Cosmetic Surgery in San Diego

Moradi M.D. - Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Blog

Friday, October 31, 2008

Liquid Lifting

Liquid Lifting, a.k.a. Hollywood Liquid Lifting, is currently the buzz in the cosmetic press. Many movie stars, models, and other semi famous people are currently being plumped rather than stretched. Liquid lifting involves taking mainly hyaluronic acid fillers, either the Restylane® family or the Juvéderm® family, and filling out the cheeks and filling in the hollows of the face that have lost volume. This is an extremely effective way to make the face appear more youthful.

Although this appears to be the current rage, at Face Beautiful, Dr. Moradi and I have been doing this technique for years. We are San Diego County’s highest volume filler injector practice, along with the highest volume Botox® practice. The reason is our expertise.


Fillers injected close to bone in the face to restore volume, last much longer than when placed close to the surface in areas such as the lips. The longer acting hyaluronic acid fillers can last up to 2 years when placed close to the bone. The results are instantaneous, the procedure itself is virtually painless, and the cost is modest.


The usual volume necessary to restore youthfulness varies from 2 to as much as 5cc. Most younger women require a simple cheek lift, the older women may require more of the cheek, brow, and wrinkle filling effort to restore volume.


In our hands bruising and swelling is not a problem. Modern fillers are extremely safe, the manufacturing processes are perfected, no skin testing is necessary, and allergies seem to be a thing of the past.


Why not make an appointment and come see us? Dr. Moradi and I do all the injections, so you have years of experience injecting both the fillers, and Botox®.


Regg V. Antle, M.D.

RVA/mm

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Non-Surgical vs. Surgical Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a surgical technique that reshapes the nose. Using rhinoplasty, Dr. Moradi can correct many problems with the shape and size of your nose, including a hump, a slope that is too steep or too shallow, a tip with an unpleasant shape or is overprojected, and many others. Rhinoplasty, especially when performed by a well-trained and talented surgeon like Dr. Moradi can give you a completely fresh appearance and free you from the stigma of your nose that has haunted you for your entire adult life. The only downside of rhinoplasty is that it is a surgery that requires a relatively long period of recovery. If only there were a non-surgical rhinoplasty technique for the correction of minor problems with the shape and size of the nose.

Fortunately, there is. Although they cannot do all the things that an actual rhinoplasty can accomplish, injectable fillers can be used to remedy some issues in the shape of the nose, especially noses that are too narrow or have a slope that is too shallow or uneven. Fillers like Restylane, Juvéderm, and Radiesse can be injected into parts of the nose to correct sags or uneven parts of the nose. The advantage of this is that the injections can be performed very quickly, and recovery is almost immediate. Other than some swelling and redness, the results are immediately evident. The disadvantages of non-surgical rhinoplasty are that it can only correct some problems, and its results are temporary. Restylane and Juvéderm give results for up to one year, while Radiesse gives results for over a year, but less than two.

Which of these options is best for you depends on your anatomy and the results you are seeking. To learn more, contact Face Beautiful Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery today to schedule a rhinoplasty consultation.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Botox®

Botulinum toxins have been used for over two decades therapeutically for muscle spasms. More recently it has been approved by the FDA for Wrinkles and currently Botox® is the most common cosmetic procedure performed. When injected into facial muscles botulinum toxins block nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing muscles and smoothing wrinkles. Currently Botox® is the only form of botulinum toxin approved by the FDA for cosmetic purposes in the glabellar region, but Dysport® is under FDA review for cosmetic use.

More than 1.1 million people had Botox® injections in 2002, according to ASPS, representing 15 percent of non-surgical cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. Fifty-four percent of all Botox® procedures were performed on people between the ages of 35-50.

We are the largest Botox® provider in the San Diego county. Face beautiful is also the largest provider of Restylane.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Nose Job (Rhinoplasty) is one of the most common cosmetic procedures

What Is a Rhinoplasty and Why Is It Done?

Rhinoplasty ("nose job") is a surgical procedure that alters the shape of the nose with the goal of cosmetic and functional improvements. Rhinoplasty is performed to correct breathing problems related to the nose or to correct external irregularities of the nose that has occurred because of trauma or birth defects. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is performed on normal noses to improve their cosmetic appearance and bring harmony to the entire face. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, or change the size or shape of the tip, the bridge, or nostrils, to make the nose match the face.

Who Is a Good Candidate For a Cosmetic Nose Job?

A good candidate for a cosmetic nose job is anyone with a nose that does not match the face. Candidates should also be in good physical health, be psychologically stable and have realistic expectations.

How Do I Know If My Expectations Are Realistic?

If you are considering rhinoplasty, be sure to discuss your expectations with your surgeon. During your initial consultation, you will be asked what bothers you about your nose and how you would like to change it.
The surgeon will evaluate the structures of your nose such as the underlying nasal bones and cartilage, your overlying skin, the breathing and your other facial features. After this evaluation, the surgeon can tell you if expectations are realistic and whether the rhinoplasty will enhance your natural facial beauty.

What is a "Perfect" or "Ideal" Nose?

A perfect of ideal nose is a nose that brings out the natural beauty of the rest of the face and functions normally during breathing. Rhinoplasty or nose job can be combined with other facial cosmetic procedures such as chin implants fat transfers and face lifts to create the best cosmetic result. The facial plastic surgeon can describe the facial features that make you unique and describe the changes that would enhance your appearance.

How Is a Rhinoplasty Done?

Rhinoplasty is usually done as an outpatient procedure using either general or local anesthesia. With general anesthesia, you sleep through the operation. With local anesthesia, you are sedated and the nose is numbed so you are relaxed and unable to feel the pain. The incisions are made either at the base of the nose or inside the nostrils. The inner bone and cartilage are reshaped to correct the nasal deformities.

What Is a Structural Rhinoplasty?

Structural Rhinoplasty is cosmetic surgery of the nose with special attention to the functional and breathing structure of the nose. This is done by reshaping the nose without removal of important frameworks of the nose. Sometimes cartilage has to be added to strengthen the nose and help breathing.

What are the complications of Rhinoplasty?

Some of the most common complications of rhinoplasty are nasal irregularities, nasal obstruction and scaring. These can be minimized by careful preoperative procedure and a skilled surgeon.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Recovery from Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic Surgery can give really remarkable results in the correction of face shape and the lessening of the effects of age on the face. Although many big innovations have been made in non-invasive treatments and injectable fillers and treatments like Botox, still nothing gives the same level of results as cosmetic surgery. The only drawback to cosmetic surgery is the recovery period, which is typically much longer than non-invasive or minimally-invasive procedures. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, you have to take the recovery time into account.

If you weigh all factors, you will most likely find that the benefits outweigh the costs of cosmetic surgery. You will still have to deal with the recovery time, so here're a few tips that can make your recovery as easy as possible:
  • Follow your doctor's instructions Your doctor knows what he's talking about when he recommends a certain period of lower activity. Take your medication according to instructions, don't do things your doctor tells you not to do, and don't rush your recovery.
  • Plan ahead Set up a recovery space with everything you'll need during your recovery period. Make sure you have prescriptions and other things (such as a variety of soft foods if your surgery affects your ability to chew) on hand. Lay up a supply of good movies, books, and music. Arrange for someone to watch the kids or pets so they won't be too demanding during your recovery period.
  • Enlist help Having friends and family help you with things that need doing around the house can free you to focus your mind on your recovery. Also, you are likely to have a more pleasant experience during recovery if someone whose company you enjoy is around to brighten your day.
  • Focus on the final results There is a point following any surgery when swelling and/or bruising may make you look like your face will never get back in shape, but it will. Don't let yourself get bogged down in the moment--keep thinking about how your face will look when the final results are realized.

If you do all these things, you will find that the recovery period will pass relatively quickly and all you will be left with is the results of your cosmetic surgery, results that will last for years to come, and sometimes for the rest of your life.

If you want to learn more about the benefits and costs of cosmetic surgery, schedule a cosmetic surgery consultation at Face Beautiful Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery today.
(760) 726-6451 From Facials to Face Lifts E-Mail