Face Lift Surgery (Rhytidectomy) Questions and Answers

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Question:

I was wondering, how to get rid of my double chin? How long do they put you out for surgery? What are the risks? And how much does it cost? How long does it last. Can you exercise your chin and get the same results?

Answer:

It depends on what is composing the double chin----fat, skin, muscle. Usually the best results are achieved with operations that attack what ever is causing the excess. Sometimes just liposuction will work. Sometimes liposuction with muscle tightening. Sometimes a neck lift, sometimes a face lift. It is a good idea to seek out a qualified plastic surgeon and let him/her examine you. No exercise will reduce the redundancy.

Question:

are any plastic surgeons in the raleigh durham area using glue for face lifts

Answer:

Dear Jody, Tisseal or tissue glue has been FDA approved for a few months and has led to fewer hematomas in facelift surgery. I have used it extensively in Canada and Switzerland prior to its FDA approval. Sutures (stitches) are still necessary in performing the procedure. I don't know anyone in your area using it routinely.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I am considering some cosmetic surgery: probably a face lift and some liposuction, and perhaps laser resurfacing. How can I find out how to get prices and compare? Also, how do I find the most reputable cosmetic surgeons in my area? Is there a physician's referral service available? Thank you

Answer:

Dear Mary Ann, I would suggest that you visit either the ASAPS (American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons') web site first. From that point you should seek advice from several in your area. You may chose to have the different procedures performed by different surgeons. I would also suggest that once you decide on your surgeon, make certain that he/she has privileges to perform the procedures that you desire done at a local hospital - they check credentials and save you the trouble.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I had a face lift in 1995 and my physician also liposuctioned my face and around my eyes without my consent or permission. I weighted 100 pounds! After about three months I looked ugly with sunken cheeks, eyes and chin. I have heard of lipostructure or fat grafting. Do you know of any skilled doctor in lipostructure that you could recommend to me? I have even considered sucide. I am still depressed and on antidepressants. Help please. I wonder why medical students are taught in med school to destroy peoples faces by liposuction. This has been the worst experience of my entire life! Why is a "bad doctor" permitted to continue to practice medicine? J.W.

Answer:

Dear Joanne, I have answered your question previously but I would suggest that you consult with a psychologist in order to try to resolve your issues and continue on life in a meaningful manner. It is difficult to say why the miscommunication occurred and what went wrong but I would also suggest that, if you feel strongly enough about the matter, that rather than turning in on yourself, you seek retribution for your injuries.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I am considering a lower face lift. The doctor I've seen does only twilight sleep for this. I feel that I need an anesthesiologist in the room. Can you give me your opinon?

Answer:

Dear Sandy, I am not certain if the lower facelift is actually a neck lift or the depth to which the procedure needs to be done to correct your problem. I always use an anesthesiologist for any facelift type of procedure but it does make the cost somewhat higher for my patients. I think that for safety and comfort, this is warranted. I would suggest that you address this matter with your surgeon who should be willing to have an anesthesiologist present if he/she works in an accredited facility. Hope this helps.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

Hi Doctor, My son is 13 years old. When he was 8 he fell from a tree and cut his lower lip real bad. It was bitten into 3 sections. I took him to the emergency room and the doctor sewed it together. Actually he did a pretty good job getting the white line straight. He did say that he'd need plastic surgery though. About a year later he cut the same lip by jumping and kneeing himself. The cut sas fairly small and was on the inside of the lip. It developed a bump that was removed by a plastic surgeon. Actually its still there. Its on the inside and gives the lip a puffy look. That makes the scars show up more in front. The scars are like a X shape right in the middle of his lip. I took him to an oral surgeon who says to leave it alone, that its not that bad. Well I think it is that bad and anything that could be done to improve the looks is what I'm looking for. I thought that maybe if there was a way to stretch the skin or maybe graph over the area (about a quarter inch) and convert these crossed looking scars into scars that ran up and down like the normal lines on the lip, that it would be much less noticable. I want to do this before he gets too old. Can scars on a lip be improved with surgery? I'm not sure if I should take the advice from the oral surgeon by leaving it like it is. If there are any surgeons around that can do a lip as a specialty, I'd take him there. The only ones I see advertising are basic face lift and tummy doctors. I need a doctor that can perform such a surgery. My mom said that a graph could be done for a lip using some skin from private part areas. Is this true? I'm in Louisiana, and any recomendations of this type of specialist will be greatly apreciated. I'm hopeing someone can direct me to the right specialist who can improve the looks of my sons lower lip. The scars are right in the middle. I'm willing to drive. Please help. Thanks, a loving father. Mark

Answer:

If something can be done for your son's lip this decision would be best made by a Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon. Might I suggest you contact a nearby Hospital for names of such surgeons on their staff. Or call the a American Society of Plastic Surgery(1-800-475-2784)for a referral in your area.

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