|
What is a Facial Plastic Surgeon?
Appearance plays a big role in the lives of most people. We begin the
day looking in the mirror - washing our face, brushing teeth, combing
hair, shaving, putting on make-up. For some, the reflection can cause
displeasure due to accidents, birth defects, or other signs such as
premature aging. Many of these conditions can be improved surgically
and many people choose to put their faces in the hands of a facial plastic
surgeon. A facial plastic surgeon specializes in performing
cosmetic and reconstructive surgery on the face, head and neck
region. |
|
A facial plastic surgeon is typically board certified in otolaryngology, the
specialty addressing surgery of the head and neck. These surgeons perform the
majority of elective facial plastic surgery procedures in the United States. The
facial plastic surgeon has spent five to six years in post-graduate surgical
training. Training includes one year of post-graduate training in general
surgery and at least four additional years of specialty training in head and
neck surgery and facial plastic surgery. Concentrating on the complex anatomy,
physiology, pathology, bio-chemistry and bacteriology of all the organs and
structures of the head and neck, provides the facial plastic surgeon a strong
focus on the anatomical region being treated.
When Do You Need A Facial Plastic
Surgeon?
The
reasons for facial plastic surgery are varied. Some patients suffer from birth
disfigurements such as birthmarks, cleft palates, and congenital facial
deformities. Others are victims of accidents, burns, diseases, and the treatment
required for such diseases. Many choose to change some of the signs of
premature aging or the shape or size of a facial feature that has bothered
them for years.
A facial plastic surgeon performs the
following:
| Rhinoplasty: |
Surgery of the nose where cartilage and bone are reshaped and
reconstructed; excess bone or cartilage may be removed. Recovery time is
approximately one week.
Results:
Permanent |
| Blepharoplasty: |
Surgery of the eyelids where fat and excessive skin, bags, pouches,
wrinkles in the eye area are removed. Recovery time is approximately one
week.
Results: Lower lids, permanent; upper lids, ten
years. |
| Rhytidectomy: |
In facelift surgery, excess skin is removed and muscles are tightened.
Recovery time is approximately two weeks.
Results: From five to 10 years, depending on the
patient. |
| Forehead Lift: |
Surgery to minimize forehead lines and wrinkles and elevate brows to
reduce lid drooping. Recovery time is about 10 days.
Results: 10 years. |
| Submental Lipectomy: |
Surgery beneath the chin to eliminate "double" chin; excess fat is
removed. Recovery time is approximately one week.
Results: Generally
permanent. |
| Mentoplasty: |
Surgery of the chin where a receding chin is augmented with an implant
or a too prominent chin is reduced. Recovery time is about one week.
Results:
Permanent. |
| Otoplasty: |
Surgery of the ear where ears can be "pinned back" by reshaping the
cartilage. Recovery time is about one week.
Results:Permanent. |
| Laser Skin Resurfacing: |
Removal of the upper layer of the skin using a laser, resulting in
smoother and less wrinkled skin. Recovery time is about 10 days.
Results: Generally
permanent. |
| Facial Reconstruction: |
Surgery to repair or reconstruct facial features in victims of cancer,
facial trauma, and birth defects. |
| Collagen Implant: |
An injection of natural protein
which puffs up and raises skin tissue to smooth out and make less
visible wrinkles and scars. Recovery time is about three hours.
Results: Repeated
as needed. |
| Chemical Peel: |
Controlled removal of the outer layer of skin with specific
chemicals. Recovery time, depending on the nature of the chemical, is from
one to three weeks.
Results:
Generally permanent. |
| Dermabrasion: |
Abrasion of the skin with either a wire brush or diamond fraise to remove
the upper layer of skin resulting in smoother, less wrinkled skin.
Recovery time is about 10 days.
Results: Generally
permanent. |
How To Find A
Facial Plastic Surgeon
The
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery instituted a
toll-free number, 1-800-332-FACE in the United States and
Canada, that provides inquirers the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of
facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons in the inquirer's area who specialize
in the inquirer's desired surgical procedure.
In
addition, as with many things, word of mouth is often best. It is helpful to
talk with friends, relatives, and co-workers who have had or may know someone
who has had facial plastic surgery.
You
may want to ask the following questions:
-
How
did they locate the surgeon?
-
Were
they happy with the results?
-
Would
they return to the same surgeon for another procedure?
General
practice physicians may also be able to recommend facial plastic surgeons with
whom they may have worked. It is still important to validate the training,
skills, and experience of the surgeon. The Directory of Medical Specialists,
available in public libraries, can be used to check the credentials of any
referral you may have been given. Facial plastic surgeons will be listed under
the heading "Otolaryngology."
One
aspect of facial plastic surgery that cannot be ignored is the patient's mental
and emotional attitudes. Facial surgery can help you increase self-confidence
because, for most people, when they look better, they generally feel better.
Choosing A Facial
Plastic Surgeon
One of the most important factors for successful facial
plastic surgery is the relationship between the patient and surgeon. An initial
consultation provides the patient and surgeon an opportunity to
discuss all that is involved in the desired procedure. It is advisable for
the patient to write questions down before the consultation.
You may want to ask the following questions:
- Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
- How long will the operation take?
- What is the recovery time?
- What are the risks involved?
- Is post-operative medication necessary?
- What is the charge for the procedure?
It is also a good idea to write down the answers the surgeon provides so that
the patient can review these carefully. The consultation also provides the
patient a chance to experience the personality style of the surgeon to see if it
is compatible with the patient's.
The patient should be prepared to be candid with the surgeon about their
medical history, any medications, allergies, habits and background which
could affect the outcome of the surgery. The surgeon will also explain to the
patient their experience in the area of facial plastic surgery the patient is
considering. Some consultations may include computer imaging to show the patient
what the surgery might accomplish. The surgeon can also describe what anesthesia
the surgeon uses for each of the surgeries the patient is contemplating. The
surgeon might also advise on supportive surgery to enhance the outcome of the
specific surgery. It is crucial for the patient to find out about all aspects of
the proposed surgery.
Trust Your Face To A
Specialist
|
|
