Browlift surgery, sometimes referred to as a forehead lift, is an aesthetic enhancement procedure designed to elevate the brow and smooth out fine lines and creases in areas between and above the eyebrows. Over time, it is natural for the brow to descend, ultimately producing a sagging effect above the eyes. In addition, furrows and “frown lines” that appear between the brows, as well as creases along the forehead, can make one appear more tired, angry, or older than they really are. A browlift from can give these areas a smoother, more rested appearance with results that look natural.

Dr. Spikes and his staff are committed to helping patients achieve a rapid recovery after browlift surgery. While the recovery process varies depending on the browlift technique utilized and each patient’s unique needs, most individuals are able to resume working approximately 7 to 10 days following the procedure. Some may require less downtime; however, it is important to follow the recommendations of our surgeon and our surgical team to ensure a smooth recovery. Swelling and soreness can be expected after browlift surgery, but these effects should dissipate as the recovery period progresses. Sleeping with your head elevated helps blood flow and should minimize post-operative bruising and swelling. The mild pain associated with a brow lift is generally well-managed with oral pain medications and usually improves in the first few days. There may be some temporary numbness of the forehead, but this symptom should resolve over the coming weeks.

A surgical browlift is the most effective way to achieve significant brow elevation and outcomes that last as long as possible; however, for patients who may not need or desire surgery to achieve their goals, BOTOX® Cosmetic may be an ideal alternative.

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure used to help turn back the clock and create a more youthful natural-looking appearance. The effects of the aging process, gravity, and the sun result in a tired look, forming folds around the jaw (jowls), cheeks, and neck. In addition, laxity in the neck muscles as well as fat deposits result in an older appearance.

If you’d like to look as good as you feel, a facelift tightens the underlying muscles, smoothes the loose skin on your face and neck, and removes excess fat. As a result, your face will appear younger, firmer, and fresher. A facelift can also be performed in conjunction with a brow lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), or rhinoplasty for a more complete facial rejuvenation.

Facelift surgery is typically an excellent option for women and men with sagging skin around their neck and face that results in a tired, older appearance. Ideal candidates include those with good skin tone, strong bony framework, and elasticity. Patients should also be in good general health and be seen regularly by their primary care physician. In addition, individuals who smoke should begin a smoking cessation program as we ask patients to stop smoking four weeks prior to surgery. The nicotine in tobacco products decreases the blood flow to your skin and results in delayed healing and increased wound complications.

The facelift recovery process starts as bandages are removed within the first few days and the stitches are taken out generally 1 week after surgery. As the incisions continue to heal, they will become more imperceptible and generally can be covered with makeup after around 2-3 weeks. Patients typically return to work after 2 weeks. You skin may be numb after the surgery, but this resolves in the weeks following surgery.

FaceTite® is a nonsurgical facelift alternative that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to target fat and loose skin in the face and neck. By simultaneously melting fat and tightening the skin, a FaceTite® treatment can effectively counter common signs of aging to create a more youthful appearance in just one treatment.

FaceTite® can address a variety of common concerns, including:

• Sagging jowls and neck skin
• Wrinkles and fine lines in the lower face
• Marionette lines around the mouth
• Decreased collagen and elastin production

FaceTite® treatments are performed under local anesthesia with sedation. Once the patient has been numbed, a small hole is made in the skin at the edge of the jaw just below the ear. The incision is minimal and will not leave behind a scar after healing. A thin probe is then inserted beneath the skin to provide thermal energy to the underlying tissues of the face. The probe is capped off with a plastic tip to prevent accidental skin perforation and unnecessary damage.

After the probe has been inserted, an external electrode is placed overtop the outer skin. The probe and the electrode work in unison to create a contained thermal field that simultaneously targets the outer and inner layers of the skin for a comprehensive treatment. The FaceTite® devices are slowly moved along the jawline, liquefying fat and contracting the collagen and elastin in the skin along the way.

The FaceTite® system is equipped with numerous safeguards that provide active monitoring of the skin’s external and internal temperatures, ensuring the treatment is safe, precise and effective. Uniform heat distribution throughout the treated areas provides results that are even and smooth. The entire procedure lasts about one hour, and patients can return home immediately after.

As a minimally invasive treatment, FaceTite® does not require an overly lengthy or uncomfortable recovery period. Patients can return to work in three to five days. Common side effects include swelling, soreness, bruising, numbness and itchiness in the targeted areas. Most side effects improve drastically within the first week, include swelling. Patients may also notice an uneven skin texture that lasts two to three weeks as the skin adjusts and contracts.

Compression wrappings may be used to minimize swelling and provide comfort during the first week or two of recovery. The minor incisions will heal quickly without the need for stitches and will not leave behind noticeable scarring. Patients are generally able to resume regular activities about 48 hours after the procedure, although moderate swelling will be visible for the first three to five days and patients may want to stay home during this time.

Results are immediate, although swelling will distort the new facial contours. Once swelling subsides during the first week, the tightened contours and more youthful appearance will be visible. Final results will continue to develop over the course of six months, as increased collagen and elastin production result in a continuous improvement in skin laxity.

Full lips are a key element of almost every photo in every fashion magazine. Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with a pair of naturally beautiful lips. If you have them, the elements, smoking, and the aging process eventually take their toll. The corners of the mouth begin to droop. The V-shaped area of the upper lip known as Cupid’s Bow begins to flatten out and lose its youthful fullness. Vertical wrinkles or Smoker’s Lines begin to appear, causing your lipstick to bleed. That once sensual look is gone or greatly diminished.

Your options range from the latest in laser treatments to natural injectable fillers. All of these fillers are soft, pliable, and have a natural feel.  Dr. Spikes will select the procedure best for you. 

These two are used to enhance the natural silhouette of the upper border of the upper lip and Cupid’s Bow. They also fill in the vertical lines along the upper lip that often cause lipstick to “bleed” beyond the lip line.

Fat transfer, also called autologous fat transplantation or micro-liposuction, plumps up your lips using fat taken from inconspicuous sites on your body. Fat transfer to the lips is a safe, natural, non-allergenic procedure designed to restore damaged or diminished dermal deficiencies.

The “Remington Lip” is an exciting procedure that combines specific laser treatments to rejuvenate the wrinkled or aged lip. During the healing process of this procedure, the collagen and elastic tissue beneath the skin will tighten and remodel, restoring the “V” to the Cupid’s Bow and providing a more healthy, youthful shape to your lips.

Following lip enhancement with one of the injectable products, your lips remain swollen for a few hours only. You may return to normal activities the same day. Touch-up treatments may be necessary.

When implants are used for lip augmentation, discomfort is minimal. Small stitches may be used to close the implant site. These stitches will be removed in a few days. Some swelling may last up to a week. Elevating your head and applying cold compresses during the first 24 hours will help keep this to a minimum. Postoperative discomfort can be controlled with medication. Chewing food and brushing your teeth may be a little uncomfortable for a few days. There may be some bruising which can be covered with make-up.

Generally, patients experience a slightly longer recovery period after laser lip rejuvenation. Most of the healing occurs during the first one or two weeks. During this time the treated areas must be kept moist. Postoperative discomfort can be controlled with medication. The initial redness fades to a light pink.

To determine which option is best for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Spikes for a consultation.

As we age, our faces and necks are affected differently. Some people develop wrinkling and sun damage on their entire face and neck. Some people lose facial fat, accumulate fat on the neck or develop more exaggerated signs of aging on their neck. Necklift surgery corrects signs of aging on the neck and jawline and often accompanies facelift surgery for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

A necklift pulls excess skin from below the chin, jawline, and jowls whereas a facelift does so at the cheeks towards the forehead. A necklift can improve on the turkey wattle neck, dreaded double chin and saggy and excess skin and fat. A facelift can decrease wrinkles and correct sagging skin in the cheeks, jawline, jowls and lower face. When it comes to incisions, they are usually placed behind the ears and, below the chin in a necklift, which conceals them pretty well, and in front of the ear in a facelift. 

The results of a necklift can last between five to ten years.  Expect several weeks for your swelling to disappear and up to six months for your incision lines to mature.  Your final result will give you a more rested and youthful appearance with visible enhancement in your neck.  To maximize you results, aim to maintain a healthy lifestyle, refrain from smoking, and make sure you protect yourself from the sun.