subject: Surgical Vs. Non-surgical: Understanding Facial Rejuvenation [print this page] Creating natural-looking results for facial rejuvenation patients at my practice is of primary importance to me. A number of factors go into creating results that complement a person's appearance. Analyzing your face together with me and understanding what each treatment option can contribute towards the ultimate goal of a fresher appearance is the first step in together deciding which procedure would be best for your needs.
What matters is choosing the right treatment, or combination of treatments for you to help you look your very best.naturally. At my practice in the Boston area, we have many options: BOTOX Cosmetic and other non-invasive treatments on one hand, and surgical treatments on the other hand such as facelift surgery. These are discussed and chosen based on a person's facial structure, degree of aging, lifestyle, skin type and cosmetic goals.
Non-surgical Options:
Wrinkle Relaxers:
BOTOX: One of the most popular non-surgical treatments available, BOTOX relaxes the offending facial muscles for smoother skin and a refreshed appearance. This treatment differs from injectable fillers because it doesn't fill in wrinkles; it relaxes them. I use BOTOX to reduce the appearance of stern frown lines (11s) crow's feet, forehead creases and fine lines around the eyes and mouth.
I am honored to have been named a National Education Faculty Member, and I enjoy teaching other plastic surgeons nationally and internationally in the artistry of BOTOX. I create natural appearing results and my patients are still able to demonstrate the full array of facial expressions. Through word of mouth, I have achieved one of the highest volumes of Botox usage in the Boston area.
Fillers:
I thoroughly enjoy bringing joy to my patients through creativity in restoring youthful facial contours using injectable fillers.
RADIESSE: At my practice in the Boston area, RADIESSE is used to add volume to parts of the face, such as the cheeks, that have hollowed out with age and lack a plump or youthful appearance. This treatment creates a support system under the skin that stimulates collagen production for long-lasting results.
JUVDERM: JUVDERM helps Boston area patients by filling in facial wrinkles around the mouth and nose, including lip lines, naso-labial folds and marionette lines. This product comes in various formulations. Some are best suited for fine wrinkles and lines, while others are designed to treat deeper wrinkles and creases or dents between the lower eyelids and cheeks. JUVDERM patients typically enjoy results for up to a year.
SCULPTRA Aesthetic: Patients who want subtle results that will emerge over time turn to Sculptra. This injectable treatment is designed to target deeper layers of facial tissue to replace lost volume. Sculptra stimulates the body's natural collagen production, so patients can expect to see longer-lasting results.
Surgical Options:
Facelift Surgery:
Sometimes, patients find that their cosmetic goals cannot be sufficiently met with injectable treatments and radiofrequency skin tightening alone. I customize facelift procedures for Boston area patients who want to minimize signs of aging in the mid-face and neck. From hidden vantage points behind the ears and in the hairline, I am able to remove excess skin and tighten muscles in the jowls, jawline and neck and achieve a natural and youthful appearance. In some cases, I am able to address the saggy neck with Smartlipo alone, a minimally invasive procedure, without needing to resort to a face or neck lift.
The goal of all facial rejuvenation procedures is to provide natural-looking results so that the skin doesn't look overly tight or "worked on."
Endoscopic Brow Lift:
Sagging skin around the eyes and forehead can contribute to a tired look, making a person look older than his or her actual age. Brow lift surgery helps restore sagging brows to their original position and minimize frown lines on the forehead. Endoscopic methods require only tiny incisions behind the hairline, so patients can enjoy smoother skin without signs of surgery.
Blepharoplasty :
If there is excess baggy skin on the upper or lower eyelids, this can be trimmed with a very simple outpatient procedure. I use underground intra-cuticular stitching, and hence do not leave track marks with the traditional stitching methods. With the incision being in the eyelid crease, it is not visible even while it is healing for a few weeks.
This enables the eyes to look vibrant and rejuvenated, rather than saggy and tired. It is true when they say the eyes are the windows of the soul"! Furthermore, psychological studies have shown that onlookers focus their gaze on a persons eyes during a conversation 98% of the time! So this is an important area for deciding where to concentrate rejuvenation efforts!
Your Decision:
Each treatment option possesses a set of benefits that should be discussed with a specialist. Advances in products and techniques have made it possible for a wide range of patients to have beautiful and long-lasting results.
It's important that patients take the time to find an experienced and qualified specialist, regardless of the treatment they are considering. I recommend searching for surgeons who are board-certified in facial plastic surgery by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Taking the time to find a specialist with whom you feel comfortable is an important key to achieving the results you desire.
