Facial plastic surgery: Refining your facial features

Picture yourself waking up every morning with a smile on your face when you look in the mirror. If you’re looking to enhance your natural beauty and perfect your facial features, plastic surgery can help. Beyond aesthetics, for some people plastic surgery can also restore optimal function of the eyes, nose and face. Whether it's lifting droopy eyelids, reshaping your nose or minimizing the appearance of scars, you have options to bring balance and harmony to your facial features while boosting your confidence. 

Let’s explore today’s most common plastic surgery procedures for the face offered at Gundersen.

Blepharoplasty: Eyelid surgery to rejuvenate the eyes

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a procedure that improves the appearance of tired, puffy and sagging eyelids. It involves removing excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids to create a more youthful and refreshed look. While the overall goal of eyelid surgery is the same, there are different procedures depending on your needs and desired look.

Upper eyelid surgery

Upper eyelid surgery, also known as upper blepharoplasty, is the most common type of eyelid surgery. It involves removing excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids to create a more vibrant and alert appearance. This procedure may also be recommended if your droopy or hooded eyelids are impacting your vision.

Lower eyelid surgery

Lower eyelid surgery, also known as lower blepharoplasty, is a procedure that focuses on the lower eyelids. It involves removing excess skin and fat from the lower eyelids to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags and puffiness. Lower eyelid surgery can also help improve the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.

Rhinoplasty: Reshaping the nose

Have you ever felt like your nose is the focal point of your face, but not in a good way? Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, reshapes and refines your nose for aesthetics and function. While many people think of nose surgery as a cosmetic procedure, there are additional benefits that go beyond improving the balance of your facial appearance. Typically following a rhinoplasty, people report improved self-confidence and overall emotional wellbeing.

Rhinoplasty may also be recommended to correct structural issues caused by injury or genetic abnormalities, such as a deviated septum, nasal obstruction or collapsed nasal valves. By correcting these issues to improve breathing and airflow, many people also experience improved sleep and less snoring. If you’re suffering from breathing issues caused by a birth defect or trauma to the nose, our plastic surgeons can help you determine if a rhinoplasty can help improve or restore your nasal function.

Rhytidectomy: Facelifts for age defiance

It's not just about feeling younger, it’s about feeling confident in your skin. Aging is a natural process that affects everyone, and as we get older, our skin begins to lose its elasticity and firmness resulting in less defined facial contours. A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, can provide a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance by lifting sagging skin and restoring definition to your facial features including your cheeks, chin and neck. Facelifts are tailored to address specific concerns and areas of your face, for natural-looking results. Tightening and sculping the skin can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles so you can feel more youthful and energetic inside and out.

Brow lifts: Correcting foreheads and eyebrows

Eyebrow lifts, also known as brow lifts, are surgical procedures that can help improve the appearance of the forehead, eyebrows and the area surrounding your eyes by correcting loose muscle and skin in the forehead and eyebrow area. By lifting the brows to a higher position, a brow lift can help open and brighten the eye area and reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the forehead and corners of the eyes (crows-feet). Advancements in brow lift procedures offer natural-looking results that complement your unique features, with minimal scarring. The subtle yet effective change can have a significant impact on your overall facial features, giving you a more vibrant look and positive self-image.

Facial scar revision: Improving the appearance of scars

If you’re hesitant to show off your face because of a prominent scar from an injury, surgery or even severe acne, facial scar revision is an option for you. This surgical procedure can reduce the visibility of the scar and renew your sense of confidence in your appearance. Based on the type, size and texture of the scarring, some scar revisions may use surgical excision to entirely remove the existing scarred tissue to provide a cleaner, thinner and more precise suture line. For scars that can’t be removed, the appearance of the scars can be dramatically improved by smoothing the skin and evening pigmentation, which can make it easier to cover with makeup. For many people, scar revision not only enhances physical appearance but also provides emotional relief by reducing self-consciousness related to the visible scars.

Is facial plastic surgery right for me?

Making the decision to undergo any type of cosmetic procedure or surgery can be daunting, but with careful consideration, research and guidance from plastic surgery experts, you can determine if facial plastic surgery is the best option for you to achieve your desired look and goals. Whether you want to reduce the signs of aging, enhance specific facial features, or restore functionality and symmetry, a board-certified plastic surgeon can guide you through the process while ensuring your safety, privacy and comfort. Remember, choosing to alter your appearance with plastic surgery should be a personal decision based on your desire for self-improvement, confidence and overall well-being.

If you’re interested in learning more about Gundersen’s board-certified plastic surgeons and our facial plastic surgery procedures, schedule a consultation appointment with Gundersen Plastic Surgery by calling (608) 775-2376.

Alternatives to plastic surgery: Facial cosmetic procedures

Not ready for plastic surgery? You have options. If you’re looking for ways to refine your facial features without surgery, there are several non-surgical options available. From injectables like Botox® and dermal fillers to laser treatments and chemical peels, our cosmetic procedures offer effective solutions for reducing wrinkles, restoring volume and improving skin texture. These less invasive techniques provide natural-looking results with minimal downtime, making them an attractive choice for those seeking subtle facial enhancements.

Learn more about Gundersen’s Cosmetic Services.