Nicknamed the “Vampire Facelift,” the FDA-approved procedure Selphyl is designed to minimize facial wrinkling without surgery using a patient’s own blood. After Selphyl physicians draw blood from the arm, they use a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the red blood cells, mix the platelets with a fibrin mixture, and inject the mixture into the wrinkled facial areas. The platelet mixture stimulates collagen growth and attracts stem cells to the target area, which then become new skin cells. The resulting skin should become smoother and appear less wrinkled within a few weeks.

Results can be comparable to injectable fillers, but what sets it apart from other facial injection treatments is the extraction and injection of a patient’s own blood. The blood drawing process can make some patients feel a bit uneasy, but many feel it is worth the effort since the procedure is much less invasive than facial plastic surgery. Some patients are also attracted to the natural aspect; since the blood comes from a patient’s body, there’s no worry about allergic reactions or other concerns related to animal or synthetic injectable materials.

Although many have reported positive results after Selphyl, calling it a “facelift” is a bit misleading. One word of caution: If you are scheduling your Vampire Facelift hoping to see dramatic results comparable to those of a surgical facelift, you may face disappointment. If you’re looking for long-term wrinkle reduction, Selphyl results typically only last around15 months and will need to be performed regularly.

Some physicians feel the nickname is a bit of a turn-off for potential patients, and many cosmetic surgeons are hesitant to offer a new treatment that hasn’t been around long enough to have a stable safety record. Another downside is the cost, which can set patients back as much as $1,500 per injection. For a more cost-effective, proven nonsurgical wrinkle reduction alternative, keep in mind that facial fillers like Juvederm®, Fat Transfer, Radiesse®, and Sculptra™ can give you results that last 6 months to a year or more.

Dr. Robert Aycock can perform a thorough skin evaluation and discuss a wide variety of anti-aging options to help you choose the best course of action. If you’d like to schedule a facial consultation, please contact Dr. Aycock at (925) 937-8377.

Over time, sun exposure, environment, and aging can combine to cause physical changes in the facial area. While some men and women age gracefully and enjoy a more dignified or wise appearance, most of us are not too happy with the differences that occur. Radiesse^® dermal filler, also nicknamed the “nonsurgical face lift,” is a wonderful option for people who wish to restore a youthful glow.

What Is Radiesse?

Radiesse is a patented gel made up of biocompatible calcium microspheres and water. Radiesse, when performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, can be highly effective at minimizing the signs of aging, without the surgical invasiveness or healing time required with the facelift procedure.

How Does Radiesse Fight Signs of Aging?

Radiesse wrinkle filler works by restoring volume that has been depleted during the aging process. The special formula actually stimulates collagen growth (called collagenesis). As the new collagen is created, tissue becomes more supple, youthful, and wrinkle-resistant. The results can last significantly longer than other wrinkle fillers — up to one year or longer!

What Are the Benefits of Radiesse?

· Radiesse can be used to enhance contours in all areas of the face.

· Radiesse is minimally invasive with no surgery needed.

· There is no risk of scarring with Radiesse.

· The body’s own collagen is produced after Radiesse treatment.

· Wrinkle correction begins immediately.

· Treatment is painless and quick, and there is no downtime.

· After injection, Radiesse continues to build volume over time.

· Radiesse is FDA-approved and has undergone numerous clinical trials.

Another Safe Anti-Aging Solution

Hydrelle™ is a new dermal filler that uses hyaluronic acid to fill in lines and wrinkles. Because the formula also includes lidocaine anesthetic, these injections involve less discomfort. Patients also enjoy a smaller dosage of filler than typical with other brands. Dr. Robert Aycock is currently the only provider in the North Bay to offer Hydrelle.

If you are searching for a nonsurgical solution to combat the signs of aging, learn more about Radiesse and Hydrelle. You may even qualify for patient financing. Please contact Dr. Aycock today for a personal anti-aging consultation.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

As time goes by, your skin continues to battle the elements in the fight to stay healthy. The delicate skin of the face, neck, chest and hands may be prone to sun damage, blemishes, wrinkling, sagging or uneven pigmentation. The skin of the body, especially the stomach, thighs and hips, often loses elasticity and shape due to weight fluctuations, pregnancy and the aging process.

Thankfully, there are a variety of nonsurgical procedures available to help you maintain attractive, healthy, radiant skin. Advancements in plastic surgery have allowed doctors to offer a wide variety of noninvasive skin refinement and rejuvenation options. Here is a brief description of the choices available today from California plastic surgeons:

Chemical peels – A safe chemical solution is used to remove damaged skin cells, encouraging the growth of new skin cells. Types of peels include the MicroPeel, Obagi Peel, Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, and Liquid Nitrogen Peel.

Intraceutical Oxygen Treatment – This treatment infuses moisture, vitamins and antioxidants into dehydrated, tired or angry skin with calming topical hyperbaric oxygen.

Glycolic Facial – Uses intense exfoliation to produce a youthful glow and refreshed facial appearance.

Deep Pore Acne Facial – This facial is used to control over-active oil glands for a more even tone and clearer skin.

Vitamin C Facial – This antioxidant facial promotes skin repair and provides protection from the elements.

Microdermabrasion – This short procedure is highly effective for the treatment of sun damaged skin and age spots.

There are also a variety of noninvasive medspa services to help you fight the signs of aging:

• Botox®
• Juvederm™
• Radiesse®
• Restylane®
• Sculptra™
• Perlane®
• Fat Transfer

Laser treatments such as:

• Fractional Skin Resurfacing
• Microlaser Peel
• Broad Band Light for red, brown spots, fine wrinkles, and skin tightening
• Laser Hair Removal
• VelaShape for body contouring
• Laser Skin Resurfacing

Learn more about how easy it is to get great results with nonsurgical body recontouring and facial rejuvenation. Please contact San Francisco plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Aycock for your confidential consultation and view the practice’s before and after photos to see how incredible the results can be.

 —Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

If you are searching for a noninvasive, nonsurgical way to improve the look and feel of your facial skin, a chemical peel may be the perfect solution. It’s an easy, painless treatment with no downtime that uses the gentle removal of skin’s top weathered layer to unveil the younger, more supple layer of skin below. Here’s a brief description of how it works:

• During your chemical peel consultation, you and your doctor will choose the peel formula and depth that is right for you (light, medium or deep). Peel solutions may consist of alpha hydroxy, glycolic, lactic, tricholoroacetic, or fruit acids.

• Your plastic surgeon will apply a safe chemical solution to areas of the face, chest and hands that are affected by wrinkling, uneven pigmentation, sun damage, blemishes and other imperfections. No anesthesia is necessary.

• You’ll feel a mild tingling sensation, and then the chemical solution is gently removed.

• Skin feels softer, imperfections are diminished, and skin looks and feels rejuvenated and radiant.

• You can return to your activities immediately, but avoiding sun exposure for a period of time is recommended.

• Peels may be repeated for more dramatic results.

If you are ready to do something about the look of aging skin, the ultimate exfoliation treatment is effective and affordable. Choose from innovative solutions like the Pumpkin Enzyme Peel for discoloration and age spots, the Ultra Peel, recommended for dehydrated skin, the Obagi Peel for intense sun damage, acne and age spots, or the Liquid Nitrogen Peel, popular for skin tags, age spots and seborrheic keratosis.

Learn more about how chemical peels can help you look and feel years younger without surgery. Please contact San Francisco plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Aycock for your free facial rejuvenation consultation.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

The holidays can be a hectic time, and seasonal stress can take its toll on your facial appearance. Innovative cosmetic treatments can help you tackle the holidays with confidence and a renewed sense of self.  In today’s world of advanced cosmetic facial rejuvenation, there are a variety of safe and effective procedures designed to help you refresh and renew your look.

Fine lines, forehead creases, loss of skin elasticity, bags under the eyes … cosmetic facial rejuvenation allows you to minimize these and other signs of aging, sun damage, and environmental effects. Depending on your goals and the current condition of your skin, you may benefit from a single treatment or a personalized treatment plan that combines procedures for dramatic results.

If you are looking for a more permanent solution, consider these surgical facial enhancement options:

• Facelift
• Mid facelift
• Neck lift
• Brow lift
• Eyelid lift
• Lip augmentation
• Cheek or chin implants

For a less invasive solution, you may want to look into the following treatments:

• Botox^®
• Laser resurfacing
• Juvederm™
• Radiesse^®
• Restylane^®
• Sculptra™
• Perlane^®
• Fat transfer

Improving your facial appearance this holiday season can be easier and more affordable than you think with the right cosmetic surgery team. To get started, set up a personal, confidential consultation with Dr. Robert Aycock in the San Francisco Bay area.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant