AESTHETIC SURGERY

Most of the procedures discussed below are performed on an outpatient basis at the Plastic Surgery Center of Asheville, the oldest and largest plastic surgery center in WNC. The facility has served the Asheville area for over 40 years, and is well known for its focus on two things: safety and quality. We have two AAAASF-accredited operating rooms staffed by warm, friendly, and highly experienced professionals who are dedicated to ensuring you have a positive experience. An MD anesthesiologist is on site at all times to ensure your safety. You will have peace of mind knowing you are in the hands of an experienced and board-certified surgeon operating in a safe, clean, and friendly environment.

FACE | BREAST | BODY

AESTHETIC SURGERY – FACE

Face Lift

A face lift is not one operation, but a spectrum of procedures designed to treat excess skin, volume loss, and a variety of age-related issues that affect the face and neck. In many cases, face lift surgery is part of a comprehensive approach to treat facial aging, which might include blepharoplasty, brow lift, neck lift, fat grafting, injectables, and skin care. There is no “one-size-fits-all” operation to treat facial aging. During your consultation, Dr. Halvorson will learn about your concerns and goals and perform a physical examination. Together, you will develop an individualized surgical plan that addresses your priorities, limits scars, and is designed to meet your expectations.

Blepharoplasty

Excess skin in the upper eyelid and “bags” under the eyes are signs of aging that can be corrected with blepharoplasty. Every person has different facial anatomy that must be taken into consideration when planning this type of surgery to avoid complications. Dr. Halvorson will adjust the surgical plan based on your goals and facial anatomy. Blepharoplasty will make most patients appear more youthful and well rested. It is not uncommon to perform this procedure in conjunction with a face lift and/or brow lift.

Neck Lift

Although some patients may feel that skin laxity of the neck is their primary concern, tightening the neck is most commonly performed using a face lift procedure. An isolated neck lift is typically reserved for patients with excess fat and/or bands formed by separation of the neck muscles, without excess skin. In these cases, a small incision under the chin is used to remove fat and tighten the neck muscles.

Brow Lift

Brow lift surgery is performed to treat drooping eyebrows and upper eyelids, and a high or low hairline. The most common techniques involve an incision at or behind the hairline, or incisions above the eyebrows. Every person has a different forehead and different goals. After a careful examination, Dr. Halvorson will help you decide which approach is best for you.

Otoplasty

Prominent ears can be a source of embarrassment, and otoplasty is designed to place the ears into a more “normal” position with scars hidden behind the ear. This procedure can often be performed under local anesthesia.

Earlobe Correction

Torn earlobes or holes left by gauges can be easily corrected under local anesthesia in our office.

AESTHETIC SURGERY – BREAST

Augmentation

Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic procedure performed in the US. With more than a decade of experience specializing in plastic surgery of the breast, Dr. Halvorson has the knowledge and skills to give you the natural results you are looking for. There are many issues to consider in breast augmentation that Dr. Halvorson will review with you in detail to develop an individualized plan that meets your goals and expectations. Incision location and implant size, type, and position are all considerations that you will discuss at length based on the most current scientific data available.

Incisions can be placed in the armpit, around the areola, or most commonly at the fold of the breast. There are advantages and disadvantages to each approach, which will be discussed in detail so you can make an informed decision.

Implant size is determined by using specialized sizers (not implants) that mimic the appearance of an augmented breast in a bra. Every woman has different breasts and different goals, and therefore it is crucial to consider this when selecting an appropriate implant size. Most women can go up 1-2 cup sizes without appearing unnatural. Implants that are too large can lead to complications and added scars in the future.

There are many different types of implants and Dr. Halvorson believes in allowing YOU, the patient and consumer, to make a well-informed decision based on a comprehensive discussion of all implants available. There are smooth vs textured, round vs shaped, and saline vs silicone implants which all have different characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. In addition, we are happy to now offer the Ideal implant, which is a new and innovative saline implant that feels very similar to a silicone implant.

Implants can be placed on top or under the pectoralis major muscle. Each position has advantages and disadvantages that will be discussed so you can make an informed decision. The shape of your breast, your activity level, an increased risk of breast cancer, how thin you are, and the size of the implant all affect this decision.

Mastopexy (lift)

Many women who are looking for fuller, rounder breasts benefit from a mastopexy. Women who have breasts that have dropped due to pregnancy or the effects of time and gravity are often better served by a breast lift than a breast augmentation. Although mastopexy places scars on the breast, it is important to understand that this is preferable and safer than placing large implants to correct ptosis, or sagging, of the breast. If you are generally happy with your breast size but wish they were higher/perkier, mastopexy is the solution.

Reduction

Some women are self-conscious about their breast size, yet they do not want the aggressive reduction that insurance companies require to be covered. Minimal/moderate breast reductions can often be accomplished with smaller scars while lifting the breasts into a more youthful position. The shape of your breast and degree of reduction will determine the extent and location of scars.

AESTHETIC SURGERY – BODY

Abdominoplasty

This procedure, also known as a “tummy tuck”, is one of the most common cosmetic procedures. The operation is designed to address excess skin, although some excess fat can be removed with liposuction. Abdominoplasty will greatly improve contour at the expense of a scar hidden in the bikini line and around the umbilicus. Variations include the mini-abdominoplasty that addresses only lower abdominal excess skin and the extended abdominoplasty that addresses significant excess skin using an inverted “T” incision. Your individual anatomy, goals, and preferences will determine which procedure is best for you. Abdominoplasty is commonly performed in conjunction with breast augmentation and/or mastopexy after the effects of child-bearing have settled.

Liposuction

Liposuction is another very common cosmetic procedure that can offer tremendous benefit in appropriately selected patients. Aggressive liposuction can lead to complications, and therefore it works best when performed conservatively. Because so many non-plastic surgeons offer this procedure, it is important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon to reduce your risk of complications.

Brachioplasty

Excess skin and fat of the upper arm can be removed via brachioplasty, with or without the use of liposuction. Although this requires placing a scar on the inner part of the upper arm, it is usually well tolerated and fairly well hidden. Brachioplasty is often performed after weight loss, in conjunction with other body contouring procedures.

Thigh Lift

Excess skin and fat of the thigh can be removed with a thigh lift, with or without the use of liposuction. Scar placement depends on the location of tissue that is removed, but it is most commonly placed in the upper inner thigh, where it is fairly well hidden. Thigh lift is often performed after weight loss, in conjunction with other body contouring procedures.

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