VIP Plastic Surgery

Products And Services

• Rhinoplasty

  Rhinoplasty is one of most frequently performed Asian cosmetic surgeries. Although the general concepts of Asian rhinoplasty are similar to those in the non-Asian, technical execution is different. Asians generally seek augmentation rhinoplasty, in contrast to Caucasians generally request reduction rhinoplasty. The nasal bridge is typically flatter, less defined, and the tip of the nose wider and less angular. The nostril opening may appear relatively larger and be more widely flared. For the Asian rhinoplasty surgeon, the operation can be more challenging because Asian cartilage is more fragile and the overlying skin is thicker. Many Asians patients request an increase in tip projection to lengthen the nose slightly and lower its typical upward angled nasal tip. Dr. Choi does not use synthetic material to augment. He has used diced cartilage graft in nasal surgery more than 25 years. There are three methods of diced cartilage in rhinoplasty surgery: Diced cartilage Diced cartilage wrapped in fascia Diced cartilage covered with fascia Pieces of diced cartilage without any fascia can be placed in multiple areas. Diced cartilage can be from patient’s own ear cartilage, rib cartilage, or radiated cartilage. In anyway these are superior to alloplastic, synthetic implant so patient can have permanent, safe and infection free surgical outcome. Diced cartilage make rhinoplasty in Asian simple and complications have been relatively minor and their correction is simple. Every nose is different so the surgical technique is also different. LONG NOSE Main emphasis need to address to shorten and rotate the nasal tip slightly to give adequate balance and satisfy the rule of three principles. SHORT NOSE This nose gives appearance of piggy nose and it requires lengthening of the nose. Radiated cartilage or patient’s own ear cartilage can be used to lengthen and it is associated with tip projection. WIDE NASAL NOSE This nose typically requires osteotomy (breaking the nasal bone) to reduce the width of the nose and osteotomy is performed routinely in Caucasian nose. DROOPING TIP NOSE This gives appearance of aged nose and it requires rotation to bring the nasal tip toward upward and it gives young looking and youthful appearance. WIDE NASAL BASE This is very common among South East Asian but 20% of North East Asian also had this configuration. In this case, alar base is reduced by excising portion of the nasal base and the scar is invisible after healing is completed. BULBOUS AND THICK NASAL TIP This is very common and shaping the nasal tip cartilage and reducing the fatty tissue from underlying skin thick nasal skin can be thinned.

  Link: Rhinoplasty

• Upper Eyelid Surgery

  Double eyelid surgery is the most popular of all facial plastic surgery procedures performed on patients of Asian descent in the Orient and West. It is an operation designed to create or enhance the upper eyelid crease. It will make eye bigger and the eyelids look more open. While most of the structured of the Asian eyelid are identical to those found in the Caucasian lid, their different structural alignment and relative lengths and thicknesses are sufficient to account for the highly characteristic appearance of the typical Asian upper lid, epicanthic fold, and crease. Many plastic surgeons consider eyelid surgery to be the most demanding and least forgiving of all plastic surgery procedures. Patient satisfaction after eyelid surgery is surprisingly low, a reflection of the expertise required to perform these operations successfully. Results can vary tremendously with the training, skill, and experience of the doctor, and problems such as noticeable asymmetry, excessive scarring, misdirected eyelashes, unwanted accessory skin folds, hollowness, overdone or unnatural results, and a gradual loss of the crease are by no means rare. SURGICAL METHODS Cutting Techniques Among many different techniques, wide undermining the lid skin and aggressive removal muscle technique deliver most attractive result based on Dr. Choi’s 12,000 eyelid surgical experience. Requires incision Leave scar Healing and recovery takes longer Revision surgery may be difficult occasionally Requires skill from a surgeon Deliver permanent result Good for thick skin Good for fatty eye Able to prevent puffy crease Less fold failure rate Non-Cutting Technique There are numerous techniques and so far most reliable technique is DST (double sutures and twisting method) which was designed by the Japanese surgeon. No scar Quick healing Easy to revise A less skilled surgeon can perform Good for thin skin Good for younger patient Fold failure rate is higher than cutting technique Not good for thick skin Not good for fatty eye Not good for a saggy lid SHAPE AND SIZE OF THE FOLD Taper This is most desirable to the patients who are looking for typical Asian appearance and very natural looking fold. 50% of natural crease belong to this style and young patients prefer to this style. Typically the size is somewhat smaller and usual size of the crease is less than 6mm. A non-cutting technique can deliver this kind of style of a crease. Parallel Somewhat larger than tapered crease and resemble Caucasian fold. It is somewhat larger than tapered look and also 50% natural crease belong to this style. Medical Epicanthoplasty Epicanthal fold is sometimes called as a Mongolian fold and it is small web-like skin covers the inner corner of the eye. Removing this fold is called Medial Epicanthoplasty and it enlarges the eyes in a horizontal direction. 10 to 15 % of the eyelid surgery requires this procedure. This procedure is recommended to someone’s horizontal length of the eye is less than 2.5 cm and if the size belongs to between 2.5- 2.7cm then occasional recommended. Anyone whose eye is larger than 2.7cnm then usually this procedure is not necessary. For general information, Caucasian eye size is somewhat 3cm in length. There are numerous techniques such as V-Y advancement, W plasty, Z plasty, and modified Z plasty V-W plasty but due to the high incidence of the scarring, I recommend lazy S flap. Typically this procedure requires 30 minutes of operation time and it is usually performed with Asian Eyelid surgery. It will take 6 months until the scar is totally invisible. This technique gives least chance of scar formation but every epicanthoplasty need to be performed with very careful consideration.

  Link: Upper Eyelid Surgery

• Lower Eyelid Surgery

  EYE BAG REMOVAL Lower eyelids surgery, also known as eye bag removal surgery reduces bagginess from lower eyelids, helps to restore youthfulness to the face During lower eyelid surgery, an incision is made along the bottom of the lash line. This allows the surgeon to remove or reposition the excess fat and tissue. In patients who have puffy lower eyelids but good skin tone, an approach known as a transconjunctival blepharoplasty can be performed. This technique puts the incision inside the lower eyelid rather than outside. Plan your procedure Recovery time: 2-3 weeks Average procedure time: 1.5hours Double eyelid surgery is the most popular of all facial plastic surgery procedures performed on patients of Asian descent in the Orient and West. It is an operation designed to create or enhance the upper eyelid crease. It will make eye bigger and the eyelids look more opened. While most of the structured of the Asian eyelid are identical to those found in the Caucasian lid, their different structural alignment and relative lengths and thicknesses are sufficient to account for the highly characteristic appearance of the typical Asian upper lid, epicanthal fold, and crease. Many plastic surgeons consider eyelid surgery to be the most demanding and least forgiving of all plastic surgery procedures. Patient satisfaction after eyelid surgery is surprisingly low, a refection of the expertise required to perform these operations successfully. Results can vary tremendously with the training, skill, and experienced of the doctor, and problems such as noticeable asymmetry, excessive scarring, misdirected eyelashes, unwanted accessory skin folds, hollowness, overdone or unnatural results, and a gradual loss of the crease are by no means rare. SURGICAL METHODS Cutting Techniques Among many different techniques, wide undermining the lid skin and aggressive removal muscle technique deliver most attractive result based on Dr Choi’s 12,000 eye lid surgical experience. Requires incision Leave scar Healing and recovery takes longer Revision surgery may be difficult occasionally Requires skill from surgeon Deliver permanent result Good for thick skin Good for fatty eye Able to prevent puffy crease Less fold failure rate Non Cutting Technique There are numerous techniques and so far most reliable technique is DST (double sutures and twisting method) which was designed by the Japanese surgeon. No scar Quick healing Easy to revise Less skilled surgeon can perform Good for thin skin Good for younger patient Fold failure rate is higher than cutting technique Not good for thick skin Not good for fatty eye Not good for saggy lid SHAPE AND SIZE OF THE FOLD Taper This is most desirable to the patients who are looking for typical Asian appearance and very natural looking fold. 50% of natural crease belong to this style and young patients prefer to this style. Typically the size is somewhat smaller and usual size of the crease is less than 6mm. Non cutting technique can deliver this kind of style of crease. Parallel Somewhat larger than tapered crease and resemble Caucasian fold. It is somewhat larger than tapered look and also 50% natural crease belong to this style. Medical Epicanthoplasty Epicanthal fold is sometimes called as a Mongolian fold and it is small web like skin covers the inner corner of the eye. Removing this fold is called Medial Epicanthoplasty and it enlarges the eyes in horizontal direction. 10 to 15 % of the eyelid surgery requires this procedure. This procedure is recommended to someone’s horizontal length of the eye is less than 2.5 cm and if the size belong to between 2.5- 2.7cm then occasional recommended. Anyone whose eye is larger than 2.7cnm then usually this procedure is not necessary. For general information Caucasian eye size is somewhat 3cm in length. There are numerous techniques such as V-Y advancement, W plasty, Z plasty, and modified Z plasty V-W plasty but due to high incidence of the scarring I recommend lazy S flap. Typically this procedure require 30 minutes of operation time and it is usually performed with Asian Eyelid surgery. It will take 6 months until scar is totally invisible. This technique gives least chance of scar formation but every epicanthoplasty need to be performed with very careful consideration.

  Link: Lower Eyelid Surgery

• Chin Augementation

  The chin has been called the “anchor of the face” and may greatly alter perception of the lips, nose, and jaw. In the Asia a protruding chin sis seen as a masculine feature, while a retruded chin can make the face look square from the front and underdeveloped in profile. Side profile or facial asymmetry can often be better balanced by undergoing either augmentation, reduction, or moving the bones of the chin.

  Link: Chin Augementation

• Forehead Augmentation

  A forehead augmentation is the surgical procedure for enhancing the shape and volume of the forehead via fat graft or implant. This surgery not only contour your forehead but also your overall face considering facial line from forehead, cheekbone, nose to chin in order to provide a youth appearance. In some cases, the procedure has the ability to make the entire face look smaller and prettier since wrinkles and other surface imperfections are also removed when volume is added to the forehead. There are three types of forehead augmentation techniques – transplantation of fat, insertion of custom designed Gore-tex implant. Incise scalp (2-3cm behind hair line) and expose, skin soft tissue and periosteum in order to secure the space for implant, sterilized Gore-tex implant then insert it over forehead and the incision line can be closed meticulously to make the scar invisible and cover with compressive bandage. Plan your procedure Recovery time: 2-3 weeks Average procedure time: 2hours

  Link: Forehead Augmentation

• Cheek Augmentation

  The cheek augmentation procedure lifts the mid-face area and gives the appearance of high cheekbones, a traditional symbol of beauty that has withstood the test of time. It helps sunken cheeks and facial hollows. Cheek augmentation procedure improves facial contours and restores lost volume. A wide variety of facial implants are currently available for the enhancement of cheeks. Cheek implants vary widely not only in shape and style, but also in terms of the materials (Alloderm, Silicon and Gore-tex) from which they are fabricated. Injectable filler or fat grafting may be used to enhance cheeks and facial features. Plan your procedure Recovery time: 1-2weeks Average procedure time: 1-1.5 hours

  Link: Cheek Augmentation

• Facelift

  Facelift (Meloplasty) With respect to facelift, anatomical factors that distinguish the Asian face from the European face include thicker skin, more fat accumulation in the lower face and neck with aging, a more prominent buccal fat pad, and flatter facial skeleton that renders the heavier tissues of the lower face more susceptible to the downward pull of gravity. Other Procedures BAGGY AND SAGGY LOWER LID SURGERY Removes the skin, protruding fat, and tightens the skin to create young appearance. UNDER EYEBROW EYELID PROCEDURE Remove excessive skin on upper lid without touching upper lid skin. BROW LIFT Reposition of the saggy brow thus create open look. CHEEK REDUCTION Reduce the size of the cheek to create softer look. LIP ENHANCEMENT Improve the shape and size of the upper and lower lips. SURGERY OF PROTRUDING OF THE EAR (OTOPLASTY) Bring back the protruded ear to the side of the face so create harmonious facial proportion. The temple lift surgery can dramatically improve lateral hooding of the eye that may give an unwanted sad expression to people’s facial appearance. The surgery also raises eyebrows and pulls excess skin off of the upper eyelid. It can give a fresher, younger, and wider open look as well as reduce years from the appearance of each patients’ eyes. This procedure is often performed in combination with an upper blepharoplasty, where two separate incisions are made inside the hairline and are raised from underlying tissue. The redundant skin portion will then be removed. Plan your procedure Average recovery time: 2-4 weeks Average procedure time: 2- 2 1/2 hours The neck lift surgery, or lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the jawline and neck. A neck lift enhances the appearance of the neck by tightening the skin and underlying muscles and improving the contour of jawline by removing the excess fatty deposits under the chin and loose neck skin. There are various incision approaches, depending on the extent of the surgery and the structures being altered. If a corset platysmaplasty is planned (in which the platysma muscles are tightly sewn together to create a smooth neck contour) a small incision is made under your chin (submental incision) along with a limited facelift-type incision behind each ear. For patient ho request a neck lift with minimal change to the face, the neck correction can sometimes be accomplished with only the submental incision or with only the incision behind each ear.

  Link: Facelift

• Jaw, Dimple, Ear Surgery

  Jaw Surgery Upper jaw bone is known as the maxilla, while the lower jaw bone is called the mandible. For the mandible and its main muscle, the masseter, are the primary anatomic factors determining the width and shape of the lower called the “jaw line.” Some Asian women prefer a more slender jaw profile to a stronger square or flared contour that might feel out of proportion to other more delicate facial features. Slimming does soften the facial contour and cam make the neck appear slightly longer. Some women feel a square jawline makes them appear less feminine, although this argument is flawed. There are countless beautiful women with extremely square jaws and many handsome men with highly angled jaw. Jawline reduction can be undertaken using either permanent surgical or temporary non-surgical methods. Surgical reduction of the mandibular angle is particularly effective in changing a square –shaped face into one with a more oval contour. Dimple Surgery A dimple surgery is a procedure to create dimples to help them have a great looking smile. The surgery is performed on the inside of the cheek and there are no scars or incisions on the outside skin with local with or without sedation. Dr. Choi measures patient’s face to find the area where naturally occurring dimples would be, by measuring the corner of the eye down, then the intersecting point from the mouth which is about 2-3 centimeters. Plan your procedure Average recovery time: 1-2 weeks Average procedure time: 30 Min. – 45Min Ear Cosmetic Surgery Ear Surgery, also known as Otoplasty, is a procedure which sets prominent ears back, closer to the head, or reduces the size of large ears. This surgery can be performed on children as early as the age of 5. We also offer earlobe repair for stretched out or torn earlobes, which is accomplished by removing the skin cleft that resides between the two sides that are split. A new lobe is reconstructed using sutures that are placed in both the front and back of the ear. This ear surgery is often done on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia or local with IV sedation. Plan your procedure Average recovery time: 2-3 weeks Average procedure time: 1 – 1 1/2 hours

  Link: Jaw, Dimple, Ear Surgery

• Brow Lift

  Endoscopic brow lift surgery is a time-tested method for rejuvenating the upper third of your face. A Patient who has narrow or normal forehead, is a good candidate for this procedure. A general anesthesia or IV sedation anesthesia is administered so patients are comfortable throughout the procedure. Five small incisions are made at the crown of head or at the hair line. All the tissues of the forehead are loosened and then pulled upward and backward so that it raises the eyebrow and smoothed out the forehead. An endoscope is inserted through the incisions, which allows the surgeon to see the treatment area on a television screen. 70% to 85% of patients are usually good candidate for this procedure. Plan your procedure Average recovery time: 2-4 weeks Average procedure time: 2- 2 1/2 hours Trichophytic(Hairline) brow lift is a procedure performed on patients who has a high or long forehead. For this type of patient, it is a good procedure. This approach places the incision lines just behind the hairline which can maintain or lower the hair line. These incisions are typically long, yet still hidden by the patient’s hair. This technique repositions the eyebrows by pulling them up to offer an alert and revitalized appearance. This particular approach does offer dramatic results and in most cases actually lower the hairline. Incision is made such a way, hair can grow through the incision line, so scar will be invisible. Plan your procedure Aver recovery time: 2-3 weeks Average procedure time: 2 hours

  Link: Brow Lift

• Facial Fat Graft

  Fat grafting, also known as a fat transfer, is a cosmetic surgery that takes fat from one area of the body, harvests and purifies it, and then transplants it to another area. This process is done to add volume to a part of the body that has become deflated or shallow. During a fat transfer procedure, fat is first removed from a donor site (such as the abdomen, waist, inner thighs or knees) through liposuction. Then, the fat will be purified and injected utilizing a small syringe or blunt cannula. Common areas of the body cosmetically treated with a fat transfer include the face, lips, buttocks, and breasts. Plan your procedure Recovery time 1-2 weeks Average procedure time 2-2.5 hours

  Link: Facial Fat Graft

• Dermabrasion

  Dermabrasion is the procedure to improve to look of facial skin that smoothens fine wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars and other surface irregularities. This is accomplished through a controlled method of surgical scraping. An exfoliating technique that uses a rotating instrument to remove the outer layers of skin, usually on the face. This is accomplished through a controlled method of surgical scraping. During a dermabrasion procedure, the top layer of skin is manually exfoliated using a rotating brush or instrument, and then a chemical peel solution is applied to promote cellular turnover. The skin eventually peels, leaving a second layer that is healthy, clear and rejuvenated. This procedure results in a smoother complexion. Following the procedure, the face will be red and swollen and it is common for scabbing and crusting to occur over the areas that were treated. It is imperative that patients avoid sun exposure to protect the new layer of skin. The skin will look soft and smooth with a visible decrease in irregularities. This procedure will be done either general or with IV sedation. Plan your procedure Average recovery time: 1-2 weeks Average procedure time: 11/2 – 2 hours

  Link: Dermabrasion

• Scar Revision

  Scar revision surgery will attempt to minimize a scar so that it is less conspicuous and blends in with the surrounding skin tone and texture. Scars are visible signs that remain after a wound has healed. They are the unavoidable results of injury or surgery, and their development can be unpredictable. The formation of a scar depends as much upon the way your body heals as it does on the nature of the surgeon’s skill in repairing it. It is impossible to remove a scar completely. However, plastic surgery can often do much to lessen the severity of a scar, making it less noticeable by applying or injecting steroids or through scar revision, a commonly used surgical procedure. Plan your procedure Recovery time: 1-2 weeks Average procedure time: 45min-1 hour

  Link: Scar Revision

• Fat Transfer & Graft

  Korean woman is the least obese in the world; they are also worry about weight control above almost any other cosmetic concern. Their interest in liposuction, however, is not shed more pounds but desire to remove localized stubborn fat deposits that won’t respond to diet and exercise. So many advancement in liposuction made in recent years. Fat transfer procedures, on the other hand, address the opposite problem by moving fat from one area of the body to another where it appears to be deficient. Both types of procedures work well on the Asian face and body as long as the surgeon understand and respects the differences in Asian bone structure, skin quality and adipose tissue distribution.

  Link: Fat Transfer & Graft

• Liposuction

  Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a thin, hollow tube called a cannula to remove localized areas of body fat. The cannula is inserted through extremely small incisions, and then moved back and forth to loosen excess fat, which is suctioned out using a vacuum or a cannula-attached syringe. Treated areas look slimmer and more contoured, and in better overall proportion to the rest of the body. However, liposuction is not a method for losing weight, and is not effective in eliminating cellulite, or tightening loose and sagging skin. The ideal candidate for liposuction is in good overall health, but has one or more areas of fat that do not respond to diet or exercise. Areas that are often treated with liposuction include the thighs, abdomen, arms, back, hips, buttocks, chest, face, calves and ankles. Liposuction can be performed alone, or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, such as thighplasty and abdominoplasty. The Liposuction Procedure One of the most common liposuction techniques is tumescent liposuction, which may get an assist from ultrasound or laser. It is performed on an outpatient basis. During tumescent liposuction, a solution comprising saline solution, lidocaine (an anesthetic) and epinephrine (a blood-vessel contractor) is injected into the area being treated. The solution causes the targeted tissue swell and become firm, which makes it easier to remove via the cannula. The advantages to this technique are that the anesthetic is built in, so there is no need for general or IV sedation, and blood loss is minimized because the epinephrine constricts blood vessels. In laser-assisted tumescent liposuction, a laser is used to liquefy the fat, which makes removing it easier. The laser can also be used to tighten treatment-area skin after fat is removed. Similarly, ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat. Recovery from Liposuction After liposuction, patients experience mild swelling, bruising and discomfort in the treated area. Compression garments or elastic bandages are typically worn to help reduce these symptoms as the area heals. Patients can return to work and other regular activities as soon as they feel comfortable, which is usually after a few days. Exercise and other strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks. Risks of Liposuction In addition to the usual risks associated with surgery, risks associated with liposuction include the following: Loose or rippled skin Worsening of cellulite Asymmetry Contour irregularities Pigmentation irregularities When large amounts of fat are removed, surgery to remove excess skin may be necessary. Results of Liposuction Results of the liposuction procedure may not be apparent until swelling and bruising subside, which usually takes a week; swelling should completely subside within a few months. Incisions are rarely sutured, and scarring is almost nonexistent, because the incisions used for the cannula are so small. The results of liposuction are long-lasting, unless a substantial amount of weight is gained.

  Link: Liposuction

• Aerolase®

  VIP Plastic Surgery Center now offers the LightPod Neo laser, the safest and gentlest aesthetic laser available. Due to its unique Micropulse-1064 technology, which delivers energy to the skin 30-50 times faster than other lasers, patients of all skin types can receive safe, gentle and effective treatments without the use of messy cooling gels or anesthetics; solely using a beam of light to touch the skin. The Neo’s pulse effectively targets tissue structures without causing any damage to the surrounding skin – resulting in the highest levels of treatment comfort, safety and efficacy. The LightPod Neo is FDA approved for more than 30 medical and aesthetic applications. WE NOW OFFER THE FOLLOWING TREATMENTS: HAIR REMOVAL Laser hair removal uses a combination of heat and energy to destroy the hair follicle without harming the skin around it. The LightPod Neo laser offers patients a uniquely pain-free and gentle way to get rid of any unwanted hair. Most patients who have been treated by other lasers say that being treated with the LightPod Neo is much gentler and more pleasant. During laser hair removal, the hair must be in its growing phase in order to be successfully destroyed. To ensure that all hair is effectively removed during the growing phase, you will receive a series of treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart. This will successfully ensure maximum results. PIGMENTED LESIONS Over time, your skin is affected by exposure to UV light, which can cause pigmentary changes on the surface of the skin. The result can be sun or age spots as well as freckles. Some skin is affected by pigmentary changes at birth, called nevi or birthmarks. Regardless of the pigmentary condition, the LightPod Neo can safely and effectively treat your pigmented lesion, resulting in an even and uniform skin tone. SPIDER VEINS AND ANGIOMAS The LightPod Neo is able to safely treat a broad range of visible blood vessels from angiomas and spider veins to large leg veins. The Neo delivers a pulse of laser energy, which will cause the blood within the vein to coagulate and destroy the vessel, which will be absorbed by your body over several weeks to leave your skin looking rejuvenated and youthful. No matter what part of your body is affected, the LightPod Neo can safely and effectively take care of any unwanted veins. SKIN TIGHTENING/REJUVENATION The LightPod Neo offers a uniquely noninvasive skin tightening/rejuvenation treatment to stimulate healthy collagen and restore your skin’s youthful appearance. This process will help firm healthy skin, get rid of any vasculature and brown spots as well as help fill in wrinkles without any patient downtime. Only a beam of laser light touches the skin for the most pleasant treatment available. Typically, several treatments spaced out over a 6-month period are recommended to deliver remarkable results. ACNE Acne is a common condition across both youths and adults characterized by sebaceous glands being obstructed by the p. acne bacteria. This causes blemishes on the skin and can lead to scarring if not treated properly. Until recently, patients could only be treated by topical or oral medications. Now, the LightPod Neo laser can result in substantial improvement for the treatment of acne and acne scars. The laser’s energy effectively destroys the p. acne bacteria, while restoring collagen to damaged skin. The result is a significant clearance of active acne and visible acne scars. NAIL FUNGUS Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, is an infection of the toenail in which the nail changes color, thickness, and quality. In addition to causing an unhealthy appearance, it can cause pain and difficulty walking. Laser treatment for nail fungus is safe, quick and highly effective. Most patients are able to be clear of their infection with only one or two treatments. Laser procedures for nail fungus are proven to be a much safer and effective method as compared to oral medications or topical creams. One of the key aspects of eradicating nail fungus is to achieve penetration of the laser energy into the nail bed. This area needs significant heating to ensure the fungal material is destroyed, which requires a deep-heating and powerful laser. The LightPod Neo offers patients the ideal laser for such treatment. After the treatment, patients are able to resume their daily activities as normal. Results are not immediate, as it takes anywhere from 3-12 months for the new, non-infected nail to grow. It is recommended that patients follow a preventive care regiment to avoid reinfection: Apply an antifungal cream for 2 weeks following the procedure; Always spray inside the shoes at the end of the day with an antifungal spray and avoid wearing the shoes for 2 days or use Steri-Shoe ultraviolet shoe sanitizers; After 2 weeks, spray the feet or fingers with anti-fungal spray on an ongoing basis;

  Link: Aerolase®

• Injectables

  BOTOX® Cosmetic BOTOX® Cosmetic is a therapeutic muscle relaxing agent that works at the motor nerve. It can eliminate or reduce frown lines and laugh lines by temporarily paralyzing facial muscles for three to four months. The following areas that can be treated: Forehead Line Vertical Frown Line Horizontal Frown Line Crow’s feet Gummy Smile Sagging Corner of the Mouth Sagging Brow Square Jaw and Lip line Sculptra® Aesthetic Sculptra® is injectable Poly-L- Lactic acid. It replaces the lost fat and collagen. No skin test is required and the result is not immediate and it improves gradually and the result will last up to two to two and half years. It requires three to four injection and this can be injected every three weeks apart. Because all improvement is due to patient’s own collagen the result is so natural and subtle. It is widely used such as cheek, around mouth and temple depression area. The VOL-Line JUVEDERM VOLUMA XC / VOLBELLA XC / VOLLURE XC is a FDA-approved injectable gel, which is formulated with VYCROSS technology. VYCROSS blends different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid which contributes to the gel’s duration. In addition, JUVEDERM VOLUMA XC / VOLBELLA XC / VOLLURE XC has been customised with a lower HA concerntration, while still providing the long lasting results in adults over the age of 21. Bellafill® Bellafill is a unique, injectable collagen filler with microspheres that can instantly smooth facial wrinkles for beautiful natural-looking results that lasts up to 5 years. Benefits of Bellafill®: Immediate and lasting improvement for facial wrinkles Helps replace lost collagen by working with your body’s natural process Injection comfort with 0.3% lidocaine Comparable safety to other injectable fillers. An initial skin test for lidocaine or bovine collagen allergy is required in the U.S. (optional in Canada) Simple, in-office treatment with little to now downtime. You can immediately resume normal activities. Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) Injection Platelet rich Plasma has 8 growth factors in it and it helps tissue grow and heal the wounded tissue. To get the PRP first draw the patient’s own blood about 10 ml and then centrifuge the blood and separate the platelet from other component. Tiger Woods and football player Hines Ward received this injection after injury to enhance fast healing and wound repair. This PRP has been used since mid 1990 but a year ago this treatment has been popularized. In plastic surgery this PRP injection helps to maintain young looking skin appearance also it boost the outcome of some of surgical result. In VIP clinic this PRP injection is combined with filler injection, Radio Frequency Laser Skin Resurfacing and Endy Med skin tightening procedure. Applying this PRP reduce the redness right after laser procedure. PRP is recommended once a year injection for the patient younger than 45 years old and twice a year injection over 45 years old. It will help to maintain ever young looking appearance. PRP + Filler Lift What is PRP + Filler Lift? It is a combination of hyaluronic acid filler (such as Perlane, Juvederm) injection followed by PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injection. Initially Hyaluronic acid injection will provide framework for the area for augmentation and it will last between 6 months to one year. PRP which is patient’s own growth factor which promotes growth of collagen 6-8 weeks after injection. It not only improves volume and it improves skin tone. Combination of Hyaluronic acid injection and patient’s own growth factor improve patient’s skin tone and create younger appearance.

  Link: Injectables

• HA Fillers

  Hyaluronic Acid Fillers RESTYLANE®, PERLANE-L®, JUVÉDERM®, JUVÉDERM® ULTRA,RADIESSE® Typical area of treatment sites: Smile line Marionette’s line Under eyelid Tear trough Hollow eye Upper and lower lips Forehead depression Fine wrinkles around the eyes and frown line Unlike others, these fillers are injected with non traumatic needle so no bruise or pain is associated. Multi directional injection technique is applied so uniform and very natural improvement can be obtained. These fillers are somewhat different and for the check depression Radiesse is chosen and injected just over the bone so palpability can be avoided. One of the most common aging features especially among Asians is hollow eye and this also can be corrected by careful injection of Restylane and Juvederm so 10 years can be taken off from patient’s aging.

  Link: HA Fillers

• Laser Treatments

  Clear + Brilliant® This procedure improves unwanted signs of aging, it gives you the power to help prevent them with comfortable, fast, effective, affordable and minimal downtime for all skin types. It usually requires minimum of 3 sessions with 3-4 weeks intervals up to 6 sessions. More even, uniform tone Renewed, ultra-soft and smoother texture Naturally radiant and glowing skin Minimized pore appearance Endymed and RF Laser Skin Resurfacing This 3 DEEP technology deliver one of most effective treatment for wrinkle reduction and skin tightening and contouring on the whole body. 3 DEEP RF Fractional resurfacing deliver heat energy on epidermis and in combining these two devices, energy can be delivered from epidermis to deep dermis. It will reduce visible wrinkle and skin texture will be remarkably improved. There is no down time and no pain is associated. Compare to other similar technologies this procedure deliver satisfaction in 86.7% cases. This skin tightening procedure can be repeated every three weeks interval and to obtain full result three to five treatments are recommended.

  Link: Laser Treatments

• Mint Thread Lift

  Mint Thread Lift is minimally invasive non-surgical procedure. PDO threads have rapidly become a popular minimally invasive alternative to surgical facelift procedures and have given rise to the emerging cat eye, V-line, and snatched jawline trends. With its innovative patented technology in which the barbs are press-molded and configured in a 360-degree helical pattern, MINT™ PDO offers the most robust threads on the market. This revolutionary technology allows instant yet profound results while minimizing pain & trauma – allowing patients to benefit from a shorter recovery time and providing an alternative for those who may not be ready for surgery or request a non-surgical option.

  Link: Mint Thread Lift

• PRP for Face

  A PRP facial rejuvenation, also known as a vampire facial, is an advanced skincare treatment method that harnesses your body’s own natural power to heal itself. It is often called a vampire facial because it involves drawing your blood. Dr. Choi may also recommend multiple PRP injections to help you achieve the results you want. Usually, we recommend around 3-4 rounds of treatments for the most optimal results. Results from PRP injections can last up to 18 months. To achieve the best outcome, treatment might be delivered via monthly injections for three consecutive months. After such care, results typically last a minimum of nine to 18 months. However, the benefits can last as long as two years depending on aging, sun exposure, and genetics.

  Link: PRP for Face

• Lasers

  Fraxel® Laser Systems for Skin Resurfacing Fraxel® laser systems use fractional-resurfacing technology, in which only a fraction of an area of skin receives laser light, to significantly improve skin texture and remove pigmentation. The energy from Fraxel laser systems stimulates skin’s collagen, and rejuvenates skin cells below the skin’s surface, helping to smooth out the creases that cause wrinkling and scarring. According to their manufacturer, Solta Medical, Inc., Fraxel lasers, in addition to improving the tone and texture of the skin, treat: Fine lines and wrinkles Surface scarring from acne or surgery Melasma Pigmentation from sun damage and aging Actinic keratosis (a common precancerous skin condition) There are a number of skin-resurfacing systems made by Solta Medical. Which one is used depends upon the condition being treated. BENEFITS OF FRAXEL LASER TREATMENT Fraxel laser treatments are performed in a doctor’s office and, in most cases, only topical anesthesia is needed. Treatments usually take between 20 and 30 minutes. Depending on the particular laser used, the benefits of treatment with a Fraxel laser include: Smoother skin and a more even skin tone Softening of deep frown lines and wrinkles Improved appearance of redness caused by sun damage Removal of unwanted brown spots A reduction of fine lines around the eyes Less noticeable surgical and acne scars POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF FRAXEL LASER TREATMENT Possible side effects of Fraxel laser treatment depend on the particular system used. In general, side effects may include: Prolonged redness Swelling Blistering Scarring Infection Hyperpigmentation Herpes reactivation Acne flareup The average number of laser treatments needed varies depending upon the Fraxel system used. Intense-Pulsed-Light Skin Rejuvenation Intense-Pulsed-Light (IPL) skin rejuvenation uses high-energy pulses of light to improve the skin’s appearance. Also referred to as IPL photorejuvenation, photofacial therapy and pulsed-light therapy, IPL skin rejuvenation is a nonabrasive and noninvasive treatment option for removing red and brown pigment from the skin. IPL is used to treat age spots, birthmarks, freckles caused by the sun, symptoms of rosacea, spider veins, and scarring from acne; it is also an effective tool for hair removal. IPL penetrates below the surface of the skin, leaving the top layer of skin intact, which means that there is no post-treatment recovery period. The light is absorbed by the pigment in sunspots and the blood in the visible vessels, and converted to heat. The heat dissolves the cells that create the pigment and shrinks the vessels. THE INTENSE-PULSED-LIGHT SKIN REJUVENATION PROCEDURE Prior to IPL treatment, a topical anesthetic gel is applied to the skin to reduce discomfort. The IPL machine is placed on the settings that best suit the patient’s skin; among the factors considered are the condition being treated and, because IPL is absorbed differently by different skin colors, the amount of pigment in the skin. Protective coverings are placed over the patient’s eyes, and the IPL handpiece is gently pressed to the skin as pulses of light are emitted. The light is absorbed by the skin’s red or brown pigment and converted to heat, which dissolves the pigmented cells. After treatment, the topical anesthetic is removed with a warm cloth, and a moisturizer with sunscreen is usually applied. If there is any swelling, a cold pack is applied for 5 to 10 minutes. Three to six treatment sessions are usually required; sessions typically last from 30 to 90 minutes each, and are spaced approximately 3 weeks apart. Gradual improvement may be seen after each treatment, but optimal results appear only after several months. RECOVERY FROM INTENSE-PULSED-LIGHT SKIN REJUVENATION There is no recuperation time following IPL treatment. A patient can return to work or resume normal activities on the same day. Although skin may be slightly reddened after the treatment, redness typically disappears within a day or two. As it heals in the days following treatment, skin often begins to flake. Over time, however, a gradual, natural-looking improvement in the skin becomes noticeable. Applying sunscreen regularly and avoiding sun exposure is recommended following IPL treatment. RISKS OF INTENSE-PULSED-LIGHT SKIN REJUVENATION One possible contraindication for IPL treatment is taking medication that increases photosensitivity. A patient using a topical or oral medicine that increases sensitivity to light may not be a candidate for IPL treatment. And, although IPL skin rejuvenation is considered safe, there are some risks associated with its use. Although rare, IPL skin rejuvenation can cause skin discoloration, blisters, scars and burns.

  Link: Lasers

• Ultherapy

  Ultherapy is a non-invasive facelift procedure cleared by the FDA-to provide lifts and tightening of the face ,neck, chin and brow. This treatment has been recognized by aesthetic experts as the Gold Standard for nonsurgical skin lifting and tightening. Procedure. And with the power of ultrasound, Ultherapy is the only non-invasive treatment that goes deeper to stimulate new collagen and elastin for a more youthful look with no downtime.

  Link: Ultherapy