Dr. James M. Economides, MD, FACS

Dr. Economides customizes breast implant selection based on three main factors: patient anatomy (existing breast size, footprint, width, natural tissue, chest wall), desired outcome, and lifestyle (e.g., activity level). Patients can try on different implants to visualize results, and surgical plans are always individually customized.

Dr. Economides conducts a comprehensive evaluation for eyelid surgery, assessing the periorbita (area around the eyes), eyebrow position (checking for descent, which may require a brow lift), skin excess, and fat pad protrusion. He also reviews the patient's medical history, including dry eye, eye drop/contact use, and previous eye surgeries, to develop a safe and effective surgical plan tailored for each patient.

SkinVive is the first hyaluronic acid-based skin booster approved in the US. It's an injectable that provides hydration, nourishment, and a 'glass-like' glow to the skin without adding volume. Dr. Economides uses it in the cheeks, often complementing Botox for upper face lines, to rejuvenate the lower face. The treatment involves quick, relatively painless micro-droplet injections, with improved skin appearance noticeable over a few weeks. The skin can be pre-numbed for comfort, and Dr. Economides prefers not to draw a grid on the patient to spare them marks.

Dr. Economides notes there isn't a single 'better' option between permanent and dissolvable sutures for facelifts; both are very good options for facial rejuvenation. Permanent sutures are theorized to offer a more lasting lift, though very rarely they can lead to granulomas or foreign body reactions. Dissolvable sutures rely on the body's scar tissue to maintain the lift. The choice depends on the patient's individual goals, requirements, and desires, and is discussed during consultation with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.

Dr. Economides emphasizes that 'cosmetic surgeon' is not a regulated term. To verify a surgeon's qualifications and ensure they have received the necessary training for aesthetic procedures, patients should seek a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and confirm their certification on the board's website. This is the only governing body that certifies a surgeon has received the requisite training and follows regulations to provide safe and credible care. Training and certification matter.

AlloClae is a next-generation body filler described as 'fat on demand,' using purified allograft fat to provide volume and shape without requiring liposuction or downtime. It's currently used for hip dips (to create a smooth, hourglass silhouette) and breast enhancement (for upper/medial pole fullness and cleavage, especially in thin women or to camouflage rippling/implant edge from previous augmentations). Results look and feel natural, and Dr. Economides is excited about its future applications in areas like the hands and face.

Historically, a full facelift encompassed the brow, eyes, lower face, and neck. However, with advancements like Botox, most facelifts performed today are 'lower facelifts,' addressing the midface, lower face, and neck (lifting from the cheekbones down). A full facelift (lifting from the brows to the neck) is reserved for patients with significant brow descent and midface bunching, providing comprehensive rejuvenation. Dr. Economides emphasizes customizing the approach to ensure the correct operation for each patient's specific needs, as not every patient needing a lower facelift would benefit from a full facelift.

Breast implants have evolved significantly since the 1960s. Early implants were stiff and prone to silicone gel bleed. Modern, fifth-generation implants, often called 'gummy bear' implants, are cohesive and hold their shape well. Dr. Economides is particularly excited about the recent introduction of sixth-generation implants in the US market, representing further advancements in breast augmentation technology.