Foods that Speed-Up Recovery
Posted on May 14, 2012 by Dr. Ringler
Patients often ask me if there is something that they can do to speed up healing after surgery. Although there is no magic bullet when it comes to recovery after surgery or a sports injury, there are certain types of foods that may aid in the recovery process. It is a good idea to focus on whole foods as much as possible and to avoid processed foods, as they will contain the highest levels vitamins or amino acids your body will need for a speedy recovery. Amino acids appear to help wounds heal faster. These can be found in foods such as chicken, egg whites, fish, brown rice, healthy nuts like walnuts and almonds or sunflower seeds.
Some studies also indicate that boosting Vitamin C in your diet as well as increasing your zinc level can be helpful. Strawberries are not only tasty but full of vitamin C. Strawberries have the added benefit of being high in fiber and full of antioxidants. Most citrus fruits are also great sources of vitamin C, which you can get by drinking orange juice or eating an orange or grapefruit. When available, papayas are another great way to maximize your vitamin C intake. By putting some papaya in your morning smoothie or protein shake, you will get 100% of your daily requirements of this vitamin.
Eating a fortified breakfast cereal is a good way to get zinc in your diet, but you can also find it in foods like oysters, which have one the highest zinc levels found in any food. Taking a zinc supplement is another option, but you don’t normally want to take it excessively as it can disrupt the absorption of copper and iron. Check with your doctor if you plan to take a supplement to aid wound healing. For healthy individuals 15mg of zinc daily is the recommended amount
.
The other amino acid that has been shown to speed wound healing is glutamine. In study out of Harvard, glutamine was shown to shorten wound healing by about four days. Foods rich in glutamine include; beef, chicken and all types of fish. Animal based dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and eggs contain glutamine with ricotta and cottage cheese being two of the best sources. If you’re a vegetarian, you can get glutamine in beans and and lentils. Glutamine may also be taken as a supplement, but it is important to check with your own doctor to find the level that is right for you. Following a healthy diet filled with lean fish and meat, fresh fruits and vegetables should have you back in the game quickly.
For more information about reducing recovery time after surgery or to schedule a consultation, please call Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Steven Ringler at 616.328.8800
Posted in: In the News, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Tags: cosmetic surgery, Plastic surgery, rapid recovery
The Basics on Botox and Facial Fillers
Posted on May 2, 2012 by Dr. Ringler
In my plastic surgery practice we all become so accustomed to talking about Botox and dermal facial fillers on a daily basis, that we may incorrectly assume that everyone knows all about these procedures and their uses. But it occurred to me that there are probably many people who may not know the difference between how Botox and facial fillers work to reduce facial wrinkles. So here are the basics.
According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) Botox® Cosmetic is currently the number one non-surgical procedure in the country and has been since it was FDA approved in 2002. Botox is a Botulinum Toxin Type A product, as are Dysport®, and Xeomin®. This is a family of neurotoxins that block nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. The toxin works directly where it is placed, and thus can be artistically used to alter facial expressions. These products are appropriate for active lines or age associated wrinkles that are just starting to appear, and they act by temporarily weakening or paralyzing the muscle that is causing the wrinkle. Although FDA approved to treat the glabellar lines or “elevens” that form between the eyebrows, it is also often used on crow’s feet and those “bunny lines” that we get at the intersection of the eyes and nose. Most of these products require repeat treatment every 3-4 months to maintain results.
Dermal facial fillers, which contain hyaluronic acid go by the name of, Juvederm®, Restylane® and Perlane® as well as others, are more useful for treatment of firmly established wrinkles or larger lines of facial aging (such as the nasolabial folds) which are those lines between your nose and corners of your mouth that tend to become more defined as we age. They are all variations of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance that is present throughout the body. For example, HA provides support and hydration of the skin and it lubricates joint spaces. These dermal fillers restore volume to the face and can add structure as well. They are a good choice for adding volume to the lips. Depending on the type of filler and the depth at which it is injected, you can smooth out fine lines on the surface of the skin and fill out deeper lines. Most of these products last for about 6 months, sometimes longer depending on the area treated.
The newest products on the market, such as Radiesse®, contain microsphere technology, Microspheres are tiny round particles of solid material that are relatively uniform in size. These products are used for volume replacement and for deep facial wrinkles (such as the nasolabial folds.) These products provide more volume than the HA products. It is important that your provider is very experienced with Radiesse® as it is less forgiving than some of the other facial fillers if not injected properly. These products are great for helping to sculpt a jawline that has some laxity and creating cheek volume. Radiesse® results last for about one year. Using a combination of these approaches is often called a “liquid facelift.” Results, of course, will not be as dramatic as a surgical facelift but can definitely give significant improvement for the right patient in the right hands.
These are the basics of facial fillers, but the game is changing all the time, and there are new products gaining FDA approval as this blog is being written. The best approach to finding out which products are best for you, is to speak with a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist who offers many options and one with significant expertise in injectables. They will be able to help guide you on the best products to help you achieve your goals for non-surgical facial rejuvenation.
For more information about Botox and dermal facial fillers or to schedule a consultation, please call Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Steven Ringler at 616.328.8800
Posted in: Cosmetic Injections, In the News
Tags: botox, dysport, radiesse, Restylane, xeomin
Chin Implants Gain Popularity
Posted on April 19, 2012 by Dr. Ringler
The recent 2011 statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons indicate there has been dramatic rise in the number of chin implant surgeries performed in the U.S. with a 71% increase since 2010. There has been speculation as to whether chin implants are going to be “the new breast implants”, meaning are they destined to become the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure. Coining the word “chinplants” the local media pundits are trying to determine the reason behind the sudden jump in this plastic surgery procedure. There has been some thought that people video chatting are looking at themselves online and not liking their image. Most of us look down at our computer screen probably highlighting a double chin or weak facial contour. Not the most flattering position in which to view yourself.
In my plastic surgery practice, many patients request chin implants to improve their facial contour and often reduce their neck through liposuction or SmartLipo at the same time. Chin implants combined with a facelift, MACS lift or rhinoplasty are other popular procedures and may provide better balance to the face.
For patients uncertain as to whether a chin implant will be the look they are seeking permanently, there is also the option of liposculpture of the neck, combined with a facial -filler, such as Radiesse, to help augment the chin. The results of the Radiesse will last for about a year. At that time, patients have the option of going with a chin implant or continue the use of Radiesse.
Whatever the actual reason for the boost in popularity of chin implants, there were 10,593 chin implants performed on men last year (a 76% rise from 2010) and 10,087 for women (a 66% rise from 2010). Even with the combined 71% boost in numbers of chin implant surgeries, breast augmentation remained the number one procedure according to ASPS, with 307,000 performed in 2011 (representing a 4% increase over 2010). If this is a contest, it doesn’t look like chin implants will be catching up anytime soon.
If you would like to explore how chin augmentation may help improve your facial contour or balance your facial features, please call Dr. Ringler today to set up a complimentary, confidential consultation 616-328.8800.
Posted in: Facial Surgery, In the News
Tags: ASPS, chin implants, Chin surgery, neck liposuction, radiesse, SmartLipo Triplex
Cellulaze-Grand Rapids
Posted on March 29, 2012 by Dr. Ringler
One of the main concerns of women in my plastic surgery practice has to do with cellulite. Even women who are at their ideal weight are bothered by this condition that results in lumps, bumps and dimpling of the thighs, hips or abdomen. The fact that 85% of women who are over 21 years of age have some form of cellulite isn’t much consolation. There isn’t much that women can do to prevent this condition, as it has much to do with heredity, genetics, weight loss or gain, and the thickness or elasticity of the skin.
To understand what causes cellulite to be visible we need to look at the structure beneath the surface of the skin. The epidermis refers to the top layer of the skin, and beneath it lies the dermis. Under the dermis is where you find connective tissue. Below the connective tissue is a layer of fat. The fatty tissue is separated and pulled by connective tissue. Unevenness in this subcutaneous layer of fat produces the bumpy appearance known as cellulite. Women typically have fibrous bands that run vertically and if they become stiff, they allow the fat to push up to the surface of the skin giving that “orange peel” effect that women tend to despise. I often use the analogy of chair cushion with tight buttons to describe the situation. Having thinner skin than their male counterparts does not help the situation either.
Until now, I’ve been unimpressed with treatment options for cellulite. Most treatments were very superficial in nature and required repeated treatments to maintain any type of results. Fortunately, Cynosure has released a new, minimally invasive cellulite reduction treatment called Cellulaze that offers real promise. I have been watching the results of this system for a while now, as it has been available in the UK since September of 2011. Results have been impressive, and Cellulaze received FDA approval for use in the U.S. in February. Cellulaze is the first treatment that I have seen which addresses the underlying structural problem of cellulite. With a unique side-firing canula, it allows us to break up those vertical bands that hold the fat in place. In other words, it is loosening and breaking up those cushion threads allowing for a smoother surface. Additionally, the laser liquefies the fat so it is easily removed, and aids the body in producing new collagen all for a smoother surface. Thus far, 93% of those who have received the treatment have been satisfied or very satisfied with the results. I am excited to be the first board certified plastic surgeon in Michigan to be able to offer Cellulaze cellulite reduction to my patients. Results are long-lasting and patients are still realizing results 2 years post treatment.
For more information about Cellulaze or to schedule a consultation, please call Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Steven Ringler at 616.328.8800
Posted in: Body Surgery, Laser Treatments, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Tags: cellulaze, cellulite, laser treatment
Mommy Makeover Grand Rapids
Posted on March 5, 2012 by Dr. Ringler
Childbirth is a life changing experience for women and their bodies. The joy and wonder of a new baby is sometimes offset by feelings that your body does not look or feel as youthful as it did prior to pregnancy. That is to be expected, and is the reason some women choose to have a “mommy makeover” to help regain their pre-pregnancy figure.
Stretched or sagging abdominal skin, or breasts that have lost volume after breastfeeding are common concerns. At the Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, we offer several surgical procedures that may be done in combination to help you regain your figure after pregnancy. Sometimes referred to as a “Mommy Makeover”, a post-pregnancy makeover can help you restore your figure and boost your attitude with a treatment plan tailored just for you.
Most often, a mommy makeover will consist of some type of procedure to tighten the abdominal muscle, such as tummy-tuck, or mini tummy-tuck. At other times, a bit of liposuction or even CoolSculpting may be suggested to help remove some excess fat. For other women, there is a concern about sagging breasts that may have lost some volume after breastfeeding, at which point breast augmentation or breast lift may be desired. Other women may feel their breasts are over-sized for their comfort level, and breast reduction surgery may be indicated.
A mommy-makeover is simply a coined term that refers to multiple procedures that women may choose to have completed at one time once they are through with childbearing. The treatment plan for a mommy-makeover is highly individualized and tailored specifically just for you. It is recommended that you wait for a year following your last baby before considering a mommy makeover. The hard work of childbearing is taxing on the body and it requires some time to recover fully.
For more information about a Mommy Makeover or to schedule a consultation, please call Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Steven Ringler at 616.328.8800
Posted in: Body Surgery, Breast Surgery
Tags: breast augmentation, breast implants, breast reduction, cosmetic surgery, liposuction, mommy makeover, tummy tuck
Facelifts Turn Back the Clock 9 Years
Posted on February 27, 2012 by Dr. Ringler
According to a recent article in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, having a facelift can make you look seven years younger than you actually are. In this study by authors Nitin Chauhan and Peter Adamson of the University of Toronto, and Jeremey Warner of the NorthShore University Health System in Evanston, Illinois, volunteer first year medical students were shown photos of 60 people who had a facelift. The students estimated the patients to be an average of 8.9 years younger than their actual age. Prior to the surgery the medical students thought them to be 1.7 years younger, yielding an age difference of 7.2 years after plastic surgery.
This is fairly consistent with patients in my practice who typically perceived that they look about 10 years younger than they did prior to their facelift. In the study cited, the patients, who were mainly women between the ages of 45-72, who had combined procedures; such as neck-lift and facelift, or eyelift and facelift, had the biggest perceived difference from their actual age.
While I am a real proponent of minimally invasive procedures for facial rejuvenation, in most cases these will not give the same degree of change that is attainable from surgical procedures. Many patients are surprised to learn that newer surgical techniques, like the MACS facelift, offer fairly quick recovery and minimal downtime. Not a bad option for turning back the clock 9-10 years.
For more information about Facelifts, MACS Lift or to schedule a consultation, please call Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Steven Ringler at 616.328.8800
Posted in: Facial Surgery, In the News, Research Study
Tags: facelift, facial plastic surgery, MACS lift
3D Breast Imaging and Simulation
Posted on February 20, 2012 by Dr. Ringler
When women determine that they’d like to enhance their breasts through breast augmentation surgery, there are many questions. What type of breast implant do you prefer; saline implants or gel implants? There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Some implants have a higher profile and can look quite different depending upon the clothing worn. The next biggest question usually pertains to implant size. The way breast implants look on a friend’s body or in before and after pictures are not necessarily the way they will look on your own unique frame and build.
While there is no replacement for the doctor-patient relationship, the new e-stitex 3D breast imaging and simulator technology gives us another tool so you may view options in 3D on your own body image. After taking before photos in our office, within a few minutes you can begin to look at your own body image through our office computer with various sizes or types of implants. In addition, you can see your “new body” in various types of clothing, with everything from a bathing suit to evening clothes.
Although not an exact replica of your own result, the 3D Imager is the closest thing we have to give you a fairly realistic idea of what type of results you might expect. The e-stetix Imager also allows you to view the images privately on your own computer, through a secure website, so that you may take time to consider and discuss options with family or friends prior to making a decision.
If you are considering breast augmentation surgery and are interested in 3D Breast Imaging, please call Grand Rapids plastic surgeon, Dr. Steven Ringler to schedule your personal, complimentary consultation.
Posted in: Breast Surgery
Tags: 3D breast imaging, breast augmentation, breast implants
Plastic Surgery Market Shows Significant Growth in 2011
Posted on February 13, 2012 by Dr. Ringler
Last week the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) released their statistics for plastic surgery procedures performed by board certified plastic surgeons in 2011. Despite a challenging economy, there were 13.8 million procedures performed in 2011. These numbers include both minimally invasive and surgical procedures. The numbers represent a 5 percent growth since 2010.
Surgical cosmetic procedures showed an increase of 2 percent, with 1.6 million procedures being performed. Heading the list, top surgical procedures included:
-Breast Augmentation (307,000 – up 4 percent)
-Rhinoplasty (244,00, down 3 percent)
-Liposuction (205,000, up 1 percent)
-Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) (196,000, down 6 percent)
-Facelift (119,00, up 5 percent)
There has been significant growth in the facelift procedures, which have not been one of the top five procedures since 2004. This is not surprising considering the aging baby boom generation, but the non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures still show the most growth. The top five minimally invasive procedures included:
-Botulinum toxin type A , Botox, Xeomin, Dysport (5.7 million, up 5 percent)
-Soft Tissue Fillers like Juvederm, Radiesse, (1.9 million, up 7 percent)
-Laser hair removal (1.1 million, up 15 percent)
-Microdermabrasion (900,000, up 9 percent)
If you are considering plastic surgery, seek out a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in cosmetic procedures.
Posted in: In the News, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Uncategorized
Tags: ASPS, blepharoplasty, breast augmentation, cosmetic surgery, facelift, rhinoplasty
Options for Treating the Neck and Chin – Grand Rapids
Posted on February 11, 2012 by Dr. Ringler
The neck and chin areas are both quick to show signs of facial aging; excess fat, jowls, and skin laxity are a few areas of concern. Many of my patients are surprised to learn that a full facelift or necklift is not always necessary to correct the problem.
Excess fat in the neck area can be helped with the use of SmartLipo Triplex laser liposuction. Using a very small cannula, in a very short, outpatient surgical procedure, the fat cells can be removed from the neck and under the chin for greatly improved contour. SmartLipo Triplex also offers the benefit of additional skin tightening, very minimal downtime for the patient with excellent results.
Our advanced techniques in Ultherapy can also help to reduce fat in the neck with the use of focused ultrasound energy. Using many more lines of energy than is typical with Ultherapy, this office procedure can help reduce fat, as well as subtly lift and tighten the skin of the neck. Many patients report that their skin just seems to “fit better” after Ultherapy treatment. This treatment is best for those without too much skin laxity in the neck, but recommended for those who have skin that is just beginning to lose some of its tone.
For patients with excessive laxity of the neck skin, the best results will still be achieved through a surgical necklift, often combined with a MACS facelift. Face and Necklift procedures today offer excellent results, minimal downtime, and turn back the clock about 10 years on the facial aging process. It is important to select a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in facial rejuvenation for best results.
To find out which of our Neck or Chin enhancements may be right for you, please call our office today to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Ringler.
Posted in: Facial Surgery, Laser Treatments, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Tags: Chin surgery, facelift, neck liposuction, SmartLipo Triplex, ulthera
Ultherapy & Facial UltraLift Grand Rapids
Posted on January 31, 2012 by elle
Doctors at the forefront of medical innovation agree that Ulthera or Ultherapy is a great advancement in the noninvasive treatment of aging skin. Dr. Ringler offers Ulthera to his patients in Grand Rapids as a nonsurgical option to the traditional facelift. Ultherapy lifts and tones skin from the inside out. Ultrasonic waves are directed onto the outer layer of the skin, but also deep into the tissue heating and gently tightening. Ultherapy engages the body’s own regenerative process and creates natural, beautiful results.
Dr. Ringler is introducing UltraLift as a non-surgical approach to facial rejuvenation for men and women. Dr. Ringler created the UltraLift technique through the use of advanced techniques in Ultherapy along with a personalized plan for liquid facelift, using a combination of facial fillers, such as Radiesse and Juvederm, to help restore lost volume to the face and address other areas of facial aging such as wrinkles or uneven jawline. UltraLift can help restore a more youthful appearance to the face, neck and brow for those not ready for a facelift or to enhance or prolong results of a surgical facelift. Ultherapy and UltraLift are in-office procedures that offer little or no downtime. Although not as dramatic as a surgical facelift, the results from UltraLift can be very satisfying for patients looking for subtle and natural results.
For more information about Ultherapy or UltraLift or to schedule a consultation, please call Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Steven Ringler at 616.328.8800
Posted in: Cosmetic Injections, Facial Surgery, In the News, Ulthera, Ultherapy
Tags: Grand Rapids, ulthera, ultherapy, UltraLift