In order to most effectively apply our treatments for people there are a few simple, basic tenets that we MUST understand and follow, lest we create more problems than we solve. The first of these is that with every problem, we must be able to understand the anatomy of the area intimately and be able to correlate that anatomy with the problem. The second is that we must be able to find a treatment that is oriented toward altering that anatomy in a way that will actually address the issue at hand. Third, and perhaps most importantly, we must put aside our egos, our fantasies about what we would LIKE to have happen versus what reality is, and our misconceptions about what our treatments can and can't do and honestly assess the true expectations of what our treatments can actually accomplish. These things are hard to do in all honesty, but they are vital, and they are what separate excellent cosmetic doctors from mediocre ones. Technical skill is important, but in my opinion it may not even be as important as authentic judgment and restraint. Just because you CAN do something doesn't always mean that you should. I've seen some disastrous results from colleagues who I consider to be technically excellent, but who, for whatever reason, decided to attempt the wrong procedure for the wrong problem; they executed the plan perfectly, but it was the wrong plan. I think you're probably getting the idea now without my further beating of the dead horse. You are a young man, and your face is changing, no question. Trust me, it will continue to do so for the rest of your life, despite what any doctor does. The key here is to A) be rational in your choices of what you do (and sometimes that starts by being rational in your choice of doctor) and B) resist the temptation to act like a "spoiled brat" and have a temper tantrum because you want something and you are being told that you can't have it. If a doctor (with experience) is telling you he can't do something, there's probably a reason behind that (it's called experience). Your youth is one of the most beautiful things about you now; it's fresh and natural and still very much alive and well, but it can be destroyed with a stroke of a needle or scalpel applied ill-advisedly. Think subtle right now, think conservative right now, light touches, maybe a bit of Botox to soften dynamic creases around the eyes, a temporary filler here or there first to try out the idea of volume correction before committing to a more permanent modality like fat grafting. You have a LOT of time, young man, believe me, and you need to find a doctor who is responsible with someone your age and can advise you wisely, develop a relationship with you for the long term, and guide you along the way so that as a need arises it can be addressed properly. "Aging badly" is a very subjective judgment. Sometimes those who age "badly" are the ones who try hardest not to show some signs of aging. I'll ask you to compare the following: George Clooney and Brad Pitt versus Bruce Jenner, Burt Reynolds, Kenny Rodgers, Wayne Newton, etc., etc, you get the picture (I hope). Good luck to you.
