Do Collagen Drinks Actually Make a Difference?
Collagen is an important, naturally occurring protein in the body that acts as a scaffold for our skin – keeping it firm, plump and supported. For those who have lost the volume in their faces – anyone over the age of 25-30 and especially women of menopausal age – there is a temptation to try the now heavily marketed collagen drinks that promise to slow collagen loss easily and deliciously. Of course, as with every “new and simpler” way to improve our bodies, there is always a catch, or at least a few things to consider.
Where Will I Scar After a Facelift?
Many middle-aged and older patients are interested in pursuing a facelift to tighten skin that may have sagged due to age, elasticity of the skin or weight loss. Facial skin is the most visible and obvious, so imperfects are also the most distressing for our patients. Fortunately, a facelift has become a relatively routine procedure that can even be performed in Dr. Szymanski’s office. Continue reading
In-Office vs Hospital Based Procedures
Surgery in general, but cosmetic and plastic surgery in particular, has made significant advances both in the technology and technique that allow our procedures to be performed in a wider array of locations than ever before. Procedures that were once only performed in hospitals are now often performed on an outpatient basis, in surgery centers. Some procedures are even performed here in the procedure room at our office. Of course, making this decision is primarily based on an acceptable safety profile along with our patients’ input. But as we have performed a larger proportion of surgeries on an outpatient basis, we have offered our patients more cost effective and convenient surgical options.
Below, is a quick discussion about the benefits of in office surgical procedures as well as when hospital-based procedures are the safest and most effective.
At What Age Should You Start B-tox?
B-tox or a botulinum toxin neutralizes the neurons that fire the muscles in the face. The result improves the appearance of fine lines in the treatment area. And while the B-tox is indicated for those who are 18 years of age or older, Dr. Szymanski understands that every patient is different with features that may lend themselves to earlier or later treatment.
Is Eyelid Surgery Right for Me?
Eyes are one of the most defining features of our face, but the functional purpose they serve is key. There are many reasons you might consider eyelid surgery, but how do you know if a blepharoplasty is right for you? The short answer is you start with a simple consultation. Whether your concerns are cosmetic or reconstructive, starting by discussing your goals and concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Karen Szymanski will answer your questions and set you up for a smooth, successful process. What can eyelid surgery do and who makes a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
What You Need to Know About Arm Lift Surgery
Arm lifts can be very gratifying cosmetic surgical procedures. When patients develop sagging skin, either due to the natural aging process or as a result of significant weight loss in a short period of time, it can often manifest as hanging skin in the upper arms. This is especially true for older patients that do not have the skin elasticity that younger patients enjoy. If you have lost weight from excellent dieting and exercise or even from weight loss surgery, your skin may not be able to catch up and may result in loose skin hanging from lower part of the arms.
What You Need to Know About Surgical Anesthesia
With surgical procedures becoming ever safer and more effective, many of the surgeries Dr. Szymanski performs are now handled in an outpatient surgery center, also known as an ambulatory surgery center. This allows for a quicker, more personalized recovery process and avoids the overnight stays in a hospital that were once the norm. While the procedures have been optimized and improved tremendously over the years, you will still require anesthesia during your procedure.
Speeding Up your Recovery from any Plastic Surgery Procedure
No matter how routine, plastic surgery is major surgery that puts significant strain on the body and its functions. In part, this is because anesthesia has inherent risks, but also because the body sustains injury from which it must heal, any time a surgical procedure is performed. Of course, Dr. Szymanski will detail the risks of your procedure before surgery, during your consultation. We will also provide you with comprehensive pre- and post-operative instructions that give you important advice to recover quickly and minimize the potential for complications. However, there are some general tips and tricks to keep in mind that will minimize your recovery time.
Stretch Marks – What Options Do You Have?
The dreaded stretch mark. Scars caused by a tear in the deeper layers of the skin known as the dermis. Unfortunately, stretch marks are permanent and quite visible. Fortunately, the darker, earlier manifestation of stretch marks improves over time and ultimately turns pale and silvery in color. However, these marks never fully go away on their own.
The Best Time to Choose Dermal Fillers
As we age, it may be difficult to know when to choose dermal filler treatment. While dermal fillers are very safe, when administered in the right hands, it is still a big decision that many of our patient struggle with for months or even years. Before we answer this question, we need to discuss a little bit about the aging process and what exactly dermal fillers are used correct.
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