Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing can substantially enhance the skin’s appearance and can also treat minor facial flaws like acne, wrinkles and sun damage. During the procedure, your thin, outer layer of skin is removed. The laser will heat the underlying dermis, which stimulates collagen production and makes your skin look smoother and tighter.

If you’re considering laser skin resurfacing, here’s what to know, going into the procedure, and what to expect afterwards.

Preparing for the procedure

Before the procedure, you will consult with one of our plastic surgeons to discuss your medical history. They will ask you about any current or past medical conditions, as well as any medications you’re taking. They will also inquire about other cosmetic procedures you’ve had done and if you had any reactions afterward. The conversation will then turn to your expectations. The doctor will inspect your skin and determine how to get the best results.

What you need to do

While meeting with the doctor, they’ll outline a list of things you need to do and avoid. For example, you will need to watch your sun exposure. Too much sun before or after the procedure can cause irregular pigmentation.

In addition, you will get an antibiotic medication you’ll need to take beforehand to help ward off any bacterial infections. You may need to take an antiviral medicine too if you’re prone to cold sores.

You’ll also need to avoid certain medications before the procedure that can affect blood clotting. Ibuprofen, aspirin and certain supplements are a few examples, but your doctor will give you a complete list and timeframe of when to abstain.

If you’re a smoker, you should stop for at least two weeks before the procedure. Smoking could delay your overall healing.

What to expect during the procedure

Laser skin resurfacing is an outpatient procedure, meaning you won’t need to stay overnight. Depending on what you’re having done, you may just need numbing of the skin with a local anesthetic. However, if the treatment is for your entire face, some sedation might be used, along with local anesthetic.

Treating parts of the face may take upwards of 30 minutes to an hour. An entire face procedure could last for two hours. The professionals at Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona will make every effort to ease your nerves and keep you comfortable during the entire procedure.

After the procedure and recovery

After the procedure, you’ll have bandages over the treated area that will need cleaning every few hours. A thick ointment will be applied underneath to help prevent scabs.

Patients can take certain over-the-counter medications or use ice packs to help with any pain. It typically takes about one to two weeks for new skin to start covering the area and at least a month until full recovery, although you could feel the effects for longer.

In the meantime, patients are asked not to use cosmetics or anything that could irritate the face or cause infection. It is particularly important to use sunscreen after laser skin resurfacing.

Benefits of the procedure

Laser skin resurfacing can significantly improve the look of your skin. If you have age spots, uneven skin tone, blemishes or fine wrinkles, this procedure can make your skin look a lot smoother and tighter. Though it might take time for your skin to heal, the end result will leave you with a much improved skin appearance that can last for years.

Final thoughts

If you are considering the benefits of laser skin resurfacing, contact Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona for a free consultation with a doctor. Our highly trained staff have years of experience in the field. They can get you feeling more confident in your skin!

7 important questions to ask your plastic surgeon before surgery.

The decision to have plastic surgery should not be made lightly. There are many aspects you need to consider before and after your surgery. One of the most important choices you will make is your plastic surgeon.

No matter how many online reviews or recommendations you view, a detailed consultation with any plastic surgeon you are considering is an essential step. This meeting will help you answer any questions as well as understand all the basics of the procedure. Asking the right questions will help you gain confidence in your surgeon and help you make an educated decision. 

Important questions to ask

Here we’ve gathered some of the main questions you will want answered in the initial consultation.

Are you board certified?

This is the first and most important question you should ask. For plastic surgery, not just any doctor will do. You need one who is qualified and board certified to perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. 

The American Board of Plastic Surgery certification shows that the plastic surgeon is qualified in every aspect of cosmetic surgery and has participated in a 12-month cosmetic surgery training program. At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona (PSNA), all three of our physicians — Dr. Steve Lex, Dr. Jack Quigley and Adam Boettcher, M.D. — are board certified plastic surgeons.

How often have you done this procedure?

This will help you know how skilled and how much experience your plastic surgeon has at performing your procedure. The higher the number of successful procedures, the more experience the surgeon has, thus increasing the likelihood of a better outcome for you. Having knowledge of your surgeon’s experience will boost your confidence and will hopefully ease any fears you may have.

With over 30 years of combined experience, you can trust our surgeons at PSNA. They have performed all of the procedures we offer a multitude of times over the years.

What are the risks?

Every surgery comes with risks. Whether it’s CoolSculpting, breast enhancement, tummy tuck or a face-lift, it’s crucial to understand any complications that may arise from the procedure. Your plastic surgeon should point out all the risks involved and ensure that you understand them. A surgeon who promises you a risk-free procedure is a red flag, as there is no such surgery.

Where will the surgery be performed?

It’s vital to know where your surgery will take place. Will it be in the local surgery center, the doctor’s office or a hospital? Your plastic surgeon must factor in the complexity of your surgery and any health issues when deciding the best place to do your procedure.

Drs. Lex, Quigley and Boettcher of PSNA perform all cosmetic surgeries and most reconstructive and hand surgeries at Northern Arizona Surgicenter. Located in Flagstaff, this state-of-the-art facility is staffed by highly experienced RNs who are extremely familiar with all of the procedures performed by our plastic surgeons. This ensures the facility is the most comfortable place for both the patients and surgeons. Northern Arizona Surgicenter is a fully licensed, certified and accredited ambulatory surgery center, where PSNA surgeons have been performing surgeries since 1996.

Will you be using anesthesia?

Most plastic surgery procedures involve anesthesia. Ask your surgeon whether your procedure involves any anesthesia, the type, what the risks are and who will be administering it. There are different types of anesthesia, including general anesthesia, regional and local anesthesia, and each has various risks.

What does the recovery process look like?

Plastic surgery procedures are different on many levels, with some requiring a longer healing process. It’s important to ask what the recovery process will be like to know what to expect so you can plan child care or time off work. Also ask about the restrictions to expect, for example, limits on heavy lifting. Understanding the recovery process will also help you prepare mentally.

Can you give me a cost estimate for my procedure?

Although you can Google the rough estimates of how much your procedure will cost, asking for an estimate in writing from your surgeon will help you budget accordingly. Oftentimes with plastic surgeries there is a lot more to your total cost than just your surgeon’s fee. There are facility fees and anesthesia fees to factor in. Having a breakdown of the total cost will prevent any surprises after the procedure is done.

For patients at PSNA, a detailed written explanation of total fees is provided for all cosmetic surgeries. The out-of-pocket costs will depend on the specifics of the patient’s insurance policy.

In conclusion

Plastic surgery involves a lot of choices. Asking questions before the surgery will help you choose the best plastic surgeon. It will also help to clear any doubts and instill confidence when going for your procedure. A good plastic surgeon will be open and happy to answer any and all questions you have.

At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, we have been offering a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries for over 30 years. All our surgeons are board certified and have many years of experience. We welcome you to visit our office, give us a call at 928.774.2300 or chat with us on our website about these or any other questions you may have. Contact us today!

What to expect after getting lip fillers

Lip fillers have become a popular noninvasive cosmetic treatment over the last two decades, with celebrities like Ariana Grande, Anna Faris and Kylie Jenner getting regular lip fillers, increasing the treatment’s popularity. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of lip filler treatments has grown by more than 300% since 2000. Pop culture, medical research and the safety of the procedure have contributed to its growth.

Lip fillers are a nonsurgical cosmetic injection treatment to make your lips look plumper, fuller and more youthful. The injections mainly contain hyaluronic acid, which is a gel-like, soft, naturally occurring substance that hydrates and plumps the lips. The procedure is minimally invasive and takes a few minutes.

With the increased accessibility of the procedure and many people preferring to avoid full surgeries, some patients consider getting lip fillers. While it is  a minimally invasive procedure, you may experience some common side effects during your body’s healing process. Here is a guide on what you should expect after getting lip filler.

Will you be able to speak immediately after having lip fillers?

Yes. You’ll be able to speak immediately after having lip fillers. Lip fillers are designed to look natural and, when performed properly, will not affect speech. The procedure should never leave you unable to speak. 

Lip fillers will also not interfere with your ability to eat or drink. You may feel like eating or drinking isn’t a good idea right away, simply for the reason that the area of your mouth where you had lip fillers injected may still be numb from the procedure. However, this is a temporary condition and goes away very quickly.

How uncomfortable will the after-effects of lip fillers be for you?

It’s normal to feel a bit uncomfortable for about 24 hours. After that, you should be able to return to your routine without any problems. After having your treatment, you may experience the following effects:

• Numbness
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Heaviness or tightness in the treated area
• Minor pain or tingling at the injection site
• Temporary numbness of the mouth

These after-effects are minor, and you will be able to resume most of your normal activities immediately. You can apply ice to your lips to ease the bruising, swelling and any pain. Just be sure to cover the ice cubes with a cloth to prevent them from sticking on the lip. 

After the procedure, you should avoid strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours, as this can worsen the bruising. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid applying makeup on your lips for 24 hours.

How frequently should this procedure be performed for maintenance?

The frequency of lip fillers depends on how quickly your body breaks down the product. You may need to schedule a touch-up within two to three months after the initial procedure. 

Some patients need maintenance, adjusted touch-ups and fine-tuning of their lips at six-month intervals, while others do well with only one visit every year. On average, lip fillers are effective between six and nine months. The most common lip filler injections are:

• Restylane
• Restylane Kysse
• Juvederm

What is the most common complaint from those having lip filler procedures? 

The most common complaint with lip fillers is bruising. Many patients are surprised at the amount of bruising they have after having the procedure, but this is completely normal. Bruising can last anywhere from one to two weeks. You can use gloss or light-colored lipstick to cover the bruising after the initial healing period.

Bottom line

Lip fillers are a great option if you want to boost your look with minimal pain and downtime. It is easy and takes only a few minutes. The effects last between six and nine months, and while there are side effects to it, they take only one to two weeks to subside. 

At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, our goal is to help you achieve a more plump and youthful look to make you feel more confident and comfortable. Contact us today if you’re considering having a lip filler procedure or have more questions.

Gratitude at Thanksgiving from the Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona

Since Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona was founded by doctors Steve Lex and Jack Quigley in 1991, we have worked to achieve our mission of providing state-of-the-art surgical care to the Northern Arizona community.

The founders, joined by Dr. Adam Boettcher in 2012, have collaborated with their outstanding, dedicated staff to serve patients with the utmost professionalism. Since opening, we have completed thousands of complex surgical procedures, which have helped our patients regain function and/or achieve improved appearance and greater confidence in themselves.

As they celebrate Thanksgiving, the doctors would like to express their gratitude:

To Our Patients

We would like to thank all our patients for recognizing us as one of the top surgical care providers in the region. You have helped our practice and ambulatory surgery center gain recognition throughout Northern Arizona through your trust in us, and we do not take that trust for granted.

We thank you for the referrals you have directed to us, as they have enabled us to reach out to more potential patients, who may never have known of our existence.

As we all know, every surgical procedure involves risk, and your trust means a lot to us. We appreciate your faith in us, and we look forward to continue serving you whenever you need us.

To Our Staff

We would like to thank you all for your dedication and hard work, and for all the important roles you play within our organization. A cohesive team is necessary to ensure the high-quality care we deliver to our patients, and to maintain a healthy organization over the years.

We are very proud of the team we have put together here at Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona. We are very fortunate to have staff who are devoted to their work, many of whom have remained part of our team for years or, in several cases, decades.

We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated staff. We appreciate you all!

Thirty years!

In 1991, the founders of Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona,  Dr. Steve Lex and Dr. Jack Quigley, came together in Flagstaff to serve the residents of Northern Arizona with the highest quality plastic surgery and hand surgery care. Joined in practice by Dr. Adam Boettcher in 2012, our board-certified surgeons have helped thousands of patients by performing complex procedures with the utmost precision and care. Through their expertise and leadership, PSNA continues to realize its dream and mission of offering state-of-the-art surgical care to all the residents of Northern Arizona. All of that hard work over the years has rewarded the practice with a very positive reputation throughout the Northern Arizona region.

This year has been a blessing to us, and we are thankful for everyone who has helped make 2021 a success. We extend a special invitation to all who may have considered our services to contact us today to learn more about what we can offer you. We guarantee that you will find a staff that genuinely cares for each and every patient.

We wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving!