facial-skin-care

13 Things You Can Do to Beautify Your Skin

Health Basics, Lifestyle, Motivation

Human skin is a study in contradictions. It’s our barrier to the world and yet it reacts to every stimulus with which it comes into contact. How do we protect the outer layer of our body while promoting its natural glow and vulnerability?

1) Hydrate Inside and Out

As refreshing as a cool blast of water feels on your face, just imagine how the rest of your cells feel when you drink it. Our bodies are predominantly comprised of liquids, so it’s important to maintain a healthy balance of H2O in your system. Staying hydrated serves several functions when it comes to the health of your skin: it replenishes damaged cells, regulates your body temperature and heart rate, and flushes impurities from your body. So enjoy a nice, tall glass of agua with your next shower!

2) Cleansing: Keep It Cool

Speaking of showers, don’t get overheated. Excessively hot water can dry out your skin, so be mindful of the temperature and always be gentle. There is no need for heavy pressure while cleansing. You don’t require anything but your hands for this step, although you may choose to use a washcloth.

3) Massage Products into Your Skin Gradually

While your doctor will encourage you to use moisturizer after cleansing, it’s also important to consider exactly HOW you apply these products. Massage the cream into your flesh in an upward motion, gently working it into the epidermal layer. This is important for all body types, as this is the step that feeds your skin.

4) When Life Hands You Lemons, Eat Them!

Citrus snacks nourish your liver and kidney, which in turn helps replenish your skin’s vitality. Along the way, Vitamin C also prevents wrinkles. Win-win!

5) Exercise for That Extra Glow

Aerobic activities have myriad benefits for the enduring health of your skin:

  • Exercise releases endorphins, which reduces cortisol, an acne-forming agent.
  • It also increases blood flow, which brings more oxygen to your cells.
  • Vigorous movement amplifies your body’s natural production of collagen, the protein central to maintaining your skin’s elasticity and firmness.
  • Sweating opens your pores, flushing out toxins in the process (but be sure to shower after you work up that sweat).

6) Got Chocolate?

Now that you’ve burned those calories, you’ve earned a chance to gain them back! Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which reduce blemish-inducing toxins. A snack can also make you happy, and happiness promotes endorphins (see the exercise example above)!

7) Have Some Wine with Your Chocolate

Another decadent treat that promotes healthy skin: a glass of red wine. When consumed in moderation, the antioxidants in vino serve up a bevy of health benefits. As always, drink responsibly and consult a professional if you think you are developing a dependence on alcohol.

8) Mask Maintenance

Use masks every one or two weeks to detoxify, renew, and tighten your pores. Before you apply a facial mask, it is important to cleanse and tone. Be sure to leave the mask on your skin for five to 20 minutes, depending on the type you’re using. Gently and thoroughly remove the mask with warm water, and then tone and moisturize your face and neck.

9) Tea Time

Much like water (see above), tea is a mystical skincare product that can be applied externally as well as taken internally. By drinking chamomile tea, you ingest quercetin, a flavonoid (plant pigment) that bolsters your skin’s natural defense against the harmful UV rays of the sun. Other teas boost your immune system (thus guarding against diseases that could sap your skin’s healthy pallor) and aid in digestion (drawing toxins away from your epidermis).

Once you’re done brewing all of those delicious concoctions, save the bags and re-use them for additional skin love. The caffeine in tea shrinks the blood vessels under your epidermis and reduces the bags under your eyes, for example. You can also reach for a cool tea compress to alleviate sunburn pain. Speaking of which…

10) Don’t Skimp on the Sunscreen

This should go without saying, but the sun accelerates the aging process with every minute of exposure to its searing heat. Avoid the worst of these ravages by applying sunblock EVERY time you go outside.

11) Go Nuts!

Almonds are packed with Vitamin E and “good” fats like omega 3’s, all of which promote skin health. Not to mention, they’re loaded with protein that can help you stay active, thus feeding into your overall health even more.

12) Exfoliate with a Gentle Brush

The right brush can stimulate blood flow to the epidermis and exfoliate your skin as it goes. Use circular, upward, gentle motions with very gentle products. Remember that you are simply exfoliating dead skin, which takes very little pressure. Abrasive loofahs or shell powder-based exfoliants are not necessary. Remember to exfoliate your skin no more than every three to five days.

13) Reduce Makeup Use

Now that you’ve got your skin looking fresh and fierce, why cover it up? Excessive makeup clogs your pores and hinders the various successes you’ve achieved with the previous 12 steps.

If you have any questions or concerns about how to properly care for your facial skin, be sure to schedule a consultation with Dr. Binder. He can advise you on any cosmetic procedures you may want to enhance the healthy glow you’ve just attained, and keep you looking your best for years to come.

The 6 Products You Need in Your Skincare Routine:

    1. Cleanser
      A good cleanser sets the stage for your whole routine. Ultimately, your cleanser should be gentle, water-soluble, and able to remove makeup. Avoid using anything with soap in it (soap’s pH level is too basic and will dry out your skin). When it comes to finding the best cleanser, let your unique skin be your guide and choose a product designed to target your primary skin concern (acne, dryness, oiliness, or sensitivity).
    2. Toner
      Toner often gets dismissed as overkill, but as part of a comprehensive skincare routine, a toner is actually pretty crucial. Not only does it remove any oil or makeup residue, it also preps your cleansed skin to receive whatever treatments you put on next. Choose a gentle, non-alcohol based formula with skin-repairing ingredients, as well as calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
    3. Exfoliator
      The best ways to go about exfoliating your face is to either use a cleanser with chemical exfoliants in it or a dedicated physical exfoliator. Either way, you should only use this product about two times a week. Chemical exfoliators are best for sensitive skin, and physical ones (with gritty bits) are good for occasional use if your skin is on the dry and flaky side.
    4. Serums
      Packed full of active ingredients, serums are for brightening, repairing, evening, smoothing texture, hydrating, and anti-aging. Some have multiple purposes and some are singular in the way that they work. You can layer serums or pick just one to focus on your biggest skin concern.
    5. Targeted treatments
      These are generally used for treating blemishes, dark spots, and physical symptoms of skin conditions like eczema. They usually have powerful ingredients that should be used sparingly and (usually) at night to avoid damage from sun sensitivity.
    6. Moisturizer
      Moisturizers are made for all kinds of complexions, either oil-free or loaded with skincare goodies like antioxidants and vitamins. You can use facial oil as a moisturizer too, no matter what your skin type.

In the event that none of the above alleviate the entirety of skin health-related issues or concerns you have, cosmetic options such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion may be the answer you’re looking for. In the event that you believe a professional cosmetic solution is the way to move forward, make sure you discuss this at length with the plastic surgeon you’re considering before making any impulsive decisions.

Consult with Dr. Binder

If you have any questions or concerns about how to properly look after your facial skin or the cosmetic options that are available to you, then be sure to book a consultation with Dr. Binder.

Skin Resurfacing Options

Lifestyle, Procedure Overviews

skin-resurfacing

Available Skin Resurfacing Procedures

Do you often look at yourself in the mirror and see different areas of your face that you would like to see improved? Do you have wrinkles, sun damage, brown spots, or acne scars? Then skin resurfacing might be the best way to get your skin looking healthy and young again.

Before you book an appointment with your doctor, here are some things that you need to know about the different types of skin resurfacing procedures available on the market.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can improve the skin’s appearance by applying a chemical solution, which makes the skin blister and eventually peel off. The new skin underneath tends to be smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. The solution in certain types of chemical peels may be neutralized after an appropriate amount of time has elapsed.

The different types of chemical peels vary depending on their ingredients and strength. Types of chemical peels include:

  • Glycolic (AHA) peel—the most superficial peels are those using alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid. Usually only one treatment will give your skin a fresher, healthier appearance and radiant glow. Repeated treatments can help further improve your skin’s texture.
  • TCA peel—trichloracetic acid (TCA) peel is often preferred for spot peeling of limited areas (such as around the mouth or eyes) because it has a lesser bleaching effect than solutions containing phenol. TCA can also be more effective for treating darker-skinned patients.
  • Phenol peel—this type of peel has a significant bleaching effect, although it can correct pigmentary problems (blotchiness or age-related brown spots) and may also be used in the treatment of precancerous skin conditions. Unlike TCA peels, phenol cannot be used on your neck or other particular parts of your body.

Chemical peels can help:

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

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a technique that uses a wire brush or diamond wheel with rough edges to remove the upper layer of skin. By doing so, the procedure allows new skin to grow and replace the old damaged skin.

Like the deeper chemical peels, dermabrasion is very effective in reducing the appearance of vertical wrinkles around the mouth. It can also be used on small areas of the skin and on patients with darker skin tones. The treated area will usually blend with the surrounding skin so that there is little-to-no difference in the skin’s pigmentation.

Dermabrasion can help:

  • Remove and improve the appearance of acne scars
  • Scars (if they aren’t too deep)
  • With color changes in the skin
  • With fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth

Another form of dermabrasion is microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion uses tiny exfoliating crystals that are sprayed onto the skin to make subtle changes, causing no skin pigment changes or scarring. It also works on all skin types and colors, although it is not effective for deeper skin problems such as scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, or deep acne scars.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing, also known as lasabrasion, laser peel, or laser vaporization, directs short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at irregular skin to remove it layer by layer. Two types of laser resurfacing are most commonly used: carbon dioxide (CO2) and IPL.

  • Carbon dioxide resurfacing—uses very short pulsed light energy (ultrapulse) or a continuous light beam that is delivered in a scanning pattern to remove thin layers of skin with minimal heat damage. This is the most commonly used form of laser skin resurfacing.
  • IPL—the IPL (intense pulse light) laser is a more superficial laser that’s typically used on younger patients, patients with photo damaged skin, rosacea, spider veins and lighter skin pigmentary changes. These treatments usually require multiple sessions until improvements are achieved.

Laser resurfacing is effective in treating:

  • Wrinkles
  • Blotchiness or age spots
  • Scars from acne or other causes

Schedule an Appointment

If you believe your skin is in need of some rejuvenation, the above resurfacing options may be the perfect solution for you. To find out more, book a consultation with Dr. Binder so that he can help you decide on the right procedure for your needs.

Botox and the Reduction of Migraines

Health Basics, Lifestyle, Motivation, Procedure Overviews

botox-treatment-migraines

How Botox can Help Alleviate Chronic Migraines

Do you have terrible migraines that don’t seem to respond to over-the-counter prescriptions? Do you feel like you’ve tried everything, but the pain just won’t go away?

Then it may be time for you to consider getting Botox injections. But before you schedule an appointment with your doctor, here are some things that you need to know about how Botox injections can help get rid of your chronic migraines.

What Causes Migraines?

While it isn’t fully understood what causes migraines, genetics and environmental factors seem to play a role, as migraines often begin in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. Some doctors believe that migraines are caused by the changes in the brainstem and its interactions with the trigeminal nerve (a major pain pathway). Imbalances in brain chemicals (like serotonin) may also be involved.

A number of different things can trigger migraines, such as:

  • Hormonal changes in women
  • Certain foods (aged cheeses, salty foods, and processed foods)
  • Food additives (aspartame and MSG)
  • Drinks (alcohol and caffeinated beverages)
  • Stress
  • Sensory stimuli
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Physical factors
  • Changes in environment
  • Medications

Migraine Symptoms

Migraines can progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome.

Prodrome starts one to two days before a migraine and can present the following symptoms:

  • Constipation
  • Mood changes
  • Food cravings
  • Neck stiffness
  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Frequent yawning

Aura can occur before or during a migraine. However, most people don’t experience migraines with aura (symptoms of the nervous system). Some examples of migraine aura include:

  • Visual phenomena (seeing various shapes, bright spots, or flashes of light)
  • Vision loss
  • Pins and needles in an arm or leg
  • Weakness or numbness in the face or one side of the body
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Hearing noises or music
  • Uncontrollable jerking or other movements

Attack is the duration of the actual migraine, which can last from four to 72 hours, if untreated. During an attack, you may experience the following symptoms:

  • Pain on one or both sides of your head
  • Throbbing or pulsing pain
  • Sensitivity to light, sounds, smells, and touch
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • Light-headedness and, possibly, fainting

Post-drome is the final phase that occurs after the migraine attack. For roughly 24 hours after a migraine, you might feel:

  • Confused
  • Moody
  • Dizzy
  • Weak
  • Sensitive to light and sound

How Botox Treats Migraines

Botox injections block the release of neuro-transmitters (chemicals that carry nerve impulses) that are linked to causing pain. In order to prevent headaches, Botox blocks the nerve signals from reaching the central nervous system, and from becoming highly sensitive. Botox treatments are for chronic migraines, which are defined as headaches that occur at least 15 days per month (eight or more of which must be migraines).

Botox is given through injection sites along seven specific head and neck muscle areas. The number of injection sites range between 31 – 39, with half the injection sites on the left side of the head and the other half on the right side. If there is a predominant pain location, further injections may be given. The recommended schedule for receiving Botox injections is every 12 weeks.

Possible Side Effects

In most cases, people experience little to no side effects from Botox injections. Some of the most common side effects can include:

  • Neck pain
  • Stiffness at the injection site
  • Headache
  • Temporary muscle weakness (neck and upper shoulders)

Rare side effects can occur when the Botox toxin spreads beyond the injection site. Some of these side effects include:

  • Muscle weakness
  • Vision changes
  • Drooping eyelids
  • Loss of strength
  • Allergic reaction

Consult with Dr. Binder

Before you decide that Botox injections could be the answer for treating your migraines, you should consult with an experienced migraine professional, such as Dr. Binder, today. As one of the world’s most experienced physicians in Botox use, and the discoverer of its effects on relieving migraines, Dr. Binder is the perfect consultant to help you make the right choice about whether or not Botox injections are the right fit for you.

Youthful Cosmetic Procedures

Lifestyle

cosmetic-procedures-youthful

Cosmetic Procedures for a Younger Looking Face

Do you ever look in the mirror and long for the way your face used to look back when you were younger? The way your skin used to be smooth and near flawless? Then maybe it’s time to look into cosmetic procedures as a way of giving your face its youthful glow back.

There are many different cosmetic procedures that can help give you a younger looking face. But before you get to the consultation, here are some things that you need to know about some of the most common facial cosmetic procedures.

Facelift

A facelift will help remove or reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging of the face by lifting the skin off the face so that the skin and tissues beneath can be tightened and the skin can be repositioned smoothly over the face. During the procedure, your doctor may remove some fat and skin.

While having a facelift can reduce the signs of aging to a great extent, it can’t reverse sun damage or remove all facial wrinkles around the eyes, below the nose, and around the lips. Facelift surgery also has some unlikely risks worth being noted, which include:

  • Reactions to the anesthesia
  • Bleeding under the skin
  • Infection
  • Nerve damage
  • Numbness
  • Hair loss
  • Tissue loss
  • Scarring
  • Blood clots

Eye Lift

Eye lift, or eyelid surgery, helps remove bagginess from lower eyelids and excess skin from the upper eyelids, which can help improve vision in older people, although it is often done for cosmetic reasons alone. During the procedure, your doctor will cut along the natural lines of your eyelids to separate the skin from the tissue beneath in order to remove excess fat, skin, and muscle. The results from upper eyelid surgery can last between five to seven years, while lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be repeated.

Some of the possible risks involved in an eye lift are:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Dry eyes
  • Abnormal colouring of the eyelids
  • Eyelids that fold in or out abnormally
  • A pulled-down lower lid lash line
  • Possible loss of vision

Neck Lift

A neck lift is a series of procedures (including removing excess skin, removing or altering neck muscles, liposuction to remove excess fat, and Botox injections to address problems with fullness) that work to enhance the appearance of your neck.

While recovery from a neck lift might take some time, most people are able to return to work within 10 to 14 days. However, you will have to wait three weeks before resuming physical activity.

Botox

Botox injections are a cosmetic procedure that can lessen the appearance of facial wrinkles by blocking nerve activity in the muscles, causing a temporary reduction in muscle activity. Depending on the area being treated, your doctor may inject the Botox into more than one area at a time.

Some of the common side effects of Botox injections to be aware of are:

  • Trouble swallowing
  • Muscle weakness near the injection sites
  • Bruising
  • Bleeding
  • Pain
  • Redness or swelling
  • Headache
  • Tiredness and muscle stiffness
  • Dry mouth
  • Blurred vision
  • Increased sweating
  • Cold symptoms

If you experience any of the above side effects for a prolonged period of time, it’s advised to inform your doctor. It is also important to note that Botox injections are temporary and your wrinkles may return completely within three months after an injection.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing works to reduce facial wrinkles, blemishes, and acne scars by directing short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at the problem areas to remove skin, layer by layer. The two most common types of lasers used for laser resurfacing are carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium. Both lasers work to vaporize skin cells damaged at surface level.

Small white bumps, known as milia, may appear during the healing process, but are easily treatable by your doctor.

Make an Appointment

Before setting your heart on one of these procedures, it is important to book a consultation with an experienced doctor. Make an appointment with Dr. Binder. With years of experience in cosmetic surgery, and specializing in facial procedures, he can help you make the right decision about how to best make your face look younger.

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.

3 Non-Surgical Procedures to Treat Facial Scars

Lifestyle

non-surgical-facial-treatment

3 Non-Surgical Procedures to Treat Scars

Many of us have scars for a number of different reasons.  Scars can be the result of just about anything that causes damage to the skin.  The more severe the damage to the skin, the more noticeable the scar will be and the longer it will take to heal.

Here are some of the more common reasons for scars:  Accidents, acne, chicken pox, surgery, etc.  Scars are part of the skins normal healing process.  Scars that are visible can cause self-consciousness and self-esteem issues.

The goal of this article is to introduce you to three non-surgical procedures that have been proven to be effective.  All three of these are different in nature with differing degrees of success depending on the individual.

Unfortunately, scars cannot be completely removed. However, most scars can be treated with a high degree of success. The three non-surgical procedures that we are going to explore in this article will help minimize the appearance of the scar.

For best results, you are advised to consult with your doctor or dermatologist to evaluate these and other non-surgical options currently available.

1. Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a procedure that uses a high-speed brush (or wheel) to remove the outer layers of the skin. New skin will grow to replace the skin that was removed during the dermabrasion procedure.

The most common use of this treatment is to improve the appearance of scars caused by acne or from surgery or trauma. Dermabrasion is effective in creating smooth, even skin that gives the scarred areas a consistent look.

2. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use a chemical solution to remove the top layer of skin.  It also does a great job of reducing the visibility of superficial scars. Chemical peels are easy to administer and are very cost effective when compared to plastic surgery. The chemicals will literally cause the skin to peel off and expose the smooth and fresh skin underneath.

3. Laser Resurfacing / Laser Peel

Laser resurfacing (also referred to as a laser peel) uses an intense energy beam to treat the scars on the skin.  This treatment does an excellent job of treating acne scars as well as other types of trauma scars. The lasers available today are sophisticated enough to target very specific scar areas.

This procedure works by using beams of energy and light to remove the skin layer by layer. Laser resurfacing is safe and effective.  The cost of this procedure is minimal when compared to plastic surgery procedures. For most patients, laser resurfacing is an excellent option for removing scars. Recovery from laser resurfacing can take between 1 to 3 weeks depending on the laser used and on the patient.

Whichever of the above treatments you may be considering, Dr. Binder can provide you with an estimate and what you can expect from each option via a consultation.

Custom Cheek Implants

Lifestyle

custom-cheek-implants

Custom Cheek Implants: Are They Right for You?

While the toll aging takes on our skin is certainly unpleasant, it’s not surprising. However, many are shocked to discover that aging even affects our bones. Facial bones shrink in size as we age, giving the cheeks a flat or hollow appearance as the skin and muscle in the face are rearranged. The appearance of cheekbones can also be altered by damage endured by the face over time.

Regardless of the cause, a hollow or flat complexion is especially distressing now that high, dramatic cheekbones are increasingly considered imperative for an attractive, youthful, and well-balanced face. Fortunately, custom facial implants can restore youth, vitality, and self-confidence.

More than Just Bones

What we perceive as “cheekbones” is only partially the result of bone structure. A large part of the appearance of high cheekbones is due to the soft tissue resting on top of the bone. Older implants tended to produce an artificial-looking appearance by only replicating bone, ignoring the importance of soft tissue. However, modern implants reflect the actual anatomy of the face, creating a more youthful, natural look. Pairing custom cheek implants with filler injections can help guarantee a natural appearance.

How Cheek Implants Work

Cheek implants are inserted through a 45- to 90-minute procedure, which can also be combined with other cosmetic procedures for efficiency and convenience. Chin augmentation and face or neck lifts are some of the procedures most commonly paired with cheek implants. The patient is put to sleep using either IV sedation or general anesthesia, which relieves any discomfort for the first few hours following the procedure. Patients are generally given antibiotics before, during, and after the procedure to prevent infection.

Cheek Implants Recovery

Following the procedure, some swelling, bruising, and discomfort are expected, which should resolve within two weeks. Bandages are usually applied to provide the implant with support and to keep the site clean as you heal. Medication is usually prescribed to relieve discomfort. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions on:

  • When to take medications
  • How to care for the surgical site
  • How to prevent infection
  • Concerns specific to your particular surgery and personal health
  • When you can return to various activities
  • How and when to follow up with your surgeon

Within four to six weeks, the site should be fully healed, revealing your final results. After healing, implants look like part of your natural bone structure.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you’re considering custom cheek implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Binder today.

Dr. William J. Binder is reputed as the father of modern facial contouring, with the majority of facial implants produced worldwide having been designed in part or in full by Dr. Binder. He is double board-certified with significant research experience, and is actively involved in teaching facial contouring techniques to surgeons across the globe.

Take a look at our history of patient satisfaction, and contact our office with any related questions and concerns.

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.

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.

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