We are all genetically blessed (some to a greater degree than others) with a covering of skin that will take care of us for the rest of our lives.
Unfortunately, ultraviolet exposure, smoke, and other environmental insults combine to accelerate an aging process that results in blemishes, loss of elasticity, and ultimately, wrinkles and sagging. Simply taking care of the skin by avoiding as many of those hazards as possible is the one most important thing you can do for your skin. In our medical skin care program, we start with sun screens and moisturizers that help protect and moisturize the skin. We then recommend exfoliants that help remove make-up and oils from the skin and toners that provide a healthier aura.
We also employ a myriad of resources for treating skin that shows some degree of damage. We start with a minimum of exfoliation, not only using topical products, but progressing through microdermabrasion and combination microdermabrasion and superficial laser treatments.
We have several lasers of varying types that work at different depths and on different types of lesions. These are used either singly or in combinations in order to treat different colors of skin problems whether they be rosacea or spider veins (red) or lentigos and freckles (brown spots). We also have lasers that treat wrinkles and intense pulse light therapy for treating hypopigmentation. Skin oils, make-up, and other debris collects in pores making the pores larger and more visible as we get older. Exfoliating/regenerating peels are used to make the pores smaller and less visible.
All of these treatments, with the exception of deeper peels, are lunch hour procedures and can be followed with immediate application of make-up with no down time. Of course, more damaged skin may require either more individual treatments or even more aggressive treatments that would require two to four days of down time. More aggressive treatments, of course, result in more rapid and more effective response.
We have an incredible armament of injectable fillers. Fillers should be distinguished from Botox which paralyzes the muscles involved in creating wrinkles, particularly of the frown lines between the brows, the forehead, and the squint lines around the eyes.
The fillers that we use include Restylane (the best for fine lines and wrinkles), Radiesse (for deeper folds, such as the smile folds in the cheeks), and Artefill (our longest lasting filler). We have also been using Sculptra which has recently been approved for cosmetic use. This is a somewhat more aggressive filler that is designed to replace areas of fat atrophy of the face, particularly in the cheek areas. Sculptra lasts for years and had the advantage of providing a very natural lifting and youthful transformation of the mid-face area.
Despite all of our best intentions and despite effective use of the treatments mentioned above, our skin will eventually lose enough elasticity to appear to A melt. In the last three years, however, our scope of surgical intervention has taken an amazing leap forward.
The mini face lift, whether you call it feather lift or weekend face lift, or any one of several other popular names, has been resurrected due to technical advancements and improvements in surgical knowledge and technique. The mini lift is now considered a viable option for some. I prefer to add surgical threads (thread lift) to the mini face lift, because I believe the combination works much better and lasts a lot longer than any of the mini lifts or threads alone.
For the majority of the people I see neck skin and deep cheek folds are the primary issues that will determine whether or not a face lift is the best procedure. In performing a full face lift, I always include neck tightening (although a neck tightening procedure may be done all by itself) and I frequently add brow lift and eyelid procedures. Every man or woman whom we see for the face lift procedure will have a slightly different combination of procedures and each one performed to a greater or lesser degree.
Although our facial rejuvenation patients consult in our medical spa in order to assess the depth and type of skin damage, our Visia Analysis Information Center allows us to quantify and qualify each type of skin damage or weakness. We then develop a comprehensive plan for the most efficient, the most effective, and the most personalized and long-lasting rejuvenation process.
Patient Story
Mary Jo is a vibrant woman in her early 60s who stays active and enjoys life. When she began to notice that her face didn’t match how she feels inside, she decided to have her face rejuvenated. She commented, “I looked old and tired but I didn’t feel old and tired!"
After doing research Mary Jo selected four plastic surgeons to visit for consultations, and chose Dr. Yarish. “I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Yarish and his entire staff. Compared to the other plastic surgeons I saw, Dr. Yarish, in my opinion, was the best. He listened, was attentive, answered all of my questions, and I can honestly say that he and his staff really do care about their patients. I knew I could trust Dr. Yarish and felt very comfortable with him. His staff is exceptional too. They are so friendly and make you feel at ease.”
“I am very pleased with my results—they look so natural. I would tell anyone who’s considering getting something done to go ahead and do it. You’ll be amazed at how great you will feel afterward.”
