Plastic surgery is a specialty dedicated to the enhancement of the face and body.  For those who wish to improve their appearance, cosmetic surgical procedures offer patients the opportunity to reshape physical features and improve their self-esteem.

Patients tolerate postoperative pain in ways that are different from each other.  Appropriate pain medications, which minimize discomfort, are prescribed for postoperative patients.

There is no precise answer to this question.  Surgery does not affect the ongoing aging process which is largely dependent upon genetics.  What cosmetic plastic surgery does is turn back the clock.  Unfortunately, aging is inevitable.  Although with cosmetic surgery, you are able to continue to look more youthful and in shape.

Dr. Heinrichs performs surgery under most types of anesthesia:  local anesthesia, intravenous sedation ("twilight"), general anesthesia and regional anesthesia (nerve blocks).  The method of anesthesia used is based on the surgeon's preference. 

If you like your profile and the tip of your nose is too wide, prominent, projects too much or droops, it can be corrected.  Rhinoplasty can correct a nasal tip that droops, a bump on the nasal bridge, and other attributes that may make someone feel their nose is unattractive. 

Facelifts are most commonly performed on patients in the 40-60 age range.  However, the procedure can produce good results for people in their 60's, 70's and 80's as well.  You may be a good candidate for a facelift if you have any of the following types of conditions:

• a deep line that runs from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth
• loss of a well-defined jawline
• deep wrinkles in the cheeks and sagging skin near the cheekbones
• loose skin, wrinkles or excess fatty tissue in the neck

Facelift surgery needs to be approached with extra caution if you have any of the following medical conditions:

• uncontrolled high blood pressure
• blood-clotting problems
• the tendency to form excessive scars

Be sure to alert Dr. Heinrichs if you are affected by any of these conditions.

The techniques used by Dr. Heinrichs help to provide a natural, non-surgical appearance.  Every effort is made to improve your appearance in the most natural view.

The length of time for recuperation after plastic surgery varies depending on the procedure.  Most patients will require assistance for a day or so, and then will be able to care for themselves.  We will discuss with you in detail your postoperative care and recovery instructions.  The techniques offered today allow patients to return to work fairly soon following surgery.

Depending on the procedure performed determines when a patient may resume physical exercise.  All patients are encouraged to start a slow walking routine and hold off on anything more strenuous until after consulting with their doctor.

There is no ideal age to have cosmetic surgery.  The time to have an elective procedure is when the desired change will justify the time, effort and the cost involved.  Another factor to take into consideration is the potential length of time to enjoy the benefits.  For example, if an individual has a facelift earlier in life, the rewards of this surgery can be enjoyed for a greater period of time.