Cosmetic Surgery
What is cosmetic surgery?
Cosmetic surgery deals with the improvement of the appearance of the body. Unlike other branches of surgery, we are not treating individuals affected by disease processes. Even though, emphasis is on improvement of the appearance, it is also important not to worsen the function of the part being treated. In many situations the appearance and function are inseparable. A good aesthetic outcome is associated with optimal function.
How does one get a cosmetic surgery procedure?
It can be elaborated in the following steps:
1. It begins with a desire for an improvement of a body part(s). It is better to discuss it with a close friend or relative. This helps to put your need in a proper perspective. Decisions on undergoing plastic surgery are best taken after adequate deliberation.
2. It is common for patients to get information from online resources. Sometimes friends or relatives who have undergone similar procedures could be of some help. But these can't substitute an evaluation by an expert.
3. Consultation plays a vital role in the management of cosmetic surgery patients. It is often the first point of contact between the plastic surgeon and the patient. It helps the surgeon to know the needs and expectations of the patient. A person should be willing to reveal any related or systemic illnesses in the present or past. This helps us in making the procedure safe. After history taking and examination, the patient is explained different treatment options. These differ in complexity, downtime, and outcomes. Possible adverse events and complications are discussed with the patient. In certain situations, we may not encourage a surgical procedure. This is keeping in mind the best interests of the patient. The patient is often asked to come for a repeat consultation on a later date.
4. A second consultation allows the patient to clarify any doubts. During this consultation, we explain the procedure and recovery. Possible outcomes and complications are again explained in detail. Preoperative photographs of the patient are taken at this stage. Preoperative workup includes laboratory tests and a consultation with the anesthetist. The patient is given detailed preoperative and postoperative instructions.
5. Cosmetic surgery procedures are usually short-stay procedures. Patients should reach the surgical facility two hours before the planned procedure. They should come accompanied by a relative or caregiver. It is best to avoid jewelry or makeup and wear loose-fitting clothes. The pre-operative consent is reviewed before the procedure.
6. After the procedure patients are encouraged to ambulate early. This helps reduce the bad effects of venous stasis (pooling). In certain procedures, we may keep the patient as an inpatient. This depends on the extent of the surgical steps and comfort level of the patient. The patient and caregiver are instructed about postoperative care. You must feel free to call me anytime in case of an emergency.
7. After the procedure, the patient is reviewed at our facility the next day. During this visit, wounds are cleaned and fresh dressings are applied. It is common for the operated site to be swollen and bruised in the initial days following a procedure. After the second day, the swelling starts to come down. The swelling depends on the area operated and, the extent of surgical steps.
8. Suture removal is done during a period ranging from four days to two weeks. This depends on the site and the type of procedure. Patients are advised about techniques for the optimization of scars.
9. Regular follow-up is important. This helps us give you better outcomes. Postoperative photographs are taken after three months. Follow-up visits at our plastic surgery facility are complimentary.
Cosmetic surgery deals with the improvement of the appearance of the body. Unlike other branches of surgery, we are not treating individuals affected by disease processes. Even though, emphasis is on improvement of the appearance, it is also important not to worsen the function of the part being treated. In many situations the appearance and function are inseparable. A good aesthetic outcome is associated with optimal function.
How does one get a cosmetic surgery procedure?
It can be elaborated in the following steps:
1. It begins with a desire for an improvement of a body part(s). It is better to discuss it with a close friend or relative. This helps to put your need in a proper perspective. Decisions on undergoing plastic surgery are best taken after adequate deliberation.
2. It is common for patients to get information from online resources. Sometimes friends or relatives who have undergone similar procedures could be of some help. But these can't substitute an evaluation by an expert.
3. Consultation plays a vital role in the management of cosmetic surgery patients. It is often the first point of contact between the plastic surgeon and the patient. It helps the surgeon to know the needs and expectations of the patient. A person should be willing to reveal any related or systemic illnesses in the present or past. This helps us in making the procedure safe. After history taking and examination, the patient is explained different treatment options. These differ in complexity, downtime, and outcomes. Possible adverse events and complications are discussed with the patient. In certain situations, we may not encourage a surgical procedure. This is keeping in mind the best interests of the patient. The patient is often asked to come for a repeat consultation on a later date.
4. A second consultation allows the patient to clarify any doubts. During this consultation, we explain the procedure and recovery. Possible outcomes and complications are again explained in detail. Preoperative photographs of the patient are taken at this stage. Preoperative workup includes laboratory tests and a consultation with the anesthetist. The patient is given detailed preoperative and postoperative instructions.
5. Cosmetic surgery procedures are usually short-stay procedures. Patients should reach the surgical facility two hours before the planned procedure. They should come accompanied by a relative or caregiver. It is best to avoid jewelry or makeup and wear loose-fitting clothes. The pre-operative consent is reviewed before the procedure.
6. After the procedure patients are encouraged to ambulate early. This helps reduce the bad effects of venous stasis (pooling). In certain procedures, we may keep the patient as an inpatient. This depends on the extent of the surgical steps and comfort level of the patient. The patient and caregiver are instructed about postoperative care. You must feel free to call me anytime in case of an emergency.
7. After the procedure, the patient is reviewed at our facility the next day. During this visit, wounds are cleaned and fresh dressings are applied. It is common for the operated site to be swollen and bruised in the initial days following a procedure. After the second day, the swelling starts to come down. The swelling depends on the area operated and, the extent of surgical steps.
8. Suture removal is done during a period ranging from four days to two weeks. This depends on the site and the type of procedure. Patients are advised about techniques for the optimization of scars.
9. Regular follow-up is important. This helps us give you better outcomes. Postoperative photographs are taken after three months. Follow-up visits at our plastic surgery facility are complimentary.
Cosmetic surgery procedures
The following pages describe our cosmetic surgery procedures in greater detail.
- Non-surgical skin treatments
- Removal of mole or birthmarks
- Scar revision
- Treatment of leukoderma or white patches
- Hair transplant
- Facial rejuvenation procedures (overview)
- Eyelid correction or blepharoplasty
- Facelift
- Nose-job or rhinoplasty
- Ear surgery (otoplasty and ear lobe repair)
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reduction
- Gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) correction
- Liposuction
- Arm contouring or brachioplasty
- Tummy-tuck or abdominoplasty
- Female genital rejuvenation
