Facelift, Eyelid Surgery, Rhinoplasty, and More in the Boston, Brookline Area

It has often been said the “the face is the window to the soul” but it is also true that a tired, aging face can mask a youthful heart. Luckily, today there are a number of options available to restore a fresh vibrant look, including facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, and injectables like BOTOX® Cosmetic. At his office in the Boston area, plastic surgeon Richard Bartlett, M.D. offers a variety of plastic surgery procedures and non-surgical treatments that are designed to reverse the visible signs of aging, reveal a more youthful facial contour, and also refine the appearance of features like the nose, cheeks, ears, and eyes, including the following:

• Facelift
• Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
• Nose (Rhinoplasty)
• Ears (Otoplasty)
• Facial implants for chin and cheeks
• Topical treatment of Wrinkles, Lines, & Spots

With Dr. Bartlett, each plastic surgery procedure is performed with meticulous care and tailored to produce the best results possible. Treatment is individualized so that patients can choose the plan that fits their needs, lifestyle and budget. Recognized as an expert in plastic surgery of the face, Dr. Richard A. Bartlett’s experience, skill, and dedication to his patients has made him one of the most sought-after plastic surgeons in the Boston area.

We have provided information on individualized procedures to help you understand what can be achieved with plastic surgery and what is involved in terms of the actual procedure and recovery. Included at the end of each section is a link to the standardized instructions that are sent to each patient prior to treatment. After reviewing this information we suggest a consultation with Dr. Bartlett in our office at One Brookline Place.

To learn more about facial rejuvenation with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or rhinoplasty, please contact cosmetic surgeon Richard A. Bartlett at his Brookline office near Boston.

Facelift

In terms of results, few facial rejuvenation procedures compare to the facelift. Dr. Bartlett utilizes sophisticated facelift techniques to eliminate many of the telltale signs of aging, helping countless men and women achieve a younger, more refreshed appearance. For years, patients throughout the Northeast have relied on his skill and expertise to produce dramatic, yet natural-looking results with customized facelift procedures. Though Dr. Bartlett offers several facial rejuvenation treatments designed to address the more noticeable signs of aging, facelift surgery allows him to provide the most remarkable results.

Is Facelift Surgery Right For Me?

Facelift surgery is ideal for men and women who would like to “set back the clock.” By lifting and redraping the skin, tightening underlying facial tissues, and eliminating small pockets of fat near the chin and neck, facelift surgery can shave years off of your appearance, resulting in a more revitalized, attractive look. Patients who will benefit most from facelift surgery are those who understand that while the surgery can provide remarkable improvement, it is not a permanent solution to aging. Facelift surgery can, however, help those patients look and feel years younger by lifting sagging skin, smoothing deep lines and wrinkles, and improving facial contour.

The Surgery – What to Expect

Facelift surgery is performed under local anesthesia, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The choice of anesthetic is determined by you and Dr. Bartlett. The procedure takes as little as two hours and as long as four hours and is performed in office and hospital settings. Smaller facelifts can be performed in younger patients on an outpatient basis. Older patients and patients undergoing more extensive procedures have the option of spending a night in the hospital. Pain medication is prescribed and typically used for two or three days after surgery. Swelling and bruising can last for one to two weeks. Sutures (stitches) are removed at one and two weeks. Most patients look well after two weeks, but the final result from facelift surgery is evaluated six months later. Numbness and firmness persist for months but do not affect appearance. Light exercise is permitted at two weeks and vigorous exercise can be resumed four to six weeks after surgery.

Facelift surgery is a very personal procedure, and above all, Dr. Bartlett believes in approaching each surgery with a clear understanding of his patient’s goals. During consultations, he takes the time to answer questions about the benefits and risks of facelift surgery and describe the treatment process, making sure his patients feel comfortable, confident, and satisfied with their choices. Dr. Bartlett is also happy to discuss alternative treatment options and develop a plan to meet your cosmetic goals. In certain cases, he may recommend eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, and other facial plastic surgery procedures to complement the facelift procedure. Your personalized treatment plan will be discussed during your consultation at our office in Brookline, near Boston.

If you are considering facelift surgery, visit our practice in the Boston area to learn more about the surgery.

Click here (PDF) to view a full set of facelift pre/post op instructions provided by Dr. Bartlett.

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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

If drooping eyelids or puffy bags below your eyes are causing you to look tired or older than you feel, eyelid surgery can make the greatest single difference in your appearance. For a relatively straightforward procedure, eyelid surgery has a remarkable effect on aging eyes, producing impressive results for men and women alike.

Dr. Bartlett performs most eyelid surgery procedures with the goal of eliminating excess skin from the eyelids, removing small pockets of fat that contribute to a “puffy” look, and lifting and tightening remaining skin. With advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Bartlett is able to leave patients looking and feeling alert, awake, and completely refreshed. For optimal results, eyelid surgery of the upper and/or lower eyelids can also serve as an excellent complement to other facial rejuvenation procedures available through Dr. Bartlett’s Boston area practice, including facelift surgery.

The Surgery – What to Expect

Eyelid surgery is performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation (unless the surgery is being performed in conjunction with a facelift). There is little post operative pain. Swelling and bruising can be conspicuous but will resolve over a period of 1-2 weeks. Exercise is permitted at two weeks.

Eyelid Surgery Results

In the hands of a professional with the skill and expertise of plastic surgeon Richard A. Bartlett, eyelid surgery results in a look that is completely natural and anything but “overdone.” Most of Dr. Bartlett’s Brookline and Boston area patients receive compliments that they look “well-rested,” but all evidence of the surgery is barely noticeable after just a few weeks. Precise surgical techniques make it possible to hide incision lines along the natural creases of the eye, making scarring inconspicuous. For lower eyelid surgery the incision can often be placed inside the eyelid, leaving no external scar.

To learn more about what to expect with eyelid surgery, view pre/post op eyelid surgery instructions (PDF) provided by Dr. Bartlett and his staff. If you have any further questions about eyelid surgery, contact Dr. Bartlett’s office in the Brookline, Boston area to schedule a plastic surgery consultation.

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Rhinoplasty

No other facial feature has the power to dominate the character of the face more than the nose. A nose which is out of proportion or has an unfavorable shape can detract from an otherwise attractive face. Rhinoplasty, or “nose reshaping” can rebalance facial proportions and deemphasize a dominant nose. For this reason, rhinoplasty is one of the most sought after procedures offered at our Boston area plastic surgery practice. Dr. Bartlett is an acknowledged expert in primary, secondary and reconstructive rhinoplasty to improve the shape, size, or angle of the nose.

Is Rhinoplasty Right For Me?

Rhinoplasty can be used to correct a variety of common cosmetic complaints - everything from a “bump” on the bridge of the nose to a droopy tip. Rhinoplasty is also a reconstructive surgery alternative for patients with nasal deformities or significant breathing problems, including patients with deviated septums and patients born with a cleft lip and palate. With Dr. Bartlett, each rhinoplasty surgery is tailored to meet the needs of the individual patient with the use of computer imaging. The surgical plan is reviewed with each patient to make sure that goals are clear. Dr. Bartlett always spends as much time as necessary with each patient prior to rhinoplasty surgery. In his opinion, this helps to produce results that both patient and surgeon can be happy with.

Rhinoplasty Surgery – What to Expect

Rhinoplasty operations are performed in an outpatient setting, usually under a general anesthetic. At the conclusion of the operation a nasal splint (plastic cover), is placed on the nose. The splint is left on for one week. Packing is usually not used. There is only mild pain but the swelling and bruising from rhinoplasty can be significant. Patients are warned that they will look “beat up” for up to two weeks. Nose blowing is not allowed for two weeks and stuffiness persists during that time. Light exercise is permitted at two weeks but more serious exercise has to wait for 4-6 weeks. Final results are evaluated six months from the time of surgery.

Choosing a Rhinoplasty Surgeon

Because rhinoplasty is an intricate procedure that requires sculpting of the nose, it is important to choose a plastic surgeon who possesses both surgical skill and artistic vision. As a craniofacial expert, Dr. Richard Bartlett has a unique appreciation of how anatomy relates to form and beauty. He is able to analyze your facial features to determine how best to alter the shape of your nose to improve facial symmetry. With just a subtle change in the shape or angle of your nose, Dr. Bartlett can do wonders for your appearance and self-confidence.

To learn more about the benefit and limitations of rhinoplasty, contact Boston area cosmetic surgeon Richard Bartlett today.

Click here (PDF) to view a full set of rhinoplasty pre/post op instructions provided by our staff.

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Otoplasty (Ear Pinning)

Children and adults with prominent ears are extremely self conscious. We have listened to countless stories of children returning from school in tears after an episode of teasing. Adult women often recount that they never wear their hair up because of their ears. Fortunately an ear set back or otoplasty procedure can solve these problems.

Otoplasty – What to Expect

The procedure involves reshaping the ear through an expertly placed incision behind the ear. Most children have the procedure done under a general anesthetic but adults often have surgery under a local anesthetic or intravenous sedation. A “turban-like” bandage is worn for 4-7 days after the procedure (usually a week for children). Younger patients are instructed that they cannot participate in sports, rough activities or swimming for eight weeks. Adults are allowed to exercise after two weeks.

If you are considering otoplasty for your child, it is best to consult with Dr. Bartlett to determine the appropriate time to schedule the procedure. Otoplasty can generally be performed as soon as the ears are fully developed, usually at 5-6 years of age.

To find out more about what to expect after the otoplasty procedure, view a full set of otoplasty pre/post op instructions (PDF) provided by Dr. Bartlett.

If you have any further questions about the treatments featured on this page, including facelift and eyelid surgery , please contact Dr. Bartlett for an appointment. Our office welcomes patients from throughout the Boston and New England area.

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Facial Implants - Chin, Cheek

A weak chin or flat cheek bones can rob your face of the full, healthy appearance that is important for an attractive look. A carefully performed cheek or chin augmentation can add volume and create a more balanced appearance. Facial implants are often considered when discussing other procedures such as facelift or rhinoplasty. Implants can help to redefine neck lines and also camouflage a large nose.

Dr Bartlett’s extensive experience in facial aesthetics and complex facial reconstruction allows him to understand facial proportion and the benefits of discreet augmentation with implants. He will review all options with you so that you can achieve an optimum outcome.

Implant Surgery – What to Expect

Most facial implants are inserted through incisions inside the mouth to avoid external scars. Occasionally, when other procedures are performed which require external incisions the implant can be inserted without making an additional incision. Swelling and bruising resolve within one to two weeks. There is essentially no downtime following these limited procedures.

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Wrinkles, Lines and Spots

Deep lines, fine lines, age and sun spots affect everyone sooner or later. These conditions are often the first complaint of our younger patients and the last complaint of our older patients after a facelift or eyelid surgery. The first step in battling these problems is good skin care, moisturizing and hydration of the skin, and conscientious use of sun protection. When these measures are not enough other options are available.

Treatment Options

Dr. Bartlett may prescribe a topical retinoid such as Renova as a first step to improve the health of your skin followed by BOTOX® injections for lines on the forehead and around the eyes.

BOTOX® Cosmetic

BOTOX® Cosmetic has become our most frequently requested treatment for facial lines due to its ease of use, minimal risk, and excellent results. There is no downtime. BOTOX® Cosmetic lasts three to four months and must be repeated on a regular basis to achieve an optimal result.

Restylane®

Deeper grooves around the mouth are usually treated with Restylane®. This relatively new injectable offers the advantage of a long effect (average nine months), and ease of use. Unlike many other injectables, Restylane® contains no foreign proteins (animal proteins) or artificial materials making it one of the safest injectable materials on the market. Restylane® is also one of the most popular materials for lip augmentation. Results last approximately nine months.

Skin Resurfacing

For stubborn or multiple lines Dr. Bartlett may recommend a resurfacing procedure. Resurfacing the skin can be compared to “sanding” the lines to achieve a smoother appearance. There are a number of techniques available to resurface skin including chemical peels, laser, and dermabrasion. Each method has pros and cons and some methods are better for certain patients or on certain areas of the face. Dr. Bartlett will evaluate your specific skin problem and explain all of the options that are available to you.

Pigment that does not respond to topical treatment or severe pigment problems can be addressed with chemical peels or laser treatments.

Click here (PDF) to view pre and post skin resurfacing instructions provided by Dr. Bartlett.

What You Should Know

With all aspects of skin rejuvenation the most important fact for each patient to appreciate is that every treatment, even those that are highly effective, will produce an improvement, not a perfect result, and every treatment will have to be repeated for maintenance. When we treat from the outside, as we do with creams, laser or injectables the results are stepwise improvements. This is different than a surgical facelift or a breast augmentation where the results are dramatic and if not perfect, then at least very long lasting. However, topical treatments affect problems that plastic surgery cannot fix (lines, spots, grooves), and they are much less expensive with minimal risk and downtime.

If you have any further questions about the treatments featured on this page, including non-surgical skin treatments, facelift and eyelid surgery, or rhinoplasty, please contact Dr. Bartlett at his Brookline plastic surgery center, near Boston.

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