Plastic Surgery Procedures

Facial Plastic Surgery

Success in facial plastic surgery ultimately depends on a trusting relationship between patient and surgeon. It is vital that both share and communicate similar expectations and goals. Private one-on-one consultation is the perfect opportunity for this relationship to begin. Nothing can replace the individualized analysis and discussion during consultation. Whether you are interested in simple procedures, such as BOTOX™ Cosmetic, or a more involved procedure like a facelift, it is important that you feel comfortable and informed before undergoing cosmetic surgery. Below is a list of procedures that we commonly perform for patients in the greater San Jose area. Feel free to call our office if you have questions about these procedures or other concerns that may not be addressed here.

Facelift

As we age, the effect of gravity on skin, muscle, and the deeper, soft tissues of the face is dramatic. Older skin loses its elasticity and tends to sag -- producing jowls in the cheeks and a drooping neck. Sun exposure and tobacco use hasten this process. Used as a way to reduce the appearance of ageing, the facelift procedure rejuvenates and improves the appearance of facial skin. Incisions are concealed in the hair and around the ear. During the facelift procedure, skin and soft tissue of the face and neck are lifted, tightened in a deep plane and the excess is removed. Often the muscles of the neck sag to produce the "turkey gobbler" or "bands". These muscles are tightened through a small incision under the chin. Fat in the neck may also be removed directly or via liposuction with this technique. Sutures are removed one week after surgery and patients usually heal within one week of receiving a facelift. Our San Jose area office is always ready to address your questions and concerns. Please call for more information or to schedule a consultation.

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedures. It involves removing excess skin and fat of the upper and lower eyelids. During blepharoplasty, San Jose cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Mingrone, will place incisions in natural skin creases so that they are less visible. For some patients, blepharoplasty can even improve a patient's sight because excess skin of the upper eyelid restricts vision. Removal of this skin is a fairly minor procedure that instantly corrects this defect. If desired, it is possible to use special techniques to create and change eyelid folds in patients of Asian decent. Excess fat is often removed from the inside of the lower eyelid, which avoids a scar on the skin. The improvement in appearance is dramatic and the eyelids are healed within one to two weeks. Please contact Dr. Matthew Mingrone to learn more about blepharoplasty. San Francisco and San Jose area clients can benefit greatly from this procedure. Call today!

Rhinoplasty - Nose Surgery and Construction

Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as nose surgery, is performed to improve the appearance of the nose or to improve breathing. It is quite common to perform surgery for both of these reasons. During rhinoplasty, the nasal cartilage and bones are reshaped to create a new framework and refined appearance. Incisions are usually made inside the nose, however, in some instances, external incisions are required. At the completion of surgery, the nose is bandaged and a small cast is applied which remains for the first week. Most of the swelling will have subsided within the first month but the final cosmetic result is not achieved until the majority of the healing process is complete. Patients usually completely heal in one year from rhinoplasty. San Jose cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Matthew Mingrone, encourages you to contact our offices today to learn more about this procedure.

Dr. Mingrone has special training and expertise in secondary rhinoplasty. This type of surgery is performed to correct problems that persist or develop after a previous rhinoplasty. Secondary nose surgery, sometimes referred to as revision rhinoplasty, is more difficult and requires more expertise than primary surgery. Often it is necessary to reconstruct the supporting framework of cartilage and bone of the nose if they have been previously overcorrected. Using proper techniques and skill, significant improvement and natural results can be achieved.

Contact Dr. Mingrone today to learn more about nose surgery. San Francisco, Los Gatos, and greater San Jose area patients can improve their appearance with the help of our expert staff! Call today!

Browlift/Forehead Lift

Often, younger patients may choose to undergo a browlift, instead of a full facelift. During a browlift, the brow is an area, which begins to sag over time, as well as developing the appearance of forehead wrinkles caused by the repeated muscle activity of expression. We employ the latest technique of lifting the brow with a camera (endoscope) placed through small incisions in the hair-bearing scalp. The brow can be lifted and the muscles that cause "frown lines" can be weakened, thereby eliminating the heavy, tired, or worried appearance. This is an innovative and minimally invasive technique that has replaced older procedures that required a large incision and produced numbness of the forehead and anterior half of the scalp.

Ear Correction - (Otoplasty)

Protruding ears or those lacking certain folds prompt most patients to seek consultation for ear reconstruction. These patients can be treated with a surgical procedure that places the ears in a more natural and aesthetically favorable position. Often parents bring in their children for this procedure. We recommend waiting until at least the age of five in these instances prior to undertaking surgical repair.

Non Surgical Treatment for Prominent Ear

We are now offering the first non-surgical treatment for prominent ears in the United States. This treatment uses a device similar to a retainer for the teeth worn nightly to create a natural fold in the ear cartilage. Special adhesive tape is worn during the day which is virtually invisible. Over a period of weeks the results are stable and permanent. Patients of all ages benefit from this painless alternative to surgery.

Lip Augmentation / Laugh Line Correction

There are many materials available to augment the lips and fill in wrinkles around the mouth. We are proud to offer the newest and most effective filler - Restylane. Our office has the most experience with Restylane in our area. It is a natural product that lasts significantly longer than collagen to correct lines and grooves. Collagen is readily available and has been used for many years with great success. It has longevity of 3 to 6 months and is reabsorbed so it is a temporary treatment.

Facial Liposuction

Unwanted fat cells may be removed through micro incisions in the neck and some parts of the face. A small metal cannula attached to a suction machine provides a safe and simple method to perform this procedure. This procedure can be performed alone, or as an adjunct to another procedure such as a facelift. Although some fat cells are removed, others that remain are injured at the time of the procedure. Thus the final result takes some time for the skin to re-contour and the body to reabsorb the injured fat cells. An elastic band is worn during the first week after surgery. Swelling and bruising are minimal.

Laser Hair Removal

Dr. Mingrone offers laser hair removal. Using the latest technology we are able to significantly reduce unwanted hair. Many skin types can be treated. Treatments are performed in a series for optimal results. There is no downtime and final results are not achieved for some months as the hair growth cycle dictates.

Breast Augmentation

Breast surgery can enhance one's figure. There are several things to take into consideration when determining what type of breast implants you should use; whether you are having breast augmentation, breast reconstruction, a breast lift, or any other type of breast surgery that uses implants. Depending on your breast type, and the procedure being performed, your surgeon will help you determine which incision is best for you. Dr. Sutkin will help you with these decisions during your consultation.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that extracts surplus fat and tissue from the abdominal region. It is especially helpful for men who retain excess weight in their mid- sections and in women who have undergone multiple pregnancies. Following abdominoplasty, patients can expect a flatter, more contoured and visually satisfying stomach.

Liposuction

Inherited traits often prevent people from achieving their desired body shape. Even years of exercise may not yield significant or noticeable results in certain people. For many, the answer is liposuction, a surgical procedure that extracts fat from specific areas of the body. Following the procedure, patients can expect a slimmer, shapelier figure.

Hair Transplants

A hair transplant is a plastic surgery procedure designed to fill in thinning or balding areas of a patient’s scalp using that patient’s own hair. Hair loss can occur in both men and women. Men typically experience hair loss as a result of heredity, while hormonal changes are often to blame in women. Hair loss can also result from accidents, burns, or disease.