TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR DARKENED ACNE SCARS

For some individuals, the healing of acne scars can turn into a whole new skin issue -- darkened acne scars. Acne inflammation can lead to a deposit of pigment in response to the skin’s healing process which may result in hyper-pigmented areas of the skin to be revealed through the skin. To address this issue, the treatment is two-fold.

1. The use of broad band Light (BBL), also called an IPL laser, reduces the present pigmentation and reduces the chance of future pigmentation problems.

2. Over time, the pigmentation problem may recur. In such cases, I recommend using a maintenance topical, skin bleaching cream such as hydroquinone.

These treatments will effectively lessen the effects of acne scars. However, in order to obtain the best results, always wear sun protection as excessive unprotected sun exposure will allow for hyper-pigmentation to worsen.

Call us at the Rucker MD Plastic Surgery Clinic for a consultation at 800.456.8222 and visit our website at www.ruckermd.com. Our staff is happy to help.

THE ADVANTAGES OF THE RUCKER MD IN-HOUSE SURGERY SUITE AND RECOVERY CENTER.

Avoid expensive hospital facility charges. You can save money just by scheduling your surgery at the Rucker MD Plastic Surgery Clinic since you don't have to cover the hospital facility charges.

Rest assured. Your surgery will have a full staff of Dr. Rucker, an Anesthesiologist, two surgical technicians, nurse, and recovery nurse at your side.

Enjoy extra privacy.You can trust our small staff and know that your appointment will be secret. Our back door entrance and exit make it easy for a discreet visit with us.

30+ years of experience. Plastic surgery is no small deal. Trust your body in the hands of a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 40 years of experience.

Call us for a consultation at 800.456.8222 and visit our website at www.ruckermd.com.

Doctor, do I need a breast lift with my augmentation? And what is the difference between silicone and saline?

It’s hard to give the best answer without the benefit of an examination, however, there are three general complaints you may have that will indicate whether you need a breast lift with your breast augmentation.
Three good indicators are:

• You feel you have lost fullness on the upper portion of your breasts
• You feel a push-up bra is a necessity
• You feel going braless is not an option

Before.

After.

A good at-home test to decide whether a lift is right for you is to place your index finger beneath the fold of your breast and point upwards toward your nipple.  If your finger tip protrudes over the upper portion of your areola or above it, then a lift is probably needed, however, a detailed examination by your plastic surgeon is recommended.

If a lift is needed, but not done with your augmentation, your breast sagging may appear more pronounced after your breast augmentation procedure. In my experience, 75% of my patients that opted for a breast lift also chose a breast augmentation. A breast augmentation and breast lift combination may be the best option for you if your goals include any of the following:

• Regaining a "perky”  look
• Improving your cleavage
• Being  able to go braless

Your next decision may be choosing between a saline versus a silicone implant. I personally believe that current saline and traditional gel-filled implants will be obsolete in the near future.  I use the Sientra  “Gummy Bear” implant.  The benefits of this new implant option include a natural feel, less complications in the event of rupture and a probable less chance of scarring around implant. See video for more details. Choose wisely.

“Some people think that women with perky, well-formed breasts are stupid. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. Women with perky breasts make men stupid.”

To schedule a consultation, call us at 800.456.8222 and visit our website www.ruckermd.com 

5 FACELIFT FACTORS TO CONSIDER.

1. Sunken Eyes. Gravity begins to pull the fat under the eyes down, which results in a sunken appearance. Typically a blepharoplasty is addressed at the time of the facelift.

2. Loss of Volume. A loss of fat in the face results in droopiness. Volume can be restored through injectibles, fillers, fat, or a combination during or after your facelift.

3. Wrinkly Skin. Various factors over time can cause the skin to age and wrinkle. Think sun exposure, pollution and free-radical damage.

4. Deep Folds in Skin. This is due to the bone density changing over time. Excess skin is removed and remaining skin is pulled back.

5. A Saggy Jawline. As time goes on, bones become less dense and gravity begins to wear on the skin. Eventually, only surgery can correct and tighten the jawline.

For the full article, check out our latest issue of Profiles magazine. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Rucker, call the office at 715.833.2116. Our staff is always happy to assist!

TYPES OF FACELIFTS

Lower (Standard)
Tightens the lower face’s underlying structures that slacken with age. Also trims excess skin, smoothing it to eliminate facial creases, and giving a visual lift to the bottom third of the face.

Mid-Facelift
As people age, the cheeks and eyelids tend to sag. This procedure restores a youthful, rested look to the lower eyelids and cheeks.

The Mini “Weekend” 
Performed quickly with a shorter recovery period, the procedure enhances key facial areas. However, the “weekend facelift” is a minor surgical procedure. Results are much less impressive than a standard facelift.

Thread Facelift
A less invasive approach that has come under criticism for not producing the results as promoted. I do not offer this technique because of the questionable level of improvement.

For the full article, check out the latest issue of Profiles. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Rucker, call the office at 715.833.2116. Our staff is always happy to assist!

PROFILES IS OUT.

The Fall/Winter issue of Profiles is out! Pick your complimentary copy up at the Rucker MD Plastic Surgery Clinic, the Enza Medispa or grab one of these upcoming newspapers:

• Leader Telegram: Saturday, October 5th.
• Pioneer Press: Wednesday, October 9th.

This issue's topics include:

• Functional vs. Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
• 5 Facelift Factors to Consider.
• Dr. Rucker in Arizona Sports and Lifestyle Magazine.
• Your 5 Minute "Anywhere Workout" by Lori Heck.
• Do you need a Facelift?

For your free copy, email us at info@ruckermd.com or call the office at 715.833.2116. Our staff is always happy to assist!