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The lips can speak volumes without ever uttering a word. The curvature of their contours, the protrusion of their pout, and the lips’ general fullness convey youth and vitality with every crinkle.

But as we age, individual features lose their volume. Maturity coincides with the decrease in collagen production, and collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. In its absence, the subdermal structures that give the mouth its signature shape begin to erode. 

Think of the realm beneath the surface of the skin like a vast network of intricate scaffolding. This network is called the extracellular matrix, or ECM. When the structure crumbles, there is inadequate material to prop up the skin as supported in one’s youth. Wrinkles form and drooping occurs.

However, with the right lip injection, your doctor can give your ECM the boost it needs to keep your lips defined and dazzling. Lip enhancement comes in many forms. Facial fillers like Restylane and Juvederm replace depleted collagen with hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a naturally occurring substance in the skin, so these injectables are a safe and effective supplement to your beauty routine. When introduced to the extracellular matrix, HA dovetails brilliantly with the structures that give your mouth its shape.

A fringe benefit of HA injections is hydration. Hyaluronic acid binds with water molecules, so it essentially cradles moisture. Your lips will enjoy a dewy glow even before you apply the gloss.

An alternate approach to lip enhancement is fat transfer. Your surgeon can carefully extract unwanted fat cells via liposuction from those “problem areas” where bothersome bulk accumulates. Then, after the lipids are purified, they can be re-inserted into the lips for perky results. The fat you are employing is your own, so there is little to no risk of infection or complications.

Whether you prefer fat transfer or facial fillers, let’s explore the five main reasons why lip injections give us something to talk about at the end of the day.

Counteract Thin Lips

Wispy, pursed lips exude a sense of crankiness, even when you are happy and outgoing. Thin contours can detract from the lower face significantly as the aging process accelerates. To address thinning, diminutive lips, consider a lip injection procedure.

The vermilion border is the technical term for the dividing line between the lips and their surrounding skin. Women often accentuate this demarcation with makeup, and men may emphasize their features with facial hair. But when the vermilion border breaks down, it leaves your lips looking lackluster.

Lip injections can bolster the vermilion border and define Cupid’s bow, the arch, or the upper lip just below the nose. When your mouth enjoys its natural, ideal shape, you can express yourself freely, pouting and emoting without limitations.

Fill the Gaps 

When we discuss “dermal fillers” or “facial fillers,” those aren’t mere words. Fillers fill the gaps left behind by age. For example, when your skin matures, it has less collagen and elastin. The lack of these proteins allows your skin to deflate and pucker. By replenishing your appearance with the proper filler, we volumize the skin from within.

Lip injections smooth away persistent lines around the mouth. The process is akin to filling a balloon with air. The surface flattens and plumps according to your specifications, which brings us to our next reason to consider lip enhancement.

Versatility

Cosmetic procedures are empowering, and you are in the driver’s seat. When guiding your aesthetic destiny, remember, you can always change course. Case in point: lip injections. Facial fillers allow you the opportunity to see and feel how full your lips can be, but they are temporary. After six to twelve months, your body will absorb the ingredients of your filler naturally.

You can always extend the benefits of a facial injection by scheduling a follow-up appointment, or you can explore other areas of enhancement. Fillers give you a preview of the many possibilities available to you without the invasiveness or permanence of a lip implant.

Restylane and Juvederm are versatile in several other important ways, too. Each product formulates your desires and goals. For example, the lip injectable is silkier than the cheek filler due to the more delicate nature of the mouth. Be sure to discuss all of your options during your comprehensive consultation.

Minimal Downtime, Maximum Results

Lip injections are minimally invasive procedures. Fillers are considered a “lunchtime” appointment since many recipients resume their normal daily activities immediately after receiving their treatment.

You may experience minor redness at the injection sites, but it is entirely normal. Within a few hours, most swelling will subside, leaving only full, pouty lips behind. The top benefits of your filler will be apparent in 4-6 days as the material adapts to its luscious new landscape. 

Compared to more extensive procedures like implants or excision, lip injections are wonderfully low impact regarding recovery times and discomfort. 

Read My Lips

Injections can boost more than just the treatment area; they can also elevate your quality of life. When you can fully realize your dream facial features, you will have less inhibition holding you back. Engage with coworkers, friends, and family members on your terms, knowing that your lips are expressing what you want them to be saying.

Confidence has a ripple effect on job performance, social wellbeing, and happiness in general. When you look good, you often feel great, and that is the best benefit of all. Call (310) 858-6749 to reach our Beverly Hills office. We can’t wait to hear what your lips have to say!

We all do it, but we don’t discuss it. When looking in the mirror, many of us tug at our skin or pout our lips to envision what we might look like with a little cosmetic boost. 

But you can’t hold that pose permanently. You may need a skilled medical professional to lend a hand and elevate your appearance. After all, aging is natural, but we do not need to accept our aesthetic situation. Your skin replenishes itself more slowly as you mature. With the right strategy, you can reverse the hands of time and bring natural, youthful dimensions back to your face and body – no tugging required!

Some of the reasons for cosmetic enhancement surgery include facial asymmetry, sagging skin, persistent wrinkles, or deformed features. For example, if you are dissatisfied with your nose, a rhinoplasty procedure can bring balance back to your face. A plastic surgeon can address redundant skin with a facelift. For a less invasive solution to deflated, depleted skin, you may want to consider the possibility of facial fillers.

The allure of beautification is how individualized it is. Your journey is unique to you. The following will give you a broad overview of what to expect during your first trip to a trusted surgeon.

Empower Your Look

Every significant improvement begins with a simple conversation. You will meet with your physician to discuss the procedures that interest you most. Your doctor will conduct a brief physical exam and assess your medical records, but you must always remember, you are in control of your cosmetic destiny.

No doctor should pressure you into getting an enhancement you don’t want to receive. Every procedure entails its own set of opportunities and challenges, and you deserve honest answers about all of the above. In general, you should plan to quit smoking several weeks before any invasive procedure takes place. Tobacco products drain moisture from the skin, which is counterproductive to your aesthetic journey.

Doctors will tailor the specific instructions for your cosmetic enhancement to your medical history. Your physician may advise you to stop taking certain supplements that increase the risk of bruising or impeding the general healing process. 

The most crucial ingredient of the consultation process is an open dialogue. Ask plenty of questions to reassure yourself about every exact detail of the overall process. After all, a healthy patient is an informed patient.

Build Your Support System

There are two ways to process aesthetics: internally and externally. Most practitioners focus solely on the façade, but that is shortsighted. The reasons for cosmetic improvement must originate from within yourself. Nobody can tell you what to do with your body, so be sure to ask yourself why YOU want to explore your enhancement options, not what anybody else has to say about the matter. 

Studies show that plastic surgery can have a wonderfully positive impact on your quality of life. This belief indicates how you feel about yourself, so only you control its fluctuations. If a cosmetic alteration would deliver the psychological improvement you desire, then you should pursue such a course of action.

You are not alone in your quest to be the best. Once you have decided to follow through with your cosmetic procedure, seek loved ones who can support you through the process. You will need a caregiver to drive you to and from the clinic on the date of your enhancement. They must also watch over you in the coming hours.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Procedure

No matter which level of improvement you decide upon, there are several guidelines to keep in mind for the date of your visit. Mainly, try to be comfortable. Wear loose clothing and skip the makeup. Medical professionals will cleanse the skin around your treatment area regardless, so save those products for another day!

You will meet with your doctor immediately before your procedure to review the details of your case. A great physician will ensure that you are aware of the parameters of your surgery before proceeding.

Don’t Rush Your Recovery

Recovery times vary from procedure to procedure. For example, Botox is considered a “lunchtime” appointment, meaning you can resume your regular daily activities following a series of safe, effective injections. Please allow a few hours for any minor redness to subside. The full effects of Botox may require 4-6 days to appear, and the results can endure for up to four months or longer.

Rhinoplasty, on the other hand, usually entails two weeks of downtime. Your physician may request a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress halfway through the recovery period to adjust or remove any used splints during surgery. 

At the other end of the spectrum, a facelift may require a month of recovery. The procedure involves the gentle removal of excess skin, so your body needs ample time to adapt to its fabulous new contours.

There is no timeline for feeling and looking your absolute best. Consider a measured approach if you are curious about cosmetic enhancement but not quite ready to dive in. For example, you can start with a dermal filler to get a preview of how your skin will look with more volume. If you like the results, ask your doctor how you can enjoy this appearance for an even longer duration.

Cosmetic enhancement is amazingly versatile. Just as your skin evolves, so too should your aesthetic strategy. Create a plan with your medical staff and reap the rewards of a smart, safe approach to improvement. The new you is just a click or call away.

How did you make the most of your 2020 downtime? Did you learn a new craft, binge movies or your favorite television show, or get better acquainted with your loved ones via Zoom? 

Certain celebrities used the opportunity to recover from various facial treatments. While they were in the comfort and discretion of their respective quarantine abodes, the following four personalities enjoyed the rejuvenating rewards of aesthetic transformations. Let’s take a closer look.

Khloé Kardashian

When you are in the public eye as often and as massively as a Kardashian, even the slightest alteration makes headlines. When Khloé posted a video to Twitter in November, the social media world immediately ignited with rumors galore. 

To dispel the chatter from the facts, we turn to a board-certified surgeon’s expertise, who deconstructs Ms. Kardashian’s look feature by feature. While makeup and creative photography can achieve a modicum for shaping the nose, Khloé’s nose’s tip was thinner than any lens or lotion could accomplish. The experts agree that the mega-star most likely underwent a rhinoplasty procedure.  

Moving down the contours of Khloé’s ubiquitous mug, we notice that her chin is more pronounced than usual. This feature may be the residual effect of a nose job; the chin appears more prominent with the mid-face slimmed down. However, Ms. Kardashian may have also benefited from a facial filler like Radiesse. 

Fillers do as their name implies: they fill the gaps beneath the skin’s surface and provide volume to depleted, diminished features. The calcium hydroxylapatite in Radiesse dovetails with the extracellular matrix’s natural tissue, a complex network of proteins that gives skin its structure. Khloé Kardashian most likely perked up her profile with a striking yet subtle injection of dermal fillers before she stepped onto the Twitter stage during the pandemic lockdown.

Simon Cowell

The irascible alum of American Idol and America’s Got Talent is a notorious critic, which is why he insists on being beyond reproach. Cowell lost 60 pounds before the Covid-19 shutdown, but he did not suffer from the lax, sagging appearance that many newly thin people experience.

There are several ways to avoid wrinkles and redundant skin after achieving significant weight loss. The most effective method is to get a facelift or a neck lift. Your surgeon begins by concealing incisions along the hairline to lift the upper face or the jawline to enhance the lower look. The latter appears to be what Simon Cowell recently experienced.

Cowell’s neck contours are distinguished and defined. He has no sign of the dreaded “neck wattle” or creases along the lower face. If Mr. Cowell did not go under the knife, he most likely benefited from the filler treatments described above.

To minimize persistent wrinkles due to muscle tension, perhaps just like the old children’s game,  Simon says Botox. We realize that his job is stressful. Disparaging young, aspiring artists can take its toll. But Botox eases repetitive facial contractions, allowing a smooth surface to win the proverbial competition. 

Kellyanne Conway

Without offering political views, we will instead allow excellent cosmetic surgery to speak for itself. After avoiding the media for several weeks, conservative spokesperson Kellyanne Conway returned to Fox News for an appearance in which she looked refreshed and rejuvenated.

A smooth complexion had replaced Conway’s signature wrinkles. There are several ways to achieve this transformation, most notably a fat transfer to the face. By grafting Kellyanne’s own extracted fat cells into her facial folds, her surgeon could perform added volume and a natural sense of youthfulness.

A facelift would be able to address the drooping skin along the brow if the filler treatment for Conway’s sagging skin was too pronounced. There has been no confirmation at the time of this article’s submission to Kellyanne’s surgical enhancement rumors.

Sonja Morgan

Shifting gears, let’s focus on a celebrity who openly acknowledges her glorious enhancements. Real Housewives of New York City cast member Sonja Morgan took to Instagram back in July of 2020 to own up to the swirling rumors about her enduring beauty.

“There’s been speculation around my fresh new look. I got a lower facelift and neck lift after wrapping Season 12,” writes Ms. Morgan. “I just wanted to be rid of the wrinkling around my neck and the [jowls] that were starting to form. People thought I was nuts because it was so subtle. But not to me!”

What we love about Sonja’s candid admission is how she declares her intentions for aesthetic improvement as an individual goal. She did not get her facelift while considering the publicists, critics, or even people in her inner circle. Sonja did it for herself. 

“It was a no-brainer – gravity had taken its toll, I was also exhausted, and I needed a ‘pick me up,'” she continues. Ms. Morgan explains the deep plane method of facelift procedures, in which the elevation occurs below the muscles to keep the skin and its soft tissue intact. This technique is incredibly successful in lifting the lower and mid-face regions.

The exact approach for your facelift must celebrate your unique dimensions. What worked for Sonja Morgan may not be right for you. That is why it is essential to discuss your anatomy and goals with a trusted, compassionate professional.

Dr. William J. Binder is one of the most accomplished and innovative cosmetic practitioners on the West Coast. Despite his surgical finesse, Dr. Binder has also mastered the art and science of non-surgical enhancements. He was the visionary who implemented the use of Botox for migraine relief.

If your appearance is giving you headaches, give yourself the star treatment right here in Beverly Hills. You will be ready for your close-up in no time!

Downtime can be a real downer. When you seek facial rejuvenation, you don’t want to wait weeks or even months for the results to shine through. You also deserve a treatment that perks up your perspective rather than one that entails a lengthy recovery time.

It is essential to discuss your expectations and aesthetic needs with your doctor before undergoing any procedure. The ultimate goal is an improvement, and your physician wants what is best for you in the long run. That is why an open and frank discussion about recovery must occur even before you proceed with your chosen facial procedure.

Beyond Skin Deep

Skin health is a tale of two realities. Your complexion’s look and feel derives from what is happening on the surface and below it simultaneously. To determine the best dermatological approach for your rejuvenation routine, we must consider both realms.

To alleviate age spots, wrinkles, rough texture, and other blemishes, consider the benefits of a chemical peel. The exact solution of your peel is calibrated to your unique skin tone. A light peel eliminates dead skin along the surface, while a deeper peel uses phenol to penetrate hyperpigmentation (dark spots) at its source.

Another approach to skin resurfacing is a carbon dioxide laser treatment. By targeting scars, warts, and similar imperfections, lasers will gently heat away aberrant skin conditions. The carbon dioxide beam penetrates the dermis layer of your skin and triggers collagen production. Since collagen is the protein closely associated with skin maintenance, laser resurfacing offers long-lasting and natural-looking results generated from your body’s healing process. 

Collagen mingles with elastin and scores of other compounds to form the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM is like a scaffolding network that props up the skin and gives it a signature structure. Over time, however, the human body produces less and less collagen and elastin. When the ECM breaks down, gaps appear beneath the surface of the skin. Wrinkles emerge, and features look thin and deflated in our older years. To counteract these dynamics, consider a helping boost in the form of injectable fillers. Products like Restylane and Juvéderm provide volume where it is needed most, filling out your look to its youthful luster.

To better understand the aftercare and recovery protocols associated with the aforementioned facial treatments, let’s take a closer look at each one individually. 

Peel Away the Uncertainty

While chemical peels are amazingly safe and effective, some people are hesitant to embark on a peel procedure due to that word: peel. It may sound daunting, but you must understand that our skin already regenerates itself constantly. A strategic peel merely accelerates the process, eliminating acne scars and discolorations in favor of a healthy sheen of new skin.

The timeline of a peel varies depending on the depth you require to achieve your ideal results. In general, any minor discomfort or redness will subside within a matter of hours. Two or three days after a peel procedure, your skin will gradually flake away its imperfections. Your complexion will glow with vibrancy after the first week, and these results will endure for several months if you follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions.

Please remember to stay hydrated and protect your skin from sun exposure. You may want to amplify your benefits by repeating the peeling process, but you must adhere to your physician’s advice regarding multiple peels. A deep peel requires longer recuperation times, while lighter peels can be replicated more often.

Laser Resurfacing Recovery

There are two types of laser skin treatments: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative procedures gently eradicate scar tissue and unsightly spots while non-ablative sessions are less comprehensive yet easier on the skin. Your healing process’s duration depends on which laser technique you experience and how extensive your treatment area is.

Non-ablative laser resurfacing usually requires three to ten days to fully heal, while ablative methods may take two weeks or more to bounce back. Laser beams eliminate aberrant tissue, prompting your body to replace it with a fresh rush of collagen. As you recuperate from a laser treatment, you must allow your skin to scab and peel away. Please avoid scratching or rubbing the treatment area. 

Keep the surface clean and moisturized according to your doctor’s directions. Since lasers strip away some of your skin’s surface protection, you must remember to avoid exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Fulfilling Aesthetic Enhancement 

Dermal fillers are considered a “lunchtime” procedure since you can resume your daily activities immediately after receiving treatment. Products like Juvéderm and Restylane are formulated with hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is naturally occurring in the human body, so it is safe for aesthetic enhancement. One of the many benefits of hyaluronic acid is how it binds to water. This makes it an excellent hydrating agent, however, you should understand what to expect after a filler injection treatment.

Because fillers attract water, you may notice a slight swelling during the first two to four days. Your body will naturally adapt to its new contours, dissipating the solution and enjoying a nice volumizing boost.

Inform your doctor of any medications or supplements you may be taking. Dr. Binder may advise you to alter your intake of certain blood thinners to ensure that you don’t bruise or bleed due to your dermal filler treatment.

Continued Cosmetic Care

Your exact recovery process will depend on various factors. Chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and injectable fillers present an assortment of opportunities for facial improvement, but they each require different approaches to preserving optimal health and healing.

To discuss the precise parameters of what to expect from the facial enhancement technique of your choice, you should consult a trusted medical professional. Dr. William J. Binder is an unparalleled expert in the field of cosmetic improvement. A meeting with Dr. Binder is a rendezvous with comprehensive care. Contact our Beverly Hills office to schedule an appointment with the best facial specialist in Southern California. 

We live in an era of rampant communication, but unfortunately, that leads to the spread of misinformation at an alarming rate. Everyone has an opinion, and they all have access to social media, so we are privy to an onslaught of rumors and unsubstantiated claims every single minute of every single day.

The scourge of unverified data tends to shape perception. You may be convinced, for example, that facelifts are procedures designed for a certain type of person. Your thoughts of a typical facelift may conjure up images of “overdone” results, but the truth is the myths could not be further from the truth.

We are offering some of the biggest misconceptions about facelifts and countering fiction with facts. Get ready to see facial enhancement in a whole new light.

Myth: Facelifts Are for Older People

When you think of the term “facelift,” you may envision your great grandmother undergoing the procedure, but reality tells a much different story.

Fact: It’s Never Too Early to Look Your Best

The key to a successful aesthetic enhancement is making it appear seamless. It would be jarring for anyone to appear as an 84 year old one day and then become a 20-something overnight. No respectable plastic surgeon would ignore the essence of a patient’s signature image. Instead, your doctor must celebrate your facial features and strive to recapture that youthful vigor. Face and neck lifts must be tailored to a client’s unique bone structure. By gently removing redundant folds, your surgeon is accentuating the vital vivacity of your appearance. 

The average age for facelift recipients has steadily decreased over the past decade. The procedure used to be popular among people in their 50s or older, but now it is common for many individuals in their mid-40s to seek a surgical boost. In fact, over the span of 15 years, the popularity of facelifts for clients in their 30s has increased by approximately 50%.

Myth: Facelifts Look Unnatural

The thought of “lifting” the skin creates the implication that the brow is pulled too high or the cheeks are propped up to an uncomfortable elevation. If that is your idea of a facelift, then please get a second opinion.

Fact: Facial Contouring Is a Subtle Art Form

The medical term for facelift is rhytidectomy. The Greek word rhytis means wrinkle, so a rhytidectomy is a surgical approach to removing wrinkles subtly and comprehensively. A proper facelift addresses more issues than just the skin. Aging affects soft tissue and fat deposits unevenly. Some people experience unwanted protrusions under their eyes, while others show cratering and depressions in their appearance over time.

Obviously, these two scenarios must be addressed in very different ways. Modern facelift techniques gently remove delicate reservoirs of tissue from the lower eyelids and chin without changing the essence of how the face is structured. Once these precise alterations are accomplished, your surgeon can contour the skin to eradicate redundant folds.

As the skin is re-draped to fit the newly sculpted scaffolding of your face, all incisions are concealed, either along the hairline or behind the ears. Nobody needs to know that you’ve had a facelift except you.

Myth: Facelifts Are Only for Women

While women do account for a majority of facelift patients, men are well represented among the ranks of rhytidectomy recipients.

Fact: Men Can Also Benefit from Facial Contouring

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 10% of all facelifts in the United States were performed on men in 2019. This figure represents a 5% increase from the year before. 

There is nothing intrinsically “masculine” or “feminine” about facial contouring. The procedure is designed to accentuate your natural features by removing excess tissue that can obscure your natural good looks. Men who look in the mirror and wish to recapture the vigor and alertness of their younger years can greatly benefit from a facelift from an experienced professional.

Myth: Facelifts Require a Long Recovery Time

The stereotypical version of a facelift patient is akin to The Mummy from those old black and white films. But fear not, you won’t require a bulbous amount of meshed bandages and gauze to recuperate from a modern day rhytidectomy procedure. 

Fact: Recovery Is Just Around The Corner

The average recovery time for a facelift procedure is approximately one week. Results may vary, but advanced medical technology has allowed doctors to enhance the face without disrupting its functionality unlike the outdated surgical procedures that were performed in the past.

Tumescent liposuction, for example, bathes unwanted fat cells with a mix of lidocaine and other soothing fluids. The tumescent liquid safely and gently loosens fat deposits for easy extraction. This is merely one component of Dr. William Binder’s approach to facelift enhancement.

By selectively altering and supporting existing subdermal structures, Dr. Binder allows the face to lift itself. His vertical midface adjusts soft tissue upward without pulling it back which avoids that “windstorm” look that so many people associate with bad plastic surgery. The careful, focused reshaping of the exact areas that need attention leads to brilliantly bespoke improvement, while also lending itself to decreased downtime when compared to an excessively aggressive facelift approach.

Dr. Binder can tailor your facelift procedure to the unique issues that bother you. His neck lift technique provides the strong, sleek lines that you crave to give your face its optimal pedestal. Younger patients with mild to moderate ptosis (sagging) of the jowls may benefit most from Dr. Binder’s short scar method of enhancement. Regardless of your contours, you can explore the best way to help them shine here at our Beverly Hills clinic.

Contact us at your earliest convenience to separate the myths about facelifts from the facts about facial enhancement done right. 

The lips are the unsung heroes of the face. In fact, if you were to sing about them, you would need backup from your (wait for it) lips!

The human mouth processes language, food, and emotion with relative ease, but all of that stress can add up over time. Lips become deflated and weary as our bodies age. As the structure of the mouth loses shape, the skin tends to hang away from its underlying support system of musculature and soft tissue. This leaves the mouth appearing wrinkled and lifeless.

In other words: loose lips sink appearances.

To add verve and vitality to the lower face, consider the benefits of a lip filler treatment. But not all fillers are equally fulfilling. Let’s walk through the pros and cons of cosmetic enhancement together, paying close attention to the mouth region. Read our lips and follow along!

FOR YOUR COLLAGEN CONSIDERATION

There’s a lot of talk about collagen these days, but it may lead to much misinformation. Collagen is the most prevalent protein in the human body, forming a flexible system of scaffolding that helps maintain healthy skin, organs, and other essential physiological functions.

But as we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen. When the structure of the lips breaks down, gaps emerge below the surface. Lip fillers literally fill those gaps, adding volume and definition to the contours of the mouth. 

So, the first thought that occurs to many doctors is this: why not just replace the collagen directly. Early lip fillers answered this question by developing products like Zyderm, which is formulated from bovine proteins. Any time you introduce foreign samples into a human subject, there is a chance for adverse effects such as allergic reactions.

To avoid the harmful side effects of injecting cow collagen into patients, developers introduced CosmoDerm. The innovation of CosmoDerm is that it is bioengineered from human skin samples, so it is less likely to be rejected after insertion. 

The only problem with CosmoDerm is its lack of fluidity. When you want lip enhancement, you demand a solution with a silky texture. The injectable must be able to seamlessly diffuse through the mouth region without clumping or coagulating. That is why many aestheticians quickly learned that they needed to combine collagen fillers with hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a substance naturally found in the human body. By mingling effortlessly with the extracellular matrices (ECM) propping up the skin, hyaluronic acid acts as a dermal filler that celebrates the natural contours of one’s features.

The popular enhancement products Restylane and Juvéderm harness the power of hyaluronic acid to bring fullness and fierceness back to aging lips. As the mouth enjoys its optimal volume, wrinkles are smoothed out above. Truly, Restylane and Juvéderm plump the skin from within, transforming withered lips into wonderful conversation pieces.

FAT’S THAT!

Before we discuss the additional benefits of hyaluronic acid, it is worth noting that some patients seek the rejuvenating support of their bodies’ own fat cells. By gently removing unwanted bulk via liposuction, your doctor may be able to put those extracted cells to use. After purifying a tissue sample, viable fat cells can be injected into the lips with varying degrees of success. The body may absorb the fat cells, flushing them away as waste like any substance it deems unnecessary or out of place. 

Fat grafting is an alternate approach to lip enhancement, but it is fraught with its own pitfalls. Grafts have the tendency to clump and form an uneven texture along the lips. Patients must also consider the scars left behind on the donor site (the area where the fat was harvested).

When all is said and done, fat transfers and grafts are less reliable than the proven results offered by Juvéderm and Restylane. These popular dermal fillers spur the body’s natural production of collagen, so their benefits are long-lasting. 

Hence, hyaluronic acid injections to the lips present results in several waves; you will enjoy an immediate boost in volume immediately following your first session. When your body’s collagen engines kick in, they extend the rejuvenating effects of hyaluronic acid for 8-12 months.

SAY HI TO HYDRATION

Hydration is another fringe benefit of hyaluronic acid-based injectables. The molecular structure of hyaluronan binds with water, effectively cradling moisture. Your complexion is nurtured and hydrated for months following a dermal filler treatment.

We strongly advise you to quit smoking if you are interested in the ravishing rewards of a dermal lip filler. Tobacco products tend to leach moisture from the skin, which is counterproductive to the entire rejuvenation process. 

Also, smoking leads to an unwelcome phenomenon known as “smoker’s lines.” In addition to the dehydrating effects of nicotine products, a smoker tends to pucker tightly around the cigarette in their mouth. The repetitive contraction of the fine muscles around the lips pulls at the skin, causing fine lines that deepen over time. Dermal fillers can plump those lines, and they also work in conjunction with Botox Cosmetic, which eases the tug of persistent facial muscles that contribute to wrinkles. 

PUCKER UP TO PERFECTION

No two lips are exactly alike – not even the two on your own face! The upper lip presents a signature swoop to the world, courtesy of the thin vermilion line that defines its top border. The lower lip can be pouty and playful, projecting a vast array of expressions that are limited only by your inhibitions and your imagination.

To celebrate the power of your pout, consider a visit to Dr. William J. Binder. Conveniently located in Beverly Hills, California, Dr. Binder is a visionary when it comes to subtle yet striking facial enhancements. Contact our office at your earliest convenience and put a smile on your face!

They say that variety is the spice of life, but moderation makes it palatable. We have spent an inordinate number of hours glued to our computers, conferencing into video calls with loved ones, and staring at our own pixelated faces. 

News flash: Zoom meetings are not flattering. They allow us to obsess over every wrinkle and imperfection for excruciating durations of time. It is important to step back from the digital mirror and appreciate all of the great facets of your face.

You are attractive, you are independent, and you are unique. Never let your Zoom window tell you otherwise. But if you do want to accentuate your best features or reclaim your youth, please do so with your signature sense of wisdom and individuality.

Cosmetic enhancement is a precise, delicate process. It should never be overdone or underestimated. 

FIRST DO NO HARM

The Hippocratic Oath is quite clear. Doctors make a solemn vow to protect the core vitality of their patients and only intervene to improve their health and happiness. If a client seeks excessive amounts of plastic surgery, their physician should intervene. For this reason, and many more, you should only consult with a board-certified physician.

Your doctor is more than just a practitioner of what can happen; he is an arbiter of what should happen. You may have a fantastical vision of various aesthetic enhancements you want to experience, but your skin and your structural limitations must dictate your cosmetic journey. There are limits to every case, and you should work with your trusted doctor to establish those limits before you proceed with any enhancement.

THE FOUR PILLARS OF MEDICAL ETHICS

In 1985, Thomas Beauchamp and James Childress published a book dedicated to medical ethics. In their groundbreaking work, Childress and Beauchamp boil down their theories into four distinct principles to which all physicians should adhere.

• Autonomy – It is the patient’s right to choose his or her own course of care. The doctor must help an individual understand the facts surrounding their case, but must not exert undue will over the patient’s ultimate decision.
• Non-maleficence – This is another way of saying, “first, do no harm.” Medical practitioners must strive to find the least hurtful way to administer care to their clients.
• Beneficence – Going beyond the concept of avoiding harm, doctors need to strategize the best ways to bring about a solution to their patients’ woes. In other words, how can a healer improve upon his ward’s condition?
• Distributed Justice – The doctor must provide care equally, no matter what your gender, age, race, or ethnicity may be.

The four ethical principles outlined above provide valuable guidelines for plastic surgeons to help regulate the number of cosmetic procedures they perform on a given patient. For example: Autonomy. No doctor should pressure a client into receiving a treatment or operation just to make a profit. The decision to proceed with a procedure must be made by the patient.

Non-maleficence is a vitally important concept in plastic surgery ethics. If a cosmetic product could potentially damage a patient’s health, the doctor must not use it. That is why all licensed physicians will insist on a comprehensive consultation with their patients to determine their medical history. Based on this data, the physician can avoid the use of any treatments that may result in allergic reactions or other adverse conclusions.

Beneficence is what cosmetic enhancement is all about. We want to work together to define the best ways to bring about your desired look. It is incumbent upon your doctor to study the latest medical advancements to ensure the most beneficial techniques for your case. If you are particularly lucky, you may actually find a physician who pioneers new methodology himself.

DIAGNOSTIC APPROACH

Successful cosmetic enhancement is a balance of art and science. A great plastic surgeon should be able to look at a patient’s face and appreciate its unique structure. Any proposed improvements should embrace the natural symmetry and character of the client while making sure to fulfill their realistic goals.

If a patient requests an excessive amount of procedures, the doctor is responsible for exploring the root cause of these demands. The individual in question may be struggling with a condition called body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). No matter how radiant this person may be, they simply cannot see their own positive attributes.

No physician should take advantage of clients with BDD. The result could be an endless string of procedures that leave the patient chasing after a dream that can never be attained. For example, classic standards of beauty often regard the nose and chin in harmony. When the nose is larger than average, the chin may look like it is receding, and vice versa. 

A great doctor will recognize the pursuit of a balanced facial appearance and proceed accordingly. The patient may benefit from a subtle yet striking rhinoplasty procedure. By addressing the size of the nose, it may alleviate any concerns about its relationship with the chin. This is one way to achieve the client’s ideal profile.

Alternately, the patient may benefit from custom facial implants instead. When the chin is given definition and dimension in the form of an implant, the nose looks smaller by comparison. Instead of performing two procedures, the surgeon has satisfied the patient’s goals with one thoughtful approach. 

EVERYTHING IN MODERATION

Sometimes, the perfect number of surgical procedures is zero. You may be able to achieve the look of your dreams in a minimally invasive manner. To relieve everything from persistent wrinkles to excessive sweating to migraine pain, consider the wondrous effects of Botox Cosmetic. If you want to add volume to sunken cheeks or withered skin, give dermal fillers a try.

These injectables can be administered in conjunction or by themselves, but you should never exceed your doctor’s recommendations. Enhancement is an elegant journey, and you should never rush the process. Contact Dr. Binder in Beverly Hills to discuss your unique cosmetic needs. 

COVID-19 has taught us to be resilient. We learned how to bake our own bread and cut our own hair, but how many of us earned a medical degree during the lockdown? Show of hands?

OK, then. Medical procedures are delicate processes that should only be entrusted to qualified, board-certified professionals. Even though Botox is a safe, proven enhancement, it still requires precise subdermal placement along with the patient’s fine musculature network. 

Do you feel confident putting your health and wellbeing in the hands of your neighbor Becky? How many glasses of Chardonnay has she had (today)? If you are unsure about your injector’s credentials, please let your wariness be your guide.

WHAT’S A BOTOX PARTY?

A Botox party is a casual get together where attendees administer neuromodulator treatments outside the safety and sterility of a clinical setting. A neuromodulator is a concentrated serum that immobilizes facial muscles to eliminate the unwanted, persistent contractions that cause deep creases.

Every time you smile, wink, and frown, those expressions pull at the skin on your face, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. Over time, those facial marks become more pronounced. Botox disrupts the release of acetylcholine at the neural junction. When properly injected, Botox delivers serene, smooth results. But we must place a massive emphasis on the “properly injected” turn of phrase in the previous sentence. Injectables involve an exact science and are not to be underestimated… or overdone. 

Botox is sold in finite units, each of which delivers a specified degree of relief from muscular tension. In order to calculate the number of units required to deliver the results you want, you must possess an intimate and vast knowledge of Botox’s capabilities. Unfortunately, you will not find such a résumé at your garden variety Botox bash.

Case in point: a recent party in San Diego left one 28-year-old woman with a frozen upper face that lasted several months. Her “practitioners” used 40 units of Botox on her forehead, rendering her basically expressionless. She couldn’t even show her friends how mad she was!

But she was actually fortunate when you consider the damage that could have resulted from amateur injections. Rachael Knappier was not so lucky. At her Botox party, Rachael received a neuromodulator treatment in the forehead without any major issues… but then she had some alcohol. The Prosecco convinced Rachael to get a filler injection to enhance the look of her top lip, which is when calamity struck. 

Rachael’s pal accidentally hit an artery when delivering the lip filler, causing her face to balloon beyond recognition. The incident almost cost Rachael her top lip; she had to rush to a doctor to dissolve the filler and repair the split developing in her soft tissue.

Rachael had not signed any consent forms, nor was she properly counseled on the risks of injectables. Her beautician “friend” turned out to be an ex-convict, and she was unable to help Rachael recover from the disastrous debacle. It took almost three months for Rachael to fully recover from her Botox party nightmare – how festive!

WHO IS LICENSED TO INJECT BOTOX?

According to the Medical Board of California, a licensed professional can administer Botox outside the confines of a clinical setting if one of the following holds true:

• She or he is a licensed physician
• She or he is a registered nurse
• She or he is a physician’s assistant who is working under the watchful supervision of the doctor for whom they work

The best way to verify a medical professional’s credentials is by gazing up at the diploma(s) on their wall. You can also do some online sleuthing and search for their board certification (if they have earned such a distinction). The aforementioned Medical Board of California has made the verification process easy by creating an app that allows you to browse for licensed professionals to make sure that your doctor and/or nurse is more than just a Botox party animal.

STAY SAFE…LY APART

One major problem with at-home Botox parties is the “party” part. We should still be practicing social distancing, so why do some groups feel emboldened to gather in clusters and inject one another with neuromodulators?

Botox Cosmetic is a miraculous solution. In addition to providing wondrous aesthetic results, Botox has the power to ease migraine pain and even stop excessive sweating. But Botox does not protect against COVID-19. This message bears repeating: Botox cannot prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus at any gathering, even if it is a medically themed one.

When you embark upon an enhancement regimen, you want to be confident in the safety and qualifications of the professionals aiding your quest to be the best. Dr. Binder responded to the stark realities of the pandemic with compassion and care. He predicted the surge in demand for certain signature aesthetic treatments and planned accordingly. Our Beverly Hills clinic strictly adheres to all safety and health protocols to ensure that you can receive quality cosmetic improvements with a healthy dose of peace-of-mind.

We sterilize every shared surface daily, enforce social distancing practices in our common spaces, and require masks to be worn at all times when your face is not being actively enhanced by Dr. Binder’s skilled, artistic hands. 

Can you be sure that your next Botox party can boast the same precautions? Are you tired of our rhetorical questions yet? Tell us how you feel by contacting our SoCal office at your earliest convenience. Your facial rejuvenation journey demands the utmost attention and expertise. Don’t be a party pooper – skip amateur hour and leave Botox to the professionals.