In this neck of the woods a little nip, tuck, and Botox with lunch is about as common as seeing a Main Street pedestrian in a Lacoste top, Ralph Lauren slacks, and Stubbs and Wootton slippers. The remarkable thing about plastic surgery and non-invasive procedures on the East End however is that unlike, say, in Orange County, in the Hamptons, denizens have a way of making the work look natural. How do they do this when so many others seem to fail, often embarrassingly so?
“Patients, surgeons, and other physicians have sometimes gotten caught up in what they CAN do rather than what looks natural and refined,” says Hamptons plastic surgeon Dr. Tracy Pfeifer, adding that “it does not matter how high one can lift the brow if it looks out of place. Particularly in the face, small changes make a big difference and often that is all that is needed.” Dr. Pfeifer suggests bringing in a photo from an earlier time to help the surgeon visualize the changes that have occurred.
Tying into this East End trend of having natural-looking work, the most requested procedures patients are asking for in the Hamptons has shifted over the years. Dr. Pfeifer, recognized by New York Magazine as a plastic surgeon on the “cutting edge,” shared that in terms of anti-aging treatments patients want to avoid the “deer in the headlights” look of a brow lift or Botox treatment that is too aggressive, or the “pillow face” look of too much hyaluronic acid or “fat grafting.” She notes that people on the East End “prefer the results achieved with products such as Sculptra, which restores volume and proportion to the face by stimulating your body to make its own collagen. Sculptra works over a two to three month period, so there are no ‘what did you do’ questions to answer because there is none of the puffiness that can be associated with some of the prior generation of fillers.”
As for a perennially-popular operation, breast surgery, Dr. Pfeifer says that she has found that patients have become better informed and are requesting form-stable cohesive silicone implants (over saline), adding that because it has a tear drop shape, it looks very natural. When it comes to a perpetually popular, non-invasive procedure, we’re all well aware of Botox, but what else is there for those looking for that extra something-something to complete their summer look?
“If the patient plans far enough ahead,” says Dr. Pfeifer, “I would definitely recommend Sculptra probably starting in their mid to late 30s, which is when our collagen production begins to slow down. If you had the treatment in March, by the Fourth of July you would have the Sculptra glow and would be the envy of your friends.” If you’ve missed the boat for a Sculptra-induced Fourth of July glow, try a therapeutic facial with a mild exfoliating peel or a subtle lip enhancement with Juvederm/Restylane.
That said, while no one is beseeching Hamptonites to put down the needles and embrace their wrinkles, there are ways to minimize the work that you will need to have done. Wearing the proper SPF is non-negotiable and Dr. Pfeifer recommends a mineral powder sunscreen with an SPF of 50 as it doesn’t need to be reapplied during the day and is water resistant. Further, use a topical anti-oxidant like a Vitamin C serum and cream to combat environmental damage, eat foods rich in antioxidants like blueberries, drink plenty of water, don’t smoke as it limits blood flow to the skin, and try to get at least seven hours of sleep. Before you know it you’ll have injected your look with so much confidence you’ll be the Sophia Loren of your block. [/expand]
