Cosmetic Surgery Bible

Procedure: Mechanical scraping of the top layers of the skin using a high-speed rotary wheel to Soften sharp edges of surface irregularities, including acne, scars and fine wrinkles, especially around the mouth. 
Length: A few minutes to 1 hour. May require more than 1 session. 
Anesthesia: Local, numbing spray, or general. 
In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient. 
Side Effects: Temporary tingling, burning, itching, swelling, redness. Lightening of treated skin. Acute sensitivity to sun; loss of ability to tan. 
Risks: Abnormal color changes (permanent), tiny temporary whiteheads, infection, scarring, flare-up of skin allergies, fever blisters, cold sores. 
Recovery: 2 weeks: Back to work
                4 to 6 weeks: More strenuous activities
                3 months: Fading of redness
                6 to 12 months: Return of pigmentation. Sun exposure 
Duration of Results: Permanent, although new wrinkles will form as skin ages. 

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COLLAGEN / FAT INJECTIONS
Procedure: Plump up creased, furrowed, or sunken facial skin; add fullness to lips and backs of hands. Works best on thin, dry, light-colored skin. 
Length: 15 minutes to 1 hour per session. 
Anesthesia: Usually none; local may be included with the injection.
In/Outpatient: Outpatient. 
Side Effects: Temporary stinging, throbbing, or burning sensation. Faint redness, swelling, excess fullness. 
Risks: Allergic reaction including rash, hives, swelling, or flu-like symptoms; possible triggering of connective-tissue or autoimmune diseases. (A skin test is required before collagen treatment to determine whether an allergy exists). Contour irregularities, infection. 
Duration of Results: Variable; a few months to 1 year. 

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Procedure: Restore wrinkled, blemished, unevenly pigmented, or sun-damaged facial skin using a chemical solution to peel away skin’s top layers. Works best on fair, thin skin with superficial wrinkles. 
Length: 1 to 2 hours for full face. 
Anesthesia: None; sedation may be used 
In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient. Full-face phenol peel may require admission for 1 to 2 days. 
Side Effects: Temporary throbbing, tingling, swelling, redness; acute sensitivity to sun. Permanent lightening of treated skin; permanent loss of ability to tan. 
Risks: Tiny (temporary) whiteheads, infection, scarring, flare-up of skin allergies, fever blisters, cold sores.  Abnormal colour changes, heart irregularities (very rare). 
Recovery: 7 to 21 days: Formation of new skin
                 2 to 4 weeks: Normal Activities
                 3 to 6 months: Fading of redness and total healing
Duration of  Results: Variable

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Breast lifts are also known as ‘mastopexy’.

Procedure: Raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removal of excess skin and repositioning of remaining tissue and nipples. 
Length: 1 to 3 hours. 
Anesthesia: Local with sedation or general. 
In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient. Occasionally inpatient. 
Side Effects: Temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness, dry breast skin. Permanent scars. 
Risks: Thick, wide scars; skin loss; infection. Unevenly positioned nipples. Permanent loss of feeling in nipples or breasts. 
Recovery:  1 week or more: Back to Work
                  1 month: Stenuous Activity (exercise)
                  3 months +: Scars start to fade 
Duration of Results: Variable; gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight changes may cause more sagging. Results may last longer when breast implants are inserted as part of the procedure. 

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The scientific name for breast enlargement surgery is ‘augmentation mammaplasty’.

Procedure: Enhances the size of breasts using inflatable implants 
Length: 1 to 2 hours. 
Anesthesia: General or local with sedation
In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient. 
Side Effects: Temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, bruising. Breasts may be sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks after surgery 
Risks: Implants may need to be replaced/removed to treat problems such as deflation, formation of scar tissue around the implant, bleeding or infection. Nipples and breast skin sensitivity may increase or decrease in sensitivity, permanently. Some women have reported symptoms similar to those of immune disorders. Ask your doctor about these and other FDA concerns. 
Recovery: 3 to 7 days: Back to work
                3 to 4 weeks: Physical contact with breasts
                2 months +: Scars start to fade
Duration of Results: Variable. Implants may require removal or replacement. 

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Abdominoplasty is more commonly known as the ‘tummy tuck’.

Procedure: Flatten abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles of abdominal wall. 
Length: 2 to 5 hours. 
Anesthesia: General or local with sedation. 
In/Outpatient: Either depending on individual circumstances and extent of surgery. 
Side Effects: Temporary pain, swelling, soreness, numbness of abdominal skin, bruising, tiredness for a duration of time after the operation
Risks: Blood clots. Infection. Bleeding under the skin. Scarring or skin loss due to poor healing. Need for a second operation. 
Recovery: 2 to 4 weeks: Back to Work
                4 to 6 weeks or more: Strenuous activities (bending, lifting, exercise)
                3 months +: Scar fading 
Duration of results: Variable

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Procedure: A cosmetic form of the botulinium toxin is injected into forehead creases, frown lines, crows feet and neck to temporarily reduce or eliminate them. The toxin blocks nerve impulses and temporarily paralyzes the muscles that cause the wrinkles to give the skin a smoother, more refreshed look.
Length: 15 to 60 minutes per session
Anesthesia: None
In/Outpatient: Outpatient
Side Effects: Temporary pain, swelling, soreness
Risks: Assymetry/’droopy’ face, permanent numbness, lack of movement in face
Duration of results: Variable – up to 6 months.

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