Cosmetic Surgery: Face Procedures
We offer a variety of plastic surgery procedures for the face and a selection of the most common procedures is listed below.
Click on the links for a detailed description of each procedure.
The position of the eyebrows contributes greatly to the cosmetic appearance of the eyes and face as a whole. Gravity and age cause the brows to drop with time, creating a heavy, tired and aged appearance. Addressing the eyelids without regard for the brows can incompletely correct the periorbital area and does not improve the appearance of the eyelids.
Reasons for considering a Browlift
- Tired appearance to the eyes
- Deep creases in the forehead even at rest
- Droopy appearance to the eyebrows
The Procedure
The browlift can be performed through incisions in the scalp, the hairline or through the same incision made for eyelid surgery. (blepharoplasty). In some cases a fiberoptic scope is used to facilitate the operation. Which approach is performed depends on the needs of the patient, and Dr. Piasecki will thoroughly discuss his recommendations with you.
- Anesthesia Local or general
- Length of surgery 45 to 90 minutes
- Length of stay Outpatient (home the same day)
Recovery Process
- Back to work 3 to 7 days
- Exercise May after 10 days
- Discomfort Mild to moderate (anticipate 2 to 3 days of prescription pain medication)
- Swelling Mild to moderate; should be gone in 2 to 3 weeks
- Bruising Common, but should fade 2 weeks following surgery
- Bandages Minimal
- Final result Appearance will improve for several months following surgery, but the most dramatic results are visible in the first 2 to 3 weeks.
Surgery of the ear, also known as otoplasty, is a procedure that helps reduce protrusion of the ear away from the head.
This ear surgery is most often performed on children between the ages of 7 to 14. Ears that “stick out” can be the source of teasing and ridicule in young children, with a devastating effect on the child’s psyche.
Cosmetic procedures are also available for adults with large ears or congenital birth irregularities that detract from their appearance. Individuals may also have abnormal ears because of their genetic makeup, or accidental injury such as losing an ear or part of an ear.
Reasons for Considering Ear Surgery
- Achieve proportion to the face if the ears “stick out” too much
- Correct folded ear tips (lop ear)
- Reshape long or offset earlobes
- Enhance very small ears or other congenital defects
- Remedy an accidental injury, including the loss of an ear
The Procedure
Otoplasty begins with an incision hidden in the crease behind the ear. This allows the cartilage located behind the ears to be reshaped, in order to position the ears closer to the head.
There are numerous surgical techniques involved in correcting ear irregularities other than protruding ears. These techniques can be discussed with Dr. Piasecki during the initial consultation.
- Anesthesia General (children) or local (most adults)
- Length of surgery 1 to 2 hours
- Length of stay Outpatient (home the same day)
Recovery Process
- Back to school/work 1 week
- Exercise May be resumed in 3 weeks
- Discomfort Mild to moderate (anticipate 2 to 3 days of prescription pain medication)
- Swelling Mild to moderate (should be gone in 2 to 3 weeks)
- Bruising Possible (will decrease within 2 weeks)
- Bandages Removed within a week and replaced with smaller dressings and/or a headband
- Final result Swelling will be minimized and final results visible 1 to 2 weeks following surgery.
Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is a set of popular procedures used to either correct nose-related breathing problems or to reshape the nose for cosmetic reasons. It can help relieve some breathing problems, correct birth defects, reduce or increase the size of the nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge of the nose, narrow the span of the nostrils or change the angle between the nose and the upper lip.
Reasons for Considering Nose Surgery
- Create a better proportion between the nose and facial features
- Reduce the size of a nose that is too large or too wide
- Correct an overly arched or “Roman” nose
- Re-form a crooked or elongated nose tip
- Restore the nose if damaged from an accident or sports injury
- Help with breathing problems by rebuilding the nasal passage
- Treat nasal deformities caused at birth
Note: If rhinoplasty is being utilized to correct a breathing problem or nose deformity, the procedure may be covered under the patient’s insurance policy.
The Procedure
To begin the surgery, tiny incisions are made allowing the surgeon to access the underlying nasal structure. Once the skin is opened, the cartilage and bone are reshaped to form the basis for the new look. Two basic methods are utilized for performing nose surgery: the ‘open’ and the ‘closed’ techniques. The open technique allows maximum visibility and control over the procedure. The incision used in the open technique is placed in between the nostrils on the columella or the medial nostril strip. In the closed technique, the incisions are internal and heal faster, however there is less surgical control over the outcome. Dr. Piasecki can discuss the techniques during the initial consultation.
- Anesthesia General or local
- Length of surgery 1 to 3 hours
- Length of stay Outpatient (home the same day)
Recovery Process
- Back to work 1 week
- Exercise May be resumed in 2 to 3 weeks
- Discomfort Mild to moderate (anticipate 5 to 7 days of prescription pain medication)
- Swelling Mild to moderate (should decrease in 2 to 4 weeks)
- Bruising Will decrease within 2 weeks
- Bandages A splint will be removed within one week and replaced with smaller dressings
- Final result Swelling will be minimized and results visible 1 to 2 weeks following surgery, although appearance will improve for several months.
One of the most notable human features are the eyes, but during the aging process wrinkles, lines and puffiness can contribute to a tired or aged appearance. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a corrective procedure that removes excess wrinkles and provides a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance to the eyes. The blepharoplasty surgery is often performed in conjunction with other facial procedures such as a facelift or rhinoplasty (nose surgery).
Reasons for Considering Eyelid Surgery
- Excessive skin or wrinkles surrounding the eyelids
- A tired appearance or puffiness due to inherited factors
The Procedure
The surgical procedure includes tiny incisions made in the natural contours of the eyelids, which should leave no visible scarring. The upper eyelids are usually operated on first to remove excess skin and fat, then the lower eyelids are completed to eliminate puffiness and improve dark circles. In some instances, laser technology may be used to smooth lower eyelid areas.
- Anesthesia Local or general
- Length of surgery 45 to 90 minutes
- Length of stay Outpatient (home the same day)
Recovery Process
- Back to work 3 to 7 days
- Exercise May after 10 days
- Discomfort Mild to moderate (anticipate 2 to 3 days of prescription pain medication)
- Swelling Mild to moderate; should be gone in 2 to 3 weeks
- Bruising Common, but should fade 2 weeks following surgery
- Bandages Minimal
- Final result Appearance will improve for several months following surgery, but the most dramatic results are visible in the first 2 to 3 weeks.
The sun’s radiation, stress, gravity and other factors cause the skin to sag and fit more loosely over time. Areas of the face and neck, particularly around the jaw line, are especially susceptible to the aging process. Though these changes are gradual, wrinkles and other signs of aging can make individuals “feel older” than they really are. A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to smooth and firm the skin, providing a fresh, youthful appearance.
Reasons for Considering a Facelift
- Sagging skin, muscles, and fat in the face and neck
- Excess skin and fat on the neck
- Sagging jaw line
- Prominent facial wrinkles
The Procedure
The standard procedure for a facelift involves making small incisions along a normal crease in front of the ear and just inside the hairline, continuing to the backside of the ear and to the lower scalp. Tissue and fat deposits are separated, the skin is tightened and excess tissue is removed. If the neckline requires attention, an additional incision is made under the chin and the same procedure is again followed. Minuscule stitches are used to close the incisions and to reduce any chance of scarring.
There are several different facelift techniques that can be employed. Patients can discuss these methods with Dr. Piasecki during their consultation.
- Anesthesia General or local with sedation
- Length of surgery 2 to 3 hours
- Length of stay Outpatient (home the same day)
Recovery Process
- Back to work 7-10 days
- Exercise May be resumed in 2 weeks
- Discomfort Mild to moderate (anticipate 5 days of prescription pain medication)
- Swelling Moderate (should be gone in 2 to 3 weeks)
- Bruising Moderate (will decrease within 2 weeks)
- Stitches, clips and staples Removed in 1 week
- Final result Permanent scars will result from the incisions, but will be carefully placed to minimize visibility and should be difficult to see.
Other information
The face lift can be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as: Blepharoplasty, Liposuction of the neck, Midface lift.
Neck lift surgery, either alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures, can produce very gratifying results for people with vertical bands in the neck, necks that are too heavy or loose, or sagging “turkey wattles” under the chin.
A neck lift removes excess skin, fatty tissue and banding, and restores a smooth, refined appearance to the neck. It can also improve the appearance of the neck by creating more definition of the angle of the jaw.
A neck lift is actually a pair of procedures used to enhance the appearance of your neck:
- Cervicoplasty to remove excess skin
- Platysmaplasty to remove or alter neck muscles
Reasons for Considering a Neck Lift
- To tighten sagging skin on the neck
- To correct vertical bands and wattles
- To remove fat deposits on the neck and/or jaw
The Procedure
During cervicoplasty, an incision is made under or behind the ear; the incision for platysmaplasty is made under the chin. Sections of skin are trimmed, lifted into place and sutured, then the muscle is tightened and skin repositioned. Liposuction is sometimes performed on the neck to remove fat deposits.
- Anesthesia General or sedation
- Length of surgery 2 to 3 hours
- Length of stay Outpatient (home the same day)
Recovery Process
- Back to work 1 to 2 weeks
- Exercise May be resumed in 2 to 3 weeks
- Discomfort Mild to moderate (anticipate 3 to 5 days of prescription pain medication)
- Swelling Mild to moderate (should be gone in 2 to 3 weeks)
- Bruising Possible, but will decrease within 2 weeks
- Bandages Removed in 1 to 3 days and replaced with a fitted garment worn to be worn for a week following surgery
- Final result Results will be visible about a week following surgery.