Facial Rejuvenation Strategies in Lexington, Kentucky
When you look in the mirror, you should love what you see! As we age, however, our skin inevitably loses elasticity. Our tissues sag and lose volume due to sun exposure, heredity, collagen loss, or other factors, and we often appear older than we are or more tired than we feel. Patients over 40 often seek Dr. Theo Gerstle’s expertise to help restore a more youthful and buoyant appearance. Procedures such as facelift, brow lift, eyelid surgery, lip and neck enhancement, rhinoplasty, ear pinning, and facial fat grafting can help achieve your cosmetic goals. Having trained at Harvard and worked alongside pioneers in the field of plastic surgery, Dr. Gerstle has learned state-of-the-art techniques to deliver a natural, beautiful result. That, combined with compassionate care, an excellent bedside manner, and a dream team of a staff gives our patience the confidence they need to give facial rejuvenation a try.
Dr. Gerstle Says: Whether you are looking for an overall pick-me-up for your face, or if you’ve never been satisfied with a facial feature, we have an option for facial rejuvenation that will really get you excited! Whether you’re back out in the dating world for the first time in years (or decades!), want to plump up a sagging or tired appearance, or just want to address a feature that could use improvement, we’d love to help you! Our facial rejuvenation procedures leave you looking younger and refreshed—not pinched and harsh. Make an appointment to see me, and we’ll discuss how facial rejuvenation can improve your confidence and help you enjoy life even more!
If you are interested in learning more about the comprehensive list of facial rejuvenation services we offer, please call Dr. Gerstle at Lexington Plastic Surgery today at (859) 279-2111. or fill out a consultation request.
The Four R’s of Facial Rejuvenation
The available methods for improving the look of your face generally fall under four categories, often referred to as “the four R’s.” Judicious combining of these techniques can create subtle but transformative results that can be maintained as we age.
Relax
Facial wrinkles tend to form on the forehead, around the eyes, and around the nose/mouth (smile lines). Both fine and deep lines can be treated using the well-known remedy Botox, which works by temporarily paralyzing the facial muscles so that the skin can relax and smooth out.
Refill
As we age, our faces experience many changes that may affect our confidence and self-esteem. Fat loss in the face, along with changes in bone density, muscle tone, and ligaments can lead to loss of skin tone and an increasingly sunken look. Environmental and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, pollution, and smoking can affect the skin as well. We have an array of dermal fillers available to address these issues and refill lost volume. Fillers can work to restore facial shape and contour; plump up lips; smooth creases, wrinkles, and scarring; and restore the shape of the lower eyelids. Fillers may not be able to achieve the dramatic results of a facelift, but they can maintain a youthful appearance during the earlier stages of aging.
Re-drape
The most significant results come with a surgical approach through facelift re-draping. Dr. Gerstle will help you to decide if this solution is right for you and your needs.
Resurface
Laser resurfacing treatments can address age spots, scarring, and wrinkles while giving a firming and tightening effect. Different types of laser treatments are available to treat specific concerns.
Areas of the Face that Benefit from Facial Rejuvenation
Eyes and Forehead
The first signs of aging may appear on the forehead and around the eyes, as these areas are highly expressive of emotion and personality and so are in nearly constant movement. Saggy or droopy eyes can project emotions to the world that are totally beyond your control, emotions that you are not experiencing at all but can be “caught” in your expression or features. Sagging upper eyelids, under eye puffiness, and lines between the eyebrows can add to this appearance.
We have an array of surgical techniques that can restore a youthful appearance to the forehead and an open, energetic expression to the eyes. Upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, and brow lift surgery are important procedures in Dr. Gerstle’s toolbox that can help you recognize the “old you” when you look in the mirror.
Nose
If you are dissatisfied with the look of your nose, you are certainly not alone! Your nose gives you character, but if it is too far out of balance with other features, it can stand out in the wrong way. Rhinoplasty is a procedure that can correct the imbalance and may be performed along with other procedures to effect a subtle refinement of other facial features to create a face that looks like you—only better!
Common client nose issues that need correction: size (too large, wide, long, or even too small), a bridge bump, a tip that is too bulbous or points downward. Noses that have been broken or previously injured may have asymmetries that need to be corrected as well. In some cases, fillers rather than surgery may be used to achieve the desired look.
Dr. Gerstle may recommend revising the chin at the same time as a rhinoplasty so that the two features are nicely in balance.
Face, Cheeks, Jowls
Makeup can’t do much to counter a sagging, tired face with hollowed cheeks and deep laugh lines. Fortunately, Dr. Gerstle can offer many options, both surgical and non-surgical, to improve these conditions. A facelift will produce the most radical and lasting results (and it has a far shorter healing time than most expect), but Botox, fillers, implants, and Kybella are valuable tools for those who want to take a less invasive approach.
Neck
One of the most common concerns we hear from our patients is that their neckline is beginning to sag. An “imperfect” nose may have character, but the same cannot be said for a crepey, wrinkly, creased neck or double chin. Liposuction and neck lift along with other non-surgical interventions can be used to address these concerns.
Safety
From time to time, complications can arise with facial rejuvenation surgery and treatment. We take all precautions to ensure that your procedure will proceed without incident. Dr. Gerstle is a board certified Harvard-trained physician and maintains an excellent safety record, as do all of the medical personnel he works with.
Side effects from various surgeries can include skin redness and irritation, bruising, and pain. We expect these to subside within the normal timeframe and will monitor you to ensure that you are healing well.
Your best defense against surgical complications is to maintain your general health. Non-smokers and those at a healthy weight have the fewest complications during any surgery. Eating and sleeping well, and exercising will put you in a position to have a great outcome and a quick recovery time. Those with diabetes or a weakened immune system may require additional testing and close monitoring during and after any surgical procedure.
Be sure to answer all of Dr. Gerstle’s questions thoroughly during your consultation. He and our staff should know of all the variables that could affect your health outcomes.
Benefits—Cosmetic vs Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic and reconstructive facial rejuvenation surgery have the same underlying purpose: to improve your appearance. Dr. Gerstle is, of course, qualified and experienced in practicing both. While reconstructive surgery may be considered a medical necessity, such as a surgery to repair a cleft palate, cosmetic surgery is elective. Reconstructive surgery may be covered by insurance, while cosmetic surgery is generally paid for out of pocket. Sometimes there will be some gray area in terms of whether a given plastic surgery can be considered reconstructive or cosmetic—surgery may be required for an injury to the nose, for instance, when it restricts breathing, but the same surgery will also restore the nose’s appearance.
The New You—Working With Dr. Gerstle
Dr. Gerstle has made a name for himself in Lexington, Kentucky by performing facial rejuvenation techniques that are tasteful and conservative yet transformational. His many years of experience in improving the appearance of both men and women has allowed him to combine the art and science of plastic and reconstructive surgery to create the look you’ve been hoping for.
Our office provides a warm, welcoming, and supportive atmosphere for every one of our patients. All of us work together to ensure that you have a positive experience from start to finish.
During your first visit, Dr. Gerstle will take a detailed medical history to pinpoint any health issues that could impact your procedure. He will want to understand your lifestyle—including job, fitness and activity level, medical issues and any complicating factors—as well. Next, he will ask you to discuss the face and body areas where you see room for improvement, and he will make suggestions about how our services can meet your needs. Dr. Gerstle uses a state-of-the-art imaging system that can accurately project the improvements that can be made to your face and body. Once you see what the new you could look like, Dr. Gerstle will recommend the procedures that can best be used to achieve your goals.
The New You—Working With Dr. Gerstle
Dr. Gerstle has made a name for himself in Lexington, Kentucky by performing facial rejuvenation techniques that are tasteful and conservative yet transformational. His many years of experience in improving the appearance of both men and women has allowed him to combine the art and science of plastic and reconstructive surgery to create the look you’ve been hoping for.
Our office provides a warm, welcoming, and supportive atmosphere for every one of our patients. All of us work together to ensure that you have a positive experience from start to finish.
During your first visit, Dr. Gerstle will take a detailed medical history to pinpoint any health issues that could impact your procedure. He will want to understand your lifestyle—including job, fitness and activity level, medical issues and any complicating factors—as well. Next, he will ask you to discuss the face and body areas where you see room for improvement, and he will make suggestions about how our services can meet your needs. Dr. Gerstle uses a state-of-the-art imaging system that can accurately project the improvements that can be made to your face and body. Once you see what the new you could look like, Dr. Gerstle will recommend the procedures that can best be used to achieve your goals.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon for Facial Rejuvenation
Choosing a plastic surgeon is a big decision and a highly personal one. Your face is an integral piece of who you are, and we know that you wouldn’t trust it to just anyone. When deciding to work with a plastic surgeon, consider the factors below. We welcome all inquiries about Dr. Gerstle, our staff, and our practice. We’re here to serve!
Get recommendations and read reviews
Your face is the first thing that shows the world who you are. It’s your first impression, your smile, and your window onto the world. Even more than the words you exchange with others, your expressions, eye contact, and the sixth sense that others glean when looking at your face and vice versa is how we sense and feel each other in the world.
So, when approaching a surgeon to help you look your best, it’s important to do your homework. Do you have friends or acquaintances who’ve had cosmetic procedures? Whether you like the outcome or not, speak with them about their experiences. It’s a good way to make sure you’re heading in the right direction—or at least to avoid the wrong one.
Online reviews are another helpful avenue for narrowing down your options. At the same time, it can be important to take them with a grain of salt. Reviews are not always easy to monitor, and both good and bad reviews can be faked. Look for reviews that give detailed, balanced feedback. Forums and social media groups can be a useful source of information.
Prospective surgeons should also have testimonials from past clients available for you to peruse. You may even be able to speak with past and present clients over the phone.
Ask for the doctor’s credentials
Get as much information as possible about any surgeon you’re seriously considering working with. Where did they train? What is their background like? Are they licensed and board certified?
What procedures do they perform most commonly? Are there any procedures they’re not comfortable performing? Do they have any malpractice suits against them? What is their hospital affiliation?
Communication
Once it’s time to meet your surgeon, pay attention to the office staff and the feel of the environment. Is it welcoming? Do you feel supported? Is the staff committed to your comfort and willing to answer questions? Be sure to ask to see before and after pictures from previous clients.
Of course, you will have many questions for the doctor as well. What is their bedside manner like? Are they pushy, or do you feel empowered to make your own decisions?
Gut feel
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary info and visited the office, let it all sink in. Do you feel confident about working with this doctor? Don’t underestimate your gut feeling—most of the time, it will not lead you astray.
Facial Rejuvenation FAQ
When is a facelift indicated over less comprehensive procedures?
Generally speaking, those in good health with significant excess facial skin and a desire to restore a more youthful appearance who are between the ages of 40 and 70 are the best candidates for a facelift.
What if I want to refine only one or two facial features—does Dr. Gerstle have options for me?
Yes, Dr. Gerstle can perform a wide variety of procedures short of a full facelift, including eyelid surgery, brow lift, lip enhancement, rhinoplasty, ear pinning, neck enhancement, facial implants, and Kybella.
What is a facial implant?
A facial implant is a small device made of silicone or other inert substance that is permanently placed under the facial skin to create the look of higher cheekbones, a more defined chin, or a stronger jawline. Implants require surgical placement.
How does a filler differ from a Botox injection?
A filler is an injectable substance that adds volume to the face. Botox works by restricting muscle movement.
Do fillers cause bruising or swelling?
No, fillers are a non-invasive option and only rarely cause side effects.
What is Botox and how does it work?
Believe it or not, Botox is a “neurotoxin” that blocks the nerve cells it’s injected into, allowing the muscles they control to temporarily stop working or “relax.” This can smooth out lines associated with muscle movement.
Is Botox safe?
Botox is generally safe to use; Dr. Gerstle will do a thorough examination to mitigate any risks. Side effects may include minor bruising, muscle weakness, bleeding, and minor swelling or irritation at the injection site.
I don’t like the “frozen” look that can result from Botox injections—will I look like that?
Inexperienced practitioners may use Botox improperly or at too high a dose, causing the face to look unnatural. Because we are experts at Botox injection, we feel certain that you will be happy with the results.
Where can Botox be used?
Botox is most commonly used to treat forehead wrinkles, the deep wrinkles between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet around the eyes near the temples. It can also be used to treat migraine headaches.
Is Botox injection painful?
The pain from the injection of Botox is generally less than other injections due to the size of the needles used. Ice and other numbing strategies can help ease any pain you might experience.
Is Botox the same as a filler?
No—actually, Botox restricts muscle movement, while fillers increase volume via an injection of a gel that plumps the skin.
How often will I require Botox injections?
Your initial treatment will last three to four months. Over time, the treatment may last longer and so require less frequency.
Facial Rejuvenation Financing
CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs that can be used by your entire family. Use it to pay for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by medical insurance. Special financing options are available that you may not be able to get with other cards.
Pay for health and wellness care at over 200,000 enrolled providers across the nation. Once you’ve applied, you can use it again and again at any location that accepts CareCredit. For more information and to apply, please visit CareCredit.com.
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Facial Rejuvenation Options
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