What is Preventative Botox?
You’ve probably heard about Botox® Cosmetic and (most likely) have put that treatment option onto your beauty bucket list of things you’ll do in 10 to 15 years. Botox is one of the most popular anti-aging treatments in the world, and it wouldn’t hurt to be equipped with the right tools to smooth out those unwanted lines and wrinkles in the future.
But did you know that Botox can also be used to stop wrinkles in their tracks? It’s called “Preventative Botox” – a now-trendy “tweakment” for stopping the clock on aging.
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is considered one of the country’s foremost experts in facial rejuvenation. Focusing exclusively on the face for more than two decades, he blends art and science with innovation and skill to provide thousands of his Manhattan, New York patients with impeccable results – including smoother and younger skin, courtesy of Botox.
What is Botox?
To better understand how preventative Botox works, you must know what Botox is designed to do. Every time you make a facial expression, a muscle contracts and a crease develops as your skin moves. When the muscle relaxes, the line disappears – these are known as dynamic lines because they are associated with repetitive expressions such as smiling, frowning, and squinting.
Neuromodulators like Botox Cosmetic block nerve impulses from entering the muscle to reduce its activity, and as the muscle relaxes, frown lines, crow’s feet, and other dynamic wrinkles smooth away.
What is Preventative Botox?
Just like it sounds, preventative Botox involves using early Botox injections to prevent the formation of lines and wrinkles. As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure,” and preventative Botox is that ounce of prevention that keeps those wrinkles at bay.
When to Start Botox: How Old Do You Have to be to Get Botox?
If you’re looking for a fixed and definite rule that clearly states when you should exactly start getting Botox – there isn’t one. Although many patients start getting their preventative Botox treatments in their 20s and 30s, there is no exact age recommendation to consider.
Instead of worrying about what age to start Botox, focus on your skin. Once you begin noticing the onset of fine lines and you want to prevent those early fine lines from developing into full-blown wrinkles, preventative Botox can be a good solution. It’s a good idea to see your surgeon to start discussing a preventative Botox regimen that can prevent the deepening of those lines and generally slow down the facial aging process.
Botox is FDA-approved for patients aged 18 and older, and most experts agree that patients in their mid to late 20s and early 30s may benefit from preventative Botox treatments. Each patient is unique and should never feel bound to a specific age to start taking a proactive approach to their skin care.
Why Consider Preventative Botox?
Fine lines are part of the natural aging process, but there is nothing wrong with taking steps to slow down that aging process. Every individual will have different needs and personal goals, which is why we recommend consulting with an expert and seeking treatments that will help you feel more confident. For this reason, Dr. Miller developed the NatraLook® process.
The NatraLook® process is an enriching experience through which patients explore and ultimately boost their confidence by enhancing their appearance. During your NatraLook® consultation, Dr. Miller will discuss your unique needs and goals, as well as work through your personal obstacles to improving your Aesthetic Confidence®. NatraLook® elevates the typical cosmetic procedure experience into a safe, collaborative, and empowering environment where you and Dr. Miller can create a unified vision of your desired results.
Are There Any Risks?
Botox has an excellent safety record for the prevention and treatment of lines and wrinkles. But just like any other procedure, there are possible risks too (especially when performed by inexperienced injectors). In addition to common side effects such as swelling, bruising, dry eyes, and headaches, getting Botox repeatedly over a long period from a young age may lead to atrophy of the muscles. Although rare, patients can also build up resistance to Botox.
When should you start Botox? When you’ve done the research about this neuromodulator, and once you’ve consulted with a reputable and qualified doctor who will guide you every step of the way and provide the best possible results.
Prevent Wrinkles in Manhattan, New York
If you’re interested in staying ahead of the aging process, preventative Botox may be your solution. At Gotham Plastic Surgery, we create custom treatment plans that combine minimally-invasive techniques and advanced technology to help you achieve the best version of yourself. Contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Miller and learn more about our anti-aging treatments.
How To Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon in NYC For You
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is not as simple as doing an online search and finding the nearest doctor who “seems like a good fit” to perform your desired procedure. Nor should you choose one who is the most entertaining on social media. Whether going for a facelift or rhinoplasty procedure, choosing the best plastic surgeon involves plenty of research, consultations, and conversations. After all, you will have to live with the results of your plastic surgery for many years, if not for the rest of your life.
By investing time to do your homework, you’ll be in a better position to choose a surgeon in Manhattan, New York who will deliver beautiful, natural-looking results while safeguarding your health.
Find a Plastic Surgeon Who Specializes in What You Want
Plastic Surgeons vs. Facial Plastic Surgeons
Plastic surgeons are trained in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the entire body, including the face. Their training is more comprehensive, with a less exclusive focus on the face and neck. Facial plastic surgeons, on the other hand, are specifically trained in procedures exclusively for the face and neck. This means facial plastic surgeons have specialized knowledge of the complex anatomy and function of the face and neck, and a deeper understanding that both aesthetics and function are critical to achieving optimal results.
Experience, Expertise at Gotham Plastic Surgery
Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Philip Miller, is considered one of the country’s leading experts in rhinoplasty and facial rejuvenation. He specializes in cosmetic facial procedures and can create custom treatment plans that combine minimally invasive treatments, innovative surgical techniques, and advanced technology to help patients achieve the best version of themselves. He has over 20 years of experience within the facial plastic surgery industry and has performed over 5,000 successful surgeries. His approach combines art and science with skill and innovation to provide thousands of patients in Manhattan, New York with natural-looking results that exceed their goals.
Dr. Miller offers customized treatments using his own patented NatraLook. The NatraLook process ensures patients undergo an enriching experience in which they achieve results that are rewarding in both physical and emotional ways. Procedures Dr. Miller offersinclude:
Rhinoplasty
Facelift
Also known as a rhytidectomy, a facelift is designed to counteract the signs of aging in the mid to lower face and neck, such as wrinkles, deep creases, jowls, loose folds, and fat deposits. During surgery, Dr. Miller tightens muscles and removes excess fat and skin to restore a more youthful and refreshed facial appearance.
Blepharoplasty
Also known as eyelid surgery or an eyelid lift, a blepharoplasty rejuvenates the eye area by removing excess fat and skin from the upper and lower eyelids to improve a puffy, sagging, or tired appearance. The procedure results in a more youthful and refreshed appearance to the eyelids. Dr. Miller can perform blepharoplasty for cosmetic purposes, such as to improve aging symptoms or for functional reasons, such as droopy eyelids that interfere with the patient’s field of vision.
Consider Their Education and Experience
The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) formed a board exclusively dedicated to a cosmetic surgeon’s education, training, and certification – and this is one of the most dependable ways of finding out if a surgeon is properly trained and experienced in cosmetic surgery.
In addition to the surgeon’s education and credentials, experience matters too. The more times a plastic surgeon performs a particular procedure, the better your results will likely be. Experience is what allows a plastic surgeon to prevent or recognize surgical complications should they occur, or develop the aesthetic eye to create pleasing results.
Ask how many patients with your specific concern the plastic surgeon has treated. If you need a specific procedure, ask how many of the procedures the doctor has performed and find out about complication rates (complications the doctor has encountered, as well as your own risk of complications).
Read Patient Reviews & Testimonials
Doing your homework and reading what other people have to say about a surgeon will provide a lot of insight into how a doctor communicates with his patients or how he performs his procedures. Patient reviews can reflect other people’s entire journey –from scheduling appointments and wait times in the office to the hospital environment, staff friendliness, and overall patient care. You can also speak with friends and family that you trust can provide honest opinions.
Take your time and don’t rush the decision-making process. You need to feel 100% comfortable with your surgeon and their support team. As you narrow down your list, call each surgeon’s office to see if he or she is accepting new patients. If so, request an appointment to meet and interview the plastic surgeon.
For something as invasive and life-changing as plastic surgery, choose a surgeon who will not only achieve results based on your unique needs and goals, but someone who can provide the support and care you need before, during, and after your procedure.
Consider the Cost
Cost is another critical factor in selecting the right plastic surgeon for you. Keep in mind that like other things in life, you “get what you pay for,” when it comes to plastic surgery. The cost of cosmetic surgery typically represents the surgeon’s skill and experience, as well as the quality of care you can expect to receive.
Schedule a Consultation at Our New York City Plastic Surgery Clinic
Understanding how to find the right facial plastic surgeon is the first step towards achieving your aesthetic goals, as you embark on your journey towards a more confident you. To learn more, contact Gotham Plastic Surgery. Dr. Miller and the entire team at his plastic surgery clinic look forward to meeting you and discussing the changes you envision for yourself.
Surefire Signs of Plastic Surgery
Patients who undergo facial plastic surgery procedures have a common goal: to achieve a youthful, enhanced look without displaying telltale signs of surgery. Because the most successful plastic surgery outcome is the one that no one else can see.
Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, knows the best, most innovative techniques to produce natural, beautiful results. Dr. Miller specializes in cosmetic facial procedures and is one of the country’s leading experts in rhinoplasty and facial rejuvenation. By creating comprehensive and customized procedure plans and delivering the highest level of care at his plastic surgery clinic in Manhattan, New York, Dr. Miller can help you achieve your aesthetic goals without leaving behind the following clues that you’ve had anything done.
Facelift Tip-Offs
Noticeable Incisions
Visible scars are glaring signs of plastic surgery. Generally, facelift incisions run from the hairline at the temple and continue in front of and behind the ears and extend to the lower scalp. If a surgeon does not strategically position the incisions, that is, if they’re not within the highlights and shadows to blend in on the face, even the thinnest, flattest scar will become conspicuous.
Pixie Ear
When a surgeon secures a facelift only to the skin instead of the ear’s cartilage, and if the skin is pulled too tightly, the earlobes may begin to droop over time, resulting in an elongated look. To learn more about pixie ear, please visit pubmed.gov.
Unnatural Facial Expressions
Have you met someone with a permanently surprised look on their face? Are they showing a severely “pulled” look that prevents them from shifting facial expressions? Especially if they’re over 60 and sporting wide-awake eyes and a windswept look, they most likely underwent a facelift with an inexperienced surgeon.
Rhinoplasty Fizzles
Pollybeak Deformity
When a surgeon does not remove enough cartilage above the nose’s tip or when the tip falls because of lack of support, undesired results in the form of a “pollybeak deformity” can occur. Resembling a parrot’s beak, a pollybeak deformity is characterized by showing an unnatural fullness at the nasal tip.
Over-Rotated Tip
Overrotation of the nasal tip takes place when the surgeon attempts to correct a droopy tip by shaving off cartilage or septum too aggressively which ends up shortening the nose’s length and causing an upturned look.
Bridge Abnormalities
When the surgeon removes a bump incorrectly and the cartilage is not supported, or when they shave off too much dorsum, an inverted-V deformity or scooped-out appearance of the nose on the profile view can occur.
Blepharoplasty Flops
Unnatural Crease Above the Eye
A scar can easily hide within the natural crease on the upper eyelids, but when surgeons misplace the incision, the eyelid’s shape can change, resulting in an asymmetrical and unattractive look.
Lower Lid Hangs Too Low
Lower lid surgery is an extremely delicate procedure where every micro-centimeter counts. Positioning the lower lid incorrectly can dramatically alter the eyes’ shape and make them appear to be different sizes.
Visible Scarring
Eyelid scars are more noticeable when they are depressed, and they typically result from excessive removal of muscle or connective tissue.
Liposuction Fails
Visible Scarring
Liposuction scars are typically 2mm in length and should be barely visible. When significant scarring occurs, it can be due to poor incision placement during the procedure.
Irregular Contours
A successful liposuction procedure should be able to smooth away isolated pockets of fat to form a more desirable shape. Uneven fat removal will result in lumpy, irregular contours.
Sagging Skin
Experienced plastic surgeons should be well aware of the impact the skin elasticity has on overall results. Knowledge of certain liposuction techniques would also help encourage the skin to tighten back up. If a surgeon removes too much fat, performs the procedure on patients who already have loose skin, or does not comply with the weight limit associated with the liposuction procedure, visible laxity may become more pronounced after surgery.
Botox Gone Wrong
Altered Brow Line
When performed incorrectly, Botox Cosmetic injections to the forehead can distort the eyebrows, giving the patient a super arched or “sinister” look. In other cases, a slight miscalculation during the procedure can cause Botox to migrate over to the eyelid muscles, causing a drooping effect. This, however, is uncommon in experienced hands.
Frozen Forehead
The real art of Botox Cosmetic injections lies in making the results subtle. So, when the surgeon incorrectly calculates the dosage and injects too much Botox in the forehead or other areas, the patient can end up with an unnatural appearance or what many describe as the “frozen look.”
Unnatural Facial Expressions
Having a frozen look will result in an expressionless face. And a face that can’t move is unattractive. We want to be able to show how we are feeling, right?
It is crucial to look for a surgeon who has your best interests at heart and won’t continue to add more Botox when you really don’t need it. This is the reason behind Dr. Miller’s NatraLook approach. The process expands the typical procedure experience for patients by creating the opportunity to explore their Aesthetic Confidence® in a supportive and positive environment. By allowing patients to become active participants in their journey, they can create a unified vision of their desired results.
Trust Your Skin to Manhattan’s #1 Plastic Surgery Clinic
By recognizing the telltale signs of plastic surgery, you can better select your surgeon and achieve overall satisfaction with your results. For more than two decades, Dr. Miller has dedicated his career to providing patients with customized treatments with the most advanced techniques. Combining his expertise and skill with an artistic eye, Dr. Miller achieves impeccable results that can be life-changing. To schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Miller’s Manhattan, New York plastic surgery clinic.
Why People Choose Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
Whether it’s the influence of social media, the desire to look younger and boost one’s self-esteem, or the technological advances that make certain procedures less invasive, people are more accepting of cosmetic plastic surgery than ever before. Although most people assume that going under the knife is solely for altering the appearance, there are other benefits to cosmetic plastic surgery.
Philip Miller, MD, FACS, combines minimally-invasive techniques and advanced technology to help patients achieve the best version of themselves. His unique approach to cosmetic plastic surgery addresses both restorative and transformative changes, producing natural-looking results and helping patients achieve Aesthetic Confidence®.
What is Cosmetic Plastic Surgery?
Cosmetic plastic surgery is a specialized area of medicine that focuses on enhancing the appearance with advanced surgical techniques. Plastic surgeons can perform procedures on all areas of the head, neck, and body, and these procedures aim to improve an individual’s self-esteem as well as satisfaction with their new appearance. While they are performed for aesthetic reasons and not for resolving health issues, cosmetic plastic surgery can provide health benefits, too.
Who Should Consider Cosmetic Plastic Surgery?
Whether you should consider cosmetic plastic surgery depends on several factors, including your overall health, the cosmetic issues
you’d like to treat, and your aesthetic goals. Specifically, patients who meet the following criteria may be good candidates for cosmetic plastic surgery:
- Has advanced signs of aging (wrinkling and deep furrowing, sagging skin, etc.)
- Has concerns that cannot be addressed through non-surgical treatments
- Desires permanent results
- Has realistic expectations
- Has time for the recovery process
- Has finances ready to cover the procedure/s
Benefits of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
While surgeons perform cosmetic plastic surgery procedures to improve a patient’s appearance, the aesthetic changes achieved are just one of the benefits it can offer. Its many advantages can be life-changing for certain patients. 
Increased Self-Confidence
When you look good, you feel good. If you are satisfied with your rejuvenated appearance after a facelift, your natural-looking breasts after breast reconstruction surgery, or your more sculpted physique after a body banking procedure, you should feel more positive and confident. More self-confidence means greater willingness to explore new things and improved social interactions.
Improved Physical Health
In addition to improving your appearance, some cosmetic plastic surgery procedures can positively impact your physical health too. For instance, a patient may develop improved breathing and quality of sleep after a functional rhinoplasty or enjoy relief from neck pain associated with having large breasts after a breast reduction procedure. Those who undergo liposuction to eliminate excess fat from the body can also gain the benefit of reduced stress on the joints, improving hip and knee pain.
Long-Term Body Contouring Results
Those who undergo body contouring procedures such as liposuction and tummy tucks may find it more manageable to maintain weight loss after their cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. The satisfaction that you get from your procedure’s positive outcome may help motivate you to live a healthier lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy weight will not only lead to a healthier and leaner-looking body but also a reduced risk for certain weight-related illnesses.
Common Cosmetic Plastic Surgeries
Cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are more popular than ever in the United States. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Americans underwent more than 18.1 million cosmetic surgical procedures in 2019 to enhance their appearance. Listed below are some of the popular cosmetic plastic surgeries in the country, which are all offered at our plastic surgery clinic in Manhattan:
- Blepharoplasty – This surgery removes excess or sagging skin that impairs vision or contributes to an aged appearance. Dr. Miller performs a lower eyelid procedure to alleviate persistent under-eye bags or an upper eyelid surgery to create an “eye lift” by removing extra skin and fat, and tightening loose muscle that causes the eyelids to droop. The result is a refreshed and more alert appearance.
- Rhinoplasty – Commonly known as a “nose job,” this procedure reshapes the nose to make it fit more harmoniously with the rest of the face. Dr. Miller is considered one of the country’s foremost experts in rhinoplasty and can create a customized result for you.
- Rhytidectomy – Popularly known as a facelift, this surgical procedure corrects signs of aging such as wrinkles and sagging skin to restore a youthful, fresh-faced appearance. It also enhances the jawline and improves facial contours. Dr. Miller commonly performs neck lifts in conjunction with facelifts.
- Forehead lift – Also known as a “brow lift,” this procedure pulls the skin of the forehead tighter to reduce wrinkles, smooth creases, correct “hooded” eyelids, improve frown lines, and give the eyebrows a lift. The eyebrows’ new, elevated position gives the face a more alert, energetic, and youthful look.
No matter what procedure you select, Dr. Miller will take you through the NatraLook® process, which evaluates and expands the typical cosmetic plastic surgery experience into a safe, un-intimidating opportunity to nurture your Aesthetic Confidence®. It provides a reassuring, supportive, and positive environment where you can discuss and work through your personal obstacles and goals, resulting in a clear, Unified Vision® for enhancing the new you.
Seek the Best Plastic Surgery Clinic in Manhattan For Your Cosmetic Procedures
Cosmetic plastic surgery procedures can make a big impact on the way you see yourself and ultimately, the way you live. Dr. Miller provides innovative and comprehensive treatment plans in a state-of-the-art facility, yielding natural-looking results that may exceed your unique aesthetic goals. To learn more about our cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, contact our plastic surgery clinic today.
Why Winter Is the Perfect Time for Cosmetic Surgery
You look forward to winter every year because of winter holidays, winter vacations, and a light winter workload. It’s the perfect time for cosmetic surgery.
If you’ve been considering plastic surgery, but think your busy schedule won’t allow it, think again. Both the wanted and unwanted changes that harsh weather brings make it easier for you to transform your look in time for spring. At Gotham Plastic Surgery in New York City, our expert surgeon Dr. Philip Miller breaks down how you can turn the plunging temperature to your advantage:
Keeping your face covered from the cold
Winter winds force you to protect your face with a scarf that reaches to the top of your nose, a beanie that covers your brows, and wind-blocking shades. In other words, you’re wearing the perfect disguise to hide your facelift, blepharoplasty, or rhinoplasty bandages while checking out the shops along the High Line. To completely rejuvenate your look, add in a neck lift, too. To learn more about cosmetic surgery procedures visit healthfinder.gov
There’s barely any sun
Gray, mushy days may dampen your mood but they also make it easier to avoid the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays. After laser skin resurfacing, or any facial plastic surgery, protecting your skin is paramount. It’s easier to stay out of the sun when you’re already limiting your time outdoors to mad dashes from your office to a cab. But don’t forget: you need to wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 no matter how gloomy it looks outside.
You’ll look like you had a really, really great vacation
When you come back from winter break with a fresh new look at a company picnic next spring, no one will guess your secret. At Gotham Plastic Surgery, we pride themselves on results that make you look dramatically better and yet perfectly natural. You won’t look like you spent your holidays recovering from plastic surgery, you’ll look like you spent them at an exclusive spa on a private Caribbean island, doing intense cleanses, Qigong, and tantric meditations.
Schedule a consultation at our Manhattan, New York office
Turn the gloom of winter to your advantage by getting the look you want for spring. Schedule a consultation today.