Red Carpet Season has officially kicked-off and celebs are turning to the latest tips and tricks to look better than ever for the occasion!

Dr. Min S. Ahn, double board certified Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, offers his “Top Ten Tips to Looking and Feeling Your Very Best in 2017”:

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Make sure you drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, your skin will thank you! Dehydration leads to skin that looks dull and dry, adding years to your appearance. You can also enhance that hydration glow with a hydrating cream such as SkinMedica’s HA-5.

2. Eliminate alcohol from your diet. We all know that these are extra calories we don’t need but most are unaware that alcohol also makes you retain water leading to a bloated appearance.

3. Smooth and tighten your skin. Try a new procedure such as Fractora which is a revolutionary radiofrequency fractionated treatment that does more to tighten the skin than other machines on the market. This non-surgical option is popular due to its brief downtime of about 3-4 days.

4. Do at least 10-20 minutes of HIIT training, 5 days per week. I encourage any type of exercise but I love HIIT in particular because you can rev up your metabolism and burn a significant number of calories in a very short period of time. In addition to burning calories, exercise also helps with depression and anxiety.

5. Winter warning – sun protection. With summer being a distant memory, winter brings its own set of dangers for the skin as most don’t think to use sunscreen. Protect your face, neck and décolletage every day with a high-quality sunscreen. Look for one such as SkinMedica Total Defense & Repair that prevents against UVA, UVB, and infrared rays. This sunscreen also improves skin firmness, tightness, and elasticity.

6. Try one of the most recently FDA approved fillers. “Volbella” just became available and my patients love it because results are noticeable immediately. This filler adds subtle volume to your lips, and smooths out those fine lip lines. I always recommend allowing for a day or two of down time afterwards as some patients may experience swelling or bruising.

7. Minimize your added sugar intake. Limit sugar to no more than 25-50 grams per day. Too much sugar will increase inflammation, which potentially results in sagging skin and wrinkles. It can also make skin conditions, such as acne and rosacea, worse.

8. Aim for healthier food options and practice portion control. Add common sense to your diet — extreme measures such as eliminating carbs and depriving yourself won’t get you the body you want.

9. Eliminate stubborn fat that is exercise resistant. CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure that will remove unwanted fat such as bra bulge, double chin and saddlebags as well as such common trouble spots as inner thighs, abdomen, flanks and knees. Patients who opt for CoolSculpting do so because no matter how much they exercise or diet, they still have stubborn areas of fat. And, unlike liposuction and other treatments, CoolSculpting is non-invasive, non-surgical, and has hardly any downtime.

10. Be confident and project a positive attitude. Confidence is sexy!

 

ABOUT DR. AHN

Dr. Ahn specializes in facial aesthetic rejuvenation and understands that patients need individualized care depending on their goals and expectations. Using his artistic eye, surgical experience and wide-ranging skills, he guides his clients through this highly personal process – whether it is a minimally invasive treatment or a cosmetically transforming surgery.

If you have been thinking of getting a cosmetic procedure, you may be going back-and-forth between excitement and anxiousness. The idea of waking up every day with the appearance you dream of may be held back by the nerves you feel when you think about going through a life-changing surgery.

Almost everyone feels anxious before a cosmetic procedure, but the surgery is much easier than most people think. Our patients who decided to go through with a procedure have said that cosmetic surgery was significantly better than what they expected and that they feel more beautiful, confident and happier overall.

Because we want all of our patients to feel comfortable before a procedure, we asked one of our patients, Paula, to keep us updated about her progress and feelings before and after her lower facelift and neck lift.

Before the Facelift

Paula had been seeing that she looked a little more tired and a bit older, and liked the idea of looking younger and refreshed. She wanted her children to look at her as the beautiful mother that she is, and wanted to have that extra bit of confidence in her life. Paula saw the before and after photos of Dr. Ahn’s patients and decided it was time for herself to have a lower facelift and neck lift.

Paula met with the staff at the Aesthetic Wellness Center three weeks prior to her procedure and was given a detailed plan of everything she needed to do leading up to the procedure. She was surprised that she wouldn’t be able to bend down to pick up her dog, but was glad to be given the information in advance so that she could properly prepare.

Like most patients, Paula was a little anxious before the procedure. She was comforted, however, by the amount of information she was given. In her update, Paula stated, “I have so much confidence in the whole staff here and Dr. Ahn.” Having that type of confidence in your surgeon and staff is incredibly important when going into a procedure and will help calm your nerves.

The Day of the Facelift

Many patients admit that they are afraid of going through with a cosmetic procedure because they believe that they will be in a great deal of pain following the procedure. As most patients discover, it’s almost never as bad as you think. Paula admitted that she felt no real pain at all, just a little tightness under her chin.

After the Procedure

You may be amazed at how quickly you will see results after getting a facelift. For Paula, she noticed a difference just one day after her procedure. Paula had some swelling and a little feeling of tightness which is normal, but was happy to tell us, “I never expected to feel this good after the day of surgery.”

Paula was able to go back to work just two weeks after her surgery and got great feedback from her coworkers. Two months later, she’s feeling confident and beautiful. She’s still healing and feels a bit of numbness, but that will dissipate in the coming months. Paula is beyond happy that she had the surgery and was shocked by how easy it was.

If you want to see more of Paula’s story, you can watch all of her video updates here. If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure or just have questions about the process, set up your consultation with Dr. Ahn today and feel comfortable knowing you’re in excellent, double board-certified hands.

Double chins can be a problem for many people at any age. However, thanks to the advances in technology, many people are turning to CoolSculpting to erase those stubborn fat cells. CoolSculpting, which has been around for years and is the world’s #1 non-invasive fat reduction treatment, is now able to treat the double chin. This popular and effective fat freezing procedure, which is FDA-cleared, safely and effectively freezes away unwanted fat for good without the need for surgery or downtime.

The Benefits: It’s a non-invasive procedure

Many patients find CoolSculpting appealing because the procedure is completely non-surgical. Because there is no downtime, you can typically return to work or get back to your regular activities almost immediately.

When performing the procedure, your provider uses a controlled device that freezes and destroys your body’s fat cells. Over time, your body naturally processes the fat and eliminates these dead cells, leaving your body more sculpted. Not only can CoolSculpting be used to treat a double chin>, it can also be used to eliminate fat on the abdomen, “love handles,” bra bulge, thighs, and other problem areas.

What to Expect

When preparing for the procedure, your provider will mark the area on your body to be treated and then cover it with a gel pad. The gel pad helps protect the skin. Next, your provider will use a hand-held vacuum applicator to delicately pull the extra skin and underlying fat between two cooling panels. When this happens, you may feel a slight pulling sensation. During the procedure, you may also feel as if an ice pack has been applied to the treated area. As a result, you skin may also feel numb from the cold pressure. After the procedure, you should experience a steady reduction of the fat layer generally over two to four months’ time.

Before and After CoolSculpting Pictures

Submitting your CoolSculpting Procedure to Your Insurance Company

Because CoolSculpting is considered an elective cosmetic procedure, health insurance will not cover the procedure. Patients have to pay out of pocket for CoolSculpting.

Price Estimates at the Aesthetic Wellness Center

During the clinical trial all patients received two treatments. Therefore, in order to achieve the best results, patients should expect to have two treatments. Each treatment costs $1000 per treatment.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a CoolSculpting Provider

You may be able to find other facilities who will perform the procedure cheaper, but make sure you understand why. As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” When you find a procedure at an unusually low rate, err on the side of caution. Before considering a CoolSculpting double chin treatment, it is important to ask yourself the following questions:

• Who is performing the consultation for the double chin treatment
• Is there a physician on site during the treatment
• How much experience does the facility have in treating the neck
• What will my results be after the treatment

 

Financing the Cost of CoolSculpting

The Aesthetic Wellness Center also offers financing to pay for the cost of CoolSculpting. Find out more about our financing options and schedule your consultation with Dr. Ahn.
Why Choose ‘The Aesthetic Wellness Center’ for your CoolSculpting Double Chin treatment

• We are the experts in facial plastic surgery
• We have over 15 years of experience in treating the face and neck
• All consultations are performed by Min S. Ahn, MD FACS, a double board certified facial plastic surgeon, ensuring you are a candidate for this procedure

About ‘The Aesthetic Wellness Center’ and Dr. Ahn

Dr. Min S. Ahn is a top-rated surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery. His team at The Aesthetic Wellness Center offers the latest techniques for aesthetic facial rejuvenation, making his practice the preferred choice for many clients. The ultimate goal of The Aesthetic Wellness Center is to enhance and rejuvenate the natural beauty of their patients for results they will love. To learn more about Dr. Ahn and his dedicated team, click here.

Coming off of a busy summer for many vacationers, the fall and winter months tend to be the most popular times for cosmetic surgery. Without the harsh rays of the sun, and hot, humid weather, many patients are looking to the fall as the ideal time to restore and rejuvenate their appearance.

Now is the perfect time to schedule a consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon to explore and discuss your treatment options. Starting the process now will not only ensure that there is enough availability to schedule your procedure, but you will also have plenty of time recover from your procedure so you can be ready for the holiday season.

Why is fall the best time to schedule surgery?

1. You can have your surgery now and be ready in time for holiday season events! As explained by Dr. Min Ahn, FACS, head of the prestigious Aesthetic Wellness Center located in the Boston area, “the time is now to have your surgery, because you will be recovered by the November/December holiday season. You’ll be ready in time to enjoy looking your best during the joyous times ahead.”

2. Recovery is easier this time of year. Like many of us, you may be taking it easy this fall and mainly staying indoors for days at a time. That’s perfect for the short “recovery” period after your cosmetic surgery. It’s also quit convenient that during the fall fashion season, high-collared shirts or accessories can hide any concerns you have in this period.

3. Your surgery may be a great excuse to enjoy that “staycation” you’ve been putting off! No one needs to know what else you have planned for yourself.

The gift of beauty and care

Lest we forget, it’s not uncommon to hear of couples giving each other the gift of cosmetic surgery as a loving present for the holiday season.

Although it may or may not be a surprise gift – that’s up to you – you’ll want to speak with someone at the Aesthetic Wellness Center about your planned gift sooner rather than later. You’ll want to know about scheduling, recovery, options and more before committing.

Dr. Ahn and the professionals on staff at the Aesthetic Wellness Center are sensitive to the special needs of gift-givers and gift-receivers in this area, so they can guide you if you are uncertain about how to proceed.

Give the AWC a call today to discuss your plans for having surgery this Fall.

How can Fraxel Laser make your skin more resistant to skin cancer?

New research has shown that, in addition to repairing your skin, Fraxel can actually help you defend against skin cancer.

Fraxel creates thousands of microscopic laser wounds on the skin, which triggers a healing process. As a response, the skin (really the cells) produces new collagen which will revitalize your skin with a smoother, younger look.

What this healing response also does, as researchers have discovered, is make use of the older cells of your skin to produce substances that are protective against skin cancer. With Fraxel, people now have more than just sunscreens to protect themselves.

What is Fraxel Dual Laser Treatment?

The Fraxel Dual/Restore Laser Treatment is a fractional laser technology that treats skin issues including fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration/brown pigmentation, and scarring. The Fraxel Dual laser combines 2 lasers into 1 treatment session: the first laser builds collagen to improve texture and the second removes brown pigmentation. The combination is perfect to improve sun damaged skin.

What is unique and advanced about the Fraxel Dual Laser is that it can actually treat multiple areas during one single session – no need to endure series of treatments for different areas any more. It is the perfect choice for people who want to revitalize and improve the overall quality of their skin. Although Fraxel is not surgery, patients can choose to combine Fraxel with other procedures to achieve their desired results.

Typical procedure of Fraxel

Most patients tolerate the procedure with just a topical numbing cream that is applied to the skin for about 45 minutes to one hour. For those patients who do not want to feel anything, we also offer “Friendly Fraxel” Treatments. These treatments are performed with twilight anesthesia and you can ask our staff for more information. The actual Fraxel treatment takes about 20 – 30 minutes, but you should plan on staying at the center for about 2 hours.

It is normal to experience a hot and prickly sensation during the duration of the treatment only, and redness and a slight hot sensation afterwards. Ice and cool compresses are all that is needed afterwards. Patients can apply makeup immediately after the treatment if they so choose.

How can I prepare for it?

In terms of preparation, each patient will have a consultation with Dr. Ahn to determine whether she is a candidate for the treatment, and what is necessary to prepare. Some patients might need to apply hydroquinone to their skin about 4 – 6 weeks prior to their treatment.

How many treatments do I need?

Most patients will need just one treatment to improve texture and reduce brown pigmentation. In cases of acne scarring, stretch marks or more severe sun damage, multiple treatments spaced about 1 month apart may be necessary. To maintain the results, patients often choose to have one treatment per year.

Why choose The Aesthetic Wellness Center and Dr. Ahn?

The Aesthetic Wellness Center has been performing Fraxel treatments since 2006. The Aesthetic Wellness Center was one of the first office’s to provide Fraxel Dual Laser Treatments in the New England Area. Since then, we have performed thousands of Fraxel treatments for our patients. Our staff are truly experts in treating patients with the Fraxel laser.

With all of the research that goes into finding the perfect, board-certified surgeon, many patients overlook the importance of where their cosmetic procedure is actually going to take place. Just like your surgeon, you need an accredited surgical facility that adheres to strict standards. This will ensure that your procedure goes as smoothly and safely as possible. Here are three reasons why you absolutely need to choose an accredited surgical facility:

1. The Staff

At an accredited surgical facility you can be sure that the staff are highly trained to provide you the best care. Physicians’ certifications are checked regularly to ensure that only licensed professionals are working at the facility. Anesthesia is administered by a licensed anesthesia provider working with set anesthesia standards. You can relax knowing that you are being cared for by top health care professionals.

2. The Facility

An accredited surgical facility prioritizes an exceptionally clean operating room with high-quality, up-to-date equipment. Any incident involving infection, a complication or anything that could impact the safety of a patient is documented and reported to the appropriate agencies. The facility has protocols in place in case of emergency that are reevaluated regularly. You can feel completely safe at an accredited surgical facility knowing there are plans in place in the extremely rare case that something out of the ordinary happens.

3. Constant Reevaluation

Accredited surgical facilities are regularly reevaluated to ensure they remain in pristine condition with the best staff and protocols. Patient care programs are constantly reviewed and updated to ensure patients are getting the best care possible. There is no chance of a patient receiving expired medications and all medical supplies are checked and updated regularly. Surgeons also review and monitor each other to ensure they’re offering the best care to their patients.

The Aesthetic Surgery Center

We’re proud to tell our patients that nearly all of Dr. Ahn’s procedures take place at our private, in-office surgical suite accredited by The Joint Commission. The Joint Commission is the strictest accrediting agency and is recognized as the gold standard in health care. We are committed to providing the safest, top-quality care and have some of the highest credentialed health care professionals available. This includes a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, board-certified nurse anesthetists, and a certified registered nurse of the operating room (CNOR).
You can be sure that a facility with an accreditation has best-in-class equipment and services. For the best patient care and safest procedures, be sure that your cosmetic procedure takes place at an accredited surgical facility.

 

There are many things you should do to prepare, and many things you will be required to avoid, before your facelift or minilift surgery, and in anticipation of your facelift recovery. Your facial plastic surgeon’s office should provide you with specific pre-operative instructions to follow regarding eating, drinking, medications and hygiene. If you don’t understand any of the instructions, ask for clarification, because failing to follow them could put you at risk.

Don’t take any over the counter medicines that can prolong bleeding including aspirin, motrin, high dose vitamin E, fish oil, and herbal medicines. These should be stopped at least 2 weeks prior to surgery.

Don’t make any drastic changes to your diet.

Don’t eat foods with high salt content within a few days of your surgery.

Don’t eat or drink (that includes water) from midnight on the night before your procedure until your surgery is complete.

Don’t Smoke! Smoking alters blood flow, and people who smoke will not heal as quickly as those who don’t. You are advised to stop smoking for at least several weeks prior to your surgery.
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Do tell us about any medication you are taking. Include any over-the-counter medicines, herbs or supplements.

Do minimize the risk of infection by washing your hair and body thoroughly the night before and the morning of your facelift surgery with hibiclens. Perfume, lotion, deodorants and other products should be avoided, and you should arrive for your surgery wearing no makeup or jewelry. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing including a button up or other front closing shirt as you will not be able to slide clothing over your head after your procedure.

Do avoid alcohol in the days before your surgery, and get some rest!

Do plan for transportation home after the surgery and to have someone stay with you for the first few days after your surgery. If you live alone, ask us to recommend a home care service to assist you in your care.

Do prepare your home and schedule.

• Go shopping to purchase items you will need for the first few days. Buy soft foods that are rich in protein, low in sodium, and require little preparation such as oatmeal, applesauce, and soup. Only drink beverages such as bottled water or fruit juice.

• Have extra pillows on your bed to elevate you and keep you comfortable.

• Fill prescriptions ahead of time so you have them readily available when you get home.

• Have ice packs ready to help with swelling. This is best used up to 48 hours after your procedure.

• Stock up on books and movies you’ve been wanting to read and see so you won’t get bored while resting and recovering.

• Make arrangement for children and pets.

Do make and keep your follow up appointments with your facelift surgeon. It can take a full year to see the final results, and every follow up appointment is as important as the last.

Speak candidly to your facial plastic surgeon about all pre and post-op concerns, because proper preparation for your procedure will truly help you have a much better recovery.

Wrinkles are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fight back.  Injectables like Botox, Juvederm and Juvederm Voluma dermal filler, as well as laser treatments like Fraxel repair and DUAL laser help reduce wrinkles without the downtime of surgery.

Consider some non-surgical alternatives to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles:

• Skin-tightening procedures, such as the Fraxel repair laser, use laser energy to heat deeper skin layers and stimulate your own collagen production. This allows underlying tissue to contract, resulting in tighter skin.
• The Fraxel DUAL laser treatments use two lasers in a single treatment to penetrate the superficial and deep layers of the skin and result in two important processes: collagen production and brown pigment removal.
• Fillers add volume to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They create a more youthful look by restoring volume to specific areas of the face – fat pads that naturally lose volume over time. The most popular fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that we all have in our bodies. We use the most popular ones that comprise the Juvederm dermal filler family, including the latest addition, Juvederm Voluma dermal filler.
• Botox injections use a purified protein derived from the botulinum toxin, which relaxes the muscle right underneath a wrinkle, and allows the skin to lie smoothly.

Though these non-surgical alternatives have remarkable results, it is important to remain realistic. Non-invasive techniques will give you a more naturally youthful appearance by freshening skin texture and restoring volume to your face, but these treatments will not have the same effect as actual surgery.

To keep your face looking young and healthy for as long as you can without getting any work done, follow these simple tips. These are some easy ways you can help prevent wrinkles in your everyday life!

• Avoid the sun and wear sunscreen – sun is the number one cause of wrinkles!
• Don’t smoke – it ages skin.
• Get enough sleep –which helps skin remain thick and more “elastic.”
• Sleep on your back (if you can!) – sleeping on your side increases wrinkles on cheeks.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables – antioxidants!
• Use a moisturizer designed for your skin type – don’t let your face dry out.
• Don’t over-wash your face – you’ll wash away natural oils that protect against wrinkles.

If you would like more information about ways you can help prevent wrinkles or to learn more about procedures that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, please contact the helpful staff at The AWC. We are more than happy to help!

It’s a scary thought, but every year after age 18 our faces lose collagen and elastin. This causes the skin to become looser. In addition as you lose volume in your cheeks, they begin to appear hollow. Light will form harsher angles on the face, and you look tired!

Of course, it’s a natural process, but there are options for those of you who don’t want to take it lying down. A surgical facelift or mini lift is a fix that will last for many years. If that’s not in the cards for you, a liquid facelift using fillers may be the next best option. It’s a quick procedure with little to no downtime and the results can last for up to two years. Plus, it’s affordable to many.

The treatment itself takes about 30 minutes, and is performed in our treatment room. To start, we analyze the face, and put together a game plan for strategically lifting and filling the areas that are in need of a little boost. Next, the areas are numbed for comfort. We use blunt tipped cannula needles to inject the fillers because they cause almost no bruising and are much more comfortable. Ultimately this leads to less downtime for you. After your liquid lift, redness usually dissipates within 24 hours. Any slight bruising can be covered with makeup.

Our liquid facelift procedures use dermal fillers from the hyaluronic acid family. Hyaluronic acid has several benefits. It’s a substance that already exists in our bodies, and it provides a natural look when used as an injectable. Plus, it’s low commitment; if you decide you’d like to reverse the procedure, it can easily be dissolved.

We use Juvederm and Juvederm Voluma dermal fillers, which are among the most popular hyaluronic acid filler brands on the market. Juvederm ultra and ultra plus fillers are reconstituted hyaluronic acid, a clear soft gel that allows our providers at The AWC to take a more artistic approach to shaping the face and filling folds and lines. It will last up to 1 ½ years in most patients. Juvederm Voluma dermal filler, is a thicker solution, and is the first and only FDA-approved filler for adding volume to the cheeks. It lasts for up to two years. We find using Juvederm and Juvederm Voluma dermal fillers in combination produces the most happy (and young looking) patients.

It’s important to work with trained staff to understand which treatments will best suit you. Contact our cosmetic surgery center to schedule a consultation and learn the options that best fit your needs.

Your nose – it’s front and center on your face, and can be a great asset… or a great disappointment. Whether it’s nose size, a bump on the bridge, wide nostrils, an unattractive tip, or asymmetry, the features of your nose will have a major impact on facial aesthetics. Dr. Ahn has completed more than 1,000 nasal surgeries with the goal of addressing just those concerns and giving the patient a natural looking nose that fits the face.

What you can expect…

During your consultation Dr. Ahn will use imaging software to give you a preview of what your nose may look like after surgery. Dr. Ahn feels that the real value of this program is to provide a communication platform that lets the patient express his or her specific concerns more clearly. He feels that when he and the patient are “on the same page”, the result is better and the patient is happier.

On the day of your procedure, you will receive IV “twilight” sedation, which is a safer form of anesthesia than “general” anesthesia. With “twilight” anesthesia, there is sedating medicine given through an IV that makes you very sleepy.  You won’t feel or remember any part of the surgery.  Dr. Ahn performs “open” rhinoplasties because it allows for precision without guessing or approximating. During this type of rhinoplasty, he makes an incision between the base and the tip of the nose and along the inside of each nostril.  The open rhinoplasty allows Dr. Ahn to manipulate the shape of the nose with better accuracy and ease than a “closed” rhinoplasty. Dr. Ahn feels that the added visibility and precision outweigh the small incision that is virtually invisible once healed.

Review before and after photos here.

At the completion of surgery, you will head home with a small cast on your nose. Dr. Ahn does not use uncomfortable nasal packing, the insertion of cotton or gauze into the nasal cavities. Nasal surgery only hurts when packing is used. Routine use of packing is a dated technique and runs counter to Dr. Ahn’s progressive rhinoplasty approach. .  About 1 week after surgery, you will come to the office to have your cast and sutures removed. Some bruising and swelling will remain, but most patients can return to work 10 days after the procedure. After 2-3 weeks, most of the swelling will subside. Patients may notice small changes in swelling of the nose tip for a one-year period after surgery.

Rhinoplasty Costs
The range of costs for a rhinoplasty at The Aesthetic Wellness Center is $8,500-$10,500 for an initial rhinoplasty and $12,000-$15,000 for a revision rhinoplasty. These costs cover anesthesia, facility fees, and a surgeon equipped with the experience to provide you the look you’ve been wanting.

Please reach out to schedule your consultation at our cosmetic surgery center with Dr. Ahn today!