Demo site — Whitmore Plastic Surgery (fictional)
WhitmorePlastic Surgery · Raleigh
Procedures · Face

Facial Surgery & Rhinoplasty.

Restoring proportion. Refining contour. Returning the face to a rested version of itself.

Overview

Faces are not generic. Neither is our approach.

Dr. Whitmore performs facial aesthetic surgery using techniques that respect the underlying anatomy — particularly the deep-plane facelift, structural rhinoplasty, and conservative blepharoplasty.

The aim is never to "lift" or "remove" tissue in isolation, but to restore the face's natural architecture. Our patients are told repeatedly that they look "well" — not "different."

Procedure 01

Deep-Plane Facelift

Where a traditional facelift tightens the skin alone, the deep-plane facelift releases and re-positions the underlying SMAS layer (the muscle and connective tissue beneath the skin). The result is a more natural, longer-lasting rejuvenation — without the pulled, "windblown" look of older techniques.

Candidacy

Most candidates are between 45 and 70 with visible jowling, midface descent, and neck laxity. Younger patients with significant family history of early aging may also benefit.

The Procedure

Performed under general anesthesia in our AAAASF-accredited surgical suite. Operative time is typically 4–5 hours. Most patients stay one night with a private nurse before being discharged home.

Recovery

Patients are presentable in social settings around two weeks. Most return to non-public work at 10–14 days. Final results refine over 3–6 months as deep tissue settles.

Procedure 02

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is the most technically demanding operation in plastic surgery. It is also the procedure for which Dr. Whitmore is most frequently sought — including by patients seeking revision after surgery elsewhere.

Our Approach

We favor structural rhinoplasty: preserving and reshaping native cartilage rather than removing it aggressively. This approach produces noses that age gracefully and breathe well.

Primary & Revision

Roughly 40% of our rhinoplasty practice is revision — addressing problems from previous surgery elsewhere. Revision rhinoplasty often requires cartilage grafts (typically from the rib or ear) and is significantly more complex than primary surgery.

Recovery

The external splint comes off at one week. Most bruising and swelling around the eyes resolves in two weeks. The final shape continues to refine for up to a full year — particularly the tip.

Procedure 03

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

The eyes are typically the first feature to age — and the first place patients notice they "look tired." Upper or lower blepharoplasty addresses heavy hooding, puffy lower lids, and dark circles caused by orbital fat herniation.

Conservative by Default

Over-resection is the most common cause of unnatural-looking eyelid surgery. We err on the side of removing less skin and re-positioning rather than removing fat — preserving the soft, supported under-eye that defines a youthful face.

Recovery

Often performed with light IV sedation as an outpatient procedure. Most patients are presentable at 7–10 days; subtle residual swelling resolves over a month.

Also Offered

Additional facial procedures.

Brow Lift

Endoscopic and lateral temporal techniques to address heavy brows and forehead descent — performed alone or with upper blepharoplasty.

Neck Lift

Addresses neck laxity, vertical platysmal banding, and submental fullness. Frequently combined with deep-plane facelift; available as a stand-alone procedure for younger patients.

Chin & Jaw Contouring

Chin augmentation with anatomic implants or genioplasty (chin bone advancement). Restores facial proportion and is one of the most under-used tools in modern aesthetic surgery.

Otoplasty

Ear-shaping surgery for prominent ears in adults and children (typically age 6+). A simple, life-changing procedure.

Lip Lift

Subnasal bullhorn lip lift to shorten a long upper lip and reveal more of the vermilion border. A subtle, permanent alternative to repeated filler.

Buccal Fat Removal

Conservatively performed and rarely recommended. We require strict candidacy criteria, as over-resection ages the face significantly over time.

Mohs Reconstruction

Following Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer, Dr. Whitmore performs aesthetic-focused reconstruction of facial defects — most commonly on the nose, cheek, lip, ear, and forehead. We coordinate same-day or next-day closure with Triangle-area dermatologic surgeons. Most procedures are covered by insurance.

Common Questions

Frequently asked.

How long do facelift results last?

A well-executed deep-plane facelift typically lasts 10–15 years before any meaningful re-tightening might be considered. The face will continue to age, but it will age from a younger starting point — and most patients never need a second procedure.

Will I look "done"?

That is the principal concern Dr. Whitmore designs his technique around. The deep-plane approach repositions deeper tissue rather than pulling skin, which is what creates the unnatural, tight appearance some surgeons produce. Our patients are routinely told they look rested — not different.

Can I combine procedures?

Yes — combining facelift, blepharoplasty, and brow lift in a single anesthesia is common and often preferable. Combination cases are evaluated on health and operative time. Total operative time over 6 hours is generally avoided.

Am I too young or too old?

There is no fixed age. A 40-year-old with strong genetic aging may benefit; a healthy 75-year-old may be an excellent candidate. Health status, skin quality, and goals matter more than chronological age.

What does it cost?

Surgical fees vary based on the procedures combined and complexity. As a rough guide, a deep-plane facelift performed alone at our practice ranges from $42,000 to $58,000 inclusive of anesthesia and facility fees. We provide a detailed quote after consultation.

Begin the Conversation

Schedule a facial consultation.

In-person and virtual consultations are available. Bring photographs of yourself at any age you found yourself most rested — they help us understand your aesthetic.

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