Dr. Melody Lynd

I typically recommend cold compresses, ice, cold anything after surgery. With eyelid surgery, I really push the cold packs.....even if patients don't like ice. Of course, I do advise them regarding its use to avoid freezer burns. In eyelid surgery, the cold not only feels good but is paramount to healing. One week later when patients present for follow up, I can tell who used the ice simply by the minimal swelling and bruising.

I perform this procedure as an outpatient. So, on that note, there is not a hospital stay. The procedure is done, the patient presents to the recovery room, and then the patient goes home. I check on the patient that night and remove packing, if used, the next day.

Rhinoplasty, or nose plastic surgery, is complex in that the nose is an aesthetic feature. Yet, it has a very important role in our respiratory tract. Any of us who have allergies or sinus problems understand this fact. The physician evaluating a patient for rhinoplasty must get an in-depth history or trauma, allergies, sinus problems, etc and truly understand the anatomy. So, yes, if not done correctly there may be health issues related to breathing problems through the nose, at a minimum. Excellent question.

For my patient base, I'm big on washing and showering. So, I advise patients to use a mild soap to gently wash their face and even eyelids the next day. Patients may even shower the next day. Afterwards, the patient may rinse the area with optical saline. I also always prescribe an antibiotic eyedrop to be used for a week.

There are many factors that go int fixing a double chin. The secret to success is for the surgeon to identify the anatomic problem, if you will, as well as get a good history. I explain to patients that the body is like a building. If you have a strong scaffold what lies on top is supported by the scaffold. In the face, it is critical to identify facial shape. It is critical to obtain history of facial trauma including fractures. It is very critical to obtain history of dental work from braces to root canals to implants. Dental health stimulates the facial skeleton which is why it is so important to take good care of the teeth. Then, one looks at the chin relative to the face, skin quality and fat deposits. So, as you can see, there is more to it than meets the eye. But, yes, it can be fixed. However, success is a joint discussion between the patient and surgeon with detailed history. Great question.

Since you have a planned procedure, please follow your surgeon's instructions. Each of us have our protocols though there is a general norm. I use the ASPS patient care module as my preop consent. Even with that, one may have variability based on patient population and need as well as surgeon experience. Thank you for your question and good luck with your procedure!

I will share with you my typical patient's recovery after facelift procedure. My patient removes dressings then next day and showers, including washing the hair. Then, Mupirocin ointment is applied to the suture line. The patient is advised to keep the head upright and sleep on a minimum of 2 pillows. If he/she must go out and about sunscreen and a broadbrimmed hat is advised. Many of my patients still work not needing any type of excessive pain management within 2 days. This work typically is telework of some sort where bruising is covered with makeup. I am a big believer in Arnica pills and gel. Some of the other "anti-bruising" remedies out there I have found either don't work or create gastric upset. Further, I am big on ice. I can always tell who or who does not employ ice. After two weeks, stitches come out and skin/scar/sun care is discussed. We also discuss further maintenance support such as laser or RF. Thank you so much for your inquiry.

I'm sorry to share this sad fact of life even though I am the quintessential optimist. Nothing is permanent. In fact, it is this type of marketing of procedures or product that guarantees excessive longevity that I find sketchy. There certainly are things one can do to care for any surgery including facelift. Hydration, no tobacco, good diet, exercise, avoiding excess weight gain and loss, etc. With that said, a solid facelift may be done only once or should last about 10 years. It also depends on the patient's age and soft tissue quality. Thank you so much for this great question.

My patients use regular or extra strength Tylenol for pain management and that, over the years, seems to do the trick. I love ice, period. In eye surgery, whether upper and/or lower eyelid surgery, I repeatedly stress cold compresses. The cold compresses helps with pain management as well as in healing. In this area, it is major important. Thank you for your question.

Risks of surgery depend not only on the procedure but also the anesthesia. General anesthesia vs. local anesthesia (Lidocaine) has more potential for post-operative pneumonia, clots and even infection. The ear surgery itself centers more on wound infection, scars, excess pain, or recurrence of the problem. It depends on the focused correction meaning if for prominent ears, recurrence or partial relaxation of the "pinning" is a risk. Thank you for your question.

Bilateral upper eyelid or lower eyelid blepharoplasty takes 45 minutes. Combined, ie all four lids, about an hour and fifteen minutes.

With post-operative face lift surgery, keep head upright, sleep on at least 2 pillows and try not to roll on your side. I always have patients pad the sides with pillows, cushions or stuffed animals. Try to ice as much as possible. DO NOT smoke, vape or consume anything that may affect the surgical site. Your doctor should review this at a minimum amongst other things. Also, avoid medications that thin the blood to avoid blood collections that we call hematoma. This includes the Ibuprofen like drugs, Naproxen, Aspirin as well as some homeopathic meds such as Ginko Biloba or St.John's Wort. Finally, sunscreen and a hat are a must even if you are in a snow climate area. The sun is present everywhere and especially is attracted to areas of inflammation such as post-operative sites. Good luck with your surgery!

In today's day and age, there are many options to change your nose shape. The most important issue is to have an educated discussion with your surgeon who can accurately define and address your concerns. Further, one who is open to other techniques and also knows their comfort zone. An adept surgeon, not only knows their skillset but also has colleagues to refer based on need. The least invasive technique to change nasal shape is with filler. Yes, I have done this in patients who do not wish surgery and have deformities that can be balanced with strategically placed filler. This may not be the permanent solution but is acceptable to the patient and safe. I've had patients return after 5 years stating that the filler lasted that long. It depends on the patient's protoplasm. The final key point to understand about the nose is that it is a functional structure. This means that it conditions air that we breathe as a first line defense to our air intake. Interventions to change nasal shape should not encroach the basic function of the nose. This may seem logical, but many times to deliver a result to a patient, the function of the nose is compromised. Hence, yes, the nose has a key aesthetic feature to our face. However, it serves a major function to our respiratory system as well.

This is a great question that depends, like most things, on the correction of ear deformity. If you are alluding to the standard "otoplasty" otherwise known as "ear pinning", the correction or result is permanent. Now, please let me state on a side note, as permanent as we are as living, and breathing human beings who change over time. But, it is a long-lasting procedure.

Congratulations on your facelift. It's an exciting time but maintenance is important. First, try to avoid significant weight fluctuations since the skin may not respond as you had hoped. Second, continue with a skin care regimen that works for your age and skin type. This includes an effective sunscreen and possible regular visits to the aesthetician. Finally, good nutrition, hydration and exercise habits shines on your new mug. Thank you for your great question and Blessings!