Our facial expressions enable us to communicate and interact with one another. Physical appearance also affects how others perceive us, so we all strive to put our best face forward.
Often, people want to enhance certain aspects of their face. Some may be born with facial abnormalities like birthmarks, cleft lips, or other birth defects. Many of us also notice signs of aging, past facial trauma, or sun damage. Luckily, many of these issues can be corrected through procedures performed by surgeons.
There are various types of facial plastic surgery procedures aimed at reconstructing the neck and face. Every part of the face can be addressed through plastic reconstruction.
The most crucial factor to consider before undergoing facial plastic surgery is to find a reputable, board-certified cosmetic surgeon and schedule a consultation to understand more about the surgery and how it can meet your needs. During the consultation, the surgeon will explain the available options.
Common facial plastic surgery methods for women include procedures that can alter body features, correct facial wrinkles, or help restore youthful looks. Women generally have options like injections to reduce wrinkles and surgeries to correct areas like the chin, eyes, and nose.
Some of the most common facial plastic surgery procedures include:
Facelift:
A facelift involves making small incisions in the hairline, from behind the ear into the scalp near the temples. If the neck is also being treated, a small cut will be made below the chin. The surgeon will separate the skin from the muscle and fat underneath, and may remove or trim fat to achieve a tighter, sleeker appearance. A good facelift can make you look up to 10 years younger, making it one of the most popular types of facial cosmetic surgery.
Blepharoplasty:
Also known as eyelid surgery, this procedure is primarily performed on older men and women. Droopy eyelids are not only a sign of aging but can also impair vision. Forehead lifts may also be done to raise sagging eyebrows and remove forehead creases and frown lines, which can occur even in younger people due to habitual expressions and heredity.
Eyebrow Lift:
As we age, drooping eyebrows become noticeable, emphasizing excess eyelid skin. To address baggy eyelids, an eyebrow lift might be necessary before or after eyelid surgery. This procedure can be performed using either endoscopic technology or open surgical methods.
Rhinoplasty:
Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose, making it smaller or longer, adjusting the angle relative to the upper lip, and correcting indentations, bumps, or congenital defects. The surgeon makes small incisions to access the cartilage and bones, often inside the nose to avoid visible scars. Depending on the desired outcome, cartilage and bone may be removed or tissue added. Surgical packing is typically removed after two days, with bandaging and splints taken off in a week.
Facial Implants:
Facial implants improve facial contours, enhancing features like the chin, jaw, and cheekbones. These implants can be used alone or in combination to create a more attractive facial shape and profile, restoring a youthful appearance.
Lip Augmentation:
Lip augmentation creates fuller lips and reduces wrinkles around the mouth. This procedure involves injecting collagen or transferring fat from another part of the body. Both fat and collagen are absorbed over time, requiring repeat treatments for sustained results. Long-lasting methods include implantable materials like SoftForm and AlloDerm.
Otoplasty:
Otoplasty corrects disfigured or protruding ears, improving their proportion, position, and shape. This surgery can rectify congenital defect and create a natural ear shape, bringing balance to the face and ears. Even minor corrections can significantly boost self-esteem and appearance.
Facial Reconstruction:
This surgery repairs facial skin defects resulting from previous surgeries, diseases, or injuries. It includes addressing scar revision, cancer surgery defects, birthmark removal, congenital abnormalities such as clefts or skull issues, and repairing lacerations from trauma.
Chin Augmentation:
Chin augmentation enhances or reshapes the chin size either by inserting implants or reshaping/moving bones. It is often done to balance a prominent or larger nose and is usually paired with facial liposuction or rhinoplasty.
Cheek Augmentation:
Cheek augmentation makes cheeks appear fuller and more youthful, combating the aged look of flat or sunken cheeks. This procedure adds volume to the cheeks using injectable fillers or specialized implants, becoming increasingly popular for its tremendous aesthetic benefits.
Facial Liposuction:
Facial liposuction removes fat deposits from areas like the cheeks, jowls, chin, and jawline that do not respond to diet, exercise, or weight loss. The procedure reshapes facial contours, achieving a slimmer, more attractive appearance.
