If you are searching for skilled ENT with amazing surgical skills... search no more!! I came to Dr. Heff desperate to find help. I had previously underwent not one... not two but THREE rhinoplasties as a result of an accident. I was devastated and certain I would never have the nose I was born with ever again. I scoured the Lehigh Valley searching for help and was told by two ENT surgeons I needed someone who dealt with difficult cases due to my surgical history and the amount of damage. Both of those surgeons recommended Dr. Heffelfinger!!! So I drove 2 hours to meet him! Was scared to death and uncertain. As soon as I met him I was immediately at ease! I took a leap of faith and let me tell you... amazing!!! If anyone can do nasal reconstruction it is him! I know this hands down because it took me MANY surgeries to get it right! Never had I had this good of an outcome with my previous surgeons! I no longer have a nose that I am embarrassed of! Dr. Heffelfinger gave me back the nose that I lost 12 years ago in that accident and I couldn’t be happier! Take it from me... I’ve been searching many years to find a surgeon with his skillset.. had I went to him initially I am certain I would have only have needed one surgery to get beautiful results! In addition to the beautiful results I need to mention how impressed I was with his office and staff! Everyone is so pleasant and really demonstrates impeccable patient care! Totally worth the 2 hour drive hands down! Thank you Dr. Heffelfinger for transforming my appearance and finally helping me end the nightmare of a damaged nose! Your the best!!!
Hi guys! My chin implant surgery is scheduled for August 1st! I am really excited and nervous. I will be going with a large implant. I will be getting the surgery done at Jefferson Facial Plastics. I had a consultation with Dr. Heffelfinger about a month ago that was quick but ultimately made me feel very comfortable with him and his staff. My recessed/weak chin has caused me depression/BDD for the past few years and has had a huge blow on my self-confidence. I came to the decision to go through with this surgery after having chin fillers done a few times and absolutely loving the results, but every time they faded it would bum me out. Every time I would go and get my fillers done, my confidence would shoot up and I would finally feel like myself - really, the happiest and healthiest I have felt in my life have been during these periods. That is the feeling that I am hoping this surgery can give me permanently. I am doing this under local anesthesia, and as a super anxious person in medical settings, I am pretty damn nervous. I am hoping that the meds I get to take beforehand really zone me out during surgery to the point where I forget what anxiety even is. I am trying not to think too much about that, so I hope that it's a lot easier than I am expecting. The last thing I want to do is pass out or be fully aware of being cut open. I am also a little worried about pain afterwards, but hoping that it isn't as bad as I am anticipating. I just took some quick before-bed Photobooth photos of my profile and front view of my chin. I really desire a stronger jawline, I like how my chin looks when I push it out. Overall, my face has always felt a bit unbalanced and I am hoping to change that! Updated on 26 Jul 2018: Getting nervous (the surgery creeps) mixed with really excited to finally get this over with and have a profile + lower face that doesn't make me feel self-conscious day to day - woohoo! I really am hoping to feel liberated by the results. Just got a haircut and I have plans to take myself on a gnarly shopping spree post op to feel good. My biggest fear is doing it under local and being too aware of what's going on and starting to feel sick. Once the actual surgery is over I am definitely going to feel like an enormous weight is lifted from my brain. Any surgery words of advice? Updated on 31 Jul 2018: Surgery is tomorrow morning bright and early! I talked to the nurse on the phone yesterday and she was awesome - calm and assured me things would be pretty easy and that I wouldn't feel anything aside from some pulling, tugging, and the initial injections of local. I also picked up my pre-op and post-op meds today, some antibiotics and steroids to take after the surgery, and (3) 5 mg valium for before. Might take a half of one tonight to sleep good. Hoping that 10 mg in the morning makes me feel loopy and happy instead of anxious and nervous. Still really nervous about being aware of what's going on, so will update on how things go/feel under local. Cool thing about chin implants is that it's so minimally invasive that you can eat BREAKFAST before the procedure. Excited about my breakfast, and taking the valium in my Uber to the office. Updated on 31 Jul 2018: Happy to report that I cut one 5mg valium in half and took it before bed tonight and I am already feeling anxiety-free and a little euphoric after 15 minutes of only 2.5 mg... so I'm actually pretty stoked for the 10mg adventure I get to partake in tomorrow morning pre-procedure. Goodbye anxiety and my heady fear of most medical situations... hopefully! Updated on 1 Aug 2018: The rumors are pretty true. The procedure was pretty easy and very similar to a dental procedure - and this was under local anesthesia. I was awake the entire time, but very calm because of the valium and 2 Benadryls the nurse gave me. I took a half of valium after breakfast and before arriving to the office to calm myself down. I took another when I got situated in the office after putting on my gown. (You can keep your clothes on, they just tell you to take your shirt off so it doesn't get anything on it.) The nurse also gave me one Benadryl to start (I told her I would like to be as out of it as possible!), and I felt myself getting a little shaky during the injections of the local, and requested another - and this was a good idea. The initial injections of the local anesthesia to numb the area is really the worse part, and it's not even the that bad, especially if you've already had fillers. There were about 8-10 injections around the entire chin area, and around 2 or 3 of them were a bit more uncomfortable than the others. After this was done, I asked the nurses and doctors (drowsily) to not tell me what they were doing as they were doing it, and just do their thing. My eyes were closed, and I literally had no idea when he cut me open OR put the actual implant in OR did the lipo. I heard them chatting but that's pretty much it. I would definitely recommend keeping your eyes closed and day dreaming your heart out. They asked me what Pandora station I wanted to listen to, so I actually got to daydream to Cat Power and Courtney Barnett songs as they cut open my chin and put a piece of plastic in there - while I felt literally nothing. It was really nice, and the nurses and doc were great and so kind. Honestly, the real worse part about the procedure itself is that I had to pee so bad about 30 minutes into it. Pee beforehand. Twice. Updated on 1 Aug 2018: Immediately after surgery, I walked around the city for about an hour perfectly normal. We even took the train home. But when I got home and into bed, the pain really started to kick in. Pretty strong pain, but tolerable. The Tylenol has helped a bit, and icing has definitely helped too. Even with the Tylenol for me though, some pain still lingers through. I've been drinking water and so far today I ate some chocolate pudding. I can barely open my mouth to fit a spoon in there today. It is super hard to eat, but again, not impossible! Your chin will get sore after a few spoonfuls though, so take some breaks in between. Now I'm just relaxing in bed about to watch some Netflix. I am feeling good about the results, but I can't see them or take this little chin bandage off until Monday at my check-in appointment. So far, trying to sleep isn't working for me either. A mix of the pain and anxiety of bumping this bandage/my chin on a pillow is keeping me awake while my body is begging for mad rest. Updated on 1 Aug 2018: Updated on 2 Aug 2018: Pain is super minimal today. It still is uncomfortable to talk, eating is a little better today (could eat mac and cheese! slowly!) Walking around like a normal person, even caught up with an old friend. Swelling is not bad yet. Tomorrow is day 3 and when swelling is supposed to peak, but I'm hoping I get lucky? Knock on wood, we'll see. Have been taking all of my medicine accordingly. Have a bit of a headache before bed tonight, but assuming it's because I've done a lot today, especially a lot of attempted talking. Chin area is still extremely sensitive, can't touch it at all for sure. Neck is also very stiff. Iced a lot today. Updated on 4 Aug 2018: End of day 4: Just yawned normal and it didn't hurt! Still have the bandage on, but peeled it off on the sides to peak at my chin and it looks awesome. I am so happy with the results and the healing process. No pain today at all. I can relax my jaw without my chin recessing back into my neck and forming a double chin - that makes it all worth it, really. My face feels normal, balanced, and I'm so happy to get used to it, wow. Taking the bandage off Monday is going to be exciting! Still sore where the incision was made on the bottom of the chin, which is why I haven't ripped the bandage fully off. That would probably hurt right now. but I really didn't swell up bad at all. Also, neither my lip or chin are numb. It rules! I was nervous about that one. I really recommend finding a doctor that will insert the implant through the bottom of the chin and not the inside of your mouth. This healing process has been cake. Really, the worst day was the night of the actual surgery and that's it! Updated on 4 Aug 2018: The results are everything I've ever wanted and more, ahhh!!!! I'm still swollen but everything already looks so good. Bruising is non-existent. The incision scar is SO tiny, I'm actually amazed. It already looks like it's barely there. I feel so good in my face. I also feel like I could cut my hair short for the first time in my life! My experience has been amazing so far and I am so happy with everything, and most of all, I already feel so good. Updated on 4 Aug 2018: Here's a pretty clear cut before and after of my results. I got a large silicone implantech extended anatomical implant inserted through under my chin. Doc also did a bit of lipo under my chin for me. I am beyond happy with the results. Updated on 5 Aug 2018: Washed my hair, had a nice shower. I'm going back to the city tomorrow and back to work on Wednesday. (I've been staying home at my mom's to take it easy!) No more pain. Eating is pretty much back to normal. Still sore under the chin, tiny bit bruised from the lipo. If someone were to nudge me in the chin, that would hurt, but that's pretty much it! What a breeze! Updated on 5 Aug 2018: By the way, this is where my incision was made and lipo was done. Barely anything there, on make-up on at all. Keep in mind my procedure was only 6 days ago. I highly recommend Dr. Heffelfinger and staff. This will probably be clear by next week! If not, way easy to cover with the tiniest bit of makeup. I tried to make this review as in-depth as possible, and post about a lot of things that I would have wanted to know before the procedure during my research period. I hope this helps somebody! I will check in and out if any of you guys have any questions. Updated on 14 Aug 2018: No pain, on numbness, barely any scar. All healed and back to completely normal everyday activities like nothing ever happened. This procedure was definitely worth every penny, and I am so happy that I followed through with it. Updated on 8 Sep 2018: I never think about my chin anymore or check this site for relief. That's pretty huge to me. My confidence has shifted dramatically due to this surgery. Even just talking to people feels easier. The results are beautiful and I would go through with this procedure again in a heartbeat... it was so easy. I highly recommend Dr. Heff and Jefferson Facial Plastics if you live in the Philadelphia area. My scar is healing, but to be honest, if the scar stayed there forever I wouldn't even care OR notice. Plus, I think it's kind of a cool reminder of this thing that I did for myself. If you want to get this done and know it will be the right decision for you, DO IT! I feel so much happier everyday. Updated on 15 Nov 2018: It's 3 about months and my implant has settled, which has made my chin lose some of the original projection I was getting from it that made me feel the most confident with the outcome. I still would like a little more projection - my top lip no longer aligns with the tip of my chin and my jawbone looks a bit weaker. I have a Large implant in now, but would really like to put an XL put in. How much of a different would it make - and would a revision be worth it if it would really be my ideal? How much would this usually cost if I contacted my surgeon about it? Updated on 28 Mar 2019: All swelling subsided, implant totally settled. Hit my chin a million times skateboarding - eek. No movement or issues! All sensation back in my chin and truthfully, I feel like a brand new person. This surgery was life-changing for me and the the way I used to feel about myself.
Dr. Heffelfinger and his staff are awesome. They made my first Juvederm lip injection experience super easy and comfortable. I was/am extremely happy with my results, and have been back two more times. Dr. Heffelfinger is professional, knowledgable, and really understood the results I was looking for. Highly recommend!
Every time I looked in the mirror I saw my mother's neck and I remember her saying how she wished she could do something about it. Well I did! I have a younger beautiful face and a neck once again. Yes, there was some level of pain but not nearly what you would think and Dr Hefflefinger was there for me with whatever I needed.
Since I was 14, I hated my nose. It was too big and I absolutely hated the shape of it, it was crooked and I had a very bulbous tip. I got the surgery done on 12/17/15 and the healing process has been very smooth. At first, my nose was very swollen and I was very bruised, which are normal circumstances of rhinoplasty. However after a short period of time I returned to normal and my nose looks incredible. I am overall extremely satisfied with the results so far, and it has only been a little over a month since the surgery. I know it will continue to refine and look even more amazing as the swelling subsides.
I had juviderm injected by a doctor who did a bad job. He would not reverse the injections. I learned from this site that they could be reversed and it was a safe procedure. Nevertheless, he would not do it. My eyes and face looked puffy and friends kindly said they thought i looked like I was on steroids :/ I called Dr. Heffelfinger and he fit me in. He was prompt, exacting, and gave me a lot of confidence. Took pictures at all angles..made some recommendations I appreciated. Reversed the juviderm and I am back to looking healthy again. Pictures later...
Dr. Heff is not only excellent, caring and patient but has a wonderful bedside manner. I live in South Jersey and used to drive into NYC to see my Dr for botox, filler, etc. but am happy to say that my new and only plastic surgeon is only a quick trip into Philly. He is also reasonably priced and his botox seems to last much longer leading me to believe that my previous dr was using watered down botox.
I'd had my nose repaired years ago by another doctor, and it wasn't a good job. A bump had been removed on the bridge and I was happy it was gone, but over the years that area of my bridge started to collapse. I have very small nasal passages and a diviated septum that Dr. Heffelfinger repaired and also built up the "collapse" on the bridge of my nose with cartlidge from my ear. My nose looks so much better... its straight and I can breath. It wasn't actually a complete "Rhinoplasty", but what was done has made my life better, and it was totally covered by insurance. It was the more conservative thing to do rather than a complete rhinoplasty, and I was extremely pleased with what Dr. Heffelfinger did for me. I would go back to him for other needed procedures.
Fat Injection to Face - Philadelphia, PA
Dr Heffelfinger is very nice and may very well be a great otolaryngologist but I strictly saw him for a cosmetic rhinoplasty and I'm extremely upset with the outcome. He clearly is not skilled in this area and my nose is more assymetrical in some aspects than before the surgery. His work on my tip was terrible and despite him trying to tell me it was just post operative swelling , it has been 5 years later and my tip is bulbous and drooping. Please don't go to him for rhinoplasty. He may be fine for fillers and whatnot but rhinoplasty takes precision and he is not the surgeon for this. I'm finally booking my revision rhinoplasty.
From your pictures, it does not look like you need a face or neck lift. I've had good results doing just under-the-chin liposuction and placing a chin implant if needed. I can't tell from your pictures (due to the angle) whether or not you'd benefit from a chin implant, but this can be easily determined by a quick examination. Both procedures can be done under local anesthesia in the office and would provide a great "bang-for-your-buck". You could also consider a skin tightening procedure (i.e. Thermage, Ulthera), but I am not a big fan of these and think you don't get much for your money. Good luck!
I would suggest you be careful and not try to do too much here. Your full face gives you a youthful look, something you are going to want back in 20 years. Buccal fat removal will not do much for you. Be very careful with liposuction on your face. Maybe a small chin would help minimally. I would consider repeating the neck lipo again, I think they were probably pretty conservative the first go around.
It is a bit hard to see exactly what you need in this picture. When you smile, it distorts things and makes it hard for us to see what is really happening with your face. However, you look great and I suspect would need nothing. In my experience, removal of the buccal fat is best used as an ancillary procedure in facelifting and to keep children from chewing on their cheeks. There are other ways to change the shape of your face, and I encourage you to meet with a few surgeons to get their input.
I agree with others that a splint 4 weeks out is odd. This probably wouldn't have happened if you were wearing goggles only. On a positive note, your nose looks great! I would recommend some gentle massage to the area. It will more than likely be fine.
There are things in there that you do not want to mess with. Pulling one suture is probably not a big deal. I would tell you to keep the nostrils and just inside them coated with antibiotic ointment at all times. I tell my patients to put it on gently with a Q-tip.
