Members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery estimate they performed more than 40,200 rhinoplasties, 34,800 facelifts, and 34,700 eyelid lifts in 2012. You may find yourself considering one or more of these facial plastic surgeries. Before you commit, however, one thing you should think about is the timing.
Unlike emergency surgeries where you are rushed into the surgery as soon as there is an opening, plastic surgery is timed around your schedule. There are five things you must consider when planning any of these facial cosmetic surgeries.
Be Ready to Give Up Certain Medications and Nutritional Supplements
There are certain prescription and over-the-counter medications that thin your blood. Blood thinners, aspirin, and products containing ibuprofen should be eliminated from your use a couple of weeks before and after the surgery. During the consultation, it’s also important to mention all nutritional or herbal supplements you use. Large amounts of vitamin E inhibit the healing process. There are also certain herbal remedies that interact with anesthesia and must be avoided.
Can You Really Afford Facial Plastic Surgery?
In very rare circumstances, health insurance will cover the cost of a cosmetic surgery. These situations are usually tied to birth defects, health issues, or problems with sagging skin decreasing the line of vision. You should plan to pay for your cosmetic surgery on your own.
Start saving in advance for your facial plastic surgery. Just looking at the average surgeon fees in 2012 for AAFPRS members, facelifts average $7,400; rhinoplasties are $5,541; brow lifts are $3,817; and eyelid lifts are $3,804. Total costs will be more to reflect additional feels like the anesthesiologist or facility fees. Further, as these are averages, you need to consult with a facial cosmetic surgeon to find out what your actual cost is.
If you plan to charge your surgery to a credit card, make sure you can really afford the monthly payments. Credit card interest adds up quickly, so you need to be aware of what that interest will add to the cost of the surgery.
Regardless of how you decide to pay, make sure you leave yourself enough time to come up with the necessary financing. You don’t want to reach the day of your surgery and suddenly discover your credit card is going to be declined or a personal loan wasn’t approved.
Holiday Season Brings Lots of Social Events
People want to look their best around the holidays. You need to make sure that you plan your surgery far enough in advance that you’re past the recovery period before the myriad of social events arrive. Here’s a look at the healing time frames for common surgeries.
- Eyelid Lift – After an eyelid lift, swelling and bruising are common. They will diminish in two to four weeks. It takes about five days before you’re ready to return to work, and another two weeks before you can engage in strenuous activities.
- Facelift – Swelling and some bruising may occur after a facelift. In general, you have the stitches removed after a week. You need a second week to rest before returning to work and social activities. It takes three weeks before you can resume more strenuous activities.
- Rhinoplasty – Postpone strenuous activities for four weeks. It can take months or even a year for swelling to completely subside.
Shape Up Before Facial Plastic Surgery
The best candidates for facial plastic surgery are in good health. Prior to the surgery, switch to a healthy diet that is low in sugars and alcohol. A diet rich in antioxidants benefits the skin tissue and helps with wound healing. See your family physician for a physical to make sure you are in good physical health for the surgery and the anesthesia. Finally, smoking slows the flow of blood to the tissues and impacts healing times, so you need to quit smoking a few weeks before your surgery.
Your Expectations Must Be Realistic When Having Facial Plastic Surgery
Never rush into a facial plastic surgery because the media says it’s the new trend, or someone mentions they had it done so you should have it done. Prior to any consultation with Dr. Michael Schwartz, a West Palm Beach facial plastic surgeon, research the surgery you want. Start your search at the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Once you’re ready to discuss the surgery in more depth, schedule a consultation with Dr. Schwartz in his Palm Beach facial plastic surgery office. He is board certified in otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery and has more than two decades of experience. Reach Dr. Schwartz’s office by calling 561-228-5888.