zoom and gloom

Zoom and Gloom: Are Video Calls Increasing the Desire for Cosmetic Surgery?

Posts

Let’s face it: when you connect with coworkers and friends via video chat, you spend far less time looking at them than you do studying your own image. Zoom and similar technology holds up a mirror to society, and society is not always liking what it sees.

COVID-19 has prevented us from the grooming habits we once enjoyed. Haircuts and facials were unavailable for months, leaving us staring at the abyss of our own imperfections. To add insult to injury, we can click over to an adjacent window and gaze at our social media feeds, which remind us of how we looked in days gone (way) by. The discrepancy between our younger selves and our current disrepair reminds us of what we can achieve when we apply our best instincts.

As luck would have it, we are able to recapture that youthful glow without jeopardizing our collective health and social responsibilities.

RETURN TO NORMAL

As California safely and slowly reopens its businesses, residents of the Golden State are becoming acutely aware that they may not be ready to face the sunshine just yet. But this phenomenon is not isolated to the west coast. Citizens from New York to the UK are recoiling at what they see in their Zoom reflections.

In response, the desire for cosmetic enhancements is swelling as people assess their “new normal” status. Laptop cameras highlight sagging skin along the neck and puffy fat deposits under the eyes. Anyone who has endured the tribulations of an early morning video conference call can attest that your coworkers are seeing a side of you that you would never willingly show them in person.

RETURN TO THE WORKPLACE

In addition to the heartbreaking medical effects that the novel coronavirus has unleashed on the world, it has also decimated our workforce. Small businesses were unable to operate, shuttering their doors by the hundreds of thousands. This had a disastrous trickle-down cascade that pelted workers with unemployment by the millions.

Jobless numbers skyrocketed from 3.5% in February of this year to a staggering 14.7% in April, and the data just keeps getting worse. Millions of unemployment claims have flooded government offices across the country, making the workforce even more competitive than usual.

Ageism is a sad but true reality in business. Employers want young, ambitious workers who will deliver great results by putting in extra hours and going over and above the call of proverbial duty. Even though experience matters, your face does not want to reflect the years of hard work that you have contributed to your career. If you are suddenly out of work as a result of COVID-19, you want to compete with younger job applicants without facing discrimination based on your age… or even your perceived age.

To really succeed on your next Zoom interview, you want to eliminate insecurity. Take a good long look at yourself in the video mirror and detail what you see. Age tends to show itself most apparently along the upper face and/or neck. Excess skin can betray your youthful appearance, obscuring the energy and dedication that lingers beneath the surface.

To address lax skin, consider the benefits of a face or neck lift. By excising unwanted tissue along the jowls, a neck lift will rejuvenate your profile and raise your job prospects. 

If you do not have the time or resources for a full surgical approach to sagging skin, think about the perk provided by dermal fillers. Those gaps you see staring back at you in the video chat window are a result of various factors, one of which is the breakdown of your skin’s underlying support system. 

As you age, you produce less collagen and elastin. These are the building blocks of healthy skin. In their absence, your outer layers hang farther and farther away from the fine tissue and musculature lining your face. Gaps occur, leaving skin looking wrinkled and empty. Fillers like Restylane and Juvederm literally fill the gaps, adding volume to the face and smoothing the wrinkles above.

Creases are also caused by the persistent muscular contractions of the face. When you frown, your muscles pull at the skin, creating lines that get deeper over time. When you hop on a Zoom call, you may be projecting an angry or worried expression, even when you are perfectly calm and happy. To address wrinkles at their root, consider the many benefits of Botox. Botox is a neuromodulator, which means it disrupts the release of acetylcholine at the neural junction. 

By reducing acetylcholine, Botox allows muscles to gradually release, only showing the emotions you want to project. Botox has also proven wonderfully effective in treating chronic migraines, so if your Zoom image is causing you major headaches, there is hope!

RETURN TO YOUR BEST SELF

Dr. William J. Binder is the pioneer who discovered the aforementioned link between Botox use and migraine relief. His innovation and expertise are unparalleled in the fields of cosmetic enhancement and skin rejuvenation. If being cooped up indoors has convinced you to look at yourself in a whole new digital light, Dr. Binder can contour what you see without changing the essence of who you are.

The point of successful cosmetic procedures is to achieve subtle yet transformative changes. Dr. Binder has accomplished this delicate balance for decades, and the new Zoom era is no exception. Much like video conferencing, Dr. Binder represents the cutting edge of scientific advancement without losing the human component. To polish your online presence, contact our Beverly Hills office at your earliest convenience. 

lowdown on liposuction

The Lowdown on Lipo: All You Need to Know About Tumescent Liposuction

Posts

Fat can be a nuisance. It bulges in all the wrong places and sags in all the other wrong places. If you can pinch unwanted fat, do not lose hope; you can also remove it with the help of various safe cosmetic procedures.

Tumescent liposuction is a technique that bathes excess fat cells with injected liquid to loosen it from its surrounding muscle and skin. Once the fat is softened, it is easier to extract. A thin tube, called a cannula, gently vacuums the fat and tumescent liquid from the “problem areas” of the body, contouring a more pleasing silhouette as it goes.

The process of tumescent liposuction may seem completely intuitive, but it required some innovation and creativity to bring it to the first patients who benefitted from it.

HISTORY OF TUMESCENT LIPO

The cannulas of yesteryear were not as sleek and targeted as the equipment used today. Liposuction required general anesthesia in order to sufficiently sedate patients for their eventual fat extraction. 

Fast forward to the 1980s, when a medical pioneer named Dr. Jeffrey Klein theorized about the application of lidocaine and epinephrine to aid the anesthetizing process. Dr. Klein wanted to perform liposuction without the need for deep sedation, so he formulated his tumescent liquid to be a local anesthetic.

In addition to the numbing effects of epinephrine and lidocaine, the tumescent fluid proved to provide a host of side benefits as well. Blood loss is minimized, bruising is quelled, and swelling is brought under control, all thanks to a serum that was designed to provide comfort during the liposuction procedure.

In other words, Dr. Klein was so forward-thinking that his tumescent concoction not only served to lessen the pain of liposuction in the moment but also for the ensuing recovery process.

LIPOSUCTION TREATMENT AREAS

The tumescent liposuction method became so popular and proven, its applications evolved rapidly. Not only could the liposuction procedure work to contour away large masses of fat from the thighs, abdomen, and buttocks, but it would also find valuable uses in more delicate parts of the body… and even the face.

During a facelift procedure, your surgeon will employ liposuction to remove unsightly bulges that may accumulate along the jowls or cheeks. These fat deposits are impossible to trim and tone through diet and exercise alone. Instead, it requires the skilled touch of a board-certified physician to sculpt away buccal fat and unsightly neck bulk. 

The goal of tumescent liposuction is to honor the natural shape and silhouette of your features. Liposuction is not intended to be a weight loss solution. Even in extensive cases, liposuction generally removes less than ten pounds of actual fat. Instead, body and facial contouring are the true goals of tumescent lipo. By targeting precise pockets of unwanted fat, your surgeon can deliver an amazing transformation that reflects your ideal self.

RAPID RECOVERY

The advent of tumescent liposuction ushered in a new day of healing and streamlined procedures. Every facet of the treatment evolved thanks to the innovation of the tumescent method. For example, by shrinking the size of the cannula required to remove unwanted fat, the incision can also be much smaller. Tiny incisions do not require sutures, which negates the need for follow-up visits in most cases. 

Fewer doctor visits helps reduce the overall cost of the liposuction procedure, but that is just one small piece of the puzzle. Tumescent liquid provides enough numbing power to prevent the need for general anesthesia, which means patients do not require hospital care. This further lowers costs, passing the benefits of medical advancement on to the liposuction recipient. 

Tumescent fluid also minimizes blood loss, necessary pain medications, and overall recovery time. Traditional liposuction had typically involved days upon weeks of downtime, resulting in missed work and extensive recuperation. Now, tumescent liposuction patients can be back at the office in 1-3 days, resuming their everyday lives.

To summarize: tumescent liposuction drastically reduces medical costs and allows you to resume your salaried activities, thus amplifying its budgetary appeal.

REMARKABLE RESULTS

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but our smiling clientele ups the ante considerably. Just take a look at our success stories to see how tumescent liposuction facilitates smoother procedures and tangible benefits. Facelifts utilize tumescent fluid to gently extract bothersome pockets of fat cells without causing bruising or extensive swelling. Dr. Binder is able to work his cosmetic magic thanks to the subtle, precise flexibility that tumescent liposuction allows.

There is a great reason why tumescent liposuction is sometimes called liposculpture. Just as an artist unleashes timeless beauty by delicately removing slivers of material from a block of stone, Dr. Binder can maneuver his cannula to craft the ideal look and feel for your features. For best results, just add tumescent liquid!

WELCOME TO THE NEW YOU

While we are discussing the myriad advancements that tumescent liposuction has added to the world of cosmetic enhancement, we would be remiss to ignore Dr. Binder’s considerable contributions to his chosen field of expertise. He is a pioneer of Botox applications, discovering the compound’s usefulness not only in erasing fine lines but also in treating chronic migraines. 

Dr. Binder truly is a Renaissance man, approaching each face holistically. Whether you struggle with excess fat deposits, loose skin, or persistent wrinkles, Dr. Binder can address your concerns with compassion and professionalism. If tumescent liposuction is right for you, Dr. Binder can perform your procedure with the utmost care. More importantly, he will advise you against liposuction if you do not meet the basic requirements of skin laxity and general health. Contact our Beverly Hills office to learn how Dr. Binder can strategize the appropriate aesthetic plan for your unique face, body, and soul.

preparing for cosmetic surgery

How to Prepare for Your Upcoming Cosmetic Procedure

Posts

Communication is the cornerstone of achievement. If you want to improve your mind, body, or life, you must first be able to articulate what exactly it is that you want. 

Before you embark upon any surgical enhancement, you should ask plenty of questions. Knowledge is the most important ingredient in your comprehensive preparation for aesthetic surgery. But communication is a two-way street. Be prepared to share your medical history and future goals so that your physician can accurately address your needs and desires.

The following guidelines are a framework to follow for any safe, successful procedure. Your preparation protocols will be tailored to your anatomy and surgical plan, but this is designed as a quick reference to keep handy as a supplement to your individual consultation. 

ADVANCED PREPARATION (ONE MONTH BEFORE SURGERY)

Longtime habits can be the most difficult to break, so consider making any necessary lifestyle changes well in advance of the date of your procedure. It is always advisable to quit smoking at least three weeks prior to surgery. Nicotine products affect circulation, and proper blood flow is essential to healing wounds.

Another circulatory concept to consider is your pre-procedure diet. Certain foods that contain salicylates (like tomatoes, grapes, berries, almonds, and some citrus fruits) can break down the bonds between the platelets in your blood. Platelets get their name from their signature shape: they are round, flat cells that resemble dinner plates. When platelets are prevented from forming a cohesive bond, clotting suffers and recovery is prolonged.

The sooner you can create proper eating habits, the faster your plasma will build up its fortifications. This preparation will facilitate safety and success throughout your impending surgery and the ensuing healing process. 

THE MID-WAY POINT (TWO WEEKS BEFORE SURGERY)

During your consultation, the doctor may advise you to begin a skin maintenance routine that reduces scarring even before an incision has been made. Lotions and creams containing retinoids have proven to strengthen skin and increase collagen production. Please consult with your medical team before using any harsh chemical compounds that may irritate your incision site(s).

While you are conferring about skincare, you should also discuss medications. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking blood thinners like aspirin and ibuprofen. Instead, you can explore the benefits of such supplements as Bromelain and Arnica Montana, which are both beneficial in reducing inflammation. 

Your surgical support staff will also give you ample time to fill any prescriptions you may need after surgery. Use the period leading up to your procedure to carry out these errands so you are not scrambling as your surgical appointment draws near. A relaxed patient is a happy patient!

THE FINISH LINE (DAYS AND HOURS LEADING UP TO SURGERY)

The best way to prevent an issue is to plan ahead. Reduce the stress of work by notifying them that you will need time off for your surgery and recovery. Finish your chores and plan ahead for what needs to happen while you are enjoying some much-needed bed rest. Solve problems before they occur. This time is meant for healing, not undue stress.

Be sure to appoint a trusted caregiver to help oversee the finer details of your schedule. This person can drive you to and from appointments, help prepare meals, and provide general emotional and physical support. Toast your caregiver with a glass of water; hydration is essential to a successful surgery.

To make matters easier on your caregiver (and yourself), start nesting! Create a comfortable recovery station in your home. Keep the remote control handy and some reading materials within reach. Have enough loose-fitting clothing items clean and ready to wear. You may not be ready for a selfie (just yet), but you are dressed to chill!

Reduce your sodium intake and cut fatty foods from your diet in the days leading up to your procedure. You want your body to fully engage in the healing process rather than being bogged down by salty, bulky snacks that are hard to digest and offer little in the way of nutrition.

In general, you must stop eating the night before any surgery. Get plenty of rest and be kind to yourself. Tomorrow is a big day!

CONTINUED CARE

The behavior you establish during the preparation period will create a continuum that carries into your recovery process. Follow Dr. Binder’s comprehensive aftercare instructions regarding diet, exercise, and self-care. He has your best interest at heart and your ideal aesthetics in his hands!

Great accomplishments require time, consideration, and follow-through. Your body will dictate the duration of your healing process, so please listen to it. Do not exert yourself in the days and weeks following surgery, and continue to get plenty of rest and relaxation.

In general, the recovery process is a mirror image of the preparation protocols. Watch what you eat, celebrate proper circulation, pamper your skin, and communicate your needs to your support team. Make sure your caregiver has our contact information; we are all in this together!

If you are unable to take the necessary steps to assure a safe and successful cosmetic journey, please explain your perspectives during a consultation with Dr. Binder. He can explore alternative procedures that may compliment your lifestyle more seamlessly. Minimally invasive procedures such as dermal filler and Botox injections do not require extensive preparation, nor do they involve any downtime. 

To discuss which procedures are best for your aesthetic direction, please call our Beverly Hills office at (310) 858-6749. Our attentive staff members are eager to help you prepare for perfection!

wonders of botox

Facial Facts: The Many Wonders of Botox

Botox, Posts

The human face is a treasure trove of experiences and emotions. Every gesture tells a story and every glimmer connects us to the ones we love and the world at large. But over time, facial expressions take their toll on the skin that conveys them.

Every smile, frown, and wink requires the contraction of muscles. These actions pull at the skin attached, creating fine lines. As the skin ages, wrinkles may become deep ridges. Your skin has a difficult time correcting creases along the lips, brow, and cheeks, especially in your later years.

But Botox gives you the boost you need to erase fine lines.

WHAT IS IN BOTOX?

Botox is an abbreviation for botulinum toxin. Some people fixate on the word “toxin” but there are no live toxins in this product. The chemical makeup of Botox is carefully formulated to work seamlessly with your body’s chemistry. There are seven types of botulinum toxins, but only strains A and B are FDA-approved for medical use. 

Botox is a neuromodulator, which means that it interferes with the repetitive muscular contractions that contribute to wrinkles. When your muscles twitch, they release a chemical called acetylcholine. When a skilled medical professional injects Botox directly to the site of a particularly tense muscle, the neuromodulator blocks the release of acetylcholine. When the neural dance between the muscles and the nerve endings is disrupted, your expression is allowed to maintain a placid, smooth appearance. 

BENEFITS OF BOTOX

The applications for Botox use are as varied as they are astounding. Because of the neuromodulator’s ability to manipulate unwanted muscular contractions, it has found its way into a wide array of studies and success stories.

Take, for example, the issue of excessive sweating. People who struggle with hyperhidrosis experience flop sweat, even when they are not particularly overheated or physically active. Botox has proven effective in reducing axillary hyperhidrosis. Doctors can inject Botox into the armpit to address the occurrence and persistence of excessive sweating.

AREAS TREATED BY BOTOX

Your aesthetic journey is unique to your image. The way you see yourself is more important than anyone else’s opinion. That is why your desired use of Botox will differ from everyone else’s. This miracle serum can smooth lines and ease tension in a plethora of facial features. The only limits are your imagination.

Botox for Ears – As we age, our ears may sag and wrinkle. Individuals who wear earrings to conceal their unsightly lines may actually be adding to the problem. The skin on the ears is sensitive, and added weight can exacerbate the aging process. You can repair your ears with a special blend called “eartox” that also plumps the sagging contours of your ear with hyaluronic acid. Your ears will perk up and ring in the youthful shape they once enjoyed!

Botox for Eyes – As they say: the eyes are the windows to the soul… and you want your soul to be open and accepting. Botox can eliminate the drooping, creased appearance that often plagues the skin around your peepers. When the bags under your eyes develop creases, no lotion or cream can accurately address the problem. A precise Botox treatment can brighten your perspective and give you a whole new outlook on the world.

Botox for the Forehead – The lines above your brow indicate surprise, elation, and worry. But you do not feel these emotions all the time, so why are those forehead wrinkles sticking around? With a strategic injection of Botox, the lines along your brow are erased. You can show emotion when you want to, not when your muscles decide to clench up.

Botox for Lips – The human mouth wears a lot of hats (metaphorically speaking). It gives us sustenance, it delivers vital communication, and it kisses our loved ones. Show your lips some love by turning back the clock! Minimize persistent lines that stand in the way of your natural attractiveness. Pucker up and consider the benefits of a younger, smoother lip-line. 

Botox for Cheeks – Nasolabial folds are the troublesome creases that appear beside your nose every time you smile. They are sometimes called “parentheses” or “laugh lines” but you may not find them very funny. Botox can bring balance back to your cheeks by ironing out those nasolabial folds, allowing your natural luster to shine through.

Botox for the Chin – The lower face is wildly dynamic. Wrinkles can appear in different places on different people and with dramatically different patterns. If years of expressive movements have altered your chin, consider a Botox treatment. Keep your chin up and fine lines down!

Botox for Wrinkles – With age comes wisdom, but the wisdom may weigh heavily upon you. As you explore the wonders of life, they may cause you to worry, smirk, or trigger a cascade of other expressions. Each of these gestures may add to the wrinkling of the skin. But you know enough to battle back those fine lines with Botox. Wisdom has its perks!

Botox for the Neck – The neck may show signs of aging even faster than the face. It also carries stress, strain, and spasms. All of the above can be address by a healing round of Botox. Neuromodulators can target aching neck muscles that cause aches and pains, relaxing their activity and ushering in a new day of serenity.

Botox for Migraines – A migraine can be devastating. It can cause hallucinations, nausea, and pain for several days at a time. But Dr. Binder is a pioneer in the alleviation of migraines with the help of Botox. During your comprehensive consultation with Dr. Binder, he will ask detailed questions about the nature of your headaches. Do they emanate from the neck, from the temples, or elsewhere? Using his diagnostic prowess, Dr. Binder can administer Botox to the nerve clusters that are most likely responsible for the occurrence and persistence of migraines.
Whether you seek pain mediation or aesthetic improvement, Dr. Binder can help. To reap the rewards of his decades of discovery and innovation, contact Dr. Binder at your earliest convenience.

facial cosmetics for men

Why Are Facial Cosmetic Procedures on the Rise for Men?

Posts, Procedure Overviews

Guys are often taught to “put on a brave face” and “keep their chin up,” but how can they accomplish these vague directives? The human face is expressive, but it can only do so much. To make meaningful, subtle, or truly transformational alterations to the face, men may need the help of a cosmetic surgeon.

Plastic surgery is stereotypically considered a female undertaking, but that label is limited and becoming more misguided every day. Men are increasingly benefitting from a nip here, a tuck there, and a general boost from medical science. 

To counteract the forces of Father Time, guys are exploring their options in the realm of aesthetic improvement. A carefully placed dermal filler injection, for example, can fill the gaps under the skin and smooth out the wrinkles above. This adds vigor and vitality to the face, exuding confidence in the face of aging. 

To get a more complete picture of the current landscape, let’s dive into the data.

MALE FACIAL ENHANCEMENTS: BY THE NUMBERS

Let’s face it: guys care about their looks too. To illustrate this trend, just take a look at the latest numbers from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Male patients are requesting the aforementioned dermal fillers, for example, at a rate of 5% higher than they did a year ago. There are now over 100,000 such procedures performed annually on men who want a fuller, firmer profile with which to face the world.

The same report indicates that liposuction for men is also up 5% from the previous year. This contouring procedure can remove unwanted fat pockets along the jowls, reduce the occurrence of double chins, and generally trim and slim the face overall. Men are left looking more rugged, svelte, and youthful as a result of facial liposuction.

One of the only metrics that actually saw a decline in male activity (year over year) was in the Botox arena. Men requested 3% fewer Botox injections than they did the year before, but it is important to look more closely at the big picture. Taking a long view of the male Botox trend, we see that the statistics have skyrocketed since the year 2000. In less than two decades, guys are getting Botox at a rate that is 381% higher than it was at the turn of the millennium. 

A wrinkle in time no more!

COSMETIC TWEAKMENT

Let’s continue with the Botox example, for now, to see how it can accentuate a man’s gym achievements. Guys spend countless hours lifting weights, sweating through cardio, and bulking up rep by rep. But how can they achieve that chiseled look where it counts most: the face? 

Botox can address many guys’ issues with the telltale signs of aging like crow’s feet and forehead creases. These lines are caused by the contraction of facial muscles that pull on the skin. Over time, the lines become more pronounced until the muscles simply cannot relax on their own.

The moral of the story: not all muscular activity makes you look young.

Botox gets to the root of wrinkles by disrupting repetitive facial contractions. A quick injection releases strained muscles and smooth out the surface of the skin. Guys can get Botox in conjunction with dermal fillers to plump up the gaps below the epidermis while simultaneously preserving a “devil may care” confidence to their expression.

These subtle enhancements are sometimes called “tweakments” and they are becoming more and more popular with men. Why waste time and money on fad diets and fitness contracts when you can rev up your look in a span of mere minutes?

Tweakments are not just cosmetic enhancements; they also offer peace of mind. Men of a certain age must compete for jobs with guys half their age. There is no room for doubt when it comes to looking your best, so a facial enhancement might be just what the doctor ordered.

KEEPING UP WITH THE MILLENNIALS 

To get a glimpse of the not-too-distant future, look no further than Silicon Valley. The tech industry has its finger on the pulse of innovation, and maintaining this trajectory requires vision and experience. Unfortunately, hiring managers are getting too little experience these days as they opt for more and more young blood.

Recent statistics reveal that Gen X workers are finding work in the tech industry at a rate that is 33% lower than they are being hired in general. Compare that to millennials, who are snagging tech jobs 50% more rapidly than they are finding work in other sectors.

The bottom line: Silicon Valley may be looking for a quick fix rather than a long-term fit. To compete with the rampant ageism in the tech sector, older men may have to look the part. By investing in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, they may be securing a lucrative future in the industry where they truly belong.

PUT YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD

Whether you are striving for a dream job in a youth-dominated world or simply want to tune up your look, Doctor Binder can help. His precise approach to facial enhancement will honor your natural contours by highlighting your rugged appeal. You won’t look like you had a drastic procedure, but you will feel like a new man.

To take the brave first step toward improvement and empowerment, contact our Beverly Hills office. You have worked hard to get where you are and climbed the social/corporate ladder to impressive heights… now let us push you over the top and into a successful new reality.

revision rhinoplasty

Everything You Need to Know About Revision Rhinoplasty

rhinoplasty

When you are unhappy with the shape or size of your nose, then your dissatisfaction is as clear as… well, the nose on your face. Your perception may lead to insecurities and you might even avoid social situations as a result.

The best way to alter your profile is with a rhinoplasty (nose job) procedure from a board-certified professional. This surgical approach contours the external lines and dimensions of the nose without compromising the vital structures of the nostrils within.

But not every surgery is a one-size-fits-all affair. Perhaps you have undergone rhinoplasty surgery already, but the outcome left you less than pleased. This is why pencils have erasers. Revision rhinoplasty is the art of correcting a nose job that did not provide the patient’s desired results. A skilled surgeon can improve your look and either build upon the limited success of your past procedure or counteract its failures.

And isn’t that what cosmetic enhancement is all about: improvement?

KNOW YOUR NOSE (AND YOUR DOCTOR)

We live in an age of rapid change. The Internet floods your consciousness with possibilities and information by the nanosecond. But we are often so focused on the deluge of what we can do that we forget what we should do.

Doctors are competing for attention in an already crowded field. They may boast lower rates and flashy new techniques, but there is no substitute for experience. If a low-cost nose job looks too good to be true, it probably is. Be sure to research your surgeon or else you will be back for a revision procedure as quick as you can wiggle your nose.

WHY IS RHINOPLASTY SO TRICKY?

Nose jobs must address two major factors in order to be considered a success: they must improve both functionality and aesthetics. Sure, you want your nose to look great, but you also need it to work perfectly. You breathe through it every second of every day. The nose demands respect! This is why rhinoplasty is so much more exacting than other cosmetic surgeries. A chin implant, for example, can reshape your face, but it doesn’t do much on a daily basis (other than keeping up appearances).

Nose jobs are under intense scrutiny, and the main critic should be you.

Only you can determine the final outcome of your rhinoplasty. It is not up to your friends, your romantic partner, or even your medical team (no matter how skilled they may be) to say what is right for your face. You are in control and you demand satisfaction.

THE STATE OF RHINOPLASTY REVISION, CIRCA 2020

According to 2020 estimates on the Real Self medical influencer site, between 5% and 15% of board-certified plastic surgeons have had to revise nose job procedures on their patients. 

And that’s the good news.

The bad news is that the national average is much higher when you take into account unlicensed and inexperienced doctors. One major reason they give for these numbers: patients’ impatience. Everyone wants a quick fix, and they may rush into revision surgery before the contours of the original procedure have even set.

Keep calm. Breathe. And read on…

THE PITFALLS OF LIQUID RHINOPLASTY

One of the most immediate ways to reshape your nose is through the non-surgical liquid rhinoplasty procedure. This is a method by which dermal fillers plump and mold the small imperfections on your nose by adding volume just below the skin. 

Liquid rhinoplasty is temporary, dissipating within months of injection. It may be a way to preview how a rhinoplasty procedure can transform your nose, but the treatment has a few downsides:

  • Dermal fillers can only add size to your nose; they can’t reduce its mass.
  • To be effective, the structure of your cartilage must be to your liking. Superficial injections will have no effect on the hard ridge on the bridge of your nose in any meaningful way.
  • The benefits of dermal fillers may be fleeting, especially in an area as finite as your nose. Doctors have much more success filling wrinkles and lines around your nose, but these pliable solutions are not designed to add permanent volume to the nose itself.

SKIP THE FADS, STICK WITH THE EXPERT

Expedience is great for online shopping, but your health and wellness deserve consideration. Do not rush forward with any medical procedure, especially one that will stare you in the face for the rest of your life.

Rhinoplasty is a delicate discipline. Every nanometer of skin, every minuscule curve, and every gradation along the nose add up to excellence. You want a surgeon who will study your medical past, listen to your future goals, and be present for every crucial detail of the consultation process and beyond.

In short: you need Dr. Binder.

He is more than just a leader in his field; he is a pioneer of cosmetic innovation. Dr. Binder has revolutionized the use of Botox, for example, elevating it from its role in beautification to apply it to migraine alleviation.

Dr. Binder thinks past the limitations of other surgeons and ponders the full range of possibilities presented by modern science. If you had a past nose job that fell short of expectations, you want to consult with someone who will aspire to perfection. “Good enough” is never enough for Dr. Binder, and you deserve to reap the rewards of his decades in medicine.

Whether you are seeking a do-over on the rhinoplasty results you received elsewhere or you are new to cosmetic enhancement, Dr. Binder is the ultimate resource for you. Contact his Beverly Hills office and add some know-how to your nose now!

tanning

Here Comes the Sun: Protecting Yourself from Bright UV Rays in Los Angeles

Posts, Skin Treatment

Sorry Game of Thrones fans – winter is over. As the calendar fades into springtime, Los Angelenos take to the beaches, porches, and anywhere else where they can soak in the stunning SoCal weather.

Spring is basically summer in Beverly Hills. The sun beckons locals and tourists alike to bask in the warmth of our iconic landscape and legacy. But as the UV rays bathe Tinseltown in a golden glow, you should be aware and prepared for the more harmful effects of sun exposure.

CARCINOMA

As you frolic in the California surf, you may feel like nothing could rain on your proverbial parade. Unfortunately, an ominous cloud hangs over the sunny SoCal skies, and it is shaped like carcinoma.

Every year, over 3 million Americans receive skin cancer diagnoses. It is the most common form of cancer, but that doesn’t make it any less serious or scary. To better understand the ways in which we can prevent and treat skin cancer, let’s discuss the various types that affect us most.

Of that staggering 3 million cases of skin cancer mentioned above, approximately 80% are attributed to basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Epithelial tissue is a lining of cells that runs just below the surface of the skin. We also have epithelial matter in our blood vessels, organs, and digestive tract, so it is an expansive network indeed.

When a tumor develops in the epithelial tissue, this is called a carcinoma. Individuals over the age of 50 are particularly prone to developing carcinomas, so be sure to get checked regularly once you surpass the Big 5-0. Also, professional estimates indicate that 90% of carcinoma cases occur in white-skinned individuals. 

Basal cell carcinomas (BCC) lurk in the base of the epidermis, as the name suggests. BCCs are less likely to spread than other forms of carcinomas, but you should still refer the condition to a skilled healthcare professional for treatment. 

More serious is the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). “Squamous” means scale-like; the term describes the flattened, overlying pattern of our top layer of skin. If the carcinoma is detected in the squamous layer, it is more likely to spread. Please do not hesitate to seek medical attention if you suspect the existence of SCCs.

The primary cause of skin cancer is exposure to UV rays. The radiation from the sun’s light can mutate cells along or even beneath the skin. Ultraviolet radiation accounts for approximately 99% of the non-melanoma cancers listed above. These same UV rays contribute to 95% of the more serious strains of skin cancer: melanomas. 

MELANOMA

The skin cancer of which you should be even more concerned is melanoma. Unlike carcinoma, melanoma has the ability to spread rapidly from the skin to other vital organs. 

Melanoma affects cells called melanocytes. These cells are responsible for giving our skin the pigment we project to the world. Melanocytes produce melanin, a process that is accelerated by exposure to UV rays. When exposure becomes overexposure, melanoma may occur.

Sunlight can mutate melanocytes, triggering uncontrolled cell growth. This can manifest itself in the forms of moles or splotches of discoloration on the surface of your skin. Some spots are harmless, but others may spell danger. Here is a helpful way of telling the difference: it’s as easy as A-B-C-D-E.

  • Asymmetry – If one side of a blemish grows beyond the confines of the other side, then you may be dealing with a problematic melanoma.
  • Border – Keep a close eye on the outline of your mole/mark. Look for ragged edges, blurry borders, or other irregularities.
  • Color – Check for inconsistencies in the hue of your discoloration. Different shades of black, brown, white, pink, and even blue may cloud the surface of a melanoma.
  • Diameter – Measure the width of your spot. Is it 6 millimeters (1/4 inch) or more? Some melanomas can be small, but if a mole is larger than the size of a pencil eraser, it could be worrisome. 
  • Evolution – Has a splotch changed color, shape, size, or made any other noticeable shifts over a short span of time? If so, please contact a specialist to have it checked out.

PREVENTING SKIN CANCER

The best treatment is prevention. To avoid developing the types of skin cancer detailed above, be sure to use proper protection from the Southern California sun. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before direct exposure to UV rays, and make sure it is water-resistant if you are enjoying a beach day.

Use SPF 30 or greater and stay in the shade whenever possible (especially the peak hours of 10 am to 4 pm). If you have a tendency to nap on lazy vacation days, seek refuge! Don’t fall asleep in the sun or you may forget to reapply that sunblock every two hours, or more frequently if you swim.

TREATING SKIN CANCER

If you do happen to develop skin cancer, we are here to support you. Dr. Binder has perfected the art and science of removing cancerous lesions, and he can tailor his approach to your issue. These methods include freezing or excision when the incidence is small enough. For larger areas of skin cancer, Dr. Binder has pioneered grafting and flap techniques to alleviate your concerns and preserve your aesthetic beauty.

When a cancerous spot is removed, Dr. Binder will patch it up using healthy skin of your own. He can harvest skin from donor sites on your own body and select the incision site to hide it from everyday view. This healthy tissue is then integrated with the blood vessels on the area where the cancer was removed. As your body adopts the relocated skin, the healing process continues.

To learn how Dr. Binder can address your concerns and amplify your skin health, please call (310) 858-6749. Relief and rejuvenation await.

forehead lifts

Facial Facts: Forehead Lifts Are Sure to Raise Some Eyebrows

Posts, Face Lifts

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then the forehead is its awning. Every emotion is amplified across your brow. When you worry, your frown lines tell the world. When you are surprised, the arch of your flesh alerts onlookers, and when you age, the skin along your forehead shows telltale signs in the form of sagging and drooping.

Collagen is the most prevalent protein in the human body. But just because collagen is abundant, that doesn’t mean it springs forth easily. In our younger years, cells regenerate more quickly than when we age. That explains why we require more time to heal from aches, pains, and injuries as we age. However, it also accounts for the proliferation of wrinkles.

Studies have shown how collagen production decreases in our advanced years. Not only does collagen not flow as freely in older individuals, but it also has more difficulty bonding with its surrounding cells. The effect of lowered collagen is essentially a breakdown in communication below the surface of our skin. The fine muscles and soft tissue that give our appearance the support it needs begin to falter.

Nowhere is this dynamic more apparent than on the face. Eyebrows do quite a bit of work, and their diligence is often rewarded with unsightly lines and wear. It is an unfortunate eventuality, but it does not need to persist.

HOW TO ADDRESS DROOPY FOREHEADS

If sagging skin and a generally loose complexion are inhibiting your looks, then a forehead lift may be just what the doctor ordered. By removing excess tissue and tightening the upper features of your face, your surgeon can truly transform your appearance from the top down.

Once the unwanted fat deposits and droopy skin are removed, the surgeon carefully and skillfully contours the forehead to a patient’s realistic and remarkable specifications. The incisions are sutured closed artfully to create an aesthetic masterpiece.

A LIFT TAILORED TO YOUR LOOK

Speaking of incisions, the placement of yours is key to the cosmetic success of a forehead lift. The surgeon will assess your hairline, listen to your aesthetic goals, and determine the best course of action for you. For example, if your coif is encroaching on your brow, then you may want your forehead to be extended upward. This creates a more alert appearance and reverses any issues you may have with a compact brow.

On the other hand, some patients complain of an oversized forehead. In these cases, the incision must respect the contours of the face and bring the hairline and the brow together harmoniously.

To get a detailed picture of your physiology, we may use an endoscopic approach to the brow lift procedure. By inserting a tiny camera through the gentle incision along your hairline, we can map out the tissue lining the upper face. This guides us forward, informing our surgical team where to focus our efforts to most effectively and beautifully lift your look.

HOW INVASIVE IS A FOREHEAD LIFT?

The benefits of a forehead lift are tremendous, but the process does not need to be as extensive as other cosmetic procedures. A full face and/or neck lift is ideal for patients seeking a holistic approach to the sagging effects of time. These procedures pull back sagging jowls, smoothes out the wrinkles around the temples, and generally perks up your appearance.

A forehead lift, however, is less invasive. It may be the perfect solution for younger patients who struggle with the drooping and sagging that are often localized along the brow. In fact, Dr. Binder has pioneered the “natural look” temporal lift technique. This targets the outer edges of the forehead, gently raising them so as not to hike the central brow higher in an obvious manner.

A temporal forehead lift from Dr. Binder prevents the unwanted “surprised” expression that bothers some patients. He wants you to enjoy the natural expressions that your face makes so brilliantly without getting in its way.

BROW LIFT RECOVERY TIME

In addition to providing his patients an aesthetic boost, Dr. Binder is dedicated to helping them get back to their daily lives. Recovery from forehead lift surgery is relatively speedy. Dr. Binder’s expert skills minimize bruising and swelling, so most patients can get back to work (and play) in about two or three days.

You will be invited back to our Beverly Hills office for a follow-up visit approximately ten days after your procedure. The doctor will remove your sutures and assess your progress.

COMPLEMENTARY/ALTERNATE PROCEDURES

Dr. Binder is passionate about aesthetics. He believes in unleashing your best self, and wants to work with you to define how that process should proceed. If a forehead lift is not the best remedy for your concerns, then Dr. Binder will let you know. Instead, there may be a number of alternative approaches that we can pursue to ignite your inner glow.

For example, there are two major forces of nature that contribute to the wrinkles on the upper face: gravity and deterioration. As collagen production decreases, the soft tissue below the skin gets less support. This creates gaps along the face. When the skin above these gaps interact with gravity, it sags and puckers.

Dr. Binder and his associates can fill those gaps with a dermal injection. Fillers like Restylane and Juvederm plump the skin and perk up your perspective! And if the muscles traversing your face have contracted to create frown lines and worry creases, then Dr. Binder can relax your face with the help of a Botox strategy customized to your look.

Regardless of which approach works best for you, Dr. Binder is the best copilot for your aesthetic journey. Contact his office and buckle up for a brighter tomorrow!

post weight loss

Post Weight Loss Procedures: Cosmetic Facial Surgeries to Consider

Facial Liposuction

Looking good and feeling good often go hand in hand. Diet and exercise are the twin triumphs of human wellness, and they work together to keep a body trim, slim, and strong.

But what about the most important physical asset of all: your face?

The treadmill is great for your physique, but it often fails to deliver the contouring results you desire above the neck. You can target various parts of your body at the gym day by day; blast your quads on Monday, bulk your biceps on Tuesday, rinse and repeat. But shedding unwanted fat and loose skin on your face requires additional precision and care.

Before we discuss how you can refresh your look, let’s take a deeper dive into the scourge of obesity that plagues our current healthcare climate.

FIGHTING OBESITY: THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE

Your weight is your own business. Some people carry a few extra pounds with no resulting health concerns while others can suffer complications like heart disease and liver distress. In fact, over 100 million Americans are living with pre-diabetes or diabetes.

How did we get here? According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive & Kidney Diseases, the answer is as clear as the number on your bathroom scale. Their 2013-2014 statistics indicate that two out of three individuals in our country are either currently obese or overweight. 

This is a staggering state of affairs, but Americans aren’t taking it sitting down. From 2013 to 2016, an estimated 49.1% of adults attempted to lose weight. The diet industry is worth a whopping 72 billion dollars, and the fitness world rakes in another 30 billion. 

People are obviously serious about slimming down, but sometimes they need a little help.

It is exceedingly easy to snap your fingers and suggest weight loss on demand, but many of us struggle with the extra pounds. When exercise and eating right fall short of expectations, cosmetic enhancements are a great option. Liposuction is the second most popular aesthetic procedure in the United States, totaling almost a quarter of a million sessions per year.

PUT YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD

The majority of liposuction techniques focus on body contouring. Scores of patients seek help reducing unwanted fat deposits in their thighs, buttocks, and belly areas. Unfortunately, the feature that often gets overlooked is ironically the most visible part of your being: your beautiful, wonderful face.

Liposuction can benefit your appearance by carefully and lovingly shaping your jawline, chin, and neck. Your skilled surgeon can create a small incision, through which he or she will insert a thin tube called a cannula. This tube bathes the unwanted fat deposits around your face and neck with tumescent liquid. 

Once the fluid has sufficiently and gently loosened the fat cells you want to be removed, the cannula uses reverse pressure to vacuum unsightly bulges from your jowls and/or jaw. The result is a slimmer, sleeker profile that reflects the confident person you wish to project to the world.

LIFT YOUR LOOK

Even after you have done the hard work to lose bothersome weight, you may encounter a secondary issue: excess skin and sagging. As we age, we lose elasticity due to a decrease in collagen production. Collagen is the most prevalent protein in the human body, but when it dwindles over time, our skin pays the price.

If you are dissatisfied with the way your face and neck are responding to weight loss or age, then a lift may be on the healthcare horizon. Your doctor can assess your facial features, create a strategy for aesthetic progress, and raise your perspective! A neck and/or facelift sculpt your contours to celebrate your shape. Your youthful, lustrous features are peering out from behind a façade, just waiting to reemerge. Dr. Binder can unlock your ideal self and unleash your full potential!

BOTOX WITH BINDER

For a less invasive option, consider the myriad benefits of Botox. Every time you frown, laugh, or wink, your facial muscles contract. Each contraction creates fine lines and wrinkles that deepen over time.

As we age, it becomes more difficult to erase the creases that form on our faces. That’s why Botox is such an important breakthrough. Botox is a neuromodulator, which means that it disrupts the chemical signals being sent from your nerves to your muscles. By immobilizing certain muscles, Botox adds serenity and smoothness to your appearance.

Dr. Binder is a pioneer in the vanguard and varied applications of Botox. He discovered the link between Botox injections and the alleviation of migraine headaches, earning him a place in the healthcare hall of fame. Indeed, Dr. Binder’s commitment to wellness has spanned decades of time and thousands of satisfied patients.

Many have compared Dr. Binder to a wizard, and Botox is his wand of choice. He can use it to erase the laugh lines that make you cry; he can make those crow’s feet fly away; and he can even perk up your ears with a targeted dose of Botox.

If you are curious about the benefits of Botox, then set a course for our Beverly Hills office. Dr. Binder can also discuss his face and neck lift expertise, his precise approach to liposuction, and his overall commitment to facial rejuvenation.

Dr. Binder’s holistic approach to beauty will put a smile on your newly replenished face. If you have recently lost weight, Dr. Binder will match your diligence with dedication. He can reflect the healthy, happy you with a facial enhancement that complements your slim, strong physiology. 

For an aesthetic treatment that is head and shoulders above the competition, contact Dr. Binder today!

earlobe surgery

Facial Facts: A Deep Dive into Otoplasty (Earlobe Surgery)

Procedure Overviews

Commonly known as plastic surgery of the ear, otoplasty can remedy damaged, sagging, or stretched earlobes. Time can be unkind to the ears. Aging robs soft tissue of its elasticity and environmental factors introduce abrasion and irritation to the mix. It all adds up to a pair of ears that show the weariness and wear of life lived at full volume.

If you want to turn down the noise and crank up the healing, you should consider an otoplasty procedure. Earlobes often go neglected or abused, but otoplasty can perk up your ears and lend a boost of youth and vitality to your overall look.

Before we dive into the ways in which otoplasty can benefit battered earlobes, let’s examine the root reasons for outer ear distress.

COMMON CAUSES OF DAMAGED EARLOBES

The most common factor that contributes to ear scarring and stress is having piercings. The art of adorning earlobes with jewelry dates back as far as ancient Egypt when bodies were mummified with earrings dangling from their aural protrusions. 

While piercings can provide an edgy, stylish appearance, they can also leave a trail of tearing behind. Every time you get a new piercing, it can result in swelling, bleeding, and possible infection. The earlobe may require up to two weeks to recover from a piercing, but every individual reacts differently to the introduction of foreign objects to their system.

The damage done by a piercing is multiplied when the width of the item being thrust through the lobe increases. Earlobe stretching has become fashionable over the past few decades, but if the size of the opening is a 2-gauge or greater, it may not heal of its own accord. The stretched lobe might require surgical assistance to return to its former glory.

In addition to the sheer magnitude of a puncture wound, another factor that damages earlobes is the material of the jewelry. Nickel-plated earrings can cause a condition called contact dermatitis. This is an allergic reaction that the sensitive skin on the ears may have to certain metals.

Perfumes and skincare products can also elicit adverse reactions along the tender exterior of an earlobe. Over time, the more you irritate the skin, the harder it is for that skin to bounce back. Our bodies produce less collagen as we age, and collagen is the building block of tissue reparation and maintenance. Even if you could heal from a bad piercing with ease in your teenage years, that process becomes more harrowing in your 30s, 40s and beyond.

Vigorous activities can also damage the earlobes over time. Boxers experience a phenomenon known as “cauliflower” ears due to the repeated strikes they take to the side of their heads. The ears swell up and resemble the cauliflower after which this condition is named. Even seemingly gentler endeavors like swimming can interfere with ear health. Otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear, occurs when water gets trapped in the inner canal and flourishes into an infection. This infection can swell up and damage the tissue on the exterior of the earlobe. 

OTOPLASTY: MUSIC TO THE EARS

In order to remedy the various assaults on the earlobe outlined above, a skilled surgeon can rectify the situation and contour the ears back to health. The procedure begins with a small incision hidden behind the ear. This allows your doctor to access the cartilage that forms the blueprint of your ear that lives just beneath the skin.

By reshaping the underlying cartilage, your surgeon creates a foundation of strength and solidity upon which your rejuvenated ear will triumph. Once the cartilage is repaired, the doctor works outward. Any excess or damaged skin can be removed to fit your taut, smooth new earlobe. 

The epidermis is then sutured closed with a sense of precision and grace. You may be administered a local anesthetic or you may request general anesthesia to maximize your comfort level. The ultimate decision will be made in coordination between you and your physician, so please feel free to communicate your concerns during the consultation period.

The entire otoplasty procedure may only last one or two hours, but the results will shimmer for a lifetime. Your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress and remove any remaining sutures approximately one week after your surgery.

RECOVERY AND RESTORATION

Please arrange for a loved one to transport you to and from the clinic on the day of your procedure. No matter which level of anesthesia you require for your individual otoplasty treatment, you may not operate a vehicle for several hours following surgery.

When you depart the clinic after your otoplasty procedure, you will require a few days of downtime. Do not rush your recovery; your body will tell you when it is ready to resume your normal routine. If you have any questions, please contact your support staff and heed their advice.

After about a week, you may be able to resume light activity. In two weeks’ time, you should be able to get a more complete picture of how your new earlobes are taking shape. The swelling will continue to diminish as your vibrant new appearance emerges.
We spend far too much time overloading our senses in an attempt to flood our brains with stimuli. Loud music, brusque activity, and garnish piercings may seem cool during adolescence, but they can leave your earlobes singing the blues. To reclaim the youthful appearance that your ears once enjoyed, consider booking an appointment with Dr. Binder at your earliest convenience.

1 … 4 5 6 7 8 … 10