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The Rising Popularity of Male Plastic Surgery

There is a certain perception, perhaps even a stigma, surrounding cosmetic surgery for men. You’ll often hear “that’s for women, I’d never get a facelift” and other similar comments from men if they’re asked about it. We’re hoping to change that industry stigma a little bit because the truth is, more and more men are choosing cosmetic or reconstructive surgery to fix what they see as faults, to get that little bit of a weight loss edge, or to restore a more vibrant and youthful appearance. Whatever the reason, the number of men undergoing elective or reconstructive plastic surgery is only going to go up in the future.

What are the Most Popular Types of Male Plastic Surgery?

There’s no real limitation or gender lines when it comes to who is eligible for plastic surgery, but obviously, there are certain surgeries that appeal to certain demographics more than others. Increasingly, male plastic surgery patients are coming in for anti-aging procedures and other procedures designed to return a more youthful and vibrant appearance. The most common of these are chin, cheekbone and jaw implants, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), and microdermabrasion and chemical peels that return a healthier, more youthful look to skin that is damaged by sun exposure, gravity, and the passage of time.

Facial Implants

A strong jawline. Powerful chin. Prominent cheekbones. These traditionally masculine facial features are extremely desirable to some men, and they tend to accentuate often sought-after male aesthetics like the rugged, masculine, and powerful male figures that so dominate popular culture. In decades past, if you weren’t born with these features, you had no choice but to live without them.

Now however, custom facial implants are attainable for many, both as a reconstructive option, and as a cosmetic choice to highlight, accentuate, or otherwise “improve” certain features. With recent advances such as three-dimensional computer modeling, CAT scan-assisted facial profiles, and more specialized manufacturing techniques, patients can get a safe, natural looking facial implant that meets their specific needs and surgical goals.

Blepharoplasty for Men

Blepharoplasty is a less well-known, but still extremely popular surgical option for both men and women, particularly working professionals who develop squint and smile lines around the eyes, bags under the eyes, or drooping skin around the eyes. Blepharoplasty can help turn back the clock on the aging that tends to hit us all sooner or later. If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then blepharoplasty is the intense scrub and shine that gets the windows looking clearer, more inviting, and more attractive.

Blepharoplasty can be used to touch up fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, sagging eyelids, fat deposits that distort and distend the skin around the eye, and to remove or greatly eliminate chronic bags under the eyes, all of which can be very appealing to men.

Skin Resurfacing for Men

A disproportionate number of men work outdoors or in positions where they are exposed to the aging effects of the sun and wind. The wind-chapped, sun-dried look may have been popular in Clint Eastwood’s heyday, but that look has fallen well out of fashion with both men and women. These days, a healthy, youthful appearance tends to be more desirable, especially when it comes to the surface and complexion of facial skin.

Fortunately, there are a number of options available for men who want fresher, younger, and more vital looking skin. For one, there are traditional chemical peels that offer a shot at healthier skin that glows and gives off a much more attractive and healthy look. These peels work by removing the top layer of damaged and dead skin to expose the healthier, better looking skin underneath.

There are also laser treatments that work to do much the same thing, but with far greater control. These laser treatments can not only lessen discoloration and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but can even tone down or eliminate the appearance of scars.

Making the Appointment

If you have any questions about male plastic surgery, or just want to go over options, give Doctor William J. Binder a call today. Doctor Binder and his team are industry-leading experts in facial cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, and they will be more than happy to help you decide what, if any, of the many plastic surgery options might be right for you.

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When to Consider Lip Augmentation Surgery

When to Consider Lip Augmentation Surgery

 

The “full” look is all the rage, but sometimes Mother Nature doesn’t provide you with the plumpness you desire. Thanks to modern science, however, you don’t need to settle for less in the lip department. 

 

Lip augmentation is a procedure that injects fillers like collagen and fats are into your lips (and the surrounding area) to increase your mouth’s volume and shape. The most common materials used in these procedures emulate hyaluronic acids, a substance found naturally in the human body. They provide suppleness, firmness and even moisture to the skin. By increasing your levels of hyaluronic acid, you take control of your lips.


Augmentation injections help you alter your lip volume gradually; you may opt for a series of treatments over multiple sessions to get accustomed to your new look in due time. This approach also minimizes bruising and spreads out the effects of the injections, which will dissipate after a number of years.

 

Lips for the Ages

 

One of the collateral benefits of lip augmentation is how the procedure reduces wrinkles around the mouth area while improving the contour of the lips. People in their late thirties often experience thinner looking facial features, which is a natural bi-product of the aging process. If you want to waltz into your 40’s (and beyond) by putting your best face forward, consider a consultation now.


Most beauty trends revolve around symmetry and balance. In keeping with these goals, lip augmentation is performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures to create a harmonious balance within the face. Since the lips may not be the only facial feature that needs cosmetic attention, the surgeon might also need to deal with wrinkles around the mouth and may also need to add fillers to the cheek areas. It may look unbalanced if you merely have lip augmentation done while your cheeks and eyes look hollow and sunken.

 

Finding the Right Fit

 

There are several different methods by which cosmetic surgeons perform lip augmentation surgery, and these approaches vary depending on your goals, needs, and general state of health.

 

FAT TRANSFERS

For instance, fat transfers are achieved by harvesting fatty deposits from elsewhere in the body via liposuction. The biomaterial is then injected into your lips. Due to the fact that you have produced this tissue, the risk of your body rejecting the fat is minimized. You are essentially your own donor.

 

DERMAL GRAFTS

Rather than resorting to liposuction, surgeons can perform what is known as a dermal graft; this excises a section of flesh from your body, keeping the skin and it’s fatty layer attached. This sample is then sculpted (like the work of art you want to become) and surgically attached to the lips. The graft takes a couple of days to integrate into your facial features.

 

LIP IMPLANTS

Some patients may wish to enlist the help of another person’s tissue in the form of AlloDerm. This biomaterial can be implanted into a subject’s lips by itself or in conjunction with any of the procedures listed above (using one’s own grafts and/or fatty tissue).

 

LIP LIFTS

In conjunction with implants and injections, a successful procedure will involve a re-shaping of the lip. This is an exacting craft that focuses on the Cupid’s Bow, or the center of the lips. This top lip area should be well defined while the lower lip should be fuller and less sculpted.

 

Is Lip Augmentation Right for You?

 

Most people are born with naturally thin lips. If your lips are thin, such that they disappear especially when you smile, then you can get a lip augmentation to improve their shape and volume. It is important to note that your doctor will not just blow up your thin lips and make them fuller. The doctor needs to deal with certain landmarks on your lips and will augment them specifically so that the end results are natural looking.

 

A good candidate for lip augmentation should have stable overall health. Suffering from medical conditions such as oral herpes, lupus, and blood-clotting disorders are warning signs that you shouldn’t have this procedure. While lip augmentation is considered one of the easiest outpatient cosmetic surgical procedures, not everyone should (or can) get it.

 

Cosmetics, Self-Doubt, and You

 

If your lips are causing you self-confidence issues, then it is high time that you should consider getting lip augmentation. Getting this procedure will help you save a lot of time and effort defining your lips with cosmetics to shape them. Getting a lip augmentation can help you improve your image without breaking the bank at the makeup counter.

 

However, you need to understand that since the body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, it also absorbs it. The effects of lip augmentation can be temporary, especially if you discontinue treatments. Make sure that you work with your cosmetic surgeon so that he or she can recommend what kind of procedure to get and how often it needs to be redone. If you don’t repeat the process, then your lips will retract to their original shape.

 

Find Your Balance, Face Yourself

 

Everyone has those days when they look in the mirror and see a stranger. If the face staring back at you doesn’t reflect how you see yourself, you might be unsure of your overall facial balance. To amplify your lips and achieve the look you desire, a lip augmentation might be just what the doctor ordered.

 

It starts with a facial assessment. This will help us determine the end result and make sure that your facial features maintain their proportion and unique personality. Don’t forget: a reliable doctor will not just pump in the fillers without studying your face first.

 

Dr. Binder’s surgery center in Beverly Hills is considered the best option for solutions regarding facial cosmetic surgery. Our office is dedicated to establishing proper communication with prospective patients. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for lip augmentation surgery in our Beverly Hills office.

 

Are You a Good Candidate for a Brow Lift?

brow lift

What is Brow Lift Surgery?

A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift addresses the following:

• Reduces the wrinkle lines that develop horizontally across the forehead, as well as those that occur on the bridge of the nose, between the eyes.
• Improves frown lines, the vertical creases that develop between the eyebrows.
• Raises sagging brows that are hooding the upper eyelids.
• Places the eyebrows in an alert and youthful position.
• Fighting signs of aging

Complementing cosmetic procedures to a brow lift include upper and lower eyelid tucks, face-lifting, and skin resurfacing techniques.

What is the Cost of a Brow Lift?

The average cost of a brow lift is $3,201, although costs can vary widely. The average fee does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses. A surgeon’s fee will be based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used, and the geographic office location.

Most health insurance does not cover brow lift surgery or its complications, but many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans. Brow lift costs may include:

• Anesthesia fees
• Hospital or surgical facility cost
• Medical tests
• Post-surgery garments
• Prescriptions for medication
• Surgeon’s fee

To choose a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.

Is Brow Lift Right for Me?

As we age, the body changes in various ways. Unfortunately, the face is the most obvious and usually among the very first signs of aging. As the skin loses its volume and elasticity, it begins to sag and droop, creating those wrinkles and fine lines on our forehead. To address this aging skin, many patients have turned to brow lift surgery.

While this procedure sounds enticing, knowing if you are a good candidate for the procedure is first. You may be a candidate for a brow lift if you:

• Are physically healthy
• Don’t smoke
• Have a positive outlook and realistic goals
.
Other factors to consider include age and recovery. When it comes to brow lift, age does matter. Individuals who are in their 40s and 50s are most likely to see significant changes after a brow lift, since this is the time when brow lines, forehead creases and sagging eyelids begin to appear.

Post-procedure recovery is also important to know as you decide on your procedure. After the surgery, you will be given specific instructions that may include:

• How to care for the surgical site and drains.
• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection.
• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health.
• When to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

In the weeks after your procedure, you should keep you head elevated and refrain from vigorous physical activity. Do not use ice or heat on the operated area. The initial wound will take 10 to 14 days to heal. Sutures or clips will be removed when it is appropriate. You should be ready to work and resume normal activity after two weeks. Swelling and incision lines may take several weeks before completely refined and faded.

Following your physician’s instructions is vital to the success of your surgery. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on to care for yourself.

Dr. Binder’s surgery center in Beverly Hills is often considered the best option for solutions regarding facial cosmetic surgery. Our office is dedicated to establishing proper communication with prospective patients. Contact us today to   schedule a consultation for your neck lift surgery in our Beverly Hills office.

Surgical Reconstruction for Extreme Physical Damage

Plastic Surgery

When many people hear the words “plastic surgery” they immediately think of breast augmentations, liposuction, and age-defying Botox injections. Of course, there are many other procedures in the realm of plastic surgery than the purely cosmetic. In many cases, plastic surgery is performed for reconstructive or reparative purposes, rather than cosmetic or aesthetic reasons. Following physical trauma that leaves lasting damage, certain cosmetic surgery can restore not just the physical appearance of damaged tissue, but also physical function.

Why Might Someone Need or Want Reconstructive Surgery?

Following an accident or other injury that results in physical trauma, once a patient’s overall health has become stable again, thoughts begin to turn to repairing the damage, particularly in the case of severe or disfiguring facial trauma. Studies have shown that patients with uncorrected facial trauma have a higher incidence rate of body-image issues, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Types of Reconstructive Surgery

This type of surgery takes many forms, and the number of techniques and procedures is growing every day. Facial reconstruction in particular is a rapidly growing field, and now includes techniques that would have been impossible even just a decade ago.

Facial reconstructive procedures can include:

Reconstruction of the Skin

Skin treatments typically take the form of chemical peels or laser treatment to lessen the raised appearance of scars, or to eliminate excessively darkened or lightened pigmentation following a burn or skin graft. These same procedures can also be used to reverse the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that comes as a result of passing time.

Laser treatments, particularly C02 laser treatment, can also be used to “sand away” a raised or hypertrophic scar in order to bring it in line with the rest of the skin on the face, thereby making it far less noticeable and obtrusive. The same can also be done with dermabrasion, and often the two techniques are used in conjunction with chemical peels and other deeper reconstructive options to achieve the very best result.

Skin Treatments Beneath the Skin

For deeper damage that causes the skin to be raised or lowered, particularly following trauma such as a burn, there are more intensive options that can aid in scar removal. This typically takes the form of collagen or other fillers, but it can also include tissue expanders that help to bring the skin together to promote smoother, more aesthetic healing. This procedure is a bit more involved than other simple skin treatments, but it can also be used in combination with Z-plasty to help bring severe scars more in line with the natural lines of the face in order to more effectively blend them into the surrounding skin

What Reconstructive Surgery Can’t Do

Despite the advances in modern cosmetic surgery, there are some things it just can’t do. For one, deep burns are particularly problematic to reconstruct, as there is often very little tissue left to work with. There is likely to always be some measure of visible damage following a severe burn. However, even the most severe scarring can be lessened with the proper techniques. By combining several different types of reconstructive procedures to achieve a customized solution, severe scarring can be improved and the physical and emotional after-effects of trauma can be lessened.

Why Choosing the Right Surgeon Matters

The most important part of any surgery is choosing the right surgeon. The very best reconstructive surgeons are the ones that specialize in particular areas of care, so be sure to find one that is specifically focused and well versed in facial reconstruction, before choosing to undergo such delicate procedures. Facial scarring can easily be made much worse with improper or poorly performed scar removal procedures, making it especially important that you choose a reliable physician with an excellent track record.

Dr. William J. Binder is one of the world’s leading facial reconstructive experts, and has a long history of innovation and creative application of advanced reconstructive procedures. He is based out of Los Angeles, but due to his expertise and experience, patients from around the country and even the world come to receive treatment from him. Dr. Binder is extensively published and is board certified by both the American Board of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. If you have questions about facial reconstruction and want a consultation with the very best, contact Dr. Binder’s office today.

 

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8 Interesting Facts about Botox

Botox is probably the most well known cosmetic procedure, but it is less known that the name Botox actually refers to the brand name of a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin. Despite the scary-sounding moniker, the diluted form of botulinum toxin in Botox isn’t dangerous and simply causes the affected muscles to relax, reducing or removing wrinkles for three to four months.

Even though Botox is a household name, most people have only a limited knowledge of the treatment. Here are eight fascinating facts about Botox that might just change the way you think about the treatment.

  1. Botox Is the Most Popular Cosmetic Procedure in America

Botulinum toxin injections are not only the most popular cosmetic procedure now, they have been since 2000, and have increased in popularity by almost 800% since then. In fact, 6,757,198 Botox treatments were performed in 2015. That’s more than the next five most popular treatments (chemical peels, laser hair removal, soft tissue fillers, microdermabrasion, and intense pulsed light treatment) combined.

In a mere two years, the number of Botox procedures skyrocketed once more to a staggering 7.23 million performed in the United States in 2017. While a majority of these patients enjoyed the aesthetic benefits of Botox, the chemical compound has a myriad of medical applications that we will now dive into…

  1. Botox Is a Muscle Relaxant

Despite its reputation as a cosmetic procedure, Botox was originally used as a medical treatment for strabismus, an eye condition often resulting from muscle dysfunction. The formula works as a relaxant, thus easing the affected area and allowing the tissue to function more properly. From there, it was soon discovered that Botox can also be used to treat other medical conditions, such as face and neck spasms. Today, Botox is used to treat chronic pain, excess sweating, and even depression, all by simply preventing muscle contractions and spasms.

This remarkable sense of versatility makes Botox essential in treating the next two conditions on our list…

  1. Overactive Bladder Conditions Can Be Alleviated with the Help of Botox

Due to its aforementioned use as an effective muscle relaxant, Botox can help those afflicted by incontinence. When the bladder muscles spasm, they can cause accidental leakage issues. However, by injecting Botox into this muscle tissue, those spasms are decreased, thus bolstering the individual’s ability to control his or her bladder functions.

The results of recent studies have been remarkable. Over 200 patients were observed over a span of four years. In that time, they received one or two Botox injections to the bladder muscles per year. Approximately 90% of these subjects reported that their incontinence episodes were cut in half due to the Botox treatments. And somewhere between 44 and 52 percent of these patients had no further leakage incidents whatsoever.

As one might imagine, these benefits affect not only a person’s physical health but also their mental wellbeing. The “quality of life” responses from these grateful responders improved by a factor of two and three times what they were before the Botox treatments were administered.

  1. Botox Can Treat Migraines for Up to Three Months

Migraine headaches can be tremendously painful and debilitating, and an estimated 12% of Americans suffer from them. With the help of Botox, those affected by migraines can enjoy a respite from the pain for up to three full months. The serum is injected into seven specific points in the neck and head to deliver said relief… so who devised such a helpful remedy?

It was none other than Doctor William Binder, a vanguard in the field for the past four decades. Dr. Binder discovered the benefits of Botox for patients succumbing to migraines back in the 1990’s. But he didn’t just rest on his laurels; he pivoted from this discovery phase by working with regulatory experts to implement his innovation and deliver the formula in the safest and effective ways possible. Since then, Dr. Binder has become the world’s foremost expert on the injection protocols that now dominate the field of Botox use for migraines.

While Binder’s breakthroughs were based on careful research and deliberate studies, the earlier history of Botox involved more happenstance and conjecture. Let’s step even further backward in time…

  1. Cosmetic Applications of Botox Were Discovered by Accident

Though Botox is primarily used for cosmetic treatment today, its applications for aesthetic use were only realized by chance. In the 1990s, Dr. Jean Carruthers was using Botox injections to treat patients with strabismus and diplopia (double vision). Soon thereafter, her patients began to report that in addition to the improvements in their vision, they had noticed that their wrinkles had become less visible since they started Botox treatments. Quickly, Botox gained traction as a cosmetic treatment and use for aesthetic purposes soon outnumbered use for medical purposes many times over.

But Botox isn’t just a 90’s era phenomenon; its roots reach even further back in time than one could have imagined…

  1. Botox is Older Than You May Think

Because Botox gained FDA approval as a cosmetic treatment in 2002, it is often assumed that the treatment and botulinum toxin are relatively new discoveries. However, botulinum toxin was actually discovered in the 1820s. Dr. Justinus Kerner was attempting to determine why a batch of sausages had poisoned dozens of Germans, resulting in their death. He discovered a toxin, botulinum toxin, in the meat, and named the ailment that killed the Germans “botulism.”

Botox was also considered by the United States for use as a weapon during World War II. One plan involved the use of Chinese prostitutes to place pills of the toxin in the food and drink of high-ranking Japanese officers. Though the pills were created, the plan was never carried out.

  1. Botox Is One of the Safest and Most Well Researched Products Available

Despite its sordid history, Botox is one of the safest products on the market, due to its long history and the thorough research it has undergone. Botox is FDA approved for cosmetic use in between the eyebrows, on the lines around the eyes, and in the armpits to reduce sweating. It also has numerous off-label cosmetic uses that are just as safe, legal, effective, and thoroughly researched.

Botox can also be used to decrease scalp sweating, which can be used to prevent excess sweating or simply to prolong hair styling. The miracle formula can also correct a droopy nose tip, fix brow asymmetry, minimize lines around the nose, decrease oiliness of the skin, minimize the appearance of pores, and much, much more.

  1. In Addition to Being Safe, Botox is Remarkably Effective

Medical science is never a “one size fits all” endeavor. Every patient requires individual consideration, so a treatment such as Botox may not be ideal for everyone. It is, however, remarkably versatile and wildly successful. It is estimated that less than one percent of recipients fail to experience the benefits of Botox, meaning that it has a success rate north of 99%.

Given that glowing benchmark, it is also heartening to know that the formula takes effect rather quickly. Patients can witness results in as little as one day, but it may take up to three days for the full spectrum of benefits to manifest themselves.

The Botox Expert

Even though Botox is safe and well understood, choosing the right person to administer your treatment is essential in achieving the best possible results, especially if you need Botox for medical purposes. Botox must be applied carefully and precisely in order to target just the right muscles while still achieving a natural look, so patients should seek out a licensed and board-certified plastic surgeon with ample experience administering Botox treatments.

Dr. William J. Binder is one of the world’s leading experts on Botox, as mentioned previously in this article due to his pivotal role in bringing relief to migraine sufferers. He is based out of Los Angeles but, due to his expertise and experience, patients from around the country and even the world come to receive treatment from him.

Dr. Binder is extensively published and is board certified by both the American Board of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. If you want your Botox treatments from one of the world’s leading plastic surgeons and experts in Botox, contact Dr. Binder’s office today to schedule your consultation.

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Face and Neck Lifts: An Overview

As we age the face and neck begin to sag and crease, giving the neck, cheeks, and under eyes a droopy appearance; creating the illusion of a double chin, causing the neck muscles to band, and wrinkling under the eyes and from the corners of the mouth to the nose.

This happens to all of us, but the rate and age at which it happens varies from person to person based on genetics, gravity, environment, and stress, but rejuvenation procedures like facelifts and neck lifts can help to reverse this process.

There are many misconceptions about facelifts and neck lifts that cause people to be wary of them, the most common of which is that patients who undergo facelifts and neck lifts end up with a tight, “stretched,” and unnatural looking appearance. It is true that while, on occasion, old facelift and neck lift techniques could give these kind of results, this was rare.

Now, with new more effective techniques, artificial looking results are virtually unheard of, especially when the procedure is conducted by a highly skilled plastic surgeon.

About Facelift and Neck Lift Surgeries

Facelift surgery is used to correct signs of aging in the lower portion of the face; in the areas roughly level with the nose and mouth. In order to do so, a plastic surgeon begins incisions at the temple and continues down in front in the ear, below it, and then back behind the ear. The skin is then gently moved to tighten up sags and wrinkles. Excess skin and fat may be removed to create a smoother, more youthful final result. Incisions are closed with fine sutures or metal clips, allowing the surgeon to avoid shaving the incision site.

Neck lift surgery uses a similar process to tighten up sagging and correct muscle banding in the neck. Incisions for neck lifts begin similarly to those used for facelifts, going from the temple down in front of the ear, then curling below and behind the ear. For some neck lift procedures, these incisions may be all that’s needed and the skin can be repositioned. For others, additional incisions may be made below the jawline for further repositioning of the skin. Like with facelift surgery, excess skin and fat may also be removed. Incisions are closed with sutures.

Both procedures are performed under a combination of sedatives, general or mild intravenous anesthesia (“twilight sleep”), and local anesthesia. Incisions for both procedures are placed in natural contours of the face so that they are almost invisible once healed.

Which Lift is Right for Me?

Though facelifts and neck lifts can be performed individually if patients are happy with the appearance of their lower face or neck, but not the other, they can also be performed together. In fact, having both performed often gives better results. This is especially true if the procedures are conducted simultaneously as it allows the surgeon to take a more holistic approach and create a more unified appearance.

Many patients interested in facelift and neck lift surgeries claim that their physical appearance does not match their mental age. Good candidates for either a facelift or neck lift are unhappy with the aging appearance of the area in question, have no health issues that could impede healing or cause complications during surgery, do not smoke, and have optimistic and realistic expectations for what their surgery can achieve. While these procedures can reverse signs of aging, they do not stop the aging process altogether. Patients will continue to develop symptoms of aging.

Additional Procedures

Because facelifts don’t modify the entire face, other procedures are often performed in conjunction with face and neck lifts in order to tighten up the brow and eye areas, in addition to giving more dramatic and comprehensive results in general.

If the upper area of the face only needs minimal improvement, dermal fillers and skin resurfacing treatments like chemical peels and microdermabrasion can be used to correct minor wrinkles, scarring, under eye bags and dark circles, and discoloration. However, the effects of these treatments is temporary and they can’t rival the results of surgical treatments, though they can prolong the need for them. Non-surgical procedures can also serve as alternatives for patients whose health does not allow them to undergo surgery.

Additional surgeries can also be performed in conjunction with facelifts and neck lifts. For more significant revision of the upper part of the face, patients may want to consider blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), brow and forehead lifts, or a combination of these. Surgeries can also be used to enhance the results of facelifts and neck lifts. Facial liposuction and fat grafting can be used, especially on the neck, to remove fatty deposits and bags and relocate the fat to areas that have become sunken over time, such as the cheeks and under the eyes.

Facial implants and rhinoplasty can be used to provide additional augmentation to create a more pleasant appearance in general, rather than just correcting aging, or as reconstructive procedures following illness or an accident.

The Right Plastic Surgeon for Your Face or Neck Lift

Dr. William J. Binder is a double board certified facial and reconstructive plastic surgery specialist and one of the world’s leading plastic surgeons. His surgery is located in Beverly Hills. If you want your lift procedure performed by one of the best, don’t wait. Contact Dr. Binder’s office today to schedule your consultation so that you can start looking as young as you feel.

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What to Do if You Think You Have a Cancerous Mole

As we get older, our bodies change. Usually changes are just part of the aging process, but sometimes they can indicate serious health problems, like skin cancer. Fortunately, when discovered early, skin cancer is highly treatable. However, this also means that it’s important to regularly check yourself for possible skin cancer and to act as soon as possible if you notice something unusual.

Recognizing a Cancerous Moles

The first indicator of skin cancer is typically changes in the skin. This can be changes in the moles you already have or the development of what appears to be a new mole. Dermatologists recommend the ABCDEs test for screening one’s self for skin cancer in order to detect cancer as early as possible.

This test involves checking your moles for five different signs of skin cancer. If your moles show any of these signs, you may have skin cancer.

  • Asymmetry: If some part of the mole varies from the typical round shape of moles, the mole may be cancerous or precancerous.
  • Border: Benign moles have smooth, defined borders, but cancerous or precancerous moles may have uneven or unclear borders.
  • Color: While healthy moles are typically uniformly colored some shade of brown, cancerous moles are often inconsistently colored and may have red, white, or blue shades.
  • Diameter: Cancerous moles are typically larger than benign ones, which are usually smaller than a pencil eraser, about a quarter inch in diameter; but cancerous moles are often smaller than this when they are first detected.
  • Evolving: Benign moles typically remain the same throughout time, but cancerous or precancerous moles may be show change. If you’re not sure if your mole is changing or not, try regularly taking pictures so that you can compare its appearance over time.

If you notice any of these signs, contact a dermatologist who can examine your mole and determine if a biopsy is needed to test for skin cancer. If your doctor finds that you do have skin cancer, or a precancerous mole or growth, you will typically need to arrange for surgery to remove the cancer or precancer.

Mole Removal Surgery

The exact process of mole removal surgery is different for each patient, because each patient’s health and cancer growth is different, but most surgeries follow this basic pattern.

First, the patient is anesthetized, and then the actual removal occurs. Small cancer lesions typically require only a basic excision surgery. However, skin cancer can also reach deep into the skin without clear borders. If this is the case, surgeons typically use a surgical technique called Mohs micrographic surgery. This technique requires the removal of the cancer lesion and the surrounding tissue layer by layer, with each layer sent to the lab for testing for cancer cells. Layers continue to be removed until test results indicate that no more cancer cells are present.

Some patients, especially those with deeper cancer growths, may need reconstructive steps after their cancer is removed. All patients should plan on going back to their doctor later for additional tests to ensure that all traces of cancer are definitively gone.

Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your Procedure

When most people think of skin cancer removal they think of a dermatologist or oncologist; but for patients with facial skin cancer, a plastic surgeon is often the better choice. However, not just any plastic surgeon is qualified to perform skin cancer removal surgery. Patients should choose an experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in reconstructive facial plastic surgery.

Furthermore, it’s not just important to choose the right kind of doctor, it’s also important to choose the right individual doctor. Your surgeon is imperative in keeping you relaxed and confident during the process, from diagnosis to follow up, which can be very stressful for patients. Your surgeon should take the time to make sure you are comfortable and fully informed about the process.

Dr. William J. Binder

Skin cancer is a serious disease and you deserve the best possible surgeon to help you through the cancer removal process. If you’ve recently gotten a skin cancer diagnosis or are suspicious that you may have skin cancer, it’s better to act sooner rather than later. Contact Dr. Binder’s office today to schedule your consultation.

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The Essentials of Revision Rhinoplasty

The nose is one of the more intricate and delicate parts of the body. It’s responsible for filtering, warming, and humidifying air before it gets to your lungs, not to mention our unique sense of smell. Part of what makes our nose so special is the fact that it is such a prominent component to our physical appearance.

It’s both the center of our face and crucial to our facial profile. Aesthetically, it contributes to the balance and proportions of our face that make us look the way we do. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean everyone is happy with theirs.

Rhinoplasty

A rhinoplasty procedure helps to create a more symmetrical and well-balanced appearance by altering the shape and proportions of your nose. Part of what makes nose surgery so unique is its ability to both offer cosmetic solutions to those who desire an improved appearance, as well offering a solution to structural defects in the nose that can cause physical problems and difficulty breathing.

It’s this balance of cosmetic and function that makes the rhinoplasty procedure one of the most popular in the United States today. A successful rhinoplasty can help individuals who wish to alter the shape or position of their nostrils, reduce an enlarged nasal tip, get rid of unsightly bumps, or alter the width of their bridge.

Many patients wish to have the size of their nose reduced, in which case the appropriate amount of bone or cartilage is surgically removed, with the remainder being sculpted for symmetry. For physical problems, such as a deviated septum, a rhinoplasty can effectively straighten the nasal septum (the partition between the nostrils that separates the air chambers), allowing for drastically improved efficiency and ease of breathing.

While this all sounds well and good, unfortunately not all rhinoplasties are completed with satisfying results. Your nose may look differently than you were told it would or your surgery could’ve simply been ill-performed. Regrettably, surgeons with insufficient training and experience can produce undesirable outcomes that leave patients unhappy with their new appearance. Luckily, with advancements in cosmetic medicine, there is a solution to this.

Revision Rhinoplasty

The goal of a revision rhinoplasty is to repair and restore the original result an individual first desired when choosing to undergo corrective nose surgery. It’s not uncommon for patients to be unsatisfied with a “pinched” looking nose or one that is ultra-thin and artificial looking. Sometimes they only need slight adjustments, other times they require more significant alterations.

Either way, a revision rhinoplasty was created for this very reason. No surgeon can guarantee 100% satisfactory results every single time. This procedure allows patients to achieve this level of satisfaction by its uncanny ability to provide the finest of adjustments post-nose surgery.

During these surgeries, the structural integrity of your nose is reinforced and corrected, either for cosmetic purposes or to further improve the passage of air into the nose and lungs. Revision rhinoplasty has been on the rise over the last decade with about 10% of recipients who receive a regular rhinoplasty coming back for a revision.

With the state of medicine being where it is today, you should be able to receive the results you desire with great accuracy and excellent quality. This procedure aims to restore the structure of your nose, maintain its natural look, and correct any functional errors you may have. Done correctly, a revision rhinoplasty can reap the immeasurable benefits of enriched self-confidence and an improved physical appearance.

How to Get Started

Dr. Binder’s office in Beverly Hills is often considered the best option for correcting the most difficult problems in revision rhinoplasty. Our office is dedicated to establishing proper communication with prospective patients. Contact us today to   schedule a consultation for your revision rhinoplasty surgery in our Beverly Hills office.

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The Practical and Aesthetic Benefits of Otoplasty

The ears are one of the most subconsciously noticed features of the face. Commonly, the eyes, nose, and smile are among the first things observed when meeting someone. However, the ears play a crucial part in the overall balance of your face, effectively framing the rest of your features. Misshaped ears can be the result of a couple sources. Injury, genetic predisposition, or a poorly-performed previous ear surgery can all leave you with ears lacking the position, shape, or proportion that you desire.

An otoplasty is unique in its ability to be performed at almost any age. Protruding ears can be the subject of teasing and bullying in children who feel self-conscious about how they look. Ear surgery is usually more effective the earlier it is performed. Taking advantage of still-developing cartilage helps guarantee longer lasting results by reshaping the still-flexible ear tissue.

Even mild distortions of the ears can be damaging to your self-esteem, no matter your age. Social situations, being able to wear your hair certain ways, and being photographed are all things you should never have to worry about doing. A successful otoplasty with Dr. Binder’s plastic surgery in Beverly Hills aims to make your life easier by shaping or sculpting your ears to better balance your face, restore self-confidence, and allow you to not think twice about taking part in common, daily activities.

The Procedure

Corrective ear surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes no longer than two hours. For protruding ears, an incision is made behind the ear where cartilage is then sculpted and sutured to maintain the desired positioning.

Yet another special benefit to an otoplasty surgery is its ability to be combined with other cosmetic facial procedures. Many patients choose to include this in conjunction with rhinoplasties and facelifts. Although, most commonly, patients desire their ears to be “pinned back” to avoid protrusion, deformed or disproportionate ears can be reshaped or altered in size to better fit your face as a whole.

It is common to require a soft cast for the days following your procedure, but most post-surgical pain is minimal. The thin scar left from the incision is well hidden behind a natural crease of the ear.

Candidacy

Adults with no previous severe medical conditions and who generally lead a healthy life style are ideal candidates for this procedure. For children, it is generally recommended that they be at least 5 years or older, in relatively good health, able to follow instructions well, and are cooperative. With any candidate, having a thorough understanding of what you wish to change and realistic expectations only makes your procedure more rewarding.

How to Get Started

Dr. Binder’s cosmetic surgery in Beverly Hills is often considered the best option for solutions regarding the otoplasty procedure. Our office is dedicated to establishing proper communication with prospective patients. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your revision rhinoplasty surgery in our Beverly Hills office.

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Facial Scar Removal: Getting Rid of Unwanted Scars

For the most part, a scar isn’t bad if it’s small or in a location that’s easy to conceal. But when it’s not, you may wonder if there’s a way to treat it, other than hiding it under your clothes, that will make it go away or at least change how it looks.

Here’s a look at some of the options available to you when it comes to reducing the appearance of those unwanted scars.

Scar Revision Surgery

Scar revision surgery is meant to minimize the scar so that it’s more consistent with your surrounding skin tone and texture.

Scars are visible signs that remain after a wound has healed. They are unavoidable results of injury or surgery, and their development can be unpredictable. Poor healing may contribute to scars that are obvious, unsightly or disfiguring.

Even a wound that heals well can result in a scar that affects your appearance. Scars may be raised or recessed; different in color or texture from surrounding healthy tissue; or particularly noticeable due to the size, shape, or location.

Although scar revision can provide a more pleasing cosmetic result or improve a scar that has healed poorly, a scar cannot be completely removed.

Scar revision treatments include:

  • Topical treatments—such as gels, tapes, or external compression can help in wound closure and healing, or to reduce the ability of skin to produce irregular pigment. These products may be used to treat existing surface scars and discoloration, and to aid in healing of scar revision procedures.
  • Injectable treatments—are often used to fill depressed or concave scars. Depending on the injectable substance used and your particular scar conditions, results may last from three months to several years. Therapy must be repeated to maintain results. One form of injection therapy uses steroidal-based compounds to reduce collagen formation and can alter the appearance, size, and texture of raised scar tissue.
  • Surface treatments—are most often used for cosmetic improvements of scars. These methods can soften surface irregularities and reduce uneven pigmentation. Surface treatments are a controlled means of either mechanically removing the top layers of skin or changing the nature of tissue.
    These treatment options include: dermabrasion (a mechanical polishing of the skin), laser or light therapy (causes changes to the surface of the skin that allow new, healthy skin to form at the scar site), chemical peel solutions (penetrate the skin’s surface to soften irregularities in texture and color), and skin bleaching agents (medications applied topically to lighten the skin).

Scar Removal: Home Remedies

The human body is capable of taking care of scars and they tend to get lighter with time, but there are some home remedies that you can try to speed up the healing process, including:

Aloe Vera—a natural scar removal remedy due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Apply aloe vera twice daily, but do not use on open wounds.

  1. Peel the outer green cover off an aloe vera leaf and scoop out the gel-like substance.
  2. Apply the gel on your scar and massage in circular motions.
  3. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, then wash it off.

Olive Oil—is rich in vitamin E and helps keep the skin soft and moisturized. Repeat either of these remedies several times a day until you get the desired result.

  • Apply some warm extra-virgin olive oil to the affected area and massage using small, circular motions. Wait 30 minutes, then wipe off the oil with a clean cloth. You can also leave the oil on your skin overnight.
  • Another option is to mix a little lavender oil in some extra-virgin olive oil, apply it on the affected area and massage gently for a few minutes. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Lemon—can remove dead skin cells, promote the growth of new skin cells, and improve skin elasticity. Repeat this remedy once daily until the scar fades.

  1. Apply some lemon juice on the affected area.
  2. Wait 10 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.

Honey—a natural moisturizer. Repeat this remedy daily before going to bed.

  1. Apply some honey over the scar, cover it with a bandage, and leave it on overnight.
  2. The next morning, wash it off with warm water.

Speak with Dr. Binder

If you decide that home remedies aren’t doing enough to fade your scars, then you should talk to Dr. Binder about the surgical scar removal options that might work best for you. With years of experience in his field, he as the expertise to help you make the right decision about how best to deal with your unwanted scars.

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