facial cosmetic surgery « Cosmetic, Facial & Eye Plastic Surgery Blog

August 29, 2010

Do stem cell facelifts work?

“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.

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August 24, 2010

I Want to Improve my Looks Before Reentering the Workplace…

Filed under: Beverly Hills BOTOX, Beverly Hills Restylane, Botox Los Angeles, Cosmetic Surgery, Restylane Injections, best cosmetic surgeons, beverly hills facelift, face peel, facelift alternative, facelift los angeles, facial cosmetic surgery, 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.

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August 15, 2010

Can I have a facelift if I smoke?

Filed under: beverly hills facelift, facelift, facelift los angeles, facial cosmetic surgery — Tags: Cosmetic Surgery, facelift, facelift and smoking, facelift in los angeles, los angeles cosmetic surgeon — 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

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.

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June 25, 2010

Can surgery improve my dark circles?

Filed under: Beverly Hills Restylane, Restylane Injections, eyelid fat, facial cosmetic surgery, facial fillers, midface lift, midface surgery, safe cosmetic surgery — Tags: chemical peel, corrective eyelid surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, facelift, facial fillers, non-surgical facelift, Restylane, Under Eye Restylane, under eye treatments — admin @ 7:34 pm

There are a variety of means to address dark circles under the eyes, and surgery is often the best recommendation. Dr. Steinsapir is one of just a few physicians who make treatment of under eye hollows a major focus their practice. The best course of action always depends on a personal consultation and individualized treatment plan. Let us discuss a few possibilities here.

Dark Circle Surgery Before and After

Filler or Surgery?

In many cases, especially when the presence of dark circles under the eyes is pronounced, surgery may be advisable as the most beneficial option. However, Dr. Steinsapir understands that there are many people who need surgery but are too apprehensive to seek it – perhaps they had a negative prior experience and are emotionally traumatized, or they may not be prepared for surgery for other personal or financial reasons. In these cases, Dr. Steinsapir recognizes the importance of respecting emotional limits, and in order to help those who postpone treatment because they desire to avoid surgery, he developed the Deepfill Restylane method of correcting under-eye deficiencies.

Both fillers for under eyes and surgeries, such as the midface lift and arcus marginalis release, have been demonstrated to be safe and highly effective in treating under eye problems. Find a surgeon who specializes in the treatment of dark circles under eyes to see what he or she recommends. Your doctor should help you decide the best approach that is right for you. When you make your decision, remember that surgery is longer-lasting and may yield more powerful results, while under eye Restylane is a flexible, long-lasting but not permanent, and necessitates little-to-no recovery time, making it a great option for those whose personal or work situation may limit their ability to undergo surgery, as well as those who have a less pronounced need for dramatic treatment.

Whether you and your midface surgeon ultimately decide to opt for surgery, a filler, or no treatment, the key to a successful outcome will be planning an individual treatment and then performing it with skill and precision so that enough treatment is given without overdoing it, and so that the look is natural and suits your face.

How Surgery Helps

Surgery addresses lower eyelid contours that contribute to the dark circle. The effect is a less haggard appearance. While no surgery lasts forever, the effects of surgery last longer than the non-surgical treatments.

Find a facial cosmetic surgeon who specializes in midface and particularly under eye treatments who also has the training, experience, and great results to make him or her highly qualified. This is important because your surgeon will need to customize your surgery. When working in the midface areas, an assembly-line-style treatment approach is not a good idea. The key to a great outcome is careful planning and performance of the surgery to make it suit you on an individual basis.

One problem with the midface area that is frequently overlooked is the descent of the malar fat pad. This worsens the hollow under the eye, the midcheek groove, and even the nasolabial fold. You may interpret what you see as a simple hollowing around the eyes, but often this is truly an entire midface concern. A midface lift can address all of these areas to smooth out your features and restore the fullness associated with youth. Dr. Steinsapir helped pioneer the hand-carved ePTFE orbital rim implants in the midface lift, which greatly improves the area around the eyes.

There are different kinds of midface lifts, and the vertical midface lift can be a great way to lift the soft tissue in the cheek back into the lower eyelid where it belongs.

Another option may be the arcus marginalis release, which is suitable for people who have too much lower eyelid fat while also experiencing an under eye deficiency that creates a hollow. To address this, your surgeon may make a small incision behind the lower eyelid so that the scar is hidden, and then he or she surgically rotates the lower eyelid fat to place it over the orbital rim, filling the hollow naturally and relieving your eyelid of excess tissue. This is a comfortable surgery that should usually be performed under local anesthesia, followed by ten to twelve days of recovery time.

Finding the Best Cosmetic Surgeon

Dr. Steinsapir has had multiple fellowship trainings in both cosmetic surgery and eyelid plastic surgery, making him especially knowledgeable about how general facial treatments interact with specialized eye area treatments. As a specialized eyelid plastic surgeon, he is qualified to customize your treatment in this sensitive under eye area in ways that a generalist may not be able to. Dr. Steinsapir is attuned to your need to carefully decide whether a surgery or a filler is better for you, and he can help you make an informed decision. Contact us today to find out how a private consultation can help you plan a course of action that improves your physical appearance and meets your needs.

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June 3, 2010

The Best Facelift in Los Angeles

Filed under: Cosmetic Surgery, best cosmetic surgeons, facelift, facelift los angeles, facial cosmetic surgery — Tags: Cosmetic Surgery, facelift, facelift in los angeles, los angeles cosmetic surgeon — admin @ 8:34 pm

When you need powerful yet natural changes in your facial appearance, consider a facelift with Dr. Kenneth D. Steinsapir. He is a leading provider of facelift surgery in Los Angeles, arguably the most powerful facial cosmetic surgery option available today. Dr. Steinsapir has been at the forefront of the movement toward minimally invasive cosmetic surgery methods since 1990, a time when the long-incision open facelift was still the most popular method. The keys to Dr. Steinsapir’s superior facelift results are balance, precision, and careful planning to custom-tailor the procedure to each individual’s needs.

Facelift Before and After Photo

Why Choose a Facelift?

An individual consultation will determine if a facelift is truly the best option for your circumstances. We have seen that those who are true candidates for the facelift and in search of significant, long-term improvement are very happy with their facelift outcome, which can successfully tighten loose skin, improve facial lines, remove facial fat that is excessive, and revitalize the face. After treatment with a specialized and experienced facial cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Steinsapir, Most facelift recipients feel as though years of age and stress have literally been lifted off their face.

Dr. Steinsapir’s Specialized Approach

Dr. Steinsapir has always rejected the one-size-fits-all approach to cosmetic treatments, and the facelift is no exception. Dr. Steinsapir uses well-hidden, customized incisions that enable deep tissue work, creating profound benefits while minimizing facelift recovery time to the shortest down-time possible.

There are many types of facelift performed today – such as the deep plane lift, the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) facelift, the endoscopic facelift, S-lift, the MACS lift and the short scar facelift – and usually the skill of the surgeon and his or her custom-planning each surgery is the key to obtaining the best results.

Dr. Steinsapir brings the unique advantage of a surgeon who specializes in oculofacial cosmetic surgery, as well as nonsurgical procedures like BOTOX and Restylane, which positions him as an expert in how all the individual components of the face (such as specific muscles and tissues) work together to make you look better or worse. By analyzing your unique features and treatment needs, Dr. Steinsapir can make each of these facial components work in harmony together to obtain balanced results.

Experience and Proven Results

When it comes to major decisions about your health and appearance, there is no substitute for experience. We welcome you to browse our before and after facelift gallery of Dr. Steinsapir’s work and to make further inquiries at your private consultation. We further invite you to ask about Dr. Steinsapir’s professional experience and ethical work philosophy. As a widely respected facial plastic surgeon in Los Angeles, Dr. Steinsapir has the education, fellowships, professorship, published studies, clinical experience, results, and genuine care and concern that can make you confident in your treatment decisions. Dr. Steinsapir is an associate clinical professor at the famous Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA, and he lectures extensively for wider audiences. Dr. Steinsapir has been elected as a fellow to both the prestigious American Society for Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and also to the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.

Have your facelift in the safety and security of the UCLA Medical Surgery Center where there is a world of resources. Many are pleasantly surprised to learn how affordable it is to have surgery at one of the best medical centers in the world. In many cases, it is less expensive to have your facelift with Dr. Steinsapir at UCLA than at one of the office-based operating rooms in Beverly Hills or West Los Angeles. Enjoy the serenity that comes from having care at a facility with the staff and experience that is only found at the UCLA Medical Center. Only a handful of surgeons in the world can perform your facelift at UCLA.

While Dr. Steinsapir is world-renowned for his published research and forward-thinking treatment approaches, he does not believe he could have achieved his level of success today had he not taken the time to listen to the thoughts, questions, concerns, and feedback of each person he has treated. He never turns his practice over to ghost surgeons or physician extenders, and instead takes the time to personally listen to you and develop goals with you to help you achieve the results you desire.

For a truly differentiated treatment experience, call us today for a personal consultation with Dr. Steinsapir, and learn how a facelift with a physician who cares can revitalize your appearance.

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May 12, 2010

Should I Get a Midface Lift or Under Eye Filler?

Filed under: Cosmetic Surgery, Restylane, eyelid filler, facelift alternative, facial cosmetic surgery, facial fillers, midface surgery — Tags: facelift, los angeles cosmetic surgeon, midface lift in Los Angeles, Restylane, restylane beverly hills, restylane in los angeles — admin @ 10:58 pm

If you are seeking to improve your facial appearance by restoring it to a natural, youthful, and alert look, do not overlook the important difference that midface improvement can make. When the malar fat pad descends on our faces, it shows up in our midface – the triangular area on each side of the nose. This can translate to a loss of volume, hollow eyes, and a tired, haggard look. When there are multiple procedures that can address similar issues, it can be hard to know which one to choose. These are the times when it is especially important to choose an experienced specialist to aid you in your treatment decisions. A cosmetic surgeon who has extensive midface experience will be able to give you the best results regardless of what treatment method you go with, which is why it’s always much better to seek guidance from an expert rather than choose a procedure based on what you find online and then use a doctor whose specialty lies elsewhere.

Midface Lift Before and After Photo

Dr. Steinsapir almost always recommends choosing the least invasive option that addresses your needs, which of course is different for everyone. Often patients seeking a midface lift consultation only need Deepfill Restylane treatment, which is a detailed precise technique that requires great skill yet is minimally invasive, offers little to no downtime, and provides great results in the under-eye and midface areas. At other times when the loss of soft tissue or deficiency in bone projection is profound, Dr. Steinsapir recommends midface surgery, which creates dramatic and long-lasting results.

Benefits for Your Whole Face

Many people don’t realize the extent to which their drooping midface and loss of skin elasticity affects their eyes, which are the focal point of the face. The midface descent and sagging skin detract from our eyes significantly, causing hollow undereyes and lower eyelid concerns. Restylane can address the hollow undereyes, but in cases where midface descent is severe, a midface lift is indicated to restore balance. You may be surprised by the facial improvement possible with a midface lift.

Midface Lift or Restylane?

If you and your doctor opt for Restylane filler treatments, you will need to go in for more treatment periodically, perhaps once a year. This is a great solution for those who need treatment but do not have severe issues. You may benefit from a midface lift down the line but only need Restylane right now. This all depends on the individual.

The midface lift is useful for more dramatic concerns by successfully addressing the way the descent of the midface dynamically impacts the rest of the face. A midface lift can correct deficiencies like the undereye hollow and even address wrinkles, taking years off your face and helping you to feel better.

Ultimately, you cannot determine your solution until you seek professional advice and receive an examination to determine your needs.

A Midface Lift Pioneer

Dr. Steinsapir is an expert in the midface lift in Los Angeles. This procedure has been relatively new over the last twenty years, and Dr. Steinsapir has been at the forefront of its study, development, practice, and perfection. There are a number of midface lift techniques including the arcus marginalis release, tailored lower eyelid surgery combined with reinforcement of the orbitomalar ligament, and the vertical midface lift. Dr. Steinsapir’s approach is to tailor your treatment depending on your unique condition, facial anatomy, and goals. He has innovated new approaches and is widely renowned for his reconstructive midface surgery to fix prior failed surgeries. His solutions include minimally invasive techniques, short midface lift recovery time, and his acclaimed approach of using hand-carved ePTFE orbital rim implants.

Dr. Steinsapir will personally perform all your treatment and never relies on assistants or technicians to perform your treatment. He will work with you closely and keep communication open, so you will not run into any surprises. At a personal consultation he can answer your questions and give you advice based on your individual circumstances. Contact us today to find out how a midface lift or Restylane in Los Angeles can help you achieve the results you desire.

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April 23, 2010

I completed Accutane treatment 6 months ago. Is it ok for me to have a chemical peel?

Filed under: acne scars, chemical peel, chemical peel doctors, chemical peel los angeles, face peel, facial cosmetic surgery, laser vs. chemical peel — Tags: chemical peel, chemical peel los angeles, facial peel Beverly Hills, Fotofacial Los Angeles, los angeles cosmetic surgeon — admin @ 9:10 am

Chemical peels have long been considered a great procedure that, when performed by a qualified and experienced doctor, produce great results. They are also correctly understood to be an art form that requires great skill and aesthetic judgment, which a doctor develops through a specialized fellowship and extensive practice. Dr. Steinsapir has been performing facial chemical peels for many years to help improve complexion, correct sun damage, tighten skin, and reduce acne for many people.

Chemical Peel Before and After Photo

While many people greatly benefit from different types of chemical peel, including an acne facial peel, not everyone is a good candidate for the chemical peel. For example, certain skin types are sometimes not compatible with chemical peels, and certain medications are not either. Unfortunately, if you’ve had recent Accutane treatment, a chemical peel that might be a great fit for you under normal circumstances may need to be postponed.

Why can’t I have a chemical peel during Accutane treatment?

Accutane, also called isotrentinoin, is a highly effective medication that controls severe acne. It effects the oil glands and stem cells in the skin while inhibiting angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). Accutane has long term effects, including some of the above as well as inhibited healing of the skin. Medical reports associate Accutane use with increased scaring after facial treatments, as Accutane delays healing this increases the risk abnormal healing after a chemical peel.

Since there is evidence that these healing inhibitions can be long-lasting even after Accutane treatments have been completed, we recommend that you wait twelve to twenty-four months to pursue a chemical peel treatment. The chemical peel is a profound procedure that works because of the skin’s ability to heal itself while improving epithelial covering. When performed by an expert specialist, the results are truly astounding, but if you’ve had Accutane treatment within the last two years then you may heal with scaring while people without a history of Accutane treatmet will not scar. Accutane and chemical peels should never be undergone at the same time, even though both are excellent options for the right people. Due to your increased risk of scarring, you should always wait after Accutane treatment before considering any facial procedure that has the potential to create scarring. It’s a good idea to wait two years after treatment to get your facial peel, and be sure to consult your dermatologist and inform the doctor who will perform the chemical peel of your complete medical history, including Accutane use. If we examine laser resurfacing vs chemical peels, we find that the risk that laser treatments may result in scars is at least as high as the risk of chemical peel scars, with the added risk of changes in skin texture and discoloration. The best thing you can do right now is take excellent care of your skin, follow your doctor’s advice, and wait a couple years until after you have complete Accutane treatment, and then seek out a consultation from a master chemical peeler.

Consult with a Physician Who Cares

Chemical peels help to open up pores and can reduce acne, but you must be sure to not use a chemical peel with an incompatible treatment. Dr. Steinsapir performs expert chemical peels in Los Angeles and always prefers to err on the side of caution rather than risk scarring. That is why he will ask you about your medical history, including Accutane treatment, and advise you to consult with your dermatologist too before proceeding with a chemical peel. If enough time has passed, you may be an excellent candidate for a chemical peel or another treatment like Fotofacial in Los Angeles, depending on what you and your cosmetic doctor decide is your best option.

We invite you to a no-risk consultation with Dr. Steinsapir. He’ll help you understand how chemical peels work and if you are a good candidate for one. Dr. Steinsapir has an extensive background in chemical peeling combined with practical experience, and he is esteemed as having both the medical and artistic vision needed to masterfully perform a chemical peel. Call us today to learn more about how Dr. Steinsapir can help you.

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April 15, 2010

Should I have buccal fat surgery?

Filed under: Cosmetic Surgery, buccal fat surgery, facial cosmetic surgery — Tags: buccal fat removal los angeles, cheek plastic surgery, cheek reduction surgery, los angeles cosmetic surgeon, remove cheek fat — admin @ 12:35 am

If you sometimes use words like “chipmunk cheeks” and “chubby cheeks” to describe yourself, you may benefit from buccal fat surgery. This is a procedure that can remove cheek fat and have a profound impact on the appearance of your face. For many, buccal fat removal turns a chubby or childish face into a sophisticated contour.

Buccal Fat Surgery Before and After Photo

Some people are born with genes or natural looks that contour the face into a refined, sophisticated look. A well-defined face reflects features with a balance that is both aesthetically pleasing and completely natural. Many who seek buccal fat removal, also called cheek reduction surgery, go from having a face that looks overly juvenile or pudgy to possessing a beauty more fitting of an ambitious adult.

How does buccal fat surgery work?

Buccal fat surgery is a relatively comfortable procedure with very minimal downtime. If you turn out to be a suitable candidate for this procedure, you can expect your buccal fat removal recovery to be as short as just three or four days, after which you can return to work and experience the benefits of your procedure. Depending on the nature and severity of your concern, your facial plastic surgeon will remove a small amount of buccal fat from each cheek, which he or she can do through a small incision made inside the mouth. This means that you will have no visible scarring, down time will be minimal, and you can see improvement very soon.

Buccal fat treatment is not only a surgery, but a true art. Your doctor must work with precision to ensure that your cheeks are symmetrical and that the contour is ideal. Your doctor will talk with you extensively before your treatment to find out exactly what your goals are and then plan your treatment accordingly. Removal of buccal fat must be customized to each patient, as each face is unique in its strengths and problem areas, with its own shape that will be best complimented by an individualized contouring approach.

How do I get great results?

The key to being completely satisfied with your results is in choosing the right surgeon. There are many great cosmetic surgeons in Los Angeles and beyond who are qualified to perform buccal fat surgery, but remember to be sure to choose a surgeon who specializes in treating the face and who has the training, experience, artistic eye, and reputation required to yield superior results. No one can specialize in everything, and cosmetic doctors are no exception. Our advice is to find a doctor with whom you are comfortable, who has the experience and education to qualify him or herself, and who has unretouched before and after pictures you admire.

Consult with an Expert Who Cares

Dr. Steinsapir is a world-renowned facial cosmetic surgeon who specializes in understanding how individual facial components interact with each other and can be best treated for a balanced, natural look. Dr. Steinsapir has studied medicine at UCLA, Oculofacial surgery at the University of Chicago and UCLA, where he currently teaches at the prestigious Jules Stein Eye Institute. He has completed multiple fellowships, including three years of fellowship training in oculofacial plastic surgery and two years of cosmetic surgery. Throughout his career he has focused on minimally invasive facial procedures to help thousands of people improve their looks and their confidence.

If you are seeking a more refined facial appearance and wondering about facial cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. Steinsapir can assist you. At your private consultation he can discuss your unique goals with you and how he can help you to realistically achieve them. Call us today for a no-risk consultation, during which Dr. Steinsapir will be happy to answer your questions and tell you more about how he creates symmetric refinement in the face.

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February 16, 2010

Which Type of Facelift Should I Get?

Filed under: facelift, facelift alternative, facelift los angeles, facial cosmetic surgery — Tags: beverly hills facelift, facelift, facelift los angeles, facial cosmetic surgery — admin @ 12:23 am

There are a lot of facelift methods you’ve probably heard about and it can be confusing to figure out the best one for your particular needs. Our advice? Don’t try to figure out which type of facelift you need because you’re asking the wrong question. A great facelift is not characterized by type, but by customization. The best way to get disappointing results is by looking for a cookie-cutter procedure. A skilled surgeon can produce amazing results with almost any method if he or she customizes the procedure to your individual circumstances.

facelift before and after photo

The right facelift surgery for you is not a matter of reading about incision methods, dissection planes, or vectors of lift, but about finding a reputable surgeon whose results (unretouched before and after photos) you like. You need to be comfortable in your surgeon’s ability both through your research and through an individual consultation. If your potential surgeon says that every facelift procedure is the same or the focus is on how fast the surgery can be performed, it’s time to worry. The best type of facelift is one tailored to meet your needs. Whether it be the deep plane lift, the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) facelift, an endoscopic facelift, S-lift, or a MACS lift, the short scar facelift, or another method, the procedure must be customized to your unique features and goals to obtain natural, satisfying results.

How does the Deep Plane Facelift compare to other methods?

As stated above, most any type of facelift can procure excellent results if customized by an experienced facial cosmetic surgeon. The deep plane facelift can be as effective as other methods, but the problem is that this is a riskier procedure and the benefits usually aren’t worth the risk when there are other options available. With the deep plane facelift, there is an increased chance of injury to a facial nerve that can even happen in the best of hands. The chance of these facelift complications are small but if it happens to you, it was 100%. If this happens to you, some of your facial muscles will cease to work properly. Since properly functioning facial muscles are essential to your appearance, your results will not be good. Since there is no clear advantage to the deep lane facelift, why take the risk, even if it’s small? If you are set on receiving this method, you will probably find someone who will perform it for you if you knock on enough doors and have enough money, but may end up regretting your inflexibility.

Can I use a home remedy?

There are a lot of proclamations about so-called miracle cures, like a non-surgical facelifts at home. A useful rule to follow is this: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If someone tells you they can give you a facelift in a bottle, be skeptical. The truth is that moisturizers, so-called facelift creams, and other concoctions are generally a waste of money. If you think about the hyped claims for these products, you’ll realize they don’t make logical sense. There is certainly nothing stopping you from testing out these promises, but don’t expect much from them.

If what you really want is a facelift alternative, seek a personal consultation with an esteemed and qualified facial cosmetic surgeon. A facelift is usually not indicated without the loose “turkey” neck skin, and in many cases a treatment like BOTOX or safe neck liposuction is a good option.

The Bottom Line

Of all cosmetic facial procedures, a facelift is the most powerful. When it comes to something so important and complex, to obtain the best results it’s critical that you allow your physician the flexibility needed to customize your results.

Dr. Steinsapir is a cosmetic surgeon in Los Angeles who strives for the most natural, youthful results through minimally invasive procedures with the shortest possible recovery times. He has been a leader in the move toward small-incision facelifts since 1990. He is a Clinical Associate Professor of Oculofacial Surgery at UCLA. Your surgery will be in the safety of the Surgery Center at the UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Steinsapir is sought out by individuals both in California and across the nation and world for his expertise in designing individual facelifts and other facial cosmetic procedures. Rather than directing you to a technician, nurse, or assistant, Dr. Steinsapir is personally available to answer your facelift questions, discuss options suitable to your aesthetic needs, and work with you to customize your facelift if your assessment indicates that one is needed. Contact us today for an individual assessment.

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