Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery | Dr. Desman

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Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:44:00 +0000

Lose weight, breast feed a baby or blow out a few more candles and the next thing you know your waist has a new addition – your breasts. In years past, women bought more supportive bras and tried to keep those straps from digging into their shoulders. Now, women have more options with plastic surgery. When you contact Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery in Arlington, Virginia, he'll go over those options to modify size or position of the breasts.

If you have sagging breasts or want to simply increase or decrease your cup size, choose a qualified plastic surgeon that can help you determine whether a breast lift would be better than breast augmentation.

What's the Difference?

Although often confused, the two procedures can be remembered by thinking of the lift as a "hand up" and an augmentation as a "hand out." Here's what occurs with each procedure.

Breast Lift

Does not change the size of your breasts
Breasts are raised and the contours reshaped to eliminate sagging
Dr. Desman will relocate the position of your nipples and areola during surgery
Excess skin is removed under the breast to tighten the skin, thus providing the lift
Scars are minimal and are located beneath the breasts

Breast Augmentation

Entire look of the breasts change when implants are used to increase or decrease the bust line
Women who have had a mastectomy often have breast augmentation as part of their reconstruction surgery
Asymmetrical breasts can be better proportioned in this procedure
Augmentation can be done in conjunction with a breast lift

Please contact our office, if you are considering cosmetic surgery for your breasts. Dr. Desman offers free consultations at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, in Arlington, Virginia.

Why Choose a Facial Specialist?

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 20:42:00 +0000

When it comes to your face, trusting anyone without the skills, knowledge and credentials to help you attain the cosmetic surgery results you want is foolish. Only trust those board-certified surgeons in the desired area of expertise. Those who are qualified are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Additionally, when a plastic surgeon undergoes specialized training as a facial specialist, he or she is then certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

The best indicators of surgeon's qualifications are his or her medical training and surgical experience. By contacting Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, you will be assured that you’ve chosen well-qualified surgeon who has been in performing facial cosmetic surgery since 1995.

Taking Steps to Give Your Face the Best

Considerable surgical skill is needed during facial plastic surgery. Procedures like facelifts and rhinoplasty (nose surgery) involve incisions placed in very delicate areas. So find the best surgeon for the procedure by following these steps:

Ask your physician, friends or family members, who have had a similar surgery, about possible recommendations.
Check surgical credentials before scheduling a consultation.
Narrow your choices down and schedule a face-to-face meeting.
During the consultation, ask most, if not all of the "43 Questions You Need to Ask a Plastic Surgeon During Your Consultation Appointment and BEFORE you Decide on a Doctor"
Ask for patient testimonials, view before & after photos, and consider asking to speak with a patient that has had a similar procedure.

If you are confused about whom you should hire to perform your facial cosmetic surgery, please contact our office. We will arrange a private consultation for you to discuss any fears or reservations you may have before taking the next step to improve your appearance.

Obesity Causes

noreply@blogger.com (Tiffany) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:38:00 +0000

Since the introduction of the Body Mass Index (BMI) in the 1990s, which gave us the controversial measurement for estimating a healthy body weight, we've been warned that food increases, along with lack of exercise have contributed to America's growing weight issue. Few have heeded the warnings about excess weight leading to heart disease and diabetes, but others have dropped those nagging pounds.

Unfortunately, when body size increases and then suddenly decreases, excess skin doesn't snap back into place like a fresh rubber band. When you've gained and then lost weight, Arlington plastic surgeon Dr. Desman can help. Cosmetic procedures like liposuction, the new VASER LipoSelection and tummy tucks are just three of several methods used to decrease stubborn areas that remain following weight loss.

Commonly Known Obesity Causes

The debate over the causes of obesity rages on, yet a few commonly known factors for weight gain remain. Those who struggle with additional weight often have more than one contributing factor. The most common factors are:

Genetics – a family history of obesity increases the odds of obesity by 25 to 30 percent
Physical Inactivity – overweight people are typically less active than normal weight adults
High Fat/Calorie Diet – when caloric intact is identical, the person eating a high fat diet will store more excess calories as body fat
Age – as you age, your muscle mass decreases and fat accounts for a greater percentage of your weight
Emotional or Psychological factors – to many, food is used as a comfort or celebration
Medical Problems – low thyroid function and hormonal imbalances account for a small percentage of obesity causes

If your recent weight loss has left excess skin on your face, neck, upper arms, tummy and thighs, don't let that spoil your recent success. Please schedule a consultation today at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, in Arlington, VA.

Rhinoplasty – Open vs. Closed Nose Surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:26:00 +0000

If your nose has drawn unwanted attention then rhinoplasty (nose surgery) might be right for you. Two types of surgical procedures are available with a rhinoplasty operation. By consulting with Arlington plastic surgeon Dr. Desman, at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery you'll learn about these two types and which will be most suitable in your specific case.

Whether the unusual shape of your nose is due to genetics or injury, choosing a plastic surgeon to reshape it to your liking is paramount. When you contact an experienced plastic surgeon, like Dr. Desman you'll learn everything about rhinoplasty, including risks of nose surgery, what type of nose best suits your face and the types of incisions available to you.

Incision Choices
Plastic surgeons will either choose the option of an open or closed rhinoplasty. Open rhinoplasty is used for major nose reshaping with incisions being made on the outside of the nose. Closed rhinoplasty is for minor nose reshaping and incisions are made within the nose.

Weighing Advantages and Disadvantages of Both
If Dr. Desman needs greater access to the surgical area to make more precise adjustments, or finds your surgery to be a more complicated procedure, he'll likely choose open rhinoplasty.

Disadvantages of Open Rhinoplasty:

Longer recovery time
Greater risks for swelling and bruising

If Dr. Desman sees that your nose reshaping will be fairly minor, he'll likely recommend closed rhinoplasty.

Disadvantages of Closed Rhinoplasty:

More difficult for surgical manipulation
Only viable for procedures possible through small incisions

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose or nose function and live in the Arlington, Virginia area, please contact our office today.

Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:23:00 +0000

As the most striking feature on your face, the nose can be a source of pride or a source of shame. Those who abhor the bumps, humps, droops, hooks and breathing problems that come with a misshapen nose are the first to tell you a beautiful nose would make a difference. Dr. Desman understands such feelings and can work with you to create the rhinoplasty results you desire.

Each year, half a million people choose nose surgery (medically referred to as rhinoplasty) to improve their looks. When prospective rhinoplasty patients contact Arlington Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Desman, he'll go over the risks of rhinoplasty and give a fairly accurate view of the potential results through computer rendering.

Rhinoplasty Changes that Make a Difference

Whether you desire rhinoplasty for aesthetic or functional reasons, know that this widely requested cosmetic surgery has the most satisfied patients. Plastic surgeons can make a number of aesthetic changes for your nose, like:

Change the tip of your nose - accomplished by adding, removing or repositioning cartilage
Change the nose bridge shape - done by removing excess cartilage and bone from the bridge or dorsal bone
Narrow the nostrils - by removing skin from the base of the nostrils and moving them closer together
Reduce the overall nose size - achieved by removing tissue from the nose base or breaking and repositioning the bones in the nose
Increase the overall nose size - fulfilled by adding cartilage, skin or bone, either from a donor site on the patient's body, or using synthetic material
Change the nose angle - performed by trimming the septum, which is the thin membrane separating the nostrils

If you are hesitant to undergo the rhinoplasty procedure, know that you are not alone. Many prospective patients have the same feelings. Please contact our office so that Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery in Arlington, Virginia can answer your questions about the rhinoplasty procedure.

Questions About Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:21:00 +0000

When prospective cosmetic surgery patients meet with a surgeon the questions asked are always similar. Patients are most concerned with pain, recovery, candidacy, scarring, and also payment. Knowing the answers to some of these questions in advance goes a long way toward helping you feel more comfortable about your decision.

Does plastic surgery hurt?

Patients who receive extensive facial procedures like a facelift or rhinoplasty (nose surgery) will incur more bruising and swelling. Procedures that involve surgery on the extremities or torso will have some uncomfortable days following the procedure, but not as much bruising and swelling that can cause pain.

When can I return to work and exercise?

Recuperation from surgery varies depending upon the procedure and the individual. Most patients require assistance for the first few days and then are ready to return to after that. Patients with small children may require a few extra days of assistance.

Would I be a good candidate for plastic surgery?

If you have a strong personal desire to make cosmetic surgery, you are likely a good candidate. However, only a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon, like Dr. Eric Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery in Arlington, Virginia, can offer a qualified opinion.

Will I have scars after the surgery?

Skin incisions always cause some scarring; it's a natural way for the body to heal. Yet, placing scars where they will be least noticeable is what Dr. Desman is trained at providing his patients. Highly skilled surgeons can achieve your desired look with minimal scarring and even perform scar revision for patients unhappy with scars from previous surgeries.

If you would like to learn more about cosmetic surgery options in the Arlington, Virginia area, please contact Dr. Eric Desman today to schedule a consultation.

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:06:00 +0000

The first time you stare into the mirror and see your parent looking back, you'll wonder if the years have collapsed upon your face. Considering the alternative, there is nothing wrong with aging, yet using facial rejuvenation procedures to look a bit younger can raise your self-esteem and buoy your outlook on life and yourself. Please contact Arlington plastic surgeon Dr. Desman, if you wish to turn back the clock on your face.

Advances in technology have created many choices for those wanting a more youthful appearance. Now, you can choose non-invasive procedures, like collagen and other filler injections to temporarily lessen the evidence of wrinkles, choose a complete facelift or focus in on a specific problem area. Dr. Desman offers his patients enhancement or augmentations for:

Eyelids – removing excess or fatty tissue above and beneath the eyes
Cheeks – transferring fat to this area to increase the cheek size
Ears – sculpting/folding the cartilage to allow ears to lie closer to the head
Forehead or brow – tightening the brow through endoscopic incisions
Lips – enhancing with injectables or reshaping with implants to offer patients a fuller lip appearance
Nose – increasing, decreasing, or sculpting the shape or tip of the nose
Chins – adding or subtracting to offer a more balanced appearance

The Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, in Arlington, Virginia, offers state-of-the-art computer imaging to help you see what you can change before you change it. Please contact us today to meet with Dr. Desman for a no-obligation consultation.

Maintaining Your Results/Lifestyle After Facelift

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:05:00 +0000

A facelift (technically called a Rhytidectomy), is a procedure that tightens underlying muscles, removes excess fat, and re-drapes skin to restore youth and beauty. While chemical peels and cosmetic injections can temporarily make you look younger, a facelift is the only procedure that can provide a more permanent correction. By contacting Arlington cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman, you can learn more about the facelift procedure and decide if it is right for you.

After facelift surgery, you'll want to follow several recommendations to keep and maintain your rejuvenated youthful appearance. When you choose Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery in Arlington, Virginia for your facelift, he will give you complete lifestyle instructions to ensure your new look will last for many years.

Extending the Results of Your Facelift
Those things your mother told you to do when you were young, like exercise, maintain your weight and lead a healthy lifestyle apply more after a facelift procedure than ever. By following these post-surgery guidelines, your facelift will remain fresh and taut for years:

Stop Smoking – smoking causes wrinkles and accelerates the skin's aging process
Maintain Your Weight – over time, dieting causes the skin to loose its elasticity, which is unwanted as you age
Avoid Sun Exposure – the sun's rays cause premature aging and increase damaging evidence like freckles, wrinkles, age spots, leathery skin and facial spider veins
Keep Skin Hydrated – drinking a minimum of eight daily glasses of water will regenerate your skin at the cellular level

Please contact the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery in Arlington, Virginia when you are ready to reclaim some of your lost youth with plastic surgery.

Knowing When You Need to Remove or Replace Implants

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:03:00 +0000

Even though breast augmentation is a long-lasting procedure, it can not defy the effects of gravity and its fundamental force behind sagging breasts as you age. Dr. Desman will be the first to tell you that years after breast implant surgery a breast lift may become necessary. Yet many women feel that once they have breast augmentation surgery, their breasts will be as firm and fixed at the age of 88 as after surgery completed at 38.

That is just one common myth about breast implants. Another is that breast implant surgery lasts a lifetime. Whether breast implants will last ten years or longer, depends largely upon the patient. However, if you are having no complications, the implants should last for many years. When you feel a change is needed after breast augmentation, please contact a qualified surgeon like Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery in Arlington, Virginia, who can offer advice about your breast implant removal or replacement options.

Complications that Can Lead to Breast Implant Revisions

Obstacles can arise right after a breast augmentation procedure or years after the procedure. Most women never have complications, but some have and those complaints have typically centered on the following:
An unnatural appearance
Folding or wrinkling of the implant
Capsular contracture – extreme development of scar tissue that places pressure on the implant
Implant leakage or rupture
Improper balance or positioning of the implant

Please call our office today to schedule an appointment, if you have had a complication with a previous breast implant surgery and live in the Washington DC area.

Do you want a 5% tax on cosmetic surgery?

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Desman, M.D.) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:28:00 +0000

At the last minute, Democratic Senators slipped in a 5% tax on elective cosmetic procedures into the health care reform bill that passed (a.k.a. BoTax). This tax would take effect January 1, 2010 if enacted http://tinyurl.com/No-BoTax.

THIS IS A BAD IDEA.

About 85% of cosmetic surgery patients are women, thus, this tax unfairly targets women more than men.

Cosmetic surgery is no longer an exclusive luxury of the rich and famous. Recent research indicates that in the next 2 years, of the people who plan to have cosmetic surgery have an annual household income between $30,000 and $90,000, with about half of those in the $30k-60k range. Only 10% have an income over $90,000.

Thus, the tax will be predominantly on the middle class.

Further, a tax like this was enacted in New Jersey several years ago. This has been such a failure that the original sponsor of the bill, State Sen. Joe Cryan, has publicly admitted this was a bad idea and has introduced a bill to repeal the tax that he originally had been in favor of.

Take action today by contacting your Senators (VA or MD) and Representatives to express your opinion.

Can You Revise Breast Implant Surgery?

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:32:00 +0000

Some patients end up unsatisfied with the results of another surgeon's breast implant surgery. Maybe your breast implants are not as big as you wanted; or perhaps they are too large and disproportionate to the rest of your body.

If this is the case, you can undergo breast implant revision surgery to change the size of your implants. While this surgery is possible, and is commonly performed, keep in mind that corrective breast surgery is much more technically challenging and time consuming than the original surgery.

One reason is that there are typically issues with skin that has thinned or stretched out since the original surgery. Another challenge is that there is often both internal and external scar tissue that can make a breast implant revision more complex. Finally, the anatomy of your breasts and chest wall has changed since your original surgery. This means that surgical landmarks have become distorted and new obstacles have been created that Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman must fix in order to restore a natural appearance that is aesthetically pleasing.

The bottom line is that you can increase or decrease the size of your implant. Keep in mind that if you decide to downsize your breast implant, this may create skin laxity and require a breast lift procedure in addition to the revision surgery.

To learn more breast augmentation surgeries performed by Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office. We offer free consultations to patients in the Alexandria, Virginia area.

Breast Reduction and Back Problems

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:34:00 +0000

Sometimes a woman's breasts are too large for the rest of her body. This condition, called breast hypertrophy, can create a series or problems. Overly large breasts can place additional stress on your spine and the muscles in your abdomen, chest, and back.

Back pain is the most common complaint from women whose breasts are too large in proportion to the rest of their bodies. Large breasts can create a reduction in the natural curve of your upper and mid-back region. When your upper vertebrae are altered, it can affect your lower vertebrae, which takes on additional stress.

Some women with abnormally large breasts suffer from back pain that becomes so severe, it actually changes their posture. This can put these women at risk for spinal deformity. Proportionately large breasts can also put you at risk for repetitive stress injuries to your shoulders and upper extremities.

Active women with very large breasts are especially prone to back pain. Constant movement of the breasts due to high impact exercises can put additional stress on the back, as it tries to support this movement. Exercise can also result in acute pain as a result of muscular oxygen deprivation and fatigue.

If you are having back problems, a breast reduction can help you alleviate your painful symptoms and get you moving forward with your life in a comfortable manner. If you live in the Alexandria, Virginia area, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office to learn more.

Breast Augmentation: Choosing the Right Size

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:26:00 +0000

Women seeking breast augmentation fall into one of three groups: women who want to increase their breast size for better self-esteem; women who have undergone a mastectomy and need breast reconstruction; or mothers who after having children want their breasts to look young, full and firm. Dr. Desman works with women from each of these groups who desire breast augmentation for various reasons.

Breast augmentation prompts the question of size. When you make an appointment to see Dr. Desman at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery in Arlington, Virginia, you'll have a decision to make about which size breast is right for your body type. Whether you want the busty look of Pamela Anderson or the svelte, elegant look of Gwyneth Paltrow, your goals will be combined with a sizing analysis performed by Dr. Desman.

What goes into a Breast Sizing Analysis

Currently, the natural look is in, but what is natural for someone who has been a AA bra size? Generally, most surgeons will not suggest going above two cup sizes over your natural size. Beyond that and you run the risk of stretched skin and sensitivity loss Dr. Desman will take several measurements during his evaluation of your frame to answer questions to help determine the best size, such as:

How broad is your chest area?
What is the base width of your breasts?
How much distance exists between your breasts?
Is your skin laxity or looseness appropriate for the size you intend?

The answers to these questions will help Dr. Desman determine if the size you have in mind is a natural fit for you. If you live in Arlington, Virginia or Washington DC, and are considering breast augmentation surgery, please call our office today.

Evaluating Your Surgeon's Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:01:00 +0000

Your cosmetic surgeon's experience level plays a large role in your safety and successful plastic surgery results. In general, the more experienced your plastic surgeon, the safer you can feel while in his or her care. It is very important that you are comfortable and confident about your surgeon's abilities to perform your chosen procedure or procedures.

A plastic surgeon with extensive experience both medically and surgically knows how to deal with unexpected events that may arise during surgery. He or she also knows how to minimize the risk of complications during and after a certain procedure. This can mean that your recovery period goes more smoothly and quickly than if they surgeon is inexperienced.

The surgeon you select should also keep up to date on emerging technologies. He or she should know the most advanced techniques and be able to perform them well.

During your initial consultation, be sure to ask your cosmetic surgeon about his or her background and experience.

Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman is an experienced and highly trained cosmetic surgeon who serves patients in the Alexandria, Virginia area. Please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office today for more information or to schedule your free consultation.

How Likely Am I to Scar Badly?

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Plastic surgery will inevitably leave some form of scar, since your skin will be cut in one or multiple places. It is difficult to predict how badly you will scar prior to surgery because everyone's skin is different, as is the part of your body that will be affected.

All scars begin red and raised and are often hard. As they begin to heal, they turn pink and eventually white. They also become softer and flatter. If your skin is darker, the scar will appear brighter. Some scars can become hypertrophic, or raised, itchy, and painful. Other scars can become thicker and extend beyond the skin (called keloid).

The degree of your scarring will be impacted by:

The location of your incision
The length and depth of your incision
Your age
Your heredity
Your ethnicity

After you have undergone plastic surgery, your skin will be very sensitive. The areas in which your incisions were made should never be exposed to sunlight.

Generally speaking, you will have small, discreet scars as a result of plastic surgery. With time, they usually fade so much that they will be barely visible. They will appear as a thin white line, only noticeable to your peers if you point them out.

If you would like additional information on the cosmetic services provided by Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman and you live in the Alexandria, Virginia area, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office today to schedule your free consultation.

Plastic Surgery in Non-Whites More Popular than Ever

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:59:00 +0000

Now more than ever, African Americans, Asians, Latinos, and virtually every ethnicity you can imagine are seeking cosmetic surgery. In 2008, cosmetic surgery rates increased among all ethnicities except Caucasian. Breast augmentation is popular among Latinos and Asian-Americans, while breast reduction is popular among African-Americans.

The factor of ethnicity has played a major role in preventing both men and women of different ethnicities from seeking plastic surgery for years. For example, many African Americans who desired rhinoplasty for thinner noses did not want to risk walking away with a nose that looked "too white." And Asians who wanted blepharoplasty to give them eyes that looked larger may have worried about losing a piece of their heritage.

Today, plastic surgeons are taking these different ethnicities into account when performing various procedures. With an increased awareness about ethnic concerns and new procedures that cater to the inherent differences in darker skin, people of different backgrounds can finally consider changing their lips, noses and eyes without disregarding their heritage or looking "too white."

More patients are realizing that plastic surgery is not just for extreme changes. Instead, subtle alterations can be performed safely and make significant enhancements to your appearance and overall self-esteem.

The rise in ethnic patients seeking plastic and cosmetic surgery has also increased the concern about scarring. Because of their darker skin, ethnic patients are more susceptible to visible scarring. Fortunately, new procedures are being developed and widely used, which limit the size of the incision or increase our ability to hide the scar in an inconspicuous place.
If you live in the Alexandria, Virginia area and are interested in an ethnic cosmetic procedure, please contact Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman at our Alexandria plastic surgery office today. We provide complimentary consultations.

What is the Best Age for Breast Augmentation?

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:30:00 +0000

As women grow older, their breasts begin to sag. If you have had children and breast fed them, you will notice some sagging afterward, regardless of your age. A breast lift can correct sagging breasts. Whether you are considering a breast lift, or if you desire fuller, larger breasts and you are considering breast implants, you are probably wondering what the ideal age is for these procedures.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that young women must be at least 18 years old to undergo breast implant surgery. This is because your breasts must be fully developed before you can have them altered.

In general, breast augmentation surgery is safe for women ages 18 to 55. However, this is a very wide age range, and it is up to each patient to decide when the surgery is best for the.

Keep in mind that as you age, certain surgical risks need to be considered. Recovery will take longer and there will be a higher risk of complications during the procedure. The procedure also may have a lower success rate if you are older than 50. However, if you are physically healthy, do not have any chronic diseases or ongoing health issues, then you can still be a good candidate for breast augmentation if you are older.

For more information on breast implants procedures, contact Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman at our Alexandria plastic surgery office for a free consultation. We serve patients in the Alexandria, Virginia area.

Are Different Liposuction Techniques Better for Different Parts of the Body?

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:29:00 +0000

There are several liposuction techniques used today that can enhance the success of your procedure. These techniques may be used in addition to traditional liposuction, which uses a thin, hollow tube called a cannula to vacuum unwanted fat deposits from your body. Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman will strategically manipulate the cannula underneath your skin to remove the fat from specific areas.

Tumescent liposuction

This form of liposuction uses a fluid-injection technique to help reduce blood loss and decrease the amount of bruising and discomfort you may experience. A mixture of saline solution, local anesthetic and epinephrine (a drug that contracts blood vessels) will be injected into the areas to be treated. Because there will be little blood loss, more fat can be removed than in past procedures. This technique is ideal of there are large amounts of fat to be removed, such as the abdomen, buttocks, hips.

Ultrasonic assisted liposuction

With this technique, sound waves are used to liquefy fatty deposits before they are removed. VASER® LipoSelection® utilizes this technique, and does not disrupt your surrounding tissue. This makes it easier and safer to remove fat from smaller and more delicate areas, including the neck, face, inner thighs, chest and arms. VASER® is also ideal for areas that have thick, fibrous fat, such as the bra strap area.

Think liposuction is right for you? Live in the Alexandria, Virginia area? Then contact Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman at our Alexandria plastic surgery office for a free consultation. You have nothing to lose but unwanted fat. Please call today.

Treatments to Combine with Injectables

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:27:00 +0000

Injectable fillers are an effective method for smoothing and softening lines and wrinkles. They are also ideal for "plumping" areas where volume has been lost. By filling the nasolabial folds (the vertical lines around the mouth) as well as some fine facial lines, you can look and feel years younger.

Unfortunately, injectable fillers such as JUVEDERM™ Injectable Gel, and Restylane® cannot treat all types of wrinkles. That is why these treatments are often combined with other treatments, such as Botox.

Botox Cosmetic contains botulinum toxin, which acts to temporarily reduce muscle activity, thereby paralyzing the muscles responsible for your wrinkles. This safe treatment has been used on millions of patients and can be targeted in multiple areas in you face such as:

Frown lines
Forehead wrinkles
Periorbital wrinkles (crow's feet)
Bands in your neck
Eyebrows
The downturning corners of your mouth

If you have loose, sagging skin, no amount of injectable filler or Botox treatment can fix that. Your best bet is to have facelift procedure that removes the excess skin around your face and neck, while tightening these areas to create a rejuvenated, youthful appearance.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery and you live in the Alexandria, Virginia area, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office today and find out how Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman can help you rejuvenate your appearance and enhance your self-esteem.

Male Procedures

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 22:16:00 +0000

Many male cosmetic surgical procedures have increased in popularity over the past few years. Some of the most common include:

Abdominoplasty: this "tummy tuck" procedure works to correct sagging skin in your abdomen or fix the appearance of a protruding belly. An incision will be made and your abdominal muscles will be pulled closer together to create a tighter, tinier waistline.

Rhinoplasty: this "nose job" procedure reshapes virtually any feature of your nose. By changing the bone, skin and/or cartilage of your nose, a rhinoplasty can not only enhance your aesthetic appearance, it can also help your breathing if your nose has been damaged in an accident, injury, or due to a birth defect.

Gynecomastia: if you are a man suffering from this condition, your breast tissue is enlarged, creating the appearance of "male breasts." This can be corrected through male breast reduction surgery. Small incisions will be made around your nipple and/or other sites in your chest and, using liposuction, excessive fatty tissue will be suctioned out of your chest. The result will be a flatter, better-contoured chest.

Liposuction: Male liposuction can be performed on virtually any part of the body. However, it is most commonly performed on the neck, belly, and love handles. Liposuction techniques keep improving and becoming safer, quicker and more effective. One of the latest techniques we use is VASER® LipoSelection®, which uses ultrasonic energy to break up and remove your fat.

If you live in Alexandria, Virginia, please contact Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman at our Alexandria plastic surgery office for a free consultation.

Latisse

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:15:00 +0000

Are you tired of removing mascara each night? If you want fuller, thicker eyelashes without having do deal with messy eye makeup, Latisse may be your solution.

This solution prescription was originally used to treat glaucoma. As glaucoma patients were using Latisse, they found that their eyelashes grew darker and fuller thanks to the active ingredient, bimatoprost. Although researchers do not know exactly how bimatoprost thickens your lashes, research suggests that it is due to an increase in the percentage of hairs that grow and the duration that they grow while you are using this treatment. Today, Latisse is the one and only prescription approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for thin eyelashes.

It works by application; just apply Latisse to your upper lashes once daily. Within one to two months, you will begin to notice a change in your eyelashes. They will start to become thicker and fuller. By 16 weeks, they should have achieved their maximum volume. You will be able to swim, shower, even cry without having to worry about your eye makeup running.

If you ever decide to stop using this treatment, just stop the application. Your eyelashes will return to the same thickness they were prior to treatment.

To find out if Latisse is right for you, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office today. Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman provides free initial consultations to patients in the Alexandria, Virginia area.

Honesty with Your Plastic Surgeon for your own Safety

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 22:13:00 +0000

To ensure your safety during and after your plastic surgery procedure, you must be honest with Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman. Please be sure to reveal every aspect of your health; disclose any medical conditions you have and drugs you are taking. Even if you are embarrassed about a condition, such as a venereal disease, it is very important that we know about this. If you withhold information, you are increasing your risk for complications both during your procedure and during recovery.

You should also be honest with yourself and with Dr. Desman about why you are undergoing these procedures. If you are going through a trying time emotionally, such as the death of a family member or a divorce, it may be best to wait to undergo treatment. If you are grieving, for example, it could impact how you feel about your surgery post-operatively. Even if the surgery is successful, if you are emotionally vulnerable you may be unhappy, regardless.

If you are also looking to achieve perfection, or if you are requesting the same procedure you have had in the past, you may be suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and will likely be advised to undergo counseling before receiving treatment.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery and you live in the Alexandria, Virginia area, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office today and find out how Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman can help you achieve the look you have always wanted.

Danger of Botox Parties and Non-physician Injectors

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:41:00 +0000

As Botox injections are making their way from the cosmetic surgeon's office the living room next door, medical professionals fear the outcome. Botox is derived from the poison Botulinum toxin, and for years it has been administered by licensed professionals to temporarily treat the appearance of wrinkles. This painless and affordable method works by paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles for up to several months.

Now that Botox injections have been introduced into people's private homes, "Botox parties," are becoming the new fad. Doctors and cosmetic surgeons worry about the repercussions of having unqualified, unsupervised individuals administer this poison into the faces of their peers.

When alcohol is consumed at these parties, especially by the person administering the injections, it can lead to a careless or improper injection. Additionally, alcohol consumption increases the blood flow to your skin, meaning that Botox can migrate to a place it is not wanted.

Even if alcohol is not involved, Botox administered from an untrained individual can still migrate to another area. When this nerve-blocking poison enters an undesired area, it can paralyze an essential muscle, such as your eyelid, and cause you to walk around with a "sleepy eye" or uneven eyebrows until the Botox wears off. This is also a danger at many spas, salons, and even at some dermatologists' or plastic surgery practices. At the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery, only Dr. Desman will perform your Botox injections.

To learn about how Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman can safely administer Botox injections to rejuvenate your appearance, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:39:00 +0000

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a serious illness in which a person is obsessed with a minor or imaginary physical flaw, typically of the hair, skin, or nose. Whether this flaw is real or one that you imagine, someone with BDD feels that their appearance is so shameful and distressing that they want to hide from others.

Someone with this illness tends to have multiple cosmetic surgeries, and even if the surgeries are successful they are not pleased with the outcome. BDD is also called "dysmorphophobia," the fear of having a deformity.

Some symptoms of this disorder include:

A great deal of anxiety about your appearance
Overly stressed about a perceived flaw and being fixated on that flaw
Picking at your skin
Checking your appearance excessively
Hiding the imperfection
Comparing your appearance with others
Grooming excessively
Seeking reassurance from others about how you look
Having multiple cosmetic surgeries, often the same ones

The primary treatments for this disorder include are medications and therapy. A doctor may recommend serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antidepressants that decrease obsessive and compulsive behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also help a patient stop their compulsive behaviors and change their feelings about their looks.

People with BDD are not good cosmetic surgery patients, and in screening our patients we attempt to identify people with this disorder and direct them to more appropriate help.

If you live in the Alexandria, Virginia area and you would like additional information on the cosmetic services provided by Virginia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eric Desman, please contact our Alexandria plastic surgery office today for a complimentary consultation.