Sourced directly from Dr. Jonathan Zelken's social posts and replies.
What is a PDO Thread Lift and how does it work?
A PDO thread lift is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that uses tiny, textured PDO threads loaded onto a cannula. These threads are precisely placed into superficial fat pads, where reverse barbs hook onto the tissue to gently lift and reposition it. This creates a lifting 'mesh' that supports the skin, resulting in a refreshed, natural, and more youthful contour.
What are the characteristics and benefits of a Deep Plane Facelift?
A Deep Plane Facelift is an advanced surgical approach that focuses on lifting the deeper structures of the face, creating natural-looking results that hold up over time. It is an appropriate option for patients in their 40s and can achieve refined contours, a smoother jawline, and an overall refreshed appearance.
What anesthesia options are available for procedures at Dr. Zelken's practice?
Not all surgical procedures require full general anesthesia. Many in-office treatments are performed under local anesthesia and numbing. For procedures requiring more significant lift and tightening, such as a deep plane face or neck lift, general anesthesia is typically recommended. Platysmaplasty (neck lift) can often be performed awake under local anesthesia.
What are the reasons for chin implant revision and how is it performed?
Chin implant revision is often sought by patients dissatisfied with previous silicone implants due to issues like fullness under the lip, incorrect positioning (e.g., too high), or a 'clumsy' profile caused by loss of the lip-chin crease. Silicone implants can also cause bony erosion, leaving depressions. During revision, the old implant is removed, and a custom PEEK implant is designed to precisely fit the patient's anatomy, keying into any existing bony 'footprints' to sculpt a more elegant, refined, and harmonious chin.
What is a Platysmaplasty (Neck Lift) and what does it achieve?
Platysmaplasty, commonly known as a neck lift, is a procedure that tightens the neck muscles and removes excess skin and fat. It is designed to correct sagging in the neck and vertical platysmal bands, resulting in a smoother, more defined jawline.
What is the typical recovery and scarring like after Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?
Mild swelling is expected after eyelid surgery and improves over several weeks. For lower eyelid procedures (transconjunctival blepharoplasty), there is no visible external scar as the incision is hidden inside the eyelid. Stitches are typically removed around 6 to 8 days post-op. Most patients can resume normal daily activities and wear makeup again by about 3 weeks, at which point the surgery is often undetectable to others.
How does Dr. Zelken approach facial implant placement for overall facial harmony?
Dr. Zelken emphasizes that even the 'right' implant in the wrong place can lead to an unsatisfactory outcome, as a chin implant, for example, must harmonize with the entire jawline and midface. He addresses age-related volume loss in the cheeks and infraorbital rim with custom implants to restore structural volume. His approach involves removing existing implants if necessary and using custom PEEK wraparound jaw, cheek, and infraorbital rim implants, often placed endoscopically, to create a flowing jawline, a lifted midface, and a cohesive facial appearance. Patients may experience some swelling for up to two months, but facial harmony is often evident earlier.
What factors contributed to Lindsay Lohan's aesthetic transformation?
Dr. Zelken believes Lindsay Lohan's transformation is primarily due to a thoughtful combination of non-surgical treatments, better aesthetic decisions, and natural aging into her features, rather than plastic surgery. Key factors include weight loss leading to a slimmer face, improved filler placement (possibly after previous unflattering filler dissolved), skin resurfacing treatments like CO2 lasers for texture and radiance, and overall healthier habits. He notes there is no evidence of facelift scars or other surgical signs.