Facial Surgery
Rhinoplasty – Nose Reshaping
This procedure is most common for those who are unhappy with how their nose looks. Various parts of the nose can be altered to change its appearance including the tip, bridge and nostrils. The two main types of surgery are nose reduction and tip-plasty.
Where the incisions are made will depend on what surgery you have chosen. The main method is a ‘closed’ operation where the incisions are made inside the nose leaving no visible scars. Breathing problems can also be corrected by reducing obstructions and improving the airway.
A splint is usually applied to the nose for up to 10 days. Facial bruising and swelling will be present for several days and there may be some nasal bleeding. The final result can be seen after 6 months.
Face, Neck & Brow Lift
A face lift is the gold standard for improving signs of facial aging and correcting a sagging neck and softening jawline. The process involves shaping the face by tightening, shaping and repositioning the fat tissue and muscle under the skin then gently draping the skin back over the top. The most significant improvement is seen in the jowls, lower face and neck. A brow lift will raise the brow and reduce forehead wrinkles.
The surgeon will tailor the operation to the patients needs. Incisions are usually made along the hairline from their temple down the ear and around their earlobes on both sides. Excess fat is removed, the deep tissues are tightened and the excess skin pulled and trimmed. With a brow lift the forehead skin is lifted and the muscles and tissue are released. The eyebrows may also be lifted and repositioned depending on the individuals needs.
Your face and neck will be bandaged to relieve tension, and minimise swelling and bruising. Dressings are removed up to 5 days after operation and stitches after the fifth day. Normal activities can be resumed within 3-6 weeks after surgery.
Ear Correction
The most common ear surgery is ear pinning but it is also used for ear repair from accidents or birth, or to alter the size and shape of the lobes for cosmetic reasons.
The cause of sticking out ears is due to the lack of the antihelical crease which pulls the ear flatter to the head. During the procedure the skin is cut behind the ear and the cartilage is gently scratched to create the crease.
Dissolvable stitches are used and a padded bandage must be worn for 24 hours, afterwards an elasticated headband needs to be worn over the ears during the night for 6 to 8 weeks.
Chin Implants
The size of your chin has a significant impact on the overall aesthetics balance of your face. A chin implant can correct to some extent a receding chin. Alternatively some of the bone tissue can be removed from the front of the chin to reduce the projection if the chin is too forward. A special silicone implant is inserted to lie in front of the bony prominence of the chin, or in case of a reduction, a slip of bone is taken from the front of the jawbone and also some of the overlying tissue.
The incision for the implant is usually made below the chin in the crease. Depending on the patient and their needs, the incision may be in the mouth then closed with dissolvable stitches. After surgery the chin will be taped to minimise swelling. There maybe some difficulty eating for several days following surgery. The final result can be seen after 2 weeks.
Eye Rejuvenation
Aesthetic Eyelid Surgery or Blepharoplasty is an operation aimed at removing excess skin and fat on upper and lower eyelids. It can eliminate conditions that give an individual a tired appearance such as wrinkles folds of skin on the upper eyelids, bags under the eyes and sagging eyebrows.
The exact location of the incisions will be based on your individual appearance. On the lower eyelid the incision is made just below the eyelash line out into the laughter line by the side of the eye. Excess fat is removed, and then excess skin and muscle are trimmed from the lower lid. Upper eyelid surgery involves making a curved incision in the natural crease of the eyelid. Excess skin and fatty tissue are removed with a tiny bit of muscle to give the eyelid more definition.
Thin plastic stitches are used and are left in for 3 days. Steristrip tape must stay on for 10 days. Bruising and swelling will occur which can last for up to 2 weeks. Make-up can usually be applied after 10 days. The final result can be seen after 6 months.
