Face Procedures
Dr. Stuart Baker uses state-of-the-art surgical techniques for the eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), nose surgery (rhinoplasty), and forehead lift surgery sought by his Decatur and Springfield, Illinois-area patients. Among the facial cosmetic surgeries performed by Dr. Stuart Baker. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, these two procedures were among the top five cosmetic surgeries performed in 2005 (the others are liposuction, breast augmentation, and tummy tuck). For a brief overview of each procedure, click on the links below.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
- Who is a candidate for eyelid surgery?
- What can I expect during and after eyelid surgery?
Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
- Who is a candidate for rhinoplasty?
- What can I expect during and after a rhinoplasty procedure?
Forehead Lift
- Who is a candidate for a forehead lift?
- What can I expect during and after a forehead lift procedure?
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
For many people, the normal progression of age brings with it a "drooping" or sagging of the upper eyelids, and/or lower eyelids that become puffy and droopy. A tired or severe appearance can be the result. Fortunately, the sagging skin causing these problems can be safely and easily removed in a blepharoplasty procedure. An incision is made along the natural curve of the eyelid, and excess skin (along with fat deposits, if necessary) is trimmed away. Any unsightly wrinkles or creases can also be smoothed out.
Who is a candidate for eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a simple, revitalizing procedure that is appropriate for:
- Bags under your eyes
- Folds of skin on your upper lids
- Rejuvenating the eye area, without a facelift.
If you'd like to have your face match how young you feel, a blepharoplasty may be right for you. Eyelid surgery is also a great option for people who'd like to rejuvenate their appearance but aren't ready for a facelift. Wrinkles around the eyes or drooping forehead skin cannot be eliminated by a blepharoplasty; for those problems, BOTOX® Cosmetic, Juvéderm™, a forehead lift, or a facelift may be the answer. Please feel free to contact the office of Stuart Baker, M.D. to arrange an eyelid surgery / blepharoplasty consultation today. Our office in the Decatur, Champaign, and Springfield, Illinois area can serve patients throughout the state.
What can I expect during and after eyelid surgery?
Dr. Baker performs the eyelid surgery on an outpatient basis. Usually only local anesthetic and perhaps an oral relaxing agent may be needed. The blepharoplasty surgery takes one to three hours. After the surgery, the eyelids will have minimal but noticeable scars; these will fade with time. The eyelids may be bruised and swollen for days or weeks; however, complications are very rare. Side effects such as dry eye and sensitivity to light occur in some patients, but fade within about 10 days.
After your healing period you can expect to look rested, refreshed, and more alert. The results of your blepharoplasty will last for years or in many cases indefinitely, although the procedure does not "stop the hands of time." Dr. Baker can also advise you regarding your post-eyelid surgery skincare; you may want to use physician-grade skincare products that are available through our website. If you would like to learn more about eyelid surgery/blepharoplasty and live in the Decatur, Champaign, or Springfield, Illinois area, contact the office of Dr. Stuart Baker, M.D. to discuss your treatment options.
Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty is simply the medical term for surgically changing the shape of a nose, which may include changing the bridge of the nose, its tip, and/or the nostrils. Rhinoplasty can make a nose smaller or larger, more symmetrical, or more in balance with the rest of the face. Nose surgery may be used to correct an abnormality, a breathing problem, or an injury. In a rhinoplasty procedure, bone or cartilage may be trimmed and sculpted to create the desired structure. If a rhinoplasty sounds right for you, the staff at our office in the Decatur, Champaign, and Springfield, Illinois area are ready to answer your questions with complete confidentiality.
Who is a candidate for rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty can correct a problematic nose or simply enhance what's already there. A rhinoplasty is commonly performed for the following:
- A nose that is too big for the face
- A crooked nose
- Nostrils that are too wide
- A broken or damaged nose
- A hooked nose
- A drooping nose
- A deviated septum
In addition to the situations listed above, if you have had a prior rhinoplasty procedure and are not happy with the outcome, a nose surgery by Dr. Baker may be the right option for you.
What can I expect during and after a rhinoplasty procedure?
Dr. Baker performs rhinoplasty surgeries using local or general anesthesia, depending on the procedure and the patient's needs. Depending on the individual case, the nose surgery takes one to two hours. Usually the incision(s) are made along the rims of the nostrils, to minimize scarring. Immediately after the surgery, you can expect to have some significant swelling and bruising around the nose and eye area. You may have to wear a splint to protect your nose while it heals. The most common recovery period is about two weeks. The swelling will recede gradually, and the final results of your nose surgery will not be evident for two to four months.
You can look forward to having a natural and pleasing appearance after a rhinoplasty. At our Champaign, Decatur, and Springfield, Illinois-area office, patients have been very pleased with their rhinoplasty outcomes! Whether you seek nose surgery for aesthetic reasons or because of health concerns, you can feel confident in Dr. Baker, a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience.
Forehead Lift
Wrinkles, creases, and expression lines on the forehead can add "character" to your face that you may rather not have. These facial lines can be lessened or eliminated by a procedure called a "forehead lift," in which the skin and underlying muscles of only the forehead are lifted up and tightened. The outcome of a forehead lift (also known as a "browlift") is a refreshed, youthful look. More than one type of forehead lift procedure is available; Dr. Baker can tell you which would be right for you. In addition, a forehead lift is sometimes performed in combination with another facial treatment such as:
- Facelift
- Eyelid surgery
- Rhinoplasty
- BOTOX® Cosmetic Injections
- Microdermabrasion
- Chemical peel
Who is a candidate for a forehead lift?
Any healthy adult may be a candidate for a forehead lift, if one or more of the following conditions exists:
- Horizontal creases across the forehead
- Frown lines between the eyebrows, or across the top of the nose
- Sagging eyebrows, making a sad or tired appearance
- A forehead that seems to weigh heavily on the face
What can I expect during and after a forehead lift procedure?
Dr. Baker performs forehead lifts using local and general anesthesia. After the surgery, you may feel some temporary discomfort and/or numbness, but this can be controlled with prescription medication. You'll see Dr. Baker after the surgery, and again the next day. You can expect to be up and about in a couple of days, but during the first week after the surgery, it's best to take it easy. Most patients who have undergone a forehead lift alone are back to their normal activities within seven to ten days. You will be surprised and pleased at how much difference this procedure makes!
Schedule a Facial Plastic Surgery Consultation
Contact cosmetic surgeon Stuart Baker, M.D. regarding blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), rhinoplasty, and forehead lift at our office in the Decatur, Champaign and Springfield, Illinois area. Your appearance, comfort, and health are our first priorities.
