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Look Your Best with BOTOX and Dermal Fillers at Monarch Plastic Surgery

December 3, 2018/in Blog, Featured Blog/by Monarch Plastic Surgery

This year, look and feel your best in every photo and every “selfie” by rejuvenating your skin with dermal fillers or BOTOX. According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, dermal fillers are increasing in popularity thanks to their cost-effective, speedy procedures and quick results.

Take a moment to learn more about some of the differences in these injectables, and we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our expert nurse injectors to determine the best treatment for your skin.

BOTOX Injections

If your primary concern is forehead lines, either in-between or around the eyes, then BOTOX is certainly a treatment to consider. BOTOX injections soften wrinkles around the eyes and forehead by relaxing the muscles that contract in those places every day. The procedure is not only virtually painless but also speedy — injections usually take no more than 10 or 15 minutes. Because the procedure is nonsurgical, you can carry on with your day as usual and enjoy little to no downtime. And much like laser treatments, the more consistently you receive BOTOX treatments, the longer-lasting and more effective the injections will likely be. Your nurse injector will provide recommendations for follow-up treatments.

Dermal Fillers

The key to dermal fillers? Hyaluronic acid. Chances are you’ve heard of this water-loving molecule before — our skin naturally produces HA to regulate moisture levels, but thanks to factors like environmental toxins and aging, the level of this hydrating substance in our skin decreases over time. Applied topically, HA allows for intense hydration of the skin and as a result gives you healthy, supple and glowing skin. But because serums and creams only work on the surface of the skin, and skin degradation happens on a cellular level, they may not be enough to achieve the results you seek.

Juvéderm XC and Voluma XC are injectable gels that go deeper and add volume to smooth the skin while also reducing lines and folds. Juvéderm XC and Voluma XC are both hyaluronic acid fillers, and Voluma XC uses lidocaine, which helps increase your comfort during the procedure. Restylane is also a HA filler that can be used to treat those lines around your mouth (nasolabial folds) or to enhance and plump your lips.

There are plenty of options available to achieve your desired look at Monarch Plastic Surgery and Skin Rejuvenation Center. Call 913-663-3838 or click here to book a complimentary consultation for radiant skin you’ll be flaunting in every photo op this season!

Laughing Gas Brings Serious Relief to Monarch Plastic Surgery Patients

November 2, 2018/in Blog/by Monarch Plastic Surgery

Though it’s completely normal to feel a little anxious going into a cosmetic procedure, at Monarch Plastic Surgery, we want you to be as comfortable as possible. A simple solution may come in the form of “laughing gas”, or nitrous oxide. Seriously, though, it’s no laughing matter — we take patient comfort very seriously, which is why Monarch is now offering PRO-NOX soothing treatment.

An innovative new device, PRO-NOX puts both control and relief directly into the patient’s hands. The instrument releases nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, in a safe 50/50 combination with oxygen to calm nerves during procedures. Although it may sound intimidating, nitrous oxide is simply a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas used as an anxiolytic (a drug for anxiety relief) and analgesic (a drug for pain relief), according to the American Pregnancy Association. All you have to do is take a breath from the specialized tubing, and the gas will release for a brief sensation of reduced stress. It offers you peace of mind during a procedure, knowing that relief is at your fingertips if needed.

“The unique thing is that it’s completely patient-controlled,” says Monarch surgeon, Dr. Paul Leahy. “The company who made this device, their primary goal is patient safety.”

With proven effectiveness during labor and delivery, nitrous oxide is being increasingly applied to cosmetic procedures as well. Its ease and flexibility is a point in its favor in this area in particular — it’s an affordable option and easy to use for both the patient and the doctor. According to CAREstream America, the PRO-NOX system has the benefit of quick-onset relief that lasts only a short duration, meaning that recovery is quick and there’s no added downtime or after-effect. Within 10 minutes, you can safely drive home. It’s also non-addictive and reduces the need for other pain medication.

PRO-NOX is now available at Monarch as an add-in option for most in-office procedures. A safe, non-invasive way to soothe nerves during cosmetic procedures, nitrous oxide is a game-changing technique that keeps control literally in the patient’s hands.

For more information, please call us at (913) 663-3838 or request a consultation.

Exfoliation Q&A by Jessica Hager

August 27, 2018/in Blog/by Monarch Plastic Surgery

Ex·fo·li·ate, by definition, means (of a material) to come apart or be shed from a surface in scales or layers. Exfoliating your skin is very important because you are removing dead skin buildup, which helps promote the formation of healthy new skin cells. It can soften fine lines and wrinkles, reduce pore size and treat acne and skin discoloration. Exfoliating can be done in several different ways. Below are answers to some of our most commonly asked questions.

What are some ways to exfoliate my skin?

Here at Monarch Skin Rejuvenation Center, we offer several different options to keep your skin glowing. The two most common ways to exfoliate are mechanical and chemical. Mechanical exfoliation typically includes microdermabrasion, dermaplaning and facial scrubs. Chemical exfoliation is done by using acids such as glycolic, lactic, fruit enzymes and salicylic. Products play a big role in the exfoliation process as well. Products such as retinoids stimulate cell turnover, resulting in a smooth and healthy complexion.

What specific procedures should I ask for at Monarch Skin Rejuvenation Center?

Our most common procedures that aid in exfoliation are medical facials, Hydrafacials and chemical peels. Microdermabrasion, which is part of the medical facial, uses mechanical exfoliation to gently remove dead skin cell buildup. The Hydrafacial uses multiple serums and acids to exfoliate your skin while providing you with immediate brightness and hydration. Our VI peel offers a proprietary blend of salicylic, retinol, TCA and vitamin C. Also, make sure to add on dermaplaning to your service. Dermaplaning gently exfoliates and temporarily removes vellus hair (peach fuzz), which allows for better product penetration.

Can you over-exfoliate?

Yes, you can over-exfoliate. Less is more. Exfoliating too much can cause damage and irritation, which can result in redness, inflammation, breakouts and even small tears in the skin. Certain skin types and conditions require different forms of exfoliation. For example, if your skin is inflamed due to acne or rosacea, then specific treatments such as BBL or facials would be ideal for you so that you don’t distress your skin any further. The best way to safely exfoliate is to have your aesthetician recommend an at-home product regiment as well as a plan for in-office services.

Does the change of the season and temperature matter?

Yes, it does matter. In the summer, your skin can become more oily from the heat and humidity. Also, extra sun exposure and sweating can make you more susceptible to clogged pores and acne. Exfoliating is still important, but the type will depend on your amount of sun exposure. In the winter months, when there is no humidity and the air is more dry, your skin cells dehydrate quicker, leaving you with dead skin buildup on the surface. This is an ideal time to do chemical peels or more aggressive procedures that may require some downtime.

There are many different products and services to give you a beautiful outcome no matter what your skincare concerns are. The first step is to come in for a complimentary consultation here at Monarch Skin Rejuvenation Center. We can customize a great game plan just for you!

Tips to Choose the Best Breast Implant Size for Your Body

March 14, 2018/in Blog, Featured Blog/by Monarch Plastic Surgery

Typically, women think of implant size based on bra size. But, implant size actually has nothing to do with bra size since those sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Just because you’re a 34B at Victoria’s Secret doesn’t mean you’ll fit perfectly in every 34B bra you find. Here are some tips to achieve the results you want from breast augmentation surgery.

Bring visuals.

Photos are a good way to show your plastic surgeon what you are looking for out of a breast augmentation. You can bring in photos or ask your surgeon to look through their before-and-after gallery. It’s important to note that results vary because every woman’s body is different and breast tissue amount varies woman to woman.

Communicate clearly with your surgeon.

Discuss your breast goals with your surgeon openly. You don’t want to wake up with chest size reminiscent of Kim Kardashian if you had a Kate Hudson look in mind. Be as specific as possible when discussing your breast augmentation goals so that your surgeon can determine whether or not they are realistic. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has a great list of breast augmentations questions to ask your surgeon.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Breast Augmentation Surgery

Don’t- Select a implant size without visualizing what it will look like post-op. Dr. Keith Hodge, our board certified plastic surgeon, said this, “You want to choose an implant that fits your breast dimensions. The implant should not be wider than your natural breast. I would suggest trying on sizers with a sports bra so you can visualize your post-op appearance.”

Do- Your homework. Homework may seem like a thing of the past, but if you’re considering surgery, you’ll want to do some research. Find examples of breasts that are appealing to you. It’s also a good idea to research the plastic surgeons in your area.

Watch our very own Dr. Paul J. Leahy explain what to expect when you come in for a breast augmentation: http://bit.ly/2IbiyJ1. If you’ve been considering a breast augmentation, the next step you can take is to schedule a consultation. Click here to request a time for a consult or call us at 913-663-3838 today.

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