Recently I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Jason Litner, cosmetic surgeon at Profiles in Beverly Hills. Dr. Litner specializes in rhinoplasty and had some interesting information to share regarding this aspect of the beauty industry.
Pierce Mattie: Your area of specialty in cosmetic surgery is the face, more specifically the nose, how did you decide that area of cosmetic surgery?
Dr. Jason Litner: Rhinoplasty has been a real passion for us since we started training. As the central feature of the face, the nose, more than any other feature, bestows tremendous character and overall individuality to each person. So, the procedure demands a real understanding of not only surgical technique, which will give a result that lasts, but an understanding of each of our patients.
When we talk to our patients, we consider their ethnicity, their skin type, their facial and body features, but, even more importantly, we listen for their individual personalities- some are more austere and elegant, others are more informal and bubbly- and these little individual identity features help us tailor the procedure to that one patient.
Pierce Mattie: Do you feel that there is such a thing as the regional nose, where the aesthetic is different in New York vs. Los Angeles or Paris vs. London?
Dr. Jason Litner: That’s a really interesting question. Having practiced at various points between New York, Toronto, Houston, and now Beverly Hills, we can say this- while there may be very slight differences in aesthetic, there is now universally much more of a focus on a natural, non-operated look that dominates the discussion with our patients- which we are thankful for, since that is our natural inclination as well.
Pierce Mattie: How has rhinoplasty evolved over the last twenty years, the 80’s noses are quite different than the noses today.
Dr. Jason Litner: More than evolution, rhinoplasty has truly gone through a revolution in understanding over the last 20-30 years. With so much prior emphasis on smaller noses, techniques that aggressively removed cartilage were often used, not recognizing the long term potential consequences.
Over time, a new generation of rhinoplasty surgeons has come to recognize that these cartilage-removing techniques lead to loss of support, and the pinched, twisted, and scooped out noses that we all would like to avoid. The popularization of Open Rhinoplasty has allowed modern techniques to evolve that emphasize natural results that stand the test of time. Now, experienced Rhinoplasty surgeons like us can deliver results that are stable, predictable, and individually tailored to your features.
Pierce Mattie: What advice would you give a beauty editor who is interviewing a cosmetic surgeon on rhinoplasty to be aware of when speaking with a doctor for a story?
Dr. Jason Litner: Simply find a surgeon who truly specializes in rhinoplasty. While there are a lot of surgeons who are “jacks of all trades,” editors should look for those who truly are attempting to master this procedure. Over half of our practice involves revision rhinoplasty for people who weren’t happy with their previous procedures. Our perspective is going to be very different than some cosmetic surgeons who either do this procedure infrequently or who focus on non-surgical procedures like liquid rhinoplasty.
Pierce Mattie: On the subject of fillers, what has been your favorite filler for deep lines and wrinkles?
Dr. Jason Litner: We are fans of the hyaluronic acid family of fillers, Juvederm and Restylane being the most frequently used at our office. They provide a smooth and natural volume enhancement with a great safety record. For permanent filling, we have had fantastic results with fat transfer. This works great under the eyes and in the mid-face as a supplement to lifting procedures.
Pierce Mattie: Do you find that peels are still popular, if so which ones do you feel are best for sun damage, spots and hyperpigmentation?
Dr. Jason Litner: It’s interesting that you ask this question regarding sun damage and hyperpigmentation because we have spent the last year developing a skin care line directed toward the care of this problem. While most of the media is focused monthly on the newest “it” laser, we are always pointing out to our patients that their hyperpigmentation and sun damage is the result of a lifetime of inflammatory changes and sun exposure. So, we decided to develop a line that would enable people to take care of these issues daily at home.
Pierce Mattie: How has the economy impacted the plastic surgery industry, have you seen any new trends or patient responses act differently?
Dr. Jason Litner: Interest in cosmetic surgical procedures has not waned, but we do find more patients are finding it difficult to finance their desired procedures.
You can learn more about Dr. Litner and his practice at www.beverlyhillsprofiles.com
Posted by Pierce Mattie on August 18, 2009 5:06 AM
| Permalink
