The Fusion Facelift

The latest way to look younger treats deep wrinkles and sagging jowls while simultaneously addressing fine lines and sun damage

We all want to look younger and more refreshed, but most of us are wary of major overhauls, lengthy downtime and complicated, risky surgeries. As a result, minimally invasive procedures such as the short-scar or “mini” facelift have dramatically increased in popularity over the last ten years. While procedures like the mini-lift, one of our specialties at The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, can address sagging skin and wrinkles, they do not address the skin's tone and texture.

As an analogy, let's suppose that you have a sofa with a slipcover that is both too big and threadbare. You can tailor the slipcover to fit, but unless the quality of the fabric is improved, the results will never be ideal. A facelift improves the structure of the face, but doesn't address skin quality. That's where the latest advancement in facial rejuvenation comes in. Called the Fusion Facelift, this brand new technique combines the tried and true methods of the mini-lift, or in some cases a full facelift, with the new Pearl Fusion Laser therapy.

The process begins just like any other facelift performed by Dr. Wolfe and Dr. Vath. We'll conduct a consult, address your concerns, and then provide you with the best possible option – whether it's a full or mini-lift. Your surgery will tackle sagging jowls, deep wrinkles and more. Yet with the Pearl Fusion component, you'll take it a step further, and the results will be dramatically better. While you are under a local or general anesthetic, whichever your facelift requires, we will perform the groundbreaking Pearl Fusion Laser treatment.

With this treatment, we can address skin texture and tone, sun damage and fine lines – conditions that cannot be treated with a facelift alone. What's more, with the Pearl Fusion technology, we can customize the depth and intensity of the laser, and even target specific areas where more aggressive treatment may be necessary such as the eyes and mouth.

Before	After
Before	After

Results are dramatic and downtime is about the same as is needed for a facelift alone, generally 10 days to 2 weeks, although the remodeling of collagen continues for 6 months. The Fusion component adds tremendous value to your procedure and can deliver a more complete rejuvenation than a facelift alone.

For more information or to schedule a consult for the new Fusion Facelift procedure, please contact our offices today at 720.279.1926.

Spring Clean Your Skincare Routine

What to toss, keep and add to your beauty regime this spring

Spring has officially sprung and it's out with the old and in with the new. Your skincare routine is no exception. While most of us are guilty of owning one too many eye creams and having a moisturizer that's graced our medicine cabinet since the last election, there are a few items and ingredients that should be avoided at all costs.

Just like our wardrobe, our skincare needs to change from season to season. Some products are simply out of style, some are classics that we stock up on, and others are new additions that round out our beauty regimen. It's time for a little spring cleaning.

Today, most products have an expiration date printed on the packaging. Take note of these and respect them. Do not assume that if an item is half full, it's still good. Harmful bacteria can form in expired products, posing a danger to your health. Plus, they'll lose their potency post-expiration and you will not see the results you are looking for, wasting both time and money.

Sometimes, expiration dates are printed on the outer packaging, instead of the product itself. If you tossed that box ages ago, there are a few guidelines that will help ensure your lotions and potions are safe and effective:

• Always store your products in a cool, dark place. Ironically, bathrooms are a terrible place for skincare products and cosmetics since they are the most humid areas in our homes. Try a bedroom vanity or even the refrigerator.
• Make sure that you have thoroughly washed your hands before applying any product. When you put it away, ensure that you close the lid tightly so that no excess air gets in.
• Facial lotions, anti-aging creams and serums should last one to two years. After the 24-month mark, discard the product regardless of how much is left.
• Powders can last a bit longer and are good for two to three years.
• Products that are applied to the eye and mouth area, such as eye creams and certain wrinkle creams, should be kept no longer than six months.

Avoid sulfates, such as sodium lauryl and sodium laureth. These are harsh detergents that give cleansers, soaps, and shampoo their suds. Often derived from petroleum, sulfates can also come from coconut and other vegetable oils that can be contaminated with pesticides. Sulfates can cause eye irritation and skin rashes.

Make sure you are using a medical-grade skincare line. Drugstore brands may be more affordable, but they're exponentially less effective. With medical skin care, you'll see greater results and will save money in the long run, since these products typically have concentrated ingredients that are applied sparingly and last longer. Some of our favorites include Obagi and Epionce.

To learn more about proper skincare, to schedule a relaxing facial treatment, or to address skin concerns this spring, call Rejuvenate! at 303.951.2100.