At Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery Institute, men and women from the Bryn Mawr area have trusted resources in an experienced team of board-certified surgeons. Our goal in providing care is not to have the most extensive menu of services (although our menu does happen to be quite extensive). Our goal is to provide the care that each patient needs to feel their best. Cosmetic concerns are unique, so there needs to be detail in the treatment plan. Here, we will discuss a few of the common procedures that help us do that.
Facial Rejuvenation
As time marches on, it seems that collagen, elastin, and other vital nutrients march right out of the body. It is the loss of these essential compounds that leads to the most common complaints associated with age. The furrowed or drooping brow, the turkey neck, even aching joints are all related to the decrease in supportive substances. In addition to the natural biological changes that rob us of youthful skin and muscle tone, we also have to contend with external factors like UV exposure, stress, and pollution.
It used to be that, to address these concerns, we had to perform plastic surgery. While a highly effective solution, surgical lifting is simply not an option for many people. Now, we are able to implement treatments that not only reverse the signs of aging, but that can also be used proactively to slow the progression of age. Our patients benefit from our extensive use of injectable solutions applied in the most precise manner to meet their needs.
Body Rejuvenation
There really is no part of the body that fully escapes the aging process. Fortunately, body sculpting has become more advanced over the years. In addition to removing unwanted fat with liposuction, we can recreate (or create) curves that suit the individual body structure with abdominoplasty, thigh lift surgery, and breast augmentation.
Regain the love you once had for your face and body. Call 610.527.4833.
The traditional procedure for a tummy tuck involves using drains. As plastic surgery residents training more often than not utilizes the most conservative techniques. As such using a drain generates a suction force that draws the fluid which can accumulate following a tummy tuck. However, leaders in the field of plastic surgery in Brazil pioneered the technique of a drainless tummy tuck by altering the procedure itself. The abdominal wall is made up of many layers. One of those layers is called Scarpas fascia layer. It has been shown to contain lymphatic channels which can aid in the drainage of any accumulated fluid following the tummy tuck procedure. By performing liposuction below this layer and thinning it out, the Scarpas layer can be left intact and act as an internal sump drain for the abdominal wall.
Thus the advantages for drainless vs drain tummy tucks are less about the use of a drain and more about the specific modifications of the procedure itself which can make improving patient comfort, in the post-operative period, more attainable.
View before and after photos of Dr. Claytor’s abdominoplasty patients.
*Individual results may vary.
We are encouraged from a very young age to never judge a book by its cover. On the surface, this sounds like very good advice. However, it fails to acknowledge that this tendency that we have to make snap judgments has been hardwired into the human brain for centuries! We cannot help ourselves, even if we want to. We do have the ability to move past first impressions to really get to know the person inside the “meat suit.” However, assessing character traits based on appearance is something we will probably always do.
So common is the habit of quick-assessment that it actually has a term: face-reading. It’s more than an ancient Chinese secret, this habit. It spans numerous cultures and thousands of years. Here are some of the characteristics that are perceived based on facial shape and features.
- An oval, or oblong face could mean that you work too much.
- A square face may suggest an aggressive, but ambitious personality.
- Round faces are associated with warmth and a caring attitude.
- A triangular-shaped face portrays an energetic nature.
Does this Really Matter?
If you’re not into face-reading, it could seem as though the character traits that are associated with facial shape really have no bearing on real life. One study, which involved researchers from Brandeis University, reveals that this is not the case at all. Researchers focused on facial features of defendants in minor court cases, like intentionally running a mower over a neighbors rose bushes. In cases where the defendant had what could only be described as a “baby face,” only 45% of verdicts were not guilty (as opposed to 92% for more mature facial types).
Chances are, you have no intention of running amuck in your neighbors rose garden. The point of research is to help us identify how we tick. As it pertains to facial aesthetics, we are learning more and more about the value of proportion and angles. Fortunately, right along with developments in research are advances in aesthetic medicine!
Apart from Philadelphia facelift surgery, patients of Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery Institute have numerous options for perfecting the size and shape of just about every feature on their body. To see how your goals can be reached, call 610-527-4833.
Botox users know that the muscle relaxing effects of the injections don’t last indefinitely. We understand that in order to continue enjoying the smoother, more youthful, wrinkle-free appearance that Botox can deliver, we have to periodically repeat the treatments. But could repeated Botox treatments eventually cause our muscles to lose their elasticity and become unresponsive? That’s something we don’t want our patients to have to worry about. So let’s examine the facts:
The dose used to achieve the cosmetic effects of Botox is very small
After decades of Botox use for cosmetic outcomes, there have been no proven cases of resistance. Some patients who use higher doses for treatment of various medical conditions have developed antibodies to Botox – that’s not the case for people seeking to treat their wrinkles.
Loss of muscle response looks different on different people
The point of injecting Botox into the forehead is to relax the muscles that cause horizontal creases. But since forehead muscles also serve to lift the brows, that action can be reduced or eliminated. If a patient has a low brow to begin with, forehead injections may relax the brow to the point where it may appear even lower. Patients who have a naturally low hanging brow may want to avoid using Botox in that area.
Aging can also cause a lowering of the brow, on its own. Long-term injections can cause weakening and atrophy of those muscles, but when you quit using Botox, the muscle should come back to normal strength.
Using Botox repeatedly won’t make your muscles sag permanently
When you get Botox injections, it temporarily relaxes the facial muscles, which means you can make less facial expressions—temporarily.
Droopy eyelids can be a rare side effect
A droopy eyelid effect can occur as a side effect of Botox injections. It is a fairly rare occurrence, especially when your injector is properly trained and experienced. It can occur when Botox is injected into the forehead, close to the brow, but then drifts down into the upper lid.
For questions about Botox or for a treatment appointment, call today: 610.527.4833.
You might already know from experience that many of today’s most popular and effective cosmetic procedures are non-surgical, or “liquid.” That means we use filler products such as Sculptra, Restylane, Juverderm and Perlane and muscle paralyzers such as Botox injected into the problem area to create the desired results.
One of these procedures getting a lot of attention lately is liquid rhinoplasty. This treatment isn’t for everyone wanting to change the appearance of their nose, but it’s definitely a solution for many. Here’s what you should know:
Desired result, no scalpel
In a liquid rhinoplasty procedure, the area is numbed and Botox and dermal fillers are used to achieve the desired effects. Depending on your issues, the injectables can be used to:
- Smooth out irregularities along the bridge of the nose
- Make the nose appear straighter
- Raise the nasal bridge
- Camouflage a profile bump
(Issues involving the tip of the nose aren’t usually treated with a liquid procedure.)
Adding volume to create a smaller appearance
By injecting fillers, you can actually recontour and balance the nose so that it appears smaller and more refined. Fillers can also be used after a surgical rhinoplasty to even out areas that may need some additional refining.
You’ll enjoy these details
The final results of a liquid rhinoplasty are practically instant, and they’re striking. Unlike with surgical rhinoplasty, there’s really no downtime, and any bruising can usually be covered with make-up. In addition, the liquid procedure is less expensive than traditional rhinoplasty. The outcomes aren’t permanent, but the results can last up to two years, and usually about one.
Your skilled provider is key to achieving maximum results
Just as with surgical plastic surgery procedures, a great liquid procedure depends on the skills of the expert who performs it.
Learn about non-surgical rhinoplasty
Liquid nose surgery can be a quick, easy and effective way to improve the appearance of your nose, which can also improve the appearance of your entire face. Find out if it could be the right procedure for you by making your consultation appointment today. Call: 610.527.4833.
It doesn’t sound like an under eye cream, but it does sound mysterious and futuristic: XAFY Ointment. The product first got some public attention at the end of last year when the creators touted it as an eye cream that could some day replace the need for eyelift surgery. Well, not altogether.
The cream is designed to fight fat pockets
XAFY Ointment is a topical that works to eliminate fat pockets we form under the eyes, which eventually become bags and bulges.
Separating fact from fiction
The product isn’t scheduled to hit the market until 2018, so a lot remains to be seen. The hype says it could one day make blepharoplasty obsolete – but blepharoplasty does a lot more than remove fat bags under the eyes. The popular, effective surgery lifts the area around the eyes to a more youthful position and removes sagging skin – as well as bags under the eyes.
A big vote of confidence
Allergan, the cosmetic skin care industry leader that also owns Botox, Juvederm and Latisse recently gave XAFY Ointment a huge endorsement by acquiring it for a reported $85 million. Allergan says the original pre-sale formulation won’t be changing, and the cream will simply be added to the company’s stable of popular and effective aesthetic products. (Maybe they’ll change the name?)
What’s the secret?
Whatever the magical active ingredient is, it’s said to penetrate into the fat under the eye and shrink the fat cells that cause under-eye bags. The smaller the fat cells, the less bagging, and results are said to be noticeable in about five weeks. The company says it believes that XAF5 has the potential to be the first topical fat reduction product. Allergan will continue development of the cream with the goal of bringing it to the medical aesthetic treatment market soon.
XAF5 would be the first prescription-strength topical medication of its kind And it could replace the need for more invasive procedures and surgery for eye bags. For now, blepharoplasty continues to be the solution for lifting and removing baggy skin around the eyes, along with fat bags.
Call for your consultation today: 610.527.4833.
Today’s cosmetic procedure options are helping women and men of all ages improve their appearance in ways that can best meet their unique needs. Procedures are designed to target specific issues and even specific age groups. Whether you’re in your 20s having your first procedure, or in your 50s wanting to take your treatments up a notch, there’s a procedure than can meet your needs.
Preventative and proactive skincare is key
We can’t stop the aging process, but we can certainly do our best to slow it down. So the earlier in life that you avoid going in the sun without sunscreen, the better your skin will look when you hit 50.
And even if you’ve been dedicated to protecting your skin from sun damage and you’ve avoided unhealthy lifestyle choices that can accelerate the aging process, when you reach your 50s and 60s, you’ll likely need to choose advanced cosmetic treatments in order to achieve meaningful results, such as:
Dermal fillers
For example, Juvederm Voluma injections can help restore lost volume in the cheeks and lift your jowls.
Collagen boosting fillers
Sculptra injections, for example, can replace volume along with encouraging the production of lost collagen. Sculptra is used primarily to improve the appearance of medium and deep wrinkles, such as smile and marionette lines, chin wrinkles and sunken areas, such as cheeks and temples.
Neurotoxins
Botox injections can soften the appearance of horizontal lines across your forehead, frown lines between your brows, crow’s feet and squint and expression lines around your eyes.
Fractional lasers
This more aggressive laser treatment can lighten the signs of sun damage and improve overall skin tone and texture on the face, neck and chest.
Schedule a consultation
There are many non-surgical cosmetic options for improving the appearance of mature skin. But the 50s and the 60s are also the decades where the changes you’re looking for can only be achieved surgically. The best place to start is with a consultation where we can discuss your needs and the best ways we can help you achieve your goals. Call today for your appointment: 610.527.4833. Dr. Claytor servces Philadelphia, Main Line, Bryn Mawr and surrounding areas.
When it comes to professional skin care, it’s great to have options. But sometimes knowing which procedure to have can be confusing. It can be difficult to know whether you should have a chemical peel, microdermabrasion or laser resurfacing when you’re struggling with certain skin issues such as acne, sun damage or rosacea.
If you have one or more of those skin problems, it’s important to make sure you’re choosing the right tool for the right condition. Here’s some basic guidance:
Do you have oily skin and/or acne?
In most cases, microdermabrasion is best solution for these problems. That’s because:
- The exfoliating tip can clean off dead skin cells
- The vacuum-like suction helps clean out pores and oil plugs
- It can help temporarily reduce oil
(If you have very inflamed or cystic acne, check with your doctor before having microdermabrasion.)
Do you have sun damage?
In most cases, laser treatments (such as fractional skin rejuvenation) are best for improving the effects of sun damage. Sun can cause everything from small, brown spots on your skin to fine lines and wrinkles. Severe sun damage can cause your skin to look blotchy and even leathery.
If you’re under age 40 and don’t have much sun damage, a series of light chemical peels (glycolic or beta hydroxyl) or microdermabrasion can improve the appearance of your skin. IPL/photorejuvenation treatments can also give you more even skin tone by removing brown spots, small red veins and blotches. IPL can also stimulate collagen production to further rejuvenate your skin.
Do you have red veins with flushing across your cheeks?
These symptoms could indicate you have a skin condition called rosacea, which should be diagnosed by your doctor. There are many topical and oral prescriptions that can help get it under control, usually in a couple of months. Once your rosacea is being managed, IPL treatments can help reduce redness and flushing and get rid of some veins.
Do you want to get started?
Find out more about the many skin rejuvenation procedures that our medical esthetician offers by calling today: 610.527.4833.
Botox has been in use as a wrinkle relaxer long enough that it’s one of the most recognizable words in the English language. And whether you’ve used Botox or not, you’ve probably heard of it, or know someone who has used it. And the use of the product has grown to include treatment for everything from migraine headaches to overactive bladder.
Injectable fillers have also been changing and improving over the past few decades, offering us noticeable and more natural results. Their popularity has continued to grow as we seek ways to achieve a more youthful appearance non-surgically.
So it’s not unusual for our patients to make an appointment for Botox and filler at the same time. And a new study is reporting that treating the same areas with Botox can extend filler results.
Botox could give fillers another advantage
Or maybe it’s that fillers are giving Botox another advantage! Earlier this year a study was presented in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). It showed evidence that Botox can help prolong the effects of hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane.
Filler results can benefit from simultaneous Botox injections
By using Botox in conjunction with popular hyaluronic fillers, your youthful results could last much longer than if you had filler injections alone. Hyaluronic acid fillers usually last about from 12 to 18 months. In the study, adding Botox to that treatment provided much longer-lasting results.
How it works
Hyaluronic acid is the primary building block for collagen and elastin production, and Botox slows down the breakdown of the filler. That means you could enjoy the results of your injections over a longer period of time.
A winning combination
Combining Botox with hyaluronic acid filler injections could become the new normal when it comes to achieving the best outcomes. You may already be experiencing advantages, as many of the areas treated with fillers and Botox already overlap.
We’ll keep you updated
Studies continue to examine the effects of Botox and hyaluronic fillers, and we stay on top of them so our patients can achieve the best outcomes possible. Call for your appointment today: 610.527.4833
Reduction mammoplasty can seem like a miracle solution for some women. The surgery can reduce breast size and reshape them so they are in proportion with the rest of the body. The procedure can help the entire body look better, along with the breasts. But that’s only a small part of the story.
Relieving years of pain and embarrassment
One of the most common reasons that women come to us interested in breast reduction surgery is that their overly large breasts cause them physical and emotional discomfort – even pain. Here are some of the conditions we see:
• Breasts so large and heavy that they cause neck, back and/or shoulder pain
• Heavy breasts with nipples that point downward
• One breast significantly larger than the other
• Constant skin rashes and irritation due to breast size and sagging
• Deep, painful shoulder grooves caused by bra straps
• Breasts so large that they cause embarrassment and unwanted attention
• Breasts so larger they cause difficulty breathing
Each woman is unique
Our breast reduction patients share many of the same concerns, but for many different reasons. Some have found that their breasts have grown to an uncomfortable size due to having children; others are overweight and find exercising difficult. Oftentimes, overly large or disproportionate breasts run in families, just as other body traits are passed down from your mother and grandmother.
The triple benefits of breast reduction
Few plastic surgery procedures can offer physical, emotional and aesthetic improvements, all at the same time. Many of our patients report back to us that they wish they hadn’t waited so long to achieve the outcomes that are possible with breast reduction surgery, including:
• Relief of back, shoulder and neck pain
• Better proportion
• Firmer breasts
• Ability to exercise and enjoy it
• Improved appearance in clothes
• Improved confidence
Things to consider
At a consultation appointment, we will talk to you about your expectations for the outcome of reduction surgery and what is possible given your unique needs. Make yours today by calling: 610.527.4833. Some of our patients who achieve the best results are done having children and breastfeeding and at a stable weight.