Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
Q: My face looks like it has aged a lot. Will a facelift treat this?
A: A consultation would be necessary to determine the most appropriate treatment for you. A facelift addresses loose skin of the lower face and neck. It doesn’t address the eyes or forehead which also frequently show significant signs of aging. Therefore, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and a forehead lift may also need to be considered in order to give you the best result and maintain proper facial harmony.
Q: I would like a facelift but don’t want my skin so tight that it looks like I’m wearing a mask. Is this possible?
A: There are many facelift techniques available that can give a more natural result. A facelift doesn’t have to lead to an abnormal “operative” appearance.
Q: When will I be presentable after my facelift?
A: In most situations, you can feel comfortable going out in public between one and two weeks after surgery.
Eyelid Rejuvenation (Blepharoplasty)
Q: Where are the incisions placed?
A: The incisions for upper lid surgery are placed in a crease about 1/4 ” above the eyelashes. In the lower lid, the incision is placed just below the lashes and extends past the corner of the eye.
Q: Are the scars very noticeable?
A: Usually the scars are imperceptible even for those who have a history of thick scars.
Q: Am I a candidate for an incision inside my lower eyelid?
A: This type of incision (transconjunctival approach) is used when there are fat bags present with little or no excess of eyelid skin.
Q: Will I experience a great deal of pain in my eyelids after surgery?
A: The discomfort is mild in nature and usually requires minimal pain medication.
Q: How soon after surgery will I be able to go out in public?
A: Most people are presentable by one to two weeks after blepharoplasty.
Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping)
Q: I don’t like the way my nose looks. Can it be fixed so that it doesn’t look like I had a nose job?
A: When performing a rhinoplasty, Dr.Turkeltaub’s goal is to obtain a result that appears very natural. Your nose should be harmonious with the rest of your face and not stand out or have an over-operated unnatural look. It should look like your nose, just a better version.
Q: Will the bones of my nose be broken?
A: If your nose requires narrowing, removal of a hump, or a significant decrease in height, the nasal bones will need to be surgically fractured.
Q: How long does it take for the swelling of my nose to go away?
A: It usually takes a few months for the majority of the swelling to resolve. However, it may take a year or more for it to maximally resolve. Most people are presentable within one to two weeks.
Q: I have difficulty breathing through my nose and was told that my septum is deviated. Can this be fixed at the same time as rhinoplasty?
A: The treatment of a deviated septum (septoplasty) is commonly performed at the same time as rhinoplasty. Many insurance plans will cover treatment of a deviated septum if there is documentation of breathing problems.
Lip Enhancement
Q: What are my options for lip enlargement?
A: The lip augmentation techniques most commonly employed today utilize either tissue or artificial materials to increase lip volume. There are some materials that are injected and others that are surgically inserted. There are several injectable options available with the most common being hyaluronic acids such as Juvederm® and Restylane® and fat. Volume enhancers that are surgically inserted include scar or other tissue from one’s own body, implantable donor human tissue (AlloDerm®), and artificial materials such as Gore-Tex®.
Q: Does Juvederm® and Restylane® injections work well on the lips?
A: Both of these products work extremely well to plump up the lips and allow for natural looking results. They may last for 3-6 months, sometimes even longer. It is often suggested, however, to inject lower quantities more frequently so that there is more of an equilibrium in appearance rather than a complete loss of the acquired volume increase.
Q: Will one fat injection treatment in my lips give me the long term results that I desire?
A: Probably not. Generally, not all of the fat that is injected will survive and sometimes none will. To obtain more significant and potentially permanent results, expect to require 2 to 3 treatments spaced out several months apart. Long-term outcomes vary from patient to patient.
Ear Pinning (Otoplasty)
Q: My child’s ears stick out. Can they be fixed to look better?
A: An otoplasty is the procedure that is used to “pin” the ears back into a more natural position.
Q: Where are the incisions placed for the surgery?
A: Usually, the only incision needed for this procedure is placed on the back of the ear near the side of the head.
Q: When is the best time for my child to have this surgery?
A: We usually recommended that you wait until your child is around age 5 or 6 and ready to go to school. By then, they can better understand what is going on and be more compliant in their care. It is also around this age that the appearance of their ears becomes more of an issue.
Q: I am 28 years old and have been bothered by my protruding ears since I can remember. Can I have them fixed at my age?
A: You are an excellent candidate for an otoplasty – your ears stick out and they bother you. Theoretically, there is no age restriction for this procedure however most people 50 or older are not concerned with this issue enough to want to pursue surgery. Their ears also are stiffer and harder, making it more difficult to obtain and maintain a good result.
Q: How much pain is there after surgery?
A: For most people, pain following surgery is quite tolerable and well controlled with pain medication.
Q: When can I return to work?
A: You may be able to return to work within a few days depending on your job and other factors.
Contact Us
If you think you have any more questions about facial procedures, please contact our practice today.
