Liposuction Body Contouring
With liposuction, Dr. Donath is able to sculpt natural curves of the jaw line, neck and body. Protruding abdomens, hips, outer thighs (saddlebags) and knees can be significantly improved. All liposuction cases are now done using the tumescent/small cannula technique.
The tumescent technique is performed under local anesthesia, a diluted anesthesia solution being injected into the areas to be operated on. As a certain amount of time passes, the area gets numb and the blood vessels shrink. This process allows the surgeon to remove mostly fat and very little blood, which increases the safety of the liposuction procedure.
Skin Resurfacing
Skin resurfacing can be accomplished with chemical peels, laser resurfacing, or by dermabrasion. Each of these techniques allows for tightening of the skin with the removal of fine wrinkles creating a more youthful appearance. After over thirty years of experience with chemical peels, and over ten years of laser experience, I have found that phenol, a deep peeling agent, provides equal if not better results than the more costly laser resurfacing procedures. We offer both procedures here at the Donath Facial Plastic Surgery. Both techniques work by injuring the skin and underlying dermis. After either procedure, you will be able to cover up the treated area with camouflage makeup by 7-14 days. The final healing process takes between 3 to 6 months for the skin color to stabilize with occasional further lightening of the skin over the ensuing 6 to 12 months.
Microdermabrasion
We have incorporated into our practice the UltrapeelT Crystal Unit, an advanced-technology microdermabrasion device approved by the FDA in 1996.
The Ultrapeel Crystal system utilizes a jet of microcrystal corundum powder that is directed at high speed to the skin surface through a sealed tubing system. Ultrapeel microdermabrasion is not painful and does not require anesthesia. Among its applications are the following:
- Lined, wrinkled, or sun-damaged skins
- Dull, congested, thick, or blemished skins
- Active acne
- Keloids
- Scar revision
- Hyperpigmentation
- Stretch marks
More information on Ultrapeel microdermabrasion.
Botox Treatments
Botox is a safe and effective treatment for expression lines. This is a non-surgical procedure that temporarily blocks the nerve impulse to the muscle, thereby relaxing the muscles that are responsible for the facial wrinkles. This softens and in some cases virtually flattens the wrinkle. It is particularly effective for the upper portion of the face, such as frown lines, crows feet, or horizontal forehead lines. A very small dose of the medication called Botox is injected into the muscle. The procedure takes approximately five to ten minutes. The treatment is temporary and lasts 2 to 6 months.
Collagen Replacement Therapy
A Collagen treatment is a great “quick fix” for plumping up fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. It is also the choice of treatment for defining and enhancing the lips, which in addition helps to soften the “lip stick” lines around the mouth. When used in conjunction with the Botox treatment, it can help smooth out the deep furrows between the eyes that are a result of sun sensitivity or years of frowning. A skin test is required to test possible sensitivity to collagen.
Permanent Cosmetics
Permanent cosmetics is a form of tattooing in which pigment (color) is implanted within the superficial layer of the skin for cosmetic adornment. It is great for defining eyebrows that have become sparse due to age or over tweezing of the brow. It enhances the eyes by accentuating their beauty or can add blush to the lips that have faded with time. For those who prefer a natural look, pigment is placed between the eye lashes for thicker looking lashes. Many of my patients have opted for permanent cosmetics due to allergies to over the counter cosmetics, obstructed vision, or poor motor skills. It also is a great time saver for those with a busy schedule.
Facial Peels
Facial skin peels are beneficial for poorly textured skin, acne and age spots (dark discoloration). There are a variety of chemical peels available today that can improve the skin’s condition without the down time. The type of chemical peel most beneficial for you depends on your skin type and will be determined after your skin has been assessed.
Laser Treatments
For the treatment of vascular imperfections such as spider veins, portwine stains or rosacea, color specific lasers have the ability to coagulate these superficial vessels thereby fading red discolorations. Pigmented lesions such as brown spots, freckles, as well as tattoos, are treated with the laser by breaking up the pigment into small particles that the body can dispose of through its natural filtering system. More than one treatment may be necessary for satisfactory results.
More information on the use of the laser for skin blemishes.
Managed Skin Care Programs
After a chemical peel or CO2 laser resurfacing, it is prudent to maintain your “new skin” with a managed skin care program. A program will be especially designed for you to suit your needs and life style. Having beautiful skin does not have to involve a complicated regimen or great expense.
Lip Augmentation
There are non-surgical as well as surgical procedures for improving the appearance of the lips.