“I Want To Look Younger Without Surgery!” Top Doctor Reveals Insight
Think about this. Before 1992, botulinum toxin A (which would later come to be known simply as BOTOX) was primarily used to treat eye muscle hyperactivity. Then a doctor by the name of Alastair Carruthers and his wife Jean reported it might be useful for cosmetic purposes. Little did they know just how right they would be.
Among the 15.7 million minimally invasive cosmetic procedures performed in 2017, BOTOX ranked first with 7.23 million procedures performed.1
To better understand the current non-surgical cosmetic treatment landscape, we sought the insight of Dr. Steven Dayan, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, professor, and researcher who is a New York Times best-selling author, has published 5 books and more than 200 medical journal articles.
“Our lives are becoming increasingly busy,” Dr. Dayan explains. “And, as we all know, this busier lifestyle has created an increased desire for instant gratification. Is it any wonder that cosmetic procedures like BOTOX injections are so appealing?” Another popular option includes Kybella, a non-surgical injection that aims to improve the appearance of a moderate to severe double-chin by destroying fat cells. Dr. Dayan is a leading expert in the Kybella treatment and was involved in the clinical research trials before the drug was FDA-approved. He was one of the first doctors in the United States to receive the drug and inject patients.
Still, Dr. Dayan asserts that the simplicity and speed of the procedures aren’t the only reasons behind the rise in popularity. “The results are outstanding. In the hands of a skilled practitioner, the patient will walk away looking naturally better. Said another way, they won’t look fake…like they’ve had work done,” he explains.
And that brings another side effect—a boost in self-esteem and confidence.
Dr. Dayan explains. “But I still believe it is important to work with a doctor who has the training, expertise, and experience to safely and successfully perform the procedures.”
Dr. Dayan tells a heartwarming story of one patient with Bell’s Palsy who come in to see him in hopes of improving the symmetry of her face. With Bell’s Palsy, the muscles on one side of the face become weak or paralyzed. The paralysis only affects one side of the face, causing half of the face to droop or become stiff. Dr. Dayan explains that the Botox relaxes unwanted muscle movements to improve facial symmetry. “She was so pleased with the result and still talks of how confident she feels now,” Dr. Dayan beams. “She feels as if she has regained a part of herself.”
Still, Dr. Dayan cautions patients to take care choosing a doctor to perform any injection procedure.
“Skilled medical providers can improve scars, blend skin tones, fill in facial hollow, and reduce tired worn wrinkles often in the same amount of time it takes to eat lunch,” Dr. Dayan explains. “But I still believe it is important to work with a doctor who has the training, expertise, and experience to safely and successfully perform the procedures.” To that end, he encourages patients to ask, at a minimum, if the doctor is board certified and how many times he or she has personally performed the procedure being considered. Dr. Dayan is certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.
Most patients should also examine the doctor’s experience with aesthetic treatments and seek out patient testimonials on the precise procedure you are interested in.
1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2017 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report
