The brow is one of the first places on the face to show signs of aging. Creases that form along the forehead become deeper as skin gets older and less elastic. Patients who want to improve the appearance of their foreheads sometimes have difficulty choosing between surgical and non-surgical options. Here, renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Min Ahn explains the particulars for patients who are considering either Botox or a brow lift.

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It’s comforting to know that in terms of medical care, Boston is considered to be the worldwide mecca. In the January/February edition of Boston Magazine, 1665 physicians practicing in the area are recognized as TOP DOCTORS. These highly qualified health care providers arise from 66 different specialties. To be featured amongst such peers is tremendously satisfying. Once again, Dr. Ahn is featured in the Health Experts section of Boston Magazine’s TOP DOCTORS.  Congratulations Dr. Ahn!

Read Dr. Ahn’s online Boston Magazine profile.  You can also access Boston Magazine’s digital flip at Boston Magazine

WHY IS IT A PERFECT TIME TO HAVE SURGERY WITH DR. AHN IN THE FALL?

The time is now to have your surgery and be ready for the holiday season!

The Fall and early Winter are our most busy times for surgery and treatments with Dr. Ahn and Rebecca Hoffey, RN, BSN, CNOR, RNFA, our Aesthetic Nurse Specialist.

What are some good reasons for having surgery now, in the Fall?

• You will be recovered by the holiday season in November and December
• Enjoy looking your best for the joyous time
• Recovery is easier.
  • It is easier to “hide” indoors during the fall season now that summer is over
• Great reason for a “stay-cation”
• The gift of beauty and care
  • It is popular for loved ones to give the gift of plastic surgery. Request your gift now in time for the holidays!

Choose a facial plastic surgeon who is forward thinking and progressive.

It always amazes me when I hear from patients stories of how certain procedures and surgeries are done elsewhere in an antiquated, dated manner.

Today I saw two patients in consultation for rhinoplasty. Both had been hesitant to even have a consultation because they had heard stories from friends about how difficult and painful the recovery can be. In particular, their friends described how the doctor used packing in the nose that caused a significant amount of pain not only for the week after surgery but especially when it had to be removed.

I told them that packing is unnecessary in rhinoplasty surgery and frankly is an antiquated technique. Instead, the surgeon can use certain suturing techniques that do the same thing as packing but without the pain and discomfort. In addition, they do not need to be removed.

The patients both asked why the doctors still used packing. My answer is that many doctors are still stuck in their conservative ways where they do things simply because that is how they were taught.

This is unfortunate, as the patient ultimately suffers because of the doctor’s lack of progressive thinking. In my opinion, forward thinking surgeons are always looking to improve on their techniques, not only to improve outcomes but also to minimize patients’ recoveries. In fact, if the surgeon is not always looking to improve, frankly he or she is falling behind quickly.

Choose a surgeon who is always looking to improve. Otherwise you may be stuck with dated techniques, poor outcomes and harder recoveries.

TRADITIONAL PLASTIC SURGERY- AN INSIDER (SURGEON) OPINION

To me, plastic surgery that is practiced using traditional approaches represents a not progressive approach to rejuvenating the aging face.

The picture below is a perfect example. This is an actual face lift scar from a prominent plastic surgeon. It is displayed on his website. Important points to note:

• Very noticeable straight line incision in front of the ear.
• This woman can never wear her hair back without other people noticing.
• This is unfortunately common and typical of old-school, traditional techniques.
• With the proper approach, this is, fortunately avoidable.

Below is an example of the type of face lift incision that I design, following the approach of progressive plastic surgery. Important points to note:

• It is a very discreet incision, almost imperceptable.
• The entire ear looks normal.
• She can wear her hair in any style she wishes, dry or wet.
• The incision is created using 3 curves that follow the contour of the ear.

But Don’t You Practice Here in the Boston Area, with a Long History of Traditional Medicine?

Yes, I do. But unlike many surgeons who practice in the area, I did not receive my training in Boston and instead was fortunate enough to receive my surgical training in head and neck surgery and facial cosmetic surgery in San Francisco.

I was educated at Harvard college, where I graduated with honors in Biology. I also spent 2 summers and 1 year as a research assistant at the National Cancer Institute (NCI-NIH) in Bethesda, MD and 1 summer as a researcher in a general surgery lab at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

So I have benefited from the best of several worlds:

• A Harvard undergraduate education
• Basic science research at the NIH
• Basic science research at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Cutting-edge surgical training at the best institution on the west coast, the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF)

Large Medical Institutions

I do believe that in some respects, the traditional local medical community is unparalleled. If you have a serious medical problem, you cannot get better care than at one of several world class hospitals in Boston. With cosmetic facial surgery, however, much of the progressive thinking and techniques have emanated from the West coast and other cities, and not the traditional bastion of medicine.

A progressive approach to facial plastic surgery can only help to make for better, more natural looking results.

The thought of altering your physical appearance can be nerve-wracking for many, but this study shows that patients who underwent aesthetic surgery were happier, healthier and more satisfied with their quality of life overall.

The study took 544 patients who underwent aesthetic surgery and compared them to 264 participants who had shown interest in aesthetic surgery but didn’t go through with it. Checking in after 3, 6 and 12 months, participants who underwent the surgery had greater positive outcomes including improvements in physical and mental health, a decrease in social anxiety and greater self-esteem. If you’re considering undergoing an aesthetic procedure, you should know some of the great benefits that you will receive with the procedure.

Reduce Anxiety and Depression

Looking at your fine lines, wrinkles and double chin every day can really wear you down. It can start to take over your thoughts and make you feel anxious about heading out into the world. Cosmetic surgery can help tackle your fears and insecurities leading to a reduction in anxiety and depression. Thanks to a fresh, new look, you’ll be feeling more confident and ready to tackle new challenges without having to worry about your appearance.

Improve Physical Health

Some surgeries such as a rhinoplasty can improve more than just your mental wellbeing. A rhinoplasty can sometimes help patients breathe better while increasing the aesthetic of the nose. Breast reduction surgery is another common procedure that can help relieve back and neck pain. Even cosmetic procedures that simply help a person feel more confident lead that person to feeling happier overall which can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure and help regulate body weight.

Develop Greater Self-Confidence

Lacking confidence can hold you back, and you may find that you close yourself off at work and in social situations. When you feel more attractive, you feel better about yourself overall and your confidence grows. Greater self-confidence can lead you try something as simple as a new outfit to something life-changing such as saying yes to a new career. Gaining confidence can help you overcome fear and allows you to believe in your abilities and the way people view you.

With a study of 544 patients showing positive results, you should feel confident going into an aesthetic procedure. If you want to reduce your social anxiety, feel more confident and improve your mental and physical well being, it’s time to schedule your cosmetic procedure.

Say goodbye to fake, puffy lips, large, surgically enhanced breasts, and “pulled” faces that are obviously “done.” The natural look is gaining major traction in the cosmetic industry—and that’s a good thing. Today, patients are focused on looking more like a well-rested, refreshed version of themselves. They want to look good without looking plastic.

Hollywood is a major influence in this new trend. In the past, Tinseltown embraced breast implants and other surgically-enhanced body parts. Today many filmmakers, producers, and casting directors are seeking actors and actresses who look more natural.

Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry, and Jennifer Lopez are all proof that you can age gracefully without looking overdone. On top of that, they look better than most women half their age.

Preserving your youth

Now more than ever, patients are seeking cosmetic surgery to create a fresher version of themselves. They don’t want to look like someone else. They merely want to enhance their own features. According to a survey by The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, patients of all ages are becoming desensitized to plastic surgery as more celebrities come clean about their cosmetic tweaks.

Having a little “work done” has become less taboo as well. In fact, in 2014, 82 percent of surveyed surgeons reported that celebrities were a major influence in their patients’ decision to have plastic surgery.

The survey also revealed a new trend that points to more young adults and teens opting for aesthetic procedures. In 2015, a whopping 64 percent of facial plastic surgeons saw an increase in cosmetic surgery or injectable treatments in patients under age 30. For these younger patients, it’s about slowing down the aging process and correcting those troublesome features.

Why The Aesthetic Wellness Center is different

At The Aesthetic Wellness Center, it’s our goal to help you look your best while maintaining your natural features. We offer a variety of procedures to help preserve and enhance your natural appearance including:

• Injectable Treatments (eg: Botox, Juvederm, Voluma)—Eliminates fine lines and wrinkles and restores volume
• Fraxel Laser treatments—Improves skin texture, tone, and pore size while eliminating brown pigmentation and stimulating collagen
• Coolsculpting—Eliminates exercise resistant fat including your “double chin,” love handles, abdominal fat, bra bulge, and more
• Mini Facelift, Lower Facelift, Neck lift—Eliminates excess skin along the jaw line, improves the neck contour, eliminates neck bands, reduces excess fullness and fat in neck area

Interested in learning more?

It’s important to find a surgeon, like Dr. Ahn at The Aesthetic Wellness Center, who understands your needs and can give you a natural look. Dr. Ahn is one of the most sought after plastic surgeons in the region. Call us today at (508) 593-4385.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a rhinoplasty (nose job) is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the United States — only second to a breast augmentation. In 2017, almost 219,000 people had the procedure performed. With more and more people concerned with their appearance, the demand for the popular procedure shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

What Is a Rhinoplasty?

Sometimes referred to as a “nose job” or “nose reshaping,” a rhinoplasty improves the appearance of one’s nose. There are several reasons why patients choose to have this procedure done. Some of the most common complaints we hear from patients who want a rhinoplasty include:

• Their nose is too big for their face
• They are unhappy with the bump on the bridge of their nose
• They do not like the appearance of the tip of their nose
• Their nose is crooked
• They feel as if their nose does not “fit” their face

Fortunately, for the right candidate, a rhinoplasty performed by an experienced and qualified facial plastic surgeon can correct most of these concerns. A rhinoplasty can significantly increase a person’s self-esteem and confidence, giving them a better quality of life.

Candidates for Rhinoplasty:

The first step in deciding if you are a candidate for a rhinoplasty is to set up a consultation with a facial plastic surgeon. During your initial consultation, the surgeon will review your health and medical history, as well as perform a physical examination of the skin and bone around the nasal area. Once the examination is complete, you will be able to discuss what you would like to see improved with a rhinoplasty.

A computer imaging program, like what Dr. Ahn uses during all of his consultations, is an effective way to communicate with your surgeon about your goals with a rhinoplasty. By looking at your pictures together, you and your surgeon can create a treatment plan that will give you the best outcome. You may be a good candidate for a rhinoplasty if:

• Your facial bones have stopped growing (this generally happens around age 16)
• You do not have any underlying medical conditions that would affect your ability to undergo surgery
• You are not a smoker (if you are, some surgeons may ask you to quit four weeks prior to the procedure to avoid complications)
• You have a positive outlook and realistic goals

Procedure Details:

This surgical procedure involves an experienced surgeon, like Dr. Ahn at The Aesthetic Wellness Center, first examining the bone and cartilage support of the nose. There are two techniques used to perform a rhinoplasty. The “closed” technique is when the surgeon only makes internal incisions through the nostrils. Because of the limited visibility, it is difficult to provide patients with the best results when using this method.

The more modern approach, also known as the “open” technique, allows the surgeon to visualize more of the nasal structure, giving the patient more accurate and precise results. When performing an “open rhinoplasty,” an incision is made in the area of skin separating the nostrils. From there, the surgeon is able to lift the skin and precisely fix the misshapen features, giving the patient the best results possible.

Recovering From a Rhinoplasty:

Immediately after surgery, your nose will be stuffy (similar to a head cold) and there may be some bruising of the lower eyelids. Cold compresses, especially bags of frozen corn and peas, often help to reduce bruising and discomfort. You will leave the surgery with a small cast on the bridge of your nose. The cast and sutures will be removed seven days after your procedure. At that point, most people have minimal yellow discoloration of the lower eyelids that can be easily covered with some makeup. We generally recommend that patients plan on taking seven to 10 days off from work or school to recover from a rhinoplasty. Most of the swelling goes away in the first two to three weeks after surgery, while the remaining swelling can take longer to resolve, particularly in the tip.

When Is a Good Time for a Nose Job?

This varies from person to person. There is no one answer that fits all scenarios. The real answer is: it all depends. As a general rule, a rhinoplasty is best done only AFTER a person has stopped growing.

Sometimes, patients who are starting a new chapter in their life, such as gearing up for college or a new job, may want to have a rhinoplasty to help reflect that new change. With proper planning, the seven- to 10-day recovery is relatively easy to fit into a busy schedule.

The Cost of a Rhinoplasty:

Double board-certified facial plastic surgeons, who specialize in surgeries of the face and neck, tend to charge more than the average surgeon. Be cautious of surgeons who offer the procedure at an unusually low price. If the fee seems too good to be true, you may get what you pay for.

When choosing a surgeon for the procedure, you need to find one who is not only experienced but also has the educational background and training to back it. Dr. Ahn has performed thousands of nasal surgeries and is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. (To read more about him, click here.)

At The Aesthetic Wellness Center, the fee for a primary rhinoplasty is based on several components, including Dr. Ahn’s fee, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and all of your follow-up appointments. (To learn more, click here.) The Aesthetic Wellness Center also offers financing through CareCredit (www.carecredit.com).

Interested in Learning More?

If you are seriously considering a rhinoplasty, we would love to hear from you. Come find out why Dr. Ahn is one of the most sought-after plastic surgeons in the region. He will be happy to answer any questions you might have about the procedure to help you achieve the look you have always wanted. Call us today at 508-366-2020.

 

Choosing to book a surgical procedure is a big decision and many factors must be taken into consideration prior to doing so.  Once you have found the doctor who is right for you and you feel comfortable with the surgical procedure, the next step is choosing when you will have surgery and making plans for your recovery.

At the Aesthetic Wellness Center, we often recommend scheduling surgical procedures during the fall months as this time of year proves to work well for many patients’ recovery process.

As we move out of summer and head into the cooler months, the days are shorter and the sun is not as strong. This weather is ideal for a patient who is recovering from a surgical procedure—the less sun exposure the better. Skin will be at its most vulnerable after surgery and it is important to avoid any strong rays while you are healing. Additionally, Dr. Ahn often uses the Fraxel laser to complement his facelifts and neck lifts. Fraxel is an FDA-approved procedure used to treat photo-aged skin, acne scarring, fine lines & wrinkles, as well as pigmentation issues like age spots, sun spots and melasma. The fractionated laser works by creating controlled, microscopic injury to the skin which then stimulates your body’s natural collagen production and slows the signs of aging. By combining a Fraxel treatment with surgery, Dr. Ahn is able to further accentuate the results of the procedure, leaving the patient looking refreshed, youthful and vibrant.  Fraxel cannot be performed on patients who have active sun tans or burns, and it is imperative that all sun be avoided post-treatment in order to protect newly resurfaced skin.

Another benefit to scheduling surgery during the fall is that it is often a time of year when social calendars aren’t quite as busy and more time is spent indoors.  Events and parties tend to be fewer and farther in between, providing patients with more of an opportunity to set aside some downtime after surgery.  It is crucial to the recovery process for patients to have a stress-free environment and really take the time to slow down and relax.  In fact, at the Aesthetic Wellness Center Dr. Ahn has implemented the “AWC Recovery Program” which helps to reduce post-operative downtime and allows patients to return to normal life as soon as possible. Relaxation is one of the most important elements of the AWC’s recovery program, and scheduling a surgery when social obligations are at a minimum will certainly aide in the healing process. You can learn more about our Recovery Program in the “Patient Information” section of our website by clicking here or by calling to speak with one of our knowledgeable Patient Advisors.

Planning a surgery during the fall months is also convenient when it comes to keeping surgical procedures private.  Fall fashions allow for high-collared shirts, sweaters and cleverly placed scarves and accessories to conceal any evidence of recent surgical procedures.  For patients who don’t feel comfortable sharing their surgical experience with others (friends or peers in the workplace, for example), having a procedure done during this quiet time of year helps to make privacy more attainable.

Lastly, after the lull and leisure of the initial fall months comes the hustle and bustle of the holidays. By choosing a fall surgery, you will be recovered by this time—looking and feeling your best for parties and spending time with family and friends. As explained by Dr. Ahn, head of the highly rated and prestigious Aesthetic Wellness Center, “the time is now to have your surgery, because you will be recovered by the November/December holiday season. You will be ready in time to enjoy looking your best during the holiday festivities.” Gift yourself for the holidays this year—ring in the New Year with a new (and rejuvenated) YOU!

Lasers and radiofrequency treatments have taken over the scene when it comes to skin tightening and resurfacing – their ease and overall effectiveness making them wildly popular and all the buzz. However, while extremely effective, these procedures do have to be carefully planned out as there is often downtime to consider. A typical recovery might include redness, swelling, changes in pigment, or excessive dryness. This can be difficult to coordinate for those who frequently have social events (especially during these summer months), or just the inability to take time off of work.

What if there was a procedure that skipped all of these side effects and actually enhanced your appearance immediately after treatment? Allow us to introduce you to Forma.

What is Forma?

Forma is a device by InMode Aesthetics which uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate your body’s formation of new collagen while also improving elasticity. It is completely non-invasive and works by heating the layers of the skin safely and uniformly to promote gradual collagen growth.

What sets Forma apart from other laser and RF treatments is that there is absolutely no downtime, no side effects, and it is completely painless. In fact, it can even be described as a spa-like procedure! There is no need for anesthesia or topical numbing cream, just an ultrasound-like gel which allows the hand piece to glide gently over the skin. Many patients have compared their Forma treatment to a hot stone massage—warm, comfortable and relaxing. There may be some redness post-procedure but this will subside in just a few hours. Patients agree that following their Forma treatment their skin feels smoother and looks more radiant.

While Forma can be used on the face and body, currently at the Aesthetic Wellness Center we are primarily treating the face and neck. Typically the whole face and neck are treated in one session. It is recommended that patients receive a series of treatments (for optimal results we typically suggest one treatment weekly for 4-6 weeks). The procedure can be performed by itself or as a combination treatment. It often compliments Fractora resurfacing treatments or even injectables such as Botox and filler. A single treatment usually takes about one hour.

Forma is a great option when looking for a quick rejuvenation and natural-looking results. In fact, unlike other treatments which may cause bruising and swelling (thus requiring a weekend spent at home), we actually encourage patients to get this procedure done right before a big event or a night out. Call us at the AWC to schedule a personal consultation or to book your next Forma treatment and refresh your look! Just be prepared for everyone to comment on your new glow!