Facial Surgery Procedures

Brow Lift

Am I a candidate?
A brow lift is ideal for patients who notice a sagging or drooping brow line, which can give the face a perpetually tired, sad, or angry appearance. If you see deep horizontal lines across your forehead or vertical lines between your brows, you may benefit from this procedure. It’s particularly effective for those who have noticed changes in the upper third of their face due to aging or genetics. Often, this procedure is performed in conjunction with an upper blepharoplasty. Good candidates are non-smokers, in overall good health, and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of surgery. It’s also essential to have some skin elasticity for optimal results.

What can I expect?
During a brow lift, we reposition the skin and underlying tissues to elevate the brows, smooth forehead creases, and enhance the appearance of the eye area. This can be done using traditional techniques or less invasive endoscopic methods. Patients can expect mild to moderate swelling and bruising, which typically subsides within 1-2 weeks. Most return to work or normal activities within 10-14 days, though more strenuous activities should be avoided for about a month. An individualized recovery plan will be discussed with you prior to the operation and as you heal postoperatively. Often, this procedure is paired with face/necklift, eyelid surgery and other facial surgery to achieve the most harmonious outcome.  Results can last for many years, providing a more refreshed and youthful look, though aging will naturally continue.

Facelift

Am I a candidate?
A facelift is a great option for individuals noticing moderate to severe sagging skin, loss of volume, and deep folds around the mid-face, jawline, or neck. This is often due to the natural aging process, where collagen and elastin fibers diminish, leading to skin laxity. Ideal candidates should be in good health without medical conditions that could impair healing. The face and neck are two very closely related aesthetic regions with respect to contiguous anatomy; the term ‘facelift’ typically encompasses rejuvenation of the neck as well, though each consult is individualized to the patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals. Non-smokers with a stable weight and those who want to improve their overall facial contour while maintaining a natural appearance make the best candidates. Facelifts are not only about tightening the skin but also lifting the underlying muscles and tissues for a more comprehensive rejuvenation. Often, facelifts are paired with fat grafting which not only rejuvenates the face but also the skin quality.

What can I expect?
A facelift typically involves making incisions around the ears and sometimes along the posterior hairline, allowing us to access and lift the deeper layers of the face and neck. Excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is redraped for a smoother, more youthful appearance. Recovery time varies, but most patients can expect to experience bruising and swelling for about 2-4 weeks, with final results visible around 3-6 months post-surgery. While the aging process continues, a facelift can certainly ‘turn back the clock’, providing a powerful long-lasting improvement in facial structure especially when coupled with adjuncts such as chemical peels, fat grafting, neck, eyelid and/or brow lift surgery.

Neck Lift

Am I a candidate?
A neck lift is ideal for patients who have loose or sagging skin around the neck, vertical bands (platysmal bands), or a "turkey wattle" appearance. It’s also effective for those who wish to address excess fat under the chin or along the jawline, which can create a double chin effect. Candidates typically have good skin elasticity and muscle tone. This procedure is often done in conjunction with a facelift to create a more harmonious appearance between the face and neck. Non-smokers and those in good overall health make the best candidates for a neck lift, as smoking can impair healing.

What can I expect?
The procedure involves making small incisions, often behind the ears and sometimes under the chin, through which we tighten the underlying muscles and remove excess skin. In some cases, liposuction may be used to further contour the area. Patients can expect some bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort for the first 1-2 weeks, with most returning to normal activities in about 2-3 weeks. Final results reveal a smoother, more defined jawline and neck. These results can last many years, offering a more youthful profile that matches the patient’s facial appearance.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Am I a candidate?
Blepharoplasty is best for patients experiencing drooping upper eyelids that may obstruct their vision or those with puffy lower eyelid bags that create a tired appearance. The procedure is ideal for individuals who want to rejuvenate the eye area while maintaining their natural expression. Candidates should have realistic expectations and be in good overall health. It’s particularly important for patients to have good eye health and to be free from conditions like dry eye or uncontrolled glaucoma. Non-smokers are preferred, as smoking can delay healing and affect the surgical outcome. The evaluation typically involves a comprehensive assessment of periorbital anatomy, which allows for the application of the appropriate technique to correct the underlying anatomic issues. 

What can I expect?
During a blepharoplasty, we make incisions in the natural creases of the eyelids to remove or reposition excess skin, fat, and muscle. This results in a smoother, more youthful eye contour. Patients often experience swelling and bruising, which usually improves within 10-14 days. Most can return to work or social activities within 2 weeks. Vision might be blurry initially due to ointments or mild swelling, but this typically resolves quickly. Results are long-lasting, and while the natural aging process continues, the eyes maintain a more rested and rejuvenated appearance for many years. As with other surgery for facial rejuvenation, blepharoplasty can be performed in tandem with other procedures to achieve a more comprehensive result tailored to your goals.

Rhinoplasty

Am I a candidate?
Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping surgery, is suitable for individuals who are unhappy with the size, shape, or proportions of their nose, or who experience breathing difficulties due to structural issues like a deviated septum. Ideal candidates should have a fully developed nose, which typically occurs by age 16-18, ensuring that further growth won’t alter the surgical outcome. Non-smokers in good health with realistic goals are preferred, as they are more likely to have a smoother recovery process. Rhinoplasty can address concerns such as a nasal hump, wide or narrow nasal tip, asymmetry or breathing difficulties.

What can I expect?
Rhinoplasty can be performed using an open or closed technique, depending on the complexity of the case. It involves reshaping the nasal cartilage, bone, and sometimes adding grafts for structural support. Patients can expect swelling and bruising, particularly around the eyes, which begins to subside after the first week. A splint is typically worn for 7-10 days to protect the nose and support the new shape. While most swelling diminishes within 2-3 weeks, subtle changes and refinement may continue for up to a year. The results of rhinoplasty can be life-changing, offering improved facial balance, better breathing, and a boost in self-confidence.

Botox (Botulinum Toxin)

Am I a candidate?
Botox is ideal for individuals looking to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle movements, such as frown lines (glabellar lines), crow’s feet, and forehead lines. It is most effective for patients who want a non-surgical solution to soften expression lines. Candidates should be in good overall health, with no neuromuscular disorders or allergies to botulinum toxin. Non-smokers and those who are not pregnant or breastfeeding are preferred candidates. Botox can also be used preventively to delay the formation of deeper wrinkles over time.

What can I expect?
Botox works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to specific muscles, preventing them from contracting and softening wrinkles in the overlying skin. The treatment involves tiny injections directly into the targeted muscles. The procedure is quick, usually taking 10-20 minutes, with minimal discomfort and no downtime. Results become visible within 3-7 days, with the full effect taking up to two weeks. The effects last about 3-4 months, after which maintenance treatments are needed to sustain the results. Regular use can also prevent new wrinkles from forming or deepening over time. Side effects are minimal but can include mild bruising or temporary drooping if the injection spreads beyond the intended muscle.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers

Am I a candidate?
Hyaluronic acid fillers are perfect for individuals looking to restore lost volume, smooth out static wrinkles, enhance facial contours, or add fullness to areas such as the lips and cheeks. This treatment is ideal for those who want a non-surgical approach to facial rejuvenation. Good candidates are in good overall health, with realistic expectations about the outcomes. Patients with significant skin laxity may benefit more from surgical options, but fillers are an excellent choice for subtle enhancements or volume restoration.

What can I expect?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that attracts and retains moisture, helping to plump the skin and smooth lines. Common treatment areas include the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, cheeks, lips, and under the eyes (tear troughs). The procedure involves injecting HA gel into targeted areas using a fine needle or cannula. Most treatments take 15-30 minutes, with minimal discomfort. Some fillers contain lidocaine to enhance comfort during the procedure.

Patients can expect mild swelling and redness at the injection sites, which typically subside within 1-2 days. Results are visible immediately but improve as the filler settles over the following week. The effects last 6-18 months, depending on the product used and the area treated. HA fillers are reversible, providing peace of mind if adjustments are needed. Maintenance treatments help sustain the refreshed appearance over time, further enhancing results.