Face Procedures

Northern New Jersey Plastic Surgery
Look Great. Feel Great!

Botox Treatments

Botox is a procedure used to diminish the dynamic lines and wrinkles seen by aging, using Botulinum Toxin. The procedure is considered a safe, effective way of treating facial lines. Common areas for Botox injections include the lines across the forehead, vertical lines between the eyebrows and “crow’s feet” around the eyes. Botox has proven to be the best non-surgical from of facial rejuvenation and is capable of producing wonderful improvements in your appearance.

Reasons for Considering a Botox Treatment

  • Excessive facial wrinkles
  • Large wrinkles or furrows in your forehead
  • Small wrinkles or “crow’s feet” around your eyes
  • A vertical “frown line” between your eyebrows
  • General Procedure

The procedure works by weakening the facial muscles beneath the skin that are related to wrinkles. Just prior to the treatment an ice pack will be applied to the area. Using a very small gauge syringe a small amount of Botox will be injected into the muscle. Botox works by blocking the impulses from the nerve to the facial muscles, thereby relaxing them. The result is the underlying facial muscles relax and the skin begins to smooth out. The effects of a Botox treatment will last approximately three to six months after which the patient may choose to repeat the procedure.

Recovery Process

Patients generally return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure. Patients should avoid engaging in heavy physical exercise, applying cosmetics, or laying down flat for a minimum of 4 hrs after the injections. It is also advisable to avoid rubbing or massaging the injected area for at least 24 hours. The total effect is seen in 3-5 days.

Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and sometimes fat from the upper or lower eyelids. By removing wrinkled, aged skin, it can provide a more youthful appearance to the eyes. One of the first things noticed about a person is their eyes. During the aging process, wrinkles, lines and puffiness contribute to a tired aged appearance. Blepharoplasty surgery is often performed in conjunction with other facial procedures such as a face-lift or rhinoplasty.

Reasons for Considering Eyelid Surgery

  • Excessive skin or wrinkles of the eyelids.
  • A tired appearance or puffiness due to inherited factors.

General Procedure

The surgical procedure includes tiny incisions made in the contours around the eyes which should leave no visible scarring. The surgeon will usually work on the upper eyelids first to remove any fatty tissue and tighten loose skin. If needed the lower eyelids are completed next to eliminate puffiness and excess skin.

The surgery generally takes about one to three hours and is performed in a surgical center or for some patient’s, in the physician’s office . If additional cosmetic procedures are being performed, the eyelid surgery could last longer.

Recovery Process

Normally, post-operative instructions call for rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery which can be treated with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize the risk for potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions given after the surgery. The healing process for this procedure is generally about 7-10 days for the initial phase and full recovery in 2-3 weeks. Patients will have a more rested and youthful appearance.

Facelift

A facelift, also known as Rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to smooth and firm the skin, providing a fresh youthful appearance. Throughout one’s life, the sun’s radiation, stress, gravity and other environmental factors cause the skin to sag and fit more loosely. Areas of the face and neck, in particular around the jaw line, are especially prone to the aging process. Though these changes are gradual, wrinkles, and other signs of aging can make individuals look and feel older than they really are.

Facelift surgery involves the tightening and realignment of facial and neck skin and underlying layers, and in some instances the removal of excess fat deposits. A facelift is often performed in combination with other facial cosmetic procedures and can be performed any time signs of aging begin to appear. However, patients are generally in their forties or older when they elect to undergo this procedure.

Reasons for Considering a Facelift:

  • Sagging skin, muscles and fat in the face and neck.
  • Excess skin and fat on the neck
  • Sagging jaw line.

General Procedure

The standard procedure for a facelift commonly involves making incisions just inside the hairline, following the contour in front of the ear, and continuing under the earlobe to the backside of the ear and to the lower scalp. Tissue and fat deposits are separated, the skin is stretched and tightened and any excess skin is removed. If the neckline requires attention, an additional incision is made under the chin and the same procedure is again followed. Small stitches are used to close the incisions and to minimize scarring. Metal clips or staples may also be utilized at the hairline.

A facelift may take several hours or longer depending on whether other cosmetic procedures are completed at the same time. Sometimes other procedures may be performed in separate appointments. There are several different facelift techniques that can be employed. Patients can discuss their different options with Dr Ko at the time of consultation.

Recovery Process

Immediately after surgery, the face is fitted with bandages in order to reduce swelling and help prevent bleeding. Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery process. Sometimes small drains are used to help evacuate accumulated liquid. The stitches, clips or staples are normally removed within a week. Patients sometimes report some minor pain associated with surgery. Any discomfort can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize problems by carefully following the directions given after the procedure.