According to hours of research done by plastic surgeons all over the world – the perfect mouth has these characteristics:
The perfect lip ratio is defined as the lower lip is 1.6 times the height of upper lip – does this ratio look familiar? Hyaluronic Acid Fillers are the best way to achieve fuller lips with little to no downtime. They are very natural feeling and create a soft appearance and feeling. Contact us today and we can help you achieve the perfect fullness for you!
Retinol should be your new go to for skin care. What is a retinoid or retinol cream, you ask? The term describes vitamin A derivatives that unclog pores, boost collagen to reduce fine lines, and speed cell turnover to even out discoloration and smooth the skin and sometimes in as little as four weeks. The first retinoid—tretinoin—was FDA approved (under the brand name Retin-A) almost 40 years ago as a prescription acne treatment. Dermatologists soon noticed that patients on Retin-A experienced not just clearer skin, but softer, brighter and less-lined skin. Today there are three prescription-strength retinoids, tazarotene and adapalene.
If you don’t want to visit the dermatologist for a prescription, you can also find an over-the-counter retinoid, called retinol. It can also improve lines and discoloration. But, because retinol is gradually converted into retinoic acid (the active ingredient in the prescription creams) it is less potent. Results may take up to 12 weeks compared to 4 weeks with a prescription strength retinoid.
Many patients ask us if retinoids will make their skin sun sensitive. The ingredient in retinol is sensitive to sunlight so we suggest only applying it before bed at night. A retinoid shouldn’t make your skin any more vulnerable to UV rays than it would be after buffing away dead skin with a face scrub. We always advise our patients to apply sunscreen (SPF 30, at least) everyday as part of your skin care treatment.
Retinoids can cause dryness, redness, and flaking, but if you add this into your routine, you can avoid a rough transition. For the first two weeks we suggest applying a retinoid only every third night. If your skin isn’t irritated, ramp up to every other night for two weeks. Not dry or flaky? Go for it every night. A few other irritation-mitigating guidelines: Wait 15 minutes after washing your face before you apply a retinoid, and use one pea-size dab to cover your whole face. After a few minutes, apply a basic moisturizer to prevent dryness.
As with any new treatment, please consult your physician before starting. Never use a retinoid if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness and often small, red, pus-filled bumps on the face. It is a very common skin condition that affects over 16 million people in the United States each year. Because of its red-faced, acne-like effects on personal appearance, however, it can cause significant psychological, social and occupational problems if left untreated. While the cause of rosacea is unknown, any one of the following warning signs is a signal to see a dermatologist or other knowledgeable physician for diagnosis and appropriate treatment before the signs and symptoms become increasingly severe: redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead; small visible blood vessels on the face; bumps or pimples on the face; watery or irritated eyes. Rosacea cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with many different treatment options. Today, we will talk about laser treatment options with yag and pulsed dye lasers.
Certain types of lasers are now being used to reduce the appearance of rosacea for many patients. The YAG laser is one of those being offered to treat patients with various blood vessel abnormalities including port wine stains and pigment disorders. The long pulse Nd:YAG laser has enabled the application of this wavelength to be extended to treat rosacea. The Nd:YAG wavelength combines a deep penetration with a pulsing that matches the natural relaxation time of vessels between pulses. Patients experience marked improvements in their complexion after six weeks of therapy.
Pulsed dye lasers are also being used to treat excessive blood vessels in the face. The pulsed dye lasers employ selective photothermolysis to target superficial blood vessels and coagulate them without causing any further dermal damage. This treatment option may cause slight bruising, but the bruising will go away within 3-5 days.
Give us a call to talk about options to treat your rosacea today!
The best plastic surgeons understand the ogee curve as well as an artist. Just as an artist studies his subject, the doctor will study the patient’s face to understand the best way to perform any facial augmentation procedure.
But, what is the ogee curve?
The ogee curve is the central facial triangle or the double soft-S curves that are seen on the youthful face from an oblique angle. There is fullness in the lateral brow that softly curves where the upper and lower eyelids meet, then softly curves outward on the upper cheek to again curve inward just above the mouth. As we age the natural curve collapses as the face loses the volume found in youth.
Placing an ogee curve in people’s faces make older people look younger and younger faces more beautiful.
In recent years, dermal fillers have provided cosmetic practitioners with the tools necessary to contour facial features non-surgically and cost-effectively. Hyaluronic acid fillers can add volume in an office environment with little to no downtime. Juvederm Voluma is an excellent filler for the midface to achieve a youthful appearance. Belotero corrects superficial lines as well as defines the lips. Radiesse is also an excellent choice to increase volume in the face.
Our physicians have an excellent reputation for helping each patient choose the most effective treatment plan to restore a youthful appearance by using the ogee curve philosophy. Call us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction or lipoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes fat from many different sites on the body. Areas affected can range from the abdomen, thighs and buttocks, to the neck, backs of the arms and elsewhere. The procedure may be performed under general, regional, or local anesthesia. The safety of the procedure depends on the amount of tissue removed and also the patient’s overall health. It is ideal for the patient to be as fit as possible before the procedure and not to have smoked for several months.
What are the Different Types of Liposuction?
Traditional Lipo – In general, fat is removed via a cannula (a hollow tube) and aspirator (a suction device). Liposuction techniques can be categorized by the amount of fluid injection and by the mechanism in which the cannula works. Liposuction candidates must be over 18, in good health and have a good diet and exercise program in place. Liposuction is not an alternative to diet and exercise, but a way to remove excess fatty tissue that is resistant to diet and exercise.
Power Assisted Lipo – Power-assisted lipo (PAL) uses a specialized cannula with mechanized movement, so that the surgeon does not need to make as many manual movements. Otherwise it is similar to traditional suction assisted liposuction.
Laser Assisted Lipo – A laser is used to melt the fat in the target area, making it easier to remove. This laser is administered through a fiber threaded through a microcannula. The procedure is similar to ultrasound assisted liposuction. Many patients report that laser assisted lipo such as SmartLipo or SlimLipo can also reduce bruising and bleeding.
As with any surgical procedure, research is key. Ask for recommendations from friends, read online reviews and make an appointment for a consultation before you schedule your procedure. Ask questions and be realistic in your expectations of the outcome you wish to receive.
Looking for an acne treatment but confused about all of the different treatment options available? You are like a million others who don’t have the time or resources to try every new product that hits the market that promises to cure your acne. We have another option for you that will eliminate acne scars, pigmented lesions and wrinkles – a 3 for 1!
What is PicoSure?
PicoSure is a quick and easy non-surgical, non-invasive laser skin treatment. PicoSure laser focuses on your problem areas, from brown spots, sun damage, freckles, pigmented lesions or acne scars. PicoSure offers a gentler treatment. In the past, lasers have relied on intense heat energy to remove pigment from the skin, which may be painful and lead to significant skin redness and downtime. The PicoSure technology combines a dual approach when treating skin conditions: a photothermal process and a photomechanical impact based on ultra-short pulse duration. This combination of photothermolysis and intense photomechanical impact, known as Pressure Wave™, breaks up the intended target while allowing the surrounding area to remain undamaged. It is this combined effect that restores normal skin elasticity in the scar tissue and thus reducing the appearance of the acne scar.
Treatments last about 15-20 minutes and most patients require 2-3 treatments. This procedure requires no downtime and is performed in our office. We do recommend to avoid sun exposure (including sun beds) for at least 4 weeks prior to treatment and 4 weeks after treatment. If it’s not possible to avoid the sun then don’t stay exposed for long periods and always use a sunscreen of a minimum SPF30 on exposed areas. Avoid hot baths/showers, saunas, swimming pools, creams, body lotions for 48 hours after your treatment.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and we can get you looking your best in no time!
What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite. Most people cringe at the word. Cellulite is normal fat beneath the skin that appears bumpy because it pushes against connective tissue. It isn’t harmful, but most people want to get rid of it because of its’ appearance on the body. Cellulite affects thin people and overweight people. It can be hereditary but other factors include, poor diet, fad dieting, slow metabolism, lack of physical activity, hormone changes, dehydration, total body fat and thickness and color of your skin. It usually affects women more than men.
Treatments for Cellulite
There are many treatment options on the market for reducing this stubborn fat. There are creams available that claim to dissolve fat and smooth the skin. Many creams contain aminophylline which is a prescription drug approved for treating asthma. No scientific evidence exists that these creams are effective against cellulite, and for some people, they can be harmful. The apparent effect may be due to narrowing blood vessels and forcing water from the skin, which could be dangerous for people with circulatory problems. Liposuction is another option. This option is surgery and there is pain and time away from normal activities to consider.
truSculpt is another option for treating cellulite. truSculpt is the new non-invasive way to melt fat, reduce cellulite and improve skin tone. Using radio frequencies, the tissue is heated over large areas of the body and fat cells are destroyed, naturally broken down and disposed of by the body over a period of several months. Patients will quickly see permanent results in their appearance after a few visits. truSculpt can be used on any area where fat or cellulite can accumulate, such as under the arms or around the buttocks, thighs, or abdomen.The sessions can be performed over your lunch hour with no downtime!
The Cutera truSculpt uses a proprietary radio frequency (RF) technology that allows uniform heating of the subcutaneous fat layer at sustained therapeutic temperatures. The fat cells are destroyed during this process and then broken down and disposed of by the body over up to three months. The truSculpt results are ideal to remove those small amounts of fat that stubbornly remain despite a good diet and regular exercise.We can treat the following areas: abdomen, love handles, flanks, thighs, buttocks, neck and arms.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about this new and exciting procedure.
