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 »
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 »
June 7th, 2011
Face Lift Surgery in Del Mar, San Diego
The boomer generation is not aging like our parents. We are more physically active, more weight and health-conscious, and feel younger than our chronological age might indicate! However, those early signs of facial aging, such as loose neck skin or neck bands, early jowling, or prominent cheek folds, can make us look older despite our best efforts.
The Short Scar face lift, or MACS-lift, was developed by a plastic surgeon in Belgium to reduce the risk, the scars, and the recovery time for people who want facelift surgery but were afraid! Instead of a 5 or 6 hour operation, the short scar facelift takes between 2 and 3 hours. The scar starts in front of the sideburn area, extends inside the ear to the earlobe, eliminating the long scar of the standard face lift. Very little skin is lifted up to expose the sagging muscles, which are then tightened with suture. The excess skin is then removed and the incision closed.
Unlike the standard facelift, which has significant risks of nerve damage, blood clots under the skin, tissue loss, and visible scars, the short-scar facelift minimizes all these risks. The recovery is quick–most patients are back to work in 7 to 10 days, and light exercise in 3 weeks. Best of all, the results create a NATURAL, youthful face rejuvenation.
Dr. Pollack performs the short scar face lift at the Sharp Outpatient Pavilion, a state of the art surgery center adjacent to San Diego’s newest and most technically advanced hospital. Call us for a free consultation.
Posted in Facial Procedures, Facial Rejuvenation, Frown Lines, Home | No Comments »
May 23rd, 2011
Information and answers to common questions about plastic surgery, Del Mar, San Diego
Dr. Larry Pollack - Del Mar, San Diego Plastic Surgeon
Delmarplasticsurgeryblog.com was designed to provide interesting and useful information about a variety of topics in plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. I still get a lot of very good questions, however, from both my patients and people I meet at parties! So we’re going to regularly answer some of the questions on the blog. Hopefully you’ll get answers to specific questions you might have.
“HAVING GENERAL ANESTHESIA SCARES ME. IS IT SAFE?”
Yes, if you are healthy and if you have a board-certified anesthesiologist and a safe operating environment. At Del Mar Plastic Surgery, all our surgeries are performed at the Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion, a state of the art modern facility adjacent to the hospital, and is staffed by only board-certified experienced physician anesthesiologists. You are monitored from start to finish by the most advanced technology available.
“I DON’T WANT A FULL FACELIFT, BUT I HATE MY NECK! WHAT CAN I DO?”
Not everyone needs a full facelift to correct an aging neck, Newer “short-scar” facelift techniques can give amazing and long-lasting results with less risk and down time. However, each person must be evaluated individually to determine the best procedure for their own problem, and also have reasonable expectations about the results.
“I BREAST FED BOTH OF MY CHILDREN FOR 6 MONTHS AND MY BREASTS LOOK SAGGY AND EMPTY. WILL A BOOB JOB HELP?
A “boob job” can mean several things, including a breast augmentation alone or with some type of breast lift. Many women who breast feed for a long time can develop “ptotic” or droopy breasts, where the nipple points downward instead of out, as well as a loss of volume. This cannot usually be fixed with just a breast augmentation, but instead also needs a breast lift. Although this leaves a few more scars on the breasts, they usually heal very well, and the resulting shape and appearance of the breasts is worth it. If there is no sagging, but only “deflation” or loss of volume, a breast augmentation alone will work very well.
Check the blog regularly for more Q & A’s and call our office at 858-450-9100 to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Pollack.
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Facial Procedures, Frequently Asked Questions, Home | No Comments »
May 18th, 2011
Cosmetic Surgery Makeover in Del Mar, San Diego
Chances are, once you have decided to undergo a facial procedure to enhance your appearance, you are fairly invested in how you look. The decision to undergo a facelift, browlift, laser procedures, or eyelid surgery is a big one! Give yourself plenty of time to heal and don’t expect to feel “normal” right away. Even the slightest changes to your face might make you uneasy at first. Here are some tips to feeling better quickly and maximizing your results:
• Once your doctor allows you to wear makeup, visit a specialist at your local department store who can help you color match your skin and cover any residual bruising.
• Interact with friends….the isolation of recovery can lead to post-op depression. Allow yourself to visit with people who love you.
• Get your hair done. If you need new color, spruce it up! Get a new style or a blow-out. Why spend all the money on surgery and leave your hair in an old, dull style?
• See a brow shaper. Eyebrows are extremely important in framing the face. Wax your brows and your upper lip for a smooth appearance.
• Most of all, take it easy on yourself. If your new look isn’t just right, give it some time. Cosmetic surgery “recovery” is not overnight.
Kate
Posted in Eyelid Lift, Facial Procedures, Facial Rejuvenation, Home, Liquid Facelift | No Comments »
March 24th, 2011
Wrinkle Removal with Facial Fillers in Del Mar, San Diego
Everyone likes to see results instantly. With many surgical procedures, the healing process takes time and the results of surgery cannot be enjoyed right away. The beauty of facial fillers is that the improvements can be seen immediately right in the doctor’s office. Fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse can be injected during an office visit that takes approximately 10 minutes. The most common areas for fillers are the lips and the nasal-labial folds (smile lines). They can also be used in the small wrinkles around the mouth and in conjunction with Botox in the frown lines.
Before and after image: Radiesse injection to the naso-labial folds (smile lines).
Most facial fillers are designed to last about 6 months to a year. It is highly recommended that a professional skin care program be followed as well to maximize the benefits of any cosmetic treatments. Consult with Dr. Pollack about which fillers are best for you.
Posted in Botox, Facial Procedures, Facial Rejuvenation, Fillers, Frown Lines, Home, Juvederm, Liquid Facelift, Radiesse, Restylane | No Comments »
March 13th, 2011
Facial Fillers: Cosmetic “Spackle” so you can Sparkle!
I am often asked at parties and in the office: How can I get rid of these lines on my face without surgery? The answer usually is injectable fillers. Fillers are what they sound like – they “fill in” lines, scars, and creases like spackle does for your wall!
Years ago, the main filler was collagen, but it required an allergy test, and lasted only a few weeks. The most common fillers today are hyaluronic acid, found in Juvederm and Restylane, and hydroxyapatite, found in Radiesse. These have the advantages of not needing allergy testing, lasting 6-12 months, and producing instant results. I use Juvederm and Restylane for plumping the lips and treating fine lines around the mouth and eyes. I prefer Radiesse for deeper lines like the nasolabial fold, the smile creases between your nose and the corners of the mouth. For more permanent results, I use fat injections by harvesting your own fat and injecting it where it is needed.
We have done “Liquid Facelifts” in the office by combining these fillers around the mouth, cheeks, and forehead with BOTOX in the frown lines for a quick but effective facial rejuvenation.
For a free consultation and more information about dermal fillers, call Del Mar Plastic Surgery at 858-450-9100 or link to delmarplasticsurgery.com.
Posted in Botox, Facial Procedures, Facial Rejuvenation, Fat Transfer, Fillers, Frown Lines, Home, Juvederm, Liquid Facelift, Radiesse, Restylane, Skin Care | No Comments »
