Abdominoplasty or commonly known to many as tummy tuck, is recommended for patients with excessive fat tissue, redundant abdominal skin and poor abdominal musculature due to aging and massive weight loss. It also benefits patients with scar deformities in the lower abdomen such as striae of pregnancy or stretch marks. A large area of the lower abdomen is removed to include the skin and fat, the abdominal wall tightened, and the remaining skin edges sutured together. It is ideally or best done to women who are beyond their reproductive years, and suffer the consequences of abdominal wall laxity and redundant fat and skin after pregnancy. Incision line and the resulting scar are oriented in the lower abdomen, below the panty line for concealment. There could be some swelling at the immediate post-op period that usually subsides after several weeks to months. Sutures are removed on the 5th or 10th day after the procedure. This is done under general anesthesia, with patient confined for a few days in the hospital.

Rhytidectomy or commonly known as Facelift can reduce and addres the sagging skin, deep cheek folds, and jowls at the lower part of the jaw of the face and neck, making these areas more youthful in appearance. We Plastic surgeons usually divide the face into 3 general parts, the upper, mid and the lower 3rd . Aging affects these areas of the face in different way. At the upper third, there is there is the transverse line of the forehead and the glabellar frown line. Middle 3rd you would note the deepening of the Nasolabial folds, sagging of the cheek skin and hallowing of the suborbital area. And at the lower third there are the jowls, marionette lines and the platismal bands at the neck-mandible area. Due to aging and other multifactorial cause, the support structure and skin of the face loosen. Face lift or mini face lift surgery is a procedure that would resuspend or reposition the soft tissue of the face to obtain a youthful appearance. The scars from the incision lines are mostly hidden within the hairline or within normal lines of the face and neck, making it inconspicuous once it matures. This is usually performed, either under local or general anesthesia depending on the extent of the face lift procedure and usually requires a short hospital stay for patient undergoing a full face lift. The patient will experience some temporary skin discoloration, swelling and a certain amount of tightness or numbness in the face and ears that usually resolve after 7 to 10 days. Healing takes time and is gradual, so be patient and expect several weeks or months for optimal results.Philippine Facelift/face lift/rhytidectomy/rhytidoplasty/facial rejuvenation is common cosmetic plastic surgery in the Philippines.

What is Botox™?

• Botox™ comes from a kind of bacteria. The bacteria can make you very sick. But doctors have found that a chemical in Botox™ can also help treat some health problems. They have been using it safely for many years.

How was this found?

• FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved Botox™ over 10 years ago to treat certain problems with the eye muscle. Doctors noticed that some wrinkles around the eyes looked better, too. The company that makes Botox™ tested it. They showed the FDA that Botox™ worked and was safe for treating some kinds of wrinkles.

How does Botox™ work?

• Wrinkles may be caused when a muscle tightens. Botox™ is injected through the skin into the muscle. The Botox™ keeps the muscle from tightening. When the muscle can’t tighten, the wrinkle doesn’t show as much.

You mean you can’t move your muscles?

• A doctor trained in the use of Botox™ will inject small amounts of Botox™ into the muscle. Only the treated muscle can’t move.

What happens over time?

Botox™ works for about four months. As the muscle returns to normal, you will see the wrinkle again.

Are there any side effects?

Yes

Side effects may include:

• Droopy eyelids, which can last for a few weeks
• Feeling like you have the flu
• Headache and upset stomach
• Risk of botulism (a life or death illness that makes it hard for a person to move the arms and legs or to breathe) is low with Botox™, if used the right way

REMEMBER- Botox™ is a drug, not a cosmetic.

What should I do if I want to try Botox™?

• Ask about how Botox™ could help or hurt you
• Make sure your doctor is trained in the use of Botox™
• Make sure you get treatment in a doctor’s office or clinic
• Emergency equipment should be on hand in case of a problem
• Do not use if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
• Do not use if you are breast feeding
• Tell your doctor if you are taking antibiotics
• Tell your doctor if you have any problems with nerves or muscles

Quick Facts About Botox:

Are “Botox parties” safe?
No. You should only get Botox in a clinic or doctor’s office. You should never share a tube of Botox.

Can I use Botox on other wrinkles?
Botox is only approved to treat wrinkles between the eyebrows.

Can I get Botox at any age?
Botox is only approved for people 18-65 years old. It has not been tested on people under 18 or over 65.