Dr. Catherine Chang on Undetectable Plastic Surgery, Bijoux Lift, and Custom Facial Implants

The Undetectable Era in Cosmetic Surgery

• 💡 Dr. Chang emphasizes a philosophy of natural aesthetics and maintaining a patient's essence, rather than chasing trends.
• 🎯 There's a noted shift away from overfilled looks and large implants, with a preference for restorative procedures that put features back to their original position.
• 📈 A trend towards dissolving filler and downsizing implants like BBLs and breast implants has been observed over the past two years.

Innovations in Facial Procedures

• 👁️ Jellyroll Botox can address under-eye fullness caused by muscle bunching, but Botox is ineffective for excess skin or fat.
• 🩹 The Bijoux Lift is a mini-facelift technique for 20s-30s patients experiencing early signs of aging and soft tissue descent, offering a less invasive option than traditional facelifts.
• 🗿 Custom facial implants, designed using CT scans and 3D modeling, offer precise augmentation for areas like the chin and jawline, with a preference for porous polyethylene for better integration.
• ⚖️ A significant portion of patients (around 25%) are advised against certain procedures or counseled towards alternatives due to aesthetic or suitability concerns, highlighting Dr. Chang's commitment to natural results.

Artistry and Precision in Plastic Surgery

• 🎨 Dr. Chang's background in art history and concert piano has informed her approach, emphasizing dexterity, aesthetic judgment, and an understanding of beauty across different eras.
• 🔪 The artistic element in plastic surgery, focusing on vectors, proportions, and achieving rejuvenation rather than just tightness, distinguishes it from other surgical fields.
• 👃 When assessing facial harmony, Dr. Chang stresses the importance of balancing features like the nose and chin, advising patients to zoom out and consider the overall facial structure.

Non-Surgical Rejuvenation and Early Intervention

• ✨ Non-surgical treatments like CO2 lasers, radiofrequency, PRP/PRF, and microneedling are effective for improving skin quality and texture, with consistency being key.
• 💧 Vaseline is recommended as a basic yet effective post-procedure product for sensitive skin, while Naked Beauty MD's eye masks and growth factor/peptide serums are highlighted for their efficacy in reducing swelling and improving recovery.
• 🌟 Early intervention, even in the late 20s, for concerns like Botox around the eyes and blepharoplasty, can lead to better outcomes and longer-lasting results by maintaining collagen levels and minimizing incision size.