Blog

Being prepared to learn more about yourself – not some case study in a magazine is not only enlightening but it’s the way we tailor the treatment to you. The reason so many procedures exist is because individuals pose challenges to doctors precisely because each face is unique – truly unique.  Part of my philosophy as well as training includes the ability to look for all those unique markers and match them to the latest innovations in treatment.

The most obvious answer is that for patients considering a Tulip Lift, we offer a free Oxygen Facial or Microdermabrassion with consultation.  A less obvious pleasure quotient is that very often you will learn that there are treatments you never considered – and they may prove to be more in line with your own desires for “quick and easy” solutions.  We all wish there really was an “Easy” button – but what we are all asking for when we say quick and easy – is really a more elegant and well thought out plan – something that has been so finely honed it seems to be magic. 

Every new year brings with it a chance for transformation.   The majority of our resolutions center on our appearance – losing weight, getting active, or improving the self in some way.  With cosmetic and surgical procedures the resolution to do something is often daunting and riddled with fear.  Even making an appointment for a consultation can be unnerving – and yet it’s the only way to know exactly what can and cannot be achieved.  The good news is – they can often be enjoyable.

The answer is: It depends on the facial anatomy and sex of the patient.

(Sorry--nothing in life is easy!) Here are my thoughts on the proper placement of facelift scars:

I always discuss the exact location of the scars with my facelift patients. In most patients, a few months after the surgery, these scars are barely visible. But especially in men, or women with short hair, they can be visible.

Even younger patients can have some degree of hollowness under their eyes. This hollowness, if pronounced, may gives the appearence of "fatigue" and "Poor- Health". Sometimes it is present in conjuction with dark circles, fine lines, or unsightly growth.

Many patients believe that surgery is the only option in treating these conditions. That is simply not true.

I believe that a facelift should achieve several specific goals. It should remove excess skin, remove excess fat from the neck and jowl area, replace lost volume in the cheek and jawline, tighten the muscles of the neck and face, and refresh the skin.

Lets discuss each of these seperately...

Recently, I was interviewed by an LA Times reporter about Acne.org. I was asked if I believed that large quantities of Benzoyl peroxide, applied topically can controll/cure acne in almost every one.

My response was that "I am very skeptical" and "It is silly to believe that Acne can be cured with Benzoyl peroxide alone." Acne is a complex condition with many different causes. It can be a normal component of puberty or part of a debilitating condition such as Poly Cystic Ovarian disease or Acne Fulminans.

Basically a 30-minute interview that included explanations about the hormonal aspects of acne, the environmental component, infectious and bacterial component, the more than 200 available medications and classes etc. was reduced to and quoted as " It's silly..."

The Lifestyle Lift has become very popular over the past few years and I have had several patients ask me about it. I love that more and more surgeons are performing facelifts under local anesthesia. Remember, local anesthesia is all that is needed. I have been doing my Tuliplifts under local anesthesia since 2000.

One of the things that sets the Tuliplift apart is that the area under the neck is also addressed. Excess skin and fat is removed and the neck muscle (Platysma) tightened...

Axillary and Palmar Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) can be very distressing and interfere with daily living and ones career.

Axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis can be socially and professionally embarrassing. Here is how I approach patients with excessive sweating.

2008 marks the third year of out Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship Program. The first two years have been a great success and it gives me great joy to share my knowledge of Cosmetic Surgery with a fellow surgeon who is eager to learn.

I am reminded of my time as a Chief Resident at Mount Sinai Medical Center when I explain Cosmetic procedures to my fellow. Reviewing articles and explaining why I do a procedure in a certain way also allow me to stay on the cutting edge.

Teaching has become one of the greatest joys in my professional life. I am thankful for that.

Dr. A. David Rahimi

Who performs the procedures does make a difference...

Sometimes during the consulation my patients tell me that they had Thermage several years ago with little visible improvement. Upon further questioning it becomes clear that the procedure was not performed by a Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon. These non-surgical lifts can be performed by nurses and nurse practitioners. Generally speaking these non-MDs are more conservative and results are less consistent.

At Forever Young the Thermacool/Thermage procedure is performed by Dr. A. David Rahimi and with the aid of mild sedation.

In fact, we sit our patients up half-way during the procedure and show them the immediate tightening of the skin. The third generation hand pieces and the new upgraded machine are better than ever.

As happy as holidays are they're also stressful - and skin shows stress more quickly than your other body parts. The treatments that are made to help correct problems are also great stress relievers in two ways...

If it sounds too good to be true, It is.
Stay away from claims that sound impossible; ask to see the scientific papers supporting the claims. Ther is no such thing as a no-down time procedure, or scarless surgery, etc...

Plastic surgery can change your appearance, it probably won't change your life.
Make sure you do the procedure for yourself and not someone else.

Never make a hasty decision.
Do not allow the doctor or his staff push you into surgery. If you're grieving or facing another life crisis such as divorce, postpone decision on surgery.

Make sure you have realistic expectations.
Be wary if a doctor does not review possible complications and alternatives to the surgery with you.

Your doctor should always have time to discuss your concers and answer your questions. Period.

Ask to talk to patients who have had the same procedure recently.

Finally, make sure you feel comfortable with the doctor and the staff.
Complications such as infection and bleeding do happen, even in the best of hands. What sets an ordinary surgeon apart from a great one, is how these complications are treated and handled.

Everything here was done under local anaesthesia and mild sedations: CO2 laser; Peel; Eyelift and Tuliplift. View the Before and After photos.

Whatever treatments you choose to improve and rejuvenate your skin - you'll want to keep your results by establishing care routines and using products to help maintain not just the aesthetics but the health of your skin. Our products are specifically formulated to address the damaging effects of sun and pollution, but also to help speed healing after a procedure...