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Prior to eyelid cosmetic surgery, the patient is like to have several questions for which they seek clear answers. The surgeon will address these questions, doubts and concerns during the pre-operative consultation to help the patient make a well-informed decision.

It may be a good idea to prepare a checklist of questions in advance. This will ensure that the patient does not forget to ask any question during their pre-op consultation with the patient. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bryson Richards provides blepharoplasty to patients in Las Vegas, NV and surrounding locations.

Checklist of Questions

The patient’s list of questions to ask during the pre-operative consultation for eyelid plastic surgery may include the following:

• Are you a board certified plastic surgeon?
• How many years of training and experience in surgical procedures do you have?
• Have you performed eyelid surgery before, and what has been success rate?
• What are the cosmetic improvements I can expect after blepharoplasty?
• Will the surgery be performed using local or general anesthesia?
• Am I a candidate for upper or lower blepharoplasty or both?
• Are there any less invasive treatment options to rejuvenate the eyelids?
• Are there any risks and complications that I should know of?
• Can you provide me with a video of the procedure or some reading material or published papers related to this surgery?
• Can you provide with patient testimonials of individuals who have undergone this procedure previously?
• Will I be provided with eyelid surgery before and after photos?
• Are there any preparations that I am expected to do before the facelift?
• Will the procedure involve significant pain?
• For how many years the effects of blepharoplasty will sustain?
• Do you have a policy regarding revision surgery?
• If some people in my family have puffy eyelids, is there a chance that I may get the same?
• Are there any medical conditions that could rule out my candidacy for blepharoplasty.
• How long it will take to perform the procedure?
• How much will be the estimated downtime following the surgery?
• Where will you perform the surgery? Will be an accredited surgical center?
• If the surgery is performed at a hospital, can I choose the hospital?
• Do you have staff privileges at one or more local hospitals?
• What will be the estimated cost of eyelid surgery?
• Are there any additional costs before and after the surgery that I should be aware of?
• How long will it be before the full results of blepharoplasty appear and the complete swelling subsides?
• Is it possible to have insurance covering this procedure?
• Can your office staff assist with insurance and financing aspects for this procedure?

A dedicated cosmetic surgeon will try to address these questions transparently and accurately. Some surgeons will answer most of these questions on their own even before the patient begins with their list of queries. Dr. Richards receives patients from Las Vegas, NV and nearby areas.

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Taking new patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City,  Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV and surrounding areas.

A sterling preparation for facelift cosmetic surgery will help to keep the patient healthy and relaxed before, during, and after the procedure. Preparation starts at the time of pre-operative consultation. Patients who are well-prepared for the facelift surgery will usually achieve safer and more desirable outcomes.

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bryson Richards provides facelift to patients in Las Vegas, Bullhead City, Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV, and surrounding locations.

Tobacco and Blood Thinners

At least two to three weeks prior to facelift plastic surgery, the patient will have to stop the use of tobacco in any form. The habit of smoking prevents oxygen from flowing freely in the blood, which can delay healing and increase the risk of surgical complications.

Blood thinning medications, vitamin E and herbal supplements will also have to be stopped. The schedule of any prescribed drugs may have to be altered in consultation with the physician.

Practical Arrangements

Working people should apply for about one to two weeks leave from work to allow for safe healing at home after facelift surgery. Even non-working patients should start mentally preparing for the downtime. Arrangements for transportation from the surgical facility to home as well as after-care should be made well in advance.

Any major household chores should be completed before the surgery so that the patient is under minimal stress during the post-operative phase. The patient may consider preparing a ‘recovery kit’ that can include various handy items that may be needed during the initial downtime period. These may include:

• Prescription medications and antibiotics
• Over the counter pain meds
• Bandages
• Several pillows to keep the head elevated
• Button-down garments that do not require going overhead
• Favorite movie DVDs and music CDs

The Day before Surgery

The patient should have a thoroughly wash the hair on the day prior to the facelift surgery. This will help to reduce the risk of infection during the procedure. Alcohol must not be consumed at least one night prior to the surgery. The patient should make sure to rest sufficiently and have a good night’s sleep so that they are well-rested during the procedure.

The Day of Surgery

The patient may be administered some medication to relieve their anxiety on the morning of the surgery. Antibiotic regimen may also be started prior to the surgery. The procedure can take between two and four hours, so the patient and their attendant should have an idea of how long it may continue.

Once the procedure is over, the patient will be moved to an observation area for a few hours before they can return home. Before leaving, the surgeon will usually provide a detailed list of recovery instructions along with the date of first post-op appointment.

Transport and Aftercare

The patient should have someone to drive them back home after the surgery. For the first few days following the surgery, having some to help with daily chores can make the recovery easier. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Richards receives patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City, Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV, and nearby areas for facelift.

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Taking new patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City,  Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV and surrounding areas.

When an individual chooses a surgeon for facelift cosmetic surgery, they will go through a process of detailed consultation.

This consultation is a vital component of the procedure, and the surgical planning will be based primarily on the outcome of this component. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bryson Richards provides facelift to patients in Las Vegas, Bullhead City, Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV, and surrounding locations.

Determining Candidacy

The first step of the consultation process will be to determine whether or not the patient is a good candidate for facelift plastic surgery. The patient’s medical history, degree of skin laxity and skin type, and her goals for treatment will be carefully assessed. The patient should be forthright with the surgeon about all aspects, especially regarding medical history and the use of tobacco and alcohol.

Discussing about Health

If the patient suffers from any pre-existing health conditions such as an autoimmune disorder, obesity or a skin disease, the surgeon will carefully consider whether they are fit to go through a traditional facelift procedure. If any existing medical condition may interfere with the surgery or hamper the recovery, it may not be worth the risk to have a cosmetic treatment such as facelift.

The surgeon will learn more about the patient through their health history, current or recent medications, and previous surgeries, if any. A few medical tests may be ordered, if required, to ensure candidacy. Based on the patient’s age, body weight, facial structure, skin type and skin laxity, the surgeon may recommend facelift as an independent procedure or in combination with another procedure.

Discussing Personal Goals

The patient should freely discuss their innate aesthetic needs and goals during the facelift consultation. Some patients may want to take several years off the face and create a dramatically younger look for both the face and the neck. On the other hand, some other patients may only want a subtle lift to the face or a maintenance procedure to prevent the onset of conspicuous aging.

The surgeon must have a clear idea of what the patient truly wants from the procedure. That will help them to create a delicate balance between the patient’s goals and their natural facial anatomy and structure. Highest patient satisfaction levels are usually achieved when the patient engages in free and frank communication with the surgeon. Dr. Richards receives patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City, Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV, and nearby areas.

Discussing other Concerns

The patient should frankly discuss with the surgeon about all the doubts and concerns that they may have about the procedure, the estimated costs, the surgeon’s credentials, and the surgeon’s practice. A committed surgeon will address all these concerns in a detailed and accurate manner. They will help the patient to make a well-considered decision about facelift surgery.

During the initial consultation, the patient should also request for facelift surgery before and after images and testimonials of previous patients who have received facelift. This will make them more assured about the procedure and will allow them to have realistic expectations from it.

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Taking new patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City,  Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV and surrounding areas.