Face Procedures
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Neck Liposuction (Submental Liposuction)
IPL Skin Tightening/Wrinkle Reduction & Skin Rejuvenation
Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
Many people are excited when they make the decision to seek a more youthful, less tired look by having a facelift. Others are more cautious due to lack of information. Dr. Dixon is happy to meet with you and any of your family members to answer your questions about facelifts. Dr. Dixon has had extensive training in plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
Basically, a facelift is a procedure in which facial and neck skin and muscles are tightened. Dr. Dixon, working on one side at a time, makes small incisions inside the hairline at the temple, around the front of the ear to behind the earlobe and up to the scalp. Excess skin is removed. Connective tissue and sagging muscles are tightened and in some cases fat deposits are removed from the chin and neck. Tiny sutures are used to close the incisions. Scars are, for the most part, inconspicuous, because they are hidden within the hairline and the natural creases around the ears.
A Facelift (Rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to smooth and firm the skin, providing a fresh, youthful appearance. Throughout one’s life, the sun’s radiation, stress, gravity, and other factors cause the skin to sag and fit more loosely. Areas of the face and neck, in particular around the jaw line, are especially prone to the aging process. Though these changes are gradual, wrinkles and other signs of aging can make individuals “feel older” than they really are.
Surgery for a facelift involves the contraction and realignment of facial and neck skin, and in some instances the removal of excess fat deposits. A facelift is often performed in combination with other facial cosmetic procedures and can be performed any time signs of aging begin to appear. However, patients are generally in their forties or older when they elect to undergo this procedure.
Reasons for Considering a Facelift:
- Sagging skin, muscles, and fat in the face and neck.
- Excess skin and fat on the neck.
- Sagging jaw line.
- Crease lines along the nose, mouth, and chin.
General Procedure
The standard procedure for a facelift commonly involves making small incisions just inside the hairline, following the contour in front of the ear, and continuing under the earlobe to the backside of the ear and to the lower scalp. Tissue and fat deposits are separated, the skin is tightened, and any excess skin is removed. If the neck line requires attention, an additional incision is made under the chin and the same procedure is again followed. Minuscule stitches are used to close the incisions and to reduce any chance of scarring. Metal clips or staples may also be utilized at the hairline.
A face lift may take several hours or longer depending on whether other cosmetic procedures are completed at the same time. Sometimes other procedures may be performed in separate appointments. There are several different facelift techniques that can be employed. Patients can discuss with their physician which method is best for them when they come in for their consultation.
Recovery Process
Immediately after surgery, the face is fitted with bandages in order to decrease the recovery time and to reduce swelling. Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing and recovery process. The stitches, clips or staples are normally removed within a week. Patients sometimes report some minor pain associated with surgery. Any discomfort can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions given after the procedure. You will need to stay in Amarillo overnight as Dr. Dixon sees all facelift patients the morning after surgery.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
The surgical procedure known as blepharoplasty is used to correct sagging eyelids, bags beneath the eyes and excess folds around the eyes. A blepharoplasty is often done in conjunction with an eyebrow lift or facelift.
Dr. Dixon, following the natural lines and creases of the eye, makes very fine incisions from the inner to the outer edge. On the upper eyelid, the incision is made in the fold of the lid; on the lower eyelid the incision is made either directly below the eyelashes or inside the lid itself. Excess skin and fat are then removed from the underlying compartments, and precise sutures are used to close the incision.
Eyelid surgery (known as blepharoplasty) is a corrective procedure that can reduce dark circles or “bags” under the eyes, remove excess wrinkles, and provide a more youthful appearance to the eyes. One of the first things noticed about a person is their eyes. During the aging process, wrinkles, lines, and puffiness contribute to a tired or aged appearance.
Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty
Transconjunctival blepharoplasty is performed by making an incision from inside the lower eyelid. It avoids any scarring on the lower lid. It is a useful technique when only fat, and not skin or muscle, needs to be removed from the eyelid area.
Reasons for Considering Eyelid Surgery:
- Dark circles or bags under the eyes.
- Excessive skin or wrinkles surrounding the eyelids.
- A tired appearance or puffiness due to inherited factors.
General Procedure
The surgical procedure includes tiny incisions made in the natural contours around the eyes which should leave no visible scarring. The surgeon will usually work on the upper eyelids first to remove any fatty tissue and tighten loose skin. Lower eyelids are completed next to eliminate puffiness and reduce dark circles. In some instances, intense pulsed light (IPL) technology may be used to smooth lower eyelid areas.
The surgery generally takes about one to two hours and is performed as an outpatient hospital procedure. If additional cosmetic procedures are being performed, the eyelid surgery could last longer.
Recovery Process
Normally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery which can be treated with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize the risk for potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions given after the surgery. The healing process for this procedure is slightly longer than most other forms of cosmetic surgery; however, the benefits are long-lasting. Patients will have a more rested and youthful appearance.
Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. It may also correct a birth defect or injury, or help relieve some breathing problems.
If you’re considering rhinoplasty, this information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure-when it can help, how it’s performed, and what results you can expect. It can’t answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and the surgeon. Please ask Dr. Dixon about anything you don’t understand.
Rhinoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Dixon.
The best candidates for rhinoplasty are people who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you’re physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.
Rhinoplasty can be performed to meet aesthetic goals or for reconstructive purposes-to correct birth defects or breathing problems.
Age may also be a consideration. Many surgeons prefer not to operate on teenagers until after they’ve completed their growth spurt-around 14 or 15 for girls, a bit later for boys. It’s important to consider teenagers’ social and emotional adjustment, too, and to make sure it’s what they, and not their parents, really want.
When rhinoplasty is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of complications, including infection, nosebleed, or a reaction to the anesthesia. You can reduce your risks by closely following Dr. Dixon’s instructions both before and after surgery.
After surgery, small burst blood vessels may appear as tiny red spots on the skin’s surface; these are usually minor but may be permanent. As for scarring, when rhinoplasty is performed from inside the nose, there is no visible scarring at all; when an “open” technique is used, or when the procedure calls for the narrowing of flared nostrils, the small scars on the base of the nose are usually not visible.
In about one case out of ten, a second procedure may be required-for example, to correct a minor deformity. Such cases are unpredictable and happen even to patients of the most skilled surgeons. The corrective surgery is usually minor.
Good communication between you and Dr. Dixon is essential. In your initial consultation, he will ask what you’d like your nose to look like, evaluate the structure of your nose and face, and discuss the possibilities with you. He or she will also explain the factors that can influence the procedure and the results. These factors include the structure of your nasal bones and cartilage, the shape of your face, the thickness of your skin, your age, and your expectations.
Dr. Dixon will also explain the techniques and anesthesia he will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, the risks and costs involved, and any options you may have. Most insurance policies don’t cover purely cosmetic surgery; however, if the procedure is performed for reconstructive purposes, to correct a breathing problem or a marked deformity, a portion of the procedure may be covered. Check with your insurer, and obtain pre-authorization for your surgery.
Be sure to tell Dr. Dixon if you’ve had any previous nose surgery or an injury to your nose, even if it was many years ago. You should also inform Dr. Dixon if you have any allergies or breathing difficulties; if you’re taking any medications, vitamins, or recreational drugs; and if you smoke.
Dr. Dixon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications, and washing your face. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly.
While you’re making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.
Rhinoplasty may be performed at an outpatient surgery center, or a hospital. It’s usually done on an outpatient basis, for cost containment and convenience. Complex procedures may require a short inpatient stay.
General Procedure
Rhinoplasty usually takes two hours, though complicated procedures may take longer. During surgery the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The nature of the sculpting will depend on your problem and your surgeon’s preferred technique. Finally, the skin is redraped over the new framework.
Many plastic surgeons perform rhinoplasty from within the nose, making their incision inside the nostrils. Others prefer an “open” procedure, especially in more complicated cases; they make a small incision across the columella, the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils.
When the surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints also may be placed in your nostrils to stabilize the septum, the dividing wall between the air passages.
Recovery Process
After surgery-particularly during the first twenty-four hours-your face will feel puffy, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. You can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed by Dr. Dixon. Plan on staying in bed with your head elevated (except for going to the bathroom) for the first day.
You’ll notice that the swelling and bruising around your eyes will increase at first, reaching a peak after two or three days. Applying cold compresses will reduce this swelling and make you feel a bit better. In any case, you’ll feel a lot better than you look. Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks or so. (Some subtle swelling-unnoticeable to anyone but you and Dr. Dixon will remain for several months.)
A little bleeding is common during the first few days following surgery, and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks. Dr. Dixon will probably ask you not to blow your nose for a week or so, while the tissues heal.
If you have nasal packing, it will be removed after a few days and you’ll feel much more comfortable. By the end of one or, occasionally, two weeks, all dressings, splints, and stitches should be removed.
Most rhinoplasty patients are up and about within two days, and able to return to school or sedentary work a week or so following surgery. It will be several weeks, however, before you’re entirely up to speed.
Dr. Dixon will give you more specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities. They’re likely to include these suggestions: Avoid strenuous activity (jogging, swimming, bending, sexual relations-any activity that increases your blood pressure) for two to three weeks. Avoid hitting or rubbing your nose, or getting it sunburned, for eight weeks. Be gentle when washing your face and hair or using cosmetics.
You can wear contact lenses as soon as you feel like it, but glasses are another story. Once the splint is off, they’ll have to be taped to your forehead or propped on your cheeks for another six to seven weeks, until your nose is completely healed.
Dr. Dixon will schedule frequent follow-up visits in the months after surgery, to check on the progress of your healing. If you have any unusual symptoms between visits, or any questions about what you can and can’t do, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Dixon.
In the days following surgery, when your face is bruised and swollen, it’s easy to forget that you will be looking better. In fact, many patients feel depressed for a while after plastic surgery-it’s quite normal and understandable.
Rest assured that this stage will pass. Day by day, your nose will begin to look better and your spirits will improve. Within a week or two, you’ll no longer look as if you’ve just had surgery.
Still, healing is a slow and gradual process. Some subtle swelling may be present for months, especially in the tip. The final results of rhinoplasty may not be apparent for a year or more.
In the meantime, you might experience some unexpected reactions from family and friends. They may say they don’t see a major difference in your nose. Or they may act resentful, especially if you’ve changed something they view as a family or ethnic trait. If that happens, try to keep in mind why you decided to have this surgery in the first place. If you’ve met your goals, then your surgery is a success.
Neck Liposuction (Submental Liposuction)
Areas of the body that respond well to liposuction surgery include the neck and jowls, cheeks, upper arms, inner and outer thighs, buttocks, knees, hips and abdomen. Liposuction may also be used for small breast reductions in cases where there’s little sagging or to remove fat at the sides of the breast. In a small percentage of cases, only the small Liposuction scars would be necessary. This procedure is becoming more popular because the tiny incisions greatly reduce scarring. Men with enlarged breasts can also benefit from this technique.
Liposuction surgery is a surgical procedure in which fat cells are removed from the body. A small tube attached to a high-pressure vacuum suction inserted through a small incision in the skin, extracts excess fat cells. Because the procedure does not involve large incisions and extensive cutting, there is little pain, rapid healing and minimal scarring. Most patients are completely ambulatory immediately after surgery.
Botox® Cosmetic
Botox® Cosmetic is a simple, non-surgical, treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people from 18 to 65 years of age. It is the only treatment of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
One 10-minute treatment - a few tiny injections - and within days there’s a noticeable improvement in those persistent lines between the brows, which can last up to 4 months. Results may vary.
Dr. Dixon administers Botox® himself rather than utilizing nurse injectors, your safety comes first.
Botox® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the clostridium botulism bacterium, which reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those frown lines between the brows to form over time.
A million people have been treated with FDA-approved Botox® Cosmetic. There’s only one Botox® Cosmetic.
Restylane®
Restylane® is a dermal filler that restores volume to the skin, giving a smoother, more youthful appearance..
In a simple procedure, Restylane® is injected directly into mid-to-deep dermis for long-lasting correction of facial wrinkles and folds. Results from a typical Restylane® treatment have been documented to last for about six months. However, individual results may vary.
Restylane® has a highly favorable safety profile and is FDA approved. It is composed of non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the human body. Restylane® is fully biocompatible. There is limited risk of animal-based disease transmission or development of allergic reactions to animal proteins. No allergy testing is required before use.*
Restylane® maintains its shape using the body’s own moisture. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane® is hydrophilic or “water loving.” As hyaluronic acid gradually degrades, each molecule binds to more water and over time, the same volume can be maintained with less hyaluronic acid. This ability of hyaluronic acid to bind to water is what helps provide long-lasting results.
Unlike rooster-derived hyaluronic acids and bovine collagen products, Restylane® is free from animal proteins. This limits any risk of animal-based disease transmissions or development of allergic reactions to animal proteins.*
* Restylane® contains trace amounts of gram-positive bacterial proteins and is contraindicated for patients with a history of allergies to such material.
Contour Threads™
Have you ever looked in the mirror and pulled up your cheeks or the skin above your eyebrows to a higher position and wished it would stay there?
Now there is a simple new technique that makes it possible.
Contour Threads™ are a safe and effective way to reposition sagging cheeks and lift sagging eyebrows giving you subtle, natural looking results.
Contour Threads™ are a patented self anchoring thread technology that permits a minimally invasive surgical approach for elevation and fixation of skin. Contour Threads™ are the first FDA product cleared for market with current indications for elevation and fixation of midface, brow and neck.
Contour Threads™ are made from polypropylene, a material that has been used inside the human body as a suture material for decades. Contour Threads™ are designed with patented dimensional barbs that attach to the subdermal tissue, lifting, suspending and fixating contour of the brow and midface.
Dr. Dixon has completed advanced Contour Threads™ training courses in Beverly Hills, CA.
Brow Lift
The forehead lift, or brow lift, is designed to correct or improve skin wrinkling, as well as loss of tone and sagging of the eyebrows that often occurs as part of the aging process. The procedure may also help to smooth horizontal expression lines in the forehead and vertical frown lines between the eyebrows. Incisions are placed behind the hairline above the ear and pass over the top of the head. In some cases, incisions may be placed in front of the hairline. Some patients may have the procedure performed with the use of an endoscope, requiring much shorter incisions. Improvements are made beneath the skin and on the deep muscles; skin and muscle are then tightened to give a fresher, more youthful appearance.
Chemical Peel
A chemical peel is an aesthetic procedure performed to achieve better skin tone and to remove fine lines, especially on the face. The chemical solution removes outer layers of skin which are damaged by age, sun, acne, wrinkles, or pigmentation problems. Removing the outer skin prompts the body to generate a new layer of skin cells which are tainted by the previous skin condition. Chemical peels may not be appropriate for darker skin complexions.
Reasons for Considering a Chemical Peel:
- Reduce facial wrinkles and lines.
- Improve sun-damaged skin.
- Correct age spots and pigmentation problems.
- Lighten scars (especially from acne).
- Treat precancerous skin lesions.
General Procedure
At the time of your procedure, any active skin disease, infection, or acne needs to be under control in order to maximize results. There are several different types of chemical solutions which can be used, ranging from a mild solution to a very strong one. Dr. Dixon will select what is best for the patient based on their skin condition, color, and desired result.
During the procedure, the skin is first cleansed of oils. A solution is then carefully applied and is allowed to remain on the skin for a short time in order to remove the layers of damaged skin. At this point, the skin will turn white, a frost-like effect. The skin is then neutralized and cleansed. Finally, an ointment is applied to the skin to aid in healing.
Recovery Process
Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. An ointment and dressings are applied immediately following the procedure to aid in the healing process and to minimize swelling. The skin will have a pinkish color, and a thin crust may form over the area that was treated. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with the procedure, which can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions given by Dr. Dixon. Recovery time varies depending upon the extent of the chemical peel.
Chin & Cheek Implants
High cheekbones and a strong jaw line have long had a history of allure. Along with the eyes, the cheekbones and jaw line form the most photogenic aspects of the face. Chin and cheek implants are a great way to enhance a facial profile by improving the overall proportion and balance of the face. With chin implants (mentoplasty), the symmetry of the face can be shaped and contoured. Cheek implants (malarplasty), also known as malar (high cheek) or submalar (low cheek) augmentation, can add fullness and definition to the face. Utilizing permanent chin and cheek implants can provide a rejuvenated, youthful facial profile.
Reasons for Considering a Chin and/or Cheek Implant:
- Extend or enlarge the chin if the chin is recessed or small.
- Create a more defined facial profile if the jaw, chin, or cheeks lack distinction.
- Bring the various aspects of the face into proportion.
- Round out the cheeks if they are hollow due to heredity or aging.
- Accent the upper cheeks making them appear higher and fuller.
General Procedure
With chin surgery, an implant is inserted in front of the jawbone in order to augment the chin or jaw. A small incision is made inside the mouth to allow the implant to be positioned in a pocket just under the skin. An alternate location for this incision is below the chin (on the outside). Chin surgery is commonly performed along with rhinoplasty (nose surgery). With cheek augmentation, incisions are made either inside the mouth, through the lower cheek, or directly below the bottom eyelid on the high cheek. Cheek surgery is often performed in conjunction with a facelift procedure. Both chin and cheek implant procedures normally last from 30 minutes to one hour.
Recovery Process
Immediately after surgery, the face will be fitted with bandages, taped, or otherwise secured in order to speed the recovery process and to reduce swelling. Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. Keeping the head elevated during the initial recovery phase is also important. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery. Any pain can be treated effectively with oral medication. Patients may experience some swelling and bruising of the face which can be eased by using cold compresses. A liquid diet may be required for a few days, as chewing may be difficult. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions given after surgery. The substance used for chin and cheek implants is made of durable, solid material that will last for years.
Ear Surgery
Surgery of the ear, also known as otoplasty, is a procedure that helps reduce protrusion of the ear away from the head. Most often, ear surgery is performed on children between the ages of four to fourteen. Ears that “stick out” are often the source of teasing and ridicule in young children. This teasing can have a devastating effect on the child’s psyche.
Otoplasty is not limited to children and may also be performed on older patients. Cosmetic procedures are available for those individuals with large ears and for those with congenital (birth) irregularities that detract from their appearance. Additionally, an individual’s ears may exhibit abnormal traits due to their genetic make-up or an accidental injury, such as losing an ear or part of an ear. Otoplasty is used successfully for each of these situations. Regardless of the procedure, patients have been pleased with the long-lasting improvements to their appearance offered by ear surgery.
Reasons for Considering Ear Surgery:
- Bring proportion to the face if the ears “stick out” too much.
- Correct folded ear tips (lop ear).
- Reshape long or offset earlobes.
- Enhance very small ears or other congenital defects.
- Remedy an accidental injury, including the loss of an ear.
General Procedure
Ear surgery is commonly performed under general anesthesia. The standard otoplasty procedure brings the ears closer to the head. Otoplasty begins with an incision hidden in the crease behind the ear. This incision allows the cartilage located behind the ears to be reshaped in order to position them closer to the head. The procedure takes approximately one to two hours, depending upon the extent of surgery.
There are various surgical techniques involved in correcting irregularities other than protruding ears. These techniques can be discussed with Dr. Dixon during the initial consultation.
Recovery Process
After the surgery is completed, large bandages will be wrapped around the head. This method secures the ear in place and assists with the healing process. The bandages are usually removed within a week and replaced with smaller dressings. Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery. Any pain can be treated effectively with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions.
IPL Skin Tightening/Wrinkle Reduction & Skin Rejuvenation
Clear, Tighten & Rejuvenate Skin.
eLight™ is a complete facial treatment system. Proven safety and efficacy for a wider range of skin textures and tones means eLight™ can help. eLight™ is FDA approved to be safe and effective.
Skin Rejuvenation
Treats superficial benign vascular and pigmented lesions including Telangiectasias, Rosacea, Poikiloderma and Angioma. The Only FotoFacial RF™ procedure technology
ReFirme™ Skin Tightening/Wrinkle Reduction
Reduces wrinkles at both the epidermal and deep dermal levels.
Dr. T. Michael Dixon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is dedicated to excellence in plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. Specializing in: breast augmentation, tummy tuck, body lift, arm lift, thigh lift, post bariatric/gastric bypass surgery, liposuction, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, face lift, eyelid surgery, body lift, chemical peel, contour threads, Botox, Restylane and ear surgery. Located in Amarillo, Texas the office serves patients from surrounding cities such as Lubbock, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, and Wichita Falls.