FACES+ is putting the spotlight on our clientele who quickly become like family. I give the patient a questionnaire and they respond with their most honest answers of their journey through surgery.

The first time I met Cheryl she was on a table. Strangely, this is where I meet most of our patients. It was during a laser session with our PA Ashley. Talking to her and getting to know her was easy (even as Ashley was poking and prodding). Cheryl was open and honest with her conversations both to Ashley and me – the stranger. She also looked extremely naturally great! I had no idea she had surgery until she bluntly told me how much she loves Dr.Cohen’s work. She’s a business owner, world traveler, and creator.

Here is her story:

1. You have a thriving jewelry business Cheryl Dufault Designs. What inspires you to keep creating?

I’m a big recycler, I have flea market pieces that are over 200 to 300 years old. My aesthetic is a mix of earthy combined with organic and I have clients that range from 18 to 80.  I always say, “Buy when you’re 18 and wear it until your 80.”

2. You’ve been a repeat client of ours for some time, what keeps you coming back to Faces?

Honestly, I was never a person who focused on skin care. I’ve always been a sun worshiper who wears minimal makeup. As I got older things starting falling in the neck area. Dr.Cohen was referred to me by close friends. I was just fearful of not looking natural but when I met everyone I instantly felt comfortable and trusted the staff. I now still feel like the 59-year-old Cheryl but just look a little bit better.

3. What’s your favorite thing to do locally? Any recommendations?

I live in Huntington Beach. I travel so much but my husband and I are really homebodies because I’m in the public all the time. We like to take walks on the beach and we’re foodies so we always look for new places to have dinner. We just got this brand-new backyard and we love to cook back there with our three chihuahuas.

4. Describe your personal style and the style of the jewelry pieces you create.

A collection I’ve been doing for 19 years was a men’s collection. A lot of what I do can be male or female. I love dressing edgier. I’m usually rocking a conservative man look and change it up. Not girly, not a ton of color and not a lot of pattern.

As for my jewelry, my favorite materials are metal, stones or leather.  Also, precious stone and hemp to keep things organic. I use beads from Kenya that are made of Clay. My clients range from girly-girls, artists, writers, avant-garde women. Inspiration comes from the countries I visit and it keeps it more organic. Lately, I’ve also been loving copper and bronze.

5. How often do you use social media to seek new business? Which platform is your favorite to browse and why?

I think that I use Instagram the most. I’m kind of a dinosaur in that area so people help me with that. Instagram helps me see what’s current with colors and clothing. It gives me the inspiration to change things up a little bit.

6. Who is your favorite artist? (this can be music, art or actor etc.)

The clothing designer Raquel Alegra and DusicaDusica. DusicaDusica has phenomenal shoes and clothing. They are just far enough out there for me.

7. What are the top 3 most important beauty items you’d take on a desert island?

Alastin skincare, lip conditioner, and a sunscreen.

8. Where is your favorite place to travel and why? (people, places, art, culture etc.)

New York. I love the city, the energy, the food, and art. I like things that move fast and the bustle, I’m not a very slow person.

9. Why is looking your best important to you?

I’m representing a look, I’m in the fashion industry so that’s always important. As you get older jewelry can draw to imperfections. But I feel so young inside it started to bother me because things weren’t mirroring each other.

10. What are some your thoughts/philosophies about aging?

 I never thought I would be someone that would get cosmetic surgery. I believe if you can enhance and it makes you feel good you should do it. I like that Dr. Cohen assured me I would still look like myself. He makes me feel better about myself, my skin, my clothes. My husband can tell the difference. I am very happy.

Surgery Related Questions: 

1. How did you hear about FACES+?

I was referred by a friend that has been in the industry for over 20 years. There were 3 different girls that I know and they ALL referred Dr.Cohen. I went to Dr. Cohen first and shortly after canceled all the other appointments.

2. When did you know for sure you wanted to get the procedure done?

I received a lower face, eye and neck lift with Injectable Facial Rejuvenation and liposuction. I had been talking about it for years and never did it. In the consultation, he pulled his skin tight and said: “If this is what you’re looking for I’m not the doctor for you.”

That day I put a deposit down.

3. From booking the consultation to your last post-procedure follow-up describe your surgical experience at FACES+.

Fantastic. Everyone made me feel so comfortable and explained everything well. Everyone is super nice to each other and it felt like a family.

4. What was your biggest concern going into surgery and how did the doctor address that concern?

Looking not like me. I wanted an improved version and he pinpointed things that have bothered me my whole life and asked does this bother you? It makes me really happy to smile now and not have all gums showing. I was concerned about the anesthesia but Dr.Marsh was wonderful and they spent a lot of time with me explaining that and making sure I didn’t get sick.

5. How was the recovery process? Any surprises?

A few with the liposuction. It was more painful than I thought it would be. Things are different over time, they assured all of that was going to shrink and go away. I’m super happy so far with it.

8. What advice would you give to patients who want the same procedure?

Listen to everything that they tell you to do too. For me, it was about relaxing into it and not being nervous that day. I had certain issues about recovery that I was nervous about. Dr.Cohen really understood all concerns and was there for me.

9. Describe one way this procedure/experience has changed something in your life.

My confidence level. I feel better in my clothes I feel more confident. There is a situation I always encounter when a customer says: can you show me how I wear this necklace? They take video of me demoing the necklace and that used to really bother me. Now I am more confident in doing that.

Non-Surgical Faces+ Questions:

1. What kind of relationship do you have with the staff that treats you here regularly?

Really good because the girls are super helpful and always really pleasant. After I got to know them I gave them all jewelry because I love them all so much. From the girls at the front desk to the nurses to Dr.Marsh. Their kindness means a lot to me.

2. What’s your favorite treatment you get here on a routine maintenance basis?

I just started seeing Ashley who I adore. I also had a lymphatic massage from Melissa and I look forward to getting a facial from her because I heard it’s amazing.

3. How do you usually leave feeling after a treatment at Faces+?

Good. Sounds kind of corny but, “Prettier”. The unfortunate thing is you guys are so far away but I always feel like it’s worth the drive.

You can see more of Cheryl’s designs by following her on Instagram: @CherylDufaultDesigns