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Like any other medical surgery, plastic surgery is a major decision that carries its own risks. Once you have understood all the risks, communicated your desired outcome with your surgeon, and decided to go ahead with the surgery, you can begin to prepare for the day of your surgery.

Whether you are going for a facelift surgery or an eye bag removal in Singapore, making the right preparations can help to ensure the surgery goes smoothly and as comfortably as possible for you. Additionally, you can rest easier during the recovery process if you have made the appropriate arrangements beforehand.

Recommended Actions

Here are some recommended actions to take in preparation for a plastic surgery appointment:

1. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine

The components within cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeine are associated with higher risks of complications during surgeries and should be avoided in the weeks leading up to surgery.

Nicotine in cigarettes restricts oxygen and blood flow, which can lead to poor wound healing and excessive scarring. It is best to stop smoking in the four weeks before surgery. As for alcohol, it has a blood thinning effect, which can lead to excessive bleeding and hamper the body’s ability to heal. It is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol two weeks before surgery.

You may not need to eliminate caffeine from your diet, but excessive consumption can increase risks for your surgery. If you are drinking more than two cups a day, try to lower your consumption to a maximum of two cups daily during the week before your surgery.

2. Pause medications

Some medications can be risky if taken before surgery, especially blood-thinning medications. Common over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can also be dangerous, so be sure to check with your doctor about what is safe to consume.

Always be transparent to your surgeon about any medications or health supplements you take regularly. Besides talking to your plastic surgeon, speak to the doctor who prescribed you the medications to see if they can offer any alternatives or advice on when to stop and resume taking your usual medications.

3. Make your home suitable for recovery

Post-surgery, you would be instructed to rest and refrain from doing any strenuous activities. For some procedures like the tummy tuck surgery, you might need to rest in the hospital or do bed rest at home for the first few days.

As such, you want to ensure that your home is arranged comfortably for you to rest and recuperate. Some modifications you may want to make include the following:

● Placing all your necessities within arm’s reach of your bed.
● Stocking up on food and drinks so you won’t have to go out unnecessarily to buy them.
● Planning some activities you can do without moving about too much.

4. Arrange for post-surgery help

Everyone has their set of responsibilities, but you may not be able to fulfil all of them while recovering from your surgery. You may need to arrange for family, relatives, or hired help to assist you with these commitments, such as taking care of children, cooking meals, doing household chores, or even taking care of yourself.

Don’t forget to also arrange for someone to take you home after the surgery, as it is not advisable to drive or take public transport by yourself so soon after the procedure.

5. Follow your doctor’s instructions

There may be other actions to take before your surgery that vary according to the procedure you will be undergoing. Most likely, you will need to fast before your surgery as well.

Do follow your surgeon’s instructions, as they would know what works best for each individual patient. In the event you are unsure of anything, don’t be afraid to ask and get on the same page as your doctor.

Conclusion

The steps above may seem many, but these minor inconveniences make the surgery and recovery process so much smoother if you attend to them prior to the surgery. As important as it may be to you to achieve your body or face goals, it is also crucial to do so while protecting your health and safety.

Equally as important as following the right preparation steps is choosing a reliable and trusted surgeon to perform the procedure for you, whether it is a double eyelid surgery or breast augmentation in Singapore. We welcome you to speak with our plastic surgeon, Dr Ng, to gain a full understanding of the surgery you are considering, as well as the appropriate preparation and post-surgery care steps to take.

For those who find that their facial skin is droopy and lacking a plump, youthful suppleness, you may want to consider face lifting in Singapore. Facelift surgery is a popular way to address these concerns and achieve the desired skin-tightening effect.

Facelift surgery may also be combined with other cosmetic procedures to achieve a more comprehensive result. As the MOH-accredited plastic surgeon at Sweng Plastic Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr Ng believes plastic surgery should be planned out carefully to holistically address a patient’s concerns rather than doing more and more procedures to fix every new issue that arises.

With that in mind, below are three procedures that go hand-in-hand with a facelift procedure to address multiple concerns at once.

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is an umbrella term for eyelid surgery, which includes cosmetic surgeries like droopy eyelid surgery, double eyelid surgery, and eye bag removal surgery in Singapore. Eyelid surgery can address concerns about saggy skin and puffiness in the upper or lower eyelids, working together with the facelift to produce a more alert and rejuvenated appearance.

The plastic surgeon would consider how the facelift and eyelid surgery work synergistically for the resultant look. Otherwise, the effects may be different if done separately. For example, doing a facelift after eye bag removal may result in an over-tightening effect in the undereye area.

Fat transfer

A facelift essentially tightens the facial skin by pulling it upwards and backwards. However, it cannot restore or add volume to sunken cheeks or uneven contours on the face. Therefore, fat grafting is often recommended to patients who also wish to make their skin look more supple and voluminous.

Fat transfer or grafting involves harvesting fat from the patient’s thighs or tummy, and injecting it into other areas of the body or face. For the face, common areas for depositing fat are the cheeks and lips.

Laser resurfacing

While a facelift offers an overall tightening and lifting effect, laser resurfacing can be used to further smoothen the texture of the skin, ironing out fine lines and uneven skin. This laser procedure can also improve pigmentation from scars and sun damage.

Laser resurfacing techniques like Erbium: YAG profractional laser skin resurfacing work by precisely removing the outer layers of skin without breaking the skin barrier. This triggers a healing response from the damaged skin layer, which leads to the formation of collagen and new skin cells, resulting in smoother, softer skin with a more even skin tone.

Conclusion

 Careful planning of cosmetic procedures can help you achieve your desired look in fewer sessions of surgery. The above facelift treatment pairings are commonly recommended because they work so well together to produce a more rejuvenated look.

However, not everyone would need or want to do additional procedures apart from the basic facelift. Do speak with our plastic surgeon to understand the advantages and risks of pairing your facelift surgery with other procedures and consider if it is something that suits your goals. For more information on our facelift procedure, please contact us today.

Eye bag removal is a commonly requested cosmetic procedure, but the decision to proceed with it should not be taken lightly. While the procedure may not seem as major as a tummy tuck or facelift, it does come with its own considerations you should ideally think about before making your decision.

If you are considering whether or not to go for eye bag removal in Singapore, do read on for what you need to know to make a well-informed decision.

What are the types of eye bag removal surgery?

In general, eye bag removal involves removing excess fat from the lower eyelid. In cases where patients have saggy skin, the skin can also be tightened and excess skin removed.

There are several methods to remove eye bags surgically. At Sweng Plastic Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, we specialise in two main methods.

1. External method

Subciliary lower blepharoplasty is carried out by making a tiny incision on the outer skin of the lower eyelid, just below the lash line. Then, extra fats are removed, and any tightening is performed. This method is suitable for patients who have saggy skin that needs to be tightened and trimmed.

2. Scarless method

The transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty method makes the incision on the inner side of the lower eyelid, resulting in no visible scar. This method is usually more suitable for younger patients with no skin laxity, as skin tightening cannot be done via this technique.

What type of anaesthesia is used for eye bag removal surgery?

Eye bag removal surgery can be done under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia. At our clinic, we typically use a combination of local anaesthesia and IV sedation to keep our patients comfortable during the surgery. If you have any preferences or concerns, be sure to discuss them with your surgeon before making your decision.

Who is a good candidate for eye bag removal surgery?

Eye bag removal surgery can be for anyone with eye bags and/or saggy lower lids. Some people may also opt for eye bag removal to correct the issue of ectropion, a condition where the lower eyelid droops so severely it no longer touches the eyeball. The cosmetic surgeon would assess your overall health and explain the risks and benefits of the procedure to determine if you are suitable for the surgery.

How effective is an eye bag removal surgery?

While most people will see vast improvements to the appearance of their eyelids after eye bag removal, the effect will vary from person to person. Sometimes, the result is affected by one’s natural anatomy. The surgeon will typically try to match the adjusted look to your natural features.

If you are considering eye bag removal, it would be best to communicate your envisioned outcome clearly with the surgeon.

What is the downtime and recovery process like?

Recovery time after eye bag removal surgery varies depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual’s healing process. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities after the surgery. Swelling and bruising usually take one to two weeks to subside; patients can usually resume light exercise by the fourth week.

Post-surgery care for the eyes may include antibiotics (oral, ointment, and/or eye drops) and pain relief medication.

What is the cost of eye bag removal surgery?

The cost of eye bag removal surgery can vary a lot, depending on the surgeon’s fees, the extent of the surgery, and other miscellaneous fees like hospitalisation, consultations, and more. A broad estimate for the cost of eye bag surgery in Singapore is about $3,000 to $10,000 depending on the complexity of the case.

Conclusion

There are many things to consider before deciding whether or not to go ahead with eye bag removal surgery. Alongside factors like cost, downtime, and risks, consider your own desired goals and whether eye bag removal surgery is the best solution for you.

To assess your personal suitability for eye bag removal surgery, it is advisable to consult a certified plastic surgeon for their recommendations. Contact us today to book a consultation with MOH-accredited plastic surgeon Dr Ng Siew Weng.

Some people turn to breast augmentation surgery to achieve their ideal body shape and boost their confidence. For others, breast implants might be part of reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy due to breast cancer. Whichever the reason, there is one very important decision to make: choosing your breast implant size.

Bigger is not always better when it comes to breast size – there are also considerations such as one’s body proportions, the weight of breasts, and limitations that one’s anatomy might impose on how big you can go.

Below are some tips on how you can find the right fit that will look good and feel good before undergoing breast enlargement in Singapore.

Consider your body proportions

Size is relative, and what will look good on one person may not look good on another. Considering your body proportions is vital to ensure the implants don’t look unnatural on you.

If you have a small frame, huge implants may overwhelm your figure and look out of place. Conversely, for a person with a larger frame, smaller implants may not provide enough enhancement. Aspects like height, stature, and chest circumference are crucial parameters for deciding on a breast size that looks good proportionally.

Understand your body’s limitations

Besides the visual balance, your body’s anatomy also affects the size of implants you can choose. The breast base, amount of breast tissue, and skin elasticity must be able to support the size, volume, and weight of the implants.

A qualified and experienced surgeon will be able to take measurements and advise you on what size range is feasible for your body. From there, you can then choose the implant size you prefer based on the visual result.

Try sizers on

Most plastic surgeons have implant sizers that patients can try on during their consultation. These sizers come in various sizes and shapes and can be placed inside a bra to give patients an idea of what the implant will look like on their bodies. Trying on different sizes can help provide a better idea of what will look and feel best.

As the surgery is a permanent procedure, we encourage patients to take their time to choose. Make sure you are completely comfortable with your choice before moving on.

Consider your lifestyle

You will have to live with your breast implants and do all types of activities with them, including working and exercising. Consider how the enhanced breast size may affect your daily life. Would it be too big and uncomfortable during vigorous physical activity? Would it inconvenience you with the type of clothes you can wear?

While the ultimate decision is yours, you may also want to consider the culture and community you live in, as large implants may draw unwanted attention in conservative societies and workplaces.

Conclusion

Choosing breast implant sizes is a highly personal choice, but communicating transparently with your plastic surgeon will help you understand the range of choices that are best for your body so that you can make a more informed decision.

Here at Sweng Plastic Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr Ng can talk you through the common breast augmentation methods and advise you on choosing the ideal size. You can also consult him on any concurrent procedures you wish to consider, including nipple reduction or the tummy tuck.

Book your consultation today to learn more about any other plastic surgery procedures you may be interested in, including droopy eyelid surgery or a rejuvenating facelift in Singapore.