The holidays are a busy time for cosmetic procedures and people get ready to face the new year. Whether it is the prospect of feeling and looking your best at a time when most of having plans to see friends and family or to take advantage of some time off to do some things for yourself, this time of year can be a good time to make some tweaks you have been thinking about.

Colorado is among the states that saw the largest increase of aesthetic surgical and minimally invasive procedures in 2018 with a 29% increase for the overall region. Dr. James Banich and aesthetic nurse, Mandy Brown, of Vanguard Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, share the most popular treatments for the holidays. 

1. Youthful, Refreshed Eyes 

The number one area that people want to address is the eyes because subtle improvements in this area can transform the entire face. Both surgical and non-surgical approaches can make a dramatic difference.

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), improves the look of drooping eyelids and undereye bags. Dr. Banich explains more about what to expect after eyelid surgery in this video clip. Some people even enjoy improved vision, along with the aesthetic benefits, when the loose skin above the eyes is tightened. In many cases, this procedure can be performed in an office setting.

Mandy sees an increase in requests for neuromodulators, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, XEOMIN®, and Dysport® as the holidays approach. These wrinkle relaxers are injectables that help decrease the movement that causes dynamic wrinkles on the top one-third of the face. Addressing crow’s feet, forehead lines, and the “11’s” (those wrinkles between our eyes).

“These are popular treatments for many because the results are fairly quick and can last for up to three months,” says Mandy.

Curious about wrinkle relaxers? Follow Dr. Banich’s scheduling coordinator, Adeline, as she tries one for the first time.

2. Rhinoplasty 

Nose surgery is among the popular procedures Dr. Banich sees in the wintertime. This surgery can also benefit have functional and cosmetic benefits for some. If breathing is impaired by the structure of the nose, restoring function and form can help. Some people simply don’t like the look of their nose, and this surgery can be a game-changer. In fact, 91% of respondents on realself.com that have had the surgery report that it is worth it. 

3. Breast Surgery – Augmentation or Reduction/Lift

For women looking to enhance the size, shape, and/or symmetry of their breasts, breast augmentation is a surgery that makes that difference. This can be done using implants or fat transfer. Women affected by breast cancer may choose to have breast construction after a mastectomy. This is required to be covered by your insurance thanks to the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998.

Reducing breast size, which may also include lifting the breasts, is another popular procedure for women that have larger breasts. This could be an issue since puberty or a result of pregnancy.

Regardless of which breast surgery is performed, they can have dramatic results on how a woman feels about herself. “We’re restoring form, improving looks, and providing benefits on multiple levels to the patient,” says Dr. Banich.

4. Abdominoplasty

Commonly known as a “tummy tuck”, an abdominoplasty is a surgery to remove excess fat, skin, and to tighten the abdominal wall. The results can be a more streamlined profile and body contour. This stomach area can bother both men and women. Whether from weight loss, pregnancy, or the fact that this can be a troublesome area for a variety of other reasons, a surgery to tighten and shape this mid-section can be the answer. Many patients choose to schedule surgery for the wintertime so they can be prepared for warmer weather.

For women that have seen the changes pregnancy does to their bodies, abdominoplasty combined with breast surgery is a way to regain the body they remember. This combination of surgeries is referred to as a “Mommy Makeover”.

As Dr. Banich describes it, “Mommy Makeovers are excellent because there are reductions in core strength, body contour, and skin elasticity that are permanently altered as a result of pregnancy. Not only are we improving the physical appearance, but we are also restoring the natural form of the body by performing breast reduction, breast lift with abdominoplasty and muscle plication. These have long-standing benefits. Not only to the psychology of the patient but also to restore the original form they lost as a result of giving birth.” 

5. Dermal Fillers

Injectable fillers are popular at Vanguard Aesthetics year-round, but particularly in the winter with our annual filler promotion. Fillers restore volume loss. This results in smoother lines and wrinkles and “plumper” looking features. Time and gravity lead to a loss in fat and weakened elasticity in the skin. This can mean thinner lips, vertical lines above the lips, more pronounced nasolabial folds, jowls, and overall look of lower face droopiness or down turning. The “Triangle of Youth” becomes the “Pyramid of Age” as we lose width and tightness on the upper part of the face, the lower face becomes more pronounced. The filler is a minimally invasive way to add volume back for a more natural result.

“Filler is a way to subtly correct those features that have changed over time. Helping someone see improvement in these areas that have been bothering them is incredibly satisfying,” shares Mandy, an experienced aesthetic nurse injector.

Consultation

When you are ready to discuss your options and learn more about these cosmetic procedures, the next step is a consultation:

• James Banich offers cosmetic consultations for $75. This is cost is applied towards the overall costs of your procedure. Call 719-355-3861 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Banich.
• To learn more about wrinkle relaxers and fillers, schedule your consultation by calling 719-579-5555. This is a complimentary consultation.

Vanguard Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics is part of Vanguard Skin Specialists, trusted by physicians and patients for over 10 years. We emphasize a clinical approach, advanced technologies, and patient safety. Our dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aesthetic providers work together to minimize the sings of aging, enhance your figure, and erase the effects of cancer so you can look and feel younger, vibrant, and rejuvenated.