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OMC Plastic Surgery

Face Procedures

Plastic surgery is an option for people to reshape their lives. Whether it’s a reconstructive or cosmetic procedure, our team has the unique privilege of empowering our patients’ bodies, minds and spirits.

At Olmsted Medical Center, our team specializes in a variety of procedures designed to improve nearly every aspect of the body. Each procedure is described, along with expected results, which vary by patient. You also can view animations and video explanations, provided via understand.com. These are noted where available. If you need more information, please contact us.

Congenital malformation:  Repairing defects on the skin and face present at birth.

Facial nerve paralysis: Nerve repair for lost facial function.

Brow Lift:  Improves the appearance of the facial region between the upper eyelids and the scalp, extending to the temples.

Rhytidectomy (face lift):  Improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck.

Blepharoplasty( eye lid lift):  Removes excess skin and fat from the upper and / or lower lids.  This surgery helps promote a better visual field.

Otoplasty (pinning ears):  Correction of prominent ears.

Rhinoplasty(nasal surgery): Improves the appearance and function of the nose.

Mentoplaasty (chin implants): Reshaping of the chin for a more harmonious balance.

 

Congenital Malformations (birthmarks, nose, ears, eyelids)

Reconstructive plastic surgery is often performed to correct congenital malformations. These are malformations that have occurred during development that may or may not be inherited. Some examples are birthmarks, misshapen or missing portions of the nose, ears without earlobes, and misshapen or missing eyelids. In some cases persons are born without certain features, such as ears or noses and these can in some places be built and added. Each situation is different and the technique chosen to correct it depends on the patient’s condition and needs.

In many cases, the correction can be made by surgically rejoining portions of tissue that did not fully grow together. In other instances, all or part of an area must be built and formed using tissue and skin from another part of the body (skin flap) or by expanding tissue in the area and then reconstructing it.

 

Facial Nerve Paralysis

A lack of control or movement of the face due to paralysis may be due to many causes. In some cases surgery can restore some control. It may allow a person who has suddenly or gradually lost the ability to speak or to move part of his face to function normally. It may also alleviate spontaneous movement triggered by nerve damage.

This procedure usually involves nerve repair, nerve substitution and muscle transfer. Surgery is not performed unless a full diagnosis is made, so the source of the paralysis is known. Depending on the type of damage or injury patients can sometimes recover over time without surgical intervention.

In cases where the cause is known (accident or injury), surgery can be done as soon as possible and may involve replacing damaged muscle or nerves with those from other body areas or reconnecting nerves from elsewhere on the face. In cases where there is clearly permanent damage, it’s important to have procedure before two years have passed. The procedure carries with it all the normal risks of surgery as well as the expectations of scars in more extensive operations. Recovery time depends on the individual case and physical, speech and occupational therapy may be needed.

 

Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)

Surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the facial region between the upper eyelids and the scalp, extending to the temples.

 

Rhytidectomy (Facelift)

Facelift - Lower

Facelift - Mid

Facelift surgery is aptly named. It lifts portions of the face, eliminating excess skin, wrinkles, fat deposits and increases muscle tone, leaving a look that can also be uplifting for the patient’s self image. Generally, it is performed as key signs of aging appear or become more prominent. Men as well as women find they benefit from the procedure.

About the Procedure
A facelift is usually performed any time after age 40, most often in the decades when people are most active, but it can also benefit individuals in their 70s and 80s. Because all faces are different, a special surgical plan is developed based on a person’s bone structure, facial contours, skin condition and hairline. Incisions are often made along the contour of the ear and above the hairline. Some tissues may be removed, while others are tightened and lifted. Muscles may be tightened in the face and neck and significant amounts of fat deposits and excess skin may be removed. The goal may be an improved jaw line, elimination of major lines leading from the nose to the mouth, changing the appearance of check areas, or removal of sagging or jowl-like features.

Considerations

• Additional procedures may be advisable to complete the improvement in your appearance. You may wish to consider: eyelid surgery, a forehead lift, nose reshaping or skin treatments to remove wrinkles.
• Persons who anticipate losing weight – 15 pounds or more – may want to consider postponing a facelift.
• Be sure to inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, blood clotting problems or are prone to scarring.
• The patient must be nonsmoking.

 

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Eyelid Surgery – Inside Lower

Eyelid Surgery – Outside Lower

Eyelid Surgery – Upper

Surgery of the eyelids can improve one’s self-esteem - eliminating the results of aging on the skin or removing unneeded excess skin. Typical procedures include removal of fat deposits, drooping tissue in upper or lower lids, and the small wrinkles or "laugh lines" that appear around the eyes. The goal is to eliminate a look of fatigue and restore a more youthful, alert and engaging appearance.

About the Procedure
The natural contours of the eye are being restored in this procedure. To eliminate drooping or folds in the upper eyelid, the surgeon will make an incision along the length of the upper lid along the natural contours and remove excess skin and/or fat deposits. For the lower lids, an incision is made below the eyelash and tissue or fat is removed to eliminate puffiness or dark circles. Another access for lover eyelid can be thru the inside of lower eyelid. The eyelash effectively covers any sign of the incision on the lower eyelid.

This procedure can be more difficult in some persons with eye-related disease or other specific medical problems. Be sure to tell the doctor if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems or any history of heart or vascular disease.

Before Blepharoplasty Surgery

After Blepharoplasty Surgery

 

Mentoplasty (Chin Implants)

Reshaping of the chin is a surgical procedure that can bring a more harmonious balance to your face. It may be performed alone or in conjunction with other treatments. One of the more common aspects of reshaping is the introduction of chin implants. The implants can be made from a variety of materials. The type of implant used depends on the desired outcome and the individual patient requirements. As in all elective facial changes, one should make an informed decision, have realistic expectations, and seek improvement and balance, not perfection.

About the Procedure
The plastic surgeon usually makes a small incision inside the mouth just below the lower lip or in the exterior skin below the chin to create a pocket for the implant. The implant, which has been selected in a size and shape for the specific patient, is placed in the pocket over the front of the jawbone. The entire procedure may take between 30 minutes and an hour. In most cases a general anesthesia is used (rendering the patient unconscious), though in some cases local anesthesia is used along with a sedative.

The chin is usually taped  to minimize swelling. Sutures can be removed in about a week. Sutures inside the mouth will dissolve. Some discomfort and swelling may continue for several days. Following implantation, you may have some readjustments to smiling or talking, and may see some bruising on the chin. The surgeon will advise you on dental hygiene and restrictions to observe after the procedure.

 

Rhinoplasty (Nose)

Nose Reshaping Surgery – Closed

Nose Reshaping Surgery – Open

Rhinoplastyor cosmetic plastic surgery of the nose can be performed when a person feels their nose is not in balance with the rest of their face. They may feel that it is disproportionate or that some aspects of their nose don’t fit the rest or when an injury has left it misshapen.

Considerations

• This procedure should not be performed until the mid-teen years, as the face should be fully developed.
• The decision to have the procedure should be the patient’s, no one else’s.
• Surgery to change the appearance of the nose may also offer the opportunity to correct other physical problem, such as breathing difficulties caused by the shape of airways.

About the procedure
Depending on the shape desired, incisions will be made either on the inside or outside of the nose or both. Small amounts of tissue may be removed or repositioned. The doctor may also reposition or remove small parts of bone or cartilage to achieve the agreed upon shape.

Before Nose Shaping Surgery

After Nose Shaping Surgery

 

Otoplasty (Correction of Prominent Ears)

Correcting prominent ears or reducing the size of ears is an elective procedure that can greatly enhance appearance and self esteem. It’s often performed in childhood, after age 6, though it can be done in adults as well with similar success. As with all elective surgeries, it’s important to have realistic expectations. In the case of children, it’s especially important that no procedure be performed unless the child understands what will happen and wants the surgery.

About the Procedure
To move the ears closer to the head, the surgeon makes in incision at the back of the ear close to the head and sculpts the exposed cartilage so the ear can be bent back. Permanent stitches may be used to hold the ear in place. In another technique, the surgeon uses stitchesto fold the cartilage back on itself without removing any portion of the cartilage. In most cases, surgery takes one to two  hours. General anesthesia is used, especially with children, though with older youngsters and adults local anesthesia may be used along with a sedative.

The head remains bandaged after surgery for one week to help with healing and molding the ears. Then the bandage is replaced with a type of headband. There may be some pain and headaches for a few days that can be easily managed with medication. Stitches dissolve or can be removed in a week. They’ll leave a faint scar that will fade over time. Adults can resume their regular work schedule after five days. Children can go back to school after a week or so, provided they avoid physical activity at first. Also, any motion that might bend the ears is to be avoided for at least 6 weeks.

A small number of patients may develop a blood clot in the ear as a result of surgery. This can be removed with a needle if it does not dissolve on its own. Occasionally a patient develops an infection in the cartilage, but this is easily treated with antibiotics.