Appearance plays a big role in the lives of most people. We begin the day looking in the mirror--washing our face, brushing teeth, combing hair, shaving, putting on make-up. For some, the reflection can cause displeasure due to accidents, birth defects, or other signs such as premature aging. Many of these conditions can be improved surgically and many people choose to put their faces in the hands of a facial plastic surgeon. A facial plastic surgeon specializes in performing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery on the face, head, and neck region. The reasons for facial plastic surgery are varied. Some patients suffer from birth disfigurements such as birthmarks, cleft palates, and congenital facial deformities. Others are victims of accidents, burns, diseases, and the treatment required for such diseases. Many choose to change some of the signs of premature aging or the shape or size of a facial feature that has bothered them for years.

Plastic Surgery (facial) can include the following:

• Surgery of the nose where cartilage and bone are reshaped and reconstructed; excess bone or cartilage may be removed. Recovery time is approximately one week. Results: Permanent.

• Surgery of the eyelids where fat and excess skin, bags, pouches, wrinkles in the eye area are removed. Recovery time is approximately one week. Results: Lower lids, permanent; upper lids, ten years.

• In facelift surgery, excess skin is removed and muscles are tightened. Recovery time is approximately two weeks. Results: From five to 10 years, depending on the patient.

• Surgery to minimize forehead lines and wrinkles, and elevate brows to reduce lid drooping. Recovery time is about 10 days. Results: 10 years.

• Surgery beneath the chin to eliminate "double" chin; excess fat is removed. Results: Generally permanent.

• Surgery of the chin where a receding chin is augmented with an implant or a too prominent chin is reduced. Recovery time is about one week. Results: Permanent.

• Surgery of the ear where ears can be "pinned back" by reshaping the cartilage. Recovery time is about one week. Results: Permanent.

Removal of the upper layer skin using a laser, resulting in smoother and less wrinkled skin. Recovery time is about 10 days. Results: Generally permanent. Surgery to repair or reconstruct facial features in victims of cancer, facial trauma, and birth defects. An injection of natural protein which puffs up and raises skin tissue to smooth out and make less visible wrinkles and scars. Recovery time is about three hours. Results: Repeated as needed. Controlled removal of the outer layer of skin with specific chemicals. Recovery time, depending on the nature of the chemical, is from one to three weeks. Results: Generally, permanent.