Facelift Recovery: What To Expect

Dr. Sam Sukkar MD on April 14, 2019

The big reunion, a wedding, an important media event – these types of upcoming events often are the catalyst that prompts a visit to the plastic surgeon to discuss the pros and cons of having a facelift. Among the first questions asked always involves a discussion on how much time to set aside for the recovery process.

The answer to that question depends on the amount of work being done, and the patient’s natural ability to heal but one thing is certain; there is no such thing as a weekend lift or other such procedure that promises little to no recovery time. A skillfully done facelift will require some weeks of healing time and the better prepared you are to navigate the recovery process, the better the outcome.

TAKE AT LEAST 2 WEEKS OFF WORK – 3 IF YOU CAN.

As a board certified and fellowship trained Houston plastic surgeon, Dr. Sukkar recommends his patients arrange at least 2 weeks of uninterrupted recovery time to ensure they achieve the best results possible.

A modern day facelift, or rhytidectomy, has evolved considerably from the early methods of simply removing excess facial skin and stretching it over the face. Without lifting and repositioning the underlying muscles, the skin soon sags under the weight of the non-supportive muscles. Incision closing techniques have evolved considerably as well providing patients with beautiful, discrete results.

Initial recovery takes about 2 weeks before patients feel comfortable being seen in public, although the recovery process continues for several months. The first 2 weeks will be the most intense in terms of necessary actions such as applying cool packs, caring for incisions, modifying hygiene routines and dealing with surgical drains.

THE FIRST WEEK IS THE MOST CHALLENGING.

There will be a certain amount of swelling and bruising which will increase up to day 4, after which dramatic improvement is usually seen and felt over the following 3 days. Swelling can be uniform or can be more pronounced on one side of the face. Cool compresses greatly help diminish swelling and bruising and should be used constantly during the first 3 days. It is important to sleep slightly elevated which will help reduce swelling and help fluids drain out of the surgical site.

Pain from facelift surgery is reported as less than expected and most patients are off prescription pain medication after the first few days. The biggest complaint is the tightness created by swelling but again, this diminishes fairly quickly particularly if cool compresses are used as directed.

During the first week, driving is not recommended. It is prohibited completely as long as the patient is on prescription pain medication. There can be stiffness in the neck which hinders the ability to turn your head and until this passes you should have someone else handle driving tasks.

There will be small drains placed just behind the ears to allow excess fluid to drain which helps diminish swelling and bruising caused by pooling blood. There will also be dressings on the incisions and you may have both dissolvable and non-dissolvable sutures which will be removed usually at the first visit.

DINNER WITH FRIENDS.

After the first 10 days, most patients feel comfortable running quick errands or seeing close friends. After two weeks most of the obvious (to others) bruising and swelling will be gone and strategically placed makeup will cover any remaining bruising. While the outward signs of surgery will be mostly gone after 2 weeks, you will feel your facial tissues settle over the next few months and may experience random swelling as healing makes progress. 

RED CARPET READY

If you want to look your best for that important event, schedule your facelift at least a month to 6 weeks in advance. Unless you have had facial plastic surgery in the past, there is no definite guarantee of a healing schedule. While you will be comfortable going back to work or seeing friends after two weeks or so, being ready for the camera or the scrutiny of classmates who you haven’t seen for years will require a bit more time.

The most important part of recovering from a facelift is following the instructions given to you by your plastic surgeon. As a board certified and fellowship trained plastic surgeon in Houston, Dr. Sukkar has performed countless facial surgical procedures. His recommendations cover years of experience in helping his patients recover from their procedures without complications quickly and beautifully.

Nipple Sensitivity After Breast Augmentation

Dr. Sam Sukkar MD on February 1, 2018

The surgical techniques used in breast augmentation have been refined over the years to provide patients with beautiful cosmetic results that look and feel natural. With the range of breast implants available today, getting a natural look is a matter of choosing the right size and type of implant that best suits the patient’s overall body type. Nipple and skin sensation is a different story.

Most women do experience a change in sensation in one or both of the nipples and in the skin just under the breast. This begins with hypersensitivity or numbness in the nipples and numbness in the skin. Most patients find that sensation returns to normal within 2 to 4 months, depending on where the implant was inserted.

IMPLANT PLACEMENT IS KEY

There are four areas that can be used as insertion points; the inframammary fold just under the breast, the armpit, the belly button and the nipple area. These choices are generally made based on masking the resulting scar. There are also choices on where the implant will be placed, either under the muscle or closer to the surface, just under the mammary gland structure.

Preserving sensation in the nipple complex is very important and to ensure the complete success in breast augmentation. There have been many opinions offered on why some women experience permanent loss of sensation in the nipple. Very large implants that stretch the nipple and skin are thought to be a factor as the nerves also need to stretch while adjusting.

RESULTS OF A 6 YEAR CLINICAL STUDY ON NIPPLE SENSATION AND PAIN

A study on the subject of nipple sensation and pain following primary breast augmentation was conducted over a 6 year period in Rome and the UK with over 1200 cases. The findings were released in 2011 reporting that implant size and implant placement – either above or below the muscle – had no bearing on nipple sensation and pain. The main factor that caused problems with nipple sensitivity or numbness was placing the implant through an incision at the edge the areola. This ‘periareolar’ incision was found to increase changes in nipple sensation and pain by a factor of three when patients were assessed six months after surgery.

(Source:https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2011/10000/Sensitivity_of_the_Nipple_Areola_Complex_and.34.aspx)

The reason for diminished sensation is thought to be caused by cutting the nerves that support the nipple-areola complex. Scar tissue may also block regeneration of nerve channels following periareolar incision.

CHANGES IN NIPPLE SENSATION

In up to 6% of patients, there will be some change in nipple sensation following breast augmentation. The degree of change will vary from patient to patient with most patients finding that nipple sensitivity returns to normal range once all healing has occurred.

Discussion of this potential change should be part of every woman’s relationship with her plastic surgeon. Avoiding sensitivity problems can be done by choosing an implant that is not overly large and using the fold under the breast called the inframammary fold, as an insertion point.

While all women experience some degree of sensitivity or numbness following breast augmentation surgery, the vast majority of patients find that after a few months their sensitivity problems are resolved leaving them free to fully enjoy their enhanced feminine appearance.

Medical Spa Treatments

Dr. Sam Sukkar MD on August 8, 2017

Is there a big event such as a wedding in your future? Perhaps you have a reunion coming up or you simply want your skin looking picture perfect. Whatever the motivation, there is a growing trend towards non-surgical treatments that get remarkable results far beyond Botox® and earlier generations of injectables.

At Dr. Sukkar’s Phoenician Medical Spa in Houston there is a vast array of products and procedures designed to repair, rejuvenate and refine your skin without surgery. Whether the issues are minor or significant, there are procedures and products that can restore your skin to a more youthful and refreshed condition with little to no down-time.

REPAIRING SKIN – CHEMICAL PEELS

For patients needing skin repair, a chemical peel removes the outer layer of dead skin which reveals brighter and hydrated skin. Chemical peels smooth fine lines and wrinkles and reduce acne and other facial scars. There are three strengths of chemical peel available each one penetrating deeper than the last. Dr. Sukkar will advise you on your best option depending on your skin issues and the timetable, if any, that you are working in.

Another very effective skin repair procedure is dermaplaning. This procedure is often used in conjunction with a chemical peel as the combination is very effective in removing dead skin, evening skin tone and reducing other skin imperfections.

LASER TREATMENTS

The use of laser energy is another method for repairing scars, dull skin, fine lines and wrinkles. Laser treatments can also be used to remove tattoos, treat nail fungus and as a method of creating a non-chemical peel.

INJECTABLES

There are now many products on the market designed to treat varying degrees of facial sagging, deep smile lines, loss of volume, and aging in the hands.

Commonly referred to as a Liquid Facelift, combinations of Botox along with fillers such as Perlane®, Radiesse®, Juvederm® and others create youthful fullness which also address issues created by loss of volume.

Sagging in the jowls and neck, deep expression lines and hollow areas in the mid face create a tired or sometime angry expression. The correct application of the right Injectables  in the right area can turn back the clock many years so that the mirror reflects how you actually feel.

NOURISH AND PROTECT YOUR BEAUTIFUL SKIN

After you have repaired any flaws and have restored youthful fullness, the final step is using one of the many medical grade skincare products available at Dr. Sukkar’s Med Spa. These will keep your skin looking radiant and young while also protecting against harmful rays from the sun.

Make an appointment to find out what can be done to help you achieve the fresh flawless complexion you deserve. Whatever your issues are, there are many non-surgical options available at Dr. Sukkar’s Phoenician Medical Spa.

Causes Of Sagging Breasts

Dr. Sam Sukkar MD on February 9, 2017

As we age it is natural for the breasts to begin to sag. The biggest force contributing to sagging breasts is gravity, particularly in women with large breasts.

There is a protein called elastin that is present in all skin tissue. Elastin keeps the skin elastic as the name suggests and anything that decreases elastin will result in breast sagging as well as sagging in other parts of the body.

One of the biggest culprits contributing to sagging skin is cigarette smoking. Smoking compromises elastin which in turn reduces the skin’s ability to hold its shape and bounce back when stretched. Weight gain is another common contributor to sagging breasts. Women who gain and lose significant amounts of weight over time will hasten the effects of gravity on their breasts as elastin breaks down.

The increase in breast size during pregnancy adds weight which puts extra strain on muscles and ligaments. This can lead to sagging breasts particularly after multiple pregnancies. However, contrary to popular belief, breastfeeding alone is not a cause of saggy breasts. It is the added breast size experienced during pregnancy that causes the sagging so getting back to your pre-pregnancy weight will reduce the strain on the ligaments.

PREVENTING SAGGY BREASTS

Slowing the progress of sagging breasts is possible. Since the problem lies in stretched ligaments that loose elasticity, wearing a good supportive bra, particularly while exercising, will reduce the stress that would naturally be placed on the supportive muscles.

Maintaining a healthy weight by avoiding dramatic swings in weight will also help your ligaments and muscles support the breasts. Giving up smoking will go a long way to preventing the breakdown of elastin not only in the breasts but in the face and other areas.

SURGICAL OPTIONS FOR SAGGY BREASTS

If your sagging breasts are causing you to seriously dislike your appearance, a surgical breast lift can be done to tighten the slack muscles and ligaments and reposition the areola and nipple structure to a more youthful position on the chest. In some women, a breast lift with augmentation is beneficial and will restore both position and fullness lost through the aging process.

SAGGING BREASTS CAN CAUSE HEALTH ISSUES

Women who have large breasts can experience significant health improvements through a breast reduction with lift. The improvement in back health, reduction of painful bra strap grooves in the shoulders and reduction of skin rashes is a bigger benefit than the cosmetic improvement according to our patients.

CONTACT US FOR AN EVALUATION

If you would like a confidential consultation with Houston Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Sukkar to discuss your breast sagging issues, contact our office for an appointment. He has helped countless women regain a youthful silhouette as well as improvement in health issues related to sagging breasts.

Whether you need a simple breast lift, a lift with augmentation or a breast reduction with a lift, you can be confident in trusting your procedure to a plastic surgeon with decades of experience in breast procedures.

Silicone vs. Saline Breast Implants, Pros & Cons

Dr. Sam Sukkar MD on December 24, 2016

Are you in a debate with yourself on whether to have silicone or saline breast implants? If so you are not alone. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of implant but ultimately it comes down to three things:

  • LOOK
  • FEEL
  • SCAR VISIBILITY

Well placed breast implants of either type look and feel natural while complimenting the woman’s overall proportions. Some women prefer one type over another for reasons other than their appearance but for the most part about 80% of women choose silicone filled implants.

MOST WOMEN CHOOSE SILICONE

Women tend to choose silicone over saline for several reasons. This implant material feels and moves more like the natural breast. There are many more choices in shape, size and projection giving patients a more custom fit. Patients can also choose whether to have implants that are filled with a more fluid gel or a form stable gel. Implants using cohesive gel silicone have been nicknamed ‘gummy bear’ implants. Cohesive gel implants, or gummy bear implants, are available in multiple round and teardrop (‘anatomical’) shapes.

The advantage with round implants is that should they rotate within the breast pocket, they will still look natural. In contrast, should the form stable teardrop shaped implants rotate they will look unusual.

SAFETY CONCERNS

Silicone breast implants were removed from the market for several years while studies were done to determine if they were safe. This followed reports of implants leaking and there was legitimate concern that this could be a health risk. In 2006 silicone was again cleared for use in breast implants and this new generation of implants has enjoyed a stellar safety record.

ADVANTAGES OF SALINE IMPLANTS

Saline implants have the advantage of using sterile salt water as the filler. In the case of a puncture, the fluid leaks into the surrounding breast tissue where it is naturally eliminated by the body. Some women feel more comfortable knowing this and for them this type of implant will be just as effective in restoring fullness to the breasts but without any anxiety attached.

Saline implants are round and for women who are thin, this might provide a more natural look. Another advantage of saline implants is that the incision for placing them can be much smaller as the implant is inserted empty and filled once it is in place. This also gives Dr. Sukkar the ability to check the size and adjust accordingly before he closes the incision.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Silicone or saline, large or small; these are things that must be decided upon, but there is much more to a beautiful breast implant result than that. Each type of implant has different aspects in shape, feel and movement which must be considered in relation to the body type of each patient.

Achieving fuller breasts that look and feel natural is the goal no matter which type of implant you choose. Dr. Sukkar can help you make the right choice based on his considerable experience in breast implant surgery and a full understanding of your image goals.

The Cosmetic World: What’s New In 2016?

Dr. Sam Sukkar MD on January 18, 2016

The trend to non-invasive cosmetic procedures shows no sign of slowing down for 2016. Many people are trying injectables to test drive a new look before committing to a surgical procedure while others are taking advantage of non surgical liposuction options to rid themselves of stubborn fat pockets. It’s possible to have a whole new look without going under the knife – an option that is very attractive for those who are a little hesitant about committing to surgery or who can’t have surgery due to medical conditions.

DOUBLE CHIN ERASER

One of the latest injectables to be approved by the FDA is a non surgical ‘double chin eraser’ which is especially popular with men. Kybella® (deoxycholic acid) has been approved to treat submental fat below the chin but not in other areas. The active ingredient is naturally found in the body and is injected into the fatty tissue where it destroys the cell membrane. The destroyed fat cells are naturally eliminated from the body leaving a leaner more defined chin.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY FACIAL PROCEDURES

Non surgical nose shaping and other facial procedures are a rising trend in many plastic surgery offices. Injectable fillers have come a long way from the early generation of lip fillers with many choices for plastic surgeons to choose from. There are fillers specifically approved by the FDA for lips, hands, cheeks and the temple area.

Using injectable fillers, the bridge of the nose can be raised and a noticeable hump can be camouflaged. For the face, fillers and Botox® can be used in combination to add volume to hollow areas in the cheeks and tear troughs, to smooth wrinkles and frown lines and to lift sagging jowls.

NATRELLE INSPIRA BREAST IMPLANT

For those considering breast implants, the FDA recently approved a new implant called Natrelle Inspira™. Made by Allergan (Botox® creator), this round gel-filled silicone implant provides a tailored fit to provide the option of fullness lost through pregnancy or weight loss.

This implant line offers over 240 combinations of size, projection and shape which plastic surgeons can use to custom fit implants for reconstruction and breast revision cases.

COOLSCULPTING® AND SCULPSURE®

CoolSculpting targets fat pockets with the power of cold. Fat cells are frozen using technology that bypasses the outer layers of skin, keeping the patient comfortable during treatment. This treatment can be done over a lunch hour and patients can return to their usual activities immediately.

At the opposite end of the spectrum stubborn pockets of fat are eliminated using SculpSure® a laser light technology. This treatment destroys fat using heat through specially developed treatment heads that cool the upper layer of skin keeping the patient comfortable. Treatments take about 25 minutes and as in CoolSculpting, the fat is eliminated for good.

COSMETIC ENHANCEMENT IS ON THE RISE

Whether surgical or nonsurgical, Americans are being proactive when it come to countering the signs of aging. According to statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons there is a 35% rise in surgical procedures such as breast augmentation and rhinoplasty and a whopping 748% in non surgical procedures from 2000 to 2014. There is no sign of the trend slowing.




Recover Just In Time For Spring

Dr. Sam Sukkar MD on August 22, 2015

You have a high school reunion or a wedding coming up. Question: is there enough time to recovery from my procedure? The answer is…it depends. Certain procedures require more recovery time but in most cases you should be red carpet ready within 4 to 6 weeks.

Dr. Sam Sukkar has a reputation of providing among the best cosmetic surgery Houston has available. He also provides his patients with detailed recovery instructions that are designed to ensure a smooth, uneventful recovery.

The most important thing to keep in mind when timing is important is that everyone heals at a different rate. Allow extra time to heal for a special event especially where you will be the focus of attention.

TIPS FOR RECOVERY

REST

The most important thing to do after surgery of any kind is to rest. That means ensuring you have help following surgery especially if you have small children. Most procedures such as a facelift, breast augmentation and a tummy tuck will restrict bending or lifting for several weeks. That means someone else has to take care of the heavy lifting for awhile.

PREPARE

Another important tip is to prepare your recovery area so you don’t have to climb stairs, prepare meals or answer the door etc. Have everything you need close to hand such as your medication, water, cold packs your phone.

Pay the bills, get the grocery shopping done, take care of any routine tasks that you would normally do so you can concentrate on just resting and recovering. As stated above, be sure to arrange help at home for as long as possible.

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS

Houston plastic surgeon, Dr. Sukkar, has performed thousands of procedures and knows from experience the do’s and don’ts of recovery. Patients will be advised on when and how to bathe, when they can return to normal activities, and how to care for their incisions.

Follow his instructions concerning what kinds of over-the-counter medications are safe to take. Some can increase bleeding which can create complications. One particularly important thing to avoid is nicotine in all forms as it interferes with the healing process.

With the expertise of Dr. Sukkar and his staff, you can confidently plan to enjoy your new look just in time for spring.

New Year, New You!

Dr. Sam Sukkar MD on July 17, 2015

Who doesn’t plan to improve their fitness level or their appearance at the beginning of the year? That is why gym memberships skyrocket in January and February. Looking your best doesn’t have to include a daily struggle at the gym. There are many exciting ways to make a significant change in your appearance with or without surgery.

FACIAL AGING

Countering the effects of facial aging is a top concern of many men and women. Non-surgical injectables such as Radiesse® and Juvéderm™ replace lost volume in the mid-face area which provides a natural lift. This natural lift reduces drooping skin and restores rounder cheeks. For many, that is enough to achieve their goal.

Botox® reduces the appearance of deep expression lines which provides a more approachable look – those frown lines can be intimidating! Combining volumizing filler with Botox is very effective in reducing signs of aging. Injectables are now also used to plump the back of the hands and restore fullness to the neck, reducing that annoying wattle.
Of course, the most long lasting way of lifting sagging skin and restoring youthful contours is through a surgical facelift but if you can’t have surgery or wish to ease into surgical rejuvenation, injectables are a great place to start.

A COMPLETE BODY MAKEOVER

And now to the opposite end of the rejuvenation scale.
A new trend among women who have finished having children is a series of procedures nicknamed the “Mommy Makeover”. This is a tailor made program which usually includes breast augmentation (with or without a breast lift), a tummy tuck and targeted liposuction.

These procedures can be done at the same time in many cases which eliminates the need for multiple surgeries. Because the recovery is done all at once, patients can enjoy their new look in just a few months rather than the years it would take if done individually. Dr. Sukkar is considered among the finest plastic surgeon Houston can provide due to his surgical skill and artistic perception of beauty.

Let this year be the year you achieve your image goals. Contact Dr. Sukkar for a consultation to learn how he can help you meet those goals.

How Long Should Breast Implants Last?

Dr. Sam Sukkar MD on May 11, 2015

Cosmetic surgery is a difficult and very personal decision. When undergoing a procedure like breast augmentation, many patients want to know how long they can expect their results to last. In regards to breast implants, the longevity will vary based on the person. While they typically last about 10 years on average, different factors can influence this time-span. Complications may occur, such as a leak or rupture, especially after you’ve had the implants for several years. This is why you should be aware of how your implants look and feel, helping you detect any possible changes.

Depending on the type of breast implants you receive, you may or may not notice if there is an issue. Saline implants, for example, are filled with a saltwater solution, and if a leak or rupture occurs, you’ll most likely notice the implant begin to deflate and potentially ripple. Silicone implants, on the other hand, are more difficult to detect problems with since the material typically remains inside the breast pocket even when ruptured. However, you may begin to notice slight changes in the shape of your breast.

In the end, you shouldn’t need to worry about the state of your breast implants unless you have noticed a change in their shape or size, or you have had them for a long period of time. If you are concerned that a problem may be present, please don’t hesitate to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon to evaluate their condition.

For more information, or to schedule a consultation with Houston plastic surgeon, Dr. Sam Sukkar, please contact us today!

Which Breast Implant Placement Provides The Most Natural Appearance?

Dr. Sam Sukkar MD on April 9, 2015

WHICH BREAST IMPLANT PLACEMENT PROVIDES THE MOST NATURAL APPEARANCE?

Several factors can influence the final outcome of your breast augmentation. From the breast implant type to your desired size, you will have different options to choose from during your consultation with Houston plastic surgeon, Dr. Sam Sukkar. One of these decisions will be the placement of your breast implants – either over or under the pectoralis muscle. This is a major factor that can affect how natural your results look. During your consultation, Dr. Sukkar will perform a physical examination and listen to what you hope to achieve through surgery to ultimately recommend which placement is best for your needs.

In general, breast implants placed under the muscle tend to look natural on more women. Since more tissue covers the implant, a more subtle breast slope is achieved. This technique is especially recommended for patients with very little breast tissue present, since the extra layer of muscle will help disguise the implant.

Placement of breast implants over the muscle, however, can be a preferred option for some individuals. If there is an adequate amount of breast tissue already present, the implants may provide a natural look without the additional layer of muscle. When breast implants are placed over the muscle, this typically provides a more comfortable and faster recovery period.

In the end, both options can provide beautiful results for the right candidates. This is why it is important to schedule a consultation to discuss your cosmetic goals, allowing Dr. Sukkar to help you make an informed decision about your procedure. Contact us to book your appointment!