21 Sep 2025
Instagram and TikTok have helped introduce new patients to the vast array of aesthetic options that are available today. While I find social media to be a helpful tool in terms of self-education, it can also be misleading. Maybe your favorite influencer got a chemical peel and she looks amazing so you want a chemical peel. But any procedure, even something non-surgical like a peel, is only going to be effective if it’s the right one for your individual anatomy. At Boston Center for Plastic Surgery (BCPS), our team of highly skilled Board-Certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists personalize every treatment plan. It is the only way to get the natural-looking, rejuvenated result that you want that will also fit your lifestyle. We take into account your tolerance for downtime and budget as well as your body’s ability to heal. If you are genetically inclined to keloid, for example, surgery may not be the best choice for you. Here is how we personalize a treatment plan.
Anatomy Dictates the Treatment Plan
No two faces or bodies are exactly alike, not even twins. So while a microneedling RF procedure, such as Profound®, may be right for improving the appearance of the jowls on one twin, the other might need a surgical neck lift. Our team will always be upfront and honest about what any procedure can and cannot achieve for you specifically as well as what you can actually expect for recovery. You may decide that the downtime commitment for surgery is too much for you and that’s ok. We’ll devise the best non-surgical treatment plan for getting you close to your goal. Other than genetics, there are number of lifestyle factors that may affect your anatomy. These include:
- Time spent outdoors in the sun
- Smoking
- Weight gain/loss
- Diet & hydration
- Do you live in or near a big, polluted city
- Posture
It’s critical to understand the underlying cause of your issue as this is what actually needs to be addressed for long-lasting rejuvenation.
Social Media Doesn’t Have all the Answers
As discussed, the internet has radically changed people’s access to and understanding of plastic surgery. It has not only helped to reduce the stigma that was often associated with having “work” done, but it’s allowed patients who have lived with the shame of gynecomastia, for example, to realize that they are not alone, and that there are options for fixing the issue. But social media doesn’t have all the answers. It’s a great introduction to potential options, but I always encourage patients to then schedule an in-person consultation, preferably with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist.
In-Person Consultation is Critical for Personalizing Treatment Plan
You want to find a surgeon who is very experienced, technically up-to-date and adept in the latest techniques, and who has an excellent artistic eye. During your meeting, it’s important to be very honest and specific about what you don’t like about your appearance, and answer any questions about your medical history and family history as truthfully as possible. It’s always a good idea to pin photos of people who have your desired look as they can be a great tool for ensuring that you and your surgeon are on the same page in terms of your goals. One of the most important aspects of an in-person meeting is that the surgeon will perform a thorough physical exam. With facial rejuvenation, I am assessing:
- Skin tone & texture
- Fine lines & wrinkles
- Under eye bags, if any
- Degree and location of sagging skin
- Excess pockets of fat
- Volume loss
- Weak platysma muscles in neck
It’s only once I’m armed with all of the data that I can devise an appropriate treatment plan for helping you to look and feel more youthful, vibrant and energetic.
To find out more about dermal fillers, microneedling, Botox®, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Leonard Miller at the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call (617) 402-2768 to schedule a consultation at his Boston or Chestnut Hill offices.
