About Face: The Blog of
Arthur N. Falk, MD

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

The Resurgence of Chemical Peels

The fall season always seems to be the busiest of all. Back-to-school programs, sports, and business or social events are bogging down our days and our wallets! You were planning on doing "a little something" to improve the appearance of your skin before the holidays but are worried about time & cost. Don't be! At the Center for Facial Plastic Surger and Laser Skin Care in Albany NY, there is a wide variety of chemical peeling agents at our disposal which remain proven and evidence-based to improve skin texture, wrinkles, scars & discoloration of photo-damaged skin. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid and glycolic acid are inexpensive, often with limited downtime, and achieve asthetic results. Chemical peels are great for exfoliation and regeneration of tissue. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), such as glycolic acid, lightest of the peels, do wonders for fine lines, wrinkles & texture if done in a series. Combined with microdermabrasion, IPL treatments or injectibles you will do very well!

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posted by Dr. Arthur Falk at 7:04 AM

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Lifestyle Lift? is it a facelift or is it a corporate image.

Lifestyle Lift, is the brand name of a company that provides facial plastic surgery in an office based setting. It is plastic surgery for the masses. There really is nothing new about this operation, as plastic surgeons have been performing this kind of cosmetic procedure in their offices for a long time. They often go by various names including lifestyle lift, weekend lift, rejuva lift and or minilift. The lifestyle lift business model, although not a franchise operation, as there is a single owner, you can think of it that way. The company markets globally then contracts with local doctors to perform surgery. It is a somewhat unusual way to represent cosmetic surgery. You are buying in to a coproate image, not an indiviudal surgeon or his reputation. The surgeon is an employee of the company whose product in this instance is a facelift, and a cookie cutter approach may not be in your best interest. The lifestyle lift is a "short skin flap" procedure with a SMAS plication. Although maybe appropriate for some individuals please keep in mind this is a very basic lift.

At the Center for Facial Plastic Surgery and Laser Skin Care, Dr. Falk and his staff take and individaulized approach to the assesment and workup of propsective patients. Office based surgery including facelifts like the short flap lifesytle lift and eyelifts are one option, but other procedures using various levels of anesthesia and levels of complexity are available. Together we can arrive at a treatment plan that is best suited for you.

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posted by Dr. Arthur Falk at 3:32 PM

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Reshaping the Face of Your Future...the Quiet Revolution of Facial Fillers!

Imagine it. The ability to shave 5-15 years off your face with an expertly skilled push of a syringe. Imagine it. Banning the common signs of aging before you even leave your doctor's office. Imagine it. Four months to three years of magic without ever experienceing a date with the operating room. I, for one, am thrilled to hear the now open chatter during happy hours, benefits and women's networking events discussing the true power behind how great we feel and look! Maintenance is now mainstream. If you're thinking of the plunge here are a few tips: Do your homework. Some fillers may not be right for you. Visit a Board-certified Cosmetic Surgeon/Specialist. Although others can do the the work, remember the "fill" is both an art & science. And by all means, start small and worry less. These fillers have a solid safety profile, are nontoxic, minimally invasive, and are often reversible. So, what are you waiting for? Let's get started. See you soon! For more private information on fillers and liquid lifts call Lori Kicinski, Cosmetic Coordinator, Mon.-Fri., 518.262.7193

posted by Lori at 8:25 AM

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Laser Hair Removal Treatment

Residents of Albany and nearby cities in New York State often visit the Center for Facial Plastic Surgery & Laser Skin Care to learn more about cosmetic surgery procedures. Laser hair removal is one popular treatment many people ask about. If you’re tired of plucking, waxing, and shaving unwanted hair, this sophisticated treatment may be an effective solution.

When performed by an experienced New York cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Arthur Falk, laser hair removal is a relatively painless procedure performed in the doctor’s office. Depending on the extent of your treatment, the initial laser hair removal procedure may take from one hour to several hours.

After the procedure, Dr. Falk will share proper after-care procedures to help you protect your delicate skin. Using a sunscreen, washing lightly with mild soap, and other skin care tips will help you recover quickly.

Two to three follow-up treatments may be needed to eliminate larger areas of unwanted hair growth. Maintenance treatments once or twice a year will keep regrowth in check.

If you want to know more about laser hair removal, your first step is to schedule a consultation at Dr. Falk’s friendly office. Dr. Falk will perform a thorough medical evaluation and discuss your expectations for the outcome, as well as the potential risks of treatment. Dr. Falk has helped many men and women feel more confident and attractive with laser hair removal and other cosmetic surgery procedures that are quick, easy and affordable.

If you live in or near Albany or Schenectady, New York, please contact Dr. Arthur Falk today to schedule your laser hair removal treatment.

posted by Dr. Arthur Falk at 2:23 PM

Monday, August 16, 2010

Laser Hair Removal

Tired of daily shaving? Electrolysis too painful? Poor results with creams and lotions?

Consider laser hair removal and end the stress of unwanted body hair

At the Albany, New York Center for Facial Plastic Surgery & Laser Skin Care, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Arthur Falk provides all-inclusive laser hair removal for every skin type. Laser hair removal employs energy to target growing hair follicles, rendering them inactive. Generally, a series of four to six treatments is necessary.

No one device is ideal for all individuals. In fact, people with white or gray hair may not qualify for laser hair removal, since pigment must be present to destroy hair follicles. Dr. Falk reports that the "safest" hair removal laser for all skin types is the 1064 nm Nd:YAG. Other lasers, such as the 880 nm diode lasers (Lightshear), 775nm Gentlelase (Candela) or a pulsed light device may be more appropriate for individuals with light skin and hair color. Most important, Dr. Falk tailors each laser hair removal treatment to your individual characteristics.

The laser light produces heat; therefore, you may feel a sensation during treatment that many patients characterize as “snapping.” Most patients tolerate this sensation easily. For patients who require extra help, a numbing cream may be used. Whether or not the treatment causes discomfort may depend on the body area being treated, your skin type, thickness or density of hair, and your own pain threshold.

If unwanted hair is affecting your confidence, please contact us at The Center for Facial Plastic Surgery & Laser Skin Care, serving Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, and Troy, New York, to schedule your consultation.

posted by Dr. Arthur Falk at 2:20 PM

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Rhinoplasty Candidacy

Rhinoplasty, also known as nose surgery, is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures. Some people choose rhinoplasty to improve facial features. Others suffer from breathing difficulties, birth defects, or facial injuries that can be successfully treated with rhinoplasty.

A thorough consultation at the cosmetic surgery office of Dr. Arthur Falk will answer all your nose surgery questions and determine if this is the right option for you. Children under the age of 18 are not recommended for rhinoplasty, as the bones of the nose are still growing. The patient’s overall physical and emotional health are also reviewed.

Unless rhinoplasty is being performed as an emergency procedure to correct a serious health problem, the patient must thoughtfully consider both the risks and the benefits of the procedure. Individuals with diabetes or heart problems are at greater risk for complications and may not qualify for rhinoplasty.

In addition, personal habits play a part. For instance, smokers heal less efficiently. If you smoke, Dr. Falk will recommend that you stop smoking before undergoing nose surgery.

Rhinoplasty is an elective procedure, but is not always right for everyone. Please contact us at the cosmetic surgery office of New York plastic surgeon, Dr. Arthur Falk, serving Albany and Schenectady, New York and the surrounding area to schedule your consultation.

posted by Dr. Arthur Falk at 7:48 AM

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed today. Some people choose rhinoplasty to change facial features, while others suffer from serious health and breathing problems which can affect their quality of life.

Rhinoplasty redefines the bone and cartilage of the nose to:

  • Shorten or lengthen the nose
  • Change the shape and contour
  • Alter the nostrils
  • Reshape the tip of the nose

As the most prominent facial feature, the nose is often noticeable. A nose that is too large, has a bump, is crooked, or has an unattractive tip are all reasons why people seek nose surgery. The best rhinoplasty outcome is one that increases your self-esteem but stays true to your ethnicity and seamlessly integrates with your facial bone structure. Having reasonable expectations about your results is key to the success of your procedure.

As with all surgical procedures, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of rhinoplasty with Dr. Arthur Falk before making any final decisions. Scheduling a private consultation with Dr. Falk is the best way to find out if rhinoplasty is right for you. During your consultation, he will learn about your complete medical history, perform a physical examination, and ensure you are physically and emotionally healthy for surgery. Dr. Falk will also take photographs of your nose before the procedure and assess your personal expectations for the outcome.

Please contact us at The Center for Facial Plastic Surgery & Laser Skin Care, serving Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, and Troy, New York, today to learn more about rhinoplasty.

posted by Dr. Arthur Falk at 7:45 AM

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