Part 1

I’m often asked this question by both patients and the media. I don’t believe there is a “right age” to have cosmetic surgery because we all age at different rates. But there is a right time – when you’re ready to fix something that bothers you. There is also a right reason – when how you look does not reflect how you feel.

Your face sends messages that impact you profoundly, both personally and professionally. Permanent frown lines can make you look angry when you’re not, under-eye bags convey tiredness and a downturned mouth looks sad.

Spider veins and sunspots make your face look old and weather-beaten. These “error messages” are easily corrected by an expert using today’s non-surgical technology.

In my recent teaching at national and international dermatology and plastic surgery medical conferences and also for Medscape/Web MD, I showed cosmetic surgeons how to combine state-of-the-art non-surgical techniques for natural-looking rejuvenation with no scarring and little or no down time. This minimally-invasive approach is increasingly popular and, when properly performed, can give long-lasting results.

Ulthera is a revolutionary new ultrasound technology to non-surgically lift your face and tighten your cheeks, jawline and neck. eMatrix is a new laser that stimulates your skin through a unique process called sublative rejuvenation, producing new collagen to remove wrinkles and scars and tighten your skin with little or no down time.

The ePrime is another new laser that re-volumizes your face by creating both new collagen and new elastic tissue. The breakthrough Syneron Triniti laser system simultaneously rejuvenates all three layers of your skin with little or no down time. The Triniti removes spider veins, sunspots and wrinkles, improves prominent pores and tightens your skin.

LipoLite laser-assisted lipolysis contours your face and body by safely and comfortably removing stubborn fat deposits from your jawline, abdomen, hips, thighs, arms and elsewhere, while tightening your skin, and you can return to regular activities immediately afterward.

VelaShape body contouring, popularized by the Kardashians, Rachel Ray and other celebrities, is the only FDA cleared non-invasive treatment to reduce the circumference of areas such as your thighs, abdomen and also improve cellulite and stretch marks.

Tiny doses of Dysport and Botox safely smooth frown and worry lines, crow’s feet, and mouth and neck wrinkles, while preserving your normal facial expressions.

Under-eye bags and lines around your mouth disappear and thinning lips can be restored to youthful fullness with new techniques of non-surgical facelifting with natural fillers like Restylane, Perlane and Radiesse.

To get the best results, choose a cosmetic surgeon who is board certified, has experience with cutting-edge research in cosmetic surgery and is a recognized teacher, and can offer you a wide variety of new, state-of-the-art procedures from which to choose.

The author, Gertrude Stein, wrote that “we are always the same age inside.” With the right technology in the right hands, you can reflect your inner youth and vibrancy, and empower yourself to live life to the fullest at any age.