Autologous fat is extracted from the patient’s own body via liposuction. It is usually harvested at the time of another procedure. There is no risk of allergy or rejection and the results are still temporary, lasting from three to six months.
Radiance™ is composed of tiny microspheres of calcium, hydroxlapatite (CaHA), suspended in a carrier gel of sodium carboxymethylcellulose, glycerin, and water. This injectable filler can last up to two years; however, it has not been approved by the FDA yet.
An FDA panel is reviewing an application for Artecoll®. This permanent treatment, already available overseas, reduces facial wrinkles by injecting polymethyl methacrylate spheres into a collagen-containing vehicle. The spheres trigger the body’s own collagen to plump out the wrinkle.

Right Choice for You
Do you want to look younger? Would you like to have smoother, rejuvenated skin? Dermal fillers may be the right option for you. Schedule an appointment with your facial plastic surgeon to discuss which treatment will meet your individual needs.

ASK THE SURGEON
I am 35 years old and have been very uncomfortable with the appearance of my protruding ears. Is it too late to get this fixed?
No, it is not too late. The surgery can be performed at any age after the ears have reached full size, usually five to six years of age. For adults, the procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. Incisions are made behind the ear, where the scars will be easily hidden in the natural crease. Depending on how much protrusion or the size of the ear, your surgeon will either reduce excess skin and cartilage or reduce excess skin and sculpt the cartilage. The goal is to reshape the -ear and reposition it closer to the head. Permanent sutures are frequently placed in the cartilage to secure its position and create natural-looking ear folds.

HEALTH TIP
Take care of your pores! Are you suffering from acne, blackheads, or dry skin? Preventative maintenance can help you avoid outbreaks and sustain a healthy glow.
The oil in your skin causes the cells that line your pores to stick together and clog, causing acne. This can be prevented by cleansing regularly, applying an alcohol-based astringent, and then an oil-free moisturizer (preferably with a sun protection factor of at least 15). To prevent acne flare-ups, your makeup, sunscreen, and powders should all be oil-free.
Blackheads are also caused by sticky, oil-clogged pore cells. To avoid scarring, do not squeeze them. Follow the same regime: cleanse, apply toner, and moisturize. You may want to try an over-the-counter pad that lifts oil and dead skin cells from pores. Another strategy is to exfoliate, which removes dead cells from the skin surface.
What is in your moisturizer? If you moisturize but still suffer from dry patches of skin, check the ingredients. A moisturize should contain emollients, such as petrolatum and mineral oil, and minimal fragrances that may cause irritation.

WHAT’S NEW?
On the rise, physicians are looking at treating the whole patient with complementary services that reduce anxiety, promote healing, and maximize patient satisfaction. Much like the medical spa entering some practices, complementary services such as therapeutic massage, audio tapes, and yoga are starting to show up in facial plastic surgery practices.
Therapeutic massage: Whether it is a Swedish massage, reflexology, or acupressure, studies have shown that massage can relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote healing while improving circulation, deepening relaxation, and providing an increased sense of physical and emotional well-being.
Guided imagery audio tapes: The goal is to evoke a positive physical response through positive affirmations and music.
Yoga: This ancient practice has been associated with reduced stress, lowered blood pressure, and regulated heart rate. It helps unify the body and mind involving a series of stretching postures, breathing exercises, and meditative practices.