Rhinoplasty
Every year, half a million people who are interested in improving the appearance of their noses have rhinoplasty nose surgery. Some are unhappy with the noses they were born with, and some with the way aging has changed their nose. For others, an injury may have distorted the nose, or the goal may be improved breathing. But one thing is clear: nothing has a greater impact on how a person looks than the size and shape of the nose. Because the nose is the most defining characteristic of the face, a slight alteration can greatly improve your appearance.
Whether the rhinoplasty surgery is desired for functional or cosmetic reasons, your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is of paramount importance. When you come to Dr. Lee for rhinoplasty, he will examine the structure of your nose, both externally and internally, to evaluate what you can expect from rhinoplasty surgery. Dr. Lee will also discuss factors that may influence the outcome of the surgery, such as skin type, ethnic background, age, degree of deformity, and degree of function of nasal structures.
Face Lift
Aging of the face is inevitable and face lifts, or mini face lifts may be necessary to restore a youthful appearance. As the years go by, the skin loosens on the face and neck, Crow's feet appear, the forehead develops folds, the jaw line softens into jowls, and another chin or vertical folds appear at the front of the neck. Heredity, personal habits, the pull of gravity, and sun exposure contribute to the aging of the face. As the aging population grows, it is obvious why face lift surgery, known medically as rhytidectomy, has become the third most desired facial plastic surgical procedure.
Rhytidectomy involves the removal of excess facial fat, the tightening of facial muscles, and the stretching of facial skin to approximate a smoother, firmer facial appearance. Face lifts takes place on either the face, the neck, or both.
Depending on the area of the face or neck that will be lifted, the surgeon will separate the skin from the fat and muscle. The fat is then removed and the skin is pulled back into place with any excess removed.
Brow Lift
The effects of aging are inevitable, and often, the brow and forehead area show the first signs. The skin begins to lose its elasticity. Sun, wind, and the pull of gravity all affect the face, resulting in frown lines, wrinkling across the forehead, and an increasing heaviness of the eyebrows. Even people in their thirties may have faces that look older than their years. Your tired, angry, or sad expression may not reflect how you actually feel. As a result, many people have opted for a procedure known as the forehead lift. Based on variations in how men and women age and on new advances in medical technology, different methods are used to perform this procedure.
The results of a forehead lift can be a smoother brow and a more youthful expression. To see what a forehead lift can do for your face, put your hands above your brows and outside the edges of your eyes and gently raise the skin upwards. Forehead lifts are an option if you have a sagging brow or deep furrows between the eyes. This procedure is usually done between age 40 and 65, although it may be necessary at an earlier age.
Incisions can be placed at the hairline, behind the hairline, or in some cases, above the brow or in the mid-forehead. Endoscopic techniques that are available allow the procedure to be performed, thereby minimizing incisions and reducing visibility of scars. Your surgeon can help you select the best technique suited to your particular situation.
Jaw Surgery
A well-defined chin helps give balance to the face and creates a major part of your profile. Even though few examine their chins in the mirror with the same discerning eye as their noses or wrinkles, having a "weak chin" is certainly not an asset. Corrective jaw surgery can make a great difference in your appearance. Surgeons who specialize in rhinoplasty, or surgery of the nose, are often the first to suggest that changes in chin size or shape may enhance a profile as much as rhinoplasty. It is common for the surgeon to recommend other facial plastic surgery, such as chin surgery, or upper or lower jaw surgery, in addition to nose surgery. This can help to achieve facial balance and harmony. Fortunately, corrective jaw surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure that can make a major difference.
Eyelid Surgery
Every year, one hundred thousand men and women choose blepharoplasty to improve the way they look. Droopy eyelids can make you look older and can also impair vision. Blepharoplasty corrects these problems and also removes puffiness and bags under the eyes that make you look worn and tired. This procedure cannot alter dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, nor can it change sagging eyebrows. Though blepharoplasty is often performed as a single procedure, your surgeon may also recommend a brow lift, facelift, or skin resurfacing to achieve the best results.
In blepharoplasty eyelid surgery, excess fat, muscle, and loose skin are removed. Fine sutures are used to close the incisions, which are strategically placed to minimize the visibility of any scars.
Eyelid Surgery for Asian Eyes
There are numerous differences between Caucasian and Asian eyes. Most of them are unseen muscular and other underlying tissue differences, such as the increased fat content and somewhat thicker skin of Asian eyes. Often the crease of the upper eyelids is less pronounced, allowing the skin to hang over the lashes and conceal much of the eye. Dr. Lee has mastered a method of blepharoplasty eyelid surgery more suited to the rejuvenation of Asian eyes.
Harrison H. Lee, MD, DMD, FACS
9001 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Ph / 310.777.2627