I am developing "bags" under my eyes. How can I get rid of them?

Protruding fat pads around the lower lids create the appearance of "bags". Removing the fat and tightening the skin improves the overall appearance around the eyes. Two different techniques are available depending on age and skin elasticity. The first uses an incision under the lower lid lashline. The fat is removed and excess skin is excised. In the second technique, an incision is made inside the lower eyelid and the fat removed. Another alternative is the use of a skin resurfacing laser to tighten the skin.

I am slightly overweight. Would I be a good candidate for liposuction?

Liposuction was originally used as a body contouring procedure to remove well-defined deposits of fat from individuals around their ideal body weight. Recently, liposuction has been safely and effectively utilized as part of an overall process to improve body size and shape. Tumescent and ultrasonic liposuction allow larger amounts of fat to be removed on an outpatient basis. To obtain best results, a person should be in good health and have good skin elasticity.

I had acne as a child. Is there a laser procedure that will help to improve my skin?

Skin resurfacing lasers are probably the most effective surgical method for improving facial skin tone, removing wrinkles, and decreasing scars left by acne or chicken pox. The carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and erbium lasers are used to precisely remove the top layers of skin. This process will smooth out the irregularities and stimulate new skin and collagen production. Your result is a fresh and healthier appearance.

Is it possible to remove unwanted body hair using a laser?

In 1997 the FDA approved the laser for the removal of unwanted body hair. We use an Alexandrite infrared laser system (Cynosure Apogee) to treat this. The laser energy is absorbed by the hair pigment damaging the hair follicle, resulting in decreased hair growth. We have successfully treated men and women for hair on the face, backs and chests, underarms, and legs. Several treatments are necessary for optimal results due to variations in hair growth and individual hair patterns.

I have developed unsightly "spider veins" on my cheeks, nose, and legs. What can I do to get rid of them?

There are several treatments available including laser, sclerotherapy (acid injection), and coagulation (electric needle). In our practice we prefer the laser because it's quick, doesn't involve needles, and there's minimal discomfort. Studies have shown an average of 85% improvement after 1-2 treatments on the face and after 3-4 treatments on the legs.

I have many stretch marks across my lower abdomen. Are there ways to remove them or reduce their size?

If the stretch marks are pink, microdermabrasion (Power Peelª) or use of a vascular laser can narrow the stretch marks and make them lighter and less noticeable. However, the only way to definitively remove them is through surgicalexcision. An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) removes the skin below the navel improving body contour and removing stretch marks at the same time. I'm a 65- year-old woman with wrinkles on my face and sagging skin on my neck. Is a facelift the only solution to my problem? While facelifts remove excess skin, they do not eliminate facial wrinkles or change skin texture. Resurfacing lasers can significantly reduce wrinkles and tighten skin. In many cases combining both modalities can be beneficial. Utilizing a modified facelift or necklift combination to remove sagging skin and the laser to smooth out facial wrinkles is an excellent way to treat both problems.

I'm a 22- year-old male with fullness in my chest. What can I do to get rid of this embarrassing condition?

This condition is called gynecomastia (female-like breasts) and can be caused by a hormonal imbalance, genetic predisposition, or being overweight. In the absence of an underlying medical problem, gynecomastia can be treated by removing excess fat with liposuction. If the breast gland itself is large it can also be removed using a small incision around the nipple. After surgery, the chest skin tightens leaving a better contoured chest.

I've heard of people having tummy tucks to improve their abdomen, but is there anything available for someone with a sagging, drooping buttocks?

Gluteoplasty is a surgical procedure available for those individuals who are concerned with the size and shape of their buttocks. This procedure combines liposuction of the posterior thigh with removal of the excess tissue around the lower part of the buttocks. Following surgery people note a more pleasing appearance and fit into their clothes and bathing suits much better.

I have heard about Vitamin C as an anti-aging agent. How does it work?

Vitamin C, when stabilized as L-ascorbic acid, is biologically active with both regenerative and anti-oxidant properties. It has been shown to help restructure collagen fibers, activate collagen synthesis, capture harmful free radicals, and regenerate Vitamin E. After daily application of Vitamin C cream for three months, clinical skin improvement has been demonstrated with reduction in fine lines and increased skin tone and elasticity.

Could you tell me about the current methods to enhance lip size?

Different "filling materials" are now available to increase the volume of a person's lips. The organically derived materials, collagen and cadaveric fascia, are injected as a paste and are gradually absorbed. A person's own fat can be taken from another area of their body and reintroduced into the lips. Some of the transplanted fat survives and remains permanently. Synthetic materials such as Gortex have also been used. The permanent implants require small incisions and tends to feel firmer. Each product has its own benefits and limitations; these can be discussed with your physician during your personal consultation.

After having breast enlargement, can a woman increase the size of her breast implants if she wishes?

Yes. If a woman desires larger breasts, the previous implants can be exchanged with new larger implants. The volume and size of the new implants will be increased by approximately 150-200 cc (or 6 to 7 ounces) for each cup size of increase desired. The previous incision can generally be used and the existing pocket enlarged to accommodate the bigger implant. The level of discomfort and recovery time following this type of revision is usually much less than that associated with the first operation. Ten years ago I had a facelift. But recently, I have noticed the reappearance of some wrinkles.

Do I need another facelift to improve my condition?

If your problem is confined to skin wrinkles, photo-aging and minimal skin laxity, laser skin resurfacing can be beneficial. Without incisions, the laser precisely removes the superficial layers of damaged skin, effectively reduces wrinkles, and increases collagen production in the skin. This improves skin firmness and tone, which results in a more radiant appearance. We use both the CO2 and Erbium lasers to accomplish this aspect of facial rejuvenation.

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