Patrick K. Sullivan, MD, FACS
Double Board Certified Providence, Rhode Island Plastic Surgeon
One of “America’s Top Doctors” & “The Best Doctors in America”
More about our Providence, Rhode Island plastic surgery office:
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a recent question from an attendee at one of our most recent educational seminars:
Q: Have any of your patients ever had an allergic reaction to Botox?
A: In my experience, I have not seen patients develop allergic reactions after receiving Botox Cosmetic or Dysport. Because patients vary in their level of sensitivity, it is my practice, when initiating these treatments, to begin with small doses, titrating upward over a period of time. This approach enables us to monitor a patient’s response thereby reducing the risk of undesirable outcomes. (As with any treatment, it is important to know the credentials and experience of your injector.)
Seminars
Dr. Sullivan recently hosted two educational seminars on the very latest available in cosmetic treatments for the eyelids, face, neck, nose, breast and body contour. The seminars, held in Rhode Island, included information from Dr. Sullivan's recent presentation to the American Society of Plastic Surgeon's meeting in Seattle.
Q: I'm interested in facial rejuvenation surgery — how long is the recovery period? How soon can I go back to work?
A. Post-surgery swelling and bruising is variable, so it is difficult to predict how each individual patient will respond to surgical treatment. We ask patients who are having full face lifting and sculpting to dedicate the first one to two weeks after surgery to their recovery, so that they may heal in the best way possible. We also do not want our patients out and about, having people cough on them and giving them the flu and/or a cold that would challenge their immune system. We want their body to focus completely on healing. Of course, the more extensive the procedure, the longer the recovery period. For example, eyelid procedures frequently have a much shorter recovery period whereas full upper face, lower face, and neck surgery with eyelids have longer recovery periods.
Q: Does your plastic surgery require general anesthesia?
A. No — 99% of the time, the cosmetic surgery we do involves intravenous sedation rather than general anesthesia. Our patients tell us that they are in a very relaxed state in which they do not hear, feel, or see anything. Because it is not general anesthesia, the patients are not intubated, paralyzed, or hooked up to a respirator.
Skin Care:
Q: Is there anything I can do right now to improve the condition and appearance of my skin?
A: The most important thing you can do for your skin, starting today, is to apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 35 or higher, two times a day, year-round. Safeguarding your skin against the sun’s harmful rays will not only help stave off any premature aging of your skin, but also protect you against one of the most preventable forms of cancer. It’s important to know that even the most skilled surgeon can’t turn back the clock on skin that has been damaged by the sun. So, when outdoors, use a sunscreen with an SPF that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, reapply often, and wear protective clothing such as hats.
Have other skin care questions? Schedule an appointment with our aesthetician, Erin, at 877.435.FACE (3223) or click here to send us an Email.