Sometimes, no matter how hard you work out or how healthy you eat, you can’t quite get rid of your double chin. Oftentimes, submental fat or excess fat under the chin is caused by genetics and won’t go away with natural methods. That’s where Dr. Garcia and his expert medical team step in. Let’s go over some of our most tried and true methods of double chin reduction that can help you get the sharp jawline you desire.
Ultherapy®
Ultherapy® is a non-invasive procedure that can help our patients reduce the appearance of a double-chin. Ultherapy® works by using ultrasound technology to stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen over a period of time. Patients are able to see results in as little as one Ultherapy® treatment, however, we typically recommend patients receive a series of treatments to achieve the contoured jawline they desire.
Platysmaplasty
Platysmaplasty is a surgical cosmetic procedure that tightens the skin and underlying muscles under the chin and around the upper neck. Platysmaplasty is specifically focused on contouring the jawline and creating a sleek under-chin appearance. We often recommend patients receive platysmaplasty in conjunction with liposuction to remove any stubborn pockets of fat that may be contributing to the appearance of the double chin.
Which Double Chin Treatment is Right for Me?
When it comes to choosing the right treatment for you, it really depends on the type of skin and facial muscle the patient has. Every patient is different and needs to be seen in a consultation to see if they are a candidate for these treatments.
Do you still have questions about how to reduce your double chin? Call us today to schedule your private consultation with board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Phillip Garcia. He’ll be happy to sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your ultimate aesthetic goals.
It’s no secret that there’s a major difference between medical-grade and over-the-counter skincare. The question here is: what really makes medical-grade skincare that much better? Let’s go over everything you need to know about what makes medical-grade skincare so unique.
What Qualifies Skincare as Medical-Grade?
One of the biggest questions our patients ask about medical-grade skincare is: what makes medical-grade skincare medical-grade? The answer lies in the standards the products are held to. Each medical-grade skincare product is required to have 99 percent of its ingredients be pure. That means no fillers or unnecessary chemicals that can be found in your over-the-counter products.
What are the Benefits of Medical-Grade Skincare?
There’s a long list of benefits you’ll be getting from your medical-grade skincare versus an over-the-counter product. That being said, we’re going to cover the top three today.
High-Quality Ingredients
As we covered earlier, over-the-counter skincare products aren’t held to the same high standards that medical-grade products are held to. Because of this, they may contain chemicals or ingredients that can cause more harm to the skin than good. Medical-grade products typically steer clear from chemicals like parabens and fragrances that can cause reactions on sensitive skin.
Better Product Absorption
Believe it or not, medical-grade skincare products are even made to absorb better into your skin than a typical over-the-counter product. During the manufacturing process, medical-grade skincare products are made on a much smaller molecular level which allows them to penetrate deeper within the skin than an over-the-counter product with a larger molecular makeup.
More Bang for Your Buck
Our patients sometimes get sticker shock when looking at the prices of medical-grade skincare products. There’s a reason why medical-grade products are more expensive than over-the-counter ones. Over-the-counter skincare products are only allowed to contain certain amounts of active ingredients, whereas medical-grade skincare products are allowed to contain higher concentrations of the same active ingredient.
For example, medical-grade skincare products may be able to contain up to 5 percent of hydroquinone, an active ingredient that treats hyperpigmentation. Over-the-counter products, however, are capped at having 2 percent of the same ingredient. Remember, the extra money you’re spending on your medical-grade products will provide you with the results you want more quickly and efficiently.
Do you still have questions about which medical-grade skincare products are right for you? Call us today to schedule your private consultation with our aesthetician, Lori. She’ll be happy to sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your ultimate aesthetic goals.
Undergoing a cosmetic procedure is made comfortable thanks to the help of anesthesia. What many of our patients may not realize is that there’s an entire spectrum of anesthesia that varies depending on how much of the body needs to be numbed throughout each procedure. Let’s break things down a little further for you today and go over each type of anesthesia that may be used at Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery.
General Anesthesia
This anesthesia is given either through an IV or inhalation. General anesthesia is what we typically think of when we think of an invasive surgical procedure. This is most commonly used during surgeries like rhinoplasty and facelifts. General anesthesia is a safe and effective way to ensure patients stay asleep and comfortable throughout their treatments. After all surgeries using this anesthesia, patients will need to be driven to a designated hotel, where one of our Care Givers will be assisting them the first night after surgery.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is a more mild form of anesthesia that’s typically used to numb a specific area of the body. Patients who receive a local anesthetic will remain awake throughout their procedure, but also remain comfortable as the treated area will be completely numb. We typically use local anesthetic for procedures that are less invasive like blepharoplasty. Unlike general anesthesia, there are no side effect like drowsiness.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, is a little different from the rest. Nitrous oxide is typically self-administered through inhalation, meaning you’ll be controlling how much nitrous oxide you’re breathing in throughout your procedure. Rather than numb you completely, nitrous oxide helps to calm your nerves and dissipates within minutes. We typically recommend patients nitrous oxide during lesser invasive procedures like Ultherapy®. In some cases, we can combine Nitrous Oxide with local anesthesia for a very comfortable procedure.
Lidocaine
Most of the fillers we offer, in the Allergan line, have lidocaine in them. After the initial injection, the dispersing of the product is fairly comfortable. Aside from the lidocaine in the fillers, our injectable procedures are usually a comfortable experience, as we have our patients ice the treatment area before injecting. This icing assists numbing the treatment areas and even aids in reducing any swelling that may occur.
Do you still have questions about which anesthesia you’ll need during surgery? Call us today to schedule your private consultation with board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Phillip Garcia. He’ll be happy to sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your ultimate aesthetic goals.
When our patients come in for their rhinoplasty consultation, they often tell us they’re less concerned about the surgery and more concerned about the recovery period. Dr. Phillip Garcia and the expert medical professionals at Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery understand that the recovery process sounds daunting, which is why they put together their ultimate list of rhinoplasty recovery tips.
1. Study Your Post-Operative Care Instructions
Before your rhinoplasty procedure, Dr. Garcia and his team will provide you with a detailed list of post-operative care instructions. These instructions will outline exactly how often you should be icing your nose, when and how often you need to take any medications, as well as when to follow up with Dr. Garcia following surgery. These instructions are given in written form, verbally at your pre-operative appointment, and are shown in videos we’ve made for our patients. You can find these videos here. We encourage all of our patients to read through these instructions and watch these videos ahead of time to prepare accordingly.
2. Get Your House Prepared
Something we often tell our patients prior to any aesthetic procedure is to make sure the house is fully prepared for you following surgery. This includes keeping a basket of essentials next to the spot you’ll be resting the most, ensuring you have ice packs ready to go, and acquiring medications that are prescribed in addition Arnica Montana to reduce bruising, swelling and discomfort. Saline spray is also good to keep on-hand, as you will need to spray often to keep your nostrils clean and clear.
3. Recruit a Buddy
Your rhinoplasty is going to be performed under general anesthesia. Because of this, you’re going to need a friend, family member, or loved one to take you home from the office the day of your surgery. In addition, it is helpful having them around throughout the first few days of your recovery to assist where you may need help.
4. Rest, Ice, and Elevate
Our last tip on the list is arguably the most important – be sure to get plenty of rest, ice often, and elevate your head when laying down. Doing these three things together will help to reduce your swelling, avoid excess bruising, and ensure your recovery period goes by as quickly and easily as possible.
Do you still have questions about your potential rhinoplasty recovery? Call us today to schedule your private consultation with board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Phillip Garcia. He’ll be happy to sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your ultimate aesthetic goals.
We all know that Botox® is a powerful treatment for addressing wrinkles in the forehead, thereby delivering a more youthful appearance. However, another great benefit of Botox® is its ability to treat excessive sweating, a condition otherwise known as hyperhidrosis. In fact, Botox® has been FDA-approved for the treatment of excessive sweating in the underarms since 2004, and has helped countless patients overcome their symptoms.
How Does Botox® for Sweating Work?
Botox® for sweating works by taking advantage of the same science behind Botox® for wrinkles. The Botox® treatment delivers neurotoxins to the body that prevent certain signals from being sent to the brain. When used for wrinkles, these signals prevent muscle activity, allowing the muscles to relax and smooth out wrinkles. When used for sweating, it works similarly. Upon injection into the armpits, palms of the hands or soles of the feet, Botox® blocks signals that cause the body to sweat. Within a few days of treatment, patients experience an 80% reduction in sweating on average.
How Long Does Botox® for Sweating Last?
Clinical studies have shown that Botox® for sweating can reduce symptoms of hyperhidrosis for periods of 7 to 16 months. This is far longer than Botox® lasts for cosmetic use, making it a convenient treatment for any patient struggling with excessive sweating. Many patients choose to have Botox® treatments on an annual basis to maintain their results.
Is Botox® for Sweating Safe?
A common concern with Botox® injections for sweating is that reducing the body’s ability to sweat will lead to adverse effects. Fortunately, this is not the case at all. The body produces sweat in many areas, with the armpits only making up approximately 2% of the body’s total sweat glands. After Botox® injections, the body is still fully capable of regulating body temperature and producing sweat in other areas.
Is Botox® for Sweating Right for Me?
Botox® for sweating is proven to improve quality of life for patients who are struggling with excessive sweating. After Botox® injections, patients can enjoy improved comfort and confidence as a result of a lack of hyperhidrosis symptoms. Plus, the long-term benefits of treatment make it a convenient solution for nearly all patients. However, the best way to determine if Botox® for sweating is right for you is to schedule a consultation with the team at Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery. During your consultation, we’ll determine if Botox® is the best solution for you and help you get started with treatment. Contact us today to get started or learn more!
While everyone is eager to get out in the sun during the warm summer weather, it’s also the most dangerous time to do so! Going into summer without an appropriate skincare plan can lead to skin damage and premature aging. If you want to enjoy everything that summer has to offer without risking your skin health, keep reading. Aesthetician Lori has 5 summer skincare tips that will help you navigate the season safely.
1. SUNBLOCK! SUNBLOCK! SUNBLOCK!
Sunblock is an absolute must year-round, but is even more essential in the summer season. My #1 summer skincare tip is to create the habit of wearing sunblock every day. Try building sunblock into your morning skincare routine. When sunblock is applied daily, you reduce your exposure to the sun and protect your skin against UVA (associated with aging) and UVB (associated with sunburn) damage. You should be wearing a minimum of 30 SPF daily. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the SPF (sun protection factor) in your makeup is sufficient unless it contains 30 SPF or greater. Most Dermatologists agree that anything above a 50 SPF is not necessary however, if 100 SPF makes you feel more secure, DO IT!
Now, let’s talk about reapplication… If you work in an office all day, reapplication is not necessary. If you work or are playing outside YOU MUST REAPPLY SUNBLOCK EVERY 80-90 MINUTES. Be proactive and protect your skin from skin cancer, unsightly sunspots and accelerated aging. You are worth it!
2. Get Plenty of Sleep!
“Beauty Rest” is not just a saying, it’s real! A lack of sleep can affect the much-needed repair process your body goes through each night you lay your head on your pillow. Sleep deprivation can affect the integrity of the collagen in your skin, as cortisol levels that trigger inflammation will cause these proteins to breakdown. Loss of sleep also makes your blood vessel dilate, leading to those horrible dark circles we all try to avoid. Needless to say, sleep is an important component to healthy skin.
3. Hydration is Key
Staying hydrated both internally and externally is very important during the summer season. Because our bodies perspire so much during the summer, we need to replace that water. A good habit is to drink half of your body weight in ounces of water. On the outside, using a medical grade hyaluronic acid along with other medical grade hydrators is good practice. When your skin is well hydrated, it looks more youthful and radiant.
4. Adjust Your Skincare Routine
I don’t know about you, but my skin seems to change with the seasons. I am more dry in the winter and more oily in the summer. If you experience this too, change up your skincare routine. For summer, you might consider adding in a pore refiner or an oil control toner to help control oil. If you are not already using Vitamin C, summer is a great time to introduce it into your skincare routine. Antioxidants in general have been shown to enhance the efficacy of your SPF, and antioxidants help fight the free radicals that speed up our aging process. Plus, Vitamin C has a beautiful brightening effect on the skin.
5. Let’s Not Forget About Those Lips!
I feel like our lips get neglected when it comes to skincare. Lips need to be exfoliated and hydrated too! You should exfoliate your lips at least once a week, and there are so many options for yummy homemade sugar exfoliants. My favorite anti-aging lip therapy for hydrating your lips is PCA Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster! It’s an AM/PM lip treatment that contains peptides and antioxidants to nourish your luscious lips.
Don’t make the mistake of jumping into the summer season without a game plan for your skincare. Protecting yourself throughout the summer is one of the most crucial ways to prevent skin damage and premature skin aging. If you need help identifying the best skincare products and habits for your skin, contact us today to schedule a consultation with Lori at Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery. If you overlooked some of these skincare tips previously, we also specialize in medical spa treatments that can reverse signs of aging and correct skin damage!
While Botox® is well-known for its ability to treat crow’s feet, bunny lines and similar wrinkles in the face, it has many additional applications in both cosmetics and general wellness. At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, we specialize in Botox® injections for many of these purposes, including Botox® for TMJ and Botox® for masseter reduction. Below, we’ll explain the benefits of choosing Botox® for these unique concerns.
Botox® for TMJ
TMJ symptoms, such as pain or stiffness in and around the jaw, are often caused by muscle tension and soreness. This can occur from overuse of the muscles or from stress that prevents the muscles from relaxing. Botox® injections can be administered directly to these muscles, delivering the botulinum neurotoxin and forcing them to relax. Within a few days of treatment, the muscles surrounding the temporomandibular joint will be able to relax, causing many patients to experience a rapid relief of TMJ symptoms. In addition to providing relief from TMJ symptoms, this can help prevent TMJ from worsening by giving the muscles a reprieve from daily stress and tension. Therefore, Botox® can be a powerful tool in reducing the long-term effects of TMJ. In some cases, however, patients may choose to receive regular Botox® treatments to maintain the results from treatment.
Botox® for Masseter Reduction
The masseter muscle is located in the lower jaw, and is responsible for chewing and related movements. Like with any muscle, repeated use will cause it to grow and strengthen. For some people, this results in a strong, square jawline – often desirable for those who want a masculine appearance, but not as much for females who prefer a more feminine, slimmer facial appearance. With Botox® injections, the masseter muscle can be relaxed while other muscles in the face remain active. Over time, the size of the masseter muscle will decrease from a decrease in muscular activity. This will result in a smoother, rounder facial profile and a more feminine jawline. By using Botox® for masseter reduction, patients can enjoy a non-surgical facial reshaping treatment without pain, scarring or downtime.
Is Botox® Right for Me?
As a non-surgical treatment with minimal downtime, Botox® is often an excellent solution for patients suffering from TMJ or those who would like to achieve masseter reduction. However, the best way to determine your candidacy for these treatments is to schedule your consultation with the team at Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery. Contact us today to learn more or get started.
