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November 1, 2011

Even the Wall Street Journal fails to understand how cosmetic surgeons are trained!

Filed under: Cosmetic Surgery,Dr. Steinsapir,facial cosmetic surgery,safe cosmetic surgery — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 1:53 pm

The message that one should only go to a board certified plastic surgeon is the public relations message of general plastic surgeons.  While there are many excellent skills that general plastic surgeons offer, it is essential to understand that very few of these surgeons were trained to perform cosmetic surgery in their plastic surgery residency.  Additionally numerous surgical subspecialties offer high quality cosmetic surgery and were very extensively trained in these procedures in residency and fellowship programs.  In many cases, the subspecialist cosmetic surgeon offers a level of service that is better than what can be obtained from the majority of general plastic surgeons.  It is my opinion that general plastic surgeons betrayed their public trust by not doing more to bring up the standard of care in cosmetic surgery and for so long failing to properly train their resident surgeons to properly perform cosmetic surgery.  For this reason, the public is often much safer getting their cosmetic surgical care from the subspeciality cosmetic surgeon and not a general plastic surgeon.  The Wall Street Journal just published an article that completely ignored this issue.  Here is the letter I sent to the Wall Street Journal.

Dear Editor:

I read Robert Johnson’s article “A Nip and a Tuck” about cosmetic surgery for the 65-plus crowd that appeared in the October 31, 2011 WSJ.  The article only mentions a single specialty that offers cosmetic surgery: general plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Either general plastic surgeons are very good at public relations (they are), or the author was unmotivated to provide readers with a balanced perspective.  General plastic surgeons are not the only board certified surgeons who offer safe, high quality cosmetic surgery.

For years general plastic surgeons failed to train their residents for cosmetic surgery. General plastic surgery residency instead focused on broad training in reconstructive general plastic surgery.  Despite claims to the contrary, treating a burn is not the same as performing liposuction, a facelift, or an eyelid surgery.  This lack of leadership has resulted in a less than ideal standard of care for these elective cosmetic surgeries.

Over the past 40 years, otolaryngologists, ophthalmologists and dermatologists have built excellent fellowship training programs in facial plastic surgery, oculofacial plastic surgery, and dermatologic surgery that provide in-depth training in cosmetic surgery to allow these surgeons to offer cosmetic surgery to the American public that is arguably safer and of better quality than that offered by general plastic surgeons.   The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, a non-ACGME board, accredits high quality cosmetic surgery fellowships that are open to a number of surgical specialties including general surgeons, gynecologists, oral maxillofacial surgeons, as well as general plastic surgeons. These highly trained specialists provide a quality alternative to board certified general plastic surgeons who lack formal training in cosmetic surgery.  It is now well accepted that fellowship trained dermatologists practicing liposuction are much less likely to be sued for liposuction malpractice than general plastic surgeons to cite just one example.

It is not controversial to state that general plastic surgery residencies do not provide adequate training in cosmetic surgery.   Fortunately the field of general plastic surgery has recognized this and now offers a growing number of fellowships in aesthetic surgery for board eligible general plastic surgeons.  However, compared to fellowship trained specialists in facial plastic surgery, oculoplastic surgery, dermatologic surgery, and cosmetic surgery; general plastic surgeons still have a ways to go before the public trust in this specialty is truly deserved. Unfortunately readers of Mr. Johnson’s article were left unenlightened about these issues.

Sincerely,

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, M.D., Los Angeles, Ca.

Associate Clinical Professor

Division of Orbital and Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery

Jules Stein Eye Institute

David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

 

September 5, 2011

What should I expect with my facelift surgery?

Filed under: beverly hills facelift,Cosmetic Surgery,facelift,facelift los angeles,facial cosmetic surgery,Ronald Reagan Medical Center at UCLA,safe cosmetic surgery — Tags: , , , , , , , , — admin @ 3:13 pm

Facelift surgery is the most powerful of facial cosmetic surgeries you can undergo.  Although we say it in practically every blog entry, in this instance it is more true than ever; choose a doctor who is experienced, up-to-date on the latest techniques, and skilled at performing facelifts.  The procedure for facelift has changed significantly in recent years.  What is clear is that there is not added benefit for the higher risk, deep plane facelift.

When it comes to choosing the best facelift for you, there is no right answer as to which method is the most effective, natural looking, or successful.  A customized treatment plan, established by you and your doctor and based on your features and desires will significantly influence the outcome of your procedure.   A facelift will always be a procedure of intelligent choices.

Where is surgery commonly performed and what type of anesthesia?

Typically facelift surgery is an outpatient procedure, but overnight stays may be recommended after deep sedation or general anesthesia.  For certain individuals, your doctor can perform your facelift in the office, while you are awake and under local anesthesia.  But for most, general anesthesia or deep sedation is the best choice.  For cases requiring deep sedation and general anesthesia, Dr. Steinsapir performs surgery at the UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center and usually recommends an overnight stay at the surgery center.

Recovery and physical restrictions

A facelift takes approximately four hours. Usually there is minimal discomfort afterward; managed with either over-the-counter or prescription pain medications.  You may experience moderate swelling around the eyelids and other areas of the face, but this is normal and is not cause for concern.  Most find taking 7-10 days off from work about right.   This time frame can depend on the precise nature of you work.

Common complications after surgery

Facelift surgeries performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon rarely have complications.  The deep plane facelift mobilizes the tissue under the facial muscles and can injure these motor nerves causing facial weakness. The incidence is small but not zero.  The risk amounts to only a very small percentage of individuals who receive this treatment experiencing this complication, but there is just no reason to risk this nerve damage when other methods of facelifts are available.  In fact, there is essentially no cosmetic benefit to the deep plane facelift compared to other lifting methods. Other complications can include significant bruising and very rarely infection.

The time frame before full recovery

Recovery periods for facelift procedures vary greatly depending on the type of facelift surgery your physician and you decide on.  Typically however, you can expect to return to work after 6 to 10 days.  After 2-3 weeks, others are unlikely to detect that you just had surgery.  Facelifts are not considered fully healed until about 6 months after.  Once you have recovered fully, the results of surgery are very long term.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir is on active staff at the UCLA Hospital and Medical Center at the David Geffen School of Medicine as an associate clinical professor of Ophthalmology in the Division of Orbital and Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery. UCLA is consistently rated the best hospital in the West and ranked at the top with a handful of medical centers in the United States. Many surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis at the Surgery Center at the UCLA Medical Center.  Dr. Steinsapir addresses a broad array of oculofacial reconstructive concerns.  Contact us today to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Steinsapir.

August 6, 2011

Can I visit the United States for Reconstructive Surgery?

Filed under: blepharoplasty,cosmetic eyelid surgery,Cosmetic Surgery,Dr. Steinsapir,eyelid cancer reconstruction,eyelid reconstructive surgery,facial cosmetic surgery,fixing eyelid surgery,oculoplastic surgeon,oculoplastic surgery — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 9:32 am

When it comes to reconstructive facial surgery, Dr. Steinsapir has extensive experience with eyelid, midface, and orbital reconstruction including repair of prior unsatisfactory eyelid surgery, removing unsatisfactory facial implants, correcting eye changes associated with thyroid eye disease, orbital and tear duct surgery, and repair of the eyelid after skin cancer removal or trauma.

Many people travel from across the United States as well as internationally to have surgery with Dr. Steinsapir.  He is world-renowned for his leadership in facial cosmetic surgery.  If you are considering traveling to have reconstructive surgery or other cosmetic treatment with Dr. Steinsapir, here are some important considerations that will help you have the best experience possible.

Consult First

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 make a long drive to Los Angeles, have their consultation, and have surgery all during the same trip.  This idea may seem appealing because you only have to book a flight and pack your suitcase once, and you may even save a little money—but please reconsider this approach.  Dr. Steinsapir doesn’t believe in performing an initial consultation 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.

Reconstructive surgery should be something you and your surgeon approach calmly, thoughtfully, and with confidence.  Instead of too much pressure, Dr. Steinsapir strongly advises and encourages you to take the time to make sure you have found the right doctor and right treatment approach.  He wants 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.  When you consult with Dr. Steinsapir, he won’t 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 undergoing reconstructive surgery.

Make Thoughtful Decisions

Even if you’re traveling from very far, Dr. Steinsapir will not perform surgery at the time of your initial consultation.  The best surgery is always performed with the utmost of care, consideration, research, and planning.  You should go into surgery comfortable and confident that you have made the right decision.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir is on active staff at the UCLA Hospital and Medical Center at the David Geffen School of Medicine as an associate clinical professor of Ophthalmology in the Division of Orbital and Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery. UCLA is consistently rated the best hospital in the West and ranked third among all medical centers in the United States. Many surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis at the Surgery Center at the UCLA Medical Center. Larger procedures may also be performed on an inpatient basis at the Jules Stein Eye Institute. Dr. Steinsapir addresses a broad array of oculofacial reconstructive concerns.  Contact us today to schedule a consultation, followed by a brief consideration of the more common reconstructive issues that bring people to see Dr. Steinsapir.

July 14, 2011

Facial Sculpting with Microcurrent

Filed under: beverly hills facelift,facelift,facelift alternative,facelift los angeles,facial fillers,safe cosmetic surgery — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 7:22 pm

Microcurrent facial sculpting is a rising trend, but buyer beware the cosmetic surgery fads.  Like lasers, the term “microcurrent” sounds sexy and high-tech.  But the reality of microcurrents is that they are a lot of hype and very little science.  The use of microcurrent devices is essentially unregulated.  FDA clearance of these devices is very simple for the manufacturers because the amount of current used is so small.  The marketing for microcurrents would have you believe that by stimulating your facial muscles, your face becomes more toned and appears lifted and more youthful.  There is no evidence that this is true.

The Truth About Microcurrents

Quacks have been touting the value of electrical current for healing for about as long as man has controlled electricity.  Obviously, high voltage, high amperage devices are dangerous.  What we are talking about here is very low levels of electrical current.   Remember the adage that every good lie begins with a grain of truth.  It is easy to understand that if you lift weights consistently enough, the muscles become toned.  Proponents of microcurrent devices make the argument that the electricity of these devices will stimulate and tone the facial muscles and this will tone and improve the face, getting rid of wrinkles at the same time.  Sounds great.  The only problem is that there is not a single scientific study that supports this idea.   We call this “phony science.”  Microcurrents cannot, and will not lift and reposition the facial tissues.  Even the claims of mild improvement are unproven.  The harm here is that you are wasting your time and money and being deceived in the process.

Why all the Hype?

The hype surrounding microcurrent facial sculpting machines with unrealistic before and after pictures are equally misleading.  Typically these before and after pictures show a loose neck and jowls next to a youthful and sculpted jawline and neck.  These pictures could show the same person, but it is unlikely the differences were the result of microcurrent facial sculpting.  The smooth, wrinkle-free neck is most likely the result of a little Photoshop magic and lighting, not microcurrent.  These treatments offer empty promises.   The treatment does not compare to a facelift or nonsurgical facial fillers.

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.

April 7, 2011

Should I get a Deep Plane Facelift?

Filed under: beverly hills facelift,Cosmetic Surgery,facelift,facelift los angeles,facial cosmetic surgery — Tags: , , , — admin @ 7:14 pm

There are so many different types of facelifts that you may be confused as to which might be the most appropriate treatment for your particular needs.  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.

The Risks of Deep Plane Facelifts

The deep plane facelift carries with it a risk of facial nerve injury even in the best of hands.  This is because the nerves are exposed during the process of dissection.  It is not possible to have a great facelift result if part of your face does not move correctly after surgery due to a facial nerve injury.  This small risk might be justifiable if the deep plane facelift led to a much better result or a more long lasting procedure.  The reality is, after six months it is impossible for experts to tell what technique was used in a particular facelift.  So it makes no sense to perform high-risk maneuvers under the facial flaps.

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 it’s 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, the damages could be irreparable; 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 plane 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.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified ophthalmologist (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 provider of BOTOX, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan

December 27, 2010

Avoiding a Facial Nerve Injury from a Facelift

Filed under: beverly hills facelift,Cosmetic Surgery,facelift,facelift los angeles,facial cosmetic surgery,safe cosmetic surgery — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 11:59 pm

You feel you could benefit from facial improvement.  You’ve done some research.  You believe that a facelift with a top cosmetic surgeon may be the answer that will help you most.  But you’ve also heard that possible facelift complications include facial nerve injury, so how should you proceed?  The best thing you can do is find an experienced and specialized surgeon in whom you feel confident.  Your cosmetic surgeon who makes facelifts a major focus of his or her practice while emphasizing customized procedures that are specifically tailored for natural results can help you find the safest treatment option for your best personal results.

How can I avoid facelift side effects?

Most people who get facelifts are very happy with their results, especially those who seek a facelift from one of the top facelift surgeons like Dr. Steinsapir.  It’s important to understand that there’s always some risk with undergoing surgery, but the good news is that facelifts arer very safe and certain choices increase that safety without compromising your aesthetic outcome.

That said, there are many different kinds of facelifts, and the safest facelift is one individually tailored to meet your needs.  The tend is more smaller incision facelifts and cosmetic facial treatment that affords many benefits: natural-looking results, faster healing time, and fewer complications.  Dr. Steinsapir recommends that you seek a customized treatment from a top surgeon who understands how to minimize your already-low risk of facial nerve damage.  For many patients this generally means that the deep plane facelift is not the right choice.

What is the deep plane facelift?

The deep plane facelift works on both the skin layer and the deeper muscle and fascia layer of your tissue.  Both these layers are lifted and tightened, but the problem is that this technique is associated with facial nerve injuries.  The risk amounts to only a very small percentage of individuals who receive this treatment experiencing this complication, but there is just no reason to risk this nerve damage when we compare this method to other kinds of facelifts, which work just as well.  In fact, there is essentially no cosmetic benefit to the deep plane facelift, so why expose these nerves to the elevated risk?  At the end of the day, your facelift can’t be great if nerve damage inhibits your face’s natural movement.

Cookie Cutter Facelifts

You may be aware of heavily marketed facelifts and wondered if these surgeries are right for you.  Generally this procedures are small incision facelifts with a proprietary names.  It is important to understand that one type of surgery is used to meet the needs of every patient, the result is a surgery that may not be right for everyone.  A skilled facelift surgeon will adapt surgical techniques to obtain a result that is best for your face.  When this type of customization is not performed, the result can be a disappointing compromise.

Finding the Right Facelift Surgeon

Rather than telling potential cosmetic surgeons how you want your facelift to be performed, try to find a respected expert in facelift surgery who makes sense to you, and ask him or her what they feel the best individual approach is in your situation.  Perhaps you’ll be surprised to learn that a procedure like the midface lift, forehead lift, or lower face/neck liposuction makes more sense for you.  Or perhaps you are correct in guessing that a facelift is the right choice; in this case, ask your doctor about their treatment philosophy and how he or she can design a facelift that yields the results you need.

Consider how Dr. Steinsapir can help you with his prestigious background at UCLA, The University of Chicago, multiple fellowships, research publications, leadership positions, and esteemed practice serving Beverly Hills and Los Angeles.  Dr. Steinsapir is a board-certified surgeon with multi-fellowship training who makes customized facelift surgery a focus of his practice.  Please contact us today to learn more about how Dr. Steinsapir can help you attain your aesthetic goals and improve your confidence.

October 27, 2010

Having Surgery at UCLA

Filed under: best cosmetic surgeons,Cosmetic Surgery,eyelid cancer reconstruction,eyelid reconstructive surgery,facelift,facelift los angeles,facial cosmetic surgery,fixing eyelid surgery — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 8:23 am

When you are looking for the best facial cosmetic surgery available, consider having your surgery performed at UCLA.  The Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center is world-renowned as as on of the leading medical centers in the world with excellence in patient care, compassion, scientific and medical leadership, and some of the finest physicians in the world who are truly experts in their fields.  You have a choice where you have surgery.  It only makes sense to have surgery at a leading medical center with its vast resources.   You may be surprised to learn that cosmetic surgery with Dr. Steinsapir performed at UCLA may be significantly less expensive that having surgery at an isolated office operating room or surgery center dedicated to cosmetic surgery in Beverly Hills.  These centers simply can’t match the resources of the Outpatient Surgery Center at the Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center.

Dr. Steinsapir offers advanced, personalized cosmetic surgery for Beverly Hills and also performs care at UCLA’s prestigious Jules Stein Eye Institute, where he works as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology.  Only a few surgeons in the world are able to perform your facelift or other cosmetic procedures at UCLA, where you can be confident that you are receiving treatment from in one of the best medical facilities in the world.  The UCLA Medical Center prides itself on being patient-focused and compassionate, while offering the best in medical technology and skilled physicians and surgeons.

The new Ronald Reagan Medical Center at UCLA was designed by the world-renowned, forward-thinking architects I.M. Pei and his son, C.C. Pei.  This Medical Center was built to bring you the best in healing, technology, medical care, and comfortable and efficient building design.  With much natural light, gardens, artwork, play areas for children, and private patient rooms with windows, the Ronald Reagan Medical Center can put you at ease.  Cutting-edge medical equipment and high-tech capabilities combined with the Center’s status as one of the first California hospitals to meet the new state seismic standards makes it one of the safest places to receive care.

Dr. Steinsapir’s Expert Care at UCLA

Dr. Steinsapir helps many individuals achieve the results they desire.  At UCLA he plans many specialized treatments for those who need individualized care, including those who need reconstructive eyelid surgery such as a Moh’s Surgery or to perform reconstructive eyelid surgery after an unsatisfactory prior eyelid surgery performed elsewhere.  He is an expert in customizing the best, scientifically proven facial cosmetic treatments and surgeries.

Dr. Steinsapir is honored to have been chosen to teach and practice at the UCLA Medical Surgery Center where the most advanced technology and qualified professionals optimize each patient’s experience.  If you are looking for the best in cosmetic treatment at one of the safest facilities available, consider making Dr. Steinsapir and UCLA part of your treatment experience.  Whether you are seeking a facelift, eyelid surgery, or another of Dr. Steinsapir’s areas of expertise, you can be confident that you are receiving world-class care.  Call us today to find out how Dr. Steinsapir can help you at UCLA.

September 16, 2010

What is the surgical look and how do I avoid it?

Filed under: best cosmetic surgeons,cosmetic eyelid surgery,Cosmetic Surgery,Eyelid Surgery,facial cosmetic surgery — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 4:50 pm

Many people who feel they could benefit from facial cosmetic surgery and other cosmetic procedures are hesitant to learn more about what will help them because they have heard negative stories about others who needed treatment and ended up looking worse.  This is a common concern, and while it is natural to be apprehensive about new situations, it’s important to understand that you can achieve improvements that look natural and not overly surgical.

What causes the surgical look?

The “surgical look” is what comes to mind when you think of somebody – perhaps a well-known face on the cover of a gossip magazine – who is rumored to have had “too much” plastic surgery because their appearance looks unnatural.   While one may have unattractive features that look perfectly natural in other situations, the surgical look is when the features look anatomically unusual.  Some people are so accustomed to seeing these publicized examples that they even believe this is the goal of cosmetic surgery.  This is an example of misunderstanding the purpose of cosmetic surgery.  For the right people, cosmetic procedures like the facelift, BOTOX, and other treatments have the ability to transform your appearance from aged, stressed, and damaged to soft, youthful, and beautiful.

How to Get Natural Results

If you want significant yet natural improvements to your facial features, please know that you can avoid the surgical look.  The key is choosing the right cosmetic surgeon and clearly communicating your goals.  Who is the right doctor?  Well, that depends on your goals, the kind of procedure or procedures you need, and even your personality.  You’ll want a doctor who is highly experienced and specialized in the kind of treatment you seek.  Your doctor must also have a solid understanding of the goals of cosmetic surgery, and how to customize each treatment to the unique features of the patient – this is crucial to having the results appear natural for the individual.  Finally, your doctor must have the skill and artistic abilities needed to achieve the natural look you desire.

Natural-looking cosmetic surgery can be obtained by considering how the many intricate components of the face work together.  All of the muscles, tissues, tendons, fat, skin, and other anatomical aspects affect each other, which means your doctor will need comprehensive knowledge of how a treatment like a forehead lift will affect the cheek structure, and so on.  He or she must also know how the facial muscles communicate with the brain to achieve a balanced look.

A specialist in facial cosmetic treatments who works on different areas of the face will usually have the most training and experience in the subtleties of effective treatment and be able to ensure that your results compliment your unique features to give you natural improvements.  Carefully study potential doctors’ before and after photos to see whether they look natural or surgical.

Expert Treatment for Natural Results

Dr. Steinsapir is a Los Angeles cosmetic surgeon who emphasizes natural results through minimally invasive, scientifically proven treatment methods.  Because he strives for the least invasive treatments, you will have the most comfortable recovery possible.  Dr. Steinsapir individually designs each treatment based on your particular needs and features to enhance your positive attributes, rather than following a standard one-size-fits-all pattern.

Dr. Steinsapir also provides facial and eyelid reconstructive surgery for people who have had negative treatment experiences in the past, usually because they went to a nonspecialist who did not strive for natural results.  If you feel you have a surgical look from past treatment, Dr. Steinsapir can help you understand your condition and how to improve it.

With multifelloship training in cosmetic surgery and oculoplastic surgery, and methods for nonsurgical improvements like patent-pending Microdroplet BOTOX and Deepfill Restylane, Dr. Steinsapir is one of the top cosmetic surgeons in California.  We invite you to a no-risk consultation with Dr. Steinsapir to learn more about his helpful methods and natural results.  Please contact us today for more information.

September 9, 2010

What Is the Best Facelift?

Filed under: best cosmetic surgeons,beverly hills facelift,Cosmetic Surgery,facelift,facelift los angeles,facial cosmetic surgery — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 9:32 am

Are you ready for your facelift?  Consider how a facelift in Los Angeles with one of the top cosmetic surgeons in California can help you improve your appearance.  As the single most powerful facial cosmetic surgery today, a facelift is a beneficial treatment for those with neck cords, deep facial lines, fatty deposits, and sagging features.  With so many providers and procedures today, it can be a challenge to decide what facelift and what surgeon is right for you.  As you research your options, you will probably find yourself asking, “What is the best facelift?”

Facelift Before and After Photo

Facelift Before and After Photo

We’d like to modify this question slightly.  What you should be asking is, “What is the best facelift for me?”  What many people do not realize when they see pictures of someone else’s fantastic facelift results is that the name of the specific surgery type is less important than the skill and customization that was put into it.  The best facelift is always one that has been planned specifically for your features.  This means that for ideal results your doctor cannot simply pull out a blueprint in order to give you natural facelift results.  Rather, your facial cosmetic surgeon will need to individualize the most suitable options to your unique features and goals.

Finding the Right Facelift for You

You may be surprised to hear that a top surgeon with specialization in facelifts and the needed education and skill set can create impressive results with just about any facelift method.   Types of facelifts include the deep plane lift, the endoscopic facelift, the MACS lift, the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) facelift, the S-lift, the short scar facelift, and more.  If your surgeon is reputable and specializes in facial cosmetic procedures that emphasize balanced features and natural results, he or she can customize most any of these surgeries on a case-by-case basis.

Your cosmetic surgeon will consider which options best meet your needs and then tailor the facelift for your features and goals.  He or she will discuss with you the possibilities and also consider which methods are safest.  For example, the deep plane facelift can create excellent results, but the risk of facelift complications are slightly elevated with this procedure.  Although overall it is still safe, in most cases there is a safe facelift approach that can improve your facial appearance just as well.  Something you should avoid are the so-called facelift creams and home remedies.  The naming of these products is misleading because they do not employ facelift techniques at all, and chances are you are being quacked.  Feel free to test however many expensive creams you like, but don’t be too disappointed if you find their claims are exaggerated.

Finding the Right Surgeon for You

Your cosmetic surgeon can help you determine whether you are a candidate for the facelift or a different cosmetic procedure like BOTOX, and he or she can help you achieve your desired look by designing a facelift that is unique for you.  This will yield the most natural results.  Make sure that you seek a reputable facial cosmetic surgeon who specializes in facelifts.  Rather than opting for the “blue plate special” and seeking many cosmetic surgeries at once, choose a doctor who emphasizes facial balance and who can understand the best way your facial features can compliment each other.

Please consider a no-risk consultation with Dr. Kenneth D. Steinsapir, M.D., a facelift surgeon based in the Beverly Hills and Los Angeles area.  Dr. Steinsapir’s practice focuses on cosmetic facial procedures that help you achieve a natural, balanced appearance for your personal features.  In fact, he has been a leader in minimally invasive and small-incision facelifts for more than 20 years.  When you need experience and results you can count on, consider how Dr. Steinsapir’s prestigious educational background, forward-thinking and science-based practice, and trustworthy character can help.  Contact us today to learn more about the best facelift for you.

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.

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