Welcome to Summer! Reflecting back on my 10 years of servicing patients throughout Central Florida, I can’t help but to think of all the wonderful friendships and unique bonds I have established, making Primera’s 10 Year Anniversary a milestone in many ways. I am very grateful to be doing something I love, and making a difference in people’s lives, however it is my patients that make the difference in my life. And for this I am grateful. Thank you to my dedicated Primera Team, patients, family and friends for a most enjoyable ride. I look forward to many more years of further pursuing my passion with a continued commitment to patient care, education, and community service.

In sharing my recent journeys, I had the pleasure of attending the 7th World Congress in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Hollywood, Florida April 28-30th. Led by world-renowned leaders in cosmetic science and Facial Plastic Surgery. The weekend was filled with shared ideas, innovations and new techniques.

Other exciting news is the arrival of our “newest bundle of joy”- The Fraxel Laser. This latest generation Fraxel Laser focuses on restoring the skin collagen gently in a non-invasive manner. Our new Fraxel is located on-site for your convenience and ease in scheduling. Please call us today to experience the benefits of the latest innovation in skin rejuvenation.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

Dr. Edward J. Gross

 

As Medicine has changed over the years, so too has the practice of Plastic Surgery. With reimbursements for primary care doctors declining, we are seeing increasing numbers of doctors claiming to be ‘cosmetic surgeons’ in an effort to escape the insurance-based reductions in their revenues. Weekend lipo courses, weekend facelift seminars, and even “Botox for Dummies” are attracting unqualified doctors with sometimes questionable training and backgrounds. After taking a crash course, they return to their offices with a shingle claiming to be trained to perform cosmetic procedures, but in fact have nothingmore than a medical license and a certificate to show. Or worse, cosmetic procedures such as Lifestyle lifts, have become commercialized and are mass marketed to the public as a one-size fits-all approach —touting “a facelift in about an hour”.

Facial Plastic Surgeons, General Plastic Surgeons, and Dermatologists are the widely recognized experts in performing cosmetic procedures. They have completed a dedicated 3-5 year residency program, passed a board certification exam, and received appropriate surgical training. To name a few specialties now offering body plastic surgery, cosmetic facial procedures, and Botox---dentists, gynecologists, pediatricians, family practitioners, and emergency room doctors. The public should research the credentials of those providers offering services outside their recognized field of expertise and question the training of doctors and dentists who attend ‘weekend courses’ in cosmetic procedures. “There are legitimate concerns for patient safety and poor outcomes when unlicensed providers [claiming plastic surgery qualifications] treat un-informed patients”, according to Dr. Gross.

We proudly display our seal of certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. To earn this distinction, Dr. Gross completed a 5-year residency in Head & Neck Surgery at Tufts and Boston University and was then granted a Fellowship in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. He was then required to pass a two-day board certification process and has continued his work with the board as an examiner for new doctors, is past-president of the Seminole County Medical Society, and is President of the Florida Society of Facial Plastic Surgery. He has been featured in the Orlando Sentinel as leading facial plastic surgeon and lectures at local and national conferences.

Mini-lifts for both men and women are becoming more popular and are a great alternative to a larger surgery later on in life.

With so many advancements in facial plastic surgery over the past 20 years, it’s easy to see how many people can become confused about the difference between the traditional facelift and the more recent emergence of the minilift. A facelift should actually be called a lower facelift and necklift. This would give patients a clearer definition of what the actual procedure corrects. When the problems are confined to the jowls and neck, a lower facelift is exactly what is needed. A full facelift could include eyelid surgery and a browlift, and many patients do not need everything done. It used to be that patients would wait until they were older, and then go in for one big procedure. Now, many people opt for procedures earlier, as they begin to notice areas of concern. It’s basically a philosophy of maintenance, rather than renovation. The sooner you make a decision to start looking younger, the sooner you will look youthful and refreshed. Doing procedures individually at an earlier age, allows for smaller procedures, which means a faster recovery and less drastic changes.

As far as exactly when to do things, that’s based highly on the patient’s needs. A 40 year old would generally be considered a bit young for a traditional facelift, but it depends on what type of skin you have, how much sun damage you’ve had, and what your goals are.

A minilift is a good option for younger, healthy patients. A minilift involves a short incision around the ears, less healing time, and quicker recovery. This shorter procedure tightens the jaw line and lifts the neck too. It’s ideal for 35 to 50 year olds who want a more youthful face and neck without the downtime. It is becoming very popular for men and women. Best results are seen when lifting procedures are combined with volumizing injections such as Radiesse, Juvederm, or Sculptra. As the face ages, we see sagging, lines, bags, wrinkles and volume loss. I see the best results when patients have volume replacement in the cheeks and around the mouth following mini-lifts. Newer concepts in reversing aging signs are to treat these depleted areas with fillers to restore a more youthful look.

Click here to view Primera Before & After Mini-lift images.

Primera Plastic Surgery now offers the revolutionary laser treatment, Fraxel. Fraxel laser treatment will remove years from your appearance and allow you to regain a more youthful look.

Whether you have sun damage, fine lines, acne scars, wrinkles or other signs of aging, Fraxel treatment will deliver remarkable results with fast recovery. You can return to work quickly or other activities with renewed skin—and renewed confidence.

The range of Fraxel treatments vary in aggressiveness, downtime, number of procedures needed, and results. Treatments such as Fraxel re:store can produce significant results for mild to moderately damaged skin over the course of 3 to 6 treatments. Typically, there is minimal downtime and after care with these treatments.

Fraxel treatment is in a class all its own. There's simply nothing else like it for safely, effectively improving the appearance of your skin and creating a renewed sense of confidence. Call Primera Plastic Surgery at 407-333-3040 to schedule your consultation today!

Click here to learn more about the benefits of Fraxel Laser Treatments.

The “Art of Rejuvenation Series” second event was a fun-filled evening featuring actual Before & After patient’s strutting the “Primera catwalk”. Facial plastic surgeon and artist Dr. Edward J. Gross teamed his artistic talents with Primera Day Spa & Salon stylists and beauty consultants to create dramatic make-overs.