Highlights

A New Way to Counteract Loss of Collagen & an Aging Face?

November 18th, 2011 By Anita Sethna, MD

Sculptra Collagen Stimulator Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered where all the youthful volume went? It’s not uncommon to hear our patients complain their faces “fell flat” over the years! And to some extent, it can be true.

As we age, we lose volume in our face such that the plump, bouncy skin of youth turns into something less than ideal. Apple-cheeks become deeper folds as the cheek descends in a down-and inward fashion; a heart- or v-shaped face turns boxy as the soft tissue falls along the jawline, but do not despair, because there is something that can counteract the loss of collagen that starts us down the path of the aging face.

For years, facial plastic surgeons have been using Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) to counteract the loss of collagen women and men suffer from as they age. Sculptra is an FDA-approved collagen stimulator made of the same material we have used for sutures and implants for years. By injecting this material in the deeper areas of the cheeks or jawline, we are able to promote the patients’ own collagen production, giving subtle and natural results that can last upto 2 years!

Sculptra is not necessarily a “new” product, but you may just be hearing about it more these days. It’s been around for about 10 years now—long enough to know that in the right hands and with the right patients, it can have phenomenal results.

Sculptra is not intended as a “filler” in the traditional sense—a full treatment usually consists of three vials, with 1 vial injected every 6 weeks over the course of months. Results are gradual (because it involves your body producing it’s own collagen), but much longer lasting than traditional fillers.

Sculptra is not intended for everyone, but at the Emory Facial Center, we have had such consistently impressive results. It’s certainly something we’re excited to share with our patients who are looking for subtle, natural-looking and long-term impact!

As is true with all cosmetic services, it’s important that you discuss with us honestly what your true goals are—at the end of the day, you’ll be happiest when your concerns (not ours) are addressed!

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Not Your Standard Facelift

November 11th, 2010 By Dr. Seth Yellin

Facial Center Atlanta

I’m often asked what makes my facelifts different. Why choose the Emory Facial Center for facial rejuvenation? Our focus is on making patients look naturally more beautiful. We enhance your natural beauty, taking years off your face so that you’re noticeably refreshed and more attractive. What we don’t do is make you look unnaturally “lifted” or stretched—something you see all too often in facelifts.

At Emory, we’re constantly advancing the possibilities of medicine—innovating, learning, teaching new methods as well as perfecting tried-and true-techniques. To achieve a naturally beautiful facelift, a surgeon has to have artistic vision as well as technique. I look at a face and see what could be, and I carefully apply an artist’s touch to every facelift procedure I perform. It’s that artistry, in addition to skill and experience, that truly sets the Emory Facial Center apart.

A youthful face is shaped like an egg. There’s more volume at the top and middle, tapering down to the chin and neck. As women age, the egg flips. The muscles and skin sag, dragging down the jaw line and neck. During facial rejuvenation, I flip the egg, reestablishing a youthful, heart-shaped face. Often, subtle changes can produce spectacular results.

These days, you hear a lot about “mini lifts” and other quick fixes. If you have small problems, perhaps you’re still in your early 40s, a mini lift may be just what you need. If you’re in your mid 50s and you see a sagging, heavy neck when you look in the mirror, a full lift may be the answer. A well-done facelift will take years off your face, leaving you looking and feeling brighter, fresher, and more attractive. I don’t want to make you look like a different person. I want you to restore the most beautiful you.

If you’re thinking about having a facelift and you’d like to learn more, or if you’ve had a lift, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your questions or thoughts in the comments section below.

About the Author:

Seth A. Yellin, MD, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, is the Director of the Emory Facial Center. Dr. Yellin is a nationally recognized expert on creating a “natural look” when performing facial rejuvenation procedures and has appeared on NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, and Fox Television News.

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