Cosmetic Surgery
Procedures
*All pictures are examples of typical results
Facelift
Wrinkles are the result of aging, as well as gravity, sun damage, weight fluctuation and stress. Another name for facelift is, “rhytidectomy”, which means “wrinkle excision.” While a facelift can’t stop the aging process, it can produce a more youthful and relaxed appearance. A face lift may also be combined with other procedures such as forehead lift, eyelid surgery or nose reshaping to achieve your aesthetic needs.
A face lift surgery usually takes several hours. Every surgeon performs the procedure in his or her own way. The incisions are started above the hair line in the temples, and extend downward in the natural line in front of the ear. The incision continues around the earlobe and behind the ear, and then back into the hair-bearing skin behind the ear. Sometimes, a small incision is made under the chin if the neck needs additional tightening. The surgeon lifts and tightens the skin, while also tightening deeper tissue and removing/repositioning fat. The wound is then sutured closed (metal clips may be used on the scalp). Small drainage tubes are left under the skin for a day, to drain any blood or fluid that collects. The head is loosely wrapped in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling.
Within a few weeks, most patients are enjoying their new, refreshed appearance. Scars are well hidden after facelift; though they may be red at first, they will fade with time and become difficult to see in most cases.
Neck lift
Sagging skin, excess fat, or the appearance of neck cords can be corrected with neck lift surgery. The neck lift can restore a clean and well defined neck and jaw line. The results can improve facial shape and balance, give the appearance of weight loss and a healthier and more youthful look. It is often performed in conjunction with a facelift but can be performed on its own.
Brow lift
A forehead lift or “brow lift” is a procedure that restores a more youthful, refreshed look to the area above the eyes. The procedure corrects drooping brows and improves the horizontal lines and furrows that can make a person appear angry, sad or tired. Surgical incisions can be made within the scalp hairline or with a more conservative approach with a direct brow lift just slightly above the eyebrows.
Rhinoplasty
The term rhinoplasty is derived from the German “rhinoplastik” which means “changing the shape of the nose”.
A rhinoplasty can greatly improve the balance of facial features, helping patients discover newfound confidence. Rhinoplasty can also be used to correct structural defects, including those that cause breathing problems.
The best way for a patient to determine his or her candidacy for rhinoplasty is to schedule a consultation with one of our qualified surgeons. We will assess your medical history, skin quality, cosmetic goals, and mental preparedness before recommending treatment.
Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, also known as “blepharoplasty”, is performed to restore a more youthful appearance to the upper and lower eyelids. Many patients have excess skin or bags (fatty deposits) of the eyelids which leads to a more tired appearance. By removing this extra skin and fat, the eye area can be rejuvenated.
Upper eyelid surgery
Incisions are hidden in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Through this approach, excess skin and fat is removed and the scar is minimized. The incision can be extended beyond the lateral edge of the eye to address wrinkles in this area if needed.
Lower eyelid surgery
Incisions for lower eyelid rejuvenation are made just below the lash line or inside the eyelid depending on the individual characteristics of the patient. Excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed as necessary.
Eyelid procedures have the effect of making you appear more rested, refreshed, and youthful. The final results will become more apparent several weeks after operation to allow the natural healing process to take place.
Ear Surgery
Ear surgery, or “otoplasty”, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears.
For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of four and 14. Ears are almost fully grown by age four, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.
Chin Surgery
Chin surgery, also known as “mentoplasty”, is a surgical procedure to reshape the chin either by enhancement with an implant or reduction surgery on the bone. Occasionally we may recommend chin surgery to a patient having nose surgery in order to achieve facial proportion, as the size of the chin may magnify or minimize the perceived size of the nose. Chin surgery helps provide a harmonious balance to your facial features so that you feel better about the way you look.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, or “augmentation mammoplasty”, is a surgical procedure that may be done to improve the size, shape or fullness of a woman’s breast for various reasons. For some women, breast augmentation is a way to enhance self-image and self-confidence. For others, breast augmentation is part of breast reconstruction after surgery for breast cancer or other conditions affecting the breast. Mothers often choose to have breast augmentation in order to regain the breast size they had prior to pregnancy. The procedure usually involves the insertion of a silicone or saline implant behind the muscle wall in order to improve or restore the bust line by one or more cup sizes.
Breast Lift
Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and the force of gravity take their toll on a woman’s breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. Breast lift, or “mastopexy”, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts–at least, for a time. (No surgery can permanently delay the effects of gravity.) Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume–for example, after pregnancy–breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase both their firmness and their size.
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction, or “reduction mammoplasty”, is often performed for physical relief rather than simply cosmetic improvement. Women with very large breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight, including back and neck pain, skin irritation, skeletal deformities, and breathing problems. In addition, very large breasts may make a woman or teenage girl feel very self-conscious. However, this procedure is not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed.
Although techniques vary, the most common surgical technique involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward and follows the natural curve of the breast. The surgeon removes the excess glandular tissue, fat and skin, and moves the nipple and areola into their new position. The surgeon then brings the skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast.
Insurance requirements for coverage vary with insurance providers. We can discuss those requirements during your initial visit.
Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a “tummy tuck,” is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.
Arm Lift
After substantial weight loss, weight gain or simply from the effects of aging, skin on the upper arms can be left inelastic, loose and sagging. Arm lift surgery, also known as ”brachioplasty”, removes that excess skin and fat.
Liposuction
Liposuction, or “lipoplasty”, is a procedure that allows a surgeon to reshape most areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits. At the same time, the procedure can improve your body contours, body proportion and provide you with a renewed self-image. Liposuction is generally most effective for people who are at a stable weight but who may have localized fat deposits that do not improve with healthy eating habits or adequate physical activity. Liposuction is not an alternative to weight loss and not often recommended for people who have a considerable amount of weight to lose.
Bodycontouring
Men and women who have lost a significant amount of weight and suffer from excessive skin laxity may benefit from a post-bariatric procedure. In general, it is best to delay body contouring until a stable weight has been reached for 6 months, which generally corresponds to about 1 year after bypass or banding surgery. Because different areas of the body may respond differently to massive weight loss, a variety of surgical procedures may be needed in order to maximize the results. A consultation with one of our surgeons will allow us to formulate a plan with you to reach your post weight loss goals.
