Bel-Red Center for Aesthetic Surgery is excited to announce the winner and recipient of 20 units of FREE BOTOX. Mrs. Faith M. (telephone number (XXX) XXX-4708) is our lucky winner. Thank you to all of the participants who stopped at our booth to learn about the many services available at our center.

On Saturday, February 25^th Drs. Novia, Zemplenyi and staff of the Bel-Red Center for Aesthetic Surgery were very pleased to participate in the “Pampered Spouses Event” in Lakewood to honor military spouses of our troops deployed overseas.

Dr. Novia served thirty years in the military service, most recently as the Chief of Plastic Surgery at Madigan Hospital. In honor of our troops we offer discounts for procedures offered at our center to military personnel and their families.

Click Here to read more on Dr. Michael Novia’s profile

or

Click Here to read Dr. Michael Novia’s recent press release.

For a limited time only, get your Valentines Day Botox Special at a discounted rate.  Pamper yourself and join us for Botox & Bagels!

For this event only, morning or afternoon, we are offering:

• Botox $10 per unit, plus a $50 instant rebate (minimum purchase 20 units)
• Enhance your lashes–purchase one kit of Latisse at $120, get one FREE!
• Bring in a friend new to our practice and you will BOTH receive a FREE brow or lip wax.

Click Here to learn more about the Botox Specials.  Bel-Red Center For Aesthetic Surgery offers discounted Botox for a limited time only.  We serve clients throughout Seattle for their Botox Injections, Reserve An Appointment Now @ 425-786-2384.

If you are among the millions of chronic sinusitis sufferers in the United States, Dr. Zemplenyi will be happy to see you for an evaluation to help alleviate your problems. As a board certified Otolaryngologist (Ear Nose Throat (ENT) doctor) as well as a facial plastic surgeon Dr. Zemplenyi offers a wide range of solutions for your nasal and sinus problems.

What Are the Sinuses?

Not fully formed until about the age of 13, the sinuses are air-filled cavities situated in the facial bones. Often, when a patient is diagnosed with a sinus infection, it is in either the ethmoid or maxillary sinus cavities. There are, in fact four sets of sinuses:

1. Maxillary – behind each cheek
2. Frontal – above each eye
3. Ethmoid – on either side of the bridge of the nose
4. Sphenoid – located behind the frontal sinus cavities

These air-filled spaces are lined with mucous membranes and they contain only a small number bacteria.  In healthy sinuses, mucus drains readily out into the nose and air enters and circulates freely. When the sinus openings become blocked during a virus infection preventing drainage and air ventilation, an unhealthy environment develops that supports growth of bacteria.

What is Sinusitis?

As defined by the National Institute of Health, sinusitis is an inflammation of sinuses that occurs with a viral, bacterial or fungal infection.

Sinusitis is considered to be acute if the symptoms last up to four weeks. Should symptoms continue for four weeks to 12 weeks the infection is considered as sub-acute. When symptoms last for more than three months, the diagnosis of chronic sinusitis is made.

What Causes Sinusitis?

Dr. Zemplenyi, the sinus specialist in Bellevue, explains that sinusitis occurs when:

• The cilia (small nasal hairs) do not function properly. The cilia functions to move mucus out of your nasal cavity. Occasionally, the cilia are affected by a medical condition and the mucus is not removed efficiently, resulting in sinusitis.
• Excessive mucus build up from colds or allergies can block the sinus openings, forming a breeding ground for germs.
• The sinus openings are blocked by a deviated septum, nasal bone spur or nasal polyps block the sinuses from draining properly, creating a breeding ground for infection.

What are the Symptoms of Sinusitis?

Acute, sub-acute and chronic sinusitis have identical symptoms, with each lasting progressively longer. The typical symptoms for sinusitis are:

• Loss of smell
• Bad breath
• Cough that may be worse at night, post nasal drip and sore throat
• General fatigue
• Fever
• Headache – pressure, pain above the teeth (often mistaken for toothache), eye pain, tenderness about the face
• Congestion and nasal discharge

Children often exhibit sinusitis with the following symptoms:

• Worsening cold after showing signs of improvement
• At least three days of dark nasal discharge, accompanied by high fever
• Any nasal discharge that lasts more than 10 days

Treatment

Depending on the clinical situation Dr. Zemplenyi will first treat sinusitis with four to eight weeks of antibiotics, saline irrigations and nasal steroid sprays. If symptoms continue and abnormalities are documented on CT scan imaging and fiber-optic nasal endoscopy, Dr. Zemplenyi may recommend Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) to remove the blockage and reduce the occurrence of sinusitis. This outpatient procedure is performed under anesthesia at the licensed surgical center in the Bel-Red Center for Aesthetic Surgery. You are likely to start feeling better in just a few days following this outpatient surgical procedure.

1. Dermatochalasis

The eyelids begin to droop in the 40s for nearly everyone. As time progresses, the excess skin over the eyelids makes them appear tired and feel heavy. This condition is virtually universal for the folks above the age of seventy.  It is not unusual for severe cases to affect the vision. While the primary cause of dermatochalasis is aging, other factors that exacerbate eyelid droop are smoking, excessive sun exposure and a familial, genetic tendency.

While we can’t stop the aging process, taking care to protect your skin from excessive sun exposure and not smoking may decrease the severity of eyelid droop you will ultimately experience as you age. Generally, the earliest symptoms of dermatochalasis include the eyes feeling heavy or tired. As the condition worsens, peripheral vision may be impaired; this can affect driving, reading and other activities. Progressing with age, dermatochalasis can actually droop over the pupil, obstructing your central vision. Once the peripheral vision is documented to be significantly impaired a surgical correction (blepharoplasty) may be covered by insurance.  Dr. Zemplenyi prefers to perform blepharoplasty under twilight anesthesia though only a local numbing medicine (local anesthesia) may be used in some patients. The surgery involves removal of excess skin and some fatty tissue. The recovery tends to be fast, and the surgical scar is hidden by the lid crease and becomes inconspicuous in several months.

2. Brow Ptosis

When the brow droops, it is referred to as brow ptosis. A condition caused by the pull of the gravity on the face and the aging process, the eyelid(s) will appear to droop, when in fact the problem is the brow. Generally, the ideal placement of the eyebrow for men is just at the bony rim above the eyes. For women, the ideal placement is just above the bony rim. Often, brow ptosis occurs in conjunction with dermatochalasis, and both need to be addressed at the time of the surgery. Brows are elevated with a brow lift (also known as the forehead lift).  Dr. Zemplenyi has a large experience with an endoscopic brow lift, but he finds that a brow lift performed through an incision just at the forehead hairline gives more long-lasting, predictable results. Another, older approach is through the coronal scalp incision, and this technique may be desirable in some patients.  During your consultation at the Bel-Red Center for Aesthetic Surgery Dr. Zemplenyi will discuss your options, and the best surgery to treat your drooping eyelids.  at your first consultation. Following a thorough examination to determine your specific needs and conditions, Dr. Zemplenyi, the Bellevue eyelid/brow specialist, can help decide the best plan of treatment for you.

3. Ptosis

Eyelid ptosis is observed when the eyelid margin is close or at the level of the pupil thus causing the above appearance. It may involve only one eyelid but is usually bilateral (both eyes). It is not a condition related to excess skin or brow droop due to gravity. While sometimes congenital (born with), but the majority of eyelid ptosis is acquired through the aging process, nerve injuries or neuromuscular conditions such as myasthenia gravis.

Because acquired ptosis can be an indication of a more serious condition, a thorough examination may be needed by an ophthalmologist (eye physician). Once it is determined that a patient suffers from an acquired eyelid ptosis, caused by a weak attachment between the eyelid structures and the muscles, surgery may be recommended. Dr. Zemplenyi will correct some acquired eyelid ptosis when the condition is also accompanied with age-related excess skin condition. Often, Dr. Zemplenyi will refer patients with eyelid ptosis for surgery by an ophthalmic plastic surgeon.

According to The Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), about 500,000 people explore the option of revising the appearance of their noses. While some folks are unhappy with the underlying structure of their nose from birth, others are concerned with either effects from injuries or the aging process. At other times (nose job) is sought after to relieve breathing issues with or without cosmetic appearance. Rhinoplasty may accomplish a very dramatic change in the facial appearance.  Dr. Zemplenyi at the Bel Red Center for Aesthetic Surgery is the Bellevue and Seattle area Rhinoplasty specialist, and below he explains several details about rhinoplasty:

Who is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

Dr. Zemplenyi stresses that realistic expectations about any cosmetic surgery is as important as being in good health. Establishing a trusting relationship between patient and doctor is crucial to achievement of optimal results. It is important to be 100% honest with your surgeon prior to any procedure including rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty has no ideal just as nasal appearance does not; rather, the final goal is to achieve improved harmony and balance between the nose and other facial features. Rhinoplasty is usually performed once the patient has achieved most of his (her) facial development, usually between 13 to15 years of age. Surgery for improvement of breathing may be performed at a much earlier age.  A chin augmentation may be needed along with rhinoplasty in some patients.

What to Expect at Rhinoplasty Consultations

Dr. Zemplenyi will examine the contours of your facial structure as well as the internal and external structure of your nose. He will obtain photographs. While using computerized imaging Dr. Zemplenyi will be able to discuss with you various proposed changes and show you approximately what your new nose may look like.  This process allows you and Dr. Zemplenyi to have clear communications and improves your understanding of realistic expectations from a rhinoplasty.  Dr. Zemplenyi’s expertise will become evident to you in your first consultation.

The Surgery

Rhinoplasty means re-shaping of the nose.  To accomplish this, the bone and cartilage system of the nose is accessed through small internal and external incisions. Dr. Zemplenyi usually prefers to approach the nasal tip and the mid-portion (nasal mid-vault) using a small skin incision between the nostrils. This is known as an open rhinoplasty approach. Nasal structure is altered by either removing, adding, rearranging and repositioning with suturing of the underlying bone and cartilage. For example, if the nasal tip is too large, the cartilage can be sculpted to reduce its size.  If the tip droops it may be elevated to achieve a more youthful appearance.

Once the underlying structure of the nose is altered, the tissues are draped back in place and the incisions closed. To aid with healing after surgery, a splint is applied to the outside to help retain the new shape during the healing process. Dr. Zemplenyi usually avoids packing of the nose, and this greatly improves patient’s post-operative comfort.

The Healing

Pain is usually easily relieved with prescribed medications that are commonly needed for the first one to three days. The splint applied during surgery remains for about one week. The black and blue discoloration around the eyes, most prominent is the first three days, usually resolves in about two weeks. The majority of swelling disappears in about two to three weeks but subtle, minor changes occur for a year or more. If you wear glasses, be certain to ask your surgeon to accommodate your needs.

Are Silicone Breast Implants Safe?

Folllowing a very thorough study the  Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel lifted the 14-year ban on silicone breast implants in 2006. Approval was granted for silicone breast implants manufactured by Allergan and Mentor. Since then the silicone implants have been steadily gaining in popularity, and they are now implanted more frequently than saline.

• Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone at time of manufacture.
• Silicone is a sticky fluid that more closely mimics the feel of human fat (as compared to saline implants) when used for breast augmentation.
• Silicone implants are available for breast augmentation for patients at least 22 years of age.
• Silicone implants are available for breast reconstruction for patients of any age.

While the FDA currently recommends that women with silicone implants have Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) three years after surgery, and every two years thereafter, many doctors believe this is unnecessary. Considering the cost of an MRI that must be absorbed by the patient, and the unlikely rupture of the silicone implant, many plastic surgeons feel this advisory should be lifted. Additionally, the risks of the surgery to remove a ruptured implant may be more risky than the effect(s) of a ruptured saline implant.

Who Should Opt for Saline Implants?

Younger patients (under 22 years of age) seeking breast augmentation must use saline breast implants. The saline implant is inserted through a smaller skin incision. The implants are filled with saline, usually after insertion. Saline implants have been widely criticized for feeling unnatural. Additionally, patients complain that the saline implants tend to feel hard. Improvement in surgical techniques has decreased the unnatural effect in most patients. By placing the implant behind the patient’s chest muscle, most complaints have been eliminated; also, by overfilling the implant slightly can help decrease the unnatural feeling as well. Both saline and silicone implants may be inserted through the arm pit (trans-axillary) as well as the other approaches through the nipple and below the breast.

What Risks do Breast Implants Pose?

Both silicone and saline implants have similar risks:

• Possibility of capsule formation with firmness of breast and possibly pain
• Possibility of permanent sensation change of the nipple(s) or breast(s)
• Asymmetry of the results
• Leaking or ruptured implant(s) 
• Need  for additional breast surgery

Additionally, as breast augmentation (using either saline or silicone) is a surgical procedure, it is crucial that the patient understand the inherent risks associated with any surgery. Dr. Zemplenyi will discuss every potential risk associated with surgical procedures, post-operative care and expectations during your pre-surgical visits and consultations. Generally, every surgical procedure has basic risks:

• Potential for infection
• Seroma (fluid collection)
• Adverse scarring – scar tissue and capsule may distort the shape of  breast
• Rarely anesthesia-related problems

If an Implant Ruptures

Should a saline implant rupture, it will deflate. The released saline will cause a change in the breast shape and contour. As the saline is released, it will be absorbed by your body with no adverse health risks. To regain the desired shape and size, you will need to have additional surgery. If an implant ruptures, you will likely want to have the silicone shell removed and can have the new implant inserted at the same time.

When a silicone implant ruptures, the changes are not immediate – in fact, in some cases, the breast shows no signs of shape or size change after a silicone implant rupture. Although there is no evidence that silicone causes health problems (cancer, autoimmune disease, etc.), if the shape and size of your breast does change, you may choose to have the implant replaced.

• Abdomen
• Hips
• Thighs
• Arms
• Chin

Both men and women may take advantage of this contouring procedure. Dr. Zemplenyi answers commonly asked questions about liposuction:

1. Can liposuction be used for weight loss?

Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or weight loss. The procedure removes stubborn fat cells just below the surface of your skin. Liposuction is specifically designed for fatty deposits that have not responded to exercise or healthy diet. Dr. Zemplenyi will ask that you lose weight loss, if possible, prior to the procedure. The results of liposuction will be more favorable if performed on an individual closer to his or her “ideal” weight.  It is important that you eat healthily and regularly while exercising to lose weight.

2. Can Liposuction remove cellulite?

Cellulite is not removed through liposuction. Seattle’s Liposuction Expert at Bel-Red Center for Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Zemplenyi explains that the fat layer is removed below the skin, and thus the dimpling effect within the skin may actually be worse after liposuction. Dr. Zemplenyi can discuss your concerns regarding the expected appearance at your initial consultation.

3. Will the fat cells removed by liposuction return?

Most of the fat cells are removed permanently by liposuction. Should you gain a significant amount of weight following the procedure, however, you body can develop new fat cells. With small weight gain, the remaining fat cells not removed by liposuction will accumulate more fat by change in volume. This accumulation of additional fat will cause the remaining fat cells to grow bigger. Your body will likely retain the post-surgical shape, just proportionately larger. Dr. Zemplenyi advises that a weight gain of more than 10% will cause new fat cells to develop, even in the treated areas.

4. Is Liposuction permanent?

Unless the patient gains excessive weight following liposuction, the results are permanent. Moderate weight gain will result in a larger version of your new body shape. Although the aging process will continue to affect your appearance, the effects of liposuction will remain.

5. How much weight will I lose from Liposuction?

Dr. Zemplenyi points out that although you will lose only the weight of the fat cells removed, the results are very noticeable.  Liposuction is not a weight loss treatment – but the cosmetic improvements can give the appearance of weight loss.

6. Where does the fat deposit if I gain weight after Liposuction?

Fat deposits accumulate in areas of the body proportionate to the number of fat cells in each area. Specifically, should you gain in excess of 10 pounds after liposuction of your hips, thighs and stomach, the new fat must deposit elsewhere. The areas with more fat cells will accumulate more fat deposits. Since there are no remaining fat cells in the treated areas, the weight gain will be more evident in your:

• Breasts
• Face
• Back
• Legs
• In the belly cavity

Keeping in mind that significant weight gain can cause production of new fat cells in the treated areas, it is essential that you maintain your post-surgical weight in a healthy manner with proper diet and exercise.

7. How does pregnancy affect Liposuction results?

Should you get pregnant (congratulations!) following liposuction treatment, providing you lose your “baby weight”, your body will return to its new post-liposuction shape.

8. How much fat is removed through liposuction?

Dr. Zemplenyi prefers to keep the maximum amount of fat removal per treatment be limited to no more than 6-pounds to 8-pounds (3 liters to 4 liters of fat) for safety reasons. As the amount of fat removed increases, so does the potential for complications. For patients requiring more than 3 liters to 4 liters of fat removal, it is best to divide the treatment between two liposuction procedures. The subsequent procedures should allow at least three weeks for recovery between sessions.

9. What anesthesia do you prefer for Liposuction (Lipo-sculpture)?

For your maximum comfort Dr. Zemplenyi prefers “twilight” sedation. Pure local anesthesia is adequate for small areas of liposuction. General anesthesia is usually not necessary.

Should you have any other questions, feel free to call Bel-Red Center for Aesthetic Surgery.

Dr. Zemplenyi, the Bellevue Botox Expert at Bel Red Aesthetic Surgery Center also offers Dysport® cosmetic injections to improve the signs of aging of your face. Although both Botox™ and Dysport® are both produced from botulinum A toxin, there exist differences between the two products. During your personal facial rejuvenation consult with Dr. Zemplenyi, it will be determined which product may be most effective for your specific needs.

Differences between Botox™ and Dysport®

It is important to understand that Botox™ and Dysport® are not considered equivalent botulinum A toxin products. While some may think that Dysport® is the generic formulation of Botox™, this is far from accurate. The Food and Drug Administration has specific guidelines when determining whether a product can be considered a generic of its name brand counterpart. Specifically, the generic must share at least 90% therapeutic and dosing effect of the name brand medication. No dosage or treatment adjustments are necessary when using either the brand name or the generic. Dysport® is not the generic compound of Botox™. The differences include:

1. Dysport® units are not the same as Botox™ units.
2. Dysport® results in a somewhat wider diffusion rate than Botox™. Treatment with Dysport® will affect a wider area than the same area treatment with Botox™.
3. Dysport® takes effect more quickly than Botox™

Should I have Dysport® or Botox™?

The fact is that both products are effective, and yield similar results, despite the differences in formulation. During your initial Facial Rejuvenation consultation, Dr. Zemplenyi  will help you to determine which product may be  most effective for you. In terms of units Dr. Zemplenyi  injects Dysport® in a ratio of 3:1 to Botox

What are Botox™ and Dysport® used to treat?

Both Botox™ and Dysport® are used to treat:

• Facial Wrinkles
• Neck Wrinkles
• Forehead Lines
• Crow’s Feet around the Eyes
• Bunny Lines around the Nose
• Smoker’s Lines around the Lips
• Eyebrow Shaping

How Much Botox™ or Dysport® will be Used?

The amount of product used depends on a number of factors:

• Which product you will be treated with
• Thickness of your muscles
• Depth of lines and wrinkles
• Number of areas treated
• How many prior treatments you have had
• The specific results you are looking to achieve

With no downtime following either procedure, you will see full results within one to two weeks following the treatment.  Generally, Dysport® will begin showing results within three days of treatment and Botox™ will begin showing improvement in five days to seven days after treatment. Both products last about three months to four months. Side effects can include temporary:

• Possible bruising
• Slight burning during injection
• Possible mild swelling
• Headache, rarely
• Need  for additional treatment

What is the Palomar 300 IPL?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments stimulate collagen formation in the dermis of the skin. Because the epidermis is not affected, the after effects of IPL treatments are minimal. The IPL and certain lasers are calibrated to pass through the epidermis to the dermis where pigment cells, blood vessels and collagen are located.

What can the Palomar 300 IPL be Used to Treat?

The Facial Rejuvenation Experts at the Bel-Red Center for Aesthetic Surgery use the Palomar Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for several varieties of skin discoloration problems, including but not limited to:

• Rosacea
• “Broken” Blood Vessels
• Freckles
• Age Spots
• Acne

Depending on the specific treatment, most patients can return immediately to normal activity. For treatment of blood vessels,  the patient’s skin may appear somewhat discolored for a short period of time. Since the epidermis is not damaged with the IPL, cover-up makeup may be applied to disguise any excessive discoloration during the healing process.

Benefits of the Palomar 300 IPL

Because the Palomar 300 IPL treatment bypasses the epidermis, one of the benefits is little to no downtime after treatment. Many patients return to normal activities immediately after treatment! Additional benefits include:

• Pore size may decrease
• Texture of skin may improve
• Acne and surgical scars may be improved

What Can be Expected at a Palomar 300 IPL Session?

Once cooled for comfort, each area is treated sequentially.   Because the Palomar 300 IPL has a sapphire cooling tip, no anesthetic is required. This cooling tip controls the skin temperature during treatment, making the experience comfortable.

Most patients describe the feeling after treatment as a mild sunburn. The treated area will appear pink to slightly red with minor swelling. The pink/red color will fade within a few hours following treatment.

While healing from a Palomar 300 IPL treatment, sun protection is important.  Bel-Red Center For Aesthetic Surgery Palomar 300 specialists recommends using sunscreen year-round to protect your skin.