Facelifts

Modern plastic and cosmetic surgical procedures can now change a person’s facial shape using a number of methods: removing fat from the cheeks, adding cheekbones, trimming the chin, lifting sagged jowls, creating eye folds, lifting wrinkles and even re-shaping the nose and ears. People who are more conservative or are not willing to make the commitment to a surgical facelift can opt for less radical and less invasive procedures such as lip augmentation, Botox® and Juvederm®. These procedures do not actually change the facial structure, but instead make the skin look tighter, smoother and refreshed through lasers, acids and other methods.

Stem cell fat injection and fillers can slow down aging, but facial procedures, such as a facelift, can last up to ten years. Fat injections and fillers can add volume and help erase creases, especially crow’s feet and marionette’s lines. A facelift, however, is a long-term solution to sagging and lax skin which has lost elasticity due to aging and has succumbed to the effects of gravity.

Patients with loose sagging skin are great candidates for facelifts, but those with fine jawlines can also opt for surgery.  Patients who do not smoke and do not drink alcohol are ideal candidates because they heal faster and have fewer complications.

What can a facelift do?

• Lift the forehead so the folds are less pronounced
• Remedy sagging mid-face so cheeks appear fuller
• Remove deep creases and extra fat along lower and upper lids
• Lessen the deep creases that run along the side of the nose to the mouth
• Remove loose skin and tissue along the jawline (double chin)

Upon consultation, your doctor will check for skin elasticity and will scrutinize two major areas – the jaw and the hairline. He or she will need to assess your expectations against the possible “after” results. You will also be advised against taking anti-depressants, blood thinners, aspirin, NSAIDS and “good” health supplements like green tea, Vitamin E, omega 3 fatty acids, ginger and ginkgo because these can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.

There are various kinds of facelifts, but the most popular are the traditional, endoscopic and short scar facelift. Facelifts are performed under general anesthesia, but can also be done with a combination of mild anesthesia and sedation.

Women can grow out their hair to camouflage the incisions during the healing stage, while the incisions on men are usually done along the beard line. After the incisions are made, the extra fat is suctioned off. The muscle and skin tissues are tightened before the skin is sutured or stapled in place. While this procedure may seem “easy,” they are actually more complicated because all of the layers underneath the skin are “lifted” as well. 

Following surgery, your doctor will apply a special dressing. Compression garments such as the facial compression wrap play a key role during this time. Compressing the lifted tissues promote skin to tissue adhesion, help remove extra fluid, prevent inflammation, protect the incision and accelerates the healing process.  In addition, the facial compression wrap is comfortable to wear and it will lessen the pain. 

Other procedures like cheek fat removal, implantation and chin surgeries are all aided by the use of effective facial compression wraps.

Male Compression Garments

Cosmetic surgery boosts confidence and enables one to look and feel their best.  In the past, many men were reluctant to undergo cosmetic procedures.  However, liposuctions on the flank area, chest and abdomen have become more popular.  Some men even opt for pectoral implants to enhance their male silhouette.

Dieting and exercise are of the utmost importance, but they sometimes fail to get the desired results.  Safe and effective procedures that promise shorter recovery times and better, natural looking results have made it easier for people to achieve their goals.  Men get liposuction for a number of reasons: it is “anti-aging”, healthy and able to correct body “flaws” such as gynecomastia.

Enlarged male breasts (or man boobs) is not as rare as one would think. Statistics show that this condition plagues about 40% of the male population at one time or another. The most common cause is hormonal, especially when enlarged growth happens during adolescence. More often than not, this condition is painless and temporary – rarely persisting beyond two years. In some cases, gynecomastia is a result of obesity, prostate cancer or drug and alcohol abuse. Overweight men who drastically lose weight within a short span of time also complain of enlarged breasts due to excess adipose and loose skin.  

A combination of cardio and weightlifting can help to build up the pectoral muscles, while compression vests can be worn to give a trimmer look.  However, those that suffer from chronic gynecomastia usually have to be treated with surgery. 

Liposuction for Gynecomastia

Men contemplating liposuction, male breast reduction or insertion of pectoral implants should observe the surgical guidelines suggested for all cosmetic surgery patients. Steer clear of alcohol, nicotine, both over the counter and prescription drugs and supplements that can affect blood clotting ability. It is wise to discuss the surgery with your doctor, especially if you are being treated for high blood pressure or any condition requiring blood thinning agents. Exercise coupled with a nutrient-rich diet prepares your body for the rigors of surgery. Do not eat at least 8 hours prior to surgery, and make sure someone is able to bring you home after the surgery. Some procedures do not require an overnight stay and may be performed under general or local anesthesia with sedation.

Similar to many liposuction procedures, fat is suctioned via a small cannula or tube. Glandular breast tissue can also be surgically excised. Insertion of pectoral implants is similar to breast augmentation, but there is a difference in size and preferred material. Antibiotics are given to prevent infection and typically painkillers are recommended to prevent or minimize pain and soreness.

Male Compression Vest for Post-Op Care

On average, recovery from liposuction, breast reduction, back or flank surgery takes over a month, but many people are mobile by the first week. The best way to ensure a faster recovery is to follow your doctor’s advice and to wear specially constructed male compression undergarments. They can be worn invisibly and comfortably under regular clothing. Properly fitted, these vests can minimize bruising, swelling and pain. The vests, specific to Stage 1 and Stage 2, are structured in such a way that they are comfortable to use even for long-term wear. Using post-surgical vests allow skin retraction and body-shaping to progress fast because they:

• Minimize post-surgery inflammation and swelling
• Improve blood supply
• Help drain fluids and toxins
• Promote skin-muscle adhesion for adapting to new contours
• Promote faster healing
• Shorten recovery time so patient can return to daily routine sooner without experiencing discomfort.

Stage 1 male vests are typically worn during the first two weeks. The vest is adjustable, and is best for compression and “sculpting.”  They are used after chest, abdominal, flank and back liposuction and cosmetic surgeries.

Stage 2 compression vests are worn after two weeks and are comfortable enough for long-term wear.  The vest will further minimize swelling and help scar retraction.  Stage 2 compression vests are not adjustable and are tight against the skin. The scar must be sufficiently healed before a Stage 2 vest is worn. Though these compression vests are used post-surgically, some men report that wearing the garment gives them a firmer, younger silhouette without surgery.