Look Great, Feel Great

Many people seek facial cosmetic surgery to feel better about themselves. Downey Plastic Surgery offers facial procedures that can help reshape features or gracefully turn back time. As you look in the mirror, there may be features on your face that have always bothered you, such as the shape of a facial feature like your jawline or neck, ears, eyelids or lips, or you may have been told that you seem tired or you look older than your age.

Downey Plastic Surgery practices highly individualized care based on patient needs, which are jointly identified during a thorough consultation and examination. Dr. Downey will discuss the treatment options for facial surgery and provide you a plan of care individualized for your unique situation.

During this process, Dr. Downey will learn more about the changes you desire. He will review the entire treatment journey with you, including anticipated results, possible risks and recovery expectations.

Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery – Blepharoplasty, or cosmetic eyelid surgery, on either the upper or lower lids, is performed to increase peripheral vision or to give an alert, more youthful expression.

The procedure takes from one to three hours under local anesthesia with a small amount of sedation. In the upper lid, the skin is carefully measured, surgically removed and then the incision is neatly closed with stitches. In the lower eyelid, incisions are made just below the lower lashes and the excess skin and unwanted lower eyelid fat are removed. The eyelid muscle’s tissue is tightened to improve lower lid position and support.

During your recovery process, there will be relatively little pain, but you can expect some bruising for about two weeks. With a bit of makeup, you should be able to be presentable within a week.

Complications are uncommon but could include bleeding, infection, over-correction, residual skin or fatty tissue, lower lid relaxation or a dry feeling to the eye from over-exposure.

Brow and Forehead Lift – Some people develop heavy forehead tissue or drooping eyebrows, which can make them look tired or even block their peripheral vision. A brow lift or forehead lift is intended to relieve those symptoms.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about thirty minutes to two hours. It is often accompanied by upper eyelid surgery. During the surgery, an incision is made in the scalp or hairline, the skin is lifted upward and then the excess skin is removed. A smoother, more elevated forehead and brow will result.

Complications are rare but could include bleeding, infection, numbness, change in forehead motion, asymmetry, over correction or hair loss at the place of incision.

Facelift – A facelift is performed on someone who would like to improve the tightness and contour of the cheek, jawline or neck for a more youthful appearance.

The procedure is commonly performed under general anesthesia and takes about four to five hours. During a facelift, precise incisions are made in front of the ears, around the ear lobes and into the hairline. Facial and neck muscles are tightened, deeper tissues are moved upwards and excess skin is trimmed. Major complications are uncommon, but could include bleeding, infection, excess scarring, numbness of the cheek or ear, diminished function of the facial muscles or skin loss from poor circulation to the skin.

With recovery from a facelift, you will experience some tightness and soreness that is well-relieved with oral pain medicine. Dr. Downey can be reached at any time during your recovery if you have any questions or concerns. The first night after your surgery, you will be wearing a facial and head dressing. You will also have thin drain tubes which will be removed the next morning. You should avoid strenuous activities for four weeks, but will be presentable in public after about two weeks. Most incisions are well concealed during the surgery near the ear or hairline, so scarring will be minimal. The smoothing and tightening from a facelift can last between three to ten years depending on a host of factors. Patients who smoke have a much higher complication rate from a facelift.

Necklift – Typically patients with loose skin and muscles mainly under the chin and jawline consider having a necklift to smooth and elevate the contour of the neck. The planning and performance of their necklift is similar to that described above for a facelift. Dr. Downey will discuss in detail your goals for surgery and decide together which operation will be most beneficial for you. Because it is a more limited operation, the recovery is easier and shorter.

Ear Reshaping – Otoplasty is intended to change either the shape or external position of the ear. For either medical or aesthetic conditions, it is a procedure that can be performed on patients of all ages, including pre-school aged children.

This operation is usually performed under general anesthesia. Inconspicuous incisions are made on the back and occasionally on the front of the ear. The cartilage is tailored to control the projection of the ear and stitches are placed that hold the cartilage in the desired position.

Following the surgery, you will have to wear a dressing over your ears for about a week. After that, an elastic headband will need to be worn at night to protect your ears.

Complications are uncommon but include bleeding, infection, numbness, scarring, asymmetry of the ears or persistence of some degree of the original features.

As with all surgeries, risks increase with smoking, obesity, diabetes, age, and other medical conditions. You should discuss with us any medications, including natural or herbal remedies, to help avoid complications with your operation.

Financial Considerations

Downey Plastic Surgery offers competitive pricing for patients considering cosmetic surgery. We accept most major credit cards and will help coordinate with your insurance carrier whenever coverage is available.

For elective cosmetic surgical treatments, you will receive an estimate of fees during your initial consultation. Full payment for your procedure will be due at your pre-operative visit, which is usually two weeks prior to the surgery.

For more information, please visit the financial section of our web site.