Dr. Manolakakis, tell us a bit about your background and your practice (how you got started, how long you’ve been practicing).
I’ve been in practice for 15 years in New Jersey and 3 years in NYC. My practice is limited to facial surgery, non-surgical and surgical aesthetic surgery, facial reconstruction, cleft lip and palate, corrective jaw surgery and facial trauma.
I’m board certified in Maxillofacial surgery and facial cosmetic surgery. During my residency I performed lots of facial reconstruction and during those years I became interested in facial cosmetic surgery. I went on after residency to become sub specialty trained in facial cosmetic surgery by completing a fellowship in facial cosmetic surgery. Four years ago I started a fellowship program of my own to train Maxillofacial Surgeons in facial cosmetic surgery.
Where are you located and what types of treatments do you offer?
I have two locations: Shrewsbury, NJ and Manhattan, NY. I perform all facial cosmetic surgery: injectables, lasers, skin tightening devices, primary and revision rhinoplasty, facelifts, brow lift, eyelid lifts, ear pinning surgery, and major reconstructive facial surgery. Minimally invasive surgery is very popular in my practice.
What made you choose this field?
I have always been drawn to beauty, whether in nature, architecture, or people. Our faces are what make our first impressions whether we want to admit it or not. Initially the reconstructive surgery was what drew me towards this profession and I felt that if I could have such an impact on patients in a traumatic setting I would also be able to help patients in an elective setting as well.
One of your new treatments, MyEllevate™, is one I have used personally. Can you describe this procedure and its benefits?
My Ellevate is a minimally invasive neck lift procedure that helps define the jawline and lift the neck through 8 tiny little access points. Traditionally this suture technique was performed with open neck lift surgery. The specific suture is passed from the midline of the neck under the surface of the skin using a special LED lit suture passing device. It gets secured to very adherent soft tissue near the back of the ear. It’s then tied down and immediately the neck is tightened and lifted. I will usually use Radiofrequency energy to tighten the skin and at times some liposuction. The benefits of this are minimal downtime, no visible scars and immediate results very similar to open face and neck lift.
What do people need to know when considering MyEllevate™? Is there downtime? How long does it take?
If considering My Ellevate patients need to know that first and foremost it’s very safe. It can be performed under local light oral sedation or general anesthesia – that is ultimately up to the patient and surgeon after the consultation. The procedure takes about 45-60 minutes. There is very minimal downtime. Little swelling and bruising. They will be wrapped tightly for 48 hours and then lightly for 10 hours a day for 2 weeks. There is tightness of the neck that resolved over two weeks. The lasting effects are about 5 years and can be even longer.
Who would you recommend My Ellevate to and why was it right for me?
During the aging process typically the upper face midface ages before the lower face but early signs of lower face aging can be observed in the early to mid-forties. In today’s fast paced world this group of patients can’t afford to be out of work for extended period of time but still would like to have lower face rejuvenation. The perfect candidate would be a patient who has good bony structural support of the chin and jawline, mild to moderate skin laxity, and laxity of the neck muscle. Age group from 40 to 55. Although this can be performed in older patients, the results are better seen in patients younger than 55. My Ellevate was right for you because you had early signs of neck laxity and small jowling.
What would you say to someone who is considering this, or any treatment?
Be realistic and be patient. Even though risk is low and it’s minimally invasive there is swelling that needs to resolve.
I hear you are working on a full leg tattoo! What is the significance?
Tattoos for me typically are symbolic of what is going on in my life at that time. My leg tattoo is a samurai warrior. Samurai have a code of honor and are resilient to adversity. Life is full of adversity. You can either embrace it and make it your fuel to succeed or you can self-destruct.
Words to live by?
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
Dr Manolakakis
Advanced Facial Surgery
https://www.advanced-facialsurgery.com/?utm_source=gmb_auth
The MyEllevate™