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Wrinkle Filler Hawaii

Weekend Facelift

A Blog published by the Cosmetic Centers of Hawaii

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Winter sun protection and Vitamin D deficiency

  
  
  

By Marné CarMicha Walsh, M.S., P-AC

Winter is just around the corner with cooler temperatures and wetter days. Many people let their sunscreens fall to the wayside thinking they don’t need the protection during this season. They couldn’t be more wrong. Ultra-violet radiation is only reduced by 20% on a cloudy day. Temperature is irrelevant as seen in colder climates. Don’t you remember getting sunburned or the “raccoon-face” tan the first time you went skiing?

eggs dairy vitamin d skin skincareStill, some are concerned that they won’t get enough Vitamin D. I can understand their concern given the media hype over Vitamin D deficiency and the long list of ailments and diseases that seem to result. The bottom line is that you should never use the sun as your source of Vitamin D. Supplements and dietary sources are much safer. Of the supplements, Vitamin D3 is the best form for absorption. Good sources of dietary Vitamin D include fish, eggs, liver, shiitake mushrooms and fortified dairy products. The FDA recommends that children take 400iu per day and healthy adults take 800iu per day.

How do I know if I might be at risk for Vitamin D deficiency?

Conditions such as fat malabsorbtion problems (i.e. cystic fibrosis,etc.), post-gastrectomy or gastric bypass, celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, lactose intolerance, HIV malabsorption, or patients such as the elderly who almost never get outside, should have their Vitamin D levels checked and corrected accordingly. If you suspect that your vitamin D levels are low, getting a simple blood test can determine if you are deficient.

In Hawaii, we get more year-round UV radiation, and therefore, more Vitamin D than most places in the US. I recommend that if someone insists on getting their Vitamin D dose from the sun, that they get it on parts of their body that are usually NOT sun exposed such as the abdomen or upper thighs. Other areas such as the face, shoulders, chest and arms should be protected during this time and daily. It is also better to get a small amount of sun daily (10-15 minutes is sufficient) than a large and lengthy dose of UV radiation. So, protect yourself in the winter months from UV radiation and if you think you are not getting enough Vitamin D, take a supplement, not a suntan!

Not sure which sunscreen is right for your lifestyle? Need a sunblock with Zinc or a high SPF sunscreen for water sports? Visit our sunscreen bar in Waimea for a full selection of products that provide the ultimate in skin protection including Obagi and Skinceuticals.

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Rhinoplasty - can you keep your cultural identity?

  
  
  
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The way you look is largely determined by the appearance of your nose, and the anatomy of your nose is influenced by your genetic and personal traits. For many people, the size, shape and appearance of the nose is an important piece of their identity. Whether you’re Caucasian, Asian, Pacific Islander or a combination, the appearance of your nose can be heavily influenced by your ethnic background. That’s why it’s so important to work with an experienced cosmetic surgeon with experience in multicultural rhinoplasty.

Nasal characteristics and rhinoplasty

Many cultural groups share distinctive nasal characteristics. For example, the slope and shape of the nasal bridge, the volume of the nasal tip, the size and distance of the nostrils, the thickness of the skin -- all of these can be expressed as genetic traits based on our ethnic background.

There is a biological reason for these differences. One explanation is that low and flat-shaped noses are helpful for those living in very hot, tropical climates, while noses with higher features are more useful in colder, more northern global areas where the air needs to be warmed before entering the lungs.

Ethnic rhinoplasty in Hawaii.

noses ethnicCultural rhinoplasty, or ethnic rhinoplasty, refers to the ability of a surgeon to successfully perform rhinoplasty on patients from multi-ethnic backgrounds. Hawaii is one of the most culturally diverse societies in the world. On Hawaii Island, local census figures estimate that about 33% of the population is white, 24% Asian and about 12% Pacific Islander. Importantly, about one in four residents identifies themselves as a mix of these ethnic backgrounds.

That’s why it’s so important to choose a cosmetic surgeon who understands how to best match the surgical techniques of intricate nose surgery to the individual physical characteristics of the patient.

In some cases a patient’s ethnic background may influence some of the choices available during rhinoplasty. For example, the strength of a person’s nasal cartilage is an important factor to consider when shaping the nasal tip.

Patients of Asian, Polynesian and other Pacific Islander descent often have weaker cartilage than other ethnicities. In that case, suturing cartilage may be ineffective—the foundational cartilage may simply be too weak to support the desired projection. It may be necessary to buttress the foundational cartilage with additional cartilage to support an outward tip.

We work with you to get the results you want.

During your consultation we will discuss how the thickness of your skin and your cartilage strength will affect your procedure, if at all. We will also talk about how your skin pigmentation may influence scaring and what options are available to you to produce a virtually scarless result. I’ll help you to better understand your nasal anatomy, and how any changes might affect your overall appearance.

nose ethnic maleIn many cases, just one or two small changes can lead to the results you desire, with very minimal impact on your overall cultural appearance.

We understand everyone's idea of beauty is different. That's why we work with your unique features and your specific goals and desired outcomes to create the impression you most desire.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States.



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Surgical or non-surgical rhinoplasty. Do you know your options?

  
  
  

Dr. Stover, I am 41 years old and have always wanted to fix the prominent hump on my nose and make the tip narrower. I have read about so many new ways to change the face non-surgically. Can I fix this without nose surgery?

What is non-surgical rhinoplasty?

nose surgery female hawaiiWhile there are some changes that we can make to the nose with injectable fillers alone, typically the only way to address the issues you mention is with nose contouring (rhinoplasty) surgery.

For very slight humps along the bridge of the nose, sometimes placing a small amount of filler such as Restylane or Radiesse above the prominence can mask the hump.

Fillers such as these are more ideal for filling small depressions in the nose. They can also be used to widen the bridge. This type of procedure is what is referred to as a non-surgical rhinoplasty.

The results of non-surgical rhinoplasty are immediate and can be dramatic. However the results are not considered permanent and the injection of fillers will need to be repeated every 6 to 12 months.

Is it true there are no scars with a small hump reduction?

For most patients, however, the best and more straightforward approach is to smooth down the hump by making a small incision inside the nose. This can be done easily and comfortably with IV sedation. The recovery takes about 5 days and is not painful. Surgical tape is kept on the nose during recovery. There may be a slight amount of bruising and swelling under the eyes.  

I just want to narrow the tip of the nose.

To narrow the tip of the nose, typically I make a small incision along the undersurface of the nose as well as incisions inside the nose. The cartilages inside the nose are trimmed and sutured to give a more delicate definition to the nose tip. Small sutures are placed inside the nose and to the skin under the nose. Tape is placed at the end of surgery and left on for 3-5 days. Usually IV sedation is required during surgery and there is minimal discomfort afterward. I usually refer to this procedure as a tip-plasty. This is done if no narrowing is needed to the bridge area.

Experience matters when it comes to rhinoplasty.

Sometimes when the bridge and tip are both wide, a more involved rhinoplasty is required. It is important to end up with a pleasing balance to the nose. Any small change to the tip or bridge can create an imbalance and loss of proportion.

To narrow the bridge area, small incisions are made inside the nose and the bones of the nose have to be broken in a very precise manner. Most patients end up requiring surgical contouring of the bridge, tip and inner septum to achieve a balanced long-term pleasing result.

It is important to have a thorough examination and discussion with an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon. I have performed hundreds of rhinoplasty procedures over the past 15 years.

We now have the only state-of-the-art Vectra surgical imaging system in Hawaii!

Vectra 3D imagingI have recently acquired a revolutionary new imaging system called Vectra that can photograph the face and entire body. It provides me with a precise 3-D digital image of your face or body. The images can be manipulated on the computer screen to show the results of any proposed surgery.

With the only Vectra surgical imaging system in the state of Hawaii, a complimentary consultation in my office can demonstrate how you will look after any type of nose contouring procedure.

 

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Great rhinoplasty results in 4 easy steps.

  
  
  
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Is your nose causing you trouble? Perhaps you’re suffering from severe allergies or sleep apnea. Or, perhaps you had a facial injury in the past, causing your nose to be out of alignment. Whatever the reason, if your nose is causing you physical or emotional discomfort, we can help.

Doing something for the first time, especially when it involves a surgical procedure like rhinoplasty, can be overwhelming. This article was created to help guide you through the process.

Let's begin with four steps you can take right now to begin the process of deciding if nose surgery is right for you:

Step One: Understand your goals and desires

Are you just beginning to explore nose surgery options, or is this something you’ve been thinking about for a long time? Talk to your doctor about your concerns. Ask if a referral to my office would be helpful in your situation. After you schedule your first consultation with me, I will begin by taking your complete medical history. I will then generally talk to you in detail about what surgical (and non-surgical) options may be appropriate for your particular situation.  

nose goalsIf you are considering nose surgery for aesthetic reasons, such as misalignment, ridges or bumps along your nasal bridge, we’ll discuss those concerns in detail. You may think a feature is too large or too small, or perhaps you’ve had nose surgery in the past that didn’t heal quite right. I will share my experience with you so you’ll have a clear idea about what to expect.

Step Two: Imagine your ideal nose

If you are considering nose surgery for aesthetic purposes, we can provide you with an ultra high-resolution 3D image of the results. All rhinoplasty consultations include a virtual surgical simulation with our state-of-the-art VECTRA X3 system. VECTRA X3 captures images of your own face to create highly detailed, very realistic 3D images of what you can expect from your surgery. We can also show you the combining effects of surgery, such as a rhinoplasty with chin augmentation or rhinoplasty with facial resurfacing.

Another way to come to an understanding is to use photographs. nose family photosBegin by collecting pictures of noses that have characteristics you admire. If a family member or close friend has a nose that you like, ask if they will sit down for a photograph.

I understand that explaining cosmetic changes to your nose can sometimes be a bit difficult. That's okay. We can use 3D simulations, videos and diagrams to understand the rhinoplasty procedure

Step Three: Open and honest conversations

The more you discuss your goals with me, the more I will be able to help you achieve your desired outcome. I want to encourage you not to be bashful or embarrassed, because I have seen and heard everything before! Chances are, I’ve already worked on several cases just like yours. My goal during our consultations together is to make you as comfortable as possible during this entire process.

nose anatomyOne of the first things we’ll do together is go over an illustration of nasal anatomy so that you’ll understand how your nose's physical characteristics will or will not be affected. I use several before and after photographs to demonstrate the types of results you can expect. I can also offer you some guidelines about what you can expect and what is medically realistic for your particular situation. If there is an underlying medical issue, this is where you’ll learn how surgery can fix your problem once and for all.

Step Four: Review your consultation

nose notesI know it's difficult to remember everything we might talk about during our consultations. That’s why I want to encourage you to take notes during our meetings. As you think about your rhinoplasty procedure over the next few days, write down all the questions that come to your mind, whether you think they are relevant or not. Then, bring your list of questions to our first consultation. Here are some of the most common types of questions I get:

  • Can you help me breathe better?
  • Can you help me sleep better?
  • Can you do something to help me with my allergies?
  • I’m not sure what I need done, I just know I need something.
  • What is the ideal age for rhinoplasty? (Am I too young or too old?)
  • How much does rhinoplasty cost?

Did these questions spark any ideas for other questions related to your situation? If so, write those down now.

 

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Use a board certified cosmetic surgeon. It's good for your health.

  
  
  

dr john stover cosmetic surgeonThe American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is the only certifying board that exclusively tests a surgeon's knowledge and experience in cosmetic surgery. This is a board dedicated to the specialty of cosmetic surgery and the patients who choose to have this elective surgery. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is designed for extraordinary surgeons that must already possess at least one recognized board certificate before they can even be considered to potentially take the rigorous written and oral exams required by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.

Highest standard for cosmetic surgery

The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery explains that, “Diplomates of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery demonstrate the highest standards of training, knowledge and expertise, while promoting the safe and ethical practice of the specialty of cosmetic surgery. Because no other board tests an individual exclusively in cosmetic surgery, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery prides itself as being the highest standard of measure for this specialty.”

Dr. John D. Stover DDS, MD, PhD

TRIPLE BOARD CERTIFIED:
Diplomate, American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Diplomate, National Board of Dental Anesthesiology

Dr. Stover is a highly qualified, board certified surgeon who continually improves his education in the most advanced aesthetic procedures and techniques. He brings that learning back to Hawaii, to ensure you get the most outstanding results, safely and effectively.

Dr. Stover's Cosmetic Centers of Hawaii

For more about Dr. Stover’s education, training and awards in cosmetic surgery, visit Dr. Stover's Curriculum Vitae online. Take our office tours and meet our team.
 

 

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Neck liposuction - take care of that little waddle of fat

  
  
  

Several years ago a friend gave me the book entitled “I Feel Bad About My Neck” by Nora Ephron. It was hilarious and so true. She goes on and on about how, with age, her neck has become more and more unsightly and annoying.

So many women as well as men are pretty pleased about their appearance except for their necks. Every day I hear complaints about either the little waddle of fat or wrinked and loose skin. As we age our skin loses elasticity and gravity seems to cause everything from above to settle in the neck.

Dr. John Stover discusses his personal experience with neck liposuction

neck liposuction blogI recently lost about 20 pounds on the HGC diet and noticed a significant improvement in my neckline but the central waddle would not budge. I am getting old but am still young enough that I have some elasticity left in my skin so I decided to have liposuction for my neck.

Two months ago I cornered my friend Dr. Angelo Cuzalina (an amazing cosmetic surgeon) and he agreed to the procedure.

I was sleepy and comfortable. I wore a compression garment for about a week and now am thrilled to have a nicely contoured neck and jawline. It is an amazing result if I do say so myself. I never needed or took a single pain pill.

The small amount of bruising was gone in about a week and the little lumps that I could feel but not see are almost all gone. The 3 small incision sites, one under my chin and one behind each ear, are not even visible.

Skin tightening may require at least a mini-facelift

I am one of the lucky ones that can get away with liposuction alone. Most people need some skin tightening, so require at least a mini-facelift. This involves an incision around the ear.

Liposuction to the neck is also usually a part of a traditional facelift.

As with any liposuction the main problem encountered is firm lumps that typically resolve within a few months with massage and steroid injections. Also fluid accumulations called seromas may develop that may need to be drained. 

What About Non-Invasive Liposuction?

Neck liposuction P1 R lgFor small amounts of fat, micro-liposuction (small incision, small cannula) can be performed with minimal to no recovery. In general, the smaller the diameter of the cannula used, the shorter the recovery time the less fat will be removed.

There is a great deal of advertising now about laser liposuction, Slim-Lipo, Smart-Lipo or other types of “non-invasive” liposuction. These are all great, but the fact of the matter is that an incision still must be made and a cannula inserted to remove fat. This is no different from micro-liposuction.

Some will argue that there is more skin tightening with these gadgety machines, but the truth is that the skin tightening results from the inflammatory response of the procedure, no matter what cannula or machine is used.

Can I get a complimentary neck liposuction consultation?

If you are like me and feel ready for a midlife rejuvenation without having to undergo a major procedure with scars, maybe neck liposuction is just what the doctor will order. Contact us for a complimentary consultation in any of my 3 Big Island offices: Kona, Hilo and Waimea. 

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Try facial rejuvenation with combined cosmetic treatments

  
  
  

"Aloha Dr. Stover!

I’m interested in facial procedures that would rejuvenate my appearance. Should I go step-by-step and do one procedure at a time or is it best to combine treatments. Thanks for your advice!"

Combining facial cosmetic treatments is very often a good choice.

I am asked questions like this nearly every day. The answer is fairly complex and depends upon the patient’s age, condition and what they want to achieve.

For the middle-aged patient who has a high school reunion in 3 months and wants to look their best in a short time, the combined approach is ideal. Possibly a mini-facelift, laser skin resurfacing, Botox and facial fillers in one appointment will freshen up the appearance with typically a short recovery.

For the mother of the bride with a wedding in 2 weeks, then we consider a gentle skin peel, Dysport or Botox to relax wrinkles on the forehead and crow’s feet, and soft tissue fillers like Restylane or Perlane to plump the lips, lines around the mouth and to fill and lift the cheeks.

Start early to minimize the aging process!

For the patient in her 30s or early 40s who wants to minimize the aging process, I will usually recommend doing some minimally invasive treatment every few months.

  • clock start cosmetic procedures earlyBeginning Botox or Dysport at a young age and having regular treatments has been shown to delay the onset of wrinkles to the forehead and around the eyes.
  • Beginning early with injectable fillers that have been shown to stimulate collagen such as Restylane, Perlane or Sculptra will delay the aging process.
  • Similarly, annual Thermage and Fraxel laser treatments will keep the skin tight and toned and delay the appearance of aging.
  • The daily use of a physician-strength skin care system such as Obagi has been scientifically proven to maintain the elasticity of skin.

Older patients may require more invasive cosmetic procedures.

For patients in their 60s and 70s who have significant facial laxity and wrinkles due to excess skin, fat and/or loose underlying muscle will typically benefit from more aggressive combined treatments.

I will probably recommend a traditional facelift with liposuction to the neck, upper and lower eyelid tightening surgery and a brow lift.

coupleThese patients will usually also benefit from rather aggressive laser resurfacing of the skin, particularly to soften the fine lines around the mouth and eyes.

I commonly see patients in this category in my practice on the Big Island of Hawaii. They have usually spent a great deal of time in the sun. They did not use or even know about the need to use high SPF sunblocks in their younger years.

The many years of sun exposure have damaged the collagen and elastin in the skin of the face and arms resulting in a weathered, wrinkled and loose appearance.

Laser Skin Rejuvenation video No matter what your age or what changes you want to achieve, the good news is that we have many surgical and non-surgical options to rejuvenate the face.

To age gracefully, it is best to begin young and have a combination of many small treatments over time.

To find out what treatment plan is ideal for you, call for a complimentary consultation today!   

 

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An upper eyelid lift is a good start for facial rejuvenation

  
  
  

Droopy upper eyelids can make you look older than you are.

eyelift and browliftOne of the most common facial rejuvenation procedures I perform is upper eyelid lift or upper eyelid blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). It is normal to have a certain amount of upper lid fullness. If you look at photos of young models they all have fullness and roundness to the upper eyelids. Because upper eyelids that are either too full or too hollow look aged, there is a fine balancing act in contouring upper lids to look refreshed and natural. After over a decade of experience and hundreds
of upper eyelid procedures, I feel confident in creating that balance.

Remove excess skin or raise the brow. Or both!

As we age, we lose elasticity in the upper lids and start to develop excess skin. Often fat from behind the eyelid begins protruding forward to give the appearance of bags. With increased hooding of the upper lids, they begin to touch the upper lashes. When this happens we subconsciously tend to lift our eyebrows. After years of this upward positioning we develop wrinkles in the forehead and some people develop tension headaches. In severe cases the upper lid skin begins to hang so low that it interferes with vision. The remedy for this is either to remove excess skin from the upper eyelids (blepharoplasty) or raise the brow (brow lift). In some cases, both procedures are necessary.

Can Botox or Dysport make my eyelids look worse?

Many patients come to see me for Botox or Dysport to relax the wrinkles in the brow. These wrinkle relaxers do help the wrinkles, but often relax the brow to its normal position resulting in the feeling of a heavy brow. The issue is not really that the Botox or Dysport did something wrong, but that they put the brow in its more natural more relaxed position. The only way to address the real underlying problem is again either raising the brow (browlift) or removing excess eyelid skin.

Asian vs. Caucasian eyelid surgery

Removing excess upper eyelid skin and fat makes dramatic improvements in one’s overall appearance. Here in Hawaii we have a nice ethnic and cultural mix. There is a definite difference in the ideal appearance of the upper lids particularly between people of Caucasian and Asian ancestry. eyelid-lift-asianThe upper lid fold is anatomically different in different races, and the procedures to treat Asian vs. Caucasian eyes is very different. To maintain the natural Asian fold, there is a very specific technique of skin and muscle removal as well as the placement of deeper sutures. Creating an Asian appearance in a Caucasian patient looks as unnatural as creating a Caucasian appearance in an Asian patient. Practicing in Hawaii since 2001 has given me the opportunity to surgically enhance the upper eyelids of many ethnic types.

My personal experience with upper eyelid surgery

eyelid-lift-3D-videoOver the past several years I developed droopiness to one of my upper lids and it made me look tired and asymmetrical. In my case of one-sided heaviness, the cause of the problem is due to ptosis (looseness) of the muscle. After losing about 20 pounds, the droopiness improved but was still bothersome to me. Once again my good friend Dr. Angelo Cuzalina performed a left upper lid blepharoplasty/ptosis repair and my eyes now look perfectly even. I experienced normal swelling and bruising for about a week but the scar is not even noticeable. Needless to say I am thrilled. If you are beginning to look tired from heavy upper eyelid, come visit me in any of my three Big Island offices (Hilo, Kona or Waimea) to find out more about an upper eyelid lift.



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Mini facelift — less surgery and less downtime

  
  
  

Aloha Dr. Stover. I know that cosmetic procedures are very safe these days, but I am still a bit wary of the mini facelift I’ve wanted for the past two years. What can you tell me about the newer techniques that will enhance my comfort and safety?

Mini facelifts are much safer today.

Indeed cosmetic procedures are much safer today than in the past. We have newer and safer anesthesia options and techniques as well as many minimally invasive surgical and non-surgical rejuvenation advances. Still, bear in mind that any procedure carries some risk. In general, as the degree of invasiveness increases, the risk increases as well, yet the more likely you are to see an impressive result. While minimally invasive procedures are much safer and recovery is quicker, the benefits are usually less dramatic.

Should I have a mini facelift or a traditional facelift?

Mini-FaceliftMini facelifts (also called short scar, weekend facelifts or executive facelifts) are significantly less invasive and less risky than traditional facelifts, but the results are more subtle. For the right person (usually younger with less fat and less loose skin) the results are spectacular. However, some people just need a more aggressive procedure to see significant improvement. For these patients, a traditional facelift is more appropriate.

Mini facelifts let you go back to work sooner than a traditional facelift.

A mini facelift requires a shorter scar and less muscle manipulation. The depth of anesthesia can be lighter and the duration of anesthesia is definitely shorter. As far as healing, most patients can Mini Face Liftexpect to be back to work in 3-5 days. There is typically no post-operative bandaging and discomfort is minimal. Sutures are removed in 1-2 weeks. The cost is about half the price of a traditional facelift. Best of all, there is an extremely low likelihood of ending up with the dreaded “pulled too tight” look.

To find out more about facelift procedures, I invite you to review our 3D videos on the topic, mid facelift procedure and lower facelift procedure.

A Mini Facelift:
• Requires fewer, smaller incisions
• Involves less brusing and swelling than conventional facelifts
• Has less risk of major complications
• Results in minimal scarring

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Will a mini facelift work for me?

  
  
  

Take years off your face with a mini facelift. 

Mini facelift middle aged womanFor so many men and women who want more tightening and lifting than Thermage or fillers can offer and who have busy schedules with little opportunity for downtime, the mini facelift is the answer. A mini facelift typically costs about half as much as a traditional facelift and the downtime is minimal. Most of my minilift patients are able to go back to work in about 3 days. The incisions are much smaller than a traditional facelift and the procedure is much less invasive and less prone to complications. 

How much improvement can I expect?

The ideal candidate is relatively lean and still has a reasonable amount of elasticity in the skin of the face and neck. Ideally there is minimal fat, mostly just a moderate amount of loose skin to the neck and lower face. For patients with more excess skin and fat to the neck and face, it is more likely that an extended facelift will be needed. Several of my minilift patients have undergone the procedure comfortably with local anesthetic only (no IV sedation) and almost all go home without needing postoperative dressings or pain pills. As with any type of cosmetic procedure, surgical sites must be carefully tended to and smoking can cause major problems with healing and scarring. The procedure typically takes one to two hours to perform.

How exactly will Dr. Stover perform my mini facelift?

mini facelift videoA mini facelift goes by many other names, such as an executive facelift, a lifestyle facelift, a weekend lift or even a lunchtime lift. Cosmetic surgeons have differing ideas as to what a mini facelift actually entails. No two mini facelifts are the same, but typically I make an incision above the front of the ear, continue downward behind the tragus (the firm cartilage bump in front of the ear) and extend under the ear and then upward in the crease behind the ear. There is no backward cut in the hairline behind the ear as one sees with a traditional facelift. Loose muscle is then tightened with deep sutures and then excess skin is removed. The visible scars are minimal and are barely noticeable after a few months.

Mini facelifts are not necessarily easier than a traditional facelift.

Though mini facelifts may seem simpler to the patient, I find that often the procedure is more technically challenging than a traditional facelift. The cosmetic surgeon really must have a thorough understanding of the traditional facelift before being able to predictably have great results with a minilift. 

Combination procedures result in even greater rejuvenation. 

mini-facelift-coupleOften patients will combine other procedures with a mini facelift to gain added benefits. Some patients will need liposuction to the neck which can be done at the same time as the mini facelift. Many patients choose to combine their minilift with laser resurfacing to improve the texture of the skin and soften the very fine wrinkles that even surgery will not remove. Resurfacing the skin with the Active and Deep FX fractional CO2 laser is a safe and predictable way to enhance the overall rejuvenating outcome of a minilift.

I have performed mini facelifts safely and comfortably in all of my 3 offices on the Big Island: Waimea, Hilo and Kona. Almost all patients are pleasantly surprised and exceptionally pleased with the results of their surgery. Call any of my offices for a complimentary consultation to find out if you are a good candidate for a mini facelift.

NEW! If you've ever wondered how you'd look after your cosmetic procedure, contact us now for a complimentary consultation. I can simulate the exciting possibilities in a realistic 3D image of you. The Cosmetic Centers of Hawaii is the only cosmetic provider in the State of Hawaii that offers this comprehensive Vectra X3 imaging service.

And to find out more about mini facelifts, download our "Mini Report on Mini Facelifts."


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Dr. John Stover, Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon

Dr. John D. Stover DDS, MD, PhD

TRIPLE BOARD CERTIFIED:

Diplomate, American Board of Cosmetic Surgery

Diplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Diplomate, National Board of Dental Anesthesiology

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Testimonials

“Staff was great – warm, helpful, professional and friendly.”
—   A.R.

“ I give Dr. Stover and staff a 10 out of 10 for unmatched professionalism and a caring bedside manner.”
—    G. D.

The entire staff has me beginning to feel like a full-fledged woman. I am beginning to like the skin I wear! Feel like each one of you really, really cares about me...without pointing out how really old I am....helping me to stay positive. You know...young inside and slightly wiser and positive outside. Love you all.
—     N. S.