Newsletter - Vartan A. Mardirossian MD

Newsletter
The Jupiter Facial Aesthetics
Winter 2014-15 | Vol. I
Welcome...
Welcome to to the first issue of The Jupiter Facial Aesthetics Newsletter!
This is a new quarterly paper that has the goal of presenting the new developments in Facial and body plastic surgery combined with practical advice from experienced aestheticians, practice managers and nursing staff.
We will feature guest writers among the elite in the medical and aesthetics
fields. Special attention will be dedicated to holistic and antiaging medicine.
Our main goal will be to bring the concepts of modern facial rejuvenation as
close as possible to our readers, while dispelling many myths and addressing
your concerns. Please read along to discover what we are building at the
Jacobson and Mardirossian Plastic Surgery Center for Excellence!
Things to Know Before You Consult
with a Plastic Surgeon
A Question and Answer session with Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Vartan Mardirossian, MD
Q. Dr. Mardirossian, how would you generally describe the process of aging?
A. Aging of the face is a long process ruled by two major concepts: the concept
that aging is hereditary and the concept that different parts of the face age may
age in a very different way. Furthermore, the two concepts are actually related - if
a person has redundant skin on their upper and lower eyelids, this may be the
same way their father or mother aged many years ago: the same person may
actually have no or just minimal sagging cheek skin (aka jowling) as opposed to
someone else who has jowling but no redundant skin of the eyelids. So, in a way,
aging is hereditary, but it is also segmental. That is why for the past 20 years our
practice has pioneered the concept of segmental minimally invasive rejuvenation
of the face and neck. This concept is one of the founding principles of our everyday
activity. When a patient comes in for a consultation we take the time to listen to
their concerns and give them our best advice on how to achieve the most natural
and youthful result with the least intervention necessary - a principle otherwise
known as “less is more”.
Q. Let us then review the main changes that the face undergoes in the process
of aging - and what are the successful actions we can take to oppose them?
A. When the forehead lines get deeper we can relax the muscles of the forehead
by using botulinum toxin and the same treatment can be used for the crows feet
around the eyes. When the prominence of the cheekbones decreases and when
we loose volume in the soft tissues of our cheeks the face acquires a hollow and
tired look - we can treat this condition with different fillers to restore volume, fill
in fine wrinkles, restore the missing bone of the cheeks or the lower or upper jaw.
An alternative is fat grafting or dermal-fat grafting when we use tissue from the
patient to augment areas of the cheeks or the lips in a permanent fashion.
Aging around the eyes could involve formation of redundant skin, muscle and fat
protruding in the upper or the lower eyelid. In order to address the cases when
only redundant skin is the problem we created the so-called “pinch blepharoplasty” in which the excess skin
of the lower lid is removed.
Alternatively, if there is redundant skin, fat and muscle, the redundant skin is
removed together with the
excess fat, followed by tightening of the eyelid muscle, to
restore the naturally youthful appearance of the eyes.
These procedures can be
performed under sedation
and last 1 - 1.5 hours at the
most.
With age the upper lip elongates and covers the
upper teeth, the red lip becomes thin and looses
volume. The best and most natural way to correct
this is to remove the excess skin and give the lip a
youthful and fuller look. The procedures takes about
30 minutes and there is no downtime associated
with it.
Another example of a minimally invasive procedure
is the minimally invasive rhinoplasty which I co-invented, uses a single small incision in one nostril
to correct large and crooked noses. There are no
external stitches and swelling is less than that of the
traditional procedure.
Q. What are the options for relaxed jowls and for
the so-called “turkey wattle neck”?
Vartan A.
Mardirossian M.D.
A. There are many facelift and necklift procedures available in our armamentarium. Throughout the years we have evolved 2 specific procedures which give you
the same results as a full facelift but with minimal incisions and a short and predictable downtime. The S-lift and the J-lift are minimally invasive procedures for
the rejuvenation of the face and neck. The small incisions are well hidden within
the hairline and the contour of the ears. Meticulous work on the tissues of the face
and neck avoids unnecessary traction on the skin. No drains are placed, dressings
are removed the day after the procedure and there is minimal downtime. Most
patients are back in public on day five.
Q. Are there any procedures that are not surgical but bring the benefit of
looking younger without a downtime?
A. Yes, an example is our minimally invasive radio frequency skin tightening procedure. This eliminates redundant skin in the neck, arms, thighs and above-the-knee
areas (as well as other areas) by improving the elasticity of the skin. Downtime is
minimal and the patient is back to her or his everyday activities usually the day
after the procedure. On the flip side the results are slower to appear as this is not
surgery and we have to “wait” until the body generates its own “new” collagen - a
process that may take up to 6 months.
Q. What is your piece of advice to our readers?
A. Your face and body are your treasure! Leave them in the hands of a trusted,
knowledgeable and skillful surgeon. In our center you will find all the experience
and the expertise that will “turn back the clock”, leaving you only with a naturally
youthful appearance and without the “operated look”. We are passionate about
what we do and we pride ourselves in the results we achieve.
www.palmbeachplastics.com
Advantages &
Disadvantages of
Rhinoplasty Surgery
by Dr. Vartan Mardirossian, MD
A nose job, also known as rhinoplasty, includes a procedure, which may alter the look of
the nose in subtle ways or dramatic fashion. Prior to embarking on your surgical journey,
it is vital that you be aware of some things prior to beginning the procedure.
You might be a good candidate for rhinoplasty surgery if you feel the potential benefits
outweigh the possible risks and have realistic expectations. Like any life choice, opting to
undergo any type of surgical procedure has its disadvantages and advantages.
RHINOPLASTY ADVANTAGES
RHINOPLASTY DISADVANTAGES
Balance
Occasionally, a nose may be a distracting feature upon an individual’s face. The
unique shape of a nose might create an imbalance between the nose and face.
Occasionally, an individual like a celebrity, might be well-known for their nose.
Individuals such as Owen Wilson, Bill Clinton, or Barbara Streisand never would
think about undergoing a nose job, due to their noses being features with which
the general public is familiar. But, for normal, every day individuals like us, a
big nose might be something which might not seem to fit upon an otherwise
‘balanced’ face.
Thick Skin
Nasal skin that is thick makes it more challenging for rhinoplasty results to be seen.
It’s particularly a fact in those desiring a
more refined or defined nasal tip. Tip Plasty
or Finesse Rhinoplasty may sculpt your nasal tip cartilage. However, if your overlying
skin is thick, it’ll be more challenging to
witness the results of a nose operation.
Improved Nasal Airflow
A variety of structures inside the nose may contribute to problems with airflow
through the nose and breathing. Trauma from sports, accidents, or altercations
may result in nasal septum deviation. This structure includes a wall which separates the left and right side of your nose. If your septum is crooked, one or both
sides of your nasal airway might be blocked to airflow. Oftentimes, a septoplasty is done along with a nose job in order to straighten a crooked septum and
nose, improving both the look of the nose and airflow. The inferior turbinates
include an additional set of structures inside your nose which may lead to nasal
airway obstruction. Nasal surgery may be conducted to shrink the size of the
seturbinates to improve airflow. Oftentimes, turbinoplasty is performed during
the same time as arhinoplasty. Turbinates don’t affect the look of the nose.
Limitations
There’s only so much which may be accomplished using nose surgery. The nose’s
shape may be manipulated to different
degrees by reshaping cartilage and bone.
However, there are limits based upon an
individual’s overall anatomy.
Confidence and Self-image
In instances in which individuals suffer with self-image and self-esteem problems, positive changes to the look of the nose may offer someone an increase
in confidence after rhinoplasty.
WHAT CAN YOU
DO ABOUT
Sun Damage ?
by Karen Fox
Licensed Aesthetician
Never Bring in Pictures of a Favorite
Celebrity’s Nose
Unless you’re an identical twin of your favorite celebrity, it’s unrealistic to think
that you’ll have the ability to have a similar nose no matter how successful
the outcome of a rhinoplasty procedure. Therefore, concentrate on the unique
aspects of your nose which concern you, and which you’d like to see improved,
and be specific regarding your expectations and goals in your consultation.
The Florida sun can be brutal.
The good news is you don’t
have to stop enjoying it with
the help of a West Palm Beach
plastic surgeon. Unfortunately,
sun damage is extremely
dangerous and can easily affect
you, even if you take all the
necessary proper precautions.
The sun is a powerful force and
it does not necessarily take a
lot of exposure to change the
characteristics of your skin.
Have you noticed unsightly
changes in your skin such as raised bumps (solar keratoses),
scaly or rough skin, sagging skin, enlarged blood vessels,
age spots, or an uneven tan? All of these aspects can be improved with the help of a plastic surgeon. Find out about the
treatment options available to you from your plastic surgeon.
Sun Damage Repair
A plastic surgeon can help you determine whether or not you
are a proper candidate for a sun damage repair procedure.
Some common sun damage repair solutions include creams
and ointments that remove dead skin cells and chemical
peels, as well as laser abrasion procedures to strip the top
layer of skin. Plastic surgeons often use lasers to treat sun
damage and age spots.
Light energy in the form of a laser is emitted onto the targeted, sun-damaged areas of your skin. This energy, however,
actually penetrates the surface of the skin and breaks up the
skin pigmentation and vascular lesions. These skin imperfections are the characteristics associated with sun damage.
No matter where the skin is located on your body—legs,
chest, arms or face—once the pigmentation is eliminated
the skin takes on a youthful, healthier glow. It’s the excess
skin pigmentation and dead skin in general that can give your
skin that dull appearance as you age. Lasers also, of course,
emit heat, which stimulates healing mechanisms naturally
located within the body. This results in the production of
new collagen, which gives skin its elasticity; a lack of collagen
accounts for sagging and wrinkles. This also means that you’ll
continue to look better and better as time passes after your
treatment!
During and After Treatment
Do you have questions about sun damage repair treatment
options? Here is some information on how an experienced
West Palm Beach plastic surgeon should go about providing
during and post-treatment care.
During Treatment
The majority of patients find sun damage removal procedures to be characterized by a warming sensation. Numbing
cream helps increase your comfort level, and it is thoroughly
applied prior to treatment. The number of lasers needed, as
well as the number of passes these lasers make, is dependent
upon your type of sun damage.
After Treatment
Following any sun damage repair treatment, tiny dark spots
will appear upon the treated area and disappear within
several days. For the first two weeks following the treatment,
it’s important for you to follow the moisturizing schedule set
recommended by your plastic surgeon. Most patients do not
have to wait or experience significant downtime following a
procedure before resuming normal, daily activities.
How to Choose the Appropriate Facial Plastic Surgeon?
by Diane Butler, Patient and Office Coordinator at Jacobson and Mardirossian Plastic Surgery Center for Excellence
I have had the privilege and the pleasure of working in the plastic surgery
business for more than 20 years. Over the years I have had the opportunity of
meeting and assisting so many wonderful people through their plastic surgery
journey. Since I do have this experience, one may ask, “How do I find the right
plastic surgeon for me?”
Choosing the proper surgeon is a very important decision especially when it
comes to making a permanent change to your face or body. The first and most
important criteria for choosing your plastic surgeon, in my opinion, is finding
one who is willing to really listen to what you want to achieve. Remember,
this is all about you!
Developing a rapport with your
plastic surgeon gives you the
confidence that he/she is there
for you not only for the surgery
but you can also count on him/
her to be with you throughout
the recovery period. Make sure
your plastic surgeon communicates well for your personal
style, openly discussing realistic
expectations, goals and strategy
for your procedure.
Experience is another important factor in the
decision making process. If your plastic surgeon
is experienced he/she will have evidence of
performing, on a regular basis, a wide variety of
cosmetic surgeries. Ask about the experience of
the surgeons’ you are considering, in particular
regarding the procedure or procedures you are
interested in. Ask to see before and after pictures.
Where does the surgeon do the procedures? Will
you be going to a hospital, out-patient free standing facility or are the procedures done in a certified surgical suite? Consider what will make you
feel most confident. Many patients prefer going
to a certified surgical suite which is more private
and comfortable. Check for facility accreditation.
Diane Butler
Over the years, my experience has allowed me to assist clients in the difficult
process of choosing a plastic surgeon. Just picking up the phone to make that
consultation appointment is sometimes a little intimidating. At our practice,
I meet all the new consults first. It is so rewarding being able to assure them
they are consulting with a surgeon who will not only listen to what the client
wants to achieve, but also has the training and experience to ensure those
goals are met.
Holiday Stress Advice
by Lorne S. Stitsky, D.O.
For some people, holiday
time brings four unwelcome
guests... stress, depression,
anxiety and insomnia. Don’t
invite these guests this year.
When stress starts it is often
hard to stop and regroup. It
is most important to try to
prevent these four guests
from arriving at your home,
especially if every year,
you know they knock on
your door. Stress has been
defined and described in
Lorne S. Stitsky, D.O.
many different ways. One
description says it is the life
energy that pushes one to succeed. Another says it is the
culprit that makes one emotionally and mentally ill. For
many people it is the feeling of having too much to do and
too little time to do it; a feeling of being “pushed to the
limits”.
The symptoms of too much stress can be broken down into
three major categories: anxiety, depression and physical
symptoms.
Under the category of anxiety people may feel nervous
or on edge, jittery or shaky with an inability to relax,tense
with muscle aches, headaches or become easily startled.
With depression one may feel worrisome, fearful, have
an anticipation of negative events or have physical symptoms, which can include heart pounding, diarrhea, upset
stomach, frequent urination, fatigue and headaches. The
affected person may have a tendency to smoke, drink, or
eat more. Different people deal with stress during the holidays in different ways. One person may remove himself
or herself from a stressful situation, obtain information
on dealing with the stress or develop release valves or
relaxing activities.
Dr. Lorne Stitsky is a Board-Certified Osteopathic Family Physician
and the owner of Personal Choice Family Practice in Jupiter.
Here are some tips you can try to head off holiday stress:
#1. BE REALISTIC: As families change and grow, tradi-
tions and rituals often change as well. Hold on to those
you can and want to, but except that you may have to let
go of others. For example if your adult children and grandchildren can’t get together at your house as usual, find
new ways to celebrate together from afar such as sharing
pictures, e-mails or videotapes.
#2.
STICK TO A BUDGET: Before you go shopping,
decide how much money you can afford to spend on gifts
and other items. Then be sure to stick to your budget. If
you don’t, you could feel anxious and tense for months
afterward when the bills start to pile up. Don’t try to buy
happiness with an avalanche of gifts.
#3.
LEARN TO SAY NO: Believe it or not, people understand if you can’t do certain projects or activities. If you
say “yes” only to what you really want to do, you’ll avoid
feeling resentful, bitter and overwhelmed.
#4.
DON’T ABANDON HEALTHY HABITS: Try not
to let the holidays become a dietary free-for-all. Some
indulgence during the holiday season is okay but overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Have a healthy
snack before a holiday party so that you don’t go overboard on sweets, cheeses or alcoholic drinks. Continue
to get plenty of sleep during holiday times and scheduled
time for physical activity.
#5.
SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IF YOU NEED IT:
Remember... things might not always go as planned during
the holiday season. By taking active steps to manage stress
and depression during this time, you may actually enjoy
the holidays this year more than you thought you could.
Despite your best efforts, you may still find yourself feeling
persistently sad or anxious, depressed or plagued by
physical complaints. If these feelings last for several days
to weeks; please talk to your doctor or a mental health
professional.
Open House
at the Jacobson & Mardirossian Plastic Surgery Center for Excellence
On October 29, 2014, our first open house event took
place. More than 30 physicians, patient and office coordinators from various practices, hospital representatives and patients, participated in the event. They had
the chance to meet our wonderul staff and to take a
walk through our state-of-art facility. Practitioners from
Jupiter all the way to Miami Beach were present and
enjoyed great time while networking and tasting exceptional food. The visitors enjoyed our comfortable and
cozy waiting area, the aesthetician room and the operating suite.
In his welcome speech Dr. Mardirossian thanked everyone for being present and stated that such events lay
the fundaments of clear professional communication
resulting in an exceptional and well-rounded patient
care. “After all, he said, it is important to realize that if
our patients feel and look good, so do we!”
From Left to Right:
Darlene Hudson, CRNA; Michele Starace, RN; Kim Crawford,
Carolyn Cuesta, RN; Linda Schaeffer, ORT; Vartan Mardirossian, MD
600 Heritage Drive, Suite 220 | Jupiter, FL 33458
Phone 561-624-0900 | Fax 561-627-3006
info@palmbeachplastics.com
www.palmbeachplastics.com
Call to schedule a complimentary consultation today!