Florida Plastic Surgeon
Blog - Dr Clevens

Q: How do I fix my small, thin lips?  
My lips are very thin, and my top lip is almost nonexistent. My top lip is also rather pointed at the top, and seems to curl under on one side too. What would be the best way to plump my lips up and give them a more feminine, rounded appearance?

A: Permanent Options for thin lips
You can choose either a lip implant or a surgical lip lift.If you choose a "permanent" implant, there are numerous substances that I commonly use as a graft or implant material in the lips. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• AlloDerm is a popular human-donor grafting material that is FDA approved and proven safe in lip augmentation and facial reconstruction. Under a local anesthesia, the material is inserted through tiny incisions made in the inside corners of the mouth. Delicate absorbable stitches that dissolve are used. The material is often absorbed, so that the results are only temporary, lasting from 12-18 months. This procedure takes about 15 minutes in the office under local anesthesia.
• Advanta and Gore-Tex have been shown to produce reliable and predictable results with few complications. These materials do not shrink and are never absorbed into the body making the procedure permanent. It also remains in place because scar tissue forms on both ends holding it in place. To insert Advanta and Gore-Tex, a small incision is made in the inside of the lip. The material is then made into the shape of a small tube and it is inserted with a needle.
• Fat grafting produces lasting results in most of the people who try it. Although it is possible that the body will reabsorb it, many people choose fat grafting because they are most comfortable with using the fat from their own body to enhance their lips. The fat is harvested from another area of the body, often the abdomen. It is then prepared and inserted with a needle into the lip from more than one point.
• SurgiSil is new to the market but promises a safe, definitive solution for permanent tissue augmentation.Surgisil is a patented, FDA approved device designed for tissue augmentation of the lips and has undergone extensive clinical testing to ensure its safety and efficacy. It is made of a soft, solid silicone elastomer using an injection molding process to produce a naturally contoured implant with a smooth, non-porous surface. The implant cannot rupture or deflate, and may be removed at any time. I have see great results with this product.

If you opt for Lip Augmentation through a Surgical Solution, you will certainly have a permanent result.

• Surgical enhancement of the lips provides a permanent alternative to injections and implants.
• Surgical enhancement usually takes less than one hour to perform in office under local anesthesia.
• Careful and fine incisions are created to shape the lips into their desired shape and form.
• Direct Lip Lifting creates a fuller upper and/or lower lip with imperceptible incisions. This precise procedure allows the patient to state just how full you want your lip and that is where I can place the new lip line.
• As the lip ages, the corner of the mouth tends to droop. Other procedures such as the Corner of the Lip Lift enable the lip to be reshaped so that the frown can be improved and a youthful upturned lip can be achieved.
• Local flaps bring material from inside the mouth outside to enhance the lips. Results are permanent. An incision may be made inside the mouth to push the tissue inside the mouth upward, and outward, into the lip, sometimes in conjunction with grafting. Or, an incision may be along the upper lip line. In this case, skin above the lip is removed, and the lip is then stitched along the line of the incision.

Please call our office at 321.727.3223 to schedule your appointment and see if you are a good candidate for lip augmentation.

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

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: How does Sculptra work?

A: Sculptra is an injectable filler able to restore volume and correct the signs of facial fat loss. Sculptra is made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a synthetic material that is biocompatible and biodegradable. Sculptra is injected beneath the skin's surface, resulting in a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness, and may be used to treat sunken cheeks, hollow eyes, indentations, folds and other sunken areas.

Good candidates for Sculptra injections include individuals who are physically healthy, realistic in their expectations and looking to improve the appearance of facial fat loss. Sculptra is not appropriate for those who are allergic to any of the ingredients in Sculptra or have an active skin infection or inflammation in the treatment area. Sculptra can provide results lasting up to two years.

Please call our office at 321.727.3223 to schedule your appointment and see if you are a candidate for Sculptra injectables.

Ross A. Clevens, MD
Melbourne Florida Facial Plastic Surgeon

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS, Brevard’s only Board Certified Specialist in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has been chosen by Regen Labs of Switzerland for a cutting edge Platelet Healing Gel (PRP) study analyzing the effects of PRP stem cells in aesthetic facial surgery

Melbourne, Florida 

Platelet Healing Gel has been used for years in dentistry, orthopedics, and sports medicine for assistance in wound healing. Dr. Clevens is considered among its pioneers in facial plastic surgery. The platelets are harvested by centrifugal separation of autologous whole blood. They are then injected into the wound site and assist in remarkably shorter wound healing times in most patients.

The newest player in PRP indications is its use in aesthetic indications. Regen Labs was the first to inject PRP stem cells into healthy, but aging skin and see incredible results in reduction of wrinkles and fine lines.

This up and coming technology will allow patients to have younger, healthier looking skin through a non-surgical procedure. “We are honored that Regen Labs has chosen us to complete this stem cell study and are excited to offer this cutting edge technology to our patients.” says Dr. Ross A. Clevens, Facial Plastic Surgeon.

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.

Click on the links below to see YouTube Videos featuring Dr. Clevens discussing PRP:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbfa0zPybFQ&feature=channel_video_title
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfoHmdpXIGo&feature=relmfu

Q: Can Rhinoplasty Make my Upper Lip a Little Bit Bigger?

I have a dropping nose and it really pull my upper lip down when I smile. Can Rhinoplasty improve my upper lip?  I think that what I need, to make my upper lip a little bit bigger to keep my face looking good. I have the feeling Im the only one with this kind of problem.

A: Choose a Lip Procedure to change the look of the lips - Not Rhinoplasty

Q: Is There Any Surgery in Addition to Bullhorn Lip Lift That Can Help Lift the Upper Lip?  After several nose jobs I've noticed my upper lip covers a little bit of my teeth upon smiling. I've had a bullhorn lip lift which worked okay. Is there any other drastic surgery that I can have? P.S. When I bite I do have my upper teeth infront of my lower teeth, but it doesnt look out of place or anything. I also dont want to sacrifice any projection of my nose, as I've already had dental veneers to lengthen my teeth. Thank.

Q: Is an Obagi Blue Peel Painful?

A: Blue Peel Facts...and a few alternatives

The Blue Peel is known as a type of medium chemical peel. Chemicals (TCA) used are those stronger than those used for micro peels. Due to this, they may be more effective in improving skin texture, vitality, and freshness. They also impose a recovery period that may require a few days off from work and other social activities. 

The advantage of a Blue Peel it that it can revitalize skin, brightening one's complexion while eliminating fine wrinkles, brown spots and other discolorations. Peeling agents may cause a burning sensation and there are risks involved, however the Blue Peels have built-in safety mechanism to prevent the provider from allowing the chemical agent to over penetrate.This is the reason for the blue dye, which is applied along with TCA. The blue color helps the provider who is applying your peel know how deep the chemical has penetrated and is therefore helpful in determining when to stop.

Blue peels will turn skin blue for a few days. Flaking and peeling begin 4-5 days after your peel and finish within 7-9 days. You may engage in your normal activities immediately following your peel, but, if you have an important event planned, you will not want to have a peel within 2-3 weeks of that event.

In my practice, we do not to offer the Blue Peel because patients are not willing to have blue skin for a number of days.  Instead we offer:

Vi Peel, Which improve the tone, texture and clarity of skin  •  Reduce or eliminate age spots, freckles, and hyper-pigmentation, including melasma  •  Soften lines and wrinkles  •  Clear acne skin conditions, reduce or eliminate acne scars •  Stimulate the production of collagen, for firmer, more youthful skin

Apeele. Which differs from other peels for these reasons: Indicated for all skin types with photodamage, hyperpigmentation and acne.
• Ideal for skin rejuvenation of face, neck and hands
• Balanced combination of ingredients provide a uniform, consistent and predictable peel
• Allows depth control and customization for each individual patient
• Hydroquinone addresses pigmentary disorders and supresses PIH
• Built-in topical anesthetics designed to provide a comfortable and pain-free procedure
• Skin permeation enhancers provide deeper and even penetration of active ingredients

Please call our office today at 321.727.3223 to schedule your consultation to see if you're a candidate for a chemical peel.

Ross A. Clevens, MD
Melbourne Florida Facial Plastic Surgeon