Renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Joyesh Raj is an expert at helping each and every patient put their best face forward. Dr. Raj understands that even minor alterations can have a significant impact on a person’s happiness and self-esteem. Here, Dr. Raj discusses how lip augmentation can help combat thinning lips.

What Causes Thinning Lips?

Every mouth is different. Some people are born with naturally plump lips while others have thinner smiles. However, if you have noticed that your lips are beginning to look thinner than they used to, this can be due to a number of factors. One of the most significant causes of thinning lips is age. The older you are, the more likely you are to notice age-related changes to your lips and around your mouth. Sun exposure and smoking can also contribute to thinning lips.

How Does Lip Augmentation Work?

During a lip augmentation procedure, Dr. Raj injects dermal fillers into targeted areas of the lips to add volume and fullness. Dr. Raj utilizes hyaluronic acid-based fillers, which provide structural support for the lips and have a plumping effect. The procedure is quick and can be performed with numbing medication to reduce any discomfort.

Hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers are the premier choice for lip fillers not only because of their results but also because of how patients react to the fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the body. This means that allergic reactions are highly unusual.

Are the Results Permanent?

The results of lip augmentation are long-lasting, not permanent. Keep in mind that results vary from patient to patient and the effects of lip augmentation can last anywhere from six months to a year. Your doctor can advise you regarding how long your results may last.

Is Lip Augmentation Right for You?

The only way to know if lip augmentation is right for you is to schedule a lip augmentation consultation with Dr. Raj. During your consultation, Dr. Raj will answer your questions and ask you about your lip augmentation goals. Dr. Raj will also examine your natural lips to determine whether lip augmentation can provide you with the results that you desire.

Schedule Your Lip Augmentation Consultation in Cleveland

To request your lip augmentation consultation with Dr. Raj, call or email our practice today.

The post Combat Thinning Lips With Lip Augmentation appeared first on Raj Plastic Surgery.

Understanding the Types of Injectables

Most injectables fall into two primary categories:

• Dermal fillers (like Juvederm and Restylane) use hyaluronic acid to add volume to the skin, thereby giving the face a softer look with fewer or diminished lines and wrinkles.
• Neurotoxins (like Botox and Dysport) use toxins to temporarily freeze facial muscles. Muscle movements cause lines and wrinkles to form on the face (and they linger long on faces where skin has aged and is less elastic). By immobilizing these muscles for a period of months, the lines have a chance to soften and even disappear.

Where Are Your Lines and Wrinkles?

The appropriate choice of injectable is often determined by the location of the line or wrinkle you would like to treat. Dermal fillers are best for the nasolabial folds (the lines that extend from the corners of the mouth to the nose), marionette lines (around the mouth), and wrinkles that form on the cheeks and the middle section of the face. Neurotoxin injectables are most suitable for forehead lines, vertical frown lines between the brows and crow’s feet.

How Severe Are Your Wrinkles?

The deepness of your wrinkles often dictates which injectable is appropriate. Overall, Restylane is best for mild wrinkles, Juvederm is appropriate for moderate wrinkles and Juvederm Voluma and Restylane Lyft are strong enough to address the deepest wrinkles. In areas where neurotoxin is preferable to a filler, Dysport is better for mild to moderate wrinkles while Botox can better handle moderate to severe lines.

How Long Do You Want Your Results to Last?

While all injectable treatments are temporary, the amount of time the results stay visible can differ. Botox and Dysport injections tend to last about three to four months. Juvederm and Restylane (including Restylane Lyft) last closer to six months. Juvederm Voluma typically lasts for about a year, with some patients enjoying their results for 18 months. Brief, periodic appointments are a great way to maintain the look you have achieved with subsequent injections.

Consult with Our Experts

One of the best reasons to visit Raj Plastic Surgery is that our amazing team has an in-depth knowledge of which injectables (and in which amount) produce the best results for a particular situation. You can trust us to provide you with smoother, more youthful skin. Call (440) 808-8030 for an appointment at our Westlake office.

The post How to Choose the Best Injectable for Your Wrinkles appeared first on Raj Plastic Surgery.

As a result, your cheeks may appear to slide down your face and jowls (excess droopy skin) can form below your cheeks and along your jawline.

If you miss the full cheeks and crisp jawline you enjoyed in your youth, Dr. Joyesh Raj can help. The highly sought-after plastic surgeon offers a range of treatment solutions for jowls and drooping cheeks.

Some cases can be remedied with non-surgical treatment solutions; others require a surgical approach. Upon examination, Dr. Raj can recommend the option most likely to give you the vibrant, youthful appearance you once enjoyed.

Non-Surgical Solutions

Volume Restoration With Fillers

One solution to drooping cheeks is to restore lost volume by adding dermal fillers to the area. Not only does this restore a full, youthful quality, it also provides a slight lift to the skin, so the entire area looks smoother and firmer. Some fillers, like Sculptra, even boost the body’s natural production of collagen for even better results. Depending on the filler used, results can last up to two years.

Skin Tightening Treatment

Another option to refine laxity around the chin and jawline is skin tightening treatment. Laser skin resurfacing and other light treatments stimulate the production of fresh collagen, leading to tighter, more supple-looking skin.

Surgical Solutions

Facelift

If the degree of sagging and laxity is severe, surgical correction may be needed. Facelift repositions displaced fat in the cheeks and removes loose skin along the jawline and under the chin. The facial skin is re-draped over the tissues to better define the jawline and give it a sharper, more defined contour.

Neck Lift

If the upper area of the face has maintained its youthful appearance, but the lower face and neck have not, neck lift may be a suitable solution. The procedure removes excess skin and fat from the neck and jowls, sculpts or redistributes the remaining fat and lifts and tightens the skin on the neck and jawline. This gives the jawline more definition and the neck an elegant contour.

Contact Us Today

For more information about treating drooping cheeks and jowls, Dr. Raj invites you to schedule a consultation at our Westlake practice. Contact us today to request an appointment.

The post Treatment Solutions for Jowls or Drooping Cheeks appeared first on Raj Plastic Surgery.

To help you get the best results possible and avoid looking overdone from Botox and fillers, Dr. Joyesh Raj has a few suggestions.

Choose a Qualified Injector

A qualified injector has a finely tuned eye for artistry and a practiced hand. They understand balance, symmetry and the “golden proportions” of the face, and are knowledgeable about how small tweaks can improve facial proportions and symmetry.

A qualified injector understands that your face is completely unique and unlike anyone else’s. They study the unique contours and features of your face before recommending a tailored treatment approach.

A qualified injector also understands the nuances of every injectable, and is able to recommend the product or products best suited to your individual needs. They may even steer you away from a product that you express interest in, if they feel it is not a good fit for you. They know when less is more, and when to stop before going to the extreme.

Do Your Homework

In a time when any medical provider can advertise Botox or filler treatments to the public — even with minimal training and limited experience — it is crucial to research an injector’s qualifications. Ask a potential injector how many treatments they typically perform in a month. Look at before and after photos and ask yourself if you like the results.

As an educated consumer, it’s also important to understand exactly what is being injected into your face. Ask a potential injector what products they generally use, and do your own research about these products.

Communicate Your Expectations Clearly

Finally, it is crucial that you clearly communicate what you hope to achieve from injectables. Surprisingly, some patients like an overdone or overfilled look!

If your goal is to turn back the hands of time with Botox or fillers, you might want to bring in a photograph of yourself from five to 10 years ago, so your injector can see how you have aged. This can provide a good roadmap for the injector to follow.

Contact Us Today

If you are interested in rejuvenating or enhancing your appearance with Botox or fillers, Dr. Raj and our team of injectors invite you to come in for a consultation. Contact us today to request an appointment.

The post How to Avoid an Overdone Look with Botox or Fillers appeared first on Raj Plastic Surgery.

To help make you more comfortable at your first appointment, Dr. Joyesh Raj explains what to expect during treatment.

Preparing for Your Appointment

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for your Botox appointment. However, you should avoid ingesting anything that could thin your blood and increase your chances of bruising; this includes alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain vitamins and supplements,  including vitamin E and gingko biloba.

Prior to Your Injections

Prior to starting the injections, your injector will want to ensure that Botox is a safe option for you. You will be asked about any medicines you take, current medical conditions and whether you are pregnant, nursing or plan to become pregnant. You and your injector will discuss your goals of treatment and the areas of your face that you want to address. The injector will explain where you will be getting your injections and the amount of Botox they will use.

The injector will identify and mark the areas of your face to be treated. These areas will be cleaned and, if you are worried about pain, numbed with ice or a topical cream.

During the Injections

Using a tiny needle, the injector will inject small amounts of Botox directly into the facial muscles in the target area. The number of injections will depend on the area and the severity of the wrinkles. The injector will apply pressure to the treated areas to minimize any swelling. You should not feel any pain, but you might feel a slight pinch or a burning sensation after the Botox is injected under your skin.

Altogether, the appointment should last 20 minutes or less.

Immediately After the Injections

You might have mild swelling, bruising or redness immediately after the injections, but these aftereffects should subside quickly. You can immediately resume your normal routine, although you should refrain from exercising or other strenuous activities for about 24 hours.

The effects of your Botox will wear off within three to six months, at which point you will need to repeat the injections to maintain your results.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you are interested in Botox to minimize visible facial wrinkles, Dr. Raj invites you to schedule an appointment at our practice today.

The post What to Expect at Your First Botox Appointment appeared first on Raj Plastic Surgery.

Here, Dr. Joyesh Raj puts your worries to rest by explaining how a qualified Botox provider can reduce wrinkles and help you maintain a naturally attractive appearance.

Understanding How Botox Works

Botox is FDA-approved to minimize the appearance of the following:

1. Moderate to severe forehead lines
2. Crow’s feet – i.e., fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes
3. Frown lines – vertical lines in between the eyebrows

Botox is designed specifically for “dynamic” wrinkles, or wrinkles that are related to the movement of your facial muscles. When you frown, squint, laugh or use your face to communicate emotion, certain facial muscles engage. Over time, the repeated muscle movements can create creases, lines and wrinkles in the overlying skin.

When injected into selected facial muscles, Botox temporarily relaxes them. As the muscles relax, the associated dynamic wrinkles become less visible, and the skin looks naturally smoother and more youthful. On average, the effects of Botox last about three to six months. Repeat treatments are recommended to maintain the effects.

Getting Natural Results with Botox

One of the common misconceptions about Botox is that it interferes with natural facial expressions and the results always look artificial.

Rest assured that as long as Botox is injected by an experienced, qualified provider, it will not disrupt your ability to emote or express yourself. The injections will relax selected muscles, but it will not paralyze them. You will still be able to make all of your normal facial expressions.

The key to achieving naturally beautiful results is to select an experienced, skilled provider with an exceptional understanding of dynamic wrinkles and the related facial movements. At Raj Plastic Surgery, Dr. Raj and our injectors have many years of experience and a track record of success.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Team

If you are interested in the incredible wrinkle-reducing abilities of Botox, we invite you to schedule an appointment with our team. During the appointment, we can complete a full-face assessment and determine an optimal plan of treatment.

To schedule an appointment, please call us at 440.808.8030 or send us an email.

The post Reduce Noticeable Fine Lines and Wrinkles with Botox appeared first on Raj Plastic Surgery.

Reversing Dermal Fillers: Is It Possible?

If a dermal filler injection produces unanticipated results, the good news is that a qualified plastic surgeon or dermatologist may be able to correct or improve the effects. Some of the strategies for making corrections include massaging the injection site, removing the treatment with hyaluronidase, or using additional fillers.

Massage

In cases where dermal filler results are only slightly dissatisfactory (e.g., slight asymmetry or mild skin “lumpiness”), a cosmetic professional may be able to gently massage the treated area to even out the skin. This strategy is not always the most effective, but it can work to some degree.

Hyaluronidase Injection to Remove Filler

Hyaluronidase, an enzyme that degrades hyaluronic acid, can be used to remove hyaluronic acid-based fillers such as Juvéderm, Belotero, and Restylane. For this treatment to be successful, a plastic surgeon injects hyaluronidase into the treated area to dissolve the fillers.

Additional Fillers

Also, the strategic administration of additional fillers may be helpful for evening out results and improving the overall appearance of the skin. Keep in mind that this is adding filler on top of filler, which increases costs and may pose increased risk for further unwanted results.  

Patience Helps

If you prefer a more natural, lower-cost approach to reversing the effects of dermal fillers, then you may wish to simply wait for the body to metabolize the product. Dermal fillers are temporary, and results usually fade in a year.

Prevention

As with most health issues, prevention is the best treatment. An experienced, board certified plastic surgeon will understand the specific challenges of dermal fillers, which will help prevent potential treatment issues. An evaluation of your full medical history prior to treatment is also necessary to rule out any risk of allergic reaction.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Dr. Raj, a board certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in cosmetic surgery, understands what it takes to create optimal results, regardless of the procedure. To discuss your aesthetic concerns with Dr. Raj, please schedule a consultation by calling his Westlake practice at (440) 808-8030 today.

The post Reversing Effects of Dermal Fillers appeared first on Raj Plastic Surgery.

Botox vs Facelift

Small, minor lines on the face are more of a nuisance than anything and usually don’t require invasive cosmetic surgery. This is where Botox comes in. The injection of botulinum toxin quickly works to smooth the face and provide a younger appearance. Additionally, the recovery time from Botox is generally shorter than that of invasive procedures like facelift, and the cost is significantly lower.

Despite these benefits, Botox often involves multiple treatments for results to be maintained long-term. This, in turn, can increase overall costs. Although pain at the injection site is a potential complication associated with the procedure, it’s generally minor and resolves over a short period of time.

Facelifts, however, can eliminate deeper wrinkles that are impossible to smooth out with Botox injections. In addition, facelift provides longer-term results and only requires one operation. Facelifts can also eliminate sagging skin, whereas Botox can only soften wrinkles and creases.

Potential complications associated with facelifts include bleeding and infection, which can result in a lengthy healing process and less than desirable results. Working with an experienced plastic surgeon who knows how to minimize these risks can ensure a safe recovery and successful results.

Can Botox Replace a Facelift?

Although Botox can be considered a non-invasive alternative to facelift for minor issues like fine lines and wrinkles, it cannot completely replace facelift. Botox cannot remove sagging skin or provide a more permanent solution to wrinkles.

Botox has a faster recovery time than facelift, lower initial treatment costs, and is far less invasive. For patients not wanting to undergo an invasive surgical procedure, Botox may be the best solution. Ultimately, the right procedure for someone will depend on their unique cosmetic needs and goals. Some patients may be surprised to learn that their desired look is best obtained through a combination of facelift and Botox.

To discuss the pros and cons of facelifts and Botox with a board certified plastic surgeon, please contact Dr. Raj today. He can provide you with more insight into the treatment approach that best matches your particular needs and desired results. Contact his Westlake practice by calling (440) 808-8030 today.

The post Can Botox Replace a Facelift? appeared first on Raj Plastic Surgery.

Surgical Options

Facelift is considered to be the gold standard in facial rejuvenation as it addresses multiple aging concerns at once by trimming excess fat and skin and re-draping the skin of the face. Facelift eliminates wrinkles, hollow pockets and sagging skin, creating a younger-looking and smoother appearance.

Do you constantly look tired or exhausted due to puffy eyelids or under-eye bags? Eyelid surgery restores an energetic and youthful look to the eyes by removing sagging skin on the upper eyelids and reducing the appearance of “bags” on the lower eyelids. If necessary, eyelid surgery can be combined with another procedure (e.g., facelift, brow lift) for more rejuvenating results.

If an overly large, asymmetrical nose causes you to be self-conscious, rhinoplasty can help. By reshaping or resizing the nose, rhinoplasty can bring harmony and symmetry to your overall facial appearance.

Non-Surgical Options

Has years of squinting or smiling created prominent crow’s feet and other wrinkles on your face? Botox minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily relaxing the underlying facial muscles, instantly creating a softer and younger look. Dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restylane can also treat wrinkles and have the added benefit of filling in hollow pockets in the face for a fuller and smoother appearance.

Are your selfies plagued by an unsightly double chin? Kybella is a new and innovative injectable treatment designed to dissolve submental fat. With a few treatment sessions (typically four to six over the course of several months), Kybella can turn a poorly defined chin into a sleek and slender jawline.

Are you interested in learning more about your facial rejuvenation options? Dr. Raj can help you find the right treatment for you based on your aesthetic concerns and goals. Please schedule a one-on-one consultation by calling (440) 808-8030 today.

The post Procedures to Help You Take Your Best Selfie appeared first on Raj Plastic Surgery.

Botox for Pesky Crow’s Feet

Botox continues to be a favorite among patients who want a quick and effective solution for lines and wrinkles, including branch-like wrinkles that form on the outer corners of the eyes. Known as crow’s feet, these wrinkles can easily create a tired and aged appearance. Botox temporarily relaxes facial muscles, which in turn smooths out the overlying skin. Botox treatment can be completed in less than 30 minutes and results usually last for three to four months.

Sculptra for Hollow or Sunken-In Areas

If the passage of time has caused your cheeks or the areas underneath your eyes to become sunken or hollow, Sculptra can help. Made of poly-L-lactic acid, Sculptra replaces lost collagen to the face for a fuller, healthier and younger-looking appearance. Sculptra is also effective for filling in creases and lines, creating a youthful and more vibrant appearance. Like Botox, Sculptra delivers immediate yet temporary results.

Restylane for Thin or Aged Lips

Whether you have naturally thin lips or lips that have thinned over time, lip injections are an easy and quick way to achieve a fuller pout. Restylane is one such filler that is commonly used to plump the lips. Made of hyaluronic acid, Restylane can add volume to the lips for a smoother and fuller appearance. Results with Restylane typically last six months.

Kybella for the Dreaded Double Chin

Kybella is a new and innovative treatment that works differently than other injectables. It destroys the fat cells in the chin and neck areas, creating a slimmer-looking face and a smoother neck contour. Results with Kybella are permanent as the targeted fat cells can never be re-generated. Many patients prefer this non-surgical neck and contouring method over neck lift and liposuction because it involves no incisions and takes approximately 30 minutes to administer. Most patients typically need three or four sessions to achieve their desired results.

To learn more about your cosmetic injectable options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Raj. Please call (440) 808-8030 today.

The post Which Cosmetic Injectable Is Right for Me? appeared first on Raj Plastic Surgery.