by Grossman Medical | Feb 8, 2021 | Articles
Those who suffer from chronic migraines know all too well just how debilitating the symptoms can be. While some are able to combat migraines with things like medication, others require more advanced treatment, like Botox injections.
What Is Botox, and How Does It Work for Migraines?
Botox is an injectable substance used for both medical and cosmetic purposes. It stops muscle contractions and blocks pain signals, smoothing out wrinkles and relieving chronic pain. To treat migraines, a licensed professional injects small doses of Botox into several key areas around the head and neck. These injections ease muscle tension and block pain signals, providing temporary relief.
Is It Safe to Use Botox for Migraines?
Botox is derived from the botulinum toxin, a chemical product of bacteria that can cause a severe form of food poisoning (botulism). However, Botox contains only a tiny amount of this toxin, and it is used to target specific muscles. It poses very little risk, and it is considered safe for use as a migraine treatment.
Who Is Eligible for Treatment With Botox?
Botox injection treatment is generally reserved for severe cases. To qualify, you’ll need to meet these 3 criteria:
● You have a chronic history of migraines
● You have headaches (any type) for 15+ days per month
● 8 or more of those headaches are migraines
What to Expect as a Patient
If you’re approved, your doctor will provide relevant pre-procedure instructions. During the procedure, your skin will be prepped with an anesthetic and you’ll feel only a slight pinch from the injections. The process can be completed in around 15 minutes, and you’ll be able to drive home afterward.
Possible side effects include:
● Headache and neck pain
● Eyelid or brow drooping
● Redness and swelling around injection sites
● Dry or teary eyes
● Blurry vision
If effects are severe or do not improve within 1-2 days, call your doctor.
How Long Does Botox Last for Migraines?
The effects of Botox for migraines typically last around 12 weeks. Patients usually start with two treatments 12 weeks apart. If it works well for them, they can continue receiving injections every 12 weeks.
Will It Help With Wrinkles?
Botox only affects the muscles at the injection site. If one of your migraine treatment injections targets an area with wrinkles, you may see a smoothing effect. Otherwise, it will not affect wrinkles.
How Much Does Botox for Migraines Cost?
Without insurance, the cost for the FDA-recommended dose of Botox (155 units) ranges from $300-$600 per treatment. You may be able to reduce the cost somewhat with discount cards or manufacturer coupons.
Will Insurance Cover It?
Because it’s FDA approved for this purpose, most policies do cover Botox treatment for migraines. Consult your insurance policy to determine your coverage for this procedure.
Where Do You Get Botox for Migraines?
Botox injections must be done by a licensed professional. Patients from West Hills, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas can find relief with Botox treatments at Grossman Plastic Surgery. Call (818) 981-2050 today to make an appointment.
by Grossman Medical | Dec 23, 2020 | Articles
Aging can cause many changes in the appearance of the neck. Skin can become loose and start to sag, fat can accumulate, and wrinkles can appear, causing us to look older than we are. However, these signs of aging can be eliminated and self-confidence restored with the NeckTite procedure.
What Is NeckTite, and How Is It Performed?
Less invasive than traditional cosmetic surgery, the NeckTite procedure employs radiofrequency assisted lipolysis technology (RFAL) to remove fat and tighten the skin in one process.
A needle-sized hole is made in the skin, through which a narrow wand is inserted. This wand heats the subdermis of the skin. When this happens, both skin and fat are heated, causing the skin to tighten, collagen production to be triggered, and fat to be melted and easily removed.
What Are the Benefits of NeckTite and FaceTite?
Both the NeckTite and FaceTite procedures offer a way to achieve tighter and younger-looking skin without the scarring or longer procedure times of traditional cosmetic techniques. They are also significantly less invasive than traditional techniques and, therefore, can be accomplished with virtually no pain.
Individuals looking to undergo any of these procedures can opt for sedation or local or general anesthesia, and they can expect a minimal amount of downtime, which is typically between one and three days.
Depending on the condition of your skin at the time of the procedure, you may see your desired results in a single treatment. As well, once collagen production is triggered, it will continue in the weeks following the procedure, offering continued improvement in the look of your skin.
What to Expect in NeckTite Recovery
In the first two to three weeks following the procedure, you will have to wear a compression garment but can return to normal, low-impact activities like walking after a few days. Healing and repair will take between three and six months.
Although the procedure is minimally invasive, you can expect to feel numbness in the skin, see bruising, and notice swelling of the skin immediately following the completion of the procedure. These symptoms will fade in a short time.
Why Choose a Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedure Like NeckTite?
NeckTite and other non-surgical procedures not only offer a short recovery time but, because they are so minimally invasive, you can combine them with other forms of non-surgical cosmetic procedures like FaceTite and BodyTite for simultaneous results all over the body.
Is NeckTite Right for You?
If you are a man or woman with sagging skin or unwanted contours on your neck who wants to correct these without invasive traditional cosmetic surgery, you’re likely to see significant NeckTite results.
Men and women can be good candidates. If you have unwanted fat or excess skin that remains despite your healthy diet and exercise efforts, you are likely to benefit.
Dr. Peter H. Grossman is a board-certified and experienced plastic surgeon offering NeckTite and other cosmetic procedures at Grossman Plastic Surgery. Call (818) 981-2050 to begin.
by Grossman Medical | Dec 16, 2020 | Articles
Aging can cause the muscles in the eyelids to weaken. When this happens, the skin on the eyes can stretch or look full, causing a person to look older and, sometimes, even negatively affecting their vision. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is often chosen by those wishing to achieve an improved look. Here’s an explanation of what blepharoplasty is and what you need to know about it.
Why Do People Choose Blepharoplasty and What Are Its Benefits?
Eyelid surgery may be chosen for many reasons. A person may wish to eliminate bags under their eyes, or correct upper eyelids that have become baggy or which have started to droop. Excess skin on lower and upper eyelids can also be removed with this surgery.
Removing excess skin from the upper eyelids and from under the eyes can restore a person’s youthful look. It can also restore any peripheral vision, which may have been negatively impacted by drooping skin on the upper eyelids.
Types of Blepharoplasty
There are essentially three types of blepharoplasty: upper, lower, and double.
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty involves the removal of excess fat and skin from the upper eyelid area via an incision to achieve a less heavy and aged appearance or to correct impaired vision. In some cases, a condition called ptosis can cause eyelids to function improperly. Upper blepharoplasty is often chosen to restore this function.
Lower Blepharoplasty
When surgery is done on the lower part of the eye via an incision made on the inside of the eyelid or below the lash line, fat can be efficiently redistributed or removed. This particular type of eye surgery is called lower blepharoplasty.
Asian Eyelid Surgery
Some people are born with a visible crease between their eyelid and upper eyelid, which is called a double eyelid. Others are born without this crease but wish to have one created with double eyelid blepharoplasty. This procedure is also referred to as Asian eyelid surgery because it the most common form of plastic surgery in the region of East Asia.
How to Know if You’re a Good Candidate for Surgery
Generally speaking, if you have realistic expectations for results and are healthy, you can be a good blepharoplasty candidate. The majority of people who get this surgery are from their mid 40s and older. However, you may also wish to opt for surgery at a younger age if droopy or baggy eyelids are a family trait.
If you want to improve the appearance of your eyelids, blepharoplasty may be the right choice for you. An experienced surgeon will be able to help you achieve the best results. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Peter H. Grossman is one of the area’s best board-certified plastic surgeons. Visit Grossman Plastic Surgery online or call to book your consultation: (818) 981-2050.
by Grossman Medical | Nov 23, 2020 | Articles
Breast implants offer the opportunity for women to change how their breasts look. There are many reasons that women opt for breast augmentation. We explore some of the more common reasons that this surgery is chosen.
Enhance Shape and Size
Even though normal breast development may have occurred, many women want rounder and fuller-looking breasts. It’s possible to achieve this look in a way that’s both subtle and natural; this involves choosing the right size of implant for your body type. The right surgeon will possess the knowledge necessary to help you determine breast implant cost and ensure your implants are your desired size.
Achieve Symmetry
Sometimes, breast development occurs unevenly or asymmetrically. This is another common reason that breast implants are chosen. When the breasts are noticeably different in shape, size, or both, these implants can restore symmetry.
Restore Size and Position Following Weight Loss
Often, the position or size of the breasts can change noticeably after experiencing significant weight loss. A woman’s breasts may become smaller or sag more after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Where this is the case, breast implant surgery may be accompanied by surgery to lift the breasts by removing excess tissue to tighten the skin.
As well, other procedures may be performed that concentrate on other areas of the body where an improved look is desired. Known as a mommy makeover, the procedure can improve the look of the breasts as well as reduce unwanted fat via liposuction, a tummy tuck, and similar procedures. Women can achieve comprehensive results through surgery that occurs at the same time. Additionally, this also reduces the overall recovery time that’s required.
Reconstruction Following Mastectomy
Many women who have undergone a mastectomy seek plastic surgery to enhance or reconstruct the breasts. Following the procedure, a woman can enjoy a restoration of her body to its previous look and feel, which can significantly impact not only body image but her quality of life and self-esteem.
It’s important to note that because breast reconstruction surgery requires specialized skill and experience, taking one’s time to ensure you choose the right cosmetic surgeon with all of the necessary credentials should be a top priority.
To Have a Better Fit
For women whose breast shape and size make it a challenge to find the proper-fitting clothing, breast augmentation before and after results can correct this problem. Following surgery, a woman can be more comfortable in her clothing and also experience improved body image and eliminate self-consciousness. The surgery can also help accentuate your existing curves for even more positive results.
Experience the Benefits of Breast Implant Surgery
Breast implants can help you achieve an improved look and better-fitting clothing for improved confidence, self-esteem, and much more. Dr. Peter H. Grossman is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon possessing over 20 years of reconstructive surgery experience offering efficient and high-quality breast enhancement procedures. Claim your free consultation online, or call Grossman Plastic Surgery at (818) 981-2050.
by Grossman Medical | Nov 16, 2020 | Articles
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in males, a condition that can develop at any stage of their lives. While not considered a serious medical issue, it can cause a lot of embarrassment and can sometimes be painful. When it doesn’t go away on its own, gynecomastia surgery can be a solution.
Gynecomastia, Explained
Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by an increase of breast gland tissue due to a hormone imbalance along with other causes. It can affect a single breast or both breasts, and it can cause them to differ in size, sometimes significantly.
Gynecomastia affects males before and after puberty. Some cases have been known to go away on their own, while others are more persistent and require treatment.
Common Symptoms and Causes
The first symptom is typically a tender lump of fatty tissue underneath the nipple. Over time, one or both breasts may swell to different sizes. The breasts may also feel tender.
Gynecomastia causes typically differ according to age. In more than half of the male infants born with it, the cause is usually the direct result of estrogen received in the womb and, as such, it disappears within a few weeks following birth.
In males going through puberty, gynecomastia is caused by changes in hormone balance. In most cases, it will go away in between six months and two years without any further treatment.
When it occurs in one in four adult males between 50 and 69 years of age, gynecomastia’s cause can, once again, be a hormone imbalance.1 However, there are many other causes, including:
- Some medications
- Health conditions like hyperthyroidism
- Alcohol and street drugs
Although its physical complications are small in number, gynecomastia can negatively impact your psychological and emotional health, causing the development of depression or anxiety.
Gynecomastia Treatments
There are medications available that may be helpful for certain men. Aromatase inhibitors and Tamoxifen are FDA-approved, but these have not been officially approved as gynecomastia treatments. Testosterone treatments can help older men who have low levels.
Male breast reduction surgery is another option, and this is usually advised following other unsuccessful treatments or if the breast size does not decrease. Liposuction eliminates excess breast fat via suction, and a mastectomy removes all of the breast gland tissue via cutting or excision.
In some cases, it may be necessary for both surgeries to occur, especially where the breasts are very large and much skin and tissue need to be removed.
Why Choose Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
Not only is surgery successful in most cases, but complications are rare and recovery is a relatively short six weeks.2 Reducing breast size can also eliminate the negative mental and emotional aspects of the condition.
If gynecomastia is causing you pain and embarrassment after trying other options, Dr. Peter H. Grossman can help. Possessing over 20 years of experience, Dr. Grossman is a board-certified plastic surgeon and is also one of the area’s best. Request your consultation now by filling out the online form, or call Grossman Plastic Surgery at (818) 981-2050 to learn more.
Sources:
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gynecomastia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351793
- http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266129
