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Head Off the Signs of Aging with a Mini Facelift

Who do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you look young and vibrant or are you starting to see the signs of aging? You don’t have to wait for advanced facial aging to do something about it. Fight back against Father Time with a mini-facelift. A less invasive procedure early on can save some patients from needing a full facelift later. Ask us about our mini-facelift by calling 540-371-7730.

What Is a Mini-Facelift?

A mini-facelift is a surgical procedure to help reverse common signs of aging. This treatment is highly customized to your problem areas. If you have jowls, we’ll focus on those. If you need treatment in the mid-facial area, we’ll target that. This treatment is designed around your specific problem areas and needs. It is less invasive than a full facelift and often requires a much shorter recovery period. Some people call it the “weekend facelift”.

How Is a Mini-Facelift Different than a Traditional Facelift?

A mini-facelift is a modified form of the traditional facelift. It is sometimes referred to as an “S-Lift” because the incisions are shorter and smaller. We typically place incisions behind the ears or in the hairline behind the temples. With a mini-facelift muscles are tightened but not cut. The surgery takes about 2.5 hours to complete. Recovery is much shorter—typically 5-7 days.

What Is a Good Age for a Mini-Facelift?

Our mini-facelift patients are typically in their late 40s and 50s. The key to a successful treatment is to come in before the signs of aging are advanced. If you have one or two problem areas or general aging, come discuss your options. Although age can help you determine if the time might be right for a mini-facelift, the more important factor is your appearance. During your consultation we can help you determine if you’re ready for surgery and if a mini-facelift or a traditional facelift would be the most appropriate.

If you aren’t quite ready for a mini-facelift, we can recommend injectable products (like BOTOX® and dermal fillers) and laser treatments to address your areas of concern. Our consultations are one of the best ways to determine your ideal course of action.

Could you benefit from a mini-facelift? Call today and schedule your consultation.

Look Great on New Year’s Eve—Last Minute Cosmetic Enhancement

What’s on your list of resolutions for the coming New Year? If you’re hoping to improve your appearance in 2016, you can get a jump-start by coming into Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg. Best of all, with these quick and easy cosmetic treatments, you’ll get to enjoy the gorgeous results at your New Year’s Eve party. Start the year looking your best!

Last-Minute Cosmetic Fixes—Which One Will You Choose?

We’re down to the wire for aesthetic improvement in 2015 but, if you hurry in, you’ve still got a bit of time. These cosmetic treatments are perfect for a last-minute fix. They require no downtime, have minimal side effects, and offer instant (or close to it) results. Which of these treatments will you try?

  • BOTOX®- Got crow’s feet? Smooth them away in just a few days. BOTOX® treatments can temporarily relax muscles that cause certain types of wrinkles, allowing the skin to relax and these wrinkles to fade. Treatment takes just a few minutes with no downtime, but results can take a couple of days to appear. If you want fewer crow’s feet in time for your New Year’s party, you’ll need to hurry in!
  • Dermal Fillers- Restore a younger looking appearance in minutes with dermal fillers. These injectable fillers can smooth out lines and wrinkles, augment the lips without surgery, fill in acne scars, fade dark undereye circles, and so much more. Many fillers offer instant results with no downtime. You may experience a bit of bruising or swelling, but this can be covered with makeup for parties.

Essential Tips for Last-Minute Treatments

Time is running short for a rejuvenated appearance before the New Year. These tips will help to ensure you get the results you need from your last-minute treatments.

  • Work with a Skilled Provider- With last-minute improvement, you don’t have time for mistakes. Make sure you choose a skilled and experienced provider for all of your cosmetic treatments. At Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, all of our injectors are highly skilled and trained. We are well known for our natural-looking results.
  • Hurry In- You’ve still got time, but not a lot. If you want to enjoy the benefits of these last-minute treatments before your New Year’s Eve parties, you’ll need to call today and book your appointment.

Happy New Year from all of us at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg!

How to Get Party Perfect

Check out these few  non surgical ways to get ready for all your holiday parties during the winter season! Dr. Heppe and Dr. Bautista has created this quick guide to help you get party perfect from BOTOX® to SmartLipo, we are your one-stop to help you feel and looking great.

BOTOX® for Newbies: 5 Common Questions Before Your 1st BOTOX® Treatment

Are you getting ready for your first BOTOX® treatment? You probably have questions. Luckily, we have answers. Keep reading for answers to common questions BOTOX® newbies have. These questions will help you prepare for a successful first experience. Call Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg today and schedule your first BOTOX® treatment.

Is BOTOX® Painful?

BOTOX® is administered by injection, but don’t worry; most patients find the injection process quite tolerable. The needle is very thin and the injections take just a couple of minutes. We’ll do all we can to create a comfortable environment for you throughout the injection process.

How Long Until I See Results?

BOTOX® results aren’t immediately visible. Most patients notice the changes starting a couple of days after treatment. Results can last for up to 4 to 5 months. We’ll create a treatment schedule with you so you can maintain your results and always look your best.

BOTOX® works by relaxing muscles that cause wrinkles. As the muscles relax, the wrinkles fade away. This treatment is ideal for lines between the brows, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. It can also be used to treat hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating.

How Do I Choose an Injector?

If you want a successful BOTOX® treatment, choose your injector carefully. A skilled injector has a deep understanding of facial anatomy and knows where to place injections for maximum results. Here at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg all of our injectors are highly skilled and known for providing natural looking results.

Is BOTOX® Safe?

Last year 6.7 million cosmetic BOTOX® treatments were performed in the U.S., more than any other minimally invasive cosmetic treatment. BOTOX® has been FDA approved for cosmetic use since 2002. This treatment is tried and tested and one of the safest cosmetic treatments available.

What’s BOTOX® Recovery Like?

Everyone has time for BOTOX®. Treatment requires no downtime. You can come in and get injected and head right back to your regular activities. Many patients come see us on a short break from work. You may have a bit of redness or swelling, but this typically fades quickly and can be covered with makeup. BOTOX® also pairs well with other cosmetic treatments.

Are you a BOTOX® newbie? Call us today and schedule your first treatment at 540-371-7730. Soon you’ll see why BOTOX® is a favorite treatment year after year.

Dynamic Duos: 3 Cosmetic Combinations that Are Better Together

Whether you’re a fan of peanut butter and jelly, cookies and milk, or wine and chocolate, we’ve all got our favorite powerhouse combo. Each half of these dynamic duos is wonderful on its own, but when combined, the results are even better. Like those classic food combos you know and love, we’ve got a few combos you might not be as familiar with, but the results are just as impressive. Call us today and book one of these beautifying duos today.

Tummy Tuck + Thigh Lipo

Do you dread wearing a swimsuit? Transform your mid-section and below for a stunning new shape that will leave you looking for reasons to head to the pool. A tummy tuck smooths and tightens the abdominal area, which for many is a dream come true, but when combined with thigh lipo, the transformation is even more astounding. A tummy tuck on its own only changes the abdominal area, but when you add liposuction, we can contour and reshape the whole area. Women especially love this combo after childbirth (because we all know, having babies changes your entire body, not just your tummy).

BOTOX® + Fillers

BOTOX® is the most popular cosmetic treatment by a long shot. If you love it on its own, try pairing it with dermal fillers. When combined, these injectable treatments can rejuvenate and revitalize your entire face. BOTOX® is an excellent choice for smoothing out and relaxing wrinkles caused by muscle activity (great for crow’s feet, lines between the brow, etc.) while dermal fillers can restore lost volume, treat lines and wrinkles not caused by muscle activity, and even fill thinning lips. It’s like a miniature face transformation without the surgery. Best of all, this combo is perfect for busy men and women. Both treatments take just a few minutes with no downtime required.

Breast Augmentation + Breast Lift

If you’re dreaming of bigger, perkier breasts, you aren’t just dreaming of implants. For many women with breast sagging, the breasts of their dreams require both a lift and an implant. Breast augmentation can increase your size while a breast lift can reshape the breasts and reposition them. For a complete breast transformation, pair these two procedures together. These two treatments are easily done at the same time for many women.

Which of these dynamic beauty duos will you try? Call us today (540) 371-7730 and book your appointment at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg.

Voluma XC: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Juvéderm® Voluma XC?

JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC is made from a modified form of hyaluronic acid which is a natural sugar that occurs within our bodies.

2. What is Juvéderm® Voluma XC indicated for?

JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC is the first and only FDA-approved non-surgical option to instantly correct age-related volume loss in the cheek area. It is a gel that gently lifts the skin and restores lost volume.

3. How is Juvéderm® Voluma XC actually used in treatment?

Voluma is injected into the cheek. It provides long term volume in the cheek area and gives the appearance of a more youthful, smoother skin surface.

4. What makes Juvéderm® Voluma XC different from other dermal fillers?

Juvéderm® Voluma was specially designed to fill and lift the cheeks. It uses a new advanced technology from Allergan which is called Vycross that creates a smooth-consistency gel that flows easily into the skin and provides a smooth, natural look and feel.

5. How long does Juvéderm® Voluma last?

It can provide fullness for up to two years with optimal treatment.

6. Why use Juvéderm® Voluma XC and not a wrinkle filler?

Not every wrinkle filler is right for every wrinkle. Juverderm Voluma xc was specially designed to fill and lift the cheek area.

7. What does the XC after Juvéderm® Voluma XC mean?

XC means there is a small amount of lidocaine mixed in which helps to numb the area during the treatment process.

8. Are the injections painful?

There is minimal discomfort during the treatment process.

9. Is allergy testing needed?

No, since the product occurs naturally in the body allergy testing is not needed.

10. How young can you be treated?

Juvéderm® Voluma XC is FDA approved for adults over the age of 21.

11. Does it matter if I am 30, 40, 50 or older for treating or for the results I will see?

No, speaking practically there are not age limits for you to have a nice result with Juverderm Voluma XC. It’s actual FDA approval is for 21 years and over.

12. Can all skin types be treated?

Yes, it is good for all skin types.

13. Can men be treated?

Yes, however it is a different technique especially for cheeks because what is optimal for a man differs from a women.

14. How long does treatment take?

The actual injection only takes 15 or 20 minutes, but more time may be needed if more than one syringe is required.

15. Does Juvéderm® Voluma require any special techniques or training?

Yes, injecting Voluma requires special training and an understanding of such aesthetics as facial harmony and bone structure.

16. Can you combine Juvéderm® Voluma XC with other facial anti-aging treatments?

Yes, and in some cases it may give you a better result . For example, use of BOTOX® will reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

17. Does it matter when you combine these treatments?

At times more than one type of treatment is needed. For example Juverderm Voluma XC restores volume and lift to the cheek area. Fine lines from facial expressions respond well to BOTOX® and makes a good combination woth Juverderm Voluma XC.

18. When can I return to work and resume my social life?

Juvéderm® Voluma XC results are immediate, so generally you may return to work or social activities right after the procedure. Sometimes side effects occur –like bruising, and mild swelling may happen by the next day, so you do need to consider this in your planning. Consult with your physician and discuss your return to work with them.

19. What are the common side effects of Juvéderm® Voluma XC?

Mild tenderness, swelling, and firmness, at the injection site. These side
effects were usually moderate in severity, and do not require treatment.

20. What can be done to prevent bruising?

Avoid aspirin and aspirin like products (NSAID’s) the week prior to treatment.

21. What if I don’t like the results – can Juvéderm® Voluma XC be removed?

Yes all hyaluronic acid fillers can be ‘removed’ using a synthetic form of an enzyme that occurs naturally in our bodies called hyaluronidase.

22. How often can I be injected?

Juvéderm® Voluma is a long-lasting filler so typically you would not need to be treated again for a long time…up to two years or more. You may need a re-injection a few weeks after your initial injection if you need more volume or more lift. It is better to be conservative and touch-up if needed.

23. How much does it cost?

The price of Juvéderm® Voluma varies according to the needs of each patient. The number of syringes needed to achieve the desired results varies from one person to another. People who have had similar procedures completed in the past may have differing needs from people who are having this type of treatment for the first time. If you get VOLUMA regularly, make sure you sign up for Allergan’s Brilliant Distinctions program. By participating in this program you get points for each treatment which you can then deposit and redeem for discounts on future treatments and products from Allergan. For all of the details, please check out www.brilliantdistinctionsprogram.com.

I’m Interested in BOTOX®, but Don’t Want to Look Fake … Is There Anything I Can Do?

If there’s one thing BOTOX® is famous for, it is frozen faces. But, those jokes you hear aren’t necessarily the truth. Last year 6.7 million botulinum toxin treatments were performed, a record setting number. Of course, BOTOX® wouldn’t be so popular if it created fake looking faces. Come give BOTOX® a try and you’ll quickly see why this treatment is consistently a consumer favorite. BOTOX® results are very natural looking if you keep the following in mind.

The Injector You Choose Matters

When it comes to BOTOX®, or any other cosmetic treatment for that matter, experience matters. Choose an injector that is highly skilled and trained in using BOTOX®. This ensures the best possible results. The board certified surgeons here at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredricksburg have extensive experience with anti-aging treatments, including BOTOX®. We’ll use our skill and experience to give you the best possible, natural looking BOTOX® results.

A Little Goes a Long Way

BOTOX® works by reducing muscle movement specifically in the muscles that cause wrinkles. It can be a very effective treatment for crow’s feet, lines between the brow, forehead lines, etc. This powerful anti-aging treatment is very effective and a little goes a long way. Frozen looking faces are potentially possible, but only if too much BOTOX® is used. With the right amount, muscles will relax and wrinkles will fade away, but you’ll still be able to make normal facial expressions. With the right injector, no one will know you’ve had BOTOX® but you (but they will know you look amazing).

Safe and Effective

BOTOX® has been used for decades and is considered one of the safest anti-aging treatments available. It is minimally invasive, non-surgical, and requires no recovery period. Many of our patients come in on lunch and head right back to work.

Not Just for Wrinkles

BOTOX® isn’t just for wrinkles. It has many medical uses as well. Some of our patients use BOTOX® for hyperhidrosis, or severe sweating. BOTOX® can halt nerve impulses that stimulate sweat glands under the arm. This treatment is FDA approved and a very effective option for those that sweat too much. If you’re embarrassed by constantly wet underarms, come see us and ask about BOTOX®.

Is BOTOX® Right for Me?

BOTOX® is an excellent choice for many of our patients. If you’re interested in finding out if BOTOX® will benefit you, make an appointment for a consultation and come see us. We can help you determine if BOTOX® is the right treatment or if you’d see better results from something else. Call us today at 540-371-7730 to schedule your appointment.

Cosmetic Enhancement for Men- What Are My Options?

Men… Plastic surgery isn’t just for the ladies. You too can enhance your looks, boost your confidence, and maintain the competitive edge in your career through cosmetic enhancement. Take the first step today and learn more about your options. Then, once you see how plastic surgery can benefit you, contact us and schedule a consultation. How will you benefit from male plastic surgery?

Popular Surgical Options for Male Patients

What cosmetic surgical procedures are most popular for male patients? Take a look below:

  • Liposuction– As you get older, it gets harder to keep that stubborn fat off of your waistline. Men naturally store fat across the abdomen and liposuction can help that fat go away. This procedure removes fat deposits using a special suction tube. The surgery takes 1-2 hours and often yields great results, especially if you still have good skin elasticity. If you aren’t getting the fat loss results you’d like from the gym, come try liposuction.
  • Male Breast Reduction– Gynecomastia is a condition where excess breast tissue develops in male patients. Many men find this highly embarrassing. We can remove this excess tissue through liposuction, helping you to restore your confidence and your masculine figure.
  • Blepharoplasty– Do you look tired all of the time, even when you’re well rested? You might benefit from eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). This procedure corrects drooping upper eyelids and can eliminate those puffy bags under the eyes. Look younger and rejuvenated!
  • Post Bariatric Surgery– For patients that have lost a large amount of weight, post bariatric surgery can be a solution to that excess hanging skin. Post-bariatric surgery can tighten up your body, helping you to really appreciate those weight loss results.

Non-Surgical Options

Surgery isn’t the only way for men to enhance their looks. Many of our male patients opt for non-surgical and minimally invasive options.

  • Dermal Fillers– When used properly dermal fillers can enliven and rejuvenate the face by filling in pits and wrinkles, adding volume, and restoring facial contours. Dermal fillers are temporary, but application takes just minutes with results that last for months (and in some cases years).
  • BOTOX®– Say goodbye to those crow’s feet, worry lines, and forehead wrinkles with BOTOX®. This injectable treatment is one of our most popular amongst both male and female patients. It temporarily halts nerve impulses to overactive facial muscles for a relaxed, natural look.
  • Fraxel Laser– Smooth, brighten, and rejuvenate your skin with cosmetic laser treatments. The Fraxel laser is a skin resurfacing treatment that is well known for its ability to transform the skin. If you have wrinkles, or age spots, ask us about the Fraxel laser.

Call us today at 540-371-7730 and schedule your appointment. Man or woman, we’ve got something for everyone at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg.

Red Carpet Watch: What Cosmetic Procedures Did You See?

One of our favorite parts of the Academy Awards is watching gorgeous celebrities and looking for beauty inspiration. The stars are certainly gorgeous, but most of them didn’t get there all on their own. Let’s take a quick look at some of the procedures we may have seen on the red carpet this year.

Breast Augmentation

If you aren’t naturally blessed with the cup size of your dreams, breast augmentation is the solution. Many celebrities, including Kaley Cuoco and Denise Richards, openly admit to having breast implants. To look great in those strapless gowns (especially after having children), breast implants are often a must.

BOTOX®

You might not notice it (the natural looking results are a big reason this procedure is so popular), but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. BOTOX® is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments on the red carpet. BOTOX® is a specialized toxin that helps facial muscles to relax letting the wrinkles they cause fade away. The results are stunningly natural looking and best of all, the procedure just takes a few minutes. This treatment is great for crow’s feet, forehead lines and lines between the brows. If you’re looking for an easy way to give yourself a red carpet makeover, come see us about BOTOX®.

Liposuction

Even with a careful diet and a high-priced personal trainer, celebrities still need liposuction. Some stubborn fat pockets are very resistant to diet and exercise, making it almost impossible to eliminate them on your own. Liposuction suctions this fat away permanently and reshapes body contours for those perfect curves. Hollywood stars might not admit it, but many have surely had liposuction.

Chemical Peels

How do you get your skin ready for the red carpet? With a chemical peel, of course. This treatment uses an acid solution to remove dead skin cells, revealing fresh, young skin underneath. A light chemical peel is the perfect solution to refresh and rejuvenate your skin before a big event.  A deeper peel is a better choice for removing stubborn hyperpigmentation and deep wrinkles.

Dermal Fillers

Celebrities know how to age gracefully. Many of our favorite stars still look sexy at 50, 60 and beyond. Can you believe that Brad Pitt is actually 51? Dermal fillers are a great way for celebrities to turn back the clock without the need for more extensive plastic surgery. Dermal fillers can plump up the lips, smooth wrinkles, lift sagging skin and reshape facial contours for a more rejuvenated look.

As you watched your favorite celebrities walk the red carpet this year, did you notice any of these cosmetic treatments? You may not have noticed, but we guarantee, they’re there.

Do You Have Questions about Injectables?

If you think that cosmetic enhancement always means cuts, stitches, and a painful recovery, you haven’t tried injectables. Whether you opt for a dermal filler like Restylane® or a “freezer” like BOTOX®, these treatments can rejuvenate and revitalize, transforming your look without the need for missed work or a long recovery period. If you look in the mirror and want a little pick me up, but aren’t ready to go under the knife, come on in and give injectables a try.

If you haven’t tried injectables for yourself yet, you probably have questions. Keep reading for answers to some of our top questions about injectable treatments.

What Is the Difference Between a Filler and a Freezer?

There are two primary types of injectables: dermal fillers and freezers. Although both treatments are injected into the face, they rejuvenate in dramatically different ways. Fillers, like Restylane® or Perlane®, restore lost volume, fill in wrinkles, and lift sagging skin. Freezers, like BOTOX®, work by temporarily stopping muscle impulses that pull skin and cause wrinkling. Find out which treatments will help you meet your beauty goals by talking with one of our board certified plastic surgeons.

Are Injectable Treatments Painful?

Many patients worry that injectable treatments will be painful. There may be some discomfort, but topical anesthetics can be used to numb the treatment area if you’re concerned about pain. Talk with us about your concerns and we can help you find solutions.

How Long Will the Results Last?

The results from dermal fillers and freezers are temporary, but rather long lasting. BOTOX® results are visible just a few days after treatment and can last for up to 6 months. Restylane® injections can last up to one year depending on the area injected. We also offer fat injections using your own fat which can last from a few months to indefinitely depending on the situation.

Are Injectables Safe?

Safety is a primary concern here at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg. The injectable treatments we offer have been used on millions of patients around the world and are FDA approved. BOTOX® is considered one of the safest, minimally invasive cosmetic treatments available and Restylane® is the world’s most used and most studied cosmetic filler.

Am I a Good Candidate for Injectables?

While injectable treatments are an ideal choice for many of our patients, we cannot give specific recommendations about what might be best for you without visiting with you in person. You may be a good candidate for dermal fillers if you have acne scars, wrinkles that you would like to diminish, hollow cheeks, thin lips, or dark under eye circles. BOTOX® is commonly used to treat lines between the brows and other facial wrinkles caused by overactive muscles. Talk with us about your specific needs and desires and we can help you find the right cosmetic treatment.