance to see the sort of surgical room where your surgery would be performed.

As you go through your consultation, pay attention to the details. How does the surgeon treat you? Is he or she respectful and courteous? Does he or she listen to your questions and concerns, or does he or she bowl over what you say without really listening? Does the surgeon seem interested in listening to your goals and doing what would be the best for you, or does he or she seem more interested in just making a sale? Is the surgeon willing to admit the possibility of complications, or is he or she simply trying to sell you a sugar-coated version of the surgery?

You can learn a lot about a surgeon by how he or she acts at a consultation. Ask yourself if you'd be comfortable putting your life in this person's hands. If you find you have reason to doubt their professionalism, ethics, skills, or trustworthiness you may want to find another surgeon. Remember, attending a consultation does not mean that you are obligated to go through with the surgery.

Also, pay attention to the surroundings. Is the office neat and clean? Does it have a professional air? Are the office staff courteous, respectful, and happy?

Your consultation is also an excellent chance to ask questions. You can feel free to ask about the doctor's credentials, about his or her success rate, and if you can speak with any of his or her prior patients. Don't feel awkward about or embarrassed to take charge and ask the things that you want to know. Your consultation is sort of like a job interview, but one where you're the boss. You need to find out if you trust this doctor enough to let him or her operate on you. When you think about it, with your appearance, your health, and your life on the line, you deserve the right to ask a few questions.

If you're feeling slightly nervous about your consultation, it might help to actually write down some of your questions and goals on a piece of paper. It can be hard to think on the spot under any circumstances, and it can sometimes be especially hard at a consultation. Most patients are feeling both excited and somewhat nervous about the prospect of facial surgery. Plus, the doctor typically represents both a stranger and an authority figure, which many people find unconsciously stressful. These feelings of nervousness and excitement sometimes end up expressing themselves at the consultation, leading to a slightly giddy feeling and butterflies in the stomach. This can make it hard to remember the questions you wanted to ask. Having an actual list with you can help you to keep track of the things you want to know. That way, you won't be kicking yourself on the way home for forgetting the one thing that you wanted to learn most. At the bottom of this page, we've included a list of some questions that you could consider asking your surgeon.

At the end of your consultation, if you feel confident that this is the surgeon you've been looking for, you can go ahead and set up your surgery. However, if you still have any lingering doubts, or if you just want to think about it a little more, you are under no obligation to set a date for your surgery. It's totally okay to take the time you need to make your decision. If you decide you need more time, let it stew for a little while, and do a little more research. Give yourself the time and information you need to be able to make a decision that you're comfortable with.

However, if you feel good about the surgeon, you can go ahead and start getting ready for your surgery. You and the surgeon will set a date together. The surgeon will give you a list of recommendations for how to prepare for your surgery. Congratulations, you've just taken the first step toward getting facial surgery.

Preparing Your Body for Facial Surgery

Now that you have a date planned for your surgery, you get to get ready for that day. In most cases, preparation for facial surgery isn't too intense. Your surgeon is the best source of information on how to prepare for your procedure. If you have any questions, please ask him or her. Also, if you run into any information here or elsewhere which contradicts your surgeon's orders, be sure to follow what your surgeon says. Here on Facial Surgery Guide, we offer generalized guidelines which are true in most cases. However, your surgeon knows your exact condition, and the advice that he or she gives you is custom-tailored to your needs.

In general, the healthier you are, the better your body will be able to handle the stresses of facial surgery. So, simply try to live as healthily as possible. Eat well, and eat regularly. Try for actually nourishing food, instead of high-fat, low nutrient fare. Exercise regularly, but don't wear yourself out or injure yourself. Get good, quality sleep, especially as the date of surgery grows near.

If you smoke, you'll need to quit smoking before your surgery. Most surgeons advise quitting at least two weeks prior to surgery, although some may recommend longer. If you feel that you could have a hard time quitting, you may want to give yourself more time. Besides, quitting smoking won't just help you have a safer surgery, it's just a plain good idea.

Excessive alcohol consumption can also sometimes lead to surgical problems. Recent studies have shown that binge drinking seems to reduce the effectiveness and efficiency of the immune system. As such, you should at least limit how much you drink in the time period preceding your surgery. Some doctors even believe that having just a couple drinks a day can cause a higher incidence of surgical complications and infection. At your consultation, if your surgeon asks about your alcohol consumption levels, please be honest. Ask you surgeon for more details regarding how much alcohol is safe in the days and weeks preceding a surgery. If you'd like, you can always return to drinking more once the surgery and recovery are over. You will probably be unable to drink while you are still taking your pain medications.

Starting around two weeks before your surgery, you will need to cut out all forbidden medications and supplements. Your doctor will give you a list of which ones you should avoid, but if you have any questions about specific medications and supplements, feel free to ask. It is incredibly important to follow these directions to the letter.

All sorts of drugs and supplements can have adverse reactions during a surgery. For example, even over the counter medicines like Advil, Motrin, Aspirin, Midol, and Pepto-Bismol can cause surgical risks such as serious bleeding. Health supplements and herbs like Ginkgo Biloba, garlic capsules, Vitamin E, feverfew, and willow bark can also cause problems. Regardless of whether a supplement usually helps you, if it's on the list, don't take it for the two weeks before and after your surgery.

Some types of birth control pill can increase one's risk of surgical blood clots. However, if you speak with your doctor about it, he or she should be able to help you find a safe and effective alternative.

Your surgeon may also ask you to take some supplements, vitamins, or medications in the days or weeks preceding your surgery. Some surgeons recommend taking a vitamin in the weeks preceding the surgery, so as to help ensure that your body will have the appropriate building blocks during your recovery. Some surgeons also advise using homeopathic remedies like Arnica montana and bromelain prior to the surgery to help avoid extreme swelling and bruising. Similarly, some suggest taking antibiotics a little bit before the surgery in order to to help minimize the chance of infection. Of course, you should only take prescriptions medications exactly as your surgeon directs.

Additional Preparations for Facial Surgery

In addition to preparing your body for facial surgery, you will also want to prepare your schedule and your home. Arrange for some time off work and other obligations. Arrange with someone to drive you to and from your surgery, and find someone who can be with you and help care for you for a day or two after the surgery. If you have children, find someone who can help with childcare for a few days.

Fill all your prescriptions prior to the surgery so that they will be easily accessible. You do not want to have to worry about making it to the pharmacy to get your pain medications or antibiotics after your surgery. Find a way of organizing your pills so that it is clear which ones are to be taken at which time. The last thing you want is to groggily take the wrong pill.

Make sure you have an easy, clear pathway from your bed to the bathroom, and install a nightlight so you'll be able to get to the bathroom without bumping things at night. You'll want to sleep with your head elevated for the first few days, so you can either find a comfortable recliner chair to sleep in,or you can move a number of pillows to your bed.

Buy some easy to prepare and easy to eat foods. This can include frozen dinners, Jell-o, pudding, crackers, juice, bottled water, and anything else that you think you might like. You won't want to do a lot of cooking while you're recovering. You'll definitely want to keep some bland and soft foods on hand, but you'll want some more interesting things to eat for when you feel up to it.

You should also stock up on some ice packs for cold therapy. Many people find that bags of frozen fruits and vegetables like peas, corn, or blueberries work well. These are easily malleable, and they are reusable. You will also want to buy some antibacterial soap, as well as any post-surgical garments or dressings that your surgeon recommends. You should also ensure that you have some comfortable, front-opening tops to wear after the surgery. You don't want to be pulling anything over your head after a facial surgery.

With all of these taken care of, prepare some things to help keep you entertained during your recovery. You'll probably be knocked out of commission for a few days, and you'll enjoy your time much more if you actually have something to do. If you enjoy movies, move a TV next to your bed, and rent some lighthearted DVDs that you've been meaning to watch. You can also borrow or buy some books from the library, prepare crossword puzzles or Sudoku, or buy a new video game or two. It doesn't really matter what you get, as long as it's something that you like. Try to find things that won't be too taxing or require too much thought, concentration, or coordination. You'll probably be more in the mood for beach reading than Shakespeare.

On the night before your facial surgery, try to go to bed a little early, but not so early that you have trouble sleeping. If you find yourself with butterflies in your stomach and fear you'll be unable to sleep, take some time to de-stress. You could watch a funny movie, take a long, soothing bath, perform breathing exercises, or whatever you find to help you relieve anxiety. You can also ask your surgeon for advice on homeopathic or over the counter sleep aids.

Your surgeon will probably recommend that you wash yourself with antibacterial soap the night before your surgery. Wash your hair, too, and if you are wearing fingernail or toenail polish, you should remove it. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. Then, just try and sleep well. Your big day is just around the corner!

The Day of Your Facial Surgery

On the day of your facial surgery, you'll get a ride to the hospital or surgical center where your surgery will be performed. If you feel nervous, know that this is totally normal. But know also that things are going to be alright. You've found the very best doctor you can, you've followed his or her directions for how to prepare for the surgery, and you've done everything in your power to make this day a success.

You'll want to arrive with plenty of time to spare, so make sure to leave home early. When you arrive, you may meet with the surgeon or a member of the staff for one final consultation. You will be prepped for surgery. You'll need to change into a hospital gown. Marks may be made on your face to indicate the changes that will be made, and the area will be sanitized. At some point during this process, you will be anesthetized.

There are a number of different anesthesia options which can be used during facial surgery, depending on what sort of procedure is being done. Some procedures can be performed under local anesthesia. Some require regional anesthesia, and some even require general anesthesia. In addition to the anesthesia, you may have some amount of sedation. This sedation could range from minimal to deep, depending on the surgery and the preferences of the surgeon.

While you are under, the surgeon will perform the necessary surgery. He will address all of the facial issues that you discussed while you were in your consultation. When the surgery is done, the incisions will be closed, and you will be allowed to recover from the anesthesia. Once the doctors feel sure that you are alright and that you're ready, you can be driven home. Congratulations, your facial surgery is over. Once the recovery period is over, you'll be able to fully see and enjoy your new appearance!

Types of Facial Surgery

Facial surgery is the term we give to a very broad spectrum of surgical procedures. There are a huge number of different cosmetic procedures which can be performed on the face, and each of them is different. Because of this, the exact details of how the surgery will be performed and how patients should prepare differ greatly form procedure to procedure. For more information about specific types of facial surgery, please visit our "Facial Surgery Techniques" page, or click on one of the tabs we have set up for specific surgeries.

How to Select a Surgeon

One of the biggest things that you can do to make your facial surgeon a success is to pick the right surgeon. Unfortunately, many people don't know how to go about doing this. The world of facial surgery seems so big and complicated that it's hard for prospective patients to separate fact from fiction. Although choosing the right surgeon can be complex, it is very important.

Facial surgery is challenging and takes a lot of skill. It is a very difficult thing to safely operate on something as delicate as the face. It is similarly difficult to introduce natural and aesthetically pleasing changes to something as intricate as the face. The best surgeons are more than equal to this task.

However, lesser surgeons sometimes have difficulties. Less experienced, less skilled surgeons have a much greater incidence of surgical complications. These complications could be harmful to your health, and in some cases, they can even be potentially life-threatening. They can similarly leave you disfigured and needing further surgery to regain a more natural appearance.

On the other hand, the right surgeon can make you look better than you ever have, while keeping you safe throughout. The best surgeons can help you to improve your face and transform your life.

So, given that finding the right surgeon is so important, how do you actually go about it? The first thing is to simply give yourself time. When some people decide to get a cosmetic surgery, they decide they need it now. While it's natural to be excited about your upcoming facial surgery, feel free to give yourself the time you need to find a surgeon you really trust.

With this time, learn something about the facial surgery procedure that you want. Look through our website to learn what is normal in terms of surgical preparation, risk, cost, and anything else you want to know. This knowledge will help you when it comes time to compare surgeons.

When you know a little about the procedure, start checking out surgeons. Visit surgeons' websites. Read what they have to say about the procedure, and check what their credentials are. How long have they been performing this procedure? Are their patients happy with their work? You may not be able to find answers to all of these questions on their websites, but whatever you can find will help you to evaluate whether they are worth your time. If you decide they're worth investigating, you can find out more of this sort of information at your consultation.

One of the most valuable things that you can do is look at a lot of before and after pictures. Looking at a lot of before and after pictures can help you to know what sorts of results are feasible with the surgery you're investigating. If you find a surgeon who routinely has before and after pictures that you like, you may have found someone that you want to look into. It can be especially helpful if you can find photos where the before picture looks like you and the after picture looks like what you want to look like. If you find a number of these, you've probably found a surgeon you want to investigate a little more.

When you've found a number of surgeons that you like, pick the top one or two and schedule a consultation. Most initial consultations are free, so you aren't really risking anything by going to a consultation. Even the surgeons who do charge for consultations typically don't charge very much.

At your consultation, try to learn more about the surgeon's qualifications. As discussed above, judge whether or not you think you trust this surgeon and his or her staff. In addition to this, try to find out how often the surgeon performs facial surgery, how often people are satisfied, and what the surgeon's policy on revision surgery is. Ask if you can speak to past patients, and ask if the surgeon has had any previous failures.

The way that your surgeon answers your questions will do a lot to determine whether or not he or she is a good surgeon. The best surgeons provide good results, but they are also willing to be honest. If your surgeon seems like he or she is trying to hide something, you want to be very careful.

As mentioned earlier, remember to give yourself the time you need. There's no need to decide your surgeon right away. Put in the time to find one who will give you the best surgery possible. You owe it to yourself.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

It can be hard to think of all the possible questions that you might want to ask your surgeon. Here's a list of questions that you could consider asking. You certainly don't have to ask your surgeon all of these-you'd run out of time at your consultation. However, asking some of these, or questions like them can be very useful. Feel free to ask actual questions from this list, or to use this list to develop your own questions.

General Facial Surgery Questions:

• What could facial surgery do for me? What sort of facial surgery would you recommend for me?
• Are there any non-surgical alternatives to this sort of surgery? Would any of these be advisable in my case?
• Am I healthy enough to undergo facial surgery? Are there any reasons why I shouldn't get this surgery?
• How much will my facial surgery cost?
• What forms of payment do you accept? Do you offer payment plans or financing? Can you refer me to an outside financing provider?
• Will I need x-rays, blood work, or any other additional testing before my facial surgery?
• Will my facial surgery be done on an outpatient basis, or will I need an overnight hospital stay?
• How soon can I have my facial surgery performed?

Questions About the Surgeon

• How long have you been practicing? How long have you been performing this particular type of facial surgery?
• How many of these surgeries do you perform weekly?
• How often do you experience patient dissatisfaction?
• What is your policy on revisionary surgery?
• May I see some before and after pictures of your patients?
• Are there any of your previous patients that I could speak with as a reference?
• What's the worst complication that you have seen a patient experience after one of your surgeries?
• Will my facial surgery take place in an accredited facility?

Questions About Facial Surgery Procedures and Techniques:

• What will happen during my facial surgery?
• What are the risks associated with this sort of facial surgery?
• What sorts of complications or side effects could arise from this surgery? Am I at high risk for any of these?
• Where will you perform my facial surgery?
• How long will my facial surgery take from start to finish?
• How can I prepare for my facial surgery? Will I need to stop taking any medications or supplements before the surgery? Is my birth control pill safe for this surgery, or should I switch to a different type?

Questions About What to Expect After Facial Surgery:

• How long will it take me to recover from this type of facial surgery? How long will I have to take off work? When will I be able to start exercising again?
• How much pain will I be in after my facial surgery? How will I feel when I get home the first day?
• Will I experience scarring or other blemishes after my facial surgery?
• How long will I have to be careful with my face after my facial surgery?
• What happens if I accidentally hit my face? What should I do?
• Will my face look natural after my facial surgery?
• What are the signs of infection or other serious complications? Under what circumstances should I contact you?

Questions About the Recovery Period and Going Home

• How much care will I need when I go home?
• How long will it take for me to be functional after my facial surgery?
• Am I going to have trouble eating afterward? Are there any foods that I should eat or avoid after my facial surgery?
• What sorts of activity restrictions will I have after my surgery? Should I avoid exposing the surgial area to sun, heat, or water?
• How can I avoid infection?
• How often should I wash the surgical area? Are there any special directions for how to clean it?
• What sorts of medications will I need to take after my facial surgery?
• How long do I have to wait until I can smoke again? When can I drink?
• How long should I wait after my surgery before I can take supplements and medicine on the "do not take" list?
• Will I need to wear special bandages after my facial surgery? If so, where can I buy these, and how long should I wear them?