Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery

At Inland Eye and Cosmetic Surgery, we specialize in offering quality cosmetic treatments to our patients. We understand that not everyone looks (or wants to look) like a supermodel, and instead seek to enhance the features that make each individual beautiful and unique. By reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, pigmented body hair, and stubborn fat tissue, our capable staff can redirect attention to the areas you want to emphasize, such as your eyes or smile. Whether you are looking for quick, outpatient facial treatment or are ready for a full aesthetic makeover, our staff can help you decide which procedures will best suit your personality and lifestyle.

• Facial Surgery
• Endoscopic Facelift
• Chemical Peel
• Eyelid Surgery
• BOTOX® Cosmetic
• Radiesse®
• Restylane®
• Liposuction
• Hair Reduction with the LightSheer® Laser
• Thermage®
• Gentle Waves™
• FotoFacial®

Facial Surgery

Growing older is a rich and rewarding process; with more years of life experience, you are better able to appreciate yourself and those around you. However, the physical effects of aging, especially those brought on by sun exposure, can make your face appear older and more tired than it actually is. A facelift, or rhytidectomy, can help counteract the aging process and help your face to look as young and vibrant as you feel inside. Although a facelift will not stop the aging process, it can reduce the visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and creases, especially around the nose and mouth. Dr. Warner performs a variation on the traditional facelift called the endoscopic facelift.

Am I a Candidate for Facial Surgery?

You are a candidate for facial surgery if your face shows the physical signs of aging, such as sagging and wrinkling, but still has good skin elasticity and a strong bone structure. Most facelift patients are aged 40 to 60, but many patients have successfully undergone facial surgery in their 70s and 80s as well.

The Surgery

Facial surgery is an intensive process and typically takes several hours. Your surgeon will usually make incisions just above the hairline and temples and extend them to the front of the ear or just inside the front cartilage of the ear, and continue behind the ear to the lower scalp. A small incision may also be made under the chin if your neck needs tightening. Working through these incisions, your surgeon will remove excess fat, tighten the underlying muscles and membranes, pull your skin back, and remove any remaining excess skin. The incisions will be stitched closed (metal clips are sometimes used on the scalp), and the healing process will begin.

After Your Surgery

Typically, patients do not experience severe discomfort after facial surgery. If any pain occurs, it can be relieved by taking a prescription pain medication. Usually, patients will notice some skin numbness, but this will disappear within a few weeks or months. You should plan to rest and refrain from strenuous activity for the first week, and to take extra care when touching your face and hair, as your skin will still be tender or numb.

If you are considering a facelift, schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable staff members for a complete explanation of the surgical process.

back to top

Endoscopic Facelift

This variation on the traditional facelift is for patients who want to tighten and lift their faces but do not have a significant amount of excess skin. The surgeon can focus on specific areas that the patient wishes to target, such as the eyes, cheeks, and mouth. By creating smaller, more discreet incisions than those used in traditional facial surgery and inserting an endoscopic camera and tiny instruments, your surgeon is able to carefully maneuver the devices and complete the procedure. This process is less invasive than a traditional facelift and leads to fewer side effects and a shorter recovery time.

An endoscopic facelift can usually be performed as an outpatient procedure, and only requires local anesthesia. To see if you are a good candidate, talk to Dr. Warner about your goals and expectations.

back to top

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is a process that removes the damaged outer layers of the skin to reveal smooth, evenly-toned skin beneath. People with wrinkles, rough or sun-damaged skin, and severe acne frequently undergo chemical peels to give their faces a “second chance.” After healing, your face will appear younger, lighter, and more vibrant.

The Process

Your chemical peel will involve the application of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to your face. The peel is left on for 10 to 15 minutes, during which you may experience a brief burning sensation along with numbing and stinging.

After a chemical peel, it is typical to experience some facial redness and flaking. You may also experience some swelling and pain, for which your doctor may prescribe a mild prescription pain medication.

Although a chemical peel is a less extensive procedure than facial surgery, the results can be dramatic. To discuss the procedure in further detail, contact Inland Eye and Cosmetic Surgery to set up a consultation.

back to top

Eyelid Surgery

Aging and genetics can contribute to drooping eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes. These telltale signs of aging can cause you to look older and more tired than you really feel, and can sometimes even interfere with your vision. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes fat and, if necessary, skin and muscle tissue from the upper and lower eyelids. This process can effectively reduce the visible signs of aging and make you appear years younger.

Am I a Candidate For Eyelid Surgery?

An ideal candidate for eyelid surgery should be in good health with no serious pre-existing medical conditions. You should also have realistic expectations about the outcome of your surgery; although blepharoplasty can make an enormous difference in the way you look or feel, it will not transform you completely.

The Surgery

Depending on the extent of your surgery, the procedure can take anywhere from one to three hours. Your surgeon will make small incisions along the natural contour of your eyelid and work through them to remove excess fat and, if necessary, trim sagging skin and muscle tissue. Your surgeon will then close the incisions with tiny sutures, or stitches.

After Surgery

Your surgery will only affect your eyesight for two to three days, after which point you will be able to read and watch television. You will have to wait about two weeks before you can resume wearing contact lenses, and even then they may feel uncomfortable for awhile. You must keep your physical activity to a minimum for three to five days, and avoid strenuous activity for three weeks. After about 10 days, most patients feel well enough to go out in public or resume work. Your scars will fade gradually into a thin, barely visible white line. While they are still healing, you can easily conceal them with makeup.

The alert, youthful appearance achieved through eyelid surgery will last for many years, even a lifetime in some patients. If you are self-conscious about baggy, tired-looking eyes, schedule a consultation with Inland Eye and Cosmetic Surgery to discuss your options.

back to top

BOTOX® Cosmetic

BOTOX® Cosmetic is currently the most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States. It is a non-surgical, outpatient procedure that can temporarily smooth out frown lines, crows' feet, and forehead wrinkles. It can also be used to treat hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. BOTOX® Cosmetic is composed of the purified form of the botulinum bacterium toxin which, when administered in small doses, temporarily relaxes the tense facial muscles responsible for wrinkles. After treatment, fine lines and wrinkles will be significantly diminished for three to four months.

After BOTOX® Treatment

To achieve maximum results from BOTOX® injections, you must pay close attention to the way your body adapts to the treatment. In some patients the effects will last up to four months; in others, the visible signs of aging reappear after three months. In order to promptly schedule your therapy sessions, keep track of how soon your lines and wrinkles reappear.

back to top

Restylane®

Restylane® is a natural dermal filler that can reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, making your skin appear fuller and smoother for about six months. Restylane® is formulated using hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the human body. When a small amount is injected into the skin, the Restylane® attaches to water molecules already present in the body, causing the skin’s underlying tissue to swell. As the Restylane® draws in more and more water, the skin expands to fill in surface wrinkles and create a smoother overall appearance.

Is Restylane® Safe?

Restylane is an exceptionally safe dermal filler, primarily because it is free of animal derivatives and is composed of a substance that is already present in your body. This means that there is very little chance of the body rejecting the filler and having an allergic reaction.

Like all dermal fillers, Restylane® can cause swelling, redness, or irritation, but these side effects usually go away within a few days or even a few hours.

back to top

Radiesse®

Radiesse® is similar to Restylane® in that it is derived from a substance that naturally occurs in the human body. Radiesse® is an FDA-approved gel solution filled with small spheres of calcium hydroxylapatite which, once injected, expand to create a structure for new tissue to develop. The body is stimulated into producing new collagen (the most abundant protein in the body), which fills in and smoothes away wrinkles around the mouth, eyes, cheeks, jaw, forehead, and chin. The results usually last from one to two years.

How Safe is Radiesse®?

The risk of having an allergic reaction to Radiesse® is very low, primarily because calcium hydroxylapatite is a constituent of natural human bone tissue. When a substance that is already in the body is introduced, it is more likely to be accepted without a negative auto-immune response. The potential side effects are similar to all dermal fillers, and include redness, swelling, and irritation that will abate within a few hours to a few days.

back to top

Liposuction

Liposuction is a procedure that targets the stubborn pockets of fat that accumulate in specific parts of the body, particularly the thighs, hips, abdomen, and buttocks. In spite of dieting and regular exercise, many people have trouble obtaining a defined, smooth appearance in these areas. Although liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss, it can help you appear more proportionate, healthy, and toned.

Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?

If you are of normal weight and in good health, you are probably an excellent candidate for liposuction. Your skin should also be firm and elastic so that it can adapt to the reduction of fat in your targeted area.

The Surgery

Liposuction surgery involves the removal of fat pockets through small incisions in the skin. Your surgeon will insert a stainless steal tube, called a cannula, into the incisions, and use it to break up and remove fat deposits. With the tumescent technique, your doctor will first inject the area with a large amount of tumescent fluid (a mixture of saline; the anesthetic, lidocaine; and epinephrine, which helps shrink blood vessels). This helps to emulsify the fat before it is removed, and prevents the bruising, swelling, and scarring that can occur with traditional liposuction.

After Your Surgery

Generally, you will want to arrange a ride home and rest for several hours or even a few days after surgery. After two to five days, you should be able to resume your daily routine. You will usually need to wear a snug elastic compression garment to absorb any residual fluid and aid in the healing process.

back to top

Hair Reduction with the LightSheer® Laser

The new LightSheer® Diode Laser is a state-of-the-art system specially designed to reduce unwanted hair quickly, efficiently, and with less discomfort than other systems. The LightSheer® laser generates intense waves of long-pulsed light, which effectively disables unwanted hair follicles and impairs them from further growth.

What You Can Expect

The length of a laser session may be a few minutes to an hour depending on the size of the area being treated. Since most patients are targeting hair patches that are still in an active growth phase, they may need to return for additional treatments to fully disable further growth.

The LightSheer® laser’s cold hand piece greatly reduces any discomfort during treatment; however, when the pulse of light is delivered, some patients experience a mild sting or pinch similar to the snap of a rubber band. Some patients prefer to use a topical anesthetic when treating sensitive areas.

After Your Procedure

The appearance of the treated area immediately after a laser session will vary from patient to patient depending on the extent of treatment and skin type. The immediate effects are minor and may include redness and swelling that disappears in a short time. You will want to limit your sun exposure before and after treatment to reduce any complications. Most patients resume work and daily activities immediately following treatment.

back to top

Thermage®

Inland Eye and Cosmetic Surgery is the first practice in the area to offer Thermage®

Thermage® is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that restores tone and vitality to tired or sun damaged skin. A less invasive alternative to plastic surgery, Thermage® stimulates the skin’s natural collagen production to increase tightness and promote further growth. Results are usually immediate, and patients will continue to notice significant improvement in their skin’s shape and texture for up to six months. Thermage® is performed as an outpatient procedure with no injections and minimal recovery time.

Who Can Benefit from Thermage®?

Thermage® works best for people age 35 to 50 who are noticing the early signs of aging, including sun damage, loose skin on the neck or jowls, and wrinkles or creases around the nose, eyes, and mouth. Unlike laser treatments, Thermage® can be used on all skin colors and types, and usually only requires one treatment to achieve optimal results.

What You Can Expect

The Thermage® procedure takes anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the area being treated. With each touch of the treatment tip, you will experience a brief deep heating sensation as the RF energy is delivered to your skin and underlying tissue. The Thermage® tip is cooled before, during, and after heating to protect your skin and make the treatment more comfortable. Recently published studies show that measurable tightening improvements appear gradually over two to six months after a single treatment session.

After Your Procedure

Most people return to their regular activities immediately following the Thermage® procedure. Your skin should feel tighter, smoother, and more youthful. You should notice additional tightening over time. Some people experience mild redness, but it usually disappears quickly. No special care is needed after treatment, but sunscreen is recommended.

Thermage® is a safe and effective way to take years off of your face and body and maintain a youthful, vibrant appearance. For more information, contact Inland Eye and Cosmetic Surgery today!

back to top

Gentle Waves™

The Gentle Waves™ skin fitness system restores and maintains healthier, smoother, and better-looking skin. It corrects skin appearance while helping to minimize signs of aging over time. Gentle Waves™ works through the process of LED photomodulation, which uses Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to activate cells and stimulate them to produce collagen and multiply. At the same time, it suppresses collagen-degrading enzymes that assist in the aging process. This combination makes Gentle Waves™ the perfect treatment to keep your skin healthy and toned.

What You Can Expect

Gentle Waves™ is truly pain-free, and the treatments take less than a minute. The energy delivered by the LEDs does not rely on heat, making it safe for all skin types.

After Your Procedure

Changes in the skin are progressive, so even months after you last treatment, you will notice continued improvement in wrinkles and pores. You can return to normal activities and apply cosmetics immediately following treatment.

back to top

FotoFacial®

The FotoFacial® procedure uses pulses of visible light to decrease facial redness and flushing as well as the visible signs of sun damage and aging, such as brown-pigmented areas. This outpatient treatment will yield consistent, noticeable results with very little discomfort and no recovery time.

Am I a Candidate for FotoFacial® Treatments?

You are a candidate if you suffer from rosacea and experience flushing and redness of the skin, or simply desire healthier, more youthful appearing skin. FotoFacial® is an especially attractive option for those with active lifestyles who do not want to take the time off necessary for laser resurfacing or chemical peels.

The Procedure

Each treatment takes approximately 15 minutes to one hour, during which you can expect a mild amount of discomfort. Your doctor will use a non-laser medical device to deliver a series of gentle pulses of light to the skin. You will return for five or more treatments performed at three-week intervals. Immediately following a treatment, the skin may appear red and flushed, tiny capillaries may appear more visible, and brown spots will generally appear darker. All of these changes gradually fade over a period of hours to a few days, and you will experience no discomfort following treatment.