December 28, 2011

Doctors say earlobe surgery can take years off your appearance

Many people who want to achieve a more youthful appearance focus on their faces and necks with surgeries such as facelifts and non-surgical procedures such as fat injections and Botox injections. However, some are also choosing to have their ear lobes repaired.

“It is no secret that more women are having what could be called a ‘lobe job’.” BeautyInTheBag.com’s Wendy Lewis recently told The Daily Mail newspaper. “Gravity takes its toll on earlobes – they droop like chins and breasts do, and can make you look older.Years of wearing heavy earrings also cause the lobe to get stretched out of shape. An earlobe reduction is a simple [operation] that reshapes the earlobe to a better proportion.”

» Full article: Doctors say earlobe surgery can take years off your appearance.

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Greg Liebscher, MD, FACS, is a Mayo Clinic-trained and board-certified plastic surgeon in Colorado Springs, CO.

» More about: Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Greg Liebscher

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ABOUT GREGORY J. LIEBSCHER, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Greg Liebscher is a Mayo Clinic-trained and board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Plastic and reconstructive procedures include breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, eyelid lift, forehead lift.

» More about: Liposuction

» More about: Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS – Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon

Most sought-after celebrity looks

Many people choose to undergo plastic surgery to enhance their appearance. However, doctors say that a lot of patients come into their offices with a certain celebrity feature they want to achieve through their surgery.

A group of British plastic surgeons recently identified the celebrities that most people want to look like with the help of cosmetic surgeries.

“Patients continue to look to Hollywood to determine their standard of beauty, but they are realistic in their desires to look more energetic and youthful, as well as completely natural,” one doctor told HarleyMedical.co.uk.

Among patients who want body-transforming surgeries such as liposuction, body contouring and tummy tucks, the most sought-after celebrity looks include actress Jennifer Aniston and supermodel Gisele Bundchen.

When it comes to nose jobs, doctors say many patients want theirs to resemble Natalie Portman’s or Emma Stone’s.

Those who want non-surgical procedures to appear more youthful through the use of microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser treatments and Botox injections say celebrities such as Amy Adams, Katy Perry and Gwyneth Paltrow look great.

Read the rest of the article here: Most sought-after celebrity looks

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ABOUT GREGORY J. LIEBSCHER, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Greg Liebscher is a Mayo Clinic-trained and board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Plastic and reconstructive procedures include breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, eyelid lift, forehead lift.

» More about: Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS – Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon

http://www.surgery.org/consumers/plastic-surgery-news-briefs/undergoing-plastic-surgery-surgeon-smoking-habit-1035871

Here’s a bit from the article:

Smoking and plastic surgery are like oil and water, especially if you undergo breast lift,tummy tuck or facelift. Most shocking news is that a smoker who undergoes a breast lift may lose her nipples.

According to a Detroit plastic surgeon, as told to CNN on December 5, 2011, “The nicotine in cigarettes and the carbon monoxide contained in cigarette smoke can diminish blood flow to various parts of the body. These toxins act as a virtual tourniquet. If the blood flow to a particular body part becomes greatly reduced or halted, the body part dies.”

He is speaking from experience. While undergoing a breast lift, he saw a smoker’s nipples turn purple. He understood that purple is the precursor to black and black is the precursor to “falling off.” Think frostbite.

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Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS, is a Mayo Clinic-trained and board-certified plastic surgeon in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

» More about: Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS, Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon

When you examine yourself in the mirror for signs of ageing, I bet it’s not your ears you’re looking at. 

Yet the earlobe is finding itself in the anti-ageing spotlight as it emerges that more and more cosmetic surgeons are doing a quick bit of work on the ears — often in conjunction with a facelift, but sometimes just on their own. 

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (BAAPS) even featured a presentation on earlobe correction at their recent conference.

Beware big earrings: Heavy jewellery could stretch your ear lobes (posed by model)

The first question that springs to mind is: ‘Why bother?’ But, apparently, saggy earlobes are as much of a giveaway of ageing as a turkey neck.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2069911/Rise-ear-job-Ears-sagging-heavy-earrings-age-say-surgeons-offering-cosmetic-fixes.html#ixzz1fiIEOkkV

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Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS, is a Mayo Clinic-trained and board-certified plastic surgeon in Colorado Springs, CO. Procedures include plastic and reconstructive surgery for breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tuck, facelift, body lift, ear lift, and more.

» More about: Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS, Plastic Surgeon

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TRANSCRIPT: BREAST AUGMENTATION

By Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS, Plastic Surgeon, Colorado Springs

Breast augmentation is basically the surgical enhancement or enlargement of breasts. In this day and age it is typically done with a couple of different types of implants and in a couple of different places. So we are usually talking about underneath your chest muscle or underneath the gland itself. For the vast majority of patients it usually ends up being somewhere underneath the muscle. It’s a procedure that’s done here at the surgery center. It takes us about an hour to do it and then you’re here for a good 3-4 hours but you go home. It is an outpatient procedure. Recovery for most women is a relatively quick thing. It’s a lot like when milk has come in for them. It’s a lot like lactation. It’s a tense, tight, irritated, swollen feeling for a couple of days and then settles down pretty quickly. So most people are taking pain pills for a day or two and then back to work somewhere around a week would be the standard affair. Looking back to normal in the 6 week to 2 month range and seeing the final result is going to be somewhere around 3 months. In general it is a very well tolerated procedure but it usually is a full 3 months until they see the final result.

WHAT IS ACTUALLY IMPLANTED?

What you are putting in is actually a breast implant which today you’re using either a silicone implant which is what this is or a saline implant which is the same bag just filled with salt water. Why we choose one or another, you have to go into great detail after we examine a patient. Certain patients are a candidate for one and not the other so that’s all settled at the time of the consult. Typically it’s just a silicone implant that is placed underneath their chest muscle and it fills out the whole breast.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Well it is surgery to start with, number one. It’s not coming to get your hair done or something like that. It’s a real procedure. It has all the risks attendant with any surgery, so infection, bleeding, anesthetic issues…all very low, but still very real and we go through those in great detail when the patient comes in. The specific ones for augmentation we always talk about are what is involved with a foreign body, putting a foreign body in you, what’s involved with having an implant in you and what special risks that brings. It changes what an infection is. It changes things down the road. We have to spend a good 15-20 minutes with each patient just covering those issues at the time of consultation.

WHAT ARE THE LIKELY OUTCOMES?

Generally the patients are very, very satisfied. Nationwide, you’ll get satisfaction rates in the 93-95% range. I do not use computer-aided things to show you and promise you what this is going to be but I think I have enough photos of patients over the years to be able to show you that here’s someone that looks like you do now and here’s what that person went to. It will give you a pretty good guess as to what you are going to look like when it’s all done. And we also spend a fair amount of time just measuring you and putting you into sizing bras that actually give you a pretty good sense of what you will look like when it’s all done.

Be prepared to discuss:

• why you want the surgery, your expectations, and desired outcome
• medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
• use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
• previous surgeries

Your surgeon may also:

• evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• discuss the options available to you for your procedure and rejuvenation
• examine and measure your face
• take photographs for your medical record
• discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• discuss likely outcomes of the procedure and any risks or potential complications
• discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:

• what to do on the night before and morning of surgery
• the use of anesthesia during your procedure
• post-operative care and follow-up

Your plastic surgeon will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Your procedure may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, outpatient or ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital.

If your plastic surgery procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

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Dr. Greg Liebscher is Mayo Clinic-trained, ASPS Member and ABPS board-certified plastic surgeon in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

»More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Plastic Surgeon
»More about procedures for: Breasts • Body • Facial

Source: plasticsurgery.org

Scar revision is a procedure performed on a scar to alter the appearance of the scar. The revision may improve the appearance of the scar or restore function to a part of the body that may have been restricted by the scar. It is important to remember that scars cannot be completely removed.

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What is a scar?

A scar is the body’s natural way of healing and replacing lost or damaged skin. A scar is usually composed of fibrous tissue. Scars may be formed for many different reasons, including as a result of infections, surgery, injuries, or inflammation of tissue. Scars may appear anywhere on the body, and the composition of a scar may vary – appearing flat, lumpy, sunken, or colored. It may be painful or itchy. The final look of a scar depends of many factors, including the skin type and location on the body, the direction of the wound, the type of injury, age of the person with the scar, and his/her nutritional status.

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What are the different types of scars and treatment?

There are many different types of scars, including the following:

• keloid scars—These are thick, rounded, irregular clusters of scar tissue that grow at the site of a wound on the skin, but beyond the edges of the borders of the wound. They often appear red or darker in color, as compared to the surrounding normal skin. Keloids are formed from collagen that the body produces after a wound has healed. These scars may appear anywhere on the body. They occur more often in darker-skinned people. Keloid scars may occur up to one year after the original trauma to the skin.Treatment for keloid scars varies. There is no one simple cure for keloid scars. Recurrence after treatment is common. Treatment may include the following:
  • steroid injections—Steroids are injected directly into the scar tissue to help decrease the itching, redness, and burning sensations that these scars may produce. Sometimes, the injections help to actually decrease the size of the scar.
  • cryotherapy—Cryotherapy involves the scar being “frozen” off by a medication.
  • pressure therapy—Pressure therapy involves a type of pressure appliance worn over the area of the scar. These may be worn day and night for up to four to six months.
  • surgery—If the keloid scar is not responsive to nonsurgical management options, surgery may be performed. One type of surgery directly removes the scar formation with an incision, and stitches are placed to help close the wound. Sometimes, skin grafts are used to help close the wound. This involves replacing or attaching skin to an area that is missing skin. Skin grafts are performed by taking a piece of healthy skin from another area of the body (called the donor site) and attaching it to the needed area.Another option is laser surgery. Scars may be treated with a variety of different lasers, depending on the underlying cause of the scar. Lasers may be used to smooth a scar, remove the abnormal color of a scar, or flatten a scar. Most laser therapy for scars is done in conjunction with other treatments, including injections of steroids, use of special dressings, and the use of bandages. Multiple treatments may be required, regardless of the initial type of therapy.
• hypertrophic scars—Hypertrophic scars are similar to keloid scars; however, their growth is confined within the boundaries of the original skin defect. These scars may also appear red, and are usually thick and elevated. Hypertrophic scars usually start to develop within weeks after the injury to the skin. Hypertrophic scars may improve naturally, although this process may take up to a year or more.In treating hypertrophic scars, steroids may be the first line of therapy with this type of scar, although there is not one simple cure. Steroids may be given as an injection or by direct application. These scars may also be removed surgically. Often, steroid injections are used along with the surgery and may continue up to two years after the surgery to help maximize healing and decrease the chance of the scar returning.
• contractures—Contractures are an abnormal occurrence that happens when a large area of skin is damaged and lost, resulting in a scar. The scar formation pulls the edges of the skin together, causing a tight area of skin. The decrease in the size of the skin can then affect the muscles, joints, and tendons, causing a decrease in movement. There are many different surgical treatment options for contractures. Some of which may include the following:
  • skin graft or skin flap—Skin grafts or skin flaps are done after the scar tissue is removed. Skin grafts involve replacing or attaching skin to a part of the body that is missing skin. Skin grafts are performed by taking a piece of healthy skin from another area of the body (called the donor site) and attaching it to the needed area. Skin flaps are similar to skin grafts, where a part of the skin is taken from another area, but with the skin flaps, the skin that is retrieved has its own blood supply. The section of skin used includes the underlying blood vessels, fat, and muscles. Flaps may be used when that area that is missing the skin does not have a good supply of blood because of the location or because of damage to the vessels.
  • Z-plasty—A Z-plasty is a type of procedure that is used to revise a scar by using a Z-shaped incision to help decrease the amount of contractures of the surrounding skin. It also may attempt to relocate the scar so that the edges of the scar look more like the normal lines and creases of the skin. Small stitches may be used to help hold the skin in place.
  • tissue expansion—Tissue expansion is a newer technique being used, and involves a process that increases the amount of existing tissue available for reconstructive purposes. This procedure is often used in addition to the flap surgery.

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Recovery from scar revision surgery:

As with all surgeries, it is important to follow all instructions to help maximize recovery and healing. Your physician will advise you on all activity restrictions, depending on the type of surgery that was performed. Scars cannot be removed completely. Many factors will be involved in the degree of healing of your particular scar, with some scars taking more than a year to show improvement in appearance following surgery.

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» More about: Body Plastic Surgery
» More about: Facial Plastic Surgery

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Dr. Greg Liebscher is Mayo Clinic-trained, ASPS Member and ABPS board-certified plastic surgeon in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

»More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Plastic Surgeon
»More about procedures for: Breasts • Body • Facial

You should not use LATISSE® eyelash treatment solution if you are allergic to one of its ingredients. Also, tell your doctor or eye care specialist if any of the following apply to you:

• Previously diagnosed with eye pressure problems – people with a history of eye pressure problems (specifically, elevated intraocular pressure) should speak to an eye care specialist before starting LATISSE®
• Currently taking medication for eye pressure problems – people taking medications to lower their intraocular pressure (IOP) should be closely monitored while using LATISSE® solution
• Have risk factors for glaucoma – people with risk factors for an eye condition called glaucoma, including a family history of glaucoma, should speak to an eye care specialist before starting LATISSE®

[source: latisse.com]

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» More about: LATISSE – hypothrchosis eyelash treatment

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Dr. Greg Liebscher is Mayo Clinic-trained, ASPS Member and ABPS board-certified plastic surgeon in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

»More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Plastic Surgeon
»More about procedures for: Breasts • Body • Facial

Before electing for breast augmentation plastic surgery, you should think carefully about your outcome expectations and discuss them with your plastic surgeon. According to breastimplantsafety.org …

The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If a woman is physically healthy and realistic in her expectations, she may be a good candidate for this surgery. It is important to discuss your individual expectations regarding the change you seek in the shape and size of your breast with your doctor who will be able to consider the optimal surgical approach to satisfy your desired outcome. Breast augmentation may be a good option for you if you have at least one the following conditions or traits:

• you consider your breasts to be too small or under-developed
• you believe your figure is out of proportion due to small breasts and in turn, make your hips appear wider
• you feel you have limited choices of flattering clothing or swim wear styles due to small breasts
• you are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or with aging
• you are unhappy with the upper part of the breast appearing empty
• your breasts have asymmetry or vary in size or shape from one another
• you currently have breast implants, and are experiencing problems with them
• one or both breasts failed to develop normally, or have an unnatural, elongated shape

[source: breastimplantsafety.org]

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Dr. Greg Liebscher is Mayo Clinic-trained, ASPS Member and ABPS board-certified plastic surgeon in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

»More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Plastic Surgeon
»More about procedures for: Breasts • Body • Facial