text:
Seattle, a city on Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest
Farahmand Plastic Surgery
The Greatest Collection Of Cosmetic Surgery Advice
You may be thrilled about the chance to change something through cosmetic surgery. That is great, but you must make sure that you are fully informed of everything that is going to take place. Here are some cosmetic surgery tips to make sure you are well aware of the process.
Make sure you do a little research on cosmetic surgery before you go under the knife. You are going to want to understand all that is involved with cosmetic surgery like costs, risks, and how you should prepare for the actual surgery. After a little research you can determine if cosmetic surgery is for you or not.
Never has moderation been more important than in the world of Fort Myers cosmetic surgery. Just the right procedure can make all of the difference in the world. Having a positive impact on self-esteem. However, it is very common to go overboard. The results of too many procedures are rarely good.
Call surgery that you get for non-aesthetic reasons reconstructive surgery. Due to the stigma that goes along with it, you might want to refer to your procedure as being reconstructive instead of cosmetic.
Before you got your surgery, you almost certainly looked at a before, and after book to make an informed decision. Be sure to pass this favor on. Even if you feel uncomfortable about showing your body. This will help other people to make an informed decision about their own surgery.
Cosmetic surgery is something that isn't to be rushed into. You can be happy about finally getting to change something about yourself that you do not like, but remember it is surgery. Be prepared and informed about the entire process, so that it can go well. Use the tips laid out here, and you can be confident you are both prepared and informed.
Farahmand Plastic Surgery
12411 Brantley Commons Court
Fort Myers, Florida FL 33907
Phone: (239) 332-2388
plastic surgeon
plastic surgery
plastic surgeon near me
plastic surgery near me
plastic surgeon fort myers
plastic surgeon ft myers
plastic surgeon florida
top plastic surgeon
best plastic surgeon
female plastic surgeon
cosmetic surgeon
cosmetic surgery
cosmetic surgeon near me
cosmetic surgery near me
cosmetic surgeon ft myers
cosmetic surgery ft myers
cosmetic surgeon fort myers
cosmetic surgery fort myers
best cosmetic surgeon
top cosmetic surgeon
Crisalix Used for Breast Reconstructions
Crisalix is used for breast reconstructions allowing surgeons to refine planning and provide better counseling for patients as well as for research purposes.
Crisalix 4D VR is now part of the William Beaumont Army Medical Center. Lt. Col. Owen Johnson III, Chief, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service says: "The goal is to educate our patient population and our fellow physicians on reconstruction options."
According to the American Cancer Society, only about five percent of women choose to undergo immediate breast reconstruction at the time of mastectomy.
"It's important to have a discussion about options with patients before we start treatment for whatever the problem is because the type of reconstruction we choose might influence how the cancer/disease is treated in the first place," said Johnson. "That's always been the problem in an undeserved community where people may undergo certain types of surgery, chemo, radiation for their breast cancer. A year later patients may want to talk about options but all those options may not be available anymore."
"Use of 3-D Imaging in the Planning of DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction" was Prof. Kyong-Je Woo from Mokdong Hospital topic during the prestigious PRS congress in Korea last week showing some key results in terms of planning for surgeons as well as better education for patients using Crisalix.
In the clinical study "Estimation of DIEP flap weight for breast enhancement by the pinch test" published in Microsurgery August 2017, prof Kyong-Je Woo and his colleagues have developed a prediction model for estimating DIEP flap weight using the pinch test. Crisalix serves to measure the projected inset rate (the ratio of flap used for inset to harvested flap). To predict the inset rate, they calculate the breast volume with Crisalix and divide it by the flap weight estimated using their pinch method. The projected inset rate calculated with such prediction was 78.9% versus a real one measured after the surgery of 82.3%.
Remove the Fat and Sculpt the Body
2 for 1: Remove the Fat and Sculpt the Body
Full beautiful bottoms are a sign of youth and vitality, and enlargement procedures are becoming increasingly popular. Statistically, The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) notes that buttock augmentation took one of the top spots recently for the most significant increases in the number of procedures performed, by a whopping 58 percent!
This comes as no surprise to board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Peter Fodor. "We've seen a significant increase in buttock augmentation in the U.S. It was slow catching on, but that's no longer the case."
Celebrities Jennifer Lopez, along with Kim Kardashian's voluptuous body could be attributed to some of the buttock enlargement frenzy!
Sculpting the Entire Body
"Not only do we harvest fat to create a full beautiful bottom, we also sculpt the body," says Fodor. "It's a 2 for 1 procedure."
"Buttock augmentation gives you curves you never had and makes you feel sexier and more confident in clothing that you were never able to quite fill out."
Finding the right balance, and ensuring your body is in proportion requires a lot of artistic sense, judgment and finesse.
"When considering the procedure, the best results are from board certified plastic surgeons who are willing to devote ample time to assessing the appropriate hip to waist ratio."
How Buttock Augmentation is Performed
Buttock augmentation reshapes and enhances your gluteal area, for an uplifted and shapelier buttock profile. Fat grafting with your own natural fatty tissue is frequently used.
"We can perform augmentation with an implant. However the preferable method in my practice is to use a patient's own tissues (fat) and occasionally combine it with an implant," says Dr. Fodor. "First, we evaluate where there is sufficient donor fat. Those areas are then suctioned, leaving a more aesthetically pleasing contour. The fat is appropriately processed and reinjected into the buttock area creating a beautiful overall figure."
Buttock with fat grafting
Candidates for the plastic surgery procedure
If your buttocks are too small for your body frame
If your buttock shape is too flat or square and you would like more curves and a more youthful appearance
If weight loss or the aging process has left your buttocks loose, sagging, and/or flat
If clothes and swimwear do not fit properly
Fat is a good thing ... like money in the bank!
"When people think about fat, it's often viewed as an ugly reminder to lose weight," says Fodor. "It doesn't need to be perceived that way. The way we are able to harvest fat and successfully attach to stem cells our success rate is phenomenal."
"Appropriate fat harvesting and the addition of stem cells, also isolated and derived from fat, has led to a phenomenal success rate."
"As it turns out in my practice, at least 80 percent of the fat transferred survives. What you see at three months is a permanent result. This is quite exciting!"
There is initial swelling and some pain associated with buttock augmentation. More with the implants however, than with transferring fat. When compared to buttock implants, recovery time for fat transfer patients is more rapid.
Most normal activities can be resumed within the first week and on average most people are back to work within a week or 10 days.
Consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon is the way to evaluate what works best for YOU!
2016 RealSelf 100 winner
Dr. Kayser Receives RealSelf 100 Award For Enduring Commitment to Consumer Education
St Clair Shores, Michigan – March 23, 2017 – Local physician Melek Kayser MD is one of 100 doctors worldwide to receive the RealSelf 100 Award, a prestigious award honoring the top influencers on RealSelf—the most trusted online destination to get informed about elective cosmetic procedures and to find and connect with doctors and clinics.
In 2016, more than 82 million people visited RealSelf to research cosmetic treatments and connect with local medical professionals. The RealSelf 100 Award, now in its seventh year, honors the top rated and most engaged board-certified aesthetic doctors who consistently demonstrated a commitment to patient education and positive patient outcomes throughout 2016. This elite group of 100 doctors have excelled at sharing their expertise, free of charge, with tens of millions of RealSelf community members actively searching for information and the right provider, and together contributed 25 percent of the half a million total answers posted on RealSelf in 2016.
"The RealSelf 100 represents an exclusive group of doctors who embody both excellent patient service and an ongoing commitment to educating consumers shopping in the aesthetics market," said Tom Seery, Founder and CEO of RealSelf. "Our research shows that more than 95 percent of patients expect a practice to engage with them online. These doctors are leading the way in terms of their online engagement and focus on empowering patients with good information."
About RealSelf
RealSelf is the largest online destination to get informed about elective cosmetic procedures and to find the right doctor or clinic. More than 9 million people visit RealSelf each month to find out which treatments and providers live up to their promise of being "Worth It." RealSelf is powered by unbiased experiences shared by consumers for hundreds of treatments, ranging from simple skincare to highly considered cosmetic surgery. Offering millions of photos and medical expert answers, RealSelf has become the essential resource and service for those seeking to find the right doctor or clinic.
Advanced Cosmetic Surgery
Useful Cosmetic Surgery Tips You May Not Have Heard
Cosmetic surgery is seen by most people as a wide range of possibilities. The decision to have cosmetic surgery should be well thought out and carefully planned. However, when you are the one having the surgery, things are different. There are things to consider. Below, you will find some tips to use to become fully informed about cosmetic surgery.
Cosmetic surgery can be used for a variety of reasons, so it is important to understand what type of surgery you are undergoing. The difference between general plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery is vast and there are different procedures regarding each of these two different types. Make sure to get the correct information.
Anyone considering cosmetic surgery of any type should be sure to conduct sufficient research. To find the most skilled doctors in their area. By asking the right questions about experience levels and educational background, it is possible to ensure that you have selected the best possible professional for your specific needs, and concerns.
Cosmetic surgery is normally a lot more painful than most people expect. This is because it generally involves sensitive body parts like facial features, or breasts. It is important to consider pain management beforehand. You can implement a good strategy ,when you are actually suffering. This includes friends, and family who can take care of you.
Never get your surgery done by the first surgeon whom you speak with. While they may be saying all the rights things, there may be another surgeon who is more qualified to do the procedure. Speak with a few and do research on all of them before deciding which one to use.
If you are going the be the patient, your perspective may change. You may never have considered some of these important things that you need to think about ahead of time. This article has tips to get you prepared and informed before making a decision.
Atlantic Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
Top Pointers For The Best Cosmetic Surgery Experience
One of the most important aspects of having cosmetic surgery, is allowing yourself to recover after the procedure is done. Make sure that you have some time off of work and school, so you can relax and heal. Read this article for more tips on cosmetic surgery, that you should keep in mind.
Never has moderation been more important than in the world of cosmetic surgery. Just the right procedure can make all of the difference in the world. Having a positive impact on self-esteem. However, it is very common to go overboard. The results of too many procedures are rarely good.
Confirm with your doctor how long you are going to have to be on antibiotics for after surgery. Antibiotics can make you feel a bit different, and not function properly. So you are going to want to know how long it is going to take, before you fully recover. Then you can live a normal life again.
Almost all cosmetic surgeons will have a book available for their previous jobs, even for intimate changes such as breast surgery. Be sure to ask to take a look at this book so you can see the level of success your doctor has experienced in the past. This also gives you a chance to make detailed decisions about your own changes.
It is very important to choose a Atlanta cosmetic surgeon that has the proper certifications, to perform the procedures that you seek to get. A lot of doctors who are inexperienced in the type of service you want will offer their services to you. If you go with a doctor who has no experience, then you run the risk of the procedure not going well.
As said in the beginning of the article, rest and relaxation is very important when it comes to recovering from cosmetic surgery. Make sure to get some time off of work. Get plenty of sleep. Remember the tips in this article, so you can have the best experience possible.
Atlantic Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
3855 Pleasant Hill Rd #300, Duluth, GA 30096
Duluth: (770) 418-1234
Atlanta: (770) 817-9999
Reza Nabavian MD
You Can Get Chiropractic Care With Some Good Advice
After reading this article, you're going to find yourself wanting to make an appointment with a local chiropractor. That's a heads up as you read the following advice to help familiarize you with what to expect. For sure, you're in for a nice lesson on the skilled hands of a chiropractor.
It is never too early for chiropractic care. Often children are born with problems such as subluxation. Don't be afraid to have your baby attended by a skilled and qualified chiropractor. Early care while the bones and structure are still malleable can make a tremendous difference in your baby's overall health and well being.
Be careful with how you stand to prevent back problems. This is especially true if you need to stand for a long time. Try putting one of your feet up on a low cabinet shelf or stool if you can. This helps reduce back strain. If you are unable to keep a foot elevated, make sure you shift your weight as often as you can.
Remember that not all chiropractors are the same. Try to find one that sticks largely to conservative treatments focused largely on back pain, but also on other primary problem areas for musculoskeletal issues. Your primary care physician is able to provide you with trusted names and references for you to start your search.
Ask your Santa Monica Plastic Surgeon what type of stretching he or she recommends between visits. Half of chiropractic care happens on the outside of the office. It's up to you, in your own home, to make the best of your time with the chiropractor. Be sure to stretch and exercise. It'll make a big difference.
Now that you've had a chance to read over this information, you're probably quite excited about the possibilities. All that's left for you to do now is to call a chiropractor's office, schedule an appointment, and talk with the professional about what he or she can do for you. It might just be the answer to your problems.
Plastic Surgery
Learn The Ins And Outs Of Cosmetic Surgery With These Amazing Tips
With a growing list of possible cosmetic surgeries available these days, more and more people are turning to it for many reasons. It could be to repair damage done from injuries, birth defects or to improve their appearance. No matter, the reasoning behind the decision, there are many considerations to be made prior to undergoing.
Check the plastic surgeon's education out. If you are considering any type of cosmetic surgery, you will want to make sure it is done correctly. It is best to research the education the doctor has received and make sure they are licensed before making the decision to have them perform your surgery.
Ask your surgeon how he, or she will prevent the formation of blood clots during the surgery. Usually, you will be given a blood thinner to prevent the formation of blood clots. If this is the solution your surgeon wants to use, check with your doctor to make sure you can safely take blood thinners.
Do not be too embarrassed to ask your cosmetic surgeon anything you would like to know. Even if it sounds like it may be ridiculous. Having surgery is a very serious deal. You should not go through with it if, you do not understand what is involved in all aspects of the surgery.
When discussing your upcoming procedure with your cosmetic surgeon, be sure to make inquiries about his or her credentials. Ask about his training, the year he graduated and the number of these procedures he has performed. You can also request to see photos of before and after surgeries that the surgeon has completed in the past.
Now that you are more educated about the process of cosmetic surgery, you are better equipped to handle the big decision you are facing. Use the tips you have found here to converse with your surgeon about the procedure you are considering. Get all available information prior to your surgery.
Plastic Surgery Information
Plastic Surgery: Is It Right For You?
The decision to have any form of surgery should be one that you come to after careful consideration. If you woke up this morning and thought "I think I'll get a nose job,", then this isn't the best decision for you. Take the time to read articles like this one to find out more about your options and complications of plastic surgery.
Cosmetic surgery isn't something you want to cut corners on, but there are ways to deal with the high rates. Some foreign countries do have reputable surgeons who charge considerably less than those in the United States. This may not be an option for you, but you should take it into consideration.
Talk to your surgeon about potential risks and how he or she manages those risks during surgery. Once you have asked questions, research the information the doctor has given you to make sure they are being completely honest with you.
If you are planning on having cosmetic surgery, be prepared when you meet with your surgeon. Have a list of any questions that you need answered. Ask anything, and everything that you can think of. Do not be worried about taking down some notes. It is an important decision. You might need the note later, when preparing for your surgery.
Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure. A tube is placed in through a small cut and then suction fat out. The tube goes into the fat layer, and it works to dislodge the fat cells and vacuums them out. A surgeon may use a large syringe or a vacuum pump.
As you can see, there is a lot going on here. There are so many different procedures, techniques, doctors, costs, recoveries and complication possibilities. Take your time to do a lot of careful thinking about this matter. This article is a jumping point for your own internal dialogue and decision-making process.
Visit this Portland Plastic Surgeon today.
Dr. Stephen Bayne
Useful Cosmetic Surgery Tips, Tricks, And Advice
We all have some physical aspect of ourselves that could use improvement. Cosmetic surgery may be just the thing to help you alter any problematic areas for the better. However, it does not come without very real risks, so all procedures should be considered carefully before a decision is made. You can find help from the advice in this article and learn if surgery is a viable option for you.
Check to see if your surgeon is qualified. When considering cosmetic surgery in Moline IL, you want to be sure that the surgeon you are using is competent. Check online reviews. Contact the medical board. If the surgeon is board-certified, and ask about any complaints. Checking the surgeon out now can save you a lot of grief later.
Although you would never want to choose a cosmetic surgeon based solely on price, there is no harm in shopping around amongst qualified surgeons. If you have a short list of surgeons that you are considering, discussing pricing options with each of them may help you in making the final decision.
Understand the variable nature of costs associated with any cosmetic surgery. There are sometimes hidden fees, such as anesthesia, whether your procedure is done in a hospital or in the surgeon's office and other expenditures. When you have a consultation, talk to the doctor about all the costs involved. Do not pay any amount until you know the full extent of the money necessary.
After carefully considering the advantages and disadvantages of cosmetic surgery, proceed with caution with your decision. Keep the advice shared here in mind at all times so that you can make your decisions with a bit of authority. If you judiciously consider all of your choices and make your health and safety a priority, you can attain the appearance that will make you feel better about yourself on both the inside and the outside.
Plastic Surgery Associates LLP
515 Valley View Dr #201
Moline, IL 61265-6175
Phone: 309-764-4600
Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery
Essential Pointers To Live By For Cosmetic Surgery
Going about getting cosmetic surgery done, no matter what the reason is, can be very stress. Especially, if you do not have the best information. If you have the right information, you will feel at ease about the entire process. You will have the best results, so continue reading this article to learn what you need to know.
Research the plastic surgeon. Look for recommendations and reviews from other people that have already had surgery performed by the doctor. It is best to check this out before getting the surgery done. You would not want to get a surgery performed by a doctor, who has less than perfect reviews.
Investigate whether or not the surgeon has a license. Also, look to see whether, or not the person you are considering is board certified, or not. While neither of these things guarantees that your surgery will be performed without error. Generally surgeons with these qualifications, are more experienced in their field.
Find out where the surgery will take place in advance. You can do some research about this location. Make sure your surgeon has selected a licensed, and accredited location. Check that his or her office has been inspected, and accredited. If your surgery will be done at the surgeon's practice.
Almost all cosmetic surgeons will have a book available for their previous jobs, even for intimate changes such as breast surgery. Be sure to ask to take a look at this book so you can see the level of success your doctor has experienced in the past. This also gives you a chance to make detailed decisions about your own changes.
Now that you have read this article, you have the tools you need to go about finding the right information about cosmetic surgery. If you put the information in this article to use you will feel much better, about the cosmetic surgery that you plan to get. You will have great results.
Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery
421 North Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills CA 90210
Phone: (310) 550-6300
Customized Breast Enhancement
Are you a breast augmentation patient who either had surgery in the late 1990's during the silicone false claim crisis or a patient who was misled into thinking that saline is an equivalent to the modern silicone gel implants? Or you were a fan of the 1990's Bay Watch series and at the time felt that Pamela Anderson's breast shape and size was the ideal standard. Just like houses with bathrooms and kitchens that seem dated after ten to fifteen years, requiring attention to remodeling to keep the house fresh and modern, so are breast enhancements. Stylistic changes and technology advancement of breast implant materials and fat grafting have come a long way, making your old decisions for your breast enhancement seem out of date and behind the times. Just like clothing styles and cars from the 1990's seem dated now, so is the oversized sagging breast with saline implants, complete with rippling and pleating requiring an industrial strength bra to keep them in place. Ladies you don't have to compromise any longer. Does your kitchen and bathroom still have brass fixtures? Then you should not have to put up with these heavy oversized misshapen breasts that are neither comfortable nor stylish. Consult a board certified plastic surgeon to review your options today.
Options not available 10-15 years ago.
First and foremost a modern plastic surgeon who has kept up with the current techniques and evidence based medicine related to breast enhancement will perform a complete tissue based diagnosis of the breast. Gone are the days hopefully of a surgeon standing in front of you without any measurements and eyeballing a one size fits all approach and telling you he or she will make you a "D" cup and you will love it. The facts are the 1990's approach of shoving in multiple sizers or placing the largest possible smooth round saline implant under the breast without individualizing fit based on the patients breast tissue parameters lead to a revision rate of breast enhancement of 25% which manufacturers submitted to the FDA in the early two thousands. If gallbladders and knee replacements had that high of a revision rate insurance companies and Medicare would have a moratorium on the procedures. Fortunately our though leaders in plastic surgery have evaluated and re-engineered the procedures to minimize complications of capsular contracture, incorrect size placement, and avoidance of soft tissues being permanently thinned and distorted requiring complex revision procedures to correct poor outcomes. Most importantly the surgeon needs to determine the correct diameter of the devise both in width and height. The soft tissue thickness of the upper and lower pole (area above and below the nipple) is important as well as the tissue length from the fold to the nipple-areolar complex. The overall geometry of the chest and breast bone need to be noted requiring modification of procedures. It does not take an engineer to understand a women who is five feet tall and one hundred and ten pounds with a relatively short breast fold to collarbone and narrow chest with minimal breast tissue cannot have the same implant placed as a five feet, nine inch tall female with one hundred and sixty pounds with a wide frame and a large "B" cup breast. Unfortunately some surgeons did feel this way and some still do detracting from a customized approach that minimizes revision rates and unhappy patients.
Three dimensional imaging such as the Vectra has revolutionized my patient education and consultation for breast enhancements. We can produce a very representative imaging of a women's breast and torso and with computer simulation can demonstrate how any implant available in the United States can appear with your tissue parameters and allow the patient to see the proposed outcomes before a decision is made. This avoids wrong size surgery and allows patient expectation to be matched thus avoiding revision surgery. However the technology does not exist to provide this information if a breast already has an implant. This simulation also allows patients to see the limitations of an implant alone based on enhancement depending upon the individual's soft tissue or bony deficiencies. This is where the discussion of fat grafting can be very beneficial to hiding the anatomic variances such as wide sternums that produce wide cleavages to provide an improved outcome and patient satisfaction. We can also demonstrate using a slightly smaller implant which has less weight and drag on poor quality soft tissue and supplementing the overall volume with large volume fat grafting to minimize implant malposition due to failure of soft tissues holding the implant in place.
Breast implants themselves have evolved over the last few decades. Today plastic surgeons can offer patients more options in size, shapes, and types of silicone than ever before also allowing for a more customized approach. I particularly have found the fifth generation silicone gel implants (Gummy Bears) to be particularly useful in petite women and very tall, thin women to exploit the positioning of the implant with differential heights and widths to maximize outcomes. I never use saline implants because they put too much strain on tissues, have excessive rippling, only can function as a round devise and can spontaneously deflate creating emergency surgical situations for patients. Based on clinical evidence, texturing of the implant can reduce capsular contracture, minimizing migration of the devise laterally over time and can maintain pocket size better than a smooth devise. Downsides include late seromas (fluid collections) and possible linkage with a very rare but easily treated form of implant related lymphomas. In my mind the benefits outweigh the small risks with texturing.
Lastly, the techniques of the actual surgery have evolved in the last ten years. These techniques include more precise, less traumatic dissections of the breast pocket, avoiding biofilm (a leading cause of capsular contracture) by minimizing the manipulation of the pockets with implants, and no touch techniques with the surgeon's hands or patients' skin on the devises that can minimize revision rates and improve outcomes.
In conclusion if you are a breast enhancement patient and are less than satisfied with your outcome don't learn to live with compromise explore the modern day breast augmentation procedures available at board certified plastic surgeon's offices around the country. Remember cell phones, cars, computers and styles have all rapidly evolved for the better compared to the 1990's refresh yourself you will be glad you did.
Facial Plastic Surgery and Local Surgeons
All plastic surgeons undergo rigorous training to perform the core plastic surgery procedures. They attend four years of medical school to earn their M.D. degree and often residency training at a hospital which focuses on surgical training in order to perform certain types of surgery life facelift surgery. Some plastic surgeons continue on with additional residency training in areas that are more specific areas such as ear nose and throat or general surgery which focuses on techniques for a wide range of procedures that are not aesthetic in nature.
Facial plastic surgeons focus their training on the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the nose, face, head, and neck structures. They are likely to have completed 1-2 years or more of general residency training and 4 years of specialty training in head, neck and facial plastic surgery. Plastic surgeons focus on 3-5 years of general surgery training and 2 or more years of plastic surgery training. Plastic surgeons focus their training on all areas of the body. There are some expectations to this rule as of late because board certification and continuing education has become a hot topic from both consumer and professional prospectives.
Both plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons may take continuing education courses to further build on their skills and techniques used in nose surgery. Continuing education is an important factor to explore when considering nose surgery today. Continuing education courses are usually very specific. Such courses may be designed to address wound healing issues. Other courses may be focused on the anatomical dynamics of the nose.
In fact, it is highly advantageous to consumers that surgeons must obtain hospital privileges to perform nose surgery at a hospital. In order to obtain hospital privileges, plastic surgeons must have their skills and educational background reviewed by a panel of peers. So, it's wise to ask your nose surgeon if he or she has hospital privileges to perform nose surgery. Finally, some plastic surgeons that focus on nose surgery demonstrate their expertise in this area by publishing their own papers in trade journals to better educate other surgeons about nose surgery. They may lecture about the various aspects of nose surgery.
Since the nose brings balance and harmony to the face, it is an important feature for plastic surgeons to consider with great care when it comes to nose surgery. It is equally important for people to consider the credentials of the plastic surgeon when deciding onnose surgery.
Closed Rhinoplasty to widen a narrow nose
Closed Rhinoplasty to widen a narrow nose
Some patients are born with an unnaturally narrow nose and would like to have it cosmetically widened according to Seattle facial plastic surgeon Dr William Portuese. Other patients are born with an "hourglass deformity" which means they have pinched or very narrowed upper lateral cartilages in the mid-portion of the nose. Typically these patients have wide nasal bones, a dorsal hump, and a wide tip. The inverted upper lateral cartilages appear concave and relatively speaking, can make the tip look more bulbous and the bridge look wider. To widen a narrow nose requires osteotomies placed in the nasal bones, which include both medial and lateral osteotomies. The medial osteotomies are placed at the junction between the upper lateral cartilage and the lower portion of the nasal bones. Instead of narrowing the nasal bones, they're actually cantilevered out more widely, also known as reverse osteotomies. Cartilaginous spreader grafts are then inserted in the space where the medial osteotomies were placed to hold the nasal bones open in their new wider position. The cartilaginous spreader grafts can be harvested from the dorsal hump that's been removed or from inside the nose from nasal septal cartilage. The spreader grafts are also placed in a sub-perichondrial and sub- periosteal pocket. It's also important to make sure the tip of the nose balances with the new bridge line. In some patients the tip may need to be narrowed, and other patients, the tip needs to be widened. A conservative cartilage removal is required to narrow the tip, while cartilage-grafting techniques are required to widen it. Rhinoplasty is a very difficult endeavor, so is very important to choose a rhinoplasty specialist based on extensive experience performing osteotomies, spreader grafts, and advanced bone and cartilage work to create a natural appearance. Dr. William Portuese performs all of his nasal surgery procedures at the Seattle Rhinoplasty Center, which is a state-of-the-art Medicare certified outpatient surgery center located in Seattle Washington
State of the Art of Breast Reconstruction Techniques
When I think back to my first plastic surgery rotation as a medical student in the early 1990's breast reconstruction was performed much differently then. During this time period the silicone implant crisis was at its peak, women were skeptical of breast implants, and the majority of reconstruction surgeries were with TRAM (Transverse Rectus Abdominus) flaps requiring large skin paddles because the breast surgeons were much more invasive in the way breasts were removed. Today silicone breast implants are safe and available in many sizes and shapes, providing patients and surgeons many more options than ever before. The technique of breast removal (mastectomies) have become much more selective, even being able to spare the nipple-areolar complex in many cases; therefore the need to transport new skin into the area is less often required in primary reconstruction. The advent of soft tissue regeneration with the addition of bio-matrices such as Acellular dermal matrices and guided tissue regeneration materials such as textile silk meshes have revolutionized the outcomes in prosthetic reconstruction. Without question one of the greatest advances in breast reconstruction is the art and science of fat grafting which can augment selected areas of volume deficiencies, improve the overall shape, and restore the health of the overlying tissues which has been previously damaged by radiation therapy.
Dr. Pat Maxwell coined the term "the bio-engineered breast" which utilizes acellular dermal matrix grafts and fat grafting to rejuvenate the soft tissues surrounding breast implants after mastectomies. I have been modifying these two techniques in my practice since 2004, which has vastly improved outcomes in both primary and revision breast reconstruction. Fat grafting has provided plastic surgeons the ability to selectively sculpt and shape breasts like never before. Implants can only occupy and provide shape and volume in specific locations on the chest and breast. Fat can influence any area desired to be modified similar to photo shopping in pictures. Fat already occupies the majority of a natural breast volume therefore restoring a reconstructed breast to normal form and function with less donor site morbidity is seen with harvesting large flaps from the abdomen and buttock region. This truly is an exciting time in plastic surgery to provide excellent results with less invasive techniques, especially compared to the past.
In addition to the soft tissue restoration procedures the new silicone gel implants have also contributed to better outcomes. The fifth generation silicone gel implants (Gummy Bear Implant) are a very cohesive polymer which maintains three dimensional shape. This for me has two advantages; the first is that we can offer implants which can more easily match a patient's unique chest wall architecture such as creating an implant narrower in width and taller in height (for a tall thin lady) or shorter and wider for a small wide chested woman combined with a fuller projection in the lower half of the breast mirroring a normal breast shape that will have adequate volume but will not encroach on the arm pit region or have an over expanded upper pole appearance. The second advantage of these implants are the result of a stiffer polymer which resists forces of capsular contracture that have been demonstrated to be a major cause of revision breast implant surgery. With the use of bi-dimensional conceptual planning through meticulous measurements we can offer a more customized approach to reconstruction and we can educate patients on their options with a three dimensional imaging system (Vectra) to demonstrate the effect of different shapes and volumes on their potential outcomes.
Even women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and elected to undergo "breast conservation techniques" with a lumpectomy and radiation therapy can frequently experience distortions of the breast. The affected breast can shrink in volume and change in shape compared to its baseline and with the opposite breast as a result of surgical removal of tissue coupled with imposed radiation fibrosis changes to the tissues which are permanent and progressive. In my practice I see a number of these women and have been successful in reducing deformities and restoring shape and volume with the use of internal scar release combined with fat grafting. The amount of hard woody scarring of the overlying skin can often be suppler after treatment. Contour deformities which often occur directly in the surgical field where tissue was removed can be restored in shape and volume leaving a softer breast that is more symmetric with the opposing side.
I am very proud of my field of plastic surgery which by its very nature attracts thoughtful and innovating disciples of this surgical specialty leading to a continuous evolution of scientific insights that opens the door for continuous improvements in the care we can provide patients. Breast cancer reconstruction is just one small piece that is being tackled by our field of study.
The mommy makeover-Is it right for you?
Being a mom is one of the most challenging, frustrating, yet rewarding experiences a woman can have. You put forth blood sweat and tears, not to mention an untold strain on your whole body during pregnancy. It really boils down to the genetics of your skin and fascia as to how well you can bounce back after the weight gain and abdominal stretching from your baby. Many women lament that despite dieting, exercising and lots and lots of willpower your body is never the same as it was prior to child bearing. Fortunately for the masses of dissatisfied women there are options in Plastic Surgery to boost your self- confidence and your body image. Here is a list of body corrections (Mommy Make-over) that can be performed in tandem or separately to improve the shape and how you feel about your physique.
During pregnancy the glandular component of the breast must enlarge to ready for the enhanced production of milk. Additionally weight gain with fat storage all governed by the hormonal changes can increase the breast size immensely. Unfortunately fetal regulation also makes skin "stretchy" to accommodate the increased girth of the breast and abdomen. After the resumption of normal non-pregnant hormones and the lack of need for lactation the breast volume will revert back to baseline and can even reduce in overall size compared to the original baseline. Unfortunately many times the skin does not have the ability to shrink to the original size and will stay expanded resulting in a larger skin brazier with same or even less fill than before resulting in "saggy" breast shape. With increased skin length from the breast fold to the nipple it moves the breast mound lower on the chest with less upper pole fullness. I hear many women call their breasts "sad" in appearance when they come in for consultation. Ok enough depressing thoughts… what can be done? If the skin is not excessively enlarged, the nipple-areolar complex is correct and the fold to nipple distance is not greatly elongated the solution can be to place a silicone gel implant to act as a shaper and a filler of the breast envelope restoring a pleasing breast shape. If the breast has a low positioned nipple-areolar complex, with or without increase skin length from the fold to the nipple-areolar complex, then a mastopexy (breast lift) is required. Often times tissue volume might need to be enhanced to provide better shape and upper pole fullness, thus an implant or fat grafting can be incorporated at the same time. Sometimes upper pole fullness can be accomplished by transposing extra breast tissue in the lower pole and positioning it on the chest wall deep to the rest of the breast to enhance fullness.
Hormones during pregnancy direct adaptive body changes that allow healthy growth of the baby but unfortunately create lasting changes to a women's body. The abdominal skin stretches and often can result in stretch marks (tears in the dermis with intact epidermis). Excess skin rarely retracts in these cases leading to hanging skin that drapes over the pelvis. Next the abdominal wall is distorted to accommodate the growing fetus resulting in separation of the paired rectus muscles leading to increased abdominal circumference with permanent bulges in the abdominal wall both above and below the umbilicus. This unfortunately cannot be reduced with abdominal exercise because the stretched fascia between the muscles is not contractile and will not respond to muscle strengthening. Additional weight changes with aging often can be manifested with increased abdominal girth from excess fatty tissue. So what can a Mommy Make-over achieve in the abdomen?
If skin quality is excellent and the abdominal wall is only minimally distorted often liposuction with the addition of additional energy sources such as ultrasonic energy (VASER), oscillating power hand-piece (PAL), or hydraulic power can result in removal of excess fat and create skin retraction/redistribution to improve contour. However, many women will need a full abdominoplasty with correction of excess fat with liposuction, removal of excess lower abdominal skin with tissue resection, and abdominal wall restoration by returning the rectus muscles together with a permanent suturing technique. This can result in excellent contour of the abdomen but you will trade the contour for a scar. I find most people are surprised how long the scar has to be to create the contouring necessary. Once acquainted with the results, most women will gladly trade a scar for the results of a flat smooth abdomen.
Back and Flanks:
Some women can realize their goals by correcting the anterior abdomen by itself. However many women if given the opportunity would love to three dimensionally correct their torso by sculpting their midback (bra line folds) and flanks (muffin tops) at the same time as their abdomens to circumferentially adjust their shape. This can make a tremendous change on how clothing can be worn and how the individual feels about themselves. Liposuction with either PAL or VASER makes a great deal of improvement by releasing all the ligamentous attachments between the back and flanks and the superficial skin (which results in rolls on the back) and allows even removal of fat and the skin to re-drape much smoother.
Some women naturally store adipose tissue in their lateral or medial thighs. Depending on the skin quality and the potential for the tissue to re-drape or tighten, fatty tissue can be sculpted just as on the back. Some have significant adipose tissue below the knee down to the ankle. I generally do not add the additional power source with liposuction in this area and have achieved good results.
Popular trends in body shape can change just like in fashion over time. The introduction of the Latin culture into the United States in conjunction with pop culture personalities have made the appearance of a full contour buttock something to aspire to. My preference for buttock augmentation is with fat grafting and not with a prosthesis. Utilizing concepts of tissue equilibration and liposculpturing we can remove unwanted fatty tissue, harvest it as a graft, and utilize the fat as a volumizer of the buttock- while improving the contour of the rest of the body. Women who have gained and lost weight may have loose sagging skin of the buttock and restoring volume can shape and lift the buttock with little or no scarring.
Women who are unhappy with their physical appearance after giving birth to one or multiple children can restore the body to a better place with a Mommy Make-over. To me this represents more than one area of the body to be rejuvenated simultaneously to make the woman feel refreshed and erase some of the "battle scars" of pregnancy so she can feel more confident in her appearance.
Breast Implant Exchange with Fat Enhancement
Breast Implant Exchange with Fat Enhancement
Amanda's first implants were placed by another surgeon approximately 15 years earlier
425cc anatomical saline implants were placed under the muscle
She was unhappy with the implant rippling, breast gap and muscle flexion distortion
Even under the muscle, the implants were still very visible as coverage was so thin
Being very lean also made her naturally wide breast gap seem even more prominent
Displacement and flattening of the implants occurred with every muscle contraction
Implants placed above the muscle would have resulted in more visibility due to less coverage
Implant placement under the muscle also created a wider breast gap visible in clothes
Rippling was more pronounced with saline implants especially when leaning forward
Amanda first presented to our practice 10 years earlier for her tummy tuck
Her satisfaction and trust allowed her to feel confident in having breast surgery as well
Correction involved removing the implants and restoring the muscle to its original position
Placing cohesive, gummy bear, anatomical, silicone gel implants in a new pocket above the muscle
Then filling the overlying skin envelope with fat grafts to add cover, volume and cleavage
Amanda is seen at her initial visit (left image) four years earlier with her original saline implants
The center photos show her four years after initial implant exchange to 350cc smooth, round, silicone gel implants (still under the muscle) with 50 cc of fat placed above
There was significant improvement but she still wanted to reduce the gap and muscle animation even more
As she was lean and also very athletic, she wanted complete muscle correction
Mentor MH 440 CC, anatomical, textured cohesive gel implants were placed over the repaired muscle
75 CC of fat was also placed into the overlying breast envelope for coverage, volume and contour
She is now seeing (right images) with her final results 2 months after implant relocation and fat transfer
The fat grafts have completely integrated and have the potential to last a lifetime
There are no visible or palpable irregularities and full natural breasts have been achieved
Amanda went from a C to her desired D cup and… she finally has cleavage
The animation deformity is completely corrected and a soft natural appearance is finally hers
Fighting Fifty
Fighting Fifty
Today, women in their 40's and 50's are looking younger than ever. We no longer look frumpy or matronly like many of our grandparents did at the same age. These days we have more choices than ever before to turn back the clock. I had an opportunity to sit down with Dr. Peter Fodor, an international expert in aesthetic plastic surgery and ask his thoughts about "Fighting Fifty". Click To Watch The Video
"The way I would think about fighting fifty, is fighting fifty and WINNING!" ~Peter B. Fodor, MD, FACS
It Begins with the Skin
"They need to exercise, they need to diet, they need to take care of themselves, and they need to use good skin care," says Fodor. He says good skin care, is critical for this age group. As you reach your 40's and beyond, you may be seeing dullness, uneven tone, rough texture, fine lines and some sagging in your skin.
Here's a basic check list of what you need to know about skincare as you reach your forties.
1. Gentle cleansing. Many women will experience drier skin as they age and need to switch to a more gentle cleanser that doesn't strip the skin. A few to try are Cetaphil and Purpose to be used morning and night.
2. For fine lines and pigment issues, start thinking about skin care with effective Look for a retinoid cream which works to resurface the skin and increase collagen in the dermis. They are best used at night and you may want to start out slow to avoid peeling and redness. Once your skin becomes more accustomed to the cream, you can increase the frequency.
3. Wear sunscreen every day. Your best choice is a broad-spectrum sunscreen which protects skin from UVA (aging rays) and UVB (rays that burn).
The Aging Eye
You may have heard, the eyes are one of the first areas of the face to show the aging process. The skin around the eye is thin and more susceptible to dryness and wrinkling. When the eye starts to sag it can create dark circles, bags and crow's feet. Dr. Fodor says, "The upper eyelids can really make people look much older than they are at times. It can be genetic; it can come with the family. But a blepharoplasty procedure can make people look fresher and a lot less tired."
Injectables for Immediate Results
If you really want to turn back the clock, "Botox and facial fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane work well," states Fodor. Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are neurotoxins for erasing lines in the upper face and around the crow's feet.
Facial fillers can replace volume loss in your temples, cheek area and the nasolabial folds. They can also help plump up your lips.
Hormones Play a Big Part in the Aging Process
Fodor explains that as we get closer to menopause our hormones change. When this happens, "certain parts of the body that were once harmonious to the rest of our body, may start to change. It can be in the hips, the knees and the stomach. Liposuction can be a great approach for these patients," says Fodor.
Fodor is quick to state, that the main message is for patients to take care of themselves. He says going in for an injectable or a surgical procedure that addresses the facial or the body part that you are most concerned about can bring about a rejuvenation that is as much physical as mental.
As with any procedure, make sure you go to a qualified board certified physician who is well-trained in their specialty.
What is a reverse abdominoplasty, and who needs it?
Reshaping the contour of the abdomen is frequently requested in my office consultations. The most common techniques are various forms of liposuction with or without an abdominoplasty. Another tool in our repertoire which can yield effective results is the "Reverse Abdominoplasty." The classic indications for a regular abdominoplasty is a torso which has loose excess inelastic skin of the lower abdomen, abdominal wall rectus muscle separation (diastasis), and varying degrees of excess fatty tissue. The technique eliminates the excess skin and fatty tissue in the lower abdomen, reconnects the rectus muscle together to tighten the abdominal wall, and excess abdominal fatty tissue can be reshaped with liposuction to provide a pleasing shape. A Reverse Abdominoplasty is chosen for the individual who has loose excess skin in the upper abdomen, who generally does not have a full diastasis which is affecting the lower abdominal contour, and may have excess fatty tissue in the lower abdomen without skin excess. The technique is to start with incisions that follow the lower breast fold then cross the lower sternum to connect both sides of the abdomen. These scars generally hide very well even in two piece bathing suites. The full thickness skin is elevated down the abdomen preserving the vital blood supply on either side of the belly button. If upper rectus muscles need to be tightened this can proceed. Any abdominal fatty excess can also be corrected with liposuction at this time. The elevated released excess abdominal skin can be addressed in several ways depending on the needs of the patient:
1. If a women who has the upper abdominal skin excess and also desires rejuvenation of the breast the excess elevated skin of the abdomen can be utilized as a self-augmentation under the breast to provide added fullness and shape. This is often done in conjunction with a breast lift (Mastopexy) and can avoid the need and expense of an implant. I have even performed this procedure with a woman who many years ago had bilateral mastectomies for breast cancer and we reconstructed her with implants. She had experienced some weight fluctuation and was becoming very active and requested the elimination of her breast implants but still desired a smaller breast to remain. We utilized a reverse abdominoplasty skin excess, removed the outer skin, and placed it in her implant space to fill the void and added tissue volume and shape provided with fat grafting harvested from her back, thighs, and lower abdomen giving her a smaller but still reasonable breast shape.
2. The Reverse Abdominoplasty could be incorporated as part of a treatment plan to tighten the upper abdominal contour. After the incision and elevation of the abdominal excess loose skin, the surgeon can remove the undesirable portion and fixate the remaining tissue to the rib fascia of the lower breast fold to avoid the scars from migrating inferiorly thus preventing the exposure of the scars on the upper abdomen. I have used this as a primary surgical procedure for women with loose skin of the upper abdomen that would not respond favorably to liposuction alone. I have also used this as a secondary procedure on women who have previously had an abdominoplasty with good results but over time the lower abdomen has maintained its results yet the upper abdomen has become loose and has excess as a result of weight changes, sun exposure, and of course gravity. The excess skin can be removed providing a nice tight appearance to the whole abdomen.
3. Another situation for the reverse abdominoplasty is for a women with loose upper abdominal skin combined with previous augmentation mammoplasty in which the implants have become mal-posed and have drifted inferior and lateral to the correct position. In this case the excess elevated tissue can be utilized as a autologous (meaning from your own body) soft tissue sling to help reposition and stabilize the implant similar to an Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) graft without the significant added cost of the product to provide long lasting results.
One of the aspects in my profession of plastic surgery I am most proud of is the innovative nature of the field. We take problem sets that patients present to our office and we create unique methods that achieve a sound result with the least amount of surgery and the lowest costs to ensure successful and happy patients. The Reverse abdominoplasty is an example of one of these off shoot procedures which fills a vital niche in my practice.
Center For Cosmetic Surgery: Todd Gerlach MD
4201 Torrance Blvd Suite 150
Torrance, CA 90503 - View Map
(310) 540-0144
Torrance Plastic Surgeon Todd Gerlach MD
How to be "Sun smart"
I love experiencing the sun and all the activities surrounding its presence such as boating, swimming, hiking, and cycling. My mood is immediately elevated witnessing its warm glow. Yes there are many benefits to the sun's rays such as stimulating the production of Vitamin D which is essential in calcium and bone metabolism as well as supporting the immune system. It chases away the blues of seasonal affective disorder and is essential for life. However there is a risk benefit ratio to being exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays. Following is a list of downsides to sun exposure.
1. The ultraviolet rays of the sun damages the DNA in our skin cells which can result in malignant transformation of cells such as basal, squamous, or melanoma. The latter can be lethal. Therefore minimizing the harmful UVB rays can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. Sun screen is not a one -time application for a whole day of exposure. It needs to be repeated at least every two hours or more often depending on water or perspiration which can reduce the effectiveness of the prevention. Sun damage is additive over a life time but taking breaks from the harmful rays can allow the tissue to heal and repair some of the mild DNA damage. Therefore year- long tanning such as tanning beds should be discouraged.
2. Exposure of both UVA and UVB rays will damage the elastin fibers in the skin permanently resulting in loose less compliant skin. This will result in the skin of the face, arms, breast, abdomen, thighs, and knees to hang and appear loose. No exercise will tone the damaged skin. Therefore protect your largest organ system, the skin, by shielding the sun with appropriate hats, clothing, and sun screen.
3. Splotchy color changes to the skin. With increased sun exposure the skin will upregulate melanin production resulting in pigmentation changes that are less than attractive and are extremely difficult to reverse.
4. Thinning of the dermis which can result in the appearance of capillaries giving a red appearance around the nose and cheeks.
Everyone wants to have that sun kissed glow to the skin. I wish I had a dollar for every time a women says tan fat looks better than pale fat. Just remember the list above and understand a large sun exposure that creates a nice tan for around a week or so causes a lifetime of damage that can result in potential skin cancer and many vexing maladies of the skin giving a marked aged appearance over time.
Fortunately if you have experienced the above sun damage we can help. A combination of good home skin care with Skin Medica products, chemical peels to remove damaged skin and remove pigmentation changes, and microneedling which can result in collagen induction and improved dermal thickness and skin tone. More educational BLOGS are available on our website.
Non-invasive Kybella may improve your neckline
Non-invasive aesthetic procedures have come a long way in the last ten years. The American Society of Plastic Surgery's yearly statistics continue to demonstrate strong demand for procedures such as neuromodulators (Botox and Dysport), and hyaluronic acid filler agents (Juvederm, Voluma, Restalyn). Recently, non-invasive contouring systems that perform the techniques of cryolipolysis, such as Cool Sculpting and radiofrequency skin-tightening Ultherapy, have emerged in the marketplace. Now Allergan has added Kybella to the mix as a non-invasive injectable material to dissolve fat under the chin.
The key to success with these treatments is consulting a comprehensive center that offers a full array of non-invasive and surgical options, and will direct you to the ideal treatment modality for your unique circumstances. Just as with any medical and surgical procedure, there are appropriate candidates and patients with contraindications.
The most important step to avoid dissatisfaction is to be evaluated by a physician who is properly trained to perform comprehensive evaluation and care for all patients with a particular aesthetic concern.
Board-certified plastic surgeons have the most comprehensive education and background experience to correctly evaluate your anatomy and determine which treatments will yield the best outcomes. The statement "if all you have is a hammer the whole world is a nail" rings true for medical spas and dermatologist offices which only have one option, such as Cool Sculpting or Kybella. Just because a treatment option is non-invasive does not mean it is inexpensive. If you factor in the cost of multiple treatments, it may be as expensive as surgery and still fall short of expectations.
When is Kybella the right choice?
With the current status of the injectable form of deoxycholic acid (Kybella) the ideal candidate must have reasonably tight skin with only mild to moderate adipose excess in the submittal and chin neck angle. The patient should not have a significant mandibular jaw discrepancy with the midface or have a particularly steep mandibular plain angle.
When is Kybella the wrong choice?
Any patient with lax skin of the neck or a significant deflation of the neck related to weight loss with demarcated platysmal bands is not a candidate. Taking away fat in this circumstance only worsens the deformity. Any patient with a deep underbite and a small chin with a very oblique chin-neck angle should also avoid Kybella. Deoxycholic acid is mostly created to dissolve fat but does produce some inflammation with the caustic material to encourage collagen production and skin retraction. Skin excess with an oblique chin neck angle and recessed chin will not yield overwhelming positive results.
Instead of Kybella, the better option is placement of a chin implant (genioplasty) with aggressive liposuction to encourage skin retraction. A middle facial third with significant skin excess and deflation combined with loose-hanging skin with platysmal bands is best treated with a corset platysmaplasty in conjunction with a neck/face lift.
Non-invasive aesthetic procedures can be a wonderful adjunct to helping people age gracefully with limited down time. Kybella in the right situation may improve necks and make people happy with the results.
Avoid being pushed into this option without a thorough three-dimensional analysis of your face to determine if it's right for you. Nothing is more frustrating than spending a great deal of money and not realizing your desired results. Even with surgery, some deformities may not be able to be corrected. Take advice from a board-certified plastic surgeon to maximize your goals and to feel good in your own skin.
Why less is more: the trend toward natural looking breast enhancement
Fashion trends change, and so do accepted ideals for body appearance. The influences of Latin culture on American norms have triggered an explosion in the demand for buttock enhancement with fat grafting, which was first popularized in Brazil. Another trend patients are requesting is a more conservative and natural looking breast enhancement. A recent survey in California found that women are not looking for an oversized breast enhancement and desire a more subtle appearance. This is a healthier choice for women to choose.
Due to the prevalence of evidence-based medicine and FDA demand for data on silicone gel breast implants, findings indicate that revision breast surgeries after a primary augmentation mammoplasty are as high as 25 percent. The main reason for these revisions is capsular contracture, but size change is a factor. Thanks to the work of Dr. John Tebetts, Bill Adams and Dr. Dennis Hammond, the concept of calibrating the correct implant size for a given individual based on breast tissue characteristics allows for customization and has reduced revision rates for surgeons who incorporate these findings into their practices.
The idea of putting the largest possible implant into a women's breast is fraught with potential complications including excess stretch on the tissues leading to thinning of the breast which may result in increased prominence of rippling of the implant, as well as mal-positioning of the device either laterally or inferiorly. This causes an unsightly aged appearance of the breast. The cost of revision can be high if treatment plans include the need for added soft tissue support utilizing acellular dermal matrices or a silk textile mesh to restore soft tissue support of the implants.
Today is a very exciting time in the field of augmentation mammoplasty, because we surgeons have a wide variety of shapes and sizes and silicone gel consistencies to choose from to provide customized results for our patients.
I strive to deliver a primary augmentation of the breast with a correct implant that is sustainable by the body to provide a long-lasting aesthetic result free of revision until the integrity of the implant has failed.
I think in terms of the height and width and projection of the breast independently and choose styles and shapes to match my patient's desired outcome. I never want people to say that all my breast augmentations look the same. Just as all faces are unique and different, so are breasts. I want to make an individual's breast look and feel as attractive as possible with long-lasting results. Proportionate breast enhancement is key to achieving these results.
Furthermore, now fat grafting can be performed simultaneously with implant placement, allowing surgeons to correct volume and shape asymmetries, as well as fill in spaces where an implant cannot be placed, such as the cleavage region and the chest wall/implant interface.
If you're considering an augmentation mammoplasty, take a look at a three-dimensional analysis imaging of yourself. Then discuss your tissue type and pre-existing breast tissue with your surgeon, who will devise a plan to make a customized result that will look attractive and proportional with your frame. A skilled board-certified plastic surgeon will choose an appropriate implant with or without fat grafting to highlight your own unique figure with long-lasting results.
New and Innovative Rhinoplasty Practices
Rhinoplasty is cosmetic facial surgery that's ordinarily done to further improve a person's physical appearance or to reconstruct their nasal area for health related purposes. A rhinoplasty surgery involves adjusting the cartilages and bones of the nostril , or sometimes tissue is added in order to maximize the cosmetic appeal. The surgery is also commonly executed to fix nasal fractures as well. If rhinoplasty is performed to repair someone's nasal fracture, the surgeon tries to recondition the nostril to its pre-injury condition. A related procedure often known as septorhinoplasty is done on patients that in addition have a nasal obstruction. Septorhinoplasty works to greatly enhance the look of the nasal area , but also stabilizes the overall structure and reduces any internal obstacles that might be blocking the patient's nasal breathing.
Any aesthetic worries and expectations you have needs to be completely discussed before rhinoplasty surgery treatment . The recommendations of your plastic surgeon along with any special limitations concerning the structure of your nose , skin , or face in general are essential to have thoroughly stated you. Make-up free snap shots are typically taken prior to operation to assist with both the preoperative and post surgery planning stage in order to document the results .
Make inquiries and express your concerns.
Finding a professional , qualified doctor to perform your rhinoplasty surgery should be your main priority when thinking of getting any type of cosmetic operation . ASAPS ( American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ) has recommended that each patient should ideally consider the following tips for best results :
• Consult at least 3 different surgeons before choosing one
• Be sure the cosmetic surgeon you choose is board certified
• Ask where your surgeon is privileged to legally practice to ensure his credibility
• Request to see before and after photos of previous patients
• Talk in-depth about the surgery as well as the results and recovery and any potential things that may possibly go wrong or happen unexpectedly
• Ask about the surgeon's rhinoplasty experience . How many has he done ?
• Does the surgeon have malpractice insurance ? If not , get up and leave
• Ask about the follow-up procedures
• Request to contact former patients about their own experience
• How much does the procedure cost ? What about insurance ?
The results of rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty results could possibly be minor or major , based on the type of modification you want done, but they are however permanent. It's very important that both you and your cosmetic surgeon are on the same page relating to the goals of your process. If you have realistic expectations and your plastic surgeon like Ernesto J Ruas MD FACS, the outcome will likely be very positive overall.
Breast Augmentation in Houston Texas with Dr Bruce Smith
Even though implants for larger size breasts have been available for many years, finding the right implant for your breasts is key to your success. Here are a few tips on how to pick the right breast implant. Most women want larger, firmer breasts and that is exactly what a breast implant can provide. Often a woman has the breast implants placed in the breast because the implant gives her the perfect shape.
Your breast may not have the perfect shape because of a health condition or surgery. A bigger breast implant can help. When breast implants are used in conjunction with natural breast tissue, they usually do the job and do it beautifully.
You need to understand how to choose the best quality breast implants. There are three main types of implants. The stereotactic, the implants that are the combination of other implants, and the implants that are normally just the implant. The implants that are the combination of other implants are usually the best ones to get.
The best permanent implant for a woman with implants implants that are the combination of another breast implant. This combination implant will give you the right shape that you want for a breast implant. If you have a very large breast implant but need to fit a larger one, then this combination implant will be your best choice.
You may have to have the implants placed at the same time as another surgery or even another surgical procedure. This is not a condition that can be predicted or treated. Sometimes the implant that you need will need to be replaced or repaired. Surgery is not always the best solution for all situations.
Surgery is usually a last resort option to help improve the shape of your breasts. It can work, but the cost and recovery can make it more expensive than just having implants made. Surgery does not always fix the problem completely and sometimes creates more problems.
There are many implants that are being used for a large variety of reasons. You will need to read the label carefully so that you know which implants are the right ones for you.
Women who have done a lot of breast exercises can have a lot of success with breast implants. Working out can help the body to more quickly get the body parts that you want.
Some health conditions will cause you to need a larger breast implant. It is best to get your doctor to help you find the right size of breast implant.
If you have doubts or questions about how to choose breast implants, ask your doctor for medical advice. There are many different sizes and shapes of implants. Your doctor can help you find the best one for you.
Finding the right size of breast implants can give you the confidence that you deserve. Choosing the right implants can be a quick and easy process.
Bruce K. Smith, M.D.
1315 St Joseph Pkwy #940
Houston, Texas 77002
Phone: (713) 659-2700
Cosmetic Surgery in Houston Texas
Closed Rhinoplasty to Narrow a Wide Nose
A rhinoplasty procedure can accomplish narrowing wide nasal bones with osteotomies according to Seattle plastic surgeon Dr William Portuese. The osteotomies allow the entire bridge line composed of the wide nasal bones and the corresponding wide upper lateral cartilages to be narrowed from their pre-existing wider position. After performing medial and lateral osteotomies in the nasal bones, a cast is applied across the bridge of the nose and is usually left intact for one week. Anticipate 2 weeks of visible bruising and swelling from the procedure itself. The sutures placed on the inside of the nose with closed rhinoplasty are all dissolvable. It's also important to make sure the tip of the nose balances with the new bridge line, so in many instances, some type of tip surgery may be required. To narrow the nasal tip requires a conservative cartilage removal or suture techniques called intra-domal or inter-domal sutures, which can narrow the nasal tip. It's important that all of the components of the nose including the nasal bones, upper lateral cartilages, and the lower lateral cartilages of the nasal tip balance with themselves. To narrow wide nostrils requires an alar-plasty, which can be accomplished with an incision at the base of the nostril sill for very wide nostrils, or an internal incision if the amount of narrowing is minimal. To close the alar-plasty incision usually requires 2 types of sutures to hold the incision together underneath the skin with dissolvable sutures and a meticulous skin layered closure so that the incision heals inconspicuously.
Many nose job procedures require a dorsal hump reduction. The dorsal hump is composed of cartilage and bone and it must be shaved down in order to remove it successfully. The removing of the dorsal hump creates an open roof, and a flat-top nasal deformity which also has the appearance of a very wide nose. Osteotomies of the nasal bones are definitely required for each time the dorsal hump is removed. Osteotomies performed on the nasal bones allow closure of the open roof deformity to give a very balanced nose. It's also important that the nose looks balanced from all angles, since it is a three-dimensional structure. Some patients also require small spreader grafts placed underneath a concave upper lateral cartilage once the dorsal hump has been removed. These grafts are placed through a small incision at the septal angle and inserted underneath the perichondrium and periosteum of the nasal septum to bolster and support the upper lateral cartilages and prevent them from falling inwards. Dr. William Portuese performs closed rhinoplasty to accomplish narrowing a wide nose under general anesthesia by a board-certified physician anesthesiologist. The procedure is performed in a state of the art in a Medicare Certified, Outpatient Ambulatory Surgery Center. The center is also a licensed by the Department of Health in Washington State and under the direction of Seattle plastic surgeon Dr William Portuese.
The bottom line on fat grafting for buttock augmentation
What is judged to be attractive in women's body contours changes just like fashion trends in clothing and makeup. The buttock area has reached new levels of interest thanks to the influx of the Latin culture from South America and pop culture's fixation on the shapely, self-absorbed Kadarshians. Surgeons on the cutting edge of buttock enhancement choose to use fat grafting instead of buttock implants to avoid some very difficult complications.
Thanks in part to Drs. Simeon Wall and Constantino Mendieta's contributions to the concepts of tissue equilibration and redistribution in body sculpting, fatty tissue can be removed from areas of excess and transposed to areas of deficiency. For example, we can take excess areas like the muffin top and the lateral thigh and place that fat into the under-projected gluteal areas. This creates the idealized hourglass shape of the lower back while framing the buttock from hipbone to the upper lateral thigh and provides volume enhancement to the gluteal region, which also provides a lifting effect. The results can be quite spectacular with limited downtime.
Of course you need to find a plastic surgeon with extensive experience in large volume fat grafting. Often times each cheek of the buttocks will receive as much as a liter of fat per side which is significantly more than what is put into the face, hands, or even breasts. Careful techniques of fat harvesting, fat isolation and reinjection is required to maximize the fat grafting take and the avoidance of nodules and fluid cysts. When performed correctly, the fat retention, which is placed into the buttock, should be around 70% long term. After approximately four months, any fat cell that remains should be a long survivor. Of course smoking can be a cause of less fat retention and should be avoided.
The art of fat grafting and the clinical success of fat transfer for body reshaping have outpaced the basic science of the procedure. Much basic science work needs to be done to better understand the biology of fat and wound healing as well as the actual effects of transference of peripheral stem cells as part of this procedure. However, it has been well documented that fat grafting is safe, has low complication rates in experienced hands, and is highly effective for providing volume and shape to a region of contour deficiency of any part of the body.
Plastic surgeons employ biologic tissue as our medium to create beautiful forms of living art. Fat is a wonderful way to sculpt the human body. It is truly like airbrushing imperfections in three dimensions.
Worried about skin rolls around your bra line? We got your back.
Many women are uncomfortable wearing form-fitting clothes, because the skin either above or below the bra line creates rolls detracting from the aesthetics of the female back. Unfortunately this can occur at any age. Spanx may hide the problem, but who wants to wear tight undergarments during warm weather months?
Causes: The skin of the back and shoulder must accommodate the wide range of motion of the shoulder girdle. When the arms are raised above the head, the skin in the posterior upper armpit region must stretch to avoid restricting this movement. Over time our skin begins to enlarge and increase in surface area, particularly in the posterior-axillary fold region tapering towards the tip of the shoulder blade. The skin lower in the armpit region and sides along the ribs does not require expansion, but a transitional line or fold can develop and become more pronounced with gravity causing a landslide effect of the skin above. The appearance is made worse with a restrictive band of the bra traversing this region thus forming the dreaded "bra strap fat roll."
Anatomy varies greatly depending on skin type and quality, body mass index (BMI), and age. In some cases, skin folds are very tight without a great deal of excess fat, but the skin excess is the issue. People with greater BMI scores may have a great deal of fat deposited in this region. The other extreme is the massive weight-loss patient who has very little adiposity but has a great deal of inelastic deflated skin, which hangs over the bra. Each of these types of patients requires different treatments to achieve a pleasing result.
Treatment options: If you have slight increases in fat deposits in your back with deep tight folds, the treatment of choice is suction-assisted lipectomy with the added energy source of either VASER-assisted suction lipectomy (ultrasonic energy), power-assisted suction lipectomy (PAL), which is a mechanical rotating blade effect built into the cannula, or HydraSolve, a heat and water pulsing technique that breaks down interstitial fibers surrounding the fat. All these approaches work by breaking down the ligamentous attachments between the back and the dermis of the skin combined with the inflammatory reaction of the surgical cannulas allowing a re-draping/redistribution of skin to tighten over the back and conform to the new contour.
In my opinion, the results of these techniques are superior to liposuction alone. Non-invasive body-contouring procedures such as cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting) have no mechanism to break down the fibrous insertions to the skin from the deeper fascia, thus no elimination of the tight fold lines will occur.
If you have an elevated BMI and increased adiposity of skin folds, you will also benefit from the above-mentioned techniques of added energy sources with liposuction, but a greater degree of fat removal is necessary. Increased fat volume requires a more cell removal. However, discretion must be utilized to prevent over resection that can result in loose hanging skin on the back.
For the massive weight-loss patient or the person who has a large amount of loose-hanging skin with or without added fat volume, a skin resection technique is often incorporated with a brachioplasty to correct hanging skin of the upper arms as well. My incision choice is a vertical resection of skin along the posterior axillary line angle, which is easily concealed.
If bra line skin or fat excess is detracting from the overall aesthetics of your back, you need a board-certified plastic surgeon to thoroughly evaluate your situation to determine the right treatment option to feel more confident in your own skin.
Rhinoplasty For Asymmetrical Nose
There are many issues in the nose that can create an asymmetrical appearance to the nose. A nose job procedure, also known as a rhinoplasty can accomplish making the nose look more symmetrical. There are a variety of techniques available to accomplish making the nose look much more symmetrical than it already is. As a surgeon, it is very important to evaluate what is causing the structural asymmetries underneath the skin soft tissue envelope. A closed or open rhinoplasty procedure can address mild, moderate, or significant asymmetries. With a closed rhinoplasty approach, all incisions are placed on the inside of the nose and dissolvable sutures fall out in about a week. If the nasal bones themselves are asymmetric and crooked, medial and lateral osteotomies of them are required with an osteotome to set them straight and parallel. If the upper lateral cartilages are convex or concave, they need to be adjusted as well. A convex upper lateral cartilage can be shaved down. A concave upper lateral cartilage will make the nose looked twisted in the mid-portion of the nose, and this is corrected with a spreader graft placement. The nasal tip cartilages are often asymmetric and they need to be adjusted as well. The mild asymmetry is adjusted with shaving down a thick lower lateral cartilage of the nasal tip, while a cartilage graft is placed on the thinner nasal tip cartilage on the opposite side. When significant asymmetry exists in the nasal tip cartilages, a full delivery with suture techniques is required to make the lower lateral cartilages of the tip look symmetrical. Asymmetrical nostrils can also be adjusted with an alar-plasty, and a columellar-plasty. A deviated caudal septum can cause the columella to be twisted as well. Dr. William A. Portuese is the medical director and founder of the Seattle Rhinoplasty Center, a Medicare certified, Washington state licensed, outpatient surgery center located in Seattle Washington.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon
If you live anywhere in California, you may want to go through the city of Santa Monica to check out its many cosmetic surgeons. Santa Monica has an extensive list of qualified cosmetic surgeons. Each surgeon has his own specialty. Having cosmetic surgery is common nowadays. Aesthetic surgery helps many people feel safer with how your body looks. With the improvements made with skin surgery, facelifts, liposuction and breast augmentation, either with the financial means can be as beautiful as they want.
If you need your excess fat removed or maybe have eyelid surgery, would surely find a skilled board certified plastic surgeon in Santa Monica who can do the job well. Cosmetic surgery is not a profession that suits everyone. To become a plastic surgeon, a good hand and an artistic eye and you need to perform the operation correctly. There are so many cosmetic surgeons in Santa Monica. At first, you may find it daunting and tedious to find the perfect for your needs. But all his time and effort worth it when it is found that qualified surgeon.
If you are considering having cosmetic surgery like breast augmentation, you should start research on exactly what type of surgery you need and what kind of results you want. Cosmetic surgery is extensive, apart from having a good surgeon; you must know what you want to achieve the desired results. Just for the internet alone, you should already find hundreds of plastic surgeon based in Santa Monica California. Prior to optimize your search, make sure you have checked their profiles and credentials. When it comes to cosmetic surgery, you should be as cautious as you possibly can.
Before making the final decision, it is worth making a trip to and visit their surgeons clinics shortlisted. Cosmetic surgery procedures and details are private you need to really have a good conversation with a surgeon. Furthermore, a surgeon and his staff can give you valuable information that can help in choosing a surgeon.
Neck Blog
Consider custom solutions for a sagging neckline
Necklines for both men and women can be a focal point of self-consciousness. However, the etiology of an unattractive neckline can be diverse, so treatment options must be tailored to the underlying cause. There is no one solution for everybody. Careful three-dimensional analysis of the soft tissue and underlying bony structure of the midface, lower jaw and neck are imperative to choosing the correct modality to improve your neckline.
Some common underlying causes of poor aesthetic necklines:
Small lower jaw – If you have a deep underbite despite orthodontics and a short chin, this leads to less bone support of the soft tissues of the jawline and submental region. People with this type of lower jaw may have a very obtuse chin-neck angle leading to redundant skin. An ideal treatment for this situation is bony chin advancement (genioplasty).
If your chin is horizontally too short, then an augmentation with a chin implant is an excellent choice. I prefer the Medpore implant, which is carvable, and screw fixated and becomes an extension of the bone.
Both genioplasty and chin implants can easily incorporate the technique of liposuction as a means of sculpting the soft tissues of the neckline by removing unwanted fat. Liposuction induces collagen production and facilities skin shrinkage and redistribution yielding a pleasing result. This combination therapy can produce a wonderful outcome that makes you look more facially balanced. However, if your skin is too loose and hanging, a more formal neck lift may be preferable to liposuction.
Mid face descent of soft tissues – Aging can affect facial fat compartments leading to decreased volume, which results in the midface falling over time. This sagging increases nasolabial folds and causes lower facial soft tissue to drape over the jawline. A crisper jawline can be restored by replacing missing soft tissue volume in the fat compartments of the midface with filler agents like Voluma and Sculptra or via fat grafting. Subtle volume enhancements can create a nice effect on the jawline without looking like you've undergone a surgical procedure.
Gravitational changes to the soft tissue of the neck – Gravity affects all of us. The skin and muscles of the anterior neck begin to pull away over time. The appearance of the platysma muscle medial bellies becomes apparent leading to unsightly banding. In the early stages of gravity-induced changes, treatments such as chemical peels, micro-needling and radio frequency can yield improvements and delay the inevitable soft-tissue sagging.
Ultimately the best treatment option is a face/neck lift. A well performed facelift by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon will yield excellent results with longevity of up to ten years depending on how well you age forward and take care of your skin, avoiding further sun damage.
Obesity: People with elevated body mass indices will accumulate increased fat throughout the body. The neck is no exception. Very mild amounts of fat excess with firm, good quality skin may realize improved contours with Kithera (an injectable product that dissolves fat in the neck). However, in my experience, few patients I evaluate are ideal candidates for this treatment. The injection results in inflammation, which can cause collagen production and skin remodeling, but most people need bigger guns to fight the battle. The price of several rounds of injections is as much as a true liposuction with less effective results.
If you have significant fat in the submental region and reasonable skin quality, liposuction can be a great treatment option to uncover a more normal neckline without a lot of expense or downtime. However, a face/neck lift with a corset platysmaplasty is the tried and true corrective option that works very predictably.
If you're obese and undergo bariatric surgery or make lifestyle changes to produce massive weight loss, you'll likely develop excess deflated skin that hangs off your face and neck creating an aesthetic deformity. Modifications of standard face and neck lifts must be incorporated to achieve a pleasing result.
The takeaway is that if you're unhappy with your jaw and neckline, you can improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence by seeking out proper consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. During the consult, a detailed facial analysis should be performed. Treatment options can be formulated to yield the best results by addressing your unique issues as presented during the interview. No need to hide your neck behind scarves and turtlenecks any longer.
Best Nose Job in Seattle – (206) 624-6200
Rhinoplasty : Cutting edge Techniques and What you really need to Be aware of
Rhinoplasty is cosmetic facial surgery that's commonly done to beautify a person's overall look or to reconstruct their nasal area for health related purposes . A rhinoplasty technique involves modifying the cartilages and bones of the nose area , or sometimes tissue is included order to strengthen the aesthetic appeal . The procedure is also commonly performed to fix nasal fractures as well . If rhinoplasty is carried out to repair someone's nasal fracture , the medical professional tries to recover the nose area to its pre-injury condition . A complementary surgery often known as septorhinoplasty is done on patients that additionally have a nasal obstruction . Septorhinoplasty works to strengthen the look of the nostrils , but also stabilizes the overall structure and eradicates any internal obstacles that might be blocking the patient's nasal breathing .
Exactly what does a rhinoplasty operation involve ?
Any cosmetic worries and expectations you have needs to be completely discussed before surgery treatment . The recommendations of your cosmetic surgeon along with any special restrictions concerning the structure of your nose , skin , or face in general are crucial to have thoroughly explained you . Make-up free photographs are typically taken prior to surgical procedure to assist with both the preoperative and post surgery planning stage in order to document the results .
Make inquiries and express your concerns .
Finding an experienced , certified doctor to perform your rhinoplasty surgery should be your primary priority when taking into consideration getting any type of cosmetic procedure . ASAPS ( American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ) suggests that each patient should ideally consider the following tips for best results :
• Consult at least 3 different surgeons before choosing one
• Be sure the cosmetic surgeon you choose is board certified
• Ask where your surgeon is privileged to legally practice to ensure his credibility
• Request to see before and after photos of previous patients
• Talk in-depth about the surgery as well as the results and recovery and any potential things that may possibly go wrong or happen unexpectedly
• Ask about the surgeon's rhinoplasty experience . How many has he done ?
• Does the surgeon have malpractice insurance ? If not , get up and leave
• Ask about the follow-up procedures
• Request to contact former patients about their own experience
• How much does the procedure cost ? What about insurance ?
The results of rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty outcomes could be minor or major , based on the type of correction you want done , but they are however permanent . It's very important that both you and your cosmetic surgeon are on the same page regarding the goals of your surgery . If you have realistic expectations and your plastic surgeon, the outcome will likely be very positive overall .
Fat Transfer
According to many websites gives an option to standard breast inserts for many women. There are two types of Natural Breast enlargement procedures; Fat transfer breast augmentation and Stem-cell breast augmentation. As the name suggests "fat transfer", the process involves removing of fat cells from any other part of the body (thighs or buttocks) and transferring it into the breasts. On the other hand, mature stem-cells from excess fat in the client's own body can be collected, and then injected into the breasts to be augmented, where they can generate more excess fat to enhance the breast naturally. Traditional breast augmentation isn't completely successful, while natural augmentation has many benefits such as, less complication and threats. Also, the recovery time of naturally augmented breasts will be shorter than standard augmentation.
Saline or silicone implants are trending for decades, as they are safe. However, we cannot ignore the drawbacks of traditional breast implants; No natural look, looks lethargic for some women, and non real feel. And, if the body is not responding to the implants, then the healing process will take much longer time. Some women experience deformation due to the implants, as they can slip out of the correct place. Most of the women desire naturally augmented breast; however, due to the unavailability or costlier process, they tends to choose traditional breast implants.
Natural breast augmentation has the least recovery time; Only 2 days, as there are no implants involved in the process. Naturally breast augmentation surgery carries fat or stem cells from the patient's body. Therefore, there are no risks associated with this type of surgery. This type of surgery is also helps in reducing unwanted fat from the thighs or buttocks, which is directly proportional to losing weight. This methodology doesn't influence the women's potential to get mammograms, not at all like traditional breast augmentation
Natural breast augmentation has many benefits but has a major drawback; Limited increase in breast size! Yes, Natural breast augmentation doesn't support the massive increase in size, so for those women who are looking for massive increase should not go with this type of surgery. However, one cup size can be easily increased with this procedure. This is the ideal surgery for women who are looking to restore their breast dull appearance due to aging, nursing, or pregnancy. The fat transfer process or stem cell augmentation can easily make breasts considerably rounder & firmer. Some women prefer a firmer as well as the rounder breasts instead of the breast size. Cosmetic surgeons like will not reject any type of breast augmentation surgery, so it is up to you; deciding which one is the best for your appearance and desire.
Are your upper arms fit for spring?
It's winter in East Tennessee, but I'm already looking forward to sunny blue skies with spring blossoms floating through warm breezes. Gone will be the heavy coats and long sleeves, replaced by sleeveless clothes and bare arms. If you're self-conscious about your upper-arm contour, then spring might not be your favorite season. No worries. Board-certified plastic surgeons like me are at your disposal to give you the confidence to be comfortable in your own skin and bare it all. No more hiding your arms when the temperature rises.
A successful arm-contouring plan depends your specific anatomy. What's your skin quality and quantity? Is there excess flesh with thin deflated tissue and inelastic skin? Or do you have reasonable skin quality with some increased adipose tissue and a thicker arm contour? Your personal medical history is important as well. Have you gained and lost significant weight or undergone bariatric weight-loss surgery? Do you have a history of large amounts of sun exposure with subsequent sun damage leading to a crepe paper-like skin tone?
The algorithm for management of the unacceptable upper-arm appearance starts with the question of excess skin. Particularly if there is thin deflated skin that is present the full length of the upper arm, a vertical brachioplasty is required. The advantage of this procedure is the ability to remove a great deal of excess skin along with aggressive liposuction to create a wonderful tight contour. The disadvantage is the vertical scar that runs in the posterior medial aspect of the upper arm. Generally speaking, the scar is not visible when someone is facing you or behind you with your arms in repose. The scar can be exposed when the upper arm is extended away from the center of the body.
I can say with great certainty that patients who have undergone massive weight loss, with or without bariatric surgery, would choose the scar over the skin excess any day. Of course, there can be shades of grey in terms of skin excess and laxity. Milder forms may be treated with judicious VASER-assisted lipectomy followed by a modified horizontal brachioplasty, in which the excess tissue is resected and advanced within the axilla (arm pit). Scars are only visible when the arms are elevated with a sleeveless shirt.
If there's no skin excess and the overlying skin is of good quality and there is contour excess related to an increased volume of fat in the upper arm, the VASER-assisted suction lipectomy is an excellent choice for sculpting the arms to a new contour. The manipulation of the dermis with the cannulas used to remove the fat via small openings in the skin placed in hidden areas of the arm leads to skin re-draping and shrinking. This redistribution creates firmer skin coverage of the arm leading to a nicer sculpted appearance.
What about Cool Sculpting (Cryolipolysis)? My answer is if there is only a very limited amount of excess fat and already tight skin it may work.
However, there is no mechanism with cryolipolysis to induce inflammatory reactions leading to collagen production within the dermis, which causes skin tightening unlike liposuction or micro-needling. My advice is to save your money for the real deal. Radio frequency may have a role in skin tightening, but the results don't warrant the investment in the expensive equipment, which certainly is passed down to the consumer.
The key to a good result or the avoidance of a disappointing outcome is good clinical experience by a knowledgeable board-certified plastic surgeon with the correct judgment to know which technique to employ to maximize results. Buyer beware when entering the multitude of medispas that exist today without competent medical supervision. Recently in the Atlanta area, an emergency room physician untrained in plastic surgery was performing liposuction in an office without hospital credentials and created injuries to the diaphragm and liver leading to the deaths of two patients. Vetting your physician before undergoing surgery can prevent tragedies like this.
Botox creates a paradigm shift for facial aging
Botox has certainly become part of our lexicon since the new millennium. When I was in medical school at Penn in the early 1990s, botulinum toxin was only something to be memorized in pathophysiology class as the virulence factor for the Clostridium bacterium that caused botulism. Later on, in residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, it was used in the treatment of involuntary muscle contractions and eyelid spasms. At the beginning of my plastic surgery fellowship in 1998, Botox was just beginning to be explored as a novel approach to facial wrinkles. The literature and the applications were still in the infancy when I started practice in 2001.
Fast-forwarding to the present, what would women and yes, men, do without this little protein for facial rejuvenation and the prevention of early aging? What started out as a means to control our "elevens" or "mommy frowns" has now blossomed into a method to actually sculpt the face by applying the knowledge of muscle anatomy to deploy Botox in the right areas to balance opposing muscles of the forehead, mouth, jaw and neck, creating pleasing facial postures.
Having been part of the rise and current use of Botox, I can testify that using this neuromuscular-blocking agent can improve your current appearance with regular use and also prevent or postpone the aging process of your face. Today many clients, particularly women, look at it as yet another maintenance activity like getting your hair and nails done.
Botox can be used to selectively weaken the central brow area to reduce horizontal lines in the forehead. It can also be used on the circular superficial muscle surrounding the eyelids to minimize lateral fine lines around the eyes. Applied properly, Botox can preferentially reduce the lateral eyebrow depressor muscles to allow unopposed lift of the lateral brow by the forehead muscle, weakening the fine lines around the mouth, correcting asymmetries of the mouth, and reducing the banding appearance of a thin neck.
While the results are limited to around three months without reapplication, nothing else can achieve these desired effects as well as prevent the future etching of these lines deeper into your skin.
However, when something becomes commonplace, people begin to feel comfortable with the product to the point that they may oversimplify the treatment process. This comfort level can lead to the misconception that anyone can deliver Botox safely and reliably. For optimal safety and efficacy, Botox should only be purchased from Allergan, the owner and developer of the product. The company will only ship to licensed physician offices.
Some people try to purchase Botox online from out of the country in order to save money, which may or may not be safe or effective. The FDA recently reported that fraudulent Botox packaging was being sold on the Internet. There have been deaths or seriously neurologically impaired events when patients got a different kind of botulinum toxin which was a much stronger concentration and resulted in overdoses.
It's my professional opinion that no one should receive Botox from an establishment that does not have a medical director who is intricately involved in the day-to-day practice of the office and has a firm command of the anatomy of the face and neck. I am baffled by the concept that dentists are now offering this service to patients as well. Having graduated magna cum laude from dental school prior to going on to medical school, I can emphatically state that dentists are not qualified to participate in these services. Botox is not inexpensive — why purchase it somewhere that might result in substandard results, not to mention nerve damage or death? The quality of the result is directly related to the skill level and knowledge of anatomy of the injector. Be good consumers and check the credentials of your provider. Caveat emptor.
Remembering my Mother on Mother's Day
"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." – Abraham Lincoln
During this time of Mother's Day, I try to take pause to remember how truly special my mother was to me growing up, contributing to who I am as a person and the meaning of unconditional love. She taught me to always think of others' needs before thinking of myself. Unfortunately her pupil, her son has continued to fall short of this standard, but she sure set my internal compass to keep trying.
She had such a sunny disposition, and her greeting to everyone was "Happy Day." Even one of my teachers growing up, who had a senior moment and could not remember my mother's name, called her "Smiley." In my childhood home right inside the kitchen door was a small chalkboard hung on the wall that said, "A kind word turns away wrath." I try to remember this during times of strife with others. Even with her passing almost 14 years ago, she remains a big part of me and although my words could not express how grateful I am to her, I hope she can feel content in all she accomplished here on Earth.
For those of you who still have your mother with you, please take the opportunity while you still can and give her a big hug and tell her you love her very much.
Happy Day.
Turn back the clock with facial volume restoration
As we age, the volume in our faces diminishes over time. However, in the right hands you can age gracefully and look as good as you feel for a long time, which is the goal I have for all my patients. Volume restoration of the face, as a part of an overall comprehensive facial rejuvenation algorithm, combined with skin resurfacing and tissue repositioning, can yield beautiful results.
The aging process causes fat volume reduction in the face. The fat in our faces is organized into discrete packages and, predictably, the fat found just below our cheekbone is one package which reduces in volume first. The combination of gravity and volume loss in cheek fat results in our faces changing shape. Our cheeks appear to decrease, and our skin drops. Cheek folds become more pronounced, creating the inevitable downward-turning at the corners of the mouth and contributing to the jowling effect in the lower jaw line.
Another area that can experience volume loss is the lateral forehead in the temple region, which results in the brows re-draping downward, causing a hooding effect and obscuring the upper eyelids. Still another indication important to women is the loss of volume of the lips and the relative loss of the three-dimensional appearance of the upper lip with increased vertical lines emanating from the red border.
The tear trough region around the lower eyelid can lose volume, regardless of your age, particularly if the eyelid fat pads are prominent with a relatively soft mid face projection.
All the above areas can be treated nicely with filler agents. The advantages of out-of-the-box filler agents is they can be used quite nicely with topical anesthetic agents in the office. There's relatively little to no bruising and no downtime. Many filler agents contain hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring agent in our skin that acts like glue to hold components of our dermis together. Denser material with lots of cross-linking can have a better effect of lifting tissue. Because of its dense properties, Voluma can last up to two years and is routinely placed in the area where the cheek fat packet decreases. This filler is used to lift the cheek back to a normal position, thus improving the cheek fold and the corners of the mouth.
Lips can be enhanced to normal volumes (not the duck lips that I see coming from various spas) to create a natural red lip border with the adjacent skin helping to eliminate the vertical lines. I also enhance the vertical pillars that span between the base of the nose and the cupids bow high points, which returns a three-dimensional appearance to the upper lip. I mostly utilize Juvederm for this area.
The tear trough deformity can be handled nicely with Restalyn or Juvederm to blend the eyelid cheek junction and smooth the appearance of the lower eyelid.
Volume restoration of the temples to return the brow to a more normal position can be best handled using a step-wise approach with Sculptra, which is an injectable form of a polymer of lactic acid. When introduced to the tissue, the lactic acid induces an inflammatory response leading to the formation of new collagen. The advantage of this material is that it can restore large areas of volume loss, which would be difficult with traditional filler agents. It also slowly builds up collagen and restores volume over a six-week period making your transformation less obvious to your friends and family.
Without question, the concept of volume restoration of the face as a part of an overall comprehensive facial rejuvenation algorithm has led to superior results compared to plans that did not include volume replacement. As with Botox, the overall value of the injection material is greatly dependent on who is administering the filler agent.
Poor technique can result in poor outcomes. I liken filler agents to sculpting materials for the face. You can put clay in front of a true artist who can transform this simple material into a work of art. An untrained eye with no sense of perspective or artistic skill will create very little value out of the raw materials. The same goes for these injectable products in the Wild Wild West of aesthetic services here in American and abroad.
Why are Plastic Surgeons uniquely qualified to perform facial analysis and rejuvenation
Board certified plastic surgeons have a very diverse training experience because we do not own a particular body part such as an Orthopedic or an ENT surgeon and we must be prepared to reconstruct or rejuvenate all parts of the body when the demand arises. Those who felt the calling to become plastic surgeons out of medical school realized their gifts and talents that could be offered to patients pertain to their unique skills of three dimensional thinking and artistic perspective to be able to see the problem and formulate a solution no matter how complicated the deformity exists.
I am troubled by the notion that patients think that facial filler agents, neurotoxins, LASERS, non-invasive contouring machines and other technologies or even surgery will work the exact same way no matter who is providing the services. I feel that Madison Avenue and corporate greed is mostly to blame because all aesthetic companies want to sell the product and place it in as many provider hands as possible to deliver their product to the masses. Many products can provide safe, and reproducible results in the right hands but in the untrained provider can result in injuries, poor outcomes and unhappy patients. None of these products are dirt cheap so why go to a clinician who is unable to critically analyze the face or body because of the lack of years of extended training. Remember if you can't see the problem correctly then you can't formulate a proper solution. My analogy for this situation is you can give a novice and a true artist the exact same canvas, paint and palate and ask each to create their masterpiece I hazard to guess there will be a distinct difference in outcome and quality. Why risk your face and body or your wallet to chance go to a true trained professional in aesthetic procedures. All providers are not created equal. Plastic surgeon have a unique training and perspective which I can assure you results in better outcomes.
As an example of why I feel uniquely qualified to analyze faces and what can be provided to achieve your aesthetic goals look to my experience as a craniofacial plastic surgeon who spent years mastering the art and science of the rehabilitation of the child with cleft lip and palate. It requires great understanding of the biology of the facial structures of bone, teeth, muscle, skin, fat, and cartilage and how growth and wound healing affects theses structure over time. Typically the child undergoes a lip and initial nose repair at three months of age with or without pre-surgical orthopedic repositioning of the bony segments. Followed by cleft palate repair at age six months to reposition the muscles that move the palate and close the hole between the nose and mouth. The third surgery to repair the cleft of the bone which house the teeth utilizing bone from the hip is performed somewhere around five to six years of age. After a period of six months then the cleft nasal repair is performed to balance the nasal tip with cartilage taken from the back of an ear. Additional surgeries may be required to improve speech function or revise the lip scar. We work closely with ENT's, speech therapist, orthodontist and pediatric dentist to achieve excellent results.
These principles have been engrained in me and I can apply this knowledge to improving your aging face both non-surgically as well as surgical repositioning of aging soft tissues, changing the shape of your nose, lips and other structures. Please see below pictures of representative cases of cleft lip and palate surgery I have performed over the years. If you have any questions and if you would like a consultation we me and my staff please contact me via our website.
Age three months prior to first surgery
Age Eight after four surgeries
Age three months
Age Eight after three surgeries
Age three months
Four months after presurgical repositioning of upper jaw and bilateral lip repair
Common Questions patients have about post-bariatric body lift procedures
1. Will a lower body lift fix all my problems that concern me after massive weight loss?
The surgery of the lower body lift is a constellation of several procedures rolled into a single anesthesia event. It amalgamates an abdominoplasty with a lateral thigh lift, a lower flank-plasty, and buttock augmentation with the patient's tissue derived from the flanks to give a shapelier appearance that is not flat and amorphous. Many people who have experienced the loss of over one hundred pounds have many areas troubling to the patient beyond the mid and lower torso. These individuals have redundant hanging skin of the arms and medial thighs, significant aesthetic deformities of the breast, and often premature aging of the neck and face. These above mentioned areas are addressed with additional procedures performed separately such as a breast lift with or without a brachioplasty (arm lift), medial thigh lifts, and face- neck lifts. Patients also typically inquire about the order of the procedures and I often state I prefer to perform the lower body lift first to establish the "Keystone " area of the torso and then I can better make aesthetic judgements about the breasts and thighs with respect to the shapelier proportion of the new torso.
2. Will I spend the night in the hospital after the lower body lift?
Although the lower body lift with all its components takes about 7.5 hours of anesthesia time, The Lucas Center of Plastic Surgery's protocol is for an outpatient surgery status. People seem amazed at this concept. My explanation is a hospital is for sick patients who require monitoring of unstable vital signs, severe pain requiring IV pain management, the inability to take oral consumption of fluids and nutrients, or the requirement of IV antibiotics. After this very significant surgery we have done very thorough evaluation of what is required to make a patient comfortable, safe and recover in an expedited manner. First of all the surgery utilizes a technique supplemented with tumescent anesthesia which provides local anesthesia with a blood vessel constrictor (epinephrine) which results in a very limited amount of blood loss eliminating any risk of unstable vital signs postoperatively. We also ensure adequate pain management with the combination of a long acting local anesthesia pump to control pain along with narcotic analgesia. There are no limitations on what you can or can't eat afterwards. At home pain medications can be dispensed as needed, as compared to a busy hospital when your pain control may be limited by the availability of the nursing staff. Home limits the risk of hospital acquired infections which can occur on the nursing floors. Lastly one of the biggest safety measures is the prevention of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary emboli. Early ambulation even the night of surgery is one of the most important factors along with chemo-prophylaxsiswith Lovenox which can be easily administered at home. In the hospital ambulation is once again limited by the nursing staff availability and can result in almost no mobilization the night of surgery or beyond. In conclusion home is the best place to be after this operation.
3. What are the things patients will be responsible for after surgery?
A patient will wake up in a compression garment that helps to limit swelling and support the abdomen. Four drains will be placed during surgery to reduce fluid collections on the abdomen, flanks and lateral thighs. This will require some care to encourage fluid drainage and the patient or the care giver must measure the output to determine when the drains can be removed. All incisions are closed deeply with resorb able sutures with a layer of a glue –like substance over top so no incisional care is required for two weeks. The patient may shower the first post-operative day. The most comfortable position to rest is in a reclined position to reduce the tension on the abdominal closure.
4. When can I resume normal activities and exercise?
This is a very significant operation which can result in a whole new lease on life by liberating the patient of the imprisonment of the excess hanging skin of the torso. However this comes at a cost of being quite sore and requires subsistence living for about two weeks. After this time many of the inflammatory chemical released by the body as a result of surgical trauma have cleared and most people begin to feel significantly better and are able to resume a more normal life. To feel completely normal it takes around six weeks which is also the time frame to return to regular exercise.
5. What are lifestyle loans? Can they be utilized to finance these procedures?
Lifestyle loans are now becoming more popular and several institutions such as Credit Unions and banks in Knoxville, Tennessee offer loans for cosmetic surgery procedures up to $10,000 with rates as low as 9.20% APR for up to forty eight months. This is substantially more attractive than other popular finance plans to help finance larger procedures such as body contouring after bariatric surgery. Please contact your local bank or credit union for more details.
Most commonly requested plastic surgery for men in my practice
In my practice the majority of my consultations and surgeries are on women. But over the past few years I have seen an increased demand of men requesting surgeries as well. Some of this may be related to baby boomers who have taken good care of themselves and desire to look as good as they feel. Other men don't want their wives to look better than they do after they have been undergoing facial rejuvenation procedures so they request surgery as well.
1. Blepharoplasty: Eyelid rejuvenation
Just as women often show signs of aging around the eyes so do men. The phrase "the eyes are the window to the soul" may well be a true but I would also add the statement the "eyelids are the window treatments through which you see the soul." Loose hanging furrowed skin, lateral brows that hang over the upper eyelids, and bulging fat pads below the eyelids with accentuated tear troughs put forth the image of fatigue and loss of vitality often resulting in friends and colleges asking if you are tired and are you getting enough sleep. Fortunately surgery to restore the upper eyelids to a crisp appearance with correction of any eyelid droop can be a game changer. The lower lids can be rejuvenated by removing excess fat with reposition this tissue over the cheek to eliminate the tear trough combined with skin and muscle tightening provide a fresh and vibrant appearance. This can be an important not only in social situations but also how a person is viewed in the workplace.
2. Neck lifts
Do you look in the mirror and say to yourself I hate this turkey neck? Is buying dress shirts getting more difficult to find that are comfortable with ties? Despite not gaining weight do you look heavier in the face? If the answer to all these questions is yes a consultation for a neck lift may well be a beneficial idea that is not just for vanity. Ideally a man should have a strong jaw line and a crisp chin neck junction. Having hanging skin with or without fat excess that obscures the jaw line certainly can put forth the image of premature aging of the individual beyond his chronologic age. A neck lift can be a valuable tool to restore your appearance and convey youth and energy without changing your overall appearance or giving an odd appearance. The surgery is very predictable in the hands of a board certified plastic surgeon and is an outpatient procedure with very little pain. Most people can be comfortable in social situation in two weeks.
3. Rhinoplasty (Nose surgery to reshape the appearance)
Proportionality is everything. If you are unhappy with the shape of the nose or how it blends with the rest of the face then request a plastic surgeon to perform a facial analysis of you. If the nose seems big maybe the lower face is out of place such as a small lower jaw or chin. Often times I will perform a chin augmentation with a rhinoplasty to provide a harmonious facial appearance. Nose surgery requires finesse and a keen understanding of the anatomy of the many subunits of the nose. The key is to provide shape without feminizing the male nose. This is also a rather easy surgery to recover from and the patient can return to work within a week usually.
4. Chin augmentation with or without an implant.
As mentioned above the facial subunits should all be proportionate to each other. If the lower jaw projection is limited by lack of growth it can portray a weaker jaw with less of a masculine appearance. By using the correct judgement a plastic surgeon can provide an enhanced projection with the combination of either an implant or repositioning of the bone in combination with liposuction of the jaw line to create a sculpted jaw which projects strength.
5. Liposuction of the abdomen and flanks
If you look in the mirror and the phrase "dad bod "screams out… liposuction maybe something to entertain. An important fact to remember is liposuction with its many variations is a contouring tool not a weight loss technique. I strongly encourage anyone who is considering body contouring should first consider diet and exercise first. If after some toning in the gym and normalized weight you are still unhappy with the shape of your body then liposuction may be a reasonable adjunct to improve the appearance. The abdominal area can be shaped as well as the flanks reduced to provide a sleeker frame. It's a safe surgery that is easily recovered from and normally patients can return to work in a day or two. Final results take between six weeks and two months to observe the full effect of the reshaping.
6. Gynecomastia repair (Man boobs correction)
If you have excess fat and skin of the breast which can also affect the size and shape of the nipple-areolar complex this can project a very feminizing effect of the male chest. In my experience I have been very happy with the results of the combination of VASER liposuction (ultrasound assisted liposuction) with direct excision of any sub-areolar glandular elements with or without areolar reduction to achieve a masculine chest. This can be a very disturbing condition for a man of any age particularly in the teenage years. We see a bimodal distribution of people seeking treatment; those of the teenage years and men in their late forties and fifties who are seeking help to restore the loss of tone of the chest area.
Plastic surgery has continued to evolve in its perception ever since its creation after World War I. Aesthetic surgery was once viewed as taboo or something to hide because it was perceived to be too self-indulgent, now has become more common place and in the minds of many its presence is look upon as main stream. I think this evolution of societie's views is related to the strong work of The American Society of Plastic Surgery, and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery to ensure that board certified plastic surgeon are well trained and perform safe and predictable surgeries that patients seek and desire with excellent outcomes. Also our population is living longer with better quality of life and people are remaining active and engaged and wish to look as good as they feel and are no longer shy about requesting procedure to keep them looking their best.
Remembering my Mother on Mother's Day
"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." – Abraham Lincoln
During this time of Mother's Day, I try to take pause to remember how truly special my mother was to me growing up, contributing to who I am as a person and the meaning of unconditional love. She taught me to always think of others' needs before thinking of myself. Unfortunately her pupil, her son has continued to fall short of this standard, but she sure set my internal compass to keep trying.
She had such a sunny disposition, and her greeting to everyone was "Happy Day." Even one of my teachers growing up, who had a senior moment and could not remember my mother's name, called her "Smiley." In my childhood home right inside the kitchen door was a small chalkboard hung on the wall that said, "A kind word turns away wrath." I try to remember this during times of strife with others. Even with her passing almost 14 years ago, she remains a big part of me and although my words could not express how grateful I am to her, I hope she can feel content in all she accomplished here on Earth.
For those of you who still have your mother with you, please take the opportunity while you still can and give her a big hug and tell her you love her very much.
Happy Day.
Turn back the clock with facial volume restoration
As we age, the volume in our faces diminishes over time. However, in the right hands you can age gracefully and look as good as you feel for a long time, which is the goal I have for all my patients. Volume restoration of the face, as a part of an overall comprehensive facial rejuvenation algorithm, combined with skin resurfacing and tissue repositioning, can yield beautiful results.
The aging process causes fat volume reduction in the face. The fat in our faces is organized into discrete packages and, predictably, the fat found just below our cheekbone is one package which reduces in volume first. The combination of gravity and volume loss in cheek fat results in our faces changing shape. Our cheeks appear to decrease, and our skin drops. Cheek folds become more pronounced, creating the inevitable downward-turning at the corners of the mouth and contributing to the jowling effect in the lower jaw line.
Another area that can experience volume loss is the lateral forehead in the temple region, which results in the brows re-draping downward, causing a hooding effect and obscuring the upper eyelids. Still another indication important to women is the loss of volume of the lips and the relative loss of the three-dimensional appearance of the upper lip with increased vertical lines emanating from the red border.
The tear trough region around the lower eyelid can lose volume, regardless of your age, particularly if the eyelid fat pads are prominent with a relatively soft mid face projection.
All the above areas can be treated nicely with filler agents. The advantages of out-of-the-box filler agents is they can be used quite nicely with topical anesthetic agents in the office. There's relatively little to no bruising and no downtime. Many filler agents contain hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring agent in our skin that acts like glue to hold components of our dermis together. Denser material with lots of cross-linking can have a better effect of lifting tissue. Because of its dense properties, Voluma can last up to two years and is routinely placed in the area where the cheek fat packet decreases. This filler is used to lift the cheek back to a normal position, thus improving the cheek fold and the corners of the mouth.
Lips can be enhanced to normal volumes (not the duck lips that I see coming from various spas) to create a natural red lip border with the adjacent skin helping to eliminate the vertical lines. I also enhance the vertical pillars that span between the base of the nose and the cupids bow high points, which returns a three-dimensional appearance to the upper lip. I mostly utilize Juvederm for this area.
The tear trough deformity can be handled nicely with Restalyn or Juvederm to blend the eyelid cheek junction and smooth the appearance of the lower eyelid.
Volume restoration of the temples to return the brow to a more normal position can be best handled using a step-wise approach with Sculptra, which is an injectable form of a polymer of lactic acid. When introduced to the tissue, the lactic acid induces an inflammatory response leading to the formation of new collagen. The advantage of this material is that it can restore large areas of volume loss, which would be difficult with traditional filler agents. It also slowly builds up collagen and restores volume over a six-week period making your transformation less obvious to your friends and family.
Without question, the concept of volume restoration of the face as a part of an overall comprehensive facial rejuvenation algorithm has led to superior results compared to plans that did not include volume replacement. As with Botox, the overall value of the injection material is greatly dependent on who is administering the filler agent.
Poor technique can result in poor outcomes. I liken filler agents to sculpting materials for the face. You can put clay in front of a true artist who can transform this simple material into a work of art. An untrained eye with no sense of perspective or artistic skill will create very little value out of the raw materials. The same goes for these injectable products in the Wild Wild West of aesthetic services here in American and abroad.
Why are Plastic Surgeons uniquely qualified to perform facial analysis and rejuvenation
Board certified plastic surgeons have a very diverse training experience because we do not own a particular body part such as an Orthopedic or an ENT surgeon and we must be prepared to reconstruct or rejuvenate all parts of the body when the demand arises. Those who felt the calling to become plastic surgeons out of medical school realized their gifts and talents that could be offered to patients pertain to their unique skills of three dimensional thinking and artistic perspective to be able to see the problem and formulate a solution no matter how complicated the deformity exists.
I am troubled by the notion that patients think that facial filler agents, neurotoxins, LASERS, non-invasive contouring machines and other technologies or even surgery will work the exact same way no matter who is providing the services. I feel that Madison Avenue and corporate greed is mostly to blame because all aesthetic companies want to sell the product and place it in as many provider hands as possible to deliver their product to the masses. Many products can provide safe, and reproducible results in the right hands but in the untrained provider can result in injuries, poor outcomes and unhappy patients. None of these products are dirt cheap so why go to a clinician who is unable to critically analyze the face or body because of the lack of years of extended training. Remember if you can't see the problem correctly then you can't formulate a proper solution. My analogy for this situation is you can give a novice and a true artist the exact same canvas, paint and palate and ask each to create their masterpiece I hazard to guess there will be a distinct difference in outcome and quality. Why risk your face and body or your wallet to chance go to a true trained professional in aesthetic procedures. All providers are not created equal. Plastic surgeon have a unique training and perspective which I can assure you results in better outcomes.
As an example of why I feel uniquely qualified to analyze faces and what can be provided to achieve your aesthetic goals look to my experience as a craniofacial plastic surgeon who spent years mastering the art and science of the rehabilitation of the child with cleft lip and palate. It requires great understanding of the biology of the facial structures of bone, teeth, muscle, skin, fat, and cartilage and how growth and wound healing affects theses structure over time. Typically the child undergoes a lip and initial nose repair at three months of age with or without pre-surgical orthopedic repositioning of the bony segments. Followed by cleft palate repair at age six months to reposition the muscles that move the palate and close the hole between the nose and mouth. The third surgery to repair the cleft of the bone which house the teeth utilizing bone from the hip is performed somewhere around five to six years of age. After a period of six months then the cleft nasal repair is performed to balance the nasal tip with cartilage taken from the back of an ear. Additional surgeries may be required to improve speech function or revise the lip scar. We work closely with ENT's, speech therapist, orthodontist and pediatric dentist to achieve excellent results.
These principles have been engrained in me and I can apply this knowledge to improving your aging face both non-surgically as well as surgical repositioning of aging soft tissues, changing the shape of your nose, lips and other structures. Please see below pictures of representative cases of cleft lip and palate surgery I have performed over the years. If you have any questions and if you would like a consultation we me and my staff please contact me via our website.
Age three months prior to first surgery
Age Eight after four surgeries
Age three months
Age Eight after three surgeries
Age three months
Four months after presurgical repositioning of upper jaw and bilateral lip repair
Plastic Surgery Cost Michigan
Plastic Surgery Cost Michigan
I would like to address a question that is commonly asked in our practice that relates to pricing. We often have patients who call asking for a specific price for a procedure or service that we provide – and although we would like to provide this information in most circumstances its very difficult to do. There are so many variables involved in pricing such as length of surgery, anesthesia costs, facility costs, and even variables among patients. In some cases such as breast augmentation we can provide a range for which a patient can be given information about the general costs. However, in other situations such as fat grafting to the breast or butt for example this can be more challenging. Each patient is different. So depending on the areas that we might transfer fat for example or the amount that we use or any other variables that can impact the length of surgery – these can have an impact on how long the surgery will take and reflect upon the final cost. This can be challenging of course and we want you to call the office to ask specific questions and ultimately we invite you to come in to a full consultation and evaluation whereby we can fine tune each procedure that meets your specific needs and therefore give you a more accurate pricing in the end.
Fat grafting versus filler agents: which is best for facial volume restoration?
For many years, facial rejuvenation was limited to skin resurfacing with lasers and peels, and various surgical soft tissue repositioning procedures. However, our options have expanded with the understanding of muscle relaxation via neurotoxins such as Botox, and the evolution of our knowledge of how fat atrophy in the face leads to stereotypical architectural changes with aging. Plastic surgeons can now add volume to refresh the face. In order to achieve a youthful but natural appearance for my patients, I use a combination of muscle balancing, skin resurfacing and tightening as well as volume restoration. Ultimately, when the battle of gravity versus skin plays out over time, surgical repositioning is required.
Let's examine the question of how best to restore volume in the face.
One option for facial volume restoration is off-the-shelf materials such as hyaluronic acid, in various structural manifestations, as a direct filler. Another option is a polymer of lactic acid (Sculptra), which acts as an inflammatory material inducing collagen synthesis to create a guided tissue volume additive over time. Both are easily administered in the office without any donor site pain or bruising. While these procedures are easy and safe, it takes experienced hands, eyes and judgement to achieve the best outcomes. Results can be expected to last up to two years.
Fat grafting is another source of filler material to restore volume to the face. Fat is easily harvested from the abdomen or the thighs to use in the face. The technique is a gentle form of liposuctioning which then requires a minimal amount of processing followed by reinjection into the desired locations. In the office setting under local anesthesia, patients may not enjoy some of the pressure sensations required to obtain the fat. In an effort not to injure the fat and to prevent fat from being injected into vessels, blunt cannulas are utilized to place the cells into the tissues. This technique causes some degree of pressure sensation as oppposed to a sharp small needle, which can inject off-the-shelf fillers. The advantage of fat is that it is cheaper to obtain than manufactured materials. In most cases, there is a relatively unlimited supply. Furthermore, peripheral stem cells may direct cellular differentiation leading to improved tissue quality.
Fat versus fillers
Fat is certainly more technically demanding and unforgiving. For injections around the eyes to smooth the eyelid cheek junction, I prefer hyaluronic acid. When injected smoothly with appropriate application, no lumps or bumps should occur. In the lips, when I am working to recreate vertical ridges of the phyltral columns of the upper lip and "Cupid's bow" points as well as a nice rolled margin of the lip, I prefer hyaluronic acid, because it is the consistency of caulking material and can provide shape. Fat is soft, and does not exert force on the skin in the same way as fillers. However, recent research from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center demonstrates excellent results of restoring large volume loss of the upper lip beyond the vermillion by placing fat cells in a broad area making the loose skin less apparent.
With regard to the common area of deflation of the sub-malar fat pad in a non-surgical case, I prefer the highly crosslinked stiff material of Voluma which does an excellent job of re-supporting the facial structures to a more youthful position. If I am already performing a surgical case of a face or neck lift, I always add volume to the face prior to elevating the tissue; this is when I choose fat, because of the ease of harvest and injection under anesthesia. Some thin women may show very demarcated loss of volume in the temple area giving the face a skeletonized appearance around the eyes and making the brows seem to sag. This is an excellent indication for Sculptra. If the volume loss exceeds several vials worth of Voluma in the sub-malar fat pad per side, I also prefer to use Sculptra.
Fat grafting is an evolving technique in plastic surgery. Every industry conference has a significant discussion about the techniques and the science behind the results with just about every region of the body applicable to its uses, including face, breast, hand, buttock and other contour deformities. For the early stages of facial rejuvenation, which can occur in the third decade of life and beyond, much of the volume restoration is performed with off-the-shelf filler agents in an office setting due to ease and convenience.
It's a case-by-case decision.
So when do you use fat versus fillers? It depends. It's a case-by-case decision to determine the best protocol for each patient. I take a customized approach from the consult to the procedure, based on my unique skill set and my years of experience and training. My goal is to provide the absolute optimal results for each of my patients and to cultivate a lifetime relationship.
What can a comprehensive plastic surgery center offer to men?
Plastic surgery for males is a relatively new phenomenon. Historically, men have viewed this venue of services as mostly for women. My father's generation was not working out in gyms and drinking protein shakes to stay healthy and active in middle age and beyond. Undeniably, the aging baby boomer population refuses to be defined by chronologic age and embraces the concept of wanting to look as good as you feel. With this is mind, why let women have all the resources to age gracefully and look young and vibrant? Men can now maintain a youthful appearance proportionate to our level of health and to our significant others.
What services are available to men?
Skin care: The concept may seem too metrosexual at first glance, but there is a health benefit as well. Sun exposure has a cumulative effect, which damages the outer skin, and dermis making the skin look dry and leathery. Loose, inelastic skin coupled with blotches of dark pigmentation makes the skin appear older than chronologic age would suggest. This is also a set up for skin cancers. Skin care may include skin resurfacing with peels to remove the damaged skin along with micro-needling to induce collagen production and improve skin tightening to provide a much-improved appearance and reduce the potential risks of skin cancers.
The use of Botox, which will weaken the overactive muscles between the brows and around the eyes, can prevent the deep furrows of the skin thus smoothing the appearance. This agent can be employed to hide some of the muscle bands in the neck as well.
Filler agents, such as Voluma, can be easily injected into areas of programed fat atrophy which occurs in aging and results in the cheek falling causing accentuation of the cheek folds and may produce hanging on the jaw line. Voluma, which is a highly crosslinked stiff hyaluronic acid filler, can manage to lift the cheek without making the face look fat.
Rhinoplasty: This is the art and science of the interactions of skin, bone and cartilage of the nose to provide an aesthetically appealing appearance with normal function. Rhinoplasty is a very meticulous surgery with the goal of providing a balanced appearance between the various components of the nose as well as creating harmony with the rest of the face. This surgery can provide a real boost to someone's appearance and self-esteem.
Gynecomastia: This is a condition in which the male breast increases in size with fibro-glandular tissue mixed with added volume of fat giving it a feminized appearance. Gynecomastia can occur at any age creating self-conscious situations both with and without clothing. Fortunately the correction is very straightforward and very predictable. We recommend the use of ultrasonic energy mixed with traditional liposuction to facilitate fat and fibro-glandular removal of tissue to sculpt the breast back to a masculine appearance. There are occasions when direct excision of tissue directly under the nipple-areolar complex is necessary in addition to the liposuction to achieve the desired results, but the scaring in minimal. Without question a very power surgery that gives wonderful results.
Lipo-sculpturing: Unfortunately diet and exercise can't cure all problems with the contour of the abdomen and posterior flanks. With metabolism changes, even a meticulous healthy eater with an active lifestyle can still experience abdominal bulges and flank adiposity. For patients with good skin quality without a great deal of skin excess, liposuction can provide a means of sculpting the torso to give a more pleasing shape and enhance confidence with and without clothes. The surgery is generally not that difficult to recover from, and results can be effective.
Eyelid rejuvenation: Do people say you look tired? Do your lids hang over your eyes giving the appearance of sleepiness? Do you have puffy lower eyelids giving you a less vibrant persona? Then you may want to consider eyelid surgery to give you a refreshed look. It's been said that the eyes are the windows into the soul; so don't have outdated window treatments. The surgery is mildly uncomfortable with swelling being the biggest issue related to return of feeling comfortable in social situations. Careful consultation with your surgeon is required to avoid complications depending on the anatomy of your eyelids. People will notice the refreshed look after the recovery has taken place.
Neck rejuvenation: A hanging neck with loose skin and excess fat can give the appearance of an aged and out-of-shape individual. It may also project being overweight. Depending on the degree of tissue excess and skin quality, this may be correctable with liposuction alone. However if the skin quality is poor and there is the presence of muscle bands in the neck, a true neck lift will be required. This surgery can take an old-looking neck and transform it to a smooth crisp neckline with well-defined jaw contours. Neck rejuvenation can take years and pounds away from how you look.
Look as good as you feel in 2016
So you work out, eat smartly and watch your calorie consumption but your face looks tired, and you look older than you feel. Trust me, you're not alone. The good news is something can be done that is predictable and sustainable to make you look and feel better about your face.
The key to success is a thoughtful facial analysis, which evaluates your bone structure, muscle activity, soft tissue volume, skin quality and the position of your forehead, brows, eyelids, cheeks and neck. I approach a patient's face much like an engineer with a sculptor's artistic eye. I create a problem set followed by a detailed treatment plan, tailored to each of my patient's wishes and financial parameters.
Treatment plans often include skin quality improvement with techniques such as serial chemical peels and micro-needling. Please see previous blogs on these therapies on my website. If excessive muscle activity leads to a harsh appearing forehead and brows, muscle modulation with Botox can be an excellent approach.
Looking at the upper third of the face, I evaluate brow position with respect to the bony orbital rim and its relationship with the upper and lower eyelids. On women you want the brow to be above the orbital rim with the outer third being elevated compared to the inner 2/3 of the brow. Heavy hanging brows make the eye aperture appear small and tired.
Another important factor in evaluating the upper eyelids is eyelid ptosis (the muscle mechanism which elevates and maintains resting tone of the upper lids). Eyelid ptosis must be addressed with the blepharoplasty to prevent a tired sleepy appearance despite correcting the fat pads and excess skin.
The lower eyelids must be evaluated carefully in comparison to the bony anatomy surrounding the eye and the supporting structure of the lateral canthus, which anchors the eyelids to the lateral bony orbit. Great care must be taken if you have a prominent eye compared to your cheeks and have deficient lower eyelid vertical skin coverage. Weak lateral canthi can result in disastrous results with excessive eye exposure leading to pain and visual disturbance.
Finally, the lower eyelid cheek junction must be inspected. A large tear trough and bulging fat pads can detract from a youthful appearance. Taking out too much fat can result in a hollow eyelid, which can actually create an even older appearance. Current techniques include judicious removal of some of the fat and then actually transposing the fat pad down onto the cheek mass obscuring the demarcation and giving volume to the cheek and avoiding a hollow look.
The midface is all about volume. As we age, the cheek fat pad shrinks in size leading to the face falling with accentuation of the nasolabial folds. In most cases midface restoration can be corrected with volume-added techniques of either fat or filler agents making tissue repositioning in this area less important. A non-invasive injection of Voluma can be a great treatment option.
The lower facial third and neck are evaluated with regard to the jaw line, chin neck angle, and the draping of the soft tissues including the skin and neck muscles. Younger people with good skin quality may well be treated with liposuction alone to achieve a pleasing neck line. If the lower jaw is small with respect to the rest of the face, a chin implant or chin repositioning may help your neck appearance, in addition to liposuction to improve results and create harmony with the lower facial third compared to the rest of the face.
Older skin, with bands of the platysma muscle showing through, is less compliant and is best treated with a neck lift procedure. This surgery includes fat equilibration, neck muscle tightening and soft tissue repositioning and stabilization around the ears.
Facial rejuvenation is not painful, although swelling and bruising will occur. After the dust settles, results can be natural and youthful in appearance with long-lasting results that will boost your confidence beyond any wardrobe or hair makeover.
Look as good as you feel in 2016. Happy New Year!
Look as good as you feel in 2016
So you work out, eat smartly and watch your calorie consumption but your face looks tired, and you look older than you feel. Trust me, you're not alone. The good news is something can be done that is predictable and sustainable to make you look and feel better about your face.
The key to success is a thoughtful facial analysis, which evaluates your bone structure, muscle activity, soft tissue volume, skin quality and the position of your forehead, brows, eyelids, cheeks and neck. I approach a patient's face much like an engineer with a sculptor's artistic eye. I create a problem set followed by a detailed treatment plan, tailored to each of my patient's wishes and financial parameters.
Treatment plans often include skin quality improvement with techniques such as serial chemical peels and micro-needling. Please see previous blogs on these therapies on my website. If excessive muscle activity leads to a harsh appearing forehead and brows, muscle modulation with Botox can be an excellent approach.
Looking at the upper third of the face, I evaluate brow position with respect to the bony orbital rim and its relationship with the upper and lower eyelids. On women you want the brow to be above the orbital rim with the outer third being elevated compared to the inner 2/3 of the brow. Heavy hanging brows make the eye aperture appear small and tired.
Another important factor in evaluating the upper eyelids is eyelid ptosis (the muscle mechanism which elevates and maintains resting tone of the upper lids). Eyelid ptosis must be addressed with the blepharoplasty to prevent a tired sleepy appearance despite correcting the fat pads and excess skin.
The lower eyelids must be evaluated carefully in comparison to the bony anatomy surrounding the eye and the supporting structure of the lateral canthus, which anchors the eyelids to the lateral bony orbit. Great care must be taken if you have a prominent eye compared to your cheeks and have deficient lower eyelid vertical skin coverage. Weak lateral canthi can result in disastrous results with excessive eye exposure leading to pain and visual disturbance.
Finally, the lower eyelid cheek junction must be inspected. A large tear trough and bulging fat pads can detract from a youthful appearance. Taking out too much fat can result in a hollow eyelid, which can actually create an even older appearance. Current techniques include judicious removal of some of the fat and then actually transposing the fat pad down onto the cheek mass obscuring the demarcation and giving volume to the cheek and avoiding a hollow look.
The midface is all about volume. As we age, the cheek fat pad shrinks in size leading to the face falling with accentuation of the nasolabial folds. In most cases midface restoration can be corrected with volume-added techniques of either fat or filler agents making tissue repositioning in this area less important. A non-invasive injection of Voluma can be a great treatment option.
The lower facial third and neck are evaluated with regard to the jaw line, chin neck angle, and the draping of the soft tissues including the skin and neck muscles. Younger people with good skin quality may well be treated with liposuction alone to achieve a pleasing neck line. If the lower jaw is small with respect to the rest of the face, a chin implant or chin repositioning may help your neck appearance, in addition to liposuction to improve results and create harmony with the lower facial third compared to the rest of the face.
Older skin, with bands of the platysma muscle showing through, is less compliant and is best treated with a neck lift procedure. This surgery includes fat equilibration, neck muscle tightening and soft tissue repositioning and stabilization around the ears.
Facial rejuvenation is not painful, although swelling and bruising will occur. After the dust settles, results can be natural and youthful in appearance with long-lasting results that will boost your confidence beyond any wardrobe or hair makeover.
Look as good as you feel in 2016. Happy New Year!
Mommy Needs a Lift
Mommy Needs a Lift
Women who have had children know what a blessing they are. They also know that the fluctuation in weight during pregnancy, and nursing can lead to many changes in a woman's breast causing them to sag. A Mastopexy or Breast Lift to raise and reshape sagging breasts would be a great procedure to correct this condition.
Breast lift surgery is a common cosmetic surgery procedure which women use to regain that youthful appearance they had before childbirth. Also, to restore breasts to a more lifted position while improving their shape and firmness. Please note that a Mastopexy alone does not significantly alter breast size. If you have lost a considerable amount of volume in your breast after pregnancy you might want to consider a Breast Augmentation in addition to your breast lift.
Once you've decided you are done having children, as any pregnancies following this surgery can reverse the results of this procedure. Consult with a highly experienced, board certified plastic surgeon. He will evaluate your eligibility and determine if a breast lift is needed or if another breast surgery might be a better fit for your needs.
Dr. Stephen A. Weiland, is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, and he will be happy to sit down with you and discuss what you should expect from a breast lift procedure or any other surgery that you might have an interest in.
Living in Las Vegas Staying Youthful Looking
Residents of Las Vegas know all too well the meaning of extreme weather. With thechanging seasons comes dry winter skin, and now that the holidays fast approachingit is time to focus on your skin care regime. Dry climates equal dry skin. Not to mention, dry skin is uncomfortable. It draws out the moisture from your skin leaving you with a less youthful glow, andcan lead you looking older than you really are. It's easy to ignore daily skin care but when you live in a dry state like Nevada, understanding your skin first is the basis of a good skin care program.
An important part of our mission is sharing our expertise with you. Using the latest VISIA technology, a Skin Spa specialist will take ultra-violet and digital photographs to assist in evaluating your skin. Your face will then be thoroughly cleansed and analyzed for type and condition. To round out your consultation, we will formulate a customized program, and skin care treatments.The medical-grade products we use are available in our retail boutique by prescription so you can maintain the restorative effects at home between treatments.
We carry the following lines:
Obagi® Medical -offers an extensive line of clinically-proven, by-prescription-only skin care systems and products designed to help revitalize, enhance and maintain beautiful skin for life. The following sampling of systems meet the needs of all ages, all skin types.
SkinCeuticals®– dedicated to providing advanced skin care backed by clinical evidence. These products contain pharmaceutical grade active ingredients and are dispensed by-prescription-only under the supervision of Dr. Weiland to cleanse and tone, prevent, correct, moisturize, and protect.
Éminence Organic Skin Care – body and facial products are a natural approach to skin care. Produced using sustainable farming and green practices in Hungary, Eminence products only use ingredients without harmful chemicals or additives to allow premium results for all skin types. These products are made-up of essential oils and coloring and scents from fruits, vegetables, herbs and teas.
Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup -This is THE Skin Care makeup. Jane was the first to introduce mineral makeup. It is made with minerals and pigments that allow the skin to breathe. Her products provide anti-inflammatory, weight-less coverage, it's a foundation, powder and concealer all in one. The products will not clog pores, carry a lowallergy risk, contain no talc or parabens or synthetic ingredients and provide sun protection.
Corrective Skin Therapies – Our medically-advanced peels are custom-designed just for you. Using clinically-proven, professional products by BioMedic® and SkinMedica®, we deliver great results when our peels are routinely combined with a prescribed, at-home skin care regime.
In addition to the above, remember to always wear sunscreen. The number one case of premature aging and wrinkles is sun damage. Make better food choices reduce your intake of junk food, Watch foods high in fat and sugars. Hydrate drink up to 8 glasses of water a day.Moisturize its one of the most important things to prevent sagging and dull aging skin. Use oil-based products that retain water on the outer layers of the skin.
Preventing premature aging is a priority at The Weiland Group. Call today (702) 254.0500 to schedule your complimentary skin care consultation with Dr. Weiland.