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To My Patients: We hope this letter finds you and your family in good health. While we are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines many things have changed. One thing remains the same: our commitment to your health and safety. Our first priority continues to be the safety and well-being of our patients and staff. Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice. Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We closely follow the activities of these agencies so we are up-to-date on any new rulings and guidance that may be issued. You will see we have made some changes during your next appointment with us. Our office will communicate with you beforehand regarding your appointment arrival time and screening. We have implemented the “parking lot waiting room” to allow for social distancing between patients. You will be required to wear a mask to enter the office. Only You, the Patient are permitted in the building. No one under 18yrs will be permitted in the building. Hand Sanitizer is available for use when you enter our […]

When most people think about varicose veins, they think about dark veins running over a woman’s legs. However, it can happen to men too! It is also more than just a cosmetic problem. It can really affect a person. For this reason, it is important to understand everything that you can about this disease. Here are some FAQs that you may have about varicose veins. What causes people to get varicose veins? Varicose veins happen because the valves in your veins are weakened or damaged. These valves help to keep blood flowing in the right direction. As the valves become weakened, the blood backs up and collects in one area, causing varicose veins. People who are on their feet all day are more susceptible because this puts extra pressure on the veins in their legs, which can weaken the valves even more. Do men get varicose veins? If so, how many are affected? Though most people think of women when they think about varicose veins, an Edinburgh Vein Study that was done in 2003 found that almost forty percent of males have varicose veins. This is compared to thirty-two percent of women. That being said, there are studies that show […]

As you age, your face goes through different changes. Around age 40, you might notice a drooping in your eyelids and maybe a few small wrinkles near the forehead or mouth. By the time you turn 50, you might see a gradual sagging in your face. Due to menopausal changes, you start to lose a chunk of your collagen, and skin inflammation could increase. You don’t have to sit back and accept the situation, because there are some things you can do to make your skin appear younger. Use Skincare Products with Healthy Ingredients  These go a long way in helping your face appear younger. These products also don’t have to be expensive because there are drugstores that have affordable and high-quality ingredients. Look for skincare products that contain vitamin A, vitamin E, retinoids, vitamin C, and alpha hydroxy acid. Other good ingredients to look for in skincare products include salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and green tea extract. Don’t Go Overboard with Makeup  Makeup makes you look fabulous, but too much of the heavy foundation could make you look older. As you age, it’s better to apply a liquid moisturizing foundation. Another idea would be to apply a primer before […]

Our hands do a lot. We rely on our hands for everything from cooking, typing, crafting, expressing ourselves through art and music, to caring for others. We want our hands to look graceful and beautiful, but let’s face it: we also expect our hands to function daily. Our hands are on full display, so we want to care for them and may even receive routine manicures with embellished nail polish and nail art. But, our hands are one of the first things to show our age. So, how do we turn back the clock and keep our hands looking youthful and lovely? What causes our hands to age? Well, age itself, of course, gets most the blame for hands looking older. As we age, we naturally start losing more and more collagen. Collagen gives our skin its flexibility and suppleness. This loss of collagen shows up most notably on the hands. The skin on our hands naturally starts out thinner, and then if you add all the work and activity we expect our hands to do, we can see why the loss of collagen makes such a difference. Sun damage represents another factor that especially affects the hands. Damaging UV […]

Long gone are the days when aging gracefully was a rite of passage for all men; wrinkles and saggy skin seen as badges of honor on a life well lived. Just as women strive to maintain and even exceed the beauty had in younger years, men are now demanding their rights to drink of this same fountain of youth. Procedures for men are more widely available and popular than many men may realize. Men and women seek cosmetic surgery either to achieve greater beauty and youth or to repair the damages of time or trauma. Let’s discuss some of the most popular cosmetic procedures for men performed today. Breast Reduction and Pectoral Implants Breast Reduction and Pectoral Implants are procedures that men especially younger men are pursuing to improve both body self-image and overall comfort. Gynecomastia is a medical condition that results in enlarged breast/breasts from swollen breast tissue in men. These physical changes may occur as a result of hormonal fluctuations or medications and may or may not be permanent. Men may seek a breast reduction which can be performed through liposuction by means of small incisions, reducing the breast size. Pectoral implants can also firm up and give […]

While a rhinoplasty isn’t the most invasive procedure that you can undergo, like any surgery, it is important to prepare for it. When you make the decision to undergo a nose job, your cosmetic surgeon will go through the list of pre-operation instructions with you. It is important to follow them. However, if you want the procedure to go as smoothly as possible, consider these tips to help prepare for your rhinoplasty procedure. Stop Smoking You will want to try your hardest to stop smoking at least two weeks before your surgery. Nicotine slows down the healing process so it is important to keep it out of your system until everything is fully healed. Prepare for Dry Mouth After Your Rhinoplasty Procedure You don’t know how much you breathe out of your nose until you can’t breathe out of it anymore, right? Fully anticipate that after the procedure is done, you will have a dry mouth due to increased breathing out of your mouth. It is recommended to get some lip balm and have some cool water to keep it moist. Change Your Sheets After your rhinoplasty procedure, you will want to go right to bed, and perhaps stay there […]

More and more people are turning to plastic surgery to get the body that they have always wanted. Though many are in shape, they just aren’t seeing the results that they think that they should be getting. Others look toward plastic surgery as a way to lose weight and get a better-looking shape. However, liposuction isn’t for everyone. Here are some things to know before you decide on getting liposuction or any other procedures. You need to understand that getting liposuction isn’t a way to lose weight. Though it can help you to look skinnier and more firm, it is not right for you if you have a significant amount of weight to lose. You may need to consider another procedure to help with the weight loss before firming up with liposuction. It is also important to remember that getting liposuction is not a “quick fix.” In fact, you may need to be more committed to your diet and exercise program in order to keep your body at a healthy weight and size. Some people gain weight after their procedure, and it can really affect how you look. Areas that have already gone through liposuction may gain weight slower than […]

You’ve tried it all – lipstick, gloss, and every other lip product under the sun; everything that’s advertised to make your lips look fuller and better contoured. Nothing has worked! You’ve just succeeded in wasting lots of money on a dream of full lips. However, the thin lips you were born with aren’t going to get any fuller on their own. In fact, as you age, it is likely they are going to get worse, manifesting other undesirable traits like wrinkles. Thin lips not only limit your available cosmetic options, but they make it so you constantly look like you are in a bad mood. If you want to stop mean mugging everyone you meet accidentally with thin, severe-looking lips, then it may be time to consider lip augmentation. If there is one cosmetic procedure that those open to cosmetic surgery may seek to avoid, it could be lip augmentation. At this point, we have all seen the joke on TV – about the woman with augmented lips that looks like she got stung by a bee. Yes, it’s funny, but that is not what lip augmentation is. While this is something you may want to avoid, only bad plastic […]

Dermaplaning, an exfoliation procedure, removes dead skin and unwanted hair from the surface of your skin. A tool is used to remove the outer layer of skin and any peach fuzz hair on your face to give your face a younger appearance. While most people use Dermaplaning because they want to have younger looking skin, there are many added benefits. Dermaplaning is very safe. A Dermaplaning facial doesn’t use any chemicals so it is non-abrasive. This also makes it great for people who can’t use many products on their face due to their sensitive skin. Because of this, it can be used on any skin type. You should notice that your skin is much smoother to the touch. As it gets rid of the dead skin cells on your face, it exfoliates your skin, leaving it looking flawless and feeling smoother. It also removes facial hair. Not only can this hair be unsightly (and unwanted), it can also trap dirt and oils. This can make your face appear oily, no matter how often you clean it. Dermaplaning can also help fight the signs of aging. It can help decrease fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and other signs of aging that you may […]

Choosing to get liposuction is can be an exciting, and oftentimes scary, decision. Preparing your body and mind for your procedure is almost as important as the surgery itself. Before you get liposuction, here are a few things to keep in mind: Get a medical examination In order to verify that you are in good health and ready for this procedure, your personal physician should complete a health history and physical exam. This is not only for your protection, but for your peace of mind as well. Make sure to bring this with you to your liposuction appointment, or send it beforehand if required. Note your medicine intake Make sure your doctor knows all of the medicines and natural health products you are currently taking, because they may increase risks during surgery. Your doctor may require that you stop taking all drugs, medicines, herbs and non-prescribed vitamins, including aspirin or Tylenol, before surgery. Make sure you understand the process Before you scare yourself with online videos, ask your doctor to explain the liposuction process so you know what to expect. This will give you a checklist for things to look out for before and after your surgery and give your […]

If you have made the decision to have a breast augmentation surgery done, whether it was to enlarge or reduce their size, you’re probably excited to see what your new bust will be like. For those who choose enlargement, they are excited see how they look in the tight black dress. For women that choose reduction, they simply might be excited by the prospect of not having daily back pain. However, no matter which procedure you choose to have done, one thing remains the same. After the procedure is done, the patient is excited to start bra shopping for their new bust. While new and expensive bras to match your new chest are one of the best parts of augmentation, shopping for them should wait. Prediction Isn’t Perfect The issue with breast reduction surgery is that your plastic surgeon can get you the size you want, but it may not always be the size you expect. Breast reduction is typically easier to size while breast enlargement can be a little trickier to size. The enlargements are measured in CC’s of saline or silicone rather than just cup size. This can mean 400 CC’s of saline can be a C cup […]

There is a certain misconception that breast augmentation is only a popular choice for trophy wives or models. While both certainly might look into it for a bigger bust and more confidence, in truth plastic surgeons more often see another sort of clientele when it comes to breast augmentation: mothers. Due to the aging stigma that used to be prevalent about plastic surgery — how it makes you somehow unpleasantly superficial to have your body look good — mothers who undergo breast augmentation don’t like to talk about it, but it is often needed after they have children. The process of growing a child and nursing it really does a number on a mother’s breasts. Many mothers undergo what is referred to as breast ptosis after pregnancy, a term used by the medical community to refer to breast sagging. The more children you have and nurse, the worse that sagging is going to get. No amount of postpartum exercise or diet is going to reverse the process of sagging; it can make women feel incredibly uncomfortable in their own skin. Some mothers may accept it as just a reality they have to live with. But that’s not actually true since… […]

If you have unsightly bulging veins, spider veins, or painful varicose veins, then pursuing sclerotherapy results through a plastic surgeon is the right choice to help improve your life and your look. In this simple procedure, your plastic surgeon injects a chemical into the veins which will cause the veins to harmlessly close. The body then reabsorbs the vein tissue and you are left with no more visible veins the in area, not even the faint blue shadow of normal vein tissue where the problem veins used to be. This is often done quickly and safely by a plastic surgeon to get your skin marred by unsightly veins back to its beautiful original form without affecting blood flow in the area. However, everyone who has had plastic surgery or at least looked into it before knows that not all results are permanent, some results can last for years while others only a few months before another treatment is needed. In most procedures, the results often wear off eventually because the body is constantly changing. So the question stands: If you have sclerotherapy, how long do you have before those veins come back? Will Sclerotherapy Treated Veins Come Back? There is […]

When scheduling your liposuction appointment with a plastic surgeon, often we are a little nervous. Thus we ask what we should do to prep for the procedure. It always feels better to know that you have prepared before your liposuction as best you can, right? However, what we should be asking is what we shouldn’t do before liposuction. Most plastic surgeons will go over crucial things to do as well as what not to do before your liposuction. There are also a few smaller issues that you should know to avoid as well. While you should avoid everything your plastic surgeon tells you to, the general rule of thumb is that if you aren’t sure you should do it, you probably shouldn’t. The key to any plastic surgery procedure is to spend the night before the procedure just relaxing and not stressing out. Shaving Before Your Liposuction You can still shave your legs and underarms before your liposuction procedure if you so choose. However, if you think your incision site is a little too hairy and want to trim it up – don’t. This can occasionally cause ingrown hairs or impart bacteria from your razor that can invite infection to […]

Liposuction is a powerful way for people to lose weight and keep it off. However, they need to pair this procedure with a careful diet and exercise routine. That said, exercise cannot be started too soon or you run the risk of complicating your surgery. Some Exercise Is Possible While you won’t be able to start lifting or doing any serious workouts after liposuction, it is possible to do light physical activity a day or two after the procedure. For example, you can take a few short walks around your neighborhood or do chores in the house. In fact, this type of exercise is typically suggested as a way of avoiding blood clots in the operation area. Heavy Duty Exercise Will Have To Wait If you’re excited about getting into exercise after liposuction, you need to wait at least a week or two before starting light aerobic or lifting exercises. Your surgery is still too fresh and you may injure yourself if you start too soon. Even when you start a week or two later, you should go at about half-speed until you feel comfortable with heavy exercise. Symptoms You’ve Worked Out Too Hard  Make sure that you watch yourself […]

You eat right, exercise and have a pretty healthy lifestyle. Still, you have not ended up with the silhouette you have been hoping to achieve. You have decided to invest in liposuction to rid yourself of a few stubborn areas. You should know what to expect as you prepare for your procedure. Your Health You may be asked to have a medical exam or lab work. Your doctor will ask about your family history and your medical history. Tell your doctor about any prescriptions you take, as well as any supplements or herbal treatments. You will be signing a release that states you are aware of the risks, benefits and any alternatives associated with your procedure. Your Weight You should be at a stable weight. You will be having fat cells removed from your problem areas, but the fat will come back if you gain weight. Additional fat may distribute elsewhere on your body to accommodate for the sculpted areas. Maintaining your weight will make your procedure permanent. Medications It may be suggested that you stop taking any anti-inflammatory medication prior to surgery. This includes over- the- counter products like aspirin and ibuprofen. These medications can thin the blood and […]

We couldn’t be happier to be here today to tell you about how some patients of ours have tried every skin tightening cream, lotion, and wrap on the market. We know a patient whom went from 252lbs to 100lbs due to gastroparesis. In one years time she had lost a large amount of weight, and she acquired a large amount of sagging skin. She struggled for years using creams that had negative side effects, like burning, itching, or even worse; the ones that make you bounce right back when you stop using them. Caffeine is an active ingredient to most skin tightening and firming products, which can be extremely dangerous to your health. These creams are especially dangerous to those who cover a large portion of skin, or who have other medical issues. The patient began exercising and it just wasn’t doing anything for the skin sagging issues, so she decided to try one of those fancy wraps that everyone keeps posting online about. That was when she realized there was something scary happening. It turned out that she was already dehydrated before she began to use the wrap, so when she put the wrap on – it further dehydrated her. This caused her to faint, and realize she had […]

While breast augmentation has been around for a long time, they continue to grow in popularity. In fact, the aesthetic procedure has grown in popularity even in the last decade. Regardless, despite its popularity and prevalence, there are many misconceptions and myths that still exist. These myths are often because of sensationalized journalism, a rare or unusual occurrence, or outdated information which is no longer relevant. So, today’s article tackles and tries to dispel some of the most common breast augmentation myths. Common Myths About Breast Augmentation 1. Breast Augmentation Can Cause Cancer – This is simply untrue. The myth began in the 1980s, when a citizen’s group out of Washington, D.C. warned of signals that silicone breast implants could cause cancer. However, there has never been a scientific link between an increased risk of breast cancer and implants. 2. After a Certain Age, a Woman Should Not Get Implants – The fact of the matter is women of any age can be a good candidate for breast augmentation. An experienced plastic surgeon can review all your options. Regardless, age is not a prime factor, and women over 40 can and do have breast implants. 3. Breast Implants Need Replaced Every 7 to 10 Years – If and […]

How often have you heard about the latest and greatest thing, only to learn later that it does not actually measure up to all the hype? Some product will promise magical weight loss, with no effort. But, how do you know for sure that it really does work? How can you trust that CoolSculpting is not just an old-fashioned snake oil sales pitch? The answer to whether or not CoolSculpting is really worth it comes from those who received the treatment. Over a 24 month period, RealSelf.com surveyed 1,121 CoolSculpting patients. The overall satisfaction with the body-shaping procedure resulted in a “Worth It Rating” of 82 percent. RealSelf.com collects information on hundreds of cosmetic treatments, and reports patient feedback in their exclusive “Worth It Rating”. It is one of the easiest and most straightforward ways to discover authentic opinions about any cosmetic procedure. CoolSculpting has a very high review rating from those who have actually had the procedure completed. However, the reason it works is based on sound science. Researchers at Harvard Medical School found when fat cells are cooled, under specific conditions, they will actually die. The body will then naturally remove the fat as waste from the body. […]

There are many people who ask, “Can CoolSculpting be used on the face and neck?” You may be familiar with the story of children developing dimples because of frozen popsicles. Regardless, the science of safely removing fat using cold technology is sound for any party of the body. The only challenge is the creation of an applicator specifically designed for the face, cheeks, and neck. Currently, there is work to develop applicator devices and techniques for other areas of the body. However, at the moment, an applicator for the face and neck does not exist. It is simply an issue of waiting for the technology to catch up with the science. As new CoolSculpting’s tools are added, doctors will be able to treat the neck, chin, face, and cheeks. That said, Dr. Apesos has more than thirty years experience performing cosmetic procedures, liposuction, and the contouring of the chin and neck. He has the ability to tighten the jawline and neck, and he can provide you with the streamlined look you want. Additionally, Dr. Apesos offers midface lifts, cheek implants, chin implants, and other facial procedures. Ultimately, while the CoolSculpting is not available at this time, it is coming soon. […]

The internet has become a valuable resource for gaining information. However, it has also become a place where rumors can start and quickly spread. Recently, a number of patients have come into the office asking, “Can CoolSculpting cause hernias?” The fast answer is no. CoolSculpting cannot cause or increase the risk of developing a hernia. Hernias form when an organ pushes through the muscle wall which holds it in place. They are most common in the abdomen. However, they can also occur in the groin area, the belly button, and even the thigh. Additionally, hernias happen when the combination of weak muscles and strain cause a tear. The muscle weakness can come from old age, an injury, chronic coughing, or a congenital defect. Examples of a strain include coughing, sneezing, sudden weight gain, constipation, heavy weight lifting, and others. There is no risk of developing a hernia after CoolSculpting. The procedure only affects fat cells, and it does not impact the muscle. So, there is no risk of either weakening the muscles or causing strain. However, it is possible for CoolSculpting to uncover a hernia that was not apparent beforehand. CoolSculpting is an extremely safe, noninvasive, cosmetic procedure. The most common side effects include some mild discomfort, bruising, numbness, tingling, […]

New clients walk into our office every day with one question: Is CoolSculpting better than liposuction? Fundamentally, this is the wrong question to ask. The better inquiry is which treatments are you a better candidate and achieves your goal. While both will permanently remove fat cells from the body, the similarities end there.  All things considered, your needs and goals will dictate which body sculpting procedure is right for you. You should beware those selling one-size-fits-all solutions. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Here is a general list. Procedure Type – Liposuction is a surgical procedure that requires anesthesia, while CoolSculpting is noninvasive. Best for Treating – CoolSculpting works best for small to moderate trouble spots. On the other hand, liposuction works well on larger deposits and fine-tuning surgical results. Target Areas – Liposuction works great for the abdomen, waist, hips, buttocks, thighs and most areas. CoolSculpting works well for the upper and lower abdomen, back, and inner thighs. Results – A single CoolSculpting treatment can reduce the size of a bulge, while liposuction will produce more dramatic and immediate results. Downtime – Many times, with liposuction, it will take a week before you can return to regular active and another 6 weeks for vigorous exercise. CoolSculpting has no downtime at all. Repeated Treatments – In most instances, CoolSculpting achieves […]

One of the biggest concerns people have, when it comes to weight loss, is the possibility of loose skin. As you age, you will begin to lose skin elasticity. So, if you have lost a large amount of weight, especially in a short period of time, there is a possibility of loose skin. That said, CoolSculpting does not specifically contribute to this problem. The typical CoolSculpting client is within 20 pounds of their ideal weight. If you were excessively overweight, and loose skin was going to be an issue, it would be an issue and can be included in your consultation. Many people who lose weight have a dream of a tight, toned body. It is frustrating when you have put in all that work, only to have extra skin that does not reflect your hard work. Moreover, loose skin is not only an issue of aesthetics. There are health risks as well, like rashes, infections, and back pain. In many cases, it can take two years to conform to your new body. But, if you were obese, with a BMI over 30, for a long period of time, your skin may never shrink and you will need another option. […]

For many, the promise of CoolSculpting is just too good to be true. How many times have you seen a weight loss advertisement that claims to melt fat away? It never fails. At the end of those commercials is always a disclaimer stating results require diet and exercise. So, is it the miracle weight loss supplement producing the results or the diet and exercise program? Therefore, it is not uncommon for a person to ask, “Does CoolSculpting require a strict diet and exercise program?” The answer is no. CoolSculpting is a procedure that can quite legitimately be described as causing the fat to melt away. When you use weight loss supplements, low-calorie diets, and intense workouts, you are burning calories. By burning more calories than you consume, you are forcing the body to release the energy stored in fat cells. Over time, and with continual effort, those fat cells become smaller, but they do not go away. On the other hand, CoolSculpting causes actual “cell death” of fat in the treated area. The cells are then absorbed into the system, and passes from the body as waste. Once cell death occurs, the fat cells are gone forever. That said, diet, exercise, and an overall healthy lifestyle will optimize CoolSculpting results. […]

Although it is one of the most common cosmetic procedures, there is still a great deal of misinformation and misunderstanding regarding breast augmentation. The following seeks to separate fact from fiction regarding some of the most common breast augmentation myths. Myth 1: It is easy to tell when someone has implants. The goal of any plastic surgery procedure, including breast augmentation, is to create a natural looking result. Dr. Apesos will work with you to choose an implant that will give you the fullness and shape that you desire while still appearing natural and in proper proportion with your frame. Myth 2: A particular implant will produce the same result in each patient. Every woman is different, and a number of factors will determine the final results of your breast augmentation, including the placement of the implant, the condition of your skin, and your size. While it is helpful for you to provide pictures of the type of look that you are trying to achieve, it is also important to look at the range of results possible on individuals with a build and configuration similar to yours to get an idea of the type of result that you might expect. Myth […]

One of the most frequently asked questions about CoolSculpting is, “How long before I see results with CoolSculpting?” Many people are familiar with the fast results of other cosmetic fat loss procedures, like liposuction. While the nonsurgical procedure itself in generally short, roughly an hour in many instances, it may take a few weeks to start seeing results. However, it will take 3-4 months for full effect, and likely multiple sessions to reach your goal. A single CoolSculpting procedure will take approximately an hour for each treated area, working each area that is roughly hand size. Accordingly, each of your “love-handles” is a separate area, and your lower abdomen is often segmented into two areas. Therefore, you can schedule more than one treatment area within a single office visit. If you want to treat two areas, you will need a little more than two hours. CoolSculpting eliminates around 25 percent of the fat cells per procedure. So, many will also benefit from multiple sessions. The fat cells that the CoolSculpting procedure targets are frozen, destroyed, and then later absorbed by the body. As a result, those fat cells are gone forever. Regardless, since it will take about 3-4 months for full results, you can schedule […]

Although forms of this cosmetic procedure have existed since 1995, micro-needling has gained increased popularity over the years due to its variety of beauty-enhancing benefits.  While examining your options, no doubt many questions arise over what sets this procedure apart from other cosmetic treatments.  Even before you schedule your consultation with your plastic surgeon, consider these frequently asked questions. What is Micro-Needling? Using very small needles, this procedure produces small, limited injuries that stimulate an increased production of collagen, a structural protein that creates firm, plump skin. The mild, minimally invasive injuries created by this treatment are therapeutic and produce powerful skin benefits. What Benefits does this Procedure Have? This treatment has the potential for remedying or reducing many skin conditions such as scars, wrinkles, stretch marks, and hyperpigmentation.  Because its effects are so varied, micro-needling is a wonderful alternative for patients with a wide variety of undesirable skin defects.  Rather than enduring a host of procedures or treatments, many patients have found the answer to various skin conditions with micro-needling. Is This Procedure Unpleasant? This procedure in minimally invasive and most patients do not report many negative side-effects. However, some residual tenderness and redness is expected following the treatment.  By following […]

As those with varicose veins know, they are frequently painful, although in different ways. One person might feel burning while another experiences a throbbing sensation and a third endures cramping. The good news is there are procedures available for treating varicose veins.

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Weight loss is an ongoing struggle for many Americans. Exercise and diet are not always sufficient to achieve a toned physique – even those who practice fitness regularly and maintain healthy eating habits sometimes experience stubborn areas of fat accumulation. In addition, it is well documented that spot reduction doesn’t work – according to Yale Scientific, fat reduction tends to be generalized after exercise; it doesn’t selectively target the area that has been exercised. The development of coolsculpting has an interesting history. In Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Dieter Manstein and Dr. R. Rox Anderson made note of the “popsicle panniculitis” – a phenomenon of fat loss in the cheeks in children who are frequent ice or popsicle-eaters. They applied the principle toward fat loss in other areas of the body, using the targeted application of cold to lower the tissue temperature to about 40 degrees. This causes the fat cells of interest to die without harming nearby organs or skin. The procedure can generally be expected to reduce the fat cells in the treated area by about 20%. The results are not instant, taking two to four months for the final results to be apparent, but the lack of anesthesia, surgery, or needles, or downtime make it […]

Botox has long been used to remove wrinkles and fine lines. It has helped thousands of men and women achieve the more youthful, toned look they desire. However, there are a lot of false myths floating around about Botox that may deter patients from seeking this reliable, effective treatment. Here’s a look at the real truth being masked by those Botox myths. Myth: Botox is toxic and unsafe. This myth may stem from the fact that Botox is made from a substance called botulinum toxin, which is the toxin that causes botulism food poisoning. The name sounds scary, but in reality, Botox is very safe when administered by a trained doctor. The botulinum toxin does not spread outside of the injection site, so you will not get botulism from the treatment. Botox was tested extensively before being FDA approved for cosmetic use in 2002, and it was used or non-cosmetic reasons long before that. It has a long history of success and safety. Myth: Botox will make your face look expressionless. Some people fear that Botox will leave them looking plastic and emotionless since it temporarily paralyzes the muscles in the face. While the injected areas may appeal a little overly […]

Do you have deep creases between your nose and the corners of your lips? Known as nasolabial folds, these creases can age your appearance and distract from an otherwise youthful face. Thankfully, there is a way to erase them without undergoing surgery. Juvederm is an injectable filler that helps many patients erase nasolabial folds and achieve a more youthful appearance. What is Juvederm and how does it work? The main active ingredient in Juvederm is a substance called hyaluronic acid. This is a substance that is naturally found in your skin. It gives your skin firmness and elasticity, but as you age, the amount of hyaluronic acid in your skin tends to decrease. This leads to creases like your nasolabial folds. Injecting Juvederm into these folds increases the concentration of hyaluronic acid in the area, filling in your folds and giving your skin a youthful, plump appearance. What can you expect when you have Juvederm injected? Your doctor will evaluate your health history and your desired results to make sure Juvederm is a safe and effective choice for you. If you’re worried about discomfort, your doctor may apply a numbing cream to keep you comfortable. Then, Juvederm will be injected […]

Pauline was nervous about her face lift. Not because she was afraid of the surgery, it’s just that the changes she wanted were subtle, and she didn’t want to end up looking like she’d just had a face lift.

Aging is a natural process and a fact of life, but bad habits early in life can cause an acceleration that makes men and women look older than their years. Regret is a common reaction, but all the hindsight in the world won’t reverse the damage. Everybody knows about the most common plastic surgery techniques as well as less invasive procedures that can help, but what about skin tightening and firming products — can they really make a difference? For most of the products in the general marketplace, the answer is no. Some offer modest help, but few deliver the benefits they promise. That’s not to say that there aren’t some good products out there, but they tend to be few and far between. Your dermatologist or plastic surgeon are good sources for products that are likely to deliver real results. That’s because they have a thorough understanding of the problems presented by aging skin, and know what ingredients and formulations are most likely to correct or at least dramatically improve them. In general, a top priority is UV protection, since sun damage is one of the major causes of lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. Good UV protection will prevent further […]

Are you considering breast augmentation surgery? There are many decisions ahead. At the forefront of most people’s minds is choosing the perfect size, and the choice between saline and silicone. However, before you get ahead of yourself, choosing an experienced plastic surgeon is arguably the most important factor for a successful breast augmentation surgery. So, how do you choose? Deciding on which plastic surgeon to perform a breast augmentation is serious. There are some doctors that you will immediately feel a connection. Their charm and confidence manifest instant trust. This can be a good thing, but first take a pause. There are doctors who are more salesperson than an experienced surgeon. Almost every cosmetic surgery horror storing was because the doctor had a greater ability to sell themselves than perform the procedure. With this in mind, we are providing some advice for picking an experienced plastic surgeon. Board Certification – Ask if the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Some people wrongly assume any doctor performing a breast augmentation is certified to for the procedure. In reality, any surgeon can legally do a breast augmentation. Board certification ensures your doctor has completed specialized training in plastic surgery. History – Would you choose a doctor if you knew […]

As we have blogged about in the past, sclerotherapy is a long-established and effective treatment for the removal of spider veins and varicose veins. Medical professionals have been using this procedure, which has gone largely unchanged, since the 1930s. Moreover, sclerotherapy has a proven success rate.  If you are considering the removal of spider veins and varicose veins, we would like to share the main benefits of sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is a cosmetic procedure. While the procedure can improve symptoms like aches, burning and swelling, for most people spider veins and varicose veins are a cosmetic issue. Varicose veins often appear dark purple or blue and are bulging and twisted. For both women and men, the problem can become unattractive and embarrassing. The biggest benefit to patients is sclerotherapy is an effective non-surgical procedure. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Studies of sclerotherapy as a treatment for varicose and spider veins indicate that it has an overall success rate of about 60 to 80 percent in eliminating treated veins.” After treatment, small spider veins and varicose veins begin to disappear in 3 to 6 weeks. Larger veins may take several months. Nonetheless, veins treated with sclerotherapy don’t return once gone. Moreover, less than 10 percent of people will not respond to the therapy. Therefore, while new […]

Liposuction is a cosmetic medical treatment that removes extra fat to reshape and slim certain areas of the body and improve proportions and contours. Some of the most common areas where patients have the procedure done include the hips, thighs, abdomen, waist, and face. It may sound like a miracle cure, but there are some things to keep in mind before going through with the treatment.

Many clients worry about looking “top-heavy” with breast augmentation. They want to know what size works best for them, without looking fake. Are there reliable and accurate tips for a choosing breast augmentation size? The way to choose breast augmentation size is selecting those that look they way you always imaged yourself. It may sound overly simplistic, but it all does come down to self-image. Your decision will have long-term consequences. You want to avoid picking a size and style you will regret, and may result in a re-operation. Every woman sees herself differently. What is too large for one person is too small for another. The first time you try gel implant sizers, you will get a good idea what you will actually look like. Your surgeon will guild you through the process, and technology allows us to create an understanding and helps shape your look. Many women want to look natural and don’t want it to appear like they had breast augmentation surgery. Accurate measurements will create reasonable limits. During the sizing process, your feedback will assist the surgeon. The decision is yours, but the surgeon makes recommendations based on your input. There are times a patient states a size is perfect. However, our experience will have us ask […]

Microneedling may not immediately come to mind when you think about cosmetic surgeries or procedures.  However, microneedling is certainly a procedure you should be considering. What is microneedling? Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the puncturing of the top layers of skin with tiny, microneedles. What does microneedling do? Puncturing tiny holes into the top layer of skin causes the natural, bodily response of repairing the holes by with the creation of new collagen and elastin. Essentially, your body’s natural repair methods are engaged. These natural repairs have cosmetic benefits. Microneedling allows for cosmetic improvement through a natural and minimally invasive procedure. What results can be attributed to microneedling? The natural bodily repair response of increased collagen and elastin at the site of the microneedling can cause a number of desirable cosmetic results. Improved elasticity and firmness of the skin is one of the most common cosmetic results of microneedling. Acne scars, fine lines, sunspots, stretch marks, pore size, cellulite, and other types of scarring may be visibly reduced through the increased production of collagen and elastin caused by the microneedling process. Who can benefit from microneedling? Anyone can benefit from microneedling. As it is a minimally invasive procedure that […]

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