Dr. Messenger's Theory on Aging

My theory on aging is that it is the loss of tissue (i.e. volume) in our faces which truly makes us age.  In other words, the gradual loss of bone, fat, muscle, and collagen in the face creates aging.

Typically, we lose volume in the mid cheek area which causes both our eyes to get “bags” or hollows, but also allows gravity to cause the face to “sag”.  The result is that our nasolabial folds become deeper and more pronounced.  Now I mentioned I use what I call the Vertical Volume Lift Technique which is vastly different from what is conventionally practiced and taught.  Traditionally, injectors place the filler in the nasolabial folds right away, use a longer, thicker needle and perform what is called “ferning or fanning” where they move the needle from side to side and layer the product in the dermis layer of the skin.  I inject below the dermis and treat the cause (loss of tissue/volume) of the effect (sagging face and deeper nasolabial folds).  Thus, I restore volume gradually like inflating a balloon and lift at the same time.  The result is a subtle and gentle lift and volume restoration which gets rid of the “tired, old” appearance and places volume in the correct area to bring the face back into harmony.  Injecting just into the nasolabial folds is unnatural and eventually causes a simian or monkey look as well as create the appearance or sensation of worms under the skin.

It is important to note that I inject looking at the whole face so the results are balanced with the rest of the facial structures.  I use the patient’s own existing facial bones to sculpt on top of.  By doing this, everything appears natural.  When an injector goes against the patient’s anatomy, (which oddly enough is currently being taught), a fake, unnatural appearance results. I am explaining this to you because I want you to understand how I inject so you can explain to patients how I get such great, natural results.

In addition to giving you a natural result, the thinner needle and my Vertical Volume Lift Technique results in much less (or no) bruising and swelling as mentioned above.  Other areas of volume loss are around the mouth (called the Perioral area) which results in a downward turn or “frown”.  Just by reinflating those areas with filler volume can make someone look much younger.  I did not believe this at first until I started treating patients this way.  The other place which one would not expect to make such a difference in appearance is by injecting the jawline.  We lose volume both in front of the “jowl” area and behind it.  This causes the jowls to appear more prominent.  By filling in front of and behind this area I can decrease the appearance of the jowls and even give a little lift.  Essentially, a nice feminine jaw should start from the chin and extend back in a linear fashion to the jaw.  Once those areas start losing volume, the face is thrown into disharmony and volume restoration can make an enormous improvement.

You may hear me use the term “Liquid Facelift” and this is when I combine one of the fillers with either Dysport or Botox.  Essentially, it is the closest thing to a non surgical facelift that is possible.  It is perfectly okay to have both Filler and Botox injected on the same day.  Within 2 weeks patients get this “wow factor” that in some cases knocks off 8-10 years of their appearance.

Typically I don’t discuss cost until I see the patient.  That means I do not quote prices over the phone or publish them on the website or email them.  What I have done with my prices is make them in the low medium range so people from all walks of life can access them.  I do reward customer loyalty with various bonuses but when people call, I need to see them to determine what product and how much is needed and the only way I can do this is by doing a face to face consult.  People may think they need product in one area, but as I mentioned before I treat the cause and not the effect so it may go somewhere entirely different.

Rest assured, my prices are very competitive, but the face to face consultation allows me to meet the patient, establish a rapport and do what is in their best interests.  

Additionally, anyone who will go “Doctor Shopping” and have someone they know nothing about inject their face just based on a price has really poor judgment. Not the type of patient we want.  I want the people who are serious about their face, did their research, are realistic and will return time and time again and become part of the Eurolaser family.  Patients calling and asking “how much does he charge per syringe” are not asking the correct question as I need to meet with them first and if they need more than one syringe I give them a substantial discount.  

I always go conservative as patients can always add more if they wish.  This is done because I want the results to look natural as well as be mindful that we are in a bad economy and never will push a patient to do something that is not in their best interest.  I know this is a business, but I am a physician first and if I feel someone would be wasting their money I will tell them and decline to inject them.  

In sum, your face is visible everyday and it is worth an investment.  Shoes, cars, pocketbooks are only accessories.  Your face is with you all the time, is the first things people assess when they meet you and it is in the patient’s best interest to maintain it.  Thus, I combine fillers and Botox/Dysport as well as recommend facials, peels and use of daily sunscreen and antioxidant creams to maximize their results.