Facial Procedures

As a person grows older, the face may begin to show signs of age. Over-exposure to sun, the effects of gravity, and the stresses of life only add to the natural aging process. Facial features begin to sag and that can make a person look older than the chronological age. Yet, often there are people who look younger than their age.

What is their secret? Some people have a genetic composition that gives them a younger appearance; but, for most, facial rejuvenation by a board-certified plastic surgeon offers an individual a younger look. Dr. Smith and the staff of Parkwest Plastic Surgery pay extreme attention to detail in planning facial rejuvenation procedures that will withstand the test of time.

The phrase "facial rejuvenation" encompasses three main facial surgeries: rhytidectomy (facelift), browlift (forehead lift) and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). The most common procedure is rhytidectomy; however, browlift and blepharoplasty are becoming as popular. These procedures may be performed individually or in conjunction with each other.

Rhytidectomy (Facelift)
A candidate for rhytidectomy may be a man or woman who has:

• Deep folds of skin from the corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth
• Poorly defined jaw line
• Deep wrinkles or sagging in the cheek area
• Excess skin and fatty tissue in the neck area

The rhytidectomy removes excess fat and skin; tightens the underlying facial muscles; and redrapes the skin around the face and neck, resulting in a firmer, more youthful appearance. Rhytidectomy is most effective on a person who still has some elasticity in the skin, a strong bone structure, and leads a healthy lifestyle.

This procedure is performed in an outpatient surgery facility. Following surgery, the head should be kept elevated and as still as possible for several days. The face will appear pale, bruised and puffy for several days, but all of this will disappear during the healing process. By the third week, the results of the procedure should be evident.

Browlift (Forehead lift)
A candidate for browlift may be a man or woman who has:

• Drooping eyebrows and eyelids
• Excessive or deep frown lines on the forehead and around the eyes

Browlifts, or forehead lifts, remove and/or tighten some of the forehead muscles and skin, giving a firmer, smoother brow and eye area, and a more alert appearance. This procedure can be performed on an individual with frontal hair loss or receding hairline, but scars may be more evident.

As with the rhytidectomy, the browlift is performed in an outpatient surgical facility. During the procedure, the hair at the beginning of the hairline is trimmed, but the hair is not shaved. The forehead will appear pale, puffy and bruised, but all will disappear during the healing process that takes approximately two weeks.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
A candidate for blepharoplasty may be a man or woman who has:

• Excess skin around the upper eyelids
• Puffy appearance of the upper eyelid, producing a tired look
• Droopy lower eyelids which show the white below the iris
• Excess wrinkles around the lower eyelids
• Bags and dark circles under the eyes

In blepharoplasty, fat, excess skin and muscle are removed from the upper and lower eyelids. Both upper and lower lids may be done in one surgical procedure or they may be performed separately.

The blepharoplasty is performed in an outpatient surgical setting. After the surgery, there is swelling and bruising in the eye area; however, these disappear within one to two weeks after surgery.

Profileplasty
With advancements in technology, Dr. Smith and staff are able to offer innovative procedures in facial rejuvenation such as profileplasty. Profileplasty involves changing the three-dimensional structure of the face.

This may include reshaping of the nose, chin, eyebrows and lips. The main concern when dealing with the structure of the face is that each part blends harmoniously with the whole face resulting in a natural balance.