Why do people seek Facial Plastic/Cosmetic Surgery?
People seek facial plastic surgery for a variety of reasons. Some have decided to correct what they perceive as a flaw in their appearance; others seek a more youthful image by reducing wrinkles or sagging skin. Facial plastic surgery, however, is not always a cosmetic procedure. For those who have a functional problem, such as difficulty with nasal breathing or a visual difficulty, or for those who have suffered damage caused by disease or an accident, facial plastic surgery is essential for functional recovery.

What is a Facial Plastic Surgeon?
A facial plastic surgeon specializes in performing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in the face, head, and neck region. A facial plastic surgeon is typically trained and Board Certified in Otolaryngology (this specialty addressing surgery of the face, head, and neck). The facial plastic surgeon has spent five to seven years in postgraduate surgical training. Training includes one or two years of postgraduate training in general surgery and at least four additional years of specialty training in the head and neck surgery and facial plastic surgery. Fellowship training with prominent surgeons in the country is a plus. Facial plastic surgeons perform the majority of elective facial plastic surgery procedures in the United States.

Why do people seek Facial Plastic/Cosmetic Surgery?
People seek facial plastic surgery for a variety of reasons. Some have decided to correct what they perceive as a flaw in their appearance; others seek a more youthful image by reducing wrinkles or sagging skin. Facial plastic surgery, however, is not always a cosmetic procedure. For those who have a functional problem, such as difficulty with nasal breathing or a visual difficulty, or for those who have suffered damage caused by disease or an accident, facial plastic surgery is essential for functional recovery.

Rhinoplasty (nose job)*
Surgery of the nose where cartilage and bone are reshaped and reconstructed. Excess bone or cartilage may be removed. Recovery time; one week. Anesthesia; usually general anesthesia. Duration of result; permanent.

Rhinoplasty with sinus relief surgery*
Can be combined with rhinoplasty, as described above, so that in one operation there is improvement in appearance, breathing, and relief of sinus problem.

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
Removal of fat and excess skin, bags, pouches, and wrinkles in the eye area. Recovery time; one week. Anesthesia; usually local anesthesia. Duration of result; lower lids permanent, upper lids ten years.

Brow Lift
Cosmetic surgery to reposition, through various approaches, the brow to its normal location thus contributing to beautiful eye appearance and function. Also relieves forehead wrinkles.

Skin Lesions or Blemishes
These can be managed under local anesthesia with a goal of fine scars.

Rhytidectomy (facelift)
Excessive skin is removed and muscles are tightened. Recovery time; approximately two weeks. Anesthesia; general anesthesia. Duration of result; from five to ten years depending on the patient.

Submental Lipectomy (liposuction)
Surgery beneath the chin to eliminate double chin, excess fat is removed. Recovery time; approximately one week. Anesthesia; local or general anesthesia. Duration of result; generally permanent.

Otoplasty (pinning the ears)
To correct congenitally abnormal position auricles and also reshaping the cartilage. Recovery time; approximately one week. Anesthesia; local or general anesthesia. Duration of result; permanent.

Repair of Torn Ear Lobes
An office procedure. Anesthesia; local anesthesia.

Skin Resurfacing
Removal of outer layer of skin using ablation, chemical or laser, resulting in smoother and less wrinkled skin. Recovery time; one to three weeks. Anesthesia; local or general anesthesia. Duration of result; generally permanent.

Tissue Fillers
Used to remedy the wrinkles, especially around the mouth area, by the use of collagen or Restalin. Recovery time; few hours to three days. Anesthesia; not necessary. Duration of result; repeat as needed.

For more information visit:
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery