Cosmetic doctors react to ‘the $25 facelift’

July 24th, 2012, 12:00 pm ·  · posted by MARILYN KALFUS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

A product  likened to “Spanx for your face” is being touted as something that can save you a trip to the plastic surgeon’s office and thousands of dollars.

Cosmetic doctors have mixed views about it.

A Newport Beach plastic surgeon says he thinks this gizmo is a good idea. He especially likes the notion that people can use it to see how they might look if they’re contemplating going under the knife.

But another plastic surgeon and a cosmetic dermatologist who watched a TV news video about the device say they have their doubts about using it on a daily basis.

The Facelift Bungee — which sells for $25 – has turned up on ABC News, with its inventor Kimberly Aschauer of Palm Beach singing its praises.

“It’s easily inserted, it’s easily removable. I can insert it within 30 seconds every morning. I can take it out in less than 10 seconds,” she said.

From ABC News:

The product consists of two small combs linked by a bungee cord. Users are instructed to make a small braid at each temple. They insert one comb into a braid, pass the cord around the back of the head and insert the second comb into the braid on the other side.

Hair on top of the head is pulled over the bungee cord to hide it.

The device is sold in a little jar …

Asked how she came up with the idea, Aschauer said, “Well, my son was getting married and I went for plastic surgery consultation, and the price was outrageous, so I created this out of pure panic.”

Aschauer said wearing the Facelift Bungee doesn’t cause “any more pain than a ponytail headache.”

You can see the video of how it works here

I ran the story past Newport Beach plastic surgeons Dr. Terry Dubrow and Dr. Douglas Hendricks, and cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Vince Afsahi of Newport Beach and Tustin.

Dubrow said:

“Love the idea! So creative and I bet it works. Great for people who may want to ‘try on’ a facelift before going under the knife or for those who want to look great in upcoming photos to post on their Facebook page.”

The others weren’t sold on it, though.

Hendricks said:

“Since this device puts traction on only one area of the face, I doubt it can do much to make a noticeable change. I really did not notice much change in the [ABC] video  …

“My other point is that the traction is in the wrong direction to get any improvement where it really counts and that is the lower 1/3 of the face.

“Lastly, my biggest concern is traction alopecia which is a common problem for women that have constant traction on the hair such as tight braids. It is a known, common cause of hair loss, which could be permanent. Using this device could put significant traction on the sideburn hair and loss of the hair in that area could be quite noticeable.”

Afsahi also was doubtful about the product, saying:

“I am skeptical. Who is really going to wear this around town? I suppose it may do something for your appearance temporarily, but it seems impractical. If you keep pulling on your hair you can develop a traction alopecia resulting in hair loss. Interesting concept but not a logical solution.”

 

Photo courtesy of ABC news