What Makes Dr. Gale Uniquely Qualified?

Dr. Gale’s qualifications set him apart in meaningful ways. He completed his undergraduate studies in Biology and Zoology at Southern Utah University before earning his medical degree from the University of Utah School of Medicine — one of the nation’s respected academic medical institutions. He then completed his otolaryngology, head, and neck surgery residency at Washington University in St. Louis, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

His training didn’t stop there. Dr. Gale pursued not one but two clinical fellowships:

• Clinical Fellowship in Sleep Surgery — Endormir Sleep and Sinus, Texas Center for Facial Plastics and Laser Surgery
• Clinical Fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery — Texas Center for Facial Plastics and Laser Surgery

He also received specialized training in jaw surgery under the expert direction of Dr. Alan Sclaroff, DDS, and Dr. Jose Barrera, MD, two highly regarded names in facial surgery. This multi-disciplinary foundation means that when Dr. Gale evaluates a patient, he considers the full picture of facial anatomy, function, and aesthetics, not just the surface.

How Does an ENT Background Benefit Facial Plastic Surgery Patients?

This is one of the most important questions a prospective patient can ask. The answer lies in a basic truth about the face: everything is connected. The structure of the nose affects breathing. The jawline influences the airway. The eyelids frame facial expression and even affect vision. An ENT specialist who is also a trained facial plastic surgeon has an unmatched understanding of how form and function intersect.

Dr. Gale’s ENT background makes him especially well-suited for procedures like rhinoplasty, where the goals of improving appearance and breathing often go hand in hand. Patients who have struggled with chronic nasal obstruction, deviated septums, or sleep apnea may find that a functional rhinoplasty with Dr. Gale can address both their aesthetic concerns and their breathing challenges simultaneously.

This joint expertise also means Dr. Gale approaches each case with an extensive understanding of facial anatomy, giving patients confidence that their outcomes aim to be as proportional and balanced as possible.

What Cosmetic Procedures Does Dr. Gale Offer?

Dr. Gale’s signature cosmetic procedures are carefully chosen to address the most meaningful areas of facial appearance. Each is performed with a focus on natural-looking, individualized results. Here’s an overview of what’s available at Gale Facial Plastics:

• Rhinoplasty — Rhinoplasty reshapes and refines the nose to improve symmetry and balance with other facial features. Dr. Gale’s ENT training makes him particularly trained to handle both cosmetic and functional nasal concerns.
• Facelift — A facelift is designed to restore a more youthful and revitalized facial appearance via addressing loose skin and a loss of definition. Dr. Gale uses discreet incisions along the hairline and behind the ear to achieve smooth, natural-looking results.
• Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) — The eyelids are often among the first features to show signs of aging. Blepharoplasty with Dr. Gale aims to create a more alert, refreshed appearance and may also help patients whose sagging eyelids are affecting their field of vision.
• Chin Augmentation — A well-defined chin is an important part of overall facial balance. Chin augmentation with Dr. Gale aims to bring definition to the jawline and create a more harmonious profile.
• Otoplasty — For patients seeking to address the size or positioning of the ears, otoplasty is a refined procedure that aims for natural proportion and symmetry.

What Reconstructive and Functional Services Are Available?

Beyond cosmetic surgery, Dr. Gale’s practice covers a wide range of reconstructive and functional procedures, an area where his ENT and reconstructive training truly shines.

• Facial Reconstruction Surgery — For patients recovering from facial trauma, injury, or cancer treatment, Dr. Gale and his team extend comprehensive facial reconstruction. His fellowship training in airway reconstruction, combined with his extensive reconstructive experience, allows the team to handle even the most complex cases.
• Mohs Reconstruction — Following Mohs surgery for skin cancer, reconstructive work is often necessary to restore the appearance and integrity of the affected area. Dr. Gale provides precise Mohs reconstruction aimed at both utilitarian and cosmetic restoration.
• Jaw Surgery — Dr. Gale is highly proficient in orthognathic (jaw) surgery, addressing issues with skeletal alignment of the face and jaw. This is a specialized area that requires deep anatomical knowledge and is exactly what years of ENT and reconstructive training provide.
• Sleep Surgery — As a fellowship-trained sleep surgeon, Dr. Gale is among the few facial plastic surgeons in Utah who also offers surgical management of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea. His understanding of airway anatomy brings an added layer of expertise to everything from rhinoplasty to jaw surgery.

Why Do Patients Choose Gale Facial Plastics Over Other Practices?

The answer comes down to an amalgamation of expertise, bespoke care, and a rare breadth of services all under one roof.

At Gale Facial Plastics, every consultation is individualized. Dr. Gale takes the time to listen carefully to each patient’s goals and concerns, then formulates a treatment plan tailored specifically to that individual. No two patients are the same, and no two treatment plans are identical.

The practice also preserves what Dr. Gale describes as a “down-to-earth and comfortable atmosphere,” understanding that facial surgery can feel overwhelming for many patients. His team works to put patients at ease from the very first appointment through post-procedure follow-up.

Additionally, the team at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Center of Utah includes head and neck, microvascular, oculoplastic, and facial plastic surgeons, meaning complex and multi-specialty cases can be handled collaboratively with the right expertise in the room. This is a level of integrated, multi-disciplinary care that is difficult to find at a private practice anywhere in Utah.

Where Is Gale Facial Plastics Located?

Gale Facial Plastics is conveniently located inside the Ear, Nose, and Throat Center of Utah in Riverton, Utah, approximately 30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. Dr. Gale also performs surgeries at multiple hospitals and surgical centers throughout the region, including:

• Riverton Hospital
• Salt Lake Regional Medical Center
• Intermountain Medical Center in Murray
• A dedicated surgical center in downtown Salt Lake City

The practice welcomes patients with a wide range of cosmetic and functional concerns and accepts most insurance plans.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re exploring a cosmetic procedure like a rhinoplasty or facelift, or seeking reconstructive or functional care, Dr. Derrick Gale and the team at Gale Facial Plastics are ready to help you explore your options in a comfortable, judgment-free environment.

To schedule your customized consultation, call the Ear, Nose, and Throat Center of Utah at 801-506-6344 or contact the practice online. Dr. Gale looks forward to listening to your goals and building a care plan designed just for you.

The post Why Dr. Gale Is the Top Choice for ENT Specialists in Salt Lake City? appeared first on Gale Facial Plastics.

How long does it take for the skin to regain feeling? And what do these skin changes feel like? Here’s what you can expect concerning skin sensation after facial plastic surgery.

What Do These Changes Feel Like?

Different patients experience various sensation changes, with numbness being the most common. Some patients report an overall loss of feeling. Others note a tingling sensation around their incision sites. Often, patients compare post-surgery numbness to the feeling you experience when a leg or arm falls asleep.

Skin sensation may return suddenly or gradually. Many patients feel a tingling sensation as the nerves heal and the feeling returns.

What Alters Skin Sensation After Facial Plastic Surgery?

Your body has a nerve network communicating sensations to the brain. When your skin experiences a wound, it may disrupt this system. Afterward, it takes time for these nerve pathways to restructure and regenerate after surgery.

Many patients preparing for their operation wonder what this sensation loss will feel like and when they can expect to regain skin feeling after surgery. Review our guide to the different types of post-surgical numbness you might experience, and how long it takes skin sensations to return to normal.

Numbness Due to Lying Down for an Extended Period

Lying still on the surgical table during an operation can cause numbness in the limbs. The longer the surgery takes, the higher the risk will be for this type of sensation loss. This surgery-related numbness usually resolves itself rather quickly and is usually not of concern.

Numbness Due to Anesthesia

Anesthesia may be the culprit for patients losing skin sensation after waking up from surgery. Though this may seem concerning at first, it is a good sign! Numbness from anesthesia may last for few hours or a day after surgery. It will allow you to avoid any discomfort at the start of your recovery. 

Numbness Due to Incisions

If your surgical procedure requires incisions, you may experience numbness around the incision sites caused by minor nerve damage. You can expect feeling to return a few months after your operation. However, this can vary from patient to patient.

Numbness Due to Nerve Damage

In more severe cases, permanent nerve damage may result from a facial plastic surgery procedure. Though rare, this potential complication could occur from your surgery. Dr. Gale will discuss this with you during your consultation. For some patients, the risk of skin numbness is acceptable for restoring facial beauty.

When to Worry

While post-surgery numbness is normal and typically not a cause for concern, some cases may indicate a more severe problem. Make sure to immediately call your surgeon if you experience facial drooping.

Healing occurs differently from patient to patient. The extent of surgery and how quickly you heal impacts the level of sensation loss and skin recovery. Smoking will reduce oxygen in the blood and slow the healing process. If you smoke, we advise you to quit the habit before undergoing surgery to avoid lasting complications.

When Will My Skin Feel Normal After Plastic Surgery?

The more invasive the surgery, the more likely you’ll be to experience sensation loss. While feeling usually returns after surgery, some patients will experience a permanent change or loss in skin sensation.

It is common to experience sensation changes around facelift incision sites for up to 12 to 18 months. However, many patients begin to feel normal sensations three to six months after surgery.

If you would like to learn more about sensation changes after facial plastic surgery, Dr. Gale will be happy to answer any of your questions. Contact us at (801) 506-6344 to schedule a visit to our Riverton, Utah, plastic surgery center.

The post How Long After Facial Plastic Surgery Does Skin Regain Feeling? appeared first on Gale Facial Plastics.