I have the utmost respect for our capitalistic society. Competition works to create better products, higher standards and a better society as a whole. That is except in cosmetic medicine. All plastic surgeons at some point in their career start to see patients that are unhappy with their cosmetic procedure that was performed elsewhere. What…
What an intriguing title for a blog, isn’t it? Makes you want to dive right in…to bed and fall asleep. Yes, I know, but it’s probably the most important subject when discussing a facelift – to keep fat or remove it. The SMAS or superficial muscular aponeurotic system is the fancy acronym given to the…
As we age the effects of sun damage, gravity and genetic aging act out their cruel escapades on the face. This is most evident in the lower lid/cheek region. As the cheek ages its fat, called the festoon, moves inferiorly and medially toward the nose. This accentuates the nasolabial or cheek fold. Although dermal fillers…
Aging of the lower eyelids can occur in different ways: skin wrinkling lid bulging, or drooping of the lid The approach to surgical correction than depends on not only the evaluation of the lower lid but also of the cheek region. Typically younger patients can have lower lid bulging without excess skin wrinkling. As aging…
It’s ironic that as we strive to stay fit and keep those extra pounds off for our health it can be detrimental to facial aging. After all youth is fat; just look at any baby. As we age we tend to lose fat especially in our faces. So how do we keep that facial fullness and a healthy body. Add the…
For decades breast reductions have been performed the same way. But that certainly doesn’t mean it was the best way. More recently a technique that was briefly considered more than 40 years ago has returned to become the standard of care for breast reduction at Hess Plastic Surgery. Known as the “superomedial pedicle” breast reduction…
As we age loss of skin elasticity and gravity take their toll on the periorbital area including the brows. The brows sag, initially on their lateral aspect then eventually the medial brows fall. Unfortunately, there are no lasers, injectable fillers or Botox that will solve this problem. So we are left with one of the…
Many patients today do their due diligence prior to a breast augmentation consultation. The Internet can be great for providing vast amounts of information regarding all of the aspects surrounding breast implants and breast augmentation. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always clarify the “how” and “why.” Textured vs. smooth breast implants is an example of this. When any…
When I was growing up the world viewed beauty as primarily a feature of the young. With few exceptions the most attractive moms were in their 20’s or early 30’s. By the time you were in your 40’s you were “old.” But thankfully the world has changed dramatically since that time. Now, the most appealing moms are…
Any time I bring up the topic of a midface lift I get the most quizzical looks. Although it is a less frequently performed than a standard facelift, it is no less important in facial rejuvenation. The midface is the region from the lower eyelids superiorly to the lateral nose medially to the lateral cheek…