Individuals
elect to pursue cosmetic surgery for a variety of reasons.
For some, the decision is prompted by the need to repair
damage caused by accidents or birth defects. In many instances,
however, individuals choose cosmetic surgery to improve
their personal appearance.
This
brochure outlines some of the procedures available to you.
In many cases, procedures complement one another and it
is common for two or more procedures to be performed in
a single operation. Post-surgery discomfort associated with
these procedures can range from minimal to moderate and
is usually controlled with oral medications. Incisions are
typically made within natural folds or creases of the face,
making scars inconspicuous. Scars also should fade significantly
over time.
Before
any procedure is performed, your surgeon will request a
thorough medical history to evaluate your overall general
health. A careful physical examination also will be conducted.
You will discuss the procedure to be performed, the anticipated
results, expected changes in your appearance, type of anesthesia
to be used, and possible risks and complications.
Cosmetic
maxillofacial surgery may be performed on an outpatient
basis in your oral and maxillofacial surgeon's office, surgical
facility, or surgery center, or on an inpatient basis in
the hospital, depending upon your surgeon's and your preference.
Surgery may be performed under general anesthesia, IV sedation,
or local anesthesia.
While
a majority of patients report enhanced self-confidence and
self-esteem after their surgeries, it is important to understand
that the goal of surgery is to improve appearance. Cosmetic
maxillofacial surgery will refine and enhance features that
already exist, 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 surgery. Your age, health,
skin texture, bone structure and healing capacity are all
factors that can affect the results of your surgery.
Your
expectations and attitude also will play a major role in
your recovery. It is important that you discuss the procedure
thoroughly with your surgeon and proceed with realistic
expectations.
Cosmetic
maxillofacial surgery will require patience on your part.
The final result of your surgery may not be immediately
apparent. Each procedure outlined in this brochure entails
a reasonable recovery period during which you may experience
some swelling, bruising and discomfort, which are part of
the normal healing process.
Cosmetic
maxillofacial surgical procedures are relatively common,
but as with any surgery, cosmetic surgery entails a measure
of risk. You should discuss with your surgeon the possible
risks and complications of the procedure under consideration.
Costs
vary depending on the geographic area and the complexity
of the procedure to be performed. Cosmetic maxillofacial
surgery is often considered "elective" rather
than medically necessary and, as such, it is normally not
covered by insurance. Because insurance companies and policies
vary, you should check with your agent to determine if your
surgery is covered.
Facelift
(Rhytidectomy). The natural aging process, genetic influences,
exposure to sun and other factors cause the skin to wrinkle
and sag as it fits the body more loosely. Skin folds become
more prominent, especially around the chin, jaw line and
neck. A rhytidectomy, or facelift, can give you a more youthful
appearance by tightening facial skin and muscles and removing
excess skin.
When
a facelift is performed, connective tissue and sagging muscles
are tightened. In some cases, fat deposits are reduced from
beneath the chin and neck, allowing the skin to reposition
in a more ideal manner.
Nasal
Reconstruction (Rhinoplasty). Those displeased with
the size and/or shape of their nose can improve their appearance
through nasal reconstruction, or rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty
is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures
today.
During
rhinoplasty, corrections are made by removing, rearranging
or reshaping bone or cartilage. The procedure can straighten
crooked noses, narrow or widen noses or remove humps. Rhinoplasty
is usually not performed until a person has reached their
mid-teens, when growth is nearly complete.
Cosmetic
Surgery of the Eyes (Blepharoplasty, Forehead/Brow Lift).
Blepharoplasty can correct sagging eyelids, pouches beneath
the eyes and excess folds around the eyes. Brow and forehead
lifts raise eyebrows and reduce ridges and furrows on the
forehead, creating a smoother, younger appearance.
A
blepharoplasty may be performed on either the upper or lower
eyelids, or both during the same operation. Excess fat,
muscle and skin is removed to eliminate sagging eyelids.
Incisions are made in the natural skin creases around the
eyelids, making scars inconspicuous.
A
forehead and brow lift is often done in conjunction with
blepharoplasty to improve brow positioning and reduce forehead
wrinkles. During a forehead and brow lift, an incision is
made across the top of the head behind the hairline. The
forehead and brows are elevated and excess skin is removed
from behind the hairline to hide the resulting scar.
Chin
Surgery (Mentoplasty). Mentoplasty can increase or reduce
the size of the chin. The best candidate for chin surgery
is the individual with a receding or protruding chin and
a normal dental bite. For those whose bite needs correction,
jaw surgery, in conjunction with mentoplasty may be necessary.
There
are two basic procedures used in mentoplasty: one involves
moving the chin bone forward or backward and the other,
the use of an artificial chin prosthesis to add size to
a receding chin. To move the bone forward or backward, the
surgeon cuts through the chin bone. The lower portion of
the bone is then moved forward or backward and wired or
fixed to keep it securely in position.
A
chin prosthesis can also be used to create a more prominent
jaw. Using this technique, a prosthesis, similar in consistency
to the natural chin and sized to fit the patient, is placed
in front of the bone to increase the chin's prominence.
Cheek
Implant (Malar Augmentation). Malar augmentation can
give definition to a face that has a flat contour because
of underdeveloped cheekbones. The best candidate is the
individual with a long narrow face or very round face and
flat cheeks. This surgery can help to create the appearance
of higher, more prominent cheekbones.
During
the procedure an incision is made either inside the mouth
or immediately below the lower eyelids. Most frequently,
using the internal approach, the surgeon makes an incision
between the upper gums and the cheek. The surgeon then elevates
the soft tissue, creating a small pocket over the cheekbone.
A prosthesis, similar in consistency to the natural cheekbone
and usually triangular in shape, is then inserted and placed
over the cheekbone.
Facial
Liposuction. Even people who are not overweight may
be plagued by a double chin, saggy jowls or a very round
face. Fat deposits in these locations may be hereditary
or due to the natural aging process. These areas are often
resistant to exercise and weight loss. Facial liposuction
can benefit those who want to remove unsightly fat deposits
from localized areas of the face. Individuals who are in
good physical condition with good skin elasticity are the
best candidates for this surgery.
The
surgeon makes small incisions along the jaw line, in the
cheeks or below the chin, depending upon which fat deposits
are to be removed. A tube attached to a high pressure suction
device is inserted deep in the fat. The surgeon moves the
tube back and forth to loosen excess fat from surrounding
tissue and then "vacuums" the loose fat from the
face with the suction device.
Treatment
of Facial Wrinkling (Chemical Peel). Chemical peel is
a procedure for creating skin that is wrinkled, scarred
or otherwise damaged and is used for both cosmetic and therapeutic
purposes. The procedure is helpful for wrinkles, light acne
scarring, and irregular pigmentation such as freckles and
age spots. Pre-cancerous conditions such as keratoses (thick,
rough, reddish growths) also respond well to chemical peel.
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. After thoroughly cleansing the
skin, the surgeon uses a small applicator to apply the chemical
solution to an area of the face. Excess solution is removed
and the surgeon repeats the procedure on other areas.
The
amount of improvement varies and depends upon the initial
condition of the patient's skin. Significant improvement
of damaged skin has been achieved, which can produce dramatic
results.
Treatment
of Facial Scarring (Dermabrasion). Dermabrasion is a
surgical procedure in which skin that has been scarred from
trauma, acne, pox or other causes, is "sanded"
with a rotary abrasive instrument. This "sanding"
evens out the skin to give it a smoother texture. Dermabrasion
also may be used to treat tattoos, age (liver) spots, wrinkles
and certain skin lesions.
