It’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and redness of the skin following a facelift procedure. The recovery period and downtime can be disheartening for some as the incisions and facial skin need time to heal properly.
A facial plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Philip Miller in New York, will have given you important instructions on how to care for your skin so that the healing process can go forward without interruption or complications. This includes the use of makeup during the immediate post-operative period of your recovery.
Each person’s skin tone, color, and texture are different to work for facial procedures. Changes to the skin are common after surgery so a little bit of tweaking from your normal makeup routine may be necessary to ensure optimal results. Here are X helpful tips.
Get Rid of Any Old Makeup
It may have become dry or contaminated with bacteria or other makeup products. In fact, you should consider products that are specifically made to aid facelift patients, including products like The Big Coverup Kit or Cover Creme by Dermablend. Building a good foundation of makeup with good coverage will ensure you get the best results from your surgery.
Clean Thoroughly
Start with a good, gentle cleansing of the face from neck to forehead using a gauze pad or soft facial sponge. Work gently in and around the facial skin incisions to remove dirt and oils that may cause infection. Always use a gentle soap that won’t irritate your skin or incision sites.
Use Water-Based Makeup
Use water-based makeup during the first three weeks of your recovery period. It’s easy to wash off should you encounter any skin problems or reactions. Oil-based makeups are not as easily removed and can clog pores. If your skin is on the sensitive side, use hypo-allergenic makeup that won’t cause irritation or inflame incisions that have not yet healed.
Get a Different Foundation
Always use a foundation that is one shade lighter than the surrounding skin as the skin may tend to darken with swelling and bruising.
Use Color Theory To Hide Imperfections
Green-colored makeup is best for balancing out reddened areas, and blue eye shadows helps minimize red skin around the eyes. If your skin tone is naturally ruddy, don’t use makeups of similar color.
It may be especially challenging covering large swollen or bruised areas. Fortunately, special corrective cosmetics are available that are designed to give complete coverage of these problem areas.
Your surgeon will have other helpful makeup tips and techniques so that your wounds will heal properly and make sure that your results are truly stellar. To learn more about facelift, visit medlineplus.gov
Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified facial plastic surgeon with offices located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Call (646) 791-3025for a personal consultation.
It’s natural to want to look your very best on your wedding day. For some that means a youthful look, a toned body, and a healthy glow that highlights all of your matrimonial attributes.
Many brides-to-be have decided that looking their best also warrants cosmetic surgery and, in particular, nasal surgery. In these cases, they’re finding that an upcoming wedding is a great opportunity to correct a longstanding nasal flaw that may have made them self-conscious. Perhaps that flaw is a nasal hump or flared nostrils, or a hooked nose that detracts from the overall facial appearance.
For these reasons more than a few brides-to-be have opted for nasal surgery in New York in as little as a month before they say “I do.”
Plan for Recovery
Nasal surgeons warn that there is about a 10 percent risk that a nasal “touch-up” may be necessary if the nose does not heal as expected. Furthermore, swelling can take as much as a year or more to fully resolve after surgery, though most noticeable swelling has faded within six months’ time. Therefore it is more realistic for the bride to have the surgery at least six to nine months ahead of time, so that the nose will have plenty of opportunity to heal and assume its new shape and dimensions.
The whole idea of “Bridalplasty,” as the pre-nuptial nose job is sometimes informally called, is to reshape the nose in such a way that it enhances and harmonizes with other key features of the face. Rhinoplasty involves the surgical reshaping of the nasal bones and nasal cartilage in order to achieve optimal results that fit the goals of the patient. The vast majority of nose jobs are successful the first time around. In a few cases, however, the procedure has to be repeated to “get it right.” That’s the bad news for brides dreaming of the “perfect” wedding-day nose.
Choose Your NYC Surgeon Carefully
The good news is that surgical errors and complications are minimal when the bride takes the time to shop around for the most qualified, experienced, and skilled nasal plastic surgeon. Just as she would do to plan ahead for her wedding, the bride needs to plan ahead for the rhinoplasty procedure, allowing herself plenty of time to make a full and successful recovery.
First, though, she must consult with the surgeon to find out whether she is, in fact, a good candidate for rhinoplasty. It’s a deeply personal decision for the bride to make and one the surgeon must never take lightly.
If you’ve been considering cosmetic nasal surgery for your all-important wedding day, talk to a qualified plastic surgeon about the risks and benefits of rhinoplasty.
Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified New York facial plastic surgeon with offices located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Call (646) 791-3025 for a personal consultation.
Now that you have decided to have cosmetic nasal surgery, the next step is to decide what the best shape may be for your new nose. That all-important step takes place during private consultation with your plastic surgeon. Here, the doctor will spell out what can and cannot be done in surgery. What determines the limits are the very size and shape of your present nose, and the very architecture of your face.
The plastic surgeon in New York factors in a number of variables in the design of the surgical procedure. Existing skin, cartilage, and bone structure all determine how much nasal shaping is possible within the limits of reason, surgical skill, and technology.
For example, while surgery to reduce a large nose is very common, there is a limit to just how small the nose can be made. The underlying framework of bone and cartilage can be reduced in size, but the skin itself is often left untouched. Furthermore, the nose must work with the other facial features. If the nose is too small for the chin or cheeks, the overall facial appearance will be unbalanced. Despite these limitations, a skilled surgeon can create many pleasant and subtle adjustments to the existing nose structure that will leave you feeling satisfied. The results of cosmetic nasal surgery are never rushed or drastic. They bring out the best of the nose you have in near perfect harmony and balance with other facial features.
Shape and Looks
When choosing the right shape of your new nose, always strive toward a natural look that maximizes the size, shape, and proportion of your natal nose. A female patient, therefore, will desire more feminine results compared to a male patient, including a straight nasal bridge, a slight, youthful “lift,” and a nose that is neither too long nor too pointed, and one with slender nostrils.
You may have been inspired by the wonderful results of a friend or celebrity who had a nose job. Keep in mind, however, that the plastic surgeon is not a miracle worker. He or she can only work within the normal parameters of the nose nature gave you. Any “copycat” surgery to mimic the results of a popular actor may appear artificial and out of balance with your facial makeup. However, pictures of noses that you do like can be helpful during the consultation process to communicate what it is that you do and do not like, but keep an open mind to what your doctors recommends.
Most of all, make sure your surgeon is board certified, well experienced in rhinoplasty, and able to deliver results. Look at his or her before and after pictures and check out their credentials. While it may not be possible or best for you to receive just about any nose, a skilled plastic surgeon can help you make the most of the nose you were born with.
Let a New York Plastic Surgeon help you with your Nose
Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified facial plastic surgeon with offices located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Call (646) 791-3025for a personal consultation.
The fear associated with a traditional nose job (rhinoplasty) has, for some patients, a lot to do with the degree of bruising that appears after the surgery. The Internet is filled with post-op pics of rhinoplasty patients with anything from mild yellow discoloration to full-out black eyes, and this can be a bit disconcerting for someone considering surgery. Though some lucky patients in New York enjoy a speedy recovery with little or no bruising around the incision areas or eyes, the reality is that bruising and black eyes are normal effects of the procedure and are to be expected to some degree.
Post-rhinoplasty bruising can have a lot to do with the techniques used during surgery. Was osteotomy performed and were the nasal bones broken? Was there soft tissue dissection involved? If the answer to both questions is yes, then be prepared to experience some swelling and bruising and maybe a pair of raccoon eyes as your body recovers from the trauma of surgery.
The bruising and black eyes which often occur post-rhinoplasty involves the discoloration of undersurface skin with blood that leaked from damaged blood vessels. The degree of bruising and discoloration depends on the type of nasal procedure as well as the skill of the surgeon doing the procedure. Skilled cosmetic nasal surgeons will always prepare their patients for potential risks and complications during the recovery process. Their advice and practical tips are worth putting into practice to promote a full recovery and optimal results.
Tips for Reducing Bruising
Ice or a cold compress is an absolute must during the first 48 hours after surgery. The cold will minimize swelling and bruising. Administer the ice or cold compress every 30 minutes for at least several days following surgery.
Pineapple juice containing bromelain is also useful as an anti-inflammatory for post nasal surgery patients.
Things to avoid post-surgery include aspirin, alcohol, and herbal supplements, which thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding. As a rule of thumb, refrain from using these substances at least seven days before and after you have the surgery. This will also minimize the risk of anything going wrong on the operating table.
Also, be sure to steer clear of questionable surgery recovery products. These may or may not work, and may even make matters worse. Always consult your doctor’s opinion trying out any new products.
No rhinoplasty patient wants to see his or her surgical results go to waste. The advice of a qualified plastic surgeon will go a long way in making sure you get your money’s worth and the nose you’ve been dreaming about.
Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified New York facial plastic surgeon with offices located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Call (646) 791-3025 for a personal consultation.
So, you’ve decided that a traditional facelift will shave years off your facial appearance or the bridge of your nose could use a little reduction. The next important step for you is to decide which NYC plastic surgeon is the right one for you.
This doesn’t mean going online and signing up with the first surgeon who pops up offering to do the procedure at the least cost. There are a number of important factors to keep in mind. What do other patients think and feel about the surgeon? What is his or her professional background and training in the procedure of your choice? Are they generalist practitioners, or specialists in facelift or rhinoplasty surgery? Most important – and don’t be afraid to ask – do they have any past or pending malpractice lawsuits?
All of these issues will help narrow the field of three or more surgical candidates to, hopefully, the best one to do the job.
Next comes the professional consultation. This is the moment when the patient gets to enter the surgeon’s world and work space. Is it neat and tidy? Is it a modern facility with state-of-the art tools and technology? What are the staff members like? Are they welcoming, and do they pay attention to your personal needs?
The patient will be required to fill out paperwork and complete a questionnaire which will provide the surgeon and staff with the patient’s medical history and possible use of medications or herbal supplements, which can lead to complications on the operating table. After that, the big moment will have finally arrived and you will get to meet the plastic surgeon for the first time. Here, first impressions are key. He or she will either make a good impression or a bad one. They will come across as knowledgeable in their specialty or they won’t. They will have a good bedside manner or may appear cool and distant. Depending on your emotional makeup and cosmetic goals, the initial consultation can make or break a surgeon-client relationship. Such a relationship must be built on a foundation of mutual trust or it simply won’t work.
Once past the preliminary discussion, the surgeon will provide a full explanation of the procedure, the type of anesthesia used, pre-operation preparations, the recovery process, the patient’s reasons for having the surgery and the goals and expectations in play.
The qualified, board-certified surgeon may suggest alternative procedures and will discuss the risk of infection and other complications as well as the overall results to expect. The well-informed patient will have no fear in asking the doctor about how many procedures he or she has performed, how long they have been doing a specific surgical procedure, and how many required surgical revision.
The consultation is when all cards are laid on the table. Honesty and transparency are essential ingredients on both sides of the table. You may also find that you want to consult with more than one surgeon, and that is perfectly acceptable.
Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified facial plastic surgeon with offices located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Call (646) 791-3025for a personal consultation.
When you think about your pending facelift in New York you are more than likely envisioning what you will look like with firmer skin and a more youthful-looking face and neck. A facelift is definitely a surefire way to revitalize your appearance. The majority of patients are highly satisfied with the outcome of the procedure. It takes some patience to get to that point though.
Get Positive Results
The best way to attain positive results has a lot to do with your outlook. Preparing yourself for what to expect immediately after your facelift surgery will help you develop the mindset to get through recovery and allow you to remember the beautiful face that awaits you after the less glamorous part is over.
The Procedure
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and most patients are able to manage perfectly well at home with the assistance of a friend or spouse during the first few days. Some individuals choose to stay in an after-care facility with a trained nursing staff that is familiar with assisting patients after surgery. Waking up from a procedure where anesthesia and sedation is used can leave you feeling groggy, confused, and even emotional or nauseous. That is why patients are not allowed to leave alone. Patients return after 1 to 2 days to the surgeon to have drainage tubes removed. The tubes are to prevent the buildup of fluid. Sutures that were used to close the incisions will remain for 5 to 10 days.
Managing the Pain
Over the counter or prescription medication will be prescribed by the surgeon to help control any discomfort. Usually the pain following a facelift surgery is mild. Cold compresses are recommended to help minimize bruising and swelling at home. Elevating the head will also help limit swelling. Swelling is a very common side effect of the surgery, but not to worry, it is only temporary. Chances are swelling will begin to look worse over the first three or so days before it begins to improve. Some very minor swelling can linger for 6 to 9 months, but your face will look better than it did before the surgery. You are probably the only person that will recognize the extra bit of puffiness. After that point the swelling will have completely subsided and the skin will have fully settled.
The Recovery
Typically, patients may return to work about 2 week following surgery. Everyone heals differently, so this time frame of a quick recovery is not set in stone. Strenuous activity must be avoided longer, for several more weeks, to avoid trauma and strain to the recently operated on facial muscles.
You may be concerned about the appearance of scars. Luckily, facelift scars become virtually undetectable over time. This is in part because incisions for the procedure are placed within the natural creases of the face. The skin will also return to a more normal skin tone. In the meantime, makeup can be used to camouflage the skin after the incision has healed.
We’re Here to Help
Remember that the bruising and swelling and all the other annoying parts about recovery will pass. Your rejuvenated face will be awaiting you sooner than you know. Dr. Miller in NYC will be able to answer your questions and provide more information about the facelift procedure and recovery at your consultation. Contact our office at (646) 791-3025 to schedule one today!
What makes good nose surgery results? It’s a question that ranks on a par with what makes good art or fine wine. Everyone has an opinion but not everyone agrees with it.
Like good art and fine wine, a good nose job conforms with certain guidelines and expectations. The patient must be pleased with the results. The results must be painstakingly accurate. The surgeon should always inject a large amount of skill and passion into the mix to achieve the desired results.
In general, a good nose job is flawlessly minimalistic and conservative. Less is more. No incision or suture goes to waste. The goal is simplicity, harmony, symmetry, and balance – a merger of outcomes in which the nose blends in seamlessly with all other facial features. What we’re talking about here is a wonderful fusion of surgical skill, medical prowess, and artistic sensibility. The scalpel is to a plastic surgeon a fine artist’s brush. Each deftly-made incision adds no more, and no less, than the procedure requires.
Every culture has its own standards of beauty. In Western culture, a beautiful nose is relatively small, straight along the bridge, with small nostrils that are neither flared nor pinched. The tip of the nose neither dips too far down nor projects too far outward or upward. A good cosmetic surgery result is refined and natural in appearance. It expresses the patient’s own personality, ethnicity, and the surgeon’s aesthetic skill to near perfection.
For men, a good nose job is bold and angular, exemplifying manhood. For women, the result is not as overpowering and flows gracefully and confidently in its total effect. In sum, the hallmark of a good cosmetic nose surgery is one whose results are subtle and understated. There is minimal scarring and the recovery is fast and relatively pain-free.
Plastic surgeons must be getting it right, because in 2012 there were 243,000 rhinoplasty procedures done in the U.S. alone according to the ASPS. That’s a sizable amount of completed procedures. Are you a good candidate for rhinoplasty? It depends on the state of your health and your willingness to face the potential risks associated with any cosmetic surgery.
Again, what makes a good nose job? Only you and your qualified plastic surgeon can provide the answer. Keep in mind, though, that the outcome will only be as good as the surgeon doing the procedure, the tools at his or her disposal, and the quality of the “canvas” that is your very own nose.
Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified plastic surgeon and an expert in the field of facial plastic surgery located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Contact us at (646) 791-3025 for a personal consultation.
A search for facial rejuvenation procedures can yield numerous results. Two, of many options, are facelifts and “liquid facelifts.” Despite the similar name, these two procedures are not the same. Learn more about each technique before determining which is right for you.
What Is Liquid Facelift?
A liquid facelift, offered at our New York office, is a procedure that uses one or more injectable fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane. The filler material is injected into the skin to fill out lines and wrinkles. By softening lines and wrinkles, a more youthful look results. In addition to wrinkles, the cheeks, chin and other contours of the face may lose volume due to age or genetics. These issues can also be remedied with injectable fillers. Unlike a regular facelift, all areas of the face can be treated, not just the lower face. This is the best alternative to a traditional facelift.
Injectable fillers are temporary. Depending on the type used, results may last anywhere from 3 to 18 months. Sculptra or fat injections can produce longer outcomes. Patients who prefer a liquid facelift generally do so because the procedure involves little discomfort and little to no downtime. The injection site may have minor swelling or redness afterwards, but those who receive filler injections can go about their normal routine after leaving the office.
What Is a Traditional Facelift?
Traditional facelifts are more invasive. Also known as rhytidectomy, facelifts restore a younger-looking appearance by lifting and tightening sagging skin and weakened muscles of the lower face and neck. Unwanted fat deposits can also be removed, something injectable fillers cannot do. Not only are wrinkles smoothed, but hanging jowls can be eliminated as well. Recovery is longer, necessitating about 2 weeks of leave from work. There are, however, less invasive options like the limited incision facelift which requires shorter incisions.
Though the advantages of a liquid facelift sound appealing, a surgical facelift also has its own benefits. The first is that the results are longer lasting and more dramatic. Facelifts do require touch-ups about every 7-10 years to maintain the same refined look, but this timeframe is much longer than what injectable fillers can currently provide. Cost is another factor. Filler treatments may initially be less costly, but follow-up procedures every few months to a year can add up and, in some cases, exceed the cost of a facelift. To learn more about liquid facelift, visit healthcare.utah.edu
Facelift vs. Liquid Facelift: A Comparison
Traditional Facelift
Liquid Facelift
Invasive, surgery is required
Non-invasive, injectable fillers
Last 10+ years
Last 3-18 months
Recovery in 14 days
Recovery in 1-2 days
Natural-looking results
Natural-looking results
Targets neck and lower face
Targets all areas of the face
Facelift vs. Liquid Facelift: Which is Better?
There is no final answer as to which procedure is better. It depends on the patient’s needs and preferences. A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon will help to clarify any questions you may have. Dr. Philip Miller specializes in facial plastic surgery and is an expert on facelift technique. Call (646) 791-3025 to schedule a meeting with Dr. Miller at his Manhattan New York plastic surgery practice.
Having a facelift or other major plastic surgery in New York is an investment in your future appearance and peace of mind. It’s money and time well spent when the procedure goes well. Sometimes, however, patients are too anxious to see the results or to get back to work or their normal routines long before the incisions are properly healed and the swelling has subsided.
Just as there are many things patients can do to optimize their facelift results (setting up a home recovery room before the surgery is one), there are many activities they should avoid so as not to interfere with or harm the recovery process and ultimately the results.
Cut Down on Physical Activity
Many active patients can’t wait to get back into the home gym or health club after cosmetic surgery. They stress out over missing even a few days of weight lifting, thinking they will lose all the progress they have made in the months or years leading up to facelift surgery. All that pain and gain for nothing. The danger is that any kind of strenuous exercise or heavy lifting places undue strain on the incisions and could undo the procedure entirely. It’s best to wait at least two weeks until most of the swelling has gone down and the incisions have had time to heal.
Avoid Blood-thinners Like Aspirin and Garlic
They may increase the risk of bleeding during recovery. Use only Tylenol and other pain killers on your doctor’s instructions (consult with your plastic surgeon if you are on blood thinners for circulatory problems or clotting). And no matter how greasy your hair may look and feel after surgery, wait at least two days before you wash it to prevent facial stress and soap irritation. If you wear makeup, hold off for at least a week so that the incision areas remain clean and clear of contaminants.
Don’t Smoke
Nicotine only diminishes blood flow, and your incisions need well-oxygenated blood in order to heal well. Don’t drink and drive. That means no alcohol, which interferes with blood circulation and causes dehydration. And don’t drive – at least, not until you feel well enough to do so. Wait a minimum of 48 hours before you even think of getting into a car.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
UV light damages the skin, and your facial skin following surgery is especially vulnerable. Wear sunblock with an SPF rating of 15 or higher if you expect to be exposed to the sun for any length of time. Refrain from tanning for at least six weeks.
Rest Well
Following facelift surgery, it’s normal to feel slightly depressed and sluggish. This is due to hormonal changes caused by the trauma of surgery. The feelings will pass over time. Finally, get lots of bed rest after surgery but plan on getting up as soon as possible. Moderate activity not only alleviates boredom and gets the blood flowing, it promotes healing and ensures optimum results from plastic surgery.
A qualified plastic surgeon can provide further help on making the most of your downtime after cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified plastic surgeon in NYC and an expert in the field of facial plastic surgery. Call his Manhattan office at (646) 791-3025 for a personal consultation.
Following a facelift in New York City, the last thing you want is to deal with complications. By following a few simple tips, you can prepare your body to heal as quickly as possible and help avoid issues that can lead to infection.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking shrinks blood vessels and reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches your tissue. This impacts blood clotting properties and makes it harder for your body to close wounds. An open wound is at risk of developing an infection. You must stop smoking at least two weeks prior to your surgery and ignore cravings for at least two weeks following your surgery.
Be Careful About Using Over-the-Counter Medications
Medications or supplements containing aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E thin the blood or increase bleeding. These situations slow the healing process. Avoid these compounds for at least two weeks before your surgery and for a few days after your surgery. If you have questions or are uncertain, always ask your plastic surgeon before taking a medication. Consult your doctor about safe options for pain relief following your facelift.
Build Up a Stock of Frozen Peas
Following your surgery, you want to keep swelling down. Stock up on packs of frozen peas before your surgery. You can also reduce swelling by keeping your head elevated when you’re resting in bed.
Resist the Urge to Peek
Do not remove your bandages, even if you’re itchy and can’t stand not knowing how you look. Wait for the doctor to do this. If you remove them too early, you risk infection. When the doctor does remove your bandages, don’t be alarmed by bruising and swelling. This is normal. Swelling generally subsides after a few days and bruising usually lasts a week or two.
Stay Out of the Sun
Avoid the sun and sunlamps for six weeks following a facelift. The heat from the sun’s rays or the heat lamp can lead to swelling.
Dr. Philip Miller, a renowned facial plastic surgeon in NYC, offers consultations to anyone considering a facelift. Contact us to schedule an appointment by calling our plastic surgery clinic at (646) 791-3025.
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