How should I prep for my facelift?

How should I prep for my facelift?

Leave a reply

If you have consulted with a plastic surgeon and booked to have facelift surgery, it’s important to use the weeks before surgery to make the necessary preparations for the operation.  But how should you prep for your facelift. 

Things to do to prepare for facelift surgery:

  1. If you smoke, it’s best to stop smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery.  Smoking can cause anesthesia-related complications, and hinder the healing process.   
  2. Stop taking blood thinning medications such as aspirin at least 2 weeks before surgery, as they prevent the blood from clotting and cause bleeding.  You should also stop taking any nutritional supplements, diet pills, pain killers, and anti-inflammatory drugs at this time. 
  3. Lab work requested by your plastic surgeon should be done at least 2 weeks prior to surgery.
  4. Fill prescriptions for post-op medications, so they will be ready for you after the operation.
  5. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to surgery, to ensure that you are properly hydrated. 
  6. Make arrangements with a family member or friend to drive you home after surgery, because you won’t be able to drive yourself.
  7. Do not eat or drink after midnight on the evening before surgery.

Making adequate plans, and taking care of your body in the weeks before facelift surgery, will help to ensure that you achieve the quality results you desire.   It’s also important to schedule at least 2 weeks off work, so that you have adequate time to heal. 

Interested in finding out more about facelift surgery?  Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Brookline, MA or greater Boston areas, Longwood Plastic Surgery is our featured practice. You can reach them at www.lpsmd.com, or by calling (617) 749-2706.

How can I reduce fat safely without surgery?

How can I reduce fat safely without surgery?

Leave a reply

Each year thousands of people undergo liposuction to get rid of unwanted fat, because it’s a tried and proven fat reduction method.  Liposuction is an effective way to shape and contour the body, but surgery isn’t for everyone.  Consequently, people interested in fat reduction are often on the lookout for non-surgical alternatives.

How can I reduce fat safely without surgery?

It’s possible to reduce fat safely with UltraShape.  UltraShape is a completely non-surgical treatment that uses focused, pulsed ultrasound energy to eliminate fat.  UltraShape targets fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. This makes it the ideal solution for troublespots such as the abdomen, flanks, upper arms, and outer thighs.

How UltraShape works

The ultrasound device emits waves of ultrasonic energy that selectively target the fat cells, without harming the surrounding cells, nerves, or connective tissue.  The pulses of ultrasound rupture the walls of the fat cells.  The fat cells are destroyed, and the contents are then processed and naturally removed from the body.  

UltraShape treatment takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.  It is a virtually painless procedure that requires no downtime.  Most patients notice measureable results within 2 weeks of treatment, and it typically takes 3 treatments to achieve the best results.   Sessions are spaced at least 2 weeks apart.

How much fat can you lose with UltraShape?

UltraShape is not a weight loss treatment, but is designed to reduce pockets of stubborn fat in specific areas.  Patients typically notice a circumferential fat reduction of approximately 4 centimeters. 

Would you like to learn more about UltraShape body contouring? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Long Beach, CA area, Laser Skin Care Center is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.bodysculptingla.com, or by calling (562) 418-6550.

When can I return to work after a breast augmentation?

When can I return to work after a breast augmentation?

Leave a reply

If you’ve made the decision to have breast augmentation, there are probably many questions you have about the procedure, including the length of the recovery.  Knowing when you can return to work after a breast augmentation is especially important, so that you can make the necessary preparations.   

When can I return to work after a breast augmentation?

Most breast augmentation patients can return to work about 1 week after surgery, but this will vary depending on the type of job.  If you have a desk job this timeline should be suitable, but if your job requires a lot of physical activity, you will need additional time off.

During consultation it’s best to ask your surgeon when it’s safe to go back to work and resume normal activities.

Patients that are diligent to follow the post-surgical instructions of their plastic surgeon are usually able to return to work within a few days.   There are also advanced implant techniques that surgeons can use to help minimize recovery after breast augmentation. 

Recovery after breast augmentation

Factors such as implants size, type, and placement are some of the variables that can affect recovery after breast augmentation. However, it’s important to remember that the healing process takes time, so you need to get plenty of rest to ensure that the body heals properly.

Most patients experience moderate discomfort during the first 3-5 days after breast augmentation, so help will be needed at home during this time.  Full recovery can take up to 6 weeks.

Would you like to learn more about breast augmentation recovery?  Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Beverly Hills, CA area, Rodeo Surgical Art is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.rodeosurgicalart.com or by calling (310) 652-4500.

How does botox work?

How does botox work?

Leave a reply

Do you have facial lines and wrinkles that you wish would go away?  Botox cosmetic can make that wish come true.  Botox is the most popular minimally invasive anti-aging treatment on the market, because it is an effective solution for unwanted facial wrinkles.   But how does botox work.

What is botox and what does it treat?

Botox is an injectable drug that is made from botulinum toxin type A.  Botox is able to smooth out dynamic wrinkles, which are lines that appear as a result of repeated movement of the facial muscles.  These muscles are linked to facial expressions such as frowning, squinting and smiling, and over time, they create dynamic wrinkles i.e. frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. 

How does botox work?

When botox is injected into the facial muscle, the active ingredient interacts with the nerves, and blocks the release of a neurotransmitter that tells the muscles to contract.  This limits muscle contraction, and temporarily relaxes the muscles.  Since the muscles are unable to contract, the wrinkles in the overlying skin soften and become less visible.

Botox is a minimally invasive in-office treatment that requires almost no downtime.  When administered correctly, botox results will look completely natural (click here to learn more).

When will I see results with botox?

Results can be seen within 3-5 days.

How long do the results last?

Botox results take approximately 3-4 months to wear off.  After this time the muscles will start to contract again, and the wrinkles will return.  Therefore additional treatments are required to maintain results.

Are you interested in getting botox?  Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Wall Township, NJ area, Karolak Facial Plastic Surgeon is our featured practice.  

You can reach them at www.drkarolak.com, or by calling (732) 627-4822.

When to get a Skin Cancer Screening

When to get a Skin Cancer Screening

Leave a reply

Skin cancer can be very serious, but when it is caught and treated early it has a high cure rate.  That’s why it’s so important to check your skin regularly, so that you are aware of the usual moles and spots on your body and can easily recognize any changes.  But when should you get a skin cancer screening?

Checking skin moles

In order to be proactive about preventing skin cancer, doctors recommend that individuals do a monthly self-examination to identify any changes to the moles on their skin.  Examining moles regularly, increases the likelihood of early detection of skin cancer.  

What to look for

When checking the skin, individuals should look for changes in the asymmetry, border, color, diameter, of the mole, or any evolving moles.   This is known as the ABCDE rule, and is used as a guide to identify any atypical moles.  If a mole displays any of these signs, it’s important to have it checked immediately by a dermatologist. 

When to get a skin cancer screening

Individuals with a family or personal history of skin cancer should get screened at least once a year.  People that are at high risk of developing skin cancer, such as those that sunburn easily, have fair skin, or have a history of using tanning beds, should also get annual skin cancer screening.   Everyone else should get a skin check whenever they are concerned about changes to a mole on their skin (learn more).

Would you like to learn more about skin cancer screening?   Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Tucson or Sierra Vista AZ areas, Dermatology and Plastic Surgery of Arizona is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.dermplasticsaz.com or by calling 520-207-3100 (Tucson) or 520-458-1787 (Sierra Vista).

Does an abdominoplasty leave big scars?

Does an abdominoplasty leave big scars?

Leave a reply

When it comes to abdominoplasty, potential scarring is a big concern for most patients.  They typically want to know if abdominoplasty leaves big scars, and what can be done to make scars less noticeable.

What is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that is done to flatten the tummy by removing excess skin and fat, and tightening the underlying muscles (learn more).

Does an abdominoplasty leave big scars?

The size and shape of the scar after abdominoplasty, will depend on the amount of excess skin and fatty tissue that has to be removed from the lower abdomen.   

A full abdominoplasty is typically required for patients that have a lot of excess skin and fat to remove.  The incision for a full tummy tuck is made just above the pubic area, and leaves a scar that extends from hip to hip.  However, the scar is usually hidden under the bikini line, so it’s not visible when wearing a bikini or underwear.

A mini-tummy tuck is performed when patients have a small amount of skin and fat to eliminate.  This incision leaves a scar that is a little longer than a C-section scar.

The incisions from and a tummy tuck heal well over time, and fade significantly after about 1 year (read more). 

Is it possible to reduce scarring with abdominoplasty?

It is possible to minimize scarring with abdominoplasty by planning properly for the incisions, and caring for the scar after surgery.  Post surgical treatments such as laser therapy and microneedling can also help to reduce the appearance of scars. 

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

If you are in the greater Boca Raton, FL area Boca Raton Plastic Surgery Center is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.drkeusch.com, or by calling (561) 562-4310.

How soon will I see results from laser hair removal treatments?

How soon will I see results from laser hair removal treatments?

Leave a reply

If you have made the decision to have laser hair removal, obviously you want to know how soon you are likely to see results after the treatment. The answer is not always easy, as there are several factors that impact how soon results appear.

How laser hair removal works

Laser hair removal is the modern way to remove hair from areas such as the face, underarms, bikini line, and legs.  The laser emits a concentrated beam of light that targets the pigment in the hair follicle. The pigment absorbs the light which converts to heat that damages the follicle and prevents future growth.  The treated hairs are shed approximately 1-2 weeks after treatment.

How soon will I see results from laser hair removal treatments?

Depending on the size of the area being treated, it can take anywhere from 6-8 treatments before you see results from laser hair removal.

Why multiple laser hair removal sessions are needed

Several hair removal sessions are needed, in order to accommodate the hair’s growth cycle, so the results are not immediate.  Hair grows in 3 phases – growth, transition, and resting, and only responds to the laser pulses when it is in the growth phase.  Since only a certain amount of hair will be removed in the targeted area during treatment, more sessions are required for large areas with dense hair.

Are you ready to schedule your laser hair removal consultation?  Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Tupelo, MS area, Accent Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery is our featured practice. 

You can reach them at www.drmarkcraig.com, or by calling (662) 377-6290.

Can botox look natural?

Can botox look natural?

Leave a reply

Botox is undoubtedly one of the most popular anti-aging treatments on the market, but a common misconception people have about botox is that it does not look natural.  That’s understandable, since there have been many examples of botox faces that look frozen and unnatural.

What exactly is botox and how does it work?

Botox is a cosmetic injectable that is used to temporarily smooth frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet.  These lines develop as a result of repeated muscle contractions related to expressions such as frowning, squinting, and smiling. When botox is injected into the underlying muscle, it limits muscle movement, and as a result, wrinkles become less noticeable over time.

Can botox look natural?

Botox can look natural, but it’s important to have the procedure done by a licensed, trained injector that is also an expert in facial anatomy.  Providers that have the necessary skill and experience know exactly where to inject botox, as well as the required dosage.  

Botox can certainly help maintain a youthful look, but if too much of it is injected, or if it is overused, it makes the face appear unnaturally smooth and super-tight. When botox is properly done patients should have fewer lines, and still look attractive. 

Proper application is an important key to getting subtle, natural-looking results with botox.  In addition, botox results look far more natural when patients don’t have droopy brows, and are still able to lift their eyebrows.

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

If you are in the Rancho Santa Margarita & Newport Beach, CA areas Pure Beauty Skin Care & Medical Spa is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.purebeautymedicalspa.com, or by calling (949) 763-3859 (Rancho Santa Margarita) or (949) 236-6001 (Newport Beach).

How long do lip fillers last?

How long do lip fillers last?

Leave a reply

Do you long to have fuller, smoother lips?  If yes, you may want to give lip fillers a try.   The demand for lip fillers has grown phenomenally in recent years because people like the volume, shape, and definition they give the lips.   But how long do lip fillers last.   

What are lip fillers?

Lip fillers or dermal fillers are cosmetic injectables that are typically made of hyaluronic acid (HA).  HA is a substance that naturally occurs in the body, and helps retain moisture in the skin.  Lip fillers are injected into the lips in a series of small injections, in order to add fullness and definition. Results can be seen within 1-2 weeks.

How long do lip fillers last?

Lip fillers are a temporary fix for thin lips, but how long they last varies, depending on the formulation of the lip filler.  HA fillers are naturally broken down by the body over a period of several months, so they don’t last forever.    They typically last 6-12 months, so follow-up treatments are needed to maintain the results (read more).   

Juvederm is a popular brand of HA lip fillers. Juvederm lip fillers lock in moisture in the lips, making them smoother and more defined.  The results achieved make the lips look natural rather than overdone. 

Juvederm Ultra XC and Juvederm Volbella XC are both FDA approved for lip augmentation, and can also be used to fill in perioral lines (vertical lines around the mouth).  Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Volbella can last up to 1 year.  

Are you ready to achieve fuller-looking lips?  Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in Daytona Beach, FL or the surrounding areas, contact Dr. Curtis Schalit for a consultation.

You can reach Dr. Schalit at www.drschalit.com or by calling 386-204-0644.

How to increase collagen in the skin through microneedling

How to increase collagen in the skin through microneedling

Leave a reply

If you are looking for a treatment to diminish signs of aging, and renew the appearance of your skin, microneedling is the answer.  Microneedling has quickly become a popular cosmetic treatment because it is a versatile procedure that treats a range of skin concerns, and boosts collagen levels.  But how is it possible to increase collagen in the skin through microneedling.

What exactly is Microneedling?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure that is designed to improve skin tone and texture.  Microneedling benefits the skin in several ways – it restores youthful contours, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, minimizes acne scars, and more.  

How to Increase Collagen in the skin through microneedling

Microneedling is performed with a special device that is fitted with several needles.  During treatment the device is moved across the skin, and the needles penetrate the outermost layer, creating microscopic punctures.  Microneedling tricks the skin into thinking it has been wounded, so these micro-injuries activate the skin’s natural wound healing response.  

Collagen helps in the wound healing process, because it attracts new skin cells to the site of the wound.   As a result, fresh, new collagen is produced as the skin heals from the microneedling treatment.  As collagen levels increase, the skin becomes, softer, firmer, and plumper.

Microneedling is often combined with PRP (platelet-rich-plasma) therapy or hyaluronic acid injectable treatment, to further enhance skin rejuvenation results.

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

If you are in the Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale by the Sea, Wilton Manors, Pompano Beach or the surrounding areas, Baltic Beauty Centre, Fort Lauderdale, FL, is our featured practice. 

You can reach them at www.balticbeautycentre.com, or by calling (954) 420-7487.