Plastic Surgeon Serving the Sacramento and Modesto Area - Dr. Charles Perry's Blog
Fractional CO2 versus Profractional Laser Resurfactional Resurfacing in Sacramento
By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on July 1, 2009
Laser resurfacing is used to remove wrinkles, reduce scaring and brighten your skin. In Sacramento the sun exposure and the great outdoors activity leads to solar elastosis of the skin and loss of the dermal papillae over time. This causes thinning and wrinkles that have been treated successfuly with laser resurfacing. Older generation lasers used to do this in a blanket fashion which took a long time to heal. Newer technologies have allowed lasers to create small little areas of resurfacing which heal much quicker. The small dots or mtzs (Micro Thermal Zones) of tissue injury or heating stimulate the skin to grow new beautiful fresh looking skin. The MTZ heal from the surrounding injured tissue so that you get a smoother, tighter more uniform appearance of the skin. Before fractionated laser the whole skin needed to heal from the bottom up which could take up to six months. With fractionated lasers healing can be much quicker while the depth can be similar. With less down time it is easier to fit into your schedule. Certainly a full resurfacing gives a more dramatic result in one session and is still considered the gold standard, however ProFractional treatments can be combined with micropeels and give a great result as well in one session. You can always do more.
ProFractional lasers utilize an erbium laser that is very specific for water at 2940 nm. With this laser you can remove or vaporize a specific amount or depth of tissue giving your skin a beautiful resurfacing. You can also add heat to the columns of tissue or not depending upon what your doctor and you are trying to accomplish. Heat causes the surrounding collagen to contract. These treatments can be added to additional micro peels or non- ablative treatments as well. They can also be repeated if you desire further enhancement.
CO2 fractional lasers utilize CO2 which has a higher wavelength of light in the Infra red spectrum. Like Erbium it also uses water as a chromophore. However it is not as specific so the thermal relaxation time isn’t reached as quickly and the tissues surrounding the MTZ absorb the excess heat. This allows for collagen contraction and again can gives the skin a nice uniform color and texture. The difficulty with the heat for both lasers is that this can cause hyperpigmentation in darker skin types or long term hypopigmentation. Certainly repeat treatments can be done as well.
CO2 has been considered the gold standard for full facial resurfacing in the past. Fractionated CO2 and the ProFractional Erbium Sciton Laser with its ability to deliver prescribed depths of tissue ablation and heat may give your provider a little more control. Remember when choosing a physician for cosmetic needs, it is not the tool that matters but the person using it that makes the difference in the end.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Prices in Sacramento California
By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on June 29, 2009
Laser skin resurfacing is used to make your skin feel younger, fresher and more healthy. In Sacramento California, Dr Charles Perry uses multiple lasers to enhance your skin. Most people like to start with a micro laser peel. Which runs about 750$. It removes the outer layer of epidermis at about 50 microns. It usually takes a day or two for the redness to resolve and about a week or two for the vibrant more healthy appearing skin to emerge. For some people a series of treatments is used, if however you would like more dramatic results a Profractional treatment can be combined with the peel to stimulate collagen growth. This deeper more thorough enhancement will plump the skin and smooth out the deeper wrinkles as well as improve the skins texture and color. This runs about 1500$. Again for some a series of treatments will be used to optimize the results. Most people heal enough within three days to put on makeup and return to work. The final results are not seen for a month however you will feel the benefits of the fresh skin within the week. Dr Perry can use the laser in a higher power setting as well if you have a little more time to recover and dramatically enhance your skin in one setting. We have found that this treatment to be the most dramatic and most people do not need to do this but once.
If you are interested in laser resurfacing you can visit laser skin care. There are many options to enhance your skin and your look.
Why pay for your plastic surgery consultation?
By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on June 27, 2009
In times like these we are now seeing many cosmetic surgery practices offering hugely discounted prices and free consultations as well as discount surgeries. Perhaps you are thinking about a cosmetic enhancement to improve your appearance. Perhaps you are thinking about a cosmetic enhance to improve the image that others see of you. Perhaps you want to reveal that inner beauty and vitality or tighten the skin a little. If you are you may wonder why some plastic surgeons charge and others don’t for their consultations.
Time is money for busy plastic surgeons and persons shopping for plastic surgery enhancements. And when you are ready for an enhancement a consultation fee is well worth it especially when you are selecting a physician that is busy enough to charge for a consultation. This should let you know that the practice values every minute of the doctors time and yours. It should also say that they must have some good results as people continue to visit the practice and refer friends as well. Plastic surgeons and Cosmetic Surgeons in the Sacramento Area that charge for a consultation, value their time and skills.
If something is free is there a real value to it? What does free mean to you? Would you trust your face, eyes or breasts or skin to a plastic surgeon that is giving away surgery or their medical opinion for free during a consultation? What message does it send to you when a medical doctor especially one that has trained for over 15 years in a specialty is giving away their time? Why do they have to do this?
At Chrysalis Cosmetics a nominal consultation fee is collected. You can secure your consultation with any major credit card. The small fee collected for the consult is often used towards your procedure in most cases. When you are ready to move forward with some exciting changes give Dr Charles Perry and his staff a call at 916-273-7435.
Revision Facelifts in Sacramento California
By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on June 26, 2009
There is nothing more disappointing than aging, especially after having undergone a procedure such as a facelift. In Sacramento, Dr Charles Perry and his staff at Chrysalis Cosmetics realize that your face is the first thing people see and most people will make a judgment about you based upon your looks in the 15 seconds of meeting you. This is why it is so important to look your best as you only have one chance to make that first impression. For someone whom has already undergone a procedure maintenance is the key to avoiding an additional facelift or revision facelift.
At Chrysalis Cosmetics a maintenance plan will be outlined. Of course this starts with good healthy nutrition (avoidance of genetically engineered foods, excessive sugars, and excessive alcohol consumption), and getting enough water, sun avoidance and the right amount of sleep. After these most important aspects, laser resurfacing, fillers, structural fat grafting, muscle relaxation, and a skin care regiment can enhance your result for many years.
However at some point a revision may be the most dramatic or effective way to continue your youthful appearance. Individual characteristics will be enhanced and slight adjustments can be done usually utilizing your previous incisions. Recovery can be less lengthy however in some cases it can be more extensive and more bothersome as the second time around is usually more technically demanding for the surgeon. Be sure you are seeing a board certified plastic surgeon and one that is both artful and skillful as well as kind and caring.
Pricing of Laser Skin Resurfacing in Sacramento
By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on June 24, 2009
In Sacramento California we are seeing many options now for laser resurfacing of the skin. Of course you will need to see your plastic surgeon or dermatologist in order to best decide what treatment would be for you. Several of the more common options include Fractional CO2 such as Mixto, Fraxel, Affirm, Lumenis, or and Erbium Fractional resurfacing. Cost generally runs from 1000$ to 4500$ depending upon the depth of peel and the amount of anesthesia as well as your skin type.
Most often the price or machine is not as important as the physician that is offer the laser resurfacing. The other important factor when considering laser skin improvement is the result you would like form one treatment and the amount of time you have to recover. The more dramatic the skin result the longer the recovery time you will need. For some it is easiest to have minimal downtime and multiple treatments however others want to see some results and are okay recovering for a couple of days. Once you decide what is right for you your plastic surgeon can devise a plan that works for your skin type and goals as well as your time frame and budget.
Cosmetic Surgeons – Choosing the Right Physician for You
By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on June 19, 2009
There are many choices you will be making when proceeding with your enhancing your looks. Now days you can go to the local hair salon and have a nurse inject or laser you with the latest and greatest product they have been trained on. This is often the cheapest way to get started. For some this is enough. For others who desire more sophisticated procedures with lasting results a physician may be better choice. Then the decision process must be whether you would like one that has dedicated their entire practice to aesthetics or one that dabbles in it once a week or so. Another choice will be a medical doctor such as ones at the day spa or a doctor that has trained in more complex procedures such as surgery as well. When choosing your cosmetic physician be sure that they are trained appropriately. For example a plastic surgeon has trained in Cosmetic Surgery for the whole person including the face, legs, abdomen, body, and breast using techniques such as laser, surgery, injections and liposuction. This allows the plastic surgeon the ability to combine procedures to enhance your whole appearance. What you will get from a plastic surgeon is more options for enhancement as they have many tools to work with. Certainly one of the most important choices after choosing the type of doctor is the right surgeon to do the work in a safe reliable manner as well. This is often seen by accreditation of their surgical facilities and board certification in plastic surgery. These can be asked for and most plastic surgeons will have these symbols on their website as well. The next thing to consider is personality. In a perfect world this is a relationship you will want to keep through the years. Age management is something we all benefit from. Will this physician be someone you would like to have a long term relationship with? Price certainly plays a role too however you will find that prices are usually pretty similar. Be wary of deep discounts as there may be a reason for the discount.
An update: Revision Breast Augmentation
By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on June 13, 2009
Revision breast augmentation has become a more frequent operation for plastic surgeons thorough the country. Up to 30% of women have a revision surgery following breast augmentation within five years of their original operation. While the most common reason for breast revision surgery is implant replacement, it can also be for capsular contracture, rippling, large asymmetries, breast lifting and even breast biopsies. Of course the no patient wants another surgery as it cost more and requires some recovery time, revision breast surgery is sometimes necessary and can often enhance the result. A word of caution though as many times the improvement has its own set of risks and often the result is less than satisfactory compared to the initial operation as the tissues are thinner, the breast parenchyma is altered and the expectations are often greater.
One of the new tools available now to plastic surgeons in the United States is a product call Strattice. It is an acellular dermal matrix similar to your own skin matrix however it contains no live cells. It is a scaffold of dermis that can be used to bolster your own tissue and allow your plastic surgeon more options in supporting your breast implant position and breast fold position. Dr Charles Perry of Chrysalis Cosmetics in Sacramento California was been using Strattice since 2009 and has like the additional support it gives to the lower fold of the breast especially after capsule removal.
On the horizon textured anatomic gel implants will hopefully soon be available for revision breast augmentation which may also help decrease lower breast pole expansion or falling of the breast. For now gel implants, Strattice and a well trained plastic surgeon will continue to provide excellent results. We look forward to the future of aesthetics especially breast augmentation surgery and the continued improvement of breast aesethtics.
Enhance Your Facial Appearance With the Exciting New Combination of Options Available At Chrysalis Cosmetics in Sacramento California
By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on June 10, 2009
Facial enhancement is one of the most exciting frontiers of cosmetic plastic surgery. Enhancement of your appearance can have a positive impact upon your life and career. While a facelift is still one of the most dramatic changes you can make, there are other less dramatic options available for you. At Chrysalis Cosmetics we are excited to share some new ideas with you. Age management is an important aspect for your appearance as it is for your entire body. With your skin being the largest organ, we usually begin there. Most importantly hydration through drink clean water, avoiding excessive sun exposure, eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of rest and at least an hour of exercise each day are important adjuncts to any aesthetic procedure. They set stage for quick recovery, enhanced results and can optimize your overall health. We believe that we should all live a healthy beautiful life.
Some options now available include laser skin resurfacing and blemish removal through laser engeries. At Chrysalis Cosmetics we often combine the laser procedure with a good skin care line to prolong the appearance as well. Recently Plastic Surgeons have realized that tightening the skin is important in combination with volume enhancements. Several recent studies of the face have revealed a deflation occurring with age that can be correct with a multitude of effective fillers or in fact even using your own fat cells. While a fuller face may not be right for everyone, relaxation of the muscle of the face causing stress or worry lines may be. Botox and now Dysport are available to treat these unwanted lines and help us present a more pleasant relaxed look to the outside world. Of course a combination of facial fillers, laser skin enhancement and muscle relaxation may truly enhance your look we are seeing an increase in people choosing to have a more lasting change with surgery especially around the eyes and neck. Many people are choosing have a little neck liposuction and brow elevation with tightening of the skin around the eyes through a blepharoplasty, brow lift and Vaser liposuction of the neck. With all the options now available it is important to know what it is you truly want and discuss it openly with your plastic surgeon and allow them to present you with some exciting options.
Enhancing Your Facial Apperance in Sacramento California
By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on June 2, 2009
With so many lasers, procedures, skin care products and advertisers promoting a new you it is hard to know what will work for you and what may not be worth the money. If you are thinking about making some changes and are undecided here are some things to think about.
How much are you willing to spend? Plastic surgery is relatively inexpensive compared to other purchases, however it can add up. It is important to start out with an idea in mind regarding what it is you want to improve. This is more important than telling your surgeon what procedure you want as you end up paying a lot more than you need to and perhaps the procedure you are requesting is not the best fit for your individual goals. Let you surgeon help you as there are many ways to enhance the facial appearance without surgery that can be more expensive and less of a result than a combination of surgery and laser and fillers might provide in less time.
How long can you recover? Be sure to have an idea in mind with regards to how long you can miss work. There are a lot of options for facial enhancement that work and some that cost the most often require the least downtime. However it is often true that you get a more lasting result from a facial surgery than multiple injections or laser procedures. If you have the time to recover from a surgery you may want to consider surgery initially and then consider maintaining your result over time with lasers, fillers and Botox as well as a comprehensive skin care plan.
It is an exciting time to be thinking about rejuvenating your facial appearance and enhancing your look. We have many customized options and can help delineate a plan for you that works into your life and best fits your goals. Visit Chrysalis Cosmetics today.
The Individualized Facelift in Sacramento California
By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on April 29, 2009
In today’s world looking your very best can mean looking youthful, fit happy, and healthy. What makes you look your very best is often individualized and there really does not exist one right look for everyone. When considering a facelift in Sacramento California be sure you do your homework regarding your options. As plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons such as Dr Charles Perry examine more faces every year for rejuvenation it has become clear that there are certainly some characteristics of an aged appearance. In fact studies have been done examining identical twins to compare what makes people looking more vital and youthful. In youth (referring to persons less than age 40) angularity often is rated as more attractive while after forty fuller cheeks and less hollowness around the eyes is often more youthful or vigorous looking. The skin tone and texture also changes s does the distribution of volume around the face. In Sacramento as in many places around California including Tahoe, Roseville, Elk Grove Modesto, Stockton and Folsom as well El Dorado Hills, it will require removal means smooth skin and the absence of sun spots and fine lines that can create a tired elderly appearance.
At Chrysalis Cosmetics we will evaluate your features and make some suggestions as to the options available to enhance your look. For some people an eyelid lift is all that is needed, while for others an eyelid lift and a browlift is required to enhance the periorbital region. As always it is important to discuss all of your options prior to proceeding with a facelift. Often times we have found that laser resurfacing along with a thorough skin care regiment with some augmentation of the lips and cheek using products such as Resytlane or Juvederm enhances the look and for some enough to avoid a secondary facelift. Combining skin resurfacing lasers or chemical peels can really brighten and tighten the skin leaving you feeling younger and more entergetic. We have found that most people want a natural look and this often requires refreshing not only the skin but the facial volume and removal of excess sagging. When combined a more natural look results and we are all happy.
Dr Charles Perry specializes in creating a unique and individualized result designed especially for you. At the consultation your ideas will be discussed and several options presented to you. The goal is for you to feel comfortable and relaxed in the fact that Dr Perry a fully trained Board Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Cosmetic Facial procedures will give you the results you desire. With your participation good things happen and the process of facial enhancement becomes less daunting and by working together with the wonderful staff at Chrysalis Cosmetics your transformation through cosmetic plastic surgery will be enjoyable and something that you will want to share with your friends and family. We look forward to meeting you.
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Chrysalis Cosmetics
3800 J Street, Suite 210
Sacramento, California 95816
Ph. (916) 248-4447
Fx. (916) 760-8218
Financing Your Cosmetic Surgery
To make financing the cost of your cosmetic surgery easier, we accept major credit cards and encourage patients to look into payment plans offered through the following companies: