Guide to Kybella

November 25, 2020/by Dr. David Sieber

Many people are bothered by excess fat beneath the chin, which can give the appearance of a “double chin.” In the past, this issue could only be corrected with a surgical procedure — usually, a neck lift or liposuction, both of which required significant surgery and lengthy downtimes.

Today, however, a new, innovative procedure called Kybella offers a fantastic solution to double chins, and it’s even non-surgical, to boot.

Kybella is the first ever FDA-approved injectable that was specifically designed to fix double chins.

If you are struggling with this issue and are interested in how Kybella may be able to help, read on. We’ve compiled an entire guide dedicated to this amazing new injectable and its myriad of benefits.

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What Is Kybella?

Kybella is the brand name for an FDA-approved injectable called deoxycholic acid, which targets submental fullness (excess fat beneath the chin). The injectable is only available by prescription and must be administered by a qualified medical professional.

Deoxycholic acid works by breaking down and absorbing dietary fat. Essentially, the chemical is able to obliterate fat cells, and the results are clearly visible. Simply take a look at some before and after photos of patients who have received Kybella injections to help with their double chins.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Kybella?

Kybella may be a good solution for you if:

You struggle with or are bothered by submental fullness (excess fat beneath the chin)
Excess fat beneath your chin has made you feel self-conscious or embarrassed; you tend to frequently wear scarves and turtlenecks or style your hair strategically in order to cover it up
You’ve tried getting rid of the submental fullness on your own, but even with exercise, diet, and creams or serums, it has not gone away
When you look in the mirror, you feel that you look heavier or older than you really are — all because of the excess fat beneath your chin
You’re turned off by the idea of getting surgery to fix the issue
You cannot have surgery for a medical reason

Once you speak with Dr. Sieber about your reasons for getting Kybella injections, he’ll also discuss your qualifications for the surgery in a medical sense. That is, it’s important that you are in good overall physical and mental health before getting any type of cosmetic procedure, and the treatment area must be free of infection. You must be at least 18 years of age, and it’s also best if you are a non-smoker. Finally, you should have balanced and realistic expectations about the results that Kybella injections can provide.

How Kybella Injections Are Administered

Once you’ve met with Dr. Sieber for your initial consultation appointment and he has deemed you a quality candidate for this procedure, you will book your appointments. Most patients who receive Kybella injections require at least two (and sometimes up to six) treatment appointments.

Upon arrival at your first appointment, Dr. Sieber will greet you, and the procedure will take place in his office. The first step involves placing a grid pattern over your chin or the treatment area. The area will then be iced, and — for those patients with a low tolerance for pain — ibuprofen may be given prior to the injections. Finally, Dr. Sieber will strategically inject the treatment area with a needle, targeting the specific issues that you would like to fix.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kybella

How long do Kybella injections take?

The administration of Kybella takes just 20 to 30 minutes. The procedure can be performed in-office, and the patient can go right home afterward.

Is anesthesia used with Kybella?

Either ice or local anesthesia is used during Kybella administration.

What is recovery like after getting Kybella injections?

Recovery from Kybella is relatively painless. Most patients are able to return to their everyday, normal activities (including work, school, and exercise) within 24 to 72 hours.

Are there any side effects with Kybella?

Side effects from Kybella injections are usually relatively minor. The most common side effects include slight bruising, some numbness, and swelling.

When can you see the results of Kybella?

Most patients need to have between two and four treatments to adequately fix submental fullness. Results should start to become apparent after the second session, which is usually scheduled for one to three months after the first session.

How long do the results from Kybella last?

Kybella results should be permanent because the entire goal of this injectable is to completely destroy the fat cells beneath the chin.

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Book Your Consultation Today

Want to learn more about Kybella?

Find out how this amazing injectable can help eliminate the excess fat that is causing your double chin by scheduling your consultation appointment today.

Dr. Sieber is one of the only double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons in the San Francisco Bay Area, and he even trains other surgeons in his techniques regarding injectables like Kybella. His patients not only receive one-of-a-kind service and the best possible care by our staff, but they also have Dr. Sieber’s undivided attention during consultations. Explain the issues the trouble you most, and rest assured that Dr. Sieber will do his utmost to help you find the best-possible solutions.

Ways Botox Can Change Your Face Shape

Articles

October 24, 2020/by Dr. David Sieber

Ever wanted to tweak the shape of your face?

Many men and women look in the mirror and see slight imperfections that they would like to change. The key is that these trouble areas are often quite small. Therefore, traditional cosmetic procedures that are invasive, such a chin augmentation or rhinoplasty, aren’t always actually warranted.

The good news is, there is an alternative option: Botox.

See also WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE GETTING DERMAL FILLERS

How Can Botox Change Your Face Shape?

While Botox is generally marketed as a product that smooths fine lines and softens wrinkles and creases, it’s actually useful at fixing many other challenges as well. One key use of Botox, which has become increasingly popular in recent years, is the ability to change someone’s face.

Indeed, with the right cosmetic surgeon administering Botox, you can make a myriad of changes to your jawline, mouth, cheeks, nose, and overall face shape.

Reshaping Your Face With Botox

Everyone has a unique face shape. You’ve probably seen charts of the “classic” face shapes: heart, diamond, round, oval, square, long, and pear.

All of these face shapes can look attractive on different people. But it’s also not uncommon to have facial features that go best with one particular shape. If this is the case for you, and you’d like to make slight alterations, Botox may be the answer. Here are just a few of the things it can do to change the shape, features, and definition of your face — without surgery.

1. Slim your face

If you have a round or square face shape, you may have wished for a slimmer shape in the past. In fact, Botox can give this for you.

To give yourself more of a pleasing oval-shaped face, Dr. Sieber can strategically inject Botox into the masseter muscles. These are the muscles located at the back of the jaw, which are very often overactive. If you’ve ever been a teeth grinder during the day or if your dentist has ever told you that you have sleep bruxism (essentially, teeth grinding at night), you may have overactive masseter muscles.

Constant teeth grinding and jaw clenching can lead these muscles to grow in size. Botox can relax them, however, which will reduce their activity and, thusly, reduce their size. Overall, with Botox in the masseter muscles, you’ll see a dramatic change in the contours of your face.

2. Alter your jawline

Just as Botox can slim your face, often by reducing the size and tension in the masseter muscles, it can also change the exact shape and exaggerate jawline by adding more firmness to an undefined jaw or by fixing asymmetries in the jaw.

In fact, this is a common procedure for men. A traditionally attractive feature in males is a strong, firm, and square-shaped jawline. However, not all men are endowed with this face shape. A few strategically placed injections of Botox can change that for men who lack jaw definition. Botox can even firm up or change the shape of the chin itself.

3. Change the shape and contours of your nose

Many people want to change the shape or size of their nose. In fact, rhinoplasty (commonly known as a nose job) is one of the most popular plastic surgeries of the face.

But as you likely know, getting rhinoplasty means a lot of downtime. It is a major surgery, which requires anesthesia and a lengthy recovery. Furthermore, during this recovery period, you may not feel comfortable going out or seeing people.

An alternative procedure offers similar (and sometimes even better) results and is far less invasive. It’s not at all invasive, in fact.

Botox can change the shape of your nose, fix bumps, straighten a crooked appearance, or even change the shape of the tip. This all happens with simple injections. The procedure is non-invasive, and the recovery time is minimal.

Keep in mind that not everyone is a good candidate for a “liquid nose job” or “liquid rhinoplasty,” as it is sometimes called. To know whether your nose issues can be successfully altered with the use of Botox, schedule a Botox consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber.

Here are the nasal shape issues of the nose that can be most commonly altered with Botox:

Raising the nasal bridge
Straightening the bridge
Camouflaging a dorsal hump or ridge
Changing the nose tip shape

How to Prepare for Your Botox Appointment

Before getting Botox, you need to book a consultation appointment. During this appointment, you can ask Dr. Sieber any questions you may have concerning the procedure.

Together, you’ll discuss your medical history and expectations for the procedure, and Dr. Sieber will let you know whether you’d be a good candidate for Botox face reshaping. If you decide to move forward, you’ll find out exactly how much Botox you’ll need and where. You can then book your appointment.

At your Botox treatment appointment, be sure you have followed all of the directions given to you by Dr. Sieber. It’s likely you will need to have stopped or changed certain supplements or medications. If you’re a smoker, Dr. Sieber will have given you specific instructions on halting smoking before your procedure as well.

After your Botox appointment, be sure to follow the aftercare instructions given to you by Dr. Sieber. This may include applying ice to reduce swelling and bruising and keeping your face as clean as possible.

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Schedule Your Consultation Appointment Today

Interested in using Botox to change the shape of your face? Get it right the first time by booking with a plastic surgeon who has unique skill and experience administering Botox for face shape alterations.

Dr. Sieber is one of the few double board-certified reconstructive and plastic surgeons in the San Francisco Bay Area. His experience and expertise speaks for itself. Just take a look at some of the ultra-satisfied Botox patients he’s worked with in the past.

If you have been considering Botox to alter or tweak the shapes and contours of your face, don’t wait. Book your consultation appointment today and start your journey toward the new you!

What to Know Before Getting Fillers

Articles

October 16, 2020/by Dr. David Sieber

Dermal fillers address one of the most common cosmetic issues associated with aging: volume loss.

As we age, we naturally lose volume in our faces – especially in the cheeks and areas around the mouth, eyes, and temples. This loss of volume makes fine lines and wrinkles more apparent and gives the face a more hollowed-out appearance. This, in turn, can make people look tired, haggard, and older than they really are.

If you’ve been struggling with loss of volume, plumpness, and smoothness around the mouth, eyes, cheeks, or elsewhere, dermal fillers can return these areas to a more youthful appearance.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers (also called soft tissue fillers) are substances injected beneath the top layers of skin in order to improve fine lines, wrinkles, and sunken areas. Fillers can be made of several different substances, most of which are based in hyaluronic acid. Which ingredients are used in dermal fillers depends on what they’re being used for.

The process of getting fillers is fast and simple. The procedure is also non-invasive, which means it can be done right in your doctor’s office, and you can go home directly after.

What Can Dermal Fillers Help With?

As stated above, there are several different types of dermal fillers, and each one has a different ingredient makeup. Your doctor will determine what fillers are best for you, depending on what areas and issues you’d specifically like to treat. Dr. Sieber is always on the cutting edge of filler development and knows what the best fillers are that have been approved by the FDA and shown to work effectively.

Static wrinkles, for example, are often treated with collagen-based fillers. Static wrinkles are those that tend to develop on the cheeks or around the sides of the mouth. They are usually due to a loss of elasticity in the skin because of aging.

Overall, patients usually seek help from dermal fillers to correct issues like:

Static wrinkles on the cheeks and around the mouth
Thinning lips
Wrinkles on the forehead
Lack of jaw definition
Glabella lines (lines between the eyebrows)
Drooping mouth corners
Nasolabial folds
A small chin
Early signs of jowling
Nose irregularities
Under-eye wrinkles or deep shadows beneath the eyes
Hollow cheeks or other shallow areas around the face
The appearance of recessed scars

What Types of Fillers Are Right for You?

Because there are so many different types of dermal fillers on the market, Dr. Sieber recommends thinking about fillers as belonging to three special categories:

Firm fillers
Medium fillers
Soft fillers

Firm fillers are usually used in areas like the jawline and chin, cheeks, and temples. They are injected deeper into the skin and go up against bone, which allows them to provide firmer support and volume to different areas of the face. Firm fillers include Radiesse, Voluma, and Restylane Lyft.

Medium fillers are slightly less thick and tend to be used for wrinkles of medium depth. One common area where medium filters are used is on the forehead between the eyebrows. Here, many people will develop two distinct lines over time. This is commonly known as an “11” by doctors. Medium fillers can also be used for nonsurgical rhinoplasty, wrinkles and deep circles beneath the eyes, and nasolabial folds. Restylane, Juvaderm Ultra, Juvaderm Ultra plus, and Vollure and the most popular medium fillers on the market.

Finally, soft fillers are the thinnest fillers. They are primarily used to touch up the fine lines and superficial wrinkles that are often found in tier troughs, on the outer corners of the mouth, and on the forehead. Soft fillers may also be used on the lips. Some of the brand names associated with soft fillers include Restylane Silk, Vobella, and Belotero.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Dermal Filler Appointment

Before getting dermal fillers, you’ll want to consult with Dr. Sieber and outline your medical history, along with your goals for treatment. At your consultation appointment, be sure to let him know of any medications and/or dietary supplements you are taking. Dr. Sieber will outline a detailed treatment plan for you, including anticipated costs and about how many filler syringes he recommends.

Leading up to your procedure, you’ll need to avoid taking products such as Motrin, Advil, gingko biloba, fish oil, and vitamin E for at least two weeks before your appointment. Doing so will help reduce the amount of bruising after your procedure.

Getting dermal fillers does not take long. Most appointments take just 10 to 30 minutes each.

Depending on where you’re getting fillers and what type Dr. Sieber is using, he may choose to use a topical numbing agent along with ice to improve your comfort. A fine needle will be used to inject the filler, and you will be free to go home with a small list of care instructions.

Some minor swelling and bruising are typical following a dermal filler appointment. Directly after your injections, you may also notice slight redness near the injection sites. This should only last for a few hours.

Swelling and bruising may last several days, but icing the area can help calm these side effects. Just be sure never to apply the ice directly to your skin as you can cause superficial damage (especially when you’re still numb and can’t feel the cold). Use a bag or cloth over the ice, and only apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.

If you received injections near the mouth, keep in mind that swelling may last longer than two to three days (may last up to five days). Taking an OTC medicine such as Zyrtec or Benedryl can help.

How Long Do Results From Dermal Fillers Last?

In general, results from dermal fillers last approximately one year. However, results from Voluma can last up to two years in some cases.

Overall, there are many factors that will influence how well your dermal fillers will work, including what ingredients were used and where they were injected. Finally, everyone’s body reacts differently to injectables. For some, dermal fillers can last longer than average. Others will notice their results fading sooner.

Find Out if Dermal Fillers Are Right for You!

Interested in learning more about the benefits of dermal fillers? Book a consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber today!

Once you’ve discussed your treatment goals with the doctor and been deemed a qualified candidate, you can schedule your filler appointment right away and begin looking forward to smoother, plumper skin!

References

Top 5 Non Surgical Cosmetic Procedures for Men

Articles

July 23, 2020/by Dr. David Sieber

While news and pop culture will have you believe that women are the primary recipients of plastic surgery, it’s a little-known fact that men are just as likely to opt for cosmetic surgery in San treatments as women. Among men, invasive surgeries like liposuction, tummy tucks, and breast reduction surgery are common. Of course, non-surgical procedures are popular as well.

Interested in learning more about what non-surgical procedures men flock to most? Below, we go over the top 5 most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures for men.

1. Chemical Peels

Like women, men want to have a smooth, fresh looking complexion on their face, neck, and chest. But like women, challenges like chronic acne, dry skin, rosacea, scarring, sun damage, and other problems can hinder results.

Enter, chemical peels.

Chemical peels or facial peels are the perfect pick-me-up for dull, marred skin. This noninvasive procedure is extremely popular among men of all ages, but those in their 40s and 50s tend to make up the majority of patients.

These men want to get rid of fine lines and wrinkles, large pores, scars from past acne, brown spots from the sun, and other damage. Chemical peels address all of these issues and more. Furthermore, when guys have smoother, more even skin on their face and neck, they’re able to get a closer shave, something that’s specifically desirable to many men.

2. Botox Injections

Every year, more than 3 million Botox injections are performed throughout the nation. Botulinum toxin — also known as Botox — was originally created to treat muscle spasms. Today, we commonly know it as the best tool to prevent and treat the appearance of wrinkles.

Botox is a safe and effective way to temporarily take care of moderate to severe fine lines and wrinkles on the face. In some patients, it is also used to smooth areas on the neck and chest.

Men are primarily drawn to Botox to reduce and eliminate forehead wrinkles, lines between the eyebrows, and wrinkles on either side of the mouth and eyes. Many men are interested in eliminating facial lines that make them look angry, stressed, tired, or worried. Some men are interested in slimming or changing the shape of their jawline, a problem area that Botox can also treat.

With Botox, men have more self-confidence and self-esteem. This boost can help them have more success romantically, in the workplace, and in other areas of their lives.

3. Dermal Fillers

Like chemical peels, dermal fillers address common issues such as fine lines and wrinkles. But unlike a standard chemical peel, dermal fillers can also respond to more intense facial challenges, such as jawline jowls, drooping in the cheeks, and weak jawlines. These premature signs of aging are often problematic for men who want a strong, chiseled jawline and smooth, firm cheeks without sagging and pouches.

Dermal fillers take many forms. Juvederm, Restylane, and Perlane for example, are soft Hyaluronic Acids that can help fill in deep scars and wrinkles. They can also alter the position and shape of the lips and cheeks where necessary. Like Juvederm, Restylane, and Perlane, Belotero is another Hyaluronic Acid, but it’s thinner, so it’s better at treating smaller fine lines and wrinkles that the former three cannot treat.

All four of these fillers have results that last around nine months. Other fillers like Radiesse and Sculptra exist as well, serving other specific purposes, depending on the patient’s desires. Some fillers can last as long as 12 months.

Often, men who desire the benefits of dermal fillers will combine this procedure with Botox for the ideal result. Your doctor can help you decide the best fillers and complementary procedures for your particular trouble areas and ultimate skin goals.

4. Laser Hair Removal

While women often opt for laser hair removal to get rid of unwanted hair on the face, arms, underarms, bikini area, and legs, men usually use laser hair removal to target hair on the back and chest. Some may opt for the procedure to take care of genital area hair or excess hair on the shoulders and stomach as well.

Regardless of where you’d like to remove unwanted hair on your body, your doctor can help you choose the best laser hair removal solution for you and your skin type. For instance, some men with highly pigmented skin should only use specific types of hair removal strategies. That’s because if your skin has a lot of melanin, certain lasers may alter your pigmentation long-term or even permanently. Rest assured, there are options for all skin types.

5. Nonsurgical Fat Reduction

Even if you’ve worked out hard and dieted long-term to get rid of excess fat, you may still be challenged by problem areas and extra pounds that don’t seem to want to budge. Often, for men, these trouble areas are in the upper body — particularly, in the abdomen and flanks.

Invasive procedures like tummy tucks and liposuction can be highly effective at reducing fat in these areas. But sometimes, a lighter touch is needed. This is where treatments like truSculpt iD come in. truSculpt iD is a revolutionary treatment that sculpts the body from the outside, in. truSculpt iD targets fat by using heat to therapeutically destroy fat cells at the surface of the skin.

Many men who are not ideal candidates for contouring treatments such as tummy tucks and liposuction are perfect candidates for nonsurgical fat reduction. Furthermore, many men require only one treatment to effectively zap excess fat and remove it for good.

Ready to Change Yourself for the Better?

Unfortunately, even today, there remains a lot of stigma around male plastic surgery. There is a predominant public perception that only women get cosmetic procedures performed. Furthermore, this stigma says that males who are interested in body contouring or wrinkle and scar elimination are excessively vain.

The truth is that a growing number of men are becoming comfortable with plastic surgery — both invasive and noninvasive, surgical and nonsurgical. For these men, cosmetic procedures are about boosting confidence and improving wellbeing and quality of life.

Like women, men should feel comfortable investing in the improvement of their skin and bodies. There’s nothing that says only women can care about the way they look.

Book Your Consultation Today!

If you’re a man who’s interested in changing yourself for the better and investing in a nonsurgical procedure that will help boost your confidence and increase your self-esteem, contact us today. Dr. Sieber is a board-certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco, well-known and highly respected in San Francisco and Bay Area. He can help you achieve the body and face you’ve dreamed of, using the most cutting edge, effective methods possible.

Call today to book your consultation appointment!