Plastic Surgery

Plastic Surgery: Aesthetic Enhancements & Reconstructive Care

Facial Augmentation Consultation and Preparation

Plastic Surgery: Aesthetic Enhancements & Reconstructive Care

Plastic surgery restores form and function through reconstructive procedures, cosmetic enhancements, and body contouring.

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The Diagnostic Phase: Profilometry

The consultation is a rigorous anatomical assessment. The practitioner acts as an architect, analyzing the structural integrity of the face. Profilometry is the study of the profile angles. The practitioner assesses the relationship between the nose, lips, and chin.

Key metrics include the nasolabial angle and the cervicomental angle (neck-to-chin). A thorough analysis determines if the patient needs projection, vertical height, or lateral width. This data-driven approach prevents emotional or trend-based decision-making.

  • assessment of Ricketts’ E line (nose to chin)
  • Measurement of the nasolabial angle
  • evaluation of the Frankfort horizontal plane
  • analysis of vertical facial thirds
  • determining the Pog (pogonion) to N (nasion) ratio
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3D Simulation and Digital Mapping

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Modern consultations leverage technology to bridge the imagination gap. 3D imaging systems capture the patient’s face from multiple angles and reconstruct a digital avatar. This allows the practitioner to simulate the effect of adding volume to the cheeks and chin.

Digital mapping helps in quantifying the volume deficit. It allows the patient to see how projecting the chin will affect the appearance of their nose and neck. It serves as a visual contract between patient and provider regarding the target outcome.

  • generation of a 3D digital twin of the patient
  • simulation of varying degrees of projection
  • visualization of asymmetry corrections
  • volumetric calculation for syringe estimation
  • side-by-side comparison of potential outcomes
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Physical Assessment: Tissue Competence

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The practitioner must touch and feel the face to assess tissue competence. They evaluate the thickness of the skin and the tightness of the ligaments. This tactile exam determines the tissues’ capacity to hold filler without appearing distorted.

“Skin turgor” and “snap back” are tested. If the skin is extremely lax, filler alone may not be enough to lift it. The practitioner also palpates the underlying bone to identify natural landmarks and potential irregularities, such as bone spurs or asymmetry.

  • pinch test to evaluate dermal thickness
  • palpation of the zygomatic arch and mental symphysis
  • assessment of ligamentous laxity and support
  • evaluation of the mobile nature of the soft tissues
  • identification of the facial artery pulse

Muscle Integrity Staging

The dynamic movement of the face is as important as the static structure. The practitioner asks the patient to smile, frown, and animate. They observe how the cheek fat pads move and how the chin dimples (mentalis strain).

Strong muscle pull can displace filler over time. If a patient has a hyperactive mentalis muscle, the practitioner may recommend pairing the filler with a neuromodulator (such as Botox) to relax the muscle and help the filler stay in place.

  • observation of dynamic smile lines
  • Assessment of mentalis muscle hyperactivity
  • evaluation of the depressor anguli oris strength
  • identification of asymmetrical muscle pull
  • checking for platysmal banding affecting the jaw
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Health Markers and Bleeding Risk

A comprehensive medical history is mandatory. The face is highly vascular, and safety is paramount. The practitioner screens for bleeding disorders or for anticoagulant use. Even common supplements like fish oil can increase the risk of bruising.

Active infections, such as dental abscesses or sinus infections, are strict contraindications. The lymphatic drainage of the face connects these areas, and injecting filler near an active infection can lead to biofilm formation on the implant.

  • screening for blood-thinning medications
  • assessment of recent dental history or infections
  • Review of autoimmune conditions
  • history of herpes simplex (cold sores)
  • evaluation of clotting capability

Weight Stability Requirements

Patients should be at a stable weight before undergoing volumetric structural changes. Significant weight loss after the procedure can reveal the filler, making it look sharp or unnatural. Significant weight gain can bury the filler, obscuring the result.

The practitioner will ask about lifestyle and future weight goals. Ideally, the patient is in a maintenance phase. This ensures that the volume added aligns harmoniously with the patient’s long-term baseline physiology.

  • confirmation of stable body weight for 6 months
  • discussion of future weight loss plans
  • assessment of current body fat percentage
  • evaluation of facial fat distribution
  • nutritional status check for healing capacity

Psychological Readiness

Changing the shape of the face is a significant event. The chin and cheeks define the face’s character. The practitioner assesses the patient’s psychological readiness and motivations. Are they doing this for themselves or to please a partner?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) screening is standard. Patients with unrealistic expectations or an obsession with a specific celebrity feature may not be good candidates. The goal is improvement and balance, not perfection or total transformation.

  • screening for body dysmorphic tendencies
  • assessment of realistic expectations
  • discussion of the emotional impact of an appearance change
  • validation of the patient’s aesthetic goals
  • establishment of a therapeutic partnership

Product Selection Strategy

Not all fillers are created equal. The consultation involves selecting the specific rheology (thickness and flexibility) of the filler. For cheeks and chin, high G prime (stiff) fillers are usually chosen to mimic bone.

The practitioner explains why a soft lip filler would fail in the chin (it would squash flat). They discuss the trade-offs between Hyaluronic Acid (reversible) and Calcium Hydroxylapatite (longer lasting but non-reversible).

  • selection of high-G prime structural fillers
  • discussion of cohesivity and lifting capacity
  • choice between HA and bio stimulators
  • Explanation of product longevity profiles
  • customization of product density for different zones

Pre-Procedural Restrictions

To ensure the best outcome and minimize downtime, patients are given a “pre-flight” checklist. This involves avoiding alcohol, which dilates blood vessels, and high-sodium foods, which cause fluid retention.

Patients are advised to come with a clean face and to schedule the appointment at a time when they have no significant social commitments for a few days. This preparation minimizes the stress of the recovery period.

  • cessation of NSAIDs (ibuprofen) 1 week prior
  • avoidance of alcohol for 48 hours
  • Stopping Vitamin E and Omega-3 supplements
  • hydration to support tissue health
  • arrival with a makeup-free face

Vascular Mapping

In high-level clinics, the consultation may include ultrasound mapping of the facial arteries. The practitioner identifies the depth and course of the facial artery and the mental artery. This is the gold standard for preventing vascular occlusion.

Knowing exactly where the vessels are allows the practitioner to plan a safe route for the needle or cannula. It transforms the procedure from a blind injection to a navigated intervention.

  • Ultrasound identification of the facial artery
  • mapping of the transverse facial artery
  • locating the mental foramen and neurovascular bundle
  • Measurement of vessel depth relative to bone
  • marking of “danger zones” to avoid

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I simulate the result at home?

It isn’t easy to simulate the result accurately at home because lifting the skin with your fingers doesn’t replicate the effect of adding deep volume. However, looking at your profile in a dual mirror can help you understand your chin projection relative to your nose.

It is strongly advised to schedule your treatment at least 2 weeks before any significant event (wedding, photoshoot, reunion). This allows ample time for any bruising to fade and for the product to settle into its final, natural shape.

If you have old filler that has migrated or was placed incorrectly, it is essential to dissolve it with hyaluronidase before adding new product. Building on top of a bad foundation will only worsen the aesthetic result.

Many clinics separate the consultation from the treatment to give the patient time to digest the information and make a calm decision. However, if the candidate is suitable, treatment can be performed the same day.

Injecting the face can trigger a cold sore outbreak if you are prone to them. If you have a history of herpes simplex, your doctor will prescribe a prophylactic antiviral medication to take before and after the treatment.

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