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Implant reconstructive
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Aesthetic facial surgery
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Frequently asked questions - Aesthetic facial surgery
The lips
Scar in the upper lip lift?
For some weeks a red line will be visible that gradually will efface. It is a technique sensitive procedure, and stitching the lip muscle to the periosteum-nasal spine is part of it. This little red line can easely be camouflaged with make up.
What about after care?
Patients are discharged with strong advice to refrain from smoking for three weeks. Avoid excessive mimics. Clean incisions with diluted hydrogen peroxide, followed by antibiotic ointment dressing twice daily for one week. Taking arnica tablets, sleeping elevated on two or three pillows, and application of cool moist compresses all help to mitigate swelling, bruising, and discomfort. The Prolene sutures must be removed after one week.
Liposuction & Lipofilling
How long does the fat stay in place?
In general, 60% of the fat survives the tract from the donor site to the host location. This 60% will stay forever. Therefore, some overcorrection is most often performed. There are many factors that determine how long fat grafting lasts in a specific location, but what we do know is that the fat that is still in place after six months will stay forever. Furthermore, after six months, if necessary, the procedure can be repeated until the desired effect is reached. And so, it is wise to have a second intervention in mind. Please don’t see this as a something negative. The results are often gorgeous, and simply impossible to obtain with any other type of material or intervention.
Can I have an idea of the outcome through computer simulation?
The effects of liposuction / lipofilling / liposculpture may be simulated via computer technology at the time of your consultation in Antwerp (3d Vectra).
What about Swelling?
Immediately after the surgery the cheek will be quite swollen and bruised. In about 3 weeks time approximately 80% of the bruising and swelling will have disappeared. About a week to ten days after surgery you will feel confident going outdoors, and be back at work. If any bruises have developed, they might remain visible for a little longer but you can hide them reasonably well with a good concealer. After 3 months you can get a good impression of what the final result after 6 months will be.
What about overcorrection?
In the beginning the correction may look rather exaggerated. We usually over-correct, which means injecting more fat than is actually needed. We do that because 40% of the transplanted fat cells do not survive. The final result is there after 6 months. Then it will stay as it is. It is best to foresee a second intervention months later to top up any shortfall in volume. Indeed some fat is reabsorbed by the body and sometimes only a certain percentage is permanent although newer techniques harvesting smaller fat drops show remarkably better results.
Can the fat also grow in the area where it has been added?
Yes it is possible! If you gain weight in the area where the fat was taken, this also may show up in the area where the fat was injected. The fat follows the cycle of life pattern from where it initially came from, and is still hormone dependent from that donor area. Nature is amazing!
Does the procedure need repeating?
After six months, if necessary, the procedure can be repeated until the desired effect has been obtained. Repetition is needed in +/- 50% of patients.
Chemical peel
I have been treated for skin cancer on my face for the past three weeks with efudex topical creme 5%. I would like to know approximately how long would I have to wait before getting a croton oil peel?
The skin needs to be completely healed. Two months seems to me a good window, then start of the pre-peeling ointment regime could start. On the other hand the croton oil peel by itself is probably even a better curative and protective treatment, as is Efudex.
Can the croton oil peel be used under the eye area for crow's feet and wrinkles?
Oh yes! The eyelids are a most rewarding area for local peeling. When peeled appropriately, the thin eyelid skin contained within the borders of the orbital rim is very forgiving, and healing is well tolerated and easily camouflaged with make-up or sun glasses. Another advantage of the lower eyelid peel is that it can easily be done under local anaesthesia and in a gradual fashion. If a patient requests a quicker recovery, a lighter peel can be done and repeated in the future with additive effect. The lower eyelid can ultimately be peeled to the patient’s satisfaction.
This is one of the best applications of the croton oil peel and is a good starting point for those who are reluctant to have a full face peel.
This is one of the best applications of the croton oil peel and is a good starting point for those who are reluctant to have a full face peel.
Can a chemical peeling of the whole face also be done without general anesthesia?
We offer a complete chemical peeling in local anaesthesia with deep sedation. The anaesthesiologist is present, the patient is asleep but breathes spontaneously. A peeling just around the eyes or just around the mouth can be done without any anaesthesia. There will be an absolutely bearable burning sensation that lasts for about 10 seconds. After that the treatment is completely painless.
Can I apply make-up after my morning ointments?
Yes, you can.
What products or procedures should I avoid before a chemical peel?
One week before the peel avoid any treatment what so ever. Complete rest and recovery for the skin is at order. All medical preparation ointments are stopped a week before the peel.
How long do I need to wait before I can shave again?
10-14 days. The skin should be completely dry and restored as skin.
A few weeks ago I had a croton oil peel. Now I have some dark spots on my face. What should I do?
These darks spots are signs of a postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This is a not uncommon but transient (so temporary) effect of croton oil peeling. Permanent problems have not been seen. Best is to continue the daily application of tretinoïn- and hydroquinone-ointment that you have received from us before the peeling for 3 to 6 weeks. It will help to reduce and remove the hyper pigmentation. Also it is furthermore mandatory to stay out of the sun for six months after the peeling and use the sun blocker that we gave you.