SOOF Lift


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Member - American Society of Plastic Surgeons

SOOF Lift

SOOF Lift
Are You A Good Candidate
Meeting With The Doctor
How The Procedure Is Performed
What To Expect After Surgery
Possible Side Effects And Risks
How Long Will The Results Last
Questions You May Have

SOOF Lift
A SOOF lift is a surgical procedure to raise the fat pad under the eye in order to rejuvenate the mid-face and eye area for a softer, more youthful appearance. SOOF stands for suborbicularis oculi fat and refers to the area at the top of each check. During the SOOF lift, the fat that has collected under the eye is repositioned and the cheek pad is lifted in order to reduce puffiness, smooth out the under eye area, and decrease lines and wrinkles at the top of your cheeks. There are two methods for performing a SOOF lift: either through an external eyelid incision or through an incision inside the eyelid. Working with the experienced doctors and staff at The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery, you can determine which method is right for you and be assured of a safe and pleasing outcome.

Are You A Good Candidate for a SOOF Lift?
A SOOF lift may be performed on both men and women as early as their late twenties to early thirties. If you would like a more youthful appearance for your mid-face area, are in generally good health, and have realistic expectations about the results of your SOOF lift, you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Meeting With The Doctor
Prior to scheduling your SOOF lift, you will have an extensive consultation with the doctors and staff at The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery. The goals of the consultation will be to evaluate your facial structure to determine if a SOOF lift is right for you and, if so, which method suits you best: the external eyelid incision or the internal eyelid incision. The doctor will thoroughly explain the procedure and its expected results and answer any questions you have. The type of anesthesia to be used, potential risks of the procedure, and cost and payment information will also be discussed. You will be asked to provide a medical history and to explain how you want your face to look after your SOOF lift.

The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery doctors and staff will:
� Review the various SOOF lift options with you
� Clearly discuss the potential risks of the procedure
� Outline in detail how the surgery is performed and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure
� Provide detailed cost and payment information
� Answer all your questions

You will be asked to provide:
� Details about your medical history
� A list of all medication you currently take including over the counter medications such as aspirin, vitamins, and herbal supplements
� Information regarding your tobacco and alcohol use

How The Procedure Is Performed
Your SOOF lift surgery will be performed at one of the region's premiere accredited outpatient-based surgical facilities: the Center for Ambulatory Surgery, Inc. (CASI) or the Washington Hospital Center, or at Sibley Memorial hospital. The surgery can be performed using either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation depending on what you and the doctor prefer. With general anesthesia, you will be completely asleep throughout the procedure. With local anesthesia, you will be lightly sedated and your face will be numbed. You will be awake, but will be relaxed and will feel no discomfort.

There are two methods for performing a SOOF lift. In the first method, the doctor makes a small incision on the outer surface of the lower eyelid. In the second method, the doctor makes a small incision on the inner surface of the lower eyelid. Once an incision is made in each eye area, the doctor, working through the incisions, repositions the fat that has collected under your eyes and then lifts each of your cheek pads and secures it with stitches. The cheek pad is the area at the top of each cheek under your eyes.

To complete the surgery, the doctor stitches the incisions closed, applies an ointment or lubricant to your eyes, and wraps a pressure garment over your eyes and around your head. This pressure garment is worn for the first several hours after your surgery.

What To Expect After Your Surgery
Activity When

Stitches Removed Four to Six Days After Surgery

Back to Work Two Weeks After Surgery

Driving As Soon as You Feel Comfortable

Strenuous Activity Six Weeks After Surgery

Fading of Scars Several Months to One Year

Immediately After Your Surgery
In most cases, SOOF lift surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and you go home shortly after the surgery. You may be sleepy from the anesthesia and the surgical area will be sore and swollen so you will need to have someone drive you home. Once you go home, you may want to have someone stay with you for the first few days. Pain medication will be prescribed to alleviate as much post-surgery pain as possible. You can remove the pressure garment that was placed over your eyes within three to four hours of your surgery.

The First 24 to 48 Hours After Your Surgery
You may experience some numbness and temporary discomfort in the area of your surgery; however, your discomfort level will improve rapidly after the first two days. Pain around your incisions is usually mild, but can be controlled with prescribed medication if necessary. There may also be swelling and bruising in the lower eyelid region; this is normal and will disappear gradually over the first few weeks.

You will take antibiotics to help reduce the risk of infection and you will be instructed on how and when to apply any prescribed eye ointment. If an incision was placed outside the lower eyelid, your stitches will be removed within four to six days of your surgery. If an incision was placed inside your lower eyelid, dissolvable sutures were most likely used.

The First Two Weeks After Surgery
Most patients are back to work within two weeks of surgery, even sooner in some cases. You will notice a gradual improvement in your comfort level during the first few weeks after your surgery. You may also notice:

� Mild to moderate bruising in the area of the incisions. This bruising will gradually disappear within the first two weeks after surgery, with most of the bruising disappearing within a month.
� Swelling that affects the eyes and cheeks. Most of the swelling will disappear within about a week of your SOOF lift.
� Itching as a result of the healing of the nerves near your incisions. This feeling may take up to six months to disappear completely.

Resuming Your Normal Routine
Everyone heals at different rates and you are the best judge of when you are ready for certain activities, but the following are general guidelines:

� You can most likely return to work or school within two weeks after your surgery.
� You can resume driving as soon as you feel comfortable doing so.
� You can most likely return to your physical exercise program within six weeks of your SOOF lift, being careful to protect your cheek area. Our patients are encouraged to plan an exercise program and discuss it with the staff prior to resuming exercise.
� Most of the visible signs of your surgery should fade within about three weeks.
� Prolonged exposure to heat and sun should be limited for several months.

Things To Be Aware Of After Your Surgery
� You may experience a loss of sensation or numbness in the area of your surgery. This is entirely normal and may take several months to disappear.
� You may notice an itching or tingling sensation in the surgical area. This feeling is a result of the healing of the nerves in the area and will go away within several months of your procedure.
� The final results of your surgery may not be realized for several months due to subtle swelling of the cheeks.

What Are Possible Side Effects or Risks?
All surgical procedures have some degree of risk; however, major complications from SOOF lift surgery are unusual. During your initial consultation with the doctors and staff of The Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery, your individual risks will be assessed and discussed. As with any surgery, you can help reduce the risks by closely following the pre and post-surgery instructions provided to you. And the doctors and staff of the Institute will be with you every step of the way to ensure a safe and pleasing outcome.

Most likely risks include the following.
� Infection
� Lower eyelid pulling down (ectropion)
� Prolonged swelling
� Scarring
� Numbness

How Long Will the Results of Your SOOF Lift Last?
SOOF lift surgery can provide you with a more youthful and rested appearance. These results generally last between five to ten years and longer in many cases. It is important to keep in mind that the effects of aging and gravity will continue to affect your mid-face area.

Questions You May Have
� Are there other procedures that could be done along with SOOF lift surgery to enhance the overall appearance of my face?
A SOOF lift is often performed in conjunction with a facelift to provide a smoother, more youthful look to the face. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can also be performed to reduce the amount of skin overhanging into the eyelid area. Botox injections are a non-surgical alternative that may temporarily reduce the amount of lines and fullness in your upper cheek region.

� Will my insurance coverage pay for my SOOF lift?
SOOF lift surgery is considered cosmetic surgery and, therefore, is not covered by insurance. You are responsible for the full payment of the procedure. Cost and payment information will be fully discussed with you during your initial consultation.

� Are there alternatives to SOOF lift surgery?
Botox injections are a non-surgical alternative to a SOOF lift. These injections can reduce or eliminate puffiness and lines in the upper cheek region by blocking the nerve impulses to temporarily paralyze the muscles that cause wrinkles. Meticulous, doctor-directed skin care may also help improve the tone, texture, and occasionally the contour of your facial skin. Laser resurfacing and chemical peels may also provide a less invasive option to surgery.