Dr Seckel dot com

Mommy Makeover- Get Your Body Back Into Shape after Pregnancy

drseckel — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 23:21:34 +0000

Children are truly one of life’s greatest joys. However when you have a baby, weight gain and changes in your body occur that can be very distressing and often impossible to correct with diet and exercise alone. While controlling weight gain and working out can improve your body after having children, some body changes do not recover no matter how hard you try. Fortunately a modern Plastic Surgery procedure called the Mommy Makeover can help you get in shape after pregnancy and recover your original body. The Mommy Makeover is designed to restore the shape of your Breasts and Tummy after changes that have occurred during and after having a baby.

Before and After Photo of Breast Lift and Breast Implants for Mommy Makeover Showing Lollipop Technique

Before and After Mommy Makeover Bikini Tummy Tuck

How Your Body Changes after Having Children.

There are a host of normal physiological changes that occur in your body when you have a baby. The most frustrating changes for many mothers however occur in the Breasts and Abdomen or Tummy. Following the cessation of breast feeding the Breast Gland (Mammary Gland) atrophies and becomes smaller and sags down on the chest wall. In addition, the skin of the abdomen becomes loose and sags downward and can develop stretch marks. In addition, in many people there is excess fat under the Tummy skin and Flank area. These changes can persist even after weight loss and conditioning through diet, exercise and working out.

Mammary Ptosis is the formal word for Sagging Breast when the Nipple Aereola is below the Inframammary Fold, the fold beneath your breast. When the Nipple Areola is above the Inframammary Fold but the Breast Gland sags below the fold the condition is called Glandular Ptosis.

Abdominal laxity is the term used to describe sagging of the lower Abdomen or Tummy. In some people the two Abdominal Muscles that form the “six pack” split or separate, a condition called Diastasis Recti, which is a separation of the two muscles named Rectus Abdominus.

Stretch marks, red or pink areas of thin skin on the Tummy, are formally called Abdominal Striae.

Muffin Top or Excess Flank Fat is the fullness and your sides above your hips, which can protrude over a belt or tight fitting pants. Flank fat is often very difficult to lose after having a baby.

What Causes Breast, Tummy and Body Changes after Having a Baby.

• Breast Atrophy-Loss-During pregnancy a portion of your Brain called the Pituitary Gland secretes Hormones which stimulate your Breast Gland to enlarge and begin producing milk. After the cessation of Breast Feeding hormonal stimulation stops and the Mammary Gland involutes or atrophies and becomes smaller. The loss of Breast Fullness is called Post-Partum Mammary Atrophy.

• Mammary Ptosis-The skin around the Mammary Gland is stretched by the enlargement during pregnancy. However the skin does not tighten in many people after Post-Partum Mammary Atrophy has occurred. With less Breast Tissue inside an enlarged skin envelope the Gland sags, not unlike letting air out of a balloon.

• Abdominal Laxity-The Abdominal Skin is stretched to make room for the baby. After delivery the skin does shrink and tighten but often not back to the original shape of the Tummy. When adequate shrinkage has not occurred the remaining loose skin sags down onto the lower Tummy.

• Excess Flank Fat- the Fat around the waist or flank area is one of the most difficult to lose after pregnancy. This area called the “muffin top” is very frustrating when you want to wear clothing that reveals the midriff or waist area.

• Stretch marks-Stretch marks or Striae are caused by rupture or breakage of deep skin collagen which is caused by the stretching of the abdominal skin during pregnancy. This damage to the deep skin layer called the Dermis results in redness and thinning of the skin in the area.

What Is A Mommy Makeover?

The term Mommy Makeover can be applied to a variety of different Plastic Surgery procedures designed to get your shape back after pregnancy. However, most commonly Mommy Makeover refers to procedures done to restore the Breast and Tummy to their pre pregnancy appearance. Most commonly a Breast Lift and or Breast Augmentation with Implants and some form of Tummy Tuck are done.

• Breast Lift-Dermal Mastopexy-This procedure is designed to correct sagging. There are many different varieties including the Anchor, Lollipop, Periareolar, Crescent, Circumareolar, Donut, and Benelli Lifts. Read more about Breast Lift on my Blog.

• Breast Augmentation with Implants-Breast Implants can be used to restore the fullness and cleavage lost after Post-Partum Mammary Atrophy. For a thorough discussion and Before and After Pictures of Breast Augmentation see my website.

Before and After Photos Silicone Gel Breast Implants 300 ccs For Mommy Makeover

• Tummy Tuck- Tummy Tuck can restore the Abdomen to a nice flat shape. Full Tummy Tuck requires moving the “belly button”, while a Mini Tummy Tuck or Bikini Tuck only requires skin excision below the Navel and a scar hidden below the underwear or Bikini. To see Before and After Pictures of Tummy Tuck search my blog posts.

Before and After Photo Full Tummy Tuck Side View 2

Before anfter Photo Full Tummy Tuck Front View-note Inny Belly Button

• Liposuction- When necessary Liposuction can be performed as part of a Mommy Makeover to remove the “muffin top” or excess fat above the Navel in patients who are candidates for a Mini Tummy Tuck.

• Laser Treatment of Stretch Marks-Recently a new Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks that actually helps has been developed. It involves the use of a specific laser called a Non ablative 1540 Fractional Erbium laser. Stretch marks are made smaller and white but do not disappear entirely. See my website for more details.

What Is the Recovery Time after Mommy Makeover?

• Week one-During the first week after Mommy Makeover you will be sore. The tightening of the abdomen can cause discomfort if you straighten up your posture, so you will be walking bent over for a few days. You may have drains which are usually removed day one or two after which you can shower. We encourage you to walk to prevent blood clots in the legs.

• Week two- You will feel much better the second week and can usually return to work that does not require lifting by the end of the second week.

• Week three- At three weeks most patients are back at work and many can start exercising again. If you had the repair of a Diastasis Recti you cannot do sit ups until six weeks and only if cleared to do so by your Doctor.

Who Should Do Your Mommy Makeover?

In my opinion only a Plastic Surgeon Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery should perform this complex procedure. Experience is very important, especially when multiple procedures are done at the same operation.
Seek out the opinion of friends whom you know have had the procedure. Search websites like Realself and Loveyourlook for reviews on doctors that you plan to consult. Ask your doctor specifically how comfortable he/she is doing this type of surgery and multiple procedures. Ask to see photos of his/her results and if possible to speak to patients who have had the procedure.
With an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with whom you feel comfortable, the Mommy Makeover can be a very satisfying procedure and help you regain your shape after pregnancy.

Dr. Seckel
Concord, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts

Breast Implant Revision-How to Fix Breast Implant Problems

drseckel — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 19:58:07 +0000

In my experience, most Breast Implant (Mammary Prosthesis) or Breast Augmentation results are excellent and patients are very happy with their fuller look. Realself.com reports a 92% “worth it” rating for this procedure among visitors to their website who have had it done.

As with any surgical procedure, however, there are potential problems that can require revision after surgery. Although FDA statistics report a 20% revision rate, subsequent studies demonstrated that when proper patient selection and proper surgical technique was used that revision rate dropped to 6%. These statistics emphasize the importance of selecting an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon when you decide to have Mammary Implants.

Breast Implant Problems That Require Revision

• Implants Too High- It is common to “look too high” immediately after surgery. Most often it takes 6 weeks to 3 months for Mammary Prostheses to “settle” and achieve their final position. However, in some patients the result remains too high, most commonly after Sub muscular or Sub pectoral placement. In these cases a fairly simple “pocket revision” or muscle release will solve the problem.

• Rippling or Visible Folds- Visible Rippling is most common with Saline Prostheses but can also occur with Silicone. Rippling is also more common when the device is placed under the gland, Sub glandular, as opposed to under the muscle, Sub muscular or Sub pectoral. Visible rippling is also more common in thin women with little glandular tissue. The best solution is converting from Sub glandular to Sub muscular and in the case of Saline, converting to Silicone. In some cases it may be necessary to cover the Implant with a biologic material such as Alloderm™ or Strattice™ to increase coverage of the visible deformity. Recently Fat Injection has been used to camouflage rippling.

• Snoopy Deformity-Mammary Ptosis- When Augmentation is performed on sagging Breasts without a concurrent lift; the gland can “hang down” over the Implant. From the side this has the appearance of the profile view of the cartoon character Snoopy. The solution is to have a lift or Dermal Mastopexy.

• Bottoming Out-The Inframammary Fold is that fold of skin underneath the Breast. It holds the gland onto the normal position on the chest wall. When this structure is violated during surgery the Implant descends or drops down on the chest wall. The appearance is that of fullness below the Nipple Areola Complex. Correction of this problem is fairly straightforward using a procedure called a Capsulorraphy in which the pocket is revised and the Fold is reconstructed.

Before and After Breast Implant Revision to Correct Double Bubble or Bottoming Out with Capsulorraphy

• Double Bubble- This is similar to “bottoming out” in that the Inframammary Fold has been disrupted. The term Double Bubble refers to the appearance of two bulges on the chest wall-the Breast mound and the outline of the Mammary Prostheses below. Correction is the same as with “bottoming out.”

• Visible Implant- This problem is similar to Rippling or Visible Folds and is most common in thin women with Sub glandular placement although it can occur after Sub muscular Augmentation. Today this problem can often be solved by Fat Injection to cover or hide the visible area.

• Capsular Contraction- Capsular Contraction or Contracture is caused by scar tissue which results in hardening of the Augmented Breast. Traditionally the Mammary Prostheses and scar tissue are removed and Alloderm™ or Strattice™ wrapped around the new prosthesis. Recently Fat Injections have been shown to soften Capsular Contracture.

• Symmastia- Symmastia, also called “uni-boob” occurs when the Prostheses are placed too close together and the cleavage disappears or is elevated. This can be corrected by converting Sub glandular to Sub muscular. If Symmastia occurs after Sub muscular placement a more complex revision with Alloderm™ or Strattice™ may be required.

• Implant Rupture- Silicone Prosthesis rupture is best detected with an MRI. If it occurs removal and replacement is recommended by the FDA. Newer “cohesive gel” Prostheses have eliminated the risk of gel migration which was a problem with older devices. Rupture and deflation of a Saline Prosthesis presents ass a very obvious decrease in size and replacement is indicated.

Choose an Expert

Most patients who choose to undergo Breast Augmentation are happy with their result and do not need a second procedure for the problems listed above. I wrote this article primarily for patients who feel something is wrong with their result but do not understand exactly what the problem is or how to fix it.

However, the most important factor for you or anyone considering this procedure is the skill, training and experience of your surgeon. Proper patient selection and surgical technique reduces the rate of secondary surgery from 20% to 6%, a very important statistic.

Today some doctors who are not board certified in Plastic Surgery are performing Breast Augmentation. So you need to do your homework and check the background, training and Board Certification status of a surgeon before having surgery.

Is your surgeon a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons? Membership requires certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and experience in Cosmetic or Aesthetic procedures.

See two surgeons before you decide and ask to speak to patients who have had the procedure by that doctor. Check for reviews on Realself.com and ask friends in your community who have had the procedure who they would recommend.
Careful planning and investigation will hopefully improve your chances for a happy result and freedom from problems which could require revision.

See my before and after pictures of Breast Augmentation with Implants.

Dr.Seckel
Boston Massachusetts
Concord, Massachusetts

Sagging Breasts-How to Lift and Firm Your Breast after Pregnancy

drseckel — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:12:14 +0000

Sagging Breasts or Mammary Ptosis is one of the most common complaints women have after pregnancy. After pregnancy and breast feeding many women notice that their once firm and full breasts have lost their youthful look and are sagging.

The result is that often they do not feel as comfortable in bathing suits or revealing clothing. Some women say they feel less attractive or less “sexy’ and some actually will not let their husband or significant other see their breasts in the light.

Fortunately modern Plastic Surgical Breast Lift or Mastopexy techniques often coupled with Breast Augmentation or Implants can, when done properly by an expert, restore a post pregnancy breast to a youthful, firm beautiful appearance.

Before and After Photo of Breast Lift and Breast Implants for Mommy Makeover Showing Lollipop Technique

What Causes Sagging Breast or Mammary Ptosis?

During pregnancy the Breast Gland or Mammary Gland enlarges and becomes engorged with milk. This expansion stretches the skin around the gland similar to the stretching of the tummy during pregnancy. After pregnancy the Mammary Gland involutes or becomes smaller and shrinks but usually the skin does not tighten as much. The result is that the smaller Mammary Gland is now contained in a larger skin pocket. The result is that the breast sags down on the chest. It is not unlike letting the air out of a balloon.

How Do We Define Mammary Ptosis?

Mammary Ptosis is defined by the relationship of the nipple or breast gland to the Inframammary Crease or Fold-the fold in the skin underneath the breast.

If the Nipple lies below the Inframammary Fold the condition is called Mammary Ptosis.

If the Nipple is above the Inframammary Fold but the Breast Gland is below the Inframammary Fold, the condition is called Glandular Ptosis.

How to Decide If You Need a Breast Lift or Dermal Mastopexy

Most Plastic Surgeons agree that if the Nipple Areola Complex lies beneath the Inframammary Fold a Breast Lift or Dermal Mastopexy is indicated.

Breast Augmentation or Implants alone will not lift the Breast. If Breast Implants are placed into a patient whose Nipple Areola is below the Inframammary Crease, the Implant will push the Nipple further down and the Implant will rest above the Nipple and create an unacceptable appearance called the “Snoopy Deformity.”

How to Decide If Breast Augmentation or Implants Alone Will Help Your Ptosis

If you do not have Mammary Ptosis but have only Glandular Ptosis-your Nipple is above your Inframammary Fold- then Augmentation with Implants may be all that you need.

However if you have Glandular Ptosis the Implants will most often be placed under the Gland called Sub Glandular Augmentation Mammoplasty and not under the muscle. If the Implant is placed under the muscle –Sub muscular or Sub Pectoral Augmentation Mammoplasty- there is risk of the “Snoopy Deformity” described above.

What Are the Goals of Breast Lift or Dermal Mastopexy?

All Dermal Mastopexy procedures are designed to achieve:

1. Elevate or move the Nipple-Areola to a normal pre pregnancy nipple position-this is usually defined as 18-22 centimeters below the notch in your breast bone below the neck, called the Suprasternal Notch (SSN). A simpler method is that the Nipple Areola should be level to the midpoint of your Humerus-that is your arm bone. When the Nipple Areola is lower than the middle of the arm bone it looks too low. In my experience a Nipple location 18 centimeters below the SSN is too high and the Areola can often show in a Tank Top. Thus I most always place the nipple at 20-21 centimeters below the SSN.

2. Remove excess stretched skin

3. Elevate or push the Breast Gland upward to a normal level-that is, correct Glandular Ptosis.

Different Types of Breast Lift or Dermal Mastopexy

• Full Breast Lift-Anchor Lift-Wise Pattern Mastopexy- the Anchor Lift or Wise Pattern Mastopexy is the classic or traditional method for lifting the Breast. It is effective and produces excellent results. It results in a scar around the Areola, down the Gland, and into a horizontal line running in the Inframammary Fold. This latter scar is called an inverted T because of its shape. When properly performed these scars become thin and white and do not detract from the appearance of the well-shaped, aesthetic rejuvenated Breast.

• Lollipop Lift- Lollipop Mastopexy-Circumvertical Lift-Vertical Scar Lift- This is a modification of the Wise Pattern Lift which attempts to eliminate the horizontal incision in the Inframammary Fold. After the Nipple Areola is moved upward to the new location, the excess skin on the gland is removed and an attempt is made to avoid the T limb of the incision in the Inframammary Fold. In my experience this procedure is best for patients with minimal Mammary Ptosis and realistically there is always a small incision in the Inframammary Fold.

• Peri-Areolar Lift- Crescent Lift or Mastopexy- This lift excises or removes a crescent of skin above the Nipple Areola and moves the Nipple Areola into a higher location and “cheats” the skin excision around the Areola so that the scar is only around the top and sides of the Areola. This lift is only useful in cases of minimal ptosis without significant Glandular Ptosis.

• The Donut Lift- Circumareolar Lift-Benelli Lift or Mastopexy- This type of lift is another attempt to eliminate the vertical scar on the gland that occurs with the Anchor Lift and Lollipop Lift. A circle or “donut” of excess skin and Areola is removed from around the Areola and the surrounding skin is “gathered” and sutured to the Areola. The result is a scar that only runs around the Areola with no vertical line running down the gland. This procedure is also best for lesser degrees of Ptosis. One common problem is that the “gathering” of surrounding skin often leaves visible folds around the Areola. Most of these folds smooth out with time. However when this procedure is used on more severe forms of Ptosis, the folds can be permanent.

Before and After Photo showing scar after Benelli, Donut or Circumareolar Breast Lift-Mastopexy

• Freehand Lift- Modified Wise Pattern Lift- This is one of the most common types of Breast Lift that I do. Because every Breast is different, the standard Wise Pattern is not always appropriate for each individual. I set and mark the ideal position for the Nipple and use the Wise Pattern to mark the new Nipple Areola position. I remove the skin from the new Nipple Areola site and move the Nipple Areola to the new location. Then I customize the amount of skin to remove from below the Nipple Areola based on what is needed for the specific patient. There is a vertical limb but I move it more to the side where it is better hidden. There is also often a small horizontal scar hidden in the Inframammary Fold but it is much smaller than the scar of the Anchor Lift or Wise Lift.

• SAM Lift (Simultaneous Augmentation Mastopexy) – Many, if not most women who have sagging Breasts after pregnancy can also benefit from a Breast Augmentation or Breast Implants. This is because the Breast Gland atrophies or becomes smaller after pregnancy a condition called Post-Partum Mammary Atrophy. Because the gland is smaller, even with a successful Breast Lift, the gland is still smaller and the Breast does not look or feel as firm or full as it did before pregnancy. Many surgeons recommend that these two procedures not be done at the same surgery. They recommend that the Breast Implants be placed first and waiting six months before doing the Breast Lift. This allows the Breast Implant to settle into the proper position before lifting the Breast to the proper position on the new Breast Mound created by the implant.

How to Decide if You Need a Breast Lift

If your Breasts have sagged and become smaller after pregnancy you may be a candidate for a Mastopexy or Breast Lift. Place your finger beneath your Breast into the fold under your Breast. If your Nipple Areola is below this fold then a Breast Lift is usually indicated. Another way to check is to stand in front of a mirror and see if your Nipple Areola is below the midpoint of your upper arm. If it is it is likely too low and a Mastopexy is likely indicated.

How to Decide if You Need a SAM Lift or Breast Lift plus Implants

With your fingers grasp the skin of your Breast and lift the breast up to a position that looks good to you. This is similar to what the Breast will look like after a Mastopexy. If there is enough fullness of the Breast Gland so that the Breast looks as full and firm as you want it then a lift alone will achieve your goal.

If however there is little Breast Tissue left and the Breast does not look firm enough for you, then a SAM Lift or combined Lift and Breast Augmentation is indicated.

Important- See an Expert

The best results require significant expertise, skill, experience and knowledge on the part of your surgeon. Breast Lift and particularly the SAM Lift are technically precise and complex operations.

Done properly beautiful satisfying results are possible. Done improperly scarring and inaccurate Nipple Areola positioning can create an abnormal appearance and be devastating for you.

Only consult plastic Surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and surgeons who have experience and demonstrated skill at Cosmetic Breast Surgery. Check their websites, speak to people who have had surgery by the surgeon, and check reviews on a reputable website like Realself.com and Loveyourlook.com.

For more information on Breast Lift contact me or call 978-369-4499.
Dr. Seckel
Concord, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts

Have a Fresh Face for the Holidays

drseckel — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 09:35:35 +0000

The Holiday Season is here and that means we will be seeing old friends, family members and meeting new people in the coming month. We all want to look our best during this socially active time.

Thanks to modern non-surgical facial rejuvenation techniques you no longer need to have plastic surgery to have a fresh, youthful face in the coming month.

Plump “apple cheeks”, full lips, blemish and pigment free skin, in addition to a smooth face without crow’s feet, frown lines, worry lines, and deep nose to mouth lines are all possible without surgery.

Fortunately all of these procedures can be done in time for the holidays with minimal or no downtime. Call us at 978-369-4499 or email us to come in for a Complimentary Holiday Consult and choose the treatment that will work for you. Also check our Holiday Specials near the end of this newsletter.

Facial Fillers-The Liquid Facelift

Facial aging changes such as sagging or loose skin, hollow eyes and cheeks are caused by loss of facial volume.

We use FDA approved safe facial fillers like Restylane®, Perlane®, Juvederm®, Radiesse®, and Sculptra® to restore facial volume and fullness and lessen deep lines.

Before and after Liquid Facelift with Perlane®, Radiesse® and Botox®

Before and after Juvederm® to correct deep Nasal Labial Fold Lines

Before and After Restylane® Filler to Rejuvenate Lips

Remove Wrinkles-Botox® and Dysport®

The most obvious and early signs of facial aging are wrinkles. The most noticeable wrinkles are crow’s feet, frown lines, worry lines and lipstick lines. Botox® or Dysport® will remove or reduce the appearance of these facial wrinkles.

Botox® and Dysport® injections, when done the way we do them with topical numbing cream and skin cooling, are painless and very quick.

Before and after Botox® to remove Crow’s Feet

Before and after Dysport® to remove frown lines

Aesthetician Spa Services

In our office you will be surrounded by empathetic knowledgeable professionals. All of our staff are trained Medical Aestheticians who can answer your questions with the latest expert knowledge.

• Photo facial Rejuvenation- Remove Pigment, Brown Spots, Blood Vessels, Rosacea, and Improve Skin Texture

Photo facial is a safe simple quick no downtime light treatment using IPL or Intense Pulsed Light. Results are dramatic. Blemishes such as pigment, blood vessels, rosacea and blotchy skin are removed. The result is a uniform clean bright appearance to the skin.

• Microdermabrasion and Micropeel

Deep professional exfoliation done in our office is still one of my favorite non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures. Exfoliation removes dead skin, produces new skin cells, and allows the important topical skin creams to penetrate and work more effectively. Your skin will truly glow after one of our treatments.

• Professional Grade Skin Care Products

We have carefully chosen only proven effective topical skin care products for our office. From prescription Retin A® to Vitamin C serums, moisturizers, exfoliants, toners and pigment control, you will find the best products available. Take advantage of our Complimentary Holiday Medical Aesthetician Consult to recommend the best products for you.

Holiday Specials

• Complimentary Consultation with Dr. Seckel, Dr. Doherty, or Cheryl Scannel, Medical Aesthetician for the month of December, 2012.
• 20% off Microderm ( Savings $25.00 )
• 20% off Photofacial-IPL ( Savings $70.00 )
• 15% off Obagi Products ( Savings $65.00 on Conditioning and Enhance System )

Stocking Stuffers

We have several excellent ideas for last minute items that make excellent stocking stuffers:

• Boston Plastic Surgery Specialists Gift Card-$100.00 Toward Aesthetician Services or Skin Care Products-Cost $85.00 ( Must be used by 01/10/14 and not applicable for surgical procedures)

Boston Plastic Surgery Specialists Holiday Gift Certificate Sample

• Clarisonic Sonic Products for gentle effective exfoliation and skin rejuvenation-

Clarisonic Opal For Eyelid Rejuvenation

Clarisonic Pro Sonic Skin Cleanser and Exfoliator

• Mybody Skin Care Products

My Body Skin Care Products For Preventative Care

Visit Us on Twitter or Facebook

Be sure to visit us on Twitter where you will find frequently updated answers to patient questions about Plastic Surgery and Skin Care. Of course you can always call us at 978-369-4499 or email us.
Have a Wonderful Holiday Season

Sincerely
Dr. Seckel, Dr. Doherty, Kathy Burke, Cheryl Scannell, Shauna Cusano, Christine McCoy

Make New Skin Collagen -Step 2 for Younger Looking Skin

drseckel — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:08:28 +0000

Last month I discussed 6 Step Facial Rejuvenation Step 1 Skin Exfoliation the first step for maintaining young looking skin and rejuvenating sun damaged skin. Step 2 of the 6 Step Facial Rejuvenation Program is to build new Collagen in the deeper skin layer called the Dermis.

What Is Skin Collagen
Collagen is a natural protein in your body that is found in the deep layer of your skin called the Dermis. The Dermis is the red part of your skin that you see when you scrape your knee and the surface or epithelium is scraped off.
Collagen is the major component of your Dermis. A special type of Collagen called Elastin acts like a rubber band to keep your skin tight. Collagen is crucial to skin health and young looking skin. Collagen supports skin health by:

1. Plumps the skin-prevents skin wrinkles

2. Structural Support-prevents skin damage from trauma (Stretch Marks are caused by rupture of Collagen by stretching of the skin during pregnancy)

3. Helps nourish the skin by supporting blood vessels and the flow of nutrients to the skin

4. Provides elasticity-the ability of the skin to snap back when pulled-keeps the skin from sagging

5. Supports the growth of new skin cells-Epithelium-on the skin surface

Collagen is produced by a cell in the Dermis called the Fibroblast. All modern non-surgical facial rejuvenation and skin rejuvenation methods work by stimulating Fibroblasts in the Dermis to produce new Collagen.

Why Is New Skin Collagen Important for Young Looking Skin

The most profound aging changes in your skin are loss of normal Collagen and Elastin. Over your lifetime you can lose as much as 2/3 of your Collagen and Elastin and your skin can thin by 20%.

The visible effects of Collagen and Elastin loss on your skin are:

1. Wrinkles
2. Dry Skin
3. Thin Skin
4. Dull Looking Skin
5. Sagging or Loose Skin

Effects of Sun and Aging on skin from childhood to adult

How to Make New Skin Collagen-Stimulate Your Fibroblasts!

New Fibroblasts can be stimulated to produce new Collagen by controlled or mild inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s response to irritation or injury. I say controlled or mild inflammation because repeated severe inflammation-such as many sun burns can result in cell death and destruction of Collagen.

Modern skin rejuvenation methods produce controlled inflammation to stimulate new Fibroblasts to build new Collagen and younger looking skin without causing harmful effects. They are:

1. Topical Retin A- Retin A skin cream has been proven to stimulate the growth of new Collagen in the Dermis.

2. Microdermabrasion- Microdermabrasion not only exfoliates but also produces a mild inflammation which stimulates new Collagen production.

3. Starlux Non-Ablative 1540 Fractional Erbium Laser Treatments-Unlike older CO2 Laser Resurfacing new Non-ablative Fractional Laser treatments do not remove skin and there is no down time. Your skin may be pink but no open wounds, drainage or other visible effects.

Before and after 1540 Non-ablative Laser Treatment

4. Combined Laser Resurfacing- This exciting new laser technique is the most effective Collagen stimulating facial skin rejuvenation technique available today. There is a recovery period or down time of 5-7 days. For a detailed discussion see my blog on Combined Laser Resurfacing.

Before and after Combined Erbium Laser Resurfacing

Come in For A Free Skin Evaluation

Our Medical Aestheticians are experts at evaluating your skin and recommending the best program for maintaining young looking skin and repairing sun damaged and aging skin. Call 978-369-4499 or email us to make an appointment. Dr. Doherty and I are always available to help you with your decisions.

Dr. Seckel
Dr. Doherty

Clarisonic Pro®- Effective Facial Cleanser and Safe Exfoliating

drseckel — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:57:37 +0000

Unequivocally, the most important function of a facial skin cleanser is the removal of makeup, oils, dirt and debris that can block the pores of your skin. There can be no question or argument that mechanical facial cleansing, physically and directly removing dirt, makeup and skin debris, is the most effective means of cleaning debris from your skin.

What about exfoliation? We all know that dead skin cells make your skin look old and dull. Most of you use an exfoliant as part of your daily skin care protocol and after a Microdermabrasion or Micropeel® you know nothing compares to the freshness and glow of your facial skin that you get after a mechanical exfoliation.

Clarisonic Pro Skin Cleanser and Exfoliator

The Clarisonic Pro® Ultrasonic Skin Cleansing System can achieve both mechanical cleansing and gentle mechanical exfoliation right in the comfort of your own home. In fact, we are now using the Clarisonic Pro® in our practice to cleanse and exfoliate your skin before doing many Medical Aesthetician procedures.

I Listen to People That I Trust

After my Medical Aestheticians told me about the benefits of the Clarisonic Pro® Ultrasonic Skin Cleansing System, the Clarisonic® Representative was called into my office the next week. I tried one their products, the Opal, on my own face and it works! I ordered a supply that day. This is the first time in 30 years that I have not delayed, bargained and studied the literature so I could argue for a steep discount. I saw immediate results on my Crow’s Feet when I used the Clarisonic Opal with Vitamin C Serum. It is not permanent like a laser resurfacing, but it was a pleasant experience.

What Does the Clarisonic Pro® Facial Cleanser and Gentle Exfoliating do?

The Clarisonic Pro® is not a spinning brush that harshly grinds away skin cells. Rather, this device uses a soft brush which gently vibrates ultrasonically to clean debris and dead cells from the skin. Therefore Clarisonic Pro® is a facial skin cleanser that provides mechanical cleansing and can be used even on sensitive skin. According to the company studies, it can even be used on patients with Rosacea.

Most importantly for my patients, adequate mechanical cleansing means that the expensive effective prescription topical skin creams like Vitamin C and Retin A will be able to penetrate better without being blocked by skin debris and dirt.

The benefits of this device will be seen visually in the mirror. Many of the immediate dramatic changes such as wrinkle removal and skin firming are due to swelling from the irritation caused by the treatment. But that is okay. Every little bit of irritation causes inflammation which results in new collagen production which is the goal of Microdermabrasion, Micropeel, Laser Resurfacing, Retin A and every other non-surgical facial rejuvenation technique we use.

Clarisonic Pro® will not replace but will enhance results of Microdermabrasion, Micropeel®, Laser Resurfacing and Topical Retin A, Vitamin C and Tazorac.

Who will benefit from the Clarisonic Pro®?
• Any patient who uses makeup and Sunscreen
• Patients who use Anti-aging Skin Care products-Retin A, Retinol, Vitamin C serum, and Tazorac
• Acne Patients
• Patients with Fine lines and Wrinkles
• Patients with Sun Damaged Skin
• Patients with Excess Pigment
• Patients with Sebaceous Hyperplasia
• Patients with Keratosis Pilaris or “Goose Flesh’
• Anyone who wants Youthful looking Glowing Fresh Youthful Skin

How Should You Use Your Clarisonic Pro®

Resist the temptation to save a few dollars buying the Clarisonic Pro® on the internet and using it without professional direction. You need to know how to use it and what products and treatments will enhance your results. More importantly, if it is going to be effective for anti-aging skin care you must use it as part of a comprehensive, Medically Directed Anti-aging Skin Care Program. We have the medical expertise to direct you into the most effective combination of prescription creams and Medical Aesthetician procedures to give you the best, most effective results. For example, if you are on Retin A or other strong exfoliant, you may need to alternate your Clarisonic Pro® treatments with your topical exfoliant applications to avoid irritation.

This device is only as good as the overall comprehensive Medical Grade Anti-aging Skin care program that is monitored by a Skin Care Specialist and experienced Medical Aesthetician. We are here to help you achieve the young looking skin that you want to have.

Come In for a Consultation and Skin Care Evaluation

We are Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who are experts at providing honest skin care advice. Our Medical Aestheticians are among the most sophisticated , most experienced and best trained in the United States and supervised on site by two Board Certified plastic Surgeons-something you will not find at your average Med Spa. We will give you honest advice based on our best medical knowledge.

Come in to find the best, safest and most effective Facial Rejuvenation Program for your unique individual face. Please call 978-369-4499 to make an appointment. You will receive a free copy of my book Save Your Face and during the month of April 2012 the first 10 Newsletter Subscribers will receive a free Micropeel® to get you started on your path to a beautiful young looking face.

Dr. Seckel
Dr. Doherty
Concord, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts

Skin Exfoliation-Your Crucial First Step for Younger Looking Skin

drseckel — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:28:42 +0000

Sun exposure, smoking, an unhealthy lifestyle and the natural skin aging process are the most important factors that cause our faces to look older and unhealthy. There is a lot we can do to prevent these aging changes and if we already have them, to reduce aging changes and make our facial skin look fresh, younger and healthier. The most important first step in preventing and treating skin aging is exfoliation, and you need to know how to exfoliate your facial skin.

When Does Skin Aging Start?

Unfortunately skin aging starts when we are very young. Exposure to the sun is very destructive to the skin. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun actually damages skin collagen and starts an inflammatory process that leads to skin damage. Sun damage done during childhood does not actually appear on the skin as aging changes for many years.

Sun burn during childhood will not show up as aging changes until we are in our 30’s and 40’s. The lesson is that sun block, sun glasses and protective clothing and hats should be used on all children starting at a young age, especially if the children are fair skinned.

How Can You Prevent Skin Damage?

In addition to sun damage, smoking, unhealthy lifestyle, and stress can cause aging changes and ruin your young looking skin. The best prevention measures to keep your skin looking young include:

• Sun Protection-Sun block, sun glasses, hats, protective clothing, beach time limited to morning and late afternoon-avoid the hottest part of the day 12-2pm.
• Avoid Skin Damaging Habits-Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, drug abuse all can contribute to skin aging
• Eat Healthy- High Antioxidant Colored Vegetables, lean low fat meat and foods, and complex Carbohydrates are best. Vitamin C and B Complex Vitamins are important for skin health.
• Stress Reduction-Exercise, Yoga, and Meditation are all stress relievers and will help your skin as well as the rest of your body and mind.
• Proper Skin Care- Daily cleansing, exfoliation, and proper, proven effective, topical skin care products and routine professional skin care by an experienced Medical Aesthetician

How Can You Tell Your Facial Skin is damaged?

• Early Facial Skin Damage Changes- Pigment, Brown Spots and Red Spots or visible Blood Vessels in the skin are the earliest signs of significant skin damage and aging changes. Typically these appear in your 20’s but if you are a sun worshiper you may lose your young looking skin in your teens.
• Intermediate Facial Skin Damage Changes- Fine lines and wrinkles, more prominent Brown Spots and Pigment and Red Spots and Blood vessels begin to appear in your 30’s and 40’s if you look for them. Aging or skin damage changes are most noticeable in sun exposed areas. On the face these are typically around the eyes and nose and most noticeable in sun worshippers in the Décolletage. Check your Décolletage if you want a gauge of what is going on in your face and may become evident in the years ahead.
• Advanced Facial Skin Damage- Deep Facial Lines-Nasal Labial Fold, Deep Frown Lines and Crow’s Feet, Jowls, Neck Laxity, loss of volume in the cheek with a hollow look in the mid face, severe Brown Spots, Red Spots and Spider Veins are all signs of very significant skin damage and advanced facial aging. At this point significant intervention is required.

How Does Exfoliation Help Keep Your Face and Décolletage Skin Looking Young?

The most prominent feature of sun damaged, aged skin when you look at it through a microscope is layer upon layer of dry, dead, hard skin cells that form a dry unhealthy appearance to the skin. This is called the “Horney Layer” because of the similarity to the structure of a cow’s horn. Loss of collagen in the deeper skin layer called the Dermis and loss of fat from beneath the skin as well as motion from facial movements such as frowning and smiling also causes folds or wrinkles to develop in this skin layer. These wrinkles are surface irregularities in the skin.

Skin Exfoliation removes this dead skin and the surface irregularities similar to the way imperfections on wood are removed by sanding, but in a much gentler and safe way. Deep skin exfoliation also stimulates the deeper layers of the skin to grow new collagen. After exfoliation, once the dead skin cells are removed, topical creams such as Retin A, Tazarotine, and Vitamin C will penetrated the skin more easily and be more effective.

Before and after Fractional laser skin resurfacing

The benefits of exfoliation are:
• Remove dead, dry, damaged skin to reveal healthy young looking skin cells
• Stimulate the deeper skin layer to produce new collagen to replace collagen lost by sun damage, toxins and aging and restore young looking skin.
• Improve the penetration of Skin Care Products like Retin A, Tazorac, and Vitamin C to prevent skin aging changes
• Prevent blockage of Sebaceous (Oil) Gland openings (Pores) and thus help prevent Acne outbreaks
• Improve and freshen skin appearance to a younger look

How to Exfoliate-the Best Skin Exfoliation Techniques?

Facial skin exfoliation should be an everyday part of your skin care routine if you want young looking skin. There are many simple things you can do at home. However if you are serious about preserving skin health and preventing facial and Décolletage skin damage and aging you need to visit a Professional Experienced Medical Aesthetician who knows how to exfoliate on a routine basis. My recommendation is that a maintenance program should involve your Medical Aesthetician at least every 6 weeks after a good baseline exfoliation and skin care regimen has been initiated. The best exfoliation techniques are:

• Daily Skin Cleansing
• Daily Exfoliation- the Clarisonic is an excellent device that you can use at home
• Daily Use of a Medical Grade Topical Skin Cream exfoliant.
• Microdermabrasion or Micropeel every 6 weeks
• For Moderate Skin Damage and aging changes a Superficial Fractional Ablative Erbium Laser Peel
• For Advanced Skin Damage and Aging Changes a Combined Laser Skin Resurfacing with a combination of 1540 Non ablative Fractional Erbium Laser and 2940 Ablative Fractional Erbium Laser treatments

Come In and See Our Medical Aesthetician to get a Head Start on summer.

We are experts at evaluating and treating skin damage and skin aging and helping you have young looking skin. We are also honest professionals who understand the complex field of non-surgical facial rejuvenation. We will tell you what we see and only recommend treatments that we believe, based on scientific evidence, to work.

We hope you will come in for a visit.To entice you we are offering a free Micropeel to the first 10 Newsletter Subscribers who come in for a consult or skin evaluation in the Month of April and a free copy of Save Your Face to all who visit us for any reason.

Dr Seckel
Dr Doherty
Concord, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts

Breast Implants for Tubular Breasts-Correct Tuberous Breast Deformity

drseckel — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:48:37 +0000

Tubular Breast Deformity or Tuberous Breasts is a congenital or inherited condition in which the breast fails to develop properly at puberty. Tubular Breasts are very distressing to the women who have this condition and are a cause of embarrassment and can interfere with the development of a normal body image and self-confidence especially in young adolescent and post-adolescent women.

The correction or reconstruction of Tubular or Tuberous Deformity remains a very challenging issue for most Plastic Surgeons. Older traditional surgical methods often produced unacceptable scarring and often poor results. However more modern techniques have improved results significantly and in many cases this deformity can now be corrected with much less visible scarring.

What is the Tubular or Tuberous Breast Deformity?

Tubular Breast Deformity is an inherited or congenital condition that appears during puberty when glandular development starts. The breast is small with inadequate growth of glandular tissue and what is called a constricted shape. The skin of the breast is constricted or tightened around the developing gland tissue which causes the breast to have a tubular or elongated shape.

In some cases the areola appears unusually large as it appears larger than the diameter of the gland. In some cases when the nipple-areola also fails to develop the nipple-areola can be very small. In some cases this is called Hypoplasia or Agenesis. In many cases there is asymmetry with unevenness and in some cases Tubular Deformity can occur on only one side.

Breast Implants to Correct Tubular Deformity

Fortunately, today many patients with Tubular or Tuberous Deformity can achieve an excellent cosmetic result with simple Augmentation with Implants. This technique requires a Sub glandular Implant rather than the Sub muscular Augmentation and requires a modification of the breast gland. There are constricting bands that hold the gland in a tubular shape and these bands are released surgically from underneath the breast gland. This allows the implant to stretch the overlying gland tissue and skin to a more natural appearing breast shape.

In the photo below the patient had a tubular shaped breast on one side and Agenesis or Hypoplasia on the opposite side. She chose, wisely in my opinion, not to have a nipple-areola enlarging procedure on the left side, as this would have created very visible scarring. The implants do provide some stretching and enlargement of the hypo plastic nipple-areola complex.

Before and after correction Tubular or Tuberous Breast Deformity with Breast Implants Right Oblique View
Before and after correction Tubular or Tuberous Breast Deformity with Breast Implants Right Side View
Before and after correction of Tubular or Tuberous Breast Deformity with Breast Implants Left Oblique View
Before and after correction Tubular or Tuberous Breast Deformity with Breast Implants Left Side View

Soft Tissue Expansion for Tubular Breasts with Ptosis or Sagging

In patients who have Tubular Deformity with significant Ptosis or sagging, a technique called Soft Tissue Expansion of often works well. A small inflatable saline implant is placed beneath the breast and gradually inflated by injecting saline through a small port beneath the skin. Over a few months, the expanding implant gradually stretches the breast and creates a more normal shape. This technique can also increase the size of the nipple-areola complex. When the final breast and shape is achieved the expander is removed and a final implant is placed.

Mastopexy or Lift and Implants

In patients who have Tubular or Tuberous Deformity with a very large Areola or significant asymmetry or uneven breasts a Dermal Mastopexy or Breast Lift is often done to achieve better symmetry.The Mastopexy allows for reduction of the Areola if necessary and lifting of the sagging breast.

In the patient pictured below a lift or Mastopexy and Implant was done on the left side and an implant on the right. The left side was sagging or Ptotic and both breasts were constricted but were not “extreme” forms of Tuberous Deformity. These photos are only 2 weeks after surgery and there is still a scab on the left side which went on to heal very nicely. Notice how the left Areola has been reduced to match the right side.

Before and after Breast Implants and Mastopexy or Breast Lift to correct uneven breasts or breast asymmetry front view
Before and after Breast Implants and Mastopexy or Breast Lift to correct uneven breasts or breast asymmetry side view

Donut Mastopexy

Donut Mastopexy is an operation that excises or removes the tight or constricted skin surrounding the breast done to leave behind a more normal shape. The problem with this operation is that the scarring is terrible. I have never used this procedure and doubt that it is done very often now that newer soft tissue expansion is available for severe cases.

Who Should Do Your Surgery?

You should consult a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and who is experienced in Cosmetic Breast Surgery. Ask the doctor if he has experience treating this deformity and if possible show you the results that he/she has achieved. Good results require an expert who knows how to treat this condition.

Call me at 978-369-4499 for more information or read about Breast Implants on my blog. You may contact me and submit breast photos and I will answer your questions by email. You may want to sign up for our Plastic Surgery Newsletter to learn about new non-surgical and surgical treatments in Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Seckel
Concord, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Breast Implants-Under or Over the Muscle-Which is best for You?

drseckel — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:26:39 +0000

Before and After Photos Silicone Gel Breast Implants 300 ccs

Before and After Photos Silicone Gel Breast Implants 300 ccs

Breast Augmentation with Breast Implants is a very popular and common Plastic Surgery procedure. If you are considering having Breast Implants there are many decisions that you will have to make with the help of advice from your Plastic Surgeon. You will have to choose the size and style of Breast Implant, where you want your incision, and whether you want your Breast Implants placed over the chest muscle (see above Before and After Photo) or under the chest muscle (see Below Before and After Photo.)

Before and After Photos Silicone Gel Breast Implants 325 ccs

Beofre and After Photo Silicone Gel Breast Implants 325 ccs

The major muscle on your chest is called the Pectoralis Muscle and there are two of them, right and left. Breast Implants may be placed beneath the muscle, and this technique is called a Subpectoral or Submuscular Breast Augmentation. If the Implant is placed on top of the Pectoralis Muscles, the procedure is called a Subglandular (beneath the breast gland) Breast Augmentation or Prepectoral Augmentation.

To help you decide whether you want a Subglandular or Submuscular Breast Augmentation let’s discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of both techniques.

Advantages of Subglandular Breast Implants
• Less discomfort
• Quicker Recovery
• Implant falls to normal position more quickly
• Looks better in sagging breast without need for breast lift

Disadvantages of Subglandular Breast Augmentation

• More visible Implant in thin women with little breast tissue
• Breast may sag more over long time
• Folds or Ripples, especially in Saline Implants, may be more visible
• May have higher incidence of firmness long term

Advantages of Submuscular Breast Augmentation

• More tissue covering Implant-less implant show in thin women with little Breast tissue
• Less prone to firmness over long term
• Ripples in Saline Implants less likely to show
• Daily action of muscle provides Implant Displacement exercises
• Some feel a more natural look

Disadvantages of Submuscular Breast Augmentation

• More discomfort
• Longer Recovery
• May interfere with pushups, weight lifting and other exercise
• Visible motion and distortion of Implant with Pectoralis Muscle contraction
• Holds Implant higher thus will need a Breast Lift if you have sagging Breasts
• Need for revision may be more common

How to Decide Under or Over the Muscle

First, you need to have a consultation with one or two experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who are experienced in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. Visit the website of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons for a list of Board Certified doctors in your area. Discuss you options thoroughly with the Doctor. There will be specific issues regarding your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals which will swing the decision one way or the other.

Also read as much as you can about Breast Augmentation with Breast Implants so you are well informed. Another good source of information is the website of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

You and your surgeon will make the final decision however some general guidelines are:

• If you are very thin, with little Breast Tissue and no Ptosis or sagging, the Submuscular approach may be your best choice.
• If you have had children or lost weight and do not want the scars associated with a Breast Lift, and your surgeon feels that you can avoid a lift, then the Subglandular approach may be better for you.
• If you participate in vigorous physical exercise such as weight lifting and pushups and visible motion of your implants will bother you, then the Subglandular approach may be better for you.
• If you are primarily concerned about avoiding capsular contracture or firmness of your implants the Submuscular approach may be best for you.
• If you must have Saline Implants and are concerned with folds or ripples then the Submuscular approach would be better.
• If you want a quick recovery and are concerned about pain or discomfort the Subglandular approach may be better for you.

What is Most Important?

Both Subglandular and Submuscular Breast Implants can provide Beautiful Results and have done so for hundreds of thousands of women. The key is the experience and skill of your Plastic Surgeon. Your choice of a Plastic Surgeon will be the most important factor in your decision.

See more than one doctor, make sure they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and that they are an expert in Cosmetic Surgery of the Breast. Try to find friends who have had this surgery and ask them about their surgeon. Be sure you feel confident in and comfortable with the doctor who you choose.

Dr. Seckel
Boston, Massachusetts
Concord, Massachusetts

Facelift-How to Hide Facelift Scars

drseckel — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 22:05:50 +0000

Before and After Facelift

Are you considering having a Facelift but worried about Facelift Scars? You are not alone. Almost every patient I have seen in the last 30 years who is interested in this surgery is worried about the possibility of visible scars.

The good news is that there are many steps that you and your Plastic Surgeon can take to hide your Facelift Scars so that others cannot see them.

Where are Facelift Incisions Placed?

Regardless of the type of Facelift-SMAS, Mini, Lifestyle, Weekend, you name it, there will be incisions and they will involve the skin around your ear to a greater or lesser extent. Below are the incisions used for a classic standard Facelift:

• In the Hairline above and in front of the top of the ear
• The front of the ear
• Behind the ear
• In the Hairline behind the ear
• Under the chin if a Neck Lift is being done

What is the Most Visible Facelift Incision/Scar?

• In front of the ear

Facelift Before and After Photo Showing Visible Facelift Scar in Front of Ear

How can The Facelift Incision in Front of The Ear be Hidden?

The incision and thus the scar in front of the ear can be easily hidden by placing the visible portion of the incision inside the ear canal or opening behind the little lump in front of you rear called the Tragus.

Facelift Before and After Photo Showing Hidden Facelift Scar Inside Ear

Why you may ask is this technique not used more often? My answer is:

• It takes more time-adds maybe 20 minutes to the procedure
• It is a little more difficult for your surgeon
• If not done correctly the size of the Tragus can be reduced
• Some surgeons may not know how to do it
• Patients are unaware of how important this technique is and do not demand it

What Else Can Your Surgeon Do to Hide Facelift Scars?

• Careful beveled incisions in hairline to avoid hair loss
• Avoid extreme tension on sutures when closing incisions
• SMAS or Deep Muscle Tightening before skin closure allows less tension to be placed on skin closure
• Avoid Staple Closure
• Use very fine sutures to close visible, non-hair bearing skin
• Early suture removal-5-7 days for skin, 10-14 days in hair bearing area
• Meticulous surgical technique
• Experienced surgeon
• Avoid infection
• Proper wound care

What Can You Do To Improve Your Facelift Scars?

• Read about Facelift Surgery
• Choose an experienced surgeon Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
• Follow instructions
• Keep your incisions clean and dry
• Begin gentle massage of the incisions after two weeks
• Use topical Scar Guard on incisions that are not in the hair
• Avoid strenuous exercise and stress during your recovery
• Eat healthy-protein and high anti-oxidant containing foods
• Supplemental Vitamin C

What to Do If Your Facelift Scars Get Red

Understand that ALL surgical scars are red to pink for 7 months after any surgery. Most scars are white after two years. However if your scars are red, angry looking, itchy and lumpy or raised starting between 3weeks to 8 weeks after your Facelift you may be developing a Hypertrophic Scar.

If this occurs see your surgeon soon. There are many new therapies that can be done to reduce redness and lumpiness of scars, including:

• IPL or Intermittent Pulsed Light Treatments
• 1540 Non ablative Fractional Erbium Laser Treatments
• Topical Steroid Tape
• Steroid Injection-this should be done conservatively , 6 weeks apart no more than 3 treatments or Steroid related problems can occur

Find a good Plastic Surgeon

The skill of your surgeon is the most important factor in achieving well hidden Facelift Scars. Ask your friends who have had a Facelift about their experience. Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find a good Plastic Surgeon.

Visit the website of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons for a listing of Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who have experience and interest in Cosmetic Surgery.

Call 978-369-4499 for more information.
Dr. Seckel
Boston, Massachusetts
Concord, Massachusetts