Question:
Where exactly are the incisions made for a browlift? Are they visible after surgery? What if you have a receding hairline?
Answer:
There are several different types of incisions for brow lift. Direct-just above the eyebrow which is not advised; mid-forehead- utilizing a forehead wrinkle line and is appropriate for men with a receding hairline and deep forehead rhytids; tricophytic-at the hairline which is appropriate for women with a high hairline; coronal- open incision in the hair; and endoscopic where the incisions are placed in the hair, are separated and smaller. Endoscopic is the most common procedure performed today. With a receding hairline either a mid-forehead of an endoscopic approach would be appropriate.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
I have enlarged pores and would like to know if dermabrasion can improve this.
Answer:
Not permanently. Pore size is a pre-programmed genetic variable. The depth of the pore is beyond what any resurfacing modality can reach. Pore size can be temporarily improved with skin tightening lasers or dermabrasion, but with time the pore size will return to its original state.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
What is incisionless otoplasty? What types of ears are best suited for this procedure?
Answer:
An incisionless otoplasty is a procedure where small needle insertions are created whereby suture is passed into the cartilage and tightened to fold the ear into a more pleasing shape. Soft pliable ears with a smaller degree of required improvement are best. In general though the procedure is more difficult and perhaps has less predictable and shorter lasting results. It is not a time tested procedure. When considering performing a procedure with less of an incision, I always ask if the lack of an incision is worth the added uncertainty. In this case I don’t think so. The incision for a traditional otoplasty is placed behind the ear exactly in the crease. It heals so well that even with inspection it is hard to find. I therefore don’t feel that the incisionless technique is beneficial and prefer to make an incision.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
I would like to get a small scar fixed on the side of my nose that came from too many years of wearing a nose ring. My friend was telling me that this is done by a laser. Is this true?
Answer:
It depends. If the scar is broad and superficial then it may be improved with laser or dermabrasion, both being methods of skin resurfacing. If the scar is discreet and deep then surgical excision and closure of the scar may be more appropriate. A consultation will determine the best option for each patient.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
Can a nose job improve a small, turned-up, pixie-like nose and what sort of improvement can be expected?
Answer:
Rhinoplasty can certainly improve a small turned up nose. Usually individuals with that sort of nose also have thin skin and fine cartilages. Facial features are also usually delicate. Therefore, the rhinoplasty goals are to decrease the degree that the nose turns up and perhaps add a small degree of width to the nose. This is certainly reasonable and the improvement expected should be significant.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
