Andrew W. Klein, M.D. F.A.C.S
Facial Procedures
FACELIFT
The Facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to smooth the loose skin on your face and neck, and to reduce the most apparent signs of aging in the facial area, giving you a more youthful appearance. The procedure involves reducing the creases from the nose and mouth, the slacking jaw line and sagging jowls and fat deposits around the neck by removing excess fat and tightening underlying muscles, then redraping the skin on the face and neck. Although the procedure cannot stop the aging process, it can turn back the clock on your facial appearance, giving you a younger, fresher look, which can also have a positive effect on your self-confidence.
The Best Candidates for a Facelift are those who:
- Have face and neck skin that has begun to sag, but still possess good skin elasticity and whose bone structure is strong and well defined.
- Experience the loss of a well-defined jaw line
- Have deep wrinkles in the cheeks
- Have loose skin, wrinkles or excess fatty tissue in the neck
A face-lift is performed by generally making an incision around the natural contour of the ear, and around your earlobe along your hairline. This helps keeps any scarring from being visible. Any incision can be easily masked by make-up or hair. If a neck lift is performed, you may have a small incision under your chin. After your surgery you may have a drain tube to allow excess fluid to drain from the incision. Your bandage will stay in place for 1 to 2 days. You may experience some increased swelling in the first 24 to 48 hours after your surgery. Most bruising will subside in about 2 weeks. Some numbness may occur, and your stitches will remain till your 1-week visit.
Since each individual has his or her own unique facial features, physical reactions and healing abilities, the results of a facelift vary with each patient and they are never 100% predictable. During a facelift, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Some complications that may arise include hematoma (blood under the skin that must be removed by your doctor), injury to the nerves that control facial muscles (usually temporary) infection, and reactions to the anesthesia. Smokers are more likely to experience poor healing of the skin. Please Contact Dr. Klein's Office for More Information.
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BLEPHAROPLASTY (EYELID SURGERY)
Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery, can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence by removing the appearance of droopy or sagging eyelids. As people age the eyelid stretches, muscles weaken, and fat accumulates around the eyes, causing "bags", or excess skin to become prominent. During your consultation, the doctor will assess which of the four eyelids (top and bottom for both eyes) require surgery.
The best candidates for eyelid surgery are men and women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in their expectations. Generally patients for this procedure are 35 years or older. However, if sagging eyelids runs in your family, it is possible to have eyelid surgery at a younger age.
Eyelid surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia. If your doctor chooses local anesthesia, he will numb the area around your eyes, along with giving you a mild oral or IV sedative. The actual surgery takes one to three hours. The incisions made during the surgery follow the natural lines of your eye.
As with any procedure there is the possibility of complications occurring. For eyelid surgery, these include infection, or a reaction to the anesthesia used. Minor complications that commonly follow eyelid surgery include double or blurred vision for a few days, which is caused by swelling at the corner of the eyelids, and slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Following surgery, some patients may have difficulty closing their eyes when they sleep. Adhering to the physician's advice on pre and post-op care will greatly reduce the risk of complications.
After your surgery, you may feel tightness in your eyes. An ointment and a bandage will cover your eyes. A cold compress and elevation will help keep the swelling and bruising down. For the first few weeks following your surgery, you may also experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and temporary changes in your vision such as blurring or double vision. Your stitches will be removed 2 to 7 days after your surgery.
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FACIAL IMPLANTS
Men and women who wish to enhance their facial features may turn to Facial implants. Facial implants can enhance your image as well as your self-esteem. Facial implants can help bring balance to the features of your face. These implants can bring the chin or cheekbones into balance or help define your chin. Others may use facial implants as a cosmetic enhancement to help bring a more youthful appearance to their aged face. Facial implant surgery can be performed alone, or in conjunction with a normal face-lift. During facial implant surgery, your doctor may use local or general anesthesia, depending on the severity of the surgery.
The following is a brief description of the various facial implant procedures available. Each of these implants, in their own way, can bring your facial features into balance. During your consultation, the doctor can examine your current facial features and determine which implants will best serve your needs.
Chin
Chin implant surgery may take 30 minutes to an hour. Your doctor will decide on the proper implant size, and insert it into a pocket over the front of the jawbone. The incision may be placed on the inside of your mouth, or in the skin just under the chin. Your sutures will be removed with in 5 to 7 days. Some swelling and discomfort may be present, and you may find it difficult to smile or talk.
Cheek
Cheek implant surgery may take 35 to 45 minutes. If a cheek implant is being done in conjunction with another type of face-lift procedure, the same incisions may be used; otherwise a small incision may be made inside your upper lip, or under your lower eyelid. Following surgery, your doctor will inform you of any dietary restrictions, as well as limitations. The ability to move your mouth and lips may be difficult for a few days.
Lower Jaw
Lower jaw implants usually take between 1 and 2 hours. Incisions are made inside the lower lip, and dissolving sutures are used. After your surgery, swelling may peak at 24 to 48 hours. Prolonged swelling may occur for several months. Your doctor will inform you of any dietary and exercise restrictions.
FOREHEAD LIFT
A forehead lift, or brow lift, is designed to reposition sagging eyebrows that can cause a person to look tired, sad or angry. Endoscopic Brow lift, or forehead lift, is the most common endoscopic procedure used by cosmetic surgeons. With this method, instead of the usual ear-to-ear incision, two or more tiny incisions, or "puncture type" incisions are made just at the hairline. The eyebrows are then repositioned to a higher level, resulting in a more relaxed, refreshed and youthful appearance.
The Best Candidates for a Forehead/Brow Lift are:
- Sagging or low position of the eyebrows creating a tired or sad appearance
- Deep horizontal creases across the forehead
- Frown lines, or furrows between the eyebrows and top of the nose.
Endoscopy is a surgical procedure that uses a tool called an endoscope, a special viewing instrument that allows your doctor to view images of the patient's internal structures with minimal incisions. Endoscopy has been used in a number of different procedures, including gallbladder removal, tubal ligation, and knee surgery. Now the procedure is being used for cosmetic plastic surgery applications, in place of techniques that may leave behind undesirable, or excessively visible scars.
As with any surgical procedure, there is always the possibility of side effects occurring. Some side effects of a brow lift include infection, fluid accumulation under the skin, which may need to be drained, blood vessel damage, nerve damage or loss of feeling, internal perforation injury, and skin injury. Despite the known risks, endoscopic surgery complications are rare and it must be noted that endoscopy has been used successfully for decades in orthopedic, urologic, and gynecologic procedures, and the technique is continually improving. Facial Procedures.
Dr. Klein also offers non-surgical rejuvenation injectables such as Restylane.Designed for Dr. Andrew Klein by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons