Are You an Ideal Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
If you have sagging upper eyelids or dark, hollow or baggy areas under your eyes, you may have tried — and discarded — a number of ineffective creams, lotions, and devices. Unfortunately, the skin around your eyes is thin and delicate, which is why it’s one of the first areas to show your age. And although medical-grade skin care with retinoids or other rejuvenating agents can hold back the earliest signs of aging, once your eye skin starts to bag or sag, surgery may be your best option.
Dr. Phillip Miller knows that deciding to undergo cosmetic eyelid surgery is a major step that takes careful consideration and research. As the inventor of The Natralook Process™, Dr. Miller is committed to procedures that rejuvenate you while still maintaining your unique beauty and a natural, healthy appearance.
The Ideal Eyelid Surgery Candidate
Following are some tips that can help you determine the best procedure to get the results you want:
Are your upper lids sagging?
When your upper eyelids lose fat, collagen, and elastin, they start to droop and make you look tired or older than you feel. If the sagging is extreme, the excess skin can even hood your eyes, obscuring your vision.
Fat deposits in the upper lids also collect and droop with age, making your eyelids look thicker, too. Heavy, drooping lids are best remedied with a surgical procedure called upper blepharoplasty, otherwise known as an eyelift.
Dr. Miller hides eyelift incisions in the creases of your eyelids, then tightens the underlying lid muscle, which is one of the causes of your drooping lids. He removes excessive fat but leaves enough to make your eye look natural and youthful. He then tightens the eyelid skin and trims away any extra skin.
After you’ve healed from your surgery, your eyes look naturally more alert and youthful. Your incisions are so tiny that the hidden scar is barely visible.
Does your forehead look heavy or wrinkled?
Another sign of aging is a sagging brow that lowers the position of your eyebrows. If your eyelid skin also sags, you may benefit from both upper blepharoplasty and a brow lift.
During the procedure, Dr. Miller conceals the brow lift incisions in your forehead. He tightens the muscles in your forehead and eyelids. He lifts your brow skin — thereby smoothing out wrinkles — and trims away the extraneous skin. His skilled, artistic eye ensures that your eyebrows maintain a natural and youthful position.
If your eyelid skin hasn’t yet started to droop excessively, but you still notice that you don’t look as energized as you feel, Dr. Miller may suggest a forehead lift alone without or instead of upper blepharoplasty. This minimal surgery gives you the vibrant and energized look you deserve.
Do you have bags, wrinkles, or deep hollows under your eyes?
The first signs of aging under your eyes may be fine wrinkles, or just a darkening of your skin as it thins out due to aging or sun damage. Over time, your lower lids can sag so much that they reveal the white of your eye under your iris, a look that’s unflattering and aging. Fat also collects in the delicate under-eye area, creating puffy looking bags that make you seem perpetually tired, no matter how much sleep you’ve gotten.
Dr. Miller reverses age-related changes in the lower lid with a lower blepharoplasty. These incisions can be camouflaged under your lower lashes or inside your lid, then Dr. Miller tightens the underlying muscles, removes excess fat, tightens your skin, and trims away redundant skin.
Free from bags, sags, and dark circles you look youthful and rested. Many women and men elect to have both upper and lower blepharoplasty at the same time, with or without a brow lift.
Do you want to change your look?
If you have a monolid and desire a double eyelid, talk to Dr. Miller. He’s an expert at natural-looking facial plastic surgeries — including eyelid surgeries — that respect your ethnicity while giving you the improvement you want.
Are you still not sure about surgery?
If you’re still not sure you’re ready for surgery and your eye droop or bagging is minimal, there are a few options. Fillers used in combination with Botox are an alternative that may give temporary improvement to the under eye area. This is a great choice for patients looking for a non-surgical option or can be used in conjunction with surgery to meet your aesthetic goals.
Another non-surgical option Dr. Miller may recommend to revive your eyes is laser therapy. He employs groundbreaking Face-Tite™ radiofrequency(RF)-assisted liposuction technology by InMode to remove excess fat and tighten skin in the facial area.
Face-Tite works by sending pulses of RF energy through a tiny cannula. The energy heats up the fat, killing excess fat cells, while simultaneously initiating a collagen-remodeling process in your skin. Over the next weeks to months, your face tightens and your skin rebuilds itself with new, strong strands of collagen and elasticizing elastin.
Face-Tite can be used as a standalone therapy or in conjunction with facial plastic surgery. In addition to tightening your skin, Face-Tite makes it stronger and more pliable and also aids in the postsurgical healing process.
Either with Face-Tite or on their own, dermal fillers and fat grafts offer yet another way to rejuvenate your eye area. Dr. Miller performs nonsurgical eyelifts and fills tear troughs using state-of-the-art fillers, such as Restylane and fat grafts.
Restore Your Vitality
Whether you’re ready to rejuvenate your eyes, or still just curious, contact Dr. Miller for a consultation. Dr. Miller is committed to creating a unified vision of your desired results. Call his New York City office or use the online form.
Next, read our blog, Get “Tite” with These Great Treatments
Get “Tite” with These Great Treatments
Wrinkles get a lot of press when it comes to aging, but they’re not the only issue that can make you look older than you really are. In fact, sagging skin is one of the most frustrating signs of aging. This is skin that has lost its elasticity and firmness and has begun to droop and hang as a result. So what can you do about sagging skin? First, you need to understand why it happens. Collagen is a structural protein that gives the skin its firmness and youthful elasticity. As we age, collagen begins to break down and new production also slows. This means that the skin no longer has the support it needs to stay youthful and it begins to sag.
The good news? Your skin isn’t doomed once collagen production slows down. You can encourage new collagen to form by choosing to undergo skin treatments with a plastic surgeon. A series of “Tite” treatments is a great choice for sagging skin, whether you need face, body, or neck skin tightening. Let’s take a look at the options!
Face-Tite
For many people, the face is the most pressing area of concern when it comes to aging. It’s easier to hide sagging skin and other issues in other areas of the body with clothing. But our faces are the first impression people get of us. Face-Tite is a great solution for sagging skin that can help contour the face for a more youthful appearance.
Using radiofrequency energy combined with gentle liposuction, the face is contoured by using small cannulas (tubes) to remove unwanted fat through tiny incisions. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that helps stimulate collagen production for tighter skin, while the liposuction removes any unwanted fatty deposits, allowing the skin to contract. The fat removed is minimal, but the overall results can be dramatic. Patients can look more youthful and refreshed, often gaining enhanced confidence following treatment!
Neck-Tite
Just like Face-Tite, Neck-Tite makes use of radiofrequency-assisted liposuction to tighten the neck and jowls. While sagging in the face is common and noticeable, sagging in the neck can be even more troublesome. Many people develop a “turkey wattle” look that can make them look much older than they really are. Neck-Tite contours the neck and jowls and helps the skin to tighten and contract for a fresh new look.
BodyTite
Stubborn fat and cellulite can be some of the most frustrating problems you can face, as no amount of diet and exercise can help resolve certain problem areas. BodyTite is a great solution for people who just want a sleek physique without the little lumps and bumps that persist, despite a healthy lifestyle.
Radiofrequency assisted liposuction is a gentle procedure that can help create a more toned appearance with little downtime. It also assists with tightening the skin, due to increased collagen production. Good results from liposuction require the skin to retract properly, and the subtle but powerful results of BodyTite accomplish just that.
Tite-FX
Tite-FX uses the same radiofrequency technology as the other procedures, but instead of combining the energy with liposuction, it uses vacuum technology to remove excess fat non-invasively. This treatment is fantastic for people with busy lives because it effectively reduces fat and improves the overall body contours with no downtime. Cellulite is a difficult problem to treat. Yet some patients have noticed a reduction in cellulite after undergoing Tite-FX treatment, which can help boost confidence and self-esteem. This procedure can also be combined with liposuction for even better results.
Gradual, Lasting Improvement
The best part about getting “Tite” is that the results are gradual and long-lasting. You’ll notice a difference right away, of course, due to the contouring of the treated area, but the radiofrequency energy will produce other benefits that will become apparent gradually. You should notice your skin tightening over several months following treatment as new collagen is produced to support the skin. While this won’t last forever, the new collagen is long-lasting and should help slow down the effects of aging for a while. Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle is a great way to keep the results looking good for a long time to come!
Choosing the Right Doctor
As with any plastic surgery procedure, choosing the right surgeon is absolutely essential to your success. If you’re interested in the power of radiofrequency-assisted liposuction, you will want to make sure you choose an expert to perform your procedure—someone who has the experience and the artistic eye to make your dream a reality.
There are many excellent plastic surgeons in New York, NY, but Dr. Philip Miller is a seasoned provider of all four “Tite” treatments. He knows how powerful the procedure can be, and he helps patients regain their confidence and self-esteem by helping them choose a treatment plan that’s right for their needs. If you’d like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, call (646) 791-3025 today!
Next, read our blog, 5 Myths About Breast Reduction.
5 Tips for Your Rhinoplasty Recovery
Planning your rhinoplasty procedure? Starting to feel nervous? Don’t worry! It’s normal to feel a mixture of excitement and anxiety before your procedure, and you’re probably speculating on how you’ll look and feel after your undergo the surgery.
While most people find that the recovery process isn’t as bad as they expected, it still pays to be prepared and set yourself up for a comfortable recovery and a beautiful result. Here are 5 tips for ensuring that your rhinoplasty recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
Tip #1: Give Yourself Enough Recovery Time
When you’re planning your recovery period, you may think that you don’t need the full 1-2 weeks of recovery time recommended by most surgeons. However, even if you feel fairly normal after the first few days, it’s important to give your body the rest it needs to recover and heal. Block off at least 10 days for the process. When you’re ready, start resuming normal activities slowly—it doesn’t pay to overdo things. Additionally, you may have some bruising during the first few weeks, which may not have you feeling very social!
Tip #2: Set up a Dedicated Recovery Area
You won’t be able to go about your normal routines during your recovery, so it’s a good idea to anticipate what you’ll need before you need it. The day before your surgery, set up a dedicated recovery area to maximize your comfort and rest.
You’ll need to sleep with your head elevated above your heart initially (to reduce swelling and to keep the nose from shifting), so it’s best to outfit an easy chair with pillows and blankets. If you don’t have a suitable chair, your bed will work as long as you add extra pillows and something to stabilize you as you sleep (such as pillows on either side of you). Make sure you have ice packs ready, along with books, magazines, or other entertainment close at hand. Finally, make sure you have your painkillers close at hand to help control any discomfort.
Tip #3: Plan Ahead for Meals
It’s easy to default to takeout when you’re not feeling well enough to cook, but salty or sugary junk food and takeout won’t cut it when you’re recovering from surgery. You need nutritious food for cellular renewal, and it’s best to prep your food ahead to make sure you’re fueling your recovery properly.
Try make-ahead recipes that can be frozen or refrigerated. That way, when it’s dinnertime, all you’ll have to do is pop a meal into the microwave with no additional hassle. Frozen meals can also often be heated in a slow cooker all day so dinner is ready by evening.
Tip #4: Take Your Meds
While it may be tempting to skip your meds and just suffer through any discomfort, this approach really doesn’t do you any favors. Take your meds according to your doctor’s guidelines, and just make sure you’re not taking more of them than you’re supposed to.
Tip #5: Treat Your Nose with Respect
Your surgeon and his team will work their magic in the operating room, but they can’t be there every step of your recovery to make sure you’re giving your nose every chance to heal properly. A surgery performed by the best surgeon can still end in a poor outcome if the nose is bumped or jostled too much during surgery, or isn’t given the opportunity to heal.
Smoking, drinking, the wrong supplements, overdoing it, or jostling the nose can all have a major negative impact on the healing process. Poor healing can lead to scarring, infection, and a poor aesthetic outcome—not something you want from a surgery that is supposed to help you look and feel better about yourself!
Always Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
The most important tip for any rhinoplasty recovery is to follow your doctor’s pre- and post-operative instructions to the letter. It is up to you to take care of your nose following surgery, but your surgeon will give you everything you need to succeed. Read and understand these instructions thoroughly before the day of the surgery, and make sure you don’t skip any steps for your care. The instructions are given to you for a reason!
Because your surgeon’s skill will be the biggest factor in your rhinoplasty’s success, it’s important to take your time and choose your provider carefully. A skilled and board certified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Philip Miller is the best choice for your surgery, since becoming board certified in this field is difficult and requires years of study and practice. To learn more about rhinoplasty with Dr. Miller in New York, NY, call (646) 791-3025 today to schedule a consultation.
Next, read our blog, Know the Do’s and Don’ts After Having a Breast Augmentation.
Which Laser Treatment is Right for You?
Let’s face it: getting older is hard. Have you been poking and prodding at your face, trying to smooth out the wrinkles you see? If so, then the signs of aging are probably bothering you more than you think. Fortunately, plastic surgeons have many tools for non-invasive rejuvenation available. In fact, there are so many options that no one needs to spend even another minute worrying about how their skin looks.
Laser treatment is one of the most popular treatment types available for many different skin and aging concerns. Laser treatment uses light to control the skin’s natural processes and gradually heal the skin. The result is a refreshed and more youthful appearance. There are so many different types of laser treatments that choosing one can be totally overwhelming (a good problem to have)! If you’re thinking about laser treatments to look and feel younger, here’s what you need to know about choosing the laser that’s right for you—whether that’s a full laser option like Fractora, or a radiofrequency treatment like Face Tite or Tite-FX.
What are Your Goals?
Before you choose the laser treatment that’s right for you, you need to think about what your goals are for the procedure. Are you interested in repairing the sun damage to your face? Do brown spots and rough skin have you wearing layers of makeup to hide the damage? Are you seeing the beginnings of deep wrinkles? Or are you feeling that your body contour just never makes you feel good, no matter how much you exercise?
Ask yourself these tough questions and pinpoint what’s really behind your desire for cosmetic treatments. It’s much easier to choose the perfect treatment if you’re fully aware of your goals and motivations.
Learn About Types of Laser & Radiofrequency Treatments
Once you know what you want to achieve, you’ll need to know what some of your options are. Take some time to research the many laser and radiofrequency treatments available. This will help prepare you to talk with your plastic surgeon about the procedures you’re interested in. Here are just a few great choices:
Face Tite
While many people are focused on wrinkles and sun damage, others face different problems like sagging skin and excess fat in the face. If you’re struggling with these issues, Face Tite is a great option for improving the overall appearance of the face. This treatment combines radiofrequency energy with gentle liposuction. This will help to contour and tighten the face for a youthful, refreshed appearance.
Fractora
Fractora is a laser radiofrequency technology that helps stimulate and resurface the skin. This is a minimally-invasive procedure that can be completed in just one visit! Like many other laser resurfacing treatments, Fractora uses fractional energy to address skin concerns. The benefit is that there is no prolonged downtime or extensive side effects. Fractora treatments can address many different problems, including fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation issues, poor skin tone and texture, visible blood vessels and the overall appearance of the skin.
Tite-FX
We all know that exercise and a healthy diet are a key part of any wellness plan. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to achieve your desired cosmetic results through these methods alone. Tite-FX is a great way to help tone and contour the body when exercise alone isn’t working. Using a combination of vacuum technology and radiofrequency energy, this treatment can help improve body contour and even address cellulite. Some patients prefer to combine Tite-FX with liposuction treatments for more comprehensive results.
Talk to a Plastic Surgeon
After you know your options, it’s time to choose a plastic surgeon and discuss your treatment options with an expert. Your consultation is the most important step in choosing the perfect laser treatment. You’ll get an opportunity to receive personalized recommendations based on your goals and the condition of your skin. Be sure to come to your consultations prepared to make the most of them. Ask questions, get to know your surgeon, and make sure you feel comfortable before you commit to any treatment.
If you’re looking for an experienced plastic surgeon to help you make this important decision, consider a consultation with Dr. Philip Miller. Dr. Miller is an acclaimed facial plastic surgeon in the competitive New York area. His distinguished credentials have earned him respect from both colleagues and patients. If you’d like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller in New York, call (646) 791-3025 today!
Next, read our blog, Benefits of a Facelift and Why This Procedure is Right for You.
Benefits of a Facelift and Why This Procedure is Right for You
A facelift is a type of procedure designed to make improvements to your face in order to reduce signs of aging in these areas. The following will provide a detailed look at the many benefits of a facelift and why this procedure is right for you.
When You Should Receive a Facelift
It’s important to understand that aging, stress, heredity and environmental conditions are just a few of the factors as to why you may begin to lose your youthful appearance. However, this exceedingly safe procedure will ensure that your face remains as youthful at the age of 40 as it was at 25.
If you notice signs of aging and believe that you could look better, a facelift if perfect for you. Full confidence with your appearance can do wonders to your personal and professional lives. These signs of aging include a loss of skin tone in the lower portion of the face, creases below the eyelids and along the nose, sagging around the middle portion of the face and drooping fat.
What a Facelift Procedure Entails
The primary procedure for a facelift is minimally invasive and only takes a small amount of time to complete. The procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia in order to make you comfortable during the surgery. This can include either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Once the anesthesia has been administered, the incision will be made. Where this incision takes place largely depends on the type of facelift you are looking to have done.
For a traditional facelift, the incision begins at the hairline and extends around the ear and towards the lower scalp. For a limited incision facelift, the incisions at the temple are smaller and only extend around the ear. Once the fat has been sculpted and rearranged for a better looking face, the incisions will be closed and will fade relatively quickly.
Ideal Candidates for This Procedure
Thankfully, it doesn’t require much to be an ideal candidate for this procedure, so there’s practically no reason to worry about being denied for it. The best candidates largely include people that don’t have health conditions that would cause problems with the healing process.
Non-smokers are preferable over smokers as well. It’s also important that you have realistic expectations of what this procedure will do for you and have a generally positive outlook about the results from the procedure, which will make preparations for a facelift much easier.
Benefits of a Facelift
There are a wide variety of benefits that you will receive when getting a facelift. For instance, you’ll automatically have a much more youthful and natural look to your face, which will aid in aging gracefully as the years pass by. This will also help to boost your confidence levels.
A few of the primary advantages of having this procedure done include repairing loose skin for a smoother look, providing improvements for facial contours for a better looking jawline and tightening your facial muscles for less tension in the face.
Risks and Recovery Time
Like any surgical procedure, there are a few risks involved as well. These include bleeding, risks with anesthesia, infections, fluid accumulation, skin discoloration, prolonged swelling, numbness, pain that persists and poor wound healing.
As for recovery time, you will generally be provided with instructions on how to treat your face once the surgery has been completed. Overall, recovery time is typically anywhere from two to three weeks.
Call us today to find out more about the facelift procedure and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller.
Next, read our blog, Proper Post-Op Nutrition.
Will Scar Tissue Be an Issue After Rhinoplasty?
When it comes to rhinoplasty, surgery can change the shape, size, and structure of the nose, delivering incredible results for the right patient. Still, any surgery has one major drawback if not handled well: the potential for noticeable scar tissue after you’re healing is complete. Even rhinoplasty surgery, with its well-hidden incisions, can create visible scar tissue. To keep your natural results looking natural and without such scarring, you’ll need to take some precautions.
Why Does Scar Tissue Form?
There is no such thing as a surgery without some scar tissue. When an incision is made in the skin, the body will create scar tissue to heal the wounds. Scars are formed by dense, fibrous connective tissue that can seal the wound closed. It is the body’s natural way of protecting itself and it is nothing to be alarmed about. Once it is formed, scar tissue can sometimes be remodeled or reshaped with the help of a facial plastic surgeon or other highly trained specialist. For a rare few, the body may also produce too much scar tissue and cause problems with healing.
Where will Scar Tissue Form After Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty surgery can be performed in two different ways, using the open or closed approach. In a closed rhinoplasty, or endonasal rhinoplasty, your facial plastic surgeon will limit incisions to within the inside of your nostrils. This method will not leave behind any visible skin incisions. An open rhinoplasty will involve one small incision between the nostrils on the underside of the nose. This approach will allow the greatest access to the nasal tip as well as the lower and middle third of the nose.
When scar tissue forms, it will start at the location of these incisions but can become noticeable if care isn’t taken to prevent this. Patients who do experience the formation of excess scar tissue after rhinoplasty will likely develop it around the nasal tip region. Because this area may appear swollen or bulbous for a time after surgery, you should raise any concerns you have about potential scar tissue with your facial plastic surgeon.
How Can Scar Tissue Be Reduced?
If you do experience problems with the formation of excess scar tissue following your rhinoplasty surgery, there are some things you can do to reduce it and achieve a more natural result. Talk with your facial plastic surgeon about your options, which may include injections of a special type of steroid to diminish scar tissue. In other cases, a revision rhinoplasty can revise the problems caused by excess scar tissue. Adjustments can be made in both surgical and nonsurgical techniques, so start the conversation with your facial plastic surgeon today and take it from there.
Choose an Expert Facial Plastic Surgeon for Your Rhinoplasty
To learn more about rhinoplasty surgery and what you can do to minimize your own scar tissue, book a consultation with the right facial plastic surgeon today. He can provide more in-depth knowledge about the nasal surgery process. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.
A recognized expert in rhinoplasty, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.
Next, read our blog, Is a Micro-Lift Facelift Right for You?
Is a Micro-Lift Facelift Right for You?
When it comes to facelift surgery, many patients worry about the scarring that could result once their incisions have fully healed. Scarring around the hairline and ears is a legitimate concerns to those who have a tendency to heal poorly or develop excess scar tissue. Obviously, fewer incisions and a less-invasive surgical approach could limit the presence of potential scarring around the face. For this reason, many patients choose a micro-lift facelift surgeries instead of the traditional incision pattern and surgical approach. Of course, a different approach can meet different results, so your choice should be made carefully under the guidance of your facial plastic surgeon. Here are just some of things you should know before you make your decision.
What Is a Micro-Lift?
During a traditional facelift, incisions are placed along the hairline, down and around the ears, and then along the lower hairline. This allows the surgeon optimum access to the areas that will be addressed during your surgery, typically the lower face, jaw line, and chin.
During a Micro-Lift procedure, a cutting-edge approach is used with a small incision placed just in front of each ear. Through these incisions, the skin and underlying tissue can be adjusted for a more youthful appearance. The procedure is sometimes called the Ponytail lift because the effects mimic the taut, firm look created by a ponytail.
Are There Benefits to a Micro-Lift?
Patients of the micro-lift can experience a youthful boost with minimal pain and recovery time. The Micro-Lift requires just a few days of taking it easy, rather than one or more weeks of intense recovery. This makes it more favorable to patients with busy schedules or those who have a need for faster results. Shorter recovery means less time spent away from work, activities, and other responsibilities.
With only two small incisions to heal, scarring is also much less of a concern, especially if you have shorter hair or a recessed hair line. The minimally invasive approach also involves less welling and redness around the incision site. Patients experience only minimal discomfort, though tightness and temporary numbness are a fairly common side effect.
Are There Drawbacks to the Micro-Lift?
On the downside, however, Micro-lift facelift surgery will not provide results as extensive as those of the traditional facelift. This alternative approach is best used for patients who want to achieve an improvement in their look that is subtle instead of dramatic, or those who require very limited adjustments to achieve their desired results.
The micro-lift is a good alternative to the traditional approach for those patients of a younger age, usually in their late 30s or 40s. While a micro-lift provides less extensive intervention, it can certainly improve the right patient’s look when needed.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Micro-Lift Surgery?
To be considered a good candidate for any facelift surgery, you should be in good physical health, not smoke, and have a realistic expectation for your results. In addition, you should have specific aging concerns around the lower portion of your face, including double chins, jowls, deep creases, lines and wrinkles, and lax skin.
As a candidate for a micro-lift, you may be looking for less extensive changes to the face. You may also be in the earlier stages of the aging process. Other patients who consider the limited incision facelift may have concerns about post-surgical scarring, a past history of poor scarring, or other concerns. Talk with your facial plastic surgeon about making the right surgical plan to suit your own needs.
Plan Your Facelift Surgery with an Expert
Minimize scarring and optimize results when you consult with a highly qualified, board certified facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.
A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.
Next, read our blog, How Does Rhinoplasty Affect My Facial Features?
How Does Rhinoplasty Affect My Facial Features?
Hating your nose is one thing, but changing your nose might seem a little too risky for some. Often times, hesitation over rhinoplasty procedures can be caused by a fear that patients won’t “look like themselves” afterwards. It does seem almost too good to be true that you can fall asleep with one nose and wake up with another! While that’s not exactly true, especially considering your recovery time, the idea of changing the face can be nerve-racking. If you’ve considered rhinoplasty for yourself, you might have wondered how the surgery can change your overall look. Learn more about how rhinoplasty will (and won’t) change your appearance and other facial features.
What Rhinoplasty Will Change
Rhinoplasty surgery focuses on the cosmetic and functional aspects of the nose, though the vast majority of patients seek the procedure for purely aesthetic reasons. Even so, being dissatisfied with your nose does not always mean you’re also dissatisfied with your other features, such as your eyes, cheeks, and lips. Yet, many rhinoplasty patients appear to have a completely different look after surgery, so it’s easy to make the assumption that it’s not just the nose that is affected surgically.
In reality, rhinoplasty surgery is exclusively performed on the nasal structure, internal and/or external, unless the patient and facial plastic surgeon have agreed to include additional facial surgeries such as a chin augmentation or facelift. The surgery will chance the shape, projection, appearance, size, or some combination of these elements to achieve the desired result. Your eyes, lips, cheeks, and chin will all remain structurally the same.
Why Your Nose Can Change Everything
As mentioned, many patients wonder why changing the nose can have such a dramatic impact on the surrounding nasal features and even the overall aesthetic of the face. Consider that the nose is the central feature of the human face, a sole structure that extends forward from the cheeks, forehead, and jaw to add dimension and definition. From the side, a nose can give the profile its shape and structure, setting the tone for how the rest of the facial features will fit together.
Given this important positioning, the nose can make or break the facial harmony of any man or woman. With a nose too big or small, too crooked or straight, too hooked or flat, the entire perception of the face will change. Altering the nose through rhinoplasty will typically help the other facial features to get noticed, now that facial balance and harmony have been restored. By working with facial plastic surgeon Dr. Miller in New York City, achieving the overall look you want could be as simple as one surgery.
How Rhinoplasty Surgery is Performed
The rhinoplasty procedure can be performed using two different types of incision patterns: open or closed. In a closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are located inside the nostrils and leave behind no visible scarring externally. The range of access is a bit limited with this approach, so it is less often performed. In an open rhinoplasty, on the other hand, an additional incision is placed between the nostrils on the underside of the nose, allowing better access to the nasal tip, lower and middle third areas of the nose. The approach your facial plastic surgeon will use varies greatly on what changes you are looking to achieve through your surgery. Discuss your concerns and personal desires for surgery with your surgeon during a one on one rhinoplasty consultation to get started with the planning of your procedure.
Plan Your Own Rhinoplasty Surgery
To learn more about rhinoplasty surgery and what it could achieve for you, book a consultation with the right facial plastic surgeon today. He can provide more in-depth knowledge about the nasal surgery process. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.
A recognized expert in rhinoplasty, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.
Next, read our blog, Protecting Your Nose After Rhinoplasty.
Can Buccal Fat Removal Enhance Your Facelift Results?
If you’re considering facelift surgery to reverse the signs of aging, you have probably already identified the trouble spots you want to address. Many men and women complain about their lower face and the effects aging has had on this area. Jowls, double chins, and turkey wattle are often high on the list of complaints that many prospective facelift patients share with their facial plastic surgeons. If fatty deposits around the lower face are a concern of yours, it might be worthwhile to plan a buccal fat removal alongside your facelift surgery.
What Is Buccal Fat?
Have you ever been told you have a round face, chipmunk cheeks, or a baby face? Plump lower cheeks are typically inherited as a genetic feature and not related to your weight. As a result, the buccal fat responsible for creating these rounded cheeks cannot be reduced through diet and exercise. Buccal fat can be frustrating and affect a patient’s aesthetic facial silhouette in a negative way. By removing buccal fat from the checks and lower face, you facial plastic surgeon can provide a slimmer, smoother profile and contour. For many men and women, addressing these excess fatty deposits can actually help to restore a patient’s youthful appearance.
Could Buccal Fat Removal Benefit You?
In order to qualify for buccal fat removal or any facial surgery, you should be in good physical health, be a nonsmoker, and have a realistic expectation for your final results. To specifically qualify for buccal fat removal, you should also have excessive fullness in the area around the lower cheeks. Men and women of nearly any age can benefit from this procedure.
How Can Buccal Fat Removal Enhance Facelift Results?
During your facelift surgery, your facial plastic surgeon will focus on tightening and smoothing the area of the lower face by addressing issues with the skin, fat cells, and underlying tissues. He will aim to create a better contour to your profile, with a refined silhouette of the chin, jaw, and neck. For patients with buccal fat in the lower cheeks, this smoothened contour will be hard to achieve without addressing it. After all, a refined chin and jaw may seem unnatural when compared to the remaining puffiness of the lower cheeks as a result of buccal fat.
Buccal fat removal can be paired with your facelift surgery to help reduce the presence of excess fatty deposits in the lower cheeks. With this fat removed, your facial plastic surgeon can then focus on the aging symptoms that may also affect the lower face. After the buccal fat has been reduced, your surgeon will tighten the underlying tissues to support a more youthful appearance and contour. Any excess fat cells can be removed from around the chin and jaw as needed to create the patient’s desired results. Finally, the skin will be tightened to create a smoother and more youthful contour. The excess skin will then be removed and your sutures will be closed.
Learn More About Facial Surgeries From an Expert
If you’d like to learn more about buccal fat removal and facelift surgery, consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon today. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.
A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.
Next, read our blog, Common Recovery Inconveniences After Facelift Surgery.
Common Recovery Inconveniences After Facelift Surgery
There is no such thing as a risk-free surgery, not even one that is medically necessary. Facial plastic surgery is a delicate practice that must only be performed by an experienced, board certified facial plastic surgeon who can deliver satisfactory results. The right surgeon can lower your risks for harmful side effects and post-surgical complications. If you know how to prepare, you can avoid these common recovery problems after your facelift surgery.
Excessive Swelling After Facelift Surgery
Swelling is a common side effect of facelift surgery and a true sign of healing within the body. After your surgery, you will see the worst swelling on your second, third, and possibly fourth day of recovery. Somewhere during the first week post-surgery, you should see your swelling gradually subsiding. If your face hasn’t started to go back to its normal size by then, you may be having a healing issue.
To prevent excessive swelling, make sure you are keeping your head elevated at all times, even when you sleep or lie on the couch. Keeping your head at an angle will reduce blood flow to your face and alleviate some of the pressure that causes swelling. Your facial plastic surgeon may also advise other anti-swelling measures like cold compresses, so make sure to follow his instructions clearly.
Allergic Reactions to Anesthetics or Medication
Many prospective patients worry about being “put to sleep” under anesthetics for a facelift surgery. Although the safe methods and types of anesthetics used have improved throughout the years, allergic reactions can occur. If you have a history of allergies, you must discuss your health with your facial plastic surgeon during your facelift consultation. It could affect the anesthetic he uses and the medication he prescribes to you. Be sure to include any adverse reactions you’ve had to medications in the past including nausea and vomiting, hives and rashes, trouble breathing, heart palpitations, and extreme drowsiness. These could all be indicators of an allergy to a particular type of medicine.
Visible Post-Surgical Scars
Every surgery will leave behind incision marks which heal over as scars. Placing these incisions in well-hidden areas of the face can help cut down on their visibility once you have healed. Many facial plastic surgeons will place them in the natural skin folds around the ears or along the hairline so they aren’t obvious. Sometimes, however, scars can’t be well-hidden and may be visible for a long time after surgery. They can be raised, darker in pigment, and even grow beyond the incised area to form a keloid scar. Following your facial plastic surgeon’s advice for proper after-care is the best strategy for avoiding highly visible scarring. Once you have healed completely, other skincare methods and treatments can be used to reduce the appearance of any scars you have.
Damage to the Facial Nerves
The human face contains many nerve endings that all work together to create the sensations and sensitivity of the skin. Damage to the nerves can be a side effect of any surgery, from facelift to tummy tuck. It is normal to feel some numbness and tingling after surgery, which may take months to fully subside as the nerves heal and regrow. Some pinching and tightness are also normal sensations to experience. If you have concerns that your facial nerves are damaged, talk to your facial plastic surgeon right away. There are measures that can be taken to restore some of the nerves.
Minimizing any potential for such damage starts with a smart choice of facial plastic surgeon to perform your facelift surgery. He will have the skilled hands, know-how, and experience needed to perform your facelift procedure more smoothly and safely. If you’re concerned about nerve damage, talk with your surgeon about nerve problems experienced by his past patients or read their reviews of his work online.
Choose an Expert Facial Plastic Surgeon to Perform a Smooth, Successful Facelift
If you’d like to learn more about how to have a safe and effective facelift surgery, consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon today. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.
A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.
Next, read our blog, Your Deviated Septum: Causes, Effects and Treatments.