What is a "Signature Lift"? - This is a facial rejuvenation procedure that Dr. Castellano has evolved his practice to over thousands of cosmetic cases. Performed in approximately 90 minutes, this procedure produces instant results that look natural and avoids the risks and recovery of general anesthesia. Some patients choose to add eyelid procedures or facial fillers to complement their Signature Lift result.

Mini-Facelift - also known as the "S-lift", "short scar lift", "weekend facelift", or "Lunch-time Lift" is typically a type of facelfit that has a shorter incision in front of and behind the ear, lifts up the skin layer, tightens the SMAS (or "muscle layer" in lay terms), and then trims off the excess, redundant skin before suturing the skin closed. This is commonly be performed under local anesthesia. Minilifts are advertised under numerous trademarked names. Regardless of what you choose, be sure to verify the credentials and the number of cases performed by the surgeon you are working with.

Full Facelift - is typically a facelift where the skin layer is raised to varying degrees, in many cases completely raised from one ear to the other, underneath the chin. This allows for maximum mobilization and redraping of the skin. Most surgeons will tighten the SMAS or "muscle layer", and some will actually cut and lift the muscle layer to achieve an even tighter or more thorough pull of the deeper tissues (see Deep Plane Facelift). Traditionally, these procedures are performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation, and involve the use of drainage tubes for 1-3 days after your procedure. There are many surgeons performing what many would consider to be "full facelifts" under local anesthesia.

Deep Plane Facelift - this is a type of Full Facelift where the SMAS or "muscle layer" is cut and lifted to achieve maximum tightening of facial tissues. In the right hands, this type of facelift is known to produce the maximum improvement possible from a facelifting procedure. This lift can achieve the most aggressive result possible, and it is known to have more risk involved as the facial nerve is exposed during the dissection. Also, recovery times tend to be longer than other facelifting technicques, though recovery times can be variable for different patients and different procedures.

SMAS - Subcutaneous Musculo Aponeurotic System - this is a layer of fibrous and fatty tissue that envelopes the facial musculature. This is the layer that is tightened in a facelift, allowing a more natural appearing improvement. Also known as the "muscle layer" because it contains the facial muscles within.

Surgeon variation - Surgery, especially cosmetic surgery, is a mixture of art-form and science. Plastic surgeons are very much like chefs - there are a dozen ways to make a souffle, but that doesn't mean one way is right or wrong. And each chef can make a delicious tasting meal, with different ingredients, technique, and experience. Plastic surgery is very much the same in that different surgeons use different techniques with different levels of experience to often achieve similar rejuvenation of aging changes. This is why it is so important to choose a surgeon with the most experience and a proven track record in the procedure being performed.

Eyelift - also known as Blepharoplasty. Can be performed on either the upper, lower or both eyelids. Typically this involves either the removal of skin, muscle, and or fat from the upper or lower eyelids. Some surgeons advocate repositioning of the fat or muscle on the lower eyelids, as opposed to removal of the fat. Please refer to surgeon variation.

Blepharoplasty - Can be performed on either the upper, lower or both eyelids. Typically this involves either the removal of skin, muscle, and or fat from the upper or lower eyelids. Some surgeons advocate repositioning of the fat or muscle on the lower eyelids, as opposed to removal of the fat. Please refer to surgeon variation.

Chin Augmentation - This is typically performed for a patient that desires a more prominent chin or strengthening of their jawline. This can be performed from an incision under the chin or in the mouth, between the lower lip and the lower teeth. A pocket is formed along the mandible (jaw bone) to place an implant. The implant is most commonly made of silicone, but may be composed of other materials as well. The implant is usually sutured into place before the deep tissues and skin are closed.

Local Anesthesia - This is similar to what is used in a dentist's office. Lidocaine, xylocaine, or marcaine are commonly used to numb the tissues via injection. Epinephrine is commonly used in small quantities with the lidocaine, and this can make you feel as if your heart is racing a little. This sensation is temporary and often subsides in a few seconds.

IV sedation - twighlight anesthesia - typically is performed using IV medications, such as versed, propofol, or other medications. This requires a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist, along with cardiac monitoring. Though the risk overall is low, the risk for complications with this type of sedation are roughly the same as with general anesthesia.

General Anesthesia - This is performed by an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist, and involves putting a patient to sleep for a surgical procedure. To help the patient breathe, an endotracheal tube (or "breathing tube") is used, along with IV fluids and medications. Though the risk overall is low, the risk for complications with this type of sedation are roughly the same as with IV sedation anesthesia.

Thread lift - There are a variety of techniques used with a thread lift. Essentially, a surgical grade suture with one-way barbs is inserted into the skin. When the direction of pull is reversed, the barbs engage the skin, and pull in the direction the patient wants lifted. A thread lift repositions excess skin only, and does not remove skin redundancy. This is generally indicated for more minor improvements in facial appearance. It is a common sentiment that a thread lift procedure may not last as long as other rejuvenation procedures that actually remove excess skin or tissues.

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