Patient pathway

For a personalized and seamless experience, from the initial consultation to post-treatment follow-up, ensuring attentive care, expertise, and transparency at every step.

PRENDRE RENDEZ-VOUS

Your first consultation

The first consultation is intended to understand your motivation, assess your concerns, and determine the appropriate procedures or treatments to meet your expectations. During this session, you will receive all verbal and written information related to the proposed corrections, including their limitations and any potential drawbacks.

This consultation will allow us to :

  • Establish a surgical or medical plan
  • Create a clinical and photographic file
  • Provide a precise cost estimate for the procedure

You will have time to consider the proposed treatments, and a second consultation can be scheduled if needed. Please note that only the first consultation is billed, at a rate of CHF 150.

Some standard surgical procedures may benefit from a flat rate, allowing you to plan your budget without any unexpected costs.

Organizing your treatment

Following the initial consultation, you will have all the information needed to make a decision regarding your proposed treatment. During the second consultation, we will address any remaining questions and provide more details about the pre- and post-treatment recommendations. If you accept the treatment plan, we can then schedule a surgery date at your convenience. For procedures under general anesthesia, you will be referred for a consultation with the clinic’s anesthesiologist.

Routine aesthetic medicine treatments may be performed during the first consultation upon patient request.

We work with health insurance providers, but coverage for plastic surgery procedures often requires prior written approval from their consulting physician. Outpatient procedures are usually covered by basic insurance.

Some of the usual steps before any procedure include : taking photographs, measurements, ordering compression garments, signing the informed consent, and receiving prescriptions or instruction sheets.

Before and after your treatment

2 – 4 weeks before

Certain medications may interfere with anesthesia and/or cause undesirable side effects that can affect your surgery. You must inform us of all medications and vitamin supplements you take, as well as any known allergies (e.g., penicillin, latex, iodine, etc.).

Aspirin (Aspégic, Alcacyl, Alka Seltzer, Kardegic, Tiatral, etc.), Plavix, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and certain herbal remedies (e.g., ginkgo, ginger, dong quai, chamomile, ginseng) increase the risk of bleeding and must be stopped at least 10 days before surgery.

Smoking may also impair healing. For most procedures, we recommend stopping smoking 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery. Nicotine substitutes (e.g., Nicorette) may be used if needed.

Notify us if you develop a fever, cold, or other illness prior to surgery.

Make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from the clinic, and ideally stay with you for the first few days post-surgery.

Try to reduce stress from work or social commitments during your recovery period. The more relaxed you are, the smoother and quicker your recovery will be.

The days and the day before surgery

A few days before your procedure, you will be instructed to shower and wash your hair with a disinfectant soap. You may moisturize after showers, except after the final one, as you must arrive for surgery with clean, product-free skin.

Prepare your personal belongings in advance and avoid bringing valuables with you to the clinic.

The night before surgery, rest well and stay relaxed. If you’re anxious, your doctor may prescribe a mild sedative or anxiolytic.

Do not eat or drink after midnight if you’re having general anesthesia or sedation. Discuss your regular medications with your doctor or anesthesiologist.

The morning of the surgery

Arrive at the surgical center at the time specified by your doctor.

Do not eat or drink anything if your surgery is scheduled before noon. If your procedure is later in the day, you may have water, tea, coffee, or toast up to six hours before.

Do not wear wigs, hair clips, nail polish, or jewelry. Do not wear makeup or apply any creams the morning of your procedure.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid tights, high heels, or anything difficult to put on. Preferably wear cotton clothes that open in the front (like a blouse) to avoid arm movements. For facial surgery, you may bring sunglasses, a scarf, or a hat to help conceal dressings.

Bring a pillow and a blanket for the ride home.

At the clinic

Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your room or pre-op area for outpatient procedures.

You will be prepared for surgery. All metal objects (necklaces, rings, piercings, watches, earrings, etc.) must be removed, as well as contact lenses or dental prosthetics if advised by the anesthesiologist.

After reviewing the procedure with your surgeon, you will be taken to the operating room.

Post-surgery

The day after surgery, dressings will be reviewed and changed as needed. Drains will be removed and replaced with a more comfortable bandage. Future dressings will be done at the Leman Aesthetic Clinic, with frequency depending on the type of surgery.

You will typically return home the morning after surgery.

Stay hydrated and eat light, easy-to-digest foods in the first few days.

Follow instructions for medications and wound care precisely.

Discomfort at the surgery site and overall fatigue should gradually improve. Pain is usually well-managed with prescribed medication. Discomfort may last from 2 days up to 3 weeks. Most patients can resume normal activities after 1 week.

Swelling (edema) and bruising are usually most pronounced between days 2 and 4, then gradually diminish. Bruising generally fades within 10–20 days, but some residual swelling may persist for 6–12 weeks.

Final results become visible once the swelling fully subsides. Avoid large arm or leg movements during the first 10 days. Avoid anything that causes pain unless instructed otherwise. Excessive exertion can lead to bleeding or hematoma during the first 3 weeks.

Stitches are removed between 5 days and 2 weeks after surgery.

Scars may appear red and firm during the first few months. After 4–6 months, they generally soften and fade. Avoid sun exposure on scars for at least a year and apply strong sunscreen when needed.

Types of anesthesia

General anesthesia

In this type of anesthesia, the patient is completely asleep, and breathing is controlled by the anesthesiologist. It is the preferred method for longer procedures, ensuring comfort for both patient and surgeon. Contrary to common belief, general anesthesia is one of the safest methods because the doctor maintains full control of the patient’s airway.

This type of anesthesia cannot be administered unless the patient has fasted for at least 6 hours. It is also contraindicated in cases of fever, colds, or uncontrolled illness.

Local anesthesia with sedation

This method combines local anesthesia with intravenously delivered sedation. It allows the patient to remain relaxed, pain-free, and without unpleasant memories of the procedure. This technique avoids intubation and side effects associated with general anesthesia, such as nausea. As with general anesthesia, fasting for at least 6 hours is required.

Local anesthesia

This is the preferred method for most of our treatments. Local anesthetic is injected into the treatment area to block pain sensation. It can be used to numb a specific zone (e.g., eyelids) or a specific nerve (e.g., a finger nerve). Given its low complication rate, local anesthesia is our standard choice for outpatient procedures, when appropriate. Fasting is not required. For anxious patients, we may offer an oral anti-anxiety medication.

General complications

As with any act in life, surgery carries risks and potential complications. Fortunately, these are rare in the hands of a certified surgeon, and most are temporary, reversible, or correctable. When the surgeon and patient work together, unwanted results are minimized.

It is the surgeon’s role to determine whether a patient is a suitable candidate for the desired procedure. Patients who follow medical advice and act responsibly greatly reduce the risk of complications. The most common general complications in plastic surgery include:

Unsightly scars

Any procedure involving a skin incision will leave a scar. Proper healing depends on five factors : the scar’s location, skin type, tension on the wound, wound care, and the patient’s overall health. Some body areas heal better than others; scars that follow natural folds and occur in thin skin are often nearly invisible. Some skin types (e.g., darker skin) are more prone to thick or keloid scars. Scars under high tension are more likely to widen. In adults, scars fully mature after 2 years; in children, it may take up to 5 years.

Hematomas and bruising

Bruising (or “blue marks”) is a normal effect that usually resolves within two weeks. A true hematoma is a collection of clotted blood that takes up space and is reabsorbed more slowly. Despite careful control of bleeding during surgery, hematomas can still occur in the first ten days post-op. To minimize risk, avoid blood-thinning medications (aspirin, Sintron, Plavix, NSAIDs), stress, strenuous efforts, and activities that increase blood pressure. In the case of a large hematoma, contact your surgeon immediately.

Seromas

While a hematoma is a collection of blood, a seroma is a collection of clear fluid, often following procedures that disrupt the lymphatic system. These often reabsorb spontaneously, though large volumes may require drainage.

Infections

All wounds carry a risk of infection. However, infections are rare in plastic surgery because precautions are taken. Procedures involving foreign bodies (e.g., breast implants) are at higher risk, so even stricter precautions are applied in these cases.

Other potential effects

  • Altered sensation

It is common to experience numbness around scars. This can last for several months and usually resolves completely.

  • Wound separation and skin necrosis

Rarely, wounds may reopen or become irritated, forming scabs. This delays healing beyond the usual 10 days.

  • Suture reaction

Some patients may react to sutures, particularly absorbable ones. This results in local inflammation, sometimes a small skin eruption, and eventual expulsion of the suture. It is not an infection and is easily managed.

  • Asymmetry or suboptimal results

Surgery is both a science and an art, involving living tissues and not fine mechanical precision. A slight asymmetry is always possible, and most individuals naturally have asymmetries in their face or body. Most minor post-op asymmetries are well tolerated and do not require correction.

  • Venous thrombosis

Long surgeries under general anesthesia increase the risk of blood clots in the leg veins, which is a serious complication. Preventative measures are always taken to reduce this risk.

Our team works diligently to minimize risks and complications. Dozens of procedures are safely performed each week without incident. However, every patient should be aware that any treatment involves risks. This is why understanding and accepting these risks is essential before undergoing any procedure.

Your doctor is your best source of information and will explain both general and personal risks related to your specific treatment.

Standard fees

The cost of cosmetic surgery depends on five main factors :

  • Type of anesthesia used
  • Whether an overnight clinic stay is required
  • Surgical time
  • Use of special products (e.g., implants)
  • Technical complexity of the procedure

Because of this, it’s difficult to provide accurate estimates without a consultation. At the end of your first appointment, you will receive a detailed and personalized quote.

Some standard procedures are offered at a flat rate, which covers the entire care package.

Installment payments

We understand that treatments can be costly, which is why we have partnered with a Swiss financial institution to offer flexible payment plans to our patients.

At Leman Aesthetic Clinic, we are committed to ensuring that every patient has access to the highest level of care. Your well-being is our top priority.

Learn more