On this week's “The Real Housewives of New York City”, Jill Zarin has a liquid face lift to ward off the sagging and aging process.
New face, no incisions- Jill Zarin - "Bad Teacher" World Premiere - Arrivals - Ziegfeld Theatre - New York City, NY, USA © Louis Burgis / PR Photos
The RHONYC aired their reunion show yesterday with Jill Zarin, Bravo chief Andy Cohen and comic/host/radio personality Adam Carolla, and it looks like everyone survived.
When Jill Zarin debuted a smoother face earlier this year, tongues wagged that she went under the knife.
But the Real Housewives star last night shared her step-by-step non surgical face lift at the hands of Dr. Patricia Wexler in New York City.
Weighing in on this less invasive procedure is our go-to expert, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Alexander Rivkin, a Yale-trained cosmetic surgeon renowned for non-surgical alternatives to commonly performed cosmetic procedures.
As a physician educator, he teaches other doctors nationally on the state of the art in non surgical techniques. He contributes his medical expertise and commentary regularly to Monsters and Critics consumer health section, and has been featured on the TODAY show, The DOCTORS show, the Tyra Banks Show, EXTRA, Univision, PBS, KNBC-TV, KABC-TV and in numerous national publications for the innovative procedures he has invented.
He was the first physician in the country to offer the Non-Surgical Nose Job, his signature method for non-invasive correction of cosmetic nasal irregularities.
Dr. Rivkin warns any potential patients to avoid Botox parties, dubious "Medi-spas" and “Buy one get one free” or “50% off” specials on filler and Botox.
Typically, these advertisements are coming from “Centers” that are seemingly focused on the quantity they produce. Most centers are owned and operated by regular business people and entrepreneurs rather than the actual surgeons or medical doctors.
During these hard times, many of us are looking for the great “deals and steals” and ways to save a little extra money. But Dr. Rivkin urges anyone out there thinking of making some improvements to proceed with caution.
Dr. Rivkin says, "When considering a cosmetic enhancement, choosing the right specialist is the first and most important decision you must make. The right specialist will mean the best chance for beautiful and safe results. Choosing the wrong specialist can end in disaster. You should never undergo any type of medical procedure with a doctor you are uncomfortable with."
He offers a few guidelines for anyone shopping for a procedure:
Patient and accessible : Doctor takes the time to answer all of your questions, and explains everything in terms you can understand.
Experience : He/She has performed the specific procedure you are asking about many times
Honest and realistic results : Doctor is realistic and honest in what you can expect from each procedure. Discusses the risks along with the benefits of the procedures you are considering.
Dr. Rivkin adds that it is important that the office is a comfortable, clean, and relaxed environment.
Some things he recommends to avoid:
Doctors who want to rush you into surgery before considering your other options. Cosmetic procedures are elective, meaning they are something you do because you want to, not because you are suffering from a life-threatening condition.
Although in some cases the results may be less dramatic, there are almost always less invasive options than surgery that should at least be considered and discussed. Jill Zarin electing a liquid facelift versus surgery is a perfect example.
"Doctors who recommend the most expensive procedures above alternatives without an understandable explanation are to be avoided," says Dr. Rivkin. "Be leery of surgeons and specialists who seem to be pushing for the most expensive and most extensive procedures, even when you are requesting a less invasive option."
High pressure sales are a bad sign. If a plastic surgeon / specialist offers you a discount that is “only good today,” be cautious says Dr. Rivkin. "Your doctor should encourage you to take your time and give serious consideration to any procedure. You should never feel like you are on a used car lot." He added, "And only work with a doctor/specialist who communicates with you directly."
