Facial Surgery

UltraLift (Face and Neck Lift)

Facelifts are among the most commonly performed plastic surgical operations. This procedure is particularly useful at removing excess skin in the jowl and neck areas. The UltraLift operation uses ultrasonic liposuction to remove fat from the neck and jowl, as well as an incision in front of the ear and behind the ear into the hairline. Excess skin is removed and the result is a more youthful appearance. The scars generally heal very well and are often almost unnoticeable. This operation can be done under general anesthesia, or if you prefer, under sedation utilizing local anesthesia. Most people resume most normal activity within 10-14 days.


To view before and after photographs of UltraLift patients, click on the icon to the left.

 

Blepharoplasty (Surgery of the Eyelid)

Blepharoplasty describes the operation which is performed to remove excess skin, pouching and sagging around the eyes. It also very effectively removes the "bags" which form under the eyes. The operation can be performed under local anesthesia easily, and both eyes can be corrected at the same time. Lower eyelids can even be treated without incisions in the skin with the "transconjunctival" technique. Recovery time is generally 5-7 days, and there is often some bruising around the eyes for a few days.


To view before and after photographs of patients that have had a Blepharoplasty, click on the icon to the left.

 

Anterior Cervicoplasty

This procedure is ideal for patients who may not want a face or neck lift, but wish to get rid of their "Turkey Gobbler Neck".  Skin is excised from the neck directly, and the wound is closed with a Z shaped scar which usually heals quite nicely.  This is especially effective in men.


To view before and after photographs of patients that have had a Anerior Cervicoplasty, click on the icon to the left.

 

Rhinoplasty (Surgery of the Nose)

Nasal surgery can be performed for cosmetic or functional purposes. Most surgeries performed by Dr. Stokes are done for cosmetic purposes. Areas commonly treated with rhinoplasty include the hump on top of the nose, a tip which is large or poorly defined, and the width of the nose. Depending on the specific nature of your surgery, recovery time can vary from 5-14 days . There is often some bruising around the eyes and always some swelling. Often there is a need to place some packing gauze into the nose overnight. This is slightly uncomfortable, but most patients tolerate it very well. A splint is often placed on the outside of the nose for 5-7 days to protect the work which has been done. Rhinoplasty can be easily done under local anesthesia and IV sedation, but some patients prefer general anesthesia.


To view before and after photographs of patients that have had a Rhinooplasty, click on the icon to the left.

 

Otoplasty (Surgery of the Ears)

This procedure is performed when patients have ears which are too large, or stick out prominently from the head. The surgery takes only 1-2 hours and can be done under local or general anesthesia. Recovery is usually quite straightforward, and patients are usually quite happy with their new ears!


To view before and after photographs of patients that have had an Otoplasty, click on the icon to the left.

 

Minimally Invasive Browlift

As we get older, the brow and forehead are often those areas that show the first signs of aging. Due to the effects of sun and the pull of gravity, the skin begins to sag, resulting in frown lines, wrinkles across the forehead, and increased heaviness of the eyebrows and upper eyelids. These changes contribute to a tired, angry or sad expression that may not reflect the way you feel. A Minimally Invasive Browlift is very effective at elevating sagging eyebrows while eliminating many of the wrinkles of the brow and forehead. The scars are all hidden in the hairline, and the recovery time is usually quite short.


To view before and after photographs of patients that have had a Browlift, click on the icon to the left.

 

Facial Implants

Many areas of the face can be effectively augmented with facial implants. Commonly treated areas include the chin (chin implant), the cheekbones (malar augmentation), and the lips (lip augmentation). Several different types of implants are available and are used on an individual basis. One exciting new development in facial implantation has been the development of Alloderm, which is a material made from human skin, which very effectively augments nasolabial folds (the area between the nose and the corner of the mouth), and lips. Facial implantation is usually done under local anesthesia with IV sedation and on an outpatient basis. Recovery time varies with the augmented area, but usually is just a few days.


To view before and after photographs of a lip augmentation patient, click on the icon to the left.

 

Laser Resurfacing (Laser Wrinkle Removal)

This is one of the most exciting developments in plastic surgery in recent years. The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser can be used to safely and effectively eliminate fine wrinkles on the face. This procedure has replaced chemical peels and dermabrasion in many plastic surgeon's offices. The primary advantage is the precision of the technique. It allows the surgeon to remove fine layers of skin one by one to achieve the desired wrinkle removal with minimal risk of complications. The procedure has the added benefit of causing some tightening of the skin. When the laser light is absorbed by the skin, it causes a shortening of collagen fibers (which are the main component of the dermis portion of the skin) which results in skin tightening. The recovery time varies with the degree of wrinkling which must be addressed. On average, patients faces are slightly red for several weeks after the surgery. In some cases, this redness may last for several months. Patients can begin to wear makeup approximately 8-10 days after surgery, and often return to work in 10-14 days.