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Should I get Fraxel or a Facelift?

Not sure what treatment will help rejuvenate your face? This patient had the same question. Read on for answers! Q:  My face is pretty wrinkly and I am considering the FRAXEL laser versus a facelift. I am 44 years old and want to look more refreshed. Are facelifts meant for people that have had more trouble with the effects of gravity? I guess I just do not understand why someone would get an invasive procedure like a facelift if they can use lasers. A: Laser skin treatments and surgery treat different aspects of aging. They are not so much "one or the other" as they are complementary. Many facelift patients undergo laser skin treatments at the same time as their surgery so they can avoid having to go through two separate recovery periods. As we age, three different types of facial changes occur. Skin quality decreases. With age and exposure (sun, tobacco, etc), the color, texture, and thickness of our skin changes. Good diet and skincare regimen is essent

4 Important Things to Know Before You get Lip Filler

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1. Take steps to avoid bruising BEFORE your appointment While most lip filler treatments result in minimal bruising and can be easily camouflaged with make-up, it only makes sense to take a few preventative steps before hand and afterward to minimize the bruising and swelling you may experience. The most important thing you can do is avoid things that thin your blood or affect your ability to clot. This includes avoiding common pain medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. It also includes avoiding some supplements such as fish oil, vitamin E and Ginko Biloba if possible. Discuss the exact timing of when you should stop these medications with your provider. In general, stopping about 1 week before your treatment is best. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have a tendency to bleed or bruise easily. Avoiding strenuous activity for the remainder of the day after injections and icing the injected area lightly can also help avoid bruising and swelling. Alcohol and sa

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty. What's the big deal?

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Ultrasonic rhinoplasty and piezoelectric technology may be a new term you have found as you read about nose surgery. This technology has been around for quite some time, but has recently been adapted for use in cosmetic procedures. The instruments allow precise carving of the nasal bones. They allow for unparalleled precision when performing certain parts of rhinoplasty procedures, such as lowering a nasal bridge, smoothing out bumps from a nasal fracture, or even when narrowing the nasal bones (osteotomy). The unique ultrasonic technology of these tools means that the surgeon can target bone without risking harm to nearby cartilage or soft tissue. This is safer than using a drill, and more precise and faster than a rasp or an osteotome. Piezoelectric rhinoplasty is another term for the tools used when performing an ultrasonic rhinoplasty. The companies and hand pieces may be slightly different, but they perform the same functions. A couple companies that make these