First U.S. Face Transplant Surgery Patient Receives More than a Face Lift

The first U.S. face transplant surgery, which was performed at the Cleveland Clinic in December 2008, was finally revealed last week. Connie Culp, the victim of a murder-suicide gone awry, was shot by her husband in 2004. She sustained injuries to her nose, cheeks, the roof of her mouth and an eye. (Warning – some of the graphics on this link are not suitable for children.)

Receiving more than a face and neck lift, the team at the Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Maria Siemionow, replaced 80 percent of Culp’s face enabling her to use her nose and mouth normally.

There were two options that the Cleveland Clinic considered before performing the marathon surgery in December 2008; one would transplant just the skin envelope and minimal tissue, or transplant the skin envelope and some of the underlying tissue that would change the shape of the face. The first option was chosen so that Culp wouldn’t wake up to a strange face. This also minimized the need of multiple anti-rejection drugs.

Connie Culp was more than pleased with her new face and the surgeons at the Cleveland Clinic were too.

This patient has clearly shown amazing strength in recovering and coping with her injuries.  The physicians at Cleveland Clinic are to be commended for their efforts with this lady.   The fields of Plastic Surgery and Transplantation Surgery are both fascinating and steadily advancing.  While two separate fields, their association is not new. 

The first successful kidney transplant was done in 1954 at Brigham Hospital in Boston by Plastic Surgeon Joseph E. Murray.

Cosmetic surgical procedures have developed from reconstructive procedures.  Today’s cosmetic procedures have trended toward less invasive and quicker healing, but the training of a plastic surgeon certified bBy the American Board of Plastic Surgery is incomparable. 

Dr. Edward Levy,  is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.  He can refine your face with a face and neck lift to help you look years younger – Let’s face it!

Surgical Face Lift Alternative Part I: Skinceuticals Can Prevent Sun Damage

Concerned about sun and environmental damage on your face? Want to rejuvenate your face, and prevent further damage? Skinceuticals facial products will rejuvenate your face, neck and hands.

Skinceuticals is backed by scientific research using the highest pharmaceutical grade ingredients to keep your skin healthy. Your body has a way of fending itself from oxidative damage, but continued exposure to UVA and UVB rays (i.e. the sun) can rapidly increase the aging process. As a  preventative for further damage to your face and neck, Skinceuticals contains antioxidants that prevent oxidative damage and neutralize skin cells before to prevent further damage.

This antioxidant serum is only one of the many scientifically tested ingredients contained in Skinceuticals’ products which is  safe and effective, and  can keep you looking younger longer and may prolong the need for a surgical face lift. 

Skinceuticals products are available from Dr. Edward Levy, your Cleveland board certified cosmetic surgeon. Call his office to ask how Skinceuticals can help reduce and prevent further sun damage to your face.  Botox, Restylane and other fillers are a  first choice for a non surgical face lift in Ohio.

Look forward to Part II, when we discuss  other healthy benefits of Skinceuticals.

Chemical Peel is an Alternative Procedure for a Non Surgical Face Lift

Do you suffer from atopic dermatitis or acne vulgaris? Has your skin been damaged by the sun? Products such as Clearasil and ProActive are sufficient for mild acne, but do not help reoccurring bouts of dermatitis and severe cases of acne vulgaris.

For these more extensive face, neck and chest irritations, a non surgical face lift procedure could be what your skin needs. Chemical peels use a succession of dermatologist-tested chemicals to gently peel away the outer layers of the skin. The result is smoother, even colored skin. After an in-depth personal evaluation of your skin, your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon may suggest other non surgical face lift applications, which would best suit your needs for your skin. Other non surgical face lift procedures include laser light rejuvenation, dermal fillers, Botox treatments, restylane injections and other face and neck lift procedures.

In addition to treating acne and dermatitis, a non surgical face lift chemical peel can also reduce fine lines on the face, treat mild scarring, even out skin discolorations from age or liver spots, freckles or sun damage. Depending on the severity of the skin condition, a non surgical face lift peel may take as long as several months or just a couple weeks to see positive results.

Chemical peels are usually conducted in a cosmetic surgeon’s office and may take more than one treatment to gain the desired results with a non surgical face lift. Prior to performing a chemical peel, your cosmetic surgeon may ask you to stop certain medications or vitamins, use prescribed conditioning creams and discontinue after shave or makeup use.

A non surgical face lift chemical peel is one option for improving your skin quality and appearance, however, other options are available and you should discuss these with a board certified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist, such as Dr. Edward Levy.