Fixing Pesky Lip Winkles
May 23rd, 2012
Lip wrinkles or sometimes referred to as “smokers lines,†are the lines that radiate out from the lip margin. They can be the result of aging, sun exposure, smoking, and /or genetics. They often may make a person look older. Women generally dislike them because their lipstick runs into the wrinkles, giving a pronounced pursed look. Skin resurfacing may reduce these wrinkles, but this procedure frequently carries a possible downside. Invariably there is bleaching of the skin, which more often than not requires make-up to conceal.
Fortunately there are other choices to reduce lip lines. Injectable materials have made a dramatic contribution in the area of treating these wrinkles. Filler materials are currently the first line of defense. Products like Restylane, Juvederm, and Perlane are a few of the ever-increasing number of dermal filler type materials on the market today. They are injected under the skin and actually fill in the lines. These newer products are based on a hyaluronic acid formulation, a natural component of your normal skin. Interestingly, when lip lines become apparent, there is frequently a loss of lip size or fullness at the same time. Not only can the lines be corrected, but the lips can be restored to more youthful size and shape, as well.
It is important to seek qualified professional advice when considering these procedures. Most cosmetic surgeons do not charge for patient consultations. Here are some links for locations near you. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and Dermatology Clinic Directory.
Pick your nose! Nose Nipntucks
April 5th, 2012
Plastic surgeons most often want to give you what you want. I really think this stems from a profound sense of responsibility regarding patients placed in a physician’s care. This responsibility is firmly instilled in young residents during plastic surgery training.
Patients frequently bring in pictures saying, “I want my nose to look like this.†Several factors dictate whether this nipntuck request represents realistic expectations. It is important to understand the possibilities and limitations presented by the anatomy of a particular nose, the aesthetics of the individual facial structure and desires of the patient.
Modern rhinoplasty philosophy and techniques do give us a vast number of combinations with regards to nose surgery. We are able to either increase or decrease the size of any part of your nose. For example, a surgeon might increase the height of the bridge of the nose, while decreasing the width of the tip.
Unfortunately, these techniques are not as precise as sculpting a piece of metal or clay. In addition, your body will do some sculpting of its own while healing. On occasion, carefully placed cartilage grafts will be absorbed (lost) by your body, perhaps requiring revision surgery. Finally, complications can and do occur. Several of my patients have shared their experience with having a rhinoplasty or nose job.
Photo is Lisa during her recovery. Click here to read Lisa’s blog and see some film clips of actual surgery.
As the saying goes, “You can pick your friends, you can pick your nose, but you can’t pick your friend’s nose!â€
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