Downtown Calgary Dr. Kristina Zakhary MD, MSc, FRCSc FAQs
403-450-3759
15+ years of experience | 5000+ procedures done | Specialised in facial plastic surgery

« My dedication is to make people's life better through appearance refinement »

FAQs

The outcome of any surgery depends on two main things: the patient and the surgeon.

Patient-related factors may affect the final result and delay recovery. These include:

  • Thick skin
  • A tendency toward excessive scar formation
  • Slow recovery
  • Heavy smoking or alcohol intake
  • Obesity

However, these factors do not necessarily contra-indicate surgery.

Surgeon-related factors include surgical experience and artistic judgment.

As with other surgical procedures, cosmetic surgery entails possible complications such as:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Excessive scar formation
  • Anesthesia complications
  • Rejection of implants

Fortunately, these complications are uncommon.

A complete medical examination and a series of laboratory tests are arranged for you before surgery. Professional photographs are also taken.

It is important that you inform our office about any medical problems you may suffer from, such as:

  • Allergy to any medication
  • Heart disease
  • Psychological disease
  • Any other significant medical issue

Before surgery, you should avoid the following for at least two weeks:

  • Exposure to the sun
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol intake
  • Medications containing aspirin

You experience no pain whatsoever during surgery if you are given general anesthesia.

For less major surgeries, local anesthesia can be used, usually with little discomfort.

You return home the same day or the day following surgery.

In the first days after surgery, you may experience:

  • Mild discomfort
  • Some bleeding
  • Swelling
  • Skin discoloration
  • Numbness around the operated area (from a few days to a few weeks)

Patients are usually presentable and can return to work two to three weeks following surgery.

Your appearance will continue to improve steadily for six months to a year, due to the gradual resorption of the remaining swelling.

Following the removal of all dressings, you will continue to visit the office for periodic check-ups for two to five years. Any early complications can be detected by examination during the course of these visits.

Why choose Dr. Zakhary

Experience and Specialization

With over 5,000 facial plastic cosmetic procedures performed — including rhinoplasty and facelift surgery — Dr. Zakhary brings deep experience and focused expertise.

Plastic Surgery Board Certification

Dr. Zakhary is a member of several major Canadian and international plastic surgery boards.

Credentials

Dr. Zakhary is an associate staff member of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary.

Before and After Photos

View Dr. Zakhary’s cosmetic surgery before-and-after photos for rhinoplasty, facelift, and otoplasty procedures.

Ask Questions

Call our office with any questions about surgical or non-surgical procedures, or to request a consultation and personalized evaluation.

Patient Reviews

Many unbiased patient reviews are available to help you make an informed decision.

« In the end, trust your instinct. Having clear, open communication with your plastic surgeon is crucial for an excellent patient experience. »