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Atlanta laser skin resurfacing

Look Younger Without a Facelift

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For most people, the idea of plastic surgery to make them look younger immediately makes them think of a facelift. While this procedure can be highly effective, many patients don’t realize how many other options there are that can take years off their appearance and may actually be a better fit for their needs than a facelift.

facial plastic surgery atlantaNeck Lift
Just as a facelift reduces the sagging excess skin on the face, a neck lift applies the same principles to the chin, jowl, and neck area. However, the procedure can vary based on the individual patient. If excess fat is contributing to your aesthetic concerns, liposuction can often be used to remove the localized fat, and for some patients, the neck lift may also involve tightening the muscles of the neck to produce a more comprehensive, rejuvenating improvement.

Endoscopic Brow Lift
A brow lift does just what its name suggests it does—lifts and firms the skin of the eyebrow and forehead area to address expression lines and other signs of aging. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Franklyn Elliott uses an innovative technique called the endoscopic brow lift to perform the procedure with smaller incisions, minimal scarring, and less downtime than a traditional brow lift.

Eyelid Surgery
Cosmetic eyelid surgery (also known as blepharoplasty) targets signs of aging around the eyes to provide results that are subtle but can make you look years younger. Upper eyelid surgery reduces excess skin that has given the eyelids a “hooded,” tired appearance, while lower eyelid surgery can remove the fat deposits and sagging skin that create “bags” under the eyes.

Laser Skin Resurfacing
For some patients who are looking for facial rejuvenation, laser skin resurfacing is the best fit. This procedure uses precisely-controlled lasers to remove damaged outer skin while helping the deeper layers of skin to produce more collagen (the protein that gives young skin its firmness and elasticity). The result is a complexion that is more radiant, youthful, and with fewer signs of aging, sun damage, and scarring. Laser skin resurfacing can be a great option for patients who are not yet ready for a facelift, as well as for patients who want to further enhance and maintain the results of their cosmetic rejuvenation procedures.

In the end, choosing the right plastic surgery procedure (or, for many patients, the right combination of procedures) is an essential step in attaining the results that will help you be more confident in your appearance. To begin discussing your cosmetic options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Franklyn Elliott or join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest plastic surgery news.

Ask Dr. Elliott: How Can I Maintain the Results of My Facelift?

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For many patients, plastic surgery is a great way to “turn back the clock” on aging—procedures like a facelift can make a patient look years younger by restoring a youthful firmness to lax facial skin. However, these procedures don’t stop the aging process. In other words, a 50-year-old patient who feels their facelift makes them look 40 will not look 40 forever. But understandably, patients who love their facelift results want to slow their natural aging so that they retain their renewed appearance for years to come. Below are a few tips that can help you minimize aging and maintain your facelift results for a longer period of time.

  • facelift in atlanta gaProtect your skin from the sun. It’s well-known that sun damage can cause skin cancer, but it can also accelerate aging. To protect your skin, wear broad spectrum sunscreen (with an SPF of 30 or higher) every day on any skin that isn’t covered by clothing, regardless of whether the weather is sunny or whether you plan to spend time outdoors. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are also effective in slowing facial aging.
  • Consider non-surgical treatments. While we can take steps to slow the aging process, some visible change is inevitable. Many patients find that receiving occasional rejuvenation treatments helps them to periodically counteract facial aging. Laser skin resurfacing can be a great option, as it addresses several signs of aging at once and can also minimize the appearance of scarring.
  • Quit smoking. Many visible signs of aging are caused by a loss of collagen—the protein that gives our skin firmness and elasticity. As we age, our body naturally procedures more collagen, which causes the skin to become more lax and more susceptible to the effects of gravity. Smoking further breaks down the collagen in your face, and the repetitive movements involved in frequent smoking can lead to additional creases in the face, so quitting can cut out two causes of premature aging.
  • Make a habit of healthy daily skin care. Dryness and irritation can accelerate aging, so the American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your face twice per day with a gentle cleanser and applying moisturizer daily. To get as much benefit from your skincare routine as possible, avoid scrubbing to minimize irritation and use a moisturizer that also includes sunscreen.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Nutrition essentially affects every part of our anatomy, and the skin is no exception. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats is best, and you should also avoid taking in too much sugar or other refined carbohydrates, as well as too much alcohol. A healthy diet can also help you avoid the need for other surgical procedures like liposuction.

Finally, it’s also important to have the right procedure from the start. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I place a high priority on listening to my patients’ aesthetic goals and needs in order to recommend the facial rejuvenation option that will give them the best possible results. There are many surgical ways to minimize signs of aging, but a brow lift won’t be as beneficial for a patient who is unhappy with an aging jawline, for instance. To discuss the best option to address your signs of aging and restore your youthful appearance, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Or, to learn more about plastic surgery and minimizing signs of aging, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

What can I Expect During Laser Skin Resurfacing Recovery?

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Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Franklyn Elliott uses the most advanced surgical techniques and technology coupled with over 25 years of experience to ensure effective results for his patients.  Laser skin resurfacing is an excellent treatment for patients who have isolated cosmetic skin concerns or those who have received a facelift or other facial rejuvenation procedures and would like to maintain their vibrant appearance.laser-resurfacing-in-atlanta-alpharetta-ga

Laser skin resurfacing after plastic surgery can also minimize the appearance of scarring from incisions and enhance surgical results. Individuals who are not quite ready for traditional cosmetic surgery may also benefit from laser skin resurfacing which can be customized for a wide range of ages and skin types to meet each individual’s unique skin needs.

Although, the downtime for laser skin resurfacing is reduced compared to traditional surgical procedures, patients will still need to allot time for recovery.   The first day after laser skin resurfacing the skin will be very tender and appear sunburnt. Generally, it will take at least a week for full recovery. You may experience hardening or crusting of skin a couple days after resurfacing and it’s imperative to avoid scratching to avoid scarring. After several days the skin will become dry and peel to reveal the new more vibrant skin.

For optimal recovery it’s necessary to follow the recommended protective skin care regime and continue to use broad-spectrum sunscreen every day after healing to protect your new, rejuvenated skin.

For more information about laser skin resurfacing or other facial rejuvenation procedures please contact us to schedule a consultation. Be sure to connect with Dr. Elliott on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news and information.