Can You Reduce the Size of Your Breast Implants?
Having breast augmentation surgery to increase the size of your breasts can be an emotional journey. In most cases, women enjoy the results as they navigate life with a larger breast size. They’re pleased with the way clothes fit better and their increased confidence.
But there are occasions when the increased breast size is not what they imagined. Or it’s simply that after many years being satisfied with the results, changes in the body have now rendered the implants too large. If this is you, you may be wondering if you can reduce the size of your breast implants.
The short answer is yes. However, it isn’t always a matter of swapping one pair of implants out for another. The experience will be different for every patient. And if your surgery was recent, there is one major question you need to ask yourself.
Do You Really Want to Reduce the Size of Your Breast Implants?
If it hasn’t even been a year since your breast augmentation, you’ll want to give yourself some time. It’s not unusual for patients to feel uncertain at first. For some, it can be challenging for the body and mind to adjust to the new size. Plus, in the early months when there is normal post-op swelling, it can make your new breasts appear even larger. In addition, they’ll be sitting up higher on your chest. Just know that this isn’t permanent.
Of course, this isn’t to say that if you’re completely dissatisfied for any reason you should just wait it out for a year. Your best bet is to consult your surgeon and discuss any concerns you have. He or she will work with you to find a viable solution.
On the other hand, if you’ve had your implants for many years and are now feeling that you want to decrease the size of your breasts, you’re likely working from a place of more certainty. So here’s what you should know.
You May Have More Choices This Time Around
If you had your breast augmentation more than ten years ago, you’ll be amazed at the much wider variety of implant sizes, shapes, and types of fillings.
For example, silicone is now available in varying degrees of thickness that allow the surgeon to fine-tune the feel and shape of the breast. Or perhaps this time you opt for gummy bear implants. No, they’re not filled with gummy bears. But these newer implants allow for more teardrop-shaped results.
During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will help you determine which route is best for you.
Your Revision May Require a Breast Lift Too
When you increase the size of your breasts, you also increase your breast volume. So it stands to reason that reducing implant size means you’ll also reduce that volume. If the skin and breast tissue don’t naturally contract on their own, you may have some sagging. In addition, if your nipple/areola size is currently proportionate with a larger implant, it may look too large with a smaller one.
In these cases, your surgeon may recommend a breast lift to firm up the breast shape and provide proportion for your nipple/areola to offer a more youthful breast shape.
Are You Ready to Downsize?
If you want to reduce the size of your implants, choose only a skilled and board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced with revisions and secondary procedures.
So if you’re ready to start your journey, contact us today.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons will take into account your individual anatomy, the size and age of your original implants, and your desired size change to get you the results you’re envisioning. Let’s get started.
Should You Use Lymphatic Massage After Plastic Surgery?
If you’re preparing for plastic surgery, you’ve probably read up on what to expect during recovery.
What you may not have encountered is information on the benefits of getting a lymphatic massage after plastic surgery. Especially in the case of liposuction procedures.
So we’ll take a look at this great resource that, when used properly and with a licensed therapist, could even shorten your recovery time.
Benefits of Lymphatic Massage After Plastic Surgery
The lymphatic and circulatory systems work in tandem to maintain the balance of fluid in your body. They also work together to remove waste products from the tissues. Surgical procedures tend to interrupt this balance. As such, swelling and fluid accumulation are common post-surgical issues. These can cause additional pain while slowing down the healing process. Lymphatic massage can alleviate this.
How does it work?
Lymphatic massage consists of gentle, soothing movements that improve lymphatic flow throughout your body so you’ll experience better blood circulation. It expedites the drainage of excess fluid and prevents further fluid buildup to decrease swelling and promote healthy tissue regeneration.
Decreased swelling means less pain and discomfort, while faster tissue regeneration results in less scarring and an improved appearance of the incision site. But that’s just the beginning.
Other Reasons to Consider Lymphatic Massage
In its ability to improve blood flow and boost tissue health, a lymphatic massage offers other benefits that go above and beyond helping you recover from surgery. Lymphatic massage can do the following:
- Boost Your Immune System
Your lymphatic system keeps lymph fluid moving around efficiently to filter toxins, bacteria, and other nasty substances from your body. In other words, it’s a key player in the detoxification process. So when it’s unable to effectively clear out those waste products, the body’s other organs and lymph nodes take on the burden.
This puts a strain on your immune system and makes it even more difficult to ward off infections or other illnesses. So keeping the fluid flowing with a lymphatic massage is going to improve your body’s immune processes.
- Reduce Water Retention
Most of us have experienced water retention. It can happen when we get dehydrated or eat too much salty food. However, if you’ve experienced chronic water retention, also known as edema, you know how uncomfortable or even painful it can be.
Movements in a lymphatic massage stimulate the lymph nodes and vessels which, in turn, encourage the drainage of excess fluid. In this way, it also enhances your body’s innate ability to move and then excrete any excess fluid.
- Lessen Cellulite
It turns out that enhanced circulation and reduction in water retention in your body means smoother skin and texture. This is good news if you struggle with cellulite. Because if all of the above weren’t enough, a lymphatic massage can also help break down the fat deposits that can contribute to cellulite. In fact, a lymphatic massage can be a great part of a holistic approach to not only reduce cellulite but to attain a more toned appearance overall. So that’s a big plus!
Speak With Your Plastic Surgeon
If you’re considering a surgical procedure, you always want to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who can help you determine whether lymphatic massage after plastic surgery is right for your procedure and recovery.
He or she should be able to guide you to a certified lymphatic massage therapist who has experience with post-surgical patients.
To get started on your journey, contact us today. During your consultation, we’ll discuss all of your options to ensure the safest and most effective treatment and recovery for you.
Is It Possible to Skip Narcotics After Plastic Surgery?
While the opioid epidemic has lessened to some degree, it has created an awareness of the dangers of narcotics. As such, some patients considering elective plastic surgery decide against it because of their desire to avoid narcotics after surgery.
Plus, some patients have a history of addiction and are reticent to use Percocet, Norco, Vicodin, or even Tylenol with Codeine because of the possibility of dependency.
So then is it possible to skip narcotics after plastic surgery? Given that everyone experiences pain differently, there’s no easy answer. For some, yes. But even for those who can’t, the focus has shifted toward more responsible use and mindful prescribing of opioids.
What to Expect from Pain Management
Plastic surgeons know that the amount of pain their patients experience must be balanced with safety when taking pain medications. Striking this balance doesn’t necessarily mean that, as a patient, you will feel no pain. It’s a matter of determining the level of pain you can tolerate.
Your surgeon is going to prescribe medication only for acute pain related to your surgery (and/or any injury that may have caused it). Medications serve to primarily decrease inflammation and block pain. More than one medication may be used and your regimen may change as you start to heal or if side effects are problematic. These are all the things your board-certified plastic surgeon will discuss with you.
It’s important to know at the onset that your surgeon will not prescribe medication for chronic pain.
So Can You Skip Narcotics After Plastic Surgery?
As mentioned above, every patient has a different pain threshold. This is taken into consideration by a board-certified plastic surgeon when managing and addressing pain management.
As far as narcotics and opioids, plastic surgeons now prescribe far fewer pills than in the past. These are intended for only extreme pain at the beginning of the recovery process. Pain can be further alleviated by prescribing a long-acting non-opioid pain reliever such as Exparel which is injected during surgery. Doing this reduces the quantity of opioids consumed after surgery as Exparel can give two to three days of pain control postoperatively.
That said, there are occasions when the post-op period can be managed without narcotics. Again, for more minor procedures or in cases where patients have a high pain threshold, there are options for non-narcotic pain control. Some surgeons use an NSAID the night before like Celebrex that doesn’t cause bleeding. Another option is Toradol. This strong, non-opioid, non-steroidal causes minimal to no post-op bleeding and can be used for five days after surgery.
They may also recommend gabapentin the night before the surgery to alter the pain signals carried by your nerves. Then local anesthetics (such as lidocaine or Bupivacaine) may be used to numb the tissue and Tylenol might suffice for pain.
Additional Ways to Manage Pain
If you’re determined to go without narcotics and your surgeon thinks it’s a do-able situation, there are additional ways you can help manage your pain. For example, muscle relaxers such as Valium can be used to help muscle relaxation after a tummy tuck.
But no matter what procedure you have, the first thing you’ll want to do is stay ahead of the pain. If you’re using a non-narcotic pain reliever and/or local anesthetic, don’t wait until the pain is severe before you take them. This is going to make it harder to control.
Also, get plenty of sleep. It’s going to speed healing and reduce your pain. Sitting or lying in one place for too long will exacerbate the pain so plan on changing positions with some regularity. And if you have to sneeze, cough, or do anything that can cause stress on the surgery site, brace or hold it.
As with all aspects of life, keep your stress levels low. Steer clear of people and situations that can kick up stress. You can also release stress with physical activity. You need to consult with your surgeon about how much is too much though.
Finally, alternative pain management relaxation methods like stretching, therapeutic massage, and deep breathing can calm pain.
Be Completely Forthcoming with Your Plastic Surgeon
More and more people are opting out of plastic surgery because they’re worried about using narcotics. That’s easy to understand.
So if you’re hoping to skip narcotics after plastic surgery for any reason, be sure to insist on a board-certified plastic surgeon only.
Contact us today to set up a consultation with one of our highly trained and skilled surgeons. He or she can discuss your options and what a pain management plan might look like for you.
Why Belly Fat Is Harder to Lose
Is your belly your problem area? Perhaps you’ve been eating well, exercising, and noticing a difference on the scale. Yet, that difference doesn’t seem to be translating to your abdomen.
This phenomenon can be so discouraging that you might postulate that belly fat is harder to lose – and then laugh at yourself for such a seemingly ludicrous thought.
It’s not ludicrous, though. In fact, research shows that belly fat is unique in its resistance to weight loss.
Causes of Belly Fat
When trying to lose belly fat, one of the most obvious plans of attack is to spend more time moving, cut back on the beer/wine, and replace potato chips with broccoli. A sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption, and an unhealthy diet are three huge contributors to weight gain around the belly.
Unfortunately, some of us are genetically prone to carrying more fat around the abdomen. Then there’s the whole challenge of aging (sound familiar?). The body’s ability to convert food into energy declines. And for women, the added hormonal changes after menopause often shift primary fat storage to the abdomen.
It’s not…. ideal.
Understanding Why Belly Fat Is Harder to Lose
For most of us, subcutaneous fat is the type of fat that’s creating that bulging abdomen. This is the fat that sits beneath the skin but above the muscle. You can pinch it.
Yes, you can lose subcutaneous fat with diet and exercise. But here’s the thing. Fat cells throughout the body have beta receptors that are responsible for lipolysis. This is the metabolic process that breaks down stored fat in the cells and turns it into energy. For some (possibly cruel) reason, abdominal fat cells have fewer beta receptors so they’re slower to process.
Beyond that, there is another type of fat that could be contributing to some of that bulge. And that is visceral fat. Where subcutaneous fat is mostly benign (if not annoying), visceral fat can be dangerous. It accumulates around internal organs within the abdominal cavity and can encase important organs like the liver, pancreas, and intestines. It’s often referred to as “hidden” fat because it exists deeper than subcutaneous fat.
Addressing Belly Fat with Plastic Surgery
If it’s stubborn subcutaneous fat that you can’t seem to eliminate, then liposuction is often the top recommendation. It works by surgically removing those beta receptor-light fat cells.
Through tiny incisions in the areas you’d like to target, a board-certified plastic surgeon inserts a narrow tube called a cannula. The cannula is connected to a surgical vacuum or syringe. The surgeon manipulates the cannula to disrupt fat cells, which are then suctioned out of the incision.
Although it is a surgical procedure, liposuction is a fairly simple way to remove excess fat from the belly. It’s important to note, however, that liposuction cannot remove visceral fat but only the superficial layers of fat tissue. Diet and exercise are the best ways to remove visceral fat.
Another more complex way to approach stubborn belly fat is with an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck. With this procedure, the ultimate goal is to flatten the lower abdomen. The patient is put under anesthesia and a board-certified plastic surgeon makes an incision about 4-8 inches long in the lower abdomen.
From there, he or she may tighten loose muscle, remove flabby skin, and/or possibly use liposuction to remove excess fat. If there is excess skin, it will be trimmed and laid flat. Depending on where and how much excess skin is in the area, this can potentially remove stretch marks too. Bonus!
Give Up the Battle of the Bulge
If your continued dedication to diet and exercise isn’t giving you the results you want, it’s because belly fat is harder to lose. It’s as simple as that.
So, if you’re ready to consider plastic surgery as an option for ridding yourself of that ‘problem area,’ contact us today.
During your consultation, you’ll have a chance to share your woes with a board-certified plastic surgeon and chart a plan for victory over that bulge!
Natural-Looking Plastic Surgery Results Are In Demand
There’s no denying that plastic surgery has evolved significantly over the past several decades. As such, what patients seek from their plastic surgery has also changed.
In the early days of modern plastic surgery, many patients were looking for a life-changing transformation that people would stand up and notice. But now, much more natural-looking plastic surgery results are in demand.
Patients come to plastic surgeons requesting ways to look more refreshed and vibrant while still looking like themselves. Plastic surgery is increasingly regarded as an extension of a self-care routine. And this requires the skills of only qualified board-certified plastic surgeons.
Achieving Natural-Looking Plastic Surgery Results Is an Art
Yes, delivering natural-looking plastic surgery results requires technical expertise. But it also demands precision, artistry, and a comprehensive understanding of bodily and facial harmony.
Today’s plastic surgeons opt for a more nuanced approach. The focus has shifted from alteration to enhancement. They carefully refine features with a soft touch, blending science with artistry to elevate a patient’s best features and creating enhancements that never look forced or artificial.
In other words, the outcome of the procedure delivers an effortless and natural feel that doesn’t greatly alter how the patient appears.
Surgical Procedures That Deliver Natural-Looking Results
With this newer desire to look more refreshed and rejuvenated without being tagged as “having work done,” board-certified plastic surgeons have shifted away from altering one’s appearance and instead strive to prioritize subtle and natural-looking enhancements that highlight a patient’s best features.
It comes down to achieving harmony and proportion so that the results are elegant, soft, and balanced. No matter what the procedure – of which there is no shortage.
- Facial Procedures
At one time, patients opting for a facelift were willing to tolerate a “pulled” appearance in the name of restoring youthful contours. Patients today don’t have to make this sacrificial trade. Newer facelift and neck lift procedures do more than tighten the skin. They emphasize repositioning underlying tissue.
Meanwhile, eyelid surgery (also known as blepharoplasty) is a highly effective way to lift drooping eyelids to give patients a brighter and more alert appearance that doesn’t impact their natural expressions.
And with the simple refining of the tip or softening of the dorsal hump of the nose during rhinoplasty, a skilled plastic surgeon can bring back more youthful facial proportions.
- Body Contouring
A body lift that’s performed by carefully removing excess skin and enhancing natural curves to achieve a toned silhouette avoids an overly tightened appearance.
The same can be said with an abdominoplasty (i.e. tummy tuck), where the focus remains on maintaining and restoring natural abdominal contours when removing excess skin and tightening muscles.
All liposuction procedures are also done with the same goal to strategically remove excess fat while enhancing natural body lines.
- Breast Procedures
Once again, a modern breast lift, or mastopexy, aims to maintain a woman’s natural silhouette to restore youthful position.
In terms of breast enhancement, gone are the days when implants looked like inverted cereal bowls. Patients who desire more symmetry and proportion to their breasts have amazing options of natural-looking implants that didn’t exist even a few years ago.
Seeking Some Subtle Touch-Ups?
Natural-looking plastic surgery results are in high demand. And experienced surgeons know that it comes down to complementing and enhancing your natural features rather than overshadowing them.
So if you’re considering plastic surgery, contact us today to speak with our board-certified plastic surgeons. We have a highly personalized approach that takes into consideration your skin quality, anatomy, and aesthetic goals.
Most importantly, we’ll explore ways to give you a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance that allows you to still look like yourself!
Correcting Asymmetry with Plastic Surgery
When posing for a picture, do you have a favorite side? Most of us do because we’re all at least a little asymmetrical. While developing in utero, fluctuations in gene expression lead to this asymmetry. Then life happens and other reasons for asymmetry may arise.
For many of us, this isn’t a big deal. But for others, there can be a dramatic difference between sizes or placement of different body parts. This is particularly difficult for those dealing with these asymmetries in their faces or breasts.
Fortunately, correcting asymmetry with plastic surgery can bring proportions into balance to deliver the most natural-looking results.
Facial Asymmetry
Facial asymmetry, as you can probably imagine, is when one side of the face looks different from the other. It’s basically a measure of how harmonious our features work, or don’t work, together.
In nature, there’s no such thing as a perfectly symmetrical face. But in cases where features are noticeably different from side to side, facial harmony is upset. And given that we essentially recognize one another by our facial features, this can be upsetting for those with a sizable difference.
For instance, a patient may come to a board-certified plastic surgeon complaining of a nose that veers to one side. This could be genetic. Or it might be the result of being broken one too many times. Another patient may be dissatisfied with how their chin or jawline is sagging as they age – especially in relation to the rest of their face.
Breast Asymmetry
Much like the face, nobody has perfectly symmetrical breasts. For over half of all women, the breasts are different in size, placement, or shape. This could be because of genetics, breastfeeding, pregnancy, weight change, menopause, or birth control. In many cases, these differences are subtle enough to not be problematic.
But when there’s a significant difference from one side to the other, patients may seek out plastic surgery for a solution. This is often a very effective route.
Correcting Asymmetry with Plastic Surgery
In cases where facial asymmetry is the result of a neurological condition like Bell’s palsy or a stroke, it is very difficult or even impossible to correct them with plastic surgery. However, if the asymmetry is the result of other medical conditions, genetics, or lifestyle choices, that’s a different story.
One prime example of plastic surgery that addresses facial asymmetry would be rearranging or removing the nasal bone and/or cartilage through rhinoplasty to bring balance to the nose. On the other hand, for patients struggling with sagging facial features, a facelift could be a viable solution. There are even silicone chin implants that help reshape the jawline.
Meanwhile, one of the most effective ways to address breast asymmetry is through breast augmentation procedures. In some cases, it may mean inserting an implant to make one breast as large as the other. The reverse of that would be to make one breast as small as the other through breast reduction surgery. Fat transfers from other parts of the body are also an amazing option for correcting breast asymmetry while achieving natural-looking results.
Troubled by Facial or Breast Asymmetry?
No need to be embarrassed by the imbalance. Correcting asymmetry with plastic surgery could be just what you need to restore your confidence.
So if you’re ready to find out what plastic surgery can do for you, contact us today to schedule your consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
And bring some balance into your life.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Once upon a time, you probably didn’t think twice about rubbing your eyes after a long night or when you were feeling sleepy. But then you got older. (It happens to the best of us.)
Now you might be noticing your eyes don’t look as big and bright as they once did. You may have loose or sagging skin around your eyelids that’s not only dragging down your facial features but could be negatively affecting your vision too.
Plus, the muscles that support the eyelids may have also become weakened and lax, causing drooping, puffiness, and dark circles. But don’t despair. Fortunately, there is blepharoplasty.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is just the fancy medical term for an eyelid lift. And it’s not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Depending on your specific needs, your board-certified plastic surgeon will recommend either an upper blepharoplasty or a lower blepharoplasty. In some cases, he or she may recommend both – known as a quad blepharoplasty.
All three procedures deliver a dramatically more youthful appearance to the eyes. So, which type of blepharoplasty do you need? Let’s explore.
Is an Upper Eyelid Lift Right for You?
Of the two procedures, the upper eyelid lift procedure is the less complex. This procedure is recommended for patients bothered by sagging skin, excess fat, or loose muscle along the upper eyelids. The drooping can be significant enough to block or obstruct vision to some degree, a condition known as ptosis.
With an upper blepharoplasty, excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat are removed through a small incision in the upper eyelid. In some cases, the muscles above the eye may need to be repositioned before the skin is lifted and reattached. The incision for this procedure is made in the crease above the eye to hide any scar.
Although a simpler procedure than a lower blepharoplasty, your plastic surgeon may also recommend a brow lift with an upper eyelid lift. This will provide significant improvement in cases where drooping has become problematic.
What About a Lower Eyelid Lift?
For patients concerned about sagging skin, puffiness, and ‘bags’ under their eyes, your plastic surgeon would recommend (as you’ve probably guessed) a lower blepharoplasty.
Part of what makes the lower eyelid lift procedure more complex is that there are multiple approaches, depending on your eye anatomy and desired results. The two most common approaches are an external approach and a transconjunctival approach.
With the external approach, an incision is made just below the lower eyelashes, and excess fat and skin are removed. Excess fat from the eyelid may be repositioned to address hollow areas beneath the eyes. Or the cheek may also be lifted to fill that space. In addition, if there is muscular weakness, the lower eyelid will be tightened to improve strength.
By contrast, the transconjunctival approach is more direct. Working through an incision just inside the eyelid, the surgeon removes or repositions excess fat. This approach, however, does not address improving strength. Therefore, it’s preferred for younger patients or for those for whom muscle weakness is not an issue.
Are You Ready to Explore Eyelid Surgery?
If sagging and drooping eyelids and/or bags under your eyes are weighing you down, take advantage of the wondrous results an upper or lower blepharoplasty will deliver.
And if you think you’re too young, think again! An increasing number of patients in their 40s (and even late 30s) seek plastic surgery for sagging and drooping around the brows and eyelids.
So contact us today to find out which procedure is right for you. And bring back some of that sparkle and youthful radiance.
Is It Possible to Remove a C-Section Scar?
There’s no arguing that pregnancy is hard on a woman’s body. As such, many women decide to undergo a mommy makeover to restore their pre-pregnancy appearance. The procedure includes removing sagging skin, eliminating stretch marks, and creating a more contoured silhouette.
In addition to all of this, you could also completely remove a C-section scar if you have a tummy tuck. In this case, a cesarean scar is traded with a more aesthetic abdominoplasty scar below the bikini line.
Whatever the case, thanks to C-section scar removal procedures, women who’ve had a cesarean birth are no longer stuck with a prominent scar. And with proper care and additional post-procedure treatment, it can be almost unnoticeable.
Good Candidates for C-Section Scar Removal
If you’re frustrated by a C-section scar and don’t want a full tummy tuck, you may have tried various products that claim to reduce its appearance or remove it altogether. And you’ve likely found no success.
Scar revision surgery, on the other hand, is proven to reduce the prominence of a scar. Simply having had a cesarean birth does not qualify you for this procedure, however.
A good candidate for this surgery should be in good overall health. This includes being a non-smoker or having abstained from tobacco products for a minimum of six weeks. In addition, anyone suffering adverse skin conditions or acne around the scar area is also not considered a good candidate.
How Does a Plastic Surgeon Remove a C-Section Scar?
C-scar revision requires a local anesthetic, at the very least. Some patients will need to undergo some degree of sedation to ensure they remain calm and don’t experience pain during the surgery.
Once the patient is prepped, a board-certified plastic surgeon carefully makes incisions around the C-section scar and under it to free up the tissue. Doing this realigns the scar tissue to make it appear less prominent.
Any part of the scar that remains uplifted can then be excised using advanced surgical techniques. Furthermore, if the shape of the less prominent scar is unsightly in any way, the surgeon can also alter this to make it look better.
Recovery from Scar Removal Treatment
After the surgery, there are typically other non-surgical treatments and skincare procedures you’ll need to follow to help further reduce the appearance of any scarring. Depending on the nature of your job and how intensive the surgery is, you may want to take some time off from work.
In addition, you’ll be given specific post-operative instructions on treating the surgical scar to keep it clean and reduce the risk of infection.
It’s crucial that you attend all follow-up visits to ensure that your scar is healing properly. In the event that additional procedures are needed, your plastic surgeon may recommend laser treatments or other skin care options to help you achieve the most desirable aesthetic results.
Get Back Some of Your Pre-Pregnancy Body
Are you finished having children and are considering a mommy makeover? Do you meet all the requirements that make you a good candidate to remove a C-section scar or a tummy tuck?
If so, contact us today. During your consultation, we’ll determine whether scar removal is right for you and plan the optimal time to perform it in relation to your mommy makeover.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Benefits of Dermal Fillers for Acne Scars
Although acne is a common skin condition, that doesn’t mean there’s no emotional impact in dealing with it and the scars it can leave behind.
Luckily, plastic surgeons and skin specialists alike have been successful in using dermal fillers for acne scars. Dermal fillers add volume to the skin to raise the depressed areas.
What’s even better is that the procedure is fairly simple and straightforward.
Different Types of Dermal Fillers
There are several options for dermal filler injections to treat acne scars. The one that’s right for you will depend on factors that you and your plastic surgeon will discuss in your consultation. Among the most popular filler options are the following:
1. Juvéderm
Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the skin. It helps the skin to retain volume and moisture. Unfortunately, its production decreases as we age. Juvéderm contains hyaluronic acid to promote collagen production to boost volume and fill skin depressions.
2. Sculptra
Another option for a dermal filler is one that contains poly-l-lactic acid. Sculptra contains this biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic material which works to gradually stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of the skin.
3. Radiesse
The secret ingredient in Radiesse is calcium hydroxylapatite. Like poly-l-actic acid and hyaluronic acid, this gel-like solution stimulates collagen production to improve the skin’s structure and firmness.
The Benefits of Dermal Fillers for Acne Scars
Dermal fillers for acne scars are a convenient option all across the board. Because the procedure is nonsurgical and noninvasive, there are no scars and little to no downtime. That means patients can return to their normal activities immediately after being treated.
Fillers also offer immediate results and can continue to stimulate collagen production after the injection to keep enhancing the skin. And as mentioned above, you have numerous options for fillers so you can receive the treatment that meets your specific needs and aesthetic goals.
Another benefit of dermal fillers comes when you use them as a complementary treatment to another procedure. For example, combining laser therapy or microneedling with a dermal filler can deliver an even more effective outcome.
What to Expect When Choosing Dermal Fillers
Although the process is simple, your skincare professional will advise you to avoid alcohol before treatment. You may also have to very temporarily stop taking certain medications. This will all be determined during your consultation.
In treating acne scars with dermal fillers, the fillers are injected directly into the scar tissue. This causes the scarred skin to rise and become level with the surrounding skin so it’s less noticeable. While most fillers deliver results for several months, there are some that are effective for over a year. You may have to undergo multiple procedures to attain your desired results.
Once the procedure is complete, you may experience a little swelling, tenderness, or bruising at the injection site. This is normal. Even so, you’ll also need to attend follow up appointments and expect some long-term maintenance and touch-up procedures as needed.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re troubled by pocked skin as a result of acne, regain your confidence with dermal fillers for acne scars.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with our team of skincare experts.
We offer a variety of fillers and are ready to work with you to determine the right treatment option for your aesthetic goals. We look forward to hearing from you.
Getting a Brow Lift Could Relieve Migraines
If you have a heavy brow, it might be making you look much older than you are. You might even have the appearance of being sad, tired, or angry all the time. Nobody wants that!
Fortunately, a brow lift can give you back the natural shape of your eyes. It will also smooth forehead wrinkles and bring balance to the upper and lower face for a brighter appearance.
But here’s the kicker. Getting a brow lift could relieve migraines too.
Three Different Types of Brow Lifts
Migraine relief is, at this point, a pleasant side effect of brow lift plastic surgery. So before we dive too deeply into that aspect of them, we’ll cover the different types of brow lifts available to you.
- Endoscopic
If you’ve noticed the heaviness in your brow before it’s gotten too serious, your board-certified plastic surgeon will likely recommend an endoscopic brow lift. With this minimally invasive technique, a series of small incisions are performed and endoscopic cameras are utilized to provide detailed visualization. With this procedure, tissue is suspended rather than removed.
- Coronal
If you have more serious sagging and a low hairline, a coronal brow lift is ideal. In this procedure, the incision extends from above the ear over to the opposite ear and is hidden by the hair. It delivers long-lasting results with a natural appearance.
- Pretrichial
For patients with high hairlines, a pretrichial brow lift will, contrary to its name, actually lower the hairline while providing a fuller look to the hair. The carefully designed incision is inconspicuous as it follows the hairline on its natural course.
In all cases, a brow lift tightens loose skin of the forehead, reduces wrinkling, and raises drooping brows. In some cases, part of the muscle that’s responsible for frown lines between the brows is removed or trimmed. And it’s this last point that’s most important when it comes to relieving a migraine.
So How Does a Brow Lift Relieve Migraines?
It was an internationally acclaimed plastic surgeon who made this unusual connection in 1999. Nearly 80% of his patients who had a prior history of migraines reported significant or even total relief after undergoing a brow lift. There are now a couple of theories as to why this works.
One theory points to how a surgeon manipulates the forehead muscles, bones, blood vessels, and connective tissues during a brow lift – thereby changing the anatomy of the forehead. It could be that the pressure on the nerve endings positioned around these structures may be lessened, thus minimizing the irritation of typical migraine trigger points.
Another theory involves the corrugator supercilii muscle. This muscle is situated in your forehead and is a key player in helping you make expressions. Particularly those that cause your forehead to wrinkle. During certain brow lift procedures, the corrugator supercilii
muscle band is removed. This might decompress the nerves in the brow area responsible for migraines.
Whatever the case, for many patients, a brow lift has not only provided an uplifted brow, but also the added benefit of far less migraine pain. Go figure.
Could a Brow Lift Bring You Some Relief?
Are you frustrated by the heaviness of your brow?
Now that you have a better understanding of how a brow lift could relieve migraines as well, that could be just the inspiration you need to get this procedure.
To find out if you’re a good candidate for this surgery, contact us today to set up your consultation. You may just have two reasons to smile again!
