Spotlight on KU Facial Plastics

With more than two million injections now performed each year, soft tissue fillers are the fastest-growing segment of minimally invasive procedures for facial rejuvenation.

Injectable fillers enhance facial volume in key areas to produce a rested and fresher appearance. A better understanding and appreciation of what looks youthful and natural has evolved over the past decade, greatly expanding the use of these fillers. Further, recent introduction and marketing of new and exciting products such as Restylane® Silk and Juvéderm® Voluma continue to drive demand. Maintaining or restoring volume in the face with injectables provides structure that supports loose skin. Skin texture can often be improved as well. While soft tissue filler injections can be extremely effective, the best results are achieved when experienced hands do the injecting. Facial plastic surgeons have anatomical knowledge and refined injection techniques that can yield superior results.

Maximum Results, Minimal Down Time

In the Kansas City area, look no further than Dr. J. David Kriet and Dr. Clinton Humphrey, KU Facial Plastic Surgery. With offices in both Johnson County and midtown Kansas City, Dr. Kriet and Dr. Humphrey consistently achieve natural-appearing rejuvenation for their patients. While these doctors’ practices are dedicated to cosmetic and reconstructive facial procedures, they particularly enjoy performing injectables because of the instant and visible improvement that can be achieved with minimal downtime.

Patients that are candidates for soft tissue filler injections typically have concerns about loose facial skin, deepening folds around the mouth and descent or hollowing of the cheeks. The age range of patients receiving these treatments is broad, from 30 to 80 years old. Many are active in the workforce and wish to keep their competitive edge. Prospective patients often wonder whether surgical or office-based treatments will be most effective for them.

Personalized Treatment Plans

“Injectable soft tissue fillers like Restylane and Juvéderm are ideal for patients with very active lifestyles,” explained Dr. Humphrey. “These procedures provide immediate tangible results with very little down time. It’s imperative for us to tailor individual treatment plans that will achieve patients’ desired outcomes and also fit into their busy family, social and work schedules. Still, some patients decide that a brief recovery period from a surgical procedure is worthwhile. Surgical rejuvenation can deliver outstanding results and last for years to come.”

“As the patient and I develop an individual treatment plan, it’s actually sometimes a combination of nonsurgical and surgical interventions that we decide will achieve the best overall outcome,” added Dr. Kriet. “For example, soft tissue fillers are often more effective in the cheeks and around the mouth while facelift surgery is sometimes necessary to eliminate laxity in the neck. Many patients maximize the use of planned down time by combining lower facelift surgery with rejuvenation of the forehead and eyelids.”

Impeccable Credentials

As the doctors discuss facial rejuvenation, it’s clear they have the passion as well as the scientific and artistic instincts that are necessary
for this work. Dr. Kriet and Dr. Humphrey have honed these instincts in practice and during intensive training. Both have completed head and neck surgical residencies and coveted facial plastic surgery fellowships. Each doctor is board certified by both the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Both are internationally recognized in the field of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

KU Facial Plastic Surgery offers services ranging from facial reconstruction to non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Their aesthetician, Jennifer Ambrosio, offers complimentary skin evaluations by appointment. Jennifer works with patients to develop comprehensive skin care plans and performs in-office laser treatments. Dr. Kriet and Dr. Humphrey work closely with many area dermatologic surgeons to coordinate facial reconstruction after skin cancer removal. Popular non-surgical offerings include not only soft tissue fillers but also Botox®. In contrast to many other practices that utilize nurse injectors, Dr. Kriet and Dr. Humphrey perform all injectable procedures themselves.

The team at KU Facial Plastic Surgery strives to improve or restore each patient’s appearance with not only formidable skill, knowledge and service, but, most importantly, with sincere and caring hearts as well. Dr. Kriet and Dr. Humphrey regularly take time away from their practice to participate in mission work around the world, including recent trips to Uganda, Mali, Guatemala and the Philippines through the Kansas City-based Medical Missions Foundation. Domestically, KU Facial Plastic Surgery participates in FACE to FACE: The National Domestic Violence Project, a program sponsored by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery through which victims of domestic violence can receive pro bono reconstructive procedures.

The philosophy at KU Facial Plastic Surgery is simple. They embrace each opportunity to positively impact people’s lives and hope that is evident to each new patient that walks into their offices. HLM

Visit kufacialplasticsurgery.com, or the offices at 7405 Renner Rd., Shawnee, Kansas, 913-871-9785; or 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, Kansas, 913-871-9785, or follow the practice on Facebook and Twitter.