Introduction to Facial Surgery
The face is one of the most visible and dynamic assets of the human body. As we are social creatures, both the form and function of the face are integral parts of how we interact with others and how we see ourselves. While the ideals of the perfect body have changed over time from voluptuous to waif to athletic and back, the underlying features of an ideal facial structure have remained surprisingly consistent. Key attributes of the ‘perfect’ face that remain constant are overall geometry represented by both symmetry and proportion and youthfulness. This is true not only across the ages but also from culture to culture.
Considering Facial Surgery?
The face is a combination of individual elements including the brow, cheeks, chin, and jaw that contribute to its overall structure and appearance. Facial surgery is a broad term that takes into account many disparate procedures that change the appearance of specific areas of the face. If you are considering having a cosmetic procedure on your face you should be guided by the ideals of proportion, symmetry and youthfulness and appreciate that there is something to celebrate in everyone’s face, as this is part of what defines you. The most successful facial surgeries are generally procedures that aim to achieve proportion, symmetry and youthfulness rather than attempting to drastically alter too much or too many of these individual elements. Success should be measured in terms of the patient achieving an improved and natural looking face as well as their emotional well-being and satisfaction with the result over the long term.
Some of the challenges that patient’s might face include disproportion of specific features for example a large or hooked nose that dominates the face, small thin lips, or lack of definition in the cheek bones. The sum effect being an imbalance within the overall appearance of the face. Clients may also consider plastic surgery to correct asymmetry within the face. This frequently occurs around the eyes and brows but may also affect the mouth, jaw and cheeks. The third and most recurrent reason for electing for facial procedures is aging. Common concerns related to aging include sagging skin around the eyes, neck, and jaw, puffiness, lines and wrinkles and an uneven skin tone. For clients experiencing these ongoing changes, surgery can help to provide a more refreshed appearance and allow the patient to look as vibrant on the outside as they feel on the inside.
What are my options?
There are a wealth of options available for today’s patient to consider when approaching cosmetic procedures for the face. Many clients now opt for multiple small procedures earlier on to hinder the physical affects of aging and to correct imbalances in their facial proportions. The net effect of which is a more natural and consistently younger looking appearance rather than the overly taught artificial look. Dr Belsley is a strong advocate of creating subtle but significant changes in the appearance of the face and can help you to discover the different procedures that will be appropriate for your specific needs and goals.
General advice for clients considering Facial Surgery
- Approach antiaging procedures with the aim of looking more rested and naturally youthful rather than to change the structure of the face
- Rhinoplasty or facial procedures that involve implants should be carefully considered as they result in significant changes to the face’s structure
- The best candidates for facial cosmetic surgery are people looking for improvement, not perfection in the way they look. If you are physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate
Related Surgical Examples:
1 of 10
before
afterThe brow is an integral component of a beautiful face. In addition to its importance as a stand-alone feature, it complements the eye much like a stunning frame can bring a photograph or painting to life. Like the remainder of the face, its appearance can change with time.
Rejuvenating or reshaping the brow can make an enormous impact upon an individual's appearance. Dr. Belsley reshapes the brows using a variety of methods, but her goal is always a natural and warm result that emphasizes facial harmony.
The age old proverb that the eyes are the mirrors of the soul places appropriate emphasis on this beautiful and defining facial feature. It is truly the most individual aspect of the human face. Like fingerprints, eyes differ absolutely from one person to another. Often, the eyes are the first thing that we notice about an individual's face and the last thing we can forget.
Aging of the skin around the eyes, especially of the upper and lower eyelids, can detract from their impact. Eyelid rejuvenation refocuses the emphasis on this feature, which can reveal emotion and sophistication like no other.
The face is the most individualized and identifiable human characteristic. The magnificence of its form is rivaled only by its amazing functional abilities. By virtue of the complex array of anatomic features that make up the human face, it can transmit an unbelievable wealth and variety of expression, telling the most complex story in a matter of seconds.The face is responsible for communication and for recognition. It is what defines us as unique and allows us to recall an individual in our memory. It can attract the interest of others.
What draws us to an individual's face, however, varies individually, culturally, ethnically and geographically, as do most aspects of the human form. A naturally youthful and healthy facial appearance, however, is almost universally perceived as beautiful.
Dr. Belsley recognizes the care that must be taken when discussing options intended to improve the appearance of this amazing instrument. The results of these efforts must enhance natural beauty, promoting symmetry and proportion.
Although facial fullness can be youthful, an overly full face may be aesthetically objectionable. Using ultrasound assisted facial liposuction in appropriate individuals, fat in the face and neck can be modified and sculpted such that the facial contours are more streamlined.
This change, although subtle, can result in a healthier and more attractive appearance. Because only very small incisions are required to perform this procedure, recovery time can be quite expeditious and the results exceptionally natural.
A long and lithe neck suggests elegance and refinement in a woman. It sets off a delicate and smooth jaw line and the décolletage, allowing her to wear attire that features this remarkable attribute. In men, a svelte neck accentuates a strong jaw, suggesting strength and underscoring masculinity.
If an individual's neck begins to look less attractive over time, Dr. Belsley can perform procedures designed to refresh its appearance. In individuals whose neck does not approximate desired ideals even in youth, surgery can provide the opportunity to optimize an under-appreciated part of the body.
Nasal proportions and shape can more extensively affect other's perception of an individual's face and even character than any other individual part of the human form. Because nasal shape has such a powerful influence on the appearance of the face, adjustments must be carefully considered.
Nasal aesthetics must be viewed with the appropriate degree of attention to the individual's own personal preferences, which can vary culturally. Dr. Belsley understands and respects this process. She feels that the most rewarding results occur when her clients openly discuss their preferences with her.
Using this information, she can propose a plan that will incorporate the client's wishes as much as possible, while maintaining nasal functionality and a natural, proportional appearance. She feels that each rhinoplasty result is as unique as the process required to achieve it.