- Headaches
- ArthritisWith silicone gel or saline breast implants, microscopic silicone molecules can still enter a patient’s body, just as liquid silicone does in the patient who has an injection with a needle lubricated with liquid silicone. No scientific study to date has provided credible evidence that silicone has any cause-and-effect relationship with autoimmune diseases or conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, or so-called “human adjuvant illnesses.” With these studies in mind, silicone gel breast implants were FDA-approved in November 2006 for elective first-time cosmetic breast enlargement in women over the age of 22. Use of silicone gel implants in women under age 22 is considered “off-label” use and is perfectly legal. We support the right of properly-informed women between the ages of 18 and 22 to consent to and request the implants of their choice, including silicone gel implants.
- Medical Weight LossSome women who choose breast enlargement do so to restore breast volume lost as a result of pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging. Others request this outpatient operation to improve symmetry in breasts that have never matched in size, and many women simply seek the improvement in self-image or clothing fit that fuller breast size gives them.
- Pediatric CareDermatology training after medical school may include a first year of transitional (flexible) program, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Surgery, Emergency Medicine or Family Medicine, followed by 3 years of Dermatology residency. This shows that Dermatologists’ true surgical experience is correspondingly variable and usually quite limited. Many Dermatology programs now include “Dermatologic Surgery” in their training descriptions and certificates, but the actual amount of true surgical training that Dermatologists receive is extremely variable, usually quite minimal, and almost always from other Dermatologists, not surgery or plastic surgery professors. Also, learning mole removal or treatment of skin cancer is a minuscule slice of complete surgical or plastic surgical training. That being said, some ABMS-Board-certified Dermatologists may receive some training in cosmetic surgical procedures (often in weekend courses or at yearly meetings) and may perform a few select procedures reasonably well. But they have not completed a surgical residency or fellowship in ANY surgical discipline, or else they would be eligible for board certification by the ABMS Board that regulates the specific surgical specialty.
- Primary CareYou will need to see your primary care physician for a preoperative physical within the 14 day period prior to your scheduled breast enlargement surgery at our AAAASF-accredited surgery facility, just as you would at a hospital. This is necessary to ensure you are in good medical condition for an anesthetic and operation. All surgeries and types of anesthesia have some risk, and every effort is made to reduce risk. A preoperative physical is an essential part of this process, just as a pilot’s checklist is before takeoff.
- Family PracticeAll of these options, including third-generation dual-wavelength (Erbium:YAG/CO2) laser resurfacing–available in very few places throughout the country–so we can offer the treatment or technology that is best for each patient’s specific skin condition. Some medi-spas or physician offices where surgical procedures are not available or severely limited (Dermatology or Family Practice offices, for example) offer or encourage certain procedures or treatments designed to utilize the laser or technology they own or “just purchased.” This “I’ve got a new hammer, so everything must be a nail” approach tends to give you less-ideal results than may have been possible with the best surgery, skin peel, or laser procedure optimized for your specific needs. At Minneapolis Plastic Surgery and Minneapolis Anti-Aging and Skin Clinic, formerly Carillon Clinic, we own 7 lasers and 2 IPL (BBL) machines, so we can use what’s best, not “what we have” or the promotional procedure du jour! Your individualized treatment will focus on removing unwanted elements from your skin and emphasizing what you like, ensuring you leave our office with renewed confidence and often major improvement in your skin that cannot be obtained elsewhere. (text continues below photos)
- ElectrocardiogramMinneapolis Plastic Surgery, Ltd. has continuously employed the same certified registered nurse anesthesia (CRNA) provider group since 1991. Our team of CRNAs are the best of the best, and we use state-of-the-art techniques and the most effective (not the least expensive) anesthetic medicines for your surgery, as well as complete continuous monitoring of blood pressure, EKG, pulse, temperature, oxygen in your bloodstream, exhaled CO2, and fluids during surgery and your recovery. Our CRNAs, recovery room RNs, and plastic surgeons are all ACLS-certified (advanced cardiac life support) as part of our surgical facility’s AAAASF accreditation process.
- Ophthalmology
- CataractsOur 9000 sq.ft. Minneapolis, Minnesota clinical and administrative space includes a comprehensive outpatient surgical center incorporated within our main office. Our QUAD A-accredited facility includes three fully-equipped operating rooms along with individual pre-operative and recovery areas to ensure maximum patient safety, comfort, and confidentiality before and after outpatient cosmetic surgery. MPS offers complete anesthesia care for local, IV sedation, and general anesthesia cases, all performed as outpatient procedures, without the exposure to sick patients or nasty bacteria at a hospital. And unlike hospitals or hospital-affiliated surgicenters where surgeons of various specialties perform all sorts of procedures from colonoscopies to orthopedic surgery, or cataracts to hemorrhoidectomies, our surgical facility and entire surgical staff specialize only in state-of-the-art aesthetic (cosmetic) plastic surgery—our care is focused exclusively on the best cosmetic surgery practices, equipment, and patient care, confidentiality, and safety.
- Gynecology
- Obstetrics
- Pregnancy
- Labor and DeliverySpider veins are clusters of small red, blue, or purple veins that can develop on women’s thighs, calves, or ankles. Men can have spider veins as well, but they are more common in women, particularly after childbirth, weight gain, or leg injury. Larger dilated veins with damaged valves are called varicose veins, and these are treated with surgery (vein stripping, endovenous laser, or other techniques) rather than sclerotherapy, which is the injection treatment of (smaller) spider veins.
- Internal MedicineIt may surprise you that every doctor’s state license reads the same: they all allow the doctor to practice “Medicine and Surgery.” State medical licenses do NOT regulate residency training. The individual doctor’s practice in a chosen specialty is based on residency and fellowship training, meeting the criteria for Board certification in that specific specialty, and then (if they practice in a hospital or clinic) credentials committees and peer review that permit practice in that specialty. Practice in each specialty includes detailed lists of permitted procedures; for instance, a MD who is fully trained and Board Certified in Internal Medicine is not allowed to perform surgical procedures, and would be severely disciplined and perhaps dismissed from the hospital staff if he or she did so. From a state license point of view, however, it is legal for any physician to perform any procedure or prescribe any medication (though it may well be unethical or improper to do so outside one’s training or expertise).
- Urology
- Neurology
- Mental HealthThis notice will tell you about the ways in which MPS may use and disclose medical information about you. Your medical information, also referred to as “protected health information” is that information about you, including demographic information, that may identify you and that relates to your past, present or future physical or mental health information and related health care services.
- PsychiatryHowever, in today’s world, there are very few “general practitioners” who provide medical care without additional residency training in one of 24 core areas. Most doctors apply for, and if accepted, complete a residency training program of at least 2 or more additional years after internship, in their choice of medical specialty: Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Surgery, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, or Radiology, to name a few. Additional sub-specialty training (often called a Fellowship) may be necessary to become Board-certified in Neurosurgery, Thoracic Surgery, or Plastic Surgery. There are 24 physician specialties that make up the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), including all of those listed above. A total of 10 surgical specialties or sub-specialties, and 14 medical specialties or sub-specialties, make up these 24 areas of training and expertise within the ABMS.
- UltrasoundIt may seem impossible to lose weight in certain areas of the body on your own. Liposuction is a safe procedure that involves the removal of localized excess or diet-resistant fat deposits through tiny incisions using specialized surgical equipment, including small-cannula liposculpture, ultrasonic (Vaser) liposuction or LipoSelect, and even non-surgical external ultrasound or RF (radio frequency) Exilis treatments. For surgical liposuction or liposculpture we generally utilize tumescent liposuction, which involves the use of tumescent fluid (electrolyte solution containing minute amounts of adrenaline for vasoconstriction) injected into the fatty tissues to enhance smoothness of fat removal, reduction of bleeding or bruising, and to provide an interface when ultrasonic liposuction (Vaser or LipoSelect) instrumentation is utilized. Tumescent fluid also contains very low concentrations of local anesthetic, and this may help to reduce post-operative discomfort. Depending on the severity of the localized fat excess and the techniques chosen for optimum results, patients can generally resume normal activities after just several days and more strenuous activities in several weeks. As healing progresses and swelling diminishes, the results can be exceptional. These procedures can be performed on the arms, tummy, buttocks, thighs, lower legs, face, and neck. ( click for more information about liposuction options )
- MRIAs part of the 2006 FDA re-approval of silicone gel breast implants, each company has an informed consent booklet that you will be asked to read (and sign) prior to breast enhancement surgery. The FDA has made a controversial recommendation that patients with silicone gel breast implants undergo a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging, a non-X-ray study similar to a CAT scan) every two to three years to evaluate their implants (for leakage or rupture). Studies have shown that MRI evaluation of silicone implants has 79 percent effectiveness in detecting implant rupture or “leak.” Thus, if you have no identifiable problem or concern with your implants and choose to follow this recommendation, you will require an unnecessary re-operation (for entirely normal non-ruptured implants) 21 percent of the time! The FDA makes this recommendation because physician examination has been shown to be unreliable in detecting silicone implant rupture.
- Radiology
- X-Rays
- Nuclear Medicine
- MammographyPrior to the FDA restrictions of 1991-1992, numerous companies produced breast implants with different designs, surfaces, and filler materials, including polyurethane-coated silicone gel implants, silicone-saline double-lumen implants (the Becker implant), and PVP hydrogel filled implants designed to pass mammography X-rays and have a feel more like silicone than saline (the Bioplasty Misti-Gold implant). After the FDA restrictions, these implant options and companies were lost to USA patients, though some of these companies and options remain available in other countries.
- ChemotherapyBreast implants were developed and utilized for more than a decade before the FDA began regulating medical devices in 1976; the safe and effective use of silicone in these and other medical products such as pacemaker insulation, lubrication for insulin needles, chemotherapy tubing, and artificial joints was well-established before the FDA could evaluate all of them. Because silicone breast implants and many other silicone medical devices were already in use prior to 1976, the ongoing use of these products was “grandfathered” by the FDA without formal evaluation and approval. None of these other silicone medical devices has been restricted or made unavailable to patients, but lack of formal FDA evaluation and approval of breast implants came into public awareness in the early 1990s.
- General SurgeryLikewise, the abdominal wall after pregnancy undergoes stretching between the rectus (“6-pack”) muscles, and while these muscles can be exercised to “abs of steel,” the stretched fascia surrounding these muscles cannot be tightened via exercise, and requires surgical tightening in most cases. Umbilical hernias or other hernias can usually be repaired at the same tummy tuck operation, since both Dr. Richard H. Tholen and Dr. Douglas L. Gervais completed full General Surgery residencies before their subsequent plastic surgery fellowships. Both were certified by the American Board of Surgery, and maintain active certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- Ear SurgeryBOTOX® Cosmetic, Juvéderm®, Juvéderm Ultra®, Juvéderm Ultra Plus®, Restylane®, Perlane®, Sculptra®, Radiesse®, and Voluma™ are non-surgical injectable treatments that take just minutes to perform, require no surgery or downtime, and can eliminate unwanted lines and wrinkles, or provide volume enhancement of prejowl, cheeks, or other areas of the face. Other facial surgical procedures that can enhance one’s appearance include: neck lift surgery, chin implants, cheek implants, fat grafts, ear surgery (otoplasty), and transgender ( facial feminization ) procedures. (for more detailed information on each of these options, click on the links above)
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- OtolaryngologyENT doctors may become Board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, and may subspecialize by completing additional training in Neurotology, Pediatric Otolaryngology, Sleep Medicine, or Plastic Surgery Within the Head and Neck. The latter training is less than half of the full Plastic Surgery subspecialty training program of at least 3 years, but does allow these ENT physicians to receive certification of Plastic Surgery Within the Head and Neck. They often designate themselves as Facial Plastic Surgeons, but there are those less ethical among these doctors who omit the “Facial” in their descriptor, especially at dinner parties where their claim of being a “Plastic Surgeon” sometimes leads them to consider taking on breast augmentation, liposuction, or tummy tuck procedures (although they have no training or experience in these procedures). ENT is a recognized pathway to plastic surgical fellowship training, but this takes 3 additional years after ENT training. However, these physicians then become fully-trained plastic surgeons and are eligible for certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The 1-2 years of additional plastic surgical sub-specialty training is a huge differentiation between “Facial plastic surgeons” and fully-trained “Plastic Surgeons.”
- Reconstructive SurgeryDr. Singh has authored numerous publications on a variety of topics and presented on topics pertaining to aesthetic and reconstructive surgery at national conferences. He is an active member of several prestigious professional organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). He is constantly looking for innovative ideas and techniques through national and international meetings.
- BotoxBOTOX® injection is a straightforward and safe office procedure that takes approximately 10 minutes. BOTOX® injections target specific muscles responsible for causing frown lines and “crow’s feet” wrinkles, relaxing and diminishing them for several months at a time. Once the muscles are at rest, the skin wrinkles become smoother and less visible. Common areas of treatment are frown or “worry” lines between the eyebrows (also called the1’s, 11’s, or 111’s), crow’s feet, and forehead lines. BOTOX® treatments take effect in several days and last two to six months. Side effects are very unlikely, but are possible. The most common side effect is bruising, but even that is rare, and can be minimized by avoiding aspirin or ibuprofen for 2 weeks prior to receiving BOTOX; when bruises from the injections occur, they are usually tiny and can be concealed by most makeup.
- Brow LiftAfter surgery, patients will receive instructions from their plastic surgeon that should be carefully followed for the best cosmetic result. It is important to keep the head elevated to reduce swelling and speed healing. One or two days after brow lift surgery, your bandages can be removed, but it is likely that there will still be some numbness and light swelling. Most patients can return to (non-strenuous) work seven to 10 days after surgery; however, it is important to keep in mind that every patient’s recovery is unique.
- Eyelid SurgeryEyelid surgery under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation (“twilight anesthesia”), or general anesthesia require the care and monitoring of our talented CRNA anesthesia staff, so costs are similar for both anesthesia options. It has been our experience that “twilight anesthesia” is typically offered and touted as “superior” than general anesthesia by those surgeons and practices that do not have the capability to offer all anesthesia options, including experience with TIVA (Total IV Anesthesia). With TIVA, which we utilize in virtually all general anesthesia cases at Minneapolis Plastic Surgery, LTD., patients wake up just as rapidly, easily, and without nausea and vomiting as twilight anesthesia, but without the potential for inadvertent “waking-up” or half-asleep twitching or movement that can occur during sedation (twilight) anesthesia. TIVA provides complete avoidance of any movement (important when operating so close to the eyes), and also avoids the longer wake-up and even higher rates of post-op nausea and vomiting (PONV) frequently associated with “regular” inhalation general anesthesia.
- Liposuction• Keep any bandages, dressings, or compression garments on and intact until you see your doctor. DO NOT REMOVE liposuction garments or nasal splints for any reason!
- Breast AugmentationBreast augmentation (also known as breast enlargement with implants, augmentation mammoplasty, or the more colloquial “boob job”) is recommended for women who want larger breasts. The patient determines what she considers to be her “ideal” or goal breast appearance and one of our plastic surgeons will place either saline or silicone breast implants in the chest area. Breasts of different sizes can be made more symmetrical. The procedure is safe and results are beautiful and natural-looking. Dr. Gervais and Dr. Tholen are among the busiest breast augmentation surgeons in the upper midwest. ( click for more detailed information about breast augmentation )
- Breast ReductionWomen with very large, heavy, and sagging breasts can have significant neck, back, and shoulder pain, as well as other symptoms. Such patients find that breast reduction surgery at our Minneapolis, Minnesota practice greatly benefits their lives. Breast reduction patients not only experience relief from their symptoms, but also gain the ability to exercise more freely, wear better-fitting clothes, and enjoy an improved self-image. Of all the surgeries that plastic surgeons perform, breast reduction ranks among the highest in patient satisfaction.
- Breast LiftSome women with more severe loss of breast volume, causing sagging or nipple position below the inframammary crease or pointing downward, may require one of several breast lifting operations (with or without implants). Examination and measurements will immediately tell us if breast lift surgery is necessary, or if excellent results can be obtained with implants alone. Implants do not lift breasts, but in some “borderline” cases can fill out the deflated skin brassiere and provide good results without the additional scars and cost of breast lift surgery.
- RhinoplastyWhen you’re not ready for surgical rhinoplasty, but wish to change certain aspects of your nose’s appearance, the use of the newest injectable fillers can provide a quick, no-downtime answer that can last up to a year or more. Injectable fillers can help raise the bridge of the nose, reducing the severity of a nasal hump, smooth out asymmetries from trauma or birth, raise or refine the nasal tip, or improve acne or other scars on the nose.
- Breast ReconstructionThe modern era in breast enhancement began with the development and surgical implantation of silicone gel breast implants in a woman in 1963. In the 30 years that followed, plastic surgeons worldwide used silicone-gel-filled breast implants for both breast reconstruction and elective breast enlargement in well over one million women. Saline-filled breast implants were also used during this time, but in only about 15 percent of all patients undergoing breast augmentation.
- Plastic SurgeryWhether you live in the Minneapolis / St. Paul metropolitan area, elsewhere in Minnesota or adjacent states, or in more distant areas throughout the country, obtaining information about plastic surgery, individual cosmetic concerns, your prospective plastic surgeon, his staff, and details about his training, American Board of Plastic Surgery-certification, experience, and practice is essential before choosing your plastic surgeon.
- Thigh LiftFor some inner thigh lift patients, incisions can be hidden at the top of the inner thigh in the groin crease, making the scars from this surgery very discreet. Larger amounts of loose skin may require the addition of vertical scars along the inside of the upper legs.
- Face LiftWhen choosing a plastic surgeon to operate on your face, it is important to keep in mind that a precise and technically advanced operation that provides a natural “not-too-tight” look is usually best. No one wants a tightly-pulled, “wind tunnel,” or unnatural-looking face with unsightly visible scars and distorted anatomy. Some potential face lift patients are fearful of general anesthesia. Coincidentally, this is what attracts some patients to the idea that a “lunchtime,” mini-lift, “Threadlift,” or “Lifestyle Lift” might give good results with local anesthesia, less downtime, bruising, or cost. (As you might guess, this typically falls in the “too-good-to-be-true” category. It should also be noted that as of March 2015, Lifestyle Lift, a national chain of face lift centers, was closing its doors and filing for bankruptcy.)
- Neck LiftA small incision under the chin allows the fat in this area to be removed and the underlying neck muscles to be tightened and smoothed, rejuvenating one of the most important areas to be addressed in the face lift/neck lift patient. Every face lift patient will have his or her neck area treated at the same time as face lift; in some patients this is the main area of concern. Isolated neck lift (Platysmaplasty), or lower facelift procedures can be performed in selected patients as appropriate.
- BlepharoplastyLoose skin and hooding of the upper eyelid areas may be correctable via upper eyelid blepharoplasty alone, or may require brow lift (or both). If the brows are at or below the upper orbital rim (the bony edge of the skull), what appears to be upper eyelid skin excess may actually be brow ptosis (droop) causing this appearance, or a combination of true upper eyelid skin excess and brow ptosis. Performing upper lid blepharoplasty alone in the setting of brow ptosis may sculpt or refine the upper eyelid areas, but will pull the brows even lower, making an angry, tired, pensive, or brooding appearance even worse.
- AbdominoplastyMany women who have had children have stretched abdominal wall muscles (diastasis recti), loose skin, unsightly stretch marks, as well as changes in their breasts after pregnancy and breast feeding. Despite working hard after delivery to restore their bodies to pre-pregnancy condition, some women are unable to achieve their goals. Plus, they find that one cannot “exercise” loose skin, and that any lost skin tone, laxity, or stretch marks remain in their abdomen even after the “baby weight” comes off. Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is the only way to remove the loose skin, stretch marks, and flatten that protruding “mommy pouch” via muscle repair!
- Nose SurgeryRhinoplasty, or nose surgery, can alter the size, shape, and overall appearance of one’s nose. This cosmetic procedure is designed to give patients a nose that fits with their overall facial structure for more harmonious features. Improvement in breathing can also be achieved in addition to changing nasal appearance. Experience in rhinoplasty is critical to the best results; our American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified plastic surgeons have over 55 years of combined experience. ( click for more detailed information about rhinoplasty )
- Body LiftOther terms for lower body lift can include circumferential lower body lift, beltlift, torsoplasty, dermolipectomy, or other names. Regardless of the terminology, lower body lift surgery is recommended for patients who have lost massive amounts of weight and have excess loose, sagging skin of the abdomen, hips, lateral thighs, and buttocks extending around the entire circumference of the lower body. No matter how toned and fit the underlying muscles may be, the skin, once stretched out, often does not go back to its original position and elasticity. Besides looking bad, loose skin can also be uncomfortable, and troubled by rash, maceration, and odor. Lower body lift surgery provides a major final improvement for patients who have lost the weight, and now want to tighten the skin on the lower part of the body. ( click for more information about lower body lift )
- Breast SurgeryCombining breast surgery (whichever variety) with tummy tuck is the only one-step answer that deals with both the stretched belly tissues AND the post-pregnancy breast changes! This single “two in one” operation is often called a “Mommy Makeover.”
- OtoplastyEars that are enlarged, protruding, or deformed can be the target of relentless teasing, both in childhood and adulthood. Some children can withstand the teasing, but many others develop a self-consciousness or loss of self-esteem that can follow them for life. Otoplasty (“ear pinning”) is a procedure performed on both children (age 4 and up in most cases) and adults that can reduce the abnormal protrusion, minimize certain parts of the ears, and otherwise correct the appearance of many ear abnormalities. The results of this surgery are extremely natural-looking and the scars are usually concealed on the backside of the ear; it is highly unlikely that anyone would ever suspect that the ears had been operated on.
- Scar RevisionSurface skin cut or surgical incision, despite any surgeon’s skill, best efforts, and technique, some patients will heal with a thick, wide, or ugly scar. Mild to moderately thickened or raised scars are termed hypertrophic; the thickest and most raised skin scars are called keloids. This unsatisfactory scarring is based on a individual patient’s genetics of healing, occurs rarely, and is slightly more common in patients with darker skin. Vitamin E massage, scar pads, steroid tape or injections, or even scar revision plus any or all of the above can be used to reduce visible surface scars. Radiation treatments have even been used for the most severe surface scars, known as keloids. Fortunately, these are uncommon.
- Body ContouringThe amount of recovery time necessary for the patient to fully heal after body contouring surgery depends on the extent of treatment that he or she undergoes. A patient who only needs skin removed from the flanks, for example, may recover more rapidly than a patient who has excess tissue removed from several areas, or has deeper tissue tightening. Depending on the number of surgical sites, as well as the amount of tissue removed, some patients may return to work as soon as a few days or week after surgery; others may take several weeks to return to full activity. Scars mature and fade over 6-12 months, and “final” outcome is not completely visible until that same time period has elapsed. The results are worthwhile, however—most patients are thrilled with their new bodies.
- Laser ResurfacingFacial laser resurfacing is performed at MPS by our plastic surgeons, and can be an aggressive dual-wavelength, general anesthetic, skin, wrinkle, and acne scar rejuvenation via our third-generation dual-wavelength (CO2/Erbium:YAG) Derma-K™ laser. More mild and less-dramatic improvements in fine lines, sunspots, and superficial skin damage can be obtained without general anesthesia and less downtime via Minneapolis Anti-Aging and Skin Clinic’s (formerly Carillon Clinic) Erbium:YAG laser. For more information click on this link to laser resurfacing in the Skin Procedures section.
- GynecomastiaGynecomastia is the medical term for male breast enlargement. This condition is not uncommon, affecting as many as 40 percent of young men as they enter puberty. In most cases the breast enlargement resolves on its own, but in some cases it persists, and may be worse if a man is overweight. Gynecomastia may affect only one or both of the breasts, and can be mild or severe. The majority of cases have no known cause, while others may be related to the use of drugs or medical conditions. Use of marijuana or anabolic steroids can also cause gynecomastia. Gynecomastia can consist of predominantly firm glandular breast tissue, softer fatty tissue, or a combination of both. For men who feel self-conscious about their over-sized breasts, gynecomastia surgery can help restore confidence and a more masculine chest contour.
- Moles
- Cosmetic SurgeryElective Cosmetic Surgery … Once you have reached the point that you are now ready to decide who will operate on your face or body, it is indeed a “big deal!” Unfortunately, some people choose their electrician, plumber, hairdresser, and even auto mechanic with more care and research than they use in choosing a surgeon. You may ask the opinion of friends you trust, of acquaintances who have similar needs (or experience with a certain provider), a caring family physician, or on the basis of an advertisement that draws you to a certain website. Then, during a consultation where the patient finds out the doctor does indeed perform the requested operation(s), the doctor or his/her staff inform you the doctor is “Board Certified.”
- DermabrasionOver the past two decades, laser resurfacing has become the most precise and effective technology available for treatment of facial lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and other surface skin damage. Dermabrasion and chemical peeling can also treat fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation irregularities, but have some limitations that make them appropriate only in select circumstances.
- Bariatric SurgeryPatients who have lost a significant amount of weight, either from bariatric surgery, diet and exercise, or post-pregnancy, may have an abundance of loose, sagging skin in various areas of the body. Site-specific plastic surgical procedures can tighten and contour underlying muscle and fascia as well as remove excess skin and fat. These operations, many of which can be performed together, also remove skin folds that can cause rashes, irritation, maceration, odor, and ill-fitting clothes. Areas of concern may include the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, chest, arms, flanks, or breasts. These procedures can yield smoother body contours and a more fit, slimmed-down appearance. ( click for more information about body contouring after massive weight loss )
- Chin AugmentationA balanced jawline with a well-defined chin lends an air of authority to the male face, while creating a more harmonious and beautiful facial proportion in women. In some patients, both male and female, bite imbalance and teeth misalignment require orthodontic care or even jaw surgery. But in many individuals whose teeth match up properly and are not candidates for (or have already had) orthodontia or jaw surgery, chin implants provide a permanent and normal-feeling chin augmentation. Small solid silicone implants have been developed specifically for implantation in the chin area, and are designed to fit securely to the bone beneath the facial tissues. The implant does not move, blends into the normal tissues invisibly, and feels just like the normal chin. Though the chin may not seem to be a significant contributor to facial beauty and harmony, it is actually quite important. That is why chin implants are most commonly done in conjunction with other facial surgery such as facelift, necklift, or rhinoplasty.
- Forehead LiftThese patients will benefit most from a brow lift (or forehead lift), which can raise the brows to their proper position just above the bony rim (for women) or just at the bony rim (in men), giving a more awake or refreshed look. The incision is hidden in the hair (which is not shaved or clipped), making the scar totally invisible, even as it heals. An alternative incision for men (or women who have a higher hairline) is made near the scalp-forehead hairline, raising the brows as anticipated, but also lowering the anterior hairline! Though this incision is visible initially, beveling the incision, making the incision wavy rather than a straight line, and performing meticulous two-layer closure allows this scar to have hair grow through it, making it progressively less visible as it heals and matures. Even bald males undergoing forehead lift (brow lift) via this incision usually find the scar scarcely visible when healed and matured.
- Skin CancerIt may also surprise you that Cosmetic Surgery is NOT one of the 24 ABMS Boards. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), which has approved medical specialty boards since 1934. There is no ABMS recognized certifying board with “cosmetic surgery” in its name. Doctors of various specialties perform cosmetic operations. For instance, an ABMS-Board-certified Ophthalmologist may appropriately perform cosmetic eyelid surgery, particularly if they have taken additional fellowship training in Oculoplastic Surgery. An ABMS-Board-certified (General) Surgeon may appropriately perform tumor or skin cancer removal, but does not have the specific training to perform more complex reconstructive surgery. An ABMS-Board-certified Otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) might appropriately perform cosmetic rhinoplasty or facial surgery, but has not received the complete and appropriate training to perform breast implants, liposuction, or abdominal surgery.
- DermatologyCarillon is now renamed Minneapolis Anti-Aging and Skin Clinic (MAASC), and as of 2022, proud to be partnered with Forefront Dermatology. MAASC offers physician-directed bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and other anti-aging technologies via Sara Sorensen, NP (Nurse Practitioner), and Britney Gorman, PA, (Physician’s Assistant).
- Acne Treatment
- Cyst
- FrostbiteYou should not blow your nose (at all, even “gently”) for three weeks after surgery to avoid serious infection or damage to your cosmetic result; saline nasal mist and gentle sniffling is allowed. If septal surgery is necessary, internal splints (not visible from the outside) may be left in place longer. After the external splint and tapes are removed, you will see your results, though further refinement will occur as healing progresses and swelling diminishes. The nasal skin will be numb for weeks to months after rhinoplasty surgery; it is important to avoid sunburn or frostbite during this period as protective sensation is absent. The final results may take 6-12 months to be seen.
- Chemical PeelsThink of your skin as hardwood flooring in your house: over time the outer layer becomes dirty and damaged, stained and worn. But it’s only the outer layers that absorbs—and shows—all of that damage. Underneath, it’s still brand new. The only thing that floor needs need is a good refinishing to make it shine like new again. Of course, your skin isn’t quite the same thing as a floor, and sometimes that damage is located at different depths. The location and nature of that damage will likely determine the type of chemical peel that’s the best fit for you.
- Rashes
- Skin CareWe spend most of our lives hearing about the power of diet and exercise, how they have the ability to reshape your life in the most profound ways and about how they’re they key to longevity. Of course, that’s completely right. But there are limits to the power that these traditional methods have in terms of shaping your body. Diet and exercise can make you feel great, but sometimes it’s simply an inefficient way to target small and stubborn pockets of fat—and unless you’re building major muscle, it doesn’t do much good for loose skin. Exilis®, one of the most exciting new technologies offered by Minneapolis Anti-Aging and Skin Care Clinic, offers a nonsurgical way to tighten skin, reduce fat, and help you achieve the slimmer, more toned look you’re after.
- MicrodermabrasionHydraFacial technology utilizes moisturizing and rejuvenating aqueous solutions instead of drying granules (used in old Microdermabrasion techniques, and akin to exfoliating) to remove dead skin cells and pore-deep impurities, while simultaneously stimulating healing and improving skin clarity and tone. This procedure does not require “down-time” and patients do not experience discomfort of any kind. You’ll be back to your daily activities almost immediately.
- Shoulder Pain
- AllergiesThese fillers are injected by our doctors and do not involve surgery, so there is no need to wait for healing to occur, and the contour improvements are immediate, though not permanent. They are long-lasting, however, and many patients enjoy their results for many months. The most popular fillers are the HA (hyaluronic acid) fillers JUVÉDERM® Ultra, and JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus, or their lidocaine-containing counterparts JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC and JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus XC; the benefits last 6-12 months. Hyaluronic acids occur naturally in our bodies, and HA fillers are the same substance in a clear injectable gel that requires no allergy testing and has few side effects. Restylane® and Perlane® are HA products made by another manufacturer, and are otherwise nearly identical to the Juvederm® HA products.