NVPS Blog

All Ready for Liposuction

Maybe you have heard of SmartLipo, the cosmetic liposuction? When it comes to ridding the body of unwanted fat most people want a liposuction procedure that is not too invasive. The less invasive the procedure is the less pain, bruising and recovery time is required before seeing the final result. Luckily there are new liposuction procedures called SmartLipo and Slim Lipo that use lasers and are only minimally invasive. SmartLipo and Slim Lipo can provide you with the body that you have always wanted and dreamed of.

Some kinds of liposuction can be hard on patients causing them to have an extended recovery period with pain and discomfort. However, this is not the case with SmartLipo and Slim Lipo. To start with this cosmetic liposuction surgery is done with local anesthesia and as the laser is employed the blood vessels seal quickly to minimize bruising and swelling. In addition, there is generally little or no pain while it is being performed and afterwards a patient may feel just a few body aches. All body types can be benefit from this type of liposuction surgery although the best results are in patients within the normal weight range.

The best part of the SmartLipo and Slim Lipo liposuction procedures is that thry can be used with the non-laser type of cosmetic surgery to remove more unwanted fat. That includes problem areas that are small in size like the face, neck, chin, arms, knees and the back. As stated before the SmartLipo and Slim Lipo surgery can have you back to work in no time and some even go in for a lunch hour treatment and then are back at their work desk in the afternoon! This type of surgery generally only takes one session and the results can be seen right after the treatment is finished.

For more information about Smartlipo or to make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon for a free consultation, please call Michelle at North Valley Plastic Surgery, 480-304-5477.

, also referred to as Microderm treatments in Scottsdale, diminishes fine lines, enlarged pores, blackheads, age spots, hyperpigmentation (uneven skin tone), scars, stretch marks, wrinkles and dull skin.  Microderm Treatment in Scottsdale is one of the safest, most effective skin resurfacing treatments around!

Microdermabrasion in Scottsdale

Microdermabrasion is a skin resurfacing procedure which involves a licensed paramedical aesthetician resurfacing the patient’s skin with micro aluminium oxide crystals or a diamond tipped wand.  This technique will wipe away the top layer of skin, leaving behind a clear layer underneath.  This is a non-invasive, non-surgical cosmetic procedure which can be performed at home, in beauty salons, spas and medical or dermatological offices. Those treatments offered outside of a medical practice such as North Valley Plastic Surgery, are, by law, very limited in terms of how aggressive the treatments may be (and, therefore, how much improvement you should expect) because the aesthetician can be more aggressive when directly supervised by a physician.

Microderm is not meant to treat deeply layered skin problems.  Results vary depending on your skin’s ability to bounce back from a procedure, other medical conditions, and of course, who performed the procedure.  Microderm Treatment in Scottsdale is not for patients who have used Acutane within the last six months, are pregnant or nursing, have lesions from herpes, malignant tumors, keratosis, active rosacea or deep acne.  Microderm might irritate sensitive, acne-prone skin.

After a Microdermabrasion in Scottsdale patients should expect their skin to have a pink or red tint after the procedure, but this usually fades after a day.  They could also feel a slight sunburn sensation on their skin which will diminish very quickly.  For the best results, one should have five to twelve treatments one to two weeks apart.  Post-treatment activities should include limiting you exposure to sunlight and keeping your treated skin clean and moisturized.  If you need to go into the sun, always use a strong SPF lotion.  Try to avoid make-up, as well, as this will allow your skin to heal more quickly.  Fortunately, when you are done with your treatment or treatments, your skin will feel healthier and more youthful!

Call Michelle, or one of our three licensed paramedical aestheticians,  at North Valley Plastic Surgery at 480-304-5477  for more information about Microdermabrasion in Scottsdale, Microderm in Scottsdale and Microderm Treatment in Scottsdale.

Pearl Laser Procedure Scottsdale is an ablative, skin resurfacing treatment. Pearl Laser Treatment corrects sun damage, fine lines, acne blemishes and uneven skin texture. Pearl Laser Treatment Phoenix involves treating the skin with pulses of light. A portion of the epidermis or uppermost layer of skin is removed, making way for a fresh, vibrant surface during the recovery process. The process involves the pulses of light sending heat to the deeper layers of your skin. This usually takes twenty to thirty minutes for the whole face. Patients say that the light feels like a brief series of pinches. This eventually causes collagen growth which continues for weeks after the original treatment. This new layer of skin will give you a bright, youthful look!

Patients should not have any illusions about the recovery process. Though literature about Pearl Laser Treatment Phoenix often states that the recovery process is three to four days, patients who have shared their stories about their Pearl Laser Procedure Scottsdale experience say that seven to eight days is more truthful. Your burns and peeling skin will be healed by that point but you will still have significant redness. You might want to take at least four of these days off of work and socializing. You may start wearing cover up or make up on day three, but you may not wear sunscreen. This is why you should avoid exposure to the sun and heat as much as possible. Currently, the Pearl Laser Treatment Scottsdale is the most effective and successful procedure for sun damage, fine lines, acne blemishes and uneven skin texture. Though the Pearl Laser recovery process may seem rather difficult, it is actually a major improvement compared to other laser skin treatments. Other treatments, such as Erbium and CO2 laser procedures, tend to require more than one treatment, as only a small area of the face can be treated at one time.  Pearl Laser treatments are the way to go if you want a comparatively simple, skin restoration procedure.

Restore your skin to its youthful, bright hue at North Valley Plastic Surgery by calling 480-304-5477 for more information about Pearl Laser Procedure Scottsdale, Pearl Laser Treatment Scottsdale and Pearl Laser Treatment Phoenix.

Juvéderm Scottsdale might be the right choice for you if you are looking to smooth out those pesky wrinkles or “laugh lines.”  Juvéderm is a Dermal Filler in Scottsdale, an injectable gel which restores your skin’s original smoothness and volume. Juvederm Scottsdale is made of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in your skin. Juvéderm is the safest and most effective dermal filler and is the only dermal filler proven safe for people of color.

Juvéderm Scottsdale is non-surgical treatment for wrinkles and lines. Your physician will inject the Juvéderm gel into the desired area using a very fine needle. The needle inserts the gel into the dermis or the inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis, the top layer of skin. This hyaluronic acid gel adds volume to your skin, diminishing all wrinkles and folds. After your Juvéderm injection, the gel draws water into the area and the fill will continue to increase.

During treatment, your physician may apply anesthesia to the treated area before beginning the Dermal Filler Scottsdale injection process, though anesthesia is by no means required.  Your healthcare professional will inject the Juvéderm gel into your skin, filling wrinkles and folds. The newest formulation of Juvéderm-XL comes pre-mixed with lidocaine, a local anesthetic that instantly nombs the area to be injected.  Once this fifteen minute process is complete, your injector will massage the treated areas, smoothing out the lines in your skin.

After treatment, recovery time is very minimal for this Juvederm Scottsdale procedure.  You will want to avoid sunlight, heat exposure, strenuous exercise and alcoholic beverages. This will help you reduce the risk of temporary redness, swelling and itchy treated areas.  You might experience slight discomfort, bumps and firm skin.  You may apply an ice pack to the treated area for a brief period of time.  These symptoms will usually clear up in seven days or less. Your physician will advise as to when you can apply makeup to the treated area. You should see immediate results on the treated areas and the smoothness will last up to six months or more.

Call North Valley Plastic Surgery at 480-304-5477 for more information about Juvéderm Scottsdale, and Dermal Filler in Scottsdale. Complimentary cosmetic surgery consultations, as well as injectable filler and Botox injection consultations are available.

Post bariatric surgery is the final step in your long-term weight loss journey that starts with the decision for bariatric surgery. Losing weight is a great part of your new life. It not only makes you look better, but it can make you feel better as well. Once a large amount of weight is lost after a gastric bypass procedure there may be significant sagging skin left behind and this is where further surgery may need to be performed to rid your body of that excess skin.

There are quite a few benefits to having post bariatric surgery. It is the last stage for the new you and your body, but it also is a procedure that has a shorter healing time than that of a gastric bypass. The second type of surgery takes care of all of the extra skin and gives you the body that you have always dreamed of. That can happen in one of two ways with either liposuction or procedures that lift or tuck the skin. Liposuction can be done anywhere on the body and it has very little down time. Tummy tucks, bidy lifts, breast lifts, buttock lifts and arm lifts are all surgeries that are requested after drastic weight loss. Each person should have an individualized plan of action determined by the patient and the plastic surgeon after a thorough examination and review of the body.

Having post bariatric surgery means that you are nearing the last steps in your journey. During the healing time, your skin may become bruised and it may also swell, but both are completely normal during this process. After the treatment has occurred, you will require follow up checkups with your doctor to make sure that you are healing properly and to remove your stitches as needed. Taking it easy the first week is recommended after liposuction or tuck surgery and then you can get back into your normal routine and look forward to the brand new you. We will want you to be up and out of bed, however, as soon as possible. Moving about is very important in your recovery process. You’ve had a tremendous weight loss and now you should be able to enjoy it!

Dr. Steven Gitt is on the editorial advisory board of Obesity Help magazine. Dr. Dominic Heffel is not only a well trained Plastic Surgeon, but he is also an accomplished bariatric surgeon! Dr’s Gitt & Heffel will do most of their larger major bariatric cases together with shorter surgery times, less blood loss, and a lower rate of post operative complications! We are the premier post-bariatric Plastic Surgery team in the southwestern USA.

Male Pectoral Implants are for men who want to look toned, youthful and feel great about themselves. If diet and exercise aren’t delivering the chest that you want, pectoral implants are made out of solid construction silicone to give you that chiseled look. They are available in several different sizes and shapes with various degrees of density (softness). Plastic Surgery for men has been on the rise in recent years as men have begun to realize that they are not restricted to the body that they were born with, or the one that developed over the years.

Muscle tone is very important to men of all ages. Being able to take your shirt off at the beach and have the muscles that draw envious glances is now possible for every man! Male pectoral implants can be used in two different forms. Some patients choose either ones that are pre-shaped or custom-shaped ones that can be molded into any dimensional build requested (by making a plaster cast/moulage of your chest wall). The implant is inserted through an incision in the armpit or under the breast depending on the patient.

After having the plastic surgery men may experience a swollen chest  for about six weeks and have certain restrictions for activities like heavy lifting which should be minimized. Submerging the new incision under water is not recommended for three weeks after the male pectoral implants are inserted. A  compression garment should be worn during most of the recovery time, but at least for the first few weeks it is especially helpful as it keeps the implants in their proper position. After a successful recovery, it is typically impossible to distinguish between a natural hunk and one with enhancements. Steven Gitt, MD, is one of the few board certified Plastic Surgeons in Arizona who has substantial experience with pectoral implants.

If you are in the market for a new expansive chest with Male Pectoral Implants, call 480-304-5477 and speak to Michelle at North Valley Plastic Surgery to schedule a free consultation with one of our board certified Plastic Surgeons. Remember that plastic surgery is for men too! Go to WWW.NVPSAZ.COM for more information.

Special now through July 31, Vivite Skin Care Products at an astounding 35% off regular price.

Call 480-304-5477 to order your Vivite and arrange for pick up.

Does your skin feel old and rough before its time? Do you have unwanted hair, redness, or veins that you would like to have removed? North Valley Plastic Surgery offers Fractional Non-Ablative Skin Resurfacing that will restore your skin to its original, healthy softness. Not only do we resurface skin, but we can also help you with permanent hair reduction, photofacials (which help with sunspots, rosacea or reddened skin, and spider veins), skin tightening, acne treatment, leg vein treatment and much more.

How does the Fractional Non-Ablative Skin Resurfacing System work?

Our technicians use handheld, laser equipment which hover over your skin, sending thinly focused microbeams of light to create columns of coagulation within your skin, initiating a natural healing process.

Which areas of my body can be treated?

Fractional Non-Ablative Skin Resurfacing System can treat most areas of the body, such as the face, chest, arms and hands.

What makes Fractional Non-Ablative Skin Resurfacing System different from other skin restoration procedures?

Some skin restoration equipment limits one to the ablative technique which removes the epidermis, the top layer of your skin, and part of the dermis, the layer beneath the epidermis.  While the ablative technique has effective results, many patients suffer from red, raw skin and a risk of infection for many weeks after the procedure. Our equipment utilizes the non-ablative technique, which keeps the protective layer of the epidermis intact which, in turn, speeds up the recovery process.

What should I expect in the recovery process?

The treated areas will most likely undergo redness, warmth, swelling or tightness which should fade within a few hours of the procedure.  Your skin might have a pinkish tone for 5-7 days.  In general though, you can be treated and return to work or your everyday duties without a recovery period.  The non-ablative technique is much more suited to skin and allows for a rapid healing process and almost immediate results. To receive the best results, more than one treatment is recommended—one every 3 to 6 weeks until desired skin quality is achieved.

Is this procedure right for me?

If you are interested in a skin rejuvenation treatment which can restore your skin without all of the pain and damage of the ablative procedure, then the Fractional Non-Ablative Skin Resurfacing System is perfect for your needs. As stated before, one of the major benefits of a non-ablative technique is its rapid recovery period.

Call 480-304-5477 to speak to Michelle at North Valley Plastic Surgery and make an appointment for a free consultation about Fractional Non-Ablative Skin Resurfacing or other skin care decisions at the North Valley Plastic Surgery Medspa today.

Do you have Sun Damaged Skin, Age Spots or Visible Veins?

North Valley Plastic Surgery offers Palomar Photorejuvenation to help rid sun damaged skin, sun spots, age spots, rosacea (reddish tint), and spider visible  veins.  The Photorejuvenation process improves your skin tone, making it glow with youth and clarity.

How does the Palomar Photorejuvenation work exactly?

North Valley Plastic Surgery utilizes light technology to target blood vessels and skin discoloration.  The light-filtering, handheld equipment has different levels of intensity which can be altered based on the needs of your skin. The pigment in your skin absorbs the light, helping unwanted age spots and visible veins to fade away.

What differentiates pulse-light equipment from laser technology?

Actually, pulse-light and laser equipment are both quite similar to one another.  However, pulse-light systems operate on a much larger scale than lasers.  Pulse-light equipment can therefore work on a larger area, hence the procedure does not take as long as one done with laser equipment.

Which areas of my face and body can be treated?

Most areas of the face and body can be treated except for the skin which directly surrounds your eyes. The skin on your face, neck, chest, arms, back and legs are all fair game.

Can you describe the Palomar Photorejuvenation experience?

Your technician will make sure that you are relaxed and comfortable before they begin the treatment. Then they will move the pulse-light equipment the desired area where there is sun damaged skin, age spots or visible veins, sending beams of light through your skin. You will see a flashing light, hear a low sound, and feel warm pulses on your skin.

What will be the effects of the procedure?

After the Palomar photorejuvenation, you should expect to feel as if you have a minor sunburn, along with some slight swelling.  These sensations will last 24 hours at the most and can be treated with cold gel or ice packs.  Age spots and sun damaged skin will darken after the procedure but will fade drastically from your skin within 1-2 weeks. Skin treated for Rosacea will lessen in redness within a week of the procedure. Spider Visible Veins will either disappear immediately or within 10-14 days of treatment. You may need a few visits to the North Valley Plastic Surgery clinic for the optimal results.

Call Michelle at 480-304-5477 to schedule a free consultation at North Valley Plastic Surgery - Med-spa about the possibilities available with Palomar Photorejuvenation.