Many people automatically associate facial plastic surgery with the traditional facelift. Although facial plastic surgery does include the well-known facelift, it also includes a variety of other procedures that target very specific concerns. In fact the facelift itself can involve the traditional procedure as well as mini versions of the facelift to treat isolated cosmetic concerns of the eyes, forehead, lower face, etc.
As we age, our skin becomes lax and collagen begins to break down causing fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging facial skin. The traditional or full facelift focuses on problem areas around the cheeks, jowls, and neck. While some patients combine this procedure with other anti-aging facial procedures like the brow lift or eyelid surgery for complete facial rejuvenation, other patients seek surgery before a procedure of that extent is necessary. These patients focus on their problem areas as they notice them. Some signs of aging can be repaired with facial fillers and cosmetic injectables. For more advanced signs of aging, Dr. Whiteman also offers procedures like brow lift to smooth wrinkles on the forehead, mid-facelift to reduce wrinkles and refresh the middle section of the face, or neck lift (lower facelift) to eliminate sagging skin on the jowls.
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is used to eliminate signs of aging on the upper and/or lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper eyelids to reduce a hooded appearance caused by sagging eyelid skin and/or on the lower eyelids to remove fat and tissue that contributes to bags beneath the eyes. Eyelid surgery can be combined with other plastic surgery procedures or performed alone depending on the patient’s needs. Aside from helping patients look younger and more alert, some surgeons are performing migraine relief surgery in conjunction with blepharoplasty because they have better access to the muscles attributed to causing this condition. Plastic surgery patients have also experienced migraine relief through some brow lift surgery techniques and with Botox® injections.
Many facial contouring procedures provide a youthful appearance in addition to balancing facial aesthetics, though anti-aging was not their original purpose. Patients often seek otoplasty (ear surgery) to help pin back ears that are too prominent or to reduce the size of ears that are too large. Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is used to enhance the shape and size of a patient’s nose. In fact, nose surgery can also be used to alleviate breathing problems caused by injury or birth defects, so Dr. Whiteman works to repair function first (if necessary) and then to enhance aesthetics.
In addition to balance-focused procedures like otoplasty and rhinoplasty, chin surgery (genioplasty) and the insertions of chin implants are becoming more popular. In fact according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2011 statistics report, the number of patients to receive chin implant surgery increased 71% in comparison to the 2010 statistics. Chin implants are used to give the chin a more prominent position and help balance other facial features like the nose. Dr. Whiteman also employs techniques like facial liposuction, or liposuction of the double chin to add definition to a patient’s jaw line.
Dr. Whiteman performs a variety of plastic surgery procedures for the breasts and body in addition to the facial procedures he offers. To learn more about the procedures available at Southern Plastic Surgery by Dr. David Whiteman, visit his website. You can also connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for news and updates about plastic surgery and health and wellness.