Overview of Facial Plastic Surgery and Current Developments

• Main Authors: Jessica Chuang, Christian Barnes, Brian J. F. Wong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. 2016-02-01
• Series: The Surgery Journal
• Subjects: facial plastic surgery; skin rejuvenation; rhinoplasty; craniomaxillofacial reconstruction; injectable fillers; facial reanimation; 3d imaging and printing; stem cells; wound healing
• Online Access: http://www.thieme-connect.de/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-0036-1572360

Abstract Facial plastic surgery is a multidisciplinary specialty largely driven by otolaryngology but includes oral maxillary surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, and plastic surgery. It encompasses both reconstructive and cosmetic components. The scope of practice for facial plastic surgeons in the United States may include rhinoplasty, browlifts, blepharoplasty, facelifts, microvascular reconstruction of the head and neck, craniomaxillofacial trauma reconstruction, and correction of defects in the face after skin cancer resection. Facial plastic surgery also encompasses the use of injectable fillers, neural modulators (e.g., BOTOX Cosmetic, Allergan Pharmaceuticals, Westport, Ireland), lasers, and other devices aimed at rejuvenating skin. Facial plastic surgery is a constantly evolving field with continuing innovative advances in surgical techniques and cosmetic adjunctive technologies. This article aims to give an overview of the various procedures that encompass the field of facial plastic surgery and to highlight the recent advances and trends in procedures and surgical techniques.