FAQ

All surgery creates scars, but incisions are carefully planned and placed as discreetly as possible. Depending on the procedure, scars may be hidden in natural creases, along the hairline, around the areola, beneath clothing, or in other less noticeable areas. Scars are usually more visible early on and fade gradually over several months. Healing varies from person to person, and scar care instructions will be reviewed as part of your recovery plan.

Plastic surgery is generally safe when performed by a qualified surgeon in an appropriate medical setting. However, all surgical procedures carry some degree of risk, including bleeding, infection, delayed healing, scarring, numbness, or asymmetry. During consultation, Dr. Valnicek will review the risks that apply to your specific procedure. Healthy lifestyle choices, avoiding smoking, and following pre- and post-operative instructions can help reduce risk and support healing.

Initial improvement is usually visible once swelling and bruising begin to settle, often within two to three weeks. However, facial tissues continue to heal and refine over several months. Final results depend on the procedure, but subtle changes in swelling, firmness, and scar appearance can continue well beyond the early recovery period.

A facelift addresses sagging in the lower face, jawline, and neck. It can improve jowls, loose neck skin, and loss of definition along the lower face. A brow lift focuses on drooping brows and forehead heaviness. Both procedures are intended to create a more rested, refreshed appearance rather than a dramatically different look.

Results typically last many years, although the natural aging process continues. A healthy lifestyle, good skin care, sun protection, and avoiding smoking can help support longer-lasting results. The goal is not to freeze the face in time, but to restore a more youthful and balanced appearance that continues to age naturally.

Incision placement depends on the procedure. For facial surgery, incisions are often hidden along the hairline, around the ears, within eyelid creases, under the nose, or in other natural contours. Dr. Valnicek carefully plans incision placement to make scars as discreet as possible while still allowing the procedure to be performed effectively.

Eyelid surgery can address excess upper eyelid skin, puffiness, under-eye bags, and a tired or heavy appearance around the eyes. Upper eyelid surgery can make the eyes look more open and rested. Lower eyelid surgery can improve puffiness, skin laxity, and under-eye fullness, depending on the patient’s anatomy.

Not always. In some cases, excess upper eyelid skin can interfere with vision or create heaviness that affects daily comfort. When eyelid surgery is performed for functional reasons, the goal is to improve both vision-related concerns and the overall appearance of the eyes.

Eyelid surgery scars are usually very discreet once healed. Incisions are placed within natural eyelid creases or just below the lash line, depending on the procedure. Scars may be more noticeable early in healing but typically fade well over time because eyelid skin is thin and usually heals favourably.

A lip lift shortens the distance between the upper lip and the base of the nose. This can increase the visible height of the upper lip and improve facial balance. Unlike fillers, which add volume, a lip lift changes the position and proportion of the upper lip. It can be helpful for patients who want a more permanent change in lip shape.

Lip fillers add temporary volume. A lip lift repositions the upper lip to improve shape, visibility, and proportion. Some patients benefit from one approach, while others may use both. In certain cases, a lip lift may be combined with fat grafting to add softer, more natural volume.

The incision is usually placed just under the base of the nose, where it can heal discreetly. As with any surgery, scar quality varies from person to person. Some patients may heal with a small crease or a slightly thicker scar, which may require additional scar care to optimize the final appearance.

Facial resurfacing is used to improve skin texture, tone, fine lines, sun damage, and certain types of scarring. It works by stimulating new skin growth and collagen production. It can be used on its own or as part of a broader facial rejuvenation plan, depending on the patient’s goals and skin quality.

Rhinoplasty can refine the size, shape, symmetry, and proportion of the nose. It may address concerns such as a dorsal hump, nasal width, tip shape, asymmetry, or overall balance with the face. In some cases, rhinoplasty can also improve breathing when structural issues are present.

Rhinoplasty can affect breathing, which is why nasal structure is carefully assessed during consultation. If functional concerns are present, surgery may actually improve airflow. Temporary congestion and internal swelling are common after rhinoplasty and may affect breathing during early recovery. This usually improves as swelling settles.

Most patients describe rhinoplasty recovery as uncomfortable rather than severely painful. Pressure, congestion, swelling, and bruising are usually more noticeable than sharp pain. Discomfort is managed with post-operative instructions and appropriate medication when needed.

The goal of rhinoplasty is a natural result that suits your facial proportions. Modern rhinoplasty focuses on refinement, balance, and function rather than creating an artificial or overly dramatic look. Dr. Valnicek may use 3D simulation software to help patients discuss the degree of change they are hoping for and better understand what may be realistic.

Breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime, but they do not need to be replaced automatically after a set number of years. Replacement may be recommended if there are complications, rupture, capsular contracture, changes in breast appearance, or if the patient wants a different size or style.

A breast lift reshapes and repositions the breasts to sit higher on the chest. It addresses sagging, stretched skin, and downward-pointing nipples. A lift does not significantly increase breast volume. Patients who want more fullness, especially in the upper breast, may consider combining a lift with implants.

A breast lift does not usually remove much breast tissue, but the breasts may look slightly smaller because the shape is tighter, lifted, and more compact. Some patients may fit a smaller cup size after a lift, even when minimal tissue has been removed, simply because the breast position and shape have changed.

Not necessarily. Some patients are happy with a lift alone, especially if they already have enough natural breast volume. Implants may be recommended when a patient wants more fullness, projection, or upper pole volume. This is reviewed during consultation based on your anatomy and goals.

Breast lift results are long-lasting, but the breasts will continue to change with age, gravity, pregnancy, weight changes, and skin quality. Maintaining a stable weight and wearing supportive bras can help preserve the result as much as possible.

Breast lift scars depend on how much lifting is needed. Incisions may be placed around the areola, vertically down the lower breast, and sometimes along the breast crease. Scars are part of breast lift surgery, but they usually fade over time and are placed to be as discreet as possible.

Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to create smaller, lighter, and more proportionate breasts. The procedure can improve comfort, posture, clothing fit, and physical activity. It also reshapes and lifts the breasts as part of the reduction.

Yes. Many patients experience relief from back, neck, shoulder, and bra strap discomfort after breast reduction. Results vary, but reducing the weight of the breasts often improves daily comfort and makes exercise or physical activity easier.

Breast asymmetry may be corrected with implants, a lift, reduction, fat grafting, or a combination of techniques. Sometimes one breast requires a different approach than the other. The goal is to improve balance in size, shape, position, and proportion.

Yes. Mild breast asymmetry is very common. Most people have some difference between the two sides. Surgery may be considered when the difference is more noticeable or affects confidence, clothing fit, or breast shape.

In many cases, yes. The surgical plan depends on the degree of asymmetry, the patient’s anatomy, and the desired result. Some complex cases may require staged treatment or future refinement, but this will be discussed during consultation.

No two natural breasts are perfectly identical, even after surgery. The goal is improved balance and symmetry, not mathematical perfection. Small differences in shape, position, or healing are normal and expected.

No. A tummy tuck is not intended for weight loss. It is best suited for patients who are already near a stable, healthy weight. The procedure improves contour, skin laxity, and muscle separation, but it does not replace weight loss or a healthy lifestyle.

Abdominal muscle separation, known as diastasis recti, can happen after pregnancy, significant weight changes, or due to genetics. When the muscles stretch apart, the abdomen may appear rounded or weakened even when a patient is otherwise fit.

The incision is usually placed low on the abdomen, often from hip to hip, so it can be hidden beneath underwear or swimwear. Scar length depends on the amount of skin that needs to be removed and the surgical plan required to achieve the best contour.

A Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, uses a patient’s own fat to enhance the shape and volume of the buttocks. Fat is removed with liposuction, purified, and transferred to the buttocks. The procedure can improve body proportion by contouring donor areas while adding volume where desired.

Fat is typically taken from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, back, or hips through liposuction. The available donor fat depends on the patient’s body type and whether there is enough suitable fat to safely transfer.

BBL results can be long-lasting, but some of the transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed by the body during the first few months. The fat that survives the healing process can remain long term, provided weight remains relatively stable.

Significant weight loss or gain can affect BBL results because transferred fat behaves like normal fat. Maintaining a stable weight is important for preserving shape and volume after surgery.

Liposuction removes localized fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. It is used to improve contour and proportion, not to create major weight loss. Common treatment areas include the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, back, chin, hips, and other areas where stubborn fat collects.

No. Liposuction is a body sculpting procedure, not a weight loss procedure. It works best for patients who are close to a stable weight but have specific areas of fat that do not respond well to lifestyle changes.

Liposuction can commonly treat the abdomen, flanks, thighs, hips, arms, back, chin, and neck. The best treatment areas depend on skin quality, fat distribution, and whether the skin is likely to contract well after fat removal.

Fat cells removed during liposuction do not grow back. However, remaining fat cells can still expand if a patient gains weight. Stable weight, healthy eating, and regular activity help maintain results.

An arm lift removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms. It is often used to improve loose or hanging skin sometimes referred to as “bat wings.” The procedure can create a firmer and more defined arm contour, especially after weight loss or age-related skin laxity.

Loose upper arm skin is commonly caused by aging, genetics, and significant weight loss. When skin has lost elasticity, exercise may improve muscle tone but usually cannot tighten loose skin on its own.

The incision usually runs along the inside or back of the upper arm, depending on how much skin needs to be removed. The scar is planned to be as discreet as possible, but arm lift surgery does involve a visible scar that fades gradually over time.

The consultation process includes a careful discussion of goals, expectations, anatomy, and what surgery can realistically achieve. This helps reduce misunderstandings before surgery. It is also important to allow enough time for swelling to settle and healing to progress. If concerns remain after recovery, they can be reviewed. Revision surgery may be an option in some cases, but it depends on the concern, tissue quality, healing, and whether further surgery is likely to improve the result.