As a minimally invasive cosmetic surgical procedure, dimpleplasty has received widespread attention in facial plastic surgery in recent years. It creates slight depressions in the cheeks to simulate natural dimples and enhance facial expression affinity and personality characteristics. However, although this operation is relatively simple, full communication with the doctor before the operation is still a key link to ensure postoperative satisfaction and safety. This article will systematically sort out the various contents that should be discussed in depth with the doctor before dimpleplasty, to help patients establish reasonable expectations, clarify surgical goals, and make comprehensive preparations before the operation.
1. Understand the types of procedures and the population they are suitable for
The first step in preoperative communication is to clarify the surgical method and your own adaptability.
Dimpleplasty is usually performed under local anesthesia. Common technical approaches include suturing and pulling through the oral mucosa to form adhesions. A small incision can also be used to adjust the fat tissue to form a permanent depression. The doctor needs to determine whether the patient is suitable for this operation based on the facial anatomy, skin thickness, soft tissue tightness, etc.
Issues that need to be discussed include:
① Whether you have the facial structure to form stable dimples;
② Whether there are any conditions that are not suitable for surgery, such as scarring, chronic oral inflammation, facial infection, etc.;
③ What path is used for surgical technique and its impact on aesthetics and function;
④. Are dimples permanent or temporary? Is there a possibility that they will be absorbed or become lighter?
2. Setting surgical goals and personalized design
The shape of the dimples should be coordinated with the individual's facial expression, and personal expectations should be expressed in detail during preoperative communication.
Different people have different aesthetic requirements for the size, depth, position, and number of dimples. Doctors will design surgical plans based on anatomical proportions, aesthetic standards, and the patient's specific needs.
Key communication points include:
① Do you want to have a unilateral or bilateral dimple?
② The location where the dimple is expected to appear (such as the junction of the zygomatic muscles, the lower outer corner of the mouth, etc.);
③ The requirements for the depth and shape of the dimples, whether they should be naturally shallow or more obvious;
④. Doctors need to assess the feasibility and risks of simulating the characteristics of a public figure;
⑤. Express your tolerance for changes in smile after surgery. Some people may have slight changes in expression after surgery.
Through the frontal expression movement test, the doctor will mark the optimal position of the dimple before the operation and assist in the design based on the facial dynamics.
3. Assessment of postoperative recovery period and risk of complications
Any plastic surgery has a recovery period and potential risks, so you should be fully informed before the surgery.
Although dimpleplasty is less invasive, complications such as swelling, pain, infection, hematoma, or asymmetric dimple position may occur. Clarifying the possible stages to be experienced after surgery before surgery can help establish rational expectations.
The doctor should tell you the following:
① The recovery period is usually 1 to 2 weeks, during which you should avoid laughing and strenuous exercise to prevent stretching;
② Whether the stitches need to be removed after surgery and whether there are oral wounds;
③ Whether special attention is needed in diet, such as avoiding irritating foods or hot drinks;
④. The dimples may be deeper in the early stage after surgery, and gradually become more natural in the later stage;
⑤. In a very small number of people, scar adhesions or persistent dimples may form due to individual tissue reactions.
Patients should talk to their doctor about proper care, such as using an antibiotic mouthwash to prevent infection and whether they need cold compresses or elevating their head to relieve swelling.
4. Inform your personal health status and medical history
Comprehensive disclosure of personal health information is an important part of preoperative safety assessment.
Certain medical histories or medications may affect the surgical process and postoperative recovery. You should truthfully inform your doctor of all health-related conditions before surgery.
Information that should be highlighted includes:
① Whether there are chronic underlying diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hemorrhagic disease, etc.;
② Whether there is oral disease, history of gingival bleeding, or recent dental treatment history;
③ Whether the patient is allergic to anesthetics, antibiotics or suture materials;
④. Whether you have a scar-prone constitution, a constitution that is susceptible to infection, or a history of facial skin allergies;
⑤. Are you taking anticoagulants, hormone drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.?
Based on this, doctors can determine the risks of surgery and develop a personalized plan, such as coordinating assessments with the dentistry and anesthesiology departments when necessary.
5. Clarify the postoperative effect and repair expectations
Preoperative communication also needs to clarify the sustainability of the postoperative effect and the room for adjustment.
Some dimple formation surgeries are "reversible", that is, the prosthesis or suture structure can release adhesions and restore its original appearance at a certain stage after the operation; some are permanent structures and the repair is relatively complicated. Therefore, before the operation, it is necessary to clarify whether you accept the possibility that the postoperative effect cannot be completely reversed.
Key communication points include:
① If the effect is not satisfactory, can the position or depth of the dimples be adjusted?
②Whether there are new injuries or traces during the repair period;
③ Is it possible that the dimples gradually become shallower or even disappear?
④ If a second surgery is required, what will the surgical procedure, cost and recovery time be?
Doctors should also show patients comparison cases before and after surgery to help them establish scientific cognition and reduce psychological gap after surgery.
6. Signing the Informed Consent Form and Taking Preoperative Records
After sufficient communication, the doctor needs to guide the patient to sign the informed consent form to confirm that both parties have a consistent understanding of the surgery.
At the same time, preoperative photographs or dynamic video records are the basis for postoperative evaluation and also provide patients with objective reference standards.
Please check the following information again before signing:
① Whether all surgical steps and intraoperative operation methods have been understood;
② Whether the patient understands and accepts the postoperative recovery period and possible changes;
③ Whether the patient voluntarily chooses the procedure and excludes any coercion from others;
④ Whether to retain surgical records for medical review or personal comparison.
Patients should also keep relevant medical documents and communication records for postoperative follow-up.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
As one of the delicate cosmetic surgeries, dimpleplasty is less invasive, but the details that affect facial expressions and image are very important. Therefore, preoperative communication with the doctor is not only a confirmation of the procedure, but also a process of establishing aesthetic consensus. It is recommended that patients choose a regular medical institution and have experienced professional physicians perform the operation. They should also be fully prepared before the operation, including understanding their own situation, clarifying postoperative goals, managing psychological expectations, and performing postoperative care. Only by making wise choices under professional guidance can a more coordinated, beautiful, and safe postoperative effect be achieved.