TASTEMAKERS: DR. KAY DURAIRAJ

Meet Dr. Kay Durairaj, Los Angeles facial plastic surgeon, ‘Mastery of Aesthetics, Host of ‘Beauty Bytes Podcast, and so much more.  The Internationally Renowned Facial Plastic Surgeon and Head and Neck Surgeon isn’t just surface level as Dr. Kay’s passion stems from wanting her patients to look and feel their best! With a state-of-the art facility next to Huntington Hospital and an expert, caring team behind her, Dr. Kay provides top notch care and customer service to every single patient she serves.

We got a chance to sit down with Dr. Kay to chat about her career, special procedures, and some uncensored beauty advice. Check it out.

1. How did you develop your signature rhinoplasty the Tinkerbell Nose Lift? 

This technique came from a number of patients requesting a more lifted, feminine profile. I use the “Tinkerbell Tip Lift” technique to lift and enhance the way that the cartilage supports the nose. By doing this, I’m able to create refine the nose and create an elegant projection of the tip.

2. What can clients expect in terms of results from the procedure? 

The overall expected outcome is a more lifted, feminine tip without the hassle of surgery. I see my patients for two appointments with the non-surgical rhinoplasty. At their initial visit, I will use about 90% of the filler from the syringe. We will schedule a follow-up appointment within 2-4 weeks of your first visit. This is complimentary and it is a great way for me to ensure my patients are receiving the best possible outcome. At this point, any bruising or swelling should be minimal; allowing me to assess and place additional filler in order to balance the facial features. As a facial plastic surgeon, I have a clear understanding of the facial anatomy. I have performed many surgical rhinoplasties over the years, and I find that this helps me view a patient’s facial features from a different perspective. Not only does my experience allow me to navigate the anatomy of the nose better, I have a better grasp of what keeps the face balanced and proportionate from every angle.

3. What is an airbrush facial? What sets it apart from other facials? 

The Airbrush Micro-infusion Facial incorporates a customized cocktail often consisting of Botox, Hyaluronic Acid Filler, my high-potency vitamin c serum and B12. I love the way Botox tightens the pores and the combination of filler, vitamin c, and B12 promoted brighter, radiant skin. Every appointment includes a gold infused double cleanse and thermal lifting treatment prior to seeing me for the micro-infusion. There’s really no downtime with this treatment and it’s great to do before special occasions, weddings, or if your skin is simply in need of a pick-me-up.

4. What are men typically looking to improve about their appearances? Do you have treatments that cater to them specifically?  

I think men above anything else, are still afraid of the stigma that follows injectables. Male patients want to turn back the clock but they don’t want changes to appear too obvious. In contrast, I’ve seen the number of male patients in my practice dramatically increase in recent years. Male patients tend to gravitate towards are facial sculpting for areas like the jawline, tear trough rejuvenation, and of course, Brotox!

5. Where do you feel the industry is going in terms of popular and cutting-edge procedures and treatments in the future? 

The percentage of patients seeking non-surgical procedures in lieu of surgical procedures continues to change year to year. I think a lot of patients are seeing the advancements in fillers and toxins, as well as some of the innovative ways that injectors are using them. Patients in some sense want instant gratification without downtime or anyone being able to pinpoint what they had done. We are beginning to see companies such as Revance bringing longer lasting toxins like DAXI to market and an emphasis on non-invasive skin tightening like Thermi, Ulthera, and Thermage. Patients with busy lives will always appreciate longevity and minimal downtime.

6. What is the next big trend in anti-aging? 

Similar to what I previously mentioned, more patients will try to put off a facelift or surgical BBL if possible. Although bio-stimulatory fillers like Sculptra and Radiesse have been available in the U.S. for years, patients are just barely expanding their horizons and showing interest in treatments that address long-term concerns. I love using bio-stimulatory fillers like Sculptra and Radiesse to promote long-term collagen production while also rejuvenating facial volume loss and foundational changes. I think a lot of patients will begin to see the benefit of combining different treatments to address their specific concerns.

7. Tell us about your line of beauty products? What makes them unique?

My skincare line has something for everyone. No two patients will be the same and I think that same mantra applies to skincare regimens. It is so important to use products that 1) have physician-strength ingredients and 2) are suitable for your skin type & concerns. My Deep Blue Hydration hyaluronic acid serum and Brighten & Tighten Vitamin C Serum are suitable for all skin types and able to treat a plethora of concerns. Those two, without a doubt are products that you can incorporate into most regimens. My products all contain soothing ingredients like green tea and antioxidants like resveratrol to really promote smoother, plumper, radiant skin no matter what age you are.

8. How young is too young to get a face lift? 

I wouldn’t say there is an exact age that makes you a good candidate for a facelift. The aging process is reliant on several different factors ranging from age and genetics to lifestyle and diet. On a recent episode of my podcast, Beauty Bytes with Dr. Kay: Secrets of a Plastic Surgeon™, I go in depth about some of the common misconceptions that are linked to injectable fillers. Patients are often concerned about getting filler for the first time because of something a friend told them. We are very lucky to have collagen stimulating fillers like Radiesse and Sculptra that allow patients to put off a facelift and have been proven to stimulate the body’s natural collagen production. A reputable plastic surgeon or nurse injector will be able to provide honest guidance help a patient make an informed decision. If you’re considering a facelift, neck lift, or even a thread lift, do your research and see someone that specializes in the specific procedure you are considering. You wouldn’t go to a podiatrist if you were having heart problems. Why wouldn’t you seek out a specialist when considering a facelift?

9. Has social media changed the beauty landscape? Do you think this is a positive thing? 

Social media has changed the landscape in a lot of ways. FaceTune, Snapchat Filters, and reality stars like the Kardashians have all inadvertently influenced the way patients see themselves in the mirror. I have definitely had patients come to me with unrealistic expectations or screenshots from Instagram. My duty as a physician is to use my platform in positive ways. Much of what I post is meant to be educational in some way. I want patients to set reasonable expectations for themselves and be able to make informed decisions on their own.

10. Do you consider yourself an artist?   

I would definitely consider myself an artist. I feel that injectors will see better outcomes when they approach non-surgical facial rejuvenation with an artistic eye. I try to consider the way that light hits certain parts of the face or what will compliment a patient’s features without making them look too “done”. This mindset is a big contrast when you compare outcomes with some of the work that has given injectables a negative reputation.

Keep up with Dr. Kay on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @beautybydrkay and be sure to tune into her podcast Beauty Bytes! Go on… they’re clickable.