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2026.07.06
Your First Visit to a Cosmetic Surgery Clinic: Where Do You Start with Anti-Aging? A Doctor Explains the Steps and Approach in Simple Terms
With deep medical insight cultivated as an internal medicine specialist, I bridge aesthetic surgery, dermatology, and internal medicine. Having spent my childhood in China, I communicate fluently in Japanese, Chinese, English, and Korean. Possessing an international perspective—evidenced by invitations to present at overseas conferences—I actively promote techniques as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for GOURI and REJURAN®. My specialty procedures include double eyelid surgery, skin-nurturing boosters, and body hyaluronic acid treatments. My approach leverages the holistic understanding of the body cultivated through internal medicine to guide patients toward natural, healthy beauty.
Introduction—It’s Natural to Feel Unsure
“I notice my wrinkles every time I look in the mirror,” “I want to look younger.” When these thoughts begin to surface, many people find themselves hesitating at the very first step. There is a wide range of options for cosmetic surgery to remove wrinkles and achieve a more youthful appearance, and individual perspectives and preferences vary depending on the specific procedure. In fact, the first step many people take is to start with a “trial run” using less invasive procedures and to understand the roles of the various specialized departments (cosmetic dermatology, cosmetic internal medicine, and cosmetic surgery). Whether you search in Tokyo or your local area, or gather information in a district like Ginza where clinics are concentrated, sorting out the order of steps will help reduce your uncertainty.
[Doctor’s Point]
Trying an anti-aging treatment for the first time can be nerve-wracking. With so many options available these days, it’s often hard to know where to start, isn’t it? I’ve put together a summary of what people are actually starting with.
Where to Start? The First Step Toward Cosmetic Surgery for Wrinkle Removal and Rejuvenation
The first things to decide are your “goals” and “how well the treatment fits into your lifestyle.” Those who don’t want their work or household chores to be disrupted often start with options that have minimal downtime; for expression lines, they typically begin by considering milder treatments, such as small-volume injections or energy-based devices. On the other hand, for those seeking to improve their overall skin quality, it is common to combine aesthetic dermatology and aesthetic internal medicine, making adjustments—including lifestyle changes—while gradually considering cosmetic surgery options.
1. Establishing a Framework for Consultations: Roles by Department
・Cosmetic Dermatology: An approach that improves the skin’s texture. It is ideal for addressing the underlying causes of redness, dryness, and fine lines.
・Cosmetic Internal Medicine: Balancing the body from the inside out. By incorporating perspectives on sleep, nutrition, and hormonal balance, we support the foundation of your body’s resilience and metabolism.
・Cosmetic Surgery: An approach focused on changes in shape and volume. We take a step-by-step approach to optimizing facial contours, sagging skin, and overall silhouette. Cosmetic surgery can also serve as the “command center,” providing an overarching framework for wrinkle reduction and rejuvenation procedures.
2. Start small: Make minor adjustments and see how it goes
For wrinkles caused by habitual facial expressions (such as between the eyebrows, on the forehead, and at the corners of the eyes), many people start with small injections, adjustments that take muscle movement into account, or mild treatments using energy-based devices. While the results and duration vary from person to person, these options are valued for their relatively short downtime, making it easy to return to daily life. The key is to start conservatively during the first session and make gradual adjustments while balancing your lifestyle and facial expressions. Since the effectiveness and discomfort of injections and device-based treatments vary from person to person, and the duration of results can range from a few months to several months, it’s important to discuss your goals with your doctor and make fine adjustments accordingly.
3. Building a Healthy Skin Foundation: A Collaborative Effort Between Cosmetic Dermatology and Cosmetic Internal Medicine
The appearance in a photograph is influenced not only by wrinkles but also by “light reflection.” In cosmetic dermatology, we address issues such as moisture levels and texture in the stratum corneum, uneven skin tone, and enlarged pores to enhance how the skin appears when it catches the light. At the same time, addressing sleep, nutrition, and stress from an internal medicine perspective helps ensure that the results of treatments last longer and the recovery process proceeds more smoothly. Laying this foundation is a crucial step in supporting the results of cosmetic surgical wrinkle removal and rejuvenation procedures.
4. Optimizing Three-Dimensional Appearance: Carefully Shaping Contours and Adding Volume Through Cosmetic Surgery
"Hollows," "sagging," and "blurred facial contours" are related to changes in facial structure. In cosmetic surgery, we make adjustments within natural limits while considering the overall balance of the face. While detailed explanations of surgical techniques and injection sites are discussed individually during the consultation, the focus is on aligning your expectations regarding how the procedure will fit into your daily life, your tolerance for downtime, and your vision for the future. As needed, we often combine injections with adjustments to muscle balance to create a plan that harmonizes facial expressions with three-dimensional contours.
A Step-by-Step Approach to Cosmetic Surgery for Rejuvenation
The starting point for developing a treatment plan is to gradually refine it through “trial runs” using low-impact procedures. We begin with a conservative approach during the first session and, after observing the results over several weeks to months, select the next step (such as skin texture adjustments at a cosmetic dermatology clinic, support from a cosmetic internal medicine specialist, or shape optimization through cosmetic surgery). The required dosage and effectiveness of injections and device-based treatments vary by treatment area, and fine-tuning tailored to your facial expressions at work or sports habits can be effective. Through multiple follow-up visits, we identify your “ideal intensity,” and then proceed at a comfortable pace—whether by extending the intervals between treatments or adding other procedures.
Please note that the results, level of discomfort, downtime, and duration of effects vary from person to person for any procedure. If you have upcoming events or work commitments, one option is to plan your treatment schedule around easily accessible areas such as Tokyo or Ginza. While Tokyo offers many options and areas like Ginza make it easy to gather information, they can also make it difficult to decide—so be sure to carefully assess whether a particular option aligns with your goals.
How Do These Procedures Compare to Other Popular Treatments?—How Do Liposuction and Breast Augmentation Differ from Rejuvenation Treatments?
During consultations at cosmetic surgery clinics, patients often seek advice on body contouring in addition to facial rejuvenation. While both liposuction and breast augmentation are procedures that affect the body’s silhouette, their primary goal is “body contouring” rather than “rejuvenation” per se.
- Liposuction: A procedure designed to reduce excess volume and refine the body’s contours. While this is distinct from facial rejuvenation, a lighter, more streamlined overall body appearance can sometimes make the results of facial cosmetic surgery stand out even more. Liposuction requires downtime and aftercare, so it’s important to plan how to balance the procedure with work and exercise.
- Breast Augmentation: An approach to achieving balanced breasts. By improving your posture and choosing the right clothing, the appearance of your neck and décolletage becomes more elegant, which can also enhance the results of cosmetic surgery to reduce wrinkles around the face. We consider breast augmentation while taking each individual’s lifestyle into account.
When planning a rejuvenation regimen, it is not necessary to undergo liposuction and breast augmentation at the same time. Rather, it is more realistic to break the process down into stages, starting with less invasive procedures, preparatory work at a cosmetic dermatology or internal medicine clinic, and minimal adjustments at a cosmetic surgery clinic. Even when considering liposuction or breast augmentation, overall harmony is the top priority. Planning the sequence carefully—such as waiting until the changes from liposuction have become a natural part of your daily life before considering breast augmentation or additional facial adjustments—leads to greater satisfaction. While both liposuction and breast augmentation are popular, the key elements of rejuvenation are facial expressions and skin. It becomes easier to make decisions if you view liposuction and breast augmentation as “supporting roles that elegantly tie the whole look together.”
Things to Consider When Looking for Cosmetic Surgery for Rejuvenation in Ginza, Tokyo
Tokyo offers many options, and Ginza is an area where information tends to be concentrated. The advantages of searching in Tokyo are its accessibility and the ease of comparing options, while the advantages of searching in Ginza include the availability of many counseling sessions and a wealth of information. On the other hand, the sheer volume of information in Tokyo and Ginza can make it easy to feel overwhelmed.
- During the consultation, narrow down your goals—for example, “expression lines this time” or “skin texture this time” (specific requests, such as injections or device-based treatments, are also effective).
- Confirm the coordination system among cosmetic dermatology, cosmetic internal medicine, and cosmetic surgery departments (this is important whether at a large clinic in Tokyo or a small clinic in Ginza).
- Are the "Before & After" images presented clearly, and are the photo requirements clearly stated?
Whether in Ginza, Tokyo, or elsewhere, ease of access and clear explanations from your doctor are important. If you live far away, we recommend planning your visits in a way that’s manageable for you—for example, by focusing on procedures that can be completed in a short amount of time.
A Refresher on the Differences Between Cosmetic Internal Medicine, Cosmetic Dermatology, and Cosmetic Surgery
・Cosmetic Internal Medicine: Supports resilience from the perspectives of sleep, nutrition, and endocrinology. Effective for adjusting your physical condition before and after procedures.
・Cosmetic Dermatology: Improving overall skin quality. Consistent care to address dryness, fine lines, and dullness enhances the results of cosmetic surgery for wrinkle removal.
・Cosmetic Surgery: Optimizing shape and volume. The standard approach involves combining injections and device-based treatments to achieve a harmonious balance between facial expressions and three-dimensional contours.
By taking a holistic approach that integrates these three fields, the process can proceed naturally and smoothly. In particular, for cosmetic surgery aimed at rejuvenation, it works well to first establish a “preparation period” through cosmetic dermatology and cosmetic internal medicine, and then proceed to cosmetic surgery to make only minimal changes.
How to Interpret "Before & After" Images and Points to Note
When looking at “Before & After” photos, the quickest way to assess them is to see if the conditions are similar to your own. Use clues such as age, skin type, facial expressions, and lifestyle (e.g., whether you have a job that involves a lot of facial expressions or whether you exercise regularly) to interpret the extent of the procedure and the combination of treatments used. Also, keep in mind that the impression can vary depending on the shooting conditions (lighting, angle, and makeup). Treat “Before & After” photos as a reference only; make your final decision based on a consultation. Always keep in mind that risks, downtime, and the way results manifest vary from person to person.
Approaches to Risk, Downtime, and Sustainability
・Injection treatments (such as Botox and hyaluronic acid): You’ll likely notice a difference within a few days to two weeks, and the effects typically last several months. The strength of the effects, any asymmetry between the left and right sides, and how comfortably you can make facial expressions may vary from person to person.
・Cosmetic dermatology treatments: Temporary reactions, such as redness or dryness, may occur.
・Cosmetic surgery procedures: Downtime—such as swelling, bruising, pain, and numbness—may occur for a certain period.
・Liposuction/Breast Augmentation: Procedures involving the body tend to require a longer recovery time. Be sure to plan ahead for work and household chores, and confirm in advance whether you’ll be able to take care of yourself.
Each option has its own advantages and considerations, so rather than comparing them in terms of which is better or worse, it’s important to decide based on whether it suits your concerns, lifestyle, and hopes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What should I take first?
If expression lines are the primary concern, many people start with small injections or conservative adjustments that take muscle movement into account; if achieving beautiful skin is the primary goal, they often begin by combining treatments from both cosmetic dermatology and cosmetic internal medicine. If you’re unsure, it can also be helpful to consult a cosmetic surgeon just to get an overall picture.
Q2. Is Tokyo or Ginza a better choice?
While Tokyo and Ginza offer many options and make it easy to compare clinics, the sheer volume of information can also make it difficult to decide. When choosing a clinic, prioritize factors such as ease of access, how well you get along with your doctor, and the clarity of their explanations.
Q3. Are liposuction and breast augmentation necessary for anti-aging?
It is not necessary. Liposuction and breast augmentation are intended to optimize body contours and are separate from facial rejuvenation. It is more practical to consider these procedures in separate stages.
Q4. To what extent should I use the "Before & After" photos as a reference?
Please keep in mind that these are only general guidelines, as they can vary significantly depending on shooting conditions and individual differences. Refer to “Before & After” examples that resemble your own situation, and make your final decision during your consultation.
Make the Gentle Journey Your Ally
Rejuvenation isn’t a sprint. Start by gently smoothing out expression lines with minimally invasive treatments, then build a solid foundation for your skin and overall health through cosmetic dermatology and internal medicine, and finally, make subtle adjustments to your facial contours with cosmetic surgery as needed. Procedures such as liposuction and breast augmentation should be performed in stages, while maintaining overall harmony. Even when researching options in Tokyo or Ginza, taking your time and consistently choosing options that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle will ultimately lead to natural-looking results from cosmetic surgery. If you’d like to find out if this approach is right for you, please feel free to consult a specialist.
Are you ready to take the first step toward anti-aging treatment?
