New and Improved (or is it?): The Importance of Research with Plastic Surgery Technology
As a board certified plastic and cosmetic surgeon who has worked in this industry for nearly twenty years, I have seen my fair share of the newest, latest, greatest, and best plastic surgery claims. Although there have been remarkable strides made with plastic surgery technology, like the dramatic rejuvenation possible with wrinkle injectables and minimally invasive facelift procedures, it’s important for potential plastic surgery patients to remember that discretion remains a vital aspect when it comes to electing to have the latest plastic surgery procedure.
In a recent statement made by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (APSAPS), organization representatives urged patients to wait on more comprehensive, long-term data regarding stem cell technology for cosmetic use before pursuing the treatments. Referencing the highly publicized stem cell procedures popular figures like actress Suzanne Summers and entertainer Madonna have reportedly undergone, the esteemed plastic surgery association stated that “although stem cell technology in the area of plastic surgery is very promising… scientific evidence is still insufficient.”
I began my cosmetic and plastic surgery practice here in Atlanta in 1992, but it wasn’t until 1997 that I introduced the Band Aid Facelift technique I’d been developing over the previous years because I value the importance of research data. I spent those years listening to my patient’s desires for an effective, yet minimally invasive facelift that would not require the recovery that traditional facelift surgery entailed. I researched the existing facial rejuvenation methods and worked from there: the tried and true techniques.