Blog

Beauty Has a New Champion!

New Facial Contouring Procedure Unveiled at World Events

May 18, 2010-Sarasota, FL- The dream result of all facial plastic surgeons is to reverse the signs of aging. For decades, the plastic surgery industry has struggled to develop a procedure which not only addresses the signs of aging, but also yields natural, enduring results with little downtime, cost and discomfort typically associated with a full surgical facelift. Dr. J. David Holcomb, a Sarasota, Florida based double board certified facial plastic surgeon and Medical Director of Holcomb Facial Plastic Surgery and the Aesthetic Light and Laser Center, recently introduced the world this past weekend to the future of minimally invasive facial contouring.

Dr. Holcomb, co-developer of the procedure, introduced AccuLift™ to physicians from around the world at the 30th American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery Annual Conference in Phoenix, AZ, as well as the 10th International Symposium of Facial Plastic Surgery in Hollywood, FL. These prestigious events are known by the medical elite for introducing the world to the most cutting-edge laser and surgical procedures. Laser Assisted Facial Contouring (LAFC) also known as the AccuLift™ procedure was met with a great reception, and is being called the future of facial contouring.

The AccuLift™ procedure specifically addresses descended fat that accumulates in the midface (nasolabial fold), along the jawline (jowl) and under the chin as we age. Dr. Holcomb notes that gravity is relentless, and that previous approaches that have attempted to lift or reposition descended fat in the face have very limited long-term success. In addition, attempting to camouflage well-formed nasolabial folds or jowls with injectable fillers can quickly leave patients looking unnatural and over-filled.

Differing greatly from a traditional facelift, the non-surgical AccuLift™ procedure utilizes a revolutionary fiberoptic laser, which melts and permanently removes descended fat in the midface through powerful, localized energy. To obtain the full, non-surgical facelift effect, Dr. Holcomb then uses the fiberoptic laser to contour the lower face-removing the jowl and tightening the skin to create a more defined jawline.

To recreate the ultimate look of youth, many patients also benefit from volume replacement. AccuLift™ is not a substitute for volume replacement but it does change the way that facial fillers are used. So for the midface, fat is removed where it accumulates near the nose, but volume is replaced under the high point of the cheekbone. This combination of minimally invasive procedures- where we address the low points or valleys with soft tissue filler and then address the high points or peaks via laser assisted facial contouring (ie AccuLift™)- takes approximately thirty minutes and can deliver fabulous results.

“The AccuLift™ procedure delivers beautiful, natural-looking results, and the extremely precise AccuSculpt™ laser allows us to contour the face safely and effectively,” concludes Dr. Holcomb. “This is truly the new frontier of facial rejuvenation!”

AccuLift™ Facts

• AccuLift™ can be an early intervention to reduce emerging features of aging in the midface, lower face and under the chin and can help delay the need for facelift surgery. It is also a natural adjunct to facelift surgery that promises to enhance the results and dramatically reduce the problem of recurrent gravitational jowling.
• AccuLift™ can be a great touch-up procedure for previous facelift patients that have re-formed jowls.
• Other candidates have accumulated fat in the mid and/or lower face – ranging from younger patients with a round face who desire more sculpted features, to older patients with subtle to more advanced features of aging in the mid and lower face.
• Excess fat is carefully removed in a minimally invasive process requiring only a small needle stick. The laser fiber liquefies the excess fat which is then gently removed with syringe microliposuction. Results are evident immediately and then again within a week or so after initial swelling subsides. The fat removal is permanent and significant skin tightening occurs.
• AccuLift™ is an effective stand alone procedure for patients in early 20s to 80s.
• In addition to addressing the high points with AccuLift™ some patients also need to have the low points addressed with soft tissue augmentation, especially in the midface. Options for these patients include fat grafting, Radiesse injection, facial implant, or Sculptra.
• AccuLift™ allows patients to DEFY GRAVITY! (By removing the tissue bulk we reduce the effect of gravity so that skin is no longer weighed down).
• Skin tightening with AccuLift™ is substantial. However, some patients with advanced skin laxity are likely to need additional measures for maximum skin tightening.
• Removing descended fat in the mid and lower face allows the surgeon to apply/use injectable fillers differently so that results are improved – the fillers are no longer needed to camouflage descended fat and can instead be used to correct true volume deficiency.
• AccuLift™ gives surgeons a new tool, and the ability to easily-effectively-safely remove unwanted fat deposits in the face, enabling more precise three-dimensional contouring of the face.
• The AccuSculpt™ laser is different than other “lipo” lasers – it more precisely targets fat and, therefore, requires less energy and is very safe.

Bio: Dr. J. David Holcomb, M.D. is a double board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, past president of the Florida Society of Facial Plastic Surgeons and the Sarasota County Medical Society. He completed his residency training at the University of Iowa’s Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, which is consistently rated among the best in the country by US News and World Report. Dr. Holcomb subsequently completed a fellowship in advanced cosmetic facial plastic surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. For additional information, please visit http://www.srqfps.com