  
|
 |
||
Facial Procedures
FOREHEAD LIFT / BROW LIFT
Understanding the Surgery A forehead or brow lift moves the eyebrows back to where they belong, at or above the bony orbit. The lift may also smooth the furrows in the forehead as well as reduce the drooping skin above the eyes. As a result of the surgery, the eyes appear more open, more rested and youthful.
Who Is A Candidate for Surgery? The ideal candidate for a brow lift is someone who is looking for improvement in one or more of the following conditions: . sagging or lowered position of the brows. . deep creases across the forehead. . furrows between the brows and top of the nose.
Brow Lift Surgery There are several procedures that can be used to elevate the brows and correct the changes that occur with aging of the forehead area. Selection of the procedure depends on the position of the brows, the height of the hairline and the amount of skin in the upper eyelids.
In some cases, an incision is made across the top of the scalp just behind or at the hairline. Excess skin can be removed, the brows can be lifted and the muscles that cause wrinkling and frown lines can be modified through this incision.
In other lift techniques, small incisions are made in the scalp, on the forehead or above the brow area. Instruments are inserted through these incisions and used to work on the internal structures of the forehead, lifting the brows.
Before Surgery During consultation, Dr. Coley analyzes the eyes, brows, forehead and hairline to determine the appropriate procedure and incision placement. He discusses the medical history of the patient as well as expectations and desired improvements. In order to achieve the best result, Dr. Coley may recommend combining a brow lift surgery with other procedures such as eyelid surgery, facelift or Botox injections.
During Surgery Brow lift surgery is an outpatient procedure and commonly takes from one to two hours, depending upon the complexity of the case.
Understanding the Recovery After surgery, a turban-type head dressing may be placed that is removed in the office the next day. The discomfort following a brow lift is usually minimal and is managed with oral medications. Stitches and/or staples are removed about five to six days following surgery and involve little discomfort. During the recovery period, Dr. Coley provides specific instructions to reduce the swelling and bruising that may occur. Certain activities are restricted to protect the healing tissues.
Understanding the Results Since the healing process is gradual, the best results can be expected from three to six months after surgery. A brow lift reduces the tired, worried or angry expression often created by aging. Patients are usually very happy with their results for many years.
FACELIFT (Rhytidectomy)
Understanding Facelift The goal of a facelift, or rytidectomy, is to reduce sagging and loose skin in the face and neck. This goal is accomplished by lifting or repositioning the skin and underlying tissues. Modern techniques tighten the deeper layers or facial tissue as well as the skin, creating a natural look that usually “subtracts” 6 to 10 years from an individual’s appearance.
Who is a candidate for a Facelift?The ideal candidate for a facelift is someone who is looking for improvement in one or more of the following conditions:
Facelift Surgery Incisions for facelift surgery are usually placed in the natural contour of the ear and extended around the earlobe and into the hairline. Excess skin is removed and deeper tissues are altered to restore a more youthful contour. There may also be a small incision beneath the chin that allows access to fatty tissue in the jaw line and the cord-like structures in the neck.
Before Surgery As part of the consultation, Dr. Coley considers skin type, medical history, skin elasticity, and bone structure. Dr. Coley considers these factors, in addition to the patient’s goals, in personalizing each procedure. In order to achieve the most desirable effect, many patients decide to combine several cosmetic procedures. For example, eyelid surgery, facial liposuction, a forehead or brow lift, chin implant, cheek implants, and skin resurfacing are often performed along with a facelift.
During Surgery Dr. Coley prefers to perform a facelift as an outpatient procedure. The procedure is performed with general anesthesia. A facelift procedure normally takes between two and four hours.
Understanding the Recovery The discomfort following facelift is usually minimal. Medications are prescribed to help the patient rest comfortably for the first few days after surgery. Bandages are removed in the office the day after surgery and reveal swelling and bruising, which may be more pronounced in some areas than others. The puffiness and discoloration peaks about 72 hours after surgery and gradually resolves within several weeks. After a few days, makeup can be used to conceal any discoloration. Stitches and staples are removed five to seven days after surgery. Certain activities are restricted after a facelift to protect healing tissues. However, most patients can resume most of their normal activities within two weeks.
Understanding the Results Since the healing process is gradual, patients should expect to wait at least three to six months for the final results. Most patients enjoy a more youthful appearance and an increased self-confidence for many years.
EYELID SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY)
Understanding Eyelid Surgery Eyelid surgery can correct bags and bulges around the eyes as well as drooping eyelids. The result is a more rested and youthful appearance.
Who Is A Candidate for Eyelid Surgery? If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery. · Do you desire more “open” eyes? · Does excess skin cover the natural fold of your upper eyelids? · Is you vision impaired by loose skin from your upper eyelids? · Do your lower eyelids have a droopy or puffy appearance? · Would you like to have a more rested or alert appearance?
Eyelid Surgery Upper eyelid surgery is performed by making an incision in the natural crease of each eyelid. Excess skin and fat are removed through these incisions, which are closed with fine sutures. Over time, the scars fade and are hidden in the creases of the eyelids.
In lower eyelid surgery, the incisions are made either in the lash lines or on the inside of the eye lids. Excess fat that causes puffiness is removed though an incision made inside the lower eyelids. Minimal to no visible scars result form this procedure.
Before Surgery During the consultation appointment, Dr. Coley asks questions about vision, tear production, use of corrective lenses and expectations. This information plus age, skin type, ethnic background, and degree of visual obstruction helps him determine the best course of treatment. This surgery does not reduce wrinkling around the eye or lift a drooping brow. Therefore, eyelid surgery is often combined with a forehead and/or skin resurfacing to achieve the best result.
During Surgery Eyelid surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia and a sedative. The client remains wake but is insensitive to pain. Eyelid surgery commonly takes between one and two hours.
Understanding the Recovery During the first 48 hours following surgery, clients may experience swelling, bruising and discomfort. These symptoms are easily managed through use of analgesics, cold compresses and head elevation. The majority of clients return to normal activity within a few days with some restrictions on activated that out pressure on the yes.
Understanding the Results Most clients experience a marked improvement in the appearance of their eyes. Bags and bulges are significantly reduced if not completely eliminated. Some clients may actually experience slight improvement in their eyesight or peripheral vision as a result of the removal of excess tissue.
NOSE SURGERY(RHINOPLASTY)
Understanding Nose Surgery Nose surgery is performed to change the configuration of the nose. It can reduce or increase the size of the nose, narrow the width of the nostrils, change the shape of the tip or bridge, or change the angle between the nose and tip.
Who Is A candidate For Nose Surgery? The ideal candidate for nose surgery is someone who is looking for improvement rather than perfection. The appropriate age for surgery depends on many factors. Dr. Coley prefers not to operate on teenagers until after they’ve completed their growth spurt – around 15 for girls and 18 for boys. However, nose surgery may be performed at a younger age if a severe breathing problem exists. There is no upper age limit for nose surgery. Clients in there sixties and seventies elect to have this procedure with good results.
Nose Surgery During surgery, the skin of the nose is separated from the bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired size and shape. The majority of incisions are made inside the nose where they will not be visible. In some cases, an incision is made in the area of the skin separating the nostrils and/or at the base of each nostril. Very fine, absorbable sutures are used to close the incisions. The sutures dissolve on their own, usually leaving an imperceptible scar.
Before Surgery During the consultation, Dr. Coley assesses the client’s age, height, skin thickness, ethnic background and other facial features such as the forehead, eyes, and chin. His goal is to create a natural-looking nose that compliments each client’s face. It is often necessary to correct a receding or protruding chin at the same time nose surgery is performed in order to achieve harmony of the facial features. Combining these procedures may produce a more desirable effect.
During Surgery Nose surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure and commonly takes from one to two hours, depending upon the complexity of the case.
Understanding the Recovery After surgery, a splint is placed over the nose to help maintain the new shape. The splint is removed in about six days, revealing a more defined and aesthetic appearing nose.
Immediately after surgery, bruising may develop in the face, particularly around the eyes. Dr. Coley provides specific guidelines that help manage the discomfort and speed the healing process.
Most clients are able to return to work or school a week following surgery. Some activates that may injure the nose are limited in the weeks after the procedure to allow optimal healing.
Understanding the Results The appearance of the nose looks better each day following surgery. Within a week or two, an observer can no longer tell that a procedure has been performed. The healing is a slow, gradual process with a final result that may not be seen for a year or more. Most clients, young and old, are thrilled with the results of nose surgery.
CHEEK IMPLANTS (CHEEK AUGMENTATION)
Understanding Cheek Implants Cheeks implants enhance the cheekbones, resulting in an appearance of elegance and youth. They may provide a more harmonious balance to the face and features so the client feels better about his her appearance.
Who I s A Candidate For Cheek Implants? If you desire increased facial definition and more prominent cheekbones or cheek fullness, you may be a good candidate for cheek implants. In addition, the ideal candidate is in good physical health, is emotionally stable and has realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery. Although most clients who have cheek implant surgery are women, many men choose this surgery to improve the way they look and feel about themselves.
Cheek Implant Surgery Recent improvements in surgical materials have resulted in implants that are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. During the surgery, Dr. Coley selects implants that best enhance the client’s appearance. The implants are inserted through small incisions made inside the mouth. Depending on the client’s profile, the implants are placed at or below the natural cheekbone. These implants are carefully designed to fit the skeletal form, resulting in a very natural appearance. All implants are created from materials that have been found safe following many years of surgical use. The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures to avoid the need for removal and heal with no external scarring.
Before Surgery During the consultation appointment, Dr. Coley analyzes the face and discusses the client’s objectives. While cheek implant surgery is frequently performed as a single procedure, it is often combined with facelift, eyelid surgery and/or nose surgery to achieve the best result.
During Surgery Cheek implantation is performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia with a sedative. The client is awake but relaxed and insensitive to pain. The procedure usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes.
Understanding the Recovery Dr. Coley may apply a pressure bandage immediately following surgery, but is usually not necessary. If so, the pressure bandage is removed the next day and may be replaced with tape and/or a bolster. These stay in place for one to three days. The stitches inside the mouth usually dissolve within 10 days.
Recovery is rapid although there is mild to moderate discomfort that is controlled with medications. Some foods and activities are limited for several days. Although the cheek areas are swollen initially and some bruising may occur, most clients return to work and resume normal activities within a few days.
Understanding the Results The client may be unable to accurately assess his or her final result for weeks or months. Remember that healing is a gradual process. Give yourself time to adjust to your new look and then enjoy the results.
CHIN IMPLANT(MENTOPLASTY)
Understanding Chin Implant A chin implant is placed to create a pleasing, balanced profile and to improve facial harmony. The implant builds up a receding or “weak” chin that may result of long-term nasal blockage, dental problems, or heredity. The result of chin implantation can be dramatic and frequently creates an increase in self-confidence.
Who Is A Candidate For A Chin Implant? The ideal candidate for a chin implant is someone who desires an improvement in facial definition and balance. If you are in good physical health, are emotionally stable and have realistic expectations, you may benefit from chin implantation surgery.
Chin Surgery Implants are available in many shapes and sizes so the procedure can be customized for each client. During the surgery, Dr. Coley selects the implant that best enhances the client’s appearance and inserts it into a pocket of the front of the jawbone. A small incision is made in the natural crease line just under the chin or inside the mouth just above where the gum and lower lip meet. Fine sutures are used to close the incision. If the incision is inside the mouth no external scarring is visible. If the incision is under the chin, the scar fades, becoming almost imperceptible.
Recent improvements in surgical materials have resulted in implants that become incorporated into the chin tissue. Shortly after implantation, the material becomes attached to the surrounding tissue. Materials that compose the implants have been used for many years and are considered very safe.
Before Surgery During the consultation, Dr. Coley analyzes the chin and jaw to determine if an implant will enhance the facial profile. He also considers other facial features and may recommend nose surgery, facelift, or facial liposuction along with the chin implantation to achieve better facial harmony.
During Surgery Chin Impant surgery is an outpatient procedure that commonly takes between 30 minutes to an hour.
Understanding the Recovery Immediately after the surgery, Dr. Coley may apply a pressure bandage that is removed in the office the day after surgery. After the pressure bandage is removed, there may be tape over the site. This tape stays in placed for a few days. Clients may experience discomfort and swelling around the chin for several days. Numbness and bruising may also be present. There may be some temporary difficulty with smiling and talking. During this time, Dr. Coley provides instructions regarding dental hygiene, eating and restrictions on activities that could delay healing.
Understanding the Results Although healing begins immediately, the process is slow and gradual. The client may be unable to see the final results for weeks or even months. Most clients find that other people don’t recognize they’ve had facial surgery; they just know they look better.
FAT TRANSFER (Micro-lipoinjection)
Understanding Fat Transfer
Fat transfer is designed to plump up facial features with a patient’s own fat. This procedure is a natural alternative to other wrinkle treatments such as collagen injections. Because a patient’s own fat cells are used in the procedure, there should be no allergic reaction. In addition to minimizing wrinkles and frown lines, fat transfer can recontour facial features. It provides definition to cheeks and chins as well as correcting minor facial deformities.
Who Is A Candidate For Fat Transfer?
The ideal candidate is someone who wants to minimize the signs of aging that result from the loss of fat around the eyes, cheeks or in the mouth area. Other persons who may benefit from fat transfer are those who desire more definition in the cheek or chin area of the face or who have minor facial deformities.
Fat Transfer
Facial wrinkles and creases begin to appear as underlying tissues break down. This break down is a part of the aging process but may also occur as a result of excessive frowning, smiling and squinting. Fat transfer simply removes fat cells from one area of the body and injects them into another. The fat is removed with a cannula attached to a syringe from a donor site such as the abdomen or buttocks. Once it is removed, the fat is processed to remove fluids and then injected in the desired site. This procedure should be repeated over time until the desired effect is achieved.
Before the Procedure
During the consultation, Dr. Coley discusses expectations and analyzes the patient’s skin to determine whether fat transfer is suitable. He also considers facial features and may recommend other procedures such as facial liposuction and cheek or chin implants to achieve better facial harmony.
During the Procedure
Fat transfer is performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure is carried out with a local anesthetic in both the donor area and treatment site.
Understanding the Recovery
There is little recovery involved following the fat transfer procedure. Some temporary swelling may occur and any discomfort is controlled with oral medication. There may be some bruising, which can be covered with make-up.
Understanding the Results
Fat transfer results thus far indicate a 50-60% long term success rate, however each patient is different and may require additional fat transfer in the future.
LIGHT CHEMICAL PEELS
Understanding Chemical Peels Chemical peeling involves the application of a solution to peel away the top layers of the skin. During the healing process that follows, the top cell layer is replaced with a fresh new skin surface. Chemical peels can erase, fade or reduce fine facial lines and remove other skin imperfections.
Who Is A Candidate for a Chemical Peel? Men and women of all ages can benefit from a chemical peel. However, the best candidates are individuals with fair, thin skin that have a tendency toward fine wrinkling.
Chemical Peel A variety of chemical solutions can be used to produce peels of varying depths. The outcome of the peel is dependent upon the chemical solution and the way it is applied. A chemical peel may reduce or remove freckles, age spots and uneven pigmentation. Some peels can be repeated on a regular basis to maintain a fresh, smooth skin.
Before the Procedure During the consultation, Dr. Coley assesses the patient’s skin type and areas of concern. General health and medical history also help Dr. Coley individualize the timing and type of peel that best fits each patient.
During the Procedure The procedure begins with cleansing of the skin. Then, the chemical solution is applied to facial areas. Most patients experience a light burning sensation that quickly subsides. The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Understanding the Recovery Dr. Coley prescribes a specific routine based upon skin type and the solution that was applied. Some redness and swelling may occur and should be expected to resolve within a few days. Most patients resume normal activities within one to seven days. Care should be taken to avoid direct sunlight and to wear a sunscreen.
Understanding the Results Most patients enjoy the tighter, smoother skin results from a chemical peel. They feel the slight inconvenience is a small price to pay for younger looking skin.
EAR ENHANCEMENT (OTOPLASTY)
Understanding Ear Enhancement Ear enhancement is a procedure that changes the shape and contour of the ears. The surgery is most commonly performed on ears that protrude from the head or that appear too large. In the majority of cases, clients need surgery on both ears on order to achieve a more symmetrical and pleasing result. Once the ears have healed, they are in a more normal position that complements the client’s appearance.
Who Is A Candidate For Ear Enhancement? Ear surgery is usually performed during childhood, before the child begins school. The ears reach about 90 percent of their adult size by age six, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and embarrassment the child will endure. While ear enhancement is more common among children, an increasing number of adults desire ears that compliment their appearance. There are generally no additional risks associated with ear enhancement in an adult.
Ear Enhancement The protrusive appearance of ears is commonly due to undeveloped fold in the ear or other deformities. Ear enhancement positions the ears closer to the head and created folds by placing sutures in the cartilage so they heal in the desired position. Sometimes, cartilage and skin tissue are removed. In most procedures, the incisions are placed behind the ears, resulting in thin scars that are inconspicuous.
During Surgery Ear surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure and commonly takes from one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
Understanding the Recovery Patients are up and around within a few hours of surgery. The head will be wrapped in a bandage for one to two days to promote the best molding and healing. After this bandage is removed, the client wears a protective headband for at least two weeks. Stitches are removed, or will dissolve, in about a week.
Most adult clients return to work within a few days of the surgery. Children return to school with a week. Any activity in which the ears might be bent should be avoided for at least 3 months. The best results following ear surgery are seen in three to six months, when relaxation of the ear and soft tissues in complete.
Understanding the Results Most clients, young and old, are delighted with the results of ear surgery. Keep in mind; the goal is improvement not perfection. By discussing the procedure and your expectation with Dr. Coley before the procedure, you should be quite pleased with the results.
SKIN RESURFACING
Understanding Skin Resurfacing Skin resurfacing removes the outer layers of facial skin to reduce or eliminate lines, wrinkles and mild to moderate scars. Skin resurfacing procedures stimulate new skin growth, resulting in a fresher, more youthful appearance. These procedures can be a time consuming, frustrating, and anxiety producing experience. However, they can produce some of the best results accomplished by cosmetic procedures.
Who Is A Candidate for Skin Resurfacing?
If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you may be a good candidate for skin resurfacing.
Chemical Peel A chemical peel involves the application of a chemical solution to facial skin. The solution causes the surface layers of skin to peel, leaving a newly regenerated skin that is usually smoother and less wrinkled. A chemical peel may reduce or remove freckles, age spots and uneven pigmentation caused by birth control pills or pregnancy. Certain types of acne can also be treated with chemical peels.
Dermabrasion When the skin has an uneven texture that results from acne or injury, dermabrasion may provide improvement. The process of dermabrasion is similar to sanding a mark from a surface. The more elevated areas of skin are smoothed down to diminish the variations that cast shadows when light strikes the face. Because the skin of the face is fairly thick, dermabrasion can be performed in all facial areas except the eyelids.
Laser State of the art skin resurfacing is performed with a carbon dioxide laser that vaporizes the upper layers of the skin. The laser is effective in treating wrinkles, age spots, skin discolorations, and scars from acne or injury. In addition, laser treatment results in a mild tightening effect of the skin, especially in the lower eyelid area. Patients with a variety of complexions can be treated with the laser.
Before Surgery As a part of the consultation visit, Dr. Coley discusses medical history and expectations. He examines the skin to determine skin type, severity of sun damage, pigmentation and the depth of skin imperfections. These factors are carefully evaluated to determine the resurfacing technique that will produce the best results.
During Surgery Depending on the type and extent of the resurfacing, general anesthesia local anesthesia with sedation is usually required. The procedure varies in length, but usually takes approximately one hour.
Understanding the Recovery When the skin resurfacing is completed, the patient leaves with no dressings on the skin. There is a fair amount of stinging in the resurfaced area for several hours afterward, but this is easily tolerated through the use of oral medication. Some swelling occurs which peaks about 72 hours after the procedure. Some activities that interfere with healing must be avoided during the early recovery period. Most patients return to work within two weeks.
The skin takes a minimum of six weeks and a maximum of three to nine months to heal. The red coloration of the skin becomes pink and then regains a more normal skin color during the healing process. While the skin is healing, it is more sensitive and must be kept moist a protected from the sun.
Understanding the Results The final result of skin resurfacing may not be apparent for at least three to nine months. The patient must be willing to accept the temporary swelling and discoloration that occurs following the procedure. Most patients feel the inconvenience is a small price to pay for the cosmetic improvements. |
|
||
|
Home
|
|
