This content has been reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Evan Ransom, San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon and Facelift Specialist.
Facial Plastic Surgery
Facial plastic surgery offers an opportunity for people to look and feel their best. There are many reasons people consider cosmetic surgery, from wanting to look younger to facial reconstruction after an injury or illness. Advanced methods of plastic surgery can help those wanting to change their facial appearance feel more confident while still retaining their uniqueness.
Anti-Aging Cosmetic Surgeries
The lines, wrinkles and sagging skin that come with age are not welcomed by many people. Gravity, skin changes and fat repositioning in the face can change the shape and firmness. The brow can become lined, the eyelids can look puffy and sag, the jowls may droop and seem heavy and the neck can resemble that of a turkey. Facial plastic surgery can reverse some of these changes and help rejuvenate the appearance of the face. Some popular anti-aging cosmetic surgeries include:
- Brow lift
- Blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift
- Midface lift
- Facelift
- Neck lift
These procedures can be done separately or combined together. Often, a neck and facelift will be combined to improve the lower portion of the face. Brow lifts and eyelid lifts can rejuvenate the eyes and brow arch to change droopy, tired eyes. The goal is to help the patient look more like their younger self while retaining their characteristics.
Facial Feature Alterations
Each feature of the face plays a part in creating balance and harmony. When one feature draws too much attention due to an odd shape or size, facial plastic surgery can be an option. The nose is a common feature that may seem out of place when it is too large, too wide or misshapen. Rhinoplasty can reform this central feature to blend with other features. Other facial feature alterations that can be achieved through cosmetic surgery include:
- Otoplasty, or ear surgery
- Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery
- Lip augmentation or reduction
- Chin implants
- Cheek implants
By making slight changes to certain facial features, the overall appearance of the face can be improved. In some cases, the function of a feature may also be improved during the process. For many, facial plastic surgery to alter one or more facial features can help them feel more confident and attractive for a better quality of life.
Facial Reconstruction Surgeries
Trauma, congenital birth defects and illness can all change the appearance of the face. Plastic surgery can be used to restore the aesthetics of the face if deformities are present. Many facial reconstruction surgeries must combine form and function. Reconstructing a nose deformed from trauma or cancer requires the breathing aspects to be remedied as well as the appearance.
Trauma is a common reason people seek facial reconstruction. Burns, scars, feature disfigurement, nerve damage and other injuries to the face can greatly impact the appearance and confidence of a person. Facial reconstruction requires complex procedures such as skin, cartilage and bone grafting to restore the structure and shape of the facial features after trauma.
Illness and birth defects can also change the face. Skin cancer removal through Mohs surgery can alter the face. However, with plastic reconstruction, the damage can be minimized. Children born with a cleft lip or palate can benefit from reconstructive surgery to help improve the function and form of their mouth. Facial reconstruction through plastic surgery can offer hope for those with deformities caused by disease or birth defects, giving them a renewed appearance and self-confidence.
Facial plastic surgery can improve both the appearance and function of the face and features. When completed by a facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience and talent, the results can be life-changing for the patient.