Varicose Veins: Causes And Treatments

Varicose veins—ugh! We all instantly recognize them and we all wish to hide them or eliminate them. They appear as little spider veins on the face, such as the cheeks and nose, or they can be large worm-type discolorations that plump up primarily on the thighs and lower leg. But what causes them and what can you do about them?
Why Varicose Veins Develop
Your age, weight, gender, genetics and other factors can influence your tendency toward developing these unattractive veins. Blood circulates down the legs through your arteries to your feet and then returns back to the heart through your veins. Contraction of the leg muscles pumps the blood back up to the heart, even when you are standing. Also, the veins have one-way valves to prevent the blood from flowing backwards down the leg. Varicose veins develop when this system breaks down and allows some blood to pool in the leg veins instead of being pumped back up the body.
First, aging is a factor. Since the same veins sustain wear and tear over decades, the valves in the veins essentially become tired out over time, allowing blood to flow backwards and pool. This blood then collects and becomes visible on the surface over time.
Weight is also a cause of varicose veins. Those who weigh more than they should develop varicose veins as the fat applies higher pressure in the legs.
Women suffer more than men with varicose veins. This is likely due to hormones during pregnancy and menopause, which cause the vein linings to weaken.
Blood clots lead to varicose veins as well. These can develop in the superficial veins, causing them to become inflamed, which damages the valves. This allows the blood to flow backwards, causing a pooling effect.
The most common cause is a lack of movement. Sitting or standing for long periods of time can cause the muscles to contract less often. This results in pooling. Over time, this pressure leads to bulging of the veins, resulting in the twisted, bumpy characteristic that we identify as a varicose vein.

Study Shows That New Supplement Increases Botox Results by 93%

Imagine simply taking a vitamin supplement four days before your next Botox injection and having 93% more effective results! A study performed in Houston at the Methodist Hospital by Dr. Charles Soparkar, who is an oculoplastic surgeon and his fellow researchers, showed that a combination of organic zinc plus phytase, an enzyme, increased Botox results by 93%.  Due to this research, a new supplement was created. It will be coming on the market later this month or February. Called ZYTAZE™, it will be available by prescription.

“Surprisingly, the results showed that in over 90% of the patients studied, the zinc/phytase combination resulted in a remarkable improved responsiveness to treatment of blepharospasm using the same amount of botulinum toxin as previously used,” said Soparkar. “The toxins seemed to have greater effect and last longer. Potentially, this could mean using less toxin, offering patients financial savings, greater safety, and more consistent results.”

If the prescription is sensibly priced, it would create an overall savings for patients who use Botox for wrinkle reduction, as less Botox will be necessary to achieve the same results and the results will last longer. I’ll keep you updated as soon as I hear further news on this topic.

To your health & beauty,

Dr. Gregory Chernoff

Whatever Happened to Silicone Injections?

Although silicone injections are illegal in the US, many women still receive them. If you ask two or three of your closest beauty-savvy friends whether silicone can be used to augment the lips, buttocks, face, hands or breasts, I’m betting they will say yes. Unfortunately, liquid silicone is often used off-label or on the black market by unqualified providers. You can see from the photo at left that Priscilla Presley’s face was nearly ruined from silicone injections that her doctor told her were “better than Botox.”
Silicone injections first became popular in the 1950s, when they were injected into breasts as a sort of augmentation-without-an implant.  Unfortunately, the injections caused infections, deformities and bumps and were eventually banned by the FDA. Because micro-droplet injections for scars are not banned by the FDA, however, some physicians continue to inject silicone.
Because it lasts forever, silicone does not adapt to aging tissue. The only way to reverse the damage incurred—with a surgical procedure, which might not remove all the silicone or correct the visible effects. Lisa Rinna recently underwent surgery to remove the silicone in her lips, which were injected in the ’80s.
Our plastic surgery practice has a plethora of FDA approved dermal fillers in Indianapolis. Collagen lip augmentation is a much more reliable result than silicone ever was. Sculptra Aesthetic is another option—not for the lips, but an excellent filler for the cheeks and other facial areas.
If you hear from a friend or family member that they are considering silicone injections, please share this blog post with them. It could save them a great deal of discomfort, wasted money and very disappointing results.
To your health & beauty

La Viv Therapy-Natural Collagen Supplemation System

As years go by, the aging process takes its toll on our skin. The inner layer of skin, the dermis, becomes thinner as your body produces less collagen, which is the support structure of the skin. This results in the occurrence of wrinkles and thinning lips. Until now, there has not been a method of providing true skin rejuvenation. Fortunately, advancements in medical technology have enabled physicians to treat patients with new technologies yielding results never before possible. In the field of skin rejuvenation, La Viv has developed a patented process, which enables physicians to naturally restore your skin to its original youthfulness.

With La Viv's Natural Collagen Supplementation System, it is now possible to use your own skin cells to activate your gaining "Protein Repair System" and naturally treat the dermal defects of the skin, which are the cause of wrinkles, thinning lips, acne scars, and dermal depressions like chicken pox scars.
La Viv provides a subtle correction of wrinkles, acne scars, and can be used effectively in treating thin lips.
The benefits of La Viv treatments are long lasting. Unlike Bovine collagen, a foreign protein derived from cows, which can cause allergic reactions in some people and fully dissipates over time, the La Viv process expands your own dermal cells and activates your "Protein Repair System". This enhanced "Protein Repair System" is then able to produce your own natural collagen, which provides for a gradual long-term thickening of your dermal layer of skin. La Viv achieves true rejuvenation of the skin.
La Viv treatments can be used in conjunction with other treatments offered by your surgeon, such as laser skin exfoliation as chemical peels. La Viv is the only treatment that substantially thickens the inner most layers of your skin while laser and chemical peels work to exfoliate and remove the outer and middle layers of the skin, resulting in a very complementary approach to total facial rejuvenation.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could keep a part of ourselves just as we are today, and not be exposed to the effects of aging, which we all experience?

La Viv's Cell Storage System is designed to accomplish this objective. La Viv's Cell Storage System has been designed to allow patients to permanently store their "Protein Repair System" for cultivation and expansion some time in the future without the need for additional biopsies. Imagine when you are 50 getting your 30-year-old tissue injected into your wrinkles. This is truly medicine of the 21st century.
Cells stored in La Viv's Cell Storage System are in a state of suspended animation, and are not exposed to the oxidation effects of aging in your living tissue. Scientific studies have shown that younger cells have greater restorative and repair characteristics than cells that have been continually exposed to photo damage and oxidation associated with a normal lifestyle. Your cells, when taken out of La Viv's Cell Storage System, recultivated and reintroduced into your tissue should have greater repair capabilities than your existing tissues.

Full Face Laser Resurfacing Photo Gallery

 

Full Face CO2 Laser Resurfacing, Face and Necklift, Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty, Endoscopic Brow Lift

Botox™ Injections (for frown lines and crow's feet)

Are you tired of being asked if you are angry when you are not? Are you tired of being asked why you look so tired after you have had eight hours of sleep? Then, Botox®; is for you. Dynamic wrinkles known as crow's feet or scowl lines are caused by contractions of the delicate underlying facial muscles every time you smile, laugh, or frown. The more emotion you show, the deeper these wrinkles and lines are likely to be. While you may have earned every one of your worry lines, you don't have to show them anymore.

Now, thanks to a new use for an approved drug called Botox®;, dynamic lines can be dramatically softened. The procedure known as cosmetic denervation uses Botox®; injections to improve the appearance of worry lines, frown lines, laugh lines, crow's feet, and other dynamic wrinkles. Botox®; can also be utilized to slightly raise the eyebrows.

Fat Transfer / Fat Injections

Often patients ask us to remove fat from one area, but not waste it! Often times it is possible to sculpt an area of excess fat, and through a process attributed largely to the success of Dr. Sydney Coleman from New York, Dr. Chernoff is able to meticulously inject your own fatty tissue into areas where aging has caused fatty deposits to deteriorate. The most common areas of fat injection/fat sculpture are in the area of the brows, or under the eyes to fill in a gaunt or sunken in look. Other areas include marionette lines or nasolabial folds. The utilization of your own fat to augment subcutaneous defects in your facial appearance is totally proportional to the imagination and ingenuity of the operating surgeon. Your own fatty tissue can be stored for several months giving you the ability to re-inject your own fat as a "top up" procedure.
The fact that this is the patient's own tissue also is very attractive to patients seeking augmentation procedures in their body.

Lip Augmentation

Refirme

Refirme is a FDA cleared non-invasive Skin Tightening procedure (via Wrinkle Reduction) featuring the revolutionary elosT technology that enables you to comfortably achieve a more youthful, toned and lifted appearance without enduring downtime.
Refirme is a complete anti-aging solution for targeting those telltale signs of aging, including, jowl and neck laxity, sagginess under the eyes, saggy brow lines, and nasolabial folds.
Unlike conventional laser skin tightening treatments that are time and treatment intensive, and often too painful for many patients; Refirme offers virtually painless and fast treatment for sagging and wrinkled skin.
Refirme is a safe and effective industry-leading medical aesthetic technology, which has received national media exposure through The Rachel Ray Show, Carnie Wilson feature on Extra, Star Magazine and many more publications and television shows.
How Refirme Works
Refirme features the revolutionary elōs™ combination of Bi-Polar Radio Frequency and Light energies to precisely heat the dermal tissue within the targeted treatment area. The precise heating ensures a safe, effective, fast treatment with no downtime. Fine wrinkles are reduced, noticeable lifting can be observed on sagging skin and the texture of your skin becomes smoother, more luminous and toned. Unlike conventional lasers and IPL's, Refirme uses significantly less optical energy, ensuring enhanced safety and a virtually painless procedure.

Laser Removal of Tattoos

Are you having second thoughts about your tattoo? If so, you're not alone. Every day patients are seen from every walk of life that have second thoughts about their tattoos. What once seemed like a good idea may not fit your new image, and you wish it would just go away. Now your wish can come true. Utilizing our advanced laser systems, we can remove tattoos safely without leaving a scar.

Different lasers are required for removing different colors of tattoos. At Chernoff Plastic Surgery, Laser and Wellness Center, a multi wavelength approach to tattoos is possible utilizing our large array of lasers. Medical lasers utilize an intense beam of light to significantly lighten the tattoo with each treatment. The light energy may be delivered as a continuous wave of light or in pulses, depending upon the treatment and the type of laser utilized. When the ink particles of the tattoo absorb the light from the laser, they are broken up into smaller fragments. These fragments are then absorbed by your body's white blood cells and carried away by your body's natural cleansing mechanism. The cleansing process usually takes four to six weeks. Pigment that is deeper in the dermis and more concentrated will require numerous treatments to remove.

Hair Replacement

Laser Hair Modification

For many men and women, unwanted hair has a very negative impact on self-esteem. Unwanted hair, particularly when on the face, can cause patients a high amount of unease. Areas of unwanted hair causing repeated shaving, such as underarm hair, bikini line hair, and leg hair, have long been sites of therapies in the past utilized in an effort to remove hair in these regions. For decades, treatments such as waxing, tweezing, or electrolysis, have been utilized. While each of these procedures has its own benefits, none of the aforementioned procedures offers true permanence. Electrolysis, while an accepted procedure for decades, can be painful to some patients, particularly in areas such as bikini lines and facial hair.

Gender Transformation Indianapolis

Chernoff and Associates honors and appreciates the challenges and joys associated with one's need to physically appear as an attractive member of their chosen gender.
In support of this need, we offer a variety of surgical and non-surgical Procedures which can be combined to facilitate one's transformation from one gender to the other.

By consulting and collaborating with Dr. Chernoff and his staff on your gender transformation goals, a realistic plan can be put into action to help you achieve the appearance you have always desired.
The result of combining several standard procedures to achieve Facial Feminization are shown in the following photos:
Non-Surgical: Botox Injections, Collagen Lip Augmentation, Facial Cleansing, IPL Laser (discoloration removal)
Surgical: Blepharoplasty (eye lid surgery), Cervical Lift (Neck Lift), Rhytidectomy (Face Lift), Brow Lift, Rhinoplasty (Nose Job), CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Rhytidectomy (Face Lift)

Surgically known as rhytidectomy, a face lift provides an almost instant and long-lasting remedy for facial sagging. Long considered a major surgical procedure, modern surgical and medical techniques have made the face lift a minimally invasive procedure. Utilizing the diamond laser scalpel from Clinicon, Dr. Chernoff has been able to significantly reduce bruising and swelling yielding a minimum recovery period. Not long ago, a face lift was considered by many to be reserved for movie stars and celebrities. Today, a face lift is not just for the rich and famous. It is one of the most well accepted and most frequently performed aesthetic surgical procedures in North America. Recent studies have shown that looking good has a direct correlation to higher pay. Today, baby-boomers from every walk of life are electing to have a face lift for aesthetic as well as economic reasons.

Indianapolis Cheek and Chin Implants

While beauty is only skin deep, well-defined facial features have been considered traits of physical beauty. Prominent cheekbones and a strong chin provide balance, harmony and proportion. For those lacking these natural marks of distinction, make-up for decades has been their only alternative.
Now, there is a safe and permanent method of correcting a receding chin and providing those high cheekbones sought after by women and men worldwide. Chin augmentation or mentoplasty, and cheek implants or malar augmentation, are surgical procedures designed to provide a more vibrant and attractive look of distinction. These procedures can also benefit those with asymmetries or congenital defects.
Chin implants are frequently recommended to patients undergoing nose surgery to achieve proper facial proportion. In patients 38-50 years old, cheek implants can improve the appearance of the contour of the midface, sagging midfacial soft tissues, and in many instances delay the necessity for a facelift. Many patients undergoing facelifts also seek cheek implants to achieve higher appearing cheekbones. If you have been wondering if a more distinctive facial feature might enhance your appearance and improve your self-confidence, computer imaging will be performed for you to show whether this is a realistic procedure for you to consider.
Facial implants have proven to provide a safe, predictable, low-cost, low-risk alternative to simply "living with bony structural weaknesses". To date, millions of facial implants made from nontoxic materials such as Teflon, Gore-Tex, and other plastic materials have been implanted with no reported cases of allergic reaction. The implants are designed specifically for use in the mid cheek and chin area and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These can also be customized specifically for a patient based upon the results of computer imaging.
Both cheek and chin implants are performed on an outpatient basis utilizing a twilight or general anesthetic. While the patient is sleepy or asleep, local anesthetic is utilized to numb the treated areas before the patient awakens.
After the patient is asleep, the surgeon makes tiny incisions on the inside of the mouth to place the chin or the cheek implants. Stitches are then placed, which dissolve over time. Flesh-colored skin tapes are then utilized to hold the implants in position for 3-4 days. Patients undergoing chin and cheek augmentation usually require one week off to heal.
Following chin and cheek augmentation, slight discomfort, aching, and some numbness along with swelling can be expected. Patients are advised to keep the head elevated and apply cold compresses during the first 24-48 hours. Postoperative discomfort can be controlled with medication. Patients are also advised to rinse their mouths with hydrogen peroxide after each meal and 2-3 x day otherwise while the stitches are still in place. All swelling is typically gone within six weeks.
The utilization of chin and cheek implants has added a very exciting field to aesthetic surgery as both augmenting congenital defects and subtly improving facial contour is now not only possible but also a very popular series of procedures to be performed.

Breast Reshaping Indianapolis

Many women are deeply troubled by the size or shape of their breasts. The most visible sign of their femininity, sagging, overlarge or small breasts can make women feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, and even clinically depressed.
There are a number of surgical techniques available to help women achieve improvements in breast shape.
Mammoplasty can either reduce or augment breast size. Your surgeon will discuss with you the various implants available and assist in selecting the most suitable for you. Mastopexy refers to the correction of breast position without altering size in any way. This technique can be utilized to uplift sagging breasts after breast feeding, dieting or premature aging.
Preoperative counseling is an extremely important part of any breast reshaping program. Trained professional nurses work very closely with our patients to meet both physical and psychological needs. Breast surgery is performed under general anesthetic in our accredited surgery facility by our board certified surgeons. Incisions are kept to a minimum and are concealed within natural creases surrounding the breast. Postoperative appointments are made on a regular basis to insure a meticulous followup program for patients. During your initial consultation, a detailed medical and surgical history will be taken and all potential benefits and complications of breast reshaping surgery will be discussed with you.
Breast augmentation usually takes about two hours. One of the more frequent techniques utilized requires an incision under the lower portion of the areola (the darker area around your nipple). Other incisions sometimes utilized are under the lower portion of the breast or in the armpits. After the incision is made, a pocket is created beneath the chest wall muscle or in the breast tissue. The implant is securely positioned in the pocket and small stitches are used to close the incision.
When inflatable implants are used, your surgeon can adjust the amount of inflation. Some of the newer inflatable saline-filled implants make it possible to insert the implant using television cameras through smaller incisions either in the armpits or navel.
A breast lift may take two hours depending on the complexity. One of the more frequent methods utilized requires an incision around the nipple. Other methods involve three incisions, one on each side of the breast, which connect to a keyhole-shaped incision above the nipple. Working through these incisions, excess skin is removed from the lower portion of the breast. The breast tissue is lifted into the higher position, and the nipple placed into the keyhole incision. Sutures are used to connect the skin on both sides of the breast and around the nipple.
A breast reduction can take from three to four hours depending upon its complexity. Frequently, incisions are placed on each side of the breast, which connect to a keyhole-shaped incision above the nipple. Working through the incisions, excess skin, fat, and tissue are removed from the breasts. The breasts and the nipple are relocated in the keyhole incision. Sutures are used to connect the skin on both sides of the breast and around the nipple. When breasts are extremely large, the nipple may be completely detached and relocated after excess tissue is removed.
Our experienced team of board certified surgeons have been undertaking these procedures for many years. Patients can be assured that following detailed consultations and the procedure itself, the distresses of over- or undersized breasts are safely a thing of the past. The reshaped breast is more attractive, more feminine and, most importantly, the result looks totally natural.

Tummy Tuck

Doctor Chernoff

Dr. Gregory Chernoff is a triple Board Certified Aesthetic Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. His practice is dedicated exclusively to aesthetic plastic surgery, hair replacement surgery and cosmetic laser therapy. His laser research has been instrumental in developing and refining accepted laser techniques now utilized by physicians worldwide.
He has authored numerous scientific papers and medical laser textbook chapters. Dr. Chernoff has been featured on news programs such as Dateline NBC, ABC and CBS Nightly News, the BBC Worldnews and in Time, Newsweek and W Magazines.
Dr. Chernoff has given over 500 lectures to physicians around the world and continues to train doctors in the most current cosmetic surgical techniques.
Dr. Chernoff is known best for his down to earth personality and genuine caring approach. As a specialist in the field of Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Chernoff combines the latest laser technology with aesthetic surgical techniques.
Utilizing his extensive experience and capabilities, Dr. Chernoff will work with you to develop a surgical approach suited to your individual needs. Dr. Chernoff is the founder of the Royia Grizzell Foundation for Victims of Violence.

Chernoff Cosmetic Surgeons

Chernoff Cosmetic Surgery is dedicated exclusively to aesthetic plastic surgery, hair replacement surgery, cosmetic laser treatments, and scar therapy.

W. Gregory Chernoff, M.D., F.R.C.S. (C)

Dr. Gregory Chernoff is a triple Board Certified Aesthetic Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. His practice is dedicated exclusively to aesthetic plastic surgery, hair replacement surgery and cosmetic laser therapy. His laser research has been instrumental in developing and refining accepted laser techniques now utilized by physicians worldwide.
He has authored numerous scientific papers and medical laser textbook chapters. Dr. Chernoff has been featured on news programs such as Dateline NBC, ABC and CBS Nightly News, the BBC Worldnews and in Time, Newsweek and W Magazines.
Dr. Chernoff has given over 500 lectures to physicians around the world and continues to train doctors in the most current cosmetic surgical techniques.
Dr. Chernoff is known best for his down to earth personality and genuine caring approach. As a specialist in the field of Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Chernoff combines the latest laser technology with aesthetic surgical techniques.
Utilizing his extensive experience and capabilities, Dr. Chernoff will work with you to develop a surgical approach suited to your individual needs. Dr. Chernoff is the founder of the Royia Grizzell Foundation for Victims of Violence.