Category Archives: Facial Plastic Surgery

Introducing SLOW-TOX!

Post nasal drip from allergiesAre you tired of the endless sniffles and embarrassing nasal drips that escape during important meetings and romantic dinners? Do you long for the day when you can breathe freely without reaching for a box of tissues? Well, we have exciting news for you!

SLOWtox is a medical treatment that involves injecting small amounts of Botox into your nasal cavity. While the idea of injecting Botox into your nose may seem bizarre, it’s actually a medically sound approach.

If you are thinking, how on earth does Botox dry up a drippy schnoz? Well, here’s the science behind the medical miracle of SLOWtox: tiny amounts of the toxin are injected into strategic areas in your nose, targeting the very glands responsible for producing excessive mucus. By temporarily paralyzing these glands, the release of a chemical called acetylcholine is blocked as are the nerve impulses to the glands that produce mucus. This treatment temporarily puts an end to the relentless waterfall that can flow from your nostrils, allowing you to face the world with your nose held high!

In a world where Botox seems to be the answer to all of life’s problems—facial wrinkles, excessive sweating, migraines, and even overactive bladder—Botox has also been shown to be effective in reducing nasal secretions in people with conditions such as allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis.

If you are considering SLOWtox, Dr. Yagoda suggests that you should first consult with a qualified ear, nose and throat surgeon to address any structural problems that may contribute to your symptoms. If SLOWtox is right for you, you will need a trained physician to determine the appropriate dosage for your individual needs.

Like any medical treatment, SLOWtox isn’t without its potential risks and side effects. Some people may experience mild pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, while others may experience temporary changes in their sense of smell. However, these side effects are generally mild and temporary, and most people are able to resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Buccal Fat Removal: Miracle or Mistake?

A buccal fat procedure removes fat from the cheeks through an incision in each side of the mouth in order to allow for better definition of the cheekbones and jawline, and to result in a more slender face.

If you have been thinking: “I wish my cheeks were a little more defined” then you may have more in common with celebrity A-listers than you think! Chrissy Teigen has admitted to having had it done. Madonna, Demi Moore, Bella Hadid and recently Lea Michele look like they have had it done.

Buccal Fat Removal: Too Good To Be True?

Buccal fat removal is all over the news and it is purported to be an innovative new fat removal procedure that will give your face the look you’ve always wanted. Can you trust the media? Well, there’s this….

The buccal fat removal procedure was first described in 1802. It initially had it’s moment in the spotlight, but sculpted cheeks soon morphed into hollowed ones that were gaunt, unappealing and untreatable. Understandably, the procedure fell out of favor. But as with all things fashion and beauty, prior trends get recycled and what was old (pun intended) can become new again!

So, how do you know if buccal fat removal is right for you? How can you predict if it will leave you looking like a masterpiece or a mistake?

  1. Consult with a trusted surgeon to understand your unique anatomy.
  2. Understand the risks. The immediate risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, and a rare but real risk of damage to the facial nerve that can result in temporary or permanent partial facial paralysis, regional numbness and/or loss of taste. The longer-term risks of this procedure include changes in facial symmetry and appearance as the face ages. These changes may not be immediately apparent after the procedure, but may become more noticeable as the individual gets older. Because this procedure is not reversible, the long-term risks and potential consequences should be carefully considered before making a decision.

Your beauty is an external reflection of your internal health and wellness. Dr. Yagoda believes in and promotes an integrative approach to help you feel and look your best.

Better than Botox?

Better than BotoxCan something as good as Botox get even better?

Revance, Bonti and Evolus, three California biotechnology companies, are counting on it!

Aside from Galderma’s Dysport and Merz’s Xeomin, three new Botox offspring are about to hit the market. First up is Jeauveau by Evolus which received FDA approval on February 1, 2019. “European and Canadian studies showed a 4.4% statistical superiority of Jeauveau to Botox.” Next will likely be RT002 which promises a longer duration of action than Botox (about 6 months). And, finally, EB-001A offers a short onset of action (within 24 hours), and an associated shorter duration of action (one month instead of 3+ months) making it ideal for first time users, of for scar optimization after surgery.

Are you a member of the “newer is better” team or are do you belong to the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” group? Undecided? Ask Dr. Yagoda which one is right for you. And, fingers crossed, perhaps more products will lead to more competitive pricing!

Unmask the Myth

Using Skin Masks during FacialsYou can’t skim social media or browse a beauty blog without encountering the sheet mask. But, just how valuable are they? Dr. Yagoda unmasks the myth of the sheet mask…

Despite the rage, sheet masks bestow beauty that is only “skin deep”—that is their benefits are superficial, and not true or lasting. That’s not to say that there isn’t some value in adding a sheet mask to your skin care regimen, but, you need to know that it will only work on the top layers of your skin, leaving the lower layers (where collagen and elastin hang out) untouched.

Because sheet masks don’t work in the deeper layers of your skin where collagen and elastin provide support and elasticity, your skin will not display a smoother, tighter, or more youthful appearance after using these masks. At upwards of $5 a pop, you will receive only limited and temporary moisturizing, with little to no anti-wrinkle or anti-aging effects.

Single-use sheet masks are like large soaked cotton pads with active ingredients that stay in contact with your skin for as long as you wear the mask (typically 20 minutes). But because the skin’s main task is to act as a barrier to protect you from the environment and to prevent absorption of toxins, many of those active ingredients will not get absorbed, even if you were to leave the mask on for much longer than 20 minutes!

So if you are thinking, “nothing ventured, nothing gained,” then consider this: sheet masks, in order to stay moist without drying out, contain ingredients that can harm your skin. Yep, ingredients like alcohol, butylene glycol (a delivery agent and solvent), polyethylene glycol (a preservative), and fragrance can have negative effects on your skin.

A better vehicle for moisture delivery (but still subject to limited absorption due to the skin’s barrier function) would be the serums, lotions, creams and ointments that you can buy at your corner drugstore or Dr. Yagoda’s office. Without doubt, the best vehicle for moisture delivery is an ingestible beauty supplement, in powder form, (because it does not need to be digested in order to be absorbed).

Whether choosing a sheet mask, topical products, or a beauty nutritional supplement, select one that contains all three of the active ingredients listed below:

  • antioxidants to protect the skin from premature aging and damage from free radicals;
  • peptides to help make more collagen; and,
  • hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin.

An ingestible is a more effective and affordable option than sheet masks. But if you just have to jump on the gimmicky sheet mask wagon, you’ll need to adjust your expectations to receiving little more than hydration and entertainment in order to be satisfied!

There are good reasons why Dr. Yagoda is the one other doctors choose. To find out why, schedule your consultation with Dr. Yagoda. Call 212.434.1210 or email info@DrYagoda.com.

TRxUTH on TONERS

Beautiful Clean Cosmetics Woman Close Up PortraitToners are widely known as an important skin care step for people with acne-prone or oily skin. However, toners can also be used as an “added layer” of cleansing for those who wear heavy foundation or waterproof sunscreen. Or, for those who are on the run, after a workout at the gym. Toners can restore the pH of the skin after using a particularly alkaline cleanser.

The ingredients in the toner will determine its benefits.

For acne-prone skin

Use toners with salicylic acid and/or glycolic acid to get rid of excess oil, tighten the skin, exfoliate and remove dead skin, and reduce the likelihood of ingrown hairs. Toners with clay and/or charcoal can reduce shine and tighten pores in oily and acne-prone skin. Natural anti-bacterial ingredients include tea tree and rose oil. Willow bark is a natural salicylic acid alternative. Natural toners can contain witch hazel, tea-tree oil and/or rose oil as astringents. Mint, and apple cider vinegar also act as astringents.

For combination and sensitive skin

Toners with lactic acid, and/or aloe vera are great for gentle hydration.

For mature and dry skin

Toners with glycerin and/or hyaluronic acid can hydrate and smooth skin. Natural tones with honey and algae are great.

For all skin types

Toners with Co-Q 10, anti-oxidants like Vitamin C and green tea can replenish moisture and provide anti-oxidant protection.

Be wary of toners with essential oil as they can cause hypersensitivity. In addition, toners should not contain alcohol which can be extremely drying. They also should NOT include parabens, phthalates, formaldehydes, ethoxylated ingredients, polysorbates, phenoxyethanol, petrochemicals, triclosan, TEA/DEA and synthetic fragrances and colors.

6 Truths About Fillers You’ll Wish Your Dermatologist Told You….

According to a recent study by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, there were nearly 2 million hyaluronic acid filler injections performed in 2015. With immediate rejuvenating results and little-to-no downtime, why not have filler?

Here are 6 truths about fillers you’ll wish your dermatologist told you:

1. You can have too much of a good thing. So…it softened your nasolabial folds (the lines connecting the corner of your lips to the outside of your nostrils). It muted your marionette lines (the lines heading south from the corners of your mouth). Now, why not plump up your cheeks? Well, you can….sort of…. But just like a Hervé Léger bandage dress, you need to have the right underlying bone structure. If not, watch out or meet Ms. Bobblehead!

2. It’s not what you use, it’s how you use it! Juvederm? Restylane? Voluma? Does it really make a difference which hyaluronic acid filler you choose? While some docs prefer one or another, most will agree that it’s not which one is used, but how and where it is placed. For lips, filler should be injected where the pink part and white part connect, not in the pink, fleshy part causing unnatural lumps and bumps. For the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and cheeks, filler placed too superficial will be visible through the skin, and filler put too deep will cause you to spend more and see less!

3. Cheek filler is like pregnancy. It lasts about 9-10 months. In injected cheeks, like an expecting belly, gravity continues to wreak havoc, and aging cheek skin (stretched with filler) continues to droop. Filler has limited hoisting potential so woe be the one who refuses surgery (when the time is right). There is a point of no return when no additional filler can do the trick.

4. You don’t need a facelift to get rid of early jowls. Good news! A bit of perfectly placed filler can eliminate jowls and return your jawline to its youthful, superhero vigor.

5. Filler here. Filler there. Filler, filler everywhere? Yes, filler can be used in the chin crease and even in the tear trough (the diagonal and indented pathway down which tears flow). However, fillers should not be injected in the “11” lines in the forehead, unless the area is first immobilized with Botox or Dysport, and, then, only if the line remains visible. If not, filler will tend to move with muscle motion and clump in a visible location.

6. Forego the facials and avoid a breakdown. While having a facial can be a great was to melt away stress and tension, extended facial massage (and radio frequency tightening treatments) can breakdown filler and make it go away faster. Tell your facialist about the location(s) of your filler to improve its life expectancy at the same time!

 

Ho Ho Ho! Happy Holidays!

As the happiest time of the year approaches, there is one red-nosed reindeer that we all know by name….. Rudolph! Rudolph is an icon of Christmas who is allowed to have a plump, red nose: That is how he saved Christmas, after all!

However, in the beginning, even Rudolph was self conscious about his nose! If you find yourself in the same predicament, Dr. Yagoda offers a solution that can serve as the perfect holiday gift: tip rhinoplasty.

Tip rhinoplasty is a form of rhinoplasty that is done to narrow the tip of the nose; define and sculpt the tip; get rid of a bulbous tip; narrow the base of the nostrils (alar base reduction); and raise or lower the tip. And, that’s not even all! The tip can also be strengthened so that it doesn’t compress onto the upper lip when pressed upon. This option usually results in a more refined and perkier nose.

Tip rhinoplasty is a good option for those who really like — but don’t 100% love — their nose. It falls into the category of “finesse rhinoplasty,” which is defined as an enhancement to an otherwise attractive nose. If you are unhappy with your entire nose (feel it is crooked/large/etc or are having trouble breathing), then perhaps you should give yourself the gift of a full rhinoplasty. Either way, you will not be disappointed!

We spent HOW much?!

The results are in: Americans spent a LOT on plastic surgery! It was predicted in 2013 that more and more Americans would continue to undergo cosmetic procedures, and that that they have! The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has released new data it compiled throughout 2014, and the findings are very comprehensive. Some are old and some are new… but all are interesting!

Approximately 16 MILLION cosmetic surgery procedures were performed in 2014. This number includes cosmetic surgery (1.7 million), minimally
invasive procedures (13.9 million), and reconstructive procedures (5.8 million). Overall, this was a 3% increase from 2013, as well as the largest number that has been recorded thus far. These 16 million procedures equated to $12.9 BILLION spent: Beauty doesn’t come cheap!
As can be expected, women were the vast majority of cosmetic procedure patients (92%). For the ninth year in a row, breast augmentation was the most requested procedure. Rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, facelifts, and liposuction were the runner-ups in the popularity contest! In terms of minimally invasive procedures, Botox and injectables reigned supreme; both women AND men love their instant results!

Speaking of men, don’t think guys didn’t visit plastic surgeons! There was an increase in men requesting cosmetic procedures, too, and rhinoplasty was the most common. Interestingly, there was an increase in lip reductions and augmentations for both men and women, and sources say this likely attributes to celebrities (Kylie Jenner, for example) and social media. Although teens and young adults make up a large majority of these platforms’ audience, they were the smallest group in terms of percentage to undergo cosmetic surgery. Middle-aged women– between the ages of 40 and 54, specifically — were the majority.

There is a reason these numbers keep growing! Even though the Fountain of Youth hasn’t officially been found, plastic surgery technology is rapidly improving. Visit an experienced plastic surgeon to find out your anti-aging options — and soon enough you will be part of next year’s growing statistics!

Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon? Who exactly is to blame for the “overdone” look?

Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon?

Why is it that almost everyone is okay with going to the dermatologist — there are even celebrity “derms” that people clamor for! — but many are self-conscious about seeing a plastic surgeon? Perhaps this is because the media portrays dermatologists as miracle workers who “fix” all sorts of skin and cosmetic issues! Magazine editors and celebrities note that it has become de rigeur to have a dermatologist on speed dial — especially once you’ve hit 30!  On the other hand, the media portrays plastic surgeons as the ones to avoid.  After all, it’s the plastic surgeons who provide unnatural and sometimes even downright scary results, right?

Well, let’s examine this media myth a bit more closely!  Wherein lies the truth?  Who is it that is making the majority of the overly-plumped cheeks, the bobble-head faces, and the frozen, over-Botox-ed foreheads?  Well, it stands to reason that if most people see dermatologists for fillers and injectables, these unnatural and overdone results are mainly coming from dermatologists, based purely on statistics!

If you are contemplating an anti-aging procedure, trust your face to a facial plastic surgeon who employs an integrative approach to providing natural results using a combination of non-surgical and surgical treatments.   Long gone are the over-pulled, windswept facelifts of yesteryear.  Dare to discover the subtle and meaningful results of a stepwise and combined approach!

Nose Job Without “the Knife!”

Non Surgical RhinoplastyNose job: When you think of plastic surgery, this is probably the first thing that pops into your head, right? If you answered yes, it is for good reason. Nose jobs, also known as rhinoplasties, remain the most popular facial plastic surgery procedure for both men and women.

The nose is the focal point of the face which, unfortunately, does not guarantee you will like it. If you are one of the thousands of people who would like to change the look of your nose — but don’t want to “undergo the knife” — there is another option. Dr. Michelle Yagoda, expert NYC celebrity facial plastic surgeon — offers non-surgical rhinoplasties for her patients.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty is done through fillers. It can change the shape of the nose in various ways, as well as correct prior rhinoplasty surgery that went awry or was not done perfectly (as it should be!). Nonsurgical rhinoplasty is likely the most immediate, precise, and economical way to get the results you want.

Instantaneous corrections include: lowering nostril rims; making nostrils more symmetric; slimming bumps on the bridge of the nose; and correcting a twisted nose. The best part is the cost: Instead of starting at $6,000 plus hospital costs, your new nose will likely be no more than $500 and will last around 10 months. Now you know why nonsurgical rhinoplasties are one of the MOST requested procedures of Dr. Yagoda!