After beginning his medical studies in Bordeaux from 1977 to 1984, Dr. Jean-Marc Peres then continued his surgical internship in Bordeaux, a training he completed in 1989 with a gold medal from the Bordeaux hospitals. He participated for several years in humanitarian missions, notably in Africa, India, Mexico, and Mauritania.
In 2010, he noticed that there was a lack of alternative care for patients after their cosmetic surgery operations. He then decided to create a spa attached to his practice with an offer adapted for post-operative care but also for relaxation. In 2015, he created the Alaena Spa in Biarritz. The name "Alaena" is a combination of the first names of his three daughters: Alaia, Hélène and Anne. A new generation spa, combining cutting-edge techniques and organic cosmeceuticals in contemporary Japanese-inspired architecture.
Meeting with Dr. Jean-Marc Peres in his medical practice in Biarritz.
What are the main factors that influence the appearance of our skin over time?
Dr. Jean-Marc Peres: There is, of course, a genetic factor that we cannot fight. However, it is interesting to slow down the effects of time on skin aging. First of all, very easily, by avoiding the well-known external factors, sun exposure, tobacco, pollution, stress and by maintaining a healthy lifestyle (especially exercise and diet).
On the other hand, by fighting against the decrease in hormonal secretions from the age of 40, in particular management of menopause in women, but also control of thyroid hormones, DHEA and testosterone.
How long does a Botox treatment typically last, and are the results permanent or temporary?
Dr. Jean-Marc Peres: The effect of Botox is temporary. The injection is most often repeated after six months. Botulinum toxin reduces muscle contraction, which causes wrinkles.
What is the difference between Botox and hyaluronic acid?
Dr. Jean-Marc Peres: Botulinum toxin reduces muscle contraction that causes wrinkles. It is mainly used on the forehead, particularly to combat wrinkles between the eyebrows, with a preventive effect on the formation of these wrinkles in young patients.
Hyaluronic acid's mechanism of action is completely different from Botox. When used as an injection, it's the go-to product for filling the deepest wrinkles or for volumetric rejuvenation. It's primarily used around the mouth, but also on the face in general.
Are there alternatives to Botox?
Dr. Jean-Marc Peres: There is no alternative to Botox for the forehead. Botox, used in France since 2003 for aesthetic reasons, has significantly reduced the need for highly aggressive surgeries in this area.
Are there alternatives to a facelift?
Dr. Jean-Marc Peres: There is no alternative to a facelift when facial skin sagging is significant. However, for my part, the indication for a facelift should remain exceptional before the age of 50. Before this period, the most important thing remains skin care, particularly by avoiding tobacco and sun (back to the first question) and by regularly moisturizing it. Of course, certain regular medical aesthetic treatments (peeling, mesofilling) are a significant plus. Beautiful skin is an undeniable advantage for the surgeon, and therefore for the patient, in order to optimize the result of a facelift when the time comes.
New medical methods (radiofrequency, ultrasound, HIFU) are used for moderate skin sagging, with results that I find random and in no case can be considered as an alternative to facelift. I do not use tensioning threads, because they have many disadvantages, even complications that I do not find in the practice of surgical facelift.
In the case of significant skin sagging, surgical lifting remains the basic technique for facial rejuvenation, especially since today we can guarantee a very natural result thanks to an adapted technique, while recovery after the operation is increasingly rapid.
From what age do you recommend injections?
Dr. Jean-Marc Peres: There is no recommended age, as wrinkles and expectations vary greatly from one patient to another. However, I would like to point out that it is not at all necessary to have injections before the age of 25.
Are there any wrinkles that should be kept?
Dr. Jean-Marc Peres: Personally, wrinkles don't bother me, especially certain expression lines, which I find attractive. Furthermore, I believe that the lack of expression on the forehead after Botox injections should be avoided by reducing, but not preventing, the contraction of certain muscles. However, the sagging of facial skin that appears with age can never be considered aesthetic.
What do you think about kobido?
Dr. Jean-Marc Peres: Massages and facial treatments, especially when performed by qualified practitioners using high-quality cosmetics, are highly recommended in the fight against natural facial aging.
What advice would you give to someone considering their first Botox treatment?
Dr. Jean-Marc Peres: I believe that patients first need an informational consultation on all existing medical and surgical procedures before making any decision. Patients should then explain to the doctor what their expectations are.
If Botox can help, we explain how the product works, including the balancing mechanism between the eyebrow depressor and elevator muscles, which can be adjusted according to the patient's wishes.
Before any injection, we ensure that no blood-thinning medication has been taken, and we simply recommend that you do not engage in intensive sporting activity in the hours following the injection.
What creams do you recommend to protect the skin after cosmetic surgery?
Dr. Jean-Marc Peres: After medical treatment, non-abrasive cosmetic treatment, or surgery, we advise patients not to change their usual care protocol for a few days, in order to avoid an allergic reaction, which is always possible with a new cream.
After an abrasive, deep treatment (laser or deep peel), we recommend a soothing restorative cream for the first few days, then Alaena restorative cream after a week.
What is your Alaena ritual?
Dr. Jean-Marc Peres: I use in the shower the Body & Hair Wash daily then I apply Combination Skin Moisturizer to my face when I go out. I regularly practice outdoor sports, I always take the time to apply Sunscreen 50+ to protect my skin.