With the increasing number of aesthetic clinics established around the country, cosmetic procedures such as eyelid lifts and lip fillers are becoming more popular. If you’ve been considering eyelid surgery but can’t find any resources for Filipinas, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this procedure here.

Is eyelid surgery a major surgery?

Eyelid surgery is a type of cosmetic surgery that repairs your eyelids, commonly used to replace sagging skin on the eyelids with a more rejuvenated and youthful look. And yes, it’s major surgery! 

The skin surrounding our eyes is very delicate. In order to perform surgery around the eyes, incisions are made by the surgeon either on your crease or your lower lash line. This will depend if it’s an upper or lower eyelid surgery.

What is the difference between blepharoplasty and upper eyelid surgery?

Blepharoplasty is the medical term for eyelid surgery, so they are the same thing. Some beauticians call this an eyelift or an eyelid lift as well.

Why do people get eyelid surgery?

There are multiple reasons people get cosmetic eyelid surgery. After all, an eyelid lift can do a subtle yet effective change in one’s appearance. However, most patients claim to have had eyelid surgery for these benefits:

1. They get an eyelid lift to maintain a youthful, less tired look

Sagging skin and fine wrinkles in the area surrounding our eyes are prominent signs of aging, which could be repaired by an eyelift. 

2. An eyelid lift can be paired with other cosmetic surgeries

In some cases, a brow lift is incorporated to give a more natural contour to the eye area.

3. To help with impaired vision caused by sagging upper eyelids.

Oftentimes, loose skin creates folds that can obstruct our line of vision. If you suffer from this situation, getting eyelid surgery will tighten the upper lids, clearing your line of sight.

4. To remove excess skin or muscle

If you have extra weight on your upper eyelids it may cause you to look lazy or angry. This can be removed through upper eyelid surgery.

5. To remove “bags” under the eyes

Extra skin on the lower eyelid creates “bags” under our eyes, often making you look sleepless and tired. Lower eyelid surgery can remove this excess skin. Some people have it either on the upper or lower eyelid, depending on their reasons. But patients may also opt for both upper and lower eyelids.

6. Recovery is quicker

Recovery isn’t that bad compared to other procedures such as eyelid filler injections. It only takes a few weeks at most! The stitches will last about a week and it is common to experience swelling and/or bruising on the area surrounding the eye the first few weeks after surgery.

Is it worth getting eyelid surgery on your upper eyelids?

A lot of patients claimed their Blepharoplasty was worth the cost and results. Of course, every patient and surgeon is different, and results vary. Remember to do proper research on cosmetic eyelid surgery before coming to a conclusion. Ideally, you must have a realistic list of the pros and cons of eyelid surgery. 

It’s also best to get a procedure done by someone who is a member of the Philippine Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (PAPRAS) or the Philippine Society for Cosmetic Science (PSCS). These governing bodies are similar to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in the US.

The best way to know if it is worth it is if you consult your surgeon about whether you are an ideal candidate for a blepharoplasty.

What are the cons of eyelid surgery?

The side effects 

Like every other cosmetic surgery, swelling and bruising are expected side effects. Dry eyes or irritation might also occur, however, all of these last a couple of weeks and are usually mild.

Plastic surgeons aren’t perfect

Sometimes a surgical procedure can be overdone. Make sure your surgeon is qualified and can achieve desired results. You can do further research on trusted surgeons such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Aging doesn’t stop there

Simple maintenance is still required post-surgery, even if you have achieved your youthful look. Wear sunscreen and avoid nicotine.

What To Expect During the Cosmetic Surgery Procedure

Eyelid surgery typically takes about 2 hours, although it depends if you’re getting one on your upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. Your surgeon will most likely use local anesthesia with oral sedation, or if you are having it done at a hospital or surgical center, you will most likely be given a general anesthesia alternative such as an IV sedation.

If you’re getting it done on all four eyelids, the surgeon usually starts with the upper lids first. 

Upper Eyelid Procedure

To start, they will cut along the natural lines of your upper lid and will separate the skin from the tissue underneath. They will then remove the excess fat through this cut (in some cases, muscle might be removed).

Next, the surgeon will close those cuts with tiny little stitches, which will stay for about 6 days during recovery.

Lower Eyelid Procedure

For the lower lids, several techniques can be used by the surgeon. 

One method involves the surgeon making a cut inside your lower lid to remove the excess fat. This cut won’t be visible and doesn’t require stitches post-surgery. The lines can be softened using a C02 or erbium laser.

In another method, a cut is made along your eyelash margin. Through this cut, the surgeon can remove extra skin, loose muscle, and fat. The lines fade after a while post-surgery.

Next, after either of the procedures, you may opt for laser skin resurfacing.

Blepharoplasty Aftercare

After the procedure, you will be put in the recovery room in which an ointment will be applied to your eyes, and covered with a cold compress. You might notice the following normal side effects:

• Blurry vision
• Light sensitivity
• Dry eyes
• Watery eyes

The first night after surgery, put cold compresses on your eyes and sleep with your head raised. It is important to not raise your blood pressure as much as possible while recovering.

Keep in mind the following DOs and DON’Ts:

1. DON’T do activities and movements that raise blood pressure such as bending, lifting, and sports.
2. DO keep activity and movement to a minimum for the first 3-5 days.
3. DON’T do anything strenuous for 2-3 weeks.
4. DON’T read or watch television for the first 2-3 days.
5. DO keep your eyes comfortable; keep moist with eye drops, and wear dark sunglasses.
6. DON’T wear contact lenses for 2-3 weeks.

Your doctor should give you more detailed instructions for proper recovery.

Final Note

Eyelid surgeries are widely popularized among Asian countries, and we’re no exception to the hype.

If you are an ideal candidate for it, then you can go ahead and discuss it with a surgeon. However, if you are doubting the pros and cons, it’s best you take your time to identify what you truly need. Maybe you’ll realize your eyelid skin isn’t the problem and just needs to be shown some appreciation! 

Either way, as long as the pros outweigh the cons, then you should go ahead and do it if you want, considering you are capable of recovery and aftercare that comes with it. 

Back in 2020, singer Angeline Quinto made headlines after admitting to having undergone plastic surgery, even calling herself a “proud retokada”. The said procedures were eyelid surgery, botox, a nose job, cheek fillers, and a breast reduction. 

In 2017, Xander Ford became viral for an even more drastic change. Formerly known as Marlou, a then-member of Filipino boy band Hasht5, Xander shocked Filipino audiences with a full transformation that rendered him unrecognizable post-surgery. He became the subject of both praise and criticism.

These two aren’t the only local celebrities who publicized their procedures. Nowadays, you’ll find a lot of local celebrities willing to divulge their “Salamat, Doc!” moments, as one article aptly put it. 

But even though we’re following the footsteps of Hollywood and Korea where such procedures are normalized, the Philippines is still rife with conservative audiences who discriminate against those who have–or are rumored to have–undergone plastic surgery, leading to the majority of celebrities keeping their beauty secrets under wraps.

The question is, should plastic surgery should be normalized in the first place? In this blog, we take a deep dive into the world of nips, tucks, and Botox to explore how and why it’s becoming a phenomenon.

What is Plastic Surgery?

Contrary to what the name implies, plastic surgery doesn’t actually mean injecting your face and body with plastic parts. It also doesn’t mean plastic in the sense of “fake” or “artificial.”

The term plastic surgery actually comes from the Greek word plastikos, which means to give form or to mold. 

It’s defined as a “surgical specialty involved with both the improvement in a person’s appearance and the reconstruction of facial and body tissue defects caused by illness, trauma, or birth disorders,” according to the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Plastic surgery can be used to correct things like a broken nose. However, this type of “corrective” plastic surgery isn’t really debated – people don’t tend to moralize fixing a broken leg. It’s cosmetic surgery that causes a lot of uproar; simply altering your appearance for appearance’s sake is often dubbed as shallow or unnecessary.

But with our appearance constantly being put on a lens because of social media, it’s hard not to scrutinize every part of our body too. Before, you’d only see celebrities or the ultra-wealthy delve into nips and tucks. Now, it’s a lot of people, even those who don’t work in showbiz. 

Why Do People Get Plastic Surgery?

It boosts self-esteem

Perhaps the most common reason for cosmetic surgery is the boost of self-esteem. Think of the last time you got a really flattering haircut, though the change is only physical, you feel much better about yourself. A positive self-image and attitude can lead to an overall happier life.

Adversely, when you’re insecure about an aspect of your appearance, it can cause you to lose self-confidence, socialize less, and even undergo bouts of anxiety or depression. Fixing that part of your appearance can reduce these negative feelings, and getting plastic surgery is one solution.

Unlike a haircut, plastic surgery also has permanent and/or lasting effects, so you won’t have to do repeat procedures. Instead, you’ll have that ideal nose or those sculpted cheekbones for a long time.

It’s More Affordable and Accessible Than Ever

Plastic surgery, although often considered inferior because it deals with external appearances, is still a highly specialized branch of medicine. Plastic surgeons undergo years of education and training in order to perform their work, so it makes sense that procedures are expensive.

However, clinics now are much more affordable than they used to be, making room for people of any socioeconomic status to avail of their procedures. But it’s important to note that many of the “cheap” or affordable clinics may not have licensed plastic surgeons, and we highly advise those who consider getting it to go to a certified professional, even if it means paying a higher price!

There’s also less stigma around it

If you closely follow Hollywood actors and actresses, you’ll know that plastic surgery has been normalized a long time ago in the United States. It’s not just A-listers, either, but lifestyle influencers, YouTubers, you name it. Korea is also widely known for its affordable cosmetic procedures that many public figures like K-pop idols and actresses sport.

It’s less publicized in the Philippines, but as more local celebrities and public figures are opening up about their nips and tucks, I believe it will only be a matter of time before the stigma starts to dissipate. After all, we’ve normalized non-invasive cosmetic procedures like thermage and Ultherapy from the highly popular Belo Clinic.

Social media’s influence

Social media is often to blame for a lot of self-esteem issues. Not only does it expose us to a carousel of seemingly perfect people, it also encourages us to hyper-focus on physical appearance. With our phone cameras pretty much becoming an extension of our hands, we’re more inclined to overthink every little detail of our appearance because we want to look our best selves on the ‘gram.

We’re also exposed to a lot of influencers and celebrities on social media, which can make us compare ourselves to a higher and often unrealistic standard of beauty. There’s no doubt that this can amplify our insecurities and lead more people to consider getting plastic surgery in order to fit in with the norm.

Is Plastic Surgery Good or Bad?

So, is plastic surgery a bad thing? Not necessarily. For many people, an improved appearance can drastically change their quality of life. Their self-confidence is transformed and they have a better attitude towards themselves, which can reduce feelings of depression or anxiety.

While the ideal is to create a world that doesn’t place a human being’s value and worth on their physical appearance, we can’t deny that how we look influences how other people perceive us. So, in a way, plastic surgery can actually improve people’s lives.

Our society still has a long way to go with destigmatizing plastic surgery. We have to understand that each person has a right to do what they please with themselves, because, well, it’s their body, not ours. Imagine if a complete stranger walked up to you while you were getting a haircut (to continue our analogy from earlier) and told you not to do it because it didn’t suit you. Weird, right?

That’s why I love it when local celebrities are open about these things and shut down any nasty comments.

On the other hand, plastic surgery shouldn’t be glorified, either. Even though there are plenty of happy endings, a lot of botched surgeries still happen. Sometimes people are disappointed with their results, which can exacerbate existing self-image issues.

There’s also a lot of deep-seated personal problems that people think can be solved by changing their appearance. Those who get plastic surgery to impress other people instead of doing it for themselves are also less likely to be satisfied with their results.

The above are just some of the things that could happen. Let’s take a look at other pros and cons of plastic surgery.

The Pros and Cons of Going Under the Knife

Pro: It can transform self-esteem

Like we’ve mentioned above, insecurities about aspects of our physical appearance can actually lead to a host of mental health problems. So, no, plastic surgery isn’t superficial. It can improve one’s quality of life. It can encourage people to socialize more. And, most importantly, it can transform a person’s self-confidence.

When we have a positive attitude towards ourselves, we are much more equipped to handle stress, conflicts, and challenges that come our way. Having our real appearance align with our ideal appearance can give us the boost we need to become the best version of ourselves inside and out.

Con: The psychological benefits aren’t guaranteed

It’s true that plastic surgery can provide psychological benefits, but they aren’t guaranteed. Those with severe cases of body dysmorphia have a chance of becoming addicted to plastic surgery, as their mental condition prevents them from ever having a realistic and healthy perception of their own body.

A high-profile example of this is Michael Jackson. While he was not confirmed to have been diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder, he was known for having undergone multiple cosmetic surgeries to the point where he looked unrecognizable from his former self.

Pro: It hides imperfections and signs of aging

Many women of a certain age prefer to get Botox or facelifts to hide wrinkles. These procedures are highly effective in preventing those signs of aging, hence their popularity.

Botox works by weakening the muscles in the area where it’s injected. The substance is a neurotoxin derived from naturally-occurring bacterium called the Clostridium botulinum. Although it’s toxic in high amounts, the powder used for Botox is mixed with saline solution.

Con: Plastic Surgery Can Look Obvious

Though effective, many plastic surgery procedures, like Botox, can look quite obvious. Because those muscles are weakened, you’ll probably won’t be able to move them as much. This loss of mobility and control gives the appearance of a stiff face. Other procedures, like cheekbone fillers, are also more apparent especially in people of a certain age.

Pro: It Can Alleviate Chronic Migraines

There is another upside to Botox that isn’t related to physical appearance: it can reduce migraines. Mayo Clinic has used Botox to treat thousands of patients who have experienced chronic migraine or severe headaches at least 15 days in a single month. While it’s not a cure, it’s certainly an effective treatment. Some patients only need an injection every few months to remedy their migraines, while others need additional treatment alongside it.

Con: There are complications to any surgery

Have you ever seen the show Botched? That show has seven whole seasons. That’s 118 episodes in total, with each episode following at least two cases of botched surgical procedures. While it may be fun to watch doctors remedy these mistakes, it just goes to show how easily and frequently a procedure could go wrong.

Final Note

It’s hard to put a verdict on the ethics of plastic surgery. Ultimately, while each person has the right to choose what they want to do with their own body, plastic surgery is not something to take lightly, nor should it be done for the wrong reasons.

If you’re someone who is considering it, make sure to do your research and look for a trusted clinic run by certified cosmetic surgeons. If you’re someone who has done it, we hope the experience was a positive one. Either way, we want to hear any thoughts and experiences you may have about the topic. Comment them below!

If you’re looking for other ways to change up your appearance, try contact lenses! We have a guide to help you choose the best color for your eyes and skin tone here.

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, most commonly known as a “nose job,” is one of the most popular types of cosmetic surgery in the world. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it even topped the list last 2020.

But what really is rhinoplasty? Whether you are considering having one or just plain curious, then this article is definitely a great read for you.

History of Rhinoplasty

According to medical history documents, rhinoplasty has been used for thousands of years. It started in ancient times due to their high regard for the nose as it symbolizes a person’s pride. Let’s see where it started and how it evolved into the rhinoplasty procedure that we know today.

Rhinoplasty in Egypt

The first documented rhinoplasty surgery was in Egypt in 3,000 BC. Ancient Egyptian doctors documented the procedure in hieroglyphics known as Ebers Papyrus but it is far from the nose job that we know today. The procedure was for reconstructing the people who have been punished with rhinectomy. The technique written in the ancient medical document has become a great groundwork for the evolution of rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty in India

In 500 BC, a doctor named Sushruta Samhita, who is now considered as the father of plastic surgery, created a technique that is still being used today called the “forehead flap rhinoplasty”, which uses the flap of skin in the forehead to create a new nose.

How the ancient practice spread throughout the world

The Roman Empire Era made a significant contribution to the progress of rhinoplasty by creating detailed medical documents such as  “De Medicina” authored by Aulus Cornelius Celsus and Synagogue Medicae or Medical Compilations created by royal physician Oribasius. 

The medical documents are significant for the progress of rhinoplasty as they go over how to avoid post-op facial distortion by avoiding loose sutures, cleaning exposed bones, removing damaged tissue, and avoiding infection. These documents were then translated and the knowledge has been spread to the rest of the world.

Surge of popularity of rhinoplasty

Traditionally rhinoplasty was only performed on people who had experienced rhinectomy or broken noses due to injury. In fact, there had been a surge in demand for nose jobs after World War  I & 2.  

It was only in 1887 that rhinoplasty nose surgery was used for cosmetic purposes.

A surgeon named John Orlando Roe, who is known for doing head and neck surgery, created a method called close rhinoplasty, wherein the incision is done inside the nose, thus hiding the stitches and making scars invisible. 

The first patient who received cosmetic surgery had agraphobia due to the insecurity of his large nose. After the nose reshaping surgery, the patient had an improvement in his quality of life. This marks a pivotal moment in the field of plastic surgery since a nose job can now be used for cosmetic reasons. This is also the first documented case that a surgical rhinoplasty can help with a person’s mental health.

The discovery of the cosmetic use of rhinoplasty nose eventually became part of fashion for the opulent. In the 1950s, a nose job was considered to be a stylish procedure only reserved for the rich and famous of the American society due to high rhinoplasty costs. It was only Hollywood stars and heiresses who can afford it.

Today, rhinoplasty is not just for the privileged and is now considered a common procedure that helps not just those with nose deformities but also the esteem of others who have insecurities that are rooted in their physical appearance.

What does Rhinoplasty do?

We now know how rhinoplasty nose surgery has evolved throughout the years, but at the present time, what does rhinoplasty do?

Rhinoplasty is a nose surgery procedure that reshapes the nose. It can be done to improve your appearance, correct a birth defect, or make it easier for you to breathe.

Plastic surgeons can do the following changes to your nose:

• Nose reshaping to improve breathing or form it to your desired shape
• Make the size of your nose smaller or bigger to enhance facial harmony
• Straighten crooked nose
• Fix broken nose
• Change the shape of the nose tip
• Narrow nose’s shape and nostrils

Oftentimes, rhinoplasty is confused with septoplasty. Septoplasty nose surgery focuses on correcting the inside structure of your nose, such as a deviated septum, to correct the nasal structures and improve nasal function. A deviated septum is a common cause of obstructed nasal passages and breathing impairment.

There are cases that plastic surgeons will do both rhinoplasty and septoplasty to achieve nasal symmetry, reshape nasal tips, and help those with difficulty breathing.

What is the best way to have a nose job?

If you are going under the knife, it is always the best idea to consult with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon or plastic surgeon. It is also good to know and consider the reason why you will undergo a rhinoplasty, so you know what kind of surgery you need.

Plastic Surgery 

Plastic surgery is defined as a surgical specialty that focuses on the reconstruction of deformities caused by birth defects, trauma, burns, and disease. Plastic surgery is reconstructive in nature and is meant to address malfunctioning aspects of the body.

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is part of the field of plastic surgery, but its purpose is to improve beauty and create facial balance. The procedure is more on the outside physical structure and will not have much to do with functionality. That’s why you can call cosmetic surgeons plastic surgeons but not vice versa.

So if you need a nose job, i.e. nose reshaping or resizing, to gain more confidence by getting a prettier looking nose, then you can go to a cosmetic surgeon. A plastic surgeon is what you need if the reason for your nose surgery is to correct breathing problems or fix the internal structure of your nose. 

Another thing to consider if you will be getting rhinoplasty is your age. Although, there is no written rule on what age you can have a nose job. Ideally, you should be at 18 years old since it is the time your facial growth is complete. Having surgery at a younger age may not give a more permanent outcome since your facial bone structure is still developing.

Lastly, since rhinoplasty is performed under anesthesia, you should advise your plastic surgeon of the current medications that you are taking. In some rare cases, certain medications can counter interact with the anesthesia and may cause an allergic reaction.

As with any other surgery, rhinoplasty should be done by a licensed surgeon and in an accredited facility with a registered anesthesiologist to ensure that you can be treated in case you have an adverse reaction to the anesthesia.

Basically, if you are careful in finding the right dermatologist for you, then you should also be meticulous in choosing your plastic surgeon.

How is Rhinoplasty Nose Surgery Performed?

The surgeon performs rhinoplasty with either local or general anesthesia. You’ll sleep through the procedure if you have general anesthesia and as for local anesthesia, you will be sedated with intravenous sedation and your nose will be numbed, so you will be unable to feel the pain.

For cases where there is a need for additional cartilage, it can be taken from the patient’s nasal septum. But surgeons can also use the cartilage grafted in other parts of the body such as rib cartilage or cartilage from the ear.

Since the procedure on how rhinoplasty is done depends on the patient’s need, the next part is about the different methods of rhinoplasty to give you a better idea of how the procedure is done.

Different Methods of Rhinoplasty

Open Rhinoplasty

To gain access to the internal nose, the surgeon incises the exterior skin between the nostrils, thus completely opening your nose. This method gives a lot of elbow room to your surgeon to work on your nose, which makes this method best for nose reshaping.

Closed Technique Rhinoplasty

The surgeon makes incisions from within the nostrils during a closed rhinoplasty so that the scars are not visible. Patients who do not require sophisticated straightening of the lower regions of the nose or complex work on the nasal tip can have this type of nose operation done. Thus, it is better for nose resizing than nose reshaping.

Rhinoplasty with fillers

This is the least invasive rhinoplasty treatment, in which a surgeon injects dermal fillers into the nose to reshape it. Because there are no incisions or stitches, some people don’t even consider it surgery and call this procedure a nonsurgical rhinoplasty.

This is popular among most patients who want to have a nose lift with less downtime and you can only experience swelling up to a week and the effects can last up to a year. The drawbacks of this operation are that fillers cannot reduce the size of the nose and eventually, will dissolve. Thus, it will not give you the same permanent outcome that surgery does.

What to Expect after a Nose Job

It will be uncomfortable but not painful

Since a nose job is an outpatient procedure, you will be immediately sent home after the procedure. Your surgeon will provide a long-acting numbing drug or prescribe pain medication, so you should only experience mild to moderate pain or discomfort. If you feel severe pain, then immediately tell your surgeon about it.

It will not look pretty for the first few weeks of recovery

Your nose will be covered by a bandage. To maintain the new shape of your nose and protect your nasal bones, either a plastic or plaster splint will be used.

Your surgeon will insert nasal packs in between your nostrils to decrease bleeding or a nasal drip pad to catch any blood that may leak from your nose. Within two days of operation, the packing and nasal drip pad will be removed. The splint will be taken away in about a week.

Expect that you will have stitches and staples due to the incisions. In most cases, stitches in your nose and mouth will dissolve on their own in a few days. If you have staples, your doctor will remove them within the first week of your recovery.

There will be lot of swelling

For a few weeks, your nose will be bruised and swollen, and there will be a big possibility that you will have black bruises around your eyes. Within two to three weeks, the majority of the swelling should subside but will take months for the swelling to completely go away. Patients are advised to keep the head elevated while sleeping to help reduce swelling faster. 

It will take time to go back to your normal activity

For obvious reasons, you will be advised to refrain from doing heavy physical activity including strenuous exercise during the first 4-6 weeks after surgery. But even small things such as blowing or rubbing your nose should be avoided for a minimum of 8 weeks. And if you love hot baths, then it is something that you need to sacrifice for the first phase of your recovery period, as well as attending social gatherings. You can do these things after 4 weeks when the swelling and bruising have already faded.

The Final Shape of your nose will not appear after the removal of your bandage

Unfortunately, the nose reveals in the movies are not the same in real life. The final shape of your nose will show after you had completely healed and this usually takes 6-12 months. If you feel that the tip of your nose was upturned or that you feel that it is not the shape or size that you want, you may want to wait for up until a year to decide if you would want to do a revision surgery.

How Long Does a Rhinoplasty last?

Some plastic surgeries do need an upgrade after a few months or years but not for rhinoplasty nose surgery. As long as you choose the right surgeon, your rhinoplasty will last a lifetime unless you want to do a revision surgery. So be sure to do your research first and choose a well-known surgeon with extensive experience and who uses advanced surgical techniques. 

Final Note

Whatever your reason may be to decide to go for rhinoplasty, I hope that this blog helped you gain more confidence and a better quality of life.