Archive for the ‘Facelift’ Category

facial rejuvenation: cosmetic eyelid surgery

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

The eyes are at times referred to as the windows to the soul. They draw attention and convey much of our expressions. Through them, we not only see the world, but the world sees us as well. Our eyes reflect much of what we feel physically and emotionally. Signs of aging and hereditary factors can greatly affect the appearance of our eyes. So, what they may reflect is not really how we feel.

If the excess, drooping skin of your upper eyelids make you appear sad or angry, or puffiness or bags make you look tired, then cosmetic eyelid surgery may be a solution for you. In general, eyelid surgery will give you a more youthful and energetic appearance. Specifically, eyelid surgery removes excess skin, eliminates bags and restores firmness to the area surrounding the eye, making you look more rested and alert. Here are some signs that you may be a candidate for cosmetic eyelid surgery:

 - Loose or sagging skin on the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision

- Excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the upper eyelids

- Bags under the eyes

- Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid

This surgery is most commonly performed on adult men and women in good  health who have realistic goals for improvement of the upper and/or lower   eyelids. A consultation is the first step to learn how eyelid surgery can improve the appearance of your eyelids and the surrounding region.

Posted in Chicago, Facelift, Plastic Surgery | No Comments »

Sex & Plastic Surgery?

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

plastic surgery chicagoNo, this is not about Christian Troy on the show “Nip/Tuck”.  Recently, there was an article published in a respected peer reviewed publication, the Aesthetic Surgery Journal1 that reported the results of a study focusing on the effects of cosmetic surgery on intimacy and sexual relationships. I have always known that the basic reason my patients undergo plastic surgery is to improve a certain part of their body and feel better about themselves. This article goes on to say that this newfound sense of well-being can lead to a higher level of comfort in intimate settings and greater satisfaction in sexual relationships. The results are interesting to read and have available in your memory bank for your next cocktail party. According to the report, more than 95% of respondents reported improvement in their body image. The patients who underwent breast and body contouring surgery declared improvement in sexual satisfaction, and made changes toward a decidedly more provocative style in clothing.  To top it off, 70% of that group testified that their partner’s sex life had been enhanced – particularly if the surgery was on the breasts, abdomen and thighs. The study concluded that cosmetic surgery patients overwhelmingly feel better about their body after surgery. It is clear that the effect of cosmetic surgery extends well beyond the arena of just physical changes—and reaches into the bedroom.

Learn more about Plastic surgery and breast implants in Chicago.

1Guy M. Stofman, et al, “Better Sex From the Knife? An Intimate Look at the Effects of Cosmetic Surgery on Sexual Practices,” Aesthetic Surgery Journal Vol 26:1 (2006): 12.

Posted in Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants), Breast Reduction, Chicago, Facelift, Liposuction (Body Contouring), Plastic Surgery, Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) | No Comments »

- Five Essential Steps Before Surgery in the Chicago Area

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

plastic surgeon chicago1. Do your homework: Research the procedure, the benefits and the risks. Refer to www.plasticsurgery.org for the latest information on plastic surgery procedures.

2. Have Realistic Expectations: Ask your plastic surgeon about the benefits and risks of your surgery; discuss your expectations and understand side effects and recovery time.

3. Be Informed: Talk to patients who have had your procedure so you know what to expect.

4. Ask Tough Questions: Consult your plastic surgeon and discuss your full medical history to determine the most appropriate treatment.

5. Choose an ASPS Member Surgeon: Why? ASPS Member Surgeons are qualified, trained and properly certified. They adhere to a strict code of ethics, receive continuous education and operate only in accredited facilities. An ASPS Member Surgeon is your partner in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.

Posted in Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants), Breast Reduction, Chicago, Facelift, Liposuction (Body Contouring), Plastic Surgery, Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) | No Comments »

Who is in a Plastic Surgeon’s Operating Room?

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

The operating room is very organized in its function and everyone has a specific duty. The whole team is responsible for your care. Typically there are five people in the room at any one time. The Chicago Plastic surgeon, anesthesiologist, scrub nurse/technician, and circulating nurse. The scrub nurse/technician is the individual who helps with instruments, assists the surgeon during the surgery, and is “scrubbed in” so he or she can not move around the room. The circulating nurse is not “scrubbed in” and can move around the room to help with other tasks throughout the surgery. You may ask who is the fifth person? The most important person in the room is the fifth person – the patient. So while you are asleep, many people work to ensure your safety and comfort.

Posted in Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants), Breast Reduction, Chicago, Facelift, Liposuction (Body Contouring), Plastic Surgery, Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) | 1 Comment »

Botox® : What You May Not Know

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

There has been much attention paid to this drug since its approval by the FDA for cosmetic use to reduce frown lines. What you may not know, however, is that long before, it was used for other purposes such as treatment of various neurologic, orthopedic, gastroenterologic, and ophthalmologic disorders. Before its approval for cosmetic use, Botox had already been approved for the treatment of strabismus, blepharospasm, and cervical dystonia in 1989. It has also since been approved for treatment of axillary hyperhydrosis or excessive sweating in the armpits. Some recent and solid research has shown it to be effective even for certain types of migraine headaches.

There were 2,464,123 Botox® treatments for cosmetic purposes administered in the United States in 2008 alone (225,099 were men). There have been 1,000,000 plus people who received treatment with Botox® for medical and aesthetic purposes around the world. And there have been 100 years of study into the botulinum neurotoxins with 75 countries around the world who have approved use of Botox®. It continually ranks 1st on the list of “Top 5 Surgical and Non-surgical Physician Administered Cosmetic Procedures,” according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Although no drug is without its side effects, Botox® has shown itself to be applicable to many areas, medical and cosmetic, in a safe and consistently effective manner. Based on a survey of about 1000 patients, 97% were satisfied with their Botox® Cosmetic treatment.  If you are bothered by your frown lines or other facial lines, discuss your options with a board certified physician who is trained and experienced in administering Botox®. Consult a board certified Chicago Plastic Surgeon.

Posted in Chicago, Facelift, Plastic Surgery | No Comments »

Why do we have to have scars?

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

Scarring is our bodies’ natural response to repair any injury whether visible on our skin or internally, such as after an appendectomy. Without this healing process we would not be able to return to full and normal daily activities. Our most beloved scar is our belly button, which with piercings, low-rise pants and cropped shirts has become very trendy in past years. Others, like some celebrities, have even built a reputation and reaped significant benefit from displaying this scar openly to the world. If you think about it, we cherish this scar from birth, even though it is a big hole in the middle of our abdomen. So, scarring is an important and healthy process that is set in place even before we are born. Surgical scarring is similar and crucial in the healing process after any procedure. Actually, a simple incision line is an ideal wound for healing as compared to other injuries that break the skin. The final cosmetic appearance of our scars is based on multiple factors such as skin type, anatomic location, age, smoking and, the most important factor, our genetic makeup.

All skin scarring goes through three phases. The first phase begins at the time of wound closure and lasts about 24-48 hours. During this time the skin also seals and forms a fluid barrier. That is why it is important to wait 1-2 days after surgery before showering and cleaning the incision line. Washing the incision after it has sealed helps to reduce the bacterial contamination and prevent a potential delay in healing. By day 3 the second phase begins which helps to strengthen the wound. The tensile strength of a wound is relatively low in the first few weeks but increases linearly after 3-4 weeks. By 6 weeks, the incision has gained about 50% of its ultimate strength and is strong enough to tolerate normal activities.  That is why there is restriction of activities after surgery for about 6 weeks. The third and final phase usually starts about 2-3 weeks after wounding and can last up to one year. This is the remodeling phase during which the scar obtains its final shape and form. That is why scar revisions are typically delayed for at least one year from the time of initial healing. There are many methods to help reduce the appearance of scars, but no proven method for removal of scars. Remember, scars are a natural and important part of healing. Plastic surgery scars are specifically placed in easily concealed areas of the body to help minimize their visibility. Learn more about minimum scar breast augmentation in Chicago.

Posted in Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants), Breast Reduction, Chicago, Facelift, Plastic Surgery, Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) | No Comments »

Body Contouring After Massive Weight Loss

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

It is estimated that as many as nine million people in the United States suffer from morbid obesity. The associated medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes can be compounded by psychosocial incapacity. Improvements in the surgical correction of morbid obesity via gastric bypass procedures and non-surgical diet regimens have allowed increasing numbers of morbidly obese patients to undergo successful and sustained massive weight loss. While the medical/health benefits are obvious, different problems may arise as a result.

Massive weight loss can lead to extensive redundancy of skin and fat folds in different areas of the body causing functional problems such as skin infection and chronic irritation from constant rubbing together. These areas include upper arms, breasts (male and female), and abdomen and medial thighs. Patients also complain of difficulty fitting into clothing, interference with personal hygiene and daily activities as well as the potential for psychosocial concerns of a disfigured appearance.

Many plastic surgery procedures are available to correct such problems after massive weight loss.  They include arm lift or brachioplasty, breast lift or mastopexy, panniculectomy or removal of excess abdominal skin and fat, as well as thigh lift.  These procedures not only help patients achieve a more normal appearance after massive weight loss, but also allow them to complete their journey to a healthier lifestyle and accomplish the extreme makeover that will change their lives forever.  Body Contouring After Massive Weight Loss

Posted in Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants), Chicago, Facelift, Liposuction (Body Contouring), Plastic Surgery, Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) | 2 Comments »