Facial Procedures
Facelift
A facelift is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures available, designed to treat wrinkles, sagging and skin laxity within the face for a younger, more refreshed appearance. As we age, the effects of time, gravity, sun exposure and stress inevitably take their toll on our faces, producing wrinkles, folds, fat deposits and loose skin.
Patients unhappy with the changing appearance of their face may seek relief through a facelift. This time-tested procedure targets the mid- to lower face, including the cheeks, mouth, chin and neck. Ideal candidates are usually those in their 40s, 50s or 60s looking to reverse the early signs of aging in the face, are generally healthy and have realistic expectations for surgery.
Neck Lift
The neck may sag as a result of aging or weight loss, and is often affected before the face. Loose neck muscles can lead to an appearance of bands on the neck or drastic drooping of the skin. A neck lift is a surgical procedure that can smooth and tighten the skin on the neck and provide a more toned and youthful appearance. The results of this procedure offer a drastic improvement to the appearance of the neck and subtle changes to overall appearance. A neck lift may be performed alongside a facelift, or may be performed alone, after which your friends and family may not even realize that a surgical procedure was performed.
A neck lift procedure includes both a cervicoplasty to remove excess skin and a platysmaplasty to remove or alter muscles in the neck. Liposuction can also be used to remove excess fat during a neck lift. This takes two to three hours and may be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the preference of the patient. Most procedures are performed within an outpatient basis.
Swelling and bruising may occur shortly after the procedure and last up to ten days. Most people can return to work and other regular activities within two weeks after a neck lift procedure.
There are certain risks involved in a neck lift, as there are with any surgical procedure, including problems with anesthesia or infection. There is also a risk of facial nerve damage that may occur during surgery and can result in muscle paralysis. Although these complications are rare, they emphasize the importance of choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon for your cosmetic procedures.
Fat Injection
Fat injection reduces wrinkles and creases and plumps up areas that have lost volume as a result of surgery, injury, aging or another cause. Transplanted fat comes from the patient him- or herself, and therefore does not carry a risk of allergic reaction or rejection. Other advantages include a short recovery time, long-lasting results and effectiveness on any skin type.
Facial Implants
Whether we notice it or not, full cheeks are often a part of how we judge a person's face. Cheek implants can have a major impact on the appearance and self-confidence of a person whose cheeks have thinned or sunken due to age, illness or other causes. Likewise, the chin helps provide harmony to the facial features. Patients often seek a smaller nose when, in fact, a chin augmentation provides a balance to the facial features.
Implant sizes and shapes to augment the cheek and chin areas are tailored to each patient's desired appearance. The implants are placed during an outpatient procedure under local or general anesthesia, which usually takes less than an hour to perform. Your doctor will make the necessary incisions in inconspicuous locations to allow for minimal scarring.
