Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures in Philadelphia

Each facial contouring procedure is unique and catered to the individual patient. In regards to filler injections, results will vary depending on how much filler product is injected and where it is injected. Therefore, the extent of swelling and bruising that occurs after filler injection will differ by patient. There may be swelling or bruising at the injection sites or in the treated areas that may be mild to moderate in nature. Swelling and bruising are controlled well with icing for the first two days after the procedure and head elevation the first few evenings following the procedure. Bruised injection sites can be covered with concealer makeup starting 24 hours after the procedure. Post-treatment pain is usually not significant and may be managed with Tylenol as needed. The results of filler injection in the treated areas are typically observed immediately or after most of the immediate swelling has subsided. It is not uncommon for slight asymmetries to be observed initially after an injectable procedure that typically resolves by two weeks out when the treatment product has settled out and is in maximal effect. Dr. Ho seeks follow-up with her patients two weeks after each injectable procedure to ensure that every patient is satisfied with their treatment outcome.

 

When it comes to surgical facial contouring procedures, the types of incisions utilized and the extent of swelling, bruising, and tenderness that occur after surgery will vary by patient. Sutures are typically removed at one to two weeks after the surgical procedure. Each patient then follows up with Dr. Ho at weeks to months out at regular intervals for re-evaluation. Patients should expect immediate bruising and swelling after surgery that can be managed well with icing and head elevation. Post-operative pain is usually controlled well with prescribed pain medication. Improvement in the appearance of the operated areas is typically observed after most of the bruising and swelling has subsided, with final results requiring six months or longer to take full effect. Dr. Ho seeks regular follow-up with her patients to ensure that every patient heals well and is satisfied with their surgical outcome.

 

For surgeries that improve jawline definition as well as neck contour, a compression dressing is placed around the head and neck region at the conclusion of surgery to minimize post-operative swelling during recovery. This dressing needs to be worn during the first two weeks following surgery. More information on what to expect after facelift and neck lift, mini facelift, fat transfer, chin/neck liposuction, and chin augmentation can be found on the corresponding surgical procedure pages.

The ideal female face follows an inverted pyramid shape where upper two thirds including the cheeks demonstrates adequate volume and lateral projection, and the lower third of the face including the jawline is narrower. In an ideal male face, the cheeks and jawline are well-defined and contribute to a square shape.

Dr. Ho believes that while every face is unique, the ideal aesthetically pleasing face possesses youthful, sharp definition and volume as well as harmony throughout. The ideal female face follows an inverted pyramid shape where the upper two thirds including the cheeks demonstrates adequate volume and lateral projection, and the lower third of the face including the jawline is more tapered. In an ideal male face, the cheeks and jawline are well-defined and follow an overall squarer appearance. Furthermore, the ideal jawline demonstrates adequate chin projection as well. The most anterior point of an ideal chin should be at or approach a vertical line referred to as the Zero Meridian of Gonzalez-Ulloa that passes through the nasion (the root of the nose) and is perpendicular to the Frankfort horizontal line, which passes through the inferior orbital rim and superior limit of the ear canal.

On profile view, the most anterior point of an ideal chin should be at or approach a vertical line (Zero Meridian of Gonzalez-Ulloa) that passes through the root of the nose and is perpendicular to a horizontal line that passes through the inferior orbital rim and superior limit of the ear canal (Frankfort horizontal line).

Injectable procedures are an appealing non-surgical treatment option as they are less invasive and involve fewer risks and downtime compared to surgery. On the other hand, surgery typically achieves more permanent results and may be considered advantageous from a long-term cost-benefit analysis when compared against repeated injectable treatments. Dr. Ho is experienced in both non-surgical and surgical facial contouring procedures and will discuss with each patient the best treatment options that meet their aesthetic concerns and goals.