Face (12)
What is Silhouette Lift® ?
Silhouette suture face lift is a minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedure for the patient who is seeking significant lift without invasive surgery.
It is a one time procedure that takes less then 2 hours to perform.
- It is done in a comfortable office environment under local anesthesia.
- You can return to regular activities in just 2-4 days time.
- Results will be natural and long lasting.
Who is Silhouette Lift® for?
Silhouette is suitable for both men and women who want to achieve a younger looking appearance without the constraint of undergoing a traditional facelift.
It is ideal for correcting signs of aging in the nasolabial folds, the expression lines and the jowls.
With the Silhouette Lift®, you can regain volume in the cheeks and redefine your jawline. You will enjoy results immediately.
How is the procedure performed?
Silhouette Lift is performed in four stages:
- Local Anesthesia
- Mini incision in the temporal area and insertion of the Silhouette Sutures®
- The Silhouette Sutures® are anchored in the facial tissues.
- The Silhouette Sutures® are fastened in the temporal area and the incision is closed.
How safe is the procedure?
The Silhouette Lift® procedure was FDA approved in 2006. The Silhouette Sutures® are made of polypropylene, a biocompatible material which ahs been used in cardio vascular and ophthalmic surgery for many years.
In addition to cosmetic use, the Silhouette Sutures® are used by surgeons within major hospitals nationwide and in Europe for reconstructive surgery.
Silhouette Lift® is performed only by trained and certified physicians. Schedule a consult to see if Silhouette is right for you.
WHAT IS ARTEFILL?
Artefill®. The Lasting Solution for Wrinkle Correction
Artefill is the first and only microsphere-enhanced collagen filler for the correction of nasolabial folds, or the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth.
If you've used temporary dermal fillers in the past, then you know they are eventually absorbed by your body and require frequent repeat injections to maintain the results you've come to love.
Artefill is different. The unique microspheres contained within Artefill are not absorbed by the body, providing the support structure your skin needs for smooth, natural results. If you are looking for a long-lasting filler that you can have confidence in, then Artefill may be right for you.
HOW DOES ARTEFILL WORK?
Artefill is a dual-acting wrinkle filler. Once it’s injected into the deep portion of the skin under the wrinkle, the collagen in Artefill visibly corrects the wrinkle. Over time the collagen is absorbed by the body but the microspheres remain intact providing the support your skin needs for long-lasting, natural feeling wrinkle correction.
This safe, in-office procedure takes a just a few minutes to administer. You will receive an
anesthetic to lessen the pain from the procedure and with proper placement you won’t feel a thing and can return to your normal daily activities. The results are immediate and will improve over time.
WHY ARTEFILL?
If you love the wrinkle correction you get from temporary fillers but are tired of retuning for repeat treatments, then Artefill may be the ideal solution for you.
Artefill is the only soft tissue filler product on the market designed to last. Thousands of patients in the
http://www.artefill.com/content/c/patientexperiences/overview.asp.
FAQ’s
Q: What is Artefill?
A: Artefill is the long lasting solution for wrinkle correction. Artefill consists of a combination
of microsphere enhanced collagen and lidocaine for comfort.
Q: How does Artefill work?
A: The collagen gel acts as a carrier for the microspheres in Artefill. Gradually, your body absorbs the collagen while the microspheres remain to provide a long lasting support structure below the wrinkle to sustain wrinkle correction.
Q: Is Artefill safe?
A: Yes. Artefill has proven to be a safe and effective dermal filler for the correction of wrinkles and was approved by the U.S. FDA in October 2006. In clinical testing, Artefill was as safe as the control temporary filler.
Since the launch of Artefill in 2007, thousands of patients have been safely treated with Artefill and there have been no product recalls and no reported medical device events.
Q: How does Artefill differ from temporary fillers?
A: Temporary dermal fillers are made of different kinds of natural or synthetic materials that are completely absorbed by the body over time and as a result, wrinkle correction usually lasts for only 3-9 months.
The microsphere enhanced collagen in Artefill remains intact at the treatment site and provides structural support to keep your wrinkle from returning.
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Q: Can anyone have Artefill treatments?
A: No. Some people are not good candidates for Artefill.
Artefill is contraindicated in those who:
· have a positive reaction to the Artefill skin test
· have a history of severe allergies and hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis)
· are allergic to the anesthetic (lidocaine) in Artefill
· have a history of allergies to any collagen products
· are prone to thick scarring (hypertrophic) formation and/or excessive scarring (keloid)
· are undergoing or planning to undergo desensitization injections to meat products
Q: Are there any other treatment concerns with Artefill?
A: Yes. If you have any skin outbreaks (e.g. cysts, pimples, rashes, hives, infection) near the injection site, you should postpone treatment until they clear. If you are taking aspirin (NSAIDs) or anti-inflammatory drugs or have any medical condition that affects your blood, you may experience increased bruising or bleeding at the injection sites.
In addition, you should inform us if:
· you have had any treatments for smile lines in the last 6 months
· you are receiving UV light therapy
· you are currently on immunosuppressive therapy (medication commonly prescribed for those who have undergone an organ transplant, or are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, or cancer)
Q: Are there any further precautions with Artefill?
A: Yes, you should know:
· Artefill contains microspheres that help provide the support for wrinkle correction- the
microspheres can only be surgically removed
· The safety of Artefill in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals under 18, has not been established
As with any injectable filler, there is always a risk of infection.
Q: Are there any possible side effects with Artefill?
A: As with any injectable wrinkle filler, you can expect mild swelling and reddening at the treatment site. These side effects are usually gone within 24 hours. Occasionally, there is mild bruising that typically disappears in three to seven days. Less common side effects include rash and itching more than 48 hours after treatment, persistent swelling or redness, and increased sensitivity at some or all injection sites. Two other rare potential side effects of all dermal fillers may be lumps and granulomas, both of which can be treated by your physician.
Q: When will I see results with Artefill and how long will the results last?
A: You will see results immediately. In the
Q: Is one treatment enough to get the look I want?
A: Most people get the results they want with one or two treatments, depending on the depth of their wrinkles and folds. When you have your follow-up appointment in four to six weeks, you can decide if you would like to further enhance your results.
Q: How will my face feel following treatment?
A: With proper placement, Artefill may not be felt after treatment. You will see the results
immediately and be able to return to your normal daily activities.
Q: How will I look as my skin ages after treatment with Artefill?
A: Studies have shown that patients injected with microsphere-enhanced collagen, still reflect a natural appearance in both their overall facial appearance as well as in the area treated 5 years from their initial treatment. These patients were surveyed and had a 90% satisfaction rating related to their wrinkle correction and experience with Artefill.
Q: Why is a skin test required before treatment with Artefill?
A. The skin test is a safety precaution to ensure that you are not allergic to the collagen or anesthetic in Artefill.
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Q: What process did Artefill go through before it was FDA approved?
A: Several clinical studies were conducted in the
Q: What is the long term safety of microsphere-enhanced collagen treatments?
A: A follow-up study of patients from the controlled clinical study were followed over a 5-year period after treatment. Independent expert observers rated photographs of patient wrinkles at five years compared to before treatment and six months after treatment. The physician investigators of this follow-up study concluded that the treatment safely maintains significant correction of smile lines for at least five (5) years post-treatment.
Q: Are there any current studies being conducted on Artefill?
A: Yes. A post-approval marketing study was initiated in October 2007 to evaluate the long term safety of Artefill. The study will follow 1,000 patients treated with Artefill for a period of five years.
Q: How many patients have been treated with the product?
A: To date, thousands of patients in the
Q: I have heard some patients develop persistent lumps in their skin after treatment with Artefill, is this true?
A: Persistent lumps are a rare potential side effect of all dermal fillers, including Artefill, and can be treated effectively.
Q: If I have had a negative collagen skin test previously, do I need to have
another skin test with Artefill?
A: Yes, an Artefill skin test is required prior to treatment to make sure that you are not allergic to the collagen in Artefill.
About Sculptra® Aesthetic
Age doesn’t have to look the way it used to. It’s more subtle. More gradual. Shouldn’t your
anti-age be just as subtle?
Introducing Sculptra® Aesthetic (injectable poly-L-lactic acid). Not an overnight miracle. Long lasting. Not a quick fix. The first facial injectable that gives you subtle results over time. Replacing lost collagen. Giving you a more natural-looking appearance, without giving you away. A full treatment of Sculptra Aesthetic, an average of 3 injection sessions over a few months, can last up to 2 years. Individual results and treatment sessions may vary. So you have more time to see how sensational subtle can be. Welcome to the new age of anti-age.
Sculptra Aesthetic is a new type of facial injectable made from poly-L-lactic acid (a synthetic material
that has been used safely for decades in resorbable stitches and as an injectable since 1999 in
over 30 countries. It is biocompatible and biodegradable. Poly-L-lactic acid is the main ingredient in Sculptra Aesthetic), which helps to replace lost collagen. It helps correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds that appear with aging by replacing lost collagen. Safety and effectiveness of Sculptra Aesthetic have not been evaluated in areas other than nasolabial wrinkles and folds in clinical trials.
Hear a live Testimonial from an actual Sculptra Patient: http://sculptraaesthetic.com/consumer/about-sculptra-aesthetic.aspx?overlay=true
Schedule a consult today to see how Sculptra can be tailored to suit your needs.
CO2(Carbon Dioxide) Laser Skin Resurfacing is an ablative laser treatment to reduce or partially eliminate facial wrinkles or reduce scarring from skin conditions such as acne, and also other skin irregularities including pigmentation from sun damage. Generally, the results of CO2 laser skin resufacing demonstrate improvment in the smoothness of the skin; however complete elimination of wrinkles, scarring, and pigmentation is an unrealistic expectation.
How does it work?
The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser meticulously yet gently ablates delicate tissue, layer by layer. The laser helps stimulate new collagen growth to provide smoother skin surface. Treatments are tailored to the nature and extent of skin damage and skin type of each patient.
As with all laser treatments, there are advantages and disadvantages. Please schedule a consultation with the doctor today to see if CO2 laser skin resurfacing is right for you.
Are you seeking a natural approach to look younger?
If so, Selphyl® could be your answer.
What is Selphyl?
Selphyl® is a patented system for the safe and rapid preparation of Platelet-rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM).
Unlike fillers, Selphyl® uses your natural biology to address skin defects and volume loss. Selphyl® does not contain any animal or synthetic components, so there is virtually no risk of allergic reaction.
The doctor will collect a small amount of your blood, and through a patented process, separate and concentrate your platelets and fibrin. The resulting PRFM is then injected just beneath the surface of the skin to rejuvenate and increase volume. Patients see visible improvement after three weeks.
How long will it last?
Results can last up to two years.
How long does the procedure take? Any downtime?
This entire procedure takes about 35 minutes with no downtime.
Schedule a free consultation to see if Selphyl® is right for you.
Uses
- Between the Eyebrows
- Forehead Area
- Periorbital Lines (Crows Feet)
- Cheek Augmentation
- Smile Lines
- Acne Scars
- Vermilion Border (Wrinkles on the lips)
- Marionette Lines
- Chin Augmentation
Facial lines and wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process. As the production of collagen underneath your skin begins to decrease and the elastin fibers become weak this will cause the appearance of wrinkles. Although this is a natural part of the aging process, excessive sun exposure, frowning, smiling and squinting may also be a factor.
The two most commonly used methods for facial lines and wrinkles are injectable fillers and fat transfers.
While injectable fillers can decrease the appearance of wrinkles, they might not be suitable for everyone. There are possibilities of allergies to bovine collagen or you may develop an allergic reaction over time. Some injectable fillers can cost up to $800 per syringe and lasts less then one year, thus it is not very cost effective when compared to fat transfers. Regular injections can be considered a continuing expense.
Fat transfer is the perfect solution if you are looking to fill in your facial lines and wrinkles. A popular alternative to other wrinkle treatments fat transfers can plump up facial features or hands with a patient’s own fat. Fat transfers are a safe, natural, non-allergenic and lasting procedure intended to recontour your face or any other unwanted areas with wrinkles. Since you are using your own fat cells with fat transfers you can never have an allergic reaction because it is from your own body.
Longevity of fat transfers is usually seen in larger areas of non-movement, for example the cheeks. Fat transfers are also great for correcting atrophic aging of the hands. If you are looking for something to rejuvenate the hands and reduce the hollow and bony appearance then fat transfer is the perfect option. However, not every area of the body responds well to fat transfer. The breast is not a good area to do fat transfer due to the fact that it makes it difficult to detect breast cancer during mammograms.
Procedural Steps
The fat transfer procedure is performed in our office on an outpatient basis. Both the areas where the fat is removed and where the transfer is placed are put under local anesthesia. A small needle attached to a syringe is used to remove fat from the area with the most tightly packed fat, such as the thighs or abdomen.
When the fat is removed it is harvested, processed to remove any excess fluids, and then reinjected using another needle that is placed under your skin beneath the wrinkle. This process may be repeated until the desired appearance is achieved.
Harvesting fat cells for fat transfers and reinjection is performed in conjunction with liposuction. It is also possible for the surgeon to harvest a larger amount of fat to freeze and store for future injections if desired.
Benefits of Fat Transfer
Fat transfers can last up to 3 years. Fat transfer can be very cost effective when combined with another procedure. There’s no risk of an allergic reaction.
Expectations after Fat Transfer
Patients are up and about immediately following fat transfers. Any discomfort that does arise may be controlled with medication. There is typically little to no discomfort with fat transfers. If swelling does occur at the treatment site it may last up to 36 hours. There may be some bruising that can be easily covered up with make up. Over the first few months about 35-50% of the fat cells will be absorbed by your body. The remaining 50-65% will stay in place for years to come.
Your initial injection should last at least 6 months. To achieve results that will last for years, patients usually receive 3-4 treatments over a 6 month period.
May be done in as little as 5 minutes. Procedure to reshape many areas of the nose without the hassle and risks of surgery.
Thinking about a new shape for your nose but are hesitant about surgery?
This soft tissue injection is a 5 minute procedure intended to create a more shapely, balanced and attractive shape to the nose and nasofacial proportion.
An enhanced nasal shape is achieved by injection of soft tissue fillers into specific locations to create shapes, angles and contours that were not present or compromised. As the name suggests, the 5 minute nose augmentation is an injection rhinoplasty.
What should your nose look like?
An attractive nose may vary from face to face and in size and shape. Usually an attractive nose is proportionate to the middle section of the face and should not dominate nor minimize its presence.
The bridge should be close to straight, the tip should not be too wide nor too pinched, nor too projected or close to the face. The nostrils should not be too flared or too pinched and the base of the nose should take off from the face in a narrow range of attractive angles.
What types of noses can the 5 minute nose job fix?
The 5 minute nose augmentation can treat these basic types of nose shapes and/or combination of these shapes:
- Bridge Bumps
- Scooped Out Bridges
- Bulbous Tips
- Wide Noses
- Pinched tips
- Crooked Noses
- Wide Nostrils
- Bifed Tips
- Hanging Columella
- Retracted Columella
5 min nose job procedure
Local anesthesia is injected to the nose. Even though administering the local anesthesia can be uncomfortable, it will actually make the 5 minute nose augmentation procedure pain free.
After the anesthesia is administered the next part is injection of the soft tissue filler (Radiesse) into the desired areas of the nose that will provide enhanced nasal contour and shape.
Small pieces of support tape may be placed on the nose for the first 24 hours. Post treatment pain is modest and bruising and swelling can be minimal to modest.
The nose frequently looks good immediately; however there is a modest amount of swelling and bruising for the next 24-48 hours.The results can last up to 1 year with a follow up appointment at 3 months.
The LaserFACIAL for sun-damaged skin
Are you a candidate for a LaserFACIAL? The answer is "Yes" if your skin shows evidence of chronic exposure to the sun's ultraviolet light.
Physicians call this condition "photodamage," and the most obvious signs are coarsening of skin texture, irregular pigmentation, and enlarged blood vessels and pores.
LaserFACIAL treatment is the visible improvement of sun damaged skin through the use of Cynosure laser technology to remove enlarged blood vessels and irregular pigmentation.
Cynosure is a leading developer and manufacturer of lasers for facial skin treatment. The speed, power, and gentleness of our lasers have resulted in acceptance of the practices by physicians around the world.
Before you decide on facial skin treatment, here are some things you should know about the Cynosure lasers.
How do I know if I have photodamaged skin?
If you are over 30 years old and enjoy an active lifestyle your skin is probably showing signs of damage.
Light the way to smooth skin
A recent scientific advance in medical laser technology gives us a gentler, safer and faster solution to the problem of unwanted hair. It's called TKS (thermokinetic selectivity), and it's only available in the type of laser used at this facility.
In as little as three to four treatments, our laser removes unwanted hair from the arms, back, shoulders - and even the underarms, upper lip and bikini area.Cynosure lasers, with TKS, have helped thousands of men and women around the world.
We're pleased to offer the most recent advance in laser treatment for anyone desiring a comfortable, effective way to remove unwanted hair. With a gentle beam of laser light, we can help you solve the problem of unwanted hair.
Laser therapy (with TKS) is a thoroughly tested, clinically-proven method of hair removal. Treatment is relatively quick, and removes unwanted body hair without damaging the surrounding skin. Men and women who want to rediscover the ease, beauty and confidence of hair-free skin can now have the attractive appearance they've always desired.
How does the laser work?
The laser emits a gentle beam of energy that passes through the skin to the hair follicle. The energy is then transformed into heat, which damages the follicle.
The scientific principle called Thermokinetic Selectivity, (TKS) makes this method of hair removal particularly effective.
Why is TKS important?
TKS makes it possible for laser energy to "select" only hair follicles, while sparing surrounding skin from damage. This brings the cosmetic results you want with the clinical results you need.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate for laser hair removal?
If you are concerned about unwanted hair, you are probably a good candidate for laser hair removal.
Nearly anyone is a candidate for hair removal with the Cynosure laser. The most dramatic results occur for patients with light skin and dark hair, but TKS makes it possible for patients with darker skin to receive greater benefit from the procedure.
Other factors can influence the treatment process, and are evaluated during our initial consultation.
Is the treatment painful?
Most patients describe the treatment as a series of slight pin pricks to the skin. The majority of patients tolerate this sensation without requiring anesthetics. Within about 30 minutes of treatment, the area may become pink or red, and this may last from a few hours to one day.
How many treatments are required?
Hair grows in cycles. The laser only affects hair when it is in its early-growth phase. The laser will disable follicles that are actively producing hair at the time of treatment. At any time, some hair follicles area dormant. Repeat sessions will treat these follicles when they re-enter the growth phase
As you age, your face loses some of its fullness, due to the effects of weather, time, gravity, etc. These effects can be corrected by our physician with simple, affordable, in-office treatments that take just a few minutes-perhaps over a lunch hour-with immediate results.
At Cupertino Medical Laser Center, Dr. Chen performs procedures such as:
- Non-Surgical Nose Contouring
- Non-Surgical Brow lift
- Cheek & Chin Enhancement
- Lip Enhancement & Contouring
- Eliminate Smile Lines & Baggy Eyes
We offer several different types of fillers as such:
Discuss your options with Dr. Chen to determine how facial contouring could enhance your appearance and select the best treatment to create the youthful look you want.