The Landings & Bay Colony

22

T

he options for a freshened face seem endless and often
confusing. Lasers, peels, fillers and other “non-surgical”

choices often compete with the more traditional surgical
procedures. In addition, jazzy advertisements tout a
variety of lunchtime facelifts. However, just like an artist
chooses the right colors for his canvas, the plastic surgeon
must guide the patient to choose the right treatment for the
desired effect.

The last decade has seen an explosion of fillers used to treat facial wrinkles.
In addition, it seems every day we hear another slick “lift” advertisement
that promises dramatic results with minimal down time. It is more important
now than ever for patients to seek honest, competent advice from multiple
practitioners versed in the whole array of treatment options. Consumers need
to be careful about ads that over-promise but under-deliver.

Avoid the “Shiny, Pumped up Fish Face”

Patients seeking “non-invasive” facial rejuvenation often opt for treatments
such as lasers, peels, and fillers. Sometimes these treatments are referred to
as liquid “facelifts”. Of course, they are not equivalent to a surgical facelift.
As one patient lamented, “They should call this a paperlift, because the
only thing lifted was the money from my wallet.” Patients often spend
$thousands only to achieve a few months of improvement and
euphemistically told the treatment didn’t “take”. 

More importantly, however, sometimes these treatments can have a negative,
deforming effect, creating, as another patient described, the “shiny, pumped
up fish face”. Personally, I think these ancillary treatments, if tastefully done
by an experienced practitioner, are most useful to complement a natural,
surgical facelift.

The Real Deal

A surgical mini-facelift can  be a valuable procedure. It is best suited for a
patient in her 40’s who just wants to freshen the cheek and jawline. The
advantage is that it is quick procedure with a rapid recovery. Isolated mild
neck fullness can be treated with a less invasive, unique ultrasonicliposuction
tightening procedure. The patient for traditional full face and necklift is
typically in his/her 50’s and older with jowling of the jawline, often with
turkey-like neck laxity as well. Regardless of which option is chosen, the goal
is a naturalresult that complements the patient’s existing features.

These procedures, when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, can
produce dramatic, long-lasting results that reduce the aging appearance by
decades. As with all procedures, an honest consultation with a reputable
and experienced physician is the best place to customize an individual
treatment plan.

I

Health & Fitness

Facial Rejuvenation: Buyer Beware

By Jorge A. Perez, M.D., F.A.C.S.

About Dr. Perez

Dr. Perez has been selected among Castle
Connolly/U.S. News and World Report’s
America’s Top Doctorsfor 16 years in a row
(again for 2015-2016). He has lectured
internationally on face and neck rejuvenation
surgery and is featured as a plastic surgery
expert for major media outlets. Surgery is
performed at the Imperial Point Surgery Center
with physician anesthesiologists. 

To learn more about any of these procedures
call (954) 351-2200 or visit
PerezPlasticSurgery.com

Preop

A patient shown here before and just 2 weeks after
eyelid, face and necklift surgery. Photos courtesy of
Perez Plastic Surgery

Postop 2 weeks