With recent advances in plastic surgery, there is now something for just about anyone who is interested in looking younger or enhancing their facial aesthetics. Research is driven by consumer demand, and more people with busy lifestyles are looking to simpler solutions that require a less intensive investment of downtime, cost, and other factors. This has led to an explosion of procedures such as injectable fillers, Botox, chemical peels, and other minimally invasive treatments. However, these procedures do have limitations on what they can accomplish, which leads some patients to seek surgery instead. Fortunately, there are now surgical techniques that can produce great results with less downtime and discomfort.
But what can these surgeries accomplish, and who is the best candidate for these procedures?
What Qualifies as Minimally Invasive?
Most people want a procedure that is going to offer great results with as little downtime as possible. However, many of the most effective procedures do still require a more invasive procedure, despite the fact that plastic surgery techniques continue to become gentler and more effective over time. With this in mind, what qualifies as a minimally invasive surgery? While there is no specific criteria for what qualifies as minimally invasive, the term usually refers to a surgery that makes use of small, well-hidden incisions to enhance and rejuvenate a specific area of the face. Even small, subtle changes to the youth and contour of the face can yield great aesthetic benefits, so it is no wonder these procedures continue to grow in popularity.
Who is the Best Candidate?
Good candidates for minimally invasive surgery are typically younger, in their 40s or 50s, with only mild to moderate signs of aging. The reason for this is that patients with more significant wrinkling or sagging skin might not get satisfactory rejuvenation from minimally invasive techniques, and might be dissatisfied with the results.
Because minimally invasive techniques still involve surgery, only healthy individuals who are non-smokers are eligible for these procedures. Smoking increases anesthesia and bleeding risk, inhibits healing, and can be very dangerous for plastic surgery patients. Certain medications can also be dangerous, and patients who rely on them may not be able to undergo elective surgery.
Finally, ideal candidates for plastic surgery have realistic expectations for their results. It is not possible to “stop the clock” on aging, but patients who are reasonable about the improvement they expect are typically very happy with the refreshed appearance and slowed aging from surgery.
Types of Minimally Invasive Surgery
There are many techniques that qualify as minimally-invasive, and they can address a number of concerns in the face, whether they are caused by age or facial balance issues. Some popular procedures include:
Endoscopic Rejuvenation
Endosopic surgery uses a tiny telescope to allow the surgeon excellent visibility through very small incisions. Endoscopic plastic surgery is most often used to lift the brow, a common area of early aging, but it can also be used for a gentle mid-face mini lift.
Chin and Cheek Augmentation
Facial contour surgery can improve the overall aesthetics of the face, and bring balance to the features. This is usually done using facial implants in the chin or cheeks. These procedures are fairly straightforward, minimally invasive, and involve a fairly easy recovery.
Submental Platysmaplasty Mini Lift
For patients who do not have excess skin in the chin area but have loose muscles, a submental platysmaplasty tightens up the area for a more youthful appearance. The procedure can also be combined with facial liposuction to help resolve a “double chin” that so often crops up with age.
Discuss Your Options
The only way to know if you are a candidate for minimally invasive surgery is to consult with an expert. You have so many options available to you if you are considering facial enhancement or rejuvenation, and it is important to feel secure and confident in your decisions. Not ready to consider even minimally-invasive surgery? There are many non-invasive treatments that can make you look and feel great about yourself without the commitment.
If you are ready to explore your options, then it is time to meet with a qualified facial plastic surgeon who can assess your face, your goals, and your candidacy, and help you decide what treatment plan will best meet your needs.
Finding the right fit is difficult, which is why you should narrow down your choice of surgeons only to board certified facial plastic surgeons who specialize in facial procedures. Specialists like Dr. Stuart Bentkover offer patients personalized care and beautiful, natural results. If you would like to meet with Dr. Bentkover at his Worcester (508-363-6500) or Stoneham (617-247-0033) offices, call either location today to schedule your consultation.