In Part One of our Wedding Timeline, we discussed popular cosmetic surgery procedures and other treatments for the bride-to-be with some time on her hands. Even if the clock is ticking, however, there are still plenty of options available to make sure your face and skin are looking their best on the big day. Here are the top choices that involve minimal recovery time and nearly instant results:

Three Months to Two Weeks Until the Wedding

Fractora^TM (Skin Rejuvenation): Whether you’re having a beachside bash or winter wonderland themed wedding, a smooth, glowing complexion is in style year-round. This revolutionary skin treatment uses radiofrequency to reduce wrinkles, improve complexion, and tighten skin with minimal downtime. It effectively improves the skin’s complexion, reduces wrinkles, and tightens the skin.

What to expect?

The treatment involves very little downtime, and patients begin to notice improved skin smoothness and tightness in just 2 weeks. Clients report experiencing redness for 1 to 3 days following the procedure, which can be soothed by applying healing ointment and a simple moisturizer. Results last for up to 3 months.

Botox: A popular option among MOTBs as well, Botox is a quick procedure that treats frown lines, horizontal forehead lines, crow’s feet, neck bands, and dimpling of the chin. It is the perfect choice for the mature bride looking to smooth fine lines.

What to expect?

Affectionately called our “lunchtime” procedure, Botox can take as little as 10 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated. Using an ultrafine needle, patients will feel a small pinch. The area will look no different immediately after, as the Botox effect takes several days to start working. Once the muscle is relaxed, the skin begins to smooth itself out, and results last about 3 months.

One Month to Two Weeks Until the Wedding

Fraxel Dual/Restore Laser: Restore aging and sun-damaged skin to its original youthful glow with this advanced laser technology that can treat multiple areas during a single session. Often paired with other treatments such as a facelift or mini lift (which involve longer recovery times), results from a single Fraxel Laser treatment occur in about 1 week.

What to expect?

While most patients find a topical numbing cream sufficient, some would prefer not to feel any sensation at all. For these individuals, we have tailored a “Friendly” Fraxel Laser treatment that provides full comfort throughout the procedure.

Immediately after the Fraxel Laser treatment, the skin will feel slightly warm, become a little swollen, and appear browner, as if you’ve been out in the sun. Makeup can be worn immediately, and patients should expect a variable degree of swelling and peeling for at least 4 to 5 days. Because of this, we encourage clients to schedules appointments at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance of an important event.

Juvéderm: If you’re wishing you could hit the “refresh” button on your face, look no further. Juvéderm is made of Hyaluronic Acid, a naturally occurring substance that is present in human skin, soft tissue, and joints. It is often referred to as the “ground substance” and provides lubrication to joints and helps to maintain skin hydration. FDA Approved for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds (such as nasolabial folds), it is also frequently used to add volume to areas such as:

 

• Skin creases: to smooth the skin
• Cheeks: to add volume to the “apples” and cheek bones
• Lips: to shape lips and fill lip lines
• Corners of the mouth: to correct a downturned or “sad mouth”
• Lower eyelids (tear trough groove): to fill hollow areas and correct a tired look
• Jawline: to minimize the appearance of jowls
• Chin creases: to improve the “witch’s chin”
• Upper eyelids: to correct hollow eyelids from previous surgery
• Nose: to add height to the bridge and smooth out a bump

What to expect?

Juvéderm causes the skin to stretch, which stimulates certain cells (fibroblasts) to make new collagen, thus improving appearance. The procedure takes about 10 to 30 minutes, and depending on personal preference, patients can choose to simply ice the area in advance or use topical or local anesthesia.

Redness and some bruising are common following the procedure; redness typically resolves within 1 to 2 days, whereas bruising can last for a few more days. With the use of cannulas (new needle technology), however, there is often no bruising at all. We encourage patients to schedule appointments at least 1 week in advance of an important event so as to allow any potential swelling and/or bruising to reduce.

Because it is naturally occurring, Juvéderm feels natural, looks natural, and lasts a long time as compared to other fillers. There are many areas you can use Juvederm fillers, so you should consult with your provider to determine your best treatment options.  Depending on your desired results, treatment area, and preference, there are a few forms to consider:

Lips:

• Juvéderm Ultra: typically lasts about 1 year
• Juvederm Volbella: typically lasts up to 1 year

Lines & Wrinkles

• Juvéderm Ultra Plus: typically lasts 1 to 1 ½ years
• Juvederm Vollure: typically lasts up to 18 months

Cheeks

• Juvederm Voluma: typically lasts up to 2 years

Just like your wedding, your facial cosmetic needs are unique. Set up a personalized consultation to discuss the best treatment options for you. We’d be honored to be part of your big day!

Submental fullness—what most refer to as the “double chin”—is a problem area for many and unfortunately cannot always be resolved through proper diet and exercise. Excess fat and loose skin of the neck can simply be signs of aging; or a “family” trait. Whatever the reason, now that we are living in the “Age of the Selfie,” more people than ever are seeking a contoured neck and defined jawline. At the Aesthetic Wellness Center we offer several ways to achieve this look, both through minimally-invasive techniques, as well as surgically, and at various price points.

If you’re not ready to face the scalpel, don’t worry! There are two non-surgical options available to remove fat under the chin. Both are quick and painless procedures which require little-to-no downtime.

Submental Fullness Treatments: How To Remove Your Double Chin

Kybella Double Chin Removal

The first minimally-invasive procedure is an injectable treatment by the makers of Botox and Juvederm (Allergan) called Kybella. Kybella is injected under the chin and works by dissolving the fat cells in the area. When the fat cells die, they do not regenerate. Typically 1-3 treatments spaced about a month apart are required. But once a patient reaches his or her desired goal he/sheshould not need any further treatment of the area. That’s right—you can say goodbye to your double chin FOREVER! So, what’s the catch? Although Kybella immediately starts dissolving fat cells upon injection, you won’t notice any immediate results. The elimination process is a gradual one and can take 4-6 weeks to see any noticeable difference. Additionally, you can expect swelling and some bruising after each treatment that can last a week. On the plus side, recovery is easier than a more invasive procedure, such as liposuction.

Double Chin Removal with CoolMini Treatment by CoolSculpting

An alternative option when seeking a quick-fix for this stubborn fat area would be the CoolMini treatment by CoolSculpting. CoolSculpting originated as a body sculpting tool which freezes fat cells that are resistant to diet and exercise. In other words, it is not a weight-loss tool but rather assists in eliminating the stubborn problem areas you can’t get rid of at the gym. CoolMini targets the double chin by freezing the fat in that area. Any down sides? CoolMini is described as mildly “uncomfortable” when initially attached; however, this soon subsides once the area becomes numb from the cold. A single session takes just 35 minutes and after you can expect redness and sensitivity that lasts about 30 minutes. Similar to Kybella, results will take anywhere from 60-90 days and may require multiple treatments depending on your desired result. CoolSculpting data shows that patients can expect to see 20-25% reduction of fat in the treatment area.

In terms of cost, both Kybella and CoolMini cost about $1500 per treatment—a small price to pay for permanent results!

Radio Frequency Treatments For Double Chin Removal

While the less invasive treatments are a great option, they do tend to work better for younger patients as their skin has more elasticity. Patients with more mature skin (typically age 40 and up), may look to radiofrequency treatments (RF) instead. The Aesthetic Wellness Center offers the revolutionary minimally invasive Face and NeckTite treatment that approaches face/neck lifting results without surgery. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and requires about a week of recovery time. This RF treatment tightens jowls/neck skin and is considered to be the closest option to a neck lift without the incisions or sutures. Face/NeckTite results last for three to five years with a price point approximately $7,000. It is about half the price and lasts half as long as a lower face and neck lift with half the recovery.

Lower Facelift With a Necklift for Double Chin Removal

Finally, for those patients who are looking for immediate, long-lasting results and have some downtime for recovery, our surgical procedures might be better suited for you. Cosmetic surgery is a big commitment but the results are outstanding and can easily make you look ten to fifteen years younger. All surgeries are performed by our double-board certified facial plastic surgeon, Min S. Ahn MD, FACS, medical director of the Aesthetic Wellness Center. If surgery is something you are serious about, we recommend calling our office to speak with one of our Patient Advisors. After reviewing your goals, collecting your medical and surgical history, and discussing different procedure options for you, they will schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Ahn. The cost of a lower facelift with a neck lift ranges in price between $15,000 to $25,000.

Remove Your Double Chin

If like so many others the double chin is an issue for you, rest assured you are in great hands at the AWC. We are experts on cosmetic rejuvenation of the face and neck. We will work with you to find the best treatment option for your individual needs, resulting in the enhancement and rejuvenation of your already natural beauty. Your experience with us will leave you confidently flaunting that perfectly contoured jawline!

Congratulations! You’re engaged. Whether it’s a year, six months, or just two weeks until the big day, getting ready for a wedding is an exciting time. But let’s be honest: it can be stressful, too. Between the caterer, florist, photographer, and dress, there is one thing many brides forget: to take care of themselves. In the days and months leading up, it is important to prioritize wellness and make time for adequate sleep, exercise, and relaxation despite the seemingly endless list of “to-dos.” This will not only help to promote productivity and keep nerves at bay, but it will also ensure you are at your healthiest, best self as you prepare to make that ever-important walk down the aisle.

In addition to cosmetic surgery, there are also several non-invasive, facial treatments now available that involve minimal downtime, providing quick and easy improvements for busy brides. At The Aesthetic Wellness Center, we offer an array of options to accommodate a variety of needs and schedules. Not sure what you’ll have time for? In this two-part series, we’re highlighting the most popular procedures and treatments for brides-to-be, all of which are conveniently provided at The Aesthetic Wellness Center.

One Year Until the Wedding

Rhinoplasty (Cosmetic Nose Surgery): If you’ve always been self-conscious about the profile of your face, now may be the time to seriously consider cosmetic nose surgery. The procedure begins with a personalized consultation with our double board certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Ahn. In that initial conversation, Dr. Ahn will take several photographs and discuss your potential before and after results using a computer imaging system, answering any questions you might have to turn your dreams into reality.

What to expect:

Immediately after surgery, a small cast will be placed on your nose to keep it protected and in place. Your nose will likely be stuffy and there may be bruising of the lower eyelids, which cold compresses can help to reduce. After 7 days, the cast and sutures will be removed. At that point, most clients experience minimal yellow discoloration of the lower eyelids. While most of the swelling goes away in 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, the remaining swelling does take longer to resolve, particularly in the tip.

Some activities will be prohibited in the weeks after the procedure. Sun exposure, exertion, and risk of injury must be avoided for at least the first few weeks.

Two to Six Months Until the Wedding

CoolSculpting (Non-Invasive Fat Reduction): This breakthrough, FDA cleared procedure uses cooling technology to eliminate fat without surgery. It is virtually painless, requires zero recovery time, and is best suited for clients who have noticeable bulges in certain areas they’d like to improve. It is not, however, a weight loss solution for people who are obese or a liposuction substitute.

What to expect?

Taking only 30 minutes to an hour, patients may feel a slight tingling sensation, but experience little to no discomfort throughout the procedure. In fact, many patients use the time to read, get some work done, or simply relax, and are able to return to everyday activities immediately after. Some patients experience temporary redness, minor bruising, tingling, numbness, or discomfort in the treated area, which soon goes away.

While most patients start to see changes as quickly as 3 weeks following the treatment, the most dramatic results typically occur after 2 months (though improvement can continue for up to 4 to 6 months). Because this cooling procedure actually causes fat cells to die, results are long-lasting*, as long as you maintain your weight with normal diet and exercise.

*Individual results will vary. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahn and the staff at The Aesthetic Wellness Center to understand your treatment options.

Pressed for time? Not to worry. There are still plenty of options available that will give you a refreshed glow on your wedding day. Keep an eye out for Part Two of our Wedding Timeline, and give The Aesthetic Wellness Center at 508-366-2020 to discuss the best treatment options for you!

Studies show that today, 70 percent of people are interested in cosmetic enhancement procedures as stated in a report from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and quoted in a recent article by Allure magazine.

The Rising Popularity of Cosmetic Enhancement Procedures

So why are these procedures in such high demand and what makes them so popular? Other than the obvious (they make you look and feel your most fabulous), there are several other factors that also come into play.

For one, the baby boomer generation is retiring and now that 60 is the new 40, many of these people want to look as young on the outside as they feel on the inside. Moving on to the next phase of their lives with more time for social events and outings, they are willing to spend some of their savings on an investment in themselves. One of the more popular procedures amongst this age group is the injectable treatment, Juvéderm Voluma. This is a hyaluronic acid filler which subtly adds volume to the cheek area providing lift and contour, thus a more youthful look. Priced by the syringe, a Voluma treatment starts at $1000 and can last for up to two years. Talk about bang for your buck!

Another reason injectable treatments have gained so much popularity is because they are no longer only geared towards older generations. In fact, millennials LOVE their injectable treatments. While these procedures reverse the signs of aging, they also delay the signs of aging, which means they are actually preventative. Botox is one of the most popular treatments amongst millennials. It is a five-minute procedure with no downtime and the results are amazing! Some refer to it as the “miracle treatment” and it is not hard to understand why. Botox temporarily relaxes the muscles in common wrinkle-prone problem areas (forehead, crow’s feet, and frown lines between the brows). Though it takes 5-10 days to fully “kick-in”, once it does you will wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Your wrinkles will gradually smooth out, expressions will soften, and arguably the best part—the Botox prevents fine lines and wrinkles from becoming any deeper. I know you’re thinking this sounds too good to be true, but believe it! As a generation obsessed with the self-care industry, millennials love that they have found a way to slow down the clock. Rather than turning to Botox because they “look old,” twenty and thirty-somethings are more focused on self-preservation and maintaining a youthful appearance as long as they can. Treatments are usually required every 3-4 months to keep wrinkles at bay; however, with unit prices ranging from just $13-$17 and full treatments as low as $300-$400, most feel that it is more than worth adding Botox to their regular beauty regimen.

Lastly, when it comes to the spike in injectable procedures, it is not solely based on the change in audience but additionally the quality of the treatments themselves. In recent years, the science and technology behind these products have improved dramatically. The composition of fillers has become much more sophisticated and the consistency of the products much easier to inject. The longevity of the injectables has also advanced (some products last up to two years), which ultimately increases their appeal to both patient and provider. Injectors are able to work in a much more artistic and aesthetically pleasing fashion; avoiding the “plastic” and “frozen” looks that were so common in the past. With doctors and injectable nurses more confident in their products and results, patients are more open to receiving treatment. It is no longer obvious when someone has had “work done,” and the stigma behind cosmetically enhancing your appearance has significantly decreased.

Today’s society has more or less succeeded in normalizing injectable procedures. Many find non-invasive injectables to be an alternative to surgery (which, twenty years ago, was basically one’s only option in enhancing their look). Rather than spend thousands to go under the knife, there is now an alternative available for those who don’t have the downtime or the funds. Cosmetic procedures are no longer just for the wealthy.  In fact, they are increasingly viewed as a part of one’s “regular maintenance.” Botox and filler could soon be comparable to a full-highlight at the salon or your laser hair removal appointment. Mani/Pedi/Botox, anyone? Some of these treatments are so quick and painless they are offered as “lunchtime appointments” where a client will come in for service on their lunch break and are able to head directly back to work afterwards. Essentially painless and requiring no downtime, injectables are appealing to all those living in our high-paced world and looking for immediate gratification. When looking to refresh and rejuvenate, choosing injectable treatment has become a no-brainer. The number of people being treated and those who are interested in being treated has significantly risen in recent years and our guess is that it won’t slow down anytime soon.

At the Aesthetic Wellness Center we offer personalized consultations with our providers to go over your concerns and create a treatment plan tailored just for you. Injectable treatments are more than just a beauty trend that will come and go.  They will enhance your natural beauty—leaving you a fresher, brighter version of yourself— and our expert providers would love to help you do just that.

In case you missed it, Allure magazine recently featured Dr. Ahn in their spotlight on a growing trend in the cosmetic surgery industry: bra bulge removal. In the article, Dr. Ahn and other prominent plastic surgeons from around the country discuss different options to get rid of that unwanted fat between the armpit and bra, an area that is often resistant to diet and exercise. While liposuction has been the go-to procedure for years, newer technologies such as CoolSculpting are changing the name of the game by offering a noninvasive, practically painless solution that involves minimal downtime.

Sound too good to be true? Here’s how it works: “When fat cells freeze, they die, which reduces some of the bulge,” Dr. Ahn explains in the article. The thirty-five-minute procedure reduces approximately twenty percent of the fullness of the “bulge,” and patients report experiencing some tingling, pressure, or pinching when the treatment begins, which typically subsides after the first ten minutes. Depending on the size of the area, additional sessions may be necessary.

Once the treatment is complete, the area will likely feel firm and stiff, which may be accompanied by some redness and swelling. Over the next hour or two, however, normal color and sensation will return, and patients can expect to feel some itchiness. Mild symptoms during the few weeks following the treatment include numbness, swelling, or occasional cramping, all of which can be treated with ibuprofen and are not long-lasting.

Newer technologies such as CoolSculpting are opening the door for those who may have avoided more invasive procedures in the past. Whether you’re looking to get rid of “bra bulge,” lose that lower-belly pooch, love-handles, or double chin, CoolSculpting may be the answer. Set up a personalized consultation at The Aesthetic Wellness Center to discuss the best treatment options for you!

Now that you have made the decision to schedule your cosmetic surgical procedure, your mind is racing!  There are a lot of details to keep in mind both before surgery and after to make your experience as smooth as possible. We have put together the following list of pre and post-plastic surgery tips to properly prepare you for your recovery, so you can focus on getting the rest you need.

Pre-op checklist

• Try to take care of as many household chores as you can:
• Clean your house
• If you have young children, consider having someone watch them for the first few days after your procedure
• Take out the trash, recyclables, etc.
• Have your laundry taken care of
• Water your plants
• Have someone watch your pets or tend to their needs beforehand – clean the litter box, leave pet food on the counter within easy reach with a can opener (so you don’t have to reach or kneel)

Plan ahead for meals:

• Have someone prepare meals for you
• Cook your own meals and freeze them
• Stock up on easy-to-cook meals
• Stock up on foods that are easy to digest (crackers, Jell-O, protein shakes, pudding, etc.)

Remember the medicine:

• Pick up all your medications at the pharmacy beforehand
• Leave them within easy reach and within your sightline

Some tips for your comfort and entertainment during recovery:

• Have lots of movies, books and magazines around
• Have lots of fluffy pillows on hand
• Set up you nightstand with all your medications, water, light, tissues, some crackers, remote control and phone
• Buy bags of frozen peas or corn for icing – place the frozen vegetables in small zip lock bags to make ice packs
• A heating pad, or microwaveable moist heat pack is great for back soreness, especially from sleeping in a reclined position. Do not use this on the face.
• Have some crackers and water on hand to help alleviate nausea, especially on the way home from the procedure
• Place anything you may need at hip level to avoid bending over or reaching up – including in the kitchen and bathroom
• Make sure to have comfortable shirts that open from the front, as well as comfortable bottoms. Shirts that you take off over the head can catch the earlobes accidentally.
• Keep your hair off your face with hair ties
• A child-sized toothbrush may come in handy if it is difficult to open your mouth wide

Last but not least, make sure you relax before and after your surgery! Increased anxiety can affect the surgery and recovery period. Remember that you will heal beautifully and look great. Patience is key.

We’re looking forward to seeing you.

A study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) stated that if cost were no issue, 62 percent of mothers said that they would consider a “mommy makeover.” Even though most of the mom’s out there look great, they may feel like they need a “boost” or something to help them feel rejuvenated.

With moms’ busy schedules, finding the time to prioritize beauty can be difficult, but there are many procedures that can be done to help moms feel confident and take little-to-no downtime.

Cosmetic Injectable Procedures

Injectables like Botox and Juvéderm can help erase fine wrinkles from laughing (or frowning) and add volume to different facial areas. These injectables are the perfect gift for anyone looking to smooth skin creases that have developed with age, soften frown lines and smile lines, give an extra boost to cheek bones, and even return youthful shape and fullness to the lips.

Injectables can also improve the appearance of the eyes and nose. Many people have used injectables to lift the brows, add volume to hollow, undereye circles, and even add height to the bridge of the nose.

The best part about injectables is that the procedures themselves are minimally invasive and depending on how many areas you choose to treat, they can be completed relatively quickly, most times in under an hour.

The latest addition to the Juvederm family of fillers, Vollure, has stirred up quite a buzz because it is the only FDA approved Hyaluronic Acid filler that lasts 18 months!

Cosmetic Laser Procedures

Whether it be from melasma during pregnancy or sitting out in the sun at children’s’ sporting events, many mothers begin to notice brown pigmentation developing in their late 20s and beyond. For these tricky and difficult to treat skin issues, the Fraxel Dual laser treatment is the perfect choice for making your skin glow.

Fraxel can treat different areas including the face, neck, chest, arms and hands. Patients who have had the Fraxel treatment are usually in the office between 1 ½ – 2 hours. The treatment itself can feel a little hot and prickly, but following the treatment there is no discomfort. Recovery time generally lasts anywhere from 4-5 days where there may be some slight redness, swelling, and light peeling.

Fractora

Another cosmetic procedure many mothers are interested in to rejuvenate their skin is Fractora. The Fractora procedure can be used on a wide range of areas where patients feel they can benefit from skin tightening. Some patients choose to have the procedure performed on their entire face and neck while others focus on specific areas like the upper and lower eyelids, the forehead and brows, the cheeks and lower face, the neck, lip lines, and laugh lines.

Fractora works by delivering radiofrequency, or RF, energy to the target area via microscopic pins which produce heat underneath the skin. This heat promotes the growth of collagen and tightens the skin, smooths wrinkles, improves pore size, and evens out pigmentation.

CoolSculpting

With today’s moms being so busy between work, taking care of the kids, and doing stuff around the house, it’s hard to fit exercise into the schedule. For those mom’s who still have a little “pooch” or “bra bulge” that won’t disappear no matter how much they try, CoolSculpting may be the answer.

CoolSculpting is the world’s #1 non-invasive fat reduction procedure. This innovative, non-surgical contouring treatment uses controlled cooling to freeze fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated from your body. CoolSculpting reduces fat in common trouble areas that tend to be diet and exercise-resistant. The most popular areas to treat include the abdomen, flanks, inner thighs, knees, banana roll, saddlebags, bra bulge, and chin. This safe, FDA-cleared, non-invasive, and effective treatment has little to no downtime.

Moms do so much for their families and deserve to feel as amazing as the mothers that they are. Whether you’re a mom that wants to feel confident or you’re looking for a way to show your mom that she deserves to feel beautiful, a cosmetic procedure may be the perfect gift this Mother’s Day.

For individuals looking to restore their once youthful complexion, Fractora skin rejuvenation serves as a modern-day fountain of youth. Through the use of radiofrequency (RF) energy, Fractora tightens and smooths skin to reduce fine lines, deep wrinkles, scars, redness, and uneven brown pigmentation.

Most patients notice significant improvement after one Fractora treatment, but choose to have a second treatment for even greater results. Because Fractora requires little downtime for recovery, you don’t need to worry about disrupting your busy schedule and you can even begin exercising the day after your treatment.

Fractora is a great solution for those patients who want younger looking, smoother skin, but don’t have the time to take off for recovery that other laser treatments require. Fractora uses radiofrequency energy that is able to heat the deep layers of skin through an array of microscopic pins. The gentle heat then promotes the growth of collagen and tightening which leads to a more radiant and youthful appearance.

Just a couple of weeks after the treatment, you’ll begin to notice the results of Fractora. You’ll look more well-rested, wrinkles and fine lines will decrease, and your skin will look and feel tighter and smoother. After about a month, you’ll see even greater results and may continue to see improvements up to three months after treatment. To maintain a youthful complexion, Dr. Ahn recommends that you have the treatment done yearly.

What to Expect During a Fractora Treatment

The treatment itself is not painful but you may experience some slight, mild discomfort. To minimize the discomfort, a prescription-strength topical cream is applied to the area being treated. While the treatment itself only takes about 15-20 minutes, you should block about two hours out of your schedule for the topical cream to take effect before the treatment and for any other preparations or information needed prior to receiving the treatment.

An oral sedative may be prescribed if you have anxiety about the treatment. If prescribed, you should ensure that someone is available to drive you to and from the treatment as you will not be able to drive yourself. All patients will be prescribed prophylactic antiviral therapy (such as Valtrex) even if they do not have a history of cold sores.

When you arrive for a Fractora treatment, you should have a freshly washed, clean face with no makeup, sunscreen, or piercings that could interfere with the treatment. You will be asked to fill out some paperwork including an authorization for treatment and photos will be taken to compare results after the treatment takes full effect. The numbing cream will be applied to your skin one hour before your treatment time. We will also give you an oral sedative before your treatment if necessary.

After the treatment you will be able to go home and relax. You should use cool compresses and will be given an ointment to use on the treated area. Half a day after the treatment, you should begin moisturizing skin with a gentle moisturizer. We recommend Cetaphil or Vanicream. You may see some redness, light peeling, or swelling 3-4 days after the treatment, but will soon have the radiant skin you’ve been seeking. You will be able to begin wearing mineral-based makeup three days after treatment. You should also avoid retinols, peels, acids, vitamin c, and any other potentially irritating products on your skin for at least 3-4 weeks after your treatment.

Fractora is a great solution for anyone looking to restore their youthful complexion without needing to deal with the longer recovery periods that other laser treatments require. The cost ranges anywhere from $1100-$3500 per treatment, and most patients will need 1-2 treatments. If you’re ready for clearer, smoother and brighter skin, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahn and his staff today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may have seen the beautiful results a facelift can give someone and how much younger and brighter that person appears. Since facelifts and neck lifts are growing in popularity, you may be considering a cosmetic procedure, but still have fears about the surgical procedure.

It is common to be anxious before a procedure, but with a board-certified surgeon, you can relax knowing that you are going to receive the best care possible. Board-certified surgeons, such as Dr. Ahn, take extra care to ensure that you will be as comfortable as possible and have all of the information you could ever need before a procedure takes place.

 

Before the Surgery

Before having any procedure, you need to understand that the better care you take of yourself after the procedure, the faster you can heal and get back to your regular life. This means you need to take the time to prepare and ensure that your home is ready for when you return from surgery.

Place everything you will need within arm’s reach because you will not be able to bend over or put any extra stress on your body during the healing process. You should purchase a small toothbrush to prevent stress around your jawline and buy soft foods and liquids to limit the amount of chewing you will be doing. You may want to buy a special pillow so that you may prop your head while sleeping or reading in bed as this can help with any swelling you may have after surgery.

For at least two weeks before the surgery you should absolutely stop any smoking and avoid aspirin, ibuprofen or any other medications that act as blood thinners. These can cause complications during and after your procedure. Some patients are prescribed medication to take prior to the surgery, but please follow your surgeon’s instructions closely.

When working with Dr. Ahn and the staff at the Aesthetic Wellness Center, you will be given pamphlets of information and detailed instructions on how best to prepare. You will meet with our nurse to go over a personalized plan on how to best prepare your home and body to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible. You may be surprised at just how easy the healing process will be following your procedure because of how well Dr. Ahn and the Aesthetic Wellness Center will prepare you.

 

The Day Before

The day before your surgery you will need to wash your hair and skin thoroughly in order to minimize any risk of infection. We provide you with Hibiclens to use at home, which is a special skin cleanser and antiseptic that kills germs on contact for up to 24 hours. You should not consume any alcohol or blood thinners. Complete any final errands early in the day so that you can spend the evening resting and knowing that you have nothing to worry about. Be sure to get plenty of sleep and follow any other instructions that your surgeon has laid out for you.

 

The Day of Your Procedure

Depending on the surgery, a facelift usually takes between three and four hours. Because you will be under anesthesia, you may still feel the effects of the anesthesia after the procedure is complete. For this reason, you should plan to have someone else drive you home. You will have large bandages around your face and may feel a bit tired for the rest of the day, so take it easy. Many patients say that they feel little-to-no pain following a facelift or neck lift procedure, but just because you aren’t feeling pain doesn’t mean you can start exerting your body.

 

The Day After

The day after your cosmetic procedure, you should meet with your surgeon so that he/she can ensure that you are healing properly and that everything looks okay. Your bandages may be removed and your hair may be washed. You can expect to feel some tightness in your skin and should continue to keep your face and neck propped and immobile for proper healing.

 

Healing Time After the Procedure

For a standard facelift, most patients are able to return to work and their regular daily lives within 10-14 days. During the second and third days following your surgery, you will see swelling in your face. You can expect to see some discoloration and bruising around your face as well, but shouldn’t worry as this is very normal.

You may want to enlist someone to help you with cleaning, cooking and other daily chores so that you do not exert yourself and can focus on healing. The better and more closely you follow your surgeon’s instructions, the faster you will heal with greater results.

 

The thought of going through a surgical procedure can be daunting, but with an experienced, board-certified surgeon and an informative staff, you may find that a cosmetic procedure is easier and less painful than you imagined. By preparing properly and getting enough rest after the procedure, you will see amazing results in just a couple short weeks.

Dr. Ahn has been performing facelifts and necklifts successfully for 15 years and is happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about getting a cosmetic procedure. If you want to look younger, feel more confident, and improve your quality of life, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahn today.

 

Even with diet and exercise, we sometimes hold pockets of stubborn fat that just won’t seem to go away. If you have been wishing that you could get rid of that lower-belly pooch, those love-handles or that unsightly double chin, CoolSculpting may be the solution for you.

CoolSculpting is the most popular, completely non-invasive treatment for eliminating unwanted fat. The science behind CoolSculpting originated when an observant dermatologist at Harvard, Rox Anderson, noticed that children who suck on popsicles developed a hollowing of the cheek because a little fat pocket would shrink. He soon discovered that freezing of fat cells causes them to die. From this he developed the system of CoolSculpting, which applies cold temperature across the skin surface, resulting in a freezing of the fat. The fat then dies and is metabolized by the body. With each treatment approximately 25% of the stubborn pocket of fat is removed. With enough treatments, dramatic results can be obtained.

For those who are looking to lose a significant amount of weight, liposuction or another type of weight loss procedure may be more beneficial. CoolSculpting is for individuals who are relatively close to their ideal body weight and are hoping to slim down stubborn areas of fat that just won’t go away with diet and exercise.

Preparation

Because CoolSculpting is a quick, non-invasive procedure, there isn’t a whole lot you need to do to prepare. You should stop taking any blood thinners or medications than might worsen bruising. This includes but is not limited to: aspirin, other anti-inflammatories such as Motrin, Advil and Aleve, and fish oil.

For the day of the treatment, wear loose, comfortable clothing.

You are more than welcome to eat before the procedure, but we recommend a light meal.

The CoolSculpting Treatment

The duration of the treatment depends on the size and number of areas that are being treated. Most treatments can be performed in 35 minutes, which is barely enough time to check your email! You may experience sensations of tingling, pressure or pinching when the treatment begins, but these will subside after the first ten minutes.

After the treatment is complete, you may find that the area feels firm and stiff. You may notice some redness and swelling. Over the next hour or two, normal color and sensation will return to the area. You may feel some itchiness, which is entirely normal.

For a few weeks following the treatment, you may have some mild symptoms that include numbness in the area, swelling or occasional cramping. This can be treated with Motrin and will not be a long term problem.

CoolSculpting Results

As your body begins to naturally eliminate the dead fat cells, you’ll notice the fat in the treated area begin to diminish. After about two months, you will see significant results. The treated area will slim down and you will be able to experience the beautiful results of your CoolSculpting treatment.

CoolSculpting is not a weight loss procedure, but is an effective solution for eliminating fat. If you want to slim an area down or have stubborn fat that makes you feel anything less than confident and sexy, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahn to see how you can see significant results with CoolSculpting.