Deborah Watson, M.D.  
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Why Have Facial Plastic Surgery?

The reasons to have facial plastic surgery span a wide spectrum and are highly individualized. Some people have birth disfigurements, while others are victims of accidents or suffer from cancer-related facial deformities. On the other hand, many individuals choose to have surgery for premature aging or desire to change the shape or size of a facial feature that has bothered them for years.

What Is The Advantage of Choosing a FACIAL Plastic Surgeon?

Once you have made the decision to have facial plastic surgery, you should give serious thought to choosing your surgeon. Your face is unique and is a vital part of your personal identity. When you place your face into your surgeon's hands, it should be because you trust your surgeon.

Facial Plastic Surgeons concentrate on the complex three-dimensional anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, and bacteriology of all the organs and structures of the head and neck. This provides the facial plastic surgeon a uniquely focused perspective on the anatomical region being treated. By focusing on one area, the face, an increased level of specialized care is delivered to you.

Is Your Surgeon Board-certified To Perform Facial Plastic Surgery?

Choosing a Board-certified facial plastic surgeon is to your advantage because these specialists have demonstrated a commitment to treating conditions of the face, head, and neck. Facial plastic surgeons are typically trained in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, and have spent five to seven years in post-graduate surgical training. Training includes one to two years of post-graduate training in general surgery, and at least four additional years of specialty training in head and neck surgery (including facial plastic surgery) and a privileged twelve-month experience in a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Fellowship program.

Understand What Your Surgeon Can Do For You.

Communicating your wishes and understanding what your surgeon will do for you is absolutely essential. You should be able to establish a good rapport with your surgeon and have all your questions answered. Learn your surgeon's philosophy regarding surgical goals and outcome. One important goal should be to produce natural facial features, thereby improving your appearance and minimizing facial abnormalities. A surgical "pulled" look is typically considered a sub optimal result. In addition, he/she should be able to achieve improvement through surgery, but without obvious physical evidence that surgery was performed. Your surgeon should also be skilled and meticulous about hiding incisions in natural skin folds, existing wrinkles, and the hairline. You should bear in mind, however, that your facial plastic surgeon is a highly trained, skilled and artistic physician, not a miracle worker. The degree of success depends not entirely on his or her technical skills and analysis, but often upon the limitations inherent in each patient's type of skin, bone structure, and healing capacities.

Does Your Surgeon Teach?

A surgeon who has a teaching position at an academic institution, routinely instructs surgeons-in-training, and frequently provides educational lectures to practicing surgeons is likely to be an excellent educator for you. He or she will be familiar with the latest surgical techniques and clearly describe what the advantages or disadvantages are for your various surgical options.

 
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