As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, my passion is helping patients become their most confident and beautiful selves. Because every patient has his/her own specific concerns, meeting that goal can take many different forms. As you may have noticed, most of my blogs focus on facelifts (especially my exclusive Band Aid Mini Facelift) and other facial rejuvenation procedures, and I love seeing how much my patients enjoy their results. However, over the past 34 years, I’ve had extensive experience in an array of other surgeries as well, from breast augmentations to liposuction. On top of all these, I frequently provide non-surgical treatments like Botox® and Dysport® injections, laser skin resurfacing, facial filler injections, and non-surgical skin tightening.
For a more thorough description of the treatments and cosmetic surgeries I provide, check out my video below.
For any plastic surgery patient, the first step is figuring out exactly what you want to improve and finding out what your options are. To learn more about whether you might be a candidate for any of the procedures described above, schedule a consultation at my plastic surgery office. For more helpful information about cosmetic surgery as well as health tips for patients, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ as well as YouTube.
Plastic surgery is a subject people talk about constantly, often in the context of celebrity gossip. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, I’m glad that awareness of cosmetic surgery is spreading, but I’ve noticed that there is a lot of incorrect information floating around as well. If you’re considering a facelift (or any other elective surgery, for that matter), it’s a good idea to educate yourself about the procedure. With that goal in mind, here are a few facelift facts that may surprise you.
Fact #1: More and more men are getting facelifts.
People typically think of plastic surgery as appealing to women because women have more of a tendency to by concerned about their appearance. But in our modern society, more and more men are acknowledging that they could stand to feel more confident in their appearance and that there’s no shame in working toward this goal. Just compare the last few years as an example – in 2016, 11.3% of facelift patients were men, while it was just 8.1% in 2010*.
Fact #2: For nearly 70 years, facelifts only treated the skin.
The first known facelift was performed in 1901, and from that procedure until 1968, a facelift only consisted of removing excess sagging skin and lifting the remaining skin to a higher position. This put all the tension on the skin and had a tendency to give patients the dreaded “wind tunnel look.” Facelifts have evolved since then, and today they typically involve restructuring the underlying muscle and other facial tissue as well. After all, these underlying tissues change with age as well, so raising the skin alone won’t give the natural-looking results that come from the more well-rounded facelifts performed today. Keep in mind, however, that some surgeons still do facelifts that make patients look “windblown” or “overdone, ” so it’s important to find a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing facelifts, and to look through the surgeon’s facelift before and after photos before you commit.
Fact #3: Facelifts are becoming more and more popular for the 65+ crowd.
Most people think of a facelift as a procedure for people in their 50s, perhaps early 60s, but recent trends show that there’s no age limit for enjoying your appearance. In fact, in 2016, patients age 65 and older accounted for over 30% of facelift patients in the US – the highest percentage since the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery began tracking this data in 1997*.
Fact #4: A typical facelift addresses the lower 2/3 of the face.
It’s easy to see how patients would assume that a facelift lifts the entire face. However, the lower 2/3 and the upper 1/3 of the face need to be rejuvenated in different ways. For patients with sagging skin throughout their forehead, I typically suggest a brow lift, also called a forehead lift or an upper facelift.
Fact #5: Every facelift is different.
The human anatomy is incredibly complex and it varies slightly with every patient, and facial aging is no exception. Because each patient ages in their own way and at their own pace and has different goals for their results, every good facelift is customized to fit the patient. Surgeons also have their preferred techniques, like the Band Aid Facelift I developed to reduce recovery time, scarring, swelling, bruising, and cost for my patients.
Fact #6: A facelift doesn’t remove all signs of aging.
Some patients assume, “If Botox® gets rid of my crow’s feet and a facelift is more extensive than Botox®, the facelift will remove my crow’s feet as well as my sagging skin and other signs of aging.” Unfortunately, there is no “one and done” procedure for facial rejuvenation. Facial aging happens in several ways at once, and while a facelift focuses on the structure of the face and the contours of the skin, it doesn’t address the more superficial issues. That’s why most facelift patients also get Botox® injections, facial filler injections, and/or laser treatments to reduce their fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Fact #7: Facelift have risen by nearly 22% in the US since 1997*.
In recent years, the cosmetic world has been favoring a more natural look, but that doesn’t mean plastic surgery has slowed down. Patients are simply seeking procedures that give them a more natural-looking result, like mini facelifts and other minimally invasive options.
Fact #8: Facelifts may be more affordable than you think.
I see patients all the time who say, “I’ve wanted a facelift for years, but I assumed I couldn’t afford it, so I never looked into it.” In reality, cosmetic surgery is more accessible than many people realize. There has also been an increase in minimally invasive facelifts like my Band Aid Mini Facelift in recent decades, and when these procedures are performed in-office with gentle numbing rather general anesthesia, they can be about half the cost of a traditional facelift. Keep in mind that not all surgeons perform mini facelifts this way, though, so be sure to ask specific questions in your facelift consultation.
A facelift can make a great difference in a patient’s confidence on a daily basis, but only if it’s done correctly and performed by an experienced, qualified surgeon. Take your time to research board-certified plastic surgeons in your area. If you live in the Atlanta area, schedule a consultation at my plastic surgery office where I can meet with you directly to discuss your options.
*Statistics are from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Special offers for facial rejuvenation are the perfect way to reduce wrinkles and sagging skin, keep your facelift results looking their best, or enhance the results of a recent face lift. Contact the office of double board certified Atlanta plastic surgeon, Dr. John LeRoy today!
One of the most pervasive messages in my blog is that patients need to choose a plastic surgeon who is board-certified and is experienced in their specific procedure, and that their surgeon also needs to be someone they can trust. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. You may live in a small town or another area where there isn’t a wide selection of qualified surgeons. Or, you may know of a great surgeon, but their office is hours or states away. So which is better – settling for a surgeon nearby or traveling to the surgeon you want?
Pros and Cons of Accepting a Surgeon Nearby
It’s certainly not a good idea to just pick the plastic surgeon who’s closest to your home, but working with a surgeon who’s nearby has definite advantages. First of all, it makes the logistics of the surgery easier. While plastic surgery is done on an outpatient basis so you can go home the same day, most patients will need someone to drive them to and from the surgery. It’s much easier to find someone whose schedule can accommodate a 30-minute drive than a three-hour drive. You’ll also be going to your surgeon’s office several times throughout the process (consultation, surgery, and a few follow-up visits), so travel time is certainly a factor to consider.
It’s also helpful to have your surgeon nearby during your recovery. It’s very common for patients to have questions about whether certain stages of their recovery are normal, and to seek additional guidance. It’s comforting for patients to know that if they’re concerned, they can be at their surgeon’s office in half an hour for an evaluation.
There are clear benefits to choosing a plastic surgeon who’s near you, but if there aren’t any well-qualified surgeon within a reasonable distance of your home, the decision becomes more complicated. If your surgeon isn’t board-certified or hasn’t performed a facelift in five years, all the convenience in the world won’t improve your chances of getting a good result.
Pros and Cons of Traveling to a Highly Qualified Plastic Surgeon
If you don’t live near any plastic surgeons who you feel are qualified enough to make you feel comfortable, your other option is finding a surgeon elsewhere in the country and traveling to them. But before I discuss this, please note that I’m referring to traveling to another part of your own state or to another state within the US for the purposes of using a more qualified surgeon. This is different than plastic surgery tourism (traveling to a different country for cheaper surgery). Having surgery in another country carries a long list of vital risk factors, and it is not recommended for your health and safety.
Traveling within the US for a more qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon, however, can be a viable option for some patients. Not only does this allow you to choose from a wider pool of highly experienced surgeons, but it gives you more freedom to choose a surgeon you can trust. A trusting relationship and open communication are important for your health as well as your results, so in some cases, this is worth traveling for.
Still, there are downsides to keep in mind. Long flights and long car rides shortly after surgery can raise your risk for complications. As anyone who flies regularly knows, it’s also easy to pick up a cold or flu from a plane full of people, and this can slow down your facelift recovery. Your surgeon may recommend that you stay in his/her city for a certain number of days after surgery to minimize these risks. It all depends on your procedure and your specific circumstances, but be sure to discuss this with your surgeon at your initial consultation.
There are many pieces of the puzzle that need to be in place for you to get your best plastic surgery results, from your health to the surgeon to your post-surgical care. By weighing the options above, you can give yourself the strongest opportunity to become your most confident and beautiful self. To find out more about facelift surgery or my minimally invasive Band Aid Facelift or Band Aid Micro Mini Facelift, contact my Atlanta plastic surgery office. Be sure to follow me on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Google+ as well for more helpful patient tips.
When you think about someone’s appearance, you rarely consider their ears. Our ears have a more subtle effect on how we look than our eyes or our hair, but they still play a role in our overall appearance, and as a result, they affect how confident we feel. Luckily, if you aren’t happy with your ears, there’s probably a solution. Cosmetic ear surgery (called otoplasty) can treat a variety of aesthetic concerns, including the most common complaints below:
Protruding Ears
Ears that appear to “stick out too far” are the most common reasons patients seek ear surgery. The procedure is often called “ear pinning,” and it’s done with a small, discreet incision in the back of the ear. Through this incision, I can either sculpt the ear’s cartilage or use long-term sutures to give the ear a new shape and keep it closer to the side of the head.
Enlarged or Disproportionate Ears
It’s fairly common for patients to feel that their ears are disproportionately large for their head size, or that certain parts of their ears are too large. In this case, the procedure is similar to ear pinning. Through a discrete plastic surgery incision in the back of the ear, I can reshape the ear’s cartilage (or remove some cartilage if necessary) to give the ear a smaller and more desirable look. If the ears are different sizes, I can use this procedure to correct the asymmetry as well.
Ears with Shape Irregularities
While the two issues above are the most common ones, there are many ways ears can take on an irregular shape. Some patients have had their condition since birth, while others’ ears change shape due to an injury. Regardless, many patients can get the more symmetrical and subtle look with cosmetic surgery. Depending on your exact needs, cartilage can be re-shaped, removed, or sutured based on your specific needs.
We may not notice a person’s ears unless they’re particularly unique, but they play a part in how attractive people perceive themselves to be. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, my goal each day is to help my patients become their most confident and beautiful selves. If your ears are standing in the way of this, I may be able to help. Schedule a cosmetic surgery consultation at my Atlanta office, and for more plastic surgery tips and helpful information, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Google+.
