What Are the Benefits of Upper Blepharoplasty?
Do you feel the appearance of your eyes (more specifically the upper eyelids) makes you look older than you actually are? Over time, the elasticity of our eyelid skin begins to diminish, frequently leading to drooping of the upper lids as well as the formation of creases and wrinkles, puffiness, and various other signs of aging that can add years to our facial aesthetic. In some instances, the excess skin can even obstruct our upper field of vision. For individuals experiencing concerns about the appearance of the upper lids, upper blepharoplasty can be performed to rejuvenate the look of the eyes. Also called upper eyelid surgery or upper eyelid lift, this popular procedure can be customized to help: Eliminate excess skin causing drooping of the upper lids Excise pockets of fat in the upper lids Reduce bagginess and/or puffiness of the upper lids Smooth out upper eyelid lines, wrinkles, and/or creases Improve upper visual field obstruction caused by drooping lids In addition to these benefits, upper eyelid surgery can often be performed in conjunction with lower blepharoplasty for a more inclusive rejuvenation that also targets under-eye bags, fine lines on the lower lids, and dark circles beneath the eyes. – Dr. Lawrence Tong, Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Contact Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery To learn more about upper eyelid surgery, or if you are interested in this procedure and […]
Toronto Plastic Surgeon Reveals When Breast Lift with Implants Should Be Considered
Dr. Lawrence Tong of the Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery highlights the various benefits of combining mastopexy and breast augmentation for qualified patients. Toronto, ON — According to Toronto plastic surgeon Lawrence Tong, MD, a mastopexy (breast lift) may achieve some upper pole fullness, but the procedure performed by itself will not increase the overall size of the breasts. Likewise, a breast augmentation can often produce a minor lift, but implants alone cannot correct considerable ptosis (drooping). For these reasons, he notes that a breast lift combined with breast augmentation may be necessary to achieve optimal results for certain women seeking to rejuvenate the appearance of their breasts. In addition to simultaneously lifting and enlarging the breasts, Dr. Tong reveals that benefits of a breast lift with implants can also include an enhanced projection and contour, an elevated position for the nipple-areolar complex, and a reduction in the overall size of the areola. At his practice, the Toronto plastic surgeon says candidates for the procedure typically include patients who: Want to have their breasts lifted while also increased in size Are interested in breast augmentation but have a significant degree of ptosis Are interested in mastopexy (breast lift) but want more fullness than a breast lift can achieve Have lost breast volume and projection due to significant weight loss, pregnancy, and/or some other circumstance When breast lift is combined with […]
What Are My Incision Options for Breast Lift with Implants?
When performing a breast lift with augmentation, breast implants can typically be placed without the need for additional incisions, so the type of incision utilized will be dictated by the particular mastopexy method being employed. At my practice, the three different breast lift techniques I offer are periareolar mastopexy, short scar mastopexy, and traditional mastopexy. For periareolar mastopexy, the incision will be made around the areola at the border between lighter and darker skin. Similarly, the incision used for short scar mastopexy also encircles the areola, with the addition of a vertical incision extending from the bottom of the areola down to the breast fold. For a traditional mastopexy, the incision will be the same as the short scar technique, though the scar will also continue along the breast fold (inframammary crease). Due to the strategic placement of the mastopexy incisions, the scars are generally well hidden and quite acceptable when fully healed. The visibility of scars also depends to a significant extent on how an individual tends to heal. The specific breast lift technique performed depends on the degree of drooping present in the breasts. Generally speaking, the more drooping present, the more likely the need for the longer incisions. It is important to note that all mastopexy procedures are designed so that low-cut clothing and virtually all swimwear can effectively conceal any potential scars. The most appropriate technique […]
Am I a Candidate for Breast Lift with Breast Augmentation?
As I highlighted in my previous blog post, combining a breast augmentation with breast lift surgery can provide several benefits for qualified patients. So what makes a patient qualified? You may be a good candidate for breast lift with implants if one or more of following apply: You desire to have your breasts lifted while also increasing their size. You are interested in a breast lift, but you desire more overall fullness than can be achieved with mastopexy (breast lift) alone. You are interested in breast augmentation, but implants alone cannot correct the amount of breast drooping (ptosis) present. You have lost both volume and projection of the breasts as the result of significant weight loss, pregnancy, breast feeding, or other circumstances. You have a developmental breast condition called tuberous breasts or “constricted breasts”. In addition to fitting at least one of the criteria above, you should be in good general health, which includes quitting smoking for at least two weeks before the surgery. If you are a new mother, you will need to wait three months after you have finished breast feeding so true breast size can be accurately determined. Lastly, you must have realistic expectations for what can be achieved with the procedure. – Dr. Lawrence Tong, Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Contact Our Practice To learn more about breast augmentation with mastopexy, or to find out if […]
Benefits of a Breast Lift Combined with Augmentation
Over time, breasts can begin to droop and lose volume as a result of age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or simply the effects of gravity. Depending on the degree of ptosis (drooping) and/or volume loss present, patients seeking to restore a more youthful breast projection and contour may be candidates for either a breast lift, a breast augmentation, or a combination of both. Though a breast lift can typically achieve improved fullness in the upper pole of the breast, the procedure will not allow for notable overall volume enhancement. In fact, breast lift surgery performed alone will not increase cup size. Similarly, breast implants can often provide a slight lift, but a breast augmentation by itself is not generally able to correct moderate to significant ptosis. When a breast lift and breast augmentation are combined, however, some key benefits can include greater volume and fullness in the breasts, a more rounded breast shape, a repositioned nipple-areolar complex, and a reduction in the size of the areola. Ultimately, each of these three breast enhancement options can be beneficial for qualified candidates, and the most appropriate procedure will depend on your specific needs and cosmetic goals. – Lawrence Tong, MD Contact Our Office For more information about breast lift combined with breast augmentation, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tong, please contact us today.
What Are My Lip Enhancement Options?
Whether you feel your lips are too full, too thin, or too droopy, lip enhancement can often be an excellent cosmetic option for rejuvenating the appearance around the mouth. Below, I’ve highlighted three effective lip enhancement techniques that can achieve excellent outcomes for qualified patients. Lip Lift A lip lift is a popular procedure for rejuvenation of the mouth due to aging or facial disproportion. Depending on your unique needs, there are two methods that can be employed: the central lip lift and the corner lip lift. Normally, 2-3 mm of the edge of the teeth should be visible when looking at the upper lip, with the mouth relaxed and slightly open. If you look at any fashion magazine where a model has her mouth open this way, there is at least this much “tooth show” and sometimes more. The central lip lift is designed to decrease the length of the upper lip (the distance between the nose and the edge of the upper lip), which tends to stretch with age. This surgery can make a dramatic improvement in the appearance of youthfulness to one’s face. This technique can also slightly increase the fullness of the upper lip by everting the lip, thus showing more of the red portion of the lip. As its name suggests, the corner lip lift involves elevating the corners of the mouth until they are […]
What Can Lip Enhancement Do for Me?
The perioral region is often neglected in facial rejuvenation, yet the minor enhancements of this area can make a significant impact on one’s overall facial appearance. Some of the most common issues that may be addressed with respect to lip enhancement include: A long upper lip Lip asymmetries and/or undesirably-shaped lips Downward sagging at the corners of the lips Thin or undefined lips Overly large lips Wrinkles on the lips At Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery, I offer a number of different lip enhancement options to treat the various concerns listed above. These lip enhancement techniques include central lip lifting, corner lip lifting, lip reduction, and lip augmentation via fat transfer or dermal fillers, each of which can be performed either alone or in combination with other procedures to help achieve a more youthful look for qualified candidates. To learn more about these effective treatment methods, stay tuned for my upcoming blog post in which I will provide further detail about each approach. – Dr. Lawrence Tong, Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Contact Our Office If you have any questions about lip enhancement, or if you are interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Tong, please contact us today.
What Are the Benefits of Chin Augmentation?
An issue I sometimes hear from patients is that they feel their chin looks “too small” and/or “weak.” For individuals experiencing this concern, I often recommend chin augmentation as a procedure that can add volume while also enhancing facial harmony. Key benefits of chin augmentation can include: An increase in the chin’s projection An increase in the width of the chin An increase in the vertical height of the chin A decrease or elimination of chin dimpling Concealment of jowls An overall improvement of facial proportions The two chin augmentation options offered at my practice are dermal fillers and chin implants. Enhancing the chin with dermal fillers can often be a great option for patients who desire a mild to moderate degree of augmentation. No surgery is required using this method, and results often last about six to nine months. For individuals seeking a more permanent solution, chin implants may be a better choice. Though this technique involves surgery, the procedure is relatively small and results can have a significant, long-term impact on the person’s appearance. Regardless of the technique employed, chin augmentation can be easily combined with other procedures – including facelift, neck lift, mini-neck lift, and neck liposuction – for an improved overall outcome. – Lawrence Tong, MD Contact Our Office For more information about the benefits of chin augmentation, or if you would like to schedule a […]
Dr. Tong Discusses Fat Grafting and the Dangers of ‘DIY’ Plastic Surgery
Many stories have been featured in the media recently, regarding the risks of ‘DIY’ (do-it-yourself) plastic surgery, in particular fat grafting and other injectable augmentation procedures. The story of an American woman named Apryl Brown is an especially tragic example that has gained international news coverage, putting the spotlight on discounted medical procedures performed by non-medical personnel. Apryl Brown’s story began when she was informed by a female acquaintance that Brown could have buttock enlargement with silicone injections at a cut-rate price. Brown agreed to the procedure, and received two courses of injections to her buttocks at the woman’s house. After experiencing severe pain and discomfort, Brown decided not to continue with the injections. Unfortunately, as time went on, her buttocks became progressively hard and painful, and the skin turned a dark colour. Five years later, the pain and disfigurement became so severe that she eventually had to have surgery to remove the silicone along with much of the buttock tissue. Complications from the surgery led to a severe life threatening infection that spread throughout her body. In order to save her life, surgeons had to perform more than twenty surgeries, including partial amputations of both of her arms and legs. Through the course of Ms. Brown’s treatment, doctors discovered that what she had in fact been injected with was silicone bathroom caulking. Non-physicians performing quasi-medical procedures in basements and […]
Dr. Lawrence Tong Busts Five Spring-Time Beauty and Skincare Myths
As warmer weather is finally at our doorstep, double board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Lawrence Tong reviews five common beauty and skin care myths to help you spring clean your make-up bag and skin care routine. Everyone has their favorite shade of lipstick and homemade anti-aging face masks they swear by, but here are tips from the pros to keep you looking young and fresh this summer. Should you say adios to your favorite foundation and mascara after 6 months? Verdict : Not in every case. Unless there is an expiration date, it may not be time to kick it to the curb just yet! Here are some general guidelines for when you should lay your favorite liner to rest. • After 3-6 months: liquidate those liquids! Any liquid eye liners and mascaras should be on their way out. • After 1 year: it’s time to say farewell to foundations, concealers, cream blush, and eye shadows as well as sunblock and BB creams. • After 2 years- Pitch the powders! That means eye shadows, blush and eye-pencil. • After 3 years – Goo be gone! Shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer should all take a hike. Now it’s time to clean up a few myths about why we are all caking on the make-up in the first place. Sleeping you your face can cause wrinkles. Verdict: Yes and no. We’re not just […]
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