The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours when performed by itself. There are several techniques that can be used to achieve the desired results. This is decided on an individual basis during the consultation with Dr. Somenek. There are several techniques that Dr. Somenek uses to perform a brow lift. The most frequent procedure is the endoscopic, minimally invasive brow lift. This involves placing small incisions that are concealed behind the hairline and using tiny scopes to maximize visualization while minimizing the size and extent of incisions in the scalp. After the brow is raised to the desired extent, it is secured by small absorbable screws into the forehead.

A local upper lip lift usually takes about an hour to perform and is done in an outpatient setting. It is frequently performed under local anesthesia which numbs the area for maximal comfort. Dr. Somenek artistically designs the incision around the natural contours at the base of the nose so it is maximally concealed. The incision never goes further than these natural creases and once it is healed most consider it barely visible. Most patients find it difficult to even notice the healed incision. During the procedure, a strip of excess skin is removed to shorten the upper lips vertical length. Dr. Somenek addresses all layers of tissue down to the actual muscle in order to relieve tension and provide the best lip lift possible. He then secures the tissue layers to the nasal base which ensures a stable, long-lasting result that doesn’t alter the shape of the nose or the nostrils.

Buccal fat pad reduction is performed in our Washington DC operating room, under either local anesthesia (where you can remain awake) or under general anesthesia (where you are asleep). Most patients choose to have the procedure done fully awake. In this approach, Dr. Somenek injects lidocaine into your skin to numb the area, makes surgical incisions around the inside of the mouth, and removes the fat pads. The incision is then stitched closed, and you can go home immediately.

Blepharoplasty usually takes one to three hours, depending on if both upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery are being performed. Dr. Somenek begins by making incisions that follow the natural lines of your eyelids; in the creases of your upper lids, and just below the lashes in the lower lids. The incisions may extend into the crow’s feet or laugh lines at the outer corners of your eyes which follows the natural contour of the eye. Dr. Somenek then separates the skin from underlying fatty tissue and muscle, removes excess fat, and often trims sagging skin and muscle. The incisions are then closed with very fine sutures. If you have a pocket of fat beneath your lower eyelids but don’t need to have any skin removed, Dr. Somenek may create a transconjunctival incision as part of lower blepharoplasty. In transconjunctival blepharoplasty, the incision is made inside your lower eyelid, leaving no visible scar.

Chin augmentation is appropriate for healthy men and women who have reasonable expectations for improving a chin that is weak in appearance. There are nonsurgical alternatives to augment the chin. This can be achieved with the use of the injectable filler Radiesse or others with similar lifting power. For those that are not quite ready for surgery or an implant, this is a great alternative.