Turning back the hands of time without surgery

AVENTURA, Fla. – While aging is a natural process, it is not always easy to accept the way time and nature can take a toll on our appearance.

“What happens with aging is that gravity takes effect. The aging face really involves a downward movement of the eyebrow,” said Aventura Dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo.

While plastic surgery can soften the signs of aging, it comes with downtime and the risk of complications from invasive procedures.

“Sometimes you don’t know what you’re going to get from undergoing plastic surgery," Ciraldo said. "Many people just want to look like themselves, just a fresher version of themselves.”

That led the doctor to develop an in-office procedure she calls “The Hairline Facelift” using a filler called Juvederm Vollure along the sides of the face, and another filler called Voluma at the top of the forehead.

"If we take that Juvederm Voluma and put it in the forehead, people feel like they’ve recaptured maybe the look they had even 15 years before,” Ciraldo said.

It takes just a few minutes and patients can see the results immediately.

“It was surprisingly easy," patient Beth Talabisco said. “You knew there were prickly things going on along your hairline but it was surprisingly easy.”

To tighten skin and reduce fine lines, Dr. Ciraldo uses a device called the Plasma Elite Pen, which creates a process called fibroblasting to generate new collagen formation.

“There are many patients who are interested in ramping up their own collagen rather than getting injections that don’t come from themselves,” Ciraldo said.

Nazle Rua decided to give it a try under her eyes.

“My right eye especially was very crepey with loose skin and a lot of lines,” Rua said.

Topical numbing cream applied prior to treatment eases any discomfort.

“It was painless,” Rua said. “I think this is the only thing that’s really worked.”

Talabisco was equally satisfied.

“I feel refreshed and uplifted,” she said.

The Hairline Facelift costs between $1,200 to $3,000 and the benefits can last up to two years.

Treatment with the Plasma Elite Pen costs between a few hundred dollars to as much as $1,000 depending on the size of the area being treated.


About the Authors:

Veteran journalist Kathleen Corso is the special projects producer for Local 10 News.

Kristi Krueger has built a solid reputation as an award-winning medical reporter and effervescent anchor. She joined Local 10 in August 1993. After many years co-anchoring the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., Kristi now co-anchors the noon newscasts, giving her more time in the evening with her family.