Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Hugh Hetherington at Bozeman Health Cosmetic Surgery + Medical Spa
uses the newest, least invasive methods and cutting-edge technologies
to achieve long term results. Procedures are done outpatient under local
anesthesia and/or conscious sedation, although general anesthesia in the
hospital is also possible.
Liposuction
Sculpt away genetically stubborn, unwanted fat deposits that exercise and
healthy eating just can't. *Liposuction removes fat and fat cells, sculpting
the body to a leaner version of itself. It is one of the most common cosmetic
procedures performed in the U.S. today.*
Injecting tumescent fluid - a dilution of local anesthetic and a capillary
constrictor - into subcutaneous fat, causes the targeted tissues to swell
and get firm. This technique provides long-lasting local anesthesia requiring
less pain relieving drugs post-surgery. Associated vasoconstriction (blood
vessel shrinkage) also prevents significant blood loss.
After tumescent fluid is injected, surgeons make small incisions. A cannula,
a stainless steel tube, is inserted to remove unwanted fat cells. Using
canulas allow for gradual and controlled fat removal achieving smooth results.
Frequently asked questions about liposuction:
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Who is a candidate for liposuction?
Liposuction is not a weight-loss solution. It is best used on individuals
who are active and of normal body weight to remove localized fat deposits
that are diet- and exercise-resistant.
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"I'm thinking of having a liposuction procedure done on my abdomen, is
liposuction safe?"
When liposuction is performed using the tumescent technique, it is very safe.
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Will liposuction hurt?
We use conscious sedation and a local anesthetic in the tumescent fluid.
This helps makes the procedure almost completely pain free.
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How long is the recovery?
Most patients are back to work in a day or two *. Some patients take a
little longer. The sites will remain tender and bruised for several weeks.
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What areas respond to liposuction?
Liposuction is the most versatile fat reduction method available. It may
be used to reduce fat deposits of the abdomen and waist, hips and buttocks,
thighs, upper arms, back, inner knee, chest area, cheeks, chin and neck,
calves and ankles.
Breast Lift
A breast will lift and restore volume to sagging breasts. It can be performed
alone or often is combined with breast augmentation using saline or gel
implants. A breast lift is a great option to restore a more youthful and
full look to your figure.
Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
Boost your self-confidence with this outpatient nose surgery that corrects
deformities. Advanced imaging software enables you to preview a computer-generated
image of your new nose before surgery.
Questions about Rhinoplasty
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery performed to reshape the nose by reducing
or increasing its size, removing a hump, changing the shape of the tip
or bridge or narrowing nostril span.
Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is ideal for healthy, psychologically stable men and women
who are seeking improvement, but not perfection in their facial appearance.
Most surgeons also consider age as a factor, preferring young patients
who have finished growing.
What are the benefits of rhinoplasty?
Benefits of rhinoplasty can range from improved breathing to enhanced
appearance and self-confidence.
What are the risks associated with rhinoplasty?
As with any surgery, rhinoplasty does carry some risks. Fortunately, complications
are rare and usually minor. Nonetheless, complications may include infection
and bleeding.
Will I be put under general anesthesia?
Depending on the preference of the surgeon and/or patient, rhinoplasty
can be performed under general or local anesthesia.
What does a rhinoplasty procedure involve?
Surgical techniques for reshaping the nose vary. However, rhinoplasty
generally involves the separation of nose skin from its framework of cartilage
and bone. This can be done either from an incision inside the nose or
through an "open" procedure that requires an external incision in the
tissue separating the nostrils. The surgeon then reshapes the nose, replaces
the skin over the new framework, and applies a splint to help the nose
maintain its shape.
How long does it take to recover from rhinoplasty?
Healing after rhinoplasty is slow and gradual with subtle swelling sometimes
persisting for months. However, patients can usually expect to return
to work or school within a week or two and to more strenuous activity
within two to three weeks.
How long can I expect results to last?
With the exception of changes associated with aging, results are permanent.
Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
Otoplasty is used to correct external ear deformities. Optimal age for
this surgery is at about five, when ears have reached 85% to 90% of their
adult size so there is little concern about affecting normal ear growth.
However, otoplasty can be performed at any age. Adults and older children
can have the procedure under local anesthesia, often with intravenous sedation.
Questions about Otoplasty
What is recovery like?
The surgery is done in the office under sedation and local anesthesia.
In very young patients the option of general anesthesia is more appropriate.
In these cases, we perform the surgery in a hospital operating room. The
patient will wear ear dressings for one week. After the first week, a
head band protecting the ears is worn at night for six weeks. There is
tenderness, but the discomfort is easily controlled with pain medication.
Are there visible scars?
The incision is hidden in the crease behind the ear and is very hard to
detect even in men with very short hair.
Rhytidectomy (Face Lift/Mini Face Lift)
You feel young and vital, but as your skin ages, your face tells a different
story. As skin ages, it loses elasticity, creating sags, creases and jowls
in the mid and lower portions of the face and neck resulting in a tired,
worn-out appearance. A lift may be the solution to more youthful-looking
face and neck contours. This versatile and long-lasting surgery is typically
performed under conscious sedation on an outpatient basis, although patients
may choose general anesthesia in a hospital operating room. Most patients
return to normal activities in about two weeks.
What is the difference between a face lift and a mini face lift?
A face lift addresses primarily the neck and jowls. The difference between
a face lift and a mini lift is in the length of the incisions. The mini
face lift or short scar incision is hidden in the front of the ear and
runs up the back of the ear. A face lift is for a more aged neck and jowls.
The incision is hidden in front of the ear, runs behind the ear and is
extended into the hairline. Once healed, both are very difficult to detect.
What is the recovery like for a face lift?
For all facial procedures we recommend a two-week healing period. Initially,
you will have swelling and bruising. By week one, most of the swelling
will have subsided and by week two most of the bruising will be gone.
If any bruising remains it is easily concealed with makeup. You will want
to sleep with your head elevated during recovery and any discomfort is
managed with medication. You can resume most everyday activities after
two days; walks are encouraged at this time. More rigorous activities
are not recommended for three to six weeks. As with all our facial surgeries,
you are offered five Curelight treatments to speed your recovery.
Endoscopic Brow Lift
Remove those deep furrows that make you look mad or sad. Using an endoscope,
surgeons make tiny incisions hidden along the hairline to carefully rotate
the scalp to a higher position without removing any skin. The results
are a smooth, natural look. This long-lasting procedure is typically done
outpatient using conscious sedation. Most patients return to normal activity
in about two weeks. Patients often combine brow lift with blepharoplasty
(eyelid surgery).
Questions about Brow Lifts
I don't want to be restricted in my activities too long. When can I ride
my horse and exercise again?
A strenuous workout is usually allowed after two to six weeks. You can,
however, resume most everyday activities after two days, and walking is
encouraged at this time.
I don't want scars, how big are they and are they visible?
Since this surgery is endoscopic, all incisions - usually six small ones
-- are within the hairline and not visible. No scalp skin is removed and
hair does not need to be shaved.
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is very affordable and one of our most popular procedures. Correcting
droopy eyelids and under-eye bags will rejuvenate the eyes and can transform
one's whole look from tired and heavy to refreshed and relaxed.
Questions about Eyelid Surgery
What does the procedure involve?
On the upper lid, the doctor makes a very fine incision in the crease
of the eyelid. Excess fat and skin are removed and the incision is closed.
Once healed, the scars are nearly invisible.
On the lower lid, there are two different approaches.
One is called transconjunctival (through the inside of the lid) where excess
fat is either removed, repositioned or both. No skin is removed and there
is no visible scar.
The other lower lid approach is most effective when there is excess skin
as well as bags. A very fine incision is made near the lash line. The
fat is either removed or repositioned. Sometimes the cheek muscle is slightly
elevated, then excess skin is removed. Stitches are removed after four days.
How long is recovery?
Initially there is swelling and bruising. This usually resolves in two
to three weeks. Most patients return to work after a week or two, using
make-up to mask any remaining bruises.
Midface Lift
Reduce sagging or sinking cheeks, eye bags and folds along the nose and
corners of the mouth. Using incisions below natural lash lines, midface
tissue is lifted and reattached improving that sunken appearance under
the eyes, redefining cheekbones and reducing folds around the mouth and nose.
Questions about Midface Lifts
I have never heard of a midface lift, what exactly does it do?
A midface lift addresses the portion of the face from the lower eyelid
through the cheeks. Imagine subtly lifting your cheeks up to your lower
lids and removing excess skin. It is particularly effective if you have
hollowing under the eyes and deep nasal labial folds.
How is this different from a lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)?
A lower blepharoplasty is best if you have bulges and excess skin under
the eye. A midface lift improves hollowing under your eyes and sagging cheeks.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
This procedure tightens the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat often
developed during pregnancy or major weight loss. It may also include abdominal
muscle tightening.
Questions about Abdominoplasty
Is a tummy tuck a good way to lose weight?
No. Abdominoplasty is not used to treat overweight or obesity issues. Patients
intending to lose weight should reach weight stability before having any
body-contouring surgery.
Are there alternative treatments to a tummy tuck?
If there is good skin tone and localized fatty deposits, liposuction may
be a surgical alternative. Suction-assisted lipectomy or other body-contouring
elective surgeries may also be combined with abdominoplasty. Diet and
exercise programs may reduce excess body fat and improve body contour
without surgery.
How long is recovery from abdominoplasty?
On average a week to ten days with proper follow-up and at home care.
Will there be scars?
Yes, every surgery has a scar. This one is placed below the bikini line/lower
abdomen which is easily hidden by everyday basic undergarments or a bathing
suit. Incision placement varies depending upon the amount of skin removed.
Earlobe Repair
Repair torn, damaged, gauged or stretched earlobes with this simple procedure
done right in our office. The procedure will be slightly different for
each patient. Sutures are typically removed after between five and seven days.
Fat Transfer
Facial fat loss combined with loss of skin tone and muscle tone is part
of the natural aging process and one of the primary causes of an older-looking
face. Fat transfer takes years off your face, restoring youthful volume
using your own living tissue.
Questions about Fat Transfer for the Face
How is this procedure done?
Fat transfer is a two-step process. First surgeons harvest fat (most commonly
from the inner thighs) using tumescent fluid -- a dilution of local anesthetic
and epinephrine. The fluid numbs the area and minimizes bleeding. Fat
is gently suctioned out through small tubes.
Stage two involves injecting the harvested fat into intramuscular or subcutaneous
areas around the eyes, cheeks and mouth. The patient and doctor determine
the exact placement during a pre-operative consultation.
Are there alternative treatments to fat transfer?
Non-surgical, injectable dermal fillers provide wrinkle reduction lasting
six months to a year. Solid implants can be used to enhance volume in
certain areas of the face including the chin, cheeks and jawline.
What is the recovery time for fat transfer?
Bruising and swelling can last from two to four weeks. Curelight treatments
can help reduce healing time.