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Latest Technology in Plastic Surgery

The world of plastic surgery is changing quickly, with technological advances in both surgical equipment and techniques. Newer techniques including laser-assisted and endoscopic surgery allow for surgery that is safer and more effective, with less trauma and less recovery time for the patient.
Q & A with Will Kirby, DO, FACOS

I recently had the opportunity to speak with well-known laser tattoo removal expert, Dr. Will Kirby. Dr. Kirby is a board certified dermatologist and aesthetic surgeon, and is medical director of the Los Angeles-based “Dr TATTOFF” laser tattoo removal practice and medical spa. He also happens to be one of the stars of the E! network's hit series, Dr. 90210. Here I pick Dr. Kirby’s brain …

What Kinds of Tattoos Are Hardest to Remove?
Yes, some tattoos are harder to remove than others. The variables that determine the answer to this question include the age of the tattoo, the type of tattoo (amateur, professional, or cosmetic) the color(s) of the tattoo, the location of the tattoo on the body, and the skin color and type of the patient.
How Long Should I Wait Between Laser Tattoo Removal Sessions?
How much time is needed between sessions when undergoing laser tattoo removal? The answer may surprise you, especially when you find out that it is not actually the laser itself that removes the ink. The laser simply breaks up the ink into tiny fragments which are then able to be removed by your own immune system. This process takes time, so be patient.
How Many Sessions Will it Take to Remove My Tattoo?
Laser tattoo removal is not like a magic wand to get rid of unwanted ink. Almost all tattoos require multiple sessions for removal. How many times will you need to go under the laser? The answer is not that simple.
Will Laser Tattoo Removal Remove My Tattoo Completely?
Laser tattoo removal is the most widely used method of removing tattoos. But will your old tattoo be completely gone after you go under the laser?
Can Permanent Makeup Be Removed?
Removing permanent makeup, also known as cosmetic tattooing or micropigmentation, is tricky. Because of the colors used and their placement on the face, removing these cosmetic tattoos presents increased risk and liability which may cause many doctors to shy away from attempting removal.
I Am Dark-Skinned. Will Laser Tattoo Removal Work on Me?
Advances in laser technology have made it possible for darker-skinned people to have their unwanted tattoos removed this way. However, there are some challenges, including increased risks of keloids and hyperpigmentation.
How Do Other Tattoo Removal Methods Differ From Laser Tattoo Removal?
Laser tattoo removal has all but replaced all other methods of tattoo removal, due to its record on safety and effectiveness. However, although laser tattoo removal has become the gold standard, there are still some other methods in use.
Is Laser Tattoo Removal Painful?
How painful is laser tattoo removal? It depends on your personal tolerance for pain and whether or not you opt for some form of anesthesia during your procedure.
Are There Some Ink Colors That Can’t Be Removed?
When it comes to laser tattoo removal, beware of some of the newer, ultra-vibrant inks, which are troublesome and may not be able to be removed. But these fluorescent tattoo ink colors aren't the only ones that pose a problem for removal.
Laser Tattoo Removal - What You Need to Know
Thanks to laser tattoo removal, tattoos no longer have to be a life sentence. Laser tattoo removal is becoming one of the most popular cosmetic laser procedures. While getting a tattoo should still be considered a permanent commitment, cosmetic laser technology has now made it possible to rid yourself of your old boyfriend's name which you so naively had inked on your lower back. Learn more about laser tattoo removal and how it can help you say goodbye to your old ink.
Meet REX - A Longer-Lasting Alternative to Botox
There is a new Botox alternative for people who want to reduce or eliminate frown lines. It is called Relaxed Expressions (REX for short) and its wrinkle smoothing effects last up to 18 months. Formerly known as GFX or NoTox, this radiofrequency based procedure is not yet widely available, but is gaining popularity as an alternative to Botox.
Can a Laser Really Get Rid of My Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are a fact of life, and everyone who has them asks, "how can I get rid of my stretch marks?" With the rise of cosmetic laser procedures, many are hopeful that laser treatments such as skin resurfacing will be able to remove stretch marks.
Cosmetic Laser Procedures - Decoding Laser-Speak
Cosmetic laser procedures are performed using a wide variety of different types of lasers to address a wide variety of cosmetic skin concerns, which include skin tightening, skin resurfacing and more.
Nonlaser Cosmetic Procedures
Not all cosmetic "laser" procedures are what they seem, because many of the procedures we think of, when speaking of laser procedures, don't really use lasers at all, although they seek to achieve the same results as similar laser-based procedures. These procedures include light-based treatments, such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) photofacials, LED photorejuvenation and Titan infrared skin tightening, as well as non-light-based procedures, such as Thermage, which is based on radio frequency.
Rejuveskin: A Surgical Answer for Cellulite?
Nine out of ten women suffer with cellulite. If you're one of them, it could be worth learning more about a new cosmetic surgical procedure, called Rejuveskin, which has shown impressive initial results in the war on cellulite.
A Non-Surgical Face Lift?
Learn about non-surgical, non-invasive procedures which tighten and lift sagging skin. These procedures include Thermage, Thermacool, Titan. Lux-IR, Aluma, and others, and employ radiofrequency, laser, or infrared to promote tightening of lax or sagging skin on the face, neck, jaw line, upper arm, abdomen, thighs, or other body parts.
Safety Tips for Laser and Light Based Procedures
The American Society for Laser Medicine and Sugery offers saftey tips for patients considering cosmetic laser and light-based device procedures.
Plasma Skin Resurfacing
Plasma skin resurfacing represents the very latest in anti-aging technology. This technology brief, provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, will give you an overview of one of the newest procedures designed to make you look younger.
Rejuveskin Before & After Photos
View this photo gallery hosted by the official website for Rejuveskin, and view before and after photos of women who have undergone this surgical cellulite reduction procedure.
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