Question 1

How does Dr. Economides select breast implants?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What is Dr. Economides' evaluation process for eyelid surgery?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What is SkinVive and how does Dr. Economides use it?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Does Dr. Economides use permanent or dissolvable sutures for facelifts?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

How can patients verify a plastic surgeon's credentials?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What is AlloClae and what are its applications?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What is the difference between a full facelift and a lower facelift?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What is the history and evolution of breast implants?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

How is AlloClae different from regular fat grafting?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

How is SkinVive different from regular fillers?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What is the difference between a plastic surgeon and a cosmetic surgeon?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

How can I verify if a surgeon is board-certified in plastic surgery?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

Can AlloClae be used for breast augmentation?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Is SkinVive like a really thin filler or something else?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Why would a surgeon use permanent sutures? Are not dissolvable better?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Can you combine eyelid surgery with a brow lift?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

What does Dr. Economides say about their techniques?

Accepted Answer

I'm very excited to be talking about that. / We’re heading into the era of Sixth Generation implants, and it will be very exciting. If that's the case, then we tailor the size and the location of the implant to help factor in what the augmentation will mean for her after she's had the surgery. And we use that information to help guide us into selecting a range of implant options that are suitable for each patient.

Question 18

What does Dr. Economides say about their approach?

Accepted Answer

Moving away from semantics the goal is to perform the correct operation for the correct patient.

Question 19

What does Dr. Economides say about safety?

Accepted Answer

This all factors in so we can develop an effective but safe surgical plan for each patient.

Question 20

What does Dr. Economides say about results?

Accepted Answer

AlloClae can shape hip dips, eliminate pesky contours (particularly visible in leggings or tight-fitting clothing), and add shape to the outer butt.

Dr. James M. Economides, MD, FACS

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