Facial Plastic Surgery: For Our Patients

In Beverly Hills and serving the Los Angeles area

Quick Guide to Facial Plastic Surgery Terms

Rhinoplasty
Facial plastic surgery of the nose is where cartilage and bone are reshaped and reconstructed; excess bone or cartilage may be removed. Recovery time is approximately one week. Results: Permanent.

Biepharoplasty
Surgery of the eyelids, where fat and excess skin, bags, pouches, wrinkles in the eye area are removed. Recovery time is approximately one week. Results: Lower lids, permanent; upper lids, ten years.

Rhytidectomy
In facelift surgery, excess skin is removed and muscles are tightened. Recovery time is approximately two weeks. Results: From five to 10 years, depending on the patient.

Forehead Lift
Facial plastic surgery to minimize forehead lines and wrinkles, and elevate brows to reduce lid drooping. Recovery time is about 10 days. Results: 10 years.

Submental Lipectomy
Facial plastic surgery beneath the chin to eliminate "double" chin; excess fat is removed. Results: Generally permanent.

Genioplasty/Mentoplasty
Surgery of the chin where a receding chin is augmented with bone or an implant or a too prominent chin is reduced. Recovery time is about one week. Results: Permanent.

Otoplasty
Surgery of the ear where ears can be "pinned back" by reshaping the cartilage. Recovery time is about one week. Results: Permanent.

Laser Skin Resurfacing
Removal of the upper layer skin using a laser, resulting in smoother and less wrinkled skin. Recovery time is about 10 days. Results: Generally permanent.

Chemical Peel
Controlled removal of the outer layer of skin with specific chemicals. Recovery time, depending on the nature of the chemical, is from one to three weeks. Results: Generally, permanent.

Dermabrasion
Abrasion of the skin with either a wire brush or diamond fraise to remove the upper layer of the skin resulting in smoother, less wrinkled skin. Recovery time is about 10 days. Results: Generally permanent.

Facial Reconstruction
Facial plastic surgery to repair or reconstruct facial features. This includes scar revision, fracture repair, laceration repair, vascular birth marks, cleft lip and palate, craniofacial deformities, orthognathic surgery, free flaps, and other cancer reconstruction.

How to find a Facial Plastic Surgeon?

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery instituted a toll-free number, 1-800-332-FACE in the United States and Canada, that provides inquirers the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons in the inquirer's area who specialize in the inquirer's desired surgical procedure.

In addition, as with many things, word of mouth is often best. It is helpful to talk with friends, relatives, and coworkers who have had or may know someone who has had
facial plastic surgery.

You may want to ask the following questions:

How did they locate the surgeon?
Were they happy with the results?
Would they return to the same surgeon for another procedure?

General practice physicians may also be able to recommend facial plastic surgeons with whom they may have worked. It is still important to validate the training, skills, and experience of the surgeon. The Directory of Medical Specialists, available in public libraries, can be used to check the credentials of any referral you may have been given. Facial plastic surgeons will be listed under the heading "Otolaryngology."

Facial plastic surgeons are certified by The American Board of Otolaryngology, a board recognized by The American Board of Medical Specialties. Facial plastic surgery is included in the otolaryngology certification because it is an integral part of otolaryngology training, which is focused on the face, head, and neck. Other specialists are trained in surgery of the whole body.

Choosing a Facial Plastic Surgeon?

One of the most important factors for successful facial plastic surgery is the relationship between the patient and surgeon. An initial consultation provides the patient and surgeon an opportunity to discuss all that is involved in the desired procedure. It is advisable for the patient to write questions down before the consultation.

You may want to ask the following questions:

Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
How long will the operation take?
What is the recovery time?
What are the risks involved?
Is post-operative medication necessary?
What is the charge for the procedure?

It is also a good idea to write down the answers the surgeon provides so that the patient can review these carefully. The consultation also provides the patient a chance to experience the personality style of the surgeon to see if it is compatible with the patient's.

The patient should be prepared to be candid with the surgeon about their medical history, any medications, allergies, habits, and background which could affect the outcome of the surgery. The surgeon will also explain to the patient their experience in the area of facial plastic surgery the patient is considering. Some consultations may include computer imaging to show the patient what the surgery might accomplish. The surgeon can also describe what anesthesia the surgeon uses for each of the surgeries the patient is contemplating. The surgeon might also advise on supportive surgery to enhance the outcome of the specific surgery. It is crucial for the patient to find out about all aspects of the proposed surgery.

Privacy

The most important part your medical consultation in our office is privacy. In our practice, we take pride in our approach to patient confidentiality and privacy. We will do our best to make the consultation private and personal. Please inform our staff if you need to make a private appointment in the evenings or Saturdays. We can also see you at our remote office for a more discrete consultation. Again, we take your privacy very seriously. Thank you for putting your trust into our hands. We will our very best to serve all your needs.

Web Site Use Disclaimer

The information available on this web site is provided by the Facial Plastics Institute for information purposes and as an educational service only. It is not intended to replace a medical consultation where a physician's judgment may advise you about specific disorders and / or treatment options. We hope the information will be helpful for you to be more informed about your health care decisions.

(866) 672-1330
Babak Azizzadeh, M.D., F.A.C.S.
8670 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 200 Beverly Hills, CA 90211
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