Scientists have not yet discovered a way to prevent the effects the aging process has on our facial features. Luckily, there are effective procedures to reverse those effects temporarily. At Hanna Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Hinsdale, IL, we offer a face lift to help our clients tighten loose skin and eliminate wrinkles around the lower face. Today, we are looking at everything you need to know about the process, including how it works.

How Does a Face Lift Work?

A face lift is a way to restore the visage you had when you were younger. There is nothing wrong with wanting to restore the visage of your youth and look as young as you feel. The appropriate method to restore your desired countenance will depend on the specific concerns you have. If you are concerned about the appearance of your lower face, you need to lift your lower face with a procedure known formally as rhytidectomy.

Rhytidectomy makes you look years younger by lifting the deep facial tissues that support your skin. Areas targeted during this procedure include the cheeks, chin, and jawline. Depending on your unique case, we may also remove excess skin during this procedure. The overall results of this procedure should last roughly a decade but the results of the excess skin removal will last forever if your weight remains relatively stable.

What Results Can I Expect From This Procedure?

As time passes, the look and shape of our faces change. This is a natural result of getting older, but you don’t have to live with these changes. If you’re wondering what results you can expect from rhytidectomy, you’re not alone. Some of the benefits you can expect include:

• Lifted cheeks
• Wrinkle-free skin
• The elimination of deep nasolabial folds
• A stronger, younger, jawline
• The elimination of excess skin

A lot of people think people get a face lift because they want to turn back the hands of time. This is sometimes true, but people don’t always opt for this procedure because of vanity. A substantial number of people are less interested in looking younger and more interested in looking better. Sagging skin and deep wrinkles make them feel so self-conscious that personal relationships and careers are affected.

What To Expect During Your Initial Consultation

An initial consultation is required before you commit to a cosmetic procedure. It is important to understand what a lift can do for you to ensure it is the best solution for your concerns. It is also essential to ensure you are healthy enough for a cosmetic procedure. Here is what you should expect during your initial consultation:

A Review of Your Medical History

Before we can determine whether a lift of the lower face is right for you, we need to review your medical history thoroughly. We strongly recommend writing down your medical history, including other procedures or treatments you have received in the past. Additionally, we need to know about any medical conditions you are currently diagnosed with or have had. Furthermore, you should be prepared to talk about your use of tobacco products, alcohol and prescription and OTC medications.

Be advised, you should not consume tobacco products, like cigarettes, cigars or chewing tobacco, for two weeks before or after your procedure. Tobacco products contain chemicals, such as nicotine, that constrict your blood vessels. Narrow blood vessels impede ideal circulation and result in less nutrients being delivered to the skin. This delays healing. Also, be advised you may need tests to evaluate the health of your heart and lungs before we can determine if you are a good candidate.

A Review of Your Medications

As noted above, we will discuss your use of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Knowing what you are taking is crucial because some drugs may affect your procedure. We recommend bringing in a list of all pharmaceuticals you take regularly including the dosages and frequency of use. Please note, you should also note any nutritional supplements, like daily multivitamins or herbal products, you take. Certain vitamins and supplements thin the blood and should be avoided temporarily before and after your procedure.

An Examination of Your Facial Features

We will also examine your facial features thoroughly. We will assess your skin health and examine your bone structure, facial fat distribution and the shape of your face. This allows us to determine the best methods to help you achieve your goals.

A Discussion About Your Expectations

Once we examine your facial features, we will discuss your aesthetic goals. We need to know what you want to get out of this procedure to ensure this is the right procedure for you. We will also talk to you about the results you can expect realistically. It is important to understand what this procedure can’t do for you, like correct asymmetry caused by your bone structure, so your expectations about the results are realistic.

It is also important to note this procedure may not address fine lines caused by collagen loss even though it is perfect for the treatment of deep wrinkles and folds. If you have fine lines caused by collagen loss, we offer several injectables designed to restore collagen to different parts of the face.

How To Prepare for Rhytidectomy

There are several steps you need to take to prepare for rhytidectomy. Some steps must be taken weeks in advance and others are necessary shortly before your scheduled procedure.

Make Changes to Your Medications

Remember, during your initial consultation, we will ask you for a list of all the medications and supplements you are currently taking. Depending on the medications you take regularly, you may need to stop taking certain drugs temporarily. We will advise you on whether you may continue taking your medications as you usually do or whether you should adjust the dosages of the medications you are taking or stop taking certain drugs altogether.

For example, you should stop taking any drugs or supplements that can thin your blood for at least 14 days before your procedure, like ibuprofen or garlic supplements. It is of the utmost importance that you follow all instructions related to your medications. If necessary, talk to your primary care physician about alternative medications you can take in the weeks leading up to and following your procedure.

Seek Assistance

Rhytidectomy is performed on an outpatient basis, so you are free to go home after your procedure is complete and we have reviewed post-op care steps with you. That said, due to the anesthesia used to keep you comfortable during your procedure, you will need someone to drive you home. If possible, have someone stay with you for at least the first 24 hours post-op. You may be too tired to make yourself a nutritious meal after your procedure.

Stock Your Home

Before your procedure, we recommend ensuring you have everything you need at home. Make sure you have plenty of food, entertainment, medication and personal hygiene items so you don’t have to leave the house during the first few days post-op. You may find you are too tired to go shopping.

Keep in mind, you must stop taking blood thinners for several days post-op. We recommend having analgesics in your home that do not thin the blood in case you do not want to take prescription analgesics. We also recommend keeping plenty of bottled water on hand.

Fast

Depending on the type of anesthesia used during your procedure, you may be asked to fast. You may drink water before your procedure but, if advised to fast, you should stop eating at midnight. Your body adapts very quickly to intermittent fasting. You may want to practice intermittent fasting for a few days before your procedure so your body is used to it and you are not hungry on the day of your procedure.

If you must fast due to the anesthesia that will be administered, we will advise you on whether you may take any medications on the day of your procedure.

What You Can Expect Throughout the Process

Again, this procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. It can take between two and four hours depending on the severity of your cosmetic concerns and how many cosmetic concerns are being addressed. Additionally, it is possible for your lift to take up to six hours if it is being combined with another lift. Regardless of the scope of your rhytidectomy, the process will involve three steps.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia is usually recommended for clients who need significant results. This type of anesthesia numbs your entire body and keeps you asleep throughout the procedure. If you are receiving general anesthesia, you’ll need to fast in the hours leading up to your procedure. Depending on your health and the scope of your procedure, we may recommend a combination of local anesthesia to numb the lower portion of your face and intravenous sedation to keep you asleep throughout the procedure.

Corrections

Once you are numb and asleep, we will make tiny incisions so we can lift and tighten the muscles supporting your skin. These incisions are made discreetly so they will not be visible as they heal. Once the muscles and deep facial tissues are lifted and tightened, we may redistribute or sculpt some of your facial fat. If necessary, excess skin will be excised. Once your corrections are complete, your incisions will be closed.

Results

Roughly 10 to 14 days after your procedure, you will be able to see your results. You should be back to most of your usual routine at this time, but you should refrain from strenuous physical activities until roughly a month has passed since your procedure.

Tips for the Days Following Your Procedure

In the days following your procedure, you should listen to your body carefully. You will be tired as your skin recovers from the incisions, and you should rest whenever you feel rest is necessary. However, it is very important that you walk as much as possible during the first two weeks following your rhytidectomy. Walking supports your circulatory system and facilitates the delivery of extra nutrients to your skin that are necessary for healing.

Reverse the Signs of Aging

A face lift doesn’t just help you look younger now. It also helps you age more gracefully in the future. If you opt for rhytidectomy to correct cosmetic concerns, you will be back to your usual routine in just a few weeks. Contact us today at Hanna Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Hinsdale, IL to schedule your initial consultation and discover if rhytidectomy is the best way for you to reverse the signs of aging for the next 10 to 15 years. 

When it comes to anti-aging treatments, topicals, and even sunscreen, the neck is often ignored. That fact combined with the aging process can lead to volume loss, excess skin, and wrinkles. Once you realize that you’re unhappy with the appearance of your neck, you may feel hopeless, but at Hanna Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Hinsdale, IL, we want you to know that it’s not too late. We offer the neck lift, a procedure that can turn back the clock and rejuvenate your neck.

What Should You Expect From a Neck Lift?

One of the benefits of a neck lift is at the results can make you look 10 to 20 years younger. We will take every step necessary to give you the most aesthetically pleasing neck. If loose skin and the normal signs of aging have affected your neck to the point that you feel less confident about your appearance, this procedure will boost your confidence and make your neck look beautiful.
 
When you follow all of the aftercare instructions, your recovery will go quickly and smoothly and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your new, youthful-looking neck for years to come.

What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is also called a platysmaplasty and is a procedure designed to improve the appearance of your neck by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the area.
 

What Causes Excess Skin on the Neck?

Loose or excess skin on the neck can result from aging or significant weight loss. Either way, it can make you look and feel older than you are. If you have loose neck skin, this procedure will correct and tighten it.
 

What Happens During the Procedure?

During the procedure, incisions will be made in strategic locations and any excess skin will be trimmed and removed. The remaining skin will be tightened, and you’ll be on your way to a beautiful and gracefully looking neck. Dr. Hanna can perform this procedure under general anesthesia and will discharge you the same day so that you can return home as soon as possible.

Can I Customize My Procedure?

We can customize your neck lift to treat certain features of your neck that you’re unhappy with and the turkey wattle is one of them. A turkey wattle is exactly how it sounds: a loose section of skin that droops down beneath your chin. To address this concern, Dr. Hanna may make incisions beneath your chin, or behind your ears to tighten the skin and remove the wattle.

Depending on your goals your surgeon may remove a portion of your neck muscles to create the most aesthetic look. This is something that you can discuss during your initial consultation. Dr. Hanna will discuss your goals with you and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you so that you know exactly what to expect before your procedure begins.

How Long Will My Results Last?

The length of your results depends on your lifestyle, and your age at the time of your procedure. Typically, patients who are at the younger end of the spectrum will enjoy the results longer due to better collagen production. However, regardless of your age, you can rest assured that when you choose this procedure you will enjoy your results for many years to come. Most patients enjoy the results of their neck lift for 10 to 15 years or more.

Can I Extend My Results?

There are some ways that you can extend your results to ensure that they last as long as possible. Eating a healthy diet inclusive of plant-based foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats will help your body get all the vitamins and minerals it needs to thrive. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your skin hydrated, tight, and supple. Hydrated skin doesn’t wrinkle as easily and helps you maintain that youthful glow.

Invest in Topicals

Many professional-grade skincare lines have developed topical products specifically designed for the neck area. Taking care of the skin on your neck and investing time and money into professional products will help ensure that your results are long-lasting and will help improve the condition of your neck skin. All it takes is a little moisturizer, neck cream, and sunscreen to maintain beautiful skin.

Avoid the Sun

Sun exposure and the resulting skin damage is the number one sign premature aging. However, it’s easy to avoid. Never go out in the sun without some form of sun protection, whether that’s a hat, sunglasses, or high-quality sunscreen. You should never leave your skin exposed to the harmful sun rays, because, in doing so, you’ll be giving the aging process a free pass and essentially sabotaging your results.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy weight and getting enough exercise each day can make a world of a difference in helping you maintain your results. If liposuction was used in combination with your procedure, you will need to maintain a healthy weight to ensure that new fat cells don’t accumulate in the neck area. Eating healthy, limiting your stress levels, drinking moderately, staying hydrated, and protecting your skin are simple everyday habits you can form in no time.

How Can I Prepare for My Appointment?

After your initial consultation with Dr. Hanna, we will schedule your appointment. At this time, Dr. Hanna will provide you with any instructions you need on how to prepare for your procedure so that your body is ready for the procedure.

Avoid Nicotine

If you are a smoker or if you consume any form of nicotine, you will need to avoid it for at least six weeks before your procedure. Stopping all nicotine consumption entirely will make your procedure and recovery that much better. You won’t be able to consume nicotine for six weeks after your procedure, so kicking the habit well before your appointment will be in your best interest.

Stay Hydrated

Adequate hydration is essential both before and after your procedure. Make a habit of drinking at least half a gallon of water each day before and during your recovery process. Another way to sneak in extra water is by eating foods with high water content, like fruits and vegetables.

Preparing for Your Procedure and Recovery

Planning is an important part of any surgical procedure. Knowing exactly what to expect before you arrive at your appointment will help you be prepared for your procedure so that once it’s over, you can focus on your recovery, not on making the necessary arrangements. 

You will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment because once your procedure is complete, you won’t be able to drive for at least 24 hours until the effects of the anesthesia wear off.  We recommend that you wear loose-fitting clothing to your appointment, specifically something that you won’t have to pull over your head post-op. You want to make everything as simple and easy as you possibly can so that you can focus on your recovery.

What Is the Recovery Like?

As with any surgical procedure, once you arrive home, you can expect to spend the next several days resting. Patients typically take one to two weeks off of work to devote to their recovery post-op. We will wrap your neck in a dressing to protect the area and promote healing before you return home. You’ll wear this dressing for the first five days post-op. We’ll be here for you every step of the way. If you have any questions, we’re just a phone call away.

How Can I Make My Recovery Easier?

Planning ahead will make your recovery that much easier because you won’t have to devote the mental or physical energy to set up your home. Before the day of your procedure, make sure that your primary resting spot is ready for you upon your arrival. Have pillows, blankets, books, and anything else that will help you rest prepared.

Enlist help at home during those first few days so that you don’t have to spend your time or energy focusing on meal preparation or other household duties. Make sure all your meals are healthy and high in lean protein and fiber. Both of these things will give your body everything it needs to heal quickly.

What If I’m Not a Candidate?

If you don’t qualify as a candidate for this procedure, all hope is not lost. Several alternative treatments will give you results and improve the appearance of your neck. Dr. Hanna will analyze your neck and discuss your problem areas and offer some alternative treatments that can help you look and feel younger.

Botox for the Neck

Botox injections in the neck can deliver some dramatic results. When injected into the neck muscles, this neuromodulator works by relaxing the neck muscles. Neck bands and lines will gradually fade as the ingredients take effect, and you’ll be left with a smooth, wrinkle-free neck.

Injections only take 10 to 25 minutes to complete and then you’ll be free to go about your day. Results will last anywhere from three to six months. Once your results begin to fade, you’ll simply return for a follow-up treatment to maintain your results.

Liposuction

Some people are unhappy with the appearance of their necks because of excess fat. If this is the case, Dr. Hanna will make a small incision below the surface of your skin beneath your chin. Then, he’ll use a thin medical tube called a cannula to gently suction the fat from the area.

Liposuction is an effective way to permanently remove fat from the neck area and also pairs well with other procedures. If you only undergo liposuction, the procedure will be complete within an hour and you can return home the same day.

Submental Fullness 

If you have a double chin that extends down into your neck, you’ve likely felt self-conscious about it for a while. There is an effective way to permanently remove this fat and it’s minimally invasive. Kybella injections in this area will destroy the fat cells and the body will then eliminate them gradually in the weeks following your treatment. Results are permanent as long as you stay within 10 pounds of your goal weight.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If the appearance of your neck has caused you to lose your confidence in how you look, we have a solution that will restore youth to the area and help you look and feel younger. Contact us today at Hanna Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Hinsdale, IL to learn more about a neck lift and to find out if you are a candidate for this procedure.

Some families pass down nose shapes the same way other families pass down eye colors – and while it can be a blessing to be able to show off your ethnic heritage in the form of your nose bridge, sometimes an inherited nose can cause problems. For example, some people with pronounced noses may have difficulty breathing at night, or find that the shape of their nose interferes with the tone of their singing voice. Fortunately, the experts at Hanna Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Hinsdale, IL know that one of the best solutions for nose-related issues is rhinoplasty.

How Does a Rhinoplasty Work?

A rhinoplasty is a fairly simple minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used for both cosmetic and medical purposes. Rhinoplasty procedures can take two or more hours to complete and generally involve making small incisions inside the nose to alter the shape of the nostrils, the nose tip, and even the nose bridge. In fact, this procedure can address any cosmetic or structural issue you have with the appearance of your nose and is one of the more common cosmetic surgeries to have in the country.

Will You Need Anesthesia?

Yes. Nose surgery is performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be fully sedated during your surgery. General anesthesia makes it possible to essentially sleep through the surgery, so you will not feel any discomfort during the procedure. This type of anesthesia is common for many types of cosmetic and medical surgeries, so it is generally considered safe.

One part of your consultation will be verifying that you are healthy enough for general anesthesia, which means we will need to know about any drug allergies you have, previous surgeries, and other relevant medical information.

Is There a Risk of Scarring?

No. The rhinoplasty procedures that are performed today have significantly less risk of forming scars than previous procedures due to the new methods that are being used. The vast majority of people will not need to worry about visible scarring since incisions are made on the interior of the nose. Even those who undergo drastic changes to the nose will not have to worry about any scarring issues.

How Have Nose Jobs Changed Over the Years? 

The methods used for nose job surgeries a couple of decades ago are a bit different than the methods that are used today. While before surgeons may have had to be more conscious about making incisions with older methods to reduce scarring risk, the methods used today are much more minimally invasive. In fact, the methods and techniques for modern nose jobs are far less traumatic for patients than ever before thanks to new technology and research.

The fact that these procedures are less traumatic means that it is ultimately easier for the patient to recover from the treatment. There is less bleeding, bruising, and swelling thanks to the fact that the procedure methods are less invasive. This can be especially important for those who want to make drastic changes to their appearance, as they will not have to worry about excess recovery time in relation to how much work is being done.

How Customized Is This Procedure?

A nose job is one of the most customized cosmetic procedures around. With a cosmetic nose job, you can alter any specific area of your nose, from the tip to the nostril size to the height and width of your nose bridge. Any degree of alteration is acceptable as well, from the most minor and subtle alterations to the alterations that completely re-work the organic shape of your nose.

Because this procedure is so easily customizable, many patients elect to bring reference photos to their consultation appointments so that they can share their vision for how they want their nose to appear. Your surgeon will take into account your desired appearance goals while also crafting a treatment plan that will make your nose alterations appear natural and structurally sound. Sharing a clear vision for your ultimate appearance outcome is very important, so please don’t hesitate to make your appearance goals known or to describe any issues you may have with your current nose structure.

How Should You Prepare for This Procedure?

Because this is a surgery that calls for the use of general anesthesia, there are actually a few things you will need to do to prepare for this procedure. For at least one week before your surgery day, you will need to cease smoking, limit your alcohol intake, and stop taking blood-thinning medications, such as Asprin and certain supplements. You will also need to perform certain labs to ensure your health before your appointment.

You will also need to stop using certain skincare products, such as Retinol or active skin actives, particularly on your nose. You should wear SPF when exposed to the sun and avoid tanning beds or excess heat, as well. Some patients like to prepare for their recovery after the procedure by organizing easy to eat foods, loose and comfortable clothing, a recuperation area, and by taking Arnica Montana supplements, which may limit bruising and speed up healing after the procedure.

What Are Aftercare and Recovery Like?

If you’ve ever had a nosebleed in your life, then you may already know that to avoid additional bleeding you should avoid bending over or jumping for at least 24 hours. The same principle applies to after you have had a nose job. For your immediate recovery, you will need to follow several aftercare instructions, such as:

• Avoid strenuous exercise for two weeks
• No heavy lifting
• No jumping or bending over
• Do not blow your nose
• Try not to open your mouth wide
• Sneeze through the mouth 
• Do not bump or rub your nose
• Avoid chewing hard foods
• Avoid sports contact for six weeks
• Try to avoid yawning or stretching your mouth

One of the most important things you will need to be aware of during your recovery is keeping your mouth closed as often as possible, as opening your mouth or chewing excessively will cause some discomfort. You will also need to keep your head elevated and avoid pull-on clothing that may bump your nose. You will need to avoid showering for 24 to 48 hours. We may provide you with additional directions for your recovery time.

How Soon Will You See Results?

Your recovery period after a nose job will generally take about six weeks, as this gives the bones and tissues in your nose long enough to settle and heal. However, if you have only minor alterations done your recovery time may be slightly shorter. To that end, most people only start to see the results of their nose job when the swelling associated with the treatment begins to go down, which could take anywhere from two to six weeks or longer depending on how much work was done.

How Long Do Results Last?

The results of this procedure are intended to last for several years, usually decades or a lifetime. This treatment lasts so long because a talented nose surgeon will be able to make long-lasting alterations that will withstand the natural aging process. It’s sometimes the case that the results of a nose job will begin to fail as less collagen is produced in the skin – however, an excellent rhinoplasty will be designed with aging in mind, so most results will last well into your mature years.

What Is This Procedure Used For?

Rhinoplasty is a procedure that is used for both medical and cosmetic purposes, which makes it somewhat unique in terms of insurance approval and use. There are just as many people who seek this treatment to correct cosmetic concerns as people who use this procedure to address medical-related issues. The three main uses of this procedure include:

Cosmetic Concerns

Most often, this procedure is used to correct cosmetic issues such as the shape of the nose tip, the size and shape of the nostrils, and the height or width of the bridge. Cosmetic concerns are those that are related strictly to the appearance of the nose; in other words, these concerns do not interfere with the structure or function of the nose in any profound way that makes it more difficult to breathe. Cosmetic concerns can affect people who do not necessarily have structural issues related to injuries, meaning cosmetic nose jobs are purely elective.

Injury

Injury-related nose jobs, on the other hand, are related to nose concerns that are caused by an injury. Reconstructive nose jobs are designed to correct the shape and structure of the nose to make the function of the nose better. For example, those who have broken noses may use reconstructive nose jobs to fix problems that may make it more difficult to breathe through the nose.

Breathing Issues

Some people may have reconstructive nose jobs for purely medical reasons. For example, a deviated septum is a structural issue many people are born with or develop in later life due to genetics or other factors. Breathing relating issues may interfere with your ability to breathe through your nose or may cause you to snore during sleep, which can cause sleep disturbance. Nose jobs related to correcting breathing problems are often covered by insurance and are not intended to change the outward structure of the nose.

How Drastic Are the Changes to Your Appearance?

The degree of drastic change related to your nose surgery will depend on the purpose of your surgery and your planned aesthetic goals. Many people who have this procedure for medical purposes do not have any drastic alteration to the outward appearance of the nose, while people who seek this treatment for cosmetic purposes typically have noticeable changes.

Is There a Best Age To Have a Nose Job?

Yes. Although it’s never too late to have a nose job, it can sometimes be too early. Most noses only settle by age 18, which means by that age they will no longer change in relation to aging. After age 18, it’s usually safe to have a nose job for both medical and cosmetic purposes.

Who Are Ideal Candidates?

Ideal candidates for this procedure include any person who is not satisfied with the structure or function of their nose, either for medical or cosmetic purposes. Good candidates are those who are healthy enough to withstand general anesthesia and those who are over the age of 18.

Refine Your Appearance With Rhinoplasty Today!

So, what should you do when the shape of your nose is making basic daily functioning difficult or if your nose shape is no longer pleasing to your eye? The simple answer is that you seek out a cosmetic solution to alter or contour the shape of your nose. Please contact Hanna Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Hinsdale, IL to schedule your rhinoplasty consultation today. 

We all want to look young and feel confident about our appearance. Unfortunately, lifestyle choices made when you were younger, like unprotected sunbathing, can make you look older than you actually are, not to mention the natural aging process depleting the natural regenerative resources in your skin. At Hanna Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Hinsdale, IL, we are excited to offer an FDA-approved solution for your premature aging concerns. SkinPen is a revolutionary microneedling device that can correct several of your most troubling superficial skin concerns. 

What Does SkinPen Do To Your Skin?

The SkinPen is a medical device approved by the FDA to improve and rejuvenate the appearance of your skin. Microneedling treatments such as this one are generally used to address superficial skin concerns, which are concerns that largely affect the surface appearance of your skin. Some skin concerns that can be addressed with this microneedling treatment include:

• Rough or dry skin
• Uneven skin tone
• Blemishes
• Enlarged pores
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Dark spots
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Acne scarring

Right now, microneedling treatments are some of the most diverse and effective treatment options available to patients. Microneedling is highly diverse and can address multiple skin concerns at one time, including more difficult concerns like scarring. In fact, many patients use microneedling treatments are a primary treatment for maintaining the tone and quality of their skin, particularly those who want to perfect the skin surface and achieve a radiant glow.

Does Treatment Hurt?

Even though this treatment involves needles, you will not feel any significant pain during your session. Most people compare the sensation of this treatment to a cat scratch or a prickling sensation from a cactus.

However, depending on your sensitivity to pain, you may want to request the use of a topical numbing cream to ensure your comfort for the duration of the treatment. Many patients also opt to take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol, about one hour before their appointment to ensure their comfort.

How Long Does it Take?

How long your sessions will take depends on the size of the area you’re treating and the condition you are trying to treat. In general, microneedling treatments can be completed within 20 to 40 minutes.

Your treatment sessions may take longer if you are seeking to treat multiple areas of the face or body during one appointment. Overall, however, your treatment appointments will be fast “lunchtime” appointments that allow you to quickly return to your normal daily schedule.

Which Areas Can Be Targeted for Treatment?

You can target just about any part of your face or body for treatment with this device. It is most commonly used to enhance the appearance of the face, but it can also be used to improve the aesthetic of other parts of your body, like your abdomen, chest, or thighs.

During your initial consultation, we will go over your appearance goals to determine if this device can improve your trouble areas. This treatment is most commonly used in areas such as:

• Glabellar forehead lines
• Nasolabial folds
• Chin wrinkles
• Smile and frown lines
• Skin laxity in cheeks
• Loose jowls
• Neckbands

How Many Treatments Will You Need?

The number of treatments you will need will depend on the severity of your treatment locations. For example, those who are treating mild concerns may only require a few treatments, while those who are treating more complex concerns, such as scarring, may require a series of four or more treatments. We will determine the number of initial treatments you will need based on how well you respond to the treatment.

How Frequently Should You Have Treatment?

During your initial round of treatments, your treatments will be spaced four to six weeks apart to give your skin enough time to heal and begin increasing collagen production and skin cell turnover. After you have achieved your desired results, your treatment frequency will change; most patients have maintenance treatments a few times a year, sometimes as often as every three months to maintain the results of their treatment.

Ultimately, your maintenance treatment frequency will depend on what skin concerns you are treating, as some results of this treatment will be permanent. For example, when treating atrophic acne scars, you will probably not need maintenance treatments unless new scars form since the collagen restructuring results of this treatment will restore skin texture for a long period of time. We can help you figure out how frequently you will need treatments.

How Should You Maintain Your Results?

In addition to attending maintenance appointments, there are other things you can do to maintain your results. For the most part, many of these methods address lifestyle and self-care choices you can make, so the task of maintaining your results is truly up to you. Some common methods used to maintain results include:

Preventative Skincare

When we talk about preventative skincare we are talking about using products and methods that will prevent your skin concerns from reappearing. For example, if you suffer from acne and acne scarring, then the best preventive skincare you can do is to control your acne breakouts by using acne-fighting products, such as benzoyl peroxide.

By the same token, if you are trying to reduce the visible signs of aging, then your preventative skincare should focus on using products that will reduce the likelihood of forming fine lines and wrinkles. This means using products that help stimulate collagen production, such as retinoids and hyaluronic acid. For anti-aging, it’s also important that you incorporated Vitamin C products to fight free radical skin damage.

Use Sun Protection

Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is one of the easiest ways to maintain your desired results. Adequate sun protection means using SPF 30 or higher when you plan to be outside during the daytime; if you have fair or sensitive skin, or skin that tans easily, you may want to wear SPF with greater protection or apply SPF more frequently.

Protecting your skin from the sun is a two-fold issue. For one thing, unprotected sun damage can burn or damage the skin by itself. But more importantly, UV exposure over time will eventually break down the cellular integrity of your skin and make it easier to damage deeper skin layers, which is what usually causes sun damage, dark spots, age spots, and premature wrinkling.

Other Cosmetic Treatments

You can also maintain your results by using other cosmetic treatments. Much of the results of microneedling are dependent on collagen maturation, but for issues that concern the tone or quality of the skin, you have several cosmetic options that can help maintain skin health and radiance.

For example, chemical peels are an effective treatment that can keep your skin glowing. Please ask one of our skilled aestheticians about compatible cosmetic treatments you can combine with microneedling to maintain your results.

What Are the Benefits of Treatment With This Device?

There are several attractive benefits to using SkinPen microneedling treatments, such as the long-lasting results and the versatility of the treatment. Some other benefits of using this device include:

A Non-Surgical Treatment

As a non-surgical treatment, you will be able to benefit from the virtually painless and minimally invasive nature of this treatment. Non-surgical treatments generally have less downtime than cosmetic surgeries, which can make a treatment like this one attractive for someone who wants fast results.

Non-surgical treatments are also good options for those who only have minor cosmetic concerns that aren’t qualified for invasive surgeries, or for those who are looking for affordable cosmetic surgery alternatives. 

An Anti-Aging Powerhouse

One of the most common reasons people seek microneedling treatments is to erase age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. While age spots are generally caused by sun damage, other skin issues like skin laxity and wrinkles are caused by natural collagen loss associated with the aging process.

As an anti-aging treatment, microneedling can address both surface and deeper skin issues at one time, which means this treatment is an efficient anti-aging option for rejuvenating the appearance of the skin.

Effective Scar Removal

Another incredibly exciting benefit of this device is that it can erase acne scars from the face, upper back and anywhere else you are experiencing acne scars. Acne scars are usually caused by a combination of inflammation and poor collagen reformation around a wound (acne). Acne scars come in many different forms, including atrophic (textural) scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Both types of acne scars can be addressed with microneedling. Textural acne scars, including icepick, rolling, and boxcar scars can all be smoothed away with microneedling treatments since the treatment process breaks down scar tissue and helps with smoother collagen reformation. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the leftover red or brown discoloration on the skin, which can be removed with accelerated skin cell turnover.

Noticeable Pore Reduction

The size of pores can also be reduced by this treatment. One of the most common goals many people have is to achieve a poreless skin appearance or to otherwise shrink the size of the pores.

While it’s true that our pore size is largely determined by genetics, some factors such as acne-prone skin can also contribute to larger pores. By reforming the collagen on the surface of the skin, the size of pores will eventually shrink and appear more refined.

A Safe and Effective Solution

The basic principle behind microneedling is to induce minor skin damage or “micro-injuries” that will stimulate the body’s natural regenerative response to heal the skin. When the natural regenerative response is stimulated, the body produces more collagen, elastin, and fibrin, and also carries more blood to the skin surface to aid in healing. This simple principle is a large part of why this treatment is so effective at resolving superficial skin concerns.

This treatment is also safe. In addition to not causing a significant amount of pain and having a low risk of creating scarring or pigmentation concerns, this treatment is also highly hygienic. Each SkinPen treatment uses fresh sterilized needles and does not involve any chemicals that pose a risk of allergic reactions.

Who Are Ideal Candidates?

Most people are ideal candidates for microneedling, particularly if they have mild to moderate superficial skin concerns such as acne scarring, fine lines, or age spots. The treatment is appropriate for people of every skin tone and type, and can even be used on younger people who are aiming for preventative anti-aging skincare. We will determine your eligibility for this microneedling device during your consultation appointment. 

Feel Younger and More Confident With SkinPen Treatments

The SkinPen is an incredible device that penetrates your skin dozens of times during a microneedling session to increase collagen and elastin production. This diverse treatment system can radically improve the appearance of your skin and turn back the clock so you can feel younger and more confident. To see for yourself what this highly effective device does to your skin, contact Hanna Facila Cosmetic Surgery in Hinsdale, IL to schedule your first appointment today.

It’s no secret that our appearances change with age. Skin sags and wrinkles develop, causing a once plump and youthful face to grow tired and lackluster. But before you think surgery is your only option to correct these effects, at Hanna Facial Cosmetic Surgery, Ltd., in Hinsdale, IL, we urge you to reconsider. Thermage CPT (comfort pulse technology) is a non-surgical treatment that can tighten skin to smooth away wrinkles and correct sags.

What Is Thermage CPT?

This therapy represents just how far we’ve come in cosmetic treatments. Using radiofrequency energy – rather than invasive knives and other surgical instruments – that turns into heat, treatment is designed to target your skin’s deep tissue layers. This is much more effective at smoothing the skin than surface-level treatments that only temporarily address your concerns.

The heat forces collagen chains, held together by hydrogen bonds, to shorten and thicken, causing an immediate tightening effect throughout the face. In other words, tension between tissues increases as collagen fibers become shorter. Meanwhile, heat-stable hydrogen bonds are maintained so collagen keeps its rubber-elastic properties.

New Collagen Synthesis

But the rejuvenating process doesn’t stop there. Heat-modified tissues are subject to remodeling as fibroblasts produce new and healthy collagen polymers. It is the treatment itself that provokes fibroblasts to behave in this manner. Once collagen is degraded, as happens after the targeted application of heat, fibroblasts secrete the precursors necessary for collagen formation.

Fibroblasts perform several functions within the body, but their primary role is to safeguard the structural integrity of the skin and assist with tissue repair. This is the science behind thermage CPT – it stimulates fibroblasts to improve collagen quality and quantity.

Collagen and Your Appearance

Collagen is responsible for giving skin its healthy structure. In a broader sense, it is the body’s “glue,” providing tissues with strength and elasticity yet still retaining mechanical function (such as in facial skin). To help paint a more vivid picture, visualize collagen interlocking with elastin, another protein, to form a flexible but extremely strong foundation beneath the skin, like a net.

This net freely moves even as it supports the skin. We are thus able to enjoy smooth, radiant skin up to around age 35. At this point, we’ve already lost around 10 percent of our natural collagen base owed to fibroblasts that age as we do. They produce less collagen, and that which does exist grows weaker. The foundational net also gradually loses its integrity until we see the formation of lines, wrinkles, and sags.  

The Goal of Treatment

Treatment is designed to ignite the body’s natural healing processes, which pose less downtime and far fewer complications than more invasive techniques. The body is designed to instinctively know what it needs to heal. A process that stands in this way is aging because it slows internal responses.

By providing an external stimulus, treatment overcomes the aging hurdle in a way that maintains your comfort and delivers subtle, natural-looking results. Heat provided by the Thermage device feels like a warm massage as it penetrates through your skin. The device also has a cooling mechanism that interrupts the heat pulses. This increases the treatment’s safety so it can be used on patients of all skin types, from sensitive to dry.

The Many Details

Areas that can be treated with Thermage include:

• Face
• Neck
• Hands
• Legs
• Abdomen
• Thighs
• Buttocks

More specifically, treatment can lift the cheeks, jawline, and eyebrows to refresh your overall appearance. It also smooths skin to eliminate lines and wrinkles. Many refer to this treatment as the non-surgical facelift because it does indeed tighten and sculpt sagging skin. It can even reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Your Results

One of the greatest benefits afforded by this treatment is the natural improvement of skin texture. Initial results also show immediately, usually in just one day, but deeper and longer-lasting improvements take more time. Contouring, for instance, can continue to evolve over six months as the collagen matrix thickens. While 80 to 90 percent of patients experience visible results at six months, all show increased collagen levels in biopsy studies.

Number of Treatments Needed

In addition to collagen, blood flow in the skin’s fatty layer also ramps up. This delivers nutrients that improve skin’s thickness, resiliency, and brightness. You can enjoy these effects for a long time, up to several years, depending on how your body responds.

Some patients need only one treatment to experience the full benefits, while others need more. As a general rule, those under 50 usually need one session, and those over often benefit from two. After their initial treatments, most patients then go on a maintenance regimen of one session every two years.

During Treatment

Thermage CPT is a painless procedure that can be customized to your needs and tolerance. The device employs a tip that is wide enough for smooth and easy application; in fact, each disposable applicator tip emits 1200 pulses, enough to treat the sides of the neck, face, and under the chin. While many patients ask that attention be paid specifically to the mid-face, you can choose the area where you want the most focus.

To provide additional comfort, the radiofrequency can be adjusted to several different settings. The handheld device also features a vibration that stimulates and soothes the skin. To this end, treatment is safe; radiofrequency has been used for well over 10 years and requires no recovery time. It is non-ablative, which allows for controlled damage that does not disturb your skin’s surface layer.

No Recovery Necessary

You can expect each Thermage session to last around an hour. Immediately after, you can proceed with your normal routine, including applying makeup. If we feel you need specific aftercare instructions, we’ll provide those during your session. Your face will look normal, although some patients experience a soft, rosy glow. Your skin will also instantly feel smoother

Subtlety Is Key

A basic tenet of cosmetic therapy today is to avoid the overdone look that can alter a patient’s appearance. Thermage provides this while still firming your skin for a cleaner, softer canvas. Additional benefits of undergoing Thermage on your face and neck include:

• Fewer lines in the forehead and around the eyes and mouth
• More youthful contours along the jawline
• Smoother skin in the neck

Now is a great time to mention treatment also prevents further laxity and wrinkles from developing. The boost in collagen production protects your skin from the additional effects of aging. This remains true for as long as collagen levels stay elevated, meaning treatment gives your skin a much-needed break from the hands of time.

The Eyes

Few cosmetic treatments are safe to use near the eyes, but this therapy can safely tighten and refresh skin in the fragile eye area. It reduces wrinkles and lid folding without dangerous injections or prolonged periods of recovery. The results are:

• More vibrant-looking eyes
• Less creepy skin near the eyes
• Reduced appearance of undereye bags
• Softer skin free of crow’s feet

We protect your eyes throughout the procedure using small, plastic eye shields. You won’t need to contend with swelling or bruising, and you can apply makeup immediately after if you wish.

The Body

Thermage CPT improves skin tone and contours to provide a younger-looking appearance. It is therefore ideal for lax skin in the knees, tummy, and arms. Benefits to the rest of the body include:

• Thicker texture so skin looks smoother
• Better definition to enhance natural curves

The Answers You Seek

It’s normal to have questions before cosmetic treatments. For instance, you’re probably wondering if all patients experience the same results. The answer is no because many different variables factor into therapy. A session may deliver 600, 900, or 1200 radiofrequency pulses, depending on a patient’s tolerance and individual needs.

Keep in mind that more radiofrequency pulses equate to more collagen production in treatment sites. Your results may therefore differ greatly from those of your friend or relative.

Is Thermage Superior to Other Skin Tightening Options?

Every treatment offers its own advantages. Thermage is highly beneficial in a number of ways, including the comfort it affords patients. And because it’s nonsurgical, this treatment doesn’t require incisions that may leave scars or require time to heal. It is thus well-suited to patients who want to tighten their skin without resorting to invasive techniques.

How Does This Treatment Compare to a Facelift?

Patients choose Thermage over a facelift for any one or a combination of the following reasons:

• They aren’t ready for surgery
• They want more subtle results than surgery can provide
• They don’t want the risks involved with general anesthesia

When Is the Right Time for Treatment?

Because this treatment stimulates collagen regeneration, we recommend you elect to have it at the first signs of wrinkles or sagging. This will keep you looking younger for longer. You can, of course, wait if you want, but if you wait too long, you may not achieve the results you want. You may even need maintenance sessions sooner than you would have otherwise.

Is Treatment Permanent?

We touched upon the long-lasting results you can expect with this treatment, but we want to clarify they are not permanent. Most patients elect to have maintenance sessions, as mentioned earlier. This helps extend their results and also prevents additional signs of aging from developing.

What About Men?

Yes, Thermage CPT can rejuvenate a man’s facial contours the same as it can a woman’s. It is especially ideal for chiseling the jawline and chin, both of which are key masculine features. And, unlike a surgical eyelid lift that can make eyes appear too wide, this treatment lifts lids without altering their shape. This, too, is ideal for maintaining a masculine appearance.

Can I Have Treatment If I’ve Had Dermal Fillers?

These treatments work independently of each other, meaning Thermage will not alter previous injections of Botox or Juvederm. Likewise, dermal fillers will not alter the effects of Thermage. When done correctly, these treatments can actually be complementary; Botox, for instance, can help preserve your results following Thermage. So, to answer your question, you can have one if you’ve already had the other.

Any Other Points I Should Know?

You should avoid anti-inflammatories immediately before and after treatment. During your session, we will place a grounding pad on your back so the radiofrequency waves don’t travel back to the handpiece. A gel will also be applied to the treatment site that may get into your hair, so keep this in mind when scheduling your appointment. Finally, we don’t recommend Thermage for patients with pacemakers or defibrillator implants.

The Power of Heat

This treatment uses heat energy to stimulate the growth of new collagen. Visibly, this means tighter, smoother skin with fine lines and wrinkles all but erased. Results are long-lasting, and you won’t have to suffer through lengthy or painful recovery times. Schedule your consultation today by calling Hanna Facial Cosmetic Surgery, Ltd., in Hinsdale, IL.