Inside This Issue October 2021
Esther Watanabe has been a Physician Assistant for 30 years. She started in Family Practice and Emergency Medicine and transitioned into Aesthetic Medicine. Esther graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Master's Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Emory University.
She has over 15 years of experience in Aesthetic Medicine and multiple non-surgical modalities using fillers, neurotoxins, lasers, microneedling with radiofrequency, ultrasound based treatment, CoolSculpting, PRP, IV Therapy and hormone replacement therapy. Injectables are her true passion.
Esther is a certified master injector with all filler utilized at FAC. Her patients love her gentle touch and artistic eye to provide natural restoration of youthful contours. She has helped thousands of patients throughout Orange County look great and feel great.
Her goals are to enhance natural beauty and slow down the aging process to help patients to feel more confident and empowered by their new appearance. She enjoys spending time with her son, gardening, scuba dive, and skiing
Dasha is a Registered Nurse specializing in facial and body aesthetics. Born and raised in Ukraine, she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at West Coast University after she moved to US. She started her nursing career in Labor and Delivery, but her passion for skin care, combined with artistic skills and desire to deliver a unique and meaningful experience to every patient, brought Dasha to the aesthetic field shortly after. She started her aesthetic journey in a local medical spa where she trained with physicians and clinical researchers. Dasha has a passion for knowledge and a desire to provide a holistic approach for every patient.
Dasha is a graduate of the Allergan Medical Institute where she studied advanced injection techniques for Botox and the Juvederm family of fillers. She has achieved a certification as a master injector and is providing comprehensive non-surgical rejuvenation treatments for patients of FAC. joined FAC. Dasha enjoys combining treatment modalities to enhance the results she can achieve for her patients.
Dasha’s approach is the one that encompasses all of her technical knowledge and artistic eye with appreciation of natural results. Her dedication to provide a unique, enjoyable experience for her patients and her love for aesthetic medicine has earned the trust and loyalty of thousands of patients across Southern California.
There are three keys to improving the quality and appearance of the skin, the tone ( evenness of color), texture(smoothness) and radiance(the glow). Finally, there is a single treatment that can address all three of these key areas in a one treatment without any downtime. You may have heard of the Clear and Brilliant laser treatment but now that laser has gotten even better. The latest Clear and Brilliant Touch is more powerful, with improved energy deliverance is now available at FAC. Just released in March 2021 this laser is able to treat all of the three keys to improving the appearance of the skin without the need for any downtime.
” The trifecta of laser technology is results, downtime, and affordability. The Clear and Brilliant offers a unique combination of these three goals that we strive to provide our patients with all of our services.” Dr. Gangnes
Skin tone is the evenness of the coloring or distribution of melanin in the skin. In southern California we are constantly exposed to the damaging rays of the sun which cause a protection system in the skin to produce excess melanin, pigment, which often times is unevenly distributed throughout the skin. This causes blotchiness and spots in the skin over years of damage from the suns rays. The goal of treatment is to break up pigment deposits in the skin resulting in a more even coloring or tone in the skin.
No Downtime Treatment For Refreshed Skin
Skin texture is a challenge largely brought on by the aging process. As we age cellular turnover decreases and the structure of the skin begins to change. The skin no longer exfoliates or regenerates naturally at the same rate as when we were younger and the fibers that keep our skin tight(collagen and elastin) breakdown. As this occurs our skin begins to feel more rough and fine lines and wrinkles in the surface of the skin begin to form. By exfoliating the superficial, dead skin cells that create a ‘dull’ appearance of the skin, we are able to improve the supple, smooth skin from our more youthful years.
As an added benefit of the removal of the dull superficial skin the underlying fresh, new skin is more radiant giving the skin a glow that can be shrouded by the changes we experience in the aging process. we are able to restore a renewed ‘glow to the skin.
Clear and Brilliant improves:
- Improved Skin tone
- Skin texture
- Irregular pigmentation
- Minimize the appearance of pores
- Signs of aging
The Clear and Brilliant laser combines two different lasers to treat distinct parts of the skin that are responsible for what we see as the signs of aging in the skin. One laser creates micro thermal zones that stimulate your skin to replace damaged skin irregular pigmentation with healthy tissue improving the tone and texture of the skin. The second laser provides a superficial ‘laser peel’ to gently exfoliate the surface of the skin to reveal the glowing, fresh skin beneath.
We commonly recommend an exfoliation treatment such as the Diamond Glow 10-14 days after Clear and Brilliant in order to produce a more thorough exfoliation of treated skin. For a limited time we are offer a FREE Diamond Glow with a Clear and Brilliant series to provide you the best possible results.
When do I see results?
Results are seen immediately following the treatment and continue to progress over a few months. A few days after the treatment your skin will begin to feel softer, look brighter and show a more even tone. Results are improved and more dramatic with each successive treatment.
What will I look like immediately after the treatment?
Most patients experience some redness and mild inflammation which typically resolves in a few hours and may last until the following day. Any residual redness is easily covered by a tinted sunscreen or makeup.
I’ve had Clear and Brilliant before, how is the TOUCH version different?
This brand new device was just released in March of 2021 and provides a greater power output combined with new smart density scanning technology which optimizes the density of micro thermal zones to improve the effectiveness of the treatment without creating any increase in the recovery time from the procedure.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments that will create the best outcome with vary depending on the current condition of your skin. Most patients receive an optimal benefit from 4-6 treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart.
What does the Clear and Brilliant treatment feel like?
The treatment is very comfortable often described as a light prickling sensation. Numbing cream is used prior to the treatment to enhance patient comfort. Following the treatment there is a feeling of a mild sunburn which persists for just a couple hours.
What is a Microlift Facelift Surgery Technique? Everything You Need to Know
Facelift surgery is a common procedure that can help reduce the signs of aging. While traditional facelifts can offer significant results, they’re also major procedures. They can be invasive and result in long recovery times, making them a less-than-ideal solution for some patients who don’t have the ability or desire to take extended time for recovery.
Microlifts may be an ideal solution for our patients who want to reduce the signs of aging but don’t want to undergo the recovery or extensive surgery of a traditional facelift.
What is the Microlift Procedure?
A Microlift is a surgical facial rejuvenation technique developed at Facial Aesthetic Concepts. The goal of developing the Microlift procedure was to achieve the best possible results while minimizing the invasiveness of the surgery and the recovery times for patients.
Microlifts reposition the skin and the underlying muscle that has been affected by the aging process. By repositioning the muscle, the surgeon is able to restore the structure underneath the skin, which means a more natural looking and longer-lasting result.
You can see the improvement on the pictures below after the patient underwent a Microlift:
The procedure can offer extremely natural looking and fast results, often reversing the signs of aging by increasing the tightness of the skin. It focuses on the lower part of the face, including the cheeks, chin, jawline, and neck.
What Can Microlift Facelifts Help With?
Microlift facelifts can help reduce the signs of aging on the lower portion of the face. This includes:
- Sagging or loose skin
- Jowls around the jawline or cheeks
- “Turkey neck,” which is caused by loss of muscle and elasticity in the skin around the neck
Microlifts are more long-term solutions than “easy fixes” for improved volume or wrinkle reduction like fillers, which require retreatment t0 at regular intervals to maintain results. By contrast, patients can see results last from 10-12 years following their Microlift, at which point they may be interested in an enhancement procedure.
What’s the Difference Between Microlift and Traditional Facelifts
If you’re considering facial rejuvenation procedures, it’s important to understand the difference between a Microlift facelift and a traditional facelift.
With traditional facelifts, incisions are made in the hairline near the temples, and around the ear to the lower scalp. The surgeon then repositions the muscle underneath the skin.
Microlifts, by comparison, are much less invasive. Small, hidden incisions are made inside each ear, and the skin and underlying muscle is then repositioned. They focus more on the lower portion of the face and neck.
Traditional facelifts are much more invasive than Microlifts. They typically take longer to complete, and require at least two weeks of recovery time , if not more. The Microlift recovery process is much shorter, averaging around three to seven days depending upon the procedures performed in conjunction with the Microlift.
What to Expect When You Want a Microlift
When you’re considering a Microlift, the first step is to set up a consultation with a qualified and experienced surgeon.
During the initial evaluation, you’ll talk to the surgeon about your goals. The physician will assess your concerns, do a physical examination, and give you treatment options that they feel are best suited for your goals. If you choose to have a Microlift, the physician may also recommend additional complementary treatments at the same time.
If you decide to book the surgery, you’ll do this with the surgeon’s staff. After you decide to schedule your procedure you’ll schedule your pre-operative visit during which you'll meet with both the surgical coordinator as well as your surgeon. This important appointment is solidifies your goals, answer all of your questions, and thoroughly prepares you for this exciting, life changing procedure. You will be comprehensive preoperative and post operative instructions along with necessary medications and topical products to aid in your recovery process.
Before your surgery, you may be asked to discontinue certain medications like blood thinners, or to avoid taking over-the-counter medications. The detailed instructions you will receive are to ensure the best possible results and a smooth, quick recovery.
On the day of the surgery, you’ll arrive at PacifiCoast Ambulatory Surgicenter where one of our friendly nurses and anesthetists will greet you and prepare you for your procedure. Our surgeons perform surgery exclusively at our own accredited surgery center.
Once it’s time for the procedure, you’ll either be given medication to help you relax prior to starting general anesthesia. In most cases, general anesthesia is used so you’ll be totally comfortable throughout the procedure. Once effective, the procedure will begin.
The surgeon will then make discrete incisions inside each ear, which they’ll use to reposition your skin and the underlying muscle and tissue.
The Microlift takes about four hours to meticulous resposition muscle and skin to produce a natural refreshed appearance. Patients commonly combine the Microlift with other procedures such as eyelid lifts, necklifts, and skin rejuvention.
After surgery, although not required, many of our patients elect to stay in our overnight suite where one of our nurses cares for your every need throughout the first night following your procedure.
Recovery typically lasts approximately three to seven days, during which some minor discomfort, bruising, and numbness is common. These side effects are temporary, and there shouldn’t be significant discomfort. You can return to your full normal activity within two to three weeks.
Will Insurance Pay for My Microlift?
In most cases, cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance, so it is unlikely that a Microlift would be covered by insurance.
Our team can provide detailed quotes about costs before you book your surgery.
How to Choose a Surgeon for My Microlift Procedure
Microlifts are a unique surgical technique developed by Dr. Gangnes at Facial Aesthetic Concepts . They are performed by Dr. Gangnes and Dr. Brandon within our own accredited surgery center.
When choosing a surgeon for any procedure— Microlifts included— make sure that you ask to see their qualifications. They must be board certified, and you should choose someone with years of experience and positive patient testimonials. Our FAC ambassador program allows you to speak directly with patients that have undergone procedures with our team so you can hear first hand what to expect.
Before deciding on a surgeon, always ask to see the before and after images of Microlifts that they have done themselves.
For reference, you can see the before and afters of some of our patients who have received Microlifts in our gallery here .
Your Next Steps
Microlifts are an excellent choice for many patients who are looking to reverse the effects of aging and who may be considering procedures to restore a youthful appearance.
Whether you were originally considering a more traditional facelift or more temporary solutions like fillers, book a consult with Dr. Gangnes or Dr. Brandon to discuss whether a Microlift can deliver the long-term results you’re looking for with fast recovery times.
Our practice has over 50 years of combined experience, and has been voted The Best of OC- Cosmetic Surgery Center 13 times. We’ve helped Thousands of patients Look and feel great, we’d love to talk to you about your goals and help you to take the first step to looking as young as you feel.
Considering a Microlift or other facial rejuvenation procedures? Learn more about Dr. Gangnes and Dr. Brandon , and call to book your free consult at (888) 713-7814 at any of our three centers.