January 19th, 2012
What is a liquid facelift?
It seems as though there are often trendy buzz words used in the world of cosmetic and plastic surgery and keeping up with what they all mean can be a daunting task. The liquid facelift or is one of the hottest new trends in non-surgical facial rejuvenation. For those who are not quite ready to undergo a major transformation or who want to get their “feet wet”, this combination of services may be just right.
A liquid facelift or nonsurgical facelift usually entails a few injections—performed in the office—of Botox and fillers. Botox is used in the forehead, frown lines and crow’s feet areas to smooth creases and reduce future wrinkling. In addition to Botox, filler, such as Juvederm, Restylane, or Radiesse is injected to plump remaining lines on the face such as smile lines and the pesky lines around the mouth.
Most packages also include some form of facial peel–either microdermabrasion, laser, or chemical peel to freshen the skin and give you a healthy glow. Of course, any of these services alone will improve the way you look and feel, but combining them in one visit will surely turn back the clock! Consult with Dr. Pollack about your liquid facelift today!
Kate
Posted in Botox, Facial Procedures, Facial Rejuvenation, Fillers, Frown Lines, Home, Juvederm, Liquid Facelift, Restylane | No Comments »
January 2nd, 2012
How can I look younger?
We all know the anti-aging basics. (In a word: Sunscreen). Here’s the skin-care news you can use to start looking younger right now!
“You look so young.” These are the words we long to hear- and we will go to great (silly and expensive) lengths to hear them. But at a certain point, maybe we should stop and ask ourselves: Is it really eternal youth that we should be pursuing? Should that be our goal? We all see people in the public eye who try to turn the clock back dramatically and end up looking freakish. When they stop trying so hard, they start looking better!
More and more doctors are warning of the dangers of pursuing youth at all costs- the frozen features, the painfull tauntness, the total absence of facial lines. Instead, we should think of “age maintenance“, which is finding the age at which you are happiest with your looks and doing the best that you can to slow down-not reverse or halt altogether-the aging process.
Consider the fact that the face has three different components: muscle, fat and the outmost layer of skin itself.
When we are young, those three parts are all one piece in a sense; but as we get older, each part of us may age in different rates depending on both our genetics and our environments. Muscle sags; we lose volume and plumpness as our face loses fat and bone; the outer layer of skin wrinkles. The idea behind age maintenance is to find what you consider a sweet spot in your appearance-say your mid thirties-and to restore what you have in looks. In other words, prevention is best and restoration is fine. It’s going to far that gets so many women into trouble.
Of course you will age. But there is more and more that you can do to slow the clock- on all parts of the face and body and for all skin types. Basics of good skin care include, a good skin-care regimen of cleansing, exfoliating, sunscreen, regular facial treatments and if money allows, the use of Botox/fillers and lasers. By doing this, you can radically slow down the process. Even more critical? You will look like yourself and not a cartoon of yourself as the years go by.
To acquire additional information and services offered at Del Mar Plastic Surgery, please contact us at 858-450-9100.
Marci
Posted in Botox, Facial Procedures, Facial Rejuvenation, Fillers, Frown Lines, Home, Liquid Facelift | No Comments »
December 7th, 2011
My Experience as “Mother of the Bride”
I have been the front office coordinator for Dr. Larry Pollack for close to ten years. Recently, I took on a new role when my daughter announced she was getting married!! All of the sudden I realized (as young as I am) that I was going to be “the Mother of the Bride”. As part of my strategic planning, I started on a skin care program with our aesthetician, Marci, immediately. It consisted of a series of mini peels and facials. Dr. Pollack then gave me a “liquid facelift” which included Botox on the forehead and eyes and some Juvederm filler in my lips. I experienced no down time and it was nice to look a few years younger and feel confident in all of the wedding day photographs. If you have a special event or wedding coming up in your future, this is a great way to get your skin in shape and minimize your pesky little lines. The day turned out perfect and I feel great about how I look!! Thanks Marci and Dr. P!!!
Tanya
Posted in Facial Procedures, Facial Rejuvenation, Fillers, Frown Lines, Home, Juvederm, Lip Augmentation, Liquid Facelift, Patient Testimonials, Skin Care, Staff | No Comments »
November 17th, 2011
Pregnancy After Tummy Tuck, Is It Safe?
Many women have a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, after pregnancy because the skin and muscles have been stretched, resulting in loose skin and bulging. But what about getting pregnant AFTER having a tummy tuck? Is it safe?
The answer is yes… but. I usually counsel women to wait to have a tummy tuck until after they have had all their children, but sometimes this is impractical or unpredictable because of unplanned pregnancies, second marriages, or just a change of heart.
A tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles and removes loose skin, so you should wait at least a year if possible before getting pregnant after a tummy tuck. After that time, the muscles and skin should stretch normally to allow the baby to grow. If a pregnancy occurs sooner than a year, it may be more difficult for the uterus to stretch, but it should not affect the pregnancy.
However, your beautiful, tight, smooth post-tummy tuck look might be lost after another pregnancy, and a revision surgery might be necessary.
Please contact our office, Del Mar Plastic Surgery with any concerns or questions, 858-450-9100.
Dr. Larry Pollack
Posted in Frequently Asked Questions, Home, Tummy Tuck | No Comments »
October 24th, 2011
Male Cosmetic Surgery In San Diego
Over the last 10 years, more men than ever have been consulting with me to try to “look better.” Whether just to look as young as they feel, or to stay competitive in an increasingly challenging work environment, male cosmetic surgery is on the rise.
The most common NON-SURGICAL service men request is Botox. Botox injections are a quick and inexpensive way to eliminate frown lines or soften crow’s feet lines. I also have many men using fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse for deep nasolabial folds (the lines between the nose and mouth) to look younger without surgery.
The most popular male cosmetic surgery procedures requested include; eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), facelift, and liposuction. Eyelid surgery, usually including upper and lower eyelids, removes excess skin and the puffy fat to correct the “tired look” that many men complain about. The scarring is minimal and most men return to work in 5 to 7 days.
Facelift has become more common among men over 50, in part due to newer techniques like the “Short Scar Facelift.” As the name implies. the scars are minimal and the recovery time is short, but the neck tightening and cheek and jowl lifting can make you look 10 years younger.
Finally, liposuction remains a popular male cosmetic surgery procedure. Even those who work out regularly and eat a healthy diet can develop excess fat on the abdomen, hips (love handles), and breasts. Liposuction is a safe and effective way to remove the fat with minimal scarring and rapid recovery.
For a free consultation with Dr. Pollack, call 858-450-9100 or email us at kate@delmarplasticsurgery.com.
Posted in Home, Male Cosmetic Surgery | No Comments »
October 4th, 2011
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
A large part of my practice, Del Mar Plastic Surgery located in San Diego, is breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer and it has always been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding surgeries that I perform.
One in eight women (13%) in the the United States will develop breast cancer and it is the leading cause of cancer death among women between the ages of 35 and 54. Only a small percentage of women who develop breast cancer have a genetic predispostion or family history, and the risk of breast cancer increases with age.
So, what should you do? First make sure you have YEARLY MAMMOGRAMS starting at age 40. Mammograms, along with some additional studies like ultrasound and, if necessary, MRI, can detect cancers at a very early stage, which affects prognosis. Just as important is MONTHLY SELF-EXAM. No physician will know the substance of your breast as well as you. Report ANY new lump, tender or not, to your doctor as soon as possible.
Treatment for breast cancer has come a long way over the the years. Surgical treatment involves either a lumpectomy and radiation or mastectomy with breast reconstruction. Treatment choice is made by you and the physician together and will be based on many factors including the size of the tumor, the type, it’s location, etc.
Breast cancer awareness – this is a good month to start regular exams and update mammograms if it’s time. Early detection is the key to beating breast cancer.
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Cancer, Breast Implants, Breast Revision, Home | No Comments »
August 26th, 2011
Mens Skin Care In San Diego
At Del Mar Plastic Surgery we have always encouraged men to take care of their skin. Not only will regular skin care slow down the signs of aging and protect the skin from environmental damage, but it feels good too.
My skin care company, Lycopene Skin Care, has developed a unique skin care product designed specifically for men called Post Shave Balm. Used daily after shaving, it deeply hydrates and restores skin health. It is currently the only cosmetic skin care product in the US to use SYRICALM (TM) CLR, a patented botanical complex designed to reduce redness and calm irritated skin. The Post Shave Balm also contains Lycopene, one of the strongest anti-oxidants, and a combination of other healing botanicals, including Green Tea Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Glabridin, Jojoba Seed Oil, and Chamomile Extract. Also, a blend of High and Low Molecular weight Hyaluronic Acids locks in moisture.
Lycopene Skin Care Post Shave Balm is available at Del Mar Plastic Surgery or online at http://www.lycopeneskincare.com/. And by the way, it is also great for women after shaving or waxing!
Posted in Facial Rejuvenation, Home, Skin Care, Skin Care Products | No Comments »
August 12th, 2011
Get Your Tan On… Safely
In San Diego the sun is shining and most weekend activities revolve around the outdoors. Going to the beach, hiking, bicycling, or enjoying a picnic with family usually includes transforming our wardrobe into a swimsuit or shorts. I think everyone would agree that they feel a little bit better when they have a nice tan as opposed to the pale skin typically covered during the winter. Exposing ourselves to tanning rays in any form (sun or artificial) is simply not safe or healthy, despite how it makes us feel!
Over the last several years, the self-tanning industry has been booming. Sunless tanning can be performed at home or through a professional salon. The most common complaints with self tanners include streaking and an unwanted “orange” hue. After much research, our office staff chose an airbrush tanning system and solution manufactured by Sun Fx, an all natural, odor free formula. The color is a beautiful golden brown and it is personally applied by a trained technician to avoid unevenness. All skin types can enjoy the Sun Fx spray tan and its lasting effects. The tan will last about 7 days!
Get out and enjoy wearing shorts with a beautiful tan….Get a spray tan at Del Mar Plastic Surgery in San Diego today! Contact us at 858-450-9100 with any questions or to schedule your appointment.
Posted in Home, Sunless Tanning | No Comments »
July 28th, 2011
A Warm Welcome to Marci Pastel!
Welcome Marci! We are pleased to announce the addition of Marci Pastel to the team at Del Mar Plastic Surgery in San Diego. Marci will be joining us as a licensed aesthetician and will be available to tend to all of your skin care needs. Marci has years of experience in the skin and beauty industry and her impeccable skills impressed us greatly.
The focus of Marci’s care will center around your individual needs, whether it be just to relax in our spa room for a luxurious facial, or whether you have issues with pigmentation or acne. Our Italian Therabrasion treatment is her most frequently requested service. Make sure to ask for yours—even the express version if you are on the go!
Posted in Facial Procedures, Facial Rejuvenation, Home, Skin Care, Staff | No Comments »
July 22nd, 2011
Information and answers to common questions about plastic surgery, Del Mar, San Diego – Part 2
San Diego Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Larry Pollack
I WAS CONTEMPLATING LIP AUGMENTATION BUT DON’T WANT TO LOOK LIKE A DUCK, OR WORSE! IS IT POSSIBLE?
Yes. As a matter of fact, no-one having a lip augmentation should look like a duck. Lip enhancement should be no different than other cosmetic procedures we do as plastic surgeons–our goal should be to achieve an aesthetically-pleasing proportional look.
At Del Mar Plastic Surgery, I use a variety of techniques for lip augmentation. The most popular choice is fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane. Both are hyaluronic acid products which last between 6 to 9 months. There is essentially no downtime, as the lips can look beautiful and normal the next day. There is a small risk of bruising.
Another method that is gaining popularity is fat transfer. Fat is taken from another area of the body and injected into the lips. This can be done in conjunction with other procedures, such as a facelift or eyelid lift, or by itself. It can be done by itself in the office under local anesthesia, but there is a little more downtime because of more bruising and swelling. But, usually about 50% of the fat injected will be permanent.
MY EYES MAKE ME LOOK OLDER AND TIRED. WHAT CAN I DO TO LOOK BETTER?
This is a very common complaint of both women and men. Our eyes can be the first area on our face to show signs of aging. There are a number of procedures that can help, and the choice of procedures depends on the problem you have.
Upper eyelid lift, or upper blepharoplasty, is a simple procedure that removes excess skin from the upper eyelids. The scar is well hidden in the eyelid crease, and the healing time is about one week. For people who have baggy lower eyelids, a lower lid blepharoplasty can also be done. This removes or redistributes the bulging fat pads and also removes any excess skin. This procedure often can help treat the dark circles under the eyes sometimes caused by the fat pads.
I recommend a browlift if the eyebrows have dropped and are adding to the excess upper eyelid skin. I primarily do what is called an endoscopic browlift. This involves placing several small scars in the scalp, and using a small camera scope to release the muscles and tissue that cause the brow to drop. The brow is then elevated and anchored to the skull with dissolvable plastic hooks under the skin. Again, the brow elevation needs to be aesthetic to avoid the “surprised” appearance. The endoscopic browlift also has a quick one week recovery period.
Call Del Mar Plastic Surgery at 858-450-9100 to schedule a free consultation, or go to our website at www.delamrplasticsurgery.com for more information on these and other procedures.
Posted in Brow lift, Eyelid Lift, Facial Procedures, Facial Rejuvenation, Fat Transfer, Fillers, Frequently Asked Questions, Home, Juvederm, Lip Augmentation, Restylane | No Comments »
