Facial Plastic Surgery
Erasing some of those signs of aging with tightening of facial skin, smoothing of wrinkles, removing sun and pigment spots, and improving facial expressions are all part of the procedures one can have performed to help restore the look of youth and vitality. This does not necessarily mean changing ones appearance, but simply improving upon the appearance that is there. Facial enhancement may include elevating the eyebrows (Brow Lift) to smooth forehead furrows and open up the eyes. Removing the excess skin from the upper eyelids or the fat pads from the lower eyelids (Blepharoplasty), can dramatically improve the image of vitality and erase the chronic tired look. Nasal surgery (Rhinoplasty) can improve the appearance of a large or crooked nose, and lip augmentation can restore fullness and sensuality to the lips. Pinning of protruding ears (Otoplasty) can allow a patient to wear their hair back, or eliminate teasing and insecurity. A facelift (Rhytidectomy), with or without the neck lift can dramatically improve the appearance of the facial skin, and erase the jowls and neck looseness.
Only a fully trained Plastic Surgeon has the training, ability, and certification to operate on all parts of the body and have the knowledge skill and esthetic training to use all of the body as resources for esthetic surgery. On occasion cartilage grafts from the ear or rib are used in esthetic surgery, or fat grafts harvested from the abdomen or lower extremities are used as soft tissue fillers.
Physicians using the title of “Facial Plastic Surgeon” do not have more training or expertise than Plastic Surgeons. Rather, they have been trained in some other specialty other than Plastic Surgery (usually Ears, Nose and Throat), and use that title to connote their limitations in their scope of surgery. Physicians using the title "Cosmetic Surgeon", may have any background (or lack thereof) of training unless Board Certification in Plastic Surgery is documented.