OTOPLASTY (EAR PINNING)
Otoplasty is primarily known as corrective surgery for prominent ears. While the ear is our hearing organ, the external part of the ear, known as the auricle or pinna, also plays a significant role in facial aesthetics. Anatomical variations such as deformities of the ear shape, excessively large ears, absence of the antihelical fold, or excessively deep and large concha, as well as a wide angle between the ear and the posterior wall, are collectively referred to as "prominent ear" deformities. These can cause dissatisfaction in children, adolescents, and adults.
Otoplasty can be performed at any age after 4 years. Local anesthesia is used for adults, while general anesthesia is typically administered for children and adolescents. Numerous techniques have been described, and the surgeon can reshape the ear based on their experience and the specific deformity and patient's preferences.
BLEPHAROPLASTY (EYELID SURGERY)
Our eyelids consist of the upper and lower eyelids.
UPPER EYELID SURGERY
In some individuals, with age or due to genetics, the upper eyelid may sag and negatively affect vision while also contributing to an aged appearance. In such cases, excess skin on the upper eyelid is surgically removed. This procedure not only improves vision but also provides a more youthful and dynamic appearance. It can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
LOWER EYELID SURGERY
As a result of aging or genetic predisposition, the formation of bags under the eyes due to fat protrusion or discoloration, or conversely, the loss of fat tissue resulting in hollowing, can occur. Excess skin or tissue beneath the skin is removed in these cases as well. These procedures should be performed according to established guidelines and with great care.
LIP LIFT SURGERY
Lip lift surgery involves shortening the distance between the upper lip border and the base of the nose, resulting in a fuller appearance of the upper lip. The pink portion of the lip expands, and the teeth become more visible. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia. The excess skin is removed and reshaped according to the desired appearance. It is a permanent procedure compared to fillers.
FACIAL FILLER TREATMENTS
Filler treatments are used to correct static wrinkles, address tissue loss, reshape certain anatomical areas, and non-surgically tighten and rejuvenate the skin.
In our daily practice, we use facial fillers to address various concerns:
On the facial skin:
• Permanent and deeper wrinkles or creases in areas such as the periorbital region (around the eyes), forehead, and between the eyebrows caused by facial expressions.
• Nasolabial folds, which are lines and creases that appear at the sides of the nose.
• Lines and creases around the lips, commonly known as "smoker's lines," can also be filled to reduce their appearance.
In specific anatomical regions of the face:
• Lip augmentation
• Brow lifting
• Cheekbone enhancement
• Achieving a more oval-shaped face
• Corner of the mouth lifting
• Reshaping the chin and jawline
• Non-surgical nose reshaping
• Correcting facial asymmetry and restoring facial harmony
Facial fillers can also address volume loss associated with aging, such as filling under-eye hollows, reducing sagging in the face, and filling depressions in the skin caused by scars or acne, resulting in smoother and rejuvenated skin without surgery.During the procedure, the filler substance is injected into the subcutaneous tissue.
TYPES OF FILLER SUBSTANCES
Currently, the safe fillers used are developed from hyaluronic acid, which is produced in a laboratory setting. Hyaluronic acid is the building block of collagen, a substance that fills the spaces between cells in our body.
DURATION OF FACIAL FILLERS
Depending on the intended use, fillers can be processed chemically to extend their longevity in the tissues. The addition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals to hyaluronic acid has resulted in longer-lasting effects. Fillers consisting only of hyaluronic acid typically last between 6 to 18 months, while those containing calcium hydroxyapatite crystals can last for 12 to 18 months. Permanent facial fillers contain silicone. However, it's important to note that longer-lasting fillers carry a higher risk of complications.
WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BEFORE GETTING FACIAL FILLERS?
Blood-thinning medications should be discontinued. Herbal teas with known blood-thinning effects should also be avoided.WHO SHOULD NOT RECEIVE FACIAL FILLERS?
Facial fillers are not recommended for individuals with excessive scar tissue formation known as keloid, autoimmune diseases, cancer, or diabetes.WHAT IS BOTOX?
Botulinum toxin is an exotoxin produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum. It is known as the most potent toxin. Initially, it was used for the treatment or control of various neurological conditions. In recent years, with dosage and toxin subtype selections, it has become an essential part of medical aesthetic applications. This toxin reversibly inhibits the release of substances that cause muscle contractions at nerve endings. This property allows the effect of Botox to be temporary.The effect of botox can be extended with repeated applications. The effect usually starts 24-48 hours after the injection. It typically reaches its maximum effect within 2 weeks, and the duration varies depending on the dosage and treated area. For example, when applied to facial muscles, the effect lasts an average of 3 to 5 months, while for the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), it can last between 6 to 12 months.
The recommended age to start botox treatment for smoothing dynamic facial lines or preventing their formation is around 25 to 30 years. However, if structural wrinkles have already formed at an earlier age, botox can still be used. Since botox is used at doses thousands of times lower than the potentially harmful levels and is completely eliminated from the body, it can be safely used multiple times.
Areas of Application:
• Forehead lines, frown lines, crow's feet around the eyes, fine wrinkles under the lower eyelids, bunny lines on the nose, and "smoker's lines" around the lips can be treated.
• It can be used to lift the eyebrows.
• It can reduce the visibility of excessive gum display when smiling.
• It can lift the corners of the mouth (marionette lines).
• It can correct a square jawline caused by hypertrophy of the masseter muscle (chewing muscle).
• It can slim down the lower face that has widened due to teeth grinding and masseter muscle hypertrophy.
• It can treat neck lines.
• It can correct asymmetry caused by facial paralysis.
• It can be used to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in the hands, feet, and armpits.
• It can help with migraine headaches.
Apart from medical aesthetics, it is also used to paralyze muscles in various muscle disorders.
BEFORE AND AFTER BOTOX APPLICATION
Before the procedure, the areas of application are determined, and the injection points are marked. Medical history, pregnancy, and breastfeeding status should be discussed, and the patient's expectations should be addressed in detail. The areas to be injected should be photographed from different angles and archived.
Since very thin tipped needles are used during the procedure, anesthesia is generally not necessary. Topical or local anesthesia can be applied in cases where the patient has high pain sensitivity. The procedure takes about 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated.
After the procedure, applying ice for 10 minutes can help prevent bruising. It is recommended not to touch the injection site for 3 to 4 hours to avoid unwanted results and displacement of the botox to different areas. Washing, make-up application, and massaging should be avoided. It is advised not to lie down or bend forward. Sunbathing and chemical peels should be avoided for a week. Apart from these precautions, the person can resume their daily activities immediately.
FACE LIFT WITH THREAD LIFT
Thread lift is a procedure where sagging areas of the face are lifted by placing special surgical threads under the skin using topical anesthesia. Working symmetrically is crucial. As we age, certain areas of the face, especially the nasolabial folds, lose their elasticity and sag, resulting in an aged appearance. With thread lift, a non-surgical procedure, a more long-lasting result is achieved compared to filler and botox injections.