Facial plastic surgery and reconstructive facial surgery serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, helping patients address medical conditions, trauma-related issues and cosmetic enhancements. From repairing facial injuries to refining age-related changes, this specialized surgery offers numerous solutions for patients seeking to restore appearance and functional needs.

What Is Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery?

Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery is a specialized area within medicine focused on improving the function and appearance of the face, head and neck. It combines techniques from fields like otolaryngology, dermatology, ophthalmology and general plastic surgery. Facial plastic surgery is divided into two primary areas: cosmetic procedures, such as facelifts and nose reshaping to enhance appearance, as well as reconstructive facial surgery that repair facial defects from injury, skin cancer or congenital conditions. Facial plastic surgeons undergo extensive training, beginning with a residency in otolaryngology and followed by a specialized one- to two-year fellowship in facial plastic surgery. Many also achieve certification from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). While facial plastic surgery is technically a subspecialty of otolaryngology, it overlaps with general plastic surgery and other medical fields, which reflects its comprehensive approach to both cosmetic and reconstructive care of the face and neck.

What Are the Different Types of Facial Plastic Surgery?

Cosmetic facial plastic surgery includes procedures such as rhinoplasty, brow lifts, blepharoplasty surgery and facelifts, aimed at enhancing the face's natural contours and combating signs of aging. Reconstructive facial plastic surgeries address issues such as facial defects following skin cancer removal or injuries from trauma. Additionally, facial plastic surgeons use treatments like injectable fillers, neural modulators and laser therapy to rejuvenate and improve skin quality.

• Rhinoplasty

Commonly referred to as a "nose job" or “nose reshaping,” rhinoplasty alters the shape of the nose to improve appearance or impaired breathing caused by structural defects in the nose. Rhinoplasty surgery can correct structural issues, like a deviated septum, which is one of the most common causes of breathing impairment, or enhance nose size and shape to create facial balance and correct proportion.

• Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)

A brow lift, or forehead lift, is a surgical procedure that reduces wrinkles across the forehead and between the eyes, improves frown lines between the eyebrows and raises sagging brows that may be hooding the upper eyelids. Brow lift surgery helps place the eyebrows in a more alert, youthful position. Often, a brow lift can be combined with other cosmetic procedures, like eyelid surgery, facelifting or skin resurfacing, to achieve a refreshed and balanced appearance.

• Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

A facelift or rhytidectomy improves visible signs of aging by tightening the skin, muscles and underlying tissues to reduce wrinkles and sagging. Facelifts help reverse signs of aging and restore a youthful contour to the face and neck. It can be combined with other procedures, such as brow lift and eyelid surgery. Although facelifts help restore the loss of youthful contours in the face, this restorative procedure cannot stop the aging process.

• Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid surgery removes excess skin, fat and muscle from the eyelids to improve vision and enhance appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids. It is particularly effective for treating drooping eyelids, bags under the eyes and sagging skin that can form folds and impair vision. Blepharoplasty surgery can help rejuvenate the area around the eyes, whether for cosmetic reasons or to address functional issues.

• Reconstructive Facial Surgery

A reconstructive facial surgery focuses on correcting structural defects and restoring appearance and function caused by trauma, disease or birth conditions. Reconstructive facial surgery includes procedures like scar revision, fracture repair, laceration repair and treatment for vascular malformations. It is also used for cancer recovery, including techniques like free flaps for head and neck cancer and local skin flaps for treating skin tumors.

Can Facial Plastic Surgery Help With Aging Signs?

Facial plastic surgery provides aesthetic solutions for individuals experiencing signs of aging. Procedures like facelifts, eyelid surgery and brow lifts are designed to lift and tighten skin, reduce wrinkles and rejuvenate the face.

Injectable treatments such as dermal fillers and Botox can also temporarily smooth out wrinkles and add volume, offering nonsurgical options for facial rejuvenation. While some signs can be treated with over-the-counter products, others may require more invasive treatments, such as surgical procedures to achieve a comprehensive anti-aging solution.

What Are the Benefits of Facial Reconstructive Surgery?

Benefits of facial reconstructive surgery are both functional and psychological. Correcting abnormalities or repairing trauma not only restores physical function but can significantly improve patients' self-esteem and quality of life. It can repair fractures in areas such as the midface, cheekbones and jaw, helping to restore facial structure and function. Additionally, reconstructive surgery can correct deformities caused by conditions like facial paralysis, restoring balance and function, which aids in eye protection, eating and speaking.

For conditions present at birth, such as microtia (underdeveloped ear), reconstructive procedures create a natural-looking ear structure, enhancing both appearance and hearing.

How Does Facial Reconstructive Surgery Work? 

Facial reconstructive surgery, also known as craniofacial reconstruction, is performed to correct deformities of the head and face caused by birth defects, trauma, tumors or other conditions. The specific approach depends on the type and severity of the deformity and may require a team of doctors, including plastic surgeons, neurosurgeons and head and neck surgeons.

During the surgery, which is done under general anesthesia, facial bones may be repositioned, and tissues and nerves are carefully reconnected using microscopic techniques. Bone grafts from areas like the pelvis or ribs may be used to fill in spaces, while titanium screws or absorbable plates help hold the bones in place. In some cases, implants are used to reshape parts of the skull, and the jaws may be temporarily wired to stabilize new bone positions. To cover openings, tissue flaps from other parts of the body can be used.

The procedure can last several hours, and swelling is common afterward, sometimes requiring a temporary breathing tube (tracheostomy) to ensure a clear airway. This complex surgery aims to restore both function and appearance, offering patients improved quality of life.

Find a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in the Rio Grande Valley

At Valley Baptist Physician Network, we understand that having facial plastic and reconstructive surgery is a highly personal choice that requires finding the right plastic surgeon and making the right decisions based on complete information.

Let us help bring your confidence back with information to help you decide if cosmetic surgery is right for you. We have the experience and solutions to explain your options and answer questions to help you get started.

Healthcare is better together. Call us at 956-804-5851 or find a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in the Rio Grande Valley to learn more about our providers and how we can help you achieve your health goals and desired results.