Archive for June, 2011
Atlanta facelift surgeons are variable in the extent of their training and the techniques they use to rejuvenate the aging face. A facelift describes a procedure that rejuvenates the lower third of the face (jowls) and neck. As we age, skin looses elasticity and subsequently, elongates and sags. A facelift is designed to remove the excess skin while tightening the muscles of the face, the SMAS. The longevity associated with a particular facelift technique is solely dependent on the technique used to tighten the muscles of the face because the SMAS supports the lift. The primary reason that facelifts fail early is that the majority of surgeons perform abbreviated, less comprehensive SMAS lifts because they are uncomfortable with the delicate anatomy of the face and unfamiliar with more comprehensive techniques.
With less comprehensive techniques, such as plication or lateral SMASectomy procedures, there is less skin removed, the results do not last as long, and they are not as dramatic. Although much of the marketing about the less comprehensive techniques is geared towards promising minimal healing times with equal results, the counter opposite is true. Healing times are equal or even shorter with more comprehensive techniques such as the mini deep plane facelift, and the results are better with improved longer term results. The most comprehensive facelift is designed to last eight to ten years, but with other techniques results can fail as early as one year after surgery.
Most patients prefer to have fewer surgeries with the longest lasting outcomes. Revision facelift surgery is done for two reasons: because of suboptimal results from a previous suboptimal surgery, or as a natural consequence of the continued aging process after a facelift. Even with the best facelift techniques, patients may undergo several facelift surgeries in their lifetime to maintain a youthful look over the last two to four decades of their lives.
The most proven facelift techniques are the extended sub-SMAS and deep plane facelifts. Both techniques can now be performed through the most state of the art Mini Facelift incisions. Older, more traditional facelift incisions were unnecessarily long, creating more obvious scars that required patients to change their hair styles to camouflage their incisions. With contemporary, shorter incision techniques, patients can wear their hair as the desire, even in a pony tail.
Facial plastic surgeons are highly skilled, specially trained physicians that are exclusively trained in head and neck anatomy and surgery with additional, advanced training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures. When choosing a facial plastic surgeon, one should look for a surgeon that is dual board certified in Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This insures that the surgeon has met the rigorous standards required for training and certification to become a facial plastic surgeon. Finally, when choosing a facelift surgeon, a patient should choose a surgeon they trust and have a good rapport with, in order to avoid suboptimal and sometimes disastrous outcomes.
Posted by: Benjamin C. Stong MD
Atlanta GA
Atlanta Facelift surgeon and facial plastic surgeon, Benjamin C. Stong MD of Kalos Facial Plastic surgery is proud to announce partnership with the Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV), the largest domestic violence organization in Atlanta and the state of Georgia. At only 34 years old, Dr. Stong has not only positioned himself locally as a leader in the facial plastic and reconstructive surgery community, but has also managed to dedicate his time and efforts to numerous humanitarian efforts. His most recent endeavor is volunteering to be the exclusive facial plastic surgeon for the PADV, providing surgical assistance to victims of domestic violence. Nearly 5.3 million intimate partner victimizations occur each year among U.S. women ages 18 and older. This violence results in nearly 2 million injuries, some of which can require extensive facial reconstructive procedures, such as Rhinoplasty surgery. Dr. Stong’s training in facial plastic surgery provides the most advanced and contemporary procedures in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to restore the self-esteem of domestic violence victims.
Dr. Stong resides on the national FACE TO FACE committee; a humanitarian program of the Educational and Research Foundation for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. FACE TO FACE is designed for facial plastic surgeons to donate their time and skills to help those in need of reconstructive facial plastic surgery including: victims of domestic violence, children afflicted with congenital birth defects, such as cleft lips and palates, and wounded veterans of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. “I was astonished at the number of domestic violence victims presently in Atlanta,” said Dr. Stong. “Most of these victims are not only affected emotionally, but also left with physical evidence of the abusive relationship. My goal is to contribute to the healing process by helping repair their physical and emotional scars. Although this is only an initial step, we are optimistic about helping these survivors of domestic violence as well as provide future support to the PADV.”
Northside Hospital will collaborate with Dr. Stong by waiving facility and anesthesia fees for victim’s surgeries. For 14 consecutive years, Northside Hospital has been voted by Metro Atlanta consumers as the Most Preferred Hospital for Overall Healthcare Services. Additionally, Northside Hospital performs more surgeries than at any other Georgia Hospital.
The PADV’s mission is to end the crime of intimate partner violence and empower its survivors. Since 1975, they have provided professional, compassionate, and influential support to battered women and their children in metro Atlanta. It is a prestigious organization that helps restore victim’s confidence. The PADV also works to end domestic violence by restoring self-sufficiency and control to victims as well as educating the public on the dynamics of this complex issue. Meagan Fulmer, the Vice President of Development for PADV, approached Dr. Stong after learning of his generous contributions to other charitable endeavors. “The PADV is excited to welcome Dr. Stong into our family. To have a surgeon of his skill set willing to work in partnership with us to help survivor’s of intimate partner violence not only overcome their emotional and physical barriers, but also help them thrive through the gift of healing,” said Meagan.
Aside from providing surgical services, Dr. Stong will host a charitable benefit November 4th at the Mason Murer gallery from which all proceeds will benefit the PADV and the national FACE TO FACE program. He and the Kalos Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery staff will also participate in the annual Hearts with Hope signature fundraising event of the PADV. The proceeds from the gala go to support violence prevention, emergency intervention, and long-term advocacy for battered women and children.