Patients often have similar questions before and after facial surgery. The answers below address the most common concerns related to fat transfer, eyelid procedures, and rhinoplasty, so you know what to expect throughout the healing and recovery process.
Frequently Asked Questions
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FAQs Fat Transfer
How long will I be swollen?
Most swelling settles between the first and second week after surgery. Subtle swelling can persist for up to two months, but by this point, most patients will appear like themselves again, just more refreshed.
How does Dr. Karam know how much fat to inject, and how much will I keep?
With experience from over 5,000 fat transfer cases, Dr. Karam determines volume based on each patient’s anatomy and degree of volume loss. He consistently errs on the side of underfilling to preserve natural results. On average, patients retain about 50% of the transferred fat, though retention can vary slightly.
When can I wear eye makeup?
Makeup may be worn 10 days after surgery. Incision lines should only be covered with breathable makeup, such as mineral-based products. If irritation occurs, such as redness, itching, or inflammation, discontinue use immediately.
Why is my vision slightly blurry?
Temporary blurriness is usually caused by the lubricating ointment placed in the eyes after surgery and resolves as the ointment clears.
How does Dr. Karam decide where to place incisions, and why is one side healing faster?
Incisions are placed within the natural upper and lower eyelid creases. Because natural creases can vary slightly between eyes, incisions may appear asymmetric initially. Surgical technique is identical on both sides; healing differences are normal and typically even out over time.
Why are skin pinch incisions placed low?
Skin pinch incisions are made in the inferior tarsal crease, the safest location for this procedure. Placing incisions higher could weaken the muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid, increasing the risk of lid malposition.
Will a brow lift change the shape of my eyes?
No. A brow lift is designed to gently elevate the outer portion of the eyebrow, without altering the eye shape. The goal is to reduce heaviness and create a smoother transition between the brow and facelift areas.
How long will my results last?
While aging continues, the surgical correction is permanent. Most patients remain satisfied with their results for 10–15 years, and the rate of aging is typically slower after surgery.
When should I start using sunblock?
Sunblock should begin 10 days after surgery, especially on incision lines. Zinc oxide (at least 9%) and octinoxate (7%) provide the most protection. Sun protection is particularly important during the first year to prevent incision discoloration.
Is there a risk of nerve damage?
No. Dr. Karam’s technique is specifically designed to avoid facial nerves.
Can I use scar gel to improve healing?
Yes. Medical-grade silicone scar gels, such as BioCorneum, may help support optimal incision healing.
How long do bruises last?
Bruising may appear yellow, green, or brown as it resolves; these colors indicate the healing process. Most bruises fade within days to weeks as the body reabsorbs them.
FAQs Eyelid Surgery
Why do I see rippling or bumps along the incision?
Temporary rippling or small bumps occur due to swelling around sutures. These typically begin to smooth out once the sutures are removed at one week and continue to improve over several weeks to months.
When will eyelid incisions heal?
Eyelid skin heals exceptionally well. Incisions often look most noticeable between weeks 2–6, then steadily improve over several months, continuing to refine for up to one year.
When can I wear eye makeup?
Makeup may be worn after 10 days, using only breathable formulations. Discontinue if irritation occurs.
Why is my vision blurry?
This is typically caused by postoperative eye lubrication and resolves on its own.
Why are skin pinch incisions placed low?
Placing incisions in the inferior tarsal crease protects eyelid support muscles and minimizes the risk of lid retraction.
FAQs Vertical Restore®
What distinguishes the Vertical Restore approach from a traditional facelift?
Vertical Restore is built on a deep plane technique that repositions underlying facial structures vertically, rather than pulling skin laterally. This approach restores natural facial support and contours while avoiding the tight or “pulled” look often associated with traditional facelifts.
How does Vertical Restore compare to a mini facelift?
A mini facelift typically targets limited areas of laxity and does not address deeper structural aging. Vertical Restore is a comprehensive procedure that treats the midface, jawline, neck, and lateral brow using a deep-plane approach, making it more suitable for patients seeking durable, balanced rejuvenation.
Why is Vertical Restore always combined with fat transfer?
Facial aging involves both laxity and volume loss. Vertical Restore® corrects sagging tissues, while fat transfer restores volume using the patient’s own fat. Performing them together ensures balance and longer-lasting results, rather than addressing only one component of aging.
How is Vertical Restore® different from Vertical Prevent®?
Vertical Prevent is designed for patients with early signs of facial aging who want to intervene before more advanced changes develop. Vertical Restore is a more comprehensive procedure intended for patients with established changes in the midface, jawline, and neck. Both follow the same philosophy, but differ in timing and scope.
What can I expect in terms of recovery time?
Most patients take approximately 10–14 days away from work or social activities. Swelling improves significantly within the first two weeks and continues to improve over several months, with a gradual progression as healing progresses.
Will Vertical Restore leave visible scars?
Incisions are carefully placed within natural creases and hair-bearing areas to minimize visibility. While scars are permanent, they soften and fade over time and are typically difficult to detect once fully healed.
Is Vertical Restore different for men?
Yes. Male facial anatomy, hairline patterns, and aesthetic goals are carefully considered. Vertical Restore for men is designed to preserve masculine features, with incision placement and contouring tailored specifically to the male anatomy.
Can Vertical Restore be combined with eye procedures?
Yes. Vertical Restore is often paired with upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, skin pinch, or total eye rejuvenation to ensure the eyes align naturally with the refreshed contours of the rest of the face.
What role do procedures like a lip lift, neck lift, or hand fat transfer play?
These procedures may be added when appropriate to enhance balance and overall harmony. A lip lift restores youthful proportions, neck refinement improves contour, and hand fat transfer rejuvenates aging hands. Recommendations are always individualized.
How much does Vertical Restore cost, and what does pricing include?
Vertical Restore is a comprehensive investment that includes the surgical procedure, facial fat transfer, facility fees, and anesthesia. Exact pricing is discussed during consultation to ensure transparency and alignment with individual goals.
