Plastic
and cosmetic surgery procedures for face, breast and body
Board-certified plastic surgeon
Dr.
Thad O'Neill performs plastic and cosmetic surgical procedures and skin
treatments of all types for patients living in Sheboygan, Kohler, Plymouth, Fond
du Lac and other areas. For those cosmetic procedures that require surgery, Dr.
O'Neill is assisted by the highly skilled surgical and nursing team at Aurora
Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center, the Aurora Surgery Center in Plymouth, and
the Aurora Surgery Center in Fond du Lac.
To learn more about plastic surgery procedures, please click on the links
below:
Breast |
Body contouring |
Reconstructive |
Other procedures
A facelift is one of the most effective ways to regain a fresh and youthful
look. If your face does not look as young as you feel, you may be a candidate
for a facelift.
When to do a facelift: The majority of patients who undergo this
procedure are between 40 and 60, although the procedure can be performed at
any age if indicated. Face lifting can be repeated periodically if
necessary. There are several conditions that are particularly improved after
a facelift:
- A poorly defined jaw line
- Deep wrinkles in the face
- Sagging of skin near the cheeks or jaw line
- Loose skin and fatty deposits around the neck
Adjunctive procedures: There are several other procedures that
improve facial appearance and can be performed at the same time as the
facelift:
- Brow lifting to improve tired appearing eyes or forehead wrinkles
- Eyelid surgery to remove excess skin and fat from eyelids
- Skin treatments or laser surgery to improve fine wrinkles in the
face
- Collagen or fat injections to soften wrinkles or augment lips
- Botox injection to improve wrinkles
How is the surgery done? Most of our cosmetic surgery procedures
are performed at Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center or Aurora Valley
View Medical Center. A facelift is commonly performed under general
anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Incisions are made above the
hairline in the temple and extend down in front of the ear and around the
ear to the lower scalp. The scars, once healed are well hidden in natural
creases. The skin and other tissues of the face and neck are separated,
tightened, and re-sutured to achieve the desired result. The muscle in the
neck may also be tightened. A soft bandage is placed around the face after
the procedure.
How long is the recovery period? Patients are advised to rest with
their head elevated for the first 24 hours after surgery. Pain is usually
well controlled with prescribed medications. The swelling in the face
usually peaks within the first several days and then gradually subsides over
one to two weeks. The bandage will be changed within the first week and any
external sutures will be removed. Makeup can be worn to conceal any
discoloration. Patients usually return to light activity within a few days.
Patients can begin strenuous exercise after 4-6 weeks.
How long does a facelift last? It is difficult to predict exactly
how long the results of a facelift will last, although patients are usually
pleased with their appearance for many years after surgery.
Your neck can age differently than your face. If you've lost a lot of weight,
your neck may be taking its time to catch up. For others, it's a matter of
genetics. A neck lift is actually a set of procedures used to enhance the
appearance of your neck:
- Cervicoplasty is the procedure used to remove excess skin
- Platysmaplasty removes or alters neck muscles
- Your surgeon also can perform neck liposuction, which removes excess
fat. In some cases, Botox injections may be the answer to your problems if
you have fullness or "bands."
How a neck lift is done: Typically, the procedure will last
2-3 hours. Of course, if you are having a neck lift in conjunction with
liposuction, facelift, brow lift or other surgeries, the time will vary
accordingly. Your exact procedure will depend on your desired results and
your own personal circumstances. In order to undergo a neck lift, you must
be in good general health, both physically and mentally.
What do you dislike about your neck? Be honest with yourself! You're
putting a lot of time and effort into researching the surgery, so make sure you
get the results you want. You also should write down your thoughts on what you'd
like to correct and have that with you at the time of your pre-operative
consultation.
Here are some of the most common concerns:
Turkey Wattle -- weakened or loose neck muscles: If you have
weakened or loose neck muscles, this may cause the "turkey wattle" or
appearance of neck "bands."
To correct this, your surgeon may recommend platysmaplasty surgery. The
surgeon makes incisions under your chin and/or behind your ears to access
the platysma (neck muscle) and manipulate it accordingly. Sometimes, that
may even mean removing some muscle. Your surgeon may also use permanent
sutures to hold the tissue in place.
You and your surgeon will discuss what type of anesthesia to use,
depending on your level of comfort. If you want to remain asleep during the
procedure, you should request general anesthesia. Otherwise, your surgeon
can use local anesthesia with sedation. It's up to you, however, to make
that determination.
Instead of surgery or in addition to it, Botox injections can relax parts
of the platysma that are responsible for the "band" appearance or look of
fullness. The injections are completed on an outpatient basis and typically
can be completed within 15 minutes.
Excess fat -- During liposuction, your surgeon will make a small
incision below the chin and remove the excess fat. If you are undergoing
multiple procedures during your neck lift, it is very common for plastic
surgeons to begin with liposuction. If this is the only procedure you'll
need, you should plan to spend up to an hour undergoing the operation. You
will be able to determine this with your doctor during your pre-operative
consultation. Your incisions will be stitched and bandaged. It's very
important to follow your doctor's instructions on properly caring for the
stitches and bandage in the days following surgery.
Too much skin -- Just like the platysmaplasty, your surgeon will
make similar incisions for a cervicoplasty, trimming parts of the skin and
lifting it into place. It will be secured with tissue glue or stitches. The
cervicoplasty can be completed in about 2-4 hours, depending on the
complexity of your procedure. Again, your anesthesia will depend on your own
personal comfort level. Your surgeon will fit you with a compression bandage
that you will have to wear for at least one week, unless instructed
otherwise. It's important to follow his or her instructions to ensure proper
recovery.
How should I prepare for a neck lift?
- During your consultation, your surgeon will instruct you on what
medications to avoid prior to your surgery. Certain medications and vitamins
thin your blood and can cause increased bleeding.
- If you are a smoker, you will need to quit at least 4 weeks before the
surgery and 4 weeks after. You cannot just plan to cut down. You must not
smoke for this time period to ensure proper healing.
- This is no time for a diet: make sure that you eat properly because this
will help your body heal.
- Make sure you wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of surgery.
You should especially plan to wear a button-down blouse or shirt that does
not have to be pulled over your neck or head.
- You should plan to take at least 1 week off from work to recover.
However, your doctor can determine this based on your personal situation.
- If you are having platysmaplasty, cervicoplasty, or a combination of any
of the procedures we've discussed here, you should plan on having a home
recovery area set up before you undergo surgery.
Your home recovery area should include:
- Ice packs
- Gauze and towels
- Thermometer
- Supply of comfortable, loose clothing (preferably button down shirts or
blouses that do not have to be pulled over your neck and head)
- Petroleum jelly and antibacterial ointment for incision sites
- Telephone within reaching distance of where you'll be lying or sitting
most of the time
- Supply of pillows which will allow you to keep your head in a
comfortable position
- Someone who can stay with you at least the first 24 hours after surgery
Recovery takes time and it's important that you're patient with the process.
Most people can return to work in 10-14 days.
If you participate in other sports or are physically active, you will have to
wait at least three weeks, if not longer, to resume those activities. Don't
rush! It's not worth it. You've put a lot of time and energy into making this
happen, so make it worthwhile.
What are the complications and side effects of neck lift surgery? You will have swelling and bruising that can last for several days. You may
feel tightness or tingling, and different sensations including burning or
pulling. You also will experience numbness. These are all very normal in the
first few weeks following surgery and should not be cause for concern.
As with any surgery, you run the risk of infection. Please keep a watchful
eye on your temperature. At the first sign of a fever, contact your doctor. If
you have unusual discharge from the incision site, such as pus, contact your
doctor immediately. Although it's very rare, you could have an allergic reaction to the
anesthesia. That's why it's very important to disclose any drug allergies to
your doctor in a pre-operative consultation.
Does insurance cover this procedure? Insurance carriers are all different, but one thing is the same: They
typically agree NOT to cover elective, cosmetic surgery. If your procedures will in any way correct a medical condition, it's
important that you express this to your insurance carrier. Your surgeon can
write a letter detailing your case.
A brow lift is also known as a forehead lift, an endobrow lift, an
open brow lift, or a temporal lift. The procedure cosmetically corrects sagging
in the forehead skin, upper eyelids and eyebrows.
Here's how: The surgeon will maneuver tissues and remove segments of muscles and skin
that are responsible for wrinkles or deep frown. Sometimes, this procedure is
performed in conjunction with a facelift or reshaping of the nose.
Think about it. You want your facial features to have the same contoured
appearance. If you only have the work done on your forehead, other areas will
appear more aged. If you are interested in learning about other procedures, you
can discuss the options with your surgeon.
There are two methods to lift your forehead and eyebrow areas:
- The classic lift
- Endoscopic lift
The classic lift involves one continuous incision, beginning at the level of
your ears and going up around your hairline. Depending on where your hairline
is, the surgeon will move the incision line to avoid a visible scar. For
instance, if you are a man who is balding, the surgeon can make the incision
mid-scalp, so the scar can be hidden in the remaining hair. Here's how the
endoscopic lift differs: Instead of making one continuous incision, your surgeon
will make a few shorter incisions in the scalp. He or she will insert a scope
(small camera on the end of a thin tube) into one of the incisions in order to
view the tissues and muscles from a screen. At the same time, he or she will use
another device inserted in another incision to make the necessary alterations.
In this procedure, small absorbable anchors are used to secure the offending
tissue once it's altered appropriately. Those anchors are tiny, but mighty.
They'll keep your tissue under control for years. Because the incisions are
smaller, this procedure is less invasive. You will experience minimal scarring
and shortened recovery time.
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
Drooping upper eyelids, lower lid puffiness,
and dark circles can make you appear tired, angry or unhappy. If your eyes are
making you look tired or older than you feel, then eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
may be right for you. Eyelid surgery can remove excess skin and fat from the
upper and lower lids, and can tighten the lower lid. The result is a younger,
smoother, more alert and rested appearance.
Who is a candidate for surgery? Most patients have eyelid surgery to
minimize the effects of aging. Others may require surgery because drooping upper
eyelid skin impedes their vision. This is one instance where insurance may cover
the costs of surgery.
Are there limitations to the surgery? There are other cosmetic problems that
contribute to the overall appearance of the eyes. These may not be corrected by
eyelid surgery alone. For example, a sagging brow may require a forehead lift.
Fine wrinkles (crow's feet) around the eyes can be improved with chemical peels
or laser resurfacing. Also, bleaching agents can be used to lighten the
appearance of dark circles.
How is the surgery performed? Eyelid surgery is usually performed using local
anesthetic supplemented by sedation. The incisions are well hidden in the
natural creases of the eyelids. Any excess skin, fat, and hypertrophied muscle
is removed. Very fine sutures are used to close the incisions.
What can I expect after surgery? There is some swelling and bruising around
the eyes following surgery. Ice is applied to the area for 24 hours to reduce
swelling. Patients typically do not experience much pain following the
procedure. They can resume day-to-day activities within a short time. The
swelling and bruising subsides over the first week and patients can begin
applying makeup at that time. Exercise can be resumed after several weeks.
Nose surgery (rhinoplasty)
Using micro-incisions, our surgeons can beautify your nose and correct
breathing difficulties. By reshaping the cartilage and the nasal bones, a
balanced look can be achieved for a more attractive appearance.
Is nasal surgery very painful? There is some discomfort following surgery,
but this is well controlled with medications.
What is the recovery like? The surgery is an outpatient procedure. Most
patients only require a small bandage. The swelling resolves within one to two
weeks. Patients typically return to normal activities within a few weeks.
Will my insurance cover rhinoplasty? Insurance does not usually cover the
cost of surgery that is purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or
improve nasal function or surgery to correct a deformity or injury may be
covered. We try our best to be your advocate to obtain insurance coverage for
legitimate functional problems of the nose.
Can I combine a cosmetic procedure with one covered by my insurance? A
cosmetic improvement can be performed at the same time as functional nasal
surgery. There is usually an additional fee for the cosmetic portion. We can
give you more information regarding your particular situation following a
consultation.
Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears
back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of
seven and14. Ears are almost fully grown by age seven, and the earlier the
surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear
surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks
associated with ear surgery on an older patient.
If you're considering ear surgery for yourself or your child, this
information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure-when it can
help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all
of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please
be sure to ask your doctor if there is anything you don't understand about the
procedure.
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk. When ear surgery is performed
by a qualified, experienced surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually
minor. Nevertheless, as with any operation, there are risks associated with
surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.
A small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot on the ear. It may
dissolve naturally or can be drawn out with a needle.
Occasionally, patients develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause
scar tissue to form. Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics;
rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infected area.
Planning for surgery. Most surgeons recommend that parents stay alert to their
child's feelings about protruding ears; don't insist on the surgery until your
child wants the change. Children who feel uncomfortable about their ears and
want the surgery are generally more cooperative during the process and happier
with the outcome.
In the initial meeting, your surgeon will evaluate your child's condition, or
yours if you are considering surgery for yourself, and recommend the most
effective technique. He or she will also give you specific instructions on how
to prepare for surgery.
Where will the surgery will be performed? Ear surgery is usually performed as an
outpatient procedure in a hospital, a doctor's office-based surgical facility,
or a freestanding surgery center. Occasionally, your doctor may recommend that
the procedure be done as an inpatient procedure, in which case you can plan on
staying overnight in the hospital.
What types of anesthesia are used? If your child is young, your surgeon may recommend
general anesthesia, so the child will sleep through the operation. For older
children or adults, the surgeon may prefer to use local anesthesia, combined
with a sedative, so you or your child will be awake but relaxed.
What is the procedure like? Ear surgery usually takes about 2-3 hours, although
complicated procedures may take longer. The technique will depend on the
problem.
With one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in
the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He or she will then sculpt the
cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used
to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a larger
piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is
complete.
Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is
removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape
the ear without removing cartilage.
In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear
that will fade with time. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is
usually performed on both ears for a better balance.
What is the recovery like? Adults and children are usually up and around within a
few hours of surgery, although you may prefer to stay overnight in the hospital
with a child until all the effects of general anesthesia wear off.
The patient's head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately following
surgery to promote the best molding and healing. The ears may throb or ache a
little for a few days, but this can be relieved by medication. Within a few days, the bulky bandages will be replaced by a lighter head
dressing similar to a headband. Be sure to follow your surgeon's directions for
wearing this dressing, especially at night.
Stitches are usually removed, or will dissolve, in about a week.
Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month or
so. Most adults can go back to work about five days after surgery. Children can
go back to school after 7 days or so, if they're careful about playground
activity. You may want to ask your child's teacher to keep an eye on the child
for a few weeks.
Other ear problems. Besides protruding ears, there are a variety of other ear
problems that can be helped with surgery. These include: "lop ear," when the tip
seems to fold down and forward; "cupped ear," which is usually a very small ear;
and "shell ear," when the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds
and creases, are missing. Surgery can also improve large or stretched earlobes,
or lobes with large creases and wrinkles. Surgeons can even build new ears for
those who were born without them or who lost them through injury.
Sometimes, however, the correction can leave a scar that's worse than the
original problem. Ask your surgeon about the effectiveness of surgery for your
specific case.
More natural-looking ears. Most patients, young and old alike, are thrilled
with the results of ear surgery. But keep in mind, the goal is improvement, not
perfection. Don't expect both ears to match perfect symmetry is both unlikely
and unnatural in ears. If you've discussed the procedure and your expectations
with the surgeon before the operation, chances are, you'll be quite pleased with
the result.
Skin treatments
Is it just aging? Too much sun? Too much stress? In general, how skin ages
and wrinkles is a complex process. It isn't just about cellular changes,
collagen depletion, hormone loss, damage caused by free radicals, and so on;
it's a combination of many factors.
The anatomy of the wrinkle. The lines that appear between your brows (glabellar lines) actually result
from muscle movement and the passage of time. You may have heard the expression
"wearing your emotions on your sleeve," but in reality you wear them on your
face. If you're angry or annoyed, for example, you knit your brows together.
Underneath your skin, your facial muscles contract, cause a pleating of the
overlying skin, and then, as anyone can see, you're frowning.
After years of crinkling and wrinkling, those glabellar lines start to linger
longer and can become more pronounced. For women, whose faces tend to be more
animated than men's, and whose skin is typically more delicate, these lines may
appear exaggerated and more permanent.
Fortunately, there is a way to temporarily reduce moderate to severe
glabellar lines. Treatment with Botox Cosmetic can visibly smooth and soften
moderate to severe frown lines between your brows. An improvement can be seen
within days and may last up to 4 months, although results may vary. In clinical
trials, nearly 90% of men and women surveyed rated the improvement in the
appearance of frown lines between their brows as moderate to better 1 month
after treatment.
Fat grafting
Fat grafting or fat transfer is the procedure to remove surplus fat cells
with meticulous extraction methods and to re-implant where needed - to the lips, nasolabials (mouth to nose folds), under eyes, cheeks, chin, temples, etc. This
is a very exciting procedure as it is not incredibly invasive - but does create
a moderate amount of swelling - and returns a youthful look.
This procedure can also augment the cheeks, chin, jawline with your
autologous tissue to further enhance your look. Or quite simply restore your
under eye fat or to fill areas where fat has been lost due to aging, trauma,
disease or sickness.
How well does it work? Well that is controversial and results differ from
surgeon to surgeon. It has been argued by some surgeons that it does not, in
fact work, although time and time again there are patients who rave about facial
rejuvenation or augmentation through autologous fact grafting. Bottom line, if
performed correctly, yes, it can last quite a long time. However, there are
many variables:
- fat cell removal techniques
- handling techniques after removal
- spinning/emulsions/serums/etc.
- re-implantation techniques
- patient's
metabolism
- patient aftercare of treatment area
- vascular (blood vessel
formation to the fat cell)
Are you a candidate for fat grafting? When we age our underlying collagen and elastin begin to break down and wrinkles emerge. This along with facial fat
loss, brings about a haggard, hollow or even skeletal look. If you are not
overly skinny, with a major metabolism and have a little extra fat somewhere on
your body to spare you may be a good candidate.
First and foremost, an individual must be in good health, not have any active
diseases or pre-existing medical conditions and must have realistic expectations
of the outcome of their surgery. Although attempts can be made if a patient has
lipodystrophy, it is often the case that the fat does not remain and injectable
fillers may be a viable option.
Communication is crucial in reaching one's goals. You must be able to voice
your desires to your surgeon if he/she is to understand what your desired
results are. Discuss your goals with your surgeon so that you may reach an
understanding with what can realistically be achieved.
You must be mentally and emotionally stable to undergo a cosmetic procedure.
This is an operation which requires patience and stability in dealing with the
healing period. There is sometimes a lull or depression after surgery and if
there is already a pre-existing emotional problem, this low period can develop
into a more serious issue. Please consider this before committing to a
procedure.
What areas are usually treated? Almost all areas of the face and body can be
treated but there are the usual requested treatment sites:
- Correction of "hollow" eyes, visible vessels resulting in dark circles, as
well as visible tear troughs
- Correction after aggressive removal of under eye
fat pads from lower blepharoplasty
- Temple areas
- Upper malar
- Sub malar
- Chin
- Lips
- Jaw line
- Forehead
- Glabella
- Facial scars
- Lower cheek after
aggressive buccal fat extraction or natural loss
- Area between upper lip and
nose
- Bridge of the nose and lateral fat pads
- Buttocks, hips
- Sternum
- Outer brow
- And anywhere else fat is needed or wanted
Spider veins
Spider veins are small red, blue or purple veins that commonly appear on the
surface of the thighs, calves and ankles. It's estimated that at least one third
of the adult female population is troubled with this common problem. People
often seek treatment for spider veins because of cosmetic concern.
A common form of treatment for spider veins is sclerotherapy. This is an
in-office procedure where veins are injected with a solution, using small
needles, which causes them to collapse and fade from view. The procedure
typically improves the cosmetic appearance. Generally a few sessions are
required to obtain maximum benefit.
Spider veins may be isolated or associated with “feeder” veins. They can also
be associated with larger underlying varicose veins. Certain factors contribute to the development of spider veins, including
heredity, pregnancy, hormonal factors, weight gain, occupations or activities
that require prolonged sitting or standing, and trauma.
Telangectasias and Rosacea
The laser treatment of various vascular lesions
utilizes the principle of selective thermolysis. The energy of the lasers is
targeted at the vessels or at times more specifically at the contents of the
vessels that comprise the lesion. Thus, in a non-invasive manner, selective
destruction of the lesions is accomplished, while minimizing collateral damage
to the surrounding skin. Vascular lesions vary in the size, the composition, the
color, and the location of the vessels. These qualities serve to impart unique
characteristics, which allow the laser surgeon to select the best-suited laser
or lasers to treat the particular lesion.
There are 2 main types of lesions:
- Telangiectasias:
These are small diameter, linear blood vessels that occur on the surface of the
skin. Some people may refer to them as “broken blood vessels”. Common areas
where these lesions occur are the face and cheeks, particularly on the sides of
the nose and around the nostrils. Telangiectasias are common in people with sun-damaged skin and also in people
with rosacea. Nasal vessels tend to be more resistant to treatment and may
require multiple treatments. Pulsed-dye lasers have been used effectively for
the treatment of telangiectasias.
- Flushing and facial redness: These are components of rosacea that can be
treated with a pulsed-dye laser. Multiple treatments are usually required. The
newer vascular lasers can be modified so that the pulse of light is on for
longer which results in reduced bruising after the treatment. Experience shows
particularly with the pulsed dye laser that those who are treated more
aggressively and bruise may indeed respond better
Is anesthesia needed? Laser treatment of vascular lesions can be mild to
moderately uncomfortable. Most experience only a brief stinging sensation with
each laser treatment and are able to tolerate the procedure without medication.
The need for anesthesia when treating vascular lesions is dependent on the pain
threshold of the patient and the size of the lesion.
How many treatments are necessary? Multiple treatments are generally
necessary to obtain satisfactory results in the treatment of vascular lesions,
the exact number is difficult to predict Telangiectasias may clear after one
treatment, particularly the smaller vessels, the larger vessels may require a
second treatment. Nasal telangiectasias may require several treatments, the
interval between treatments is 4 to 6 weeks
What are the complications? Fortunately, the complications in treating
vascular lesions are rare in the hands of experienced and skilled physicians.
Bruising is the most common reaction. This is particularly true of the pulsed
dye lasers and the bruising usually resolves in 7-10 days. Mild crusting develops
in about 20% and this usually resolves in 5-7 days. A certain degree of pain,
swelling and redness is possible, although these symptoms resolve in 24 to 48 hours after treatment.
Pigment alteration - postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the
skin in the treated area may occur. This effect is usually temporary. Strict sun
avoidance is recommended. Hyperpigmentation or lightening of the treated area is
rare and usually transient.
Infection – Bacterial infections are rare and occur
when the superficial skin is injured, cooling the skin either through cryogen
spray, contact cooling, or various cooling gels, lessens the incidence of skin
injury. Antibiotic treatment may be prescribed if infection develops, but
generally good wound care is sufficient to prevent infection.
Scarring is rare
with the pulsed dye lasers.
Who is a candidate for laser treatment of vascular lesions? Almost any
patient with one of the vascular lesions described above is a candidate for
laser treatment. Many physicians will not treat patients with a recent history
of isotretinoin (Accutane) use due to the risk atypical scarring. In patients undergoing their first laser treatment for vascular lesions, a
test area can be treated to assure the appropriate dosage and tissue response.
Where are lasers used? Laser treatments can be performed on virtually
any skin surface. Care must be taken to protect the patient's eyes from the
laser light. Goggles or metal eye shields must be used.
Objectives of therapy:
- Safe and effective improvement in the appearance of
the skin involved with the vascular lesion
- Total removal of the vascular
lesion, while desirable, is not always possible
- Fading or lightening of a
vascular lesion is reasonable expectation, complete resolution of some lesions
is possible
- Multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired
response
Preoperative care:
- Patients should avoid excessive tanning
- Anesthetic
cream application 30-60 minutes prior to treatment (if necessary)
- Immediately
prior to treatment, all creams and cosmetics need to be removed from the skin
Lip augmentation
You have many options to improve the appearance of your
lips. The methods we discuss here also reduce fine lines and wrinkles around
your lips. It's important to be realistic, too. Injections or implants can
enhance and improve your natural look, but they're not about performing
miracles.
You must be in good general health overall. You are not a good candidate for
lip augmentation if you have:
- Current cold sores
- Certain diseases such as diabetes or lupus
- Any
scarring of the lips
- Blood clotting problems
Like any other cosmetic surgery, lip augmentation requires a lot of
responsibility. You can only determine for yourself if you're ready. We've
included the most popular injections and implants here. This information should
serve as a general overview only and should not replace your doctor's advice.
Once you've selected a doctor, you will communicate with him or her and decide
together which option best suits your needs.
As with any medical procedure, you should tell your doctor of any allergies
or any medications that you are taking and you will be required to discuss your
medical history. Certain diseases can increase your chances of complications,
such as blood clots, diabetes or poor circulation. If you are a smoker, this may
also be a complicating factor.
Injections -- Your surgeon will most likely use topical anesthesia (painkiller applied
directly to the lips or nerve blocks) for injections. These are performed on an
outpatient basis in your doctor's office or an outpatient center and you will be
sent home the same day.
Here are the options:
- Collagen can be extracted from cows and injected into the lips. There's
a risk of allergic reaction, so it's best to have your surgeon give you a
test dose before proceeding to the full dose. The results are temporary
lasting 4 weeks to 3 months.
- Fat from your own thighs or abdomen can be injected into your lips. There's
no risk of allergic reaction and you may achieve permanent results. This can
also be implanted surgically (see below).
- HylaForm is a material created from natural body substances. There's no risk
of infection, but you will need repeated treatments to maintain the result as
it's only a temporary fix.
- Restylane is a clear gel. It contains hyaluronic acid, which naturally occurs
in humans, so there's little chance for an allergic reaction. It's
biodegradable, so your body will absorb it within about six months of the
injection.
Implants and surgeries. You will most likely receive local anesthesia. A procedure can take up to
2
hours at your doctor's office or outpatient center, depending on the complexity,
and you will be sent home the same day.
Here are the options:
- Alloderm is a sheet of collagen created from deceased humans. Your surgeon
inserts them through tiny incisions made on the inside part of the lip. This
material offers only a temporary fix, lasting up to 12 months. Fat grafting is
the surgical method of inserting your own fat into your lips to achieve the
desired fullness. You may achiever permanent results, but this method varies
from person to person. Because it's your own fat, there is a chance that your
body can reabsorb it.
- Local flap grafts is a surgical procedure that takes tissue and skin from the
inside flap of your mouth. It's far more invasive than any other technique, and
is often the last resort among plastic surgeons. Your surgeon may also be able
to make an incision along the upper line of your lip.
How long will my recovery take? Your recovery will depend on your lifestyle and which procedure you undergo.
If you are having injections, your recovery can take just a couple days.
However, any swelling or bruising can last longer. If you are having surgical
implants or grafts, your recovery can take up to 2 weeks after the surgery.
It's important that you know yourself. Discuss how much time you think you'll
need for recovery with your doctor. It may be necessary to take some time off
work. You will need at least three days off from work, at minimum. If you are
physically active, you will not be able to exercise for a few days after
injections and perhaps for a few weeks after surgical implants.
How should I prepare? It's important that you have someone with you who can drive you home from the
operation. If you are a smoker, you may be required to stop smoking for a period before
the procedure. You should follow your doctor's instructions carefully on this.
Make sure you wear loose, comfortable clothing. Be especially mindful of the
shirt or blouse you choose to wear that day. It should be button down, if
possible, so you do not have to pull it over your face. You should not take aspirin or painkillers like ibuprofen or Motrin before
having the procedure.
Before your procedure, establish a home recovery area with the following:
- Ice
- Comfortable pillows on which you can prop yourself
- Ointment or cream
as recommended by your doctor
- Plenty of soft foods, such as jello, pudding,
oatmeal and yogurt that do not require chewing
- Telephone within reaching
distance of your recovery area
What are the risks and complications of lip augmentation? As with any surgery, there are risks and complications. You can have allergic
reactions to implants as we've described above or allergic reaction to
anesthesia. You can experience bleeding or an implant that hardens, which may require
removal. You also risk infection or perhaps even nerve damage in some cases.
It's very important that you discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to
surgery and that you make your doctor aware of any existing medical conditions
which may cause further complications.
After the procedure, call your doctor Immediately If:
- You experience extreme swelling
- You develop a fever
Does insurance cover lip augmentation? Insurance may cover lip augmentation if the procedure is being completed for
reconstructive purposes, such as a congenital defect or as reconstruction after
an injury or accident. However, if you are undergoing this procedure purely for
cosmetic purposes, you're most likely on your own to pay the bill. Make sure you
understand all of your doctor's charges, including anesthesia, follow up care,
etc. Obtain an estimate of the charges beforehand and work out a payment plan if
necessary.
It's also very important that you realize elective cosmetic surgery may
impact your current insurance. Your carrier can increase your premiums and it
can affect future coverage. Ask your insurance carrier about its policy on
elective, cosmetic surgery so you're not surprised in the future.
