Plastic surgery holds an interesting niche in medicine, one in which science and art become one.

A thorough knowledge of human anatomy blends with finely honed dexterity and a well developed sense of aesthetics. Dr. Daniel Thimsen has practiced plastic and reconstructive surgery for over 24 years, at the Mayo Clinic and for the past 11 years serving patients in the Glenwood Springs area.

Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Thimsen keeps current with the latest developments in cosmetic surgery through his active involvement in The American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. His Rocky Mountain Plastic Surgery practice offers a full spectrum of surgery for both men and women.

Among the most popular procedures nationally is eyelid surgery (or blepharoplasty), which enhances the most notable aspect of a face - the eyes. It is given one of the highest satisfaction rates for patients post-surgically, according to national surveys, producing natural-looking improvement at a relatively low cost. The surgery removes fat, usually along with excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. It can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below the eyes.

Dr. Thimsen performs many eyelid surgeries in his private surgical suite. The results are impressive. Blepharoplasty restores a youthful appearance in a very natural way, eliminating eyelid bags and puffiness.

One of Dr. Thimsen patients, an attractive woman in her fifties, had always been less than satisfied with her eyelids. "My eyes always had a lot of fatty skin over my eyelids. As a teenager, I cried the first time I tried to put on mascara and the fatty tisue touched my lashes. At this phase in my life, I was looking tired - much more tired than I actually felt. I did some investigation with Dr. Thimsen and decided on the eyelid surgery - I treated myself."

Her satisfaction with the procedure is palpable. "There are no perceptible scars and the recovery was precisely as Dr. Thimsen had predicted. And I don’t look tired or angry any more. I look how I really feel."

According to Dr. Thimsen, the best candidates for eyelid surgery are men and women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in their expectations. Most are 35 or older, but if droopy, baggy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have eyelid surgery at a younger age.

His surgical services also include facelifts, browlifts, breast augmentation, laser skin resurfacing, rhinoplasty (nasal surgery), breast uplift, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), liposuction, otoplasty (ear surgery), reconstructive breast surgery, mole and skin cancer removal, and hand surgery. Further information on these procedures is available on Dr. Thimsen’s website at www.rockymountainplasticsurgery.com.

In addition to Rocky Mountain Plastic Surgery’s state of the art facility, Dr. Thimsen also offers medical skin treatments and products at his Medispa at Glenwood Meadows. He also peforms injectable treatments such as botox, Restylane and Juvederm at the Medispa office. Free Medispa consultations are available by calling 970.945.8390.

Dr. Thimsen offers free cosmetic surgery consultations at his Glenwood office, as well as his offices in Eagle, Edwards, and Rifle. To make an appointment, call 970.945.1144.

2008 has been the year of reinvention and upgrade in the field of medical lasers. In 2009, it now seems we are into the next generation of lasers all of which is meant to improve efficacy and safety for the patient. There are no substitutes for the effects that these machines give. The Medical Spa® at Plastic Surgery Specialists, PC has always prided itself on staying abreast of new developments and not only keeping the very best equipment for our patients but also providing the very best education of our staff to operate these impressive machines. Some of the most efficient lasers today that are used in our practice are:

The Dornier Laser® is used to collapse down the abnormal varicose veins in the legs. What is unique about our laser is that the same fiber energy and fiber can be used not only inside the vein but can be directed onto the skin where there are visible varicosities. With this one laser, we can treat the full gamut of varicose vein deformities.

Our SmartLipo Laser®, used for fat destruction and skin tightening, is the leading laser in the field of least invasive fat destruction for body contouring purposes. It is being used now for many different applications including excessive sweating in the armpits (called hyperhydrosis) and for sagginess of the aged face and body.

The LightSheerXC® has always been and still is the number one top hair removal laser. The new XC has a larger treatment head and more efficient cooling of the tip, all leading to much less pain.

We also have other lasers. Come check out your treatment of choice.

Dr. Jason Martin, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who relocated to Aspen from Manhattan, joins us for a Question and Answer session to help those contemplating plastic surgery understand how to ensure they receive the safest, most effective treatments available. Dr. Martin, who specializes in cosmetic surgery, is the director of the Aspen Institute of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He currently performs surgeries at Aspen Valley Hospital.

Q & A WITH PLASTIC SURGEON, DR. W. JASON MARTIN

Mountain Medicine: What can I do to protect my skin and stay youthful without plastic surgery?

Dr. Martin: Many patients are confused about how best to preserve the skin’s integrity and youthful appearance, especially in our mountain climate. Much of the aesthetic damage and skin cancer risk can be reduced with a proper skin care regimen and regular visits to professionals who specialize in maintaining the skins youthful appearance.

Prescription of a medical-grade skincare regimen offers the best method for maintaining the integrity of the skin and reversing unwanted damage from the elements. On a case by case basis, this regimen should be further combined with non surgical treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion and injectibles such as Botox. In combination, the natural skin changes attributed to aging can be slowed and delay the need for more invasive procedures and noticeably improve ones appearance. As a patient, it is beneficial to choose a physician with experience in office-based and hospital-based cosmetic procedures. From this standpoint, any comprehensive skin care regimen will include every facet of treatment available for improving ones appearance.

Mountain Medicine: What changes have taken place in the field of plastic surgery in the last decade? How does the process differ from years ago?

Dr. Martin: Emphasis is now on maintaining a natural appearance. Procedures have become less invasive, and in most cases require minimal recovery time. These new and innovative techniques that I have incorporated into my practice utilize shorter incisions, a less invasive surgical approach and place more emphasis on staging of the procedures. By scheduling a cosmetic procedure earlier in the aging process, a cosmetic surgeon will have a greater impact on the continued aesthetic changes inherent to aging.

Mountain Medicine: Can you give us an example of staging procedures as a means of countering the natural aging process?

Dr. Martin: Early hospital based cosmetic procedures followed by minor secondary procedures much later in life, place emphasis on subtle, natural changes over time. For example, the desired progression for the aging patient is to address changes around the eyes in their early 40’s, followed by a short incision, minimally invasive facelift 5 to 10 years later. Secondary refining procedures would then be performed in the late 50’s or early 60’s. This ensures a natural preservation of a youthful appearance while avoiding the over-operated appearance sometimes associated with more invasive procedures.

Mountain Medicine: How long does it typically take to recover from what you describe as a minimally invasive procedure like a facelift?

Dr. Martin: With a short incision facelift procedure, our patients have much less bruising and discomfort during the recovery period and should be able to return to normal activities within 2 weeks of surgery.

Mountain Medicine: Can you provide us with a recap of your surgical training?

Dr. Martin: I completed my general surgery residency and a plastic surgery fellowship over a six year period at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. I also was selected for post surgical training in cosmetic surgery at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital.

Dr. Martin can be reached at 970.544.0500.