Smiling Faces 2019-20

www.ChsDentists.com | www.MountPleasantPhysicians.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com SF smiling faces face,” Dr. Lee answered, as he continued, “If you’re trying to give that patient the total package and picture of a cosmetic experience, it would involve evaluating fine lines, wrinkles and things like that as well.” With Dr. Lee’s explanation in mind, other popular options and treatments for loose skin and wrinkles of the face include Kybella (treats fat under the chin), facelifts, Juvederm and Restylane (hyaluronic acid wrinkle fillers). So maybe you have a few wrinkles developing at the tender age of 28, and you’re wondering if the idea of Botox is something worth considering. Don’t worry, I had Dr. Lee field this question. “People can start (Botox) in their 20s if they’re starting to get wrinkles. Fillers can be the same way. When you’re getting into your late 60s or 70s, it’s not that they aren’t effective at that point, but you’re going to require a lot more product because of your elasticity and age. … If you’re getting lip fillers, perioral fillers, Botox in your 30s, 40s – those are the prime years.” If you have questions on where to start or the best treatment plan for you, Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery’s very own aesthetics division, Charleston Aesthetics, is happy to guide you. Just a few of the services offered by the aesthetician include laser skin resurfacing, peels, fillers and Botox. While injectables, skin treatments and Botox are great and provide desired aesthetic results for many, oftentimes, surgical measures are needed “when it can’t be fixed with fillers or superficial things,” Dr. Lee explained. An incredible example Dr. Lee is capable of and referenced is jaw surgery. If someone doesn’t have a substantial chin or has an underbite, the jaw surgery can align everything while also checking off that aesthetic box. Missing teeth is another aspect of the practice Dr. Lee said can profoundly change a smile. “If we’re talking with someone and they’re missing teeth, we get involved with the implant portion to give them the most realistic smile they can get,” he said. “The nice thing about implants, when they’re restored with crowns, they look like natural teeth and can be very beautiful.” These surgical results are life changing and instant confidence boosters on the cosmetic side, so that is indeed what Dr. Lee and the rest of the Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery team are known for: their profound oral- surgery capabilities. Covering everything from extractions, implants, bone grafting, TMJ surgery, to the surface-level fillers and Botox — Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery works hand in hand with Charleston Aesthetics on James Island to offer its patients the total package. Such is the beauty of visiting an oral surgeon for your cosmetic-dental qualms, as they have the skills and knowledge to recommend the best, most-effective treatment. Dr. Lee concurred, “Oral surgeons look at things from a wholistic perspective and can tell if the injectables or treatments are going to give the desired results, or if the patient indeed needs surgery.” Dr. Gregory echoed this sentiment in her stating the need for having an “aesthetic eye” while performing cosmetic-dental procedures. “By properly setting teeth up in a correct smile line, you can rejuvenate a face to make it look 20 years younger,” said Dr. Gregory, explaining the drastic difference dentures can make. Dr. Gregory is known for transformational smile makeovers, and, when asked what her most popular makeover is, “porcelain veneers” was the answer, hands down. No wonder — they’re beautiful, natural to the onlooker’s eye, and make all the difference in an individual’s smile. Patients of all ages seek out veneers, but the most common age range tends to be those in their 40s to 60s. Further explaining the smile makeover, Dr. Gregory stated, “Maybe their front teeth have chipped, are stained, maybe they have bondings on them they’ve had in the past … and by doing porcelain veneers on the front eight to 10 teeth, you can really re-invigorate the smile. … If you’re interested in smile design and smile makeovers, that’s what we excel in.” Dr. Gregory demonstrates the All-on-4 procedure. Photo by Helen Harris.