FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

--Can you tell us about the recent advances in cosmetic enhancement and rejuventation modalities?

Dr. Nabavian:There is a constant inflow of new cosmetic products and technologies. It is important to have an understanding of the safety and efficacy of these modalities and to make an informed selection. There is strong interest in non-ablative technologies that could help enhance and rejuvenate with minimal or no downtime. Thermage® is a new technology that utilizes radiofrequency energy to stimulate your skin's own collagen. It can help lift and tighten the skin on the face or other areas with no recovery period.

--How many treatments are necessary?

Dr. Nabavian: Depending on the individual characteristics and the desired outcome one or more treatments may be needed. It promotes collagen production and contraction and may take up to six months to reach maximal effect. There is no recovery period because Thermage® treats the deep layer of the skin while the outer visible layer is being cooled. Further information about Thermage® is available at www.thermage.com

--So do you think the Thermage is going to be the "facelift" of the future?

Dr. Nabavian: Well, I don't think it replaces the facelift procedure for someone with significant amount of loose skin and laxity. However, by having this treatment done at a relatively younger age, one may achieve enough tightening to delay the ongoing sagging of the skin.

--What are fillers?

Dr. Nabavian: Fillers belong to a group of products that help fill wrinkles and areas of hollowing. Examples include collagen and hylauronic acid (Restylane®, Captique®, Hylaform®). These products are injected in the area around the mouth, lips and other facial areas to restore youthful fullness and to diminish the appearance of wrinkles. The results are maintained by having the injections at appropriate time intervals.

--What are the most common surgeries that you perform?

Dr. Nabavian: The bulk of my practice involves cosmetic surgery of the face, the breast, and the body. I mostly perform facelift, eyelid rejuvenation, nose surgery, breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck and liposuction. My goal is to achieve natural and aesthetically balanced results that are not too obvious.

--What advice would you give to our readers who may be contemplating cosmetic surgery?

Dr. Nabavian: My main advice is to make their decision based on their own desires and wishes. Sometimes, I see patients who are motivated by other people's opinion or by what they see on reality television shows. Each patient requires an individual treatment plan based on her/his unique features and other factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, professional and social considerations, etc. Another advice is to choose their surgeon carefully. Many physicians present themselves as "cosmetic surgeons" without any formal training in plastic surgery. Only plastic surgeons certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery have met the high ethical and educational standards to provide safe and efficacious plastic surgery to the public. Board certification status can be verified at www.abplsurg.org.

Reza Nabavian M.D. is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon serving the Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Ventura, Bakersfield and Los Angeles area. He received his plastic surgery training at the prestigious University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. He has 8 years of post-graduate training in surgery. His office is located in the Medical Center of Santa Monica adjacent to the St. John's Health Center. To schedule a consultation please call (310) 829-5550.