Frequently Asked Questions
Fat Transfer:
1. How long will I be swollen?
Majority
of
swelling
will
settle
between
the
first
and
second
week.
Swelling
will
continue
to
improve
up
to
two
months
after
the
procedure;
however,
you
will
not
look
distorted
or
unusual
during
this
time.
2. How
does
Dr.
Karam
know
how
much
to
inject
and
how
much
will
I
maintain?
Based
on
his
experience
of
performing
over
5000
fat
transfer
cases,
Dr.
Karam
knows
how
much
fat
to
add
in
order
to
correct
a
certain
deficiency.
Each
case
is
unique
and
the
amount
of
fat
chosen
is
based
on
the
individual
patient
and
on
the
goal.
Dr.
Karam
always
errs
on
the
side
of
under-filling
as
opposed
to
over-filling.
This
ensures
a
natural
outcome.
In
general,
most
patients
retain
about
50%
of
the
fat
that
is
injected.
In
some
rare
instances,
some
patients
may
keep
slightly
less.
3. Is
it
normal
for
one
side
to
be
more
swollen
than
the
other?
Swelling
is
very
common
after
surgery
and
it
is
normal
and
expected
for
one
side
to
be
more
swollen
than
the
other
side.
In
addition,
do
not
be
surprised
if
the
next
day
it's
the
opposite
side
that
is
now
swollen
even
if
you
are
following
all
the
instructions
correctly.
However,
some
patients
experience
more
swelling
on
one
side
because
they
are
sleeping
on
that
side,
which
is
why
we
ask
that
you
sleep
inclined
and
on
your
back
for
at
least
the
first
week.
4. What
are
the
lumps
and
hardness
that
appear
under
the
skin?
The
lumps
and
hardness
is
swelling
and
it
will
diminish
with
time.
5. Why
does
it
look
like
the
fat
is
diminishing
between
1-3
months
after
the
transfer?
Fat
is
living
tissue.
We
are
essentially
transplanting
a
fat
graft
(a
small
amount
of
fat
tissue).
Since
it
is
a
living
and
functional
tissue,
it
needs
to
establish
a
blood
supply
in
its
new
home.
During
this
period,
the
fat
is
living
but
the
fat
cells
haven't
started
storing
fat
(which
is
what
fat
cells
do
to
make
them
plump).
So
during
this
period,
the
fat
grafts
deflate
(1-3
months
following
the
procedure).
Then
starting
6-9
months
following
the
procedure,
they
begin
acting
as
they
normally
do
and
they
start
to
re-inflate
and
get
more
full.
This
is
why
patients
look
best
1-2
years
following
a
fat
transfer.
This
process
is
the
same
for
hair
transplants
and
even
trees/plants
that
are
transplanted.
6. Will
there
be
stitches
where
he
injects
the
fat?
There
are
no
sutures
used
on
the
face
after
a
fat
transfer
procedure.
You
will
have
small
"poke
hole
size"
scabs
that
form
from
where
Dr.
Karam
injects
the
fat,
but
those
usually
go
away
on
the
third
to
fifth
day.
However,
absorbable
sutures
are
placed
where
we
harvest
the
fat.
These
stitches
will
fall
out
on
their
own
within
5-
10
days.
It
is
recommended
that
sunscreen
be
used
to
prevent
scaring
for
the
first
year.
7. Where
is
the
fat
harvested?
Dr.
Karam
has
found
that
the
best
sites
for
harvesting
fat
are
from
the
thighs
or
the
stomach.
8. Does
he
freeze
the
fat
if
I
need
a
touch
up
in
the
future?
Dr.
Karam
only
harvests
the
amount
of
fat
that
is
needed
for
the
procedure.
He
does
not
take
out
any
extra
fat
for
any
reason,
including
for
future
use.
Frozen
fat
is
unreliable
at
best
since
the
freezing
and
thawing
process
is
too
harsh
for
the
delicate
fat
cells.
9. Will
massaging
help
with
the
swelling?
No,
massaging
is
not
needed
and
can
actually
be
harmful
in
terms
of
your
results.
There
may
be
specific
times
and
situations
that
Dr.
Karam
will
recommend
massaging;
however,
this
is
rare
and
if
he
does
not
suggest
it,
then
that
indicates
that
you
do
not
need
to
do
it.
10. Are
there
other
sources
that
can
cause
swelling?
Increased
activity
level
can
increase
your
swelling,
especially
the
first
month
post
surgery.
In
addition,
changes
in
weather,
especially
heat,
can
cause
you
to
swell
more.
11. Is
it
Permanent/
what
happens
if
I
need
a
touch
up?
Fat
transfers
performed
by
Dr.
Karam
are
a
permanent
procedure.
Since
it
is
a
living
graft
it
achieves
a
blood
supply
in
the
same
way
that
a
skin
graft
or
hair
graft
would.
Once
that
process
of
neovascularization
(new
blood
supply)
has
been
established,
the
fat
grafts
not
only
survive
in
their
new
environment
but
they
thrive.
This
process
can
take
several
months
to
occur.
The
general
rule
of
thumb
is
that
whatever
you
have
by
2-3
months
is
your
lowest
point.
It
will
not
get
less,
but
you
might
see
an
increase
in
fullness
over
the
following
year
as
the
fat
grafts
make
the
transition
from
survival
to
returning
to
their
biological
natural
ways
of
storing
fat.
Very
limited
cases
have
ever
needed
another
fat
transfer
touch
up
and
it
is
always
best
to
wait
until
at
least
one
year
after
the
surgery
to
see
the
true
result
before
any
touch
up
procedure
is
scheduled.
12. My
skin
is
yellow?
Why?
The
yellow,
green,
and/or
brown
colorations
you
might
see
are
signs
that
you
are
at
the
end
of
the
healing
phase
of
a
bruise-usually
days
to
weeks
after
the
surgery.
Eventually
everything
is
reabsorbed
or
excreted
by
the
body
and
the
bruise
disappears.
13. How
long
before
the
bruises
go
away?
Not
all
patients
experience
bruising
with
a
fat
transfer
procedure.
However,
those
who
do
will
commonly
experience
bruising
for
about
one
to
two
weeks.
Makeup
and/or
concealer
can
be
applied
to
camouflage
bruising,
if
needed.
In
cases
of
dark
bruising
or
bruising
that
does
not
seem
to
be
resolving,
Dr.
Karam
will
recommend
that
you
see
a
laser
specialist
for
treatment.
This
has
been
shown
to
speed
up
the
healing
process.
back to fat transfer
Face/Neck/Brow Lift:
1. How
long
until
the
incisions
heal?
Everyone
heals
at
a
different
rate.
As
a
rule
of
thumb,
incisions
look
the
worst
between
weeks
2-6
and
they
then
start
to
settle
up
to
one
year
following
the
procedure.
While
they
are
red
and
slightly
raised,
camouflaging
them
with
make
up
is
needed.
It
is
important
to
be
patient
during
this
process.
Our
incisions
heal
extremely
well
in
the
overwhelming
majority
of
cases.
2. Why
is
there
rippling
where
the
sutures
are
or
used
to
be?
Rippling/Bumps
commonly
occur
where
the
sutures
are
placed;
the
swelling
along
the
incision
line
causes
this.
The
skin
will
relax
and
the
rippling
will
begin
to
smooth
out
once
the
sutures
are
removed
at
your
one-week
post
op
appointment.
The
bumps
will
take
a
few
weeks
to
a
few
months
to
completely
smooth
out.
3. What
is
"poking"
out
along
the
incision
line?
I
think
I
have
sutures
left
in.
Some
patients
will
experience
a
stitch
that
feels
like
a
wire
poking
out
from
the
facelift/browlift
incision
line.
This
stitch
is
one
of
the
sutures
beneath
the
skin
and
the
tail
end
of
the
suture
can
"work
its
way
out"
through
the
skin.
The
stitch
is
harmless
and
any
of
the
staff
members
can
easily
clip
the
suture
so
you
do
not
feel
it
sticking
out
anymore.
There
is
no
increased
risk
of
infection
or
negative
results
occurring
from
this
minor
nuisance.
The
sutures
will
dissolve
in
4-6
months.
4. When
will
the
numbness
and
tingling
go
away?
Numbness
is
common
and
will
last
a
few
months.
5. It
has
been
a
couple
weeks
and
my
face
and
jaw
still
feels
very
tight,
when
will
this
go
away?
This
procedure
is
effective
and
lasting
because
your
facial
muscles
are
literally
lifted
and
tightened
in
a
more
youthful
position.
You
will
typically
experience
this
for
3-4
weeks.
6. Are
there
sutures
under
the
skin
in
the
muscle?
There
are
sutures
under
the
skin.
These
sutures
are
the
ones
that
physically
lift
and
hold
your
facial
muscles
into
their
new
"younger-looking"
position.
7. Will
the
Browlift
change
the
shape
of
my
eyes?
The
Browlift
will
not
change
the
shape
of
your
eyes.
The
purpose
of
the
procedure
is
to
simply
lift
the
tail
end
of
the
eyebrows
so
they
are
no
longer
sagging
and
to
make
the
transition
from
the
facelift
to
the
brow
area
more
seamless
to
achieve
that
refreshed
look.
8. How
long
will
the
results
last?
This
is
always
difficult
question
to
answer
because
it
is
hard
to
define
"lasting."
The
real
answer
is
that
it
is
permanent.
However,
aging
does
continue
even
after
the
procedure.
The
rate
of
your
aging
will
be
significantly
slower
once
you
have
this
done.
The
average
patient
will
feel
satisfied
for
10-15
years.
9. When
can
I
wear
makeup?
Patients
are
free
to
wear
makeup
10
days
after
surgery.
However,
it
is
recommended
that
all
incision
lines
be
only
covered
with
breathable
makeup
to
allow
for
those
areas
to
heal
properly.
Some
common
breathable
makeup
include
mineral
make
up,
such
as
Bare
Minerals,
or
we
also
sell
a
foundation
called
Oxygenetics.
Please
be
mindful
to
discontinue
any
products
if
your
skin
becomes
red,
itchy,
and/or
inflamed.
10. When
should
I
start
using
sunblock?
Sunblock
is
an
important
beauty
element
that
should
part
of
your
daily
routine.
Sunblock
should
begin
10
days
after
surgery
and
applied
especially
to
the
incision
lines.
Although
sunblock
should
be
part
of
your
life
long
beauty
routine,
it
is
particularly
important
the
first
year
post
surgery
or
you
run
the
risk
of
your
incision
lines
discoloring.
Please
note
that
it
is
not
necessarily
the
SPF
that
protects
you
but
the
Zinc
Oxide
of
at
least
9%
AND
Octinoxate
of
7%.
A
good
product
line
that
carries
those
levels
of
protection
is
Obagi.
Again,
please
be
mindful
to
discontinue
any
products
if
your
skin
because
red,
itchy,
and/or
inflamed.
11. Is
there
a
risk
for
nerve
damage?
No,
the
technique
that
Dr.
Karam
performs
purposely
avoids
the
facial
nerves.
12. Can
I
use
scar
gel
to
speed
up
the
healing
process
of
my
incisions?
For
patients
who
want
to
be
proactive
as
possible,
scar
gel
is
a
good
option.
We
do
recommend
a
medical
grade
scar
gel
that
creates
a
silicone
barrier
over
the
incision
line,
such
as
BioCorneum.
back to face lift
Eyes:
1. Why
is
there
"rippling"
where
the
sutures
are
or
used
to
be?
Rippling/Bumps
commonly
occur
where
the
sutures
are
placed;
the
swelling
along
the
incision
line
causes
this.
The
skin
will
relax
and
the
rippling
will
begin
to
smooth
out
once
the
sutures
are
removed
at
your
one-week
post
op
appointment.
The
bumps
will
take
a
few
weeks
to
a
few
months
to
completely
smooth
out.
2. When
will
the
incisions
heal?
The
eyelid
skin
is
some
of
the
best
healing
skin
on
the
body.
Even
though,
in
the
end
those
incisions
will
hardly
be
noticeable,
everyone
heals
at
a
different
rate.
As
a
rule
of
thumb,
incisions
look
the
worst
between
weeks
2-6
and
they
then
start
to
settle
up
to
1
year
following
the
procedure.
While
they
are
red
and
slightly
raised,
camouflaging
them
with
make
up
is
needed.
It
is
important
to
be
patient
during
this
process.
Our
incisions
heal
extremely
well
in
the
overwhelming
majority
of
cases.
3. When
can
I
wear
eye
makeup?
Patients
are
free
to
wear
makeup
10
days
after
surgery.
However,
it
is
recommended
that
all
incision
lines
be
only
covered
with
breathable
makeup
to
allow
for
those
areas
to
heal
properly.
Some
common
breathable
makeup
include
mineral
make
up,
such
as
Bare
Minerals,
or
we
also
sell
a
foundation
called
Oxygenetixs.
Please
be
mindful
to
discontinue
any
products
if
your
skin
becomes
red,
itchy,
and/or
inflamed.
4. Why
is
my
vision
a
little
blurry?
Typically,
this
is
because
of
the
lubricant
that
is
placed
in
the
eye.
5. How
does
he
know
where
to
make
the
incision?
And
why
is
one
side
healing
faster
than
the
other?
The
incisions
are
made
in
the
natural
upper
and
lower
eyelid
crease
(superior
and
inferior
tarsal
crease,
respectfully).
Be
mindful
that
the
natural
crease
in
one
eye
may
be
higher/lower
than
the
other
eye.
Incisions
are
closed
exactly
the
same
in
every
case
and
there
is
never
a
difference
in
technique
between
the
2
sides
of
the
face,
however,
the
two
sides
do
heal
differently.
They
eventually
even
out
and
look
the
same.
6. Why
are
the
skin
pinch
incisions
so
low?
It
is
made
in
the
inferior
tarsal
crease.
This
location
is
the
safest
position
to
place
the
incision.
When
placed
higher
the
muscle
that
functions
to
hold
the
lid
up
will
be
weakened
and
risk
pulling
the
eyelid
down.
back to rejuvenation of the eyes
Rhinoplasty:
1. If
Dr.
Karam
didn't
pack
my
nose,
why
am
I
stuffed
up?
It
is
very
common
to
be
"stuffed
up"
after
surgery.
The
reason
is
that
there
is
swelling
inside
the
nose,
as
well
as
outside
the
nose.
This
swelling
will
peak
on
the
third
day,
and
then
go
down
slowly
thereafter.
Expect
to
breathe
mainly
through
your
mouth
the
first
week
following
the
procedure.
2. How
long
will
my
nose
stay
swollen?
Because
the
nose
is
not
very
vascular,
swelling
of
the
nose
can
last
several
months
and
even
up
to
a
year.
In
most
cases
the
swelling
is
not
distracting
or
obvious.
3. When
will
my
external
sutures
and
external
nasal
splint
be
removed?
Your
sutures
and
nasal
splint
will
be
removed
at
your
one-week
post-op
appointment.
Some
dissolvable
internal
sutures
will
remain
in
place
for
six
months.
4. Are
there
sutures
inside
my
nose?
There
are
dissolvable
sutures
in
your
nose
that
remain
for
about
3-5
months.
These
sutures
are
used
to
support
the
nose
during
healing
and
to
close
the
incisions.
5. Can
I
remove
the
tape
from
my
nose?
The
tape
and
splint
must
remain
on
your
nose
for
the
entire
week
until
we
take
it
off
at
your
scheduled
1
week
post-op
appointment.
They
both
help
support
the
healing
process
and
helps
with
your
swelling
so
you
can
have
a
speedy
recovery.
6. Can
I
clean
my
nose?
After
48
hours,
you
should
start
using
a
Q-tip
soaked
with
hydrogen
peroxide
to
gently
wash
the
scabs
and
any
dried
blood
outside
the
nose.
You
may
also
clean
inside
the
rim
of
the
nose.
Saline
spray
is
great
for
cleansing
deeper
inside
the
nose
as
well.
This
can
be
started
after
the
nose
has
stopped
draining.
7. Why
do
I
have
drainage
down
the
back
of
my
throat?
Normally
the
nose
secretes
about
8oz.
of
mucus
(1
cup),
which
goes
down
the
back
of
your
throat,
without
you
knowing
it.
However,
after
you
have
surgery
the
nose
is
stuffed
up
and
you
become
more
aware
of
this
normal
secretion.
8. Why
do
I
have
more
drainage
from
my
nostrils
one
day
after
surgery?
Can
I
take
an
antihistamine/
allergy
medicine
to
help/stop
it?
The
nose
drains
blood
for
about
24-48
hours
after
surgery
until
a
scab
forms.
The
combination
of
"normal
mucus
drainage"
and
"intranasal
swelling"
can
cause
the
drainage
to
come
out
the
nostril
rather
than
to
go
down
the
back
of
the
throat.
Yes,
you
can
take
an
over
the
counter
oral
antihistamine,
such
as
Benadryl,
but
not
necessary.
9. Is
bruising
normal?
Bruising
after
rhinoplasty
is
normal,
although
only
about
5%
of
Dr.
Karam's
patients
have
any
noticeable
signs
of
brusing
after
the
first
week.
10. I
have
a
headache
and
trouble
sleeping.
Is
this
normal?
Can
I
take
anything
for
it?
Unfortunately,
headaches
are
common
due
to
the
swelling
of
the
nose
and
for
some
patients,
sleeping
on
their
back
is
the
cause
for
sleepless
nights.
It
is
often
a
good
idea
to
try
something
like
extra-strength
Tylenol
for
your
headache
and
save
the
Hydrocodone
for
pain.
After
the
night
of
surgery,
you
may
take
a
light
sleeping
aid,
such
as
Tylenol
PM,
if
needed.
11. My
teeth
are
sensitive,
is
that
normal?
Teeth,
gum,
and/or
upper
lip
sensitivity
is
normal
after
rhinoplasty.
Some
patients
may
experience
for
a
few
days
to
several
weeks.
12. When
can
I
resume:
A. Exercise- You
can
begin
doing
long
walks
by
three
to
four
days
postoperatively.
You
can
go
to
the
gym
and
use
a
treadmill
or
stationary
bike
(no
spin
class)
by
the
second
postoperative
week.
You
can
begin
to
do
light
weights
and
non-head-down
exercises
by
the
third
week
(avoid
heavy
weights
that
would
raise
your
blood
pressure).
By
the
fourth
week
you
can
try
and
resume
pre-operative
exercise
routine,
but
stop
if
you
have
pain
or
discomfort.
B. Swimming- You
can
resume
swimming
after
one
month.
C. Taking
my
vitamins
and/
or
regular
medications- You
can
resume
all
your
medications
and
vitamins
after
two
weeks
from
the
surgery.
D. Wearing
glasses/sunglasses- Only
those
patients
who
have
their
nose
broken
during
surgery
need
to
worry
about
glasses
and
sunglasses
sitting
on
the
bridge
of
your
nose.
This
is
only
relevant
for
the
first
four
weeks.
13.
How
long
do
I
have
to
sleep
elevated
and
on
my
back?
It's
best
to
remain
on
your
back
and
elevated
for
the
first
two
weeks.
Because
some
swelling
will
naturally
follow
gravity,
keeping
your
head
up
is
very
beneficial.
Those
who
sleep
on
their
side
will
definitely
notice
swelling
on
one
side
more
than
the
other.
14.
Can
I
blow
my
nose
or
sneeze
after
surgery?
You
can
blow
your
nose
and
sneeze
normally
at
about
six
weeks.
However,
if
a
sneeze
is
unavoidable
just
make
sure
to
sneeze
leaving
your
mouth
open
to
avoid
pressure
within
the
nose.
15. Why
is
there
so
much
numbness
at
the
tip
of
my
nose?
Numbness
is
very
common
and
will
last
from
a
few
weeks
to
a
few
months.
16. What
medications/
supplements
should
I
avoid
2
weeks
before
and
2
weeks
after
surgery?
You
should
avoid
all
NSAIDs,
such
as
Advil,
Motrin,
aspirin,
Excedrin,
ibuprofen,
Aleve,
Naprosyn,
etc.
Additionally,
you
should
avoid
omega-3
supplements,
such
fish
oils,
chia
seeds
and
flaxseed
for
two
weeks
before
and
two
weeks
after
the
surgery.
If
you
any
questions
in
regards
to
your
meds
please
call
the
office
before
you
take
it.
17.
How
long
before
the
swelling
has
totally
resolved?
It
generally
takes
two
to
three
weeks
for
most
of
the
swelling
to
subside.
At
two
to
three
weeks
it
is
difficult
for
most
people
to
be
able
to
tell
if
you
have
had
surgery.
18.
What
are
the
changes
I
should
expect
while
my
nose
is
healing?
Your
nose
will
continue
to
get
smaller
and
more
refined
as
the
months
go
on.
Your
body
heals
at
its
own
rate
and
it
is
important
to
be
patient
during
this
time.
19. Regarding
donor
sites
for
ear
cartilage
grafts
or
fascia
grafts
from
the
scalp.
A. Why
is
there
bleeding
and
oozing? These
areas
are
highly
vascularized,
and
once
the
epinephrine
wears
off
from
the
local
anesthesia,
you
may
have
"reflex
bleeding
or
oozing".
The
bleeding
and
oozing
are
both
normal.
B. How
do
I
clean
the
area? scalp
wet
where
the
fascia
graft
was
harvested.
However,
do
not
get
the
yellow
ear
donor
site
or
the
nose
cast
wet.
It
is
best
to
have
someone
else
wash
your
hair
for
you.
C. When
can
I
wash
my
hair?It
is
usually
best
to
wait
48
hours
after
surgery
to
wash
your
hair
and
it
is
often
beneficial
to
have
someone
wash
your
hair
for
you.
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