Voluntary plastic surgery has unfortunately carried with it some amount of stigma throughout its existence. While this has subsided somewhat over the years, with anti-aging and reshaping procedures gaining in popularity and social acceptance, plastic surgery is often far from something people want to confess to. For other people, it is not so much about the stigma associated with plastic surgery; it is the desire to look younger without looking “plastic.” Most people who seek anti-aging or facial reshaping procedures are seeking subtle, natural results, especially men, who are often concerned about looking overdone. Obviously, the more natural result from surgery, the better. If you would like to look younger in an elegant, subtle way, consider these treatments and surgeries.
Fillers
A relatively inexpensive, non-invasive, and temporary treatment, injectable fillers are highly versatile and wildly popular. There are many formulas and brands of filler, each with slightly different effects and intentions. Classic fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are ideal for improving the appearance of wrinkles for up to a year, while newer options like Juvederm Voluma XC have specific purposes. Voluma was formulated specifically to augment the cheeks and compensate for facial volume loss that accompanies aging. This formula can last for up to two years. Finally, fillers can be used for procedures like lip augmentation, popular with both younger and older patients. Fillers are quick to administer, require little to no downtime, and are safe for the majority of patients.
Fat Transfer
An attractive option for patients looking for natural solutions to facial volume loss, fat transfer is a procedure that involves taking excess fat from one area of the body and injecting it into the face in order to improve the volume and contour of the face. The surgeon uses liposuction techniques to harvest fat (generally from the stomach or thigh area) and refines this fat, which is then injected into the face. Depending on the liposuction technique used, patients can be back to normal activities within a few days. Surgeons overfill the treated area somewhat, as some fat will not survive, reducing the volume. Fat that lasts for 6 months following surgery, however, is considered to be more or less permanent.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is useful for many signs of aging in the eye area, including undereye bags, excess skin and fat, and sagging skin. When the eyes begin to age, it can lend an angry, sad, or tired expression to the face, even if the person is experiencing none of those emotions. Blepharoplasty can produce dramatic anti-aging results, but these results are generally very natural-looking, and tend to make the patient appear rested and more youthful. Recovery times can vary, lasting anywhere from 3 days to two weeks, depending on the intensity of the procedure.
Forehead Lift
The forehead is often one of the first areas of the face to show signs of aging. People in their late 30s or early 40s often seek the endoscopic forehead lift, a minimally invasive procedure that lifts, tightens, and smooth’s wrinkles in the brow for subtle anti-aging effects. Endoscopic surgery is performed using a tiny camera through small (about 1 inch) incisions, which are hidden by the hair. Patients can expect a recovery time of about 7-10 days.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments range in invasiveness and effectiveness, but they are excellent for improving lines, wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentation problems, and numerous other skin issues. Most laser treatments also provide overall skin rejuvenation benefits as well. More intense lasers do involve some downtime, but most patients feel that the benefits of the treatment are well worth the recovery period.
Should You Let On?
Choosing whether or not to tell people about your surgery or treatments can be tough. If you’re choosing a procedure that won’t be blatantly obvious to all but those who know you well, it can be pretty easy to hide the fact you had “work done”, and whether to disclose the fact that you had cosmetic treatments performed is your decision alone. It is no one else’s business, and it is not your obligation to satisfy the curiosity of coworkers, acquaintances, and others.
Which Procedure Is Right for You?
Everyone’s aging process progresses in a unique way, and each person’s facial aesthetics and balance are unique, so it is impossible to recommend procedures without knowing more about individual health, appearance, signs of aging, and other factors, such as preferences, goals, and budget. Because plastic surgery and treatment plans are so customized today, only a board certified facial plastic surgeon can advise patients on which procedures might yield the desired results.
If you are seeking help from a qualified facial plastic surgeon in Austin, come to Buckingham Center for a consultation with Dr. Edward Buckingham. Dr. Buckingham is board certified, offers a wide range of popular facial procedures, and has the knowledge and skill to help you get the natural-looking results you want. For more information and to schedule your appointment, call Buckingham Center at 512-401-2500 today.