The face is an expressive part of the body. It gets attention for the emotion that it demonstrates, even when we aren’t trying. Many people realize that the face is a feature that we “read” to gain information about one another. The information that is gained has a lot to do with the shape of the mouth and the expression of the eyes. Aging changes both. As the skin on the upper and lower eyelids loses resiliency and firmness, the eyes don’t just look older but they can also look unfriendly or angry. Blepharoplasty is a procedure commonly performed to correct these problems and revive the friendly vibe of the face. If blepharoplasty is on your radar, you may have common questions that we’ll try to answer here.

The Best Age for Blepharoplasty

Many patients ask if they are the right age for blepharoplasty. We do not determine candidacy for eyelid rejuvenation based on biological age. What is much more relevant is how the skin has aged. A person who is in their forties who has sustained a moderate amount of sun damage around the eyes, for example, may be just as good a candidate for blepharoplasty as a sixty-year-old who has shielded their skin behind sunglasses and hats all their life. Statistics suggest that younger patients often undergo blepharoplasty as a sole procedure, whereas older patients include blepharoplasty into a broader treatment plan that addresses the signs of aging around the eyes as well as across the mid and lower face.

Blepharoplasty Scars

Although blepharoplasty is performed to improve the appearance of the eyes as a whole, there is the matter of scars to consider. Fortunately, lower blepharoplasty does not incur visible scars due to the internal location of incisions. Upper blepharoplasty incisions are located in the natural crease of the lid. Here, resulting scars are only visible when the eyes are closed. Furthermore, because the skin here is so thin, scarring is typically so minor that it is only visible when observed very up close. Basically, no one should see blepharoplasty scars unless they are looking for them.

Are the Eyelids the Only Problem?

Sagging, heavy upper eyelids are a problem that can fatigue the face. Because the eyelids themselves look hooded, it is reasonable to assume this is the ideal area for correction. This isn’t always the case. Sometimes, the upper eyelids become hooded because the tissue is being compressed by the skin and muscles of the forehead and brow area. If you have deep crow’s feet and sagging skin at the outer edges of your eyes, you may be a candidate for a brow lift. This procedure can be performed independently or in combination with blepharoplasty to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results.

We enjoy helping our patients feel like their best selves. To learn more about blepharoplasty eyelid rejuvenation, call our Bryn Mawr office at 610.527.4833.

Breast augmentation may be one of the leading plastic surgery procedures performed in the past several years, but that does not mean the choice of implants is easy for every patient. In fact, one of the most common questions patients ask is whether saline or silicone implants are right to address their small breast size. The answer is different in every situation, and it has more to do with personal preference than anything else. Here, we point out important details about each type of implant to help you begin to make your decision. Ultimately, however, the best way to know which implants you will prefer is to schedule a consultation with a trusted plastic surgeon.

What to Know about Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are composed of a silicone shell that is filled with sterile saline once it has been inserted into the breast pocket. Patients who choose this type of implant typically do so for one of three reasons. They may be too young for silicone implants (approved for age 22 vs. 18 for saline implants). They may prefer the lower cost of saline implants, or they may feel safer knowing that a saline implant will deflate if it were to rupture.

Look, Feel, and Durability

One of the potential downsides of saline breast implants is that they typically feel firmer than silicone. This is due to the extent of filling within the silicone shell. In terms of durability, saline implants are comparable to silicone devices. If deflation occurs, the problems can be quickly dealt with by replacing the ruptured implant. Patients appreciate the fact that saline that leaks into the body gets absorbed without adverse reaction, whereas a silicone leak could present concerns.

Silicone Gel Implants

Silicone breast implants are pre-filled with a silicone gel before placement in the breast pocket. They also have a silicone outer shell that is made to withstand the normal pressures that may be placed on the chest. Several different silicone implants are available today, with each offering a varying degree of cohesiveness than others.

Look, Feel, and Durability

Silicone breast implants are known for their natural look and feel. Not just how the breasts feel to the touch, but how they feel in the body when moving or lying down. This is an important detail that patients should be aware of as they make their decision about the right implants for them. Like saline implants, silicone breast implants are made with strong outer shells that are intended to contain silicone gel for many years. The safety concerns that may have been raised by the recent recall can be alleviated knowing that only a small number of a certain textured breast implant model were involved. To date, most studies indicate that silicone breast implants are safe for most women.

If you’re considering breast augmentation, schedule a consultation that will provide you with the details you need to make the best decision for your needs. We’re happy to help. Call 610-527-4833 to schedule a visit to our Bryn Mawr office.

We give so much attention to the signs of aging on the face that we may overlook the appearance of the chest. For many people, this could be a mistake. When we conduct treatments to keep the face looking fresh and young, we do a disservice by leaving wrinkled, sun-damaged chest and neck skin alone. The problem with chest wrinkles and sun damage is that these problems have been notoriously difficult to correct. The skin here is not only susceptible to hyperpigmentation and sun damage but it also gets thinner with age, making it appear crepey.

Recently, we’ve come across several ways that the chest and neck skin can be supported and also corrected when necessary. On the store-bought end of the spectrum, consumers offer rave reviews for professional-grade silicone pads that adhere to the skin during sleep. As soothing and replenishing as these products can be, they are not capable of correcting the damage that has already been done. But there are other options, and we’ve got them.

Lasers

Doctors used to use strong CO2 laser devices to obliterate the top layers of a patient’s skin. The rejuvenation achieved with this practice was substantial but so was downtime and risk. We prefer a gentler approach. While patients with minimal sun damage may benefit from IPL treatments on the chest and neck, more significant improvements are achieved with fractional laser resurfacing. Fractional lasers spread energy out into tiny pinpoints rather than one concentrated beam of light. This disperses energy across the skin for a gentler but no less effective resurfacing process. A few treatments may be needed to achieve dramatic results, depending on the degree of damage that has occurred. However, patients can resume most normal activities right away after fractional laser treatment.

Radiofrequency

Where lasers are often used to address issues like sunspots and tissue thinning, radiofrequency is often a go-to for tissue laxity. Like laser treatments, a radiofrequency treatment sends precision energy into the dermis. In the case of radiofrequency, the energy that gets absorbed heats collagen strands to the point of contraction. Additionally, cells are stimulated to produce more collagen and elastin, proteins that replenish the skin’s foundation. A series of radiofrequency treatments can smooth and firm the skin to look healthier and younger.

Remember all the parts of you that could give away your age. For more information about facial rejuvenation and treatments for the neck and chest, call 610-527-4833.

Ah Aging! The biological process of getting older sure doesn’t come easily to most people. Not only does aging cause the skin to get loose, but the older we get, the more fat we lose from the face, too. At some point, the bones around the eyes and cheeks even start to decrease. These changes affect appearance in many ways. One is to cause jowls to form. Jowls are the sagging bits of tissue that form at the jawline on each side of the face. Once we see them in the mirror, they are difficult to ignore. At the same time, they seem impossible to treat.

What Causes Jowls

We get jowls because we age, yes. But there are a few factors related to this problem.

Vital Skin Proteins Break Down

For the skin to stay smooth, firm, and elastic, it needs a steady amount of collagen and elastin. As it turns out, the body doesn’t produce as much of either of these chemicals when it reaches adulthood. Some studies suggest that this has to do with a lack of vitamin C, which is involved in collagen synthesis. Others suggest that sun exposure breaks down the matrix of fibers in the skin. Whatever the cause, collagen and elastin breakdown are inevitable for most of us.

Our Genes are At Play

Our genetic makeup dictates quite a lot about how we may age. If you look back through your family line, you may notice that your parents and older relatives have the same, sagging skin that you’re beginning to notice. This could have something to do with the influence genes have over skin thickness (thinner skin will sag more quickly) and collagen production.

Lifestyle

It should be said that, even with a healthy lifestyle, jowls may develop. However, we know that certain factors contribute to loose skin and loose skin means jowls. These factors include smoking, sun exposure, and weight changes.

While a few factors may be difficult to control, there are several that can be. These include lifestyle factors such as:

Now for the Good News

Jowls have historically been difficult to treat because we cannot infuse the skin with collagen. Well, we sort of can thanks to treatments like microneedling and laser resurfacing, but those provide subtle results. Today, one of the best ways that doctors can treat jowls is to left them using absorbable, biocompatible sutures. We do this with Philadelphia facelift surgery, as well as the Silhouette InstaLift procedure.

The Silhouette InstaLift is performed in the office with a local anesthetic to achieve complete comfort. Every treatment is customized to address specific concerns, including jowls and nasolabial folds. By inserting coned threads, Dr. Claytor installs a foundation to hold the skin in a tighter, higher position. The threads dissolve over time, but not before stimulating increased collagen remodeling.

Revive your look without surgery. Call 610.527.4833 to schedule your InstaLift consultation in our office near Philadelphia.

Modern society has a way of placing a youthful appearance and attractive physique on a proverbial pedestal. The standards of appearance are something that we try to both live by and resist. For those in a competitive field or with a high standard of personal excellence, this can be particularly challenging. When appearance conflicts with self-image, it is beneficial to take action. One way that many people do this is with plastic surgery.

Of the many plastic surgery procedures, the tummy tuck is quite popular. It is one of the crucial aspects of the ever-popular Mommy Makeover. This should give you a clue as to why so many men who could benefit from a tummy tuck don’t even recognize it as an option. The misconception that abdominoplasty is only for women has existed for quite some time. However, for the man who has lost a fair amount of weight, this procedure can be profoundly beneficial.

Candidates for Tummy Tuck Surgery

Men who are interested in improving the appearance of their midsection should consult with a plastic surgeon. A consultation visit includes both discussion and an examination of the abdomen to analyze how much fat and loose skin are present. The performance of this examination helps determine if abdominoplasty can help at all and also if the tummy tuck would achieve more if combined with liposuction to remove small pockets of fat.

Abdominoplasty is appropriate in most situations. Where it may not help is when large fatty deposits exist in the intra-abdominal area, beneath the abdominal muscles, and near the intestines. Fatty tissue here can only be eliminated with diet and exercise or with weight loss (bariatric) surgery.

Abdominoplasty Options for Men

Men who are good candidates for abdominoplasty have options that are recommended based on the findings of their consultation. Common tummy tuck techniques include:

• Mini tuck. This technique focuses on the area beneath the belly button, down to the hip line. A mini tuck tightens loose skin only. No muscle tightening occurs.
• Standard tuck. A standard tummy tuck is performed through a horizontal incision above the pubic line. The surgeon may remove fatty tissue to create smoothness. Loose abdominal muscles are also stitched together for tightness. Excess muscle and skin are trimmed.
• Extended tuck. The most comprehensive tightening procedure, this technique corrects a protruding abdomen and also the flanks. The belly button may also be repositioned for the most natural appearance.

Men should not count themselves out of looking as good as they feel. To learn more about tummy tuck surgery for men, call 610.527.4833. We are proud to serve the Philadelphia area.

The medical community has complicated technical jargon for every ailment and condition that could develop. These terms provide clinical information to healthcare providers but typically mean very little to the patient. Gynecomastia is one of them. You may have never heard this term before. We’d bet, though, that you’ve heard the term “man boobs.” They are one and the same. Because so many men have this condition, we must discuss it using whatever terms are necessary.

Why Does Breast Enlargement Occur in Some Men?

We often think of women as the ones with breasts. The truth is we all have breast tissue. Men just don’t have as much as women. Generally, men have more muscle on their bodies and women have more fat stored on theirs. Fatty tissue stores in the breasts partially because the sex hormone estrogen tells it to. Even this can create confusion when trying to understand why a man would develop breast tissue. Men don’t typically have estrogen, right? Wrong.

Both men and women have breast tissue. Both men and women have sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. It is the levels that differ between them. Sometimes, a man may experience an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. This can happen with age as testosterone levels naturally decline. It can happen as a result of medication, supplements, or drugs. It can also relate to weight, though this isn’t always the case. When weight is involved, breast enlargement may be what is called pseudogynecomastia. The condition would go away when a healthier weight is reached. If weight loss occurs but breast tissue remains, or if enlarged breasts are not associated with weight, we need to look at what matters most: correction.

In our office near Philadelphia, gynecomastia is corrected with male breast reduction. This approach is better than nonsurgical options because it is not limited to fat reduction alone. In addressing gynecomastia, a plastic surgeon can customize treatment to include:

• Removal of fatty tissue using liposuction.
• Removal of the breast gland to prevent puffiness or a recurrence of enlargement.
• Tissue lifting, which trims skin that has become loose and saggy.

Male breast enlargement is a troublesome problem to have. Reduction surgery can resolve the issue for good. To learn more about male breast reduction, call 610.527.4833.

As we inch ever so close to the holiday season, we may be looking at the weeks ahead more than the present moment. There are gifts to buy, which means malls to visit. There are parties to attend, too, which means we may be slightly more aware of our appearance. As it would go, what this means is that we may become more self-conscious about the problems we see with our face or body. It is because looking good translates to feeling good that we suggest a pre-holiday beauty treatment for anyone who wants the brightest possible month ahead.

Holiday gatherings mean lots of pictures. They give us the opportunity to dress up more than we would on a normal day. Holiday obligations, though, can also run us somewhat ragged. Many people forego the sleep that they need so they can keep up with the added tasks on their to-do list. Therefore, there’s a stronger chance of looking tired coupled with a stronger desire to look fabulous. Here’s what can be done about it.

Revive the Eyes

The eyes are one of the biggest indicators of how we feel. The eyes are also the first part of the face to age and the first sign that we aren’t sleeping as well as we should be. The good news about the eyes is that they can be easily revived with minimally invasive treatments like:

• A few injections can smooth frown lines, making the face friendlier. Botox can also lift the brow so the eyes look more open and energized.
• Dermal fillers. The most common dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid. They draw water into the skin, which increases plumpness. Used under the eyes, dermal fillers can correct both hollowness and puffiness.
• Fractional skin resurfacing is the treatment that smooths away the ultra-fine lines that appear when we smile.
• Want long-lasting results? Schedule blepharoplasty now to be fully rejuvenated before the holiday season kicks off.

Our Bryn Mawr practice offers several nonsurgical treatments that can be great for pre-holiday pampering. Learn more about them and which would serve you best this holiday season. Call 610.527.4833.

In our last post, we focused on what a patient can do to begin her mommy makeover journey on the right foot. While patients benefit greatly from specific preparations, what many women want to know is what they can expect during recovery. A mommy makeover typically involves multiple surgical techniques, which means at least two areas of the body will be operated on in the same day. Understandably, this sounds like a lot. Here, we want to discuss recovery in a little more detail so the process doesn’t feel so stressful.

After a Mommy Makeover

1. The first 24 hours may be a blur. Not only are patients groggy from their anesthesia, but they will also begin taking prescription pain medication within the first hours of their recovery period. Couple the effects of medication with the physical toll of surgery and you have the perfect situation for sleep. Patients can expect to be moderately to extremely tired for at least the first day after surgery, if not a few days. This is normal and needs to be honored.
2. Back pain is likely. Patients expect soreness and tenderness in their breasts and belly after a mommy makeover, but back pain may come as a surprise. The reason that the low back, in particular, may ache is that posture will be slouched for a week or so due to tightened muscles. Once it becomes possible to stand up straight and lie flat, back pain eases.
3. Emotions may be all over the place. Knowing that it is quite possible to go from a sense of elation to unprovoked crying in the blink of an eye, a woman can transition through mommy makeover recovery with a little less stress and a lot more compassion for herself. It is not uncommon for any patient who has undergone surgery to experience a range of emotions. Roll with it and you’ll have something to look back on with a smile.
4. Prepare for a little back-up. By back-up, we mean constipation. Many patients have this reaction to their prescription pain medication. You may mitigate these effects by drinking plenty of clear fluids and eating fresh vegetables. If constipation does occur, talk with our staff about taking a stool softener.
5. Commit to taking meds. Even with the constipation effect, prescription pain medication is your BFF after a mommy makeover. Do what you have to to ensure no doses get skipped. Set an alarm or have a loved one administer your medication to you as directed. Within a week or two, it will be possible to switch to over-the-counter medication. In the meantime, don’t tiptoe the line of comfort.

Schedule a mommy makeover consultation in our Bryn Mawr office to see what’s possible for you. Call 610.527.4833.

There is no hiding the fact that a mother’s body is bound to change. Sometimes, enormous physical changes happen during the very first pregnancy. Regardless of the timing, changes to a woman’s breasts, tummy, and other areas may feel unpleasant. This doesn’t diminish the joys of motherhood, but it can alter the sense of self that is so important for every person. Mommy makeover treatment provides an opportunity to regain the utmost satisfaction with physical appearance, but the journey can seem long and stressful. Here, we want to lay out the road to a mommy makeover to ease the uncertainty.

Your First Step

The very first step in the mommy makeover process is to find the right plastic surgeon. Don’t rely only on friends or loved ones. Experts recommend that patients research a few different plastic surgeons and consult with at least two before deciding which will have the honor of helping them achieve their desired look. Only board-certified plastic surgeons are qualified to perform the customized series of procedures aimed at treating the Mom Bod.

Once you have selected your surgeon:

1. Look at habits. If you smoke, stop. In fact, if you use any nicotine product, do what you can to stop. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, preventing optimal circulation to tissues that need to heal. Habits such as alcohol consumption should also be curtailed before surgery to decrease bleeding and bruising. Talk to your doctor about all supplements, vitamins, and medications you are taking. Some may need to be stopped or switched before surgery.
2. Stock up. Before the day of surgery, have prescriptions filled. Also, stock the fridge with nourishing foods that can be heated up for easy meals. Finally, stock the house with entertainment that will make the recovery period much more pleasant. Think movies, music, and magazines.
3. Prepare for recovery. It is no secret that recovery from mommy makeover treatment can be pretty intense for the first week or so. Patients should expect to need help. More than that, they need to assemble that help and discuss what will be needed during the first days of recovery. This may include getting help bathing, even getting to the bathroom, help with medications, and help with meals. Let’s not forget that some good old-fashioned supportive company goes a long way, too.
4. Schedule enough time off. It can take a full ten days for sufficient energy to return after a mommy makeover. To ensure readiness, patients are encouraged to schedule about two weeks off work (this includes Mommying!).

Mommy makeover treatment can be totally worth it. With awareness and planning, the entire process can also be relatively stress-free. If you’re ready to schedule your consultation, call our Bryn Mawr office at 610.527.4833.

Throughout history, there has been a prevalent misconception that most men simply don’t care much about how they look. Interestingly, as men began to express their desire to have more sculpted bodies, sharper jawlines, and smoother pecs, words like “metrosexual” and “manscaping” became common. We believe that any man, like any woman, deserves to enjoy their appearance; to feel confident in how their face and body are portraying them and making them feel about themselves. In our Bryn Mawr office, we conduct several treatments that address the vital aspects of men’s appearance.

Facial Dynamics

The face is a critical area of appearance because it is what most represents our personality. Years of conditioning have caused us to look for certain attributes on the male face, such as the strong, angular jawline and sharp chin. Though men have been given a bit of a pass on lines and wrinkles, more men are showing an interest in maintaining smoother, younger-looking face and skin as they age.

Some of the ways that men can improve their facial aesthetic include:

• Getting their teeth whitened
• Reducing undereye bags with dermal fillers
• Smoothing frown lines with Botox
• Eliminating a double chin with Kybella
• Correcting severely sagging facial skin with a neck lift or lower facelift
• Silhouette InstaLift treatment offers subtle jawline improvement without surgery

Learn also about facelifts for men.

Body Contours

Contouring is an aspect of the male physique just as much as it is the female shape. Men come to our Bryn Mawr office with concerns like the telltale Dad Bod, a little spare tire around the middle, or excess breast tissue, to name a few. Each of these concerns may be addressed with a customized treatment plan.

Some of the ways we help men improve their bodies include:

• SmartLipo laser liposuction on any area where fatty tissue won’t budge with exercise
• Liposuction may be an ideal technique for male breast tissue
• Tissue excision and lifting may be necessary for male breast enlargement that involves glandular tissue

There are so many ways to support your best appearance that there’s no reason to accept any of the concerns mentioned here. Learn more about how you can feel like your best self by exploring treatment options with us. Call 610.527.4833 to schedule your consultation.