One of the great evolutions that has occurred in plastic surgery over the past two decades is the emergence and widespread popularity of minimally invasive to non-invasive cosmetic procedures. From Botox and injectable fillers to fractional laser resurfacing and innumerable externally applied body contouring devices, there are a range of options for reducing wrinkles, tightening loose skin, getting rid of fat and improving the appearance of cellulite.
While invasive plastic surgery procedures are not being replaced by these innovations, they do offer alternative choices to real surgery that may at least delay the need. While non-invasive cosmetic procedures are perceived as safer, patients still need to have realistic expectations. Understandably every patient is looking for no down time, low cost and maximal results…what I would call the holy grail of plastic surgery.
But the reality is that one can not get major improvement from minor procedures. To some degree, ‘no pain, no gain’ does really apply. Almost all non-invasive procedures require several treatment sessions to achieve their effects and the change is never going to be as dramatic as a facelift or liposuction.
But the most interesting, and often unappreciated, aspect of non-surgical procedures is that they actually help those who need it the least. The smaller one’s physical problem or concern is, the more effective these procedures become. They are about maintenance or delay, they do not work best for reversal or major changes in aging appearance. The reverse of this then means…
‘LESS IS NEVER MORE…PARTICULARLY TO THOSE THAT REALLY NEED IT’
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana