A Personal Perspective on Facial Rejuvenation

As plastic surgeons, our daily work revolves around helping others enhance their appearance and confidence. But what some of you might not realize is that both of us have personally experienced the benefits of facial rejuvenation surgery. This journey has given us a unique perspective on the motivations that drive people to seek cosmetic surgery.

What motivates someone to want to look better? The answer often goes beyond the surface. Beauty is not just about appearance; it’s about how we feel inside—our confidence, our sense of empowerment, and how we perceive ourselves. This connection between inner and outer beauty is precisely why cosmetic surgery has become such a powerful tool. It enables individuals to achieve a look that resonates with their true self, whether through a subtle enhancement or a dramatic transformation.

Cosmetic surgery is not merely about changing how one looks; it’s about enhancing one’s quality of life. The impact on self-esteem can be profound. For many, the decision to undergo a procedure like a facelift is driven by a desire to feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin. It’s about reclaiming a sense of youthfulness and vitality that aligns with how they feel on the inside. Having undergone facial rejuvenation ourselves, we understand the deeply personal nature of this decision. We’ve seen firsthand how these procedures can restore not just a youthful appearance, but also the confidence to face the world with renewed energy. Every patient’s journey is unique, and we are committed to helping each person achieve the look and feel they desire.

Beauty may be skin deep, but the confidence it brings runs much deeper. Our own experiences with facial rejuvenation have reinforced our belief in the transformative power of cosmetic surgery, both physically and emotionally.

Looking as good as we feel!

Having dedicated 40 years to the art and science of facial rejuvenation, I’ve witnessed an incredible evolution in facelift techniques. While the fundamentals of aging remain the same, our ability to address them has advanced significantly. Aging occurs along two main paths: the aspects we can control, such as sun exposure, nutrition, and weight management, and the hereditary factors we cannot change, like the inevitable sagging of tissues over time.

The primary culprit in the aging face is the sagging muscle layer beneath the skin, known as the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) and the platysma muscle beneath the skin of the neck. If these underlying structures are not properly addressed during a facelift, the results are often short-lived. This is why procedures like mini-lifts, which focus only on the skin, fail to provide lasting rejuvenation. True, long-lasting results come from lifting and repositioning these deeper muscle layers, ensuring that the foundation is solid before redraping the skin.

Facial rejuvenation has always been my favorite surgical procedure, and it’s been fascinating to watch how the techniques have evolved over the past four decades. When I first began performing facelifts, the focus was primarily on pulling the skin tighter. While this approach could yield immediate improvement, it often led to an unnatural appearance and results that didn’t stand the test of time. Today, our understanding of facial anatomy has deepened, allowing us to achieve more natural and enduring results by addressing the SMAS layer.

Another critical aspect of a successful facelift is the redraping of the skin and the degree of tension applied. There is considerable variation in how different surgeons approach this, leading to a wide range of outcomes. A well-executed facelift should never distort the natural contours of the face, such as the sideburns or the hairline behind the ear. The goal is to leave the patient looking refreshed, as if they had turned back the clock 15 years, without appearing “done” or unnatural.

Facial rejuvenation, when done correctly, is an art form that respects the natural beauty of the individual while subtly reversing the effects of time. After 40 years, I’m proud to continue refining this craft, helping my patients look and feel their best with results that last.

This female in her late 40’s was bothered by brow drooping, neck bands and early jowl formation. This is one I love to show because I have some very good photos from this patient in her early 20’s, before and after her facelift and brow lift, and ten years after her facial rejuvenation surgery. She is shown here before and after a facelift and brow lift by Dr. Juris Bunkis.

Side shot of the same patient before and after her face and brow lift by Dr. Bunkis. Note how the distance from the eyelashes to the brows goes up after a brow lift.

Same patient at age 23 and close to 60, ten or so years after the face and brow lift by Dr. Bunkis shown above. Note the similarities in her facial contour and distance from eyelashes to her eyebrows. There is no reason to pull the skin artificially tight or to raise the brows to a position they have never been during the person’s youth. This is a good example of the Natural Facelift performed by Dr. Bunkis.

One of my many out-of-town patients, with photo she send me before her face and brow lift and a photo of herself a year later. Definitely refreshed, just a younger version of herself, definitely rejuvenated, definitely happy. Face and brow lift by Dr. Juris Bunkis.

For CA, please call 949-888-9700 or visit www.orangecountyplasticsurgery.com
Or for MA location, call 508-755-4825 or visit www.salisburyps.com