Miami Residents Ask: Is Facial Fat Grafting Permanent?

Fat grafting is a technique that has been used in cosmetic applications to add volume to the skin. Although the technique is more intensive than dermal fillers, it does offer unique benefits for men and women who want to reduce wrinkles or enhance facial features, such as a greater longevity.

The Fat Grafting Procedure

The fat grafting procedure is a three-step process.

1. Fat is removed from an area of the body, such as the thighs, abdomen flank, or buttocks, using a limited liposuction technique.
2. The fat is processed to remove any impurities and isolate the fat cells.
3. The fat cells are loaded into a syringe and injected into the treatment area of the face, such as nasolabial folds, cheeks, under the eyes, forehead and other areas.

With fat grafting, you do have some downtime, typically one to two days.

How Fat Grafting Works to Reduce Wrinkles and Add Volume

The transferred fat cells absorb nutrients and oxygen from surrounding tissues until a process known as “neovascularization” occurs by which the body develops new blood vessels to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the fat cells directly. Neovascularization is the most important facet of fat grafting. Once the blood vessels are developed by the body, the fat grafts become an integrated part of the subcutaneous tissues and work much like the native fat cells. Recent studies have also revealed that the fat cells contain growth factors that help the body heal naturally. This mechanism enhances the anti-aging benefits of fat grafts.

How Long Do Fat Grafts Last?

The key distinction between dermal fillers and fat grafts is that transplanted fat cells are integrated into the tissues, whereas dermal fillers contribute to the presence of certain proteins, such as collagen and hyaluronic acid. While every fat cell may not survive the grafting procedure, for all practical purposes, fat grafting is considered a permanent solution. We do advise our patients that some fat cells may not survive the harvesting, purification and implantation, so a follow-up fat grafting procedure may be required to achieve the desired results.

Can You Extend the Results of Your Fat Grafting?

Because fat grafts become part of your subcutaneous tissues and are subject to changes that affect native fat cells, many people want to know how they can extend the longevity of their fat grafts. The surgical technique that is used and the experience of the surgeon is of utmost importance. Dr. Lewen specializes in facial fat grafting, and his skills provides his patients with the best possible outcomes for the procedure.

Learn More About Facial Fat Grafting at Lewen Cosmetic Surgery

Dr. Lewen can discuss fat grafting and the results that he achieves with his patients during a consultation. To learn more about fat grafting at Lewen Cosmetic Surgery, contact us to schedule your personal consultation.

Miami Residents Ask: Is Mohs Surgery Covered by Insurance?

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and it affects millions of people in the United States. The Miami area sees a high number of skin cancer cases due to the outdoor lifestyle that makes Florida a popular place to live. If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, Dr. Lewen may recommend Mohs surgery.

What is Mohs Surgery and When Is It Recommended?

Although Dr. Lewen does not perform Mohs surgery himself, he is able to provide patients with highly recommended colleagues who are able to perform the surgery instead. Skin cancer that has not spread to surrounding tissues can be treated through a surgical incision of the abnormal tissues or Mohs surgery. Mohs surgery is highly recommended in most cases because it ensures that only the cancerous cells are removed. Often, this minimizes scarring and ensures patients of positive prognosis in the cancer treatments. The technique that is used for Mohs surgery is referred to as micrographic surgery. The surgeon removes thin layers of tissues from the lesion and studies it under a microscope. If the surgeon detects cancer cells in the tissues, another layer is removed and evaluated for the presence of cancer cells. This process continues until the surgeon removes a thin layer of tissue that is free of any cancerous cells. The wound that is left on the skin is treated with techniques that minimize scarring and preserve the aesthetics as much as possible.

Once this is done, Dr. Lewen will perform any reconstruction procedures that are necessary to areas of the eyes or face that have been affected by Mohs surgery. Dr. Lewen and his staff will continue to closely monitor your healing progress following the Mohs surgery and skin reconstruction.

Considerations for Insurance Coverage of Mohs Surgery

The cost of Mohs surgery can be expensive, so insurance coverage is an important consideration. Fortunately, Mohs surgery is a medical procedure, and it is not considered an elective even though it does provide some cosmetic benefits. Micrographic surgery has become a standard procedure under insurance policies, so it is covered in most cases. We do advise our patients that they should check with their insurance carriers directly, and we are happy to provide any details that will help you explain the medical necessity of the procedure. Even if your Mohs surgery is covered, you may have some out-of-pocket expenses to consider before having the procedure.

What If Insurance Doesn’t Cover Mohs Surgery?

If your insurance does cover any or all the cost for your Mohs surgery, we may have some options to help you afford the cost. We work with CareCredit® to offer our patient’s financing options that fit their budgets.

Learn More About Mohs Surgery at Lewen Cosmetic Surgery

If you have been diagnosed with skin cancer or have an unusual lesion that you need to have evaluated for skin cancer, contact Lewen Cosmetic Surgery to schedule a consultation. Dr. Lewen will determine if your skin cancer can be treated with Mohs surgery, and we can assist you with finding out if the procedure is covered by insurance.

Why Mohs Surgery is Ideal for Treating Facial Skin Cancers in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Skin cancer is a common problem among Miami residents because the Florida lifestyle means spending a lot of time outdoors. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, skin cancer develops in areas that are most often exposed to sunlight, such as the face. There are several options for treating skin cancer, yet Mohs surgery is considered the gold standard for treating skin cancer on the face. Although Dr. Lewen does not perform Mohs surgery himself, he does Mohs reconstruction surgery if necessary after a dermatologist has removed the skin cancer with Mohs surgery.

What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer describes a condition in which abnormal cells develop in multiple organs of the body, such as the skin. There are several types of skin cancer, including:

• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Melanoma

Of these, melanoma presents the most serious type of skin cancer because it can infiltrate the surrounding tissues and organs. Most cases of skin cancer involve basal cell carcinoma.

Skin Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment for skin cancer does vary slightly based on the type of cancer, but treatments may include:

• Excising the cancerous cells to include a margin of healthy tissue
• Radiation therapy
• Topical immunotherapy and radiation
• Cryosurgery
• Curettage and electrodesiccation
• Mohs micrographic surgery

While each of these options may successfully remove or destroy the cancerous cells, there are disadvantages to most, such as scarring and side effects. Mohs micrographic surgery produces no side effects, and the technique involves removing the smallest amount of tissue necessary to remove the cancerous cells.

Mohs Surgery for Facial Skin Cancer

Dr. Lewen does not perform Mohs surgery, but he is happy to provide recommendations for patients and to perform any facial reconstruction surgery once the skin cancer has been removed. Mohs surgery offers exceptional precision when removing cancerous cells from the face. Rather than removing a large section of tissue with traditional excision, the doctor removes very thin layers of skin cells. Each layer is studied under a microscope to detect the presence of cancerous cells. If cancer is detected, the surgeon removes another thin layer of skin from the lesion and studies it under the microscope. This process is repeated until no cancer cells are detected. Depending on the size of the resultant wound, the surgeon may:

• Allow the wound to heal naturally
• Suture the wound closed
• Use skin grafts or flaps to cover the wound

Following the removal of any facial skin cancer, Dr. Lewen may perform facial reconstruction surgery afterward. He will choose a technique to help minimize scarring as well as preserve your vision and the delicate tissues around the eyes and cheeks. He may even recommend scar revision surgery at a future date to further camouflage the scar with the surrounding skin.

Interested in Mohs Surgery for Facial Skin Cancer? Contact Lewen Cosmetic Surgery.

If you have been diagnosed with or suspect that you have skin cancer on your face, contact Lewen Cosmetic Surgery to schedule a consultation. Dr. Lewen will determine if Mohs surgery and facial reconstruction is your best option, or recommend alternative treatments for the lesion.

Miami Residents Ask: How Many Treatments are Required for Laser Hair Removal?

Shaving, waxing, and plucking are an unpleasant part of your hygiene routine, but having unwanted hair is even more troublesome. With laser hair removal, you can manage that unwanted hair quickly and easily. Best of all, the results may be permanent. The most common question we receive about laser hair removal is, “How many treatments are required for laser hair removal?”

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Shaving cuts the hair at the surface and plucking or waxing yanks the hair out of the follicle. None of these techniques affect the way the hair grows, so soon after you treat your unwanted hair, it comes right back. Laser hair removal is unique because it changes the follicle so that it does not grow hair as well as before treatment. With repeat treatments, the follicle may stop producing hair altogether.

Why Do I Still Have Hair After Laser Hair Removal?

Every hair on your body follows a set growth cycle that has four stages. In the first stage (anagen), the hair is growing. Most of the hair that you have right now is in this stage. Next comes catagen, or the transition stage. Over two to three weeks, hair growth stops, and the connection to the blood supply is disconnected. In stage three or telogen, the hair rests inside the follicle, yet receives no nutrients from the bloodstream. This is when a new hair starts to form under the old hair shaft. In the fourth and final stage, the hair falls out of the follicle. If you see hair after your laser hair treatment, chances are that those hairs are in different stages of growth and will fall out in the days or weeks after your laser hair treatment.

How Many Treatments Do I Need to Eliminate All the Hair?

The number of treatments to remove all the hair varies by person, hair type and treatment area. Dr. Lewen uses the LightSheer® Duet™ system for laser hair removal. This system is proven to reduce treatment times by up to 75% compared to other laser hair removal systems. Most of the hair will be gone with the first treatment, but you may need some spot treatments over the following weeks. Each treatment takes 20 minutes or less, and typically we can achieve total hair removal with two to three treatments.

Find Out More About Laser Hair Removal at Lewen Cosmetic Surgery

If you are interested in laser hair removal, contact Lewen Cosmetic Surgery to schedule a consultation. Dr. Lewen uses the LightSheer® Duet™, considered the “Gold Standard” of laser hair treatments.

How to Fix Chronic Puffy Lower Eyelids in Miami, FL

Having occasional puffiness under your eyes is normal. You may not be getting enough sleep or drinking enough water. Chronic puffiness, though, may be a sign of other issues that are developing in your under eye area. While these concerns do not necessarily require attention from your physician, puffiness certainly does affect the way you look and feel. Dr. Lewen offers lower eyelid surgery to remedy chronic puffiness under your eyes.

What Causes Puffiness Under the Eyes?

Chronic bags under the eyes and puffiness may indicate age-related changes that are occurring to the tissues. The muscles in the area may be weaker than when you were younger, and this allows the tissues to sag. As you age, the fat in your face sags, and this causes folds in various areas, including under your eyes. Poor skin elasticity is another reason that you may have chronic puffiness, and the condition can also be related to excess fluid in the tissues.

Start with Lifestyle Changes

Before you consider surgery for the bothersome bags under your eyes, Dr. Lewen recommends that you make some lifestyle changes to see if you can remedy the problem on your own. His recommendations include:

• Getting better quality sleep, both in the amount of time you sleep and how deeply you sleep.
• Increase your activity level.
• Stop smoking.
• Speak with your physician about any allergies that may be causing puffy eyes.
• Drink more water throughout the day.
• Reduce the amount of salty foods you eat.

If these techniques do not help with your chronic puffy eyelids, you may be a good candidate for lower eyelid surgery.

How Does Lower Eyelid Surgery Help with Puffiness and Bags Under the Eyes?

Like other cosmetic concerns, chronic puffiness under the eyes can be hereditary. Dr. Lewen uses a surgical technique to address the most common causes of chronic puffiness. An incision is made along the lower eyelashes to access the deep tissues. He may reposition the fat or remove any excess fat. The muscles are tightened with sutures, and any extra skin is trimmed. This approach rejuvenates the under eye area and helps reduce puffiness and bags.

Can Dermal Fillers Be Used for Bags Under the Eyes?

Dr. Lewen may recommend a non-surgical lower eyelid lift to help with your puffiness. This may be a standalone procedure or performed in conjunction with surgery to refine the results.

Is Lower Eyelid Surgery Right for You? Contact Lewen Cosmetic Surgery.

If you have tried every technique possible to eliminate the bags under your eyes and now find yourself using concealer to look refreshed and younger, you may be a good candidate for lower eyelid surgery. Contact Lewen Cosmetic Surgery to schedule a consultation and discuss your options with Dr. Lewen.

 

 

Kybella® vs. Liposuction for Double Chin Removal in Miami, FL

A double or triple chin is an indication of excess fat under the chin and jawline. Even if you are at an ideal weight and follow a healthy lifestyle, toning this area can be challenging because double chins are often linked to genetics. Kybella® and liposuction are two options to eliminate the fat.

How Does Kybella® Reduce Submental Fullness?

Submental fullness describes the appearance of a double chin. Kybella® is an injectable product that contains special enzymes that target fat cells. When the enzymes interact with these cells, they cause the outer membrane to break down, and the contents of the fat cells are released into the bloodstream. Kybella® is a minimally invasive treatment that requires no downtime. Several treatments are needed, and the results can be seen in about 16 weeks.

How is Liposuction Used to Reduce a Double Chin?

Although Kybella® uses chemical processes within the body to destroy fat cells, liposuction is a direct intervention that removes the cells from the subcutaneous tissue. The procedure involves making a small incision in the skin through which a cannula is inserted. The cannula is used to simultaneously loosen and suction out the fat cells. This technique does require some downtime.

Which is Better for Treating a Double Chin – Kybella® or Liposuction?

Kybella® and liposuction are both safe and effective procedures for reducing submental fullness. Choosing one over the other depends on your personal goals.

• Kybella® is preferred by patients who want a gradual reduction in fat, whereas liposuction is the choice of patients who want dramatic results in less time.
• Kybella® requires a series of treatments over a period of weeks, and liposuction only requires a single procedure.
• Kybella® has no downtime, and liposuction requires a few days to recover.
• Swelling, tenderness and bruising are mild with Kybella®, and these same symptoms are moderate after liposuction.
• Because Kybella® is minimally invasive, meaning that it only requires injections, the treatment produces no scars. Liposuction does produce scars because small incisions are needed to access the fat layer of the skin.
• Kybella® and liposuction are not recommended for patients with poor skin elasticity. Removing the fat without addressing the lax skin may result in folds, wrinkles and creases.

Find Out How to Treat Your Double Chin at Lewen Cosmetic Surgery

If you have a double chin that cannot be reduced with diet and exercise, learn more about your options at Lewen Cosmetic Surgery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lewen to discuss Kybella® and liposuction for submental fullness.

Procedures Ectropion Repair Can Be Combined with in Miami, FL

There are many signs that indicate to others how long we’ve been around on this earth. While some are positive such as, accumulated wisdom or wealth, other, more physical signs like failing joints and wrinkles are the less desired side effects of aging. Since our face is the first thing people notice about us, one of the biggest indicators that we are getting old is the condition of the skin and underlying structures of the face, specifically in the eye area. Ectropion repair surgery is a popular procedure performed on older adults that corrects a common aging issue of the eyelids. Those desiring a more rejuvenated and alert appearance of their eyes may be interested to know that this procedure can be performed alone, or in conjunction with other cosmetic eye procedures to turn back some of the most obvious effects of aging.

What is Ectropion Repair?

Ectropion is a condition that causes the orientation of the eyelids to roll outward. The eyelid droopiness is typically attributed to cancers and abnormalities from previous plastic surgeries, but can also be congenital, trauma-related, or age-related. Ectropion repair surgery is usually recommended to patients afflicted with the condition as it can improve any irritation, dryness, or watery eyes the patient is experiencing. Another benefit of ectropion repair surgery is that it can be combined with other surgical eye procedures to produce the best results.

Blepharoplasty

Many patients that choose to undergo ectropion repair surgery do so because they desire a more alert and rested appearance. Blepharoplasty is another surgical eyelid procedure that accomplishes this same goal and can be combined with ectropion repair for a fresher, more dramatic result. Patients that suffer from puffiness in the upper eyelid, lower eyelid or both can benefit from blepharoplasty. During the procedure, Dr. Lewen will make small incisions in the natural contours around the eye, minimizing any visible scarring. He will then remove fatty tissue and excess skin while tightening any loose muscle in the eyelid to produce a smoother appearance.

Droopy Eyelid Surgery

Some patients that suffer from ectropion also struggle with ptosis, a term that describes a sagging or droopy eyelid. Those with this condition typically complain that the condition makes their eyes look small, tired, or heavy and can even affect vision. Fortunately, droopy eyelid surgery coupled with ectropion repair surgery can correct these concerns for a more rejuvenated and alert end result.

Take the Next Step

Dr. Gregory D. Lewen and his staff provide these eyelid procedures and more at locations in Miami, Aventura, and surrounding areas of Florida. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Lewen Cosmetic Surgery today.

What are My Non-surgical Options for an Eyelid Lift? Asks Aventura Residents

If you have noticed that your eyelids are drooping or seemingly more hollow as you mature, then you may feel that your appearance is more tired, haggard and less enthusiastic than you would like. This can be a frustrating realization for anyone who is energetic but sees a face in the mirror that does not reflect this sense of vitality and vigor. The good news is that an eyelid lift can be an excellent option for reversing this sign of aging. What if surgery is not part of your plan? For those seeking a non-surgical option for an eyelid lift, here is information you should keep in mind:

Facial Fillers are Key

The secret to a successful non-surgical eyelid lift is in using the appropriate facial fillers to enhance volume in the eyelids. As the skin begins to lose volume, the eyelids may sag, or appear deflated. As a result, a facial filler can restore the buoyancy and youthful glow to the face, creating a non-surgical lift with impressive results.

Recovery Time is Greatly Reduced

Given the minimally-invasive nature of this procedure, combined with Dr. Lewen’s experience with advanced injection techniques, downtime after a non-surgical eyelid lift is much shorter than from a traditional surgical procedure. Many of our patients experience minimal or no discomfort, though some bruising and swelling can be expected.

As with all procedures, recovery time will vary depending on the individual and the volume of product used for the lift. Patients are free to resume normal exercise after 24 hours. Results are immediate; however, the full results will be visible after allowing a full two weeks for the product to settle.

Consider Adding Additional Non-Surgical Procedures

Many of our patients find it convenient to include other non-surgical procedures with their non-surgical eyelid lift. Some of the most common minimally-invasive procedures to combine are cheek fillers, skin resurfacing, temple filler rejuvenation and tear trough filler rejuvenation. During your consultation, Dr. Lewen will discuss what combination of non-surgical procedures would be best to help you achieve your desired goals.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you are dissatisfied with the drooping of your eyelids, but not quite ready for a surgical solution, our non-surgical eyelid lift might be just what you need. With the use of effective facial fillers, we have helped countless patients all over Florida achieve the lifted, brighter look they were seeking. We look forward to helping you achieve your own aesthetic goals. When you are ready to take the next step, do not hesitate to contact us.

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