"Plastic Surgery and a Healthy You, Part II "
By Robert J. Davis, MD

In the previous issue we began a discussion of various cosmetic procedures, with a focus on the goal of looking healthier and “less worn.” We continue now with facial procedures.

Facelifts are performed on many patients in the 40 to 60 age range, although some people in their 60s and 70s are also good candidates. We often concentrate on improving the skin texture and appearance while we are planning surgery. A variety of creams and lotions are used to accomplish this goal. We also stress preventative measures such as using moisturizers and sunscreens. If a person has a deep line that runs from the corner of the nose to the corner of the mouth or deep wrinkles in the cheeks, they might be ready for a facelift. Mild wrinkles may be eliminated with specially formulated facial peels.

If people find that frown lines, forehead creases or other facial-expression lines are preventing them from looking as good as they feel, cosmetic denervation with botulinum toxin (BTX) injections may be an option. BTX is also known by the product name, BOTOX. Botulinum toxin is a purified therapeutic agent that removes lines and creases in the upper part of the face by inactivating specific muscles that pull on the skin. It works to eliminate the face’s dynamic wrinkles caused not by aging or sun exposure, but by years of facial movement, such as laughing, smiling or frowning. To maintain the appearance created by BTX, patients will need to receive repeat treatments every three to six months.

If people believe that their eyes make them look tired, sad, or older, cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can remove the excess fat and drooping skin of the upper eyelids, minimize bags under the eyes, and tighten the lower eyelid skin for a more alert and rested appearance.
Again, we emphasize the importance of looking healthy and .t for your age through the responsible use of plastic surgery.

MAGGIE'S MEMO:
In the offices of Robert J. Davis, MD and Keelee J. MacPhee, MD, the plastic surgery interests of the doctors are many. Dr. Davis performs mainly breast, body and reconstructive surgery. Dr. MacPhee is interested in facial plastic surgery, nose reshaping, and neck lifts. Both Dr. Davis and Dr. MacPhee perform eyelid surgery. Between them Drs. Davis and MacPhee have over twenty years experience. Both graduated from the Plastic Surgery program at the University of North Carolina. They have privileges at Peninsula Regional Medical Center and Atlantic General Hospital. Much of their cosmetic surgery is performed at the Delmarva Surgery Center as an outpatient.

For more information, call Drs. Davis and MacPhee, 1344 South Division Street, Suite 202, Salisbury at (410) 543-8880.

MAGGIE SAYS:
Here’s a letter from one recent patient which shows why Maggie is so happy to recommend DR’s. DAVIS AND MACPHEE. “Dear Dr. Davis and Dr. MacPhee, I wanted to thank you both for the time you took this week during my appointment. So often a patient can feel rushed, which I personally have experienced with other doctors. It’s a terrible feeling, as cosmetic surgery is a sensitive issue. Thank you again for taking the time to listen and understand.”