July 8, 2011

How Do I Know if I’m Ready for Cosmetic Surgery?

Dr. Steinsapir typically does not recommend surgery until you have some issue that can’t be addressed or rectified with non-surgical means, or if the economics of surgery outweigh the non-surgical treatments and the risks of the two approaches are appropriately balanced.  Practically speaking, if you look long enough, you will almost always find a surgeon willing to perform surgery.  This means that it’s especially important for you to research the different treatment options available, talk to a number of specialists and, if surgery is the best course of action, discuss the pros and cons with your chosen surgeon.  An ethical surgeon will examine your condition and make a recommendation based on your goals and needs, rather than their pocket book.

Consider the impact of surgery

While television programs are full of stories about how plastic surgery transformed the lives of the patients, these grand results are much less common than the TV might lead you to believe. An improved upper eyelid won’t suddenly transform your life by helping you to get a better job, end conflict with your spouse, or make you an instant celebrity.  A realistic goal is that you will be pleased with the improvement and happy that you had surgery.  However, it is unrealistic to expect the surgery will help you land that promotion and help you pay off the cost of surgery. Don’t opt for surgery if it is a choice between basic necessities and having surgery.  Paying rent and health insurance is more important than elective cosmetic surgery.  These are personal choices, but cosmetic surgery is a luxury and not a necessity.  Make sure you aren’t over committing yourself financially in deciding to have surgery.

Consider your motivations

Before deciding to undergo cosmetic surgery, ask yourself “why.”  The first step to understanding if you are ready for surgery is to understand your motivations.  Do you want surgery to please yourself, or to please someone else?  There is no right answer, but if you want surgery to please someone else, ask yourself if the surgical outcomes are something you also want.  Do you find yourself preoccupied with thoughts of a particular surgery?  Do you avoid social situations because you are concerned that people are staring or whispering about you?  Do you spend hours every day repeatedly thinking about an issue that your friends have trouble seeing?  These may be signs of a condition called body dysmorphic disorder.  Body dysmorphic disorder is an obsessive thought pattern characterized by focusing on a slight or nonexistant flaw. Unfortunately, it is difficult to fix subtle or nonexistent issues surgically.  Occasionally this leads to a flat out misunderstanding between surgeon and patient, and even more trouble after surgery.  Dr. Steinsapir find that it is best to air these issues openly and if necessary involve a psychotherapist to help the individual better understand their motivation to have surgery.

Consider your support system

One last series of questions you should ask yourself is about support from family and friends.  Are others around you supportive of you having cosmetic surgery?  Keep in mind that a negative environment can be harmful to your healing process following surgery.  It is so important to make sure those you love are supportive of your decision before you undergo cosmetic surgery.  Don’t try to hide the fact that you are undergoing cosmetic surgery; be open about your plans and find support from those around you.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology.  Dr. Steinsapir has a private practice and also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.  Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert provider of cosmetic surgery.

May 24, 2011

How good are the cosmetic surgeries advertised on television?

Advertisements on television offer compelling bi-lines and a lot of hype about cosmetic surgery procedures.  In today’s media-driven world where television personalities and movie stars seem to be always under the knife, it’s easy to become carried away with the notion that cosmetic surgery is simple, painless, and as easy as walking into the nearest cosmetic surgeon’s office and walking out with a new look.  In reality, television greatly skews our understanding of what it means to undergo a facelift, lid lift, or even a BOTOX® injection.  In truth, satisfactory cosmetic surgery results do not come from the best price, the flashiest advertisement, or the most recently famous surgeon; they come from a dedicated surgeon who is an expert in his or her field who will listen carefully to your needs and offer you the safest and most effective treatment plan for you.

Reality vs. Reality Television

When it comes to cosmetic surgery reality shows, the term “reality” becomes a very loose term.  These programs have ridden (some would say helped to stimulate) the wave of interest in cosmetic surgery, yet they provide only a very distorted view of the practice of cosmetic surgery. The consultation becomes a sound bite and in the process minimizes the risks and appropriate concerns that must be addressed.  So many procedures are performed on some of these shows at one time that the surgery becomes unnecessarily life threatening.  No one should be placed in a position of choosing between their beauty and their health.  Of course there are risks with any surgery and anesthesia.  However, these risks can be managed and reduced by using the most appropriate anesthesia, operating in the proper setting, and limiting the amount of surgery performed at a given time.

Choosing the right doctor

By playing on your desire for a “quick fix,” advertisers are reinforcing the misconception that cosmetic surgery is just another quick trip to the doctor’s office; like receiving a flu shot.  But just as a flu shot comes with risks, so too does cosmetic surgery.  Although there are risks with any surgeon and procedure, an expert surgeon will guide you through these risks helping you to make an informed decision.  Offices that gloss over these concerns are trying to take advantage of your lack of expert knowledge.  It is the job of the surgeon and their staff to educate you and help you make the right decision, not hustle you into having surgery.  At the end of the day it is essential that you trust your doctor.  It goes without saying that your doctor should make sense, listen to you, and treat you with respect and dignity.  The office staff should also listen to your concerns and treat you with respect. Don’t be intimidated by the doctor’s reputation.  That reputation is meaningless if the doctor doesn’t treat you like a human being.  Before and after pictures are also extremely important. This is generally a doctor’s best work. If you don’t like what you are seeing, it is a mistake to think your results with that particular doctor will be better than what you are being shown.

Consultation is key

Whether you decide to seek help from a clinic advertised on TV, or to take the recommendations of a friend or family member, it’s important to first attend a consultation with your chosen physician.  That consultation should also include meaningful time with the surgeon who will be doing your surgery.  If the surgeon is not detailed during your consultation, is it reasonable to assume they will be detailed in performing your surgery?  To get the most from a consultation, do your homework. Have a good idea of what you are trying to accomplish. Be open to an approach that is different from what you thought you needed.  Choose your surgeon based on his or her expertise, not based on media hype or discounts.  If you don’t like what you are being told, don’t try to convince the surgeon to do something they have just advised you to avoid.  Instead, consider seeking a second opinion to ensure your surgeon is giving you the options that he or she is most comfortable with and the safest possible plan-of-action.  The good news is that in most cities, there are lots of options for cosmetic surgery care. No one person has all the answers.  If all the other doctors you have seen recommend against a particular course, think long and hard about allowing that surgeon to perform your surgery.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified ophthalmologist and fellowship trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology.  Dr. Steinsapir has a private practice and also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.  Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert provider of BOTOX, DYSPORT, Restylane and Perlane, and advanced eyelid and facial surgery, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.

May 13, 2011

Which is better; surgery in a private center or a large outpatient surgery center like the Ronald Reagan Medical Center at UCLA

It is hard to improve on the staff and resources available at the UCLA Outpatient Surgery Center at the Ronald Reagan Medical Center at UCLA.  UCLA is consistently rated the top medical center in the Western United States and one of the top five medical centers in the country.

Private surgery centers

Accredited surgery centers run by your surgeon’s office are generally safe, but Dr. Steinsapir believes there is inherent security offered by major medical centers that is difficult to duplicate in small surgery centers.  Dr. Steinsapir notes that, while it is certainly more profitable and convenient for a surgeon to run his or her own surgery center, patient safety is a central focus of major medical centers, and therefore they are often a safer option for the patient. One of the great advantages of a major medical center is increased peer scrutiny and clinical resources.  There are simply more people looking over the surgeon’s shoulder.  At a private operating room, there is a single anesthesiologist and perhaps two nurses, or a nurse and a nurse anesthetist working with your surgeon.  There is a very low incidence of issues in operating rooms, however, if an issue does arise, the available staff members and attending physicians are limited.  Who is around to assist your surgeon and their anesthesiologist?

UCLA Surgery Center

The UCLA Surgery Center is not only staffed with numerous anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, respiratory therapists, and critical care nurses, but all staff members are up-to-date on the latest techniques.  The anesthesiologists are not community-based.  UCLA Surgery Center anesthesiologists are also academic faculty members actively involved in the latest developments in anesthesia as well as teachers of the next generation of anesthesiologists; they know their business.  The surgery center is on the campus of the Ronald Reagan Medical Center with all the resources that modern medicine has to offer.  You might inquire if your surgeon’s office-based operating room has a plan should something go wrong, but at UCLA you know you are in good hands.

Cost benefits of UCLA Surgery Center

Your surgeon’s private surgery center offers a convenience if your surgeon is local, but UCLA Surgery Center offers remarkably competitive facility and anesthesiology fees.  In many cases, the rates are lower than those of many private surgery centers (in some cases, much lower).  It is comforting to know that the safety of the UCLA Medical Center is within financial reach for your cosmetic surgery.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship-trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology.  Dr. Steinsapir has a private practice and also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.  Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in cosmetic surgery, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.

Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success.  Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.

January 20, 2011

Fixing Lower Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery is a great option for many people seeking to improve their looks and their interactions with others.  You can usually anticipate that your lower eyelid surgery will be a positive experience that improves your appearance and your confidence, but there are still occasions when an individual may need to seek revisional eyelid surgery with a top oculoplastic surgeon, especially if the original operating surgeon was not chosen with the greatest care.  If you are concerned about the outcome of a past eyelid surgery and want to know how to address any issue you perceive, here are a few items to consider as you move forward toward attaining your treatment goals.

Have you had time to heal?

After an eyelid surgery, you might experience some apprehension as you anticipate your results and wonder if you made the right decision.  Most individuals find that they are very happy with their eyelid surgery results, so before you start to fret make sure you’ve allowed yourself healing time to see improvement.  In a very few, rare cases an individual needs to seek immediate medical attention for eyelid surgery complications, but this is not common.

If your concerns are aesthetic, it’s generally advisable to wait six to twelve months after a lower eyelid surgery such as lower blepharoplasty to seek revisional treatments.  This is because it’s important to allow all the tissues to fully heal and observe your final results before modifying the outcome with additional surgery.  Especially in cases when an overaggressive surgery leads to the need for corrective surgery, your corrective surgery should preserve your tissue as much as possible to improve your look rather than making the problem worse.  This is why a conservative approach after ample healing time is most effective.

Since you begin to see the results of your eyelid surgery earlier than the time for corrective surgery, you should be openly expressing any concerns that arise with your original surgeon on an ongoing basis.  If you feel you could benefit from a second opinion with a specialist in eye plastic surgery and its correction, this can also help you to calm your worry and consider your options.

Who can help?

In many cases, individuals worry needlessly about an overall great surgery because they haven’t let themselves heal or are nervous enough to imagine problems that aren’t there.  On the other hand, with any medical procedure you run a risk that it will not go exactly as you had hoped, and eyelid surgery is no exception.  If you want to learn more about whether you might need your lower eyelid surgery fixed, you can be glad that expert help is available.

First you should consult with your original surgeon wherever possible.  Your surgeon who performed your first eyelid surgery should be eager to help you address any concerns you have and find the best solution together.  However, sometimes part of the problem may be that your surgeon lacks the specialized skill in conservative eyelid surgery that is needed for precise and natural results, and in these cases consider consulting with an additional doctor for a new viewpoint based on experience and expertise.

It takes extensive training, experience, skill, and specialization to be able to perform the best eyelid surgery, and additionally there are very few doctors with focus on skillfully correcting eyelid surgery.  We invite you to consult with Dr. Steinsapir, who makes eyelid surgery as well as corrective eyelid surgery based on years of education, training, and experience a major focus of his practice in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.  Dr. Steinsapir works from a philosophy that natural results are achieved through conservative surgery that enhances your eyelid’s natural contour.  This approach helps to prevent the need for corrective surgery to begin with.  If you are already concerned about a prior eyelid surgery, or if you are seeking lower eyelid surgery and want to minimize your risk of needing corrective surgery later, contact us today and consider how a fresh opinion from Dr. Steinsapir can help set you on the right track for to achieve your goals.

January 15, 2011

Which chemical peels are best for Asian Eyelids?

There are many types of chemical peels available and many types of concerns they treat, so it can be difficult to figure out which chemical peel is right for you.  But the chemical peel is truly an art form with versatile abilities depending on your needs, so it’s vital to understand that for a successful face peel with profound results, you’ll need an expert in performing facial peels who has extensive treatment experience and understands how to combine science and aesthetic planning for the best results possible.

Before and After Chemical Peel for Asian Eyelid

Before and After Chemical Peel for Asian Eyelid

Before and After Chemical Peel for Asian Eyelid

If you are interested in whether a chemical peel may help your Asian eyelid, please realize that the tremendous diversity between every eyelid, including Asian eyelids, means that there is no one approach that will work for every Asian eyelid.  The right solution for you will depend on other factors, like the precise nature of your concern, the condition of the skin and eyelid, your skin’s pigmentation, and so on.  Your doctor will take all of these factors into and design your treatment approach accordingly.

How can a chemical peel help me?

Chemical peels can effectively treat facial concerns like aging skin, fine wrinkles, dark spots, acne, creases, loss of elasticity in the skin, and other concerns.  There are many cases when a chemical peel will compliment an eyelid surgery.  For example, an eyelid surgery like Asian blepharoplasty can correct excessive fullness of the eyelid by removing some of the fat, creating a double fold, or addressing Asian eyelid ptosis.  Since removing extra fat can slightly loosen the skin in that region, a chemical peel can help to firm the skin here.  This frequently makes the chemical peel an excellent alternative to surgery that removes excess skin for the lower eyelid.  A chemical peel in the eyelid region is a minimally invasive procedure that preserves your natural features while rejuvenating your appearance.

Pigmentation is always an important consideration to any chemical peel, including a chemical peel for Asian skin.  The range in skin colors and complexions is as complex as the range in eyelids, so this is something to consider with your doctor on an individual basis.  Fortunately there are many people with Asian skin complexions who can and do benefit from chemical peels.  Your doctor can tell you more about skin-types as classified by the Fitzpatrick scale, and let you know what that means for you and your candidacy for a chemical peel.  A chemical peel can often help improve concerns with irregular pigmentation.

Who can provide the best chemical peel for Asian eyelids?

You need an expert in providing the most effective and safest chemical peels in conjunction with the best eyelid treatment available.  We recommend that you consult with a specialist who makes facial and eyelid surgery the core of their practice to help you reach your facial aesthetic goals, and be sure that he or she has extensive experience in your specific concerns. Dr. Steinsapir specializes in both chemical peels and Asian eyelid surgery, with an emphasis on surgery and minimally invasive techniques customized for your particular situation and goals.  Contact us today for your no-risk consultation, where you can learn more about how to best meet your eyelid concerns, and if an individualized chemical peel will help.

December 10, 2010

Does anyone perform Asian Eyelid Surgery under local anesthesia?

When you seek the best specialized eyelid surgery, it is important to make sure you seek treatment from the most skilled oculoplastic surgeon who practices the safest treatment approaches.  If you are seeking Asian eyelid surgery under local anesthesia or with conscious sedation, the good news is that you are seeking the safest approach with the best typical outcomes.  The best eye plastic surgeons indeed prefer to operate on the eyelid under local anesthesia or with conscious sedation in almost every case.  General anesthesia is avoided.

Asian Eyelid Surgery Before and After

Asian Eyelid Surgery Before and After

The key for helping you to obtain the best Asian eyelid surgery and avoiding general anesthesia will be in finding a top surgeon with extensive experience in this specialized eyelid surgery.  Your surgeon must understand both the importance of performing eyelid surgery under local anesthesia or under conscious sedation.  This allows your surgeon to monitor the effects of Asian eyelid while it is being performed for results that enhance your eyelid’s natural contour.

Why local anesthesia?

As specialists in individualized cosmetic eyelid surgery, we hear from people asking for pure local, local anesthesia with conscious sedation, and general anesthesia.  Some people fear one or the other, but the key to putting your concerns at rest and feeling confident in your chosen treatment method is education through reliable information, and consulting with the best cosmetic surgeon who can help you navigate your options and provide the best treatment available.

Local anesthesia with or without conscious sedation is almost always the best option when it comes to cosmetic eye surgery.  Why?  There are a few reasons.  Local anesthesia is associated with fewer risks, little to no “hangover” effects after surgery, and typically a faster recovery time—all of which make safe surgeries even safer.  In addition to your improved healing, local anesthesia also usually affords better aesthetic results, because you and your doctor can communicate during treatment.  During your surgery, your doctor will ask you to do simple, painless tasks like open and close your eyes when asked.  This will help your surgeon to ascertain how your surgery is going and what is needed to give you the most natural results possible.  When you are under general aesthesia, you are completely asleep and unable to cooperate.  This reduces the accuracy of surgery.

You can choose from so-called straight local procedures that can be done in the office setting or conscious sedation, which is also called intravenous sedation.  More drugs are used which can be helpful if you are concerned about being too aware during your procedure.  In either case you will be able to cooperate with your surgeon which improves the outcome of surgery.
Overall, local anesthesia with or without conscious sedation is usually the ideal option for your Asian eyelid surgery, and locating a surgeon who understands the importance of individualized Asian eyelid surgery under local anesthesia will likely be one of the keys to your satisfaction in your results.

Seeking the Best Cosmetic Surgeon for Asian Eyelid Surgery

For the best results in Asian eyelid surgery, seek a qualified provider who understands that each Asian eyelid is unique, must be approached individually, and should usually be performed under local anesthesia with or without conscious sedation for optimal results.  There is no one standard way to operate on an Asian eyelid, because there is a diverse range of traits and needs for every eye.  Your treatment plan should depend on your unique facial anatomy, circumstances, and goals.  For the best Asian eyelid surgery available, consult with an eyelid cosmetic surgeon who knows how to customize your treatment plan based on your needs, follows the best scientific practices which include local anesthesia for eyelid surgery in most cases, and has the experience and proven skills needed to help you obtain the best aesthetic possibilities.

We invite you to consult with Dr. Steinsapir, a leader in individualized Asian eyelid surgery in Los Angeles that gives you the best results, smoothest recovery, and most natural look.  Dr. Steinsapir never performs this surgery under general anesthesia.  Your ability to cooperate during surgery makes it much more likely that your Asian eyelid surgery will meet your goals.  This is how he gives you individualized results through minimally invasive and science-based techniques.  To learn more about Dr. Steinsapir’s background and qualifications in specialized facial cosmetic surgery and Asian eyelid surgery, contact us today and understand how experience can make all the difference.

December 2, 2010

Could I be allergic to BOTOX?

Your best cosmetic treatment option will depend on many factors that are unique to you.  That said, you can empower yourself to make the best decision with a qualified cosmetic surgeon by learning about all the benefits and associated risks involved in any procedure you are considering.  Every medical treatment comes with some risk, even if very small, and BOTOX is no exception.

In general, BOTOX is very safe and has proven itself in studies to be a great choice for reliable improvements.  Millions of people enjoy BOTOX benefits every year, and they are confident in their choice given BOTOX safety and demonstrated efficacy.  However, while BOTOX is a great treatment for millions of people, it is not the right choice for everybody.  For some, their unique needs may indicate that another procedure will be more suitable, like a forehead lift or undereye Restylane, and there are others who have special medical conditions that may indicate BOTOX is not the best option or should be approached with extra care.  Even though it’s statistically unlikely you’ll be allergic to BOTOX, it is possible that you’ll be one of the rare few, and there can never be a guarantee that you will not experience a complication.

However, if you seek treatment from the best cosmetic surgeon available who has thorough expertise in BOTOX, its application, and addressing its risks, you are more likely to have satisfying results.  Seek a doctor who can usually recognize and address complications, should they arise.

Minimizing Side Effects

Under most circumstances people are thrilled with the improvements and new look they receive from BOTOX, and BOTOX side effects are most often mild and wear off with time.  If you experience any, it could be as simple as having results that are disappointing, in which case you can seek an additional consultation or wait for treatment to wear off over the next several months.  You may experience bruising that will also heal soon like other bruises.  There is also a new black box warning for BOTOX by the FDA.  When BOTOX is used at doses much higher than used in cosmetic treatments, there have been serious side effects for some people, like asthenia (generalized weakness), double vision, blurred vision, eyelid droopiness, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking, and urinary incontinence.   When very high doses for BOTOX are used for medical reasons in infants, deaths have been caused.  However, even the FDA notes that these types systemic of side-effects are not seen in the doses used for cosmetic treatment.

Be completely open and honest about your medical history, family history, and current conditions, including: medical conditions and any prior reactions you’ve had to botulinum toxin agents and other allergies or hypersensitivities.

Generally when people report that they allergic to BOTOX, what they often mean is that BOTOX does not seem to work for them.  There are individuals who have what are called neutralizing antibodies to botulinum toxin due to repetitive exposure to large doses of botulinum toxin used for medical as opposed to cosmetic purposes. This does not seem to occur with the very small doses used for cosmetic purposes.  However it is not impossible either.  Most often the loss of effectiveness is related to a change in how an injector is administering BOTOX.  Since the product is very expensive, it appears to be human nature to try to get away with using less product to increase profit.  Offices should tell you how much BOTOX you are getting in Units.  It is not meaningful if you are told you are getting a “syringe.”  How much BOTOX is contained in a give syringe is totally controlled by the doctor.  By knowing Units, if your usually number of Units does not give the same treatment results, you can more readily compare treatment among different offices.

Consult with a Cosmetic Surgeon with BOTOX Expertise

Dr. Steinsapir provides BOTOX in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, with his widely-acclaimed, patented Microdroplet BOTOX technique demonstrating his leadership in balanced results for those seeking facial improvement.  As both a board certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained cosmetic, facial, and eye plastic surgeon, Dr. Steinsapir specializes in minimally invasive cosmetic facial procedures that yield natural outcomes for your optimal look.  Learn about Dr. Steinsapir’s full qualifications to administer BOTOX and get your questions answered by a caring cosmetic surgeon who will give you the straight facts.  Contact us today to learn more about BOTOX and the best solutions for your individual aesthetic needs.

November 29, 2010

Does it make sense to have Asian Eyelid surgery in China when I visit?

Traveling for the best Asian eyelid surgery is an excellent option for those who live far away from the right oculoplastic surgeon for them, and in fact many individuals travel from across the United States and countries across the world in search of the best eyelid surgery with Dr. Steinsapir.  If you seek Asian eyelid surgery and are planning to visit China soon, we urge you to carefully consider the individual surgeon and treatment logistics.  Cost should not be the primary determinate of where you have surgery.  Fixing an adverse cut-rate surgical outcome can be a very expensive proposition.  There are all kinds of doctors living across the world, and the right choice for you will not depend on where he or she lives, but upon his or her qualifications, education, background, skills, proven results, and how confident you feel in his or her care.  Please don’t make a rushed choice based on a geographic region, but rather consider how an individualized approach and careful planning can make all the difference.

Traveling for Surgery

We understand that of course you want the best cosmetic surgeon for the best results, and when you seek Asian eyelid surgery such as Asian blepharoplasty, many people assume that the best options are with an Asian cosmetic surgeon or in an Asian country.  This is an easy misconception, but the reality is that the most important aspects of your doctor’s background are his or her education, skill, treatment specialization and philosophy, and proven results.  In short, the best Asian eyelid surgeon for you may or may not be an Asian doctor or live in an Asian country, but he or she will be someone with exceptional capabilities in individualizing the treatment approach of every Asian eyelid surgery for natural results that emphasize the eyelid’s aesthetic qualities.

When you travel for surgery, we urge you to not simply schedule treatment that conveniently coincides with a vacation or business trip, but instead be willing to make multiple visits to the best oculofacial surgeon you can find, and whose options make sense given your needs.  To feel confident in your decision and to avoid a rushed treatment you may regret later, we do not believe in scheduling surgery at the initial time of consultation.  Being pressured into surgery accounts for many of the occasions that people seek revisional surgery, which is why our philosophy is that it’s best to consult first, take time to think about your options and ascertain your confidence level in your potential cosmetic surgeon, and then—only if it is the right choice—schedule an additional trip or trips to undergo safe and effective treatment.  Elective cosmetic surgery should not be done as a lark or under undo “sales” pressure.

What to Consider before Eyelid Surgery in China

Perhaps you have researched surgeons across the world and want to make a special trip for a particular doctor in China in whom you’re interested.  If this is the case, please be sure to consider the following:

•    Who will provide your follow-up care after surgery-what if you have an issue?
•    Is it practical for you to receive health care internationally?
•    Are you choosing to have surgery in China because you have found a top surgeon there who really makes sense to you, or is it just because you assume all Asian eyelid surgery in China will be good and the price is right?
•    Will your surgeon be able to effectively communicate with you?
•    Have you researched oculoplastic surgeons who are closer who can safely and successfully meet your aesthetic goals?

There are wonderful Asian eyelid surgeons across the United States and the world, and there are also nonspecialist surgeons across the United States and the world who will not be comfortable performing a specialized eyelid surgery such as Asian eyelid surgery due to a different set of qualifications and experience.  This is true in the United States, in China, and beyond.  We urge you to choose the best doctor you can afford, and one with whom you will not feel tempted to take shortcuts.  If you already live in the United States, it may be a good idea to begin your search closer to home in order to avoid feeling obligated to hurry into a treatment that isn’t right for you.  Take time to consider your treatment options, your comfort level, and the best physician who can individualize your treatment approach for natural results.

Consult with the Best

Consider how Dr. Steinsapir, a specialist in Asian eye surgery in southern California, can help you obtain optimal results and swift healing, and without pressuring you into a decision.  Dr. Steinsapir’s philosophy is to empower you to make the best decision for you by encouraging you to take time between your initial consultation and surgery to reflect and make the right decision that can bring you confidence and, ultimately, a superior outcome.  Dr. Steinsapir studied medicine and cosmetic eyelid surgery at The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and The University of Chicago, and offers specialized Asian eyelid surgery customized to your unique eye needs.  To learn more about how taking time to make thoughtful decisions with the best cosmetic surgeon in Los Angeles can make all the difference, contact us today.

November 24, 2010

Traveling to Have Surgery with Dr. Steinsapir

It’s a given that for the best cosmetic surgery results, you’ll want to choose the best cosmetic surgeon.  This is why many people travel from across the United States as well as internationally to have surgery with Dr. Steinsapir.  Dr. Steinsapir is world-renowned for his leadership in facial cosmetic surgery, including the facelift, forehead lift, and specialized eyelid surgeries that provide natural results and a fast healing time.  If you are considering traveling to have surgery or other cosmetic treatment with Dr. Steinsapir, here are some important considerations that will help you have the best experience possible.

Consult First

We have found that many people who travel for cosmetic treatment feel they should be able to have surgery at the time of their initial consultation.  They want to take care of everything in just one trip, so they may fly or take a long drive to Los Angeles, have their consultation and have surgery on the same trip.  This is an alluring idea because then you only have to book a flight and pack your suitcase once, and you’ll probably save a little money—but please reconsider this approach.

At Dr. Steinsapir’s practice, we don’t believe performing an initial consultion and surgery at the same time.  Even if you save a few dollars in airfare, in the end this amounts to hasty and high-pressure decisions.  Your choice to move forward in having surgery with the right doctor is important, and it’s not a good idea to cut corners here.  In particular, Dr. Steinsapir has noticed that many people seeking revisional eyelid surgery and help for fixing other cosmetic treatment concerns initially got into their predicament because they were pressured into having surgery in the first place.

This is not our philosophy.  Cosmetic surgery and revisional cosmetic surgery should be something you and your surgeon approach calmly, thoughtfully, and with confidence.  Instead of too much pressure, we strongly advise and encourage you to take the time to make sure you have found the right doctor and right treatment approach.  We want you to have time to think about the options and be completely comfortable with the proposed surgical plan.

Take Time to Reflect

Consulting now and having surgery later is a sound approach for anyone seeking the right cosmetic treatment with any doctor.  Although admittedly not convenient, slowing down, thinking about your choices and being fully comfortable ensures that you can make a fully informed choice without the pressure of time.  However, you are much more likely to make a choice that is right for you.  This philosophy means that when you consult with Dr. Steinsapir, we do not pressure you into committing to surgery.  It is better for everyone if you have the opportunity to meet with the surgeon, then have time to think about the issues discussed well before having cosmetic surgery or revisional cosmetic surgery.

Make Thoughtful Decisions

For these reason, even for those who travel very far, we don’t believe in doing surgery at the time of the initial consultation.  In fact, we don’t believe in cutting any corners with cosmetic treatment.  The best surgery is always performed with the utmost of care, consideration, research, and planning.  We want you to go into surgery comfortable that you have made the right decision and confident in your cosmetic surgeon’s qualifications and ability to meet you treatment needs.

We invite you, near or far, to visit Dr. Steinsapir in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills for your initial consultation.  Find out about his treatment philosophy, skilled experience, top educational and training background, the best individualized treatment for you, and simply whether your personalities mesh well.  We think you’ll find that Dr. Steinsapir’s friendly, caring, and honest approach demonstrates the highest ethical standards and thoughtful planning for best results.  Please contact us today to learn more about how taking the time now can give you the best outcome later.

November 19, 2010

What happens to my facial fat grafts when I gain weight?

Overview

Facial filler treatments and fat grafting can be excellent ways to soften the facial features by correcting imbalances and deficiencies in facial fat distribution.  Your decision to pursue fat grafting treatment is one you should carefully consider with your doctor, as there are multiple options for achieving your desired look, and the solution that’s best for you will depend on variables like your medical history, present condition, and treatment goals.  Like other treatment options available today, fat grafting is particularly suited for some individual’s needs, while for others there may be other more suitable options.

Fat Grafts and Changes in Weight

If your weight changes just a little, you probably won’t notice much difference in your treatment results.  If you have significant changes in weight, though, you could see some differences in the form of increased facial volume.  This is important to consider before opting for fat grafts.  While you probably aren’t planning on gaining weight, you and your doctor should take into account the likelihood of weight fluctuations given your medical history and current lifestyle.

So what can you expect with changes in weight?  This depends on the individual, but with small changes in weight there is generally little change in the fat graft volume.  However, with an increased weight and body fat, the grafts also increase in volume like the fat compartment from which they were removed.  For example, when the body fat increases 10% or more, the grafted fat also significantly increases in volume.

While the effects of most facial cosmetic surgery eventually diminish over time, it’s important to recognize that fat grafting does yield long-term results.  This is a great benefit for those who seek long-term change, but there are also times when the nature of this treatment can result in an unsatisfactory result even years after the original fat grafting procedure.

Achieving the Best Long-Term Results

In an ideal world we will all of course adopt a healthy, active lifestyle that includes good nutrition and keeps your weight at a stable place where your body works best.  But the reality is that most Americans gain about one pound of weight per year.  While most qualified cosmetic surgeons can comfortably adjust and even reverse treatments with Restylane and other hyaluronic acid fillers, correcting the facial contour after fat grafting is not so simple or straightforward.

These tendencies lead many cosmetic surgeons to favor the new facial fillers—like undereye Restylane, Perlane, and Juvederm—for most patients.  These fillers do not last as long as fat grafts, but they are very popular and effective because they are safe, provide benefit without the necessity of surgery, can be adjusted with the enzyme hyaluronidase, and have science-based, proven results.

Does this mean that fat grafting is wrong for you?  Not necessarily—fat grafting is an excellent option for certain situations on a person-to-person basis, just as facial fillers and other procedures like the facelift work well for many individuals.  You will need to consult with an experienced cosmetic surgeon before making a final decision that is right for you.

Experience Counts; Consult with the Best

Dr. Steinsapir is a leader in cosmetic facial fillers and other cosmetic facial treatments and surgeries.  In fact, he has served as a physician consultant to Medicis, Inc. (Perlane’s and Restylane’s distributor).  He has developed Deepfill Restylane, the world-renowned method of treating dark circles under the eyes.  His practice emphasizes minimally invasive treatment methods that are customized for the individual’s unique situational needs, with the aim of fast healing time and natural results.  For more information on how Dr. Steinsapir can help you determine your best treatment options, contact us today.

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