Get Rid of “Grandma Ears” for Good

You look fantastic for your age. You’ve been exercising well, but not too much. Eating vegetables, fruits, high-quality proteins, good fats. Meditating. Seeing your dermatologist regularly for anti-aging treatments that keep your face and hands looking 10 years younger than your birth certificate says they should.

But there’s one part of your body that isn’t responding to your care. It’s your ears.

Why Your Ears Go Jumbo

You noticed it when you were a kid, and wondered, “Why do grandma and grandpa have such big noses…. And ears?”

Somebody probably told you that noses and ears continue to grow throughout our lives. While it’s true that older people’s ears and noses are larger than younger people’s, it’s not because they are growing. Instead, the cartilage and the skin in the ears begin to break down with age and can no longer resist the forces of gravity. Just as your face and neck droop over time (if you’re not getting regular laser treatments, dermal fillers, and/or surgery), your ears droop, too.

If that news weren’t bad enough, our faces lose bone, muscle, and fat as we age. The loss of volume makes our faces smaller. Our ears, in comparison, look bigger.

Earrings: Your Friend Turned Enemy

You probably remember the day you got your ears pierced and how excited you were to finally wear sparkly studs that made you look grown up and beautiful. Or, if you’re a guy, how completely radical and cool you looked. But over time, the weight of those studs — and hoops and dangling earrings — can stretch out your ear lobes. The piercing itself can stretch, too, transforming from a barely noticeable hole to an elongated gash. Your earlobes are thinner than they used to be, too, almost as if someone let the air out.

Even if you haven’t noticed that your ears look bigger, you may have noticed that your earrings don’t “sit right” in their holes anymore. Maybe they sink in, their glitter obscured by folds of skin. Or, the hole is so stretched out that the earrings look too low on the lobe.

You may have even had the misfortune of tearing your lobe when your earring got snagged or pulled.

Instead of making you look sophisticated and put-together, your earrings are now drawing attention to your thin, droopy, aging ears. You may have even stopped wearing earrings altogether or switched to earrings that are less obtrusive.

It’s Time to Flaunt Your Lobes Again

Luckily, you’re not living in grandma or grandpa’s era. There are now many different options available to help you reclaim more youthful looking earlobes. Jonathan Kulbersh, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon at Carolina Facial Plastics in Charlotte, NC, who trained in Beverly Hills, has been helping men and women restore their ears and earlobes using both surgical and nonsurgical methods.

Plump Up Your Ears

Earlobe plumping using hyaluronic acid fillers (HA) has taken many major cities by storm. If you are already receiving HA fillers to combat the signs of aging in your face, adding just a touch more filler to your ear lobes is an easy way to enhance your looks without a significant time investment.

If you’ve had a rhytidectomy (facelift), mini lift, or other surgical procedure and don’t use fillers, then earlobe plumping can become part of your routine skin maintenance services, such as chemical peels, microneedling or dermaplaning.

You can choose from HA fillers such as:

• Juvéderm
• Restylane
• Belotero
• Radiesse

The soft, natural-looking and -feeling volume will make your earlobes look fuller and more youthful. The added plumpness may even be sufficient to decrease the size of an enlarged piercing hole.

Repair Tears, Reshape Lobes

In some cases, HA fillers may not be enough to rejuvenate your earlobes. You may have actually torn through the lobe cartilage by catching a hoop earring on something. Or, decades of wearing heavy, dangling earrings have stretched your lobes so far that plumping alone will not improve their looks.

If you have a torn or stretched earlobe, a facial plastic surgeon such as Dr. Kulbersh can repair the tear or reduce the size of your lobe(s) with an in-office surgical procedure that only requires a local anesthetic. The entire earlobe repair only takes between 20 and 60 minutes per ear, depending on the degree of damage. You can return to normal activities immediately.

Born That Way

Maybe your large ears aren’t caused by aging at all. If you were born with large ears that stand away from your head, you may be a candidate for a surgical procedure called otoplasty. Otoplasty, otherwise known as ear pinning, can be performed at any age, starting at 5-years-old. Learn more about ear pinning at WebMD.com.

Ear pinning is a minimally invasive procedure during which the skin and cartilage behind the ear are reshaped so that the ears sit closer to the head. If the ears are overly large, they can be reduced and reshaped at the same time.

Beautiful Ears, for Life

Whether your ears look out of balance with the rest of your facing owing to age or birth, there is no reason to suffer or feel self-conscious. As a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Kulbersh has been specially trained not just in surgical techniques but also in facial aesthetics. He will ensure that your ears look natural, youthful, and in harmony with the rest of your features. Contact Dr. Kulbersh for a consultation in Charlotte or use our convenient online form.

Next, read The One Time You Don’t Want to Look Like Angelina Jolie

The post Get Rid of “Grandma Ears” for Good appeared first on Carolina Facial Plastics.

The One Time You Don’t Want to Look Like Angelina Jolie

During an appointment with a facial plastic surgeon, patients often request that the surgeon make them look like a celebrity. Thanks to her full lips and high cheekbones, Angelina Jolie is a favorite among young women seeking to make improvements to their faces.

It’s important to realize, however, that the celebrities we see in movies, TV, the internet, and magazines don’t always have the glamorous lives we imagine. Despite their beautiful features, their talent, and their wealth, they still deal with many of the same problems that we do.

Earlier this year, Angelina Jolie spoke to the magazine Vanity Fair about a problem that affected those very features that so many girls and women idealize. She had an episode of partial facial paralysis, otherwise known as Bell’s palsy, that caused one side of her face to droop. Not only does Bell’s palsy lead to an asymmetrical face, it can also cause difficulties with chewing, talking, smiling, and breathing.

Jolie isn’t the only celebrity who’s suffered the discomfort and embarrassment of Bell’s palsy: George Clooney, Roseanne Barr, and Ralph Nader also had episodes of the nerve condition at one point or another.

What Is Bell’s Palsy?

Bell’s palsy is benign but disfiguring facial paralysis that occurs when one of the two facial nerves that carry signals to the muscles of the face becomes inflamed. When the nerve is swollen, it can’t transmit signals from the brain to the facial muscles that allow them to move. The muscles become stiff and droopy. The affected eye may have trouble blinking and/or producing protective tears. Because the mouth is affected, you may even drool. One of George Clooney’s first symptoms, as a teen, was a protruding tongue.

What Causes Bell’s Palsy?

The exact cause of the neural inflammation that causes Bell’s palsy is unknown. The condition may be at least partially genetic; if someone in your family had it, you have a greater chance of developing it, too. Emotional or physical stress may be a factor, too. Jolie conjectures that the turmoil of her divorce and cancer scares may have triggered her episode. Ralph Nader developed partial facial paralysis after his older brother died of prostate cancer.

Most researchers suspect that facial nerve paralysis can also be triggered by a viral infection. Infections that sometimes precede or accompany Bell’s palsy include:

• Herpes simplex (cold sores or genital herpes)
• Herpes zoster (chicken pox or shingles)
• Mononucleosis (Epstein Barr)
• Cytomegalovirus
• Adenovirus
• Rubella (measles) or mumps
• Influenza B (flu)
• Coxsackievirus (Hand-foot-and-mouth disease)

How Can I Tell If I Have Facial Paralysis?

The onset of Bell’s palsy tends to be very sudden. It can range from mild to total paralysis of one side of your face within hours to days. Rarely, it will affect both sides of your face.

Facial nerve paralysis shares many of the same symptoms of a stroke, such as:

• Rapid facial paralysis
• A drooping face
• Feeling of stiffness or pulling on one side of your face
• Trouble making expressions
• Pain around jaw or ear
• Drooling
• Loss of your sense of taste
• Decrease or increase in tears and/or saliva
• Headache
• Increased sensitivity to sound on the affected side of your face

If you develop symptoms that seem like Bell’s palsy, you must seek immediate medical care — you may be having a stroke. Facial nerve paralysis is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that serious conditions must be ruled out first.

How Long Does the Paralysis Last?

After you’ve been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy by a facial paralysis expert, the good news is that 85% of cases resolve completely without treatment — most within days to months. In fact, when Roseanne Barr had facial nerve paralysis at the age of three it went away with just time working its magic.

About 10% of patients will have some residual weakness and paralysis. Only 5% go on to develop synkinesis —a condition in which the facial nerve, leading to unwanted muscle contractions or the loss of some muscle control. Learn more about synkinesis at Wikipedia.org.

Can Botox Help Me Regain Control of My Face?

Even though facial nerve paralysis itself is not a serious condition, facial nerve paralysis can be embarrassing and uncomfortable — particularly if it lasts for more than a few days. Depending on which muscles are affected, you could also be at risk for complications. It is most important with patients with facial paralysis to protect their eye. During facial paralysis, the eye may not close completely. This can lead to an ulcer on the eye and effect the vision. Patients with new onset facial paralysis should be seen urgently by an ophthalmologist and using drops to keep their eyes lubricated. Patient should be using ointment in their eye to keep it lubricated while they sleep.

The clenched facial muscles in synkinesis can be relaxed with injections of the neuromodulators Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin — but this an advanced procedure that must be performed by a facial plastic surgeon or another facial synkinesis expert. This can improve facial symmetry at rest and during animation.

Will I Need Surgery for Bell’s Palsy?

Bell’s palsy is a temporary condition that does not typically require surgery. However, as mentioned above, in a small percentage of patients, the paralysis may not resolve.

Facial paralysis can be treated with surgical procedures, such as:

Temporalis Transfer: The temporalis muscle is transferred from the scalp to the mouth corner, restoring the patient’s ability to chew and make normal facial movements.

Hypoglossal-Facial Nerve Jump Graft: The nerve that moves the tongue is grafted onto the facial muscles, allowing them to animate again.

Gracilis Free Flap Transfer: The gracilis muscle, along with its corresponding nerve, artery and vein, is removed from the inner thigh and is transferred to the face, where it may be attached to the masseter nerve or another nerve branch. This procedure takes several surgeries over the course of two years and is most appropriate for younger patients.

Call an Expert to Treat Facial Nerve Paralysis

If you are frustrated by your facial synkinesis and want to reclaim your facial symmetry, as Jolie, Barr, and Nader have, contact us at Carolina Facial Plastics, in Charlotte, NC. Jonathan Kulbersh, MD, is a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon and facial synkinesis expert who was trained by one of the country’s premiere facial paralysis surgeons. Dr. Kulbersh’s knowledge and experience let him create customized facial paralysis treatment options for his patients. If you suspect you may have facial synkinesis, call our office or contact us today with our online form.

Next, read Not Scarred for Life: How Scar Treatment Can Make Your Skin Glow Again

The post The One Time You Don’t Want to Look Like Angelina Jolie appeared first on Carolina Facial Plastics.

Not Scarred for Life: How Scar Treatment Can Make Your Skin Glow Again

Acne, burns, and accidents can cause facial trauma that may leave behind scars that are embarrassing or disfiguring. There are a few things that may improve the appearance of scars, such as using over-the-counter scar-treatment products, moisturizing the area with cocoa butter or another emollient, and disguising them with special cosmetics.

However, if these measures aren’t satisfactory and the scar tissue remains a permanent mark, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh at Carolina Facial Plastics can utilize a wide variety of effective techniques to minimize, fade, and improve scars.

Why Do Scars Form?

A scar is the visible end-result of a complex healing process. Whenever the deep layer of skin (the dermis) is injured by a disease or condition, such as acne, an accident, such as a burn or wound, or surgery, the body’s immune system sends white blood cells to attack and destroy any invading bacteria. The body also begins creating more collagen at the wound site to reconnect the damaged tissues.

As the wound heals, a scab forms to protect it from bacteria and further damage. Once the scab falls off, the skin underneath is usually thicker than the surrounding skin, owing to the increased influx of collagen. The skin may be darker, lighter, raised or depressed as a result.

Scars can also be formed when the skin is stretched, such as during a weight gain or pregnancy.

Different Types of Scars

Depending on the kind of initial injury, different types of scars may form as the trauma heals. Scars can be either depressed or raised.

Depressed scars are usually a result of acne, injury, or surgery. These include:

• Ice pick scars — narrow and deep
• Boxcar scars — wide and shallow
• Rolling scars — shallow and rounded

Raised scars may be caused by acne, injury, skin stretching, and surgery. These include:

• Hypertrophic scars — raised, reddish, and may be painful
• Keloid scars — raised scars that spread beyond the boundaries of the original injury. Keloids may continue to grow over time.

Treating Scar Tissue

If it is difficult to resolve or improve scars with over-the-counter remedies, a facial plastic surgeon can evaluate the scars and create a custom treatment plan to fade them. Deep scars or complex scars, such as hypertrophic scars or keloids, may require surgery as well as other treatments to fade them sufficiently. More superficial scars may respond well to topical therapy or minimally invasive treatments.

Some of the most effective treatments that Dr. Kulbersh may use to improve the appearance of scars include:

Bleaching Creams

Hydroquinone and other agents can lighten deeply pigmented scars. These generally have no side effects and can be applied at home.

Chemical Peels

By removing the skin’s top layer, chemical peels trigger the body’s healing response, which can even out the appearance of depressed scars or discolored tissue. Light peels have no downtime, while stronger peels may take a few days to two weeks to heal. Several treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

Lasers

Lasers not only remove the top layer of the skin, smoothing out the appearance of depressed scars, they also stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin deep within the tissue, which strengthens the skin overall. Lasers also help to resolve hyperpigmentation and smooth out the raised borders around scars, making them less visible.

Dermabrasion

This mechanical process abrades the skin, removing the top layer so that the surface is even. As the skin heals, it becomes more uniform in texture and color. Dermabrasion is a medical procedure for scars, as contrasted with microdermabrasion, which is a superficial treatment for skin texture alone. Learn more about dermabrasion treatments at WebMD.com.

Dermal Fillers

Injecting dermal fillers underneath depressed scars can raise them to the level of the rest of the skin, minimizing their appearance. The improvement is immediate, but most fillers will only last about 3 to 6 months. Fillers can be combined with scar revision surgery to help promote the growth of new, healing collagen.

Microneedling

Tiny needles are used to break up the tough bands of collagen and create micro-wounds that promote more uniform healing.

Surgical Scar Removal

In the case of hypertrophic or keloid scars, the scar tissue may be cut away and the new edges rejoined to form a smaller, less visible scar. Surgery can also be used on depressed scars, such as ice pick or boxcar scars, to release the collagen bands and stimulate a more uniform healing.

The Right Approach for Scar Revision

Most scars take a combination of treatments in order to fade them sufficiently. In many cases, scars can never be completely removed but their appearance can be dramatically improved with the right therapies.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD, a facial plastic surgeon at Carolina Facial Plastic Surgery in Charlotte, NC, specializes in all aspects of facial aesthetics, including scar revision and scar treatment. During a consultation, Dr. Kulbersh will evaluate the scar tissue and determine the best treatments to minimize it efficiently. Contact Carolina Facial Plastics today to receive expert scar treatment.

Next, read Why You Should Choose a Facial Plastic Surgeon Over a Plastic Surgeon for Your Facial Procedure

The post Not Scarred for Life: How Scar Treatment Can Make Your Skin Glow Again appeared first on Carolina Facial Plastics.

Why You Should Choose a Facial Plastic Surgeon Over a Plastic Surgeon for Your Facial Procedure

The difference between the two specialties is what sets Carolina Facial Plastics apart as the premier boutique aesthetics practice in Charlotte. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh specializes in facial cosmetic surgery and has dedicated his career to ensuring that his patients receive the expert care and natural-looking results they deserve.

While many patients think that a plastic surgeon is the same as a facial plastic surgeon, having a clear understanding of the two specialties can help patients make an informed decision about what kind of doctor they choose to receive treatment from.

The Fundamental Difference Between a Facial Plastic Surgeon and a Plastic Surgeon

Essentially, a plastic surgeon performs procedures on any part of the body. As a result, a plastic surgeon is versatile enough to address general cosmetic issues virtually anywhere on the body.

On the other hand, a facial plastic surgeon is specifically experienced in cosmetic facial procedures, and he or she has an extensive understanding of the face and its structure, functions, and aesthetics. A facial plastic surgeon is strongly recommended for patients looking to undergo facial procedures to correct aesthetic or functional issues anywhere on the face and neck, since they have spent years training specifically on facial structures.  It is not to say a general plastic surgeon will not have this knowledge, but there is a better chance most facial plastic surgeons will be more focused on the face and neck than most plastic surgeons.  

Let’s take a closer look at a few of the key differences:

What is a Plastic Surgeon?

A plastic surgeon can work anywhere on the body. A plastic surgeon is versatile in this respect, which can be a benefit; however, it also means that he or she is not necessarily a specialist in cosmetic surgery for any specific part of the body.

A crucial aspect of becoming a plastic surgeon is that he or she must be certified and verified in plastic and reconstructive surgery through both the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS). A candidate member can register his or her profile as a physician at both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

Plastic surgeons are trained and certified in plastic and reconstructive procedures that include tummy tucks and breast augmentations. They can perform reconstructive or cosmetic procedures on the entire body, including places like the hands and buttocks.

What is a Facial Plastic Surgeon?

Compared to plastic surgeons, becoming a facial plastic surgeon is much more nuanced; it’s a more specialized profession in which the surgeon focuses exclusively on facial structures. A facial plastic surgeon first becomes an ENT physician (an ear, nose, and throat specialist) and gains a complete, thorough knowledge of the face, its structures, and its functions. As a result, a facial plastic surgeon is an ideal choice to perform jawline augmentations, rhinoplasties, and other procedures on the face.

A facial plastic surgeon must be certified and verified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). A surgeon who is certified in another specialty, such as general plastic surgery or otolaryngology (ENT specialist), commonly complete a fellowship with and be certified through the ABFPRS.

A facial plastic surgeon is also trained and certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) to perform plastic surgery on the head and neck. This means that, except for work on the brain and teeth, he or she can perform procedures on the soft and bony tissue of anything above the shoulders, including:

• Face
• Nose
• Neck
• Ears
• Sinuses
• Skull base

A facial plastic surgeon is either a plastic surgeon or an ENT surgeon who is also board certified by the ABMS and has additional training focused exclusively on the face, neck, and nose.

A Brief Look at Procedures Performed by Facial Plastic Surgeons

Neck Lift (Lower Rhytidectomy)

A neck lift addresses skin laxity in the neck by tightening the skin and revitalizing the appearance of the neck. Although results vary, it can have the added effect of restoring definition to the jaw.

Visit our neck lift photo gallery for more before and after photos of this procedure.

 

 

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

A blepharoplasty can brighten tired-looking eyes by addressing droopy eyelids and/or reducing under-eye bagginess. For some patients, a blepharoplasty is transformative, as it often revitalizes the entire eye area.

Visit our blepharoplasty photo gallery for more before and after photos of this procedure.

 

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

A rhinoplasty can improve both the appearance and function of the nose by reshaping the internal and external structures of the nose, making it appear more proportional to the face, and/or restoring proper breathing capabilities. Some patients even see improvement in facial symmetry following a rhinoplasty.

Visit our rhinoplasty photo gallery for more before and after photos of this procedure.

 

 

Contact Carolina Facial Plastics to Learn More

Dr. Kulbersh was trained in Beverly Hills under the most renowned facial plastic surgeons in the world, Dr. Paul Nassif (as seen on Botched, Dr. 90210, and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills), and Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, who has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Dr. Kulbersh provides thorough facial analysis to create a customized treatment plan that helps patients reach their aesthetic goals.

To learn more about facial plastic surgery, contact Carolina Facial Plastics online or by calling our office in Charlotte.

Next, read our blog, Restore Facial Volume with Dermal Fillers.

 

The post Why You Should Choose a Facial Plastic Surgeon Over a Plastic Surgeon for Your Facial Procedure appeared first on Carolina Facial Plastics.

Restore Facial Volume with Dermal Fillers

While it is true that lines and wrinkles can make a person look much older and more tired than they really are, an often-overlooked aspect of the effects of age on one’s appearance is the loss of volume around the temples. As a person ages, the fat pads in temple region begin to shrink creating a gaunt appearance of the face.  As the temple loses volume, the bone becomes more visible, and the top aspect of the head narrows.  This is one of the main changes that contribute to the changing proportions of the face.  The changing proportion is a key aspect in the aging face. Fortunately, there is an easy solution available at Carolina Facial Plastics in Charlotte.

Dermal Fillers. What are They and How Can They Help?

Injectable dermal fillers (such as Juvéderm and Restylane) are ideal for restoring shape and volume to the temples. This is because they are made of a hyaluronic acid (HA) gel substance that replicates the natural, supple look and feel of collagen in the skin. Since HA is a naturally-occurring substance in skin tissue, these HA dermal fillers are safe and provide instant results that can last up from three months to a year, depending on each patient.

Another type of dermal filler that is perfect for restoring a youthful appearance to one’s face are collagen building fillers. These dermal fillers, which include Sculptra and Radiesse, provide gradual, natural-looking results by stimulating the body’s own collagen production. While the full results may take longer, the effect is much longer lasting because the skin’s new collagen does not get reabsorbed as quickly as hyaluronic acid does.

Make an Informed Decision about Injectables

Before undergoing any cosmetic treatment, it’s important to discuss your options with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Not every doctor can achieve the same amazing results simply because they are using the same products on the market. Dr. Kulbersh is highly-trained and highly experienced when it comes to injecting dermal fillers, whether to create supple temples or to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and creases. While HA fillers are temporary and can be reversed, collagen boosting fillers require greater skill and cannot be reversed.

Have a Needle-less Injection

Dr. Kulbersh injects dermal fillers in the temples using a needle-less technique at his Charlotte office.  He uses blunt tipped microcannulas to inject this area.  Cannulas have an advantage over needles in producing a better result while significantly reducing the chance of bruising.

Learn more about dermal filler treatments at WebMD.com.

Schedule Your Dermal Filler Consultation with Dr. Kulbersh Today!

If you’ve noticed that your appearance has changed due to age, sun exposure, or other environmental factors in Charlotte, do not hesitate to set up a meeting with the expert team at Carolina Facial Plastics. We can help you determine the best treatment options for regaining the youthful, beautiful, and healthy appearance you want. Contact our office in Charlotte today to schedule an appointment for dermal fillers!

Next, read Unhappy with Your Nose But Afraid of Surgery? Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Might Be an Option for You

The post Restore Facial Volume with Dermal Fillers appeared first on Carolina Facial Plastics.

Unhappy with Your Nose But Afraid of Surgery? Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Might Be an Option for You

The most beautiful features of the face are the eyes, smile, and skin. A beautiful or handsome nose blends with the surrounding facial features. If the nose is not in balance with the face, it can often draw attention and detract from one’s appearance. This is the most common reason why patients seek a non-surgical rhinoplasty in Charlotte at Carolina Facial Plastics.

What is a Non-surgical Rhinoplasty?

A non-surgical rhinoplasty is an in-office procedure where injectable fillers are placed in the nose to change its shape. Injectable fillers have been successfully and safely used for facial augmentation and enhancement for many years.

Facial injectables do not change the underlying bone or cartilage shape of the nose. By adding volume, facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh can enhance the nose and create a shape that blends with the surrounding facial features. Patients should think of a non-surgical nose job as a high end and long lasting camouflage technique.

What Are Common Reasons for an Injectable Rhinoplasty?

There are many reasons why patients will seek a non-surgical rhinoplasty. The most common reasons behind patients visiting Carolina Facial Plastics in Charlotte for the procedure include:

• Nasal Bump – Patients that have a nasal hump or bump are excellent candidates for non-surgical rhinoplasty. Fillers can be added above and below the nasal hump to camouflage it. It can change a masculine or harsh nose into a softer and more feminine nose.
• Improved Bridge Definition – African-American and Asian noses typically have wider and flatter nasal bridges and dorsums. If this nasal shape is present, it can limit the definition of the nasal bridge. The nasal bridge can be effectively raised and defined with dermal fillers.
• Crooked Nose – There are many causes of a crooked nose. One common cause is a depression in the nose. This can create an illusion of asymmetry and crookedness. By simply filling this depression, it can significantly straighten a crooked nose.
• Correcting Asymmetries – Noses are inherently asymmetric when comparing the right and left sides. This can be exacerbated in some patients after a previous rhinoplasty surgery. These asymmetries can commonly be improved with injectables.

What are the Steps in a Dermal Filler Nose Job?

A non-surgical rhinoplasty procedure typically takes between 10 and 15 minutes. Before the procedure, numbing cream will be applied to the nasal area. After numbing, the injectable filler will be placed at strategic points under the skin. Two weeks after the filler treatment, Dr. Kulbersh will have the patient return to the office for an evaluation. At that time, he will inspect treatment area to ensure the best result. If any improvement is possible, the additional filler will be placed.

Is a Filler Treatment Painful?

A non-surgical rhinoplasty is well-tolerated and has minimal discomfort to patients. The use of numbing gel significantly limits any pain during the procedure.

How Long Do the Results Last?

The results are long-lasting. The filler will typically last one year. Most commonly, patients will repeat the process on an annual basis.

Can Patients Still Have a Surgical Rhinoplasty after a Filler Rhinoplasty?

Patients commonly undergo a surgical rhinoplasty after a non-surgical rhinoplasty. Before undergoing a rhinoplasty, it is important to ensure that any filler placed in the nose is no longer present. In situations where patients had a hyaluronic acid filler placed, it can be dissolved in the weeks leading up to a rhinoplasty surgery. The common hyaluronic acid fillers are Restylane and Juvéderm. Radiesse can be used, but it cannot be dissolved, therefore, Dr. Kulbersh prefers to not use Radiesse for nose augmentations.

What is the Recovery or Downtime Afterward?

There is little recovery or downtime after a non-surgical rhinoplasty. After the procedure, the patient should expect swelling in the nose for a few days. Anytime a patient has an injection, there is always a risk for a bruise. Patients should restrict physical activity and wearing glasses for one day afterward.

Read more about non-surgical nose job at Wikipedia.org.

How Can I Learn More About an Alternative Rhinoplasty in Charlotte?

Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh is both an expert in facial injectables and rhinoplasty. He is a double board-certified and fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon with an office in the South Park area of Charlotte, North Carolina. If you would like to learn more about your options for a rhinoplasty, please consider a consultation at our office. A consultation can be requested by calling (704) 842-3644 or using our online contact form.

Next, read 4 Top Cosmetic Procedures for Men

The post Unhappy with Your Nose But Afraid of Surgery? Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Might Be an Option for You appeared first on Carolina Facial Plastics.

4 Top Cosmetic Procedures for Men

As men continue to shed the taboos associated with undergoing skin rejuvenation or facial plastic surgery, quality Charlotte facial plastic surgeons understand the different goals that men seek compared to women.

At Charlotte boutique facial aesthetics practice Carolina Facial Plastics, we take the time to understand our clients’ goals in order to customize skin rejuvenation solutions. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh has the training, skill, and experience in facial plastic procedures for men to help them achieve their desired results.

As summer approaches, the following four cosmetic treatments are among the most popular skin rejuvenation therapies for men.

Skin Rejuvenation for Men

Neck Lift

Skin rejuvenation of the neck is often overlooked, but the neck can show unwanted signs of aging early. The skin starts to sag due to the loss of elasticity, which can also cause fat to form. Known medically as a lower rhytidectomy, a neck lift revitalizes the appearance of both the throat and neck.

Many men find a lower rhytidectomy preferable to a facelift because it’s less invasive. The incisions necessary to tighten the skin on the neck are small and well hidden behind the ears and under the chin. The procedure is less invasive and is can be performed under local anesthesia. Local anesthesia may reduce recovery and healing time.

A neck lift is suitable for reducing a turkey neck and tightening saggy skin; an added bonus is that the jawline is sculpted to be more defined. It’s not uncommon for the effects of from a neck lift to last five to ten years or even longer in some cases.

This especially applies to men who protect their skin from the sun, eat right, and exercise regularly.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

The skin under the eye is naturally weak and thin. Even under optimal conditions, any amount of stress, lack of sleep, or too much work can cause the skin to swell or droop. The eyes then look lifeless or dull, making an otherwise youthful person look old and haggard.

With aging and the skin’s resulting loss of elasticity, the excess skin can start to droop or collect fatty deposits around the eyes. The result is either saggy eyelids or under-eye bags.

A blepharoplasty is an ideal solution for tired, droopy-looking eyes, as it can brighten the overall appearance, reduce under eye bagginess, and improve dullness under the eye. In fact, a blepharoplasty can have a transformative effect on one’s appearance, as it often revitalizes the skin around the eyes, as well, while also appearing to lift the skin.

Dr. Kulbersh’s training in Beverly Hills under the world’s most prominent eye plastic surgeons, including Dr. Paul Nassif of the TV series Botched, is crucial; he understands that men often have different skin rejuvenation goals than women, particularly around the eyes. Due to his expertise in eye and eyelid anatomy, along with his state-of-the-art facial aging analysis, male patients can be confident in achieving their skin rejuvenation goals while preserving their masculine appearance.

Dr. Kulbersh provides customized plans designed to help brighten the eyes and restore a more youthful appearance.

Rhinoplasty

The nose is arguably the most noticeable feature on one’s face. While people might be innately drawn to the eyes or mouth, it’s the nose that keeps the face balanced. Furthermore, it’s a crucial element of one’s respiratory system, so structural abnormalities are often less of a cosmetic issue than a breathing one.

If the nose is out of proportion or doesn’t seem to suit the face, a rhinoplasty (nose surgery) could be the solution. It can also be effective for breathing troubles or structural concerns.

Men often undergo a rhinoplasty for a nose that is too big or wide, has a hump, or features an unsightly, crooked tip. Sometimes, men feel that their nose is too feminine for their masculine features or is too wide and makes the face appear asymmetrical.

A rhinoplasty can improve the appearance and proportion of a man’s nose as well as restore proper breathing abilities. Plus, many men discover an unexpected boost of self-confidence after recovering from the rhinoplasty procedure.

Botox Injections / Wrinkle Treatments

Although men are typically less concerned with wrinkles than women are, Botox injections are still the most common cosmetic procedure for men seeking skin rejuvenation. Often, men are more concerned with merely softening their wrinkles rather than outright eliminating them in order to achieve the highly desirable experienced yet still-youthful appearance.

Botox injections are ideal for skin rejuvenation and can soften the appearance of a variety of wrinkles, including:

• Vertical “11” lines between the eyebrows
• Crow’s feet at the outer corners of the eyes
• Horizontal forehead wrinkles (worry lines)

Men also choose Botox because treatments can be easily customized. Instead of a significant number of injections for dramatic results, men typically prefer fewer injections that simply “soften” deeper lines and creases.

Botox is backed by decades of safe, effective results, and can also address non-wrinkle concerns such as excessive sweating and migraine headaches.

Learn more about Botox at WebMD.com.

Contact Carolina Facial Plastics to Learn More about Other Cosmetic Procedures for Men

To learn more about the benefits of cosmetic procedures for men seeking skin rejuvenation, please contact Carolina Facial Plastics today. Contact us online or call 704.842.3644.

Next, read 7 Interesting Facts about Dermal Fillers

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