Cumberland Aesthetic Laser Center: June 2010

Class reunion, wedding, anniversary, family reunion, birthday, new career, weight loss, the list could go on. The reasons for refreshing your look are limitless and personal. Even with the advances in technology for less invasive techniques, the number of facial surgeries performed in the United States continues to rise. According to a March 2010 publication by the America Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), AACS members reported an increase in rhinoplasties performed in 2009 from 2008 by 74% and an increase in face lifts from 2008 to 2009 of 44%. In fact, in 2009 alone, the AACS’s members reported over 17 million cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. Other facial procedures on the rise include Blepharoplasty, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, Botox, and dermal fillers.

FACE LIFT / NECK LIFT

A Rhytidectomy, most commonly referred to as a “face lift” is one of the most common surgical procedures performed for reducing the signs of aging primarily in the middle and lower 1/3 of the face, and the superior aspect of the neck. Though there is no ideal age for a facelift, younger patients can have a more subtle result, and often only require a short incision lift. This is dependant on the amount of redundant tissue and skin quality of the mid and lower face as well as the upper neck. Earlier correction can be and is often less invasive as compared to a full face and neck lift. The average age of a patient undergoing a facelift is 54. This is not to discourage patients in their 70s from having a facelift; they can have an excellent result as well!

A face lift repositions the skin of the mid and lower 1/3 of the face, and upper part of the neck. Typically, an incision is hidden in a crease in front of the ear and carried behind the ear and into the hairline. A short incision lift stops at the base of the ear lobe. The deep underlying muscle and fat are repositioned, and sagging redundant skin is then removed. The incision site is closed and the patient is able to return home the same day. If more of the neck muscles and skin need to be corrected, a neck lift can be performed in conjunction with a face lift to give a better defined jaw line, chin, and neck. Liposuction of the neck can also be added to remove excess fatty deposits.

BROWLIFT / FOREHEAD LIFT

A brow lift is a procedure that lifts the eyebrows and smoothes the entire forehead area of deep wrinkles. A variety of techniques can be utilized based on the nature of the problem, gender, degree of correction, age, and even how you wear your hair. Surgical options consist of a coronal lift, direct brow lift, or endoscopic brow lift. Your cosmetic surgeon will you help make the decision on the best approach after a personal consultation.

BLEPHAROPLASTY

Blepharoplasty is a procedure that removes excess skin, muscle, and fatty tissue from the upper and lower eyelids. A small incision is made in the upper and/or lower eyelids to remove the excess tissue. The incision is closed with fine sutures and because the skin of the eyelids heal extremely well the scars are typically not noticeable.

RHINOPLASTY

Rhinoplasty is the surgical enhancement of the nose. A rhinoplasty can be both cosmetic in nature as well as corrects breathing problems due to enlarged or deviated anatomic structures within the nasal vault. By sculpting the nose, a cosmetic surgeon is able to improve the size and shape of the nose, resulting in a more balanced look with the rest of the face.

OTOPLASTY

Otoplasty consists of reshaping the ears so that they are in proportion with the rest of the facial features and have a more natural appearance. Both children and adults with disfigured, protruding, or malpositioned ears can benefit from this procedure. The surgery consist of placing sutures in the cartilage of the ear and tacking the ear back to the strong fibrous lining that overlays the boney area behind the ear to pull the ears closer to the head, or can require removal of excess cartilage to correct the protruding ears. Sometimes, it is necessary to perform both procedures to achieve the desired result. The reason for the protruding ears dictates the type of technique required

CHIN AND CHEEK IMPLANTS

As with the nose and ears, the bones of the cheeks and chin give balance and proportion to your face. Correction to these features if they are too small can easily be made with the placement of facial implants.

A small chin weakens the facial appearance due to facial profile convexity it creates. Some people were born with a small chin and others develop a balance appearance through the aging process. To place the chin implant, an incision is made either in the mouth or under the chin. The implant is carefully placed over the bone of the chin. Once the surgeon is pleased with the amount of projection, the implant is secured to the bone and the incision site closed. Liposuction of the chin and neck can improve the result of the implant placement. Over time, the implant conforms to the bone and is not noticeable.

If the skeletal framework of the cheeks is not proportional, the person may appear to have a flattened mid-face. Placing cheek implants, also known as malar augmentation, can give the person a more youthful, and healthy appearance. Cheek implants are placed using incisions made in the mouth. After correct accentuation of the cheeks is achieved, the surgeon secures the implants to the bone and closes the incision using absorbable sutures. There are no visible scars from the procedure.

Determining your surgical treatment is a personal decision between you and your cosmetic surgeon. There are many options available to restore or refresh your look and put your best face forward.

Before Facelift / After Facelift