Plastic Surgery Procedures
There are a myriad of changes that people desire when it comes to their faces, and Dr. Frankel is experienced enough to address just about every one of them.
Whether your issue is related to aging or to your overall aesthetics and facial balance, and whether it is one thing you want to modify or several, Dr. Frankel will provide a bespoke course of action. Dr. Frankel sees his patients holistically and prefers to deliver results by working from a more conservative approach to a more involved one as needed.
Dr. Frankel is knowledgeable about all of the various alternatives and disciplines involved with managing facial aesthetics and will consider all options. He commonly suggests combining skin treatments and injectables with surgical options; ranging from minor operations to more comprehensive plans. Many factors play into what Dr. Frankel will suggest and his approach will be specific to you.
Consultation and planning
Dr. Frankel individualizes every patient’s care and will invest time to fully understand their goals and particular anatomic or medical issues. He will detail how he plans to achieve the goals and his rationale for his approach. Alternative treatment options, limitations and risks will also be discussed and patient questions addressed. Dr. Frankel’s office wants all patients to leave with a clear understanding of their surgical plan and how the entire process works from pre operative preparation until full recovery.
SURGICAL PROCESS
Dr. Frankel’s office staff will work with each patient to ensure they are properly prepared for surgery and that the process runs smoothly. Surgery is performed at the Lasky Clinic and almost always involves twilight sedation rather than general inhalational anesthesia. Patients will recover at the clinic for a couple of hours following their procedure before being discharged home in the care of a friend or family member.
Understanding the process
Preparation
Dr. Frankel individualizes every patient’s care. He invests the time to fully understand patient expectations, learn complete history, evaluate the relevant anatomy, order any diagnostic tests, and take digital images when indicated.
Dr. Frankel will discuss your surgical plan in detail to ensure all of your questions are answered. The office will provide a list of required lab work or medical evaluations, prescriptions for any needed medications, a list of supplements and medications to avoid, and detailed pre and post-operative instructions to be reviewed. They will also make arrangements for nursing care and other ancillary services as necessary.
What to Avoid
Two weeks before the scheduled surgery date, it is important to avoid taking certain medications, vitamins, and herbs that may cause you to bleed more than normal. It is also best to avoid alcohol and very salty foods for three days before surgery to prevent your skin from retaining fluid and swelling.
Our office will provide a comprehensive list of what to avoid. The night before surgery, do not eat or drink anything, except any necessary medicines with a small sip of water.
Day of Surgery
The morning of surgery, you will have your own private room at the clinic, where you will have a chance to speak with Dr. Frankel and your anesthesiologist before you go into the operating suite.
After surgery, you will regain consciousness in the recovery room until you are able to move back to your private room, from where you will eventually be discharged once you are fully alert. You will leave in the care of a family member, friend or caretaker.
Aftercare
The specifics of your aftercare depends on what type of operation was performed, however there are some common rules that pertain to all facial surgeries.
You will be encouraged to keep your head elevated for several days and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. You will be able to watch television, use your computer, take walks and prepare meals for yourself, but you should generally take it easy. You should keep your surgical site dry until instructed by Dr. Frankel, but you may wash your body as early as 24 hours following surgery.
Most patients experience more discomfort than pain. Use pain medication as directed or needed, and take with food to help minimize nausea.
Recovery
Sutures are usually removed after a week. Swelling and bruising are expected but vary from person to person so it might take several more days before you feel ready to socialize.
Different procedures heal at different rates, and every patient heals differently. Typically facelifts and such take between four and six months to optimize while eyelids and brows take less time. Due to their unique anatomy, noses might look very good a couple of weeks after surgery but often take up to 18 months before reaching a stable point.
If you notice that a particular behavior or activity is causing swelling, do your best to avoid that activity until you have fully healed.
Ongoing Care & Support
To prevent bleeding and increased swelling, avoid extreme physical activity, including athletic activities and intercourse. After 24 hours, you are encouraged to go for light walks and strolls. Light cardio, such as an elliptical machine or spin bike on a low resistance can begin on post-operative day seven.
Do not engage in any heavy cardiovascular activity (running), any activity that involves straining (weight lifting) or anything that involves bending over (yoga, pilates) for at least three weeks, unless otherwise instructed. Dr. Frankel will follow up with you throughout the post-operative course.
If you have any questions or need any additional support, call the office at 310.552.2173.
Testimonials
-
- P.W., London, UK
Procedures
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty refers to surgery on the upper or lower eyelids. Using precise techniques and small, hidden incisions, Dr. Frankel achieves natural and youthful-looking results without noticeable scarring. While it is not a very invasive, it can have dramatic impact on appearance.
Brow Lift
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, provides a more relaxed and aesthetically pleasing appearance by repositioning tissues, rather than removing them. In this way, Dr. Frankel feels it is a conservative way to achieve a more harmonious balance to the face. The procedure is typically done with the use of a fiber optic scope through small incisions within the scalp, so there are no visible scars.
Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat is found between two muscles in the cheeks and is a discreet dumbbell shaped structure. Its purpose is to prevent friction between these muscles and it is separate from the fat that lies just beneath the skin surface. For those people who want to slim their face and emphasize their cheek bones, removing the buccal fat can be helpful. It is a quick procedure done without scarring and with a quick recovery period.
Dermal Fillers
Aesthetic injections are used to treat fine lines and wrinkles and add volume to various parts of the face. Many people choose injectable fillers as an alternative to invasive plastic surgery, or in combination with other procedures to enhance their rejuvenation results. As the safety and longevity of the fillers has improved, their uses have expanded.
Facelift
Face lift surgery is the cornerstone of facial rejuvenation. Unlike lasers, topical treatments or injectable fillers, face lift procedures actually reposition the deeper structures of the face. By tightening these structures the contour is improved and the skin appears smoother. A face lift can help create a firm, even appearance along the jawline, cheeks, jowls and neck, and sets the foundation for other, more subtle rejuvenative procedures.
Facial Rejuvenation
Facial rejuvenation employs a combination of techniques and technologies as well as surgical procedures to create a natural, harmonious result that leaves the patient looking refreshed, younger, and more attractive without looking ‘done’. Fillers, neurotoxins, skin treatments and products as well as surgical combinations all contribute to a comprehensive approach to aging.
Jawline Contouring
A well defined jawline is a highly desirable feature and there are several procedures that Dr. Frankel employs to enhance this. Liposuction, chin augmentation, cervical lifting, platysmaplasty, and neuromodulators are all effective on their own but they can also work synergistically to create a beautiful jawline.
Lip Lift
A lip lift is a surgical approach to improve the aesthetics of the face and mouth. Dr. Frankel believes a lip lift can have the largest impact of all the procedures he performs. The procedure involves removing some tissue from under the nose, and thus shortening and everting the upper lip. The outcome creates improved balance to the face, and a fuller, more youthful-looking mouth. Lip lift surgery takes approximately 90 minutes, is done under local anesthesia, and not associated with a painful recovery. Not everyone is a candidate for this procedure and Dr. Frankel weighs carefully the pros and cons before making a decision.
Mid Face Lift
A midface lift is employed when there is a need to elevate and restore volume to the higher areas of the face, such as the cheeks. It can be a very powerful, yet subtle form of rejuvenating a face or for creating a more balanced and harmonious facial contour. The procedure is done on both young and older patients, and does not create any visible scars. Midface lifts can be performed as stand-alone procedures, but are more often done in conjunction with another facial surgery.
SKIN REJUVENATION
Laser skin rejuvenation also called a laser peel, laser skin resurfacing, or lasabrasion, is a procedure which utilizes precise beams of light at specific wavelengths to reduce wrinkles, scars, and other imperfections on delicate areas of the body.
NECK LIFT
A neck lift is a cosmetic procedure that improves the appearance of the neck without the need for incisions associated with a full facelift. Sometimes incisions are placed behind the ears, and sometimes a small incision under the chin is all that is necessary to achieve a more youthful appearing neck. Dr. Frankel will discuss whether or not you are a candidate for this more limited procedure at your consultation.
OTOPLASTY
Otoplasty is the surgical treatment for protruding ears. There are generally two reasons for protruding ears: a lack of formation of the antihelical fold and an excessively deep cup of the ear called the conchal bowl. Both issues are correctable and creativity is employed to render the best outcome. Otoplasty usually involves incisions created at the back side of the ear, so they are not noticeable.
PRIMARY RHINOPLASTY
Rhinoplasty is surgery done to change the shape of the nose. Primary rhinoplasty is the best opportunity to deliver optimal results for the nose. Because it is the very first nasal surgery, the anatomy is undisturbed, and there is no scar tissue or missing cartilage. Careful planning and excellent execution can deliver gorgeous outcomes with fewer limitations.
REVISION RHINOPLASTY
Revision rhinoplasty is a specialized surgery done to correct inferior results from prior nasal surgery and often done to improve nasal function as well as aesthetics. These cases are challenging and require a surgeon who is versatile and experienced. Cartilage grafts are often required to provide structure, shape and nasal function. Complete healing requires a longer period of time than primary rhinoplasty.
Botox
Botox is widely recognized for its effectiveness and FDA approval. Primarily used in facial aesthetics, Botox injections help to smooth unwanted wrinkles, refine the shape of the brows, nose, lips, and chin, and reduce the size of overly large muscles or salivary glands that cause aesthetic concerns. Additionally, Botox can relax overactive muscles and reduce sweat and salivary gland production for improved comfort and appearance.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Read our FAQ’s to find our more
What to Expect
Our team will give you specific instructions about how to prepare, what to expect on the day of surgery and how to care for yourself during recovery. Expect to begin preparing for your surgery a couple of weeks before the date. Lab work and medical clearance must be completed and certain medications and supplements need to be discontinued.
Below is some of the key information. You can also see more information on the procedure pages, FAQs page or call us with your questions.
What to expect on the day of surgery
Anesthesia
The majority of all operations that Dr. Frankel performs will be under the direction of a board-certified anesthesiologist and involve twilight anesthesia without the need for a breathing tube, ventilator or paralysis.
This type of anesthesia is well tolerated and its effects wear off quickly, even after surgeries that take several hours. Patients universally find their experience to be very pleasant.
RECOVERY
The first one to two hours after surgery are spent in the recovery room on monitors and under the care of a registered nurse.
Once fully awake, patients are transferred to private rooms where their families or friends can join them. Dr. Frankel will discuss how the surgery went and review postoperative instructions before discharge.
Pain Management
Facial surgery is not typically very painful, and most patients experience more discomfort than pain, particularly immediately after surgery while the local anesthesia is still working.
While recovering at the clinic, patients may receive intravenous medications to stem any acute pain. Patients are discharged from the clinic with their prescribed medications.
Emotions
You will likely feel a variety of different emotions before your surgery: excitement, anxiety, fear, etc. It is normal to have some apprehension before any operation, and in particular one that will change your appearance.
If you are doubting yourself and wondering if you should go ahead with your procedure, Dr. Frankel suggests that you trust yourself and the time and effort you spent making the decision to have surgery and choosing the best doctor.
What to expect after surgery
PAIN AND DISCOMFORT
Patients may expect some discomfort during the first few days after surgery. Although patients have prescribed pain medications at their disposal, they are encouraged to try using Tylenol as a first option, as this minimizes the chance for nausea and constipation.
The majority of patients finish using prescribed pain medications by the third day after surgery.
FOR THE BEST RESULTS
Dr. Frankel will provide you with Pre-Op and Post-Op General Instructions to review for optimum results. Recovery from surgery always requires lots of energy, so patients are advised to eat foods high in calories and protein during the perioperative period.
EXERCISE
Avoid extreme physical activity, including athletic activities and intercourse. After 24 hours, you are encouraged to go for light walks and strolls. Light cardio, such as an elliptical machine or spin bike on a low resistance, can begin on post operative day seven.
Do not engage in any heavy cardiovascular activity (running), any activity that involves straining (weight lifting) or anything that involves bending over (yoga, pilates) for at least three weeks, unless otherwise instructed.
COMPLICATIONS
Dr. Frankel will perform surgery safely and with the utmost care in order to obtain the best possible results. Patients have the right to be informed that their surgery may involve risks of unsuccessful results, complications or injury from both known and unforeseen causes.
Because individuals vary in their overall health and healing abilities, skin texture, anatomy, circulation and the way they react to medications and anesthesia, there can be no guarantee for results of surgery. Dr. Frankel will address specifics during consultation