Facial Plastic Surgery in Focus: Expertise and Innovation with Dr. Michael Roskies

Dr. Michael Roskies is a double fellowship trained, double board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and owner of Yorkville Plastic Surgery Center. Quickly recognized as an emerging leader in aesthetic medicine today, Dr. Roskies was hand-selected to continue the legacy of exceptional facial cosmetic surgery in the heart of Toronto.

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What inspired you to pursue a career in plastic and reconstructive surgery, specifically focusing on facial aesthetics?

Dr. Michael Roskies: Facial plastic surgery is one of the few medical specialties where the results are always on display, reflecting not just technical skill but also the trust patients place in you. Knowing that patients actively choose to share their most visible feature—their face—with me is both humbling and motivating. This connection goes beyond surgery; it opens the door to conversations about their lives, families, and aspirations. While perfection may not be achievable with living tissue, the challenge of striving for it inspires me to refine my skills every day. The responsibility to honor their choice and contribute to their confidence is one I hold with the utmost respect and care.

How has your double fellowship training shaped your approach to facial plastic surgery?

Dr. Michael Roskies: My double fellowship training has been instrumental in shaping my approach to facial plastic surgery. It provided me with not only advanced technical skills but also a deeper understanding of the artistry and precision required in this field. Each fellowship offered a unique perspective: one focused on aesthetic refinement and symmetry, and the other on complex reconstructive techniques.

This dual focus allows me to approach every case with a comprehensive understanding of both form and function.

What impact has the rise in facelifts had on the broader aesthetics industry?

Dr. Michael Roskies: The rise in facelifts has significantly impacted the broader aesthetics industry by shifting the focus toward more subtle, natural-looking enhancements. The trend of “undetectable” work has gained momentum with patients now prioritizing results that are refined and harmonious with their natural features, rather than drastic changes. One example of this is the “Ponytail Lift,” a form of endoscopic facelift popularized by a surgeon in the U.S., which is also referred to as a “scarless” facelift. This procedure aims to achieve the lift one might see when pulling the hair into a tight ponytail, focusing primarily on the upper face, including the brow and upper eyelids.

We’re now enhancing face and neck lifts with subtle procedures like brow and lip lifts, adding nuanced beauty that feels natural. Surgeons who blend technique and artistry are driving this evolution. I’m also excited by the growing focus on natural results. The best cosmetic surgery is the one that’s virtually undetectable—when patients see their transformation in photos, they’re often amazed at how much progress they’ve made, all while looking like themselves.

How do you see the trend toward more tailored, natural results evolving in the next decade?

Dr. Michael Roskies: I see the trend toward more tailored, natural results continuing to evolve, with facelifts becoming a preferred option over temporary fillers for many patients seeking long-term aesthetic solutions. The aging process is complex, and while fillers can offer immediate, gratifying results, they often address only one aspect of aging—deflation of fat. Overfilling faces to compensate for gravity’s effects can lead to unnatural results and even medical risks, particularly as the aging process involves the “4Ds”: deflation of fat, descent of muscle, deterioration of skin, and degeneration of bone.

Facelifts, on the other hand, provide a more comprehensive solution. They address multiple aspects of aging by repositioning tissues that have descended with time, essentially reversing the vector of aging and creating a more natural, long-lasting result. Facelifts change the foundation of the face, rather than just temporarily adding volume.

I’ll continue to guide my patients to understand that the best results come from selecting the right procedure for their unique anatomy, rather than chasing fleeting trends or trying to look like someone else. This personalized approach allows patients to achieve beautiful, natural results that age gracefully over time and most importantly, still ensure they look like themselves.

How do you stay afloat of trends and innovations in facial plastic surgery?

Dr. Michael Roskies: I actively participate in conferences worldwide, which provide invaluable opportunities to connect with colleagues and stay at the forefront of advancements in the field and learn from their research. I’m also part of a Facebook group of doctors where we regularly discuss emerging research, trends, and best practices in cosmetic surgery. This environment fosters continuous learning and ensures we remain adaptable and curious in a rapidly evolving industry.

Balance can be incredibly challenging. How do you balance running your clinic with your research and academic contributions?

Dr. Michael Roskies: Balance is definitely one of the most challenging aspects of my career, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. I prioritize time management and organization to ensure I can give my best to each aspect of my work. Running my clinic requires a strong, collaborative team that I can rely on to maintain smooth operations and provide exceptional patient care. For my research and academic pursuits, I dedicate specific blocks of time to focus on innovation and contribute to the broader field of plastic surgery.

Another key factor is staying passionate about all areas of my work. My clinical practice fuels my research by exposing me to real-world challenges and patient needs, which then informs my academic contributions. I also believe in setting aside personal time to recharge, which is essential for maintaining long-term success and well-being.

Where do you see the future of facial plastic surgery heading, and how do you plan to contribute to its evolution?

Dr. Michael Roskies: The future of facial plastic surgery is headed towards more refined, natural results. Subtle enhancements like brow and lip procedures alongside face and neck lifting allow for a more holistic rejuvenation, addressing not just the structural foundation but also the finer details that contribute to a youthful, balanced appearance.

As techniques continue to evolve, I believe we must also keep safety at the forefront. While it may not be glamorous, ensuring safety is crucial. Preservation lifting, for example, is a safer procedure that reduces complications and is being adopted worldwide. I am proud to have played a role in advancing this approach. Ultimately, we are pushing the boundaries of cosmetic surgery, and it is our patients who will benefit the most from these innovations.

If readership wants to learn more about you, where do they go?

Dr. Michael Roskies: https://drmikeroskies.com

https://www.instagram.com/drmikeroskies/?hl=en

Brooke Young, VIP Contributor to WellnessVoice and the host of this interview would like to thank Cindy Witteman for taking the time to do this interview and share her knowledge and experience with our readers.

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Dr. Michael Roskies Yorkville Plastic Surgery Center