Month: April 2011

Ask Dr. K: How Do I Avoid Scarring After Surgery?

~ Lift Md Aesthetics by Dr. Garo Kassabian ~ Leave a comment
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My patients are typically very concerned about the amount of scarring that may occur after a procedure, if they have never had one done with me before. As a double-board certified surgeon and with my expertise and post-surgical care regimens combined, we can drastically minimize scarring.

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Pre Surgery Planning:

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– I design incisions so that the incision mark is less conspicuous.–

– I make sure the incision is closed in multiple layers with the tension being placed on the deeper, stronger layers creating less tension on the skin itself allowing the skin to heal optimally.

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Once the scars are healed, various methods can be used to diminish their appearance. Here are some suggestions I have for scar prevention, management and maintenance:

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– Use steri-strip tape on the scar for the first weeks during initial healing.

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– After a couple weeks of healing, and your stitches are out, use lift md silicone patches to smoothen, lighten and reduce the scar tissue. The most common and seemingly most effective anti- scarring method is Self-Adhesive Silicon Sheeting . These are small silicone- covered patches that adhere to the skin over and around the scar site. –

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– The use of Pre/ Post Surgery Vitamins can play a critical role in preparing your body for surgery, minimize swelling & bruising, and for optimal healing.

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– Laser treatments can be used to resurface the area, which decreases and softens scar tissue.

– The use of special creams, lotions or ointments that contain onion extract (Mederma), Retin-A, topical vitamins E and C, Emu Oil and Glycolic Acids as their active ingredients. Although many people use these products, their effectiveness is still unproven.

-If there is still prominent scaring after all these steps, we can inject it with Kenalog.

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Rarely, people with prominent keloid scars may decide to undergo radiation therapy. There are no side effects to this and address only cosmetic issues.

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– The use of medical tattooing, needles to inject pigment to camouflage and can help reduce the appearance of your scar.

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– A viable option is scar revision surgery if prominent scars persist despite conservative topical treatments. This option should be discussed with your surgeon.

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What I  to look for before surgery to avoid scarring:

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–  Who is more susceptible to scars (darker skin tends to keloid and certain ethnicities may scar more easily) and educate the patient.

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– Schedule regular follow ups after surgery to be ready to intervene in case the scarring becomes prominent.

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If I have not answered your question, please feel free to let me know, I am here to help.

Lift MD Aesthetics®

436 N. Bedford Dr. Suite 301 Beverly Hills, Ca 90210

310-285-0400

http://www.liftmd.com

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

~ Lift Md Aesthetics by Dr. Garo Kassabian ~ Leave a comment

Don’t wait ’til it’s too late! Mother’s day is around the corner and we have just what mom needs to know you appreciate her. 


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Oxygen Facial

Nothing will have mom glowing more than the Oxygen Facial. Medical grade oxygen gas in combination with vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids helps the skin recover from free-radical and harsh environmental pollutants. Great for post-facial surgery or for any aggressive skin treatments. Works great in conjunction with Microderm to help hydrate, nourish, and stimulate growth of new skin cells. Strengthens collagen network and helps minor skin disorders.

Call us for a Gift Certificate!

310-285-0400

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Grape Wine Peel


Bottle of red, bottle of…gorgeous? That’s right, the Grape Wine Peel is a “natural” alternative to glycolic and salicylic acid peels. Filled with organic wine extracts and fruit pulp, gently exfoliates the upper epidermis while providing beneficial nutrients to the skin for a flawless, glowing complexion that every mom can relax with.

Call us for a Gift Certificate!

310-285-0400

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Mineral Make Up Kit

GIve mom a natural glow! The Mineral Makeup Kit is the natural alternative to flawless makeup. Start with the Radiance Face LIft as the essential primer. Then perfect your skin in luminous Natural Mineral Shades. For added moisture throughout the day, the Botanical Herbal Setting Mist is the perfect fix.

Mineral Collection contains:

Radiance Face Lift

Mineral Eyeshadow and Blush Compact

Mineral Powder Pump Brush

Botanical Herbal Setting Mist

Cosmetic Travel Bag

Click HERE to buy!

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Portable Ballet Flats


Help mom relieve her tired feet. These flats are not only stylish and comfortable, but they fold up and come with a mini-tote for maximum portability. A must-have for a high-heel wearing fashionista and the 9-5 working girl. Your feet will thank you!

Click HERE to buy!

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Replenish System: 

Mothers rejoice! Our Replenish System is formulated with skin brightening botanicals, skin-friendly esters and a stabilized vitamin complex, ideal for replenishing and restoring environmentally stressed and damaged skin.

Replenish System Includes:

Fresh Facial Bath

Face Refresher

Face Nourisher

Eye Nourisher

Click HERE to buy!

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Lift MD Aesthetics®

436 N. Bedford Dr. Suite 301 Beverly Hills, Ca 90210

310-285-0400

http://www.liftmd.com

Mommy Makeover in 5 Minutes!

~ Lift Md Aesthetics by Dr. Garo Kassabian ~ Leave a comment

No time for a facelift or a daily gym routine? These 5 easy ideas will help you get in top shape in no time!

Red Carpet Facial:

The first 3-step facial to get you flawless skin for your big event. A soothing scrub is applied to rid the skin of all impurities in preparation for the first step. A Microdermabrasion treatment stimulates collagen production, while removing dead skin cells and preparing for the Power Peptide Mask. The Power Peptide Mask helps to temporarily balance the skin tone and hide red spots, ideal for same-day appearances or photo shoots. The Oxygen Treatment is the final step. Loaded with essential vitamins and amino acids, the Oxygen Treatment fills in and refines your pores, helps to reduce dark under-eye circles and gives you an all around gorgeous glow. This treatment should be performed the day of your event, or whenever your feeling lackluster and need a boost.

Permanent Makeup:

Tired of spending hours in front of the mirror every morning? Get a solution that lasts. We offer a non-surgical procedure known as micro-pigmentation.  This restores pigment balance lost with age and offers an alternative to heavy makeup that can add years to your face. Ingredients contain organic and mineral colors that are gently deposited into the dermal layer of the skin to enhance, contour and outline facial features. Color stays true because ingredients do not contain iron, which often oxidizes and changes color. Services include; eyeliner, eyebrows, complete lips, scar coverage, and medical micro-pigmentation after reconstructive surgery.

Results last up to 4 years. Services include 2 touch-ups within the first two months.

Slim Wear:

Our Slim Wear is specially designed to take off inches immediately with the use of scientifically formulated compression technology. The Body Sculpting Capri has been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite, improve lymphatic drainage and instantly slim you down one size. Anti-microbial fabric allows for your skin to breath with comfort and easily flexes with the contours and movement of your body. Layered over our Body Sculpting Serum & Crème, you will get double the impact on the fight against cellulite and give you the extra advantage in achieving the body you work so hard for. The Body Sculpting Bra firms your breasts while giving them the support they need during workout, sleep or everyday. A perfect sleeping bra for those with breast augmentation to maintain the shape for years to come. Whether you have natural breasts or have an enhanced bust line, you will benefit from the beauty of this power bra.

Botox/ Fillers:

Botox and filler are an amazing, non-invasive method to reduce wrinkles, signs of aging and can be used as a prevention tool as well.

Click HERE to read my blog about everything you need to know about fillers and injectables.

Lash Curling:

Permanent eyelash curling involves the use of a perming solution and a thin roller. The lashes are treated with the curling solution and then rolled back over the roller. After the perm sets, the lashes remain curled for two to three months. The lash curl will last even after showering and swimming. This easy treatment can replace mascara, as the perm performs the same function, however you won’t have to worry about the running, smearing, and smudging that can result from wearing mascara.

Lift MD Aesthetics®

436 N. Bedford Dr. Suite 301 Beverly Hills, Ca 90210

310-285-0400

http://www.liftmd.com

Easy Ways to Lose Weight Without Thinking

~ Lift Md Aesthetics by Dr. Garo Kassabian ~ Leave a comment

Who said spring cleaning is only for the home? If you consider your body a temple, then the temple needs cleaning too! With summer around the corner, it’s time we all start taking the steps to looking healthier and more fit. Forget crash dieting– not only is it unhealthy, but it rarely works. With that said, It may be difficult to break old habits and begin a new, so just for you, I have compiled a list of my easy, fool-proof solutions to shedding pounds and looking healthier.

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5 Easy Snack Alternatives to Help you Lose Weight:
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Almonds vs Chips
Raw, unsalted almonds are a great source of omega fatty acids and do just the trick to put substance in your tummy, fuel your metabolism and avoid the calories and fat from traditional chips.
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Dehydrated Fruit vs Candy
Dried fruit is an easy and tasty way to snack and to get your daily 5 servings. Dried fruits are high in dietary fiber that aid against corpulence, high blood pressure and other factors that contribute to heart disease.  If you have a sweet tooth, dried fruit is a great substitute for candy craving.
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Water/ Iced Tea vs Soda
This tip should be obvious but many forget that even diet sodas are unhealthy. Eliminate soda from your diet completely. If you enjoy a carbonated refreshment, try Club Soda with lemon. If you simply don’t like water, then drink unsweetened iced green or black tea. Try to avoid drinking during meal as liquid dilutes your stomach acids which are crucial for proper digestion.
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Vegetables vs Snack Crackers
Raw greens are essential to a healthy diet, this is obvious, however many of us fail to incorporate these into daily meals. Instead of grabbing a box of crackers, try snacking baby carrots or snap peas. If raw just isn’t your thing, try Eden’s Vegetable Chips which packs only 130 calories per bag.
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Whole Grains vs Empty Carbs
Whole grain snacks are rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates, which give you energy and lasting power. Empty carbs, like White Bread are high in sugar and are devoid of nearly all nutrients. Whole grain pretzels are great source for on-the-go energy without the carb crash.
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Already watching what you eat and need some extra help?
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Liposuction is a realistic way to smooth out your curves and get rid of excess body fat when you have tried everything else.
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Click HERE to read about Dr. Kassabian’s liposuction techniques.
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436 N. Bedford Dr. Suite 301 Beverly Hills, Ca 90210

310-285-0400

http://www.liftmd.com

Ask Dr. K: The Truths and Myths of Anesthesia

~ Lift Md Aesthetics by Dr. Garo Kassabian ~ Leave a comment
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Dear Patients and Friends, 

One of the most important topics I discuss during a consultation is anesthesia. Many misunderstandings exist and I want clear up the truths and myths about the use of anesthesia.

What is anesthesia?

Anesthesia controls pain during surgery. To keep you comfortable and relaxed, medicines are used. Along with anesthesia, close monitoring is used to control breathing, blood pressure, blood flow, and heart rate and rhythm.

What are the different types of anesthesia?

Local anesthesia numbs a small part of the body. You get an injection of the anesthetic directly into the surgical area to block pain. Local anesthesia is used only for minor procedures. Regional anesthesia blocks pain to a larger part of your body. Anesthetic is injected around major nerves or the spinal cord. Major types of regional anesthesia include:

  • Peripheral nerve blocks: An injection of anesthetic near a specific nerve or group of nerves. It blocks pain in the part of the body supplied by the nerve. Nerve blocks are most often used for procedures on the hands, arms, feet, legs or face.
  • Epidural and spinal anesthesia: An injection of anesthetic near the spinal cord and the nerves that connect to it. It blocks pain for an entire region of the body, such as the belly, hips or legs.
  • General anesthesia: Affects the brain as well as the entire body. You may receive it through a vein (intravenously, or IV), or you may breathe it in. With general anesthesia, you do not feel pain during the surgery. It causes you to forget the surgery and the time right after it.

There are several benefits to have anesthesia with regards to cosmetic surgery:

o   With facial or body surgery, anesthesia relaxes, relieves pain and keeps the patient comfortable and still during surgery. Any movements could potentially harm the patient and complicate the surgery, such as contamination of the sterile field or nerve injury.

o   With liposuction, fat is removed more effectively using general anesthesia rather than local technique. Less of the local numbing agent (tumescent) is required resulting in more fat removed. Under general anesthesia, the end result is a more precise contour, and a pleased patient.

o   I perform very few procedures with a paralyzing agent and when I do, it is a very small amount. The paralyzing agent is given for a short duration of the surgery when muscle relaxation is important, such as breast augmentation or tummy tuck.

What determines the type of anesthesia used?

The type of anesthesia used depends on several things:

  • The reason for your surgery and the type of surgery.
  • Your past and current health.
  • The doctor will consider other surgeries you have had and any health problems you may have such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes.
  • The results of tests, such as blood tests or an electrocardiogram (EKG).

I am happy to answer any more questions on this topic, or if you would like to talk to me about my anesthesiologists, or meet with them to discuss any further curiosities or concerns, we are happy to accommodate that.

Sincerely,

Dr. K

 

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436 N. Bedford Dr. Suite 301 Beverly Hills, Ca 90210

310-285-0400

http://www.liftmd.com