Facelift Procedure Steps

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Facelift Procedure Steps | Cleveland | Pepper Pike Plastic SurgeryA facelift is one of the major cosmetic surgery procedures that can take several years off the patient’s face and make them appear more attractive and youthful. During the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will educate the patient about all the steps involved in the procedure. This will help the patient to gain better understanding of the surgery and make them feel more confident.

Dr. Bram Kaufman is a board certified plastic surgeon providing facelift and various other cosmetic procedures for the face, body, and breast. Dr. Kaufman will help the patient make a well-considered decision about facelift surgery. Patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding communities have an opportunity to receive this procedure from Dr. Kaufman.

 

Anesthesia

Facelift surgery procedure will begin once the patient has been placed under anesthesia. The surgery is usually performed with the patient under general anesthesia, but local anesthesia with IV sedation may be used in some cases. This decision will be made in advance and the patient will assessed for their fitness to receive general anesthesia.

An anesthesiologist or anesthetist nurse will perform general anesthesia, and will normally stay throughout the cosmetic surgery to monitor the patient’s response. In case of any adverse response, these professionals may be able to anticipate the situation early and take appropriate measures well in time.

 

Incision Placement

After anesthesia, the surgeon will start the procedure by placing the incisions in pre-determined locations. Their goal will be to minimize the size of incisions and place them in discreet locations so that any subsequent scarring remains as inconspicuous as possible. The incisions will generally be placed within the hairline, but their exact number and length can differ according to the type of technique used.  

Minor incisions can be placed in the natural facial creases because these locations not only heal better but also hide the scars more naturally. In a traditional facelift surgery, the incision will begin behind the hairline on one side of the head, slightly above the temple. It will then follow the hairline down to the ear, continuing into the lower scalp under the hair.

 

Muscle and Skin Tightening

Through the incisions, the surgeon will gently lift the facial skin to remove or redistribute excess fat tissue, reposition weak muscles, and excessive loose skin. After the facial contours have been improved, the surgeon will re-drape the skin tightly and smoothly using staples or sutures.

Thereafter, the incision sites will be wrapped in bandages to protect them. Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Kaufman receives patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and other communities in the region for facelift surgery.

 

Additional Surgeries

Sometimes it may be necessary to perform facelift in conjunction with other surgeries to achieve the patient’s desired cosmetic goals. Facial or neck liposuction, facial fat transfer, facial implants, upper face procedures such as brow lift or eyelid surgery, and non-surgical options such as facial fillers or Botox injections may be used to create more comprehensive, customized and natural looking outcomes. The overall procedure steps will have to be slightly adjusted in such cases.


To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.

Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery | Cleveland | Pepper PikeA major cosmetic surgery procedure such as breast reduction will be preceded by a significant amount of preparation. It is in the patient’s own benefit to prepare for the surgery in a dedicated manner and follow the surgeon’s instructions.

At the time of pre-op consultation, the surgeon will provide guidelines for preparation to the patient, answer all her questions, and help her form realistic expectations. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bram Kaufman provides breast reduction to patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding locations.

 

Steps Involved in Preparation

The patient should ideally follow a few key steps well ahead of the scheduled date of breast reduction cosmetic surgery procedure:

  • Arrange for the previous medical records from the physician, specialists and hospital and have them submitted in advance to the surgeon who will perform breast reduction.
  • Prepare a comprehensive list of medications, including blood thinners, NSAIDs, prescription meds, herbal supplements and vitamins and present it before the surgeon during the pre-op consultation.
  • Get any lab test, chest x-ray or specialized mammograms done, if suggested by the surgeon.
  • Alter the schedule of prescription drugs in consultation with the physician, if required.
  • Refrain from smoking for a specific period of time before breast reduction as advised by the surgeon.
  • Complete any major office assignments or household tasks before the date of surgery in order to have a stress-free recovery.
  • Arrange for someone responsible who can drive the patient back home after the surgery.
  • Arrange for professional aftercare or have some friend or family member stay at home for a few days to assist with the daily chores.

The patient will be able to mitigate the risk of complications during and after the surgery and have a quicker and easier recovery if they follow all instructions for surgical preparation prior to breast reduction.

 

A Day before the Surgery

One day prior to the breast reduction procedure, the patient should follow these basic tips as suggested by the plastic surgeon:

  • Rest well and sleep adequately on the night prior to the surgery.
  • If the surgery is to be performed using general anesthesia, refrain from eating or drinking anything for eight hours before the surgery.
  • Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours prior to the surgery.
  • Do not wear jewelry, body piercings, or accessories on the day of surgery.
  • Wear comfortable and loose fitting clothes when visiting the surgery center. The top should button or zip in the front for easy handling after the procedure.
  • Diabetics should have their vital parameters checked on the morning of the breast reduction surgery.

Patient should keep some basic items such as loose garments, comfortable footwear, extra pillows, pain medications, bandages, and other necessities at home in advance. This will ensure she faces no inconvenience on returning home after the surgery. Committed and judicous plastic surgeon Dr. Kaufman receives patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and other neighborhoods and cities in this region for breast reduction and various other procedures for the breast, body, and face.

To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.

Questions to Ask Your Breast Reduction Surgeon | Cleveland Surgery

When a woman is considering a cosmetic surgery procedure such as breast reduction, she should first try to acquire basic information about the procedure and choose the right breast surgeon for her needs. During the initial consultation, she will have the opportunity to ask questions and clear all her doubts and concerns about the procedure and the practice.

When a candidate is well-informed about breast reduction, she will be able to make better choices and feel more confident about the procedure. A committed breast surgeon will address the patient’s questions accurately and in adequate detail to satisfy her concerns. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bram Kaufman provides breast reduction to patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding locations.

 

Questions about the Surgeon

  • Are you board certified in plastic surgery?
  • How many years of training and experience do you have in the area of plastic surgery?
  • Have you performed breast procedures in the past, and what is your patient satisfaction rate?
  • Would you perform breast reduction at a hospital, a surgical center or a private surgical suite?
  • Are you affiliated with one of the hospitals in the local area?
  • Is your office equipped to handle any emergency, if it arises?
  • Do you have a policy for revision procedures, in case the results of breast reduction are not as per the goals we agreed on?
  • Do you receive patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and nearby areas for cosmetic surgery?

 

Questions about the Procedure

  • Am I a suitable candidate for breast reduction surgery?
  • Which surgical technique would you choose to perform my procedure?
  • Is there any specific preparation that I would have to do prior to my breast reduction procedure?
  • What type of anesthesia would you use to perform the surgery?
  • Are my expectations about the procedure realistic, and would you show me a few breast reduction before and after photos of your past patients?

 

Questions about Recovery

  • Is the recovery going to be painful?
  • What are the potential risks and side effects involved in breast reduction?
  • How much downtime would be involved post-surgery, and will I be confined to bed?
  • What precautions can I take to make the recovery process safer and quicker?
  • When can I expect to resume my regular daily routine or return to my workplace?

 

Questions about the Costs

  • What will be the overall costs of undergoing breast reduction surgery at your practice?
  • Does your estimated cost include pre- and post-operative expenses?
  • How much can the cost be reduced if the procedure is performed at a surgical center instead of a hospital?
  • Would you charge additionally for any post-operative appointments that may be required?
  • In case breast reduction is combined with another procedure, will I be eligible for a package price or a rebate?
  • Can your office offer some assistance or guidance with regard to insurance and financing?

Proven and judicious plastic surgeon Dr. Kaufman receives patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and other areas in this part of the state. To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.

Choose a Breast Reduction Surgeon You can Trust | Cleveland SurgeryAlthough the field of cosmetic surgery has undergone dramatic transformation over the years with improved surgical techniques, but the single key factor that continues to influence the final outcomes in procedures such as breast reduction is the skill and expertise of the surgeon. Therefore, a patient should invest sufficient time and effort to identify the best surgeon for her breast reduction needs.

The patient can expect better outcomes when she enjoys a good rapport with the surgeon and has a relationship of trust and open communication. A cooperative relationship and close engagement will enable the surgeon to create the best possible results. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bram Kaufman provides breast reduction and other procedures to patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding locations.

 

Credentials

Dr. Kaufman is board certified from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which is the most respected and authoritative board in the field. He is also a member of the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). Dr. Kaufman has more than 25 years of surgical experience and training, which enables him to address even the most complex surgical cases with ease and ensure predictable outcomes.

Dr. Kaufman has been on faculty at the University of Texas Health Science Center for two years, and has spent nearly two decades in the study and practice of plastic and cosmetic surgery. With such strong credentials, Dr. Kaufman has become the first choice of many women seeking advanced surgical procedures such as breast reduction.

 

Selecting a Board Certified Surgeon

A board certification in plastic surgery from the ABPS automatically serves as a reassurance for a patient about the surgeon’s excellence because of the rigorous selection standards of the ABPS for awarding certification. A surgeon with this certification would have undergone a minimum of three to five years of medical training, including at least two years dedicated exclusively to plastic surgery training.

Board certified surgeons will typically invest in the best standards of care and best practices, use the latest surgical techniques, pursue continuing education, and follow the current safety protocols to produce the best outcomes for their patients. Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Kaufman receives patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and nearby areas.

 

Customization

Dr. Kaufman believes that optimal results in breast reduction surgery can be achieved when the surgeon takes into account the patient’s unique breast anatomy and her personal aesthetic needs and goals. Therefore, instead of adopting a cookie cutter or one size fits all approach, Dr. Kaufman will tailor the procedure to suit the specific requirements of the patient.

Customization allows Dr. Kaufman to make the procedure less invasive and more effective, while creating results that will meet or exceed the patient’s expectations. He will carefully determine whether the patient needs only breast liposuction or tissue and skin excision with muscle tightening, or a combination of the two. In a few cases, he may also recommend breast lift in conjunction with breast reduction for more comprehensive results.

To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.

Your Breast Reduction Consultation | Pepper Pike Plastic SurgeryConsultation is a critical part of the breast reduction cosmetic surgery procedure. A fantastic consultation will help the surgeon gain clarity about the patient’s health and aesthetic needs, and the patient will gain more confidence and will be able to establish a rapport with the surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will explain different aspects of breast reduction and help the patient to make an informed choice.  

The patient should be prepared to participate proactively in the consultation process and engage closely with the surgeon for every decision. A thorough consultation will lay the groundwork for a success breast reduction procedure. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bram Kaufman provides breast reduction to patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding communities.   

Cosmetic Goals

The surgeon will try to understand the patient’s reasons for seeking breast reduction cosmetic surgery. Only the patient is in the best position to answer the question about which aspects of her breasts are bothering her, and whether she experiences any pain, discomfort or movement restrictions in addition to the aesthetic challenges. Based on her feedback, the surgeon will create a customized surgical plan to match with her unique aesthetic goals through breast reduction.

Health Assessment

To determine the patient’s candidacy for breast reduction, the surgeon will review her past medical records, conduct a breast exam to check the anatomy and the quality and elasticity of breast skin, and ask questions about her current health condition. The procedure may require her to undergo general anesthesia, which will involve additional assessment.

Patient’s history of drug allergies will also be taken into consideration. The goal is to ensure that the patient does not suffer from any such conditions that will increase the risk during surgery or during the healing process.  

Current Medications

Prior to making a visit to the surgeon’s office for a breast reduction consultation, the patient should prepare an exhaustive list of various prescription and non-prescription medications that she may be currently using. Herbal supplements and vitamins should also be added to the list.

The schedule of some of the medications may have to be altered in consultation with the primary physician, and certain drugs such as blood thinners and NSAIDs may have to be stopped for a few weeks.

Lifestyle Adjustments

The plastic surgeon will require the patient to refrain from smoking for a certain time period before and after the surgery. Nicotine in tobacco can interfere with the blood’s oxygen supply and create risk during the surgery. Smokers also have a higher risk of poor wound healing following breast reduction surgery.

The surgeon may suggest the patient to improve her diet and increase the intake of lean proteins for some time. If the patient can maintain a decent fitness regimen prior to the surgery, it will help her through the surgery and recovery.

Developing Expectations

The surgeon may present breast reduction before and after photos during the consultation to help the patient develop realistic expectations. Dr. Kaufman receives patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and nearby areas for breast reduction.

Digital technology has changed the playing field for the plastic surgery community. It has altered the scope of all industries and this one is none different. Now with clear and vivid digital pictures, patients can be shown exactly what to expect. This mitigates any anxiety which is better for everyone involved.

These pictures assist the surgeon so he does not have to explain that much to the patient and the patient can even see these pictures at home so they can think about this decision from the privacy of their own home. These before and after pictures are salient and they offer a clear image on what the surgeon says he can do.

To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.

Breast Reduction Risks and Safety | Pepper Pike Plastic SurgeryBreast reduction cosmetic surgery is one of the safer cosmetic surgery procedures, but it is still important for a patient to be aware of the potential risks and complications. Adverse reaction to anesthesia, infection risks, asymmetry, and irregular nipple height are some of the typical risks in this surgery. But the potential benefits will usually outweigh the risks of breast reduction in most cases.

The breast surgeon will educate the patient about the risks and safety profile of breast reduction surgery at the time of pre-op consultation. The first goal of a responsible surgeon will be to help the patient make a well-considered decision. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bram Kaufman provides breast reduction to patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding communities.

Asymmetrical Breasts

Following breast reduction cosmetic surgery, in a few cases, the breast may appear asymmetrical. This risk can be minimized when the patient chooses a fully trained and experienced breast surgeon. The condition of asymmetrical breasts can be corrected by way of revision surgery at a later stage. Patients should be aware that natural breasts are not completely symmetrical. Minor differences in the appearance of breasts are normal, and should not necessitate a revision surgery.

Irregular Nipple Height

Size and shape of the breasts will be altered and some of the breast skin will be shifted during breast reduction. Therefore, the position of the nipples is likely to be changed after the reduction. In a few cases, nipples may first be detached and then grafted in the new location. Even when the nipples remain attached, the breast skin will be altered to fit the new, smaller size of breasts. In both cases, there is a risk of nipple height become uneven.

Altered Sensation

Reduction mammaplasty may lead to temporary sensation loss in the incision areas. This risk increases when the nipple has been removed and then grafted in a new place. In non-grafting breast reduction, the risk of altered sensation is much reduced and is mostly temporary. In any case, nipple grafting should only be performed by a highly skilled and experienced surgeon for best outcomes.

Breastfeeding Issues

Breastfeeding may not be possible once the woman has undergone breast reduction surgery. The degree of risk will vary according to the type of surgical technique used. In anchor pattern breast reduction, the risk of impairment of breastfeeding ability increases. A number of milk ducts will be removed in this type of reduction, making it difficult to breastfeed in the future.

Vertical incision breast reduction technique will reduce the risk of breastfeeding impairment. At least a part of the nipple remains connected to the milk ducts in this procedure. If the patient has more of fatty tissue and less glandular tissue, the procedure can be performed using liposuction, and the risk of breastfeeding impairment will be minimized.

Infection and poor reaction to anesthesia are risks that are common to most surgical procedures. Patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and nearby areas have an opportunity to receive breast reduction from sterling plastic surgeon Dr. Kaufman.

To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.

Breast Reduction Procedure Steps | Pepper Pike Plastic SurgeryBreast reduction cosmetic surgery procedure is designed to reduce the size of excessively large breasts. In addition to cosmetic benefits, it may also help to mitigate pain and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and back. During the initial consultation, the breast surgeon will explain about the steps involved in the breast reduction procedure.

Once the patient clearly understands how the procedure will be performed, she will be relieved of any pre-surgery anxiety and will feel more confident about her decision to undergo breast reduction. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bram Kaufman provides breast reduction to patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding communities.

Consultation

The first step in the breast reduction cosmetic surgery process will be a detailed personal consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will determine the patient’s candidacy, understand her personal cosmetic needs and goals, and provide instructions about preparation for the surgery and the post-op recovery. Patient’s health evaluation and breast exam will also be performed. In some cases, the surgeon may order specialized mammograms prior to the breast reduction surgery.

Anesthesia

Once the patient is brought into the operating room, she will be placed under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia with sedation may be used in some cases. The patient will remain unconscious throughout the surgery and will not feel any discomfort.

An anesthesiologist or a registered nurse anesthetist may be present during the surgery to monitor the patient’s response to anesthesia. Temporary side effects of anesthesia will last for a few hours after the surgery is completed.

Incision Placement

Breast reduction surgery may be performed using one of the three main incision techniques: an anchor incision, a vertical incision or a scarless incision. The anchor incision will be placed along with areolar border, vertically down the breast, and then horizontally across the crease of the breast.

The vertical incision will be made around the lower half of the areola and vertically down the breast for lesser scarring. A scarless incision will involve very small incisions placed in discreet locations to remove excess breast fat through liposuction.

Fat and Skin Reduction

The surgeon will remove excess fat tissue and skin from the lower part of the breast through the incisions. In a few cases, the glandular tissue may not be involved, and the patient may only have fatty tissue in the breasts. This can be removed with liposuction technique, resulting in reduced tissue trauma, minimal scarring and a faster recovery.

Repositioning of the Nipples

In a breast reduction procedure, the nipples will usually have to be repositioned to a raised level to create a natural appearance of the breasts. The surgeon may detach the nipple from the breast and then graft it in the new location. This step will be particularly important for women with very large breasts. The patient will be informed about risk of change in nipple sensation or loss of sensation due to this procedure.

Closing the Incision

Once the surgery is over, the incisions will be closed with removable or absorbable sutures. Dedicated and astute plastic surgeon Dr. Kaufman receives patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and nearby areas for breast reduction.

To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.

Preparing for Eyelid Surgery | Cleveland Plastic Surgery | Pepper PikeThe patient should prepare themselves adequately in the weeks preceding eyelid cosmetic surgery. Thorough preparation will help to ensure a safe, effective, and satisfying eyelid surgery procedure. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will provide detailed guidelines about preparing for the procedure.

Dr. Bram Kaufman is a board certified plastic surgeon providing eyelid surgery and various other surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding communities have an opportunity to receive eyelid surgery from Dr. Kaufman.

Weeks Preceding the Surgery

In the weeks leading up to eyelid cosmetic surgery, the patient will be required to completely stop smoking, and continue with this commitment for a few weeks following the surgery. Drinking alcohol must be cut down in the weeks prior to the surgery, if not completely stopped. Smoking can particularly increase the risk of complications and interfere with the healing process. Therefore, it is important to adhere to the surgeon’s instructions about smoking and drinking.  

If the patient is taking vitamin E supplements, their use must be stopped in the weeks prior to the eyelid surgery. Additionally, certain herbal supplements such as ginseng should be avoided in this preparatory phase because these may prolong the bleeding after the surgery. For the same reason, the patient must also refrain from using any medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen in the weeks leading up to the surgery.

The surgeon may also require the schedule of prescription drugs to be altered in consultation with the physician. Acceptable alternatives to some of the drugs and supplements may be recommended. Proven plastic surgeon Dr. Kaufman receives patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and nearby areas for eyelid surgery.

The Day before Surgery

A day before the eyelid surgery, the patient should ensure that the following items are stocked at home for the recovery phase:

  • Ice cubes
  • Clean washcloths
  • Clean bowl for cold water
  • Plastic bags to make ice packs
  • Sterile gauze pads
  • Bottle of artificial tears
  • Extra pillows to keep the head elevated
  • Groceries for the week

The patient should also arrange for someone responsible to drive them back home after the eyelid surgery procedure. Some patients may want to arrange for aftercare for a few days at home, or have a family member or friend stay with them for at least the first 24 to 48 hours. The patient should avoid eating or drinking anything for about eight hours before the surgery.

The Day of Surgery

On the day of the surgery, the patient should follow these simple tips:

  • Wash hair and eyebrows properly and take a shower.
  • Do not wear makeup or other cosmetics to the surgery center.
  • Leave contact lenses, false eyelashes, jewelry, and other non-essential accessories at home.
  • Wear comfortable and loose fitting clothes.

If the patient is a diabetic, they should have their vital parameters checked on the morning of the surgery. Essential medications may be taken in consultation with the operating surgeon.

To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.

Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation | Cleveland Plastic SurgeryConsultation is the first step in a cosmetic surgery procedure such as eyelid surgery, which lays the foundation for a successful procedure. During the consultation, the surgeon will work with the patient to establish clear aesthetic goals, reasonable expectations, and educate the patient on all aspects of the surgery.

The patient will have the opportunity to clarify all their doubts and concerns, learn about the surgeon’s background, and discuss the estimated costs of eyelid surgery. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bram Kaufman provides eyelid surgery to patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding communities.   

Health Evaluation

During the eyelid cosmetic surgery consultation, the surgeon will review the patient’s detailed medical history to determine their fitness for this procedure. Conditions such as bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease should be known to the surgeon because these can increase the risks associated with eyelid surgery.

The surgeon will also discuss whether the patient has undergone previous eyelid procedures and refractive surgeries such as the LASIK eye procedure in order to create an appropriate surgical plan. The surgeon may require health clearance for the patient from the general physician and request a few lab tests to determine candidacy.  

Patient’s Goals

The surgeon will try to understand during the consultation why the patient wants to undergo eyelid surgery, and which aspects of the eyes are causing cosmetic concerns. Once the surgeon is clear about the patient’s innate aesthetic needs and goals, they can recommend lower or upper eyelid surgery, or both, and may sometimes suggest additional procedures such as brow lift or facelift.

A customized surgical plan for eyelid surgery can be created after incorporating the patient’s unique cosmetic goals. This will ensure a more targeted surgical approach and more satisfying outcomes for the patient.

Ongoing Medications

The patient should prepare a list of all the prescription and non-prescription drugs that they may be currently taking, including any herbal supplements and vitamins. The schedule of some of the prescription medications may have to be adjusted in consultation with the physician, and blood thinning drugs, NSAIDs, vitamin E, and other medications may have to be stopped for at least two to three weeks prior to the date of the eyelid surgery.

Smoking and Alcohol Restrictions

If the patient is a smoker, they should be forthcoming about it during the consultation. The surgeon will require them to completely refrain from smoking for a few weeks before and after the eyelid surgery. Smoking can increase the risk of complications and delay healing. Alcohol consumption should be stopped for at least 48 hours prior to the surgery.

Questions to Ask

The patient should freely ask questions about the surgeon’s practice, details of the procedure, the recovery process, and the costs involved in eyelid surgery. Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Kaufman receives patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and nearby areas for eyelid surgery.

Images and Testimonials

During the consultation, the surgeon may present eyelid surgery before and after images to help the patient form realistic expectations. They may also show testimonials of past patients who have received the same procedure and are willing to share their experience.

To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.

Eyelid Surgery Risks and Safety | Cleveland Plastic Surgery Blepharoplasty or eyelid lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery procedure designed to correct aesthetic and functional imperfections of the eyelids. While the procedure offers excellent benefits, the patient should consider its inherent risks and side effects before making a final decision.

An experienced surgeon will make the patient aware of the potential risks and complications and help them to make an informed choice. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bram Kaufman provides eyelid surgery to patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding communities.

Potential Serious Complications

Eyelid lift, just like any other cosmetic surgery, comes with certain risks and potential complications that will vary in severity. Some of the most severe complications include hematoma, ectropian, and retinal detachment. However, the chances of occurrence of such complications are extremely rare when the procedure is performed by an experienced and fully qualified surgeon.

Ectropian is a drooping effect that will create inversion of the lower lid. Additional surgery will be required to correct this condition. Hematoma is a more serious complication where the blood tends to collect under the skin. The risk of hematoma may be higher when eyelid surgery is combined with another facial surgery such as brow lift or facelift.

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina is separated from the external layers of the eye. This can occur due to holes or tears in the retina. This condition will also require additional surgery to correct it.

Other Potential Complications

Additional complications that may arise from blepharoplasty include infection, unfavorable scarring, excessive tearing, poor reaction to anesthesia, and dryness or burning of the eyes, both of which may be treated with artificial tear drops. In some cases, whiteheads or milia may form after sutures are removed.

Some patients may experience difficulty in keeping eyes closed while sleeping. Although this condition is temporary for most patients, in rare cases it may become permanent. Patients may occasionally report double vision or blurred vision, but in most cases, this condition will subside in a few days. Established plastic surgeon Dr. Kaufman receives patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and nearby areas for blepharoplasty.

Common Side Effects

Some of the common and temporary side effects of eyelid surgery include:

Pain

The severity of post-operative pain in blepharoplasty will usually depend on the patient’s health and the surgeon’s skill. Eyes will typically feel tight and sore once the effect of anesthesia wears off. The surgeon will prescribe pain medications for a few days to mitigate the intensity of pain and remove discomfort.

Swelling

Swelling will mostly occur around the incision areas following blepharoplasty. Iced eye pads or cold compresses may be used in the first few days to minimize swelling. However, care should be taken to avoid rupturing the incisions when the pads or compresses are applied. The patient should also keep the head in elevated position for a few days to reduce swelling.

Scarring

The surgeon’s skill and experience will play a role in determining the extent of visible scarring following eyelid surgery. Some degree of scarring is unavoidable after the procedure, but most scars will fade over time and become inconspicuous to the casual observer.

To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.