Blepharoplasty
Frequently Asked Questions
Does eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) hurt?
Usually there is minimal discomfort but expect to be swollen for a few days and some degree of bruising is also anticipated.
When will I look normal after eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?
One to two weeks. Most of the time, the sutures are removed 3-5 days after surgery, then you may use makeup.
Will my eyes be equal after eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?
Most people's eyes are not perfectly symmetrical before surgery, and therefore, they usually aren't exactly symmetric after surgery. Every effort is made to balance the eyes as much as can be achieved, however.
When can I wear contacts after eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?
Usually one week after surgery.
When can I wear makeup after eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?
After the sutures are removed, usually three to five days after surgery.
Can you see the scars from eyelid surgery?
The upper lid scars are discreetly hidden in the natural crease of the eyelid. For the lower lids, if an external incision is used, the scars are placed just below the eyelashes, making them blend in seamlessly and usually remain very well concealed. If an internal incision is used, there is no visible scar at all.
Will it be obvious that I have had eyelid surgery?
After a couple of weeks of recovery, most patients receive compliments about looking more rested and refreshed. The subtle, natural results typically draw positive attention without revealing that you’ve had surgery.
Can I have eyelid surgery in the office?
No, due to the sensitivity and delicacy of the eyelid area, every safety precaution must be observed. Dr. Kirn and Dr. Al Bayati not only remove excess skin but also address the excess fat around the eyelids that causes the appearance of “bags.” These fat pads require precise handling and are highly sensitive. Therefore, either general anesthesia or sedation is needed to perform the surgery safely. An anesthesiologist administers these agents while Dr. Kirn and Dr. Al Bayati perform the procedure.
Brow Lift
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the brow lifted?
Dr. Kirn and Dr. Al Bayati use the endoscopic method of lifting the brow where a surgical telescope and internal sutures are used to anchor the brow in a higher position. The lift is also accomplished by weakening the muscles which pull the brow downward.
Will I still need Botox after a browlift?
The browlift weakens the frown muscles between the eyebrows, and usually improves or resolves most of the horizontal forehead wrinkles. However, there are some people who have very strong muscles that still benefit from small quantities of neurotoxin (Botox or Dysport) in those areas even after a browlift.
Does a browlift fix wrinkles around the eyes / crow's feet wrinkles?
A brow lift will elevate the outer part of the eyebrow, improving the "hooding" of the outer eye. However, it does not address smile lines or crow's feet wrinkles. These wrinkles are best treated with neurotoxins such as Botox or Dysport for most individuals.
Is a long incision across the top of the head necessary for a browlift?
No, Dr. Kirn and Dr. Al Bayati perform the endoscopic brow lift, which requires only three small incisions (about 1 inch each) placed behind the hairline.
Will I lose hair with the browlift?
No, hair loss is not typically a concern. The incisions are small, and no hair is cut or removed. Great care is taken to avoid damaging any hair follicles near the incisions, so hair growth around the scars is usually unaffected.
Facelift
Frequently Asked Questions
I had a facelift years ago, is it possible to have another?
Yes, we often perform facelifts for individuals who have had previous surgery. Sometimes the second operation is simpler than the first, while other times it may be more complex. We strive to use the existing scars and avoid new incisions whenever possible. As with all facial surgeries, the treatment is tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.
What sort of anesthetic is used for facelifts?
Most of the time, we use general anesthesia for facelifts. However, conscious sedation is also an option. Patients usually prefer general anesthesia as it ensures a completely pain-free experience during the procedure.
How long do I wear the chin strap?
Most facelift and neck lift patients use a chin strap only on the night of surgery. This is made possible by the use of the fibrin sealant, Artiss. We see most patients in the office on the day after surgery and remove the strap.
When will my result be mature?
Most people feel comfortable going out in public about two weeks after surgery, although individual recovery times can vary. Final results typically take between 3 to 6 months to fully mature.
Is there financing?
Yes, we do offer financing through Care Credit.
Will a facelift fix my neck?
It is usually best to address both the face and neck at the same time if both areas are in need of rejuvenation. These decisions are customized for each individual patient and are an important part of the discussion during consultation.
Will a facelift fix my wrinkles?
Facelift operations are intended to restore the skin and fat compartments of the face to a more youthful position. Therefore, they are not direct treatments for wrinkles. Wrinkles which are due to excess skin are usually improved, but wrinkles due to sun damage and muscle activity are usually unchanged. Additional procedures may be necessary to decrease those types of wrinkles.
Will a facelift decrease my smile lines and folds at the corner of the mouth?
The facelift operation itself does not usually improve these areas substantially. However, we frequently combine fat grafting with the facelift to gain additional improvement of smile lines and wrinkles around the mouth.
How long do the results last?
Most patients can expect the result to last for 7 to 10 years for both MACS lifts, and traditional facelifts. However, longevity of the result can vary due to the quality of your skin, how well you maintain your skin, how much sun damage, weight changes, and other factors.
Mini-Facelift
Frequently Asked Questions
I would like to do a "mini-lift" instead of a full facelift. Which is right for me?
Examining and discussing your goals and expectations is the only way to answer this question. We always try to do the least surgery possible to achieve the desired result. Usually, patients who are good candidates for "mini lifts" have age-related changes in the cheeks and jawline but minimal changes in the neck. Our preferred "mini-lift" procedure is the MACS lift.
What is the difference between a MACS lift and a traditional facelift?
The MACS lift is a "short scar facelift" or a "mini-lift." It is helpful for patients with minimal aging in the cheek and jawline but not particularly useful for patients with a lot of aging in the neck. The advantages of a MACS lift are generally quicker recovery, less time in the operating room, shorter scars, and lower cost. It is frequently combined with fat grafting and eyelid surgery, just like traditional facelift operations.
How long do the results of a Mini-Facelift last?
Results from a Mini-Facelift typically last between five and ten years, depending on factors like skin type, lifestyle, and skincare habits. A healthy lifestyle and regular skincare routine can help extend the longevity of your results.
Will a Mini-Facelift leave visible scars?
The Mini-Facelift uses small, well-hidden incisions, usually placed around the ears. Scars are minimal and typically fade over time, becoming barely noticeable with proper aftercare and healing.
How soon can I go back to work after a Mini-Facelift?
Most patients feel comfortable returning to work within a week, depending on the nature of their job and how they feel post-surgery. Dr. Kirn or Dr. Al Bayati will provide a personalized recovery timeline during your consultation.
Facial Fat Grafting
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fat grafting permanent?
When fat cells are transferred (grafted) from one part of the body to another, some of them live in the new location, but others fade away. Those cells which live remain in their new location for years. Over time, natural aging processes will lead to a gradual loss of fat cells in certain areas, so repeat fat grafting or other procedures may be needed to restore fullness.
How many fat grafting sessions will I need?
Fat grafting is best thought of as a process, rather than a single treatment. We perform fat grafting in the office as well as in the operating room. Generally, one to three treatment sessions are required to achieve optimal results, but it varies from patient to patient. Sessions are usually spaced 3 to 6 months apart.
How is fat grafting performed in the office?
Fat grafting in the office is very similar to having a dental procedure. A local anesthetic is used both at the area where the fat is taken from and the area where it will be placed. There is usually minimal discomfort, but patients typically sense some sensation of pressure. There is usually swelling and/or bruising for a few days after the procedure.
Necklift
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just lift my neck?
In some cases, where there is minimal aging in the face, an isolated neck lift operation is a good choice. However, if the jowls are prominent and/or there are other significant age related changes in the face, it is best to address both areas at the same time.
Rhinoplasty
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my nose be packed after rhinoplasty?
Only in extremely rare situations do Dr. Kirn and Dr. Al Bayati pack the nose. When a septoplasty is performed along with a rhinoplasty, soft silicone rubber splints are placed inside of the nose and remain for 5-7 days after surgery. These splints allow us to avoid the need of nasal packing.
When will I look normal after rhinoplasty?
The external nasal split and dressings will remain for 5-7 days and will be removed, along with any stitches, at the first postoperative visit. Some folks will have bruising, usually under the eyes, which will last another week or so. If there is no bruising, you will look "normal" except for some residual swelling in the nose after the dressings are removed in most cases.
How will we decide how to reshape my nose?
Dr. Kirn and Dr. Al Bayati use a computer imaging system which allows the patient to preview the anticipated surgical changes. Although it is not 100% accurate, and the surgical process is much more complex than just changing the photos on the screen, computer imaging really provides the patient, and the surgeon, an excellent pre-surgical plan. Always during the imaging process we want feedback from the patient to guide each modification.
Will my breathing be affected by rhinoplasty?
If the only reason to modify the nose is for cosmetic purposes, then breathing is rarely affected. However, for patients who have breathing problems, many of those can be addressed at the same time as the cosmetic procedure.
How long does it take to get to the final result after rhinoplasty?
It usually takes a year to reach the final result in rhinoplasty. The long time for maturity is actually an advantage in rhinoplasty since the gradual change makes it more difficult for others to observe the changes as they occur. Most of the change is completed within the first 3-6 months, but the tip usually matures last, which can take up to one year.
Chin Implant
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a chin implant right for me?
This determination is best made in concert with your surgeon. During the consultation, your profile and front photographs will be modified on the computer to give you, and your surgeon the best idea before surgery of whether a chin implant enhances your appearance, and if so, what size implant to use.
Do chin implants affect how my teeth fit together?
No, chin implants do not affect how the teeth fit together. If your teeth do not fit together correctly, then you will likely benefit from discussing that issue with your dentist, orthodontist, or oral surgeon. Dr. Kirn and Dr. Al Bayati do not perform this sort of procedure.
What type of chin implant is used?
Dr. Kirn and Dr. Al Bayati prefer porous polyethylene (Medpor®) implants. These are solid implants that remain in place and are secured to the bone. Because they are porous, they allow the surrounding soft tissues to grow into them so they very well accepted by the body and blend with it nicely. They feel like bone and do not move over time.
Is the chin implant permanent?
Yes, the implant is permanent and designed to integrate with the body by allowing the surrounding tissues to grow into it.
Will I be able to feel the implant?
The implant will feel like bone, just the same as your chin bone feels right now. Sometimes, patients can detect a slight bump at the edge of the implant, but that is uncommon.
Where is the scar located for chin implant placement?
An incision located under the chin is used for chin implant placement. Generally, this incision is about an inch and a half long and may be located in an existing skin crease. Dr. Kirn and Dr. Al Bayati do not use an incision inside the mouth due to the risk of infection associated with that approach.
Meet Dr. David Kirn
Dr. David Kirn is an American Board of Plastic Surgery Certified Plastic Surgeon who is devoted to advanced techniques in Cosmetic Surgery of the Face, Breast, and Body. In private practice since 1998, he is located in a state-of-the-art facility which includes a full service skin care center. The practice is focused on personalized patient care and attention to detail. Where possible, Dr. Kirn utilizes minimally invasive procedures.
Meet Dr. Ahmed Al Bayati
Having completed his training in plastic surgery and serving as Chief Resident at the University of Kentucky, Dr. Al Bayati brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to his practice. His commitment to advancing patient care and achieving exceptional outcomes reflects his unwavering passion for plastic surgery.
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