Blog Archives - Doctor Beam, MD

October 1, 2021November 8, 2023

Facelift vs. Liquid Facelift: Which is Right for Me?

The facelift is often thought of as the gold standard of facial rejuvenation. That being said, advancements in aesthetics have given the facelift a run for its money. The liquid facelift is a non-surgical alternative that provides our patients with similar age-defying benefits. Many of our patients come in and ask whether the traditional facelift or liquid facelift is a better option for their specific needs. Let’s go over each procedure in detail, so you can make a better-informed decision before coming in for your private consultation.

What is a Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical cosmetic procedure that reduces signs of aging around the lower two-thirds of the face. The facelift has become a household name over the years – and for good reason. This procedure not only smooths away fine lines and wrinkles around the face but also tightens lax facial skin to provide patients with a naturally youthful and refreshed appearance. While the facelift does require cutting, the incisions Dr. Beam makes throughout the procedure are discrete leaving any potential scarring easily hidden. Patients are typically happy with the results of their facelift for more than 10 years following their procedure.

What are the Benefits of a Facelift?

There are many benefits of receiving a facelift, including:

Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Gently lifts the features of the mid-and lower face
Addresses jowling by contouring the jawline
10 to 14 day recovery period
Results last up to 15 years

What is a Liquid Facelift?

The liquid facelift is a non-surgical, minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that involves the use of dermal fillers and injectables to mimic the results of a traditional facelift. The strategic placement of Botox® and fillers like Juvederm® allow Dr. Beam to address unwanted fine lines and wrinkles while replenishing lost volume in the skin to achieve a lifted and more youthful appearance. Our patients love how convenient a liquid facelift is. Each treatment only takes about an hour to complete and does not require any downtime or recovery period. Patients are able to see nearly immediate results which can be easily maintained with regular injectable treatment sessions.

What are the Benefits of a Liquid Facelift?

There are many benefits of receiving a liquid facelift, including:

Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Adds volume into sunken or thinned areas of the face
Nearly immediate results
No downtime or recovery period
Maintenance treatments are only required twice a year

Is a Traditional Facelift or Liquid Facelift Better?

When it comes to choosing the right rejuvenation procedure for your needs, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and budget. We often recommend patients who are timid about cosmetic surgery consider receiving a liquid facelift before committing to a traditional facelift treatment. The liquid facelift is a minimally invasive starting point that can give our patients a better feel of their potential facelift results. The best way to find out which treatment is best for you is to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Beam.

If you’re interested in learning more about whether a traditional facelift or liquid facelift is right for you, we encourage you to contact us and schedule your private consultation today. In light of recent events, we are happy to offer virtual consultations that allow you to get your questions answered in the comfort and convenience of your very own home.

August 1, 2021November 8, 2023

Botox® vs. #NEWTOX: Which is Better?

We all know about Botox®, but have you heard about #NEWTOX? There’s a new wrinkle blocker on the market that has everyone’s attention. #NEWTOX, formally known as Jeuveau®, is a competitive injectable treatment that is said to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the forehead and brows like Botox®. So, which is better? Let’s break each one down for you.

What is Botox®?

Botox® has become a household name over the past several years, and for good reason. Botox® is a minimally invasive injectable cosmetic treatment that reduces the appearance of fine lines and moderate wrinkles around the forehead, brows, and outer eyes. Formulated with a special toxin called botulinum, Botox® works by temporarily relaxing the muscles in the treated areas that cause wrinkles with the repetition of certain facial expressions. When the muscles are relaxed, the skin can relax too and the wrinkles can fade away. Botox® typically lasts about three to four months per treatment, so patients are generally encouraged to receive regular treatments every three to four months to maintain their desired results.

Benefits of Botox®

There are many benefits of receiving Botox® treatments, including:

Minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment
Results within five to seven days of treatment
Smooths away fine lines and deep forehead wrinkles
Improves frown lines between the brows
Reduces the appearance of crow’s feet around the outer eyes
Can be used to treat migraines, hyperhidrosis, and TMJ
Results last three to four months per treatment

What is #NEWTOX?

Jeuveau®, known popularly in social media as #NEWTOX, is a newer minimally invasive injectable cosmetic treatment that also smooths away fine lines and wrinkles around the upper third of the face. Like Botox®, Jeuveau® is formulated with botulinum toxin which temporarily relaxes the muscles in the treated areas responsible for causing wrinkles through repeated facial expressions. The FDA approved Jeuveau® in being nearly identical to Botox® after two double-blind studies found its results comparable to that of its competitor. Like Botox®, Jeuveau® lasts about three to four months per treatment.

Benefits of Jeuveau®

There are many benefits of receiving Jeuveau® treatments, including:

Minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment
Results within five to seven days of treatment
Smooths away fine lines and deep forehead wrinkles
Improves frown lines between the brows
Reduces the appearance of crow’s feet around the outer eyes
Results last three to four months per treatment

Is Botox® or Jeuveau® Better?

The answer to this question really depends on your body, your doctor’s recommendation, and your personal preference. If you have found your body has been resistant to the effects of Botox® in the past, Jeuveau® may be the alternative treatment that allows you to get the results you desire. Your doctor may also recommend one over the other depending on the size of your treated areas, your budget, and your desired results. Ultimately, the choice is up to you!

To learn more about what you can expect from Botox® or Jeuveau®, contact us to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Beam. In light of recent events, we are now offering virtual consultations that allow you to get all of your questions answered from the comfort and safety of your very own home.

July 1, 2021November 8, 2023

The Ultimate Guide to miraDry®

Underarm sweat can be embarrassing for anyone. But, when your sweat leaves stains on everything you wear, it can start taking over your everyday life. Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating is a common condition that most people don’t talk about. At Harold E. Beam, MD Plastic Surgery, we are proud to offer sweat reduction treatments with miraDry®. Let’s go over everything you need to know about this cutting-edge treatment.

What is miraDry®?

miraDry® is an advanced non-surgical sweat reduction treatment that reduces excessive sweating caused by hyperhidrosis. Unlike outdated treatments like Botox® injections, miraDry® is a permanent solution to body odor and excessive sweating. This cutting-edge treatment allows patients to reduce their sweat by up to 82 percent and reduce body odor by up to 89 percent with just a few quick treatments.

How miraDry® Works

The secret behind miraDry® is its use of thermal energy to effectively heat up and eliminate the sweat glands under the arms. During your treatment, a stencil will be placed under your arm. Once the stencil is laid out properly, the miraDry® device will be placed over the stencil. A gentle suction will pull the skin up to the surface of the device and warm thermal energy will be applied to the entire area. This warmth will eliminate the sweat glands under the arm so they do not produce sweat again. The entire treatment process typically takes about an hour to complete and results can be seen immediately.

Benefits of miraDry®

There are many benefits of receiving miraDry® treatments with Dr. Beam, including:

Non-invasive, non-surgical treatment
Reduces sweat by up to 82 percent
Reduces body odor by up to 89 percent
Immediate results in as little as one treatment
Permanent results that last a lifetime

Is miraDry® Safe?

Yes, miraDry® is a completely safe and effective treatment for hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. While some patients get concerned about eliminating sweat glands under the arms, it’s important to remember that only about 2 percent of your sweat glands are found in your treated areas. After miraDry®, you can expect to feel the benefits of your treatment while leading a normal and healthy life.

Am I a Good Candidate for miraDry®?

If you’re tired of your excessive sweating and are looking for a life-long solution, miraDry® may be right for you. Ideal candidates for miraDry® are in good general health and have realistic expectations of your results. The best way to find out if miraDry® is right for you is to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Beam. He’ll be happy to sit down with you, listen to your concerns, assess your condition, and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your ultimate wellness goals.

To learn more about what you can expect from miraDry®, contact us to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Beam. In light of recent events, we are now offering virtual consultations that allow you to get all of your questions answered from the comfort and safety of your very own home.

June 1, 2021November 8, 2023

Everything You Need to Know About Gynecomastia

As a man, it’s always expected that you have a flat, chiseled chest and a moderately fit body. But, what if you can’t help that your chest is puffier than your friends’? Gynecomastia is a very real and common condition that causes men to have enlarged breasts. Let’s go over everything you need to know about what gynecomastia is, how it comes about, and how you can treat it to get the body you deserve.

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a common condition that causes men to have an excess of fat and breast tissue in the chest in addition to the enlargement of glands within the breasts. Gynecomastia causes the appearance of male breasts also commonly referred to as “man boobs.” While this is a common condition, many patients don’t know the underlying cause of their gynecomastia until seeing a doctor for treatment.

Stages of Gynecomastia

In 1973, a group of doctors found there are four different stages of gynecomastia that occur.

Grade I. At this stage, you may notice a small enlargement of the breasts without skin excess.
Grade II-a. This stage is characterized by a moderate enlargement of the breasts, but still without any skin excess.
Grade II-b. At this stage, you may find a moderate enlargement of the breasts and minor amounts of excess skin.
Grade III. The most severe stage, Grade III gynecomastia is marked by the enlargement of breasts with excess skin, mimicking the appearance of female breasts.

Some patients may find that their gynecomastia starts at Grade I and does not progress at all, while others may find that their gynecomastia worsens into Grade II-a or Grade II-b over time.

Causes of Gynecomastia

Unfortunately, there is no single cause of gynecomastia. Common causes of gynecomastia in men include:

Changes in hormonal levels through puberty and andropause
Overuse of anabolic steroids
Abuse of alcohol and marijuana
Side effects from prescription medication
Genetics
An underlying illness like hypothyroidism
Obesity

No matter what causes your gynecomastia, it is likely that it will not be reversed on its own. This is where Dr. Harold Beam and his expert team of medical professionals can step in and help.

Treating Gynecomastia

When it comes to treating gynecomastia for the long term, Dr. Beam and his medical team typically recommend male breast reduction or gynecomastia surgery. During this procedure, small and discrete incisions will be made on the outer chest near the underarms. Through these incisions, Dr. Beam will be able to remove excess breast tissue and fat contributing to your puffy chest. Once complete, patients will have a flatter and more defined chest than before.

The results of gynecomastia surgery have the potential to be permanent, but can still be reversed with excessive weight gain. It’s important to lead a healthy and active lifestyle following your gynecomastia surgery to benefit from your results in the long run. Patients who receive gynecomastia surgery are thrilled with their outcomes and are more confident in their appearance.

To learn more about your gynecomastia and how it can be treated, contact us to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Beam. In light of recent events, we are now offering virtual consultations that allow you to get all of your questions answered from the comfort and safety of your very own home.

May 8, 2021November 8, 2023

What a Tummy Tuck Can and Can’t Do

If you want to achieve a firm, toned abdomen, it’s no secret that the tummy tuck can help you do just that. By trimming excess skin and fat, and tightening the abdominal muscles, the tummy tuck provides a comprehensive solution for enhancing the abdominal region. Despite its substantial benefits, however, there are some things that the tummy tuck can’t do. To help provide patients with a full understanding of this procedure, we’re going to explain what a tummy tuck can and can’t do.

CAN: Remove Skin & Fat

The primary function of the tummy tuck procedure is to remove skin and fat from the abdominal region. In this way, it is a highly effective procedure for addressing stubborn fat and sagging skin in and around the stomach. Whether you are struggling with these issues from pregnancy, aging or other causes, a tummy tuck can help.

CAN: Create a Flatter Stomach

By removing skin and fat, patients can achieve a flatter stomach with the tummy tuck procedure. This is made possible with liposuction and the other surgical techniques involved. Additionally, the tummy tuck procedure tightens the abdominal muscles, which can further enhance the appearance of the abdominal region.

CAN’T: Prevent Weight Gain

While the tummy tuck procedure can help patients achieve a firmer, flatter stomach, it can’t prevent future weight gain. This is important to consider, because if patients are unable to maintain healthy diet and exercise habits following their surgery, it’s possible for fat to reaccumulate in and around the abdominal region. Patients need to be prepared to make lifestyle changes after a tummy tuck to maintain their results as long as possible.

CAN’T Remove Most Stretch Marks

Stretch marks commonly develop during pregnancy, although they can also develop from any form of weight gain. A tummy tuck can remove some stretch marks, but only if they are located in areas where excess skin is being trimmed. For this reason, patients can enjoy an improvement in the appearance of stretch marks, but it is not possible for a tummy tuck to completely remove all stretch marks in the stomach. You can expect the tummy tuck treatment to treat most of the stretch marks below the belly button, but stretch marks above the belly button may not be addressed.

What Can A Tummy Tuck Do For You?

If you are considering a tummy tuck, contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Beam. During your consultation, you can discuss your treatment goals and determine if a tummy tuck is the right choice for you.

April 8, 2021November 8, 2023

What to Expect After Liposuction – And Can I Speed Up the Recovery Process?

Whatever your motivation is for considering liposuction, there’s no doubt that it is one of the single most effective procedures for eliminating stubborn fat. In fact, most patients are incredibly eager to get started with their treatment and start showing off their new figure. However, there’s an important step that patients often overlook: recovery. Below, we’ll tell you what to expect after liposuction. Plus, we’ll even tell you how to speed up the recovery process!

After Your Liposuction Procedure

Immediately after your liposuction procedure, you can expect some bruising, swelling and discomfort. These symptoms will vary in severity depending on the extent of your treatment and the areas that were addressed. You can expect these symptoms to be at their worst within the first two or three days of treatment, but they’ll begin to resolve more rapidly after the first week, at which point you will begin to notice the final results of your treatment. We’ll provide you with pain medication, clear instructions, and occasionally a compression garment to help you manage your symptoms during this time.

Life During Your Recovery Period

In most cases, you’ll need some help around the house for the first few days while you regain your strength and take things easy. We recommend that patients take time away from work and other obligations so that they can rest as much as possible in the days following their treatment. You can begin easing back into work and other activities within about a week. However, you should still be avoiding exercise and other strenuous activities for several weeks longer. Instead, patients are encouraged to engage in light walking until they are fully healed.

How to Speed Up Liposuction Recovery

Following your post-operative instructions and using your medications as prescribed are a great foundation for a successful liposuction recovery. Additionally, we recommend paying special attention to your nutrition during your recovery period. By drinking plenty of water and eating healthy foods, you’ll provide your body with everything it needs to repair itself and return to normal. As mentioned above, it can also be beneficial to perform light walking when you have recovered enough. Walking will help encourage circulation, reduce swelling and improve your overall health. If you combine all of these habits, you can expect a smooth and swift recovery.

Are You Considering Liposuction?

If you’re considering liposuction, contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Beam. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the liposuction procedure, the recovery process and life after liposuction. Then, all that’s left to do is enjoy your results!

March 8, 2021November 8, 2023

When is Fat Transfer to the Breasts an Alternate Option to a Traditional Breast Augmentation?

The fat transfer breast augmentation technique offers patients a unique opportunity to avoid the traditional breast augmentation surgery, and the use of breast implants, but still enhance the size of the breasts. With the relative lack of surgery on the breasts, many patients assume that the fat transfer would be a preferred technique for breast augmentation. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Below, we’ll tell you when a fat transfer is a good alternative to a traditional breast augmentation – and when it isn’t!

When to Consider a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Fat transfer breast augmentation is a more “natural” breast augmentation technique, using fat from your own body to augment the breasts. This approach has some distinct advantages, which often get the attention of patients who would like to avoid extensive surgery.

Primarily, a fat transfer offers the benefit of reduced surgery and scarring in the breasts. This is because fat is injected into the breasts during a fat transfer – it’s not placed surgically like a breast implant. As a result, patients experience little to no scarring in the breasts and a reduced recovery period. An additional benefit is the fact the treatment requires patients to harvest fat from another area of the body, which can further enhance the figure.

In short, a fat transfer breast augmentation is best suited for patients who want the minimal recovery period.

When to Consider a Traditional Breast Augmentation

Despite the substantial benefits of a fat transfer breast augmentation, a traditional breast augmentation is typically the better choice for most patients. This is because a traditional breast augmentation delivers much more predictable results. When a fat transfer is performed, not all of the fat survives the treatment. Even if your results look great the day after treatment, they may partially dissolve in the weeks and months that follow. Similarly, your body fat will naturally break down over time. This means that if the fat survives the initial transfer, it may still dissolve in the years that follow.

By using breast implants, these issues can be avoided. Patients can select the exact shape, size and material of their breast implants prior to their surgery. This gives them complete control in the outcome of their procedure, whereas a fat transfer may not produce the exact results you are hoping for. Additionally, breast implants are designed to be life-long devices. You don’t have to worry about the implants dissolving or fading over time. There are risks involved with implants, of course, but they can be easily managed by a responsible individual. Plus, if you’re discouraged by scarring, you needn’t be. With modern surgical techniques, incisions made for the breast augmentation procedure can be discreetly placed so that you are the only one who knows they’re there.

Which Breast Augmentation Technique is Right for Me?

Both the fat transfer breast augmentation and the traditional breast augmentation have their advantages, so it’s important to consider the decision carefully when planning your breast augmentation. If you need help determining which of these options is best for you, contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Beam.

February 8, 2021January 7, 2021

Augmented Look Vs. Natural Look in Breast Augmentation

We all know there are two different types of looks that come with a breast augmentation. While some patients wish to enhance their natural features and keep their augmentation subtle, others still wish to achieve the popular augmented look from the 1990s and early 2000s. Today, we wanted to share with you how to achieve your desired look, whether it’s more a subtle change or a more vintage look.

The Natural Look

Natural-looking breast augmentations have flooded the market in recent years. This type of breast augmentation aims to maintain as much of the natural look and feel of the breast as possible while adding enough volume to enhance the patient’s natural features. The biggest appeal to a natural-looking breast augmentation is that no one will know you have implants unless you want them to know.

How to Get the Natural Look

When considering a natural-looking breast augmentation, we encourage you to consider the following:

Sub-muscular placement of the breast implants
Choosing a moderate-sized breast implant for a subtle, yet noticeable enhancement
Limiting the width of the breast implant to heighten a natural appearance
Choosing a silicone implant versus a saline implant
Nipples sitting on the point on the breast with the most projection

The Augmented Look

When we talk about the augmented look, what we refer to is the type of breast augmentation that was most popular in the days of Baywatch and Showgirls. This type of breast augmentation is often characterized by proportionately large breasts with prominent cleavage and a dramatic contoured effect. People we most often think of when we think of the augmented look include Pamela Anderson and Anna Nicole Smith.

How to Get the Augmented Look

To get a more traditional augmented look form your breast augmentation, we encourage you to consider the following:

Sub-glandular placement of the breast implants
Choosing large implants that are slightly disproportionate to your body
Creating prominent cleavage without the use of a bra
Choosing high-profile implants for a more lifted position on the chest

Remember, It’s Up to You

No matter which look you choose, it’s important to remember why you’re getting a breast augmentation in the first place. Dr. Harold Beam and his expert staff are proud to offer patients the results they desire and the self-confidence they deserve.

To learn more about what you can expect during your breast augmentation, contact us to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Beam. In light of recent events, we are now offering virtual consultations that allow you to get all of your questions answered from the comfort and safety of your very own home.

January 8, 2021November 8, 2023

The Secret To Getting The Most Natural-Looking Breast Implants

When it comes to breast augmentation, our patients are always concerned about how their chest is going to look post-op. In an age where natural looks best, we want to ensure our patients that their breasts will look exactly how they desire when they take the right precautions. Today, we wanted to share with you our tips to getting the most natural-looking results from your breast augmentation, so you can live your best life with breasts you love.

Bigger Isn’t Always Better

When we think of most things, we typically think “bigger is always better.” This phrase does not necessarily work with breast implants. Choosing the right breast implants for you involves choosing the right breast implants for your natural frame and lifestyle. This means that a more active and petite woman who wishes to have natural-looking augmented breasts should gravitate towards smaller, more modest breast implants that will enhance her natural features rather than bombard them.

Consider Where Your Implant is Placed

Believe it or not, the area in which your breast implant is placed in your body can make all the difference in their appearance. While an over-the-muscle approach was most common back in the ‘90s and early 2000s, modern techniques allow doctors to place the breast implant under-the-muscle for a more natural-looking appearance. Not only does this enhance the natural look and feel of the breast, but it also prevents visible scarring, drooping and stretching from occurring following surgery.

The Type of Implant Makes a Difference

Unfortunately, not all breast implants are created equal. While saline breast implants are more budget friendly and can be used for younger patients, we always recommend those who seek a more natural look to consider silicone breast implants. These implants have a more natural-feeling texture to them and don’t ripple under the skin the way saline implants tend to.

Choose Your Surgeon Wisely

The most important piece of advice we can give you to get a more natural-looking breast augmentation is to do your research when choosing your plastic surgeon. We highly recommend choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic breast augmentation and breast enhancement, like Dr. Harold Beam. With more than 20 years of extensive training and experience, Dr. Beam can guarantee natural-looking results that enhance your body’s natural features.

To learn more about breast augmentation and how you can get the most natural-looking enhanced breasts, we encourage you to contact us at your convenience. In light of recent events, we are now offering virtual consultations that allow you to get all of your questions answered from the comfort and safety of your very own home.

October 29, 2020November 8, 2023

Why Botox® and Jeuveau™ are the Most Popular Injections

Botox® has long reigned as the king of injectables, but with Jeuveau™ fresh on the scene, it’s now sharing the immense popularity of Botox® injections. These treatments offer similar formulas, similar prices and similar results – so you may need to discuss them with your provider before choosing one over the other. And if you’re not currently considering one of these treatments, let’s take a look at why these treatments are so popular and why you might want to reconsider.

Preventive & Restorative

Botox® and Jeuveau™ are approved for the treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet, with Botox® being approved for a few additional uses. They stand out among the crowd of injectable treatments because they do something that no other injectable can do – prevent signs of aging. These formulas target nerves in the face, blocking nerve signals that cause your facial muscles to contract and form wrinkles. The immediate benefit is that your face is more relaxed and wrinkle-free. But, by decreasing facial muscular activity, they can also prevent wrinkles from worsening, and even forming in the first place.

Quick, Comfortable and Easy

Botox® and Jeuveau™ have the benefits that most injectables offer: they can be administered within minutes, they have minimal side effects and they produce results quickly. This checks a lot of boxes when it comes to the convenience and satisfaction from treatment. Patients love that they can pop in for a quick treatment session, then return to work the next day and achieve results within a week or two. This also makes it incredibly convenient to maintain your results with repeated treatments. Botox® and Jeuveau™ didn’t become this popular by accident!

Almost Anyone Can Benefit

Botox® and Jeuveau™ are versatile treatments that have a proven history of being safe and effective. Most patients are a great fit for these treatments, making them a cornerstone in any anti-aging protocol. If you would like to learn more about these or other injectables, contact us today at Harold E. Beam, MD Plastic Surgery. We’ll help you schedule your initial consultation and get started with these treatments today!

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