Recently, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery polled hundreds of participating surgeons, 31 percent of whom stated they had an increasing number of patients requesting cosmetic procedures in order to look better for social media. Of the procedures most requested by men and women who didn’t like their social media images, Botox, facelifts and rhinoplasty topped the list.
For one woman, a manager for a computer giant, seeing her images online was the breaking point. In a line of work where the average employee’s age is in the mid- to late-20s, showing signs of aging in her online photos wasn’t ideal. She headed to a plastic surgeon to slow some of those signs.
As sites like Facebook and Instagram continue to dominate social media, more people are seeing images of themselves that do not leave them feeling warm and fuzzy. Fortunately, these three popular facial cosmetic procedures can help to restore a youthful appearance and can also correct symmetry within your face. It is important, however, to do your research and make sure the surgery is the right choice for your situation.
Botox
Botox is the leading nonsurgical procedure men and women undergo per American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports. In 2012, more than 3.2 million patients received the injections. Derived from the purified form of the botulinum toxin, Botox temporarily paralyzes the nerves responsible for muscle movements. As a result, dynamic wrinkles like crow’s feet and frown lines smooth out for upwards of five months. At that point, additional injections become necessary for maintenance purposes.
Plastic surgeons only use Botox produced within the United States by Allergan to ensure the injection’s safety. The injections are safe and great for treating lines and wrinkles on the forehead, at the sides of the eyes, on the upper nose, and around the lips.
Facelifts
The facelift involves incisions made from the temples to the ears. Skin and tissue is lifted, pulled tight, trimmed, and then closed with sutures. The goal is to tighten skin on the lower cheeks, jawline, and neck. There’s also a mini-lift that uses smaller incisions and is better for people who are in the early stages of aging.
Following a facelift, there is some mild discomfort and swelling. Gauze bandages are wrapped around your face and neck to help keep swelling to a minimum. A day after the surgery, the bandages are switched by your doctor. Sutures are removed after a week and you can return to light activities at that point, but you need to avoid strenuous activities for three weeks.
Rhinoplasty
Not only does rhinoplasty fix the symmetry of your nose, but it also helps restore breathing function caused by issues like a deviated septum. Rhinoplasty is commonly used to straighten a crooked nose, thin wide nostrils, correct a drooping or bulbous tip, or reduce a bump. Incisions are made either inside the nose or on the column of skin that lies between the nostrils.
Rhinoplasty usually takes anywhere from two to four hours, though it varies from patient to patient so these timeframes can only be an estimate. Following the procedure, there is some mild discomfort and possible soreness if the bones have to be set. Wicks are inserted in the nostrils for the first day, but they’re removed on day two. There is also a small cast that remains in place for a week. Bruising usually takes a week to decrease. Swelling around the cheeks also disappears in a week, swelling on the bridge of nose needs two weeks, and swelling on the tip of nose can take months to subside.
When searching for the best Oakland plastic surgeon for your needs, take time to find a doctor who is board certified. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has a quick video [http://www.plasticsurgery.org/articles-and-galleries/video-gallery/board-certification-in-plastic-surgery-.html] you can watch that details why board certification is vital. Dr. Sheldon Kabaker holds board certification from both the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. As a Bay Area rhinoplasty specialist, he has performed thousands of nasal surgeries and was the first California rhinoplasty surgeon to perform open rhinoplasty in the state. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kabaker, call (415) 379-9015.