Can Blepharoplasty Get Rid of Tired Eyes?
The eyes are typically considered the most expressive feature of the face, which is why puffiness, dark circles, and lax skin around the eyelids often feign the appearance of tiredness and fatigue—even at your most energetic state. Tired-looking eyes may be experienced by a diverse range of ages, from individuals in their twenties to middle-aged patients and beyond. If you struggle with a weary appearance, both upper and lower blepharoplasty can help you look more awake and alert by minimizing the characteristics that give the impression of aging or fatigue. In the upper eyelids, puffiness, crow’s feet, and eyelid hooding can culminate to jeopardize a bright and wide-eyed aesthetic, often making patients seem older than they are. Upper blepharoplasty is designed to minimize this aged look by variously tightening loose skin, smoothing wrinkles, removing excess fat bulges, and rejuvenating droopy lids (medically known as ptosis). By resolving these tissue attributes, the eyes can generally appear more expressive and youthful. In the lower eyelids, loss of support from the tissues surrounding the eyes can cause shadowing, dark circles, and eye bags to develop. Lower blepharoplasty is often utilized to treat these concerns, with the procedure intended to smooth the contour under the eye. This is accomplished by addressing protruding excess fat as well as tightening loose skin and lax supporting structures. Depending on your concerns, upper and lower eyelid surgery can […]
How to Get Rid of Jowls
One of the biggest aesthetic concerns experienced by patients as they grow older is the formation of jowls, a key sign of facial aging that is characterized by sagging skin along the cheeks and jawline. Relaxed facial skin is caused by a number of factors, including the natural waning of collagen production as well as depleted volume in the mid-face. These bodily changes are inevitable, but patients don’t have to resign themselves to living with jowls forever. If you believe your outward appearance does not reflect how you feel inside, our board-certified plastic surgeon can help you lift and tighten sagging facial skin to reclaim a more youthful look. Dr. Lawrence Tong performs facelift surgery at his Toronto plastic surgery practice, a highly effective procedure that can eliminate jowls, soften wrinkles, and generally smooth the facial appearance to restore a younger-looking version of yourself. This rejuvenation is achieved by tightening the underlying muscle layer in the face and neck, after which excess skin and fatty deposits in the lower face are removed. The skin is then redraped and incisions are closed to yield a natural and “unoperated” aesthetic, allowing patients to appear more vital and refreshed. A facelift is considered the most powerful technique to get rid of jowls, with results typically lasting well into the future despite the continuation of the aging process. However, variations of a facelift can […]
What are the Benefits of Brow Lift Surgery?
A brow lift, also referred to as a forehead lift, is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to achieve a younger-looking and rejuvenated brow and forehead region. Signs of aging can be pronounced in the forehead due to factors such as smoking, excessive sun exposure, and the formation of wrinkling from repeated facial expressions. As a result, many patients have ‘permanent’ horizontal forehead creases, vertical frown lines, and sagging brow skin that can yield an elderly appearance in the upper facial region. Furthermore, over time, the aging process causes the eyebrows to droop to a lower position, causing excess skin to descend into the eyelids (especially laterally), creating a look of stress, anger, or constant tiredness. For patients in Toronto and surrounding areas seeking to address signs of aging in the forehead and brow region, plastic surgeon Lawrence Tong, MD offers brow lift surgery to resolve these concerns and achieve a refreshed, natural-looking outcome. The procedure is designed to (i) alleviate and tighten lax skin in the forehead, (ii) smooth horizontal forehead wrinkles and “frown lines” between the eyebrows, and (iii) elevate the brows to a more pleasing and youthful position. Dr. Tong typically utilizes the endoscopic brow lift technique, which employs specialized surgical instruments via shorter incisions than a traditional ‘open’ approach. This results in a less invasive surgery with a shorter recovery period and lesser risk of complications when […]
Combining Eyelid and Brow Lift Surgery
As the brow often ages in conjunction with the eyelids, patients who exhibit signs of facial aging in the upper face frequently opt to combine the blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) procedure with a brow lift. Due to factors such as sun exposure, formation of facial expressions, genetics, and the natural aging process, the eyes and forehead typically age at an accelerated pace when compared to other facial features. Skin in the eyelids and brow starts to loosen and sag, eyebrows often droop to create the appearance of persistent fatigue, and horizontal forehead creases and “crow’s feet” around the corners of the eyes begin to develop. Together, these aesthetic concerns can compromise a youthful, well-rested facial appearance. While each surgery is designed to achieve different goals, undergoing both an eyelid lift and a brow lift simultaneously can provide far-reaching facial rejuvenation in one operation. Eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper and/or lower eyelids depending on your needs. This procedure is designed to remove and tighten excess eyelid skin, smooth wrinkled skin around the eyes, and remove and/or reposition fatty deposits to correct the appearance of puffy or baggy eyelids. In contrast, brow lift surgery is focused on improving the forehead and brow position. The eyebrows are elevated to a more youthful and rejuvenated position, while lax forehead skin is tightened and horizontal forehead wrinkles are made smooth. The frown lines […]
What Surgical Options Do I Have for a Chin Implant?
Patients may desire a chin implant for a variety of reasons, such as achieving a more prominent chin, improving their overall facial proportions and shape, or reducing the appearance of jowls. With chin implant surgery, Dr. Lawrence Tong can enhance the size and shape of the chin for a more balanced, and natural-looking appearance. Considering the unique cosmetic goals of each patient, Dr. Tong customizes each chin implant procedure to meet his or her needs. Chin implants of different sizes and shapes are used to increase the forward projection of the chin, the width, as well as the shape. Some implants provide a more ‘square’ jawline, while some create a sharper, ‘heart shaped’ appearance. The dimensions and applications of any specific implant will be thoroughly discussed during the initial consultation, and ‘sizers’ are used to give patients an idea of how the final results may look. Furthermore, Dr. Tong can provide a digital simulation of your chin implant surgery by using the Vectra 3D imaging system. There is no extra cost for the simulation, and it only takes a few minutes to complete in his office. In addition to the implant size and shape, the surgical method used during the procedure is important to consider. When the surgical incision is placed inside of the mouth (intra oral approach), there is no external scarring. However, with this method, the placement of […]
What Age Is Best for a Facelift?
Since facial aging occurs at different rates for different people, there is no “best” age for a facelift. A person may look ‘older’ than their true age; therefore, the visibility of signs of aging is more important than chronological age when evaluating a patient. Variables such as sun exposure, environmental factors, smoking habits, ethnicity, and genetics can all accelerate or slow facial aging. In general, a patient with prominent signs of aging is more likely to benefit from a facelift, while patients with lesser signs of aging may benefit from smaller procedures. A facelift is often used to tighten loose skin of the face and neck, plump up hollowed cheeks, remove fat beneath the chin, or correct “bands” on the neck that result from muscle laxity. Patients who exhibit these common signs of aging are often good candidates for a facelift, regardless of their actual age. As an alternative to the traditional facelift, a mini facelift is a less extensive surgical option compared to a full facelift. This procedure elevates the position of the cheeks, improves the definition of the jawline, and smooths nasolabial folds or marionette lines. It does not improve the neck to any significant extent. For patients seeking a less dramatic change, or patients who are not in need of neck rejuvenation, a mini facelift may be an ideal solution. In many cases, mini facelift patients are […]
How Long Do Results Last After Facelift Surgery?
A facelift is designed to address common signs of the natural aging process that can affect both the face and neck. By eliminating excess skin, repositioning facial fat to address volume loss in the cheeks, and removing excess fat beneath the chin, our plastic surgeon can help patients attain a more youthful appearance. While the benefits of a facelift are clear to most women and men, many prospective patients naturally wonder how long they can expect these results to last. After a facelift, patients can enjoy smoother skin, fuller cheeks, a sleeker jawline, and reduced signs of aging in the neck. These changes can make a patient look years younger, but a facelift cannot halt the natural aging process. The results of a facelift are considered to be long-lasting, and most patients would see little benefit from having another facelift for at least 7-10 years following surgery. It is also important to keep in mind that beyond 10 years, a patient would still have a more youthful appearance than if they never had a facelift at all. To prolong the results of a facelift, Dr. Tong advises taking the necessary precautions to avoid excessive sun exposure and tobacco products. Patients should also strive to maintain a relatively stable weight. Individuals who eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and wear daily sunscreen go a long way towards keeping their skin looking […]
Is CoolSculpting® Permanent?
CoolSculpting® is a non-invasive treatment that aims to reduce fat in stubborn areas around the body that are resistant to diet and exercise. Unlike surgical methods of targeted fat reduction, this body contouring procedure can address excess fat pockets without the need for incisions, needles, anesthesia, or recovery time. Through advanced technology in controlled cooling, patients can now reduce the thickness of fat bulges by up to 30 percent in a single treatment without undergoing an operation. Many patients inquire about the longevity of results from this unique treatment, and whether CoolSculpting® can achieve permanent fat reduction. The freezing technology used in CoolSculpting® does indeed permanently eliminate fat cells in the treated area. Once the fat cells are eliminated, they cannot grow back. With this said, it is important to note that just because the targeted fat cells are gone, it does not mean your final cosmetic outcome will remain fixed. If a patient continues to gain weight after CoolSculpting®, the extra pounds will settle somewhere. More importantly, any remaining fat cells in previously treated areas can eventually enlarge. Therefore, CoolSculpting provides a permanent result as long as your weight remains stable. Uncontrolled weight gain after CoolSculpting can result in additional fat bulges around the body, even in the treated areas. The key to preserving treatment results from CoolSculpting® is nutrition and regular exercise. Through maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, […]
Benefits of CoolSculpting®
Many plastic surgeons consider CoolSculpting® the gold standard of non-surgical fat reduction. This FDA-approved technology uses controlled cooling to target and eliminate localized areas of fat around the body for exceptional results in body contouring. Countless individuals have found success in addressing areas of excess fat in their abdomen, arms, thighs, back, and flanks, among other regions. What’s more, the freezing technology in CoolSculpting® allows the body to gradually shed problem fat through elimination of the targeted fat cells. This body enhancement is totally non-invasive and entirely accomplished without needles or incisions. There are a number of patient advantages with the CoolSculpting® procedure when compared to other methods of fat reduction. While each CoolSculpting® session typically results in a 20-30 percent reduction of fat in the treated area, the final aesthetic outcome unfolds little by little over time for body contouring that appears to be achieved naturally to the outside observer. CoolSculpting® can obtain this cosmetic ideal while allowing the following benefits: No needles, incisions, or anesthesia No downtime required afterwards Little to no post procedure discomfort Convenient and timely—many patients return to work following their session Patients generally experience so little discomfort during the treatment that they often spend treatment time reading, working on their devices, or simply relaxing. CoolSculpting® can be highly effective for addressing fat accumulation in a small number of areas around the body; however, individuals […]
Is CoolSculpting® Right For Me?
CoolSculpting® is a non-invasive procedure designed to remove targeted pockets of fat around the body with no downtime, surgery, or anesthesia. The popularity of this body contouring treatment has many patients in my practice wondering whether they would be suitable candidates for CoolSculpting®. This is innovative technology in selective fat reduction allows individuals who may not want (or qualify for) surgical procedures to still achieve beautiful results in body contouring. Nevertheless, there are a few important considerations to make when determining candidacy for CoolSculpting® treatment. Primarily, CoolSculpting® is not intended to be a substitute for weight loss. As a tool used for body sculpting, individuals who are obese or far from their ideal weight are encouraged to undergo weight loss prior to CoolSculpting®. The treatment works best for people with areas of accumulated fat that are resistant to exercise and dieting efforts. One session typically yields a 20-30 percent fat reduction in the targeted area. CoolSculpting® is most successful for patients who: Are seeking a non-surgical method of selective fat reduction Have moderately-sized fat bulges Do not have a history of cold-related medical conditions Have an adequate degree of skin elasticity It is always imperative to review your medical history with your board-certified plastic surgeon prior to treatment. Depending on the unique anatomy and medical history of my patients, I am able to formulate a treatment plan to comprehensively […]
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