breast augmentation | breast reduction | chemical peel | collagen injections | dermabrasion | blepharoplasty | abdominoplasty
facelift | gyneconmastia | laser resurfacing | liposuction | mastopexy | rhinoplasty | botox | the contour thread | radiesse | restylane

breast augmentation
(Augmentation Mammaplasty)

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances the size and shape of the breasts. Indications for cosmetic surgery are small or asymmetrical breasts. The procedure is accomplished by the insertion of saline-filled implants behind the breasts. Placement may be either directly under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle. Some surgeons believe that placement beneath the chest wall reduces the risk of capsular contracture.Surgery is usually performed in an outpatient setting with the patient under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The procedure typically lasts from one to two hours. Breast augmentation may be combined with breast lift, (see below) and, if so, the total surgery will take longer.

After surgery, the patient will probably experience some soreness, swelling and bruising. The nipple and/or other areas of the breast may have temporarily altered sensation, and the operated breast may be sensitive to touch.

Risks include capsular contracture, which may require surgery to release the scar, and/or removal of the implant. Implant rupture will result in implant removal and/or replacement. Other risks are bleeding, infection, malpositioning, skin rippling secondary to the use of the saline-filled implant and permanently altered sensation in the nipple and/or other areas of the breast.

Patients can go back to work and resume some activities within a few days to one week, but breasts will be sensitive to touch for two to three weeks. Scars will fade over time, but never disappear entirely.

The duration of improvement is variable, and implants may have to be removed or replaced in a number of years. Women considering breast augmentation should be aware that special techniques are necessary to get a reliable mammogram of a breast with an implant, and experienced technicians are not available at all mammography facilities. Ultrasound examinations may help to detect breast lumps or evaluate the status of an implant.

Because of safety concerns, silicone gel-filled implants have been withdrawn from general use pending further research. Patients contemplating implants may want to discuss current silicone research with the surgeon at the time of surgery.

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breast reduction
What is breast reduction?

Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) is an operation designed to reduce and reshape large breasts. Many women suffer from pain and other symptoms associated with large breasts. Discomfort associated with large breasts can include chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, as well as painful shoulder grooves from bra straps. Large breast size may also limit women’s abilities to perform routine daily activities and may cause significant emotional distress. By reducing breast size and restoring a more youthful breast shape, breast reduction surgery can relieve many of these symptoms.

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure to reduce and reshape large breasts, a condition known as "macromastia". While there are a number of different operations for breast reduction, these techniques share several characteristics. In each procedure, incisions are made on the lower breast and around the nipple. Extra breast tissue and skin are removed and the incisions are stitched up in a way that minimizes the scarring as much as possible. Also, nipples are repositioned to higher, more youthful positions. The type and amount of scarring vary by technique.

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chemical peel

Indications for chemical peel include wrinkled, sun-damaged, blemished or unevenly pigmented skin. A chemical peel involves the application of a solution containing either alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or phenol to remove the top layers of skin. The AHA peel is the mildest, removing the fewest layers of skin; phenol solutions achieve the deepest peel. The formulas for each type of peel can be adjusted for individual cases.

A chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a face-lift, but it is not a substitute since it does not achieve the same effects. Chemical peels do not retard the effects of aging.

The AHA peel smooths rough, dry skin and improves the texture of sun-damaged skin. It may also help to improve mild acne. The AHA solution can be mixed with a bleaching agent to correct or improve pigmentation problems. Sometimes the AHA peel is used as a pretreatment to prepare the face for a TCA peel or for laser resurfacing.

An AHA peel may cause mild stinging, but no anesthetic is required. Several treatments may be needed to achieve the desired effects, but once this point is reached, the patient can maintain improved skin texture by using a low-concentration of an AHA, such as a glycolic or fruit acid, mixed with a facial cream or wash as part of a daily at-home skin care program.

The TCA peel is a medium peel that can be administered in various strengths to adjust the depth of the peel. The TCA peel is appropriate to smooth fine surface wrinkles, remove superficial blemishes and correct pigmentation problems. Unlike the other peels, the TCA peel may be used on the neck as well as the face, and this is the preferred peel for darker-skinned individuals.

To achieve the best effects, the skin is sometimes pretreated with Retin-A or AHA. A full-face TCA peel may take from 30 to 60 minutes. The peel does not require anesthesia, but the patient may be sedated to make him/her more comfortable. Repeat treatment may be necessary to maintain the desired effects.

The phenol peel is the deepest peel, achieving the most dramatic effects. A phenol peel can correct blotches caused by sun exposure, birth control pills and aging. It smooths coarse wrinkles, and is sometimes used to remove precancerous growths. The phenol peel is appropriate for use on the face only, as scarring can result on other parts of the body. Because of the depth of the phenol peel, it is not suitable for dark-skinned individuals. The best candidates for phenol peel are people with fair, thin skin and superficial wrinkles.

The duration of a phenol-peel procedure varies with the extent of the peel. A full-face peel may take up to two hours to perform. The phenol peel does not require anesthesia, but the patient usually receives sedation for greater comfort. He or she will probably also undergo precautionary cardiac (EKG) monitoring during the procedure. Although an outpatient facility is the usual setting for a phenol peel, selected patients may require a one or two day inpatient stay. A single treatment with phenol usually achieves the desired results.

Temporary side-effects and recovery time vary with the type and depth of chemical peel. After an AHA peel, the patient is likely to experience flaking, scaling, redness, dry skin and possibly minor crusting, but these conditions are transient and should not interfere with prompt resumption of normal activities. The patient should use a sunblock every day to protect the skin, however.

After a TCA peel, the patient may experience tingling or throbbing sufficient to require a mild pain medication, and there may be significant swelling, especially if a strong formula has been used. Swelling generally subsides within a week. Crusts or scabs that form on the treated areas begin to slough off in a week to 10 days. At this time, the patient can return to normal activities except for sun exposure, which should be avoided until complete healing has occurred. Then the patient should apply sunblock daily for protection.

The after-effects are most severe with a phenol peel. The patient's face may be quite swollen, even to the extent that the eyes are swollen shut for a day or two. The patient may be limited to a liquid diet for several days, and talking will be difficult. New, very red skin will begin to form in seven to ten days; the color will gradually fade to normal over a period of weeks to months. The skin may be acutely sensitive to the sun during this period, so it is important that the patient use a sunblock to prevent permanently blotchy skin. Going to work and other normal activities-including the wearing of makeup-can be resumed about two weeks after the peel.

Risks vary with the type and depth of the peel, but all peels carry a small risk of infection and/or scarring. Patients with allergies could experience a flare-up of skin allergies. Fever blisters and/or cold sores may also develop. The phenol peel also carries a risk of permanent abnormal skin-color changes, and while very rare, a patient may develop heart irregularities while undergoing treatment.

Results of an AHA peel are neither dramatic nor long-lasting. Improvements must be maintained by periodic treatments. The effects of a TCA peel are more noticeable and slightly more enduring, but they are not permanent. The results of a phenol peel are both dramatic and permanent, but new wrinkles will still develop with age. Patients considering a phenol peel should be aware that their facial skin will be permanently lightened and that this skin will never tan. Also, people who have had phenol peels must always wear sunblock.

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collagen injections

Indications for collagen injections include wrinkles, furrows, creases and facial hollows, especially in the cheeks. When injected beneath the skin, collagen plumps up and fills in the lines and creases and fills out sunken areas of the face. Injectable collagen can also be used to make thin lips appear fuller. Sometimes collagen injection can make a depressed scar less noticeable by filling it out to the level of the surrounding surface.

Because there is some risk of an allergic reaction to collagen, the patient must undergo an allergy skin test one month before treatment. Redness, itching, swelling or the development of a wheal at the test site are contraindications for collagen injection. Collagen injections are also contraindicated in patients with histories of collagen vascular disease, autoimmune disease, allergies to beef or bovine products and allergies to lidocaine, the anesthetic injected along with the collagen. Pregnant women should wait until after delivery to have collagen treatments.

Depending upon the number of sites to be injected, treatment may last from 15 minutes to one hour per session, and multiple sessions may be required. Since lidocaine is part of the injection formula, the surgeon may provide sedation but no additional anesthetic. Patients who are undergoing other procedures at the same time may require general anesthesia. Unless the patient is undergoing multiple procedures that require hospitalization, collagen injections are administered in an outpatient setting.

Stinging, throbbing, burning, swelling and mild skin redness are common transient effects after collagen injection. Slight puffiness due to overfilling disappears within a few days as the saline carrier is absorbed.

The greatest risk is allergy, but this risk is greatly reduced if the patient undergoes pretreatment allergy testing. Allergic reactions may include hives, swelling, rash and flu-like symptoms. Other risks include infection and lumpiness or other contour irregularities. Collagen injections have been implicated in autoimmune disease and connective-tissue disease, but research studies to date have not borne out this claim.

Patients can resume normal activities immediately after treatment. The duration of effects is brief, but variable. In general, effects will disappear soonest in areas with the greatest muscle movement. For reasons that are not entirely clear, some patients retain effects longer than others, but patients should not expect longevity of results for more than a year and perhaps only for a few months.

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dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is a procedure that uses a high-speed rotary wheel to scrape off the top layers of skin. Dermabrasion is appropriate for removing fine wrinkles and softening the edges of scars (including acne) and other surface irregularities to make them less noticeable. Dermabrasion can be performed on selected areas or on the entire face and it can be used in conjunction with other procedures, such as chemical peel or rhytidectomy.

A dermabrasion session may last from a few minutes to more than an hour, depending upon the extent of the treatment, and multiple sessions may be required. The surgeon generally performs the treatment in an outpatient setting, with the patient under local, topical or general anesthesia.

After dermabrasion, the patient may expect to experience temporary tingling, burning, swelling, itching and/or redness. Crusts that form over the treated area will drop off as new skin grows underneath. Some patients develop small whiteheads. New skin in the treated area is likely to be lighter-colored, acutely sensitive to the sun and unable to tan. These effects should gradually disappear within six to twelve months. Risks include infection, permanent scarring and permanent abnormal skin-color changes. Some patients may develop a flare-up of skin allergies, fever blisters and/or herpes virus (cold sores).

Patients can return to work in two weeks and resume strenuous activity in four to six weeks. Redness may persist for up to three months. Patients should wait for six months to a year to return to sun exposure (with protection). By that time, the new skin will be susceptible to tanning. The results of dermabrasion are permanent, but the treatment does not keep new wrinkles from forming with aging.

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blepharoplasty
(eyelid surgery )

Indications for eyelid surgery include drooping, hooded upper lids and puffy bags and/or extra skin below the eyes. Eyelid surgery can correct these conditions, but it does not eliminate crow's feet, raise the eyebrows or completely remove dark circles under the eyes. Neither does it eliminate evidence of ethnic or racial heritage, although the surgeon can add the upper-eyelid crease that some Asian patients request. Eyelid surgery can be performed alone or in combination with other procedures such as a face or brow lift.

Eyelid surgery consists of removing excess fat, skin and muscle from above and/or below the eyes. The surgery may be performed in an outpatient setting on patients under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthetic. Very occasionally, brief hospitalization may be required. The duration of the procedure is one to three hours, depending on whether all four lids are done.

Tightness of the lids is a normal side-effect after eyelid surgery, and some discomfort is likely. The patient will experience bruising and swelling, particularly at the corners of the lids, that may persist for two to three weeks. Dryness, itching and burning may last about as long, and the patient may have temporary eyesight problems, such as double or blurred vision. Excessive tearing and sensitivity to light and wind are common, but should disappear within a few weeks. Tiny whiteheads, called milia, may appear, but they are easily removed, and often disappear on their own.

As with any invasive procedure, there is always the risk of infection. Occasionally the tightness of the lids will prevent the patient from closing his/her eyes completely, but this problem nearly always resolves with time. Ectropion (a pulling-down and turning outward of the lower lids) is a rare complication that could require further surgery to correct.

After eyelid surgery, the patient must refrain from wearing contact lenses for at least two weeks. Eyedrops may be necessary to lubricate dry eyes. The patient can resume reading and watching television in two to three days, go back to work after a week or 10 days and resume strenuous activities another week after that. The effects of eyelid surgery will last for several years, and in some people, they are permanent.

If upper-lid surgery is done to improve vision, the procedure may be covered by insurance, so it is important to maintain excellent documentation. Insurance carriers require preauthorization, preoperative assessment of visual fields, photo documentation, and occasionally, other testing by an ophthalmologist.

A patient with visual problems­ such as glaucoma or a detached retina­ should have an ophthalmologic assessment before considering eyelid surgery. Thyroid imbalances, Graves' disease, hypertension, cardiovascular disease or dry eye are associated with greater risk of complications after eyelid surgery.

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abdominoplasty
(Tummy Tuck)

Tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure to flatten the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat from the lower abdominal region and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. Appropriate candidates for tummy tuck are men and women with large fat deposits or loose abdominal skin that does not respond to diet or exercise, and women with slack muscles and skin due to multiple pregnancies. Older patients whose skin has lost its elasticity may also find improvement. Obese patients who plan to lose weight should postpone surgery.

For complete tummy tuck, the surgeon generally makes a long incision from hip to hip just above the pubic region. A second incision releases the navel from surrounding tissue. The surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall up to the ribs, lifts the skin flap, and tightens the abdominal muscles by pulling them closer together and stitching them into position. Excess skin is removed from the flap and a new hole cut for the navel, which is then stitched into place before the incisions are closed. For a partial or "mini" tummy tuck, the incision is shorter and the navel may remain in place.

Tummy tuck may be performed in a hospital or outpatient facility, depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual patient. The duration of the procedure varies but typically takes from two to three hours. For extensive procedures, general anesthesia may be preferred, but some patients may receive a local anesthetic with sedation.

For the first few days after surgery, the patient will probably experience pain, abdominal swelling, soreness, bruising and numbness of the abdominal skin. Reduced energy levels for weeks or months are not uncommon.

Risks include infection, blood clots in the legs or pelvis, bleeding beneath the skin flap, loss of the umbilicus, poor healing that results in conspicuous scarring or skin loss and numbness or other permanent change in skin sensation. Swelling of the abdomen may take several weeks to months to completely resolve. Some problems may require revision surgery.

Patients will need to stay home from work for two to four weeks and should wait four to six weeks or more to resume strenuous activities. Scars will fade and flatten in three months to two years. Results of abdominoplasty are permanent, barring major weight gain.

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facelift
(Rhytidectomy)

Indications for a face-lift include sagging facial skin and jowls and loose neck skin. The usual candidates are men and women over the age of 40 years. Performed on patients under either general or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, the procedure takes several hours. The setting may be an outpatient surgical facility, with or without aftercare services, or at a hospital. (Patients undergoing combined procedures or those who have medical conditions that warrant it may require brief hospitalization.)

Patients should expect to experience temporary bruising and swelling. The facial skin may feel numb and tender, as well as dry. Typically, the patient will have a "tight" sensation in the face and neck. Risks include bleeding, infection, excessive scarring, asymmetry and an undesirable hairline change. Occasionally, injury to the nerves controlling facial muscles and temporary numbness occur. When injury does happen, it usually resolves, but on rare occasions, it is permanent. Poor healing is another possible risk.

After a face-lift, the patient generally can resume work in 10 to 14 days and more strenuous activities within two to six weeks. Sun exposure should be limited for several months, and the patient should always use sunscreen. The effects of a face-lift typically endure for five to 10 years. One special consideration for men: the procedure results in repositioning beard-growing skin behind the ears, so after a face-lift, it will be necessary to shave the area behind the ear or seek hair removal treatment.

A face-lift may be done in conjunction with other procedures, such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), chin augmentation, forehead or brow-lift and skin rejuvenation procedures such as dermabrasion, laser peel or chemical peel.

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gyneconmastia
(Male Breast Reduction)

Men with gynecomastia (overdeveloped breasts) may benefit from male breast reduction surgery. The procedure removes excess fat and/or glandular tissue and sometimes excess skin from the breasts so that the chest has a more masculine contour. The best candidates for surgery are men with firm elastic skin. Heavy users of alcohol, marijuana or anabolic steroids are generally not considered good candidates for surgery. These drugs may cause gynecomastia, so discontinuing their use may resolve the problem without the need for surgery. Likewise, overweight men may find that normalizing weight will reduce breast fullness.

Breast reduction is usually accomplished through open excision of excess glandular tissue, sometimes with the addition of liposuction to remove excess fat. When fatty tissue is the primary problem, the surgeon may use liposuction alone. The procedure takes one hour or more and is generally done on an outpatient basis. Anesthesia may be general or local with sedation. Bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness and a burning sensation are common transient side effects after surgery. Discomfort usually subsides within a few days, but swelling and bruising may persist for three to six months.

Risks include bleeding, infection, excessive fluid loss leading to shock, fluid accumulation, injury to the skin, baggy or rippled skin, pigmentation changes and altered sensation. Some patients may need repeat procedures to remove additional tissue.

The patient can return to work within three to seven days and resume more strenuous activities in two to three weeks. He should avoid exposing the operated area to the sun for at least six months to eliminate the risk of permanently altered skin pigmentation. Improvement is permanent, barring massive weight gain or use of certain drugs. Improvement is permanent, barring massive weight gain or use of certain drugs.

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laser resurfacing
(Laser Peel)

Indications for carbon-dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing include fine lines, facial scars, sun damaged skin and uneven pigmentation. The CO2 laser works by removing areas of damaged or wrinkled skin layer by layer. The most common application is for removal of fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth, but the procedure can be used on the whole face. It can also be used in conjunction with other procedures, such as rhytidectomy or blepharoplasty. Patients with fair, healthy, non-oily skin are the best candidates for this type of treatment.

Depending upon the area to be resurfaced, operating time ranges from a few minutes to more than an hour. In some cases, the patient may need more than one laser session to achieve the desired result. The patient usually receives treatment under local anesthesia with sedation in an outpatient setting, but for extensive procedures, hospitalization and general anesthesia may be required.

Temporary side-effects include swelling and mild discomfort. Laser resurfacing produces little (if any) bleeding and post op discomfort is usually mild but may result in some pain in the early post op period. Risks include burns and other injuries associated with the heat of the laser, scarring, abnormal pigmentation and infection. Susceptible patients may also experience a flare-up of herpes virus (cold sores).

The new skin generally becomes crust-free about ten days postoperatively, but the patient's skin may remain bright pink for weeks. In some cases, pinkness does not fade entirely for up to six months. The patient should avoid sun exposure until all skin color has returned to normal and should wear sunblock outdoors thereafter. The patient can begin wearing makeup about two weeks after surgery, depending on the sensitivity of their skin. Results of laser resurfacing are long-lasting, but not permanent. Treatments do not prevent the development of deeper wrinkles with aging.

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liposuction
(Suction-Assisted Lipectomy)

Suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL), traditionally known as liposuction, is a method of removing unwanted fatty deposits from specific areas of the face and body. The surgeon makes a small incision and inserts a cannula attached to a vacuum device that suctions out the fat. Suction-assisted lipectomy is not an alternative to weight loss. It is intended for use on localized areas of fat that do not respond to diet or exercise. Areas suitable for liposuction include the chin, neck, cheeks, upper arms, area above the breasts, the abdomen, flanks, the buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves and ankles. Liposuction can improve body contour and provide a sleeker appearance. Surgeons may also use liposuction to remove lipomas (benign fatty tumors) in some cases.

The procedure takes from one to four hours, depending upon the amount of fat to be removed. Procedures that are not too extensive can be performed on an outpatient basis on patients under local anesthesia, although some surgeons may use an epidural block instead. Extensive procedures are usually performed on patients under general anesthesia. Fluids as well as fat are lost during the procedure, so the patient will receive intravenous fluid replacement.

After liposuction, the patient can expect some temporary bruising, swelling, soreness and/or a burning sensation. The treated area may feel numb for a few months.

Risks include bleeding, infection, excessive fluid loss leading to shock, fluid accumulation, injury to the skin, baggy or rippled skin, asymmetry, pigmentation changes, blood clots, fat embolism and organ perforation. Major complications are rare. Although it is extremely uncommon, death is also a risk.

After suction-assisted lipectomy, patients can generally go back to work within one to two weeks and can resume strenuous activity in two to four weeks. Swelling and bruising may persist for up to six months.

The best and most longlasting results from liposuction are in those patients committed to a healthy lifestyle, which includes proper nutrition and physical activity.

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mastopexy
(Breast Lift )

Pregnancy, nursing and the aging process take their toll on a woman's breasts, and they eventually begin to sag and lose their shape and firmness. Breast lift is a surgical procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts, and (if desirable) reduces the size of the areola. Breast lift combined with implant surgery can enlarge as well as firm sagging breasts.

The technique involves removing excess skin and repositioning the breast tissue and nipples. Women with small, sagging breasts are the best candidates for breast lift. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but results in larger, heavier breasts are less enduring. The procedure takes from one to three hours, and it is usually performed in an outpatient setting, but a one to two day inpatient stay is not uncommon. The patient may receive a general anesthetic or local anesthetic with sedation.

Pain, bruising, swelling, soreness, numbness and dry breast skin are common temporary side-effects after surgery, but discomfort is unlikely to be severe. Loss of feeling in the nipples and breast skin will usually return.

Risks include bleeding, infection, thick wide scars, asymmetry and unevenly positioned nipples. Permanent loss of feeling in the nipples and/or breasts is rare.

Patients can go back to work in a week to 10 days and resume more strenuous activity in about a month. Scars are permanent, but usually fade and become less noticeable after several months to one year.

The duration of results is variable. Factors such as pregnancy, age, weight fluctuations and breast size affect the longevity of the improvement. Women who have implants along with breast lift may have more enduring results.

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rhinoplasty

Indications for rhinoplasty include over- or undersized, misshapen or humped nose; breathing problems associated with the nasal structure; aesthetically displeasing nasal tip or bridge; unattractive angle between nose and upper lip; and dysfunctional or unappealing nasal openings. Cosmetic or functional problems with the nose can occur in people of any age, and it is the facial feature that causes the most dissatisfaction in people displeased with their appearance. In most cases, adolescents should wait until they have finished their growth spurts before undertaking rhinoplasty, usually at 14 or 15 for girls, a bit later for boys.

During rhinoplasty surgery, the surgeon separates the skin of the nose from the supporting framework of bone and cartilage, reshapes the framework and then redrapes the skin. Rhinoplasty surgery can be either open or closed, with the choice depending upon the nature of the problem and the surgeon's preferred technique.

In a closed procedure, the surgeon makes the incision inside the nostrils and reshapes the nose from within, without direct vision. In an open procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision across the columella (base of the center of the nose) and resculpts the structures under direct vision. In some cases, cartilage or bone grafts may be required. Open procedures are preferred for more complicated cases. After surgery, the nose is splinted. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints may be placed inside the nostrils to stabilize the septum when it has been operated upon.

Simple procedures take from one to two hours; more complicated surgeries will take longer. Many patients
undergo rhinoplasty under local anesthesia with sedation, while others require general anesthesia. Surgery is usually performed in an outpatient setting.

The patient should expect temporary swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes. Headaches and nosebleeds may also occur, and temporary nasal stuffiness is to be expected.

Risks include infection, bleeding and burst blood vessels that leave small, permanent red spots in the nasal skin. Some patients have incomplete resolution of the problem that requires further surgery, but this occurs in less than five percent of patients. Because the appearance of the face can be greatly altered by reshaping the nose, a psychological risk is that the patient may not look as he or she expected.

After rhinoplasty, patients can return to work or school within one to two weeks and resume strenuous activities within two to six weeks. Patients should avoid sun exposure for about eight weeks. The nose takes some time to settle into its new shape, and the final appearance may not be achieved for a year or more.

Rhinoplasties performed to correct congenital deformities, relieve breathing problems or repair defects caused by trauma may be covered by insurance. Cases are judged on an individual basis and usually require
preapproval.

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botox

BOTOX ® Cosmetic is a simple, non-surgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people from 18 to 65 years of age. It is the only treatment of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

One 10-minute treatment—a few tiny injections—and within days there's a noticeable improvement in those persistent lines between the brows, which can last up to 4 months. Results may vary.

BOTOX ® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those frown lines between the brows to form over time.

A million people have been treated with FDA-approved BOTOX ® Cosmetic. There's only one BOTOX ® Cosmetic. Talk to Dr. Kaplan to see if BOTOX ® Cosmetic is right for you!

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radiesse
What is Radiesse?

Radiesse is the newest non-surgical facial contouring filler that delivers an immediate, longer lasting result.

Whether you’re longing to reverse the common signs of aging or address a health issue that otherwise would require an invasive treatment, you have more options in looking and feeling better with Radiesse™. Developed with safety and longevity in mind, Radiesse is a new generation injectable filler that offers superior versatility for both cosmetic and reconstructive use without surgery. What sets Radiesse apart from other dermal fillers? The answer is in its durability, longevity, and versatility. The unique composition of Radiesse provides immediate visual improvement common with other fillers, along with the benefit of long-lasting results. This is because Radiesse is made of very tiny, smooth calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres. The microspheres (particles) form a scaffold through which your body’s own collagen grows, and this produces the desired long-term effect. These unique advantages make Radiesse the ideal choice for facial shaping and contouring — along with other therapeutic applications.

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restylane
What is RESTYLANE?

Impressions of beauty change with time - as do our faces as we age. With RESTYLANE, you can have a natural beauty lift with the body's own material. RESTYLANE is a crystal-clear, non-animal, biodegradable gel based on a natural substance, called hyaluronic acid. The gel is injected into the skin in tiny amounts with a very fine needle. The result is instantaneous and produces a long-lasting, natural enhancement, gentle and safe to your skin.

Sculpting lips

For many people a fuller and more sensuous mouth comes high on their wish list. With RESTYLANE, you can enjoy a more pronounced mouth or a soft pouting look with the body's own material.
Lip augmentation can be carried out in two steps; pouting and contouring. To create a more pronounced mouth and fuller lips, RESTYLANE is injected into the inside of the upper and/or lower lip. This is often combined with the marking of the contour of the lip by injecting the gel along the lip line. Redefining this edge leads to a more youthful and appealing look. It also prevents lipstick "bleeding" into the small lines around the lips. The lines that go up towards the nose (philtrum ridges) can be defined by injecting the gel into them. To achieve the optimal result, a combination of these steps is often used.

After the injection, the lips often become a little swollen. This means that the result directly after the treatment may not be the final result. (The swelling typically resolves spontaneously within a few days or up to a week .) To achieve the result you want it is recommended to have a touch-up treatment 2 to 4 weeks after the initial session. This will also add to the duration of the treatment effect.

Experience shows that RESTYLANE is effective for up to six months when injected in the lips. Together with your practitioner, you can draw up a plan for regular follow-up treatments to maintain the initial result. A long-lasting but not permanent result leaving you the option of correcting your treatment in tune with changing taste and fashion.

Smoothing wrinkles

Smoothing out folds and wrinkles by adding volume can make an enormous difference to your appearance. With RESTYLANE, facial rejuvenation can be carried out without the use of foreign elements.
When treating wrinkles or folds, RESTYLANE is injected into the skin in tiny amounts with a very fine needle. The injected gel produces natural volume under the wrinkle, which is lifted up and smoothed out. The results can be seen immediately. Treating wrinkles with RESTYLANE is fast and safe and leaves no scars or other traces on the face.

Duration

A RESTYLANE wrinkle treatment is long-lasting but not permanent. This means that you always have the option to assess your looks. The length of time a treatment maintains its effect is very individual and depends on many factors, such as your age, skin type, life-style and muscle activity, as well as the injection technique. Experience shows that RESTYLANE can be effective for up to one year or more after the treatment of wrinkles. Together with your practitioner, you can draw up a plan for regular future visits to maintain the result. Most patients choose to have a follow-up treatment six to twelve months after the initial treatment of wrinkles.

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