- All
- Arm Reduction
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Implant Revision
- Breast Lift
- Breast Reduction
- Face Lift
- Financing
- Liposuction
- Panniculectomy
- Spider Vein Sclerotherapy
- Thigh Lift
- Tummy Tuck
Typical surgical risks like bleeding, infection, hematoma, seroma, disappointing results are risks of surgery. However, more serious risks with anesthesia, blood clot, and poor wound healing are also risks of the surgery. There will be scarring to the abdomen, and around the umbilicus (belly button). In some cases, the belly button will be buried or no longer visible.
A panniculectomy procedure requires at least a 3-4 week recovery time. The wound is large and you will be asked to keep your activity to a minimum. There will most definitely be drains and you will be given instructions on their care. You will also be required to wear an abdominal binder with bulky dressings for the first 3 weeks following the procedure. Until your drains are removed, we will perform your dressing changes for you. Drain removal depends on the output. Surgical staples or sutures are utilized and these will be removed within 10-14 days following surgery.
Recovery from surgery is dependent of many factors. However, you can expect at least an overnight stay following surgery.
This is a hospital procedure and Dr. Lambruschi performs them at Advocate Sherman Hospital.
Patients who have lost an excessive amount of weight but are medically capable of withstanding the procedure and recovery are good candidates for surgery.
Many times panniculectomy is covered by insurance and coverage depends on many factors. If you are a candidate for this procedure, a letter will be written on your behalf to your insurance company requesting preauthorization. If you chose to add a tummy tuck to your procedure, a cosmetic fee of $5000.00 is required two weeks prior to the procedure.
A panniculectomy is a procedure covered by insurance to remove the hanging skin and fat of the abdomen ONLY. An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is used cosmetically to flatten and tighten the muscles and skin of the abdomen. Many times, a panniculectomy and a tummy tuck are done in conjunction with one another.
A panniculectomy is the removal of the pannus or apron of skin hanging from the abdomen in cases where an extreme weight loss has occurred. Removal of this extra skin and fat dramatically increases the quality of lift by solving the problems of rash and breakdown these patients many times suffer from.
Because of the nature of the procedure, a scar will be created. The result of this scar will depend upon individual factors of healing and also placement of the incision. The scar will be concealed along the inner aspect of the arm but may keloid or become thickened. Because of the bilateral nature of this procedure, discrepancies in placement of the scars and/or results of the appearance of scars may differ from arm to arm. Temporary numbness will occur over the surgical site. As with all surgeries, bleeding, infection, hematoma, or seroma are all possible risks.
You may or may not have drains in place following arm reduction. This is dependent on how “wet” the procedure went. Your arms will be wrapped with compression sleeves and we ask you to leave these in place until your first postoperative visit.
Recovery from arm reduction is approximately two weeks. Heavy lifting should be avoided for a period of 6 to 8 weeks following surgery.
Also known as a “brachioplasty,” an arm reduction can dramatically tighten flabby arm skin. Bat wings no more with this amazing procedure.
Risks of thigh lift include; skin discoloration and swelling, skin sensitivity, fat necrosis, damage to deeper structures, pubic distortion, scarring, delayed healing, asymmetry, seroma or fluid accumulation, bleeding which may necessitate a return to the operating room, infection, and asymmetry.
Generally yes, there is pain associated with thigh lift surgery. You will be given prescriptions for pain medications at your preoperative appointment. Make sure you have them filled and ready for your return from surgery. The medications will be for mild, moderate, and severe pain as well as an antibiotic for prevention of infection. Should you not use all these medications, please bring them in to our office so that we may dispose of them properly. Never flush unused medications down the toilet.
General endotracheal anesthesia is required for this procedure. A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) performs the anesthesia. He/she will phone you the night before your surgery to introduce themselves and to speak to you about your health and anesthesia history. He/she will then meet with you the morning of surgery to answer any other questions you will have.
A thigh lift procedure generally takes all morning. You will arrive at 6:45 in the morning and can plan on leaving that day around 1-2pm depending on how much time you will need in recovery following the procedure. The surgery itself takes about 2-3 hours.
The procedure is performed in our office based surgical center here at Valley Plastic Surgery Center. You will find the atmosphere very private, clean, and comfortable. Every effort has been made to make your surgical experience here at Valley Plastic the very best.
Most likely you will have drains following the procedure. You will be given instructions on care of these drains and will not be able to shower until they are removed. The drains will be removed when the output is minimal. You will be asked to chart the amount of fluid.
Recovery can be anywhere from two to three weeks depending on the severity of the procedure.
I thigh lift is performed to achieve a more toned appearance to the thighs. This is accomplished by removing excess skin and fat from either the inner (medial) thighs or outer (lateral) thighs, or both. Many times, this procedure is done for patients following extreme weight losses.
There are always permanent scars following this procedure. These scars are normally quite conspicuous early after surgery and are visible for an indefinite period of time. Delayed healing and drainage may occur along the margins of the incisions. The breasts may not be exactly the same size or shape. Every attempt will be made to position the nipples evenly; however, it is not always possible to make them exactly even. No guarantee as to size, shape or brassiere size has been made. Sensation in the nipple or other parts of the breasts can be altered temporarily or permanently lost in some cases.
No, unfortunately, you will lose the ability to breastfeed.
Breast reduction is actually not as painful as one would expect. Removal of the weight of the breasts can be so liberating, our breast reduction patients always seem to have an easy recovery. However, some discomfort is always expected following surgery. Prescriptions for pain medications are given at your preoperative consultation one to two weeks prior to the surgery. Will be given pain medications for mild, moderate, and severe pain as well as for an antibiotic to prevent infection. Kindly bring your unused medications back to our office as we can dispose of them properly. Never flush unused medications down the toilet.
No, it is not permitted to drive for 24 hours following any form of anesthesia. The hospital will also require your driver to be a responsible adult, capable of staying at the hospital during the course of your visit.
You should expect at least a one week time off work, unless you have a physically active profession. Heavy lifting and bouncing activities are prohibited for 6-8 weeks following the procedure.
Immediately following surgery you will be wrapped with a surgical bra and ace wrap. You will also have drains. Care and instruction on drains will be given to you at the hospital. It is important to chart the fluid amounts of each breast drain as this will determine when they are removed. Sutures will be removed progressively starting at seven to ten days. By two weeks following the procedure, all sutures should be removed.
Dr. Lambruschi performs his breast reduction surgery at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin, IL.
As long as no anesthesia complications arise, your stay in the hospital will be minimal and is considered “day surgery” meaning you will be discharged that day.
General endotracheal anesthesia is required for this type of procedure. It will be performed by an anesthesiologist at the hospital.
While coverage depends on each case and insurance company, the answer is yes! Most breast reduction procedures are covered by insurance. A letter will be written on your behalf requesting pre-authorization and based on their response, you surgical will be scheduled.
Breast reduction surgery alleviates the symptoms of having heavy, sagging breasts. Back and shoulder pain, painful rashes and breakdown under the breasts are all improved with this procedure.
A breast reduction is the removal of unwanted breast tissue.
Yes, as long as you are not being sedated.
No, they will not return, however you may notice new areas forming as you age.
Immediately following sclerotherapy your legs will be wrapped with ace wraps from your toes up to the groin area. You will need to keep these on for 48 hours. You will notice red marks from the injection sites and bruising from the sclerotherapy. This should all resolve within two weeks.
Yes, there is a slight burning sensation with injections.
Vein sclerotherapy is an office procedure in which a hyper-tonic saline solution is injected into the undesirable spider vein. This causes an irritation to the walls of the vessel, clotting it off. Your own cells then come in to clean up the debris.
There is a probability that saline implants will fail or leak within a 10-year time frame. Mentor does offer financial reimbursement to remove and replace ruptured implants. Silicone-gel implants have new memory gel technology, making leaks extremely rare.
There is a possibility of infection, or that your body does not tolerate the implants, making removal necessary. There is a possibility of capsule contracture. This is where scar tissue hardens around the implants creating a distortion and sometimes even pain. A secondary procedure may be necessary to correct the problem. Bleeding is also a possible complication following surgery that may require revisional surgery.
Frankly, the answer is yes, you will experience pain following implant surgery. However, pain medications will be given to you at your preoperative appointment. Please have these filled prior to your surgery so they can be available to you when you return home. Take these as directed. Should you have any remaining medications, bring them in to our office where we can dispose of them correctly. Do not flush unused medications down the toilet.
Immediately following your procedure you will be placed in a surgical bra, dressings, support strap, as well as an ace wrap. This ace wrap will be very tightly applied which may create discomfort on its own. This will be removed by our office one to two days following your procedure. You will notice a pressure on your chest. It’s best to stay slightly elevated with pillows and in a recliner for the first day or two postop.
No, you may not drive for a 24-hour period following sedation of any kind. You will need a responsible friend or family member to take you home and care for you for at least the first 24 hours following surgery. For your safety, we cannot permit you to leave in an Uber or a taxi.
You will need to be off work for a period of one week following breast augmentation.
There is a circulating nurse who will greet you, perform preoperative assessment, and prepare you for the day. You will then meet with your Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who will start your IV and answer any questions regarding pain management and sedation. Dr. Lambruschi will then answer any questions and draw some markings on your chest so you will know exactly where your incisions will be. You are then taken to the operating room where Dr. Lambruschi will be present, two surgical nurses, and the anesthetist. Your main OR nurse who greeted you in the morning will be present the entire time and will be with you for recovery as well. You will get to know her-she is your surgical buddy!
Cosmetic procedures such as this are performed in our office surgical suite. We have a separate preoperative area, full anesthesia capabilities in our main operating room, and comfortable post-anesthesia care unit with private bathroom facilities.
Approximately two hours. However, you can expect to be in recovery for another two to three hours.
Lab work requirements are based on age and health history of the patient. A healthy patient under the age of 40 requires a CBC, PT/PTT and a pregnancy test. These labs can be performed here in our office for a very small fee. Patients between the ages of 40-50 require a CBC, PT/PTT, CMP and an EKG. Again, blood work can be performed by our office, but an EKG will need to be done elsewhere which we can arrange for you at either your physician’s office or at Advocate Sherman Hospital. Patients older than 50 also require a chest X-ray, which again will be arranged for you.
Dr. Lambruschi offers his patients Mentor smooth-walled, silicone gel or saline filled breast implants.
Breast augmentation surgery increases the fullness and projection of the breasts to improve the balance of your figure.
To remove the excessive skin and fat of the abdominal wall and to gain exposure to the muscles of the abdominal wall an extensive incision must be made from hip bone to hip bone running just above the pubic hair. This incision, by the nature of the skin in the area, may become a cosmetically unattractive scar, which will be easily visible when nude and may extend beyond the areas covered by swimsuits or revealing clothing. There will be significant swelling of the abdominal wall postoperatively which may last up to three months, the skin of the abdominal wall will be totally numb from the mid-waist to the incision and permanent loss of sensation may occur above the incision line. Delayed healing or actual skin loss may occur along the incision line and between the navel and pubic mound contributing further to a potentially unattractive scar or even requiring further surgery or skin grafting to close or revise a scar.
Drains are removed once the output is very minimal. Every patient is different, however, minimizing your activity will reduce the amount of drainage.
Yes, you will have drains placed into the abdominal wound following a tummy tuck procedure. Two drains will pull fluid from the wound. You will be given instructions prior to leaving our office on the care of these drains.
Immediately following your tummy tuck, you will have a binder wrapped around your waist. To maximize your cosmetic result, you will be required to wear this binder for a period of four weeks day and night, and then during the day for another 4 weeks. Pain will be minimal as you will have a Marcaine Infusion Pump in place. A Marcaine infusion pump is a pain control accessory which is two small catheters placed into the abdominal wound and attached to a bulb filled with anesthetic. This will slowly leak anesthetic into the cavity, controlling your pain. It is important to still take it easy, as the “pain pump” can give a false sense of security, causing you to move around too much. All dressings should be left in place until your return one to two days after surgery. At which time, Dr. Lambruschi and his staff will be changing your dressings for you. Bathing is not an option until the drains are removed.
Included in your surgical fees is a Marcaine Infusion Pump. Also known as a “pain pump,” a Marcaine Infusion Pump is a thin catheter, placed into the surgical area
Driving is usually permitted one week after discharge.
No, you may not drive for a 24-hour period following sedation of any kind. You will need a responsible friend or family member to take you home and care for you for at least the first 24 hours following surgery. For your safety, we cannot permit you to leave in an Uber or a taxi.
You can expect a recovery time of 3-4 weeks.
There is a circulating nurse who will greet you, perform preoperative assessment, and prepare you for the day. You will then meet with your Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who will start your IV and answer any questions regarding pain management and sedation. Dr. Lambruschi will then answer any questions and draw some markings on your chest so you will know exactly where your incisions will be. You are then taken to the operating room where Dr. Lambruschi will be present, two surgical nurses, and the anesthetist. Your main OR nurse who greeted you in the morning will be present the entire time and will be with you for recovery as well. You will get to know her-she is your surgical buddy!
Cosmetic procedures such as this are performed in our office surgical suite. We have a separate preoperative area, full anesthesia capabilities in our main operating room, and comfortable post-anesthesia care unit with private bathroom facilities.
The procedure itself takes approximately 3-4 hours. You will arrive at our office at 6:45 and can expect to leave around 2:00 pm. We certainly will extend that time until you are feeling comfortable and confident to leave.
Lab work requirements are based on age and health history of the patient. A healthy patient under the age of 40 requires a CBC, PT/PTT and a pregnancy test. These labs can be performed here in our office for a very small fee. Patients between the ages of 40-50 require a CBC, PT/PTT, CMP and an EKG. Again, blood work can be performed by our office, but an EKG will need to be done elsewhere which we can arrange for you at either your physician’s office or at Advocate Sherman Hospital. Patients older than 50 also require a chest X-ray, which again will be arranged for you.
General anesthesia is required for a tummy tuck and is provided by a Certified Nurse Anesthetist. Having anesthesia personal present ensures your safety and comfort throughout the procedure. The cost for this is included in your surgical fees.
A “tummy tuck” is an amazing procedure post-weight loss, or postpartum. This procedure not only removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, but also tightens the muscles under the skin to bring in your waist and flatten the abdomen.
No, you may not drive for a 24-hour period following sedation of any kind. You will need a responsible friend or family member to take you home and care for you for at least the first 24 hours following surgery. For your safety, we cannot permit you to leave in an Uber or a taxi.
Again, recovery time depends on what procedure is done to revise your breast implants. However, typically you can count on a 7-10 day recovery for breast surgery.
There is a circulating nurse who will greet you, perform preoperative assessment, and prepare you for the day. You will then meet with your Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who will start your IV and answer any questions regarding pain management and sedation. Dr. Lambruschi will then answer any questions and draw some markings on your chest so you will know exactly where your incisions will be. You are then taken to the operating room where Dr. Lambruschi will be present, two surgical nurses, and the anesthetist. Your main OR nurse who greeted you in the morning will be present the entire time and will be with you for recovery as well. You will get to know her-she is your surgical buddy!
Cosmetic procedures such as this are performed in our office surgical suite. We have a separate preoperative area, full anesthesia capabilities in our main operating room, and comfortable post-anesthesia care unit with private bathroom facilities.
Again, depending on what procedure is needed will determine how much time is needed. However, typically you will arrive at our office at 6:30 and can expect to be leaving around 12:30, sometimes longer. We want to make sure you are comfortable and confident when leaving for home.
Depending on what procedure is needed to achieve your goals, the type of anesthesia can vary. IV sedation is available, is more economical, and works very well for minor procedures. However, general anesthesia may be required if more work is being done. General anesthesia is provided by a Certified Nurse Anesthetist. Having anesthesia personal present ensures your safety and comfort throughout the procedure. The cost for this is included in your surgical fees.
Lab work requirements are based on age and health history of the patient. A healthy patient under the age of 40 requires a CBC, PT/PTT and a pregnancy test. These labs can be performed here in our office for a very small fee. Patients between the ages of 40-50 require a CBC, PT/PTT, CMP and an EKG. Again, blood work can be performed by our office, but an EKG will need to be done elsewhere which we can arrange for you at either your physician’s office or at Advocate Sherman Hospital. Patients older than 50 also require a chest X-ray, which again will be arranged for you.
In some patients, the cosmetic appearance of breast implants can change with age. Revision is usually simple and appreciated. Options are available to patients who would like to change their cup size (smaller or larger), improve the firmness or softness of their breasts, improve the overall appearance of their breast. Whatever is bothering you about your current implants, we can help to determine your best course of action.
There are, of course, permanent scars as a result of this surgery. Every effort will be made to conceal or to make them as inconspicuous as possible. However, is some cases, significant thickening of scars can occur which are cosmetically disforming and are uncomfortable. There may be discoloration and swelling in the breast area which can persist for several months and this is a normal postoperative occurrence. There may be blistering, crusting, or loss of skin secondary to the mastopexy which can occur especially in patients who are smokers, scars or changes in skin coloration may occur. There may be significant changes to sensation of the nipple depending on the extent of the breast lift and the changes maybe temporary or they could they could potentially become permanent with complete loss of sensation to the nipple areola complex. It must be realized that in any procedure performed involving bilateral sides a discrepancy in shape, symmetry, or size may result which could be cosmetically unattractive.
Pain in a breast lift is minimal, unless a breast implant was placed to enhance breast size. In this case, pressure on the chest is felt. Prescriptions for pain medications will be given to you at your preoperative appointment. Have these filled and available. Take as directed and should you have any additional medications not used, bring them in so that we may dispose of them appropriately.
Drains are sometimes used to remove excess blood from the surgical areas. If breast tissue was removed or an excessive amount of bleeding was noted, you may have drains following your breast lift. You will be given care instructions after surgery and they are usually removed at the first appointment postop.
Immediately following surgery, you will have a surgical bra, bandages, and an ace wrap tightly placed around your chest. If implants were placed, you can expect more soreness than if not. Vigorous use of yours arms during the first three days is discouraged and you will find that your comfort level will best be achieved by keeping your elbows down at your side. Avoid attempts at washing your hair in the first day or two as this will aggravate and produce unnecessary arm motion. You will be seen two days postop at which time we will remove and change your dressings.
No, you may not drive for a 24-hour period following sedation of any kind. You will need a responsible friend or family member to take you home and care for you for at least the first 24 hours following surgery. For your safety, we cannot permit you to leave in an Uber or a taxi.
You can expect a one-week recovery time.
There is a circulating nurse who will greet you, perform preoperative assessment, and prepare you for the day. You will then meet with your Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who will start your IV and answer any questions regarding pain management and sedation. Dr. Lambruschi will then answer any questions and draw some markings on your chest so you will know exactly where your incisions will be. You are then taken to the operating room where Dr. Lambruschi will be present, two surgical nurses, and the anesthetist. Your main OR nurse who greeted you in the morning will be present the entire time and will be with you for recovery as well. You will get to know her-she is your surgical buddy!
Cosmetic procedures such as this are performed in our office surgical suite. We have a separate preoperative area, full anesthesia capabilities in our main operating room, and comfortable post-anesthesia care unit with private bathroom facilities.
As Dr. Lambruschi would say, “I could rush…” but seriously, the length of the procedure depends on many variables, but usually takes all morning. You can typically expect a 2-3hour surgical time, with a two-hour recovery time. You will arrive at 6:45 am and can be expected back home about 12 pm.
Type of anesthesia depends on whether or not a breast implant will also be placed. For a breast lift only, IV sedation can be performed. However, general anesthesia is required for implant placement and is provided by a Certified Nurse Anesthetist. Having anesthesia personal present ensures your safety and comfort throughout the procedure. The cost for this is included in your surgical fees.
Lab work requirements are based on age and health history of the patient. A healthy patient under the age of 40 requires a CBC, PT/PTT and a pregnancy test. These labs can be performed here in our office for a very small fee. Patients between the ages of 40-50 require a CBC, PT/PTT, CMP and an EKG. Again, blood work can be performed by our office, but an EKG will need to be done elsewhere which we can arrange for you at either your physician’s office or at Advocate Sherman Hospital. Patients older than 50 also require a chest X-ray, which again will be arranged for you.
Also referred to as a “mastopexy,” a breast lift brings the breasts back to a more youthful, natural position. This procedure may be performed with augmentation to add volume or size to the breasts.
There will be significant swelling and bruising in the surgical areas, the majority of which will resolve in two or three weeks but will not completely resolve for as much as six months. There will be numbness of the skin in the surgical sites which will resolve over two to six months and may be permanent to a mild degree. Once the fat is removed, irregularities and skin dimpling may occur with waviness and/or adhesion to underlying muscle and fascia causing a permanent deformity to appear, which may require further surgery. Asymmetry is also a possibility requiring additional surgery for a minor fee.
Pain following a facelift is expected. The pain feels like soreness, like you’ve worked out way too hard. However, you will be given prescriptions for pain medications at your preoperative appointment one week prior to the surgery. You should have these filled and ready for your arrival back at home. Please take them as prescribed and should you not utilize them all, bring them back to us and we can dispose of them for you properly.
You should continue to wear the compressive garment provided for a period of six weeks. Generally, the garment should be worn 24 hours a day for the first four weeks and during the daytime hours the final two weeks. At some point, based on the swelling cessation, Dr. Lambruschi will instruct you to go out and purchase and shaper garment to wear instead of the garment. This will be easier to hide under your clothes, and much more comfortable.
Immediately following the procedure, some bleeding may occur especially from the puncture areas in which the liposuction was performed. Pads will have been placed on most of these areas. Immediately following the procedure, a liposuction garment is placed on you (it was included in the price) and should you find that your garment is becoming blood-stained or tinged, it is advisable to put some gauze between the garment and the area where the fluid is coming from. The tumescent solution drains from these sites, it may be tinged with blood, but we assure you, it’s not blood.
No, you may not drive for a 24-hour period following sedation of any kind. You will need a responsible friend or family member to take you home and care for you for at least the first 24 hours following surgery. For your safety, we cannot permit you to leave in an Uber or a taxi.
You can expect a one-week recovery time. However, bruising and swelling can last for several weeks.
There is a circulating nurse who will greet you, perform preoperative assessment, and prepare you for the day. You will then meet with your Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, if necessary, who will start your IV and answer any questions regarding pain management and sedation. Dr. Lambruschi will then answer any questions and mark the areas to be liposuctioned. You are then taken to the operating room where Dr. Lambruschi will be present, two surgical nurses, and the anesthetist. Your main OR nurse who greeted you in the morning will be present the entire time and will be with you for recovery as well. You will get to know her-she is your surgical buddy!
Cosmetic procedures such as this are performed in our office surgical suite. We have a separate preoperative area, full anesthesia capabilities in our main operating room, and a comfortable post-anesthesia care unit with private bathroom facilities.
As Dr. Lambruschi would say, “I could rush…” but seriously, the length of the procedure depends on many variables, but usually takes a few hours. You can typically expect a 2 hour surgical time, with a two hour recovery time. You will arrive at 6:45 am and can be expected back home about 12 pm.
Type of anesthesia depends greatly on the area to be liposuction and the amount of fat removed. Submental or liposuction under the chin can be done with a simple IV sedation while larger areas will require anesthesia provided by a Certified Nurse Anesthetist. Having anesthesia personal present ensures your safety and comfort throughout the procedure. The cost for this is included in your surgical fees.
Lab work requirements are based on age and health history of the patient. A healthy patient under the age of 40 requires a CBC, PT/PTT, and a pregnancy test. These labs can be performed here in our office for a very small fee. Patients between the ages of 40-50 require a CBC, PT/PTT, CMP and an EKG. Again, blood work can be performed by our office, but an EKG will need to be done elsewhere which we can arrange for you at either your physician’s office or at Advocate Sherman Hospital. Patients older than 50 also require a chest X-ray, which again will be arranged for you.
Dr. Lambruschi utilizes the tumescent liposuction technique. This technique is the most common and reliable form of liposuction and has been used with great results for decades.
Liposuction is performed to contour unsightly areas of deposit fat from the thighs, hips, abdomen, waist, upper arms, back, bra line, chest, and neck area.
We accept all major credit cards, except American Express. Of course, we accept cash and check. We also refer our patients to the finance company, M-Lend. You can contact them at 888-474-6231 or apply online at www.mlendfinance.com.
We ask for a $500 deposit at the time of scheduling. Full payment is then required two weeks prior to your procedure.
There are, of course, permanent scars as a result of this surgery. Every effort will be made to conceal or to make them as inconspicuous as possible. There may be discoloration and swelling in the face which can persist for several weeks or longer. There may be blistering, crusting, or loss of skin with delayed healing in areas where the skin has been undercut and pulled tightly. There may be scattered areas of numbness over the face, neck, and ears following the surgery which may persist for an indefinite period of time. At times, fluid or blood may accumulate in the operative sites which may require aspiration, drainage, or removal by surgery. Although rare, nerve damage can occur which might cause a varying amount of facial weakness or paralysis. Loss of hair near the area of the surgery may occur and can be temporary or permanent. As in all surgery, complications such as infection or bleeding can occur and require appropriate treatment including possible further surgery. Any procedure involving surgeries on both sides may result in discrepancies in symmetry.
Pain following a facelift is actually very minimal. However, you will be given prescriptions for pain medications at your preoperative appointment one week prior to the surgery. You should have these filled and ready for your arrival back at home. Please take them as prescribed and should you not utilize them all, bring them back to us and we can dispose of them for you properly.
Drains are sometimes used to remove excess blood from the surgical areas. You will be given care instructions after surgery and they are usually removed at the first appointment postop.
Immediately following the procedure you will have a full facial wrap covering your forehead, neck, and head. This wrap is used to minimize swelling, bruising and bleeding will left in place for 24-48 hours postoperatively. Your first postoperative appointment will be 24- 48 hours following the surgery. At that time, Dr. Lambruschi will remove the dressings and replace them with a lighter dressing.
No, you may not drive for a 24-hour period following sedation of any kind. You will need a responsible friend or family member to take you home and care for you for at least the first 24 hours following surgery. For your safety, we cannot permit you to leave in an Uber or a taxi.
You can expect a two to three-week recovery time.
There is a circulating nurse who will greet you, perform preoperative assessment, and prepare you for the day. You will then meet with your Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who will start your IV and answer any questions regarding pain management and sedation. Dr. Lambruschi will then answer any questions and draw some markings on your face so you will know exactly where your incisions will be. You are then taken to the operating room where Dr. Lambruschi will be present, two surgical nurses, and the anesthetist. Your main OR nurse who greeted you in the morning will be present the entire time and will be with you for recovery as well. You will get to know her-she is your surgical buddy!
Cosmetic procedures such as this are performed in our office surgical suite. We have a separate preoperative area, full anesthesia capabilities in our main operating room, and comfortable post anesthesia care unit with private bathroom facilities.
As Dr. Lambruschi would say, “I could rush…” but seriously, the length of the procedure depends on many variables, but usually takes all morning. You can typically expect a 3-4 hour surgical time, with a two hour recovery time. You will arrive at 6:45 am and can be expected back home about 2 pm.
MAC anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care is provided by a Certified Nurse Anesthetist. Having anesthesia personal present ensures your safety and comfort throughout the procedure. The cost for this is included in your surgical fees.
Lab work requirements are based on age and health history of the patient. A healthy patient under the age of 40 requires a CBC, PT/PTT, and a pregnancy test. These labs can be performed here in our office for a very small fee. Patients between the ages of 40-50 require a CBC, PT/PTT, CMP, and an EKG. Again, blood work can be performed by our office, but an EKG will need to be done elsewhere which we can arrange for you at either your physician’s office or at Advocate Sherman Hospital. Patients older than 50 also require a chest X-ray, which again will be arranged for you.
Also known as “Rhytidectomy,” a facelift is used to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck. Sagging skin, jowling, and loss of muscle tone in the lower face are all improved with a facelift. Every facelift is custom designed to maximize the improvement for each patient.