Multiple benign skin lesions, such as cysts, moles, skin tags, cysts and areas of discolouration may be removed or reduced with minor surgery or laser treatments. All such lesions are always examined carefully to ensure that there is no underlying malignancy (skin cancers, etc).
WHAT ARE MOLES, LESIONS, TAGS, CYSTS AND BLEMISHES?
A mole is any raised lesion, although many moles will be smooth, but lesions may be smooth or rough! Skin tags are benign growths from the epidermis and dermis. Cysts are fluid-containing lesions with clear or white fluid within them. Blemishes are generally red or brow lesions, sometimes caused by proliferating blood
vessels and at other times by pigment.
vessels and at other times by pigment.
“Well, the last time I had a picture taken I could hardly see my eyes because of the weight of heavy eyelid. Then I paid attention to how I was actually using my eyes and I really noticed when I was looking at anything especially the computer I was straining my forehead to see better. Since I have had it done I no longer have to lift the forehead and tilt my head to see. It is amazing! I love…” D. Rock 63 Yrs Old with Fat Droopy Eyes – Salt Lake City, UT
I NEVER HAD MOLES OR TAGS AND NOW LOOK AT ME…
We become like our parents! Over time, we all develop skin lesions. These are especially common on the neck, chest and back, but arms and legs may also be affected. Many of these lesions have romantic names like Campbell de Morgan spots, but look anything but romantic. Some moles will have hair growing from them, whilst others may be smooth. Often, patients will complain that some of these lesions become tender when pressure is applied to them. So back lesions may become tender because of weight being applied when sleeping. At other times, lesions
may rub on clothing (bra straps, etc).
may rub on clothing (bra straps, etc).
SHOULD I HAVE MOLES OR TAGS REMOVED?
If clinical examination does not show anything suspicious, there is no reason to have any of these lesions removed. If, however, they bother you cosmetically, one can have them removed safely. The choice should always be yours.
HOW ARE THESE MOLES AND LESIONS TREATED?
Under local anesthesia, a number of techniques may be used, ranging from the use of lasers to a scalpel to surgical scissors to electro-cautery to radiofrequency. The aim is always to use the modality that gives the best result with the least amount of scarring. Lasers may be used for some pigmented or vascular lesions. Chemical peels may be used for certain pigmented lesions.
HOW WILL MY SCARS LOOK?
By and large, the scars should look considerably better than the lesions removed. Small areas of pinkness
may persist for a few weeks, however.
may persist for a few weeks, however.
WHEN SHOULD I HAVE MOLES AND LESIONS REMOVED?
Small lesions are relatively simple to remove and repair. Larger lesions may require more extensive surgery and surgical flaps to repair the defects. Large cystic tumours may be deeper in the tissues and need sedation anesthesia.
If in doubt, ask and we will guide you.
If in doubt, ask and we will guide you.
“I had a excellent eye lift done by Dr. Patel. He knows what he is doing and is very pleasant. Dr.Patel was easy to get an appointment and he works with you. The office staff was very pleasant and made you feel calm.” D. Gull Highly recommended for eye lift surgery – Salt Lake City, UT
FAQs
WHAT KIND OF ANESTHESIA WILL BE USED?
Facelifts are performed in an operating theatre for the sake of sterility and your comfort. We have a team of anesthesiologists and nurses who are trained to specifically look after patients undergoing these procedures.
WHAT KIND OF ANESTHESIA WILL BE USED?
General anesthesia is best for facelifts, although in some instances, sedation anesthesia may also be used.
WHAT KIND OF SUTURES ARE USED?
With a 3-D procedure, there are several layer of sutures, accurately placed to give the lifting, tightening and filling, without leaving any tell-tale pull-lines. Some are slow dissolving sutures, others are more permanent. The skin sutures are generally removed between 7 and 14 days.
DO YOU USE LASERS FOR THIS SURGERY?
Lasers will be used to treat peri-oral lines, “sleep lines” on the cheeks and other skin irregularities. The advantage of using all the skills and modalities available to us, rather than performing quick or weekend or one-hour facelifts is that it allows us to give you a remarkable improvement not only in the structure and appearance of the face, but also the health and smoothness of the skin as seen here:
HOW LONG DOES THE SURGERY TAKE?
Facelift surgery can take between 3 and 5 hours of surgery time, depending upon the planned procedures, patient’s face-type, age and other factors.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON RISKS OF FACELIFTS?
Bruising and swelling are de rigeur! However, significant long-lasting complications are rare.
Bleeding is not common as we pay close attention to proper hemostasis. On rare occasions, a small hematoma may collect.
Everyone will experience some numbness in the face: this resolves over weeks to months. This occurs because of the dissection of the face. This is not a complication.
Because of the dissection and repositioning of the tissues, it is common for there to be small differences in the smile between the right and left sides: this is usually only noticeable to the patient and to Dr. Patel! It recovers over a few weeks.
All faces have asymmetry and there will be some degree of asymmetry. This is to be expected.
Permanent weakness of nerves and muscles is rare.
The scars are usually very well hidden. However, some patients may have a tendency to cause hypertrophic scarring: in such cases, certain lasers and treatments will help. By-and-large, scars are rarely a problem. With Caucasian skin, pinkness of scars is to be expected for several weeks. With darker skin, some hyperpigmentation may occur.
Bleeding is not common as we pay close attention to proper hemostasis. On rare occasions, a small hematoma may collect.
Everyone will experience some numbness in the face: this resolves over weeks to months. This occurs because of the dissection of the face. This is not a complication.
Because of the dissection and repositioning of the tissues, it is common for there to be small differences in the smile between the right and left sides: this is usually only noticeable to the patient and to Dr. Patel! It recovers over a few weeks.
All faces have asymmetry and there will be some degree of asymmetry. This is to be expected.
Permanent weakness of nerves and muscles is rare.
The scars are usually very well hidden. However, some patients may have a tendency to cause hypertrophic scarring: in such cases, certain lasers and treatments will help. By-and-large, scars are rarely a problem. With Caucasian skin, pinkness of scars is to be expected for several weeks. With darker skin, some hyperpigmentation may occur.
HOW MUCH BRUISING AND SWELLING WILL I HAVE?
Bruising around the jawline and upper neck is common for the first two weeks. The face itself usually will not get much bruising, but may be pink from any laser work. Swelling is to be expected because of the extent of the surgery: the swelling abates over about two weeks.
DOES INSURANCE COVER FACELIFTS?
Only if insurance will buy you a Rolls Royce (Phantom, of course).
HOW PAINFUL IS A FACELIFT?
A sensation of firmness will be there because of the swelling: this is present for the first few days. Most patients do not need prescription pain medication after the first two to three days.
ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS AND WHEN MAY I RETURN TO WORK?
We will provide you with a special neck dressing which you will wear as much as you can for the first couple of weeks. You will also apply a moisturizer (any brand will do) to the face as healing skin and lasered skin requires moisturizer. Icing the face also helps for the first two to three days. Many of our patients will ice the face for longer as it feels good. You may be up-and-about the day after surgery. Gentle exercise (treadmill and stationary bicycle) may be commenced by day 3. More vigorous exercise like skiing and tennis may be resumed by about day 10.
SHOULD I LOSE WEIGHT BEFORE MY FACELIFT?
Ideally, you should be within about 3 – 5 pounds of your desired weight. Whereas I can create the most beautiful angles and curves in slim patients, if you are able to get close to your ideal weight, we can wonders as can be seen in this patient who lost some weight before her surgery and is absolutely chuffed at her result:
In the first few days, everyone will experience some degree of dryness and blurry vision. You will also feel that your lids look a little tight on the outer corner where you will also feel some of the deeper sutures if you put your finger there: this is of no concern. The tightness and the bumps under the skin settle over a few weeks.
More serious complications which are very rare include excessive bleeding, hemorrhage and loss of vision.
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Contact Info
Dr. BCK Patel MD, FRCS
1025E 3300S
Salt Lake City, Utah 84106, USA
(801) 413-3599 (phone/text)
E-Mail: bckpatelmd@gmail.com
bckpatel.info
Dr. BCK Patel MD, FRCS
617 E Riverside Dr Suite 101
Saint George, UT 84790, USA
(435) 215-0014
E: drbckpatel@gmail.com
