Plastic Surgery Blog

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Study reports a high percentage of success and patient satisfaction with endoscopic brow lift

Here’s news that should raise some eyebrows: Most patients undergoing an endoscopic brow lift are pleased with the results and would recommend the procedure, according to a recently published study in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery.

The telephone survey, which examined satisfaction, recovery and outcomes, involved 57 patients who had undergone either a brow lift alone or concurrently with a facelift.

Also known as a forehead lift, a brow lift can provide a more alert and youthful appearance, improving frown lines and furrows. It can also help minimize creases across the forehead or high on the bridge of the nose as well as correcting low or sagging brows. In some cases, brow lifts have also reduced or even helped eliminate migraine headaches.

Researchers found that 93 percent of patients reported the procedure as successful and 96 percent would recommend it. Nearly three-fourths of those surveyed stated that they had been told looked younger and less tired and that the procedure helped bolster their self-confidence.

Along with a quick recovery of about a week– return to normal activities after more than two weeks was mostly reported by those who also underwent a facelift – scars and swelling were minimal, as were complications such as numbness. And 50 percent of the patients who reported headaches prior to surgery experienced a reduction in their frequency and intensity.

Such surveys not only enhance research but assist consumers in making informed decisions. Additionally "relying on patient-reported information helps us to better understand the surgical experience and to improve preoperative counseling," the authors write.

Photo by Walt Stoneburner 

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Both a micro laser peel and a chemical peel are used to treat skin conditions associated with aging and active lifestyles such as:

• Mild wrinkle 
• Smile lines
• Scars
• Freckles
• Keratosis (pre-cancerous legions)
• Sun damage
• Uneven pigmentation

They work by removing damaged outer layers of skin to improve skin texture to give the complexion a more youthful, vibrant glow. Both procedures are ideal for patients who want lasting results, with minimal downtime or post-treatment care.

Micro Laser Peel: A micro laser peel uses laser technology to resurface the skin. During treatment, a laser hand piece is used to scan over the treatment areas. A very thin layer of skin is removed and damaged cells are destroyed. The entire procedure generally lasts 15 to 30 minutes and most patients experience little or no discomfort.

The healing process varies from patient to patient, but generally lasts between two and four days. During recovery, it’s common to feel as though your skin has been sunburned. It will appear pink or red, and it’s likely that you will experience some minor peeling.

Your laser peel before and after results will depend on the depth of your laser peel. Results are immediate, but multiple micro laser peels are usually needed to achieve desired results. They can be performed four to six weeks apart.

Chemical Peel: A chemical peel uses a chemical solution (usually acid-based) to remove outer layers of skin. Chemical peels are divided into superficial, medium, and deep peels. Deep phenol chemical peels (which usually require significant downtime) have almost entirely been replaced by laser resurfacing. While light-to-medium peels remain a popular way to refresh the skin.

Once the chemical solution has been applied to the face, treatment usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. Light chemical peels essentially have zero downtime, but as a result require multiple treatments to see dramatic improvements.

Heavier chemical peels will cause your skin to appear red and swollen for a few days. Over the course of a week, the skin will become crusty and eventually start to flake and peel. Significant improvements are noticeable after a single treatment, but more than one may be necessary to achieve desired results.

Which is better?

The best procedure for you will ultimately depend on your skin type and tone, as well as your cosmetic goals. Scheduling a consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist is the best way to find out.

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Perfect for frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles, Botox has been a favored wrinkle treatment since its FDA-approval all the way back in 2002.

Botox has also been approved for a number of non-cosmetic uses including urinary incontinence (overactive bladder), eyelid spasms, migraine headaches, strabismus (crossed eyes) and more.

But those relying too heavily on Botox might actually be reducing its effectiveness over time.

A new review published by German researchers in the Journal of Neural Transmission discovered that one in every 200 users develops antibodies (similar to how people become resistant to antibiotics) which counteract the effects of Botox.

Patients who used Botox for 10 years or more, or required larger doses, like those using Botox to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), spasms or other medical conditions, were the most likely to develop antibodies.

Other researchers who published in the British Medical Journal’s online forum also wrote that regular treatments with Botox "can trigger an immune response... which might lead to non-responsiveness to treatment," as the injections are unable to freeze facial muscles.

Unfortunately, researchers can’t yet explain the immune response that occurs in some patients – but some believe it may partially be related to injection technique.

Others feel the phenomena could be explained by further studying the different mechanics of Botox and how it works within cells.

Are you considering Botox?

Resistance to Botox is rare – so if you’re considering treatment, it’s best to schedule a personal consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon. Following an exam and a discussion of your cosmetic goals, your doctor will be able to determine if Botox is the best treatment available for you.

Source: Daily Mail

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We’ve all hear the saying “you are what you eat.” Well it’s true – especially when it comes to beauty.

If you’re struggling with common beauty problems like dry skin, puffy bags or premature wrinkles, it might be time to re-evaluate your diet. The nutritious (and delicious) snacks below may just be the beauty answer you’ve been looking for:

The Problem: Thin or Damaged Hair

The Fix: Whole Grains

Whole grains found in oats, quinoa and brown rice are rich in essential B vitamins which can help improve the texture and quality of your hair. They also contain silica, which can minimize hair breakage, and zinc, an important hair nutrient that prevents hair loss.

The Problem: Wrinkles

The Fix: Oily Fish

To keep your skin hydrated and wrinkle free, it’s important to get enough omega-3 fatty acids. These essential nutrients will keep your skin hydrated and supple. They’ll also boost your skin’s collagen production – which will prevent fine lines and wrinkles in the long run.

The Problem: Dry Skin

The Fix: Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are not only tasty – they’re also a great source of vitamin E, which can help your skin stay hydrated longer. Walnuts and flaxseeds (unsalted) will give you the best results because they’re also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.

The Problem: Puffy Bags

The Fix: Avocado

Puffy under eye bags are often caused by excess fluid retention. To fix this problem, you should decrease your sodium intake and increase your potassium intake. Avocados are rich in potassium and healthy fatty acids which can also reduce skin inflammation.

The Problem: Brittle Nails

The Fix: Egg Yolk

Egg yolks are rich in vitamin B7, zinc, iron and protein – all of which are essential to strong, healthy nails. Eating egg yolk rich foods like omelettes on a regular basis is a great way to reduce brittleness and nail abnormalities.

Source: Huffington Post

Image: Pixabay

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When used correctly, ablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing are both effective rejuvenation tools for the skin. That being said, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into before settling on any particular treatment.

Skin rejuvenation is known by many names: laser resurfacing, laser surgery, laser peel and more. But no matter what it’s called, all laser treatments use energy to penetrate through various layers of the skin to repair the appearance of wrinkles, discolorations, acne scars and other signs of aging.

Ablative vs. Non-Ablative

The basic difference between ablative and non-ablative treatments is that ablative lasers remove the top layer of skin, while non-ablative lasers work by heating up the underlying skin tissue (without harming the surface) so that your body will produce new collagen.

Ablative Laser Resurfacing

Ablative lasers are more invasive, making them a great option for treating mild to moderate wrinkles, facial scaring and skin discoloration.

Dramatic improvements can generally be seen after a single treatment, but most patients need two weeks or more of recovery time. During recovery, it’s common to experience some discomfort accompanied by swelling, oozing and crusting of the skin.

Ablative laser resurfacing is the best choice for patients who:

• Show signs of significant facial aging
• Have deep or pitted facial scars
• Want to see significant results fast
• Can take time off from work to recover

Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing

Meanwhile, non-ablative lasers are best at improving skin texture and tone. In some cases they may also be used to improve the appearance of fine lines, mild wrinkles and pigmentation issues as well.

A number of separate treatments are usually needed to see significant results, but recoveries are generally mild (especially when compared to ablative treatments). Other than some mild redness or swelling, the skin is not visibly affected, and most patients can resume normal routines right away.

Non-ablative laser resurfacing is the best choice for patients who:

• Are relatively young (between 25 and 65 years of age)
• Have mild to moderate signs of aging (with minimal skin sagging)
• Are willing to undergo multiple treatments before seeing results
• Can’t afford to take time off from work

Which laser resurfacing treatment is right for you?

The best way to find out which treatment is right for you is to schedule a personal consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon. He or she will be able to make a recommendation based on your skin type and cosmetic goals.

Image Credit: Flickr