Face and Neck Lifts: An Overview
About Facelift and Neck Lift Surgeries
Facelift surgery is used to correct signs of aging in the lower portion of the face; in the areas roughly level with the nose and mouth. In order to do so, a plastic surgeon begins incisions at the temple and continues down in front in the ear, below it, and then back behind the ear. The skin is then gently moved to tighten up sags and wrinkles. Excess skin and fat may be removed to create a smoother, more youthful final result. Incisions are closed with fine sutures or metal clips, allowing the surgeon to avoid shaving the incision site. Neck lift surgery uses a similar process to tighten up sagging and correct muscle banding in the neck. Incisions for neck lifts begin similarly to those used for facelifts, going from the temple down in front of the ear, then curling below and behind the ear. For some neck lift procedures, these incisions may be all that’s needed and the skin can be repositioned. For others, additional incisions may be made below the jawline for further repositioning of the skin. Like with facelift surgery, excess skin and fat may also be removed. Incisions are closed with sutures. Both procedures are performed under a combination of sedatives, general or mild intravenous anesthesia (“twilight sleep”), and local anesthesia. Incisions for both procedures are placed in natural contours of the face so that they are almost invisible once healed.Which Lift is Right for Me?
Though facelifts and neck lifts can be performed individually if patients are happy with the appearance of their lower face or neck, but not the other, they can also be performed together. In fact, having both performed often gives better results. This is especially true if the procedures are conducted simultaneously as it allows the surgeon to take a more holistic approach and create a more unified appearance. Many patients interested in facelift and neck lift surgeries claim that their physical appearance does not match their mental age. Good candidates for either a facelift or neck lift are unhappy with the aging appearance of the area in question, have no health issues that could impede healing or cause complications during surgery, do not smoke, and have optimistic and realistic expectations for what their surgery can achieve. While these procedures can reverse signs of aging, they do not stop the aging process altogether. Patients will continue to develop symptoms of aging.Additional Procedures
Because facelifts don’t modify the entire face, other procedures are often performed in conjunction with face and neck lifts in order to tighten up the brow and eye areas, in addition to giving more dramatic and comprehensive results in general. If the upper area of the face only needs minimal improvement, dermal fillers and skin resurfacing treatments like chemical peels and microdermabrasion can be used to correct minor wrinkles, scarring, under eye bags and dark circles, and discoloration. However, the effects of these treatments is temporary and they can’t rival the results of surgical treatments, though they can prolong the need for them. Non-surgical procedures can also serve as alternatives for patients whose health does not allow them to undergo surgery. Additional surgeries can also be performed in conjunction with facelifts and neck lifts. For more significant revision of the upper part of the face, patients may want to consider blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), brow and forehead lifts, or a combination of these. Surgeries can also be used to enhance the results of facelifts and neck lifts. Facial liposuction and fat grafting can be used, especially on the neck, to remove fatty deposits and bags and relocate the fat to areas that have become sunken over time, such as the cheeks and under the eyes. Facial implants and rhinoplasty can be used to provide additional augmentation to create a more pleasant appearance in general, rather than just correcting aging, or as reconstructive procedures following illness or an accident.The Right Plastic Surgeon for Your Face or Neck Lift
Dr. William J. Binder is a double board certified facial and reconstructive plastic surgery specialist and one of the world’s leading plastic surgeons. His surgery is located in Beverly Hills. If you want your lift procedure performed by one of the best, don’t wait. Contact Dr. Binder’s office today to schedule your consultation so that you can start looking as young as you feel.Looking after Your Face Post-Surgery
What to Expect After Your Procedure
Every procedure and every person is different, so each patient’s recovery is different, but there are some generalizations that can be made. Along with swelling and bruising, most patients will experience redness, sensitivity, tightness, and numbness, but the recovery process after invasive surgical procedures differs significantly from recovery after minimally invasive procedures. Regardless of the type of procedure you’ve undergone, your doctor will likely prescribe or otherwise recommend medication. These may include oral pain relievers, antibiotics, or steroids, or topical antibiotics or steroids.After Surgical Plastic Procedures
For invasive surgical procedures, these symptoms typically fade within a few weeks. You will often have to stay at the surgical center at least overnight. You will be sent home with the surgical site dressed in bandages, and will often also have to wear a pressure wrap to reduce swelling and help set the results. You will be impaired after your surgery, so you should have someone drive you home and on hand at home to help take care of you and your obligations while you heal.After Skin Resurfacing and Minimally Invasive Procedures
For dermabrasion and other forms of skin resurfacing the above symptoms usually last for only one to two weeks, though the skin may continue to have some pinkness for four weeks or more. Patients may also experience some crustiness as the skin heals, which can be removed with a soft wash cloth wetted with warm water. Even injections can leave the skin with some pinkness and feeling sensitive. These procedures are typically outpatient procedures and you can often even return to work immediately following your procedure.Pamper Your Skin
Regardless of the type of procedure you undergo, you need to baby your skin afterwards. Your skin will be particularly sensitive, so using sun protection and a heavy duty moisturizer is imperative for ensuring the best possible healing. However, talk to your doctor about what he recommends before applying any product to skin that has not yet fully healed. Don’t apply cosmetics or other skin products to open wounds, unless your doctor specifically recommends it. After wounds have closed, cosmetics may be applied. Stick to thin layers of lightweight mineral formulas specifically made for sensitive skin. Use a green color corrector under concealer or foundation to counteract any red or pink tint to your skin. At the end of the day, wash off cosmetics and other products thoroughly with a gentle cleanser.Choose the Best Doctor
The best thing you can do to make your recovery quicker and easier is choosing a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon. The best plastic surgeons know the most effective techniques and can make smaller incisions, so your procedure results in less trauma and therefore less need for later scar removal. It also makes it easier for your body to recover. The best surgeons can also give you the best possible possible recovery and care instructions, giving you better and more natural results with less risk of scarring or modifying results. Dr. William J. Binder is a Los Angeles based facial plastic surgeon who is considered one of the world’s leading plastic surgeons. He is board certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, but Dr. Binder’s true passion is working with his patients. Contact Dr. Binder’s office today to schedule your consultation.What to Do if You Think You Have a Cancerous Mole
Recognizing a Cancerous Moles
The first indicator of skin cancer is typically changes in the skin. This can be changes in the moles you already have or the development of what appears to be a new mole. Dermatologists recommend the ABCDEs test for screening one’s self for skin cancer in order to detect cancer as early as possible. This test involves checking your moles for five different signs of skin cancer. If your moles show any of these signs, you may have skin cancer.- Asymmetry: If some part of the mole varies from the typical round shape of moles, the mole may be cancerous or precancerous.
- Border: Benign moles have smooth, defined borders, but cancerous or precancerous moles may have uneven or unclear borders.
- Color: While healthy moles are typically uniformly colored some shade of brown, cancerous moles are often inconsistently colored and may have red, white, or blue shades.
- Diameter: Cancerous moles are typically larger than benign ones, which are usually smaller than a pencil eraser, about a quarter inch in diameter; but cancerous moles are often smaller than this when they are first detected.
- Evolving: Benign moles typically remain the same throughout time, but cancerous or precancerous moles may be show change. If you’re not sure if your mole is changing or not, try regularly taking pictures so that you can compare its appearance over time.
Mole Removal Surgery
The exact process of mole removal surgery is different for each patient, because each patient’s health and cancer growth is different, but most surgeries follow this basic pattern. First, the patient is anesthetized, and then the actual removal occurs. Small cancer lesions typically require only a basic excision surgery. However, skin cancer can also reach deep into the skin without clear borders. If this is the case, surgeons typically use a surgical technique called Mohs micrographic surgery. This technique requires the removal of the cancer lesion and the surrounding tissue layer by layer, with each layer sent to the lab for testing for cancer cells. Layers continue to be removed until test results indicate that no more cancer cells are present. Some patients, especially those with deeper cancer growths, may need reconstructive steps after their cancer is removed. All patients should plan on going back to their doctor later for additional tests to ensure that all traces of cancer are definitively gone.Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your Procedure
When most people think of skin cancer removal they think of a dermatologist or oncologist; but for patients with facial skin cancer, a plastic surgeon is often the better choice. However, not just any plastic surgeon is qualified to perform skin cancer removal surgery. Patients should choose an experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in reconstructive facial plastic surgery. Furthermore, it’s not just important to choose the right kind of doctor, it’s also important to choose the right individual doctor. Your surgeon is imperative in keeping you relaxed and confident during the process, from diagnosis to follow up, which can be very stressful for patients. Your surgeon should take the time to make sure you are comfortable and fully informed about the process.Dr. William J. Binder
Skin cancer is a serious disease and you deserve the best possible surgeon to help you through the cancer removal process. If you’ve recently gotten a skin cancer diagnosis or are suspicious that you may have skin cancer, it’s better to act sooner rather than later. Contact Dr. Binder’s office today to schedule your consultation.The Essentials of Revision Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty
A rhinoplasty procedure helps to create a more symmetrical and well-balanced appearance by altering the shape and proportions of your nose. Part of what makes nose surgery so unique is its ability to both offer cosmetic solutions to those who desire an improved appearance, as well offering a solution to structural defects in the nose that can cause physical problems and difficulty breathing. It’s this balance of cosmetic and function that makes the rhinoplasty procedure one of the most popular in the United States today. A successful rhinoplasty can help individuals who wish to alter the shape or position of their nostrils, reduce an enlarged nasal tip, get rid of unsightly bumps, or alter the width of their bridge. Many patients wish to have the size of their nose reduced, in which case the appropriate amount of bone or cartilage is surgically removed, with the remainder being sculpted for symmetry. For physical problems, such as a deviated septum, a rhinoplasty can effectively straighten the nasal septum (the partition between the nostrils that separates the air chambers), allowing for drastically improved efficiency and ease of breathing. While this all sounds well and good, unfortunately not all rhinoplasties are completed with satisfying results. Your nose may look differently than you were told it would or your surgery could’ve simply been ill-performed. Regrettably, surgeons with insufficient training and experience can produce undesirable outcomes that leave patients unhappy with their new appearance. Luckily, with advancements in cosmetic medicine, there is a solution to this.Revision Rhinoplasty
The goal of a revision rhinoplasty is to repair and restore the original result an individual first desired when choosing to undergo corrective nose surgery. It’s not uncommon for patients to be unsatisfied with a “pinched” looking nose or one that is ultra-thin and artificial looking. Sometimes they only need slight adjustments, other times they require more significant alterations. Either way, a revision rhinoplasty was created for this very reason. No surgeon can guarantee 100% satisfactory results every single time. This procedure allows patients to achieve this level of satisfaction by its uncanny ability to provide the finest of adjustments post-nose surgery. During these surgeries, the structural integrity of your nose is reinforced and corrected, either for cosmetic purposes or to further improve the passage of air into the nose and lungs. Revision rhinoplasty has been on the rise over the last decade with about 10% of recipients who receive a regular rhinoplasty coming back for a revision. With the state of medicine being where it is today, you should be able to receive the results you desire with great accuracy and excellent quality. This procedure aims to restore the structure of your nose, maintain its natural look, and correct any functional errors you may have. Done correctly, a revision rhinoplasty can reap the immeasurable benefits of enriched self-confidence and an improved physical appearance.How to Get Started
Dr. Binder’s office in Beverly Hills is often considered the best option for correcting the most difficult problems in revision rhinoplasty. Our office is dedicated to establishing proper communication with prospective patients. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your revision rhinoplasty surgery in our Beverly Hills office.The Practical and Aesthetic Benefits of Otoplasty
The Procedure
Corrective ear surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes no longer than two hours. For protruding ears, an incision is made behind the ear where cartilage is then sculpted and sutured to maintain the desired positioning. Yet another special benefit to an otoplasty surgery is its ability to be combined with other cosmetic facial procedures. Many patients choose to include this in conjunction with rhinoplasties and facelifts. Although, most commonly, patients desire their ears to be “pinned back” to avoid protrusion, deformed or disproportionate ears can be reshaped or altered in size to better fit your face as a whole. It is common to require a soft cast for the days following your procedure, but most post-surgical pain is minimal. The thin scar left from the incision is well hidden behind a natural crease of the ear.Candidacy
Adults with no previous severe medical conditions and who generally lead a healthy life style are ideal candidates for this procedure. For children, it is generally recommended that they be at least 5 years or older, in relatively good health, able to follow instructions well, and are cooperative. With any candidate, having a thorough understanding of what you wish to change and realistic expectations only makes your procedure more rewarding.How to Get Started
Dr. Binder’s cosmetic surgery in Beverly Hills is often considered the best option for solutions regarding the otoplasty procedure. Our office is dedicated to establishing proper communication with prospective patients. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your revision rhinoplasty surgery in our Beverly Hills office.Facial Scar Removal: Getting Rid of Unwanted Scars
Scar Revision Surgery
Scar revision surgery is meant to minimize the scar so that it’s more consistent with your surrounding skin tone and texture. Scars are visible signs that remain after a wound has healed. They are unavoidable results of injury or surgery, and their development can be unpredictable. Poor healing may contribute to scars that are obvious, unsightly or disfiguring. Even a wound that heals well can result in a scar that affects your appearance. Scars may be raised or recessed; different in color or texture from surrounding healthy tissue; or particularly noticeable due to the size, shape, or location. Although scar revision can provide a more pleasing cosmetic result or improve a scar that has healed poorly, a scar cannot be completely removed. Scar revision treatments include:- Topical treatments—such as gels, tapes, or external compression can help in wound closure and healing, or to reduce the ability of skin to produce irregular pigment. These products may be used to treat existing surface scars and discoloration, and to aid in healing of scar revision procedures.
- Injectable treatments—are often used to fill depressed or concave scars. Depending on the injectable substance used and your particular scar conditions, results may last from three months to several years. Therapy must be repeated to maintain results. One form of injection therapy uses steroidal-based compounds to reduce collagen formation and can alter the appearance, size, and texture of raised scar tissue.
- Surface treatments—are most often used for cosmetic improvements of scars. These methods can soften surface irregularities and reduce uneven pigmentation. Surface treatments are a controlled means of either mechanically removing the top layers of skin or changing the nature of tissue. These treatment options include: dermabrasion (a mechanical polishing of the skin), laser or light therapy (causes changes to the surface of the skin that allow new, healthy skin to form at the scar site), chemical peel solutions (penetrate the skin’s surface to soften irregularities in texture and color), and skin bleaching agents (medications applied topically to lighten the skin).
Scar Removal: Home Remedies
The human body is capable of taking care of scars and they tend to get lighter with time, but there are some home remedies that you can try to speed up the healing process, including: Aloe Vera—a natural scar removal remedy due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Apply aloe vera twice daily, but do not use on open wounds.- Peel the outer green cover off an aloe vera leaf and scoop out the gel-like substance.
- Apply the gel on your scar and massage in circular motions.
- Leave it on for about 30 minutes, then wash it off.
- Apply some warm extra-virgin olive oil to the affected area and massage using small, circular motions. Wait 30 minutes, then wipe off the oil with a clean cloth. You can also leave the oil on your skin overnight.
- Another option is to mix a little lavender oil in some extra-virgin olive oil, apply it on the affected area and massage gently for a few minutes. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
- Apply some lemon juice on the affected area.
- Wait 10 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
- Apply some honey over the scar, cover it with a bandage, and leave it on overnight.
- The next morning, wash it off with warm water.
Speak with Dr. Binder
If you decide that home remedies aren’t doing enough to fade your scars, then you should talk to Dr. Binder about the surgical scar removal options that might work best for you. With years of experience in his field, he as the expertise to help you make the right decision about how best to deal with your unwanted scars.9 Facial Skin Health Tips for Winter
9 Tips for Healthy Winter Skin
- Cleansing—is an important routine to be followed all throughout the year. In the winter time, you can limit the number of times you wash your face from three times to two times. You can also alternatively cleanse your face with cold milk and cotton balls to cut down on the excessive dryness.
- Scrubbing—avoid daily scrubbing as it may cause severe abrasion and make skin even drier. Try using a mild exfoliating scrub once or twice a week. You can also enhance your scrubbing experience by adding the following ingredients to make your innovative fruit scrub:
- 2 tbsp. mashed ripe banana
- 2 tbsp. of a mashed apple
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 2 dollops of your mild scrubMix all and go for gentle clockwise and counter-clockwise finer movements to scrub your face for two minutes; while washing off with warm water, ensure you pat dry with a soft towel.
- Toning—is a must for all those who have aging and sagging skin concerns. Otherwise you can leave your pores open in winter for more oil secretion.
- Moisturizing—is important for all skin types, not just those with very dry and flaky skin. You can indulge in natural moisturizing by using warm almond and extra virgin olive oil, and use it as a night massage routine. Alternatively, you can mix the oil with your normal cold cream and lotion, too.
- Face packs—there are hundreds of ingredients in your kitchen that can be highly effective to make your skin become soft and supple in the winter season. Here are a few that you can make use of:
- Avocado face pack—use mashed ripe avocado on face for about 10-15 minutes before washing off with warm water. Apply a light moisturizer instead of toner.
- Banana face mask—take 4 to 5 tbsp. of mashed ripe banana and massage it on the face. Wash off after 10 minutes then massage your face with honey, in circular motions, for that extra moisturizing feel. Do so for at least 10 minutes before applying toner.
- Butter milk pack—use malai or fresh butter milk with a pinch of turmeric, letting it sit on the face for about 10 minutes, and then wash off with lukewarm water.
- Aloe Vera—can be used on the face as a moisturizer. It is the perfect way to relieve your face from dryness, while enhancing the texture by making it softer.
- Keep hydrated—don’t forget that your skin needs hydration from the inside, out. A little warm water with lemon can be very refreshing and hydrating at the same time. Eating foods high in water content can also help hydrate your skin. Try watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, oranges, kiwi, and watery veggies like celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots.
- Sunscreen—isn’t just for the summertime. Winter sun—combined with snow glare—can still damaged your skin. Try applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face about 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply frequently if you stay outside for a long time.
- Hook up the humidifier—central heating systems blast hot dry air throughout the home and office. Humidifiers get more moisture in the air, which helps prevent your skin from drying out. Place several small humidifiers throughout your home so that they can help disperse moisture more evenly.
- Ban super hot baths—the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture. A lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda can help relieve skin that is so dry it has become itchy.
Seek a Specialist
If you find that your skin isn’t looking the way that you want this winter, then you should consider seeking help from a professional. Book an appointment with Dr. Binder, so that he can help you figure out what surgical or non-surgical facial routine might work best for you.The Aesthetic and Health-Related Benefits of Blepharoplasty
It is evident that plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures have aesthetic benefits, but many of these procedures can have impacts on the health of patients, as well. One such procedure is blepharoplasty.
Blepharoplasty, also called eyelid surgery or an eye lift, is a procedure that removes excess skin by removing and relocating soft tissue surrounding the eyes, including fat and even muscle, in order to improve the appearance or resolve health issues. This is a serious procedure that can involve major changes to the eye area, but recovering from the procedure is relatively easy and usually only takes one to two weeks.
Aesthetic Benefits of Blepharoplasty
Cosmetic blepharoplasty is most often thought of as an age-reversing and revitalizing procedure. This procedure reduces under eye bags, sagging upper lids, and puffiness surrounding the eyes. This opens up the appearance of the eyes and gives a more alert, awake, and youthful appearance. It can also sometimes remove wrinkles and creases resulting from bags, sagging, and puffiness, and can remove or minimize the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. However, blepharoplasty cannot remove crow’s feet or improve the appearance of dark circles that are due to thin skin or hyperpigmentation of the skin.
Cosmetic eyelid surgery can be performed alongside other procedures for a more comprehensive revitalization or to address aesthetic issues that blepharoplasty alone cannot resolve. Crow’s feet and other types of wrinkles can be addressed with lifts, such as face lifts and brow lifts, or injected dermal fillers, such as Botox. Skin resurfacing treatments, injected dermal fillers, and custom facial implants and reconstruction can be used to improve the appearance of dark circles due to hyperpigmentation and fill in shadowy hollows under the eyes.
Health Benefits of Blepharoplasty
People don’t typically think of plastic surgery as having health benefits, and blepharoplasty is typically performed for cosmetic reasons. However, blepharoplasty, like many plastic surgery procedures, has health benefits, as well. These benefits extend to both the mental and physical health of patients.
Patients seeking eyelid surgery for health reasons can also have the appearance of the eye area improved at the same time, and may be eligible to have insurance cover the cost of the procedure.
Mental Health Benefits
Many plastic surgeries can benefit patients’ mental health by improving their self-confidence, and eyelid surgery is no exception. Not all patients will see improved self-esteem from plastic surgery, but patients who are highly dissatisfied with a particular aspect of their appearance that can be addressed by the procedure and have realistic expectations can greatly benefit.
People with high self-esteem are less likely to experience mental health issues, such as eating disorders, anxiety, and depression, among others. They are also more likely to have socially healthy and fulfilling lives. They are able to foster healthier relationships, are more comfortable expressing themselves, and form healthy and realistic expectations for themselves and those around them.
Physical Health Benefits
The improvements to mental health can have implications for physical health, as well. Eating disorders take a toll on the body, weakening tissue and making the person more prone to illness. People with high self-esteem are also more likely to take care of themselves, such as by pursuing a healthy exercise routine and making other healthy choices.
However, these are not the only ways that blepharoplasty can improve the physical health of patients. Many people have excess sagging of the upper lid that leads to obstruction of the upper portion of their field of vision. This can be the result of aging, physical trauma, or illness. Eyelid surgery can help correct this vision obstruction by eliminating the excess skin and displaced tissue, clearing the field of vision.
Dr. William J. Binder
Dr. William J. Binder is an experienced plastic surgeon based out of Los Angeles and is considered one of the world’s best plastic surgeons. He is double board certified, extensively published (largely in peer reviewed publications), and has 10 patents on medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
Whatever your reason for choosing blepharoplasty, you deserve the best possible surgeon. Contact Dr. Binder’s office today to schedule your consultation with one of the best.
Skin Pigmentation Changes: What are the Causes?
Dr. William J. Binder is located in Los Angeles, but he is known the world over as one of the industry’s leading plastic surgeons. He has the skill and resources to not only evaluate and treat your pigmentation changes, but to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. If you’re sick of living with skin discoloration, contact Dr. Binder’s office today to schedule a consultation.