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March 4, 2010

Are there any face creams I can use instead of getting surgery?

Filed under: Botox, Botox Los Angeles, face creams, facelift, facelift alternative, facial rejuvenation — Tags: , , , , , , , — admin @ 12:35 am

We hate to bring bad news, but we want to be honest: if you are looking for a facial cream that rivals surgical results, you’re going to be disappointed.  This is not to say that creams or lotions are without some benefit.  It does mean, however, that if you are looking for a natural facelift, BOTOX results, or other dramatic improvements normally achieved through treatment by a cosmetic surgeon, a cream is not going to cut it.

A lot of businesses are profiting from misleading advertising by making claims about “natural alternatives” to cosmetic procedures that only a doctor can provide.  It’s hard not to be interested in a product that promises to give you the same results as surgery at a lower price and through “natural” methods without help from a doctor.  This is in part due to the unfair stigmatization that has been placed on cosmetic procedures, the misunderstanding of words like “natural,” and people who just want to make money.  Unfortunately, this means that a lot of customers end up buying really expensive moisturizers.  You may think you’re getting a deal if you spend “only” $300 on a “revolutionary” something-or-other cream, but you are likely getting no more than a regular, moisturizing lotion sold in a very expensive bottle.

What does this mean for your appearance?  If you aren’t already using a quality moisturizer on your face, your complexion may improve.  However, just because you look better after spending $300 on that jar of cream doesn’t mean that you are getting your money’s worth.  If you started with no moisturizer or a bad one, you will likely see results just as good with a cream you find under $20.  Moisturizers do hydrate the scaly outer most skin layers.   For a few hours this makes the complexion look better but that is all these over the counter products do.  When considering creams versus cosmetic procedures like BOTOX or face lift, ask yourself what kind of a change you need to see.  If you are suffering from flaky, dry skin, a cream may help you out.  If your skin is sagging, your cheeks are hollow, and your features creased with wrinkles, will a cream reverse these effects? Of course not!  It is not realistic to expect a cream to make these kinds of changes even a super expensive one from a fancy department store or boutique.

If you are looking for some kind of structural change, like eliminating wrinkles and hanging skin, filling in hollow areas, or making your eyes look bright and alert, a cream won’t get you far no matter how many buzz words the marketing uses.  This makes sense when you think about the reasons people need facial cosmetic procedures.  The effects of aging, stress, gravity, and sun exposure add up over the years and impair the actual structure of your face.  For example, BOTOX for wrinkles works great because it relaxes overactive muscles that are creating wrinkles.  If these muscles are causing your wrinkles, a cream that is merely absorbed into the outer most layers of your skin will not work.  Those seeking alternatives to facelift through creams would do well to consider how a facelift accomplishes the dramatic improvements we see.  A facelift tightens the deep plane structures of the face and removes extra skin.  Again creams only penetrate the last few cell layers in the outermost part of the skin.

The Cream We Always Recommend

It may not reverse the damages and signs of aging you’ve already incurred, but we know that there is a fantastic cream available that will help prevent the signs of aging: sunscreen!  Over time, our faces show the effects of sun damage through problems in complexion and texture.  Protect your looks and health by finding a sunscreen that smells good and is not greasy.  You will not wake up tomorrow with a new and revitalized face, but in ten years your face will thank you for protecting it.

Making an Informed Decision

We always encourage you to decide for yourself what you’ll do through research, private consultations, and finding a treatment plan that makes sense.  When you evaluate before and after photos, pay special attention the lighting and camera angles to see if the photos are misleading you by changing the photography methods from unflattering to flattering effects that are superficially created by a camera.  Also keep in mind that the images you see are examples of the very best results, rather than typical outcomes.

You can obtain great and natural results through surgeries like facelifts as well as nonsurgical, minimally-invasive treatments like BOTOX, Restylane, Fotofacial, and the chemical peel.  There are a lot of options out there for you to sort through, so be especially careful to look out for signs of a scam.  Effective treatment isn’t cheap, and it doesn’t come in the form of an overpriced magic lotion.  It doesn’t promise more than it can do, and it is honest in its portrayal of results.

Contact us today to schedule your individualized private consultation with Dr. Steinsapir, whom many esteem as one of the best cosmetic surgeons in Los Angeles specializing in facial treatments with natural results.  He can help you find the best solution based on your individual needs and answer your questions openly and honestly.

February 17, 2010

Will getting BOTOX and Restylane make me look worse when they wear off?

Filed under: Botox, Botox Los Angeles, Restylane, Restylane Injections, restylane los angeles — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 11:55 pm

Let’s clear up this misconception right away: as the effects of your treatment begin to wear off after several months, your face will slowly regain the looks it had immediately before your treatment, but there is no evidence that Restylane and BOTOX treatments will make you look worse.  The only change is that you looked better for 4 months in the case of BOTOX and over a year in the case of Restylane.  They have very few side effects, which are generally mild anyway.  If you aren’t happy with your results then simply don’t return for re-treatment and you will return to exactly what you used to look like.

before and after Restylane and BOTOX photo

before and after Restylane and BOTOX photo

Are the scary stories I’ve heard true?

A lot of people are apprehensive when it comes to receiving cosmetic treatments.  With all the media scares, rumors about celebrity BOTOX disasters, and misinformation abound, it can be a challenge to sort the truth from the hype.  It can be even more of a challenge to separate an extremely rare risk from typical outcomes.  For example, an unusual story of something that happened one time may technically be an accurate story, but it ventures into dishonesty as soon as it’s misrepresented as a typical event.  In the cases of BOTOX and Restylane, it’s true that in rare cases there can be side effects that are usually mild and not long-lasting, but if you are thinking of a particular public face that just hasn’t been the same in years, then you probably aren’t looking at before and after photos of Restylane and BOTOX, as these treatments wear off over time.  It is treatments like silicone oil, excessive surgery, and simply the ravages of excessive lifestyles that create long term damage to the faces of our celebrities.

People love to talk about dramatic, dangerous situations.  But the truth is, BOTOX and Restylane have an incredibly safe history with results that aren’t permanent.

How will BOTOX and Restylane change my face?

Treatments like BOTOX and Restylane are popular because they are noninvasive treatments that together can smooth wrinkles, relax tense muscles, and fill in hollow areas.  They are remarkably safe and, since they aren’t permanent, create a win-win situation.  If you are happy with your BOTOX or Restylane treatment, touch-up the treatment when need.  If you are not thrilled, let it wear off and move on to something else.  Sometimes we hear patients ask questions like, does BOTOX make wrinkles worse?  Sometimes they express concern about what happens after Restylane injections wear off.

We cannot emphasize enough that BOTOX and Restylane will not permanently alter your looks.  BOTOX is a naturally-occuring muscle relaxant compound, and Restylane is made from a biodegradable sugar-gel that occurs naturally in the body.  Both of these are eventually broken down and expelled from your body completely.  You’ll notice as this happens that your wrinkles will slowly return.  They may stand out to you after months of looking much better, in some cases, fantastic, but if you look at photos of yourself from before treatment, you will see that your problems have not been made worse by treatment.  You are simply getting your old face back.  Will this make you feel like you need more treatment-absolutely because these treatments are truly effective.

In the short run, BOTOX and Restylane will give you a youthful appearance and resolve many problems.  In the long run, BOTOX and Restylane will not affect your looks after you allow their effects to wear off.  A difference between BOTOX and Restylane is that BOTOX treatments are generally needed twice a year, while Restylane is needed once a year.  Most patients opt for retreatment when they see their old problems beginning to return.  This will maintain the natural-looking results gained from treatment.

Can BOTOX and Restylane prevent problems?

We are often asked questions like, can BOTOX prevent wrinkles?  We know that BOTOX does not aggravate wrinkles or make them worse in the long run.  We also know that the face is subject to gravity and general usage as we age, and that wrinkles can be caused by tense muscles.  When these overactive muscles relax, as they do in response to BOTOX, the skin is no longer constantly being creased.  This is similar to a folded piece of cloth; if you take a wrinkle-free piece of cloth and fold it over, then bring it back, you’ll see that it doesn’t “remember” the fold and is not wrinkled.  However, if you fold that same piece of cloth and place it under a book overnight, it will have a set crease when you come back to it.  When BOTOX and Restylane dissipate wrinkles, they are keeping the skin taut so it doesn’t “remember” those problems that BOTOX and Restylane prevent.

The Bottom Line

When Restylane and BOTOX wear off, you will look exactly as you did before treatment, although 6 to 16 months older.  You will not look worse as a result of Restylane or BOTOX wearing off.  If anything, you may have delayed the aging process.  It is understandable why people maintain treatment effects by refreshing their service when the feel it is necessary.

An Individual Treatment Program

Now that you’ve done some research on BOTOX and Restylane treatments, you’re ready to take the next step: research a doctor who can answer the rest of your questions and decide if treatment is right for you.  Dr. Steinsapir specializes in cosmetic facial treatments like Restylane and BOTOX in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles.  Dr. Steinsapir is a leader in facial cosmetic treatments and has innovated advanced treatments like Deepfill Restylane and Microdroplet BOTOX.  Call us today to find out how Dr. Steinsapir can individualize your treatment plan.

January 21, 2010

How often should I get BOTOX and Restylane?

Filed under: Botox Los Angeles, Cosmetic Facial Fillers, Under Eye Restylane — Tags: , , , — admin @ 9:40 am

BOTOX and Restylane are both great solutions for those who wish to improve their facial appearance without undergoing surgery or invasive procedures.  We know them both to be safe,  comfortable procedures that are effective but not permanent.  If you are thinking about receiving treatment, you are probably wondering how often you’ll need it.  This is a great question that we will address in a moment, but first, please slow down and realize that you don’t have to decide right now how often you’d like to be treated or even definitively opt for any follow-up treatments.  We will give you some general guidelines, but exactly how often you’ll need treatment depends on individual circumstances and personal preferences.

Microdroplet Botox and undereye Restylane before and after photo

Microdroplet Botox and undereye Restylane before and after photo

Restylane, the preferred undereye filler for delicate areas like the undereye hollow, is long-lasting and typically retains great results for one to two years. BOTOX results generally last about four months and some benefits are still apparent after five months.  These are guidelines, not rules; results will vary based on your individual anatomy, treatment plan, and your own perception.

Ultimately, it’s up to you.

Dr. Steinsapir recommends a simple mirror test to his patients.  No, we don’t mean the one you may have heard of that instructs you to smile and look for lines (some lines, as previously discussed, are both natural and desirable).  This test is as follows: if you don’t notice anything issues in the mirror, then you don’t need further BOTOX or Restylane treatments at this time.  But if what you see starts to bother you – maybe you’re brushing your teeth and notice that you’re less satisfied with your appearance – then it’s time for retreatment.  This means that some patients come in to receive BOTOX treatment every two and a half months, because they don’t want to see a single effect wear off, while others come in merely once a year because they only just noticed an appearance they would like to treat again. We encourage you to find your comfort level and what makes sense for your personal goals.

I want precise guidance in scheduling my next treatment.

Perhaps you’re an actor, model, or just a busy mom; perhaps there’s another reason why you want objective advice about when to receive your next treatment.  Your doctor can help you decide how often you should receive treatment.  Objectively, it will probably be about once every four months for BOTOX, and once every year for Restylane.  Your doctor is a great resource for objective advice.  Your friends and loved ones may prefer to compliment you rather than give you honest feedback when you ask how your treatment is holding up.  If how others perceive you is a very important part of your treatment, discuss this with your doctor.

You can always modify your treatment plan later.

So relax!  If you are anxious about your first consultation or treatment because you worry that you might be “getting into more than you bargained for,” remember that you don’t have to sign away your life at a consultation, and a reputable, ethical practitioner won’t pressure you into signing up for some “blue plate special.”  BOTOX and Restylane are low-risk cosmetic treatments not only because of how rare complications are, but also because the results aren’t permanent.  Yes, they are effective, but you have no reason to worry that these services will “make you age faster.”  Few drugs are as well studied as BOTOX and the hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane.  You may want to view your first treatment as a trial; if you like it, as most people do, then you can continue with treatments according to your needs as discussed with your physician.  If you don’t, then leave it at that.

A consultation, not a commitment.

It’s always wise to consult with a trustworthy doctor before committing to any treatment plan.  First, you need to find out if the procedure you have in mind is actually appropriate to your needs.  Then you of course must make sure you feel at ease with your potential cosmetic physician.  The reliable yet flexible nature of BOTOX and Restylane make these ideal products for anyone hesitant to make a permanent change, and they are also great for those seeking long-term treatments they can count on.

Dr. Steinsapir believes in natural Restylane and BOTOX results and in providing caring, honest feedback that is tailored toward your needs.  This means that you will never be pressured into more than you need or want.  At your individualized consultation, Dr. Steinsapir will ask about your goals and other personal circumstances to help you come up with the best course of action.  Remember to keep communication open with whomever you choose as your doctor to ensure that your needs are met at the times that are right for you.  Dr. Steinsapir meets with you personally for your consultation and, when you’re ready, personally performs your service, not a nurse or a technician.

Dr. Steinsapir is a leading practitioner of BOTOX and Restylane treatments.  He trained alongside the inventor of BOTOX and has since been helping Los Angeles BOTOX recipients achieve satisfying results.  He invented Microdroplet BOTOX and Deepfill Restylane methods.  Call us today for a consultation to learn how BOTOX and Restylane treatments can meet your needs through an individualized program.

December 19, 2009

“Can I order BOTOX® and Restylane® on the internet and treat myself?”

Filed under: Botox Los Angeles, Restylane Injections, Under Eye Restylane — Tags: , , , — admin @ 3:42 pm

BOTOX® and Restylane® are both excellent and useful products, as we have discussed in previous posts, but they are not over-the-counter products you can buy at a gas station or convenience store.  Like many medical treatments, they require specialized expertise to determine the best treatment and how to apply that treatment safely and effectively.

The reason you can’t buy BOTOX® and Restylane® yourself is not because these are considered dangerous products – by all standards they have proven themselves to be very safe.  But just as you do not draw your own blood at home for a routine medical checkup and instead go to a safe, clean facility to receive help from experts who have many resources at hand, it is a very bad idea to perform such a delicate procedure on yourself, especially without training, education, and years of experience.

Unfortunately, a few poorly-administered BOTOX® cases have undermined many people’s trust in a procedure that can help them cosmetically and medically, and these cases are usually the result of either an unusually inexperienced person like a technician or assistant administering the procedure instead of a doctor or someone shopping around until they find a doctor willing to do whatever they ask even when they want procedures that are not right for them.

But Don’t I Know My Body Best?

You are probably familiar with your own body and its uniqueness in ways no one living outside your body can feel without experiencing it themselves.  You also probably have a vision of what you would like to change.  These are not obstacles and do not contradict the role of your plastic surgeon.  Doctors study the latest technology, research, and treatments for many years in a highly competitive environment and they learn not only about anatomy and healing, but also what to do in rare instances of complications, and how to individually approach each case in ways that may not be obvious to the layperson.  Beyond this they complete residencies, fellowships, research projects, and professorships.  Add to this years of practical experience in the field working with actual patients, and they have now obtained a wide body of knowledge that is impossible to learn by reading an article (or even several articles!) online.

When doctors emphasize the importance of working with a qualified professional instead of relying on self-diagnoses and home remedies, they mean that it’s optimal to bring your concerns to a doctor who will listen to you and consider all that you have to say so that doctor can provide honest feedback about technical and clinical aspects of what you need, sometimes advising a solution that you may not even have been aware of as an option, or sometimes admonishing you against a procedure for health concerns of which you might not have been aware.  There are subtle differences in treatment approaches that require a physical examination along with a consultation, and this kind of insight cannot be gleaned from the internet, a numbered list of instructions, or even by looking in the mirror.

Sometimes one problem can look a lot like another that requires a different treatment – it’s vital that a physician help you distinguish these from one another.  Your doctor is not there to take control of your wishes, but to communicate with you so you both learn from each other in different ways and come to agree on the best course of action.  Your doctor will then act with the precision and knowledge that can only be derived from education, experience, and skill.

How Will My Doctor Understand Exactly What I Want?

By being careful to keep communication open, complete, and honest, you can get exactly what you need.  Keep in mind that it is your responsibility as much as your doctor’s to thoroughly discuss your needs, concerns, and medical history.  He or she will have a variety of approaches ranging from examining you to asking questions to discussing how you feel about different photos.  This way your doctor can get an accurate knowledge of your goals, and you can ask for your doctor’s advice and explain your concerns directly.  Your doctor also has the advantage of being able to spot patient requests that, based on experience, will likely lead to disappointment.  If you insist that an unadvised procedure be performed, you may be able to find someone who will do what you say, but you will likely regret this in the end and are better off talking to the doctor in more detail about your reservations and learning why he thinks one solution will work better than another.

Why Can’t I Create Perfect Results by Myself?

No doctor learns to administer a delicate procedure like BOTOX® and Restylane® injections by reading a simplified list of instructions or watching a five-minute video on a web page.  Bodies are more complex than that, as are the variations between individual bodies.  What lies under the facial skin is more complex than most imagine, with different kinds of tissues and many diverse muscles there, and it’s crucial to have a thorough knowledge of not only where these anatomical parts lie and how to work with or around them, but also how the thousands of components interact with each other.

You cannot simply eye your face and plunge in a syringe here and there until you think it looks good.  This is a great way to set yourself up for asymmetrical results and become one of those rare people who experience complications, like lumping, “frozen” features, or excessive bruising and swelling.  You could even end up giving yourself a complication completely unassociated with these products; for example if you don’t have training about stringent sanitation, you could cause an infection.  Further, it’s important to realize that, even though benefits can be immediate, the final results will not be seen right away because there will always be a certain amount of healing time.  Only a doctor who has closely observed and helped many people heal will understand how the results will change over the next few days and weeks will recognize the face’s optimal response during treatment.

What If I Can’t Afford It?

Usually when something sounds too good to be true it unfortunately is, especially in reference to intricate valuables carrying unbelievably low prices.  BOTOX® and Restylane® treatments are expensive.  The service of an expert cosmetic surgeon is not free and then the products are expensive.  It may be tempting to order Chinese Botulinum toxin or Restylane from a Canadian pharmacy.  The price may be enticing.  However, it is generally illegal to ship these products into the United States.  They may be confiscated and you may be subject to violating Federal import laws.  If your product does not get confiscated you may not get what you paid for.  Many of these products are counterfeit and contain adulterants rather than the medication they claim to be.  This is truly a buyer beware situation.   No ethical doctor will treat you will a syringe of products you bring into the office yourself.  The bottom line is that if you can’t afford treatment, you are better off not doing anything at all.  In fact, you will be much more likely to encounter larger expenses when you need your at-home experiment corrected by a specialized professional.

A Complex Treatment

BOTOX® and Restylane® treatments are not the same as giving oneself a “shot.”  If it were so easy, there would not be entire practices specializing in their optimal administration and so much research devoted to improving every detail of their use.  For example, Dr. Steinsapir invented the Microdroplet™ BOTOX® method which consistently yields remarkable results, and this is not something you can “pick up” online.  This minimally invasive procedure requires specialized skills.  Save yourself a potential disaster by ignoring anyone who claims you can do your own BOTOX® and Restylane® treatments.

Improvement through Individualized, Experienced, Professional Care

Dr. Steinsapir is a world leader in BOTOX® and Restylane® treatments, specializing in procedures that improve the face to restore a rejuvenated, natural look as non-invasively as possible.  He has pioneered inventions like Microdroplet™ BOTOX® and Deepfill™ Restylane®.  Call us today to learn more about Dr. Steinsapir’s Restylane and BOTOX® specializations.

November 22, 2009

BOTOX® Is the Answer to Smoothing Facial Lines Without Surgery

Filed under: Botox Los Angeles, Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Steinsapir — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 10:05 am

For those seeking a rejuvenated, youthful appearance of the eyes and forehead without undergoing surgery, Dr. Steinsapir’s minimally-invasive Microdroplet™ BOTOX® technique is perhaps the best solution to date.

How BOTOX Helps

We use our faces every day to communicate with others. If you laugh, frown, or make an angry face in front of a mirror, you will probably see lines appear on your face. Dynamic lines – those that appear when we smile, laugh, become angry, and so on – are very important to nonverbal communication and these natural lines are vital to self-expression. However, you may still see some lines present when you relax your face. This is because years of making facial expressions and environmental stressors can cause lingering imbalances in our skin. We may end up with unwanted worry lines, forehead wrinkles, or frowns etched into our faces, known as static lines, which cannot be remedied through use of over-the-counter “miracle” products and creams. Fortunately for those who don’t want surgery, BOTOX® is a natural protein treatment that relaxes the muscles responsible for the static lines on the face and improves aesthetics by helping the face return to its softer, relaxed, youthful look.

BOTOX® can also be used as a preventative measure for younger individuals who wish to retain a youthful appearance, reduce facial lines and prevent forehead wrinkles and frown lines from occurring before their first signs. No matter how well we take care of ourselves, even the healthiest, most care-free individuals can end up with these lines. It may be beneficial to think about how BOTOX® can prevent the signs of aging so that you don’t have to worry about them later in life.

Is BOTOX a Safe Treatment?

Many potential candidates wonder about the side effects of BOTOX®, but it is a safe procedure that involves injecting drops of highly purified protein into areas of the face. A skilled physician can use BOTOX® to relax the muscles that create unwanted static lines and often improve or eliminate them while still allowing you to retain your ability to make a range of expressions, including the Duchenne smile, which occurs naturally when we are genuinely happy. The stereotype that BOTOX® commonly causes the face to “freeze” is inaccurate and originates from misuse of the procedure. BOTOX® is in fact completely customizable to the needs of your particular appearance. Because BOTOX® works on individual muscles, an experienced physician administers the correct amounts of BOTOX® to the appropriate muscles and the results are entirely predictable.

Most people notice that their face appears more youthful, relaxed, and natural after BOTOX® treatments. They see a younger version of themselves looking back in the mirror. In smoothing facial lines caused by stress, BOTOX® patients no longer look perpetually worried and are still able to nonverbally communicate what they truly feel.

An Innovative, Tested Approach

Dr. Steinsapir has invented Microdroplet™ BOTOX® to address the need to retain authentic facial expression and natural eyebrow placement. Where standard BOTOX® procedures work great, Microdroplet™ BOTOX® works even better. If you have had BOTOX® treatments in the past but were not satisfied, Microdroplet™ BOTOX® can give you the results you need by working with greater precision with your facial muscles. The care and interest Dr. Steinsapir has shown in inventing this treatment demonstrates his dedication to achieving a beautiful, youthful appearance without impeding the ability to express emotion.

Don’t Wait to Improve Your Facial Lines

Simply stated, BOTOX® improves facial lines. To find out how BOTOX® can improve yours, contact Dr. Steinsapir today to personally ask questions and discuss your particular needs and concerns. At an individualized consultation, you can find out how Dr. Steinsapir caters his expertise and experience to the needs of each individual and he can tell you more about how lines affect your unique face.

October 5, 2009

Cosmetic Surgery – 5 Things Moms Should Be Aware Of Before Taking The Plunge.

Filed under: Botox Los Angeles, Cosmetic Surgery, Liposuction Beverly Hills, Restylane Injections — Tags: , — admin @ 9:06 pm

Your life as a Mom can get extremely demanding with every ounce of your energy invested in taking care of your little ones, leaving no time for yourself. Let’s face it; accepting the changes in your body during pregnancy or post pregnancy is tough and it’s not unnatural to contemplate cosmetic surgery to revive your pre-pregnancy look that you miss so much. Before you consider cosmetic surgery, it is extremely important to understand which cosmetic treatment is the best and the safest for you at a holistic level.

In a world that is filled with million choices for cosmetic procedures and just as many opinions, the following points address some of the most common concerns related to cosmetic surgery for Moms and guide them to do what is right.

1. Thinking about BOTOX® or Restylane® While Pregnant?
It is not advisable to have cosmetic surgery or services like BOTOX® or Restylane® if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Despite this warning, Moms are occasionally tempted to undergo these treatments. A small study was conducted on women who received BOTOX® treatment and discovered later that they were pregnant. Although, there were no problems reported with their pregnancies, the use of BOTOX® during pregnancy or breast-feeding period and its effects on the developing fetus cannot be assured as safe. The use of BOTOX® in these circumstances is recommended only for medically critical issues in which the potential benefits that are derived from the treatment, outweigh the risks involved.

Even in case of fillers like Restylane® or Perlane®, there haven’t been any medical tests or studies conducted that will assure the safety of using these fillers during pregnancy or the breast-feeding period. The general consensus is to wait until after the pregnancy is complete. If you are planning for additional pregnancies, it is important to consider these time frames – the effects of BOTOX® and Dysport® are likely to last for 4 to 6 months. The effects of injecting fillers like Restylane® and Perlane® can last 12 to 24 months.

2. Why Are You Seeking Cosmetic Surgery?
This answer to this question could be at a deeper, psychological level. Some people turn to cosmetic surgery to conquer their insecurities. An insecure attachment style can be the source of the problem.

The bond with a mother and a child stimulates the growth and development in a child. The quality of this attachment plays a crucial role in the way in which the child’s personality is shaped. If infants are deprived of adequate love and attention in the first 24 months, the attachment style of the infant is affected and can result in an insecure attachment style. Insecurely attached children grow up to be insecurely attached adults. Studies have shown that these individuals suffer from a fear that their partner will abandon them and often resort to cosmetic treatments to get over their insecurity.

The presence of an insecure attachment style increases the risk of postpartum depression and also increases the risk of persistent depression. It is difficult to gain clarity of these issues and the patients tend to be in denial, by not acknowledging these problems roots of which, are at a deeper level and not the physical level. Cosmetic surgery does not fix the psychological issues. It is important to seek professional help to fight depression and undergo psychotherapy to solve the issues that are associated with an insecure attachment style.

3. How Did I Get This Muffin Top And How Do I Get Rid Of It?
Once your tummy was like a lotus blossom but now it resembles a muffin top. What on earth happened and what should you do about it? Let’s try to understand why it happened and what can be the best way to fix it.

Your obstetricians probably didn’t prepare you for the after-effect of your c-section. Their focus is the safe deliver of a healthy baby and make sure that your health is fine, and not so much how you will look in a bikini a year later. It is a common practice amongst obstetricians to place their hand on the lower tummy, just above the public bone to lift the up the tummy fat. This enables them to perform a smooth c-section incision without the obstruction of the tummy fat. This maneuver reduced the time it takes to perform the surgery. Unfortunately, at the end of the delivery when the wound is closed, the fat that was pushed up by this maneuver gets trapped above the c-section scar – hello muffin top!

The most widely circulated myth is that only a tummy tuck can fix the muffin top. In reality, a tummy tuck is not necessary to get rid of this localized fat. If your skin integrity is good, and the muscle wall was properly repaired at the time of the c-section; localized liposuction is all you need to make a vast difference. This can be done comfortably and safely in the office by a Dr. Steinsapir under local anesthesia with virtually no down time. On the other hand, if you have miles of stretched skin and a weakened stomach wall, then it is appropriate to consider a tummy tuck. Take home lesson; don’t have more surgery than you really need.

4. How to Tackle Weight Loss After Pregnancy?
Weight gain during and after pregnancy, is a natural phenomenon. However, retaining that extra weight after pregnancy is a personal choice. Cosmetic procedures like liposuction and tummy tuck do not help in weight loss. A lot of Moms take care of everyone else in their family, but neglect their own health. Simple exercises like going for a walk with your baby in a stroller or exercising to a video workout when your baby is napping, can help you to keep your weight in control. A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise will help you in losing all those extra pounds. The key is to be consistent. Also, there are several studies that show that that breastfeeding helps to shed some of the weight gained during pregnancy.

Now, let’s talk about one of the most widely accepted cosmetic methods – Liposuction. It is critical to understand that liposuction does not cause weight loss. It is not a quick fix for your weight problem. Liposuction is a body sculpting mechanism and not a weight reduction procedure. Liposuction improves your silhouette by getting rid of the fat that is localized to only certain areas of the body. It is good for removing fat from areas like thighs, hips, abdomen, face, neck, and arms. Removing fat from these problem areas will result in a better, more pleasing silhouette.

The amount of fat that your body carries is only determined by what you eat and how much you exercise. Liposuction is great if you have stable weight and a limited number of problem areas, which persist despite following a healthy diet and a regular exercise regime. The fat removed will eventually find its way back into the body but it will be more evenly distributed, retaining the contouring effect of liposuction in the problem areas for a long period.

5. How Do I Choose The Right Cosmetic Surgeon?
A well qualified cosmetic surgeon should be board certified in one of four fields: general plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery, ophthalmology, or dermatology. Ophthalmologists should be fellowship trained in oculoplastic surgery and should be affiliated with the American Society for Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dermatologists should have additional fellowship training in dermatologic surgery or cosmetic surgery. Additionally, the best qualified surgeons have gone on to do additional fellowship training in cosmetic surgery. Your surgeon should have hospital privileges and medical malpractice insurance for the procedures they perform. A teaching affiliation with a medical school establishes that the surgeon is academically respected in their community.

Also look to see that your potential doctor lectures other surgeons, publishes and establish new procedures like Dr. Steinsapir.

Most state medical boards publish physician profiles on their website. It is a public platform to find out information about your doctor including any lawsuit settlements, board actions or any other issues regarding your doctor. Many practice websites post the resume of the surgeon. It is a bad sign if you can’t figure out what your doctor was trained in. Ethical doctors will always be very proud of their training. Be wary of doctors that offer services which are completely unrelated to their training. For example, radiologists and anesthesiologists who offer cosmetic services like liposuction, or family practitioners who offer non-surgical office based cosmetic services.

It is worth stating that not everything you read on the Internet is trust worthy. The Lifestyle Lift® is a good example. This firm heavily promotes their facelift procedure that promises immediate effects and a fast recovery. However, the Attorney General of the State of New York, Andrew Cuomo, in July 2009 settled a lawsuit against this firm for $300,000. It seems that employees faked a flood of positive reviews on the Internet.

In addition to providing unique personal service to his patients, Dr. Steinsapir also regularly contributes to Realself.com, a website that puts consumers in direct contact with plastic surgeons for straight answers about cosmetic surgery. He also volunteer his time once a month as a surgeon at the Harbor/UCLA Medical Center, one the Los Angeles County Hospitals that provides the best possible care to the public without regard to the ability to pay for services. Contact Dr. Steinsapir today for a consultation tailored to your needs.

September 21, 2009

Botox Side Effects and Potential Dangers – What’s the Risk?

Filed under: Botox Los Angeles — Tags: , — admin @ 8:56 pm

Many prospective patients worry about side effects or any potential dangers of Botox® injections. Often they ask “Is BOTOX safe?” This concern was recently heightened by the FDA, which early in 2009 decided to require Allergan, Inc. and Medicis, Inc. to include a so-called “Black Box” warning in the package inserts of their respective products, BOTOX® and Dysport®, the two FDA approved Botulinum toxin A products. The warning, which is the strongest the FDA requires of drug manufacturers, calls physician’s attention to a potentially serious or life threaten complication of a drug. The warning gets its name because it is enclosed in a black box in the package insert. In the case of BOTOX® and Dysport®, the FDA is concerned about a rare but potentially fatal complication of these products when they are used to treat very small children with cerebral palsy. These treatments are not specifically FDA approved and the dose used can be 10 or more times higher that what is used for cosmetic purposes.

Dr. Unger of the FDA has been quoted as saying that the risk of these complications when the drugs are used for approved cosmetic purposes “may well be zero.” In fact there are absolutely no cases of worrisome systemic complications reported when these products are used in the recommended dosages for cosmetic reasons. The warning also applies to another similar product called Myobloc® that is sold by Solstice Neuroscience. Myobloc® is a botulinum toxin B product that is primarily used for medical purposes. When it was initially introduced, physicians tried the product for cosmetic purposes but the product did not gain favor for this application. The reason for this is that even for the small doses used for cosmetic purposes there seem to be some evidence of systemic side effects. While none of these reactions were serious, these side effects are not seen with Dysport® or BOTOX® and these remain the agent of choice for creating temporary cosmetic improvement in the face that requires selective muscle relaxation.

“Dose is very important in the safety of all drugs, not just BOTOX® and Dysport®” says Dr. Steinsapir a leading authority, teacher, and much sought after BOTOX® injector. Even the safety of Aspirin, which is present in almost every American household, is dependent on dose. Take two Aspirin and your headache feels better, take 20 Aspirin and you could develop a stomach ulcer.

Another important issue with both BOTOX® and Dysport® is how treatment is performed. This can very much influence local side effects due to these agents. Local side effects include unwanted muscle weakening. The effect very much depends on which muscles are involved. The two most common unwanted local side effects are: 1) over relaxation of the forehead, 2) treatment induced recruitment of forehead muscles. The first of these is so common that some have been lead to believe that this is the desired effect of BOTOX® and Dysport®.

This is the frozen forehead or BOTOX freeze. It is true that the forehead is glass smooth with not a line in sight but the aesthetic cost is that this type of treatment causes the eyebrows to fall and the eyes look small and closed in. This effect is seen in many well-known models and actresses. The second type of unwanted effect is when these agents have been injected in the central forehead. The localized treatment stimulates the outer portions of the forehead muscle to over work. This has the effect of causing muscle recruitment lines where there has not been treatment. The so-called “bat face” effect in a very well known actress is the result of this type of treatment. These are examples of awful plastic surgery. These types of results are undesirable and with proper placement of the BOTOX® and Dysport® are completely avoidable.

A very important factor in your safety with any treatment is who is performing the treatment. It might surprise you to learn that licensed registered nurses are not allowed to inject BOTOX®, Dysport®, or fillers on their own. It has become common to see nurses injecting clients at beauty salons. They might also suggest that they are supervised by a “medical director.” However, these are generally illegal practices. In the State of California for example, registered nurses are only permitted to inject under the immediate supervision of a licensed physician. The physician needs to have performed an examination and be physically present in the same office where the treatment is taking place. In the State of California, licensed dentists are not permitted to inject BOTOX® or Dysport® for cosmetic treatment. Additionally many physicians have begun offering these treatments as a means to cash in on the demand for these treatments. However, these treatments and avoiding unwanted complications are very technique dependent. Dr. Steinsapir, an Associate Clinical Professor of Oculofacial Surgery at UCLA and in private practice in West Los Angeles, has been working with BOTOX® since 1988 and has vast experience with safely working with these products. He is the developer of the patent pending MicrodropletTM forehead lift and the innovative DeepfillTM method for injecting Restylane to improve dark circles and under eye hollows.

About Dr. Steinsapir and LidLift.com

Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified Ophthalmologist and fellowship trained Cosmetic, Facial and Eye Plastic surgeon who administers Botox in Los Angeles / Beverly Hills of California. People travel from all over the United States and the world for his care and expertise.

Contact us today for a consultation specific to your needs and desires.

September 16, 2009

MicrodropletTM BOTOX® and Dysport®: A Revolution in Treatment

Filed under: Botox Los Angeles, Dr. Steinsapir, Under Eye Restylane — Tags: , , , — admin @ 6:44 pm

Let’s be honest, you’ve tried BOTOX® and perhaps the new Dysport® but the results are disappointing.  Even the models and actress with access with to best doctors have some strange results.  You know the bat face and the Vulcan forehead: strange foreheads that are frozen in time.  Perhaps you have decided to swear off treatment?  Well, Dr. Steinsapir, the premier cosmetic surgeon in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills has announced his breakthrough method called the MicrodropletTM forehead lift.  This patent pending method revolutionizes what can be accomplished with BOTOX® and Dysport®.

Why Doctor Steinsapir’s MicrodropletTM forehead lift is different.

Ever wonder why doctors inject BOTOX® and Dysport where they do? Before Dr. Steinsapir, doctors never thought about how to control the spread of these agents.  Uncontrolled, these agents drift.  This means that using standard injections, there is no way to selectively treat the muscles that pull the eyebrows down and avoid treating the muscle that helps elevate the eyebrow.  Perhaps you have experienced these types of results yourself or have seen them in your favorite actresses: The forehead can’t move and the eyebrows drop like stones.  Think about it.  What looks good is a gently lifted eyebrow, no crows feet lines or brow pinch, and a forehead with reduced lines that is still able to move.  Imagine a BOTOX® treatment that allows you to have natural expressions! This is exactly what the MicrodropletTM forehead lift does.

MicrodropletTM means control.

Dr. Steinsapir has been treating with BOTOX® since 1988.  He has performed cosmetic BOTOX® treatments since 1992.  He developed the Microdroplet forehead lift by carefully listening to his patients.  The key break though came when he learn how to precisely target the muscles that pull the eyebrows down.  He accomplished this by using microliter injections of BOTOX® and Dysport® that are placed in such a way that the treatment can’t spread.  This means that the most important muscles that cause the unwanted pinching at the brow and crows feet, and pull the eyebrows down can now be treated with BOTOX® and Dysport®.  Before Dr. Steinsapir’s revolutionary break through method, it was not possible to treat these muscles without the risk of side effects.  Dr. Steinsapir can now safely perform a Microdroplet forehead lift without these concerns.  You will look years younger, refreshed, and relaxed without any evidence that you have had a service.

Schedule Now!

As you can imagine, Dr. Steinsapir is immensely popular.  He is widely known not only for his patent pending MicrodropletTM forehead lift, but also his much sought after DeepfillTM under eye Restylane® treatment to correct under eye hollows and dark circles.  He was recently quoted in Harper’s Bazaar regarding these innovative non-surgical methods.  According to Dr. Steinsapir “The ZoneliftTM combines the MicrodropletTM forehead lift with DeepfillTM Restylane® for the undereyes and gives results that are better than what can be accomplished with surgery.” Only Dr. Steinsapir performs these services.  If you have been frustrated with treatments that never seem quite right, you owe it to yourself to learn first hand what Dr. Steinsapir can accomplish for you.  For a limited time, enjoy a complimentary initial consultation.  If you choose, have treatment at the time of your visit.

Contact us today, and begin enjoy the results you have been dreaming about!

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