DERMATOLOGY

Dr. Larry Bishop

WE ARE in the age of nonsurgical facial rejuvenation and bombarded with advertisements all claiming the exact same thing: The return of our face to its youthful appearance.

How can we choose among the dizzying array of choices so we can make the right decision for us?  How can we separate hype from truth?  How can we, as consumers, choose wisely for ourselves so we can reach our goals?

My favorite surgical mentor in medical school once told me that every successful surgery was merely a series of tricks.  And so, too, my friends, is facial rejuvenation.  So I am going to tell you everything you need to know so you, too, will learn some great secrets that will help you make good decisions and get great results. I’m going to tell you the five tricks that are essential to getting what you want.

WHEN CHOOSING fillers for plumping lips or filling in the deep lines of the face, or Botox to relax the lines of expression of your face, remember that you can always add more. Your goal should be to have your friends tell you look great, not that you look “done.”

Secret Number One: Take out your old photographs, and pick one that matches the look you want to achieve.  Most of us don’t really want to look 21 again, but usually we want to look 10 to 15 years younger.  We want to look good for our age, not like the fashion models in Elle or the stars in People magazine.  Brad and Angelina look great, but it is much better to look like us —the best version of us! The photograph you select will guide your physician in correcting the changes that maturation brings, and will help set goals that are right for you.

Secret Number Two: Don’t overshoot your mark.  In the era of nonsurgical rejuvenation, the mantra is, “there’s always more where that came from…”  When choosing fillers for plumping lips or filling in the deep lines of the face, or Botox to relax the lines of expression of your face, remember that you can always add more.  Our goal should be to have your friends tell you look great, not that you look “done.”  Listen to your doctor.  He or she will have a more objective view of the amount of correction you have achieved, and they will tell you when you have gotten a good result.  When we hit our endpoint, we commonly say, “This is a good look for you.” Trust us.

Secret Number Three: Get yourself an expert. In this day and age, there are plenty of choices for facial rejuvenation.  It is critical that you choose someone who knows what they are doing and, more importantly, believes in what they are doing.  Are they trained in the new nonsurgical techniques? Hardly a day goes by that one of my patients doesn’t mention a famous actress (who shall remain nameless) who was treated by an unlicensed, unqualified physician and ended up looking deformed and ridiculous.  A once beautiful woman, she is now a poster child for bad cosmetic treatments.

Is your doctor well known?  Does he or she have the background and training necessary to get you the results for which you are looking?  Are they dedicated to the same goal of nonsurgical rejuvenation or, conversely, will they tell you when you would be a better candidate for surgical rejuvenation?  They should always have your best interest at heart.

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT. Sunblock is the best investment you can make in protecting your complexion. Not only will it help prevent the return of wrinkles and age spots, but also will help prevent skin cancer.

Secret Number Four: Do your homework.  Technology changes, and with each forward movement, there are improvements in either outcome, or downtime, or both. The cosmetic fillers of the past have been supplanted by newer, safer, longer lasting products that give you more return on your investment.  That being said, there are newer fillers out there that have had pretty dramatic complications, and so the doctor you trust should be able to guide you through this minefield.  The bottom line is,  what’s old may now be second best, and what’s new may be worse.

The lasers of yesteryear, which commonly gave patients an unnatural look and long down times, are now replaced by lasers that give neither.  But, at the same time, not all new technology works as hyped.  Don’t rely on media blitzes that buzz about the next big thing.  The media releases are often well-coordinated campaigns from the marketing departments of the manufacturers, and potentially exaggerate the results. If you have questions, ask questions!  Our favorite patients are well-informed and understand exactly what we expect to happen.

And good old Botox still the gold standard for the relaxation of lines of expression, will soon be getting some competition.  Will the competition be better?  The early indications from our recent national scientific meetings point toward the new products as being as effective, but with a greater potential for side effects, although the jury is still out. Stay tuned!

Secret Number Five: Protect your investment.  After you’ve had your nonsurgical treatment, cast an eye toward maintaining your results as long as you can.  Of course we don’t stop aging after laser treatments, and so how best can you maintain that healthy glow? It’s really very simple.  Protect and stimulate your skin.  Sunblock is the best investment you can make in protecting your complexion. Not only will it help prevent the return of wrinkles and age spots, but also will help prevent skin cancer.

Dr. Bishop attended Wright State University medical school and then served nine years in the Air Force as a flight surgeon. An affiliate of MIMA, he specializes in cosmetic and surgical dermatology, including Mohs Micrographic Surgery, and non-surgical rejuvenation of the face. You may call Dr. Bishop at 321-751-9097, or CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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