We've all encountered them - the ever-changing skincare and aesthetic trends that come and go on social media. But how do you know if it's the right one for you?

Find someone willing to tell you no! Yes, that's correct. My colleague, Dr. Prem Tripathi  ('Dr. Prem'), is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in San Francisco and he says that you should actually be happy when someone tells you no because they are being honest and letting you know that the procedure isn't right for you. Especially when considering surgical procedures, it's essential to ensure that the treatment aligns with your facial characteristics, bone structure, and the aesthetic you desire. What might be trending at the moment, such as long, slender noses, may not be the right choice for your features. So, make sure to take the advice of a facial plastic surgery expert when considering these surgical procedures.

Let's break it down - what exactly is a facial plastic surgeon? 

Well, they're medical professionals who specialize in both cosmetic and medical procedures for the face, especially the nose. After extensive training in otolaryngology (ear-nose-throat), these doctors take a fellowship to hone their skills and then become board certified in the field of facial plastic surgery.

Here are a few facial plastic surgeries that, according to Dr. Prem, can achieve incredible results:

1)  Rhinoplasty

Dr. Prem typically recommends a surgical procedure, except when there's a minor hump or bump to correct. Surgical rhinoplasty allows for precise contouring and reshaping of the nose, aiming to achieve harmony with your facial features. His aim is to achieve results so natural that even your closest family members won't be able to tell you've had the procedure. You just look in proportion!

2) Lip lifts

This procedure is an excellent choice for addressing the natural elongation of the upper lip that occurs with aging. Fillers alone can't target this and can oftentimes make it more noticeable. With excellent surgical care, a lip lift scar can hide nicely under the nose giving that upper lip a more youthful and natural appearance. It's worth noting that this isn't a procedure people commonly request, so it's important to know when fillers alone won't give your lips the look you want.

3) Full face skin rejuvenation

Yes yes yes! See... not just dermatologists rave about healthy skin, so do facial plastic surgeons! This can be as powerful, if not more so than a surgical procedure like a facelift, rhinoplasty or blepharoplasty because when your complexion, your facial canvas, is bright, glowing, even and beautiful, you will shine! 

I asked Dr. Prem what are his top 3 tips for someone considering getting a facial aesthetic procedure and this is what he said:

1. Always keep the basics in mind! If you do nothing else from today onward, make sure to wear sunscreen - it's one of the most effective preventative measures out there! Can I get an amen?! Derm approved!
2. Avoid trends; trends come and go, but your surgical procedure won't! Ensure that you are making informed decisions and not merely trying to keep up with procedures that celebrities and influencers promote! What looks good on one person may not be right for you. Just as with hairstyles and clothing, you shouldn't embrace every trend. Personally, I'll be sticking with my high-waisted skinny jeans and not venturing into the low-rise bell-bottom look – just sayin'.
3. Your at home regimen should complement any treatments you've had at the office. You can't just go home and neglect your body and skin health! Put in the time each day to maximize your surgical and procedural results, and your skin will thank you! Prioritizing prevention and maintenance at home can reduce the necessity for excessive procedures and treatments in the future.

Join me for a deep dive into facial plastic surgery on my podcast with Dr. Prem Tripathi this week. You won’t want to miss this one!

A new podcast episode drops every Monday.