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HEALTHursday: Trends in facial plastic surgery

By Dr. Rina Shinn

According to an article from Aesthetic Medicine News, "the number of non-invasive cosmetic procedures rose 47 percent according to new survey results released by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). Consumers are opting to have less-invasive procedures to look and feel refreshed. The economy is playing a large role in the growing trend. Not only are consumers having less-costly procedures, but 80 percent of physicians surveyed say patients are making these choices in order to remain competitive in the workplace."

These increases include facial fillers like poly-l-lactic acid (up 71 percent), chemical peels (up 52 percent), hyaluronic acid (up 48%) and Botox (up 45 percent).

Facial fillers are one of the easiest and quickest ways to help fill out and smooth away lines and wrinkles. The treatments restore volume and definition to rejuvenate the skin. Patients feel better about improving the appearance of their "Marionette Lines" - smile lines at corners of the mouth - as well as the lines and furrows around the face like. smoker's lines, frown, furrows and forehead lines.

A chemical peel is a treatment in which an acid solution is used to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin. A chemical peel enhances and smoothes the texture of the skin. It is an effective treatment for facial blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation. In the past, chemical peels were only advisable for fair-skinned patients. New treatments like the Melange Peel are now available and beautifully effective on all skin types, including darker complexions.

Surgical Procedures

According to the same article, facelifts are the most common cosmetic surgical procedure, followed by blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), rhinoplasty (nose surgeries) and ablative skin resurfacing. These procedures are most commonly performed on patients between the ages of 35 and 60 years of age.

One of the most convenient trends in facelift procedures is Laser Facelift by Lipotherme. A laser is used to liquefy and remove unwanted fat in targeted body zones. Due to its skin tightening effect and its ability to create a more balanced skin texture, Lipotherme is ideal for delicate areas such as under the chin, under the eyes, and jowls.

Just like chemical peels, Ablative Skin Resurfacing is used to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, age spots, and blotchy patches on the skin. However, deep laser skin rejuvenations can stimulate the production of new collagen in the lower dermis. One popular skin resurfacing treatment, the ProFractional XC, creates thousands of microscopic channels in the skin which are surrounded by areas of healthy, untreated skin. The zones of untreated skin speeds the body's natural healing process, and the treated areas stimulate production of new collagen while healing, plumping up the skin and smoothing out wrinkles, lines, scars and other irregularities. Profractional provides best of both worlds - incredible results and minimal downtime.

Dr. Rina Shinn is a board-certified General Surgeon and a Fellow of American College of Surgeons who has been in a general surgery practice since 1997. In 2008, Dr. Shinn decided to expand her expertise in laser aesthetic fields. Because of her extensive background in general surgery, Dr. Shinn has a thorough knowledge of facial and body anatomy and physiology. She is also well-versed in the specific medical and cosmetic issues facing the gay and lesbian community. Dr. Shinn has performed various "traditional" forms of cosmetic procedures, as well as new, innovative ones. She is credited with being the first surgeon to bring Body-Jet, an innovative water-assisted liposuction technique, to Colorado.

Dr. Shinn is currently the practicing Medical Director at Adonis Aesthetics in Pueblo, Colorado, where she is committed to helping her patients improve their lives. For more information, please visit www.adonisaesthetics.com.