Facial Plastic Surgery for Scottsdale, Glendale, and Surrounding Areas
Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
A Facelift (Rhytidectomy) is the procedure used to correct signs of aging and restore a more youthful appearance to the face. It involves tightening, contouring, and repositioning of the skin and underlying tissues of the lower face and neck. This procedure addresses the folds and creases around the mouth, jowls and even the loose hanging skin and fat of the neck. However, it is not a treatment for wrinkles. If wrinkles are your primary concern, CO2 laser skin rejuvenation, dermabrasion, and chemical peels may be better options.
The incisions for a facelift are placed in front of the ear and continue up into the scalp as well as behind the ear and extend back into the scalp. They usually heal very well and can be fairly inconspicuous. There are also endoscopic techniques that use smaller incisions but they have very limited indications.
A majority of patients who undergo a facelift choose to combine this with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as eyelid surgery and a brow lift. The goal of a facelift is always to create a natural and harmonious look and avoid the over-operated "mask-like" appearance.
If you are considering a facelift or other facial rejuvenation procedures, visit us at our Scottsdale or Glendale office. We can help you decide the best course of action to take for optimal results.
Midface Lift
The Midface Lift is another rejuvenation procedure offered by Dr. Turkeltaub. It is specifically designed to improve the area of the face extending from below the eyelids down to the creases around the upper lips where prominent signs of aging can occur. This area is not well addressed by the traditional facelift though it can be improved with a more extensive facelift. It is often combined with surgery on the lower eyelids for a more natural rejuvenated appearance.
Neck Lift
A Neck Lift is usually part of the standard facelift. It involves removal of fat, contouring and tightening of the muscle, and redraping of the skin. This can be performed as an isolated procedure but is best reserved for those with relatively good skin tone and a minimal excess of skin.
In the fatty neck ("double chin"), the muscles are tightened and contoured and fat is removed by liposuction. This can be combined with insertion of a chin implant for those with a weak chin to give a more sculptured lower face and neck and greater facial harmony.
Forehead Lift (Brow lift)
A Forehead Lift rejuvenates the upper part of the face by elevating and repositioning the brow and forehead. This improves the appearance around the eyes, helping to correct a tired or aged look. It also can improve deep forehead creases and hyperactive muscles.
The endoscopic approach uses short incisions that are placed behind the hairline to help elevate the brows, tighten the skin, and address muscle hyperactivity. There are many advantages of this approach which can be used on a majority of patients.
The open forehead lift approach involves an incision that extends from ear to ear. This can be placed either completely within the scalp or partially along the hairline at the top of the forehead. In certain situations, this approach can provide a better outcome.
There are much less common techniques reserved for specific situations. These include incisions placed through the upper eyelid when combined with eyelid surgery or placed in a forehead crease for men with advanced balding.
A forehead lift is usually performed as an outpatient procedure and is frequently combined with eyelid surgery and a facelift.
Eyelid Rejuvenation (Blepharoplasty)
Your eyes are the windows to your soul and a barometer of your being. To convey vitality and youthfulness, your eyes must look the part. Baggy or droopy eyelids may be interpreted as a sign of tiredness, lack of energy, or being old. You may gaze at yourself in the mirror and be bothered that you do not look as good as you feel.
A Blepharoplasty can rejuvenate the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids. It involves the removal of excess skin and muscle, redraping of the skin, and possible removal of fat bags. Often, it is combined with a forehead lift and a facelift.
The incisions are usually inconspicuous. The lower lid incision is typically placed right below the eyelashes. In certain situations, it can be placed on the inside of the eyelid instead (transconjunctival approach) and will therefore be invisible. Upper eyelid incisions are made in the natural skin crease.
Post-operatively discomfort is usually fairly mild and well tolerated. Bruising may be present for up to 1-2 weeks. Cover-up make up can usually be applied at around 1 week.
For more about eyelid rejuvenation, forehead lifts, neck lifts, and facelifts, contact our practice. We have offices in both Scottsdale and Glendale.
Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)
A Rhinoplasty is the procedure that allows for changing the shape and size of the nose by careful sculpturing. Every nose is unique and the surgery should reflect this. Small changes can often have a noticeable impact on your overall appearance.
There are two basic approaches for the procedure - closed and open. The closed technique involves performing the surgery with the incisions placed inside the nose whereas the open approach also involves making a small incision between the nostrils. This incision usually heals very well and is largely inconspicuous. The open approach offers more predictability, flexibility, and precision to the results. It is indicated particularly when several significant changes need to be made.
A rhinoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia but it can also be done with a "twilight" sedation. A splint or other dressing may be placed on the nose for one week. External sutures are removed at that time. Discomfort for the first few days is usually fairly mild.
Nose surgery is frequently combined with the placement of a chin implant or neck contouring to create more facial harmony. It can also be performed concurrently with surgery to address functional breathing problems such as those related to a deviated nasal septum.
If you are interested in a rhinoplasty, you can schedule a consultation at our Scottsdale or Glendale office.
Ear Pinning (Otoplasty)
People with protruding ears frequently feel self-conscious about their appearance. Children are often teased mercilessly by other children. This can adversely affect self-esteem, behavior, and social interactions. The surgical procedure to address this problem is called an Otoplasty. Through an incision placed behind the ear, the cartilages are contoured and repositioned, bringing the ear closer to the side of the head.
An otoplasty is commonly performed on children starting at around age 5 but can also be done at any point later in time as well. The results can be very dramatic and the psychological benefits quite positive, especially in children.
Lip Enhancement
Lip Enlargement has become a very popular procedure. Some individuals are born with small thin lips; others would just like them more full. Aging also results in loss of fullness.
The two major approaches to increase lip volume involve either the injection or surgical insertion of a volume filler into the lip. A variety of injectables materials are available for lip enhancement with the most common ones being the hyaluronic acids such as Restylane® and Juvederm® and one’s own fat. Volume enhancers that are surgically inserted include scar or other tissue from one's own body, implantable donor human tissue (AlloDerm®), and artificial materials (Gore-Tex®).
Restylane® and Juvederm® are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance present in large quantities throughout the body. They are very effective in creating larger lips and the results may last 3 - 6 months or longer. Local anesthesia is usually administered for your comfort during the treatments. You may be presentable almost immediately.
Fat injections are another method to create larger lips. The fat is harvested from sites such as the abdomen, processed, and then injected into the lips. Usually more than one session is needed to obtain longer lasting results. There is, however, considerable variability in the survival of the fat. No guarantees can be made regarding how long the results will last. Swelling after the procedure can be considerable and last several days or longer, depending on the amount of correction.
Gore-Tex® and other non-biological materials, and human donor tissues such as Alloderm® have also been used for lip augmentation. In general, these provide less than ideal results and sometimes cause lip stiffness, abnormal movements, and other side effects. Post operative swelling following their insertion can be quite significant, lasting several weeks or more.
For more about lip enhancement, ear pinning and rhinoplasty, contact our practice. We are conveniently located in both Scottsdale and Glendale.