YOUTHFUL SKIN Q&A

Dr. W. Jason Martin discusses how to maintain youthful skin.

Q: What can I do to protect my skin and stay youthful without plastic surgery?

A: Many patients are confused about how best to preserve the skin’s integrity and youthful appearance, especially in our mountain climate. Much of the aesthetic damage and skin cancer risk can be reduced with a proper skin care regimen and regular visits to professionals who specialize in maintaining the skin’s youthful appearance. Prescription of a medical-grade skincare regimen offers the best method for maintaining the integrity of the skin and reversing unwanted damage from the elements. On a case by case basis, this regimen should be further combined with non surgical treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion and injectibles such as Botox. In combination, the natural skin changes attributed to aging can be slowed and delay the need for more invasive procedures and noticeably improve ones appearance. As a patient, it is beneficial to choose a physician with experience in office-based and hospital-based cosmetic procedures. From this standpoint, any comprehensive skin care regimen will include every facet of treatment available for improving ones appearance.

Q: What changes have taken place in the field of plastic surgery in the last decade? How does the process differ from years ago?

A: Emphasis is now on maintaining a natural appearance. Procedures have become less invasive, and in most cases require minimal recovery time. These new and innovative techniques that I have incorporated into my practice utilize shorter incisions, a less invasive surgical approach and place more emphasis on staging of the procedures. By scheduling a cosmetic procedure earlier in the aging process, a cosmetic surgeon will have a greater impact on the continued aesthetic changes inherent to aging.

Q: Can you give us an example of staging procedures as a means of countering the natural aging process?

A: Early hospital based cosmetic procedures followed by minor secondary procedures much later in life, place emphasis on subtle, natural changes over time. For example, the desired progression for the aging patient is to address changes around the eyes in their early 40’s, followed by a short incision, minimally invasive facelift 5 to 10 years later. Secondary refining procedures would then be performed in the late 50’s or early 60’s. This ensures a natural preservation of a youthful appearance while avoiding the over-operated appearance sometimes associated with more invasive procedures.

Q: How long does it typically take to recover from what you describe as a minimally invasive procedure like a facelift?

A: With a short incision facelift procedure, our patients have much less bruising and discomfort during the recovery period and should be able to return to normal activities within 2 weeks of surgery.