There are four cosmetic procedures predicted to be hot trends in 2014. The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery asked members to name the cosmetic procedures that are increasing in popularity, and these four topped the list.
Advanced Dermal Fillers
Juvederm is one of a number of hyaluronic acid fillers used to add volume below the skin. It’s especially effective at plumping the lips and smoothing creases in some areas of the face. In late 2013, Juvederm received FDA approval for its new Juvederm Voluma. This filler replenishes volume to the midface or cheek area to improve a sunken or hollowed appearance. It has a lifespan of up to 18 months, making it easier to maintain your more youthful appearance by only needing touch-up injections every year-and-a-half or so, compared to two to three times per year as with other brands of injectable.
Fat Injections
Following liposuction, the liquid removed can be filtered to remove just the fat cells. These fat cells are then placed in syringes for injection back into areas of the face, such as hollows or the lips. The body may reabsorb some of the fat over a period of time, but fat cells can be stored for four years, so you do not have to undergo a liposuction every time you want your facial plastic surgeon to plump your lips or fill in hollows like those that appear under the cheek bones with age.
Fat injections are not a good choice for every patient. As a liposuction is required first, there is a bit of a healing process involved. Plus, if you do not like the results, another liposuction can be the only chance you have at having the fat removed from your face, but it has to be performed by someone who specializes in that type of procedure.
Lip Augmentation
Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid fillers or collagen, are popular ways to add volume and shape to narrow or thin lips. These methods may need repeat injections months and years from now if you don’t want to lose the fullness. Fat injections are another option, though touch-ups may still be necessary in the future.
If you want long-lasting, full, well-defined lips, lip implants are a possibility. Advanta implants are inserted using a special medical device, and the material is often used in the body with no problems. Perma Implants are newer silicone implants that can be tapered to create a natural shape.
Otherwise, a lip lift is your other choice for lip augmentation. This surgical procedure involves incisions that help the facial plastic surgeon remove excess skin and restore the shape of the upper lip by rolling the lip upward before closing the incisions.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty corrects the size, shape, or alignment of your nose. It’s not one of the easiest plastic surgeries to perform, thus it requires an experienced and qualified surgeon. Your facial plastic surgeon examines your nose and its structure. Using digital imaging software, a blueprint of the expected outcome is created and used to make sure you like the surgeon’s goal. During surgery, the nose can be reduced or increased in size, a hump can be removed, a bulbous tip refined, nostrils narrowed, and more. After the rhinoplasty, it takes months and even a year for all swelling to go down and reveal the outcome of your surgery.
One of the best ways to understand the changes that can be made through these and other cosmetic procedures is by looking at before and after photos. Dr. Sheldon Kabaker has a comprehensive library of patient photos to show you the difference that can be made through both surgical and non-surgical procedures. Learn more by scheduling a consultation with the Oakland, California, facial plastic surgeon. Reach Dr. Kabaker’s Bay Area facial plastic surgery and hair transplantation office at (415) 379-9015.