Lip injections do NOT have to give you “duck lips"

This is another common concern I hear from patients.  “I am afraid of getting my lips injected, because of those duck lips I see!”

The affectionately termed “duck lips” were much more common in the past, as the big, full, pouty lips were highly desired.  Today, a more conservative, more structured lip looks great and is the most popular way to get lip injections. While I still use the same types of products like Juvederm and Restylane, the technique by which I inject is the important difference.

Essentially you can perform lip injections two different ways:

-Volume = inject more in the center of the lip to add size and fullness

-Structure = inject more along the edge of the lip to create a more defined edge and enhanced border of the lip (this helps your lipstick look even better).

Depending on what you are looking for, you may want a volume injection, a structure injection, or both. No matter what you want, maintaining the overall shape and definition of your lips is key to keeping your result natural.

You can easily get bigger, more shapely, stunning lips without ending up looking like a duck.

Here’s to the beautiful human face,

-Dr. Yamamoto

How long does it take to recover from surgery?

Everybody is busy in this day and age. Vacation time comes at a premium, and we all want to use our free time for the things we like to do the most.

A short recovery time from surgery is not just highly desired, but a necessity when it comes to accommodating your busy schedule. One of my goals for every surgery that I perform is to get you back to your normal activities as soon as possible.

So how long does it take?  A few factors to keep in mind to help minimize your recovery time:

1)      Good nutrition – a good, healthy diet around the time of your surgery improves healing.

2)      Avoid herbal meds and vitamins – Many of these products can thin out your blood, causing more bruising to occur after surgery. To make things simple, I request that all of my patients stay off these medications at least 2 weeks before their procedures.  You can start them again 2 weeks afterwards. By simply stopping these before your surgery, you can help reduce your recovery time by several days.

3)      Avoid medications like Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and Naproxen (Aleve) – These also have a similar blood-thinning effect as many herbs and vitamins. Avoid using these 2 weeks before your procedure and you can reduce your recovery time.

4)      NO smoking – it goes without saying, but smoking significantly hinders your body’s ability to heal.

5)      Light activity – while you should avoid strenuous activity after surgery (anything that makes you red and sweaty, or any lifting over 10 pounds), don’t be a couch potato either. Get out and walk, do things around the house, keeping your body moving, and you will also recover more quickly.

Recovery time for the most common surgeries that I perform: Mini “RT” facelift and/or mini “RT” necklift: 7-10 days (hence, the mini Recovery Time), Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery): 4-6 days, Rhinoplasty: 5-7 days, Fractional CO2 laser facial peel: 3-5 days.

In general, I want to get you back to your normal activities in a week or less. You can get the results you have always wanted, without having to give up your precious free time.

 

Here’s to the beautiful human face,

-Dr. Yamamoto

Winterize your face

Winter in Reno is approaching, and it is time to winterize your house, your car, and especially your face. This time of year is ideal to start thinking about addressing those trouble spots and finally getting those cosmetic procedures you have been thinking about. What better gift to give yourself this holiday season than facial rejuvenation and a more youthful look!

1)      Treat sun damage – Now that the days are shorter and the sun is less intense, you can treat those brown spots, resurface your skin, and prepare it for next year’s summer. We offer everything from medical-grade skin care products to chemical and laser facial peels.  Improve the texture of your skin and give it a more even and youthful tone.

2)      Minimal down time procedures – We specialize in both in-office procedures and minimal down time surgeries to address all areas of facial rejuvenation. Our Botox, Xeomin, Juvederm, Restylane, Voluma, Belotero, and all other facial products are being offered at a discount for the holiday season!

3)      Sun protection – Even though it’s the winter season, the sun can be especially intense, especially if you are out in the snow or on the slopes.  Be sure to keep good, effective sun block close at hand. We offer great options for medical-grade sun protection from ZO Skin Health and Sierra Nevada MD—our own private label product. Come see why our products are much more advanced than any you can find at the drug store.

4)      Free consultation – Have questions about facial plastic surgery (like facelifts or rhinoplasty), in-office procedures (like Botox or dermal fillers), or medical-grade skin care? Schedule a free consultation with me. I enjoy getting to know my patients and answering any questions they have. Together, we can come up with a plan that will best suit your desires, your busy schedule, and your budget.

Treat yourself to a more youthful look for the holiday season!

 

Here’s to the beautiful human face,

-Dr. Yamamoto