The Embrace RF Procedure

We’re all vulnerable to aging. And the quality of your face and skin will inevitably slowly degrade with time.

Embrace RF Procedure

Often when we inspect our face closely we see loose, sagging skin with small pockets of fat all over. Many of us don’t like these inevitable changes and desire the restoration of youth and beauty.

This is why many are choosing the EmbraceRF procedure as a way to achieve a substantial outcome with a relatively modest risk profile compared to more invasive procedures.

So what is the EmbraceRF procedure?

EmbraceRF is a non-surgical, minimally-invasive, FDA-cleared, innovative therapy for producing results closer to facelift surgery. The highly advanced skin-tightening and face-contouring treatment uses radiofrequency energy to deliver a younger, slimmer appearance. With its blend of two top facial rejuvenation treatments—FaceTite and Morpheus 8—EmbraceRF is a multipurpose approach that contours, lifts, and clears the face and skin without surgery or downtime.

It is a perfect option if you don’t want facelift or surgery as it gives permanent results within a shorter time compared to surgery. The results are also more natural-looking and achieved with less scarring. Plus, the procedure takes just 45 to 60 minutes to complete, making it a very convenient solution for tackling facial aging symptoms.

How is it done?

It is performed under local anesthesia or light sedation. During the procedure, your surgeon passes a thin probe with a needle-like entry point under your skin at the treatment site. The probe is used to direct radiofrequency energy to the underlying skin tissue while the skin surface is treated concurrently with a specially-designed hand piece.

EmbraceRF is right for you if you have:

  1. Neck and face wrinkles
  2. Deep creases between your mouth and nose
  3. Sagging skin and neck contour
  4. Jowls
  5. Sagging facial skin with little elasticity
  6. Sagging neck and chin contour

But you should also be in good overall health, a non-smoker, and have realistic expectations.

How does it work?

EmbraceRF applies radiofrequency energy both to the skin surface and to the sub-dermal layers. As the temperature rises above 60 degrees Celsius under the skin, fat dissipates and the skin tightens.

The procedure melts excess fat, contracts the skin, and enhances overall texture; helping to address loose skin in the neck, jowls, and other body areas. It is effective in eliminating stubborn pockets of fat in the neck and facial areas; hence it tightens loose skin, contracts and contours fat, and allows for shaving off of fat in places such as the nasolabial folds, jaw-line, and chin.

By using controlled radiofrequency energy to heat sub-dermal tissue, EmbraceRF helps to reinvigorate collagen production. The newly produced collagen repairs and rejuvenates skin tissue, reducing and eliminating wrinkles to achieve a smoother, fresher skin. In turn, the new collagen helps to make the skin firmer, stronger, and more elastic. This eliminates skin sagging and improves the outline of areas that previously had unsightly, fatty lumps.

Besides, the FaceTite part of the procedure employs tiny incisions made behind the ears and below the skin to deliver a controlled wave of energy, while the Morpheus 8 part blends micro-needling with radiofrequency to provide even more dramatic results.

What are the benefits of the procedure?

EmbraceRF is an effective alternative to surgical facelift. It restores facial contours in a minimally invasive way, therefore it doesn’t lead to scarring. It is specially tailored to tackle facial fat and skin laxity. Plus, the recovery time is short and you’ll be able to return to work and resume your routine activities after 48 hours.

The non-surgical procedure can be done on the forehead, eye, brow, chin, cheek, jaw, and neck areas, delivering benefits that are close to those of facelift without the surgery and its associated recovery. It effectively reduces wrinkles and fine lines, minimizes skin laxity, and remodels neck, jaw line and facial fat.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we offer EmbraceRF and other non-surgical solutions alongside surgical procedures. We carefully select non-surgical techniques that offer stellar, dependable and quality results for our clients, ensuring that all our procedures add value and help our patients look their best.

Would you like trusted, non-surgical rejuvenation performed by a skilled, experienced plastic surgeon. Book your consultation with Dr. Effie Politis today to find out the right surgical and non-surgical options that suit your cosmetic needs. For more information on the EmbraceRF procedure and other facial rejuvenation techniques, visit the site “Politis Plastic Surgery.”

 

How Kojic Acid Annihilates Hyperpigmentation

Do you have a skin blemish caused by sun damage, aging, melasma, or inflammation? Would you like to make your skin clear, glowing, and beautifully even-toned? Or do you want a potent alternative to hydroquinone?

Enter, Kojic acid.

Kojic acid is derived from several types of fungi. It is also a byproduct of fermented rice wine and soy sauce. It is a highly effective natural skin brightening ingredient applied topically to treat hyper-pigmentation.

Due to its ability to penetrate the skin rapidly and to quickly inhibit melanin production, the chemical reduces dark spots and brightens the skin in no time.

When compared to tranexamic acid (8-12 weeks) and retinol (4-6 weeks), Kojic acid provides one of the quickest (2-3 weeks) spot lightening effects.

How does Kojic acid work?

Kojic acid provides a powerful melanin-blocking effect that helps prevent all kinds of hyperpigmentation, whether sun-induced, age-related, or post-inflammatory.

Melanin is the natural body pigment that gives the skin, hair, and eyes their color and is produced when melanocytes convert the protein tyrosine to melanin with the help of the enzyme tyrosinase.

Kojic acid can inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for the production of melanin. By stopping tyrosinase activity, the chemical blocks tyrosine from forming, which prevents melanin synthesis and results in less skin pigmentation.

Since hyper-pigmentation tends to occur when melanin is produced in high concentrations and then becomes clumped, diminished melanin production effectively prevents dark spots, sun spots, and age spots. It also limits pigmentation after sunburn, stops the formation of freckles, and clears melasma.

What are the benefits of Kojic acid?

  1. It helps fade spots. Kojic acid inhibits melanin production, hence lightens sun spots, pigmentation, and marks left by pimples or acne scars.
  2. It helps to brighten the skin. Kojic acid protects against ultraviolet light, keeps the skin safe from sun damage, and ensures brighter and glowing skin.
  3. It relieves melasma. After pregnancy, many women have melasma—a condition characterized by dark patches on the body and face. Kojic acid is effective in eliminating the patches.
  4. It inhibits the future appearance of scars. Kojic acid works on superficial scars and prevents their resurgence.
  5. It prevents skin infections. Kojic acid has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It prevents bacterial infections such as acne and fungal skin infections, like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and yeast infections of the skin.

Who should use Kojic acid?

Kojic acid is ideal for anyone looking for a naturally occurring ingredient to lighten dark spots and provide a more even complexion.

You can use it when:

  1. You have an uneven, pigmented complexion
  2. You are battling a skin pigment of any kind, such as post-inflammatory pigmentation, sun damage, melasma, and dark spots after acne or injuries
  3. You want to improve your under-eye circles due to hyper-pigmentation
  4. You want to treat mild wrinkles and photo-damage
  5. You want to treat and prevent bacterial infections of the skin, such as yeast infections and athlete’s foot

Is Kojic acid safe?

Kojic acid has mild antioxidant, antimicrobial and exfoliating properties. It is a safe and well-tolerated skin-lightening product for the face and body, even on sensitive skin.

Kojic acid is an ideal option if your skin can’t tolerate ingredients like hydroquinone or retinoids.

You can use a serum or pad infused with Kojic acid once or twice a day, depending on the concentration of Kojic acid and the product’s other ingredients. It is safe for topical application in concentrations of up to 1% in skincare products.

But you should not use it for longer than three months at a time. Use it only in smaller doses, particularly if your skin borders on the more sensitive side.

Excessive application of Kojic acid can irritate the skin, resulting in contact dermatitis—a surface-level red rash.

Plus, Kojic acid should be used for fade discoloration, not complete lightening of the complexion of the whole skin.

Kojic acid can be applied in small amounts for fade discoloration to eliminate spots, such as age spots, sun spots, and obnoxious post-breakout marks.

Never apply kojic acid to broken or irritable skin.

Always remember to apply sunscreen in the morning also to help protect the skin.

Whenever you notice adverse effects, stop the use and consult your doctor immediately.

How do you prevent dermatitis when using Kojic acid?

Kojic acid is not suitable for sensitive skin, with dermatitis as its most common side effect. It can cause redness, irritation, swelling, itchiness, and pain when it causes a flare-up.

To prevent dermatitis, Kojic acid should be paired with soothing ingredients to keep skin happy and side-effect-free.

For example, you can pair it with azelaic acid, green tea extract, and resveratrol. It used to be paired with hydroquinone to increase potency, but hydroquinone is in the process of being phased out.

 As a rule, buy Kojic acid-containing products only when you know when and how to use them, and then strictly follow your plastic surgeon’s or dermatologist’s instructions.

Trustworthy plastic surgery advice

Are you looking for freedom from dark spots, sun spots, age spots, or stubborn, post-breakout marks and just don’t know how? Would you like to put your best complexion forward and enjoy enhanced self-confidence but not know the best product for your skin?

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we can help and guide you on nourishing your skin to achieve even-toned, glowing skin.

For years, Dr. Effie Politis has been helping women become their best selves, regaining their confidence over their bodies and skin. She is well equipped with the knowledge and experience to help you.

She has recommended Kojic acid as an ingredient for clearing dark spots and skin pigmentations. That is because Kojic acid is a well-studied ingredient with high safety and tolerability profile.

Come in and speak with Dr. Effie Politis today to determine if Kojic acid or any other skin brightening ingredient is ideal for you.\

You can also discuss other procedures such as breast augmentation, breast implants, breast lift, buttock lift, facelift, liposuction, tummy tuck, lip augmentation, rhinoplasty, dermabrasion, and other forms of plastic surgery.

6 Innovations to Know About From 2021’s Biggest Aesthetic Meeting

The year 2020 was like no other for the regenerative industry. With lockdowns imposed to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, cosmetic surgeons and clinics could not conduct procedures for months. Neither could plastic surgeons hold in-person meetings, spend time together, learn from each other, and share knowledge on innovative techniques.


But the demand for cosmetic treatments was never curtailed by the lockdowns. On the contrary, many Americans felt compelled to recommit to improving their appearance and wellbeing.

Unimpeded growth and popularity

When the lockdowns were lifted, the demand for cosmetic treatments skyrocketed, partly due to patients who had missed their appointments, but also because of many first-time patients interested in undergoing cosmetic enhancements. 2020 gave us the “Zoom Boom” and a rise in the demand for treatments.

The trend is set to continue in 2021, with millions of people in the United States reportedly interested in improving their appearance.

Takeaways from the 2021 Aesthetic Society Meeting

With the lockdowns lifted, the top aesthetic experts recently gathered in Miami for the 2021 Aesthetic Society Meeting—their first in-person conference since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the globe. The meeting provided doctors an opportunity to understand how each of them has coped with the pandemic, reflect on the positive changes they have implemented since the pandemic struck, and build on techniques that are working.

So what are the biggest takeaways from the conference? And what can prospective patients expect for the future of cosmetic surgery?

1. Combination therapies
The 2021 Aesthetic Society Meeting affirmed the combining of surgical and non-surgical technology as the future of plastic surgery. The doctors agreed that blending surgical and non-surgical techniques allows for more efficient treatment plans, ensures natural-appearing revitalization, improves the overall result, and minimizes bruising and swelling after surgery.

For instance, with the rise in global obsession with eliminating dark circles, enhancing cheekbones, uplifting eyebrows, reducing wrinkles, and overall smoothing of facial skin, the 2021 meeting asserted the need to make facial injections a core part of cosmetic therapy going forward.

So it was agreed that when developing personalized treatment plans, surgeons should couple invasive with non-invasive treatments. Mainly, they should consider dermal fillers and botulinum toxin type-A, which are among the most sought-after procedures.

The other non-invasive treatment that is going to be part of combined therapies moving forward is laser resurfacing. Lasers are a non-surgical add-on to plastic surgery procedures that already require a considerable recovery period, such as facelifts or eyelid surgery. Apart from enhancing the facelift result by boosting the texture of newly lifted skin, laser during surgery prevents extra downtime.

After surgery, most patients tend to stay out of sight for at least a week. Hence, adding deeper laser resurfacing, which leaves the skin red and raw, saving the patient from two rounds of downtime. Post-operation, they stay home and recover from both the surgery and the laser treatment simultaneously.

2. Fine-tuning of Rhinoplasty

The 2021 Aesthetic Society meeting recommended various techniques to enhance the outcomes of rhinoplasty. For example, the conference affirmed the value of frequent pairing of lip fillers and nose jobs.
When paired, tweaking the lip shape helps balance the new proportions of the face and gives better rhinoplasty results. Also, an injection around the mouth is quite painful, so doing it when the patient is under anesthesia helps prevent extra discomfort.

Another recommendation from the meeting is the preservation of the natural dorsum to reduce the nasal hump. The technique may not manage most noses, but it simplifies the rhinoplasty procedure in many minor or uncomplicated humps. And while the practice is more than a century old, it has recently been applied by only a few practitioners—hence why it was given prominence during the meeting to renew it.

3. Refining Botox technique

Botulinum toxin injections are always the number one non-invasive treatment. However, the existing brands have usually required retreatment every 3-4 months. There is a new toxin (doxibotulinum Toxin A), expected to get FDA approval in 2021, which promises a longer-lasting effect.

With this in mind, the 2021 Aesthetic Surgery Meeting encouraged surgeons to continue finding creative ways of coupling Botox and invasive cosmetic procedures. The experts considered the possibility of using topical Botox, but because the information on the technique is still inadequate, it was agreed that there is still a need for more data before implementing it.

4. Using fat grafting with other procedures

The conference recognized the increasing value of nano-fat grafting in combination with other procedures to boost volume. For instance, the meeting encouraged doing breast augmentation with breast implants and fat grafting.

Plus, fat grafting can be done as part of the facelift procedure. A good example is when treating festoons under the eyes—which cannot be corrected by traditional lower blepharoplasty or facelift alone—due to the need for mid-lifting.

5. Safety of breast implants

The 2021 Aesthetic Society Meeting discussed the issues facing breast implants, particularly breast implant illness and BIA-ALCL. The surgeons agreed on the need for excellent, well-designed research to deliver true, evidence-based answers to the questions on breast implant safety.

The conference acknowledged ongoing studies by leading surgeons and scientists around the world. It also encouraged plastic surgeons to continually use information from these studies to deliver safe, effective breast implant surgery.

6. Updated safety protocols post-pandemic

The meeting was an opportunity for surgeons to compare their safety protocols. The experts were able to look at various measures, including masks for staff, patients, and visitors, facility cleaning and disinfection, hand sanitizer usage, screening of patients for COVID-19 symptoms, and visitor restrictions.

There were also discussions on special floor markings and furniture arrangements to encourage social distancing and keep patients with respiratory issues away from the rest.

The need to vaccinate all staff members and use e-visits and e-check-ins to limit exposure was highlighted. In the end, the conference affirmed the value of keeping some of the positive changes in place post-pandemic.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we are proud of our unparalleled commitment to innovative cosmetic and restorative procedures. We have been ahead of the curve in using the latest technology and techniques and already offer the procedures highlighted during the 2021 Aesthetic Society Meeting.

Dr. Effie Politis and her extraordinary team offer safe, high-quality, and compassionate care. You can be confident that you will enjoy the best possible aesthetic outcomes from our unique blend of surgical and non-surgical treatments.

Dr. Effie Reacts to Chicago-Based Influencer’s Botched Botox

Last April, Chicago-based influencer and blogger, Whitney Buha, shared about an unfortunate experience with a cosmetic procedure gone wrong.

What exactly happened and what can be done about it?

I shared my thoughts about it in this quick video.

Also, I talked a little bit of what I do with regards to using Botox in my own practice.

What do you think about this incident? As a fellow plastic surgeon, as a patient, or as someone who is considering this procedure?

Why do women undergo breast explantation?

Hi everyone it’s Dr. Effie Politis and I’d like to talk about a great article on the April edition of the PRS called

“Contemporary Strategies in Breast Explantation Surgery”. So what is explantation surgery? It is a surgery in which someone proceeds with removing their implants and not replacing them. I’m seeing quite a few patients that are interested in the surgery for various reasons. We all know that implants are man-made devices.

The first reason that women would opt to undergo the surgery is because of implant rupture.

I tell women that breast implants are not a one and done device. They are prosthetics that are placed in your body, so you need surveillance and you likely will need one or several surgeries in the future if you opt for breast implants. There is a small chance of them rupturing, we can discuss more on the differences between saline and silicone ruptures in the future. 

Is breast implant associated with ALCL

This is a rare lymphoma associated with texture implants, which I do not use, so it’s not really an issue with my practice but I do see patients with prior history of textured implants. 

Is breast implant illness?

This is a large topic that’s often discussed on social media. It’s the name given to patients for a wide range of symptoms. The current data shows there’s no cause and effect relationship between implants and the symptoms. However we certainly are proponents of what women want to do with their body, so if they want their implant removed they certainly have the right to have that done. However, the data based on long term studies does not show whether explantation surgery reliably reduces these symptoms. 

The last reason why women want their implants removed is for non-medical reasons, like the effects of aging, weight changes, pregnancy and shifting perspectives in aesthetic beauty. 

As we know there is a movement towards a smaller breast. So women seeking explantation surgery just need to be aware of the risk and benefits and any adjunct surgeries that can be done to enhance their breast. We look at each woman on an individual basis. It’s a woman’s choice to have her implants removed and we consider the patient’s risk profile, patient preference as well as safety when guiding them on whether explantation surgery is the right surgery for them. I would advise you all to always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon with a specialty in breast surgery when considering these types of procedures. You can always DM me or look at my website, I’ll have more information. Thank you so much 

Lip Restoration and Shaping

On achieving lower facial optimization This patient displays typical age-appropriate changes in lips: maxillary retrusion leading to lack of bony support, elongation of upper lip unit, loss of philtral definition, architectural changes (loss of fascia/ligamentous support), deflation of the vermillion, as well as dynamic peri-oral rhytids. I typically have patients animate and evaluate them while talking. I also evaluate their lip tooth ratio while in repose and while smiling. I evaluate the chin and mentalis muscle as well as mandibular support. The correct analysis helps me make recommendations for surgical correction versus volumetric enhancement. This patient passed my criteria for volumetric enhancement with filler to restore youthful contours and ratios. This patient received only I cc Revanesse Versa lip filler. I like this filler because it is prehydrated, meaning, less swelling and a softer appearance. I also like RHA2 in lips and Restylane Kysse for my younger patients. If I need more border definition I often go to a Restylane Refyne or Defyne. Sometimes I combine fillers to optimize different rheologic properties. I massage lips and apply moisturizer. Expect bruising and swelling to subside at 5-7 days. More to come on surgical correction or lip lift

Renuva a Great Alternative to Autologous Fat Transfer

Renuva is great alternative to autologous #fattransfer and #facial-rejuvenation . Given the well documented fat loss starting in our late 30’s and accelerated in the 40’s and 50’s… this is a good volumizer that recruits your own fat cells into a honeycomb lattice that lasts! Your own fat is recruited over 3 months to replace the shelf fat in syringe. No downtime and great for those with #fillerfatigue or those wanted a more lasting, natural look. What’s better than recruiting your bodies own fat? Call or DM our office for more info!

What is PRF Treatment?

PRF is now one of the most highly sought out cosmetic non-surgical procedures.

It is an all-natural solution that can treat areas in the face that show the first signs of aging, like under-eye hollows, deflated cheeks, and scalp for hair restoration.

This has platelets, fibrin, and white blood cells, which help achieve wound healing, collagen production, and improved overall elasticity.

As for its benefits, I will talk about it more in a future post!

Stay tuned!

And if you have some questions, comment them down below, and we will address them in our next post!

If you are interested in this procedure,
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Call us: (813) 542 – 2587⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Check our website: politisplasticsurgery.com⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Visit us: 5016 West Cypress Street, Suite 200, Tampa, FL 33607

What Are The Signs You Have Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture develops in one or both breasts and can occur at any time, either in the weeks following breast implant surgery (this occurs most often) or, in some cases, years later. Its signs and symptoms often develop gradually over time, making it difficult to identify the complication early if you aren’t sure what you are looking for.

Early signs of capsular contracture may include a firm or tight sensation, pain, or asymmetry.

As the condition worsens, you may notice more obvious symptoms, including:

  • Breast pain
  • Asymmetry
  • Firmness
  • Tightness
  • Round or ball-shaped breast
  • High-riding breast
  • Misshapen breast

If you start to notice any signs that you suspect are associated with capsular contracture or another breast implant complication, call your surgeon right away to be evaluated and learn your options.

Before and After Look with Refresher Facelift

This lovely patient flew in for a total refresh in office. She underwent mini facelift with SMAS plication to rejuvenate mid face, as well as myomodulation with toxin/filler combo to optimize structural support and minimize dynamic lines of expression.