Montgomery Doctors

What Are the Pros and Cons of Latisse for Health Care Providers

What Are the Pros and Cons of Latisse for Health Care Providers

Latisse has proven itself to be a very effective and safe product to lengthen eyelashes.  The only "cons" are the possible side effects (which are relatively rare).  It can cause local reactions like redness or irritation.  I don't hesitate it to recommend it to people in any profession.

Michael Bowman, MD

Montgomery Facial Plastic Surgeon

How Long After Treatment of Botox and Fillers Till Your Face Looks Better?

I'm going on hoildays and wondering if there is a period after your treatment that your face needs to look normal

You should see results from your Botox injections within about 3-5 days;  Filler results should be seen pretty much immediately, but you will see some swelling which may take a few days to settle out as well.  Bruising can occur with any injectable treatment.  This is not expected, but  does happen.  Minimize your risk by avoiding any aspirin or aspirin related products for a week before your treatments.

Because of the possibility of bruising, and to allow for  touch ups (if needed), I like to perform treatments no closer than 2 weeks to a big event to make sure you can look your best.  

Michael Bowman, MD

Montgomery Facial Plastic Surgeon

What Type of Anesthesia is Available for a Mini-facelift or S-lift?

why do some doctors do mini or s-lifts with local and others more asleep anesthesia?

Mini-lifts can be performed safely under different degrees of anesthesia.  The two important factors are the preferences of the patient and the preferences of the surgeon.  I find most patients self-select for the choice that is right for them.  That is, some patients are very anxious about the idea of having a procedure done while being awake.  These are patients that will do best with IV sedation or general anesthesia.   

To further explain the options of anesthesia, realize that there is a spectrum of anesthesia available:

Local anesthetic injections are always used to help with bleeding and to prevent pain from the procedure itself.  This is almost always combined with oral medications to help provide relaxation and mild sedation.  The patient is sleepy, but awake for the procedure and may remember some or all of the procedure.  This is fine for a mini-lift, but may not be ideal for longer procedures.

If deeper sedation is desired, IV sedation can provide what is usually called twilight anesthesia.  The patient would be breathing on their own, but usually has no remembrance of the procedure.

Finally, general anesthesia can be used.  With a general anesthetic the patient is totally "out," and should feel nothing and remember nothing of the procedure.  A breathing tube of some type is used to protect the airway and a ventilator is used during the procedure.

These days, anesthesia of all types is very safe and problems are rare if done properly.  If IV sedation or general anesthesia is used, then the procedure should only be performed in an accredited facility to ensure an appropriate level of monitoring is present. 

Michael Bowman, MD

Montgomery Facial Plastic Surgeon