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: 2011 was a great year for me. I lost 50 pounds and completed my first marathon. I am in the best shape of my life except for one thing: my face looks so gaunt and tired all the time. I want my face to look as great as the rest of me. What do you advise?
Answer: Running has the ability to favorably transform the body—who among us doesn’t yearn to lose a few pounds?—but sometimes, there’s an unwanted change that occurs along the cheeks, temple, and the space between the edge of the nose and the lips. Some folks call it "Runner's Face".
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. There are several non-surgical, anti-aging treatments that restore facial volume. One option is injectable fillers. Fillers such as Juvéderm®, Restylane®, and Radiesse® have been used for many years with proven, consistent results.
Fillers are a quick, non-surgical option to give cheeks a fuller, more youthful appearance as well as reduce hollowness around the eyes. Fillers can also raise depressed scars, define and plump lips, and reduce lines around the lips.
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.
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 your face look as youthful and vibrant as your body.
Question: In looking to what I want in the New Year, I know that I want a fresher appearance, but I don't believe I'm ready for a surgical facelift. What do you suggest?
Answer: With the New Year fast approaching, many of my patients come to me because they want to look more rejuvenated. They want to eliminate the signs of aging that make them look tired, sad, or gaunt. These patients aren't quite ready for a surgical facelift - nor do they need one. Fortunately the non-surgical liquid lift is a good option for such patients. If you want to look your best in the coming year, a liquid lift may be the solution for you, too.
The Benefits of the Liquid Lift
The liquid lift is a minimally invasive, non-surgical anti-aging technique. Patients can achieve significant results with minimal downtime and minimal risk. That makes the liquid lift a convenient, cost-effective solution for many patients. You can get a liquid lift in your facial plastic surgeon's office in as little as 30 minutes for a fraction of the cost of traditional plastic surgery. With the proper maintenance, your results can last up to two years.
Noticeable results, less inhibitive cost, and minimal downtime make the liquid lift an excellent option for patients who want to look their very best without surgery. That’s why minimally invasive procedures like the liquid lift are growing in popularity with both doctors and patients.
What is a Liquid Lift?
A liquid lift is a non-surgical facelift achieved by using Botox® or Dysport® and facial fillers (a combination of Radiesse®, Juvéderm®, Restylane®). Traditional face lifts tighten the support layer of the face or SMAS and removes excess skin, a surgical procedure. A liquid lift restores volume by filling in deep lines and grooves below the skin using dermal fillers.
Botox® or Dysport® can produce a brow lift, reverse the down-turned mouth, diminish the appearance of crow’s feet, frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and neck bands. The filler is used to redefine the lips, restore volume, and diminish wrinkles on lips and around the mouth. Laugh lines and marionette lines are filled. Jowls are diminished. Volume is restored to the midface and cheeks. The result is a non-surgical facelift.
What You Should Know About the “Liquid Lift”
The liquid lift is an excellent tool for restoring natural facial contours and volume. However, like any cosmetic procedure, it isn’t right for everyone. For instance, a patient with sagging skin and a loss of elasticity may be a candidate for a traditional surgical facelift. The duration of the results achieved with a liquid facelift can last from a few months to two years depending on a variety of factors. In some cases, touch-up procedures may be required periodically to maintain optimal results. In contrast, a traditional facelift can offer more dramatic, longer lasting results.
Is the liquid lift the right option for you? Contact our office to learn more about the liquid lift and to discuss whether this minimally invasive, non-surgical anti-aging technique is the right one for you.
Question: Our family is going to have a large reunion the week before Christmas. I’ll be seeing cousins I haven’t seen in person in years. It will be exciting to see everyone, but also a little stressful. I look in the mirror the lines around my mouth and eyes seem so noticeable. Is there anything I can do to erase the lines and creases before Christmas?
Answer: Seeing distant family members can be one of the joy of the holidays. The anticipation of seeing people we haven’t seen in decades often makes us hyper-aware of changes in our physical appearance. And the answer is Yes! There are a wide variety of non-surgical anti-aging treatments options for recapturing a fresher, more youthful look.
Botox and Dysport injections are an affordable and effective options for looking your best at your upcoming family reunion.
Erase Lines with Botox and Dysport
Botox® and Dysport® are purified proteins. They are injected directly into facial muscles by a healthcare professional in a simple, non-surgical procedure. Deep creases and wrinkles on the face are a result of frequent muscle contractions like laughing, smiling, frowning or squinting. The depth of the wrinkle decreases. Over time the progression of lines is minimized
What are the Benefits of Botox® and Dysport®
Botox® and Dysport® offer patients almost immediate noticeable results with virtually no recovery time. The treatment is convenient. Your facial plastic surgeon can administer Botox® or Dysport® in his or her office in just minutes. In fact, some of my patients have received a Botox® or Dysport® treatment during a lunch break. After treatment you should see marked improvement in moderate-to-severe frown and other facial wrinkles within days of treatment, with continual improvement for up to fourteen days. The effects of Botox® and Dysport® typically last three to four months. With repeated use patients require less frequent injections.
Want to erase lines and creases before your upcoming family reunion? To find out if Botox® or Dysport® are right for you contact Dr. Karsan, a qualified facial plastic surgeon at 214-646-8777 to request a personal consultation. Discover the many non-surgical options available to look your best at your holiday family reunion
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.
The drug, Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) manufactured by Merz Pharmaceuticals, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of severe frown lines in July 2011. Like Botox® and Dysport, Xeomin is a botulinum toxin type A product. Xeomin was already FDA approved in 2010 for the treatment of cervical dystonia (which causes abnormal neck pain and movements) and blepharospasm (involuntary blinking or spasm of the eyelids) in adults. Nearly 85,000 people in 20 countries around the world have used Xeomin. The drug is approved under the brand name Bocouture in 14 European countries including France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.
According to the manufacturer, the recent FDA approval is based on two U.S. clinical trials where patients saw significant improvement in the appearance of frown lines within thirty days of injection.
Xeomin works in much the same way that Botox® and Dysport do. The drug is injected by a skilled dermatologist or board-certified facial plastic surgeon at the site of wrinkles. Xeomin relaxes muscles involved in repetitive facial movements by blocking the nerve signals that trigger muscle movement. The full effects of Xeomin take approximately one week to manifest but last for up to six months.
Xeomin bears a distinct difference from its predecessors, Botox® and Dysport. Xeomin is "naked" -- meaning there are no additives. It is simply botulinum toxin type A. This is significant because the body creates antibodies in an effort to attack what it considers "foreign invaders" in the blood stream. If the body creates antibodies to a drug - like Xeomin - it will reduce its effectiveness. Since there are no additives in Xeomin, it may decrease the likelihood of a patient developing antibodies to the drug.
Xeomin, Botox® and Dysport should not be used alternately. Consult with a qualified cosmetic surgeon to decide which injectable cosmetic treatment for severe frown lines would be best for you. Xeomin is expected to be available nationwide in the spring of 2012. To learn more about Xeomin, Botox® or other similar drugs, contact Dr. Karsan, a Dallas-based, board-certified facial plastic surgeon at 214-646-8777 to request your personal consultation.
You recently received notice of your upcoming school reunion and you’re thrilled at the prospect of seeing old friends. But the thought of reuniting with friends from your youth has also likely made you hyperaware of the changes in your face since those days.
A variety of changes take place in our skin as a natural part of the aging process. Volume is lost in the face causing affected areas to sag and form grooves and wrinkles. These signs of aging have long been remedied using a traditional facelift which smoothes the skin by stretching it tight.
You want to look and feel your very best when you step through the doors of your alma mater, but you don’t want to do anything drastic – like surgery. Thankfully there is a non-surgical solution that will rejuvenate your skin and restore a fresher, more youthful look – the “liquid lift.”
What is a “Liquid Lift”?
The “liquid” lift is a non-surgical procedure that uses Botox® and injectable dermal fillers Juvéderm® and Restylane® to achieve smoother, more youthful-looking skin. Unlike a traditional facelift which stretches the skin, a “liquid lift” restores volume to the skin by filling in grooves and lines with dermal fillers. Botox® is used to relax facial muscles. This helps to prevent the formation of lines and wrinkles caused, in part, by repetitive facial movements.
The Benefits of the “Liquid Lift”
The traditional surgical facelift is highly-effective and the best option in many instances. Yet, the “liquid lift” - a minimally-invasive, non-surgical procedure – gives patients similar results without the risks of surgery or extended recovery time.
The “liquid lift” is a convenient, cost-effective solution for many patients. Your facial plastic surgeon can give you a “liquid lift” in her office in as little as an hour for a fraction of the cost of traditional plastic surgery. The convenience, less-inhibitive cost, and noticeable results make the “liquid lift” an excellent option for patients who want to look their very best without surgery. It is no wonder that minimally-invasive procedures like the “liquid lift” are growing in popularity with both doctors and patients.
What You Should Know About the “Liquid Lift”
The “liquid lift” is an excellent treatment for restoring fresher, more youthful skin. Still, it isn’t right for everyone. Patients with sagging skin and other advanced signs of aging may require a traditional facelift.
The results achieved with a “liquid facelift” can last up to two years depending on a variety of factors. In most cases, touch-up procedures will be required periodically to maintain optimal results. In contrast, a traditional facelift can offer more dramatic, longer-lasting results.
If you want to look and feel your best at your upcoming school reunion contact Dr. Karsan, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, at 214-646-8777 to see if the “liquid lift” is right 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 only 42 and in great shape, but because of crow's feet, I am often told I look much older. My older sister just had Botox - and now she looks younger than me! What exactly is Botox? And will it work for me?
The deep creases and wrinkles on the face are a result of frequent muscle contractions that eventually create a wrinkled appearance between the brows, on the forehead and around the eyes. Perhaps you’ve been considering Botox® or Dysport®, but you aren’t sure if they are right for you. Here’s what you need to know about these non-surgical, minimally invasive anti-aging treatments.
What are Botox® and Dysport® and How Do They Work?
- Botox® and Dysport® are purified proteins.
- They are injected directly into facial muscles by a healthcare professional in a simple, non-surgical procedure. Deep creases and wrinkles on the face are a result of frequent muscle contractions like laughing, smiling, frowning or squinting.
- Botox® and Dysport® block the nerve signals that would normally tell your muscles to contract. This relaxes the muscles and reduces muscle activity that causes moderate-to-severe lines to form between the brows and other areas of the face. The depth of the wrinkle decreases.
- Over time the progression of lines is minimized.
Patients I've treated with Botox® and Dysport® experience a brow lift, a reduction in frown lines, crow's feet, neck bands, and bunny lines. They no longer looked tired or angry. Instead they look rejuvenated and refreshed. Best of all, the results are completely natural.
The Benefits of Botox® and Dysport®
Botox® and Dysport® offer patients almost immediate noticeable results with virtually no recovery time.
- The treatment is convenient. Your facial plastic surgeon can administer Botox® or Dysport® in his or her office in just minutes.
- After treatment you should see marked improvement in moderate-to-severe frown and other facial wrinkles within days of treatment, with continual improvement for up to fourteen days.
- The effects of Botox® and Dysport® typically last three to four months. With repeated use patients require less frequent injections.
What You Need to Know About Botox® and Dysport®
Botox® and Dysport® are excellent anti-aging solutions for patients who want to reduce the look of frown lines, crows feet, forehead lines, neck bands, achieve a brow lift non-surgically, and reverse the down-turned mouth. However, allergies to any of the ingredients contained in Botox® and Dysport® or certain medical conditions (such as ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease, asthma or emphysema) may preclude you from being a candidate for Botox® or Dysport®.
To find out if Botox® or Dysport® are right for you contact Dr. Karsan, a qualified facial plastic surgeon at 214-646-8777 to request a personal 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.
