In 2012, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reported that its members saw a 16 percent increase in mother-daughter surgeries. While some moms and daughters underwent surgeries in order to more closely resemble one another, a number chose to undergo plastic surgery together as a way to bond.
In addition to the chance to bond or look more like mother and daughter, partnering up for plastic surgeries also creates a support structure before, during, and after the surgery. Mothers and daughters have someone by their side during the research stage, consultation, pre-surgery, and post-surgery.
When it comes to facial plastic surgery, there are three procedures topping the list of surgeries women request. Facelifts, eyelid surgery, and rhinoplasty are the most requested facial plastic surgeries for women.
Facelifts
To correct lines and creases in the lower face, tighten loose skin along the jawline, and rejuvenate sagging tissue on the cheeks, a facelift is beneficial. With this surgery, incisions are made in the hairline near the temple, around the front of the ears, and then behind the ears. Once the incisions are made, the surgeon tightens muscles and restores tissue to a more elevated position. With the new underlying frame in place, the surgeon then re-drapes the skin, trims away any excess, and closes the incisions.
A facelift takes about three hours to complete and requires about two hours of recovery before you go home. At home, you need a trained nurse to stay with you for a day. Swelling and bruising are common complaints, but they only last for 7 to 14 days. Once stitches are removed a week after the surgery, you can return to work. You must avoid strenuous activities for three weeks.
Blepharoplasty
As you age, the skin on your upper lids may sag. Not only does this make you look older than you likely feel, but it also can block your vision. On the lower lids, excess fat and skin lead to bags that form under the eyes, again making you look tired. Blepharoplasty is the surgical procedure that corrects these common signs of aging.
Incisions for eyelid surgery are made in the crease of the upper eyelid and either inside the lower eyelid or along the lower eyelash line. Thin sections of skin and muscle are trimmed to correct the sagging, and fat is taken from the lower eyelid.
Following the surgery, you rest at home. There may be some bruising and swelling that usually dissipates after a week. You can return to work after a week and then partake in strenuous activities after three weeks.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a facial plastic surgery that corrects the functional and aesthetic qualities of the nose. It’s used to narrow a wide nose, fix a drooping tip, remove a bump or hump, and even correct a deviated septum.
During the consultation, the surgeon takes digital images of your nose and then uses computer software to alter the image to show you what your nose could look like after it heals. It is important to know that the digital image is never going to be an exact match to the final appearance, but it will give you a good idea of what to expect as well as a means of facilitating conversation with your surgeon and expressing your desires.
On the day of the surgery, incisions are made either at the bottom of the nose on the skin between the nostrils or within the nostril. Your facial plastic surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of each. Bone and cartilage are shaped to form the nose’s new appearance and then the incision is closed. Expect bruising for about a week, swollen cheeks that also last about a week, and then swelling on the nose that can last for months.
Visit Dr. Sheldon Kabaker’s California facial plastic surgery page to see the full menu of surgeries available at the Oakland practice.With decades of experience, Dr. Kabaker specializes in blepharoplasty, facelifts and rhinoplasty in the Bay Area. When you’re ready to discuss the costs and procedure details with Dr. Kabaker, schedule an appointment by calling (415) 379-9015.