There are certain times throughout the year when we pay a little, or a lot, more attention to our appearance. We want to look our best for special occasions, may become mindful of our shape before summertime, and desire a refresher before the holidays. One of the busiest seasons of the year is about to end, which has us looking forward with that New Year, New You mindset. If your holiday season has left you looking and feeling a bit depleted, we have a few tricks up our sleeves that might help revive your skin and body. Here, we offer a few easy treatment suggestions that can have you sailing right into the new year with a sense of exuberance.
ReFirme™ treatments are one of our two powerful skin-tightening services. This procedure combines infrared light and bipolar radiofrequency to safely and effectively tighten the skin by stimulating new collagen growth. Immediate improvement is noticed thanks to instantaneous collagen tightening. Long-term improvement occurs as the body remodels collagen with healthy new production over time.
For more profound results, some of our patients choose to address their loose, lax skin through Triniti skin-tightening. This process combines the power of the Refirme system with FotoFacial RF and Matrix IR Fractional, each of which targets specific concerns. Triniti is more comprehensive in its targeting of laxity, fine lines and wrinkles, and pigment concerns caused by aging and sun damage.
The loss of volume and firmness in facial tissues is not the only thing about our appearance that changes with age. For many of our patients, this time of year motivates them to address the issue of stubborn fat. Maybe you’ve been following a diet and exercise routine that you’ve carefully developed to reach a goal, and yet you’ve got a problem area. You’re not alone. Weight loss is not all that difficult, but body contouring can be. In our Pottsville and Hazleton offices, we’ve got options to correct those areas.
Liposonix® is a nonsurgical body contouring treatment that employs high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to permanently destroy unwanted fat cells. The body naturally clears the broken down fat cell products over time. Liposonix® treatment takes about an hour. While results do not occur overnight, patients realize about one size difference as the body clears the unwanted fat. This is a huge benefit of Liposonix, that one treatment, taking about one hour, can make you one size smaller.
For more pronounced body contouring, patients might consider “tickle liposuction.” Technically, the procedure is called Nutational Infrasonic Liposculpture (NIL). It is performed using an FDA-approved device that utilizes an air pressure powered cannula (tiny metal tube) to create a patented triple motion of piston-like micro oscillation, rotation, and vibration. This increases efficacy and comfort while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissue.
With a new year ahead, there is a lot to look forward to. More beauty is one example! Contact us to schedule your visit.
Deciding to have plastic surgery is momentous. For most people, it takes months, if not years, to make the decision that surgery is the best approach to their cosmetic concerns. Once the decision is made, the expectation has been set. Most people, once they have consulted with a surgeon, begin imagining what life will be like after surgery. They imagine their new and improved appearance and just know that they will feel happy that they chose to take the path that they did. It is very rare for any other perspective to emerge. There is no inkling whatsoever that feelings of sadness may occur after plastic surgery. Feelings of sadness can occur, so this is an issue that we must discuss.
The term postoperative depression has been used to describe the strong emotional reaction that some people have after a major procedure. This condition is often related to open heart surgery, hysterectomy, or other procedures in which there may be some sense of loss. In such situations, feeling a little blue makes sense. It doesn’t make sense to most people to encounter sadness after a cosmetic procedure, and this can be precisely what makes it so challenging.
Postoperative sadness after plastic surgery is akin to postpartum depression in one major way. In both situations, the affected person feels sad when everything tells them they should feel immensely happy. The conflict here creates confusion, guilt, and can feel very isolating.
Some of the ways that sadness can present after surgery include:
Any surgical procedure is stressful on the body and the mind. This is one of the primary reasons people can feel sad after a successful cosmetic surgery. The nervous system is simply doing what it does to process what has happened “to” the body. Having to rely on others, even for a short time, can exacerbate the emotional aspect of recovery, as well.
Emotional balance will return as the body heals and energy is regained. Patients who experience postoperative sadness tend to feel increasingly better as side effects like swelling, bruising, and discomfort subside, and as they can do more for themselves. However, there is no need to wait it out.
Some ways to attend to emotional needs after surgery include:
The vast majority of people who have plastic surgery are very glad they did. You can be one of them, and we are here to see you through. To schedule a consultation, contact our Pottsville or Hazleton office today.
We’re heading into sweater weather soon, which means we may be dressing in layers of clothing for the next several months. Why would this be a time of year when we would want to think about getting rid of unwanted hair? Shouldn’t that have been a concern we addressed before summer, not after? This is a common school of thought. However, because of the photosensitivity that laser treatments can cause, now is actually a fantastic time to schedule this service.
Here, we discuss a few of the details that patients often want to know before they schedule laser hair removal.
Start your laser hair removal treatments now to be ready in time for smooth sailing next summer. The results from laser hair removal are visible right away. However, to get lasting results, we perform multiple sessions about 6 weeks apart. To schedule your consultation for laser hair removal, contact our Pottsville or Hazleton office.
We have seen time and time again how a single procedure can have a transformative effect on one’s appearance. This is one of the most exciting aspects of what we do! When it comes to breast enhancement, just one little change can make a big impact on body proportions. The question that some patients have is which change they should make. Breasts that have begun to look deflated, droopy, and generally sad can cause a lot of concern on the part of the person who owns them. Because breast augmentation surgery is so well-known, it is natural to assume that this procedure could do wonders to address these concerns. It might. But there is also the option of a breast lift. Here, we discuss details that may help you begin to understand which procedure, or combination thereof, may be ideal for your desired outcome.
As we mentioned, breast augmentation is one of the most well-known of all plastic surgery procedures performed today. This makes it more accessible to more people, but also allows room for some misconceptions to occur. Patients who are interested in enhancing the appearance of their breasts need to discern the minute differences between augmentation and mastopexy (breast lift) in order to achieve the results that are perfect for their bodies.
Breast lift surgery is the procedure that is performed to restore a more youthful breast position. In bringing the breast mound back to a higher position on the chest wall, breast lift surgery can result in a perkier shape. The crease beneath the breast is less obvious, and the nipples project forward. Also, it is possible that the size of the breasts may look slightly smaller due to the removal of bulky tissue that once filled out a bra. In some cases, bra size may decrease up to one cup size. Patients can better understand their risk of this result after consulting with a plastic surgeon.
Breast augmentation is performed to increase the volume of the breasts. This enhancement can improve overall breast shape, correct asymmetry, and improve body proportions. Breast implants fill out the breasts but do not always fill out loose and sagging tissue that covers the breast mound. This is why breast lift surgery may be a better choice in some cases. Inserting breast implants can increase both the size and weight of the breasts and could, therefore, worsen sagging that is not properly addressed.
Is a breast lift ideal for you? Could breast augmentation be your best procedure? Contact our Pottsville or Hazleton office to begin your journey of discovery!
We’ve come to realize that we cannot stop our aging process. Through the ages, humans have developed all sorts of ways to at least slow down its progression. Most recently, research has led to the development of multiple injectable products that can pump up the volume and smooth wrinkles with extraordinary speed. For nothing more than the ease of injectable treatments, many adults easily slip into the notion that surgery is no longer a necessary consideration. This isn’t the case. Here, we discuss how to identify when surgery may be the best option for achieving the results you want.
Treatment that focuses on the use of soft tissue fillers and neuromodulators like Botox is often referred to as a liquid facelift. Doctors and nurse injectors can achieve outstanding results using carefully selected products in specific areas of the face, such as the cheeks, eyes, and jawline. Depending on the products included in the injectable treatment, the rejuvenating results may last up to two years.
The benefits of injectable treatment are obvious. People first choose this route because they don’t need to schedule time off for recovery, do not require prescription painkillers to ease postoperative discomfort, and can see at least some improvement the same day they undergo treatment. Injectables are also pretty accessible in terms of cost, making them more convenient to get than surgery.
Facelift surgery has been performed around the world for many years. The perceived downside to a facelift is that it will look obvious. In the early days of this procedure, when surgeons focused more on tightening the skin and superficial tissue, that may have been true in more cases than not. Today, it’s just a lingering misconception. Facelift surgery today gets to the heart of facial aging. It repositions the fatty tissue and muscle that have descended downward from the cheeks so that a more youthful facial shape is restored. Sure, a facelift can achieve more dramatic results than injectables. It can make a person look about 10 years younger versus 2 or 3 years. However, it does not result in an overly-tightened appearance.
It is a big decision to have a facelift. We understand that. Some of the signs that it may be more appropriate than injectables include:
Facial rejuvenation via surgery has been on the rise. To explore your options, including the Thread Lift, contact us and arrange a visit in Pottsville or Hazleton.
The word “cosmetic” has nearly always been associated with women. Women wear cosmetics, or makeup. For many years, the primary belief was that plastic surgery was also “for women.” This is no longer the predominant thought. As aesthetic medicine has evolved to include less invasive techniques and more natural looking outcomes, the number of men undergoing various procedures and treatments has increased. In 2019 alone, that number was over 1 million. We expect it to continue to climb as men realize there is nothing “girly” about cosmetic treatments, nor their outcomes. Here, we discuss some of the most common aesthetic procedures for men.
Many adults become interested in facial rejuvenation procedures as the signs of aging worsen. The goal of treatment is to achieve a more youthful appearance without diminishing the uniqueness of a person’s natural structural features.
Eyelid rejuvenation has been one of the leading plastic surgery procedures for the past several years. This minimally-invasive surgery may be performed in an outpatient surgery center or the surgeon’s office. It is often performed comfortably using local anesthesia and a mild sedative. Patients need very little downtime after their surgery and are typically ready to go back to work within 2 weeks. Blepharoplasty must be performed carefully for the best results. For men, the blepharoplasty incision may be made slightly different. Skin tightening is also conservative, if done at all after the excision of excess tissue.
Botox and dermal fillers make up the bulk of cosmetic injectable treatments. These techniques are popular because they are conservative, temporary, and convenient. Treatment must be repeated every few months to two years, depending on the product used. To address the signs of aging in men, injectors often use dermal fillers conservatively. Though men’s skin is thicker and may require a higher dose of product, their requests are often for minimal contouring. Our approach to injectables is to tailor dosing to the skin as well as the desired outcome so our patients can enjoy a rejuvenated look that appears completely natural.
Body contouring procedures, like facial procedures, are slightly different for men than women.
Stubborn fat is a frustrating problem that can affect men as easily as it does women. While men tend to find it easier to build muscle thanks to their extra testosterone, mid-life brings changes that can lead to excess fat in various areas. Liposuction is a minimally-invasive procedure performed in an outpatient surgical center or in-office operative. Patients often need only local anesthetic for optimal comfort. Where people often associate liposuction with abdominal fat, men often seek this procedure to remove unwanted fat from the neck and chin areas.
Somewhat less common than liposuction, abdominoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that can give a man back the flat, firm midsection he once had. The tummy tuck removes a moderate layer of fatty tissue (anything more requires liposuction) and it trims excess skin that has become loose and saggy. With just a few weeks of recovery, abdominoplasty offers an outcome that can last indefinitely.
Cosmetic treatments can restore a sense of confidence and satisfaction. Contact our Pottsville or Hazleton office for more information about cosmetic treatments for men.
For many of our patients who have been trying to achieve desired body contours, liposuction can be a real turning point. This procedure doesn’t help with weight loss and it may not be ideal for every person. A healthy lifestyle is still a must. However, having liposuction can be a game-changer in terms of confidence, satisfaction, and even motivation to maintain healthy eating and exercise habits. Here, we’ll discuss which areas of the body tend to do very well with liposuction.
So, can liposuction be performed anywhere on the body? No. This procedure is not performed on the face due to the delicate nature of fat here. When excess fat protrudes under the eyes, for example, instead of liposuction to remove the fat, a doctor will perform either dermal filler injections to hide the puffiness or blepharoplasty to smooth the under eye area.
Are you considering liposuction? Contact our Hazleton or Pottsville office today to schedule your consultation. At your appointment, we can answer any questions you may have about this procedure and how it can help you feel your best.
We tend to see the signs of aging first on the upper face. Horizontal lines show we’ve worried. Frown lines show we’ve concentrated or expressed displeasure. Under eye bags remind us of the value of a good night’s sleep. Crow’s feet show we have laughed and smiled, hopefully a lot. As many memories as there may be in these expression lines, they feel concerning when they make us look older. So concerning, in fact, that we may miss how aging settles on the lower face. At some point, we start to see heaviness in the hollows beneath the cheekbones. We see jowls at the jawline and sagging skin or excessive fat beneath the chin. These signs of aging change the structure of the face. Fortunately, there are ways to address them.
We love helping adults of all ages feel their best. When the signs of aging alter the face’s youthful “Y” shape into more of an inverted “V,” we perform specific treatments that restore firmness and shape. It doesn’t always take surgery to do this, either.
Facial rejuvenation need not be impossible nor difficult. We have several treatment options for you to explore. To do so, contact our Hazleton or Pottsville office today.
Most people who plan to undergo plastic surgery expect to have to wear a compression garment afterward. This garment, primarily made of nylon and some type of spandex, is a crucial aspect of post-operative recovery. Fortunately, most garments are carefully made to accomplish the goal of gently pressing on an area. They are rarely overly-tight and uncomfortable. Still, because they do fit snuggly, compression garments can sometimes feel like a bit of a nuisance. Patients sometimes wonder why they need to adhere to the guideline of wearing compression. We discuss that here.
Compression garments are worn at all times after surgery to assist with several aspects of healing.
In the past year, many people who had never thought they would have plastic surgery have decided to take that leap. If you’re interested in learning more about a particular procedure, schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. We’d love to see you in our Pottsville or Hazleton office.
Breast shape is comprised of several nuanced factors. We pay a lot of attention to size as a general guide of nice-looking breasts. However, we shouldn’t view size as the primary factor in having beautiful breasts. Without ideal perkiness, size could become detrimental to appearance. Here, we discuss why breasts may sag over time and what you might do to help yourself out in the breast department.
Breast tissue is fatty, glandular, and connective. Three different layers of tissue all contribute to contouring. The layer of connective tissue is related to shape and perkiness, as it contains “the cooper’s ligaments.” These suspensory ligaments are threads that form a matrix that suspends, lifts, breast tissue. With age, these ligaments can stretch and weaken. In addition to changes in connective tissue, we also experience changes in the firmness and thickness of the skin. Without a lot of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, the skin also loses resiliency.
We know the biological factors of drooping breasts, but what about the factors that relate to them? Some of the most common reasons that breasts lose their perkiness include:
It is impossible to prevent breast sag. It happens to every woman at some point. However, it may be possible to reduce the severity of the problem with the following:
Sagging breasts are a problem for many women, regardless of breast size or age. The ultimate solution? A breast lift! If you would like to learn more about this procedure, contact our Pottsville or Hazleton office to arrange a consultation.
In our Hazleton and Pottsville offices, we frequently consult with men and women about their body contouring goals. Liposuction is often a topic of interest because, let’s face it, many of us have an area where we can pinch an inch or more of excess fatty tissue. While liposuction has been a popular procedure for many years and is known for achieving excellent results for the right patients, there is value in also exploring nonsurgical options like Liposonix. We have performed this procedure on many of our patients and are pleased to say that it has proven itself effective.
Adults have many options in nonsurgical body contouring these days. We have carefully selected treatment options because we know that results matter. LipoSonix is a nonsurgical treatment platform that destroys fat cells using focused ultrasound waves. This technology allows us to selectively reduce fat in areas where contouring often needs the most improvement: the midsection. Abdominal fat has been a common problem that adults have tried to eliminate using a plethora of strategies. The thing about abdominal fat is that some people are genetically predisposed to it. That doesn’t mean that diet and exercise cannot help. It means that even with good eating habits and a healthy, active lifestyle, a small amount of fat may linger. For such situations, LipoSonix nonsurgical fat reduction may be ideal.
If you are one of the millions of people who are struggling with that last 10 to 15 pounds around your midsection, LipoSonix may be an excellent treatment to improve your shape. The treatment takes about one hour and, according to clinical data, can reduce the waistline by up to one inch. That’s about one pant or dress size. During treatment, ultrasound waves permeate superficial tissue without causing harm. Energy is absorbed into subcutaneous fatty tissue, where disruption occurs to cell membranes. The body eliminates the damaged cells through natural lymphatic processing.
LipoSonix is the result of 10 years of research and testing. The device has developed quite a reputation for safe, consistent results as it has been used in Canada, Japan, and Europe for several years. It has been common in the United States since 2011 and continues to be popular today.
As we start to look forward to more outdoor time this summer, many people are contemplating how they can refine their shape after gaining the COVID 15 or 20. LipoSonix may be the solution that feels right for you. To explore this option and compare it to liposuction, schedule a consultation at our Hazleton or Pottsville office.
Plastic surgery procedures were on the rise for years before the pandemic that struck early last year. Much to our surprise, the field has thrived throughout the periodic lockdowns and mask mandates. It does not seem as though interest in plastic surgery and other beauty treatments will diminish anytime soon. What has begun to change from previous years is the trends that drive plastic surgery consultations.
For several years, plastic surgery trends revolved around the body. We had the “year of the butt” that lasted quite some time and involved thousands of buttocks augmentation procedures. Body contouring was also a driving trend for many years. Adults underwent liposuction, abdominoplasty, and other lifts and tucks to sculpt their bodies. Last year, we saw a massive shift. While body contouring continues to achieve outstanding results, we’re seeing more interest in facial rejuvenation than we have in years. There are two primary reasons.
One of the big changes that occurred as a result of the novel coronavirus was that many people shifted into a work-from-home situation. Working from home lent more flexibility to daily scheduling. People had time to schedule beauty treatments or plastic surgery because they had more time to recover at home. The work-from-home situation also put people in front of a screen far more often than they were used to. Video conferencing allowed us to see our coworkers, but it also allowed us to see ourselves in real-time, and that led to the identification of beauty goals. Perhaps you’ve made a few of your own in the past year.
As we saw in 2020, we expect trends to remain focused on facial rejuvenation for the remainder of this year, too. Treatments that are commonly sought include:
We have several ways to help you feel your best in 2021. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
We all make numerous decisions every day. Because our days are similar from one to the next, most of our decisions are made without really thinking about them. Cream in the coffee, check. Brush teeth before bed, check. We do these things without considering the advantages and disadvantages of our choices every single time. There are situations, however, where that level of contemplation is an absolute must. Having a tummy tuck is one of them. Here, we discuss why your reasons for wanting abdominoplasty matter.
There are several reasons a person may give for wanting to address abdominal laxity. Motivations must be personal for every person, not made to please anyone but the patient. Common healthy reasons for a tummy tuck include the following.
If you’ve had children or have lost weight, you may be left with loose, sagging tissue in your midsection. In your mind’s eye, you can recall when your tummy was flatter and tighter. A tummy tuck is performed to meet your specific needs so that you can look as good as you once did, if not better.
Confidence is not created by our appearance but the two are related. Numerous studies have confirmed this theory. When you have that image in your mind’s eye of what your body used to or could look like, and that image is not what you see in the mirror, you’re bound to have an emotional response. This is only natural. Addressing loose and sagging abdominal tissue rewards you with harmony between how you see yourself and how you see yourself, if you know what we mean. Your self-image is what you will see in the mirror. In addition to looking like your best self and feeling confident about that, your tummy tuck can also expand your clothing options to include more form-fitting fashions without unsightly bulges.
A tummy tuck is not done to help a person lose weight. It is designed for muscle and tissue looseness. The procedure is a great complement to a healthy lifestyle that supports weight management and muscle tone. With healthy habits firmly in place before surgery, patients can enjoy lasting improvements from their abdominoplasty.
Learn more about the benefits of a tummy tuck. Schedule your consultation at our Pottsville or Hazleton office today.
Men, we get it. You’re not known for wearing your hearts on your sleeves. Feelings are something that most men keep close. When health matters like gynecomastia arise, such uncomfortable feelings may come up that having a conversation about them feels impossible. We have met with many men who took the courageous step to schedule a consultation to discuss male breast enlargement. Our conversations with them have taught us how challenging it is to live with this condition. If you have signs of gynecomastia, enlarged male breasts, we encourage you to stop hiding under large clothes or compression garments, to stop trying to exercise your chest into shape, and to call our office today.
There is a common misconception about gynecomastia that it may somehow be a man’s fault. This is untrue. Men who have enlarged breasts do not get that way because they are overweight. They get that way for reasons outside of their control. Related to weight or not, gynecomastia has a genetic component. Scientists believe that the problem could have something to do with a man having too much estrogen compared to testosterone. This hormonal imbalance creates susceptibility to breast overgrowth.
More information has become available in recent years, leading to greater understanding as well as more confusion than is necessary. Because gynecomastia has ties to hormones, some companies have developed supplements that claim to eradicate the excess tissue. This can be a potentially dangerous approach. While gynecomastia surgery is, well, surgery, it is also the most direct and reliable way of addressing this condition.
Gynecomastia surgery is a personalized procedure that is designed around each patient’s unique anatomy and the severity of overgrowth. In some cases, liposuction is an appropriate approach. However, some men need breast gland removal. Some need surgical skin-tightening. Ultimately, a plastic surgeon develops procedures to achieve outstanding, lasting results that free a man to live his most confident life.
If you or someone you love is living with gynecomastia, there is no need to suffer in silence. Let’s have a conversation that could change your life for the better! Contact our Pottsville or Hazleton office to schedule a consultation.
The vast majority of cosmetic treatments performed today involve injectables. Most injectable treatments are intended for wrinkle-reduction. Botox, perhaps the most well-known injectable, reduces wrinkles that are caused by muscle movements in the upper-face region. Dermal fillers like Juvéderm reduce wrinkles and other problems caused by a loss of volume in the deeper tissues of the skin. And then there is Sculptra. This product sits in a class of its own. The problem is no unique class has been established, so Sculptra is bulked with all other dermal fillers. Here, we compare how two popular products, Juvéderm and Sculptra, compare.
Juvéderm is referred to as a dermal filler, which is correct. However, we must clarify that there is not a single Juvéderm product; it’s an entire line of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers under one brand name. All Juvéderm fillers are made of the same base ingredient. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring chemical that the body uses to lock in moisture in important structures, including the joints, eyes, and skin. As a dermal filler, hyaluronic acid traps water molecules in a target area. The addition of water plumps the skin to eradicate lines and creases or build volume to rejuvenate facial contours. Juvéderm products are used to plump the lips, reduce nasolabial folds, augment the cheeks, eliminate undereye bags, and more. Results are immediate and can last from a few months to 2 years.
We call Sculptra a dermal filler but it does not act like other fillers. When a person receives Sculptra, they do not see immediate results. That’s not the intent. Rather than immediately fill lines and wrinkles, Sculptra is administered to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is the protein that supports tissue firmness and suppleness. The decline in collagen can result in gaunt or hollow areas. Common uses of Sculptra include volume restoration in the temple and cheek areas. This restoration occurs gradually, so no one knows you’ve had injectables. While a series of 2 to 3 Sculptra sessions are scheduled to achieve optimal results, studies suggest that benefits can last two or more years.
There is no “perfect” dermal filler. This is why we have so many options. Within those, we can find the perfect injectable for you. Call our Hazleton or Pottsville office today to schedule your consultation and treatment.
