Top Five Non Surgical & Minimally Invasive Alternatives to Popular Plastic Surgery Procedures

When it comes to cosmetic enhancements, the method of choice has significantly shifted from surgical to minimally invasive options. These procedures have grown in popularity because they are cost-efficient and associated with less downtime. The majority of these patients may resume most activities within a matter of days. And with the holiday season quickly approaching, these procedures may be ideal for the active patient who is seeking an excellent aesthetic result without the downtime and risks associated with invasive surgical procedures. During the past four years, Dr. Lewis Obi has spear headed the development of many of these minimally invasive techniques.

Hermaphroditus, Compliments of Obiarts Inc.

The following are the top five non surgical or minimally invasive procedures requested.

1. Rejuvenation of Forehead, Brows, Face and Neck

Sometimes a surgical face lift may be the only option to restoring youthful looks and repairing long term damage. But for most patients, there are minimally invasive options that may restore their youthful appearance. Through the use of Botox, a patient may smooth forehead creases while lifting their brow line. Adivive fat grafting utilizes unwanted fat from the body and refines it to a durable large volume filler for the face. And finally, the LJO Brow Lift is a minimally invasive proprietary brow lifting procedure that can be performed in half an hour with little-to-no residual scarring.

Downtime Required for Botox: None

Downtime Required for Adivive Filler: Three to seven days.

Downtime Required for LJO Brow Lift: Five days.

Patient received Adivive fat transfer to increase facial volume.

2. Liposuction and Body Sculpting

Certain areas of fat may not always respond to exercise and dieting. Traditional techniques for the removal of this fat are associated with long periods of recovery, general anesthesia, greater risks and less than optimal results. However, with the introduction of SlimLipo laser lipolysis four years ago, fat removal and skin tightening has never been so easy. An added benefit is that skin tightening continues for several months so that any subsequent weight loss is synergistic. One of SlimLipo’s multiple benefits is that patients immediately see visible results following their procedure and continue to see volume loss and skin tightening up to six months. During the actual procedure, patients do not require general anesthesia and may typically return to work within the following day or two. All of these benefits also results in a lower cost for the patient.

Downtime Required for SlimLipo: One to two days. Patients may resume work in one to two days and may resume physical exercises within five to seven days.

SlimLipo fat removal and skin tightening.

3. Breast Augmentation

Autologous fat grafting is not new to the world of cosmetic surgery. As a matter of fact, the use of fat as a filler has been utilized in cosmetic practices for over 30 years. Until the recent advent of the Adivive Fat Processing Unit, fat transfer results have never been as reliable. Through the Adivive system, fat is removed via SlimLipo, centrifuged and filtered into a more viable fat transfer. This process may be used to increase a woman’s breast size by one full cup without the use of implants. Post-lumpectomy and breast reconstruction patients immensely benefit from this procedure as well.

Downtime for Adivive Breast Augmentation: Five days.

Post-lumpectomy patient received Adivive fat transfer in
left breast, SlimLipo tightening in right breast.

Patient increased breast by one cup size with Adivive
fat transfer to breasts.

4. Non Surgical Nose Job (Rhinoplasty)

Whether it’s from trauma or ethnicity, some patients have deficient nasal bridges or dorsal humps that may be unsightly. With the use of particular fillers, such as Radiesse or Coapatite, these deficiencies may be corrected non surgically. It’s extremely beneficial to patients that have been considering permanent cosmetic surgery but aren’t sure if it’s the right choice. This procedure gives them the opportunity to “test” their new look before a more permanent procedure.

Downtime for Non Surgical Nose Job: One day or less.

5. Chin Augmentation

Just as a non surgical nose job, fillers may used in augmenting the chin without permanent surgery. Sometimes a combination of SlimLipo neck tightening in conjunction of a filler to enhance the chin may be performed for an optimal result.

Downtime for Non Surgical Chin Augmentation and/or SlimLipo Neck Tightening: Two to four days.

Patient received SlimLipo neck tightening to enhance chin.

Men and women alike are seeking new and less invasive ways to enhance their appearance without having to take a leave of absence at work or lose important time with their family. If you have been considering plastic surgery, contact Dr. Lewis Obi at 904-399-0905 to see if you’re a candidate for non or minimally invasive cosmetic enhancements.

Saving Face With Fillers

How Radiesse is Used for Restoring Facial Volume & Non Surgical Nose Jobs

Radiesse is arguably one of the most popular dermal fillers available in the cosmetic industry. Not only does Radiesse restore volume and diminish superficial creases around the mouth and face, but its multifaceted functions make it the perfect alternative for patients seeking non surgical versions of popular surgical procedures. In 2011 alone, the use of Radiesse went up 36% since the previous year (according to the ASPS).

Patient (age 49) Before and After Images Courtesy of Radiesse.com

This cost-effective, injectable filler “plumps” diminished volume, something that every person faces during the dynamic aging process. Youthful contour and results are almost immediate and can be performed in as little as 20 minutes. And if performed correctly, little to no pain is experienced, no redness or swelling occurs and bruising is minimal to none.

Patients also use Radiesse to maintain and touch-up their previous face lifts to keep their results lasting longer. Over the past few years, Radiesse has grown in popularity due to its crossover use in non surgical nose surgery. Prior to the sudden boom in popularity, Dr. Lewis Obi was performing non surgical nose jobs with Radiesse’s cousin, Coaptite™ Injectable Implant.

How are Radiesse and Coaptite Utilized in
Non Surgical Nose Jobs?

For patients with deficient nasal bridges, such as Asian or African noses, both fillers may be utilized to augment the deficiency in the nose. For dorsal humps, which are more prominent in ethnic noses, the bump may be obscured with these injectable agents.

These non surgical nose augmentations can take up to 15 minutes to perform, with minimal bruising, and gives the patients a chance to “test drive” a new nose if they are reluctant to have a surgical procedure due to downtime or fees.

Incidentally, Dr. Lewis Obi utilizes Coaptite and Radiesse to enhance cheeks and chins without surgery. He was also among the first plastic surgeons to perform this procedure on patients.

How Much Does a Non Surgical Nose Job with Radiesse or Coaptite Cost?

Every patient is different and the amount of fillers may not be the same, but a non surgical nose job with Radiesse can cost anywhere between $600 to $1500.

Patient (age 52) Before and After Images Courtesy of Radiesse.com

What is Radiesse?
It’s an FDA approved gel used for the correction of moderate to sever facial wrinkles and folds. It’s non-allergenic and can last for up to one year - although some patients have reported longer results. Learn more about Radiesse by watching this educational video brought to you by Radiesse. 

 

Adivive Autologous Fat Transfer and Platelet-­Rich Plasma: Changing the Face of Anti-­Aging Treatments

Non Invasive Facelift Patient – OPERA Lift Major

In our March 2012 blog, Dr. Lewis Obi was quoted in Plastic Surgery Practice (PSP) magazine regarding his utilization of the Adivive Fat Processing Unit. The article also featured updates about use of platelets and fibroblasts in cosmetic procedures. To date, Dr. Obi has performed over 100 Adivive autologous fat transfer procedures and since the publication of the PSP article has combined the rejuvenating effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). 

Read the article in its entirety here: http://www.plasticsurgerypractice.com/issues/articles/2012-­‐03_05.asp 

Through the unique combination of Adivive fat transfer and PRP, facial rejuvenation patients benefit by receiving long-lasting results, improved facial tones and textures, and the reduced chances of bruising or infections. 

Not only has Dr. Lewis Obi incorporated the use of PRP into his non invasive facelifts (OPERA Lifts), surgical facelifts, and his LJO Brow Lift but he also has integrated it into other surgical procedures including breast reconstructions and augmentations as well as tummy tucks. 

Dr. Obi was the first plastic surgeon in Jacksonville to utilize the MAGELLAN Autologous Platelet Separator for assimilation of PRP into plastic surgery. 

Non Invasive Facelift Patient – OPERA Lift Major

In the past week, the Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic prepared a short video demonstrating how Dr. Lewis Obi harvests and prepares fat for transfer for his non invasive facelift, the OPERA Lift and for breast reconstruction patients. You may watch the video below or visit YouTube to see the Adivive fat transfer video or other plastic surgery videos.

DR. LEWIS OBI, SPEAKER AT TWO ADVANCED SYMPOSIA

Dr. Lewis Obi was one of the primary speakers at the Advanced Symposium on Skin Aesthetics and Body Sculpting held at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square on Saturday, May 19, 2012.  In his 183 slides and videos, Dr. Obi shared his results of more than 500 patients over a 42 month period. Advanced surgical and non-surgical procedures were shared with his large audience of aesthetic surgeons from the U.S. and abroad.

He is scheduled to present again at another Advanced Aesthetic Symposium on June 9 in Fort Lauderdale. Last year Dr. Lewis Obi lectured at six major symposia and meetings. He is not only active in sharing his experience with his colleagues but he is currently involved with many active clinical research projects in the area of stem cell fat and lasers.