AU naturel

IS IT PLASTIC SURGERY OR MOTHER NATURE’S HANDIWORK?

BY ANNETTE BROOKS

Have you ever noticed someone who’s had plastic surgery that looks completely natural? Ok, we admit this is a trick question. When results appear natural, you won’t know for sure if they used cosmetic surgery to enhance their appearance.

Looking natural starts with choosing an experienced plastic surgeon with an excellent reputation and having realistic expectations. But there’s more to it. If you do things a little at a time as you age versus waiting and having major work all at once, you can maintain a naturally youthful, age-defying appearance. Below, we outline a few procedures people are interested in from their 20s and up, but nothing’s set in stone. Age is just a number if you’re in overall good health and a viable candidate for plastic surgery.

20s AND 30s

During these years plastic surgery is generally focused on addressing body appearance or a feature you’re unhappy with, such as your nose.

Per the American Society for Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the most popular plastic surgery for patients ages 20 to 29 and 30 to 39, by far, is breast augmentation. Breast augmentation addresses breast size, shape, projection, and symmetry, and today’s breast implants offer more options than ever before. Let your plastic surgeon know you’re interested in natural-looking results so they can help you choose implants that suit your body frame.

Mommy makeovers, performed after you’re done having children, help restore your body to its pre-pregnancy condition. They include a combination of customized body contouring procedures such as breast augmentation, breast lift, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to address stretched abdominal muscles and loose, excess skin, and liposuction to reduce diet and exercise-resistant body fat.

AGES 40 TO 50

People in this age bracket who are good candidates opt for almost any type of body contouring procedure to address signs of aging and issues resulting from weight gain and loss. They include liposuction, arm and knee lifts, tummy tucks, and more.

It’s also a time when facial aging becomes a growing concern. Eyelid surgery, performed on the upper or lower lids addresses excess skin and fat that gather above and below your eyelids, causing sagging eyebrows, droopy upper lids, and bags under the eyes. Minimally invasive procedures such as the mini face lift, neck lift, and endoscopic brow lift involve using shorter incisions than regular surgical facial procedures. They help you look refreshed, usually with less downtime. Ask your plastic surgeon to compare mini procedures with regular services, including typical results and what to expect during recovery.

THE 50s, 60s, AND UP

According to the ASPS, the total cosmetic surgery procedures for the face significantly outnumber those for the breast and body as we get older. A regular face, neck, or forehead lift can noticeably turn back the clock and put a new spring in your step. Fat transfer (using your own fat collected via liposuction) can help restore lost volume. The timing of a facelift and other procedures depends on your facial aging and your ideals for your appearance. Everyone is unique, and if you’ve had a mini procedure before, you may only need a touch-up versus a full procedure.

What About Nonsurgical Minimally and Noninvasive Medspa Services?

Say “Yes, please!” to medspa services to maintain a youthful look over the years. They’re an excellent way to enjoy a refreshed appearance before you’re ready for something more invasive. Keep in mind, however, that these services rarely yield results that last as long or are as dramatic as surgical procedures.

Some of the most sought-after medspa services include injectables like dermal fillers, which restore volume and smooth lines, and Botox. Noninvasive procedures using advanced technology such as lasers, BBL (broadband light), RF (radio frequency), and ultrasound energy are sought-after for skin resurfacing and tightening and addressing sun damage and discoloration. Minimally invasive body contouring services — alternatives to liposuction — can reduce stubborn pockets of body fat.

Also, remember that medspa services complement surgical procedures and are often included in rejuvenation packages. For example, skin resurfacing and injectables can be added to a facelift for a more complete rejuvenation.