Sagging Neckline: Neck Lift Surgery or Skin Tightening Treatment?

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Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon Dr. Terry Perkins is an expert in facial cosmetic surgery and extremely knowledgeable in skin tightening procedures. He runs a Santa Barbara cosmetic surgery practice and plays an active role in Evolutions Medical & Day Spa, of which he is the founder and Medical Director. So when people come to see him because they are bothered by loose skin in their neck area, he can offer more choices than just plastic surgery. Dr. Perkins answers questions about skin tightening and neck lift surgery in this blog post:

How is Skin Tightening done?
Dr. Perkins: For Evolutions, I developed a protocol called Total Tightening that combines two of the top non-invasive skin tightening procedures, ReFirme and Titan, into one treatment. ReFirme uses Bi-Polar Radio Frequency and infrared light energies to heat the dermal tissue in the target area which reduces wrinkles and lifts sagging skin. Skin also becomes smoother and toned. Titan is a safe infrared light that heats the dermis which is well below the skin’s surface. The heat contracts existing collagen and stimulates new collagen to be produced. The epidermis -the top of the skin’s surface – is protected through a cooling device on the Titan handpiece. Each treatment will work to tighten existing collagen and promote new collagen growth. The result is a firmer, fresher look. 
Does Total Tightening work for the neck area?
Dr. Perkins: Yes! ReFirme is safe and effective and can treat a number of areas including the face, abdomen, upper arms, knees, and neck. With Titan, we have seen exceptionally good results on the jawline, under the chin / neck area, and the abdomen. So using Total Tightening to firm up the neck area is definitely an option. 
How many Total Tightening treatments are needed? 
Dr. Perkins: We typically recommend four treatments and many clients see results after just one treatment. Results are cumulative so we urge people to continue with their series even if they are seeing results after the first session.

Are the Total Tightening treatments painful and is there downtime after the treatment?
Dr. Perkins: Most clients consider it comfortable and a topical numbing cream is usually not needed, but available for someone who is more sensitive. There may be some redness or swelling directly after the treatment that usually subsides within a few hours. Otherwise there is no downtime.

Who is a good candidate for Total Tightening?
Dr. Perkins: Total Tightening is good for those who have minimal looseness in the neck area. The new collagen that is stimulated from this treatment not only lends itself to tightening of the area, but will also create smoother skin. Clients are very happy with this result.

“Before” and “After”
Neck Lift Surgery by Dr. Perkins

How is Neck Lift surgery done?
Dr. Perkins: Incisions are made behind the ears and a small incision is made under the chin. Then I tie the muscles to create a sling effect to better support the neck area and a suspension suture may be used to give more long-lasting support. If necessary, excess skin will be removed. This is a surgical procedure so the patient will have a combination of local anesthesia, oral and intravenous sedation to provide relaxation and lack of awareness throughout the procedure. General anesthesia is not used. There is downtime for this procedure. People usually take 7 to 10 days off work for recuperation.

Who is a good candidate for Neck Lift surgery?
Dr. Perkins: In general, a person who has moderate to severe skin laxity in the neck area is a good candidate for Neck Lift surgery. Neck Lift surgery can really redefine the lower half of a person’s face. More definition in the neck and jawline can take years off a person’s appearance.

Any additional advice?
Dr. Perkins: Whether you have neck lift surgery or a skin tightening or no treatment at all, I always remind people that they can help to stave off wrinkles and sagging skin by treating their neck area as they treat their face. The delicate skin needs to be cared for through proper cleansing, moisturizing, and, of course, daily application of an SPF broad spectrum sunscreen.

If your saggy neckline is in need of help, contact Dr. Perkins. Call Cosmetic Surgery Center in Santa Barbara at 805-563-0000 for a consultation. 

Getting Rid of Excess Skin After Pregnancy or Weight Loss

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Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Terry Perkins, gets lots of inquiries about how to tighten skin after pregnancy or a significant weight loss.  While there are lots of claims on the internet that certain lotions and potions can “firm and tighten”, the reality is that most of these products don’t offer the results that people are truly seeking.

Excessive weight gain, whether it is through pregnancy or accumulated over the years, can significantly stretch the skin. Once the weight is lost (or the baby is born and the rest of the pregnancy weight is shed), the skin may not be as taut as it once was.  The best way to get rid of excess, sagging skin is through surgery.  Skin excision surgery is common and may be done in combination with liposuction.

Removing excess skin can be done in many places on the body:

Arm Lift and Arm Liposuction: Many people (even those who have not gained extra weight) suffer from excess skin in the upper arms (“bat wings”).  If fat is the main issue, liposuction can be done and the skin may contract without the need for skin removal.  For those with too much loose skin, removal is done so that the scar is placed inside the arm (against the body), above the elbow, so it is not visible from the front or back. If there is only a small amount of loose skin, the skin removal can often be confined to or near the armpit.

Abdomen Surgery / Tummy Tuck: Dr. Perkins can remove skin in the abdominal area in a “mini tummy tuck” procedure.  The incision is done at the upper edge of the pubic hair line so it can be hidden. If need be, the incision can be extended far to the sides (a “tummy tuck”) to avoid a “dog ear” pooch of the skin and the abdominal muscles are sewn together to further flatten the lower abdomen.

Leg Liposuction / Thigh Lift: Loose skin on the legs most often occurs in the inner thigh area. Liposuction can be done to remove any excess fat (as the inner thigh can be a “trouble” spot and some may prefer to have liposuction along with skin removal) and the skin removal is done through incisions in the groin and upper thigh area that can be hidden with underwear or a bathing suit.

Getting rid of excess skin is a great way to give a person a new shape – or re-store an old one!

Make an appointment to see Dr. Perkins in Santa Barbara at Cosmetic Surgery Center by calling 805.563.0000. 

Non-Surgical Skin Tightening in Santa Barbara: Special Event

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Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon Dr. Terry Perkins has formulated a unique protocol that utilizes the top two technologies in skin tightening – without surgery – to effectively tone, tighten and lift your skin! Are you thinking that you would like to know more . . . see before-and-after pictures or that you have questions for Dr. Perkins about anti-aging treatments?
On October 26th you will have the opportunity to address all of the above! Mark your calendars for a special evening dedicated to Tightening and Lightening at Evolutions Medical Spa with Dr. Perkins on Wednesday, October 26th, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

The evening will include information on:
  • Dr. Perkins’ Total Tightening: a treatment that utilizes the ReFirme and Titan technologies to achieve the maximum result.
  • The FotoFacial RF: a great treatment that significantly improves brightness and luminescence of the skin while removing unwanted pigmentation.
  • Sublative Rejuvenation: one of the most popular fraction skin resurfacing treatments that improves fine lines, pigmentation issues and acne scarring.
  • SpaWhite Express Teeth Whitening: remove stains and whiten several shades in under 30 minutes.
Attendees will be able to purchase these treatments at special promotion pricing! We also will have a raffle, refreshments and other exclusive specials.
RSVP to Evolutions Medical Spa at 805.687.0212.

Santa Barbara Cosmetic Surgery Corner: Chemabrasion – Skin Resurfacing

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For November, Cosmetic Surgery Center Santa Barbara is highlighting chemabrasion. If you are in search of skin rejuvenation and wrinkle reduction, and looking for optimum results, you’ll find one of the best treatments in the operating room called chemabrasion. Chemabrasion combines a medium depth peel with a light to medium dermabrasion. Downtime is usually 5 to 9 days (more for deep wrinkles or acne pits) and patients often see some degree of skin tightening too, so early jowling/sagging or skin laxity is also improved. Chemabrasion is skin resurfacing for aging faces that addresses wrinkles, sun damage and uneven pigmentation. Schedule a chemabrasion consultation with Santa Barbara cosmetic surgeon Dr. Terry Perkins at 805.563.0000.

Santa Barbara Face Lift Procedures: Dr. Perkins Helps to Keep Your Face Fresh and Youthful

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Summer is here and everyone’s focus is to get their body “beach-ready”! Dr. Perkins, a cosmetic surgeon, who focuses on face lifts in Santa Barbara, wants to remind people not to forget about your face. As you exercise away your winter coat, you may want to consider a “tone-up” for your face to match your youthful, toned body!

Dr. Terry Perkins, founder of Cosmetic Surgery Center Santa Barbara more than 30 years ago, specializes in aesthetic facial surgery and liposuction. What differentiates Dr. Perkins from other plastic surgeons is that his Santa Barbara face lifts give the patient a natural, non-operated look. Facial rejuvenation without looking like something has been “done”.

Facial procedures, from surgical to minimally invasive and non-invasive options, highlighted below:

This surgical procedure will reposition, refine and support deep tissues that will address your skin laxity in the cheek and neck.

  • Cheek/Neck Lift (minimally invasive): This procedure is done with small incisions to lift the skin and has a shorter healing time.
  • Skin Tightening (non-invasive): This non-invasive procedure, done at Evolutions Medical Spa Santa Barbara, is an exclusive protocol developed by Dr. Perkins using two non-invasive tightening procedures that tones, tightens and lifts the skin without surgery and with no downtime. Four treatments recommended.

    • Dr. Perkins also offers other surgical facial procedures such as chin implants, ear tucks (or ear repositioning), eye lifts, forehead lifts, lip enhancement, and rhinoplasty (nose jobs).

    Call Cosmetic Surgery Center in Santa Barbara for a consultation today to discuss what facial rejuvenation options are best for you – 805.563.0000!

    Ask Santa Barbara Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Perkins – Skin Tightening and Lightening Without Surgery

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    Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Terry Perkins, owner of Santa Barbara’s Cosmetic Surgery Center Medical Group, answers questions about cosmetic surgery, liposuction and more. Email your questions to Dr. Perkins with “Question for the Cosmetic Surgeon” in the subject line and we will feature your question on our blog.

    Q: Hi Dr. Perkins, I have received an email from Evolutions Medical Spa that is featuring an event about skin tightening without surgery. I have heard your name associated with the spa and I’d like to know how you are involved with the spa and what the event is about.

    A. Great topic! I founded Santa Barbara’s Evolutions Medical Spa as a place for people to be treated for non-invasive medical aesthetic services in a spa setting that is serene and luxurious. I work closely with the nurses and medical estheticians to bring clients the most innovative treatments combined with the best technology for a variety of skin types and concerns including wrinkles, acne, sun damage, cellulite, hair removal, and stretch marks. I have a hands-on approach with Evolutions, including seeing patients on site weekly and personally training the staff.

    Evolutions hosts educational events that are free and open to the public on a topic chosen by me and my staff. I give a presentation and, if applicable, a live demonstration, that is followed by a discussion period where we encourage the audience to ask questions and learn more about the topic. It is our belief that educating the client with information and facts enables them to make an active decision in their skin care. In addition, we usually have a raffle and specials that attendees are eligible for.

    Education at Evolutions topic this month is about skin Tightening and Lightening and is taking place tomorrow – Wednesday, October 28th! We will discuss how you can achieve facial rejuvenation without surgery. I look forward to seeing everyone at the event and more information about it follows:

    Wednesday, October 28, 2009
    6:30pm – 8:30pm
    Refreshments, Raffle, Specials for Attendees!

    Please RSVP to Evolutions at 805.687.0212