Creepy Eyelid Skin: Don't Turn to Eyelid Surgery Just Yet

 

Skin around the eyes that resembles crepe paper is a common occurrence in aging men and women. Depleting collagen stores are to blame. While some retinol creams can help to add moisture, a visit with a plastic surgeon with advanced training in facial aesthetics can provide superior, lasting results.

If thoughts of eyelid surgery have you shivering in fear, relax. Chemical peels and laser resurfacing treatments are often better solutions for crepey skin around the eyes. An eyelid lift is most beneficial when the skin and muscle are starting to sag.

A Brief Anatomy of the Eyelid 

The role of the eyelid is to protect the eyes from excessive light and injury. At the same time, the eyelids help to distribute moisture over the cornea. The top of the eyelid is the visible skin, but below that skin is subcutaneous tissue and muscle. Within the tissue is collagen that helps keep the skin plump and youthful-looking.

Comparing Laser Resurfacing, Chemical Peels and Ulthera

A chemical peel involves the application of a chemical solution over the problem skin around the eyes. There are different solutions ranging from light to deep. A light peel removes the outer layer of the skin to reveal fresher, younger skin below. A deeper peel removes wrinkles. The procedure starts with a thorough cleaning of the face and then protective measures are taken to keep the solution from getting into the eyes. Once the peel has been on the skin for the correct amount of time, the solution is removed. Most people need a day to two weeks to recover depending on the depth of the peel.

Laser resurfacing is a little trickier. It is a process in which the laser ablates the upper skin layers. Complications may include deep burns which can lead to scarring or hypopigmentation, so it is essential to choose a plastic surgeon who is skilled in laser resurfacing. With a qualified plastic surgeon, the treatment revitalizes the skin's texture and color.

Lastly, Ulthera with a 1.5mm depth can make very nice improvements in the lower eyelid.  This FDA-approved, non-surgical, non-invasive procedure uses ultrasound energy to tighten loose skin. The procedure takes just 60 to 90 minutes in the office setting and there is no downtime.

When is Eyelid Surgery Recommended? 

As collagen stores deplete and skin loses elasticity, the skin starts to sag and wrinkle. Skin that resembles crepe paper is one of the common signs of aging. On the eyelids, that upper eyelid skin may sag so much that it obstructs vision. When the eyelids obstruct vision, clearly you need to see a plastic surgeon. Crepey skin alone doesn't require an eyelid lift, but if the skin is sagging and making you look or feel older while also making it hard to see, surgery is the better option.

The Lowdown on Eyelid Surgery 

During an eyelid surgery, incisions are made in the natural creases or eyelash line on your upper and/or lower eyelid. Once the skin is tightened and the excess fat is removed or reshaped, the incisions are sewn or glued shut, depending on your surgeon's preferences. Ointment is placed in the eyes to keep them lubricated.

For the next week, your eye may feel dry and itchy. Bruising and swelling is normal, too. You can minimize the swelling by keeping your head elevated while resting and using ice packs. You'll be back to light activities within three days. Stitches are removed within the first week. You'll be back to strenuous activities after four weeks.

View the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery's video on laser skin resurfacing. Your eyelid needs could be as quick and easy as a non-surgical procedure. Talk to Dr. Robert Kessler to discuss your concerns over crepe paper eyelids and discuss if non-surgical treatments are right for you. Call the Newport Beach plastic surgeon at (949) 644-6544.

Tight, Toned Arms: Plastic Surgeons See Increase in Brachioplasty

Many women dream of toned arms that they don't have to hide in longer sleeves, but many struggle to get their arms to cooperate with those dreams. You see toned arms mentioned in magazines ranging from Self to Shape and give the exercises a shot. Many times, you end up with muscle, but that flabby skin and fatty tissue doesn't go away without surgical removal.

Between 2011 and 2012, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports the number of upper arm lifts increased by 4,260. That same surgery saw an increase of more than 812 percent between 1997 and 2012, according to the same report. Brachioplasty, also known as an upper arm lift, isn't meant to replace diet and exercise, but it does help tone arms when other measures fail.

What to Expect During a Consultation

One of the things your plastic surgeon needs to check is how much excess skin and fatty tissue are present. Where the sagging skin is minimal, a mini brachioplasty may be all you need, otherwise a full brachioplasty is necessary. The benefit to a mini brachioplasty is that the incision is much smaller. For a full brachioplasty, the incision can run from your armpit to your elbow.

You will need to discuss any current or past health issues and surgeries. Your plastic surgeon must know everything about you to prevent complications during or after the surgery. Make sure you are honest about your alcohol intake, smoking, medications, and any vitamins or herbal supplements you take. If you've had past reactions to anesthesia, that is also important information for your surgeon.

Steps Taken During an Arm Lift Surgery

Brachioplasty is performed in either a surgical suite, outpatient surgery center or hospital. Your doctor will use one of two anesthesia methods: general anesthesia or IV sedation and local anesthesia. After you are asleep, an incision is made in the predetermined place on the underarm. If there is excess underarm fat, liposuction is used to remove that first.

During the surgery, the plastic surgeon trims and shapes the underlying tissue. Excess skin is excised and then the incision is closed. If drains are necessary to collect excess fluids, they are placed. Dressings are put in place to cover the incisions, and compression garments are added to minimize swelling and support the arms as they adapt to their newly toned shape. Plan for the surgery to take upwards of two hours, and then you'll stay in recovery for a short while before being released.

Healing After Arm Lift Surgery

Expect some mild discomfort for the first few days. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe prescription pain relief to keep you comfortable. Plan to return to your surgeon to have the drains removed and ensure things are healing properly. Many plastic surgeons use dissolving stitches, but if your surgeon used regular stitches you will return to have them removed in one or two weeks. Swelling takes up to two weeks to fade.

Provided that you're healing well, you will be able to return to work after five days of rest. It takes about 14 days before you can get back to exercise routines.

Are your sagging arms embarrassing you? Do you hide them behind long sleeves, even in warmer weather? You're not alone. Watch this video from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to see how arm lift surgeries are on the rise. Dr. Kessler specializes in Newport Beach arm lifts. Schedule a consultation with his office to find out how you can feel comfortable in sleeveless shirts again. Call (949) 644-6544 or complete Dr. Kessler's online contact form.

The Four Components of a Mommy Makeover

Weeks after Kate Middleton gave birth to her son, she appeared in public wearing black skinny jeans and not showing any signs of the pouch on the lower abdomen that many new moms encounter. According to those close to the Duchess, she gained little weight during pregnancy, which made it easier to bounce back. Weight gain is an important part of pregnancy, however, and a necessary step in fetal development and health. 

During pregnancy, your body stores fat to use as fuel for the pregnancy and labor  and during breastfeeding. There is no way to avoid this. You also will see your skin stretch and it may fail to return to the same taut shape after pregnancy. The breasts grow too, with fatty tissue and eventual milk stores. This added weight can cause them to sag and develop stretch marks. Some women see their breasts shrink in size after weaning their baby. All of these issues can be addressed through four different plastic surgery techniques, commonly known as a “mommy makeover” when performed together.

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty or a “tummy tuck” is the third most popular plastic surgery per American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports. When it comes to a mommy makeover, this one surgery can help tighten the skin on the abdomen and even remove a few stretch marks that fall on the skin that is excised. 

With a tummy tuck, you don't use it to lose weight. Your plastic surgeon wants to see you at or very close to your target weight. The surgery is used to help tighten the skin after other steps like diet and exercise have done all they can.

This is a major surgery. It takes anywhere from two to five hours to complete under anesthesia. After the surgery, you wear compression bandages to decrease swelling. Drains, if any, are removed in a week, and stitches come out in 7 to 14 days.

Breast Augmentation

If you found pregnancy reduced the size or firmness of your breasts, breast augmentation is a beneficial solution. Using either saline or silicone gel implants, a surgeon restores the volume of your breasts. The surgery begins with either general anesthesia or local anesthesia and a sedative. Small incisions are made and the implants are inserted. Expect the surgery to take upwards of two hours to complete. Autologous fat transfer is another option for enhancing the breasts in which excess fat is taken from an area like the abdomen or hips and then transferred to the breasts. 

Following a breast augmentation, you need to limit strenuous activities for about a month. You may want to take it easy for the first week or two, though many patients are able to return to work within a few days. 

Breast Lift

A breast lift can be performed by itself or in combination with a breast augmentation. The ultimate goal is to lift the breasts to restore them to a more youthful position.

The surgery takes between one to three hours to complete. The size and location of the incision depends on the corrections that must be made. Breast tissue is pulled up into place and excess skin is trimmed away before the incision is closed. After the surgery, a bandage or surgical bra will be applied. Stitches come out in one to three weeks, depending on how quickly you heal.

Liposuction

Some people believe liposuction is used to remove excess fat from the body in lieu of losing weight through diet or exercise. However, liposuction is best used to remove fat that diet and exercise haven't corrected in patients who are at or near their ideal weight.

There are different techniques used by plastic surgeons, but the basic method of liposuction involves the removal of excess fat cells using a hollow tube known as a cannula that is attached to a vacuum device that suctions the fat from below the skin. Two of the common techniques involve the tumescent technique and ultrasound assisted liposuction. The tumescent technique involves the insertion of a fluid that combines an anesthetic, epinephrine and saline. This causes the fat cells to tumesce or become firm for easier removal. The other technique uses ultrasound energy to melt the fat before it is suctioned out.

It is hard to predict how long liposuction will take. It depends on how much fat must be removed. Following the procedure, you will wear compression garments to help reduce swelling. After a week, any stitches are removed. After that, you should be able to get back to your usual routine.

Things to Consider

Prior to any of the surgeries that make up a mommy makeover, you need to consider your future. If you plan to have additional children, wait until you're done. Another pregnancy may reverse any of the improvements you've made.

If you have a child who enjoys being picked up, you'll want someone on hand to help you out or you may want to wait until your child is older. Most of these surgeries restrict you from lifting heavy objects for a period of time after surgery. Unless you have someone else available to carry or pick up your child, it's best to wait until your child is older and no longer being carried.

Make sure you lose your baby weight before you visit a plastic surgeon for a mommy makeover. Read Parents article Losethe Baby Weight for Good. When you're ready to talk to a Newport Beach plastic surgeon, call Dr. Robert Kessler. Dr. Kessler is a board certified general and plastic surgeon. Reach his office by calling (949) 644-6544.

Ultherapy Introduced at Special Event

Have you been wishing the skin on your face was as toned as it once was but are apprehensive about undergoing surgery? You are not alone. On August 27th, 2013, a special event was hosted by Dr. Kessler to introduce patients to Ultherapy. The informative presentation took place at Dr. Kessler’s office in Newport Beach from 1pm to 5pm. Space was limited to thirty guests, which were divided among  three one-hour sessions.

Attendees had an enjoyable time while at the practice receiving Ultherapy demonstrations and special promos, and they went home with a wealth of knowledge about the age-defying procedure. During the event, light refreshments were served, such as fruits, cheeses, dips, and even cookies and cupcakes to satisfy the sweet tooth in the group. As a favor, guests were also given a gift box containing Latisse, a product known for its ability to double the thickness of eyelashes and increase their length.

Ultherapy utilizes state-of-the-art ultrasound technology to lift and tighten the skin. It can be used on the brow, under the chin, and on the neck, all of which are hard places to treat without surgery. The non-invasive procedure is safe and has been proven time and time again to be effective in stimulating the support layers of the skin (i.e. collagen and elastin) to produce firmness and smoothness. All of this is done without harming the surface of the skin. Natural-looking results follow one single 60- to 90-minute in-office procedure. As time progresses over 2 to 3 months, the effects of Ultherapy increase and deliver beautiful skin on the face and neck.

Re-visit our website often for information on other exciting upcoming events. Space may be limited for certain events and reservations are required. Check back regularly so you don’t miss out on learning more about revolutionary cosmetics procedures or the special promotions that our guests are able to take advantage of.

To learn more about Ultherapy, call Dr. Kessler to schedule a consultation at (949) 644-6544 or contact him via the website.

 

Eliminate Old-Lady Hands: Hand Rejuvenation Procedures

Pop singer Madonna recently made headlines but not for her singing. Instead she was called out for the signs of aging in her hands. According to a story in London's The Daily Mail, hand rejuvenation procedures increased by 18 percent in one clinic because women want to hide their aging. Exposure to bitter cold temperatures, sun, and wind age the hands faster than many parts of the body, and women are seeking professional treatments to help restore a youthful look to their hands.

When it comes to hiding the signs of aging, there are a number of options. This makes it easy to receive a treatment that fits into your life and doesn't keep you from your usual routine for long.

Fat Transfers and Injections

Injectables involve shots of collagen, hyaluronic acid, or poly-L-lactic acid. These injections boost the volume in the hands, reducing wrinkles and making veins and bones less visible. Generally, these fillers only last for a few months, and that's why some women prefer Radiesse. Radiesse is a semi-permanent filler designed to improve the appearance of moderate to severe wrinkles. Some doctors find that improvements with Radiesse last up to two years. With certain injectables, allergy tests are necessary prior to injection to make sure there is no adverse reaction.

Chemical Peels, Lasers, and Microdermabrasion Treatments

Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution to the skin. This causes age spots to fade and older, damaged skin to peel away. There may be a burning sensation, depending on the chemical solution, but it's managed with pain relievers.

Laser treatments help correct issues with age spots and veins. During these treatments, laser energy is directed at the problem area. Generally, you'll feel a warmth on the skin. After the procedure, your skin may feel like you've had a sunburn. As the old skin peels away, newer, younger-looking skin appears.

With microdermabrasion, the top layers of skin are blasted away through air pressure and fine crystals that act a little like sand. There is no pain. Think of it as being similar to an intense exfoliating scrub.

With these procedures, you're usually back to your normal routine in a matter of days or weeks depending on the procedure. You may want to use ice to keep swelling to a minimum. If you do need pain relief, your cosmetic surgeon can prescribe a medication that doesn't counteract the healing process. Regular use of sunscreen on the hands helps keep the hands looking younger after hand rejuvenation treatments.

Learn more about skin rejuvenation by reading the American Society of Plastic Surgeon's Beauty for Life. Once you understand your options, seek the expertise of Dr. Robert Kessler, a Newport Beach plastic surgeon and hand rejuvenation specialist. Choose from a range of procedures that include fillers, laser resurfacing, and microdermabrasion. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kessler, call (949) 644-6544.

Look Younger: Facial Cosmetic Surgery Lowers Your Perceived Age

According to a new study, undergoing facial cosmetic surgery to look more attractive doesn't work. It does, however, take a few years off your appearance. If your reasoning for a cosmetic procedure is to look more beautiful for others, you may want to reconsider your plans. If you want to look refreshed and reduce some of the signs of aging for yourself, cosmetic surgery is an excellent choice.

In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, dozens of men and women were shown the before and after pictures of 49 patients who underwent aesthetic facial surgery. Few of the people viewing the photos found the patients to be more attractive after surgery. When it came to guessing each patient’s actual age, however, the group's responses came to an average answer of 3 years younger. The list of responses ranged from four years older to more than nine years younger, so it stands to reason that the right surgeon will shave several years off your appearance.

When it comes to erasing the signs of aging, there are many procedures available. The facelift is one of the most popular. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 119,000 men and women underwent facelift surgery in 2012. That number put facelifts in third place in terms of the most popular facial cosmetic surgery.

What a Facelift Entails

Years of exposure to environmental factors and the aging process itself can negatively impact your facial skin. Collagen levels shrink, hollows appear, and creases, fine lines, and wrinkles form. A facelift corrects some of these signs of aging. The results depend on the technique you choose. The following are a few of the available techniques in facelifting:

• Mini Facelift. With a mini facelift (Quicklift or S Lift), an S-shaped incision is made in front of the ear and then loose skin and fatty deposits on the jawline are corrected.
• Lower Facelift. A lower facelift corrects issues in the lower face, along the jawline, under the chin, and on the neck. For the lower facelift, the incision is made from the temple to below the ear.
• MACS Lift. The MACS lift is a short scar facelift where the incision is limited to just in front of the ear and under the chin. Through these incisions, the skin and tissue are tightened on the jawline and neck.
• Deep Plane Facelift. The Deep Plane facelift goes below the muscle. The tissue and skin on the lower face is then shifted and sutured into the new location. It's more complex, but doctors and patients feel this provides the most natural looking results.

These procedures may be paired with a brow lift or eyelid surgery to reduce sagging skin, creases and wrinkles on the forehead and lower and upper eyelids, too. Fillers or fat transfer are useful in restoring volume to sunken areas of the face.

Before making an appointment for a facelift, study your surgeon’s before and after pictures. For the best results without the obvious signs of surgery, you need a skilled surgeon. Read “Telltale Signs of a Facelift” to learn what to look for when viewing patient photos. Dr. Robert Kessler is a Newport Beach plastic surgeon. To discuss facelift surgery with the doctor, call (949) 644-6544.

The Realities of the Lower Body Lift

The lower body lift is not intended to be a substitute for losing weight. It was actually created as a procedure to tighten loose skin following significant weight loss. As obese patients lose 100 or more pounds through diet and exercise or weight loss surgeries, a lower body lift becomes an important procedure. It removes the excess skin and tissue that do not tighten on their own following dramatic weight loss. If there is still unwanted fatty tissue in place, liposuction is used to remove it before the lower body lift.

Ideal Candidates for a Lower Body Lift

When evaluating a patient for a lower body lift, the doctor wants to see people who have loose skin on the abdomen, buttocks, hips, and thighs. Weight loss should have already taken place, and fat stores should be minimal. Gaining weight after a lower body lift stretches the skin and starts to reverse improvements made during the surgery.

A lower body lift leaves scars, so the doctor needs to know that you're okay with having scars traveling around your waist. Finally, the doctor wants to ensure that you have realistic expectations and understand the risks.

Variations of the Lower Body Lift

Your doctor discusses the ideal technique for your lower body lift during consultation. Belt lipectomy is the technique which corrects the contours of the abdomen, buttocks, and flanks. It's ideal for a patient with weight gain in the midsection, but whose legs are still trim. However, the lower body lift can also incorporate thigh lift techniques to address loose skin and fat in the outer thighs. For those who have already had a tummy tuck or whose abdomen is not a concern, techniques can be used to lift the inner thighs, outer thighs, and buttocks.  The procedure can be tailored to each patient to address their individual concerns.

What to Expect During and After the Surgery

After you're given anesthesia, the doctor makes incisions that travel from the back to the hips and then to the front of the thighs. Loose skin and tissue are removed. If a tummy tuck is also needed, that's performed at the same time. Once the tissue and skin are removed, the skin is pulled into place and the incision is sutured using a layered technique.

A lower body lift takes anywhere from six to eight hours. Following the surgery, you stay overnight in a surgical center or hospital. Your doctor may recommend having a registered nurse care for you on the day following the surgery.

You must wear compression garments after surgery. There are also drains and collection tubes used to help the body drain excess fluid as you heal. These drains stay in place for an average of two weeks. Expect to return to the doctor weekly for follow-up appointments.

Pain and swelling are common. Your doctor gives you pain medications through injections or an IV for the first day and then oral pills for the remainder of your healing process. You should be up and walking slowly on the day after the surgery. Strenuous activity must be avoided while you heal. Generally, it takes four or more weeks before you are fully healed.

It's important to do your research before undergoing this cosmetic procedure. While a body lift is a great way to restore your natural curves and remove loose, sagging skin and tissue on your lower body, it's not right for everyone. Find answers to your frequently asked questions about body lifts at the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. When you're ready to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kessler, a specialist in Newport Beach lower body lifts, call (949) 644-6544.