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March 25, 2010

My eyelids are irregular from surgery. Can fillers help me?

Filed under: Eyelid Surgery, Restylane, Restylane Injections, eyelid filler, fixing eyelid surgery, irregular eyelids, restylane in los angeles — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 11:14 pm

Under normal circumstances, if you have carefully chosen your eyelid surgeon and made responsible decisions regarding your cosmetic treatment, you are likely to have an excellent eyelid surgery result.  However, if you experience a problem after surgery, we recommend you contact your original surgeon, who will probably be eager to help you resolve the issue.  Things do happen that lead to unsatisfactory results.  That is the reason your surgeon spent time reviewing the risks, benefits, and alternatives to surgery and why you read, agreed, and signed an informed consent document for surgery that discussed these possibilities.  Many of these issues can be remedied by your surgeon without the need to get a second opinion.  Many of these issues get better as the surgery heals over time.  However, in cases when the relationship between the patient and doctor has broken down, or in instances when the skill required to correct the eyelid may surpass the expertise of your doctor, it is wise to seek a second opinion.

Whether you consult your original eyelid plastic surgeon or a new physician, if you are experiencing eyelid surgery complications or irregularities such as bumps or hollowness, you should bring up your concerns.  While correcting irregular eyelids is a challenge, eyelid cosmetic surgeons like Dr. Steinsapir who specialize in fixing eyelid surgery can often greatly improve your results.

The solution, of course depends on the specific nature of your problem.  If you’ve been following our blog, then by now you should know that it is our philosophy to completely customize every treatment to the unique surrounding circumstances and the needs of each particular patient.  So it’s a given that exactly what will help your unique case cannot be determined with certainty until your private consultation.  In the meantime, we are happy to give you some informative guidelines.

When are fillers helpful in correcting eyelid surgery?

Here are two examples of when an eyelid filler can help resolve your post-surgery eyelid irregularities:

•    If you have lumps and bumps in the treated area, the filler Restylane may be a great option in smoothing and correcting the area.
•    If you have a volume deficit (perhaps because too much fat was removed), Restylane can fill in this area and restore a healthy, full, youthful appearance.

In the first situation, perhaps you had a procedure like a fat transfer to your lower eyelids.  Fat transfers to the face are an amazing treatment option when the fat is placed somewhere where it can “hide” behind an already-existing layer of fat.  When it is transferred to the eyelids and surrounding areas, however, it can sometimes show up in the form of lumps and bumps because there is not enough tissue here for the fat transfers to hide behind.  Treatment here is difficult because the lumps usually are not in ideal or standard surgical planes, and because using steroids to melt fat is not always predictable.  This is where Restylane comes in.  After the worst of fat deposits are removed, the rest can be filled around with Restylane to give a smooth appearance by using a safe and effective treatment method.  In some cases, Restylane on its own may be sufficient to correct the irregularities and surgery is not needed to remove the larger lumps.  This is great news for those who are apprehensive about undergoing further surgery.  While corrective eyelid surgery is beneficial when performed by a qualified, experienced oculoplastic surgeon who specializes in fixing eyelid surgery, we understand that you may not be ready for surgery.  Nonsurgical Restylane can help.

In the second situation, Restylane can be used to fill the undereye hollow and correct deficits as it is used in other circumstances unrelated to surgery.

Restylane Is Best for Treatments around the Eyes

Restylane and eyelids are so compatible because Restylane is smooth, flexible, safe, and presents itself remarkably naturally around the eye.  Restylane has long-term benefits, but it is also easily adjusted in case the first treatment is not exactly what you want.  These characteristics are essential in the eyelid and surrounding areas.  The skin here is very thin and the tissues are very sensitive, so even small mistakes show up her.  Restylane has proven itself again and again to be the optimum choice here.

Consult with the Best

Very few doctors make undereye and eyelid fillers a major focus of their practice.  Dr. Steinsapir saw a need for specialization here because the eye area is so sensitive to subtleties of treatment yet also crucial to our appearance.  Dr. Steinsapir’s focus on treating the eyelid and undereye hollow led him to innovate Deepfill Restylane, treatment that delivers superior results.

If you have had eyelid surgery and are unhappy with your results, please know that Dr. Steinsapir frequently provides a second opinion and often assists in rebuilding the relationship with your former surgeon.  In cases where this is not the best idea, he helps you to form a treatment plan if treatment is necessary.  Dr. Steinsapir specializes in resolving eyelid surgery issues can help you determine if Restylane in Los Angeles is the best option for resolving your unique needs.  Please call us today for your no-risk consultation, and find out what difference an experienced and caring doctor can make.

March 22, 2010

Restylane in Los Angeles: Why Choose Dr. Steinsapir

Filed under: Restylane, Restylane Injections, Under Eye Restylane, restylane in los angeles, restylane los angeles — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 9:40 pm

If you are looking for Resytlane in Los Angeles, you have a big decision ahead of you: choosing a doctor.  There are, of course, many physicians practicing in California’s largest city who have pursued a valid pathway to becoming a qualified Restylane injector.  On your search for the best treatment fit for you, please consider Dr. Steinsapir.

Restylane in Los Angeles Before and After Photo

Restylane in Los Angeles Before and After Photo

Dr. Steinsapir has differenitated himself as a lead provider of Restylane injections in many ways.  First, his credentials: Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified ophthalmologist and an associate clinical professor of ophthalmology at the prestigious Jules Stein Eye Institute located at the David Geffen School of Medicine in the UCLA Medical Center – one of the best medical institutions in the world.  Here Dr. Steinsapir specialized his technical, artistic, and clinical expertise in facial cosmetic procedures.  At UCLA he is an esteemed surgeon, researcher, and professor whose leadership in new treatment approaches distinguishes him as a world-renowned eyelid plastic surgeon.

Further, Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified ophthalmologist who was multifellowship-trained in both cosmetic surgery and eye plastic surgery and elected as a Fellow to the prestigious American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – he is one of only a select few physicians in the world with these unique qualifications.

Dr. Steinsapir developed Deepfill™ Restylane®, an advance method to treat dark circles under the eyes by placing Restylane® deep along the orbital rim.  He has received much attention and respect for his published study that details this highly effective method.  This breakthrough treatment is a safe, comfortable way to improve skin optics and nonsurgically correct the undereye circle.  Very few cosmetic surgeons choose the treatment of dark circles and undereye hollows as a major focus of their practice as Dr. Steinsapir does.  In fact, Dr. Steinsapir has been consulted by Medicis, Inc., the distributor of Restylane® and Perlane®, so they could benefit from his expertise.  His treatment has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar magazine.

We realize that these credentials can be a mouthful to take in, so let’s talk about what this means for you.  For work around the eye, we recommend that you find a specialized eyelid plastic surgeon instead of a generalist.  Generalist doctors like board certified general plastic surgeons and dermatologists are preferable for many concerns, but for work on and around the eye – a very sensitive and complex area – it’s a good idea to opt for a specialist whose experience is especially developed for this kind of work.

Dr. Steinsapir is a caring physician who understands that your personal comfort and needs are as important as performing a procedure just right.  This is why he always seeks treatments that are minimally invasive with fast healing times and nonsurgical whenever possible.  In fact, these ideals led Dr. Steinsapir to innovate the Deepfill™ method in the first place.  Dr. Steinsapir spent years perfecting the vertical midface lift through innovation, and during this time he saw another need: while there are many people who need this amazing surgery, not all of them are emotionally prepared to undergo surgery.  They may have had a bad surgical experience in the past, or for another reason their emotional trauma makes them hesitant to seek surgery.  Dr. Steinsapir created a solution through inventing Deepfill™ Restylane®, a practical and nonsurgical method for improving under-eye dark circles and lower eyelid hollows.

Dr. Steinsapir never uses nurses or “physician extenders” to treat you.  He personally performs all treatment himself.  Don’t be fooled into thinking that cosmetic treatments are simple enough to be performed by an assistant under supervision.  Don’t make yourself a part of someone else’s training process.  Dr. Steinsapir, like all reputable surgeons, makes sure that he is available to answer your questions in person and address your concerns individually, rather than directing you to a receptionist or simply brushing you off.  Dr. Steinsapir is not “too busy” to listen and converse with you, and he always takes his time during treatment to make sure it’s the best.  Dr. Steinsapir will also follow up with you after your Restylane treatment in Los Angeles to guide you through the comfortable healing process and address your needs.  If you are looking for a physician who cares, call us today for a no-obligation consultation with Dr. Steinsapir.  He can individualize your treatment plan to help you meet your personal goals.  Have treatment at the time of your consultation if it is right for you.

March 21, 2010

I want Cosmetic Surgery but I don’t have Health Insurance

Filed under: cosmetic surgery and insurance, cosmetic surgery costs, cosmetic surgery payment plans, cosmetic treatment payment — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 11:58 pm

Cosmetic surgery can be an amazing experience when you make treatment decisions with care and thoughtfulness.  Most people who obtain cosmetic procedures do look and feel better afterward, contrary to the stigma created by a few hyped, biased stories.  A carefully planned, minimally invasive cosmetic treatment can improve your appearance and give you a boost in confidence.  But is it financially responsible to get cosmetic surgery if you do not have health insurance?

I can’t afford health insurance, but I can afford a one time cosmetic surgery.

Here at our office for cosmetic treatment in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, we have many concerns when we hear from people without health insurance seeking cosmetic surgery including anything from Microcroplet BOTOX to blepharoplasty.  Before it is reasonable to consider cosmetic surgery, we urge you to take care of your basic needs and establish a relationship with a regular medical doctor such as a family practitioner, internist, or gynecologist.  Health care is a basic necessity.  Without health insurance you are a single illness away from financial ruin.  People without health insurance should be especially mindful of their expenses, as they are especially vulnerable to emergencies.  Please, before you consider cosmetic surgery payment plans, consider funding your basic health care insurance first.  The peace of mind that comes from knowing you have this safety net has to be worth something in terms of less stress and tension that inevitably will be showing up on your face in some form or another.

Today, focus on obtaining health insurance, living a healthy lifestyle, and practicing preventative health measures.  Cosmetic surgery benefits many people, and you can learn more about how it may help you too, but please first find out how a health insurance plan can help you and what steps you need to obtain one.  Cosmetic surgery is not a replacement for basic health care, nor was it ever meant to be.  Don’t spend all your discretionary money on cosmetic surgery if you haven’t met your basic healthcare needs.

Comprehensive Treatment for Your Whole Self

We will feel in good conscience about discussing our cosmetic surgery payment plans with you when we know that you can meet your most essential needs.  You, too, will likely feel better about your cosmetic treatment options if you are able to find a doctor who is the best match for your personal needs, rather than the best match for your financial limitations.

Dr. Steinsapir is counted among the best cosmetic surgeons in California and beyond because of his professional experience, leadership, specialization, and natural yet definitive results.  As you research your cosmetic treatment options, please add in some research about medical insurance options.  Then when you do get cosmetic surgery, you can enjoy the results without feeling the guilt of indulging in this luxury without taking care of your basic necessities.

March 15, 2010

Mohs Surgery for Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Eyelid

Filed under: Eyelid Surgery, Mohs cancer surgery, eyelid cancer reconstruction, eyelid reconstructive surgery — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 10:06 pm

Skin cancer is very common and for the most part is the result of chronic sun exposure.   The three most common forms of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.  By far the most common one is basal cell carcinoma.  This type of skin cancer is seldom fatal; however, it can cause extensive local destruction and if neglected, it can cause enough damage that leads to life threatening complications.  Fortunately, diagnosed early, it can be treated successfully with a variety of methods.  However, when it involves the eyelid, the challenge is to completely excise the cancer, yet preserve as much of the eyelid structure and function as possible. Mohs’ cancer surgery for basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid, has become the preferred method for accomplishing this task.  This specialized surgical technique, developed by general surgeon Frederic Mohs at the University of Wisconsin, has a very high cure rate for skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and others.  This surgery focuses on the microscopic examination of the excised tissue, and it has radically changed how eyelid cancers are managed.

Mohs Cancer Surgery Before and After Photo

Mohs Cancer Surgery Before and After Photo

Basal cell carcinoma is the skin cancer that most commonly affects the eyelids, and the lower eyelid is most commonly affected.  Skin cancer has the potential to disfigure the eyelids, and often does.  When the eyelid is affected by skin cancer, the primary goal is of course to remove the immediate threat of the cancer before it spreads or worsens.  Early intervention improves your chances of being cured, and in all cases surgical excision is key to eliminating or at least controlling the cancer.  Of the different types of skin cancers that affect the eyes, basal cell carcinoma is unlikely to spread or metastasize to a distant site, but it does damage local tissue without treatment.

The Importance of Definitive Treatment

The best eyelid skin cancer treatment involves an expert team of physicians.  The traditional method is to have an eye plastic or general plastic surgeon remove the cancers, then have a pathologist examine the edges of the removed tissue through frozen sections.  This method has a high success rate, but there is another team approach with even better eyelid cancer prognosis.  In this method, a dermatologist surgeon who specializes in Mohs cancer treatment excises the tumor or cancer and an oculoplastic surgeon like Dr. Steinsapir reconstructs the eyelid.  This team physician approach enables you to receive the best, most specialized treatment for each component of your surgery.  We typically see at least the following three benefits with this process:

  1. Although both have very good outlooks, the Mohs surgery success rate is much higher than frozen section control.
  2. Mohs surgery reconstruction preserves more of healthy surrounding tissue.  Since the eyelids and tearducts are crucial to the function of our eyes, and because their arrangement is a key part of our aesthetic appearance, conserving as much tissue as possible improves both functionality and aesthetics.
  3. Mohs surgery recovery time is faster because the least amount of normal tissue is removed when the skin cancer is excised.

Reconstructive Surgery after Cancer

Reconstructive eyelid surgery benefits many people who may not initially be aware that their results can be improved.  Often the closure performed at the time of surgery may be the best compromise at the time, the operating physician does not specialize in eyelid reconstruction, or the reconstruction needs to occur in multiple stages.  Benefiting from additional reconstructive surgeries after your cancer is initially removed in no way reflects poorly on the first surgeon.  Given the nature of cancer, the first concern is always to eliminate it, and this often presents obstacles to your functional and aesthetic needs.  Your doctor made decisions based on the dangers you faced and likely chose the best option.  If only one surgeon performed your procedure, you may have had a great specialist in skin cancer removal who did not specialize in eyelid reconstruction.  If your cancer is gone, your first surgeon clearly did a commendable job.

However, this does not mean that you can’t seek a new opinion on whether you’ll benefit from further eyelid reconstruction.  Some may fear that they’ll appear vain or ungrateful if they’re dissatisfied with the face cancer has left them.  This is not the case.  You have survived cancer, and it is fair and understandable that you want to feel, look, and function at your best.  It’s important to understand the healing stages of cancer surgery when considering reconstructive options; while we don’t want to downplay the benefits of a great initial closure, we also recognize that different options open up at each stage during and after healing.  In time, the body repairs the microcirculation in the operated area, enabling deficiencies to be reassessed and corrected or improved with revisional surgery.

Make Us a Part of Your Healing Experience

Often a fresh perspective can vastly improve a situation that previously seemed to have very few options.  Dr. Steinsapir, a Los Angeles oculoplastic surgeon, customizes eyelid reconstruction on an individual basis by combining scientifically proven methods with his artistic vision and extensive experience.  He frequently collaborates with other specialized physicians to deliver the best Mohs treatment possible.  Many also find that after surgery, a second opinion from Dr. Steinsapir is very helpful.  Dr. Steinsapir’s attitude is both positive and realistic; he commends the skill and importance of doctors who do wonderful work in treating skin cancer, and to this he brings his personal specialization in eyelid reconstruction.  A team approach is often the best way to meet all your needs in a complex medical situation.  We invite you to a personal consultation with Dr. Steinsapir to find out how he can be a vital member of your treatment team.  Contact us today to find out how Mohs surgery or reconstruction can be a part of your treatment plan.

March 13, 2010

Should I have lip filler or BOTOX for my lip lines?

Filed under: Beverly Hills Restylane, Botox, Botox Los Angeles, Restylane, Restylane Injections, lip augmentation, lip fillers, lip injections — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 1:20 am

Those who have very thin lips, asymmetrical lips, or irregularities in their lips such as lip lines, bumps, or wrinkles can benefit from lip treatment.  There are safe, effective options available for those seeking improvement in the lips.  Your treatment will depend upon the nature of the problem, but usually Restylane works the best.

What about BOTOX?

We have found that BOTOX in the lips is usually not ideal.  This is because BOTOX relaxes overactive muscles, which makes it great for areas like the forehead where muscles are often too tense, but not in the lips.  There are many important muscles around the mouth that don’t respond optimally to BOTOX.  Since hyper-contracted muscles around the lips are usually not a concern, it doesn’t make sense to use a muscle relaxant in this area.  There are a few people with “gummy smiles” who may benefit from having their lip elevators relaxed in this area, but generally this is not the issue we see very often.

Expression of emotion is very important in the face.  This means that BOTOX treatment is great for some things – for example, if you have forehead wrinkles that make you look continually angry, BOTOX can restore your relaxed face to a position of emotional neutrality, giving you a clean palette from which to express yourself.  This also means that BOTOX should not be placed into an area that is already aptly expressing emotion.  Most people have properly functioning muscles around the lips, which is why we usually recommend using a filler for lip lines treatment.

Lip lines BOTOX may not be the preferred option in most cases, but there are many other benefits of BOTOX application.  BOTOX is a precise treatment that can be applied exactly where it is needed and only there, so you don’t have to worry about BOTOX paralysis or a treatment in your cheeks migrating to your lips.  If you’ve already received BOTOX lip injections and would prefer an alternative to BOTOX, you don’t need to worry because the effects will wear off in time.  As long as you see an experienced physician for your cosmetic facial treatment, you can anticipate many BOTOX benefits as experienced injectors will individualize treatment for what is best for you.

Great Lip Filler Options

The lips can usually be treated in minimally invasive ways without using lip plastic surgery, although surgical procedures are useful in some situations.  One nonsurgical procedure that works great is Restylane lip enhancement.  From our experience, our opinion is that Radiesse and Perlane aren’t the optimal lip products, as Restylane is more forgiving and effective.

Restylane is ideal because it creates great results while maintaining the flexibility that more permanent treatments don’t give you.  Restylane is now available as Restylane-L, which contains a numbing medicine for increase lip treatment comfort. If you have any issue with Restylane in lips, your doctor can easily modify, lessen, or erase the treatment by injecting the enzyme hyaluronidase.  This is a safe and simple outpatient procedure.  Flexibility is essential in lip treatment because of the delicate nature of the lips’ skin and contour.  Restylane usually does the job well the first time, but in case it doesn’t, you can relax knowing that Restylane will not cause any irreversible problems.

Improving existing lip problems

Sadly, some have lips that are not pretty due to prior work by well meaning physicians, surgeons, and, yes, lay injectors. These lips may have been damaged by silicone oil, fat transfer, and mystery fillers, or just plain funky surgery and lip edge implants.  Well, help is available for these forlorn lips.  Many can be vastly improved with artistic application of Restylane to fill in and correct what is missing. Lips that have been damaged by accident or an unfortunate treatment experience can find help in Restylane.

Who can treat my lips?

Think of a meeting with a potential cosmetic surgeon like an interview.  Assess the experience and qualifications of each individual doctor, make sure it is a currently licensed physician or surgeon, and don’t forget to assess your own comfort level too.  The stuff you hear should make sense, and you should feel confident about the treatment options you discuss together.  We’re not telling you to interrogate the doctors you meet, but to make sure you communicate well, have all your questions answered, and feel good about the doctor’s ability to help you.  Like any good interviewer, be open to return questions and speak with honesty and frankness.

If you are looking for Los Angeles lip injections or other solutions for lip lines, we invite you to a no-risk consultation with Dr. Steinsapir.  Dr. Steinsapir specializes in cosmetic facial treatments and is equipped with top-notch medical offices in Beverly Hills and at UCLA.  His repertoire of experience uniquely qualifies him to perform sensitive, detail-oriented treatments.  Call us today to learn about how lip treatment options can be customized to your unique needs.

March 8, 2010

Is Mesotherapy Good For Lower Eyelid Bags?

Filed under: Eyelid Surgery, blepharoplasty, eyelid fat, lower blepharoplasty, mesotherapy, under eye fat — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 10:14 pm

Two common problems in the undereye area are the absence of fat and the presence of excessive fat.  Too little fat gives the eyes a hollow, sunken appearance, while too much fat makes them look puffy and swollen.  Because the appearance of the eyes makes a big difference in how we read facial expressions, correcting excess fat under your eyes can greatly improve your appearance.  While searching for solutions through cosmetic eye procedures, you may hear about a procedure called mesotherapy, which is being actively marketed by a few less ethical practitioners today.

What Is Mesotherapy?

Mesotherapy is a procedure in which a solution is injected into the body with the hope of reducing fat.  The solution includes chemicals like aminophylline, dimethylethanolamine, glutathione, hyaluronidase, isoproterenol, L-arginine, lidocaine pentoxifylline, yohimbine, and the bile salt deoxycholate and phosphatidylcholine.

Mesotheraphy is marketed under many catchy names like Lipodissolve, LipoShape, and Lipostabil.  Unfortunately, this procedure sounds appealing but is actually untested and unproven, making it a very real danger to those seeking treatment.

Is Mesotherapy FDA-Approved?

Mesotherapy has not been tested enough to demonstrate if it is safe, and we have documented some unpleasant side effects.  Mesotherapy remains an unproven treatment that not only doesn’t live up to its hype, but also presents a serious threat to anyone trying to sort through eyelid surgery options.  Mesotherapy dangers include scarring, damage to blood vessels, and pain.

For these reasons, the FDA has not approved mesotherapy.  The FDA will not endorse mesotherapy for human use unless further research can resolve its side effects and prove it safe and effective.  It is unlikely that mesotherapy will ever receive FDA approval. It can destroy fat cells, but it also causes significant inflammation.

You may be wondering what this means for removal of fat under eyes, since this represents a small yet significant fat deposit.  If mesotherapy someday be approved for under the eyes, then why not use it now?  In answer, you especially shouldn’t use mesotherapy under the eyes now or anytime soon.  The area under the eyes is especially sensitive to aging and treatment.  Because the skin here is so thin and delicate, it’s very hard to disguise problems in this area.  There are a narrower range of treatments that are proven to work here, primarily because the fragile skin here cannot compensate for even small mistakes or irregularities.  You don’t want to damage an already-sensitive area by experimenting with an unapproved and unsafe treatment.  And that’s exactly what someone performing mesotherapy is doing; they are conducting an uncontrolled experiment on you with chemicals not approved by the FDA.  Most doctors will not administer mesotherapy for ethical reasons, but there are a few people hoping to make a quick profit who will try to tell you that mesotherapy is safe.  Here’s the bottom line: if the FDA hasn’t approved it, they don’t have science on their side.

Here’s another word of caution: those who administer mesotherapy do not respect the recommendations of the FDA, so you are at increased risk for infection because these same practitioners may also disregard safe preparation procedures.  The chemicals are concocted in an unlicenced lab, which gives you no assurance that they were mixed under ideal conditions.

Alternative Treatments for Undereye Bags

Overall, mesotherapy is not a suitable alternative to liposuction and it is certainly no alternative to lower eyelid blepharoplasty.  If you are seeking treatment for your undereye bags in particular, a personal consultation may reveal that blepharoplasty or lower eyelid surgery is a much better option for removing fat under eyes.  These are flexible procedures that enable a qualified, experienced oculoplastic surgeon to present different treatment options to you and customize a procedure to help this sensitive area.  The eyelids and surrounding areas are incredibly complex, and our brains are programmed to pick up on very subtle irregularies, assymmetries, and problems in these areas, cuing us in on how a person is feeling and determining how attractive we view them as.  This is why only a proven, time-tested treatment should be administered by a highly experienced doctor who can treat you with the precision necessary to avoid mistakes while improving this area.

Find a Doctor Who Cares

Dr. Steinsapir specializes in cosmetic eye procedures in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles.  His approach is to work with a patient to determine their goals and then customize a minimally-invasive treatment plan that makes sense and, most importantly, works.  Dr. Steinsapir has completed numerous fellowships and teaches at the prestigious Jules Stein Institute at UCLA.  Please contact us today to find out how Dr. Steinsapir can customize your safe treatment program today.

March 6, 2010

Is it safe to do a home chemical peel?

Filed under: chemical peel, chemical peel alternatives, chemical peel doctors, chemical peel los angeles, home chemical peel, natural chemical peel — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 2:38 am

Trying to perform a chemical peel on yourself is a sure way to turn a very safe procedure into a disfiguring one.  Because chemical peels are safe and highly beneficial when performed by an experienced cosmetic surgeon, and because they are a nonsurgical treatment, many people wonder if they can give themselves a chemical peel at home to save some money.  The internet has made these chemicals available. When someone asks us for advice on how to give themselves a home chemical peel, our advice is always this: Don’t!

Yes, the facial chemical peel cost is higher if you have it done right by a doctor, but that’s before you consider the cost of damaging yourself. If you try to perform this procedure on yourself, you will likely permanently alter the coloration of your face by introducing irregularities, scars, and hypopigmentation.  Further, you will not know how to care for your skin after the initial treatment without a doctor’s guidance in monitoring your healing.  In the end, you will have to bear the emotional cost of your damaged appearance and the financial cost of finding the best doctor who can help you reverse some of the destruction you have caused.  You wouldn’t do brain or heart surgery on yourself, right?  How about facial surgery?  That really is what is involved in doing your own chemical peel.

What can a doctor do that I can’t?

A chemical peel may seem deceptively simpler than it is.  Those who are just learning about the procedure often mistake it is merely a matter of dipping the face in a beneficial substance and then washing it off.  In truth, correctly performing a facial chemical peel takes a cosmetic surgeon years to master through education and first-hand chemical peel experience.  A licensed and highly trained cosmetic surgeon can perform a chemical peel so well because he or she understands the following:

•    The indications for a chemical peel treatment
•    The different skintypes classified in the Fitzpatrick scale
•    How each skintype responds to chemical peels
•    What concentrations and combinations help each skintype
•    How to give you enough treatment to see results
•    How to not give you too much treatment, which will damage you
•    How each type of problem respond to different treatments
•    How to assess the condition of your skin
•    Factors like skin thickness, sensitivity, sun damage
•    How your medical history effects your current treatment needs
•    Who is a good candidate for a chemical peel
•    Who is not a good candidate for a chemical peel
•    What to do in the rare incidence in complications
•    Post chemical peel treatment and how to follow up with care for your skin during and after the healing process
•    How to apply the chemical peeling agents differently to each facial area depending on the needs of the skin in each area
•    The powers and limits of each type of chemical peel

This is not something that any instruction manual can give you.  This is not something you can learn without training in biology, anatomy, medicine, and chemistry and many years of clinical experience.  This is not something you can learn without being mentored over a year or more.  This is not something you can “pick up” this weekend with a kit you ordered on the internet.  Most importantly, chemical peels are not a do-it-yourself activity.

Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of nonsurgical, minimally invasive treatments like the chemical peel is the fact that there are those who think that because it is so safe in a doctor’s office, it is something they can do at home in the kitchen.  Individuals trying to save a few bucks by treating themselves may be surprised and upset to see their experiment go so horribly wrong, but these poor at-home results don’t surprise a cosmetic surgeon who specializes in chemical peels and understands their complexity.  It is true that chemical peels are very safe, but only when performed in a medical setting by a qualified, experienced cosmetic physician who specializes in chemical peels.

Think of it this way: If you broke your leg, would you try to make a cast for yourself at home?  Of course not!  Doctors treat broken bones in emergency rooms everyday and consider this a safe, important procedure, but you would never dream of doing this to yourself.  Similarly, there is a lot more to the art of a chemical peel than you may imagine.

Finding the Best, Safe Treatment

Dr. Steinsapir specializes in individualizing each chemical peel to a patient’s unique facial needs.  He will answer your questions and develop a safe, effective treatment plan based on your individual goals.  Call us today to find out how a chemical peel performed safely on an outpatient basis can help you.

March 4, 2010

Are there any face creams I can use instead of getting surgery?

Filed under: Botox, Botox Los Angeles, facelift, facelift alternative — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 12:35 am

We hate to bring bad news, but we want to be honest: if you are looking for a facial cream that rivals surgical results, you’re going to be disappointed.  This is not to say that creams or lotions are without some benefit.  It does mean, however, that if you are looking for a natural facelift, BOTOX results, or other dramatic improvements normally achieved through treatment by a cosmetic surgeon, a cream is not going to cut it.

A lot of businesses are profiting from misleading advertising by making claims about “natural alternatives” to cosmetic procedures that only a doctor can provide.  It’s hard not to be interested in a product that promises to give you the same results as surgery at a lower price and through “natural” methods without help from a doctor.  This is in part due to the unfair stigmatization that has been placed on cosmetic procedures, the misunderstanding of words like “natural,” and people who just want to make money.  Unfortunately, this means that a lot of customers end up buying really expensive moisturizers.  You may think you’re getting a deal if you spend “only” $300 on a “revolutionary” something-or-other cream, but you are likely getting no more than a regular, moisturizing lotion sold in a very expensive bottle.

What does this mean for your appearance?  If you aren’t already using a quality moisturizer on your face, your complexion may improve.  However, just because you look better after spending $300 on that jar of cream doesn’t mean that you are getting your money’s worth.  If you started with no moisturizer or a bad one, you will likely see results just as good with a cream you find under $20.  Moisturizers do hydrate the scaly outer most skin layers.   For a few hours this makes the complexion look better but that is all these over the counter products do.  When considering creams versus cosmetic procedures like BOTOX or face lift, ask yourself what kind of a change you need to see.  If you are suffering from flaky, dry skin, a cream may help you out.  If your skin is sagging, your cheeks are hollow, and your features creased with wrinkles, will a cream reverse these effects? Of course not!  It is not realistic to expect a cream to make these kinds of changes even a super expensive one from a fancy department store or boutique.

If you are looking for some kind of structural change, like eliminating wrinkles and hanging skin, filling in hollow areas, or making your eyes look bright and alert, a cream won’t get you far no matter how many buzz words the marketing uses.  This makes sense when you think about the reasons people need facial cosmetic procedures.  The effects of aging, stress, gravity, and sun exposure add up over the years and impair the actual structure of your face.  For example, BOTOX for wrinkles works great because it relaxes overactive muscles that are creating wrinkles.  If these muscles are causing your wrinkles, a cream that is merely absorbed into the outer most layers of your skin will not work.  Those seeking alternatives to facelift through creams would do well to consider how a facelift accomplishes the dramatic improvements we see.  A facelift tightens the deep plane structures of the face and removes extra skin.  Again creams only penetrate the last few cell layers in the outermost part of the skin.

The Cream We Always Recommend

It may not reverse the damages and signs of aging you’ve already incurred, but we know that there is a fantastic cream available that will help prevent the signs of aging: sunscreen!  Over time, our faces show the effects of sun damage through problems in complexion and texture.  Protect your looks and health by finding a sunscreen that smells good and is not greasy.  You will not wake up tomorrow with a new and revitalized face, but in ten years your face will thank you for protecting it.

Making an Informed Decision

We always encourage you to decide for yourself what you’ll do through research, private consultations, and finding a treatment plan that makes sense.  When you evaluate before and after photos, pay special attention the lighting and camera angles to see if the photos are misleading you by changing the photography methods from unflattering to flattering effects that are superficially created by a camera.  Also keep in mind that the images you see are examples of the very best results, rather than typical outcomes.

You can obtain great and natural results through surgeries like facelifts as well as nonsurgical, minimally-invasive treatments like BOTOX, Restylane, Fotofacial, and the chemical peel.  There are a lot of options out there for you to sort through, so be especially careful to look out for signs of a scam.  Effective treatment isn’t cheap, and it doesn’t come in the form of an overpriced magic lotion.  It doesn’t promise more than it can do, and it is honest in its portrayal of results.

Contact us today to schedule your individualized private consultation with Dr. Steinsapir, whom many esteem as one of the best cosmetic surgeons in Los Angeles specializing in facial treatments with natural results.  He can help you find the best solution based on your individual needs and answer your questions openly and honestly.

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