When considering cosmetic or reconstructive plastic surgery every patient needs to be aware of the unpredictability of the healing process. Everyone heals differently. A competent plastic surgeon will inform his/her patient of the risks involved with their procedure and the possible need for a touch-up once the healing process has been completed.
Unpredictable scarring
While most patients will scar “well”, meaning that the final scar will be almost imperceptible, a small percentage will form abnormal scars that will require revision. This is one of the most common reasons for a touch-up. For example, a keloid scar may form, primarily in patients with darker skin tones, which will later need to be treated. Even in the absence of a keloid, occasionally a patient may dislike the color or thickness of the scar and will desire to improve its appearance through a touch-up. Whatever the reason, the patient must be informed that scar revision may be necessary after the surgery and that this would require another trip to the operating room.
Asymmetry & eyelid contour
Another common reason for touch-ups is the result of asymmetry. This is most often seen when procedures are undertaken on both sides of the face; for example, droopy eyelid surgery that is done to raise both upper eyelids. One eyelid may heal differently and end up higher than its counterpart. In this case, the patient must wait until the healing process has completed before deciding to embark on a touch-up operation. If asymmetry persists after a six-month period, the surgeon and patient can then consider the options for achieving a more pleasing result.
Occasionally, the contour of the eyelid may not satisfy the patient once the tissues have healed after a procedure. In this situation, a touch-up procedure may be the best option. It is imperative that the surgeon have a clear understanding of the patient’s expectations and that these are thoroughly discussed before re-entering the OR.
The right time for a touch-up
Tissues take time to heal. The outcome of a surgery will not be evident for two to three months making it unwise to reenter the operating room sooner. Although a patient may be anxious to correct an unwanted result, many a touch-up are prevented by simply giving tissues the necessary time to heal. Time allows for swelling of the tissues to disappear, and this is crucial before judging the result of the procedure. Not respecting the healing process will negatively affect the outcome of any revision and will prove counterproductive.
Costs associated with touch-ups in plastic surgery
In most cases, the surgeon will not charge a fee for re-intervention; however, the patient will be responsible for covering the costs of the facility and anesthesia, if necessary. To help minimize cost, your surgeon may perform the touch-up with local anesthesia. Any additionally incurred costs relating to a touch-up will be explained to the patient before the initial surgery.
Most importantly, your surgeon will be there with you along this process to make sure that the best result will be achieved.
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