256.429.3411

Otoplasty Ear Pinning Surgery Cost

How to Prepare For Ear Surgery | Huntsville | Scottsboro | DecaturOtoplasty or cosmetic ear reshaping surgery is a proven and effective way to permanently improve the appearance of ears. During the initial consultation process, the cosmetic surgeon will discuss various aspects of the procedure, including its estimated costs. The goal of the surgeon is to help the patient make an informed decision.

Dr. Landon D. McLain is a leading board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon as well as a board certified cosmetic surgeon. His specialized training and qualifications enable him to perform otoplasty and other facial procedures in the best possible manner. Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Alabama, and surrounding communities.

Worth the Cost

When an otoplasty procedure is performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon with expertise in facial procedures, the patient can expect most dependable and expected results. The procedure may cost a significant amount of money, if all pre- and post-op care, medication, tests, and other expenses are included. However, the patient will usually have various financing options available to make the payments in convenient monthly installments.

It is also important for the patient to check their insurance coverage to determine if full or partial costs may be covered. In any case, for an adult or a child who is self-conscious and suffering because of deformed or protruding ears, the benefits of otoplasty will far outweigh the cost of surgery. As a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. McLain provides this procedure to patients in Huntsville, Alabama, and nearby areas.

Factors Affecting the Price

The cost of otoplasty surgery will usually vary from one practice to another, and even from one patient to another in some cases. Key factors that will impact the monetary amount include the following:

Location of the Practice

Otoplasty costs will vary throughout the United States because the cost of living index varies from one region to another. Coastal states and other major urban centers will typically have higher costs for procedures such as otoplasty.

Surgeon’s Expertise

If the cosmetic surgeon has a well-established or long standing practice, a strong professional reputation and high credentials, along with expertise in procedures such as otoplasty, the demand may be higher for such surgeons. This will result in a higher fee of the surgeon in many cases.

Extent of Surgery Performed

The costs involved in a fairly straightforward ear pinning surgery to correct protruding or flapping ears will be relatively lower as compared to the costs incurred in correcting a deformed ear. If ear reconstruction is involved, the dollar figure will go up considerably.

Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive ear surgery will usually cost more than cosmetic otoplasty. This is a more complex surgery that will correct deformation or improve traumatic injury to the ear. It will generally involve skin and cartilage grafting from other areas of the body in order to create a natural looking ear.

Insurance Coverage

Depending on the purpose of procedure, the cost of otoplasty may sometimes be covered under health insurance. If otoplasty is aimed at correcting a defect in the ears or a congenital deformity, some insurers may provide coverage.

Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL.  Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing.

For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Practice Overview
Otoplasty Ear Pinning Surgery Overview

Ear pinning surgery, clinically called otoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the shape, size, and appearance of ears to bring them in harmony with the rest of the facial features. Otoplasty procedure may be performed by a cosmetic surgeon on children as well as adults with equally effective outcomes. Any child or adult who has attained full growth of the ear, and is bothered by the unsightly or protruding shape of the ears, may be a good candidate for otoplasty.

It is important to choose a trained and experienced surgeon who has the necessary expertise in facial surgery procedures and a close understanding of the facial anatomy. Dr. Landon McLain is a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon as well as a board certified cosmetic surgeon providing otoplasty and other facial procedures. Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Alabama, and surrounding communities.

Who is a Suitable Candidate?

Individuals with flapping ears or oversized ears on one or both sides of the face can benefit from otoplasty, and achieve effective and permanent results. Children with poorly shaped ears can make good candidates for this procedure as long as they meet the following conditions:

• The child is in suitable health, and shows no signs of an untreated ear infection.
• The age of the child is five years or above, and the ear cartilage has achieved stability.
• The child is able to understand the advice of the cosmetic surgeon and cooperate for a successful procedure.

Teens and adults can also go for otoplasty if they feel the need. Board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. McLain provides otoplasty surgery to patients in Huntsville, Alabama, and nearby locations.

Procedure

Otoplasty procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Depending on the case, the surgeon may perform it with the patient under general anesthesia or IV sedation. If the ears are excessively protruding, the surgeon may enhance or build the anti-helical fold within the rim of the ear. The surgeon will also reduce the enlarged conchal cavity, which is the deepest external ear concavity at the same time.

Incisions will be placed discreetly behind the ears to keep the scarring minimally visible. In some cases, the incision may be made on the front side, but within the ear folds to ensure minimal visibility of scars. The surgeon will secure the newly shaped cartilage firmly in its position with internal sutures.

Once the procedure is completed, the surgeon will close the incisions carefully with external sutures. When the procedure is performed by a skilled and highly trained surgeon, the results of otoplasty can be very natural looking. In case of otoplasty, the results will typically last for a lifetime.

Recovery

Most patients will need about five to seven days for the initial recovery. The surgeon may prescribe pain medications to ensure patient’s comfort during the first week. If the incision area is bandaged, the patient should take care to keep the bandage clean in order to minimize the risk of infection.

Practice Overview

Dr. Landon D. McLain is a double board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, heading McLain Surgical Arts, a premier cosmetic surgery and oral and maxillofacial surgery practice. Dr. McLain’s exceptional combination of surgical skills makes him one of the leading cosmetic surgeons in Huntsville, AL and surrounding areas.

Customized Treatments

Dr. McLain believes that the most effective outcomes in any oral and maxillofacial or cosmetic surgery procedure can be achieved when the surgeon customizes the procedure to suit a patient’s specific needs. Rather than following a cookie cutter approach, Dr. McLain carefully evaluates a patient’s unique anatomy and assesses their innate aesthetic needs and aspirations.

Accordingly, he will prepare a customized treatment plan. He engages with the patient at every step and involves them in the treatment planning process. His training as a double board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon allows him to combine the principles of science and art in every procedure in order to achieve most satisfying and sustainable results.

Academic Accomplishments and Training

Dr. McLain acquired an early training in studio art as a part of his undergraduate studies at Birmingham-Southern College. Following his training at dental and medical schools, he completed his internship in general surgery at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, where he earned exemplary results.

Dr. McLain then went ahead with a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He served as Chief Resident of the oral and maxillofacial department from 2007-2008. He was accepted into an AACS accredited fellowship program in general cosmetic surgery, during which he completed about 1,400 major surgical procedures focusing on aesthetic enhance of the breast, body, and face. This training made one a pre-eminent cosmetic surgeon in Huntsville, AL.

Professional Memberships

Dr. McLain is actively associated with various professional organizations, including:

American Board of Cosmetic Surgery – Board Examiner
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery – Diplomate
American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery – Fellow
American College of Surgeons – Fellow
American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – Diplomate
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
American Medical Association
American Dental Association

Dr. McLain has also published numerous scientific papers and articles, and delivered lectures and presentations around the country. He was a part of several philanthropic medical missions to Honduras and Peru.

Leadership

Dr. McLain lectures and serves as faculty for multiple live surgical workshops sponsored by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS). He helps to train cosmetic surgeons from different parts of the world. He is well-known in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery as a top authority. He has published extensively on the subject, apart from publishing in areas related to cosmetic surgery of the breast, body, and face.

Dr. McLain also serves as an examiner for the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). As a part of this responsibility, he evaluates potential surgeons from multiple surgical disciplines who wish to achieve the distinction of board certification in cosmetic surgery. Dr. McLain enjoys an outstanding reputation among his patients in and around Huntsville, AL.

Practice Overview

McLain Surgical Arts, led by double board certified cosmetic and oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Landon D. McLain, is a premier practice providing cutting edge procedures in aesthetic as well as oral and maxillofacial surgery. The practice offers the dual benefits of cosmetic surgery as well as oral health procedures under the same roof.

As an experienced cosmetic surgeon, Dr. McLain provides customized treatments that are tailored to meet the specific health and aesthetic needs of a patient. The practice is equipped with latest technologies to help deliver the safest and most effective outcomes in every procedure. Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, AL and surrounding communities.

Oral and Maxillofacial Procedures

McLain Surgical Arts provides a comprehensive range of oral and maxillofacial procedures, including the following:

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom teeth are also called the third molars. Very often these teeth may come in impacted, requiring extraction. Dr. McLain is highly trained and experienced in performing this procedure with satisfying and sustainable results for his patients.

Dental Implants

Dental implant surgery is a complex procedure, but it is by far the most effective procedure for teeth replacement. Dr. McLain provides advanced dental implants to restore both function and aesthetics.

Jaw Surgery

As a leading double board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. McLain specializes in procedures that repair jaw related irregularities, improve bite and breathing ability, and enhance orthodontic outcomes. He provides this surgery to patients in Huntsville, AL and nearby areas.

Facial Trauma Surgery

Dr. McLain puts his extensive training in dental, medical, and cosmetic surgery to full use when performing advanced and complex procedures such as facial trauma surgery. He can achieve corrective results while maintaining the aesthetic balance at the same time.

Aesthetic Surgery Procedures

McLain Surgical Arts is fully equipped to provide the latest and proven aesthetic surgery procedures. Dr. McLain is a trained and experienced cosmetic surgeon providing these procedures.

Breast

Breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, breast augmentation with lift, and breast revision are some of the key breast cosmetic surgery procedures offered by Dr. McLain.

Body

Major body contouring procedures performed at McLain Surgical Arts include liposuction and tummy tuck surgery. Liposuction is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the US today. Both women and men can benefit equally from these procedures.

Face

With his strong training background in oral and maxillofacial surgery, Dr. McLain is in the perfect position to provide facial cosmetic surgery as well as oral and maxillofacial procedures.

Skin

A number of non-surgical skin rejuvenation procedures are also provided at Dr. McLain’s practice. These may be performed independently or in conjunction with facial cosmetic surgery procedures. The procedures include Botox, dermal fillers, laser skin resurfacing, and other aesthetician and skin care services and products.

Dr. McLain practice is based out of Huntsville, AL, and serves Birmingham and Decatur, AL, as well as parts of Georgia and Tennessee. Dr. McLain is a recognized leader in the field, who is involved in multiple lecturing, training, and research activities, in addition to providing cutting edge treatments to his patients.


McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS. Dr. McLain is a double board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing.

Dr. McLain’s practice is based out of Huntsville, AL, and serves patients in Birmingham and Decatur, AL, as well as parts of Georgia and Tennessee. As an experienced cosmetic surgeon, Dr. McLain strives to inform and educate people about the latest procedures that can address their cosmetic and oral health needs. To achieve this aim, he relies on his comprehensive website mclainsurgicalarts.com.

Site Redesign

Dr. McLain wished to build an accurate and reliable online information resource about various cosmetic surgery and oral and maxillofacial health procedures. Therefore, he engaged the services of a premier website design and development company, Creative Take Medical, which exclusively works for clients in the field of healthcare, particularly cosmetic surgeons.

Together with Creative Take, Dr. McLain took a decision to completely revamp and redesign his website and launch a highly informative and insightful website called mclainsurgicalarts.com. The purpose of this major site redesign exercise was to provide a user-friendly online resource with succinct and relevant information for an average patient about the latest techniques, technologies and procedures available today, which can address their oral health and aesthetic needs safely and effectively.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

As a leading double board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. McLain provides state of the art procedures to patients in Huntsville, AL and surrounding communities. However, he believes that patients everywhere should have access to and should be able to choose the best cosmetic surgeon for their needs. This is the most critical decision that will impact the final outcome in any surgical procedure.

Therefore, Dr. McLain redesigned his site to include detailed information about himself so that new patients who may be considering a cosmetic surgery or oral or maxillofacial surgery procedure may have a clear idea about his skills, training, experience and achievements. This can enable them to make the right decision when they are weighing their options.

Dr. McLain says that an individual’s appearance has a sensitive relationship with the underlying anatomy. Whether that individual needs oral, facial or cosmetic surgery, they should be able to choose a surgeon who focuses on addressing the underlying tissue and structure when making aesthetic improvements – and vice versa. This will ensure more sustainable, healthy and natural looking results, while meeting the patient’s unique aesthetic goals effectively.

Information about Procedures

Dr. McLain’s website includes detailed information about various oral and maxillofacial as well as cosmetic procedures. The key oral and maxillofacial procedures provided by Dr. McLain include wisdom teeth extraction, dental implants to replace missing teeth, jaw surgery, and facial trauma surgery.

He also provides cosmetic procedures for the breast, body, face, and skin. The new site design provides in-depth information about each procedure classified under separate sections, allowing for easy navigation and readability.

Why Choose a Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon?

9 Facts About ABCS Surgeons

The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery prides itself on setting the highest standards for surgeons in the specialty of cosmetic surgery. After you read through what it takes for a physician to become board certified by the ABCS, you’ll see why choosing an ABCS surgeon means you’re choosing a genuine cosmetic surgery specialist.

1. ABCS is the only certifying board that tests a surgeon’s knowledge and experience exclusively in cosmetic surgery.

No other board certification guarantees a surgeon has received training in all aspects of cosmetic surgery. Learn why this matters.

2. Our surgeons have completed a 1 year fellowship, where they have trained exclusively in cosmetic surgery & patient care.

This is on top of graduation from an accredited medical school (M.D. or D.O.) and additional residency training. See our approved fellowship criteria.

3. To achieve ABCS board certification, a surgeon must have completed an approved cosmetic surgery fellowship, which requires the surgeon to:

4. Our surgeons only operate in accredited hospitals and surgical centers.

Facilities meet the highest standards for safety, sanitation, and preparedness. Learn more about facility accreditation.

5. Our surgeons are double board certified.

In addition to their ABCS board certification in cosmetic surgery, surgeons must already be board certified in one of 7 medical specialties related to cosmetic surgery before they can take the ABCS exam. The certifying board must be recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the equivalent from the American Osteopathic Association or American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Click here to see detailed ABCS certification requirements.

6. Our surgeons have been carefully screened to ensure the highest level of patient safety, ethical practice, and outstanding moral character.

No one with a history of substance abuse, criminal activity, or a restricted medical license can become an ABCS surgeon. Read about our code of ethics.

7. Every ABCS surgeon is re-examined every 10 years.

To maintain board certification, he or she must  pass a comprehensive written exam, complete 150 hours of continuing medical education, and demonstrate a high level of patient satisfaction based on surveys.

8. Select ABCS surgeons earn a Certificate of Added Qualification, distinguishing them as specialists in Facial Cosmetic Surgery or Breast, Body & Extremity Cosmetic Surgery.

To earn a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ), a surgeon must:

9. Only surgeons who commit to achieving this level of excellence in cosmetic surgery will qualify to sit for the ABCS examination.

We believe board certification should be awarded to physicians who have demonstrated an exceptional level of training and experience in their specialties, not just those who have met minimum standards. With an ABCS surgeon, you know you’re in the hands of an elite cosmetic surgery specialist.

Breast Lift Augmentation

How to Prepare For Breast Implant Removal | Huntsville | ScottsboroIt’s pretty common for a woman to ask during her consultation if she should get a breast lift or breast implants. The answer may be both. Particularly after pregnancy, weight loss, or simply aging, combining a breast lift with breast augmentation is often the ideal solution for women at my Huntsville, AL practice who want fuller breasts but also need additional support. Let’s take a look at the reasons behind that to determine which procedure best suits which patient.

It surprises some women who are considering breast enhancement that breast implants don’t provide a lifted appearance. Breast augmentation merely makes the breasts larger, adding more volume in the upper portion. But for anyone whose breast skin is starting to lose its elasticity, implants may actually increase any sagging that’s already occurred.

Good candidate

If you have had children, lost weight, or simply seen the effects of gravity over time, you may be a good candidate for combining a breast lift with augmentation. It’s common to feel satisfied with the appearance of your breasts for most of your life and then to lament their lost volume after pregnancy, and it’s also normal to want the breasts you had when you were younger. In some cases, a breast lift on its own can accomplish that goal, but often, I recommend a lift with implants to restore both fullness and a perky appearance.

Adding a lift does require longer incisions than breast augmentation alone, usually with a scar that extends from the bottom of the areola to the crease where the breast connects to the chest wall. For most women, though, that fine scar is a welcome tradeoff for the vastly improved results they achieve. It’s also important to understand that experienced surgeons who are qualified to perform these types of combination operations can minimize scarring and use special techniques that help incisions heal and fade quickly.

Full Mommy Makeover

If you’re considering these procedures after you’ve finished having children, you may also want to think about a full mommy makeover, which combines cosmetic breast surgery with a tummy tuck, liposuction, or other procedures to treat several areas at once. This type of combination surgery can be more cost-effective and also requires you to recover only once, rather than with multiple operations.

Combining treatments can be a wonderful way to bring about the cosmetic results you desire, but it’s important to consult with a qualified surgeon for these slightly more complex procedures. That way, you can ensure both your safety and your beauty. Be sure to contact us if you’d like to start planning a procedure that meets all your goals.

Medical Spa Services Huntsville, Alabama

Recently, we significantly expanded our menu of medical spa services and welcomed a licensed aesthetician, Leslie Ware, to complement our Cosmetic surgery treatments . The decision to broaden the services enables us to meet the cosmetic needs of more patients in the Huntsville, Alabama, area.

Non-surgical treatments

Non-surgical treatments are increasingly sophisticated and require a trained and experienced aesthetician to get the best results, whether a patient is looking to minimize the earliest signs of aging or wants to maintain the results of a past surgical procedure. We are extremely fortunate to have Leslie join our team. She is one of the most sought-after aestheticians in the Huntsville area and has been seeing patients at her own clinic for years.

We feel it’s important for patients to receive these types of treatments in a medical setting with a licensed practitioner, rather than in a salon or day spa setting. Even though procedures such as chemical peels, acne treatments, and dermaplaning are non-surgical, they should only be performed by an experienced professional.

A sampling of the med spa services we now offer includes:

Leslie is the ideal person to perform these added services. She started working in the beauty and skin care field at the age of 19 and immediately knew she’d found her calling. Leslie specializes in the treatment of pigmentation conditions, signs of aging, and teen and adult acne. She’s also a Huntsville native and a mom of 3 teenagers.

We’re excited to offer these expanded services and hope you’ll come in to meet Leslie and ask about all our new treatments. We also have professional-grade skin care products so you can maintain your results at home.

For more information on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, Medical Spa,  Oral & Maxillofacial surgery procedures and treatments, please contact the Huntsville, Alabama office of Double board-certified Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS  at  256.429.3411 or click here to contact the team.

Link to Business Insider Article

I recently came across this online article on Business Insider, about what physical features make men attractive to women.  Below are the 5 features discussed in the article.

  1. Facial Symmetry–  which is an indicator of good genes and health.  This is a common feature of attractiveness in both sexes.
  2. Voice–  deeper voices were more attractive to women.  This clearly explains the fascination of many women and Barry White love songs.
  3. Jaws–  large, well defined jawlines were deemed to be a good indicator of reproductive health.  Certainly, a more prominent and well defined lower jaw has been pretty ubiquitous to Hollywood’s leading men over the years
  4. Eyes–  the outline of the colored portion of the eye is termed the limbal ring.  A prominent limbal ring, which is only visible in lighter eye colors, signals health and youth.  Advantage to the blue-eyed beaus.
  5. Height–  a recent study showed men with kids were, on average, one inch taller than men without kids.

None of this is very earth-shattering and follows most of our assumptions about male attractiveness.   Interestingly, there is only one feature that can be “easily” altered.   And, no, I’m not suggesting we all go and get colored contact lenses with prominent limbal rings.  Those look pretty fake once your within 3 feet of a person wearing them.  I’m referring to the jaw or jawline more specifically.  The good news is, there are several procedures that can increase the prominence of the lower jaw and render a more attractive appearance.  Consider these options before buying platform shoes or having leg lengthening surgery.

Neck Liposuction

As men (and women for that matter) age, especially with a little weight gain, the fat pockets underneath the chin and jaw may enlarge.  This hides the once prominent jawline that was so well defined in our youth or when we were more physically  fit.  Liposuction to the neck is one of the easiest cosmetic procedures to undergo and has a very high satisfaction rate with minimal downtime.

Chin Implants

For those who have a small retruded chin, placement of a anatomically contoured chin implant can make the world of difference.  Despite what you may have seen in the movies, most chin implants are very natural looking without any stigma of surgery.  There are even implants to improve the angle of the jaw.  These solid silicone implants are very safe and most types can be easily removed if the patient desires.

Jaw Surgery

Otherwise known as orthognathic surgery, which is primarily intended to improve the patient’s bite and function.  The “extra” benefit to this procedure is that in many situations we are moving the lower jaw forward, creating more prominence to the jawline and significantly improving the patient’s appearance.  This procedure is almost always combined with a period of braces applied by an orthodontist before and after the surgery and although this has a bit more recovery, the results are lifelong.

Facelift

This is the gold standard in facial rejuvenation.  With the passage of time, the soft tissues of the face and neck descend and literally hide the chin and jawline even if your bone structure is ideal.  If you are in your fifties or sixties, you most likely know what I am referring to.  A facelift or rhytidectomy, addresses the sagging tissues and restores a more youthful contour to the jawline.

Many times, some of the aforementioned procedures are combined to yield an even more significant result.  If you are interested in improving your jawline or any other aspect of your appearance, please contact our office by phone or email.  While we cannot make you a Hollywood’s A-lister, we can definitely improve your attractiveness.

-Landon McLain MD, DMD

Contemporary Rhytidectomy (Facelift Surgery)

Facial cosmetic surgery has become an increasingly promi­nent tenant of oral and maxillofacial surgery training and in practice. This is no doubt due to not only the increasing social acceptance and demand for rejuvenative procedures (both surgical and nonsurgical) but also with the contemporary oral and maxillofacial surgeon’s unique training and focus on esthetics. Esthetic demands are innate in dentistry and the precision, technical demands, and attention to detail involved in even the most basic dental procedures are the exact same qualities required to excel in the arena of facial cosmetic surgery. We all remember the painstaking time and effort required to shape, contour, and color even simple dental restorations in dental school. This is not dissimilar to the basic principles required in cosmetic facial surgery. Moreover, the additional hospital-based medical and surgical training impart a singular advantage to the oral and maxillofacial surgeon who desires to include cosmetic surgery as part of his/her daily practice. Few, if any, other surgical specialties involve such a variation of hard tissue and soft tissue management as oral and maxillofacial surgery. Typically, oral and maxillofacial surgery training is very trauma heavy, which requires complete anatomic and physiologic knowledge of the face and neck, as well as sound surgical principles and judgment. Other tradi­tional surgical procedures, such as orthognathic surgery, have an inherent esthetic component. Thus, the ever-increasing presence of facial cosmetic surgerytraining in residencies and beyond is quite logical. It is my opinion that facial esthetic procedures should be as common for the oral and maxillofa­cial surgeon as it is for the otolaryngologist, cosmetic surgeon, dermatologic surgeon, and ophthalmic surgeon.

Facelift Techniques

In the surgical arena, the rhytidectomy or “facelift” is the workhorse of facial rejuvenation and must be mastered to have a complete facial esthetic surgery practice. Truth be told, rhytidectomy techniques have evolved very little in the last few decades. It is the addition of complementary and more minimally invasive techniques that has truly advanced the procedure in recent years. Yet, the nomenclature sur­rounding these procedures can be quite confusing, even among surgeons. Perhaps the most precise terminology is to categorize the lift or rhytidectomy by location and degree. For example, the most common “facelift” performed would be correctly termed a lower face and neck lift. This is the procedure that is the focus of this text.

The goal of this issue is to offer the reader an introduction to the most common rhytidectomy techniques used today, as well as some of the most common complementary pro- cedures that should be an integral part of any lower facial rejuvenation plan. Although many of these techniques are congruent, the reader will notice some conflicting opinion among the articles. This is due to the fact that no two surgeons
are the same and different techniques perform differently in different hands. I thank all the authors (all accomplished and reputable surgeons with an exceptional dedication to facial cosmetic surgery) and it is my sincere hope that this text will contribute to the reader’s expanding knowledge and interest in the rhytidectomy as well as esthetic surgery as a whole.
Landon D. McLain, MD, DMD, FMCS
McLain Surgical Arts
2045 Cecil Ashburn Drive
Suite 101
Huntsville, AL 35802, USA

E-mail address: IdMcLain@yahoo.com