Question: My face is beginning to show some signs of aging. The image in the mirror just doesn’t reflect to me how young and vital I feel inside. I’m considering a facelift. Can you tell me about it?
Answer: A cosmetic facelift reverses the effects of gravity and aging. The folds, creases, and wrinkles that age our faces are eliminated or substantially reduced. This gives the face a more youthful, refreshed appearance.
A facelift is a plastic surgery procedure used to remove excess skin and localized collections of fat. Underlying support is reinforced and tightened. The skin and tissues of the face and neck are repositioned. A cosmetic facelift repositions fallen cheek mounds, softens nasolabial grooves, and creates a smooth jaw line and more defined neck.
Over time the effects of gravity, a loss of volume, relaxation of the supportive tissues and loss of collagen negatively impact facial features and create the formation of:
- Jowls - The slack tissue at or above the jawlins
- Neck bands - A combination of saggy, excess skin, and a platysma muscle that becomes thick and cord-like can create the appearance of bands or deep creases that run from the jaw to the chest
- Double chin - Loose skin and subcutaneous fat underneath the chin create the appearance of a second chin.
- Flabby cheeks.
- Nasolabial grooves - Folds around the nose.
- Marionette grooves - Folds or a depression around the mouth.
These visible signs of aging can make us look considerably older. A surgical facelift can rejuvenate the overall appearance of your face, noticeably reduce the signs of aging, and leave you looking as vital on the outside as you feel on the inside.
What Results Should I Expect?
The procedure can make you look five to fifteen years younger depending on your age, facial structure, and level of skin elasticity. As a facial plastic surgeon I focus on giving patients a natural, balanced, appearance that makes them look refreshed and rejuvenated rather than "done."
Beautiful, natural results from plastic facial surgery begin with a comprehensive pre-operative consultation. An assessment of your unique facial structure, elasticity of skin, and extent of facial wrinkles and folds is made during the physical examination. A surgical plan is then customized to your individual needs. This includes details like the surgical technique that will be used; the location, design, and extent of the incision; and the direction of the lift.
Are you currently considering facial plastic surgery or a non-surgical anti-aging technique? Contact Dr. Karsan, an ethical facial plastic surgeon today to schedule a one-on-one consultation. Together we will select a technique that will make you look more youthful, refreshed and radiant — and completely natural. And we'll match the vitality of your insides with the image in the mirror.
Some people age well; others aren't as lucky - they look older than they feel. Sometimes it's genetics; sometimes it's lifestyle or stress. Fortunately, there are several procedures that can take years off your appearance and help you regain confidence.
An ethical Facial Plastic Surgeon will help you explore both surgical and non-surgical options. Common surgical options can include a facelift, a forehead lift, upper eyelid surgery and/or lower eyelid surgery.
A facelift is a plastic surgery procedure used to remove excess skin and localized collections of fat. Underlying support is reinforced and tightened. The skin and tissues of the face and neck are repositioned. A cosmetic facelift repositions fallen cheek mounds, softens nasolabial grooves, and creates a smooth jaw line and more defined neck.
A forehead lift is a plastic surgery procedure used to reverse the effects of aging and gravity. An incision is made in the scalp, hairline, or temple. Excess skin and/or muscle are removed through the incision. The deeper tissues of the forehead are then 'lifted' to a level that is aesthetically pleasing and reattached. The skin and underlying tissues of the forehead are tightened giving the patient a more youthful appearance.
Upper blepharoplasty (upper eyelid surgery) addresses the excess skin and removes unneeded fat. Upper eyelid surgery can greatly improve the appearance of your eyelids resulting in an overall rejuvenated, refreshed look. Your eyes will look larger and brighter. Your eyelids will look smoother. If you are struggling with eyelid issues that age the face upper eyelid surgery can offer you a more rejuvenated and refreshed look.
During lower eyelid surgery the fat herniation which creates unwanted puffiness underneath the eye is removed. Lower eyelid surgery (lower blepharoplasty) can greatly improve persistent puffiness underneath the eyes that results can often result from aging. A small amount of skin may also be removed.
Learn how these surgical options can help you regain your confidence and turn back the clock. Call Dr. Karsan, an ethical plastic surgeon, at 214-646-8777 to schedule your personal consultation today.
Question: I've seen some recent magazine articles about something called DOT Laser Skin Resurfacing to minimize the looks of acne scars. What exactly is it and how does it work?
Answer: DOT Therapy laser skin rejuvenation is an exciting cosmetic treatment that can noticeably reduce the appearance of acne and other scars. It also can improve the appearance of aged or sun-damaged skin and smooth wrinkles.
What is DOT Therapy Laser Skin Rejuvenation and How Does It Work?
Dermal Optical Thermolysis is performed using the SmartXide DOT™ laser system - one of the most sophisticated laser systems on the market. Your doctor will apply a grid of tiny scanned pulses of laser energy to your skin during the DOT Therapy procedure.
The laser creates thousands of microscopic holes in your skin. This causes immediate tightening of the skin and stimulates the growth of new collagen – essential to younger, fresher-looking skin. DOT Therapy improves the skin’s tone and texture and fights fine lines, deep wrinkles, and discoloration caused by the sun and acne scars. Excellent results can usually be achieved in a single 30-minute session.
The DOT CO2 laser is superior to older laser skin resurfacing techniques because the microscopic treated areas are surrounded by healthy skin, causing the treated skin to heal more quickly.
The Benefits of DOT Therapy
DOT Therapy laser skin rejuvenation decreases pigmentation and fine lines, lifts and tightens skin, and reduces pores. You can get beautiful, natural results with DOT laser therapy in a single 30-minute treatment. DOT Therapy has minimal downtime compared to traditional CO2 laser which is the gold standard for skin resurfacing.
What to Expect with DOT Therapy
Your doctor may use a topical anesthetic during the procedure for increased comfort. After the DOT Therapy procedure your skin will be red. A cold compress will be applied to alleviate discomfort. Over the next three or four days you may experience some peeling, similar to sunburn. Your doctor will give you a hydrating lotion to apply to the treated area. This will keep your skin moist and promote healing. Typically the skin returns to its normal appearance in seven to ten days. The results of your DOT Therapy procedure can last for years. In cases of severe wrinkling or deep acne scars a series of treatments may be required.
If your skin has been damaged by overexposure to the sun, acne scars, or environmental factors, DOT Therapy may be the non-surgical anti-aging solution for you. Contact Dr. Karsan, a qualified facial plastic surgeon, at 214-646-8777 to request a personal consultation to discuss how DOT Therapy laser skin resurfacing can improve the look and feel of your skin.
Question: When I put my make-up on, I've noticed that my eyes seem to be getting smaller. And no matter what I do with eye creams, eye shadow and concealer, my eyelids seem puffy and heavy. Help!
Answer: The muscles and support structures that maintain the position of the upper eyelid diminish over time. This causes pockets of fat that can bulge and make the upper eyelid look puffy. Loosening of the skin in the upper eyelid region as we age makes the eye appear smaller. If you are struggling with eyelid issues that age the face upper eyelid surgery can offer you a more rejuvenated and refreshed look.
Upper blepharoplasty (upper eyelid surgery) addresses the excess skin and removes unneeded fat. When performed, an incision is made within the natural fold of the upper eyelid. Excess skin and fatty tissue are removed through this incision. The incision is hidden within the eye fold and follows its natural contour making it inconspicuous.
Our eyelids play an essential role in protecting our eyes. It is important to select a competent, ethical facial plastic surgeon who will give you the cosmetic result you’re seeking without compromising the function of the eyelid. The eyelids lubricate and cleanse the eye. This is imperative because the cornea must stay moist. The blink reflex helps prevent foreign objects from entering the eye.
The eyelid is a thin fold of skin covering the eye. If a plastic surgeon removes too much skin, muscle, and fat the result will be a hollow look, dry eyes, and the inability to completely close the eye. It's important you choose your surgeon carefully. Upper eyelid surgery – performed by an ethical, experienced facial plastic surgeon – can give you larger, brighter eyes that truly reflect your vitality and inner beaut
A good aesthetic result will be natural in appearance making you look re-energized and refreshed. All normal eye function will remain intact.
Upper eyelid surgery can greatly improve the appearance of your eyelids and your aesthetic look.
- You will have an overall rejuvenated, refreshed look.
- Your eyes will look larger and brighter.
- Your eyelids will look smoother.
Ultimately, you should be happier about the way that you look, as well as more confident with yourself. Learn how lower eyelid surgery can rejuvenate your look. Call Dr. Karsan, an ethical plastic surgeon, at 214-646-8777 to schedule your personal consultation today.
We are unhappy with some aspect of our outer appearance. It's human nature. The feature we find displeasing may not be altered as easily as hair color. Perhaps it is the nose we were born with or the effects of time on our skin. Dissatisfaction with outer appearance can greatly impact self-image and self-esteem. A negative self-image - the perception or mental image we have of ourselves - has a profound effect on our approach to life.
When we have a positive self-image our self-esteem increases. We are more confident. This confidence makes us more effective in our personal and professional lives. A negative self-image can have the complete opposite effect. Self-consciousness about our personal appearance results in a lack of confidence. A lack of confidence can have a debilitating effect on our ability to function successfully in the workplace and within social spheres.
Facial plastic surgery and non-surgical anti-aging procedures bring a patient's inner beauty to the surface. Even the smallest changes - tighter, firmer skin or a decrease in the appearance of laugh lines - can boost self-image immeasurably. Increased self-confidence extends to every area of our lives - our work and relationships. When we are confident about our self-image others can sense this. They are drawn to it. Self-confidence is a trait companies seek in potential employees. Both men and women find self-confidence to be attractive in a potential mate.
Facial plastic surgery and non-surgical procedures can have a dramatic effect. A more youthful, rejuvenated look can improve self-image and boost self-esteem by bringing our outer appearance into closer alignment with the inner beauty we possess. Yet, cosmetic surgery is not a panacea for all of life's problems.
If you are considering facial plastic surgery or non-surgical anti-aging treatments (Botox®, Juvéderm®, liquid lift) give careful thought to what you hope to achieve. Work with an ethical facial plastic surgeon to set realistic expectations for your final results. As a facial plastic surgeon I have been privileged to help my clients transform their outer appearance in a way that allows their inner beauty to shine through. It is thrilling to see the improvement in their self-confidence and quality of life.
Contact Dr. Karsan, a qualified plastic surgeon, at 214-646-8777 to request a personal consultation to discuss how plastic facial surgery and non-surgical anti-aging procedures can do the same for you.
Women typically come to mind whenever cosmetic treatments are discussed. However, cosmetic treatments for men increased 88 
percent from 1997 to 2010, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). In fact, more than 750,000 cosmetic procedures were performed on men in 2010 alone.
A growing number of men have turned to cosmetic treatments to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other common signs of aging. Some men seek cosmetic treatments purely for cosmetic reasons. However, the clear majority of male cosmetic surgery patients choose anti-aging treatments as a way to gain an edge in a highly-competitive workplace. They want their faces to reflect the same youthful vigor and energy they possess internally. In today's post we'll discuss three treatments commonly sought by men to reduce the appearance of aging.
Fighting Wrinkles with Botox® and Other Injectables
Botox® and Dysport® are purified proteins that are injected directly into facial muscles. This minimally-invasive, non-surgical procedure is performed by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or a healthcare professional. These injectables block nerve signals that would normally trigger the contraction of facial muscles. This relaxes muscles and reduces repetitive muscle activity which contributes to the formation of moderate-to-severe frown lines or "11s" between the brows. Botox® and Dysport decrease the depth of current winkles and minimize the progression of lines over time. When administered by a qualified facial plastic surgeon, patients achieve natural-looking results.
Restoring Facial Volume with Injectable Fillers
Injectable fillers like Juvéderm® and Restylane® hydrate the skin, smooth out wrinkles and add a youthful fullness to the skin. Juvéderm® - an injectable gel filler made of hyaluronic acid -is injected under the skin to smooth away wrinkles around the mouth and nose. Results last for up to one year. Restylane® - made from hyaluronic acid of non-animal origin - improves the elasticity of skin. It adds fullness to the skin and underlying structure of the face and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Results are immediate and downtime is minimal. Results can last up to twelve months.
Taking Off Years of Sun and Other Damage with Laser Resurfacing
Years of sun-exposure without adequate protection and other environmental factors can damage the skin and accelerate the signs of aging. DOT Therapy laser skin rejuvenation (Dermal Optical Thermolysis) can noticeably improve the appearance of aged or sun-damaged skin. It can also be used to smooth wrinkles and reduce the appearance of acne and other scars.
DOT Therapy is performed using the SmartXide DOT™ laser system. A facial plastic surgeon uses the laser to create thousands of microscopic holes in the skin. The skin tightens immediately and the growth of new collagen is stimulated. DOT Therapy laser skin rejuvenation improves skin tone and texture and fights fine lines, deep wrinkles and discoloration caused by the sun and acne scars. Excellent results can usually be achieved in a single 30-minute session.
To learn more about these and other cosmetic anti-aging treatments that can help you to reduce the signs of aging and restore a natural-looking youthful vigor call Dr. Karsan, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon at 214-646-8777 to schedule a confidential consultation.
“I’m getting married later in life. Over the years my face has begun to look gaunt and tired. What can I do to look more vibrant and youthful in time for my wedding?”
One of the earliest signs of aging is loss of volume in the face. Loss of volume – which typically begins in our mid 30’s - is caused by thinning of the layer of fat which lies just beneath facial skin. Sounds like a good thing, but it isn’t. Loss of volume around the eyes, mouth and hollows leave the face looking gaunt and tired – even when we’ve had a full night’s rest.
How does loss of volume age the face? Picture an inflated balloon. The ‘skin’ is taut and bounces back when you press against it. Over time air seeps out of the balloon. This loss of volume makes the balloon’s ‘skin’ become saggy and wrinkled. The same thing happens to our skin as it ages and volume is lost. So the question is: How do we restore volume to make your skin look younger, fresher and more vibrant?
Restore Facial Volume with Injectable Fillers
There are several non-surgical, anti-aging treatments that restore facial volume. One option is injectable fillers. A variety of injectable fillers are available:
- · Juvéderm® is made of hyaluronic acid - a naturally occurring sugar found in all mammals. It hydrates skin, smoothes out wrinkles, and restores volume. You get smooth, natural-looking results that last up to a year.
- · Restylane® is made from hyaluronic acid of non-animal origin. It reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles by adding volume to the skin. Results can be seen instantly and last six to twelve months. Downtime is minimal.
- · Radiesse® is made of calcium hydroxylapatite. Its unique formulation stimulates the production of new collagen – an essential component to youthful, healthy skin. The result is natural-looking wrinkle correction that lasts six to twelve months.
Injectable fillers like Juvéderm®, Restylane® and Radiesse® offer amazing results. They can be used to replenish lost volume, fill moderate to severe facial wrinkles and improve the look of frown lines, worry lines, crow’s feet, tired eyes and smoker’s lines.
Which filler is right for you? A qualified facial plastic surgeon will help you choose the filler that will give you the best results. Contact Dr. Karsan at 214-646-8777 to learn how non-surgical, injectable fillers can make you look more youthful and vibrant in your wedding photos.
"My wedding is planned for September. I want to look good in my wedding photos. Can anything be done about my acne scars?"
An increasing number of brides and grooms are posing this question. It is only natural to want to look your best on your wedding day - a day on which you will pose for countless photographs. Professional photographs are often retouched to remove scars and other blemishes. Candid photos taken by friends and family aren't likely to receive such treatment. This leaves many brides and grooms anxious about acne scars.
Acne scars are daily, visible reminders of a painful period battling problem skin. They typically form in response to inflamed lesions that cause damage deep in the skin’s dermis. As the wound heals the body forms new collagen to repair the damage. When there is a loss of tissue it causes a depressed or atrophic scar.
The most common atrophic scars are deep, narrow scars called ice pick scars. Wide, shallow scars with a wave-like appearance are called rolling scars. Deep, angular scars with well-defined edges are called boxcar scars. The depth of the acne scar in the skin made it challenging to reduce its appearance. However, advancements in cosmetic treatments make it easier to remove or dramatically improve acne scars.
Improving the Look of Acne Scars with Laser Skin Rejuvenation
Laser skin rejuvenation is an exciting cosmetic treatment that noticeably improves the appearance of acne scars. The treatment is performed by using the SmartXide DOT™ laser system - one of the most sophisticated laser systems on the market.
Using the laser, your facial plastic surgeon applies a grid of laser energy to your skin. Thousands of microscopic holes are created, stimulating the growth of collagen. There is an immediate tightening of the skin. Stimulated collagen growth progressively improves the tone and texture of skin. Optimal results are achieved six months after the procedure, but last for years.
Laser skin rejuvenation can be performed by a facial plastic surgeon during a single, thirty-minute session with minimal downtime. Ideal for the busy bride. Still - like most components of a perfect wedding – planning is required. Laser skin rejuvenation should be scheduled two to six months prior to your wedding day.
Are you anxious about the appearance of acne scars as your big day approaches? Laser skin rejuvenation is an effective treatment for acne scars that offers beautiful, natural results. Contact Dr. Karsan -- a board-certified facial plastic surgeon -- to learn how laser skin rejuvenation can improve the look of your acne scars before your wedding day. Call 214-646-8777 to request your personal consultation today.
Summers spent lounging on a sun-drenched beach eventually take a toll on our skin. Wrinkles, sun spots, skin discoloration and loose skin are the result of continued sun exposure without adequate protection. Prolonged sun-damage robs our skin of its youthful vitality and prematurely ages us.
So how can we reduce the appearance of long-term sun damage? DOT Therapy laser skin rejuvenation is an exciting cosmetic treatment that noticeably improves the appearance of sun-damaged skin. DOT Therapy smoothes wrinkles. It can also reduce the appearance of acne and other scars.
What is DOT Therapy Laser Skin Rejuvenation?
Dermal Optical Thermolysis is performed using the SmartXide DOT™ laser system - one of the most sophisticated laser systems on the market. This sophisticated laser allows your facial plastic surgeon to apply a grid of tiny scanned pulses of laser energy to your skin, creating thousands of microscopic treatment areas.
The result is an immediate tightening of the skin. The tiny perforations in the skin also fuel the generation of collagen - an essential component to younger, fresher-looking skin. The stimulation of collagen growth is a key benefit to DOT Therapy laser skin rejuvenation.
Fine lines and discoloration caused by sun damage are minimized. The tone and texture of the skin are improved. DOT Therapy can also greatly improve the look of acne scars. All of this can be achieved during a single, thirty-minute session. The results of DOT Therapy laser skin rejuvenation can last for years.
Is DOT Therapy Laser Skin Rejuvenation Right for Me?
DOT Therapy laser skin rejuvenation can help you get beautiful, natural results. This exciting, non-surgical treatment reverses the appearance of sun damage by reducing discoloration, tightening skin, and reducing pores. Yet DOT Therapy laser skin rejuvenation can be performed during a single, brief session with minimal downtime.
Do you want to reduce the appearance of sun damage and restore younger, fresher skin? Contact Dr. Karsan - a board-certified facial plastic surgeon - to learn more. Call 214-646-8777 to request your personal consultation today.
Nasolabial folds - also known as smile lines - are the result of numerous factors converging. Similar to frown lines, the cause of smile lines is far more complicated than the term indicates. The repeated muscle movement required to smile does play a role in the formation of smile lines. However, this isn't the only factor involved.
As we age, the collagen in our skin breaks down and the production of new collagen slows. Our skin becomes thinner and we lose facial volume. We also lose some support of the tissue below the skin. Environmental factors - like sun exposure, wind, and pollution further damage the skin. Environmental damage, loss of support and a loss of volume and elasticity compromise our skin's ability to bounce back. Throw in years of repetitive muscle action - even an action as innocuous as smiling - and deep grooves begin to form. So what can be done to reduce the look of smile lines? Fortunately, a variety of options are available.
Available Treatment Options for Frown Lines
There are a number of treatments to reduce the appearance of smiles lines ranging from collagen injections to fat grafting. The two treatments I recommend for my patients most often are hyaluronic acid (Juvéderm® and Restylane®) and calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse®). Both treatments offer beautiful, natural results that last several months.
Juvéderm® and Restylane® are injectable facial fillers derived from hyaluronic acid - a sugar that occurs naturally in the body. Hyaluronic acid gives our skin volume and fullness. When hyaluronic acid is injected into wrinkled skin it reduces the look of wrinkles and adds volume to the skin. Fullness is maintained as the hyaluronic acid attracts and binds to water. The results can last six months or more. Juvéderm® and Restylane® are the perfect option for patients with moderate-to-severe smile lines. However, deep smile lines sometimes require another option.
Radiesse® is an injectable facial filler made of calcium hydroxylapatite - tiny calcium-based microspheres suspended in a natural, water-based gel. Patients receive immediate lift and volume which diminishes the look of grooves and wrinkles. Radiesse® stimulates the body's natural ability to produce collagen for up to a year. Deep lines are rejuvenated. Hollows and depressions are lifted. The face is rejuvenated and a youthful appearance is restored. Radiesse® is clinically proven to create safe, natural results that last up to a year.
Want to discover how you can reduce the look of smile lines and get safe, natural, long-lasting results? Schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Karsan, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Call 214-646-8777 to schedule your appointment today.
