Nip This Tuck That

Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery “Tip of the Day” from Dr. Francis R palmer, III, Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon, creator of the revolutionary beauty concept: “What’s Your Number”.

Post op healing after Rhinoplasty or Revision Rhinoplasty.

This topic continues to come up over and over again…so I thought that I’d spend a few minutes discussing post op healing after Rhinoplasty.  Now you may be asking, “what’s the big deal about healing after a Rhinoplasty and why should so many people have questions about their healing after this plastic surgery procedure? 

1. Rhinoplasty is performed by lifting up the skin and tissues off of the nasal bones and cartilage framework.  This causes swelling after the Rhinoplasty.

2. Rhinoplasty is the act of altering the shape, size, position…etc of the nasal bones and cartilage.  This in turn causes more swelling after the Rhinoplasty.

3. Unlike other areas of the body, each additional Rhinoplasty performed increases the amount of scarring and swelling after the Rhinoplasty.

4. All Rhinoplasty will have post op swelling and some of this swelling will go on to form scarring between the skin and the underlying nasal bones and cartilage.  The area most prone to this scar accumulation, is the area just above (closer to your eyes) the nasal tip cartilages.

The majority of this post Rhinoplasty swelling leaves within 6-12 months after the Rhinoplasty depending on the patient, the activity level, the number of prevuious Rhinoplasties that were performed on the nose, the length of time the Rhinoplasty took the plastic surgeon to perform and the inherent thickness of the nasal skin.  The longer the Rhinoplasty, the more the post op swelling.  The thicker the nasal skin, the more swelling and subsequent scarring that’s likely to occur after the Rhinoplasty.

The manipulations, that I have all my Rhinoplasty patients do to their nose starting at 1 month after the Rhinoplasty are aimed at decreasing and removing the swelling in the tissues above the nasal bone and cartilage.  These manipulations take about 5 minutes to perform and are done each and every night for a minimum of 6 months and most patients do them for 9 months following their Rhinoplasty. 

 The manipulations, unlike tape applied to the nose, apply adequate pressure to remove the swelling…even though this is temporary..as the swelling returns…when done on a daily basis this constant and consistent removal of tissue swelling after the Rhinoplasty makes it less likely that the swelling will turn into scar tissue.

 That’s the key point!  The body does not allow swelling (which is fluid in tissue) to remain indefinetly.  The body will instead turn the swelling into scar tissue.  Once the scar tissue forms, it’s much more difficult to remove than swelling.  This is what the kenalog injections are used for…to dissolve scar tissue that has formed.  Most experienced Rhinoplasty Plasttic and Cosmetic Surgeons believe that this occurs by 6 months afte=r the Rhinoplasty and we try to proactively reduce the swelling and hence the amount of scarring within this time frame.

I think, I may have to post a video of a patient performing these nasal manipulations.  I just need to find the time.

Dr. Francis R Palmer, III

Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery “Tip of the Day” from Dr. Francis R. Palmer, III, Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon and creator of  the “What’s Your Number” concept.

 Liposuction without Plastic Surgery.  Laser light touted as a way to melt fat away in minutes.

You have unwanted fat on your body, so who doesn’t?  With something like 30% or more of Americans being morbidly obese that’s not unusual.  So here comes what sounds like a miracle.  A simple way to loose the fat without dieting, exercise, plastic surgery or any effort on your part at all.  Sounds like a miracle.  Ah, but does it work?

The Laser light used is most likely the same light that was proposed as an adjunct for typical Liposuction Surgery some years back.  Liposuction, the plastic surgery procedure, is performed today by infusing a saline solution into the area of unwanted fat.  Then a suction machine is attached to a hollow tube.  The hollow tube (cannula) is introduced under the skin to the area of fat that has the saline.  Using a back and forth stroke in a fanning fashion, the fat is dissolved and taken away by the suction.  That’s how Liposcution is done.

Variations have been used by applying soundwaves (ultrasound that further melt the fat but this still required placing a cannula under the skin and hence a plastic surgery procedure…which was still Liposuction. 

Then someone decided that a certain color of laser light applied to the surface of the skin might increase the amount of saline that the fat absorbed making it easier to remove the fat during Liposuctuion Surgery.  The term “Super Wet” Tumescent technique was used to describe this process.  A big hoopla was made over this so called advancement, but plastic surgeons seemed unimpressed by the added benefits of the superficial Laser Light.

 Fast forward to this new marketing wrinkle for the same Laser light.  There was always a question amongst plastic and cosmetic surgeons about the ability of a common class Laser light (means it’s not powerful and hence can be operated by anyone) to penetrate the layers of the skin which is what it must do to even reach the fat in your body.  Then if it does go that deep, does it have the power to melt the fat?  If it does melt the fat, what happens to the heat that’s required to melt the fat?  Does the heat burn the vessels, nerves and underlying muscles?  All real good questions?

Bottom line.  Spend a few hours on the internet researching Tumecent Liposuction and “Super Wet” techniques before spending your hard earned money on this perocedure.  Let’s just say, I’m highly skeptical that this will remove your unwanted fat.  The only thing slimmer will be your pocket book or wallet.

 Dr. Francis R Palmer, III

Read the entire article here: http://www.styledash.com/2007/05/21/lunch-hour-lipo/

Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery “Tip of the Day” from Dr. Francis R Palmer, III, Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.

Here’s an article that you’ll find interesting.  It’s asking what do we (society) more specifically those people looking to date other people, find attractive? 

The article quotes some people saying “eyes, strong shoulders” etc. etc.  As a Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon for almost 2 decades and one who’s made a career out of making people more attractive, I obviously have an opinion on the subject.  My “Palmer Beauty Principles” as outlined in my “What’s Your Number” concept addresses this issue based on years of making people look better and more attractive.

Read more on the article here: http://personals.aol.com/dating-advice/pulse/attraction

 Read More on my “What’s Your Number” concept here:

http://www.whatsyournumber.com

Read more on my “Palmer Beauty Principles” here:

http://www.drfpalmer.com/palmer-beauty-principles.html

Take the beauty quiz and see how much you know about thae factors that make people attractive. http://www.drfpalmer.com/quiz.html

Did a closed Rhinoplasty today to reduce a large nasal hump.  The nose looks great.  Took just over an hour in the OR.

Dr. Francis R Palmer, III

Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery “Tip of the Day” from Dr. Francis R Palmer, III, Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.

Finished another “Celebrity Lift” in the OR today with LIp Augmentation (using Alloderm) and Radiesse Injections to shape the cheeks.  Takes about 2 hours and the patient looks 10 years younger.  Smaller incisions, less invasive with virtually no recovery, versus a traditional facelift, our ”Celebrity Lift” can even be done under local anesthesia.  It’s the ultimate weekend Facelift.

Dr. Francis R Palmer, III

Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery “Tip of the Day” from Dr. Francis R Palmer, III, Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.

Just a few things to get everyone up to speed:

1. Have several pitch meetings scheduled for the new Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery TV show….I really love this concept and hope that you’ll get to see the show.  We’ll see what the networks think about the idea.  Sometimes what’s sensationalistic isn’t real.  It’s made to be sensational by editing and scripting.  Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t have a problem with that most of the time but, I do not appreciate it when Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons in Beverly Hills are portrayed as caricatures.  That I find offensive.

2. Have meetings about my new book and how to bring the “What’s Your Number” concept forward with the best writing style.  I think that once you read my book, you’ll never look at yourself or anyone else in quite the same manner.

read more here:  http://www.whatsyournumber.net

3. I’ve had quite a number of e-mails lately and it made me want to re-emphasize how you, as a consumer, can apply 4 simple rules when seeking a Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.  It’s an article that I wrote some time ago but is very much applicable today.  “How to Choose your Plastic Surgeon”  read the entire article here:

http://www.drfpalmer.com/choose.html

4. Ashton’s recording some new songs that are amazing…..keep you posted.

5. Don’t forget your skin this summer.  Use a good sunscreen and moisturize your skin with high quality cosmeceutical skin care products like my Francis R Beverly Hills (R) line of products.

read more here: http://www.frbh.com

6. More “Celebrity Lifts” and Rhinoplasty scheduled for the rest of the summer.

read more here: http://www.drfpalmer.com/PalmerCelebrityLift.html

and more on Rhinoplasty here: http://www.drfpalmer.com/Rhinoplasty.html

It never hurts to get recognition from the media either.  read more here:

http://www.drfpalmer.com/BestPlasticSurgeon.html

Cheers!

Dr. Francis R Palmer, III

Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery “Tip of the Day” from Dr. Francis R Palmer, III, Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.

Cheek Augmentatiuon with Silastic Cheek Implants.  An easy way to get the facial shape that will make you more attractive.

Just finished in the OR for today.

Coronal Browlift.  Read more here:

http://www.drfpalmer.com/Brow_Lifts.html

Celebrity Lift.  Read More here:

http://www.drfpalmer.com/PalmerCelebrityLift.html

and watch it featured on ABC’s hit show “The View”

http://drfpalmer.com/movie/index.html

Geometric Neck Lift.   Small incision under the chin where the skin is removed and the incision closed with little or no recovery time.

Malar (Cheek ) Augmentation with Silastic Cheek Implants placed through a small opening inside the mouth.  Read more here:

http://www.drfpalmer.com/CheekImplants.html

How nice it is to place silastic Cheek Implants on a first time patient seeking Cheek Augmentation after all the re-dos, revisions and Modifications I’ve seen lately.  People have asked me to remove and modify a slew od Cheek Implants lately, most of which were Medpore and extremely difficult to work with.  I just wish people would re-consider using these implants and consider silastic cheek iplants…which are by the way the only kind I’ll use and I’ve been performing Cheek Augmentation with Cheek Implants for almost 20 years.  I like Silastic Implants.  They go in easilly and just as easilly they can be removed.

 It must be graduation time as there’s a crush of Rhinoplasty on our OR schedule for me the next 3 months.  Never fails when summer comes so do the grads seeking Rhinoplasty or Revision Rhinoplasty.  Read more here:

http://www.drfpalmer.com/Rhinoplasty.html

Dr. Francis R Palmer, III

Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery “Tip of the Day” from Dr. Francis R Palmer, III Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.

Future hope to regrow hair as a cure for baldness.

Read More Here: http://news.aol.com/topnews/articles/_a/study-offers-hope-of-remedy-for-baldness/20070516232509990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001 

Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery has offered hair transplants, scalp reductions and flap transfers as ways to treat thinning and baldness.  This use of stem cells is another area of treatment where stem cells reactivate your own hair follicles.  This is just another example of how amazing Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery will be in the future.

Stay Tuned.

Dr. Francis R Palmer, III

Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery “Tip of the Day” from Dr. Francis R Palmer III, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.

Skin Care is one of the easiest ways to make yourself more attractive this Spring.

 Skincare is a multi-billion dollar industry with all sorts of claims from removing wrinkles in less than 10 minutes to restoring youthful skin.  What’s reasonable to expect and what isn’t?  Good question.  As the President of my own Cosmeceutical skincare company Francis R Beverly Hills (R) , I have some tips on what you should look for in a good skin care line of products.

1. Good, effective skin care products do exist but they will not give you instant results.  We’ve all seen the informercials and commercials claiming that if you put this cream or patch on the skin…all the wrinkles will be removed in less than 10 minutes.  This is unlikely.  If a cream has this effect it can only be from a temporary swelling of the skin by drawing water into the area which causes the skin to swell and the wrinkles to diminish.  No long term effects are likely using these types of creams.

Better to try a quality cream that works consistently to increase collagen production in the skin.  Increases in collagen will actually decrease the appearance of lines and wrinkles while tightening the skin.  That’s a real benefit.

Read more here: http://www.frbh.com

2. Think of your skin care regimine in long term goals.  You should, in my opinion, use quality skin care products from late teens for the rest of your life in order to maintain youthful, beautiful skin.  Beautiful skin is an asset…protect and maintain yours with quality skin care products.

3. Think hydration and replenishment…not peeling, irritation and flaking.  Harsh chemical or creams that irritate and peel your skin will not make your skin look beautiful.  You will look red, scaly and irritated.  Better to use creams like our “Ultimate Lift”

Read more here: http://frbh.com/Products/ProductDetails.asp?ProID=408 

Next time your walking outside take a look at a dry, brown leaf and one that’s green and full of moisture….which one looks better?  Which leaf has less wrinkles?  Obviously, the green, moist one.  The same with your skin.

4. Gentle exfoliation with our “Refining Grain” will allow deeper penetration of the rejuvenation creams for added effect.

5. As the final touch in your skin care regimine…protect your skin with our “Finishing Day Cream”.

What other thing besides skincare can you do in the privacy of your own home to make a real difference in the way you look? 

Dr. Francis R Palmer, III

Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery “Tip of the Day” from Dr. Francis R Palmer, III Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.

Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery: What’s it all about and how can you , as a consumer, make sense of this technically complicated field? 

KEEP IT SIMPLE!

That means, just what it sounds like.  Yes, of course Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery is technically complicated.  I trained for over 10 years and have another 20 years of experience performing Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery on 2 continents.  But just because the field of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery is technically difficult doesn’t mean you should be confused when looking to make yourself more attractive.  Ahh….that’s how you keep it simple.  No matter what…whatever you’re planning on doing.  It has to make you more attractive or why bother.

That means that you will need to know what will and what won’t make you more attractive.  Is this common knowledge?  Sadly, no!  Some Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons may not even know the answer but I do….and you can as well.  Read my “Palmer Beauty Principles” for some answers to what makes the face beautiful.  Following these principles and having treatments and/or plastic surgery that would follow these guidelines….will make you, in my opinion, more attractive…and that my friends is what it’s all about!

Read more here: http://www.drfpalmer.com/palmer-beauty-principles.html

Read these first before having your plastic surgery and be sure what you want will make you more attractive…will increase “Your Number”.  Yes, you have a “Number…a beauty Number”, we all do.

Read more here: http://www.whatsyournumber.net

Dr. Francis R Palmer, III

Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery “Tip of the Day” from Dr. Francis R Palmer, III Beverly Hills Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.

Revision Rhinoplasty: a slippery slope.

So, you wanted to make your nose more attractive and you had a nose job a Rhinoplasty to reshape the nasal structure.  Unfortunately…things didn’t turn out the way you had hoped and now you want anotehr Rhinoplasty….this time it’s a Revision Rhinoplasty.

  Did you know that under the best circumstances, your nose will improve an average of 2 points (on a 10 point scale with 10 being perfect) after a Rhinoplasty.  Less after a revision Rhinoplasty.  This is partially because, as I have mentioned many times on this blog that the nose does not make the face attractive if it’s perfect but does detract from your looks if it (the nose) draws attention to itself because it’s large, asymmetric or has some other unsightly feature or flaw.  It’s also the built in unpredicatble nature of doing Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery on the nose which seems to have a mind of its own when it comes to post Rhinoplasty healing.

 Because these two simple facts are not commonly known and understood by patient and Plastic Surgeon alike….hundreds of thousands of Revision Rhinoplasty Surgeries are required.  Why? 

1. Some of the Rhinoplasty Procedures were not required.  The Rhinoplasty did not make the person more attractive.

2. The aesthetic judgement of the patient and/or the Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon were incorrect and the result of the Rhinoplasty did not make the person more attractive…in many cases it detracted from their appearance.

3. The Rhinoplasty was done properly but the post Rhinoplasty healing decreased the aesthetic effect and the person did not look more attractive after the Rhinoplasty.  Can be from the patient ignoring post Rhinoplasty instructions, plastic surgeon does not give post Rhinoplasty instructions/manipulations or the patient had some traumatic event during the post Rhinoplasty period and caused some injury to the nose that decreased the aesthetic result.

  All of these scenarios can cause a person to seek revision Rhinoplasty….but hopefully they learn from the first Rhinoplasty but experience in my Beverly Hills and london Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery pratice tells me otherwise as I have patients with 3, 4, 5, up to 10 previous Rhinoplasty Surgeries before they came to me.  One thing they all had in common was I make a verbal contrcat that the Revision Rhinoplasty that I perform, if I agree to take their case, will be their last.  Why?

  I have several ghoals when I perform Rhinoplasty or revision Rhinoplsty and these are:

1. Create a natural, soft and sleek appearing nose.

2. Re-create a normal natural looking nose if previous Rhinoplasty has been performed.

3. The nose you started with may not be attainable and you and I, if I take you as my patient must come to the same conclusion if that is indeed the case.  I believe that more Revision Rhinoplasty is performed needlessly each and every day in the search for that “old nose” that’s never coming back.  So, we will not waste your time and money on a false crusade…we will give yo the most natural looking and attractive nose possible.

more later……

Dr. Francis R Palmer, III