August 15, 2005
By Kevin Cullen
If you're a young physician looking for a specialty, facial plastic surgery may be worth considering.
The field is booming, says Dr. Alexander Gorup, 39, of Greater Lafayette Facial Plastic Surgery, one of 13 board-Certified facial plastic surgeons in Indiana.
"Most people don't realize or admit that more than half of American women and almost half of men are unhappy with how they look," says Gorup, who moved to Lafayette in 2004. "That impacts their lives."
In 2004, the field experienced 22 percent growth. Eyelid, nasal surgery and face-lifts are the most common surgical procedures for women, Gorup says, but minimally invasive treatments are becoming commonplace.
Between 2003 and 2004, the use of filler injections grew by 115 percent and the use of Botox injections increased by 107 percent.
Gorup is listed in the Consumers Research Council of America's Guide to America's Top Physicians 2004-2005 and is a fellow of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Question:
How did you become interested in this specialty?
Answer:
During my residency, I had the opportunity to work with some of the nation's top facial plastic surgeons and I found them to be caring, dedicated physicians interested in advancing the field. I was able to witness the positive impact their work had on patient's lives.
Question:
You formerly practiced in Beverly Hills, California. What was that like?
Answer:
It was exciting and I value the opportunity that I had to train and practice there. It's a unique place with a high concentration of qualified surgeons. I was able to personally interact with these surgeons, many of whom appear on popular reality shows on a regular basis.
Question:
What brought you to Lafayette?
Answer:
I was introduced to the area by my brother, Dr. John Gorup, an area spine surgeon. He convinced me of the opportunity here in Lafayette to offer my skills to this growing community.
Question: Studies show that the popularity of facial plastic surgery grew by 22 percent in 2004. What is driving that trend?
Answer:
Facial plastic surgery has evolved significantly in the last ten years. Advanced in technology and development of new injectables have allowed for simpler, quicker, less expensive procedures resulting in more predictable and desirable outcomes with significantly less downtime.
Question:
What are the most popular injections and procedures used locally?
Answer:
By far, Botox Cosmetic and Restylane seem to be the most popular injectables sought out locally by patients. Botox is a muscle relaxant used to treat specific areas of facial wrinkling. Restylane is a facial filler, which I have been using for the past two years since it was FDA approved. It works very well to treat deep lines and add volume in the lip area. Both can achieve wonderful results in patients leery of more invasive procedures.
Question:
Are men coming in for treatment?
Answer:
It's a common misperception that only women are interested in these services. I find that men are interested in the economic benefits of maintaining a youthful appearance. The overall percentage of men undergoing treatment continues to increase.
Question:
Millions of baby boomers are in their 50s and 60s. How will they impact your specialty?
Answer:
The impact is already being felt. They as a generation have always been very self-focused and into wellness. Whether through exercise or eating right, they have always tried to maintain their youth and defy aging. Not surprisingly, they have also turned to plastic surgery. Interestingly, they have chosen to begin treatments at an earlier age relying on less invasive procedures so as not to look "done."
They have continued to seek further treatments as needed to enable them to maintain their looks. We are now finding that the children of this generation are more exposed to and accepting of these treatments.
Question:
What is the future of facial plastic surgery in Greater Lafayette?
Answer:
The community will mirror nationwide trends. Patients will continue to seek simple, less invasive procedures that allow for dramatic, desirable outcomes with little need for recovery. I have always done what is safest for my patients. As new, safe technologies come along, I will introduce them here, as I did with Restylane.
Question:
How has reality TV, now including surgical "makeovers," affected your practice?
Answer:
It has been helpful. These shows have introduced many people to the various techniques that are available to them. This has resulted in a more educated patient and a more accepting public. It's not only about Hollywood and beauty contests...These shows have captured some examples of the positive outcomes for (other) people. Of course, these shows have created some unrealistic expectations. I also question the safety and ethics of performing multiple procedures as featured on some shows.
