Through October 31, purchase a vial of new Elevess or Prevelle Silk for just $350!
These exciting new products were just FDA-approved for aesthetic use and can quickly restore volume to the lips or smooth away wrinkles...
For details, please call our office at 661-577-4179
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New Research: Restylane Creates Collagen
Restylane has been found to be much more than a mere wrinkle filler, according to a recent study conducted at the University of Michigan Medical School.
Last year, researchers there discovered that along with restoring a firm foundation underneath facial skin, allowing skin to lie smooth and wrinkle-free, the product also stimulates the body's natural collagen-producing processes.
This suggests that aside from offering a temporary solution to wrinkles, Restylane can also improve the quality of aging, sun-damaged skin over the long term.
FDA-approved Restylane is an injectable gel containing hyaluronic acid, a natural, plant-derived substance that binds to water molecules in the skin and provides support for surface tissues.
In their independent study, the University of Michigan scientists found that Restylane also acts on collagen-producing cells called "fibroblasts," prompting them to stretch and produce more of the protein essential for youthful skin. After a few treatments, users of Restylane may find they need smaller amounts of the product as their skin quality improves.
More than a million wrinkle filling injections are performed in the U.S. each year. Although other substances including bovine collagen, human collagen and various synthetic materials are also used to plump wrinkles, Restylane is currently the most popular as it provides excellent results with minimal disruption to the skin. In 2002, for example, a six-center clinical study showed that Restylane lasted significantly longer than bovine collagen when injected into the creases around the mouth and nose (nasolabial folds). Bovine collagen had previously been the gold standard for wrinkle filling.
For more information on Restylane, please click here.
To ask us a question about treatment, or to schedule an appointment, click here. |
 New Technique: Short Scar Facelift
The Short Scar Facelift (MACS-Lift) is a minimally invasive approach to the facelift.
The MACS or Minimal Access Cranial Suspension lift is performed through a shorter incision than a full facelift and results in a more natural youthful look due to the restoration of the sagging skin in the lower two thirds of the face and neck. It is performed as an outpatient procedure and patients are able to go home on the same day as their surgery.
The Short Scar Facelift differs from a regular facelift in that the scar is shorter – just in front of the ear; and the method of lifting the face is different. Strong sutures are used to suspend the deep tissues of the face from firm points near the ear and forehead.
The advantages of this technique are that the procedure is done through a shorter scar, so less dissection is required and therefore there is less risk of bleeding and other problems. Another advantage is that the recovery time for the short scar facelift is shorter than the full facelift (1.5 – 2 weeks versus 3 - 4 weeks). In addition, the direction of lift is straight up or vertical as opposed to a traditional facelift which pulls obliquely on the skin resulting in an unnatural windswept look. In contrast, the results of the Short Scar Facelift are much more natural appearing.
The Short Scar Facelift has been performed for more than 10 years in Europe and lasts about as long as a traditional facelift (5 - 7 years or longer) depending on environmental factors and heredity. It is important to remember that after any facial procedure, the normal aging process resumes. Lifestyle choices, bone structure, skin type, sun exposure, and heredity all play a part in determining how long the desired result will last.
Because the Short Scar Facelift has a shorter operative time than the full facelift, it can be safely combined with other procedures such as eyelid surgery, brow lift, and mid face lift.
To learn more about facelifts, view before and after photos, and watch a video of Dr. Shah discussing the procedure, please click here.
To ask us a question about facelifts, or to schedule a complimentary consultation, click here. |
Tummy Tuck Today, Beach Body Tomorrow
 Are you tired of selecting a bathing suit based on how well it hides your tummy? If fewer and fewer bikinis seem to have the right fit, a tummy tuck may be the answer.
That’s because, despite the strictest diet and exercise programs, many people aren’t able to firm the skin around the abdomen. Others have loose abdominal skin following a heavy weight loss or pregnancy. That’s when abdominoplasty can be used to slim and firm the tummy.
This procedure, also known as a “tummy tuck”, removes excess skin that has lost its elasticity. It may also help reduce fat, tighten loose abdominal muscles and improve the appearance of stretch marks.
This provides a more contoured stomach and well-defined waistline.
During a tummy tuck, an incision is made just above the pubic area. This incision stretches horizontally across the lower abdomen. The skin is then gently pulled away from the muscle, the muscle tightened, and excess skin is removed. Then the incision is closed and skin is stitched back into place. Usually, an additional incision around the navel is required.
The procedure lasts between three and five hours, depending upon the degree of improvement desired. As with other types of surgery, patients need a few weeks to recuperate, with most returning to their normal activities within two weeks.
Unless there is a significant weight gain or the patient becomes pregnant, the results of a tummy tuck should last for many years. Complications are generally few.
To learn more about tummy tucks, view before and after photos, and watch a video of Dr. Shah discussing the procedure, please click here.
To ask us a question about tummy tucks, or to schedule a complimentary consultation, click here. |
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