Cosmetic Surgery Los Angeles

Question:
I noticed that when I am not smiling it looks like I am frowning. People actually comment that I seem angry. Would a consultation help me identify whether I need a cheek lift, an eye lift or both? It is difficult for me to visualize the change.

Answer:
Thank you for the question. During a consultation you and your physician will be able to go over what surgical procedure will help you achieve your desirable outcome. Your physician will also usually be able to do a computer morphing where a preview of what your surgical outcome may look like will appear on a computer screen. This may serve as a goal that you and your physician agree on. It may also be a way for you to communicate, going over everything you would like to get from the procedure. Thank you for the question and best of luck!

Question:
I would like to get a forehead lift but I am worried that my forehead will be too large afterward.  I really have somewhat of a high hairline right now.  If the hairline is raised, I think my forehead will appear unacceptable.  Is there any way to get a forehead lift to avoid this?

Answer:
Absolutely. An endoscopic brow lift, in general, does not raise the hairline.  The eyebrows are elevated approximately 4 mm to 5 mm with minimal to no elevation of the forehead.  This would be the best technique to elevate your eyebrows and not change your forehead.  Thank you very much for your question.

Question:
The skin behind my ears is really lumpy ever since my facelift procedure.  Will this go away on its own and is it normal?  Can anything help to improve it?

Answer:
Thank you for your question.  It is normal for the incision to feel lumpy behind your ears following a facelift.  This usually resolves approximately three months following the procedure.  If for some reason it does not improve, it can be treated with a pulsed diode laser or possibly revised with a scar revision procedure.  The chance of needing one of these treatments is rare since the incision behind the ear, on most occasions, heals perfectly.

Question:
What are my different options for laser skin resurfacing procedures and what exactly do they treat?

Answer:
Well your options for laser resurfacing can either be ablative or non-ablative (non-wounding) or both.  Here at Spalding Drive we not only offer the non-ablative Fractional laser resurfacing procedure, but Dr. Amron  performs an ablative CO2 Fractional laser resurfacing procedure which removes the epidermis as it combines the traditional CO2 laser resurfacing method with the Fractional method of utilizing microscopic laser columns to penetrate deep into the skin.  This one-time treatment does require more downtime than the non-ablative method which is best done in a series of 4-6 treatments.
In addition to wrinkles, scars, stretch marks, age spots and melasma, fractional skin resurfacing can treat skin with irregular texture, uneven skin tone, discoloration, sun-induced redness, loss of elasticity, and enlarged pores.  The fractional laser treatment is not only a good option for resurfacing the skin on the face, but the chest, neck and hands as well.

I hope this helps you in your search for the right treatment for you.

Question:
How effective is Fractional skin resurfacing? What exactly is it and is it a good option if you want to improve your facial skin?

Answer:
Fractional laser skin resurfacing is extremely effective and far more superior to many deep peels or traditional dermabrasion.  Using microscopic laser columns, the fractional laser penetrates deep into the skin to trigger your body’s natural healing process, replacing old damaged tissue with younger, healthier skin while keeping the surrounding skin tissue intact.  This procedure is an excellent option for improving your facial skin as it gently and effectively resurfaces your skin from the inside out, improving texture, and tone while smoothing out the skin’s surface without the risks, discomfort, and downtime of other procedures.

Question:
I have some pretty bad acne scars on my face that I would like to fix if possible.  Is fat injection a good procedure for this?

Answer:
Fat grafting is not a good option for acne scars. Sometimes, a dermatologist may excise the acne scars or resurface them with dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.  I would advise you to speak with a board certified dermatologist as he or she may be able to give you the best advice regarding remedies for acne scarring.  Thank you for the question and best of luck to you.

Question:
I have been getting Botox injections for some time now but they do not seem to be as effective as before.  Is it possible that I have developed a tolerance to the injection?  Would switching to Dysport help?

Answer:
Everyone responds differently.  It is possible to develop a tolerance to Botox over time, but it is very rare.  You may want to try Dysport and see how that works. Dysport is another botulinum toxin type A. I would really need to perform an examination and obtain more information regarding the frequency of your treatment to give you the best advice. If you wish, you may schedule a consultation by contacting Lisa, my patient care coordinator, at ana@spaldingplasticsurgery.com.  Thank you and best of luck.

Question:
I am in my early 40s and probably a little on the young side to be considering a facelift.  Is there an age that is generally considered too young for a facelift?

Answer:
It really depends on your individual situation.  There is no set age where one should have a facelift.  When you are younger, there is less laxity in the tissue and it is tighter. Many patients are getting facelifts and mini facelifts in the 40’s.  It looks more natural and there is not a significant change so your friends will not really notice.

I would need to see your photographs or perform an examination to give you the best advice.  If you wish, you may send any photographs to Lisa, my patient care coordinator, at ana@spaldingplasticsurgery.com.  Thank you, and best of luck to you.

Question:
What is the recovery like after a facelift?

Answer:
After a facelift your head and face will be bandaged to help reduce your swelling and bruising.  You may also have a drainage tube behind your ear to prevent blood from collecting under the skin. You should elevate your head for the first five days and you will be noticeably swollen for about two weeks.  You are going to want to take some time off from work.  I recommend taking it easy for about two weeks.  You will not want to do anything too soon because it will increase swelling and delay your results.

The extent of your facelift surgery will determine the exact guidelines for your recovery.  Depending on the procedure that is performed, you may need to avoid certain activities for a longer period of time.  You need to gradually get back into your routine after the first few weeks of recovery.  I hope this helps answer your question.