The Advantages of Using Customized Facial Implants
Facial plastic surgery has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, enabling surgeons to provide patients with personalized and precise solutions. One such advancement is the utilization of customized facial implants. These implants are designed specifically for an individual’s unique facial structure, offering a range of advantages over traditional, non-customized implants. When making the decision to enhance the appearance of your chin, jaw, or cheeks, it’s important to know the benefits of opting for customized facial implants and how they can enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
Personalized Fit:
Customized facial implants revolutionize the field of facial plastic surgery by providing patients with a personalized fit. Surgeons employ state-of-the-art imaging technology, including 3D scanning and computer-aided design (CAD), to create implants that conform precisely to the patient’s facial anatomy. This personalized fit ensures a more natural and harmonious result, as the implant seamlessly integrates with the patient’s existing facial features.
Enhanced Aesthetics:
The key advantage of customized facial implants lies in their ability to deliver superior aesthetic outcomes. By tailoring the implant to the patient’s specific facial features, facial plastic surgeons can address asymmetries, irregularities, or deficiencies with unparalleled accuracy. Whether it is enhancing cheekbones, defining the jawline, or augmenting the chin, customized implants offer a solution that harmonizes with the patient’s unique facial structure. The result is a more balanced and pleasing appearance that reflects the patient’s desired aesthetic goals.
Improved Functionality:
Customized facial implants not only enhance aesthetics but also improve functionality. These implants can be designed to provide structural support to weakened or deficient areas of the face. For example, patients with breathing difficulties, chewing problems, or speech impediments due to facial structure deficiencies can benefit from customized implants. By precisely addressing these functional concerns, patients can experience improved breathing, easier chewing, or clearer speech.
Reduced Risk of Complications:
One of the significant advantages of customized facial implants is the reduced risk of complications compared to ill-fitting or improperly sized implants. The precise fit achieved through advanced imaging and surgical planning significantly minimizes the risk of implant displacement, shifting, or discomfort. By ensuring a more secure and accurate placement, customized implants contribute to a more predictable and successful surgical outcome. Patients can feel more confident about the long-term stability and comfort of their implants.
Minimally Invasive Procedure:
Customized facial implants also facilitate minimally invasive procedures in many cases. Surgeons can place these implants through smaller incisions or utilize minimally invasive techniques, thereby reducing scarring and shortening the recovery time. Advanced imaging and surgical planning enable surgeons to execute procedures with greater precision, minimizing surgical trauma. This means patients can enjoy the benefits of customized implants while experiencing a smoother and quicker recovery process.
Consultation with a Qualified Surgeon:
The decision to opt for customized facial implants should always be made in consultation with a qualified and experienced facial plastic surgeon. During your consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your specific needs, discuss the advantages, potential risks, and realistic expectations associated with customized implants. They will guide you through the decision-making process and help determine whether customized implants are the right choice for you.
Schedule Your Custom Facial Implant Consultation Today in New York
Customized facial implants offer a remarkable solution for those seeking to enhance their facial features with precision and personalized results. Phillip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is a world-renowned double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with more than two decades of experience.
Dr. Miller specializes in custom facial implants and has successfully transformed the lives of countless patients through his expertise and commitment to excellence. With his meticulous approach and utilization of the Natralook® process, Dr. Miller ensures that each patient receives a tailored treatment plan that addresses their unique needs and desires.
If you are interested in exploring the possibilities of custom facial implants, schedule a consultation at our New York City or New Orleans office. During this consultation, Dr. Miller will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your facial structure, discuss your aesthetic goals, and provide expert guidance on whether custom implants are the ideal choice for you.
How to Make Your Face Less Flat? 6 Surgical and Non-surgical Options
Having a flat face can be a challenge for many people. Fortunately, many surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments can help you achieve the facial shape you desire, from providing a subtle enhancement to a dramatic transformation.
What Does it Mean to Have a Flat Face?
A flat face can be defined as a face with little to no definition or with no prominent curves or angles. A flat face can be due to genetics or age, and the lack of definition can result in a face that appears dull and uncharacteristic. It could mean the forehead, cheeks, and chin are all of the same height. This can give the impression of having a shorter face and can make it challenging to achieve a more sculpted look. Many treatments can help to give your flat face more dimension and contouring, including fillers, Botox and other injectables, and surgical procedures.
What Causes a Flat Side Profile?
A flat face can be attributed to aging, genetics, or lifestyle habits. Aging can cause a lack of definition in the face due to decreased collagen and elastin production. Collagen and elastin are two key proteins our body produces that are responsible for giving the skin its structure and definition. As we age, the production of these proteins decreases and can result in sunken cheeks and sagging skin, making the face appear flat. While there is no way to reverse the natural decrease in production, there are treatments that can stimulate collagen and elastin production and reduce the appearance of a flat face.
Genetics can also play a role, as genes in our DNA are responsible for bone structure and facial characteristics, leaving some people with a sunken cheekbone for a flat-looking face. Lifestyle habits like smoking or excessive sun exposure can also contribute to a flat face as they can cause the skin to lose elasticity.
Surgical Options for Flat Face Reshaping
Surgical options are available to reshape the face for a dramatic change. Facial contouring surgeries are designed to contour and create a more aesthetically pleasing look. These procedures typically involve reshaping the underlying facial structure with implants or removing excess fat, skin, or bone. These surgeries can create more pronounced cheekbones and a stronger chin, which can help to give a more defined and contoured look to a flat face. Some surgical options include:
- Facelift: A facelift tightens and lifts the skin around the face and neck to provide a more youthful and sculpted look. It can help to reduce wrinkles and sagging skin, while giving the face more definition. This surgery can provide a dramatic transformation and is ideal for achieving a more balanced and contoured facial shape. Different types of facelifts, like mini facelifts or deep plane facelifts, can meet your unique needs.
- Cheek and chin augmentation: Chin augmentation is a procedure that reshapes the chin by using a synthetic implant to create a more prominent chin. This can help to define the face, add symmetry, and create a more balanced facial shape. Cheek augmentation is similar but is used to create more volume and definition in the cheeks.
- Facial fat grafting: Facial fat grafting is another option for those looking to add definition and contour to their face. This procedure involves taking fat from one part of the body and injecting it into areas of the face to create more volume and definition.
Non-surgical Options for Flat Face Reshaping
There are also non-surgical options for those who want to contour their face without anesthesia and significant downtime. Many patients can return to normal activities immediately after a treatment session with minimal signs of a cosmetic procedure. Non-surgical treatments for a flat face can include:
- Dermal fillers: Fillers are injected into areas of the face lacking volume, like the cheeks and chin. They provide immediate and long-lasting results and can help to create a more chiseled and defined look to a flat face. Many dermal fillers, like Juvederm®, are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in the body that helps to hydrate and plump the skin.
- Liquid facelift: A liquid facelift is a non-surgical procedure that combines dermal fillers and neuromodulators like Botox® to contour and define the face. This procedure can help to create a more balanced shape, reducing any flatness.
- PDO thread lift: A PDO thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses medical-grade absorbable threads to lift and contour the face. The threads are inserted under the skin, which helps to lift sagging skin and add definition to the face.
Get a Better Side Profile in New York
Philip Miller, MD, FACS, is a renowned double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New York with a long career helping patients achieve unparalleled cosmetic results. Dr. Miller provides comprehensive consultations with customized treatment plans to help patients add shape, volume, and definition to their faces with surgical and non-surgical procedures. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about how to get a better side profile.
7 types of facelifts: which one is right for you?
Not all facelift procedures are created equal. While each technique is designed to rejuvenate the face and reverse the signs of aging, each facelift type targets a different portion of the face and accomplishes different aesthetic goals. It helps to be familiar with all types of facelifts to better determine the right procedure to suit your specific needs.
What types of facelifts are there?
Dr. Miller offers the following facelift procedures:
- Traditional facelift
- Deep plane facelift
- MicroLift
- Mini facelift
- Non-surgical facelift (liquid facelift/Miller Lift)
- Midface lift
- Vertical facelift
Facelift procedures: a comparison
Traditional Facelift
- General anesthesia
- Takes 2-4 hours to perform
- The incisions are made at the hairline, continue in front of and behind the ears, and extend to the lower scalp
- 2-4 weeks of recovery time
- Noticeable results once swelling and bruising have subsided
- Results can last 10-15 years
Deep Plane facelift
- General anesthesia
- Takes around 3 hours to perform
- The incision lines begin at the temple, continue in front and behind the ears, and extend into the hairline
- 2-4 weeks of recovery time
- Noticeable results once swelling and bruising have subsided
- Results can last 10-15 years
MicroLift
- Local anesthesia
- Takes approximately one hour to perform
- The incision is hidden within the hairline, in front of the ear
- About one week of downtime
- Noticeable results once swelling and bruising have subsided
- Long-lasting results, particularly when patients follow a proper skincare routine and stick to a healthy weight
Mini Facelift
- Local anesthesia
- Takes less than 90 minutes to perform
- A small incision is made near the ear to directly target areas of the face that are showing early signs of aging
- About one week of downtime
- Noticeable results once swelling and bruising have subsided
- Results last 8-10 years
Non-Surgical Facelift
- No anesthesia required (topical numbing optional)
- Takes about 30 minutes to perform
- No incisions
- Little to no downtime
- Results from dermal fillers are immediate
- Results may last anywhere from 6 to 24 months but a regular treatment schedule can extend improvement indefinitely
Midface Lift
- General anesthesia
- Takes around 2-3 hours to perform
- Incisions are made around the hairline and ear
- 2 weeks of recovery time
- Noticeable results once swelling and bruising have subsided
- Results can last 10 or more years
Vertical Facelift
- Local or general anesthesia
- Takes between 2-3 hours to perform (longer if combined with other procedures)
- Incisions are made along the hairline and near the ears
- 10 days to 2 weeks of recovery time
- Noticeable results once swelling and bruising have subsided
- Results can last 10 or more years
Which facelift procedure is right for me?
Ideal candidates for a traditional facelift are those who have:
- Sagging or loose skin
- Moderate to severe wrinkles
- Sagging jowls
- Sunken cheeks
- Double chin
- Poor jawline definition
Ideal candidates for a deep plane facelift are those who have:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Marionette lines
- Deep nasolabial folds
- Facial volume loss (flat or hollow cheek/midface)
- Excessive skin laxity
- Sagging jowls
- Double chin
- Neck wrinkles and crepey skin
Ideal candidates for MicroLift are:
- Younger patients (30-40 years)
- Concerned about early signs of aging
- Looking for improvement primarily in the midface
- Looking for a result similar to when hair is pulled back
- Preferring permanent results but are not ready for a full facelift
- Unable to schedule an extended recovery time
Ideal candidates for a mini facelift are those who have:
- Minimal sagging in the lower face
- Early jowl formation
- Excess skin in the neck
- A desire to stop early aging symptoms in their tracks
Ideal candidates for a non-surgical facelift are those who have early signs of aging and want:
- A rested, rejuvenated appearance without surgery
- Reduced lines, wrinkles, folds, and creases
- A gentle lift to the facial features
- More volume and definition to the cheeks and jawline
- A stronger chin
- Elimination of dark under-eye circles
- Restored fullness and enhanced facial contours
- To avoid surgical procedures for as long as possible
Ideal candidates for a midface facelift are those who have prominent signs of aging around the eye orbits and cheeks.
Ideal candidates for a vertical facelift are those who have:
- Signs of aging in the middle of the face
- Fine lines, wrinkles, and jowls
- Excess skin
- Cheekbone and jawline contours that lack definition
- A desire for natural results
Learn more about facelift procedures here.
Schedule Your Facelift Consultation in Manhattan Today
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with an excellent reputation in all types of facial enhancement. He brings over 20 years of experience performing cosmetic facial procedures. He customizes treatment plans to help patients achieve beautiful and natural-looking results.
Dr. Miller takes you through his NatraLook process to gain a better understanding of your concerns and goals and to determine the best procedure option for your specific needs. He provides meticulous care to his patients at his Manhattan, New York, and New Orleans, Louisiana surgical centers.
Contact Dr. Miller’s office today to learn more about the various facelift procedure options available and determine the best option for you.
Facelift Recovery 101
Are you preparing for a facelift procedure? Here is a guide on what to expect during the facelift recovery process.
What to expect after facelift?
After your facelift, you are likely to experience some bruising and swelling for up to two weeks. During this stage of the healing process, pain medication prescribed by your surgeon should keep you comfortable.
Do not expect to immediately see positive results in the initial phase of your recovery. Remember that your skin and muscles have been repositioned and tightened, and your face needs time to heal.
Your follow-up appointments are essential for optimal recovery. Expect some follow-up visits to your surgeon during the first two to three weeks after your facelift. During this time, your surgeon will remove your bandages and stitches and monitor your progress.
You should be ready to get back to most of your regular activities within two weeks.
How long does it take to recover from a facelift?
Each patient recovers at their own pace, but the type of facelift performed can determine the length of recovery time. Some facelift techniques are more extensive and require more downtime. Here is a brief overview of the different facelift recovery times:
- Traditional facelift – 2-4 weeks
- MicroLift – minimal downtime (minor swelling and redness at the incision site)
- Deep plane facelift – 2-3 weeks
- Vertical facelift – 10 days – 2 weeks
- Non-surgical (liquid) facelift/Miller Lift – minimal to no downtime (there may be minor swelling, bruising, and redness around the injection sites that will typically subside within a day or two)
How long does swelling last after facelift?
The majority of the swelling should resolve within two weeks although some residual swelling can linger up to one month or longer.
How long does tightness last after a facelift?
You should feel the tightness subside within two to three months after surgery.
When can I drink alcohol after facelift?
You can drink alcohol two weeks after your facelift – and only when you are no longer taking pain medications.
When can I sleep on my side after facelift?
You can resume side-sleeping 2-4 weeks after your facelift.
How long after facelift can I workout?
You can resume cardio exercises like walking after two weeks and progress to more strenuous workouts 3-4 weeks after surgery. Your doctor can advise you on your specific timeframe based on your recovery process.
When can I wear makeup after facelift?
Most patients start wearing makeup one week after a facelift.
How long do facelift scars take to heal?
It takes approximately one year for the scars to heal and fade completely. Over time, the raised appearance flattens out, and the pink color fades to a whiter shade until it becomes less noticeable. Many patients find their scars are nearly invisible once healing is complete.
Get Superior Facelift Results in Manhattan
The timeframes mentioned above are general timelines, and each patient has a unique recovery experience.
Your facelift recovery will go much smoother if you work with an expert facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in facelift techniques. Begin your facelift journey by choosing the right surgeon. Dr. Philip Miller is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Renowned for his facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller customizes each facelift procedure using the Natralook process, which creates a unified vision of your aesthetic goals and enables you to better understand what to expect from your facelift.
To learn more about how long recovery is from a facelift and how you can ensure optimal healing, contact Dr. Miller in his Manhattan, New York, or New Orleans, Louisiana office to schedule a consultation.
How to Make My Face More Symmetrical
Facial asymmetry is a concern in which the features on each side of the face do not perfectly mirror each other. Although no one’s face is perfectly symmetrical, science suggests we perceive symmetrical faces as more attractive. Noticeable asymmetry in the face can lead to low self-confidence and a more aged appearance. Fortunately, many surgical and non-surgical treatments exist to fix facial asymmetry and boost self-esteem.
Why is my face asymmetrical?
There are many causes for asymmetry in the face, the most common being:
- Genetics. Uncontrollable factors such as genetics determine the symmetry of our facial characteristics. If you have asymmetrical facial features, you might notice your family members have them too.
- Trauma. A broken nose or trauma from accidents are common causes of facial asymmetry.
- Lifestyle. Day-to-day habits like frequent sun exposure, smoking, and sleeping on the stomach can contribute to asymmetry. If you’re looking for how to make your face more symmetrical naturally, you can avoid these contributing habits.
- Dental Work. Dentures, veneers, and tooth extractions can all lead to changes in the contours and muscles of the face.
What surgical procedure fixes facial asymmetry?
Now that we know what contributes to asymmetry, how do you fix an asymmetrical face? In severe cases, a more permanent surgical procedure may be the best option. If you’re wondering how to make your face more symmetrical to correct facial trauma or abnormalities, facial reconstruction surgery can achieve the results you desire. This surgery can produce dramatic and life-changing results for those suffering with facial asymmetry due to defects, scars, or trauma from an accident.
A weak or underdeveloped chin is another common cause of more prominent facial asymmetry. Facelifts, buccal fat removal, and chin and cheek augmentation can be performed to create aesthetic balance in the face and restore symmetry to the sides of the face, cheeks, and chin.
How to Fix an Asymmetrical Face Without Surgery
Many patients want to know how to get a more symmetrical face without a surgical procedure. Aside from trauma and abnormalities, most cases of facial asymmetry are mild, and can be corrected without surgery. Fixing facial asymmetry with fillers, Botox®, and PDO Thread Lifting are the most effective and common non-surgical options. These options produce fast results with exceptionally short recovery time.
Correcting Facial Asymmetry with Fillers
Correcting facial asymmetry with fillers such as Restylane®, Radiesse®, and Juvéderm® is a popular non-surgical option. Dermal fillers can bring balance to your face by sculpting your nose, chin, or cheeks. If one cheek is flatter, one side of the chin isn’t as prominent, or even if one side of the lip doesn’t have as much volume as the other, fillers can be used to add volume and correct these common asymmetrical features.
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, in Manhattan, New York and New Orleans, Louisiana knows how to fix face asymmetry using fillers and produce natural-looking results to boost your confidence. The Miller Lift (liquid facelift) is a liquid facelift technique that uses a combination of fillers to define and correct the contours of the face and achieve a more symmetrical, youthful appearance.
How do I fix my asymmetrical face with Botox?
Botox works by relaxing certain muscles in your face to reduce the appearance of lines and correct minor facial asymmetries. Certain facial features, such as the eyebrows, may be uneven due to the muscles on one side working harder than the other. One of the most common uses of Botox to achieve facial symmetry is correcting the position of the eyebrows. When one eyebrow is higher than the other, Botox is injected to relax the muscle and bring the brow in alignment with the other.
How to Get a Symmetrical Face with a PDO Thread Lift
Another alternative to surgery is the use of PDO threads—absorbable sutures placed under the skin to balance the proportions of the face. This innovative procedure, now proudly offered at Dr. Miller’s office in Manhattan, New York and New Orleans, Louisiana, allows for the cheeks, jawline, eyebrows, and neck to be lifted while smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Like fillers and Botox, PDO threads help achieve facial symmetry without having to “go under the knife”.
How to Fix Facial Asymmetry in New York City
If you’re searching for how to get a symmetrical face with treatment in Manhattan, New York and New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Miller will perform an initial consultation to determine how to make your face more symmetrical and achieve the results you desire. All of Dr. Miller’s work to create facial symmetry is performed within the NatraLook® Experience, which empathizes with the patient experience and strives to achieve the most natural results. Schedule a consultation by calling (646) 791-3025 or filling out our online contact form.
6 Facts About Male Facelift You Didn’t Know
More men are now defying the aging process with cosmetic intervention, and the number of men seeking facelift procedures has drastically risen in the last few years.
While all facelifts are tailored to address a unique patient’s needs and goals, facelift surgery for men requires a different approach.
Here are 6 facts that make a male facelift unique:
1. Male Facelifts Occur More Often than You Think
Although women still represent the majority of plastic surgery patients by far, men are steadily increasing the number of procedures they want to maintain their youthfully masculine appearance.
According to the Aesthetic Society’s annual Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Statistics, following a year in which many practices closed temporarily and reduced hours, plastic surgery surged in 2021. Surgical procedures increased by 54%, and the average plastic surgeon performed 320 surgical procedures in 2021, compared with 220 in 2020.
Men, aged 36-50, comprised 40% of male patients who underwent a surgical procedure, with 5,061 males undergoing a facelift in 2021.
2. Male Facelifts Have Different Goals
While both men and women desire to stop the clock on aging, the dynamics of their facelift will have key differences. Women often get a facelift to eliminate deep lines and wrinkles around the cheeks, as well as sagging skin in the neck. While they want to look younger, they also want to maintain a feminine appearance and an aesthetically-pleasing heart shape to the face with well-defined cheeks and a slim, contoured jawline.
The opposite is true for men. Although they also want a facelift to address noticeable wrinkles around the mouth and nose, or sagging skin on the cheeks and jawline, they desire to have a more masculine or “rugged” appearance. They want their facelift to create a strong, chiseled, and defined jawline – without the loose folds on their neck that they often complain make it difficult for them to properly shave.
No two people are the same. The facelift procedure, whether for a male or female patient, will be customized to focus on the unique problem areas and desired results of each individual.
3. Male Skin Needs to be Treated Differently
Anatomy differs between men and women, and this includes skin structure. A man’s facial skin is generally thicker and oilier compared to a woman’s skin.
Men have stronger connective tissues, and they may not experience visible signs of aging for much longer. However, it is the thickness and heartiness of their skin that make their necks and jawline particularly vulnerable to folds and crepey skin.
A facial plastic surgeon performing a male facelift will need to exercise care to avoid pulling skin too tight, as this can result in a facelift with an overly done or pulled appearance.
Men also have more facial hair than women, and this means having more hair follicles that rely on blood supply to grow. Since male skin is also more vascular and will demand more blood supply, men are more susceptible to post-surgery bleeding, which is a factor facial plastic surgeons must take into consideration during and after a facelift on a male patient.
4. A Male Facelift Requires Different Incision Placement
Compared to women, men have shorter hair and hairlines that tend to recede with age. Surgeons may make the incisions at the spot where the ear connects with the head or under the chin, where they are less noticeable or can be hidden in the natural folds of the skin.
Surgeons will need to watch areas of the skin where facial hair grows because they would not want to shift skin with hair follicles to another area where hair does not typically grow. For instance, if skin with hair follicles is lifted and placed higher on the face, the patient might need to start shaving in that area.
5. Scarring Can be a Bigger Concern with the Male Facelift
Surgeons may need to modify incision placement on male patients who are bald or losing hair to keep scars hidden. For patients who don’t have hair to camouflage scarring, incisions are shortened and placed higher up along the ear. Incision placement has to be precise and should still enable the surgeon to have adequate access to underlying tissues while avoiding tension on any stitches and keeping scars discreet. The surgeon’s advanced skill and technique are required to ensure minimal scarring when performing facelifts for males.
6. Men Don’t Have to Stop at a Facelift
The facelift is a comprehensive anti-aging procedure that can produce dramatic results. Pairing a facelift with one or more other cosmetic procedures can produce even better results. Men are discovering that adding treatments to their facelift can produce an optimal outcome for them and when procedures are performed together, this approach does not impact the amount of time taken from work and other activities.
Male facelifts are often combined with a neck lift. The incision made under the chin for a neck lift allows the surgeon to also remove excess fat and tighten tissues and muscles in this area to enhance a man’s neck and jawline. When the face and neck are surgically rejuvenated together, the results will look more natural as well.
Other patients may find eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, or laser skin resurfacing can help them achieve all of their aesthetic goals.
What exact surgical and non-surgical procedures will pair well with your facelift? Come in for a consultation to get a customized procedure plan that will help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Considering a Male Facelift in New York? Consider Dr. Philip Miller for All Your Cosmetic Needs
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who has extensive experience with plastic surgery procedures for men as well as women. He pioneered the NatraLook methodology for his cosmetic procedures for the face, which is a specialized consultation process through which Dr. Miller will evaluate your facial features and listen to your specific concerns. NatraLook creates a collaborative environment that ensures a unified vision for optimal results and the most natural outcome possible.
To learn more about facelifts for men, view male facelift before and after photos, or determine the cost of a male facelift, contact Dr. Miller in Manhattan, New York to schedule a consultation today.
Should You Get A Facelift After Massive Weight Loss?
Losing weight is often a long and frustrating journey that requires hard work and dedication. The result of your efforts can include loose or sagging skin, which may require surgery to put the finishing touch on your weight loss efforts. A facelift helps patients achieve the contour for a seamless face and neck.
How does weight loss change your face?
Weight loss can change the contour and appearance of your face. Whether through strict diet and exercise or intervention like bariatric surgery, weight loss can impact the skin and face in a multi-dimensional manner leaving the face looking hollow in some areas when fat is lost.
Another facial change that can happen after significant weight loss is sagging skin. Skin does not always shrink to match your frame, and when patients experience significant weight loss, it can remove fat but leave skin laxity that doesn’t bounce back if the change occurred too quickly.
After massive weight loss, you may want to make an appointment with an experienced facial plastic surgeon who can assess your skin changes and determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs. Plastic surgeons sometimes recommend facelifts to patients that are healthy and have achieved their target goal on the scale.
Each person experiences the impact of weight loss differently. Some see facial changes within a matter of weeks while don’t see the effects of weight loss for many months. Your plastic surgeon may suggest different injectables during your weight loss journey to help your face appear symmetrical and reduce sunken areas. A complete facelift is most successful after weight loss is complete to ensure there are no further changes to the face after surgery.
Does losing weight make your face look younger?
While weight loss can drastically change your appearance, weight loss alone does not always make you look younger. Many individuals define an attractive face as contoured and full. Unfortunately, weight loss can have the opposite effect on the face, leaving behind hollow areas, sagging skin, and an overall deflated look. Sagging skin can also lead to deep folds and wrinkles for a more aged appearance.
Fortunately, these skin concerns can be addressed with a facelift. A facelift lifts and tightens skin, removes excess skin and fat, and reshape portions of the face like the jawline and jowls. There are several types of facelift procedures that can help patients look younger after massive weight loss:
- Traditional facelift: This is a complete facelift with incisions made around the hairline, ears, and lower scalp so that fat can be redistributed or removed and underlying layers can be lifted and tightened.
- Mini facelift: The mini lift is less extensive and has a shorter incision length that targets more focused areas. This outpatient procedure requires local anesthesia in most cases and recovery tends to be shorter than with a traditional facelift.
- Thread lift: A temporary, dissolvable barbed suture is threaded into the skin along the temple or jawline that lifts the skin and stimulates collagen production.
- Deep plane facelift: This type of facelift involves access to the underlying SMAS tissue and actually releases ligaments that tend to keep the SMAS in a specific position. This technique allows for lift in the lower and midface for natural and dramatic improvement.
- Micro lift: This innovative procedure mimics the results of pulled-back hair in a ponytail. It is minimally invasive and subtly lifts the eyes and tightens the skin for sharper cheekbones.
Do jowls and sagging face go away after losing weight?
Unfortunately, jowls and sagging faces do not always resolve after weight loss. In some cases, they may even become more defined. While weight loss can slenderize the face, this improvement is often hidden by sagging skin and lack of contour. Facelifts have many benefits in reducing jowls and improving facial balance and beauty, including:
- Create a well-defined jawline
- Lift and tighten sagging skin
- Eliminate loose jowls
- Reduce deep fold, fine lines, and wrinkles
- Rejuvenate skin
- Produce a younger and healthier appearance
Double-board certified facial plastic surgeon, Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, provides innovation and expertise to patients looking for seamless and natural results at his New York City, NY, and New Orleans, LA, offices. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about facelift procedures after weight loss.
What Age is Normal to Get Wrinkles?
There really is no “normal” age when we start to notice wrinkles. Their formation depends on a variety of factors – some of which we can control and others we can’t. While your friend might start to notice fine lines around the eyes in her 20s, you might not see lines develop until almost a decade later.
Wrinkles are a normal part of aging. Some wrinkles are the result of repeated facial expressions like squinting or smiling. Others occur because of collagen depletion in the dermal structure, which leads to skin laxity and facial creasing. Factors that might accelerate this process include genetics, sun damage, poor diet, and lifestyle choices like smoking and drinking alcohol.
What age do wrinkles start appearing?
The aging process is different for each patient. Many people show the first signs of aging in their mid-20s as our bodies begin to produce less collagen and sun damage can take an early toll. Prominent signs of aging like wrinkles often appear on the face, neck, hands, and forearms, with the most noticeable areas on the neck and face. While aging cannot be stopped, there are many ways to promote healthy skin and reduce wrinkles, sun damage, sagging skin, and other signs of aging.
Are wrinkles normal at 20?
As individuals move out of their teens and into their 20s, signs of aging can begin to appear. The first signs of wrinkles in your 20s are movement lines around the brow, mouth, and eyes, due to repetitive movements like smiling, laughing, and frowning. Significant wrinkles and lines on the forehead and other areas are not typical. If they do occur this early, they can likely be attributed to factors like excessive sun damage or lifestyle choices like smoking.
Are wrinkles normal at 30?
Most people still have a youthful appearance in their 30s without significant wrinkles. Wrinkles and fine lines may become more apparent in the mid-to-late 30s, or even sooner depending on sun exposure and other variables. The most common spots for lines at this age are between the eyebrows (frown lines) and the triangle areas between the nose and corners of the mouth (nasolabial folds).
What causes wrinkles?
Wrinkles are just one of the many changes to our skin as we age. As we grow older, our skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner and more translucent. Aging skin is more fragile and retains less moisture, making it easier for wrinkles to form. While age is a major contributing factor to wrinkles, there are many causes, including:
- Repetitive facial movements
- Sun damage
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Lack of proper skin care
- Dehydration
Wrinkle Prevention
Aging is an inevitable process, but there are many preventative measures that can keep skin looking young, healthy, and wrinkle-free, including:
- Sun Protection: Sun exposure is the leading cause of premature aging and can be prevented with proper protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Sun protection should be worn every day to avoid damaging ultraviolet rays from penetrating your skin, even if it is overcast.
- Moisture: A quality moisturizer helps nourish and hydrate the skin, especially ones containing hyaluronic acid. Dry skin is more prone to wrinkles, and daily moisturizers can prevent wrinkles.
- Water: Drinking enough water each day is essential for overall health and skin health. Water can help flush toxins, regulate digestion, and keep your skin hydrated from the inside out to promote a youthful appearance.
- Diet and Exercise: Eating vitamin-rich foods like salmon, avocados, vegetables, and leafy greens are key to absorbing nutrients and antioxidants that promote healthy skin cells. Exercise increases blood flow to the dermal tissue, helping you maintain a rosy glow and keeping skin in top condition.
Wrinkle Treatment
Wrinkles are inevitable at some point, despite our best efforts. There are treatments to help reduce those lines and promote a youthful appearance, from minimally-invasive dermal fillers to facelift surgery. Gotham Plastic Surgery in New York offers:
- Dermabrasion: A skin resurfacing procedure that removes the top layer of skin for rejuvenation and reduction in wrinkles and other signs of aging.
- Botox®: This injectable treatment effectively reduces facial lines like crow’s feet, frown lines, worry lines, forehead lines, and neck wrinkles.
- Liquid facelift: A non-surgical treatment that combines facial fillers like Restylane and Juvederm to reduce wrinkles and add volume.
- FaceTite: This non-surgical treatment delivers radiofrequency energy into the dermal tissue to tighten skin and boost collagen levels for a reduction in visible wrinkles.
- MicroLift: This less invasive surgical facelift technique resembles the result you get when you pull up your hair in a tight ponytail. With smaller incisions and a shorter recovery time, it can be a good option for younger patients before they opt for a deep plane facelift.
- Deep plane facelift and neck lift: These surgical procedures remove and tighten skin, while repositioning fat and tissue to reduce sagging and wrinkles.
Schedule Your Wrinkle Treatment at our Manhattan Office
Gotham Plastic Surgery is an innovative practice that serves patients in a discreet, confidential, and accredited facility. Led by Dr. Philip Miller, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, our team works closely with patients to identify the best wrinkle treatment plans to help patients look younger, healthier, and more natural.
Dr. Miller uses the NatraLook® process to empower patients to explore their aesthetic confidence and naturally enhance their appearance. Gotham Plastic Surgery in New York is a safe and positive environment to discuss personal desires and achieve beauty goals through a unified vision.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about our wrinkle treatments.
Next, read about your options with Three Types of Facelifts.
How to Reduce Swelling after Lip Fillers
Swelling after lip fillers is a common concern, but the good news is there are simple ways to reduce swelling, like cool compresses and elevation. When you know how to treat this side effect, you can go into your lip filler treatments with less anxiety and more confidence.
Lip shape and size are important measures of beauty and age. Typically, small, thin lips are not considered beautiful and can appear disproportionate and unbalanced with other facial features. Lip fillers have been around for decades and are popular for several reasons. Lip fillers add a smoother, more natural-looking appearance to the lips and enhance the natural shape for fuller lips.
While lip fillers are a great way to enhance your lips, they can also cause swelling, which may result in a puffy appearance after treatment.
Why does swelling occur with lip fillers?
Fillers are a great way to achieve the shape that you want your lips to have. A lip filler is a gel-like substance placed into the lips with a small needle or tiny tube called a microcannula. These dermal fillers offer immediate changes to the lips, making them a very satisfying treatment option.
If you are worried about swelling and bruising after lip fillers, it is important to know it is temporary. Swelling is caused by the process of placing the filler into the lip area; even a tiny puncture can cause minor swelling. The lips are a sensitive area, and the injection can cause slight trauma to the tissue – swelling above the lip after lip fillers is the natural response to that trauma.
How much swelling is normal after lip fillers?
Swelling varies by patient and can depend on factors like how many injections were used, if it was a combination treatment, and natural bodily responses based on sensitivity. Swelling is typically minimal and may make the lips appear puffy or lumpy. Swelling should begin to subside after 3-4 days although it can last up to two weeks in rare instances.
Some patients consider a fair amount of swelling after injection but notice an improvement by the fourth day. If you are concerned with how much swelling is normal after lip fillers, it is a good idea to contact your injector with your questions.
When does swelling go down after lip fillers?
The amount of filler used during treatment can impact swelling and the expected recovery timeline. By the third day, most of the swelling should be gone, allowing you to really see your treatment results. Any discomfort or tenderness in the injection site should also go away by the fourth day, and the results should be noticeable. A few patients might have minor swelling for up to two weeks and should wait until this point for complete injection results.
How to Decrease Swelling After Lip Fillers
There are simple ways to reduce swelling after your lip filler treatment to relieve discomfort and enjoy the results sooner. Patients can:
- Apply a cold compress around the area, but not directly on the lips
- Relax and avoid repetitive or harsh contact with the mouth and lips
- Drink lots of water to keep the tissue hydrated
- Apply aloe vera or a recommended cream to the lips for hydration and healing
- Sleep with your head elevated
How to Prevent Swelling After Lip Fillers
Different lip fillers can have different results and side effects. It is important to consult with your injector about what to expect before, during, and after your treatment. For many fillers, swelling can be prevented by following aftercare instructions and avoiding certain activities. You can prevent swelling after lip filler by avoiding:
- Kissing or using a straw for drinking for two-three days
- Eating sodium-rich foods
- Using makeup or lipstick for one-two days after treatment
- Engaging in strenuous activity
- Consuming alcohol
- Taking blood thinners like ibuprofen or aspirin
Schedule Your Lip Plumping Treatment at Our Manhattan Office Today
Gotham Plastic Surgery provides comprehensive treatment plans to help patients achieve natural, youthful, and stunning results. The experience and expertise of Dr. Phillip Miller, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, allows patients to explore and experience the best version of themselves, including fuller lips.
Lips are a delicate and prominent feature that requires skill and experience to develop desirable shape and fullness. Too much injection can cause overly inflated, unnatural-looking lips, and too little can lead to underwhelming results.
Dr. Miller uses the NatraLook® process to help patients achieve exceptional and natural results. This approach to plastic surgery creates a safe and supportive environment for patients to explore their aesthetic confidence and naturally enhance their appearance.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about our lip augmentation treatments.
Popular Plastic Surgery Procedures: A look at the Real Housewives
Plastic surgery helps individuals achieve the aesthetic beauty and confidence they desire. Bravo’s Real Housewives are open about and supportive of plastic surgery to enhance or change facial and body features. The women had a wide range of treatments in 2021 and spoke candidly on their shows and social media platforms.
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, a distinguished double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, offers these procedures in Manhattan, New York. He is recognized as an expert in rhinoplasty and facial rejuvenation procedures and is known for his innovative techniques and focus on natural-looking results. Dr. Miller and his team of experts can perform the procedures the Real Housewives had done this year; take a look at some highlights:
The Nose Craze
Rhinoplasty was a big hit among the Real Housewives in 2021. Teresa Giudice and Raquel Leviss—to name two—both had rhinoplasty procedures. Many patients feel their nose detracts from other facial features and choose rhinoplasty to adjust the shape or size to fit harmoniously with the rest of their facial features.
Rhinoplasty is a complex procedure that requires a skilled and experienced surgeon, as well as extensive preoperative discussions and planning. Dr. Miller considers facial structure, the prominence of features, and skin quality and thickness when advising patients on how to achieve their cosmetic goals and overall facial balance.
In the case of Real Housewife Raquel Leviss, she felt disappointed with her results and thought her fiancé bumping into her nose may have contributed to unwanted results. While finding an expert surgeon is important, sometimes results can be different from what a patient envisioned. Dr. Miller offers revision rhinoplasty for patients disappointed in results, or that suffered a nose injury or trauma after the initial procedure.
Rhinoplasty can tackle a small problem area or completely reshape or resize your nose. Teresa Giudice felt her nose was too round on the top and turned to rhinoplasty to feel more confident. Whatever the reason, whatever the concern, Dr. Miller can work with you to find a solution and create natural, beautiful results for you.
Combining Procedures
Many plastic surgery combinations are safe and provide maximum results. By combining procedures, patients can reduce recovery time, limit the use of anesthetics, and eliminate multiple surgeries. Some procedures make sense to perform together, such as a facelift and fillers, or chin augmentation and rhinoplasty.
Combination procedures have been popular with many of the Real Housewives, as the convenience of scheduling multiple treatments at one time can save both time and money.
Dr. Miller works closely with patients to identify their cosmetic goals and create a custom plan with combination treatments to meet those goals quickly and efficiently. Like Jennifer’s case, sometimes balance can only be achieved when multiple areas are addressed with different procedures. Seeing satisfying results from combination procedures can boost your confidence and comfort.
Getting a Lift
Facelifts—and other major plastic surgeries—are most common in the fall and winter to avoid heat and sun exposure and see results before summer months or holiday events. A facelift is a popular procedure that tightens sagging skin from aging and weak muscles. Loose skin can be moved or removed to create a natural look and a more youthful appearance.
Dolores Catania and Emily Simpson are two Real Housewives that have undergone a facelift. There are different types of facelifts that produce various levels of results. Emily had a mini lower facelift which is less invasive and targets more minor areas of wrinkles or loose skin. Dr. Miller offers different types of facelifts in his Manhattan office, including:
- Traditional Facelift: Incisions are made at the hairline, continue in front and behind the ears, and extend to the lower scalp. Muscles and skin are lifted and tightened, and closed with sutures.
- Mini Facelift: This procedure uses shorter incisions and targets areas that are just beginning to wrinkle or sag. This minor outpatient treatment can be accomplished in less than 90 minutes.
- Thread Lift: A unique thread with tiny barbs is used to pull the skin up and back. This thread latches onto the skin and remains in place to keep the skin smooth.
- Micro Lift: This minimally invasive procedure creates the look one achieves with pulled-back hair. It is a quick and safe procedure with little downtime.
Fast and Fabulous
Dermal fillers and Botox ® Cosmetic are popular, especially among Real Housewives. Botox treats frown lines and other dynamic wrinkles by blocking nerve impulses to facial muscles, while dermal fillers target static wrinkles and restore youthful volume. Knowing the right product, treatment area, and limit is key to achieving your best possible results.
Real Housewife Shannon Storms Beador admitted to overdoing it on fillers. When too many facial fillers are used, it can dramatically alter an appearance and create disproportionate features and an unnatural look. Dr. Miller uses the unique NatraLook® approach to aesthetic beauty. The NatraLook process empowers individuals to explore aesthetic confidence safely and naturally. Dr. Miller and his team strive for natural-looking results to provide patients with an extraordinary experience.
Dr. Miller can suggest which Botox and filler treatments are right for you to create the customized approach that produces the most natural improvement.
Your Best Choice for Facial Plastic Surgery in New York City
Many plastic surgery procedures help you look and feel your best. Whether you want a single treatment, combination procedure, or a total makeover, Dr. Miller can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. NYC #1 facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Miller, uses minimally-invasive techniques, innovative technology, and advanced surgical methods to help patients boost their confidence and achieve their aesthetic goals.
Contact us today to learn more about our procedures and schedule a consultation.