“Are there any new procedures I should consider,” writes one of my readers? This question pops up quite frequently so I turned to a renowned cosmetic surgeon in Los Angeles, Dr. Patrick Abergel. I learned about cosmetic improvement procedures that were less aggressive and required less down time than traditional face lifts or laser applications.
Having gained the highest credentials granted by his profession, Abergel is now teaching at University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine. He is well known for innovating new surgical techniques that are less invasive and require only local anesthesia or light sedation, similar to a dental blocks and demand far less down time. More than anything, he stresses absolute patient safety first and foremost.
The results he attains, which I have witnessed personally, are astounding. A particular procedure he invented is a unique mini-lift requiring only a very small incision.
A friend of mine underwent the “mini,”which is done under light sedation, on a Friday, recouped over the weekend and was back at work by Monday. She looked natural and years younger with no visible discolorations.
One of the reasons Abergel gets good results without major surgery is based on his own techniques, which he developed over years including his own surgical micro-tools that limit tissue trauma and skin discoloration. He is fanatical in pursuing research and effective techniques that can produce better results for his clients.
Abergel embraced laser surgery early on. He has high praise for the CO2 Laser, which is based on a superior innovative fractional technology, far kinder to the skin than old fashioned lasers.
The CO2 laser allows the skin to cool down. Consequently, skin irritation and excessive redness is minimized and recuperation time far shorter. This relatively new laser can be fine-tuned during the process to erase light surface or deeper wrinkles in different areas of the face.
The procedure requires minimal down time but the rejuvenation of the skin and face is dramatic. Of course, as in all surgeries, the skill, experience and artistry of the surgeon is fundamental in getting good results.
What about “quick result” solutions like Botox or fillers?
“Botox owns the forehead,” says Abergel. “There is nothing more effective to stop unnecessary muscle contraction and thus make frown and tension lines disappear." Another new toxin, Dysport, achieves very similar corrections.
However, the results which take two to three days to show with Botox, appear sooner with Dysport. For those unflattering butterfly lines from nose to mouth, chin or cheekbone enhancement and other facial or neck correction he uses a combination of fillers; Juvederm and Restylane to smooth, fill and make creases and winkles disappear. Radiesse is often used on men with thicker skin or for corrections around the cheek bones.
The costs for these procedures are not inexpensive and vary from practice to practice. A candidate considering plastic surgery or corrective cosmetic procedures should spend serious time researching the prospective doctor’s experience and credentials. Ask for references, talk to former patients, check out results - real or pictures - and ask other medical professionals to give you informed advice.
Jacqui
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Edited by Malu Banuelos