Facelift
Procedure: Improves sagging
facial skin, jowls, and loose neck skin by removing excess fat,
tightening muscles, redraping skin. Most often done on men and women
over 40.
Length: Several hours.
Anesthesia: Local with
sedation, or general.
In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient.
Some patients may require short inpatient stay.
Side Effects: Temporary bruising,
swelling, numbness and tenderness of skin; tight feeling, dry skin. For
men, permanent need to shave behind ears, where beard-growing skin is
repositioned.
Risks: Injury to the
nerves that control facial muscles or feeling (usually temporary but may
be permanent). Infection, bleeding. Poor healing; excessive scarring.
Asymmetry or change in hairline.
Recovery: Back to work: 10 to
14 days. More strenuous activity: 2 weeks or more. Bruising: 2 to
3 weeks. Must limit exposure to sun for several months.
Duration of Results: Usually 5 to 10
years.
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Forehead lift (Browlift)
Procedure: Minimize forehead
creases, drooping eyebrows, hooding over eyes, furrowed forehead and
frown lines by removing excess tissue, altering muscles and tightening
the forehead skin. May be done using the traditional technique, with an
incision across the top of the head just behind the hairline; or with
the use of an endoscope, which requires 3 to 5 short incisions.
Most often done on people over 40.
Length: 1 to 2 hours.
Anesthesia: Local with
sedation, or general.
In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient.
Side Effects: Temporary swelling,
numbness, headaches, bruising. Traditional method: Possible
itching and hair loss.
Risks: Injury to facial
nerve, causing loss of motion, muscle weakness, or asymmetrical look.
Infection. Broad or excessive scarring.
Recovery:
Back to work:
7 to 10 days, usually sooner for endoscopic forehead lift. More
strenuous activity: several weeks. Full recovery from bruising:
2 to 3 weeks. Limit sun exposure for several months.
Duration of Results: Usually 5 to 10
years.
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Eyelid
Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Procedure: Correct drooping
upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes by removing excess fat,
skin, and muscle. (Upper-eyelid surgery may be covered by insurance
if used to correct visual field defects)
Length:
1 to 3 hours.
Anesthesia: Usually locally
with sedation or general.
In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient.
Side Effects:
Temporary
discomfort, tightness of lids, swelling, bruising. Temporary dryness,
burning, itching of eyes. Excessive tearing, sensitivity to light for
first few weeks.
Risks:
Temporary blurred
or double vision. Infection, bleeding. Swelling at the corners of the
eyelids. Dry eyes. Formation of whiteheads. Slight asymmetry in healing
or scarring. Difficulty in closing eyes completely (rarely permanent).
Pulling down of the lower lids (may require further surgery). Blindness
(extremely rare).
Recovery:
Reading: 2 or 3
days. Back to work: 7 to 10 days. Contact lenses: two weeks or
more. Strenuous activities, alcohol: about 3 weeks. Bruising
and swelling gone: several weeks.
Duration of Results:
Several years.
Sometimes permanent.
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Nasal
Surgery
Procedure:
Reshape nose by
reducing or increasing size, removing hump, changing shape of tip or
bridge, narrowing span of nostrils, or changing angle between nose and
upper lip. May also relieve some breathing problems. (May be covered by
insurance.)
Length:
1 to 2 hours or
more.
Anesthesia: Local with
sedation, or general.
In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient.
Side Effects: Temporary swelling,
bruising around eyes, nose and headaches. Some bleeding and stiffness.
Risks: Infection. Small
burst blood vessels resulting in tiny, permanent red spots. Incomplete
improvement, requiring additional surgery.
Recovery: Back to work: 1 to
2 weeks. More strenuous activities: 2 to 3 weeks. Avoid
hitting nose or sunburn: 8 weeks. Final appearance: 1 year or
more.
Duration of Results: Permanent.
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Facial
Implants
Procedure:
Change the basic
shape and balance of the face using carefully shaped implants to build
up a receding chin, add prominence to cheekbones, or reshape the jawline.
Length:
30 minutes to 2
hours.
Anesthesia:
Local with
sedation, or general.
In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient.
Occasionally overnight hospital stay.
Side Effects:
Temporary
discomfort, swelling, bruising, numbness and/or stiffness. In jaw
surgery, inability to open mouth fully for several weeks.
Risks:
Shifting or
imprecise positioning of implant, or infection around it, requiring a
second operation or removal. Excess tightening and hardening of scar
tissue around an artificial implant ("capsular contracture"), causing
unnatural shape.
Recovery: Back to work: about
1 week. Normal appearance: 2 to 4 weeks. Activity that could jar or bump
face: 6 weeks or more.
Duration of Results: Permanent.
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Ear
Surgery (Otoplasty)
Procedure:
Set prominent ears
back closer to the head, or reduce the size of large ears. Most often
done on children between the ages of 4 and 14 years. (Occasionally
covered by insurance.)
Length:
2 to 3 hours.
Anesthesia:
Young children:
usually general. Older children or adults: general or local, with
sedation.
In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient.
Side Effects:
Temporary
throbbing, aching, swelling, redness, numbness.
Risks:
Infection of
cartilage. Excessive scarring. Blood clot that may need to be drained.
Mismatched or artificial- looking ears. Recurrence of the protrusion,
requiring repeat surgery.
Recovery:
Back to work or
school:
5 to 7 days.
Strenuous activity, contact sports: 1 to 2 months.
Duration of Results:
Usually permanent.
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Laser
Resurfacing
Procedure:
Smooth the face and
smooth fine wrinkles using a carbon dioxide (CO2)
laser device that treats layers of damaged skin. Softens lines around
the eyes and mouth and minimizes facial scars and unevenly pigmented
areas.
Length: A few minutes to 1
hour. May require more than 1 session.
Anesthesia:
Local with
sedation, or general.
In/Outpatient:
Usually outpatient,
unless combined with other surgical procedures that require
hospitalization.
Side Effects:
Temporary swelling,
discomfort. Lightening of treated skin. Acute sun sensitivity. Increased
sensitivity to makeup. Pinkness or redness in skin that may persist for
up to 6 months.
Risks:
Burns or injuries
caused by laser heat. Scarring. Abnormal changes in skin color. Flare-up
of viral infections ("cold sores") and other infections (rare).
Recovery:
Back to work: 2
weeks. More strenuous activities: 4-6 weeks. Complete fading of redness:
6 months or less. Return of pigmentation/light sun exposure: 6-12
months.
Duration of Results:
Long-lasting, but
does not stop aging. New wrinkles, expression lines may form as skin
ages.
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Cool
Touch Laser has come to the rescue for premature signs of aging. A
non-invasive treatment designed specifically to be gentle while effectively
combating the appearance of aging skin, Cool Touch Laser treatments are
performed on an out-patient basis so that you can promote your skin's health and
vitality while not experiencing any downtime or painful procedures.
Cool
Touchâ Laser at a Glance
Treatment For: Acne, wrinkles
Expected Result: Smoother, more
youthful skin
Treatment Time: Less than an hour
with follow-up visits
Recovery: Full recovery in
minutes
For Best Result: Repeat procedure in
maintenance program How Does Cool Touchâ Laser Work?
The Cool
Touch Laser uses a revolutionary process that stimulates the production of
collagen underneath your skin. Cool Touch Laser treatments encourage the
collagen and elastic fibers to tighten, resulting in vibrant, more
youthful-looking skin. The Cool Touch Laser includes a cooling spray applied
before the skin receives laser treatment, protecting your skin and sensitive
nerve endings. A computer-controlled hand piece allows the treatment to be
precise and gentle.
What Does Cool Touchâ Laser Treat?
The Cool
Touch Laser was created to combat premature signs of aging in a non-invasive
manner, prolonging the skin's youthful appearance and postponing a patient's
need for more aggressive treatments. The Cool Touch laser is very suitable for
minimizing lines around the eyes and mouth, softening the appearance of
depressed and hypertrophic scars, and unlike other lasers, is approved for all
skin types.
What Are Cool Touchâ Laser Treatments Like?
Cool
Touch Laser treatments are gentle and non-invasive so that patients can quickly
resume normal activities. Cool Touch Laser treatments are performed on an
out-patient basis. Patients come back for subsequent treatments every 4 to 6
weeks initially and then every 8 to 12 weeks when in the maintenance program.
Patients typically see results after the third visit.
During
treatment, a cooling spray is applied to the skin before the laser treatment (a
series of rapid-pulse beams) is directed to the area. Patients report very
little discomfort and healing is quick.
Does It Hurt and What Can Go Wrong?
Cool
Touch Laser treatments are non-invasive, minimizing risks associated with other
facial rejuvenation methods. All elective procedures have the possibility of
complications such as infection, blistering, scarring, temporary loss of
sensation or pigmentation changes. Tell us if you have a history of cold sores,
have recently had a cold sore, or if you have a tendency to scar unusually.
Laser skin resurfacing carries a risk of cold sores for people who have a
history of fever blisters or herpes simplex. Acne can breakout after
resurfacing. This is treatable with antibiotics. Milia (very small superficial
cysts) may appear. These can be removed. Finally, the use of antibiotic
ointments may cause contact dermatitis to appear following the treatment.
What Should I expect from Cool Touchâ Laser
Treatment?
The Cool
Touch Laser allows a gentle, in-office treatment that provides on-going
improvement in your skin while not interrupting your normal life. Treatments are
minimally painful and healing time is short due to the procedure's non-invasive
nature. You will see gradual improvements as the collagen underneath your skin
begins and continues to rebuild itself with each subsequent visit. Your skin
will look more vibrant, healthy and youthful.
A unique
type of laser energy is applies in a series of gentle pulses over the treatment
area, a cooling mist protects and cools the epidermis, the skin’s surface
layer. Photons of laser energy pass through the epidermis and are absorbed in
the layers of the skin where collagen is produced. This triggers a repair
mechanism, and your body begins to rebuild and replenish your own natural
collagen. Results achieved from the inside out. Patients have a high degree of
satisfaction with their results, improvement of skin tone and texture, fine and
deeper lines become less visible.
Average
number of treatments is 3 to 5 performed over a period of 2 to 4 months. There
is no down time. You can apply your makeup immediately after treatment.
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Chemical Peel (TCA or Glycolic Acid)
Procedure: Restore wrinkled,
blemished, unevenly pigmented, or sun-damaged facial skin, using a
chemical solution to peel away skin's top layers. Works best on fair,
thin skin with superficial wrinkles.
Length:
20 to 40 minutes for full
face, less for limited areas. Anesthesia:
None. Ice
is applied after treatment for comfort.
In/Outpatient: Outpatient.
Side Effects:
Temporary
throbbing, tingling, swelling, redness; acute sensitivity to sun.
Risks:
Tiny whiteheads
(temporary); infection; scarring; flare-up of skin allergies, fever
blisters, cold sores.
Recovery:
Redness and
peeling. Formation of new skin in 5 to 10 days.
Duration of Results:
Variable.
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Diamond Peelâ
Microdermabrasion
Procedure:
Mechanical
exfoliation of the top layers of skin using a machine which directs
a stream of special crystals at the skin and while using suction to remove the
crystals and other impurities from the skin and pores. Softens sharp
edges of surface irregularities, including acne and other scars and fine
wrinkles, especially around the mouth.
Length:
A few minutes to an
hour. May require more than one session.
Anesthesia: None.
In/Outpatient:
Outpatient.
Side Effects:
Temporary tingling,
burning, itching, swelling and redness.
Risks:
Tiny whiteheads (temporary); infection;
flare-up of skin allergies, fever blisters or cold sores.
Recovery:
Back to work:
Immediately. Avoid sun exposure for approximately a week
without sunscreen. Fading of redness: A few minutes to a
couple of days. Apply makeup: Immediately.
Duration of Results:
Permanent, although
new wrinkles may form as skin ages.
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Injectable
Fillers
Collagen/Fat Injection
Procedure:
Plump up creased,
furrowed, or sunken facial skin and add fullness to lips. Works best on thin, dry, light-colored skin.
Length:
15 minutes to 1 hour
per session.
Anesthesia:
Collagen: usually
none; local may be included with the injection. Fat: local.
In/Outpatient:
Outpatient.
Side Effects:
Temporary stinging,
throbbing, or burning sensation. Faint redness, swelling, excess
fullness. Risks:
Collagen: allergic
reaction including rash, hives, swelling, or flu-like symptoms; possible
triggering of connective-tissue or autoimmune diseases. (A skin test is
required before collagen treatment to determine whether an allergy
exists.) Both: Contour irregularities, infection.
Duration of Results:
Variable; a few
months to 1 year
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Restylane®
Restylane is made from a natural
substance found in our bodies. It is well suited to plump thin lips or to fill
in facial creases such as nasolabial folds. It may also be appropriate for some
surface wrinkles and concave scars. The fullness achieved from Restylane may
last 6 months or longer.
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Hylaform®
Hylaform
is used to replenish the dermal volume loss that allows wrinkles to form. It is
also used to enhance lips and fill in acne scars. Because it is minimally
modified, Hylaform has a low incidence of hypersensitivity reactions and
requires no skin testing prior to treatment. The chemically stabilized
hyaluronic acid found in Hylaform can remain in the dermis for up 6 to 12
months. This is longer than the collagen-based dermal fillers. Over
time, Hylaform gradually breaks down and is naturally reabsorbed by your body.
Therefore,
Dr. Vander Zee
may recommend touch-up treatments two or three times a
year to maintain optimal correction.
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Radiesse®
Radiesse
is a non-surgical, cosmetic procedure that supplements your skin's own depleted
collagen to smooth out deep facial wrinkles and creases and minimize scars. It
is injected just below the surface of the skin and is particularly effective
at smoothing out the deep wrinkles or creases that appear as folds between the nose
and mouth or on the sides of the nose. Radiesse contains the same compounds
found in human bones and teeth, so there is almost no risk of allergic reaction. Radiesse is a safe and proven alternative to bovine collagen injections and
solid facial implants. Results may last from several months to several years.
This is a
non-surgical alternative for certain patients in need of nose
reshaping.
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Botox®
The
cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, often referred to by its product name Botox®,
is a popular non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown
lines, forehead creases, crows feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck.
The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that
cause wrinkles while giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance.
Studies have also suggested that Botox is effective in relieving migraine
headaches, excessive sweating and muscle spasms in the neck and eyes.
 
Many doctors proclaim themselves in advertisements to be
experts in cosmetic skin procedure. THE FACT IS, any doctor can
call themselves an expert in cosmetic skin procedures such as Botox and skin lasers after attending only a weekend seminar or two.
However, a weekend seminar is no substitute for the extensive training and
experience of a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Some of
these procedures involve the use of potent paralyzing agents and technology
which, if misused, can cause permanent scarring to your face. Even doctors with
the proper training and credentials cannot guarantee a 100% successful outcome.
Not only should you check for your doctor’s proper training, but also ask about
their experience or lack thereof in these treatments. Before you consider
choosing a doctor for a cosmetic skin treatment, injection, or procedure for
YOUR face, ask yourself: IS THIS THE PRIMARY FOCUS OF MY DOCTOR’S TRAINING AND
EXPERIENCE? After all, it is your face.
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