Eyelid Surgery

By Patrick Altoft

A person’s eyes are probably the most eye-catching feature of his or her face. Even if people don’t have the most perfect nose, the smoothest skin, or the most luscious lips, a pair beautiful eyes are more than enough to make up for whatever shortcomings their other facial features have.

The problem is, even the most beautiful of eyes tend to lose whatever radiance they possess when they are surrounded by or swollen with bags. More often than not, tired, droopy or swollen eyes are interpreted as a sign of aging or worse, a really stressful life. You really wouldn’t want people to think you’re living such a troubled life because you can barely sleep, as indicated in the bags surrounding your eyes, would you?

Age is one of the reasons why eyes may seem droopy. As a person ages, many parts of the body droop, and eyelids are no exception. The skin of the upper eyelids will look saggy as the outer parts of the eyebrows droop. Droopy eyelid fat also causes “tired eyes”. Held back by a thin wall of fibrous tissue, this fat sags as a person grows old, thereby giving a person’s upper and lower eyelids that “baggy” look.

If you’re sick and tired of looking in the mirror and seeing a pair of old, baggy and tired-looking eyes staring back at you, then you may have to consider getting help from cosmetic surgeons such as Dr. Philip Miller of New York.

Dr. Miller, considered one of the best cosmetic surgeons in New York, is adept at performing blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery can give a person dramatically younger eyes.

The procedure involves the removal of the upper eyelid skin through fine incisions placed in the upper eyelid creases. Through the same incision, the fat is trimmed. The skin will then be closed with a fine suture. The suture will then be removed after four days.

As for the lower eyelid, an incision on the inside of the eyelid is made so there is no visible scar. Through that same incision, which is considered the safest since it leaves the supporting muscles of the eyelid undisturbed, the lower eyelid fat is removed.

The procedure, when done alone on all four eyelids, can take only about one and a half hours of a patient’s time.

It takes a patient a week to ten days to recover from eyelid surgery. He or she may experience minimal blurry vision, but this problem quickly disappears. The corners of the eyes may show a bit of lumpiness, but all a patient needs are sunglasses, and they can go out in public immediately after surgery. The patient, however, cannot wear make-up until five days after the surgery. Within three weeks, a patient can resume normal activities.

For more information about eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, facial liposuction and revision surgery visit New York Plastic Surgery specialist Dr. Philip Miller’s website.

Article Source: http://www.free-articles-zone.com

This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Seek the guidance of a licensed physician if you need medical advice.

Rhinoplasty and the Risks it Entails

Along with face-lift, breast enlargement and a number of other plastic surgery procedures, rhinoplasty is considered as one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery in America. This procedure works by reshaping the contour of the nose for the following reasons: for enhancing the size, change of tip or bridge, change of angle in relation with your upper lip and the nose and to narrow the size of the nostrils. It may also be that it corrects some breathing problems and other birth-related conditions.

Rhinoplasty won’t help increase the ideality of your face nor will it change other people’s perception on you. Like with most plastic surgery procedures, the patient often expects that after the surgery, their psychological views about themselves will change along with the change in their physical appearances. Rhinoplasty is not a means to make other people look at you in a way different from how they currently see you or to match your ideal look.

People who are considered as best candidates for rhinoplasty are those who are after the improvements it may result to and not for perfection. You have to be physically, emotionally and psychologically healthy before you may be considered as candidate or else all your expectations will become failures. It is mostly performed for aesthetic purposes. The person has the only command over the attitude he or she may take after the procedure.

Age can also be part of the considerations before you may be passed as a candidate for the operation. Majority surgeons do not allow surgery for teenagers. Not until they are past the stage of development, 15 for girls and a bit later for boys. It must be noted too that the teenager’s intention is healthy.

As it may be observed, all surgeries entail risks and possible failures. However, these chances can be decreased if a certified and experienced surgeon will perform the surgery. Nonetheless, there would still be some complications that can never be prevented such as reaction to anesthesia (both local and general), nose bleeding and infections. It is best to follow your surgeon’s guidelines to minimize such negative effects.

There can be permanent and temporary side effects after rhinoplasty. Usually after the surgery, small spots of red blood cells may be seen on your nose. These typically become permanent, it is best to ask your physician concerning it. Scarring on the other hand is very minimal. Rhinoplasty is normally performed inside the nose so the scars wont be visible. Nevertheless, when the surgery is open, especially with the case of shortening the expanse of your nostrils, the scars may still not be visible.

There is also a possibility of repeated surgery. But this is a minor issue since only around 10% of all patients will have to endure secondary surgery for correcting deformities. This can never be avoidable and may also happen among the most skilled surgeons.

Communication, specifically a good one, must be made between you and your surgeon. You have to discuss your goals and see if they will work for you. On his part, in return, he has to answer all your queries and assure to it that you know all the risks that are covered by the procedure. He must also stress out the factors that will seriously affect your rhinoplasty procedure. These factors, when not properly addressed may have adverse effects on the outcome of your surgery. It is best if these will be disclosed to you.


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Face Lift Alternatives, A Complete Guide

Lately I’ve noticed a stubborn little crease on my forehead. I lift the skin just a bit, mimicking a facelift – and the crease disappears. During a facelift, the surgeon makes an incision, usually around the hairline, and then pulls the facial skin upward to smooth loose skin and wrinkles, and provide a more youthful appearance.

While a face lift can provide dramatic results, I’m not quite ready for all that. I’d just like something to freshen my face a bit. And yet I’m smart enough to know that some products and procedures billed as facelift alternatives are likely to have more of an effect on my wallet than on my face. But how to separate the facts from the fictions? I turned to an expert for help – and here’s what I learned.

Topical Treatments

Dr. Joel Schlessinger, MD, FAAD, FAACS, president of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery, assured me that creams can be very effective when targeting specific problems. No single cream can do it all, however, and sadly he could not tell me of a cream that is truly “better than Botox.” He recommends the Obagi line for pigmentation and age spots, and he has found creams that accomplish such things as increasing eyelash growth and enhancing pouty lips.

Peels are another option, and their level of invasiveness depends on what you’d like. Prices range from low strength AHA peels at $30 – $100 per treatment to very strong phenol peels at $4000 or more. Chemical peels burn off the outer, damaged layers of skin, revealing the younger skin underneath. Babies have such soft skin because their cells are constantly regenerating, but this slows as we age. Chemical peels speed the process up.

There are some nasty stories about what happens if a chemical peel goes too deep, so be careful in your choice of practitioner. Some of the newer options, like blue peels, claim to be safer. At $200 – $1000, these peels may be adjusted to the desired strength. Milder peels can be repeated at regular intervals to achieve a desired result and minimize side effects and healing time. According to the blue peel website, a measured application of blue glycerine is mixed into the traditional peel chemical, trichloracetic acid (TCA), to “improve patient safety by visually indicating the TCA solution strength and facial skin coverage.” Anything that helps keep the peel from going too far sounds good to me.

High Tech Salon Treatments

Laser treatments are increasingly popular these days, whether you’re trying to remove unwanted hair or get rid of wrinkles. Laser “facelifts” use a carbon dioxide laser to remove outer layers of old skin and tighten muscles.
Dr. Schlessinger tells me that the first laser treatments had “a long recovery time and fabulous results. Today’s technology produces only about 20-30% of the those early results, but with almost no side effects.” The new buzz word, Schlessinger tells me, is “fraxellation.” In today’s treatments, you can “strafe” an area so that the laser only disrupts pinpoints of skin, leaving enough surface untreated to speed healing time. This one sounded good to me.

What’s more, laser treatments are only one kind of skin resurfacing. Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, which can be thought of as extreme exfoliation, are old standbys that are still quite popular.

In dermabrasion, the surgeon removes the outer layers of skin with an electronically operated wire brush or diamond-impregnated burr. It can leave you pretty raw and is moderately painful, with a 2 to 12 week recovery. Microdermabrasion is a bit easier on the patient. It involves spraying fine crystals onto the skin, then removing them along with the top layer of skin cells. It is not as painful as dermabrasion, and is safe to repeat every couple months.

Microcurrent “facelifts” go deeper, using mild electrical stimulation to activate chemicals in the skin. Dr. Schlessinger warns that some microcurrent treatments are nothing more than quackery. In general, he says, be careful of spa-type clinics that recommend the same treatment for everyone-chances are they might own only one piece of equipment!
Every woman trying to decide which procedure to have should have a consultation with a certified surgeon, Dr. Schlessinger tells me: “This is one area in which you get what you pay for.”

Needles Required

Dr. Schlessinger cautioned me to be especially careful in selecting a good practioner if I decide to go with Botox. These days, Botox is being offered everywhere, from salons to parties. And yet, Botox is a powerful chemical that should be administered only by those with the training to do so. It is derived from a toxin that causes food poisoning. Injected in small amounts into the skin, however, it weakens or paralyzes certain muscles or blocks certain nerves, causing fewer frown lines and wrinkles.

“Many wrinkles are due to repetitive motion on the face-frown acquired as a habit,” Schlessinger explains. These wrinkles disappear after a Botox treatment, and the very good news is that often after several treatments the habit is broken and no further injections are necessary.

But what about all the horror stories? The paralysis? Most of those are just urban legends. Botox is not permanent. In fact, injections last only three to four months, which means any side effects are also temporary.

According to Schlessinger, “the biggest complication we see is Botox done wrong.” For two reasons, he advises going to a professional who specializes in Botox. One: the proliferation of Medspas and day spas has resulted in many unqualified practitioners. Two: you’re more likely to get fresh Botox at a place that uses a lot of it. According to Dr. Schlessinger, we should buy our Botox fresh – just like we would want to get our fish fresh from a fish market.

Facial fillers are another injectable option. These injections actually help replace the volume that you begin to lose in your 30s. And sometimes they actually spur more collagen growth. A recent University of Michigan study even found that the supposedly non-permanent filler restylane sometimes provides long-term effects.

One popular name-brand filler is Juvederm, a hyaluronic acid dermal filler. Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in all living organisms as a type of sugar. While the treatment does not last forever, it does last longer than Botox, typically at least six months or more.
I was also intrigued by the threadlift. In this procedure, barbed prolene facial sutures (threads) are attached to anchor points in the face (such as a sagging jowl) using a hollow bore needle. The threads are used to lift the sagging areas and can be tightened when necessary. I thought this sounded pretty cool, but unfortunately, it turns out that it’s a risky procedure that Dr. Schlessinger says is “so popular, but so incredibly wrong.” The threads used in the procedure are quite fragile and can break. When this happens, the effect becomes uneven and the threads can migrate to new areas, or even poke out through the skin! I have moved this option to the “no” column for me.

Go-Go Gadget Facelift

For those willing to try any weird science on their faces, there is such a thing as facelift tape, which uses exterior anchors and threads to physically pull the skin on your face tighter. Think Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire. Unfortunately, you won’t have a makeup team to help attach the device to your face every morning, and it seems like you’d need an awful lot of hair to hide the threads adequately. Not for me!

Sweatin’ to the Oldies?

An au natural option is facial exercises. Rather than working from the outside-in, these programs claim to work from the inside-out, building tone and strength in your facial muscles. Some programs, such as Facial Flex, even include a resistance device that fits in your mouth to help improve the results of your “workout.”

Sorry to say, Dr. Schlessinger says that these program claims are “a complete fabrication. If it were true, a person who chews a pack of gum a day would look great, but in fact the opposite is true.” The more you stretch the skin out on your face, the more wrinkles you get. Remember, Botox works by temporarily paralyzing muscle groups, not by giving them a workout. I was a bit disappointed by this news, but at least I can take comfort in knowing there’s something good about being a couch potato.

Minor Surgeries

While it may not seem like an alternative to some, there is the partial facelift option, in which a surgeon does not complete an entire facelift (which is extremely painful, expensive, and requires a large recovery time), but simply targets the areas you would most like to see improved. Neck lifts, upper brow lifts, and cheek lifts are common options, but the possibilities are truly endless. It’s especially popular for women to have the fat removed under the chin, and in some cases, this is a liposuction procedure that doesn’t even involve cutting removing skin. And it is, in my opinion, one way to look a lot younger through a relatively minor procedure.

Welcome to the New Millennium

It used to be unheard of to visit a plastic surgeon before you really needed it-at which point your skin and facial muscles are almost beyond repair. “Today,” Dr. Schlessinger assured me, “we have better alternatives to keep people looking good for much longer.” The trick is to do your research and take care of your face by starting early. And while an effective Botox cream is still five years off, new treatments are developed every day. With so many good options, short of a full facelift, I am very happy to know that I will never be trapped in a prematurely aging face.


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About the Author: Kathleen Bowers wrote Scarless Surgery, What’s in store in the Future and Facelift Alternatives, A Complete Guide. You can find her articles in www.body-philosophy.net. Her work is usually in the field of medical alternatives. She enjoys an afternoon at the park and that inspires her to work.

This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Seek the guidance of a licensed physician if you need medical advice.

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What You Should Know About Cosmetic Surgery

There used to be a time when cosmetic surgery was the snooty prerogative of celebs who would frequently be photographed after a “holiday” looking all dewy and refreshed, much to our awe and amazement! Back then, those who could afford surgery strictly adopted a “don’t kiss and tell policy” when questions were raised about their newly relaxed appearance. With increased media exposure, however, more and more people are displaying interest in nip and tuck procedures purely for aesthetic purposes. As a result, cosmetic surgery has found a place in the public domain.

Although people are a lot more up-front about cosmetic surgery than they used to be, the fact is that going under the scalpel is not for everyone. While TV shows might sing its praises, and gush about how a little tweaking here and there can send your self-esteem sky rocketing, it isn’t quite that simple.

Do You Need Cosmetic Surgery?

To answer this question it’s important to understand the nature of the term. Cosmetic surgery helps you alter physical features or parts of your body that function perfectly well, but might still make you unhappy. Contrary to popular perception, those who seek out cosmetic surgery aren’t usually people who are chronically dissatisfied or unhappy with their appearance. On the contrary, most people who choose to alter their appearance are basically happy and well-adjusted.

This is where the question of “need” comes in. If you’re chronically depressed enhanced breasts or perfectly arched brows aren’t going to bring about any changes in your state of mind. In fact, if done for the wrong reasons, cosmetic surgery can be a dangerous tool for your self image. For the most part, those who seek out cosmetic procedures are people who are reasonably happy with their appearance but wish they could have something (usually a minor aspect) about their physical appearance altered so they’ll look and feel better.

What Cosmetic Surgery Can Do for You

Although your cosmetic surgeon can give you a realistic picture of your physical appearance post surgery, he or she can’t and shouldn’t guarantee any change in your psychological well being. If chosen judiciously, however, cosmetic surgery can bring about positive emotional changes. Research conducted on patients after cosmetic surgery reveals that most patients indicated increased self-confidence, and an enhanced quality in their personal and social lives. This isn’t hard to understand. When you look better you feel better. This enhanced self-perception has a positive effect on your relationships.

Making Cosmetic Surgery Work for You

Now that you’ve made the decision to have cosmetic surgery it’s necessary to mentally and emotionally prepare yourself for the surgery. Expect enhancement of your present looks, not movie star perfection. The less realistic your expectations, the more you set yourself up for disappointment when the bandages come off. Your surgeon should be able to give you a fair picture of what the end results might be.

Don’t expect a miraculous makeover of your entire life. In other words, the work of a cosmetic surgeon isn’t a magic wand that can set right a troubled marriage or end loneliness. If you expect your newly enhanced looks to correct other personal issues you might have, that’s not going to happen. In fact, if you’ve just been through a traumatic experience such as a death in the family, have recently gotten divorced, or lost a job, you should probably postpone any plans for cosmetic surgery. The surgery will only compound these life stresses and increase the possibility of heightened expectations.

Also, understand that cosmetic surgery is a medical procedure and as such there is always an element of risk attached. Complications can occur.

At the end of the day, cosmetic surgery can be a powerful way to realize your physical potential, which in turn can lead to beneficial effects in your personal, social, and professional lives. If you do your research, ask questions and are realistic in your expectations, there’s no reason why cosmetic surgery won’t enhance the quality of your life as it has for so many others.


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About the Author: Lloyd Krieger, MD is a Beverly Hills cosmetic surgeon.

This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Seek the guidance of a licensed physician if you need medical advice.

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Should I Have a Face Lift

by: Wendy Ann Owen

Good question! A face lift is major surgery and surgery means blood, mess, discomfort, stitches and time out to recover. A face lift is expensive too.

There are risks to consider, one is hematoma when the blood collects under the skin and has to be surgically removed. Damage to the nerves that control your facial muscles is another although this is less common. Slow healing time can also be a problem although this is found mainly in smokers. Oh! and don’t forget the usual risks that are involved with anesthesia.

On the plus side, the effects of a face lift are quite dramatic. It is without a doubt the fastest and most permanent way of shedding your ‘old’ face and regaining some of that youthful beauty you were born with.

If you’ve considered these things and decided that the final outcome is worth it, then proceed, but first please ask yourself these questions.

Why do I want a facelift?

Am I doing this because its going to help me find the job that I really want? This is a valid reason for going ahead. It shouldn’t matter to those that hire people how old the applicant is or what they look like, but in the real world we know that these things do play a part. If you have a job that has a lot of public exposure, this may also be a good reason to proceed.

Am I doing this because my partner wants me to?

Red alert! Never let anyone else talk you into having a facelift. It is a very personal decision and one only you should make. Ask yourself why are you with someone who values you only for your appearance. Honor yourself, you are more than your face! Perhaps you should be working on your relationship and leaving your face alone!

I’m thirty five and have lots of wrinkles around my eyes and cheeks, and my neck is all mottled

A face lift won’t help this situation. You are better off exploring the avenue of laser resurfacing or even chemical peels, they will strip the old layer of skin off and reveal a smoother younger appearance. It sounds like you have a lot of sun damage, get educated on the use of sunblock! Its everybody’s most important cosmetic.

I’m depressed and don’t feel good about myself. Maybe a facelift will help me feel better?

It may for a little while, but it sounds like you have a self esteem problem. Learn to love yourself the way you are first. Then if you still feel a facelift would give your morale a boost, go ahead.

I’m in my early fifties and notice my face is starting to sag quite badly. I can afford the surgery and reckon I might just do this for myself. A good idea, you’ve thought it through and decided its something you want not something you need.

Find a professional surgeon in your area and follow all his/her advice on how to prepare for your face lift. Don’t forget to mention any medication you are taking and if you are a smoker, stop two weeks before surgery is scheduled. It will speed your recovery time. Good luck!

About The Author

Like to have better looking skin? www.holistic-facial-skin-care.com will give you detailed information on all facets of skin care. The author, Wendy Owen has had a lifetime interest in general and alternative health and skin care.

This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Seek the guidance of a licensed physician if you need medical advice.

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