Adding Fullness To Your Face

Your face naturally loses volume as you age – in fact, the average person loses a teaspoon of volume in their face every year. Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are a fantastic way to look rejuvenated and brighten up your look with minimal to no downtime.

Dermal fillers sit under the skin to provide volume and fullness. Fillers can be used to treat various signs of aging, such as plumping thinning lips, filling in shallow areas on the face, decreasing wrinkles under the eyes, and more. They can be used to treat multiple areas of the face, ears, and neck, and many last for up to two years.

Juvederm is one example of these injectables, which can be used to treat various signs of aging, such as plumping thinning lips, filling in shallow areas on the face, decreasing the shadow or wrinkles under the eyes, and more. Some fillers lift and smooth out the folds and wrinkles in targeted areas by adding a subtle amount of volume, while Voluma acts as structural support to help lift the entire cheek and minimize the need for individual wrinkle treatment. Volbella can be used to provide subtle volume and is used for filling vertical lip lines as well as soft hydration. It can be used to smooth undereye hollows and add subtle volume the delicate area below the eye.

Who is doing your injections is just as important as what product is being injected. Dr. Poulter holds the Master Injector designation from Allergan and has over 30 years of filler and 20 years of Botox experience. As a surgeon injector, he can not only inject the areas of concern but has also operated on those muscles. This allows him to better understand the variations in muscle anatomy and take the time to evaluate the function this variation produces so your injections are individualized to your specific needs. He can also advise when injections may not be the best answer for your concerns.

During your consultation, Dr. Poulter may assess your midface and eye area, looking for volume characteristics such as deficits (valleys) or excess (hills), along with characteristics such as color, texture and elasticity to determine the best approach for your goals. The amount of filler necessary to make a difference varies from person to person depending on your unique characteristics and the look you’re looking to achieve.

Patients can get a more complete facial rejuvenation when filling all the areas in need at once rather than by adding a syringe at a time. The fillers last up to two years so the results are longer lasting than most patients are aware of. Dr. Poulter offers a multi-syringe discount using a cannula; with this, patients have less discomfort and are done more quickly with less bruising and risk of injury to vessels and nerves. Dr. Poulter will choose what fillers to include, optioning for the longer lasting fillers when appropriate, and all have local anesthetic in them.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter to discuss what’s best for you! Call our office at (309)
663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108 and freshen up your look in 2024!

 

Dr. Poulter

 

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Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.

To All My Beloved Patients

After much consideration and listening to the aches and pains of standing over an operating table for many years, I have decided to relocate and limit my practice to part time only. It has been my honor and privilege to serve the people of Central Illinois for the last 32 years for your plastic surgery needs.

I could not have provided the high level of care without the incredible staff I have had through the years. Rachelle has been with me for 17 years and is the cornerstone of the front office, coordinating surgery, office visits and spending that extra time chatting to make you feel at home. My nursing staff of Paula, Lesley-anne, and Cassidy have allowed me to perform involved surgeries with the best perioperative care. They are knowledgeable, caring, and available to help even with the smallest concerns. I thank them all from the bottom of my heart.

It is without question that behind every successful man is a great woman. I am completely indebted to my loving wife. She has not only supported me, masterfully ran our home life, and raised our two wonderful daughters, but she was also the leader behind the scenes – running financial operations of my office, keeping us on track, recommending ways to optimize services, and managing all the regulatory requirements of any small business. With my drive for excellence and her incredible business savvy, we have made these 32 years a great run.

Now for the details. My last surgery will be October 15th. The office will continue to see injectable patients until November 15th and postoperative patients until November 26th, which is also the last day to get a prescription refilled and the office will be open. We have been providing patients with copies of their operative notes during follow-up visits. If you would like to pick up a free copy of your operative notes or your full chart at the front desk, please contact Rachelle before November 15th. After that date, we will have them emailed/mailed them to you within 2-3 weeks after verifying your identity. After the office closes, your records will be available for up to ten years following your last appointment. Should you need a copy of your records, please submit a records request form.

I will be moving out of state. Should you have further plastic surgery needs, there are three plastic surgeons in town as well as those in Springfield, Peoria, Chicago and St. Louis. For breast revision surgery, I do recommend seeing Dr. Paul Rottler in St. Louis for your ongoing surgical needs. Bloomington will always be our home. We have great friends, incredible memories, and a life that was filled with love, adventure, and success in Central Illinois. Thank you for helping make that possible.

 

Dr. Poulter

 

Get to Know
Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.

The Importance of Experienced Providers with Injectables

Minimally invasive procedures, such as injectable treatments, have seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years. Due to this surge in demand, numerous medical professionals now provide injectable services. Interestingly, there are no legal limitations on who can call themselves an aesthetic, cosmetic or plastic surgeon. This means that any healthcare provider who advertises themselves as a cosmetic surgeon, for instance, is not obligated to undergo specialized training in plastic surgery.

Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that counterfeit versions of Botox have been identified in multiple states. Many of these incidents took place following injections given by people who were not licensed or trained, or in non-healthcare settings such as home parties.

Even though injectables are not a surgical procedure, skilled board-certified providers can deliver reliable, quality results. Inaccurate placement can often lead to uneven looks or outcomes that are far from your original expectations. Board-certified surgeons have undergone extensive education and training, and are specialists in human anatomy – including where nerves and blood vessels are located as well as where and how much to inject for the best outcomes. Dr. Poulter holds the Master Injector designation from Allergan and has over 30 years of filler and 20 years of Botox experience.

When a cost seems too good to be true, it may be a red flag since fake or counterfeit injectables are frequently offered at significantly lower costs. When a provider is not licensed, manufacturers of legitimate injectables will not sell to them. Since non-surgical treatments are not a universal or one-size-fits-all solution, a board-certified plastic surgeon will review your medical history and individual goals to ensure the desired injectables are the appropriate option for you.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter to discuss what options are best for you! Call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll-Free at (888) 841-4108 and freshen up your look this summer!

Dr. Poulter

 

Get to Know
Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.

When It Comes To Your Surgery, Details Matter

When it comes to your plastic surgery, it’s the details that matter. From pain management to scar placement, you’re looking for experience, knowledge, honesty, and artistry. Our mission is to go above and beyond the norm to assure that you are safe, comfortable, and absolutely thrilled with your results.

Dr. Poulter offers state-of-the-art options for safety and comfort such as top-of-the-line patient warming systems and special stockings and compression boots to aid in the prevention of blood clots. He also utilizes a multimodal therapy for pain management, including a long acting (3 day) local anesthetic injected at the time of surgery and coordinated medications that affect different pain centers. Limiting postoperative pain allows you to heal quicker, prevent postoperative complications, and get back to routine activities sooner.

While Dr. Poulter always tries to minimize surgical incisions, there will always be a small scar if the skin is being removed or shape transformed. By gentle handling techniques, his goal is a fine, light line that is easily hidden within your clothing. For abdominoplasties, the patient’s bikini outline is marked on their body first, then the operation is planned beneath that to keep the incision concealed. Dr. Poulter also spends extra time on the belly button to have the incision tacked down to the deep tissue, so no one will be able to tell you had a tummy tuck by a rounded scar of your navel.

That extra attention, knowledge and experience are just a few of the reasons Dr. Poulter has earned the trust of thousands of patients. He has been board certified in general surgery and maintains his board certification in plastic surgery. He also holds certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery.

Safety is also crucial with your procedure and is top of mind at our practice. Our surgical suite is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF) and employs the highest surgical standards as well as the latest equipment and technology. Dr. Poulter has also been an inspector for AAAASF, helping other surgeons provide safe surgical experiences.

Our goal is to limit your pain and nausea and optimize healing in a confidential, convenient, and cost-effective manner. Our attention to your health, safety, and excellent results are what sets us apart.

It’s best to do your research to make sure you’re in the best hands, in the best environment. At our office, the details truly matter. 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.

Dr. Poulter

 

Get to Know
Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.

Breast Lift – What It Is and What It Can Do

Breast enhancement has long been one of the most sought after plastic surgery procedures, but there are several surgical options available depending on what you would like to achieve. A breast lift is one of the most popular options available.

A breast lift can help rejuvenate breasts that have a somewhat droopy or saggy appearance, returning them to a more youthful position. 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 size and shape, the size and position of the areolas, the degree of sagging or droop, and the skin quality and elasticity.

By removing the excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue, it creates a more youthful and attractive contour. The lift procedure alone does not enhance breast size, however, in most cases, only unneeded skin is removed and not breast tissue, so your breasts will appear fuller and more shapely as a result. Should you desire additional volume to renew your breasts to the size and shape they were before the loss of size following pregnancy or weight loss, you may need an implant in addition to the lift.

When it comes to your appearance, you want to make sure you are in the very best hands. Dr.  Jeffrey Poulter is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and proven skill in the full range of cosmetic procedures including revisions of previous surgeries. With over 30 years of experience, he can provide solutions that will help keep you looking and feeling your best.

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 looking and feeling your best.

Dr. Poulter

 

Get to Know
Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.

Planning Your Contouring Journey

Whether you have ‘trouble spots’ that aren’t responding to diet and exercise, have recently lost a significant amount of weight, or are a mom looking to restore your pre-pregnancy figure, body contouring surgery can help you feel better about your shape and get more out of life.

If you ‘re considering body contouring, it’s important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with these particular procedures. At your consultation, be sure to ask these questions, along with any others that you may have to help make the best decision for your goals:

  1. Which procedure is right for me?
    • The best body contouring procedure for you is dependent on your current body shape and type, as well as your goals.
  2. Am I a good candidate for body contouring?
    • The ideal candidate will already be at or very close to their target weight. Even if you are still working on your fitness goals, you can still start by establishing healthy habits.
  3. What kind of results can I expect?
    • Maintaining realistic and accurate expectations for your goals is important throughout the planning process and into your procedure. These procedures are meant to serve as tools to enhance your natural body shape, and are not weight-loss methods.

Liposuction may be a good fit if you are looking to remove fat deposits (commonly found on the hips, thighs, buttocks or stomach area). It can help reduce bulges and improve contouring, and is best suited for patients who are in good overall health, near their goal weight, and have firm, elastic skin with pockets of fat in certain areas. It is important to remember that liposuction can ‘empty’ the skin, but will not get rid of loose skin if present before the liposuction.

Alternatively, a tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the core muscles. This is a good option for those with loose abdominal skin or muscles that have some separation. The muscle tightening provides extra stability to the stomach and back, and can help improve back pain in some individuals. Almost all patients having a tummy tuck will also have liposuction to their hips. This hip liposuction significantly improves the waistline and contour seen from the back or side. Multiple areas of liposuction can be combined with a tummy tuck and treat the body in a 360-degree approach.

Dr. Poulter is specialized in body contouring surgery. He has completed supplemental training in advanced body contouring procedures, and has the experience of treating more than 20,000 patients. His knowledge and experience can guide you along every step of your journey.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter to discuss your exact needs and make sure you receive your desired results!

Dr. Poulter

 

Get to Know
Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.

Dr. Poulter Answers The Question “Is It Time For My Makeover?”

I can’t tell you how many times post-operative patients confide after their surgery they wish they had done it sooner. They’d been thinking about getting their procedure done for months or even years, and they just couldn’t ‘pull the trigger.’  

There can be a few concerns that lead to this hesitance. Some worry about pain and nausea, some about scarring. Others don’t want to seem too vain, or perhaps they don’t want anyone to know they had anything done. Finally, many are concerned about the ability to pay for their desired surgery. I will address each these concerns below to get you from on the fence to “Yes, let’s schedule!”

I have been fortunate to institute a multimodal pain therapy for the last 15 years – before it was fashionable. This allows me to prescribe several different medications that can control pain very well, with just a small amount of narcotic required to manage your post-operative discomfort. By using a long-acting (3 day) local anesthetic injected before you wake up, Gabapentin, a muscle relaxant, and extra strength acetaminophen, there is very little incisional pain following many procedures. This also means you need fewer narcotics that can leave you constipated and nauseated. We also use a patch behind your ear – like you are on a cruise – which limits nausea. Many breast augmentation patients wake up in the recovery room with no pain, just a tight feeling of the implant under their muscle. My prescribing policy also falls under the new guidelines aimed at helping minimize the concerns associated with the opioid overdose epidemic.

While we are continuously trying to minimize our incisions, there will always be a small scar if the skin is being removed or shape transformed. By gentle handling techniques, my goal is a fine, light line that is easily hidden within your clothing. For abdominoplasties, we mark the patient’s bikini outline on their body first, then plan the operation beneath that to keep the incision concealed. I also spend extra time on the belly button to have the incision tacked down to the deep tissue, so no one will be able to tell you had a tummy tuck by a rounded scar of your navel.

Breast augmentation incisions are in the inframammary fold, and when you see the before and after photos on our web site, they are most difficult to see and can be covered by the smallest of bikini tops. We also pay close attention to the postoperative care of the incisions by providing complementary scar gel and detailed instructions on how to use the gel, as well as a referral for lymphatic drainage massage to help remove the swelling associated with your surgery. This reduces tension on the incisions that can thicken scars.

Having a procedure that returns you to the normal body you had before pregnancy, corrects deficiencies in development or erases the clothing crises you have when trying to find something that makes you feel good is not vain. Being your best self includes feeling good about the way you look and feel. Being able to fit into your jeans after liposuction or not carrying that extra skin around after weight loss is an incredibly freeing feeling.

I’m very careful to spend your cosmetic dollars wisely – many times, the procedures you want can be combined, saving significant money and recovery time. Please know, if you have raised children, lost weight, or just feel you are worth it, YOU ARE!

Many of my patients prefer subtle changes, such as a modest augmentation or subtle injectable treatments for facial rejuvenation. How much others are aware of your transformation is completely up to you. The confidence you gain, and the smile you will be wearing sometimes will have your friends and family asking what is different.  My staff and I always respect your desires for discretion and conservative alterations. Your secret is safe with us, but you may find yourself spilling the beans with your enthusiasm and new-found happiness.

Finally, no one considers cosmetic surgery cheap. But, be very careful, you do get what you pay for. Cosmetic surgery tourism is at an all-time high but so is the risk of infections, with organisms that can be very difficult to treat, such as mycobacterium and staph. Having a local team of experts that will guide you through your transformation is hard to beat. Should you have concerns, you can always get into the office to be seen. We also offer financing options to help with your procedure.

When you come to our office for your consultation, you will never feel pressured to have something done. I will talk to you about your goals and the best order to have your procedures in to save you downtime and money as well as provide the safest and best results. We will do our best to limit your pain and nausea and optimize healing in a confidential, convenient, and cost-effective manner. Our attention to your health, safety, and excellent results will make it easy for you to say…

“Sign me up”!!!

 

Dr. Poulter

 

Get to Know
Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.

Best Time for Breast Augmentation

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. After digging out of a cold winter, patients want to hit the ground running when the weather turns around. If you have decided this is the year breast enhancement is something that will give you more confidence, planning ahead is essential so you can recover before your big trip. Returning to your pre-pregnancy shape before you have your first local lake boat ride also requires a little thought.

Thanks to modern technology, patients are experiencing faster recovery times. Especially with the multimodal pain therapy Dr. Poulter offers that includes 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 healed; 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 6 weeks you are released to full activity so this is how much time you should allow for healing before you leave on your beach vacation or wanting to spend time après skiing in the hot tub. By allowing yourself enough time several weeks to recover from the expected side effects (such as bruising and swelling), you will be able to get your fun in when the sun comes out.

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 or body contouring, Schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108, and get ready for summer!

Dr. Poulter

 

Get to Know
Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.

What to Know About Breast Revision Surgery

If you’ve had a breast augmentation, reduction, or lift, but didn’t fully achieve the results you were desiring, a breast revision surgery might be right for you. Or, if you were very pleased with your outcome but time, gravity, or pregnancies have altered your result, a revision may get you back to loving your result once again. The goal of this procedure is to change or improve the breast’s appearance, which could include reshaping the breast implant pocket to reposition the implant on the chest, increasing or decreasing the size, shape or style of the implant, or adding a breast lift or scar revision.

Breast revision surgery is not a ‘standard’ procedure, so it needs to be tailored specifically to your goals and desires. Since breast procedures are among the most popular cosmetic surgeries, many surgeons perform them, but not all have the specialized training and experience to create the results you want. Dr. Poulter, with almost 30 years in practice, is board-certified and has performed thousands of breast procedures, combining his surgeon’s skill with an artful eye to create natural-looking, beautiful results.

You may be a good candidate for breast revision surgery if:

  • You are unhappy with size, shape, appearance of your breasts or placement of your breast implants
  • Your scars are wide, painful, or unsightly
  • Weight changes and gravity have altered your previously nice results
  • You are concerned about the integrity or condition of your implants
  • You are a nonsmoker, physically healthy and at a stable weight
  • You have realistic expectations

Good communication with your plastic surgeon is the key to achieving your aesthetic goals, which will be discussed during your initial consultation. Your surgeon will evaluate you as a candidate for breast revision and explain what a revision can do for you. Considerations include the current size and shape of your breasts, what kind of implant you currently have, the size and shape you want, the quality and quantity of your breast tissue, the quality of your skin, and the placement of your nipples and areolas.

During your consultation, your breasts will be examined, measured and photographed for your medical record. You should also come prepared with information about your past and present medical conditions, allergies, current medications, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries including breast biopsies, family history or breast cancer, and current mammogram results.

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

 

Don’t Let Your Eyes Give Away Your Age

Your eyes are one of the first things people notice about you – especially in the age of masks! Droopy upper eyelids, sagging lower eyelids, or dark under-eye circles can all make you look older than you really are.

Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems with your eyelids, a blepharoplasty can help rejuvenate your eye area. Surgery can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids, or both.

Eyelid surgery can treat a number of issues. It can help with loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the eyelid, fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids, bags underneath the eyes, drooping lower eyelids (that reveal white below the iris), or excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid. The results can provide a more rested and youthful appearance, which can lead to more self-confidence.

If you have a low eyebrow, a brow lift may also be recommended to help complete the improvement of the upper lids. A droopy brow can age you, while lifting it can help you look younger and more refreshed. A brow lift lifts the eyebrows and reduces lines and furrows on the forehead by treating the brow muscles and forehead. The incision can be placed in the hairline to shorten a longer forehead or further back in the hair to hide it completely.

Dr. Poulter has more than 28 years of experience and has performed thousands of procedures, 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 with today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108.