Fast Facts and Five Questions on Aesthetics

This week we are talking (as you likely guessed by now) all things Aesthetics.

From skin care to procedures to other things we do to work on the outside of ourselves (not as important as the inside, but important nonetheless!) And we’re kicking things off with an awesome 5 Questions with a plastic surgery physician assistant who treats patients daily not only with in-office procedures like facials, treatments and injectables, but also spends a fair amount of time in the operating room assisting a plastic surgeon. So if there’s anyone who has a finger on the pulse of the latest in aesthetics, it’s her!

Meet Robin Chimile, physician associate in plastic surgery at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Pittsburgh, Dr. Marc Liang’s office.

First, full disclosure! Not only is Robin an amazing physician assistant with over a decade experience in the field of plastic surgery, she’s also one of my best friends. Like, my soul mate buddy! I’m forever picking her brain on skin care products and the latest procedures.

You can imagine how excited I was when we decided on the topic of Aesthetics and I got to bring her in to share her wisdom and knowledge.

Let’s do this!

1

First things first: You’ve been in this field for years now; why do you think aesthetics, and specifically plastic surgery (and in-office procedures) have absolutely blown up in popularity over the last decade?

We are definitely looking at ourselves more than ever! With the increased exposure through social media and the relentless reflection of ourselves on Zoom calls and FaceTime we are also more critical than ever.

People have less tolerance for seeing even small changes in regards to aging. We used to see facial surgical procedures being more common in people in their 50’s and 60’s, and now it has shifted significantly to people their 30’s and 40’s.

Non-invasive procedures have sky rocketed! With continuous advancements in technology people are hoping to prevent surgery in the future and prevent the aging process altogether.  They are willing to invest their time and money into these treatments to continue looking their best. 

2

What are people asking for the most lately? Injectables (Botox, fillers, etc.) feel like old news. Tell us the procedure(s) that you predict will hit big next, and which new ones patients are already asking for.

Injectables are always at the top of the list. We have recently added the new RHA collection of fillers by Revance which are positioned to allow the most natural facial movement. There is also a new neuromodulator, Daxi, which is in the process of FDA approval. It is reported to have a 6 month duration which will be interesting to see.

Qwo, a new injectable for cellulite, will [also] hit big this year. As the only injectable treatment on the market for cellulite, we now have a treatment that is easily attainable for patients with little to no downtime.

As far as skin rejuvenation, patients are loving Halo. It’s the only dual laser on the market which treats the epidermis and dermis at the same time. Huge improvements are made in skin tone, color, and texture with a big boost of hyaluronic acid and collagen. I think RF Microneedling will continue to be big as well as Threads. [Sonni’s note: Come back tomorrow for my recap of my recent RF microneedling procedure!] Collagen stimulation is the key! These treatments are all ways of reaching that goal.

3

This one is a compound question, because there’s just so much to cover! I’m going to name several procedures; give us a brief explanation on what they are, and how we can tell if we are ready for them.

a) Lasers

Photo rejuvenation, non-ablative and ablative laser therapies treat pigment and vascular issues as well as improve texture such as wrinkles, pores and scars.  Patients at any age can benefit from photorejuvenation like BBL (Broadband Light).   It will brighten skin tone while actually anti-aging the skin cells. If you have wrinkles, pores, scars, or a dull complexion you should consider an ablative procedure.   A combination of treatments will also provide a bigger result. Understanding social downtime and prepping the skin appropriately are important when considering a laser treatment. 

b) Botox or other neurotoxins like Dysport,

Repetitive facial movement is one cause of fine lines and deeper wrinkles.   Neurotoxin treatments relax the facial muscles so that we don’t contract the muscles as often or as deeply.   If you are starting to see fines lines on the face even when the muscles are at rest, neurotoxin treatments will prevent these lines from getting deeper and start reversing them.  You could also just “sprinkle” a little everywhere to prevent them before they even start!

c) Fillers

Fillers replace lost volume, build structure and create better contours. As we age we lose fat, experience bone resorption and lose elasticity in the skin.  Fillers help to build the structure to support the overlying skin creating more youthful facial shapes and contours.  In younger patients we are enhancing an already youthful appearance.

…and d) Microneedling.

Microneedling is a great treatment for improving texture of the skin. Think wrinkles, pores and scars. RF Microneedling will provide skin tightening benefit as well. Microneedling “typically” causes less social downtime than an ablative laser procedure but requires more treatments. PRP or PRFM can be added on for a bigger boost in collagen.

4

How often should we be getting facials?

Every 4-6 weeks is ideal! Speaking of facials, have you ever had a Hydrafacial? Hydrafacial is an elevated facial treatment which provides the deep cleansing and exfoliating benefits of a facial without the painful extractions. In addition the skin is treated with a customized peel and an infusion of hydrating and antiaging ingredients into the skin. Opt to add red or blue light therapy and lymphatic drainage and you will be glowing for days.

5

What’s one piece of advice you give to women who are about to come in for their first procedure, no matter what it is?

Make sure your aesthetic provider is educating you about your unique needs and goals. These are not cookie cutter treatments. You should understand how the treatment will benefit you as well as the potential risks of the procedure. If you are not sure if the treatment or provider is right for you, don’t get the treatment.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions, Robin!

Come on over to my Instagram this Thursday, April 8 at 1pm EST for an Instagram Live with Robin where she’ll walk us through three procedures from her office, including showing us a live injectable!