Question:
I’m confused about the difference between the facelift and the midface lift. I would guess that the midface lift treats the midface and cheeks, but does this mean that a facelift doesn’t treat these areas?
Answer:
Different surgeons will use these terms differently. We use the term facelift to describe a procedure that is targeted to improve the jawline and neck most significantly. However, during this procedure we will often release the cheek as well and there may be some improvement in this area. So to answer your question, a facelift can improve the cheek to some degree. In contrast, a midface lift is targeted at improving the cheek area as you mention. However, to a lesser degree, some lifts may also improve the jawline. So really, each procedure has its strengths, but may improve the adjacent areas to a lesser degree.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
I’ve heard of light treatments like IPL and LED. How are these different from laser resurfacing?
Answer:
IPL is intense pulsed light. LED is a light emitting diode. Light differs from a laser in that it is a broad wavelength of light verses a single wavelength. The broadband light of IPL is then filtered down to a narrower spectrum on light targeted at different problems such as pigmentation or vasculature. Lasers come in many different wavelengths and with other variable features. There are too many to count. Laser resurfacing refers to lasers that target water such as the CO2 or Erbium lasers. These are used to reduce wrinkles, pigmentation and improve skin thickness. Again, many different devises to achieve this task are available.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
Is Botox ever used to plump the lips?
Answer:
No. Botox is a chemical that relaxes the muscles of facial expression. Fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane are used to plump the lips.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
I’ve heard of both incisionless and traditional techniques for otoplasty. Are the results not as good with the incisionless approach?
Answer:
The incisionless approach for otoplasty certainly adds a degree of uncertainty for the result. As with most procedures, certain individuals are masters of a particular technique and get excellent results, however since the incision for otoplasty is placed entirely behind the ear and usually heals in an imperceptible manner, we do not feel that the incisionless technique adds any advantage.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
I have recently had an accident (2 months ago) and have a very nasty scar on my face. Should I come in for a consultation about this now or should I wait for it to heal more?
Answer:
Under most circumstances we will allow a scar to mature for 9-12 months before revising. We do this because many scars will heal well enough in this amount of time so that they will not need any revision. In certain circumstances however, a scars orientation or repair will obviously not look good regardless of the amount of time. In these instances an earlier repair may be appropriate. A consultation now will not hurt even if the recommendation is to wait to determine if a revision is necessary.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
