Face Procedures

Ear

Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Ear surgery (also called otoplasty) is usually performed to:

• Reduce the size of large ears
• Correct misshapen or poorly formed ears
• "Tuck" protruding ears closer to the head

Otoplasty is safe and highly effective, and is most commonly done on children (by age 4, ears are almost fully grown) and teenagers. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.

With ear surgery, an incision is made behind the ear and excess cartilage removed. Stitches are used to close the incision and help maintain the new shape. The results are more balanced, normal-looking ears, and in many cases, improved self-image.

To learn more, visit the ear surgery section of plasticsurgery.org.

Facelift

Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

As people age, the effects of gravity, exposure to the sun, weight fluctuation, and stress can be seen in their faces. Folds and fat deposits appear around the neck and jowls and deep creases and wrinkles form above the top lip or around the eyes.

A facelift (technically known as rhytidectomy) can't stop this aging process. What it can do is improve the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and skin of your face and neck.

A facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, or nose reshaping. The best candidate for a facelift is a man or woman in their forties to sixties, whose skin still has some elasticity and whose bone structure is strong and well-defined.

To learn more, visit the facelift section of plasticsurgery.org.

Brow

Brow / Forehead Lift

As we age, deep horizontal lines on our forehead or brow creases can make us look tired, sad, angry, or years older than we truly are. In a brow lift / forehead lift, the muscles and tissues that cause the furrowing or drooping are removed or altered to smooth the forehead, raise the eyebrows and minimize frown lines.

A forehead lift is most commonly performed in the 40-60 age range to minimize the visible effects of aging. However, it can also help people of any age who have developed furrows or frown lines due to stress or muscle activity. Individuals with inherited conditions, such as a low, heavy brow or furrowed lines above the nose can achieve a more alert and refreshed look with this procedure.

There are two main types of forehead lift. During an endoscopic lift, usually chosen by younger patients who are just developing brow wrinkles, an endoscope is inserted below the skin and used to help lift and tighten the underlying muscles. The other type of lift removes excess tissue and muscle through an incision made at or above the hairline to avoid visible scarring. Both techniques produce similar results - smoother skin and a more youthful appearance.

To learn more, visit the browlift / forehead lift section of plasticsurgery.org.

Nose

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. 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
• Change the angle between your nose and your upper lip
• Correct a birth defect or injury
• Help relieve some breathing problems

During rhinoplasty, incisions are made along the rims of the nostrils to avoid visible scarring. Then extra cartilage is removed and the bones are carefully reset to reshape the nose for the desired look. Some of the results of rhinoplasty include a smaller, straighter or more well-defined nose, and an improved angle between the nose and upper lip.

To learn more, visit the nose surgery section of plasticsurgery.org.

Eyelid 

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

As people age, the eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken, and fat accumulates around the eyes, causing "bags" above and below. In some cases, droopy or sagging eyelids can impair vision.

Eyelid surgery (also called blepharoplasty) is a procedure to remove fat and sometimes excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes. Eyelid surgery can also add an upper eyelid crease to Asian eyes.

The procedure does not remove crow's feet or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under your eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows.  Blepharoplasty can be done alone, or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift or browlift.

To learn more, visit the eyelid surgery section of plasticsurgery.org. 

Radiosurgery

Radiosurgery

Radiosurgery is an effective, comfortable way to remove small “spider veins” on the face with minimal recovery time.

Radiosurgery uses a thin micro-insulated wire to transmit ultra-high-frequency radio waves to the unwanted facial vein. Only the tissue cells immediately adjacent to the wire electrode are affected.

The procedure is performed at the Aesthetic Surgery Center, with topical anesthesia if necessary. The procedure is typically performed in one visit. Occasionally, a second visit may be needed. There is minimal to no bruising, with a short recovery time. After radiosurgery, makeup can typically be applied after 24 hours. 

Most people with fine veins looking for improvements in appearance are potential candidates. Ask your physician today for more details on how radiosurgery can benefit you.
 

More

Botox, Restylane, Sculptra and Juvaderm

If you would like to learn more about the facial skin procedures available at the Aesthetic Surgery Center, please see our Skin section.

Lip Augmentation

Lip Augmentation is the procedure which uses synthetic or biological products such as Restylane®, Collagen or surgical restructuring to enhance the lips, to give your lips a fuller, more defined look.

Fat Transfer

Fat transfer is a more natural approach to facial rejuvenation. The procedure involves transferring fat from other areas of a person's body to recontour areas of the face, such as eyebrows, lids, cheeks, lips, deep crease areas, jawline and chin.