Facial Procedures Take On A Life Of Their Own

It used to be that a plastic surgery patient who was tired of sagging jowls would discreetly ask for names of reputable doctors who did face-lifts. A surgeon, building a practice as word of mouth about his skills spread, became, in effect, his own brand.
But now Los Angeles facelifts themselves are being branded. The New York Times reports that certain minimally invasive procedures are marketed directly to patients in a one-size-fits-most approach. Patients pick an operation — usually after seeing it touted online, on TV or in magazines — and are referred by a national organization to a plastic surgeon, Los Angeles sources tell us.

Some surgeons think branded face-lifts are problematic. It is not the procedures themselves that disturb critics — many plastic surgeons and otolaryngologists (head and neck surgeons) offer their own quick-recovery face-lifts. However, according to a top cosmetic surgeon Los Angeles patients may be so persuaded by advertising that they don't seek a second opinion or investigate the full range of options, which is a major source of concern. Consumers may pick a minimally invasive procedure when the results they seek may require more complex — and expensive — intervention.

In this new landscape, patients are encouraged to seek an advertised procedure rather than work with a surgeon to select from a menu of options. Los Angeles cosmetic surgery patients should be presented with a range of options, said Dr. David S. Kung, a board-certified plastic surgeon in the Washington, D.C., area. He considers deeper-plane face-lifts "the gold standard," because they "last the longest and they can effect the maximal change," he said.

Check whether your surgeon is certified by one of the boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties. They require physicians to complete residency training in a specialty and to pass rigorous oral and written exams.

Before you schedule an operation, meet your Los Angeles cosmetic surgeon to make sure you're on the same page. "The best surgeons will give you their honest opinion whether they can achieve what you're looking for," said Dr. John W. Canady, the president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Don't settle for a hasty consultation. The downside as well as the upside of an operation should be covered, said Dr. Robert Singer, a plastic surgeon in La Jolla, Calif.

You should never feel as if you're being sold a procedure. "If you're getting a high-pressure sales pitch for a procedure, personally that would worry me," Dr. Canady said.

Los Angeles Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr. Sean Younai of the California Center for Plastic Surgery specializes in Los Angeles Plastic Surgery, Los Angeles Liposuction, and other Los Angeles Cosmetic Surgery.For more details please visit: http://www.losangeles-cosmeticsurgeon.com/