The new spectrum of facial rejuvenation

• Injectable fillers. Juvederm and similar products are able to add volume to the face, remedying sunken features and deep folds.
• Botox. This classic alternative to surgery works by relaxing certain muscles while allowing others to stretch, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
• Laser therapies. From tightening sagging skin and destroying fatty deposits to removing hair and unwanted blemishes, lasers have become increasingly important tools for plastic surgeons across the country.

Other procedures that are starting to make waves include injections of stem cells or fat into the face. These injections, which can target the lips, nasolabial folds, hollows of the eyes, or the jaw line, can create a more youthful appearance in many patients. However, further research is needed to determine the longer-term effects of stem cell injections, which aren’t harmful but are scientifically unproven, according to a spokesman for the American Society of Plastic Surgery.

In the coming decade, cosmetic patients can look forward to further developments in youth-enhancing technologies, as dozens of devices are currently in development, testing, or awaiting approval from the FDA. According to Dr. Leslie Baumann, a cosmetic dermatologist, it’s important for patients to do some research and find qualified practitioners with extensive experience in facial rejuvenation techniques. “It’s an art, so you have to find a doctor that is an artist,” Baumann told the Herald. “When you see someone with big lips or big cheeks, ask who their doctor is — and then don’t go to that doctor.”

Two sisters, who note that they usually give clothing or personal items for presents, may be exchanging different items this year. Sister Tina’s #1 wish for a gift? Botox.

Though her sister feels she may not need the injectable, Tina is sure about her request for a plastic surgery gift. She says she began getting Botox treatments after a recent break-up and continues to see improvement in the appearance of crow’s feet.

While the 2011 Christmas season may see an uptick in the number of plastic surgery gifts, it’s nothing new for many consumers. In 2010 alone, patients spent more than $10 billion on cosmetic surgeries and treatments.

With the continued acceptance of injection treatments like Botox and Juvederm it may be increasingly common for people to give plastic surgery gifts, which one woman called “injectable youth.”

Though non-surgical options are the most cost-effective way of giving plastic surgery gifts this year, some gift givers may choose to help out with cosmetic surgeries, too. Popular procedures include facial rejuvenation, body contouring and breast surgeries.

To learn more about plastic surgery gifts and specials on Botox in Munster, please email plastic surgeon Dr. Robinson.

The new hyaluronic acid dermal filler, which is called Belotero Balance, has been approved to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. This includes nasolabial folds, the lines that run from your nose to the edges of your mouth.

Belotero Balance joins Merz Aesthetics family of non-surgical injectables, including Radiesse. Radiesse is a popular filler comprised of calcium-based microspheres in a water gel that works to restore lost volume in the face. Though its uses are similar to Belotero Balance, the new hyaluronic acid dermal filler works differently.

Like similar hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, Restylane and Juvederm, Belotero Balance works to restore lost volume to your skin by increasing its hydration. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring hydrating component in your skin and these dermal fillers work to mimic it. When injected into the skin beneath the site of a wrinkle, a hyaluronic acid dermal filler provides a sort of scaffolding for depressed areas of skin, supporting them and improving the appearance of youth on the face.

To test the effectiveness of Belotero Balance, it was compared in a split-face study with a collagen-based filler. Using a scale that rates wrinkle severity, Belotero Balance was shown to provide a greater reduction in the appearance of nasolabial folds over 24 weeks. In fact, at the six-month mark, Belotero Balance still showed a greater correction of the wrinkles than its counterpart.

To learn more about your hyaluronic acid dermal filler options in Munster, please email plastic surgeon Dr. Robinson.

Why Are Couples Choosing Non-Invasive Plastic Surgery?

The trend is likely because people are not only living longer than before, but also because they are working harder, which puts added stress on the skin, according to Dr. Leo R. McCafferty, vice president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The uptick in non-invasive plastic surgery may also be attributed to improvements in the economy, which has seen consumers with more spending money.

One plastic surgery practice near Pittsburgh saw about six couples for non-invasive plastic surgery five years ago and now sees almost 30 couples per year.

Not only are couples undergoing similar non-invasive plastic surgery treatments to maintain a youthful look for their spouses, but they may also be doing so to stay competitive in the workplace.

What Non-Invasive Plastic Surgery Options Are Couples Choosing?

Though surgical procedures are still popular among a range of patients, young and mature, non-invasive plastic surgery is only gaining traction. Most popular among women and men looking to shave a few years off is Botox, an injectable that smooths out many types of facial wrinkles.

Though one woman had undergone non-invasive plastic surgery treatments like chemical peels, she had not pressured her aging husband to do so. However, when he began to notice wrinkles creeping across his cheeks, he chose to have injectable fillers, like Juvederm or Restylane, to fill in the deep lines.

When you visit board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robinson’s office for a consultation, make sure to inquire about non-invasive plastic surgery as well as traditional plastic surgeries to reduce the signs of aging and refresh your skin, at any age.

When it comes to brow or facelifts, incisions cannot always be easily hidden in the hairline as they usually can on women, if the man is balding. Additionally, men who have facial hair or sideburns must receive special attention from their plastic surgeon to ensure the location of the facial hair remains natural, Genter said. Finally, as most men do not wear makeup, any surgical scars or post-surgery swelling may be somewhat more difficult to conceal.

Even with these added hurdles, men are increasingly turning to Dr. Genter and his contemporaries for treatments like Botox and dermal fillers, as well as procedures like eyelid surgery, to stay competitive in the job market.

Other popular procedures for men include male breast reduction, the range of facial rejuvenation procedures, as well as non-surgical options like chemical peels and skin resurfacing treatments.

Of the more than one million cosmetic procedures men chose in 2010, a majority of the top 10 were surgical, a change in the previous trend toward non-invasive options.

Plastic surgeon and ASPS President Dr. Phillip Haeck said this is largely because “as you age and gravity takes over, surgical procedures that lift the skin are necessary in order to show significant improvement.”

The procedure that saw the greatest spike between 2009 and 2010 was the facelift, which saw a 14% increase. This procedure tones the sagging skin of the lower face to remove jowls and deep wrinkles.

Two body procedures that saw the greatest boost were liposuction and male breast reduction. Both of these body slimming procedures aim to create a more masculine form through the removal of excess fat and tissue.

On the non-surgical side, injectable fillers and Botox, which treat many moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds saw increases of 10% and 9% respectively. This indicates that even with a greater spike in surgical procedures, some men still choose the non-invasive route, at least at first.

Should I reach a certain ‘goal weight’ before my tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) works best for individuals who have come as close to their goal weight as possible and have been able to maintain this weight for several months.  Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss and diet and exercise are crucial for maintaining your results.  Abdominoplasty is a rewarding surgery for many people and can help you get over the hump that exercise and diet can only partially provide.

The procedure will not only address any excess skin and subcutaneous tissue you have, but also tighten your abdominal (6 pack) muscles and remove some of your stretch marks.

How long after childbirth should I wait?

I do not recommend having the surgery until you are finished having children.  Doing so would possibly effect the beneficial results you obtained from the procedure.  Although there is no specific time when a tummy tuck should be done following pregnancy, 6 months is considered an appropriate amount of time to wait.  At the minimum, 3 months might be considered safe.

The most appropriate time to have a tummy tuck following pregnancy is when A) you have decided not to have more children, and B) when you have lost your pre-pregnancy weight.

There are a few plastic surgeons (they are definitely in the minority) who will perform a tummy tuck at the same surgical setting as the delivery.  The potential problem with this is the patient has not lost her pregnancy weight and when she does so, may experience less than optimal results.

Can I remove stretch marks with a tummy tuck?

Unfortunately, there is no good solution for addressing stretch marks other than their surgical removal.  The amount of stretch marks that are able to be removed depends on the amount of skin that is able to be removed during a tummy tuck.  Depending on the elasticity of your skin, you may be able to have some of the stretch marks removed that extend above your belly button.

Indiana Plastic Surgery is pleased to announce a great special on Juvederm Injectable facial filler. Receive $100 rebate from Allergan, the makers of Juvederm, when you purchase a second syringe.

*2nd syringe must be administered at time of appointment.  Offer good through Feb 28, 2009.

To schedule your appointment please contact Indiana Plastic Surgery today through the website or call (219) 513-2100.

Dr. David Robinson, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, can help you make an informed decision on using Juvederm.

Below are before and after images of patients who have have had Juvederm Injectable Filler.