Spa+Clinic Team Australians currently spend $1 billion a year on cosmetic enhancements, to reduce the appearance of tiredness, wrinkles, dark circles, loose skin, and other signs of ageing.
Ahead of the 3rd Triennial Multidisciplinary Masters’ Symposium on Blepharoplasty and Facial Rejuvenation that started in Sydney today, oculoplastic surgeon Dr Angelo Tsirbas likens what he regards as these “excessive” treatments to the law of diminishing returns.
He says that, after a time, there is less gain for the outlay on non surgical treatments that cost from $300 to $1,800 per session, because of the relentless march of ageing.
“Most people first try non surgical procedures such as dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections and appreciate the subtle enhancement achievable,” he says.
“These treatments will typically last anywhere fromt3-12 months before the telltale signs they sought to address begin to re-appear,” he says.
“Returning for top-up treatments over time has both benefits and limits. Performed well, the treatments can help refresh a person’s appearance and be natural looking.
“After several years of ‘maintenance’ and ‘top ups’, however, it may be harder to achieve the desired outcome and a simple cost benefit analysis usually leads patients towards exploring a more lasting approach.”
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), to achieve a look of alertness by removing excess “baggage”, is one of the top five surgical procedures performed overall and the most popular facial surgery procedure for both men and women.
“At an average cost of $7K, it is in demand from people who tire of ongoing non-surgical top-ups and who want a lasting result,” Dr Tsirbas says.
“A satisfactory outcome can take years off a person’s appearance, and in many cases they experience improved vision and less tiredness.”
Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (AAFPS) President Dr George Marcells cautions that any elective procedure carries risks.
“Achieving quality outcomes for patients requires advanced knowledge of facial anatomy and surgical skills. An experienced oculoplastic, plastic or facial plastic surgeon can assess whether surgical, non-surgical or a combination of techniques will best deliver the desired results,” says Dr Marcells.
The AAFPS and Blepharoplasty Australia are hosting the Symposium today and tomorrow (September 1-2) at Sydney’s Maritime Museum.
Keynote speakers include internationally renowned surgeons Dr Robert Goldberg, Dr Michael Groth, Dr Guy Massry, Dr Paul Nassif and Dr Bryan Mendelson.
Topics cover all the latest advances in facial rejuvenation, including:
- Secrets to Success in Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
- Tips on double eyelid operation in Asian patients, Yoon Duck Kim (Seoul, South Korea)
- The Ponytail Lift: 16 year experience with endoscopic multimodality facial rejuvenation, Chia Chi Kao (Los Angeles)
- Non invasive rejuvenation and shaping, Peter Callan (Melbourne)
- The good, the bad and the ugly, Paul Nassif (Los Angeles)
- Fat preservation and repositioning in lower blepharoplasty, effacing the orbital rim depression, Michael Groth (Los Angeles)
Conclusion – Symposium on Non Invasive Rejuvenation: Longevity and Complications. Moderator, Angelo Tsirbas (Sydney):
- Acute management of blindness from filler injections – emergency essentials, Paul Callan
- Filler complications including blindness … what are the real figures, Catherine Hwang (Cleveland, US)
For more information about eyelid surgery click here.
