Posted March 22, 2010 in Blog, Eyelid Lift, Fraxel Laser Treatment, Plastic Surgery in the News, Press Releases, Uncategorized
The art of facial plastic has continued its constant evolution over the past 5 years. Whether due to innovative new techniques or “the economy”, there has been a marked movement away from surgical procedures and towards non-invasive treatments. The most popular procedures in 2010 are fillers, Botox, lasers and skin tightening treatments.
The emphasis today is on replacing lost volume in the face, and restoring the skin surface to it’s best possible tone, texture, and color. There is still a place for well done facial cosmetic surgeries; certainly rhinoplasty will never be replaced by non-invasive techniques, despite the buzz about “the non-sugical nose job”. Likewise, a well performed neck/face lift will always have its place in those patients with too much excessive skin.
The mainstay of todays facial rejuvenation is volume replacement. With aging, underlying support of our skin is diminished as muscle, bone, and fat is reabsorbed. The overlying skin covering has a smaller scaffolding for support, resulting in new folds, jowls, and wrinkles.
The second essential component of today’s facial rejuvenation is tightening of the surface skin along with improvement of skin color, tone, and texture. Fractional CO2 lasers such as Fraxel repair are used to “buff” the skin to it’s maximum potential. In addition to the above mentioned benefits, CO2 laser also stimulates new collagen production over 3 to 6 months which increases overall facial volume. Less aggressive lasers such as Fraxel restore and Dual work on fine lines and brown age spots.
Sculptra, Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, and fat are the commonly used volume replenishers. Sculptra is unique, working by stimulating new collagen production. Sculptra is excellent for facial contouring, and is the longest lasting product. Once “full correction” of volume and contour is achieved, over 85% of patients are satisfied 3 years later. Restylane is used for filling the hollow areas under the eyelid, blending the lower lid “bags” with the cheeks. Juvederm and Radiesse are temporary fillers that vary in longevity from 9 to 12 months.
Botox and Dysport are neuromodulators that weaken the muscles of expression responsible for creating forhead lines, crow’s feet, and laugh lines. They can also be used to tighten neck muscles, improve the jawline, and turn the corners of the mouth upward to create a happier appearance.
Once volume has been replaced and the skin has been rejuvenated, it is important to continue to keep the skin as healthy as possible. Intraceuticals Oxygen infusion therapy hydrates the skin, again adding volume to the face. Skin care products are “icing on the cake”, helping you look your best, and helping your treatments look as good as they possibly can. Our practice likes SkinMedicia products which have the highest percentage of growth factors.
With technology and procedures changing so quickly, the of the most challenging aspect of facial plastic surgery today is differentiating hype from safe and effective treatments. You may rest assured that Dr. Persky strives to offer his patients only proven treatments that are safe and effective. Good luck and be well.
Dr Persky is located in Encino, California but services all of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Including, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Malibu, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Tarzana and Agoura Hills and more.
