The art of reversing time is one that experienced plastic surgeons like Dr. Lowenstein at Montecito Plastic Surgery have mastered. With a wide range of tools and techniques at their disposal, these experts can reduce signs of aging and create a smoother, refreshed appearance to the face and other areas of the body. Dr. Lowenstein offers surgical options for this purpose to produce natural, long-lasting results for his patients. Two of his choices are surgical lifts for the face and neck and a game-changing procedure known as J-plasty. How do you choose the right method for you?
Tried and True: The Facelift
A surgical facelift is the most effective way to produce long-term anti-aging results around the mid and lower facial areas. This procedure addresses skin laxity that is caused by collagen loss that occurs over time and can be exacerbated by environmental pollutants and sun exposure. Loose skin leads to skin hollowing in the midface, jowl formation along the jawline and deep creases around the nose and mouth. Fat and tissue can also fall from its original location, exacerbating the aged appearance.
Surgical facelifts can reverse many of these changes, repositioning fallen tissue while removing excess skin to create a smoother look and a more defined facial contour. The shape of the face can also be enhanced, as the movement of the SMAS layer can slenderize a round face or restore youthful volume that has been lost through aging. With extensive experience in facelift techniques, Dr. Lowenstein is highly qualified to provide you with natural, beautiful results from your facelift procedure no matter what your concerns might be. He may recommend the facelift alone or in combination with a neck lift, which is where J-plasty comes into play.
Innovative, Minimally-Invasive: J-Plasty
J-plasty is a new technique in skin tightening that produces dramatic and enduring results without the invasiveness of a traditional surgical procedure. The treatment delivers plasma energy to the underside of the dermis, producing a tightening and firming effect from the inside out. The control and precision of the plasma beam allow for significant results with minimal damage to surrounding skin and tissue. In addition to the immediate tissue contraction, the process stimulates collagen production by the body for results that are both natural and long-lasting.
The plasma is delivered via a narrow tube inserted into the underlying dermis through a short incision. J-plasty can be used in combination with some surgical procedures, especially a neck lift. It is also an efficient method of skin tightening in areas like the upper arms, abdomen and thighs. Dr. Lowenstein performs this treatment on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia, although he may recommend general anesthesia when combining the J-plasma with more extensive surgery.
Achieving Maximum Benefit in One Surgery
While J-plasty is a superior method of skin tightening on many areas of the body, it is not typically advised for facial procedures. However, Dr. Lowenstein often combines his surgical facelift with a neck lift that incorporates J-plasty to produce the more refreshed outcome for his patients. While the surgical facelift addresses the cheeks and jawline, the neck lift smooths the area from the face to the chest to create a beautiful rejuvenated look. The neck lift eliminates the turkey wattle common as we age, while J-plasty eliminates the wrinkles and horizontal banding that frequently appear around the neck.
If you are looking for a way to completely refresh your appearance, the combination of a surgical facelift, neck lift and J-plasty for the neck might be the right choice for you. These procedures can be done simultaneously in a single surgical session, allowing you to achieve all your aesthetic goals with just one time under anesthesia and one recovery process. Dr. Lowenstein is the only doctor in Santa Barbara area – and one of a handful around the globe – that performs the J-plasty procedure today. To learn more, contact Montecito Plastic Surgery at 805-969-9004.
