Eyelid surgery in Houston may not be the best choice for patients who don’t have the time or the desire to undergo surgery. As an alternative, I offer a simple, 30-minute procedure called OcuRx™ to reverse signs of aging and add volume to the cheeks and lower eyelids. This simple treatment uses the hyaluronic acid filler Restylane® to fill in the under-eye area and restore smooth, supple skin.

Who It’s For

OcuRx is specifically designed to improve the area between the lower eyelids and the apples of your cheeks. Individuals with hollowing under the eyes, dark circles or a deep ridge between the lower eyelid and the cheek can usually benefit from treatment. OcuRx will not improve the upper eyelids or remove excess fat in the lower lids.

How It’s Done

The OcuRx procedure is very straightforward. Most patients are given a local anesthetic, so they feel no discomfort during the session. A topical numbing ointment is applied to the lower eyelids, and Restylane is administered in the appropriate locations. The filler is sculpted and shaped to create an even transition from the under-eye to the cheek.

Results

After OcuRx, most people look instantly refreshed and their complexions look smoother. Under-eye hollowness is plumped up from within, creating a more youthful fullness. Dark circles are diminished, and fine lines are improved. Results typically last between 8 and 9 months.

In Houston, rhinoplasty is not only a cosmetic procedure but also a reconstructive surgery that is used to rebuild the nose after an injury. Reconstructive rhinoplasty can improve the shape and function of the nose, sometimes making it even better than before.

If you or someone you know has experienced an accident and is in need of reconstructive nose surgery, here’s what you need to know:

• Seeking early treatment is the best way to ensure that the nose heals properly. Typically, I recommend that my patients have their noses realigned within 3 weeks of the injury so the bones do not heal incorrectly.
• If the nose cannot be realigned within 3 weeks, then it must completely heal before it can be fixed. This may take several months.
• A nose specialist should be consulted within 7 days of the injury to check for septal hematoma, or blood collecting inside the tissues. Septal hematoma can cause thickening of the septal structures, which may cause obstructions in the nose.
• Avoid glasses or goggles after the accident. The extra weight on the nose can cause further injury.
• Apply ice to help minimize puffiness before seeing your doctor. Soft tissue swelling distorts the nose and makes it difficult to evaluate the injury.
• If the nasal bones are displaced or pushed to one side, seek immediate medical attention. Displacement often results in impaired breathing and may require septoplasty to reposition the nasal septum and restore air flow.

Have you ever thought about giving plastic surgery as a gift? It’s actually quite common. For example, in recent years, rhinoplasty in Houston has become a popular present for graduating teens. Likewise, many medical spa treatments have become common gifts for loved ones on Valentine’s Day.

While there’s certainly nothing wrong with giving plastic surgery as a gift, it’s important to consider whether the recipient is a good candidate for the procedure in mind. Just because an individual wants a particular procedure does not mean it’s appropriate. Therefore, consider the following questions when determining whether or not your loved one can benefit from plastic surgery:

• Is the person healthy, both physically and emotionally?
• Does the person have realistic expectations about the results?
• Does the person understand the medical risks and what to expect during recovery?
• Is the person a non-smoker?

If the answer to each of these questions is “yes,” then your friend or loved one may be right for cosmetic enhancement. However, a thorough discussion and evaluation with a qualified plastic surgeon is still necessary to determine if surgery is a good option.

As a dermatologist in Houston, I am constantly striving to stay abreast of the latest techniques and treatments in the field of cosmetic dermatology. One area that I have seen advance rapidly over the last several years is non-surgical body contouring. Thanks to newer treatment approaches and more sophisticated equipment, men and women can now remove excess fat and improve the look of cellulite safely, without surgery. Some of the procedures I offer for this purpose include:

• VelaShape™: VelaShape is ideal for creating smooth body contours and reducing cellulite. This treatment combines radiofrequency, infrared light, vacuum suctioning, and mechanical massage to gently smooth the skin, heat fat cells, and encourage cellular metabolism. An average circumferential reduction of .5to 3 inches is possible after a series of treatment.
• Thermage®: The Thermage procedure uses a specially designed tip to deliver radiofrequency energy deep into the skin. Heat from the instrument stimulates collagen production and tightens underlying fibrous tissues. Over time, the skin becomes firmer and smoother, and the appearance of cellulite is reduced.
• ZERONA®: A low-level laser, ZERONA treatments penetrate the skin’s surface to stimulate fat cells to release their contents. This painless treatment causes the excess fat to be processed out of your body through its normal cleansing processes. Slimming down the waist, hips, and thighs, ZERONA treatments are quick and comfortable, lasting about 40 minutes. Studies show that the average patient loses about 3.6 inches.
• CoolSculpting® by ZELITIQ®: For excess fat in specific areas such as the love handles, stomach, and back, CoolSculpting can provide an ideal solution. Also known as the “fat freezing” procedure, CoolSculpting uses a cooling technology called Cryolipolysis™ to crystalize fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated from the body. One treatment has been shown to reduce the fat layer by 20% on average.

Acne is one of the most common skin problems that I treat at my dermatology practice in Houston. This condition can affect women and men of all ages and ranges from mild (whiteheads) to severe (cystic). Severe cases of acne can often cause damage to the skin, resulting in scarring.

Fortunately there are many new treatments to improve the appearance of acne scars. At my practice, I commonly perform the following 4 procedures:

• CoolTouch®: This laser treatment helps stimulate the production of new collagen cells to help elevate acne scars, making them less noticeable. The new collagen formation also plumps up lines and wrinkles, resulting in smoother skin.
• Fraxel®: The Fraxel laser procedure resurfaces the skin and improves skin texture and reduces signs of aging. After treatment, acne scars as well as skin discoloration and fine lines are visibly reduced.
• Injectable fillers: Facial filler products are a great way to add instant volume to the skin. A simple injection can soften shallow acne scars as well as provide more youthful facial contours.
• Spa acne treatments: Two spa treatments that help to reduce acne scaring are microdermabrasion and Omnilux™ light treatments. Microdermabrasion helps to resurface the outer layers of the skin, while the light treatments stimulate skin renewal. These procedures are often combined for maximum results.

If you have ever shaved, waxed, or plucked unwanted hair, it’s time to consider laser hair removal in Houston. This very effective procedure can be used almost anywhere on the body and requires little to no downtime. With just a few treatment sessions, you can permanently reduce unwanted hair and have smooth, soft skin without the hassle of shaving.

Laser Hair Removal Facts

If you are considering laser hair removal, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the procedure before undergoing treatment. Here are some basic facts you should know:

Who it’s for: While originally best suited for individuals with fair skin and dark hair, laser hair removal can now effectively treat a variety of skin tones and hair colors. However, blond, grey, or white hair often does not respond as well to treatment.

During the procedure: Usually, a topical anesthetic cream is applied for enhanced comfort; however, this is not always necessary with the more advanced laser equipment available. A hand-held device is then guided over the treatment area and a gentle vacuum draws the skin toward the laser light. You may feel the vacuum’s suction against the skin, but this feeling is not uncomfortable and is usually well-tolerated. Laser hair removal may take a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated.

Your recovery process: After your procedure, it’s common to experience some mild redness or swelling for the first few hours. The skin may also become dry or flaky; however, these minor side effects typically subside within a couple of days. You will be asked to avoid sun exposure for about 2 weeks after your procedure to prevent burning.

Laser hair removal results: The treated hair should fall out within 1 to 2 weeks. However, because the hair grows in cycles, multiple sessions are usually necessary for complete results. After an average of 6 to 8 treatments, most people enjoy smooth, soft skin that lasts for several months or more.

While I offer many options for facial rejuvenation at my dermatology practice, one procedure that I have found especially effective in restoring a refreshed appearance is BOTOX® Cosmetic. Houston area residents often choose this procedure to reduce the appearance of facial lines and creases, especially those along the forehead and around the eyes. But what many of my patients don’t know is that BOTOX can serve as a complementary treatment to enhance other cosmetic procedures such as dermal fillers, Ultherapy and even facelifts.

BOTOX with Injectables

While BOTOX and dermal fillers are both injectable treatments that are commonly used to reduce wrinkles, they function very differently. BOTOX relaxes facial muscles, thereby softening the appearance of lines and creases. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, “plump up” wrinkles by adding volume to the skin and can also be used to enhance the lips and cheeks. When used together, however, these treatments can create a temporary “lifting” effect that provides a tighter, more youthful appearance.

Looking Your Best

Aging is not a one-way street – there are many concerns to address and various levels of improvement that can be achieved. For comprehensive results, a combination of treatments may be necessary. Using a variety of approaches allows me to strategically target specific areas of concern and create a more naturally refreshed appearance.

Many of my patients in Dallas considering rhinoplasty want the procedure in order to achieve a more appealing nasal shape. In some cases, however, nose surgery also has helped them to breathe more easily, enhancing both the form of their nose and its functionality.

Concerns That Nose Surgery Might Help

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may want to speak with a qualified surgeon who can evaluate your nasal structure and see if rhinoplasty or another procedure might help:

• Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
• Snoring during sleep
• Frequent sinus infections
• Facial pain

Rhinoplasty Consultations

During my rhinoplasty consultations with patients, I discuss whether they want the procedure for medical reasons or cosmetic reasons. In order to determine the best approach to nose surgery, including checking to see if any breathing issues are involved, I conduct a thorough physical assessment of each patient during the initial consultation. I measure the patient’s face to evaluate the proportions and take photos to use for computer imaging. These photos also are used to carefully customize the procedure in order to achieve the patient’s aesthetic goals.

When you’re considering different plastic surgeons in Dallas, you may wonder what criteria you should use to help guide your decision. Here are a few of the specific areas I think are most helpful to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon.

1. Board-certification. Legally, any doctor can offer cosmetic surgery – even if they are not a trained plastic surgeon. A plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, however, has undergone extensive training (between 5 – 7 years) and passed a series of examinations in the field of plastic surgery. It is also important to note that there is a difference between a “plastic surgeon” and a “cosmetic surgeon.” Although many cosmetic surgeons are very well-qualified, they are not subjected to the same rigorous standards of certification as board-certified plastic surgeons.

2. Area(s) of specialization. Some plastic surgeons may choose to take on additional training in a specific area of interest, or they may be well-known for their skill in a certain procedure. For example, at my practice, I perform a higher than average number of rhinoplasty and facelift procedures, which is why I frequently work with patients who are interested in facial cosmetic surgery. If you are interested in a specific procedure, be sure to choose a surgeon with experience in that area.

3. Personality: Credentials and training are important, but it’s also important to feel comfortable about your surgeon. By choosing someone whose personality matches well with yours, you are more likely to have a positive experience. Some people may prefer a doctor who takes a very clinical approach, while others may prefer a more personable tone.

4. Trust: Never choose a plastic surgeon that you do not completely trust. Your surgeon should answer all of your questions honestly (without sugar-coating the surgical experience), explain the benefits and risks of surgery, and provide you with the information you need to make an educated, informed choice. It may be helpful to write down your initial feelings about a surgeon, the office, and the staff immediately after your consultation in order to reflect on your impression about the practice.

5. Personal Referrals: Friends or family members who have had plastic surgery can be great resources for narrowing down your list of options. Find out what they liked and didn’t like about the surgeon and schedule a consultation to form your own opinion.

Here’s a little known fact about breast implants in Dallas: What occurs outside of the operating room is just as important as what takes place inside the surgical suite. In order to maximize your results, it is extremely important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. Doing so greatly improves your comfort level and can help accelerate the healing process. Ignoring certain medical directives can increase your risk for complications, such as infection, and even cause more discomfort. Additionally, it may negatively affect your aesthetic results. Here are some tips on how to have a safe, fast, and successful recovery:

• Go through your post-operative instructions with your surgeon before your procedure. Be sure that you understand every detail, and ask your surgeon for clarification if necessary.
• If you have the help of a friend or loved one during your recovery, discuss the post-operative instructions before your procedure. It is important that they are as familiar with this information as you are.
• Make extra copies of your surgeon’s instructions. This way, if you lose a copy or forget certain details, you have a back-up.