3 Age-Related Changes a Facelift Can Address

While some patients think that a facelift rejuvenates the entire face, the procedure actually has a much narrower focus. A forehead lift or eyelid lift can target features on the upper half of the face, while a facelift at Palm Desert’s Cosmetic Surgery Institute addresses changes that develop in the mid-face to lower half.

Here are three specific signs of aging that facelift surgery can help to improve.

Parentheses Lines

Nasolabial folds—often referred to parentheses lines because of the punctuation marks they resemble—are pronounced creases that develop as volume diminishes with age. Loss of collagen, facial fat, and hyaluronic acid cause these static lines to form and deepen, bracketing the mouth and nose and giving the face an overall aged appearance.

Pulling the skin tighter can reduce the severity of these lines by creating a smoother surface.

An Obscured Jawline

A youthful jawline tends to be well-defined and distinct. In other words, there’s a clear contour that separates the face from the neck. Sagging skin and downward migrating fat can cause the jawline to appear undefined. The excess skin creates a lax look, making the entire face appear “bottom-heavy” or wider at the bottom than on the top.

Elevating this sagging tissue and removing excess skin can restore the well-defined contours of a “sharp” jawline.

Excess Skin and Neck Fat

Just below the face, an isolated pocket of stubborn fat cells can create what is known as a double chin. There are various ways to address this cosmetic problem, including a facelift that involves surgical fat reduction. Loose skin that sags can also contribute to the look of a “flabby” neck.

Removing the excess skin and fat, as well as securing the remaining skin in place for a taut and firm look, can make a dramatic visual difference.

Note that while a facelift is ideal for altering facial contours, a different strategy—such as nonsurgical, collagen-inducing lasers—is used to address issues with skin quality, including fine lines and spots.

To learn more about the possibilities available from a facelift with Dr. Mo Zakhireh at Cosmetic Surgery Institute, reach out online to set up a consultation or get answers to questions about the procedure. Interested patients can also call (760) 837-0364.


What Are the Top Benefits of Choosing a Mommy Makeover?

Are you wondering: “How can a Mommy Makeover be beneficial for you?” Our Palm Springs-based team at Cosmetic Surgery Institute believes that this surgery can be highly rewarding for a good number of patients (and not just moms).

Motherhood is a beautiful and fulfilling journey, but it can also take a toll on a woman's body. Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can bring about significant changes, leaving many mothers feeling self-conscious about their appearance. Thanks to modern advancements in cosmetic surgery, there is a solution known as the "Mommy Makeover" that can help women restore their pre-pregnancy bodies and regain their confidence. It can also help patients who have multiple areas of their body they would like to address with contouring surgeries.

In this post, we’ll discuss some of the main benefits of a Mommy Makeover.

More Dramatic and Comprehensive Results

Many of the procedures that are combined for a Mommy Makeover complement each other. By having multiple procedures done at the same time, you can achieve a more dramatic and comprehensive outcome.

Enhancing the Breasts

One of the primary concerns for many women after childbirth is changes in the breasts, which may sag or lose volume. A Mommy Makeover can include breast augmentation to enhance the size and shape of the breasts using implants. Alternatively, a breast lift may be performed to raise and reshape sagging breasts, giving them a more youthful appearance. In some cases, both procedures are combined to achieve the desired results.

Improving the Abdominal Area

The abdomen is another area that undergoes significant changes during pregnancy. Stretching of the abdominal muscles and skin can lead to a loose and sagging look, as can separation of the abdominal muscles—a problem commonly known as diastasis recti. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can be part of a Mommy Makeover to tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin and fat, resulting in a flatter and more toned midsection.

Renewed Confidence

The benefits of a Mommy Makeover extend beyond physical transformation. Many women report a significant boost in self-confidence and self-esteem following the procedure. This newfound confidence can positively impact various aspects of their lives.

Less Recovery Time

Since you are combining multiple procedures in a single, surgical session, you’ll only need to plan for one recovery period.

How can a Mommy Makeover be beneficial for you? Our Palm Springs-area Cosmetic Surgery Institute team can tell you more about how this procedure works if you’re interested. Call us at (760) 837-0364 or submit a contact form to request a consultation.


How Can a Tummy Tuck Make Workouts Easier?

Is it easier to work out after a tummy tuck? Our Palm Springs-area team at Cosmetic Surgery Institute says the answer is complicated—as in: it depends—but the surgery can provide some benefits when it comes to working out.

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. While the primary goal of a tummy tuck is to create a more toned and flat appearance of the abdomen, it can also have additional benefits. Although you won’t be able to get back into exercising right away, once you’ve recovered fully, it will be perfectly fine—and even encouraged—to get back into a workout routine again. Some patients can improve their results even more with a healthy diet and exercise routine.

With that in mind, let’s explore how a tummy tuck can make exercise easier.

Removal of Excess Skin

After significant weight loss, aging, or pregnancy, the skin around the abdominal area may become stretched out and loose. This excess skin can make it difficult to see the muscles underneath and can make workouts uncomfortable. A tummy tuck removes this excess skin, making it easier to see the muscles in the abdominal area and improve posture and form during workouts.

Tightening of Muscles

A tummy tuck can involve the surgeon tightening separated abdominal muscles. This can help improve core strength, making it easier to perform exercises such as planks, sit-ups, and crunches. A strong core is essential for proper form during workouts and can help prevent injuries.

Increased Confidence

One of the most significant benefits of a tummy tuck is the increased confidence it can provide. After the surgery, patients often feel more comfortable in their own skin, which can help motivate them to exercise more frequently and effectively. Improved self-confidence can also lead to a more positive mindset, which can help make workouts easier and more enjoyable.

Better Fitting Clothes

After a tummy tuck, patients often find that their clothes fit better, which can make workouts more comfortable. Tight-fitting clothing can restrict movement and cause discomfort during exercise, while loose-fitting clothing can get in the way and hinder movement. With a flatter and more toned abdomen, patients can wear more comfortable clothing that allows for easier movement during workouts.

Learn more about tummy tuck surgery from our Palm Springs-area Cosmetic Surgery Institute team. Call us at (760) 837-0364 or submit a contact form to request a consultation.


When Would Be the Best Time to Get a Mommy Makeover?

If you’ve recently had a baby and are wondering “How long should I wait to have a Mommy Makeover?” our Palm Desert-based Cosmetic Surgery Institute team can talk to you more about your goals and help you decide when the right time may be for you.

Although bringing a new life into the world can be a rewarding experience, you may not be so happy about the related changes to your body, such as flatter breasts, weakened core muscles, looser skin, and resistant pockets of fat in certain areas. Even exercise and a healthy diet may not be enough to address these issues, which can add to the desire to work on them as soon as possible.

While a Mommy Makeover can boost self-esteem and confidence by enhancing the appearance of the breasts, abdomen, and any other areas you may want to improve, and the customizable procedure includes treatments designed to target post-pregnancy concerns, there are timing issues to consider.

If you’re wondering how to determine whether the timing is right for you, here’s what you should know:

It goes without saying that childbirth is a highly taxing event for your body since your body undergoes numerous physical changes and your energy is depleted as the baby grows. Considering all of this, the body needs time to heal after you have a child, so you should wait until your body is fully healed and you are close to an ideal, stable weight before having a Mommy Makeover.

Know that you will get better results if you are closer to your goal weight, so it is better to try to lose some weight naturally before having the surgery—if you gained weight throughout your pregnancy. It’s commonly recommended that you wait for at least six months to one year after you have your child, though every person is unique.

Since an additional pregnancy could undo the results from a Mommy Makeover, it’s also advisable that you wait until you’ve decided not to have any more children. A new baby will do everything the prior baby did, including stretching out abdominal skin, causing the breasts to get larger to support milk production, and more.

Finally, keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need to have a Mommy Makeover when your children are still young. You don’t even have to have children at all! Any patient who wants to address multiple breast and body issues at once can talk to Dr. Mo Zakhireh about their options.

Contact the Cosmetic Surgery Institute by calling (760) 837-0364 or reaching out via a contact form online to discuss surgical options to restore your body to a pre-baby appearance.


Who Are the Best Candidates for Liposuction?

 

How do you know if you’re a good candidate for liposuction?” Our Palm Desert-based team hears this question from patients who are considering body contouring treatments. While there is no single way to determine whether surgical fat reduction is ideal for a person, there are a few criteria to consider when considering the procedure.

When body fat doesn’t respond to diet and exercise, the persistent pockets and bulges can make you frustrated and prompt you to want to look for other options, such as liposuction—a life-changing procedure that involves reducing excess subcutaneous fat from specific areas of the body to create slimmer, better-defined contours.

Ideal candidates for liposuction include patients who:

  • Are within 30 percent of their ideal body weight
  • Are happy with their overall body size and maintain a stable weight
  • Are unhappy with the appearance of fat deposits on some area of the body, which is diminishing their quality of life
  • Have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone
  • Maintain a positive outlook and realistic expectations
  • Are non-smokers
  • Are unable to reduce stubborn fat deposits with traditional, non-surgical methods like exercise and dietary changes

Patients who are bothered by cellulite or stretch marks, are overweight or obese, have a severe illness or infection that could impair healing, or have poor skin elasticity may not be eligible for liposuction—but can talk to our team about other options and strategies.

Also, remember that liposuction can only remove up to 10 pounds of fat or so.

If you have recently given birth or lost a significant amount of weight, you may have some loose, stretched-out skin—and removing more fat could make the lax skin even looser. Skin can also lose some of its elasticity as you get older. Patients with sagging skin can still choose liposuction, but may also want to consider a tuck or lift to remove the excess tissue.

The first step in any case is to have a consultation, tell us about your goals, and ask us about the cost, risks, and benefits of this surgery. Before committing to the procedure, ask us if it is the best option for achieving your goals.

Ready to get started? Our Cosmetic Surgery Institute team is available to help. Call us at (760) 837-0364 or submit a contact form to request a consultation if you want to discuss surgical options to reduce stubborn fat for more streamlined contours.


What Are Some Outfits to Try After Getting Breast Implants?

Searching for some fun fashion ideas after breast augmentation? Our Palm Desert-based team at Cosmetic Surgery Institute knows that patients will be excited to shop for new clothes and flaunt their enhanced appearance after they’ve had this surgery. Many women feel more confident and self-assured, and they may be eager to try new fashion ideas to show off their new look.

Looking for an excuse to splurge on a new outfit? Check out these cute and stylish outfit ideas to try:

Bold Necklines

Bold necklines—such as V-necks, sweetheart necklines, and plunging necklines—can help to accentuate the new shape and size of your breasts. Choose tops and dresses with these necklines to draw attention to your chest and show off your new look.

Fitted Clothing

Fitted clothing can help to show off your new curves and accentuate your figure. Try wearing fitted tops, dresses, and pants to highlight your new look.

Push-Up Bras

Push-up bras can help to enhance your cleavage and create the illusion of fuller breasts. Invest in some quality push-up bras to help you get the most out of your breast augmentation results.

Crop Tops

Crop tops are a fun and flirty way to show off your midriff and your new breasts. Pair a crop top with high-waisted pants or a skirt for a stylish and sophisticated look.

Statement Accessories

Statement accessories, such as bold necklaces and earrings, can help to draw attention to your face and away from your breasts. Experiment with different statement accessories to find what works best for you.

Form-Fitting Dresses

Form-fitting dresses are a great way to show off your new curves and your new breasts. Choose dresses with a fitted bodice and a flare at the waist to balance your figure and accentuate your new look.

Ruched Tops

Ruched tops create the illusion of a fuller bust and show off your new look. You can choose from a variety of styles and colors, so you're sure to find one that suits your personal style.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different fashion styles and accessories to find what works best for you!

Our Palm Desert-based team at Cosmetic Surgery Institute can give you more information about what to expect after breast augmentation surgery. Call us at (760) 837-0364 or submit a contact form to request a consultation if you want to discuss surgical options for larger or shapelier breasts.


Can a Facelift Improve the Shape of Your Face?

Many patients want to know: Can a facelift change your face shape? For Los Angeles and Palm Spring-area women and men seeking a cosmetic change, our team at Cosmetic Surgery Institute explains that a facelift is a popular cosmetic procedure that focuses on creating more youthful contours. Considering that the procedure can help to improve the appearance of your face and restore a more youthful, refreshed look, the answer is yes!

By lifting and tightening the skin and underlying tissues of the face, a facelift can help to smooth out the face, reduce sagging, and create a more defined and youthful facial contour. Although aesthetic trends continually change, having a leaner face with a more inverted triangle shape that’s associated with youth is currently the look that is most in demand.

If you're considering a facelift to improve the shape of your face, here's what you need to know.

A Facelift Reduces Sagging

As we age, our skin loses its elasticity, and gravity pulls the skin downward, causing sagging and wrinkles. A facelift can help to lift and tighten the skin and underlying tissues, reducing the appearance of sagging and restoring a more youthful facial contour.

A Facelift Improves Facial Contours

A facelift can also help to improve the facial contour, creating a more defined jawline, cheekbones, and neck. The lower half of the face is re-shaped by the removal of excess skin, which can give you a more youthful and defined appearance and help to improve your overall facial balance and symmetry.

A Facelift Restores Volume

As we age, we lose volume in our face, and our skin becomes less plump and full as a result. A facelift can help to restore this volume, creating a more youthful and defined facial contour.

A strong, well-defined bone structure can provide a foundation for a youthful and attractive appearance. However, even those with a strong bone structure can benefit from a facelift as the aging process affects the skin and underlying tissues in ways that can detract from a youthful look. A facelift can help to restore the skin and underlying tissues to a more youthful position, creating a more defined and refreshed appearance.

Can a facelift change your face shape? Our team at Cosmetic Surgery Institute will tell you more about what you can expect from this procedure. Call us at (760) 837-0364 or submit an online contact form to request a consultation if you want to discuss cosmetic surgery for a younger-looking face.


Can a Nose Job Make You Look Younger?

Signs of aging may be inevitable, but there are a variety of cosmetic techniques that can help us to delay them for as long as possible if you want to maintain a youthful look. While wrinkle reduction and similar treatments are obvious choices, some other strategies may be surprising. For example, have you ever wondered: Can nose surgery make you look younger? Palm Desert-based patients considering rhinoplasty surgery may be curious about the answer.

Although minimally invasive options like facial fillers and neurotoxins can make you look years younger, and cosmetic surgeries such as facelifts can provide even more dramatic results, another method you may not have realized can help “turn back the clock” is nose surgery.

Rhinoplasty is commonly thought of as a facial rejuvenation procedure that can improve a specific feature by addressing aspects such as a crooked bridge, a bump on the bridge, and other perceived flaws. The changes that are made to the nose are customized to fit each patient’s unique features. However, rhinoplasty isn’t usually thought of as an anti-aging procedure and the nose in general isn’t typically the focus of anti-aging treatments.

Most of us are aware of the changes that occur in our skin as we age, but the nose is also affected. Age-related changes can cause the nose to slope downward and create a smaller distance between the nose and mouth. Even though your nose isn’t growing, changes can occur that cause it to lengthen. It’s common for the outer parts of the nostrils to look wider over time as well. The skin on the nose thins and loses elasticity, while the nose tip droops and parts of the cartilage separate. The loss of support causes it to look droopy and more pronounced.

Changes that occur in other features—such as loss of facial fat from the cheeks—also cause the nose to appear more prominent.

One of the advantages of a rhinoplasty is that refining the nose can make your entire face look years younger and more refreshed.

Our Palm Desert-based Cosmetic Surgery Institute can answer more questions about rhinoplasty and other facial surgeries. Call us at (760) 837-0364 or submit a contact form to request an appointment if you would like to discuss wrinkle injections.

 


What Are the Top Benefits of Breast Augmentation?

It goes without saying that any form of cosmetic surgery can be highly transformative, but what many of our patients want to know is: “Is it worth it getting breast implants?” Our Palm Desert-based Cosmetic Surgery Institute team believes that for many patients, the advantages of breast augmentation with implants will greatly outweigh any disadvantages.

Research has shown that a majority of women around the world aren’t completely satisfied with the size of their breasts—either wishing that they were bigger or, in some cases, smaller. Some women may have lost volume in their breasts due to aging, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy, while others may have always been naturally smaller chested.

A breast augmentation procedure is ideal for someone who wants bigger breasts or who hopes to improve the symmetry of their breasts. See below for some of the top benefits of breast augmentation.

Improving Volume and Curves

Many women associate breasts with both beauty and vitality. If you’re naturally flatter chested, you may want to add more curves to your physique, go up a cup size, or fill into everyday clothing in a more comfortable and flattering way. Breasts augmentation is ideal for sculpting a curvier silhouette, which patients often associate with femininity and feeling sexy.

Better Confidence and Self-Esteem

Feeling more attractive and confident is one of the biggest advantages of augmentation with implants. Many women say that they feel higher levels of self-esteem after breast augmentation, which can also help to make them feel better in their relationships. You may have felt self-conscious about the size and shape of your breasts before breast augmentation, so a boost of confidence after this procedure is a welcome benefit.

Have More Clothing Options

You’re likely to have a larger selection of clothing that you can buy and wear after breast augmentation. Tops will no longer hang loosely around the chest. You may also be more comfortable wearing the V-neck tops, bikini tops and tight-fitting shirts you may have avoided before.

Is it worth it getting breast implants? Our Palm Desert-based Cosmetic Surgery Institute team will explain everything you’ve wanted to know about the procedure so that you can determine whether it’s ideal for you. If you’d like to get started with breast implants, call us at (760) 837-0364 or submit a contact form to request a consultation.


What Makes You a Good Tummy Tuck Candidate?

Getting a flat stomach with sculpted abs can be very difficult to achieve—even if you’re slim, healthy, and exercise regularly. Resistant fat tends to cling to the belly area for many people, and especially those who naturally have a more apple-shaped body because of genetics. Pregnancy can cause excess saggy skin and separated muscles that result in a belly bulge. For men, the stomach is the default storage area for any excess fat on the body. Although many people want a flatter, firmer abdominal area, a tummy tuck may not be the right choice for every individual. Patients often ask us, “What does your weight have to be to get a tummy tuck?” Our Palm Desert-based team at Cosmetic Surgery Institute can answer the questions you might have about what is technically known as abdominoplasty during your consultation, but in the meantime, here are some basic traits that tend to make an individual a suitable candidate for this surgery.

  • You are physically healthy and at a stable weight for at least six to 12 months prior to having this procedure
  • You maintain realistic expectations
  • You are a non-smoker
  • You are unhappy about the appearance of your abdominal area
  • You have sufficient loose skin on the stomach that can be tightened without causing a “stretched” appearance
  • You don’t intend to get pregnant in the future
  • You are committed to maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle to preserve results from a tummy tuck
  • You are bothered about having loose skin, excess fat, or other types of cosmetic imperfections on the belly area

Patients should keep in mind that while this surgery is an excellent strategy for reshaping the body, a tummy tuck isn’t a substitute for weight loss. Patients should be within 10 to 15 pounds of their ideal weight to have this procedure. Gaining or losing a significant amount of weight after a tummy tuck could have a negative effect on results and may even require revision surgery.

Our Palm Desert-based Cosmetic Surgery Institute team can provide a more comprehensive answer to this and other questions during your consultation. Call us at (760) 837-0364 or submit a contact form to request a visit.