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Forehead
or Brow Elevation (BELL)
Delays signs of aging around the eyes by lifting, tightening and smoothing eyebrows and eyelids all in one operation. This procedure was devised by Dr. Rosenthal to minimize scarring.
Our meeting is the
first step in bringing you closer to feeling good
about yourself. It is always exciting and at the
same time anxiety producing when going for the
consultation.
But, congratulations, it is now complete.
My philosophy:
Having been in private practice for over 23 years
has allowed me to fine tune and think about every
aspect of your care. I take great pride in my work
and want my patients, you, to be extremely pleased
with your results. How we achieve a content family
of patients is by planning each step of your
journey. The consultation was the starting point.
From here we set up a day of surgery that fits into
your schedule. My office staff will smooth the way
for you. You will receive care instructions before
the surgery that outlines what we both can do to
improve your results and make you comfortable
before, during and after surgery. Your prescriptions
will also be written for you before the surgery so
you can arrive home and not worry about how to get
your medicines. These will be accompanied by
guidelines informing you how and when to use these
medicines.
I will meet you before the surgery and be with you
as you are being sedated. It is my task to look out
for your well being, which I take very seriously.
Once the procedure has started my aim is to do the
very best I can for you. I do not rush through
surgery as I wish to be gentle and afford you the
best outcome. I am often asked how long surgery will
take. My only answer is as long as I need for both
of us to be satisfied with the outcome. Rushing
though one surgery to get to another is not how I
take care of my patients. Often I will only do one
major surgery a day. Not only have I studied and
continue to learn and grow, but I keep my physical
being in excellent condition as would an athlete
prior to their events.
Every patient is important to me. You have entrusted
me with your care and as such I consider you unique.
No two surgeries are ever the same; each is tailored
to match your particular needs. The human form is
the highest form of art. Once the healing has been
completed we both will be delighted.
Your care just begins after the end of the surgery.
As you awaken I will remain near to you. Maintaining
close a contact after the procedure, coupled with
personalized and frequent evaluations in my office
will help to ensure optimal healing.
Hearing my patients profess a high degree of
satisfaction with the way they look and feel is what
drives my office. We look forward to your joining
our satisfied family of patients.
Eyebrows:
Shape them, pluck them, tease them or tint them--the
eyebrows often need more than a camouflage job.
Low lying brows, especially the outer 1/3- 2/3,
often require a surgical fix. A unique brow lifting
procedure called the BELL Technique (Brow Elevation
Lid Lift) is performed with eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty).
The outer brows are repositioned through the eyelids
and sides of the scalp. The combined brow & lid lift
creates a lovely separation between the eyelid and
eyebrow. A refreshed, awake appearance is the end
result. Delay the signs of aging around your eyes by
lifting, tightening and smoothing your eyebrows and
eyelids all in one operation.
Advantages:
The eyebrow repositioning is performed at the same
time as the eyelid reshaping. The outer brow is
elevated, creating a lovely separation between the
thicker brow skin and thin delicate eyelid tissue.
Not only are the brows lifted, but the muscles
causing those deep lines and furrows in the forehead
are softened, eliminating many of the lines and
wrinkles.
Scars are kept to a minimum without the need to
remove excessive hair or to scar the top of the
scalp. Eyelid and brow scars are well hidden, which
is especially beneficial for men or women with
receding or thin hairlines.
With this unique procedure the upper face is
revitalized. Eyebrows and lids look natural and
refreshed. It is safe and associated with minimal
discomfort.
The end results restore a natural and healthy
appearance.
When is the optimal time for my surgery?
Being in the best shape, mentally, physically and
skin wise is desirable. As the rest of our body
ages, so does the skin. The elasticity and thickness
diminish over time, therefore, having a procedure
when there is something relatively small to correct
is better than waiting for everything to fall. An
earlier lift lasts longer and gives you added years
to look and feel your best.
Why have a Browlift & Blepharoplasty?
Often the outer eyebrows droop causing a stern or
harsh appearance. The brows fall below the bone
causing a hooding of the over the outer eyelids. You
will only notice the hooding if you allow your
eyebrows to relax. It is common to keep the forehead
wrinkled and thus elevate the outer brow skin. So
you may not be aware of your eyebrows low lying
position.
When the brows are low they must be gently
repositioned immediately prior to correcting the
extra lid skin and fat. Otherwise the appearance
will not be natural and the lid scar will extend
onto the thicker temple skin. Only addressing both
the brow position and the lids can you be afforded
an optimal look. In order to give a natural
appearance after surgery, the lids and brows must
all be balanced.
Are there any other treatments that will improve my
appearance and results?
Definitely! Good skin care and the proper skin care
products will get your skin in the best shape before
surgery and maintain it afterwards. We have superb
skin care aestheticians who will evaluate your skin
and recommend the proper care for you.
Where is the surgery performed?
A private Surgical Center in Bridgeport or
Bridgeport Hospital
What will I need before surgery?
You may be asked to obtain a medical evaluation by
your family physician, and/or an eye exam by either
your optometrist or ophthalmologist to ensure that
you are in the best possible shape.
Type of Anesthesia:
You are gently put to sleep using general anesthesia
so that you will be comfortable throughout the
operation. Once asleep, I will place local
anesthetic under the skin so that you will feel no
discomfort. This will also minimize the amount of
medicine you receive during the operation. By
putting you to sleep your heart rate, blood pressure
and levels of oxygen will be optimized. Rest assured
that being asleep for hours is generally very safe,
and the 5-5 ˝ hours you sleep will be just fine.
Will smoking effect my healing?
Yes- Each cigarette’s effects lasts 12 hours on the
blood vessels of the body. Smoking causes the skin
to heal poorly and the complications associated with
smoking are tremendous. Even second hand smoke
during the weeks before after and after surgery will
adversely affect your results. Stopping is a must
before and after any operation.
How long will the surgery take?
I take my time and like to be meticulous. This means
not rushing through your surgery in order to work on
another patient. In addition, there are many things
that must be done before the operation can even
start, including washing and preparing the area,
making sure that your body is well cushioned, and
placing your legs into special boots in order to
compress them during the surgery. Likewise, at the
end of surgery I need to clean your face and apply a
special dressing. I will also wait around in
recovery after the surgery to be certain that all is
going well before I leave. The surgery itself lasts
between 5- 5 ˝ hours.
What can I expect?
The folds of skin and creases in of the upper and
lower lids will be smoothed out. Bulging pockets of
fat will be softened and re-contoured to yield a
refreshed and alert appearance. Your eyes will look
much brighter than before. Likewise the low lying
eyebrows will be positioned to give a wide awake and
natural appearance. Usually, only the outer 1/2 -
2/3 of the brow is altered so that you will not have
a frightened or abnormal appearance. The forehead
may also be smoothed out so that you will no longer
have the need to raise the brows up off your eyelids
by wrinkling. The combined procedure will open up
your eyes and give you a lovely separation between
the brow and lids. Men, too, are benefited by the
combined lift; however, the brow position is
contoured and tailored specifically for males to
leave a masculine and rested look.
Where are the scars?
The scars are well hidden in the upper lid crease
and just below the lower eyelashes. Often an
invisible scar is placed inside the lower lid to
remove unwanted fat. The browlift scars are in the
hair bearing temple regions of the face. The scars
are a few inches long and have a curve to match the
contour of your head.
Do you shave my head?
There is not need to shave the area. A fine strip of
hair will be trimmed, but this is usually the area
to be removed. So you will lose very little hair.
Can I have a noticeable bald area?
Although the cutting is between the hair follicles
to allow growth over the scar, there are occasions
where the hair does not grow sufficiently. However,
the surrounding hair is usually sufficient to cover
the scar.
How long will I wear a bandage?
At the end of surgery I will place paper strips
along the upper lid and across the outer lower lids.
These will support the lids and keep the tread
clean. When you awaken in recovery you will have a
cotton pad over the lids for 30 minutes to keep the
swelling to a minimum. I will then remove the pads
while you eat and drink. Your head will be wrapped
with a soft comfortable dressing for 24 hours. You
will be instructed to remove it the next day.
Do I clean anything?
The paper strips on the lids are best left alone.
You will have clips in the scalp to support the skin
and afford a better scar. These clips are washed in
the shower with shampoo, cleaned with a q-tip and
peroxide and then covered with a very thin layer of
antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin). At times you may
need to place a gauze pad or sanitary napkin over
the clips if there is any oozing. This would be for
the first few days, if necessary.
When can I shower?
Usually the day after surgery you can shower;
however, it is best to not let the water hit your
face. Bathes, hot tubs, and steam rooms are not a
good idea for 3 weeks after surgery so as to keep
your swelling down. Washing your hair the day after
surgery is perfectly fine. But you must either towel
dry the area gently or use a hair blower on the cool
setting. No heat to the area for 2 weeks.
When can I get my hair colored?
Coloring your hair a week prior to the surgery and
3-4 weeks afterwards is good. If there are any small
open areas in the scalp then you might have to wait
a bit longer after surgery to recolor.
Will my lids or forehead hurt?
Generally, there is minimal discomfort. You may note
snugness where the extra skin was, but there should
be very mild or no discomfort. A prescription to
help alleviate pain, should it arise, will be given
before surgery. Occasionally, there is mild
discomfort over the temple area for the first two
nights. This is easily relieved with the pain
medicines supplied.
When can I resume activities?
It is best to relax for the first 7-10 days.
Bruising is variable and usually located around the
lids. Seeing your best friends after 10 days is
good, but I would wait at least 2 weeks before
meeting new acquaintances. After 2 weeks you will
look presentable. After 3 weeks you will look much
better than before surgery, but you still have
another 3-4 weeks for 50% of the swelling to
subside. It is not a good idea to exercise or
increase your heart rate for 3 weeks from the time
of surgery. This will help to diminish your swelling
and improve the rate at which you heal.
What can I do to expedite my healing?
We will give you a set of guidelines that tells you
what medicines to stay away from and which vitamins
to take. Do not allow anyone to smoke in your
presence for weeks. Using ice often, rest,
maintaining a low salt diet and having a positive
attitude all go a long way to assisting your
recovery.
When will I see you again?
Depending upon the combination of surgeries, you
will re-visit the office within 4-8 days. There will
be multiple visits (which are included in your care)
to evaluate your progress and support your healing
needs.
Are there any additional fees to what was quoted?
Occasionally, the surgery takes a bit longer (as
there is never a rush), but you may owe an
additional fee for the operating room and
anesthesia. However, if future surgery or procedures
are necessary then there are additional fees for
anesthesia, the operating room and the surgeon.
Conclusion:
My staff and I will strive to take the best care of
you. We appreciate your trust and confidence in us
and do not take it lightly. My aim is to refresh,
smooth out, and brighten your appearance. A natural
look is always best; especially one that maintains
your personal facial identity. Looking as good on
the outside as you feel on the inside is what we
will accomplish together.
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