Other Facial Procedures
Facial plastic surgery isn't just about rhinoplasty and wrinkle treatments. A great facial plastic surgeon will offer you options for treating the many facets of facial beauty. Among these other options, Dr. M. Sean Freeman in Charlotte, North Carolina offers otoplasty (ear surgery) and scar revision.
Patients who choose Dr. Freeman at The Center for Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery are choosing a physician who has specialized in lasers and facial cosmetic surgery since 1988. At The Center for Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery our motto is "Only Faces, Only the Best Care." To learn more about facial procedures, you can request your consultation online to receive $25 off your consultation fee or call his office at 704-543-1110.
Otoplasty
Otoplasty (surgery to correct protruding ears) can be performed at almost any age. Most often, surgery is performed on children at age five or six when the ear is approaching full development. Dr. Freeman recommends that otoplasty be performed before a child starts school to avoid psychological trauma and teasing. Adults are also excellent candidates for otoplasty; generally, there are no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an adult.
The Procedure
Dr. Freeman will reshape and reposition the cartilage of the ear, bringing it closer to the head, to give the ear a more normal appearance. The required incision is placed behind the ears, so the scar is well hidden. For younger patients, general anesthesia may be used, so the child will sleep through the surgery. Older patients may choose local anesthesia combined with a sedative.
Charlotte, NC surgeon Dr. Freeman performs otoplasty by making a small incision in the back of the ear, sculpting the exposed cartilage and positioning the ear back toward the head. Usually, he will reshape other areas of ear cartilage to provide a more natural-looking appearance.
Recovery
Dr. Freeman recommends that a gauze bandage be worn for about five days after surgery so the ears will heal in their new shape and position. Stitches usually are removed in about a week. To help ensure a good result, Dr. Freeman recommends that any patient who undergoes otoplasty avoid situations that may result in accidental trauma to the ear for about four weeks after surgery.
Most of Dr. Freeman's adult patients feel good enough to return to work in several days; however, many wait until the bandage has been removed to return to work. Dr. Freeman recommends that children go back to school after about a week when the bandage and sutures have been removed.
Scar Revision
Though a scar cannot be removed completely, it is often possible to make it less visible with the injection or application of steroid medications. Scar modification also can be achieved by a procedure known as a scar revision. Surgical scar revision can change the size of scars, raise depressed scars, or lower elevated scars.
Surgical Scar Revision
Scar revision improves the appearance of a scar while leaving another, though less obvious, scar in its place. At times, a scar will retain persistent red discoloration. When this is the case, laser treatments can reduce this problem.
Dr. Freeman frequently uses irregular or zigzag incision lines (rather than a straight incision line) to form a new scar that is harder to recognize. This method also can be used to move scars into less obvious places such as the hairline or a natural fold in the skin.
Surgical scar revision works best on scars that are long, prominent, or have healed in a particular shape. Best results are achieved when a scar is removed and wound edges are joined without tension. For this reason, Dr. Freeman frequently performs scar revision as a sole procedure.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser light is used to improve fine scars, wrinkles and sun-damaged skin. Dr. Freeman has been performing laser resurfacing since its inception, has authored several key publications on the subject, and has taught physicians throughout the world the physics, methodology and process of laser skin resurfacing. Having an experienced physician helps to minimize the risks and improve results.
After laser resurfacing, patients can return to work within ten to fourteen days. There will be a period during which their skin looks redder than usual. The red tinting of the skin will fade and is typically easily covered with makeup.
Injections
Injectable substances such as RADIESSE® can also be used to fill depressed scars. While improvement is immediate, it is not permanent. Repeat treatments will be required to maintain the desired result. This procedure does not require anesthesia. Cortisone-like injections are used to soften firm scars (or keloids) causing them to shrink and flatten. Dr. Freeman has also found that injecting liquid silicone using a microdrop technique may provide a permanent improvement for some patients.
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Surgical Procedures
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Dr. Freeman has specialized in Facial Aesthetic Surgery since 1988 and is one of the few double board certified & fellowship trained surgical specialists in the Southeast with this level of experience and training.