Facial Surgery

FACELIFT (RHYTIDECTOMY)

Facelift is a highly individualized procedure that your surgeon will tailor to your unique bone structure, skin texture, and underlying muscle tone. Facelifts do not improve skin texture, although they can be done in conjunction with procedures that do improve texture, such as laser or chemical skin peels. A facelift is also an excellent procedure for those with excess skin hanging from the neck or jowls.

The Procedure

Facelift Surgery usually takes several hours to complete. For extensive and/or multiple procedures, your doctor may schedule two separate sessions. Some surgeons complete one side of the face at a time, some all at once, and others will base the sequence of events based upon your facial structure and the surgeon's own technique.

Incisions usually begin above your hairline at the temple, continue behind the ear, and terminate behind the earlobe in the lower scalp area. The skin is then separated from the underlying fat. This fat is trimmed or suctioned away selectively in order to improve the contours of the face. The doctor then tightens the facial muscles and pulls the skin back. Some excess skin may also be removed. Stitches are used to close the incisions, and metal staples may be used to reattach the skin to the scalp.

RHINOPLASTY

Surgery to reshape the nose is a common cosmetic procedure that can have profound results on a person's appearance and self-confidence. Rhinoplasty can accomplish any number of changes, including size augmentation or reduction, a narrowing of the nostrils, changes in the bridge or tip of the nose, or an alteration to the angle of the nose and upper lip. Regardless of the specific purpose, surgery to reshape the nose creates a more contoured and shapely nose.

The Surgery

The surgeon begins by making an incision, either from within the nose or across the columella (the vertical strip separating the nostrils). The skin is then separated from the underlying framework (the bone and cartilage) of the nose and sculpted to the desired shape and size. Finally, the surgeon reattaches the skin to the new contoured framework, and stitches the incision. Surgery usually lasts no longer than an hour or two and is performed on an outpatient basis.

EYELID SURGERY

The area surrounding the eyes is one of the first to show the signs of aging. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, corrects for sagging upper eyelids and for the bags that form just below the eyes. Eyelid surgery can wash away years of aging, giving your eyes a smoother, more natural and youthful appearance.

The Surgery

The surgeon begins by making incisions along the natural creases of the upper lid, and/or directly under the lower eyelashes. The skin is then separated from the underlying tissue and the excess fat, skin, and muscle are extracted. The surgeon then replaces and stitches the skin, leaving it smooth and tight. Blepharoplasty lasts anywhere from one to three hours and is usually performed on an outpatient basis.

Alternative Approaches

In some cases, a surgeon may opt for transconjunctival blepharoplasty. The surgeon makes several incisions on the lower eyelid and removes pockets of fat, but no skin. This procedure is ideal for patients with less pronounced bags under the eyes, and leaves no visible scar.