Do the holidays ever have you feeling a bit like Cinderella? You’ve slaved away all year to get your business off the ground or to prove yourself at work, and now is the season in which you can let your hair down a bit. We all tend to feel a little less stressed, a little more jovial, as the holidays approach. At the same time, the increase in social activity may create some self-consciousness. Those cosmetic concerns that we have not yet taken care of may be the star of the show in holiday photos. This doesn’t have to be. If you want to adore every surprise photo that is taken of you in the coming weeks, schedule a visit with us now. Here’s how your pre-holiday beauty boost can look.
The skin ages in unique ways, and it all has to do with the cells. Aging itself affects how cells behave. Environmental factors like sun exposure also affect cells, causing some to produce more melanin (pigment). Laser treatments can refresh the skin by targeting spots, blood vessels, and cells.
Injectable treatment may be the fastest and most convenient way to refresh the face before the holiday season kicks off. Although the results of injectables are not permanent, they are long-lasting. Patients appreciate that this approach to facial rejuvenation doesn’t come with any downtime. Consider how injectables like Botox and dermal fillers can help you reduce:
There are so many ways to refresh your look before the holidays, the only thing to do is get an appointment on the books. To do so, contact our Hazleton or Pottsville office.
In our last post, we discussed some of the steps you can take to prepare for your mommy makeover procedure. In addition to preparation steps, another common question that patients have is what they can expect during their recovery. Seeing that a mommy makeover involves multiple surgical techniques, it makes sense that many patients will feel slightly uneasy as their surgery approaches. We find that, when recovery is explained, there is a lot less stress and a lot more excitement surrounding surgery.
The team in our Pottsville and Hazleton offices has done this before. Many times. We’ve got you covered with assistance before and after your mommy makeover. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
It is no secret that pregnancy and motherhood change a woman in more ways than one. As a reputable plastic surgery practice, we help women address the physical aspects of their body that they want to regain. Mommy makeover treatment is popular for several reasons. One is that the series of procedures involved in the process is completely customized to each patient. The list goes on and on but it does not answer common questions patients have, like how to make the most of their treatment process. This month, we will thoroughly discuss this topic, starting with pre-operative preparations.
Research several plastic surgeons, then whittle your list down to two or three. Schedule a consultation with each and ask all of your questions. Consider the comfort you feel with each physician, their experience with mommy makeovers, and the feedback you get from other patients in the form of testimonials or direct contact.
Once you have selected your surgeon:
Mommy makeover treatment offers numerous benefits for patients who want to feel great about their body. In our next post, we will discuss more about what to expect after your mommy makeover. For more information, schedule a consultation in our Pottsville or Hazleton office.
For centuries, we humans have perceived full, defined lips as one of the hallmarks of youthful beauty. It is no secret that lip augmentation is one of the trendiest treatments at the moment. In fact, over 30,000 patients had lift lip augmentation surgery in 2018 (up by 66 percent since 2000). Each year, more than 2 million nonsurgical lip enhancing treatments are performed using dermal fillers. Because both methods of lip enhancement are popular, we find it beneficial to discuss how they compare.
Many people lean toward nonsurgical treatments, especially for facial rejuvenation. At first glance, injectable look like they offer a lot. They can, but not for every person. Soft tissue fillers work by increasing volume. The lip fillers that are commonly used are made with hyaluronic acid. This organic substance increases the plumpness of the lips by drawing water molecules into the tissue. Hyaluronic acid then traps these molecules and holds them in place for several months. To improve symmetry, fullness, and definition, lip fillers are administered into the deeper layers of the skin in a procedure that takes only about 15 minutes. From this time, results typically last up to 12 months.
A lip lift requires an incision and a few stitches. It requires a local anesthetic and may also include a mild sedative, but no general anesthesia. For this reason, the procedure is referred to as lip lift surgery. However, the treatment takes place in the office and does not involve nearly the same commitment to recovery as most surgical procedures.
The purpose of a lip lift differs from dermal fillers. Ultimately, the goal is to restore the youthful, sensual shape of the lips. However, the process through which this is achieved is different. During a lip lift, an incision is made at the base of the nose. When the incision heals, a barely perceptible scar may remain in the center column of tissue that separates the nostrils. Through this tiny incision, the superficial tissue and skin between the nose and the upper lip are carefully repositioned. The excess is trimmed and the incision is closed with one or more sutures.
Lip lift treatment may be ideal for people who have 1.5 centimeters or more of excess skin between their nose and mouth. The procedure can correct thin lips, an elongated upper lip, and may also improve the position of the corners of the mouth so they do not turn downward. After treatment, the definition and shape of the upper lift are improved, which can create the illusion of fullness.
If you know you want to improve the appearance of your lips but aren’t sure which technique is right for you, we can help. Contact our Pottsville or Hazleton office today to schedule your consultation for lip enhancement.
A recall of any kind can feel somewhat disturbing. The FDA’s recent position on a certain type of textured breast implant may be a relatively small recall. It has, however, created quite a stir. If you have breast implants, this recall may have you questioning your future decisions. We understand why; the event hits a little too close to home for many women. Here, we want to discuss what is known about the recent FDA recall on BioCell textured breast implants and what your next steps might be.
The details of the recall can be outlined momentarily. First, we answer the question on many women’s minds. This recall does not mean that your breast implants need to be removed. This recall doesn’t even mean that all women with recalled breast implants should have them removed. Here’s why.
Included in the FDA’s request for recall are Allergan’s Natrelle textured breast implants. Both saline and silicone devices are involved, as are the line’s highly-cohesive anatomically shaped silicone implants. Additionally, tissue expanders (Natrelle 133) with and without suture tabs are a part of the recall group. This selection of implants is used much less frequently than smooth breast implants. According to the FDA, instances of the complication that led to the recall are limited to about 10% of patients.
What is that complication? A higher risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). The FDA has analyzed data since 2011, when the first instances of BIA-ALCL were noted. The recall occurred as a result of clear numbers showing that 481 out of 573 cases of this rare lymphoma affected women with Natrelle textured breast implants.
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, called BIA-ALCL, is a type of lymphoma that originates in the capsule that forms around textured breast implants. It is not uncommon for fluid to accumulate in the breast capsule. In cases of BIA-ALCL, the problem is that some of the lymphocytes in this fluid mutate into cancerous cells.
When contained around the breast implant, surgery to remove implants from both breasts, and also to remove the capsular tissue, is highly successful in eradicating the disease. When cancerous cells migrate to nearby lymph nodes, treatment may need to expand to include chemotherapy. The FDA has stated that 93% of treated cases have been very successful, with patients maintaining a cancer-free state for three years or more.
It is recommended for women with breast implants to undergo routine mammograms and, for silicone implants, MRI screening every two years. Additionally, a full exam should be scheduled if symptoms such as swelling, pain, or changes in size or shape occur.
If you have questions about your breast implants, get the answers you need from a qualified professional. Contact our Pottsville or Hazleton office for assistance.
If we were to look at the classic figure of the Barbie doll, we would fall for the notion that all female bodies look the same. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way from the days in which women tried to achieve a specific look. Today, breast enhancement looks much different than it once did. Women are free to express their unique concerns and desires for their body. One of the trends we have seen intensify is a lean toward a completely natural appearance. There are two ways to achieve outstanding results, but each technique needs to be explored for its unique benefits.
Breast enhancement is a term that is often interchanged with breast augmentation. In fact, one doesn’t mean the other. Breast augmentation is a surgical technique intended solely for the addition of volume in the breasts. The procedure inserts silicone or saline breast implants beneath the breast or muscle tissue to fill out the area. Optimal results from breast augmentation are achieved when the skin and connective tissue that overlies the breasts are firm and elastic.
Breast lift surgery is recommended when the skin and connective tissue over the breasts have loosened. Tissue laxity in the breast area may occur as a result of aging or breastfeeding or even from breast size and weight. Inserting implants beneath tissue that has lost elasticity and firmness may enlarge the breasts but will not do much to improve the overall appearance of the body. In fact, a woman may feel more self-conscious about her breasts if they are larger but less perky.
Realizing that breast implants may place more weight on the chest muscles and skin, many women choose to fully enhance their breasts with a combination breast lift and augmentation. Together, these procedures fill out deflated breast tissue and ensure that the settled breasts sit nicely on the chest wall. Aside from the maximized outcome, a combination of breast lift and augmentation also streamlines recovery into one process.
Learn more about how breast enhancement may look for you. Schedule a consultation in our Hazleton or Pottsville office.
Sleep is one of the cornerstones of good health. More than providing us with the rest we need to succeed in our ultra-busy society, sleep is the catalyst for physical rejuvenation and healing. Knowing this, plastic surgery patients can give themselves permission to rest as much as their body dictates after their selected procedure. Depending on the type of surgery, though, sleep can be somewhat of a challenge.
Tummy tuck surgery is performed to restore muscle tone to the abdomen. The procedure achieves outstanding outcomes by surgically repositioning the abdominal muscle and trimming excess that has become loose. Understandably, when abdominal tissue is altered from a very loose state to one that is flat and tight, it takes time for settling to occur. After a tummy tuck, this can be 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, it is not possible to sleep on the side or the stomach. This can be a challenge for many patients but not one that is insurmountable.
Dr. Kimmel’s patients are encouraged to sleep only on their back while they are recovering from abdominoplasty. Because pressure and strain on incisions should be minimized, it is also necessary to sleep in a somewhat included position. This can be achieved by sleeping on several pillows or in a recliner. Even in a recliner, some patients like to place a pillow behind their head and one under their knees. This slightly inclined position may also be more comfortable on a sofa than in a bed.
Some of the ways that good sleep can be fostered after abdominoplasty include:
Dr. Kimmel has been providing outstanding care to patients in the Pottsville and Hazleton areas for more than 20 years. During this time, he has performed thousands of face, breast and body procedures. Schedule a consultation in an office near you to discover the benefits of a customized tummy tuck.
In a recent study published by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, it was reported that approximately 70 percent of consumers are contemplating a non-invasive cosmetic treatment. This is nearly twice as many people as there was in 2013. We don’t really need statistical data to prove that most Americans are interested in looking their best. We can know this by talking with friends and colleagues. It’s that simple. What’s not as simple is ensuring that, as we seek information regarding surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, we are receiving reliable facts.
The whole purpose of undergoing a cosmetic treatment is to feel better about how we look. This is the reason given by more than 7,000 people surveyed, that they want to look as young as they feel and they want to feel confident in their appearance. With this being the objective, we see even more value in guiding our patients to the best information available. And, yes, it can be found on YouTube. You just have to know what to look for.
YouTube has become a common place for consumers to search terms including “lip fillers,” “facelift,” “nose job,” “eyelid surgery,” and more. Some of the most common procedures that people are interested in include laser treatments and body contouring, for which there are both surgical and nonsurgical techniques. According to a study conducted by researchers at Rutgers University, the 240 top YouTube videos (most frequently viewed plastic surgery videos) had more than 160 million views between them. The problem they found was that many of them were lacking when it came to nonbiased information.
Reputable online presentations discussing plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures need two things. One is a board-certified plastic surgeon. The other is factual details regarding treatments. Dr. Kimmel is honored to be featured on numerous videos presented on Body Beautiful by Sam-Son Productions. On the Body Beautiful channel, prospective patients have the opportunity to gather first-hand information regarding various cosmetic treatments from an experienced surgeon.
Educated patients are the most confident patients. If you’re considering a surgical or nonsurgical procedure, get the clear details you need. Tune in to Body Beautiful by Sam-Son Productions on YouTube. If you’re in the Hazelton or Pottsville area, obtain procedure information in a face-to-face consultation with Dr. Kimmel. Contact an office near you to schedule your visit.
There is an old adage that says “beauty is only skin deep.” Its message has been translated in a variety of ways. Ultimately, the proverb relates to the value of character over physical appearance. We’re going to trust that our patients have the inner traits that make them beautiful from the inside out. Now, what about that outside? It’s one thing to feel beautiful as a person; it’s another to feel beautiful when you look in the mirror.
We gain a great deal of joy from helping people marry the two: their outer appearance and their inner vibrancy. One way we do this is with quality skin care that supports aging tissues. Multiple studies have shown that the skin benefits greatly from the daily effort we make to nourish it. Here, we discuss just how easy it is to promote healthy skin day in and day out.
The very basis of a good skin care regimen is the act of cleansing the epidermis. Dr. Kimmel has developed an entire skincare line with products suitable for every skin type. The first product for daily use is a pure glycolic acid foaming cleanser. The purpose of washing every morning and every night is to break down excess oil and wash away debris like dirt and makeup that would otherwise become trapped in the pores. In addition to glycolic acid, the KSC foaming cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid to exfoliate dead and damaged cells in the gentlest way.
The skin needs moisture to remain vital and healthy. Moisturizing is a step that will change throughout the year and also throughout the years. What one needs in their twenties will be quite different than what their fifty-year-old skin will need. One of the ingredients all skin can benefit from is hyaluronic acid. This sugar compound exists in the body naturally. It is also the base of most dermal fillers. Why? Because hyaluronic acid attracts water molecules and binds to them. Applied topically, a hyaluronic acid serum traps moisture in the upper layer of the skin for several hours. Used regularly, this medical-grade product promotes healthy cosmetic aging.
The skin has particular behaviors, all of which are dictated by the energy within cells like fibroblasts. It is in these cells where collagen is made. The various cells that determine the appearance of the skin respond to specific ingredients. Skin serums that contain antioxidants, peptides, and other nutrients boost the activity and physical liveliness of the cells so the skin is optimally supported.
We are proud to offer one-of-a-kind skin care in our Pottsville and Hazelton offices. Contact us to learn more.
Each year, several thousand people turn to liposuction to get a better shape. This procedure has been performed by plastic surgeons for many years. It has continually performed so well that it has been listed as a leading cosmetic procedure year after year. Still, there are common misconceptions about this body-contouring technique that keep some people in an area of dissatisfaction. Here, we want to discuss a few points about liposuction that can help you make the most informed decision about your potential treatment.
One of the primary factors that leads to patient satisfaction is expectation. To this day, misconception about liposuction helping with weight loss are far too common. When a patient expects to see a drop on the scale after undergoing liposuction, they are bound to be disappointed. Liposuction is intended as a body-shaping procedure, not a weight loss tool. The technique that is used on a local area such as the thighs or abdomen reduces fatty tissue but not to such a degree that weight changes. This doesn’t mean there aren’t significant benefits to liposuction. To see them, you’ll need to look no further than the mirror.
Weight management is an important topic of discussion when planning liposuction. One should neither believe that liposuction will change the shape of their body forever or that fat will quickly return after liposuction. What needs to be expressed here is that weight management continues to be important after a body contouring procedure of any kind. Liposuction does remove fat cells forever. No new cells replace those that have been removed. On the other hand, where there are fat cells, there is a chance for increase. Fat cells enlarge in relation to diet and exercise habits. Knowing this, one is in the prime position to enjoy long-lasting results from their procedure.
Do you have questions about liposuction? Get accurate information straight from the source. Contact our Pottsville or Hazleton office to arrange a convenient consultation with Dr. Kimmel and our friendly, experienced staff.
As much as you may appreciate the man in your life, he may be incredibly difficult to shop for. Moms are relatively easy to please; just pick up a lusciously-scented candle or body lotion and she’s smiling for months. Dads, on the other hand, leave us guessing. Come Father’s Day or any other occasion on which a special guy could receive some love, we’re often left scratching our head. Here, we want to point out that it’s not too late to recognize the man in your life in a big way.
Recent studies have confirmed something we’ve overlooked for years, that men are, in fact, interested in looking good. We call this beauty in any other realm, but not when it comes to men. Therefore, we may don’t connect the dots between gifts for Dad and beauty. We should. In our offices, Dad could be treated to a number of convenient treatments that bring out his best.
The general appearance of a man’s skin can be affected by two things: aging and hair. We’ve got solutions for both:
Reframing the way we look at beauty as it relates to the average man can open doors to the best gift-giving ever. Call our Hazleton or Pottsville office to learn more about treatments Dad might love.
Breast surgery is a big decision for any woman to make. Whether going larger or smaller or just refining the shape that’s already there, breast surgery offers the opportunity to feel better about one’s body. We’ve known this for many years; that women can experience profound effects from surgery like breast reduction. Frankly, from our perspective, it’s interesting that anyone is still studying this point. Because they are, we presume the information gained may benefit someone who may not be as familiar with plastic surgery as we are.
The study Breast Hypertrophy, Reduction Mammaplasty, and Body Image, published in the October 2018 issue of Aesthetic Surgery Journal, has confirmed that women who undergo breast reduction surgery achieve both physical and emotional gains from their decision. The Brazilian study questioned and examined 100 women scheduled for breast reduction as well as another group of women categorized as having normal sized breasts.
Women with normal sized breasts made up the control group of the study while the other 100 participants were interested in reducing breast size. Each woman in the study answered questionnaires and underwent exams such as a body investment scale and body dysmorphic disorder assessment. Exams and questionnaires were completed before any participants underwent breast reduction. These were repeated six months after surgery.
Comparing postoperative data to preoperative information, researchers determined that women in the breast reduction group demonstrated improved scores postoperatively whereas women in the control group demonstrated the same scores after surgery as they did before.
The question about breast reduction surgery, like any breast surgery, is whether or not the procedure and subsequent recovery time are worth it. This recent study is one more confirmation that it absolutely can be worth it to reduce breasts that feel too large. Women who reduce their breast size frequently express significant improvement in self-confidence. Not only are they more satisfied with their body but they also feel much less inhibited in professional and social situations once their breasts no longer get unwanted attention.
We value communication with our patients and believe that a well-informed patient is one that is more likely to be satisfied with the outcome of their selected treatment. Would you like to know more about breast reduction surgery? Contact us to schedule a consultation.
We wear a lifetime of memories on our face. In some ways, this can feel good. We may love our memories and, at the same time, wish for our face to go back to the way it once was. There is a way to have both. Facial rejuvenation treatments range from eyelid and brow lift surgery to mini facelifts to full face and neck lifts and even include several nonsurgical modalities. Each technique offers unique benefits. Some are appealing because they carry no downtime and others are appealing because they achieve results that last many years. Whichever you choose, you want to know what comes next.
Facial rejuvenation turns the hands of time but does not stop the aging process. Therefore, what comes next focuses on slowing the effects of aging. Fortunately, studies have given us plenty of data to understand aging and how to manage it on a cellular level. We want to share a few strategies here.
Aging occurs on a chemical level in the body. At various ages, certain processes slow or stop. As it pertains to the skin and superficial tissue, it is the decrease in collagen production that is of particular interest. Collagen is a protein that heals wounds and also that firms the skin and tissue that lies beneath it. In our early twenties, the production of collagen begins to slow down. By middle age, our collagen-producing abilities may be down to a slow crawl. Some people take collagen supplements to boost this protein but some studies indicate that it is vitamin C that really does the body good. Vitamin C is a stimulating nutrient that supports ongoing collagen production when taken daily. In addition to vitamin C, experts recommend consuming plenty of water and healthy fats such as avocado oil or olive oil to support the skin’s natural elasticity.
We mentioned that vitamin C is integral to the body’s collagen-producing capabilities. You may have noticed that vitamin C is also a top ingredient in many skincare products. The reason that vitamin C is recommended for topical application is that it has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants fight free radicals, erratic cells that can cause premature aging. Along with vitamin C products, broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must-have for skin of all ages. The ultraviolet light in the sun’s rays degrades collagen fibers. Sunscreen filters those rays or reflects them so their effect on the skin is much less.
At Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Center, we want each of our patients to achieve results that last as long as possible. For more information on our facial rejuvenation services, schedule a consultation with our friendly team.
Smooth, silky skin is a gift most of us wish we had all the time. The continual investment made into shaving, plucking, waxing, and trimming can go on for a lifetime if we let it. In recent years, more and more people are saying “no more!” With laser hair removal, this is entirely possible. If you want to eliminate the need to shave weekly, or daily, and still enjoy beautifully smooth skin, you may be interested in learning more about what laser hair removal can do. Here, we offer a few details.
Laser hair removal is an office treatment that can take about an hour to complete. A series of treatments is necessary to achieve lasting results, but these are scheduled about 8 weeks apart so they are completely convenient. Treatment works by vaporizing hair in the follicles at the time of treatment. The heat from the laser beam also disables hair follicles bit by bit. This is how hair growth is halted.
Treatment can be performed on a variety of areas, including the bikini area, legs, underarms, face, arms, and back, to name a few.
Many people imagine that getting hair “vaporized” right out of their hair follicles must be painful. It’s not. Here’s the trick: shave before your treatment. Laser light works by absorbing into the pigment in hair. When hair is solely within the follicle, it is destroyed so quickly that minimal sensation is felt. In this scenario, patients typically feel no more than a snap on the skin. If there is more length through which laser light must travel, there is a higher likelihood of feeling more intense sensations during treatment.
While it’s necessary to complete the recommended series of treatments to get lasting results, laser hair removal begins working immediately. After the very first treatment, the skin will be smoother and hair growth will occur at a slower rate. When hair does start to grow in due to the natural cycle of hair follicles, it is usually much lighter and thinner than before. With each subsequent treatment, the growth process is slower until it finally stops.
One of the biggest questions people have about laser hair removal is whether their results will be permanent. This can be a tricky question to answer because some people never experience regrowth after hair removal. However, a better term would probably be “semi-permanent.” In most situations, hair growth is permanently altered by laser hair removal. However, some people do notice rogue hairs growing here and there some time after their series of treatments. This can be addressed with a touch-up treatment as needed.
It’s not too late to get smooth skin before summer. Call our Pottsville or Hazleton office to schedule your laser hair removal consultation.
At Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Center, we get a great deal of satisfaction from helping our patients feel like their best selves. In most instances, it doesn’t take much to achieve this. Even the treatment that has become known as a mommy makeover can be extremely simple in the greater context of bringing out the best in a person’s body. Here we offer five facts about mommy makeover treatment that you may not know.
The term mommy makeover is commonly used to describe a group of procedures that restore tone and shape to the areas that change during pregnancy, such as the breasts and stomach. However, procedures such as breast lift or augmentation, liposuction, and abdominoplasty can benefit many people, not just those who have had children.
When you want to feel better about your appearance and plastic surgery is the answer, there are numerous techniques that may be employed. Yes, breast augmentation and lifting, tummy tucks, and liposuction are common to the mommy makeover. However, patients may also choose to incorporate techniques such as a thigh or arm lift or even facial procedures into their customized treatment plan.
While surgery is beneficial for a number of reasons, patients undergoing a makeover may also choose certain nonsurgical techniques to achieve maximum effect. These include laser or light treatments to reduce hyperpigmentation on the face or other areas, Liposonix to melt away small pockets of fat, and even injectables like Botox, dermal fillers, or Kybella to refresh the face.
It is a beautiful thing to bring new life into the world. It is possible to revel in being a mother and also desire a do-over for your body. Our team works with women of all ages to customize treatment to meet their needs and goals for a body that portrays who they are on the inside. Undergoing a mommy makeover means taking a couple of weeks to focus on your own recovery, after which point you are able to fully reengage in mommy-hood with a new sense of confidence.
Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Center has offices in Pottsville and Hazleton. Contact us to schedule your consultation to discuss what a mommy makeover can do for you.
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