The "Wow" Effect

There are precious few procedures that we perform where, immediately after the procedure, we can hand the patient a mirror and their typical response is "wow". The injection of filler is the outstanding example of this phenomenon. The results are immediate and frequently very impressive. The final result, however, is more of an art, rather than a science. This is especially true now that filling has evolved from plumping up a specific groove to re-contouring the face, producing a more youthful facial structure. This is very operator dependent and it is unusual to see physicians who are not members of "core" cosmetic specialties (dermatology and plastic surgery) venture into this arena.

Scientific work continues to better define the nature of facial aging and to point to new approaches to reversing these changes. An important article appeared in the June 2008 issue of "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery". The article, "The Youthful Cheek and the Deep Medial Fat Compartment" discusses the cosmetic importance of a youthful appearing cheek and describes the existence of several previously undescribed fat compartments. Shrinkage of the fat in these areas probably is important in facial aging, and specifically filling these compartments may result in a natural youthful appearance with the use of less filler.

Gerald N. Bock MD

California Skin & Laser Center

Stockton & Lodi, CA

Comments

[Elena]

Very intresting article! Quite informative! Thanks for posting.