If you are not happy with your lips, there isn’t much that you can do on your own. You can experiment with different cosmetics to create the illusion of fuller lips. However, you will not be able to enhance them without some help. Whether your lips have always been less than you have wanted or they have become thinner due to the aging process, lip augmentation can make a world of difference for you. You can have that plump, full pout that you have always wanted when you consider this procedure.
If you want to pump up the volume in your lips, you have choices. You can opt for the simplest solution by having fillers injected into your lips to give them more fullness. The results will be temporary, but they are long-lasting, depending on the filler used. When you are looking for a more permanent solution, fat transfer allows our plastic surgeon to harvest fat from your body, purify it and inject it into your lips. You can trust that your results will last when you choose this method of lip augmentation.
This procedure can help you to boost your confidence. You can have the facial feature that you have always wanted when you pucker up or smile. You will be happy to take pictures or be a part of social gatherings when you are pleased with the results of your procedure. Open the door to more professional opportunities when you enhance your lips through lip augmentation.
Lip augmentation could be the answer for you if you feel like your lips are disappearing. If you never had lips that make you happy, you can always turn to our experienced plastic surgeon to give your lips a boost.
If your lips are not living up to your expectations, lip augmentation can be the solution. Make an appointment at to go over your options. During this consultation at our office in , you will be carefully evaluated and our surgeon will make sure that the procedure is safe for you. You can decide if you are ready for something permanent or if you would like to try something more temporary.
The team at in wants to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Achieving fuller, more sensual lips may be a whole lot simpler than you once thought. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for lip augmentation!
Your face is your calling card to the world, the first thing people notice about you. You want it to look its best. You can use great skin care products and cosmetics to enhance your appearance, but you can’t change the structure of your face. If you are lacking volume in certain areas of your face due to aging or you would like to give your face more definition, there is nothing that you can do on your own to solve your problem. However, you can put yourself in the hands of our talented plastic surgeon and benefit from a fat transfer.
What is the Story Behind Fat Transfers?
A fat transfer is a popular procedure that more and more people are using in order to sculpt their bodies, giving them more volume when they are lacking fullness. The main goal is to use fat from one part of your body where there is an excess. Once the fat is removed, it must be purified. After purification is complete, the fat can be injected into the area(s) of concern. If you have some unwanted fat somewhere on your body, it can be put to good use when you transfer some of it to your face.
How Can a Fat Transfer Procedure be Used to Sculpt Your Face?
Once fat has been removed and purified, our plastic surgeon will choose key areas where your face can be sculpted to your liking. If you want more definition, fat can be transferred to certain areas of your face, changing the shape without inserting implants. If hollows have developed anywhere in your face, your fat can transform your appearance. A fat transfer can smooth away those troubling wrinkles that are making you look older than you are. You can even have fat transferred to your lips to make them plumper, if you would like. Your procedure will be customized to give you the results that you want to see.
Why Choose a Fat Transfer?
When you opt for a fat transfer, you will be turning to a natural solution. You won’t be injecting anything artificial into your body. You can also be spared the more involved procedure of having implants inserted into your face. Use what you have and make the most of it to sculpt your facial features.
Ask Our Plastic Surgeon About a Fat Transfer
To learn more about a fat transfer and how it could help you to accentuate your facial features, make an appointment at in . Learn more about the procedure and find out if it is the best choice for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
A rhinoplasty procedure, more commonly called a nose job, offers you the ability to change the look and shape of your nose. It’s one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States, but not everyone requests it because they want to look better. There are several practical considerations for requesting rhinoplasty that have nothing to do with aesthetics, which is why this procedure is lauded for both its aesthetic appeal and practical applications equally.
Repair Traumatic Injury
When a nose is broken in a car accident, fight or sports mishap, it must be set to heal properly. When this is not done, the nose can heal crooked. Not only can this be unattractive, but it can also make hygiene painful. Just blowing the nose or rubbing it gently while washing can make the poorly set area ache. Even pushing the nose against the pillow inadvertently while sleeping can bring a jolt of discomfort. When the break is set properly with a rhinoplasty procedure, the aesthetics will be improved and the discomfort can be cured or greatly reduced. For those with tender noses due to a poorly healed break, being freed of the discomfort enhances quality of life considerably.
Enhance Nose Breathing for Active Lifestyles
Whether you run marathons or 5k fun-runs, swim in the pool at the gym or in the ocean, being able to breathe in and out through your nose properly is crucial in nearly all physical activities. In some sports, such as football, hockey or basketball, playing without a mouth guard or with your mouth open is dangerous. Mouth-breathing during contact sports leaves your jaw and teeth at risk of injury. If you cannot breathe in and out properly through your nose and lead an active lifestyle, rhinoplasty can solve the issue and open the airways. Not only does this make your activities more enjoyable and safe, but you’ll also likely find that your breath control gets better over time.
Better Overall Appearance
Rhinoplasty is not simply about aesthetics; there are other reasons that deal with quality of life that make this procedure appealing to a wide variety of people. Of course, it is still a great procedure if you simply are unhappy with the look of your nose. If you have a hump on the bridge of your nose, for example, this can be corrected with a rhinoplasty procedure.
Learn More About Rhinoplasty
If you are experiencing any of the above issues and are wondering if there is any way to correct it, make an appointment at in . Dr. Smith and his team would be happy to meet you, assess your needs and advise you of all your options. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for rhinoplasty!
Dealing with pockets of fat under your chin can be frustrating. It may even make you want to hide. Unfortunately, this is one of the areas where it is difficult to lose fat. You may have gone on a strict diet and done tons of exercises, but the fat under your chin would just not budge. There are no exercises that you can do that will specifically affect that area under your chin.
One option that many have used or considered in order to get rid of their double chin is liposuction. This is a surgical procedure that is used to remove unwanted body fat. No matter how much good liposuction has done, there are always risks that a person has to consider. Since it is a surgical procedure, a person will likely have some scarring under their chin, or a person may be left with uneven results or even an infection.
If you want to say goodbye to your double chin without undergoing surgery, Kybella® may be right for you. This is an injectable product that can allow you to eliminate your double chin for good. The solution that is injected under the chin contains substances that get rid of fat cells. Some of the substances that are contained in this product occur naturally in the body. This means that you are not likely to have a bad reaction to the product.
The vast majority of individuals who have used Kybella® love the simplicity and convenience of it. There is very little that a person needs to do in order to prepare for the procedure. After the initial consultation at our office, a person will come in for their first session of treatments. Injections will be given, and then a person can get back to their everyday life. Over time, the fat under their chin is going to slowly disappear as it is eliminated naturally through the body.
The best way to see if Kybella® is right for you is to schedule a consultation at . This non-surgical treatment has the potential to eliminate your double chin forever. During a consultation at our office in , you can learn more about the product, how it works and what kind of results you can expect. Eliminating that unwanted fat under your chin may be a whole lot simpler than you once thought. Contact us today to book an appointment to learn more!
Most newborns have blemishes on their skin that are either seen at the moment of birth or sometime after birth. These blemishes are referred to as birthmarks. A vascular birthmark can vary in color. They range from red to purple. They are caused as a result of irregular blood vessels underneath the skin.
Some people have birthmarks that are pigmented. They are usually brown. This happens when pigmentation cells cluster together in one part of the body. For the most part, birthmarks are not dangerous. Even if they don’t fade, they are typically just a cosmetic issue. However, some birthmarks can turn into open sores and become infected. Other birthmarks can increase a person’s risk of developing glaucoma or have been related to other conditions.
Pulsed dye laser treatment is an effective way to remove some types of birthmarks. The treatment involves using a pulsed dye laser to deliver concentrated beams of light designed to affect the blood vessels in the skin. When the light comes into contact with the skin, it generates heat, which safely destroys the blood vessels. However, the surrounding skin is not damaged. The laser produces a yellow light. This light is exceptionally safe and does not produce long-term skin damage.
This is an outpatient treatment that can be performed in the comfort of our office in . Patients do not need any form of anesthesia because before the machine generates the pulses of laser light, it generates a cold burst to diminish the sensation of discomfort. Patients usually start to see benefits after a series of treatments.
Side effects are minimal with pulsed dye laser treatment. The most common side effect a person experiences after this treatment is bruising. However, it is usually not pronounced and clears up within a few days. There may be some minor pigmentation issues, but these will only last a couple of weeks.
For most people, a birthmark is a minor annoyance that is located on a part of their body they can’t even see. Others, especially those who have birthmarks on their face, arms, or hands, may want to take steps to remove their birthmarks. Fortunately, pulsed dye laser treatment is a safe and effective way to do this.
Make an appointment at in to learn more about how pulsed dye laser treatment can make your birthmark a thing of the past. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
Although the skin loses much of its natural elasticity as people grow older, most facial lines and wrinkles are largely the result of excess tension in the underlying muscles. BOTOX® is a popular cosmetic treatment that allows people to regain smooth and youthful-looking complexions within mere minutes by temporarily relaxing the muscles that are responsible for facial expressions. This product is capable of producing marked improvements in overall facial aesthetics with absolutely no tissue removal or cutting.
Why BOTOX® is So Popular
In addition to being non-invasive, BOTOX® treatments are fast, simple and do not require any extensive recovery time. Most of these procedures can be completed in just minutes and patients are usually able to immediately resume their normal activities. Best of all, given that BOTOX® only produces temporary changes, there is little risk of attaining long-term alterations in facial aesthetics that patients don’t like.
How BOTOX® Works
Each time that a facial expression is made, the underlying muscles tense and contract. Years of making these motions while laughing, smiling or frowning can result in the first and most superficial signs of aging, which are fine lines around the eyes, moderate creasing around the mouth and wrinkles that span across the brow. During your BOTOX® procedure, our provider will assess the location and depth of your facial wrinkles. BOTOX® will then be injected where it will effectively block nerve signals to the muscles responsible for facial expression. As these muscles invariably relax, the surface skin will smooth out and fine lines and wrinkles will disappear.
Once your injections are complete, you will be free to leave and can immediately return to work or engage in any of your other normal activities. Once the BOTOX® starts to take effect, your facial skin will look noticeably younger and smoother. While many people report seeing positive changes within a matter of hours after their injections, continued improvements can be expected over the next several days. BOTOX® injections can last up to six months, and these treatments can be safely repeated multiple times per year.
How to Know if You’re a Good Candidate
This injectable is most effective for treating mild to moderate facial wrinkling around the mouth and eyes and at the brow. Deep and severe facial creasing, such as deep smile lines, are less responsive to this product.
BOTOX® can help your skin look more relaxed, refreshed, and calm. can provide you with professional skin care and satisfying results. Schedule a consultation today with our practice in for youthful, healthy looking skin.
Once a person is ready to do something about their wrinkles, they usually start looking around at all of the different options that are available on the cosmetic market. One of the first things that a person realizes is that there are different types of wrinkles, and each type of wrinkle requires a different form of cosmetic treatment. For example, BOTOX® is commonly used to treat dynamic wrinkles. Dermal fillers are commonly used to treat static wrinkles. Even though both of these cosmetic tools have been able to produce fantastic results, they are limited. If you are looking for a way to treat your wrinkles and get long-lasting results, Forever Young BBL™ treatments might be right for you.
When you schedule a consultation for treatment, you are going to see that the way this treatment is performed involves using light energy. It is used to treat wrinkles as well as a variety of other skin conditions. The light energy is used to heat the upper layers of your skin. This is done in a very gentle way. Your skin is going to absorb the heat, and then it is going to stimulate collagen growth and the growth of skin cells. When this happens, you are left with skin that is smoother and has fewer wrinkles.
One of the main reasons why individuals choose Forever Young BBL™ is because they are encouraging their skin to look better naturally. This is not a dermal filler, where something is injected into your skin and eventually goes away. It is not BOTOX®, where a solution is injected into your muscles and then eventually fades away. It is used to improve the health of your skin. You are going to experience more collagen growth, and you are going to see healthier skin thanks to this treatment.
You should know that it is a very safe and effective treatment. It uses advanced technology and BroadBand Light technology. For the most part, you will feel comfortable during the procedure, and you will see that large areas can be treated in a relatively short period of time.
Forever Young BBL™ treatments can be used to treat more than just wrinkles and fine lines on your face. Some of the other things that you may wish to address with this treatment include vascular conditions, redness, rosacea, pigmentation discoloration, tone and texture issues, acne and unwanted body hair.
The best way for you to find out if Forever Young BBL™ treatments can work for you is to schedule a consultation at in . We would love to rejuvenate your skin and help you feel great about the way you look. Contact us today to book your appointment!
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is a non-surgical skin resurfacing method. The type of laser used in this procedure has a large wavelength, allowing for treatments to be adjusted based on skin tone. This is an advantage for those with darker complexions who have found themselves to be ill suited for other methods of skin rejuvenation. This laser therapy is quite versatile in its abilities and is used to treat a number of issues related to the aging of skin. To put it simply, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing has many benefits.
About Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing
The fractional CO2 laser is quite dynamic when it comes to treating a number of patient complaints. Severe skin conditions like deep wrinkles, acne scars, blotchiness, sun damage and wound scars can be improved with this powerful laser treatment. On the other hand, it’s gentle enough to be used around delicate areas.
The science behind this technology involves the CO2 laser beam of light being fractionated. This translates into the beam being broken down or pixelated into thousands of tiny light energy beams that are able to penetrate more fully into the deeper skin layers. This penetration stimulates a healing response that leads to new, healthy skin growth replacing the damaged layer.
What to Expect
On the day of your procedure, your skin will be cleaned prior to the device being passed over it. Discomfort is minimal as the laser energy is absorbed by the skin, stimulating the body to produce fresh tissue. Your procedure shouldn’t take any longer than an hour to complete.
What is the Recovery Like?
For about a day after your session, you will likely feel a slight sunburn sensation in the treatment area. This is normal. Ice packs placed on the area for a few minutes at a time can help to lessen the sensation. For the next two days to a week, expect your skin to peel and then to be a bit pinkish for the following three to six weeks. Makeup can usually be applied after about a week following the treatment. Plan to take anywhere from 5 to 7 days of downtime, depending on the intensity of your treatment.
Learn More During a Consultation
If you’re tired of looking in the mirror only to see an older version of the person you feel like on the inside, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing at may be a consideration for you. This treatment can improve the deeper skin issues that other non-invasive methods cannot.
is located in . Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more about fractional CO2 laser resurfacing.
We are pleased to announce that Smith Facial Plastic Surgery had a strong presence in Nashville for the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery 2016 Fall Meeting. Five members of our team enjoyed their continuing education opportunities in an effort to improve our practice and our services to our patients. In addition to a resident and fellow presentations by Scott Smith, M.D. and Steve Nogan, M.D., two former fellows were members of the faculty. Chaz Stucken, M.D., now at University of Michigan presented his cancer reconstructive work, as well as melanoma. Brad Bader, M.D., of Dallas, Texas, was listed amongst the faculty discussing medical coding.
The highlight of the Fall Meeting for the Smith Facial Plastic Surgery team was the announcement of our most recent fellow, Matthew Brace, M.D. of Guelph, Ontario, as the Anderson Award winner. The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, provides this honor to the highest score on the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Examination given in June in Washington, D.C.. Dr. Brace was only the second examinee to receive the highest score on both the oral and written exam. We are excited for Dr. Brace’s great start for his practice!
Stephen P. Smith, Jr., M.D.
People have different needs, wants and preferences. So, it only makes sense that cosmetic treatments and surgery are available in a range of options. The option that works for you depends on what changes you want done, the degree of aging on your face, and your ability to take time off. For many people, the mini facelift, sometimes called a Mini Facelift, is a more viable option than a full facelift or a less invasive procedure such as injections alone. If you’re thinking about a mini facelift, learn more about what it can do for you and if it’s the right choice for your needs.
Similar to a full facelift, a mini facelift targets the lower portion of the face. It minimizes sagging or drooping in the area around the chin, jowls and lower cheeks. The surgery is ideal for people who have just a small amount of droop or sagging in that area, as the procedure is too limited to correct a considerable amount of skin looseness.
Typically, a candidate for a mini facelift is a younger patient who is just starting to see some droopiness or sagging in the lower part of the face. If you’re in your 40s or 50s, you might be a good candidate for the surgery. Your health also plays a big role in determining if a mini facelift is appropriate for you.
Although it is less invasive than a facelift, a mini facelift is still surgery. You’ll be sedated and given a local anesthestic, but you won’t be fully under. To reduce the risk for complications, your doctor will make sure your health is in good shape before the surgery. If you have an uncontrolled medical condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you might need to postpone surgery until those issues are under control. You’ll also be asked not to smoke for a few weeks before and after surgery and you might need to avoid certain supplements and stop taking certain medications, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, which can increase your risk for bleeding.
Along with being in good health and having the right signs of aging, the ideal candidate for a mini facelift will also have realistic expectations for the surgery. There are a number of reasons why a person might want surgery, some good and some not-so-good. For example, if you are considering the surgery to take a few years off and to get a more refreshed appearance, your expectations are most likely realistic and able to be achieved. But, if you’re considering a mini facelift because you are expecting it to somehow transform your life or fix all of your problems, or because you want it to make you look like a completely different person, it’s likely that you won’t get what you want from the surgery.
During your consultation, your facial plastic surgeon will give you a clear idea of what to expect. He can also help you see if your hopes for the surgery line up with what can be achieved.
Aside from being a starter procedure, a mini facelift is different from a full facelift in several ways. One big difference is the cost. A full facelift tends to cost more, both financially and in terms of time. Since a mini facelift doesn’t require as much time, doesn’t require general anesthesia, and is less involved, it has a lower sticker price.
The amount of time you need to recover after a facelift is considerably longer than the time you need after a mini facelift. It’s been dubbed a “mini facelift” for a reason. Many patients need just a few days to recover and, at most, a full week. Depending on a number of factors, a patient might need up to two weeks to recuperate after a full facelift. Plus, he or she will need to limit certain activities for even longer after that.
The size of the incisions is also different in a facelift compared to a mini facelift. Facelift incisions tend to stretch from the temples to around the front and behind the ears. The incisions made in a mini facelift are often placed just in front of the earlobe. Since the incisions are so small, any scarring afterwards is typically very minimal.
Results are typically visible more quickly after a mini facelift compared to a full facelift. In the case of both surgeries, bruising and swelling are common. But, in the case of a mini facelift, that bruising tends to fade and swelling goes down quickly, so that the final results are apparent after just a few days.
Just as not everyone is candidate for a full facelift, not everyone is cut out for a mini facelift. People who are concerned about the signs of aging but still have taut, firm skin in the jowls and chin area aren’t ready for any type of facelift surgery. If that’s you, you might consider non-surgical treatments such as laser skin resurfacing or injectable fillers, depending on what your specific concern is.
Since a mini facelift only targets the lower portion of the face, you might be concerned about the signs of aging elsewhere, such as the frown lines near your eyebrows or the lines around your nose and mouth. One way to maximize the results you get from a mini facelift is to combine it with other procedures. Botox injections, for example, can reduce the appearance of frown lines and crow’s feet and can be performed at the same time as surgery. You might also combine your surgery with a chemical peel or laser treatment to improve the texture of your skin as well as any sagging.
A fourth generation facial plastic surgeon in , Dr. Stephen P. Smith regularly performs a variety of facial rejuvenation procedures. One of his specialties is the mini facelift. To learn more about the surgery and to see if it’s right for you, call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Smith today.
