COSMETIC SURGERY

 
Introduction
Cosmetic maxillofacial surgery is used to repair physical malformations resulting from disease, injury, burns, birth defects, or aging. It may also serve to restore normal function and improve individual appearance. Cosmetic maxillofacial surgery can be performed using a variety of techniques, and several different procedures are available to correct specific conditions. Because of their surgical and dental background, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are uniquely qualified in the treatment of the face, mouth, teeth, and jaws. Extensive education in surgical procedures involving both the soft tissue (skin and muscle) and hard tissue (bone and cartilage) of the maxillofacial area make the oral and maxillofacial surgeon finely attuned to the importance of harmony between facial appearance and function.

Diagnosis
Before any procedure is performed, your surgeon will request a thorough medical history to evaluate your overall general health. A careful physical examination will also be conducted. You will discuss the procedure to be performed, the anticipated results, expected changes in your appearance, type of anesthesia to be used, and possible risks and complications.

Treatment
Some of the common procedures performed are:

Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
 The natural aging process, genetic influences, exposure to sun and other factors cause the skin to wrinkle and sag as it fits the body more loosely. Skin folds become more prominent, especially around the chin, jaw line, and neck. A rhytidectomy, or facelift, can give you a more youthful appearance by tightning facial skin and muscles and removing excess skin.

Nasal Reconstruction (Rhinoplasty)
 Those displeased with the size and/or shape of their nose can improve their appearance through nasal reconstruction, or rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures today.


Cosmetic Surgery of the Eyes (Blepharoplasty, Forehead/Brow Lift)
 Blephroplasty can correct sagging eyelids, pouches beneath the eyes, and excess folds around the eyes. Brow and forehead lifts raise the eyebrows and reduce ridges and furrows on the forehead, creating a smoother, younger appearance.


Chin Surgery (Mentoplasty)
 Mentoplasty can reduce or increase the size of the chin. The best candidate for chin surgery is the individual with a receding or protruding chin and a normal dental bite. For those whose bite needs correction, jaw surgery, in conjunction with mentoplasty, may be necessary.

Cheek Implant (Malar Augmentation)
 Malar augmentation can give definition to a face that has a flat contour because of underdeveloped cheekbones. The best candidate is the individual with a long, narrow face or very round face and flat cheeks. This surgery can help create the appearance of higher, more prominent cheekbones.

Facial Liposuction
 Even people who are not overweight may be plagued by a double chin, saggy jowls, or a very round face. Fat deposits in these areas may be hereditary or due to the natural aging process. These areas are often resistant to exercise and weight loss. Facial liposuction can benefit those who want to remove unsightly fat deposits from localized areas of the face.

Treatment of Facial Wrinkling (Chemical Peel)
 Chemical peel is a procedure for treating skin that is wrinkled, scarred or otherwise damaged and is used for both cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. The procedure is helpful for wrinkles, light acne scarring, and irregular pigmentation such as freckles and age spots. Pre-cancerous conditions such as keratoses (thick, rough, reddish growths) also respond well to chemical peels.

Treatment of Facial Scarring (Dermabrasion)
 Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure in which skin that has been scarred from trauma, acne, pox, or other causes is "sanded" with a rotary abrasive instrument. This "sanding" evens out the skin to give it a smoother texture. Dermabrasion also may be used to treat tattoos, age (liver) spots, wrinkles, and certain skin lesions.

Recovery
Cosmetic maxillofacial surgery may be performed on an outpatient basis in your oral and maxillofacial surgeon's office, surgical facility, or surgery center, or on an inpatient basis in the hospital, depending on your surgeon's and your preference. Surgery may be performed under general anesthesia, IV sedation, or local anesthesia.

Post surgery discomfort associated with these procedures can range from minimal to moderate and is usually controlled with oral medications. Incisions are typically made in natural folds or creases of the face, making scars inconspicuous. Scars also should fade significantly over time.