Youthful Cosmetic Procedures

Lifestyle

cosmetic-procedures-youthful

Cosmetic Procedures for a Younger Looking Face

Do you ever look in the mirror and long for the way your face used to look back when you were younger? The way your skin used to be smooth and near flawless? Then maybe it’s time to look into cosmetic procedures as a way of giving your face its youthful glow back.

There are many different cosmetic procedures that can help give you a younger looking face. But before you get to the consultation, here are some things that you need to know about some of the most common facial cosmetic procedures.

Facelift

A facelift will help remove or reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging of the face by lifting the skin off the face so that the skin and tissues beneath can be tightened and the skin can be repositioned smoothly over the face. During the procedure, your doctor may remove some fat and skin.

While having a facelift can reduce the signs of aging to a great extent, it can’t reverse sun damage or remove all facial wrinkles around the eyes, below the nose, and around the lips. Facelift surgery also has some unlikely risks worth being noted, which include:

  • Reactions to the anesthesia
  • Bleeding under the skin
  • Infection
  • Nerve damage
  • Numbness
  • Hair loss
  • Tissue loss
  • Scarring
  • Blood clots

Eye Lift

Eye lift, or eyelid surgery, helps remove bagginess from lower eyelids and excess skin from the upper eyelids, which can help improve vision in older people, although it is often done for cosmetic reasons alone. During the procedure, your doctor will cut along the natural lines of your eyelids to separate the skin from the tissue beneath in order to remove excess fat, skin, and muscle. The results from upper eyelid surgery can last between five to seven years, while lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be repeated.

Some of the possible risks involved in an eye lift are:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Dry eyes
  • Abnormal colouring of the eyelids
  • Eyelids that fold in or out abnormally
  • A pulled-down lower lid lash line
  • Possible loss of vision

Neck Lift

A neck lift is a series of procedures (including removing excess skin, removing or altering neck muscles, liposuction to remove excess fat, and Botox injections to address problems with fullness) that work to enhance the appearance of your neck.

While recovery from a neck lift might take some time, most people are able to return to work within 10 to 14 days. However, you will have to wait three weeks before resuming physical activity.

Botox

Botox injections are a cosmetic procedure that can lessen the appearance of facial wrinkles by blocking nerve activity in the muscles, causing a temporary reduction in muscle activity. Depending on the area being treated, your doctor may inject the Botox into more than one area at a time.

Some of the common side effects of Botox injections to be aware of are:

  • Trouble swallowing
  • Muscle weakness near the injection sites
  • Bruising
  • Bleeding
  • Pain
  • Redness or swelling
  • Headache
  • Tiredness and muscle stiffness
  • Dry mouth
  • Blurred vision
  • Increased sweating
  • Cold symptoms

If you experience any of the above side effects for a prolonged period of time, it’s advised to inform your doctor. It is also important to note that Botox injections are temporary and your wrinkles may return completely within three months after an injection.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing works to reduce facial wrinkles, blemishes, and acne scars by directing short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at the problem areas to remove skin, layer by layer. The two most common types of lasers used for laser resurfacing are carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium. Both lasers work to vaporize skin cells damaged at surface level.

Small white bumps, known as milia, may appear during the healing process, but are easily treatable by your doctor.

Make an Appointment

Before setting your heart on one of these procedures, it is important to book a consultation with an experienced doctor. Make an appointment with Dr. Binder. With years of experience in cosmetic surgery, and specializing in facial procedures, he can help you make the right decision about how to best make your face look younger.

Facial Liposuction

Facial Liposuction

Facial-liposuction

What Facial Liposuction Can and Can’t Do for You

Have you ever hated the way parts of your face puff out or seem to sag? Have you ever wished for slimmer features? If you answered yes to these questions, then facial liposuction might be the right choice for you.

Before you book a consultation with your doctor, here are a few things that you need to know about what facial liposuction can and can’t do for you.

What is Facial Liposuction?

Facial liposuction works to remove fatty deposits from specific areas of the face (chin, neck, jowls). The most common type of liposuction used to remove fat deposits from the face is tumescent liposuction.

Tumescent liposuction is performed by injecting a solution (mixture of salt solution, lidocaine, and epinephrine), that is equal to three times the amount of fat being removed, into the layer of fat. The solution works to fatten cells, which makes them easier to isolate and remove. The solution also shrinks blood vessels, which can help ease your discomfort during the procedure without the risks associated with general anesthesia.

Liposuction is considered one of the most desirable procedures used to remove fatty deposits from the face because it can produce better results while minimizing scarring compared to other types of facial enhancement procedures. Facial liposuction can also be performed in less than an hour.

Before Facial Liposuction Care

Although liposuction is a fairly common procedure that works to eliminate deposits of fat that aren’t effected by diet or exercise, it is still important to remember that liposuction is a type of surgery and should be treated as such.

Some of the pre-surgery steps that you’ll need to take are:

Two weeks before receiving facial liposuction:

  • Stop taking all forms of blood thinners, such as aspirin
  • Stop taking medications and vitamins that affect blood clotting
  • Stop smoking

The day of receiving facial liposuction:

  • Don’t eat or drink for at least six hours before your surgery

After Facial Liposuction Care

Recovery from facial liposuction can take anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on the size of the treated area. During the first few weeks after your surgery, your doctor will ask you to wear a compression garment which can help reduce swelling.

You should be able to return to work within five days, if not sooner. However, if the incisions for facial liposuction were made in your mouth, then your diet may be restricted. You will also be asked to take showers instead of baths for about a week after having liposuction. The anesthetic solution from tumescent liposuction surgery will drain from the incisions for the first several days after surgery. This is not something to worry about as it actually helps to speed up the recovery process.

During the first several months after your surgery, the swelling from the procedure will go down and you will be able to see the final results of your treatment. Skin around the treated area may also appear loose, but it will tighten over time, usually within six months.

Your doctor may also suggest gentle walking routine within three to four days after surgery, as mild exercise helps protect against the formation of blood clots and other post-surgical complications. You should be able to increase your level of activity within two weeks, but should avoid vigorous exercise for at least one full month.

Risks of Facial Liposuction

Like any other type of surgery, facial liposuction has some side effects. However, the risks of facial liposuction tend to be lower than the risks of having liposuction surgery on your body. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help lower your risk of infection after the surgery, and it is important to make sure that you take the full course of those medications to make sure that you are fully protected.

Some of the risks from facial liposuction include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Swelling
  • Nerve damage
  • Scarring
  • Anesthesia risks
  • Hematoma (pooling of blood under the skin that may clot)
  • Seroma (collection of fluid under the skin)

Consult with Your Doctor

Before deciding whether or not facial liposuction is the best treatment plan for you, you should book a consultation with Dr. Binder. With years of experience performing facial liposuction, he has the knowledge and expertise to help you make the best decision about getting facial liposuction surgery.

Benefits of Outpatient Procedures

Health Basics, Lifestyle

outpatient-consultation

How Outpatient Surgery May Better Suit You

Are you thinking about receiving some sort of cosmetic procedure, but you’re worried about how many days you’ll have to take off from work? Perhaps you need to consider a procedure that has a shorter recovery time.

An outpatient procedure may be the best fit your busy life, but before  you book your outpatient procedure, here are some things that you need to know about outpatient surgery.

What is Outpatient Surgery?

Outpatient surgery, also known as ambulatory or same-day surgery, allows the patient to return home on the same day that the procedure is performed. This means that outpatient surgery eliminates the need for hospital stays, while reducing the amount of medication prescribed. More procedures are being performed outside the operating room, which allows for your doctor’s time to be used more efficiently. The best candidates for outpatient surgery are healthy people undergoing minor or intermediate procedures.

As the types and complexities of surgical procedures have expanded over the years, so have the number of outpatient surgeries. More than half of the surgeries performed in the United States today are outpatient procedures, and that number is only expected to increase over the next decade.

Some of the things that have helped outpatient procedures develop over the years are:

  • Improved surgical instruments
  • Less invasive surgical techniques
  • A team approach to preparing someone for surgery
  • The desire to reduce health care costs

The Benefits of Outpatient Surgery

There are many reasons why outpatient procedures may better suit your lifestyle than traditional inpatient surgery does. Some of those reasons include:

  • Convenience—you will be able to recover at home rather than in a hospital, which will make your recovery time much easier.
  • Lower cost—costs are much lower for outpatient surgery because there are no hospital-related charges. Some insurance companies will also cover certain outpatient procedures.
  • Reduced stress—outpatient surgery tends to be less stressful for patients, especially children, because most people prefer to recover at home rather than in the hospital.
  • Easier scheduling—outpatient procedures can generally stay within a set schedule since there are no emergency surgeries that can delay scheduled surgeries, and since outpatient surgeries are less complicated and more routine.

Cosmetic Outpatient Procedures

Many cosmetic procedures are considered outpatient procedures because they can be performed in a less invasive way then other types of surgery. Some common cosmetic outpatient procedures are:

  • Neck lift—a set of procedures to enhance the appearance of your neck, including removing excess skin, removing or altering neck muscles, liposuction to remove excess fat, and Botox injections to address problems with fullness.
  • Face lift—the most extensive way to remove or reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin caused by aging. Traditionally skin is lifted off the face, so that the tissue underneath can be tightened before the skin is repositioned smoothly.
  • Eyelid surgery—reduces bagginess from lower eyelids and removes excess skin from the upper eyelids. It can also help improve vision in older people.
  • Chin surgery—reshapes the chin either through enhancement with an implant or reduction surgery on the bone.
  • Liposuction—removes small deposits of fat that aren’t affected by diet and exercise, and improves the shape of your body. It is most commonly performed on the hips, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and face.

Book a Consultation

All of the above procedures can be performed as an inpatient procedure, if necessary. Whether or not outpatient surgery is best suited for your lifestyle depends on your medical history and whether your doctor deems that an outpatient procedure is safe for you. It is important that you consult with an experienced doctor before booking your procedure. Book a consultation with Dr. Binder today to discuss whether or not outpatient surgery is the best option for you.

Reasons to Get Facial Reconstructive Surgery

Health Basics, Lifestyle

facial-reconstructive-surgery

When You Should Consider Facial Reconstructive Surgery

Facial reconstructive surgery (or maxillofacial reconstructive surgery, which includes the jawline), is an operation that most people never undergo or hear about. This is because the surgery typically repairs serious damage to the head or neck caused by serious injuries or by major operations for diseases like oral cancer. (Treating oral cancer often involves removing a portion of the facial skeleton.) If facial bones are damaged or removed, the facial bones may need to be reconstructed in order to restore normal function and appearance. Left alone, patients with facial injuries may experience low self-esteem and depression.

Candidates for Reconstructive Surgery

Nearly every patient who has lost a portion of their facial structure will be a candidate for reconstructive surgery.  Determining the timeline for surgery and predicting the outcome will depend on a few factors, including the extent of the damage, which area needs reconstruction, and the etiology (or cause) of the accident.

For example, patients who have been in a serious accident and lost significant portions of hard and soft tissue may undergo several stages of surgery. In such cases, patients will need surgery to restore soft tissue before a hard tissue infrastructure is made with grafted bone, reconstruction plates, and/or alloplastic materials can be placed.

Cancer patients who need facial reconstruction often have radiation treatment following ablative surgery. The exposure to radiation – and sometimes hyperbaric oxygen to speed up recovery – will prolong the period before a facial reconstruction operation may be done.

Infection is another cause of bone loss and structural damage to the facial skeleton, which may delay reconstructive surgery. The infection must heal, and the infected soft tissue must be eliminated before facial reconstruction can begin.

Ultimately, it is the surgeon’s responsibility to develop a treatment plan on a case-by-case basis.

The Difference between Reconstructive Surgery and Orthognathic Surgery

While orthognathic surgery is a form of reconstructive surgery, they are significantly different. Reconstructive surgery replaces missing hard and soft tissue, while orthognathic surgery typically realigns the jaw structure.

In short, a patient who has experienced a serious injury or disease that resulted in the loss of soft and/or hard tissue, facial reconstructive surgery may be recommended to restore functionality and appearance. To schedule a consultation about facial reconstructive surgery, speak with Dr. Binder.

3 Non-Surgical Procedures to Treat Facial Scars

Lifestyle

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3 Non-Surgical Procedures to Treat Scars

Many of us have scars for a number of different reasons.  Scars can be the result of just about anything that causes damage to the skin.  The more severe the damage to the skin, the more noticeable the scar will be and the longer it will take to heal.

Here are some of the more common reasons for scars:  Accidents, acne, chicken pox, surgery, etc.  Scars are part of the skins normal healing process.  Scars that are visible can cause self-consciousness and self-esteem issues.

The goal of this article is to introduce you to three non-surgical procedures that have been proven to be effective.  All three of these are different in nature with differing degrees of success depending on the individual.

Unfortunately, scars cannot be completely removed. However, most scars can be treated with a high degree of success. The three non-surgical procedures that we are going to explore in this article will help minimize the appearance of the scar.

For best results, you are advised to consult with your doctor or dermatologist to evaluate these and other non-surgical options currently available.

1. Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a procedure that uses a high-speed brush (or wheel) to remove the outer layers of the skin. New skin will grow to replace the skin that was removed during the dermabrasion procedure.

The most common use of this treatment is to improve the appearance of scars caused by acne or from surgery or trauma. Dermabrasion is effective in creating smooth, even skin that gives the scarred areas a consistent look.

2. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use a chemical solution to remove the top layer of skin.  It also does a great job of reducing the visibility of superficial scars. Chemical peels are easy to administer and are very cost effective when compared to plastic surgery. The chemicals will literally cause the skin to peel off and expose the smooth and fresh skin underneath.

3. Laser Resurfacing / Laser Peel

Laser resurfacing (also referred to as a laser peel) uses an intense energy beam to treat the scars on the skin.  This treatment does an excellent job of treating acne scars as well as other types of trauma scars. The lasers available today are sophisticated enough to target very specific scar areas.

This procedure works by using beams of energy and light to remove the skin layer by layer. Laser resurfacing is safe and effective.  The cost of this procedure is minimal when compared to plastic surgery procedures. For most patients, laser resurfacing is an excellent option for removing scars. Recovery from laser resurfacing can take between 1 to 3 weeks depending on the laser used and on the patient.

Whichever of the above treatments you may be considering, Dr. Binder can provide you with an estimate and what you can expect from each option via a consultation.

Custom Cheek Implants

Lifestyle

custom-cheek-implants

Custom Cheek Implants: Are They Right for You?

While the toll aging takes on our skin is certainly unpleasant, it’s not surprising. However, many are shocked to discover that aging even affects our bones. Facial bones shrink in size as we age, giving the cheeks a flat or hollow appearance as the skin and muscle in the face are rearranged. The appearance of cheekbones can also be altered by damage endured by the face over time.

Regardless of the cause, a hollow or flat complexion is especially distressing now that high, dramatic cheekbones are increasingly considered imperative for an attractive, youthful, and well-balanced face. Fortunately, custom facial implants can restore youth, vitality, and self-confidence.

More than Just Bones

What we perceive as “cheekbones” is only partially the result of bone structure. A large part of the appearance of high cheekbones is due to the soft tissue resting on top of the bone. Older implants tended to produce an artificial-looking appearance by only replicating bone, ignoring the importance of soft tissue. However, modern implants reflect the actual anatomy of the face, creating a more youthful, natural look. Pairing custom cheek implants with filler injections can help guarantee a natural appearance.

How Cheek Implants Work

Cheek implants are inserted through a 45- to 90-minute procedure, which can also be combined with other cosmetic procedures for efficiency and convenience. Chin augmentation and face or neck lifts are some of the procedures most commonly paired with cheek implants. The patient is put to sleep using either IV sedation or general anesthesia, which relieves any discomfort for the first few hours following the procedure. Patients are generally given antibiotics before, during, and after the procedure to prevent infection.

Cheek Implants Recovery

Following the procedure, some swelling, bruising, and discomfort are expected, which should resolve within two weeks. Bandages are usually applied to provide the implant with support and to keep the site clean as you heal. Medication is usually prescribed to relieve discomfort. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions on:

  • When to take medications
  • How to care for the surgical site
  • How to prevent infection
  • Concerns specific to your particular surgery and personal health
  • When you can return to various activities
  • How and when to follow up with your surgeon

Within four to six weeks, the site should be fully healed, revealing your final results. After healing, implants look like part of your natural bone structure.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you’re considering custom cheek implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Binder today.

Dr. William J. Binder is reputed as the father of modern facial contouring, with the majority of facial implants produced worldwide having been designed in part or in full by Dr. Binder. He is double board-certified with significant research experience, and is actively involved in teaching facial contouring techniques to surgeons across the globe.

Take a look at our history of patient satisfaction, and contact our office with any related questions and concerns.

Remove Wrinkles with Facial Fillers

Health Basics, Lifestyle

facial-fillers

Restore Volume and Fullness with Facial Fillers

As we age, we naturally lose skin elasticity and become more susceptible to wrinkles and skin damage. Facial fillers have emerged as a popular treatment to fill in fine lines and wrinkles. It can breathe life into aging skin for a more youthful look, and restore volume and fullness to the face.

If you’re dissatisfied with an aging complexion, facial fillers are an ideal solution for regaining a youthful glow without the inconvenience of a facelift.

What are Facial Fillers?

Facial fillers, also known as dermal fillers, are temporary to long-lasting wrinkle solutions administered through injections to specific areas of concern on the face. There are various types of facial fillers, each designed with purposes such as wrinkle reduction or lip augmentation.

Botox

Botox, made from refined botulinum toxin, is proven to be successful at treating fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. By relaxing over-worked muscles, this facial filler causes the skin covering these areas to smooth out. It is not recommended for frown lines, since the muscle relaxation can cause slurred speech and drooling.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid, one of the most commonly used fillers, can plump thin lips and hollowed under-eyes; fill facial wrinkles, acne and post-surgery scars; and fill creases such as smile lines. It is a naturally-occurring substance in the skin that enhances volume and hydration. The filler is synthetically produced to simulate the hyaluronic acid we produce naturally. The results are immediate and last from 12 to 16 months.

Two well-known brand names of hyaluronic acid are Juvederm and Restylane. Juvederm is made of a hyaluronic acid gel that is specifically designed to temporarily correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Restylane is a non-animal, bio-degradable gel composed of hyaluronic acid. It is used to add volume to the skin through tiny injections, and specializes in smoothing facial folds and wrinkles in areas around the mouth and eyes.

Perlane has a higher concentration of hyaluronic acid, and is better suited for deep lines around the eyes and forehead. This facial filler generally lasts longer than Restylane, and results may vary between individuals. It is also a preferred lip enhancement solution.

Collagen

CosmoPlast, made of natural collagen, is a natural treatment used for deep lines around the eyes, forehead, and mouth. It can also be used as a lip augmentation filler.

 What are the Risks and Benefits?

Facial fillers can be used for multiple purposes:

  • Adding volume and smoothing out deep facial creases
  • Plumping thin lips and smoothing out fine lines
  • Augmenting cheeks to enhance their shape
  • Filling out depressions under the eye area

Facial fillers are not recommended for those with inflamed or infected skin, pimples, cysts, rashes, or hives. If you are pregnant or have a bleeding disorder, a tendency of excessive scarring, or a history of severe allergies, then facial fillers are likely not for you.

Benefits of facial fillers include:

  • Immediate and long-lasting results
  • Non-surgical procedure
  • No downtime for recovery
  • No anesthesia required

Risks may include bruising, redness, pain, or itching. In rare cases, there may be infections or allergic reactions. If performed professionally, these risks are minimal.

The Facial Filler Procedure

Facial filler treatments are outpatient procedures. To prepare, topical skin anesthetics can be applied to make you more comfortable during the injections. The cream is applied on the skin for 30 to 40 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. In addition to making you more comfortable, the topical skin anesthetic decreases the chance of bruising by temporarily constricting blood vessels.

How Do I Prepare?

Facial filler treatment injections can result in bruising and swelling. To minimize this, you should:

  • Avoid aspirin, Excedrin, ibuprofen, Aleve, or Advil for 1 week before and 2 days after the procedure. Tylenol is the exception.
  • Avoid Vitamin E for 2 to 3 days before and after the procedure. Multivitamins are the exception.
  • Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours following the procedure.

Care and Recovery

Post-procedure, you may experience mild swelling or bruising, tenderness, itching, temporary numbness, and/or redness. These conditions can be alleviated with topical icing and will improve within 7 to 14 days. In general, there is little-to-no downtime.

If you do experience any bruising or swelling, your medical professional may advise you to prohibit alcohol consumption, and to discontinue use of vitamin E, aspirin, herbal supplements, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen.

Avoid strenuous activity 24 to 48 hours after treatment, as this would increase the heart rate and blood flow, thus leading to prolonged swelling. Minimize excessive sun exposure until the swelling has subsided.

Schedule a Consultation

If wrinkles and fine lines are contributing to an unpleasant aging experience, facial fillers are a simple and effective way to restore fullness to your face and allow you to age gracefully.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Binder today to determine if facial filler treatments are the best fit to fulfill your needs and desires. For this and all cosmetic questions, contact Dr. Binder and his caring staff today.

Deviated Septum Correction through Rhinoplasty

rhinoplasty

deviated-septum-fixed

How Rhinoplasty Can Correct a Deviated Septum

While rhinoplasty is typically thought of as an aesthetic decision, it is also commonly used to correct breathing problems, such as those caused by a deviated septum. Rhinoplasties for practical purposes are referred to as functional rhinoplasties: more specifically, when referring to surgery designed to fix a deviated septum, they are known as septoplasties.

If you have difficulty breathing due to a deviated septum, a rhinoplasty is a viable solution to achieve better breathing today.

What is a Deviated Septum?

A deviated septum refers to the malformation of the septum (the bone and cartilage that separate the nostrils), obstructing breathing. Septoplasties can repair this malformation in a simple 15 – 30 minute procedure, with a short recovery period.

Some estimates suggest that up to 80% of people have some sort of imbalance in their septum, though very few face problems significant enough to require surgery. Symptoms of a severe deviated septum can include:

  • Frequent nosebleeds
  • Frequent or recurring sinus infections
  • Face pain
  • Headache
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Snoring and loud breathing during sleep
  • Sleep apnea

Symptoms are often worse on one side. Deviated septums may be present at birth, may develop over time as a result of changes during puberty or aging, or may be the result of trauma to the nose or face. Due to the continued development of the face during puberty, rhinoplasties are generally not performed on minors.

While patients typically have to pay out of pocket for cosmetic rhinoplasties, functional rhinoplasties are generally covered by most major insurance companies. If a patient is considering rhinoplasty for both cosmetic and health reasons, it is recommended to have both issues addressed at the same time, so that all revisions are covered by insurance.

Having both issues corrected at the same time is also a more convenient process for the patient, as surgery and its subsequent recovery will only be required once. While the required recovery time of a combined surgery will be longer than that of a purely functional procedure, the downtime is still significantly shorter than the result of two separate rhinoplasties. Moreover, a surgeon who is able to address both cosmetic and functional issues at the same time will be able to achieve more attractive, natural-looking results.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Binder

If you suffer from breathing problems and suspect that a deviated septum may be the cause, schedule a consultation with Dr. Binder today to determine if a functional rhinoplasty is right for you. Dr. William J. Binder is a leading double board-certified plastic surgeon, and was one of the developers of the preferred technique for modern closed rhinoplasty. Take a look at our history of patient satisfaction, and contact our office with all of your cosmetic and functional plastic surgery concerns.

Custom Implants: Are They Right for You?

Health Basics

custom-implants

How to Know if Custom Implants are Right for You

When it comes to the human body, there’s little doubt that the face can make a big impression. Keeping that in mind, many people feel that their face is not as proportionate as they would like, with certain features being overly pronounced or understated. Some people, on the other hand, are victims of injury or congenital deformities that have left their contours in need of restoration.

In either case, the field of facial contouring has made it possible for patients to improve aspects of their face in terms of balance and structure by using implants.

Custom vs. Standard Implants

If you are contemplating an augmentation procedure for your facial needs, you are probably wondering if all implants are the same. The short answer is no, they are not all created equal. To further explain, consider this scenario: out shopping, you try on several suits that are hanging on a rack at a clothing store and none of these options seem to fit quite right. Next, you opt for purchasing a tailored fit suit that has been made to your exact measurements. It fits like a glove. In a nutshell, this illustrates the main difference between standard and custom implants.

This isn’t to say that standard or “stock” facial implants cannot be effective. However, it does work to show that customized versions offer more accuracy and a better ability to match distinct contours. This can also present the greatest advantage to patients with complex deformities and reconstructive needs that require unique implant shapes and sizes in order to optimally treat them.

The way custom implants are able to accomplish such goals involves 3D technology and computer imaging. After a patient has a CAT scan, an implant is then precisely designed based on the facial contours and structures in question. The detail and information provided by the computer technology can also indicate an implant’s placement success through incisions. Not to mention the fact that because the implant has been created and customized beforehand, it can reduce the time spent in surgery and tends to result in less complications.

Am I a Candidate for Custom Implants?

While a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon works to determine a patient’s candidacy for facial implants, there are a few basic guidelines you can review before taking this step. This procedure may be right for you if:

  • You desire to correct a facial deformity or asymmetry.
  • You have a weak chin and want to enhance the shape of your jawline.
  • You are looking to add volume to gaunt or undefined cheeks.
  • You wish to restore balance and proportion to various portions of your face.

Schedule a Facial Contouring Consultation

The accuracy of custom implants is truly what sets them apart from the rest. Undoubtedly, if you are ready to embark on the journey of improved or reconstructed contours, you’ll want a surgeon that is set apart, as well. Dr. William Binder has been a pioneer in the field of facial contouring and was involved in creating the first customized facial implant. Because of his extensive experience, knowledge, surgical skills, and dedication to helping others, he is able to instruct other surgeons and achieve desirable, even life-changing, results for his patients. Call us at (310) 858-6749 today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Binder, or contact his Beverly Hills office for more information.

Chemical Peels for Younger, Smoother Skin

Health Basics, Lifestyle

chemical-peel-example

Chemical Peels For a Younger-Looking You

As we age, our skin can become damaged due to overexposure to the sun and environmental toxins. Our skin may suffer pigmentation, scars, acne, wrinkles, or other kinds of undesired marks upon the face or neck. To resolve this, you may resort to spending a considerable amount on skincare products with high claims and unsatisfactory results. When it comes to facial chemical peels, however, the results are guaranteed.

What is a Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels, also known as chemexfoliation or derma peels, are used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck, or hands. A chemical solution is applied to exfoliate dead cells from the skin, encouraging new, regenerated skin to surface. As a result, the new skin is visibly smoother and less wrinkled.

Chemical peels commonly fall into one of three categories: light, medium, or deep.

  • Light peels, also known as superficial or lunchtime peels, use alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild acid to penetrate only the outermost layer of skin. This gently exfoliates the skin while improving the appearance of mild skin discoloration and rough patches.
  • Medium peels use glycolic or trichloroacetic acid to penetrate the outer and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment is specifically used to improve age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles, and moderate skin discoloration. It can also be used to smooth rough skin and treat precancerous skin growths.
  • Deep peels use trichloroacetic acid or phenol to penetrate the middle layer of the skin to remove damaged skin cells. This treatment is used to remove moderate lines, age spots, freckles, and shallow scars. This will result in the most visible improvement in your skin’s appearance, and can only be used on the face and performed only once.

The Chemical Peel Procedure

A chemical peel can be done in a doctor’s office or in a surgery center, and is usually an outpatient procedure. During the procedure, the professional will first clean your skin thoroughly.

Then he or she will apply one or more chemical solutions—such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid—to small areas of your skin. During this process, controlled exfoliation is performed, allowing fresh skin to surface.

This may result in a burning sensation that lasts about five to ten minutes, followed by a stinging sensation. To ease this discomfort, a cool compression may be applied. For deep peels, pain medication may be needed during or after the treatment.

How Do I Prepare for a Chemical Peel Procedure?

Pre-treatment instructions will be provided by your skincare professional or plastic surgeon. Prior to your scheduled appointment, you will need to disclose your medical history. Information you may be asked to provide includes:

  • Prescribed medications for severe acne, such as Isotretinoin
  • History of medications including antibiotics, acne medicine, etc
  • History and frequency of cold sores
  • History of herbs, vitamins, and minerals you take

On the day of your procedure, come prepared with a clean face free of makeup and/or skincare products.

What are the Risks and Benefits?

A chemical peel is one of the least invasive ways to improve the appearance of your skin. Benefits include the correction of:

  • Acne or acne scars
  • Age or liver spots
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Freckles
  • Uneven skin pigmentation
  • Rough skin and patches
  • Sun damage

A chemical peel will not treat the following:

  • Deep facial lines
  • Loose or sagging skin
  • Pore size
  • Deep scars

A chemical peel is not recommended for individuals with infections, active skin disease, cut or broken skin, sunburn, or active herpes simplex 1 sores. Poor candidates also include patients who are:

  • Nursing or pregnant
  • Have used Retin-A, Renova, prescription skincare products or products that contain ascorbic acid, and/or bleaching or skin-lightening agents in the last 48 hours
  • Have taken Accutane in the last six months
  • Have psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, or rosacea

Risks may include:

  • Temporary or permanent change in skin color, particularly for women on birth control pills
  • Reactivation of cold sores
  • Scarring

What Should I Expect When Recovering From a Chemical Peel?

Depending on the chemical peel, post operational care and recovery instructions may vary. Prepare to expect the following:

  • Light peels require 1-7 days to heal. Post-treatment, the skin will initially be red and may flake. Lotion or cream should be applied until the skin heals, followed by daily use of sunscreen. Makeup can be worn the next day.
  • Medium peels require 7-14 days to heal. Post-treatment, the skin will initially be red and swollen, and may worsen within the first 48 hours. Eyelids may swell shut, and blisters may form and break. Aftercare will require skin to be soaked daily for specific periods of time, followed by ointment application.

Antiviral medication is also taken for 10-14 days, and a mild lotion or cream may be applied. Makeup may be worn after five to seven days, and sun exposure needs to remain minimal until healing is complete. Lastly, a follow-up appointment will be necessary to monitor progress.

  • Deep peels require 14-21 days to heal. Post-treatment, the skin will be bandaged. Aftercare will require the skin to be soaked 4-6 times daily, followed by ointment application for the first 14 days.

Afterwards, a thick moisturizer is needed for the next 14 days. Anti-viral medication is also taken for the first 10-14 days, and mild lotion or cream may be applied. Makeup may be worn after 14 days, but avoid all sun exposure for 3-6 months. Lastly, several follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor progress.

Schedule a Consultation

Don’t let imperfections and the signs of aging dampen your confidence.  A chemical peel can restore youth and radiance to your complexion, leaving you feeling beautiful and rejuvenated. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Binder today to determine which chemical peel is best suited for your skin.

For this and all related skincare questions, contact Dr. Binder and his staff today.

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