Facial plastic surgery is any surgery done on the face to alter or enhance the features of the face. Virtually every part of the face is eligible for surgery, from the forehead to lower neck.

Common plastic surgery done on the face includes:

• Rhinoplasty – Reshapes the nose to be more aesthetically appealing. Can also reshape the structure of the nose to allow more comfortable breathing.
• Facelift – Elevates sagging facial tissues by tightening a fibromuscular layer below the skin. Makes the jawline and neck appear youthful and toned.
• Blepharoplasty – Eyelid surgery. Removes skin, fat, and, if necessary, muscle to reshape and rejuvenate the upper and lower eyelids.
• Brow Lift – Elevates a sagging brow back to its youthful position.
• Endoscopic Forehead Procedures – “Scarless” removal of forehead masses including lipomas and osteomas. Also, to remove vertical lines in the forehead and to elevate the eyebrows.
• Chin augmentation – in cases of poor development of the jaw, Chin implants provide symmetry and harmony to the face. The insertion of a chin implant is a procedure that can be done alone or in combination to face lift and rhinoplasty.
• Excision of skin cancer and Reconstruction – removal of skin cancer from face, neck and scalp with simultaneous repair of the defects.
• Mole Removal – Removal of moles and other conspicuous benign skin lesions to restore natural contour, texture and coloration.
• Otoplasty – Ear reshaping; surgery to improve the shape, proportion and placement of the ear.
• Reconstructive Surgery – Surgery to restore natural function or to reconstruct key facial features following trauma or a disfiguring disease process.
• Scar Revision – Surgery to “hide” facial scars or make them less conspicuous.

Facial plastic surgery uses a variety of techniques to tighten the skin, contour facial features, and reconstruct the appearance of certain cartilage. In general, plastic surgery for the face uses general or local anaesthesia and requires couple of weeks of downtime to recover.

There is really no alternative to facial plastic surgery. The results from surgery are comprehensive in that they are longer lasting and often more impressive than non-invasive techniques.

For rejuvenation procedures, a more youthful and healthy appearance is achieved by excising and tightening soft tissue under the skin through an incision near or within the hairline. For nasal surgery, Mr De Cordova specialises in both primary and revision rhinoplasty. He is the only local surgeon able to offer advanced techniques including reconstruction rib rhinoplasty.

There are many reasons why someone may seek plastic surgery. For example, people who are self-conscious about a particular facial feature may use facial surgery to change their appearance and boost their self-confidence. Other common reasons to seek plastic facial surgery include:

Create Facial Symmetry

The hallmark of a beautiful face is symmetry. However, most people aren’t born with perfectly symmetrical faces – it’s common for one side of the face to not perfectly mirror the other. Although asymmetry is not usually noticeable, some people may feel that facial asymmetry is hindering their overall appearance. One of the primary purposes of facial surgery is to create symmetry in the face.

Refine Appearance

Facial surgery can also be used to refine the appearance of some facial features. For example, rhinoplasty is commonly used to reduce bumps on the bridge of the nose or change the size of the nose tip. Minor plastic surgery does not drastically alter the patient’s appearance, but it can eliminate any perceived flaws the patient may have.

Contour Features

Plastic surgery on the face can also be used to contour certain features. For example, fat transfer can be used to fill in hollow areas of the face, such as the cheeks, or create more volume on the lips. Contouring the features of the face may even involve implants, such as with a chin implant. When facial features are contoured, they become more distinct and can alter the total appearance of the person.

Look Younger

Facial surgery is also commonly used for purely age-related concerns. This is most evident in lift procedures, which seek to tighten skin tissues to reduce the appearance of skin laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles. It’s common for procedures like a facelift or mini facelift to be used on patients who are over the age of 40 and who have moderate to severe age-related concerns that can’t be resolved with non-surgical treatments.

Most results for facial surgery are intended to be permanent, although the longevity of the results may depend on factors such as how much work was done and the age of the patient. Some facial surgery, such as rhinoplasty, is recommended for younger patients so results can be enjoyed for longer periods of time.

Other facial surgery, such as those related to ageing, is intended to last for five to 10 years, or until the natural ageing process catches up to the patient.

Virtually all people are potential candidates for facial surgery. Adults who are healthy enough for surgery and who would like to improve the appearance of one or more facial features are good candidates for plastic surgery.

Ideal candidates are those who are interested in achieving natural-looking results, women who are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding, and those who do not have drug allergies. Additionally, good candidates are those who do not have skin that is prone to scarring.