Defining Your Needs
Each year, tens of thousands of men and women seek the professional
skills and talents of cosmetic and plastic surgeons to enhance their
overall appearance. In fact, more than 600,000 people have such
procedures each year, whether to get a competitive edge in the workplace,
increase positive self-image or correct a facial feature. Cosmetic
surgery provides options for reducing or eliminating many visual
signs of the aging face. The most popular procedures include facelifts,
nose reshaping, chin augmentations and cheek enhancements.
This release is designed to provide answers to general questions
that you, the prospective patient, may have while contemplating
cosmetic facial surgery. Since each patient is different and has
individual needs, this release cannot answer every question. Use
this release as a guide to discuss your particular needs with your
surgeon.
Making the Decision
Since you are reading this release, you probably already have a
good idea of the cosmetic enhancement surgery you would like performed.
The best candidates for such procedures are people in good overall
health who want to enhance their natural appearance. Remember cosmetic
surgery can enhance the way you look, but will not necessarily guarantee
you a big job offer or a new romance. You must have realistic expectations.
Before meeting with your doctor, have a friend take photos of you
and have 5"x 7" or 8"x 10" prints made. Take front, three-quarter
and side views. Analyze these photographs and determine the areas
you want enhanced. Your surgeon can help you better define the look
you want. Keep in mind that beauty and aesthetics are different
for each individual. Bring the photos to the consultation with your
surgeon. He or she will discuss surgical options, risks, recovery,
results and costs with you. Your surgeon will also discuss expectations.
Be sure you are both expecting the same results. Communicating your
desired enhancements with your surgeon is vitally important. Don't
hesitate to ask questions.
Procedures and Products
A variety of materials is available to cosmetic plastic surgeons
for facial enhancement. Discuss with your surgeon which option is
best for you.
Cartilage Grafts
Traditionally, surgeons have used the patient's own cartilage to
enhance facial bone structure. Cartilage is removed from one area
of the patient's body and then used to supplement the underlying
facial structure of the area being reshaped. Small amounts of cartilage
may be harvested from the nose or ear. They are then shaped and
grafted into place. When larger or thicker pieces are needed, bone
grafts may be harvested from the head, hip, or ribs. Cartilage and
bone grafts sometimes dissolve because the body tends to reabsorb
the tissue over time.
Silicone Implants
Silicone or SILASTIC has long been used as a material for facial
implants. Solid silicone facial implants are quite flexible and
are manufactured in a wide range of consistencies, from soft to
hard. Typically, these implants are used to augment soft tissue
areas, not the underlying facial bony structure. The body treats
the silicone implant as a foreign object and surrounds the implant
with scar tissue. This action, along with the continued effects
of aging, may lead to future distortion.
MEDPOR® Biomaterial
MEDPOR is comprised of a lightweight, porous form of high-density
polyethylene, a material with a long history of medical applications.
Its unique, highly porous texture allows vessels to incorporate
into the enhancement shape, integrating MEDPOR into a patient's
tissues. The shape and size can be customized by your surgeon to
fit your individual needs. MEDPOR eliminates the need for grafts
or silicone implants.
Facial Enhancements with MEDPOR
In the past decade, cosmetic and plastic surgeons have increasingly
turned to MEDPOR to provide structural support during cosmetic facial
surgery. Originally designed for use in facial reconstructive surgery,
MEDPOR mimics cartilage and bone by serving as an effective architectural
framework to augment the patient's skeletal structure. Much as the
human body adds contours to a piece of clothing, MEDPOR provides
a scaffolding to support the patient's own tissues. MEDPOR is also
widely used for facial repair following trauma and for corrections
of congenital defects.
Patients like MEDPOR because:
it is silicone-free
it provides a more natural look
it eliminates the need for grafts, which tend to dissolve or warp
over time
it eliminates the need for second surgical site grafts
Surgeons like MEDPOR because:
it is silicone-free
it comes in a variety of shapes and sizes that are easily sculpted
to fit the individual
its firm nature enables the surgeon to carve and blend the edges
of the material to fit the patient's natural shape
it is an effective tissue substitute
it is compatible with human tissue
Once the Decision is Made
When you decide to proceed with facial cosmetic surgery, your next
step is to select a surgeon. You cannot underestimate the importance
of selecting a personal surgeon who is well-qualified to perform
your operation. The patient-physician relationship is a critical
element in achieving your goals. Explore the physician's credentials.
Seek referrals from friends who have had satisfying experiences.
Spend time with the physician during the consultation and make sure
your questions are clearly answered. As with any physician, you
must feel comfortable and confident.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
What will the procedure do for me?
Where will the procedure be performed?
What happens during surgery?
How long will the procedure last?
What type of anesthesia is used?
Will I experience much pain or numbness?
Is there much swelling and/or bruising?
Can the procedure be reversed?
What happens if I get an infection?
Will I have to have a special soft diet?
How much will the procedure cost?
What can I expect during the recovery process?
How long will recovery last?
When will I be able to go back to work?
Other Considerations
Cosmetic surgery is usually considered elective, so it may not
be covered by insurance. Some types of cosmetic surgery, however,
are deemed medical necessities and are reimbursable. Ask your insurance
company if you need pre-authorization for the procedure you are
considering.
Remember, all surgeries have associated risks and complications.
A candid discussion of these possibilities with your physician is
suggested.
Select a surgeon who is board certified by his or her association
and contact that association for additional information.
To receive a printed copy of the brochure,
contact Porex Surgical Inc. via telephone, or contact
us via e-mail
|