As people are living longer and healthier, more of us are interested in continuing to look as youthful as we feel. No longer are facial cosmetic procedures affordable only by actors, politicians and those in the media. Great strides have been made in obtaining predictable and outstanding results from cosmetic surgery due to increased understanding of the skin and aging process, improvements in ambulatory surgery and techniques, and the use of implantable materials to enhance the framework of the facial skeleton.
TRENDS
IN COSMETIC SURGERY
Many
patients are opting for "success" surgery at younger ages—early
40s instead of waiting until their 50s or 60s—believing that
a more youthful appearance may give them a competitive edge in today's
business world. Men are electing cosmetic surgery in increasing numbers—one-third
of all plastic surgery is now done on males, compared to 10 to 15
percent done 20 years ago. New techniques in the field include advanced
skin treatment, tissue expanders, state-of-the-art implants, tissue
glues and computer imaging.
COSMETIC
DERMATOLOGY
Short
of major cosmetic surgery, there have been many advances in cosmetic
dermatology to improve the quality and appearance of skin: nonprescription
cleansers, moisturizers, foundations, concealers, cosmetics, sunscreens
and peeling agents, as well as retinoids (Retin-A), bleaches, moisturizers
(Lac-Hydrin), Accutane (for acne treatment) and other medications
available by prescription.
Additionally, injectable filling materials, such as Zyderm, Zyplast and the body's own collagen have been used to elevate surface defects and irregularities. Lip liner and brow dermal pigmentation can also be used for reconstructive or strictly cosmetic purposes.
FACIAL
REJUVENATION
Techniques
for cosmetic surgery which reverses the signs of aging are now more scientific
and predictable because of our better understanding of anatomy and the
aging process. Surgeons go into deeper anatomic planes, tightening muscles
and facial ligaments, sculpting fat and redraping skin for an improved
appearance and longer-lasting results. Lasers have been touted by some
to improve recovery and the final result. Tissue glues permit surgeons
to seal incisions without suturing.
Typically these surgeries involve the removal of excess skin and bulging fat in the upper and lower lids to create a more youthful appearance of the eyes. Surgery of the lower lids can use incisions on the inside of the eye (transconjunctival approach) which leave no visible scar. Surgery of the aging face—the "face lift"—has advanced from a simple skin incision to deep plane lifting, involving the deep supportive structures of the face. Additionally, a variety of filling materials and expansion of facial tissues have been thought by some to improve appearance and final results.
Many men desire natural-looking hair reconstruction, made possible by the use of surgical reduction of the bald scalp combined with tissue expanders (devices to stretch the scalp), free and vascularize flaps, and even single hair transplants (known as micrographs). Extensive scalp lifting can create hair where once there was none; careful styling can create an extremely pleasing improvement.