Bigger Than a Nose Job: The Psychological Benefits of Cosmetic Surgery

Lifestyle, rhinoplasty

Your appearance is a window to the world. How you express yourself, your choice of gestures, the personal style you cultivate; these are all hallmarks of who you are and how you want to be perceived by society.

Appearance also offers a snapshot of your psychological well being.

If you walk around with a permanent scowl on your face, you’re telling passersby to stay away. Conversely, smiling invites others to approach you. In these examples, mood is a self-fulfilling state of being. By looking upbeat, you might actually achieve greater happiness.

But instead of just pretending to be chipper, you could get a more permanent boost from cosmetic enhancement.

Facing Your Flaws

No matter how beautiful you may be, there’s always that one physical feature that you wish you could change. Whether it’s the curve of your nose, the shape of your midsection, or the height of your cheekbones, you probably have one nagging complaint about your body or face that bothers you incessantly.

Well, you’re not alone. Statistically speaking, 43% of men and 56% of women surveyed have registered disappointment with their outward appearance. This dissatisfaction can manifest itself as a mere annoyance, or it could affect one’s state of mind. If you’re constantly obsessing about your perceived flaw then it occupies your focus. In turn, your mood is negatively impacted, which then bolsters your negative self-image. It’s a downward cycle, but luckily you can break out of it if you so choose.

Conquering Your Image Issues

Esteem dominates our daily behavior. Confidence helps motivate us in the workplace and in social situations, so when our self-worth dips, so does our productivity and general demeanor. By succumbing to body issues, one might suffer a myriad of psychological setbacks. These include:

  • The propensity to be easily distracted
  • Lack of energy or determination
  • Insomnia
  • Depression

This last symptom of body dysmorphia can be the most troubling, so let’s take a closer look at the link between appearance and mood disorders.

Overcoming Depression

We look at ourselves in the mirror every single day. If we don’t like what we see staring back at us, it has a definite effect on what we project to the world. That mirror session is essentially a rehearsal for how we interact with others. If we perceive our appearance to be less than optimal, then depression could creep in.

One recent study of over 540 people showed that cosmetics are indelibly linked to such forces as social anxiety, agoraphobia, self-perception, goal attainment, self-realization, quality of life and, of course, our sense of attractiveness.

If we don’t think of ourselves as desirable, it sends a message to the brain that we don’t deserve a partner who sees us as desirable. By lowering our social standards in this way, we relegate ourselves to a “lesser than” category. This triggers feelings of doubt, which permeates into our behavioral patterns. No, I don’t belong to that club or Maybe I’ll just avoid that party because I won’t fit in. Perceived alienation becomes actual seclusion.

This is the psychological landscape where depression flourishes. But don’t despair; there’s hope on the horizon.

Positive Results

While modern medicine tends to answer psychological issues with pharmaceutical prescriptions, there may be another solution available: cosmetic surgery. In a groundbreaking survey of 362 patients who underwent cosmetic procedures, 61 of them had been taking antidepressants before the date of their surgery. After their successful emergence from these respective procedures, that number fell to 42.

In other words, the successful exposure to cosmetic surgery decreased the need for antidepressant medications in a staggering 31 percent of patients who had been taking the aforementioned prescriptions.

That is a statistic worth heralding as an undeniable success.

Do What’s Right for You

A person’s psychology is as complex and unique as his or her fingerprint. There’s no guarantee that changing your appearance will alter your mood, but the link between the two is compelling, to say the least.

Before embarking on any surgery, be it cosmetic or otherwise, you should consult with your support system (loved ones, friends, relatives, etc.). Make sure it’s the right decision for you; consider what is most beneficial to your physical health as well as your mental wellbeing.

Once that phase of your deliberation is complete, it’s time to consult Doctor Binder to assess your options, formulate a plan, and move forward. A happier new you awaits, and we’re eager to help guide you on your journey to self-actualization.

5 Myths About “Lunchtime” Plastic Surgery

Lifestyle, Procedure Overviews

A dangerous new fad is simmering in some less reputable circles of the cosmetic medical trade. Fast plastic surgery or “lunchtime” procedures (so named because they purport to be done on your lunch hour) are suddenly all the rage… but at what cost? We’re breaking down the myths behind this too good to be true trend.

Myth #1 – You Heal as Quickly as the Procedure

While it may sound convenient and desirable to get a quick filler for your upper lip, the results (and resulting problems) are another reality completely. In one patient’s case, the material they used was hastily chosen and all wrong for her face. The swelling didn’t go away, even a week later… then she was told to wait six months… then five years passed and she is still dissatisfied with the bump in her lip.

Choosing your filler is a delicate and exacting process. By rushing into a procedure, you risk complications, pain, or worse. That’s why a reputable and trusted physician will weigh your options with you well before you plump those lips.

Myth #2 – Fast Equals Cheap

The notion that you can pop in for a quickie facelift and only pay by the hour is foolhardy on so many levels. First, you should never rush when it comes to your health. And second, true health care providers shouldn’t punch a clock and charge by the minute. 

Finally, just because it’s fast, that doesn’t mean it’s cheap. A so-called “lunchtime” facial procedure can still cost upwards of two thousand dollars, and since it’s performed so hastily, it will most definitely require follow up visits and special attention in the long run.

Myth #3 – I’ll Just Do It This One Time…

While Botox has been proven to be safe and effective if administered responsibly, there is a new theory that excessive and repeated sessions could do more harm than good. The rise of “fast” plastic surgery is now dovetailing with the preponderance of addictive behavior among patients who schedule multiple Botox sessions in quick succession. An estimated 40% of these lunchtime procedure enthusiasts are undergoing injections too frequently, according to health experts.

Myth #4 – It’s as Effective as the Real Thing

A procedure as delicate and involved as a breast augmentation requires extensive consultation and consideration. However, some disreputable surgeons are promoting their hasty methods for the lunchtime crowd these days. It is inconceivable to think that you could recover from such an invasive process in less than two hours.

Also, the actual technique required for a successful breast surgery doesn’t work in a truncated time frame. When done in a rush, surgeons can only apply the implant to the front of the breast, on top of your existing muscle. This won’t sit correctly, causing unsightly wrinkles and puckering where the implant meets your tissue. 

To be done properly, an implant must go beneath the muscle, which requires more time on the operating table. The experience may take longer, but the results are preferable in every way. In addition to the aforementioned aesthetics of a thorough intramuscular technique, the implant is also more protected when it is tucked within your existing tissue.

Myth #5 – Plastic Surgery Has Become Completely Standardized

While it’s true that medical science has progressed rapidly over the past two centuries, that doesn’t mean that it is now a “one size fits all” endeavor. Your body, face, and general physiology are unique. You have individual needs and specialized goals for who you are and how you want to look. If a doctor tells you that cosmetic surgery has become “standardized” or in some way uniform, then you need to visit another doctor.

For a consultation as special as you are, schedule an appointment with Dr. Binder. He is ready to listen to your questions, and he’ll take the time to explain his answers… even if that lasts more than just a lunch hour.

plastic-surgery-age

What’s an appropriate age to consider cosmetic procedures?

Lifestyle, Procedure Overviews

Even though the number of plastic surgery operations in America and worldwide has increased every year for the last two decades, there is still a popular misconception that many people have of facial cosmetic procedures as something strictly reserved for those over the age of fifty years old. This is obviously a myth, and as plastic surgery becomes more normal than not, a more realistic view and understanding of facial plastic surgery will emerge.

In the meantime, here are some statistics to get a better idea of who is getting facial plastic surgery and why. According to statistics published by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, patients in the age range of thirty-five to fifty years old have received the most plastic surgery procedures since 1997, making up a plurality of 43% of the total number of surgical procedures performed.

Of course, there are plenty of patients older and younger than that age range who are receiving plastic surgery as well, and altogether they comprise a greater number of procedures, but no comparable age range has more plastic surgery operations than those aged thirty-five to fifty years old. And in just three years from 2014 to 2017, the average age of women getting plastic surgery has dropped three years, from forty-two three years ago, to an average age of thirty-nine today. The average age of men dropped two years over the same time period, from forty-seven to forty-five.

In the much younger thirteen to nineteen-year-old age group, there were 229,000 total cosmetic operations performed on thirteen to nineteen-year-olds in 2016. 66,000 of those procedures were surgical in nature and 163,000 were minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. Of those aged twenty to twenty-nine years old, there were 829,000 total cosmetic procedures performed in 2016, with 256,000 of those being surgical in nature and 572,000 were minimally invasive.

According to the New York / New Jersey area Associates in Plastic Surgery group, the most common facial plastic surgery procedure for the thirteen to nineteen-year-old age group is a rhinoplasty operation or “nose job.”

They say:

“Puberty brings changes to the body, and the nose is no different. Significant changes can occur, but by the age of 16, the nose you have will typically be the nose you will grow old with. As you age, other body parts grow and take on new shapes, but the structure of your nose will change the least over time, meaning the defining features will remain the same throughout your life. Teens and young adults often turn to rhinoplasty as they are entering new phases, such as high school graduation. The late teens are the best time to perform this procedure.”

A rhinoplasty might be desirable by a patient of any age after puberty since rejuvenation is not the goal of rhinoplasty surgery – the goal is achieving a more aesthetic look by enhancing the harmony of the face’s lines and balancing the proportions of the nose. Rhinoplasty can achieve dramatic improvements to:

  • Nose size and proportion in relation to facial harmony
  • Nose width at the bridge, or a profile with visible bumps on the bridge
  • The size, shape, and position of the nostrils
  • A nasal tip that is bulbous, drooping, upturned, or hooked
  • Nasal asymmetry

In addition to aesthetic motivations that may lead a patient to desire a cosmetic nose job, rhinoplasty can also solve medical problems such as difficulty breathing due to the shape and structure of the nose, and a nasal structure that impairs breathing is not an age-related issue. There are other non-age-related medical issues that can be helped with cosmetic facial surgery.

Cosmetic facial reconstructive surgery is a welcome remedy for people who suffer a severe disfigurement or scarring from accidents, or even the ravages of infectious diseases, cancer, or other medical conditions. Mole removal is also a cosmetic facial procedure that has nothing to do with rejuvenation, and everything to do with better skin health and a patient’s personal aesthetic preferences for how they look.

The Rise in Teenage Cosmetic Surgery

With the advent of social media, young people are more conscious than ever of how they look. With every tweet, share, and like, teenagers are comparing their features with influencers, celebrities, and classmates. While we must maintain a realistic and healthy outlook for our friends in Generation Z, it is inevitable for them to be curious about their options in the realm of cosmetic procedures.

In the year 2017, approximately 230,000 patients from the age of 13 to 19 received such procedures. This accounts for roughly four percent of the total number of people who explored the world of cosmetic reconstruction. On top of these surgical procedures, teens racked up another 160,000 non-invasive touch-ups, chief among them being Botox visits and laser hair removal appointments.

With the influx of new patients comes an increased sense of caution. Teens must be well counseled before embarking upon any sort of cosmetic procedure to make sure they are doing so for the right reasons. In addition to the aforementioned guideline of 16 being the recommended minimum age for rhinoplasty, experts have agreed upon the following

  • Breast augmentations or reductions: 18 years and older 
  • Liposuction procedures: 18 years and older 
  • Otoplasty (ear alteration surgery): 5-7 years old
  • Retin A: 16-18 years of age 
  • Lasers for acne scar removal: 16-18 years old
  • Other laser procedures: 18 years and older 
  • Chemical peels: 18 years + 
  • Botox and other filler injections: 18 years and older

The Benefits of Cosmetic Procedures for All Ages

While the age restrictions above are vitally important to consider, there are also a myriad of benefits that facial procedures can elicit. According to a recent study of approximately 550 patients, the majority of those who underwent their desired cosmetic alteration reported blockbuster results.

Self-esteem skyrocketed in this sample group, as did feelings of joy and general satisfaction in life. As anyone who has endured adolescence can attest, it is a volatile period, characterized by self-doubt and insecurity. While teenagers shouldn’t rush into cosmetic procedures to counteract these forces, it can’t be overstated that looking good often leads to feeling good. Consult a trusted physician and don’t be afraid to discuss any and all psychological stresses and emotional issues you may be feeling. We can all work together to make sure that you grow up to be the best you possible.

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.

History of Facial Rejuvenation

Lifestyle, Face Lifts

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a facial rejuvenation surgery performed by a licensed cosmetic surgeon in order to restore a youthful appearance to your facial features.

The facelift procedure as a cosmetic facial rejuvenation surgery turned exactly 100 years old in 2016. The very first face lift operation was performed by a German physician named Erich Lexer in 1916.

According to Dr. Rajiv Grover, the president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, Lexer performed the first ever facelift by, “Lifting the [sagging] skin from the underlying fat, drawing it back, re-draping it and then removing the excess.”

Many other surgeons throughout the world began to perform the procedure after Lexer, but with no major innovations or improvements on the surgical technique until the 1960s and 1970s.

The first 70 years of facelifts in cosmetic surgery are now referred to as the Cutaneous Period of rhytidectomy (facelift) surgery. During this time facelifts were performed at the most surface level of the skin by lifting the skin from the face, pulling it taut, and cutting away the excess loose skin.

Surgeons became experts at performing plastic surgery during World War II in order to reconstruct the faces of injured war veterans, and these skilled plastic surgeons began turning their talents toward cosmetic facial rejuvenation in the 1950s and 1960s.

In the 1970s facial rejuvenation entered the SMAS period, which is short for Superficial Muscular Aponuerotic System— the stronger, deeper layer under the surface of the skin. Improvements in the safety and effectiveness of anesthesia and more precise surgical techniques allowed plastic surgeons to achieve more dramatic, natural looking, and longer lasting results by augmenting this muscle layer under the skin.

The first major innovation in facial rejuvenation surgery since its inception, the SMAS technique became the standard for facelifts throughout the 1970s. It allowed cosmetic surgeons to take a more extensive, radical approach to facial rejuvenation, enhancing more of the face and even the neck as well.

By the 1980s facial rejuvenation had entered the Deep Plane Period as plastic surgeons could skillfully and safely cut deeper into the face, down to the subperiosteal layer over the bone. Dr. Paul Tessier, the surgeon who had coined the term Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System, pioneered this deep plane facial rejuvenation technique.

In 1979 Tessier demonstrated that cutting to the subperiosteum above and to the sides of the orbital rim of bone around the eyes created a better looking result for the eyebrows than facelifts performed at the SMAS layer. This innovative approach could create a far more attractive and youthful appearance for cosmetic surgery patients.

From 1991 to the present, the history of facial rejuvenation has entered into what cosmetic surgeons call the Volumetric Period of rhytidectomy surgery. This period was characterized, in the early 1990s by a reconceptualization of the aims and means of facial rejuvenation surgery.

Plastic surgeons, starting in the 1990s, began to take more care reduce the appearance of scars from facial plastic surgery, and also began to focus on restoring the subcutaneous volume of fatty tissue under the skin that is naturally lost as we begin to age. Another major innovation in the volumetric approach to facial rejuvenation was the introduction of facial implants to contour the face.

The rapid advancement during this time of computer processing power and 3-D imaging techniques, along with computer aided drafting for perfectly fabricating custom facial implants, allowed this innovation to reach a very high standard of perfection in creating an ideal, natural looking result for patients seeking facial rejuvenation.

Dr. William J. Binder was an early innovator in the field of custom facial implants for cosmetic rejuvenation. When the technique first appeared, Dr. Binder saw the potential for aesthetic results for patients through the use of facial implants, but with a keen eye for facial anatomy, he noticed the results did not look completely natural; they were “non-anatomic” as he would say.

Dr. Binder did not believe facial implants could achieve the high standards of perfection he aims to achieve for his patients without applying the precision and power of high-resolution 3-D imaging, powerful digital rendering and imaging, and digital computer-aided drafting to fabricate ideal custom facial implants for patients seeking facial reconstruction or rejuvenation.

By innovating a system capable of fabricating custom-designed facial implants to a high degree of precision, Dr. Binder was able to pioneer a technique that allows the reconstruction of most facial contour defects with a higher degree of accuracy and better results than were ever before possible.

His efforts have helped to bring modern plastic surgery into the 21st Century.

 

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 face lift procedures and earned him international acclaim for his results.

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

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How Much Does Facial Plastic Surgery Cost?

Lifestyle, Face Lifts, Procedure Overviews, Botox

For something as important and personal as the appearance of one’s face – arguably the most memorable and distinct feature that each one of us has – there are many people who would like to improve some aspect of their facial appearance, knowing they would like the way their face looks better if they could improve or enhance one or more of its features.

Many others are happy with their facial structure and features but would like to rejuvenate their facial appearance to look more like they did when they were a little younger.

For some, the desire stems from an insecurity about their looks that a facial cosmetic procedure can correct, giving them a valuable boost of confidence and self-esteem. For others, the motivation is simply a desire to look their best.

Whatever the reasons for seeking plastic surgery, one relevant factor in a patient’s decision to undergo a facial plastic surgery procedure is the cost involved, and in the beginning stages of researching the pros and cons of plastic surgery, potential patients want to get an idea of the price of a facial plastic surgery procedure.

You may have found that it’s difficult to get an accurate assessment of the cost without an in-person examination of your face and medical history by a cosmetic surgeon, and an in-depth consultation about your specific goals and desired outcomes for undergoing facial plastic surgery.

Because your face is as unique as your fingerprint, and because the facial enhancements ought to vary by patient, cosmetic surgery to alter facial features is an individualized plan and operation for every patient based on their face and their aesthetic desires.

No two facelifts are the same, each rhinoplasty will be different for each patient, and each eyelid or earlobe procedure is unique. Facial surgery to correct a medical problem (such as rhinoplasty to improve breathing) may be covered by some insurance policies.

There are also multiple procedures to achieve the same result and multiple surgical methods for performing the same procedure:

  • Each with their own pros and cons,
  • Each more or less invasive and prone to complications for a given patient,
  • Each with different requirements for anesthesia,
  • Each with their own typical recovery times,
  • And each with varying limits on the extent of the results that can be achieved.

All of these different factors and the surgical plan you and your doctor choose will determine how much a facial plastic surgery operation will cost for each different patient.

In helping patients to come to a decision about their plastic surgery, a modern, professional cosmetic surgeon will help the patient assess how each separate aesthetic feature of their face contributes to their overall facial appearance. The surgeon will also help determine what enhancements to the brows and eyelids, nose, cheeks or mid-face, lower face and chin, neck and/or the composition of the facial skin, fat, and muscle will achieve the most aesthetic overall result in line with the patient’s goals.

Subsequently, the cosmetic surgeon and patient will develop an individualized surgical plan that addresses the patient’s concerns and desires. Therefore the price of the operation will depend on what each person needs and the amount of time it will take the surgeon to perform the operation.

For something that will affect your life as much as facial plastic surgery, it is important to take your time researching plastic surgeons, reviewing their credentials and experience, reading over their websites, viewing before and after photos, and calling to ask any questions you have after researching online.

The High Cost of Impatience

As the old saying goes, haste makes waste – and it can also be costly. When patients require a second or even third visit to the surgeon, each of these revisions could cost as much as the initial operation. That’s why it’s important to be diligent with your research before undergoing any procedure. Communicate your concerns and questions to your doctor. If he or she doesn’t respond to your satisfaction, then it’s time to ask for a second opinion.

Medical professionals must be just that: professional. They should never rush you into a procedure for which you are not ready.

The ramifications can be dangerous and pricey.

Take, for example, breast augmentation surgery. Last year, the cost of this operation averaged $3,718. Now consider the fact that somewhere between 20 and 40 percent of all breast augmentation patients sought additional surgeries within eight to ten years of their first procedure. This leads to soaring healthcare costs, not to mention the discomfort and inconvenience of repeated recuperation times. In addition to the price of the actual operations, you must also factor in lost salary from work as you take time to heal, not to mention the consultations and residual medical costs involved with each follow-up visit.

Caution is advised for any cosmetic procedure, not just the one detailed above. Rhinoplasty, for example, is a delicate operation that requires an equally delicate touch. Of course, you want a skilled doctor in the O.R., but you also want that exacting attention to detail long before the date of your procedure. Planning ahead is essential, and your physician should map out your unique facial structure before formulating any plans when it comes to reconstruction.

Your cartilage is as individualized as your bone structure. Some people have thick, sturdy reserves of cartilage that is more difficult to reshape. Others have thinner nasal shapes that are extremely vulnerable to change and must be treated as such.

Also, once the cartilage has been reconstructed, your skin must be assessed for its elasticity. Will it conform to your new face? How conducive will it be to breathing and general functionality? Are your cosmetic goals attainable given the parameters of your cartilage and skin, as detailed above? If not, how can you and your doctor work together to re-imagine your plans and move forward safely and effectively?

It’s important to answer these questions before the day of your procedure to avoid the need for a repeat visit. After all, the average rhinoplasty costs somewhere in the vicinity of $5,125 according to recent studies. That’s a price tag you only want to encounter once, so let’s work together to get it done right the first time.

When it comes to facial surgery, the most important consideration is safety and the quality of the results you will achieve. USA Today personal finance correspondent Regina Lewis has sound advice to offer regarding the costs of cosmetic surgery. “Don’t cut quality corners,” she said. “Regardless of the procedure you’re interested in, always look for a top board-certified surgeon. Certification standards can vary.” Lewis outlined the following questions to consider when choosing a surgeon:

  • What is the doctor board-certified in?
  • Is the doctor licensed? Are there any state disciplinary actions?
  • How often has the doctor performed the surgery you are considering?
  • Is the facility where the surgery taking place accredited?

Lewis concluded, “Just because you’re getting a nip and tuck, you never want to cut corners on quality.”

Be wary of plastic surgeons who advertise discounts on their fees. “Bargain” and “surgery” are two words that do not look good together. Discounting the value of any specialized, professional service, especially surgery shows very poor judgment in marketing and calls into question the quality of the face-altering surgery you may receive.

When consulting with your prospective plastic surgeon about the cost of your operation, pay attention to whether your surgeon is carefully listening to you, make sure they truly understand the aesthetic results you hope to achieve and gauge your sense of how available and attentive they will be to you after the operation has been completed. Don’t hesitate to look elsewhere if you have any concern that an operation with them might cost you more than their fee.

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.

How 3-D Imaging is Innovating Modern Medicine

, , , , , , Lifestyle, Face Lifts

3D-Imaging-Plastic-Surgery3-D imaging via medical diagnostic tools such as MRIs and CT scanning is completely revolutionizing modern medicine.

As these medical devices become increasingly more precise at an accelerating rate, they are providing doctors with more finely-detailed, high resolution 3-D imaging of their patients with each passing year.

At the same time as the rapid increase in the sensitivity and resolution of these modern imaging devices, the processing power of digital computation has continued its exponential growth in price-performance year over year, allowing physicians to render and analyze the data from 3-D imaging all the more effectively.

 

Innovations in 3-D Imaging Resolution

By contrast to the incremental improvements of medical techniques over the centuries, and even to radiography during the decades of the 20th century, in recent years the improvements to medical imaging are coming fast and making a difference by orders of magnitude.

A little over a year ago researchers at MIT announced they had developed an algorithm that exploits light polarization to boost the depth resolution of conventional 3-D imaging technology by 1,000 times.

Researchers say the technique is so promising that it could bring this technology to your pocket: “The technique could lead to high-quality 3-D cameras built into cellphones, and perhaps to the ability to snap a photo of an object and then use a 3-D printer to produce a replica.”

 

3-D Image Processing Speed

A high resolution imaging device has little useful application without the processing speed to match it. Processing power is essential to creating the images and manipulating the data in quality diagnostic scans made by imaging devices.

And it’s not only the rapid pace of improvement in the brute force of computer processing power that’s been essential to 3-D imaging innovation in recent years. It’s the implementation of software solutions that can use that power to effectively reconstruct volumetric data.

There’s also the configuration of hardware processing power in a way that’s effective and efficient for the kind of computation involved in 3-D imaging, such as the incorporation of GPUs (graphical processing units) like those used by gaming software to create better images faster than CPUs can.

 

Machine Learning and Modern 3-D Imaging

One innovator in the field, Mountain View, Calif.-based EchoPixel is helping surgeons take the guesswork out of surgical planning by allowing them to create a 3-D image from patient-imaging data and manipulate it in a virtual environment— to remove tumors, dissect tissues, or measure blood vessels. The technology is allowing physicians to get a more accurate view of their patients’ anatomy.

Furthermore, with the application of machine learning, the software records the clinician’s interactions with the 3-D imaging data, so other doctors can learn from the same steps and methodology. The software is compatible for use on different hardware devices, including wearable tech such as Google Glass, so it can be used in an operating room.

 

How 3-D Imaging is Saving Lives

An ounce of prevention: Along with life-saving advancements to surgery prep for critical surgeries that doctors perform on vital tissues and organs, 3-D imaging is saving lives in the critical field of medical diagnostics.

The use of modern computer 3-D images made from a composite of multiple 2-D radiographic images using tracers and contact dyes has allowed doctors to view a comprehensive image of a patient’s body and observe minor anomalies that would have otherwise gone undetected, providing vital early warning signs of potential health problems.

 

And Making Lives Better

With today’s level of sophistication in computer 3-D imaging technology, its use in medical practice has also found an ever-expanding role to play in helping doctors improve the quality and results of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

For patients seeking facial implants to improve the proportions or enhance the contours of their face, the computer era has made it possible for facial implants to be perfectly tailored to a patient’s face.

Custom implants made using 3-D imaging and computer-aided drafting look smoother, rounder, and anatomical, and allow facial reconstructive surgeons to correctly perceive the interaction of all facial features to create a balanced, well-proportioned face.

Dr. Binder was an early innovator in this field, noticing at first that facial implants of the time were not quite right, or as he would say: “non-anatomic.”

 

Pioneering Facial Contouring and 3-D Imaging

Before bringing the possibilities of high-resolution 3-D scanning, efficient digital rendering and imaging, and computer-aided drafting to fruition in facial reconstruction techniques, Dr. Binder did not see facial implants achieving the desired results he was striving to attain.

By innovating a system capable of fabricating custom-designed facial implants to a high degree of precision, Dr. Binder was able to pioneer a technique that allows the reconstruction of most facial contour defects with a higher degree of accuracy and better results than were ever before possible.

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Surprising Healthy Skin Tips

Health Basics, Lifestyle, Motivation

The skin is the body’s largest barrier against infection. It is also the most abused and the most exposed to damaging irritants and free radicals. The thing is, we are always exposing our skin to factors that can cause damage. For instance, whenever we use soap or rub alcohol on our skin, small cracks and irritation can happen. These cracks can make us more prone to developing infection. It is therefore important that you observe proper skin care. Keeping the skin healthy can help improve the quality and optimal functioning of the skin.

There are many tips and tricks for proper skin care and you may have heard some of them already. But this article is different as we will share surprising tips that will help you make your skin healthy and glowing at the same time.

Eat Your Way to Healthy Skin

Eating fruits and vegetables can make your skin healthy. In a study published the PLoS One journal, researchers found that those who ate more colorful fruits and vegetables have healthier and more attractive skin. The reason for this is that colorful fruits contain carotenoid that boosts the tone of the skin. Moreover, fruits and vegetables contain more Vitamin C that can help fight free radicals that cause premature wrinkles and aging of the skin. Vitamin C also promotes the natural production of collagen in the body. For you to eat your way to healthy skin, make sure that you get 4.5 cups of fruits and vegetables daily.

Don’t Apply Too Much Sunscreen

Do you have the habit of applying too much sunscreen when you get out? If yes, then chances are you are more likely irritating your skin than protecting it from the harmful rays of the sun. Most dermatologists agree that some sunscreens may contain irritants that causes skin rashes to develop. Harmful ingredients in sunscreen include benzophenones, octocrylene and other fragrances. Although the skin rashes look like allergic reactions to sunscreen, they are more like your body’s response to sweat. Sunscreen can potentially cause heat rashes. If you do apply sunscreen, make sure that you apply an ample amount and not slather your entire body with it.

Wash Your Face Twice a Day

Most women have the habit of washing their face as many times as they can. But research shows that washing your face twice a day is actually optimal. As the more you wash your face, the more you strip it from its natural oils that protect the integrity of the skin. Another bad thing about washing your face all the time is that the exfoliant that you use may contain tiny microbeads that are bad for the environment especially the marine life. So, if you wash your skin, make sure that you use a wash cloth instead of exfoliants.

Sleep on Your Back

It may seem strange but your sleeping position can also result in the development of wrinkles on your face. Most people love to sleep on their side or stomach but this has shown to cause wrinkles on the face because your face is pressed on the pillow for long periods of time. The best position to avoid wrinkles is to sleep on your back. However, if you suffer from sleeping problems like sleep apnea and snoring, then sleeping on your back is not such a good idea. If you prefer to sleep on your side, then using a silk pillowcase can ease the pressure on your face while you are sleeping.

Exfoliate in The Morning

Most people have the habit of exfoliating at night before going to bed believing that the exfoliating serums will be better absorbed by the skin. However, this cannot be further from the truth. If you exfoliate in the morning, then you are stimulating good circulation on the skin that, in turn, stimulates collagen. In fact, exfoliating the skin after doing your exercise is better because of the improved circulation that you have after doing any physical activities.

Don’t Apply Anything on Your Nose

Did you know that the nose contains the largest pores in the face? It is where most of the natural oil in our face is secreted. So, if you suffer from blackheads or shiny nose, then don’t do your usual regimen and apply different serums over your nose. By applying serums and creams on your nose, your pores will easily get clogged up. Thus, you end up having more blackheads and, worse, breakouts. If you have to apply something on your nose, it should only be sunscreen and nothing more. Still, if you are worried about your blackheads, you can deal with it by washing your nose with warm water and mild soap. If the pores are not clogged up, your skin will naturally deal with it and it will eventually go away.

Healthy Skin Treatment in Los Angeles with Doctor Binder

If you feel like you may be a candidate for skin treatment in Los Angeles, or you’ve been recommended to have one by another medical professional, contact Doctor Binder to schedule an appointment and consultation to discuss your options in greater detail.

skin-pigmentation-changes-being-addressed

Skin Pigmentation Changes: What are the Causes?

Health Basics, Lifestyle

What Causes Skin Pigmentation to Change?

Aging affects our minds and bodies in a myriad of ways; some of these changes are monumental, but others are literally skin-deep. Over the years, our skin pigmentation naturally changes. These shifts may be merely superficial and aesthetic, but other permutations can be indicative of deeper health problems. The more you understand your skin tone, the better equipped you’ll be to fend off Father Time.

Sun

Sun exposure is the primary cause of pigmentation alteration. Unless you live underground, you can’t escape the rays of our closest star, nor would you want to. The sun provides us with much needed Vitamin D, which is absorbed through the skin and helps maintain the health of the skeletal system, various organs, and cell cycles. In small doses, the sun produces a gorgeous tan and cute freckles, but the long-term effects are less desirable. Sun exposure can cause the development of dark spots and keratosis, which can develop into skin cancer. A staggering 80% of instances of skin cancer appear on the face, head or neck; these are the exact areas that endure the most sun exposure. Skin cancer has serious implications for both your health and your appearance.

Skin Damage/Scar Tissue

A skinned knee might be nothing to cry about, but repetitive and persistent skin damage can have a permanent effect on your overall pigmentation landscape. We all suffer the occasional scrape, cut, pimple, or abrasion; these are the marks of a life fully lived. How we treat these injuries, however, ripples across our complexion for years to come. Scar tissue causes a lack of pigmentation, so the treatment of a wound is vitally important to minimize the damage before it sets in. Disinfecting a cut prevents infection and further complications; antibacterial salve is the front-line soldier in your war against scar tissue and further skin damage.

Disorders

In addition to sun exposure and skin damage, there are several disorders that can cause changes in the pigmentation of our skin, either permanently or temporarily. Some afflictions only affect your skin tone, but other changes in pigmentation are warning signs of a more insidious health issue. The skin is the largest organ in the human body; when it speaks, you should listen. Contact a doctor if you experience any unusual, unexpected, or unexplained changes in the pigmentation of your skin.

Melasma

Pregnant women undergo massive hormonal changes that often manifest themselves in skin tone transformations. This “mask of pregnancy” is clinically known as Melasma, aka chloasma. It’s a hyperpigmentation of the skin characterized by the development of brown epidermal splotches, particularly in the facial area. For some women these spots fade after pregnancy, but for others, the change in pigmentation is permanent. Men can also experience Melasma, though it is much less common for men than women. The condition can be treated with prescription creams or cosmetic treatments. Sun exposure can exacerbate this condition, so those who experience it should exercise extra precaution to avoid overexposure to UV rays.

Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease, a disorder characterized by an underactive adrenal gland, is another (yet more rare) cause of hyperpigmentation. This disease is a serious health condition that can lead to impaired kidney function and dangerously low blood pressure. With proper treatment, however, most people with Addison’s disease are able to live a normal life. Addison’s disease affects only 1 in 100,000 people, but can strike at any age. One side effect of Addison’s disease is the development of dark splotches and freckles. These can appear anywhere on the body, including the gums, but are most common on places that get frequent sun exposure, like the face and hands.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is distinct from the aforementioned disorders in that it causes hypopigmentation, or the loss of pigmentation, rather than hyperpigmentation. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that causes white patches to appear across the body and/or face due to damage to the pigment-producing cells. Vitiligo cannot be cured, but the spots can be treated with laser treatments and corticosteroid creams.

Albinism

Our skin, hair, and even eyes are given their signature tone from melanin, a pigmentation agent produced by most human bodies. In rare cases of albinism, however, those affected produce little to no melanin. This may give skin a pale hue and make skin even more sensitive to the harmful effects of sunlight than most people. Albinism can undergo a subtle shift during the teen years, when pigmentation sometimes increases, but other cases never result in the melanin production present in the average human body.

Just as some ailments can cause changes in the skin, so can some treatments, such as certain antibiotics, antiarrhythmics, and antimalarial drugs, which can all cause hyperpigmentation.

Correcting Pigmentation Changes

Changes in skin color can be frustrating and visually unappealing, even if they aren’t associated with a larger issue. Fortunately, a cosmetic surgeon skilled in cosmetic skin treatments can help to minimize or even eliminate the appearance of discoloration.

Dr. William J. Binder is located in Los Angeles, but he is known the world over as one of the industry’s leading plastic surgeons. He has the skill and resources to not only evaluate and treat your pigmentation changes, but to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. If you’re sick of living with skin discoloration, contact Dr. Binder’s office today to schedule a consultation.

premature-facial-aging

The Main Culprits of Premature Facial Aging

Health Basics, Lifestyle

Many things cause our skin to age. Some things we can’t do anything about, like the natural aging process, but others we can influence. Our environment and lifestyle choices can cause our skin to age prematurely. By taking some preventive actions, we can slow the effects that this type of aging has on our skin.

Here’s a look at the main culprits behind premature facial aging and how you can take preventive measures against them.

What Causes Skin to Age Prematurely?

Some of the main causes of premature aging to our skin include:

Sun—sun exposure causes the appearance of age spots, wrinkles, sagging skin, and reduces skin elasticity. Roughly 70% of the skin aging process depends on the amount of sunlight our skin is exposed to throughout our life.
Prevention—you can always protect your skin by seeking shade, covering up with clothing, and using sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, SPF 30 (or higher), and water-resistant. You should apply sunscreen every day to all skin that is not covered by clothing.

Smoking—smoking causes premature fine lines that typically appear on places where the skin is very thin, such as the sides of the eyes (smile lines) and above the upper lip. These typical smoking lines may appear 10-15 years before they appear on non-smokers. The reason for the premature wrinkles among smokers lies in the reduction of Vitamin C levels in their blood, which is 60% lower on average compared to the blood of non-smokers.
Prevention—Stop smoking.

Diet—a diet rich in simple sugars and sweets causes the connective tissue of the skin to become rigid and lose its elasticity.
Prevention—east a healthy, well-balance diet. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables may help prevent damage that leads to premature skin aging. Soluble dietary antioxidants such as lycopene, lutein, beta-carotene, and other antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables reach the deeper skin layers (the dermis) and partially neutralize the oxidative damage associated with prolonged exposure to the sun. Also, fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C are essential to the proper production of collagen. Complete protein is important to the production of protein structures that are vital to the appearance of fresh skin, such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin fibres.

Stress—prolonged emotional stress causes increased secretion of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These stress hormones accelerate various aging processes that include suppression of normal synthesis of connective tissue, characteristic obesity of the face, along with osteoporotic processes that damage bone density and cause changes in bone structure.
Prevention—grab a weekly massage and practice calm forms of exercise like yoga. Meditation can also help improve your overall stress level, which can make you feel more focused and younger. If your stress is the result of a more serious mental disorder such as depression or chronic anxiety, you should visit your doctor to discuss mental health options such as therapy and/or medications.

Attitude—intensive use of facial muscles brings exaggerated expression lines on the face that cause us to look older than we are. Beyond wrinkles, repeated use of expression muscles causes their dominance under the skin and damages the relaxed and smooth appearance which is typical to a young looking face.
Prevention—a happier face is devoid of wrinkled eyebrows and scowl marks because the muscles have spent more time in a relaxed state.

Lack of sleep—prolonged lack of sleep is clearly evident on the face and accelerates aging, as well as causes many other pathological processes.
Prevention—continuous night sleep is actually one of the few times in the day in which the pituitary gland in the brain secretes growth hormone in adults. This hormone has a great importance in keeping various body tissues and their renewal, including the skin tissue.

Alcohol—alcohol causes damage to the skin texture and color, and has considerable influence on the eye sockets. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol causes bulged eyes and affects the skin due to the accumulation of toxic breakdown products in the deeper skin layers. This can cause the appearance of capillaries and redness of the cheeks on the nasal bridge.
Prevention—drink less alcohol.

Rubbing your eyes—the skin around the eyes is extremely delicate and fragile, and can wrinkle very easily.
Prevention—don’t scrub the area with towels harshly, and stick to dabbing it dry after washing the face. This will help prevent pigment problems and premature aging.

Sleeping on your side—the fetal position of sleeping and snoozing on your stomach often means your face is pressed into a pillow for eight hours a night, which can cause the breakdown of skin tissue and cause wrinkles.
Prevention—get into the habit of falling asleep on your back and flip over if you wake up on your stomach or side. This decreases swelling or bloating of the face that stretches skin over time.

Sipping out of a straw—sipping out of a straw causes fine lines around your mouth, which is a clear indication of premature aging.
Prevention—avoid drinking through a straw and pour out your beverages in glasses or cups to maintain a youthful, wrinkle-free mouth.

Contact Dr. Binder

If you find that you have signs of premature facial aging, but you think that it’s too late for you to take preventive measures, then you should contact Dr. Binder to discuss the options that are available to you for getting back youthful looking skin.

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.

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