FACE-LIFT – The incision lines are within the hair-line where they are hidden and in the pre-auricular and post-auricular creases where they are camouflaged. The procedure takes approximately two hours. RHINOPLASTY - The entire procedure is performed within the confines of the nose and there are no external scars. The length of the procedure in most cases is approximately one hour. BLEPHAROPLASTY - If just lower "bags" are present, they are removed within the confines of the lower lid and there is no scar whatsoever. If there are excessive skin and "bags", an incision along the length of the lower lid is made so that the "bags" and excess skin can be removed. The scar is within a camouflage space and within a short period one is hard pressed to find it. Upper blepharoplasty requires an external excision of skin and the scar also falls into a natural camouflage space. Lower blepharoplasty time is approximately one hour. Upper blepharoplasty time is approximately forty minutes. CHIN IMPLANT - Performed within the mouth so that there is no external scar. Surgical time is approximately thirty minutes. OTOPLASTY - The incision is in back of the ear and the resulting scar is not noticeable. A head bandage is worn for several days to keep the new shape of the ear intact. Surgical time is approximately one hour. FACIAL LIPO-SUCTION- Quite Often, the face has excess of fat plus drooping skin. During the operative procedure, a small cannula (2mm) is inserted and the localized fat is removed creating a smoother looking face. With the addition of the face-lift, a much more youthful appearance is obtained. SCLEROTHERAPY - The “sunbursts” of veins and capillaries are identified. Using an extremely small needle (32 gauge) the blood vessels are entered into under magnified vision and a sclerosing liquid is inserted obliterating the vessel. The injectable solution is safe and virtually painless. IMPROVEMENT OF UNATTRACTIVE SCARS - These are excised and repaired with exquisite detail to closure so that the scar is improved. The final resolution of any laceration, incision or excision is a scar; however, the repair used with fine sutures and attention to detail improves their appearance. Surgical time is dependent on type of scar and how many. Patient safety has always been an issue of paramount importance to the medical profession. Although surgi-centers may contain all the equipment necessary for an emergency, they may lack the manpower and laboratory facilities to cope with a dire emergency. ANESTHESIA Many patients want to be "out" completely for their operation. This can be a dangerous request for an elective procedure. On a percentage basis, a local analgesia is much safer than a general anesthesia. Most emergencies that occur during a surgical procedure are anesthetic, not surgical. Almost all patients undergoing a cosmetic procedure under a local or "twilight sleep" are unaware of what is going on and the operation is painless, but they are not unconscious as in a general. Asked to open their eyes or take a deep breath they will respond to the command and then go right back to sleep. All of the procedures above are performed under local analgesia. The patient is given pre-medication prior to surgery which makes them relaxed and sleepy. There is no pain during the procedure and it is a very safe way to have an elective procedure performed. All of the procedures require post-operative medication for discomfort and sleep.