woman-resolved-breathing-issues

How Rhinoplasty Can Help Alleviate Breathing Issues

rhinoplasty, Procedure Overviews

Rhinoplasty is often thought of as a purely cosmetic procedure, but this surgical procedure can also provide medical benefits for some people. To be fair, rhinoplasty is usually performed for cosmetic reasons and is the third most popular cosmetic surgery after breast augmentation and liposuction respectively, with over 217,979 cosmetic rhinoplasties performed in 2015 and 217,124 performed in 2014.

Corrective rhinoplasty is usually performed to correct a deviated septum, decrease the size of turbinates, or remove nasal polyps, though it can also be performed on patients who had a previous rhinoplasty surgery that interfered with their breathing.

What is a Deviated Septum?

The nasal septum is simply the wall between the two air passages (nostrils) in the nose. When the septum is deviated (to one side or the other, rather than straight), it can block one of the air passages, which obstructs breathing.

What are Overgrown Turbinates?

The tissues that line the nasal passage are called turbinates. Most people experience some sort of blockage from swollen turbinates at some point in their lives due to ailments like allergies and respiratory infections, but some people experience long-term overgrowth that causes chronic breathing issues.

What are Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are small benign and painless growths that occur on the inside of the nasal passages in response to chronic inflammation, usually as a result of respiratory issues like allergies, asthma, or chronic infection. While one or two polyps generally do not cause problems, large polyps or groups of many polyps can obstruct breathing.

About Rhinoplasty Surgery

Each rhinoplasty is different, because each patient’s obstruction and goals are different. Depending on the cause and location of the breathing obstruction, a rhinoplasty may revise the bony top portion of the nose, the cartilaginous bottom part, or both; as well as the skin on the outside of the nose. Incisions may be made inside the air passages or at the base of the nose, in the septum. Either way, incisions are barely or not at all visible. Rhinoplasty may be performed using general anesthesia or local anesthesia alongside a sedative. Your surgeon should be able to determine which option is right for you, taking into account your surgery and your health history. Be sure to disclose any prior negative reactions to anesthetics during your consultation.

Corrective rhinoplasty can be performed alongside cosmetic rhinoplasty, though insurance typically only covers costs related to corrective techniques. Your surgeon’s staff should be able to work with your insurance provider to determine how much your insurance will cover and how much you’ll be responsible for paying.

Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon for Your Rhinoplasty

Choosing the right plastic surgeon is imperative to ensure that your rhinoplasty sufficiently corrects your breathing problems, leaves an aesthetically pleasing appearance, and does not require revision rhinoplasty later on.

An experienced facial and reconstructive plastic surgery specialist, like Dr. William J. Binder, is able to give patients far better results than their more generalized peers. Dr. Binder, whose office is conveniently located in the Los Angeles area, stands apart from other facial and reconstructive plastic surgery specialists, however. Dr. Binder is one of the world’s leading plastic surgeons. He regularly travels around both the United States and the world to train and educate other plastic surgeons, has 10 U.S. and global patents on medical and surgical devices and pharmaceuticals, and has had his research and findings extensively published in various academic journals.

Dr. Binder’s skills have been recognized by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, both of which have granted Dr. Binder with board certifications. If these endorsements from other leaders in his field aren’t enough, Dr. Binder also has glowing reviews from his patients due to his passion for both helping patients achieve their goals and educating them about the process.

Don’t wait to act if you want your rhinoplasty, or any other cosmetic surgery procedure, performed by one of the best. Dr. Binder is taking consultations now, so contact his office today to schedule your appointment and begin to breathe easy.

woman-malar-and-submalar-implants

Malar and Submalar Implants: An Overview

Procedure Overviews

Do you have flat, deflated looking cheeks or cheeks with lines and wrinkles? Are you tired of under-eye bags and hollow looking cheeks? Then you might be a good candidate for cheek augmentation surgery.

However, just like with every other type of surgery, there are some things that you need to know about cheek augmentation and the different types of implants available before you run off to book your appointment.

What is Cheek Augmentation?

Cheek augmentation is a surgical treatment that works to restore plumpness, volume, and definition to the midface, recreating youthful contours that have become flat and saggy with age. Cheek implants are ideal for people with narrow or flat faces, or those who have lost cheek contour due to congenital deficiency, facial trauma, or the aging process.

Malar and Submalar Implants

Cheek implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be custom shaped to augment weak facial structure and combat the effects of aging to remove a gaunt appearance. There are also many different types of implant materials that can be used—from synthetic silicone, rigid polyethylene that needs to be screwed into place, and a synthetic material called ePTFE (a white rubbery material molded for medical use).

Cheek implants that are made of hydroxyapatite can integrate with natural bone tissue in the face and therefore become part of the cheek structure, while cheek implants that are made from silicone can be removed at a later date because they don’t integrate with the facial tissue.

There are three general shapes to cheek implants: malar, submalar, and combined.

  • Malar—are meant to correct a deficiency of the cheekbone itself by placing the implant directly on the cheekbones. Augmentation of this area gives the patient higher-arched cheekbones and a more attractive facial profile.
  • Submalar—are meant to correct a deficiency of the fleshy portion of the cheek and are placed directly below the most prominent portion of the cheekbone. By filling this area, the cheeks are restored a fullness that eliminates the sunken look that is associated with age and illness.
  • Combined—corrects deficiencies of both the cheekbone and the fleshy portion below the cheekbone.

While cheek implants come in various shapes and sizes, most can be custom shaped to a particular facial structure.

Recovery

After the surgery, there will be some swelling and mild bruising, and it is likely that your doctor will prescribe you pain medication for a couple of days after the surgery. While the amount of recovery time depends on the procedure and the extent of the bruising and swelling, you can expect to need two to seven days of recovery time. You will also need to limit some activities for a few weeks, but you should be able to return to work and normal activities within the first week of your recovery.

Complications from cheek implant surgery are very rare, although there are still some risks involved, such as:

  • Anaesthetic complications
  • Infection
  • Implant shifting

Cheek Implants from Dr. Binder

Before fully considering whether or not getting cheek implants is the right move for you, you should book a consultation with a highly skilled and experienced physician. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Binder today, so that he can answer any questions or concerns that you might have about cheek augmentation and the types of implants available to you.

woman-lip-augmentation-results

Best Lip Augmentation Options in Beverly Hills

Procedure Overviews

Do you ever wish that your lips were full and sensual? Then lip augmentation surgery might be the best fit for you. However, with so many options available in the Beverly Hills area, it might make it hard for you to decide which type of lip augmentation is right for you.

Here’s a look at some of the best lip augmentation options in Beverly Hills and what they can do for you.

Lip Fillers

There are a wide variety of injectable lip fillers that can be used to give your lips a plump, voluptuous look that fits your individual needs. Lip augmentation with injectable fillers can provide a pleasing result within as little as 30 minutes. However, most lip fillers are only temporary as the body will eventually breakdown and absorb the filler. The length of time the results last varies from person to person, but the average time is between four to six months.

There are two different categories of lip fillers: collagen-based and hyaluronic acid-based, the latter of which is used here at Dr. Binder’s office.

Collagen-based lip fillers come in two forms: bovine-derived collagen and human-derived collagen.

  • Bovine-derived collagen—is extracted from the tissue of cows that have been raised in constantly monitored, disease-free closed herds. An allergy test is required before receiving this type of collagen because there is a three percent chance of an allergic reaction. Some bovine-derived collagen fillers include: Zyderm, Zyplast, and Artecoll.
  • Human-derived collagen—is harvested from cadavers or excess skin removed during surgery. The biocompatibility of human-derived collagen eliminates the need for a pre-treatment allergy test and makes these lip fillers an excellent option for those who are allergic to bovine-derived collagen. Some human-derived collagen fillers include: Dermalogen, Cymetra, Autologen, Fascian, Cosmoderm, and Cosmoplast.

Hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers—hyaluronic acid is a clear, biodegradable substance that occurs naturally in the body’s joints and skin. It binds with water molecules once injected into the lips, allowing hyaluronic acid-based fillers to moisturize as well as plump the lips and provide longer-lasting results than collagen fillers. Some hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers include: Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, and Radiesse. The former two are used here.

Fat Transfer

If you’re a little reluctant about injecting foreign materials into your body, then you might want to consider lip augmentation with fat transfer. Lip augmentation with fat transfer utilizes your own body’s tissue, giving you soft, natural-looking results.

During the procedure, fat will be removed from a location on your body (usually the abdomen or thighs) with liposuction. This will not produce a noticeable effect in the removal site. The fat is then injected into the lips with a syringe and blunt needle. The injections only leave tiny prick marks. This procedure has a short recovery time of only two to three days.

Lip Lift

A lip lift is a surgical procedure that elevates the lips to create a more youthful and relaxed smile. There are two types of lip lifts: upper lip lift and corner lip lift.

Upper lip lift—shortens the skin distance between the upper lip and the base of the nose. This increases the amount of “pink lip” that is seen, exposes the teeth more, and gives you fuller, more youthful looking lips. This is the most common type of lip lift.

Corner lip lift—involves only the edges of your mouth and is designed for the patient who feels as though they have a permanent frown.

If you are worried about both fullness and excess distance between the nose and the upper lift as well as having a permanent frown, these two procedures can be performed together. Recovery time from having a lip lift is usually between seven to 10 days.

Lip Implants

Lip implants provide a permanent lip augmentation with more refined results than dermal lip fillers. This procedure is fairly simple, taking only about an hour. There are three popular types of lip implants in Beverly Hills: Gore-Tex, SoftForm, and Alloderm.

Gore-Tex—lip implants made from a medical-grade version of ePTFE, the same material used in tents and raincoats. Once implanted, Gore-Tex lip implants might feel slightly rigid, but most patients quickly become accustomed to them. Gore-Tex implants have micro-pores through which the natural lip tissue grows, making the implants part of the lip structure.

SoftForm—lip implants that are also made from ePTFE, but have a tubular shape. This allows for tissue ingrowth that provides better anchoring and lessens the chance of migration.

Alloderm—is a human-tissue lip implant made from donated skin. This product is soft and pliable, and will not invoke any type of allergic reaction.

Lip Augmentation with Dr. Binder

Before deciding which type to lip augmentation will work best for you, you should meet with a qualified Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Binder today, so that he can help you make the best choice when it comes to your lip augmentation needs.

hardened-skin-rhinoplasty

Is Hardened Skin after a Rhinoplasty Normal?

Health Basics, rhinoplasty

Most people know to expect soreness and swelling after their rhinoplasty surgery, but one particular after-effect often takes patients by surprise. A few weeks after surgery, many patients are shocked to discover that the skin on their nose, especially around the tip of the nose, feels hard or firm. While not all patients experience this phenomenon, it is a relatively common, but rarely permanent, side effect of rhinoplasty surgery.

What Causes Hardened Skin after Rhinoplasty?

There are two major reasons for the skin on the nose to feel hard after rhinoplasty, but neither has to do with the skin itself. The hardness does not actually reflect a change in the skin, but rather the tissue underneath.

Edema (swelling caused by liquid under the skin) is the most common cause of hardness in the months directly following surgery. Built up scar tissue, however, does not fade so quickly, causing long term, even permanent, feelings of hardness. These two things generally cause a greater feeling of hardness for patients who already had thick skin on their nose.

How Long after Surgery Does Hardened Skin Last?

While the sensation of hard-feeling skin can be off-putting for patients, this hard skin is typically neither visible nor permanent. The nose, especially the tip, will remain hard for several months after surgery, after which the tissue will begin to soften as the remaining swelling fades. It will, however, not reach full softness until about a year after surgery.

It is recommended that patients wait one to two years after their rhinoplasty before seeking treatment for their hardened tissue or a revision rhinoplasty because tissue may soften, results can change during this time period, and surgical techniques are more difficult when the surgeon has to work around hard scar tissue.

Treating Persistent Hardened Skin

If you still experience hardened skin two or more years after your rhinoplasty, there are several treatment options. The two most common are steroid injections and revision rhinoplasty. The medication in steroid injections is very successful in breaking down scar tissue and is not particularly invasive.

Revision rhinoplasty, on the other hand, requires the surgical removal of built up scar tissue. This allows for more extensive changes than steroid injections and allows the surgeon to address any cosmetic issues the patient has after their surgery; but if not conducted in a delicate manner, revision rhinoplasty can lead to even more build up of scar tissue.

For this reason, it is important that the patient choose a skilled doctor with ample experience in detailed rhinoplasty surgery. Patients should always look at their prospective surgeons’ patient reviews and before and after photos to ensure that their surgical experience will leave them with the results they want.

Preventing Hardened Skin

Unfortunately, there is little the patient can do themselves to prevent hardened skin after their rhinoplasty surgery. However, the right plastic surgeon can minimize hardness by minimizing swelling and scar tissue, so it is important that the patient takes the time and effort to carefully select an experienced plastic surgeon. This is also true, perhaps even more so, for patients seeking a revision rhinoplasty, as hard scar tissue complicates the surgical process.

Dr. William J. Binder

Dr. William J. Binder is one such surgeon whose office is conveniently located in Beverly Hills. Not only is Dr. Binder skilled and experienced, he’s a facial and reconstructive plastic surgery specialist, and one of the world’s leading plastic surgeons; he has multiple patents, extensive published works, and board certifications from both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery.

Whether you want your hardened skin treated, or are planning an initial rhinoplasty procedure and hope to avoid hardened skin altogether, Dr. Binder is heads above the rest. Contact his office today to schedule your consultation.

unhappy-woman-revision-surgery

Revision Surgery: Why Some Go Under the Knife Again

Health Basics, Procedure Overviews

No one gets plastic surgery expecting to have to modify their results, but nonetheless it sometimes happens. The most common revision surgeries are scar revision and revision rhinoplasty, but virtually any plastic surgery procedure can be revised. There are a number of reasons why patients might feel the need to undergo revision surgery.

Displeasure with Aesthetic Results

Sometimes plastic surgery patients simply do not get the aesthetic results they were hoping for out of plastic surgery. Sometimes this is because the patient did not have realistic expectations about what plastic surgery can achieve or because of an unskilled plastic surgeon, but often this occurs because of miscommunication between the doctor and the patient.

Excessive Scarring

Virtually any plastic surgery will leave some scarring, but usually the scarring is thin, minimal, and not easily visible. In some cases, however, scarring can be obvious, turning what would have been beautiful results into something displeasing and unsatisfactory. This can be due to a variety of different things, including improper surgical technique, or complications such as an infection during healing.

Change in Results

In other cases, the appearance of results simply change. This change can be due to any number of things, including aging, weight gain or loss, or trauma to the site of the surgery. Aging and weight loss can partially or fully reverse the results of surgery or simply change the contours and proportions of the face, making plastic surgery results that previously looked wonderful appear less than beautiful. Trauma can damage or move implants and delicate tissue, causing not only aesthetic concerns, but also potential health problems.

Functional Problems

Functional issues after plastic surgery are rare, but are most common after rhinoplasty. In some cases, rhinoplasty can result in obstruction in one or both of the nasal passages, significantly impairing the patient’s ability to breath and often, by extension, to get adequate sleep.

Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon for Your Revision Surgery

Choosing the right plastic surgeon for revision plastic surgery is just as important as choosing the right plastic surgeon for your initial cosmetic surgery procedure, and is imperative in ensuring satisfaction with the results of the revision surgery.

The reasons patients seek revision surgery often mean that the surgeon who conducts the procedure needs to be highly skilled and very experienced. Ideally, patients are able to seek out a surgeon who specializes in revision and reconstruction procedures. Specialized plastic surgeons are able to give patients far better results than their more generalized peers because specialists have unique knowledge and experiences about revision procedures.

Dr. William J. Binder

One revision and reconstruction plastic surgery specialist, who also happens to be one of the world’s leading plastic surgeons, happens to be located in Los Angeles. Dr. Binder has a passion for educating patients and helping them meet their aesthetic goals, whether through an initial procedure or as part of a revision surgery.

Dr. Binder is well-known and respected among members of his field. He is board certified by not only the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, but also the American Board of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, demonstrating his impressive knowledge of the medical aspects of cosmetic surgery – not just the aesthetic aspects.

If you are unhappy with the results of your plastic surgery, regardless of the reason, there is no reason to live with these displeasing results, and there is no reason to settle for anyone but the best possible surgeon. Dr. Binder’s office is accepting consultations, so contact us today so that you can schedule your appointment and get the look you have been hoping for.

cosmetic-facial-treatment

The Top 7 Cosmetic Facial Treatments

Lifestyle, Procedure Overviews

Does your skin have fine lines, age spots, acne scars, or other issues that you’d like to clear up? Cosmetic facial treatments can help improve the look and feel of your skin. Since each cosmetic facial treatment is designed to work out a specific problem spot, here’s a quick look at the top seven most popular cosmetic facial treatments and what they can help you with.

1. Botox

Botox injections block certain chemical signals from nerves, mostly those that cause muscles to contract. The most common use for these injections is to temporarily relax the facial muscles that underlie and cause wrinkles, such as:

  • Frown lines between the eyebrows
  • Crow’s feet
  • Forehead furrows

During your treatment, you doctor will inject small amounts of Botox into the facial muscles (just enough to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles) using a very thin needle. You doctor will target specific muscles so the surrounding skin isn’t affected. The number of injection sites varies depending on the severity of your wrinkles, but treatment generally takes about 15 minutes and doesn’t require any recovery time. Results from Botox injections usually last several months.

2. Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is a treatment that uses a chemical solution, which is applied to the skin in order to make it blister and eventually peel off. The new skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. Chemical peels can help:

  • Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
  • Treat wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging
  • Improve the appearance of mild scars
  • Treat certain types of acne
  • Reduce age spots, freckles, and dark patches
  • Improve the overall look and feel of skin

Chemical peels range from mild to deep. The best type for you will depend on the severity of your skin problems. Mild peels use alpha-hydroxy acids, while medium peels use trichloroacetic acid; both of which will reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Deeper peels use phenol, which treats deeper scars and wrinkles, and can produce a much more dramatic and long-lasting effect than mild or medium peels.

3. Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a treatment that directs short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at irregular skin, precisely removing skin layer by layer, while also heating up deeper layers. This treatment can help reduce wrinkles and skin irregularities, such as blemishes or acne scars. Results from this treatment can last for years.

4. Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is an exfoliating treatment that uses a rotating instrument to remove the outer layers of skin, exposing new layers of skin that appear younger and smoother. Dermabrasion can help treat:

  • Acne scars
  • Age spots
  • Fine wrinkles
  • Precancerous skin patches
  • Redness and thick skin on the nose (rhinophyma)
  • Scars from surgery or injury
  • Sun damage
  • Tattoos
  • Uneven skin tone

5. Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a mild form of dermabrasion that uses the application of tiny rough grains to buff away the surface layer of skin. The healing process brings with it newer skin cells that look and feel smoother. Microdermabrasion can help:

  • Remove sun damage
  • Remove blemishes
  • Remove age spots
  • Reduce the appearance of minor lines or scars
  • Clean out clogged pores
  • Even out discolored skin

This treatment usually takes about 30 minutes and requires no recovery time. However, most people need several treatments before they see improvement. The results of this treatment depend on the severity of the skin damage and the number of treatments.

6. Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are a naturally-derived or synthetic material that is directly injected into the skin in order to plump the area to the point where the wrinkle, depression, or fold is gone.

There are two primary groups of dermal fillers: synthetic and natural.

Synthetic fillers—are considered semi-permanent because they don’t really dissipate.

Naturally-derived fillers—are immediate but will only last for three to 18 months because the filler eventually breaks down, taking the results with it. Once the filler starts to dissipate, you’ll need to go back and get more filler injections to maintain results.

7. Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal beams a highly concentrated light into the hair follicles. Pigments in the follicles absorb the light, which destroys the hair. Laser hair removal can be done on the face, leg, arm, underarm, bikini line, and other areas. Some of the benefits of laser hair removal include:

  • Precision
  • Speed
  • Predictability

This treatment works best on light skin with dark hair because darker hair absorbs more light, and lighter skin lets more of the light into the hair follicle. Hair loss is typically permanent after three to eight sessions.

Book a Facial Treatment Consultation

No matter what you think might be the best treatment option for you, be sure to consult with Dr. Binder before booking your desired treatment.

woman-custom-implants

Why Custom Implants Could be Right for You

Procedure Overviews

A huge part of what makes the world so amazing is that each person on it is unique in both their looks and personality. So why do so many doctors still use cookie cutter facial implants?

About Custom Facial Implants

Facial implants are usually used for the chin, cheeks, or jaw, or any combination of these, as part of augmentation surgery, often along with other augmentation techniques such as liposuction, fat grafting, and bone augmentation. Facial augmentation surgery is typically performed for cosmetic reasons, but may also be reconstructive.

Custom vs. Standard Facial Implants

Facial implants can be custom or standard. Custom implants are made specifically for the patient and are designed to give them the best possible results based on their individual desires and facial structure. Alternatively, standard facial implants may also be used. These types of implants are made with human facial anatomy in mind, but not that of the specific patient. This difference in customization can affect the patient’s experience in a variety of ways.

Standard facial implants are cheaper than custom facial implants, often significantly so. However, standard implants cannot provide the natural appearance that custom implants can, as custom implants are made specifically to fit the individual patient’s anatomy. Custom implants allow your plastic surgeon to balance the features you want augmented so the size is proportional and the shape blends with the rest of the face. Custom facial implants are also able to give patients who are undergoing a reconstructive procedure an appearance much more similar to the appearance of the patient before their trauma.

Good Candidates for Custom Implants

Facial implants are an excellent choice for people who have a weak or receding chin or jaw line, want to add definition to their cheeks, or naturally suffer from some sort of facial asymmetry, as well as patients who have asymmetry, deformity, or tissue degradation resulting from an injury, disease, or other trauma or ailment.

In addition to having the above issues, good candidates for custom facial implant surgery are in good general health; ideally do not smoke or regularly come into contact with second hand smoke; and have a positive, specific, and realistic expectation for what cosmetic surgery can do for them. It’s important to disclose your medical history, especially your dental history and your history with anesthesia, to your doctor so that they may determine whether or not you qualify for facial implants.

While, like almost all plastic surgeries, facial implant surgery is far more likely to be undergone by women, men are the fastest growing demographic of plastic surgery patients and facial implant surgery is one of the most common plastic surgeries for men. Usually men choose to undergo chin and jaw augmentation to achieve a cleft or simply a stronger jaw line; an increasing number are also opting for cheek augmentation to achieve the look popularized by celebrities like Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hiddleston.

Alternatives to Custom Implants

Patients who find that they are not eligible for custom implants or that custom implants won’t solve their issue adequately are not out of luck. There are a number of alternative cosmetic procedures that can also be undergone. If you’re looking for a more youthful appearance, lifts, such a brow, face, and eye lifts, as well as dermal fillers and skin resurfacing treatments can help restore that youthful glow; though non-surgical treatments cannot provide the same results as surgical procedures and the results are not permanent. Lifts can also help give the face a more contoured look by removing excess sagging skin. Facial liposuction can do the same through the removal of excess fat.

All of these procedures can also be, and often are, performed in conjunction with custom implant surgery to give a more comprehensive and thorough change in appearance. During your consultation, ask your plastic surgeon if additional treatments can help give you better results.

Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Binder is a double board certified facial and reconstructive plastic surgery specialist located in Beverly Hills. In addition to working with patients, who give him outstanding reviews, Dr. Binder also travels the country and world to provide training and education to other plastic surgeons.

If you’re interested in custom facial implant surgery or any other cosmetic procedure, contact Dr. Binder’s office today to schedule your consultation.

woman-face-and-neck-lift

Face and Neck Lifts: An Overview

Face Lifts

As we age, the face and neck begin to sag and crease, giving the neck, cheeks, and under eyes a droopy appearance; creating the illusion of a double chin, causing the neck muscles to band, and wrinkling under the eyes and from the corners of the mouth to the nose. This happens to all of us, but the rate and age at which it happens varies from person to person based on genetics, gravity, environment, and stress. Rejuvenation procedures like facelifts and neck lifts can help to reverse this process.

There are many misconceptions about facelifts and neck lifts that cause people to be wary of them, the most common of which is that patients who undergo facelifts and neck lifts end up with a tight, “stretched,” and unnatural looking appearance. It is true that on occasion, old facelift and neck lift techniques could give these kinds of results, but these results were extremely rare. Now, with new more effective techniques, artificial looking results are virtually unheard of, especially when the procedure is conducted by a highly skilled plastic surgeon.

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 jaw-line 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.

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, they can also be performed together. In fact, having both performed 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 (or can abstain from smoking for an agreed period of time), 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 are 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. Facial implants and rhinoplasty can be used to provide additional augmentation to create a more pleasant appearance in general, 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, with an office in Beverly Hills. If you want your lift procedure performed by one of the best, contact Dr. Binder’s office today to schedule your consultation.

woman-tumescent-liposuction

What is Tumescent Liposuction?

Facial Liposuction

Liposuction, also referred to as liposculpture or liposplasty, is one of the most common plastic surgeries available and is usually used to thin and contour the body. However, liposuction, particularly tumescent liposuction, also has major applications for use on the face and neck.

Why Facial Liposuction?

Just like liposuction on the body thins, shapes, and contours, facial liposuction does the same. Facial liposuction can improve the appearance of the chin, jaw, cheeks and neck without the use of more expensive and invasive plastic surgeries such as facial implants or lifts. Facial liposuction is also great for patients seeking less dramatic facial augmentation. On the other hand, patients seeking dramatic results can choose to have facial liposuction performed alongside other procedures, including facial implants and lifts, to produce a more significant change in appearance.

Tumescent Liposuction Surgery

Tumescent liposuction is a particular liposuction technique. This procedure involves the use of more anesthetic than other liposuction procedures; this not only reduces pain, but also bleeding, swelling, and skin irregularities, resulting in a shorter, easier recovery period. At the beginning of the procedure, a solution of anesthetic and epinephrine is injected into the surgical site. This solution absorbs into fat deposits, causing them to firm and swell, making them easier for the surgeon to remove.

Once the fatty areas have swollen, the surgeon makes a small incision over the deposit and inserts a thin tube called a cannula into the fat deposit. The cannula is attached to a vacuum like machine that sucks the fat out into a sterile holding container. After suction is complete, an elastic compression garment may be worn to support the area while it heals and contracts. Your doctor will be able to tell you how long and how often this garment needs to be worn.

Facial Tumescent Liposuction Results

Swelling will occur for several days following the procedure, making the face look even rounder than it did prior to surgery. Improvement will begin to appear in one to two weeks following surgery. Full results of facial tumescent liposuction take at least three to four months to appear, but may take up to six months.

Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon for Your Tumescent Liposuction Procedure

When choosing a plastic surgeon for any facial plastic surgery procedure, including tumescent liposuction, a plastic surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery is the best choice. These surgeons are trained and experienced in the techniques that best suit the face and avoid scarring. Less specialized surgeons simply are not able to achieve the same excellent results as facial surgery specialists, and they are also significantly more likely to leave visible scarring at the surgical site.

Fortunately, one of the world’s leading plastic surgeons, who also happens to specialize in facial plastic surgery, receives both local and visiting patients in his conveniently located office in the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills area.

Dr. William J. Binder is certified by not only the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, but also by the American Board of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery; he regularly travels around both the United States and the world to educate and train other plastic surgeons. His extensive experience is further evidenced his many published academic articles and 10 global and United States patents on medical and surgical devices and pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Binder has a passion for giving patients the best possible results by educating them and taking the time to understand their goals. If you want your tumescent liposuction done one of the world’s leading facial plastic surgery specialists, act now. Do not wait and contact the office of Dr. Binder today to schedule your consultation and start on your journey to a look you love.

lady-lip-injections

Lip Injection Options Available to You

Procedure Overviews

There are many different types of dermal fillers that can be injected into your lips and around your mouth to give you fuller, plumper looking lips. Here’s a look at some of the lip injection options that are on the market and how they differ from each other.

Human-Derived Collagen Fillers

Human-derived collagen comes from people, such as the excess skin removed during surgeries. The biocompatibility of human-derived collagen means that there is no need for allergy testing before the treatment. This makes this type of dermal filler a great option for those who are allergic to bovine collagen.

Human-derived collagen fillers include:

  • Dermalogen
  • Cymetra
  • Autologen
  • Fascian
  • Cosmoderm
  • Cosmoplast

Bovine-Derived Collagen Fillers

Bovine-derived collagen comes from the tissue of cows that have been raised in constantly monitored, disease-free herds. An allergy test is required before receiving this type of lip filler because there is a 3% chance of an allergic reaction. This type of lip filler was the first type of temporary filler used for cosmetic enhancement.

Injectable lip fillers that are bovine-derived include:

  • Zyderm
  • Zyplast
  • Artecoll

Hyaluronic Acid-Based Lip Fillers

Hyaluronic acid is a clear, biodegradable substance that naturally grows in the body’s joints and skin. Hyaluronic acid binds well with water molecules, which allows hyaluronic acid-based fillers to not only plump the lips and provide a longer-lasting result than collagen fillers, but also to moisturize them.

Hyaluronic acid products can come in different thicknesses or viscosities, making them a versatile choice for treating different areas of the face, including lips. A thinner product would be well suited for fixing fine lines and wrinkles, or for subtly enhancing the lips. A thicker product would be better suited to addressing volume loss and very deep wrinkles. Since hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the human body, there is no need for a pre-treatment allergy test, and the effects can last between six to 12 months.

Some of the hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers on the market are:

  • Restylane (L and Silk)
  • Perlane
  • Radiesse
  • Juvederm (Ultra and Ultra Plus)
  • Hylaform
  • Elevess
  • Prevelle Silk
  • Captique
  • Teosyal
  • Belotero

Permanent Fillers

Permanent fillers or non-resorbable fillers are not as commonly used as temporary fillers (such as collagen-based fillers and hyaluronic acid-based fillers) because of their longer-lasting effect. It is often recommended that you first try out a temporary filler so that you can make sure you are happy with the results.

There is no going back once you’ve had a permanent filler injection. If you do decide to go with a permanent filler, it is important that you make sure that your doctor is very experienced with them, because most complications occur as a result of the product not being injected correctly.

The main permanent fillers on the market are:

  • Artecoll
  • Artefill
  • Aquamid

Fat Transfer Injections

Fat transfer injections are a great alternative for patients who don’t want to put foreign substances in their body. While most other lip fillers are derived from an animal or human donor tissue, fat transfer utilizes your own body’s tissue, giving you soft, natural-looking results. Since fat transfers use your own natural tissue, rejection or allergic reactions rarely occur.

One of the downsides to fat transfer injections is that some of the fat cells die during transfer. An experienced doctor will try to prevent this from happening by injecting the fat in intervals, rather than all at once.

Some of the possible side effects that can affect the area from which the fat was taken or the injection site include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Swelling
  • Minor discomfort

Book an Appointment

Before you set your heart on any of the lip injection options available to you, you should first consult with your doctor. Book a consultation with Dr. Binder so that he can answer any questions or concerns that you might have about the different types of lip injections. With his knowledge and experience, he will help you make the best choice about which lip filler will work best for you.

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