Gratifying Procedures For The Holidays

The holiday season often finds us scrambling from store to store in search of the perfect gifts for our loved ones.  But, as we all know, it is the intangible, which is most important.  At The Plastic Surgery Group, it has been our privilege, for nearly fifty years, to serve the people of our community with information regarding a very personal intangible---their "appearance".

We all want to be noticed, but not necessarily for minor physical flaws. Fortunately, safe, modern, and predictable surgical techniques are available to maximize our natural potential.

One of the most gratifying of these procedures is rhinoplasty.  Known throughout the lay press as the "nose job", this procedure can yield an astonishing change in a misshapen nose.  This procedure consists of surgically altering the shape of the nasal cartilages and changing the position of the nasal bones.  These surprisingly small interventions thin and refine the nasal skeleton.  A rhinoplasty solves the problem of having a nose which is too prominent, unshapely, or unmatched to one’s facial features.

To our young people, especially, ears perceived as too large or protruding can be a significantly sore subject.  We have all had visits to our offices by youngsters wearing long hair to hide their ears.  Otoplasty is the technical term used to describe correction of this condition.  Again, like in rhinoplasty, an often subtle reposition in the cartilage of the ear will change its shape dramatically.  Incisions made in the back side of the ear are employed to access these cartilage structures. The surgery sets the ear back against the head and creates the gentle anatomic curves typically absent in the prominent ear.  It is very gratifying to have these patients return smiling and sporting their new haircuts.

One of the most personal issues we discuss in our offices is breast shape.  The appearance of the chest wall and breasts is a significant issue to young ladies as well as young men.  The initial consultation for breast surgery always begins with educating our patients to the fact that no two breasts are alike.  Some of the most common problems encountered are breasts which have become over developed, breasts which are perceived as too small, and breasts which are of two different shapes and sizes.  These are very common issues, but are sources for significant concern.

Breast reduction surgery in women, is a tried and true means for decreasing large breasts.  Geometrical design and precision is employed to restore breast shape and vanquish the symptoms caused by heavy breasts.  Disparate breast shape and breast under development can be effectively treated with a combination of breast implant technology and tailoring incisions.  These techniques can produce symmetry consistent with that of a natural breast.

Part of a preoperative evaluation for facial surgery can include an imaging session.  Our office employs a computerized morphing program which can provide a glimpse at the results which can be affected by an experienced plastic surgeon.

With respect to results,--- while the physical improvements can be noteworthy, the boost that can be imparted to a patient’s self esteem is by far the most fulfilling gain from surgery. The best gift you give this season may not come in a box.  Happy holidays from The Plastic Surgery Group.