Dr. Willfred Burckhardt M.D.
Specialist in Otolaryngology
and Facial Plastic Surgery

Texas A&M University
College of Medicine
Universidad del Valle

Rhinoplasty (Nose surgery)
It's used to reduce, increase or modify nose shape and size. Nose tip angle in relation to the upper lip can also be altered for a more youthful look or to correct a distortion. Respiratory function can be improved or corrected too. Rhinoplasty is the most frequent surgery nowadays. Surgery takes about two hours and its results are permanent. Healing process can take about six months or longer. During this time, nose shape changes constantly, specially swelling of the tip tissue. In some cases, futher revision surgery is required.

Rhytidectomy (Facelift)
This surgery is used to correct facial skin wrinkles and to re-locate deep tissues, in order to achieve a fresh, younger appearance. Muscles and deep tissues are tightened and repositioned, and skin excess is removed. Surgery can take 3-5 hours, and results can last for more than 10 years. It is very important to keep a permanent skin care, avoid sunlight as much as possible, keep a healthy diet and avoid smoking, in order to make surgery results last longer and get a better life quality.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
In this surgery, skin and fat excess are removed in order to achieve a younger appearance of the eye. Surgery can be performed on both upper and lower eyelids, depending on patient's needs or expectations. Eyeborw can also be lifted to reinforce young appearance. This surgery can take 1 to 3 hours.

Endoscopic Frontoplasty (Forehead Lift Surgery)
This surgery is made to minimize forehead wrinkles and elevate eyebrows, producing a fresh, youthful expression. This surgery also allows to lift outer end of the eyebrow and can be complemented with eyelid surgery. procedure takes 1-3 hours and results can be visible for more than 10 years.

Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
This surgery corrects ears shape and projection by re-modeling cartilagues. Ear surgery usually takes 1 hour. It can be performed on patients from 5 years-old. Results are permanent.

Sub-mental Lipectomy (Necklift)
This surgery is intended to eliminate fatty deposits at the jaw line and loose hanging skin. This surgery removes excess, sagging skin under the jaw line and on the neck. In some cases, the platysma muscle of the neck is adjusted and tightened. Results are permanent and surgical procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes. It can also be made by using laser.

Mentoplasty (Chin Surgery)
This surgery alters shape and projection of chin. In augmentation cases, an implant is inserted, creating the new shape and increasing size. If reduction is required, jawbone must be cut and re-adjusted, according to previous facial study. Surgery takes 1-2 hours and results are permanent.

Surgery of Facial Scars
Skin can be treated to make scars less noticeable, by using "camouflage" procedures. These procedures must be complemented with dermatological treatments, in order to improve scar appearance.

Facial Contour Re-definition
Face contour can be re-shaped, specially in jaw area, cheekbones and chin. Implants and own patient's fat fillings can be used. This is usally made as a complement of a facelift, or as an alternative for patients who fear a major surgery.
This procedure is made by using local anesthesia and it can take 30-40 minutes. Results are permanent for implants, and fat fillings can last about 10 years.

Laser Lipolysis
This procedure is made by using a special equipment to shape body fat with laser beam. It is combined with traditional liposuction.

Risks of Surgeries

All surgical procedures imply certain risk levels, which depend on each patient's individual conditions. An exhaustive previous evaluation can take these risk to a minimum level.

10 - 15% of cases can require retouching 4 - 6 months after surgery, or when doctor decides it is necesary, according to each patient's healing process.

Most frequent complications are bleeding and infections, which can occur in 1 - 5% of cases. Fortunately, this is most unlikely to happen if surgery is performed by an experienced professional, after a deep medical evaluation.

Surgery is not recommended on patients with grave, recurring diseases, or on patients with weight excess or obesity who want to lose weight by means of cosmetic surgery. Patient's health is always more important than vanity.

Don't hesitate to ask your doctor all the questions you may have about your surgery. It is also very important that you supply every detail of your medical history. By omiting key information, you jeopardize your surgery results and your own safety and wellbeing.