Plastic Surgeon Serving the Sacramento and Modesto Area - Dr. Charles Perry's Blog

Vaser Liposuction Removes More With Less

By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on August 12, 2008

A recent study in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal (Vol. 28, Issue 4 July/August 2008) revealed that liposuction using Vaser techniques resulted in less blood loss than traditional liposuction. This is exciting news when one considers that the Vaser Liposuction utilizing ultrasound allows the surgeon to remove up to three times more from the back, hips, and flank region according to the study. Vaser Liposuction uses sound energy to create selective fat emulsification. The ultrasound waves are tuned specifically for the fat cell membranes. During the procedure the fat cell’s (adipocyte) membrane starts vibrating at the ultrasound specific frequency and membrane dissolves allowing the fat to be removed as a liquid through gentle suction. As opposed to standard liposuction were the whole cell is removed with a larger cannula and more vigorous movement. We are excited to offer this exciting new technology.

Liposuction remains the most common cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States including Roseville, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Elk Grove and Sacramento regions. Over 400,000 liposuction procedures were performed last year alone. Ultrasound as used by Dr Charles Perry with the Sound Surgical’s Vaser Liposelection device has allowed patient’s to recover in a more comfortable way. At Chrysalis Cosmetics we offer the Vaser technology as an option for patient’s whom desire the most advanced technology available. We look forward to meeting you and answering your questions in person. Give us a call at 916.273.7435

Posted in Liposuction |

Chrysalis Cosmetics endorse as Healthy Beautiful Living

By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on August 7, 2008

One of the missions of Chrysalis Cosmetics is to encourage and promote a healthy beautiful lifestyle. We are dedicated to helping you look and feel your very best. Much of what makes us look and feel our very best doesn’t cost anything and can be done in the comfort of your own home. Think of this news letter as a little reminder for your health. Feel free to give us a call if there are questions. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Healthy Me
Living a healthy life is essential. Everyone knows that, so why is it necessary to keep repeating this message to ourselves? Because we care and because we can always do better. There is always new ways to improve your life style, but what happened to the original methods that kept people feeling good about them selves?
Let’s go back to the basics! Exercise is a major part is living a healthy life style. It strengthens our body and mind, and helps us maintain our ability to move the way we want. It’s hard to find time of course, but it is always harder to find to time to take care of an unhealthy body. By setting aside a little time every day for exercise you can make a difference. Try something new and fun. Enjoy your life and take care of your body, soul and mind.
Now, who doesn’t love food!?! What you eat is what you are, right? Well you might possibly start hearing people talking about Alpha-hydroxy acids. Yes, it’s okay to ask yourself, “ALPHA WHAT?!?”. No, it’s not a sorority. It’s also not something new, just now we understand how much it benefits us. Alpha-hydroxy acids are natural acids found in fruit. These lovely little acids actually help produce collagen! And remember to stay healthy in the grocery store – this is where it can all begin.
Do your part in making yourself feel and look better each day by exercising and eating lots of yummy fruit!

You’re BUSTED
Once again it is the time of year to start getting into shape and shedding those extra pounds that were gained for helping yourself to seconds after dinner. Now, I am sure most women dread getting into that little yellow bikini, but this year might be a little different. Let’s start focusing on the positives. Women are supposed to be bodacious and curves definitely make us feminine. Here is the dilemma, what happens to the rest of the women that don’t have enough to fill that little yellow bikini.
We all at some point thank our mothers for something’s, but it just might not be our genetics. The majority of women desire to have a beautiful bust line. Well, guess what! Dr. Perry can do that for you! With quick and easy recovery time, breast augmentation is now a leading procedure in the plastic surgery field. If you are curious, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Perry’s staff any questions you have… We’ve heard it all! It’s always wonderful to set up a consult and have a personal one on one with Dr. Perry.

Express yourself!
Yes expression is very important, but too much might be overwhelming and possibly intimidating! Smile and feel your spirits lift. Did you know that by acting happy you will often feel happy as well. Now if there are some expressions (animation lines) you’d like to see less of and are finding them hard to control let Dr. Perry help eliminate them with Botox. Botox is currently the most common non surgical treatment today. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, last year over 4.1 million Botox cosmetic treatments were performed. It is currently FDA approved for treatment of wrinkles. Now you too can use the product that helps the Hollywood Celebrities look their very best.
Botox relaxes the tired muscles of facial expression, provides a balanced facial expression and is a very safe treatment when performed in the right hands. Injections seem to be the new hottest thing and people are not ashamed to share what areas they have had done. Just ask around and see who’s had a little self help.

Glow Everyday!
It is wonderful to have gorgeous hair and beautiful nails, but what about beautiful skin. Your skin (epidermis/dermis or outer shell) is your largest organ, seen by at least partially by everyone, and who wouldn’t want it to be positively flawless? There is a wide variety of skin regimens, it might be hard to find the correct system for you. Sit back for a minute and think of all the money you spend trying to find skin care that’s right for you. Chrysalis Cosmetics can help recommend a skin care line that will be effective and give you results you are looking for without crossing your fingers hoping it will work. We offer original skin care systems that give an aggressive treatment, which aims to restore your skin to a healthy and youthful radiance.

Give us a call at 916.273.7435

Dr Charles Perry and the staff at Chrysalis Cosmetics in Sacramento look forward to meeting you.

Posted in Uncategorized |

Bruising After Botox? Why does it happen?

By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on August 7, 2008

Bruising occasionally occurs following Injections of Botox, Juvederm, Restylane and Preville Silk and Scultpra. This is usually due to the needle entering into the skin and underlying capillaries or small blood vessels located just under the surface. Our skin is the largest organ of the body and has a rich vascular network. In fact, the skin has over a 100 times the blood supply of our other organs. One can observe this after a long workout when you need to cool down and the body does so by dilating the external vessels of the skin and shunting more blood to the outer core. You see this after vigorous activity or exercise as the face often flushes. You can also see the reverse effect in the cold when the body stops sending the blood supply to the surface.
At Chrysalis Cosmetics, Dr Charles Perry will often use ice to shrink the blood vessels of the skin so that less bruising occurs. Other ways of minimizing bruising is through the use of epinephrine and massage as well as gentle injection techniques with small needles and slow injections. We have found that gently placing the product through the skin has resulted in less bruising and swelling following Botox, Juvederm and Restylane. Other measures such as not using alcohol following the injection, avoiding vigorous exercise, Jacuzzis, Aspirin and sun exposure help as well. We also suggest SinEccha as a supplement to help reduce the swelling and speed the resolution of the ecchymosis or bruising. Let Chrysalis Cosmetics help you live a beautiful life. Give us a call at 916.273.7435

Posted in Facial Rejuvenation |

Preville Silk in Sacramento California

By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on August 1, 2008

The FDA has approved a new hyaluronic acid facial filler Preville Silk. Preville Silk is the first hyaluronic acid product to contain a local anesthetic called lidocaine. In a controlled study, patients reported significantly less pain during injection with Preville Silk as compared to the other HA products that do not contain lidocaine. The word “silk” describes the product as it flows and fills very smoothly. The price of this product is considerably lower than other hyaluronic injectables on the market, explaining why it usually lasts approximately 90 days. Patients have been very pleased with the comfort of injection. The new product is manufactured by Mentor Corporation. Mentor is famous for it’s production of high quality breast implants made specifically for breast augmentation. Dr Charles Perry specializes in a natural look. Preville Silk is another tool for enhancing your look and feel. Let Chrysalis Cosmetics answer your questions and help you look your best. Give us a call at 916.248.4447.

Posted in Uncategorized |

Juvederm 916

By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on August 1, 2008

Loose those lines for longer with Juvéderm™. Juvéderm™ is a hyaluronic injection that is FDA approved that lasts for up to one year. Juvéderm™ Ultra and Juvéderm™ Ultra Plus injectable gel, is a smooth gel filler injected under your skin to instantly smooth out those wrinkles or folds that look like parentheses along the side of your nose and mouth. This product promotes lasting results for up to 6 months or longer. As we age, we lose hyaluronic acid from the skin and it loses its volume and structure. Injecting Juvederm™ into skin folds and wrinkles replaces that structure and volume. Side effects were usually mild to moderate lasting 7 days or less and included temporary injection site reactions like redness, pain, firmness, swelling and bumps. Results aren’t just instant, they’re so smooth and natural, everyone will notice but no one will know.

Dr Charles Perry and Chrysalis Cosmetics look forward to your questions. Give us a call at 916.248.4447. Our office is located in Mid town Sacramento California.

Posted in Uncategorized |

Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery: Is there a Difference?

By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on August 1, 2008

At Chrysalis Cosmetics in Sacramento California we are commonly asked “What is the differnece between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery.” Dr Charles Perry specializes in Cosmetic Surgery for people within the Sacramento Valley region so our answer will be from the prospective of board certified plastic surgeon.

Plastic Surgery is a specific form of training within the specialty of surgery. For example Cardiac or Vascular Surgery are other types of subspecialties within surgery. Plastics originated from the Greek word Plastikos “to mold”, which describes Plastic Surgery. Cosmetic surgery is a subspecialty within the teaching or training of Plastic Surgeons. Other subspecialties within plastic surgery included Hand Surgery, Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, Breast Reconstruction, Skin Tumor Extirpation, Head and Neck Reconstruction, Burns, Wound Care, Facial Trauma, and Abdominal, Chest and Lower Extremity reconstruction. The American Board of Plastic Surgery certifies graduates of Plastic Surgery Residency programs as being trained in the full spectrum of plastic surgery which includes the subspecialty of cosmetic plastic surgery. This training encourages a lifelong learning process that has improved our specialty of cosmetic plastic surgery and benefits everyone.
Cosmetic surgery has become such a popular subspecialty that many other physicians advertize themselves as being cosmetic surgeons. It can be difficult to decide who is actually fully trained and credentialed. Not all “Cosmetic Surgeons” have the same training or are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery which has stringent criteria and even samples some of its diplomat’s surgeries to ensure appropriate judgment, knowledge and ethics. Cosmetic surgery demands excellent skill and judgment as the physician is operating on a healthy person to improve and enhance their quality of life. Cosmetic surgery focuses on improving the appearance and allowing the inner beauty to be expressed.
At Chrysalis Cosmetics we will answer all of your questions. Dr Charles Perry is a diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Chrysalis is certified by the Institute of Medical Quality as well. Dr Charles Perry believes that everyone should live a beautiful life.

Posted in Uncategorized |

Sacramento Plastic Surgery - Gynecomastia Treatment

By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on July 8, 2008

Gynecomastia or enlargement of male breast tissue can be quite a humbling experience in California. The warm weather around the Sacramento Valley is often better tolerated with your shirt off in the pool. Gynecomastia most commonly affects pubescent boys and middle aged men. It is most commonly due to idiopathic causes. Sometimes it can be secondary to marijuana, alcohol, testicular cancer, liver disease or medications. Sometimes it also seen in body builders or athletes after a cycle of anabolic steroids. Whenever there is an imbalance of estrogen (which stays in the blood stream longer) to testosterone (which is converted to estrogen) the breast tissue is stimulated to grow. Once the tissue has grown it rarely regresses and can often be seen through a tee shirt.

This male breast tissue (gynecomastia) is also often surrounded by fatty tissue that makes the area even more noticeable – especially over a muscular chest. Socially this can be difficult for young men to handle and they often avoid taking off their shirt, sports or swimming to avoid the teasing that is often associated with a larger chest.

If this happens to you or someone you know it may be time to consult your plastic surgeon. Today more than ever plastic surgery is being used to allow people to achieve the look they desire and enjoy life to its fullest. The first thing to check is to make sure there is not a cause for the breast enlargement. In older males this can be a new medicine or consuming excess marijuana alcohol or stopping the anabolic steroid cycles. In young males pituitary adrenal and testicular growths are evaluated. Additional lab tests are available if indicated as determined by your plastic surgeon. Once the non-idiopathic causes are ruled out. Treatment options can be discussed.

Usually the chest can be contoured through minimally invasive methods of Vaser Ultrasonic liposuction and sometimes excision. Excision of the excess glandular tissue of the breast and skin of the male breast can be done through a small hidden incision in the nipple or through endoscopic means through a small incision in the axilla using microscopes and cameras. Liposuction is then used to feather the contour enhancement. Once the shape desired is achieved, a compression garment is worn until the swelling has resolved.

The procedure usually takes an hour and a half and is done as an outpatient. Most patients return to work in three to five days and are back in the gym in three to four weeks. The final contour is seen usually within three months when the skin takes the shape of the underlying muscle. The results are truly dramatic. See your friendly Sacramento Plastic surgeon today if you have or know someone who might benefit from gynecomastia reduction.

Posted in Uncategorized |

People in Sacramento California take advantage of their downtime to enhance themselves.

By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on July 8, 2008

The economy may be struggling, but that doesn’t mean your appearance has too.

This year in Sacramento and across America we are witnessing an increased demand for Botox, laser procedures and fillers. Despite a tight hold on money, people across America continue to invest in facial cosmetic procedures. While we are seeing a slight decrease in more permanent appearance enhancements such as face listed, Botox and fillers are a perfect temporary substitutes with little downtime. Easy, quick and almost painless, these options give you instant gratification. They can revitalize the appearance and reduce the stress lines.

Botox is most commonly utilized injectable use to perk up aging faces. Its ability to enhance the appearance seems to fit perfectly with lifestyles. According to producer Allergan, Botox sales have jumped 13% last quarter alone.

Many doctors in Sacramento and across the country are seeing a different type of patient. People who have recently been laid off from their job, who are seeing to look younger and more refreshed before searching for a new career or getting back into the job market. For people preparing for an upcoming interview, treatments like Botox, Juvederm, and Restylane have the advantage of speed as well as price. People often get their treatments a week or two before the interview- flying off with an enhanced confidence and putting their best face forward. Some use the downtime between positions to enhance several areas of their bodies as well through Vaser liposuction, breast augmentation, as well as rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty to improve their chance in the job market.

While economic situations continue to change, the desire to keep your appearance its best remains constant. Many look upon these times of change as times of opportunity to enhance themselves. They have been busy for so long and realize that they may not get another chance to take some time for themselves once they economy changes. Everybody wants to feel good and look good.

Posted in Uncategorized |

Sunscreen a Necessity in Sacramento California

By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on July 8, 2008

Living in Sacramento, Roseville or Folsom one realizes the importance sunscreen plays in our everyday life. When it comes to effective sunscreens one needs to make sure that the screen is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. The UVB rays are responsible for the redness associated with being in the sun and the SFP indicates the sunscreen effectiveness against the UVB.

However the UVA is the rays most associated with aging and elastosis of the skin and brown spots over time. This wave length is longer and penetrates more deeply into the dermis and causes more damage to the critical structures of the skin’s DNA contained deep within the dermis. Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are two of the commonly used physical barriers that can help you protect your skin this summer and protect yourself from the sun damaging rays. When choosing a sunscreen, it’s important to remember that ingredients DO make a difference. Sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or Titanium dioxide, both natural ingredients, are less likely to cause reactions in sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens tend to be more irritating than the physical barrier sunscreens. Zinc oxide has been used for years and has proven safe even for infants and their sensitive little bottoms. Zinc oxide is also recognized by the FDA as an ingredient proven to provide broad spectrum protection from both UV-B (burning) rays and UV-A (aging) rays.
At Chrysalis Cosmetics we offer several different types of sunscreen that contain the physical barriers necessary to protect your skin from all of the sun’s harmful rays.
EltaMD sunscreens are formulated with zinc oxide and offer one of the highest percentages of zinc oxide available. All EltaMD sunscreens are sensitivity free and fragrance free. Topix or our Chrysalis Brand offer sunscreens with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc oxide as well as some tint and antioxidants to improve the skin texture while protecting your skin. Another brand that has worked well for many is the NIA product that rejuvenates and repairs the previous sun damaged skin while at the same time protecting your precious skin as well. Obagi offers a gentle sunscreen within its line as well.
Our product specialist look forward to meeting with you to discuss your skin care needs and assisting you with your selection. Enjoy your California summer.

Posted in Facial Rejuvenation |

Questions To Ask Your Cosmetic Surgeon When Considering Plastic Surgery in California

By Charles Perry M.D., F.A.C.S. on July 2, 2008

The popularity of plastic surgery in Sacramento, Roseville and Folsom continues to increase as more and more people are realizing their goals and looking their best. Doctors in the greater Sacramento Region including Roseville, El Dorado Hills and Elk Grove areas are trying to meet the increase in demand. The concern Board Certified Plastic Surgeons have is that any licensed physician can call himself or herself a “cosmetic” or even plastic surgeon despite not being trained as such, so the importance of finding a properly skilled and certified provider is important. Dr. Perry has prepared this checklist to help guide you through your plastic surgery procedure- from choosing a plastic surgeon to managing your recovery.

1. Researching your procedure
From your skin treatments to surgery, Dr. Perry provides a wide array of procedures. Research will help you narrow down the nest options for meeting your goals.
___ Visiting www.SacramentoPlastics.com will help give full descriptions of plastic surgery procedures and the results you can expect from each.
___ Consider other online resources such as www.plasticsurgery.org and the Partnership for Patient Safety at www.p4ps.org. If you are interested in breast implants, also consider www.breastimplantsafety.org .
2. Choosing Your Plastic Surgeon
There are many ways to find a surgeon, including seeking recommendations for your primary care physician, friends, and family. But when you’re ready to make a choice, be sure your plastic surgeon meets the highest standards of education, experience, and ethics.
___ Ask friends, family, and doctors for referrals.
___Compile a list of plastic surgeons (Dr. Perry recommends choosing three to five candidates).
___ Make sure each candidate has at lease six years of surgical training and experience, with a minimum of three years specifically in plastic surgery.
___ Make sure each candidate is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
___ If you are considering a surgical procedure, make sure your surgeon has operating privileges at an accredited medical facility.
___ Ask your candidates about their most recent continuing medical education.
___ Look for the ASPS Member Surgeon

3. Consulting with your Plastic Surgeon

Well before your procedure, you’ll meet with Dr. Charles Perry for a consultation to discuss your goals and determine the best plan to achieve your desire results. The consultation is your opportunity to ask Dr. Perry tough questions. You should feel confident asking about your doctor’s credentials, experience, outcomes and safety record in the type of procedure that interested you. It is your body, your and safety and your decision.

During your consultation, you should accomplish the following:
___ Confirm that you are a good candidate for your chosen procedure.
___ Identify any alternative procedures for achieving your desired results and understand the pros and cons of each.
___ Review before and after photos that illustrate the procedure and results that you can reasonably expect.
___ Determine what will be expected of you to achieve the best results.
___ Discuss the risks associated with your procedure and how your doctor handles them.
___ Tell your Dr. Perry about medical conditions, allergies, and previous medical treatment. On the day of the consultation, it’s helpful to bring a list of your medical conditions and any medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are taking.
___ Find out who will perform your procedure and where- if a member of the doctor’s staff with perform the procedure, which sometimes occurs with non- or minimally-invasive procedures, ask for qualifications.
___Determine the length of the recovery period and the kind of recover help you will need. Plan for the appropriate level of support you will need from family and friends- such as a ride home from the hospital, help with changing dressing, or assistance in bathing-based on the type of procedure you are having.
___ Share old pictures of yourself (from a time when you were most pleased with appearance) with your surgeon to show how your appearance has changed.
___ Discuss the cost of the procedure and any financing options.
___ Understand your options if you are dissatisfied with your results.

4. Planning for Your Surgery

Safe and successful plastic surgery depends not only on Dr. Perry; it’s your responsibility too. These steps will help make sure you’re ready for plastic surgery- both before and after your procure:
Before:
___ Be sure you are physically healthy, eating right, and not smoking.
___ Establish realistic expectations for the results of your procedure.
___ Read, understand and sign informed consent documents for your procedure.
___ Understand the procedure’s after-effects and recovery time.
___ Have your Dr. Perry thoroughly address all of your questions about your recovery.
After:
___ Each procedure requires a specific post-operative protocol. Follow Dr. Perry’s orders for a safe recovery.

We look forward to meeting with you and answering your questions in person.

Posted in Uncategorized |