PROCEDURES

Cosmetic & Reconstructive Facial Surgery

FACIAL COSMETIC & REJUVENATION PROCEDURES

Our face projects an image to others about who we are and what we think and feel. Over time, facial features undergo gradual changes primarily due to aging, but also due to lifestyle and hereditary factors. With advances in science and medicine, productive life spans are now longer than ever. As a result, these changes in your facial features can give others a “false impression” of who you really are inside.

Today, many surgical procedures are routinely performed with the intent of improving the appearance of our bodies and regaining a more youthful look. Every year, thousands of people undergo facial cosmetic surgery and are pleased with the results.

Most every orthognathic and facial reconstructive procedure performed by the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon has esthetic implications. Other adjunctive procedures are therefore, only a natural progression of our expertise and is an important addition to what we can offer our patients. The Pacific Coast Center for Oral & Facial Surgery is now pleased to offer a variety of facial cosmetic procedures through our in-office surgeons and / or via other surgical colleagues and our adjacenet ambulatory surgery center, utilizing the most advanced techniques available. For your own information, below is a list of cosmetic procedures available in through our office and a brief description of each.

Nasal Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Forehead Lift Surgery (Endoscopically Assisted)
Esthetic facial Implants
Cervicoplasty (neck - chin lift)
Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Chemical Skin Peels
Botox Injections (to minimize facial muscle animation and wrinkles)
Facial Skin Care Regimen

Nasal surgery (Rhinoplasty)

The nose is one of the most noticeable facial features and nasal surgery is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed today. This surgery is often done to improve the appearance of the nose. However, it is also frequently done to repair injuries to the nose and to improve functional problems such as breathing obstruction. After nasal surgery, one can expect to have a nose that is more balanced with the rest of the face. It may also frequently functions better than it did before.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Your eyes are one of the first features people notice. Drooping eyelids or bags around the eyes can give one an aged appearance and tired looking eyes. In some cases, excess eyelid skin sags so much that it can cover the eyelashes or interfere with vision. Eyelid surgery can correct these conditions and is appropriate in all age groups. Most patients will experience a significant improvement in the appearance of their eyes and/or in their eyesight.

Forehead Lift Surgery (Endoscopically Assisted)

Sagging of the eyebrows and forehead can often be one of the early signs of aging. It can also occur in younger people who otherwise show no signs of aging. Forehead lift surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure. It can create a younger and friendlier appearance by raising the eyebrows and reducing furrows on the forehead. These procedures are now done with minimally invasive endoscopic assistance.

Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)

As we all age, changes occur in the skin, combined with gravity, lead to the development of prominent skin folds or wrinkles. These changes are greatest under the chin, in the upper neck, and at the skin folds near the corners of the mouth. Facelift surgery essentially elevates and re-drapes facial skin to reduce and improve these skin folds and wrinkles. The surgery corrects problems in the neck, under the jaw and chin, and in the cheeks.

Cervicoplasty (Neck - Chin lift)

Frequently, in addition to correcting deficient chin projection, the submental (below the chin) area requires treatment in order to optimize the esthetic outcome of the entire neck and chin region. These procedures can eliminate hanging skin and areas of fat, subsequently, tightening the entire neck - chin area.

Skin Resurfacing (to minimize facial muscle animation and wrinkles)

Skin resurfacing encompasses a group of procedure which removes the outer layers of facial skin thus allowing new skin to form. This results in improved skin texture while lessening or removing fine lines and wrinkles that form as a result of aging and sun exposure. The final result is a more youthful appearance. Skin resurfacing is often, but not always, used to complement other surgical procedures. Skin resurfacing can be performed by chemical peeling, laser-assisted resurfacing, and mechanical dermabrasion.

Chemical peels

In this procedure, a chemical solution is applied to the face. This reduces or eliminates superficial lines and wrinkles of the face. It can also reduce or remove freckles or pigment spots. A chemical peel though, does not correct sagging facial skin. Other procedures are needed for this.

Laser Resurfacing

A more recent development, the carbon dioxide laser and other wave lengths can be used to lessen or remove skin imperfections, fine wrinkles, acne scars, and pigment spots. An additional benefit that is unique to laser resurfacing also occurs within the skin. The laser causes collagen in the skin to shrink by as much as one third resulting in a marked tightening of the skin.

Mechanical Dermabrasion

Mechanical dermabrasion can be used to treat some cases, more extensive skin deformities such as post-traumatic scaring and hypertrophic scar formation and in other cases very fine skin wrinkles. The later is more commonly known as "Micro-dermabrasion" and uses a fine sand blaster to remove fine wrinkles.

Botox Injections

Recently, Botox has received considerable media attention. Botox is a purified neurotoxin which can reduce dynamic facial wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are those wrinkles in the skin produced by the activity of underlying muscles such as when one "furrows" his/her brow. Botox is especially useful for dynamic wrinkles located in the lower forehead region above the nose, wrinkles of the forehead, and "crows feet" about the eyes. The effects produced by Botox are temporary and typically wear off in three to four months. To date, when administered correctly, Botox has been extremely safe for uses described above.

Facial Skin Care Regimens

A facial skin care regimen used before and after cosmetic facial surgery enhances the results of surgery and aids in the healing process. By itself, this home care regimen is useful for maintaining healthy, vibrant skin. Our regimen consists of one or more products available only through a physicians office (such as glycolic acid) and prescription products such as Retin-A (a vitamin A derivative) and bleaching creams. Periodic light peels are performed in our office (two to three times per year) in addition to the home care regimen. Continued use of these product ensures that the skin remains healthy, smooth, and soft. We utilize Obagi Skin Care Products routinely.

Should you have any questions regarding facial cosmetic surgery, please don’t hesitate to ask our Director of Nursing or one of the doctors.

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