Why I do all of the injections in my practice

Another question I get a lot is: "Who does the injections in your practice?"

The answer is: Me.  Always me.

I have many reasons why I do all of the injections here, and I want to give you an good explanation so that you understand and are comfortable every time you come for your procedure.

First, I really enjoy it. Injection of dermal fillers is part medical procedure and part artwork. Having the ability to take a syringe and use it to sculpt the human face is a very engaging and enjoyable process for me as a doctor and artist.

Second, treating the face with dermal fillers like Juvederm and neuromodulators like Botox takes lots of training, a keen eye, and steady hands. I have extensive experience with all of these products and spend my entire day, everyday, studying/working/living the human face. These procedures are more complex than simply injecting a product into the area of need. The intricate curvatures of the face, the complex underlying structures, and how these change over time are things that takes years to master.  These are things that have become my entire career.

Third, I want you to be comfortable with the person who is performing your procedure. You can be reassured that I have spent years learning this craft and have been certified through the rigorous training and standards required to be a physician.

And finally, to assure quality control over every injection in my practice, I simply want to be the one to do it myself. I am always the one you see when you visit our practice.

Here's to the beautiful human face,
-Dr. Yamamoto

How safe are dermal fillers?

Naturally, patients who are unfamiliar with dermal fillers have questions about their safety.  Fillers are medically-derived products which can be used to fill areas of the face.  Depending on how they are used, they are great for reducing wrinkles, providing youthful volume to the cheeks and lips, or even helping get rid of those pesky dark circles under your eyes.

The most commonly used fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, which is naturally produced in the human body. It is found in many different tissues in the body, including the skin, joints, and eyes. Because hyaluronic acid is already in your own tissues, there is a very minimal risk of reaction to a dermal filler injection. These products are very safe

The body naturally breaks down hyaluronic acid with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. While this enzyme also works on the injected dermal fillers, these fillers are produced in a tighty-bound and protected structure to resist breakdown.  This gives the dermal fillers their lasting effect.

So to answer the original question: Dermal fillers are very safe because the product is made of a material already found in your body. Risk of any reaction or allergy to the product is very minimal (The FDA does not require any allergy testing before use, due to this minuscule risk). The filler is broken down naturally in your body over a long period of time.

Dermal fillers can be used for a wide variety of purposes to help refresh and rejuvenate the face with the advantage of being very safe. Come to our office to visit with me and discuss which options will best work for you!

Here's to the beautiful human face,
-Dr. Yamamoto

How old should you be to start Botox?

This is one of the most common questions I get.  The best way to provide an answer is to explain how Botox (aka Xeomin or Dysport) works.

Think of Botox, or any neuromodulator, as a preventative treatment for wrinkles.  These products act to prevent the formation of fine lines, rather than remove them.  The idea is that when the muscles of the face move, they pull and tug on your skin.  That repetitive motion of the pulling on the skin, over many years, creates wrinkles and fine lines.

In order to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, Botox is used to weaken those facial muscles.  The result is less pulling on the skin and fewer wrinkles.

So to answer the original question: earlier is better when it comes to starting Botox.  Ideally, you are treated with Botox before you start to form wrinkles and fine lines.  Consist use of Botox will continue to prevent those wrinkles and help you stay looking younger, longer.  Of course, starting at any age is also a good idea.  Any reduction in the muscles pulling on the facial skin helps improve the wrinkles you may already have and has also been shown to improve skin texture.

Personally I feel people in their late 20s and early 30s are ideal to start Botox.  Skin at that age is still healthy and elastic, but starting to undergo the early stages of aging. 

Start early, and you'll enjoy the benefits of continually looking good throughout your life.

Here's to the beautiful human face,
Dr. Yamamoto

Welcome!

Hello friends!  Welcome to my first blog.  I am very excited and proud to announce the opening of my practice, Sierra Nevada Cosmetic and Laser Surgery.  We specialize in all things facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

This blog will focus on answering frequently asked questions and covering popular topics.  Please let me know if you have anything you'd like to know more about.

Here's to the beautiful human face.

-Dr. Yamamoto