Benefits of Outpatient Procedures

Health Basics, Lifestyle

outpatient-consultation

How Outpatient Surgery May Better Suit You

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

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

What is Outpatient Surgery?

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

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

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

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

The Benefits of Outpatient Surgery

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

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

Cosmetic Outpatient Procedures

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

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

Book a Consultation

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

Reasons to Get Facial Reconstructive Surgery

Health Basics, Lifestyle

facial-reconstructive-surgery

When You Should Consider Facial Reconstructive Surgery

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

Candidates for Reconstructive Surgery

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

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

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

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

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

The Difference between Reconstructive Surgery and Orthognathic Surgery

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

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

Remove Wrinkles with Facial Fillers

Health Basics, Lifestyle

facial-fillers

Restore Volume and Fullness with Facial Fillers

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

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

What are Facial Fillers?

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

Botox

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

Hyaluronic Acid

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

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

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

Collagen

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

 What are the Risks and Benefits?

Facial fillers can be used for multiple purposes:

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

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

Benefits of facial fillers include:

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

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

The Facial Filler Procedure

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

How Do I Prepare?

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

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

Care and Recovery

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

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

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

Schedule a Consultation

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

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

Custom Implants: Are They Right for You?

Health Basics

custom-implants

How to Know if Custom Implants are Right for You

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

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

Custom vs. Standard Implants

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

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

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

Am I a Candidate for Custom Implants?

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

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

Schedule a Facial Contouring Consultation

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

Chemical Peels for Younger, Smoother Skin

Health Basics, Lifestyle

chemical-peel-example

Chemical Peels For a Younger-Looking You

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

What is a Chemical Peel?

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

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

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

The Chemical Peel Procedure

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

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

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

How Do I Prepare for a Chemical Peel Procedure?

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

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

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

What are the Risks and Benefits?

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

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

A chemical peel will not treat the following:

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

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

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

Risks may include:

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

What Should I Expect When Recovering From a Chemical Peel?

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

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

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

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

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

Schedule a Consultation

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

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

Sun Exposure After Plastic Surgery

Health Basics

tanning-post-surgery

 

Relaxing in the sun may sound like the perfect way to pass the time while recovering from plastic surgery, especially with summer in season. And for many of us, summers are made for sporting the perfect summer glow. But before you step out for that sun-kissed look, please consider the sun’s negative side effects on your overall health and aesthetics.

After you have had plastic surgery or any reconstructive procedure for that matter, your doctor will likely caution you to avoid sun exposure as part of post-operative care and recovery.

Follow your doctor’s advice and minimize the risk of surgical scars and bruises.

These guidelines can help you plan for the months following your procedure this summer.

Why Should You Avoid Sunlight?

Post-operative care 101 instructs you to minimize sun exposure after any plastic surgery or cosmetic procedure, especially if it was a facial procedure. Exposing surgical incisions to sunlight after surgery can worsen the appearance of any side effects that you may encounter after your procedure such as inflammation, scars, and bruises. Let’s take a closer look at each of these scenarios and why sunlight may exacerbate them and require longer healing times.

  • SWELLING – Inflammation is a common byproduct of reconstructive surgery. Be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations when it comes to anti-inflammatory meds and keep the afflicted area out of direct sunlight. Any exposure to heat sources, especially the sun, can cause more swelling and inflammation. This is often called “sun poisoning” and it is a result of the radiation from ultraviolet rays.
  • SCAR TISSUE – Sun exposure can easily change the pigmentation of the skin and darken the scars. Sun exposure within the first few weeks after surgery also can increase the likelihood of sunburn, which can cause scars to remain permanently discolored.
  • BLEMISHES – If a chemical peel, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion or blepharoplasty was performed, premature sun exposure could lead to spotty or abnormal pigmentation. If you’ve had a facial procedure, sunscreen and a hat should be worn whenever you’re out in the sun. Choose a hat with a solid, all-around brim that is at least three inches wide. Avoid straw hats, as it still allows the sun to filter through.

If a rhinoplasty or facelift was performed, avoid prolonged sun exposure and tanning. Exposing a healing incision to UV rays can result in hyperpigmentation and darkening of the skin, which can take months to fade.

How Can You Protect Your Skin from the Sun?

Within the first several months after surgery, try to avoid sun exposure altogether. If you must go out in the sun, be sure to use sunscreen with a mid-range SPF specification. Thicker SPF lotions of 50 or higher can clog your pores, which prevents your skin from expelling toxins properly. Lower grades of SPF may not be sufficient to block the harmful UV rays of the sun. Therefore, an SPF of somewhere between 30 and 40 is the ideal product for you.

Apply said sunscreen on and around your incision area, even if clothing covers the incision. Sunlight can still filter through clothing and windows, so you should wear sunscreen throughout the day as a precaution.

Additionally, be sure to wait until your incision has completely healed before applying sunscreen to avoid infection.

When outdoors, consider wearing clothing made of thicker material and avoid lightweight clothing like bathing suits or thin apparel, which can leave your incision area exposed to sunlight.

Be sure to read the sunscreen’s label, and remember to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you go in the sun; reapply 2 hours after you have been exposed to the sun, and reapply again after any aquatic activity.

What Does SPF Mean?

SPF actually stands for “sun protection factor” and it’s a measure of how long you can withstand sun exposure without burning. Your skin has a natural SPF, but you always want to bolster it with sunscreen. So what does a lotion marked “SPF 20” do for you? Let’s crunch the numbers…

If you are exposed to sunlight that would naturally burn you within 10 minutes, but you apply SPF 20 sunblock, then you are essentially extending your time to safely bask in the daylight to 200 minutes. Hence, you can spend over three hours in the sun with the proper sunscreen.

However, your skin’s natural SPF is affected by most cosmetic surgical procedures. You must give your epidermis time to heal so that it can resume its former luster, strength, and durability. Please don’t interrupt this essential recuperation period by scorching yourself in the sun.

Continue to Protect Your Skin from Sunlight

After your incision and surgical scars have faded, it is still invaluable and important to limit sun exposure. Prolonged sun exposure can age the skin, causing wrinkles, facial depressions, and brown spots, thus reversing the results of the procedure.

More importantly, too much sun exposure can lead to skin cancer. Sunscreen application with an SPF of at last 15 should be a part of your daily routine. If you have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin, consider moisturizers with an SPF. Alternatively, choose a makeup base with an SPF to protect your face from sunlight.

Your Skin Will Thank You

By maintaining the proper hydration, elasticity, and nutrient-rich diet, you will nurture the longevity of your skin’s health for decades to come. Why is this so important? Your skin is more than just a paint job; it’s a complex system of defense and absorption. 

  • THE POWER OF TOUCH – Your skin registers dangers through the phenomenon of feeling. Your nerve endings can detect extreme heat, cold, sharpness and other sensations that indicate a potentially harmful situation. After surgery, your nerve endings need time to regenerate, and exposure to sunlight delays that healing process and leaves you vulnerable to the elements listed above.
  • SUIT OF ARMOR – Skin provides a vital barrier between your body and the outside world. It shields against microbes that cause sickness and disease. Healthy skin yields healthy living, so don’t weaken your natural defenses by inviting sun damage into your life.
  • HEALING HYDRATION – As you recover from your medical procedure, hydration is key. We often assume that this process begins and ends with drinking water, but hydration is also aided greatly by your skin’s functionality. Your skin holds in precious liquids and helps maintain proper cell hydration, but sunburns impede this process and accelerate dehydration. 

In fact, sun exposure adversely affects all of the functions bullet-pointed above. To enjoy the full benefits and successes of plastic surgery, your behavior hinges on adequate hydration, sensation, and the prevention of infection. Therefore, sun exposure is your enemy when it comes to rocking your recovery.

The irony of the matter is that your skin actually needs some amount of sunlight to absorb Vitamin D, but too much exposure damages your ability to do so. Stay covered, stay healthy, and stay the course – moderation is always advisable.

Schedule a Consultation

Remember to always protect and take care of your skin after surgical procedures. But this isn’t just a post-op recommendation; healthy skin is a lifelong commitment. You will reap the benefits for years to come. 

If sun exposure is absolutely unavoidable, please follow the guidelines above to help you plan for the months following your procedure this summer. Shade your vulnerable epidermis between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm, and always moisturize your skin thoroughly to lock in hydration.

If you are considering plastic surgery, understanding the scope of post-operative care and recovery is as important as the procedure itself. To explore your options holistically, schedule a consultation with Dr. Binder today, and join our many satisfied patients. We will discuss and review your treatment options in order to find the perfect fit for you and your desired results.

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Reasons to Consider Getting a Rhinoplasty

Health Basics, Lifestyle, rhinoplasty

rhinoplasty-reasons

There are Many Benefits to Getting a Rhinoplasty

When your facial features are proportional and symmetrical, it enhances your natural beauty. Studies have shown that patients who get cosmetic rhinoplasties feel more confident about their overall appearance and have a better quality of life as a result. This is why cosmetic rhinoplasty remains one of the most popular cosmetic procedures amongst men and women across the world.

In addition to improving your overall appearance, there are many health benefits to getting a cosmetic rhinoplasty as well. Here is a list of reasons why you should consider getting a rhinoplasty as well as what makes someone a good candidate for the procedure.

What Changes will a Rhinoplasty have on My Appearance?

Getting a cosmetic rhinoplasty will improve any of the following issues:

  • Having a nose that’s too wide for your face.
  • A crooked or malformed nose.
  • A birth deformity
  • A bump on the bridge of your nose.
  • A bulbous nasal tip.
  • An elongated nasal tip.
  • Damage caused by injury.
  • Having a breathing problem caused by blocked nasal passages or a deviated septum.

More Reasons for getting a Rhinoplasty

  • It can improve your self-confidence and self-esteem.
  • It can improve your quality of life by correcting serious breathing problems. In addition, it can alleviate chronic snoring, which has been linked to everything from insomnia to heart health issues. Therefore, by getting a rhinoplasty you can avoid or eliminate these related health issues.
  • It can prevent you from getting sinus infections and sinusitis.
  • It can correct frequent nosebleeds.
  • It can fix how your nose looks and feels after an accident.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Rhinoplasty?

  • Age: In order to achieve successful rhinoplasty results, the patient’s nose needs to have stopped growing. For girls, growth continues until age 14 and, for boys, until age 16 – however, it is up to the parents to decide whether their child is emotionally mature enough for plastic surgery.
  • Realistic Expectations: If you are looking to improve your overall appearance but you understand that it is not possible to achieve perfection, then you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty. In order to set realistic expectations for yourself, it’s best to have an open discussion with your surgeon before your surgery.
  • Knowledge: The best rhinoplasty candidates are the ones who have educated themselves about the procedure and have spoken with their surgeon at length prior to having the surgery performed.
  • Self-conscious: If you are unhappy and self-conscious about the nose you were born with or an injury altered the shape of your nose, then you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty.

What else should I know about the Procedure?

  • If you are unhappy with the results of a previous rhinoplasty, it is possible to get a rhinoplasty revision and have the results of the previous surgery corrected. Because this procedure requires a tremendous degree of skill, it’s important to take care when choosing a surgeon.
  • You will find the results of your rhinoplasty get better over time. Initially, there is a lot of bruising and swelling that will dissipate for the most part after the first month. However, it can take up to a year for the swelling to go down completely.
  • It is possible for patients to have their noses reshaped using nonsurgical means. This procedure is performed using fillers, and the results last up to a year. While the results are only temporary, it is a great way for patients to get an idea what to expect if they elect to get a rhinoplasty.
  • In order to achieve facial symmetry, you may require additional procedures. For example, cheek and chin implant procedures are often performed alongside rhinoplasties.
  • Finally, the results of your rhinoplasty depend a lot on the experience and skill of the surgeon that you choose.

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty with Dr. Binder

Dr. Binder is a double board-certified surgeon that has been performing rhinoplasties, as well as rhinoplasty revisions, for three decades. You always know that you have the benefit of both skill and experience when you choose Dr. Binder as your surgeon.

If you have any further questions about having a rhinoplasty, please contact Dr. Binder today, and he will be happy to discuss them with you.

Modern Myths of Plastic Surgery: Fact vs Fiction

Health Basics, Lifestyle

Debunking the Myths in Facial Plastic Surgery

In the 21st century plastic surgery has become a cultural norm and a common fixture of popular media. From reality television to magazine covers and documentaries, the public has never been more aware of the ways that plastic surgery impacts patients and improves their lives.

Dramatic media portrayals offer a glimpse into the glamorous world of plastic surgery, but in fact, plastic surgery is a medical specialty with highly-trained physicians who are experts in reconstructive surgeries, restorative procedures, and cosmetic treatments.

Here is the truth behind some common myths and misconceptions about facial plastic surgery.

 

Myth 1: Facial Plastic Surgery and Facial Cosmetic Surgery Are The Same

The field of facial plastic surgery includes cosmetic surgery, but they are not necessarily the same. Plastic surgery includes reconstructive surgery, while cosmetic surgery is focused on rejuvenation or enhancing aesthetics.

So if you were to picture a Venn diagram, the circle for facial cosmetic surgery would be inside the circle for facial plastic surgery, and it would overlap with another smaller circle for facial reconstructive surgery.

Reconstructive surgery, while often undertaken for aesthetic purposes as well as health and functional purposes, is performed to correct a physical birth defect, or damage to the facial tissue from physical trauma or disease.

Additionally, not all plastic and cosmetic surgeons have the same medical training.

Plastic surgeons must have completed 4 years of medical school, 5 to 6 years of medical residency, with training in both general surgery and plastic surgery, and have passed the certification exam from the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Cosmetic surgeons must have completed 4 years of medical school – 4 to 6 years of medical residency in one of three specialties: otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), dermatology, or ophthalmology – and completed a 1- to 2-year cosmetic surgery fellowship with advanced research and training.

 

Myth 2: Facial Plastic Surgery is All About Beauty and Vanity

Although facial plastic surgery encompasses rhinoplasty, Botox, and facelifts, plastic surgery is inclusive of everything from correcting birth defects such as cleft palates to incredibly delicate facial reconstruction after a traumatic injury to the face.

Plastic surgery is based on the philosophy and practice of repair, functionality and overall results after surgery, not just aesthetics. The mental well being, health, and happiness of the patient is the utmost priority of a good facial cosmetic physician seeking to help their patient achieve the most aesthetic and desirable result.

If it’s possible to correct or improve an aspect of a person’s facial appearance that causes them anxiety, depression, or embarrassment, then facial plastic surgery can be a very welcome improvement in their confidence and their quality of their life.

 

Myth 3: Facial Plastic Surgery is Only for Women

It is certainly true that women are traditionally a majority of plastic surgery patients. Men are, however, turning to plastic surgery in increasing numbers. The latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show that men are more aware of the benefits of cosmetic procedures than ever before, and more interested in undergoing a procedure.

Since the year 2000, the number of men undergoing a cosmetic surgery procedure has shot up by 28 percent, and this trend is expected by industry experts to accelerate in the years to come. Cultural changes are favoring men who look more aesthetic rather than weathered or rugged. The most advance facial plastic surgery procedures in the industry’s history can give men a rejuvenated and naturally youthful appearance safely and more easily than ever before.

 

Myth 4: Facial Plastic Surgery Leaves No Scars and Lasts Forever

While facial plastic surgery for scarring can actually make scars look better, more refined, and smaller, most types of plastic surgery will generally result in some type of minor scar formation. The best way to minimize scarring is to follow through with pre-operative and post-operative care and instructions. For example, smoking can compromise a patient’s ability to heal well from the surgery.

If you do smoke, your cosmetic surgeon may instruct you to quit smoking weeks in advance of the procedure. (And any physician will heartily encourage you to quit smoking forever.)

Plastic surgery is long lasting and can give you many years of an enhanced, improved, rejuvenated look, but it is not yet able to deliver truly permanent results. Depending on the procedure, the patient’s body, individual care, and follow through, many factors can determine how long the results will last.

 

About Dr. William J. Binder

Dr. William J. Binder is a facial plastic surgery specialist with over three decades of experience with facial plastic surgery.

For almost three decades, his individualized philosophy and approach to facial plastic surgery has led him to pioneer new techniques for facial surgery procedures and earned him international acclaim for his results.

If you want your facial plastic surgery performed by one of the world’s leading cosmetic surgeons, contact Dr. Binder’s office today to schedule an initial consultation.

Preventative Botox: Benefits of Botox in Your Mid-Twenties

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Beautiful-Woman-Part-Of-The-FaMost people think that the time to consider Botox is at least after middle age. But recently, patients have started using Botox at a much younger age. While this may seem strange, Botox is a lot more beneficial when used as a preventative measure. Just as we should all exercise and eat healthy in order to prevent weight gain and disease, Botox can be used in a similar way to effectively slow the aging process. If you are close to the age of twenty-five, consider the following benefits if wrinkles are becoming a concern.

Using Botox Early Saves Money

From a purely practical perspective, using Botox in your mid-twenties saves thousands of dollars in the long-run. If wrinkles develop all over your face, the cost of counteracting the aging effect using thermage treatments could cost up to $3,500 for an entire face. Botox, meanwhile, can fix and prevent wrinkles from ever developing at prices starting at $280. If you plan to spend money on cosmetic treatments later on, consider changing your plans so you can save a lot of money.

If you were to use Botox three times yearly for three years at $280, you will have spent about $2,520, still $1,000 less than a thermage treatment.

The Process Is Quick and Painless

Expect a typical Botox administration to take up to fifteen minutes at the most. It involves wiping the area with alcohol, making a few facial expressions, and (if need be) marking your face with a pen (which is quickly wiped off afterward).

If you are afraid of injections, there isn’t much to fear. Every injection feels like a sharp pinch, but it only lasts for a second. Think of the process as getting your face pinched a few times, and the process is a lot easier to handle.

No Downtime

Botox does not take long to take effect: 2-4 days at most. In most cases, there are very few side effects following a Botox treatment. While some may experience swelling or redness, they typically disappear after only one to three hours. If bruising occurs, it is typically light and unnoticeable. Most of these areas may be covered by headwear, sunglasses, or even makeup.

Botox lasts a Long Time

Expect the Botox to last three months, or sometimes longer. This leaves you with plenty of time to earn a little more money and budget your finances in preparation for the next Botox treatment.

Botox Can Help Form Good Habits, Even After Wearing Off

Botox benefits you even after it wears off. For example, many people are used to scrunching their forehead, for various reasons. If Botox is injected into the forehead, it becomes impossible to do this. This allows you to break the habit, even after the Botox wears off.

Botox is Effective, Without Looking Unnatural

Many people worry that Botox will leave them looking dramatically different, so much so that they will have to warn their friends to avoid shocking them. Unless you go add a little too much Botox, this should not be a concern. A moderate amount of Botox will make you look slightly better, but not dramatically different.

If you think you will want cosmetic treatments in the future, why not start now? Contact Dr. Binder for a consultation on Botox treatment.

Why You Should Consider Botox To Treat Your Migraines?

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Beauty-woman-giving-botox-injeBotox has quickly become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures on the market. However, some would be surprised to learn the Botox also treats a number of health issues, from hypertension to overactive bladder. Botox has also proven to be a highly effective treatment for those who suffer from chronic migraines- since the FDA approved it as a migraine treatment in 2011. If you suffer from chronic migraines, and have been thinking about using Botox to relieve your symptoms, here is what you need to know.

How does Botox Treat Migraines?

Botox works by preventing the movement of certain muscles as well as preventing the release of certain brain chemicals. Botox relieves headaches because, this muscle restriction, prevents the muscles from becoming tense and sensitive, as they would during a headache. In addition, it is believed that Botox blocks the nerves that send pain messages to the brain.

How well does it work?

Most patients that use Botox, to treat their chronic migraines, experience a significant decrease in how often they experience migraine attacks. In fact, the vast majority of chronic migraine patients a day experience, 7 to 9, fewer headache days per month, making Botox one of the most successful migraine treatments to date. Is important to note that these results take time and usually do not present themselves until up to a two weeks, after your Botox procedure. In addition, these results usually do not happen after the first round of Botox and are more likely to start after the second, or third, treatment.

Who should try it?

Chronic migraine sufferers who experience debilitating migraines 15, or more, days out of the month, lasting four hours or more, should consider utilizing Botox to treat their symptoms. Most doctors will want you to try more traditional migraine treatments before recommending Botox. But if other migraine treatments or medications are not working for you, or you have a health condition the medicine may interfere with, such as stomach ulcers, you should definitely consider Botox as an alternative treatment.

How long does it take?

A round of Botox treatment can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. For maximum and long lasting results, chronic migraine sufferers should receive Botox treatments every three months for a 15 month period.

What else should I know?

Botox treatments are virtually painless, so there may be a slight swelling, or irritation, at the injection site- particularly, for those for with sensitive skin. Most insurance companies cover Botox procedures as a treatment for chronic migraines but you should definitely contact your insurance company to verify that they do. In rare cases, they may want you to undergo certain tests before they agree to cover the procedure.

Now that you know how effective Botox treatments are for chronic migraines, if your suffering from severe migraines, this might be the perfect procedure to relieve you of this pain. To learn more about Botox treatment or discuss any of your questions or concerns about the procedure feel free to reach out to us today. Or to schedule a consultation visit doctorbinder.com.

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