The Best Season For Plastic Surgery?

Having a successfully aesthetic procedure performed requires careful consideration. You are deciding to have cosmetic surgery and understandably have many questions. One of the most commonly asked questions is “When is the best time for plastic surgery?” Since cosmetic surgery entails not only the procedure itself, but also requires adequate time for healing and recovery, thoughtful review will help you get the most out of your procedure.

According to experts, late fall to winter is the best season for plastic surgery. The coolest season of the year allows for more time indoors, longer holidays and bulky clothing, all of which are ideal for plastic surgery recovery. Below are additional reasons to keep in mind as the best time for preparing for your new look.

Recovery Time Without Missing Work

Winter comes with the carefree glee and glitter of preparing for Christmas and New Year. For most people, the season means one thing: more days away from work! Planning to have your surgery done during this time means that you have more time to allow the scars and wounds to heal, and set aside time for your body to recuperate post-surgery. Most people usually take their long vacations during this time of the year, so if the holidays aren’t enough, opting for a leave of absence during best season for plastic surgery will only let you miss a few days from work.

Perfect For Staying Indoors

The harsh temperatures outside are not the only reason to stay indoors. After surgery, your skin needs to recover and staying indoors will facilitate healing. Higher temperatures also encourage swelling and infection, and the cool winter climate is perfect for avoiding these complications. Staying indoors is also ideal for patients who are recommended to avoid strenuous activities, such as patients who have undergone abdominoplasty, liposuction, breast surgery or laser resurfacing. Other procedures also require you to stay away from direct strong sunlight to avoid darkening of scars, and your cozy time spent indoors is perfect for this.

New Year, New You!

Apart from New Year’s Resolutions and the vow to be a better person this coming year, many people also opt for physically improving how they look. The New Year just makes everyone feel brand new, and for some, a good way to personify this is by changing how they look. Having your procedure during the winter months allows you to be in time for a brand new look to welcome the New Year. This usually improves self-esteem and makes people more confident and ready for the New Year. It’s also a good way to prepare in advance for that perfect bikini body in summer.

Best Season For Plastic Surgery

Turtlenecks, hoodies and ski caps are just some of the essentials in your winter wardrobe – essentials that can also help camouflage your surgery. Covering up scars during the winter is much easier and more acceptable than during other seasons. Having plastic surgery at this time still keeps you stylish without you having to alter your winter fashion style. For many, fall and winter is the best season for plastic surgery.

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By Sadi Erfani, MD

One of the most exposed and unfairly treated areas of our bodies is our skin. Wrinkles, blemishes, lines, and a generally poor complexion are all common results of the daily bombardment we experience of pollution, harmful sun rays, and toxic chemicals.

While all the side effects of modern day society can wreak havoc on our skin, a chemical peel from a skilled plastic surgeon in San Diego can turn back the clock on a number of issues, giving you tighter skin, a healthier complexion, and a more positive outlook on life.

A Variety of Reasons

Chemical peels can undo the damaging effects caused by the sun, and they can erase acne blemishes, overly large pores, hyper pigmentation, and many other problems. Chemical peels in San Diego remove those top layers of your skin that have suffered the most damage and expose the fresh, healthy skin underneath. They’re excellent for tightening wrinkles and erasing fine lines around the mouth area, eyes, and forehead, and they can be customized to accommodate even the most delicate types of skin.

While chemical peels are most commonly associated with the face, they can be performed anywhere on your body. They are painless and very noninvasive, and they can be done in a short amount of time. Individuals want a chemical peel for a variety of reasons, and a good plastic surgeon in San Diego can make it a reality!

Endlessly Customizable

The best plastic surgeons in San Diego provide free chemical peel consultations, and they work closely with each of their patients to make sure they achieve the look they want. They perform many other procedures and services as well as chemical peels, all of which can help you look healthier, be more active, and feel better about yourself. Recapture the feeling you had in your youth and raise your level of confidence with a chemical peel from a plastic surgeon in San Diego today!

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By Sadi Erfani, MD

“What is the difference between Botox, Dysport and Xeomin?” and “Which is the best one?” are two questions about facial injectables that commonly get asked. Botox is a leading cosmetic treatment that drastically reduces the appearance of crow’s feet, lines on the forehead and frown lines. With US FDA approval and launch of this revolutionary anti-aging product in 1989, millions continue to turn to Botox over 20 years later as part of their aesthetic regimen for looking younger. However, two other companies have entered the market as well and are having great success as well, Dysport (US FDA approved 2009) and Xeomin (US FDA approved 2011).

Botox, Dysport and Xeomin Similarities

It is understandable how one would want to know about Botox, Dysport and Xeomin when trying to determine which treatment is best for them. All three are effective treatments that originate from the same source bacterium, clostridium botulinum. They are synthesized as botulinum toxin type A, the paralyzing agent or neurotoxin that is administered. Each has been consistently proven in clinical trials and then worldwide application. The result is almost always the same. Each injectable temporarily paralyzes the targeted muscle areas on the face to relax and ease out the appearance of wrinkles. Because of their proven abilities, each is often paired with a dermal filler like Restylane or Juvederm that results in dramatic facial rejuvenation. This procedure is known as a liquid facelift. However, what follows is where the differences become apparent.

Differences Of Botox, Dysport and Xeomin

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Xeomin is a purified neurotoxin. It is referred to as a ‘naked’ molecule because there are no additive surface proteins, just the botulinum toxin. This solitary agent migrates further and faster to effectively work upon all facial areas upon injection. There is less risk of an allergic reaction or rejection for the client from the absence of protein additives. In comparison, Botox and Dysport are considered ‘heavier’ because they contain added proteins. These proteins are for protection and are clustered around the botulinum to enable them to last a little longer. However, the clinical argument is that these protective proteins may also shield the active part of the neurotoxin thereby minimizing product effectiveness.

One of the noted benefits of Dysport is that it spreads a little more than Botox and it is commonly used by patients who have stopped responding to Botox. It is also injected at a different strength and affects a slightly larger area than Botox and Xeomin. It has been reported that Dysport typically takes two to three days until the effects of the treatment are seen. Botox takes seven to ten days while Xeomin takes five to six days. Dysport may be the best option in areas where several injections are needed because of its easy spreading to cover a greater area on the face. In the areas where the spread needs to be minimized, Botox may be the best option to concentrate on deeper wrinkling. Over time with different Botox, Dysport and Xeomin injections, clients begin to favor which treatment works best for them.

Conclusion

By now, most clients who have undergone anti-aging treatments are familiar with Botox. However, with the emergence of Dysport and Xeomin clients have benefited with additional choices and competitive pricing. When initially deciding on which neurotoxin to inject or switch to consult with and choose a highly qualified medical professional. The best choice would be a plastic surgeon or highly experienced RN to conduct the injection. Botox, Dysport and Xeomin differ in administration technique and their skills are necessary to determine the proper dosage in order to achieve the best result.

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By Sadi Erfani, MD

For sufferers, finding an effective treatment for acne scars is challenging. Skin visibly scared from acne is a lingering reminder of the most common skin disease in the US. Approximately 85% of the population growing up by the age of 12 develops acne or pimples as it is commonly known.

While it is not known how acne arises, problems with this disease usually disappear by the age of 25. Acne scars however, result from excessive skin inflammation and remain. Repetitive clogging of the skin’s pores from excess oil and bacteria production along with the accumulation of dead skin cells irritates the skin, thereby inhibiting proper and uniform healing.

Different types of scarring can result:

• Atrophic scars – where visible damage occurs just under the skin
• Boxcar – formations that can resemble the appearance of chicken pox
• Ice pick scars – where skin appears like it was repeatedly punctured with an ice pick

Effective Treatment For Acne Scars

Many applications exist that try and treat different types of acne scars; over-the-counter products, acne treatments from an aesthetician or a doctor. However, depending on one’s skin type and scaring nature, finding an individual solution that works to even out damaged skin is tricky. One of the methods known to provide significant results against various acne scarring is through laser skin resurfacing.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing can dramatically improve superficial to moderate and deep acne scars on desired areas on the face and body. This technique uses short, adjustable and concentrated micro beams of intensified light. Irregular skin is targeted precisely by vaporizing skin layers. This technique peels away damaged tissue and is a dramatic acne scar treatment.

What To Expect

After the procedure, minimal burning of surrounding tissue accompanied by swelling, bruising or redness occurs. Approximately one week of laser skin resurfacing, the skin dries and begins to peel while collagen production is stimulated. The treated area heals within 10 to 21 days, depending on the individual’s skin condition. A fresh new layer of more uniform skin will begin to form.

It is a must to wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50 or higher during this time. Moisturizing the skin regularly to promote proper healing is also necessary. Depending on the severity of scarring, subsequent or combination treatments applied over time are often necessary. It is important to note that acne scars cannot be removed entirely, but dramatic visual results are certain to be gained.

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Sun Damage Treatment

Photo Facial and Laser Skin Resurfacing
By Sadi Erfani, MD
Are you considering an effective sun damage treatment now from too much fun outdoors? The days of Summer are soon coming to an end. The time has come to fix over exposure and get your skin ready for the Holidays. No matter how responsible we may have been in protecting ourselves, the sun can leave visible traces on our skin with tell-tale signs of over exposure such as:

• Sun spots
• Freckles
• Age spots
• Dry lifeless leathery sun damaged skin
• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Skin discoloration

Fortunately, having a sun damage treatment performed at a qualified plastic surgery facility will improve and repair one’s appearance from over exposure. Two extremely popular technologies proven to deliver fabulous results are Photo Facial Therapy or Intense Pulsed-Light (IPL) and Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing. Both are widely used for sun damage treatment, yet each work at different levels to deliver different results.

Photo Facial Therapy

Photo Facial Therapy utilizes specialized bursts of light wave technology that pulses onto the skin. IPL has been in use well over a decade and is proven to be effective against sun induced skin discoloration for problems like:

• Pigmented Lesions
• Hyperpigmentation – Areas of irregularly darkened skin
• Melasma (Patchy skin discoloration)
• Solar Lentigines (Freckles)
• Burn Erythema (Redness from a burn)
• Telangiectasia (Small facial veins)
• Red Spots (Hemangiomas)
• Redness and Flushing

Intense Pulsed-Light therapy is a sun damage treatment commonly used to treat the face, neck, chest and hands. IPL is a non-invasive procedure that takes about 20 minutes to complete with no apparent signs of the procedure and little discomfort. The downtime is minimal. Clients can go about their normal day with the possibility of applying makeup afterwards.

Often, mild results are visible in the first visit. However, depending on what skin areas are being treated, and how damaged the skin is, the best results are usually achieved within four to six sessions. IPL sessions are usually scheduled every two to three weeks of each other to adequately promote skin renewal. The results of Intense Pulsed-Light can last up to a year or more depending on the client’s continued habits to sun exposure.

IPL is also used in smoothing out dry roughened skin, but is not effective on wrinkling caused by sun damage.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Using Laser Skin Resurfacing as a sun damage treatment has a dramatic effect on:

• Wrinkling around the mouth
• Crow’s feet around the eyes
• Pigmented skin
• Large pores

This type of laser treatment works by creating thousands of microscopic channels that leaves areas of healthy skin around each channel, provoking the natural healing process upon the body. Corrected areas from this proven sun damage treatment benefits from the production of new collagen. This reaction plumps up the skin while diminishing the wrinkles and softening the fine lines and scars

Laser Resurfacing is a relatively quick with the procedural time lasting from only a few minutes to thirty minutes depending on the depth and area size treated.

Unlike Photo Facial treatment, where anesthesia is not required, laser skin resurfacing sedation is an option to consider as discomfort is likely. Swelling and redness will follow, but will subside within hours. However, pink or red treated areas may last several weeks from this aggressive sun damage treatment. Skin discoloration and irregularities begin to improve greatly. Progress will continue as the skin heals. Further sessions may be required to produce the best results.

With laser skin resurfacing, clients can enjoy long lasting results depending on the number of treatments, and aftercare.

Conclusion

Photo Facial therapy and Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing are not mutually exclusive. Clients often start with one sun damage corrective therapy and then move to the other. Both provide dramatic benefits when used together.

It is important to note that newly tan skin or sunburn exposure cannot be optimally treated until receded. Usually a pre-laser treatment of Hydroquinone and Tretinoin Cream is required. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon will provide the best sun damage treatment answers for maintaining your skin’s health and youthful appearance as we head into the last part of the year.

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Over the last several years, plastic surgery has come to recognize the finest standards of facial beauty and numerous aspects of the aging process. This understanding has lead to the conclusion that there are three basic elements to performing a natural and beautiful facial rejuvenation.

1) Re-suspending the musculature of the face is best performed using one of several available face lifting techniques. Whether a deep plane facelift or a mini lift is done, the basic tenet is to reduce the laxity of the muscles of facial expression. This will allow the overlying skin of the face to manifest a smooth and youthful appearance. In the past, this was the only element of facial rejuvenation that was focused upon. Now, with a greater understanding of the aging process, two other elements need to be assessed and treated in order to provide the most optimized and youthful results.

2) With the advent of injectable fillers and with the reemergence of fat grafting to augment areas of facial atrophy, there has been a renewed appreciation of the importance of strategic volumization of certain keystones of facial bone and soft tissue structure. The aging process very frequently will lead to depletion of the fat pads on the temples, the lower cheeks, the lower eyelids, as well as the lips. Also there will be unattractive accumulation of fat in areas of the face such as the mid jaw lines and mid cheeks. In the ’80s, appreciation of these aging changes was limited and often not addressed. This is why older facelift techniques tend to be associated with a windblown, emaciated and drawn appearance. With this simple addition of volume filling to provide a more luxurious padding of the patient’s existing bone structure, the results of muscle resuspended from face lifting have now produced remarkably natural and youthful results.

3) The final element to performing a comprehensive and youthful facial rejuvenation treatment will involve some form of skin resurfacing. If you were to compare the rejuvenation of the face with the repair of a damaged car, the facial resurfacing component is like the paint job after all the dents have been fixed. Simply doing a facelift and volume augmentation will never fully address the intrinsic blemishes that may be present on most people’s skin. These blemishes may include fine or deep lines, brown spots and age spots, uneven texture, acne scarring, and localized moles or other growths. The most aggressive forms of facial resurfacing include laser skin resurfacing and phenol chemical peeling. However numerous intermediate resurfacing methods do exist including erbium skin resurfacing and lower concentration medical grade chemical peels.

By combining various elements of facial rejuvenation and adding post operative adjuncts such as oxygen emulsion and non-ablative lasers, the most comprehensive, least invasive and most efficient means of rejuvenating many people’s faces is possible. The combination of these techniques will consistently offer outstanding results giving people the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a youthful appearance as they continue to lead longer and more productive lives.

The post Ready To Look Younger? Here Are The Three Most Important Things To Consider. appeared first on Erfani, Sadi (drsadierfani.com).

By Sadi Erfani, MD

What Is A Liquid Facelift?

A liquid facelift is a popular aesthetic treatment that rejuvenates the face and restores a visibly youthful appearance with no surgery. The treatment is accomplished with injections of dermal fillers like Restylane, Juvederm or Perlane and a Botox, Xeomin or Dysport neurotoxin. Liquid face lifts are usually performed for those not quite ready for facelift surgery (typically aged in their late 30’s to mid 40’s), has concerns about operative surgery or is too busy to spare downtime recovery from a facelift.

What Does A Liquid Facelift Do?

A liquid facelift will dramatically enhance loss of fat and volume of the face. Laxness of the skin, shallow cheeks, the appearance of lines on the forehead known as Glabellar lines and wrinkles are common areas attended to with this type of treatment.
A liquid facelift will speedily:

– Plump up the cheek areas
– Correct distinct lining around the mouth known as Marionette lines
– Reduce facial wrinkles
– Fill mild to moderate line, furrow and groove depressions
– Provide smoother appearing looking skin overall

What Is The Difference Between A Liquid Facelift And Surgery?

A liquid facelift is not really a true facelift. It is an excellent treatment involving injectable fillers to rapidly help correct an often tired and gaunt looking appearance for someone not yet readily displaying the progressive signs of more advanced aging. The risk and downtime are minimal. An average session lasts only about 45 minutes. The effect can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months depending on the client skin condition and level of treatment.

True facelift surgery will tighten, lift and restructure deep layers of the skin that have begun to soften and sag with age. Rarely are people thrilled at the idea of having facelift surgery performed, especially if one is older. However, one can expect to enjoy long term and excellent results with skilled nipping and tucking from a highly qualified plastic surgeon (typically 7 years on average). Attention is directed to the bone structure, fat deposits, muscle position and overall skin laxity on the underlying areas of both the face and neck.

Both of these procedures help to fulfill one’s facial rejuvenation goals and fall within the categorical area of plastic surgery, yet they are two separate treatments that produce different results. Often, these procedures are combined to complement each other.

Conclusion

The facial aging process involves the tissue softening of the face that will slowly begin to descend downward, development of wrinkling skin and loss of facial volume especially in the cheek, temple and jowl areas.

A liquid facelift can be ideal for patients that can or want to hold off on surgical intervention. Adding volume through the use of fillers to specific areas of the face can improve and refresh one’s look. However, it is important to determine if one is the right candidate for treatment. Getting expert opinion from a highly qualified plastic surgeon will yield tremendous insight, a desired solution and possible alternatives to consider.

The post A Little Young For Facelift Surgery? Consider A Liquid Facelift. appeared first on Erfani, Sadi (drsadierfani.com).

Stem Cell Banking

By Sadi Erfani, MD

Have you heard of stem cell banking yet? It is a quickly emerging field that ‘dedicated’ plastic surgery clients should consider invaluable to looking their best.

Body fat, commonly referred to as adipose tissue in the medical community is generally harvested for various procedures in cosmetic surgery. This fatty tissue contains an ultra rich stem cell source, Mesenchymal or MSC. MSC stem cells contain incredible self renewing properties and have the amazing ability to be used for highly advanced medical purposes. Surprisingly, any time a cosmetic procedure such as liposuction, tummy tuck, breast augmentation or a fat transfer is performed excess fat that contain these stem cells are removed and then disposed of. The opportunity to harvest this precious genetic material to be used for later applications with stem cell banking exists today.

It is apparent that younger cells are certainly more potent than progressively older aged cells. They multiply themselves much quicker while existing in greater number. Stem cell banking allows for the safe preservation of cellular tissue through cryogenic technology. By using one’s own stored adipose tissue for a future date and for different aesthetic procedures will ensure the best results to regaining a youthful appearance, enhancing a desired area on the body or properly heal if used for reconstructive purposes.

Adipose tissue is often and successfully used for facial transfer procedures on areas such as:

• Nasolabial Folds
• Tear Troughs
• Cheek Hollows
• Peri-Orbital Thinning
• Temporal Thinning
• Neck Lines
• Marionette Lines

Stem cell banking is not only beneficial to plastic surgery, but is crossing over in other medical fields as well. In an area of cell research called tissue engineering, doctors have successfully utilized MSC to generate a new bladder for a patient with bladder cancer, new blood vessels for circulatory diseases and even a new trachea for an accident victim.

Currently, harvested adipose tissue that contains MSC can be safely preserved for a period of five years with no degenerative effects. New advancements with stem cell banking are continually being explored. The opportunity to consistently get amazing plastic surgery results with one’s own younger and more viable body fat would ideally be a quick decision to make.

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