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An Overview of Scar Revisions and Removals

Scars are an almost unavoidable part of life, but they can also be unattractive. Facial scarring especially can make one feel unattractive and lead to low self-esteem. Fortunately, there are a number of procedures, both surgical and nonsurgical, that can be used to lessen the appearance of scars.

Scar Removal Surgery

For severe scarring, surgery is usually necessary to achieve the best results. There are a number of surgical options available. Your plastic surgeon will be able to determine which procedure is best for you based on the type and severity of your scarring.

Elliptical or serial excision is the most straightforward procedure for removing severe but localized scarring. The surgeon removes the scar tissue and closes the surgical site using carefully administered sutures. This leaves a scar, but it is straight, faint, and smooth, making it virtually unnoticeable.

Z-plasty also involves the removal of the scar tissue, but instead of a simple closure, the plastic surgeon performing the procedure creates additional incisions that create a Z shape, producing triangular flaps of skin that can be arranged so that scarring falls in the natural lines of the face which camouflage the scar’s appearance.

Instead of removing existing scar tissue, W-plasty surgery, also called broken geometric line surgery, instead uses incisions to break up the existing scar tissue so that, like in z-plasty, the scar tissue falls in the natural lines of the face. This procedure is best for revising mild scarring.

Tissue expanders are primarily used for very severe or large, wide scars. Tissue expanders are placed under the skin to allow the healthy tissue surrounding the scar to expand, making the scar smaller and less dramatic looking.

Dermabrasion is a surgical process that uses an abrasive tool to remove scar tissue. Dermabrasion can be used on its own, but is often performed in conjunction with other scar revision and removal techniques to create more thorough results.

Non-Surgical Scar Revision and Removal

In addition to surgical procedures, there are a number of nonsurgical options for scar revision and removal. Nonsurgical scar revision procedures are not able to provide the same results as surgical options, but may be sufficient for minor scarring.

Depressed scars, such as acne scars, may benefit from injections of facial fillers. However, the results of injected dermal fillers are not permanent. To maintain their results, patients will need to make appointments for re-treatment every three months to a year, depending on the filler used, individual results, and patient preferences.

Injection of steroid medication can help flatten and soften scars for some patients, but cannot narrow them. Steroid injection is particularly successful on hypertrophic and keloid scars.

Pressure therapy is a more long term solution than other procedures discussed. This treatment option requires wearing an appliance that places pressure on the scar. This appliance must be worn day and night for four to six months, leading many patients to prefer other options. If you have a fear of surgery and needles or have health a condition that prevents other treatments from being viable, pressure therapy may be your best option.

Finally, there are products, such as silicone gel, that can be applied topically at home. These products work best on new scar tissue and cannot replicate the results of in-clinic treatments, but may be helpful in preventing the development of scar tissue when applied to recent injuries.

Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon

Just like with any other medical procedure, when choosing a plastic surgeon to conduct your scar revision procedure you want the best. Dr. Binder is certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and exclusively performs facial procedures, allowing him to refine his techniques. If you or a loved one is interested in scar revision surgery, choose the best doctor possible. Contact Dr. William J. Binder’s office today to schedule your consultation.

Eyelid Surgery: A Closer Look at Blepharoplasty

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then eyelids are the window dressings. Unfortunately, through both genetics and aging, eyelids can have an unpleasing appearance, hiding and distractive from even the most beautiful eyes. This is why eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States right now, with 203,934 patients undergoing this cosmetic procedure in 2015, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Popularity around the World

This procedure is also popular outside of the United States and is the most popular plastic surgery worldwide, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, which reports that 1,427,451 blepharoplasty surgeries were performed around the world in 2014. Eyelid surgery actually originated in South Korea, and remains the most popular cosmetic procedure in the country even now as a way to achieve larger, rounder, and more wakeful eyes than naturally possible for those with monolids, though few Korean patients want a truly Caucasian looking eye shape.

Types of Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery can be performed on just the lower lid, just the upper lid, or on both lids.

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is generally performed to treat puffy and sagging under eyes which lead to darkness under the eyes. While blepharoplasty can’t treat discoloration of the skin itself, lower eyelid blepharoplasty can remove the excess skin and fatty deposits under the eyes that cause puffiness and bags that cast shadows, creating the appearance of discoloration.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty removes the excess skin, fatty deposits, and muscle folds that can occur over the eye, typically at the inner corner. Excess skin, fat, and muscle can be simply unpleasant to look at as it gives the eyes a sleepy, droopy appearance, but excess skin, fat, and muscle can also be so severe that vision is impeded. Removing the excess tissues above the eyes removes the impediment and gives the eyes a more youthful, awake, and alert appearance.

Double eyelid blepharoplasty involves performing lower eyelid blepharoplasty and upper eyelid blepharoplasty during the same procedure. Double eyelid blepharoplasty can be performed to give the eyes a more comprehensive change in appearance by removing the excess tissues from both above and below the eyes, removing droops and sags from the upper eyelid, as well as bags and puffiness from the lower lid.

Good Candidates for Eyelid Surgery

Like for all plastic surgeries, good candidates for blepharoplasty are healthy with no major illnesses or other health condition that could impair or complicate healing. Plastic surgery candidates should generally not be smokers, or at least able to abstain from smoking for several weeks before and after their surgery to allow their body to heal.

Candidates for blepharoplasty specifically should have no major eye conditions and reasonable expectations for what eyelid surgery can achieve.

Not all sagging or bagging around the eyes can be resolved with eyelid surgery. Your surgeon will be able to talk with you during your consultation about your specific anatomy and issues and whether blepharoplasty is right for you. Other surgeries like lifts may be a better solution for your specific situation.

Scheduling Your Blepharoplasty Procedure

Dr. Binder exclusively performs facial cosmetic procedures, meaning he is greatly experienced in eyelid surgery. If you want the best plastic surgeon available to perform your surgery, whether blepharoplasty or another facial cosmetic procedure, Dr. Binder is the only choice for you. Contact his office today to schedule your consultation.

5 of the Most Common Misconceptions About Face Lifts

Face lifts are one of the most common plastic surgery procedures, especially among older patients. In fact, 125,711 patients received face lift surgeries in 2015. This procedure lifts and shapes the face by removing excess skin, and may also involve the tightening or removal of the tissues under the skin, like fat and muscles. Like with any procedure this common, there are a lot of widespread misconceptions about face lifts. Here are five of the most common misconceptions about face lifts and why they aren’t true.

1. Face Lift Results Don’t Look Natural

While in the past face lifts could occasionally give a stretched or unnatural looking appearance, the vast majority did not. These unnatural looking results are even less common now with the use of new techniques and technology, such as lasers, endoscopy, and liposuction. The risk of poor results is even further minimized when the face lift procedure is performed by a skilled plastic surgeon. A good plastic surgeon will tailor the procedure to your facial structure and aesthetic goals to give you the best, most natural looking results possible.

2. Face Lifts Reshape the Whole Face

Face lifts only shape the lower third of the face, around the chin and mouth. For this reason, face lifts are often combined with other lift procedures like forehead lifts, brow lifts, eye lifts, and neck lifts. These procedures can be performed at the same time or over time in different surgeries, but most patients choose to undergo a single surgery to minimize recovery time and achieve more significant results at once. Face lifts can also be performed alongside other, more dramatic plastic surgeries like chin or cheek augmentations to give a more significant improvement in appearance.

3. Dermal Fillers Give the Same Results as a Face Lift

Yes, both injectable dermal fillers and face lifts can be used to remove patients’ wrinkles, but dermal fillers can’t compete with the results of more comprehensive lift surgeries. For one, the results of dermal fillers are temporary, only lasting, depending on the variety of filler, from a few months to a year. The results of dermal fillers aren’t as thorough as a face lift either, as fillers aren’t able to remove excess skin and other tissues. However, though injectable dermal fillers can’t replace face lifts, they can put off the need for a face lift for a few years.

4. Face Lift Results Last Forever

As much as we may wish our new, youthful look after our face lift procedure was permanent, the procedure can’t stop aging. For this reason, some patients who get a face lift at a younger age may choose to undergo a second procedure later on. While this second procedure is still invasive, it requires less modification than the first procedure. This second procedure also can’t replicate the results of the first, but each can shed 10 or more years off the appearance of your face.

Of course, a second surgery isn’t necessary, either. 68.5 percent of face lift patients rated their current results after their first procedure as good or exceeding expectations, even at an average follow up period of 12.6 years. The results of your first procedure can also be extended by proper skin care including moisturizing and sun protective ingredients, lifestyle factors like a proper diet and exercise regimens, and limiting alcohol consumption and smoking.

5. All Plastic Surgeons are the Same

Face lifts are invasive surgical procedures that require a skilled and experienced surgeon to get the best possible results. A passionate and well-trained surgeon is able to give far better results than a novice doctor. Dr. William J. Binder is a double board certified facial plastic surgeon who has decades of experience satisfying plastic surgery patients in the Los Angeles area.

At the same time, Dr. Binder has also conducted research and given informational lectures to plastic surgeons around the world. If you want a face lift performed by one of the world’s leading facial plastic surgeons, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.

Removing Facial Skin Cancers: What You Should Know

While any cancer diagnosis is difficult, skin cancer can typically be treated completely with surgery alone as long as it is caught early and not allowed to spread. However, cancer removal surgery, like any surgery, can be scary; and facial skin cancer removal surgery has the added fear of the effect it will have on the face. Fortunately, knowledge and a skilled surgeon can alleviate some of that fear.

About Skin Cancer

The skin is made up of three different types of cells: squamous cells, basal cells, and melanocytes. Squamous cells are the thin cells that make up the top layer of the epidermis. Basal cells are round cells that lie underneath the squamous cells, in the middle layer of the epidermis. Finally, melanocytes make up the lower layer of the epidermis. These cells contain melanin, which gives the skin color. When exposed to the sun, melanocytes produce extra melanin, causing the skin to darken, which we see as a tan. Each of these types of cells have corresponding types of skin cancer. The first two types are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which are non-melanoma skin cancers, while melanocytes correspond with melanoma. The non-melanoma skin cancers are more common and also considerably less likely to spread to other parts of the body than melanoma, making them much less deadly and far easier to treat. The non-melanoma skin cancers are also more likely than melanoma to appear on the face. Any type of skin cancer can be treated with removal surgery, but certain cases may require additional or alternative types of treatment because of spreading of the cancer or other complications. Your doctor can work with you to determine the best treatment for your individual case.

The Facial Skin Cancer Removal Process

The actual surgical process involved in facial skin cancer removal can vary a lot from patient to patient because cancer growth and health history vary from patient to patient. However, most skin cancer removal surgeries follow the same basic outline of steps. First, the patient is given an anesthetic to alleviate discomfort during the procedure. This may be local, intravenous, or general anesthesia, depending on the surgical needs. Next comes the actual removal. A small lesion can be removed through a simple excision, but skin cancer can often be much larger than just what appears on the skin and without clear borders. In these cases, a technique called Mohs surgery, or Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), may be used. This technique removes the skin in layers, with testing for cancer cells conducted between each layer. After removal comes reconstruction. This may not be necessary in all cases. Reconstruction typically uses either a skin graft or a local flap, in addition to the relocation of healthy adjacent tissue to minimize the effects of the surgery on the skin’s appearance. Suture lines are placed along natural lines and crevices on the face as much as possible. In particularly severe cases, additional reconstruction may be needed in the form of additional surgeries.

Choosing the Right Facial Skin Cancer Removal Surgeon

An unskilled surgeon can leave scarring or disfigurement. For this reason, patients often choose a plastic surgeon experienced with skin cancer removal because of their ability to minimize scarring and preserve the appearance over a regular surgical dermatologist or surgical oncologist. In fact, many surgical dermatologists and surgical oncologists prefer not to operate on the face and will recommend that patients see a plastic surgeon because of the potential for scarring. Fortunately, one of the world’s leading plastic surgeons is in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills area and available for consultation. Dr. William J. Binder specializes in various facial reconstructive surgeries, including the removal of skin cancers. If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer, be it a carcinoma or melanoma, be sure to book a consultation with Dr. Binder today.

Facial Plastic Surgery Statistics from 2015

The rise and fall of popularity for different types of facial plastic surgery, as well as other cosmetic procedures, is heavily documented and analyzed at the end of each year to determine that year’s most popular trends in cosmetic procedures. Here’s a brief look at last year’s statistical analysis on facial plastic surgery procedures, separated by patient ages.

Ages 13-19

This age group is the most susceptible to celebrity influence and the effects of the selfie movement. Both celebrity influence and the selfie movement can cause young people to be more aware of their own appearance. The most popular facial cosmetic surgical procedures and their percentage change compared to 2014 are:

• Chin augmentation (mentoplasty)—down 4%
• Dermabrasion—up 5%
• Ear surgery (otoplasty)—up 3%
• Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)—down 1%
• Lip augmentation (other than injectable materials)—up 6%
• Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty)—no change

Facial cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures compared to 2014 are:

• Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox, Dysport)—up 2%
• Chemical peel—up 4%
• Laser skin resurfacing—up 4%
• Microdermabrasion—down 10%
• Soft tissue fillers—up 4%

Ages 20-29

While this age group isn’t as susceptible to celebrity influence and the selfie movement, there is still a lot of pressure to keep up a younger looking appearance. The most common facial cosmetic surgical procedures compared to 2014 for this age group are:

• Cheek implant (malar augmentation)—up 5%
• Chin augmentation (mentoplasty)—down 4%
• Dermabrasion—up 3%
• Ear surgery (otoplasty)—up 2%
• Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)—down 2%
• Facelift (rhytidectomy)—down 2%
• Forehead lift—down 3%
• Hair transplantation—no change
• Lip augmentation (other than injectable materials)—up 6%
• Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty)—up 1%

Common facial cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures compared to 2014 include:

• Botulinum toxin type A (Botox, Dysport)—no change
• Chemical peel—up 6%
• Laser skin resurfacing—up 4%
• Microdermabrasion—down 9%
• Soft tissue fillers—up 5%

Ages 30-39

This time of life, between the exuberance of youth and the age wrinkles, tends to put more focus on outward appearance, as people in this age category often worry about getting older. The most popular facial cosmetic surgical procedures and their change in percentage compared to 2014 are:

• Cheek implant (malar augmentation)—up 5%
• Chin augmentation (mentoplasty)—down 4%
• Dermabrasion—up 5%
• Ear surgery (otoplasty)—up 2%
• Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)—down 1%
• Facelift (rhytidectomy)—down 1%
• Forehead lift—down 4%
• Hair transplantation—down 1%
• Lip augmentation (other than injectable materials)—up 7%
• Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty)—down 1%

Popular facial cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures compared to 2014 include:

• Botulinum toxin type A (Botox, Dysport)—up 1%
• Chemical peel—up 6%
• Laser skin resurfacing—up 5%
• Microdermabrasion—down 10%
• Soft tissue fillers—up 5%

Ages 40-54

For people in this age group, cosmetic surgery can be used as a way to keep yourself in the game. Whether it’s at work or in the dating pool, a younger look can keep you from looking outdated. Some common facial cosmetic surgical procedures compared to 2014 are:

• Cheek implant (malar augmentation)—up 3%
• Chin augmentation (mentoplasty)—down 4%
• Dermabrasion—up 4%
• Ear surgery (otoplasty)—up 2%
• Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)—no change
• Facelift (rhytidectomy)—down 2%
• Forehead lift—down 3%
• Hair transplantation—no change
• Lip augmentation (other than injectable materials)—up 7%
• Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty)—no change

Some of the most popular facial cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures and their percentages compared to 2014 include:

• Botulinum toxin type A (Botox, Dysport)—up 2%
• Chemical peel—up 4%
• Laser skin resurfacing—up 6%
• Microdermabrasion—down 8%
• Soft tissue fillers—up 7%

Ages 55+

This age category is all about the touch up. Just because you’ve lived a full life, doesn’t mean that you have to show it. The most popular facial cosmetic surgical procedures among this age group, and their change in percentage compared to 2014, are:

• Cheek implant (malar augmentation)—up 5%
• Chin augmentation (mentoplasty)—down 4%
• Dermabrasion—up 4%
• Ear surgery (otoplasty)—up 1%
• Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)—down 2%
• Facelift (rhytidectomy)—down 2%
• Forehead lift—down 5%
• Hair transplantation—down 2%
• Lip augmentation (other than injectable materials)—up 4%
• Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty)—up 1%

Common facial cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures compared to 2014 include:

• Botulinum toxin type A (Botox, Dysport)—no change
• Chemical peel—up 6%
• Laser skin resurfacing—up 4%
• Microdermabrasion—down 10%
• Soft tissue fillers—up 6%

Consult with Your Doctor

Before receiving any type of cosmetic procedure, it is important that you book a consultation with your doctor to discuss which procedures are best suited for you. Book a consultation with Dr. Binder today.

Cosmetic Procedures for a Younger Looking Face

Do you ever look in the mirror and long for the way your face used to look back when you were younger? The way your skin used to be smooth and near flawless? Then maybe it’s time to look into cosmetic procedures as a way of giving your face its youthful glow back. There are many different cosmetic procedures that can help give you a younger looking face. But before you get to the consultation, here are some things that you need to know about some of the most common facial cosmetic procedures.

Facelift

A facelift will help remove or reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging of the face by lifting the skin off the face so that the skin and tissues beneath can be tightened and the skin can be repositioned smoothly over the face. During the procedure, your doctor may remove some fat and skin. While having a facelift can reduce the signs of aging to a great extent, it can’t reverse sun damage or remove all facial wrinkles around the eyes, below the nose, and around the lips. Facelift surgery also has some unlikely risks worth being noted, which include:

• Reactions to the anesthesia
• Bleeding under the skin
• Infection
• Nerve damage
• Numbness
• Hair loss
• Tissue loss
• Scarring
• Blood clots

Eye Lift

Eye lift, or eyelid surgery, helps remove bagginess from lower eyelids and excess skin from the upper eyelids, which can help improve vision in older people, although it is often done for cosmetic reasons alone. During the procedure, your doctor will cut along the natural lines of your eyelids to separate the skin from the tissue beneath in order to remove excess fat, skin, and muscle. The results from upper eyelid surgery can last between five to seven years, while lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be repeated. Some of the possible risks involved in an eye lift are:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Dry eyes
• Abnormal colouring of the eyelids
• Eyelids that fold in or out abnormally
• A pulled-down lower lid lash line
• Possible loss of vision

Neck Lift

A neck lift is a series of procedures (including removing excess skin, removing or altering neck muscles, liposuction to remove excess fat, and Botox injections to address problems with fullness) that work to enhance the appearance of your neck. While recovery from a neck lift might take some time, most people are able to return to work within 10 to 14 days. However, you will have to wait three weeks before resuming physical activity.

Botox

Botox injections are a cosmetic procedure that can lessen the appearance of facial wrinkles by blocking nerve activity in the muscles, causing a temporary reduction in muscle activity. Depending on the area being treated, your doctor may inject the Botox into more than one area at a time. Some of the common side effects of Botox injections to be aware of are:

• Trouble swallowing
• Muscle weakness near the injection sites
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Pain
• Redness or swelling
• Headache
• Tiredness and muscle stiffness
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Increased sweating
• Cold symptoms

If you experience any of the above side effects for a prolonged period of time, it’s advised to inform your doctor. It is also important to note that Botox injections are temporary and your wrinkles may return completely within three months after an injection.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing works to reduce facial wrinkles, blemishes, and acne scars by directing short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at the problem areas to remove skin, layer by layer. The two most common types of lasers used for laser resurfacing are carbon dioxide (CO₂) and erbium. Both lasers work to vaporize skin cells damaged at surface level. Small white bumps, known as milia, may appear during the healing process, but are easily treatable by your doctor.

Make an Appointment

Before setting your heart on one of these procedures, it is important to book a consultation with an experienced doctor. Make an appointment with Dr. Binder. With years of experience in cosmetic surgery, and specializing in facial procedures, he can help you make the right decision about how to best make your face look younger.

What Facial Liposuction Can and Can’t Do for You

Have you ever hated the way parts of your face puff out or seem to sag? Have you ever wished for slimmer features? If you answered yes to these questions, then facial liposuction might be the right choice for you. Before you book a consultation with your doctor, here are a few things that you need to know about what facial liposuction can and can’t do for you.

What is Facial Liposuction?

Facial liposuction works to remove fatty deposits from specific areas of the face (chin, neck, jowls). The most common type of liposuction used to remove fat deposits from the face is tumescent liposuction. Tumescent liposuction is performed by injecting a solution (mixture of salt solution, lidocaine, and epinephrine), that is equal to three times the amount of fat being removed, into the layer of fat. The solution works to fatten cells, which makes them easier to isolate and remove. The solution also shrinks blood vessels, which can help ease your discomfort during the procedure without the risks associated with general anesthesia. Liposuction is considered one of the most desirable procedures used to remove fatty deposits from the face because it can produce better results while minimizing scarring compared to other types of facial enhancement procedures. Facial liposuction can also be performed in less than an hour.

Before Facial Liposuction Care

Although liposuction is a fairly common procedure that works to eliminate deposits of fat that aren’t effected by diet or exercise, it is still important to remember that liposuction is a type of surgery and should be treated as such. Some of the pre-surgery steps that you’ll need to take are: Two weeks before receiving facial liposuction:

• Stop taking all forms of blood thinners, such as aspirin
• Stop taking medications and vitamins that affect blood clotting
• Stop smoking

The day of receiving facial liposuction:

• Don’t eat or drink for at least six hours before your surgery

After Facial Liposuction Care

Recovery from facial liposuction can take anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on the size of the treated area. During the first few weeks after your surgery, your doctor will ask you to wear a compression garment which can help reduce swelling. You should be able to return to work within five days, if not sooner. However, if the incisions for facial liposuction were made in your mouth, then your diet may be restricted. You will also be asked to take showers instead of baths for about a week after having liposuction. The anesthetic solution from tumescent liposuction surgery will drain from the incisions for the first several days after surgery. This is not something to worry about as it actually helps to speed up the recovery process. During the first several months after your surgery, the swelling from the procedure will go down and you will be able to see the final results of your treatment. Skin around the treated area may also appear loose, but it will tighten over time, usually within six months. Your doctor may also suggest gentle walking routine within three to four days after surgery, as mild exercise helps protect against the formation of blood clots and other post-surgical complications. You should be able to increase your level of activity within two weeks, but should avoid vigorous exercise for at least one full month.

Risks of Facial Liposuction

Like any other type of surgery, facial liposuction has some side effects. However, the risks of facial liposuction tend to be lower than the risks of having liposuction surgery on your body. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help lower your risk of infection after the surgery, and it is important to make sure that you take the full course of those medications to make sure that you are fully protected. Some of the risks from facial liposuction include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Nerve damage
• Scarring
• Anesthesia risks
• Hematoma (pooling of blood under the skin that may clot)
• Seroma (collection of fluid under the skin)

Consult with Your Doctor

Before deciding whether or not facial liposuction is the best treatment plan for you, you should book a consultation with Dr. Binder. With years of experience performing facial liposuction, he has the knowledge and expertise to help you make the best decision about getting facial liposuction surgery.

How Outpatient Surgery May Better Suit You

Are you thinking about receiving some sort of cosmetic procedure, but you’re worried about how many days you’ll have to take off from work? Perhaps you need to consider a procedure that has a shorter recovery time. An outpatient procedure may be the best fit your busy life, but before  you book your outpatient procedure, here are some things that you need to know about outpatient surgery.

What is Outpatient Surgery?

Outpatient surgery, also known as ambulatory or same-day surgery, allows the patient to return home on the same day that the procedure is performed. This means that outpatient surgery eliminates the need for hospital stays, while reducing the amount of medication prescribed. More procedures are being performed outside the operating room, which allows for your doctor’s time to be used more efficiently. The best candidates for outpatient surgery are healthy people undergoing minor or intermediate procedures. As the types and complexities of surgical procedures have expanded over the years, so have the number of outpatient surgeries. More than half of the surgeries performed in the United States today are outpatient procedures, and that number is only expected to increase over the next decade. Some of the things that have helped outpatient procedures develop over the years are:

• Improved surgical instruments
• Less invasive surgical techniques
• A team approach to preparing someone for surgery
• The desire to reduce health care costs

The Benefits of Outpatient Surgery

There are many reasons why outpatient procedures may better suit your lifestyle than traditional inpatient surgery does. Some of those reasons include:

• Convenience—you will be able to recover at home rather than in a hospital, which will make your recovery time much easier.
• Lower cost—costs are much lower for outpatient surgery because there are no hospital-related charges. Some insurance companies will also cover certain outpatient procedures.
• Reduced stress—outpatient surgery tends to be less stressful for patients, especially children, because most people prefer to recover at home rather than in the hospital.
• Easier scheduling—outpatient procedures can generally stay within a set schedule since there are no emergency surgeries that can delay scheduled surgeries, and since outpatient surgeries are less complicated and more routine.

Cosmetic Outpatient Procedures

Many cosmetic procedures are considered outpatient procedures because they can be performed in a less invasive way then other types of surgery. Some common cosmetic outpatient procedures are:

• Neck lift—a set of procedures to enhance the appearance of your neck, including removing excess skin, removing or altering neck muscles, liposuction to remove excess fat, and Botox injections to address problems with fullness.
• Face lift—the most extensive way to remove or reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin caused by aging. Traditionally skin is lifted off the face, so that the tissue underneath can be tightened before the skin is repositioned smoothly.
• Eyelid surgery—reduces bagginess from lower eyelids and removes excess skin from the upper eyelids. It can also help improve vision in older people.
• Chin surgery—reshapes the chin either through enhancement with an implant or reduction surgery on the bone.
• Liposuction—removes small deposits of fat that aren’t affected by diet and exercise, and improves the shape of your body. It is most commonly performed on the hips, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and face.

Book a Consultation

All of the above procedures can be performed as an inpatient procedure, if necessary. Whether or not outpatient surgery is best suited for your lifestyle depends on your medical history and whether your doctor deems that an outpatient procedure is safe for you. It is important that you consult with an experienced doctor before booking your procedure. Book a consultation with Dr. Binder today to discuss whether or not outpatient surgery is the best option for you.

When You Should Consider Facial Reconstructive Surgery

Facial reconstructive surgery (or maxillofacial reconstructive surgery, which includes the jawline), is an operation that most people never undergo or hear about. This is because the surgery typically repairs serious damage to the head or neck caused by serious injuries or by major operations for diseases like oral cancer. (Treating oral cancer often involves removing a portion of the facial skeleton.) If facial bones are damaged or removed, the facial bones may need to be reconstructed in order to restore normal function and appearance. Left alone, patients with facial injuries may experience low self-esteem and depression.

Candidates for Reconstructive Surgery

Nearly every patient who has lost a portion of their facial structure will be a candidate for reconstructive surgery.  Determining the timeline for surgery and predicting the outcome will depend on a few factors, including the extent of the damage, which area needs reconstruction, and the etiology (or cause) of the accident. For example, patients who have been in a serious accident and lost significant portions of hard and soft tissue may undergo several stages of surgery. In such cases, patients will need surgery to restore soft tissue before a hard tissue infrastructure is made with grafted bone, reconstruction plates, and/or alloplastic materials can be placed. Cancer patients who need facial reconstruction often have radiation treatment following ablative surgery. The exposure to radiation – and sometimes hyperbaric oxygen to speed up recovery – will prolong the period before a facial reconstruction operation may be done. Infection is another cause of bone loss and structural damage to the facial skeleton, which may delay reconstructive surgery. The infection must heal, and the infected soft tissue must be eliminated before facial reconstruction can begin. Ultimately, it is the surgeon’s responsibility to develop a treatment plan on a case-by-case basis.

The Difference between Reconstructive Surgery and Orthognathic Surgery

While orthognathic surgery is a form of reconstructive surgery, they are significantly different. Reconstructive surgery replaces missing hard and soft tissue, while orthognathic surgery typically realigns the jaw structure. In short, a patient who has experienced a serious injury or disease that resulted in the loss of soft and/or hard tissue, facial reconstructive surgery may be recommended to restore functionality and appearance. To schedule a consultation about facial reconstructive surgery, speak with Dr. Binder.