BOTOX® Cosmetic Bryn Mawr, PAEvery year for the past several years running, millions of people have been getting Botox injections. This product, the original injectable anti-ager, has been well-studied and widely used in its decades-long life. Within that time, we have seen good Botox – a lot of it. We have also seen effects that can only be described as going too far. The sensational nature of modern-day media makes these situations available for all to see. If there is even one high-profile celebrity you can point to and say “too far,” there is a chance that you may be avoiding Botox treatment due to a false perception of what it might do to your face. We’d like to discuss this.

Let’s see Botox for What It Really Is

Botox is one of the most popular non-surgical treatments for a reason; for several reasons, actually. Botox is commonly used to reduce the appearance of frown lines and crow’s feet. Botox can correct a downturned mouth and eliminate mild to moderate neck bands. This injectable is also one of the best ways to raise eyebrows that have started to droop. In lifting the brow line subtly, Botox is an excellent treatment for men and women interested eyelid rejuvenation related to the sagging brow. More recently, we have seen younger patients seek Botox. Their reason? They want to get ahead of the aging process by gently softening muscular tension on the upper face.

When referring to Botox, it is important to realize that some stories are nothing more than sensationalism. Yes, some individuals have gone too far with their treatments. This happens with dermal fillers and cosmetic surgery, too. Many of the mishaps that happened with Botox occurred during early use when injectors were learning the nuances of treatment and how each patient may respond differently. Today, we’ve got a much deeper understanding of Botox and what it can do.

Natural is the Norm

Millions of people are still getting Botox on a regular basis because it works. In our office near Philadelphia, Botox treatments are performed only after thoughtful discussion about the desired result. Our conservative approach to treatment achieves natural results – that’s just the norm. For more information on Botox, call 610-527-4833.

A few months ago, we were approached by a talented friend who just happens to be a phenomenal photographer; he loved our “real patient” campaign and offered to create and shoot an ad campaign for the practice. It was a bit overwhelming at first, and I wasn’t sure it was something I could sink my teeth into, but in the end, it was too unique and exciting an opportunity to pass up. After working on the Ad agencies’ sketches with Vincent, the photographer, and approving the campaign, we would be heading out to LA with two patients to shoot in a studio there. The trick, I thought, would be to find patients willing to have their faces in print media throughout our local area. The advertising agency and the photographer seemed to be even more excited about the project than I. They are so sure that the campaign will share our message with creativity, humor and style. In fact, the campaign will likely be heading to the Cannes Lion Festival this summer.

Finding patients was far easier than I thought! Though two were nervous, the first three people we asked agreed to participate in the campaign!

I was on the phone on a Friday afternoon with one of the patients who had agreed to participate in the photo shoot. Deb is turning 64; she is reserved, and had had a revision necklift and a tummy tuck. She wasn’t at all sure that flying out to LA to shoot an ad campaign was something she would be good at. She was worried she wasn’t going to be “enough.” In explaining what her role would be in the shot, I explained that our goal was to share the motto of “look the way you feel.” After she heard the details of the ad agency’s sketch, Deb was quiet. “Do you have any questions or concerns?” I asked. Deb’s response was interesting, “Do they know I’m almost 64? Does the photographer think he’s photographing someone who is flawless, because I’m not.”

I was so glad she’d asked the question. “Deb”, I responded, “they know our mission is to celebrate the beauty in our patients. When we decided to do this project, the agency created a campaign that would underscore situations where even if you’re at the grocery store, you feel like a million bucks. We want to celebrate each individual looking the best he or she can at whatever age they are. We want our patients to know they are special, valued and beautiful – no matter how old they might be.”

I could hear the relief in Deb’s voice as she said, “ then I’d love to do it! It sounds like fun, and I’m so grateful that you think I would be a great fit for this. Thank you!” Of course, I am the grateful one, grateful that our patients are willing to put their best face forward and celebrate themselves, the practice and the art of aging gracefully.

Beauty, as we all know, comes from that essence emanating from an individual who feels she – or he- looks as confident, youthful and attractive as she feels. People who feel confident and happy exude a sense of beauty that plastic surgeons aspire to help them achieve. They have no desire to look like someone else; they simply want to look their very best at whatever age they happen to be.

We wanted to capture the happiness of our patients in a moment in time so that other potential patients would see someone they could relate to, not a photoshopped beauty of an unattainable age with flawless features – a real mom, a mature executive, a grandma, a twenty-something who has been perseverating over a flaw finally erased.

Our patients seemed to enjoy our first photo shoot experience last year, but I wondered how they felt a year out as I began to schedule this year’s shoot. I ran into a patient recently who had participated in the shoot last spring and asked how she felt a year out; her face lit up! “You know,” she said, “my surgery was a year and a half ago. I am so happy, and I could not have asked for a better surgeon or team. Every time someone asks me about my surgery, I tell them how it has changed my life and I send them to the website to see me on it!” Another woman who had participated in that photo shoot said, “I loved it! It was fun and the photographer was great.”

And she would do it again. Nicole agreed to be the model for our photo shoot at the local Ferrari dealership for our Open House– shy, nervous, funny turns sassy. With 7 children at home – including a set of quads! – having fun with the photographer and the cars, she became a natural in front of the camera. She was the face of the practice for our Ferrari Open House, and we are so grateful!

We celebrate the beauty of our patients – not canned, not determined by Hollywood or style magazines, but the real beauty that shines when an individual feels it in her core. I am still amazed that the only posts that receive any reaction are those with real patients, real news, real videos from our Doctor. So the photos and stories that patients are willing to share are truly priceless.

Laser Hair Removal Bryn Mawr PAWe’ve made it through the holiday season, and may now want to go into coast-mode to give our mind and body time to recover. For many people, this temporary cocooning lasts until Springtime when, suddenly, they realize summer is just around the corner. If this has been your historical mode of operation, this year may be the time to make a meaningful change. Instead of letting the advent of summer call on you with warm weather, start thinking now about the concerns your normally face as the temperature rises. Here’s an example: finally say goodbye to the outdated beauty regimen of shaving and plucking.

Laser Hair Removal is a Great Wintertime Treatment

Unwanted hair creates the hassle for many people. Shaving takes too much time, and may even be uncomfortable due to awkward positions and that little problem called razor bumps. Laser hair removal is an advantageous treatment that continues to be popular among adults of all ages. From the legs to the bikini area to the back and face, laser hair removal gets the job done once and for all. What a relief to think about having smooth skin all summer long, every summer, from here on out!

It isn’t just the potential for smooth skin that makes now a great time to schedule laser hair removal in our Bryn Mawr office. There are aspects of this process that make winter a perfect time to dive in:

  • For optimal results, up to 12 treatments may be needed. These are scheduled weeks apart to allow new hair to enter into the follicles that are slowly being incapacitated for future hair growth. This means the entire process may take place over a couple of months. Summer is not the time you want to do this.
  • Lasers are more efficient on the paler skin and darker hair. During the dead of winter, when virtually no one is lying around in the sun, our skin naturally lightens by several shades. This situation is the perfect setup for optimal hair removal using the latest laser technology.
  • A suntan of any kind, even from a bottle or professional spray-tan booth will inhibit the efficiency of laser hair removal. During winter, we’ve pretty covered up anyway, so going without a sunless tanner for a few months doesn’t feel like we are being deprived. In the end, the reward is smooth and glowing skin.
  • Laser energy gets absorbed into hair follicles, and this creates a bit of photosensitivity in the skin being treated. This may be one of the most important reasons to schedule laser hair removal long before summer when there is a stronger urge to warm the body under the sun’s rays.

Why wait? Contact us online to schedule your laser hair removal treatment or call 610-527-4833.

Non-surgical Fat Reduction Philadelphia | Bryn Mawr PAThe coming of the holiday season brings out our critical eye as much as the advent of bikini season. We know that there may be more than one occasion in which you want to fit into a little black dress – and feel good doing it. That’s why our Bryn Mawr office has established a menu of services that includes both surgical and non-surgical treatments for body-contouring. Because each method of fat-reduction takes time to reveal optimal results, now is a great time to schedule your consultation for liposuction. It’s also a great time to consider how you can make it through the holiday season (and life, really) without packing on pounds you have no intention of keeping.

To support results from body-contouring treatment:

Do . . .

  • Add some fat to your plate. We heard for many years that fat is bad for us. This is true, but not entirely. There is such a thing as healthy dietary fat. Avocados are an example. When you consume healthy fats, your body is better able to metabolize fat inside your cells, which means smaller fat cells, which means hello, little black dress!
  • Work your muscles. Muscle mass is heavier than fat mass, but it is also needed for fat-burning. You don’t have to become an Olympic weight-lifter to add muscle strength; yoga classes or even body-weight exercises are sufficient for increasing the fat-burning fuel in your body.
  • Fill your glass. With water, that is. Hydration is crucial to cellular activity in the lymph system and the liver, both of which are involved in detoxification and fat metabolism. Sip several glasses or bottles of water throughout the day for optimal weight management.

Don’t . . .

  • Fill your glass too many times. Alcohol consumption has been identified as one of the best ways to add girth to the waistline. This is bad if you want to look and feel your best in whatever clothing you wish to wear.
  • Rely on crunches to flatten your stomach. We know how awful it is to hear this, but we have to say it: fat cannot be reduced in targeted areas. That is, without professional intervention. That being said, an exercise routine needs to be well-rounded in order to minimize the midsection. The side benefit is that fat is better managed all over the body.
  • Make that morning cup of coffee your breakfast. There is mounting research that points to the value of a hefty breakfast (about 700 calories). If you want to maximize this suggestion, also set a window of about 8 hours for your daily meals. Intermittent fasting, beginning with a healthy breakfast, has been shown to promote stable weight.

Clearly, diet and exercise are important, but not necessarily the only way to get great contours. Contact us to learn more about our body-sculpting treatments in our Bryn Mawr office at 610-527-4833.

Injectables Philadelphia | Anti-Aging Bryn Mawr PAThe current day that we live in provides amazing advantages that our ancestors did not have. From cooking meals to managing the aging process, accomplishing tasks has never been easier. When it comes to aging, in fact, the desire to preserve the appearance of youth is relatively easy. While there may be instances in which surgical lifting is the best approach to lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, it is also possible to erase these frustrations with sophisticated methods like injectables and laser treatments.

The fact that injectables have become a go-to technique for restoring facial youthfulness has created a bit of a conundrum. Many patients perceive injectables as a suitable alternative for facelift surgery. The fact is, this isn’t always the case. Here, we want to point out a few misconceptions that may prevent the attainment of the desired goal.

A Facelift Without Surgery?

In recent years, we have begun to hear the term “liquid facelift” used in and out of professional offices. We are not opposed to the use of neuromodulators (Botox) and dermal fillers to reduce the signs of aging. We perform these treatments on a daily basis with great success. Botox and other neuromodulators decrease the tug on the skin by relaxing the muscles that are used to frown, squint, and achieve other facial expressions. No, the face does not freeze! It just relaxes in the most beautiful way. Fillers, introduced into lines, smooth the skin. These products are also commonly used to plump the lips and round out cheeks that have become deflated. Finally, dermal fillers can be an excellent non-surgical solution for under eye bags and dark circles.

But is This the Answer?

Clearly, there are advantages to non-surgical treatments. However, keep in mind that:

  • There is such a thing as too much filling and relaxing. Just like we’ve seen facelifts gone wrong, there is such a thing as overdoing it with fillers and Botox. In fact, there are a few prominent faces that are obviously over-filled. The idea of facial rejuvenation is to restore a naturally youthful face, not one that is dramatically “done.”
  • Facelift surgery is conducted in a meticulous manner that is quite successful in preserving the natural curvature of the face. The idea that a facelift will be more obvious than fillers is a myth.
  • The cost of injectables makes this approach seem more affordable. However, the long-term costs can add up relatively quickly and should be assessed when making the choice between a “liquid facelift” and a surgical facelift.

Patients of our Bryn Mawr cosmetic surgery practice have numerous options for restoring their youthful nature. To learn more, contact us online or call 610-527-4833.

Microdermabrasion Bryn Mawr, PA

Oh, the joys of blissful youth! If you remember days of slathering on baby oil and sitting under the sun with your friends, you may also remember a sense of dread when you learned that habit could set you up for skin problems, even skin cancer, later in life.

One of the problems that many men and women notice is a little thing called sun spots. The clumped pigment is also referred to as age spots or as good old-fashioned UV damage. In any case, spots on the arms, shoulders, legs, or face can be a distraction from all the effort you have put into an anti-aging plan. According to a survey of 1000 women, sun spots are a big problem. Thirty-six percent of the women polled stated that sun spots weren’t far behind wrinkles regarding concern. Seeing this, we feel compelled to discuss how Sun spots can be treated.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels provide light to deep exfoliation of the epidermis and have been refined to meet the varying needs of patients. This method of skin rejuvenation is excellent for improving skin tone over time by removing damaged cells that make their way to the surface, where their collected pigment creates uneven tone.

What to know: The extent of improvement with a chemical peel depends on its depth and the severity of spots. Lighter peels reveal a more radiant tone, and will likely minimize the appearance of spots gradually with repeat treatments. Deeper peels cause more widespread and significant peeling and will achieve more extensive results in fewer (possibly even one) treatments.

Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery offers some treatments that can reduce the appearance of sun spots. In addition to chemical peels, patients may consider laser and light treatments, microneedling, and more.

Contact our Bryn Mawr office at 610-527-4833.

Fat transfer for facial rejuvenation | Claytor Noone Plastic SurgeryAs we grow older, we gain a lot of wisdom. That’s the upside of aging. The downside is that we may gain a few adversaries, too. One example is gravity. Looking at your 40- or 50-year-old reflection reveals the effects of time and nature. Skin naturally loses its elasticity and tightness. It becomes thin and loose and wrinkled, and this is problematic for many people. To restore a more youthful, vibrant appearance doesn’t take much, just the right approach to volume replacement.

Filling and Fine-Tuning

The large majority of facial rejuvenation treatments involve some dermal fillers. These products are well-known for their ability to smooth lines, plump lips, and cheeks, and fill in areas that have become hollow. Natural and synthetic fillers differ slightly in their overall performance, though the end goal is the same, to add structure where needed. Synthetic fillers such as Sculptra tend to last longer due to the formation of new collagen fibers, but they are receiving a good amount of competition from the new kid on the block: fat.

Fat: Making a Grand Entrance

Fat is usually something that frustrates people. “If only . . .” So many people we meet have uttered these words. If only fat could be taken from one area and put into another to make it more look better. At one time, this may have seemed like a pipe-dream, but not anymore. Fat injections are making a big impact in the field of aesthetic medicine, treating more than 50,000 patients each year at this point.

Fat injections offer certain advantages that cannot be attained with dermal fillers. The cells that are purified and separated out from a patient’s blood are a life force that does more than fill in lines, furrowed brows, and scars. The life force of these cells also creates a beautiful glow as newly introduced fat integrates with tissue in the treatment area. Above all, though, the longevity of this integrated fat is what truly makes this treatment special. Once assimilation has occurred, the results achieved with fat injections last permanently, affected only by the natural progression of age.

Fat transfer is not limited to facial rejuvenation. In our Bryn Mawr office, autologous fat provides an excellent substance for breast augmentation. Learn more about this innovative technique when you call 610-527-4833 for a consultation visit.

Non-Surgical Aesthetic Treatments | Claytor Noone Plastic SurgeryAcross various aspects of life, we could describe the modern age as an era of instant gratification. There are exciting perks to this; we can reach into the pantry for food, whip up a meal in a matter of minutes, and we can even refresh our facial aesthetic in under an hour. Getting instantaneous results from cosmetic treatment can be very rewarding. We offer several procedures that provide immediate or expedited rejuvenation. Here’s what you need to know.

“Injectable” doesn’t mean Instant

It is easy to think that you can come into the office and walk out looking several years younger. In some cases, this is possible, but not always. There are a few ways in which wrinkle-reduction may be approached. The method that is most appropriate, even with injectables, will differ based on the type of wrinkle that needs correction.

Dermal Fillers for Smoother Skin

Dermal fillers may be one of the only ways to truly achieve immediate rejuvenation. These products, whether they are natural or synthetic, are designed to replace volume in the tissue beneath the skin. A natural filler, such as Juvederm, will do this with hyaluronic acid, sugar that attaches to water molecules to add moisture to certain parts of the body. When the cross-linked HA compounds bind to water beneath a wrinkle, that line plumps to surface level, restoring a youthful appearance. A synthetic filler like Sculptra deposits tiny molecules of a lab-made product, such as poly-L-lactic acid into a tissue to restore the foundation beneath the skin. The granules of acid in Sculptra also stimulate increased collagen production for long-lasting support.

Botox: Different Action, Same Goal

Botox is classified as a neuromodulator. This class of cosmetic injectables reduces signs of aging by interrupting communication between nerves and the brain, hence the term neuromodulator. Injections of either of these products prevent the transmission of acetylcholine, ultimately keeping the targeted muscle in a relaxed state. This action takes some time to reach full effect. So, while the face may begin to look refreshed within the day of treatment, final results are best noticed after about one week.

Kybella is a new injectable treatment that whittles away a double-chin. Multiple treatments are usually necessary for maximum effect, and results appear gradually over a few months. Wait time is a given, but results are well worth it.

Call 610-527-4833 to reach our Bryn Mawr office, where we are happy to consult with you about your aesthetic goals.

plastic surgery Claytor Noone plastic surgeryChange. It’s a constant we can count on. This is especially evident as it relates to fashion. As Heidi Klum says: “one day you’re in, and the next day, you’re out.” Trends change from one season to the next, and we are inundated with images of how we should look; women, in particular. While we stay at the forefront of trends in cosmetic surgery and non-surgical procedures, we also see the importance of timeless beauty.

Why Beauty should be Personal

If you look back over the past 30 years alone, you will see a vast difference in how the majority of women present themselves. To drive this point about trends home, we’re going to go back to the turn of the Century – and not the most recent one!

  • The early 1900s woman wanted to look like The Gibson Girl, a shapely figure that was impossible to obtain without the use of a breath-stealing corset. Essentially, the waist-trainer of its day.
  • By the 1920s, the adoration of the Gibson Girl was moved toward the all-but-shapeless flapper, whose fringed dress was the center of attention.
  • World War II brought changes of its own. Namely, a trend toward a stronger, more angular woman – shoulder pads and pointed bra and all!
  • The aggressive fashion of the 1940s melted into the Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe shapes of the fifties, and then into the Twiggy figure – or lack thereof, in the 60s.
  • Twiggy-esque model Kate Moss brought back the love for petite, waif-like women in the 90s.

Can you pinpoint today’s cosmetic surgery trend?

According to People Magazine, we are in the era of the booty. Officially, People called it the Year of the Butt. However, the desire to be bootylicious sprouted in 2010!

Why Trendwatching in Plastic surgery is Vital

Many people love following trends. However, this is best left to fashion, not to your choices in plastic surgery. The historical review of what was deemed beautiful throughout the last 100 years demonstrates that this current booty-loving trend will end. And then, it will come back around again. That’s just how it goes.

Cosmetic plastic surgery is about you. It’s about bringing out the best in your figure, not following a trend or perceived idea of beauty. Let’s talk about how we can help you reveal your personal glamour. Call 610-527-4833.

GALTOX education

Muscle hypertrophy from repeat grinding of teeth when patients are sleeping may result in overly prominent masseter muscles. This can be examined by clenching ones jaw and looking at the contours of the jaw line. If the jaw line looks more pronounced and a palpable firm area is noted indicating flexed muscle then this would warrant an evaluation by a physician hopefully a plastic surgeon with expert command of the anatomy of the face and consideration for botox treatment of this area.

Buccal lipectomy is an extreme intervention. Consideration for this should be undertaken only after exhaustive evaluation of non surgical and conservative care.

Chin hypoplasia may be amenable to filler and would be a temporary treatment. injectable