Archives May 2025

Otoplasty is commonly referred to as ear pinning surgery. It is a cosmetic procedure designed to reshape or reposition the ears. The results provide a more natural and balanced appearance. It can also address ear deformities caused by congenital disabilities or injuries. For many people, the procedure can boost self-confidence by providing improved facial harmony after the procedure. You may wonder, who is a good candidate for otoplasty? Below, you will find more information about why the procedure is correct for you.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a safe and effective procedure. There is minimal downtime, which makes the recovery process smooth. Otoplasty reshapes and repositions the ears closer to the head. Many people are unhappy with the appearance of their ears. If any of the following apply to you, you are a great candidate for the procedure.

Prominent or Protruding Ears

Individuals with ears that stick out and are highly noticeable are good candidates for the procedure. For many people, protruding ears can cause issues with their confidence and self-esteem. Many young children are teased for it, which can impact their social and emotional development. Children as young as five years old can undergo otoplasty, which is a permanent solution to protruding and prominent ears.

Ear Asymmetry

Ears that are asymmetrical or misshapen can be noticeable. Their prominence can cause insecurity and leave people feeling self-conscious about their appearance. People with protruding or asymmetrical ears may try to grow their hair out and wear it in ways that will cover their ears. Otoplasty can give people an alternative to hiding this perceived fault by addressing asymmetry through the reshaping of the cartilage. They may also be able to have their ears repositioned to create a more cohesive look. In either case, the surgery results in a more balanced look and improves overall facial harmony.

Congenital Deformities

Some people are born with ear deformities. Congenital deformities may result in ears that fold down or are missing natural folds. There are also severe congenital conditions that result in underdeveloped ears. Each of these conditions can impact the appearance of the ears. In some cases, congenital deformities can lead to functional issues as well. Because children as young as five can undergo otoplasty, it is a beneficial procedure for addressing ear complications that are present from birth. Addressing the issue early on can improve the appearance and function of the ears for the child’s entire life.

Ear Trauma or Injury 

Accidents or injuries can impact the ears and affect their appearance or function. Reconstructive otoplasty can combat these effects. Specifically, a surgeon may be able to repair the cartilage, replace lost tissue, adjust the position, or address the shape of the ears. For these reasons, those with prior ear injuries or trauma can benefit from plastic surgery and leave the procedure feeling much more confident.

Confidence of Self-Esteem Issues

Many children with ear issues, especially protruding ears, may have issues with their confidence. Younger patients are especially vulnerable to teasing or bullying at school, which can impact their social and emotional development. Some children and teens may be isolated or even become depressed in severe cases. If your child is facing teasing because of their ears, this is an indication that they are a good candidate for otoplasty.  

Candidacy Requirements for Otoplasty Surgery 

If you think you would be a good candidate for otoplasty, the first step in moving forward is scheduling a consultation. A skilled plastic surgeon can assess your ears and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. As discussed, candidates for the procedure often include those who have protruding ears, ear asymmetry, congenital deformities, or prior trauma. Candidates must also meet certain criteria to move forward with the surgery.

Fully Developed Ears

Candidates must have fully developed ears. By age five or six, children’s ears are almost entirely developed. 

Good Overall Health

Candidates must be in good overall health. If you have any chronic conditions, they must be well-managed before surgery. Patients should be non-smokers. If you smoke, inform your surgeon as soon as possible. You will need to stop smoking before and after surgery.

Realistic Expectations

Patients should have realistic expectations about the procedure. Otoplasty can improve the appearance and function of the ears. The patient should understand the extent of the procedure and how it will change their appearance. 

Emotionally Prepared

It is important to be emotionally prepared for the procedure. For many adults, this is not an issue. However, young children may not be ready emotionally until they get older. 

Good Ear Health

The patient should have good ear health. They cannot have an infection, inflammation, or untreated skin issues. If the patient has skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, they need to be well-managed before surgery.

Otoplasty in Beverly Hills!

Call or visit Dr. Brent’s office today to start your otoplasty journey.

Rhytidectomy, otherwise known as a facelift, has been a well-known cosmetic procedure for years. It is designed to reduce visible signs of aging in the face and neck and is a popular option for those individuals who want to address sagging skin and deep creases. It effectively provides a more youthful appearance by repositioning facial tissues. This is the reason for its popularity. However, one of the most common questions a plastic surgeon usually has to answer is: How long does a facelift last? This question requires more than a yes or no answer. Various factors may impact the longevity of a facelift. Your surgeon can help you understand them and guide you in making an informed decision.

How Long Does a Facelift Last?

On average, facelift results can last from 7 to 10 years. This means that, after a decade or less, patients may already experience a gradual return of sagging and wrinkling skin as the natural process of aging continues. However, typically, the face will appear younger than if surgery has never been performed.

If you are considering getting a facelift, it is important to keep your expectations in check. A facelift is designed to improve your skin’s appearance by reducing signs of aging, but it does not stop you from aging. You will still continue to age. It just sets back the clock a couple of years.

Factors that Affect How Long a Facelift Lasts

1. Types of Facelift

• Mini Facelift: This type is less invasive and best for mild sagging. The results usually last for 5 to 7 years.
• Mid-Facelift: This type targets the cheek area of your face. The results may last for 7 to 10 years.
• Deep Plane Facelift: Deep plane facelift is a more comprehensive procedure that restores volume and shape by manipulating deeper facial tissues, including the superficial musculoaponeurotic system. The results are usually more natural than traditional facelifts and can last for 7 to 10 years or longer.

2. Patient’s Age at the Time of Surgery

Younger patients who are in their 40s or 50s get longer-lasting results than those who undergo surgery in their 60s or 70s. This is because when skin is younger, it is more elastic and heals better, leading to a better outcome.

3. Skin Quality and Lifestyle

The elasticity, texture, and overall health of your skin can greatly influence how long the results of your facelift can last. When skin is firm and well-moisturized, it is expected to have longer-lasting results. Lifestyle also affects skin health, so the following are to be avoided:

• Smoking: This accelerates aging and reduces blood flow to the skin.
• Sun Exposure: This breaks down collagen and elastin, which leads to sagging and wrinkles.
• Weight Fluctuations: This can stretch the skin and distort the contours of your face.

4. Surgeon’s Skill and Technique

Your choice of surgeon is crucial to the results of your facelift. A highly qualified and experienced surgeon is expected to deliver a more natural look and longer-lasting results.

5. Post-Surgery and Maintenance

Your surgeon will give you post-surgery instructions, which you have to carefully follow.

Failure to do so may affect the way your skin heals and impact the longevity of your results. In addition, you also need to give your skin proper love and care by:

• Applying sunscreen daily
• Applying moisturizers and retinoids
• Avoiding smoking and eating healthy
• Getting supplemental non-surgical treatment like fillers and laser resurfacing

How to Maximize the Lifespan of Your Facelift

To prolong the beautiful results of your facelift, there are things that you can do:

Follow a Healthy Lifestyle

Make sure that your diet is rich in antioxidants. Engage in regular exercise. And have adequate quality sleep. This will keep your skin fresh and firm.

Avoid Sun Damage

Apply sunscreen every day, even when it is cloudy. A hat or an umbrella can give you extra protection.

Stay Hydrated

Maintain your skin’s elasticity by staying hydrated. Ensure that you are getting plenty of water every day.

Consider Touch-Up Procedures

Ask your surgeon about non-invasive options that can refresh your appearance and delay the need for another surgical facelift. A second facelift done 10-15 years after the first one is not uncommon. Second and even third facelifts are safer and more effective than ever before due to the advances in surgical techniques. However, you need to see if another facelift is really necessary. Many patients do not need another full facelift. A mini facelift or other less invasive techniques may be enough to maintain the firmness of your skin.

Begin Your Transformation Today

A facelift is a truly transformative procedure that not only rejuvenates your skin but also makes it more youthful and boosts the confidence that visible signs of aging have dampened.

Facelift results can last for a long time. The key to that is choosing the right surgeon, following post-operative care instructions, and living a healthy lifestyle. If you want to explore this option for yourself and see if it is the right course to take, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chiu, our board-certified surgeon so that you can be empowered to make an informed decision.

Whether you’ve recently experienced symptoms like chest discomfort or shortness of breath, or your physician is just proactively monitoring your heart health,  your doctor may recommend stress testing as an early diagnostic tool. While stress testing is just one of the many advanced services available to help detect and prevent cardiovascular disease early, it’s also one that few people know much about.

So, what should you expect during a stress test? It’s a common enough question, especially for anyone visiting a cardiologist for the very first time. Knowing what to expect gives you the confidence to walk into your appointment informed and ready.

What to Expect During a Stress Test?

A stress test, otherwise known as an exercise stress test or sometimes even a treadmill test, is a way for your cardiologist to see how well your heart functions under physical exertion. While resting heart data provides some insight into your heart health, it doesn’t tell nearly the whole story. By having you exercise, your cardiologist can monitor how your heart responds when it’s working harder. Don’t worry; you won’t be asked to lift your weight in barbells or keep a sprinter’s pace for a mile. Doctors typically ask patients to walk or jog on a treadmill for a few minutes and nothing more. 

During the test, you’ll be connected to an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine that continuously records your heart’s electrical activity. A blood pressure cuff will also be used to monitor changes throughout the test. They may also observe your breathing. 

The test will start you off at a slow walking pace and gradually increase in difficulty. If this sounds stressful, keep in mind that the process is supervised every step of the way by trained medical professionals, so you will not reach the point of overexertion. The goal isn’t to push you to your limit but to evaluate your heart’s performance under stress.

Understanding Different Types of Stress Testing

At Apex Cardiology, stress testing is customized based on your unique health profile. While the treadmill test is common, other forms may be used, such as pharmacologic stress testing, which is often a better choice for patients who are unable to exercise due to physical limitations.

Some stress tests are paired with imaging, like nuclear scans or echocardiograms, to provide visual insight into how blood flows through the heart or how well it pumps during increased activity. Your cardiologist will select the most appropriate type to give the clearest picture of your cardiovascular function.

How Long Does a Stress Test Take, and What Should I Expect Physically?

The entire visit for your stress test usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour. The actual exercise portion generally lasts between 10 and 15 minutes. This depends on your fitness level and how long your heart can safely maintain an increased workload.

You’ll be asked to wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes as if you’re heading out for a light workout. Before the exercise begins, a technician will place small, sticky electrode patches on your chest to monitor heart rhythms. A baseline reading will be taken before you begin moving. 

As the treadmill speeds up and inclines, you’ll be asked to report any symptoms, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain. These are all key clues your cardiologist uses to interpret results.

Can I Eat or Take Medications Before My Stress Test?

Your cardiologist will provide detailed instructions tailored to your specific medical background. Still, in general, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything except water for a few hours before the test. Certain medications may also be paused before testing, especially if they affect heart rate or blood pressure.

If you have diabetes or are taking beta-blockers, make sure to inform your care team ahead of time. The goal is to make sure that the test results accurately reflect your natural heart response. Planning ahead and following pre-test instructions closely ensures the data your cardiologist receives is as precise and meaningful as possible.

What Happens After the Stress Test?

Once the treadmill portion is complete, your heart will continue to be monitored during the recovery phase. This helps your care team see how quickly your heart rate returns to normal, an important indicator of cardiac health. You’ll be able to cool down and rest while the equipment gathers final readings.

Results are not always immediate, as your cardiologist may need to review the data in detail, sometimes alongside imaging studies if a nuclear or echocardiographic stress test is ordered. They’ll follow up with insights and next steps, which might include further testing, lifestyle recommendations, or a change in your treatment plan if needed.

Ready to Schedule Your Stress Test?

If your physician or cardiologist has recommended a stress test or if you’re experiencing symptoms and want peace of mind, the expert team at Apex Cardiology is here to guide you through every step. Schedule your consultation today and take the next step toward proactive heart health.

Technological advances have made it possible for many people to achieve the look they want for themselves. Among the many options that have become increasingly popular for people who want to sculpt their bodies without invasive surgery is body contouring. With the help of a skilled plastic surgeon, the body you want is closer to you than you think. Whatever the goal is, whether it is to remove stubborn fat, tighten loose skin, or enhance certain areas of the body, body contouring can provide a more toned and defined body appearance through a range of techniques. But how does body contouring work? If you are trying to decide if something is right for you, this question may be something you are wondering about.

How Does Body Contouring Work?

Body contouring is a term that refers to different procedures and treatments that are designed to reshape, tighten, and enhance the appearance of the body. It involves both surgical and non-surgical techniques.

These procedures target areas where it is difficult to lose fat through natural means, like diet and exercise. If you are someone whose weight is close to your ideal but wants to smooth out specific areas of your body and have an overall improvement of your body shape, these treatments are perfect for you.

Non-Surgical Body Contouring Methods

Non-surgical body contouring methods have become more and more popular as well as effective.

Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing)

This procedure, which is best known as CoolSculpting, freezes and destroys fat cells by controlled cooling. The surgeon uses an applicator to deliver cold temperatures to target areas. The cold temperature crystallizes fat cells without damaging surrounding tissues. The body naturally eliminates the dead fat cells through the lymphatic system in the weeks following the treatment. This gradually slims down the treated area.

Radiofrequency (RF) Treatments

This treatment stimulates collagen production and breaks down fat cells by heating the deeper layers of the skin. The heat tightens the skin and reduces fat. This is perfect for women who have loose skin due to weight loss or pregnancy.

Ultrasound Fat Reduction

This treatment uses focused sound waves to disrupt and destroy fat cells beneath the skin’s surface. UltraShape, one well-known method, targets stubborn fat pockets without causing too much discomfort. Just like in cryolipolysis, the body naturally flushes out the dead fat cells over time.

Laser Lipolysis

In this procedure, laser heats fat cells by penetrating the skin and raising the temperature of fat cells so high that they are damaged and removed later by the body’s lymphatic system.

Surgical Body Control Methods

Surgical methods are usually used for patients who need more dramatic results or those who have excess skin because of significant weight loss. They usually require more extended downtime and are performed by a board-certified surgeon like Dr. Chiu.

Liposuction

This is one of the oldest and most well-known methods of body contouring. The plastic surgeon inserts a tube through small incisions in targeted areas to suck out fat. Although it requires immediate results, patients go through a recovery period and some post-procedure care.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin and fat from this area. This procedure is usually recommended for patients who have loose, sagging skin after undergoing massive weight loss or pregnancy.

Body Lift Procedures

If patients want a procedure that can target multiple areas like thighs, buttocks, and abdomen all at once, this is the procedure for them. It removes excess skin and fat, as well as improves the skin tone.

What to Expect During Treatment

The experience will differ depending on the patient’s choice of treatment method. If you undergo a non-invasive or non-surgical treatment, there will be no anesthesia, minimal discomfort, and little to no downtime. Expect some redness, numbness, or swelling that resolves quickly.

In contrast, invasive or surgical procedures involve anesthesia, a recovery period, and specific aftercare instructions which may include caring for the drains and changing bandages, taking medications for pain management or infection prevention, ambulating to avoid blood clots, and staying out of the sun. Expect swelling and bruising, and outcomes may take months to be visible as the body heals. In addition, surgical treatments involve higher risks of complications.

For those looking for a way to enhance their physique and boost their confidence, body contouring, whether non-surgical or surgical, offers exciting possibilities. With the wide variety of options available, it is easy to be confused and feel overwhelmed. It is imperative to seek the help and guidance of a professional who can recommend the best treatment plan for you, considering your goals, lifestyle, medical history, and body type. If you think you can benefit from body contouring, call us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chiu, our board-certified surgeon, who will help you make an informed decision that will help you get the body you desire.

The healthcare system is complex and overwhelming if you do not know what you are looking for. Many people wonder what type of doctor they should call. Two common types of medical professionals are internists and primary care physicians. Both offer medical support depending on your needs. You may wonder, is internal medicine the same as primary care?

Is Internal Medicine the Same as Primary Care?

Internal medicine doctors and primary care physicians both practice medicine. A primary care physician is a general practitioner for families, children, or adults. They are responsible for managing your overall health, including preventative care, routine checkups, and treatment for common illnesses. However, internal medicine doctors are primary care physicians for adults. They are focused on more complex and chronic conditions. So, an internal medicine doctor can serve as a primary care physician. However, not all primary care physicians are internal medicine doctors. Below, you will find a detailed breakdown of internists and primary care physicians.

Primary Care Physician

A primary care physician is a general doctor who focuses on overall patient health. This can include family medicine, pediatric medicine, or internal medicine for adults. They provide comprehensive care for patients. This includes screenings and vaccines at routine checkups. It also includes prescribing medicine and care for common illnesses. They focus on prevention and treatment for any current health issues.

When to See a Primary Care Physician

If you are unsure about who to call regarding your healthcare, there are several scenarios that point toward contacting a primary care physician. Patients generally see a primary care physician for routine checkups, annual wellness exams, vaccinations, preventative care, and minor illnesses. Any health issues that require additional care may require a specialist. Your primary care provider is a great place to start. They can provide you with some direction by referring you to a specialist.

What To Expect With Your Primary Care Physician

A primary care physician handles all aspects of your health. This is beneficial as they get to know your health history over time to ensure you stay in good shape. Because they see you regularly, the relationship development allows your primary care physician to see your lifestyle and habits. This can help them predict potential issues and guide you in the right direction when it comes to your health. With a focus on prevention, they can improve your long-term health outcomes.

Internal Medicine Doctor

An internal medicine doctor specializes in adult medicine and focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of diseases. This includes diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and autoimmune disorders. Internists are experts in managing complex and chronic conditions, such as diabetes. They are experts in treating a broad range of health concerns that impact adults. Because of this, they are more specialized than primary care physicians.

When to See An Internist

There are several reasons to see an internist. They are effective in diagnosing and treating online medical issues. This includes complex medical issues, such as chronic illnesses. They are also skilled in managing diseases that impact multiple systems. Diabetes is a common example, as it can impact your kidneys, heart, and vision. Their expertise can ensure your overall health in the long term.

What to Expect With Your Internist

An internist can provide you with their expertise in complex medical conditions. They have advanced training in chronic and mult-system diseases that impact adults. Their expertise provides valuable support when addressing your short and long-term health conditions. You can work with an internist directly. However, your primary care physician may also refer you if your medical conditions are outside of their scope of care.

Health Care Clinic

If you are looking for a health care clinic, contact the team at West Texas Health today to schedule an appointment!