Facial Plastic Surgery

Facial plastic surgery is performed to reshape structures in the head and neck including the nose, ears, chin, cheekbones, lips, hair and neckline. Success in this field depends on the skill, training, qualifications and experience of the medical team.

Why Should I Consider Facial Plastic Surgery?

Reconstructive plastic surgery is performed for patients with conditions that may be present from birth, such as birthmarks on the face, cleft lip and palate, protruding ears, and a crooked smile, that also affect normal function. Other conditions that are the result of accidents, trauma, burns, or previous surgery can also be corrected with this type of surgery. In addition, some reconstructive procedures are required to treat existing diseases like skin cancer.

Cosmetic facial plastic surgery is surgery meant to enhance visual appearance of the facial structures and features. Common procedures include facelifts, eye lifts, rhinoplasty, chin and cheek implants, liposuction, and procedures to correct facial wrinkles. 

Surgical facial plastic treatments include:

. Rhinoplasty/Septoplasty—Surgery of the outside and inside nose in which cartilage and bone are rebuilt and reshaped to improve the appearance and function of the nose

. Blepharoplasty—Surgery of the upper and/or lower eyelids to improve the function (like drooping eyelids) and/or appearance of the eyes

. Browlift—Surgery to improve forehead wrinkles and droopy eyebrows

. Rhytidectomy—Surgery of the skin on the face and neck to tighten the skin and remove excess wrinkles

. Liposuction—Surgery to remove excess fat under the chin or in the neck

. Facial Implants—Surgery to make certain structures of the face (cheek, lips, chin) more prominent and well defined

. Otoplasty—Surgery to reshape the cartilage of the ears so they protrude less

. Skin Surface Procedures—Surgery using lasers, chemical peels, or derma-abrasion to improve the smoothness of the skin

. Facial Reconstruction—Surgery to reconstruct defects in facial skin from prior surgery, injury, or disease, including reconstruction resulting from cancer surgery, scar revision, repair of prior facial trauma, removal of birth marks, and correction of congenital abnormalities of the skull, palate, or lips.

How Should I Prepare for Facial Plastic Surgery?

Knowing what to expect from facial plastic surgery will put you more at ease. Depending on you and your body, certain risks might include nausea, numbness, bleeding, blood clots, infection, and adverse reactions to the anesthesia. Additionally, if you smoke, you should avoid doing so for two weeks before your surgery in order to optimize healing following your procedure.

Most plastic surgery will not require a long hospital stay. Depending on the extent of your surgery, some procedures can be completed on an outpatient basis. Other procedures may require a hospital stay overnight or for a day or two. Either way, before you are released from the hospital, your surgeon will discuss with you any special care to take while you are recovering at home. You will receive instructions regarding how to tend to your incision area. Sutures and surgical staples will be removed in the office about a week after the procedure. Your surgeon should also explain any special diet restrictions you should follow, medications you should take or avoid, and any restriction on activities.

Most patients feel comfortable returning to work one to two weeks following their surgery, when swelling and bruising are reduced, and their appearance has improved.

Article Source: https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/facial-plastic-surgery/