Are you part of the wellness movement? Do you watch what you eat, exercise, drink little to no alcohol, and take advantage of alternative therapies such as red light, saunas, or cold plunges?
As we enter the mid-2020s, there’s an emphasis on getting healthy, then maintaining good health to restore youthful energy and appearance.
So it’s not surprising we’re also seeing more of a shift to maintenance and regeneration in plastic surgery rather than the sweeping and urgent need to turn back time that once defined the industry.
The Dual Powers of Maintenance and Regeneration in Plastic Surgery
Many patients are no longer interested in significant or dramatic shifts in appearance. They’re looking for ways to preserve what they currently have as part of routine maintenance to slow the ravages of aging.
New tech and tools in the industry allow for a focus on natural, anatomy-preserving, and regenerative sculpting like never before. These deliver more natural-looking results through innovative treatments that often require less recovery time.
The Trend of “Prejuventation”
Because much of the stigma has been lifted from aesthetic plastic surgery, patients are embracing it earlier than ever. It’s not uncommon for those in their 40s, 30s, and even late 20s to inquire about subtle, proactive procedures that will help them maintain a youthful appearance before the signs of aging emerge.
The objective is to appear harmonious and beautifully enhanced through each decade without looking like they’ve had “work done.” When combined with a commitment to overall wellness, this early-intervention trend is known as prejuventation.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular procedures for younger patients. But there’s also been a rise in breast augmentation requests. An increasing number of patients are, however, seeking smaller, perkier, and more natural-looking options than what was desired in the past. And there’s often an emphasis on fat transfer.
Prejuvenation techniques also include brow lifts and eyelid surgery to ease tired-looking eyes. And photo facials that address wrinkles and sun damage or treat discoloration through either ablative lasers or non-ablative intense pulsed light are also popular. Especially given the minimal downtime.
Regenerative Medicine and Plastic Surgery
Regenerative medicine aims to repair, replace, or regenerate damaged tissues, cells, or organs by focusing on stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms. This is done by using natural or engineered biological substitutes.
For example, patients are using fat grafting to bring more natural-looking volume to their faces. Fat is harvested from the abdomen and injected into areas like under the eyes or jawline to provide a fuller contour.
To boost collagen and elastin production in the skin, some patients may also choose micro needling with platelet-rich plasma, or PRP. PRP is a prime example of regenerative medicine. And it’s not new to plastic surgery. Here’s how it works:
The blood is comprised of red blood cells and plasma that contains white blood cells and platelets. Upon getting a cut or wound, platelets rush to the injured site to stop bleeding and promote healing through collagen growth. They’re the first responders, as it were.
When researchers made this discovery, they theorized that extracting concentrated platelets and injecting them into damaged areas of the body might accelerate healing. And it worked.
Plastic surgery incorporates PRP to accelerate healing in several cosmetic procedures, including facials and hair restoration. Along with PRP, there’s a growing body of regenerative medicine options that include platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), exosomes, skin boosters, and biostimulatory fillers. These all address skin quality rather than just appearance.
Regenerative medicine is also a significant component of the GLP-1 makeovers and body contouring procedures that have become popular since the medication causes quick weight loss that leads to volume depletion in the face, breasts, and extremities. In these cases, much like the example above, fat transfer can provide long-lasting structural and restorative benefits drawn from fat’s natural stem cell population.
Welcome to the World of Plastic Surgery
Sure, there’s been a shift to maintenance and regeneration in plastic surgery.
But if you have other procedures in mind, it certainly doesn’t preclude you from discussing these with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Whether it’s a regenerative procedure or a full-blown mommy makeover you’re seeking, we’re ready to talk about your options. So contact us today.