facelift « Cosmetic, Facial & Eye Plastic Surgery Blog

September 5, 2011

What should I expect with my facelift surgery?

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.

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July 14, 2011

Facial Sculpting with Microcurrent

Filed under: beverly hills facelift,facelift,facelift alternative,facelift los angeles,facial fillers,safe cosmetic surgery — Tags: beverly hills facelift, facelift, facelift in los angeles, facial fillers, facial sculpting, facial sculpting with microcurrent, microcurrent, non-surgical facelift — 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.

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July 1, 2011

Stem Cell Facelift vs. Fat Transfers

Filed under: beverly hills facelift,Cosmetic Surgery,facelift,facelift los angeles,facial cosmetic surgery,fat grafting,fat transfer,midface lift,midface surgery — Tags: beverly hills facelift, facelift, fat grafting, fat transfer, stem cell facelift, stem cells — admin @ 8:32 pm

It is said that every good lie contains a grain of truth. The truth about so-called Stem Cell Facelifts is that fat harvested from your body does contain small numbers of adult stem cells. Taking that fat and transferring it to your face as a fat transfer does place these adult stem cells into the face. However, the promise of the name: Stem Cell Facelift is a lie. The implication is that these stem cells in some way rejuvenate the face. Like fad dieting and get rich quick schemes, the public can’t get enough of this type of hype. You would think at some point people would have learned that if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. You would be wrong. Enterprising cosmetic surgeons have learned this lesson as well. So we are bombarded with new procedures with enticing names that seem so scientific. It would be great if the Stem Cell Facelift was based on science rather than science fiction. Do so-called Stem Cell Facelifts provide facial rejuvenation? Yes, but not because of the adult stem cells in the fat. This is just a new way for cosmetic surgeons to insult your intelligence.

The Real Benefits of fat grafting

The reality is, there is no evidence to suggest that stem cells present in adult fat placed in the face have any impact or role in the effects of volumizing the face with grafted fat. Fat grafting procedures work because about 60 to 70 percent of the transferred fat survives, creating long-lasting volume and this helps improve the appearance of the face because loss of volume over time is an important factor in making one look older as we age.

Fat grafting is a biologically safe procedure because the fat transferred is from your body. It is precisely delivered through a tiny poke in the skin that heals without scarring and the procedure can be done under local anesthesia. The fat transfer in a “stem cell facelift” may be combined with other procedures like a traditional facelift or midface lift. It is more accurate to refer to a “stem cell facelift” as “facial volumizing with grafted fat.”

Fact and fiction

It is true that the stem cells in your 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 there is no evidence to support the idea that the stem cells in the grafted fat are stimulated this way when transplanted from one part of your body to another

Finding a doctor who relies on science

The biggest concern with the “stem cell facelift” is not that it’s a bad or unsafe procedure, but rather that the term “stem cell” is a deceptive name that promises something that it does not deliver. 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. Relying on the honest application of skills, proven methods, and experience will help you achieve your goals. Deceptive marketing practices violate the principles that make a good working relationship between the surgeon and the patients, which must be based on well-placed trust and honesty.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir is an expert cosmetic plastic surgeon who has skillfully handled face lift and fat grafting procedures in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills for over 20 years. He is a board certified ophthalmologist surgeon and fellowship trained in oculofacial surgery and cosmetic surgery in Southern California 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 cosmetic surgery provider.

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June 29, 2011

Complications after surgery

Filed under: beverly hills facelift,blepharoplasty,cosmetic eyelid surgery,Cosmetic Surgery,eyelid reconstructive surgery,Eyelid Surgery,lower blepharoplasty,midface lift,midface surgery,oculoplastic surgeon — Tags: beverly hills facelift, corrective eyelid surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, facelift, lower eyelid surgery, midface lift complications, midface surgery — admin @ 7:53 am

Complications following a midface lift and eyelid surgery are especially disconcerting because they can affect the basic functions of your eyes. Whether your eyes begin to droop, tear, or fail to blink, any change in the way your eyes and face function is reason to be concerned. But sometimes, inexperienced surgeons panic in these situations (even long-in-practice, but inexperienced surgeons) and respond with a shoot-from-the-hip, fix-it mentality, and may push you to undergo corrective surgery immediately. Your surgeon may just want to take care of the problem as quickly as possible and as a result, you may feel pressured to have a corrective surgery. There are certainly times where immediate work is appropriate. Before you agree to such a fix, ask yourself if you are still comfortable trusting your surgeon. In his book Blink, Malcom Gladwell describes the process of “thin slicing;” the way our intuition rapidly assesses a situation. That intuition is ignored at our peril. If the hair on the back of your neck is standing up because your surgeon wants to hustle you back to surgery, ask yourself: are you comfortable with what is being proposed? If you are not comfortable, your best course of action is the natural one―dig in your heals. There are occasional situations that are medical emergencies. However, these are truly rare. There is almost always time for a second opinion.

Undergo a consultation

Before taking any action to correct your complications, carefully weigh your confidence in your current surgeon. There is no substitute for an in-depth personal consultation because discussing your problem with your doctor over the phone doesn’t allow him or her to see, and fully understand the physical complications. Occasionally, the description of what is going on and the actual physical complications are not the same. Fixing complications is specialized business. Even if your surgeon does a lot of primary cosmetic surgery, he or she may be relatively unsophisticated when it comes to repairing surgical complications, especially when this work affects the function of the eyelids.

If you are not 100 percent confident in your surgeon and are casting about for opinions from strangers, listen to your feelings. Do not blindly follow the recommendations your original surgeon or any surgeon whose recommendations do not make sense to you. Don’t commit to a second surgery unless you have a clear understanding of the following:

What is going on and why these complications are occurring,
What type of surgery your doctor has planned,
Why a surgical solution is necessary,
The risks of a second surgery, and
The probability of success or failure.

The risks of midface and lower eyelid surgery and corrective surgery

Lower eyelid surgery and midface surgery have significant risks associated with them. Your surgeon may not fully understand these risks. If you’re experiencing complications it does not mean that your surgeon did something that another surgeon might have done in a similar circumstance. However, how your surgeon addresses the problem can make a profound difference and he or she should not rush the process.

The anatomy described in some of the most important and most recent papers in the field of lower eyelid and midface surgery done through a skin incision under the lower eyelashes (infracillary incision) is inaccurate. Dr. Steinsapir recently reviewed the literature on this subject and presented it before the Fall 2010 American Society for Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Scientific Symposium. Some of the core papers describe anatomic hypotheses rather than proven anatomic fact. Unfortunately, a hypothesis is a scientific guess―it does not make an established anatomic fact. Lower eyelid surgery through the lower eyelid skin is one example of this. Surgery damages the motor nerves that help support the lower eyelid margin leading to complications that can surprise the unsuspecting surgeon. Naturally, they are not going to say that they are surprised but be assured they would not perform surgery this way if they thought it would cause a problem.

So why do doctors still perform this kind of surgery despite the risks? Despite the inaccurate papers it is possible to dissect in this plane in some cases without significantly altering the nerve supply to the orbicularis oculi muscle. Motor nerve damage to the orbicularis oculi muscle near the upper and lower eyelid margin affects the blink and weakens eye closed. Without this critical blink function, tears do not move across the corneal surface properly resulting in dry eye and tearing issues. When the lower eyelid slumps, it does not properly cover the lower portion of the eye and there is increased corneal drying.

The remedy for midface and lower eyelid surgery complications

To address eyelid complications from a midface lift or lower lid surgery, the best answer is to avoid further eyelid tightening and allow the tissues to heal. By preserving as much of the lower eyelid function and not cutting out additional tissue―as would be the case if your doctor were to try to fix the problems immediately following your initial surgery using a technique called canthoplasty―there are many more options and increased likelihood of an improved outcome if you allow the tissue to heal. While in the healing process, keep lines of communication open with your surgeon or look for oculoplastic surgeons for consultation who have as a focus of their practice the repair of unsatisfactory cometic eyelid surgery. Be skeptical of solutions that must be done “urgently” or don’t make sense. While very few of these complications mend themselves, with time it may improve so less work than originally thought may be necessary.

About Dr. Steinsapir

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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: deep plane facelift, facelift, facelift in los angeles, los angeles cosmetic surgeon — 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

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March 4, 2011

Micro Needling and the Need for Science-Based Treatments

Filed under: Beverly Hills BOTOX,Beverly Hills Restylane,Botox,Botox Los Angeles,Cosmetic Facial Fillers,Cosmetic Surgery,facial cosmetic surgery,facial fillers,Restylane,restylane in los angeles,Under Eye Restylane — Tags: Botox, Cosmetic Surgery, facelift, facial fillers, Restylane, Under Eye Restylane — admin @ 4:53 pm

Micro needling, also called skin needling, is a recent trend in cosmetic treatment marketing that sounds miraculous in promotional media but unfortunately is not backed by science or medicine. Does it work? We can’t say for sure without extensive research on micro needling, and it’s important to understand that not everybody responds to a treatment in the same way. But we can say from simple human experience that most products that sound too good to be true often are, especially when they aren’t supported by science, research findings, or promising new approaches that are grounded in established knowledge.

So what is micro needling? In this treatment you use numbing cream and a roller to puncture hundreds of tiny holes in your skin. Some claim that this can cure everything from wrinkles to scars to hair loss to unwanted fat. These claims remain unproven. Given the different causes of problems as diverse as too much cellulite and too little hair, it seems strange that one procedure says it can address all this and more. With medicine doctors typically approach the cause of a problem to effectively address it, which is why Dr. Steinsapir only provides evidence-based treatments. “Cure-alls” may be cleverly marketed, but most often we find that they don’t make sense, aren’t supported by evidence, may rely on dishonest marketing techniques like camera tricks, and are often expensive without delivering on their promises.

Seeking Proven Treatments for Reliable Results

For reliable results and the most return on your financial and emotional investment, we advise you to find an experienced cosmetic surgeon who can help educate you on scientifically grounded treatment options and customize the best individual treatment plan for your unique situation. Dr. Steinsapir is highly experienced in providing and perfecting established cosmetic treatments like BOTOX and surgeries like the facelift, while also taking leadership in improving cosmetic treatment options, as demonstrated by his work with carved ePTFE orbital rim implants in the midface lift, chemical peel advances, Restylane for dark circles, and Microdroplet BOTOX. You cannot know which treatment option is best for you until you consult with a doctor specializing in facial cosmetic procedures. Whichever treatment route you and your cosmetic surgeon ultimately feel is best for you, it should be custom-designed and based on evidence backed by research.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir is board certified in Ophthalmology and has completed numerous fellowships, including three years of Orbit and Eyelid fellowships at the prestigious Jules Stein Eye Institute at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and a separate two year cosmetic surgery fellowship under the auspices of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. He is widely respected for his work and has published over thirty scientific papers and eight book chapters. He is a true innovator, having developed Microdroplet™ BOTOX®, a unique patented method for injecting BOTOX®, Deepfill™ under-eye Restylane® treatment to address the dark circle and under-eye hollow for up to a year without the need for retreatment. Dr. Steinsapir is one of the foremost eyelid surgeons in the world. He is on staff at the UCLA Hospital and Medical Center where he is an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute. He is also on staff at Harbor/UCLA Medical Center where he serves as an attending surgeon. He is in practice in West Los Angeles and is in high demand by discerning individuals from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Southern California. Many of his patients also come to see him from around the country and the world. Very few doctors offer the level of skill and expertise he brings to cosmetic surgery and aesthetic restorative surgery to address prior unsatisfactory eyelid surgery. Please contact us today to learn more about evidence-based treatment options with Dr. Steinsapir for proven results.

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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: Cosmetic Surgery, facelift, facelift in los angeles, los angeles cosmetic surgeon, safe facelift — 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.

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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: beverly hills facelift, Cosmetic Surgery, cosmetic surgery at UCLA, facelift, facelift in los angeles, reconstructive eyelid surgery — 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.

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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: beverly hills facelift, Cosmetic Surgery, facelift, facelift in los angeles, los angeles cosmetic surgeon — 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

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.

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August 29, 2010

Do stem cell facelifts work?

Filed under: facelift,facelift alternative,facelift los angeles,facial cosmetic surgery — Tags: beverly hills facelift, facelift, facelift in los angeles, los angeles cosmetic surgeon, stem cell facelift — 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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