By Dr. Andrés Pérez Nieto.

Dr. Andrés Pérez Nieto, a renowned facial surgeon, coined the term “accordion effect” to describe a common concern among patients after undergoing partial or total facial rejuvenation procedures.

Common Patient Concerns

Many patients express their thoughts with comments such as:

• “Doctor, I’m bothered by the wrinkles that form when I smile.”
• “Doctor, I’m happy with my surgery, but I still notice some wrinkles on my face.”

Understanding the Accordion Effect

The accordion effect refers to the natural creases or folds that appear on the skin when facial muscles contract, resembling the folds of an accordion when compressed. The human face has about 43 muscles of expression, which are responsible for creating facial movements like smiling, frowning, or expressing emotions.

Just as an accordion folds and unfolds, facial muscles contract and relax, creating wrinkles or expression lines. This process is entirely natural and plays a crucial role in human expression.

Facial Rejuvenation Procedures and the Accordion Effect

Procedures like blepharoplasty or cheek and neck lifts performed by Dr. Pérez Nieto reposition soft tissues to their anatomically correct location and remove excess skin. However, these surgeries are not designed to deactivate the muscles of expression. Paralyzing these muscles would result in an unnatural and lifeless appearance.

It’s essential to understand that while facial rejuvenation procedures can significantly reduce the visibility of expression lines, they cannot eliminate them entirely. The result is a younger, more refreshed appearance with softened wrinkles.

Enhancing Results with Botox

To further minimize the appearance of expression lines and prevent them from becoming deeper over time, Dr. Pérez Nieto recommends regular Botox applications after facial rejuvenation procedures. Botox helps smooth out wrinkles, maintaining a youthful and harmonious look for longer.