Friday, November 6, 2009

Nose Reshaping Can Harmonize Facial Features

Most people don't realize that the basic techniques for performing cosmetic rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) originated from reconstructive plastic surgery. The first operation closely resembling "modern" cosmetic rhinoplasty was developed by a plastic surgeon in 1845! Since then, many refinements to the technique of nose reshaping have occurred, allowing for the wonderful results we see in cosmetic surgery today.

Stories in the media have claimed that teenagers are flocking to plastic surgeons to have their noses done, but in reality this procedure is performed very selectively. Teenagers who have the physical and emotional maturity for cosmetic surgery may undergo rhinoplasty as early as 14 or 15, or possibly older for boys. There is no upper age limit for rhinoplasty surgery, as long as you are in good health. Nose reshaping is sometimes performed in conjunction with a facelift or other rejuvenative surgery to correct aging changes of the nose such as a drooping tip.

The goal of rhinoplasty, at any age, is a natural-looking nose that achieves a harmonious balance with your other facial features. In the earlier days of rhinoplasty, patients and their surgeons tended to think in terms of an "ideal" nose, and this ideal often varied only slightly from patient to patient. Today, plastic surgeons are sensitive to the unique aesthetics of each individual's appearance. This includes factors such as ethnicity and the strength of other facial features. Some patients are looking for only subtle improvements, while others desire more substantial changes in the appearance of their nose. An important part of your rhinoplasty consultation with your plastic surgeon is the discussion of your personal goals for surgery.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Facial Rejuvenation: The Difrerence Between Collagen and Dermal Fillers

Cosmoderm (Human Collagen):
Human collagen does not require skin testing prior to treatment. Collagen is injected just under the surface of the skin to help soften the appearance of facial lines. It is also used to enhance the appearance of lips. Results are immediate and last between 2-4 months. Learn more about Collagen Injections.

Hyaluronic Acids:
There are 2 FDA approved hyaluronic acid dermal fillers available. They are Restylane® and Juvederm®. Juvéderm™ Ultra and Juvéderm™ Ultra Plus are indicated for injection into the mid to deep dermis for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds (such as nasolabial folds). Side effects were usually mild to moderate lasting 7 days or less and included temporary injection site reactions like redness, pain, firmness, swelling and bumps.

The choice of which dermal filler to use is individual. Factors that influence this are: Areas to be treated, depth of wrinkles, skin texture and cost. A combination of dermal fillers and Botox® treatments can be performed at the same time. These options are best determined during a consultation with a skilled, experienced and qualified Plastic Surgeon. Be sure to have all your questions answered and you fully understand your chosen procedure prior to having the procedure. Do not take this step lightly. Proper pre-procedure planning and research can ean the difference between a successful result and a nightmare.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Breast Reconstruction Options

The circumstances of individual patient can help to decide what is the best method of breast reconstruction that can be used. The goals of breast reconstruction surgery are to re-create a breast which matches the opposite breast, or in bilateral cases, to reconstruct two breasts to the patients’s desired size. During Breast reconstruction surgery. the nipple and areola are also reconstructed. It is recommended that one consult with a plastic surgeon prior to a mastectomy procedure. This allows the Surgeon and his team to plan a treatment that is best suited for each patient, even if the patient decides to wait to have reconstructive surgery at a later time.

Immediate breast reconstruction occurs when reconstruction of the beast is done at the same time as a mastectomy. The immediate reconstruction method has the advantage of usually saving the patient from undergoing at least one subsequent operation, and this has been proven to provide significant psychological benefit, as the patient never has to experience the total loss of a breast.

Delayed breast reconstruction is a beast reconstruction surgery performed at a later date. The Surgeon may recommend this method for some women, especially if radiation to the chest area is required after the mastectomy. Delayed reconstruction is appropriate for some because radiation therapy following breast reconstruction can increase complications after reconstructive surgery.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Los Angeles Breast Reconstruction

Time isn't the only thing that marches on. The miracles of modern medicine are marching to a drum beating faster than many would have thought possible even a few short decades ago. Take silicone breast implants, for example. I remember when, in the '90s, the words "silicone" and "implant" instantly conjured the word "leak" if used together in the same sentence. Not so, today, and the next step in silicone is already available on a limited basis in the U.S. and awaiting FDA approval. These cohesive gel, or gummy bear, implants hold a lot of exciting potential.

Already popular in Europe for their natural looking and natural feeling results, gummy bear breast implants have a consistency that allows the implants to maintain the commonly requested teardrop shape. Plus, clinical studies have demonstrated that cohesive implants have the lowest rate of capsular contracture (hardening of the breasts) and leakage of any implant ever studied.

Dr. Steven Teitelbaum is an energetic supporter of this new technology, and is developing the educational material that one implant manufacturer will use to credential surgeons who intent to use them following FDA approval. He has been using cohesive gel implants since 2000, and is the only surgeon in California asked to participate in the clinical trials of all three cohesive implant manufacturers. If you have considered breast reconstruction in Los Angeles, schedule a consultation with Dr. Teitelbaum today.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Male Cosmetic Surgery, Gynecomastia in Santa Monica

A greater number of men will develop gynecomastia than will not, and of those who receive male breast reduction surgery, more are getting other procedures at the same time. These men are having liposuction of the waist, love handles and stomach, and chin, and also otoplasty (ear surgery). Why is it that cosmetic surgery gaining popularity among men? Perhaps it's due to today’s competitive business environment, which puts pressure on even men to look younger and more vigorous. Looking thinner and more fit is an advantage professionally and socially for men, too.

Cutting tissue, or excision, was at one time the only solution for gynecomastia. Liposuction, more often associated with body contouring around the waist, can address the softer fat deposits of the chest. Most men will require a combination of excision and liposuction, as excision is still necessary for the glandular gynecomastia tissue, which liposuction does not address effectively. Surgery involves some risk, so schedule your consultation with a board certified surgeon to learn more. Considering his experience in plastic surgery for men, Dr. Steven Teitelbaum can help you in making the decisions that are right for you.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Philadelphia, PA, Eyelid Lift Plastic Surgery

Have you been looking in the mirror and felt dissatisfied with what you see because your eyelids are sagging down and making you look tired at best, or worse, are those sagging lids obscuring your vision? Perhaps you have considered having an eyelid lift procedure, or blepharoplasty, to turn the clock back a bit and rejuvenate your outlook on life, literally. You want to find a qualified doctor who knows what he's doing.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, surgeon Dr. Louis P. Bucky is Board Certified and performs over 1,000 cosmetic body, breast, facial, and reconstructive procedures each year, and facial procedures like blepharoplasty are primary areas of interest. Dr. Bucky is a nationally sought-after speaker on the topics of breast enlargement and mastopexy, and his clinical research work has been featured in publications such as Family Circle, Redbook, Good Morning America, CNN, Plastic Surgery News and MAMM Magazine.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Breast Reduction Offers Pain Relief

Unlike surgeries designed to lift sagging breasts or increase volume, breast reduction generally is not seen as a cosmetic procedure. Dr. Otto Placik, a Chicago based plastic surgeon, points to the fact that excessively large breasts cause physical pain as well as emotional distress. Back and neck pain, soreness where bra straps cut into the shoulders, and irritation of the skin under the breasts themselves are all common problems, which can translate into a serious impediment to physical activity.

Doctors reduce the size and reshape the contour of large breasts by removing excess skin and tissue and may also reduce the size of the areola and reposition the nipple and areola. Because breast reduction surgery can provide relief to women suffering pain and even disability resulting from their overly large breasts, it is frequently covered by insurance. Dr. Placik recommends checking your policy and discussing it with your insurance carrier before your surgery.