How Do You Want to Define Yourself as We Begin a New Year?
Posted December 27, 2017
During a consult with a board certified plastic surgeon is the perfect time to address your concerns and ask any questions you may have regarding your physical appearance. As we move into the New Year, ask yourself, “How Do I Want to Define Myself in 2018?” If you don’t ask the question, you may never know how simple the answer may be.
The next two newsletters will address the most commonly asked questions of Dr. Antimarino and possible solutions in response to those concerns.
January will focus on the Face and Skin with February addressing the Trunk and Extremities.
FACE AND SKIN
If your concern is a “tired” or “stern” look, then your options may range from a non-surgical approach to a surgical solution. A non-surgical resolution will soften and address minor changes while a surgical approach will give a more permanent solution.
Non-surgical: Botox, a temporary muscle blocking agent, may be used on the forehead and between the eyebrows to calm deep lines that may have developed over time. This can soften the appearance of wrinkles or lines on the face and will last approximately 3-4 months. If your concern is overall “aging” or “looking old”, then non-invasive injectables may be your solution. Injectables are a non-surgical option used to create fullness, add volume or sculpt a specific area of the face. Different products can be used for the cheeks, around the mouth and to enhance the lips. Products may last from 9 months to 18 months depending on product and location.
A good skin care regimen may also give you a brighter appearance. The regular use of a medical grade skin care line can often reduce the signs of aging by producing a clear, healthier complexion. A chemical peel and or laser treatments can address dull or uneven skin tone, dark spots, large pores, sun damage or fine lines to the face. Microneedling is also used to address uneven texture and acne scarring.
Surgical: Surgical options are used to refresh and restore the face to a more youthful appearance. Eyelid surgery can be a subtle game changer as it opens the eyes and creates a more rested appearance. Another procedure used when addressing the “tired” look or heavy brow may be a brow lift. This involves lifting the brow through small incisions along the hairline to return it to a more natural position.
If your concern is neck laxity, often called a “waddle”, then your options may include a neck lift or face lift. Both surgical procedures help to restore a more youthful look as they tighten and recontour the jawline.
If your concern is a double chin then, Kybella may be a solution. Kybella is a non-surgical injectable that chemically breaks down the excess fat. It may take 2-3 treatments to achieve the desired result. Liposuction to the chin is a surgical procedure that may also be used to remove the excess fat in the neck and chin area.
If you’re concerned with prominent ears, then a minor ear surgery may be needed. An otoplasty can help improve the shape of the ear and make them less noticeable or less prominent.
A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is always encouraged to discuss a patient’s concerns and expectations. This discussion, along with an examination, will allow the surgeon to formulate your best treatment plan. This may involve surgical and/or non-surgical treatment options, to be used separately or in combination, to reach your desired goals.
