In the News
Advances in Plastic Surgery Lead to Positive Change Without That "Worked On" Look
While time, gravity, stress, genetics, lifestyle and UV rays can all contribute to the signs of aging, plastic surgeons like San Diego's Dr. Richard Chaffoo are now using new, less invasive neck and face lift treatments to help patients in La Jolla, Temecula and Riverside look more youthful, without looking like they've had work done.
LA JOLLA, CA – October 5, 2007 – A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is certainly not a plastic surgery procedure men and women are unfamiliar with. In fact, since the first face lift was performed back in 1901, it's been a favorite of the rich and famous. And, because of these famous faces, almost everyone eventually formed an opinion – good or bad – about the procedure.
The fact is neck and facelifts are not what most people think they are, because today they're not what they used to be. Neck and facelifts are not only affordable, but also produce more natural looking results than ever before. And, while the traditional facelift is still available and typically the best option for many patients, thanks to procedural advances, more and more plastic surgeons are offering – and patients are opting for – a less aggressive procedure known as the endoscopic, short-scar or mini-facelift. San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS sees it all the time in his La Jolla and Murrieta plastic surgery practices.
"Most of the patients I have the opportunity to sit down with have three main questions when it comes to any plastic surgery procedure," Dr. Chaffoo states. "Will it hurt? What are the risks? How long will I be away from work and the activities I enjoy? They also have one major concern, which is while they desire a more youthful look, they want to look like themselves; they want people to notice that something is different – better – but they don't want people asking if they've had something done. For these men and women in San Diego, a mini-facelift can help."
During a facelift, extra skin is eliminated, underlying muscles are tightened, fat is removed from the face and neck, and the skin is redraped. Traditionally, the procedure required a lengthy incision that started at one ear, extended up and over the patient's head (through the hairline), and finally down and around the other ear. The endoscopic, short-scar facelift utilizes an endoscope (a small camera) as well as smaller instruments, which allows for tiny incisions – most less than an inch in length – that are more easily concealed. The procedure still achieves a natural, more youthful look by lifting sagging cheeks, reducing wrinkles and strengthening the jaw line, but it does so without a lengthy recovery or significant scarring.
But the procedure isn't for everyone, says Dr. Chaffoo. "The laxity of a patient's skin and their underlying bone structure, among other things, ultimately determine whether they would benefit from the more traditional neck and face lift or the endoscopic, short-scar mini-facelift. A short-scar facelift is a fantastic option for many of my patients because of its ability to achieve a natural look without a lengthy recovery or significant scarring. But, even the traditional facelift has seen procedural advances that make it less invasive and more effective than ever before. It's truly an exciting time for plastic surgery."
For more information about Dr. Richard Chaffoo and mini-facelifts in San Diego, call 858-587-9850, 951-506-1040 or request your Complimentary Consultation online.
About Dr. Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS:
Chosen as one of San Diego's top plastic surgeons by the readers of La Jolla Light, Dr. Richard Chaffoo holds the rare distinction of being triple board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the American Board of Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery) and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; the latter being especially important for those men and women considering a neck or mini-facelift in San Diego. In addition to a five-year residency in Otolaryngology and a two-year Plastic Surgery residency, Dr. Chaffoo also completed 3 postgraduate fellowships in Facial Aesthetic Surgery, Head and Neck Surgery and Burn Surgery. Today, Dr. Chaffoo possesses over 20 years of experience with facial aesthetic surgery. The San Diego plastic surgeon has two plastic surgery centers – one in La Jolla and one in Murrieta – from which he serves patients from Riverside to San Diego. Dr. Chaffoo is a Surgeon Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Fellow of The American College of Surgeons, as well as a member of The International College of Surgeons. He also holds fellowships and faculty positions at Stanford University and The University of California at San Diego.
