So many of us look in the mirror and have a hard seeing the beauty that is within all of us. What we often see staring back at us is something we want to change.
The truth is that you are just fine the way you are. You are unique and special in a way that no one else is. However, we also understand that, sometimes, you are looking for something to help bring out that inner beauty, something that will help the rest of the world see just what you feel inside.
When you reach that point, you may find yourself wondering, “Is facial cosmetic surgery right for me?”
It is not a question to be considered lightly. Surgery is never simple, and successful procedures require both a skilled and experienced practitioner and a patient that fits a few criteria. So, with that in mind, let’s look at a few of the factors that may – or may not – help you answer a very serious question.
Health
The first question you will need to answer is, am I reasonably healthy? As with all surgical procedures, if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a bleeding disorder, heart disease, or depression you may not be a good candidate, as facial cosmetic surgery requires sedation – even if it is only a light sedation. The same concerns apply if you are obese or smoke/drink alcohol to excess. Even if you do smoke, your doctor may only perform the procedure if you consent to cease smoking for weeks before and after the procedure – due to how it can affect the healing process.
Expectations
Remember, the right cosmetic surgery is the one that augments your looks and allows your inner beauty to shine – this is not about making radical changes or completely changing the shape of your face, including your eyes, nose or ears. So, the ideal facial surgery candidate is one that pursues this path with realistic anticipations.
Next, let’s take a look at some of the various cosmetic surgery procedures offered by many doctors, why they are offered and what you can expect from those procedures.
Browlift
You may notice that, as you age, a gradual descent of the eyebrows over the eyes. “Brow descent” or “Ptosis” may make you look as if you are always scowling or appear fatigued. The Browlift, sometimes referred to as the forehead lift, is the antidote to this condition. However, if you have a receding hairline, this procedure will require a much more in-depth procedure, including a small skin excision to prevent further recession of the hairline. Like many other cosmetic surgery procedures, it also is a big plus if you have flexible skin. Some patients may experience a slight headache in the first 12-24 hours following surgery, easily treated by pain relievers. There may also be some swelling and bruising of the brow and upper eyelids for 48-72 hours following surgery. However, after 72 hours, the patient may resume most daily activities.
Facelift
Once an all-encompassing term for any surgery that addressed aspects of the upper, middle and lower face, the facelift now refers only to procedures that address the lower face and neck. In fact, some surgeons use the term cheek-neck lift so that patients better understand the specifics of the facelift. As we age, soft tissue from our cheeks descends, creating a visible break of the jaw line. The amount of fat present below the chin also increases. The combination of these factors, along with increasingly loose skin, means that we lose the crisp contour of our neckline. So, if your lower face and neck have deep wrinkles, jowls, and a double chin, this might be the right procedure for you. Recovery times may vary, but skilled surgeons allow you to resume most daily activities within days thanks to vitamin and compress applications.
Fat transfer
This procedure allows a surgeon to take some of your own fat from another section of your body and literally transfer it in order to build up soft tissue in an area that has lost contour. This aids in erasing unwanted depressions, folds or wrinkles and is long lasting, fully corrective and allows you to avoid a more involved face lift. This procedure may build up a weakened cheek projection, fill in and eliminate folds under the corners of the mouth or in between the nose and corners of the mouth. It may also increase the size of the lower lip.
This procedure takes minimal time and yields minimal discomfort in the day or two following completion. And you may resume normal activities within a couple of days – though bruising and swelling may last for up to a week in the donor and transfer sites.
Nasal surgery (rhinoplasty)
This is perhaps the most well-known facial cosmetic surgery – also known as a “nose job” in common parlance. If you have a large or crooked nose that is droopy or has a bump, this may be a procedure that aids you. However, a rhinoplasty should never be undertaken if you are not fully physically developed and are not yet an adult. Playing contact sports also makes this surgery off-limits. Remember, the foremost function of the nose is breathing, so that should always, so a surgeon’s primary aim should be to preserve or even enhance your breathing in concert with cosmetic enhancement. You should expect a doctor to make a detailed examination of your nose in consultation so that they may balance form and function.
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
This procedure can be of aid if you have droopy eyelids, bags, or puffiness around your eyes. Your eyes – or rather the face around your eyes – are often the first feature to display signs of aging, but a skilled surgeon may allow patients a full recovery with the simple use of over-the-counter pain relievers and 2-3 days of cool compresses. However, if you have dark circles, fine lines, or crow’s feet, you may not be a good candidate for this procedure.
Ear surgery (otoplasty)
Protruding ears can be pronounced from childhood on. However, otoplasty is a relatively simple procedure that can remedy the condition, as a skilled surgeon works to reshape the cartilage of your ears. This procedure reduces protrusion, yielding a less obvious appearance. A relatively simple procedure, patients may only require simple sedation in order to avoid discomfort. And the healing process is almost negligible.
Scar revision
While we all develop wrinkles and blemishes as we age, sometimes, we end up with scars that change the way our face looks. However, with scar revision surgery, many of those scars do not need to be for a lifetime. If you have a scar that you would like to remove, a skilled surgeon can utilize a number of revision procedures – most of which require little to no recovery time and no anesthesia – that will reduce, reorient or even erase their presence.
Skin Cancer Reconstruction
Skin cancer can produce devastating results on your skin. However, a well-trained surgeon help any cancer patient recover the most aesthetically pleasing shape and look for their face. Early detection is key with any type of cancer, and that is especially true of skin cancer, so please be vigilant for any unusual changes in your skin.
If you are looking for more in-depth answers or would like further information, please contact a cosmetic facial surgeon. He or she should be willing to grant you a consultation, during which you may gather all the answers and information you require to determine if you are the right candidate for cosmetic facial surgery.
If you live in north Georgia and are contemplating these questions, Garlich Facial Plastics is always available to talk. Dr. Paul Garlich has made it his mission to help his patients best express their inner beauty, and his extensive training and experience in facial plastic surgery facilitates that goal. Dr. Garlich’s expertise ranges from facial surgery and skin cancer reconstruction to nasal surgery and more.
Contact Garlich Facial Surgery today at 678-343-2190 today.