While you may not notice them individually, every part of your face has an impact on how the rest of it looks. A weak chin, disproportionately large ears, and a long nose may throw off the symmetry of your face. However, there are various procedures available that may be able to help bring out your whole potential.



CHIN AUGMENTATION

Chin surgery, also known as mentoplasty, is a surgical procedure to reshape the chin either by enhancement with an implant or reduction surgery on the bone. Many times a plastic surgeon may recommend chin surgery to a patient having nose surgery in order to achieve facial proportion, as the size of the chin may magnify or minimize the perceived size of the nose. Chin surgery helps provide a harmonious balance to your facial features so that you feel better about the way you look.

EAR SURGERY

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears.

For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of four and 14. Ears are almost fully grown by age four, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.

The Surgery

Ear surgery usually takes about two to three hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. The technique will depend on the problem.

With one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He or she will then sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.

NOSE SURGERY

Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. The purpose of nasal surgery can be to improve your ability to breathe (functional rhinoplasty), to change the size, shape, and appearance of your nose (cosmetic rhinoplasty), or both. It may help to restore your nasal function and appearance after sustaining an injury (a broken nose) caused by sports activities or automobile accidents. On the other hand, many patients seek plastic surgery of the nose to improve their appearance and facial harmony. Some patients seek to refine and improve the definition of a bulky or bulbous, poorly defined nasal tip. While others simply desire to have a hump removed on the nasal dorsum to improve their facial profile. your surgeon will customize an operation specifically for you to compliment your facial features and to meet your desires.

Candidates for Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. You will be able to discuss your expectations with your surgeon before you decide to have surgery. The best candidates for rhinoplasty are people who are looking for improvement in the way they look, not perfection. If you're both physically and psychologically healthy, and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.

Age may also be a consideration. Many surgeons prefer not to operate on teenagers until after they've completed their growth spurt-around age 14 or 15 for girls, a bit later for boys. Consideration of a teenagers' social and emotional adjustment is important and to make sure it's what they want, and not to meet their parents expectations.

The Procedure

Nasal surgery can be performed with either an internal or an external incision depending on what needs to be corrected. In general, if a significant amount of tip work and extensive correction of the nasal structure is required, then a small camouflaged incision is used and is known as an open rhinoplasty. Otherwise, minor changes in the nose are performed through internally placed nasal incisions. The surgery will vary from 1-3 hours in length based upon the extent of change and correction required. It is performed in an accredited surgery center or hospital as an outpatient surgery.