Achieving balance of the facial features requires a comprehensive approach. For example, Dr. Potparic considers cheek and chin implants to complement other surgeries such as facelift, eyelid and nose surgeries. “It is relatively frequent for patients seeking corrective nose surgery to present with a chin that appears too small,” Dr. Potparic says. “Even after successful nose surgery, usually reduction of a large nose, a small chin continues to be a problem in achieving facial harmony. The same applies for other facial cosmetic surgeries where enlargement of underdeveloped or asymmetric bones, like cheeks and jaws may improve facial proportions.” In addition, many cases of mild to moderate facial asymmetry and atrophy (loss of volume) may be corrected with selective use of the patient’s own tissue (fat grafts). Aging of the face and loss of facial fat generally results in a bony, deflated face. A similar problem is seen in younger and middle-aged patients with a low body mass index, such as distance runners and diet enthusiasts, who suffer from gaunt, tired faces—a contrast to their fit bodies. “Properly placed fat grafts can soften and balance these faces,” Dr. Potparic says.
Dr. Potparic uses implants to bring more symmetry and balance to the face and body. “Most frequently, we use silicone gel or saline implants for breast augmentation. Facial Implants are also very popular in our practice,” says Dr. Potparic, touting their safety. “We perform implant procedures on an outpatient basis, either under local or general anesthesia. We have found the results to be long-lasting, with minimal risk of complications.” In addition to the cosmetic use of implants, they can also be used for reconstruction procedures. “We can use pectoral implants for contouring men’s chests that never developed sufficient muscle bulk. Likewise, those with ‘underdeveloped’ calves that are disproportional and small in comparison to their thighs—associated with either birth defects, childhood disease, trauma or surgery—may be candidates for implants.” Dr. Potparic follows these patients closely post-operatively and aids in the presurgical selection of proper size and shape to ensure a seamless experience. In terms of buttock enhancement, Dr. Potparic prefers a method known as fat grafting, removing fat from one area of the body and then injecting it into the buttocks.
There are common, inevitable changes that result from growing older and, according to Dr. Potparic, “cannot be corrected through a single cosmetic procedure.” “Due to the loss of muscle and skin tone and weakening support of ligaments that attach facial soft tissue to the bones, there is a descent of facial soft tissues,” he explains. The result? “High, arched brows descend over time; upper eyelids become heavy; lower eyelids begin to sag; and high, full, round cheeks droop downward, creating deep folds.” Moreover, Dr. Potparic believes that satisfactory correction of the above-mentioned aging symptoms requires complex facial rejuvenation: repositioning descended structures, tightening facial and neck muscles, removing redundant skin and adding volume to deflated facial features. “Volume enhancement may involve using the patient’s own fat, facial implants or soft-tissue fillers,” he says. Performing most of his facial rejuvenation procedures in well-synchronized surgical sessions, Dr. Potparic is quick to point out that not everybody needs the same procedures. “When a patient has a drooping brow, deep forehead creases and/or a cleft between the eyes that makes them appear angry, tired or sad, I may recommend a brow lift, either alone or along with additional facial procedures, depending on their other aging symptoms. The treatment plan I recommend is always based on the patient’s uniqueness and individuality.”
Rhinoplasty remains one of the most challenging procedures in plastic surgery. A thorough understanding of nose anatomy and its variations, and of previous trauma, nasal or sinus surgery is important in devising the appropriate surgical plan. A comprehensive knowledge of long-term effects of various surgical techniques on the appearance and function of the nose and extensive hands-on experience of the surgeon with each of the methods leads to the most natural results for the patient. Dr. Potparic occasionally sees patients who underwent unsuccessful nasal surgery from three to six times. Patients like this require more complex and lengthy surgery than initial rhinoplasty patients, and they frequently have used multiple surgical sites. A philosophy of preservation, restoration and overall balance should be practiced to avoid multiple surgeries.
Dr. Potparic uses implants to bring more symmetry and balance to the face and body. “Most frequently, we use silicone gel or saline implants for breast augmentation. Facial Implants are also very popular in our practice,” says Dr. Potparic, touting their safety. “We perform implant procedures on an outpatient basis, either under local or general anesthesia. We have found the results to be long-lasting, with minimal risk of complications.” In addition to the cosmetic use of implants, they can also be used for reconstruction procedures. “We can use pectoral implants for contouring men’s chests that never developed sufficient muscle bulk. Likewise, those with ‘underdeveloped’ calves that are disproportional and small in comparison to their thighs—associated with either birth defects, childhood disease, trauma or surgery—may be candidates for implants.” Dr. Potparic follows these patients closely post-operatively and aids in the presurgical selection of proper size and shape to ensure a seamless experience. In terms of buttock enhancement, Dr. Potparic prefers a method known as fat grafting, removing fat from one area of the body and then injecting it into the buttocks.
Achieving balance of the facial features requires a comprehensive approach. For example, Dr. Potparic considers cheek and chin implants to complement other surgeries such as facelift, eyelid and nose surgeries. “It is relatively frequent for patients seeking corrective nose surgery to present with a chin that appears too small,” Dr. Potparic says. “Even after successful nose surgery, usually reduction of a large nose, a small chin continues to be a problem in achieving facial harmony. The same applies for other facial cosmetic surgeries where enlargement of underdeveloped or asymmetric bones, like cheeks and jaws may improve facial proportions.” In addition, many cases of mild to moderate facial asymmetry and atrophy (loss of volume) may be corrected with selective use of the patient’s own tissue (fat grafts). Aging of the face and loss of facial fat generally results in a bony, deflated face. A similar problem is seen in younger and middle-aged patients with a low body mass index, such as distance runners and diet enthusiasts, who suffer from gaunt, tired faces—a contrast to their fit bodies. “Properly placed fat grafts can soften and balance these faces,” Dr. Potparic says.
Conservative yet radical. I only proceed if certainty is an absolute must for the patient.
I always approach a patient through the eyes of safety. Their objectives determine my approach. My guiding principle is “normal is beautiful.”
Proportion, balance and symmetry are my guiding surgical principles.
I’ve been a board-certified plastic surgeon for 27 years now.
I’ve learned that aesthetic and reconstructive surgery are chasing the same goal—symmetry and normalcy. I’m a firm believer that you can’t address aesthetics properly without a solid knowledge of anatomy.
All of my staff members really are excellent professionals when dealing with patient satisfaction and safety.
I have had the privilege of working with leading plastic surgeons from both the USA and Europe in the course of my numerous trainings, including the Fulbright, Marko Godina and British Council fellowships. I, myself, had the privilege to train many young plastic surgeons, residents and fellows. The greatest achievement is to sit in on a meeting or educational course and learn from these fellows who are now recognized in their fields.
Whatever we do in plastic surgery is visible in one way or another, and that’s very exciting. You can never do the same surgery twice.
You can never be satisfied with your results because that keeps you from going on to do better.
Show all
Yes. In the same places like before because a lot of fat cells are there and fat cells will swell if you continue eating.
Usually the patient will have some sort of splint for seven days. After that, when you remove the splint, you don't have much of the stigma of surgery but there is always swelling that goes for at least six weeks. Expect swelling, bruising and black and blue around the nose and lower eyelids for a week to two weeks and then some discreet swelling goes for a good six weeks. But really the final result of the nose surgery, especially if you have to cut the bones and break them and do more extensive work, is probably visible about a year after the surgery. Of course the major changes are seen immediately after surgery but some minor changes and refinements may take a good year to settle down.
Yes. While breast reconstruction after cancer surgery and breast enlargement with fat grafts are currently being evaluated regarding safety concerns, I believe there are a few other benefits of fat grafting to the breasts that should also be considered. For example, breast implant visibility due to thin, stretched skin that outlines an implant contour may be improved with masterful application of fat grafts. Furthermore, the look of cleavage can be improved and minor volume change can be achieved with appropriate use of fat grafts. However, these procedures should be performed only by an experienced surgeon who considers the accompanying risks.
When i see patients with drooping brows, deep forehead creases and/or a cleft between the eyes that makes them appear angry, tired or sad, i may recommend a browlift, either alone or along with additional facial procedures, depending on the aging symptoms. Patients are typically back to work in about a week, enjoying a more alert, youthful appearance.
Absolutely. That's my favorite choice but not for some small areas. For some small areas you can use fillers but I like to use fat grafts for the larger areas because it's ultimately much a cheaper material and better material for the long term. A patient's own fat is good for cheeks, around the eyes, lips and sometimes the chin. People who develop hollowness of the temples can benefit greatly from using their own fat there.
Be the first to write a testimonial for this doctor.
Doctor Q&A
When i see patients with drooping brows, deep forehead creases and/or a...
Yes. While breast reconstruction after cancer surgery and breast enlargement...
This means your comment may not appear until one of our moderators approves it.