Face
The decision to have Facial Rejuvenation can be one of the most life-changing decisions one can make. It should enhance and restore what was always already present in youth. Natural improvement is the key. In current times, it has now become more than a simple "face-lift." In fact, the term "lift" may become obsolete as we have so much more to offer our patients than simply tightening or lifting the skin. We are now beginning to understand that the face can truly be shape and contoured to re-create youthful and natural curves. In life and nature, our mind sees these curves and interprets them as youth and beauty. Proper surgical and non-surgical techniques can be combined to "shape the face" three dimensionally, not just simply tighten like surgeons use to do from the 1920's to the 1980's. Many "cosmetic" surgeons still perform these lift and tighten procedures because they are quick and easy and don't require a lot of thought and anatomical knowledge. We are learning that more natural facial rejuvenation can be accomplished if the facial fat compartments are made to be fuller while they are repositioned.
There are no short cuts and the surgeon must also re-position and shape the deeper muscles, ligaments, and fat compartments to create a natural facial balance. Eyelid rejuvenation is usually needed to help balance the facial structures with one another. The skin only acts as the sheet over these facial structures, and is not made to be "the" support structure by itself. This was a big mistake of older techniques that placed too much tension on the skin and resulted in a “wind-swept”, unnatural look.
In addition, proper skin care is just as vital to the results and why all of our patients are placed on a skin regimen that is tailored to their exact needs.
Always remember that gimmicks and catchy names you hear in the media mean nothing, and if it sounds too good and quick to be true, then it probably is. In general, "mini-lifts", "weekend lifts", etc. give "minimal-results" that will likely not last or produce what they were intended to. However, there are now numerous non-surgical office procedures that can be used to rejuvenate the face, when a formal facelift or other surgical facial rejuvenation is not required. These procedures are also highly effective when performed in conjunction with a "facelift." They include BOTOX® and numerous injectable agents such as hyaluronic acids and calcium hydroxyapatite fillers. Because the face deflates as we age, augmentation with fillers or a patient's own fat is a powerful adjunct to what we do in the operating room.
Nose
This is both the most challenging Plastic Surgery operation we perform and perhaps the most exciting. Dr. Ghavami has had a special interest in rhinoplasty particularly since it is very interlinked with one’s ethnic background.
Interestingly, many surgeons have not had proper training inrhinoplasty. There is much more to creating a natural nasal appearance than simply taking down a hump and narrowing or raising the tip. Dr. Ghavami was fortunate to have learned from several of the leading masters in rhinoplasty during his Plastic Surgery training at UTSW. Dallas is a central learning place of rhinoplasty for many surgeons around the world as the Annual Dallas Rhinoplasty Symposium is held there every year, for over 25 years.
Dr. Ghavami has a particular passion for this meticulous and exact operation and takes time to understand each patient's desires and ethnic differences. Dr. Ghavami specializes in both primary and revisional (corrective or secondary) rhinoplasty, and "ethnic rhinoplasty." (Hispanic, African American, Middle Eastern, and Asian Noses)
Revision rhinoplasty has become more common today as patients many times have had poorly done noses that have lost their strength, shape, beauty, and get in the way of healthy breathing. Often times, revision rhinoplasty becomes more of a reconstructive surgery, as the nose has been depleted of its cartilage and support. Grafts are taken from the septum, and possibly the ear or rib cartilage to re-create a natural, more balanced nose that functions properly
Breast
Breast surgery is one of the most artistic aspects of plastic surgery and plays a critical part in a woman's body perception. Like many things a Plastic Surgeon does, the goal is to create an aesthetic and proportionate breast "shape." This may involve lifting, reducing, augmenting or a combination of several techniques. While the goal is to create a pleasing breast shape in a bra or bikini top, minimizing the incisions and therefore, limiting the scars are also very important goals that Dr. Ghavami strives for.
A word about Breast Augmentation. This is by no means a simple operation and special knowledge of breast anatomy and its healing properties is a must. While many Plastic Surgeons and "wannabe" Plastic Surgeons attempt this operation, there are still important points that need to be thoroughly discussed. Dr. Ghavami has learned techniques that limit bleeding and infection, and may, therefore reduce post operative pain. While this research is still evolving, the surgical style by which an implant is placed may affect the long-term breast shape and breast tissue quality. The less trauma there is to the breast tissue, the better the recovery. The type and size of implant you choose is also very important and patient education is vital to being happy with your new breasts. It is important not to augment to much, because an implant that is too large for your breast and chest will cause more damage to your breast tissue over time. You will receive literature during your consultation to help you in the decision making process.
It is now possible with these advanced techniques for Dr. Ghavami to have certain patients back to your life and work within a few days, if a specific post-op regimen is followed.
Body
The most common type of body contouring patients that Dr. Ghavami sees in his practice are those that have had children and who have both, lost their skin elasticity and have areas of fatty tissue that makes them look large and or/disproportionate. In the media, procedures that restore a woman’s body back to its natural beautiful state before having children, are known as “mommy makeovers.” They usually involve a combination of a liposuction, tummy tuck, and a breast lift. Sometimes these procedures are done separately, and in the right patient, can be done all together. Results can be very dramatic and life-changing. Select patients may be candidates for short scar breast lifts, mini-tummy tucks, and liposculpture.
Today there is a greater need for body contouring after severe weight loss. Massive weight loss patients have lost a lot of weight and have dramatically dropped their BMI (Body Mass Index). Patients who have lost a lot of weight after either a "lap band" or formal gastric bypass ("stomach stapling") can invariably have large amounts of loose skin and fat everywhere from the face down to their ankles. Newer procedures have been designed to treat these distinctive anatomical areas and one of the larger centers specializing in this is located in Dallas at UTSW where Dr. Ghavami learned the nuances of the whole spectrum of body contouring procedures. Procedure range from lower body lifts, thigh lifts, breast lifts (often staged with a later augmentation), arm lifts, and even facelifts (massive weight loss affects the entire body, including the face).
Dr. Ghavami was fortunate to have directed and assisted in the "live surgeries" at the annual "Body Contouring after Massive Weight Loss Symposium.", held by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center-Department of Plastic Surgery.
It is important to realize that the goal in any body contouring is to form a pleasing body silhouette line and create aesthetic curves that flow well with the entire body. The surgeries are not meant to be for loosing weight. It is absolutely necessary to follow a sensible diet and exercise regimen following your surgery to maintain your results.
|
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery - edited by Sherrell J. Aston, MD, Douglas S. Steinbrech, MD and Jennifer L. Walden, MD - brings you the masterful expertise you need to achieve breathtaking outcomes for every cosmetic surgery procedure, including MACS lift, endoscopic mid and lower face rejuvenation, lid/cheek blending - the tear trough, cohesive gel breast augmentation, lipoabdominoplasty, and many more. A "who's who" of international authorities in plastic surgery explain their signature techniques, giving you all the know-how you need deliver the exceptional results your patients demand. Operative videos on DVD let you observe these techniques being performed in real time; and Expert Consult online access enables you to reference the text, download the images, and watch the videos from any computer.
