Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery:

What is facial plastic and reconstructive surgery ? 

Facial plastic surgery is a field of medicine devoted exclusively to cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, neck and head. Facial plastic surgeons are specifically trained to treat conditions such as aging, sagging skin, skin wrinkles and blemishes, acne or facial scars, precancerous and cancerous skin lesions and hair loss, in addition to the more commonly- thought of facial plastic procedures like facelift, rhinoplasty ("nose job"), blepharoplasty ("eyelid tuck"), dermabrasion ("skin sanding"), chin augmentation and facial laser and chemical peeling. Make sure your facial plastic surgeon is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; while some plastic surgeons operate on all parts of the body, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the largest organization of surgeons devoted to the practice of facial plastic surgery.

What is minimally invasive facial plastic surgery ?

Minimally invasive cosmetic facial surgery describes an approach to enhancing facial appearance while minimizing extensive surgery and recovery time. Endoscopic brow, face and neck lifts utilize small telescopes and specially designed instruments, avoiding long incisions and extensive surgery to rejuvenate the face. New lasers, such as the Erbium-YAG laser, allow for faster recovery than earlier skin resurfacing lasers. Biologic materials, such as collagen and other skin proteins, are now available in forms that can be easily injected or implanted in an office procedure to fill in wrinkles and folds or augment thin lips. Minimally invasive surgery is a concept based on tailoring treatment with advanced techniques and equipment for each patient in order to provide consistently excellent results and an early return to everyday life.

What is the best treatment for facial wrinkling ?

It is important to distinguish facial wrinkles from skin folds. Skin folds are formed by the action of facial muscles on the skin. Facial wrinkles are textural changes of the skin that persist without active facial movement. A number of procedures are available for facial wrinkles; these include laser or chemical peeling, dermabrasion and collagen injections. A facelift generally does not treat wrinkles. Skin folds generally are more difficult to treat. your facial plastic surgeon can help you determine the best procedure for you.

I have heard collagen injections can treat wrinkles, but the results do not last. What are they, and are they any good ?

Collagen is the most common protein in the skin and gives it its firmness. Collagen can be injected into the skin, where it can "plump up" and soften wrinkles or deep facial folds; alternatively, it can be used for enhancing the appearance of the lips. Standard collagen injections use collagen purified from the skin of cows. Since there are subtle differences between human and cow collagen, cow collagen is progressively broken down by the body after it is injected into the skin.

The effects of cow collagen vary, but results typically last 2- 6 months. Several newer materials are now available, and consist of human collagen. Long-term studies are now being conducted by Anthony P. Sclafani, MD, FACS in the Division of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery; since human collagen should not be recognizedby the body as foreign material, results may be more long- lasting.

What will a facelift do for me ?

A facelift is designed to reposition loose and sagging skin. It can be combined with facial liposuction to remove fat from the area under the chin and from jowls. It is not the best treatment for facial wrinkling, but can restore a refreshed and youthful appearance to a face with sagging and lax skin.

Face lifts are designed to reduce the slackness in the tissues of the face; a face lift tightens or excises muscle, fat and skin, producing a more youthful, rested appearance. Generally speaking, face lift procedures only address the two-thirds of the face, although a surgery can combine both face lift and eyelid surgery or browlift.

For individuals interested in reducing sagging in the facial area, face lifts may be the best way to address the problem. For many patients, the key issues corrected by face lift surgery include sagging jowls, loose neck skin, and fat accumulation under the chin (double chin). Face lifts work in essentially the same manner, although there are some variations in face lift techniques, depending upon the specific individual facial constructions, and the intended outcome of the face lift surgery.

Individuals investigating the ways in which a face lift could help them should meet with a plastic surgeon who specializes in face lifts. During the consultation, the surgeon and patient will determine reasonable expectations for face lift results, depending upon the facial bone structure, and specific problems to be addressed by the face lift procedure. Many surgeons will use photographs of the individual from an earlier period to guide face lift surgery and create a more youthful-looking face. A good plastic surgeon can help decide if face lift surgery is a good choice for the prospective patient, and will explain all of the face lift benefits and risks.

What is Endoscopic Facelift ?

Although the traditional facelift is usually the best choice for most patients, an endoscopic facelift can be beneficial for certain select individuals who do not have a significant amount of excess skin. An endoscopic facelift can focus on problems in a specific area of the face, making smaller, more concentrated adjustments. Patients who undergo endoscopic facelifts typically require less recovery time, experience fewer side effects and have lower risk of complications.

Endoscopic facelifts make use of the latest technology, using small incisions (often less than one inch in length) that are easily hidden. The surgeon performing the endoscopic facelift inserts the endoscope probe-a small camera-and tiny instruments through these incisions. While performing the endoscopic facelift, the surgeon and others in the operating room are able to monitor the progress of the procedure using the internally placed camera.

The typical endoscopic facelift will require three or more short incisions which are concealed in the hairline and/or behind the ears. Because the incisions used in an endoscopic facelift are significantly smaller than those used in a traditional facelift, the risk of sensory loss from nerve damage is decreased. Endoscopic facelift patients also have significantly reduced bleeding, bruising and swelling; tend to recover more quickly and are often able to return to work and other activities within a week of the procedure.

Endoscopic facelifts have an additional benefit: they can generally be performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia. Patients who choose endoscopic facelifts often save a great deal of money compared to the cost of a traditional facelift, since an endoscopic facelift does not require an overnight stay in a hospital or the use of general anesthesia.

Almost any problem that can be treated with a traditional facelift can also be addressed through endoscopic facelifts. A surgeon can tighten loose muscles of the neck, smooth and tighten the tissues of the mid-face, repositions the cheeks, etc.

To discuss the endoscopic facelift and determine if you would be a suitable candidate for this procedure, contact Dr.Manoj Khanna.

What is Non-Surgical Face Lift ?