quick fix

DOES A QUICK FIX WORK?

quick fixWhen it comes to plastic surgery it is understandable that we try to find a quick fix. The quick fix in our mind is less expensive. There’s no downtime but we expect the best result. The answer to the above question is sometimes and for a while. What that means is that an area of the face or body that gets a quick fix treatment may look better temporarily. However, in the long run will ultimately be a failure. That’s not to say it won’t be advisable or acceptable for a while.

For example, the “liquid facelift”. This can refer to any form of fillers and threads PRF and PRP. These are used theoretically along with a fat transfer. This is basically surgical to give the improvement we desire. However, the liquid facelift in any or all its forms will ultimately fall short of success over the long term. Plastic surgery as with all forms of medicine must rely upon a good history. Also, a physical exam and the diagnosis. Once we have a diagnosis firmly in hand, we can then outline a plan for treatment.

A Quick Fix Example

Another example, if you have bags under the eye which essentially are fat pockets bulging. In this case any type of filler to camouflage will not be successful. Diagnosis – fat pockets – treatment lower lid blepharoplasty. The tear trough anatomy is being more closely looked at. And, it appears that its best treatment is still in flux. Threads are put to use in different parts of the face to produce collagen which theoretically along with PRF or PRP will rejuvenate the face and tighten it to some degree. However, if the diagnosis in the cheek and neck is significant laxity or sagging then threads and PRP a PRF will not help overall.

It may produce a degree of psychological improvement but the anatomic problem only receives a camoflauge as opposed to a resolve or treatment. You can go ahead, and do it if you want you may find some degree of improvement which will be a quick fix but over time, as I have seen with multiple patients surgery may be a requirement.

Once again, the diagnosis is essential. I focus on a heart-to-heart talk with my patients to evaluate their needs clearly and completely and then and only then will I outline a surgical plan and then entertain the possibility of nonsurgical intervention as a stop gap measure. I believe that nonsurgical treatments can be very helpful but, in my opinion, they are and adjunct to the surgical treatment of the underlying issue and do not replace it.

THOMAS TREVISANI, MD
BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
MEMBER AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
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