Cosmetic Surgery Procedure Guides
Every question asked on AesthetiFact is published as a permanent, citable answer, organized by procedure and by the moment you are in: before surgery, after surgery, or comparing techniques. Each guide below leads to the full evidence review for that procedure.
Rhinoplasty
Nose reshapingRead the evidence guide →Facelift
RhytidectomyRead the evidence guide →Blepharoplasty
Eyelid surgeryRead the evidence guide →Breast Augmentation
Implants and fat transferRead the evidence guide →Tummy Tuck
AbdominoplastyRead the evidence guide →Liposuction
Body contouringRead the evidence guide →Gluteal Fat Grafting
Brazilian butt liftRead the evidence guide →Breast Lift
MastopexyRead the evidence guide →Breast Reduction
Reduction mammaplastyRead the evidence guide →Wondering whether a procedure fits your situation? Take a candidacy self-assessment.
Editor reviewed answers
Curated evidence answers with full editorial review.
ADo I really need to quit smoking before a tummy tuck?
Abdominoplasty · Pre-OpADoes tranexamic acid (TXA) reduce bruising and swelling after rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty · TechniqueBDrains or no drains after a tummy tuck: what does the evidence say?
Abdominoplasty · TechniqueBIs my nose still swollen three months after rhinoplasty? Is that normal?
Rhinoplasty · Post-OpBHow safe is a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) really?
Gluteal Fat Grafting · SafetyDDo lymphatic drainage massages after liposuction improve the final result?
Liposuction · Post-Op
Abdominoplasty · Pre-OpADoes tranexamic acid (TXA) reduce bruising and swelling after rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty · TechniqueBDrains or no drains after a tummy tuck: what does the evidence say?
Abdominoplasty · TechniqueBIs my nose still swollen three months after rhinoplasty? Is that normal?
Rhinoplasty · Post-OpBHow safe is a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) really?
Gluteal Fat Grafting · SafetyDDo lymphatic drainage massages after liposuction improve the final result?
Liposuction · Post-Op
The living library
Evidence answers generated from real questions, each grounded in cited peer-reviewed studies. Growing with every question asked.
CDo compression garments after liposuction improve the final result?
Evidence answerBIs dermal filler safe to use under the eyes?
Evidence answerCHow soon after a hair transplant can I wash my hair?
Evidence answerCCan you get a natural result from a deep plane facelift if you already have fillers in your face without dissolving them first?
Evidence answerCHow likely is a complication from a mommy makeover?
Evidence answerCWhat Does 'Low Bridge' Mean in Rhinoplasty?
Evidence answerCHow to tell if a surgeon is well-qualified for ethnic rhinoplasty
Evidence answerCWhen should I stop smoking before a facelift?
Evidence answerBHow long should I stop smoking before breast augmentation?
Evidence answerCWhat is the healing process like after a facelift?
Evidence answerBWhat are the risks of secondary (revision) rhinoplasty?
Evidence answerBCan rhinoplasty (a nose job) help me breathe better?
Evidence answerCIs lymphatic massage helpful after a facelift?
Evidence answerCDoes PDRN actually work for facial rejuvenation and skin improvement?
Evidence answerBCan I take bromelain after rhinoplasty to reduce bruising and swelling?
Evidence answerDDo exosomes before a hair transplant help with hair regrowth?
Evidence answerDDoes prior Sculptra or other filler treatment affect facelift surgery dissection?
Evidence answerBDoes older age increase the risk of complications from facelift surgery?
Evidence answerAWhat is the risk of capsular contracture with breast implants?
Evidence answerBSubmandibular Gland Reduction for Neck Contouring: What Patients Should Know
Evidence answerCWhat should I know about breast implants?
Evidence answerBIs FUE Hair Transplant Painful?
Evidence answerDHow can persistent swelling 4 years after rhinoplasty be addressed?
Evidence answerCDistorted or Botched Nostrils (Nares) After a Bullhorn Lip Lift: What Can Go Wrong and What Are Your Options?
Evidence answerCWhat can be done about a botched or unsatisfactory nare (nostril) reduction?
Evidence answerCWhat can be done about a botched nasal reduction (rhinoplasty gone wrong)?
Evidence answerBWhich supplements should I stop taking before surgery, and how far in advance?
Evidence answerCShould I take valacyclovir 500 mg before cosmetic surgery to prevent a herpes outbreak?
Evidence answerCCan I take acyclovir before cosmetic surgery to prevent a herpes outbreak?
Evidence answerBAre postoperative bras necessary after breast surgery?
Evidence answerCWhen is it safe to fly after cosmetic surgery?
Evidence answerBDoes a surgeon's board certification and the facility's accreditation affect complication rates?
Evidence answerCAre patients prone to keloids safe candidates for cosmetic surgery?
Evidence answerCShould I stop birth control or hormone replacement therapy before cosmetic surgery?
Evidence answerBDoes obstructive sleep apnea make elective cosmetic surgery under anesthesia riskier?
Evidence answerBDoes diabetes increase complications after elective cosmetic surgery?
Evidence answerBDo SSRIs and Other Antidepressants Increase Bleeding Risk During Cosmetic Surgery?
Evidence answerBDoes drinking alcohol before or after surgery increase bruising and slow healing?
Evidence answerCDoes cannabis use affect anesthesia or recovery from cosmetic surgery?
Evidence answerCIs vaping as risky as smoking before surgery, and are nicotine patches safe to use?
Evidence answerCWhat is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia after CoolSculpting and how common is it?
Evidence answerBDo antibiotics after cosmetic surgery actually prevent infection?
Evidence answerCHow long does numbness after cosmetic surgery last, and can it be permanent?
Evidence answerBHow common is seroma after body contouring surgery, and how is it treated?
Evidence answerCWhat is the risk of blood clots (DVT or pulmonary embolism) after cosmetic surgery, and how is it prevented?
Evidence answerBDoes Kybella (deoxycholic acid) work for a double chin, and how does it compare with liposuction?
Evidence answerBDoes PRP or PRF actually improve skin quality or hair growth?
Evidence answerCDo chemical peels work as well as lasers for wrinkles and pigmentation?
Evidence answerCWhat does the evidence say about double eyelid surgery outcomes and complications?
Evidence answerCIs Ptosis Repair Different from Upper Blepharoplasty, and How Do I Know Which One I Need?
Evidence answerBHow common is dry eye after blepharoplasty, and how long does it last?
Evidence answerCCan you get pregnant and breastfeed after a breast lift or breast reduction?
Evidence answerCCan breast asymmetry be fully corrected, and what are the options?
Evidence answerBHow is capsular contracture treated, and how often does it come back?
Evidence answerBHow Are Silent Breast Implant Ruptures Detected, and How Often Should Implants Be Imaged?
Evidence answerCIs en bloc capsulectomy necessary when removing breast implants?
Evidence answerBButtock Implants vs. Fat Grafting: Which Has Better Outcomes and Fewer Complications?
Evidence answerCIn What Order Should Body Contouring Procedures Be Staged After Massive Weight Loss?
Evidence answerBWhat are the complication rates after a thigh lift?
Evidence answerCIs an arm lift (brachioplasty) worth the scar it leaves?
Evidence answerBDo hair transplants last, and is FUE better than FUT?
Evidence answerBWhat are the risks, recovery, and satisfaction rates after labiaplasty?
Evidence answerCDoes gynecomastia come back after surgery, and how visible are the scars?
Evidence answerBWhat is a mommy makeover, and is it safe to combine those procedures in one operation?
Evidence answerCDoes Arnica Reduce Bruising After Facial Filler Injections?
Evidence answerCWhat Age Is Too Young for a Facelift?
Evidence answerBIs Botox to the nasal tip effective for a nonsurgical lift?
Evidence answerCIs rhinoplasty (nose job) appropriate for a teenager?
Evidence answerBI hate my face and think surgery is the only fix. Where do I start?
Evidence answerCHow long does swelling last after facial surgery?
Evidence answerCCan I have a facelift if I take a blood thinner?
Evidence answerCCan someone with an autoimmune condition have elective facial surgery?
Evidence answerCIs General Anesthesia Dangerous for a Cosmetic Procedure?
Evidence answerCIs it safe to travel abroad (medical tourism) for a rhinoplasty (nose job)?
Evidence answerDIs it safe to get injections at a medspa if a doctor isn't physically present?
Evidence answerBHow many sessions of skin tightening are needed to see results?
Evidence answerCAre at-home microneedling rollers safe?
Evidence answerCCan Morpheus8 reduce jowls without surgery?
Evidence answerBDoes Ultherapy actually lift the face?
Evidence answerBIs RF Microneedling or Laser Safe for Dark Skin Tones?
Evidence answerACan a facelift and laser resurfacing be done on the same day?
Evidence answerCWhat can fix the hollow, aged look in my face after losing weight on Ozempic?
Evidence answerBCan smokers safely have a facelift?
Evidence answerACan a facelift permanently damage the nerves in your face?
Evidence answerCIs a thread lift a good alternative to a facelift?
Evidence answerCWhat is ethnic rhinoplasty, and is that term still used?
Evidence answerCCan I break my nose again after rhinoplasty?
Evidence answerBCan rhinoplasty work if you have thick nasal skin?
Evidence answerCIs Rib Cartilage Better Than Ear Cartilage for Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)?
Evidence answerBHow long until my nose looks final after rhinoplasty?
Evidence answerBCan a nose job fix my breathing at the same time as my appearance?
Evidence answerCWhat is the difference between a liquid nose job and a surgical rhinoplasty?
Evidence answerCDo I need to tell my dentist I have dermal filler before dental work?
Evidence answerCWhy does filler migrate under the eyes and can it be fixed?
Evidence answerBCan all dermal fillers be dissolved if I don't like the result?
Evidence answerCIs Botox safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Evidence answerCDrooping Eyelid After Botox: What It Is and What Can Be Done
Evidence answerCCan filler injections cause blindness?
Evidence answerBWarning signs of complications after dermal filler injections
Evidence answerCIs nose filler (nonsurgical rhinoplasty) safe?
Evidence answer
Evidence answerBIs dermal filler safe to use under the eyes?
Evidence answerCHow soon after a hair transplant can I wash my hair?
Evidence answerCCan you get a natural result from a deep plane facelift if you already have fillers in your face without dissolving them first?
Evidence answerCHow likely is a complication from a mommy makeover?
Evidence answerCWhat Does 'Low Bridge' Mean in Rhinoplasty?
Evidence answerCHow to tell if a surgeon is well-qualified for ethnic rhinoplasty
Evidence answerCWhen should I stop smoking before a facelift?
Evidence answerBHow long should I stop smoking before breast augmentation?
Evidence answerCWhat is the healing process like after a facelift?
Evidence answerBWhat are the risks of secondary (revision) rhinoplasty?
Evidence answerBCan rhinoplasty (a nose job) help me breathe better?
Evidence answerCIs lymphatic massage helpful after a facelift?
Evidence answerCDoes PDRN actually work for facial rejuvenation and skin improvement?
Evidence answerBCan I take bromelain after rhinoplasty to reduce bruising and swelling?
Evidence answerDDo exosomes before a hair transplant help with hair regrowth?
Evidence answerDDoes prior Sculptra or other filler treatment affect facelift surgery dissection?
Evidence answerBDoes older age increase the risk of complications from facelift surgery?
Evidence answerAWhat is the risk of capsular contracture with breast implants?
Evidence answerBSubmandibular Gland Reduction for Neck Contouring: What Patients Should Know
Evidence answerCWhat should I know about breast implants?
Evidence answerBIs FUE Hair Transplant Painful?
Evidence answerDHow can persistent swelling 4 years after rhinoplasty be addressed?
Evidence answerCDistorted or Botched Nostrils (Nares) After a Bullhorn Lip Lift: What Can Go Wrong and What Are Your Options?
Evidence answerCWhat can be done about a botched or unsatisfactory nare (nostril) reduction?
Evidence answerCWhat can be done about a botched nasal reduction (rhinoplasty gone wrong)?
Evidence answerBWhich supplements should I stop taking before surgery, and how far in advance?
Evidence answerCShould I take valacyclovir 500 mg before cosmetic surgery to prevent a herpes outbreak?
Evidence answerCCan I take acyclovir before cosmetic surgery to prevent a herpes outbreak?
Evidence answerBAre postoperative bras necessary after breast surgery?
Evidence answerCWhen is it safe to fly after cosmetic surgery?
Evidence answerBDoes a surgeon's board certification and the facility's accreditation affect complication rates?
Evidence answerCAre patients prone to keloids safe candidates for cosmetic surgery?
Evidence answerCShould I stop birth control or hormone replacement therapy before cosmetic surgery?
Evidence answerBDoes obstructive sleep apnea make elective cosmetic surgery under anesthesia riskier?
Evidence answerBDoes diabetes increase complications after elective cosmetic surgery?
Evidence answerBDo SSRIs and Other Antidepressants Increase Bleeding Risk During Cosmetic Surgery?
Evidence answerBDoes drinking alcohol before or after surgery increase bruising and slow healing?
Evidence answerCDoes cannabis use affect anesthesia or recovery from cosmetic surgery?
Evidence answerCIs vaping as risky as smoking before surgery, and are nicotine patches safe to use?
Evidence answerCWhat is paradoxical adipose hyperplasia after CoolSculpting and how common is it?
Evidence answerBDo antibiotics after cosmetic surgery actually prevent infection?
Evidence answerCHow long does numbness after cosmetic surgery last, and can it be permanent?
Evidence answerBHow common is seroma after body contouring surgery, and how is it treated?
Evidence answerCWhat is the risk of blood clots (DVT or pulmonary embolism) after cosmetic surgery, and how is it prevented?
Evidence answerBDoes Kybella (deoxycholic acid) work for a double chin, and how does it compare with liposuction?
Evidence answerBDoes PRP or PRF actually improve skin quality or hair growth?
Evidence answerCDo chemical peels work as well as lasers for wrinkles and pigmentation?
Evidence answerCWhat does the evidence say about double eyelid surgery outcomes and complications?
Evidence answerCIs Ptosis Repair Different from Upper Blepharoplasty, and How Do I Know Which One I Need?
Evidence answerBHow common is dry eye after blepharoplasty, and how long does it last?
Evidence answerCCan you get pregnant and breastfeed after a breast lift or breast reduction?
Evidence answerCCan breast asymmetry be fully corrected, and what are the options?
Evidence answerBHow is capsular contracture treated, and how often does it come back?
Evidence answerBHow Are Silent Breast Implant Ruptures Detected, and How Often Should Implants Be Imaged?
Evidence answerCIs en bloc capsulectomy necessary when removing breast implants?
Evidence answerBButtock Implants vs. Fat Grafting: Which Has Better Outcomes and Fewer Complications?
Evidence answerCIn What Order Should Body Contouring Procedures Be Staged After Massive Weight Loss?
Evidence answerBWhat are the complication rates after a thigh lift?
Evidence answerCIs an arm lift (brachioplasty) worth the scar it leaves?
Evidence answerBDo hair transplants last, and is FUE better than FUT?
Evidence answerBWhat are the risks, recovery, and satisfaction rates after labiaplasty?
Evidence answerCDoes gynecomastia come back after surgery, and how visible are the scars?
Evidence answerBWhat is a mommy makeover, and is it safe to combine those procedures in one operation?
Evidence answerCDoes Arnica Reduce Bruising After Facial Filler Injections?
Evidence answerCWhat Age Is Too Young for a Facelift?
Evidence answerBIs Botox to the nasal tip effective for a nonsurgical lift?
Evidence answerCIs rhinoplasty (nose job) appropriate for a teenager?
Evidence answerBI hate my face and think surgery is the only fix. Where do I start?
Evidence answerCHow long does swelling last after facial surgery?
Evidence answerCCan I have a facelift if I take a blood thinner?
Evidence answerCCan someone with an autoimmune condition have elective facial surgery?
Evidence answerCIs General Anesthesia Dangerous for a Cosmetic Procedure?
Evidence answerCIs it safe to travel abroad (medical tourism) for a rhinoplasty (nose job)?
Evidence answerDIs it safe to get injections at a medspa if a doctor isn't physically present?
Evidence answerBHow many sessions of skin tightening are needed to see results?
Evidence answerCAre at-home microneedling rollers safe?
Evidence answerCCan Morpheus8 reduce jowls without surgery?
Evidence answerBDoes Ultherapy actually lift the face?
Evidence answerBIs RF Microneedling or Laser Safe for Dark Skin Tones?
Evidence answerACan a facelift and laser resurfacing be done on the same day?
Evidence answerCWhat can fix the hollow, aged look in my face after losing weight on Ozempic?
Evidence answerBCan smokers safely have a facelift?
Evidence answerACan a facelift permanently damage the nerves in your face?
Evidence answerCIs a thread lift a good alternative to a facelift?
Evidence answerCWhat is ethnic rhinoplasty, and is that term still used?
Evidence answerCCan I break my nose again after rhinoplasty?
Evidence answerBCan rhinoplasty work if you have thick nasal skin?
Evidence answerCIs Rib Cartilage Better Than Ear Cartilage for Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)?
Evidence answerBHow long until my nose looks final after rhinoplasty?
Evidence answerBCan a nose job fix my breathing at the same time as my appearance?
Evidence answerCWhat is the difference between a liquid nose job and a surgical rhinoplasty?
Evidence answerCDo I need to tell my dentist I have dermal filler before dental work?
Evidence answerCWhy does filler migrate under the eyes and can it be fixed?
Evidence answerBCan all dermal fillers be dissolved if I don't like the result?
Evidence answerCIs Botox safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Evidence answerCDrooping Eyelid After Botox: What It Is and What Can Be Done
Evidence answerCCan filler injections cause blindness?
Evidence answerBWarning signs of complications after dermal filler injections
Evidence answerCIs nose filler (nonsurgical rhinoplasty) safe?
Evidence answer