Botox and dermal fillers are some of the most popular treatments around, and their popularity has been steadily rising for over a decade. Despite their popularity, there’s still some confusion in what they are and how they work. While they are both minimally invasive treatments that can have a huge impact on your appearance, that is where their similarities end.
Botox is a natural purified protein used to help minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions. It works by temporarily relaxing the facial muscles for lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to treat migraines and other medical conditions such as excessive sweating. Those glabellar lines (the ‘elevens’ between your eyebrows), forehead lines, and crow’s feet all respond well to Botox. It can also be used in other areas as well that your board- certified plastic surgeon can help you with on the entire face and neck.
Dermal fillers are designed to add volume and fullness to the skin. During the aging process, our bodies produce less collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, which all help keep the skin plump, tight, and hydrated. Fillers 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 others act as structural support to help lift the entire cheek and minimize the need for individual wrinkle treatment. There are many different types of fillers that can be used to treat multiple areas of the face, ears, and neck that last up to two years.
Since Botox and fillers treat slightly different problems and are usually used in different areas of the face, it’s best to discuss your goals and options with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter holds the Master Injector designation from Allergan and has over 30 years of filler experience. Schedule a consultation to discuss what’s best for you!
Once you’ve decided to have cosmetic surgery, there are some timelines to keep in mind as you start to prepare. We provide each patient with specific pre-operative instructions, and it’s important to follow them carefully.
Prior to your surgery, tell your doctor ALL medications (including natural remedies and supplements) that you are currently taking. Dr. Poulter can then coordinate which medications you can continue to take, which to discontinue prior to surgery and how to incorporate the recommended medications to promote safety and healing so there are no conflicts. You may be instructed to avoid eating or drinking certain foods.
You may also be advised to wash with an antibacterial soap several days prior to and on the morning of your procedure, and you will be provided with special antibiotic wipes to be used the night before and the day of surgery. Since you will not be able to drive yourself home (due to anesthesia and medication), a trusted friend or family member should accompany you to the office. We will provide you with a specific timeline, but in general, we recommend arriving at least 1 hour prior to surgery. This will give you plenty of time to fill out paperwork and be prepped for your procedure. Most procedures are outpatient, and you will be able to return home the same day.
After surgery, the most important things you can do are rest, stay well hydrated, and plan for adequate postoperative nutrition. Resting helps your body recover and utilize the fluids and amino acids you consume in protein to repair your incisions and heal after your procedure. If you have had a more extensive procedure, it is also important to walk short distances in your house every 1-2 hours during the early postoperative period.
Taking medications as directed will also help reduce pain, nausea, and many postoperative side effects. Adhering to your surgeon’s recovery plan is key. Make sure you take all medications on schedule and finish all antibiotics.
Along with the “Do’s” after surgery is a list of “Don’ts.” Don’t resume activities too soon – give yourself time to recover. Refrain from exercising until your doctor tells you it is OK. In addition to other health risks, smoking slows healing and increases your risk of complications following surgery. Avoid swimming, soaker baths, and hot tubs until your incisions have healed.
You are a partner in your surgery and following these simple directions can lead to a lifetime of satisfaction with your results. If you have any questions regarding post-surgery care, please call our office at (309) 808-6339 or Toll Free at (888) 265-3215.
Having a baby is a life-changing experience, and the joy of motherhood is incomparable. However, pregnancy can also result in dramatic changes to your body. Many moms are now opting for a “Mommy Makeover” to get their pre-pregnancy shape back.
“Mommy makeover” is a catch-all phrase that refers to a specialized combination of body contouring procedures, performed together to improve the physical changes that linger long after pregnancy. One reason for its popularity is that there are no set components; each procedure is custom-tailored to fit unique needs of that patient. The Mommy Makeover is designed specifically to address common issues faced by women who have been through pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Body contouring can correct many of the changes having children and gravity have on our shapes. The two main areas of concern are loss of breast volume and shape, and protrusion of the tummy, especially in the lower abdomen below the belly button. Loss of breast size and shape can often be corrected by breast augmentation alone. Sometimes a lift is required, as the skin may have stretched too much for the implant to remain in the proper position. Implants can now be either filled with saline, silicone or cohesive gel (‘gummy bear’ implants). As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Poulter can discuss your options with you.
Many moms also want their pre-pregnancy tummies back. Although liposuction can remove localized areas of fullness, most of the time a full tummy tuck is needed to repair the weakness in the anterior abdominal wall caused by the constant pressure of the baby. Occasionally a hysterectomy or C-section scar will have healed down against the muscle and no longer moves freely. This can cause even a small amount of skin from above to fold over the C-section scar. The low incision of a tummy tuck can remove this “tethered” scar at the same time. In addition, a majority of the stretch marks on the lower belly will be removed when the extra skin is taken away. Dr. Poulter specializes in body contouring and will likely be able to provide computer imaging to explain the procedure and estimate realistically what results you may expect and where your incisions can be placed to hide them under a bikini line.
Returning your body to its before-baby shape (or even better) can restore your confidence and self-image. Be sure to do your homework when you begin your search. Take a look at our website highlighting before and after pictures and visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website which offers great information.
At Dr. Poulter’s office, our surgery suite is AAAASF accredited, and we specialize in alleviating the stress of surgery and making you feel comfortable, secure and cared for every step of the way. Take a look at our before & after gallery, schedule a consultation today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108.
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 your first summer swim or 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 keeps 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 7-10 days to heal and by allowing yourself several weeks to recover, 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!
Those looking to refresh their appearance now have more options than ever. Surgical and non-surgical facial procedures can do different things, but sometimes they do the same thing in different ways. If you’re looking to freshen up your appearance, a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help determine what’s best for you.
Surgical options include facelifts, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), and brow lifts. Facelifts help repair loose skin and tighten facial muscles. Results typically last at least 8-12 years, but factors such as smoking and skin quality can affect the result’s longevity. Eyelid surgery helps repair droopy eyelids and may involve removing excess skin, muscle, and fat, and results usually last at least 10-15 years. Brow lifts improve the appearance of the forehead, eyebrows, and the area around the eyes by raising the soft tissue and skin of the forehead and brow. Depending on the type of brow lift, results can last 5-10+ years.
Non-surgical facial treatments include Botox, injectable fillers, and Kybella. Botox is great for wrinkles and works by targeting the tiny muscles around your eyes, eyebrows, mouth, and forehead. Fillers are used to fill in fine lines and folds by replacing lost volume. Botox and fillers are both temporary solutions and need to be repeated to maintain the effects.
Kybella is a newer product on the scene and helps reduce your double chin. Kybella is a bit different than Botox and fillers in that once results are achieved, re-treatment is not expected to be required.
In addition to non-surgical options, you can also revitalize your appearance with skin treatments like Microneedling, which uses a specialized pen to crate micro-injuries to the skin in order to naturally produce collagen and elastin. You may also look at Intense Pulsed Light treatments, which rely on photothermal energy to stimulate collagen synthesis. Both of these are low-downtime procedures that can correct skin imperfections.
Both surgical and non-surgical options have pros and cons. The key is to find which one(s) are best for you and your specific aesthetic goals. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108.
We know how busy things can get, especially in the summer. Juggling activities and vacations can make it difficult to set aside time just for you. But summer is almost over, the kids are back in school, fall is around the corner….and now is the perfect opportunity to take some time for yourself!
Fall can actually be a great time to undergo just about any type of cosmetic surgery, for a number of reasons. Recovery can be easier in the fall – the weather is cooler, and it’s likely that you’ll be mainly indoors and looking to take it a little easier. Additionally, once you do start moving around and going outside again, thicker clothes and layers can help hide any post-surgery scars, dressings, or garments.
Whether you’re undergoing a surgical procedure or non-invasive treatments like chemical peels, minimizing exposure to heat and sun can help the recovery process. Summer heat can exacerbate post-surgical swelling and the sun can slow healing time, so scheduling your procedures in cooler months can be to your benefit.
Additionally, most people are settled in to their post-summer routines, which can make it a little easier to plan for consultations, surgery, and post-op visits. As an extra bonus, scheduling your treatments in September or October gives you ample recovery time so you can show off the new you – and your improved confidence – during the holiday season!
Dr. Poulter is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and proven skill in the full range of cosmetic procedures. With his 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 enhance your confidence!
Breast augmentation has been among the top plastic surgery procedures for years. There are several reasons behind its popularity, including the personalized options, long-lasting results, and satisfaction rates. With all the choices out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Let’s break down some of the options and the differences.
Implants come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and cohesiveness. Saline, silicone, and cohesive gel (aka ‘gummy bear’) implants each have unique characteristics. They all have a silicone outer shell, but the inside differs. Saline implants are filled to the desired size with sterile salt water. Silicone implants are pre-filled to the correct volume with a gel. ‘Gummy bear’ implants are pre-filled with a thicker, cohesive silicone gel.
Dr. Poulter has been using responsive silicone gel implants since 2006, when they were re-approved by the FDA. These implants are a little softer, and settle at the upper pole just a little more. The more cohesive an implant, the firmer it is, with less rippling. It also has a little more upper pole fullness. Allergan ‘Gummy bear’ implants are among the most cohesive implants, and are now available in a smooth, round implant.
Dr. Poulter uses Allergan cohesive gel implants, which offers the widest variety of shapes, so you can find the perfect fit for you. The Allergan Natrelle line of implants recently changed the amount of fill in their implants, so there is even less rippling, which produces better results.
Saline implants continue to be in limited use, as our practice has seen a significant increase in the number of silicone implants augmentations performed. Silicone implants have a good safety profile, softer feel, more natural look, and less capsular contracture.
For women with narrower chests and breasts, Dr. Poulter frequently considers using the extra/high projection Inspira implant that results in a lighter implant with more projection forward and less lateral show of the breast by the arm. The final projection will be chosen during your consultation to ensure you’re pleased with the results.
Implants are recommended and selected on an individual basis, based on each patient. Dr. Poulter considers many factors when consulting on your new size and shape. Some of the factors include if you have had children, have loose or tight skin, have a droop to the breast or not, your starting breast volume, and your height, weight, and body frame.
Dr. Poulter is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and proven skill in the full range of cosmetic procedures. With his 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 boost your confidence!
The Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery, LLC. - © Copyright 2018