Plastic/Cosmetic Surgery/Face

Cosmetic surgery is widely known as one of the types of plastic surgery which is done for the purpose of improving the appearance of an individual but it should be approached with utmost caution.

Cosmetic surgery continues to gain popularity, with 15.1 million cosmetic procedures being performed in the United States in 2013, this seems to be an increase of 3% over the previous year.

Cosmetic procedures are available for almost all parts of the body; however, the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery should not be taken with levity hand. The outcome of cosmetic surgery is usually permanent, so it's important to be sure about making a decision, to make use of the right practitioner, and being in possession of the right motivation.

Before the onset of cosmetic surgery, the surgeon may refer a patient to a counselor for counseling. This is done in the event that they have it in mind there is a basic problem which the surgery could not be solved, or in the event that the patient shows signs of body dysmorphic body disorders (BDD).

BDD can cause a person to have the belief that there is something seriously wrong about the way they appear when objective evidence proves otherwise.

Another form of plastic surgery is reconstructive surgery as it aims to enhance the function and to provide a normal appearance to the part of the body that has been damaged for example, after a mastectomy.

PLASTIC/COSMETIC SURGERY – FACE procedures

1. Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a surgical operation done on the nose in order to make changes to the shape or improves the function of the nose. This can be done for medical reasons, for example, to correct the problems of nasal breathing or correction of congestion caused by traumas or congenital malformations. This can also be performed for cosmetic reasons, which will change the shape and appearance of the nose.

Why Rhinoplasty?

In the event that you are not satisfied with the appearance of your nose, a rhinoplasty is an excellent option. This is the only way to really change the look of your nose, and as the nose is the central element, this unique operation can change and improve the appearance of the face.

Being unhappy with your appearance can exert a much negative effect on so many aspects of your life, most especially your self-confidence and self-esteem. Unfortunately, friends and family often reject these concerns; finding it difficult to cope with the negative effect the appearance of your nose might have on you. However, your concerns are valid. Undergoing a rhinoplasty to improve the shape or size of your nose can have a positive impact on your life giving you a boost of confidence and self-esteem.

The advantages of rhinoplasty fall into two categories:

•    Aesthetic benefits — these relate to the way you look.

•    Medical benefits — these typically relate to your breathing.

Who is an ideal candidate for rhinoplasty?

There is no age limit for rhinoplasty, although most plastic surgeons are of the opinion that you should be above 16 years of age and have developed full facial growth before surgery. Also, non-smokers or having put an end to smoking for at least six weeks before surgery), being in good general health, and no health problems that can have a negative effect on healing, and have realistic expectations of the outcome of the operation. All of these requirements, as well as any other factors that may be relevant to your particular case, will be discussed in detail at the time of consultations.

2. Stem Cell Facelift

WHAT IS A STEM CELL FACELIFT?

Stem Cell facelift Therapy is a relatively new technique which is performed purposely for adding volume and/or reducing wrinkles and sagging in facial skin. Stem cells are elements which are present in the body and they help to ginger other cells into action, in this case, tightening the skin, restore skin cells and increase the production of collagen. Unlike the surgical facelift that raises and reposition tissues, stem cell therapy simply helps the skin in rejuvenating itself.

The stem cells of each and every individual is unique, for this reason, stem cell procedures as to do with the extraction of stem cells from one part of the body and putting them into the face of an individual. There should be no fear as adding stem cells does not indicate the growth of additional nose on the face or anything else. The stem cells respond to and stimulate the surrounding cells, indicating that if they are added to the face they will only trigger the occurrence of natural processes. If stem cells from another individual are used, they would be treated as foreign bodies and they will be destroyed.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF A STEM CELL FACELIFT ON THE FACE?

Usually, an individual will undergo stem cell facelift in order to add to the volume of your skin. Specifically, it involves combining stem cells with fatty substances and injecting them into targeted areas. However, if you want to get a firmer skin texture, rather than volume, use only stem cells. In both cases, you should see clearly younger skin soon after treatment.

Who is an ideal candidate for stem cell facelift?

Stem Cell Facelift is an ideal procedure for patients looking for non-surgical face rejuvenation with no risk of facelift surgery or the protracted recovery time. It is ideal for patients with moderate facial anomalies and/or who have previously had a facelift and who do not want to undergo another surgery.

The process is personalized according to the aging process of each patient. This includes not only a transplantation of fat to specific areas of the face, brows, chin, and jaw, but may also involve a sculpting or removal of fat in certain areas to create more useful facial lookups as well as to improve the skin contraction process for a particular patient outcome.

In short, patients looking for a non-operative natural appearance with significant youth enhancement are the ideal candidates.

3. Facelift

A facelift also known as rhytidectomy is a procedure in cosmetic surgery aimed at giving a younger appearance to the face. It transforms the lower half of the face by removing excess skin from the face.

Rhytidectomy can tighten loose, hanging skin around the jawline, also called "jowls". It can also remove deep creases around the mouth and nose, as well as excess, hanging skin and fat under the chin and in the neck. The process can also tighten the basic tissue and can be combined with the operation to improve the forehead, cheeks, brows, and eyelids.

Facelift surgery is often performed on an outpatient basis. These may be local anesthetics and sedative or general anesthesia. The procedure may take from 2 to 5 hours and the person may normally return home the same day after surgery. In a traditional facelift, the surgeon makes a cut in front of the ear that stretches into the hair or hairline, as well as behind the ear into the hair-bearing scalp.

The surgeon lifts the skin off the deeper facial muscles and fat, lightly pull the skin up and down and posterior direction and removes excess skin. They can tighten the deeper tissues of the face.

A slight cut, or cut, can be done under the chin in order to tighten the skin and deeper tissue of the neck. This is referred to as a neck lift.

The cuts are then sealed with sutures and possibly staples. A drain may be placed beneath the skin behind the ear for one or two days, to remove excess blood and fluid. Bandages are applied.

The operation may take up to three to four hours. Most patients return to work and regular activity in two weeks. Patients may be presentable as early as one week after surgery, depending on the number of bruises.

The effects of a facelift are permanent, with results that last for 10 or more years for some patients. As the aging process continues after surgery, a facelift can last for years throughout the patient's life.

4. Otoplasty

Otoplasty: this is the surgical reshaping of the pinna or outer ear. The goal may be to correct deformation or improve appearance. Reconstructive surgery involves the formation of an external ear after an accident or due to congenital malformation. Pining back the ears to look better, however, is a cosmetic procedure.

Prominent ears may be uncomfortable for children who may be abused. Ears may be considered prominent if they are separated more than 2 centimeters from the head. Otoplasty is more common during childhood but can be carried out on patients of any age.

Why Otoplasty?

The pinna, or the outer ear, perform a minor function when it comes to hearing. A lot of people are of the opinion that their ears are too prominent and that it can cause discomfort and psychological anxiety. Harassment or intimidation due to "loose ears" can affect your child's self-confidence, emotional well-being, and behavior. Even adults with loose ears may feel uncomfortable to the point that it has a negative impact on their daily lives. They may decide not to put on a helmet or other headgear and may be hindered or worried about their looks.

Otoplastic procedures are used by the surgeon to correct, reconstruct or replace a deformed, defective, or missing ear or pinna. For the best results, otoplasty should be done after the ears have grown to their full size, this normally occurs at the age of 5 years. Surgery can reshape the cartilage to create missing folds and put the ear closer to the head.