(title_section)
 
 

 

 
 
 
 

 

   

Rocky Mountain Facial Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa

Interview with Dr. David Hayes, Facial Plastic Surgeon

David M. Hayes, M.D., medical director of Rocky Mountain Facial Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa, is recognized as one of Montana’s premier Facial Plastic Surgeons. With nearly two decades of medical service in Missoula, Montana, he has established a dedicated and diverse following of patients. People from all over Montana, the West Coast; and many seasonal vacationers from the East are choosing Dr. Hayes to perform their surgeries. Dr Hayes is a fellow of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and board Certified by the American board of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.
 
Q: What is a Facial Plastic Surgeon and what medical boards are they certified by?
Dr. Hayes: A Facial Plastic Surgeon has intimate knowledge of the face, head and neck region and performs cosmetic and reconstructive surgery on these areas only. In contrast, a general plastic surgeon trains to perform surgery on the entire body limiting their depth of experience in the complexities of the face and neck.
A majority of facial plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, which includes facial plastic surgery. Others are certified in plastic surgery, ophthalmology, and dermatology. The organization representing most facial plastic surgeons is the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the world’s largest specialty association, with 2700 members. The AAFPRS is a National Medical Specialty Society of the American Medical Association (AMA).
Q: What should a potential patient expect in consultation with you when inquiring about various facial options?
Dr. Hayes: I spend at least 30 to 60 minutes in a consultation with a patient. This time is spent listening to their concerns and questions, talking about the facial anatomy and age-related changes, discussing options, and taking photographs. When I discuss the variety of options available I take into consideration what is realistic given their age, budget and time constraints. I also consult on non-surgical approaches such as Intense Pulsed Light, chemical peels, Thermage, injectable fillers, Botox, and skin care regimes.
A large part of my practice is age-diminishing surgery, not extreme makeovers. The vast majority of my patients want to look like themselves only more youthful or without scars or disfigurements due to an accident or birth defect Others want to make exaggerated facial features less pronounced, such as a receding chin or a proportionally large nose.
Q: What are the current trends in facial plastic surgery and the most popular procedures?
Dr. Hayes: The biggest change in facial plastic surgery in the past few years is that the median age is getting younger. Plastic surgery as a means of slowing the appearance of aging is no longer just for the faces of Hollywood. The public is making an effort to stay educated about new technology and treatments being offered. Patients in their 20’s and 30’s are joining those of us in our middle-age and are looking for non-invasive procedures as a form of prevention and maintenance. There are many popular treatments in this category: the Intense Pulsed Light for treating brown spots, sun damage, redness and broken capillaries; Thermage, a promising new technology that lifts and tightens skin using radio frequency; and Botox and injectable fillers, such as Restylane, which are popular with many patients of all adult ages and both sexes.
The most common surgical procedures are upper- and lower eyelid lifts, endoscopic brow lifts and a new procedure called mid-face suspension. The mid-face suspension is a minimal incision procedure that results in a more youthful appearance without changing basic facial features. The trend is not to change one’s appearance, but to enhance and rejuvenate the natural features. Face lifts and brow lifts are now done without resulting in a swept back artificial look.
Men’s interests in facial plastic surgery have also grown and changed recently. Men are moving beyond rhinoplasties (nose jobs) and ear tucks; they too have become interested in maintaining a more youthful appearance. Laser hair removal is a very popular treatment among our male clientele, especially the permanent reduction of back and chest hair.
Q: Your practice doesn’t resemble a conventional medical practice, is this intentional?
Dr. Hayes: Our patients desire and deserve a high level of service in a very comfortable, safe environment. I think it is important that the clinic’s ambiance be inviting and calming. Our staff takes a personal interest in our patients and we want them to enjoy themselves and be relaxed during their appointments.
Our clinic was the first in the region to offer a broad range of non-invasive cosmetic services and to offer several lines of cosmeceuticals in a physician directed environment. We have licensed medical aestheticians who perform complimentary skin care consultations and offer a variety of non-invasive corrective treatments for acne, rosacea, dehydration, sun damage, and maturing skin. Patients receiving treatments from the aestheticians enjoy their treatments in an earth-toned room with candles, music, a hearty bamboo plant (for good luck) and a warm bed with linens.
Q: Dr. Hayes what are your future goals for this practice?
Dr. Hayes: We are building a new, state of the art facility to accommodate a larger, well-appointed medical spa with more staff as well as a large retail space for skin care products. With the creation of a new facility we will cater to out-of-town clients with a plan for post-operative care in a beautiful Montana setting. As always, we will continue to stay abreast of and offer the newest, safest and most effective treatments. In the next year, we hope to add several new lasers, one specific to treating stubborn vascular lesions and redness, and another that treats acne.