2010-8
10

The Two Top Questions about Facial Aging

Category: FAQ's, Facial Plastic Surgery | No Comments

Today, there are two top questions about facial aging. Certainly, you have some ideas about what you would like to accomplish. After all, facials have been popular for decades in the past. Yet, today there are many leveraged ways to help preserve a radiant glow for your facial skin while allowing yourself to age gracefully.  So, let’s get right down to the top two most popular questions about facial aging.

How can I postpone facial aging?

Today, there are a number of ways you can postpone the signs of facial aging. Since certain fine lines, wrinkles, and skin folds are caused by sun damage, be certain to apply sunscreen SPT 15 or higher year round to prevent sun damage aging. Don’t forget that dry, rough skin is also a sun damage sign which may provide an incentive to ensure that you reapply sunscreen often throughout the day. In fact, a plastic surgeon can send you in the right direction to locate sunscreen that lasts longer on your face with a higher concentration level. Quarterly microdermabrasion is a step up from facials to maintain a stead fast skin renewal process which can compensate for the natural slowing down of the renewal process that occurs with aging. Other wrinkles such as crow’s feet, forehead lines and lines between the brows can be postponed and improved with the use of injectables such as Botox.

How can treat facial aging?

Quarterly chemical peels are a step up from microdermabrasion to accelerate the skin renewal process, brighten your skin, limit pore size, improve fine lines and tighten your skin during the mid-thirties. Thermage can tighten loose skin affected by gravity as well as bone and fat structure changes around the eyes, cheeks, jowls and neck.  Laser therapy is a highly targeted approach to treat sun damage, scars, age spots and help improve facial sagging by stimulating collagen production. Facial fillers such as Restylane fill in skin folds such as smile and laugh lines. Facial implants can lift you skin and fill out deeper volume loss. The mini face lift offers a subtle improvement for facial sagging and select wrinkles once you are in the 40 something category, while helping to prevent more sagging and allowing for the delay of more invasive face lift surgery. Of course, a deeper plane face lift is available for late stage aging, if and when necessary.

If you are interested in facial plastic surgery, call board certified Dr. Rick Becker, Bismarck, North Dakota, plastic surgeon for a free consultation at (701) 530-3333 or (888) 530-3003 for nationwide callers.

2010-8
8

Got cellulite? Try Thermage

Category: Body Contouring | No Comments

Cellulite treatment has been sought after my many women for decades. Indeed, the bubbling of fat surfacing on your skin is not highly desirable. The medical community has also sought after ways to improve cellulite. There have been a host of products introduced to the consumer market touting the advantages of subtle improvements with consistent use of creams and lotions. Others have turned to rigorous exercise. Many more increase water intake and focus on a low fat, high fiber diet with fruits and vegetables to improve cellulite. Today, more and more women are turning to Thermage®.

First what is cellulite?

Cellulite is a group subcutaneous fat deposits that can appear on the hips, thighs, and buttocks of women. Women have unique fat distribution, weaker connective tissues around fat cells, and thinner skin when compared to men, making cellulite an issue for women much more than for men.  Cellulite appears as rippling or dimpling of the skin.

Now for Thermage. In a single treatment that does not involve downtime, Thermage can improve cellulite from very subtly to significantly, depending upon the degree of cellulite.

In fact, Thermage works for much more. Dr. Rick Becker uses Thermage’s Thermacool NXT system to smooth skin as well as improve contour irregularities of the face, eyes, neck, knees, thighs, abdomen and buttocks. For an appealing price, Thermage is a great alternative to other more invasive plastic surgery procedures. In the end, cellulite treatment is a gold grail.

If you are interested in cellulite treatment, call board certified Dr. Rick Becker, Bismarck, North Dakota, plastic surgeon for a free consultation at (701) 530-3333 or (888) 530-3003 for nationwide callers.

2010-8
5

Got Hair? Try Double Edge Technology

Category: Body Contouring, FAQ's | No Comments

It’s not a deluxe shaver; it’s not waxing, nor threading or electrolysis. It is laser hair removal with the Aurora system that combines the best two therapies for long lasting hair removal, no downtime and a price that is comparable to other methods. The areas you can treat with the Aurora system are upper lip, chin, under arms, legs, bikini line, back and most any area of the body.

The Aurora system combines intense pulse light therapy and radio frequency therapy to tackle hair in the anagen stage of growth. Hairs in the anagen stage of growth have the most pigment which allows the laser to target and reach hair follicle roots, while removing roots from their core. This provides for hair re-growth that is less, thinner and may eventually completely be eliminated over time. People return for follow up treatments to target new hairs as they reach the anagen stage.

The anagen stage of growth may last from three months to a few years, depending upon anatomical differences. Hair usually grows one centimeter every 28 days.  Since people usually have hairs in different stages that are not susceptible to laser light penetration, follow up treatments are necessary to treat hairs that reach the anagen stage.

In fact, laser hair removal is uncomfortable when compared to waxing or electrolysis. Add to this the application of a numbing agent for treatment and no damage to surrounding skin areas, the Aurora system is an optimal choice for hair removal.

The driving force behind the Aurora System is IPL technology and radio frequency technology which enhances effectiveness in treatment. So, results can be leveraged with the Aurora System. In fact, Dr. Becker uses a multi-prong strategy that starts with the use of a diode laser, followed by the alexandrite, and the IPL laser.

If you are interested in laser hair removal, call board certified Dr. Rick Becker, Bismarck, North Dakota, plastic surgeon for a free consultation at (701) 530-3333 or (888) 530-3003 for nationwide callers.

2010-8
3

Breast Augmentation What You Don’t Know?

Category: Body Contouring, Breast Enhancement | No Comments

There have been several advancements made in breast augmentation over the past thirty years. Let’s check out what you may not know.

  1. For fourteen years before 2006, women only had saline breast implants available to them. Since then, women over the age of 21 may receive silicone breast implants and saline breast implants are available for women 18 years old and over.
  2. Saline breast implants are now available in both round and tear drop shaped.
  3. There are many types of breast implant styles to choose from in order to provide for varying desires in sizes increases, upper breast pole volume, lower breast pole volume, chest widths, and projection profiles.
  4. Breast augmentation recovery may be as little as week due to advancements in technique and technology.
  5. Breast augmentation is not as uncomfortable today because plastic surgeons use techniques that reduce the extent of breast pocket dissection which is less traumatic for the breasts.
  6. Plastic surgeons use improved instruments to perform the procedure which allows for greater precision during surgery and less discomfort following surgery.
  7. Pain medication can be administered during surgery to reduce post operative discomfort.
  8. Revision breast surgery is often simplified with techniques that allow for the breast implant to be slipped out and replaced easily through original under breast crease incisions.
  9. Study results have demonstrated that women often experience improvements in breast appearance and an enhancement other social activities following surgery.
  10. Some plastic surgeons focus more on breast augmentation than others.

Dr. Rick Becker is a board certified plastic surgeon who focuses on the latest techniques in breast augmentation. He also uses the latest surgical and recovery technology to help ensure the best possible results. The goal is safety, effectiveness and outstanding results at Becker Plastic Surgery.

If you are interested in breast augmentation, call board certified Dr. Rick Becker, Bismarck, North Dakota, plastic surgeon for a free consultation at (701) 530-3333 or (888) 530-3003 for nationwide callers.

2010-8
1

Liposuction Fat Cells Have Other Uses!!

Category: Body Contouring, Breast Enhancement | No Comments

In decades past, liposuctioned fat cells were not used for other medical applications. Today, liposuctioned fat cells can be very useful.

Today, fat cells can be prepared through spinning technique and then injected into an area of the face or body that requires building of volume.  People who undergo this fat transfer technique often enjoy the benefit of shapely buttocks, improvement in breast imperfections, filling in of lip lines, and improved volume loss in the cheeks or other areas of the face.

Liposuctioned fat cells may soon have other uses, according to the latest research. Liposuctioned fat cells may be prepared to derive stem cells that can be used for the repair of facial and bodily deformities and injuries. Stem cells may be used to create bone and cartilage. Stem cells can be used in a wealth of other medical applications.  The verdict is not completely out on the use of stem cells in medicine. However, the medical community has taken great strides to uncover the benefits of liposuctioned fat cells.

This is particularly important to some researchers who believe that liposuction fat cells release carbon into the air when not properly contained. Thus, another reason to look for ways to recycle liposuctioned fat cells.

Liposuction has been available to people interested in the permanent removal of adipose fat cells for many years. The procedure is most often performed on people who are within 10-15 pounds of their weight and have failed at achieving results through traditional weight loss methods. Liposuction may remove unwanted fat from the face, arms, stomach, flanks, hips, back, thighs and buttocks.

If you are interested in liposuction, call board certified Dr. Rick Becker, Bismarck, North Dakota, plastic surgeon for a free consultation at (701) 530-3333 or (888) 530-3003 for nationwide callers.

2010-7
28

Popular Fall Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures

Category: Facial Plastic Surgery | No Comments

Fall is often when people begin to spend more time in the comfort of their own home.  It’s a time of reflection about the summer season and a time for looking forward to the holiday season. Since it is a time when people are more likely to stay home, it’s often a great time for facial plastic surgery, particularly before the holidays approach. September and October are months that many think is a good time for eyelid surgery, nose reshaping and the forehead lift when there is recovery time involved, but improvements in appearance that last for many seasons to come, including:

Eyelid Surgery: Eye lid surgery is requested in autumn for a variety of reasons including: improving hooding of the eyelids, allowing the eyes to look wider and fuller, and removal of excess skin or fat. Eyelid surgery also provides for a more visible eyelid crease and the improvement in functionality of the eyes, when necessary. Recovery may take up to ten days, but people usually don’t mind since they are often snuggling up during the fall season.

Nose Reshaping: Nose reshaping is considered in the fall to improve a flat or low nasal bridge, round or flared nostrils, and a small or bulbous nose.  Plastic surgeons may use the long lasting open rhinoplasty technique involving discreet incisions outside of the nose or closed rhinoplasty focusing on inner nostril incisions. Alternatively, some people may qualify for the use of injectables to refine the nose temporarily when the nose is small or flat. In the case of open or closed rhinoplasty, recovery may be up to one week. Injectables do not involve recovery time and results can be maintained with follow up treatments.

Forehead Lift: The forehead lift is a good procedure to have in the fall. After all, it’s a great time to improve a tired, disconcerted facial appearance before the cheery holiday season. Plastic surgeons use tiny incisions along the hairline to tighten skin and diminish your forehead lines and creases between the brows. Recovery may be up to a week, but many people return to most normal activities within a few days following treatment.

Face Lift: Offered in several variations to meet the needs for early, mid and late stage aging, the face lift is best to pursue in fall and after the holiday seasons. But why wait until after the holidays if you can diminish wrinkles and facial sagging before holiday celebrations. The mini face lift requires up to week recovery time and the traditional face lift may require up to fourteen days. So, either way, if you begin your investigation now, you can be ready for the holiday season.

Facial plastic surgery techniques today are generally less invasive, less painful, reduce down time and can be less expensive when compared to years past. In fact, the benefits typically outweigh the expense. Some people have found that plastic surgery results offer career advantages because of the youthful appearance that can be achieved through facial treatments.  Others have experienced an enhancement in social and intimate activities. Older people may desire facial plastic surgery to appear more youthful for a significant other such as a wife or husband. In fact, sometimes you can benefit from even less invasive facial cosmetic treatments, providing you give yourself enough time to reap the rewards. Indeed, facial plastic surgery can be a renewal for several aspects of life, including the holidays.

To learn more about facial plastic surgery, call board certified Dr. Rick Becker, Bismarck, North Dakota, plastic surgeon for a free consultation at (701) 530-3333 or (888) 530-3003 for nationwide callers.

2010-7
28

Breast Augmentation Less Risky?

Category: Body Contouring, Breast Enhancement | No Comments

As with all medical procedures, there are risks. Though rare, risks can create complications following surgery. However, risks associated with breast augmentation have been reduced over the past forty years in which the procedure has been performed in the U.S. Check out the top three ways that complication rates have changed.

Complication Prevention

During your initial consultation for breast augmentation, your plastic surgeon will evaluate your medical history and the list of medications, over-the-counter drugs and supplements that you may be taking. This will help the plastic surgeon identify your risk level for complications and the ways to reduce the risk of complications. For example, your plastic surgeon may inform to cease certain drugs, holistic remedies and supplements in the weeks prior to and after surgery. This is because research has demonstrated that certain drugs elevate risks during surgery. So, plastic surgeons take precautions to reduce the risk of complications before surgery.

Often, a second consultation is conducted to allow women to try on different breast implant styles and sizes in order to ensure the right choice. This helps to reduce the risk of re-operation because of inappropriate breast implant style and size. All additional questions can be answered during the second consultation to help ensure you can have reasonable expectations for the outcome of your procedure.

Surgical Risk Reduction

Delicacy in techniques used for breast augmentation provide for a more direct approach to the procedure, reducing the risk of capsular contracture following surgery (implant squeezing from scar tissue). The sutures that are used today reduce the risk of excessive scar formation and infection. Local anesthesia may be used to perform breast augmentation which is associated with less risk when compared to general anesthesia.

Post Op Risk Reduction

There are private recovery suites that are available to bring more personalized nursing attention following the procedure. There are overnight recovery suites available, if needed.  There are medications prescribed to reduce inflammation, discomfort, and nausea following surgery. There are advanced scar products to enhance the scar maturation process. The risk for implant leakage or rupture is reduced due to new and improved breast implants. 

If you are interested in breast augmentation, call board certified Dr. Rick Becker, Bismarck, North Dakota, plastic surgeon for a free consultation at (701) 530-3333 or (888) 530-3003 for nationwide callers.

2010-7
25

Baby Boomer Liposuction

Category: Body Contouring | No Comments

According to a report published in the New Strategist Publication entitled The Baby Boom, 35% of baby boomers are concerned about being overweight. Rightfully so, it is more difficult for people over 40 to lose weight and extra weight increases the risk for age related diseases. Extra weight over 40 may be nature’s way of reducing the appearance of wrinkles, but excess facial and body fat seems to be less acceptable for today’s baby boomers.

Massive weight loss procedures have become increasingly popular in recent years. Yet, liposuction remains one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures for the permanent removal of fat deposits that do not respond to weight loss methods of diet and exercise.

Baby boomers with exercise resistant fat areas who are within 15 pounds of normal weight often enjoy the benefits of Iiposuction for the neck, stomach, hips, flanks, back, thighs and buttocks. More recently, baby boomers have become interested in liposuction for the knees. Obese individuals may be interested in liposuction for the knees, ankles, arms, stomach, hips and back.

Special Pre Op and Post Op Instructions

  • Since over 40% more Boomers invest in online natural foods/vitamins, plastic surgeons must know about these medication uses because such use may pose a risk for complications.
  • Smoking may adversely affect the results of liposuction.
  • Sun exposure which may adversely affect the results of the procedure.
  • Exercise and diet regimens following surgery are important for baby boomers to maintain longevity in results so fat does not appear in surrounding areas.

There are several advantages for having liposuction during baby boomer years. Liposuction restores shapely body contours and provides for natural looking results. The procedure is not time consuming and recovery is not extensive. This makes liposuction very appealing to baby boomers today.

If you are interested in liposuction, call board certified Dr. Rick Becker, Bismarck, North Dakota, plastic surgeon for a free consultation at (701) 530-3333 or (888) 530-3003 for nationwide callers.

2010-7
22

Revision Breast Augmentation?

Category: Body Contouring, Breast Enhancement | No Comments

If you are interested in breast augmentation or a secondary procedure following initial breast augmentation, you are not alone. There are several reasons why a woman may be interested in revision breast augmentation. Let’s explore why….

  1. On rare occasions, a complication may arise which makes the replacement of breast implants a requirement. But this does not mean that the procedure will be as invasive as the initial procedure
  2. Some women may choose revision breast augmentation to benefit from newer improved breast implants for better shapeliness and reduced complication risks.
  3. Some women replace older aged breast implants for newer improved ones. Breast implants can age over ten to fifteen years time.

Revision breast augmentation can be a very straightforward procedure involving the simple removal and replacement of the breast implants through the same under the breast crease incision.  A small number of women require more extensive revision breast augmentation. Select number of plastic surgeons focus on revision breast augmentation. Women who are concerned about a complication from surgery are advised to seek out plastic surgeons that have specific experience in revision breast surgery.

Revision breast surgery may never be required, but you’ll want to know about why revision surgery may need to be performed when undergoing the breast augmentation procedure. Plastic surgeons review this information during initial consultations for breast enhancement.

If you are interested in breast enhancement, call board certified Dr. Rick Becker, Bismarck, North Dakota, plastic surgeon for a free consultation at (701) 530-3333 or (888) 530-3003 for nationwide callers.

2010-7
20

Breast Surgery Wardrobe Costs

Category: Body Contouring, Breast Enhancement, Facial Plastic Surgery | No Comments

If you are thinking about breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction, one of the most exciting things to think about is your new wardrobe. There’s often enthusiasm about the prospect of buying new clothes. There’s often pleasure experienced when showing off a new wardrobe.   And the costs for a post breast surgery wardrobe may be minimal when compared to the rewards.

Breast Augmentation: The need for a new upper body wardrobe may be optional or mandatory, depending upon the extent of your breast size increase. Often, women that have breast augmentation enjoy being able to wear clothes that are better fitting.  You may welcome new styles that you were unable to wear previously. You may also need to change styles. For example, a banded swimsuit top may accentuate your beautiful shoulders, but an under wire strap support swimsuit top may be more appropriate following augmentation.

The decision for new casual tops, blouses, suit jackets, and work out wear is a consideration. Remember that your shoulder to breast ratio may shift. The chest to breast width ratio may be transformed as well. Too, the types of bras that can be worn will change. There are special bras available to properly accommodate for breast implants which can be found online. There are also special sports type bras that you may desire to wear. Some women that have breast augmentation may be able to continue to wear most, if not all, of their original upper body clothes. Sometimes, alterations may be required.

If you are considering breast augmentation, you can bring your casual tops, dressy blouses, suit jackets, and work out wear to your complimentary consultation with Dr. Rick Becker. During your consultation, you can try on various sizes and styles of breast implants with your different types of clothing to help ensure you make the right selection.

Breast Lift: The decision for new upper body attire is usually optional for women who have had a breast lift. However, you may desire new upper body wear to show off your newly perked up breasts. Since your breasts will be lifted and breast tissue will be repositioned, alterations may be required to properly bring out the enhanced appearance of your breasts.

Breast Reduction: New upper body wear is often the case for women who undergo breast reduction. Depending upon the extent of your reduction in breast size, you may opt for clothing alterations to limit your wardrobe expense.

If you are thinking about the breast lift or breast reduction, you can meet with Dr. Rick Becker for a consultation to obtain an idea of the outcome you can expect to achieve by viewing before and after photographs of other women in different types of clothing.

To schedule a complimentary consultation, call board certified Dr. Rick Becker, Bismarck, North Dakota, plastic surgeon at (701) 530-3333 or (888) 530-3003 for nationwide callers.