face During traditional facelifting surgery, the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS), which is the underlying musculature of the face, is lifted <strong>and</strong> 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 <strong>and</strong> 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 <strong>and</strong> greatly impact the way we are perceived by the world. With age, the upper <strong>and</strong> lower eyelids can become heavy <strong>and</strong> wrinkled, contributing to a tired, aged or even angry expression. Dr Gerarchi performs eyelid surgery – or blepharoplasty – to restore the eye area <strong>and</strong> give back to his patients a more rested, youthful appearance. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty helps address the excess skin <strong>and</strong> 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 <strong>and</strong> expose the eyelashes,’ Dr Gerarchi explains. ‘This helps brighten the eyes <strong>and</strong> 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 <strong>and</strong> revitalising the appearance. Dr Gerarchi <strong>and</strong> 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, <strong>and</strong> recovery usually takes between one <strong>and</strong> two weeks. Results are long lasting. CO 2 laser resurfacing Laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical way to improve the skin’s texture <strong>and</strong> help reduce pigmentation, combat wrinkles <strong>and</strong> improve textural irregularities. Laser resurfacing is still regarded by many as the gold st<strong>and</strong>ard 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 <strong>and</strong> resurface skin for long-term results with minimal downtime.’ Treatment is tailored to each patient <strong>and</strong> their individual concerns, motivations <strong>and</strong> desires With age, the dermis weakens <strong>and</strong> facial volume descends. This can be accompanied by changes in the skin’s textural surface, for example enlarged pores, pigmentation <strong>and</strong> textural <strong>and</strong> vascular irregularities. Treatment with laser can help boost dermal integrity, kick-start collagen synthesis <strong>and</strong> reduce the appearance of wrinkles, folds <strong>and</strong> pigmentation. During treatment, narrow beams of laser light penetrate the skin <strong>and</strong> cause columns of thermal damage that descend to the dermis. This triggers the body’s natural healing response <strong>and</strong> increases blood flow to the site. The area is flooded with oxygen <strong>and</strong> nutrients, <strong>and</strong> the skin’s natural renewal processes are refuelled. ‘Treatment with CO 2 laser takes around 30 minutes <strong>and</strong> patients usually describe feeling a “warm sensation” during the procedure,’ Dr Gerarchi explains. ‘Immediately following treatment, patients will experience some redness <strong>and</strong> 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, <strong>and</strong> skin texture, tone <strong>and</strong> luminosity are noticeably improved. Whether you’re looking for a major surgical rejuvenation, or something less invasive with more subtle results, Dr Gerarchi <strong>and</strong> the team at The Face Institute provide a range of treatments tailored to each patient <strong>and</strong> their unique concerns, motivations <strong>and</strong> desires. ‘Our philosophy focuses on safety, satisfaction <strong>and</strong> quality,’ he says. ‘Our goal is to achieve impeccable results tailored to each patient’s concerns <strong>and</strong> reasons for seeking treatment.’ csbm 54 www.cosbeauty.com.au
DR PAUL GERARCHI Rhinoplasty <strong>and</strong> Facelift Specialist DR PAUL GERARCHI Rhinoplasty <strong>and</strong> Facelift Specialist Model Model expert expert surgical & non-surgical facial facial rejuvenation The The Face Face Institute <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Dr Dr Paul Gerarchi, Suite 4, 12-14 Malvern Avenue, Chatswood, NSW. NSW. For For more more information, visit www.thefaceinstitute.com.au or or call call (02) (02) 9412 9412 4599. 4599.