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COSMETIC
SURGERY
As we age, the effects of time begin to take their toll. Wrinkles, bags, and frown lines appear around
the eyes, giving a tired appearance. Poor diet, smoking, and sun exposure further accelerate the aging process. We offer a
variety of cosmetic services to help you regain your youthful appearance.
The current trend in cosmetic surgery
is toward minimally invasive procedures with shorter recovery periods. Many of today's surgical procedures require less downtime
than in the past, and are performed in an outpatient setting. Botox and dermal fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm, are
office treatments offering rapid results with little or no time away from your busy schedule.
During your consultation,
Dr. Chen can advise you whether you are a suitable candidate for any of these procedures.
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ENDOSCOPIC BROWLIFT
Often the droopiness of the
upper eyelids is due to excess skin, but drooping of the eyebrows is a contributing factor. This occurs as a result of a sagging
of the forehead. An endoscopic brow lift (or forehead lift) can be performed to elevate the brows, producing a fresher, more
alert appearance.
The endoscopic browlift is performed through a series of small (typically 1-1.5 inch) incisions
hidden behind the hair line. An endoscope (a fiber optic light with an attached video camera) and specialized instruments
are used to mobilize the forehead. The brow is then lifted and fixated to the bone with a series of anchors. This procedure
is performed in an outpatient setting, and is generally not covered by insurance.
The endoscopic browlift avoids the
larger, more visible incisions associated with more traditional methods of browlifting, which means a more rapid recovery
period.
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BLEPHAROPLASTY
Blepharoplasty,or eyelid rejuvenation
is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic procedures today. With time and the effects of gravity, the eyes begin to
look droopy, giving the appearance of fatigue. Blepharoplasty can be performed to restore the eyelid platform in the upper
lids, and to improve the baggy appearance of the lower lids. This procedure can make the eyes appear fresher and more alert.
The
incisions are placed within the natural creases of the eyelid and usually heal without noticeable scarring. Modern surgical
techniques can help to reduce intraoperative bleeding, postoperative bruising and swelling. Excess skin and fatty tissue is
removed, and sutures are placed in the skin to close the incision.
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BOTOX
Botox is purified Botulinum toxin, which
was approved in 1989 for blepharospasm. Blepharospasm is an uncontrollable blinking and forcible closure of the eyelids. It
is more commonly known as Benign Essential Blepharospasm. The condition may worsen over time. Often a cause is not found.
If severe a patient can be prevented from driving a car or even walking due to their inability to keep the eyes open.
Several
types of treatment are available. Injections of Botox will usually control the symptoms for several months. Botox treatments
need to be repeated periodically. Often Botox treatments are combined with medications or surgery. Surgery can be performed
if Botox injections or medications are inadequate. Surgery removes some of the muscles that spasm allowing the eyelids to
remain open more easily.
Subsequently, it was discovered that Botox could reduce wrinkles by weakening the underlying
muscles which contract and cause the skin to wrinkle. Wrinkles produced in this manner are referred to as “dynamic wrinkles.”
Botox is effective for the treatment of frown lines around the eyes and furrows in the forehead. Injections are performed
as an office procedure. Typically, the effect lasts 3-6 months and repeat treatments are needed. The cost depends upon the
number of areas treated.
Botox Cosmetic
was recently approved for the treatment of frown lines, and can be performed in the office.
Botox is not effective
for the treatment of “static wrinkles” or wrinkles present with the facial muscles resting. Static wrinkles are better treated
with Laser Skin Resurfacing or, if the wrinkles are deep, a filler such as Restyane, Hyalaform, or Soft Form implant. Often,
combining these procedures has a greater effect than using a single procedure.
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TISSUE FILLERS
Restylane, Juvederm and other
tissue fillers are popular because they can be implanted in the office and require little or no downtime. Bovine collagen
has been available for many years has been replaced by hyaluronic acid gel fillers, which is a substance contained within
the tissues of our own bodies. Tissue fillers that can be injected under the skin to fill in wrinkles, acne scars and other
skin surface defects. It is especially useful for augmenting the lips to give a fuller appearance and to reduce the small
vertical lines near the lip that often cause lipstick to smear.
Restylane is composed of hyaluronic acid, a substance
naturally ocurring in our bodies. Therefore, skin testing for allergy is not required. Restylane also tends to last longer,
and therefore requires less frequent "touchups" than collagen. Because of these advantages, Restylane has surpassed collagen
in terms of popularity. Restylane
injections are performed in the office, with virtually no "downtime". The material is gradually reabsorbed by the
body and "touchups" are needed twice yearly. Costs depend upon the amount required for treatment.
A newer use for
Restylane is to combine blepharoplasty with tissue fillers to soften deep circles under the eyelids. Dr. Chen constantly
searches for the latest technology available for eyelid and facial rejuvenation.
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