Facial Procedures
Revision rhinoplasty
Improves the external shape of the nose.
Procedure
Rhinoplasty, also called nose surgery, reshapes the nose by reducing or increasing the size, removing a hump, changing the shape of the tip or bridge, narrowing the span of the nostrils, or changing the angle between the nose and upper lip. This procedure may also relieve some breathing difficulties when combined with surgery performed on the nasal septum.
Length
Surgery takes approximately one hour or more.
Anesthesia
General or intravenous
Inpatient/Outpatient
This is an inpatient procedure.
Possible Side Effects
Temporary swelling, bruising around the eyes and/or nose lat between 1-3 weeks , and some bleeding and nasal stuffiness.
Risks
Infection, asymmetry, unsatisfactory nasal shape and incomplete improvement (which would require additional surgery) are possible.
Recovery
The patient may go back to work after one week . Activities that are more strenuous may be resumed after two to three weeks. The patient should avoid any activity that could impact on the nose or allow it to become sunburned for at least eight weeks.
Results
Permanent.
Tightens drooping upper eyelid skin and reduces puffy bags below the eyes.
Procedure
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) rejuvenates the upper and lower eyelids by removing excess fat, skin and muscle.
Length
Approximately 1-2 hours.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia or intravenous sedation and local anesthesia are used.
Inpatient/Outpatient
This is an outpatient procedure or inpatient.
Possible Side Effects
Temporary discomfort, feeling of “tightness” in the eyelid area, swelling or bruising. Excessive tearing and sensitivity to light for the first few weeks should be expected. Temporary dryness, burning, or itching of eyes may also occur but these side effects are rare.
Risks
Temporary blurred or double vision, infection, bleeding, swelling at the corners of the eyelids, dry eyes, formation of whiteheads, slight asymmetry in healing or scarring, difficulty in closing eyes completely (which is rarely permanent), and a lowered position of the lower eyelid of the lower lids which may require further surgery.
Recovery
The patient may begin reading after about two to three days and can expect to return to work at approximately five to ten days. Use of contact lens may be resumed after two weeks (upon re-evaluation by the physician). Bruising and swelling should be gone after several weeks.
Results
For some, the improvements from this procedure will last several years and may be permanent for others.
Forehead Lift (brow lift)
Procedure
A forehead lift, also called a brow lift, is a procedure that removes excess tissue, alters muscles and tightens the forehead skin. This procedure may be performed using the traditional technique, with an incision across the top of the head just behind the hairline, or with the use of an endoscope, which requires three to five short incisions, but allows access to the relevant areas to be treated incorporating a camera and a monitor to visualize the dissected areas.
Length
One to two hours.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia or intravenous sedation and local anesthesia are options.
Inpatient/Outpatient
This is most often an outpatient procedure. some time one night in hospital is required
Possible Side Effects
When an endoscope is used the patient may experience temporary swelling, numbness, headaches and bruising.
When the traditional method is used there is the possibility of itching and hair loss.
Risks
Injury to facial nerves causing loss of motion, muscle weakness, or an asymmetrical look, persistent areas of numbness and broad and occasionally excessive scarring
Recovery
The patient usually returns to work in 1-2 weeks . The patient must limit more strenuous activities for several weeks. Full recovery from bruising takes from two to three weeks. One should limit sun exposure for several months to avoid hyperpigmentation of the forehead .
Results
The results from this procedure usually last five to ten years .
Face lift
Procedure
A full or complete facelift improves the skin and tissues of the lower two-thirds of the face, from the ears, across to the cheeks, and down to the jaw line, by removing excess fat, tightening muscles and re-draping skin.
Length
Approximately 2-4 hours.
Anesthesia
Usually general anesthesia is used but can be done under sedation and local anesthesia.
Inpatient/Outpatient
Preferably in- patient
Possible Side Effects
Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness and tenderness of the skin, as well as a tight feeling and dry skin.
Risks
Injury to the nerves that control facial muscles or feeling (which is usually temporary but in rare cases may be permanent), infection, bleeding, poor healing, excessive scarring, asymmetry and a change in the hairline.
Recovery
The patient may return to work after ten to fourteen days. More strenuous activity may be resumed after 2-4 weeks . Bruising should begin to disappear after seven to ten days. Sun exposure must be limited for several months after surgery. The use of a sun block that provides both UVA and UVB (ultraviolet) protection is recommended.
Results
Most facelifts can be expected to maintain optimum appearance for five to ten years.
Neck lift
Procedure
A full or complete facelift improves the skin and tissues of the lower two-thirds of the face, from the ears, across to the cheeks, and down to the jaw line, by removing excess fat, tightening muscles and re-draping skin.
Length
Approximately 2-4 hours.
Anesthesia
Usually general anesthesia is used but can be done under sedation and local anesthesia.
Inpatient/Outpatient
Preferably in- patient
Possible Side Effects
Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness and tenderness of the skin, as well as a tight feeling and dry skin.
Risks
Injury to the nerves that control facial muscles or feeling (which is usually temporary but in rare cases may be permanent), infection, bleeding, poor healing, excessive scarring, asymmetry and a change in the hairline.
Recovery
The patient may return to work after ten to fourteen days. More strenuous activity may be resumed after 2-4 weeks . Bruising should begin to disappear after seven to ten days. Sun exposure must be limited for several months after surgery. The use of a sun block that provides both UVA and UVB (ultraviolet) protection is recommended.
Results
Most facelifts can be expected to maintain optimum appearance for five to ten years.