COSMETIC & FACIAL
PLASTIC SURGERY

BOTOX

Botox blocks nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles, giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance. It is a nonsurgical treatment for moderate to severe wrinkles. Botox is used to eliminate or reduce frown lines, forehead creases, crow's feet, and thick bands in the neck. No anesthesia is needed, and discomfort is minimal an brief. A noticeable improvement is seen within several days, and effects can last up to 6 months.

NASAL SURGERY (Rhinoplasty)

The goal of rhinoplasty is to place the nose into better harmony with the rest of the face. It is a procedure where the shape and function are of equal importance. The newly shaped nose should not only have a nice appearance and not draw attention to itself, but should allow the patient to breath easily. Rhinoplasty can increase or decrease the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or bridge, and narrow the width of your nostrils. It can be combined with other procedures such as straightening a deviated nasal septum, endoscopic sinus surgery, or other kinds of plastic surgery. For patients unhappy with a previous rhinoplasty, secondary rhinoplasty can be performed to improve appearance as well as breathing. This is sometimes performed using cartilage harvested from the nasal septum or the ear. For teenagers, it is best to wait until after their growth spurt. Girls usually can undergo rhinoplasty around age 15. Boys generally have to wait longer. Most insurance policies do not cover purely cosmetic procedures; however, if is performed for reconstructive reasons (i.e., nasal fracture) or to correct breathing problems, it may be covered. After surgery, a small splint remains on the nose for 5-7days. Some swelling or bruising may occur around the eyes, but this is usually resolved after a week.

EYELID SURGERY (Blepharoplasty)

The main purpose of blepharoplasty is to remove the excess skin and bulges around the eyes. It corrects drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes - features that make you look older and more tired than you feel. The intended results are a more youthful and rested area around the eyes. Most commonly, this is done under local anesthesia with sedation on an outpatient basis. Incisions follow the natural lines of your eyelids; in the creases of your upper lids and just below the lashes of your lower lids. In some patients, the lower incisions are hidden inside the lower eyelids, leaving no visible scar (transconjunctival approach). Small sutures are usually removed in the first 5 days, and the majority of the swelling is gone in a week. Blepharoplasty does not lift sagging eyebrows, but it can be performed with a brow lift to correct both conditions at the same time.

BROW LIFT

This procedure restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above the eyes. The skin of the forehead is lifted, and the muscles and underlying tissues are altered to produce a smoother appearance and reduce frown lines. An endoscopic brow lift is performed using a small, thin telescope placed through small incisions. All of these incisions are hidden in the scalp and are not visible. No hair is shaved for this procedure. This procedure is commonly combined with eyelid surgery. Swelling will occur in the forehead and upper eyelids, but this resolves after a few days. The majority of patients can be seen in public after 7 to 10 days.

EAR SURGERY (Otoplasty)

Otoplasty is a surgery to correct the protruding ears of children as well as adults. The majority of cases are performed on children between the ages of 4-14. The ears are almost fully grown by age four, and the best time to perform this surgery is before entering school. The earlier surgery is done, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Incisions are placed behind the ears and scars are will concealed. The patient's head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage following surgery. This will be removed in 1 to 2 days. It will be necessary to wear a headband for several weeks after surgery.

FACELIFT (Rhytidectomy)

The goal of a rhytidectomy is to provide a more youthful appearance by improving sags, bulges, and deep folds of the face and neck. The best candidate is a woman or man whose face has begun to sag, but whose skin still has some elasticity. It will make your look younger and fresher. The goal is to reposition sagging tissue to a natural, youthful appearance while at the same time avoiding a stretched, over-operated look. Incisions are hidden in the natural skin folds around the ears and in hair-bearing scalp. No hair is shaved during the surgery. The surgeon tightens the underlying muscles, then pulls back and removes excess skin. Many rhytidectomies involve liposuction of the face and neck to allow for better contouring. Following surgery, a small tube may be placed under the skin behind your ear to drain away any blood that may collect. This drain is usually removed the next day. Most patients are presentable in public in 1 to 2 weeks, and approximately 80% of the swelling is gone after 2 weeks. "Mini" or "Quick Lifts" are also commonly performed. These procedures are smaller incisions and allow quicker operating times. They tend to be more suitable for younger patients, aged 40 to 60 years. Patients heal more quickly, most return to work within one week. It is absolutely necessary to stop smoking for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery.

RESTYLANE & FACIAL AUGMENTATION

The chin and cheeks are areas of the face that may be improved with implants. Chin implants may be placed through a small incision in a natural crease under the chin or an incision inside the mouth. Frequently, chin augmentation (mentoplasty) is performed with other procedures such as rhinoplasty or liposuction of the neck. Neck liposuction helps improve the angle between the skin of the neck and the chin and helps establish the outline of the jaw. As we age, the muscles, connective tissues, and fat deposits in the faced diminish leaving sagging skin. Lipostructure and Restylane help replace this tissue without the risk of allergic reaction. During Lipostructure, fat is harvested with a small cannula from the patient's abdomen. Tiny droplets are then reinjected into the proper spots. It can be used for nasolabial folds, marionette lines, hollowness around the eyes and cheeks, or used to compliment a facelift. Both Restylane and Lipostructure can be used to augment the lips.