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March 13, 2010

Should I have lip filler or BOTOX for my lip lines?

Filed under: Beverly Hills Restylane, Botox, Botox Los Angeles, Restylane, Restylane Injections, lip augmentation, lip fillers, lip injections — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 1:20 am

Those who have very thin lips, asymmetrical lips, or irregularities in their lips such as lip lines, bumps, or wrinkles can benefit from lip treatment.  There are safe, effective options available for those seeking improvement in the lips.  Your treatment will depend upon the nature of the problem, but usually Restylane works the best.

What about BOTOX?

We have found that BOTOX in the lips is usually not ideal.  This is because BOTOX relaxes overactive muscles, which makes it great for areas like the forehead where muscles are often too tense, but not in the lips.  There are many important muscles around the mouth that don’t respond optimally to BOTOX.  Since hyper-contracted muscles around the lips are usually not a concern, it doesn’t make sense to use a muscle relaxant in this area.  There are a few people with “gummy smiles” who may benefit from having their lip elevators relaxed in this area, but generally this is not the issue we see very often.

Expression of emotion is very important in the face.  This means that BOTOX treatment is great for some things – for example, if you have forehead wrinkles that make you look continually angry, BOTOX can restore your relaxed face to a position of emotional neutrality, giving you a clean palette from which to express yourself.  This also means that BOTOX should not be placed into an area that is already aptly expressing emotion.  Most people have properly functioning muscles around the lips, which is why we usually recommend using a filler for lip lines treatment.

Lip lines BOTOX may not be the preferred option in most cases, but there are many other benefits of BOTOX application.  BOTOX is a precise treatment that can be applied exactly where it is needed and only there, so you don’t have to worry about BOTOX paralysis or a treatment in your cheeks migrating to your lips.  If you’ve already received BOTOX lip injections and would prefer an alternative to BOTOX, you don’t need to worry because the effects will wear off in time.  As long as you see an experienced physician for your cosmetic facial treatment, you can anticipate many BOTOX benefits as experienced injectors will individualize treatment for what is best for you.

Great Lip Filler Options

The lips can usually be treated in minimally invasive ways without using lip plastic surgery, although surgical procedures are useful in some situations.  One nonsurgical procedure that works great is Restylane lip enhancement.  From our experience, our opinion is that Radiesse and Perlane aren’t the optimal lip products, as Restylane is more forgiving and effective.

Restylane is ideal because it creates great results while maintaining the flexibility that more permanent treatments don’t give you.  Restylane is now available as Restylane-L, which contains a numbing medicine for increase lip treatment comfort. If you have any issue with Restylane in lips, your doctor can easily modify, lessen, or erase the treatment by injecting the enzyme hyaluronidase.  This is a safe and simple outpatient procedure.  Flexibility is essential in lip treatment because of the delicate nature of the lips’ skin and contour.  Restylane usually does the job well the first time, but in case it doesn’t, you can relax knowing that Restylane will not cause any irreversible problems.

Improving existing lip problems

Sadly, some have lips that are not pretty due to prior work by well meaning physicians, surgeons, and, yes, lay injectors. These lips may have been damaged by silicone oil, fat transfer, and mystery fillers, or just plain funky surgery and lip edge implants.  Well, help is available for these forlorn lips.  Many can be vastly improved with artistic application of Restylane to fill in and correct what is missing. Lips that have been damaged by accident or an unfortunate treatment experience can find help in Restylane.

Who can treat my lips?

Think of a meeting with a potential cosmetic surgeon like an interview.  Assess the experience and qualifications of each individual doctor, make sure it is a currently licensed physician or surgeon, and don’t forget to assess your own comfort level too.  The stuff you hear should make sense, and you should feel confident about the treatment options you discuss together.  We’re not telling you to interrogate the doctors you meet, but to make sure you communicate well, have all your questions answered, and feel good about the doctor’s ability to help you.  Like any good interviewer, be open to return questions and speak with honesty and frankness.

If you are looking for Los Angeles lip injections or other solutions for lip lines, we invite you to a no-risk consultation with Dr. Steinsapir.  Dr. Steinsapir specializes in cosmetic facial treatments and is equipped with top-notch medical offices in Beverly Hills and at UCLA.  His repertoire of experience uniquely qualifies him to perform sensitive, detail-oriented treatments.  Call us today to learn about how lip treatment options can be customized to your unique needs.

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.

February 11, 2010

Common Questions about Under Eye Restylane

Filed under: Beverly Hills Restylane, Restylane Injections, Under Eye Restylane, restylane los angeles — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 11:19 pm

When do I need under eye Restylane?

You are a good candidate for under eye Restylane treatment if you have dark circles under your eyes or hollow facial features that make your eyes look tired and aged.  Restylane can restore volume under the eyes to give you a naturally youthful, soft, and alert appearance.

undereye Restylane before and after photo

undereye Restylane before and after photo

How long does under eye Restylane last?

Restylane treatments last for an impressive length of time.  You can expect benefits for a year or more.  Your doctor will discuss follow-up treatments with you after assessing your situation and goals.  The long-lasting effect of Restylane are a great convenience.

How is Restylane better than a permanent or fat filler?

Different fillers work great for different needs.  Restylane is usually the best choice for the under eye area because the skin in this region is very thin.  With so little room to hide a permanent filler, the margin for error here is low.  This is why a flexible, easily adjustable filler is essential.  Restylane is exceptionally appropriate for treating dark circles under the eyes because of its smoothness and flexibility.  If you experience any irregularity in the smoothness of your skin after treatment, Restylane is easily adjusted without surgery.

How much Restylane do I need under my eyes?

The average under eye circle each requires about 1 milliliter of Restylane to resolve the problem.  This quantity of course varies up and down depending on the severity and each recipient’s unique facial anatomy.

How much does Restylane cost?

Quality cosmetic treatments aren’t cheap, and you are unlikely to get good results if you seek out the cheapest procedure and provider.   If you are concerned about financing your individualized treatment program, talk to your doctor at your consultation.  Dr. Steinsapir works with patients to find them the best treatment they can afford, and after a no-risk assessment we can give you a precise quote.  Rather than seek partial treatment because of a tight budget, it’s best to completely resolve the issue.

How long is recovery time?

Healing from an under eye restylane treatment is swift, and you can usually resume normal activities within hours of treatment.  You will likely experience mild swelling for thirty to forty hours of treatment.  Both men and women can hide this slight redness immediately or within a few hours with some cover-up makeup.  Brusiing discussed below can also occur which may increase the recovery time.

Are there side effects?

Some degree of bruising occurs in about 20% of Restylane dark circles treatments.  This can range from a barely detectable micro-bruise to, in a few rare cases, a black eye.  Since a black eye fully resolves itself in just two or three weeks, this isn’t considered a serious side effect or barrier to treatment.  Just be sure not to get your treatment the day before your wedding or other event where you may be photographed, and you have little to worry about.

Some people with exceptionally sensitive skin may experience mild tenderness, discomfort, or itching, which resolves itself within a couple days.  Restylane side effects are uncommon and almost always very mild in nature.  The nature of associated side effects is that they will go away quickly on their own.

How can I prevent bruising?

Certain medicines like aspirin and many herbs thin the blood.  Normally this effect is so small that it doesn’t matter, but when you’re receiving Restylane treatment you should avoid these things for about ten days before treatment.  Your doctor can give you a list of drugs, herbs, wines, and so on to avoid.  If you are on a prescription medication, be sure to bring this up with both your cosmetic physician and the doctor who prescribed the medication.  If it’s important for you to take something everyday, you are probably still an excellent candidate for treatment; just realize that your risk for bruising is a little elevated, and that the bruising will go away.

How soon will I see results?

As soon as you leave the office, you will see that the hollows under your eyes have dramatically improved.

Who should give Restylane injections?

Restylane injections require the hand of a skilled specialist who is both qualified and experienced in providing Restylane treatments.  Those who are qualified to provide Restylane treatments include general plastic surgeons (aka board certified general plastic surgeons), fellowship trained eye plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, and dermatologists.  This doesn’t mean that everyone who can legally treat you is a good choice for what you need.  Restylane is considered a safe, minimally invasive treatment that is very easy on the recipient, but applying Restylane is also the most difficult of under eye treatments, and it demands a highly experienced professional with both skill and an artistic eye.  You need to find a qualified specialist who is comfortable and expert at this type of treatment.

How can I individualize my treatment program?

Our office believes in providing the best boutique care and natural results.  Dr. Steinsapir performs all services himself without relying on assistants.  We believe in approaching each patient as an individual, paying special attention to your health history, your goals and concerns, taking time to listen to your individual concerns with interest and care, and creating an individual plan that will work for you.  Call us today for a no-risk assessment.

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.

December 15, 2009

Should I Get Perlane® or Restylane®?

Filed under: Cosmetic Surgery, Eyelid Surgery, Restylane Injections, Under Eye Restylane — Tags: , , , — admin @ 3:37 pm

Restylane® and Perlane® from Medicis, Inc. are both hyaluronic acid fillers made of sugar gels. It is common to ask which product is better.   The reality is that these are similar products with important differences.  Restylane® is a softer product that provides excellent volume, tends to stay where it is injected, but can be shaped well once placed in the tissue.  Perlane® is also a soft product that provided slight better volumizing, tends to stay where it is injected, and resists shaping more than Restylane®.

Each product has a somewhat different role in facial volumizing.  The right choice for you very much depends on your issues.  This is best determined by an individual consultation with a highly qualified cosmetic surgeon.  Here are some general guidelines and common usages that can give you an idea of when each filler tends to be appropriate, but individualized treatment never takes a one-size-fits-all approach and diagnosis and treatment planning must be done in person.

Before and After: Restylane, Botox and Perlane by Dr. Steinsapir

Before and After: Restylane, Botox and Perlane by Dr. Steinsapir

What’s the Difference between Perlane® and Restylane®?

Both Perlane® and Restylane® are fillers that work especially well when volumizing the face to give it a softer, more youthful look and restore hollow and deflated areas.  Perlane® is a thicker material than Restylane® and it usually lasts a few months longer.  This is an amazing length of time as Restylane can be effective for a year or more.  Restylane® usually works better for the sensitive area under the eye where the skin is thin and there is little fat.  The ability of the Restylane to be readily shaped once it is placed in the tissue means that many potential irregularities can be resolved as the material is placed.  For the same reason, Restylane is also excellent at the lip edge.  Elsewhere in the face, there is much better tissue coverage for the placement of the slightly thicker Perlane®.

Perlane® has a larger molecular structure that Restylane and as a results it is a somewhat better volumizer than Restylane®.  It is preferred in areas like the cheeks, eyebrow, chin, and the tissues around the mouth called the perioral area. Why does it work best in these areas?  Because these areas have more fat to work with than the lower eyelid dark circle.  Perlane®’s thickness necessitates that it be placed deeper than Restylane®, while Restylane® works very well near the surface of the skin and in areas where little fat is present.  Perlane® is wonderful for adding volume to places with more fat under which a doctor can place this filler.  It is less ideal for the lip edge and under eye area where the Restylane serves as a better choice.

Because of both their similarities and differences, Restylane® and Perlane® can be used together to improve the facial aesthetics by eliminating unsightly angles, sunken features, and haggard looks.  For example, Perlane® can be placed in the top of the cheek at the time that Restylane® is used to treat the dark circles in the lower eyelid hollows.  Both of these actions are beneficial in themselves, and when used together they amplify the improvements even more.

What If I’m Unhappy with My Results?

These services are the fastest growing cosmetic services because of how happy people are with the results.  Yet service is not a magic wand and it is sometimes necessary for a treatment to be adjusted.  First make certain that your doctor is aware of your concerns.  If you are having an issue, don’t simply wait until your next visit.  It is a good idea to contact your doctor and let them know what is going on.  There is often a great deal of value in being seen early if there is some issue.  By consulting with your doctor after a procedure, these issues can be readily addressed.

Unlike other fillers, hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane® and Perlane® can be adjusted after treatment to resolve any surface irregularities that might be present after treatment.   In fact, it is possible to modify these treatments even if it has been quite some time since you were treated.  Over time, these products are absorbed by the body and eventually disappear over a year or two.

Seeking the Right Doctor

Dr. Steinsapir specializes in improving the face in both aesthetic and medically necessary situations.  As a specialist he has some of the highest levels of experience in addressing concerns about the face, including how to best apply fillers like Perlane®.  In fact, Dr. Steinsapir has served as a physician consultant to Medicis, Inc., who distributes both Perlane® and Restylane®, and he is considered among the top 3% users of these products.  He is thought to have the largest under eye filler practice in the World.  Call for a consultation to find out if you are a good candidate for Perlane®, including whether it will improve upon another procedure or could be combined with Restylane® treatment.  Dr. Steinsapir approaches everyone as an individual, customizing treatment to each person’s needs.  Contact us today to find out how he can customize treatment for you.

December 11, 2009

Restylane: The Preferred Minimally-Invasive, Non-Surgical Facial Filler

Filed under: Dr. Steinsapir, Eyelid Surgery, Restylane Injections, Under Eye Restylane — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 5:00 pm

Dr. Steinsapir regularly uses Restylane in his Los Angeles practice to correct dark circles under the eyes because it has demonstrated time and time again to be more reliable and produce better results than other fillers in most cases.  Restylane is usually a better choice than permanent under-eye filler because the skin and eyelid are very thin in this region.

Under Eye Circles Before and After

Under Eye Circles Before and After

Restylane is easily adjusted after treatment should an adjustment become necessary and it can be done in a non-invasive manner without surgery.  In the rare case that Restylane does not settle right, it can be easily adjusted with just a tiny injection of hyaluronidase, a safe enzyme that breaks down and softens Restylane.

It is unlikely there will be a complication because Restylane’s thickness keeps it from forming lumps the way other fillers sometimes do in the most sensitive areas.  If irregularities do occur, they can be adjusted using the hyaluronidase.  The thickness of Restylane keeps the filler in place in the lower eyelid and upper cheek regions so your results will be long lasting and remain natural looking.  After treatment, Restylane is very effective and usually lasts one to two years.  Because the procedure only requires office based injections and can yields ideal results, many people choose to have periodic Restylane treatments rather than surgery.  What’s best for you will depend on your particular needs based on an evaluation by an experienced doctor.

Bruising

Most people, about 80%, do not experience bruising after a Restylane treatment; the other 20% experience some degree of bruising.  Most of them have mild bruising, but a very few (one or two in a hundred) will form a black eye.  The black eye takes two to three weeks to completely resolve, and this is a cosmetic concern without health dangers.  Considering that Restylane will last over a year, the recovery process is very mild and comfortable even for these few.  The few Restylane recipients who experience bruising usually feel that the short-lived bruise was worth the long-term results.  It’s a good idea to obtain treatment at least three weeks before big events like vacations and weddings just to be completely certain that your pictures will turn out great.

To minimize your risk of bruising, your doctor will ask you to stop taking certain medications that thin the blood, such as aspirin.  If you are taking anything prescribed by a doctor, we strongly advise that you consult with the physician who prescribed it before discontinuing the medication.  If your doctor suggests that you continue the medication, this does not mean that you aren’t a good Restylane candidate.  If you are willing to be at a slightly elevated risk for bruising, Restylane can fill in the hollows under your eyes very effectively.  Your regular doctor and your cosmetic specialist can help you decide the best route to take.

What If I’m Pregnant or Breastfeeding?

There is no foreseeable complication that could be caused by Restylane, a naturally occurring sugar gel.  It has proven itself to be very safe.  The problem with using it to treat pregnant and nursing women is simply that we have no clinical information regarding the safety of this product in pregnancy and during lactation.  Could Restylane cause a problem for your baby?  This is unlikely.  The sugar gel in Restylane occurs naturally in the body.  Many medications and treatments are not advised for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers simply because they have not been tested, and probably will never be – this does not mean that they’re not safe.  It simply means that ethical practitioners recommend that you don’t take any chances when it comes to untested situations.  We recommend you wait until you wean your baby before undergoing cosmetic procedures.   Fortunately, babies do not nurse forever, so you won’t have to wait too long for the long-lasting benefits of Restylane.

My Eyes Are Sensitive.  Can I Still Benefit from Restylane?

This may sound paradoxical, but depending on the sensitivity you may be especially qualified for Restylane.  If you have allergies, the likelihood of a reaction is extremely small but not quite zero (there is always some risk of a reaction to any medical procedure that introduces something new into the body) and can best be assessed by an oculoplastic surgeon.  If your eyes are sensitive to things like hay fever, for example, and they become irritated or red easily, this aggravation may accentuate the hollows under your eyes.  If you know you are prone to this appearance, a filler like Restylane will be very helpful, because during times of sensitivity, your eyes will look much better with treatment than without it.

Recovery Time

Many of Dr. Steinsapir’s patients resume their normal activities just after leaving the office.  If you don’t bruise, there will be about thirty to forty hours during which you experience minimal swelling.  Many patients, both men and women, can hide this swelling right away with a camouflage makeup that matches their skin color.  If your lower eyelid skin quality is poor and you often collect a small bag of puffiness under the eye, the doctor may counsel you regarding the need to consider a procedure like a chemical peel or surgery prior to getting regular filler treatments so that you don’t experience prolonged recovery after each filler service.  This can be discussed when you have your initial consultation.

Can I Combine Restylane with Another Procedure?

Yes.  Restylane can be safely combined with many procedures.  Discuss your concerns with your physician.  He or she will advise you about which procedures compliment Restylane treatments.  Your doctor may advise you to come in on another day for certain procedures that are especially sensitive to changes in the treatment area, but there are many cases when Restylane can be appropriately combined with another procedure at once.  Restylane is a simple outpatient service that can be done while you’re fully awake in the office after numbing cream has been applied to the treatment area.

Consult with a Doctor Who Cares

Dr. Steinsapir invented and published the Deepfill™ method for placing Restylane®. Deepfill™  method is used by thousands of doctors around the world to inject Restylane® safely in the under eye area.  This method adds precision and certainty to the placement filler in this location making this minimally invasive method a true alternative to lower eyelid surgery for many people.  Dr. Steinsapir is one of very few cosmetic surgeons who dedicate a major focus of his practice to treating dark circles and under eye hollows, making him particularly experienced and qualified as a specialist.

Contact us today for a personalized consultation with a caring physician who individualizes each treatment based on your specific concerns.

October 26, 2009

Lip Filling – Important Facts To Consider Before You Decide To Have Fuller Lips

Filed under: Cosmetic Surgery, Restylane Injections — Tags: , , , , , — admin @ 9:47 pm

Lips are one of the most important features that characterize your face. Lips should be in harmony with other features of your face such as nose, cheeks, eyes, eyebrows, chin and teeth. Plump and youthful lips are the symbol of beauty and a window to a tantalizing smile. As we age, movement of the mouth causes softness, loss of lip volume, and vertical lines can develop. These changes you look less attractive and aged. Lip Filling or Lip Augmentation can help you in attaining fuller lips that will add a sensuous appeal to your face.

lip filling before and after pictures

Even for men, these subtle lip edge changes can take away what makes a masculine youthful appearance. Appropriate lip edge treatment restores these changes. However, it is important to educate yourself about the precautions to be taken and risks involved in a lip filling procedure before taking the plunge. Let’s talk about some important facts related to lip filling:

Who Is Eligible For Lip Filling?
Adults who are in good health and have naturally thin lips, a decrease in lip volume due to age, and those interested in fuller lips. Prior scaring or lip procedures can be improved with lip filling.

The Most Common Lip Filling Techniques
The widely accepted techniques for lip filling are:

• Injectable Lip Fillers
• Fat Transfer
• Lip Implants

Injectable Lip Fillers
The safest technique for lip augmentation is injecting hyaluronic acid or collagen based fillers, which provide pleasing results that last for four to 12 months. The results achieved by injectable lip fillers are temporary because the body eventually absorbs the filler. Some of the reliable fillers for temporary lip augmentation are Restylane®, Perlane®, Hylaform®‚ and Juvederm®. Lip augmentation with injectable fillers that result in temporary lip augmentation is a less time consuming procedure that is carried out under local anesthesia and delivers immediate results. Although longer lasting lip edge treatment is desirable, permanent fillers are generally not recommended in the lip because of the risk of nodularity along the lip edge. So fillers like Bio-Alcamid ®, or Artefill® which are designed to last a very long time in the tissues or be permanent, are generally not recommended in the lip.

Even though this is a low risk procedure, your reaction to treatment will depend on the type of filler and your ability to heal. Mild side effects related to lip fillers include redness, bruising, swelling, minor discomfort, tenderness, and much less commonly, infection. With proper precautions and care, these side effects can be minimized, and will fade within a few days. Allergies to these products can occur even if you have been successful treated with a particular product in the past. Unwanted fullness following a treatment can easily be adjusted with any of the hyaluronic acid fillers, which is why these have rapidly become the number one choice for lip augmentation.

Fat Transfer
Lip augmentation with fat transfer involves removing fat from one area of the body, usually the abdomen or the thighs with the help of liposuction. This fat is subsequently injected it into the lips with the help of a syringe. As only the body’s natural tissue is used, rejection or allergic reaction does not occur. The results are longer lasting with 50 to 60% of the transferred fat surviving to provide permanent augmentation. Depending on surgeon’s and patient’s preferences lip filling with fat transfer is performed under local anesthesia or a general anesthesia. Fat does need to be harvested from another site on the body, often the abdomen or flanks and healing is also needed at this site.

The side effects may include infection, bruising, swelling, and minor discomfort. Bruising typically is present for 2 weeks. This procedure, like all lip services requires a high degree of expertise and finesse because the fat needs to be injected to shape the lip. Care also needs to be taken that the fat cells do not die during the fat transfer. Lip fat transfer can be very helpful in establishing basic lip volume. However, lip fat transfer lacks the level of precision that can be achieved with the lip filler products like Restylane®. Once the transferred fat has achieved a blood supply, the volume is retained on a long term basis. Some offices freeze fat for later use. Evidence suggests that the freezing process damages the fat cells and volume persists after the use of frozen fat cell long as long as it takes the body to reabsorb these cells.

Lip Implants
Lip implants provide permanent lip augmentation. In the lip implantation technique the surgeon makes small incisions on the lips to accommodate the implant. To ensure that the lip implant is placed correctly for an even and natural result, the surgeon creates a fine tunnel through the lips. After inserting the implant in the lips, it is trimmed according to the length of the lips and the incisions are sealed. SoftForm, e-PTFE (generic replacement for Gore-Tex® which is no longer made for the lips) and AlloDerm® are the three popular types of implants used for permanent lip augmentation. It is important to consult an expert cosmetic surgeon to understand which lip implant is right for you.

Some of the risks associated with permanent lip augmentation include implant rejection, infection, implant migration, scarring, and stiffness of the lips. The main benefit of permanent lip augmentation is that it provides longer-lasting results than temporary fillers, which are eventually absorbed into the body. Although the effect of fuller lips is permanent with lip implants than with injections, lip implants carry a higher risk of scarring or lumping of the lips. Also lip implants lack the level of precision that can be achieved with the use of lip fillers. These risks can occur with highly qualified surgeons. It is important to discuss with your surgeon the best choices that are right for you. Many find that filling the lips to be an excellent alternative to surgical lip augmentation with and implant or even fat transfer.

How Do You Prepare Yourself for Lip Filling?
There is a possibility of an allergic reaction to any of the fillers that are used for lip filling. However, the risk is the lowest with the hyaluronic acid fillers. It is your responsibility to report to your surgeon, any pre-existing allergies or respiratory problems which could be compounded due to anesthesia. It is crucial to choose a professional facial plastic surgeon that uses only FDA approved lip augmentation products and guides you in choosing the right cosmetic procedure that is ideal and safe for you.

How Do I Choose The Right Cosmetic Surgeon For Lip Filling?
The most important step to take before undergoing a lip filling treatment is to choose the right cosmetic surgeon. Extensive research performed to identify your potential cosmetic surgeon is very helpful. Is your surgeon board certified in one of the core aesthetic specialities: Dermatology, Oculoplastic Surgery, Facial Plastic surgery, or General plastic surgery? Does you surgeon have hospital privileges at a University based hospital? There is a big difference between surgeons who operate at Major University centers and those who confine themselves to community hospitals. Does you surgeon publish scientific papers, teach other surgeons, and lecture? Does your doctor have medical malpractice insurance to cover the procedures you are considering? These are helpful clues to assist you in identifying a cosmetic surgeon of the highest caliber to assist you in achieving your goals.

October 20, 2009

Facial Fillers: A Solution to Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatment

Filed under: Cosmetic Surgery, Restylane Injections, Under Eye Restylane — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 8:45 pm

Twenty years ago, the only solution for removing the classic signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging skin, under eye hollows, and thin lips was going under the knife or hardcore chemical peels and laser. But today, a range of facial fillers can be injected to smooth out those facial lines, enhance lips, treat nasolabial folds, and remove furrows between the brows, taking years off the face to bring back that youthful look. What makes injecting facial fillers so attractive? Facial Fillers also known as “dermal fillers” or “injectables” offer a cosmetic treatment that is minimally invasive with little or no recovery time. Injecting fillers has become the most popular way to solve anti-aging problems in a non-surgical manner. With so many types of dermal fillers available today, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. The following sections provide useful information about some of the most widely used fillers.

What are the Main Ingredients That Constitute These Facial Fillers?
Most of the commonly used fillers are derived from Collagen or Hyaluronic acid. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in mammals that is used to create injectable fillers that are either bovine-derived, porcine or human-derived. Bovine-derived collagen is extracted from the tissue of cows that have been raised in consistently monitored, disease-free environment. The Allergan, Inc. Zyderm® and Zyplast® product is produced from highly purified collagen collected from a closed herd of cattle. As there is a 3-8 percent chance of an allergic reaction to bovine collagen, an allergy test is required prior to undergoing treatment with this filler. The source of human-derived collagen products varies. However, the most popular of these products, Cosmoplast® and Cosmoderm® from Allergan, Inc., is sources from cultured human fibroblast cells that have been maintain in tissue culture for 10 years. These cells are the source of other human derived products used to treated burn victims and have an excellent safety record. A pre-treatment allergy test is not necessary with the human derived collagen products. Evolence® is the latest collagen product produced from porcine collagen with a useful life in the face of about a year. The longevity of collagen injections depend on patient’s lifestyle, physical characteristics, and the part of the body treated. Collagen is observed to disappear faster in areas that are directly affected by muscle movement. Only a professional doctor can help you to determine the right period required for retreatment to maintain the results.

Hyaluronic acid is a type of polysaccharide called a glycosaminoglycan. Also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the human body and is central to regulating cell growth and renewal. Hyaluronic acid is non-immunogenic, which means the body doesn’t consider it as a foreign substance, thus minimizing the chance of an allergic reaction. While allergies to these products do occur, allergy testing is not recommended do the low incidence of allergies to these products. Dermal fillers that contain hyaluronic acid offer a soft natural look and also have great longevity. Hyaluronic acid fillers have an added advantage in that they can be manipulated even long after a treatment using the enzyme hyaluronidase. The results are like have surgery but the magic wand was an office procedure and a treatment comfortably placed with tiny injections.

The Most Popular Facial Fillers
Restylane ®
Known as one of the most effective and popular fillers, Restylane dermal gel composed of hyaluronic acid. The non-animal biodegradable filler adds volume to the skin treating under eye hollow and dark circles. It smooths facial folds and wrinkles in areas surrounding the eyes and mouth. The effects of this filler easily last for a year or more depending on factors like age and skin type, and the initial treatment volume.

Juvederm ™
This injectable gel is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler which restores your skin’s volume and addresses moderate to severe the facial folds, like “smile lines” or nasolabial folds. This filler is made up of cross-linked hyaluronic acid and effects last for an average of 6 months. Other hyaluronic acid fillers are granular in nature, but the smooth consistency of Juvederm ™ allows the injection to be administered with relative ease. Due to the enhanced ability of this product to flow in the face, it is best to discuss with your treating physician where this product will work best.

Perlane®
Another hyaluronic acid based filler – Perlane, with larger molecules and large concentration of hyaluronic acid, making it more effective to treat deeper wrinkles and larger folds. Though it is only FDA approved to last up to 12 months, it has found to be longer-lasting than Restylane ®. This product is the best of the hyaluronic volumizers for deeper lines or more active points of facial movement.

Botox ®
This facial injectable is made from Botulinum Toxin Type A and designed to eliminate facial wrinkles. It commonly treats areas like frown lines between the eyebrows, “crow’s feet,” and creases on the forehead. It primarily addresses the periocular region and its effects last up to 6 months. While Botox is not a filler, it is often used in combination with fillers to achieve results that previously could only be accomplished with surgery.

Zyplast® and Zyderm®
The first collagen based fillers approved by the FDA are made of purified bovine-derived collagen and are used to enhance facial contour and reduce fine lines and deep wrinkles. Zyderm® subtly smooths crow’s feet or fine lines around the lips. Zyplast® is used to treat deeper folds such as brow wrinkles or frown lines, and provides volume and contouring to your face. The longevity of this product is limited compared to the new hyaluronic acid fillers. The product contains local anesthetic making quite comfortable for lip edge treatment. Prior testing is needed to screen for potential allergies before actual treatment.


Radiesse ®
Formerly known as Radiance, Radiesse is made of calcium-based microspheres, the same component of bones and teeth. The filler stimulates the body to produce new collagen around the microspheres, which makes it last longer. It is utilized to correct moderate to severe wrinkles and contour the facial features. Radiesse® filler is the first FDA-approved one-year dermal filler that restores and corrects the signs of facial lipoatrophy in patients with HIV. Initially the manufacture claimed longevity of 5 to 8 years, however, clinical experience suggests that this product lasts 12-18 months when used as a facial filler.

ArteFill®
ArteFill® which is known as Artecoll® outside of United States is a dermal filler that offers longer lasting results than other cosmetic filler injections. It is made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres that are suspended in bovine collagen and is mainly used to treat static facial lines, enlarge lips, fill in facial imperfections, and diminish nasolabial folds. It not only acts as a dermal filler, but its microspheres also stimulate the body to produce its own collagen. As the injected collagen slowly degrades naturally, the newly produced collagen replaces it. This leads to long-lasting, almost permanent results. Due to a tendency to form lumps, the product is not recommended for lip or lower eyelid treatment.

Silicone oil
Silicone oil has only one FDA approved indication for use in the repair of complex retinal detachments. This material finds its way into off label use as a medical grade facial filler. However, silicone oil has a number of side effects. Consequently it is not advisable to use liquid silicone for facial filler. Silicone oil is occasionally used by non-medical injectors for illegally black market treatment. Often the silicone oil used is not medical grade but rather industrial silicone oil, which was never intended for the human body. There have been deaths from these types of illegal treatments.

Benefits and Risks Involved in Injecting Facial Fillers
The biggest advantage of these fillers is that they do not require any invasive surgery and require little recovery time. While the results of fillers do not last forever, their longevity is sufficient to offer a practical alternative to surgery. In many case, the result of filler service can be better than what can be accomplished with actual surgery. Periodic top off allows the effects of service to be maintained. Side effects like bruising, swelling, lumpy firmness, and tenderness are seen in 5% of treatments. The incidence of allergic reaction varies with the products used and should be discussed with the treating physician.
Before undergoing an anti-aging treatment, it is important to consult a well-qualified and a board certified cosmetic surgeon, to help you to understand which FDA-approved filler is the best for you.

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 19, 2009

Restylane®: Your Answer to Minimally Invasive Treatment

Filed under: Dr. Steinsapir, Restylane Injections, Under Eye Restylane — Tags: , , , — admin @ 5:15 pm

Restylane®, a hyaluronic acid filler, has paved the way for non-surgical cosmetic treatment of the face and eyes. This injectable dermal gel has revolutionized the cosmetic procedures involved in smoothening facial lines, enhancing lips, treating nasolabial folds and glabellar lines, and addresses one of the most sought-after anti-aging treatment today – improving dark circles and under eye hollows. This effective filler manufactured by the leading pharmaceutical company – Medicis, Inc. – has the power to produce the desired effect and revive a youthful look, results that previously could only be accomplished with surgery.

The ability of Restylane® to improve sunken-in eyes, dark circles and bagginess under the eyes explains why this has rapidly emerged as the most desired of treatments. Dr. Steinsapir, the premier cosmetic surgeon in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills is renowned for his expertise in deploying Restylane® for under eye treatment. According to Dr. Steinsapir, the power of fillers like Restylane®, Perlane®, and Juvederm® from Allergan, Inc., the maker of BOTOX®, is in the versatility of the treatment. “Almost any facial issue can be improved by these fillers,” reports Dr. Steinsapir. These treatments are further distinguished from all other classes of fillers, such as Radiesse®, Sculptra®, silicone oil, fat grafts and fat pearls, because the treatment can easily be adjusted at any time after the initial service using a second product called hyaluronidase.

Dr. Steinsapir notes “it’s like having an eraser to adjust a treatment when needed.” He strongly believes that many people are far better off choosing Restylane® as an alternative to lower eyelid surgery. “Restylane® delivers natural results that are as good as and in many cases better than surgery.” Dr. Steinsapir developed the Deepfill™ Method of Restylane®, which is widely acclaimed among Hollywood A-listers and entertainment insiders in Beverly Hills.

Dr. Steinsapirs’s Deepfill™ Restylane® – Truly effective help for the lower eyelids without surgery.

Dr. Steinsapir is an internationally recognized midface surgeon having pioneered new surgeries for correcting midface and under eye issues. However, not everyone has the time or interest in having surgery. This inspired him to develop the innovative DeepfillTM method for lower eyelid treatment with Restylane® to fill the under eye hollows and relieve dark circles. This non-permanent treatment adds volume to the under eye skin, enhancing the appearance. Treatment is very comfortable and service can be performed at the time of initial consultation if you choose. Dr. Steinsapir does not believe in having nurses or physician extenders perform aesthetic services. “These treatments require much more than surgical dexterity. They require the eye and hands of an artist.” Schedule your initial consultation and learn what Dr. Steinsapir can do for you.

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