Ah, aging. You either embrace it or hate it. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much in-between.

But one thing is for sure. Plastic surgeons are frequently asked about the best way to reverse the aging process. Is it through fillers? Botox? Facial contouring?

One way to reverse or slow the aging process is to look at how you live your life. Through your daily activities, you may be causing your own premature aging.

Let's look at some ways you could be causing premature aging and what you can do to combat it.

The Culprits of Premature Aging

Exposure to the Sun

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sun exposure is "the number one cause of aging." If you're of a certain age, this may make your skin crawl (in addition to aging). For those of us who laid out in the sun with nothing but baby oil back in the 1970s and 1980s, we may be seeing those carefree summer activities now reflected on our faces with premature wrinkling and sagging.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, part of the sun's rays, "speeds the natural aging process [and ] is the primary cause of early wrinkling," according to Mayo Clinic. UV rays exposure "breaks down your skin's connective tissue—collagen and elastin fibers, which lie in the deeper layer of skin." When your connective tissue breaks down and weakens, your skin loses its flexibility and strength, causing it to wrinkle and sag.

If you learned anything from those days of laying out with baby oil, it's to wear sunscreen—anytime you're in the sun for an extended period of time. So don't forget protection for your skin when you're outside gardening, at a ball game, taking a long walk, or, of course, at the beach or pool. It will do wonders for your skin.

Smoking

Smoking, another culprit, can prematurely age your skin as well.  According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, smoking is directly linked to "premature aging of the skin, increased amount[s] of infections, and delayed wound healing." And if that weren't enough, smokers are more apt to get inflammatory skin diseases than their non-smoking counterparts.

And the Mayo Clinic says that smoking can accelerate the aging process, giving you "crow's-feet, pronounced lines between the eyebrows, uneven skin complexion, a grayish tone on lighter skin, deep creases and puffiness below the eyes, wrinkles around the mouth, and thinner lips."

The best course of action is to stop smoking, often easier said than done. However, if you can back down on smoking, including vaping (and eventually quit), your skin will thank you.

Lack of Sleep

Quality sleep plays an integral role in our health. It helps our bodies recover and heal, letting us wake up well-rested, ready to take on what the day brings. However, for many of us, quality sleep is as elusive as a rainbow-colored unicorn.

According to the Sleep Foundation, over one in three people sleep less than seven hours a night. In addition, close to half of all Americans "say they feel sleepy during the day between three and seven days per week." Between 30 percent and 48 percent of older adults have insomnia.

If you're not sleeping enough hours or not sleeping soundly, then your body's largest organ—your skin—will show it. Without good sleep, your skin can't renew. Taking time to figure out what helps you sleep better can help slow signs of aging. Is it your mattress? A snoring spouse?  Toddlers jumping in bed with you? Think about how you can reduce distractions, allowing you to drift off – and stay asleep – in dreamland for at least seven hours nightly.

Stress

Like smoking, stress directly impacts our physical and mental health. And our skin is not exempt. As reported by the Business Insider, "[h]igh amounts of cortisol – the stress hormone – can break down the skin's collagen and elastin, and form wrinkles."

Citing to two different scientific studies published in the National Institute of Health's journal, Business Insider further reports that "chronic stress can have negative effects on skin aging and cause wrinkles to form . . . because stress causes inflammation and impairs the body's ability to repair itself." Further, Business Insider cites that "[r]esearch has found that skin aging is often accompanied with a two to four times increase in plasma levels of inflammation."

Learning how to combat stress seems to be a never-ending task. However, prioritizing yourself and your mental and physical health, can do wonders for your skin – as well as the rest of your body.

Although this list of culprits is a good start, it's not comprehensive. We didn't get a chance to talk about pollution and toxins, poor diet choices, and making repeated facial expressions (yep, that one). All contribute to premature aging as well. If you'd like to learn more ways about combatting premature aging, call Dr. Binder, an esteemed, board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills.

From "selfie-awareness" to the "Zoom effect," people have spent more time looking at their facial features more than at any other time in history. According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), 83 percent of respondents in a recent survey indicated that the "Zoom effect" was a major indicator in seeking change, such as undergoing plastic surgery.

A recent study published in AAFPRS's journal, Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine, found that "ZOOM dysmorphia" had "a huge impact on the way we view ourselves." Simply, through this hyperawareness of our images on live video (with no filters), people are turning to plastic surgery to fix imperfections and balance facial structure, creating a more pleasing look (and boosting self-confidence).

Whether on a Zoom call or not, a receding chin, undefined cheeks, a narrow jawline, or damaged facial tissue can make many of us less confident socially interacting with others. We can now achieve a more balanced, aesthetically pleasing image through facial implants.

What are Facial Implants for Contouring?

With facial implants, you can change the contouring and structure of the face by inserting implants into the cheeks, chin, or jaw, enhancing the definition and look of your facial features. Facial contouring, specifically, is "the art and science of merging plastic surgical techniques with these newer implant designs to improve the relative balance of facial features."

Today's implants are also very different than those used in the past. "Contemporary facial implants are contoured to imitate the natural bone structure and youthful form of the overlying soft tissues. They may extend over smaller or larger areas with different thicknesses to create varying projections, thus enhancing either a portion or the entire cheek or jawline," according to Dr. William Binder.

Additionally, these modern implants—typically made of solid silicone elastomer or rubber--can not only fix facial imperfections and feature imbalance, but they can also reverse signs of aging. As facial tissue begins to sag as we climb the years, facial implants can increase volume and definition, making us look younger. These types of inserts have been found to stand the test of time while maintaining "both shape and flexibility and this feel[ing] perfectly natural over the facial structure."

Types of Facial Implants

For the Chin

If your chin recedes or isn't defined to your liking, you can get a chin implant. Not your mother's implants, these "wrap around the entire chin and mandible, provid[ing] a more natural look from both the front and side views than the older button-like chin implants used years ago."

Chin implants help contour the face by building up the chin, creating a better profile and improving facial symmetry. These implants can also help with sagging skin around the chin, common as we age, by eliminating the double chin or sagging skin, causing us to look older.

A relatively minor procedure, you can receive chin implants in 30-40 minutes as an outpatient procedure.

For the Cheeks

Perhaps you have drooping skin around your cheeks. In that case, cheek implants may be for you. This procedure can dramatically alter your appearance, giving you those classic high cheekbones that most desire. According to Dr. Binder, "[o]lder cheek implants which often created an artificial appearance have been eliminated as a result of the new, more anatomically-designed cheek implants. These take into account the entire area we perceived as ‘cheekbones’ and compensate for both the bone and soft tissue components that comprise the aesthetically desirable 'high cheekbone effect.'”

You can receive cheek implants in about an hour as an outpatient procedure.

For the Jawline

Another area that benefits from contouring is the jawline. Facial implants can add structure, definition, and volume to the jawline, and are commonly elected among both women and men. Like chin and cheek implants, jaw implants can also balance out all facial features, giving the patient facial symmetry.

More complex than chin or cheek implants, this surgery will take one to two hours as an outpatient procedure.

Using Technology in Face Contouring

Let’s give these new implants a further look. Today, “three-dimensional computer technology is now used for the production of a new generation of more accurate, anatomic facial implants that permit more effective, long-lasting and pleasing results in facial augmentation.”

Here's how it works: 

This process begins with a CAT scan taken of the anatomical area surrounding the defect. A computerized three-dimensional image is created from the scan and is available for examination through a video screen. It is then transformed into an exact life-size model of the skeletal structure. The anatomical model is then used to facilitate production of an extremely accurate implant that will exactly correct the contour deformity. The back surface of the implant is extremely precise, fitting the contour of the bony defect and interlocking with the underlying bone to provide long-term stability, preventing movement or slippage.

. . .

With the actual procedure minimized, operative time is reduced and the procedure can usually be performed on an outpatient basis with less complications and a considerable reduction in cost.

However, remember that facial implants and contouring are medical procedures, and cutting corners is not advised. Instead, a qualified and experienced physician can analyze the symmetry of your face, informing you of the best approach forward. So, to get that Zoom-ready image, contact us today!

If you Google “selfies” along with “Millennials” and “Gen Z,” you get a slew of results discussing new selfie poses and angles. In that case, selfies behaviors that should stop now, and how certain hashtags are traumatizing a generation (so, don’t use those). 

But you won’t find an article on how selfies are on their way out. A recent Google study found that about 93 million selfies were taken each day in 2014 on Android phones alone, as cited by Science Daily. Another study indicates that every third photo for 18-24 year-olds representing Generation Z.

In 2013, the Oxford English Dictionary added the word “selfie” to its tome, giving it the distinction of “word of the year.” And there’s even a National Selfie Day--June 21st, in case you want to mark it in your calendar.

With social media and, in particular, selfies continuing to reach their heights of popularity, we continue to live in a world where appearance matters. Using filters and digital photo correction (all from your smartphone), you can brush over those dark circles or laugh lines while making yourself look brighter, smoother, and younger in seconds. 

Because of this, Millennials and Gen Z are seeking plastic surgery options earlier than any other generation, making it more the norm rather than a secret of the rich. Younger generations approach such treatments like botox to be preventive, often dubbing the procedure as “baby Botox.”

According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, in 2018, people under 34 underwent more cosmetic surgery procedures than those in the 51 to 64-year-old age group. And, according to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, in 2018, 55 percent of patients showed their plastic surgeon a selfie when discussing their medical goals.

Read on to learn more about Botox and why younger generations flock to it.

What is Botox?

Scientifically speaking, Botox is the isolated form of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum (also known as the botulinum toxin known for causing lockjaw). Once injected under the skin, into the muscle, the bacteria paralyzes your underlying facial muscles, preventing wrinkles and sagging of the skin, helping to curb premature aging.

Not to worry, though. According to Mayo Clinic, Botox injections are relatively safe when injected by an experienced doctor. 

How Does Botox Work?

When deciding if Botox is for you, you should understand how it works – what it does and what it doesn’t do. First, Botox does not eliminate wrinkles or make them disappear permanently. Instead, it removes (or softens) wrinkles for some time by paralyzing the underlying muscle. 

Typically, Botox injections last between three and six months. Once they wear off, then your fine lines and wrinkles will reappear; however, although they’ll reappear, the fine lines and wrinkles will be less apparent as each injection of Botox shrinks the underlying muscle.

Are There Any Side Effects to Botox?

Although Botox injections are relatively safe when performed by an experienced physician, you may experience side effects. For example, you may have pain, bruising, or swelling at the injection site, according to Mayo Clinic. Additionally, you may experience flu-like symptoms, muscle weakness, or a headache after receiving a Botox injection.

Your doctor can tell you how to prepare for your Botox injection, helping you reduce the chances for side effects. For example, if you ice the area before receiving your injection, you may reduce your pain. It’s best to talk to your doctor before receiving a Botox injection so you can be prepared, knowing what to expect both during the procedure and after.

How Does Botox Differ from Fillers?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, botox and dermal fillers are two of the most popular minimally invasive procedures performed in the U.S. However, they are not the same.

As discussed above, Botox contains a purified bacteria that paralyzes the muscles under the skin, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. Also used to combat premature aging, fillers are also injected under the skin. On the other hand, dermal fillers add fullness to desired areas, such as around the lips. Fillers can also treat common areas for wrinkles, such as smile lines, and may reduce the appearance of scars.

Although there is some overlap in the desired outcome for Botox and fillers, the key difference lies in how each product works, from freezing to plumping.

Millennials and Gen Z are effectively erasing any stigma around plastic surgery through social media, selfies, and attitudes towards health and aging, including “preventive” procedures such as Botox injections. By normalizing these procedures as a part of your regular self-care routine, these procedures will likely continue to rise in popularity.

However, remember that they are medical procedures, and cutting corners is not advised. Instead, a qualified and experienced professional like Dr. Binder can analyze your fine lines and wrinkles, informing you of the best approach forward. So, to combat premature aging, contact us today and be ready for your filter-less selfie!

A rhinoplasty, often referred to as a nose job, is by far one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in the U.S. and has been for the last three years, according to the Plastic Surgery Statistics Report 2020. It’s also one of the most difficult procedures, with revision (or corrective surgery) rates as high as 15 percent.

This USD 6.2 billion market shows no sign of slowing down, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5 percent between 2021 and 2028. All impressive figures. But what is rhinoplasty and how should you prepare for one?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, rhinoplasty “enhances facial harmony and the proportions of your nose.” And the nose, no doubt, is a complex organ, right in the middle of your face. So, any flaw can easily disrupt not only your sense of smell and breathing but the proportions and symmetry of your face.

There are many reasons to get a nose job, separate from looks alone. For example, patients may decide to undergo rhinoplasty for a deviated septum, structural damage, or breathing problems. However, even when fixing non-cosmetic issues with the nose, the surgeon must focus on both the nose’s complex functions and natural shape, “crucially important for patients’ physical and psychological well-being.”

Read on to learn more about rhinoplasty and the recommended preparations you should take before surgery.

Before Your Rhinoplasty

Before your rhinoplasty surgery, the surgeon office will want to meet with you, and potentially run some lab tests and x-rays, depending on your current health and the reason why you want to undergo a rhinoplasty. You’ll also need to provide a list of your medications. 

Your surgeon will also walk you through the steps of your surgery and recovery. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, as most patients leave the hospital or accredited surgery center the same day.      

The Surgery Itself

Now let’s look at the procedure itself.

As with any surgery, you’ll receive general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, whichever is the best choice for you. Next, the incision.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons, explains that rhinoplasty “is performed either using a closed procedure, where incisions are hidden inside the nose, or an open procedure, where an incision is made across the columella, the narrow strip of tissue that separates the nostrils.” 

Through these incisions, the surgeon can reshape your nose’s structure by removing bone or cartilage or by adding cartilage grafts.

After your incisions are closed, the surgeon will set your nose with splints, gauze and/or bandages, giving your nose additional support while you heal in the first few days. 

Let’s look more specifically as to what to expect post-surgery.

After Your Rhinoplasty

Once your nose is set, and you’re home, you may experience soreness and swelling. Because of the swelling, it may be difficult to see you’re improved nose. However, after a few days, as the swelling goes down, you’ll begin to see how your nose will look permanently. If swelling seems to come and go over the course of the first year, no worries—this is normal. 

Be sure to be an active participant in your recovery. Understand how to care for your incisions during healing. Take any medicines as prescribed. Follow up with your surgeon. Know how long you should rest and when you can resume normal activities. More than likely, running a marathon or scuba diving will be out of the question until you’re fully recovered.

 If anything looks out of sorts, call your doctor’s office. 

What If You Need a Revision

What if you’ve already had a rhinoplasty, and it didn’t seem to fix your structural problems, or it doesn’t look like it should. Perhaps it looks “skeletonized,” or artificial. Perhaps it collapsed, giving you additional breathing problems. 

Technically, revision rhinoplasties embrace “the concept of ‘reinforcing noses’ that have been structurally weakened by previous surgeries or require further aesthetic correction. In most cases, a good portion of revision rhinoplasty demands a clear understanding of the functional or breathing problems that are often simultaneously associated with these revision cases.” You may need a revision rhinoplasty when this occurs, meaning you may need additional minor or major procedures. 

And, if you think a regular rhinoplasty is complicated, imagine fixing one. 

To fix a bad nose job, you need to go to a surgeon with expertise in this area, making sure you have a good outcome. Dr. Binder can analyze your nose for your first rhinoplasty, or analyze your botched surgery, taking you through the steps for your revisions—getting you back on path. Contact us today and be ready for your close-up!

Skin reflects life experience. Every surface evolves with each smile, frown, and gesture. But when impurities settle into the skin, they can obscure the appearance you wish to project.

Acne is caused by blocked pores and excess sebum (oils). When breakouts are pronounced, they can leave scars that may require medical attention. Before you decide how to address your unique pattern of scarring, let’s assess the four major types of tissue that result from acne.

Hypertrophic vs. Atrophic

There are two main categories of acne scars: atrophic and hypertrophic. The depletion of collagen leads to tissue loss, which is the source of atrophic scars. Atrophic marks often appear as divots or craters in the surface of the skin.

On the other end of the spectrum, too much tissue in a given area is the hallmark of a hypertrophic scar. Raised marks and discoloration can disrupt your natural attractiveness, making hypertrophic scarring quite problematic.

Keloids are an even more severe type of scar than the regular hypertrophic variety. Hypertrophic scars rise above the skin's surface, but keloids go one step further: they extend beyond the border of the original abrasion. Keloid scars can cause discomfort as they stretch the skin and expand the site of a wound.

Treating Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

The key to keloid and hypertrophic scar treatment is minimization. Collagen has already accumulated to patch the skin, but it has left a bulky, unsightly blotch in its place. Your doctor can reduce this phenomenon by applying silicone gel sheets to the affected area. A gel will flatten and soften the skin, making it blend more aesthetically with its surroundings. 

In certain situations, your cosmetic care team may recommend laser treatments to ablate the raised portion of a scar and even the proverbial playing field. The exact approach to fixing a keloid or hypertrophic scar depends on the nature of the tissue, the skin tone of the patient, and the desired goal of the procedure. 

Types of Atrophic Scars

As our bodies age, we produce less and less collagen. Collagen is the most prevalent protein in the human body, and it is instrumental in the maintenance and regeneration of the skin.

When the surface of the skin is broken, collagen rushes to the area. This could result in the hypertrophic scar patterns described above, or the collagen surge may be insufficient to patch the wound properly. In the latter case, atrophic scars occur.

But not all atrophic scars are created equal. They manifest in three different ways: ice pick, rolling and boxcar. The main characteristic of ice pick scars is the wedge shape that slices its way through the epidermis and into the dermis. 

On the other hand, a rolling scar gets its name from the irregular, undefined nature of its appearance. The contours of rolling scars are nebulous, stretching beyond the parameters of the original breakout. As collagen filters to the area to heal the patchwork quilt of acne, it forms blotchy, uneven protrusions, like rolling hills.

The third type of atrophic scar pattern is the boxcar variety. When acne leaves pitted, deep punches in the skin, are known as boxcar scars. The sides of a boxcar scar are parallel, delving deep into the dermis. Unlike ice pick scars, they require more attention to adequately fill in the gaps left behind by acne breakouts.

How to Treat Atrophic Scarring

The treatment you require for a loss of tissue due to acne will depend on the type of atrophic scars you are experiencing. 

If a boxcar mark is especially severe, you may need to fill in the area. This can be achieved in various ways, but the correct procedure will depend upon your physiology and complexion. Your doctor may suggest fat grafting to patch a boxcar scar. This process begins with a gentle removal of excess fat from elsewhere on your body. Once the lipids are purified, they are ready for transfer to the area depleted by acne. Boxcar divots can be patched and raised until they are level with the surrounding skin.

Ice pick scars are easier to address since they require more minor corrections than boxcar scarring issues. Your physician can administer a simple course of Botox to ease the tension along the edges of an ice pick scar. This allows your skin to naturally relax and adhere to a more even, flattened appearance. If you need a bit more volume underneath the surface, your doctor can also inject a facial filler at the root of an atrophic scar. Fillers round out the area like you are adding air to a balloon. The surface enjoys a renewed vigor for months at a time, depending on which injectable (or combination of injectables) you use.

Rolling scars are often more difficult to correct than the ice pick or boxcar phenomena described above. Due to the irregular formation of rolling scars, a surgeon may wish to disrupt the abnormality according to its shape.

For example, if the edges of a scar are stretching in opposite or diagonal directions, a Z-plasty procedure can guide the skin into a more pleasing declination. Z-plasty acne treatment begins with a skillful, small series of incisions in the shape of a Z (hence the name). The ridges of this incision are gently sutured together, allowing the skin to heal appropriately and beautifully.

Pamper Your Skin

Just as each case of acne is different, so too are their potential treatments. To determine the right approach for your skin, you should visit a knowledgeable leader in the field of aesthetic enhancement.

Dr. Binder can analyze your acne scarring issues and advise you on the best path back to your ideal look. Contact us today and be ready to be ravishing!

Progress is rarely linear. We take several strides forward, then invariably step back. How else can we assess our trajectory and determine the best path toward our ideal outcome?

Every generation contributes to our collective betterment, but perhaps no group is more synonymous with progress than millennials. They grew up with the internet, pioneered social media, and thrive on information and innovation.

For these reasons, it is noteworthy when millennials opt for a classic approach over more recent methodologies. Since the advent and proliferation of Botox and fillers, the popularity of brow lifts plunged precipitously. Between the years 2000 and 2019, the procedure saw a 69% drop, due primarily to the convenience, safety, and effectiveness of injectables.

But now, the pendulum is starting to swing back the other way. Millennials love the results they receive from dermal fillers and neuromodulators, and now they want to put a ring on it. Brow lifts provide a more permanent solution to drooping skin and wrinkled foreheads, so the procedure is beginning to trend among the trendy.

Brow Lifts vs. Injectables

Let’s face it: we’re all sick of wearing masks. They helped slow the spread of COVID-19, but they also obscured your beautifully expressive lips and lower facial features. Masks directed our gaze upwards, emphasizing the eyes and their surroundings. Every wink and frown became amplified, and people paid close attention to every fine detail of the upper face.

The forehead is a breeding ground for wrinkles. Every time you make a facial expression, your musculature pulls at the skin, forming creases along the brow. There are many ways to address the wrinkling process. Botox halts the persistent contraction of specific muscles, allowing for a smooth serenity to encompass your expression. You can also get an added boost from facial fillers. These gentle serums bring volume to the skin, filling out gaps and smoothing creases from within. 

But some lax, redundant skin is too much for injectables to solve in a long-term manner. If you have sagging or heavy brows, a brow lift will work wonders for you. A brow lift procedure comes in two types: the endoscopic lift and the classic (coronal) lift. Although the endoscopic lift is a favorite for a number of reasons, the coronal lift has its unique advantages as well.

The Endoscopic Lift

The endoscopic lift is named after the procedure’s essential tool: the endoscope. This minimally invasive technique holds several advantages over the coronal lift, which was once the industry standard.

In any brow lift, the objective is to lift the skin surrounding the brow after it has begun to sag from muscle constriction around the eyes. With the endoscopic brow lift, small incisions about an inch long are made in the scalp above the hairline. Then, your medical team employs an endoscope (with a camera and light) to assist the surgeon in making the incisions. 

Once the doctor makes skillful, subtle incisions, he can gently separate the skin from the muscles and adjust it to create the appearance of a lift. The forehead is then secured with metal posts, which are removed ten days later.

Many patients opt for a simultaneous upper blepharoplasty procedure to complement the benefits of endoscopic brow lifts. Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery engineered to remove subtle pockets of fat and excess skin. By performing an eye lift in conjunction with a brow lift, your doctor can achieve seamless results. After all, there is no magic border between the forehead and the eyelids; it is a holistic landscape of expression and radiance. 

The endoscopic procedure is quick, lasting about an hour and a half. Patients can expect to resume normal activities in ten days and recover completely in about three weeks. Overall, the procedure produces similar results to the classic lift, with less scarring.

The Classic Lift

The classic lift earned its title from its history of being the industry standard of brow lift surgeries. It involves a much longer incision, extending from ear to ear. This incision may also be made mid-scalp, following the skull to appear less conspicuous. This procedure removes a strip of skin, allowing the surgeon to lift and smooth the remaining skin.

A minority of coronal lift patients may experience alopecia: circular bald patches usually resolve after a few months. There is also a small chance of swelling, but recent advancements in the brow lift field have nearly eliminated this risk.

There is also postoperative pain associated with the classic lift, and the patient may experience prolonged numbness around the incision. This soon leads to itchiness, which may last for six months.

Classic Brow Lift vs. Endoscopic Brow Lift

Some surgeons express doubts regarding the longevity of endoscopic brow lifts. The method may not produce the long-lasting results associated with the classic lift approach. This is due to the fact that endoscopic lifts merely shift the skin upwards without removing redundant skin, leaving a chance that the skin may resettle over time. 

According to one extensive survey of 628 endoscopic brow lift procedures, patient satisfaction was high. In fact, 70% of respondents indicated positive results, but their surgeons still hold an affinity for the classic lift approach. Only half of the physicians surveyed were satisfied with the long-term benefits of their endoscopic lifts, expressing a desire for more enduring results after five years.

The endoscopic lift also shifts the hairline upwards, thus making the classic lift a better option for people with thin tissue or a receding hairline.
When deciding which brow lift procedure is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Binder. His vast expertise ensures that he can answer any surgical questions or concerns you may have.

Beauty is a snapshot in time. The way your skin looks at a given moment is fleeting; it evolves and matures every hour of every day.

The dynamic nature of skin regeneration presents both opportunities and challenges. On the bright side, cells replenish and help your complexion maintain a healthy glow. But when the body begins to age, these regenerative properties slow down. By thoroughly understanding the ways in which skin forms and heals will guide our collective efforts to keep you looking and feeling your best.

WHAT IS SKIN RESURFACING?

Complexion is a story of two realms: superficial and subdermal. Let's focus on the latter first. Under the skin's surface, a complex network called the extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structure and support to a person's features. 

One of the most prevalent compounds in the ECM is collagen. This protein generates growth, allowing new cells to flourish and replace dead and damaged skin. But as we get older, we produce less and less collagen.

In our later years, the skin reflects this shift in collagen levels. Wrinkles emerge, age spots linger, and the skin takes longer to repair itself in the event of breakage and splits. To resurface the skin as efficiently as possible, we may need to give the ECM medical boost every so often.

There are many ways in which a skilled physician can stimulate collagen production and bring vigor back to your complexion. The exact procedure(s) that works best for you will depend on several factors. Your skin tone and general health status will help determine which treatment is right for your aesthetic journey.

CHEMICAL PEEL OPTIONS

It's time to face facts: dead cells peel away every time we wash our skin. It is a natural process, but it can be nurtured and amplified with a safe resurfacing strategy.

Chemical peels are procedures in which a licensed professional applies a carefully balanced compound to the skin for a precise length of time. Once the serum has reached a determined depth, your doctor will gently rinse off the chemical mixture, signaling your body to take over and replenish the affected skin.

The depth of your peel will depend on your cosmetic goals. If you have fine lines that you wish to tighten and smooth away, then a superficial peel may be ideal for you. On the other end of the spectrum, deep peels penetrate persistent creases and dark spots. To achieve your individual needs, your practitioner will utilize a bespoke blend of chemicals.

Glycolic peels are the lightest level of chemical resurfacing procedures. They are ideal for minimizing mild imperfections and textural inconsistencies.

Delving further below the surface, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels target splotches and discoloration, known as hyperpigmentation. In approximately five or six days, the outer layer of skin damage will flake away, revealing a healthy, youthful complexion.

The deepest peels available are formulated using a phenol compound. Phenol peels must only be administered seldom since they require up to two weeks of recovery time. Individuals with darker skin types may not be eligible for deep peels, so please consult with your aesthetic team to discuss the types of peel you desire.

LASER RESURFACING TREATMENTS

Technology is illuminating the way to new and innovative enhancements. One of the most brilliant techniques in our cosmetic toolkit is laser skin resurfacing.

By carefully swathing an area of dull, damaged skin with a concentrated energy beam, we can accomplish several goals simultaneously. First, the CO2 laser eradicates dead cells on the surface that may obscure one's radiance. Meanwhile, the technology penetrates the dermis, where collagen activates and flourishes to create continued skin health.

Due to the highly delicate nature of laser resurfacing, you must only trust the procedure to a skilled, experienced professional. If you leave it in the hands of a non-licensed provider, it can lead to scarring, discomfort, and further damage.

DERMABRASION

Whether we mean to or not, we are sometimes harsh on our skin. Itching, picking, and daily abrasiveness deteriorate our glow. But perhaps the worst culprit of skin damage is sun exposure. Every time UV rays make contact with our complexions, it has an impact.

Sunburns, acne, and other wounds require healing. The skin patches itself via a process called epithelialization. Lower levels of skin create healthy new cells that rise to the surface to repair visible damage. Epithelialization takes time, however, and when it is rushed, it is noticeable. When collagen surges to fix a broken area of skin, it appears discolored or "tough" in texture. This is scar tissue.

But a medically guided epithelialization procedure can prevent scar formation and promote vibrant, gorgeous skin. Dermabrasion is one such procedure. Your doctor begins by administering a mild anesthetic to ensure comfort and safety throughout the session.

Once you are sufficiently comfortable, your skin is treated with a device that brushes away dead, discolored skin along the surface of your complexion. The depth of your dermabrasion session will depend on your goals and needs. Your doctor will meticulously work down through the layers of your skin to remove any unwanted blemishes and unearth your best attributes.

YOU DO YOU

Enhancement is not a "one size fits all" endeavor. Each of the procedures described above is customizable, so you will receive the treatment contoured appropriately to your skin. 

The recovery time associated with these techniques varies according to depth and duration. A light chemical peel, for example, requires less downtime than a comprehensive laser resurfacing session.

To prepare for your visit, chat with one of our friendly, knowledgeable staff members. We can't wait to explore your skin resurfacing options with you! Call (310) 858-6749 to reach our Beverly Hills offices.

Cosmetic enhancement is the art of symmetry and balance. Sometimes, nature gives us too much bulk in some areas and not enough in other areas. A skilled surgeon can bring these two extremes into harmony through the science of fat transfer, also known as fat grafting.

Fat grafting is the process by which fat is removed from one portion of the body via liposuction, then liquefied by a process of straining and spinning, and finally surgically added to the body elsewhere. Traditionally, this process was used to fill out irregularities in the skin's surface during procedures such as natural breast augmentation and Brazilian butt lifts. Now, however, fat grafting is becoming more and more important to facial plastic surgery.

Fat grafting is also used for facial reconstructive surgery and is now frequently used in other cosmetic facial plastic surgery techniques.

FACIAL FAT GRAFTING APPLICATIONS

Fat grafting can be used as an alternative to more traditional facial implants, with the added benefit of removing fat from less desirable locations. Using this technique, a surgeon can create a more natural facial profile, rebuild facial deformations, and repair tissue damage. Imperfections such as radiation damage from cancer treatment, birth defects, and damage resulting from prior surgery or trauma can now be treated with fat from a patient's own body.

Facial fat grafting can also be used to augment the results of a facelift, which is becoming an increasingly popular technique used by plastic surgeons. According to a study in which 300 members of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons were polled, 85% of the surgeons polled used fat grafting during facelifts.

According to the study, these surgeons found that injecting fat from the patient's body resulted in a more rounded and fuller appearance in the face. This result is especially beneficial when performing a facelift to improve upon cheeks that appear gaunt or sunken.

SUPPLEMENTING FACIAL RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY

In recent years, fat transfer has become a valuable tool in restoring facial structure and splendor. There are many reasons why patients may need to bring harmony back to their appearance. These causes include Parry-Romberg syndrome and other such deformities.

Traditional reconstructive surgery employs the flap technique to address the loss of tissue in a given area. Two flaps of skin are skillfully joined to cover the affected facial feature, smoothing it over for aesthetic enhancement. Some grafting techniques transplant skin from other body areas for application to the face if there is insufficient material on the face itself.

Regardless of the flap technique required to achieve facial reconstruction, fat grafting can aid the procedure. By supplementing skin with lipids, your surgeon can round out your look and bring volume to gaunt, slack areas of the face.

Fat transfer has proven wonderfully effective for patients who have undergone cancer removal from the head and neck. Healthy fat cells can be removed from one body region and placed delicately in the area where problematic lumps have been removed.

SKIN REJUVENATION

On the topic of cancer treatment, fat grafting offers a helpful set of benefits to those battling the condition. Radiation sessions can take their toll on skin health. Peeling, thinning, and darkening are pretty common in cancer survivors due to the potency of radiation treatment.

Fat grafting can alleviate some of the symptoms mentioned above. Your doctor uses purified adipose tissue from elsewhere on your body to rejuvenate and replenish your natural glow.

A LIFTING EFFECT

One of the residual benefits of fat transfer to the face is its ability to create a lifting dynamic to sagging features. Cheeks, brows, and other subtle structures can significantly boost their profile with a minimal amount of injected fat.

Grafting is an excellent supplement to surgery because the two disciplines address your various needs. Surgery removes ptotic (dropping) tissue and erases redundant skin. Meanwhile, fat transfer bolsters your natural contours, propping up your ideal lines and curves. 

The right fat transfer approach can diminish nasolabial folds, crow's feet, perioral lines, and other unwanted creases either with or without the need for a more invasive procedure.

AN EVER-EVOLVING TECHNIQUE

One certainty when it comes to fat grafting is re-absorption. Your body will process some of the cells transferred to the desired area and eliminate them naturally and gradually. However, medical science is advancing every day to minimize the loss of transferred fat and maximize your results.

Experts are constantly finding new ways to salvage healthy cells and nurture them as they are transplanted to facial contours. The study of stem cells and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) continues to raise questions and illuminate opportunities in the field of fat grafting.

Please be advised that you should not trust fad techniques or quick fixes regarding your health. Experimental procedures are just that: experimental. More research is required regarding the effectiveness and safety of stem cell therapy and PRP treatments. You are nobody's test subject. It would help if you only embarked on a procedural strategy after its benefits have been well proven and deemed applicable to your case.

The process of maneuvering healthcare advances can be complicated, which is why you require an innovative leader in the field of cosmetic surgery to explore your best options. Enhancement is marvelous, but safety is a must. The right fat transfer procedure can bring your appearance from the here and now to the bright future that awaits you.

AN INCREASINGLY POPULAR TECHNIQUE

Fat grafting is one of many tools that a plastic surgeon can implement. Whether used for cosmetic purposes or medical purposes, one thing is certain: fat grafting is becoming increasingly popular and essential to facial plastic surgery.

If you would like more information on facial plastic surgery techniques or considering the procedure, reach out to Dr. Binder, a leading plastic surgeon, and innovator in the field. Call (310) 858-6749 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.

Your skin has many talents. It is a guardian, a tactician, and a doctor. Skin protects you from the elements while providing a vital sensation that helps you experience the world around you. And when you suffer a wound, the skin heals itself…to a degree.

Broken skin sends a signal to the body to seal the area. Collagen rushes to the site and rapidly forms new flesh, but this skin may not match the look and feel of its surroundings. That’s what we know as scar tissue.

But not all scars are created equal. In order to minimize the appearance of scarring, we must assess several factors, including skin tone, severity, and the nature of the scar itself.

Types of Scars

There are several scar tissue varieties, but the most common types fall into two major categories: hypertrophic and keloid. Hypertrophic scars have a red hue and tough texture but generally lay flush against the plane of the skin’s surface.

Keloids, on the other hand, extend well beyond the parameters of the original wound. They are raised approximately 4mm or more above the surface and are more persistent than hypertrophic scars. Individuals with darker skin types are more vulnerable to keloid scarring.

It is important to discuss your unique complexion, healing patterns and aesthetic goals with a skilled medical professional to determine the best course of action for scar treatment.

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Scar Revision Techniques

As detailed above, collagen is both a virtue and a complication. When collagen forms too hastily, it has a fibrous consistency synonymous with scar tissue. To counteract this dynamic, collagen injections can supplement the skin and minimize the persistence of certain scars.

Another injectable solution is the use of dermal fillers like Restylane or Juvederm. These compounds can add fullness to divots or other inverted scars, bringing an even tone and texture to the area. Steroids may also be injected into the area to alleviate the itching and redness associated with scar tissue.

To address the scarring on a surface-level approach, your doctor may apply silicone gel sheets. Alternately, you may opt for pressure therapy, which requires several months of faithful usage to deliver noticeable results.

Laser skin resurfacing is a more comprehensive approach to scar revision. By heating the cells beneath the fibrous tissue, the CO2 beam encourages healthy new skin to form, replacing the unsightly scars that appear on your complexion.

Cosmetic surgery techniques have made incredible progress in the realm of scar revision. Your surgeon can literally excise scar tissue and suture the incisions back together with an eye for contouring and seamless functionality. For example, the elliptical, W-plasty and Z-plasty approaches are three variations on the same basic concept. The doctor works with the movement of your skin, assessing which incision shape will be the least noticeable.

For example, Z-plasty (as the name suggests) creates a zigzag incision that breaks up the stark, linear manifestation of a scar. Your skin is allowed to heal in several dimensions simultaneously, downplaying the original protrusion and dissipating the scar tissue in various directions. 

If your skin is struggling with scars that constrict your movement and expressions, your surgeon may recommend tissue expanders. These devices encourage your skin to flourish, overpowering scar tissue that pulls at your complexion.

The exact procedure that you require will depend on several factors. Before choosing between the surgical and non-surgical options outlined in this article, you must step back and take a holistic snapshot of your aesthetic landscape.

Careful Considerations

Scars affect everybody in different ways. The darkness of your skin, for example, will influence the type of scar tissue you develop (keloids vs. hypertrophic). But the proper scar revision technique must also consider the placement of a wound, the age of the patient, and the depth of the scarring.

One concept to keep in mind is that of relaxed skin tension lines (RSTL). When you look at scar revision under a microscope, you may think about your skin as it stretches, heals, and reforms. But we spend most of our time in a more calm state. When skin is relaxed, it has an entirely different vibe than when it is flexing and posing.

Take a casual look in the mirror. Does your scar stand out due to how rigid and straight it appears? That’s because it doesn’t have the same flexibility as the skin you have developed over the entire course of your life. Those relaxed skin tension lines define who you are, and scars get in the way of your resting best face.

A successful scar revision procedure will consider how you behave daily, not just how you will look in the clinic under certain lighting. We want you to be satisfied with your skin in the long term and under a bevy of scenarios.

From smiles to surprises and everything in between, your skin is a reactive gem. It demands individualized attention, and scar tissue is a facet of your complex complexion. Revision procedures are tailored to your ultimate goals, so be sure to discuss any and all medical needs with your physician before embarking on scar treatment.

Managing Expectations

Once the skin is broken, it can never magically go back in time to its perfect, unblemished status. That said, we can work with the skin to ensure it shimmers and glows at its optimum levels.

Realistic expectations are essential to cosmetic improvement. Scarring is natural because it is part of your healing process. Medical science is geared towards amplifying this process, but it can never replace your body’s own capabilities. Doctor Binder is an expert in the field of aesthetic enhancement because he respects and understands the skin. To benefit from his unparalleled expertise, contact our Beverly Hills office.