Aging affects the face in a number of ways. First, we may notice a few lines around our eyes when we laugh. Over time, creases may develop around the mouth and small pockets of skin may droop from the jawline. Even with excellent skin care, the internal biological changes that occur in the body eventually lead to tissue laxity. This doesn’t just happen in the uppermost layer of the skin. Laxity happens in the muscle structure far beneath the surface. This is why some type of lift may become a necessity.

Historically, facial rejuvenation has involved surgical lifting. A surgical facelift can be advantageous when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with a conservative hand. However, there is no way to avoid the downtime that surgery incurs. More recently, adults of all ages are turning toward minimally-invasive nonsurgical approaches to correct the signs of aging. In our Bryn Mawr office, this may be achieved with a Silhouette InstaLift.

What is Silhouette InstaLift?

Some may refer to the Silhouette InstaLift as a thread lift. When this term is used, it is important to understand how technique affects outcome. The Silhouette InstaLift is a nonsurgical procedure in which degradable filaments are inserted in specific locations on the face. Treatment is tailored to the individual to address concerns including:

• Downturned mouth corners
• Flat, sagging cheeks
• Jowls
• Nasolabial folds and Marionette lines

How the InstaLift Differs from Outdated Thread Lift Techniques

What is different about Silhouette InstaLift is that this procedure involves the insertion of varying lengths of sutures that contain tiny cones. These cones are smoother and less prominent than the barbs that may have been on threads used years ago. Placed into the fatty layer of tissue beneath the skin, the cones on the Silhouette sutures lock deeper tissue into place, securing a lifted appearance that looks completely natural. No tracks or overly tight skin. The sutures used in a Silhouette InstaLift are made of sugar molecules that naturally dissolve over time. While the sutures are in place, the body responds to them by producing more collagen around them, further improving the appearance of the skin over time.

A natural-looking lift can provide you with immediately satisfying results. Learn more about Silhouette InstaLift treatment by scheduling your visit with us at 610.527.4833.

Historically, women have had a reputation for being more mindful about how they take care of their skin. The efforts that have been made through centuries of time are well-known, including Cleopatra’s beloved rose-water skin treatments. Today, skin care has gone much more high-tech. It is also a concept that more men are incorporating into their lives. It isn’t as though our male ancestors didn’t care about their skin, they just may not have taken the same opportunity as women to care for their skin. Here’s why the modern man should and how he can.

Male aging affects the face in various ways, and all can be concerning. While society tends to be more lenient about a man with frown lines or worry lines on his forehead, men themselves express a desire to look as young as they feel. What men may miss is the way in which their skin becomes dull over time. This is a simple issue of cellular buildup. From lines and wrinkles to sagging neck skin and a double-chin, the team in our Philadelphia area office can help men feel their best with non-surgical rejuvenation.

Treatments to Rejuvenation the Modern Man

Cosmetic surgery and non-surgical treatments have become more popular among men in recent years. Treatments that do not require much, if any, downtime include:

• Chemical peels. Men should not overlook the value of good, controlled exfoliation. Chemical peels are a gentle way of removing debris that includes dead and damaged skin cells. Treatment does not have to involve dramatic peeling and flaking to restore a more vibrant tone to the skin.
• Chin sculpting. Double-chin fat is problematic for many men and may not relate to fat at all. Many people develop a double-chin as the skin and connective tissue on the lower face lose firmness. Laxity allows the fat layer to protrude, making the neck and face appear fat when it is not. Kybella and liposuction are both popular ways for men to sculpt their jawline.
• Silhouette InstaLift. The InstaLift goes beyond injectables because this treatment doesn’t just fill lines and enhance volume, it mechanically secures muscle, fat pads, and skin in a more youthful position. Treatment typically takes less than an hour and results last up to two years.

There are so many ways to improve the aging process that one only needs to choose which they prefer. To learn more about facial and body rejuvenation for yourself or someone you love, call 610.527.4833.

If you’re like many of us, you may have somewhat of a love/hate relationship with New Year’s Resolutions. It’s been a few weeks now since millions of goals have been established, which means there are thousands of people already feeling the sting of disappointment. The thing about resolutions is that they can be incredibly hard to keep. Change, however, doesn’t have to be impossible. If you have resolved to feel better about your appearance this year, change can come quicker than you may imagine. Here, we want to point out a few ways in which we can help you look like your best self in as little as thirty minutes.

Fast Fixes for the Signs of Aging

There are several ways to address the signs of facial aging. Some of the most popular approaches include injections of some sort. In our office near Philadelphia, we focus on first identifying areas of concern. Facial aging doesn’t just include the development of lines and wrinkles. To truly rejuvenate the face, it is necessary to look at the bigger picture.

Often, what lies behind facial aging is a degree of atrophy. The fatty tissue beneath the skin starts to deteriorate at some point, and collagen fibers lose their resiliency to hold tissue in place. Everything starts to drop and droop. Fortunately, injectables can handle most of the problems that relate to the change in facial structure.

• Botox can be used around the eye to reduce small wrinkles and also to lift the brow.
• Botox can also be used around the mouth to upturn the corners of the lips.
• Dermal fillers placed at the upper cheek can reduce or completely eliminate undereye bags and dark circles.
• Dermal fillers are routinely used around the nose and mouth to diminish line and creases caused by smiling and other facial expressions.
• Dermal fillers can lift jowls by increasing the contouring in the cheek area.

Got a Little More Time?

Cosmetic surgery can achieve beautiful results when conducted by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Procedures that beautifully refresh the face without more than a week to two weeks of downtime include:

• Blepharoplasty eyelid rejuvenation can focus on upper or lower eyelids for long-lasting correction of undereye bags, hooding, and a generally fatigued appearance.
• Facelift surgery is customized to reposition tissue across bony structure for better contouring and smoother skin.
• Fat grafting is a minimally invasive technique that harvests fat cells from one area of the body to naturally restore volume in areas such as the cheeks and temples.

Your most beautiful self is within reach. All we need to do is reveal what’s already there. To schedule a consultation for facial rejuvenation, call us at 610.527.4833.

Every year at this time, hundreds of thousands of people give in to the urge to set new goals. If you’ve done this year after year and are tired of falling short of the outcome you really want, this may be a great time to rethink your overall strategy. We’re talking about getting the body you really want. Yes, it can take work to lose weight and tone muscle, but, more often than not, this seems to be nearly impossible. Here, we want to discuss a few ways in which a little help from your plastic surgeon near Philadelphia can boost you to new beauty heights.

The Standard Practice

The standard practice that most people ascribe to when trying to achieve a certain shape is to get fit. This can look different for all of us, and it should. What it shouldn’t look like is hard work. When we recognize the bigger goal as feeling good about how we look, we open the door to new possibilities. These include surgical procedures that beautifully slim and tone the body.

• SmartLipo is our liposuction technique of choice. Why? Because it achieves an excellent outcome without unnecessary disruption to tissue we wish to keep intact. SmartLipo is a laser-assisted liposuction protocol that applies controlled laser energy before fat cells are extracted. By heating these cells, we liquefy them so they separate more readily for removal.
• Abdominoplasty may be a more complex procedure, but it is one that offers undeniable benefits. Men and women who have lost a substantial amount of weight and are still carrying around remnants of their former selves in the form of saggy tissue love what a tummy tuck can do for them. Say goodbye to flab; say hello to a flat tummy. It’s also a typically a key part of a full mommy makeover—a customized set of procedures, such as breast surgery, tummy tuck, and liposuction—that can help you restore your pre-pregnancy shape this year.

Non-Surgical Body Contouring

If there’s one thing we’ve learned in all our years serving patients in the Philadelphia area, it’s that the majority of people who want a better body don’t want surgery. We are pleased to accommodate these people by offering non-surgical body contouring treatments.

Now’s your chance at a new beginning with a beautiful body. Get the full details regarding surgical and non-surgical body contouring at 610.527.4833.

More than 300.000 breast augmentation procedures were performed last year alone, with just as many expected for the current year. Understandably, this procedure is popular because it allows a woman to achieve the shape she pictures for herself. Also understandably, a woman who undergoes breast augmentation may expect that she will love her new look indefinitely. This doesn’t always happen. In certain circumstances, women choose to have breast implants removed. Some studies suggest that up to 20 percent of patients reach this decision at some point. If you are one of them, you want to know what happens after breast implant removal and how to ensure you achieve an outcome you will love as much or more than your initial augmentation.

Why Choose Breast Implant Removal?

In our office near Philadelphia, we have performed breast implant removal for numerous different reasons. For some women, the decision is a matter of no longer liking the larger size of their breasts. For some, natural changes in superficial tissue have caused breasts to sag, leading to self-consciousness and discomfort. Breast implants may also be removed for functional reasons.

• Saline implants can create a rippled appearance beneath the skin, especially when used to fill out breasts with insufficient natural fatty tissue.
• Scar tissue formation around a breast implant, known as capsular contracture, may become severe enough to alter the shape and feel of the breast. In some cases, capsular contracture causes physical discomfort.

Options for Breast Implant Removal

The idea that once you have breast implants you must always have breast implants is incorrect. While many women who remove initial breast implants do replace them with another size or shape, there are more women choosing to remove implants altogether. How does this look in real life? After having larger breasts for years, can breast tissue look natural without implants? Yes, it can.

Breast implant removal can be performed for any reason. Depending on the condition of the skin and the expectation of natural retraction after implants are removed, a woman may choose to simply have her implants taken out and nothing more. More often than not, though, a surgeon will recommend that a breast lift be performed in conjunction with implant removal. This is because muscle, connective tissue, and skin have all stretched to accommodate implants. When structure is removed, there is a higher likelihood that the breasts will droop unattractively. Breast lift alongside breast implant removal allows the surgeon to refine the shape of the breasts to appear naturally perky in their smaller state.

Patients of Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery can expect compassionate care from an experienced surgical team. To learn more about breast implant removal, contact us at 610.527.4833.

Many adults would like to regain their youthful vibe by correcting signs of aging on the face. Historically, the way to do this has been with a surgical facelift. As scientific advances have taken place, a number of non-surgical modalities have been developed to turn back the clock without forcing downtime or exposure to risks. One way in which we help our patients look as young is with the Silhouette InstaLift. If you would like to feel more like your best self in the new year, we invite you to learn more about this minimally invasive facial lifting treatment.

What is Silhouette InstaLift?

Silhouette InstaLift is a type of thread-lift technique – one that goes above and beyond in terms of safety and efficacy. This procedure is performed in the office with great care taken to ensure comfort (local anesthetic) and optimal results (a seated position that shows the effects of gravity). An InstaLift works by securing dermal tissue in an upward position. This is achieved by inserting a dissolvable suture that has bi-directional cones along its length from a lower point on the face to a higher point. The doctor determines the positioning of the suture based on the natural aging of the face. As the thread is moved through the tissue, the bi-directional cones catch and lift for beautiful, natural results.

Why an InstaLift could be Exactly What You Need

There are several reasons why more patients of all ages are undergoing the Silhouette InstaLift, including:

•    Immediate results. As soon as the cones on the dissolvable thread catch superficial tissue, they lift upward, allowing the doctor to contour the face appropriately so the jawline looks more angular and the cheeks look higher and more rounded.

•    Ongoing improvement. Beyond the immediate restructuring of the skin’s foundation, an InstaLift provokes an increase in collagen production that, over time, naturally remodels the matrix of structure within the dermis. Months after treatment, when the suture has dissolved, the face continues to appear firm and contoured thanks to the influx of collagen.

•    No downtime. Arranging for a surgical recovery can be overwhelming, regardless of the anticipated outcome. With the Silhouette InstaLift, patients can resume normal activities right away. It is even possible to undergo additional cosmetic treatments the same day of an InstaLift to maximize the rejuvenating benefits achieved.

We enjoy helping our patients feel like their best selves. To learn how a Silhouette InstaLift can benefit you, contact our Bryn Mawr office at 610.527.4833.

Surgeons have been performing facelift procedures for over a century now. Even in light of advances in non-surgical treatment for cosmetic rejuvenation, facelift surgery continues to be one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures. Why? Because there comes a time when some people just want their results to last longer. A surgical lift can accomplish this.

On the one side, we can see the benefits of facelift surgery. Most people we consult with love the idea of looking ten years younger! On the other side, there are risks. This can be the point of contention that stops many people in their tracks. Here, we discuss the most common risks associated with facelift surgery and how they can be reduced.

1. Typically, bleeding is most concerning within the first 24 hours after surgery. This is why some patients choose to spend one night in a post-operative center if possible. Bleeding is not uncommon, but it can lead to pooled blood, called a hematoma. For this reason, medical personnel are available by phone at all times during patients’ initial recovery period.
2. Anytime the skin is broken, there is a risk of infection. That means a person could contract an infection from dermal fillers or other injectables as easily as they could from facelift surgery. Fortunately, infection is a very small risk in this instance because the face typically has a healthy blood supply.
3. Circulation is also an integral aspect of scarring. The blood supply received by the face acts to heal incisions, usually with minimal scarring that is virtually unnoticeable. Furthermore, incisions are placed in discreet locations, such as around the ears, to reduce visible scarring.
4. There are numerous nerves in the face, head, and neck. Incisions will likely cause changes in sensation, such as numbness. However, this is usually a temporary side effect that improves over time as severed nerves heal.
5. Unsatisfactory results. One of the strongest recommendations surgeons make before facelift surgery is to have realistic expectations. A facelift only tightens and smooths the skin. It will not eliminate bags or dark circles around the eyes. It will not change the shape of the chin or the nose. Clear expectations and goals need to be thoroughly discussed before surgery so your surgeon can help you achieve your desired outcome.

What You Can Do

Enhance your surgical experience by

• Not smoking. If you smoke, stop as soon as you decide to have surgery. Smoking inhibits oxygen uptake in tissue and therefore decreases the body’s ability to heal well. This means an increased risk of scarring, infection, and overall poor results.
• Be clear, open, and honest during your consultation. Ask all of your questions. Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking, and cover all aspects of your medical history.
• Take your time. Facelift surgery is not something you price-shop. This intricate procedure must be performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon within an accredited surgical facility.

Contact our Bryn Mawr office today at 610.527.4833. to learn more about facelift surgery, men’s facelifts and other facial rejuvenation options.

In recent years, statistics have revealed a marked increase in the number of breast reduction surgeries being performed. Interestingly, of the nearly 47,000 breast reduction procedures performed in 2017, 26,000 of them were conducted as gynecomastia treatment. Men don’t like having breasts, and they should know that treatment can put an end to this problem for good.

The interest in male breast reduction is not new, though procedures have increased over 30% since the turn of the century. Clearly, more men are getting the treatment they need to feel better about their bodies. We think we may know why.

The Stigma has Decreased

It used to be that cosmetic surgery and aesthetic procedures were associated with the face that women want to look good for themselves and their mate. Men weren’t altogether left out of ever-expanding beauty trends, but they were largely overlooked. Because of the stigma that may have ridden along the line of “real men don’t get work done,” many men simply lived with their cosmetic concerns. Not anymore. Overall, the number of men getting treatments like Botox and facelifts has increased 23% just in the last 15 years. Not only that, they are talking about it. As men have become more open about their cosmetic treatments, they have paved the way for others to feel more comfortable attending to their aesthetic needs.

The Motivation has Increased

Gynecomastia is not a small problem. For men with excessive breast tissue, the emotional toll can be great. Breasts are a physical feature that many associate with obesity. A man only has breasts if he’s overweight. Not so. Men who are otherwise fit may still have enlarged glandular tissue beneath the breast that causes puffiness around the nipples. Gynecomastia of any degree can severely affect a man’s lifestyle and sense of self. Achieving the toned, masculine physique he envisions provides substantial benefits that extend far beyond the physical.

The Process is Simple

Gynecomastia treatment involving male breast reduction surgery does not have to be a complicated matter. Dr. Claytor has treated many men in the Philadelphia area with excellent results. The treatment process is personalized for each patient and requires much less downtime than many people assume. Most patients are able to resume light activity within a few days of their procedure.

Learn more about male breast reduction by contacting us at 610.527.4833.

In our office near Philadelphia, we consult with many women regarding breast augmentation surgery. Of the various questions that are commonly asked, one comes up quite frequently: “can my breast implants pop?” Yes. Breast implants can pop, or rupture, as we refer to it. Breast implant rupture is an uncommon occurrence, though. Furthermore, if an implant were to rupture, the problem is easy to correct.

Why would a breast implant rupture?

There are a few reasons why an implant may rupture or leak. The most common cause is capsular contracture. This complication from breast implant surgery involves the formation of scar tissue in the pocket that holds the implant. A bit of scar tissue is usual. In the case of severe capsular contracture, scar tissue becomes so tight that it presses against the implant. Capsular contracture could develop on one side or both, and it may occur with saline or with silicone implants.

Other reasons why breast implants may rupture include direct trauma to the breasts, such as may happen in an auto accident, and spontaneous rupture due to deterioration of the implant shell or defect. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, approximately 15 percent of patients with breast implants may experience a rupture.

What happens if a breast implant ruptures?

The evidence of a breast implant rupture or leak varies based on the type of implant a woman has. Saline implants are much more apparent in terms of deflation. If a saline implant ruptures, the non-toxic fluid that filled the sac gets absorbed by the body, and the size and shape of the affected breast will diminish noticeably. Treatment for a saline implant rupture may involve replacing the failed implant or removing the implants from both breasts.

Silicone implant ruptures are much subtler. It can take years for deflation to become noticeable. This could be because the thick, viscous silicone filling is slow-moving. When it does leak from its shell, it typically localizes within the tissue capsule that surrounds the implant. Treatment for a silicone implant rupture may involve removing all leaked silicone from the capsule and replacing the implant. It is also possible to have both implants removed.

Breast implant ruptures are rare and easily correctable. If you are considering the value of breast augmentation surgery and have questions or concerns about the outcome of this treatment, we invite you to contact us to schedule a consultation at 610.527.4833, where we can discuss the details of the procedure.

Facelift surgery has commonly been performed to help men and women look younger and feel better about their appearance. As much as this procedure has evolved over time, many people express a desire for a more conservative approach to a rejuvenated face. In our practice near Philadelphia, we can accommodate this with The PrecisionTX™ Knifeless Facelift.

If you wish to reduce the signs of aging on your face but don’t want to commit to a conventional face or neck lift, PrecisionTX may be an ideal solution. This laser treatment addresses the loss of elasticity and firmness that naturally occurs with age. As a result of laser targeting, superficial tissue tightens and the appearance of jowls, a double-chin, and “turkey neck” diminish.

What is PrecisionTX?

This non-surgical treatment isn’t just laser skin tightening. During treatment, the 1440 nm wavelength of YAG laser energy targets excess fat cells in a small treatment area. These liquefied cells can then be easily removed with gentle liposuction. After this initial fat-reducing phase of treatment, overlying skin is redraped and treated once again with the laser. The thermal and photomechanical effects incite an ongoing and robust increase in collagen production. As the skin is infused with healthy new collagen, it thickens and firms.

Improvements Achieved with the PrecisionTX Non-Surgical Lift

Learn also about our men’s facelifts »

Lines and Wrinkles

Adjustable settings in the laser treatment platform allow Dr. Claytor to accurately target facial contouring and wrinkles at varying depths. This is a genuinely customizable treatment.

Texture

Aging skin is collagen- and moisture-depleted. This typically results in a noticeable loss of elasticity and vibrancy. Dull skin looks rough and often exhibits large pores. By encouraging cellular turnover, PrecisionTX treatment gives the skin the refresher it needs to look radiant and smooth.

Loose Skin and Jowls

When loose skin and jowls are problematic, the PrecisionTX laser cannula can be inserted beneath the surface through the tiny incisions made for liposculpting the chin and neck. The direct contact between laser energy and subdermal tissues substantially increases collagen production in the areas where sagging is at its worst, such as the neck and jawline.

We have several ways to approach facial aging without surgery. To learn more about PrecisionTX and other non-surgical techniques, contact us at 610-527-4833.