Neck Lift or Face Lift?
- Rhys Branman, MD
The curve and shape of the neck is a large part of facial aesthetics. The relationship of the neck to the lower third of the face is a basic factor in planning surgical rejuvenation. Most patients do not know the technical name of a neck lift. One technique is called a platysmaplasty. The platysmaplasty involves removing a small part of the muscle that extends from your collarbone to the angle of your jaw. This procedure removes that "turkey waddle" or double chin that many of us accrue as we get older. Platysmaplasty is only effective when the platysma muscle is... Realistic Expectations When Seeking Cosmetic Surgery
April 5, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD
Cosmetic surgeons are always talking about realistic expectations. What exactly does that mean, you might ask. Here is an interesting term that may help explain. The "range of believability" is the concept. What do you believe can be achieved? When a person first seriously considers seeking cosmetic surgery, it may feel as if new potentially liberating options have opened up. On the other hand, it may feel scary. These feelings describe a range of expectation, or belief about what is possible. Just from that range of possible feelings, you can see that cosmetic surgery is an emotional issue. It's easy... Looking at Before and After Pictures
April 3, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD
We all know that researching your cosmetic surgeon is critical for the outcome of your procedure and safety. Elective surgery involves some risk, just as any other surgery does. Of course you want the best outcome as well. One thing you should do is ask how often and how recently your surgeon has performed the procedure you are seeking. Another thing you will want to do is to look at his or her portfolio, the before and after pictures of patients he has operated on. But how do you know what to look for in these pictures? First of all,... Know Thyself
April 2, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD
In a fascinating blog in the New York Times, the author points out the "democratization of beauty" that is available with cosmetic surgery. When we think about psychology and cosmetic surgery, we often think about Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) or conversely, research that points to increased quality of life after cosmetic procedures. It is true that there are many controversies about the effect of cosmetic surgery on body image. As science continues to produce more longitudinal studies, more and more people continue to choose elective surgery. I try to present a few facts and some of the research on my... FYI Teens & Breast Reduction Surgery
March 29, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MDWhat’s Up With Kate’s Nose?
March 27, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MDChoosing Lip Augmentation
March 25, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD
Lip augmentation is a deceptively complex subject. Most patients would love to have a permanent solution to full sensuous lips, but the lips are a very sensitive area. Most often it is simpler to use injectable fillers for better results. So although there are many choices, I prefer injectable hyaluronic acid or Silikon 1000. The hyaluronic fillers I prefer are Juvéderm® or Restylane®. For a more permanent solution, I prefer Silikon 1000 to lip implants. One would think lip implants would be an easy solution for lip augmentation, however lip implants can be a bit hard and stiff, and patients... The Importance of Drinking Water
March 22, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD
Why should you drink an adequate amount of water? There are lots of reasons! Water allows your kidneys to remove waste material from your system. Water softens bowels and keeps you from being constipated. Remaining well hydrated helps you heal from surgery faster. Water is also a critical ingredient in keeping your skin young and healthy looking. Your skin wants water. As we age we lose skin elasticity. Much of this has to do with not drinking enough water, although much of it also has to do with sun damage and genetics. But hydration is a large factor in preventing... Recent International Survey
March 20, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD
You may have noticed the statistics are in on the new international survey of cosmetic procedures performed globally. The ISAPS (International Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) International Survey on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures Performed in 2011 recruited almost 1000 surgeons to participate in a survey. This survey resulted in the numbers of procedures that were most popular in more than 25 countries. The United States recorded the most procedures, however this number may be reflecting the fact that the United States had the most surgeons who responded to the survey, 5,950. Brazil followed closely at 5,024 surgeons responding. China was third with... 