Don’t Let Your Eyes Reveal Your Age

Your eyes are often one of the first features people notice about you. Drooping upper eyelids, sagging lower eyelids, or dark under-eye circles can prematurely age your appearance.

Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional issues with your eyelids, blepharoplasty (commonly known as eyelid surgery) can help rejuvenate your eye area. This procedure can target the upper lids, lower lids, or both.

Eyelid surgery addresses various concerns, including loose or sagging skin that disrupts the eyelid’s natural contour, potentially obstructing vision. It can also address fatty deposits causing puffiness, under-eye bags, drooping lower eyelids, and excess skin with fine wrinkles. The outcome typically yields a more refreshed and youthful look, fostering increased self-confidence.

For individuals with a low eyebrow, a brow lift may complement the improvement achieved with upper lid surgery. A lift elevates the eyebrows and diminishes forehead lines and furrows by targeting the brow muscles and forehead. Additionally, injectables like Botox or Juvederm may also enhance surgical results.

Dr. Poulter specializes in procedures such as eyelid surgery, combining his surgeon’s skill with an artful eye to create beautiful, natural looking results. He is very conscientious of where incisions are placed. For an upper eyelid surgery, the incision goes in the eyelid crease (so you do not see it at all when the eye is open). The lower lid incision is well-hidden, just below the lashes.

If you’re considering a blepharoplasty or other procedures for around the eye, schedule a consultation today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108.

Board Certification and Experience

When it comes to your appearance, the experience of your surgeon is important. If you were hiring a contractor to work on your home, you’d likely look for one who has experience and testimonials to support their work. Wouldn’t you look for the same experience when it comes to your face or body? Any licensed physician can legally perform cosmetic procedures and call themselves a cosmetic surgeon, regardless of their training. Or they may present themselves as board certified but may not be certified in the services they are offering. That’s why it’s crucial to do your homework before choosing a surgeon.

Confirming that your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery helps serve as a warranty for the type of training they have received. On average, plastic surgery requires a total of 14-16 years of post-high school education, so what exactly does it mean to be board certified?

Board Certification in Plastic Surgery can only be awarded by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This distinction is given only after the surgeon finishes a formal residency in Plastic Surgery and passes both a written and oral examination and their practice is reviewed after two years of actually working in their practice. Once a surgeon achieves Board Certification, they must participate in continuing education programs in order to maintain that status. Selecting a board-certified surgeon helps ensure that your doctor is dedicated to staying up-to-date on the latest technologies and changes.

Plastic surgeons are trained to perform surgery on the body and face. Successful plastic surgeons have acute attention to detail, a thorough knowledge of anatomy, and a refined sense of aesthetics. Being able to inject Botox and Fillers into the areas they frequently operate on gives your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon an incredible anatomical advantage to providing the results you deserve with injectables. When it comes to your appearance, you want to make sure you are in the very best hands.

Knowledge and experience are just a few of the reasons Dr. Poulter has earned the trust of thousands of patients. He is dedicated to his patient’s safety, comfort and overall well-being. Dr. Poulter holds certifications from the American Board of Surgery (General), American Board of Plastic Surgery, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities. He also has a Certificate in Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery and a Master Injector designation from Allergan.

Schedule a consultation today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108.

Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Trends for 2024

A new year provides an opportunity to focus our attention towards prioritizing well-being. We are committed to providing the most current treatments, personalized towards your goals. Here’s a look at a few top trends we’re seeing for 2024 and beyond, and the transformative potentials they provide.

1. Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation with Dermal Fillers and Neurotoxin Injections: Industry leading dermal fillers and injectables can provide effective and swift results with minimal downtime. It’s a non-surgical option to enhance your natural beauty. Dr. Poulter holds the Master Injector designation from Allergan and has over 30 years of filler and 20 years of Botox experience.
2. Customizable Breast Augmentation Services: Our practice takes pride in offering customizable breast augmentation procedures to create beautiful, natural looking results. Dr. Poulter has performed thousands of breast procedures over his 30+ years of experience, combining surgical skill with an artful eye and attention to detail, ensuring your aesthetic goals are met.
3. Options in Body Contouring: The best body contouring procedure for you is dependent on current body shape and type as well as personal goals. Liposuction may be a good fit if you are looking to remove fat deposits (commonly found on the hips, thighs, stomach area, or buttocks), while a tummy tuck can remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tighten the core muscles. Dr. Poulter has treated more than 20,000 patients and also completed supplemental training in advanced body contouring procedures.
4. Post Weight-Loss Surgery: Conquering obesity has both physical and psychological benefits. However, even after you’ve successfully taken off the weight, you may be left with redundant skin and fatty deposits which distort your shape and cause both physical and emotional discomfort. Dr. Poulter specializes in post weight-loss plastic surgery and has a unique understanding of the considerations involved. He and his staff are dedicated to developing a customized treatment plan for each patient for optimal results.

We invite you to explore our full offering of cosmetic services and procedures. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108, and start the journey to achieving your aesthetic goals!

New Year, New You

As hard as it is to believe, we’re already in 2024! With the start of a new year, you may have made one or two New Year’s resolutions. Maybe you want to travel more, learn something new or take better care of yourself. Many people want to put their best face forward and make sure their outer appearance matches how they feel inside.  If you’ve been thinking about cosmetic surgery, make this your year!

There are many reasons why this is an ideal time to undergo just about any type of procedure. For example, the cooler temperatures make it easier to stay indoors, allowing your body plenty of time to recover. Getting a sufficient amount of rest is essential to a safe and successful recovery process. Additionally, post-surgery dressings or bandages can be easily covered with sweaters or layers of clothes. Getting your procedures done when it’s cooler may also mean avoiding the warmth of the compression garments and less swelling than you may have in the summer.

Tummy tucks, liposuction, and breast lifts are just a few of the procedures you may be considering. By the time summer comes around, the results of your procedures will be fully realized, allowing you to enjoy the warm weather with increased self-confidence.

• Liposuction (or lipo) may be a good fit if you’re looking to remove fat deposits (commonly found on the hips, thighs, buttocks or stomach area). Liposuction is best suited for patients who are in good overall health, near their ideal weight, and have firm, elastic skin with pockets of fat in certain areas.
• A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. This is a good option for those with loose abdominal skin or muscles that have some separation. It can be combined with other body contouring procedures, including liposuction, and can treat multiple areas at the same time.
• A breast lift can help correct drooping caused by loss of breast volume. This can occur as women age, fluctuate in weight, or have children. There are different techniques for breast lifts, and the one that is right for you depends on the amount of breast volume, tissue, and the degree of droop you have.

Dr. Poulter has been in practice in central Illinois for over 30 years and is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). He was also board-certified by the American Board of Surgery (General Surgery). He also holds certification in Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery, the Master Injector designation, and the Platinum Practice designation by Allergan.

Thinking about making the ultimate New Year’s resolution this year? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108, and get on the road to a new year, new you!

Freshen Your Look With SKINVIVE

Get glowing skin and a revitalized look with the new SKINVIVE injectable gel by Allergan! This hyaluronic acid filler was approved by the FDA in May 2023 and works as a ‘skin booster’ (rather than a filler). Rather than rebuild volume, its job is to hydrate your skin and give you a glowy look.

Similar fillers have been available in other parts of the world for some time, but SKINVIVE is the first of its kind available in the U.S. market. Rather than changing the shape of your face, SKINVIVE improves the appearance of the skin by leveraging the hyaluronic acid molecule to increase the skin’s hydration and improve texture. The droplet injections are placed superficially (just on the outer layer of your skin) and then diffuse into an even layer.

In clinical studies, patients have seen results last for around six months. Similar to other injectables, there is little to no downtime with SKINVIVE. Patients can resume their daily activities immediately after treatment, although it is recommended to avoid heavy exercise, makeup, and sun exposure during the first 24 hours.

SKINVIVE is approved for all skin types, so anyone looking for a refreshed look can benefit. You may see some plumping shortly after the injection, but full results develop over the next few weeks. Since the improvement is primarily in the skin quality, the results tend to be more subtle.

If you’ve been looking to kick off the new year with a refreshed look, SKINVIVE might be for you! Schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll-Free at (888) 841-4108.

Living Your Breast Life (Breast Reduction)

Breasts come in all shapes and sizes, but sometimes large breasts can interfere with your lifestyle goals and daily activities or cause you to feel self-conscious. If you can relate, a breast reduction might help manage symptoms resulting from large breasts.

Good breast reduction candidates are those who are in good health and are confident in wanting to reduce their breast size. Some signs that you may benefit from a breast reduction include:

• Persistent back, shoulder or neck pain that does not get better with other treatments
• Poor posture due to large breast size
• Indentations from bra straps
• Arm numbness or tingling
• Limitations in physical activity due to breast size
• Persistent skin irritation beneath the breast crease

Breast reduction surgery involves removing skin and breast tissue, then reshaping and lifting the breast to achieve a smaller, more proportional size. The amount of tissue removed depends on many factors, such as your initial breast size and blood supply to your nipple. It’s been estimated that for every 100 – 300 grams of tissue removed, your breast will decrease approximately one bra cup size. A board-certified surgeon will be able to determine the amount of tissue that can be removed safely while helping you achieve your goals.

It is recommended to wait until the breasts are fully developed before undergoing this procedure. In teenage patients with significant symptoms, consultations are done with both the patient and the patient’s parents/guardians to determine the best steps. Some women may opt to wait until they are done having children, as well.

Breast sensation can sometimes be decreased (numbness) or increased (more sensitivity) following surgery. As with breastfeeding, certain reduction techniques may better preserve nipple sensation. During your consultation, you can discuss with your surgeon about what your expected sensory outcome might be.

After surgery, you’ll go home with dressings over your breasts and possibly small drains in the incisions. You will also be given a surgical bra which helps minimize swelling as the breasts heal. Swelling will decrease over the first few weeks; at that time, you will be able to see the final result of your procedure. The incision line may take longer to heal, and it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions on proper wound care. Scars from the procedure may appear redder in the beginning and fade over time, healing over the course of a year or so.

If you think you may benefit from the results of a breast reduction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108.

Selecting the Breast Time

Timing is crucial for many aspects of life, including when to schedule your plastic surgery. In the Midwest, winter and early spring are traditionally the times many patients choose to have cosmetic surgery. If you have decided breast enhancement is something that will give you more confidence, planning ahead is essential.

Thanks to modern technology, patients are experiencing faster recovery times. With the multimodal pain therapy Dr. Poulter offers (including Exparel, a local anesthetic that keep you numb for up to three days), your early discomfort is minimal. However, your recovery 24 hours post-surgery is much different from your full recovery.

You may be able to walk around and perform simple tasks – even drive – just a few days after surgery, but you are not fully recovered. Incisions require 2-3 weeks to heal. You will be able to walk as far as you like without sweating in 7-10 days and use an elliptical machine without arms in 3 weeks. At 4-6 weeks, you will be released to full activity, so this is how much time you should allow for healing before any beach vacations or time in the hot tub. By allowing yourself enough time to recover from the expected side effects (such as bruising and swelling), you will be able to get your fun in with those warmer temperatures.

It is important to note that breast augmentation patients will want to avoid soaker baths, hot tubs, or swimming until the incisions have completely healed. Water sports and physical activities with high impact on the body such as workouts and running will require longer for the deeper tissue to heal. Taking the time to heal after a significant procedure will enhance the result of your surgery and help minimize the already low risk of complications such as post-surgical infections.

If you’ve been thinking about breast augmentation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108.

Breast Augmentation & Lift

Breast enhancement is a widely sought-after cosmetic surgery procedure, offering various options to achieve the desired results. Among the most popular procedures are breast augmentation/enlargement and breast lift. Each procedure comes with its own advantages, so it’s important to understand their differences.

If you desire larger breasts, breast augmentation is the ideal procedure for you. There are several factors to consider, such as incision location, implant placement above or below the muscle, and the type of implant (saline or silicone, round or shaped). Your plastic surgeon will guide you through the advantages and disadvantages of each option. It’s essential to discuss your desired size and shape, as well as your lifestyle and job requirements, to ensure the best selection for your breast enhancement. Experienced surgeons consider all these factors to ensure your satisfaction with the final outcome.

A breast lift, on the other hand, can address drooping caused by loss of breast volume, which may occur due to aging, weight fluctuations, or childbirth. Different techniques are available for breast lifts, and the most suitable one depends on the amount of breast volume, tissue, and the level of droop you experience.

Both breast augmentation and breast lifts have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. However, patients with a modest amount of drooping may correct it with just an implant placed in the breast pocket, utilizing a technique that fills the lower portion of the breast more effectively. Additionally, larger implants may require less lift for the desired results. Combining a breast lift with augmentation can restore a more youthful position and increase volume.

When it comes to your appearance, it’s crucial to trust the expertise of a skilled professional. Dr. Jeffrey Poulter is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience, specializing in a wide range of cosmetic procedures. With his extensive training and proven skill, he can provide solutions to help you look and feel your best.

To start your journey towards looking and feeling your best, schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today. Contact our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll-Free at (888) 841-4108.

Body Contouring – Before & After

We’re excited to share with you some amazing results from our body contouring patients. We have featured four incredible body contouring outcomes and the remarkable transformations. If you have been considering body contouring and how it can help you achieve the body shape you desire, schedule a consultation today. Get ready to be inspired by the possibilities of sculpting your ideal physique!

Patient #1

This patient came to us after losing breast tissue post-breastfeeding and childbearing and wanted to restore her pre-pregnancy fullness. She had 325cc Natrelle full projection gummy bear implants placed in the subfascial plane. This plane is below the covering of the muscle, but above the pectoralis muscle which equates to more strength and less soreness in the post-operative period. She is 39 years old, 5’ 7” and weighs 156 pounds. These photos are her 6 week result.

View Patient #1 Gallery

Patient #2

This patient lost breast tissue following nursing, childbearing and massive weight loss of 70 pounds. She had a lot of droop to her breast, but plenty of native breast tissue. A mastopexy, or breast lift, was completed on this patient which gave her a fantastic size and shape of her breast without placing an implant. She is 46 years old, 5’4” and weighs 156 pounds. These photos are her 6 week result and she still has some residual swelling of her nipples.

View Patient #2 Gallery

Patient #3

This patient came to us after losing 60 pounds post childbearing. She had 3 C-sections that forced her skin to fold over her scar in addition to excess skin resulting from weight loss. She underwent a lower body lift which addresses the front and back during the same procedure. She also had liposuction done to her hips and lateral thighs at this time which helped to give her a skin a smoother, tighter appearance in combination with the lift. She is 29 years old, 5’ 3” and weighs 134 pounds. These are her 6 week results. The reddened scar will fade to white as it matures.

View Patient #3 Gallery

Patient #4

This patient came to us after losing over 90 pounds through medication and lifestyle changes. Her first procedure was an extended abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, that includes a vertical incision called a Fleur-de-Lis to help remove as much excess skin as possible. She also had liposuction done to her hips at this time. Her second procedure helped to address the excess skin in her back, as well as the severe asymmetry of her breast. She had a torsoplasty (removes excess back skin), mastopexy (breast lift) and an augmentation. To account for asymmetry, her right breast had 450cc Natrelle full projection gummy bear implant and her left a 325 cc gummy bear implant both in the subfascial plane. As she continues to lose weight, her most recent procedure was a brachioplasty. A brachioplasty removes the skin flaps that hang down from the arms or “bat wings.” She is 52 years old, 5’ 5” and weighed 163 pounds when she started with us and is now down to 144 pounds. These photos are her 6 month results from her back and breasts, and 6 weeks post brachioplasty.

View Patient #4 Gallery

Safety in Surgery – More Than Just Price

When it comes to your appearance, it’s best to keep in mind that you get what you pay for. No matter how much of a ‘deal’ you may think you’re getting, you must consider if you’re willing to take a risk by using a non-certified practitioner. Confirming that your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery helps serve as a warranty for the type of training they have received.

Did you know that any licensed physician can legally perform cosmetic procedures and call themselves a cosmetic surgeon, regardless of their training? Or they may present themselves as board certified, but are they board certified in the services they are offering? Surprisingly, there are no laws against a doctor treating someone outside the medical and surgical training they received to obtain their board certification.

Certification in Plastic Surgery can only be awarded by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This distinction is given only after the surgeon finishes a formal residency in Plastic Surgery and passes both a written and oral examination and their practice is reviewed after two years of actually working in their practice. Once a surgeon achieves Board Certification, they must participate in continuing education programs in order to maintain that status. Selecting a board-certified surgeon helps ensure that your doctor is dedicated to staying up-to-date on the latest technologies and changes.

Knowledge and experience are just a few of the reasons Dr. Poulter has earned the trust of thousands of patients. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery (General). He recertifies every two years in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and has earned the Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery Certificate. In addition to those certifications, Dr. Poulter also has advanced professional training in courses like the Masters Injectors Course, and the SkinMedica Product Science Course. He also has hospital accessibility at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center and Carle-Bromenn Medical Center, a privilege reserved to plastic surgeons who have board certification.

In addition to an experienced doctor and an accredited surgical suite, our staff members are also here to guide you through your procedure, providing all the necessary information and answering your questions and concerns. We pride ourselves on providing great service using our extensive experience at all points along the way to help alleviate any of your concerns.

When it comes to your plastic surgery, it’s best to do your research to make sure you’re in the best hands, in the best environment. If you’ve been thinking about plastic surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll-Free at (888) 841-4108.