Getting Ready For Your First Botox Appointment

Botox increased its popularity during the pandemic. Now that offices and workplaces are re-opening, you may be looking for something to freshen your look before your long-awaited return.

While there is lots of information out there on Botox, we are going to give you the most important information that you need for your first Botox appointment.

What is Botox?

According to BotoxCosmetic.com, Botox works under the surface of your skin to decrease the muscle activity in your face that can cause wrinkles, such as frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. By relaxing the muscles, it makes your face look visibly smoother.

Botox is different from filler in that it does not plump up areas of your face, but instead it reduces wrinkles and creates a smooth look.

How Much Does Botox Cost?

The cost of Botox depends on how much you receive, where it is being injected, and your provider. A unit of Botox often falls in the range of $12.50 – $15, while it may cost $250+ per area. Dr. Fishman often runs specials where Botox is available at a lowered price. Be on the look out for these specials by signing up for our email list and checking out our Monthly Specials and Wrinkle Away Wednesday pages.

What Should I Do Before and After My Appointment?

There are not too many rules before a Botox appointment, except to come with clean skin and make sure Dr. Fishman or Cindy is aware of any medications you are taking.

After the procedure, you should avoid laying down for a few hours, drinking alcohol, and being directly in the heat for about 24 hours.

Does It Hurt?

Typically, the injection feels like a tiny pinch. Sometimes your provider will use ice to numb the area before it is treated. The treatment is only about 10 minutes long, so the pain is minimal.

How Long Does Botox Last?

Results vary from patient to patient; however, results typically last three to four months.

Can I Undo My Botox?

Once Botox is injected, there is no way to remove it or dissolve it. The only way for Botox to be removed is through the body’s natural process. Because it cannot be removed, it’s important that you and Dr. Fishman or Cindy understand what your goals and expectations are for the procedure.

How Do I Find a Trustworthy Provider?

At our office, Cindy Wagner, RN and Dr. Fishman can provide Botox treatments. Cindy Wagner is a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Medical Esthetician with over 18 years of experience in Facial Cosmetic Procedures, including Botox. If you want to learn more about Cindy’s experience, click here. Dr. Fishman is a Board Certified Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Fishman’s experience and certifications can be viewed here.

If you are interested in scheduling a Botox appointment at Dr. Fishman’s office, please give us a call at 248-643-7374.

March 2020 COVID-19 Update

An update from Dr. Fishman:

It’s been an extraordinary week for our state, our country, and the world. As we are all too keenly aware, the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a great toll on all aspects of life, especially healthcare.

Dr. Fishman will continue to follow the recommendations of the Michigan Department of Health and the following professional organizations, The American College of Surgeons, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, Ascension Health and Beaumont Health.

As of Friday, March 19, 2020, Dr. Fishman’s office will close with the
exception of emergencies and essential patient visits at least until April 2020.

At the current time, there is a shortage of personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and our colleagues (heroes, really) working in the emergency rooms and treating patients in the hospital need all of the supplies we can provide. We are so blessed to live in a country where entire communities are working
together to care for one another. I am so proud of every single person who is working in the Emergency Centers and in Hospitals and other health care facilities right now caring for those in need.

For my patients whom I need to see, please note the following:
-No walk in patients.
-High risk patients (ie respiratory or other health conditions) or patients over 65,
consider staying at home to minimize any potential exposure.
-Allow us to check you in and open any doors for you.
-There will be only one patient seen in the office at one time.
-A HEPA air filter will be continuously running.
-As always, each room and the office common areas are disinfected after each patient.

If you have a cough, fever, shortness of breath or generalized malaise, kindly DO NOT come to the office. Call your family physician for further instructions.

Please do not come to the office if you have been sick within the last two weeks or have been exposed to anyone who has been sick within the last two weeks. In addition, please remain home if you have travelled out of the local area in the last two weeks.

If you need to see Dr. Fishman but are unable to make an appointment, please call the office to discuss other options.

Our patients’ health is our priority.

If you have questions, please feel free to call the office at 248-643-7374.

June 2020 COVID-19 Update

An update from Dr. Fishman:

Hello everyone,

First and foremost, we want everyone to be safe and healthy. It is a priority we hold sacred.

With the worst of the COVID virus behind us and with Governor Whitmer’s blessing, we are beyond ready to get back to seeing all of our patients, who we have missed so much!

Future Plans

Much has changed since we last saw you. 

In the beginning of June 2020, we will kick off a soft re-opening with many changes and strict vigilance about patient and staff safety.

I want my patients to feel reassured that when you visit us for your appointment, we have measures in place to keep you and our team as safe as possible. We will continue to maintain a safe clinical environment, with strict hygiene measures, with the same high quality of service you expect from us. We appreciate your understanding in these circumstances.

Actions we are performing to reduce risks include:
  • No walk-in patients.
  • Minimizing handling of surfaces by allowing us to check you in, open doors for you, as well as removing beverages and magazines from our spaces.
  • There will only be one patient in the office at one time.
  • The number of appointments each day is restricted.
  • Please ask your companion to kindly wait for you in the car, unless you are a minor.
  • A HEPA filter is continuously running.
  • We are health screened daily, temperatures taken, and wearing masks.
  • Strict and thorough hand hygiene for all patients and staff.
  • Furniture has been rearranged to ensure distancing of at least six feet.
  • As always, each room and office common areas are called with hospital grade disinfectants after each patient.
  • Check-in and check-out performed ahead of time by telephone.
The health of our patients and our staff is our priority. If you have questions, please feel free to call the office at 248-643-7374. 

December 2020 COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update from Dr. Fishman:

Hello everyone,

As the COVID virus stages a dreaded comeback, and we are all tiring of the measured needed to be safe, we need to remember to renew our vigilance and be safe.

First and foremost, we want everyone to stay safe and healthy. It is a priority we hold sacred.

Much continues to change since the virus first made its appearance. We have more than enjoyed seeing everyone since Governor Whitmer relaxed restrictions on May 29, 2020.

We now have a new wave of the virus.

It is too early to tell the extent of the reemergence. Our hospitals, including Beaumont and Providence, as well as our office, are making plans to respond in the most cautious and appropriate manner as the days unfold. I believe we are in a much better place than in March 2020 regarding best practices, treatments, and preparedness with COVID.

Patient and staff safety is paramount.

That said, we feel very strongly that patient and staff safety is paramount, and we will not hesitate to further restrict treatment (or even close the office, if needed) as the COVID virus situation evolves.

We are very vigilant about patient and staff safety. It is our highest priority. I will plan to keep everyone apprised of changes as they occur.

To our patients…

I want my patients to feel reassured that when you visit us for your appointment, we have measures in place to keep you and our team as safe as possible. We will continue to maintain a safe clinical environment, with strict hygiene measures, with the same high quality of service you expect from us.

Keeping you safe and healthy.

The health of our patients and staff is our priority.

If you have questions, please feel free to call the office at 248-643-7374. 

Is it Safe to get the COVID-19 Vaccine and Have Fillers?

Why you Should Still Get the COVID Vaccine Even if you Have (or Plan to Get) Dermal Fillers

Headlines that have linked COVID-19 vaccines to filler swelling spread across the country. However, the message from physicians, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons is: The risk is rare, don’t delay your vaccination. Unfortunately, the press spin was exaggerated and unnecessary. The result is that many patients are choosing not to be vaccinated because they have or want fillers. The tragedy is, as reported by the New York Times, one in 1,000 Americans has died from COVID-19 in less than one year.

Moderna Vaccine Study

On December 17, 2020, it was disclosed that three participants of the Moderna vaccine study with dermal fillers experienced localized swelling after receiving the vaccine. Each of these cases resolved without difficulty. The FDA granted an emergency use authorization after reviewing all of the study data.

Of the 15, 184 Moderna participants who received the vaccine (not the placebo), three developed lip or facial swelling. Here is what we know about those individuals:

  • All three had filler prior to vaccination. One had filler two weeks before vaccination, and the other six months prior. In the third case, it is unknown when they received filler.
  • This type of swelling is considered “delayed.” It is not the same as the normal swelling and/or bruising that can occur with treatment.
  • The third case experienced a similar reaction to a previous influenza vaccine, so this individual has had adverse reactions to other vaccines.
  • Viral and bacterial infections, as well as other vaccines, can also cause fillers to be associated with some inflammation.
  • No one knows how many of the vaccinated individuals in the trial had fillers (at the time of the trial). Also unknown is the types and amounts of filler involved, which is critical in determining the true incidence.
  • Lastly, we do not know these individuals’ medical history. For example, do they have an underlying immune condition or another factor that may have made them susceptible to reactions following vaccination?

What Does All This Actually Mean?

The situation is very much evolving. While there is no known interplay between fillers and immunologic triggers, there is a belief that this side effect is very rare.

In addition, these types of rare, transient, and treatable filler reactions have been seen after other vaccines, as well as infections, like the flu and after dental or sinus infections.

Questions have also been asked about other implants, such as wondering if breast implants can be associated with vaccination-related reactions. At this point, there are no reported incidences of reactions in patients with breast implants.

The Current Takeaway

These filler reactions, if indeed related to the vaccine, are not new or unique to the COVID-19 vaccine. You are more likely to be struck by lightning than to have a post-filler reaction caused by the vaccine. Expert injectors are trained to manage filler complications. Neuromodulators, like Botox and Dysport, are a non-issue; these treatments have not been associated with any COVID-19 related swelling. The risk of being infected with COVID-19 outweighs the risk of a reaction to one of the vaccines if the patient has a history of using dermal fillers.

If you have any further questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and fillers, or any questions at all, please do not hesitate to call. 248-643-7374.

Put Your Best Chin Forward With Juvéderm Voluma XC

The Juvéderm Voluma XC that you know and love for volumizing and contouring your cheeks is now FDA approved for augmentation of the chin region!

Juvéderm Voluma XC is one of the many hyaluronic acid-based injectables by Juvéderm. Traditionally, it has been used as a way to plump and shape the cheek area, but with the new approval, the chin area will get some love, too!Juvederm Voluma XC chin filler

Often times, the chin region is overlooked, when really, it largely contributes to facial balance. Juvéderm Voluma XC is perfect to restore the balance due to its distinctive gel properties. The filler serves as a non-surgical, minimally invasive solution to chin implants.

Chin implants require surgery, taking time off of work, weeks to months of swelling, and potential infection. Filler allows the patient to come into the office for an appointment and leave less than an hour later with a new chin. There is less pain, decreased swelling, increased precision, easily covered bruising, and essentially no interruption in your daily life. If you are looking for a big change, a chin implant might be the way to go; however, if you’re looking for a small transformation, look toward Juvéderm Voluma XC.

If you’re interested in using Juvéderm Voluma XC as a chin filler, or even for its original purpose in the cheek area, contact our office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Fishman.

 

Source: https://www.allure.com/story/juvederm-voluma-xc-filler-injectable-fda-approved-chin-augmentation

Images: canva.com

The 10 Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures For Men

While women still receive more than 90% of all cosmetic procedures, more than 1.3 million procedures were performed on men in 2016, an increase of almost 100,000 compared to 2015.

As service offerings continue to expand and the stigma over men receiving cosmetic services fades away, more and more men are seeking out aesthetic procedures. To get a better idea of the procedures that are attracting men to cosmetic clinics, we’re breaking down some of the most popular cosmetic procedures for men, both surgical and non-surgical, below.

The Top 5 Surgical Cosmetic Procedures For Men

  1. Liposuctions

Liposuction was the most popular surgical cosmetic procedure for men and women in 2016, and a total of more than 26,000 men received the surgery last year. Over the years, liposuction has consistently been the most popular surgical procedure for men.

When it comes to liposuction, many men are most concerned about the lower abdomen and oblique (love handles) areas. For men, these are typically the last areas that respond to diet or exercise, whereas with women, the thighs are often one of the more problematic areas.

  1. Nose Surgeries 

Nose surgery, also referred to as rhinoplasty, was the second most popular surgical procedure for men in 2016, with over 55,000 men opting for the procedure. While many women receive the procedure as well (nearly 168,000 in 2016), the surgery is the 2nd most common for men and ranks as the 6th most common for women.

Whether men are receiving rhinoplasty to correct a previous nose injury, fix a breathing issue or to improve their facial profile, the surgery has become very popular for men in recent years.

  1. Eyelid Surgeries

Eyelid surgery, also called Blepharoplasty, was the third most common surgery for men last year, with just over 30,000 men receiving the procedure. The procedure helps men reverse the signs of aging near the eyes by removing excess skin and tissue. In some instances, eyelid surgery is conducted to address excess skin that has impaired peripheral vision.

  1. Male Breast Reductions

Unique to males, male breast reduction is conducted to treat Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men), and more than 27,000 men received the surgery in 2016. Since 2015, this surgery has risen in popularity, and continues to be one of the fastest-growing cosmetic procedures for men.

  1. Facelifts

The 5th most popular surgical procedure in 2015 was the facelift, and more than 12,000 men received facelifts in the U.S. last year. The procedure reverses signs of aging, especially around the jawline – one of the most predominant features for men.

However, facelifts for men offer different challenges than they do for women, particularly due to facial hair and bigger, more predominant cheekbones, jawlines, necks and veins. 

The Top 5 Non-Surgical Procedures For Men

 

  1. Botulinum Toxin (Botox®)

While Botox® is still overwhelmingly the most popular procedure for women, men have also increasingly accepted Botulinum Toxin with a total of 447,508 men receiving the injectable in 2016.

Frown lines and crow’s feet lines are quite common for aging men, and Botox is a great option for men looking to decrease wrinkles and fine lines. Botox is also approved by the FDA to treat chronic migraine headaches, and some men have opted for the procedure for that reason as well.

  1. Hyaluronic Acid

Along with women, hyaluronic acid treatments (Juvederm®, Voluma®, Restylane® and more) are the second most popular non-surgical procedure for men. More than 58,000 men received a hyaluronic acid treatment in 2016.

The target area for hyaluronic acid procedures varies based on the treatment, though men often opt for the treatment to address issues under the eyes, around the chin area, near the nasolabial fold or around the mouth and cheeks.

  1. Hair Removal

Most adult men understand the complications of unwanted hair. That’s why laser hair removal was the third most popular non-surgical procedure for men in 2016, with more than 194,000 male recipients.

Laser hair removal treatments can be conducted on a variety of different body parts for men, though the most common areas include the chest, back, stomach, shoulders, neck or genital area.

  1. Photo Rejuvenation (IPL) 

IPL Photofacial treatments are used to treat a variety of skin issues, including redness, acne scarring, rosacea, hyper pigmentation and broken capillaries. Because of the treatment’s ability to address a wide range of skin problems, the procedure has become quite popular and nearly 74,000 men received the treatment in 2016.

  1. Nonsurgical Skin Tightening

Nonsurgical skin tightening procedures such as Ultherapy use ultrasound or radiofrequency waves to stimulate collagen production and reduce wrinkles or loose skin. These treatments are a great option for men not ready to undergo facelift surgery, and 73,000 men received non-surgical skin tightening procedures in 2016.

Because men face many of the same cosmetic issues as women and their own unique challenges as well, more and more men are looking to cosmetic procedures to help them feel comfortable in their skin. At Jefrey Fishman, MD, FACS, we recognize the unique issues men face, and have worked with countless male patients to help them achieve their desired look.

To learn more about the procedures listed above or to explore other common cosmetic procedures for men, call us today at 248-643-7374 or schedule a complimentary consultation online.

*Data courtesy of PlasticSurgery.org.

Mirror, Mirror… Do I Like What I See?

What we see when we look into a mirror can have a significant impact on how we feel along the journey of life. Many feel that appearance and a healthy self-image are closely linked to self-confidence and overall success. Plastic surgery can have pronounced positive effect in one’s life at all ages, helping them feel even better about themselves.

Starting Life at a Disadvantage

One young man, age 25, called “Dumbo” growing up because of his oversized and protruding ears, said, “I was teased about my big ears all the time. The [otoplasty] surgery made me feel free.” Correcting protruding ears in children is a much easier surgery than as an adult. “Pinocchio” was the nickname a sixteen-year-old girl was given on the school bus. The name-calling made her “feel helpless and like a loser.” Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, can help a young person feel more attractive, and ultimately more “normal.” Acne can leave scars both on the outside and the inside. Skin resurfacing can drastically reduce those exterior scars and help heal the interior ones.

Feeling Better about You

Breast size modification through plastic surgery, whether going bigger or going smaller, can have positive effects on a person’s life. It’s not uncommon for men and women to have too much breast tissue. It can be embarrassing for a man to take his shirt off, while a woman may suffer significant terrible back and shoulder pain. Many breast reduction patients often wonder why they waited so long to get surgery.

On the other side of the spectrum, many women relate their breast size to a feminine self-image. Whether a woman is small chested, developmentally uneven or desiring a lift after having children, an improved bust line has been shown to improve a woman’s self-esteem and positively affect how she presents herself to others.

Another situation in which plastic surgery may be a good option is when men and women are re-entering the workforce or looking for a new job. A lift of the upper eyelids or removal of fat tissue under the eyes can take years off one’s appearance, and even improve one’s vision, if severe enough. Botox, fillers and other non-invasive procedures can also help to make skin appear more vibrant and youthful.

What to Consider When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

  • Is the doctor board certified in Plastic Surgery? A board certification in a medical specialization, like plastic surgery, is instrumental to the integrity of a doctor’s practice. A doctor who is board certified has gone above and beyond the requirements of obtaining a medical license to enhance his or her expertise in a particular specialty for the good of their patients.
  • Does the doctor have hospital privileges for the procedures you are considering? Be sure to ask where the procedure will be done during your initial consultation. Hospitals only give surgical privileges to board certified surgeons who have met their requirements of conduct and training in their specialty.
  • Does the doctor have experience? No matter what type of plastic surgery you’re interested in getting, you’ll want to find out how much experience the doctor has conducting the specific procedure. Don’t be afraid to ask for specifics, or even the doctor’s CV, during your consultation.
  • What is the doctor’s reputation in the medical community? It’s important to do your homework when shopping around for a plastic surgeon that you can trust. Visit websites such as Healthgrades, Vitals, and RateMDs to see what others have to say about their experience with the doctor(s) you’re considering.

Dr. Fishman is board certified and conducts his procedures at Beaumont Hospitals, and Providence-Providence Park Hospital. View Dr. Fishman’s biography to learn more about their training and credentials.

Remember, sometimes even the simplest procedures can bring surprising rewards. We promise to transform your hopes into reality with excellence. To learn more about the plastic surgery services available at our office, give us a call today at (248) 643-7374.