Cosmetic Procedures
Cosmetic facial surgery has long been performed to correct physical malformations resulting from disease, injury and congenital craniofacial anomalies. Today, a growing number of men and women are choosing cosmetic facial surgery to improve their appearance and reduce the signs of aging.
Because of their background in surgery of the face, oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) are well-trained to perform cosmetic procedures involving the esthetic and functional aspects of the face and neck regions. Extensive education and training in surgical procedures of the soft (skin and muscle) and hard tissue (bone and cartilage) make the oral and maxillofacial surgeon acutely aware of the need for harmony between facial appearance and function.
Due to advancements in surgical techniques and medical products, many cosmetic facial procedures are minimally invasive and can be performed in an office setting using local anesthetic alone or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. Some procedures may require use of an outpatient or same day surgery center or hospital.
Procedures
Following are some of the procedures available to you. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon may perform other surgeries not listed here. Make an appointment to discuss your personal situation.
Cheekbone Implants (Malar Augmentation) create the appearance of higher, more prominent cheekbones and better facial balance.
Chin Surgery (Genioplasty) increases or reduces the length and projection of the chin.
Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to change the shape or reduce the size of large ears.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) removes fat and excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids and can be done alone or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift or brow lift.
Facelift (Rhytidectomy) provides a more youthful appearance by tightening facial skin, muscles and removing excess skin. A mini facelift is a minimally invasive technique that can utilize smaller incisions for a quicker recovery.
Facial and Neck Liposuction can help sculpt the face and neck by removing excess fat. Neck liposuction is often performed in conjunction with such procedures as facelifts, chin surgery and corrective jaw surgery.
Forehead/Brow Lift is often done in conjunction with blepharoplasty to improve brow positioning, minimize frown lines and reduce forehead wrinkles.
Lip Enhancement can reshape the upper and lower lip to give a more aesthetic or youthful appearance. Augmentation of the lips is accomplished using various materials that help “plump” the lips, creating fullness and decreasing vertical lines.
Nasal Reconstruction (Rhinoplasty) can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip.
Skin Treatments
Several techniques exist for treating skin that is wrinkled, scarred or otherwise damaged. The amount of
improvement varies and depends upon the initial condition of the patient’s skin and the procedure.
Wrinkle-relaxing Injections (e.g., Botox Cosmetics, Dysport, Xeomin) can reduce the signs of aging by reducing the muscle activity and wrinkles of the forehead and between the eyebrows, also known as the glabella region. It is especially effective in reducing frown lines, horizontal lines on the forehead and softening the crow’s feet region.
Chemical Peels involve the application of a solution that causes the wrinkled or damaged top layers of skin to peel, revealing new, healthier skin after healing. There are several types of chemical peels: a light peel to remove superficial wrinkles, a medium-depth peel and a deep peel for more severe conditions.
Dermabrasions use a rotating instrument to resurface the skin. It is utilized for surface irregularities such as acne scarring and can help to produce a more uniform appearance.
Lasers specially made for skin treatments remove the outer layers of the damaged or wrinkled skin. The new skin appears healthier and smoother, giving a rejuvenated, more youthful appearance. Injectable Fillers (e.g., Restylane, Juvederm Belotero, Voluma) are synthetic or naturally occurring materials that are placed with small needles to plump wrinkles, furrows or grooves in the skin. The results are instantaneous, although the duration varies with the material chosen.
Facing the Facts
Facial cosmetic surgery may refine, enhance and/or rejuvenate existing features. It will not give you a new face or a new life. How much or how little change is realized depends on the individual and the extent of the surgical procedure. Your age, health, skin texture, bone structure, healing capacity and personal habits – such as smoking or alcohol consumption – are all factors that may affect the results of your surgery.
Each procedure outlined here involves a reasonable recovery period during which you may experience some swelling, bruising and discomfort. These are part of the normal healing process.
If you are interested in learning more about these procedures and determining whether you are a candidate for cosmetic surgery, please schedule a consultation with your OMS.
* procedures done in conjunction with corrective jaw surgery
