"The Human face is an exquisite instrument. Our evolution into social beings in co-operative groups made communication essential. Communication by gesture and facial expression developed long before spoken or written language."
The combination of a large mobile expressive face with gesticulating upper limbs served to add meaning to the simple sounds that predated the development of speech. Our lips cheeks and tongue added consonants to the vowels generated by our voice box to make spoken words possible. As our vocabulary broadened the emphasis and nuance bestowed by facial expression remained integral to the message being spoken. Oftentimes the facial expression is the message and no spoken word is necessary. Our face may betray our true feelings, the guilty look of the naughty child for example. As we age we learn to tame the face, we practise composure but expressions both happy and sad sneak though and gradually etch into our features. We present ourselves to the world through our faces and the world leaves its imprint through time. Good health and a life well lived shine through the passing years but aging, injury, stress and disease will leave their mark. Eventually the face we see in the mirror may no longer match the one we see in our minds. If this becomes an impediment to a contented life then what can you do?
"The face fascinates me. I am captivated by the endless subtlety of movement and shape, the allure of harmony, the challenge of disruption, the change with age. We all study faces from our infancy; it is how we interact and understand the moods and intentions of our fellow humans."
For me that study has continued scientifically through the study of anatomy, physiology, psychology and pathology. This scientific study began in medical school but continues. I am involved with ongoing research and teaching as a dissection tutor of anatomy and surgery of the face though the internationally renowned Melbourne Advanced Facial Anatomy Course (MAFAC) that has run courses in Australia and internationally since 2009. I also continue to teach trainee plastic surgeons both in Western Australia though the Perth Childrens Hospital and in Tanzania through the Rafiki surgical charity.
Facial surgery has been my focus for decades and in recent years has been my exclusive area of practise. I am the only plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Western Australia to practice purely in this area. As a craniofacial plastic surgeon I deal with deformity, tumours, trauma and aging from infancy through to advanced age. My reconstructive work enhances my understanding and options for dealing with the aging face and neck, to rebuild it is necessary to understand what is lost.
Facial aesthetic/cosmetic surgery requires an appreciation both of harmony and disruption in each individual being treated. We are all unique in appearance and although common patterns of anatomy underlie us all there are subtle differences that modify how we age. Good facial cosmetic surgery should leave no sign of the surgeon. The aim should be to look great for your age. All too often poor surgery results in distortions and exaggerations resulting in disturbing disharmony and an operated look. Early in my training I visited one of the worlds greatest plastic and craniofacial surgeons in Paris named Daniel Marchac. He said to me that the secret of plastic surgery is to do “enough but not too much”. This philosophy is fundamental to what I do.
Facial surgery has been my focus for decades and in recent years has been my exclusive area of practise. I am the only plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Western Australia to practice purely in this area. As a craniofacial plastic surgeon I deal with deformity, tumours, trauma and aging from infancy through to advanced age. My reconstructive work enhances my understanding and options for dealing with the aging face and neck, to rebuild it is necessary to understand what is lost.
Facial aesthetic/cosmetic surgery requires an appreciation both of harmony and disruption in each individual being treated. We are all unique in appearance and although common patterns of anatomy underlie us all there are subtle differences that modify how we age. Good facial cosmetic surgery should leave no sign of the surgeon. The aim should be to look great for your age. All too often poor surgery results in distortions and exaggerations resulting in disturbing disharmony and an operated look. Early in my training I visited one of the worlds greatest plastic and craniofacial surgeons in Paris named Daniel Marchac. He said to me that the secret of plastic surgery is to do “enough but not too much”. This philosophy is fundamental to what I do.
