Welcome
Welcome to the blog of the Reddy Aesthetic Institute.
The goal of our periodical correspondence is to address topics of current interest while educating, and hopefully entertaining, our clients.
The Aesthetics industry has undergone massive shifts in the last twenty years with the introduction of new technologies and the entry of an increasingly diverse array of practitioners. Philosophical shifts in the approach to rejuvenation and advances in the science of medicine have also contributed to our approach to rejuvenation and enhancements of the face and body.
With the dizzying area of treatments, practitioners, claims, and aggressive direct-consumer marketing what’s a client to do? It is all too common that I meet clients that are so thoroughly confused by the choices, that they are simply seeking a reliable and trusted source to guide them. I hope that this blog serves to cut through much of the static and bring clarity to many of the issues that concern our clients while providing an objective and scientific analysis of the treatment options.
I begin by addressing a curious phenomena of increasing prevalence which I term Iatrogenic Dysmorphism (īˌatrəˈjenic dis-mor´fizm). Yes – it’s a mouthful but what is it?
The term dysmorphism represents deviation in form that are so profound as to be easily recognizable. In most cases dysmorphisms are perceived to be unattractive and signal some thing to be avoided. It is hypothesized by anthropolgists that recognition of dysmorphisms is an important survival tool when early hominids were organized into tribal units of about 40-50 members. The infiltration of the tribe by an ill-intended outsider, usually with different feautures, would easily be recognized since the recognition of dysmorphisms was ingrained. The alarm could be sounded and a potential calamity prevented.
Dysmorphism offered a survival imperative as it’s recognition could signal a state of illness.
Iatrogenesis is a condition that results from medical treatments.
Therefore, iatrogenic dysmorphism is a profound and readily recognizable deviation in form resulting from a medical, for this discussion aesthetic, treatment. This is well illustrated when your pre-schooler remarks “that lady looks funny” referring to an overfilled and overtightened duck-lipped aesthetic client/victim.
Now that we have a name for the curious phenomena of voluntary dysmorphism, how is one to avoid it?
The recognition of dysmorphism occurs when natural ratios are exceeded. One useful guide for harmonious facial proprtions is the Golden Ratio — which you may recall from the DaVinci Code movies. In fact Dr. Arthur Swift has pioneered an entire philosophy of non-invasive facial treatment based on the Golden Ratio (represented by the Greek symbol Phi) dubbed Beauty-Phication.
When undergoing facial treatments, it is best to undergo a comprehensive analysis that considers a multi-modal approach. It is improbable that one can fill their way into rejuvenation and relying solely on the application of fillers is what leads to dysmorphism.
When considering facial rejuvenation or restorative procedures, be sure to select a practitioner facile in a number of different techniques. Don’t be a victim of Iatrogenic Dysmorphism. If you feel that you have been “overdone”, we may be able to restore you to a more harmonious and natural appearance.
P. Pravin Reddy, MD
Dr. Reddy is a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon practicing in the Atlanta area. In addition to the full spectrum of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Reddy has an interest in corrective surgery.