Face Procedures

A variety of methods are available today to reverse the signs of aging caused by gravity and sun exposure. Temporary methods may include using injectables such as Botox or Juvederm, but if you seek longer lasting results, surgery remains the best option.

Dr. Cobbins holds a special interest in facial surgery. Having trained in both specialties of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery as well as Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, she is uniquely qualified to present all of the options available to you. During your consultation with Dr. Cobbins, she will propose a treatment plan specific to your needs, and ensure that all of your questions are answered.

Facelift

Facelift | Necklift | Eyelid Surgery | Rochester A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is an operation performed to remove excess skin and deep lines from the face and neck. Heredity, gravity, sun exposure, fluctuations in weight, and the stresses of daily life can all lead to unwanted signs of aging. These signs may include deep creases beside the mouth, loss of jaw line contour, sagging skin, and excess fat. A facelift counteracts these problems by lifting the underlying sagging soft tissue, tightening the skin, and removing excess fat deposits, giving your face a fresher, more youthful and rested appearance. During the procedure, Dr. Cobbins places incisions in an inconspicuous location, such as behind the hairline and in natural folds of the face in front of the ears. In addition to elevating and tightening the loose skin, Dr. Cobbins will also address the underlying deeper soft tissues to provide a greater and more durable improvement of your facial contour. On occasion, Dr. Cobbins may find it necessary to tighten the neck muscles or perform liposuction of the neck. Depending on your anatomy, Dr. Cobbins will use a personalized approach to restore firmness to your face creating a rejuvenated and vibrant appearance.

Preparing for surgery

As you prepare for surgery, Dr. Cobbins will carefully explain the face lift procedure. You will also undergo a health history and physical examination to ensure you are a good candidate for this procedure. Dr. Cobbins performs facelifts under general anesthesia or sedation in an outpatient facility. Once the procedure is completed, you will have a soft bandage placed around your face as well as small temporary drains, which help to drain any excess fluid that may accumulate under the skin. Most patients are able to return to work in one week, and resume light to normal activity in 2 to 4 weeks.

Necklift

Necklift Rochester A neck lift addresses sagging skin, muscle banding, and excessive fat deposits of the neck. Somewhat similar in design to a facelift, incisions are hidden within a skin crease beneath the chin, or if excess skin has to be redraped, incisions are made in front and behind the ears. Liposuction alone can remove fat under the chin, but it can also be combined with redundant skin excision to create a more defined neckline. If muscle banding is present in the neck, Dr. Cobbins will make a small incision near the chin crease and tighten the lax musculature within the neck. This will improve the profile, and enhance the overall appearance of the lower face and neck.

Preparing for surgery

As you prepare for surgery, Dr. Cobbins will carefully explain the neck lift procedure. You will also undergo a health history and physical examination to ensure you are a good candidate for this procedure. Dr. Cobbins performs neck lifts under general anesthesia or sedation in an outpatient facility. Once the procedure is completed, you will have a soft bandage placed around your face as well as small temporary drains, which help to drain any excess fluid that may accumulate under the skin. Most patients are able to return to work in one week, and resume light to normal activity in 2 to 4 weeks.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid surgery)

Blepharoplasty | Eyelid Surgery | Rochester Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is a procedure performed to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. Loose or sagging skin that creates folds and wrinkles of the upper and lower eyelids can affect the natural contour of the eyes. Eyelashes can become hidden, making it difficult to place eye makeup, and vision may become impaired when gazing in certain directions. In other cases, excess fatty deposits give the appearance of puffiness of the upper eyelids or bags of the lower eyelids. Removing excess skin and/or fatty deposits can rejuvenate the area surrounding the eyes, creating a smooth and better defined eyelid.

Dr. Cobbins performs blepharoplasty procedures under general anesthesia or sedation in an outpatient surgical setting. To correct droopy upper eyelids, Dr. Cobbins will make an incision within a natural crease of the upper lid allowing for removal of excess skin, and repositioning or removal of excess fat deposits. Conditions of the lower eyelid can be corrected through a transconjunctival approach, which is hidden inside the lower lid or through an incision made just beneath the lower lid lash line. During your consultation, Dr. Cobbins will perform a health history and physical examination as well as discuss each technique. She will determine a personalized approach as each patient’s anatomy is unique. She will also go over the risks and benefits of eyelid surgery. Any patient with high blood pressure, eye disease such as glaucoma, dry eyes, detached retina, or thyroid disease will require additional testing. Blepharoplasty can be very rewarding and results are long-lasting.