Brow Lift
Brow lifts are also known as forehead lifts. The brow lift is one of the common procedures done in association with face lift procedures. The brow lift involves elevation of the forehead region to open up the appearance of the eyes. Often the brow lift is done utilizing an endoscope through very small incisions in the hair. Some patients require a different approach when having the brow lift procedure, which involves an incision in the hair or at the hairline. The brow lift is usually accomplished with eyelid surgery. Many patients who believe that their upper eyelids are heavy may need a brow lift or a brow lift combined with eyelid surgery to get the best appearance for their upper face. Swelling is present for several days afterwards, but patients can be back to normal activities usually within a week. Dr. Durst will discuss what procedures, if any, should be performed in conjunction with a brow lift to achieve the most rested appearance desired by each patient.
Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery is also known as blepharoplasty and can involve either the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Eyelid surgery removes extra skin from the eyelids and contours the fat pads that often show up as puffy areas around the eyes. Dark circles under the eyes that are caused by shadowing from fat pads are improved, but dark circles caused by pigmentary conditions of the skin are not specifically improved. Eyelid surgery can be done with local anesthesia or general anesthesia and is an outpatient procedure. Eyelid surgery can result in a very dramatic freshening in a patient's appearance and generally has a quick recovery time.
Facelift
Facelift surgery primarily deals with the mid facial region and neck. A facelift can be combined with brow lift surgery and eyelid surgery for patients who need complete facial rejuvenation. The facelift procedure involves inconspicuous incisions in the neck and in the region of the ears and hairline to contour the facial fat, tighten the facial muscle, and remove loose skin. Dramatic changes in the jaw line and neck line can be accomplished with a very nice freshening of the appearance in the cheeks. The facelift procedure is done with general anesthesia and usually involves an overnight stay in our office facility. Patients are always surprised that the facelift is considerably less painful than they would expect, and recovery generally takes ten days to two weeks before one is out in public again.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is nasal reshaping, which can be accomplished in some situations to correct previous traumatic injuries, but often is accomplished purely for aesthetic reasons. The rhinoplasty procedure involves reshaping the cartilage and bone of the nose. After a rhinoplasty is performed, the patient's skin contours to the newly reshaped framework. In some situations breathing is improved. Patients who require a reconstructive rhinoplasty will often have insurance coverage for this procedure, but patients desiring cosmetic improvement generally will not qualify for insurance coverage. The rhinoplasty procedure is done with general anesthesia and requires a week to ten days recovery period.
Chin Liposuction
Chin liposuction involves the removal of fat deposits from under the chin and neck area, to give a more sculpted profile. This procedure works well in patients who have good skin elasticity. Some patients may combine a chin implant with chin liposuction to enhance their profile and to add balance to the face. With chin liposuction, the incision is small and is usually hidden in the jaw line. This is an outpatient procedure and most patients would be able to return to work just a few days after surgery.
Otoplasty
Otoplasty is a procedure for reshaping the ears. Often patients will have excessively prominent ears that protrude from the side of the scalp and cause aesthetic concerns. Children frequently have otoplastic procedures after about age five or six to prevent childhood taunting. The otoplastic procedure is often covered by insurance. Once patients reach adulthood, however, insurance companies will not cover an otoplasty as it is then categorized as being performed for cosmetic reasons. Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure with a five day recovery period. An otoplastic procedure can be performed with local anesthetic on adults. Results for both children and adults after an otoplasty can be quite dramatic.
Lip Augmentation
Lip augmentation is accomplished to give a patient the appearance of fuller, more luscious lips. Several different techniques can be utilized in lip augmentation. Often collagen or fat injections are utilized, but a more lasting result is achieved with an AlloDerm implant, which requires an outpatient procedure. Most patients can be back in public within three to four days following a lip augmentation procedure.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser Skin Peel - Download Pamphlet
Laser resurfacing is another procedure utilized for freshening of the skin. This is frequently done to remove sun damage but more commonly utilized for wrinkles or superficial scars such as acne scars. Laser resurfacing works very similarly to chemical peels, but it has some differences. It is generally utilized when a "stronger" treatment is needed and involves a ten day to two week recovery period.
Botox® Cosmetic
Botox® Cosmetic is the injection of botulinum toxin into areas of the face to diminish the appearance of wrinkles. It is a quick outpatient procedure accomplished in the office, which involves the injection of very small amounts of Botox® Cosmetic into specific muscles to weaken their effect on wrinkling. Dramatic results from Botox® Cosmetic can be achieved within as little as a week. Botox® Cosmetic is not permanent and many patients choose to do the procedure every three to four months. Patients can go right back to work after a Botox® Cosmetic treatment in the office and resume full activities the next day. Botox® Cosmetic is one of the most common and popular cosmetic treatments at this time.
Juvéderm™ and Restylane®
Juvéderm™ and Restylane® injections are popular for filling in wrinkles and contouring areas of the face. Both Juvéderm™ and Restylane® involve very small injections of the purified product into the wrinkle line. They are temporary procedures that last for several months and can be easily repeated. Juvéderm™ and Restylane® treatments are minor office procedures and have minimal downtime, with most patients resuming all normal activities the next day. There are different features to both and Dr. Durst will explain which he feels would be optimal for you. These fillers are often combined with Botox® Cosmetic to achieve a maximal effect.
