Is there one thing about your face that you would like to change? Tighter skin? A different nose? Younger- looking eyes? Perhaps there are several areas you'd like to improve. With today's emphasis on youth and health, many find that facial cosmetic surgery is the answer for creating the image one desires.
If you have ever considered facial cosmetic procedures and wondered about the impact it could have on you, especially your overall self-esteem, confidence, or health, this website may provide answers to your questions. A personal consultation is still imperative and many specific questions are best addressed at that time. As a first step, however, come join us for an informal overview of facial cosmetics.
 

 


Areas of Expertise

Is Facial Cosmetic Surgery for You?

The best candidates for facial cosmetic surgery are those who have realistic expectations for what surgery can achieve. While no one should undertake cosmetic surgery for the sole purpose of improving their social life or fast-forwarding their career, sometimes an improvement with a physical feature or more youthful and vibrant appearance can have far reaching effects in terms of self-esteem and image. At times, small changes on the outside give rise to far greater changes on the inside, impacting many areas of a person's life.

Before deciding to have facial cosmetic surgery, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Motivation: Why do I want this operation at this time in my life?
  • Cooperation: Can I do what is needed during and after surgery to ensure a positive outcome?
  • Expectation: What are my specific expectations from this procedure and are they realistic? Do they coincide with my surgeon's expectations?
  • Trust: Is the relationship and communication between me and my surgeon open and trustworthy?

Cosmetic surgery is a serious medical procedure and not a decision to be made lightly. The benefits of cosmetic surgery must be weighed against three factors:

  • The recovery period after surgery
  • The financial considerations
  • The possibility of the complications

A vast majority of patients are entirely satisfied with the results, but you should know that risks and complications are sometimes a reality. Understanding the procedure and knowing what to expect during and after surgery is an important part of making the decision. Brochures, communication with friends and other patients, and this website can be valuable sources of information for you.


Your Initial Consultation

Cosmetic surgery can create subtle or dramatic improvements in your appearance. Paramount to success, however, is an open and clear line of communication between you and your surgeon. The initial visit is aimed at this. Most people have specific areas of their face that they find bothersome and these should be shared openly at this time. Most often, the doctor will then share a more global perspective on your face, touching on all areas, including those that you may not have noticed. It is useful to have various "problem areas" placed in an order of priority and discussed independently with respect to the methods of repair. More specifically, he can then show you the various options available for a given area of your face and and help you develop an understanding of the techniques and expectations of the results. Surgical procedures are not performed at the initial visit, so you will always have an indefinite amount of time for consideration and second thoughts.

There is a lot you can do to ensure a successful outcome:

  • Choose a physician whom you are comfortable with and whom you feel is most qualified to perform the procedure(s) you need.
  • Be open, honest and clear when explaining your motives and wishes to your surgeon.
  • Be sure you understand what the expected result will be, asking questions about anything that remains unclear.
  • Read educational materials.

Preparing for Surgery

Once you have made the decision to have facial cosmetic surgery and have scheduled the date of your surgery, there are a few preparations that you should make ahead of time.

Surgery can be taxing to the body, and physical and emotional rest will be a top priority after the procedure. It is helpful to prepare your home a few days before surgery with attention to many smaller things we all take for granted:

  • grocery shopping
  • house cleaning and arranging (you may be spending a significant amount of time in a single spot of the house; arranging a lounge chair, books, entertainment, etc. can be helpful)
  • laundry
  • inexpensive bedding (drainage from wounds can soil precious materials)
  • prescriptions filled and clearly labeled
  • wound care items (gauze, ointment, Q-tips, etc.)
  • ice (most procedures require an ice pack to the operated areas to minimize swelling and bruising. Bags of frozen peas or lima beans are great ice packs for the face. Several bags are needed to cycle them in the freezer)

For most procedures, avoid blood thinning medicines for 7 - 10 days prior to surgery, especially aspirin-type products, including Advil™, Motrin™, etc. Unless otherwise instructed, do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery. It is a good time to shower well since your may not be able to do so again for a few days following the surgery. Special fragrances and moisturizers should be avoided. You should arrive without any make-up or nail polish and in comfortable, loose clothes. Depending on the type of procedure and the anesthesia that will be used, have a family member or friend accompany you to the hospital. If you are from out-of-town and are staying locally at a hotel, make transportation arrangements.

Anesthesia is used during the surgery to ensure that you feel no pain. There are different forms of anesthesia and this will be reviewed in greater detail with your doctor. Most cosmetic procedures of the face are done under twilight anesthesia where patients are sedated through an IV line and the surgical area is made completely numb with "local anesthetics." There should not be any pain during the entire procedure and most people fall quietly asleep, although some awaken during portions to hear the background music or the surgeon talking. It is distinguished from general anesthesia in that a breathing tube is not needed and you will not be paralyzed. General anesthesia is a deeper plane where sleep is guaranteed and is available for most procedures. It is administered by an attending anesthesiologist specifically trained in this area of medicine.

Immediately after surgery, you are taken to a recovery area for observation. Once you are comfortable and fully recovered from the procedure, you are escorted to your car with the assistance of a nurse and your designated driver. You will leave with written discharge instructions that include emergency phone numbers and contacts. Upon arriving home, it is best to rest with your head elevated. Most people sleep for several hours due to residual effects from the IV sedation. Specific wound care instructions will be given by your surgeon and should be followed closely, especially with respect to ice, ointment, and prescription medications.

Note: Various technical drawings used in this website have been provided courtesy of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.