Greenville Doctors

Lip Augmentations Lift Injectable? Juvederm, Collagen, or Restylane?

Which among of these (Juvederm, collagen, or Restylane) pose lesser risks of getting complications related after a lip augmentation lift?

The skill of the plastic surgeon is more important than which filler product he or she chooses.  Since you mentioned having had a lip lift surgery, I would generally start with that surgeon for advice.

The hyaluronic acid (HA) type fillers are our preferred choice for lip augmentation, although we do use fat grafts when another facial surgery is being done.  There do not appear to be any differences in risks associated with different types.  HA can be placed fairly precisely, and removed if needed (using an enzyme injection).  We use both Perlane and Juvederm.  You should be aware that using HA's in areas other than the nasolabial groove is considered off-label use, beyond FDA approval.

Sutton Graham II, MD

Greenville Plastic Surgeon

What Are The Risks That Come Along With Cheek Fillers, Is It Something I Have To Commit To Once I Start?

1)Once I start fillers, am I stuck for life - will my cheeks look worst than before if I suddenly stop them? 2)Which filler works best on men? 3)Do fillers look completely natural - will anyone be able to tell? 4)Is cheeks a risky area for fillers? 5)Is it possible to do bit at a time (so 1ml now, then another 1ml in a month - incase I hate 1st results)? 6)I would like the filler to make me look <25 (I don't have wrinkles).. is this a realistic aim? 7)How to find good surgeon in my area?

Injectable fillers are an excellent alternative to surgical cheek implants - and are used much, much more commonly for cheek enhancement.

Fillers are generally FDA approved for only the nasolabial groove, but frequently used for other purposes (so called "off-label" use).  When used by experienced physicians, they appear to be safe and effective, although possible risks should be discussed beforehand.  The reversible nature of these treatments means you will need future treatments to maintain your results, but have the advantage of gradual evolution of desired changes (as you suggest).  Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers have the additional advantage of the possibility of enzyme injection to remove unwanted filler. Sculptra is another valuable alternative with a slower onset and longer duration.

Known recently as "volumizing," or volume enhancement, these techniques give patients the opportunity to restore or enhance facial contour without surgery.  They may help you achieve a more youthful appearance. 

When you call, inquire about each surgeon's experience, and they may put you in touch with prior patients.  Best Wishes.

Sutton Graham II, MD

Greenville Plastic Surgeon

What Are Other Differences Between a Regular Tummy Tuck and a Mini Tummy Tuck Which is Through the Belly Button?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the mini tummy tuck?

Each tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is adapted to each patient, but standard abdominoplasty and mini- are common terms.  We want you to have the one that will give you the best result.

Mini-tummy tuck is used for a woman that has loose skin only below the belly button, mild to moderate laxity of the abdominal wall muscles and no to moderate subcutaneous fat.  This can also be called a type of lipo-abdominoplasty.  The incision is more like a C-section scar.

Standard or full tummy tuck is used for women that have skin looseness both above and below the belly button, all degrees of abdominal wall looseness, and various amounts of fat.  This technique is able to help more women see a more attractive abdomen.  The incision usually extends from hip to hip.

An extended abdominoplasty is used when skin and fat looseness extends toward the sides of the abdomen, rather than being limited to the front.  It is less common, but can particularly help women that have lost considerable amounts of weight, but who are left with loose skin.  The incision goes from one side to the other.

An in-person examination is the way for your plastic surgeon to evaluate each of these layers, discuss your issues and concerns, and recommend the best techniques for you.  Best Wishes.

Sutton Graham II, MD

Greenville Plastic Surgeon