Facial rejuvenation doesn’t always involve surgery and incisional scars. For many people with mild signs of aging, limited downtime, or medical conditions that limit the use of anesthetics, a Miami non-surgical facelift may be a great option. While a full facelift or other facial plastic surgery procedures require several weeks of recovery, nonsurgical procedures have very little downtime and can often be done over a lunch break.

Miami facial plastic surgeon Dr. Joshua Lampert has found that younger men and women are frequently requesting minimally invasive procedures such as dermal fillers, Botox or skin rejuvenation. Many young patients would rather start treatment earlier with non-surgical therapies than wait until they have aged further and are indicated for cosmetic surgical procedures. In his practice, Dr. Lampert finds that requested non-surgical treatments fall into three general categories;

1. Dermal fillers (or soft tissue fillers)
2. Botox, Dysport or other muscle relaxers (neurotoxins)
3. Skin rejuvenation

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are used to fill in wrinkles, acne scars, areas of lost or fallen fat, and to restore generalized volume loss to the entire face. Facial fat and volume is lost throughout the aging process. Gravity and time can cause remaining facial fat to descend or droop. Younger patients can develop a paucity of adipose tissue (including a loss in facial fat) after significant weight loss. This is very commonly seen in gastric bypass and massive weight loss patients. Judicious use of soft tissue fillers can help restore the soft and tight facial volume associated with a more youthful natural appearance.

Some of the more popular fillers are:

• Voluma
• Sculptra
• Restylane
• Juvederm
• Restylane Silk
• Perlane
• Radiesse
• Belotero

These fillers are all injected so that there is no need for anything other than a light local anesthetic. Fillers take a few days to settle, but once this has occurred, they can roll back the clock a number of years and postpone the need for a full facelift.

Another advantage of fillers is that they provide an opportunity to try out facial rejuvenation before committing to facial surgery. Because fillers are eventually absorbed by the body, they need to be periodically maintained by additional injections. A surgical facelift or large volume fat graft may address far more issues than soft tissue filler can. However, for many, observing the results obtained from fillers will provide an easier gradient than committing to facial plastic surgery.

Although fillers are not as involved as surgery, it takes a high skill level and keen artistic perception to know where to place the fillers and when to stop. We have all seen the results of incorrectly placed fillers on some celebrities. When it comes to facial fillers, it is important to trust your face to only the most qualified plastic surgeons and dermatologists. Dr. Lampert has had to treat numerous patients with lumps from other overzealous and inexperienced injectors. These lumps of superficial visible product are also known as a “Tyndall Effect” due to the way the filler products can scatter light.

Dr. Lampert has become quite skilled in the use of hyaluronidase, a special injectable enzyme that helps treat patients suffering from the “Tyndall Effect.” Dr. Lampert injects hyaluronidase to dissolve excessive Juvederm, Restylane, Voluma, or Perlane that was too superficially placed by the prior doctor. Once corrected, additional injections of filler can be performed deeper or at the appropriate level. Of course, it is always easiest to get it right the first time. Trust your face to only the most qualified board certified plastic surgeons specializing in the aesthetics of the face!

Younger patients who wish to begin a program of maintenance find that fillers, combined with Botox and skin rejuvenation procedures, will keep them looking their best for many years and may avoid the need for a facelift altogether.

Muscle Relaxers (or Neurotoxins)

Botox® is the number one brand of muscle relaxer (or neurotoxin) that is used in Miami and the world today. There are other brands such as Dysport that are reputed to work equally well. These neurotoxins are injected with very fine needles to help soften the lines of the forehead, the area between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet.

Botox has been safely used by millions of men and women over the past 20 years with virtually no side effects. This procedure can be done over a lunch break and patients can usually return to work with no telltale signs.

Botox and other muscle relaxers are purified proteins that cause the injected muscles to be weakened temporarily. A tiny amount is injected into the areas where dynamic wrinkles are becoming too severe. Dynamic wrinkles are those formed by creating expression, as opposed to wrinkles formed by losing elasticity. The most common injection sites are frown lines of the forehead, horizontal lines running across the forehead, and crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes. The effects of Botox and Dysport are typically noticed 3 - 4 days after injection. Full effect of the procedure takes approximately 7-14 days and will last approximately 3 months.

Expression is not ‘frozen’ by judiciously using Botox or other muscle relaxers. The muscles that are targeted are specifically those that cause frown lines or crow’s feet to deepen. Expression will be improved as patients appear to be more rested and less “stressed out.”

For very deep wrinkles, additional procedures such as skin resurfacing and the use of dermal fillers may produce the best effect. Dr. Lampert will advise you on the best course of action to attain your specific goals.

Skin Rejuvenation Resurfacing Procedures

If the surface of the skin has sun damage, scarring or discoloration, there are several options. The most common procedures are:

• Dermabrasion
• Chemical peels
• Laser Treatment

These procedures treat fine lines and wrinkles, skin discolorations, dull skin tone and facial flush caused by vascular lesions.

Dermabrasion

This procedure is used to remove ridges and raised skin that surrounds scarred areas or fine lines. Patients with significant scarring from acne pitting or injury can see the appearance of scars diminish greatly through this technique. Dr. Lampert may recommend several sessions to repair large areas of scarring or scars that are very deep. The procedure can be done in the surgical suite at the office under local anesthetic.

Recovering from dermabrasion is accomplished in phases. The first few weeks will see the swelling and redness diminish, but it will take several months for the redness to fully fade. This procedure requires attention to detail concerning ongoing skincare. It is important to use sunblock at all times to avoid development of dark pigmentation while healing.

Dermabrasion can help relieve issues with self conscious patients concerned with prior scars. Facial scarring can be markedly improved when treated with dermabrasion by Dr. Lampert, a board certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel uses a mild chemical acid solution to restore smoothness to skin surface. This procedure removes dead skin and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, freckles, age spots, acne scars and sun-damaged skin. Chemical peels are performed with various strengths depending on the needs of the patient. The procedure and recovery times differ for each type of peel and the strength of dilution. Dr. Lampert will fully review the details regarding chemical peels available to you at your consultation.

Laser Resurfacing

For treatment of many facial flaws, the use of laser energy has gained popularity due to the precision with which the surgeon can direct the beam. Conditions ranging from facial warts to birthmarks, as well as scars and sun-damaged skin can be greatly improved through the use of laser energy. The added benefit is that some of the laser energy penetrates below the surface of the skin, stimulating collagen production. This improves the firmness and texture of the skin and restores a more youthful and refreshed skin tone.

Consult one of Miami’s Leading Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons

Whether your concern is scarring, wrinkles, frown lines, or anything in between, a non surgical solution may exist. Contact Dr. Lampert for a comprehensive examination and consultation that is oriented towards attaining your goals and boosting your self-confidence.