By Stephen M. Krant, M.D., F.A.C.S.
It is interesting to note that the term “Plastic” Surgery is derived from the Latin word plasticus and the Greek word plastikos, both meaning “to mold or reshape”. The beauty of what we do for the human face and body is that we have learned to mold and shape it to achieve a more youthful, rejuvenated look. With the aging process, our bodies change and our facial structures sag. Plastic surgery can help put the tissues back where they used to be. In over 30 years of practice we have seen many new and innovative procedures. It is fascinating to keep up with all the new treatments available at SK Clinic – La Jolla Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center.
Our patients can exercise and work out to keep their bodies toned. Although, sometimes they admit they need some additional help. We have non-invasive approaches available now such as Thermage (radiofrequency) and Lipo massage which tighten, tone and smooth the body. In addition, many of our patients opt for surgical solutions such as “mommy or daddy make overs”. These may include tummy tuck, breast lift/augmentation/reduction and liposuction or a combination.
Unfortunately, we can’t get to the gym and exercise our faces back into shape. As we age, the underlying tissue gives in to gravity and hollowing of cheeks and under eyes. It is important to understand that the aging process involves skin, fat, muscle, and bone changes. There are now so many non-invasive ways to counteract the effects of aging. Botox can alleviate the lines that we’ve earned through years of smiling and laughing. There are injectable fillers that will temporarily fill those hollows and deeper crease lines and stimulates your own collagen to create volume over a period of two to three months.
Laser resurfacing can be as simple a series of Fraxel ReStore treatments with no down timeor a one-time Fraxel RePair treatment that will leave you with smooth new skin. Both Fraxel treatments tighten and stimulate new collagen and elastic tissue. Microneedling (MN) is a method of using your own Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to brighten and create more tightness in the skin. Additional facial non-invasive treatments at SK Clinic include Thermage to tighten and smooth, peels, IPL to remove brown and red spots and laser hair removal. Our aestheticians are available to help develop a strategy to rejuvenate your skin. Make an appointment with one of our laser nurses or aestheticians to see what these non-invasive treatments can do for you.
Facial surgery is the option when these non-invasive approaches simply won’t do the job. When a face-lift is performed at SK Clinic, the underlying tissue is also tightened before the skin is brought to the appropriate, natural position. This will ensure more lasting results and approximate the position that your tissue was in on a younger you. If you want to evaluate if you are a candidate for a mid-face lift, look in a mirror and draw an imaginary line from the corner of your mouth to the corner of your eye. Then, place your finger on the apex of your lateral cheekbone and lift up toward the corner of your eye. You will see what this will do to your central cheek and nasolabial fold and how rejuvenating this can be.
When you come to our office for a consultation, I will discuss these treatments and your options. My background and experience include being a board-certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. I graduated from Emory University and Yale Medical School followed by a five year general surgery residency at Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago. Then I completed a two year Plastic and Reconstructive surgery fellowship at Yale New-Haven Hospital before starting my practice here in La Jolla.
I also perform major reconstructive procedures for breast and skin cancer, working closely with your general surgeon, dermatologist and internist. So many combinations and options are available for you and we would be happy to discuss this at a complimentary consultation.
