Facial Cosmetic Surgery Procedures – Louisville, Kentucky

Time, age, and gravity affect every person’s face. Depending on other variables such as sun exposure, smoking, and diet, a person’s face may age before its time. Some people have facial features with which they are never completely satisfied. Fortunately, cosmetic surgery is an appropriate solution for many of these people. Dr. John Derr can help you look and feel your best, providing natural results that will restore your self-confidence.

Facelift

Generally, patients who are interested in undergoing facelift are looking to reverse the effects of aging and sun damage, and gravity. Other things that might cause premature sagging and/or wrinkling are weight loss, weight gain, and smoking.

During the facelift procedure, incisions are usually made behind the hairline at the temples, and continue down behind the ear. If the doctor is working on the chin and neck area as well, he may make a small incision under the chin. Then the skin is removed from the underlying tissue so it can be moved and repositioned. Some patients opt to undergo additional facial procedures, such as chin implants or eyelid surgery, while undergoing facelift.

Louisville, Kentucky doctor John Derr will give you detailed instructions for post-operative care. He will most likely instruct you to keep your head elevated for a couple of days and to avoid as much movement as possible during that time. You will experience some pain, swelling, and numbness. This is normal with a facelift, and will subside.

If you are interested in receiving more information about facelift procedures, the Louisville, Kentucky office of Dr. John Derr can schedule you for a cosmetic surgery consultation.

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Browlift

One of the most visible signs of aging on a person’s face is the appearance of wrinkles or sagging skin on the forehead. If people often tell you that you look tired, angry, or sad, these may be symptoms that can be effectively treated with browlift. Louisville plastic surgeon Dr. John Derr can consult with you to determine if you are a good candidate for browlift.

Depending on the desired outcome and current health, patients may be eligible for one of two types of browlift through our Louisville office: classic or endoscopic.

Classic browlift is achieved by creating an incision across the top of the scalp, from ear to ear. Since it is usually located well behind the hairline, the scar it leaves is easily hidden by the patient’s hair. For men who are bald or who have receding hairlines, Dr. Derr may suggest a less-conspicuous incision, located further back on the head. After the incision is made, the underlying tissue and muscles of the forehead will be manipulated and moved so that they lie flat. Any excess skin will also be removed at this point. To complete the browlift, Louisville doctor John Derr will close the incision using sutures or clips, which will be removed about two weeks after surgery.

Endoscopic browlift carries the benefit of smaller incisions than the classic browlift, due to the use of a tiny camera called an endoscope. The endoscope is inserted into the tissue without disturbing the area. Benefits of endoscopic browlift include shorter recovery time and smaller scarring areas. Patients should be aware that if complications arise during endoscopic browlift, Dr. Derr might have to revert to classic browlift in order to complete the surgery successfully.

If you have questions about browlift, contact the Louisville offices of the Derr Center for Plastic Surgery. A personal consultation is the best way for you to explore your cosmetic surgery options.

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Eyelid Surgery

As we age, our skin loses its elasticity, causing it to droop and sag. Because of its thinness, the skin around the eyes is especially vulnerable to sagging. With the onset of age, unsightly “bags” may develop around the eyes, as well. Most people over the age of 35 who are experiencing these symptoms are good candidates for eyelid surgery at our Kentucky practice.

A typical eyelid surgery consists of two incisions: one in the crease of the upper eyelid, and one just below the lashes in the lower lid. Excess fat, skin, and muscle are removed through these incisions, and the entire area is smoothed.

Dr. Derr takes care to close the incisions with fine sutures so that scarring is minimal; most patients report that scars become nearly invisible over time. If you have bags below your lower eyelid but do not have excess skin to remove, Dr. Derr may be able to perform a type of eyelid surgery called transconjunctival blepharoplasty. In this procedure, the incision is made on the inside of the eyelid, resulting in no visible scarring.

After eyelid surgery, our patients are instructed to keep their head elevated and to use cold compresses for several days. They may expect bruising and swelling to peak in the first week, then to slowly subside over a few weeks. You may also experience temporary light sensitivity, tearing, blurring, or double vision.

Eyelid surgery offers the opportunity for you to regain the youthful, alert expression you’ve been looking for. For more information on eyelid surgery, contact Kentucky plastic surgeon Dr. John Derr today!

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Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is one of the most commonly requested cosmetic surgery procedures. The nose is such a prominent feature of the face that when a person isn’t happy with its appearance, it can be a daily source of dissatisfaction and low self-esteem. But cosmetic appearance isn’t the only reason people choose to undergo rhinoplasty. Louisville, Kentucky residents also come to Dr. Derr for reconstructive rhinoplasty in cases involving birth defects or breathing problems.

Rhinoplasty can address a number of issues, including a “hump,” crooked nose, enlarged tip, or enlarged nostrils. Different noses will require different approaches, and your consultation with Dr. John Derr will allow the doctor to determine which of these approaches is best for you. It is essential that you communicate to the doctor what you expect from rhinoplasty. Louisville, Kentucky doctor John Derr will be able to answer your questions.

During rhinoplasty, the skin is lifted from the nose, the bone and cartilage underneath are shaped, and the skin is replaced. Any scars are generally located on the underside of the nostrils and are not very visible. During recovery patients can expect puffiness, aching, and bruising, all of which will dissipate over the course of several weeks.

If you would like to find out more about your options for rhinoplasty, contact Louisville, Kentucky plastic surgeon Dr. John Derr today.

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Chin Implant

A well-defined chin is often the key to a proportional, attractive face. Many patients come to Dr. Derr in search of extensive surgery only to learn that a chin implant can easily and efficiently correct the visual imbalances of their face.

The incision for a chin implant can, in many cases, be made inside the mouth, resulting in no visible scarring. The procedure generally takes between 30 minutes and an hour, during which time Dr. Derr will place the implant directly in front of the jawbone. Generally, patients interested in facelift can undergo chin implant surgery during the same visit.

After surgery, dressings will be applied to minimize swelling, and you will receive instructions for postoperative eating and hygiene.

For more information about facial implants, including chin implants, contact the Derr Center for Plastic Surgery today for a consultation.

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Otoplasty

Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is most often used to reposition ears that protrude too far from the head. Otoplasty is performed more often on children than adults. Many parents wish to address the issue before their children enter school. Luckily, otoplasty can be performed a child once he or she has reached four years of age. While otoplasty is more commonly performed on children, adults may benefit from the procedure as well.

The most common procedure for otoplasty begins with an incision made in the back of the ear to expose the cartilage. The ear is moved to its new position, and permanent sutures are used in the cartilage to keep it in place. Otoplasty generally takes two to three hours.

There are other, more complicated conditions that can be solved with otoplasty. Dr. Derr has experience with everything from minor ear adjustments to whole-ear reconstruction For more information about the possibilities of otoplasty, contact the Derr Center for Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.

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