Visiting a Plastic Surgeon Can Change Your Life

Whether we like it or not, appearance matters. What you look like affects how others perceive you and how you perceive yourself. When you are unhappy with the way you look, it can impact many areas of your life. You may feel less confident in social or professional situations. If a change in your appearance can make you feel better about yourself, it can have an astounding effect your mood and outlook. Seeking the help of a plastic surgeon can change your life.

Plastic surgery is not just for vanity’s sake; it can make a deeper difference for many people. Many people have defects or injuries that make them self-conscious that can be fixed through plastic surgery. Birthmarks can be faded or removed; ear, nose or other facial deformities can be corrected. For those with congenital defects, facial reconstructive surgery can make them feel “normal” for the first time in their lives.

Even if the changes you want to make are for purely appearance’s sake, if it will help you feel more confident, it is worth the investment. Changing the shape of your nose, changing the size of your breasts or undergoing liposuction for body contouring can all have a positive impact on your confidence level. A plastic surgeon can help you determine what changes can be made for improvement and advise you against certain procedures if your expectations are realistic. Understanding what can be done and the limits to plastic surgery is important to feeling satisfied with your results.

You deserve to feel happy about what you see when you look in the mirror. If you have a problem area you would like changed, make an appointment with your local plastic surgeon to learn more about the options available.

Posted on behalf of:
Sanaz Harirchian, M.D.
9230 Katy Fwy Suite 600
Houston, TX 77055
713-791-0700

How Your Plastic Surgeon Can Help You Look Years Younger

The fountain of youth is only a myth, or is it? More and more you see celebrities and other famous personalities that seem to have found the fountain of youth. Men and women in their fifties, sixties and older are looking better than ever. The secret most likely is not a pool of water but a talented plastic surgeon.

Years ago, when someone chose to have plastic surgery to combat age, it could be obvious. The facelift – elevating sagging skin around the midface, mouth, jaw and neck – has been used for decades, but with varying results. Older techniques could leave the patient looking “overdone” or artificial. However, the surgery options available now are subtle but effective, looking more natural.

Surgical options to help you look younger still include the facelift, but in many different variations and with improved techniques. “Mini” facelifts can be performed to only address the midface region or full facelifts can eliminate sagging throughout the face. Instead of only elevating the skin, which can appear “fake” and quickly revert, advanced facelifts elevate the muscle and tissue under the skin. This creates a more natural appearance that lasts for years longer than traditional facelifts.

Other surgical and non-surgical options to turn back the hands of time include:

  • Brow lifts
  • Eye lifts
  • Dermal fillers
  • Botox
  • Dermabrasion, chemical peels and laser therapy

Slowing the aging process is possible, especially if you have a talented plastic surgeon. Many people begin in the late thirties or early forties with non-surgical options to keep their skin and face looking youthful, choosing surgical methods once aging affects the muscles and tissue under the skin.

If you are interested in learning more about how to look years younger, make an appointment with your local plastic surgeon.

Posted on behalf of:
Maurice M. Khosh, MD, FACS
580 Park Avenue, Suite 1BE
New York, NY 10065
212-339-9988

Take Years From Your Face With a Non-Surgical, Liquid Facelift

It’s inevitable; as you get older, the effects of time will begin to be noticeable as lines, wrinkles and sagging skin appear on your face and neck. While some people are willing to undergo surgery to have these aging effects reversed, there are non-surgical options available to regain a youthful appearance. One of the newer popular cosmetic procedures with little downtime is the liquid facelift, a perfect option for those who are looking to look younger without surgery.

What is a Liquid Facelift?

For patients who want a more youthful appearance without the downtime and expense of a surgical facelift, the liquid facelift is a powerful option. This procedure involves using several strategically placed facial filler injections to combat the lines, wrinkles and sagging skin that can make you look older. The result is a smoother, younger looking face within one single outpatient procedure.

Many men and women love this new option for several reasons. While the results are noticeable, a liquid facelift offers a more natural appearance which is more subtle than surgical options. Additionally, this procedure can be done in one appointment, painlessly, with little to no downtime. It’s a great way to get a younger face quickly, with results that can last up to two years.

If you’ve been noticing the signs of age on your face and are looking for a fast, non-surgical option, discuss the liquid facelift with your local cosmetic surgery clinic to see if they offer this service. More experienced cosmetic surgeons usually offer this procedure, as it’s gaining popularity due to the many benefits for patients.

Posted on behalf of:
Beverly Hills Center for Plastic & Laser Surgery
120 South Spalding Drive #236
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 288-0641

Asian Eyelid Surgery

Asian eyelid surgery (also known as Asian Blepharoplasty) is a surgical procedure designed to place a pretarsal crease in the Asian eyes where a fold is absent. Over half of all Asian people are born without the crease in the eyelid, and it has become a popular cosmetic procedure to create the crease in the upper eyelid. Most patients have the desire to look more “bright eyed” and to remove the puffy and tired look that is associated with a droopy, heavy upper eyelid. This procedure has become increasingly popular in South Korea where many girls, as young as twelve, are undergoing Asian blepharoplasty. In America, the trend is still growing, and it takes a very skilled and knowledgeable plastic surgeon to create the desired look that patients are seeking. 

Asian eyelid surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure that can almost instantly create a more youthful and lively appearance. Eyes that are tired looking can drag down the appearance of the face. Many people feel that their eyes make them seem unapproachable because they do not radiate vibrancy. A skilled plastic surgeon can create a natural, balanced, and more youthful look to the eyes that many people of Asian decent desire. Eliminating the “mono-lid” and creating the natural fold within the upper eyelid gives the eyes the brighter look that many Asian patients are hoping to achieve. 

If you are considering undergoing Asian Blepharoplasty, make sure that you trust your eyes with the most reputable plastic surgeon that has the depth of knowledge and training necessary for such a detailed procedure. Your entire face can gain a new appearance with this one surgical procedure – bringing new life to your eyes and the facial aesthetics you desire.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Doctors 

When to Consider a Facelift

Aging happens to everyone, but not everyone wants to accept the signs on the face, and they choose to do something about them. A facelift is the most comprehensive approach to eliminating facial wrinkles and sagging skin. A facelift is designed to remove excess skin, tighten underlying muscles and tissues, and re-drape the skin on the face and neck. Facelift surgery is used to correct mid-face sagging, jowls, marionette lines, and double chins. This pricy procedure is known as the “gold standard” for facial rejuvenation because of the positive results that patients walk away with. 

Deciding whether or not a facelift is right for you is a huge step. Before you begin to think about how you feel about your face, you need to know that a facelift typically runs $7,000 to $10,000. The price tag alone makes it impossible for many people. However, if money is not an issue, then it is time to really examine the whys behind your desire for a facelift. If you feel that your face does not reflect how old (or young!) you feel, or if you feel that your sagging facial skin is a social or career obstacle then it is time to talk to a trusted plastic surgeon. 

Many people say that they just don’t “feel like themselves” any more when they look in the mirror. A facelift will not create a new you, but it will help you rewind the hands of time to a younger version of yourself. You also need to consider the down time that is associated with a facelift surgery. Taking time off work and hiding away while you recover will be necessary for at least two weeks. After that, bruising will still be noticeable, so that must be taken into consideration. 

If you feel that you have considered all areas concerning a facelift procedure and you wish to continue, contact a reputable surgeon for a consultation. S/he will be able to use her/his expertise to help you achieve the youthful appearance you desire.

Posted on behalf of Benjamin Stong, MD, Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC 

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Which Wrinkle Filler or Injectable Filler is Best For You?

If you’ve been contemplating a filler to smooth your wrinkles or decrease signs of aging, you might be a bit overwhelmed by the number of options available. In just a few short years, the market has expanded greatly and now there are treatments for every type and level of skin issues.  

In an attempt to help you find the right product to suit your needs, we have compiled a list of the most commonly used facial fillers, followed by a brief description: 

Botox: Botox is technically a muscle relaxer, not a filler. Made from botulinum toxin, it is generally used to smooth a furrowed brow or laugh lines around the mouth. Botox generally works well on patients with early signs of aging, lasting up to eight months before another treatment is needed. 

Dysport: For those who experience an allergic reaction to Botox, Dysport, a newer product made from a a different concentration of the same neurotoxin, is a good alternative. Studies have been inconclusive about whether Botox or Dysport produces better results. 

Juvederm: Used mainly to soft laugh lines, Juvederm belongs to a family of fillers made of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found on the skin of mammals. Results usually last about a year. 

Restylane and Perlane: Also made from hyaluronic acid, these are other brands of the filler used to treat deep lines and wrinkles. Results last six months to one year. 

Radiesse: Radiesse belongs to yet another family of fillers distinguished by their synthetic ingredients, in this case, calcium hydroxylapatite. Radiesse is used to treat deep wrinkles, with long lasting results and possibly long term improvements. 

Sculptra: Another member of the synthetic filler family, Sculptra is generally used to treat HIV patients who have lost facial structure. Results last about a year. 

Belotero: Belotero is one of the newest fillers to be approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration. Part of the hyaluronic acid family, it is used to treat moderate to severe wrinkles with natural and long lasting results. It is sometimes used in conjunction with Botox.

Posted on behalf of Benjamin Stong, MD, Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC 

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What is Liposculpture?

While most people are familiar with liposuction, a surgical procedure in which fat is literally vacuumed from the body, they may not have heard of its cousin, liposculpture. Liposculpture is a less invasive technique used by plastic surgeons to remove targeted areas of fat from under the skin to provide a more sculpted, younger look. 

How is it done?  

Developed in the late 20th century by doctors in Europe and Australia, liposculpture uses a technique called the tumescent technique. In this process, the doctor injects a saline solution in the targeted area, which numbs the area and liquidizes the fat to make it easier to remove. The fat is then removed with a small vacuum device. 

What parts of the body can be liposculpted? 

Even with diet and exercise some areas of fat remain stubbornly in place in the neck, cheeks, upper abdomen, buttocks, calves and ankles. Liposculpture can reduce the chubby appearance caused by this excess fat and help bring definition to the treated areas. 

How long is recovery from liposculpture? 

One reason liposculpture is so popular is that it is usually done on an outpatient basis. Patients can typically drive home after the procedure, and recovery takes just several days to a week. Patients can experience swelling and bruising, and sometimes fluid can leak from the injection site. Pain is mild to moderate. 

Are there any risks? 

As with any surgical procedure, there is always the risk of infection or allergic reaction.  Also, depending on your age and the level of collagen in your skin, the skin may not always tighten properly over the treated area, resulting in sagging.

Choosing a Facial Plastic Surgeon

Facial plastic surgery can be a life changing experience.  Carefully choosing a qualified facial plastic surgeon for your procedure is very important.  You want to find a surgeon who has the right combination of experience, training and artistic ability to ensure the best possible result.

Finding the facial plastic surgeon who is right for you requires that you do a bit of homework.  First, you should do some research on the procedure you are considering.  The internet is an excellent resource for this purpose.  Once you understand the procedure, you can look for a plastic surgeon who has experience and an excellent reputation for this particular procedure.

Start by asking family, friends, co-workers and others if they have had a similar procedure and who they would recommend.  Check out the internet, telephone listings, and referral sites for facial plastic surgeons who specialize in your procedure.  Ask your doctor if he or she can give you a recommendation.

Once you have a list of possible candidates, check with the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to see if your surgeon is board certified in plastic surgery.  Board certified facial plastic surgeons have the most extensive training, have passed rigorous examinations, and are required to stay up to date on the latest techniques through annual continuing education.

You should also check with your state medical board to see if there have been any disciplinary actions against the surgeon, if the surgeon’s license has ever been suspended, or if there been any judgments against the surgeon.

Once you have narrowed the list down to a few qualified surgeons, schedule an initial consultation with each potential surgeon.  There may be a fee for the initial consultation.  Use the initial consultation as an opportunity to interview each of the surgeons and choose the one that you were most comfortable with.