The Aging Face and Volume Loss

There are a number of factors that combine to make our faces look older with time, but the two most important factors are changes in the quality of the skin and the loss of volume. The skin quality changes, that are markedly worsened by factors such as sun exposure and smoking, have long been recognized, but the changes due to volume loss have come to be appreciated only recently.

 

Physicians used to believe that loose skin was due to the gradual stretching effect of gravity, but now we understand that much of this is due to the loss of deeper tissues. As we age we loose facial fat and connective tissue. Our facial bones get thinner and our teeth get ground down. All of these factors combine to produce a hollow appearance where the skin that was once supported by these deeper tissues now sags and droops. There have been examples where patients have had large volumes of filler injected, and have had tightening of the loose skin on the lower face and jowls, comparable to that produced by a surgical procedure. Unfortunately the amount of filler required currently makes this approach not economically feasible for the vast majority of people.

One area where filling is a very practical solution is restoring the mid-face, the youthful contour of the cheeks, and improving the appearance of the bags under the eyes. We now understand that, in many cases, bags under the eyes are not the result of excess or protruding tissue, but are due to the loss of the deeper tissue in the upper cheek, which makes the normal tissue around the eye visible as a bag. Surgically removing this normal tissue results in what has been called "hollow eye" while replacement of the tissue lost with filler results in a more youthful and attractive appearance. 

 

If you’re interested in restoring a more youthful look with a filler, call us at Mangat-Kuy-Holzapfel Plastic Surgery for a consultation at (513) 984-FACE in Cincinnati, (859) 331-9600 in Northern Kentucky, or (970) 766-FACE in the Vail Valley of Colorado. 

Plastic Surgery for Men - A Growing Trend

Today’s modern man, often known as the ‘metrosexual’ man, no longer needs to hide the fact that he cares about his appearance. Where, once upon a time, cosmetic surgery only ever applied to women, an increasing number of men are now going under the knife in order to achieve the perfect look. In fact according to the results of a recent study undertaken by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) 15% of its patients are now male and around 20% of clients requesting Botox injections are men.

 

So why is it all of a sudden acceptable for men to enter what was previously only thought of as a woman’s world? Maybe it has something to do with celebrities such as David Beckham, Ashton Kutcher, Zac Efron and many, many more making it not only acceptable, but incredibly cool to be a modern metrosexual man who cares about his appearance. Or could it be more to do with the increasing number of women voicing their admiration for a man who likes to take care of himself and his appearance? Slobs are most definitely not on the dating agenda where today’s women are concerned.

 

But exactly how far are men prepared to go? Some further than others, that’s for sure. For, despite what current trends might suggest, some men will still look upon cosmetic procedures as vain, stupid, not for real men and embarrassing. However, for those who can afford it and are not afraid to go for what they want, cosmetic treatments are definitely on the rise. So, what are the options? What is becoming not only acceptable, but popular and what do these procedures cost?

 

Nose Reshaping

Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) was one of the first cosmetic procedures to become widely accepted among the male population and continues to be one of the most popular procedures to date. No longer do men need to go through life lacking in confidence and being ridiculed for an “imperfect” nose . 

 

Chin Implants

Chin implants are becoming increasingly popular as men seeking that chiseled, masculine look will undoubtedly be seeking a strong, manly chin. Chin implants can make your chin larger or just improve the shape to suit the type of face you have, allowing your features to appear more proportionate and balanced. Chin implants can change your entire look and are often combined with other procedures in order to achieve good facial symmetry. 

 

Eye Bag Removal or Eye Lift Surgery

Another popular procedure for men wishing to appear younger than their years is the eye bag removal or eye lift. The stresses of everyday life, hard work, lack of sleep, too much sun, smoking or even some hereditary factors can all contribute to the eyes sagging, resulting in premature ageing. 

 

Chest/Breast Reduction 

Men have often said that one of the most embarrassing body defects to be cursed with is a large chest – i.e. man boobs, or moobs as they’re often referred to. These fatty deposits can develop around the chest during puberty and often disappears with age however unfortunately for some, it can also remain into adulthood.

 

Weight loss and aging can also cause the chest to look large and saggy and an increasing number of men are looking towards male breast reduction surgery in order to address this problem. A chest reduction involves liposuction to remove excess fat and sometimes the removal of glandular tissue or loose skin is also required. This surgery can greatly improve self esteem, and provide men with a new lease of life and level of confidence that can far outweigh the cost of surgery.

 

This noticeable shift in social acceptance of men going to such lengths to enhance what nature gave them bundled with the decreasing cost of these procedures as the demand soars and competition starts to squeeze clinics’ margins seems to highlight a cosmetic trend that is only going to grow. 

 

It should be advised that whatever type of surgery you are considering please be sure to get grounded and impartial advice from your physician. If you or someone you love are considering male cosmetic surgery, call us at Mangat-Kuy-Holzapfel Plastic Surgery for a consultation at (513) 984-FACE in Cincinnati, (859) 331-9600 in Northern Kentucky, or (970) 766-FACE in the Vail Valley of Colorado. 

FDA AFFIRMS SAFETY OF BREAST IMPLANTS

By Daniel Kuy, MD, FACS

On Sept 8th, 2011 the Food and Drug Administration and the Medical Device Advisory Committee conducted a panel hearing over two days on silicone gel filled breast implants. Dr. William Maisel, chief scientist for the Food and Drug Administration Center for Devices said, “we believe the benefits and risks of the silicone implants are sufficiently well understood.” After two days of discussion testimony, the agency officials said silicone breast implants were safe and studies would continue.

Dr. Maisel said, “We felt before the meeting that silicone breast implants were safe and we continue to feel that way after the presentations and discussion over the past two days.” There are risks to the implants, however, Dr. Maisel said, including ruptures, a hardening of the area around the implant, the need to remove the implants, scarring, pain, infection, and asymmetry. “Women should feel assured that the FDA continues to believe that currently marketed silicone breast implants are safe and the current post approval studies will continue to better understand these potential risks.”

The committee also agreed that the patient should no longer be told that their breast need to be screened with an MRI three years after getting the implants or every two years following. Most patients have ignored the requirement because MRIs are expensive and it is still not clear what should be done when unforeseen ruptures are discovered. The risk associated with leaking implants may not be greater than the risk of the operation needed to take them out. The FDA continues to believe, as does the pane members that the MRI is the goal standard for evaluating breast implants for silent rupture.

US surgeons performed nearly 400,000 breast implant procedures last year, more than half the operations used silicone gel filled breast implants. Unfortunately, many study participants have been lost to follow up. One frequently mentioned reason for the low followup rates in the post market studies was that augmentation patients see no reason to return for checkups if they have no problems. Dr. Maisel said that the decision to keep the implants on the market is not just based on the companies’ market studies. The FDA has looked already that the studies conducted prior, which have longer and better followup than the ones launched after the approval of the silicone filled breast implants.

Towards the end of the final days of the hearings, the panel commented that they were impressed by the two plastic surgery societies, efforts to generate data and address important issues such as international registries, labeling compliance, patient confidentiality and informed consent.

Everybody seems committed to see the ongoing studies to be completed and also remain committed to see the follow up rates improved.

Dr. Mangat and Dr. Holzapfel attend surgical mission to Belize

Dr. Devinder Mangat and Dr. Allison Holzapfel recently returned from a week long surgical mission trip to Orange Walk, Belize.  This area of Central America lacks sufficient surgical services in the fields of plastic surgery and otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.  During their week in Belize, over 250 people showed up for the screening day and the surgeons performed over 100 surgeries! 

In 2004, Horizon Community Church set up a mission trip and traveled there to help build houses, install screens and run a vacation Bible school.  A small surgical team provided medical help.  Since that trip, the team has grown to having more than 50 volunteers.  Dr. Mangat joined the trip six years ago and recruited Dr. Holzapfel to join for the first time this year.

 

The trip is quite busy with all the physicians and support personnel working long hours.  The most rewarding part is seeing the patients after surgery with huge smiles on their faces.

Dr. Allison Holzapfel discusses Cincinnati Plastic Surgery

The Liquid Facelift

Over the years, the face begins to lose volume and elasticity leading to the formation of wrinkles, creases and folds. This loss of collagen and elastin contributes to sagging facial features causing many of us to think we need surgery. With the development of many of the new FDA-approved dermal fillers, Botox®, and Dysport®; physicians have been able to "lift" the face without having to resort to surgery.

Many of the techniques now used focus on lifting and contouring the face, with the added benefit of wrinkle reduction. This differing approach to the treatment of sagging facial features has been called a Liquid Face Lift, a non-surgical face lift alternative.

A Liquid Face Lift can accomplish any of the following:

• Gentle lift of individual or overall facial features
• Reduced wrinkles, creases or folds
• Restoration of natural, curved facial contours
• A more rested, energetic look
• A friendlier smile

For example, bags can be masked under the eyes by using Liquid Facelift techniques; eyes can be opened up and lids lifted; jowls can be lifted and diminished; natural shape can be restored to flattened cheeks or temple areas; corners of the mouth can be lifted; as well as several other facial feature benefits.

A Liquid Face Lift involves the use of dermal fillers in combination with Botox® or Dysport®. The fillers include Juvederm™ Ultra, Juvederm™ Ultra Plus, Radiesse®, Restylane® and Sculptra.

Not only is product choice important, but it is fundamental that the physician take into account a patient's unique facial characteristics and goals when performing a Liquid Face Lift procedure. Each person has unique facial features and individual skin types, as well as varying degrees of skin damage, collagen depletion and skin laxity. Goals and desires also vary from patient to patient.

Results from these procedures are usually gradual and can range from subtle to astonishing. It is common for patients who have had these procedures to say that they receive compliments on their appearance without others knowing that they have done anything. As with any cosmetic medical procedure, results vary from patient to patient.

Interested in trying a Liquid Face Lift? We're taking 20% OFF Juvederm™ Ultra, Juvederm™ Ultra Plus, Radiesse®, Restylane® and Sculptra® for our May special.

Find a coupon at http://www.renewyourlooks.com/asp/coupons.asp.

(expires June 30,2010)

Call and schedule your appointment today! 513-984-FACE (3223)

The Full Face Chemical Peel

THE PROCEDURE OF THE MONTH
Each month, we will feature one procedure performed at our center to educate our clients. The series will begin with the Chemical Peel.

Chemical peels come in many varieties. The light, or superficial, peels are performed by aestheticians or skin care specialists. The chemicals may include glycolic, salicylic, lactic or other fruit acids. These peels cause little or no downtime and are excellent for skin care maintenance and rejuvenation.

Medium depth chemical peels are usually performed by physicians. The peels used most often are the 30% to 35% TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peels and the straight 89% phenol peel. This peel is used to treat brown spots, uneven pigmentation, mild wrinkles and mild acne scars. Healing times is less than 7 days and mild redness fades in 4 to 6 weeks.

The workhorse of skin resurfacing is the Deep chemical peel. We use the Hetter Peel for deep skin resurfacing. The solution is a unique combination of Phenol and Croton Oil that can be applied in different strengths based on the individual patient's skin type and amount of skin rejuvenation needed. The peel is used to treat patients who have coarse facial wrinkles, severe sun damage, or pre-cancerous growths on their face. The dramatic results from this type of peel produce smoother, tighter, younger-looking skin.

Make an appointment to see which peel is right for you and save $500 if you schedule your medium or deep chemical peel before 2-15-10.

(859)331-9600

www.renewyourlooks.com