Face Procedures

Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

While it can be embarrassing to have unusual looking or extra-large ears, most people just cover them up and do not realize that they have the option of otoplasty or ear surgery.  This procedure is a simple process to alter the appearance of the ear by folding the cartilage into a different position.

This is one of the few procedures that is performed successfully on children as young as four.  It is also more popular with men than with women since females are more able to disguise the issue with longer hair.

Parents with young children may want to consider the procedure before they start school to prevent the issues that can arise when other children make fun of them and damage their self-esteem.

Otoplasty treats many problems and deformities of the ear.  Some of these include the following:

• Big ears, also called macrotia
• A cup or lop ear, which is constricted
• An ear that protrudes away from the head
• Stahl’s ear deformity also known as pointed ear or Spock’s ear
• Telephone ear
• Deformities of the earlobe

Facial Implants

When you want to improve the bone structure of your face and create a more desirable profile, you will want to get facial implants.  Their purpose is to improve the look of the cheekbones, chin, or jaw to change the face shape and alter the profile.  Implants can also give the appearance of youth or to enhance certain features.  They are also used when a patient needs reconstructive surgery.

What to Expect

The procedure to add implants is the same no matter which part of the face is being worked on.  The surgeon will make a small incision that will barely be noticeable.  It is often done in a crease or even inside the mouth to prevent obvious scarring.  The surgeon then places the implant and stitches the incision.  Even though this is a simple procedure, it is usually done with general anesthesia.  It can be performed in addition to other procedures at the same time.

Types of Implants You Can Get

You have the choice between permanent or semi-permanent implants.  In past eras, you only had the option of bone grafts or using silicone for the implants, but today you have more choices.  These implants can be made from natural materials or synthetic materials.  Here is a list of some of your choices:

• Fat grafts.  This uses fat from your own body or from a different source for your implants.
• Bone can be taken from elsewhere on your body to create a graft.  It can also come from another source.
• Silicone is a synthetic option that has the benefit of being customized to the correct flexibility or hardness desired.  It does not integrate with natural tissue and is easy to remove.
• EPTEE or Expanded Polytetrafluorethylene is used in winter clothing and is chosen because it does integrate with your own tissue.
• Another synthetic material is polyethylene that is similar to the EPTEE.
• Even though hydroxyapatite is a synthetic material that is made from coral, it works so well with your own tissue that the body treats it as if it belongs.

Facial implants can be performed as a single procedure, but they are often done in conjunction with other procedures such as facelifts.  Some reasons that a person would use an implant include a double or recessed chin or a profile that does not look symmetrical. 

When you meet with your plastic surgeon, they can look at your profile and determine which procedures are right for the look you are trying to achieve.  If you think this might be something you are interested in, contact a cosmetic surgeon to learn more.

Blepharo Plasty – Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty is also called eyelid surgery and is often performed on people whose eyelids have become droopy or who have bags under their eyes.  These problems can make you look tired and older than you really are, while blepharoplasty can reverse those issues.

With this procedure, excess skin, muscle tissue, and fat are removed from around the eyes to provide firm, smooth skin.

As people age, the skin loses its elasticity and begins to stretch and sag.  Fat accumulates and the muscles get weaker.  The result is droopy eyelids and baggy areas under the eyes.

Blepharoplasty is performed by making incisions along the crease of the upper eyelids.  The surgeon separates the skin from the fatty tissue and removes the excess fat and skin.  The incision is then closed with very tiny sutures.

Very little scarring is seen and is seldom noticeable since it follows the crease of the lid.  Your eyes will be lubricated and bandaged after the procedure.  After one or two days, most people can read and watch TV.  They usually feel back to normal after about a week.

This procedure can be performed along with other cosmetic procedures such as a facelift or brow lift.  It can be done by either local or general anesthesia.  The ideal candidate is the person with noticeable bags under their eyes or droopy eyelids.  They are usually over 35 but can be younger if the problems are hereditary rather than caused by aging.

Your plastic surgeon should speak with your ophthalmologist before the procedure to ensure there are no unusual risks for you.  Some conditions that would be classified as unusual risks include dry eyes, Graves; disease, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, and other circulatory issues.  You should speak with your medical doctor and ophthalmologist before having the procedure.

Cheek Augmentation

Find out more information about Cheek Augmentation at:
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/cheek-augmentation

Forehead Lift

Find out more information about Forehead Lift at:
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/brow-lift

Hair Transplantation

Find out more information about Hair Transplantation at:
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/hair-transplant

Lip Augmentation

Call for additional information and to schedule a consultation: (559) 325-3832

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a type of cosmetic surgery performed to reshape the nose.  It can be performed to correct birth defects or breathing problems, repair an injury, or for aesthetic reasons. 

Rhinoplasty is commonly performed for many problems with a nose, such as:

• The size of the nose
• The shape of the tip
• The shape of the bridge
• The span of the nostrils
• The angle between the nose and upper lip
• Birth defects
• Upper respiratory problems

The rhinoplasty procedure is performed using either local anesthetics and sedatives to numb you. General anesthesia may also be used so that you are asleep through the procedure.

Several options are available for the technique chosen to give you the look you want.  The skin will be separated from the bone first and some of the bone may be removed for a slimmer bridge. 

Cartilage in the tip of the nose can be trimmed for a different shape, and if you are having your nostrils worked on, the plastic surgeon will remove small areas to bring them closer together.  The angle of the nose can be changed by trimming the area between your nostrils.

A splint will be taped to the nose to hold it in shape after the procedure.  The area will swell for a couple of days, but will go down quickly.  Most patients are back to their normal routines in just a few days.  If they wear glasses, they will have to either switch to contacts or prop them on their cheeks until the nose is healed.

The ideal candidate should be physically healthy and have realistic expectations of the results of the procedure.  Younger people should wait until after their growth spurt during their teen years.

Talk with a cosmetic surgeon if you are considering rhinoplasty.  They can help you decide what you need to achieve the desired look.  They can also answer all of your questions and put you at ease with the procedure.