South Hills Plastic Surgery – Read Articles on ProLipo & Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments

The long, lazy days of summer are winding down, and the pace of life always seems to pick up after Labor Day. We often find ourselves jamming more and more activities into the day, instead of carving out time to relax and take care of ourselves.

At Premier, we're always looking for ways to help you strike a balance between work and self-nurturing.

Your Body, Yourself
We know how valuable your time is, so we've been on the lookout for body contouring options that don't involve a long recovery period. We're pleased to offer both ProLipo and LipoDissolve, which you've probably heard about in the media. Both are alternatives to ultrasound liposuction. Both make it faster and easier to get the body you want.

In fact, we're the primary facility for teaching fellow plastic surgeons how to utilize the amazing technology of ProLipo - a testament to our expertise in this procedure. You can learn more about it and LipoDissolve below.

Your Post-Summer Face
What's staring back at you from the mirror these days? Has the summer sun deepened some wrinkles? Today's array of facial fillers can handle that. Check out our article about the "liquid facelift."

We've also included details on MicroLaser Peels, Dermaplaning and Microdermabrasion - fast and effective facial rejuvenation options for busy people. Minimal to zero downtime and great results.

Our Changing Seasons
So as summer turns to fall, we hope that you'll make time to care for yourself - and allow Premier to help you. You deserve it!

Be informed. Stay beautiful. And we hope to see you in September!

Brian Vassar Heil, MD
President/CEO

We told you about ProLipo in our last newsletter, but it bears repeating: This procedure is a kinder, gentler type of liposuction that uses a small cannula (tube) and laser energy to liquify fat deposits so they can be easily suctioned away.

It's performed under local anesthesia with less downtime and a shorter recovery than ultrasound liposuction, and there's less swelling, bleeding and bruising.

For busy moms (and back-to-school time is certainly hectic!) or for anyone who wants to get rid of stubborn fat when diet and exercise just aren't getting the job done, ProLipo is a safe and effective option that gets you back to your normal activities as quickly as possible.

Want to learn more?
Contact us today for an appointment to discuss whether the ProLipo procedure is right for you.

"I've always been active. Years ago I was unaware of the effects of the sun on my skin. Although I don't feel as old as I look, I'm not ready for surgery or a long recovery process. I'd love to look as young as I feel."

Most of us grew up thinking that the sun was put in the sky for us to roast under. The excessive exposure to the sun and wind combines with the natural loss of skin elasticity to prematurely wrinkle and age skin, especially for those of us with active outdoor lifestyles. MicroLaser Peel uses the power of the Erbium YAG laser to go deeper (20-60 microns) than microdermabrasion (3-10 microns) or most chemical peels in the removal of damaged layers of skin, whether from sun or acne scarring. And the best part, even though the MicroLaser Peel gives great results, it doesn't require the downtime associated with full skin resurfacing. Most people heal within 3-4 days, allowing for minimal disruption in lifestyle. For more significant sun damage, deeper wrinkles, and skin laxity, deeper laser resurfacing can give dramatic results with minimal healing time.

With the advice of Dr. Wooten, you can decide the depth of your Micro Laser Peel to customize your treatment to improve your unique skin conditions. And, when used in conjunction with Botox, Micro Laser Peel creates a dramatically effective combination that both erases wrinkles and also prevents them from coming back! MicroLaser Peel can be combined with the SkinTyte laser to stimulate collagen production to tighten and rejuvenate skin even further.

We are excited to introduce this new realm of laser treatments at Acqua Blu. The Sciton laser is based on tried and true erbium laser technology that allows for unparalleled control of laser skin resurfacing. This control means we can tailor laser treatments to precisely address various skin conditions. For example, we can treat sun damaged skin, fine lines and wrinkles, loose or crepy skin, and remove moles and acne scars. The Sciton laser makes it safe and effective.

Call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wooten.

Have you been unhappy about stubborn fat bulges, but don't have the time for liposuction and its long recovery period?

Here's an option: LipoDissolve. It's a new non-surgical body contouring technique. As its name implies, this alternative to ultrasound liposuction dissolves unwanted fat. It works by injecting fat with a natural emulsifier called phosphatidylcholine.

How Does It Work?
Phosphatidylcholine is a natural substance found in the body. Its main role is to help the body turn fat and cholesterol into liquid. It's a key component of our cell membranes. The phosphatidylcholine in LipoDissolve is made from soybeans and has the same molecular structure as the phosphatidylcholine in our bodies.

When injected directly into fat deposits, phosphatidylcholine helps break down and emulsify fat deposits. The fat is then excreted naturally.

What About Safety?
LipoDissolve is very safe. It's supported by clinical studies and research in the U.S., Europe and South America. As of 2005, more than 50,000 patients have been treated, with no long-term side effects or complications.

Before                                               After

Are There Side Effects?
Side effects are temporary, and can be controlled with painkillers:

• A burning or stinging sensation that lasts about an hour (Acetaminophen can minimize this).
• Possible bruising or discoloration - this fades with time.
• Localized swelling and redness - subsides after 2 - 3 days.
• Possible itching (Benadryl alleviates this).
• Slightly tender lumps or nodules under the skin (temporary).

What Areas Can Be Treated?
LipoDissolve is ideal for treating the lower eye pads, chin, jowls, cheeks, abdomen, upper/lower back, upper arms, hips, thighs, knees, buttocks and love handles.

How Many Treatments Are Necessary, and How Often?
Typically, patients return every 2 - 4 weeks for 4 - 6 treatments.

What Results Can I Expect?
Noticeable improvement is seen after 2 - 4 sessions.

What About Downtime?
Little to no downtime! One of the advantages of Lipodissolve is that it's minimally invasive. Patients typically return to their normal activities immediately.

Want to know more? Just give us a call to schedule a consultation and medical evaluation with Dr. Johns today.

Dermaplaning helps to "refinish" the skin through a method of controlled surgical scraping. The treatment removes dead skin cells as well as the "peach fuzz" which traps excess dirt and oil on the skin. Make-up will go on much smoother and the overall appearance of the skin is brighter. Dermaplaning is perfect for every skin type except acne. Dermaplaning also enhances the results of Microdermabrasion, Glycolic/Lactic Acid and many other the skin treatments, helping you to achieve a more smoother, radiant skin.

Microdermabrasion is a technique for removing the topmost layer of skin leaving it supple and vibrant. Microdermabrasion treatments are not aggressive; they are slow and progressive, and best of all, it works! Most of our patients find Microdermabrasion treatments to be quite relaxing. The treatment is like a "superficial skin polishing" using micro-crystals vacuumed through a delicate hand piece. In as little as thirty-five minutes, this gentle, abrasive technique efficiently produces satisfying results.

Better yet, Microdermabrasion and Dermaplaning will boost your home care regimen by reducing the amount of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin giving you a dull appearance and blocking the nutrients and active ingredients in your skin care products from fully penetrating.

Take advantage of these fabulous treatments with this month's special discount.

In the last year, new fillers like Perlane and Juvederm have come on the market, expanding our palette of facial rejuvenators. Injectables are now so versatile that we can give patients what's called a "liquid facelift" - facial rejuvenation achieved completely using dermal fillers.

Solves Wrinkles, Thinning Skin and More
We can fill in lines, wrinkles and folds, plump up lips, and increase the thickness of the skin. Used in the right combination, dermal fillers now do what painful peels used to do - but without pain, and with virtually no downtime.

So Many Options
Injectable fillers are made up of a variety of materials that have different effects and uses. Here's a quick overview of the fillers available at Premier.

• Botox - Some wrinkles - like brow furrows and crow's feet - are caused by muscle contraction. Botox essentially paralyzes the muscle, stopping contraction, and wrinkles disappear for about 6 months.
• Juvederm - A gel implant containing biocompatible hyaluronic acid, Juvederm is used for facial wrinkles and folds. It lasts 6 - 9 months.
• Restylane - This clear liquid gel is a natural sugar compound that reduces facial wrinkles. Treatments last 6 months or more.
• Perlane - A sister product to Restylane in that each is composed of hyaluronic acid. The primary difference is that the gel particles in Perlane are larger than those found in Restylane. This gives Perlane the additional ability to lift and fill the areas of injection that require a denser formulation. Both are ideal complements to one another. Treatments lasts for 6 months to a year.

Rely on Our Expertise
As board-certified plastic surgeons, we know how to tailor this array of dermal fillers to your specific needs. For a consultation to discuss a "liquid facelift," please give us a call.