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Q: Which is better: Fillers or Fat Transfers for Cheek Wrinkle Line? I have a wrinkle line that starts from the inside corner of my eye that goes down and across the cheekbone area. A dermatologist recommended using fillers after doing incision in that area. The results were great from the reviews and pictures I've seen. Second consult was with a plastic surgeon who recommended getting fat transfer there. Which would be best for the wrinkle line across the cheekbone?
A: Fat vs Fillers. This is a question I hear often in my practice. As a general rule of thumb, I prefer to use injectable fillers because they are predictable in terms of duration and placement. In addition, there is no need to harvest your own fat and you can fill the area gradually, over time, for a softer, more natural look.
Please call our office at 321.727.3223 to schedule your appointment and see if you are a good candidate for the injectable fillers.

Ross A. Clevens, MD
Melbourne Florida Facial Plastic Surgeon
Mary Meibers Speaks about Dr. Clevens Weekend Necklift Surgery
Mary Meibers, patient of Dr. Ross Clevens at the Clevens Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery speaks about her experience during her Weekend Necklift surgery. In this short, one-minute video, Mary talks about her experience, and gives advice to those who are thinking about the surgery.
Dr. Ross Clevens - Mary Meibers Gives Advice on Weekend Necklift from Ross Clevens on Vimeo.
Please call our office at 321.727.3223 to schedule your appointment and see if you are a good candidate for a Weekend Necklift. Ross A. Clevens, MD Melbourne Florida Facial Plastic Surgeon
Q: Which Laser works better for improving the appearance of Stretch Marks? I have some stretch marks on my hips and thighs. They are not too deep and somewhat lighter than my skin. I have been to two places, one of which offers to treat me with 3 treatments of Erbium and Yag-Ktp as well as CIT (collagen induction therapy I think) The other place offers to treat me with Amaris. Which one of these laser works better for improving the appearance of stretch marks? Do they even work at all?
A: Artisan 1540 to Treat Stretch Marks
In my practice we utilize the Artisan 1540™: Fractional non-ablative laser to treat stretch marks that are fully developed and are white or light in color.
Fractional resurfacing is a selective treatment, that leaves the surface of the skin unharmed. Instead, the laser damages tiny columns of skin, creating hundreds of microscopic wounds that boost collagen production and help the body heal stretch marks.
Fractional non-ablative lasers boast a short recovery time – the skin will just be pink in the treated region for about a week.
Treatment of the lower abdomen takes about an hour and half, but it takes five to six treatments to see results. Sessions should be spaced three to four weeks apart.
Fractional lasers cannot remove stretch marks completely. After six treatments, the stretch marks should fade by about 50%.
Please call our office at 321.727.3223 to schedule your appointment and see if you are a good candidate for the Artisan Laser.

Ross A. Clevens, MD
Melbourne Florida Facial Plastic Surgeon
Q: Is it Possible to have a upper lip lift done at the same time as a facelift? I am 60 year old and planning a Facelift this year. Is it possible to have an Lip upper Lift done at the same time as a Facelift? My lip upper is too long.
A: Lip Lift combined with Facelift Procedure
A Facelift rejuvenates the lower two thirds of the face and neck. It lifts the cheeks creating an uplifted appearance to the cheeks and mid-face, smooths the nasolabial folds, lifts the jowl thereby defining the jawline creating a more youthful and angular jawline and neck line.
In my practice, i often perform Facelift surgery in conjunction with other surgical procedures. Most commonly with eyelid surgery, skin resurfacing and lip enhancement. Patients find these additional procedures are necessary to achieve a balanced improvement and optimal results. From your photo, you appear to be an excellent candidate for a sub-nasal lip lift.
Please call our office at 321.727.3223 to schedule your appointment and see if you are a good candidate for a Facelift.

Ross A. Clevens, MD
Melbourne Florida Facial Plastic Surgeon
Q: How Long Does a Deep Plane Facelift Last? A deep plane facelift really just lasts 5 - 10 years? I read this somewhere. After 5 - 10 years will I look as old as before the lift?
A: Deep Plane Facelift for natural and long lasting results. The deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique that achieves a natural looking and long lasting result. This technique represents the state of the art in facelift surgery. Rather than just tightening the skin, this procedure lifts and tightens the underlying muscle while repositioning fat to achieve a three dimensional rejuvenating result. This procedure is best performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon who performs facelift surgery as a routine part of his or her practice.
Please call our office at 321.727.3223 to schedule your appointment and see if you are a good candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift.

Ross A. Clevens, MD
Melbourne Florida Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Ross A. Clevens chosen to present on Facial Plastic Surgery at International Event in San Diego, California
Melbourne, Florida - Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS, Brevard's only Board Certified Specialist in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has been chosen by The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to present at their annual event in San Diego, California in front of over 500 other facial plastic surgery peers.
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the world's largest specialty association for facial plastic surgery. It represents more than 2,700 facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout the world.
Each year, the AAFPRS holds an annual meeting, which attracts medical students, residents, fellows, and practicing physicians in the field of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery from around the world. This year, their annual meeting will be held on January 18-22, 2012 in San Diego, California at the U.S. Grant Hotel.
Dr. Ross A. Clevens has been chosen to present this year on "Techniques in Forehead Lifting; Rejuvenation of the Upper Face" and to act as an expert participant on the Panel discussion on the "Basic Principles of the Aging Face from the Masters." Dr. Clevens also acted as a director of this course in both 2006 and 2008.
The Clevens Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery provides state-of-the-art facial plastic surgery, and has two offices in Florida, Melbourne and Suntree. Dr. Clevens is the only board-certified facial plastic surgeon from Stuart to Daytona Beach.
Q: Should I Stick with At-home Peels for Hyperpigmentation? I have brown skin, with hyperpigmentation on my neck caused by a cut I sustained years ago. I've since had an IPL, CO2 Laser, Chemical Peel, and steroid injections, and now my scar is extremely smooth, but dark brown in color! I tried an at-home TCA-peel, which made my skin peel, get dark, and lighten up a shade! Should I keep doing the peels, opt for another laser treatment, or stick to bleaching creams?
A: TCA useful for hyperpigmentation
TCA is a useful peel for irregularites of the skin such as hyperpigmentation and dark patches. Further, TCA is a chemical peeling agent that smooths fine lines and removes some skin imperfections such as brown spots and sun damage. TCA may be combined with another peeling agent known as Jessner's solution. This allows a more uniform and thorough result. TCA is generally considered a "medium depth" peel and thus you should expect more than you would achieve with a glycolic peel, but less than with laser skin resurfacing. Healing time is usually 3-5 days.
Please call our office at 321.727.3223 to schedule your appointment and see if you are a good candidate for a TCA peel.
Ross A. Clevens, MD
Melbourne Florida Facial Plastic Surgeon
Q: How to Get a Latisse Prescription - I read that you have to have a prescription to get the Latisse eyelash growth stuff, but will a doctor give it to anybody? Can I just walk in and ask for the Latisse, or would I have to "qualify" somehow to be given a prescription (eyelashes less than a millimeter long) or something?
A: See your facial plastic surgeon to learn more about Latisse.
The lash plumping effect of Latisse was discovered inadvertently. This eyedrop was introduced to treat certain eye conditions that effect the elderly. Patients and doctors observed in elderly men that this eyedrop was associated with the growth of long, full eyelashes. Suddenly, there were lots of older guys growing voluptuous lashes. Allergan keenly recognized this effect and developed Latisse, a similar product that enhances lash growth.
The best way to get Latisse is to visit your facial plastic surgeon, someone who is aware of the advantages and disadvantages of this product. Your doctor is best able to assess whether you are a good candidate for Latisse.
Please call our office at 321.727.3223 to schedule your appointment and see if you are a good candidate for Latisse.
Ross A. Clevens, MD
Melbourne Florida Facial Plastic Surgeon
Q: Eyelid Surgery Revision Possible with Chemosis Present? I had eyelid surgery 5 months ago. It went bad and now I need to have it redone. My new plastic surgeon told me that I have chemosis in one of my eyes. I am supposed to have my new surgery soon to repair what my other surgeon messed up on. I want to know, can it be redone even though I have chemosis? Or will that worsen the problem?
A: Chemosis unusual months after eyelid surgery
It is rather unusual for chemosis to persist for months after blepharoplasty. Chemosis is swelling of the conjunctiva, the clear layer that covers the white of your eye. Chemosis is not uncommon immediately after eyelid surgery and may last for several days. Often it is minor and hardly noticeable. If chemosis is persisting for months after surgery, then I would advocate against further eyelid surgery at this point. Instead, I would investigate the cause of your persistent chemosis. Chemosis is often a nonspecific sign of eye irritation. Other causes include allergy and infection.
Please call our office at 321.727.3223 to schedule your appointment and see if we can help answer any questions.
Ross A. Clevens, MD
Melbourne Florida Facial Plastic Surgeon
Q: Keloid-prone Patient Still a Candidate for Rhinoplasty? I have received great advice from doctors in regards to a Rhinoplasty procedure. However, I tend to develop keloid. Am I a good candidate for a Rhinoplasty? What is the best keloid treatment out there, in case it occurs after Rhinoplasty? I just had my keloid burned with liquid nitrogen, a painful experience. Thank you for the information you can provide me with.
A: Your concern regarding keloid after Rhinoplasty is a common concern among patients of color. You should be comforted by the fact that keloids are exceedingly uncommon on the central face and nose. I have performed rhinoplasty on numerous Black and Asian patients (keloid prone skin) without ever encountering a keloid. Just be sure to find a surgeon who is comfortable with rhinoplasty in with varying skin tones and complexions as there are numerous unique considerations related to this procedure.
Please call our office at 321.727.3223 to schedule your appointment and see if we can help answer any questions.
Ross A. Clevens, MD
Melbourne Florida Facial Plastic Surgeon
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Know Your Health Pro: Dr. Ross Clevens, Plastic Surgeon Recent Blog Posts
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