Thoughts of stem cells are often associated with controversy thanks to some narrowly focused media campaigns. Stem cells exist throughout the body, throughout the life of the individual. Cutting edge science is discovering the abundance of stem cells that exist in the fat just under the skin of every adult.

Plastic surgeons have become quite familiar with the characteristics of subcutaneous fat and new techniques allow surgeons to use a patient’s own fat as a substitute for synthetic fillers. Dr. Peter Fodor, a board certified plastic surgeon from Beverly Hills, recently began a study to look at how adult stem cells (removed from fatty tissue via liposuction) help people suffering from poor knee strength, a study that may eventually bring these “magical” cells into aesthetic medicine.

By: Peter B. Fodor, MD
and Chris Knisley
ThePlasticSurgeryChannel.com

Ahead of the Curve

“We found that subcutaneous fat (fat under the skin) is abundantly rich in stem cells,” says Dr. Fodor. “Two to three hundred times more per volume than bone marrow.”

Dr. Fodor says that stem cells have an innate ability to seek out the source of injury. They act as a sort of white blood cell, capable of repairing and conforming to any part of the body. The study, to which Dr. Fodor refers, focuses on stem cell injections into the joints of the knee.

The knee, one of the simplest joints in the human body, serves as an optimal site for these early experimentations.

Medical Use

The direct injection of stem cells results in an overall improvement of symptoms. Pain is decreased while mobility is increased. Stem cells are also responsible for new cartilage growth, “which is mind-boggling,” says Fodor. “Nothing else has been able to do this.”

Patients’ symptoms are disappearing with such quickness that Dr. Fodor finds himself telling patients to slow down, reminding them not to overdo it despite a sudden dissipation of pain.

Aesthetic Use

Plastic surgeons are already using patients’ own subcutaneous fat to augment certain elective surgeries. Procedures involving the breasts and buttocks are increasingly eschewing the use of synthetic technologies in favor of this natural alternative.

Augmentations and reconstructions are both benefiting from an organic solution that seems to take a lot of the guesswork out of the equation. Personal, living cells are effectively allowed to re-invigorate tissue that may have been the target of degeneration.

It seems that the growth of new life can find its inspiration in the injection of a particularly reliable aspect of old life – life that has always been there, just under the surface.

The use of one’s own stem cells, empowered with regenerative abilities, is a major breakthrough in aesthetic plastic surgery, as well as in reconstruction.

The post Adult Stem Cell Study: Healing Up Battered Knees appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.

A facial filler that just hit the market means looking younger just got less expensive and less painful. It’s the first filler approved by the FDA that has an anesthetic premixed in the solution.

A new and improved facial filler has hit the market – boasting a low price and the distinction of being the first one approved by the government to mix lidocaine and hyaluronic acid.

The combination brings the promise of a facelift that is more affordable and comfortable for its patients.

The product is called Hydrelle, a product from Anika Therapeutics, based in Massachusetts.

It is a dermal filler that has lidocaine, an anesthetic, mixed in during manufacturing. This sets it apart from other fillers that require pre-injection mixing. Similar to Juvederm and Restylane, the results of Hydrelle last roughly a year.

But according to its promotional literature, Hydrelle not only costs less than those products, but produces the same results with half the amount. It has been designed to correct folds and wrinkles of all sizes through only 50 percent of the injection volumes required by other fillers.

Hydrelle has received the blessing of the Food and Drug Administration after successful testing on more than 200 patients. Clinical studies have shown that negative side effects were no more than moderate in nature and usually disappeared within a week.

The post New Facial Filler Offers Two-in-One Benefit appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.

Face lifts could be considered the “face” of plastic surgery, as it’s one of the most well-known procedures for patients looking to reverse the aging process. While face lift results have greatly improved over recent years with new technologies and better techniques, there is still one facet that remains elusive: rejuvenating and repairing damaged skin. Dr. Grant Stevens of Marina Del Rey, California came up with a treatment plan he calls the “Icing on the Cake” to fight damaged skin. From his standpoint, a face lift procedure is only half of the battle when it comes to restoring youth.

By Grant Stevens, MD
and Adam McMillon
ThePlasticSurgeryChannel.com

The Icing on the Cake

Dr. Stevens has a great analogy to describe to patients the concept, and why it’s extremely important. “It goes like this. If I take my jacket into my tailor and it’s all wrinkled and stained with coffee, it’s more than just getting the size right. It’s got mustard and ketchup and other spots, and I give it to my tailor and he tailors it perfectly. It fits me perfectly. I put it on… but he didn’t iron it, he didn’t take out the spots and didn’t clean it. I’m not a happy guy! I say, ‘What’s with the coat? It doesn’t look great.’ That’s what happens when we as plastic surgeons do face lifts and don’t tend to the skin.”

Skin Issues Worth Fixing

Many problems with the skin simply come from age and exposure to the elements. The sun is our greatest ally and enemy, contributing spots and tough skin. Dr. Stevens sees such issues as problems that need to be addressed when doing a face lift, otherwise you’re only fixing half of the problem. “Some people have red spots from broken capillaries, some of us have brown spots from sun exposure,” says Stevens. “Some people have wrinkles just around the eyes, while some have wrinkles all over their face! We have to have a comprehensive approach to address these issues, otherwise the face lift will only sort of restore youth to patients. The cake is the face lift and the icing is fixing issues with the skin. Icing on the cake!”

How to restore the skin

Now is better than ever to find solutions to skin issues. Non-invasive procedures have found enormous success in offices, allowing cosmetic surgeons more refined tools to combat the aging process. “Let’s say a patient is lacking some volume and has some wrinkles. We can use injectable fillers and Botox to work those issues out. Voluma is great for volume, but it would be terrible in the lips. Restylane is great in the tear troughs, but would be terrible in the cheeks where we have Voluma or Radiesse. For sun damage, I like to use IPL, or intense pulsed light, combined with some lasers. Fraxel, Pearl Fractional… there are many specific tools now in the tool box for us to tackle a patient’s unique needs.”

“Let me do some things for the skin to make you look great. Let me get the spots out, let me get the wrinkles out. That’s what we know as the icing on the cake.”

The post More Than Just a Face Lift… The Icing on the Cake appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.

A common misconception is that plastic surgery is something only women do, and a plastic surgeon’s office may do nothing to change that. Most employees are women. Most patients are women. The office itself may smell like something sweet and pleasant. However, Dr. Grant Stevens of Marina Del Ray, California is here to put a crack in the dam.

By Grant Stevens, MD
and Chris Knisley
ThePlasticSurgeryChannel.com

What A Man Wants

It’s no secret that men want things their way, and men and women want to be catered to. Dr. Stevens knows that the best way to find out what someone wants is to ask them:

“I would interview the guys and talk to them about what they wanted to hear about, like procedures that were unique to men, because with CoolSculpting men are tied down for an hour or two and they can’t move.”

Intelligence gathering is a key aspect. Two years ago, Dr. Stevens’ clientele was ninety percent women. CoolSculpting, a non-surgical procedure, has played a major role in the introduction of more men into the office. So while men are tied down having some of their fat cells annihilated, Dr. Stevens is able to probe their brain and find out a little more of what they want.

“It’s funny,” says Stevens. “Men want to have hair on their head and they want hair off their back.”

Now Dr. Stevens does hair removal. But it’s not all about the procedures or their availability. He also wanted to know: “What do you like about this place? What don’t you like about it?”

What A Man Needs

Marina Plastic Surgery in Marina Del Rey is getting a new wing. A space where men’s senses will experience something perhaps more soothing, is right around the corner (and across the hall). Marina Man Land will deliver the environment in which men can wash away their preconceived notions of plastic surgery.

With an atmosphere that evokes something between a sports bar and a smoking lounge, Marina Man Land bucks the carpet or tile for dark hardwood floors and wood paneling. There aren’t any sofas, but there are plenty of leather chairs and flatscreen televisions. Even the bathrooms have flatscreens.

Marina Man Land will have its own entrance and exit, and its own reception. It will tackle hair removal in the Bear’s Lair, NeoGraft in the Lion’s Den. Another room will provide injectables like Botox. The only thing it doesn’t have is beer, for now.

What A Man Gets

Environment is essential. Everyone wants to feel comfortable wherever they are. In Marina Del Ray there will be a place where men can comfortably get as beautiful as the women in their lives.

Dr. Stevens is breaking the mold. He’s breaking new ground. Marina Man Land is the fruit of his labor and what it delivers could be revolutionary.

The post Manly Cosmetic Treatment Centers – The Newest Trend? appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.

With over 3.7 million Botox injections in 2013, it’s obvious that this non-invasive procedure is popular. In fact, it is the most performed non-invasive procedure in the US. Such a massive amount of procedures begs the question, are they all being done properly? We all know the face of an over-done celebrity from fillers and Botox, why is it still so popular?

The answer lies in the fact that Botox properly injected by an expert is completely different than the results found on TMZ. Dr. Christine Hamori, a board certified plastic surgeon in Boston, has been injecting Botox for a long time and uses her deep understanding of facial anatomy to refresh her patients. The difference between an expert and a novice needs to be understood by patients everywhere.

By Christine A. Hamori, MD
and Adam McMillon
The Plastic Surgery Channel

What makes a Botox provider an expert?

Nurses, family doctors and even dentists are providing Botox these days due to the lucrative market. Does a dentist’s expertise really match that of a plastic surgeon when it comes to understanding how the face works? “I’ve been injecting Botox for 16 years,” says Dr. Hamori. “Over those years, I’ve learned a lot from my patients and their differing anatomies. I’ve learned how to make them look younger and better.”

“Basically what I do is a dynamic assessment. When patients come in, I don’t just go, ‘Hi, Mrs. Smith. Let’s do the Botox, you’ll be fine. OK, done, see you!’ I ask them to move their brows, I ask them what shape of brow they like. Do the lines bother them between their eyes? Do their forehead lines bother them? Are they bothered by their crow’s feet?”

Balance is key, and understanding facial anatomy is only the beginning. Experts know more than just where to inject Botox to get desired effects; they also know how the surrounding muscles will react to the Botox and take that into consideration. “You have to balance all of the muscles because Botox weakens muscles,” says Hamori. “If you weaken one, the other is a little stronger because their isn’t a counter force against it anymore. The art of it is keeping it very individual per patient.”

Paying for an expert guarantees the most visible part of your body won’t look odd

With the variety of nurses and/or physicians of unrelated disciplines marketing their Botox injections for cheaper than your local plastic surgeons, it’s no wonder many patients seek out the cheaper alternative. While patients may save some on the procedure, the final outcome probably won’t achieve their desired results and they may end up having to pay more to have it corrected.

“People who are novice injectors (such as nurse injectors who buy product from physicians) are injecting at a very inexpensive price for the Botox,” says Hamori. “They don’t have a lot of experience, and patients start to realize that they don’t look right after their Botox. They think, ‘I look funny.’”

Understanding what looks good is also a trait that board certified plastic surgeons have spent their lives working on. A nurse may be qualified to know how to safely inject the product, but do they know where to put it that maintains facial aesthetics?

“It’s a difficult perception to understand what’s not right about the face, and that happens a lot,” explains Hamori. “You have to teach the patients what’s natural and what looks good. Yes, it’s ok to have a little lines above your brow, because it looks natural and healthy, not done.

The post Only trust an expert with your Botox appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.

There’s a new technique in town when it comes to using injectable fillers. It’s called “Airbrushing”, creating a softer look without the typical overblown, distorted looks known as “pillow-face or “fish lips”. Instead of injecting below the skin, the new method stretches the skin to pull the wrinkles out. With this technique, the plastic surgeon is the artist using a brush to create a new look on the skin’s canvass.

By Dawn Tongish
The Plastic Surgery Channel

The “Airbrushed” Look

Everyone has seen airbrushing in action used on a print picture to taper a waistline or erase a tattoo, but now that same technique has arrived in cosmetic surgery.

“It has made a huge difference and it lasts a long time,” says Carla Hudgins. The former model and spokesperson turned to a new technique called “Airbrushing” just before she turned 50 to erase fine lines around her mouth. Hudgins says nothing else she tried seemed to work, but the “Airbrushing” helped turn back the clock and accomplish the look she wanted.

“It has taken away the wrinkles and my lipstick is flawless.”

Hudgins says she tried creams and lotions, but nothing was effective at taking away the lines from aging. Most people like Hudgins want to look natural, not overly enhanced. Supporters of the “Airbrushing” technique say it offers an improved look, but not over done.

Natural, Not Overdone

Plastic surgeons are pleased with the natural-looking results patients are seeing from the new method. “Now we have this ‘Airbrushing’ procedure, where we can treat those wrinkles in the skin without the big crazy fish lips and pillow faces that you see on TV so much,” says Dr. Kevin Smith, a board certified plastic surgeon from Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Smith, who coined the phrase “Airbrushing”, has been using the cutting edge procedure for about a year. He says it is quickly becoming the “go-to” way to correct lost volume in the face because it is safe and easy. ”With ‘Airbrushing’ it is like we put fluid in a dry sponge and it just plumps up the skin without the distortion while taking care of the wrinkle lines. It removes those areas where the lipstick bleeds.”

The “Airbrushing” process involves using reconstituting Juvederm Ultra XC to provide a thinner, more fluid gel that can be injected through a fine needle. It is then injected close to the surface of the skin, something like adding water to a dry sponge. This technique is sometimes done with local anesthesia, especially around the lip area which can be sensitive. The “Airbrushing” technique does take longer than typical filler injections, so a patient should allow more time for treatment.

Dr. Smith says the results are immediate and long-lasting. Patients have seen the injection last up to a year, and with another injection, the wrinkles are even less visible. Smith recommends the treatment be used with Botox as part of a good corrective skin program. Dr. Smith adds that research has shown the technique appears to stimulate the skin to generate collagen in the injected areas, making it appear youthful and vibrant.

True Believer

Carla Hudgins is a big fan of the new technique and so are her friends, who can’t believe she has now reached the half-century mark. Each time Hudgins looks in the mirror, she sees an improved appearance and a younger looking face.

“They still can’t believe that I am 50 because I look so good with the wrinkles gone.” She plans to stick with the beauty plan.

The post “Airbrushing”: A New Technique For Injectable Fillers appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.

It’s the new millennium and with it comes expectations to look younger. With 40 being the new 30 and 50 being the new 40, it’s no wonder we all want to keep up! However, many board certified plastic surgeons and estheticians are asking the patient to be more careful about the process. They advise checking out the injector’s skill and training while relying on their expertise to help you achieve the best result.

By Carolynn Grimes
The Plastic Surgery Channel

Consent Forms

“We discourage our patients from simply signing a document without reviewing it thoroughly,” says Beverly Breshers, LCPME, at Somatique Medical in Dallas, Texas. “We want all patients to feel comfortable with the consent form prior to any type of procedure.” Consent documents are used to outline the procedure’s risks and explain alternative treatments.

Is there an Age Limit with Injectable Treatments?

There’s not a “legal age” for Botox or fillers. However, when used for wrinkle treatments, many board certified plastic surgeons and estheticians discourage treating anyone under the age of 21, saying it’s just not needed. The typical patient is in their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s and beyond. For added peace of mind, patients are encouraged to receive cosmetic procedures at offices with a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist, who either administers the procedure or oversees the treatment plan and patient records.

Botox works best as a preventative treatment. The ideal time to start treatment is when you begin developing dynamic lines (lines that are visible when frowning) but before you have developed static lines (lines that are visible when your face is relaxed).

Map Out the Face

Ask your board certified physician or provider to illustrate where the Botox and filler will be used. The patient’s facial anatomy as well as the patient’s concerns are used to determine which filler should be used and which areas should be treated. There are a lot of options with neurotoxins and facial fillers and you need to be able to rely on your physician or trained injector to tell you which product will be best for your specific issues.

How Long it Will Last?

The length of results from Botox treatments vary from person to person, usually 3 to 4 months, due to muscle structure, the quality of the Botox and the skill level of the practitioner. Friends should comment that you look more relaxed or fresher, but treatment will not radically alter your appearance. A good treatment will still allow the patient to frown or smile as normal.  Facial fillers are a little different with each one having slightly different properties.

The post Fillers and Botox: Look Younger Now appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.

Most everyone has heard of Botox, even though most don’t really know what it is.

“It’s something that doctors inject into people’s faces to make them look younger,” says 39-year-old Kelley from Dallas.  Close… but there’s so much more. “What about fillers, do they do the same thing as Botox?”

These are common questions from many people who aren’t quite sure what these products do and where to go to have them administered. Botox is the flagship product of a group of materials utilized by physicians to restore youthfulness to the face without surgery. “Botox and fillers” is what the lay person might hear them referred to as, yet “fillers” is really an umbrella term covering an impressive (and growing) array of materials suited for different facial areas.

Dr. Shaun Parson of Scottsdale, Arizona and Dr. Brad Calobrace of Lousiville, Kentucky – two board certified plastic surgeons – offer their opinions of the new trend, discussing the effectiveness of the materials, and their uses and longevity. Parson and Calobrace clear up a common misunderstanding of these products: for these products to work, you need to have the injections performed by an expert.

By Shaun Parson, MD and Brad Calobrace, MD
The Plastic Surgery Channel

Which filler to choose for certain problems?

Sculptra, Restylane, Voluma, Radiesse. All of these fancy names are fillers, yet each does something different. “As a consumer, it’s tough to know which is best for your needs,” explains Dr. Parson. “There are so many fillers and there are all these different agents… When do we use which ones as plastic surgeons?”

“I talk about this with my patients a lot,” answers Dr. Calobrace. “I think with Botox, mostly I use in the upper half of the face…forehead, crow’s feet, and the glabella or what’s often called the 11’s, between the eyes. I use fillers in the lower part of the face, around the mouth, in the parenthesis, etc.”

Even so, these rules are more guidelines than anything else. The main (and huge) advantage to having your injections done by a board certified plastic surgeon is their deep understanding of facial anatomy. It may seem obvious, but who would you trust to get a better result? Your family doctor or a plastic surgeon?

Here we have three patients of Calobrace who underwent injections. Based upon their unique facial anatomy and the wear and tear from age, Calobrace formulated an individualized plan with a variety of selected fillers to achieve the patient’s goals.

Patient 1

With this patient, Calobrace utilized both Botox and a filler. “In this situation, I used Botox around the lips to soften the dynamic lines you find with the muscles around the mouth, as well as adding a filler,” explains Calobrace. “With the combination of Botox plus a filler, you can soften the lips very nicely and give a youthful look.”

Patient 2

“We’ve found that as we age,” notes Dr. Parson,  “we lose volume in the face.”

The patient looking to restore volume to the face is Calobrace himself! “As I was turning 50, I needed some global volume – a little bit of volume everywhere to make everything look a little softer and younger,” says Calobrace. “I decided to use Sculptra, which is a collagen stimulator. It softens the lines and gives a fuller look.”

Patient 3

The ability to utilize fillers in patients who aren’t ready for a facelift or eyelid surgery is huge. “Another point is we don’t always have to reach for the knife,” says Parson. “We sometimes can camouflage.”

For this patient, Calobrace utilized materials to help eliminate bags under the patient’s eyes. “Many patients come in and say they want lower eyelid surgery,” says Calobrace. “Sometimes surgery is the right thing to do, but some people don’t want surgery, or it’s not convenient at that point in their life. In that situation, you can offer fillers. Here, I used Restylane in the lower eyelids to camouflage the bags and give a more rested look without surgery.”

Trusting an Expert

As you can tell from the patients above, the answer wasn’t just Botox alone, nor was it a specific filler. Great results come from a broad understanding of both the products and facial anatomy, expertise that only board certified plastic surgeons can offer. When considering a quick injection to take a few years off your face, consider the importance of choosing where you go. It may be cheaper to get some Botox from someplace other than a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist, but the results may mirror your investments.

The post Confused About Botox and Fillers? appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.

Everyone has heard of Botox, and many people have heard about fillers. Even though name recognition is strong, many don’t know exactly what either of these products do!

PSC Members were asked that question: “I don’t know the difference between fillers and Botox. Am I going to get both? Which one do I need?” Find out the answer in this PSC Talk segment.

by The Plastic Surgery Channel

The what’s what of injectables

“That is a great question and I hear it all the time in my practice,” answers Dr. Brian Brzowski of Utah. “I’ll have patients come and a lot of times, because of advertisements, they want to ask for a certain product, not really understanding what those products do. The short answer is Botox weakens muscles. If we have lines on the face or inappropriate maneuvers and animations that we don’t like, we can weaken those muscles safely. Fillers simply fill in indentations and wrinkles and add volume.”

It doesn’t get much simpler than that. Botox is used to weaken muscles that cause wrinkles, while fillers quite literally fill in areas of the face that have lost volume. Easy enough, right? The complexity the situation comes in how Botox and fillers are used and by whom.

The art of aesthetic medicine

Now we know what each injectable does, the only thing left to do is inject where we need it, right? The truth is a bit more complicated; simply injecting Botox into the face is not going to achieve a great result. To truly benefit from these products, an expert needs to be involved to put the right amount in the right spot.

“Lots of injectable patients are actually great candidates for combination therapy where we use Botox in certain areas and fillers in another area,” explains Dr. Mark Pinsky of Florida. “In that combination, from an artistic approach, very beautiful results for patients can be created. Now with the new filler, Voluma, we’re no longer just chasing lines. We’re reestablishing the contours and fullness associated with youth.”

More than just having a deep knowledge of facial anatomy, board certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists have an artistic sense that allows them to wield these tools like an artist wields a paintbrush.

“As plastic surgeons, we’ve studied the art of beauty,” says Pinsky. “And then we’ve learned a way to recreate that beauty. The different types of fillers and neurotoxins that are available are like a palette of colors, and we use each one of these different products for different things to try and create. We’re basically like artists and the syringe is like a paintbrush!”

It may seem like anyone can inject some Botox here and there, but interested patients should steer clear of “Botox parties” and coupons when it comes to aesthetic procedures. After all, board certified physician’s have spent a considerable amount of their life learning about and understanding human anatomy. That’s the kind of artist you want to make you look younger and refreshed.

“I think the best approach for [this patient] is to go see a qualified plastic surgeon that you can trust and let them analyze your problem,” says Brzowski. “You might not be a candidate for either of those two products, you might need something else! Find someone you trust and someone who will be a good advocate for you. I think what the untrained and unqualified practitioners don’t understand is that they don’t know what they don’t know.”

The post What’s the difference between Botox and fillers? appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.

When you watch the news at night, how many times do you hear a good story? Not often, because people seem to want to focus on what is bad, not good. The same is true with plastic surgery results! People always believe they can point out a “boob job” or a facelift or a someone who has had botox or facial fillers. Because, once again, they believe that if someone has had something done, they will look done.

By The Plastic Surgery Channel
and Brad Calobrace, MD

Dr. Brad Calobrace, of Louisville, KY, says, “Fillers, in particular, often get sensationalized. We think there are those fillers that make people look like ducks, over inflated, over injected and it doesn’t look good. It doesn’t look natural. Of course, if there were 10 people in the room have injectables and 9 look great, then we are always going to recognize the one that didn’t look right.” Bad news and bad results always seem to get the attention, no matter what.

Fillers are one of the best weapons against aging

Dr. Calobrace says it is best to put the concept of fillers being bad to bed as, “They may be the best one thing we have in our armamentarium to make patients look better and more rested, and very natural if it’s done appropriately and by someone who knows what they are doing.” As always, be sure to seek out a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in using injectables and fillers. Sometimes it is appropriate for a nurse injector to work under the direction of the plastic surgeon, but often, the areas that need attention require the knowledge and skill of a trained surgeon who has a depth of knowledge of not only the product but of http://www.theplasticsurgerychannel.com/the-natural-looking-neck-lift/.

Facial aging is comprised of three categories. The first is changes in the skin. Fine lines and wrinkles and pigmentation problems that appear over time due to sun damage and simply time and are the precursors and beginning signs of aging. Secondly, there is loss of volume – fullness in the cheek bones for example. And finally, there is sagging of the skin. In the face that is often first seen in the jaw line and neck. The first step in facial rejuvenation is long term skin care, then restoring volume, then if there is truly excessive sagging, the loose skin must be addressed. And it should be addressed surgically. Trying to use fillers to absorb excessive skin laxity is often what can lead to overdone, and over injected, inflated looks that turn so many away from these beneficial fillers.

Choices in fillers

Today, we have many choices and options of Injectable Fillers at Calospa. The products can truly be tailored to the patient’s needs. Not every filler will leave patients looking like a duck! There is a very thin filler called Restylane Silk – Filler which is perfect around lip lines not giving any lift or bulk but simply filling in those troublesome animation lines than can lead to lipstick color bleed and a distorted lip outline. “It simply fills in the lines and the wrinkles. We call that “airbrush” filling or I call it lipstick filling,” says Calobrace.

If you are doing a cheek, then there are products like Voluma and Perlane and Radiesse that are meant to lift the structures. Dr. Calobrace says, “So if you use the right product in the right location you can deliver results that are predictable and satisfying and they usually last at least one year.”

The post Are Fillers the Good Guys or the Bad Guys? appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.

Medical micro-needling is becoming a popular method of non-surgical skin rejuvenation improving a wide variety of conditions including scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, loose, lose skin, and poor skin texture. Dr. Dan Del Vecchio of Boston remarks that, “For every patient who gets a facelift, there are probably 50 others who would like to have skin tightening.” Perhaps there is finally something plastic surgery can offer those in between patients as an option!

by The Plastic Surgery Channel
and Daniel Del Vecchio. MD
and Stafford Broumand, MD

An Erasing Pen?

How does micro-needling work? In essence, a pen shaped device studded with fine needles penetrates the upper layers of the skin creating tiny holes in the skin’s surface. In response to the “needling” the body creates new collagen and elastin fibers, plumping and thickening the skin. Dr. Stafford Broumand who practices in New York City describes the procedure as a “new tool” that revolutionizes how compounds are introduced into the skin and dermis. “The physiology and technology of micro-needling makes sense and (in the future) we can extrapolate more complicated ways (of using it.)”

Dr. Del Vecchio agrees and emphasizes the fact that while treating skin topically is popular, lotions and potions have little ultimate effect because, “the skin is a barrier. The skin is not supposed to let topicals in.” Both plastic surgeons agree micro-needling breaks down that barrier and allows a host of compounds including growth factors, hyaluronic acid and vitamins to be introduced at a deeper level, dramatically increasing the effectiveness and penetration of active ingredients. Dr. Del Vecchio calls it, “…the gateway that allow us to treat the skin.”

Versatile and Effective

One of the most important points of micro-needling is the fact that is safe and effective for all skin types and skin colors, including ethnic skin. In addition, it can be used on all areas of the scalp, face (even fragile skin around eyes, mouth and neck,) and the body.

Micro-needling is done in a doctor’s office. Numbing cream is applied and is usually sufficient to ease any discomfort. The procedure generally takes less than an hour and downtime is short. Apart from some mild swelling and redness, there are few side effects. On average, most patients repeat the procedure 3 times on a 4-6 week schedule until they achieve desired results. Full effects are seen 3 to 4 months post procedure.

Plays Well with Others

The best news? For those with mild to moderate skin conditions and/or age related concerns, medical micro-needling is quite cost effective when compared to other resurfacing procedures or surgical intervention. It has the potential to make noticeable improvements to a patient’s overall appearance, and as newer “injectables” are discovered, may one day revolutionize how skin is tightened and lifted.

The post Micro-Needling: A Promising Gateway for Facial Rejuvenation appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.

It seems as though injectables, like Botox and Voluma, are on every street corner these days!  Who would have ever thought you could go to a Botox party just like you used to go to a Tupperware party?  Easy access is nice and convenient but is it really the best avenue to pursue when changing your facial features?  How do you really know who is injecting you, and what are their qualifications?

by Terrye Tebbets
and Caroline Glicksman, MD

Who injects the injectables?

“Whether you are new to facial fillers and Botox or you have had it done before, one of the most important things to think about is who is looking at you when you are considering getting these products?” states Dr. Caroline Glicksman of Sea Girt, NJ, “If you are consulting a board certified plastic surgeon you may have a better chance of spending your money wisely.”

There are many things to consider when researching non-surgical options in facial rejuvenation.  Which product is right for you?  How much should be injected and where?  Understanding facial anatomy, like only a surgeon can, gives the surgeon a huge advantage in planning these procedures for you.  For example, Dr. Glicksman says not everyone needs to be treated with the same amount of material, “Sometimes we can use a little more or a little less in areas just to give restore a more youthful, pretty look again.”  Knowing what, when, where, and how is extremely important to achieve a natural looking result.

Knowing the surgical anatomy

Having a surgeon involved in your decision-making, will help you evaluate your facial aging as a whole. Over time, several aspects of the aging process must be considered. The first signs of facial aging are often a loss of volume, then excess skin, and along with these changes, many experience a decline in the quality of their skin and tissues. There may be a point at which injectables and nonsurgical options can become a huge waste of time and money. By involving a board certified plastic surgeon, you will have an experienced eye to help you know when it may be time to have your eyes done, or to have a facelift to address the loose skin of your neck and jaw-line. “If you are being treated every time by someone who doesn’t have surgical training, they may continue using fillers and Botox in you for as long as you ask,” says Glicksman, “But a board certified plastic surgeon is likely to evaluate both the quality and quantity, of your skin and you may save money in the long run.”

Renting Injectables, or Buying Surgery?

For those who want to look fresh and younger, the availability of nonsurgical facial rejuvenation options is an incredible advance in the field of aesthetic medicine, especially for those not yet ready for eyelid surgery or a full facelift.  However, Dr. Glicksman reminds her patients, “You are only renting these products.  Botox only lasts about four months, fillers in the lower face only last about a year.  And Voluma, in the mid face, lasts about two years.”

By involving a board certified plastic surgeon at the beginning of your journey through nonsurgical facial rejuvenation, you can be assured that the proper material, the amount of the material, and the proper injection locations will be optimized.  And when it is time think about more permanent surgical options, your surgeon will be in the best position to advise you.  “You may reach that point where you need to decide if you want to keep using more and more products, or invest the time and money and move on to surgical procedures that will help fight the signs of aging. The best results are most often a combination of injectables and minor surgery, and patients should be informed by their surgeon when this might be the next best step,” says Dr. Glicksman.

The post Injectables vs. Surgery: Shouldn’t your surgeon really be involved? appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.

The success of Botox is immense. According to The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, Botox procedures ranks number one when it comes to most performed non-surgical treatment, beating out the second most common procedure by almost double.

Due to this success, and the fact that the procedure itself is technically fairly simple, many different doctors are offering the procedure. Dr. Daniel Maman, a board certified plastic surgeon from NYC, admits that a procedure is on the outside simple, but the art and craft that a surgeon who knows facial anatomy best brings to the table is unparalleled.

by Adam McMillon
and Daniel Maman, MD

Getting In on the Botox Craze

Plastic surgeons wield Botox, helping revive and refresh the faces of patients without having to go into facelift territory. Now dermatologists work with Botox, and general surgeons, even your dentist might offer it! Is it really that widespread and simple to do?

“The reason for that is that the technical aspects are actually quite simple,” admits Maman. “The truth is, there’s an art to it. The beauty of being a plastic surgeon is that we understand the facial anatomy and facial aesthetics.”

Assessments and Consults

A plastic surgeon also can help bridge the gap between what a patient might think they need and what they actually need to improve their look. A person might go to the dentist, say they need Botox and receive it without the dentist ever commenting if they even need it. After all, not everyone benefits from it.

A consult and thorough assessment happens for each patient at Maman’s office, offering fine-tuned results, whether it’s Botox or not. “This is not just a shop where people come in and we inject the forehead and the crow’s feet automatically,” says Maman.”We make a very detailed assessment of the patient. We understand what will give them the most natural look. Some patients are not great patients for Botox, either because their upper lids are low or their brows are descending. We don’t want patients to look unnatural. That glossy, artificial and frozen face you oftentimes see at Hollywood award shows… That’s a very unnatural look and a dead giveaway.”

A Conservative Approach

Maman takes a Botox consult one step further by conservatively injecting the product the first time, waiting a few weeks to let it settle, then having the patient come back for a complementary touch up. In this way, he is able to fine-tune the procedure, giving the natural look his patients desire.

“It is our practice that during the first evaluation for either Botox or any type of filler, we start off extremely conservatively,” explains Maman. “I tell patients that everybody’s face responds a little bit differently. So what I do is start off conservatively and then have the patients come back within 10-14 days after that first consult for a complementary touch up. That allows me to give them a very natural result and this way I know for future treatments exactly how much they need.”

Given the many examples of an over done face out there, where reality shows routinely show off Botox gone wrong, patients should take the time to consult with the best, ablest specialist to get the best results. Dr. Maman’s practice may take more time and effort on the parts of both doctor and patient, but the results speak for themselves.

“This is our way of technique for safeguarding the patient to ensure that they have a very natural result.”

The post Dialing In a Refreshed Look with Botox appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.

Turns out that women aren’t the only ones who don’t want to look older than they feel. According to the latest statistics from the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, men made up almost 10% of the non-surgical procedures performed last year, a number that is trending upwards. Why? Men “don’t want to look old,” says Dr. James Namnoum of Atlanta, GA. However, they still want to look masculine. It’s a fine line, but one that can definitely be achieved with the right surgeon and the following facial rejuvenation tips.

by Katherine Stuart
and James Namnoum, MD

Aging Men and the Workplace

All of us reach a certain age where we begin to show the ravages of time. When exactly this happens will depend on our DNA as well as how much of our lives have been spent outdoors. For men, one of the earliest signs of aging is that their skin starts to look a little rough. It typically develops brown spots, discoloration and redness. Next, they may develop some fine lines and wrinkles as well as more severe animation wrinkles. Supposedly this is all fine since we live in a society that says it’s OK for men to age.

Many men are finding themselves, however, aging in a workplace filled with younger men. This unfortunately can create an aura of insecurity as well as uncertainty. Furthermore, men aren’t great about vocalizing their concerns or finding the help that they need to deal with them. The internet and magazines such as Men’s Health have helped but, “there’s still a lot of resistance to doing anything,” says Dr. Namnoum. Many men are scared that they’ll wind up looking too weird or overly feminine. So, what can men do?

3 Facial Rejuvenation Options for Men

Botox is the first line of defense when dealing with aging. It’s great for treating the wrinkles around and between the brows. And though we’ve all seen celebrities who’ve had too much Botox, a conservative amount that’s appropriately placed will modulate and soften the animation wrinkles on a man’s face, making him look years younger.

Men experience a lot of photo aging of the skin from a lifetime of sports such as golf, being at the beach, or out on the boat. “Men ignore their skin and they ignore it at their peril,” says Dr. Namnoum. They’re also much less likely than women to use “potions” such as retinoids to treat their sun damaged skin.

Namnoum has found that they will do an intervention such as the Halo laser. “It is the most powerful, transforming laser, I think, on the market today.” A Halo treatment involves the use of two different lasers. One vaporizes the skin with a pinpoint grid of injury so it recovers quickly while the next is capable of reaching down deep into the dermis to eliminate redness and broken blood vessels. This one two punch helps to tighten the pores, even out pigment, and improve skin tone.

The last option for men is fillers. When handled properly, fillers can help restore the lost volume in the cheeks and the hallows under the eyes without making a man look overly done or less masculine. According to Dr. Namnoum, the right surgeon can, “take these nonsurgical approaches to facial aging and make a huge change in your face. You still look like yourself but frankly, you look a heck of a lot better than before you started. It’s pretty amazing.”

The post Facial Rejuvenation Tips for Men appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.

In the early 1980s, doctors realized they had an effective neurotoxin for a number of eye disorders — botulinum toxin. Other medicinal uses followed, but by 2002, the FDA opened up a whole new role for Botox® — cosmetic corrections for a variety of areas.

by John Hammarley
and Drs. Shaun Parson and Christine Hamori

Too Much of a Good Thing?

Dr. Christine Hamori says when it comes to the use of Botox, a patient’s age plays an important role in how much a board certified plastic surgeon should use. “You don’t want too shiny, you want to be able to animate and look a little bit your age,” Hamori tells The Plastic Surgery Channel. “But not too flat and waxy. That’s very important.

“And also, I think it’s very important to do a little bit of cheek, up near the side of the eye. It makes a huge difference in looking more youthful and awake, because everyone gets this little ‘V’ under the eye. The combination of Botox and a little bit of filler in these areas can eight to 10 years off right away.”

Long-Term is the Best Approach

Establishing a long-term relationship with your plastic surgeon and developing a Botox strategy that intends to address different areas of your face at different times is the best approach to take, although it can be rare to achieve it, according to board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Shaun Parson.

The Scottsdale-based surgeon tells The Plastic Surgery Channel that more often than not, he has to approach Botox patients on a “here and now” basis. “Sometimes people come in and try it once or twice, and that’s it,” says Parson. “And then sometimes you establish a life-long partnership. And then we’ve all seen the cases where people go way too far with too much Botox.”

Remember, Botox is a Medicine

Dr. Parson reminds us that as much good Botox can do to cheat Father Time, it’s a medicine that can backfire if overused, like any other medicine that sees abuse.

“There are real reports that if you overuse any of these products, there are real and serious consequences,” says Parson. “It’s a powerful medicine, plain and simple, and you can do permanent damage. It’s a paralytic agent and you can permanently damage or fundamentally change how the muscle acts and reacts. It’s our job to inform the patient about the pros and cons, and hopefully establish a bond of trust where we can work together for a long time.”

Avoid the ‘Nicole Kidman’ Forehead

That type of forehead that Kidman once sported – a forehead elongated and ‘waxy’ – is exactly what patients and their plastic surgeons want to avoid, according to Dr. Hamori. “It doesn’t look like you have any expression in your face,” she explains. “The texture of the skin looks too waxy and fake. It looks very artificial. Almost alien.”

To achieve the sought-after natural look, Hamori suggests even coming in more often, but backing off on the size of the doses. “You can dilute some portions and select certain areas one time, then another area the next.”

The post Botox: Is Less More? appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.

The 21^st century proves to be the most exciting era for plastic surgery. Medical advances fill in the gaps between traditional procedures as new devices offer patients smaller, more frequent procedures to age gracefully. Botox and injectables alongside a host of devices aimed at tightening skin and reducing fat without a scalpel truly are exciting, but patients do need to check that excitement.

As phrases like “the lunchtime lift,” enter common parlance, plastic surgeons urge would-be patients to dial back on their expectations. Dr. Bruce Van Natta of Indianapolis and Dr. Cliff Clark of Orlando describe this need to help patients cut through the advertising and marketing to realize that, yes, these devices are important and work, but only under the right circumstances.

by Adam McMillon

The Silver Bullet Against Aging

In a modern society where speed and a “go” mentality take precedence, deciding on plastic surgery that involves any sort of downtime can be a dilemma. The amount of would-be patients who may have been heavily interested in a procedure only to be put-off by the thought of any downtime can only be guessed at.

This swath of the population is in the sights of non-invasive devices. The growing pool of technology aimed at eliminating fat, tightening skin, and adding volume to the face all come with little to absolutely no downtime, an enticing proposition for many. They work – and there really can be no downtime – but that isn’t the full story.

“I think the problem is, patients want to put the cart before the horse. They want to go on the internet and look up the silver bullet,” explains Dr. Clark. “All of these things work, but some of them work on just a specific item. It really starts by an evaluation by a board certified plastic surgeon, who can think through the components that you’re trying to fix.”

Marketing and Expectations

The excitement surrounding non-invasive devices is warranted, but marketing tends to push it beyond what a casual observer may be able to process. When hype grows to unmanageable levels and then expectations aren’t met, patients are dissatisfied and may even be jaded by the whole idea of cosmetic improvement, something that could have been allayed by consulting with the proper physician.

“We’re in the business of trying to set realistic expectations,” explains Dr. Van Natta. “These [devices] aren’t facelift procedures, so you’re not going to get the same outcome as with traditional surgery. But that’s ok! Because in some cases, maybe they just need a little tweaking, so some of these things are good.”

The key to unlocking the potential within non-invasive devices is understanding that they work really well in certain cases. There still is no magic bullet, but under the right care, they can be used to precisely affect specific trouble areas. Again, finding someone who understands the aging process and traditional plastic surgery is a must. Especially considering many non-experts are entering the field to provide these devices to their patients. “We also have non-plastic surgeons out there trying to make an extra buck and play on people’s desires to have quick fix,” says Van Natta. “Again, I think it’s that old thing, ‘If it sounds too good to be true, maybe it is.’”

Trust in the Practitioner, not Just the Tools

The physicians who warn of the misuse of these devices also extol their power, and may even use them personally. “We do these things, too,” admits Clark. “Whether it’s a little injection, a little laser, a little tightening. But we’re not going to misconstrue what they’re going to achieve.”

Bottom-line: the devices work, but expectations need to be checked at what they can accomplish. “There are tradeoff,” explains Van Natta. “Having surgery is a big deal, but also often is going to be the best result.”

Even so, patients still want little to no downtime and may even be willing to risk dissatisfaction rather than success with downtime. “The message I really want for our patients and viewers is as ethical practitioners we really have a lot of tools in our toolbox,” says Clark. “And what we’re trying to do is bring the right combination or specific right tool that’s going to give them the result that they want.”

The post Managing Expectations with Non-Invasives appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.

We’ve all seen images of celebrities that have clearly gone too far with plastic surgery. Meg Ryan, Kenny Rogers, and the late Joan Rivers all come to mind. The over-puffed lips, frozen forehead and distorted/pulled face seem to have unfortunately become the norm at most award shows these days. Although every individual has the right to rock his or her own aesthetic, when it is up to the plastic surgeon to say, “enough is enough”? Our panel of board certified surgeons discuss this difficult conversation and the importance of saying, “no”.

by Katherine Stuart

Understanding a Procedure’s Limits

Dr. Craig Colville of Toledo, OH thinks that, “it’s OK to say no.” In fact, he finds it really easy to say no in situations where the patient is asking for something where their expectations can never be met. For Dr. Caroline Glicksman of Sea Girt, NJ, she thinks it’s important for patients to understand, “there’s a difference between non-surgical procedures that we do in our office, and surgical.”

Sometimes, the surgeon needs to tell the patient – especially one in their late 50’s to early 60’s – that, “it’s time to transition.” Non-surgical techniques, such as fillers, Botox, creams and lasers, can only do so much. We all reach a point where the skin on the face becomes too lax. Adding volume and/or addressing skin tone and texture will not fix loose skin. When you try is when the face begins to look distorted and fake.

A Surgeon’s Talent and Expertise Is Paramount

Dr. Colville doesn’t have any problem telling a patient, “that’s enough filler for awhile”. Oftentimes, he’ll suggest taking a year off from injectables to let the face return to normal. Most of the time, a patient has been with him for awhile so there is a level of trust however, “it’s important to take their picture,” not just as a point of reference, but so that she can see what she really looks like. Glicksman believes that there are great products out there in terms of fillers, but sometimes, great products are put in poorly. You see this beautiful blonde and she turns around and she has huge fish lips. Obviously, they weren’t done correctly. Glicksman will often make a new patient stop using a product for 6 months so that the incorrect work can fade before she then injects the site properly.

When asked whether or not they had a fear that if you don’t do it someone else who will, both of our experts answered no. Neither surgeon would want to be attached to bad work. “Above all else, do no harm,” states Glicksman. If you lose a patient by saying no then that’s OK. She doesn’t want to be part of something that goes too far: “You really need to do the right thing for that patient.”

The post When a Surgeon Says No appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.

Botox continues to be the top choice among non-surgical treatments. The injectable is not only one of the most successful cosmetic procedures, but also one of the most well-known. Its success at battling crow’s feet and other facial wrinkles has piqued the interest of many who may have never considered a cosmetic procedure before.

Three leading plastic surgeons from Texas discuss Botox’s triumph and what is new with the procedure today.

Botox the Wrinkle Denier

Botox’s main purpose is to be injected in sites where wrinkles have started to deepen. Typically, wrinkles in the upper third of the face are affected best by the medicine. Botox works by relaxing the muscles beneath wrinkled areas, causing the overlying skin to smooth out.

When and where do these wrinkles come from? Our longtime friend and enemy the sun is to blame. Damage from sun exposure ages the skin rapidly, causing wrinkles as early as the mid to late 20’s, if the exposure has been substantial.

Dr. Rob Whitfield, a plastic surgeon in Austin, Texas, sees a lot of wrinkles caused by the Texas sun. One of the trends he’s seen of late is younger patients coming to inquire about Botox, a procedure they’ve been familiar with and now understand to be quite effective and safe.

“We see patients in a younger and younger age group all the time for Botox,” says Whitfield. “We’re in Austin, Texas, so there’s quite a bit of sun exposure and sun damage. We see a lot more crow’s feet at an earlier age.”

Men are also a new group of patients interested and curious about what the product can achieve. Typically men have avoided cosmetic procedures, potentially due to the thought of surgery and the time they’ll need to recover. With Botox, it’s a procedure done during a lunch break with a tremendous result for so little time in the doctor’s office.

“Also we see it growing exponentially in male patients,” Whitfield shares. “Patients who through their businesses, associations, or just wanting to look better in general are using Botox as their entry into the aesthetic marketplace.”

Botox is a Procedure for All

At the end of the day, Botox may be so popular because it’s so simple. A quick injection here and there could peel years of wrinkles off your face. No, the effects are not permanent, but for such a simple procedure at an acceptable price point, many more people are wandering into doctor’s offices curious.

Dr. Steven Camp of Ft. Worth, Texas sees this all the time, performing Botox injections for people who may not have ever thought they’d be having a cosmetic procedure. “[Botox] is accessible, it’s an in-office treatment, it’s very well-tolerated, and it has a wide range of applications for both women and men,” says Camp. “I think it’s going to continue to grow.”

Besides men, younger patients sport a growing interest in Botox, further staving off aging by adjusting a few wrinkles here and there. Dr. Ned Snyder, partner of Dr. Whitfield in Austin, argues that people considered young can be great candidates for Botox.

“Almost everybody over the age of 25 or 30 has some application or use for Botox,” says Snyder. “It’s such a quick, easy treatment with a really limited risk. For most people, the cost is not a barrier.”

Botox continues to stand as one of the most important and successful procedures in aesthetic medicine, prompting the current exponential growth of non-invasive and minimally-invasive procedures. These new products try to mimic the victory of Botox; a simple, effective procedure that gets interested folks back to their lives without any downtime or worry.

The post Botox: Still The Top Non-Surgical Treatment appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.

Everyone has heard of Botox, and many people have heard about fillers. Even though name recognition is strong, many don’t know exactly what either of these products do!

PSC Members were asked that question: “I don’t know the difference between fillers and Botox. Am I going to get both? Which one do I need?” Find out the answer in this PSC Talk segment.

by The Plastic Surgery Channel

The what’s what of injectables

“That is a great question and I hear it all the time in my practice,” answers Dr. Brian Brzowski of Utah. “I’ll have patients come and a lot of times, because of advertisements, they want to ask for a certain product, not really understanding what those products do. The short answer is Botox weakens muscles. If we have lines on the face or inappropriate maneuvers and animations that we don’t like, we can weaken those muscles safely. Fillers simply fill in indentations and wrinkles and add volume.”

It doesn’t get much simpler than that. Botox is used to weaken muscles that cause wrinkles, while fillers quite literally fill in areas of the face that have lost volume. Easy enough, right? The complexity the situation comes in how Botox and fillers are used and by whom.

The art of aesthetic medicine

Now we know what each injectable does, the only thing left to do is inject where we need it, right? The truth is a bit more complicated; simply injecting Botox into the face is not going to achieve a great result. To truly benefit from these products, an expert needs to be involved to put the right amount in the right spot.

“Lots of injectable patients are actually great candidates for combination therapy where we use Botox in certain areas and fillers in another area,” explains Dr. Mark Pinsky of Florida. “In that combination, from an artistic approach, very beautiful results for patients can be created. Now with the new filler, Voluma, we’re no longer just chasing lines. We’re reestablishing the contours and fullness associated with youth.”

More than just having a deep knowledge of facial anatomy, board certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists have an artistic sense that allows them to wield these tools like an artist wields a paintbrush.

“As plastic surgeons, we’ve studied the art of beauty,” says Pinsky. “And then we’ve learned a way to recreate that beauty. The different types of fillers and neurotoxins that are available are like a palette of colors, and we use each one of these different products for different things to try and create. We’re basically like artists and the syringe is like a paintbrush!”

It may seem like anyone can inject some Botox here and there, but interested patients should steer clear of “Botox parties” and coupons when it comes to aesthetic procedures. After all, board certified physician’s have spent a considerable amount of their life learning about and understanding human anatomy. That’s the kind of artist you want to make you look younger and refreshed.

“I think the best approach for [this patient] is to go see a qualified plastic surgeon that you can trust and let them analyze your problem,” says Brzowski. “You might not be a candidate for either of those two products, you might need something else! Find someone you trust and someone who will be a good advocate for you. I think what the untrained and unqualified practitioners don’t understand is that they don’t know what they don’t know.”

The post What’s the difference between Botox and fillers? appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.

When you watch the news at night, how many times do you hear a good story? Not often, because people seem to want to focus on what is bad, not good. The same is true with plastic surgery results! People always believe they can point out a “boob job” or a facelift or a someone who has had botox or facial fillers. Because, once again, they believe that if someone has had something done, they will look done.

By The Plastic Surgery Channel
and Brad Calobrace, MD

Dr. Brad Calobrace, of Louisville, KY, says, “Fillers, in particular, often get sensationalized. We think there are those fillers that make people look like ducks, over inflated, over injected and it doesn’t look good. It doesn’t look natural. Of course, if there were 10 people in the room have injectables and 9 look great, then we are always going to recognize the one that didn’t look right.” Bad news and bad results always seem to get the attention, no matter what.

Fillers are one of the best weapons against aging

Dr. Calobrace says it is best to put the concept of fillers being bad to bed as, “They may be the best one thing we have in our armamentarium to make patients look better and more rested, and very natural if it’s done appropriately and by someone who knows what they are doing.” As always, be sure to seek out a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in using injectables and fillers. Sometimes it is appropriate for a nurse injector to work under the direction of the plastic surgeon, but often, the areas that need attention require the knowledge and skill of a trained surgeon who has a depth of knowledge of not only the product but of The Natural Looking Neck Lift.

Facial aging is comprised of three categories. The first is changes in the skin. Fine lines and wrinkles and pigmentation problems that appear over time due to sun damage and simply time and are the precursors and beginning signs of aging. Secondly, there is loss of volume – fullness in the cheek bones for example. And finally, there is sagging of the skin. In the face that is often first seen in the jaw line and neck. The first step in facial rejuvenation is long term skin care, then restoring volume, then if there is truly excessive sagging, the loose skin must be addressed. And it should be addressed surgically. Trying to use fillers to absorb excessive skin laxity is often what can lead to overdone, and over injected, inflated looks that turn so many away from these beneficial fillers.

Choices in fillers

Today, we have many choices and options of Injectable Fillers at Calospa. The products can truly be tailored to the patient’s needs. Not every filler will leave patients looking like a duck! There is a very thin filler called Restylane Silk – Filler which is perfect around lip lines not giving any lift or bulk but simply filling in those troublesome animation lines than can lead to lipstick color bleed and a distorted lip outline. “It simply fills in the lines and the wrinkles. We call that “airbrush” filling or I call it lipstick filling,” says Calobrace.

If you are doing a cheek, then there are products like Voluma and Perlane and Radiesse that are meant to lift the structures. Dr. Calobrace says, “So if you use the right product in the right location you can deliver results that are predictable and satisfying and they usually last at least one year.”

The post Are Fillers the Good Guys or the Bad Guys? appeared first on The Plastic Surgery Channel.