Welcome to the Chow Center for Facial Plastic Surgery
The Chow Center for Facial Plastic Surgery is known for its excellence in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. But you may not know that Dr. Chow also specializes in non-surgical enhancement and rejuvenation of facial features. Dr. Chow is a board certified surgeon with fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. He has medical licenses to practice in New York and California using the latest treatments for facial rejuvenation and enhancement.
To learn more about Dr. Chow’s qualifications, publications, and professional affiliations, please read About Dr. Chow.
Request a Free Consultation to learn more about specific facial procedures. The Chow Center for Facial Plastic Surgery is conveniently located in Arcadia, California. Dr. Chow and his staff welcome residents of Arcadia, Pasadena, the San Gabriel Valley, and the Inland Empire area to contact us today!
PHILOSOPHY of AGING
Rejuvenation of the face and neck requires a comprehensive understanding of the three major facets of aging. Over time, changes in the size and shape of our bodies result from
1.) Gravity,
2.) Changes in skin texture and pigmentation, and
3.) Alterations in volume.
Each of these factors is explained in greater detail below. And as each individual has a unique genetic and environmental history coupled with specific concerns, Dr. Chow and his skilled team of professionals provide customized care in a safe and relaxing environment.
GRAVITY
Our faces begin to show the pull of gravity before the age of thirty. The brow descends towards the eyes, and the soft tissues of the face drop, leading to the development of jowls along the jaw line along with a sagging chin and neck, which creates the “turkey-gobbler” appearance. The skin of the lids themselves can be affected, with stretching of the skin leading to excess tissue that can hang like an undesirable curtain over the eyes. The tip of the nose begins to droop, pointing towards the chin. These changes occur to widely varying extents in each of us, thereby affecting our apparent ages.
SKIN TEXTURE AND PIGMENTATION
The changes associated with aging skin are caused by a combination of inherent and environmental factors. These include fine and coarse wrinkling, thinning of the skin, pigmentary changes, and a rough, leathery appearance. Chronic sun exposure plays a large role in these changes, and any rejuvenation of the skin must also include protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation. Of equal importance is the natural inclination of each individual to tan and/or burn, as this will determine not only the extent of sun damage, but also the best treatment regimens available.
VOLUME LOSS
Unlike the neck and body, the face both gains and loses fat as the years pass. Fat excess may widen the face and worsen jowls, reducing the definition of the jawline and giving the face a square or spherical shape. The areas that lose volume exaggerate the incessant pull of gravity on the soft tissues, resulting in a gaunt, tired, and even depressed appearance. Wrinkles grow deeper with the loss in the layer of fat just below the skin. Laugh lines expand and widen, and the corners of the mouth lose fullness and begin to turn down into a grimace. So-called “marionette lines” appear. To counteract volume loss, an exciting array of minimally invasive volume fillers and implants are available. Dr. Chow will be happy to discuss these options with you.
