Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Magazine #66

face
During traditional facelifting surgery, the superficial
muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS), which is the
underlying musculature of the face, is lifted and re-tightened.
This effectively remodels the facial soft tissue before the
skin is re-draped over the newly enhanced contours.
‘The traditional facelift can be very effective for elevating
more advanced facial drooping and sagging,’ Dr Gerarchi
explains. ‘Like other kinds of facelifts, they can be combined
with complementary procedures such as a necklift, browlift
or eyelid surgery for optimum results.’
Eyelid surgery
Dubbed the “windows to the soul”, the eyes play a huge
role in expressing our emotions and greatly impact the way
we are perceived by the world. With age, the upper and
lower eyelids can become heavy and wrinkled, contributing
to a tired, aged or even angry expression. Dr Gerarchi
performs eyelid surgery – or blepharoplasty – to restore
the eye area and give back to his patients a more rested,
youthful appearance.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty helps address the excess
skin and fat in the upper eyelids. This is performed via an
incision that is hidden in the upper eyelid crease. ‘Upper
eyelid surgery can help improve vision and expose the
eyelashes,’ Dr Gerarchi explains. ‘This helps brighten the
eyes and refresh the appearance. It can be performed
alone, or in conjunction with lower eyelid blepharoplasty for
more holistic results.’
It’s a myth that there is a
“right” age to have a facelift.
Facelifts are suitable for most
patients, man or woman,
younger or older
Lower eyelid surgery involves excising or redistributing
fat in the lower eyelid to counter puffiness below the eyes.
The skin is often tightened to smooth out the under-eye
area, helping reduce the appearance of “bags” under the
eyes and revitalising the appearance.
Dr Gerarchi and the team at The Face Institute devise an
after-surgery care plan for each patient, including a topical
cream to help reduce bruising. Most patients experience
only mild pain or discomfort following eyelid surgery, and
recovery usually takes between one and two weeks.
Results are long lasting.
CO 2
laser resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical way to improve
the skin’s texture and help reduce pigmentation, combat
wrinkles and improve textural irregularities. Laser
resurfacing is still regarded by many as the gold standard in
rejuvenating the skin.
‘The Face Institute was the first practice in NSW to offer
Ultra-Pulse Total FX laser system,’ says Dr Gerarchi. ‘This
system uses the latest technology in laser skin resurfacing
to tighten and resurface skin for long-term results with
minimal downtime.’
Treatment is tailored to each
patient and their individual
concerns, motivations
and desires
With age, the dermis weakens and facial volume
descends. This can be accompanied by changes in the skin’s
textural surface, for example enlarged pores, pigmentation
and textural and vascular irregularities. Treatment with
laser can help boost dermal integrity, kick-start collagen
synthesis and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, folds
and pigmentation.
During treatment, narrow beams of laser light penetrate
the skin and cause columns of thermal damage that
descend to the dermis. This triggers the body’s natural
healing response and increases blood flow to the site. The
area is flooded with oxygen and nutrients, and the skin’s
natural renewal processes are refuelled.
‘Treatment with CO 2
laser takes around 30 minutes
and patients usually describe feeling a “warm sensation”
during the procedure,’ Dr Gerarchi explains. ‘Immediately
following treatment, patients will experience some redness
and over the next few days some skin flaking. We prescribe
a skin regime to help optimise recovery.’
In most cases, results can be seen after just one treatment
with CO 2
laser. Collagen regeneration is heightened for up
to six months post-treatment, and skin texture, tone and
luminosity are noticeably improved.
Whether you’re looking for a major surgical rejuvenation,
or something less invasive with more subtle results, Dr
Gerarchi and the team at The Face Institute provide a range
of treatments tailored to each patient and their unique
concerns, motivations and desires. ‘Our philosophy focuses
on safety, satisfaction and quality,’ he says. ‘Our goal is
to achieve impeccable results tailored to each patient’s
concerns and reasons for seeking treatment.’ csbm
54 www.cosbeauty.com.au