Additional Cosmetic Procedures

• Lip and Mouth Correction
• Fat Transplantation of the Face, Lips and Buttocks
• Facial and Neck Liposuction
• Otoplasty
• Chin Implantation
• Cheek (Malar) Implants
• Brachioplasty
• Belt Lipectomy
• Excessive Underarm Sweating Treatment (Axillary Hyperhidrosis)

 

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Lip and Mouth concerns may be congenitally based or an age acquired problem. If lips are excessively large or asymmetric, they can be reduced or adjusted. If lips are thin and deficient, they can be made fuller. Lip enhancement can be accomplished with fat transplantation which can be of long term or semi permanent durability. Other fillers include hyaluronic fillers such as JuvedermT and Restylane®. Lip reduction is a pure surgical reduction procedure.

 

Major issues about the mouth and lip area include lines. These lines are somewhat based both on age and heredity. Smoking certainly does not help. The primary causes of lines include fat and collagen loss. The corrective procedures include dermabrasion, chemical peels (see non-surgical section), and fat injections or hyaluronic fillers. It is possible to return lips to a youthful fullness and reduce lining by 90% or more. This often takes more than one procedure.

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Fat Transplantation works not only in the face and lips, but also in other areas of the body such as the buttocks. Although fat survival has been a challenge, techniques have improved.

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Facial and Neck Liposuction. Facial and Neck Liposuction is one of the best and simplest of all procedures. It can be performed under conscious sedation or general anesthesia and takes one hour or less. A sculptured cheek, neck and jaw line is the desired result. A tiny 1/8 inch incision is made under the chin and behind each ear. Recovery is short and return to work a few days.

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The Otoplasty procedure is a set-back of the ears. Prominent ears produce an appearance that generates "Dumbo" type comments. The goal is to set the ears closer to the head so they no longer are perceived as flopping in the wind. Patients are very pleased with this procedure. Recovery is quick and return to work or play is possible within a week. The otoplasty can be done with local or general anesthesia.

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Chin Implantation can be done as an isolated procedure or along with another facial surgical procedure. The implants are usually made of silicone and are expected to last a life time. The goal is a pleasing facial balance. Both males and females are surgical candidates. Larger chin implants are indicated in men to produce a strong masculine jaw. Incisions are under the chin or inside the mouth. Recovery is rapid.

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The Cheek or Malar Implant works well for the right candidate. High cheek bone definition is an asset in the beautiful or handsome face. The procedure can be done alone or in combination with other facial surgery. Often cheek implants are done at the same time as the lower eyelids (blepharoplasty). Recoveries are quite rapid and return to work or play is anticipated within a week.

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The Brachioplasty consists of skin and fat reduction in the upper arms. For the selected patient with the bat wing deformity, it is a reasonable choice. When the bat wing deformity is substantial, liposuction alone does not solve the problem. The incision runs the length of the arm but with time becomes quite acceptable.

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The Belt Lipectomy is designed to reduce skin 360 degrees about the central trunk and thus improve the contour of both the abdomen and the buttocks. This need occurs most often by patients with large weight loss. For the right patient it is a fine procedure.

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Excessive Underarm Sweating Treatment (Axillary Hyperhidrosis)

Dr. Commons uses an ultrasonic technology, called the VASER® System, to help patients who have problems with excessive underarm sweating. This disorder is called Axillary Hyperhidrosis. Contact our practice to learn more about this new treatment option.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is a disorder characterized by excessive uncontrollable sweating in excess of the amount required to regulate body temperature. It is estimated that 8.5 million people in the United States suffer from some form of hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis has no discernible cause and may involve the axillae (armpits), palms (hands), soles (feet), face, and groin. Secondary hyperhidrosis has an underlying cause such as an endocrine disorder, secretory tumors, sympathetic nervous system disorder, or neurological/psychiatric disorders. You should talk to your doctor to determine if there is an underlying cause for your condition.

What is AXILLARY hyperhidrosis?

Axilla is an anatomy term that refers to the underarm or armpit area. Axillary hyperhidrosis refers to excessive underarm sweating. The exact cause of the condition is disputed. Some experts feel it has to do with the size of the sweat glands, some feel it is related to over-activity of the sweat glands and others feel it is stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.

What is Axillary Bromhidrosis?

Axillary bromidrosis (also called bromhidrosis) is the secretion of foul-smelling sweat and is defined as the combination of hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis. Axillary osmidrosis is a disorder characterized by chronic offensive armpit odor. Like hyperhidrosis, the exact pathophysiology of axillary osmidrosis is also disputed.

What is the VASER System?

The VASER System is an advanced ultrasonic technology that is commonly used in body contouring procedures to selectively remove unwanted body fat.  When a special technique is applied in the underarm area, the VASER System can be used to treat the superficial layer of skin where the sweat glands are located.

How does the VASER treatment work?

First, the underarm area is filled with a special saline solution that helps numb the site and shrink the blood vessels (to minimize blood loss and reduce bruising). This solution wets and fills the area to be treated, making it easier to break up tissue with the VASER System’s ultrasonic energy. Then a small probe transmits sound energy (similar to that used for cataract removal from the eye) to break up fatty tissue on contact. With the application of a specialized technique, the ultrasonic energy is concentrated on the sweat glands in the armpit while preserving other important tissues.  Finally, the liquefied fat and sweat glands are removed through a gentle suction process designed to minimize damage to surrounding tissues.

Does the VASER treatment help with underarm odor too?

Yes, patients who have had the procedure have reported improvement with their underarm odor problem. Some patients have only an odor problem, some patients have only a sweating problem and some patients have a problem with both odor and sweating. All types of patients have reported an improvement after the VASER treatment.

Will it make me too dry?

It is nearly impossible to eliminate all of the sweat glands under the arms (there are thousands), but the VASER treatment will eliminate the majority resulting in a more “normal” pattern of sweat rather than an excessive pattern of sweat.

Will the VASER treatment hurt?

During the procedure you can choose to have local anesthesia (a shot to numb the area) or you can choose to have general anesthesia (you are asleep for the entire procedure). If you choose to have the numbing shot, you will feel a small pinch from the needle and some pressure from the treatment. If you feel any discomfort, let your doctor know so adjustments can be made.

Will I be in a lot of pain after the procedure?

Some people are sore for about three days and require Tylenol or prescription pain medication, while others do not require any pain medication at all. Be sure to tell your doctor if you experience any discomfort.

PDF DOWNLOADS:

DOWNLOAD MORE INFORMATION ON EXCESSIVE SWEATING TREATMENT - PART 1

DOWNLOAD MORE INFORMATION ON EXCESSIVE SWEATING TREATMENT - PART 2

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