Tips on How to Cover up Appearance & Minimalize Effects of Melasma

Tips on How to Cover up Appearance & Minimalize Effects of Melasma

If you have been diagnosed with Melasma through one or more tests, it’s important not to ignore the problem any longer because it can only be effectively treated by addressing its underlying cause and not just covering up the physical aspect of this condition. Here are some simple tips on what steps may help minimize the negative impact of Melasma on your life:

Tip One: avoid wearing dark makeup. Try to keep it light and try not to use a lot of hard makeup on the affected areas.

Tip Two: try using concealer or foundation over the affected area instead of simply applying powder to it. This will hide the affected area a little bit and you can easily cover it with a little light makeup.

Tip Three: wear sunscreen every day, even during winter months when sun exposure is minimal; Melasma can only be effectively treated by addressing its underlying cause and not just covering up the physical aspect of the problem. Also wear sunscreen every day regardless of where in the world you live.

“You might be wondering how products differ from one another on the market today. Keep in mind that there are many different brands offering various formulations for sun protection to choose from based on your personal needs.”

Tip Four: ask your doctor about using topical or oral medication to control the pigment; these are safe and effective treatments with few side effects, but they may not be suitable for everyone.

Tip Five: try minimizing stress levels by finding an activity you enjoy doing that takes up a lot of time in order to reduce the amount of time spent worrying or stressing out.

Tip Six: Look for special ingredients in the skincare products you buy, especially if they are expensive. You don’t want to buy products that cost a hefty amount and then you can’t even use them.

Tip Seven: try to find a skin-care regimen that is specifically designed for melasma sufferers. There are many products on the market that can help to minimize brown patches and even skin tone.

Tip Eight: Avoid the use of certain cosmetics as they can cause irritation which may lead to increased redness or sensitivity around the affected area. Always check the product description and ingredients before buying it. We might even go further to suggest that ask your doctor before purchasing high end products. Additionally, if you’re looking for something more affordable than some high-end brand names offer, then it’s worth checking out any review sites carefully before making an investment in this area

Bottom Line

Melasma is a disease that one has to really learn how to live with. There’s no cure, but there are ways you can treat it so the symptoms don’t get worse and your skin doesn’t look as bad. Dr. Jim Brantner specializes in treating melasma at his clinic in Tennessee and he would be happy to answer any of your questions about what treatments might work best for you or if surgery may be an option for you. Get in touch today!

What is Rhinoplasty? Types of Nose Surgery

What is Rhinoplasty? Types of Nose Surgery

Before we get into what rhinoplasty is, and the different types of surgery that can be done, let’s talk about why people are so interested in it. There are many reasons why someone may want to go through with this type of procedure; some people have breathing problems due to their nose being too large for their face shape or because they have a deviated septum. Others might not like the appearance of their nose and feel that it makes them unattractive. Whatever your reason may be, there’s no denying that rhinoplasty is an amazing way to help you feel more confident!

Happiness is a state of mind that many people are striving to attain. Some believe that happiness comes from their career or the relationships they have in life, while others say it’s about being healthy and happy with your appearance. For some individuals who feel like rhinoplasty procedures will help them achieve this happiness, there are plenty of beneficial reasons for doing so! The following information breaks down what type of procedure would be best for someone who wants to go through with nose surgery, as well as why these surgeries can bring on a more positive outlook in life.

Nose Surgery Types

It is important to understand the different types of nose surgery procedures when deciding which one would be best for you, as well as what it offers in terms of benefits.  The following list includes some common rhinoplasty surgeries that are available:

Rhinoplasties

This type of procedure can alter or change the shape and size of your nose by either reducing its width or increasing its height. If a person has an overly large or wide nose, this may be best suited for them so they can feel more confident about their new look!

Septorhinoplasties

This type-specific procedure changes how far apart your nostrils are on your face through reduction techniques such as cutting out excess skin from inside the nasal cavities. This usually helps out cosmetically and for people who have some breathing problems.

Open Rhinoplasty

The plastic surgeon makes incisions on the skin and cartilage to reshape your nose. Once the surgeon has full access to the nasal structure, he/she can reshape it. The approach allows room for very extensive surgery without having visible scars.

Closed Rhinoplasty

In this case, the incision is made from within and there is little scarring. Procedures such as nose jobs are carried out for minor adjustments with minimal complications like bleeding and bruising.

Secondary Rhinoplasty

If certain procedures may not have produced the desired results. A revision, also known as secondary rhinoplasty, might be necessary to achieve your goals. The process could either be open or close depending on what you’re trying to change.

Conclusion

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that can be done to improve the look of your nose. It all depends on what you want and need, but there are many types of rhinoplasties available for people with different needs. If you’ve been considering getting this surgery or if it sounds like something you might want in the future, get in touch with Dr. Jim Brantner at his office today! He’ll answer any questions and concerns about rhinoplasty so that by the time we talk again, you’re ready to make an informed decision about whether or not this is right for you.

Off-Label Botox Treatments: Why You Should Be Careful

Off-Label Botox Treatments: Why You Should Be Careful

A lot of people are aware that Botox is used for medical purposes and to eliminate wrinkles. What many people don’t know is that there are also off-label uses for Botox, including using it as a treatment for migraines and chronic pain. While these treatments may seem like a good option at first glance, they have been found to be unsafe in the past. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the risks associated with using off-label Botox treatments and why you should be careful about them before choosing to do so.


Off-label Botox treatments are not FDA approved. This is one of the biggest risks associated with off-label treatment because it means there has been insufficient testing on human beings to determine how safe they may or may not be, and that no information about their efficacy can be found. The most common adverse reactions reported in clinical trials for Botox are rashes, allergic reactions, and temporary muscle weakness.

A Shady Area In Terms Of Research

In the past, off-label Botox treatments have been found to be unsafe because of adverse reactions that come from them: for example, in 2009 a study was done with women who were given an injection of botulinum toxin type A (off label) on their glabellar frown muscles. These led to some very adverse side effects, such as blurred vision, difficulty opening the mouth because of drooping eyelids, and muscle weakness.

The main thing you should take out of this is that because off-label Botox treatments have not undergone scientific testing, the safety cannot be determined.

You Must Stay Vigilant

Also, it’s important to note that even when these treatments are applied by a qualified physician who has given informed consent (such as with cosmetic surgery) and they state on their website or in conversation that all procedures will be performed by an experienced professional, you should still do your research before being injected with anything.


A common misconception about Botox is its use as a treatment for migraines; however, there hasn’t been any conclusive evidence found yet connecting the two. There also isn’t enough information available at this time to say whether or not it would help relieve chronic headaches caused by other reasons such as sinus.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that when you’re considering off-label botox treatments or any other medical treatment for a different use than what it was tested for in clinical trials, you should be very careful about making sure that the procedure you’re going to have done has undergone rigorous testing and studies proving safety and will be performed by an experienced professional, you should still do your research before being injected with anything.


If you really want to get a botox procedure done, contact our team of highly skilled plastic surgeons at Jim Brantner M.D. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. A board-certified plastic surgeon with 34 years of experience, Dr. Brantner understands the importance of personalizing your care and setting realistic expectations for the procedure.


You can contact our Johnson City, TN office by calling 423-328-9000 or filling out the form on our website to learn more about procedures from Botox® treatments (off label) to life-changing breast augmentations or facelifts.

Answering the Question “Am I a Good Candidate For an Arm Lift?”

Answering the Question “Am I a Good Candidate For an Arm Lift?”

Few people are totally happy with their looks. While it’s natural to be overly self-critical, occasionally there’s something that could easily be fixed to improve a person’s appearance. Sagging arms are one of those somethings, and a brachioplasty—more commonly known as an arm lift—is the solution.

Why Arm Skin Sags

As we age, the flesh on our arms becomes looser. Genetics means some people’s skin stays tighter longer than others. Sagging skin can be made worse by weight gain, and, sadly, by weight loss.

Loose skin and excessive fat make people self-conscious about showing their arms. The good news is plastic surgeons can remove excess skin and fat from men’s and women’s arms and use body contouring procedures to restore a youthful appearance.

Arm Lift Surgery Basics

If you are wondering whether you are a good candidate for an arm lift, the answer is probably yes. As with any surgery, good health is important and the doctor will check this thoroughly before declaring you suitable for arm lift surgery.

Problems and Solutions

There are a few problems that make people unhappy with their arms, and each has a solution.

  • Very large upper arms with badly sagging skin. This can be the result of several factors, including the natural aging process, weight gain, and weight loss. A full arm lift can greatly reduce the arm’s dimensions and tighten the skin, making it look youthful again. An incision is made along the inner arm where it will not be noticeable.
  • Upper arms that are moderately large with only slightly sagging skin. These are normally caused by a small amount of surplus fat and can be treated using liposuction—an easy procedure that leaves very little scarring. Body contouring is also useful for this condition.
  • Loose skin at the top of the arm and armpit. A mini arm lift can solve this problem. In this case, the incision is hidden within the armpit.
  • Asymmetrical upper arms. This can be corrected by arm lift surgery, sometimes with liposuction.

How Long Do The Effects of Surgery Last?

Patients who maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle and whose weight remains stable can expect the effects of their arm lift to last a long time. Patients will, however, continue to age, so, depending on genetics, signs of this will show on their arms eventually.

Take the First Step to Beautiful Arms Today!

If you want to improve the appearance of your arms, look no further than Jim Brantner M.D. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery of Johnson City, TN. With over 30 years of experience in the tri-state area, Dr. Brantner and his first-rate plastic surgery team can help you reach your goals.

Call (423) 328-9000 today, to schedule a consultation.