Silk Touch Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa - Blog

When getting ready for your cosmetic surgery consultation it’s important to do your research and come prepared with questions. Whether you’re meeting with the experts at Silk Touch, or another cosmetic professional, having a list of questions ready ahead of time can ensure you get everything you need from your surgeon before making your final decision about the procedure.

Below are 10 questions we think may be helpful to you as you gear up for your consultation.

1. Do you think this procedure will be beneficial for me and that I am a good candidate?
2. Should I combine this procedure with another one to help me get the results I am wanting?
3. What should I do ahead of time to prepare for my procedure?
4. When will I begin to see results?
5. Are there any risks or complications I should be aware of before the procedure?
6. What kind of scarring can I expect from the incisions?
7. How long do the results last, and will additional procedures be required down the road to maintain the results?
8. What kind of anesthesia is given and how is it administered?
9. How would you respond if an emergency were to happen during the procedure?
10. What are your credentials? Are you a board certified surgeon?

We hope these questions are useful to you and that you use them as a guide to coming up with your own. Our knowledgeable staff is happy to answer any and all questions you may have.

We are now booking consultations with Dr. Nealy! Give us a call at 208-939-3110 to get on his schedule today!

Curious about the difference between cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery? Check out our previous blog post to learn more.

As the winter months continue on, it is common for people to experience dry skin. With a combination of cold air and the lack of moisture outside, you may feel like your skin doesn’t stand a chance. Good news for you is we have just the answer.

Epionce has four great products for combating your dryness that will keep your skin hydrated and glowing all winter long.

1. Medical Barrier Cream: 

Epionce’s Medical Barrier Cream is perfect for sensitive skin types. This cream will give any red or irritated skin the hydration it needs without causing irritation. With key botanical ingredients, such as white water lily extract and meadowfoam extract, you can say goodbye to dry skin and hello to visibly improved healthy skin.

2. Intensive Nourishing Cream:

The Intensive Nourishing Cream is an ultra-rich cream that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Named “Best Rich Moisturizer for Dry Skin” in Women’s Health Magazine Best of Skincare Awards 2020, this anti-aging cream has advanced technology to give you radiant looking skin while providing superior moisture. Apply up to three times a day for noticeably improved hydrated skin.

3. Renewal Facial Lotion:

Perfect for normal to combination skin types, the Renewal Facial Lotion can help reverse signs of skin aging by reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The lotion’s key natural ingredients  are expertly formulated to improve clarity and radiance for an overall healthy glow. This product can be applied three times daily for smoother and tighter skin.

4. Milky Lotion Cleanser:

Epionce’s Milky Lotion Cleanser is perfect for both dry and sensitive skin types. This silky smooth cleanser rids the skin of unwanted dirt, makeup, and pollutants while leaving the skin soft and moisturized. If you are looking for a cleanser that calms the skin while combating redness and dry texture then this is the product for you!

Are you ready to give your skin the love it needs this winter? Stop by our practice on Eagle Road to purchase your Epionce products and for a limited time get 15% off the Epionce Renewal Face Lotion.

Not sure what products are right for you? Click here to book a VISIA skin analysis with one of our aestheticians and have a custom product regimen created for you.

Non surgical rhinoplasty, or liquid rhinoplasty, is a non surgical solution to correct defects and change the shape of the nose. 

How does non surgical rhinoplasty work?

The injectors uses the tip of a needle to inject a filler into different but specific areas of the nose that can fill a depression and help to change the shape and size of the nose while hiding defects. Not everyone is candidate for this procedure - so a consultation is required. With the strategic placement of dermal fillers, the nose can be reshaped to fix unwanted bumps or a droopy tip. A crooked shape can sometimes be corrected to with filler placement.

Who is a candidate?

What fillers are used for non surgical rhinoplasty?

The filler is going to depend on patient and the goals, most commonly used are Juvederm and Restylane.

What is the cost?

Cost is dependent on filler type and the amount of filler needed to correct or reshape the nose. You can expect anywhere from $550-$1600. Consultations are free of charge.

What is the downtime?

Most patients see immediate results with no downtime. You can return to your normal activities immediately.  It is common to experience some redness, pin prick marks, minor bruising and swelling after a liquid rhinoplasty. Any swelling and bruising may be more apparent the next day and will subside within 10-14 days.

What to do to prep for your non surgical rhinoplasty treatment:

• Avoid blood thinners 2 weeks prior
• No alcohol 24 hours before
• Come makeup free or plan on makeup being removed during your appointment. 

Are you ready to start your transformation? Schedule your complimentary consultation today.

If you have been wanting to enhance your breasts, but don’t want to use implants, then fat transfer for breast enhancement might be the answer for you! The procedure is especially beneficial to those who want a more natural breast enhancement and only want to increase their breast size by a few cup sizes.

More about Fat Transfer in Boise, Idaho

Fat transfer to breast is performed with liposuction. A small cannula is used to harvest fat from one location in the body and re-inject it into the breast. Typical areas fat is transferred from include the abdomen and thighs. The area from which the fat is collected and the treatment site are both numbed with local anesthesia prior to the procedure.

Not everyone is a candidate for fat transfer to breast, or may not be able to achieve their desired breast appearance with the procedure. For those people, breast implants may be a better solution. To find out if fat transfer to breast is possible for you, click here to request a complimentary consultation.

Save $500 on Lipo now through the end of March.

The eyes are often the first facial feature to display the signs of aging. While many appreciate laugh lines, shades and bags that form with time can be an aesthetic and medical concern. 

Blepharoplasty, or an eyelid lift, is a popular cosmetic procedure that eliminates these unwanted marks, making your face fresh and youthful again. 

However, any elective surgery requires careful consideration. If you've been toying with the idea, learn as much as possible before scheduling an appointment. That way, you'll have enough time to work through the information and make an educated, confident decision.

What Is Blepharoplasty?

As we age, wrinkles, prolapse fat, and saggy skin can make us look worn-out and affect our vision. This relatively non-invasive cosmetic surgery type reduces these undesired side-effects. 

The procedure includes removing excess skin, fat, and muscle around the eyes. It promotes a rejuvenated appearance by tightening up the areas around your lids.

You'll speak to your doctor to learn whether you're the right candidate for blepharoplasty. In general, people with the following aesthetic issues qualify:

• Dark circles and bags

• Saggy and puffy skin 
• Droopy lids

As long as you're in good health, physically and psychologically, these criteria apply no matter whether your lids are causing health concerns.

https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/02/18/22/17/old-man-1208210_960_720.jpg

Blepharoplasty Types

There are several specialized treatment types to restore your youthful appearance with Dr Kopelman, depending on your desired outcome. Notably:

• Dark circles–Soft tissue and depressions on the lower eyelids paired with skin pigmentation can cause permanent dark circles around your eyes. 

• Ptosis–The upper eyelid muscles typically raise the skin from the bone. Ptosis surgery tightens the internal structure, preventing any drooping.

• Reconstructive–Acquired and congenital illnesses can cause eye deformities. While a bit more intense, reconstructive operation restores symmetry and well-being.

• Revision–Complications during blepharoplasty are rare, but this procedure is there to fix any issues arising from previous treatment.

Once you're aware of the options, visit a specialist to determine which option is right for you.

The Procedure

You'll meet with your medical care professional for preoperative evaluation and to determine the surgery date. That's when you discuss:

• What you want from the operation
• Your medical history
• Any medication you might be taking 

The doctor will evaluate your vision and consider your facial musculature, bone structure, and eyebrow symmetry, to decide how much tissue they'll remove.

You could have upper, lower, or total eyelid surgery, depending on the condition severity. The surgeon will disclose the exact steps they'll take during the operation to help you feel more at ease once the scheduled date arrives.

In essence, the procedure itself includes a series of small cuts to access and remove excess tissue. You'll receive local anesthesia and sedatives for comfort.

https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2017/08/01/10/55/eyes-2564517_960_720.jpg

The Recovery

After the operation, you'll spend several hours in a recovery room for monitoring. You might experience:

• Light sensitivity

• Swelling 

• Blurred vision
• Pain and discomfort

A companion can take you home in a matter of hours, as driving won't be safe for you until you regain clear vision. You can also expect a prescription for pain medication to resolve any lingering discomfort after the initial dose wears off.

In most cases, you should be able to get back to work in two to three days. It'll take several weeks for swelling and bruising to subside though. During that period, you should refrain from:

• Cigarette smoking

• Contact lenses

• Strenuous exercise
• Excessive light exposure

You'll discuss recovery advancement and receive further advice about your limitations during the follow-up meetings over the next few weeks.

Medical and Cosmetic Improvement

Overall, there's little to worry about when it comes to eye lifts. Whether you're thinking about it for medical or aesthetic reasons, there's no reason not to undergo this treatment.

Get clearance from your doctor, make your environment comfortable for the recovery process, take some time off and be easy on yourself in the days to come. You and your rejuvenated face will go back to your everyday routine in no time.

Have you ever noticed that some people naturally have more contour to their face while others have more of a rounder shape? Those with naturally round cheeks may benefit from the contouring effects of buccal fat pad removal. 

What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal 

Buccal fat pad removal surgery is the removal of the mass of fat that is located in the hollows of the cheeks. This fat is naturally-occurring and can impact the shape of the face. The size of the buccal fat pad varies from person to person, and is typically not removed from individuals with thin or narrow faces. This procedure can be especially beneficial to those who feel their faces have a too full, or chubby look to them.

To remove the buccal fat pads, incisions are made on the inside of the mouth. The fat is then removed and sutures are used to close the incisions. Liposuction does not work to remove this kind of fat due to the buccal fat pad being located underneath the muscle. Because the incisions are made on the inside of the mouth, there are no visible scars. The results of the procedure leave the patient with a more contoured and youthful face shape.

Non surgical treatment alternatives would be facial contouring using fillers, though not everyone is a candidate for contouring with fillers - as sometimes this can make the face look rounder. We suggest scheduling a consultation with our injectors if you are interested in this treatment to determine candidacy. 

Do you think you can benefit from buccal fat pad removal? Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Nealy today!

Check out our website to learn more or give us a call at 208-939-3110 to schedule your free consultation.

If you are looking to step up your skincare routine this year, Vitamin C is the product ingredient that does it all. Vitamin C can be found in many products, but most commonly it is used in serums. Regardless of your age or skin type, Vitamin C has many benefits that can help you achieve your skin goals.

Here are the top 3 reasons you should add Vitamin C to your product regimen:

• Protects against the sun:

As an antioxidant, Vitamin C is a high performing skin care product that promotes the skin’s regeneration process and neutralizes what is known as free radicals that may be harmful to the skin. Free radicals are atoms missing an electron that are looking to steal an extra electron from another atom. This can lead to skin damage and wrinkles. An example of a free radical Vitamin C protects against is the sun’s UV rays. Though it is not a sunscreen substitute, Vitamin C can work in tandem with sunscreen to provide extra protection.

• Evens out skin tone: 

Vitamin C is known to reduce redness and inflammation to provide a more even skin tone. It contains properties that hinder melanin production in the skin which can cause dark spots and hyperpigmentation. If used topically on a consistent basis, Vitamin C can prevent the formation of dark spots in the first place, as well as fade ones that already exist. This helps give the skin a brighter and more youthful glow. 

• Prevents aging by promoting collagen production:

Collagen is a natural occurring protein that is important for the skin because it has properties that help plump, firm, and promote healing. Over time, collagen levels begin to deplete. Because Vitamin C boosts collagen production, it helps reduce skin sagging as well as the development of fine lines and wrinkles. The results are a more youthful complexion that stops premature aging. 

If you’re looking to add Vitamin C into your skincare routine we have products such as the Silk Touch RX Potent C Cream that can do just the trick. Click here to book a VISIA skin analysis with one of our skilled aestheticians to create your own custom product regimen and find out how Vitamin C can help you achieve your skin goals.

If you missed our previous announcement, we at Silk Touch are excited to welcome Dr. Jason Nealy to our team! Dr. Nealy is a triple board certified cosmetic surgeon who is joining us from the Seattle area. Dr. Nealy is leading our new cosmetic surgery expansion, and will be offering procedures like breast implants, tummy tucks and mommy makeovers. So what is cosmetic surgery exactly? The term cosmetic surgery is often confused for plastic surgery, but in fact they are very different things. 

Cosmetic surgery is focused on enhancing the beauty of the body through surgical procedures. This type of surgery is based on aesthetic appeal. Cosmetic surgery services include:

• Breast Enhancement
• Facial Contouring
• Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
• Fat Transfer
• Facial Rejuvenation
• Body Contouring
• Skin Rejuvenation

Plastic surgery, on the other hand, is focused on the surgical reconstruction of defects to the face and body. These defects can be due to things such as body disorders, disease, trama, and burns. Examples of plastic surgery include:

• Breast reconstruction
• Burn Repair Surgery
• Congenital Defect Repair
• Lower Extremity Reconstruction
• Hand Surgery
• Scar Revision Surgery

Board certified plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons have similar paths for schooling, but cosmetic surgeons gain far more additional training, knowledge and experience before becoming board certified due to them being required to complete a post-fellowship training program after their initial residency.

When choosing a surgeon, it is important to research and keep in mind a doctor’s training and education. As a triple board certified cosmetic surgeon there is no doubt that Dr. Nealy knows his stuff! Don’t miss out on getting on our schedule for one of the many new cosmetic surgical procedures we are offering with Dr. Nealy. Book a consultation today!

Filler continues to be not only a popular treatment at Silk Touch, but one of the most popular treatments worldwide. With the increase in demand of this treatment, improvements are being made every year to make filler longer lasting, and approved for use in more areas. New improvements in filler include:

• A recent FDA-approval of Juvederm Voluma use for the chin is the first time filler has been approved to be used on the face outside of cheek and lip areas. Chin enhancement using filler has been a popular treatment for years - and Voluma continues to be our go-to choice for this area. 
• Clinical trials are being done to ensure FDA approval for filler use on areas of the face such as the temples, the hollows below the eyes, and the jawline. While this is a very common off-label use, FDA approval allows for these companies to market it to patients. 
• The use of masks has made the demand for under-eye filler increase. People want their eyes to be a focal point and desire lower eyelid rejuvenation without the need for surgery. We love this quick treatment that can make a major difference in how refreshed you look. Check out our before and afters here. 
• A cleaner and purer family of fillers is being introduced to the United States. These volume enhancers have been available by Revanance in Europe for years. These fillers are called RHA 2, RHA 3, and RHA 4.  Stay tuned for updates on this! 
• Restylane Kysse is a new filler that was recently approved for lips that doctors agree offers less swelling of the lips and gives a more pillowy feel. In fact, in a “Kissability Study” conducted by parent company Galderma, the majority of patients’ partners reported a more kissable or natural feel. This filler has quickly become a favorite of our injectors and clients. Check out our Instagram for before and afters. 
• Long-lasting fillers, such as Radiesse and Sculptra Aesthetic, are more commonly being injected in innovative ways. Radiesse is being used to correct cellulite laxity and Sculptra Aesthetic is frequently being used to manage sun damage and skin texture. 
• The “microdroplet technique” is a new trend that can improve fine lines on the weakest areas of the face. This is done by injecting a thin dose of hyaluronic acid filler in different patterns of microdroplets under the skin. Doctors suggest that we will see overall improvement of skin quality with this technique. 

Ready to give filler a try? Schedule your appointment today and our injectors will help you decide which filler is best to achieve your goals.

What is Facial Fat Transfer?

Did you know that fat transfer can be done on your face? You may associate fat transfer with breasts or butts (BBLs), but facial fat transfer can actually be quite effective and have long lasting results.

The fat transfer procedure, also known as fat grafting, is done by collecting fat from one area of the body through liposuction. The fat is then prepared for injection and transferred to another area, such as the face. Facial fat transfer is commonly used as filler for sunken areas of the face, facial creases, acne scars and the lips.

In order to qualify for facial fat transfer, patients must have an adequate amount of fat to harvest. Fat is removed from areas of the body such as the stomach, hips, and thighs. Fat transfer is always paired with a liposuction procedure.

This procedure not only gives a natural, fuller look to the face, but the results are also long lasting. A small portion of the transferred fat may be absorbed in the body over a period of time, but ultimately the initial look remains the same. 

Not a candidate for fat transfer? Not a problem, our expert injectors can achieve the same results using facial fillers like Juvederm Voluma or long lasting collagen stimulating fillers like Sculptra.

Often times, fat transfer is paired with facial fillers for optimal results. 

To learn more and see if you qualify for fat transfer, book a complimentary consultation today!