Nichole Huang’s Live “Baby-V” Makeover 2016

(procedure on Zygoma, Mandible and Chin Lengthening to achieve a small and V-line face shape!)

I always hated my big and squarish face shape which makes me looks masculine and less feminine.  After much consideration and envying others for so long, finally I decided to make the most extreme change of my life!  A Smaller and more V-shape face – it has to be: Zygoma and Mandible for a “Baby-V” makeover!

Soon after I made up my mind, I started doing my own research and understand that both Zygoma and Mandible is a consider a major surgery as it requires General Anesthetic (GA) during the procedure and the recojvering process may take up to months! That is a lot of patience though! (LOL) 

Well, knowing that these are no-joke procedures, as an ex-patient of ITEM, I am filled with confidence and believed that I can fully entrust myself to ITEM again so I contacted ITEM to schedule for my face to face consultation and surgery with their facial contouring specialist – Dr. Kim Jin-Sung. ITEM Staff are very friendly and helpful to furnished me with the PreOps DOs & DON’Ts to prepare myself for the trip!

On 12 October 2016, Wednesday was my consultation appointment. A very professional and bilingual consultant, Ms Evelyn attended to me.  I underwent CT Scan, the needful medical check-up and blood test. Well that is just a “warm up” for my “Big Day” tomorrow!  Soon after, I had a face to face consultation with Dr Kim Jin-Sung.  After understanding my concerns, Dr. Kim suggested that I should lengthen my chin as well to get the ultimate desired results.  Why not!?

A Precise CT SCAN Before Surgery ~ A computerized tomography (CT) scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images, or slices, of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside your body. CT scan images provide more detailed information than plain X-rays do.

On my very “Big Day” - 13 October 2016, Thursday, I am all ready for my extreme “Baby-V” makeover!   My final face to face consultation with Dr Kim Jin-Sung, after making some markings on my face, Dr. explained to me once again that he will be performing Zygoma (Cheekbone Reduction), Mandible (Mandibular Contouring) and Chin Lengthening (with my own mandible angle bone)!  How nice, I do not need to have any implant for my chin!!   I am so ready to get “knock-out” and can’t wait to see how I look when I’m awake! (LOL) 

AFTER SURGERY

Wow, the bandages and tubes gave me a shock when I regain conscious! (LOL) I look like “an alien”!!  But I was told the tubes are necessary so that it could drain out any excess blood and helps in recovery.  Feeling groggy still and I have to stay one night in clinic for observation.  (Great!) As there will be professional nurses around so I don’t have to worry much ^-^.  Time to time, the nurses will come and check on me and take my blood test as I encountered nose bleed, which is normal and happens on some patient after surgery, so I could not sit upright to avoid the nose bleed.  And with the tubes, it is abit uncomfortable to sleep though. Also, I am on liquid diet.  A lot of pumpkin juices and shakes… what a good chance to slim down ya! (LOL)

(Check out ITEM’s blog for the procedures Pre/Post Ops Care!) 

Live: PostOps – Day 1  (14 October 2016, Friday)

Yeah!! This morning finally got the bandages and tubes removed!  Feeling so much better without the tubes and here’s how I look now…

Live: PostOps – Day 2  (15 October 2016, Saturday)

Lying on bed, sleeping at 45° causes some minor shoulder & back aching but overall, I woke up feeling FRESH! The swelling have subside a little, the jaw is still experiencing slight pressure.

I didn’t have my teeth brush today but I have rinsed my mouth thoroughly with mouth wash.

I can’t wait to get out of the room for some shopping!! 

Live: PostOps – Day 3 (16 October 2016, Sunday)

YAWN!!! Happy Sunday!! Today is Day 3 of my PostOps and everyday I am so eager to see how I look after a night of rest. But in fact I did not really sleep well last night as I have slept sideway and now is like OUCH! (what have I done man!) (LOLx)

Well but still glad to see that my swelling went down and bruises lighten! My ice pack efforts did paid off! My mouth still hurts a little since I'm not able to open-up so I actually guggle my mouth in between before and after every meals! Ya! I know, sounds so Singaporean right 😆but its definitely better to be "kiasu" than being feeling filthy 😑

After a few days of liquid diet, I'm soooo going to be qualified as a "A4size" 美女 in no time!!!😚I have been drinking lotsa of concentrated pumpkin juice, chai latte, apple juice and anything liquid! No solid food at all man!🤐Statute me right?! Ya, I take the hats off myself too!!! 😝How can I resist all the delicious korea delights and snacks here with only my "eye and nose power"!! 😳Gosh, we really know 女人为了爱美, 什么都可以!!😅

Really can’t wait to see Miracles working on my way😍

Live: PostOps – Day 4 (17 October 2016, MONDAY)

What a perfect weather! Its about 17 degree in Korea and totally fits into the Monday Blue mood when I woke up this morning, LOVE the cool weather sooooo much!!

Feeling OUCH OUCH on the hairline area because I have slept sideway again subconsciously!! LOLx

Day 4th after surgery, bruises turning greenish daily but swelling looks slightly more as compared to yesterday.  Could be due to the sideways sleeping posture.  But I must say I am impressed with the Rejuran Healer effect, my bruises turns out not as bad as I thought and my complexion and pores has improved a lot!

Lotsa of patience required at stage though is not easy.  But I must say having a Strong and Positive mindset is very Important too to help speed up my recovery!  I'm so grateful and blessed to have my BFF here with me!  Thank you so much buddy!! Luv and Hugz XOXO

 

Live: PostOps – Day 5 (18 October 2016, TUESDAY)

 

终于等到第五天啦！！Today is the 5th day after my BIG DAY, it’s really a blessing that I have went through the toughest 5 days and I went to ITEM Clinic for review this afternoon and had my wound clean-up and bandage removed.

I have never knew that sleeping straight is a challenge to myself despite placing pillows on my left & right for support but still… I managed to turn sideway while asleep!! I experienced a little OUCH on my hairline. I will challenge my sleeping pattern with more pillows tonight LOLx

Some of my stitches got loosen this morning but I am not worry as I knew that the stitches are dissolvable. The sweet nurses in the clinic gently cleanse my wound and I don’t feel any discomfort at all.. Initially I was a little worry over the cleaning part. 白担心了一场！Apart from thorough cleaning, the nurses removed the bandage on my jaw area.. PHEW!! another relief!! 现在我可是轻轻松松呀！

The most exciting part is that I am able to start having soft food, chew gently.. fish, mince meat and so much yummy food I am able to consume now.. I am looking forward to have more solid food in another 2 weeks time.

I noticed less swelling & better complexion (Thanks to Rejuran Healer!)
Item Clinic has created a Miracle for me!
Thanks ITEM Clinic!

MILLION THANKS to Dr Kim Jin Sung and not forgetting to thanks my buddy who is with me throughout this period!!

Live: PostOps – Day 6 (19 October 2016, WEDNESDAY)

Today is Day 6th after surgery already! How time flies ya and I'm soooo gonna miss the cool weather and nice food here as we are leaving for home in another 2days time!!

My jaw makes me feel OUCH OUCH OUCH today!  Likely due to over tightness of the facial compression garment yesterday.  LOLx I thought by wearing it tighter can helps to have a more v-line effect 😅 but it's proven that this mindset is wrong! 😂  The compression garment gonna wear for at least 8hrs per day so best is to wear it comfortably!  My bruises is recovering well by getting greenish each day.  As for my swelling, I do learnt something new!!! Avoid drinking water after 10pm can helps to prevent water-retention which will makes the deswell effect more obvious the next day!!!🤓 very observant right!! Lolx

Now I'm gonna go out for "gai gai" again to distress and prepare myself for tomorrow!  My stitch-off day!! Sounds scary huh?? I thought so too!!!

Live: PostOps – Day 7 (20 October 2016, Thursday)

Another round of exciting moment again!! It's stitch-off day!!! Gonna remove the staple for my Zygoma stitch!!!  Oh my!!! Just come to think of it makes me sweat man!!  I'm gonna go for a good shower and good meal before heading to ITEM clinic!!!

Wow! After few hours at clinic, I feel so refreshing now!! Did

high frequency treatment for deswelling, vitamin ionic treatment for whitening and removal of dead skin tissue treatment!  My skin now smooth like baby skin!!! Totally forgotten about the mild staple off pain earlier on!!  OMG!! I'm so in love with myself right now!!

I'm really glad that I did my surgeries with ITEM clinic.  A clinic that I will recommend it to all my friends.  Great service,  great surgeon,  great advisor, great staff and environment!

Stay tuned @itempsglobal for my daily LIVE post back in Singapore!!!

Live: PostOps – 2 Weeks (27 October 2016, Thursday)

Time passes so quickly and its been 2 weeks since my BIG DAY with ITEM Clinic!  I am back to Singapore and back to work since Monday.

My Baby-V is getting more obvious as the swelling subsided quite a lot after the last treatment I did at clinic on my stitch off day. I'm so glad that I took the professional advice from Dr Kim Jin-Sung to have my chin lengthen using my own Manibular Bone... I'm so in loved with my chin effect!!

Everyday, I'm so eager to see myself in the mirror for a more contour and define face shape!! A daily morning booster to kick start my day ya!!!  I also noticed that my pores and acne scars are less visible with very smooth complexion! All thanks to the miracle healing power of REJURAN!  Yeah! Now I can be a proud #noedit selfie queen!!! LOLx

More picture & information coming to your way! CHEERIO!!

Live: PostOps – 3 Weeks (3rd Nov 2016 Thursday)

Back on track to my usual pace after a tremendous change 3 weeks back! 

I'm recovering very well! The stitches inside my mouth seems to have totally dissolved despite the minor pressure on my jaw which restrict my mouth movement and I have to continue to eat slowly and gently just like a lady!! 😁 I also noticed the contour of 'burger face' 汉堡脸 is getting more and more contour everyday 😂 and ya that is my new nickname given by my friends! "Hamster" LOLx. Well, the nickname doesn't bother me at all, in fact I love how I look now and I am so much in loved with myself!! Coz I know I'm transforming into 我梦寐以求的鹅蛋in no time!!

Can you spot the difference from my 2nd & 3rd week PostOps photo?😉

 

Live: PostOps – 1 Month (13 November 2016, Sunday)

Time flies!! Today is my PostOps 1 month anniversary!!! 

I'm recovering very well with bruises all gone, able to brush my teeth as per normal and even back on solid diet but...just that still unable to open my mouth too big. Also, I'm still sleeping 45 degree elevated to helps my Jaw area to deswell.

My "hamster" swell look is not so obvious on photo as compared to in person. Many friends thought that I "put on weight" so beautifully! LOLx

Check out my current look and Stay Tune @ itempsglobal for my next monthly update!

Live: PostOps – 2 Months 3 days

(16 December 2016, Friday)

Another busy month past!! Sorry for the late posting due to festive season. Today marks my PostOps 2 months 3 days already!!! How fast right! I'm recovering so well!

Hmm... the only impact is that i can still feel the "pressure" on my jaw especially every morning when I woke up and also the tightness on my cheeks and chin. The "pressure" feeling is more like water retention though. No other pain, aching or swelling so far. Consider myself lucky! ^_^

Oh ya, I'm also able to 'open' my mouth big to chew food and eat as per normal again! Just in time to enjoy & feast in this holiday season!

Do you see my vline getting more obvious on my 2nd month PostOps? Haha I'm so in love with my face shape!

Curious how's my recovery? 
Stay tuned at itempsglobal for my monthly review!! 
WECHAT 微信: ItemNetworkSG 
LINE: item-network-sg 
KAKAO Talk: ItemNetwork
INSTAGRAM: itempsglobal

XOXO

Your Guide to Fat Grafting

ITEM FAT GRAFT

PREPARING FOR YOUR FAT GRAFT SURGERY

Pre and post-surgery conditioning of your body is important in order for your body to recover in the shortest time from the surgery, which will aid in producing the best results

It is very important to let us know if you have any allergies (drugs, herbs, food) which you may have, or suspected to have.

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Please keep us informed should you have any medical history (high blood pressure, heart problem or diabetes etc) and/or medication to us immediately and as well as any allergies (drugs, herbs, food), which you may have, or suspected to have.

Everyone heal at different pace, some may heal really fast without much signs of bruising and swelling while some may take a longer time to heal and recover. It is very important for patients to stay positive throughout the healing process.

For 1st Fat Grafting:

Expected Duration Of Stay ~ 8 days 7 nights

Minimum of days required to stay in Seoul ~ 3 days 2 nights

Review ~ Day 3 after surgery

Stitch Removal ~ Day 7 after surgery (Subject to doctor’s review)

Others ~ 2-3 hours stay in Clinic Recovery Room

For 2nd Fat Graft (Touch up):

Expected Duration Of Stay ~ 2days 1 night

Review ~ Day before departure

Stitch Removal ~ No stitch off required

Others ~ 2-3 hours stay in Clinic Recovery Room

Day of Your Surgery

1. Please arrive at our clinic 30 mins before your schedule appointment time.
2. Please DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING 8 hours (1st fat graft) / 4 hours (fat graft touch up) before your scheduled surgery time.
3. Please do not wear wigs, hairpins, jewelry, false eyelashes, or contact lenses.
4. Remove nail polish, gel nails, acrylic nails and nails extension.
5. DO NOT put on make up.
6. Wear loose and comfortable clothings and comfortable foot wear.
7. This Procedure will be conducted under local anesthesia and it takes approximately 30 minutes - 1 hour and it is normal to experience mild nausea and drowsiness right after surgery.
8. 2-3 hours stay will be required in our recovery room after surgery and will be discharged once you regain conscious.  

Pre-operative Guide for Fat Graft

DO NOT ~

1. Do not smoke. If you smoke, you should stop for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. Nicotine effects circulation and can slow down healing time.

2. Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing product, or any Vitamin E for two weeks prior to or following your scheduled surgery. Aspirin has an effect on your blood’s ability to clot and could increase your tendency to bleed at the time of surgery and during the post-operative period.

3. Stop all medications (Except high blood pressure medications) including vitamin C at least 10 days prior to surgery. You may resume taking Vitamin C after surgery as it can help to speed up your recovery.

4. Do not take diet pills or herbal supplements 7 days prior to surgery.

The below-mentioned Medication/Supplements should stop taking 7 days before the surgery.

Weight-loss products and nutritional or herbal supplements (减肥产品或含有草药的补品):

Alpha-lipoic acid (α-硫辛酸), Echinacea (松果), Gingko biloba (银杏), L-carnosine (L-肌肽), Omega-3 (欧米加3), Acetyl- l- carnitine (乙酰基L-肉毒碱), Ephedra (麻黄), Ginseng (人参), Licorice (甘草), Resveratrol (白藜芦醇), Cinnamon (肉桂), Camomile (甘菊), Fish Oil (鱼油), Garlic (大蒜), Glucosamine-glutamine (氨基葡萄糖谷氨酰胺), Chondroitin (软骨素), Kava (卡瓦), Milk thistle (水飞蓟), Skullcap (头盖骨), St. John’s wort (圣约翰草), Creatine (肌酸), Ginger (姜), Goldenseal (毛茛), Multivitamins (多种维生素), Vitamin C & E (维他命C和E), Evening Primrose Oil (月见草油), Royal Jelly (蜂王浆).

5. Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 5 days prior to surgery. Alcohol may create complications and increasing bruising.

DO (Optional) ~

1. You may wish to take Vitamin C two months before surgery for speedy healing for scar. However, please STOP taking them 10 days before surgery date. And continue to take after surgery as long as possible.

2. 片仔癀 (Pian Zai Huang) ~ Traditional Chinese Medication according to Chinese Physician it aid healing, prevent inflammation before & after surgery, reduce swelling & pain.

If you intend to consume this traditional chinese medication, take 2 capsules of 片仔癀 (Pian Zai Huang) 1 day before surgery. After surgery you should take the medicine prescribe by doctor 3 times daily 30 minutes after meal, and as for 片仔癀 (Pian Zai Huang) you should take it at night before you rest & should be taken 3-4hrs after you have taken doctor’s prescription. Please Do Not Mix it together with doctor’s prescription as片仔癀 (Pian Zai Huang) is a very strong chinese medication that will override all kind of medication.

3. 何人可凉茶 (he ren ke liang cha/Herbal Tea) should be taken 1 week prior to surgery to relieve body heat, drink it every alternate day before & after surgery.

Here are some non-compulsory items/treatments that will help to condition your body.

1. Manuka Honey UMF 16 ~ Soothing, Conditioning and Boost up your Immunity
2. Nutritional or Meal Replacement Shake ~ Supplement your normal meals
3. REJURAN HEALER Treatment ~ Aid in Skin Regeneration & Repair Damage Cells

4. REJURAN ~ A Natural Healing Cosmetics Set ~ Please refer to our local consultant for more information.

      

         

Medication

1. You may be prescribed with medication that comes in a pre-packed form consisting of different tablets and capsules in each pack.
   

   

In most cases, our standard medication like Painkiller, antibiotic and digestive pill are prescribed at no additional cost. Should you required any other special medication, Doctor will provide the prescription for you and the medication may be purchase over any medical counter at your own cost.

2. The Pre-Packed Standard Medication to be taken 3 times a day, 30 mins after each meal, unless advised otherwise.
3. If there are Korean words on your medication such as 아침, 점심 and 저녁, please note that they mean that they should be taken after:

• 아침: breakfast
• 점심: lunch
• 저녁: dinner

If you develop a rash or think you are having an allergic reaction to the medication, please call our clinic immediately.

Terramycin ointment is usually prescribed for patients undergoing surgeries. Please apply this ointment starting immediately after the surgery, over the stitch areas, twice daily. Once in the morning and once in the evening for at least 2 weeks.

Post-Operative Care for Fat Graft

Please DO NOT:

Wound/Stitch/Swelling

• Do not drink alcohol and smoke for at least 1 month post surgery for better blood supply, tissue regeneration and to avoid inflammation.
• Do not wear glasses and hats for at least 2 months if forehead fat graft is done.
• Avoid vigorous physical activities, aerobics, swimming, weight training etc for at least 1 month. Continuous physical forces acting on the surgical site can cause movement or wrong deviation on grafted site.

• Do not take the medical tapes/bandages off from the grafted site.  The bandages will be removed on Day 3 during your review appointment.
• Use baby oil if necessary to remove the tacky residue from the stitch off site at back of thigh.
• After removal of tapes/bandages off on Day 3, use waterproof plaster to cover the stitch site and change it daily until stitch off day (Day 7)
• Swelling and bruising are expected on day 2-3 post surgery and mostly will subside after 1-2 weeks and gradually over 3 months onwards.

Must Read Notes

• It is normal to experience mild nausea and drowsiness right after surgery.
• Please abide to all advice on taking of the prescribed medication.
• Take nutritious food to increase fat survival rates.
• Vitamin E, Evening Primrose Oil, Royal Jelly Vitamins and Omega-3 should be avoided if you are still having swelling to prevent prolonged swelling.
• Makeup is possible post surgery but makeup must be removed thoroughly upon cleansing.
• Daily Sunblock is a must and we highly recommend to use Sunscreen with SPF 50+ PA+++ with thorough cleansing.

• Fat graft around the lips or eyes may result in more swelling as the skin layer is closer to the transplant.
• Keep your head elevated 45 degree while sleeping by using two pillows - this may helps reduce swelling throughout the night for at least 2-3 weeks.
• You may start to wash your face gently on Day 1 post surgery.
• Patient may shower on Day 7 after stitch off by protecting the wound at back of thigh with waterproof plaster, to avoid incision site in contact with water up to Day 14. Thereafter, normal shower routine as usual.
• No heat/cold facial treatments or equipments for at least 1 month except for paper or soft mask.
• Do not exert physical force on grafted sites for at least 1-2 months.
• You can swim or resume your exercise 1 month post surgery but do not exert force on the surgical site as bleeding may occur.  Sauna is not advisable when swelling has not subside.
• Do not compare your progress with other patients. Remember that everyone’s healing process varies. Also, if you have any questions or concerns, contact us directly.
• Keep your emotion under control and Stay Positive for speedy recovery!

Complimentary ITEM Selfcare Pouch

Selfcare Pouch includes ice pack, mini ice pack, cosmetic facial mask, ointment, cotton swab and cotton pad.

• Ice Pack & Mini Ice Pack

To reduce your swelling around your surgical site, you need to apply the ice pack as much as you can do. Mini ice pack can be used for patients who had rhinoplasty

• Ointment

A day later from the surgery, you have to apply the ointment two times a day around your stitches area not make your scar dry.

• Cotton Swab & Cotton

Whenever applying the ointment around your surgical site, you need to use cotton swab to apply them gently. After the surgery, the blood temporarily can be released. That is a very normal symptom and please wipes off the blood with cotton pad.

• Cosmetic Facial Mask Pack

After removing stitches around your surgical site, you can apply the cosmetic facial mask to rejuvenate your skin condition. During your healing process, you may not wash your face as normal daily life.

• Concentrated Pumpkin Juice

Drink it once a day and it helps to reduce swelling.

We hope this help and good luck for your surgery. We wish you a speedy recovery!

If there’s any doubts, please do not hesitate to seek help from us.

Thank you for choosing ITEM Plastic Surgery Clinic! ^^