Friday, May 16, 2014

A New You: Four Types of Facial Plastic Surgeries

Although breast augmentation is undoubtedly the most popular plastic surgery in the U.S., facial surgeries remain a close second. In fact, 2013 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has revealed that three of the five most sought-after cosmetic surgeries in the country (blepharoplasty, rhytidectomy, and rhinoplasty) are facial surgeries. Here’s a closer look at four popular facial surgeries:

First up is blepharoplasty, which is surgery done on the eyelids and is usually favored by people who have eye bags or droopy eyes. Depending on the case, blepharoplasty may be done as an upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both. While the procedure is mostly concerned with the patient’s eyes, it can’t remove wrinkles or sagging eyebrows. Crow’s feet at the outer corner of the eyes can most often be addressed with injectables like Botox or Dysport. A sagging brow may need a brow lift or respond well to injectables. Have a consultation and ask your surgeon about your options to achieve a natural and refreshed look. 




Second is rhinoplasty, which aims to alter the shape, size, and orientation of the nose. Although rhinoplasty is mainly used to improve appearance, it is also used for facial reconstruction and to correct structural issues that impair normal respiration.

Third is otoplasty, which concerns itself with the shape and orientation of the ears. This is purely cosmetic and does not address the patient’s hearing in any way. It is often called ear pinning because the effect is to help the ears sit more closely to the head. While not officially called otoplasty, plastic surgeons are also repairing gauged ear lobes, closing the hole and returning them to a more natural shape.

Finally, rhytidectomy or a facelift addresses the look of the face as a whole, tightening and firming the underlying structures that give the face shape, and then addressing loose skin so it sits youthfully in place. There are several variations to the rhytidectomy including a mini facelift, a mid facelift, even a silhouette cable lift. Each addresses a specific area of the face. Ask your plastic surgeon for an expert opinion on your options for a natural and youthful result - and how to maintain your ageless look!