Collagen is a natural substance produced in the human body that helps to form connective tissue. It also provides hydration and strength for the skin. Collagen is made in less quantity as we age. This reduction results in skin losing its elasticity, softness and tightness. Typical effects include sagging skin, wrinkles on flat plains of the face, as well as deep creases on the forehead and the neck. Both collagen and fat harvested from your own body can be used to plump up these areas that are sagging and creased. Collagen can also be used to plump up thin lips, a personal favorite of many celebrities as you no doubt have noticed!

Collagen is made using collagen harvested from animals, so there is a slight chance that your body may react to it. Also, collagen enhancements are not permanent. You will need to have repeat injections later on to maintain the look that you want. Besides collagen, other materials such as Alloderm and Goretex can be used to create the desired look without any cutting or major surgery. Recovery time is slight and the procedure is much less expensive than traditional surgery. No general anesthesia or operating room is involved. In fact, you can be in and out of most procedures in under an hour.

Side effects from collagen enhancements are rare, but there is always a chance they can occur. Side effects include bruising, swelling and allergic reactions. Some people also have allergic reactions to the local anesthetic used to numb the site. As the materials used are foreign to your body, you should discuss any medications you are taking and things you are allergic to with your plastic surgeon. To avoid reactions, of course, you can always choose to have the material drawn from your own body. Hips and buttocks are the most typical harvesting areas.

With collagen, there is a temptation to shop by price. Don’t do it! We are talking about modifications to your face. It is strongly suggested that you use a board certified plastic surgeon that can show you before and after pictures of his or her previous patients. This will allow you to understand the possible results and get the best care.

Your eyebrows frame the most important feature on your face. After all, your eyes are the window to your soul, and people connect with you through them! All eyes are beautiful, but sagging skin or abnormalities can detract from their beauty.

A brow lift is a simple procedure that can make a dramatic difference in the entire look of your face. It can be one of the easiest ways to correct the facial problems that prevent you from putting your best face forward!

What Can a Brow Lift Do For Me?

• Do you have eyelid bags, excess or sagging tissue around the brow and upper eyelid that hangs down over the lower lid, making you look tired or sad? A brow lift can lift the sagging tissue, bring your eyes out of hiding, and make your eyes appear larger and more open.
• If you have frown wrinkles between your eyes, a brow lift can eliminate them.

• If you have an eyebrow deformity, a brow lift can correct it.
• Do you wish your brows had more of an arch or a different shape? This can usually be accomplished with a brow lift.
• If you wish your brows were better positioned on your face, a brow lift can create a more symmetrical and natural look. By lifting your brows upward, you will appear fresher and more energetic.

What Happens in a Brow Lift Operation?

You are given a general anesthetic so that you are asleep for the entire operation. Five incisions are required for a brow lift, but they are so tiny that your hair need not be trimmed. Three are placed on your scalp above your forehead hidden by your hair, and the other two are made within the hair next to your temples.

The surgeon then lifts the tissue upward and repositions it based on your desired results. This procedure lifts any sagging skin and reduces wrinkles.

Scars generally heal very well and are hidden by your hair. You may even shampoo the day after the operation.

This procedure is called an endoscopic brow lift. Sometimes an endoscopic brow lift is performed along with eyelid correction surgery, which actually removes excess skin and fatty folds in the upper eyelid, creating a tiny scar in the upper eyelid that is hidden within the crease.

Alternatives to Surgery for Brow Lifts

You don’t need to go under the knife for a brow lift. In fact you can be in and out of the medi-spa’s doors in under an hour looking years younger with a skilled hand and the use of some dermal fillers. Better still you could keep the effects of your new look for a year and a half – maybe longer depending on your facial expressions and elasticity.

What Can I Expect After the Operation?

A brow lift is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day. You will need someone to drive you home, however, as you might be sleepy from the anesthetic.

For two to three days following the operation, you will have some swelling, and your forehead will feel tight. Your eyelids may be bruised for about two weeks, but this can usually be covered by makeup after five to seven days. Patients generally experience less bruising with an endoscopic brow lift than with eyelid correction surgery.

You may experience a mild headache for the first couple of days after the surgery, for which you will receive a prescription.

Within two weeks of the procedure, your stitches will be removed, and you can return to work.

Your brows will probably be lifted slightly higher than you wish them to be in their final position. This is because they will drop somewhat as the tissues relax during the first few weeks after surgery. If your brows appear too high at first, you may compensate with makeup until they settle into their correct position.

Your eyebrows may not be perfectly matched even after surgery, but this is actually more natural. No one has eyebrows that are exactly alike, and the differences will be too slight to be noticeable.

A brow lift will not hinder your natural facial expressions at all. You will retain all of your normal eyebrow and facial movement abilities.

What Are the Risks of a Brow Lift?

While there is risk with any surgery, the risks of brow lift surgery are extremely small. You will be given written material to read, and all potential risks will be discussed with you prior to your decision to have a brow lift.

You and the doctor will evaluate and discuss the best brow position for you in order to achieve your desired results. Dr. Arthur Millman will strive to give you a natural look while correcting the problems that concern you, view before and after photos online at http://www.drmillman.net.

What is the Recovery Schedule?

* Headache and forehead tightening is usually gone within 2-3 days.
* Bruising and swelling is usually gone within 5-10 days.
* Stitches are removed, and you may return to work or other social activities within 7-14 days.
* Brows will relax into their final position, and you may resume exercise or athletic activities within 14-21 days.

So, whether you’re fighting with aging skin, dry skin, acne (or even all three), I’ll have solutions for you. Stay tuned. I’m working tonight at finding a more suitable theme for the pages.