Face Lift

We are living longer than ever before. Think about it. When James Whistler painted a portrait of his aged mother in 1871, she was approaching age 65, and she epitomized the world's conception of a 65-year-old woman. Now, take a look at Raquel Welch's sultry appearance on the cover of People Magazine, at age 64! Having a facelift has gone from status symbol, to status quo. The goal: to provide a more youthful, healthy and rested appearance, without an obvious "operated-on" look.

As we age, the effects of time, gravity, and the environment take their toll on our once-youthful appearance. As our facial skin and muscles loose elasticity, the result is loose, sagging skin.

The term, 'Facelift' describes a variety of procedures used to tighten, elevate, re-drape, or re-distribute any combination of muscles, skin, and fat of the neck, jaw, cheeks, and forehead. The operation must be customized to satisfy the specific needs of each individual patient. The surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, although many patients prefer the luxury of an overnight stay. In an attempt to hide the incisions, they are placed in areas where they are least likely to be noticed, such as behind the ears, or within the hairline or scalp. Bruising and swelling typically resolve in ten to fourteen days.

Many patients ask, "How long do the results last?"

Although the results are lasting, a facelift does not stop the clock. It merely sets it back several years! Healthy living, good nutrition, sun precaution, and cessation of smoking will add to the overall benefit one reaps from having a facelift.

Endoscopic Forehead Lift

Often times, drooping eyebrows, and a wrinkled forehead are the first signs of aging. Inevitably, looking ( but not feeling ) tired or sad results. An "Endoscopic-browlift" is used to correct a drooping browline, reduce forehead wrinkles, and elevate the upper eyelids. The result is a refreshed, youthful appearance without that "operated-on" look.

The surgery involves a few (two to five) relatively small incisions within the hairline. An "endoscope" (a thin cable attached to a video camera) is inserted and the muscles, nerves and other tissues are manipulated, and modified. The upper eyelids are elevated, the entire forehead is repositioned, and the eyebrow arch is re-established. The procedure usually lasts one to two hours and is performed on an outpatient basis.

Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

Otoplasty is performed to set back a person's ear which are basically too prominent. These are normally performed on children, although it is not uncommon for adults to have this procedure. The minimum age is 5 years. The recovery period for both children and adults is 5-7 days.

Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

Many people are unhappy with the appearance of their nose. The nose is composed of bone and cartilage draped with skin. By modifying the underlying structures and re-draping the skin, the result can be aesthetically pleasing.

Typical modifications may include lowering the "hump," elevating and/or thinning the tip, and narrowing the bridge. If the nose is wide, it may be necessary to narrow the nose by fracturing and re-positioning the bones. A cast is often placed on the outside, and soft rubber splints on the inside. These are removed in 5-7 days.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Drooping upper lids and puffy bags under the eyes are features that make you look old and tired. A Blepharoplasty, or "eyelid lift" is a common procedure in patients over 40, although some patients in their thirties develop premature saggy lids and fat pads, and can benefit from this operation. A Blepharoplasty tightens muscles, removes and/or repositions fat, and excises excess skin from the eyelids. The effect is a more rested, youthful brighter appearance.

Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids or both. The procedure takes approximately one to two hours depending on the extent of the surgery. Post-operative discomfort is minimal and the first 24 hours should be spent lying down, with cool packs on the eyes. You should expect some swelling and bruising following the surgery, which typically resolves within one to two weeks.

Mentoplasty (Chin Surgery)

Often time performed in conjunction with a rhinoplasty, a mentoplasty will modify the projection and size of the chin. Many patients with a prominent nose also have a recessed chin, and the combination of rhinoplasty and mentoplasty is a winning combination.

The procedure of chin augmentation can be performed with an artificial chin implant, or (as preferred by Dr. Branfman) the bone can be cut, advanced, and secured in the new position. These procedures are performed through incisions inside the mouth, thereby leaving no external scars.