Menu

Atlanta dermal fillers

Ask Dr. LeRoy: How Long Will My Facial Cosmetic Procedure Last?

, , , , , , ,

There’s no doubt that our society’s idea of beauty has changed throughout the years—just compare today’s fashions to those that were popular in the 1980s. And yet, one fact seems to stay the same—people want to look younger. Facial rejuvenation has long been one of the most popular reasons why patients seek plastic surgery. In fact, all of the top three cosmetic procedures in 2014 (BOTOX® and similar injections, facial filler injections, and chemical peels) are focused on minimizing wrinkles. But there are so many ways to accomplish this goal that many patients feel overwhelmed and a bit lost. So we’re tackling one of the factors that plays into our patients’ decision: how long the results of each procedure will last.

My patients have a wide range of options for facial rejuvenation, from non-surgical Botox® and dermal filler injections to the traditional facelift. Each procedure addresses signs of aging in a different way, and while Botox®/Dysport® and facial fillers are the only treatments that are truly considered to be temporary, the results of any rejuvenating procedure will fade because the procedure cannot stop the aging process. As the years go by, the skin will lose its elasticity and will develop new wrinkles. This is why the results of procedures like the Band Aid Facelift aren’t necessarily permanent (at least, not in the way that many people consider “permanent”)—if the surgery has taken ten years off your appearance, then in ten years, your aging will probably have progressed so that you look similar to the way you looked before your procedure.

Every patient ages differently based on factors like genetics, sun exposure, smoking, weight fluctuations, and skincare, and the results of each procedure vary as well. However, the graph below provides an estimate of how long most patients’ results last for several of our most popular rejuvenating procedures.

atlanta facial plastic surgeon

While it is important to consider how long you want your results to last before choosing a cosmetic procedure, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. The key to choosing the right option for you is to prioritize and balance your desired results with your needs regarding recovery time, cost, and medical considerations. The patients who are happiest with their results tend to be those who view facial rejuvenation as an ongoing process rather than a one-step project. For instance, periodic non-surgical treatments like Band Aid Laser Skin Resurfacing can help to sustain the results of a facelift and minimize those new signs of aging as they arise. To start discussing a plan for your long-lasting youthful appearance, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. John LeRoy. Or, to learn more about the procedures we offer, join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Who are the Right Candidates for Band Aid Procedures?

, , , , , , , , , ,

A recent issue of Atlanta Magazine featured double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John LeRoy‘s original line of Band Aid cosmetic procedures. Because of these innovative techniques, patients can achieve great aesthetic results through minimally-invasive procedures that are performed in-office with gentle numbing. Most plastic surgery patients begin their journey with the question, “I want to feel better about my appearance, but which procedure is right for me?” One way to begin learning about your options is to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, but to determine whether a traditional cosmetic procedure or its Band Aid counterpart is the better fit for your needs, decide whether you fit into any of these groups who tend to be the best candidates for Band Aid procedures.

Jan2014_ATL MagPatients Who Want to Minimize Recovery Time

Many patients find that while they know they’ll feel better about their appearance after a procedure like liposuction, they’re struggling to clear out the necessary recovery time in their schedule between work, caring for their families, etc. Resuming your normal activities too soon after surgery can result in complications and less-than-optimal results, but because Band Aid procedures are less invasive than more comprehensive surgeries, the recovery time required is significantly less, and patients can more easily work their aesthetic goals into their busy schedules.

Patients Who Have a Strong Focus on Natural Results

No patient wants to look “fake” or “operated on,” but for many patients, results that are discreet and look natural are their top priority. These patients generally want a less dramatic improvement—in terms of facial rejuvenation, for example, just enough of an enhancement to help them look younger and more rested. While this subtle look can be achieved with a traditional facelift, Dr. LeRoy’s Band Aid Facelift can produce the results these patients want with less risk of visible scarring, lower costs, and less recovery time.

Patients Who Don’t Need a Comprehensive Procedure

Some patients come to us during an “in-between” point in their appearance—for instance, a patient who is unhappy with a bit of unwanted fat and loose skin on their abdomen, but doesn’t have enough excess tissue or muscle damage to warrant a full tummy tuck. For these patients, a minimally-invasive procedure can provide a better balance. In other words, instead of the going through the moderate amount of inconvenience and discomfort associated with a tummy tuck to achieve the mild results they want, patients can opt for a Band Aid Tummy Tuck to attain the same results with minimized effort and expense.

Patients Who Are Seeking More of an Improvement than Non-Surgical Procedures Can Provide

To meet the needs of all our patients, we offer not only plastic surgery but non-surgical procedures as well, such as dermal fillers, Botox® and Dysport®, and a variety of skin treatments. Non-surgical options can be perfect for patients who have minor cosmetic needs like fine lines and wrinkles, but if these treatments are too mild to achieve results that can help the patient become their most beautiful and confident self, Band Aid procedures are a great next step that can produce sufficient results without the more extensive recovery time of a traditional surgery.

One of the ways that Dr. John LeRoy has developed a reputation for his superb results is by having expertise in such a wide variety of procedures that he can offer each patient the ideal cosmetic option to fit their needs. While Band Aid procedures are a perfect option for many patients, other patients are best suited for traditional plastic surgeries, and still others are a great fit for non-surgical treatments. To learn more about your options and discuss the best way for you to reach an appearance you can feel confident in, schedule a consultation with Dr. John LeRoy.

May Brings Many Ways to Save on Facial Rejuvenation

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Throughout more than thirty years as a plastic surgeon, I’ve found that one of the most common goals my patients have is to look younger. They still feel as vibrant and energetic as they did ten years ago, and they want their outward appearance to match. But even a basic knowledge of cosmetic treatments makes it clear that there isn’t one particular way for patients to achieve this goal—the options span from noninvasive treatments to injections to surgical procedures like my Band Aid Facelift. That’s because every patient is unique; their skin tone, aesthetic goals, signs of aging, and medical needs all impact which procedure I recommend. As a reflection of this, our May specials offer savings on a number of treatments, all of which are geared toward facial rejuvenation.

Atlanta plastic surgeonBand Aid Skin Tightening

We all know that as we age, our skin loses its firmness and elasticity, and gravity causes it to sag. A facelift is a highly effective way to correct this problem, but for patients who aren’t yet ready for surgery or those who are seeking to maintain the results of their facelift, Band Aid Skin Tightening can be an ideal solution. The cutting-edge Protégé system sends precisely controlled heat into the deeper layers of the skin. This triggers the body’s production of collagen, the protein that gives skin its youthful firmness. As the collagen continuously develops, the treated skin becomes more firm and wrinkles become smoother, leading to a naturally refreshed look.

Band Aid Laser Skin Resurfacing

Besides lax skin, another common sign of aging is the development of age spots—small spots where sun exposure over time has made the skin darker than the surrounding skin. Band Aid Laser Skin Resurfacing is unique because it addresses both age spots and wrinkles, as well as acne scarring. Like Band Aid Skin Tightening, this procedure stimulates the body’s natural collagen production process, which has slowed down with age. The DOT Therapyâ„¢ laser sends precisely controlled columns of laser light into the skin while leaving the surrounding skin intact. As a result, the refreshed collagen creates a smoother, more youthful complexion, yet the healing time needed is minimal.

Cosmetic Facial Injections

Perhaps some of the best-known methods for facial rejuvenation are cosmetic facial injections. Botox® and Dysport® are wrinkle-reducing medications that relax the targeted muscles in the faces. This smooths the creases and winkles that have formed as a result of the muscle being contracted or furrowed from years of facial expressions. Dermal fillers like Restylane® and Juvéderm®, on the other hand, restore the youthful volume that is naturally lost from the face as we age. In some cases, these fillers can also be used to subtly plump the lips. Starting on May 1st, 2015, patients can earn special savings on their Dysport® and Restylane® treatments through the new ASPIRE Galderma Rewards program. To learn more about the program or to enroll for free, visit www.aspirerewards.com.

As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, my priority is making sure that you get the best treatment possible. It’s important to balance great results with safety and recovery time, and to find the procedure or treatment that balances each of these priorities. To schedule your consultation to discuss the best treatment option for you, give us a call to schedule an appointment. Or, for helpful tips and information about plastic surgery and other cosmetic topics, follow the John L LeRoy, MD, FACS, PC page on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.