Combining Nose and Chin Surgery

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Dr. Lee B. Daniel

Italian study says the two procedures go hand-in-hand.

When it comes to a patient’s desired results from plastic surgery, sometimes, it’s not a one-procedure-fixes-all type of situation.

As we’ve discussed on this blog before, it’s not uncommon for plastic surgeons to recommend two or more procedures simultaneously. Combining procedures can save you money as well as time in recovery, and most importantly, can pay dividends when it comes to the aesthetic results of your time in the OR.

A study from the University of Verona in Italy has demonstrated the efficacy of combining rhinoplasty (a nose job) with genioplasty (chin augmentation). Researchers followed 90 patients who had both surgeries simultaneously between 2002 and 2004, and followed up with each of them over the next three years.

The results showed that 45.6 per cent of those who had chin reduction surgery had no subsequent changes in the new chin, and 52 per cent of those with chin implants showed a stable profile in the following years.

The reason researchers believe these two surgeries go well together is because the proportions of the nose, chin, and neck are all tied together; if you correct your nose, but don’t adjust your other features in conjunction, your face may look out of proportion.

Furthermore, while rhinoplasty is a more delicate surgery, chin augmentation is relatively simple, especially if we’re talking about chin implants. So in order to maximize the desired aesthetic results, and minimize the number of surgeries and the number of days in recovery, it’s beneficial to get both procedures done at once.

If you’re curious about a nose/chin combo, or a combination of any other cosmetic procedure, be sure to ask your surgeon about it during your next consultation at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Eugene.

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Research Shows Plastic Surgery Can Make You Happier

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Dr. Lee B. Daniel

Improved Self-Esteem and Enjoyment of Life, Study Shows

We all care about how we look, to some degree or another, and dissatisfaction with a part of one’s body can be a source of lowered self-esteem and heightened anxiety for some, among other unpleasant feelings and insecurities. Some people choose to deal with these unwanted aspects of their body by turning to plastic surgery to remove, reshape, or minimize the offending blemish. But undergoing plastic surgery couldn’t clear up all these deeper issues and actually make you happier…could it?

Turns out, it actually can, according to a new study. It may seem like common sense when you look at it, but clinically speaking, surgically dealing with a part of the body that causes anxiety and insecurities can actually help to deal with those very same negative feelings.

Researchers at the Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy department of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum followed the post-operative experience of 544 individuals who underwent a cosmetic surgery, and compared them to 246 people who had considered surgery but opted against it in the end, and about 1000 people who had never considered surgery.

The 544 participants who underwent surgery were not statistically any more depressed or mentally healthy compared to their non-operative counterparts. Using what’s called “Goal Attainment Scaling,” the researchers gauged the goals of all the participants using some open-ended questions, alongside ten standard goals. Only 12% specified unrealistic goals, such as “all my problems will be solved!” Most participants voiced realistic goals, such as “feeling better,” and “gaining self confidence.”

Checking in upwards to a year after their surgeries, the researchers found that, on average, those who had undergone surgery were significantly and statistically happier and felt better about themselves than their non-operative counterparts.

Having realistic goals when it comes to plastic surgery has a lot to do with overall satisfaction, as this study suggests. If you go in thinking that plastic surgery will fix all your problems and make everything better, well, you’re bound to wind up disappointed. But if you’re realistic about your goals, and a shot of Botox or taking off a few problem pounds with liposuction can help you feel better about yourself and how you look, it could be worth looking into. If you’re interested in any kind of plastic surgery, your first job is to contact your plastic surgeon for a consultation.

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How To Deal With Age Spots?

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Chris

How do you prevent those dark spots that appear on your skin as you get older?

As we get older, our skin becomes more and more susceptible to various blemishes and imperfections, but no other blemish is so closely associated with old age than those dark splotches we call Liver spots.

“Liver spot” is a bit of a misnomer. They were once thought to be caused by liver problems, but that hypothesis has proven to be incorrect. They’re actually caused by a combination of exposure to ultraviolet light, which speeds up the production of Melanin, and the decreased ability of skin to repair itself after sun damage, hence alternative names such as “age spot” and “senile freckle.”

Genetics and plain, old aging are factors, too, and those of light-coloured skin tones are more likely to get them. But, is there anything you can do to reduce the risk of developing them?

The big thing is to avoid excess sun exposure. That’s not to say you should start avoiding the sun altogether – you’re not a vampire! But during the times of day when the sun is strongest (usually between 10:00am and 4:00pm), avoid the sun as much as possible, and wear long sleeves and hats if you must be outside during that time. Sunscreen is also highly recommended.

There are ways to combat age spots once they’ve appeared, as well. Age spots can be difficult to completely erase, but in most cases, their effects can be minimized. Treatments range from Obagi skin care products to laser treatments. For more information regarding the options available to you, contact your plastic surgeon and book a consultation.

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More Patients Are Opting for Secondary Face Lifts

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Chris

Second time’s the charm!

According to the 2012 plastic surgery statistics released this month, facial procedures are the new breast augmentation. More people than ever are seeking out face rejuvenating treatments, ranging from Botox, Juvederm, and face lifts. Face lifts offer more long-lasting results than its non-surgical kin, but one study suggests more people are opting for seconds when it comes to rhytidectomy.

A face lift is certainly going to last much longer than a dose of Botulinum when it comes to giving your visage a more youthful appearance, but the results can’t last forever. Eventually, you’re going to age further, genetics and gravity will take their toll, and you’ll start to see fine lines returning to that face you see in the mirror looking back at you. But according to a study by Dr. Rod J. Rohrich and colleagues at the University of Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, people who get a second facelift later in life can expect to enjoy similarly lasting results, with a low risk of complications.

The study followed 60 of Dr. Rohrich’s 800 facelift patients, those who received a second facelift, between 1990 and 2010. These patients enjoyed an average of nine years after their first facelift before returning for a second one. Of those 60 patients, ten returned for a third facelift, an average of seven and a half years between their second and third facelifts. These results suggest that patients who undergo a second facelift can realistically expect similarly-lasting results to that of their first facelift.

There was also no increased risk of complications following a secondary surgery compared to the complication rate of those who undergo their first facelift. There was likewise no notable risk of facial nerve injury following a secondary facelift, contrary to the findings of some reports.

The study concludes that secondary and even tertiary facelifts have been on the rise along with the rise of the Baby Boomer market. “With an ever-growing middle-aged population and an overall interest in facial rejuvenation at an earlier age, there has been a substantial increase in patients undergoing secondary rhytidectomy,” according to Dr. Rohrich and colleagues.

Remember – it doesn’t matter if it’s your first facelift, second, or even tenth! If you’re interested in a facelift, or any surgical procedure, your first step every time is to contact Dr. Daniel’s office for a consultation.

Also, we’d love it if you could vote for Dr. Lee Daniel as Eugene’s favorite Cosmetic Surgeon! You can vote on The Register-Guard’s website. Thank you for your continued support!

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Should You Keep Your Plastic Surgery a Secret?

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Chris

Try to keep your loved ones in the loop, for your sake as well as theirs!

Plastic surgery, especially the minimally-invasive procedures, aren’t nearly as taboo as they were back in the early days of the field. Between the rise in popularity of minimally-invasive procedures such as Botox, high-profile celebrities flaunting fabulous results, and a general change in attitudes, it’s never been more socially acceptable to get some work done.

That said, some people may still want to keep their surgeries to themselves, be it because they’re shy, or because they worry how some people might react. The question is; should you hide your cosmetic surgery from others?

If you’re not interested in telling the whole world about your procedures, and consider plastic surgery a more private affair, there’s certainly no harm in not broadcasting it – you’re entitled to your privacy. Your coworkers and casual acquaintances generally don’t need to be privy to how you maintain your body, surgery or no. Especially if it’s a procedure they’re not likely to see the results of anyway, such as a tummy tuck. Furthermore, some surgeons specialize in more natural-looking results for the more visual procedures like a face lift. If your procedure yields highly visible results, such as a breast augmentation that adds generously to your bust size, be ready to field some questions. Otherwise, it’s really none of their business.

However, when it comes to very close friends, family, and loved ones, it’s highly recommended that you keep them in the loop, no matter how worried you may be that they’ll disapprove. The decision to undergo any procedure is a big one, and going through it unbeknownst to your support circle is only going to hurt you in the long run. Most procedures require at least some recovery time, and a spouse, friend or family member can be instrumental in helping you through that period.

If you’re concerned that a spouse or a loved one is going to be unsupportive of your choice, the most you can do is try to reassure them that you’re doing it for all the right reasons. It can also be reassuring to have them sit in on your consultation with your plastic surgeon. As an industry professional, your surgeon may be able to dispel your loved ones’ anxieties about your pending procedure.

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Closing the Thigh Gap

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Chris

Is there a rising demand for thigh-centric cosmetic procedures?

If you peruse social media sites such as Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook in all the right places, you may come across fan pages that celebrate “the elusive gap,” also known as the thigh gap – a sliver of empty space between the upper thighs when standing upright. You’ve probably seen such a gap sported by runway models, Victoria’s Secret ads, and on countless magazine covers. There are some that are worried about an obsession over this gap among young girls has become a worrying trend.

But is there a trend? Surgically speaking, anyway? Some news outlets, such as the UK’s Daily Mail, are reporting a rise in thigh-related procedures, but ASPS president-elect Dr. Robert Murphy doesn’t see such a trend.

Dr. Murphy says that women’s interest in thighs and slimming them down, “has always been an area on concern…now it’s just getting reinvented under a new title.” Furthermore, with the 2012 statistics fresh off the press, surgical procedures often employed to contour the thighs have actually decreased in popularity. Last year saw a one per cent decrease in the number of liposuction procedures. Instead, non-invasive procedures – Botox and injectable fillers – were the types of procedures to show significant growth.

Dr. Murphy doesn’t discount the power media has over plastic surgery trends, though. “Media visibility puts something forward in a person’s mind,” said Dr. Murphy. The kind of curves and contours the most popular supermodels sport today may in fact influence what kind of surgery a patient may have on their mind when they come into a plastic surgeon’s office tomorrow. If there is to be a rise in thigh surgeries to come, only time will tell.

If you’re interested in any sort of plastic surgery, be it for your thighs, or anything else, be sure to consult your plastic surgeon to find out if that procedure’s right for you.

Also, we’d love it if you could vote for Dr. Lee Daniel as Eugene’s favorite Cosmetic Surgeon! You can vote on The Register-Guard’s website. Thank you for your continued support!

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Are Botox and Facial Fillers The Same Thing?

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Chris

Different treatments have different effects

Botox is a pretty universally popular cosmetic treatment, even among those who want to try plastic surgery, yet never have. As versatile as it is, though, it’s not a cure-all for facial flaws. Some people might want fuller lips, for example, and assume Botox is good for that. Not so. Those people are confusing Botox with something else – facial fillers, such as Juvederm. These different treatments are designed to treat facial imperfections differently. Allow us to break it down for you.

Botox

Botox is a neuromuscular toxin called Botulinum that temporarily paralyzes muscles in small doses, which causes facial muscles to relax and makes wrinkles less visible. While Botox is the most recognized brand, there exist other brands of Botulinum on the market, such as Dysport and Xeomin. These medications are meant to be used on “active” facial lines, which basically means recently-formed muscles, whereas…

Fillers

Fillers are meant to tackle the deeper soft tissue, aka “firmly established wrinkles.” They’re also good for adding volume to certain facial areas, such as the lips. There are lots of different kinds of soft tissue fillers out there, so ask your surgeon about which one would be best for your desired outcome.

Consulting a plastic surgeon such as Dr. Lee Daniel really is pivotal when deciding to undergo cosmetic surgery of any kind. Try not to go in with preconceived notions about what procedure you want, and instead try and keep in mind the effect you’re after. Instead of getting what’s popular, a skilled practitioner will know what’s best for your desired outcome.

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Q&A: Can You Combine Cosmetic Surgery Procedures?

Posted on February 5, 2013 by Dr. Lee B. Daniel

Dr. Daniel’s Answer:

Combination surgery is more common than not in my practice. This is performing two to three or more surgeries on a patient during a single anesthetic.

For example a breast lift or implants with a tummy tuck is the classic “mommy makeover”. The benefit is great in a patient who is otherwise a healthy candidate. A single down time, a single anesthetic, and a single recovery is part of it but one of the more important parts in today’s economy is that it is less expensive to do combination surgery than to split them out into separate procedures.

In fact 73% of my surgeries in the last month were combination surgeries! Know that full extensive medical preoperative evaluation is absolutely necessary to ensure that this is a safe plan for every patient. As always, consults are complementary so come in and see us!

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Body Contouring Surgery May Follow After Weight Loss

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Chris

Excess skin might call for body contouring surgery

Have you heard about the story of Paul Mason, the former “world’s fattest man?” The former postman out of the U.K. went down from 980 pounds to a relatively svelte 350 pounds after undergoing gastric bypass surgery. His weight has dramatically decreased, but now Mason is seeking plastic surgery. Why? To get rid of the excess skin left over.

Excess skin is a problem facing people who undergo rapid weight loss, especially following surgery, like gastric bypass. More people are opting to undergo this kind of surgery, as it’s considered safer and more effective than it once was. About 200,000 adults in the U.S. undergo metabolic/bariatric surgery every year.

Now, not everyone who loses weight is going to experience sagging skin. Various factors determine the elasticity of your skin following weight loss, such as how fast you lose the weight, how much weight you lose rapidly, your age, and how much the skin has stretched. The biggest factor, however, is genetics. Some people’s skin will naturally bounce back even after massive weight loss, if they’ve got the genes for it.

For those whose genetics aren’t quite as resilient, there’s body contouring surgery after weight loss. Body contouring surgery improves the shape and tone of your skin and the underlying tissue that supports it, and removes sagging folds and excess pockets of skin. However, due to the possibility of pockets reappearing if you continue to lose weight after body contouring surgery, your weight has to be stabilized before you can have the procedure performed.

If you’re interested in body contouring surgery, or are curious what other options are available to you after, or even prior to, weight loss, contact the offices of Dr. Lee Daniel to book a consultation.

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Winter – The Ideal Time for Plastic Surgery

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Chris

A few reasons to book a procedure in January instead of July

Even though it’s Winter, it might be time to think about bikini season, if you’re thinking about undergoing plastic surgery. Sure, it’s a chilly thought – picturing yourself in a bathing suit when you can see your breath – but there are a few reasons to get that work done early, long before anyone wants to think about lounging at the beach.

Recovery Time

It’s a harsh reality that most cosmetic surgical procedures, especially popular ones such as breast augmentation and tummy tucks, come with a fair share of recovery time after the fact. Such lengthy recovery times might stand as a barrier between a prospective patient and the results they desire. Winter is the optimum time to take the plunge, since most people are less active and stay inside more due to the inclement weather. This means there will be less external pressure for you to get out and about, since everyone wants to stay warm by the fire anyway.

Disguise Post-Surgery Garments

You don’t see many folks wandering around outside in a tank top and a pair of Daisy Duke’s this time of year, and are instead sporting lots of thick, cozy layers that cover most of the body. This could make it easier to conceal post-surgical compression garments (such as special bras or girdles), dressings or scars. It would also be more comfortable for you – no one wants to wear sweaters in July.

An Excuse for a “Staycation”

We all look forward to traveling on our vacations, but traveling can be stressful, too. Well, imagine that stress coupled with recovering from a facelift. Medical tourism may be trendy, but there are complications, such as follow-up with your surgeon after the fact, and travel-related stress prolonging recovery. Take this opportunity to take a “staycation,” or a vacation at home, when you’re less likely to travel due to weather and spending time with family. That way, your local plastic surgeon can easily follow through with you during your post-surgery recovery.

For more information on timing a cosmetic procedure, or any other inquires you may have, contact the offices of Dr. Lee Daniel and book a consultation.

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