Francis R Palmer, III, MD

Creator of The Palmer Code (R)

Q: I often read that it takes 10 days to recover from a face lift but I don’t know if that includes upper and lower blephs plus browlift, which people often have at the same time. I’d like to know how long to budget in a general way even as you need to add the disclaimer that everyone is different, we all heal at different rates. If it helps I am a 45 woman basically in good health, some asthma and allergies, of Caucaision and African-American descent.   A: I have performed Face Lifts for over 20 years and don’t perform Brow Lifts along with Full Face Lifts because of the area of tissue dissection that required: across the entire forehead, face and neck.  This leaves very little area for blood supply to heal the skin flaps along the lower section of the Face Lift.  I typically will perform the full Face Lift, Neck Lift with or without the Bleharoplasty (eyelid Surgery) and save the Browlift for another time at 6-12 months later.  This is safer than having a problem with healing after the Face Lift where a portion of the skin could die creating an unsightly large scar. Full Face Lift with Neck Lifts require patients stay in the Beverly Hills/Los Angeles area for a minimum of 10 days and the tissues will take 4-6 months for the swelling, lumps and bumps to resolve.  Depending on your particular case…how much tissue dissection, skin removal etc. is performed, the longer your recovery time.  Most patients are able to put on makeup and look at 1 month post-op.   Q:When is the pre operative surgical markings done for a face lift and blepharoplasty. It is before the surgery while you are awake and sitting up or after you are sedated and lying down? A: I have been performing Face Lifts for over 20 years and have taught Face Lift techniques to resident surgeons for quite a few years. The markings associated with a Face Lift could be done either way…with the patient sitting up which is the way I saw plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons do when I was training over 20 some years ago. I have always allowed my Face Lift patients to lay down on the O R table before I do the facial marking as I feel it allows them to relax more. IMO, if the results of a Face Lift are not what you desired, I really doubt the way in which things were marked had any real impact. It’s more important that the true aesthetics of the face are accentuated during any Face Lift technique. The aesthetics of beauty is the topic of my new book “What’s Your Number…the palmer code”. Q: Opinions on Stem Cell Facelift? Is the “stem cell facelift” hype or something worth looking into? I have seen wonderful before and after photos, but I have learned not to always trust them. Thank you for your input. A: Sadly, complete hype. Stem Cell Face Lifts are nothing more exotic than your own fat treated to isolate the naturally occurring stem cells within your fat which is then injected into your face like traditional fat transfer.  Stem Cell Face Lifts may plump up the face but there’s no evidence to support claims that these stem cells will magically rejuvenate your face. Stem Cell Face Lifts can’t:

• tighten the underlying SMAS muscle layer
• tighten or remove excess skin

Q: Would a Surgeon Refuse Me a Temple Lift for Being Too Young?

I am a 20 year old female. I realize that face lifts are intended for much older people, but I think a temple lift could help improve the overall look of my face by giving the outer corners of my eyes a subtle lift and slightly lifting my lower cheeks. I’ve used my fingers to gently elevate the skin in that area and I quite like the way it looks. I don’t think my age should be a big factor in determining whether or not I am a good candidate for this surgery.

A:

At 20 years old it’s unlikely that your eyebrows are low enough in position to warrant any type of Forehead Lift.  I would always reserve the right to change my opinion based on seeing you but in my 20 + years of performing Face and Forehead Lifts, I have not performed a Forehead Lift on anyone under 27 and any type of Face Lift on anyone under 32 years of age.

Q: Face Lift at 40 years old

If I’m in my 40’s, would it be alright to have a Face Lift instead of a filler like Perlane or Restylane? A: Your age is much less of a deciding factor than the signs of aging and the shape of your facial features.  If you have nasolabial folds, jowls and excess loose skin, fillers would be helpful in shaping the face but won’t and can’t remove excess skin or tighten the underlying SMAS muscle.  For that, you would need a Minimum Incision Face Lift or a larger, more invasive traditional Face Lift. Think of fillers like Radiesse, Perlane, Juvederm, Restylane and Sculptra as the least invasive and effective method of reversing facial aging.  Combined Minimum Incision Face Lift along with fillers as the next step and finally fillers with a more involved type Face Lift as the most extreme way to rejuvenate the face and neck.

media quotes

magazine articles

tv appearances

Thank You cards, letters, E-mails and Patient reviews from the best possible source…our own patients.

Drpalmer.com

ThePalmerCode.com

Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery is the art of aesthetically enhancing the physical form. When properly performed, it can dramatically improve one’s appearance, restoring natural and youthful beauty.

A skilled plastic surgeon can help you achieve the look you’ve always desired through a combination of sound aesthetic judgment and surgical expertise that takes years to cull. Quality plastic surgery is “invisible”-it helps you look younger and more attractive, without appearing obvious or artificial. However, aesthetic vision and surgical skill vary among surgeons-so be sure that you are in the hands of a surgeon that is aesthetically gifted, highly competent and extremely well experienced.

Follow these four simple-common sense steps when selecting your plastic and cosmetic surgeon.

#1. First and foremost, listen to the aesthetic judgment of the surgeon. Does it sound like something that would enhance your appearance? Proper beauty aesthetics are easy to comprehend when properly explained. If it sounds reasonable to you, then proceed to step two. If it doesn’t sound right to you…..get another opinion. There is simply no substitute for sound aesthetic judgment! You may wish to read my new book on this subject “What’s Your Number…the palmer code.” **Available at Amazon.com

#2. Ask yourself if the surgeon has the experience to do what he/she is suggesting. Don’t be afraid to ask the surgeon-”how many times have you performed this procedure?” Most important of all-be sure to see real before and after photographs of patients who have undergone the same procedure. Do not settle for computer simulations! The computer will not be altering your looks—-the surgeon will! This is extremely important because, there is no substitute for experience! If you are satisfied, then proceed to step three-if you are not sure, then get another opinion!

#3. Once the first two steps have been met, you can factor in the price. Prior to this you’re not certain which procedure is right for you-therefore the price should be irrelevant. Step three is a point where you can be fairly comfortable with the level of surgical competence and overall satisfaction, so you may want to compare costs. Minor differences in costs may reflect such things as, how much of the finishing stitches does the surgeon do-or does the assistant complete this portion of the procedure. How well are the incisions hidden and how often will you have follow-up visits with the surgeon. There are reasons for price differences-be sure that you understand exactly what you are/are not getting! You may opt to pay the higher price for more personalized care! You can continue on to the fourth and final step.

#4. This is more of an intuitive step than the previous three. Here you may want to factor in variables like the board certification of the surgeon. Does he/she carry an impressive reputation in the community or carry a university teaching affiliation? How do you feel about the surgeon and the office staff? Follow your gut instincts—–they will serve you well!

Dr Francis Palmer
Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
Media quotes about Dr Francis Palmer
Magazine articles about Dr Francis Palmer and his Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Techniques
Dr Francis Palmer’s TV appearances
Thank You cards, letters, E-mails and Patient reviews from the best possible source…our own patients.

If you have a weak chin using a Chin Implant for augmentation, of your chin, can balance the entire lower face. Here’s an excerpt from my new book “What’s Your Number…the palmer code, that defines beauty, describing how you can evaluate your chin and profile. “I’m sure it comes as no surprise that broad, squared chins are an ideal shape for men. Women however, appear more attractive with smaller, rounded chins. Regardless of gender, clefts and dimples add to attractiveness.” excerpt from “What’s Your Number…the palmer code.

What's Your Number...the palmer code book

Here’s how you can measure your chin. On profile view, draw an imaginary vertical line downward from your lower lip. A woman’s chin should be 1/4 of an inch behind that line while a man’s chin should approach or slightly exceed the line. If your chin is behind these measurements, you chin is relatively weak for your lower face and you may benefit from Chin Augmentation with a Chin Implant.

The ideal male and female chin shape and size.

**These are photos of models, not patients, and are included for educational purposes only.

The Chin Implants that In have used for almost years years are made of soft silastic and are very well tolerated by the body. I do not like Chin Implants that become part of the bone or the overlying soft tissue as these are difficult or impossible to remove should you ever desire to do so. The Chin Implants come in different sizes from 1 to 4 with 4 being the largest. Typically sizes and 1 and 2 are used. I prefer and believe that Chin Implants should only be placed through a small incision under the chin. This incision placement allows for dissection under and not through the mentalis muscle’s attachment to the chin (this happens with an incision on the inside of the mouth) preventing upward migration, of the Chin Implant, into the mouth as well as ptosis or drooping of the Chin Muscle years after the procedure which is often referred to as “witches chin.” These complications can all be avoided by placing the Chin Implant through an incision under the chin versus an incision on the inside of the mouth.

Chin Implant surgery takes less than 30 minutes and is typically performed under general anesthesia. Swelling is minimal and quickly resolves. Patients can drive home in a couple of days and fly in 1 week following their Chin Augmentation. Either dis-solvable or removable stitches are placed depending on the travel plans of each patient. We do require that all Chin Implant patients sleep on a U-shaped airline style pillow for 1 month following their Chin Implant or feel and touch the implant force-ably with their fingers to avoid any shifting of the implant. Chin Implants, like Cheek Implants are placed under the covering of the bone and are quite stable at 1 month after placement. Normal and even strenuous activity can be resumed after 1 month. Celebrities can use Chin Implants to balance their faces and improve their appearance…so can you.

Dr Francis Palmer
Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
“What’s Your Number..the palmer code.”
Thank You Cards and Testimonials from our Patients **The best reviews are from actual patients!
Dr Francis Palmer in the media
Dr Francis Palmer on TV

The qustion everyone is asking is “Did Megan Fox go too far with her makeover”?
To answer that question, let’s use The Palmer Code to ask the question in another way that can be quantitatively measured…and that is What’s Her Number? Quite simply, did Megan Fox improve Her Number after her supposed plastic and cosmetic surgery in which case she is more attractive…or in fact did she decrease Her Number which indicates that she is less attractive after this transformation. Let’s take a look:

What’s Megan Fox’s Face Number:

Megan Fox Face Number at age 18:

Cheeks: 60 out of a possible 75 ponits (-15 points for excess babby fat)
Eyes and Eyebrows 10 out of possible 10 points
Lips: 5 out of 7 possible points (-2 points for a relatively thin upper lip)
Nose: 1 out of 2 possible points (-1 point for a slight dorsal bump)
Skin/Neck/Chin she gets all 8 remainin out of 8 possible points
Palmer Code Face Number: 88 points out of a possible perfect 100 points.

Megan Fox Face Number at age 22:

Cheeks: 75 out of a possible 75 ponits
Eyes and Eyebrows 10 out of possible 10 points
Lips: 5 out of 7 possible points (-2 points for a relatively thin upper lip)
Nose: 2 out of 2 possible points
Skin/Neck/Chin she gets all 8 remaining out of 8 possible points
Palmer Code Face Number: 98 points out of a possible perfect 100 points…this is what I call
“Star Quality Beautiful”.

Megan Fox Face Number now at age 24 after supposed plastic surgery

Cheeks: 55 out of a possible 75 points (-20 points for excess size and shape of her cheeks that seem to wrap around her face making it appear broad and more masculine)
Eyes and Eyebrows 10 out of possible 10 points
Lips: 5 out of 7 possible points (-2 points for an overly plump and stiff appearing upper lip)
Nose: 2 out of 2 possible points
Skin/Neck/Chin (-2 for a masculine, squared chin) gets 6 out of 8 possible points
Palmer Code Face Number: 76 points out a possible 100 and 22 points lower than Her Face Number was before her makeover.

So based on this quantitative Number analysis, Yes it appears that Megan Fox has gone to far and she does not look more attractive, but less so after these changes or possible plastic surgery procedures. My advice, to Megan would be to remove the Cheek Implants or the fillers from her cheeks ASAP to get her Number back up to the high 90′s where she was 2 years ago.

In all fairness, we have to add that Megan Fox’s Body Number or more precisely her Breast Number was increased 10 points to 18 points (after her proposed Breast Augmentation with Implants) out of a possible 18 points. So to the Breast Implants we say thumbs up, to the facial changes we say thumbs way down.

Dr Francis Palmer
Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
“What’s Your Number..the palmer code.”

1. The most important thing your plastic and cosmetic surgeon must have is the proper
aesthetic judgement. This dictates how the plastic and cosmetic surgeon plans on
making you more attractive as well as youthful in a natural and appealling manner.
Without a solid grasp of the aesthetics of beauty, your face could look pulled, or
otherwise un-natural, which is NOT more attractive…..no matter how experienced
or skilled the surgeon. Trouble is these all-important beauty aesthetics are not part
of the surgical training or education. The proper aesthetics of beauty are spelled
out in my new book “What’s Your Number…the palmer code” which is a must-read
for all who are interested in plastic surgery as a means to improve themselves
although my book also includes many non-surgical methods of self-improvement.

2. Once you understand the aesthetics of beauty and have identified
“Your Number”, you are ready to explore options on how best to improve and
increase “Your Number”.

3. Now, if you decide a Face Lift will increase “Your Number”, then it’s time to find the
world’s best plastic and cosmetic surgeon. Here is a four-step guide for you to follow on
“How to Choose Your Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon”.

4. Your Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon must be an expert in the aesthetics of beauty, be well trained in plastic and cosmetic surgery and experienced in performing Face Lifts. I have been performing Face Lifts for over 20 years and have seen Face Lifts change and evolve over that time into the 21st century, minimally invasive version that I created 5 years ago “The Palmer Celebrity Face Lift”.

Just remember that the most technically talented surgeon who doesn’t understand the aesthetics of beauty will be uncapable of making you look more attractive in a consistent manner, in my opinion. Conversely, there’s simply no substitute for experience and you should and must find the best plastic and cosmetic surgeon that’s proficient in the aesthetics of beauty and highly experienced in performing Face Lifts or whatever plastic and cosmetic surgery procedure you are seeking. This seems the smart thing to do whether you a celebrity seeking plastic surgery or just want to improve “Your Number”.

Dr Francis Palmer
Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
“What’s Your Number..the palmer code.”

Patient Testimonials

Dr Palmer Featured on TV

Dr Palmer Featured in Magazines and Newspapers

More Media

Really? I took a quick look at this so-called Hot 100 Celebrity List and found some serious flaws in their hot evaluations. I’ve been a Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon for over 20 years and make people more attractive for a living. I’ve written a new book (“What’s Your Number…the palmer code”) that defines what makes people beautiful, so I’d say that makes me an expert on judging who is and isn’t hot. So here we go, let’s see if Maxim’s Hot Celebrity List truly stands the “What’s Your Number” test.

Here’s some of the same Celebrities and their Palmer Code Numbers: To recap here are the various categories for What’s Your Number using The Palmer Code:

60-74 Average Looking

75-84 Attractive

85-94 Very Good Looking

95-100 Star Quality Beautiful an this is the category we call HOT!

Hayden Panettiere: What’s her Number?: Face Number 86 Body Number 84 So we say she’s not hot but at the low end of Very Good Looking/high end of Attractive.

Anna Faris: What’s her Number? Face Number 78 Body Number 82 So we say, not Hot but Attractive.

Emma Stone: What’s Her Number? Face Number 74 Body Number ? Her body wasn’t shown, so who knows? So we say not Hot and in fact she’s in the Average Looking Number category.

Now let’s compare those wanna bees with a real What’s Your Number beauties: Jessica Alba and decide What’s her Number? Face Number 98 Body Number 98 So we say she’s Star Quality Beautiful and her Numbers indicate that she is indeed Hot!

Arianny Celeste What’s her Number?

Face Number 88 Body Number a perfect 100. So we say she’s Hot!

Joanna Krupa What’s her Number?

Face Number 98 Body Number a perfect 100. She’s Hot for certain!

More to follow. Stay tuned if you want the truth in Beauty and want to know who’s really gorgeous and who’s just pretending.

Dr Francis Palmer
Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
“What’s Your Number..the palmer code.”

The world’s best plastic surgery can be found in Beverly Hills, the plastic and cosmetic surgery capital of the world. The level of training, expertise and aesthetic judgement is truly the world’s best in my opinion and I believe that all patients who can afford the journey and the fees should have their plastic and cosmetic surgery done right here.

Dr Francis Palmer
Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
“What’s Your Number..the palmer code.”

Really? I took a quick look at this so-called Hot 100 Celebrity List and found some serious flaws in their hot evaluations. I’ve been a Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon for over 20 years and make people more attractive for a living. I’ve written a new book (“What’s Your Number…the palmer code”) that defines what makes people beautiful, so I’d say that makes me an expert on judging who is and isn’t hot. So here we go, let’s see if Maxim’s Hot Celebrity List truly stands the “What’s Your Number” test.

Chelsea Handler made Maxim’s List but What’s Her Number according to the Palmer Code:

Face Number: 81 out of 100 points Body Number: 76 out of 100 points

*** A few comments, Chelsea’s Face Number falls in the beauty category just above average with a score of 81. This falls far short of a Palmer Code Number of 95-100 which is considered “Star Quality Beautiful”…so we say, Not Hot. Her Body is covered up with no photos to prove she’s hot and from what we can see her Palmer Code Body Number is a 76 out of a possible 100, she’s again far from a hot score of 95-100 so once again we say Not Hot…in fact, it’s not even close. She’s funny, controversial and zanny but she wouldn’t make The Palmer Code top 100 Hot Celebrity List.

What’s Your Number (Face or Body) according to The Palmer Code: out of 100 points possible:

Average Looking: 60-74 points

Attractive Looking: 75-84 points

Good Looking: 85-94 points

Star Quality Beautiful (HOT): 95-100 points

Dr Francis Palmer
Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
“What’s Your Number..the palmer code.”

Who makes these decisions at Maxim and who do they propose to speak for? Are they saying that of all the women we see on TV and in movies, these are the hottest 100 females? Seriously? I find this type of article annoying. People Magazine, Maxim or some news source, somehow comes up with a list of the most attractive, the most beautiful or in this case, the hottest…but are they really and in who’s opinion? Who are the people making these determinations? Are they experts in what makes women beautiful or hot? Most of the time when I look at the list of those included, there are those that are truly beautiful but there are those that surely should not in the list. They are cute, attractive even lovable…but nothing more.

As a Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon for over 20 years, I have spent my career identifying what makes a woman beautiful and creating that look…so I am an expert…as outlined in my new book on the subject “What’s Your Number…the palmer code”…here you can learn what makes the face and body beautiful. In my next several posts, I will challenge Maxim’s list and give their 100 hot women Their Face Numbers using The Palmer Code….we shall see who’s hot and who is not. The Palmer Code uses a 100 point scale and Faces or bodies that score 95-100 points are considered “Star Quality Beautiful”….let’s see if Maxim’s list holds up that my rigorous standards as a beauty expert.

Francis R Palmer III MD