Plastic Surgery

Plastic Surgery: Aesthetic Enhancements & Reconstructive Care

Facial Correction Procedure and Recovery

Plastic Surgery: Aesthetic Enhancements & Reconstructive Care

Plastic surgery restores form and function through reconstructive procedures, cosmetic enhancements, and body contouring.

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The Surgical Environment

Facial asymmetry correction is performed in an accredited surgical facility or hospital setting. The environment is sterile and equipped with advanced monitoring technology. For complex skeletal cases, the surgery is often done under general anesthesia to ensure the patient’s airway is protected and they are completely immobile.

The surgical team includes board-certified anesthesiologists, surgical technicians, and nurses. Every aspect of the room, from the lighting to the specialized instruments, is prepared to execute the pre-defined virtual plan. Safety protocols are rigorously followed to prevent infection and complications.

  • Sterile, accredited operating theater
  • Administration of general anesthesia
  • Continuous physiological monitoring
  • Utilization of specialized craniofacial instruments
  • Strict adherence to safety and sterility protocols
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Precision Incisions and Access

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Surgeons utilize “stealth” incisions to access the underlying structures without leaving noticeable scars. For jaw surgery, incisions are made inside the mouth (intraoral). For eye surgery, they are hidden in the eyelid crease. For facial lifting, they trace the ear and hairline.

This access allows the surgeon to visualize the asymmetry directly. Using the pre-fabricated 3D guides, the surgeon knows precisely where to place the instruments. This minimizes trauma to the surrounding tissues, reducing post-operative swelling and speeding up recovery.

  • Placement of intraoral or hidden cutaneous incisions
  • Dissection along safe anatomical planes
  • Visualization of skeletal and soft tissue defects
  • Minimization of collateral tissue trauma
  • Preservation of neurovascular bundles
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Structural Manipulation and Fixation

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For skeletal correction, the surgeon performs osteotomies (controlled bone cuts) to mobilize the bone segments. These segments are then moved into the pre-planned symmetrical position. Titanium plates and screws are used to fix the bones rigidly in place.

If implants are used, a precise pocket is created directly over the bone. The implant is inserted and often secured with a screw to prevent it from shifting. This structural work provides the permanent foundation for the new facial symmetry.

  • Execution of precision osteotomies
  • Repositioning of skeletal segments
  • Rigid fixation with titanium hardware
  • Creation of subperiosteal implant pockets
  • Securing of allografts or implants

Soft Tissue Adjustment

Once the bone is set, the surgeon addresses the soft tissue. This may involve removing excess fat, tightening muscles, or redraping the skin. In fat grafting, the harvested fat is injected in microdroplets to build volume on the deficient side.

This step is artistic. The surgeon must assess the skin drape and ensure that the soft-tissue volume matches the new skeletal frame. Adjustments are made in real-time to verify the balance before the incisions are closed.

  • Redraping of the soft tissue envelope
  • Micro-injection of autologous fat grafts
  • Tightening of the SMAS or platysma muscles
  • Excision of redundant cutaneous tissue
  • Intraoperative assessment of symmetry
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Closure and Dressing

The incisions are closed with fine sutures. Intraoral sutures are typically absorbable and dissolve on their own. Skin sutures are removed after a week. The goal of closure is to minimize tension on the wound edges to achieve a fine-line scar.

A compression dressing or head wrap is applied to minimize swelling and support the tissues in their new position. For jaw surgery, elastic bands may be placed on the teeth to guide the bite. Ice packs are applied immediately to control edema.

  • Layered closure of surgical wounds
  • Use of absorbable and non-absorbable sutures
  • Application of compression garments
  • Placement of guiding elastics (if applicable)
  • Initiation of cold therapy

The Acute Recovery Phase (Days 1-7)

  • The first week is the most intensive phase of recovery. Swelling peaks around day 3 typically. Patients may experience discomfort, congestion, and tightness. Pain is managed with prescribed medication, and patients are instructed to keep their head elevated to reduce swelling.

    Diet is restricted to soft foods or liquids, especially if intraoral incisions were made. Oral hygiene is maintained with gentle rinses. Patients are advised to rest and avoid any strenuous activity that could raise their blood pressure.

    • Management of peak inflammation
    • Strict head elevation protocols
    • Soft or liquid dietary restrictions
    • Pharmacological pain control
    • Maintenance of oral hygiene

The Sub-Acute Phase (Weeks 2-6)

  • By the second week, the initial swelling and bruising begin to subside. Patients often return to work or social activities, though some residual puffiness remains. Sutures are removed, and the incisions begin to mature.

    Diet can be gradually advanced to soft chewable foods. Gentle movement is encouraged, but heavy lifting and contact sports are still prohibited. This is a period of “social recovery,” during which the patient appears presentable but is still internally healing.

    • Resolution of bruising and significant edema
    • Removal of external sutures
    • Gradual advancement of diet
    • Return to sedentary work and social activity.
    • Continued restriction of high-impact exercise

Sensory Recovery

  • Numbness is common after facial surgery, especially when the jaw or chin is involved. The nerves are stretched or manipulated, leading to temporary paresthesia. Sensation typically returns slowly over weeks to months.

    Patients may feel tingling or itching as the nerves wake up. This is a typical sign of healing. Motor function (movement) is usually preserved, though stiffness is common initially due to swelling.

    • Expectation of temporary sensory numbness
    • Gradual return of sensation
    • Neural regeneration signs (tingling)
    • Differentiation from motor nerve injury
    • Patience with sensory normalization

Psychological Adjustment

  • Recovery is also psychological. The face initially appears swollen and distorted, which can be distressing. Patients are reminded that this is temporary. As the swelling fades and the symmetry emerges, the psychological boost begins.

    It takes time for the brain to recognize the new face as “self.” This adjustment period is standard. Regular follow-ups with the surgeon provide reassurance and tracking of the healing progress.

    • Management of post-operative appearance anxiety
    • Understanding the timeline of swelling resolution
    • Psychological adaptation to facial changes
    • Regular reassurance from the medical team
    • Focus on long-term goals.

Complication Monitoring

  • Patients are educated on signs of complications, such as infection, hematoma (blood collection), or implant shifting. While rare, early detection is key. Any sudden increase in pain, redness, or asymmetrical swelling warrants immediate contact with the surgeon.

    The surgical team remains available to address any concerns. This safety net ensures that recovery stays on track and any issues are managed promptly to preserve the aesthetic result.

    • Monitoring for signs of infection
    • Detection of hematoma or seroma
    • Assessment of implant stability
    • Prompt reporting of unusual symptoms
    • Continuous surgical team support

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will my jaw be wired shut?

In modern orthognathic surgery, jaws are rarely wired shut. We use rigid titanium plates and screws to hold the bones. You will likely have rubber bands to guide your bite, but you will be able to open your mouth to drink and speak immediately.

Visible swelling lasts about 2-3 weeks. However, subtle residual swelling can take months to fully resolve, especially in the tip of the nose or the chin. The final, refined result is usually seen at 6-12 months.

You will need to use a soft baby toothbrush and avoid the incision sites for the first week or two. You will rely heavily on prescribed medicated mouthwashes to keep your mouth clean without disrupting the stitches.

You can start light walking right away to improve circulation. You should avoid heavy lifting, gym workouts, or anything that raises your blood pressure for at least 4-6 weeks to prevent bleeding and increased swelling.

The titanium plates and screws used to fix bones or hold implants are designed to stay in your body forever. They do not set off airport metal detectors. They are only removed if they become infected or cause irritation, which is rare.

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