Facial Surgery

Dr Rodrigo Teixeira, an experienced specialist plastic surgeon, takes a personalised approach to facial surgery that aims to achieve results tailored to your unique requirements.

What is facial surgery?

Facial surgery is cosmetic surgery of the face encompassing a variety of procedures to treat the signs of ageing. Facial surgical procedures may offer solutions for improving skin texture, reshaping of underlying tissues and eliminating excess tissue.

Dr Teixeira offers a range of surgical and non-surgical procedures for the face tailored to the individual. He takes into consideration the complexity of facial ageing, including the impact of skin ageing, sagging skin and soft tissue, and volume loss, which can result in fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and uneven skin tone. Skin and soft tissue sagging can result in an unbalanced appearance, while volume loss can lead to hollow areas of the face.

Types of Facial Surgery

Browplasty (Brow Lift, Temporal Lift & Ponytail Lift)

As we age, our eyebrows tend to sag due to gravity, use and loss of skin elasticity which can lead to a tired appearance of the eyes.

Browplasty, also known as a forehead lift, can reposition the eyebrows higher and even out wrinkles on the forehead. The two different methods for performing browplasty (brow lift surgery) are endoscopic and open approaches, Endoscopic browplasty minimises scarring by using small incisions to release and lift the muscles and ligaments beneath the skin.

In addition to the traditional browplasty, there are other upper face procedures available including the temporal lift and ponytail lift.

The temporal lift is aimed at correcting the outer corners of the eyebrows and temples pulling the tissues in an oblique direction. The ponytail lift may extend to the mid-face and provide a more vertical lift.

During your consultation, specialist plastic surgeon Dr Teixeira will go through the appropriate technique to best suit your individual needs.

Browplasty is most commonly performed under general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s preference. A browplasty procedure takes approximately two to three hours to complete.

Lip Lift

As we age, the natural changes that occur in our skin and ligaments around the mouth can result in elongated, flat and deflated lips. One cosmetic procedure that aims to address this concern is the lip lift. It involves making an incision below the nostrils to shorten the philtrum and the lip length to improve the contour and the definition of the upper lip.

While this elective procedure offers numerous benefits, such as restoring balance and proportion to the lips and enhancing the appearance of the cupid’s bow, it’s essential to note that there are risks involved.

A lip lift can be performed under either local or general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s preference. A lip lift procedure takes approximately one hour to complete.

Facial Autologous Fat Grafting

Autologous fat transfer or fat grafting is a surgical technique that involves taking fat from one part of the body and transferring it to another area for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons. Through liposuction fat is collected from areas such as the abdomen, thighs or knees, cleansed and purified, then injected into the required area. Today, surgeons can modify the fat graft for different applications by adjusting the texture and consistency of the fat tissue.

Facial contouring with autologous fat grafting offers a range of benefits that make it an option for those looking to replace volume loss and reshape facial contour. Fat grafting is normally used to restore volume in hollow areas around the eyes, cheeks and temples. Unlike non-surgical treatments, facial autologous fat grafting is a more permanent solution to volume loss in the face, while also offering regenerative properties.

Fat grafting is most commonly performed under general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s preference. A fat grafting procedure takes approximately two hours to complete.

Submentoplasty (Double Chin Surgery)

The appearance of a double chin is a common aesthetic issue, resulting from diverse factors like age, genetics, weight fluctuations, and chin size. The degree of this condition can differ and require different treatment solutions. There are non-invasive procedures, such as fat dissolving injectables and skin tightening treatments such as radio frequency.

If the problem lies in superficial fat deposits beneath the chin, chin liposuction is advisable, whereas those with deep fat pockets or noticeable muscle bands may require neck rhytidectomy (neck lift). Patients who exhibit minor skin excess and firm skin texture can benefit from the rhytidectomy (neck lift) with small incisions

Submentoplasty can be performed under either local or general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s preference. A submentoplasty procedure takes approximately two hours to complete.

Neck Rhytidectomy (Neck Lift)

For those seeking a solution to sagging skin and excess fat in the neck area, a selective approach to neck tissues may be found in a neck rhytidectomy (neck lift).

A neck rhytidectomy (neck lift) specifically targets the loose skin, muscle banding and fatty deposits that contribute to an enlarged or sloped appearance of the neck. Dr Teixeira employs a selective approach that can involve careful lifting and tightening of underlying tissues, removal of excess fat, and potentially performing lipoplasty (liposuction) to adjust the contour of the next and jawline.

Neck rhytidectomy is most commonly performed under general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s preference. A neck rhytidectomy procedure takes approximately two to three hours to complete.

Risks and Complication

With any surgery there are potential risks involved.

Some possible risks of facial surgery include:

Bleeding
Infection
Scarring
Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin)
Prolonged pain
Poor wound healing
Skin necrosis (skin loss)
Hair loss or altered hairline
Temporary or permanent changes in sensation
Asymmetry
Distortion of facial features
Elongated earlobes (pixie ears)
Facial tightness
Nerve injury

General anaesthesia also carries a certain level of risk such as allergic reaction and breathing difficulties, although these risks are quite rare. In addition, general side effects like allergic reactions, swelling, bruising, slow healing, tissue necrosis (especially in smokers) and fluid accumulation may occur.

It’s important to follow all pre and post-operative care instructions provided by your specialist plastic surgeon to reduce the likelihood of complications.

Surgery and Recovery

Understanding the recovery process and what to expect after your facial surgery is crucial for a successful outcome. Dr Teixeira will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to guide you through the recovery period, ensuring your comfort and safety.

Recovery Tips:

Manage Swelling and Discomfort: After the surgery, it is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Keeping the head elevated, applying cold compresses, and taking prescribed pain medications as directed by Dr Teixeira can help alleviate these symptoms.
Protect Your Face: To protect your face during the recovery period, avoid activities that could strain it. Avoid sun exposure by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and avoiding direct sunlight as much as possible.
Rest and Avoid Strain: Give your face time to heal by avoiding strenuous activities and heavy lifting.
Sleep on Your Back: To prevent any undue pressure on your face, sleep on your back with your head elevated. This helps reduce swelling and avoids accidental trauma to the surgical area.
Follow a Gentle Skincare Routine: Use mild, non-irritating skin care products as recommended by Dr Teixeira to keep the skin clean and hydrated without causing irritation.
Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet: Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for healing. Focus on a diet rich in vitamins and proteins to support your recovery.

Most patients can return to their normal activities within two weeks after the surgery. However, it is crucial to attend all follow-up appointments with Dr Teixeira to ensure that your recovery is progressing as expected.

Non-Surgical Procedures

Dr Teixeira and his team provide a range of non-surgical facial procedures tailored to patients who prefer less invasive treatments or wish to complement surgical treatments for more comprehensive results. Please arrange a consultation to discuss any concerns about wrinkles and lost volume. We take a personalised approach, focusing on each patient’s specific needs, prioritising safety and realistic expectations.

At Unveil Aesthetics, we offer comprehensive recovery and scar treatment packages designed to support your healing and enhance your results:

Scar Treatments: Our packages include LED therapy, advanced skin serums, skin needling, and laser technology to significantly improve the appearance of scars and promote smoother skin.
Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage Treatment: This specialised technique helps reduce swelling, improve circulation, and accelerate the healing process, ensuring a quicker and more comfortable recovery.

These packages are crafted to provide optimal care and support, helping you achieve the best possible outcomes from your surgical or non-surgical treatments. Our team is dedicated to offering you the highest level of personalised care to meet your aesthetic goals.

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