Leo Lapuerta, MD Plastic Surgery - Houston, TX
If you have issues that you perceive as “flaws” or your face has changed due to aging, you may be interested in learning more about face surgery in Houston, TX. Surgical procedures exist for many different problems, from small changes to the nose with rhinoplasty to a full facelift. Dr. Leo Lapuerta has been performing facial plastic surgery for more than 20 years.
Various types of face surgery exist to correct or change different features on your face. Some of these procedures can be combined in one surgery.
The most popular type of surgery is the facelift along with rhinoplasty. A chin lift is another well-known surgery, especially for men.
Both men and women can be candidates for facial plastic surgery, though their reasons are often different. Women are often looking to remove wrinkles and firm up sagging skin, while men may look to create a more defined jawline. The typical patient is one who has noticed some signs of aging or the skin has lost its elasticity after significant weight loss.
Another reason a person may want face surgery is because of an injury or deformity to a facial feature. They may have had a broken nose that didn’t heal correctly or a natural hook or bump that makes them feel self-conscious.
You will meet with Dr. Lapuerta for a consultation where you will discuss your goals for surgery on the face. He will help you decide if you need one or multiple procedures and if they can be performed at the same time. Dr. Lapuerta will also determine if you are a good candidate for the surgery and will go over any restrictions you can expect. This is the time to ask questions and help you feel comfortable about the process.
You will want to prepare for surgery on your face by following the doctor’s restrictions. You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners. Stop eating and drinking according to the doctor’s guidelines. Since these surgeries don’t usually require an overnight stay, you will want to have someone drive you home. If possible, they should stay with you for a while to help with anything you might need.
You’ll want to wear comfortable clothing that has buttons or zips because you won’t want to pull it over your head. Bring a list of medications and any insurance paperwork with you to the appointment. Avoid sun exposure before your surgery, and stop smoking for several weeks prior to the procedure. You shouldn’t drink alcohol for at least three or four days before surgery.
Depending on the procedure, it can take a few days to several weeks to recover from your face surgery. The surgical area will be bandaged, and you may have tubes to drain excess fluid. You may be directed to use antibiotic ointment on the incisions when you change out the bandages.
You can expect swelling and some discomfort for several days after the surgery. The doctor may prescribe pain medication for certain procedures, while others may only require over-the-counter pain medication. For some surgeries on the face, you may need to take a week off from work. During the second week, you can resume light activities, but you won’t be allowed to do any strenuous exercise or heavy lifting until released by your doctor.
It can take several days to weeks for the swelling to subside and to see your results. Expect full results to be evident a few months after the procedure.
The cost of face surgery varies widely based on the procedure you are having done. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a facelift is $8000. Rhinoplasty is somewhat cheaper at around $6000, with eyelid surgery being less than $4000. These numbers don’t include anesthesia or the cost of the operating room and other related expenses.
When you have a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta, he will discuss the cost with you. He will provide an estimate that includes all related costs so that you are prepared to take the next step forward.
If you live around Houston, TX, Dr. Lapuerta’s team offers the right choice for face surgery to help you look and feel your best. With a state-of-the-art facility that meets requirements for patient safety, you can feel confident about the care you receive for outpatient treatment.
Dr. Lapuerta has more than two decades of experience in plastic surgery. He has performed over 20,000 surgeries and is dedicated to quality patient care.
If you want to know how much face surgery can enhance your looks, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta. Contact us today to learn more about your options and find the right procedure to help you achieve your goals.