Monday, November 22, 2010

Permanent Makeup

Intradermal Pigmentation, also known as permanent cosmetics or permanent makeup, is a great way to enhance your appearance around the clock and feel more self-confident.

Permanent Cosmetics is the art of applying micro insertions of natural pigments in the dermal layer of the skin. A topical anesthetic will be used to make the experience comfortable for you and your swelling and redness that may occur will subside quickly. You will be able to resume normal activities immediately and will be completely healed in one to six weeks.

The most commonly performed permanent cosmetics are eyebrow enhancement, lip liner and color, eyeliner, scar camouflage and areola restoration.

Eyebrow enhancement is popular with people suffering hair loss from medical conditions such as alopecia or people that have hair loss from chemotherapy. The eyebrow will look amazingly natural and won’t come off when you go swimming or work out.

Lip liner and color can appear to change the shape and color of your lips. With a variety of colors to choose from you can decide how dramatic the effect.

Eyeliner is a great way for people who are allergic to conventional makeup to be able to still have the look of eyeliner. The process mimics thousands of tiny eyelashes with pigments being applied to the lash line. The look you choose can be subtle to dramatic depending on your wishes.

Some scars leave you self-conscious about how you look. Permanent cosmetics can put those thoughts to rest and make your scars blend in with the rest of your skin.

Areola restoration can provide amazing results for women who have had a breast procedure that left them without the areola. It often can be the final step in healing emotionally from a mastectomy.

If you have more questions about permanent cosmetics please us (Dreams MedSpa) at 402.596.4000 and ask to speak with Paula, our permanent makeup specialist.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Dream Peel Questions Answered



What is the Dream Peel?
Do you have uneven skin tone, deep pigment issues or melasma? The Dream Peel is a superficial peel designed to improve the texture and appearance of hyperpigmented skin which involves a medicated masque and an at-home regimen.

Does it Hurt?
There is no pain and little-to-no irritation during the application of the masque. The following days, the irritation might reach the level of a minor sunburn.

What Happens When I Come to Get the Peel?
You just come in for an office visit, where our esthetician will prepare the fresh compound to be applied. We'll put it on, and you'll leave our office with it still on. We give you instructions on when to take it off, depending on your skin type. It will likely be on anywhere from 5-10 hours.

What Happens When I Go Home?
You will be given products to wash the masque off and sooth your skin after the appropriate time. We will give you instructions on what times to apply certain products after that. Your regimen will change after one week.

What Results Can I Expect?
Results will vary but generally patients will see a significant improvement in the appearance of pigmented areas. Dark spots will lighten and skin texture and tone will improve. Although most patients experience peeling of their skin, not every patient will notice this. If you do not notice actual peeling, please know that you are still receiving all the benefits of the Melanage Dream Peel, such as: stimulation of collagen production, improvement of skin tone and texture, and diminishment of fine lines and pigmentation. Proper skin evaluation by your doctor prior to your peel is important and will help predict the outcome of your peel. We have some before and after photos that can give you an idea of the results you can expect as well.

How Often Can I Have This Peel?
You may have this peel once every 6 months.

What Could Prevent Me From Getting This Peel?
If you are pregnant or nursing, have active rosacea, active cold sores, history of warts or have used acutane within a year, you should not have this peel applied.

How Much Does This Peel Cost?
The cost may very depending on several factors, but it ranges from $650 to $1,000, including post treatment products. You can most likely expect to pay close to $800.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Neck Liposuction and Chin Augmentation

Neck liposuction and chin augmentation are two common cosmetic surgery procedures that physicians are performing. Typically, these two procedures in conjunction with the other are used for people that wish to add definition to their faces and reduce the appearance of a small or receding chin.

Neck liposuction can help shape the contours of one’s neckline, while also allowing them the opportunity to add an identifiable marker on their chin line. This procedure is carried out using a specific machine that has been manufactured to break up fat deposits in a particular area, break them down and later drain them through a tube outside of the body.

Although the procedure may sound evasive, it is relatively quick and does not leave a large amount of scarring in the area where it was performed. People that are excellent candidates for this procedure generally have skin that still contains a certain amount of elasticity, and they are generally healthy in all other aspects.

The chin implant cosmetic and plastic surgery procedure is typically done in a means to provide an appearance of prominence to this central region. The implant is generally used to give the patient who is receiving the surgery an attractive jaw line that also balances out their facial structure. Aside from providing balance to the face, this procedure will also improve a person's profile, giving them a better symmetrical appearance.

Plastic surgeons will perform both cosmetic procedures on individuals that are under general anesthesia or some type of local anesthetic. Normally, the chin implant that is inserted into this region is made from a hard plastic material, so it can resemble human bone. There are some surgeons that will elect to use your bone in which to pull your jaw line forward.

However, in most cases a basic hard plastic implant will be inserted into this area. A surgeon will make an incision underneath the chin so the scar for this procedure cannot noticeably be admonished. After an incision has been made in the region where the implant will be placed, the surgeon will insert the implant and then commence in stitching up the suture wound.

Neck liposuction will enhance your profile when accompanied by a chin augmentative surgery. Typically the surgery is performed on an out-patient basis. However, before the patient is prompted to exit the liposuction surgeons office they will be given proper aftercare guidelines and have to come back to the office for follow up evaluations throughout the healing process of the surgery.

Neck liposuction is generally a way to accentuate a chin implant. Patients can choose to have one or both of the surgeries performed in conjunction to the other. However, whichever surgery that a patient decides upon the plastic surgeon will be more than obliged to carry out that patient’s request.

The type of scarring that you can expect to see after the recovery period has ended will fade overtime. Depending on the precision of the surgeon, any scars from the procedure may not be noticeable at all.

Please feel free to ask us any other questions you may have regarding neck liposuction or chin augmentation. We offer free cosmetic consultations with a board certified plastic surgeon. You can email us questions at surgeryvp@unmc.edu or call us at 402-596-4000.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

What can I do about Sagging Breasts?

As a woman begins to age, she may begin to notice that the skin around her breasts has gotten looser, causing her breasts to sag. This occurs after having children, after significant weight loss or naturally as a woman ages because her breast tissue will begin to decrease over time. There are two surgical ways that a woman can combat this problem: either a breast lift without breast implants, or a breast lift with implants.

A breast lift, or mastopexy, improves the appearance of your breasts in several ways. It elevates your breast tissue, removes excess skin from the lower portion of your breast and then reshapes your remaining breast skin. At the same time, it relocates your nipple and areola to a higher position. If your areolas have stretched over time, they can be reduced in size.

A commonly performed breast lift technique uses incisions that follow your breast’s natural contour. The resulting scar, which is permanent but will fade to some extent over time, encircles the areola and then extends vertically down the breast and horizontally along the crease underneath the breast. There are other breast lift techniques that may eliminate the horizontal incision, the vertical incision, or both. The use of any particular pattern of incisions depends on individual patient factors and your plastic surgeon’s recommendation.

In some cases, in order to address the fullness problem of the breast due to the decrease in breast tissue, a surgeon will require that either a saline or silicone implant be placed into the breast area while performing the breast lift. An implant will help bring back the natural fullness of the breast as well as provide a level of volume to this area as well. In most cases the implant will be placed below the pectoral muscle, and then a routine breast lift will also be performed.

The procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure and patients are normally able to leave shortly after the procedure has been completed. Patients will need to follow up with their plastic surgeon throughout the healing and recovery process of the lift. The plastic surgeon will evaluate your progress during the recovery process, and ensure that all aftercare methods are being followed accordingly.

In order to ensure that you are a proper candidate for a breast lift with or without implants, you will need to meet with a plastic surgeon, who will be able to evaluate your particular case. Based on their evaluations they will determine the best surgical option for your lift, or if you can be a candidate that simply needs breast implants to provide the lift that you desire. Although this is a fairly common procedure for most plastic surgeons, it is recommended you find a board-certified plastic surgeon that has routinely performed this procedure.

Please feel free to ask us any other questions you may have regarding breast lifts. We offer free cosmetic consultations. You can email us questions at surgeryvp@unmc.edu or call us at 402-596-4000.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Options for Nose Reconstruction

Cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures that are performed on an individual’s nose are typically referred to as rhinoplasty. This type of surgery can be performed in order to improve the appearance and the proportion of an individual’s nose, or in order to enhance an individual’s facial features. Surgery may also be performed on this region if a person is showing signs of impaired breathing that is caused by abnormalities of their nasal region.

The shape of a person’s nose can be influenced by several different factors. These factors include heredity as well as events throughout a person's life. For instance, anyone who has had a broken nose might have noticed that the break caused their noses to reform incorrectly afterward. On the other hand, the nasal passages of an individual’s nose may be blocked due to the shape of their nose. A candidate in these situations would be a perfect candidate for cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures to be performed on their nasal region.

The surgery can help accomplish a variety of things. Typically, rhinoplastys will change the size of an individual’s nose in order to coordinate with other facial features. The patient and physicians may agree to change the width of the nose along the noses bridge. The profile of someone’s nose may also be changed in accordance to the procedure performed.

Before the procedure is performed on a patient, they will have to undergo a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. Your surgeon will discuss various things with you in accordance to the reason why you desire the surgery and your expected outcome from the surgery. At Village Pointe Aesthetic Surgery the cosmetic consultations are always free.

During the consultation, the patient will be required to release any information pertaining to their medical conditions, as well as any medical treatments that they have undergone in the past. Personal lifestyle questions will also be asked to the patient, regarding if they are a smoker or a non-smoker and if they consume any alcoholic beverages on a regular basis.

Before the procedure begins, a plastic surgeon will go over the entire procedure with the patient. They will proceed to draw on the site that they will be performing the cosmetic and plastic surgery procedure on. All patients are put through general anesthesia or intravenous sedation upon their choice. After the anesthetic has been given to the patient, the surgeon will then commence with the procedure.

This procedure involves creating an incision, so the doctor can then reshape the nose structure. The cosmetic and plastic surgery procedure performed will also concentrate on correcting a septum that has been deviated, if the reason for the surgery was due to breathing problems.

After the doctor has completed the procedure they will close the incision, and bandage the area of the nose up so it can proceed in the healing process. Patients will be sent home after the procedure has been performed. However, they will be required to come see their surgeon for a few follow up visits after the procedure has been completed.

Please feel free to ask us any other questions you may have regarding nose reconstruction. We offer free cosmetic consultations with a board-certified plastic surgeon. You can email us questions at surgeryvp@unmc.edu or call us at 402-596-4000.

Monday, August 2, 2010

How can I make my eyes stand out better?

Want to get rid of those tired looking eyes? Or just want to make your eyes stand out better? Options range all the way from surgical procedures to non invasive (non surgical) procedures or injectables. Let’s take a look at these different options.

Blepharoplasty, also referred to as eye lid surgery, can definitely give you the opportunity to allow your eyes to stand out. Our board-certified plastic surgeons can perform surgery around the eyes in order to improve the appearance of both upper and/or lower eyelids. This is a surgical procedure that removes the excess skin and fat that has accumulated over time in this area.

The procedure performed will allow an individual to showcase a look that says that they are completely rested and alert. This type of surgery is also excellent for making puffy, baggy or otherwise tired appearing eyes look a lot more youthful.

Thermage is a less invasive alternative. It can be done to create a more youthful appearance around the eyes as well. Thermage is a patented radiofrequency technology that over a period of time stimulates the existing collagen and promotes new collagen growth for younger looking skin. This procedure is known for smoothing and tightening the skin to soften wrinkles, reduce under eye sagging and smooth the eyelids. There is virtually no down time with Thermage. You are able to wear make-up and return to your normal routine right after the procedure.

Permanent Cosmetics are another option that can be performed following Blepharoplasty, Thermage or by itself. Permanent Cosmetics can really make your eyes stand out in a crowd. This involves applyinh natural pigments into the dermal layer of the skin, also known as a tattoo. It can be done on the upper and/or lower eyelids (eyeliner) and the eyebrows. A subtle, natural look can be created or a more bold appearance can be achieved. Not to mention it’s extremely convenient!

BOTOX and other injectable fillers can be used to enhance the results of Blepharoplasty and Thermage. BOTOX is great for the wrinkles on the forehead, crows feet and glabellar (lines between the eyes). Injectable fillers do just that, they fill in the lines and wrinkles on the face primarily around the mouth and nose. There are several different options depending on your expectations. Juvederm and Radiesse can give you an instant result that will last for about 6 months – 1 year or more. Sculptra (read our blog on Sculptra) is a more long term result that works gradually over a period of time. Ultimately, they all work together to give you a more youthful appearance.

Even though these procedures can correct certain appearance dilemmas, the individual will still begin to age naturally after the procedure has been performed. By remaining away from excess sun, you can help maintain your results for a longer frame of time.

To evaluate your particular case, a plastic surgeon or other qualified, licensed professional will ensure that you are a rightful candidate for any procedure. Please feel free to ask us any other questions you may have regarding the procedures mentioned by e-mailing us at surgeryvp@unmc.edu or call us at 402-596-4000 or visit our website at www.surgeryVP.com.

If you’re looking for a more rejuvenated, youthful appearance to your eyes, stop by the Village Pointe Aesthetic Surgery and Dreams MedSpa office today for a completely free cosmetic consultation, with no obligation.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Cosmetic Surgery: Tummy Tucks

A tummy tuck is also known as an abdominoplasty. An abdominoplasty is performed in order to remove fat and excess skin from the abdominal region. This procedure will not only eliminate excess fat from this general region, it will also restore weakened or separated muscles through the process of creating a smoother and firmer mid-section.

Some of the most common causes for excess fat in the abdominal region are pregnancies, aging, fluctuations in weight, as well as heredity. Cosmetic surgery procedures, such as a tummy tuck can help you obtain the flat, toned midsection that you have always wanted.

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss and a proper exercise regimen. Even though the results generated from a tummy tuck are permanent, the positive outcome from the procedure can diminish greatly due to weight fluctuations by the individual. For an individual that is planning on losing weight or becoming pregnant, a tummy tuck may need to be postponed until after.

Tummy tucks cannot correct stretch marks that are already apparent in your abdominal area. Even though there will be a portion of skin removed, if your stretch marks are not present on the removed portion, then they will still be apparent on your abdominals even after the procedure has been performed.

A tummy tuck is considered to be a good option for candidates that are physically healthy and maintain a stable weight, that encompass realistic expectations, that are non-smokers and are bothered with their abdominal region appearing to be large. There are some surgeons that will require that you remain in their facilities for one night after the surgery has been performed. Some surgeons engage in outpatient tummy tuck surgeries. If your surgeon agrees to allow you to travel home after your surgery has been completed, they will give you instructions to assist you with the aftercare process.

A few possible safety risks for the procedure include: skin loss, infection, blood clots, bleeding, as well as unfavorable scarring. However, your plastic surgeon will monitor your status throughout the entire recovery process in order to ensure that you are not suffering from any of these possible side effects. It is imperative that you use a board-certified plastic surgeon to minimize your risk. All three of our plastic surgeons are board-certified.

The cost for the procedure varies depending on the surgeon that is performing the procedure. Plastic surgeons are allowed to set their prices for their procedures rendered, so do not be alarmed if one surgeon quotes you one price and another surgeon quotes you a completely different price for the same procedure. At Village Pointe Aesthetic Surgery, we offer free cosmetic consultations and the price for an abdominoplasty is between $5,050 and $5,800 depending on whether or not you have to stay overnight. This price includes the facility, anesthesia, and physician fees. Fees not included would be for medications such as antibiotics and pain medications and if any complications were to arise.

If you have any questions feel free to email us at surgeryvp@unmc.edu or call us at 402-596-4000.