February 18th, 2009 Dr.Terry Hand
“To fill or not to fill?” seems to be a question that I answer often these days. The economy being the way it is for most of us, has necessitated that patients be very savvy in their choices of cosmetic procedures. Most of you have heard the term “liquid facelift”. A “
liquid facelift“ very simply is the usage of injectable dermal fillers and
Botox combined, with the intention of filling in wrinkles and smoothing pleated muscles in various areas of the face. I have patients that I think this procedure in moderation works well for, but I also see a whole group of individuals that would be better served by an appropriate surgical procedure that would provide long term correction.
Let me give you an example, the patient below needed a facelift and eyelid lift. Her neck had lost definition, her jowl lines were softened and her midface was sagging. To have merely injected dermal fillers and Botox into her face would have created relaxed muscles in the areas that were already relaxed and a puffiness to her face that did not match her distinctive look. She was better served by performing a facelift and an eyelid lift, followed by strategically utilizing injectable dermal fillers, Radiesse and Restylane, to correct the nasolabial lines. Her facial muscles were tightened, her midface was lifted with her eyelid lift, her neckline redefined and the extra skin from her face and eyelids were removed. No Botox was used on this patient.
The next patient was an excellent candidate for Botox and injectable dermal fillers, but again, they were used as an adjunct to cosmetic surgery. Before surgery, this patient had lower lid puffiness and upper lid drooping that was correctable only by an eye lift. She had midface laxity and her nasolabial lines were prominent, as were the lines between her brows. Botox was utilized to weaken her brow lines and the the lines in her crow’s feet areas, and to slightly lift her brows. Restylane was used to correct her nasolabial lines. However, the greatest correction was seen following her upper and lower eyelid lift. At that time, extra skin and muscle were removed, the malar fat pads (over the cheekbones) were repositioned and the midface was lifted.
There are certainly times when the physical anatomy of the face or financial choices make the usage of Botox and injectable dermal fillers, without cosmetic surgery, a wonderful choice. My concern is that patients need to be informed of all methods, tried and true, that may be of benefit for the cosmetic concerns that they are trying to solve. Dermal fillers and Botox are great temporary solutions, but when used in great quantities to avoid a surgical solution, their costs can be equally as daunting.
My recommendation: By all means utilize these valuable nonsurgical solutions, however, an informed plastic surgeon can assist you in providing a reality based plan for your short-term and long-term goals. At my Marin County plastic surgery practice, I evaluate every patient’s individual needs so that you understand all of your options prior to treatment.
Posted in Botox and Injectable Dermal Fillers, Faceift | 1 Comment »
February 10th, 2009 Dr.Terry Hand
Now available at our Marin County cosmetic surgery office, Latisse! We are very excited to be offering the first FDA-approved treatment for eyelashes. Latisse has been shown to produce a 25% increase in eyelash growth (length), a 106% increase in fullness and thickness and a 18% increase in darkness. Results start to be apparent 4 weeks into a once nightly treatment regime with increased length. The length, volume and darkness will continue to progress. After about 16 weeks or when your lashes reach a length that pleases you and your lash volume has dramatically increased, treatment can be stepped back to 2 to 3 times per week.
Since this is a prescription treatment, a quick appointment and discussion about the application of Latisse will be necessary. My office staff will be using Latisse and documenting their progress monthly. Stop by and get your supply. We’ll photograph you at 2 month intervals to document your progress too!
These photos are unretouched patients prior to starting treatment with Latisse and then again at 16 weeks. Pretty impressive! Call our Marin County office (415-461-6742) in the San Francisco Bay Area soon to get started.
Posted in Latisse | No Comments »
February 7th, 2009 admin
Welcome to my inaugural blog! For so many years I have had the privilege of treating wonderful patients from all over the San Francisco Bay Area 
and beyond. My challenge has always been keeping up with new and old faces (sorry for the pun!) and making my patients aware of the latest in interesting cosmetic surgery procedures as well as what is happening in our practice. I will share with you innovative research and techniques in the plastic surgery community and my opinions regarding their value. I can most often be found with a medical journal in the evenings and have seen in my years of practice, many variations on almost every procedure. Some are time tested and true. Some are hype. I will share my honest opinions and experiences.
My Marin County plastic surgery practice provides face, breast and body recontouring procedures as well as non-invasive procedures such as Botox, injectable fillers and Latisse. Thanks for checking out my blog, more soon!
Posted in Home | No Comments »
