Face

 

• Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
• Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
• Chemical Peel
• Dermabrasion
• Browlift
• Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
• Chin Implant (Augmentation Mentoplasty)

 

Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is performed to restore youthfulness to an aging face. The procedure involves placement of incisions in inconspicuous areas that allow Dr. Strasser to tighten loose skin, along with underlying tissue and muscle.

Post-Operative Information

After facelift surgery, bandages are applied to the head and neck – these are usually removed within 24 hours. Though some bruising and swelling is to be expected, keeping your head elevated after surgery can minimize these problems. You will be able to resume normal activities 10 days to two weeks after receiving a facelift. At this time you should appear younger and more refreshed, with very few signs of having undergone surgery.

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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is used to correct tired looking, bulging, or wrinkled eyelids. Although most patients who benefit from this procedure are in their late thirties or older, some patients with hereditary bulging of the lower eyelids will benefit greatly even in their twenties.

The procedure is performed either under local anesthesia, or under a combination of local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. To perform eyelid surgery, Dr. Strasser makes an incision on the upper eyelid crease and in the lower eyelid just under the eyelashes or inside the eyelid.

Post-Operative Information

To minimize swelling, we recommend that you use ice packs and keep your head elevated (even while you sleep) for 24 hours following surgery. Some bruising is to be expected but will subside within a week or two.

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Chemical Peel

Chemical peel (chemosurgery) is a technique used for restoring wrinkled, scarred, or blemished facial skin. For most patients, the majority of fine wrinkles occur around the eyelids, cheeks, mouth, and forehead. Chemical peel can be used on the entire face, or parts of the face, to improve fine skin wrinkles.

The procedure consists of the application of a Phenol, TCA, or another solution to the skin, which facilitates the peeling away of the top layers. Patients sometimes experience a burning sensation when the solution is first applied, but the feeling typically passes quickly. Deeper peels may require anesthesia and appropriate pain medication. Once your old skin is removed, it is replaced by tighter, more refreshed looking skin.

Chemical peel can be combined with a facelift or similar cosmetic surgery. The depth of the peel depends on the peeling agent and the technique employed – both factors will directly influence the final result. Chemical peel should not be considered a substitute for a facelift or other facial surgery. However, facial surgery and chemical peel can compliment each other nicely.

Post-Operative Information

There may be some itching and tingling around the treated area as the skin begins to heal. Within 24 hours of the procedure, a crust or scab will develop to protect the developing skin. Crusting will last approximately one week and reddish discoloration will last about a month.

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Dermabrasion

Surgical dermabrasion is a procedure used to remove irregularities in the skin's surface. Although it is not used to change the underlying scar tissue, it does improve one's facial appearance by making the surface smooth and more uniform. Dermabrasion is particularly useful in the treatment of acne scarring, chicken pox marks, and facial scars from trauma.

The procedure involves using a rotating diamond wheel to sand or remove the top layer of the skin in order to smooth its surface contour. It is performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia with intravenous sedation.

Dermabrasion may be used in conjunction with a facelift in place of the chemical peel process for treating mouth or forehead wrinkles. The color of the patient's skin determines whether dermabrasion or chemical peel can be used.

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Browlift

Today, nearly one-third of those seeking facial rejuvenation surgery are under fifty years old. Many of these patients complain about wrinkles and frown lines in the brow and forehead area. A forehead lift or browlift can smooth out the wrinkles and correct drooping brows and heavy lids to provide a younger, friendlier looking appearance. It is also useful to correct a hairline that is too high or too low. A browlift can be performed alone or with other cosmetic procedures.

Browlift can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, under general anesthesia, or with deep sedation. When the classical or "open" method is used, the incision is hidden just inside or near the hairline. The eyebrows are then carefully repositioned. For some patients, we are able to use the endoscopic technique when performing a browlift. This technique limits the incision and is particularly useful with younger patients where the removal of excess skin is not required.

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Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

Corrective nasal surgery, also known as rhinoplasty, is designed to improve the appearance of the nose by shifting, altering or removing underlying bone and cartilage. The interior restructuring of the nose allows the skin to remold over a new framework, correcting previous flaws.

Nasal surgery is an intricate cosmetic procedure. It requires the surgeon to maintain a delicate balance between two surgical goals – improving the function of the nose and restoring harmony to the face. To accomplish the first goal, Dr. Strasser must correct any anatomical deformity that may affect the physical appearance of the nose or its internal functions (breathing). To ensure proper facial harmony, he must consider other facial characteristics and tissue thickness before performing surgery.

Nasal surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis in the doctor's surgical suite or hospital, using a combination of intravenous sedation and local or general anesthesia. The entire surgical procedure is performed through an incision made inside of the nose. If a reduction or change is made in the size or shape of the nostrils, a small external incision is required.

Post-Operative Information

Patients should expect some initial swelling, numbness, and firmness of the nasal tip and the area between the eyes. Although most patients appear presentable within two weeks, the final settling and softening of the nose will take longer. Please keep in mind that it will take time for the final contour changes to take place – this is a gradual process and cannot be hurried. Following surgery, you should avoid injury from trauma and sunburn and must refrain from wearing glasses for about three months.

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Chin Implant (Augmentation Mentoplasty)

A chin implant, or augmentation mentoplasty, is used to accent a flat or receding chin. This procedure is frequently performed in conjunction with nose surgery (rhinoplasty) to enhance one's profile. Pre-operative computer imaging allows patients to see what they may look like following surgery.

This procedure may be performed using local anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. An incision is usually made inside the mouth but in some cases an external incision under the chin may be more appropriate. In either case, patients must take prophylactic antibiotics before surgery and should continue taking them for a short time following the procedure.

Post-Operative Information

If an incision is made inside the mouth, you will be asked to follow a special diet for a few days. With an external incision, no such restrictions will be made.

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Breast