When most people think of cosmetic surgery, they think of a traditional facelift, but maxillofacial surgery covers a wide range of procedures, from brow sculpting to rhinoplasty to laser resurfacing.
Several cosmetic procedures are available for the correction of specific conditions in cosmetic maxillofacial surgery. Due to technological advancements in medical devices and biomaterials, many cosmetic maxillofacial procedures can be performed in the office of a facial cosmetic specialist under local anesthesia. Some procedures may require an outpatient facility or a hospital for same-day surgery.
Facelift Cosmetic Surgery
Rhytidectomy, or facelift, is a surgical procedure used to address the visible signs of aging in the face and neck. Cosmetic surgery facelifts include the traditional facelift, the limited-incision facelift, and the neck lift.
- Traditional Facelift In a traditional facelift, fat can be sculpted or redistributed around the face, neck, and jowls. It involves repositioning the underlying tissue and lifting the deeper layers of the face and muscles. The skin is then redraped over the contours, and any excess skin is trimmed away.
- Limited-incision facelifts Often referred to as “mini-lifts,” these full-facelift alternatives are performed on patients who have less skin relaxed. The effects are more subtle and less rejuvenating.
- Necklift Often, a neck lift is performed at the same time as a facelift, although it can also be performed separately. With neck lifts, loose neck skin, sagging jowls, and excess fat under the chin are addressed.
Botox
As a brand name, Botox refers to a form of botulinum toxin type A that is used for cosmetic purposes. When injected into the skin of the face, it temporarily reduces or eliminates fine lines and wrinkles. Typically, forehead creases, frown lines, and crow’s feet are treated with botulinum toxin type A. The procedure can also be used to treat thick jaw muscles, thick bands in the neck, gummy smiles, and lip lines.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to add volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours. During aging, people tend to lose subcutaneous fat (fat underneath the skin), which makes the skin appear loose or saggy and causes wrinkles. Additionally, as we age, our facial skin stretches a bit, leading to a loss of youthful volume and firmness. Genetics, smoking, and other lifestyle choices can also influence how quickly your skin ages.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is also referred to as laser vaporization, lasabrasion, or a laser peel. Laser resurfacing uses short, pulsating, concentrated beams of light to target problem areas on the skin. One layer at a time, the laser burns away damaged skin.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose to improve its appearance or function. Surgery is sometimes performed to reduce the size or change the shape of the nose. It can also be used to correct breathing problems caused by defects.
Blepharoplasty
An eyelift procedure called blepharoplasty removes excess fat and tissue from your eyelids and/or beneath your eyes. The most common reason for this procedure is under-eye bags that create a perpetually tired appearance. Additionally, it helps treat sagging eyelids that can obstruct vision.
Brow lift
In a brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, the eyebrows are raised higher on the face in a more youthful position. As a result, you will be able to reduce wrinkles on your forehead and between your eyes. Furthermore, a brow lift improves frown lines between the eyebrows and raises sagging brows that create a hooded look above the eyes.
We offer a variety of services in our facial cosmetics office. For information on any of the procedures we discussed or if you are interested in other procedures we offer, please contact our facial aesthetics office in Chicago, IL to schedule a consultation.
