The Subtle Art of Looking Refreshed: Why “Natural Results” Matter More Than Ever

“Refreshed, youthful, natural.”

“Plastic, stiff, overdone.”

Which one of these phrases better describes the results you desire from cosmetic treatments? If you prefer the first, you’re in good company. The truth is, hardly anyone wants a cosmetic procedure to leave them looking plastic or stiff. Patients want to improve their natural appearance – not look like someone else. Overdone is out. Refreshed is in.

The desire for natural-looking cosmetic enhancements is a major trend, and it’s one we expect will continue to grow over the next few years. The good news is that the look you’re going for – a younger, more rested version of yourself – is absolutely achievable. However, it does require a combination of the right techniques, conservative goals, and personalized care. Here’s how we leverage those steps to provide natural cosmetic results Ormond Beach residents can’t stop raving about.

Proper Technique

Whether you’re undergoing a facelift or filler injections, technique matters. A plastic surgeon who has done the same procedure hundreds of times has had an opportunity to hone their technique. They know how to make tiny adjustments to suit each person’s unique anatomy and goals. On the other hand, a surgeon who only performs a procedure occasionally may be less adept at making subtle changes to suit your body structure or desired outcome.

Dr. DeMercurio isn’t just a surgeon who performs cosmetic procedures now and then. Rather, he is one of the leading plastic surgeons in all of Central Florida. Having completed several plastic surgery fellowships, he has refined his surgical skills to the point that he is able to achieve subtle, natural results on patients with a wide variety of features and anatomies. Some of this is the ability to adjust, as needed, on the fly. It’s also the ability to plan and select the right techniques prior to surgery.

Here are some examples of procedures where the right technique makes all the difference:

  • Eyelid Surgery: Knowing exactly how much tissue to remove when tightening droopy eyelids takes a skilled eye! A combination of precise measurements and experience guides Dr. DeMercurio to take just enough to leave you looking rested, not shocked.
  • Facelift: The key is to tighten your skin just enough to turn back the clock without turning you into someone else. We walk that line with ease.
  • Injectables: Yes, technique is important with BOTOX® and fillers, too. We know how much to inject, where to place each injection, and the best depth to inject each product.

To put it simply, the difference between “you look like you had work done” and “you look rested” is often a few millimeters of skin, a slightly different angle, or one less vial. Experience helps a top plastic surgeon harness those technical subtleties to give you more subtle results.

In-Depth Planning

Our new patients are often surprised by how comprehensive our consultation sessions are. In addition to all of the basics, like collecting your medical history, we talk in depth about your goals and ways to achieve them. This may include looking at pictures, marking up your skin, and discussing the pros and cons of various procedures for your unique goals and lifestyle.

We won’t push you towards surgery if it’s not needed. We’ve consulted with patients who come to us convinced they need a facelift. But when we examine their skin and discuss the subtle results they are actually seeking, it becomes clear they only need injectables or other non-invasive care. By taking this conservative planning approach, we help ensure that you never look overdone. If there comes a time when less invasive treatments are no longer giving you the refreshed look you desire, then we revisit surgery at that point. In other words, we’d rather do too little the first time around than too much.

In our consultations, we also spend a lot of time listening to you and your motivations. Let’s say you want a breast augmentation. What are you hoping to feel post-surgery? Maybe you want your clothes to hang more naturally. Or perhaps you’re just seeking more balanced proportions. Understanding your deeper goals allows us to create surgical and treatment plans to satisfy those goals instead of just chasing after a vague “look.”

Our planning doesn’t stop the day of your cosmetic procedures, either. We always follow up with you, and not just about healing. We want to know how your results affect your confidence, your daily life, and your decisions. We use this information to keep guiding your continued care towards a natural, aligned appearance.

Personalized Care

Maybe you’re a runner. This tells us you probably spend a lot of time outside and enjoy more sun exposure than the average person.

Perhaps you work in a dental office. This tells us you probably wear face masks often, so there’s frequent pressure around your mouth and chin.

At first, these details might seem unrelated to your desire for cosmetic procedures. You wouldn’t be the first patient to raise their eyebrows in confusion when we ask about your morning running routine or occupational duties! Understanding these smaller, more personalized details of your life is what allows us to provide custom care that continues to look natural over time.

If you spend a lot of time in the sun, we may steer towards treatments that are less UV-sensitive, or recommend periodic follow-ups to minimize the aging impact of UV light over time. If you wear face masks often, we may place your incisions in an area where they won’t be rubbed, so they heal with less scarring. It’s not just about choosing the procedure that tends to give the most natural results: it’s also important that we customize the procedure to fit your lifestyle, which helps us achieve the right look.

When it comes to natural facelift results, the healing process also plays a role. We do our best to tailor aftercare instructions to fit your needs. If you have to change your own bandages, we’ll give you guidance. Not sure what to eat when you have dietary restrictions? We’ll recommend some suitable foods. We’re also careful to schedule surgeries when you have enough time to take off from work. This will allow for proper healing, which is essential for a refreshed look.

Final Guidance for the Most Confident “You”

Your body belongs to you alone. Your face also belongs to you alone. You absolutely deserve to feel comfortable, confident, and like your very best self after undergoing cosmetic procedures.

If your goal is to look refreshed, not overdone, we highly recommend working with a provider who:

  • Suggests non-surgical approaches when appropriate
  • Listens to your needs and concerns
  • Considers your occupation and lifestyle when making recommendations
  • Has enough experience to have honed their techniques
  • Plans conservatively; would rather do too little than too much
  • Personalizes not only the cosmetic procedures, but also the aftercare

Dr. DeMercurio and the whole team at the Florida Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery are proud to take a patient-centered approach that prioritizes natural results. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about the ways we help patients look refreshed and rejuvenated. Whether you’re looking for an injectable’s natural look or a more extensive procedure like body contouring, we promise to honor your individuality as we help you along your body confidence journey.