Reasons to Avoid Ice After Plastic Surgery
Once upon a time, the solution to almost any experience of swelling, pain, or bruising in the body was to ice it. And this is still the case for acute sports injuries – at least at first.
Yes, icing does bring down swelling and decreases inflammation. Yet, board-certified plastic surgeons are increasingly telling patients to avoid ice after plastic surgery. Especially with body contouring procedures.
So why is this the case?
Reasons to Avoid Ice After Plastic Surgery
While icing to numb an area and reduce pain makes sense on the surface, it can be counterintuitive to healing after certain plastic surgery procedures. Here’s why:
- It Compromises Blood Flow
To heal after surgery, your tissues need oxygen and nutrients. These are supplied to the tissues through healthy blood flow.
Unfortunately, ice constricts blood vessels and causes them to shrink (vasoconstriction). While this means less pain, it also means less oxygen and fewer nutrients reach the tissues which ultimately delays healing. In some cases, it can increase the risk of tissue death, known as necrosis.
This is precisely why plastic surgeons advise patients against anything that restricts circulation after surgery such as tight clothing or sleeping in strange positions.
- Inflammation Is a Normal Part of Healing
Swelling from inflammation can feel like a nuisance and cause discomfort. Hence the desire to eliminate it through icing.
Even so, inflammation is crucial for the body’s recovery. It’s a sign that your body is sending the necessary white blood cells to rebuild and heal the area. That’s why post-op plans focus on managing swelling rather than eliminating it.
- There’s the Risk of Frostbite and Skin Damage
One of the biggest reasons to avoid ice after plastic surgery is that in many body procedures, nerve manipulation is required. For example, patients who have a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and liposuction often report numbness.
With these areas already desensitized, patients who apply ice may not realize how cold their skin is getting or how long the ice has been on. This can lead to blistering, ice burns, delayed healing, skin discoloration, or even permanent skin damage.
Options Instead of Icing
It’s important to note that some facial procedures might involve short periods of controlled cooling. But for procedures on the body – and especially those that involve contouring – ice should be avoided. This is not to say that plastic surgery patients need to just suck it up and deal with the discomfort. There are other ways to provide comfort and ease your recovery.
First, your surgeon will likely prescribe an appropriate amount of pain medication for the short run, as well as recommend OTC pain-relieving products you can use.
Then, depending on your procedure, you may be required to wear a compression garment which will provide gentle, consistent pressure to reduce fluid buildup, minimize bruising, and help shape the body. Movement may also be recommended. Short but frequent walks stimulate blood flow and reduce stiffness.
Staying hydrated and eating nutritious foods such as leafy greens, nuts, fish, turmeric, and berries also help you feel better and heal faster. And if your surgeon gives you the go-ahead, you can also get a lymphatic massage to help reduce swelling and speed up healing time.
Listen to Your Surgeon
Your post-op protocol is personalized to you. If your board-certified surgeon says it’s best to avoid ice after plastic surgery, take that to heart.
Also, as tempting as it might be, don’t try to speed up healing with do-it-yourself remedies. This could cause more harm than good.
If you’re curious about a plastic surgery procedure and would like more information about recovering from it, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’re happy to answer all your questions.
Are There Differences Between a BBL and a Butt Lift?
A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) and a traditional butt lift do have similarities. At the end of the day, each one goes the distance to improve the shape of the buttocks and boost the patient’s confidence.
There are, however, differences between a BBL and a butt lift.
We’ll break it down here.
Technique and Recovery Are Two Big Differences Between a BBL and a Butt Lift
The traditional butt lift, also known as a gluteal lift, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of fat and sagging or loose skin in the lower back area, followed by the repositioning of gluteal tissues. After this procedure, patients usually experience some bruising and swelling that can be alleviated by gentle walking to improve circulation. Most patients can resume light work within two to three weeks, but intense physical activity is usually delayed for six weeks.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian butt lift procedure involves fat transfer. The procedure begins with liposuction to harvest fat from different parts of the body. The fat is then processed and injected above the gluteal muscles. Healing from a BBL requires avoiding pressure on the transferred fat for the first few weeks. Special attention is paid to aftercare to protect the fat grafts. Patients can resume normal activities in the first two to three weeks. However, intense activity should be avoided until the surgeon clears it.
Will There Be Scarring?
Since a regular buttock lift involves a board-certified plastic surgeon making incisions to remove excess skin, there is typically visible scarring. This isn’t as off-putting as it sounds. The incisions are made along the top of the buttocks or in the natural crease to make them less noticeable. Plus, in caring for the scars properly, patients can expect significant fading over time. The surgeon may also recommend laser treatments to further minimize the appearance of scarring.
On the other hand, there is minimal scarring with a Brazilian butt lift. This is because the procedure uses liposuction and small cannulas for injecting the fat. The required incisions for the cannulas are very small and are made in discreet areas of the body. They heal quickly and fade to barely noticeable marks.
So Which One Is Right for You?
Whether you choose a BBL or a more traditional butt lift goes beyond your personal feeling about scarring. Your choice will ultimately depend on the outcome you’re seeking. Though both procedures lift the buttocks, the results can be quite different.
Traditional Butt Lift
In cases where a patient has experienced significant weight loss and now has excess skin that needs removing, a traditional butt lift would be the first consideration. It is also the top choice for those who may not have many areas of the body with excess fat for removal and grafting.
A traditional butt lift typically results in a more toned and firm buttock area rather than one that’s more voluminous. Most patients experience a perkier, tighter, and more uplifted contour to their rear ends.
BBL
Meanwhile, the Brazilian butt lift is all about adding volume and fullness while enhancing the overall shape of the buttocks. A BBL can only work on patients who have enough fat in other areas of the body that would serve as donor sites though.
The result of fat grafting is a more natural and youthful contour. In addition, skin texture is improved because of collagen stimulation. So that’s a nice bonus.
Give Your Buttocks and Your Confidence a Boost
Now that you know the differences between a BBL and a butt lift, you may feel certain about which one is right for you. Then again, you may still be waffling.
Either way, it’s okay! We’re here for you.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons. They’ll answer any other questions you may have so you can feel sure about your choice.
How to Find the Best Bras After Breast Augmentation
If you’re considering breast augmentation, then you may have heard that finding the best bras after breast augmentation can be a bit daunting. After all, there are so many from which to choose.
It doesn’t have to be a big to-do, though.
By listening to your surgeon, your body, and respecting each stage of your recovery, you’ll be able to navigate these decisions much more easily than you think.
So What Are the Best Bras After Breast Augmentation?
The most important factor in choosing bras after your surgery is to pick those that best correspond with your phase of post-op recovery. In other words, as excited as you may be to try out your new breasts in sexy lingerie, you’ll probably need to wait a while.
The reality is, your breasts will be swollen and tender right after your surgery, so you probably won’t even be thinking about sexy lingerie. At this stage, you’ll likely need a medical compression bra. The primary objective at this point is to reduce swelling and promote healing. A compression bra will keep your wound dressings in place, restrict movement of your implant, and protect breast tissue. This will provide the most support at the beginning of your healing and facilitate recovery.
Your surgeon will recommend the best medical compression bra and instructions on how long to wear it. Most patients are required to wear it day and night for one to two weeks. After that time and with the surgeon’s approval, you’ll be able to move on to a supportive sports bra.
Transitioning to a Sports Bra
Keep in mind that your new breasts will be heavier than your old ones. So you’ll want to find a sports bra that keeps your breasts positioned high on your chest.
Steer clear of underwires since they can irritate incisions and slow down healing. You’ll also want to select one with a front clasp. This will help you avoid excessive movement or stretching while putting it on or removing it.
The amount of time you’ll wear a supportive sports bra will depend on your own healing journey. But once the incisions have healed, the breast implants have fully settled, and you feel sensation along the breast skin, your surgeon will green-light you for a more feminine underwire bra.
What Should You Look For in a New Bra?
When you start shopping for bras that will accommodate your new breasts, don’t be afraid to ask your board-certified plastic surgeon for advice. He or she performed the surgery and knows your anatomy and how well you’re recovering.
A solid and supportive bra can maintain the look of your implants for years. So what surgeons generally recommend at this point is a bra that provides excellent support so that the implants don’t droop too low. Once you’ve considered that, it’s up to you to select the best bra that fits your personality and makes you feel beautiful while showing off your new breasts.
Is a Breast Augmentation in Your Future?
Seeking the best bras after breast augmentation doesn’t have to be a big deal. Especially if you’re working with surgeons who have been performing breast augmentation for many years.
They know the terrain and can set you on the path to the best brands and types that will keep your implants looking beautiful for many years to come.
So if you’re ready to take the next step with highly experienced board-certified plastic surgeons, contact us today. Let’s get started!
What Is a Hydrafacial Keravive?
What Is a Hydrafacial Keravive?
If you’re trying to manage damaged or thinning hair, you know it can be irritating, troublesome, or even embarrassing. Matters only get worse if these conditions are accompanied by an itchy, dry, irritated, and flaky scalp.
What you may not know is that poor scalp health could be to blame for your hair loss. And this could happen for any number of reasons including stress, hormones, or environmental factors. Or it could be genetic.
Fortunately, you can achieve better scalp health with a Hydrafacial Keravive. It’s like a facial but for your scalp. And it’s also a great way to prep your scalp for a hair transplant or a hair loss treatment like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
How Does a Hydrafacial Keravive Work?
The objective of the Hydrafacial Kervive is to create the ideal environment for hair growth by addressing scalp issues like thinning hair, irritation, and dryness. And it’s so simple. HydraFacial technology combined with a special Keravive peptide solution helps to clean, exfoliate, and stimulate the scalp while delivering a blend of growth factors and skin proteins that nourish and hydrate.
It’s a relaxing three-step treatment that will restore your scalp’s health and could leave you with thicker and healthier-looking hair.
First, the HydraFacial vortex technology extracts oil, dirt, and other impurities from your scalp and hair follicles to encourage more circulation. Then, the special peptide solution containing growth factors and skin proteins is applied to further stimulate and nourish the scalp and hair follicles.
The first two steps are done in the office. The third step is the daily administration of a patented Hydrafacial scalp health spray that enhances the benefits of the in-office treatments and continues to provide nourishment and stimulation to your scalp and hair follicles.
For best results, you should expect to repeat the in-office treatment once a month for three consecutive months while continuing the Wuse of the at-home spray. After that, an in-office treatment every 1-3 months is encouraged to maintain scalp health.
What Happens After the Treatment?
Because it is gentle, non-invasive, and rejuvenating, the Hydrofacial Keravive is suitable for all skin types. There is no downtime or recovery. Each time you complete a treatment, you can go about your day as you normally would.
You may notice some minimal hair shedding after the procedure and this is normal. These are the non-growing hairs (the vellus) that have been uprooted. They are hairs that would have fallen out on their own even if you didn’t have the treatments. Shedding these hairs after a treatment is a sign that the scalp is getting healthier.
Welcome a Fuller Head of Hair and Renewed Confidence
You don’t have to settle for hair loss as a fact of life. A series of simple Hyrfacial Keravive treatments can restore your scalp and lead to a healthier head of hair.
Or it may be that you need additional scalp stimulation such as PRP therapy or microneedling.
Whatever the case, contact us today to speak with our skincare specialists. Regardless of which procedure they recommend, you’ll be aware of all the potential risks and side effects before your procedure so you can rest assured you get the best treatment.
The Emotional Changes With Plastic Surgery
If you’re considering changing your appearance through a surgical procedure, you may not be aware of the possible emotional changes with plastic surgery.
There’s no need to worry. This is completely normal.
Even so, it’s best to go into your procedure with the understanding that the operation could temporarily stir up some emotions. Here’s what you might expect.
There Could Be an Adjustment Period
Whether you’re having a Brazilian Butt Lift, a tummy tuck, or a facelift, what you’ll see in the mirror after the procedure will be different from what you’ve always known. And getting used to this can take some time.
In some cases, the adjustment period might be minimal. Certain people can roll with the punches more easily than others and will be able to embrace the changes quickly. For example, if you’ve elected rhinoplasty surgery because you’ve disliked the appearance of your nose for a long time, you may be a bit startled to see your reflection without that imperfection. On the other hand, it may come as a tremendous relief that your nose finally has the appearance you’ve long desired. It’ll depend to some degree on your natural disposition.
Another factor that will lend to the likelihood of an adjustment period is whether the surgery is elective and how major the results are. A patient coming in for liposuction to get rid of some pesky areas of fat is going to have a different emotional response than one having reconstructive surgery after dealing with breast cancer.
You May Experience an Identity Shift
Going to sleep one way and waking up another can be jarring to your identity. And not just for the patient. This is particularly the case for those electing to have body contouring surgery after massive weight loss.
In these cases, the patients have long identified with moving through life in a bigger body that may have gone largely unnoticed. Once they lose a lot of weight after a gastric bypass or GLP-1 medications, they need a body contouring procedure to get rid of the excess skin.
The result?
An entirely different body that may be getting attention. This can be difficult for the patient if they’ve grown accustomed to going unnoticed. What’s more, it can be difficult if there’s a spouse or partner who’s threatened by this new attention.
Waiting for Results to Show Can Be a Challenge
Of course, when we say that patients go to sleep looking one way and waking up another, there’s the recovery process to consider as well.
For example, you will definitely look different after a facelift. But what you see immediately after the procedure may leave you discouraged. Instead of the ‘after image’ you have in your head, you’ll more than likely look swollen and bruised with visible scars around your ears and hairline. That’s because there’s the necessary recovery time.
Some patients experience negative emotions around the disappointment of having to wait. Especially if they haven’t been fully briefed on the entire procedure and not allowed the chance to prepare themselves emotionally. That’s why it’s so important that you insist on a board-certified plastic surgeon who will not go ahead with the procedure until he or she feels confident that you know what to expect.
When you work with a highly qualified and skilled surgeon, you’ll have a better grasp on the reality of what to expect. In addition, in cases where the healing is longer and more intense, you’ll have made provisions to stay home and give your body (and your mind) time to recover.
The Emotional Changes With Plastic Surgery Aren’t Permanent
Yes, recovering from plastic surgery requires physical healing. But depending on several factors, it can be an emotional process too.
Just know that the emotional changes with plastic surgery are normal and won’t last forever. You just need to be patient with yourself and allow your mind time to catch up with your body. It will.
In the meantime, if you’re ready to start exploring different plastic surgery options, contact us today. We’ll ensure that you know what to expect every step of the way.
Can a Breast Reduction Affect Breastfeeding?
If you’ve been struggling with the discomfort that comes from having very large breasts, you might be considering decreasing the size. This can be an affirming and life-changing decision for many women.
However, if you’re considering this procedure but haven’t finished having children, you might be wondering, can a breast reduction affect breastfeeding?
The majority of women of childbearing age who undergo a breast reduction can breastfeed after their surgery. But there are definitely considerations.
First, What Is a Breast Reduction?
For everyone, gravity takes a toll on the breasts. Even men. But for women with large breasts, it can be especially daunting. There’s the potential for back, shoulder, and neck pain from excess breast tissue weighing them down. In addition, women often suffer from cuts and abrasions on their shoulders from the straps of extra supportive bras. Plus, overly large breasts can make finding clothes difficult and zap one’s confidence.
Fortunately, through the surgical procedure known as a breast reduction, a board-certified plastic surgeon can remove troublesome excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin to resize and reshape the breasts.
For those who need a moderate reduction, the board-certified surgeon will typically use what’s known as a lollipop incision. This is an incision made around the areola and down to the breast fold. In the cases of those who need a significant reduction, an anchor incision continues along the crease underneath the breast. Whatever the case, a breast reduction is accompanied by a breast lift to fully restore the shape and contour of the breast.
Sometimes, breast reduction is done in combination with other procedures such as a tummy tuck or liposuction. This combination of procedures, known as the Mommy Makeover, is typically done after a woman has stopped having children.
For women who want just a breast reduction and still plan to give birth, however, surgeons have to take extra consideration when it comes to breastfeeding.
How Can a Breast Reduction Affect Breastfeeding?
During a breast reduction procedure, the surgeon will encounter milk ducts, glands, and nerves required for breastfeeding. Removing breast tissue can damage these milk-producing structures and cause a significant drop in milk production. In addition, damage to the nerves around the nipples could result in an inability to stimulate milk let-down and ejection.
As such, a qualified surgeon will avoid techniques that cause damage to the breast ducts and glands. He or she instead focuses on those that preserve glandular tissue and minimize nerve damage to increase the chances of successful breastfeeding.
Timing and Post-Op Care Are Everything
If you are considering a breast reduction but still intend to breastfeed, you and your surgeon will discuss the best time to do this. The more time you allow between the surgery recovery and your pregnancy, the better it will be for your milk duct regeneration and recovery. This could mean giving yourself a few years after the surgery before breastfeeding.
In addition, the quality of your post-op care will be emphasized to enhance your recovery and future breastfeeding success. Once you reach the point of breastfeeding, you’ll be encouraged to eat healthy, stay hydrated, and apply breast strategies (frequent nursing, pumping, etc.) that improve milk let-down. You’ll also be encouraged to work with a lactation consultant who can guide you on effective latching techniques and give you tips for boosting milk production.
One of the most important things to remember is that each woman’s breastfeeding journey is unique. With or without a breast reduction, you may still have difficulty exclusively breastfeeding. And that’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with supplementing with formula as long as you and your baby are healthy and thriving.
Insist Upon a Highly Experienced Plastic Surgeon
Can a breast reduction affect breastfeeding? Yes. So it’s crucial you work only with an experienced and board-certified surgeon.
If you’re ready to further explore your options, contact us today.
During your consultation, our surgeon will explain the best surgical technique that will preserve your breast ducts, guide you based on your specific needs and goals, and provide practical expectations about your breastfeeding potential.
Is It Possible to Reverse Sun Damage?
If you’re a self-avowed sun worshipper, your skin may now be showing fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and hyperpigmentation as a result.
Especially if you didn’t take measures to protect your skin.
Even so, while it’s not possible to reverse sun damage, there are advanced treatments that can help decrease signs of sun damage and restore skin health.
What Happens to Skin in the Sun?
When the skin is penetrated by UV rays from the sun, there’s an acceleration in the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers. Collagen is necessary for keeping the skin smooth, while elastin fibers help it retain its shape. The breakdown of these components leads to sunspots, sagging, and the formation of wrinkles.
Fortunately, advancements in dermatological technology go the distance in reversing the visible effects of sun damage. The following top three are among the top solutions:
- Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical procedure that ablates the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). Then the energy can enter into the deeper layer (the dermis). This results in an immediate contraction of the skin which promotes collagen production. Collagen locks moisture into the skin cells to lessen age-related loss of skin volume. The more collagen in the skin, the fewer lines and creases.
Laser treatments effectively smooth wrinkles and even out skin tone on the face, neck, hands, and other places. And because it’s a minimally invasive procedure, the downtime is short. What’s more, the benefits of laser skin resurfacing last a long time.
- Chemical Peels
Simply put, a chemical peel is the application of a chemical solution to the skin.There are a few different peels available.
A light or “lunchtime” chemical peel is usually done in a series and it’s best for those with fine wrinkling, uneven skin coloring, or rough sun-damaged skin. Only the outermost layer of skin is removed and recovery requires little to no downtime.
With a medium chemical peel, both the outermost layer and the upper part of the middle skin layer are removed. This is a good option for those with more moderate wrinkles, age spots, acne scarring, or uneven skin coloring that’s more pronounced.
A deep chemical peel provides the most dramatic results. In this case, the chemical penetrates all the way down to the lower middle layer of the skin. This is most often recommended for those with moderate lines and wrinkles, extensive sun-damaged skin, deep acne scars, blotchy skin, and actinic keratosis. When done on the face, it’s a one-time treatment that requires pretreatment for up to eight weeks.
- Microneedling with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Microneeding with PRP is a minimally invasive skin treatment. It involves taking a small amount of your blood, then placing it in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from other blood components. The PRP is highly concentrated with growth factors that boost healing and tissue regeneration.
A microneedling device is then used to create tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the treatment area. These micro-injuries trigger your skin’s natural healing response, stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin, which are vital for youthful skin. Once that’s complete, the PRP is applied to the skin. The microchannels created by the microneedling allow the PRP to penetrate deeply into the skin, enhancing the healing process and maximizing the benefits of the treatment.
An Ounce of Prevention
While the above treatments can improve the appearance of skin that’s suffered sun damage, preventing further exposure to UV rays is crucial in maintaining your skin’s health. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 35 SPF is recommended. This includes on cloudy days. Even with the daily application of sunscreen, you should stay in the shade as much as possible and wear protective clothing such as certain fabrics and wide rimmed hats. Adopting such preventive measures as part of your skincare routine is easier than you think.
Could You Benefit from a Sun Damage Treatment?
If it were possible to reverse sun damage, that would be great. But since that isn’t an option, you can take the above-mentioned measures to prevent further damage.
In the meantime, if you’re bothered by the visible effects of sun damage you currently have, don’t let it damage your confidence too.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our skincare specialists will meet with you to determine which treatment is the most appropriate.
Discover the Beauty of Forever Bare BBL
Removing unwanted hair can feel like a constant battle.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could commit a lot less time to this battle? You can! With Forever Bare BBL, you can have smooth and radiant skin that lasts a long time.
And Forever Bare BBL treatments are incredibly versatile. You can have hair removed from the legs, underarms, bikini line, back and chest, and the face – particularly the upper lip and chin.
What Exactly is BBL?
BBL stands for broad band light. This form of hair removal technology delivers light energy to the skin which is absorbed by melanin – the pigment that gives your skin and hair color. The energy converts to heat which safely disrupts the hair’s growth cycle.
Because BBL uses multiple high-energy pulses at a higher repetition rate than traditional laser treatments, it’s far less likely to miss areas.
What to Expect from Forever Bare BBL
It should be noted that Forever Bare BBL treatments are safe for most people. However, pregnant women and people with certain skin conditions or sensitivities to light-based treatments should avoid BBL.
If your skincare specialist determines Forever Bare BBL will^ be good for you, the target area will be prepared and your provider will use a hand piece to deliver light energy to your hair follicles. Depending on the size of the area being treated, sessions are relatively short. There is minimal discomfort and you’ll feel a warm sensation.
BBL hair removal also has minimal downtime. Though there will be some redness or sensitivity in the treated area, that will quickly subside and you’ll be able to get back to your daily activities immediately after the treatment.
You’ll be provided with aftercare instructions and be advised to avoid sun exposure, wear sunscreen, and clean the treatment area with gentle cleanser and warm water.
Complete hair removal typically requires several sessions spaced a few weeks apart. After the initial treatment, your results will be assessed and maintenance sessions once or twice per year might be required to maintain smoothness.
The Benefits of Forever Bare BBL
One major benefit of Forever Bare BBL is how comfortable the treatment is. The system has a built-in cooling plate to keep the skin cool during the session.
Another benefit is its versatility. The treatment can be tailored to suit many different skin types and hair colors. Plus, the treatments have minimal to no downtime so they won’t interrupt your life.
Plus, Forever Bare BBL is clinically proven to be safe and effective. The gentle wavelength targets the pigment without harming the surrounding tissue, while the cooling system minimizes discomfort and aftereffects. 80-90% of the hair in the treated area is eliminated within 3-6 treatments.
Finally, the results from Forever Bare BBL are long-lasting. After completing your treatment plan, you could see a reduction in hair growth for years!
Discover the Beauty of Forever Bare BBL for Yourself!
If you’re ready to see if Forever Bare BBL could be a great option for you, contact us today to set up your consultation.
We’ll discuss your skin and hair type and determine if Forever Bare BBL is the best choice for your hair removal goals. From there, we’ll outline a personalized treatment plan, including the number of sessions needed for optimal results.
So don’t hesitate! Get summer smooth… and stay that way for a long time!
Benefits of An Endoscopic Brow Lift
If you’ve researched any of our articles on the brow lift procedure, then you know it’s an effective surgery. Yet, even though you’re not satisfied with your drooping eyebrows, you may not be ready to pull the trigger on the procedure.
So perhaps it’s time to consider the benefits of an endoscopic brow lift instead.
It’s a more minimally invasive technique that has several advantages over a traditional brow lift procedure. And it’s becoming increasingly popular because of this.
Benefits of an Endoscopic Brow Lift Surgery
Just like it sounds, an endoscopic brow lift utilizes an endoscope for better visualization. This means smaller incisions than in the regular procedure, faster recovery time, lowered risk of complications, and less swelling and bruising.
In reducing a sagging brow, it also works to smooth out crow’s feet, frown lines, the horizontal wrinkles across the forehead, and the vertical creases that develop between the eyebrows – more affectionately known as the “11s.” It will also restore the natural arch in your eyebrows. Results from an endoscopic brow lift typically lasts between five and ten years – depending on your skin elasticity, sun exposure, and how well (or not well) the aging process treats you.
If after your consultation your board-certified plastic surgeon determines an endoscopic brow lift is right for you, you’ll need to provide your medical history. You’ll also receive instructions on medication, not eating before surgery, and the best ways to manage your hair – since that’s where the incisions will be hidden.
Endoscopic Brow Lift Procedure
An endoscopic brow lift is typically performed using local anesthesia with IV sedation, though in some cases there may be general anesthesia. From there, your board-certified plastic surgeon will make tiny incisions in a part of the scalp that has hair so as to limit scarring. The exact placements and number of incisions will depend on your forehead’s structure and the surgeon’s technique.
The surgeon then inserts an endoscope through the incisions to get a clear view (on a monitor) of the internal structures to avoid important facial nerves. He or she will manipulate the forehead’s soft tissues, adjusting muscles and fascia to create the ideal brow position while smoothing the forehead.
Fixation methods hold the new position in place and the incisions are carefully closed. There will likely be some swelling and bruising.
Recovery
Generally speaking, you can expect a recovery period of 10-14 days, though most patients return to work within a week. Swelling and bruising are common. They typically peak around 36-48 hours after the procedure and are best managed with cold compresses. You’ll also need to keep your head elevated in the first two days after the procedure to reduce swelling. This includes when you’re sleeping.
A gentle shower may be viable after 24 hours, but be careful to avoid direct water on the incision sites. You’ll need to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and anything requiring you to bend over for too long. Rest is crucial and always adhere to your surgeon’s instructions regarding wound care and medication.
Within a few months, you should be bright-eyed and fully recovered.
Curious About Brow Lift Surgery?
If you’re wondering about the benefits of an endoscopic brow lift versus a regular brow lift, contact us today to set up a meeting.
During your personalized consultation, our board-certified plastic surgeon will examine your facial features and discuss your aesthetic goals to determine which procedure is right for you.
We look forward to hearing from you!
What Is the Obagi Blue Radiance Peel?
Considering a chemical peel but not sure where to begin?
The Obagi Blue Radiance Peel is a great place to start your journey. It’s suitable for both mature skin with fine lines as well as oily or acne-prone skin.
Another reason this is a good starter chemical peel is it’s light-strength and can be done in a short amount of time. In fact, you could have an Obagi Blue Radiance Peel during your lunch break, and return to work immediately afterward!
How Does It Differ from Other Peels?
The Obagi Blue is different from other alpha-hydroxy peels or superficial skin procedures in that it allows your skin care specialist more precise control of the depth of the peel. For some patients, one layer of the peel solution will be enough to get the job done. For others, two layers are required.
During your consultation, your aesthetician will determine the number of layers based on your individual needs. Although the vast majority of patients use the peel for their face, it can also be applied to your neck, hands, arms, legs, back, and chest.
Another thing that makes Obagi Blue Peel Radiance unique is that it’s specially formulated to treat Black, Asian, Latino/a, and all other darker skin types. In the past, chemical peels only worked on lighter skin.
What You Can Expect from Your Obagi Blue Radiance Peel
Before proceeding to the desired area to be treated, a test application will be applied to a small area of skin to ensure there are no negative reactions.
You’ll be brought to a comfortable reclining position. If you’re having the procedure on your face, your skin care specialist will apply moisturizer to your lips and the corners of your eyes to protect them. You may also have gauze placed over each eye to protect your eyelids.
Regardless of where you’re having the peel, the Blue Peel Radiance Prep Solution will then be applied to your skin and left to dry completely.
Using a systematic pattern, your aesthetician will apply a single layer of the Obagi Blue Radiance Peel. You may experience mild tingling, which is completely normal. If you opt to get a second layer and your skin tolerates the first layer well, the second layer will be applied 30-60 seconds after the initial layer and using the same systematic pattern.
Whether you’re doing one or two layers, the peel stays on the skin for up to 10-12 minutes. It’s then removed using a sponge or gauze with a gentle cleanser and a rinse of water and a mineral sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is applied.
Caring for Your Skin After the Peel
While an Obagi Blue Peel Radiance is considered gentle, you might experience mild redness or peeling afterward. This is not unusual. Just be sure to avoid using any alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid products, retinoids, retinols, or facial products containing fragrance for a few days after the peel.
Also, be gentle with your skin. Do NOT exfoliate it and avoid picking at any flaking or peeling skin during your short recovery. In addition, avoid direct exposure to the sun and wear an SPF of at least 30 at all times for at least a week. Following these guidelines will keep your skin protected from improper healing that could reverse the benefits of the peel.
Renew Your Skin with an Obagi Blue Radiance Peel
Are you ready to experience the ease and effectiveness of an Obagi Blue Radiance Peel?
Treat yourself to a lunch break pick-me-up for your skin!
Contact us to set up a consultation with one of our skincare specialists and discover the miracle of this quick yet powerful procedure.
