Dr. Christopher Saunders Cosmetic Surgery

Products And Services

• Facelift / Necklift

  Facelift Procedure in Wilmington and Newark, Delaware Rhytidectomy, more commonly referred to as a facelift, is a procedure designed to elevate and reposition the facial tissue to a higher, more youthful location. This cosmetic surgery can dramatically improve one’s cheeks, jowls, jaw line and neck area giving a natural and younger appearance. What is the Facelift Procedure? facelift in deleware Dr. Saunders uses the latest techniques for the face lift surgery. This begins with a careful and thorough pre-operative evaluation and discussion of realistic goals with the patient. By using the most modern methods, the skin and muscle areas can be lifted and rejuvenated to separate and distinct locations. This state of the art “vector” method gives a natural and long lasting face lift result compared to simpler methods. In addition to the vector method, Dr. Saunders also uses fat transfer, or fat grafting, to achieve even better results. Fat transfer involves injecting a person’s own fat into areas of the face where it is best needed. Aging is not just “droopy skin” but also a loss of youthful fat. By carefully re-injecting a person’s fat, a more natural and youthful facelift operation can be obtained. What are the different types of Facelifts? There are different types of facelifts, or “lifts,” that can be performed. For example, Dr. Saunders performs a Mid-Face Lift to rejuvenate the cheek area and upper face. This can be a preferred method for the younger patient with aging in the upper part of the face. A Forehead Lift or Brow Lift can elevate the forehead and eyebrow area for a higher, more attractive look. This can be accomplished with the use of endoscopes and tiny incisions. This minimally invasive brow lift can greatly rejuvenate and enhance a person’s appearance. Dr. Saunders is also well known for his lower face lift and neck lift operations. By tightening the neck muscles, or platysma muscle, dramatic changes can be achieved. This works well for “turkey neck” and other neck excess skin problems. Am I a Candidate for a Facelift? The best candidate for face lift surgery is one who is physically healthy and desires improved facial appearance. Dr. Saunders performs this surgery in his state of the art cosmetic surgery center and takes pre-operative care very seriously. Dr. Saunders requires appropriate testing and medical clearances before performing any surgery. What is the Recovery Process After my Facelift Surgery? The facelift is an outpatient procedure so recovery can begin at home. The patient returns to Dr. Saunders the day after surgery for a follow up visit. The recovery from most cosmetic facial surgeries involves surprisingly little pain. It is common for patients to take little to no pain medication! It is important to allow appropriate time for resolution of bruising and swelling. What Results Can I Expect After My Facelift Surgery? Patients are often concerned they will have the “windswept” look or overdone look. Dr. Saunders is an expert in the field of plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. By using advanced techniques, Dr. Saunders will give you a youthful and natural face lift operation. Fake looks are always avoided and are extremely unlikely when performed by Dr. Saunders. Dr. Saunders works with every patient to put together comprehensive programs and surgeries designed just for them to improve their look and appearance. For instance, a face lift might be combined with skin resurfacing, fat transfers, and liposuction of the neck to get the best result. Dr. Saunders takes his time with each patient, treats each patient individually and reviews all his or her options. It is very important that patients have realistic expectations of what face lift surgeries can offer them. The facelift does not stop nor prevent the aging process. Everyone continues to age; however, these surgeries are long-lasting and very effective. Please view the Face Lift gallery to view real patient results by Dr. Saunders. You can also view Face Lift results for patients over 80 here. Dr. Saunders performs this surgery in his state of the art cosmetic surgery center located in Chadds Ford, PA. Dr. Saunders is the author of ‘The Tricky Fountain of Youth: Understanding Cosmetic Surgery’ and ‘A Woman’s Guide to the “Real-Reality” of Cosmetic Surgery’. In his books, Dr. Saunders sorts through a myriad of plastic surgery information in an easy to read and informative manner. Dr. Saunders presents cosmetic surgery topics that focus on realistic options, realistic recovery, and realistic results. Both are a must read if you are considering cosmetic surgery. Call 302.652.3331 to call our Wilmington/Newark office in Delaware or call 610.459.1559 for our Chadds Ford office in Pennsylvania to schedule a consultation today!

  Link: Facelift / Necklift

• Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

  Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in Wilmington and Newark, Delaware What is Blepharoplasty? Blepharoplasty, commonly referred to as an eye-tuck, eye lift, or simply eyelid surgery, is a procedure designed to target the “bags” or “hooding” around the eyes that can make a person look and feel older. Types of Eyelid Surgery There are many different methods to perform eyelid rejuvenation and this may cause patients some confusion. Dr. Saunders is an expert in plastic surgery and performs all types of eye-tuck operations. After consulting with the patient, Dr. Saunders will discuss which technique will give the best results. Some physicians may claim one surgical procedure is the only way to do it. This is simply not true as each patient is unique and the operation is tailored to them and their needs. The cosmetic surgery results after eye-lifts tend to be long lasting, safe and proven effective. Eye Tuck in Chadds Ford, DEDr. Saunders closely evaluates and examines the entire eyelid area and the surrounding face. The best results are achieved by maintaining facial balance and maximizing a natural appearance. Over done looks are avoided by this careful and meticulous approach. How is Blepharoplasty Performed? Blepharoplasty surgery involves small incisions in the eyelid creases. It is very important to understand that these incisions are extremely “privileged” meaning that they fade extremely well, probably better than any other place on the body. Dr. Saunders uses the incision to either remove or reposition fat, adjacent skin and tissue. The incisions are closed and recovery begins. Is Eyelid Surgery Painful? There is insignificant or minimal pain during recovery. Significant bruising and swelling should be expected to last for 5-14 days. This surgery is done on an out-patient basis so recovery is done at home. Blepharoplasty Expectations It is important that patients have realistic expectations of what an eye-tuck or eye lift can offer. The aging process will continue and nothing is permanent. However, the results tend to be long-lasting, safe and proven. Dr. Saunders believes it is one of the best cosmetic operations available. Dr. Saunders performs this surgery in his state of the art cosmetic surgery center located in Chadds Ford, PA. Dr. Saunders is the author of ‘The Tricky Fountain of Youth: Understanding Cosmetic Surgery’ and ‘A Woman’s Guide to the “Real-Reality” of Cosmetic Surgery’. In his books, Dr. Saunders sorts through a myriad of plastic surgery information in an easy to read and informative manner. Dr. Saunders presents cosmetic surgery topics that focus on realistic options, realistic recovery, and realistic results. Both are a must read if you are considering cosmetic surgery. Call 302.652.3331 to call our Wilmington/Newark office in Delaware or call 610.459.1559 for our Chadds Ford office in Pennsylvania to schedule a consultation today!

  Video: Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

  Link: Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

• Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

  Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) in Wilmington and Newark, Delaware What is Rhinoplasty? Rhinoplasty is the medical term for a “nose job.” It is a cosmetic surgery operation that changes the appearance, shape, and/or size of the nose. It can make a huge improvement to facial appearance and can greatly enhance facial harmony, balance and shape. How is Nose Surgery Performed? Dr. Saunders uses the latest techniques for his rhinoplasty or nose job. This involves meticulous suturing technique and preservation of key cartilage areas. By carefully sculpting the nose, a natural and attractive cosmetic result can often be achieved and over-done results are avoided. Internal problems with the septum or breathing problems can be addressed with a septoplasty. This operation is designed to improve breathing and straighten the nose. It is best done at the time of the rhinoplasty and the combined operation is called a septo-rhinoplasty. Dr. Saunders also uses computer imaging to help patients see what surgery can achieve for them. A digital photo is taken and the size and shape of the nose is altered to create a new image. The program can give an honest and true representation of what the person could look like after rhinoplasty. However, patients must understand that the “real reality” of rhinoplasty is that it is not as simple as using a computer program and morphing the nose; the results can vary from what the computer shows the patient. Patients must keep in mind that the computer is a tool to help see what the surgery might do for a patient. Dr. Saunders performs this surgery in his state of the art cosmetic surgery center located in Chadds Ford PA, on an out-patient basis. What is the Recovery from Rhinoplasty Surgery? The recovery from a rhinoplasty typically involves minimal pain despite the fear of “breaking of bones.” Significant bruising and swelling does occur in the area around the nose and in particular the eyes. The resolution of bruising and swelling typically takes between one and two weeks after surgery. Dr. Saunders is the author of ‘The Tricky Fountain of Youth: Understanding Cosmetic Surgery’ and ‘A Woman’s Guide to the “Real-Reality” of Cosmetic Surgery’. In his books, Dr. Saunders sorts through a myriad of plastic surgery information in an easy to read and informative manner. Dr. Saunders presents cosmetic surgery topics that focus on realistic options, realistic recovery, and realistic results. Both are a must read if you are considering cosmetic surgery. Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos Please view the Rhinoplasty gallery to view real patient results by Dr. Saunders. Call 302.652.3331 to call our Wilmington/Newark office in Delaware or call 610.459.1559 for our Chadds Ford office in Pennsylvania to schedule a consultation today!

  Link: Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

• Facial Rejuvenation

  Facial Rejuvenation in Wilmington, DE & Chadds Ford, PA What is Facial Rejuvenation? Facial rejuvenation is a term used for many different procedures to rejuvenate the face. The goal is to have a more attractive, natural, and youthful face. It is extremely important to understand that there are different options available to the person who wants to look younger. Many of these options will be reviewed here, but more detailed information on specific procedures can be found in the educational writings. It is important to learn about the different choices that can rejuvenate the face. Your option to look younger, healthier, and prettier are discussed now. What should I do? Should I do a peel or lasers? What about Botox, Dysport, fillers, or a facelift? I need help with my choices. Facial rejuvenation can be described as having different options or levels, from easier to more complex. The easiest is Level 1. The intermediate procedures are called Level 2. Finally, the strongest and often the best procedures (which usually mean surgery) are level 3 procedures. Non-Invasive Facial Rejuvenation These options are designed to help with skin sun damage, blemishes, age spots, and fine wrinkles. This level does not involve surgery with cutting, sewing, and stitches. The treatments tend to be simple and have next to no pain. Treatments include peels, lasers, facials, and microdermabrasion. These treatments help with fine wrinkles, weathered skin, age spots, and marks, and improve the texture and tone of the skin. Programs are available that have the goal of making the skin appear more youthful, healthy, and radiant. The best treatment programs are comprehensive. This means multiple modalities are used to give an enhanced result. The different treatments work synergistically to give a better result than any one treatment alone. Dr. Saunders and his aestheticians will figure out the best program for you. It is important to understand what these treatments can achieve, but you must also understand that they do not “lift” the face. They don’t give you a facelift or get rid of bags and circles. This is achieved only by Level 3, or surgical options. These options include less invasive options than surgery. This usually means a tiny needle might be involved. Classic treatment options are Dysport, Botox, Restylane, Juvederm, and other fillers. These treatments work to help with forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and nasal labial folds or puppet lines. Fillers are modern-day products to “fill up” the wrinkles. They work fantastically and do not require surgery. Bruising and recovery are usually easy. Some more involved treatments in Level 2 might include fat transfer to the face and a deeper peel or laser. This treatment can give even more rejuvenation than the other easier, Level 1 options. It can make the face more youthful, young, and pretty. Fat transfer and peels can give fantastic results and take years off of one’s appearance. You can find more information on Botox and Fillers here. Again, it is important to understand the limitations. These treatments are not a neck lift, eye tuck, or facelift. Most wrinkles, jowls, and bags need surgery or Level 3 treatments for the best result or the most dramatic changes. Surgical Options for Facial Rejuvenation These are the operations that achieve the most rejuvenation and are the best to improve skin in excess, jowls, bags, turkey neck, and other signs of facial aging. This level includes facelift, neck lift, eyelid tucks, forehead lifts, and mini facelift procedures. Dr. Saunders employs the latest techniques available for these operations. This includes tightening the deeper muscle layers called the SMAS and the platysma muscle. Also, Dr. Saunders uses advanced techniques of multi-directional lifting to give a natural and youthful facelift, without the “windswept” look. Additionally, fat transfer can often be added to enhance the cheek area, folds, and overall youthful appearance. These Level 3 treatments do require actual operations. Pain is typically minimal. Most people are surprised at how minimal pain is and how quickly they get back to activities. Bruising and swelling do take time to go away and the appropriate time off to recover is important. Most people have high satisfaction with their cosmetic facial surgery and are extremely glad they proceeded with the operation. These operations have a high success rate and have the greatest chances of achieving the desired facial rejuvenation. For more information regarding surgical options, please view the pages on Facelifts and Eye Tucks. It is important to attend a consultation with Dr. Saunders so he can review your desires and goals. The consultation will be thorough and complete. It will review all facial rejuvenation options and costs.

  Link: Facial Rejuvenation

• Breast Augmentation and Enlargement

  Breast Augmentation and Enlargement Breast augmentation or breast enlargement increases the size or volume of the breast giving it a more full, attractive, and perkier shape. It is sometimes called a “boob job” or just a “breast aug” for short. It is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic operations each year as recorded by the American Society of Plastic Surgery with about a third of a million women getting augmentation each year. It has extremely high success rates, safety, and overall satisfaction. I specialize in breast surgery, and this procedure is one of my favorite that I have worked long, hard, and extensively to help women achieve the breasts they have often just dreamed about. I strive to give thorough and comprehensive consultations for breast surgery. They are meant to be complete and very educational. This is also a goal of my web page too. For the women interested, please go to my educational writings section. This is where you will find additional and extremely valuable material on breast augmentation and other topics. The writings will review topics and concepts that I feel are critical for understanding and learning important topics about this wonderful and fantastic operation. Overview: Breast augmentation is an outpatient cosmetic procedure that takes about an hour. Implants are placed through small incisions to enlarge and enhance the breast. The operation typically requires general anesthesia. Recovery can be surprisingly quick with many people getting back to work or light activity in under a week. Risks are considered very low, and the operation is extremely safe. Satisfaction typically is very high with many women feeling it is “one of the best things they have done in their life!” How is it done? Most commonly breast implants are placed beneath the chest muscle called the pectoralis major muscle. This muscle gives added soft tissue coverage on top of the implant that leads to a softer and more natural appearance with lower complications. All sutures are absorbable, and the small incision is closed with delicate and meticulously placed stitches. Implants: I use both saline and silicone breast implants. The vast majority of patients choose the new silicone implants that are also called cohesive, gummy bear, and gel implants. The research studies on silicone implants are comprehensive and vast; and the extreme safety is widely published. I was the principle investigator of the Silicone research study at Christiana Care Hospital System. This FDA study was nation wide and involved millions of patients and was over a decade in length. The conclusions proved the safety and high success rates with silicone implants. For those interested in saline implants instead of silicone, these are available for you as well. Picking Breast Size: This is a very important part of the entire process and operation. I call it “homework” as it requires significant effort from the patient and the doctor to get the best satisfaction and success. The homework involves watching my video, doing the rice test, and finding pictures of the result and size you want. I ask that the patient put a lot of thought and effort into picking her size. If she does this, we maximize our chances of getting the best results. Recovery: Breast Augmentation and EnlargementI believe the Pain Buster has made a huge improvement in the recovery of this operation by decreasing pain. The pain buster is filled with Lidocaine which is a local anesthetic. It is completely safe and lasts 72 hours. It is not filled with narcotics which could be unsafe. The pain buster has made one of the most substantial improvements in the recovery of this operation that I have ever seen. I also use it for my tummy tucks or abdominoplasty cases. Risks: Breast augmentation is extremely safe. No surgery is without risks or complications. The consultation will review these problems in detail. Risks are very low, but it is important to have a very good understanding of the operation and what can go wrong. Results: Please take a moment to look at some real results and pictures in the photo gallery. Many patients have extremely high satisfaction after breast augmentation. It is important to understand and have realistic expectations however. Surgery doesn’t transform someone into a movie star. Summary: All my surgery is performed in my state of the art surgery center located in Chadds Ford, PA. I have presented my breast augmentation research at two national/international meetings in Montreal and Los Angeles. My research focused on breast augmentation results, safety, and surgical methods. I have also authored two books. There names are A Woman’s Guide to the “Real-Reality” of Cosmetic Surgery and The Tricky Fountain of Youth – Understanding Cosmetic Surgery. In these books, I cover many topics in cosmetic and plastic surgery. They focus on learning about realistic options, realistic recovery, and realistic results.

  Link: Breast Augmentation and Enlargement

• Breast Revision Surgery, Breast Redo, or Breast Corrective Surgery

  Breast Revision Surgery, Breast Redo, or Breast Corrective Surgery Breast revision, redo, or corrective surgery is designed to improve the shape and appearance of the breast when things aren’t correct or have changed with time. Cosmetic breast surgery has very high success rates and safety. However, sometimes things don’t heal well or turn out as planned. Also, with time the breasts can change and have problems that didn’t happen right after surgery. I specialize in this revision or corrective surgery and this article is an introduction to some of the important concepts to learn about. Overview: Breast Revision Surgery, Breast Redo, or Breast Corrective Surgery. After breast augmentation, lifts, reductions, or other cosmetic procedures, results are usually successful and rewarding to the patient. But when things don’t turn out as planned, it’s important to see a doctor with the experience and expertise to help you. I specialize in exclusively cosmetic surgery and can help you navigate this unfortunate situation. Some of the revision surgery is more simple and sometimes it is more complex, so an in depth consultation is essential and mandatory. The following two pictures are of one of my patients who required revision surgery. Her implants had become too low which is sometimes called bottoming out. The first picture shows two before images with her standing and lying down. The lying down image shows how her implant falls practically to the bed at her side. The second picture shows the patient before and after a capsule repair operation called a capsulorrhaphy. I will review some of the more common issues that lead to desiring breast corrective surgery. Breast Implant Exchange or Replacement: Breast implants are not forever. This is an important fact. They can last decades and other extremely long periods of time. But they can “pop” or deflate and change too. If the implants deflate, then implant replacement or exchange is necessary. This essentially is talking out the old implants and putting in new ones. Breast implant exchange is also commonly done to replace old saline implants. With time, saline implants often become visible. This is called rippling and can be very unattractive. Saline implants can also be easy to feel the edges or sides. This is called palpability. Exchanging the saline for silicone implants can dramatically improve these problems. This operation is commonly performed by me. The success and satisfaction is very high. This is because the breasts feel and look so much more natural. Silicone is so much softer that most women almost immediately notice the dramatic improvement. As described above, exchange can be done for deflation or popping and also for visible implants. It is also done commonly for women who want a different size. This can be for both smaller and for larger breast sizes. This replacement operation is surprisingly easy. Since the pocket is already in place, the surgical dissection is much less and has dramatically less pain. The old incision is classically used so no new scars are needed. Recovery is often quick with people getting back to work and other responsibilities in 3-5 days. Capsular Contracture or Hardening of the Implants: A risk or problem that can occur after implants is the development of internal scar tissue. This is called capsular contracture or hardening of the implants. This condition is much more frequent when the implants are placed on top of the muscle. The problem can occur when the implants are beneath the pectoralis muscle, but this is much less frequent. The degree of scar tissue varies from minor to severe. In some cases pain can develop. The main treatment for this scar tissue is surgical removal. This is called a capsulectomy. I recommend a complete capsulectomy to remove ever drop of scar tissue to get the best results. I also perform the En Bloc capsulectomy which I believe is the most advanced and meticulous way to perform the surgery. Risks of these revision surgeries are higher than the original breast augmentation. They must be learned and understood by the patient. Recurrence of the scar tissue afterwards is one of the big risks. Implant Malposition: Implant malposition means that after surgery breast implants can be too high, too low, or too far to the side. This is often called bottoming out. This can occur quickly after surgery but more frequently happens with time. One of the more common problems is the implants dropping too low and giving an unnatural appearance. In cases where the implants are too low, surgery can be necessary. This would entail a capsule repair operation called a capsulorrhaphy. This operation repairs the capsule and repositions the implant into a more natural and attractive location. Sometimes the implants drop to the side or laterally. In these cases, capsule repair is required to push the implant towards the middle and back into a normal location.

  Link: Breast Revision Surgery, Breast Redo, or Breast Corrective Surgery

• Breast Lift and Breast Reduction

  Breast lift and breast reduction are surgical operations designed to make the breasts more attractive, perky, and elevated. They can be tailored, fashioned, and created to give you the shape, volume, and appearance that you want for your breasts. The operations are extremely safe and have very high patient satisfaction. This overview article will educate you on the essential features of these cosmetic breast procedures so you become more knowledgable and educated. Overview: There are medical words for these operations. Breast lift operations are called a mastopexy and breast reductions are called a reduction mammoplasty. These are performed on an outpatient basis to give a lifted, firmer, and more attractive appearance to the breast. It is common to have significant improvement in back and neck pain for women who are suffering from these problems. Smaller and higher nipple locations are often other major goals of the operations. Women can choose changes in both shape and volume of the breasts. By tailoring and personalizing the operation to your anatomy and goals, I can help you achieve the breast size and shape that you want. How is it done? The operations use different incision patterns on the breast to achieve the elevation and reduction. Depending on the degree of hanging, incisions will be made to create the perkier look and enhanced appearance. Women with small degrees of hanging need smaller incision patterns than those with breasts that hang more. I close all my breast incisions with delicate, tiny, and meticulous plastic surgery stitches. This maximizes our chance of having the best scars that fade the most. Shape Versus Volume: Both operations are designed to enhance shape. Whether you have a lift or a reduction, the surgical goals and results are to give you a better shape that I have described above. An important point is that you get to choose the change in volume that you want. There is more of a choice with a lift than a reduction. The volume means the size of the breast. With a lift, you can chose the size change. You can choose to go down in cup size just a small bit or you can choose to go down more. Small decreases in breast size might just be a 1/4 cup or 1/2 cup. Some might choose to go down in size a cup or more. In contrast to a lift, with a reduction we tend to always decrease volume a larger amount. The goal is a more proportional breast size to match a women’s body. Recovery: The operations range in length from 1 -1/2 hours to 3 hours depending on the specifics of your anatomy and your goals. You leave the surgical center in a sterile bandage that is applied by me at the completion of the operation. You shower 72 hours after the procedure and then switch to a sports bra. The sports bra should have no wire, padding, or built in cups. It can have a zipper in the front, but this is not necessary. Pain, Swelling, and Bruising Most women are surprised at the small amount of pain afterwards. In my opinion, most patients will be reasonably comfortable and will be able to resume desk jobs and light activity in 3-5 days. However, one week or two weeks off from work is a nicer amount of time. Bruising and swelling are normal parts of the recovery from these operations. The pain, swelling, and bruising gradually resolve or go away. The majority of this will resolve over the first 2-3 weeks. However, it can take several months for all the swelling to go away. Risks: During the consultation I will review your procedure and risks in detail. The risks of the operations are considered low. They include, but are not limited to, infection, bleeding, scars, and shape issues. It is normal to have slightly different breast shapes after these operations. I measure things at surgery to the last millimeter. However, it should be considered a realistic expectation that breasts will be slightly different afterwards. Other risks include nipple sensitivity loss or the inability to breast feed. Most women however do not have the problems. Results: Satisfaction and results tend to be very high. For women who are having back or neck pain or shoulder grooving, significant improvement and satisfaction tend to be in the 95-98% rate. These operations do not involve breast implants. Implants are used for women who want to go larger or fuller. Breast lifts can be done with implants at the same time to give a rounder appearance or a fuller look, for those interested. Lifts and reductions give a natural shape with less fullness at the top of the breast compared to people who get implants. For those interested in a rounder appearance at the top of the breast, consideration should include a discussion about adding breast implants at the same time as the mastopexy or lift. Summary: Breast lift and reduction operations are some of the most frequently performed operations by me and by plastic surgeons in the county. Satisfaction and results tend to be very high.

  Link: Breast Lift and Breast Reduction

• Explant, Breast Implant Illness, and BIA-ALCL

  Explant, Breast Implant Illness, and BIA-ALCL Cosmetic breast surgery has very high success and satisfaction rates. However, sometimes it becomes necessary to remove implants with or without the surrounding scar tissue. Removal is called explantation or explant. As an explant surgeon, I specialize in these operations and perform them for a variety of reasons. Although not common, sometimes women decide to remove their implants. It could be because of capsular contracture, deflation, weight concerns, or just “wanting them out.” Other women will worry about the implants causing them to be sick or to have health issues. This is covered in the educational writing on Breast Implant Illness or BII. An additional educational writing covers the topic of BIA-ALCL. I specialize in helping women with these concerns and who desire explant surgery. The consultation will discuss in detail your options, how it is done, recovery, and risks.

  Link: Explant, Breast Implant Illness, and BIA-ALCL

• Body Lift Surgery

  Body Lift Surgery in Wilmington and Newark, Delaware What is Body Lift Surgery? Body Lift Surgery or Body Contouring Surgery are operations to improve and enhance loose tissue and skin. The operations can give dramatic and wonderful results. Dr. Saunders’ Body Lift before and after photos can be viewed in the photo gallery. Patients from Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and surrounding states can feel reassured that Dr. Saunders will work closely with you to give you the best cosmetic surgery possible with the highest of skill and care. Body Lift and Body Contouring procedures actually comprise a group of operations to re-shape the body. These operations include arm tuck, tummy tuck, buttock lift, breast lift, back lift, and thigh lift surgery. The procedures are performed to improve selected parts of the body that have developed excess skin, fat, and tissue. The operations can be done separately or combined in different patterns to help the specific concerns of each person. This will be discussed in detail below. The Lower Body Lift usually is a combination of thigh lift and tummy tuck, with or without a buttock lift. Also, please see the tummy tuck before and after photos. Reasons For A Body Lift The body lift procedures are typically done in patients who have developed loose and excess skin for one reason or another. Causes include major weight loss, age, pregnancy, and poor skin elasticity. The operations directly target the loose skin and tissue to give a better shape and appearance to the area. The Body Lift Procedure Dr. Saunders uses the latest techniques and methods for all his body contouring surgery procedures. He will work closely with each patient to understand the different operations, recovery, risks, and cost. Most patients also have liposuction or lipo-sculpturing at the same operation to remove excess fat. This helps re-shape and “sculpt” the body to give enhanced and improved results. Many people who have developed extra skin have extra skin in a lot of areas. It might not just be the stomach; they may have developed the extra skin in the arms, legs, neck, buttock, and back areas. Having so many areas with loose skin and tissue can be frustrating. People might want to have all the areas treated at once, or one stage, to “get rid of” all the skin. One major concept to learn about body lift surgery is that “staged” operations are most likely best. “Staged” operations means that more than on operation will need to be done to improve the different areas that have loose skin. This is done because operations that are too big have been shown to have higher rates of complications, such as infection and bleeding. The operations are safer when done in more than one stage. This is critically important! The first “stage” of body contouring will depend on the consultation and the patient’s wishes. Typically, the worst areas are addressed first. Often, two operations can safely be done at one time. This might mean the stomach and legs or the breasts and stomach. Three major operations are often too much but this can be individualized for each person. By picking the best first “stage” the patient usually gets a wonderful new and enhanced shape to the areas treated. The second “stage” can be planned from the start or determined after the first operation. Body Lift Recovery Body lift recovery or body contouring recovery is reviewed with each patient in detail by Dr. Saunders. The recovery depends on the specific operation chosen. Most people should plan on 2-4 weeks off most jobs and responsibilities. Desk jobs and sedentary occupations can be resumed often at 2 weeks. Drainage tubes are typically used in the post operative period to collect excess fluid. These are usually not as bad or painful as believed. They are needed for a short period of time and give the best results, by removing fluid that can worsen results. Pain After Body Contouring Surgery Dr. Saunders uses a “Pain-Buster” to help with many of the operations he performs. This device “trickles” in Lidocaine (dental Novocain) to give dramatically lower pain after surgery. The device has really helped make the body lift recovery much easier, and patients have been extremely happy with it. The ” Pain-Buster” in Dr. Saunders’ opinion has been one of the major advances in plastic surgery in the last decade. This is because it can reduce pain and discomfort to such a high degree. Improved pain leads to improved satisfaction and results. The days of hospitalizations and intra-venous medications are in the past. Most people will still need pain pills to supplement the “Pain-Buster.” Cost of Body Lift and Body Contouring Procedures Body lift cost and body contouring cost will be specifically reviewed with each person. The operations are often more affordable than many people believe.

  Link: Body Lift Surgery

• Brazilian Butt Lift

  Brazilian Butt Lift Now we will discuss the Brazilian Butt Lift. It is often abbreviated BBL. This operation is liposuction of unwanted fat with transfer of the fat to the buttock area. It is a cosmetic operation that is tremendously successful and has become vastly more popular the last several years. This popularity most likely arises from the desire to have a larger and more shapely buttock or “booty” area. The first thing to understand about the BBL is that there is no large incision or cut that is done with many surgical lifts. Some buttock lifts or body lifts involve surgical incisions to lift and to remove unwanted skin. The BBL has no incision like this. The buttock is plumped up or filled by filling it with fat. The “lift” is created by fat transfer to the buttock giving it a fuller and lifted shape. This is the latest and newest way to enhance and beautify this area. Some patients with significant loose skin in this area, from major weight loss for example, may need a body lift or a butt lift that involves an incision. This would be reviewed with you during your consultation and can be reviewed under body lifts in the menu. The first part of a Brazilian Butt Lift is getting the fat. This comes from places we don’t want the fat. Typically, this is the stomach or abdominal area. Other areas are the flanks or love-handles, the thighs, and the arms. This fat removal is done with liposuction and liposculpting that is reviewed above. But instead of throwing the fat away, the fat is kept and used for transfer. The fat is first processed, and this allows for the gentle and safest transfer to the buttock. The single greatest problem for some patients is not having enough fat to suck out or “harvest.” Thin or skinny patients are not ideal candidates for a BBL, because there simply is not enough fat to remove. However, if the patient has some fat to suction then the operation can be done to make it as shapely as possible. People with larger amounts of fat removed will get a bigger result, because they have more fat to work with and suction out. I have found that the best technique includes removing fat from the love-handle and the lower back area. This gives the best results and leads to the best contouring of the buttock. By removing the fat from these areas, we can achieve a natural slope and shape that gradually transfers to a shapely and lifted buttock. Go to my before and after photos, you should look for this change. Look for the smaller lower back and love-handle area. Also, look for the transition and the nice change as the buttock gets larger. Recovery from this cosmetic procedure is very similar to liposuction described above. Pain is actually not too bad for most patients. Bruising gradually goes away and compression garments are worn. The main difference is that you have to keep off the buttock. Sitting on your booty can cause pressure and will worsen the results. This is extremely important. I will review how this is easily done to make the post-operative period easier. Risks of the BBL are similar to the risks of liposuction reviewed above. One extra risk is understanding that the fat can “go away” or “absorb.” Most medical studies have found this to be a critical understanding of the operation. Up To 30% – 50% of the fat can gradually fade or go away. This is why it is critical to keep off the buttock during healing. I believe the best surgical techniques and gentlest handling of the fat are also critically important – to get the best retention of the fat. If the fat goes away, the buttock area typically isn’t as big as hoped for but a nice shape is usual kept. Most patients find the Brazilian Butt Lift to be a wonderfully successful procedure with excellent results. The parts of our bodies that are too fat are improved by precise and specific removal, and the buttock simultaneously gets more shapely, larger, and round. Some people have described it as “having your cake and eating it too!” Call 302.652.3331 to call our Wilmington/Newark office in Delaware or call 610.459.1559 for our Chadds Ford office in Pennsylvania to schedule a consultation today!

  Link: Brazilian Butt Lift

• Liposuction

  Liposuction in Wilmington, DE & Chadds Ford, PA What is Liposuction? A doctor drawing liposuction guidelines on a womans abdomen Liposuction, also known as lipo-sculpting or lipo-contouring, is the most commonly performed cosmetic operation in America. Liposuction removes excess and unwanted fat from defined areas. The areas commonly treated are the neck, stomach, legs, love handles and thighs. Dr. Saunders believes the best results are obtained with liposculpture for his cosmetic surgery patients. This involves tumescent liposuction where a medicated fluid is injected into the areas having plastic surgery and liposuction. Dr. Saunders educates his patients on the different techniques of liposuction, explaining that different techniques are designed to aid the surgeon with the smooth removal of fat. Scientific research has not shown one technique to be superior over another. Studies have shown excellent cosmetic results with the great majority of techniques. Am I a Candidate for Liposuction? The best candidate for liposuction is a physically healthy individual with excess or unwanted fat, who has a clear understanding of the “real reality” of liposuction. Understanding that liposuction does have limitations and realistic expectations are one of the most important aspects of understanding the procedure. Dr. Saunders stresses to his patients that an important concept is what liposuction does not do. It does not tighten loose skin or muscles. The “real-reality” is liposuction that makes you “a smaller version of you.” If your stomach jiggles, it will still jiggle after liposuction. If you have stretch marks, you will have stretch marks after liposuction, if you have loose muscles, you will have loose muscles after liposuction.” Dr. Saunders evaluates each patient on an individual basis and may recommend another procedure such as skin removal or muscle tightening to go along with liposuction. These procedures may combine for a better result and a more sculpted appearance. Dr. Saunders performs this surgery in his state of the art cosmetic surgery center. What is the Recovery from Liposuction? Recovery from liposuction includes one to three days of slight pain and discomfort. Bruising and swelling will resolve over one to two weeks. A pressure garment is worn for up to a month. Dr. Saunders is the author of ‘A Woman’s Guide to the “Real-Reality” of Cosmetic Surgery’ a must-read for anyone considering cosmetic surgery. Schedule a Consultation Today! Call 302.652.3331 to call our Wilmington/Newark office in Delaware or call 610.459.1559 for our Chadds Ford office in Pennsylvania to schedule a consultation today!

  Link: Liposuction

• Mommy Makeover

  Mommy Makeover Procedure in Wilmington and Newark, Delaware The Mommy Makeover is an operation that can be absolutely fantastic, by enhancing and improving a woman’s breasts and stomach area. The procedure involves work on both the breasts and stomach during the same surgical operation. By doing them at one time the results can be even more dramatic and successful, with many women having amazing success. The Mommy Makeover is typically a breast augmentation or breast lift combined with a tummy tuck and/or liposuction. The woman choosing this procedure has often had children, hence the name “mommy” in the title. Other patients might do this procedure if they have had aging of the breasts, weight loss, and other operations on the body. By combining the results of breast surgery and stomach surgery, the overall effect and results can be even more dramatic. This is because as the breasts become fuller and perkier, the stomach area is simultaneously getting more flat and thin. Mommy Makeover Procedures | Wilmington DE | Chadds Ford PA | Newark DEThe Mommy Makeover results depend on the exact operation that is done and can vary from woman to woman. Breast augmentation or enlargement can give different results than breast lift surgery. This is an important topic reviewed more in depth here. Either operation combined with a flat and thin stomach looks great together. The tummy tuck or abdominoplasty part of the Mommy Makeover tends to be the harder procedure to heal from because of the muscle tightening preformed. Dr. Saunders uses a “Pain-Buster” to help with this recovery. In his opinion it has revolutionized the recovery, by making it less painful and easier. The Pain-Buster is a device that trickles lidocaine into the muscle area of the tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). This machine has had fantastic results with decreased pain. It is the greatest advance in this operation in the last decade. The days of hospitals and morphine products are a thing of the past. Dr. Saunders does extra muscle tightening which he calls the “California Corset”. He trained for almost ten years at the renowned University of California, hence the name “California Corset”. He tightens the muscles from the rib cage to the pubis bone twice. This reinforces the repair and gives a more tight and attractive result to the operation. The Mommy Makeover costs will vary from person to person depending on their particular procedure. For more information, please make sure you read more about Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Tummy Tuck, and Liposuction. Please view the Mommy Makeover gallery to view real patient results by Dr. Saunders. Dr. Saunders performs this surgery in his state of the art cosmetic surgery center located in Chadds Ford, PA. Dr. Saunders is the author of ‘The Tricky Fountain of Youth: Understanding Cosmetic Surgery’ and ‘A Woman’s Guide to the “Real-Reality” of Cosmetic Surgery’. In his books, Dr. Saunders sorts through a myriad of plastic surgery information in an easy to read and informative manner. Dr. Saunders presents cosmetic surgery topics that focus on realistic options, realistic recovery, and realistic results. Both are a must read if you are considering cosmetic surgery. Call 302.652.3331 to call our Wilmington/Newark office in Delaware or call 610.459.1559 for our Chadds Ford office in Pennsylvania to schedule a consultation today!

  Link: Mommy Makeover

• Thigh Lift

  Thigh Lift Procedure Procedure in Wilmington and Newark, Delaware What is a Thigh Lift?Studio shot of a woman measuring her thigh against a grey background A thigh lift or thigh tuck is an operation performed to enhance and improve the thigh area. The goal of the operation is to improve excess skin, fat, saddlebags, and overall laxity of the thigh area. Who is a Candidate for a Thigh Tuck? The best candidates are those who have loose and excess tissue, fat, and skin in these areas. Classically, weight loss pregnancy, and post-bariatric surgery lead to the need for a thigh lift or thigh tuck. Overall general health is important when considering body contouring surgery. What Procedures are Combined with a Thigh Lift? Liposuction The procedure is often combined with liposuction to maximize the body contouring. Different thigh lifts can be done depending on the person’s anatomy, and needs. The incisions are in the groin crease or down the inside of the leg when there is lots of excess skin. Buttock Lift The thigh lift can also be combined with a flank and buttock lift and is called a Lower Body Lift. This procedure can really rejuvenate the lower aspect of the body for dramatic changes. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) The operation can also be combined with a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty and is called a Total Body Lift. Consultations and thorough understanding of these operations are extremely important for those interested. Why Choose Dr. Saunders for Your Thigh Lift Dr. Saunders uses the latest techniques in his opinion to sculpt the area and provide long-lasting body contouring results. Post-bariatric plastic surgery is one of Dr. Saunders’s interests. He is a member of The Hurwitz Center and the director of the Philadelphia section. Members of The Hurwitz Center specialize in post-bariatric surgery and have a special understanding of the needs of patients after massive weight loss and bariatric surgery. Schedule a Consultation Call 302.652.3331 to call our Wilmington/Newark office in Delaware or call 610.459.1559 for our Chadds Ford office in Pennsylvania to schedule a consultation today!

  Link: Thigh Lift

• Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

  Tummy Tuck Procedure (Abdominoplasty) in Wilmington and Newark, Delaware A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a wonderfully successful operation that removes excess and unwanted skin and fat from the abdominal or trunk area. The “mini” procedures are smaller versions of the bigger cosmetic operations designed to improve the same area. These operations can give results that can transform a patient’s body giving a sculpted, thinner, and more attractive appearance. It can put a woman back into a bikini that she only dreamed about wearing. This procedure review will focus on 6 topics: The “Pain-Buster” – A wonderful method for less pain The “California Corset” – An extra tight muscle repair A patient’s surgical options How the operations are medically done Abdominoplasty recovery Risks In addition to the following procedure information, I recommend that you go to my educational writings in the menu. Under the tummy tuck section, you will find additional information that is detailed, informative, and covers other exciting and interesting topics about this phenomenal operation. Before we proceed, tummy tuck cosmetic operations are done for many reasons. One of the main reasons is loose, hanging, and excess skin in the stomach area. This develops usually because of pregnancies, aging, weight loss and gain, and other operations. It is really just a normal part of having babies and getting older. The skin gets loose and can develop stretch marks, leading to poor shape and contour of the abdomen. People also have extra fat in this area which contributes to the bigger stomach. Patients will call it their pouch, tire, ledge, roll, and other descriptive terms to point out their bigger stomach. Finally, muscles are weakened as we have children and age, and this contributes to the poor appearance. Tummy tucks and mini tummy tucks are the main operations to fix these problems. Liposuction is almost always part of the solution – to help sculpture and shape the area to give a more youthful and flat stomach. 1- The “Pain-Buster” I want to describe the “Pain-Buster.” It is a machine that has, in my opinion, revolutionized the recovery after this operation, by dramatically decreasing pain. This fantastic little machine is worn around the waist in a small fanny pack. It trickles in a safe local anesthetic called lidocaine. This is the medicine used by the dentist to numb your gums. It is completely safe and effective. The “Pain-Buster” delivers the numbing medicine to the muscle area, which is where it is most needed. It is frequently so effective that the patients describe a much easier and less painful recovery than they ever imagined. In my opinion, it has revolutionized the recovery, and many of my patients will attest to the dramatically easier recovery given by the “Pain-Buster.” You can read more about this by linking now. 2- The “California Corset” – An extra tight muscle repair Repairing weak or separated muscles is an important part of a tummy tuck procedure. These muscles are often separated or weakened from having babies or other procedures. The repair leads to a flatter and thinner stomach area. I repair the muscles in two layers, which I call the “California Corset.” I trained in cosmetic surgery in California, which is why I call it this name. I repair the muscle by going from the pubic bone to the rib cage (the entire length) in two different layers. This “imbrication” leads to a much stronger and better repair, in my opinion. I have had wonderful and excellent results using this extra tight repair. You can read more on this topic by linking to “California Corset” now. 3- What are My Options? Most people have three options. These are a classic (or full) tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck, and liposuction. It is important to understand that I perform liposuction with all 3 surgical options. Liposuction is often a big part of the classic and mini tuck procedures, and it is extremely important to help get the best results. When liposuction is done “without” a tummy tuck, no skin removal is done, and no muscle tightening is performed. In this case, if the skin is loose and has lost elasticity, than results can be suboptimal because the loose skin is left behind. A critical concept is that liposuction by itself will not get rid of excess and unwanted loose skin. Liposuction is best for patients with overall good skin tone and elasticity – so results will be best. If loose skin is part of your problem, a tummy tuck or mini procedure is usually best. This will be reviewed specifically with you during my consultation, following the examination and discussion of your desires and goals. 4- How are the Operations Done? A classic or full abdominoplasty has three main parts or components. The first is the incision which is used to remove the extra and unwanted skin and fat. The second is liposuction and liposculpturing. The third is the muscle repair.

  Link: Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

• Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin : Neuromodulators

  Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin : Neuromodulators Botox and Dysport are brand names for medicine used to treat facial wrinkles. These treatments have become integral parts of overall facial rejuvenation. They dramatically diminish wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, and glabellar area. The safety and success rates are extremely high. FDA studies and medical reviews have documented over multiple decades the wonderful value and safety of these treatments to help us look younger and healthier. Click here to see a patient getting Botox. These medicines are called neuromodulators. This is the medical word for how the chemical works to improve wrinkles. The medicine works at the neuro-muscular end plate. This is the junction of the nerve and the muscle. This synaptic area is where Botox works. It blocks the stimulation, and the muscle relaxes and improves the wrinkle. The original work for Botox was for a condition called blepharospasm. It was found that the medicine helped the spasms and also improved wrinkles. Decades later, Botox has become one of the biggest treatments to rejuvenate our face. The American Society of Plastic Surgery reported 7.4 million treatments in 2018. Cost The average treatment across the county is $400. This price varies depending on how many areas you want treated. One area alone, like the crows feet, will be the least expensive. Treating many areas like the forehead, crows feet, and glabellar area requires much more product and will increase expense. My office runs regular specials to help you get the best treatments possible. Follow my web page Chrissaundersmd.com and make sure we have your email so you can find out the best prices. Where can I use Botox? Locations to be treated are discussed in detail during a consultation. The glabellar area is the area between the eyebrows. It often has up and down winkles that look like the number 11. The muscles called the procerus and the corrugator are the muscles that lead to these glabellar wrinkles. The crows feet are wrinkles that extend from the eyes. These wrinkles are do to contractions of the obicularis oculi, and they are worse with squinting and smiling. The forehead wrinkles go horizontally or side to side. They are caused by the frontalis muscle that elevates the brow and forehead. Finally, bunny lines and lines of the lip can be treated. Bunny lines are on the side of the nose and are related to the nasalis muscles. Lip wrinkles can be called smokers lines. They are from the obicularis oris muscle. What is involved in treatment? Treatment is done on a med spa table. It takes about 15 minutes. Sometimes local numbing ointment is used to diminish any pain. The process involves a few tiny needle pricks to administer the Botox,Dysport, or other neuromodulator. Light pressure is held at the injection site to minimize bleeding. Pain goes away almost immediately after the treatment is done. Most people can have a normal evening the night of the injection. Expectations and recover You are not supposed to rub the treated area for the first night. This can cause spread of the Botox to locations we don’t want. This is actually very rare, so don’t worry about this; but it’s important to follow instructions to maximize safety and results. You can start exercising in 4 hours, although most people resume activity the next day. It takes 3-5 days for the medicine to kick in. Sometimes it can take a week. By kick in, it means to gradually increase to maximal potency or effect. The treatment lasts 2-4 months, although 3 months is the average length of time seen for most people. Results Results and success are extremely high. Satisfaction rates are typically higher than 95% in most studies. However, it is important to remember that neuromodulators like Botox improve wrinkles; they don’t get rid of them. This is called having realistic expectations. Also, these treatments like most of plastic surgery are an art. My office and I will work closely with you to determine the best dosages and locations. For example, some people may metabolize the product quickly, and they will need more medicine on their next visit. Others might not like the forehead movement or eyebrow movement. If this is the case, it is reviewed and the medicine can be adjusted on the next treatments by moving it up or down slightly. It is important to be actively involved in the treatment. You should know how much medicine and exactly where it is injected. This allows us to change it or modify the next treatment to give you a better result. Risks Risks are actually extremely low and are reviewed with you in detail. It is not uncommon to have some minor bruising and swelling. Ice application for 72 hours can help with this. Make-up is allowed to help cover any blemishes from the injections. Some patients will get a headache too. Motrin or Tylenol are useful for this type of headache. It resolves quickly.

  Link: Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin : Neuromodulators

• Dermal Fillers

  Dermal Fillers : Restylane, Juvederm, Sculptra, and Others Dermal fillers are a cornerstone of facial rejuvenation. They are used to decrease and minimize wrinkles and folds on the face. They are also used to enhance, enlarge, and rejuvenate lips and cheeks. This educational writing will help you understand and learn the essential features and the important facts about dermal fillers. At Rejuvenate Med Spa we use almost all commercially available fillers from shorter lasting ones to longer lasting fillers. According to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 2.5 million people received dermal fillers in 2018. It is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the cosmetic surgery world. The safety and success of these products are without question. This includes an extremely high level of safety and a long track record of proven results. The most common uses for these products are to improve wrinkles around the mouth, face, and nose. The nasolabial fold is the wrinkle that runs from the edge of your nose to the mouth. As we get older, this fold gets deeper; and fillers are excellent to help improve and lessen this fold. Other wrinkles improved and treated are crows feet, glabellar lines, and wrinkles around the lips, such as smoker lines. Fillers are also used to enlarge and beautify the lips and the cheeks. What are fillers? The most common product is hyaluronic acid. This chemical is a basic building block of the skin. Think of it like a modern day collagen. It is totally natural and is part of the essential chemicals of our skin. I often describe fillers as being like high-tech human spackle or putty. Putty is used to fill in cracks in your home’s walls or ceiling. Human fillers are used to improve the cracks or wrinkles that we get in our skin. Cost The products in general are sold by the cc or ml. The national average for hyaluronic acid fillers is $700 per syringe. In our office, we frequently have specials that can get the price down significantly lower. If you need more than one syringe, the price of the second and third syringes is discounted. Please make sure you are on our email list. This way you will receive the best price and lowest cost. What’s involved in treatment? Once you have decided on the locations you wish treated, the procedure is performed you an injection specialist. It is an office based treatment. Some people will have local numbing ointment applied before the treatment to minimize pain. Almost all the products or fillers are mixed with lidocaine. This is a local anesthetic. It really helps diminish pain for the injections. The treatment takes about 15 minutes. Expectations and recovery It is common after fillers to have some minor bruising and swelling. This in minimal for most patients doing the fillers. People can resume normal activity, work, and showers the next day. Some people will get unlucky and have more than a little bruising. A tiny percentage will get a lot of bruising. Ice application for up to 72 hours can decrease bruising. You can not ice the area too much. If you get extra bruising, the good news is that it doesn’t effect the result. The bruising will resolve, and you can expect to have normal results. Recovery is usually complete after several days, but some will need longer to resolve the swelling. Results Results from filler treatment tend to be excellent for most. Satisfaction is usually good to excellent. The results can last up to a year and longer with some products. The most common hyaluronic acid fillers Restylane and Juvederm last about 7-12 months. It is commonly marketed as lasting a year, but it can be metabolized quicker and go away faster. Sculptra can last years. It is a filler that requires multiple doses however. Typically this is 3-4 times spaced a month or two apart. Risks Risks will be reviewed with you in detail during your consultation. Risks include (but are not limited to) bruising, swelling, lumpy application, infection, and rare allergic reactions. In my practice, I have found these risks to be really low. The biggest risk is having realistic expectation. Fillers don’t get rid of jowls or bags. They don’t help with turkey neck or loose skin. These conditions are treated with surgery, such as a facelift, blepharoplasty, or eye tuck. Understanding realistic expectations is critical. These products tend to improve wrinkles not get rid of them. If you don’t get enough benefit, the answer is often that you didn’t use enough and you need to buy another syringe. If it doesn’t last long enough, more product is again the answer typically. I believe the main risks center around having realistic expectations about results. It is essential to understand that the treatment improves problems or wrinkles. It does not completely get rid of the them. Please come in for a consultation. It is thorough and complete.

  Link: Dermal Fillers

• Microneedling

  Microneedling activates the bodies cellular healing process to stimulate collagen, elastin, and skin rejuvenation. It is also called collagen induction therapy. Microneedling is done to help you get more youthful and healthy skin. The procedure is surprisingly easy and with a quick recovery time. It is one of the most popular med spa treatments with extremely high success rates. Microneedling helps with the following conditions and helps benefits the skin in many ways. Facial aging Weathered skin Fine wrinkles Pores Scars Blemishes Sun damage Pigmentation problems Skin texture and tone Overall skin health Microneedling The actual process involves the use of a very precise and refined machine to delivery tiny little needle sticks to the skin. It sounds scary, but it’s actually very easy. The depth of the needle penetration is precisely adjusted to give the best benefit and the recovery desired. Some areas will have more shallow penetration, such as the crows feet area, and other areas will have more deep penetration. The precise nature of the machine allows for the penetration to be adjusted to extremely small differences that are less than a millimeter! To view microneedling being done to an actual patient, please click here. The patient happens to be ME – Dr. Saunders! At Rejuvenate Med Spa, the aesthetician or I will consult with you in detail to determine your specific goals and desires. The consultation is thorough and complete. It reviews the treatment itself, but also it reviews the specifics of the recovery, healing, risks, and results. It is important to remember that the best facial rejuvenation comes from a comprehensive skin care treatment program. This means that a single method, such as microneedling, will not work as well as a combination of different med spa treatments. Combinations of different treatments lead to a synergistic benefit that will be of much greater value and more rejuvenation. A comprehensive program will incorporate methods such as chemical peels, microneedling, and lasers to give a benefit not possible with a single treatment method alone. How does it work? The other name for microneedling is collagen induction therapy. The name derives from the fact that the needle causes microscopic injury to the skin in a controlled and precise method. The skin then starts healing. This healing process leads to collagen stimulation and elastin formation and deposition. It also removes the outer layer of the skin in a form of exfoliation to help with the rejuvenation. An interesting medical fact is that it is the actual injury to the skin that leads to the healing and the benefits. The healing of the skin causes the growth of immune cells and inflammatory cells that produce the collagen and elastin found in higher concentrations in younger skin. It was this discovery that healed skin, after an injury, was actually more youthful looking than normal skin that stimulated many medical advances. This concept led to most of the med spa treatment methods available to give you facial rejuvenation. How is it done and what is involved? The procedure is done in the med spa when you are comfortable and lying down. It takes about an hour depending on the areas treated. Numbing ointment is used to give the treatment less discomfort. Overall, there is minimal pain, and most people will be very surprised at how easy it is to have done. There is some temporary bleeding that is very minimal. This stops long before you are finished and leaving the office. How is recovery? After the treatment, you leave the office with skin that is slightly red, like a minor sunburn. There is no significant pain after the treatment is finished. The only discomfort is during the process. The redness gradually fades over 3-7 days. Some patients might have some minor peeling as well. The aesthetician will give you thorough and specific recovery instructions. It is important to follow these post procedure instructions closely. You will be given excellent healing ointments and creams to help you during your recovery. Are there risks? All procedures have risks, but microneedling has extremely low risks. Complications are exceedingly rare, and people can start with microneedling knowing that it has a high track rate of success and safety. However, microneedling and other med spa treatments do not help with jowls, bags, turkey neck, or loose skin. These are best treated with cosmetic surgery such as an eyelid lift, facelift, or blepharoplasty. It is important to have realistic expectations about the benefits. Someone can be disappointed if they are expecting more benefit than this treatment delivers. Realistic expectations are of paramount importance. How are the results? I have personally had microneedling many times and have been extremely happy. I found my skin to be healthier, younger, more refreshed, and soft.

  Link: Microneedling

• Lasers

  Lasers rejuvenate the facial skin through a process called selective photo thermal lysis. The light energy stimulates deeper targets or chromophores in the skin to achieve the benefits of rejuvenation, beautification, or hair removal. There are many different types of lasers, and they are an integral part of a comprehensive skin care program. Some of the benefits of laser treatments for the face and skin are listed below. Facial rejuvenation Skin tightening Hair removal Blood vessels Rosacea Brown spots and age spots Weathered skin Fine wrinkles Enhanced texture and tone Healthy skin The actual process of laser treatments can vary with the specific laser used. My office and aesthetician will help you with the best laser for your needs. The laser is an extremely high tech and precise machine that allows for specific light energy to be safely delivered to the skin. Wavelengths can be adjusted to target red vessels, brown spots, hair, or the water in the skin. Some lasers called IPL lasers cover a broad range of wavelengths to target multiple things at once to give broader benefits. To see an actual patient getting an IPL laser treatment, please link to the educational video now. The patient is ME – Dr. Saunders! At Rejuvenate Med Spa my nurse, aesthetician, or I will consult with you in detail to determine your specific goals and what laser program will benefit you the most. The consultation is thorough and complete. It will review the treatments, recovery, risks, results, and benefits. As I have emphasized in other educational writings, the best facial rejuvenation comes from a comprehensive skin care program. It is important to understand that the best results will not come just from laser treatments but from a combination of lasers and other skin care treatments. The different treatment modalities work synergistically to give enhanced results over an one single method. In addition, better results come from doing a series of treatments versus a single laser treatment. The series leads to more active stimulation of collagen and elastin formation and better rejuvenation. Laser hair removal also requires a series of laser treatments to get the best results. How does it work? By targeting specific anatomic parts of the skin, the laser can selectively deliver light energy to achieve the desired goals. The target is called a chromophore in the physics language of lasers. If the target is a red blood vessel, the laser can deliver precise energy to cause removal of the vein and to not injure the surrounding skin. Brown spots can be selectively targeted as well. Other targets or chromophores can be used to achiever rejuvenation and enhancement of facial tone, texture, and health. The light energy is adjusted by changing the wavelength, frequency, and joules to give the specific results needed to maximize goals. How is it done, and what is involved? The treatments are done in the med spa. The entire visit and process will take about an hour. Most people can expect some discomfort that is minimal. I have personally had many laser treatments and found the process relatively easy. There are some laser zaps that can be likened to a rubber band snapping on the skin. The pain goes away quickly after the treatment and fortunately doesn’t linger. Ointments are applied to the skin to help with any discomfort you might have from the treatment. How is recovery? The skin can be slightly red or brown after the treatment. You will be given specific and exact instructions to follow at home. It is important to follow these post procedure or after care instructions closely. You will be given healing ointments and creams to help with your recovery. Most patients have completely healed in 3-5 days, although some may take a week. Are there risks? All med spa treatments have risks, but the laser risks are overall very low. Complications are very rare, and patients can start with their program having confidence in the low rate of problems. It is also important to review that lasers do not significantly help with jowls, bags, turkey neck, or excess skin. These are best treated with a facelift, neck lift, or eyelid tuck or blepharoplasty. If these facial aging problems are what you desire improved, then it is important to discuss this with us in detail. Cosmetic surgery may be a better choice for you. It is important to have realistic expectations about what lasers and other med spa treatments can do for you. How are the results? Laser treatments can give outstanding and excellent results for many people. Many patients will find that they have much softer, healthier, and rejuvenated skin. Significant improvement in weathered skin, age spots, brown spots, and the texture and tone of the skin is common. As I have emphasized above and in other educational writings, the best results come from a comprehensive skin care treatment program.

  Link: Lasers

• Chemical Peels

  Chemical peels are cosmetic facial treatments designed to rejuvenate and enhance the facial skin. There are actually many different types of peels, and they are tailored and adjusted by the aesthetician or doctor to work best for your face and your goals. Chemical peels are one of the essential and best med spa treatments available to give you more youthful and healthy skin. The purpose of the peels is to improve the following conditions and includes many other benefits. Facial skin aging Weathered skin Sun, brown, or age spots Pigmentation Problems Melasma Fine Wrinkles Acne Scars Pores Skin Texture and Tone Skin Health The actual chemical used can differ depending on your desires and treatment goals. The treatment is customized for your face and skin to maximize the results and benefits. More superficial peels can be used to have a quicker recovery. Moderate and deeper peels will take longer to heal, but they can give more rejuvenation, younger skin, and improved results than compared to the more superficial ones. Often the chemicals used are actual medical grade acids. This is where the name acid peel is derived. Trichloracetic acid or TCA is the most common chemical used and is often considered the active ingredient. At Rejuvenate Med Spa and my office, the aesthetician, nurse, or I will initially consult with you to help us learn about your goals and your desires for treatment. We will give you extensive education on the process and the recovery. Most chemical peels should be part of a comprehensive skin care treatment program. The best facial rejuvenation will come from the synergistic benefits of other med spa treatments. It is important to understand that with a combination of treatment modalities, you can get facial rejuvenation not achieved by any one method alone. The combination of different treatments leads to more collagen and elastin deposition with better results. Other med spa treatments include microneedling and laser application. By working closely with you, we can help you achieve the new and younger look to your facial skin that you are seeking. How do chemical peels work? Chemical peels work through the process of coagulation to specifically and precisely remove the outer layers of the skin. They also activate the healing process to give collagen production and increased elastic tissue. Skin quality can be improved, thickened, and rejuvenated. Depending on the depth of the peel, the benefit will vary. Superficial treatments are easier to recover from but will have less benefit and collagen production. As I have emphasized, moderate depth and deeper peels will give more of the desired benefits, because the chemical penetrates deeper and is more effective. Recovery will be longer however. Often it is best and wise to start with more superficial or moderate depth peels to get comfortable with the healing and recovery process. How is the peel done, and what is involved? The procedure is performed in the office by a highly skilled and licensed aesthetician or skin care nurse. Sometimes I will perform a peel if it is being simultaneously done during other surgery, such as a facelift or neck lift. The patient will lie down on a med spa bed, and the face is cleansed and prepared. The application of the peel is precise and meticulous, and it surprisingly doesn’t take that much time. The pain is minimal to most patients. You will be given extensive after care or post procedure instructions. It is important to follow these instructions closely. How is recovery? Recovery varies depending on the peel. Superficial peels might have very little skin peeling, and your return to work and normal activity is almost immediate or very quick. Moderate depth and deeper peels tend to have significant skin peeling. It is minimally painful. It is typical to have some minor swelling and redness. The skin is tight and has a slightly different color for several days. The peeling then occurs over another 2-3 days. Most people are healed and finished by 5-7 days. Shorter recovery periods will be seen from more superficial treatments. This is important to discuss with the aesthetician, so you get the best peel for your needs and recovery time. You will be given excellent home care products to aid with cleansing and moisturizing. Are there risks? All treatments have risks. Peels in general are extremely safe! Deeper peels have more risks than superficial treatments. Risks are reviewed in detail with you during your consultation, and all questions are answered. It is important to have realistic goals and realistic expectations about these treatments. They do not give the benefits that are seen with cosmetic surgery such as a face lift, eye tuck, or a blepharoplasty. Peels don’t help with jowls, turkey necks, bags, or excess skin. If these are your goals, then you should review this with the nurse, aesthetician, or with me.

  Link: Chemical Peels