For better or worse, trends influence the whims of many people in society. Sofonio Plastic Surgery Center in Rancho Mirage has long recognized this fact and takes pride in its ability to keep pace with the procedures and treatments people desire at any given moment.
These days, the popularity of weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy is solving one problem for people while simultaneously creating another. “What we’re seeing as people quickly drop pounds with these semaglutide drugs is they’re experiencing more sagging skin than they would have if they had lost weight in a traditional manner,” says Dr. Mark V. Sofonio, a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Standard slimming methods typically involve exercise; people injecting semaglutide drugs lose weight regardless of whether they exercise. “What they don’t realize is they’re also losing muscle mass,” Sofonio says, “so the support structures in the tummy, the legs, the arms, the breasts — it’s all falling, and that includes in the face as well.”
The Sofonio Plastic Surgery Center has answers for the troubling skin sag many people encounter due to rapid weight loss. Sometimes a mini procedure is all it takes — a mini facelift, a mini tummy tuck, a mini breast lift — to solve the problem. Sofonio typically performs these procedures onsite at his state-of-the-art, 5,000-square-foot, fully accredited surgery center.
Dr. Mark Sofonio
If an individual has suddenly lost 50 pounds or more, a full-face lift, full tummy tuck, or full breast lift may be required. Whatever individual circumstances warrant, patients can relax knowing they’re in skilled and competent hands. Sofonio and his caring staff quickly banish any apprehensions patients may have prior to such procedures.
“Patients appreciate having their procedures in our outpatient surgery center, which is much less intimidating and stressful than hospital settings,” Sofonio says. He also maintains privileges at Eisenhower Health and Desert Regional Medical Center for procedures that require in-hospital care.
Another trend Sofonio has observed is the incidence of younger individuals — people in their 30s and 40s — requesting minimal plastic surgery procedures. “They want to tighten up the skin on their face but don’t want anyone to know about it.” He chalks it up to the prevalence of social media and people constantly being presented with past images of themselves. “A photo from five years ago will appear on their phone and they’ll notice they’ve lost a bit of definition in their jawline, so they’ll want to restore it.”
In these scenarios, the value of mini procedures re-emerges. “A more defined jawline, less laxity in the cheeks — a mini facelift can easily accomplish these things, and it’s easy on a patient too,” Sofonio says. All the incisions are
small, sutures come out quickly, and within a week, people can resume their regular routine looking great with no one being the wiser.
Trends come and go, but years of experience and attention to detail sets this practice apart. “We want great results and happy patients,” Sofonio says. “Our goal is excellence in every aspect of the experience — the before care, the procedure, and the aftercare — and it’s what we aim to achieve.”
Widely published and having lectured extensively, Sofonio is recognized as one of the top plastic surgeons in the country. Consistently named one of the top doctors by Castle Connolly, Best of the Desert, and Best of the Coachella Valley, he and his team of professionals warmly welcome you.
Sofonio Plastic Surgery Center
71885 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage
760-341-5555
drsofonio.com
Sofonio Plastic Surgery Center
71885 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage
760-341-5555
drsofonio.com
