What is a facial plastic surgeon?
A facial plastic surgeon specializes in performing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery on the face, head, and neck. As a double board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon, I am fully fluent in the latest technologies, medications, and procedures, and the expertise I offer all my patients covers every possible dimension of personal appearance. Because I focus exclusively on the head and neck, I offer exceptional focus and experience in creating balance, symmetry, and beauty through a variety of safe techniques. Cosmetic plastic surgeons perform the majority of elective facial plastic surgery procedures in the United States.
Are you board certified?
Yes, I am double-board certified, from both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Board of Otolaryngology. This rare set of credentials covers both the external and internal structures of the face. I hope it gives my patients some comfort to know that I am deeply knowledgeable about every structure of the head and neck, inside and out.
What are your credentials?
I have studied for most of my lifetime to perform the safest and most effective facial cosmetic surgery in the western United States. I spent seven years in postgraduate surgical training, including two years of postgraduate training in general surgery and four years of advanced training in head and neck surgery and facial plastic surgery. My singular focus on the complex anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, and bacteriology of all the structures of the head and neck provides me with a unique perspective on this demanding field. I have been practicing facial cosmetic surgery since 2004.
How does this work?
I begin every relationship with a detailed consultation and evaluation. We discuss your goals, your concerns, your options, and what precisely you can expect as we move forward. On the day of your procedure, you are provided with every possible creature comfort, and my exhaustive preparation guides you through a seamless procedure. Your recovery is supported with ready communication and clear recommendation, and your satisfaction is paramount. I am proud to have earned glowing testimonials from countless patients throughout Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and the U.S.
Are these cosmetic procedures safe?
I take every possible precaution, from comprehensive preparation through employing the very latest tools, devices, and technologies. There is no such thing as 100% guarantees when it comes to any surgery, but I can say with absolute certainty that my commitment to your safety is unrivaled. You are in good hands.
What kind of recovery time can I expect?
Your recovery time depends upon the procedure. Some non-surgical facial cosmetic procedures result in little more than light swelling that lasts an afternoon. Other, more sophisticated techniques such as rhytidectomy (facelift) and rhinoplasty (nose surgery) may require several days or weeks before you can resume full activity. I always explain every step of your procedure before we begin, ensuring that you have plenty of time to prepare for your recovery.
How much will my procedure cost?
The cost of your procedure will depend on what it is. I make a point not to quote specific prices over the phone, as I want to avoid misrepresenting the cost of a procedure if the evaluation should turn up any new information. We invite you to come in for a consultation, and we are always happy to explain your options in depth once we have listened to your goals. This in-depth conversation serves us both, as better decisions tend to result from better information.
Do you take insurance?
Generally, health insurance does not cover elective cosmetic surgery, but exceptions are often made if deformity or injury has played a role. I encourage you to check with your insurance policy carrier to get the most accurate information about what they will and will not cover.
How do I get started?
My staff is always available to answer your questions. Please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to discuss any questions you might have about your goals for facial plastic surgery. To learn more, I invite you to visit my offices for a pressure-free consultation.
How long do the results of an Ultherapy procedure last?
Ultherapy results last for about 1 to 1.5 years and if you repeat treatments, then the results will be longer-lasting. Repeated results would be determined by the elasticity of your skin, if it sags more then you will most likely need more than one treatment.
Is Ulthera painful?
There is some pain patients experience but can be managed with pain relievers to make it as comfortable as possible for you. There are other modalities such as other medications and devices that I employ to help minimize the discomfort. This will help you throughout the process and the results are very much worth the Ulthera treatment.
Which is better for skin tightening, Ulthera or Thermage?
Thermage uses radio frequency while Ultherapy uses ultrasound. Ultherapy’s advantage is that it penetrates much deeper into the substructures of the face at specific depths, enabling it to give more dramatic results. Ultherapy targets sagging tissue, tightening specific regions with a safe, low energy dose. I would recommend using Ultherapy for skin tightening for this reason.
What is the typical post-op recovery like for eyelid surgery?
Healing from a blepharoplasty procedure is fairly quick and straightforward. I give my patients a cold compresses to help diminish the swelling and sometimes a topical ointment to prevent dryness in the area. A certain degree of swelling and bruising is normal, and elevating your head while reclining can help to enhance healing and relieve discomfort. In the ten days following the procedure, you will need to gently clean the area and use eye drops as needed. The stitches usually come out just three to five days following the eyelid surgery, unless I have given you stitches that dissolve on their own. You will need to refrain from using contacts for a couple of weeks, but after that you can resume normal use. Overall, I would say 2 weeks is enough time for you to return to work. I had one of my upper eyelids lifted a little to match my other eyelid. After one week, I noticed the swelling comes and goes after sleeping. If I lay down, half my face becomes swollen and moves around. What is swelling like after a blepharoplasty? Eyelid swelling is normal after blepharoplasty procedure and occurs for about 2 weeks. I would recommend keeping your face elevated as laying down will cause swelling.
How is a facelift different from a mini-facelift or mid-facelift?
Mini facelifts focus on trouble spots and require less downtime. They correct unsightly wrinkles and jowls specifically in the lower portion of the face. I recommend getting a mini facelift if you want to take about five years off your face. A mid facelift focuses on repositioning sagging cheeks, softening smile lines, reducing eye hollowness, rising the corners of the lips, and restoring cheek fullness. It all depends on what you are looking for, I would recommend talking to your facial plastic surgeon to see what your options are for your particular face.
How long should swelling and numbness last after a facelift?
Recovery from a facelift usually takes two to three weeks, though many patients go back to work in two weeks. Swelling and numbness can last up to six months depending on your healing process. I recommend trying to keep your head elevated as much as possible and using a cold compress to help with swelling.
Is 40 too young for a facelift?
Factors like lifestyle, smoking, aging, diet, and exercise can all have an effect on the skin. If you are unhappy with certain aspects of your face and the aging changes bother you, you may be a good candidate for a traditional facelift but I would recommend talking to a facial plastic surgeon and finding out the best options for your specific face and goals. It all depends on how drastic of a change you want for your face.
What is swelling and bruising like after a facelift?
Swelling and bruising can last up to six months after a facelift. I recommend keeping your face elevated as much as possible and using a cold compress to aid with swelling and bruising. I have also found lymphatic massage therapy post surgery can be helpful.
What should I look for in facelift before and after pictures?
First, you want to make clear what your goals are for your particular face. Take into account how natural or dramatic you want the changes to be. Then look through the pictures and make sure they go in line with your goals while keeping in mind to look out for aspects like distortion. Make sure the pictures are consistent with positioning, lighting, incisions, scarring, and overall results.
What is a “Botox Lift” or “Botox Browlift”?
A Botox browlift can raise the brows by relaxing the underlying muscles that pull the brows down. Injecting Botox into these muscles that are pulling the brows down makes the muscles relax, and thus stopping pulling the brow down. I recommend this technique if you are looking for very subtle changes and are not a candidate for a surgical browlift.
Can asymmetric eyes or eyebrows be fixed?
Most likely your asymmetry can be fixed, there are several browlift procedures (surgical and non-surgical) that have the ability to correct asymmetry issues. This all depends on how your eyes and eyebrows are positioned on your face as well as your bone structure. I would recommend obtaining a few opinions from board certified facial plastic surgeons.
How long is the recovery for a browlift?
Some normal bruising and swelling will follow for about 7-10 days following your browlift, so the use of cold compresses is recommended for faster healing. You may experience some numbness and itching in the days following your forehead lift as well, but this will go away over time. A wrap dressing is carefully removed the day after your procedure, and the sutures come out 7-10 days later. Patients can typically resume normal activities in about two weeks.
What is the procedure like for an ear reduction and what does it cost?
Ear reduction surgery begins with an incision just behind the ear, in the natural fold where the ear is joined to the head. The cartilage and skin is molded to create an ideal structure, and in some cases sutures will be applied to secure the new shape in place. Natural healing orients the ear into the desired position, where it will remain. During a consultation, I can carefully examine the structure of the ears and discuss possibilities for correcting the problems. Pricing varies, so it is best to discuss cost during your consultation with a facial plastic surgeon.
How noticeable are the scars after an otoplasty?
After your otoplasty procedure, the scars are not visible and will be hidden in the natural crease behind your ear. During consultations, I always make sure to address any concerns with my patients ensuring the most minimally invasive techniques with the best recovery period.
I have uneven ears after my otoplasty, how long does it take for them to be the shape they will be for the rest of my life?
Pain and numbing are normal and depend on the individual. By three months you should be able to see how your ears will be positioned. If you are truly concerned, I would recommend consulting with your facial plastic surgeon about a possible revisional otoplasty. But try not to expect both of your ears to look exactly the same as it’s pretty normal for them to still have some differences.
Is it possible to have ear surgery on just one ear?
During my consultations with patients, I carefully examine the structure of the ears and discuss possibilities for correcting the problems. In some cases, even if only one ear needs “pinning back,” surgery may be recommended on both ears to achieve the most balanced and symmetrical appearance. It all depends on how your ears are positioned and at that point, we would be able to determine the best techniques for surgery.
Will I be awake during ear surgery?
Depending on the nature of the surgery and what is discussed during your consultation, it can either be performed while you are awake or asleep. Both options are suitable. Pain can always be managed with some type of sedative or general anesthesia.
Can ear surgeries be revised?
If there are issues from your initial otoplasty, you can choose to do a revisional otoplasty. Depending on what point you are at during your healing process, you should wait to see the full results. If enough time has passed, I recommend seeing your facial plastic surgeon for a revisional otoplasty or obtain a couple of opinions from other facial plastic surgeons to ensure the best results.
Is an otoplasty very painful to recover from?
Depending on your specific healing process, pain levels range but can be managed well with the right care. Make sure that you choose a board certified facial plastic surgeon who has expertise in performing otoplasties. After the procedure, you should have dressings applied to aid in healing and comfort. Sleeping on your back is also best as sleeping on your sides can affect your healing. Wearing a headband that your surgeon provides may also be an option to hold the ears in the desired position for a few weeks after the procedure. Pain medications and/or anesthetics will help with the pain immediately after your surgery and throughout the healing process.