June 23, 2011

I am having a complication from a Restylane treatment and my wedding is in six weeks. What should I do?

Wanting to look your best for your wedding day is something everyone is entitled to.  In the event that you experience unwanted effects from your Restylane® treatment, hyaluronidase makes it easy to adjust hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane, Juvederm®, and Perlane®.  In most cases its best to return to your original doctor who should be eager to make sure you are happy with your treatment and outcomes.  However, there are circumstances where there is simply no substitute for seeing a leading expert to help you get the results you need.

Seeking a second opinion

Dr. Steinsapir often sees individuals frustrated with treatments they received elsewhere.  Surprisingly, many people are not aware that the hyaluronic acid fillers can be adjusted using the enzyme hyaluronidase.  This enzyme is delivered with a small injection during a very comfortable office visit.  Dr. Steinsapir has helped people who put up with unsatisfactory treatments for much longer than they need to. These issues are easily dealt with using the enzyme in one or two visits.  It is the ability to make these adjustments that makes it feasible to provide many of the advanced filler services.

Correcting the problem

Restylane is a long-lasting, but not permanent sugar-gel facial filler that is preferred for improving facial contours due to its natural results, even in sensitive areas like dark circles under the eyes and the lip edge.  Restylane and Perlane offer the ability to modify results when necessary.  This includes treatments that were performed in the past and need fine-tuning.  The ability to adjust a treatment with an enzyme can take a good treatment and make it great.  In some cases, as the body slowly breaks down the material over time, slight irregularities may develop despite the initial quality of the treatment.  Sometimes, the answer is adding filler rather than subtracting volume.  For this reason, it is best to start with a detailed assessment with an expert like Dr. Steinsapir.

Restylane has long-term benefits and it is also easily adjusted even long after a treatment.  These characteristics are essential in the eyelid and surrounding areas.  The skin here is very thin and the tissues are very sensitive, so even small issues show up.  Don’t live with a treatment that isn’t everything you want it to be.  See an experienced cosmetic surgeon who can help take a treatment from like to love.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir is a much sought after oculofacial surgeon.  He is an innovator in minimally invasive cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and has invented new methods for treating with BOTOX, Fillers and cutting edge reconstructive eyelid and midface surgery.  He specializes in high precision eyelid surgery and is a leader in correcting prior facial and eyelid surgery, including multiple revised cosmetic eyelid reconstructions.  He attended medical school at the UCLA and completed ophthalmology residency at The University of Chicago.  He is multiple fellowship trained including three years of fellowship training in oculofacial plastic surgery at UCLA, and a two-year cosmetic surgery fellowship in Rancho Mirage.  He is widely published and lectures to other surgeons nationally and internationally.  He is an associate clinical professor of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA.  His private practice is located in West Los Angeles, immediately serving the Los Angeles and Bevery Hills communities.  Additionally, individuals from all over the country and the world regularly come to Los Angeles for this expert care.

To learn more about Dr. Steinsapir’s specialized Restylane treatments, please contact us today.

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.

June 11, 2011

Can Surgery Remove Persistent Dark Circles?

Dark circles under your eyes can make you look old and can even degrade your self-image.  Diet, exercise, and plenty of rest are cited as solutions for dark circles.  Skin creams and dark circle concealers can provide some help.  Often people are under the mistaken impression that surgery will fix the dark circle.  While there are a small percentage of individuals who will benefit from surgery for their particular type of dark circle, in the majority of cases surgery will be of little benefit and can make the situation worse.

Why don’t cosmetic creams and bleaches work?

Although creams and bleaches don’t work to brighten the area under your eye, a dark circle concealer may do the trick.  Dark circle concealers work by mixing mineral particles in the cream.  These minerals reflect the light to create the illusion that the area under your eye is fuller.  Concealers are less expensive than under eye filler, but concealers stay on the skin just a few hours.  In contrast, and under eye filler service can provide help for up to a year and in some case longer without the need to constantly apply makeup.

The darkness of under eye circles is optical.  The skin is dark because there is no fat between the thin lower eyelid skin and the darkly colored muscle just under the skin.  Filling the hollow with hyaluronic acid fillers reduces the area in the lower eyelid that can shadow, improving the dark circle.  Under eye filing with Restylane using the DeepfillTM method developed by Dr. Steinsapir directly helps the hollowness in the lower eyelid, a major factor contributing to the dark circle.

Restylane can help

Dr. Steinsapir finds that under eye Restylane® is the best option for dark eye circles.  Restylane® is a hylauronic acid filler made of up cross-linked sugar gel used to fill wrinkles and provide volume in the face.  “Unfortunately, that lower eyelid circle develops early on the face,” notes Dr. Steinsapir who commonly treats young entertainers who needs to maintain their youthful edge in Hollywood.  The treatment requires a skillful hand but once placed and adjusted, the treatment is completely natural and can’t be detected by others. No wonder this has become the most popular eye dark circles treatment.

When you do decide to have under eye filler, take time to look for a doctor who knows what they are doing.   Dr. Steinsapir reports that when he teaches other doctors to perform the method, he often finds that they lack the detailed anatomic knowledge needed to successfully perform the treatment.  It is also critical that the injecting physician assess how you do after the treatment because a certain percentage of treatments require an adjustment.  Dr. Steinsapir explains that everyone holds a slightly different amount of water in the tissues and small areas of fullness can spoil an otherwise great result.  For this reason, he encourages his patients to follow up about a week after treatment to assess how the service has settled.  “Adjustments can easily be made with the Restylane® treatment at any time after the service, which is why the treatment is so powerful,” he notes.  He advises avoiding medicines and herbal products that can thin the blood for about a week before treatment.  If you are taking something prescribed by a doctor, check with your doctor first before stopping a medication.  Also it is advisable not to work-out until 24 hours after a treatment.  These precautions minimize the risk of bruising.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir is a much sought after oculofacial surgeon.  He is an innovator in minimally invasive cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and has invented new methods for treating with BOTOX, Fillers and cutting edge reconstructive eyelid  and midface surgery.  He specializes in high precision eyelid surgery and is a leader in correcting prior facial and eyelid surgery, including multiple revised cosmetic eyelid reconstructions.  He attended medical school at the UCLA and completed ophthalmology residency at The University of Chicago.  He is multiple fellowship trained including three years of fellowship training in oculofacial plastic surgery at UCLA, and a two-year cosmetic surgery fellowship in Rancho Mirage.  He is widely published and lectures to other surgeons nationally and internationally.  He is an associate clinical professor of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA.  His private practice is located in West Los Angeles, immediately serving the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills communities.  Additionally, individuals from all over the country and the world regularly come to Los Angeles for this expert care.

To learn more about Dr. Steinsapir’s specialization in Restylane treatments, please contact us today.

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.

March 28, 2011

I had Restylane service 6 months ago and still have lumps. Can anything be done about this?

Restylane is a long-lasting but not permanent facial filler that is especially suitable for improving facial contours due to its natural-looking results, even in sensitive areas like dark circles under the eyes, and offers the ability to modify your results in the few cases when treatment isn’t completely satisfactory.  The enzyme hyaluronidase makes Restylane injections easily adjustable to a more desired aesthetic, and your doctor can even erase the treatment completely if you determine together that this is your best option.

When we hear from individuals who had dissatisfactory Restylane service long in the past, what is most disconcerting is that the individual was not aware that they could seek a simple adjustment from the start, or that they were not comfortable returning to their original cosmetic surgeon for this procedure.  This may indicate a problem in communication between the provider and the individual receiving services—and while this could simply be a lack of personality compatibility, it’s crucial that you are comfortable openly talking with your doctor about your treatment and any concerns that may arise.

Seeking the Best Restylane Services

While Restylane is considered a safe and routine procedure enjoyed by many who experience its benefits, this does not at all indicate that providing Restylane is an unskilled task.  You should always seek treatment from a leading and qualified provider such as Dr. Steinsapir, who is a cosmetic surgeon and oculoplastic surgeon with a major specialization of his practice being Restylane, including under-eye Restylane.  Your doctor must understand the subtleties of safely placing Restylane for natural results as well as how to adjust it should you have the need, and he or she must understand how Restylane and your facial anatomy interact to a level that could be called an art form.  Your doctor must also understand how to seamlessly adjust your Restylane treatment through comfortable hyaluronidase treatment.

Modifying Your Restylane Results

In the event that you experience lumps or unwanted effects from your Restylane treatment, hyaluronidase makes it easy to adjust hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane.  In most cases its best to return to your original doctor who should be eager to make sure you are happy with your treatment and outcomes.  However, if you are concerned about the skill level of your original provider who may not have specialized in facial fillers, or if you are experiencing a breakdown in communication and lack confidence seeking further direction and treatment from this individual, then you may wish to consider seeking a second opinion.

Dr. Steinsapir often sees individuals dissatisfied with treatment received elsewhere, and in many cases he can help you to restore the relationship with your original doctor.  If this is not possible, then you can seek adjustment and further treatments from someone else like Dr. Steinsapir.  It’s very important that you are comfortable with these decisions and are empowered with knowledge and a good communication rapport with your doctor to ensure best results.  If you have been waiting as long as six months to find out if your experience with Restylane is normal and if you can have your results adjusted, we are sorry to hear that you have been needlessly stressed.  Fortunately, Restylane can be adjusted and you may learn that when your treatment is customized and delivered with great skill and precision, impressive results are possible.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir is a much sought after oculofacial surgeon.  He is an innovator in minimally invasive cosmetic and reconstructive procedures and has invented new methods for treating with BOTOX, Fillers and cutting edge reconstructive eyelid  and midface surgery.  He specializes in high precision eyelid surgery and is a leader in correcting prior facial and eyelid surgery, including multiple revised cosmetic eyelid reconstructions.  He attended medical school at the UCLA and completed ophthalmology residency at The University of Chicago.  He is multiple fellowship trained including three years of fellowship training in oculofacial plastic surgery at UCLA, and a two-year cosmetic surgery fellowship in Rancho Mirage.  He is widely published and lectures to other surgeons nationally and internationally.  He is an associate clinical professor of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA.  His private practice is located in West Los Angeles, immediately serving the Los Angeles and Bevery Hills communities.  Additionally, individuals from all over the country and the world regularly come to Los Angeles for this expert care.

To learn more about Dr. Steinsapir’s specialization in Restylane treatments, please contact us today.

February 27, 2011

Can I exercise my facial muscle for an improved tone?

Exercise and diet are essential for a healthy lifestyle, but it’s important to recognize their limitations.  Not every condition can be cured by exercise, vitamin supplements or fad diets, especially when the problem is not a result of poor nutrition or inactivity.  We absolutely encourage you to exercise moderately and eat well, but we admit to being skeptical of the arising claim that exercising facial muscles can restore youth and beauty to one’s face.  This is an unproven method, and when one considers that they are likely still using their facial muscles just as much as they were ten years ago, it becomes apparent that their aging looks are unlikely due to facial inactivity.

It’s appealing to believe that we can resolve all of our concerns through exercise, and while research shows that exercise does benefit our health in many ways, it also shows that further medical treatment is required for many conditions.  Just as someone with presbyopia cannot exercise to regain the ability to focus for reading vision, it’s not likely that you’ll be able to reverse the effects of age, time, gravity, and stress by wiggling your face or by having electrical currents stimulate your facial muscle to contract.

There are many types of facial cosmetic surgery and other treatment that can help you obtain the result you need if your doctor determines that you are a suitable candidate.  These range from minimally invasive treatments with little-to-no downtime like BOTOX and undereye Restylane to surgeries like the facelift and plastic eyelid surgery including eyelid reconstruction, which give dramatic yet natural results to individuals with far-reaching concerns.  While it is impossible to know which treatment, if any, is most suitable for you before a private consultation with the best facial cosmetic surgeon for you, you can be confident that there are a wide range of treatments that an expert can custom-tailor to meet your needs.

As a specialist in facial cosmetic treatments, Dr. Steinsapir has treated many individuals who first explored a variety of “natural solutions” for their aesthetic facial concerns.  Frustrated when they saw no results, they eventually consulted with Dr. Steinsapir and opted for proven treatment methods that provide dramatic yet natural results.  This human tendency to pursue unproven treatments is not a fault; it is normal to want to independently resolve a problem using the least invasive and most economical method possible.

Dr. Steinsapir is focused on your personal goals and comfort level.  Dr. Steinsapir always asks you questions about your specific goals, individual situation, and preferences so that he can plan a solution that is aligned what you want, so you can feel comfortable knowing that you are ultimately in control of your treatment plan.  Dr. Steinsapir very much believes in using the least invasive method for accomplishing a particular goal; for example, he does not recommend a forehead lift when a BOTOX treatment for wrinkles will will meet your goals – and he is a leader in his field of minimally invasive solutions.

If you are seeking a proven treatment with an experienced facial plastic surgeon with extensive training in oculofacial plastic surgery, we invite you to a personal consultation with Dr. Steinsapir today.  Dr. Steinsapir is honest, friendly, and can talk to you about customized treatments that give you the results you seek by addressing your specific needs and unique facial features.  Please call us today to schedule a time when you can speak with Dr. Steinsapir.

About Dr. Steinsapir

Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified cosmetic surgeon and oculoplastic surgeon 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 patients at UCLA, where he is an assistant
clinical professor. Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert provider of facial cosmetic surgery and eyelid reconstruction, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.

December 13, 2010

Could I be allergic to Juvederm?

Just as it’s possible but rare to have an allergic reaction to Restylane as we recently discussed, it is also possible but rare to have an allergic reaction to Juvederm.  Why do we mention both Restylane and Juvederm here?  These facial fillers are each hyaluronic acid fillers, so they share properties that make them both very safe; however, in the unlikely event that you are allergic to one, then you are probably allergic to the other.  Whenever you consider undergoing any medical procedure, you should be mindful that there is always some degree of risk involved.  This is why it’s especially important to have an open conversation with your doctor about your circumstances and medical history to best determine whether you are one of the many people who can benefit from facial fillers.

If you have a history of any of the following, carefully discuss them with your doctor, as they indicate that Juvederm is probably not right for you, and instead you should consider one of other safe treatment options.  According to the Juvederm webpage, you should not use Juvederm injectable gel if you have:

•    Severe allergies with anaphylaxis
•    Allergies to gram-positive bacterial proteins
•    Allergies to lidocaine

Allergic reactions to Juvederm are so rare that no testing is recommended prior to treatment, but remember rare events do happen.  The best thing to do is consider the benefits against your personal risk factors.  The good news is, hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm are safe for the overwhelming majority of people.

Thinking about the Best Filler for You
Juvederm was the first hyaluronic acid dermal filler to be approved by the FDA for addressing facial folds, lines, and volume deficiencies.  It remains an excellent product to this day.  However, we’ve found that Restylane’s flow characteristics usually make it more suitable for certain facial treatments such as treating dark circles under the eyes.  This is because Restylane’s higher viscosity (basically its “thickness”) helps to keep the filler correctly placed around the undereye area.  Both Juvederm and Restylane are readily adjustable by your cosmetic surgeon, both last about the same amount of time, and both are considered safe products.  The key is in determining which cosmetic approach is best for your individual needs and then receiving a customized treatment.

Expert Consulting in Facial Fillers
If you are seeking to improve your looks and build confidence by treating facial concerns like wrinkles, hollowness, folds, and dark circles, consider how treatment with a hyaluronic acid filler or another procedure like the midface lift may help.  The only way to find out what is the best and safest treatment for you is to consult with a highly experienced and qualified doctor who can go over your medical history and current needs with you in detail, then custom-plan a treatment approach that meets your goals.  Dr. Steinsapir is a world leader in facial filler treatments, with an emphasis on minimally invasive technique that look completely natural.  To start thinking about the best way to achieve you desired aesthetic, contact us today for your no-risk consultation.

November 19, 2010

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

Overview

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

Fat Grafts and Changes in Weight

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

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

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

Achieving the Best Long-Term Results

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

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

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

Experience Counts; Consult with the Best

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

November 2, 2010

I’ve heard that the enzyme that erases Restylane wrecks the skin. Is that true?

One reason why fillers like Restylane and Juvederm have been so successful is because these treatments can be adjusted using an injectable enzyme called hyaluronidase, an egg-based enzyme that works as a sort of “erasure” to modify lumps and bumps that may occur as a result of facial filler treatment.   Individuals with a history of allergies to egg based vaccines should inform their physician prior to treatment with hyaluronic acid fillers.

Some people are nervous about seeking treatment because they’re not sure if they will like their new look and they want to have the option of reversing any undesirable results, or they simply wish to be able to change their mind later.  Still others may be concerned that if they are dissatisfied with a filler treatment that they’ve already had, will they make things even worse by seeking a correction?  These are understandable fears, but fortunately they are largely unfounded.  There is no reason to believe that hyaluronidase will ruin your skin or make matters worse.  Routinely, hyaluronidase is used to adjust hyaluronic acid filler treatments.  While every medical procedure comes with a risk, and while it is possible that you are one of the rare individuals who could experience an allergic reaction, this is not likely.  A reputable cosmetic surgeon can safely make adjustments, and in the unlikely event of a complication, your physician will know what to do.

How did the rumors about hyaluronidase get started?

At first when Juvederm and Restylane were being introduced as valuable cosmetic products, some dermatologists were concerned that some people could potentially have an allergic reaction to the enzyme.  However, as time went on hyaluronidase benefited numerous treatment recipients who sought adjustment, it became clear that this enzyme is a safe way to make sure that treatments with hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane, Perlane, and Juvederm achieve the best results.

Eye plastic surgeons are some of the professionals who use hyaluronidase the most, and they have found the enzyme to be reliable.  Dr. Steinsapir has used this product for over 20 years, and hasn’t seen an allergic reaction yet.  While there is always a chance of a negative response in the body, oculofacial surgeons have integrated the enzyme with hyaluronic acid filler product treatment as if it’s an eraser to modify a treatment after the fact.  Since adjusting filler treatment with hyaluronidase is truly an art form, some less experienced providers are not comfortable with this practice.  It is important to seek treatment from someone whose forte is facial fillers and cosmetic eye treatments.   These days the core specialists in hyaluronic acid are quite comfortable using the enzyme to adjust overfill.

How will I look after my hyaluronidase adjustment?

This depends on your goals and the extent of the adjustment.  In most cases, you’ll want your physician to adjust a highlight, or an area of fullness that detracts from the overall treatment effect to obtain an overall treatment effect.  He or she can do this comfortably and with a high degree of accuracy.  The enzyme can be used essentially until the original filler disappears from the face, so it’s also possible to have the filler broken down completely.  If for any reason you choose to go this route, you can expect to look the same as you always have after giving your body some time to completely heal and for any accompanying swelling to subside.  Generally Dr. Steinsapir does not advocate flooding an area to “erase all the product.”  Instead it is best to sculpt the product and make the most of what has already been placed.  Adjusting the work of other injectors is a reason than many new clients seek out Dr. Steinsapir.

You should never accept filler treatment that is touted as permanent or semipermanent.  This will make it difficult to make adjustments, and it doesn’t account for the changes in the face over time.  Later in life, exactly where and how you need help will change.

If you’ve already been treated with Restylane, Perlane, or Juvederm and feel that your treatment can benefit from some adjustment, don’t simply wait for the product to wear off.  You may have to live with you unsatisfactory results for a full year or more, and after that you will likely be nervous about seeking further help.  Have your treatment adjusted right away so you can see the real and safe benefits of cosmetic facial fillers and realize the benefits of your treatment.

Seeking the Best Filler Treatment Available

If you have already received hyaluronic acid filler injections and seek modification, in most cases you can talk with your treatment provider about revisions.  If you aren’t confident in your doctor’s abilities or do not have a positive relationship with him or her, seek a second opinion from an acclaimed expert in facial fillers with natural results.

Dr. Steinsapir is a world-renowned fillers expert and has served as a physician consultant to Medicis, Inc., the distributor of Restylane and Perlane.  He also invented Deepfill method for placing Restylane, a proven method for correcting dark circles under the eyes.  Those who seek treatment with Dr. Steinsapir are almost always very happy with their initial treatment, but in the event that your filler needs adjustment, Dr. Steinsapir can also provide the service of safely and comfortably adjusting your treatment with confidence.  Contact us today to learn more about how Dr. Steinsapir can assure that your treatment results are natural and customizable to your goals.

September 8, 2010

How do fillers improve my dark circles?

Dark circles under they eye are a common problem that can affect people of all ages.  Effective treatment must address the root cause of the problem, which is why putting on makeup or a face cream does not resolve the issue.  If you are dissatisfied with your appearance because of under eye hollows that give you a tired, haggard, or sunken appearance, consider how an under eye filler like Restylane can improve your image.

Under Eye Restylane Before and After Photo

Under Eye Restylane Before and After Photo

What is the root problem of my dark circles?

While a number of factors contribute to the dark circles under the eyes, lack of soft tissue volume is one of the most important factors.  What we observe here is a deficiency of subcutaneous fat including the fat just underneath our skin.  Just as too much fat is not attractive or good for our health, neither is too little fat.  As we age, many people find that they have problems with fat distribution over the body, having too much in some areas and too little in others, such as the area around the eyes.

With under eye circles, the concern is deflation of the malar fat pad, which composes much of the cheek soft tissue.  This can happen because of gravity, stress, age, or even our genetic tendency.  Skin optics also contributes to the darkness we associate with the dark circle.  The lower eyelid skin is very thin and immediately lined by a flat muscle just under the skin called the orbicularis oculi muscle.  This muscle helps close the eye and also contributes to the smile lines.  The muscle is dark red.  Light that passes through the skin strikes this dark muscle where the light is absorbed.  With little light bouncing back into the skin, this skin appears dark.  In comparison the skin of the cheek just adjacent to the thin eyelid skin has a layer of yellow fat immediately under the skin.  Light passing into the skin a this point strikes the yellow fat and instead of being adsorbed, it reflects off of the fat helping the overlying skin look lighter.  Dark concealers generally contain reflective material such as mica to increase skin reflectivity or are opaque to block the absorption of light at the skin surface.  Unfortunately these products do not eliminate the shadowing that occurs here because of the lack of volume.

Dark circle treatment that works is available through the midface lift, a surgery that corrects the shift in fat distribution, and also through under eye Restylane, a facial filler that restores the tissue deficiency under the eye.

How do fillers resolve the key issue?

Fillers can resolve the deficiency by taking the place of the fat volume that is supposed to be there.   This corrects the hollowed area by addressing the lack of volume and improving the way that light interacts with the tissue in this area.  We have found that Restylane filler is the most suitable filler here because it is safe and does not tend to clump or migrate.  Since there is so little fat here and the skin is thin, there isn’t tissue for the filler to “hide” behind, which is why it’s so important to choose the right filler.   It is also why it is so important to choose the right cosmetic surgeon to perform your service.

Restylane for under eye bags can be modified with the injection of hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acids including Restylane.  This means that if you have a lump or a bump that needs to be adjusted after initial treatment there is a mechanism to permit this adjustment.

How can I find out if filler will help me?

You need a consultation with physician considered one of the top practitioners in correcting dark circles and other cosmetic facial and eye concerns.  Dr. Steinsapir is one of the best cosmetic surgeons in Los Angeles, and he specializes in minimally invasive techniques to enhance your features through natural results.  His practice is one of the few in the world that makes eye hollow treatment a major focus of practice.  To learn more about Dr. Steinsapir’s prestigious educational and experienced background, as well as how safe treatment with under eye Restylane can help you achieve your desired look, contact us today for a no-risk consultation.

August 17, 2010

Men and lip fillers

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

Attaining Masculine Lips

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

Men and Lip Fillers

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

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

Expert Treatment for Optimum Results

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

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

August 12, 2010

Will BOTOX help my dark circles?

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

BOTOX and Restylane Before and After

BOTOX and Restylane Before and After

Why does BOTOX work?

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

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

How did I get dark circles under my eyes?

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

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

Effective Treatment Addresses Underlying Problems

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

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

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

Finding the Best Advice

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

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