Maximum Beauty Blog - The Archives
Archive for the ‘Aesthetics’ Category
The Importance of Experience and Certification
The importance of choosing a Plastic Surgeon who is board certified and experienced can be the difference between life and death. Many people who are opting for smaller cosmetic procedures, such as dermal fillers and other injectables, may think that there are fewer risks so they do not need someone who is as educated or experienced. They may think that they will be okay with finding someone who is offering it on the “black market” or at steep discounts, but unfortunately, as was the case recently for young, 20 year old woman seeking buttock injections for enhancement, this can result in serious consequences and even death.
Make sure, no matter the cosmetic procedure, that you are seeing someone with certification, experience, training and an exceptional, respectable reputation among peers and patients which precedes them. At Maxwell Aesthetics we take every precaution to ensure our patients safety from the smallest procedures to the more risky procedures. Be smart! Go with experience and safety over the bargain deal or you may end up paying more in the long run. There is no cost greater than your life!
What is dermaplaning?
Dermaplaning is one of the most effective techniques used to exfoliate the outer skin layers using a blade instead of chemicals or lasers. Dermaplaning resurfaces the skin and removes unwanted facial hair temporarily. And no, the hair will not return thicker or darker after this treatment! Hair can trap oil and dirt leading to other skin problems, so dermaplaning is a great preventative treatment. When compared to alternative treatments, dermaplaning has the advantage of NOT causing broken capillaries on facial skin! This treatment is painless, very safe and is usually performed every 4-6 weeks. Dermaplaning is inexpensive and does not include a lot of downtime (a little redness 24-48 hours afterwards) which is always good for women with hectic work schedules. It can be performed on any skin tone. After dermaplaning, the skin is left feeling baby smooth and make-up is much easier to apply. Dermaplaning also helps topical treatments work more effectively since the skin is “fresh”. A lack of skin cell “build up” allows creams/serums to work more effectively as they can penetrate more easily. Dermaplaning is not a new technique and has been used for many years. It is a quick way to immediately revitalize the skin and remove unwanted facial hair.
Please call for a consultation today 615-932-7700 and visit our website www.maxwellaesthetics.com. Click on the MA Skin Center Tab to learn all about our services
Will my face look older once Botox or Restylane wears off?
This is a very common question among people who are interested in receiving cosmetic injectables for the first time. Botox and Restylane, along with many other injectable products, give your face a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Botox can be expected to last anywhere from 3-4 months and Restylane for about 9-12 months. However, once these products wear off, your face will simply return to its normal state. In fact, evidence shows that some injectable fillers can stimulate collagen building. Therefore, the effect of even one treatment can leave you with long term improvement of facial wrinkles. Keep in mind, your face will still age by itself over time, especially if you don’t use good measures to protect it from the sun. SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN!!!!
Please call for a consultation today 615-932-7700 and visit our website www.maxwellaesthetics.com. Click on the MA Skin Center Tab to learn all about our services and wide variety of injectables.
Who should perform your cosmetic injections?
Cosmetic injections are not like getting your hair or nails done! Be prudent!
States can regulate who can and can’t inject, but just because a person can inject doesn’t mean they should! Complications can arise, and your injector needs to be aware of how to manage these complications with confidence.
In the state of Tennessee, I would recommend a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or registered nurse to perform your injections. Your best bet is at a plastic surgery or dermatology office. These practices usually perform the most volume of cosmetic procedures daily and are well educated on facial anatomy.
Also key things to look for when considering cosmetic injectables:
Does the office offer other cosmetic services other than Botox (i.e. skin care products, chemical peels and/or lasers)?
Is cosmetic treatment an active and frequent part of their practice? You don’t want to go to an office that just “does it on the side”.
Good input from someone who has a vision for your total appearance is vital.
Also, word of mouth can be a great tool in finding an experienced injector.
I hope this has been educational and relieved some of your anxiety about choosing a reputable facility for your future cosmetic treatments. Please call for a consultation today 615-932-7700 and visit our website www.maxwellaesthetics.com. Click on the MA Skin Center Tab to learn all about our services and wide variety of injectables.
Will Latisse change my eye color?
This question is a good one! There is an incredible amount of false information being spread regarding potential change in eye color (irises) as a consequence of using Latisse to stimulate eyelash growth.
To answer your question, no, Latisse will not change your eye color! If you have blue eyes, do NOT worry about your eye color changing while using Latisse as directed (applying the product to your upper lash line every night).
To my knowledge, in the hundreds of thousands of patients being treated for glaucoma with the same active ingredient that is in Latisse (bimatoprost), only a handful of patients with hazel eyes had a darkening (turning more brown) of their eye color. Keep in mind, these changes were seen after administering the medication directly into their eyes as drops every night, as opposed to the lashline. The vast majority of glaucoma patients with hazel eyes that used the medication (bimatoprost) in the form of eye drops did NOT notice any change in their eye color.
To date, there has not been ONE reported case of eye color change attributed to the use of Latisse (bimatoprost to the upper lash line to stimulate eyelash growth) in any patient in the US.
We will continue to answer your questions as you post them.
Donna Russell, Laser and Aesthetic Nurse at Maxwell Aesthetics
You may purchase Latisse at Maxwell Aesthetics. Call 615-932-7700 or visit us at www.maxwellaesthetics.com for directions.
“I have cancer, now what?”
“You have breast cancer.” You heard your doctor say these words, but somehow you can’t quite grasp the idea. You lay awake in bed that night, your head swimming with questions. “What about my kids? What about my job? ”. Your mind is going a mile a minute. “What about my husband? What about our sex life? Will I be disfigured?” And the worst of all: “Am I going to die?” You cry yourself to sleep.
This is a common reaction to an all too common diagnosis. But, support is out there, options are numerous, and knowledge is your best friend. Your personal story of diagnosis, treatment and outcome will be unique, but each step in the process occurs along a common algorithm. This is what you need to do.
- See your breast surgeon. Depending on the size and type of tumor you have, you will require a mastectomy which is complete removal of the breast or lumpectomy which is partial removal of the breast, termed breast conservation therapy. You will discuss lymph node sampling.
- See a reconstructive surgeon regardless of whether you and your surgeon decide on mastectomy or breast conservation.
- See an oncologist. Your treatment will depend on your pathology report. You may have to receive chemotherapy and/or radiation. Additionally, some patients will continue hormone therapy after their active treatment.
- See a radiation oncologist. Radiation therapy for breast cancer may be used after lumpectomy or mastectomy, alone or in combination with chemotherapy.
So how long does all this take? It depends on your exact treatment and type of reconstruction. Typical treatment with surgery, reconstruction, chemotherapy and/or radiation can take approximately 6 months to one year. Return for further discussions on treatment options and tips on how to emotionally tackle this difficult year.
Kristina O’Shaughnessy, M.D, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Maxwell Aesthetics
Dr. Maxwell Featured in Vogue Magazine
In an age where maintaining a youthful appearance is all the rage, everyone is waiting for the next big thing. As cosmetic surgery techniques advance, many cosmetic surgeons are discovering just how effective injectable fillers are in treating some of the most common body woes including premature signs of aging and small breasts.
In a recent edition of Vogue Magazine, Dr. Maxwell and other skilled cosmetic surgeons explain just how effective injectable fillers such has BOTOX, Restylane, Juvederm and others are at treating signs of aging and helping patients achieve the body they desire. Using the latest injectable fillers, both men and women can see an improvement in sunken or hollow cheeks, eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, and achieve a more round, and full backside. Some women may even find that injectable fillers are able to increase their bust.
Click here to read the Vogue article “BLOW UP”
Dr. Maxwell offers a variety of injectable fillers. If you are unhappy with the way your skin is beginning to age or would like to discuss the other uses for injectable fillers, contact our office and schedule a confidential consultation with Dr. Maxwell. He will help you determine the best treatment plan to meet your individual body goals.
