Overview of Facial Plastic Surgery
Facial plastic surgery describes a range of different surgical procedures designed to alter the appearance of the face for cosmetic, functional, and/or reconstructive purposes. These techniques are typically centered around contouring improvements or skin anti-aging through wrinkle and line reduction.
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery
When it comes to your face, it’s imperative to put your trust in a highly trained and experienced facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Richard V. Balikian. Holding board certifications in both facial plastic and reconstructive surgery as well as head and neck surgery (not to mention a degree in art history), Dr. Balikian’s unique aesthetic eye helped him become a pioneer of the deep plane facelift technique.
During your consultation, he will review your medical history and aesthetic objectives and study your current symptoms to map out the best treatment plan for your needs. This facial plastic surgery strategy could include one or more of the following procedures:
Facelift
The main goal during a facelift is to significantly reduce or eliminate wrinkles, lines, and sagging skin on the mid to lower face, often in the form of nasolabial folds or jowls. For consistently above the neckline, the facelift is frequently performed along with a neck lift to address neck bands or a “turkey waddle.”
Depending on the degree of skin laxity and other patient-specific considerations, Dr. Balikian offers multiple variations of the facelift like the:
- Mini facelift
- Extended deep plane facelift
- Deep plane facelift for men
Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)
After years of sun damage and constant “scrunching,” many patients notice long forehead wrinkles and sagging eyebrows. This surgery is used to help them achieve smoother forehead skin and a more “alert” appearance.
Eyelid Lift
Eye rejuvenation is performed utilizing the blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, where we remove excess skin from the upper and/or lower eyelids. A lower blepharoplasty is administered to eliminate puffy bags underneath the eyes. When droopy upper eyelids block the peripheral vision, an upper blepharoplasty can be used to relieve this issue.
Rhinoplasty
Commonly known as a nose job, rhinoplasty surgery is done to make cosmetic and functional improvements. Aesthetically, patients may desire less of a bump or a more symmetrical look. Additionally, a deviated septum can be treated to improve breathing. If patients are unsatisfied with their results from another provider, Dr. Balikian offers the revision rhinoplasty, or secondary rhinoplasty.
Otoplasty
Cosmetic ear surgery, or otoplasty, can help patients regain their self-esteem by altering the shape, size, and position of the ears. Often, patients want their ears to be “pinned back” or made smaller relative to their overall head size.
Lip Lift
A lip lift is done to address a thinning, elongated upper lip from aging. The lip lift has multiple variations, including the subnasal bullhorn lip lift and the corner lip lift.
Facial Fat Transfer
If you’d like a subtle increase in volume to some regions of the face (such as the cheeks, lips, or under the eyes), the fat transfer technique could be right for you. Also known as fat grafting, this strategy involves removing fat tissue from elsewhere on the body, purifying it, and then injecting it into these areas of the face where desired.
Liposuction
Alternatively, if too much fat on the face is the problem, it could be removed with liposuction. Dr. Balikian is always careful to perform this task in a minimalistic, subtle fashion that enhances the face’s overall proportions.
Learn More from Dr. Balikian
For more information about which facial plastic surgery procedures are right for you, Dr. Balikian is here to help. Contact Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery in San Diego today to schedule your consultation!