A search for facial rejuvenation procedures can yield numerous results. Two, of many options, are facelifts and “liquid facelifts.” Despite the similar name, these two procedures are not the same. Learn more about each technique before determining which is right for you.
What Is Liquid Facelift?
A liquid facelift, offered at our New York office, is a procedure that uses one or more injectable fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane. The filler material is injected into the skin to fill out lines and wrinkles. By softening lines and wrinkles, a more youthful look results. In addition to wrinkles, the cheeks, chin and other contours of the face may lose volume due to age or genetics. These issues can also be remedied with injectable fillers. Unlike a regular facelift, all areas of the face can be treated, not just the lower face. This is the best alternative to a traditional facelift.
Injectable fillers are temporary. Depending on the type used, results may last anywhere from 3 to 18 months. Sculptra or fat injections can produce longer outcomes. Patients who prefer a liquid facelift generally do so because the procedure involves little discomfort and little to no downtime. The injection site may have minor swelling or redness afterwards, but those who receive filler injections can go about their normal routine after leaving the office.
What Is a Traditional Facelift?
Traditional facelifts are more invasive. Also known as rhytidectomy, facelifts restore a younger-looking appearance by lifting and tightening sagging skin and weakened muscles of the lower face and neck. Unwanted fat deposits can also be removed, something injectable fillers cannot do. Not only are wrinkles smoothed, but hanging jowls can be eliminated as well. Recovery is longer, necessitating about 2 weeks of leave from work. There are, however, less invasive options like the limited incision facelift which requires shorter incisions.
Though the advantages of a liquid facelift sound appealing, a surgical facelift also has its own benefits. The first is that the results are longer lasting and more dramatic. Facelifts do require touch-ups about every 7-10 years to maintain the same refined look, but this timeframe is much longer than what injectable fillers can currently provide. Cost is another factor. Filler treatments may initially be less costly, but follow-up procedures every few months to a year can add up and, in some cases, exceed the cost of a facelift. To learn more about liquid facelift, visit healthcare.utah.edu
Facelift vs. Liquid Facelift: A Comparison
Traditional Facelift
Liquid Facelift
Invasive, surgery is required
Non-invasive, injectable fillers
Last 10+ years
Last 3-18 months
Recovery in 14 days
Recovery in 1-2 days
Natural-looking results
Natural-looking results
Targets neck and lower face
Targets all areas of the face
Facelift vs. Liquid Facelift: Which is Better?
There is no final answer as to which procedure is better. It depends on the patient’s needs and preferences. A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon will help to clarify any questions you may have. Dr. Philip Miller specializes in facial plastic surgery and is an expert on facelift technique. Call (646) 791-3025 to schedule a meeting with Dr. Miller at his Manhattan New York plastic surgery practice.
Having a facelift or other major plastic surgery in New York is an investment in your future appearance and peace of mind. It’s money and time well spent when the procedure goes well. Sometimes, however, patients are too anxious to see the results or to get back to work or their normal routines long before the incisions are properly healed and the swelling has subsided.
Just as there are many things patients can do to optimize their facelift results (setting up a home recovery room before the surgery is one), there are many activities they should avoid so as not to interfere with or harm the recovery process and ultimately the results.
Cut Down on Physical Activity
Many active patients can’t wait to get back into the home gym or health club after cosmetic surgery. They stress out over missing even a few days of weight lifting, thinking they will lose all the progress they have made in the months or years leading up to facelift surgery. All that pain and gain for nothing. The danger is that any kind of strenuous exercise or heavy lifting places undue strain on the incisions and could undo the procedure entirely. It’s best to wait at least two weeks until most of the swelling has gone down and the incisions have had time to heal.
Avoid Blood-thinners Like Aspirin and Garlic
They may increase the risk of bleeding during recovery. Use only Tylenol and other pain killers on your doctor’s instructions (consult with your plastic surgeon if you are on blood thinners for circulatory problems or clotting). And no matter how greasy your hair may look and feel after surgery, wait at least two days before you wash it to prevent facial stress and soap irritation. If you wear makeup, hold off for at least a week so that the incision areas remain clean and clear of contaminants.
Don’t Smoke
Nicotine only diminishes blood flow, and your incisions need well-oxygenated blood in order to heal well. Don’t drink and drive. That means no alcohol, which interferes with blood circulation and causes dehydration. And don’t drive – at least, not until you feel well enough to do so. Wait a minimum of 48 hours before you even think of getting into a car.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
UV light damages the skin, and your facial skin following surgery is especially vulnerable. Wear sunblock with an SPF rating of 15 or higher if you expect to be exposed to the sun for any length of time. Refrain from tanning for at least six weeks.
Rest Well
Following facelift surgery, it’s normal to feel slightly depressed and sluggish. This is due to hormonal changes caused by the trauma of surgery. The feelings will pass over time. Finally, get lots of bed rest after surgery but plan on getting up as soon as possible. Moderate activity not only alleviates boredom and gets the blood flowing, it promotes healing and ensures optimum results from plastic surgery.
A qualified plastic surgeon can provide further help on making the most of your downtime after cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified plastic surgeon in NYC and an expert in the field of facial plastic surgery. Call his Manhattan office at (646) 791-3025 for a personal consultation.
Following a facelift in New York City, the last thing you want is to deal with complications. By following a few simple tips, you can prepare your body to heal as quickly as possible and help avoid issues that can lead to infection.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking shrinks blood vessels and reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches your tissue. This impacts blood clotting properties and makes it harder for your body to close wounds. An open wound is at risk of developing an infection. You must stop smoking at least two weeks prior to your surgery and ignore cravings for at least two weeks following your surgery.
Be Careful About Using Over-the-Counter Medications
Medications or supplements containing aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E thin the blood or increase bleeding. These situations slow the healing process. Avoid these compounds for at least two weeks before your surgery and for a few days after your surgery. If you have questions or are uncertain, always ask your plastic surgeon before taking a medication. Consult your doctor about safe options for pain relief following your facelift.
Build Up a Stock of Frozen Peas
Following your surgery, you want to keep swelling down. Stock up on packs of frozen peas before your surgery. You can also reduce swelling by keeping your head elevated when you’re resting in bed.
Resist the Urge to Peek
Do not remove your bandages, even if you’re itchy and can’t stand not knowing how you look. Wait for the doctor to do this. If you remove them too early, you risk infection. When the doctor does remove your bandages, don’t be alarmed by bruising and swelling. This is normal. Swelling generally subsides after a few days and bruising usually lasts a week or two.
Stay Out of the Sun
Avoid the sun and sunlamps for six weeks following a facelift. The heat from the sun’s rays or the heat lamp can lead to swelling.
Dr. Philip Miller, a renowned facial plastic surgeon in NYC, offers consultations to anyone considering a facelift. Contact us to schedule an appointment by calling our plastic surgery clinic at (646) 791-3025.
Whenever a new and more effective technique is developed to aid plastic surgeons in providing better care while maintaining attractive results, it is an exciting thing. Once such advanced technique is MicroRhinoplasty™. The former method of reducing a hump or bump on the nose with osteotomy is becoming a thing of the past with MicroRhinoplasty™ moving in. Dr. Miller in NYC has adopted this technique in appropriate candidates to replace the need to fracture the bones of the nose and reposition them.
MicroRhinoplasty™ is a much less invasive procedure performed with the use of an air-powered microsaw to remove the bony hump layer by layer. Surgeons are able to have an added degree of precision that was not available before and are able to correct the flaw until the exact level of reduction needed is reached.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed, with hump reduction being at the top of the list of most requested nose corrections. Hump or bump reduction requires that the bone or cartilage creating the formation be removed. Many patients can benefit from the MicroRhinoplasty™ technique and will enjoy the several advantages it offers. Who wouldn’t prefer to be able to spend as little as 5 minutes in the surgeon’s chair with just local anesthesia? Osteotomy, on the other hand, requires general anesthesia and a good deal longer spent in surgery. Since the nasal bones do not need to be fractured MicroRhinoplasty™, there are fewer risks of complications associated with osteotomy, such as inverted V deformity or “rocker” deformity. Patients also experience little, if any, pain and significantly less swelling and bruising. Additionally, recovery time is shortened.
The greatest benefit of all is, of course, the newly heighted confidence the patient will feel after his or her surgery. Facial harmony will result in a more eye-catching appearance, and in a good way.
Individuals who are looking to reduce a nasal hump and are interested in exploring their options should contact Dr. Philip Miller for a personal consultation at (646) 791-3025. Dr. Miller is one of the best facial plastic surgeons with offices located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, NY.
The revolutionary use of stem cells in medicine is now being hailed as the latest breakthrough in the ongoing battle against the natural aging process. Stem cells are unique in that they are literally the tabular rasa, or blank slate, in cellular biology. They are known as “undifferentiated” cells, meaning they have the potential to be transformed into other types of cells – a liver or heart cell, or a skin cell – or regenerate old or damaged tissue.
This is why stem cells are frequently viewed as the body’s natural fountain of youth.
The Stem Cell Facelift is a new facial plastic surgery in New York utilizing adult stem cells harvested through liposuction from a patient’s own fat tissue. The fat stem cells are then separated out and comingled with stem cell growth factors, which activate and energize the stem cells. The mixture is then injected by a qualified physician into specific areas of the patient’s face to restore lost facial volume and a youthful appearance.
The technique promises a complete facial rejuvenation, and a growing number of patients are looking into this less invasive procedure with much hope and anticipation. The Stem Cell Facelift does indeed hold promise because of its efficient use of the body’s own rejuvenation potential to regrow or replace tissue that is lost as a result of normal aging. The use of stem cells has had remarkable results in the treatment of spinal cord injuries, for example.
The advantages associated with the use of stem cells in facial cosmetic procedures, however, should be weighed against any potential risks as the technology is still in its infancy. In one extreme case, a patient who had the procedure went back to her plastic surgeon with bone shards growing inside her eyelids.
Stem cell technology in cosmetic surgery is an exciting development that still has a long way to grow. One, therefore, should not overlook other non-invasive procedures with proven track records of success, such as Botox and injectable fillers used to remove facial lines and wrinkles, as well as time-tested surgical procedures like the traditional facelift.
Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified facial plastic surgeon with offices located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Contact our office at (646) 791-3025 for a personal consultation.
A nose by any other name would smell as sweet. It makes no difference, then, whether you are a man or a woman or what kind of nose you have. Everyone’s nose has the same olfactory function, but not all noses are blessed with the same appealing shape or appearance.
In increasing numbers, men are turning to rhinoplasty to change the look of their nose but without fundamentally altering its masculine structure. This is where the cosmetic goals of men and women tend to diverge. When considering nose surgery, women are often looking for significant or dramatic results to achieve a more attractive and feminine appearance. The “male nose job,” by contrast, often has more specific goals in mind. A male patient may opt for nose surgery to remove a dorsal hump or to soften the appearance of a hooked or drooping nasal tip.
Change your Nose
Other male patients are looking to narrow the width of a “dominant” nose or reduce the overall size of the nose to balance out the face. Or they simply want to improve the overall shape of the nose but without dramatically changing its basic structure. Men, in sum, want a better looking nose that unmistakably says “me, mine, and man.” They don’t want results that appear feminine. In cases related less to aesthetics and more to function, men may undergo rhinoplasty to open blocked airways or repair a deviated septum. Regardless of a patient’s gender, the techniques used in nasal surgery in New York are the same and the risks and benefits are also the same. There is a slight risk of infection or nosebleeds following nose surgery, or a temporary loss of smell. To learn more about rhinoplasty, visit medlineplus.gov
Many Men are Choosing Rhinoplasty
That many men are choosing rhinoplasty for a more satisfying appearance is reflected in the more than 240,000 individuals who underwent rhinoplasty in 2012, 25% of whom were male according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). No longer is there a stigma attached to male rhinoplasty. A good example is Iran, rated the “nose job capital of the world,” where some 200,000 people are having nasal corrective surgery each year. Many of these patients are men. In today’s unisex world there are no gender barriers in nasal surgery, just different cosmetic goals and objectives.
Schedule a Male Rhinoplasty in New York
Dr. Philip Miller is a board certified plastic surgeon and an expert in the field of facial plastic surgery with offices located at 60 East 56th, Third Floor, New York, N.Y. Call (646) 791-3025 for a personal consultation.
Ultherapy™ is a cosmetic procedure for lifting loose skin on the face and neck without the need for surgery. Ultherapy™ uses ultrasound energy, a technology that has been trusted by expectant mothers for decades, and it is the only energy-based aesthetic procedure that has been FDA-cleared for non-invasive lifting. This simple, non-invasive procedure strengthens the skin from the inside out with no downtime. After just one or two treatments the skin will gradually reflect a more lifted and refreshed appearance. Take a look at this Ulthera result one month after treatment. Call our office today to set up a consultation.
Botox is one of the most popular non-surgical procedures with its ability to take years off of a person’s perceived age. But there is now evidence that beauty and youth can also correlate to the salary that you earn. A study at the University of Texas was even able to place a percentage on it, “plain people earn 5 – 10 percent less than average people, researches concluded, while the ‘better than average’ jump their earnings another 5 – 8 percent”, says Forbes magazine.
A facelift is one of the best options to turn back the clock and reduce your perceived age. However, this surgical procedure does require some preparation to ensure a safe and successful process.
Check with your primary care physician to make sure you are healthy enough for surgery if older than 50 years old or if you have medical problems. You can also work with your facial plastic surgeon to address your questions and concerns before your procedure. Finally, there are steps to prepare your skin, face, and body for what lies ahead.
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in procedures to enhance the face and neck. With a variety of techniques at his disposal, Dr. Miller is qualified to customize your facelift to ensure the most natural, beautiful results. His proprietary NatraLook® process is an enriching experience through which you explore and ultimately boost your aesthetic confidence by enhancing your appearance.
1. Prepare Your Body
Any surgery has associated risks, including bleeding and infection. While you can greatly mitigate your risks by working with an experienced facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Miller, there are also steps to take to ensure a low potential for complications.
First, check with your primary care doctor to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery. You may need to address any underlying conditions before undergoing your facelift. If you smoke, Dr. Miller recommends quitting at least two weeks before and after surgery to prevent nicotine-related risks.
2. Prepare Your Medication List
Some medications can increase your risk for bleeding or other complications during and after surgery. You may need to stop some of those medications before surgery, so make sure your surgeon knows about all prescription medications you are taking. Your surgeon will weigh the benefits and risks of remaining on certain medicines and provide you with specific instructions to ensure the safest surgery possible.
3. Lower Your Bleeding Risk
Prescription medications like blood thinners are not the only substances that can increase your bleeding risk during and after surgery. Some over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can also increase your likelihood for complications. Even supplements like vitamin E and fish oil can be a concern. Provide a list of these substances to your surgeon before your facelift and follow all instructions on when to stop taking them.
4. Arrange for Transportation
Since you will have anesthesia for your facelift, you should plan to enlist some help for the first day or two. Arrange for someone to drive you to and from your facelift procedure, since you will not be able to drive after anesthesia. It is also a good idea to have someone stay with you the first 24 to 48 hours after your surgery so you can focus on resting and healing from your procedure.
5. Prepare Meals
Although you might not feel like cooking for the first few days after surgery, it is essential to eat healthy meals during your recovery to support your healing process. Many patients prepare and freeze meals before surgery to make healthy eating as easy as possible. It is also helpful to stock up on fresh produce and other healthy snacks so you can rest comfortably at home with a full fridge and pantry.
6. Arrange for Child and Pet Care
You will have some activity restrictions after a facelift that can make it difficult to care for young children or pets for the first week or two. For example, you will not be able to lift items that weigh more than 10 pounds for a few weeks. We recommend lining up help for those first couple of weeks to ensure everyone is cared for without compromising your recovery process.
7. Prepare for a Comfortable Recovery
While patients are often pleasantly surprised at how little discomfort there is after facelift surgery, you will still want to rest and recover in comfort for the first week or two. You can facilitate your healing process by filling prescriptions before surgery. You can also stock up on movies and reading material, or line up someone to clean your house. Finally, gather a few shirts that button in the front to make it easy to change clothes during your recovery process.
8. Drink Extra Fluids
Hydration offers numerous benefits after surgery, from flushing the anesthesia out of the body to keeping the digestive system running efficiently. To help the healing process, keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Consider having some fresh fruit on-hand, such as limes and lemons, to help make your water taste better so you will drink m
9. Prepare Your Finances
A facelift is considered a cosmetic procedure that is not usually covered by insurance. This means the full cost for your procedure will come out of your pocket. It is important to have a plan for paying for your surgery before you come in for your procedure. We are happy to discuss options with you to ensure your facelift fits with your aesthetic goals and your budget.
10. Know What to Expect
While a facelift is ultimately designed to enhance your appearance, you will experience some side effects after surgery that will keep you from seeing your final result right away. In other words, expect to look worse before you look better. Being prepared mentally and physically for the healing process will help you endure those early days when you aren’t so sure about what you see in the mirror. Rest assured that in time, those results you dreamt about before surgery will become a reality.
Dr. Miller has performed countless facelifts during his two decades of work for many happy patients. If you want to find out if a facelift is right for you, contact Dr. Miller’s Manhattan, New York, or New Orleans, Louisiana, office today.
When you begin your cosmetic surgery journey it’s important to do all of your research. Half of the time and energy is spent traveling to different offices and watching time pass in the waiting room. But now you can begin your search by having your consultation directly from your living room, kitchen, or any room for that matter; all from the palm of your hand! Our Dr. Philip Miller app has been released for a while now and is still growing in popularity and saving patients time and energy. Patients have been raving about the most comprehensive, pocket size, plastic surgery encyclopedia and the instant access to dozens of before & after photos. The virtual surgery tool has also become very popular with those considering cosmetic surgery or even those who just want to play around with their friends and family’s photos. Best of all, it’s free! To learn more about plastic surgery, visit medlineplus.gov
To schedule a cosmetic surgery consultation at our New York office, fill out our online consultation form.
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