Question: Will my skin become dry and flaky after my microdermabrasion treatment?
Answer: Yes your skin may become dry or flakey after your micro-dermabrasion. Although much of the stratum corneum (outer most dead skin cell layer) is removed during the procedure often times there is still some residual sloughing that can occur a day or two after the procedure usually in the form of dryness not necessarily flaking. By using a gentle cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer recommended by your Esthetician your skin should normalize and become more radiant and glowing on the fourth or fifth day following your microdermabrasion.
Question: Is a microdermabrasion treatment a onetime procedure or is it done over multiple sessions?
Answer:
The amount of sessions needed will depend on a patient’s skin condition, skin type, or the amount of damage, and the desired results. Micro-dermabrasion always yields better results with a series of 3 or more treatments. Some patients may see an improvement with just one treatment, however a typical new microdermabrasion patient averages 3 to 6 treatments that are spaced about two to four weeks apart. As the patient’s skin improves in texture and clarity the space in between treatments can be four to eight weeks.
Question: I’d like to get laser hair removal on a couple areas of my body. Is there one laser hair removal machine thats the best?
Answer: Well, there are machines that are safer to use on certain skin types. It is in the hands of the technician to decide what skin type the patient is and whether or not it is safe to use the laser at hand. If the patient is a Fitzpatrick Type 4 skin (light brown, burns minimally, tans easily) and above (dark brown or black, never burns, tans with ease) then they should choose the IPL base systems or the diode laser. All the other machines tend to burn those patients that are Fitzpatrick Type 4 and above. Safety is most important and of course not creating other issues such as hyper-pigmentation and scarring.
Question: There seem to be so many different techniques out there for liposuction. I’m interested in something that’s less invasive. Can you explain what my different options are?
Answer: Yes, actually, Dr. Paul Nassif is now performing the Zerona body contouring laser. This fat reducing laser works great for patients looking to jump start a weight loss program or those getting ready for a big event that would like to fit into a dress size or two smaller. The laser is used to break down adipose tissue (fatty tissue), which is then naturally discharged from the body via the normal detoxification process. Because Zerona Laser treatments are non-invasive, the procedure only takes forty minutes to an hour and is done three times a week for two weeks. The procedure leaves no scars, which often come with the territory of liposuction and tummy tucks. There is no pain during the procedure, despite the fact that no anesthesia is used. Because the low level laser is so gentle and does not produce heat, there have been no reported side effects, and most patients feel no discomfort.
If you are considering liposuction at all, I would suggest that you see an expert in this field for a full body consultation, such as Dr. David Amron. He would be able to tell you if you have areas that are out of proportion and are a good candidate for liposuction or if you just need to lose weight. Unfortunately, if you are out of proportion in any given area and need actual fat cells removed, liposuction is the only way to permanently do so. However if you just have weight to lose and are looking for a non-surgical alternative, then laser body contouring might be a better option for you.
Question: I do not like the way my cheeks look sunken in. This has become worse as I have become older even though I am about the same weight. Would fat transfer work to give some fill to my cheeks? Does fat transfer form lumps under the skin?
Answer: Fat transfer may help to fill out your cheeks. The only big issue with fat is the viability. Approximately 30 percent survives. But often after one year, the fat grows and the cheeks look better. When performed properly by a highly skilled facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, fat transfer may yield excellent results, and the possibility of lumps forming under the skin will be greatly minimized. However, there are always risks associated with any surgery. I hope this helps answer your question. I would really need to see photographs to give you the best advice. I would be happy to take a look at your photographs and give my opinion. You may send any photographs to Lisa, my patient care coordinator at ana@spaldingplasticsurgery.com. Thank you and best of luck.
Filed under: Blepharoplasty — Dr. Paul S. Nassif @ 10:47 am
Question: I would like upper and lower lid blepharoplasty. Will the incisions affect my eyelashes because I have very light and very few lashes? How long after the surgery can I wear mascara?
Answer: The incisions should not affect your eyelashes. After blepharoplasty, it would be best to wait a minimum of two weeks before wearing any mascara. I hope this helps answer your questions. Thank you and best of luck.
Question: Can neck liposuction remove a double chin? I am 58 years old and have soft, perhaps slack skin on the underside of my chin. Will that skin retract if the fat is removed? I am assuming my only option if the skin does not retract would be a neck lift.
Answer: Neck liposuction is a great option for excess fat under the chin. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may benefit from neck liposuction alone. However, to achieve an optimal result, an additional procedure may be necessary, but I would really need to see photos and/or perform an examination to give you the best advice. Depending on the elasticity of the skin at the exam, I may choose to perform a neck lift with removal of skin. Incisions are in the submental region and behind the ears. This also can be turned into a regular mid-face and lower facelift if needed. A playsmplasty can also be performed (tightening of the neck muscles). I would be happy to take a look at your photographs and give my opinion. You may send any photographs to Lisa, my patient care coordinator, at ana@spaldingplasticsurgery.com. Hope this helps. Thank you and best of luck.
Question: I had rhinoplasty 3 weeks ago. When the doctor removed my bandage I noticed that my pores were extremely clogged and the skin around my nose is peeling. My nose is still sensitive to touch and I am afraid squeeze it. What happened and Is there anything I can do about this?
Answer: Don’t panic! There are a variety of things that can be done to restore your skin to normal. Your bandage was most likely on for for a week or two, during this time excess oil, skin, and dirt built up under the bandage causing blackheads to form. Your skin may be peeling due to the change in sleep and diet patterns or the healing that is taking place in and around the surgical area.
At home you can start by using a good cleanser with water and a soft washcloth. A gentle toner can be used 1-2 times a day with a cotton ball to help remove the excess oil and build-up that occured while the bandage was on. Toners containg Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, or Glycolic Acid will help to exfoliate and aid in the unclogging of the pores. Ingredients such as vitamin c, aloe vera, cucmber, and chamomille are good for hydrating, and soothing irritated skin. A hydrating moisturizer is also necessary to help the skin return to it’s natural balance of oils. Make sure that during the day you are wearing one with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect the healing area from the the sun. Excess sun exposure can lead to increased swelling or hyper-pigmentation. Our office has a variety of top of the line products that focus on these issues.
In the office at your two week post-op visit I offer a Post-op Facial utilizing steam with enzymes, and glycolic acid to help exfoliate, unclog pores, and restore the moisture balance in the skin. At your four week post-op visit I can do the same Post-op Facial this time including Microdermabrasion and extractions to gently resurface the skin and thouroughly clean out the pores.
Question: I have been planning for a facelift this past year and just lost my job. I would like to proceed with a lower cost alternative. What types of non-surgical facelifts do you perform? Are the results similar to a total facelift?
Answer: A liquid facelift may be performed with Radiesse, which is injectable calcium hydroxlapetite. There is also a surgical procedure called a mini-facelift, which is less invasive, has a shorter recovery period, and targets specific areas of the face. Selection of a procedure depends on your needs, and I would need to perform an examination to determine if you are a good candidate. Please let me know if you would like additional information, and feel free to send any photographs to Lisa, my Patient Care Coordinatior at ana@spaldingplasticsurgery.com. Thank you and best of luck to you.
Spalding Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology | 120 S. Spalding Drive, Suite 315 | Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Phone: 310.275.2467 | Fax: 310.275.6651 | Los Angeles NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
