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Teenage Plastic Surgery: Is It Right?

Plastic surgery has always been a bit of a taboo, with only reconstructive surgery getting the recognition and praise that it truly deserves. What we want to discuss in this blog post is the issue of teenagers being unhappy with their bodies. Whether it’s caused by the media or not, it happens, so what should be done?

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has carried out a number of surveys on procedures carried out on all age groups, and the majority of under 18 year olds had rhinoplasty or otoplasty procedures. Nobody can deny that there are many embarrassing conditions that affect the nose and ears, particularly prominent ears that require pinning. Rhinoplasties are not always carried out solely for aesthetic purposes either, as conditions such as a broken nose or deviated septum can cause breathing problems that are particularly unpleasant for the sufferer.

Each case is, and should be considered individually, and it is essential that physicians and surgeons continue to have regular, up to date ethical coaching as well as their academic and medical training. Having trained at Harvard and UCLA, Dr. Babak Azizzadeh is very well qualified in plastic surgery for all ages. So, if you are or you have a relative who is under the age of 18 and considering facial plastic surgery, you can always get in touch for advice an/or an appointment via our contact page: http://www.facialplastics.info/contact.htm.

What to Expect After a Facial Plastic Surgery Procedure

If you’ve had any kind of plastic surgery procedure before then you’ll know what we’re talking about when we say it’s important to prepare for the recovery as well as the actual procedure. We don’t mean in terms of pain relief and sanitary dressings, as your clinic or surgery will be in charge of that, but for the emotional side of your body having changed, even if it’s something you’ve been dreaming of for years.

Plastic surgery is a positive development in modern medicine - we’ve no doubts about that. It can help ease the symptoms of certain conditions, provide reconstruction for those who have been disfigured or suffered trauma, and it can dramatically improve a person’s self confidence. Still, the fact that your body has changed needs to be dealt with properly.  

The first stage of this should start with good support. If you are going through facial plastic surgery alone then we recommend you meet with your surgeon and/or physician at least twice to build up a relationship and understanding with them. If you have friends or family to help you then you need to be able to rely on them at all times, and at the very least be able to reach them via telephone during day or night.

Secondly, if your surgery or clinic has access to a plastic surgery 3D imaging machine (as our surgery in Beverly Hills does) then you should take full advantage of the service it offers. Being able to see how your face will look after surgery is a huge bonus and will prepare you for what could previously only be imagined. Apart from these things, recovery should mostly follow common sense. Your body has undergone (planned and controlled) trauma, but trauma nonetheless and it needs to re-cooperate from this. It does so mostly during sleep, so a doctor’s advice to get ‘lots of rest’ is not just empty words. You should be getting around 8 hours per night, and a one hour nap between 12 noon and 2 pm is also recommended. Drinking alcohol or taking any kind of drug besides your painkillers and prescribed medications is not recommended. Exercise is not generally a good thing for those recovering from plastic surgery in the first week, but from then on it is usually okay as long as all movements of the face are made slowly and gently.

As we said before, recovery from facial plastic surgery is generally put down to common sense, but it doesn’t hurt to talk to friend who have had surgery before, and to have their support and company while you recover. If you feel you’re struggling to cope with your new face then we recommend you visit your doctor, physician or surgeon to discuss your worries.

The Cost of a Expert Face Lift in Beverly Hills

Beyond the obvious common worries, there is little emotional cost for a face lift in Beverly Hills, CA. But what about the financial cost? This is not something that anyone should ignore, and here at the Beverly Hills Center for Facial Rejuvenation we’re certainly not naive enough to dismiss that cost is one of the most important things you are considering.

As you can see from the top of each page on this website, Dr. Azizzadeh can perform a number of different types of facelift, and the cost varies between them. Other determining factors include you: i.e. your age, whether you’ve had previous face lifts, any condition you may be suffering from and, above all, what you are looking to get out of surgery.

A liquid facelift or other non surgical plastic surgery procedure can often be an affordable method of facial rejuvenation, but you should consult with Dr. Azizzadeh about what the most cost effective option is for you. If you decide it’s just one part of your face that needs work (perhaps bags or drooping under the eyes) then you may find that blepharoplasty is going to benefit you more, financially and aesthetically.. Your physician will always be honest with you about this, because they benefit when you benefit - it’s a win-win situation and your long term satisfaction is the main aim of your surgeon. We will take your current financial situation into account and help you come to a very well informed decision.

When it comes to the cost of a facelift in Beverly Hills, CA, there is no way to predict this accurately. In fact, there’s no way to predict the cost of a facelift anywhere in the US because surgeries and medical centers need to weigh up your individual differences to know what needs to be done. You may find that liquid facelift procedures are given at a set price (some centers will give a set price that you pay per month that includes top up procedures as well), but for surgical procedures financing is calculated differently. Depending on what’s required, you could be looking at a few hundred dollars, right up to several thousand, but as we said before, you cannot know until you consult with a physician.

Our physicians will always have at least one consultation with you before your procedure is carried out. During this first consultation your physician and/or surgeon will discuss cost and finance with you. If paying for the procedure at once is not a viable option then we are always open to discussing other avenues like our financing options, so that your facial rejuvenation can become a reality.

FAQ: The Role of Anti-oxidants in Anti-aging

Is there any role that antioxidants play in plastic surgery?

Yes, We incorporate anti-oxidants in my practice to improve the texture of the skin. Anti-oxidants are unique that they can work inside-outside, meaning that supplemental vitamins and skin care with anti-oxidants help the overall skin texture and improve the aging process. In our office, we utilize exclusive skin care products with multiple antioxidants. Vitamin A, C and E are powerful oral vitamins that should be incorporated into your diet and topical after surgery for healing as well as stimulation of collagen and elastin. Vitamin E is a great wound healer. Vitamin A stimulates cell turnover rate thereby speeding healing.

Do you encourage your pts to include antioxidants in their diets and why?

1) Oxidants= are the enemy of healthy cells. Oxidants thrive by exposure to sunlight, pollution, smoking, drinking alcohol, stress and unhealthy eating habits. 2) Antioxidants play the housekeeper role="mopping up" free radicals before they get a chance to do harm in your body. 3) Free radicals damage is one of the principal mechanisms of aging. Free radicals are missing various elements so they start stealing from one another thereby damaging other cells (free radicals are in air pollution, sunlight, alcohol, cig smoking, stress)

Do antioxidants play a role in recovery after a surgical proc?

Since surgery can be classified as a "stress" on the body, and we know that stress generates destructive free radicals, than antioxidants certainly play a role by binding the free radicals before they cause their damage. Antioxidants can only be a guardian once therefore they need to be constantly replenished topically and in our diet.

How can antioxidants preserve youthful looking skin, health etc?

Free radicals damage healthy cells thereby compromising your immune system leading to a higher risk for certain diseases. Besides the impact on your health, it also causes the skin to lose its youthful appearance. Antioxidants minimize this destructive effect by binding free radicals together. (Antioxidants. need to be part of our diet and topically administered). Antioxidants thereby protect cells by neutralizing free radicals (they bind to them). They assist in skin repair and strengthening of blood vessels.

Any advice on holiday foods that pollute the body-what effect do they have on physical appearance?

Holiday foods are typically high in sugar. Sugary foods can cause acne. How? High sugar diet causes a change in insulin production, which in turn increases sebaceous gland activity that can cause acne. Also, when you have high levels of blood sugar, the sugar molecules bind to collagen in a process known as glycation. The bound sugar makes the skin stiff and inflexible, which can lead to wrinkles. high sugar diet causes an inflammatory reaction in the skin. This in turn creates high levels of free radicals, which attack the collagen that keeps the skin staying firm. Without enough of this collagen you

Will start to notice wrinkles

Alcohol is usually consumed more during the holidays. As we have discussed earlier alcohol generates free radicals

Stress is higher during holiday. Stress produces free radicals

Etc-------

Do you encounter pts with imperfection that could be improved upon by a change in diet?

Processed foods, too little fiber, excess sugar, poor eating habits, =free radicals=aging skin +++whatever u want to say here. Quitting junk food and sugary foods will also decrease acne. Eating foods high in antioxidants will combat these oxidants before they damage skin.

Can antioxidants in diet improve the rate at which we age?

Free radical damage is one of the principal mechanisms of aging. They damage any structure in a living cell.

Generally speaking, the more free radicals a human produces the shorter the life span.

Recommend prod supplements antioxidant. Rich foods.

Vit A-Beta-Carotene

Carrots, squash, broccoli, sweet potato, tomatoes collards, cantaloupe, peaches, apricots

Vitamin C-Ascorbic Acid-citrus fruits, oranges, limes, green peppers, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries raw cabbage, tomatoes

Vitamin E-wheat germ, nuts, seeds whole grains, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils, fish liver oil

Flavanoids have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-carcinogenic activity

COQ10-Lipoic Acid-cystiene, and methionine are potent antioxidant.

Also Copper peptides, Spin Trap, Green Tea, Alpha Lipoic Acid are antioxidants

Also remember that sunscreen is extremely important in this process. Sunscreen protects the skin against the onslaught of free radicals while antioxidants build up the skin's natural defenses to combat the occurrence of free radical activity.

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery

Put On A Happy Face: Why Your Facial Expressions Can Bring You Joy

By Dr. Alexander Avila and Dr. Babak Azizzadeh

Betsy, a forty-two year old engineer, was a good person, a hard worker, but she always looked like she was worried or angry.  She had furrowed brows that made her look worried; she had a tight smile that made her look angry.  Betsy not only looked sad and angry, but she also felt that way most of the time.  As a result, people avoided her, and she was single and lonely. She wanted to feel happier, but she didn’t know how.

The field of psychology sheds light into the predicament of people like Betsy who have faces that give them a sad and angry look.   According to the facial feedback hypothesis, facial movement can influence emotional experience.  If you smile a lot, you will feel happier.  If you frown, you will feel sadder.  Your facial expressions actually release certain brain chemicals  that can affect your mood, either positively or negatively. For example, when you smile, endorphins are released; these are the body’s natural painkillers that create feelings of comfort and security.  In the case of Betsy, her facial expressions actually created her negative emotional states: sadness, anger, fear.

In one research study, the participants placed a pen in their mouths in one of several ways.  One way was to put a pen in what was called the “Lip” position, which would contract the orbicularis oris muscle, resulting in a frown. In the other “Teeth” position, the pen would affect the zygomaticus major (or risorius muscle), resulting in a smile, Afterwards, the subjects were asked to rate the funniness of a cartoon.  The Teeth group (which had the smiles) had significantly higher amusement ratings than those in the Lip group (which had the frowns).  Thus, smiling made the subjects enjoy the cartoon more; they had a better time than the frowning group.

To test the facial feedback hypothesis out for yourself, try this exercise for a few days:  When you’re feeling depressed, go to your bathroom mirror and smile.  Exaggerate your smile, laugh a little, make some funny faces.  You will soon discover that whatever you were worried about will diminish, and you will find that your mood is elevated. You just feel better.

Now, there is a new cosmetic approach to feeling better permanently by chemically altering your facial expressions, so positive emotions are created, instead of negative ones.

According to Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, Harvard-trained Facial Plastic Surgeon, botox injected into the upper face can cut down on the appearance of negative emotions, most notably anger, but also fear and sadness:

“Botox relaxes the corrugator supercilii and the procerus, which are responsible for brow furrowing.  This, in turn, creates a more youthful, relaxed, and pleasant look, as well as positively affecting the person’s emotional balance.”

Botox can also be injected into the "depressor anguli oris" muscle which will improve position of the corner of the mouth.

Another option suggests Dr. Azizzadeh, is using Restylane, Radiesse, or Sculptra to fill in the marionette lines, which will reduce the "sad" appearance, in turn, help you feel better and more positive about yourself and your life.

Smile and the whole world smiles with you; frown and you frown alone.  This is not just a famous maxim, it is a scientifically validated fact:  Now, you can look and feel much better with a few minor touches of a facial plastic surgeon's hand. You can finally show the world that you look as good as you feel, and you feel as good as you look.

For more information, contact

Dr. Babak Azizzadeh: www.facialplastics.info
Dr. Alexander Avila: www.lovetypes.com

How could your life change if you were better rested when you woke up each morning?

Confidence can find you sleeping better, and longer, than you have since childhood.

How could your work life change if you experienced job growth, a new promotion or simply more effectiveness on the job?

Confident people aren’t just more successful, they’re happier doing what they do best for a living and, as a result, are rewarded both professionally and financially.

What would you could experience better romantic relationships without fear of intimacy or insecurity?

Confidence can give you your love life back – and then some.

Continuing in our series on plastic surgery and confidence, this week I’m going to share with you the final gifts of confidence I’ve identified – gifts 8, 9 and 10 – which will have you feeling more rested, experiencing unprecedented job growth and even finding more romance in your romantic relationships:

When was the last time you went to bed without a head full of worries? Without tossing and turning while wishing your skin would clear up, you had less wrinkles, a smaller, better defined nose or a softened brow?

Insecurity can seep unnoticed into our quietest hours, making us restless when we need rest the most and making it hard to go back to sleep if we wake unexpectedly throughout the night. Worry, particularly about our physical appearance, can sap our energy throughout the day and leave us feeling drained at night.

We hear many patients complain that they’ve been worrying about their appearance for years and that, eventually, it literally “keeps them up at night.” You don’t have to be obsessed about your appearance for it to make you feel restless, down and depressed, which naturally affects your sleeping habits; simply being preoccupied with one facial feature or your overall appearance is enough to disrupt your sleep for days, weeks and even months at a time. And we all know how a bad night’s sleep makes for a less-than-stellar morning.

Confident people rest easier because that preoccupation is gone; they no longer obsess over this facial feature or that, this aspect of their appearance or that. As a result, they are happier with the face that hits the pillow every night – and that happiness results in better sleep, longer sleep and a more restful waking each morning.

Now, what could you do with a lot more energy in your life?!?

Confidence can give you back your energy, courtesy of the gift of more restful sleep.

The Ninth Gift of Confidence: Job growth

When you are more confident at work, it pays off in more ways than one. For instance, think of how much better you’ll be able to concentrate without the preoccupation about your appearance getting in the way.

Think of how that improved concentration will help you perform on the job, produce more, get better feedback and leave you free to have intelligent conversations that aren’t blighted by self-doubt, worry or insecurity.

When we doubt ourselves, when we think we’re unattractive or even “unworthy,” we tend to look away from people when we speak to them, escape conversations at the first chance we get, even cover our mouths when we smile. People notice these insecurities (especially colleagues and supervisors) and, frankly, it puts promotions where we’ll be dealing with more people – and hence feel more insecure – at risk.

Don’t limit your workplace landscape; having more confidence in your appearance will ripple through every other area of your life, particularly in the workplace, where you’ll finally be able to live up to your potential because you feel so much better about your appearance – and yourself.

The Tenth Gift of Confidence: Better romantic relationships

Relationships are a part of daily life; we don’t live in a vacuum and every day we come into contact with dozens of people who impact our lives negatively or positively. From the paperboy to the parking lot security guard, from our colleagues to our employers, from our family to our friends, when we lack the confidence to interact with these people freely, happily and openly, these relationships suffer.

But few relationships suffer more from insecurity and lack of confidence than our most romantic, our most intimate, relationships. Many patients voice their concerns over lack of intimacy because of their physical appearance; they’re unhappy with their bodies, their faces or one particular feature that it prevents them from feeling comfortable in their own skin.

Some of our patients complain to us that they can’t be intimate with the lights on; some even feel uncomfortable being undressed in front of their loved one. And since intimacy is so vital to a successful, healthy relationship, naturally, these romantic relationships suffer as a result.

But they don’t have to; renewed confidence can get you to feel more attractive, even sexier, and as a result has a huge impact on your romantic relationships. Feeling better about your appearance can help you feel better about yourself, and when you feel better, all your relationships improve – in particular your romantic ones!

I hope by now you can see how these final few gifts can make you feel and look better while increasing your confidence daily. Now that you’ve seen how these 10 Gifts of Confidence can improve your life on a daily basis, consider how your life might change if you, too, felt the gifts of confidence personally.

You can, you know; the first of these gifts are only a consultation away…

About the Author: Dr. Babak Azizzadeh is the founder and Director of The Center for Facial & Nasal Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Azizzadeh is one of the leading facial plastic surgeons in the country with an expertise in rhinoplasty, facial rejuvenation and restoration.

Dr. Azizzadeh is the author of top-selling plastic surgery textbook, Master Techniques in Facial Rejuvenation and the upcoming textbook Master Techniques in Rhinoplasty & Nasal Reconstruction and Beverly Hills Beauty Secrets.  He has been featured in the Oprah Winfrey Show, People Magazine, NY Times, LA Times, Elle and numerous other media outlets.

Thursday March 26, 2009
Plastic Surgeon ‘Restores Smiles’ To Children Around The World

From the Beverly Hills Courier
By: Steve Simmons

Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Babak Azizzadeh was among the honorees at Operation of Hope’s Night of Smiles event at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Dr. Azizzadeh partnered with the organization to treat a boy from Zimbabwe. Named Beloved, the boy’s face – including his lip, chin and mouth – were disfigured when a land mine he thought was a transistor radio, blew up in his face.

At 6 years old, the boy underwent what Dr. Azizzadeh described as “World War II” type reconstruction that left him unable to eat well, drooling and with facial paralysis. After a year of planning, Operation of Hope brought Beloved to the United States. Dr. Azizzadeh and Dr. Keith Blackwell performed a 12-hour reconstruction at UCLA medical center that “improved his appearance and living function,” Dr. Azizzadeh stated.

“The operation was a great success,” Dr. Azizzadeh said, and Beloved’s story was featured in People. Now living with a family in Orange County and attending sixth grade, Beloved attended Saturday’s event where Dr. Azizzadeh had high praise for Operation of Hope. “They did all the work. All I did was walk into surgery.”

Operation of Hope is only one of many humanitarian organizations to benefit from Azizzadeh’s services. He is the West Coast surgical coordinator for Medical Mission for Children and works with the Global Smile Foundation, traveling to Third-World countries treating children with cleft lip, treating children with cleft lip, cleft palate and craniofacial deformities. Two or three times a year he takes teams of 20 to 35 volunteers – nurses, surgeons, anesthesiologists – who set up operating rooms and clinics.

After graduating from BHHS in 1998, Dr. Azizzadeh attended UCLA and then studied facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at Harvard.

“I was doing my residency and I was married; all I did was work and come home,” Dr. Azizzadeh recalls. “But I went on my first trip with Medical Missions for Children to Guatemala. The second I walked in and saw these kids with cleft lips, I said, ‘this is why I went into medicine, these children – like Beloved don’t have anybody else, we are their last resort.”

His volunteer work, Dr. Azizzadeh says, balances his Beverly Hills facial reconstruction and plastic surgery practice, which is mostly cosmetic surgery. “I enjoy both. The combination makes for a great balance and brings great satisfaction.”

His own foundation, the Facial Paralysis and Bell’s Palsy Foundation works to bring education and outreach. One in 600 people are affected by facial paralysis, Dr. Azizzadeh says, the congenital condition is caused by stretching of the nerves as the baby comes out of the womb. It can also be caused by certain tumors. Bell’s Palsy is caused by a virus, related to herpes.

“There is a great need to educate about these conditions that can greatly affect people’s daily lives.”

Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The 10 Gifts of Confidence: Give Yourself the Gift of a Brand New You
By: Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS

My work as a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon puts me in touch with hundreds of people every week who all have one thing in common: they all want more confidence. Whether they’re simply looking to recapture the confidence they had in youth by taking advantage of one of my many anti-aging remedies or wanting to feel more confident in public or, especially in Hollywood, have more confidence in their entertainment careers, my clients often desire increased self-confidence.

It’s an issue not enough doctors focus on as a “perk” of these procedures and, frankly, an issue too few patients recognize as the real value of undergoing aesthetic procedures. How we look definitely affects how we feel; I see this theory come to life every day.

No matter how minor or major the product or procedure they opt for, I am in a unique position to witness the powerful transformation from insecure to confident in my patients on a daily basis. In fact, I watch people get reborn nearly every day. There is no substitute for the gift of confidence; confidence can mean the difference between success and failure, happiness and sadness, hope and desperation.

Over the next few weeks I want to share with you the 10 Gifts of Confidence I’ve identified through my years as a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. First up, let’s check in with our very first gift:

The First Gift of Confidence: More energy

Have you ever noticed that when you’re lacking confidence, you’re also lacking one very vital ingredient to success: energy! Feeling insecure or doubtful about our appearance can leave us feeling lethargic and depressed. I see many patients on a first or second consultation who simply seem flat-lined; concerned about their appearance and energetic enough to make their appointment, but uncertain or unsure of themselves and lacking the get up and go of more confident people.

Then, after their procedure, I witness resurgence in energy. It’s like they just got plugged in and turned on again! Anyone who has ever woken up from a great night’s sleep or just gotten back into town from a relaxing vacation can tell you different life looks when you feel more energetic and hopeful about life in general.

Whether patients get Beverly Hills rhinoplasty (a nose job) to accentuate their face or a skin peel to look years younger, I always notice the extra spring in their step once their recovery is over and, incidentally, for weeks and months to come. There is no energy-booster like confidence, and no confidence-booster like feeling happy and hopeful about your newfound appearance.

As you can see, confidence seeps into every area of your life. Tune in next week when I’ll bring you three more gifts that confidence can bring…

The Second, Third and Fourth Gifts of Confidence

What would your life be like if you could feel less insecure?

What would you do, where would you go, who would you walk up to and greet if you could simply be more outgoing?

How would your life change if your relationships with your friends and family were closer?

Continuing in our series on plastic surgery and confidence, this week I’m going to share with you the second, third and fourth gifts of confidence, which will have you feeling less insecure, more outgoing and enjoying closer relationships with your friends and family:

The Second Gift of Confidence: Less insecurity

Insecurity is, quite literally, the state of feeling less secure.

I often treat patients who come in feeling very, very insecure about their appearance. Whether they feel bad about the signs of aging they are experiencing, or a facial feature like their nose, chin, brows or jowls that has been making them feel less secure, many patients are anything but confident during our initial consultation.

Insecurity robs you of more than just your feeling of security; when you’re insecure, you can be less than who you were meant to be.

Think of how good it feels to be secure, to be confident, to be hopeful and happy about how you look. You walk taller, stand straighter, move faster, speak more freely and smile more often. When that confidence and security is taken from you because of your concerns over your appearance, all that energy and enthusiasm slowly drain out of you, leaving you less than you once were.

Some of us suffer from insecurity for years because of our appearance. Every time someone comments about our nose, our ears, our chin, our jowels, our wrinkles or our brows we lose a little of that security, a little of that hope, happiness and enthusiasm for life.

When we take steps to rectify what has made us feel insecure over the years, we take the first cautious step back toward security and begin the long road back to our self-confidence.

Now, I’m not saying that plastic surgery is the ONLY way to get more confidence; I’m merely saying that, in my office, the results of plastic surgery quite often lead to more confidence and that the effects of more confidence are unmistakable in my satisfied clients!

The Third Gift of Confidence: More outgoing

When you feel confident about your appearance and yourself, you will find yourself more open to new things, new people, new places and new experiences. Patients often update me about their “new” lives after plastic surgery or one of my non-surgical procedures and, more often than not, these updates include all the new places they’ve gone, the jobs they’ve applied for, the friends they’ve met, sometimes even the love interests they’ve begun because they now feel so much more confident and, in a word, outgoing.

It’s only natural to lose interest in new adventures when we lack self-confidence in our appearance. Some of my patients are so self-critical that going to something as simple as a lunch with friends or meeting the family for a holiday meal becomes a daylong exercise in trying to stay upbeat and positive and take the emphasis off their appearance.

Unfortunately, the unkind or thoughtless comments of others – as simple as they may be – can make such efforts for naught as patients crumple right back into that old insecurity and doubt when a family member or friend remarks about their appearance.

The more we hear these remarks, or even just imagine them, the less likely we are to go beyond our increasingly shrinking worlds. Teenagers who are insecure about their appearance are less likely to make new friends in school. Adults are less likely to apply for new jobs or seek promotions when they feel insecure about how they look.

Boomers and seniors can feel cut off from society if they feel they look “too old” to fit in. With confidence about your appearance, you can not only look years younger but feel years younger as well.

Being outgoing is not just a luxury in this day and age, but a necessity. Most of us have to go out in the world to work and meet new people and interact with coworkers, employees, bosses and customers. Even if we work from home, life is full of face-to-face interaction with neighbors, friends, family, retail clerks and cashiers, waiters and waitresses, etc. It can be amazing the amount of new people you meet in a week, or familiar people you interact with on a daily basis.

What’s the first thing people notice about you? Your face; so if you don’t feel comfortable, confident or even compatible with how your face looks, it’s only natural you would “shrink” back from the world and become less outgoing as a result.

Confidence gives you the freedom to go out in the world again, to meet new people with a smile, to stop worrying about what others will say and concentrate on the joy of human relationships again.

The Fourth Gift of Confidence: Closer relationship with friends and family

Notice how these 10 gifts of confidence all build on each other. Our first gift, feeling more energy (see last week’s blog) helped us feel more secure about ourselves and our appearance. Feeling less insecure, our second gift, makes you more outgoing, which is ofcourse our third gift. Now we come to our fourth gift of confidence, which is having closer relationships with your friends and family.

Can you see how being more outgoing – in addition to feeling less insecure and having more energy – could strengthen your relationship with close friends and family? After all, being with people takes energy; you want to give as good as you get, and you simply can’t do that when you’re feeling insecure or lacking confidence.

When you’re no longer worrying about your appearance before a lunch with your mother or a holiday meal, you are freed up to actually enjoy the family gathering! Patients often tell me how much more enjoyable these family gatherings are now that they’re no longer worried about their appearance and can actually be present in the moment, listening to what the other person is actually saying rather than hearing their negative self-talk get in the way!

Anyone who has ever felt distant from his or her family for whatever reason, but particularly because of shyness, insecurity or lack of confidence over their appearance, can tell you what a joy it is to reconnect with family members and friends once again. Renewed confidence can mean renewed connections.

I hope by now you can see how these first few gifts can make you feel and look better while increasing your confidence daily. In the coming weeks we will explore the rest of the 10 gifts of confidence….

About the Author: Dr. Babak Azizzadeh is the founder and Director of The Center for Facial & Nasal Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Azizzadeh is one of the leading facial plastic surgeons in the country with an expertise in rhinoplasty, facial rejuvenation and restoration, and blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery Beverly Hills.

Dr. Azizzadeh is the author of top-selling plastic surgery textbook, Master Techniques in Facial Rejuvenation and the upcoming textbook Master Techniques in Rhinoplasty & Nasal Reconstruction and Beverly Hills Beauty Secrets. He has been featured in the Oprah Winfrey Show, People Magazine, NY Times, LA Times, Elle and numerous other media outlets.

Satuday, January 31, 2009
Sculptra Liquid Facelift: Same Results, Less Surgery
By: Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS

Most people equate the facial rejuvenation with a surgical procedure, but modern technology, new ingredients and consumer need for more natural looking effects with non-surgical procedures has produced a new breed of procedure that doesn’t require surgery: the Sculptra liquid facelift.
When we talk about restoring youth to the aging face, we talk about volume. Thin, hollow cheeks and sagging skin can be addressed by adding volume to the cheeks, chin and even forehead. How? Plumping up facial volume and filling fine lines and wrinkles can be addressed by using dermal fillers. One such filler is called Sculptra, a product that both fills in lines and creases, and provides a natural framework for the growth of your own soft tissues and collagen production, creating natural volume and contour just where you want it. Injected beneath the skin in a simple office procedure, the results can last for two years.

This report will cover the following topics:

• What Sculptra is
• How a Sculptra liquid facelift is performed
• What to know during the consultation
• How long recovery time might last

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra (marketed outside the US as New-fill) is an injectable compound of polylactic acid hydrogel. A synthetic polymer, Sculptra is designed as a long-lasting treatment for everything from lines and wrinkles to deep furrows and tissue volume loss in the face. Sculptra’s main strength is in volume restoration, which is the main culprit of the aging process.  It encourages new collagen growth and formation of fibrous tissues that make the complexion look smooth, supple, and youthful, even after the initial filling effect has worn off. In use for over 10 years, Sculptra/New-fill has an excellent record of tolerance and overall safety as injectable filler.

How is it performed?

After an examination, your doctor will draw up a treatment plan designed specifically for signs of aging and one's personal goals. Botox is often used in conjunction with Sculptra to relax facial muscles that contribute to wrinkles and furrows.   Other fillers such as restylane, juvederm, evolence and Radiesse may also be used to address fine lines.  Injecting Sculptra at varying depths to fill creases creates a more youthful contours and appearance. Depending on the number of injections sites, treatment can take as little as 30 minutes.   Sculptra requires 2-3 treatment sessions with 4-6 week intervals.  The results typically last 3 years in my experience which is 12 times the longevity of collagen!

What should I know before a Sculptra liquid facelift consultation?

The biggest issue to discuss at your consultation is the results you want – and how to get them. In some cases a Sculptra liquid facelift may be exactly what you’re looking for; in other cases it might not be enough – or could even be too much – for your own personal facelift needs.
To be clear, make sure your physician understands exactly what you want and makes it clear why a Sculptra liquid facelift will actually achieve those results. Don’t rule out complementary procedures to enhance  your liquid facelift, such as botox, other fillers, fractional fraxel laser resurfacing and great skin care products.

How long might recovery time last?

Injectable facelift results are usually visible instantly; however, if Sculptra is used it can take up to three sessions to see improvement. Sessions are spaced about four to six weeks apart. Some of the initial plumping will dissapear due to swelling. It is common for multiple injection sites, but swelling and bruising may be experienced the first few days after treatment.
To minimize swelling, patients leave with a pack of ice and are advised not to exercise for the first few hours to prevent an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. Patients should avoid vitamin E, anti-inflammatories, herbal supplements and other medications that promote bruising.

About the Authr : Dr. Babak Azizzadeh is the Director of the Institute for Rhinoplasty & Nasal Reconstruction and The Center for Facial & Nasal Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Azizzadeh is one of the leading facial plastic surgeons in the country with an expertise in facial rejuvenation and rhinoplasty. His expertise in Sculptra has made him one of the most sought after physician trainers for the product.  He is on the medical educational faculty and physician advisory board of  Dermik (Sanofi-aventis) and bioform. Dr. Azizzadeh is the author of top-selling plastic surgery textbook, Master Techniques in Facial Rejuvenation and the upcoming textbook Master Techniques in Rhinoplasty & Nasal Reconstruction and Beverly Hills Beauty Secrets.  He has been featured in the Oprah Winfrey Show, People Magazine, NY Times, LA Times and numerous other media outlets.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Revision Facelift: A Second Chance at Youthfulness
By: Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS

Much like revision rhinoplasty, a revision facelift is a second – or even third – chance to make sure that your face looks both youthful and natural after a previous surgical procedure(s) has left you less than satisfied with your appearance. There are many reasons why an initial facelift could go wrong; a revision facelift assures that whatever did happen it can be corrected to give you the results you truly desire.
This report will cover the following topics:

• What a secondary or revision facelift is
• How it is performed
• What to know during the consultation
• How long recovery time might last

What is a revision facelift?

Believe it or not, revision facelift is becoming more common than one might think. Why? With the increasing popularity of cosmetic surgical procedures, more and more individuals who have previously undergone facelift and facial rejuvenation procedures are seeking secondary revision facelift procedures.
A patient who comes in for a revision facelift has significantly different needs than a patient who has not had prior facial rejuvenation procedures. As a result, secondary facelift procedures require special techniques and care because of previous surgical manipulations.

How is it performed?

A revision facelift must be carefully performed. As it is a second- or possibly third-chance procedure, much of the fat and or muscle that might normally be removed is already gone, so the procedure must be done carefully and specifically according to a revision procedure as opposed to a first procedure.  Furthermore, many individuals who have been unhappy with their primary face lift procedure, likely required complementary procedures such as volume restoration and skeletal contouring which was not done at that time.  
Short flap rhytidectomy facelift provides the best possible outcome for patients who have undergone previous facelift procedures. The short flap rhytidectomy facelift (SFR facelift) utilizes a short skin flap dissection, but this dissection limits the risks of skin issues which is especially important for secondary facelift procedure.   Most surgeons utilize long skin dissections to perform facelift procedures which can increase the chance of nerve injury and skin damage for patients who have had previous face lift procedures.
In the Short flap rhytidectomy, the underlying tissue and muscles (SMAS) are elevated with the skin flap in order to obtain the best possible elevation of the appropriate areas that require improvement both in the neck and the face. This SFR facelift furthermore allows multilevel fat grafting to the midface and cheek areas, which are traditionally hollowed and not addressed during traditional facelift procedures.  Volume restoration with multilevel fat grafting is one of the most critical procedures that need to be considered in secondary facelift procedures.
Other complementary procedures should also be considered including, skin rejuvenation with TCA chemical peel or fractional (fraxel) skin resurfacing, endoscopic brow and midface lift,  blepharoplasty  (eye lift), fillers (restylane, juvederm, Radiesse, Sculptra) and botox.

What should I know before a male facelift consultation?

During the facial analysis procedure, five special areas need to be comprehensively evaluated. First and foremost the entire overall skin condition and facial balance will be examined. The skin is an extremely important part of the revision facelift consultation. Many patients who have undergone previous lifting procedures have thinner skin and require special treatment to avoid having complications from secondary procedures. After the skin has been thoroughly evaluated, the facial balance between the upper, middle, lower and neck regions of the face must all be detailed.
There needs to be a solid balance between the forehead, brow, eyelid region and the rest of the face. Therefore, if patients have any sort of imbalance still, the areas will be addressed at the same time with an endoscopic brow lift and blepharoplasty procedures. Also, we now know that the aging process is not just a matter of gravitational laxity, but that significant volume atrophy is also due to the change to the skeletal bone as well as subcutaneous fat atrophy. As a result many patients undertaking secondary facial procedures will require multilevel fat grafting to restore facial volume

How long might recovery time last?

The typical revision facelift procedure allows for a relatively short downtime with patients returning back to work within seven to ten days. Bruising and swelling is limited. The Short Flap Rhytidectomy  also limits the risk of injury to the facial nerve especially for the patients who previously had had extensive procedures.

About the Author: Dr. Babak Azizzadeh is the Director of the Institute for Rhinoplasty & Nasal Reconstruction and The Center for Facial & Nasal Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Azizzadeh is one of the leading facial plastic surgeons in the country with an expertise in facial rejuvenation and rhinoplasty. He is the author of top-selling plastic surgery textbook, Master Techniques in Facial Rejuvenation and the upcoming textbook Master Techniques in Rhinoplasty & Nasal Reconstruction and Beverly Hills Beauty Secrets.   He has been featured in the Oprah Winfrey Show, People Magazine, NY Times, LA Times and numerous other media outlets.

Monday, January 26, 2009
Male Face and Neck Lift: A Sign of the Times
By: Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS
www.facialplastics.info

Once upon a time, women were the main recipients of facelifts. While women still continue to dominate the majority of surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures performed in this country each year, it is becoming more and more common – and more and more acceptable – for men to join their ranks.

In fact, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, “Men had 9 percent of cosmetic procedures. The number of procedures (surgical and non-surgical) performed on men was just over 1 million, an increase of 17 percent from the previous year.”
This report will cover the following topics:

• What a male facelift is
• How it is performed
• What to know during the consultation
• How long recovery time might last

What is a male facelift?

When it comes to facelifts for men and women, both procedures are typically the same. However, men age differently than women and they also have different needs and desires.  This is where a female and male facelift tend to differ.
As men age, they desire to have a more youthful, virile and natural appearance.  Men generally do not mind having some wrinkles to show for their life experience; however, they do mind having bags under their eyes and loose skin in the neck and jowl region . This heavy, sagging look is the reason most men seek facial rejuvenation.
For some men, a face and neck lift  (also known as rhytidectomy) can solve most of their concerns.  For others, they may also require multilevel fat grafting , eyelift (blepharoplasty), or fillers to complete a more youthful look by eliminating the drooping or sagging that can also occur above and below the eye.

How is it performed?

Male facelifts are very similar in nature to the female facelift; however there are some major differences that your surgeon must be aware of.  Since men have side-burns, the incision in front of the ear needs to be carefully planned.  I typically like to avoid that incision all together if possible by utilizing endoscopic facelift techniques and incisions behind the ear to completely camouflage.  Another important issue in men is the over-pulled look windswept look.  This is absolutely not acceptable as most men want to have a completely natural look.   
If definition is an issue, implants may be utilized to improve a receding chin or underdeveloped cheek region. If complimentary procedures are agreed upon before hand, like injectables for definition or an eyelift to decrease sagging eyelids, these may be done at this time as well.

What should I know before a male facelift consultation?

Men should be aware to choose their surgeon carefully.  They should make sure that their surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery or the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Furthermore, their surgeon should have expertise in men and facial rejuvenation.  In addition to their skill set, the surgeon needs to have the correct “aesthtetic eye” so that the final outcome is in line with your expectations.. In particular, since men tend to wear their hair shorter than women and thus have less options for hiding scar tissue, you will want to discuss the injection sites, how much scarring may or may not occur and the pros and cons of each option.

How long might recovery time last?

The male facelift is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. Recovery time is often as short as one to two weeks. However, as with all surgical procedures, you must have someone care for you for at least 72 hours after your surgery is done.

About the Author: Dr. Babak Azizzadeh is the Director of the Institute for Rhinoplasty & Nasal Reconstruction and The Center for Facial & Nasal Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Azizzadeh is one of the leading facial plastic surgeons in the country with an expertise in facial rejuvenation and rhinoplasty. He is the author of top-selling plastic surgery textbook, Master Techniques in Facial Rejuvenation and the upcoming textbook Master Techniques in Rhinoplasty & Nasal Reconstruction and Beverly Hills Beauty Secrets.   He has been featured in the Oprah Winfrey Show, People Magazine, NY Times, LA Times and numerous other media outlets.

Friday, October 24, 2008
Revision Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid surgery, corrects issues related to excess fat and wrinkles around the eyes. In a lower lid blepharoplasty, the fat underneath the eyelid is redistributed for a more natural look. Excess fat is also removed through a small incision made in the upper eyelid, along with sutures to tighten the skin around the eye. Because this area is covered by eyelashes, the scars are virtually invisible. The combination of these two procedures can combat unwanted dark circles and excess skin around the eyes, in effect turning back the clock for eyes that are more youthful and alert.

Sometimes, a blepharoplasty may be unsuccessful. When this happens, Dr. Azizzadeh must perform a revision Blepharoplasty. The need for revision Blepharoplasty can occur after a poorly performed initial procedure or after several years of additional aging.

Typical functional problems stemming from a poorly performed initial procedure include:

• Inability to close the eyes completely, because too much skin was removed
• An unnaturally rounded shape to the corners of the eyes
• An asymmetrical look to the eyes, causing irritation and dry eyes

Revision blepharoplasty is a more delicate and difficult procedure than the first. Patients should have realistic expectations about the outcome and realize that a secondary procedure creates many challenges. Scar tissue formed after the initial surgery is more difficult for the surgeon to work with, and patients may find that it takes longer to heal after a secondary procedure.

Please contact Beverly Hills cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Babak Azizzadeh today to learn more about the revision facelift.

posted by Patti at 3:39 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Rhinoplasty: a Gateway Cosmetic Procedure for Men

Historically, men are thought not to really care about their looks. The Marlboro man was rough and tough and looked like a saddlebag with eyes. Even when cosmetic surgery boomed for women, men still avoided making improvements to their appearance, considering it to be unmanly. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 74,000 men had nose reshaping in 2007. Each year, rhinoplasty is the number one procedure for men.

Even if you are a manly sort of guy, having a nose job is more acceptable than many other co