Questions and Answers

About Liposuction

Is the procedure to perform submental
liposuction painful?

Actually, the surgery is brief and may be
performed in the office under local anesthesia.
We usually suggest general anesthesia be
considered for maximal comfort.

How long will it last?

The removal of fat cells is permanent. The
fat cells remaining may enlarge if you gain
weight and create unwanted neck fullness.

Will it be obvious that I have had liposuction?

We hope so, as we strive to improve your
appearance. Remember that if excessive
fat is removed, you may appear too thin in the
neck when you become elderly.

Are there any complications?

Complications are rare. Any surgery risks
infection, bleeding and bruising. There can
be postoperative lumpiness, but this usually
improves over time.

Where is the incision?

The typical incision is only 4 mm long and is
placed under the chin. After healing, the
incision site becomes hard to find. If an implant
is also placed in the chin or additional surgery
is performed, the incision will be slightly
longer but still very cosmetically acceptable.

About Implants

Is the procedure to perform a chin implant
painful?

Actually, the surgery is brief and may be
performed in the office under local anesthesia.
We usually suggest general anesthesia be
considered for maximal comfort.

How long will it last?

The implant is permanent. It may be
removed as easily as it is placed.

Is it apparent that I have an implant?

The implant is soft and cannot be palpated.
Only the positive change in your appearance
is notable.

Are there any complications?

Complications are rare but could include
infection which will require the implant be
removed.

Where is the incision?

If we are placing an implant in the chin and
not performing any other additional surgery,
the incision is inside the mouth. If you are
also having liposuction, we will place the
implant through the skin incision under the
chin..

How does the cost of an implant compare to
a genioplasty?

A genioplasy is significantly more expensive
and is performed in an operating room.

About Fillers

Is the placement of fillers painful?

Actually, the procedure is brief and may be
performed in the office under local anesthesia.
General anesthesia is available for maximal
comfort.

How long will it last?

Hyaluronic acid fillers(HA) start to be lost in
about 6 months but usually are not eliminated
until 8 to 12 months. Advanta is permanent.

What can I expect the next day?

With the HA fillers, there is some slight
tissue reaction seen as additional swelling and
redness. The area returns to normal in about
5 days. Bruising may occur as with any
injection.

Are there any complications?

Complications are rare. Any surgery risks
infection, bleeding and bruising. There can
be postoperative lumpiness, but this usually
improves over time. We like you to return in
two weeks to evaluate the need for additional
touch ups with filler.

I would prefer to not return for additional
injections and would like to start with a
permanent filler. Is that a problem?

We strongly urge treatment at first with
temporary fillers to gauge your preferences
and the amount of enhancement needed.

About Botox

How painful are the injections?

The smallest needles are used and the medicine itself does not sting as much as the usual local anesthetics. Most patients feel it is less painful than a collagen injection. Pain can be minimized by using cold packs to the skin prior to injection.

What should be expected after Botox therapy?

Botox is a safe therapeutic agent for wrinkles. Complications have been minor and only transient. Bruising may occur at the injection site especially around the eye area and a brief pain or headache may follow. Bruising may be greater in a patient who is taking aspirin or related products. Ice helps to prevent bruising. Anti-inflammatory drugs may thin your blood, increase bruising and bleeding. Please refer to the provided list of drugs and supplements which must be avoided both preoperatively and postoperatively.

How long does Botox last?

Successful therapy is not immediate but is signaled by muscle weakness that may begin several days after injection, with a peaking weakness at 10 days. Paralysis after the initial injection lasts between 3 and 7 months for most patients.

How often is re-injection needed?

Re-injection is suggested every 3-4 months to keep the muscles paralyzed and allow the furrows to completely smooth out. Once an area is smooth, patients are instructed to return for therapy only when they notice a return of muscle movement which may not occur for 4 to 12 months; even longer has been reported.