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If I Smoke Should I Get a Facelift?

If I Smoke Should I Get a Facelift?

If you smoke, chances are you already know that the habit is bad for your health. But if you are considering getting a facelift, smoking can potentially increase the risks associated with surgery. So during your consultation be sure to ask your plastic surgeon this question – If I smoke should I get a facelift.

Facelift Surgery

Facelift surgery is done to reduce visible signs of aging and give patients a more youthful look. The procedure is usually very safe, and complications are rare. However, patients must follow the pre and post-surgical instructions of their plastic surgeon to ensure the best possible outcome.

If you smoke should you get a Facelift?

Doctors generally recommend that patients considering a facelift or any type of plastic surgery should stop smoking several weeks before the operation. This is crucial, because studies have shown that nicotine can increase complications after surgery and can therefore sabotage healing (read more).

If you are planning to undergo a facelift, safety is of utmost importance, so that’s why surgeons always advise patients to refrain from smoking before and after surgery. This ban extends to the use of nicotine releasing products such as nicotine patches or gums.

Smoking generally causes the small blood vessels to narrow, and this in turn reduces the flow of blood to the skin and can lead to tissue death. The limited blood flow can also delay recovery, and result in less than satisfactory outcomes.

Being a smoker does not prevent you from getting a facelift, but you will certainly have to stop smoking before and after surgery.

Would you like to learn more about facelift surgery? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the eastern South Carolina area, Nirvana Plastic Surgery located in Myrtle Beach, SC is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.nirvanaplasticsurgery.com, or by calling 843-839-2004.

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Should I get a browlift with my blepharoplasty?

Should I get a browlift with my blepharoplasty?

Have you noticed that your eyelids are looking very droopy lately, and making you look older than you are? Blepharoplasty is a good fix for saggy skin around the eyes, but there are times when a browlift may also be necessary. Before making a decision it’s important to consider all the facts, because it can be difficult to tell if you should get a browlift with your blepharoplasty.

Why is a browlift done?

A brow lift or forehead lift is a surgical procedure that is done to address forehead creases and wrinkles, and lift sagging brows. This is achieved by raising the level of the eyebrows, so as to lift droopy brows.

How it’s done

A browlift is performed on an outpatient basis under general or local anesthesia, and takes about 2 hours. Surgery may be done using the traditional approach, or with the help of an endoscope (endoscopic brow lift).

The endoscopic brow lift is a more accurate procedure as the endoscope allows the surgeon to clearly see the underlying muscles and tissues. Smaller incisions are required for the endoscopic browlift, which means scars are smaller and can therefore be easily concealed.

During a browlift the surgeon will adjust the underlying muscle and tissue, and elevate the brow.

Why is blepharoplasty done?

Blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift, is done to improve the appearance of the eyelids. An upper eyelid lift corrects droopy or sagging upper lids, and a lower eyelid lift addresses undereye bags and wrinkles beneath the eyes. Blepharoplasty not only makes the eyes more attractive, it also improves vision in cases where the upper eyelids hang so low that they interfere with vision.

How it’s done

Upper blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure that removes excess skin and sometimes fatty deposits from the upper eyelids. It is usually done under local anesthesia. The incisions are made in the natural crease of the eyelids, so scars are virtually indiscernible. Surgery takes about 1 hour. There is generally some bruising and swelling after the operation, but recovery time is minimal.

The incision for lower blepharoplasty is made just below the lash line of the lower lid. The surgeon will reposition or remove the fat to get rid of puffiness and bags under the eyes, and tighten the skin if required.

Should I get a browlift with my blepharoplasty?

Whether you should get a browlift with your eyelid lift, will depend on the specific cause of your sagging eyelids.

If you have sagging eyelids as a result of excess skin in the upper eyelids, but your brows have not shifted down from their natural position, blepharoplasty may be all you need to refresh the appearance of your eyelids.

However, there are instances in which sagging upper eyelids may be the result of droopy brows. Since the position of the brows affects the eyelids, a browlift may be needed to rejuvenate the eyelids.

The brows often descend from their natural position over time, and this may be due to gravity or the downward pull of the facial muscles. If you have heavy brows along with excess eyelid skin, your plastic surgeon may recommend getting a brow lift with blepharoplasty. This will make the upper face look balanced, and ensure optimal facial rejuvenation.

If you have heavy brows and choose to have blepharoplasty alone, you’re not likely to get the rejuvenated outcome you desire. The brows and eyes are controlled by different muscles so correcting only the eyelids without addressing problems with the eyebrows, will give the face an unbalanced look. The procedures complement each other, so doing them together will create a balanced rejuvenation.

Would like to rejuvenate the area around the eyes, but you’re not sure if you need an eyelid lift, browlift, or both? It’s advisable to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation. The plastic surgeon will review the dynamics of your forehead and upper eyelids, and determine if you need to have both procedures done.

If you are in the Bala Cynwyd, PA area, contact Dr. Anthony Farole of the Facial Cosmetic Surgical Center for more information.

Call (610) 679-8374 today to set up a consultation.

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What are the benefits of PRP?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a revolutionary technology that has been used for many years in treating wounds, and helping athletes overcome injuries. However, the technology has now become very popular in several cosmetic procedures. But how exactly does it work and what are the benefits of PRP.

What is PRP?

PRP is a concentrate of platelet rich plasma, which has traditionally been used in sports medicine and orthopedics to treat soft tissue injuries of the muscles and ligaments. Platelets are tiny cells in the blood that form a clot to help repair the damage whenever there is an injury. They contain special growth factors that have healing properties.

In recent years, PRP has been used extensively for facial rejuvenation along with other cosmetic procedures such as hair restoration.

How PRP works

In order to prepare the PRP, a small amount of blood is drawn from the arm of the patient, much like when blood is taken for a normal blood test. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich-plasma from the other blood constituents. The concentrated serum contains a lot more platelets than normal and that’s why PRP is so effective when used for therapy.

PRP is a regenerative technology that initiates the growth of blood vessels and tissue, so it promotes healing and improves skin quality.

PRP for facial rejuvenation

When used for facial rejuvenation, PRP promotes youthful skin and treats skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, scars, enlarged pores, poor skin texture, and skin laxity.

The blood is drawn and prepared to create the concentrated PRP serum that is then injected into the targeted areas of the face. PRP revitalizes the skin cells and may also encourage collagen production. The additional collagen in the skin helps to restore volume in areas of the face that appear hollow or sunken.

Most of the PRP is absorbed within 24 hours, so there is no downtime after treatment. Consequently, patients are able to resume normal activities immediately. Patients usually see results about 3-4 weeks after treatment, but optimal results may take up to 6 weeks.

PRP Therapy for hair loss

PRP hair regeneration is an outpatient procedure that is done under local anesthesia. The PRP is prepared as normal, and a fine needle is used to inject the platelets into the thinning or balding areas of the scalp. When PRP is injected into the scalp it regenerates the hair follicles, and stimulates hair growth.

It typically requires a series of 3 PRP treatments to achieve optimal hair growth. Results become evident about 3 months after treatment.

Benefits of PRP

  • Minimally Invasive: Both PRP facial rejuvenation and PRP for hair loss are minimally invasive treatments that require only a few injections.
  • PRP is a safe procedure. There is no risk of an allergic reaction or contamination with PRP, because the treatment is done using nothing more than the patient’s own blood. Therefore, the body does not respond negatively to the introduction of the platelets below the skin.
  • Minimal side-effects. There may be some facial redness and bruising at the injection site after PRP facial rejuvenation, but these symptoms resolve within a few hours. After PRP hair loss treatment patients may experience some soreness and redness, but this typically only lasts for a day or two.
  • Completely Natural: PRP is a completely natural treatment that contains no synthetic substances, so the rejuvenation process is also natural. This makes it ideal for people concerned about injecting chemicals or other foreign substances into their body.
  • Long lasting results: The results of PRP can last for several years, but follow up treatments may be needed.
  • Short recovery: The recovery after PRP is minimal, and patients are generally able to return to their usual activities after treatment. However, patients that undergo PRP for hair loss normally go back to work the following day.
  • Minimal pain: PRP is a relatively comfortable treatment that is well tolerated by most patients.

Would you like to learn more about PRP?

Contact Sthetix based in Liverpool, Merseyside UK for more information. Sthetix also serves Chester and Ormskirk.

Call 0151 317 9251 today to set up a consultation.

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Chemical Peels vs. Laser Facial Rejuvenation: Which Helps My Skin the Best?

Chemical Peels vs. Laser Facial Rejuvenation: Which Helps My Skin the Best?

Would you like to improve the texture of your skin and fix imperfections such as wrinkles, sunspots, and acne scars? Chemical peels and laser resurfacing are both excellent solutions for damaged skin. But how can you decide which will help your skin the best.

Chemical Peels vs. Laser Facial Rejuvenation

What are chemical peels?

Chemical peels are skin resurfacing treatments that use a chemical solution to remove the damaged outer layer of skin. Chemical peels vary in intensity and may be superficial, medium, or deep. The type of peel recommended will depend on the desired results. Stronger peels will strip away more layers of skin.

  • Superficial peels use alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid to lightly exfoliate the top layer of the skin.
  • Medium peels typically involve the use of glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to improve skin conditions such as sunspots, fine lines, wrinkles, and mild skin discoloration. These peels are more intense, and generally require more downtime than superficial peels.
  • Deep peels generally use TCA to get rid of damaged skin cells, but they are done to a deeper depth than medium or superficial peels.

There is generally some peeling and redness after a chemical peel, but the severity of the side-effects will vary based on the intensity of the peel.

Popular medical peels

SkinMedica peels are among the most popular chemical peels on the market, as they yield very good results. The Illuminize, Vitalize, and Rejuvenize peels help make the skin clearer, brighter, and more youthful. The Illuminize Peel is the mildest of the 3 peels, while Rejuvenize is the strongest.

The Vitalize peel is a medium peel and is the most sought-after of the 3 peels. It is suitable for mild skin imperfections, and can be used on all skin types. The Vitalize peel treats skin conditions such as fine lines, wrinkles, rough skin, and scars.

What is laser facial rejuvenation?

Laser facial rejuvenation uses ablative or non-ablative lasers to treat imperfections, and improve the appearance of the skin.

Ablative lasers such as the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and the erbium laser, work by removing the outer layers of damaged skin.

Unlike ablative lasers, non-ablative lasers don’t remove the top layer of the skin. Instead, they work beneath the surface of the skin and this makes the treatment less invasive so it requires less downtime. Non-ablative lasers create microscopic wounds in the skin that trigger wound healing and stimulate collagen production.

It typically requires a series of 3-6 treatments to achieve the best results with laser facial rejuvenation.

Depending on the type of laser being used post-procedural side-effects may include swelling, bruising, and redness.

Popular laser facial rejuvenation laser treatments

The Laser Genesis by Cutera is a popular non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatment that uses an Nd: YAG laser to revitalize and resurface the skin. The Laser Genesis addresses a range of skin concerns including fine lines, wrinkles, irregular skin texture, large pores, scars and redness.

The Laser Genesis facial treatment takes about 15-20 minutes to perform. The laser emits short pulses of light that heats the upper dermis and stimulates collagen, which helps to improve the quality and appearance of the skin.

Which Helps My Skin the Best?

Chemical peels and laser facial rejuvenation both promote the growth of fresh, new skin cells by removing the old, outer layer of skin. They are also effective treatments for skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and more. However, they are very different procedures and when considering the one that will help your skin the best, it’s important to consider the specific skin concerns you need treated, as well as your skin tone and skin type.

In addition, people with darker skin tones have to be more cautious, as some types of chemical peels and laser systems are not appropriate for darker skin.

Depending on your skin type, your physician may recommend a combination chemical peel or laser resurfacing treatment for optimal facial rejuvenation.

Would you like more information on chemical peel and laser facial rejuvenation?

Contact Precision Aesthetics in Santa Ana / Irvine California for more information.

Call (949) 528-8073 today to set up a consultation.

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What Can I Expect from My Neck Lift?

What Can I Expect from My Neck Lift?

Do you have loose skin and excess fat on your neck that you would like to get rid of? A neck lift is the solution for an aging neck, as it lifts and tightens sagging skin on the neck and jawline. If you are considering a neck lift, it’s always important to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon so that you know what to expect from your neck lift.

Why you may need a neck lift

Aging, weight loss, and sun damage, are some of the factors that can cause the skin on the neck to become loose and wrinkly. The neck skin is very thin, and this makes it difficult to camouflage lines and creases. A neck lift is the only way to address signs of an aging neck, and restore the smooth, contoured neck you desire.

What Can I Expect from My Neck Lift?

A neck lift will enhance the appearance of the neck and jawline, as it addresses skin and muscle laxity, and removes fat deposits from the area below the chin. A neck lift is an outpatient procedure that is done under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.

What will your incisions be like?

There are several techniques that can be used to perform a neck lift, and this will determine the placement of the incisions. The technique chosen will depend on the structures that need to be addressed, and your aesthetic goals. During your consultation the plastic surgeon will discuss the different options with you, and evaluate your neck to determine the most appropriate approach.

If loose, saggy skin needs to be removed, incisions are placed behind the ear. This will allow the surgeon to trim away the excess skin, and tighten the remaining skin.

However, if the platysmal muscle needs to be repaired, a separate incision is required under the chin. The platysmal or neck muscle may weaken or separate as a result of aging. Sagging skin in the chin and neck area is often referred to as a turkey neck. Neck lift surgery may therefore involve tightening the skin and platysmal muscle to eliminate this problem.

If excess superficial fat below the chin is the only problem that needs to be corrected, liposuction is recommended. Tiny incisions are made beneath the chin and behind the lower portion of the ears. A small liposuction cannula (thin tube) is inserted, which is used to remove the excess fat and contour the neck.

The incisions made for a neck lift are very discreet, so scars are usually not visible. Depending on the extent of aging on the neck, the skin and muscle usually have to be manipulated to achieve a more youthful appearance.

A neck lift typically takes 2-3 hours to perform.

What to expect during recovery

After a neck lift, patients can expect to experience some swelling and bruising, and the neck may feel tight and numb. Stitches are removed within 5-10 days, but recovery can take several weeks. Most patients are able to return to work within 2 weeks, as the majority of the swelling should resolve by that time.

The results of a neck lift can last 10-15 years.

Who is a good candidate?

The best candidates for a neck lift are people that have loose, sagging skin along the neckline. They should also have good skin tone and be in overall good health.

The neck is one of the first parts of the face to show signs of aging, and a neck lift can fix aging issues that are just beginning to show. It is a simple procedure that can give you a refreshed, youthful appearance.

A neck lift can be done on its own, or in conjunction with a facelift. The facelift will address signs of aging in the lower part of the face including wrinkles and folds around the mouth, and a sagging jawline. Combining both procedures is often necessary to achieve optimal facial rejuvenation.

Would you like more information about what to expect during a neck lift.

If you are in the San Francisco or Walnut Creek areas, contact board certified plastic surgeon Andrew Barnett, MD for more information.

Call (415) 879-8735 today to set up a consultation with Dr. Barnett.

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How Does Hair Restoration Work with Stem Cells?

How Does Hair Restoration Work with Stem Cells?

If you are looking to reverse hair loss, you may be interested in learning about stem cell therapy for hair restoration. Several clinical studies have been conducted which confirm that stem cells can effectively treat and minimize hair loss. But how does hair restoration work with stem cells.

What causes hair loss

Hair loss can occur due to a variety of factors including age, disease, stress, genetics, and poor nutrition. Whatever the cause, hair loss can be very distressing and affect quality of life.

How Does Hair Restoration Work with Stem Cells?

Hair restoration using stem cells is a minimally invasive procedure in which stem cells harvested from the placenta, are used to regrow hair. These amniotic stem cells help to restore hair, because they contain growth factors.

The stem cells are injected into the scalp and help to regrow hair by assisting with the regeneration of blood vessels. They also have an anti-inflammatory effect. This is beneficial in cases where hair loss is caused by the inflammation of the hair follicles.

Hair restoration with stem cells is performed as an outpatient procedure, and is carried out using topical anesthesia. A single session takes approximately 45 minutes, and 2 or more sessions made be needed for patients with moderate hair loss.

It typically takes 3-4 months for patients to see results from stem cell therapy for hair loss. Optimal results can take up to 12 months.

Would you like to find out more about hair restoration with stem cells? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Santa Cruz, Campbell, or Watsonville, CA areas, Trilogy Medical & Aesthetics is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.trilogymedical.net, or by calling (408) 844-0010 for the practice in Campbell, (831) 600-8117 for the Santa Cruz office, or (831) 724-1164 for Watsonville.

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Which treatment is best for non-surgical fat reduction?

Which treatment is best for non-surgical fat reduction?

Are you struggling with stubborn fat? Try non-surgical fat reduction. There was a time when liposuction was the only way to get rid of stubborn fat bulges, but now there are innovative non-surgical fat reduction treatments to choose from. But with so many options available, it may be hard to know which treatment is best for non-surgical fat reduction.

Non-surgical fat reduction

Non-surgical fat reduction treatments are done by using laser energy, ultrasound, or cold energy to reduce fat cells. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis. There is little discomfort during treatment, and minimal to no downtime. Most non-surgical fat reduction treatments require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results.

Which treatment is best for non-surgical fat reduction?

SculpSure by Cynosure is considered the best non-invasive fat reduction treatment because it is fast, effective, and delivers clinically proven results.

Here are some of the reasons why SculpSure is considered the best non-surgical fat reduction treatment:

  • It only takes 25 minutes, which is much shorter than comparative non-surgical fat reduction options.
  • Safe for all skin types as it simultaneously cools the surface of the skin while the fat cells are being treated.
  • SculpSure has 4 applicator heads so it can address multiple areas at onc
  • No downtime.
  • Reduces fat in the treated area by 24%.

How SculpSure works

SculpSure uses laser energy to selectively target and reduce fat cells. The laser heats and melts the fat, and the treated fat cells are naturally eliminated through the body’s lymphatic system, over the following months. Results can be seen 6-12 weeks after treatment. SculpSure can be used on the abdomen, flanks, and below the chin.

Are you ready to try non-surgical fat reduction? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the greater Orange County area, South Coast Plastic Surgery, Irvine, CA is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.socoplasticsurgery.com, or by calling (949) 701-4454.

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What should I look for in a mommy makeover surgeon?

What should I look for in a mommy makeover surgeon?

If you are ready to transform your body with a mommy makeover, choosing the right surgeon for you is essential, in order to get the best possible outcome. It’s also important that you feel completely comfortable with the surgeon you select. In addition, the surgeon should be willing to listen to your concerns, and take the time to fully understand your aesthetic goals.

Are you wondering what to look for in a mommy makeover surgeon? These simple guidelines will help.

  1. Confirm their board certification
    Look for a plastic surgeon that is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Surgeons that are ABPS certified undergo a minimum of 5 years of training, and many of them also do additional training. ABPS certification confirms that the surgeon has the necessary training, knowledge, and skill to perform plastic surgery.
  2. Make sure they specialize in mommy makeover procedures
    A mommy makeover is made up of several procedures, so a plastic surgeon that specializes in procedures such as breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction, is the ideal choice. During your initial consultation, be sure to ask your prospective surgeon how often they perform mommy makeovers.
  3. Choose a surgeon that delivers results you find appealing
    Take the time to go through the before and after photos of past patients that have had the procedures you are considering. This will help you assess whether or not the surgeon can provide the aesthetic outcomes you desire.

Are you looking for a qualified, experienced mommy makeover surgeon? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Atlanta or Conyers, GA area, Panacea Plastic Surgery is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.panaceaplasticsurgery.com, or by calling (770) 929-0634.

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How many treatments are needed to see results from laser hair removal?

How many treatments are needed to see results from laser hair removal?

Are you tired of dealing with unwanted hair? Laser hair removal may be the solution for you. Laser hair removal is a quick, gentle way to remove unwanted hair and get the smooth, hair-free skin you desire. But how does it work, and how many treatments will you need to see results.

Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to remove unwanted hair for the long term. Women typically have laser hair removal done on the legs, underarm, and bikini area, while the chest and back are the most popular areas for men.

How laser hair removal works

The laser emits a concentrated beam of light that targets the melanin (pigment) at the base of the hair follicle. The melanin attracts and absorbs the laser energy and this damages and destroys the follicle.

How many treatments are needed to see results from laser hair removal?
Some hair reduction may be noticeable within 2-3 weeks of treatment, but full results take time, because all the hair does not grow at the same rate.

Hair grows in different cycles anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting), and the laser energy can only affect hair when it is in the growth cycle. As a result, several treatments are needed to make sure all the hair gets zapped. Therefore it typically takes 6-8 laser hair removal treatments to see optimal results. Treatments are spaced 8-12 weeks apart.

During the growth cycle the hair is visible above the skin, and this makes it the ideal time to have laser hair removal done.

Would you like to learn more about laser hair removal? Contact Sthetix, Liverpool, Merseyside UK, for more information. Sthetix also serves the Chester and Ormskirk areas.

You can reach them at www.sthetix.co.uk, or by calling 0151 669 1114 today to arrange a consultation.

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Is There a Non-Surgical Neck lift for Tighter Skin?

Is There a Non-Surgical Neck lift for Tighter Skin?

Are you bothered by loose neck skin? A neck lift can tighten loose skin and give you a fresher look. Although a surgical neck lift is considered the gold standard for rejuvenating the neck, not everyone wants to undergo surgery. But is there a non-surgical neck lift for tighter skin.

As you age, the skin on the jawline and neck starts to sag, but there are times when the laxity is not that significant to require surgery. In these cases, a non-surgical neck lift can help.

Is There a Non-Surgical Neck lift for Tighter Skin?
Yes there is a non-surgical neck lift for tighter skin and it’s called the Profound Lift. Profound is a skin tightening treatment that uses clinically proven radiofrequency (RF) technology to contour the face and neck.

How Profound works
Profound penetrates below the surface of the skin and targets the dermal layer. It heats the tissues to stimulate the natural production of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are vital proteins in the skin that help it remain tight and elastic. The body produces less of these proteins over time, and this contributes to skin laxity. Since Profound helps to build collagen and elastin, it can smooth and tighten aging skin, which makes it a very effective treatment for loose skin on the neck.

Profound is a quick in-office procedure that takes about 45 minutes to complete. It typically takes just one treatment to achieve optimal results. Most patients report seeing improvements about 6-8 weeks after treatment.

Would you like a non-surgical neck lift? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the greater Denver, CO area, Colorado Skin and Vein, Denver, is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.coloradoskinandvein.com, or by calling (720) 594-5063.