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Frequently Asked Questions
Read below for frequently asked questions about our surgical procedures. If you have a question about a Skin Care Clinic service, please visit our Skin Care Clinic FAQ page. Click on a topic below to jump to the FAQs on that topic.
Browlift
Eyelid Surgery
Nose Surgery
Tummy Tuck & Liposuction
Breast Augmentation
Breast Lift & Breast Reduction
Facelift
Q: How much or how long will the bruising and swelling last?
A: Your down time will be moderate. We will recommend that you take homeopathic supplements to help reduce the bruising and swelling. The bruising down time will last approximately 10-14 days and after 7-10 days you can cover the bruises with concealer. You will notice that the bruises are almost gone when they turn yellow and they move into your neck before it diminishes. As for the swelling, it usually goes down significantly by 2-3 weeks, but it does take at least 3 months before it is completely healed. Q: Why do my ears feel so thick?
A: The swelling and numbness in the ears often makes them feel thick and uncomfortable. You may also notice some pressure or tingling sensations throughout the face, this is completely normal and is simply the nerves waking up.Q: When can I wash my hair?
A: You may rinse your hair 48 hours post-operatively, after bandages have been removed, with a mixture of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% warm water, followed by baby shampoo.Q: When can I get my hair colored or chemically treated?
A: We recommend that you have your hair cut or colored before your surgery. You may have your hair treated 21 days post-operatively.Q: Will I lose my hair?
A: Hair loss may occur at the incision site and is not generally noticeable or in substantial amounts.Q: Will I have sutures or staples?
A: Both. You will have sutures from incisions around your ears and chin will be removed in 3-4 days; staples in your scalp will be removed in 6-7 days.Q: When will I come back for a follow up appointment?
A: Appointments are usually scheduled 3-4 days post-operatively. At this first follow up appointment the sutures will be removed then in 6-7 days you will have your staples removed. There after we will schedule your standard appointments.Q: Should I stay overnight in the hospital, or can I go home after surgery?
A: You may go home after surgery; however, we advise that you stay at least 1 night in the hospital. You may have some drains that will need to be removed the morning after your surgery.Q: What should I expect? How will I feel after surgery?
A: Immediately after surgery you will not look like yourself; however, every day you will begin to see the results and feel more comfortable. Some patients may feel moderately depressed, but through recovery they are well pleased. Just remember that our goal is to make you look rested and rejuvenated. Stay away form the mirror for 2-3 weeks.Back to top
Do you have a question that is not listed here? Submit your own question to one of our experts on our Contact Us page.
Browlift
Q: How much or how long will the bruising and swelling last?
A: Your down time will be moderate. We will recommend a homeopathic supplement pack to help reduce the unnecessary bruising and swelling (Arnica). The bruising will last approximately 10-14 days and after 7-10 days you may cover the bruises with makeup. As for the swelling; it does take at least 3 months before it is completely healed.Q: Why does my forehead feel so thick?
A: The swelling and numbness in the forehead can often make it feel thick and uncomfortable. You may also notice some pressure or tingling sensations throughout the brow and scalp, this is completely normal and is simply the nerves waking up.Q: Will I have sutures or staples?
A: You will have staples across the top of the scalp, and will be removed 7 days post-operatively.Q: When can I wash my hair?
A: You may rinse your hair 48 hours post-operatively, after bandages have been removed, with a mixture of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% warm water, followed by a mild shampoo; ie. baby shampoo.Q: When can I get my hair colored or chemically treated?
A: You may have your hair treated 21 days post-operatively.Q: Will I lose my hair?
A: Hair loss may occur at the incision site and is not generally in substantial amounts.Q: When will I come back for a follow up appointment?
A: You will come back 6-7 days post-operatively. At this first follow up appointment you will have your staples removed and thereafter we will schedule your standard appointments.Back to top
Do you have a question that is not listed here? Submit your own question to one of our experts on our Contact Us page.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Q: How much or how long will the bruising and swelling last?
A: Your down time will be moderate. It will be most evident around your eyes; however we will put you on a homeopathic supplement pack (Arnica) to help reduce the bruising and swelling. The bruising down time will last approximately 10-14 days and after 7-10 days you can cover the bruises with makeup. As for the swelling; it does take at least 3 months before it is completely healed.Q: Why is the Conjunctiva (white area) of my eye red?
A: The blood that is beneath the sheer surface of the eye may appear bloody but is only a superficial bruise. This should heal with your recovery time, in 2-3 weeks.Q: When will I come back for a follow up appointment?
A: You will come back 3-4 days post-operatively. At this first follow up appointment you will have your sutures removed and we will schedule your standard appointments.Q: When will I notice the results of my Blepharoplasty?
A: Most of the improvement will be evident at 3-4 weeks but you will see the full results 3 months after your procedure.Q: Which is best to use after my surgery, hot or cold compresses?
A: It is best to use cold compresses for the first 2-3 days, after that you may alternate between both warm and cold compresses, depending on what is most comfortable for youQ: Why are my eyes consistently swollen above the cheekbones and below the lower lid?
A: Fluid is often trapped in the area after this procedure. At your first post-op appointment we will instruct you to do eye exercises 5-10 times a day holding up the lower lid for 15 seconds each. This will help the fluid to drain. A lymph drainage massage will also help mend the process.Q: Why is the swelling worse in the morning when I wake up?
A: You tend to swell more while you sleep, but you will notice throughout the day and into the evening the swelling will subside.Q: Why are my eyes blurry?
A: This is often a temporary side effect of Blepharoplasty. To help reduce this side effect please put the AKWA lubricant (that we provide for you) in your eyes before bed and rinse the eyes with saline tears in the morning.Q: When can I wear my contact lenses again?
A: You can start wearing your contacts on the tenth day after surgery, but DO NOT put too much pressure on the eyelid.Q: When can I go out in the sun and/or exercise?
A: You should not go out in the sun without proper protection until the bruises have completely diminished. Reason being; is that if bruise is exposed to the sun it will take longer to heal or fade. You may start exercising 4-6 weeks post-operatively.Q: What is the tiny, white, pimple-like bump on my lid?
A: This is often Milia, which can be removed by Dr. Clement in a quick office appointment. Milia are very common, keratin-filled cysts.Back to top
Do you have a question that is not listed here? Submit your own question to one of our experts on our Contact Us page.
Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
Q: How much or how long will the bruising and swelling last?
A: Your down time will be moderate. It will be most evident around your eyes however; we will put you on a homeopathic supplement pack (Arnica) to help reduce the unnecessary bruising and swelling. The bruising down time will last approximately 10-14 days and after 7-10 days you can cover the bruises with makeup.Q: How long do I have to wear the splint?
A: The splint will be on for 7 days post operatively.Q: How will I care for my nose once the splint is removed?
A: Your doctor will show you how to tape your nose and will give you further instructions on how to care for your nose. Remember, you will want to tape your nose every night before bed for approximately 3 months post-operatively.Q: Will my nose shift or change after the splint is removed?
A: As the swelling diminishes, you will notice subtle change in the shape of your nose. Don’t be alarmed because the changes may occur for 12 months. Your nose can continue to take shape for up to a full year, but it will be minimal.Q: When will the packing come out?
A: The packing will come out 7 days post-operatively. Note: packing is not required with all patients.Q: How long will I have drainage from my nose and throat?
A: You will expect to have some drainage for several days. It will change from a bright red fluid to an orange fluid and eventually go away. Applying a gauze pad under your nose will help collect the unwanted surge of fluid. If you have fluid built up in the throat and if it gets to be intolerable, you can split it out as needed.Q: Can I sleep flat, or do I need to elevate my head?
A: You need to sleep with your head elevated with 2-3 pillows for 6-7 days in order to prevent swelling and injury.Q: Why can’t I use a hot compress on my nose immediately after surgery?
A: The heat from the compress may cause the swelling or bleeding to increase as well as the discomfort.Q: When will I come back for my follow up appointment?
A: You will come back 3-4 days post-operatively and at this appointment the sutures will be removed. We will then schedule your standard appointments as well.Q: When can I go out in the sun and /or exercise?
A: You should not go out in the sun without proper protection until the bruises have completely diminished. Reason being; is that if bruise is exposed to the sun it will take longer to heal or fade. You may return to full exercising methods 4-6 weeks post-operatively.Back to top
Do you have a question that is not listed here? Submit your own question to one of our experts on our Contact Us page.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) & Liposuction
Q: How long will the bruising and swelling last?
A: Your bruising will usually be moderate, but can be significant. We will provide you with a homeopathic supplement (Arnica) to help reduce the bruising and swelling. The bruising will last 10-14 days and the swelling may last 3-4 months.Q: When will I see the results?
A: Although you will see some significant results 2-3 weeks after surgery, it will take 3-4 months for the swelling to completely diminish.Q: When will the drains be removed?
A: The drains will come out approximately 3 days to 2 weeks post-operatively. Each drain has to reach 25 cc per 24 hours before they can be removed. If they both reach the desired amount we will remove one drain and let the other drain collect the additional fluid until it reaches the 25 cc per 24 hours. Remember that we can not pull both drains at the same time.Q: Will I have sutures?
A: You will have sutures if you have Abdominoplasty, but they are dissolvable and will only be subcutaneous (underneath the tissue at the incision site). If you receive Liposuction, you will have 1-2 sutures. (Incisions are the width of a pinky fingernail)Q: When can I remove the tapes?
A: If you have an Abdominoplasty, the tapes should stay in place for about 2 weeks. The tape is waterproof, so they will be fine in the shower. Once they do come off in about 3 weeks, we suggest that you start using a scar treatment regimen (Scar Guard, Neosporin scar tape, paper tape, Steri Strips, etc.) Remember that the more pressure and reinforcement a scar gets, the less likely it is to be red and bumpy. We suggest you wear paper tape on the scar for 2-3 months. If you are having Liposuction, you will not need to use scar products and the tapes may fall off sooner than two weeks.Q: How long do I need to wear the girdle?
A: The girdle not only helps with contouring, it also helps with the swelling so we strongly recommend that you wear it 2 weeks post operatively. When you discontinue wearing the girdle, it may be helpful and/or more comfortable for you to get a “Shaper” that you can purchase at Dillard’s, Nordstrom, Target, etc. The shaper does come in different and you may find it more secure and comfortable. To help with the recovery we suggest that you wear the shaper for 6-8 weeks but it’s not imperative.Q: How long will it be before I can stand completely straight?
A: It generally takes 1-2 weeks before you can stand straight but you don’t want to rush your recuperation time. Take everything one day at a time and eventually your body will fully recover.Q: What is the tingling sensation?
A: You may also notice some pressure or tingling sensations throughout the body, this is completely normal and is simply the nerves waking up. You may have numbness in the abdomen after an abdominoplasty forever.Q: When will I come back for a follow up appointment?
A: You will come back 5-7 days after surgery for both Liposuction and Abdominoplasty.Q: When can I go out in the sun and/or exercise?
A: You should not go out in the sun without proper protection until the bruises have completely diminished. Reason being; is that if bruise is exposed to the sun it will take longer to heal or fade. You may return to full exercising methods 4-6 weeks for Liposuction and 6-8 weeks for Abdominoplasty.Back to top
Do you have a question that is not listed here? Submit your own question to one of our experts on our Contact Us page.
Breast Augmentation
Q: How long will the bruising and swelling last after breast augmentation surgery?
A: Your down time after breast augmentation will be moderate. We recommend that you purchase a homeopathic supplement (Arnica) to help reduce the unnecessary bruising and swelling. Arnica can be purchased at our skin care clinic for $10. The bruising will last 10-14 days and the swelling may last 2-3 weeks, both of which are usually minimal.Q: When will I notice the results of my breast augmentation?
A: Although you will see some immediate results after breast implant surgery, it will take 3-4 months for the final result.Q: Will I have sutures with breast augmentation?
A: You will have dissolvable sutures that will be place subcutaneous (underneath the tissue at the incision sites).Q: When can I remove the tape?
A: The tapes should stay in place for about 2 weeks after breast implant surgery. They are waterproof, so they will be fine in the shower. Once they do come off in about 3 weeks, we suggest that you start using a scar treatment regimen (Scar Guard, paper tape, Steri Strips, etc.) Remember that the more pressure and reinforcement a scar gets, the less likely it is to be red and bumpy. Q: What kind of bra should I wear after my breast augmentation?
A: The bra that you wear from your breast implant surgery will be the bra that you will use for 2 weeks post-operatively. After the first 2 weeks you can change to another wireless support for an additional 2 weeks. After 3 months you may wear an under wire bra.• The “Bra Bar” which is the bra (elastic strap) that you might wake up with after surgery will help keep the breast implant in place behind the muscle. Remember that you will be wearing the “bra” strap morning, noon and night for 2-3 weeks.
Q: When can I return to work after my breast augmentation surgery?
A: We often have patient s who return to work 4-7 days after surgery. Just as long as your job is not physically demanding, you should be fine after a week.Q: What is the tingling sensation in my breast?
A: You may also notice some pressure or tingling sensations in your breast tissue, this is completely normal and is simply the nerves waking up. Q: Why do I need to massage the breast implants?
A: The massage techniques that we show you will help reduce your chances of having a capsular contracture (scar tissue around the breast implant). For the next 3 weeks following surgery, you will exercise each breast for about a minute three times a day. Thereafter, you will decrease the exercising to once a day for the life of the breast implant.Q: When will I come back for a follow up appointment?
A: Depending upon your surgeon, you will see your Doctor the day after surgery or a week after surgery. At this appointment, we will show you how to do your exercises and schedule your standard appointments. Q: When can I go out in the sun and/or exercise after breast augmentation?
A: You should not go out in the sun without proper protection until the bruises have completely diminished because if the bruise is exposed to the sun it will take longer to heal or fade. You may return to exercising methods 4-6 weeks after the breast augmentation surgery depending upon your surgeon.Q: I hear fluid or gurgling when I move my breast, what is this?
A: This is air and fluid in the pocket which will be reabsorbed.Back to top
Do you have a question that is not listed here? Submit your own question to one of our experts on our Contact Us page.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy) & Breast Reduction
Q: How long will the bruising and swelling last?
A: Your down time will be moderate. We will provide you with a homeopathic supplement to help reduce the unnecessary bruising and swelling. The bruising will last 10-14 days and the swelling may last 2-3 weeks.Q: When will I see the results after surgery?
A: Although you will see some immediate results after surgery, it will take up to 3-4 months for the final result.Q: Will I have sutures?
A: You will have dissolvable sutures that will be place subcutaneous (underneath the tissue at the incision sites).Q: When can I remove the tapes?
A: The tapes should stay in place for about 2 weeks. They are waterproof, so they will be fine in the shower. Once they do come off in about 3 weeks, we suggest that you start using a scar treatment regimen (Scar Guard, paper tape, Steri Strips, etc.) Remember that the more pressure and reinforcement a scar gets, the less likely it is to be red and bumpy.Q: What kind of bra should I wear?
A: The bra you are wearing when you wake up from surgery will be the bra that you will use for 2 weeks post-operatively. After the first 2 weeks you can change to another wireless support for an additional 2 weeks. In 3 months after your surgery you may wear a underwire bra.Q: When can I return to work?
A: We often have patients who return to work 4-7 days after surgery. Just as long as your job is not physically demanding, you should be fine after a week.Q: What is the tingling sensation?
A: You may also notice some pressure or tingling sensations, this is completely normal and is simply the nerves waking up.Q: When will I return for a follow up appointment?
A: You will come back 5-7 days after surgery. After this appointment we will schedule your standard appointments.Q: When can I go out in the sun and/or exercise?
A: You should not go out in the sun without proper protection until the bruises have completely diminished. Reason being; is that if bruise is exposed to the sun it will take longer to heal or fade. You may return to full exercising methods 4-6 weeks post-operatively.Back to top
Do you have a question that is not listed here? Submit your own question to one of our experts on our Contact Us page.
