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Procedure: Chin Augmentation (Genioplasty) - Reshapes or enhances the size of the chin to achieve facial harmony and chin projection. The facial profile can be balanced by extending the chin in relationship to the nose. Two different surgical approaches are available. One is an incision made in the mouth, and the other is an incision in the natural chin crease. The implant is then placed over the bone. It's not uncommon to combine a chin implant with a "nose job" or a procedure on the anterior part of the neck to create a more youthful contour. Anesthesia: General or IV Sedation Side effects/risks: There is a risk of numbness on the chin if the nerve is compressed. This is typically temporary but in rare cases is permanent. Infection with implant removal is a possibility as is implant migration or displacement. Some patients can palpate their implant. There is some post-surgical discomfort and soreness, which is easily controlled by medication. A liquid diet may be advised for a day or two. Recovery: Light activity can resume the same day as surgery. Return to work and usual activity is allowed within 7 to 10 days. Within a week of surgery, the external dressing is usually removed. back Cheek Augmentation View Photos Procedure: Cheek Augmentation - A less common procedure to bring balance to the facial structure by way of correcting a deficient cheek area due to congenital deficiency, age-related bone resorption or facial trauma. The procedure is typically considered by patients who seek the "high cheek bones" typical of models and actors. Anesthesia: General or IV sedation Side effects/risks: Infection, hematoma and seroma, implant shifting (displacement) and asymmetry, and possible loss of sensation (numbness). Recovery: Restricted activity and sleep on two pillows for 7-14 days. Your face will be swollen and bruised for several days, but this dissipates over time. You will experience some discomfort for several weeks. A liquid or soft diet may be advised for several days. You will be up and around on the day of surgery, but must refrain from bending, lifting and strenuous activities for 10 days to 2 weeks. You may notice a change in your smile, odd sensations of "tightness", tingling, sporadic sharp pain, pulling, burning or cold sensations. These effects usually subside within the first few weeks, but some swelling will be present for several months. back Ear Surgery View Photos Procedure: Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) - An otoplasty ("ear job") will set prominent ears back closer to the head, or reduce the size of large ears. This surgery is most often done on children between the ages of 4 and 14 years, but can also be performed on adults. One of the more common techniques involves the surgeon making a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He or she will then sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold. Anesthesia: General for young children, General or IV Sedation with Local for older children and adults. Side effects/risks: Temporary pain or discomfort, swelling, bruising and numbness are most common. Less common problems would include infection of cartilage, excessive scarring, hematoma formation and asymmetry of the ears. There is the possibility that the surgery will not correct the problem, as cartilage has "memory" and the problem may recur. The ears may throb or ache for a few days, but this can be relieved by medication. In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time. Recovery: Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery. Most children go back to school in a few days, but need to refrain from contact sports for 1-2 months. A compression headband must be worn as much as possible for the first several weeks. back Eyebrow Lift View Photos Procedure: Eyebrow Lift ("brow lift") - An eyebrow lift helps restore a more youthful, refreshed look to the eyes. The procedure corrects drooping eyebrows and improves the horizontal lines and furrows that can make a person appear angry, sad or tired. In a forehead lift, muscles are reduced to smooth the forehead, raise the eyebrows and minimize frown lines. Your surgeon may use the conventional surgical method in which the incision is hidden just behind the hairline; or use an endoscope, a viewing instrument that allows the procedure to be performed with several small incisions. Both techniques yield similar results -- smoother forehead skin, less heaviness of the brow area and a more "bright eyed" appearance. Anesthesia: General anesthesia Side effects/risks: The immediate post-operative experience for a patient who has had a classic forehead lift may differ significantly from a patient who had the procedure performed endoscopically. Generally, all patients experience bruising, swelling, and tightness around the forehead. Some patients complain of a compression type headache. There will be numbness along the incision lines and behind them for several months. Recovery: You will be up and around on the day of surgery, but plan to limit your activity for at least the first week after surgery. You should be able to shower and shampoo your hair within two days, or as soon as the bandage is removed. Most patients are back to work or school in a week to 10 days. Endoscopic patients may feel ready to return even sooner. Vigorous physical activity should be limited for several weeks, including jogging, bending, heavy housework, sex, or any activity that increases your blood pressure. Prolonged exposure to heat or sun should be limited for several months. Most of the visible signs of surgery should fade completely within about three weeks. Minor swelling and bruising can be concealed with special camouflage makeup. back Endoscopic SurgeryProcedure: Endoscopic Surgery - Endoscopy is a surgical technique that involves the use of an endoscope, a special viewing instrument that allows a surgeon to see images of the body's internal structures through very small incisions. Endoscopic surgery has been used for decades in a number of different procedures, including gallbladder removal, tubal ligation, hernia repairs and knee surgery. Plastic surgeons have been using it for brow lifts, breast augmentations, and facelifts. An endoscope consists of two basic parts: A tubular probe fitted with a tiny camera and bright light, which is inserted through a small incision; and a viewing screen, which magnifies the transmitted images of the body's internal structures. During surgery, the surgeon watches the screen while moving the tube of the endoscope through the surgical area. It's important to understand that the endoscope functions as a viewing device only. To perform the surgery, a separate surgical instrument--such as a scalpel, scissors, or forceps--must be inserted through a different point of entry to manipulate the tissues.Anesthesia: General anesthesia Side effects/risks: All surgery carries risks and every incision leaves a scar. However, with endoscopic surgery, your scars are likely to be hidden, much smaller and some of the after effects of surgery may be minimized. Because the incisions are shorter with endoscopy, the risk of sensory loss from nerve damage is decreased. Also, bleeding, bruising and swelling may be significantly reduced. With the endoscopic approach, you may recover more quickly and return to work earlier than if you had undergone open surgery. Recovery: variable, depending on which surgery is performed; however, recovery is often shorter than with traditional methods. back Eyelid Surgery View Photos Procedure: Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) - Blepharoplasty helps correct excessive skin and drooping on the upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes by removing excess fat, skin, and muscle. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia (numbs the area around your eyes), or IV Sedation with local. Some patients prefer general anesthesia. Our anesthesiologist will discuss this with you. If you are having multiple facial procedures done at the same time, general anesthesia is preferred. Side effects/risks: Temporary discomfort, tightness of lids, swelling, bruising, temporary dryness, burning, itching of eyes, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light for first few weeks. Less common problems include temporary blurred or double vision, infection, bleeding, swelling at the corners of the eyelids, dry eyes, formation of whiteheads, slight asymmetry in healing or scarring, difficulty in closing eyes completely (rarely permanent), pulling down of the lower lids (may require further surgery), and blindness (extremely rare). Recovery: After surgery, your eyesight will seem blurry, as lubricating ointment was place in your eyes during surgery. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off, but you can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. You will be instructed to keep your head elevated for 7-10 days while in bed, and to use cold compresses to reduce the swelling and bruising. Bruising varies from person to person: it reaches its peak during the first 2-3 days and can last 2-3 weeks. Your eyes may be "gummy" for a week or so. Many doctors recommend eye drops, since your eyelids may feel dry at first and your eyes may burn or itch. The stitches will be removed 3-5 days after surgery. Once they're out, the swelling and discoloration around your eyes will gradually subside, and you'll start to look and feel much better. You should be able to read or watch television after two or three days. However, you won't be able to wear contact lenses for about two weeks, and even then they may feel uncomfortable for a while. In 7 - 10 days, depending on your rate of healing and your doctor's instructions, you'll probably be able to wear makeup to hide the bruising that remains. You may be sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other irritants for several weeks, so you should wear sunglasses. back Facelift View Photos Procedure: Facelift (Rhytidectomy) - A facelift "sets back the clock," improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and redraping the skin of your face and neck. Most often this procedure is done on men and women over 40. Every surgeon approaches the procedure in his or her own way. The exact placement of incisions and the sequence of events depend on your facial structure and your surgeon's technique. Incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temples, extend in a natural line in front of the ear (or just inside the cartilage at the front of the ear), and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. If the neck needs work, a small incision may also be made under the chin. Anesthesia: General anesthesia recommended Side effects/risks: Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness and tenderness of skin, tight feeling, and dry skin. For men, permanent need to shave behind ears, where beard-growing skin is repositioned. Injury to the nerves that control facial muscles or feeling (usually temporary but may be permanent), infection, bleeding, poor healing; excessive scarring, asymmetry or change in hairline. Recovery: We usually recommend 3 weeks off work, although you will likely feel fine and may be out in public after 10 days, but with noticeable swelling and bruising. Strenuous activity must be limited for at least 2 weeks. Bruising around the neck and chest can last 2 weeks or more. Sun exposure must be limited for several months. Sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat are recommended for at least 6-8 months. back Erbium LaserProcedure: Erbium Laser (Laser Resurfacing) - The Erbium Laser was introduced to remove or noticeably decrease wrinkles and improve overall color and skin texture of the face, neck, and hands. The water in your skin cells absorbs the laser light. As your surgeon passes the laser light over your skin, a mere 30 millionth of an inch of tissue is removed at a time. This incredible control allows your physician to treat only as deeply as needed, from removing wrinkles to refreshing your overall skin appearance. After the damaged skin is removed, new skin quickly regrows in its place. The erbium laser is used to treat fine wrinkles, color irregularities, sun damage, acne scarring, and sun and age spots. In our practice we have also utilized the laser to improve the appearance of scars caused by trauma or surgery, especially on the face. Shortly after the injury, after all sutures have been removed, several passes of the laser over the affected area will help reduce the appearance of the scarAnesthesia: Local Side effects/risks: Although the Erbium laser has substantially reduced many of the risks associated with laser procedures, infection, temporary or permanent pigmentary changes, even scarring or other unsatisfactory results can occur. Fortunately, these complications are quite rare. Recovery: The rate of recovery depends on the depth of treatment, the particular areas treated, and your own healing powers. Noticeable results are typically seen in a few days, with complete healing in only a few weeks. Light resurfacing around the eyes and lips in general takes only a few days. After a deep full facial resurfacing, it may take longer before you feel ready to return to your normal activities. Camouflage makeup can conceal the redness until the healing is complete. During the initial healing phase, frequent cleansing of the affected area is done with a dilute vinegar solution, and then occluded with an ointment such as Aquaphor. Once the old skin is gone, a good moisturizer is used to keep the skin moist and pliable. back Lip AugmentationProcedure: Lip Augmentation (Augmentation cheiloplasty) - A lip augmentation is a procedure that uses synthetic or biological products, or surgical restructuring to enhance the lips in many ways. Common procedures include Restylane injections, fat injections taken from your own body, and occasionally surgery.Anesthesia: Local anesthesia, or local with IV sedation Side effects/risks: We recommend that all of our patients start prophylactic antiviral medication 3 days before the procedure to reduce the chance of developing a cold sore or fever blister. You will be bruised and swollen for several days to a week. We also recommend a soft diet and avoiding large facial/lip movements for a few days also. Soreness, bruising, stiffness, burning, numbness, prickling sensations, etc are all possible for a few days to weeks after this procedure. Your lips may be purplish or blanched (white or pale) during the recovery period. Recovery: Recovery varies based on the technique used. You may need an oral pain medication for a few days, but after that Tylenol is usually sufficient. You may need to continue your antiviral medication for another 5-7 days. back Facial LiposuctionProcedure: Facial Liposuction (Suction-Assisted Lipectomy) - Improves facial contour by removing fat deposits with a cannula and vacuum device, or syringe suction only.Anesthesia: Local, IV Sedation or General. Side effects/risks: Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness, and burning sensation. Recovery: Most patients can return to work within 3-5 days, but may still have some noticeable swelling. Avoid strenuous activity for 2-4 weeks. back Neck Lift View Photos Procedure: Neck Lift - The neck lift is a procedure to rejuvenate the neck by removing excess skin and fat, and tightening underlying muscles where applicable. The procedure can be performed through minimal incisions hidden behind the ear or under the chin. It is a procedure frequently performed in combination with the facelift and eyelid surgery. In the right candidate it can dramatically improve their appearance, restore a youthful jaw line and take years off your appearance. Anesthesia: General is recommended Side effects/risks: Following surgery patients may experience pain, swelling, possible bruising, soreness and fatigue, all of which typically resolve themselves over time. The incisions are hidden and fade with time. Recovery: The patient can usually return to work after 1 week or longer depending on the individual. Exercise and strenuous activity may be resumed at 4 weeks following surgery. back Nose Surgery View Photos Procedure: Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) - Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose by reducing the size and or shape of your nose, changing the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrowing the span of the nostrils, or changing the angle between your nose and your upper lip. It may also correct a birth defect or injury or help relieve some breathing problems. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is recommended Duration of Results: Permanent Side effects/risks: Temporary swelling and bruising around the eyes nose and cheeks. Some people complain of headaches. Bleeding is a risk for 10 days to 2 weeks in internal work has been done on your turbinates. Infection is rare. Additional surgery is sometimes necessary to achieve the desired result. Recovery: After surgery, particularly during the first twenty-four hours, your face will feel puffy, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. You can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. You will be asked to sleep with the head of your bed elevated and apply ice to reduce bruising and swelling. You may have internal packing in your nostrils for 1-4 days. Most of the swelling is gone in 7-10 days, but full recovery can take up to a year. back Skin Lesions and MolesProcedure: Skin Lesions and Moles - While skin lesions and moles (including skin cancer) can be found on any part of the body, about 80 percent appear on the face, head, or neck, where they can be disfiguring as well as dangerous. A plastic surgeon or a dermatologist removes most skin cancers surgically. If the cancer is small, the procedure can be done quickly and easily. The procedure may be a simple excision, which usually leaves a thin, barely visible scar. Another method is curettage and cautery. In this procedure the lesion is scraped to remove it and then cautery (electric current) is used to control bleeding.Anesthesia: local Side effects/risks: Depending on the location and severity of the lesion, the consequences may range from a small barely visible scar, to permanent changes in facial structures such as your nose, ear, or lip. This would be extremely rare. Recovery: Minimum down time if any required. back Chemical Peel View Photos Procedure: Chemical Peel (Phenol and trichloracetic acid [TCA]) - Chemical peels improve and smooth the texture of the skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation or hyper pigmentation from sun damage. Phenol, trichloracetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose. Anesthesia: Varies with area treated and type of chemical used. Side effects/risks: If you have a phenol peel your recovery will take longer. Your face will become very swollen and the old skin will slough away over the course of 5-7 days. Care must be taken to keep the area clean and moisturized with ointment. You will need someone to help care for you for a few days. You may be limited to a liquid or soft diet. You can have temporary or permanent loss of pigment, loss of the ability to tan, infection, scaring and acute sensitivity to the sun. Any one with a heart condition needs to be cleared by a cardiologist or family physician prior to treatment. You will need narcotic pain medication for several days to control pain. If you have a TCA peel, recovery time is reduced, but you can still expect swelling, throbbing, and redness of the entire area. Keeping the area clean, moist, and out of the sun are critical to e a good result. A crust or scab may form on the treated areas for several days and your skin will "weep" during that time producing a clear yellow fluid on the surface, which if not cleaned away, will form a crust. After an AHA peel, it is common to experience some temporary flaking or scaling, redness and dryness of the skin. However, these conditions will disappear as the skin adjusts to treatment. AHA peels are usually done by our aesthetician, under the supervision of the surgeon. Recovery: Phenol Peel: You should plan to take at least 3 weeks off work, and you may not want to be seen by friends or neighbors for that time either. You will have significant sloughing of dead skin, crusting and scab formation, and severe swelling. The entire area must be occluded with a waterproof ointment such as Aquaphor. The ointment keeps the air and bacteria from the treated area. After several days you must start cleaning the area with a solution of vinegar and water. At first this may sting and burn, but eventually becomes soothing and helps control itching. You must refrain from strenuous activities, bending and lifting, or any activity that will cause increased pressure to your face for 2-3 weeks. Complete healing normally takes 3-6 months. Camouflage makeup can be worn once the skin is dry and red. TCA Peel: While healing is faster than a phenol peel, you will still experience redness, swelling and sloughing of dead skin. Because it is not as deep as a phenol peel, these symptoms usually only last a few days. Vinegar and water can be used to cleanse the skin starting the same day. Again, occlusion of the skin by an ointment needs to be done for the length of time your skin is moist and peeling. You will experience moderate discomfort that may require narcotic pain medication for a few days. Once the peeling has stopped, your skin will remain red for another 3-4 weeks. It is important to wear a good sunscreen at all times to prevent hyper pigmentation. Most people require 1 week off work, again depending on the size of the area treated. back |
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