the CENTER Cosmetic Surgery Blog

Figuring Out the Length of Your Cosmetic Procedure Results

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Dr. Michael Kluska

cosmetic surgery injections timeline

When working out your cosmetic procedure schedule, one extremely important factor is the expected length of the results.

While many cosmetic surgeries may provide patients with lifelong results, others are performed with the expectation that they will need to be repeated or updated in a certain amount of time. In some cases, such as with certain dermal fillers, the best results may be achieved by maintaining regular treatment intervals.

Determining Your Re-Treatment or Update Timeline

Major cosmetic surgeries, such as breast lifts, breast augmentations and tummy tucks, often provide satisfactory results for the life of the patient. In fact, the first silicone breast implants are still in place with satisfactory results more than fifty years later. However, the natural aging process may mean that some future revision could become necessary for the best possible results. This is impacted by a number of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, dramatic weight changes and major physical changes such as pregnancy, childbirth and menopause.

With more short-term cosmetic procedures, such as dermal fillers or Botox, injections can be performed every three months to two years. This range depends on the specific type of injection and the way it interacts with your body specifically. One advantage to using repeat treatments is that you become very used to the way that the treatment impacts your body, giving you an advantage when it comes to scheduling these treatments to line up perfectly with major events like weddings and vacations.

During your consultation, you will discuss these various timelines in detail, with projected results that are specifically tailored to your unique situation. Whether undergoing a cosmetic surgery or a facial injection, you will be able to make an excellent estimation of how long your results will last based on the length of previous patients.

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Your Guide to Modern Facial Fillers

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Dr. Michael Kluska

cosmetic injections dermal fillers Facial fillers have been one of the most dramatic advances in the last twenty years of cosmetic medicine, greatly changing the landscape.

According to an article in Forbes, dermal fillers have risen in popularity by 110% over the past three years. Both men and women seem drawn to their relatively low level of commitment, expense and recovery time. Though results vary for each case, many people who have these dermal fillers experience almost no recovery period, and are able to immediately return to their normal schedules.

Different Dermal Fillers for Different Purposes

These facial fillers come in many different types and brands, which are used for different cases as a result of their unique benefits. Some provide results for a longer period of time, while others are specifically targeted to address individual forms of treatment.

One of the most common types of these dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid fillers, which include a substance that occurs naturally in the body, making it an excellent filler. These hyaluronic acid fillers include Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm and Prevelle Silk.

Other types of dermal fillers include collagen fillers, which are a natural protein substance, particularly useful for filling facial hollows. Calcium hydroxylapatite, which includes Radiesse and Radiance, is another type of popular dermal filler, and is made of microspheres in a water-based gel. Other synthetic types of facial fillers include Polylactic acid and PMMA fillers.

Muscle relaxants such as Botox or Dysport, which each have their own set of benefits and results timeline, are often used with dermal fillers. Discussing your goals and schedule during your consultation will help make sure that you receive the best filler for your situation. For more significant adjustments, a surgical procedure such as a face lift or neck lift may be the best option.

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Counterfeit Botox Cosmetic Enters US Market Illegally

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Dr. Michael Kluska

There has been a surge of counterfeit Botox Cosmetic sold in the United States, which means it is more important than ever to get your cosmetic injections from an experienced, trusted provider.

According to a recent Reuters report, the FDA has announced that this dangerous imitation is potentially “counterfeit, contaminated, improperly stored and transported, ineffective and unsafe.” For this reason, seeing an experienced cosmetic provider is of absolute importance, as these reputable locations will have long-term working relationships with their Botox suppliers, making them less likely to receive the fake Botox.

Botox Safe and Effective With Reputable Providers

As the most popular cosmetic procedure in the world, Botox has also been extremely helpful in treating a range of medical conditions, in addition to its cosmetic uses for facial lines and wrinkles. It is also used for headaches, overactive bladder and underarm sweating, with almost half of its use for cosmetic purposes and half of its use for medical reasons.

The cosmetic uses of Botox have made it the gold standard of anti-aging therapy, with millions of people relying on these injections worldwide. It is often used as a part of combination treatments with dermal fillers, skin treatments and even cosmetic surgery such as face lifts, neck lifts and eyebrow lifts.

The widespread use of this treatment makes the spread of counterfeit medication a particularly dangerous situation. The FDA believes that more than 350 providers may recently have received this and other counterfeit products. The fake Botox seems to be coming from a specific company that markets itself as “Online Botox Pharmacy,” “Onlinebotox.com” and “OnlineBotox.”

In addition, this report has led to legislative action in the United States, with more action likely internationally. Bills hoping to improve the tracking of Botox and other medications have been introduced in both the US House and Senate, with the possible goal of tracing each unit individually.

Photo by Guy with the camera on Flickr.

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Mommy Makeover, Skin Treatments Popular After Childbirth

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Dr. Michael Kluska

With constant advances in surgical techniques and technology, cosmetic procedures are becoming more popular than ever for new moms.

Ranging from the full mommy makeover surgery to non-invasive treatments such as Botox or dermal fillers, these cosmetic procedures are helping to treat the effects of childbirth on a woman’s body. The three main areas of concern that these procedures focus on are the breasts, the stomach, and the skin.

Breast, Stomach, and Skin Procedures for New Moms

When the glow of childbirth lessens after a few months, many new mothers begin feeling that they are being unfairly portrayed by the changes in their body. Cosmetic treatments, whether small or large in scope, may help them to feel that they are taking back control of their bodies.

Many new mothers chose to have skin treatments to restore the glow they remember from pregnancy. These skin treatments range from chemical peels and microdermabrasion to laser treatments. They may also involve medical-grade skin care products for the best possible long-term results.

The most common surgical procedure for women who have recently been through childbirth is the mommy makeover, which includes a tummy tuck and breast surgery. The tummy tuck portion of the procedure tightens and reshapes the muscles that become stretched and damaged during childbirth. It can also remove excess tissue and fat deposits in the process, giving a smoother, more youthful stomach contour.

The breast surgery portion of the mommy makeover provides dramatic changes in the breast appearance, addressing one of the main complaints of women after having children. Drooping breasts, loss of volume, and changes in symmetry are common concerns of mothers, particularly with those who have had multiple children. With a breast lift or breast augmentation, the breasts may be returned to a younger appearance.

Photo by Robert Whitehead on Flickr.

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The Benelli Breast Lift: A Worldwide Patient Favorite

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Dr. Michael Kluska

Patients the world over have made the Benelli breast lift a favorite, due to its dramatic results and minimally noticeable incision lines.

The Benelli breast lift is the perfect solution for those looking to create moderate firming, lifting and shaping of the breasts without adding additional volume. This procedure uses the natural breast tissue that is already present, and tightens and reshapes it to a more balanced and youthful contour.

Benelli (Donut) Breast Lift Provides Great Results with the Smallest Incisions

The Benelli technique involves an incision around the outside of the areola, in a donut shape, and as a result the incision lines are not visible in swimwear or underwear. In time, they will blend it very well with the areola itself. Excess tissue is removed from around the areola, and the remaining tissue is firmed and secured in place.

While women looking for a dramatic change to very large breasts or those with a very prominent droop may not be able to use this technique, it is applicable for many of the moderate-scope breast lift patients. Patients looking to greatly decrease the size of their breasts may prefer a breast reduction procedure, while those looking for a volume increase would be better off with a breast augmentation procedure. These procedures may sometimes be performed using the Benelli incisions.

Another advantage of the Benelli procedure is that it allows for reshaping of the areolas. Some women may wish to adjust the size or shape of their areolas to make them more symmetrical, or to decrease/increase their overall size for a better balance with their breasts. All of these aspects are taken into consideration during the initial consultation, to make sure that the best incision technique is used to perfectly fit the needs and goals of each patient.

Photo by Kraetzsche on Flickr.

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Victoria Beckham and Others Inspire Women to Get Breast Reduction

Posted on April 7, 2013 by Dr. Michael Kluska

Celebrities and new technical advances have been contributing to more women choosing to undergo breast reduction surgery.

Possibly due to the outspoken decisions of celebrities such as Denise Richards, Queen Latifah, Drew Barrymore and Victoria Beckham (pictured), to get these procedures, more women have been seeking out breast reduction. By reducing the size of one or both breasts, surgeons are often able to create a more proportionate contour for a better overall result.

Breast Reduction Surgery Used for More Proportional Body Contours

In a recent article by Health News Digest, Dr. Oscar Ochoa, a board-certified surgeon, stated that “unusually large breasts can cause cosmetic concerns, medical problems and self-esteem issues for many women. The goal of every breast reduction procedure … is to create an aesthetic and flattering breast shape while achieving a more proportioned breast size.”

And when compared to other cosmetic surgery procedures, breast reductions have some of the highest satisfaction rates, as the results are noticeable, with many women feeling immediately that significant weight has been lifted from their shoulders. The breast reduction surgery may often be performed in a minimally invasive way, with a smaller, less noticeable incision and decreased potential for scarring. This decreases the recovery time, allowing women to return to their normal lives more quickly.

In order to give the best and most customized results, many women opt to add a breast lift or targeted liposuction to their procedure. This breast lift can help to raise and firm the tissue which is already present in the breast, and the liposuction can help to remove excess breast tissue in a minimally invasive way. Liposuction may also be applied to excess fat deposits around the chest, in order to best accent the changes that are made during the breast reduction.

Photo by jingdianmeinv3 on Flickr.

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More Men and Women Getting Cosmetic Procedures for Wedding Season

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Dr. Michael Kluska

With wedding season coming up soon, this is often the busiest time of the year for cosmetic procedures, as men and women prepare for their big day with surgical and non-surgical options.

For many, the most popular procedures are non-invasive injections such as Botox and dermal fillers, which can improve the facial appearance with minimal downtime and quick results. Other, more dramatic results are achieved with surgical procedures, which need to be scheduled further in advance.

Both Men and Women Choose Cosmetic Procedures Before Weddings

Depending on the wedding timeline, surgical or non-surgical procedures may be best for your unique situation. Some of the most popular cosmetic surgeries for brides-to-be and their wedding parties include breast augmentation, breast lifts, tummy tucks and liposuction. Liposuction is particularly popular due to the targeted results, relatively low cost and minimal downtime. For men, body contouring procedures and chin surgeries are popular for wedding preparation.

However, the most commonly performed pre-wedding cosmetic procedures are non-surgical. Botox injections and dermal fillers are often given in the weeks leading up to the wedding, to provide the best facial balance for those keepsake wedding photos. Often these injections are given throughout the winter as well, in order to find the best combination of injection locations and amounts that will achieve the desired result.

Other non-surgical procedures that are often performed prior to weddings include skin treatments, such as microdermabrasion and laser therapies. Chemical peels may also be performed to improve the overall skin texture. These peels may require a varying amount of recovery time before the wedding, depending on the severity of the individual peel. For the best possible results, schedule a consultation far in advance to work out the best combination of procedures for you personal goals.

Photo by Corey Ann on Flickr.

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Combining Chin and Nose Surgeries Improves Result, Study Says

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Dr. Michael Kluska

Many men and women may get the best results by combining nose and chin surgeries, according to a recent Italian medical study. This may also contribute to long-term stability and enhance the overall surgery process.

According to a story in US News & World Report, many people interested in changing the shape of their nose may also benefit from a procedure for their chin as well. Dr. Dario Bertossi, the lead researcher, states that, “We can for sure improve facial profile with stable results with rhinoplasty [nose job] alone, but the association with genioplasty [chin surgery] is fundamental and necessary to achieve the best aesthetic result.”

Genioplasty/Rhinoplasty May Provide Best Facial Proportions

This Italian study was published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, and followed 90 individuals who underwent both procedures at the same time. They were able to follow the recovery of these subjects for several years to determine the longevity of the procedures.

One finding showed that patients who had a bone remodeling chin surgery had greater long-term stability than those who had a simple chin implant put in place. According to Bertossi, “Genioplasty, if performed with bone remodeling, is a stable operation which guarantees long-term results.”

Choosing to have both surgeries at the same time has a number of other benefits, including cost and time. By combining surgical procedures, this lowers surgical costs and decreases the cumulative surgery time. In addition, only one recovery period is required, rather than two separate and distinct recovery periods.

While both surgeries are not necessarily the proper answer for every patient, the combination surgery was shown to be particularly advantageous for those with microgenia, or a disproportionately small chin. Another procedure that could be done in conjunction with either of these is blepharoplasty, or eye surgery. Non-surgical procedures that could enhance the overall effect include Botox and dermal filler injections.

Photo by Vincent Boiteau on Flickr.

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“Thigh Gap” Trend May Increase Liposuction and Thigh Lifts

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Nat

One of the more recent online trends may be contributing to increases in cosmetic surgery procedures, according to the Daily Mail. This trend involves the pursuit by women of a space between their thighs, known as a “thigh gap.”

Although women throughout history have always pursued the perfect legs, the level of devotion which this trend has gathered is drawing media attention. In addition to widespread online content focused on this goal, including Facebook groups and countless websites, the trend is contributing to the rise in specific leg contouring procedures. According to the article, these groups have more than 700,000 followers, and some surgeons are reporting dramatic increases in the number of leg procedures performed.

Treatments to Help Shape the Inner Thigh

The two most commonly performed procedures for the legs are the thigh lift and liposuction, both of which are procedures that can have a dramatic effect with a relatively short recovery period. Each procedure varies based on the extent of the treatment goals, which are unique to each patient.

Liposuction comes in a variety of forms, and is generally used for more minimal treatments where the skin still retains a healthy amount of elasticity. It may be specifically targeted to address certain trouble areas of the legs where the fat deposits persist despite focused exercise.

Thigh lifts represent a more significant treatment, in which excess skin is surgically removed along with the excess fat. Often, liposuction will be used to enhance the overall appearance of the final result. A thigh lift is typically done in cases where greater amounts of fat must be removed, and the skin has lost its elasticity, meaning that if only liposuction were to be performed, excess skin would be left behind. Other procedures that may be performed in this area at the same time include buttock lifts and tummy tucks.

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Parents Cosmetic Procedures Increasing in Popularity

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Nat

As cosmetic procedures become more popular in America, more parents are taking the plunge. Both surgical and non-surgical procedures are becoming more popular with parents of both genders.

U.S. parents are turning to cosmetic procedures for a number of reasons, some of which are highly specific to parents. Mothers, in particular, often wish to address the physical changes that occur as a result of childbirth, but dads frequently request cosmetic procedures as well.

Both Mothers and Fathers Increasingly Choosing Cosmetic Procedures

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can have a significant effect on a woman’s body, changing their overall body contours as well as impacting breast shape and volume. These changes have led to a commonly requested surgical procedure known as the mommy makeover, in which an abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck) is combined with a breast lift or augmentation. This addresses the two main problem areas for women following pregnancies and the results of breastfeeding.

Many women also request non-surgical skin treatments to help address lines and markings that may develop as a result of pregnancy. These treatments come in a variety of intensities, including topical skin treatments, laser treatments and procedures like microdermabrasion or chemical peels.

However, more and more fathers are now seeking cosmetic procedures, as the culture changes to make male procedures more acceptable. Many fathers will have Botox or dermal filler injections prior to major parenting life events, such as walking their daughters down the aisle in weddings, or preparing for birthday parties, or other major celebrations. Facelifts and necklifts are also popular with fathers.

The success of relatively inexpensive non-surgical treatments like Botox and skin treatments have also led to many families giving cosmetic procedures as gifts. In these cases, relatives may come in pairs or groups, using it as an opportunity to spend time together and support one other.

Photo by steveturk on Flickr.