About Facelifts and Necklifts in Ft Myers FL

Considering a facelift in Ft Myers FL? Contact Audrey Farahmand, female board certified plastic surgeon. As we age, several processes occur. The deeper facial tissue descends causing jowls around the mouth and deep folds around the mouth. Also, the skin loses its elasticity producing wrinkles and loose skin around the neck. The facelift procedure addresses both of these problems. Older methods of facelifting produced a “tight” or “pulled” look. Now, newer methods of facelifting avoid the “tight” or “pulled” look by lifting the deeper membrane of the muscle and repositioning it to a more youthful position. This takes tension off of the skin and produces a far more natural looking result and a more long lasting result. During the procedure, incisions usually begin at the temples hidden behind the hairline, extend in a natural line just inside the cartilage at the front of the ear, and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. If the neck needs work, a small incision may also be made under the chin. In general, skin is separated from the fat and muscle below. Fat may be trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve the contour. The underlying muscle and membrane is tightened. The skin is pulled back and excess skin is removed. The neck is also lifted in this process so that the face and neck are rejuvenated as one unit to, again, produce a natural appearing result. Stitches secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions. Swelling and bruising after the procedure is normal. Most patients are back to work ten days to two weeks after surgery.
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About the Browlift in Ft Myers FL

Considering a browlift or forehead lift in Ft Myers FL? Contact Audrey Farahmand, female board certified plastic surgeon. A browlift or forehead lift is a procedure designed to restore a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance to the eye and forehead area. It corrects the angry, sad, or tired appearance of the eye area with aging. It also corrects the deep wrinkles of the forehead between the eyes. It is often performed in combination with blepharoplasty (eyelid rejuvenation) or facelift procedures. During this procedure, an incision is made just behind the hairline, excess forehead skin is removed, and the muscles that produce the deep wrinkles are released. Patients are usually back to work after a week or ten days. Because the eye area is the main area of the face others look at during conversation, the browlift is a powerful method of restoring a youthful and relaxed appearance.
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About Ear Surgery in Ft Myers FL

Considering ear surgery in Ft Myers FL? Contact Audrey Farahmand, female board certified plastic surgeon.This is also known as Otoplasty or Ear pinning. It is performed to correct prominent ears usually in childhood but also in adults. Ears are fully grown by four years of age. Surgery is performed soon after this age to prevent the teasing and ridicule the child may endure at school. The surgery involves creating an incision behind the ear, lifting the skin off the cartilage, and placing permanent sutures to reshape the cartilage and to hold the ears closer to the head. The incision is closed and the patient will be able to be back to school or work in one week.
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About Eyelid Surgery in Ft Myers FL

Considering blepharoplasty in Ft Myers FL? Contact Audrey Farahmand, female board certified plastic surgeon.Eyelid surgery is also known as blepharoplasty. It corrects drooping upper eyelids and the puffy bags under they eyes. It also smoothes the fine lines of the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery does not correct crows feet. It a typical procedure, incisions are made following the natural lines of your eyelids; in the creases of your upper lids, and just below the lashes in the lower lids. Working through these incisions, the skin is separated from underlying fatty tissue and muscle, excess fat is removed, and sagging skin and muscle is removed. The incisions are then closed with very fine sutures.

If you have a pocket of fat beneath your lower eyelids but don’t need to have any skin removed, a transconjunctival blepharoplasty may be performed. In this procedure the incision is made inside your lower eyelid, leaving no visible scar. It is usually performed on younger patients with thicker, more elastic skin.Most patients are back to work after a week to ten days following eyelid surgery.
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About Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. It can reduce or increase the size of our nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. It may also correct a birth defect or injury, or help relieve some breathing problems. Depending on the area targeted to improve, the surgery involves making incisions inside the nostrils and across the columella (the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils), separating the skin from the underlying cartilage and bone, reshaping or trimming excess cartilage, and reshaping the bones. The skin is then redraped and the incisions are closed with sutures. A splint is placed and patients are back to work after a week or so.
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About BOTOX® Injections in Ft Myers FL

Considering botox in Ft Myers FL? Contact Audrey Farahmand, female board certified plastic surgeon. Clostridium Botulinum type A exotoxin is one of the most effective and exciting treatments for wrinkles. BOTOX® is safe for weakening the muscles the produce the deep forehead furrows and crowsfeet. The effect is a more relaxed and refreshed appearance. It is injected in the office. Results are visible in three days and last for three months. This is a good alternative to a browlift for patients who do not wish to undergo surgery. Please visit the following website for more information:
www.botoxcosmetic.com.
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About Chemical Peels in Ft Myers FL

Considering a chemical peel in Ft Myers FL? Contact Audrey Farahmand, female board certified plastic surgeon.Chemical peeling uses a chemical solution to improve the appearance of the skin by diminishing wrinkles and reducing hyperpigmentation (brown spots). It works by removing the outer layers of damaged skin. New skin forms in seven to ten days and makeup may be applied to conceal the pink new skin. Once the pinkness fades, the skin is softer, smoother, more evenly toned, and has fewer wrinkles. Patients are back at work by two weeks.
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About Dermabrasion in Ft Myers FL

Considering a dermabrasion in Ft Myers FL? Contact Audrey Farahmand, female board certified plastic surgeon.Dermabrasion helps to “refinish” the skin’s top layers through a method of controlled surgical scraping. The treatments soften the sharp edges of surface irregularities, giving the skin a smoother appearance. It is often used to improve the fine lines around the mouth or acne scarring. New skin forms in seven to ten days and is smoother in texture. Patients are back to work in two weeks.
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About Restylane®

Restylane® is a hyaluronic acid dermal filler used to correct fine lines and folds such as lines around the mouth and nasolabial folds. It is also used for lip augmentation (producing fuller, smoother lips). It is injected in the office. Patients are back to work the following day. The results typically last four months. Please visit the following website for more information: www.restylaneusa.com.

Rhinoplasty – Home Care Instructions

• Rest in bed as much as possible for the first 24 hours; however, walk four times a day in your home during this first 24 hours. Sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows or in a reclining chair for 1 week to help reduce swelling.
• Apply cold compresses to eyes for the first 48 hours
• Nasal packing, which was placed during surgery will be removed by Dr. Farahmand 1-3 days later at a follow-up appointment. Drip-pad may be changed as needed.
• Breathe through mouth
• Do not blow nose for 1-2 weeks, sniff back
• Discoloration around the eyes is to be expected and will begin to disappear in a few days, gradually subsiding over the next 2-3 weeks.
• Take a sponge bath until cast is removed.
• Do not drive for 1 week.
• Do not bend over or do any strenuous exercise for 10 days.
• Report any fever, chills, and adverse reactions to medications or unusual symptoms immediately to Dr. Farahmand. If you have any questions or problems, please don’t hesitate to call our office: 239-332-2388.
• Do not take any aspirin products, ibuprofen or vitamin E until approved by Dr. Farahmand. Medications for pain relief and antibiotics with directions will be given to you. Take all medications as prescribed, pain medications should be taken with food.

Face Lift – Home Care Instructions

• Rest in bed as much as possible for the first 24 hours. Sleep with your head elevated on 3-4 pillows or in a reclining chair to help reduce swelling for 5-6 days.
• Take only liquids (soup, jello, or ice cream) for the first 24 hours after surgery. Eat soft foods for the next 1-2 days. Your normal diet may be resumed after this, but avoid hard foods such as: bread crusts, nuts, tough meats, etc.
• Do not bend over or do any strenuous exercise for 10 days. Do not twist your neck from side to side. Do not wear make-up for the first week. Dr. Farahmand will instruct you as to when you can resume wearing make-up.
• A turban wrap bandage will be applied after surgery and will be changed by Dr. Farahmand in her office. Do not remove this dressing. If it should become wet or soiled call us immediately.
• Take a sponge bath until drains are removed.
• If drains are in place empty as necessary when full, record time and volume.
• Massage calf muscles and exercise ankles four times daily until normal activity resumes.
• Do not drive for 1 week. Do not use a hair dryer, hot curlers, or curling iron.
• Do not use ice. If your eyes have also been operated on, you may use cold compresses on your eyes.
• Report any fever or chills, any adverse reactions to medications or unusual symptoms immediately to Dr. Farahmand. If you have any questions or problems, please do not hesitate to call our office: 332-2388.
• Do not take any aspirin products, ibuprofen, or vitamin E until approved by Dr. Farahmand. Medications for pain relief and antibiotics with directions will be given to you. Take all medications as prescribed, pain medications should be taken with food.

Dermabrasion / Chemical Peeling – Home Care Instructions

You will be asking to apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the areas at least 3 times daily. Take the entire course of antibiotics and/or Zovirax. Call if:

• You have fever or chills
• You develop rash, small blisters, or the surrounding area becomes red
• Pain not relieved by the medications
• Severe pain not responding to medications or significantly more pain in one eye or the other
• Marked swelling or obviously more swelling on one eye than on the other eye
• Significant changes in vision, anything more than mild blurring

You can expect:

• Crusting and Itching – The crusting that occurs is expected. Do not remove any crusting because this may cause bleeding or scarring. This will gradually fall off over a seven to ten day period. Itching is a normal sign of healing, but if it is intolerable oral Benadryl may be used according to manufacturer’s instructions
• Red skin beneath the underlying skin is healthy but will have the appearance of red sunburned skin. Do not be alarmed. This color is normal and usually fades after a 2-12 week period
• Avoid sun exposure in the early postoperative period. Excessive sun exposure during this time could cause pigmentary changes. When the crusts are gone you will need to use a sunscreen daily for the first few months.
• Moderate swelling around eyes. If you experience dry eyes you may use over the counter artificial tears or ointments

Skin Care Regimen: This will begin the second postoperative day:

• Splash face with warm water
• Clean the entire treatment area with white vinegar and distilled water mixture (1-tablespoon vinegar to 1 pint of water). Expect area of crusting throughout the treatment area. Take care when cleaning the area not to disturb the crusts, as this can cause bleeding and scarring
• Apply thin amounts of Vaseline to the entire treatment area. The area will be moist to facilitate the healing.

Make up can be applied after all the crusting has resolved, usually 10-14 days. The most effective approach is the use of a green cover stick that can be complemented by a natural overlay. Please feel free to ask us questions. A moisturizer will be used after the crusts are gone. Stop the Vaseline and use a moisturizer. Limit lifting, pulling, or pushing for at least 7 days.

Post Op Recovery:
If you have any questions please feel free to call as we want you to be as comfortable as possible. Minimize sun exposure while there is any red or pink skin. If you must be outdoors, use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. It is recommended that you use a daily sunscreen to protect you while driving and daily activities.

Blepharoplasty – Home Care Instructions

• Rest in bed as much as possible for the first 24 hours. Sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows or in a reclining chair to help reduce swelling for 5-6 days.
• Cold compresses may be used to help swelling for the first 24 hours, ½ hour on and ½ hour off.
• Do not wash your eyes. Apply Bacitracin Opthalmic Ointment to sutures twice daily. Puralube inside eyes at bedtime to prevent dryness (until eyes are able to close completely).Celluvisc inside eyes during daytime to prevent dryness.
• Do not bend over or do any strenuous exercise for 2 weeks.
• You may want to wear dark glasses to protect your eyes from the wind and sun. Be sure that the nosepiece does not irritate your eyes.
• Do not drive for 1 week.
• Do not wear make-up for the first week. Dr. Farahmand will instruct you as to when you can resume wearing make-up.
• Report any fever or chills, any adverse reactions to medications or unusual symptoms immediately to Dr. Farahmand. If you have any questions or problems, please don’t hesitate to call our office: 332-2388.
• Do not take any aspirin products, ibuprofen, or vitamin E until approved by Dr. Farahmand. Medications for pain relief and antibiotics with directions will be given to you. Take all medications as prescribed, pain medications should be taken with food.

BOTOX® – Frequently Asked Questions

What is BOTOX® cosmetic?
BOTOX® has been used therapeutically for over 16 years to treat a variety of medical conditions. It is approved in more than 75 countries and remains the most-studied botulinum toxin and one of the most widely researched medicines in the world. The same formulation with dosing specific to glabellar lines was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 as BOTOX® Cosmetic.

What is it used for?
It is a purified protein administered in a simple, non-surgical procedure that temporarily improves the appearance of moderate to server frown lines between the brows in people ages 18 to 65. During treatment, very low doses of BOTOX® Cosmetic are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the muscles that cause those stubborn lines between the brows.

What causes frown lines between the brows?
The lines that appear between your brows actually result from muscle movement and the passage of time. Two muscles are largely responsible for frown lines between the brows. When those muscles contract they draw the brows together. As skin becomes less elastic over time, repeated frowning can result in those moderate to severe lines between the brows.

What are the common side effects?
The most common side effects following injection include temporary eyelid droop and nausea.

How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work?
Frown lines are caused by overactive facial muscles. BOTOX® Cosmetic is intramuscular, blocking the chemicals that cause facial muscles to contract, thereby relaxing them. BOTOX® Cosmetic is the only product of its kind that affects the muscles that cause moderate to severe frown lines.

Have patients been happy with their results?
A recent survey reported that most patients were satisfied with the results of their BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment, according to a survey conducted in 2005 by the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research foundation.

And, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), BOTOX® Cosmetic was the most popular physician-administered cosmetic procedure in the United States for the fourth year in a row (surgical and non-surgical combined). ASAPS estimates that almost 3.3 million treatments were performed in 2005 alone – that’s an increase of almost 16% from 2004.

How can I be sure I’m getting real BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Only licensed and trained healthcare professionals have the experience necessary to administer BOTOX® Cosmetic. Allergan, Inc., the maker of BOTOX® Cosmetic, is the only source for healthcare professionals to purchase the product, and each US FDA label has the Allergan hologram.

What is the treatment like?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a quick and minimally invasive procedure. Your doctor makes a few tiny injections into the muscles that cause moderate to severe frown lines between your brows.

Your doctor will determine exactly where to administer the injections to achieve the best results. No anesthesia is required, although he or she may choose to numb the area with a cold back or anesthetic cream prior to injecting.

The entire process takes approximately 10 minutes and there is no downtime afterward. Discomfort is minimal and brief. Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection.

How soon will I see a difference?
What kind of results can I expect?
You can expect to see results within days after your treatment. The appearance of the area between your brows may continue to improve for up to a week.

By day 30 in a clinical study, 89% of patients judged the severity of their frown lines between their brows as moderate or better.

Your own results may vary – be sure to talk to your doctor about what you can expect.

Visible results have been shown to last up to 4 months, and after that you may be reedy to return for a follow-up treatment.

How do I know if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for me?
If you are between the ages of 18 and 65, you may be a candidate for BOTOX® Cosmetic. But first, you must consult with your doctor to see if treatment may be right for you.

And it’s quite affordable. According to ASAPS, BOTOX® Cosmetic has a low entry-level cost in the Untied States.

And when you consider the difference it can make in the appearance of the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows, you may find BOTOX® Cosmetic to be a great way to invest in yourself.

How can I find out more about BOTOX® Cosmetic?
First, talk to you doctor to find out if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for you. I you still have questions; the most comprehensive source of information is available by visiting BotoxCosmetic.com. Here you can learn more about the procedure, see before-and-after photographs, and hear more stories about patients’ experiences with this treatment.

Reprinted from BotoxCosmetic.com

Radiesse® – Frequently Asked Questions

What is Radiesse®?
Radiesse® is a safe, FDA-approved dermal filler that restores a natural, youthful look and lasts longer than the former leading filler. This convenient treatment fills and corrects smile lines, Nasolabial Folds and wrinkles around the nose and mouth. RADIESSE® is made up of unique calcium-based microspheres suspended in a natural gel that is injected into the skin through a simple, safe and minimally invasive procedure.

How does Radiesse® Work?
RADIESSE® works with your body, below the skin’s surface. Tiny calcium-based microspheres form a “scaffold” to support and stimulate the growth of your own collagen. Over time, the calcium-based microspheres gradually break down and are safely and naturally absorbed by your body. RADIESSE® does more than just temporarily fill-in facial folds and wrinkles – it rebuilds your skin’s foundation and restores your youthful look, without the risks associated with a permanent implant.

How Soon Can I Expect Results?
How long will the Results Last?
The results are immediate. Radiesse typically lasts a year or more, longer than the former leading filler, saving you time and money. Since results may very, be sure to discuss your expectations with your doctor.

Is Radiesse® Safe?
Yes. Hundreds of thousands of patients have experienced Radiesse® and more than 4,000 physicians worldwide have been trained to provide Radiesse treatments. Through years of clinical studies and independent research, Radiesse has proven to be safe and effective. With Radiesse®, you get FDA-approved, safe, clinically tested reliability.

How is a Radiesse® Treatment Performed?
Radiesse® is injected into the skin through a simple, safe, convenient procedure. Typically administered in a doctor’s office, with the use of a local anesthetic, Radiesse® treatments have little to no downtime, with most patients returning to normal activities soon after treatment.

How many Treatments will I need?
Many patients will achieve their desired result after just one visit. Because Radiesse® is a longer-term cosmetic enhancement, and to ensure your satisfaction, your physician might schedule a follow-up visit, where a touch up treatment may be recommended.

Are there Side Effects?
Normal, injection-related reactions, such as mild irritation, swelling, itching, bruising, or tenderness at the injection site may occur. These conditions typically resolve on their own.

Is Radiesse® Permanent?
No. Treatment results are long-lasting, but not permanent. The calcium-based microspheres gradually break down and are safely and naturally absorbed by your body so you will have none of the risks associated with a permanent implant.

How much does it Cost?
Radiesse® treatments are customized for each patient so price varies. In general, the cost of Radiesse is comparable to similar procedures. And because Radiesse is long-lasting, you’ll also save money and time. Please consult your physician to discuss your Radiesse treatment plan.

Reprinted from Radiesse.