If you’re searching for a natural way to regain a youthful look, then a facial fat transfer (FFT) may prove as a solution. It is a cosmetic procedure which involves transferring your own body fat into your face, in order to enhance or smoothen your features. The details of the procedures, its preparation and associated risks are covered here.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Individuals looking for a long-lasting and natural way to regain a youthful look
Individuals looking to increase the volume of facial areas that appear sunken
SUCCESS
The success rate varies among patients and most cases have reported a retainment rate between 50-70%
RECOVERY TIME
It takes around 2 weeks for the swelling to subside and around 3 weeks for the effects to show. This varies largely from patient to patients and also depends on their health and lifestyle.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Swelling
Bruising
Infection
Hematoma
Allergic reactions
Numbness/Alterations in sensations in the face.
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
Botox Injection
Dermal Fillers
BEFORE TREATMENT
Have a consultation with your surgeon to discuss your expectations and goals.
Undergo a physical assessment of your face, so that the best possible treatment plan can be devised.
Quit smoking a few weeks prior to the surgery.
Only take medication that has been approved by your surgeon.
Arrange for a drive back home post-op and for some help immediately following the treatment.
DURING TREATMENT
You will either be placed under local or general anaesthesia. If you are having the procedure under local anaesthesia, then make sure to stay calm during the procedure.
AFTER TREATMENT
Take time off from work and studying to recover and rest.
Keep your face protected for a few weeks after the surgery, avoid exposing it to the sun or any other harsh conditions.
Avoid smoking and taking medication that has not been prescribed by your doctor.
Follow the guidelines prescribed by your surgeon to reduce and care for the swelling and bruising you will have after the procedure.
The ageing process can have a huge effect on your face. As we get older, our faces are more prone to wrinkles and sagging due to decreased levels of collagen, reduced elasticity and lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet and sun exposure. Facelifts also known as a rhytidectomy are one of the most commonly requested cosmetic surgery procedures. Various techniques can be used to lift up and pull back the facial skin, and a facelift can completely transform your face, leaving it looking younger and refreshed.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Patients who have excess skin around the mouth, jaw or eye areas.
Patients who want to look more youthful
Patients who have recently lost a substantial amount of weight, as this often causes the skin to sag
Patients who have low self-esteem due to the ageing of their face
The best candidates are usually in their 40s, 50s or 60s but facelifts have also been successful on older patients in their 70s and 80s
SUCCESS
Facelifts are generally very successful procedures, with more than 95% of patients reporting an improvement in their facial appearance after undergoing surgery.
RECOVERY TIME
Average recovery time of about 2 weeks, but can vary from patient to patient
Bruising and swelling on your face and neck should subside fairly quickly
Rest for at least 1 week after surgery since pain, fatigue and soreness are likely
Bruising will be visible for 2 weeks at minimum, and it may take up to 9 months to see the final effect.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Haematoma (collection of blood underneath the skin)
Nerve damage or loss of movement in the face
Asymmetry of features
Obvious scarring
Excessive bleeding
Hair loss or reduction around the scar tissue areas
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
Facial Fat Transfer
Thread Lift
BEFORE TREATMENT
If you are planning on losing weight, your surgeon will likely advise that you do so before undergoing a facelift procedure in order to achieve optimum results. If you’re a smoker, you will be advised to stop smoking before your surgery to help with recovery.
You will, of course, have a consultation with your surgeon prior to the treatment. At this point, you should ensure you are fully aware of any pre-op notes and instructions given to you by the doctor.
Most hospitals request that you don’t eat or drink anything 12 hours before your surgery. But this often varies from clinic to clinic, so do check the requirements of your specific hospital.
You might want to bring a headscarf and some sunglasses to disguise the bruising when leaving the hospital.
You will also need to have someone drive you home. Make sure you also arrange around 2-3 weeks off work to rest and recover and to allow any bruising to subside.
DURING TREATMENT
Remove all large jewelry or leave it at home.
Remove fake nails and nail polish (you may have a pulse monitor put onto your finger during surgery).
Facelifts are usually performed with a general anaesthetic, which can make you feel drowsy and groggy after surgery. You will likely have some swelling and bruising when you wake up, and you will have to spend at least one to two days in the hospital after your procedure.
AFTER TREATMENT
It is recommended that you prop up your head and keep it elevated for the first few days after surgery in order to avoid any sudden movements or straining
You can expect your bandages to be removed between two to five days after your procedure. After about a week, your stitches will also be removed .
For the first two days you won’t be able to get the bandages wet, and you should avoid showering. Please also refrain from any strenuous activity for at least two weeks.
Any bruising, redness and scarring should start to fade several weeks after the treatment, with the full effect seen about six to nine months after your surgery.
Bowel cancer is found in the large bowel of the human body and depending on where it is exactly located, it could either be colon or rectal cancer.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Patients who have been diagnosed with bowel cancer.
RECOVERY TIME
The time of the surgery will vary depending on the type of surgery you are getting, the method used and related factors. On average the surgery should last anywhere from 1-2 hours.
Chemotherapy is done is cycles, where you receive medication over the course of a few days and then let your body rest and recover. The duration of a cycle and the number of cycles you have to undergo depends on the medication you are receiving, the type of cancer you have, and the stage of cancer you are in. General factors such as your current age, health status and medical history also play a role.
Radiotherapy sessions last for a for a couple of minutes and are carried out 5 days a week, for a few weeks. The total duration depends again on the cancer type and stage and other personal factors.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
DThe general, as well as the specific risks associated with Bowel cancer surgery, are bleeding, infection, pain, blood clots, erectile dysfunction, leakage of the bowel, urination problems.
Radiotherapy side effects include: fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, changes in skin, erectile dysfunction, infertility, changes in urination frequency.
Complications of chemotherapy include hair loss, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, mouth sores./li>
BEFORE TREATMENT
Have a initial consultation with your doctor.
Undergo all necessary screening and diagnostic tests.
Follow pre-op guidelines if you are undergoing surgery.
Arrange for some help at home whilst you’re undergoing treatment.
DURING TREATMENT
Whilst undergoing surgery, you will be placed under general or local anaesthesia.
If you are undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy sessions, it may be comforting to have a loved one or caregiver to wait out for you.
AFTER TREATMENT
Adhere to post-op guidelines put forth by your surgeon.
If you are suffering from any strong side effects of treatment, ask your physician if they can provide any additional support.
Rest as much as possible, and try to keep your stress levels low. These will help speed up your recovery.
Spend time with family and friends. You can also seek out emotional support through professional counselors or at a support group.
Dental implants are a popular way to improve the health and stability of your mouth. If you have one or more missing teeth, a dental implant can help you smile, talk and chew confidently again.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Individuals who need replacement of a single tooth
Patients who need replacement of several teeth with an implant-supported bridge or single crowns
Patients who need to replace a complete denture with a bridge supported on several implants
Individuals with sufficient bone density and volume in the jaw (otherwise bone grafting may be a viable solution)
SUCCESS
Up to 98%
RECOVERY TIME
Short-term: one week for implant site and gums to heal
Long-term: healing time after implant session takes 4 to 6 months
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Infection at the implant site
Injury or damage to surrounding structures (teeth or blood vessels)
Nerve damage during placement of implant, causing pain or numbness
Failure in the integration of the implant to the bone
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
Bridges
Dentures
All-on-4
BEFORE TREATMENT
Do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least 3 days before surgery.
Avoid blood thinners one week before surgery.
Brush and floss properly before surgery and in general, keep good oral hygiene the week before your treatment.
Eat healthy food and keep yourself hydrated.
DURING TREATMENT
Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Have someone accompany you for support in case you feel dizzy or drowsy due to anesthesia or sedation.
AFTER TREATMENT
Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
Avoid alcohol for 2 weeks after surgery.
Eat cold food for the first 24 hours (such as ice cream, jelly, or juices).
Eat soft food for a week after surgery.
Try to avoid chewing hard items, such as ice or hard candy, as much as possible.
Take care of your oral hygiene every day by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing every night, and using a mouthwash.
Do not touch the wound.
Try not to spit very often.
Have a proper rest during the week following surgery.
Do regular check-ups (preferably every 6-12 months) to assess the stability of the implant, and go to your dentist if you bleed heavily, the pain increases, or you notice a bad smell or taste in your mouth.
A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted electronic device that works by directly stimulating the auditory nerve to provide a sense of sound to individuals with profound hearing loss.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Those with profound hearing loss in both ears where the hearing nerve still works.
People who have tried common best-in-class sound amplifying hearing aids but cannot find a solution to their hearing problems.
Those who are robust enough to undergo surgery to introduce the cochlear implant.
Children who were born with severe to profound deafness who are at least 12 months old.
Older children who have become deaf after learning to speak or who have progressing or acquired hearing loss and do not receive any benefit from hearing aids.
SUCCESS
80% of adults and 90% of children report improved hearing following the procedure.
Improvements are generally most significant in situations such as close conversations and when listening to environmental sounds, but there may not be such a huge change in the perception of distant noises or conversations in noisy environments.
RECOVERY TIME
After the initial implantation procedure, a recovery time of 4-6 weeks is standard. You can return to work and your normal social life 1-2 weeks after surgery.
Regular checkups are recommended following the activation of the implant, and there may be a need for further work with audiologists to improve comprehension and to find the right settings for the implant.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Facial nerve damage during surgery (below 1% incidence)
Other complications of surgery could include infections such as meningitis, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, tinnitus, vertigo attacks, or a sensation of numbness at the point of incision
A temporary “metallic” taste
Many patients lose any residual hearing they have in the affected ear(s)
Implant failure (4% rate), requiring removal or replacement
BEFORE TREATMENT
Before the initial implantation operation, talk to your doctor in-depth about the procedure. If you are taking any medications, be sure to let your doctor know.
Take notes about your current hearing levels, paying attention to high and low-frequency sounds. This will help to understand the effects of the cochlear implant during the fitting process.
DURING TREATMENT
Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Make sure you have a person with you who can take you home after the procedure.
AFTER TREATMENT
While you can usually return to work soon after the operation, be sure to discuss this with your surgeon and audiologist. Take on any information they have to give about your recovery, and take it easy – having a cochlear implant is an invasive procedure, and your body needs time to recover proper
In some people the cheekbones (or zygomatic bones) can be out of proportion, being either too high or too wide for the overall shape of their face. In these cases, cheekbone reductions can be carried out. Bone can be removed from and the contours of the cheek can be reshaped into a more attractive form.
WHO IS IT FOR?
People who feel that their cheekbones are too wide.
People who have been in accidents that caused some form of facial disfiguration.
People who have “sunken” parts of their cheeks or general issues with the contours of their face.
SUCCESS
Studies have found 96% patient satisfaction with the results of reduction surgery.
RECOVERY TIME
Following surgery, patients should be able to leave the hospital within 24 hours and resume normal activities within three to four days.
Full healing takes 4-6 months.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Moderate post-operative pain is common, and infections are possible.
Temporary changes to skin sensation are normal, but sensation may be affected on a long-term basis.
Problems may arise regarding facial asymmetry, tightness around the mouth and weakened cheekbones. This may result in the need for further corrective surgery.
BEFORE TREATMENT
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DURING TREATMENT
During the procedure and hospital stay, expect a few side effects immediately after your procedure. Don’t expect to return home without any numbness or pain, and don’t panic if you experience these symptoms. They are completely normal aspects of the cheekbone reduction process.
It’s a good idea to have a few straws handy as well. After surgery, patients will not be able to eat solid foods immediately due to the intraoral incision. So, stocking up on smoothies or cold soups is a good idea.
AFTER TREATMENT
Don’t overextend your jaw and cheeks too much in the first week or two after surgery. It’s important to allow the cheekbones to heal, so keep meals simple and easy to eat. Avoiding alcohol is also a good idea, especially while the intraoral wound heals.
Don’t panic if the results aren’t immediately obvious. The final shape of your cheek contours takes time to settle down, and you won’t get a full impression of your new appearance until a few weeks after surgery.
Good oral hygiene is essential during the healing phase as the intraoral wound poses an infection risk, so be sure to use an antibacterial mouthwash.
