Question 1

Is it better to have everything done at once or have several procedures spaced out?

Accepted Answer

That depends on your goals and desires. In general, the cost is less to combine the procedures and you only undergo one recovery period, instead of several. On the downside, it may take a bit longer to heal (longer anesthetic, multiple procedures).

Question 2

How long will surgery last?

Accepted Answer

Changes made to the tissues are permanent. However, your face will continue to age. Many patients will need a touch up after about 10 years, depending on genetics and the care they provide to their skin and body.

Question 3

How much pain can I expect during facial plastic surgery?

Accepted Answer

Again, it depends on the procedure. Patients may experience a headache after a trichophytic browlift. Some discomfort and dryness after eyelid surgery is expected, and the swelling of the eyelids may impair visual fields for a day or two. A facelift is uncomfortable for the first 24 to 48 hours, after which most patients are surprised by the lack of pain. Rhinoplasty patients typically don’t experience a lot of pain but they do experience nasal stuffiness and cannot blow their nose following surgery which is the biggest post surgical complaint. Regardless of procedure, pain will be controlled with narcotics until it is manageable with Tylenol. Pain is a unique sensation, and no two people will perceive it the same.

Question 4

Will scars result?

Accepted Answer

A scar is always a resulting factor of having surgery. However, incisions made at the hands of a facial plastic surgeon are made as discreetly as possible. Scars are placed so they are well camouflaged and very difficult to see. Any scar will be pink/ red during the healing period (generally 6-12 months) and after that are generally imperceptible.

Question 5

What is the expected recovery time? When can I go back to work?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the type of procedure, recovery is generally 7-10 days. Most patients can resume work after 1 to 2 weeks. Regular physical exercise may be slowly resumed after 7-10 days. Makeup can be used to help camouflage the areas that are bruised after one week. Social activities can be resumed after 3 to 4 weeks.

Question 6

What is the best age to get a facelift?

Accepted Answer

There is no perfect age for a facelift. The younger the patient, the better the results last and the less dissection is needed. In general, younger patients heal faster, better and have better results. We treat patients with the very beginning signs of aging to the more severe signs of aging and everything in between. The most important factor is the patient’s overall health in pursuing elective surgery no matter their age.

Question 7

How do I find the best facial plastic surgeon?

Accepted Answer

Finding the best facial plastic surgeon involves comparing before-and-after photos, looking at online reviews, and reading about various surgeons’ specialties and experience. It also involves arranging consultations with candidates. During consultations, you can get a feel for whether they’re a good fit for you.

One of the best ways to find a high-quality facial plastic surgeon in Indianapolis is by ensuring that they’re board-certified. Thanks to their experience and skill, board-certified facial plastic surgeons have the highest chance of performing the safest procedures and delivering the most natural-looking results.

Question 8

What is the most difficult facial plastic surgery?

Accepted Answer

The most difficult facial plastic surgery procedures are generally considered to be rhinoplasty, revision procedures, and facelifts.

Rhinoplasty is quite complex because even minor adjustments to the nose can result in major cosmetic changes for Indianapolis patients. Additionally, since the nasal architecture is delicate, surgeons must avoid removing too much tissue.

Revision procedures, which are performed to adjust the results of a previous procedure, are also very difficult. There may be unexpected scar-tissue growth after the first surgery, along with other issues.

Facelifts require a high degree of surgical skill to ensure natural-looking results. Avoiding a “worked-on” or “pulled” appearance is vital.

Question 9

Can a facelift be done on a man?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, men can have facelift surgery. The incision is often contoured differently for a man, but the ability to tighten the jaw line and the skin under the chin are no different. In fact, this is one of the fastest growing populations seeking cosmetic refinements!

Question 10

Will non-surgical options work for me?

Accepted Answer

There are many non-surgical options on the market, such as injectable fillers, Botox, non-surgical fat removal, and microneedling. In general, nothing but a facelift accomplishes a facelift. Most non- surgical options are excellent adjuncts for, but not replacements of, surgical procedures.

Question 11

Do I need an initial consultation? What’s included?

Accepted Answer

Before your facial plastic surgery procedure in Indianapolis, you’ll need an initial consultation with Dr. Winslow. During your consultation, you’ll speak with Dr. Winslow about your needs and goals. She’ll walk you through the details of your chosen procedure, including preparation and recovery.

A consultation involves a physical examination and a review of your medical history. It also includes 3-D imaging to display your potential results, along with pre-operative labs to ensure that the procedure is safe for you.

Question 12

How far in advance should I schedule surgery?

Accepted Answer

We’ll work with you to schedule your surgery after your consultation with Dr. Winslow. We’ll make sure it’s scheduled far enough in advance for you to prepare properly. This will include enough time to get any test results back, receive medical clearance, contact your work to arrange for time off, and make any necessary lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking.

Question 13

How long will results last? Is surgery a permanent fix, or will I need maintenance/revision?

Accepted Answer

The results of surgical and non-surgical procedures are quite long-lasting. Non-surgical results can last months or years, depending on the specific treatment. Since surgical procedures involve tissue alteration, their results can last a lifetime.

Note that because the aging process will continue, new signs of the aging process will naturally appear over time. Because of this, maintenance procedures or treatments may be necessary to preserve your high-quality results.

Question 14

What does “board-certified” mean?

Accepted Answer

“Board-certified” means that a doctor has passed the exams of a medical board like the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. In order to become board-certified, a doctor must also fulfill certain requirements in terms of their education and training.

Becoming board-certified requires a high degree of experience and skill. Because of this, if you’re undergoing a facial procedure in Indianapolis, it’s always best to choose a board-certified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Winslow.

Dr. Winslow is board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery.

Question 15

Do they put you to sleep for facial plastic surgery?

Accepted Answer

In certain cases, patients are under general anesthesia for facial plastic surgery, while in others, they are not. At our Indianapolis facial plastic surgery center, Dr. Winslow prefers to perform facial plastic surgery procedures under IV twilight sedation.

IV twilight sedation involves keeping the patient in a state of deep relaxation while they remain conscious. Local anesthesia is used to numb the targeted areas. Patients feel no pain during their procedure and typically have little to no memory of it.

Facial Plastic Surgery in Indianapolis

Facial Surgeon Dr. Catherine Winslow, M.D.©

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