Abacoa & Alton Neighbors - May 2021

M a y 2 0 2 1 | Abacoa &Alton N E I G H B O R S 7 EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR How do you maintain a Natural Appearance, while having anti-aging treatments performed? By Christina Hobgood Naugle, PA-C “The Enemy of Good is Better.” This is a popular Plastic Surgery adage. When you are pleased with how your patient looks and the result that has been achieved, it is important to recognize that and be careful because further treatment may not improve the result. Beginning my career in Plastic Surgery at a young age has given me an advantage in gaining longitudinal perspective regarding the use of laser, injections, and surgery to maintain a youthful “natural” appearance. My career began at an age when most do not have the soft tissue loss or bone resorption warranting intervention. This has allowed me to be objective, and critically assess procedures and treatments while considering my personal philosophy in approaching them. Additionally, experience has led to an appreciation of the need to be conservative because I am aware of the potential adverse events and outcomes. So what is my personal treatment philosophy? My goal with patients is to insist upon skin surface treatments and best investments, while always trying to use as little filler as necessary. Strategically placing product in the best location of the face instead of overfilling or just filling lines is how celebrities maintain their appearance and seemingly age in reverse. Technique and products have really evolved since I began my career thirteen years ago. At that time, injectors focused on filling perioral lines with only the two or three short duration products available. Now, with a wide array of products to select from, and techniques that focus on addressing the cause of the wrinkle instead of just the line, I achieve natural results unique to each face. This has allowed patients to look natural and better in photos with light illuminating the face appropriately. Education from your providers and establishing a long standing relationship with them is paramount. It is by spending time with patients, listening to their concerns and explaining structure, contour, and facial that we are best able to devise a plan together. As the consumer, it is important to find a team who has a philosophy that aligns with what you are trying to achieve. Then trust their judgment when they explain the limitations of non-surgical options. Surgery at times maybe the best option for maintaining the most “natural” result and rectifying a patient’s main areas of concern. It is not natural to attempt to lift the entire face with fillers alone. Fortunately in the Plastic surgery setting, that option is available and an easy discussion to have, and if decided on even assist in. This allows me to devise the best indiviidual 1-5 year plan for each patient, and allows for the best investment in treatments understanding timing, limitations, and planning looking toward eventual surgical procedures. In conclusion, it is important with any treatment to get to the point of correction, but during that process know it is always easier to add to than take away. For more information call 561-57-4000 or visit www.licksteinplasticsugery.com.