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August 30, 2010

Can I just have BOTOX with the cheapest provider? Aren’t all services basically the same?

Filed under: best cosmetic surgeons,Beverly Hills BOTOX,Botox,Botox Los Angeles — Tags: , , , — admin @ 6:42 pm

Because BOTOX is a minimally invasive, very safe treatment that is a great solution for many people with pinched features and aged looks, it’s tempting to think of BOTOX injections as a simple treatment that doesn’t require the hand of an expert.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

BOTOX Before and After Photo

BOTOX Before and After Photo

Yes, it is true that BOTOX is a safe alternative to surgery that has been demonstrated to relax overactive muscles and restore a youthful appearance, but this doesn’t mean that anyone should administer BOTOX treatment.  As with other medical procedures, BOTOX safety and results depend on the skill, training, and experience of the provider.

You should never receive BOTOX from a spa, lay injector, nonspecialist, or at home.  The best BOTOX results rely on precise consideration of the subtleties of your individual facial anatomy; your personal diagnosis, medical history, and goals; the experience and educational background of a doctor who specializes in facial cosmetic treatment; and your doctor’s ability to customize your treatment plan.

Differentiated Treatment Plans

BOTOX services are not all the same.  You need only glance at the cover of a gossip magazine in the grocery checkout stand to hear about someone who got the wrong treatment and now has the “BOTOX forehead freeze” that the media loves to publicize.  How does this unintended effect happen?  Here’s how: when people (both providers and recipients) misunderstand the purpose or application of BOTOX, when patients insist that a doctor gives them too much treatment or a treatment not suitable to their individual needs, or when they “cheap out” on service and are more concerned about just getting BOTOX under their skin rather than its controlled aesthetic placement.

How BOTOX works is by relaxing overactive muscles that are negatively impacting your facial features and the way your facial anatomy communicates with your brain.  Neuropathways in fact have much to do with how we look, because our brain “tells” our muscles what to do and how to compensate for the affects of time, gravity, age, stress, and sun damage.  It takes a specialist physician to with medical training to understand these complex processes on an individual basis, not an assistant technician or nonspecialist who lack the training, skills, and experience needed to make the most of your treatment.  You don’t go to a podiatrist when what you need is heart surgery; but as comic as that seems, there are people everyday who overlook the importance of specialized cosmetic training.  We believe that many would find deeper satisfaction from their cosmetic treatment much sooner if they recognize their need for a top specialist to begin with.

Further, there are different methods of administering BOTOX, some with better demonstrated results.  Dr. Steinsapir has invented Microdroplet BOTOX, a patent-pending method that avoids the BOTOX freeze and addresses the root cause of problems like forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and worry lines.  This esteemed method meticulously accounts for how each component of the face works together to restore an overall balanced and natural look.

If you have had unsatisfactory treatment in the past, the good news is that the effects of BOTOX will eventually wear off.  Now it’s time to consider how a more qualified physician can help.

Affordable Treatment Plans with the Best Providers

Cosmetic treatment and results are not cheap, nor will they ever be.  You must realize that when you seek cosmetic treatment from a reputable provider, you must help cover the expenses of medical school, research and development, the maintenance of a facility with the highest medical standards and cleanliness, materials, years of experience and training, specialized and uncommon skill, and the time it takes to carefully (rather than quickly) administer treatment.  That said, many people can and do afford BOTOX and enjoy its benefits.  A number of reputable providers offer cosmetic treatment payment plans that can make quality cosmetic treatment a reality for you.

If you are seeking the best BOTOX in Los Angeles, we encourage you to consult with Dr. Steinsapir at a no-risk meeting to determine if BOTOX is right for you and learn more about how you can obtain safe, natural results.  Dr. Steinsapir has been providing BOTOX treatment since 1988, making him one of the most experienced BOTOX doctors and leading him to develop his exclusive Microdroplet BOTOX approach.  His prestigious educational background and specialized focus make him among the best cosmetic surgeons in California for BOTOX, which is why many individuals travel nationally and internationally for his top-rated treatment plans.  Contact us today to find out how Dr. Steinsapir can individualize your BOTOX treatment to enhance your look.

August 29, 2010

Do stem cell facelifts work?

Filed under: facelift,facelift alternative,facelift los angeles,facial cosmetic surgery — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 9:42 pm

“Stem cell facelift” is just a fancy name for fat grafting. Since fat from our body does contain stem cells, a fat transfer to the face for a facelift or other facial cosmetic surgery can technically be said to include stem cells. However, suggesting that these so-called adult stem cells are the reason that a fat transfers work is a huge leap.

Marketing Based on a Grain of Truth

It is said that most good lies are based on a grain of truth. After all, mingling fact with fabrication is an effective, if not questionable, method of convincing an audience. If part of something is true then how is a non-specialist to discern where the truth ends and the exaggerations begin?

Here is what’s true: The “stem cell facelift” being marketed today is the same process that goes by the medically accepted names of fat grafting, fat injections, and fat transfers. This is a process in which fat is harvested from another area of the body such as the thighs or tummy, often improving that area’s shape, and then grafted into a deficient area like a hollow cheek to provide a natural filler. This is a biologically safe procedure because the fat transferred is your 100% match, and it is precisely delivered through a tiny poke in the skin that heals without scarring. The fat transfer in a “stem cell facelift” may be combined with other procedures like a traditional facelift or midface lift, in which case we’d rather be straight forward and say “facelift with fat grafting.” This is a more direct description.

This is also true: The stem cells in our body fat can be separated from the fat and, in a test tube at a research lab, be stimulated to develop into other cell types. There is a lot of impressive research being done in this area so we can learn more about important potential medical uses of stem cells. But do they really play any role in a facelift?

The Real Benefits of Fat Grafting

So, yes, when we transfer fat to the face we do transfer some stem cells with it. However, there just isn’t evidence to suggest that stem cells are what make fat grafting and “stem cell facelifts” work. The reason they work is because much of the transferred fat – about 60-70% – survives, creating long-lasting benefits.

The overall distribution of fat over the body is very important. Too little or too much does not look good. The most common problems with fat distribution is too much in areas like the hips and too little in parts of the face. This means that we may look bottom-heavy while haggard in the face. Fat harvesting can improve an area that is too full, and the harvested fat can then be grafted into tissue-deficient regions. When carefully placed, the added facial volume creates a naturally soft appearance associated with youth, correcting the volume loss many of us experience as we age.

Honest Medicine for Best Results

Our concern with the “stem cell facelift” is not that it’s a bad procedure, but rather that this is not the most accurate description. Some professionals even feel that calling fat grafting a “stem cell facelift” is misleading. When seeking treatment, make sure that your potential cosmetic surgeon relies on science, experience, and skill rather than catchy marketing phrases. Your doctor should be a specialist in facial cosmetic procedures and completely honest about what a treatment does and does not do.

Dr. Steinsapir is among the top cosmetic surgeons in California. He is multi-fellowship-trained in both cosmetic and oculofacial surgery with special emphasis in natural results and fast recovery time. Dr. Steinsapir is straightforward, helping you understand the benefits of treatments you’re considering without any frills or exaggerations. You’ll also find that Dr. Steinsapir is friendly and caring. Because he individualizes each treatment plan based on your personal needs and unique circumstances, you can achieve results that are right for your features. Contact us today to learn more about how fat grafting, a facelift, or another treatment can improve your facial contour.

August 24, 2010

I Want to Improve my Looks Before Reentering the Workplace…

Filed under: best cosmetic surgeons,Beverly Hills BOTOX,beverly hills facelift,Beverly Hills Restylane,Botox Los Angeles,Cosmetic Surgery,face peel,facelift alternative,facelift los angeles,facial cosmetic surgery,Restylane Injections,restylane los angeles — admin @ 8:24 pm

I Want to Improve my Looks Before Reentering the Workplace… What does Dr. Steinsapir suggest?

Congratulations on your decision to go back to work!  You have a lot to contribute.  But let’s face it, it is a competitive, youth-obsessed world out there.  They need your skills but there is such a premium on youth that more experienced executives can be passed over.  There is no question that cosmetic treatments and surgeries can enhance your appearance and enhance your competitive advantage in the workplace.  These improvements will boost your self-confidence and allow you to project energy and authority.  So let’s consider a few ways you can make your transition back into the work world as smooth as possible.

We cannot prescribe a set of procedures or lifestyle changes that everyone returning to work should follow.  You won’t find a “blue plate special” here with a prescription for all readers to get a Beverly Hills facelift with the works.  Minimally invasive services like BOTOX, Restylane, and facial liposuction can make a world of difference with little or no surgery.  What may be right for someone else is not necessarily ideal or even desirable for you.   Regardless of your career path, your treatment needs will depend on your unique circumstances, physical features, medical history, and personal goals.  What we can suggest are some good ways to decide what to do next.

Determine Your Goals

Think about your goals as you return to work.  You want to improve your looks, and this can take many forms.  Ask yourself what specifically you want to improve about your looks and how you want this to impact your professional life.  For example, you may want to look healthy and vibrant; improving your diet, work out routine, and making changes like finally quitting smoking can help you look trim and improve your health.  You may want to convey personal style that can fit into a serious corporate environment; in this case you could change your wardrobe by adding some new suits that flatter you and command respect.  You may wish to look energetic and youthful; correcting wrinkles and restoring your face’s youthful beauty through cosmetic treatment may help you to feel confident and help others recognize that you have a lot to offer.  You don’t want to look as if you are unhealthy, cannot dress the part, or are about to fall asleep from fatigue or stress.

There are many effective ways to improve your looks, and you’ll likely want to pick a combination of image-enhancing changes.  This could mean that you need to hit the gym and switch to a makeup that better matches your complexion.  It may mean that you need to lose ten pounds, have your teeth professionally bleached, throw out the slacks that no longer convey your personal message, and correct the dark circles under your eyes with Restylane.  Think about what you need to improve, and start there.

Cosmetic procedures are an important option for many who seek a more professional appearance and increased confidence.  Many find that others view them as more capable because they don’t look exhausted, aged, or upset from the toll that age, gravity, stress, and sun damage take over time.  Depending on your situation, a facelift may balance your features, BOTOX may erase worry lines, a chemical peel may rejuvenate your skin, or an eyelid surgery may correct ptosis.  The only way to know for sure is to consult with one of the best cosmetic surgeons.

Transitioning to Your Professional Face

Many people find that, as they return to work, looking forward to the upcoming changes gives them the motivation and drive they need in order to meet their appearance-oriented goals.  You might discover new motivation to make healthy changes in your eating habits, find a fantastic outfit for interviews, and begin a cosmetic treatment plan soon so you are ready to make a great first impression.  Whatever the best options are for you, we advise you to apply your motivation and enthusiasm into both your job preparations and your professional look.  Make taking care of your appearance and your health a regular part of your new lifestyle.

There are many cosmetic treatment options that require little-to-no downtime, and you can often return to work the next day or take a long weekend.  This depends on the procedure, your healing, and your treatment plan.  Dr. Steinsapir focuses on minimally invasive procedures that give you the most benefit for the least downtime.  He aims to have you in social situations as quickly as possible, with a swift recovery time and natural results.  For example, many who choose facial liposuction with Dr. Steinsapir have it on a Thursday and return to the office on Monday, and nobody is even aware that they had surgery; they just assume that their colleague is losing weight and feeling brighter.  On the other hand, if you are seeking a facelift – perhaps the single most powerful facial surgery for improving one’s appearance – you may need to allow adequate recovery time, depending on the procedure, your job, and your facelift recovery.  In these cases, it is wise to consider seeking treatment today so you can be ready to go back to work at the end of your healing period.

Consult with the Best

Dr. Steinsapir practices medicine at both UCLA and in West Los Angeles, where he specializes in facial cosmetic surgery and oculofacial plastic surgery.  Because of his specialization in minimally invasive facial procedures that emphasize fast recovery and natural results, Dr. Steinsapir has an exceptional understanding of the complex ways each part of the face influences and interacts with the other parts, enabling him to customize each treatment for the individual.  He has extensive experience in treatment and research, as well as a prestigious educational background at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, The University of Chicago, Jules Stein Eye Institute, and other fellowship training.  Dr. Steinsapir is a forward-thinking leader in facial cosmetic treatments who has developed Deepfill Restylane and the patent-pending Microdroplet BOTOX procedures.  If you want to add more confidence to your career decisions, contact us today to see how a consultation with one of the best professional cosmetic surgeons can help you attain your best professional appearance.

August 23, 2010

What is the Best Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Filed under: blepharoplasty,Eyelid Surgery,lower blepharoplasty,oculoplastic surgeon,oculoplastic surgery — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 2:08 pm

We say this a lot, so it should come as no surprise to hear again: the best lower eyelid surgery is customized for the individual and designed to meet his or her particular goals, medical needs, and circumstances. This means that the lower eyelid surgery ideal for one person may be a specialized type of blepharoplasty while for another it may be a midface lift designed to correct tissue descent and return it to its proper anatomical location in the lower eye area.

Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty

Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty

Beyond that, once you and your oculoplastic surgeon determine the best procedure, it must be customized even further to fit your features and obtain natural results. In short, of the various types of lower eyelid surgery, the one or ones best for you will need to be tailored. Conversely, the worst lower eyelid surgery takes a standardized, one-size-fits-all approach.

The Many Choices in Lower Eyelid Surgery

Let’s review a few lower eyelid procedures to get familiar with some options and what they mean.

Blepharoplasty

There are different kinds of lower blepharoplasty, including the transconjunctival blepharoplasty transcutaneous blepharoplasty, and transconjunctival arcus marginalis release. A blepharoplasty is plastic surgery on the eyelid that can be designed to address concerns ranging from eyelid ptosis, excess fat or “puffiness,” and loose or hanging skin. The doctor performing your blepharoplasty must carefully consider the subtle details of your facial features in order to determine details like how much (if any) fat to remove and where, how tight the eyelid skin should lie, and so on.

Canthal Surgery

Canthoplasty and canthopexy can be effectively combined with other eyelid procedures when the lower eyelid needs to be tightened with great precision, the canthal angle needs to be adjusted, or the eyelid position should be reinforced.

Fixing Eyelid Surgery

If you have had prior surgery whether from a specialist or nonspecialist and are now dissatisfied with your eyelid results, there is hope. By carefully choosing an oculoplastic surgeon whose practice emphasizes fixing eyelid surgery, you can improve your appearance and your confidence. Be sure to find a doctor who specializes in your concern, has a prestigious educational and professional background, and demonstrates his or her ability through natural-looking before and after photos. If you communicate clearly with a qualified doctor who makes sense to you, you can usually prevent unsatisfactory results.

Eyelid Reconstruction

Perhaps you have had lower eyelid cancer, partial facial paralysis, eye loss, or other medical complications that make you a candidate for beneficial eyelid reconstruction even if your issue occur years ago. The key here is examining and understanding the damage, then designing a treatment that addresses the structural needs of your condition. This type of surgery should address underlying problems and the special needs of trauma reconstruction.

Midface Lift

The midface lift is not specifically an eyelid surgery, but rather a midface surgery, as the name suggests. Many people who seek treatment for their lower eye concerns are surprised to learn that the problem may not be localized to the eyelid, but a problem of tissue descent in the midface. Restoring these tissues to their natural positions can make your eyes appear more alert and beautiful.

Under Eye Restylane

Under eye Restylane is a nonsurgical procedure to improve the under eye hollows, bags, or dark circles. This is an excellent option for those who may not be ready for surgery due to personal reasons, or for those who simply have a milder issue that does not need surgery yet.

Seek Specialized Treatment

After this briefest of tours through just some of the science-based lower eyelid treatments that have been proven effective, you can see why your best lower eyelid surgery is personal to you. If you are concerned about your lower eyelid appearance, we invite you to a no-risk consultation with Dr. Steinsapir today. Dr. Steinsapir holds extensive experience, education, fellowship trainings, and research leadership in the art of customizing lower eyelid surgery to fit each individual’s complex situation and obtain natural results. He believes that no two surgeries are identical, because he has never met two people with the same set of eyes. The goal of eyelid surgery is not to make you look like a different person, but to enhance your features through improved details and restoration that brings out your individual best. Dr. Steinsapir’s minimally invasive approach, friendly demeanor, and proven outcomes make him a leader of eyelid surgery in Los Angeles and internationally. Please contact us today to learn more about how his caring practice can lead you to an improved eyelid aesthetic.

August 17, 2010

Oculoplastic Surgery Southern California – Make the Right Choice

Filed under: oculoplastic surgeon,oculoplastic surgery — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 7:53 pm

Oculoplastic surgery is a valuable option for many people seeking to improve their appearance through cosmetic treatment.  We cannot overstate the importance of the eyes when it comes to how others view us and how we feel about ourselves.  Our eyes are one of our most communicative features since we typically look at each other in the eye when speaking, and because subtle expressions around our eyes speak volumes about how we are feeling, whether we are interested, or whether we are someone who would be nice to talk to.  Improvements in the eyelids and surrounding tissues can help others to view you better and boost your confidence.  It can also make you go from looking perpetually tired, angry, or bored to alert with a youthful beauty.  If you are dissatisfied with your facial appearance or suffering from a condition like eyelid ptosis, prior eyelid cancer or trauma reconstruction, consider how an oculoplastic surgeon can help.

Oculoplastic Surgery Before and After Photo

Oculoplastic Surgery Before and After Photo

Some individuals have tissue damage from prior eyelid surgery performed by well-meaning but non-specialized plastic surgeons.  This is usually the result of seeing a generalist who may be a great choice for a number of other procedures, but who does not have focused training and experience in the art of oculoplastic surgery.

Your specific treatment will of course depend on your unique situation, individual needs, medical history, and goals.

The Key to Natural Results

Natural results can be achieved when you communicate honestly with a highly skilled and experienced physician specialist.  Dr. Steinsapir is an oculoplastic surgeon in Los Angeles with extensive training and multiple fellowships in both oculofacial surgery and cosmetic surgery, with an emphasis on minimally invasive treatments and natural results.  Dr. Steinsapir preserves as much of your natural tissue as possible so that way, should you need revisional eyelid surgery, your results can be modified later.  Those who seek eyelid surgery from Dr. Steinsapir are usually satisfied with ideal results the first time, in part because Dr. Steinsapir performs conservative surgery that is natural instead of the “surgical look.”  To this cautious precision Dr. Steinsapir adds a prestigious educational background, experience, leadership, and demonstrable results you can see at his before and after eyelid surgery photos.

Not only must your surgeon be an experienced specialist who takes a conservative approach to preserving eyelid tissue, he or she should also custom-plan your treatment according to your unique features.  When you seek natural results, you can’t just pull out a sewing pattern, follow the standardized directions, and expect your results to have a tailored finish.  None of us have the same eyes or surrounding features, which is why only customized treatment plans yield exceptional results.  Dr. Steinsapir can help by listening to your needs and goals, providing a medical examination, and working with you to determine the best customized treatment that is both realistic and beneficial.  Whether you need a special blepharoplasty, Asian eyelid surgery, correction for eyelid asymmetry, or a solution for another concern, Dr. Steinsapir will meticulously plan your treatment and include you through each step.  He is a perfectionist when it comes to designing the most suitable oculoplastic surgery on an individual basis.

As a specialized oculoplastic surgeon and ophthalmologist in the Los Angeles area of Southern California, Dr. Steinsapir has studied at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and the University of Chicago.  He is an Associate Clinical Professor at UCLA where he is a leader in definitive eyelid and undereye treatments and research.  He focuses on restoring the facial balance through natural results that emphasize how the entire facial structure works together and with the brain.  To learn more about how Dr. Steinsapir can help you improve your unique eyelid concerns, contact us today to schedule your no-risk, no-commitment consultation.

Men and lip fillers

Filed under: lip augmentation,lip fillers,lip injections,Restylane,Restylane Injections,safe cosmetic surgery — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 12:16 am

Men’s lips are often neglected.   This is too bad, because a natural fullness in the lips is very handsome.  If you are a man seeking cosmetic improvement for your face, take care not to overlook the value of lips.  Many men who have lost lip volume over time or who have naturally thin lips fail to consider lip fillers as a treatment option.  Yet when we analyze what is going on in the face and what treatments are going to have the most impact, restoring the lip volume is of critical importance.  If you have thin lips or lip lines, consider how lip fillers may benefit you.

Attaining Masculine Lips

Strangely, when we think of full or beautiful lips, we usually think only of women.  It is of course true that full and natural lips give striking compliments to a woman’s face, but women are not the only ones who look best with well-formed lips.  If you look at fashion magazines, you’ll see that the men have lips that are every bit as strong as the women’s.  This is because of the simple truth that men’s lips are important.  The big difference of course is that men do not wear lipstick to call further attention to the lips.  But just as young women have full lips that gradually deflate over time, the same is true for men.  Restoring the volume deficiency with lip augmentation can work wonders in refining your features and making you look younger.

Men and Lip Fillers

Because so many men who want facial improvement don’t even consider the possibility that men usually look best with naturally full lips, they sometimes displace a problem of lip deficiency to other features that may or may not benefit from cosmetic treatment.  For example, if you notice that something about the lower half of your face is “off,” you might assume that you need a facelift or a better-defined jaw.  Perhaps you could use these treatments; we’ll leave that up to your cosmetic surgeon and you to determine.  The point here is that it’s important not to overlook any possibilities.

Restylane is almost always the most suitable facial filler for lips.  The lips are very sensitive and the skin here tends to show any irregularities, but Restylane rarely forms bumps.  This is why Restylane is great for treating sensitive areas like the lips as well as under eye hollows.  Since Restylane is a hyaluronic filler, any dissatisfying results can easily be changed by your doctor.  The flexibility of Restylane makes your lip augmentation a very low-risk procedure that is both safe and adjustable.

Expert Treatment for Optimum Results

Placing a lip filler is both a medical procedure and an art form.  Your doctor should have extensive experience in Restylane lip treatment as well as artistic vision and an intricate understanding of facial anatomy.  If you are interested in learning more about how lip filling can help you, or just want to find out if you’re a good candidate for a lip filler, we invite you to consult with Dr. Steinsapir.

Dr. Steinsapir is a cosmetic surgeon in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles who specializes in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that give you fast recovery time and natural results.  He is a leading expert in Restylane, and has served as a physician consultant to Medicis, Inc., Restylane’s distributor.  In fact, his practice is one of few in the world that makes Restylane for dark circles and lips a major area of specialization.  Please contact us today to find out how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and care can help you achieve your desired look.

August 15, 2010

Can I have a facelift if I smoke?

Filed under: beverly hills facelift,facelift,facelift los angeles,facial cosmetic surgery — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 10:45 pm

A staggering 20% of Americans smoke, and since smoking speeds up the aging process, we hear a lot of variations of this question from people who could benefit from a facelift.  Many smokers who pursue a facelift in Los Angeles have heard that very few surgeons will perform a facelift on a smoker, so they may ask questions like, What if I am a light smoker?  What if I don’t smoke for a couple of weeks before my facelift surgery?  What if I haven’t been smoking very long?  I know I shouldn’t smoke, but what does that have to do with facial cosmetic surgery?

Facelift Before and After

Facelift Before and After

Smoking and aging skin go hand in hand, so one of the best ways to improve your appearance is to kick the habit.  No, it’s not easy, but smoking causes all kinds of medical problems beyond the age showing up in your face and the dwindling quality of your skin.  Most people know that smoking can kill at worst, and at best have many negative health consequences, but they put off quitting because it’s difficult.  Since smoking shows up in your face, you may wonder if a facelift will help, but this does not address your core problem, nor is it safe.

Smoking and Facelift Recovery

When your facial cosmetic surgeon says you must quit smoking before your facelift, he or she isn’t simply trying to motivate you by suggesting you reward yourself when you’ve quit.  Electing to have an optional cosmetic surgery as a smoker is actually dangerous, because your tissue’s ability to heal is compromised by smoking.  After your facelift, you’ll need a healthy supply of blood and oxygen to the site of surgery to ensure smooth healing, but the nicotine and carbon monoxide inhaled by smokers can cause scarring, infections, and even necrosis – skin death, which turns your skin black.

Any qualified doctor will advise you to quit smoking for your health, wellbeing, and beauty.  Because of these additional problems with healing and complications induced by smoking, a respectable cosmetic surgeon will say that you need to quit smoking before your facelift or midface lift.

When and how long do I have to stop?

If you have smoked for more than 5 years, we recommend that you wait a full two years before having a full facelift.  It may be possible to have certain types of modified facelift procedures if you have not smoked for at least 6 months. Why are such long time frames recommended?  First, this time allows for a degree of vascular recovery.  Additionally, it takes time for the lungs to recover after quitting smoking.  You actually need to quit smoking a full eight to twelve weeks before surgery for the lungs to being to improve and recover from the insult of smoking.  If you do it in less time than that, the problem that arises is an awakening of lung cilia, and you’ll bring up a lot of mucus from the lungs.  This happens about three weeks after you quit, and you need your lungs to quiet down before you go under anesthesia for cosmetic surgery.   With any luck, motivation to have cosmetic surgery will be the reason you give up smoking forever.  That is certainly a lot better than deciding in the intensive care unit after a heart attack to stop smoking.  We certainly won’t recommend that you pick up smoking again as soon as you have healed from your surgery.  After all, if you’ve gone through the hardest part of quitting, why would you pick it up again?

Resources for Quitting

You probably already know why so many people persist in smoking despite how devastating it is to their health: smoking is incredibly addicting.  That’s why, to quit, you’re going to need to push your limits and use your resources.  There are a number of websites as well as doctors and therapists who can help you find a way to quit successfully.  To help you realistically attain your goal, set a date by when you want to quit, and remember that it’s okay to feel awful for about three weeks.  You may be irritable, stressed out, and even have physical symptoms like headaches, but these will get better in time, your health will improve, and in the end you and those who care about you will be relieved that you did this for yourself.  Perhaps you can celebrate with the money you used to spend on cigarettes – you’ll have earned it!  And when it is safe, you can think about further improving your life with a facelift.

When You Are Ready, Consult with an Expert

You may find a cosmetic surgeon willing to do your facelift while you still smoke, but this should be a red flag that the doctor does not have the highest possible standards.  Yes, there are other procedures that can be safely done if you are a smoker, and Dr. Steinsapir can discuss these options with you during your consultation.  Dr. Steinsapir specializes in facelifts, the midface lift, and other facial and oculofacial surgery, bringing you the experience and expertise you need for superior results.  Contact us today to learn more about how a facelift after smoking cessation can revitalize your appearance.

August 12, 2010

Will BOTOX help my dark circles?

Filed under: best cosmetic surgeons,Beverly Hills BOTOX,Beverly Hills Restylane,Botox Los Angeles,facial fillers,Restylane,Under Eye Restylane — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 10:53 am

BOTOX is a great product for the right circumstances.  In order to understand if BOTOX will help the dark circles under your eyes, you need to first know how BOTOX works and what causes dark circles.

BOTOX and Restylane Before and After

BOTOX and Restylane Before and After

Why does BOTOX work?

BOTOX is a naturally-occurring muscle relaxant and a highly purified protein called Botulinum toxin A.  It was originally used by ophthalmologists to treat muscle spasms near the eyes, and from there doctors noticed that those who received treatment had the added benefit of a soft, relaxed, more youthful appearance.  The key reason for this improvement is that BOTOX encourages overactive muscles to relax.  Often worry wrinkles, crow’s feet, forehead lines, and pinched eyebrows are the result of repetitive facial expressions, stress, and these too-active muscles.  By selectively weakening the muscles responsible for these unappealing features with controlled precision, a skilled cosmetic surgeon can restore facial balance and prevent lines from being further “etched” into the skin.

So, now you know what BOTOX does: it relaxes muscles that are too active, and is thus a great remedy for the problems caused by tight muscles.  The next question we must then examine is, What causes the under eye hollow?  After all, effective treatment must address the root cause of the problem.

How did I get dark circles under my eyes?

Dark circles under the eyes are almost always caused by a tissue deficiency.  The dark under eye hollows that many people observe as they age is a problem of imbalanced fat distribution.  Specifically, as the malar fat pad descends, our eyes become hollow and cheek bones may look gaunt, even as our lower face becomes saggy and creased.  The natural fullness under the eyes and in the cheek has suffered from time, gravity, and stress – with the tissue ultimately ending up in the wrong place.

The dark circles that result are actually an optical effect.  The natural tissue under the eye creates a fullness associated with youth, and when light hits our face, the underlying tissue or subcutaneous fat appropriately absorbs the light, and we have a soft, alert, natural appearance.  However, when we have dark circles under our eyes there is not enough fat to interact with the light that hits it.  Instead, the light is absorbed by the dark muscles and blood vessels under the eye, which is what causes the dark area that makes us appear tired and worn out.  You may be full of energy, but as long as you do not have enough tissue just beneath your eyes, they will look hollow. Covering them with makeup, sleeping in late, or taking multivitamins will not correct this look, because in the end you still have not addressed the tissue concern.

Effective Treatment Addresses Underlying Problems

Treating under eye hollows must address the cause.  While BOTOX is a safe and excellent option for many facial concerns and may compliment a dark circle treatment by restoring an overall balance to your face, BOTOX alone is not the answer to resolving your issue with dark circles.  What we have found to be the most effective in this area under eye Restylane, an effective non-surgical approach, and, when surgery is appropriate, a vertical midface lift with a hand-carved orbital rim implant .

The vertical midface lift is a powerful surgery that restores natural balance to your face and resolves the under eye hollow by lifting the soft cheek tissue back into the area under the eye and lower eyelid, where it belongs.  After this procedure, most people find that they not only look more alert instead of worn out, they also look much younger!  The surgery corrects the harsh edges and imbalance of facial tissue that has been brought on by gravity and time.  The reason the results appear so natural is because this cosmetic facial surgery restores your natural facial structure.  For this reason, this approach is often used to address issues from prior unsatisfactory lower eyelid surgery.  Dr. Steinsapir will assess you to determine the best options for your goals.

Deepfill Restylane is Dr. Steinsapir’s method for correcting dark circles.  Dr. Steinsapir developed this minimally invasive, nonsurgical method with those in mind who may not feel they are ready for surgery due to personal reasons.  It is also a great option for those who have less severe hollows.  Restylane is the most effective facial filler in the sensitive area around the eye, making up for the marked tissue deficiency

Finding the Best Advice

The best person to help you understand whether Restylane, a midface lift, BOTOX, or another procedure is right for you is an experienced facial cosmetic surgeon who specializes in these treatments.  We invite you to consult with Dr. Steinsapir, one of the best cosmetic surgeons in Los Angeles who specializes in both oculofacial plastic surgery and minimally invasive cosmetic surgery.  Dr. Steinsapir strives for a natural appearance that takes into account the entire facial balance, obtaining results that work for your individual features.  He has innovated Microdroplet BOTOX and Deepfill Restylane, and he can help you find a treatment plan that is best for you.  Please contact us today to schedule your private consultation.

August 10, 2010

Can open syringes of fillers be stored for later use?

Filed under: facial fillers — Tags: , , — admin @ 8:54 pm

Everyone is looking for ways to save money these days, and we certainly do not blame you for doing so.  However, when it comes to your health, taking shortcuts is not the answer to getting the results you need at a lower cost.  Safety should always come first in any medical procedure, so while we sympathize when patients ask us if we can store open syringes, we do not believe it is good practice to do so.  Generally facial fillers syringes are meant for one-time use, and the volume of units contained in each syringe is small enough for this to be an economical practice.

Restylane Before and After Photos

Restylane Before and After Photo

Is it safe to save used syringes?

One small study concluded that the storage of open, partially used syringes of filler was safe for nine months after injection.  However, this study also reported that bacteria were found in approximately 10% of these open syringes.  Handling open syringes in anything other than the highly controlled environments maintained by the drug manufactures and certain pharmacies for this purposes, risks contamination with bacteria. We know that unopened syringes are safely manufactured, packaged, and stored, but leaving a used open syringe of filler in storage for months seems to be asking for the risk of contamination.  Why take chances?

Syringes with fillers like Restylane are meant to be fully used at one time and then discarded, as the distributor recommends.  If you are seeking facial filling through a treatment like Restylane injections, but you are concerned that you will not be able to afford subsequent treatments and thus try to convince your doctor to hold onto used syringes for you for later use, you may want to reconsider your treatment plans.  Cosmetic facial treatment with a qualified facial plastic surgeon is not cheap, and if treatment causes you undue financial hardship to the point where you want to cut corners and take risks, then you will unlikely be able to pay for an emergency should it arise, be it car troubles or a true medical need.  While you may greatly benefit from aesthetic facial improvement from your Restylane results, we strongly advise you to wait until you are in a better position to have safe treatment.

How can I find a doctor who will store used syringes for me?

Yes, there are some physicians who will store used syringes of fillers for you, and if you ask enough doctors you will probably be able to find one willing to do this.  However, we question the ethics of anyone willing to provide unproven and potentially unsafe services when your health is at risk, and such a provider is probably not the most skilled specialist to begin with.  Most cosmetic surgeons in Los Angeles where we practice as well as all across the world will not store used syringes for your own safety.  This is to ensure quality of care and to make sure your treatments are all safe, sanitary, and provide reliable results.

The Worthwhile Benefits of Restylane

Restylane is minimally invasive, nonsurgical cosmetic treatment that is proven effective for dark under eye circles treatment and other deficiencies in facial volume.  The effects of Restylane are long-lasting and yet not permanent, meaning that this is a low-risk treatment that you can reverse in the unlikely case that you are not pleased with your outcome.  Restylane can safely and easily be removed with a hyaluronidase injection, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acids like Restylane®, Perlane®, and Juvederm®.  Restylane is an ideal facial filler because it “hides” well under the sensitive skin of the face and provides natural results that can take years off of your appearance.

Choose a Caring Expert in Facial Fillers

Dr. Steinsapir is a leader in minimally invasive facial cosmetic procedures and oculofacial plastic surgery in Los Angeles.  He is the creator of Deepfill Restylane, a patent-pending technique that places Restylane deep along the orbital rim beneath the eye for remarkable results that dramatically improve dark circles.  Everyone who seeks treatment from Dr. Steinsapir receives a completely individualized plan, with all treatments personally performed by Dr. Steinsapir, rather than an assistant.  When you are seeking expertise, Dr. Steinsapir can offer you the skill, experience, and aesthetic vision needed to make your experience ideal.  Call us today for your risk-free consultation to learn more about the best approach for you.

August 2, 2010

What are the best lasers to improve my dark circles?

Filed under: eyelid filler,facelift alternative,facial fillers,midface lift,Restylane,restylane in los angeles,restylane los angeles,Under Eye Restylane — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 8:12 pm

People love to talk about lasers and technology, and while lasers are very valuable in many medical procedures, they have a limited place in cosmetic procedures.  Lasers have been touted as a great way to improve skin texture, scars, and even problems like dark circles under the eyes which are actually caused by the skin optics of the lower eyelid.  In actuality, lasers once seemed like a promising technology that failed to deliver on so many promises when it comes to cosmetic treatment.

Under Eye Restylane Before and After Photo

Under Eye Restylane Before and After Photo

There are many potentially disfiguring side effects with laser skin treatments.  For example, CO2 laser resurfacing can cause textural abnormalities and injure the skin’s melanocytes, which causes unsightly hypopigmentation.  Still other methods like fractional laser treatments have such a mild effect that you may or may not even notice a difference.  Furthermore, since laser equipment is so expensive, you end up bearing the high cost as the consumer even when a less expensive treatment may be more effective.  We do not mean to completely devalue lasers; it is of course reasonable and fair that the treatment recipient bears the cost of the medical equipment and procedure, and there are in fact some delicate and truly impressive surgeries that are best done with a laser.  However, when it comes to cosmetic procedures and facial skin treatments, lasers are often not the best choice.

What is the best treatment to improve my dark circles?

Let’s rephrase the original question and consider how to find a more appropriate treatment solution.  Some better questions to ask are, what is causing my dark circles, and what is the best cosmetic treatment to improve them?  This way you allow your physician to diagnose you and help you develop the best treatment plan for your needs, rather than assuming that you already know what will work.  Just as it is a common misconception that lasers are the best method for treating facial skin problems, it is also a misconception that the dark circles or under eye hollows are a problem with skin pigmentation.

In most cases, the dark circles under the eyes that we observe are actually caused by a tissue deficiency.  There is too little subcutaneous (meaning “under the skin”) fat in the under-eye region, which is frequently caused by a descent of the malar fat pad, or soft cheek tissue, over time.  This deficiency creates an optical problem because light hitting the skin is absorbed by the dark red muscle beneath it, rather than a youthful layer of fat.  The tear trough skin here may be too thin also, compounding the problem, but this is not a skin problem you’ll want to “correct” with lasers.  The skin here is very delicate and fragile, and artificially changing its texture through lasers and scarring will not make for a good look.  The key is to address the underlying problem by correcting the subcutaneous deficiency.

The most effective treatments for improving under eye circles depend on the individual, but usually the safe, reliable, and recommended solutions that work best are either a midface lift or undereye Restylane.  The midface lift addresses severe structural concerns and returns sagging tissue to its natural, youthful position, successfully treating the under eye bags and restoring balance to the face.  Restylane under the eyes is a facial filler that corrects the tissue deficiency, and it’s a great option for those with a less pronounced problem or who may not be ready for surgery for personal reasons.  The Restylane filler allows the skin associated with the dark circle to drape differently and this greatly improves how light interacts with the lower eyelid lessening the appearance of the dark circle.

How can Dr. Steinsapir help?

Dark under eye circles are one of the most common concerns that Dr. Steinsapir treats.  His practice is one of just a few in the world that makes the treatment of under eye hollows a major focus of specialization.  Dr. Steinsapir pioneered the midface lift with a hand-carved orbital rim implant, and he also invented the patent-pending treatment method Deepfill Restylane, both of which are impressive and respected solutions for correcting under eye deficiencies.  As a leading expert in cosmetic procedures to address the undereye hollow.  He is a noted lecturer and writer on this subject.  He believes in developing an individualized treatment plan for each individual based on minimally invasive methods with safe and proven results.  Please contact us today to find out how Dr. Steinsapir can correct underlying problems and help you restore your vibrant, youthful appearance.