FAQ: Genitoplasty

This surgery aims to enhance the overall shape of the face with an implant placement or reduction surgery on the bone of the chin

Possible but rare complications/risk could include infection, nerve damage, implant movement, mandible bony absorption, rejection of implant and lip dysfunction

Gel fillers are a possible nonsurgical option.

Patients can undergo mandibular osteotomy, sliding/osseous genioplasty and autologous fat transfer,

There are two options that the patient can choose from depending on the results they wish to achieve. An incision is made under the chin, where an implant will be placed or the bone around the chin will be surgically reduced along with any fatty tissue

This surgery will usually take 30 minutes to an hour to complete

You may feel numbness afterwards, however nerve damage is very rare.

You can see the surgical result the right after the surgery. The finally result usually takes 6 months after surgery.

You can see pre and post-operative result in our office.

Yes, genioplasty is usually accompanied with rhinoplasty to achieve a more optimal result

In the beginning, you will experience tightness and it will be a little difficult to make facial expressions, however this will subside within time

You may have trouble eating larger portions of food or any food that requires more effort to chew, however as you continue to heal, this becomes less of an issue.

The results should last for a lifetime as long as there are no complications

The surgery should cost around $4,500, however this price will vary from patient to patient.

The incision will be under your chin and in the area behind your lip. The incision length is not that long due to the small curvature of the chin.

Yes, under the chin but it is well hidden and even if the face is elevated, the scarring is faint.

Yes.

All of these symptoms should only last for the first week after surgery.

For full recovery/healing, it should take around 3-4 months.

The pain will be minimal and should go away within a week. Mostly, the surgical area will feel more sensitive than usual.

I usually prescribe Tylenol 3 and Percocet for a few days to a few weeks after surgery depending on your pain tolerance.

I usually perform this surgery as an outpatient and everyone is able to go home the same day. You will be seen the following day or 2 days later.

In general, you should not drive the first 48 hours after surgery. Also if you are taking heavy necrotic, one should not be driving. Most of my clients are usually driving after 3 to 4 days.

You should be able to get back to 80% of your daily activities within one week. I encourage my patients to ambulate and resume light activities within a few days after surgery. .

My procedure is usually done under general anesthesia.

All my patients see the anesthesiologist before but usually on the day of surgery. For one who has special needs, I frequently arrange for consultation with anesthesiologist a few days before surgery.

I review all patient medications on initial consultation, pre-operative appointment and day of surgery.

In general, all medication that may cause bleeding or prolong bleeding time may need to be stopped or alter. One should not stop any medication without consulting with your family physician and the specialist that put you on these drugs.

For my patients, general lab tests such as CBC, electrolytes, liver function, INR, PTT, cardiogram are fairly routine, Other tests may be ordered if one has special medical condition.

My anesthesiologist and I prefer that one stop eating and drinking 6 hours before surgery. One can take medication with a small sip of water if the medication is indicated before surgery

We recommend that you arrive 30 minutes before your surgery. We will also try you on your mobile phone if the time of surgery has been changed.

You can call my office for direction. Our address is available online and one can also use mobile app for direction

You need someone to take you home after surgery as driving is not permitted.

• Arrange for someone to take you home from the hospital
  It is a good idea to have someone take care of responsibilities at home and at work until you are ready to take care of these.
• Call your doctor if you think of other questions
  It is important that someone stay with you on the first night after surgery.
• Notify your doctor if you get sick within 10 days of your surgery (even minor illnesses like a cold)
• You are given a number to call and /or text me after surgery.
• Stop eating and/or drinking as advised by your doctor
  My anesthesiologist and I prefer that one stop eating and drinking 6 hours before surgery. One can take medication with a small sip of water if the medication is indicated before surgery
• I like having our clients stop smoking one week before surgery and two weeks after. If you cannot stop completely as least, try to decrease the amount you smoke. It is a good idea to abstain from alcohol 24 hours before surgery.
• Make sure you have the doctor’s contact information
• Make sure you have directions to the hospital/office for visitors
• Wear a button-front shirt and loose clothing to the clinic/hospital
  The postoperative sheet has my office and cell number so you can contact us as needed.

• The surgery could take around 30 minutes to an hour

• Our clients usually wake up within 10 minutes at the end of the procedure.

• You usually wake up within 10 minutes from the procedure, and your family can see you within an hour from the procedure.

• I usually start antibiotics in the operating room, and you may take oral antibiotics for another 48 hours.

• Make sure your identity has been confirmed with name and date of birth
  If you have significant risks of DVT or pulmonary embolus, you will need to take blood-thinning medication.
• Make sure you have confirmed the surgery you are having
  My OR nurse will check and confirm this before and just before surgery.
• Make sure the correct site of your surgery has been marked
  My OR nurse will check and confirm this before and just before surgery.
• Confirm any allergies and side-effects you might have
  My OR nurse will check and confirm this before surgery.
• Make sure you understand and have signed the informed consent forms
  You will have time to review the consent and I like to make sure you understand and have asked all the questions that you may have.
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• I usually talk to you in the recovery room as well as with one to two days after surgery in your postoperative visit to explain how your surgery went.

• I usually like you to continue with your usual medication with exception of medication that can cause bleeding. I will discuss this with you further.

• You can drink water and liquid shortly after the procedure.

• My procedure is usually as an outpatient and you will be staying for a few hours after. I only let my patient go home if they are ready.

• You need to meet all the discharge criteria before you can go home.

• You will be given intra-operative medication; local block and oral and parental pain medication to make sure you are comfortable.

• This depends on your medical conditions and I will discuss this with you at your pre-operative consultation.

• Incision should be kept clean and dry.

• Patients should avoid applying any pressure in the chin area for about a month and you should use a special pillow (U-shaped) when you lie down

• Gently apply ice on the area but try not apply any pressure

• You should have the medication filled before the day of surgery.

• Any mediation that can cause bleeding or alternate your medical condition need to be stopped or changed before surgery. I will be discussing with you in detail at pre-operative visit.

• You should get out of bed and ambulate. It is a good idea to be leaning over when you are walking.

• My patients can shower the next day.

• Your bandages will be removed at your first follow-up appointment.

• The sutures can be removed within a week after the surgery

• You should avoid bending over or heavy lifting for two weeks.

• Most patients are able to return to their normal routine in a week

• You may drive once you stop taking narcotic pain medication and you feel capable of driving.

• You may resume sexual activity at two to three weeks.

• Make sure your care providers wash their hands before and after your care
• Do not wait until your pain is severe before you ask for pain medication
• Make sure the call button is within reach before medical staff leave the room
• Sit on the edge of the bed for a few minutes before you stand up to prevent getting dizzy
• Do not get out of bed without help if you feel weak or dizzy
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• You have a fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
• You have shortness of breath or chest pain
• You notice increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pain around your surgical incision
• You notice that your incision is separating or you have infected discharge from your incision
• Your bandages are repeatedly soaked with blood
• You have persistent stiffness, numbness/tingling, or weakness of your face
• You have pain that your existing pain medications cannot control
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• Take pain and other medications as prescribed
• Do not drive when you are on prescription pain medications
  Yes, narcotic pain medications impair your ability to drive.
• Do not soak in a bath or go swimming for ten days after your surgery
• Keep your incision clean and dry
• Elevate your head when laying down to reduce swelling in your face
• Use cold compresses on your face to reduce swelling as advised by your doctor
• Avoid wearing clothes that is worn by going over your head
• Do not smoke as it could delay healing
  Smoking is dangerous for facelift. You should discuss with your surgeon if you not able to quit smoking at least 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery. Skin necrosis, difficulty healing, unsatisfactory result, and unsightly scarring can result from smoking.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting as long as your doctor advises
• Wear easy to dress, zip up the front clothing.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions on resuming normal daily activities
• Follow your doctor’s instructions on resuming sexual activity
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