Worth the Hype? Most Popular Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures Explained

In today’s youth-obsessed culture, looking attractive, healthy, and vibrant is more important than ever. But since everyone’s so busy juggling careers, families, and passion projects, most men and women simply don’t have the time to put their lives on hold for weeks while recovering from rejuvenating and beautifying facial plastic surgeries.

Luckily, there are a number of minimally invasive and non-surgical procedures available to achieve a more youthful appearance without sacrificing time. But do injectables, lasers, and other popular non-surgical procedures really measure up to the hype?

 

 

The Top Non-Surgical Plastic Surgery Procedures

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the popularity of non-surgical plastic surgery procedures experienced a 4.2% uptick in 2017. Three procedures that grew most were related to rejuvenating the face from the inside out:

• Microablative laser skin resurfacing (up 99.5%)
• Ablative laser skin resurfacing (29.2%)
• Non-surgical skin tightening (15.1%)

1. Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is one of the most convenient ways to dramatically improve the tone, texture, and health of your skin. Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh, a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon at Carolina Facial Plastics in Charlotte, North Carolina, uses a variety of lasers — including intense pulsed light (IPL) —to correct issues such as age spots, fine wrinkles, and acne scars. Best of all, laser and light therapy treatments can be completed in 30 minutes to an hour, in most cases.

Laser therapy has the tremendous benefit of actually tightening the collagen layer inside your skin and stimulating the production of new collagen. As the new collagen builds a stronger supportive matrix, your skin looks brighter and more evenly toned on the outside, while it’s simultaneously tighter and firmer from the inside out.

 

2. Microneedling

Microneedling uses a device that combines radiofrequency energy with microneedles to penetrate the skin and stimulate it to produce new collagen and elastin. The result is tighter, firmer skin and a visible reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and scarring.

3. Injectable Dermal Fillers

Collagen stimulators (Sculptra) or hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvéderm, Voluma, Restylane) fill in areas of your face that have lost volume due to aging.  

4. Liquid Facelift

Non-surgical facelifts (also known as “liquid facelifts”) can be enhanced by using neuromodulators, such as Botox, to smooth out wrinkles around the eyes and forehead. Hyaluronic-acid based dermal fillers (Juvéderm, Restylane) can fill in deep creases, including nasolabial folds and marionette lines.

5. Sculpting the Face with Injectables

One facial plastic surgery procedure that’s almost always on the top-10 list is rhinoplasty, otherwise known as a nose job. Traditional rhinoplasty needs about a year for full recovery. However, if you only have a few minor changes to make — like straightening out a bump or making your nose look more symmetrical — a hyaluronic acid filler like Juvéderm may be all you need. A bonus? A straighter nose looks shorter, too.

You can also bypass the need for facial implants by using thicker fillers, such as Sculptra and Voluma, to sculpt more flattering hills and plains on your face. Dr. Kulbersh uses dermal fillers to augment:

• Cheekbones
• Chin
• Jawline
• Lips

Botox can even be used to relax over-built jaw muscles to give you a more heart-shaped face.

Are You a Candidate for a Non-Surgical Plastic Surgery Procedure?

The two main drawbacks to non-surgical fixes are that they’re most effective in the early stages of aging and they’re temporary. If you have a severely sagging neck or jowls, a surgical facelift and necklift may be your only satisfactory solution. Also, non-surgical procedures last about six months to two years, compared with up to ten years for a facelift.

However, Dr. Kulbersh makes it easy to schedule your follow-up appointments, so that your non-surgical cosmetic enhancements become as much a part of your routine as a monthly haircut. If you want a more permanent solution, as an expert facial surgeon, Dr. Kulbersh is highly skilled at performing the cosmetic surgical procedures that can provide long-lasting, natural-looking, and youthful results.

Schedule a Cosmetic Treatment with Dr. Kulbersh

If you want to see if a liquid facelift and other minimally invasive procedures can give you the youthful results you’re looking for, contact Dr. Kulbersh at Carolina Facial Plastics today!

Next, read our blog, Your Ethnic Rhinoplasty Goals.

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Get a Stronger Jawline with a Mandibular Implant

Movie stars — whether leading men or leading women — almost without exception sport clean, sleek jawlines that feature sharply defined angles. A well-defined jaw is so central to signaling strength and success that a “tie tuck” procedure that eliminates excess submental (under chin) fat and drooping skin is becoming a Hollywood staple for aging actors, according to Hollywood Reporter.

Even non-celebrity men are now turning to plastic surgery to enhance their appearances so they look more successful. With so much competition in the workplace, and with dating sites that get you judged on appearances first, it’s more important than ever to convey strength and health through an attractive, well-balanced face.

One of the quickest ways to exude a more powerful and successful vibe is to enhance your jaw or chin with a custom-made silicone mandibular (jaw) implant.  A well-designed implant can also balance out a too-large nose to create a more harmonious appearance without the need for a rhinoplasty.

A Jaw That Fits Your Face

Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh, a Beverly Hills trained, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and medical director of Carolina Facial Plastics in Charlotte, North Carolina, emphasizes the importance of facial harmony when making any improvements to the structure of your face. Tom Cruz’s rugged jawline, for instance, might not harmonize with the unique width of your skull or the length of your nose.

When considering a mandibular implant, it’s essential to find a facial plastic surgeon who is also an expert aesthetician and artist. Custom-designing a mandibular implant requires an appreciation of facial proportions that not all surgeons have. Changes of even a few millimeters can make a drastic difference in how attractive you are — for better or worse.

Based on your individual facial structure, your mandibular implant can be designed to:

• Give you a longer or better-projected chin
• Widen your jawline from the front
• Create more definition in the mandibular angle
• Create sharper planes along the entire jawline

Precision Leads to Great Results

When you come to Carolina Facial Plastics for a mandibular implant, Dr. Kulbersh and his team take time to visually appraise your facial proportions. In addition to discussing your goals, you’ll get to see morphed digital images of your face so that you and your facial plastic surgeon can pick the jawline that’s right for you.

You are then sent to have a specialized CT scan made that allows your facial plastic surgeon to visualize your underlying bone structure. The CT scan is sent to a company called Implantech that creates a 3-D model of your skull. Over a series of consultations, your facial plastic surgeon and the designers at Implantech create an implant that not only gives you the improvements you want but fits your existing jawline precisely.

A Simple Procedure

Your implant is inserted during a surgical procedure that’s performed on an outpatient basis under light anesthesia. Two 2-cm incisions are placed inside your mouth to minimize scarring. Only one 2-cm incision is made under your chin. The implant is secured with small screws to prevent your strong mandibular muscles from displacing it. Recovery takes about a week, though you may have residual swelling for up to four months. Learn more about jaw implants at WebMD.com.

Silicone Lets You Change Your Mind

The experts at Carolina Facial Plastics prefer solid silicone implants to other materials because they are easier to shape more precisely, are long-lasting, durable, and can be easily removed. Your face changes over time and so do your needs. If you decide you no longer want an implant, or you’d like to change to a different size or shape in the future, a hard silicone implant gives you the flexibility to do that.

If you’re not quite ready to commit to an implant yet, the aesthetics team at Carolina Facial Plastics can also create non-surgical chin and jaw augmentations with dermal fillers such as Sculptra and Voluma. If you’re ready for a stronger, more determined look with a custom-made mandibular implant or non-surgical chin and jaw augmentation, contact Carolina Facial Plastics today.

Next, read The Rise of Male Aesthetic Procedures

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The Rise of Male Aesthetic Procedures

A growing trend in cosmetic facial plastic surgery is the newfound interest men of all ages are taking in aesthetic, pre-juvenation, and rejuvenation procedures. Between 2000 and 2017, male cosmetic surgery increased by 28%, according to reports from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.  

The new trend brings with it a learning curve, both for the men seeking treatment and for the facial plastic surgeons who improve the looks of this growing group of patients. Owing to men’s denser musculature, thicker skin, and sharper facial planes, procedures that have worked well for women for decades may not be appropriate or yield the ideal results for many men.

Men who are considering aesthetic improvements should be clear about the results they want in order to help their doctors achieve their goals. Bringing photos of themselves at a younger age, or of celebrities who look refreshed but not “done” can help guide a facial plastic surgeon’s treatment choices.

Men May Need More Botox

The glabellar muscles in the forehead are notorious for creating angry-looking frown lines between the brows but can be relaxed with a neuromodulator, such as Botox, Xeomin, or Dysport. Men may need an initial dose that’s twice what a woman would receive. Men could also receive the same initial standard dose but return in two weeks for further treatment until the glabellar muscles are relaxed.

Men May Want to Look Energized, but Not Youthful

Another consideration is that aesthetic goals as a man might be quite different from a woman’s. While many women come to the facial plastic surgeon’s office because they want to recapture the smooth, firm, and glowing skin of their youth, men may simply want to look more distinguished and invigorated. Overdoing chemical peels, for instance, may result in skin that looks more dewy and baby-like than a male patient would prefer.

Understanding Male Aesthetics

Successfully treating male patients who want aesthetic improvements requires a deep appreciation and knowledge of male facial anatomy as opposed to female anatomy. Just as an expert facial plastic surgeon who’s performing rhinoplasty must know how to create a nose that’s appropriate for a patient’s ethnicity, so must gender be considered.

When it comes to facial plastic surgery, it’s essential to work with someone with expertise in the facial anatomy and aesthetic considerations for both male and female faces, such as Jonathan Kulbersh, MD, of Carolina Facial Plastics in Charlotte, North Carolina.  To maintain a powerful and masculine look while creating aesthetic improvements, Dr. Kulbersh suggests the following:

Rhinoplasty

A masculine nose is typically straight or has a slight dorsal bump in profile, but never a scooped or narrow appearance

Upper Blepharoplasty

Masculine upper eyelid creases should be kept low to avoid a more feminine, wide-eyed look

Lower Blepharoplasty Fat-Repositioning 

Should be accomplished only on the sides of the eyelids for male patients

Facelifts and Neck Lifts

Considering beard-line and hairline is of utmost importance for men; a square jaw angulation conveys masculinity

Chin and Mandibular Implants

Chins and jawlines should be squarer and larger for men than for women

An improved, revitalized, and energized appearance can convey the same kinds of psychological and social benefits for men as it does for women.

Set Up a Consultation with Dr. Kulbersh in Charlotte

If you’re interested in improving your appearance with aesthetic and facial plastic surgery procedures, contact Dr. Kulbersh at Carolina Facial Plastics. You can call the office directly or use the online appointment form.

Next, read The Unexpected Benefits of a Facelift

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The Unexpected Benefits of a Facelift

Men and women who look in the mirror at their changing faces may consider that it may be time for a facelift.  This decision can be difficult for some patients, and they seek additional information to ensure that they are making a good decision.  In addition to the obvious physical improvements that a facelift can provide, there are a variety of other benefits that are equally important.

Here are a few of the unexpected benefits of undergoing a facelift from some recent medical studies:

Convey Success

A 2016 study examined the perceived attractiveness of 504 facelift patients before and after their surgery. The patients rated as significantly younger looking and more attractive after their surgery than before. Observers also ranked them as being more likely to experience success in work and life secondary to the improved balanced and proportions of the face after surgery.

Radiate Healthiness

In that same study, observers believed that patients looked significantly healthier after their surgery than before.  I believe there is an important psychological benefit that people are healthy should also look healthy.

Increase Self-Esteem and Boost Well-Being

Looking better really does lead to feeling better, according to a study out of Germany.   In this study, they compared the feelings of patients that had a facelift to the patients that decided not to have a facelift.  544 patients who underwent cosmetic surgery were compared to patients who’d considered plastic surgery but had chosen not to have surgery.   The patients that had plastic surgery felt healthier, experienced less anxiety, felt better about themselves, and felt significantly more attractive.

Develop a Halo

Lisa Ishii, MD, associate professor at Johns Hopkins University, noted that well-performed facial plastic surgery can have another, unexpected benefit: It makes a person seem more honest and trustworthy. She suggests that this can even lead to “judicial leniency.” Attractive people are more likely to avoid such inconveniences as paying a speeding ticket because of something known as the “halo effect.”

The halo effect arises from society’s unconscious bias toward attractiveness. The halo effect tends to operate on a loop. People who are perceived as more attractive get the positive feedback they need to bolster self-esteem, which then increases their chances for success.

Save Time and Money

With a great skin-care routine, an effective sun-avoidance strategy, plus regular maintenance treatments such as chemical peels, a facelift can maintain a rejuvenated appearance for 10 years or more. Compare that to the time and money spent on multiple non-invasive or minimally invasive rejuvenations, including skin-tightening treatments, microneedling, and multiple dermal fillers: An expertly done facelift can come out a clear winner.

Schedule an Appointment with a Facial Plastic Surgeon

If your heart is telling you it’s time for a facelift, maybe it’s time to explore your options with Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh of Carolina Facial Plastics in Charlotte, NC. Jonathan Kulbersh, MD, is a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon who was trained by world-famous plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills. Call 704-323-5090 or email us to set up a consultation.

Next, read The Times They Are a-Changin’: Fix Your Nose With a Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

The post The Unexpected Benefits of a Facelift appeared first on Carolina Facial Plastics.

The Times They Are a-Changin’: Fix Your Nose with Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

Creating the most flattering nose possible is easier than ever, thanks to cutting-edge cosmetic treatments. Patients can now choose between semi-permanent to permanent surgical fixes and temporary, non-surgical adjustments that may last for months or years.

One of the most exciting new developments in facial plastic surgery is the advent of the non-surgical nose job — an in-office procedure that can eliminate unsightly bumps, resolve asymmetry, and build a more beautiful bridge in under an hour.

When performed at a facial aesthetic center like Carolina Facial Plastics—under the supervision of double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Kublersh in Charlotte, NC — non-surgical rhinoplasty can even create the illusion of a shorter nose.

Dr. Kulbersh and his staff on the leading edge of performing non-surgical rhinoplasty using dermal fillers in the United States.

Harmony Is Beauty

Rhinoplasty has always been one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures for both men and women because a well-shaped nose makes the entire face look better. Ideally, when someone looks at another person, their eyes go straight to their sparkling eyes, their lips, or their clear and radiant skin.

But a nose that’s out of proportion or asymmetrical attracts the viewer’s attention first, pulling their attention away from the more beautiful and expressive features. The overall impression is that the face is out of balance and inharmonious.

A Fraction of the Cost … and Time

One of the advantages of a non-surgical nose job is that it costs about 1/10th of what surgery would. The nasal bone does not have to be broken and the skin is not incised.

The entire procedure is done with injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) based dermal fillers, such as Voluma, Juvéderm, and Restylane — the same fillers that can add volume to the face, fill in wrinkles or build higher cheekbones and stronger chins.

An advantage to the HA fillers, too, is that they can always be dissolved if a patient wants.

 

A non-surgical nose job can fix:

• Bumps
• Crookedness
• Drooping tips
• Overly upturned tips
• Flat bridges
• Asymmetry
• Wide or shapeless tips

Try a New Nose on for Size

Even when a patient has been unhappy with their nose their entire life, the idea of surgery may be daunting. Thankfully, HA dermal fillers in a non-surgical rhinoplasty let patients audition a new look to be sure they like it.

Whether coming to Carolina Facial Plastics for a surgical or non-surgical rhinoplasty, Dr. Kulbersh ensures that a patient’s new nose is a perfect fit for the entire face and facial features. The consultation for a non-surgical rhinoplasty is very similar to one for traditional rhinoplasty. Dr. Kulbersh discusses the issues that the patient would like to resolve and the kinds of results that can be expected.

Dr. Kulbersh and his staff also analyze the patient’s bone structure, facial shape, and other aesthetic facial elements. His thoroughness, expertise, and skill ensure that a patient’s new nose makes him or her look better while still looking like them self.

Less Than an Hour for a Whole New Look

During a non-surgical rhinoplasty procedure, patients relax in the surgical chair. Dr. Kulbersh or his staff applies numbing cream to the nose. The patient remains fully awake and comfortable while the trained injector selectively injects the bridge, tip, nostrils, or other regions that need improvement with the dermal filler in order to accomplish the desired result.

One of the most popular injectable fillers for a non-surgical nose job is Voluma. Voluma is a thick filler that’s wonderful for filling in areas on the nasal bone above and below a nasal hump. It can also be used to build a stronger bridge or create more volume in the tip, giving it a more upturned look. The thinner fillers, such as Juvéderm and Restylane are appropriate for resolving asymmetry on more delicate structures, such as the nostrils, and filling in minor dents.

The entire procedure is completed in under an hour and may leave minor swelling and bruises for a day or two. These are minor side effects, however, as a non-surgical nose job does not require any downtime.

It is important to note that the results of a non-surgical nose job are temporary and touch ups will be necessary to maintain the same effect. For a more permanent change, Dr. Kulbersh can then perform surgical rhinoplasty. If a patient is dissatisfied with the filler effect, Dr. Kulbersh can dissolve the filler, or the patient just has to wait for it to metabolize on its own.

Why You Need an Expert

Whether choosing surgical or non-surgical rhinoplasty, the first requirement is to find an expert injector who can give the most beautiful and long-lasting results. A non-surgical nose job requires knowledge and skill so that the right areas of the nose are injected and the correct amount of HA filler is used. A skilled injector under the direction of a facial plastic surgeon will also choose the best type of filler to achieve the desired effect.

But there’s more to the non-surgical nose job than simply injecting areas to be improved with dermal filler. Dr. Kulbersh and his staff also carefully massages and reshapes the filler so that it is the perfect shape to create beautiful, natural-looking results.

Contact Dr. Kulbersh at Carolina Facial Plastics to learn more about non-surgical options for aesthetic transformation.

Next, read Create a Flawless Face in 2018 with Plastic Surgery and Non-Surgery, Too

The post The Times They Are a-Changin’: Fix Your Nose with Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty appeared first on Carolina Facial Plastics.

Create a Flawless Face in 2018 With Plastic Surgery and Non-Surgery, Too

Every new year brings with it exciting innovations in beauty and surgery and 2018 is no exception. Expert facial plastic surgeons are developing new techniques and finding new uses for traditional products; researchers are creating ever-more groundbreaking technologies and formulas; and women, men, and transgendered people everywhere are experimenting with all of the available surgical and non-surgical procedures to come up with a look that’s just right for them.

Whether hoping to make a better impression, it is possible for patients to look beautifully refreshed and youthful with the aid of double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Jonathan Kulbersh, MD of Carolina Facial Plastics.

Here are some of the top trends for 2018:

1. BroTox and Other Manly Improvements

One of the hottest trends for 2018 is the growing popularity of cosmetic procedures for men. From “BroTox” for banishing wrinkles and frowns, to chin and jaw implants that create a more chiseled profile, to male plastic surgery for the face, more men than ever are eager to look their best.

2. Eye Openers

Nothing says “tired” like eyes with half-opened lids or deep under-eye troughs. A facial plastic surgeon helps create a more alert, youthful and laser-focused look with both surgical and nonsurgical remedies.

For droopy eyelids (eyelid ptosis):

Non-surgical Brow Lift

The neuromodulators Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport can prevent forehead and eyelid muscles from dragging the eyebrows and lids downward. A little Botox relaxes those muscles, so the eyebrows rise and pull the eyelid skin upward, creating an instant eye-opener. Neuromodulators need to be touched up every 3 to 4 months.

Eyebrow Lift

There is a variety of surgical eyebrow lift techniques available to adjust droopy eyebrows and eyelids. A 1-cm lift is the easiest and least invasive way to make a more permanent change. The 1-cm brow lift was originated by Dr. Kulbersh and his mentor Guy Massry, MD, in Beverly Hills. Dr. Kulbersh performs the procedure in the office in under an hour. Patients typically only need a day for recovery but the procedure can help keep them looking alert and youthful for up to 8 years.

Upper blepharoplasty

For significantly droopy eyelids, an eyebrow lift may not be enough to restore a bright-eyed appearance. Blepharoplasty surgery tightens the muscles around the eyes, removes some excess fat, tightens the eyelid skin, and trims away excess skin. The incision is hidden in the crease of the eye, so it’s nearly invisible. A great blepharoplasty can make a patient look at least 5 years younger and lasts for almost a decade.

For pronounced eyelid troughs, eye bags, or under-eye circles:

Hyaluronic acid (HA) based fillers

Using a substance that’s found naturally in the human body to make joints and skin more supple, these injectable beauty aids can fill in those hollows underneath the eyes for a more rested, healthier appearance. Touch-ups may be necessary every 4 to 6 months.

Lasers, Chemical Peels, and Microneedling

For under-eye problems that are due more to pigmentation and texture than volume, combination therapies can improve the quality of the skin under the eyes by encouraging the skin to produce more collagen. Thicker, healthier skin hides the bluish tinge that may be visible under the eyes. And lasers can actually remove excess pigment.

Lower blepharoplasty

For significantly under eye bags or drooping lower eyelids, the best remedy may be a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat.

3. Perfectly Sculpted Selfie Face

For patients who have always wanted to have high sculpted cheekbones, or a straight nose, now it is possible — even without surgery.

Non-surgical facial sculpting techniques can add volume and shape, soften or sharpen curves and planes, and create more symmetry and balance in the face.

For a more flattering nose, try:

Nose reshaping

Dr. Kulbersh uses HA dermal fillers to smooth out bumps or make the nose look more symmetrical. He can also give the nose tip a more upturned or downturned look. Fillers, such as Juvéderm, Restylane, Voluma, and Sculptra need to be touched up every six to 24 months.

Rhinoplasty

The perfect permanent, surgical nose job starts with the perfect facial plastic surgeon. It is important that patients spend time interviewing the most experienced experts to find someone that can address their specific needs. This is especially important for ethnic nose jobs and revision nose jobs. Rhinoplasty should last a lifetime, so it is crucial to find the right person.

For more beautiful cheeks and chin:

Voluma

This dermal fillers are more robust and thicker than fillers used for wrinkles or eyes. Dr. Kulbersh can layer them to create non-surgical cheekbone and chin implants.  Voluma last anywhere from 14 months to 2 years.

Implants

Facial implants made of silicone and other materials can instantly create beautifully sculpted cheekbones and chins. Dr. Kulbersh can skillfully insert them through small incisions during a simple in-office procedure. We now design custom implant based on the patients goals and bone structure from a CT scan. Learn ore about cheek, jaw, and chin implants at WebMD.com.

4. Facial Contouring (Without Makeup)

Whether a patient is searching for a softer look or hoping to tone down certain masculine characteristics, a facial plastic surgeon can help create a perfectly contoured face.

To achieve a heart-shaped face:

• Botox to relax bulky masseter muscles
• Sculptra to build soft, beautiful, lifted cheekbones

For more volume:

Fat grafting

Taking fat from the patient’s body — like the abdomen — and adding it to the face can make the face look softer, fuller, and more feminine for up to 3 years or more.

Prejuvenate

The most encouraging trend for 2018 is that younger people are recognizing the need to take control of their aging process by preventing problems before they occur.

From diligent sun protection, to a medical-grade skincare system, regular laser treatments or chemical peels, and Botox and fillers to subdue the first pesky wrinkles, patients young and old can keep their skin looking great at every stage of life.

To get on trend for 2018, contact Dr. Kulbersh at Carolina Facial Plastics, in Charlotte, NC today.

Next, read When is the Right Time to Get a Facelift?

 

The post Create a Flawless Face in 2018 With Plastic Surgery and Non-Surgery, Too appeared first on Carolina Facial Plastics.

When Is the Right Time to Get a Facelift?

When is the right time to get a facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy? The answer depends partly on a patient’s individual response to aging and sun damage, and partly on his or her overall anti-aging strategy.

Those First Pesky Lines

Small, fine wrinkles may first start appearing during the teen years or 20s. Early wrinkling can be caused by genetics, smoking, and other lifestyle choices, and excessive sun exposure.

Light to moderate wrinkling is not a sign that a facelift is necessary. Depending on where the wrinkles are located and how deep they are, they can be minimized or even smoothed away with injectables, including neuromodulators such as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin, and dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm and Restylane.

Other treatments that can help improve the quality and appearance of skin include:

• Getting regular chemical peels
• Using a medical-grade skincare regimen
• Using prescription retinoids
• Avoiding the sun
• Wearing sunscreen every day
• Eating a healthy, high-vegetable diet
• Avoiding alcohol and smoking
• Staying hydrated

A Little Bit of Sagging

Even when following a healthy diet and using a great skin care program, the aging process will cause the skin to lose collagen at a rate of about 1% a year, starting between ages 18 and 25. Collagen consists of long strands of protein that creates a criss-crossed matrix that lifts the skin and supports the production of elastin and hyaluronic acid. Elastin makes skin elastic so that it can “snap back” after being pulled or twisted. Hyaluronic acid is the body’s own natural moisturizer, which plumps up the skin and lubricates joints. When collagen degrades, the skin not only loses its support, it loses the elastin and hyaluronic acid that make it plump, moist, and resilient.

The loss of volume caused by collagen degradation is exacerbated by the fact that our faces also lose fat every year. Fat helps skin look smooth and healthy by giving it a cushion on which to rest. When the fat disappears, the cheeks and midface begin to sink.

Signs of lost collagen and facial fat include:

• Loss of volume in the midface
• Droopy cheeks
• Loss of volume under the eyes
• Nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Smile lines
• Slight jowling

At this point, sun avoidance and good skin care aren’t enough to keep skin firm, elastic, and youthful.

The most effective options to reduce early signs of sagging include:

• Laser therapy
• Ultrasound therapy
• Fillers, such as Sculptra and Voluma, to compensate for facial volume loss
• Fillers, such as Volbella and Restylane, to fill in eye troughs
• Fat grafting to restore facial volume
• A mini facelift with or without a neck lift

Laser and ultrasound therapy should be repeated every two to three years to maintain benefits. The results of Sculptra and Voluma treatment can last about two years. Fat grafting may last up to 3 years.

A mini facelift with or without a neck lift will turn back the clock about 8 years and will last about that long, too.

Significant Sagging

The loss of collagen, elastin, and facial fat can cause such significant skin sagging that the skin may even stretch. Restoring volume may not be enough to reverse the effect of sagging, stretched skin.

Some signs of significant sagging are:

• Jowling
• Soft jawline
• Looking “gaunt” or skeletal
• Turkey neck
• Deeper nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines
• Puckering around the mouth

The ideal treatment plan for significant sagging may include:

• Full facelift
• Fat grafting to restore facial volume
• Neck lift
• Platysmaplasty (tightening the neck muscles)

A traditional facelift (rhytidectomy), dramatically rejuvenates the face and neck, making patients look about 10 years younger. Facial plastic surgeons such as Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh of Carolina Facial Plastic Surgery in Charlotte, North Carolina, ensure a natural result by replicating and lifting the underlying SMAS layer as well as the skin, lifting both upward and outward for a more natural result. Dr. Kulbersh also adds fat grafting to create a full and youthful look (i.e., not pulled or windswept). He frequently administers a chemical peel, which aids healing in the postoperative period and creates extra vitality for a real “wow” effect.

The Advantages of an Early Facelift

Facelifts used to be the last recourse for elderly women and men to reclaim just a touch of youth. These days, however, many women and men opt for a first facelift or lower facelift before the age of 60 and even before 50.

Some advantages of having a facelift before 60 include:

• The skin is more elastic and recovers more quickly from surgery
• More fat and collagen in the skin prevents the over-pulled look
• Results are better and longer lasting
• A patient’s overall health is usually good before 60, making the procedure better tolerated and the recovery easier

The Advantages of a Facelift Later in Life

With all of the effective non-surgical anti-aging options available now, some women and men are delaying facelifts to a later age. Others may not have addressed their aging issues until they became severe enough to warrant a rhytidectomy.

Some advantages of having a facelift later in life include:

• Patients are more certain about what they want
• The clock can be turned back by 7 to 10 years
• With co-therapies, such as fat grafting and chemical peels, patients can achieve faster healing and a more youthful overall look
• The change may be more dramatic and noticeable than a facelift done at an earlier age
• The rejuvenation can last up to 10 years with proper skin maintenance

Learn more about rhytidectomy procedures at WebMD.com.

It’s All Up to You

Whether having a facelift now, later, or decide to honor the character brought on by age — as actresses Annette Benning and Frances McDormand have done — is simply a matter of choice. It is crucial to discuss whether a mini lift or a full facelift will deliver the best possible results with a skilled and board-certified facial plastic surgeon. To learn more about effective surgical and non-surgical options for combating the signs of aging and sun damage, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Kulbersh and his helpful staff can be reached by calling our office in Charlotte or filling out our online contact form.

Next, read Get Rid of “Grandma Ears” for Good

The post When Is the Right Time to Get a Facelift? appeared first on Carolina Facial Plastics.