Department of Otolaryngology

About Facial Plastic Surgery

The face has a tremendous impact on interpersonal relations. It is the window through which others view us -- our joy, pain, sorrow, and delight. It is the image the world sees even before we speak.

Looking good makes us feel better, more self confident, and more in control of our own lives. So it stands to reason that a face that does not make us happy can have far reaching consequences inwardly, socially and professionally. Whether the cause is an injury, a birth abnormality, or just facial features that the individual would like to have modified, most people feel that life is too short to stay locked behind a face they do not life. The aging process reflected in the face also can be a concern to those who act and feel younger and more vigorous than they appear.

Who Performs Facial Plastic Surgery?
Surgeons from many disciplines, including otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, general plastic surgery, oral-maxillofacial surgery, dermatology, and ophthalmology (oculoplastics) perform plastic surgery on the face. Regional plastic surgeons specialize in operating on one specific body area, while general plastic surgeons practice on the entire body. Facial plastic surgeons specialize in performing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery on the face, head and neck region. As a group, facial plastic surgeons, who for the most part are board certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, do a major share of all facial plastic surgery performed in the United States. Facial plastic surgeons are specially trained to reconstruct and repair the physical facial disproportions that are present at birth or caused by burns, injuries, disease or aging. They are often able to restore and improve both function and physical appearance of the face.

Where is Facial Plastic Surgery Done?
This depends on the type of surgery and the patient's and the physician's preference. Most facial plastic surgery can be performed safely and comfortably on an "out-patient" basis in an office surgery center or an ambulatory surgery center. Some procedures may be done in a hospital.

Keeping the Patient Comfortable
Most facial plastic surgery patients receive relaxing, pre-operative medication followed by a local anesthetic. This usually keeps them comfortable and free of pain throughout the surgery. If desired, general anesthesia can be administered for some procedures.

The Results to Expect
Those who seek ultimate perfection from facial plastic surgery may risk disappointment. Plastic surgery may not totally correct a problem, but often minimizes it and improves appearance. The improvement, in turn, may produce psychological benefits such as self-satisfaction and self-confidence.

The results obtained depend not only on the skill and the experience of the surgeon, but also on the age, health, skin texture, bone structure, healing capacity and specific problems of the patient. The patient's realistic expectations about the results of surgery and his general emotional state are important factors.

Procedures that involve incisions will leave a scar, which is a natural process of healing. The skilled facial plastic surgeon, though, can minimize scarring through meticulous suturing and by concealing incisions in inconspicuous places.

The Risks
The risks involved in most plastic surgery are minimal. There are inherent risks in any surgical undertaking; however, these risks should be discussed thoroughly with your facial plastic surgeon. Many thousands of plastic surgical procedures are performed each year.

The Cost
Fees for plastic surgery and operative facilities vary widely and depend on the extent and complexity of the surgery as well as on the individual surgeon. Your facial plastic surgeon and his staff will discuss costs before an operation. Fees for cosmetic surgery are usually paid in advance of the surgery because this type of surgery is generally elective and not covered by insurance.

The best way to find out if an insurance company will consider a claim is to consult your insurance company representative in advance of an operation.