Latest blogs, news, specials, and updates on the different laser and aesthetic procedures of Dr. Darm's Aesthetic Medicine in Portland, OR. BBB Business Accredited Rated A+.
It is said that a true lady never reveals her age,
whether by hiding her driver's license or constantly threatening the
people who witnessed her birth. Preserve secrets with this Groupon.
Perlane and Restylane may be used to plump the lips, cheeks, or
nasolabial folds (laugh lines). The effects of treatment typically last
six months to a year for areas around the mouth and three months when
used on the lips.
Few people own a trademark. Dr. Jerry Darm of Aesthetic Medicine owns three. He pioneered the trademark procedures of LaserLift and LipoLift,
which use noninvasive and minimally invasive techniques, respectively,
to smooth fine lines and banish excess fat. Most recently, Dr. Darm
added a third trademarked treatment: MiniLift.
His accomplishments have led to invitations from aesthetic medical
professionals around the world—Dr. Darm will soon embark on a 14-day
trip to China to speak about his treatments at conferences in several
cities.
The LaserLift procedure reverses damage caused by
exposure to the sun, free radicals, and gravity malfunctions by
regenerating collagen and tightening the skin with laser wavelengths.
LipoLift destroys fat with a laser that melts fat cells through a small
incision and allows them to be removed more gently than with traditional
liposuction. The MiniLift is performed only by a board-certified
plastic surgeon and is available only at Aesthetic Medicine. In the new
Lake Oswego location that boasts more than 14,000 square feet, Dr. Darm
helps patients feel beautiful in other ways, including combating spider
veins with laser therapy or sclerotherapy and keeping wrinkles at bay
with injectable fillers. The center's weight-loss program
helps patients shed pounds under the guidance of medical specialists
and dieticians. Additionally, Dr. Darm and Aesthetic Medicine are proud
supporters of the Oregon Humane Society.
Dr. Jerry Darm, of Aesthetic Medicine, along with patient Pam Hurley, joined us today to explain how the MiniLift™ can take 10 years off of your appearance.
MiniLift™ is a revolutionary facial procedure* designed to take years off your appearance. MiniLift™ tightens the skin eliminating wrinkles and lines to give you the younger healthier look you deserve.
As people age, the effects of gravity, sun exposure, pollution, smoking and stresses of daily life can be seen in their faces. Deep creases form between the nose and mouth; the jaw lines grow slack and jowly; and folds and fat deposits appear around the neck.
A facelift can’t stop this aging process but it can “set back the clock,” by improving the most visible signs of aging. This is accomplished by removing excess fat, tightening the underlying muscles, and then re-draping the skin. A facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, nose reshaping, LipoFill™, etc.
The technique has evolved from simple tightening of the skin, to tightening and re-positioning of deeper structures like muscle and connective tissues, whereby the skin “comes along for the ride.” This “deep plane” or “composite” facelift is considered by many to be the best procedure to create a natural look (not “windblown”) and its’ effects last longer. The goal is to achieve a natural “you look great” appearance, rather than, “I see you had a facelift.”
Deep folds alongside the nose, sagging skin, and jowls may be present at any age. Candidates for facelift procedures can be as young as twenty and my oldest patient was a healthy eighty-four year old.
Aging does not stop with surgery but “turning back the clock” can delay its’ appearance. The length of time, these improvements will last, depends on genetics, habits, and skin protection.
Facelifts are very individualized procedures. In your initial consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your face, including the skin and underlying bone. It is important to discuss what goals you wish to achieve from surgery.
Certain medical conditions may cause problems during or after surgery. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, or the tendency to form excessive scars are some examples. Be sure to tell the surgeon if you smoke, take any drugs or medications, especially aspirin, or other drugs that affect clotting.
The surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery and to stop or avoid certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help surgery go smoothly. If you smoke, it’s especially helpful to stop at least a week or two before and after surgery, if possible. Smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin, and can interfere with the healing of your incision areas.
A facelift usually takes 2.5 hours under conscious sedation anesthesia although it can be longer if you’re having more than one procedure done. General anesthesia is not necessary.
Incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temples; extend in a natural line hidden just inside the cartilage at the front of the ear (for men the incision would be outside the ear), and continue behind the ear to the scalp. If the Necklift is included, a small incision may also be made under the chin.
In the vast majority of cases it is not necessary to use a general anesthesia. We use a conscious sedation (a type of twilight sedation) whereby you are up and ready to go home after your procedure.
There usually isn’t significant discomfort after surgery. If there is, it can be lessened with the pain medication prescribed by the surgeon. Severe or persistent pain or sudden swelling of your face should be reported to the surgeon immediately. Some numbness of the skin is quite normal and it should disappear within a few weeks or months.
You will be instructed to keep your head elevated and decrease your activity level for a couple of days after surgery, to keep the swelling to a minimum.
Bandages will be removed after two days and showering is possible. Don’t be surprised at the pale, bruised and puffy face you see. Just keep in mind that in a few weeks you will be looking normal.
You should be up and about in a day or two, but plan on taking it easy for the first week after surgery. The risk of bleeding under the skin, requiring a return visit to the operating room to treat the hematoma (blood collection) is at the highest during the first week. Since there is little pain and boredom sets in, you must resist the temptation to be too active!
The surgeon will give more specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities. They’re likely to include these suggestions: avoid driving a car for 1 week and strenuous activity, including sex and heavy housework, for at least two weeks. Avoid steam baths and saunas for several months. Above all, get plenty of rest and allow your body to spend its energy on healing.
At the beginning, your features may be distorted from the swelling and your facial movements may be slightly stiff. Some bruising may persist for two or three weeks, and you may tire easily.
By the third week, you’ll look and feel much better. Most patients are back to work within ten days to two weeks after surgery. Any bruising that remains may be covered by special camouflage makeup.
To learn more about the MiniLift, visit DrDarm.com or call 503-697-9777 to schedule a free consultation.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is the removal of loose, excess skin and
fat of the lower abdomen. The "tummy tuck” is frequently performed after
the completion of pregnancies. Following childbirth, the stretched skin
and muscle rarely returns completely back to normal. Skin may hang,
abdominal muscles may be slack and provide less back support, and
neither can be improved by exercise. Stretch marks are removed, only
where the skin is excised. Any remaining stretch marks may be diminished
with laser treatments.
Other patients, who have excess skin as the result from weight-loss
surgery, or diet and exercise, can benefit from removing the “apron of
skin.”
For those who have a lesser degree of lower abdominal skin and fat,
but are not candidates for liposuction alone, or a full Abdominoplasty,
the LipoLift™ is available and very effective.
The “mini-abdominoplasty” excises the skin and fat below the
umbilicus (belly-button). It requires a smaller incision and allows for a
rapid recovery (frequently, less than one week). Another approach uses a
small vertical incision above the pubic hairline. The approach that is
used is tailored to fit with the patient’s needs and desires.
These procedures are performed as an outpatient - discomfort is
minimal; patients are encouraged to avoid prolonged bed rest. Incisions
are tailored so they may be concealed by clothing or swimwear. You’re
encouraged to bring a favorite swim suit on the morning of surgery to
assist in the placement of incisions. Normal activities can be resumed a
week or two after surgery.
In the vast majority of cases it is not necessary to use general
anesthesia. We use conscious sedation (a type of twilight sedation)
whereby you are up and ready to go home after your procedure.
You’re likely to feel tired and sore for a few days, but you’ll be
expected to be up and about within twenty-four hours. Most of your
discomfort will be controlled by the medication prescribed. Your scars
will be firm and pink, for at least six weeks, but after several months
of healing, they will begin to fade.
For four days following surgery, you are encouraged to be out of bed,
but remain housebound. By the end of the first week, you will be able
to drive a car short distances and do light activities, and depending on
the level of activity required to do your job, you should be able to
return to work. After two weeks, you can do everything but strenuous
activity. Aerobic exercise can usually begin between four to six weeks
after surgery.
Thank You for Dashing!
On Saturday, May 11, thousands of people and dogs enjoyed another successful Doggie Dash at Waterfront Park! The Oregon Humane Society are still tallying the final overall fundraising total - stay tuned for an update. It's not too late to donate to help us reach our goal!
Photo Booth Photos Available
Did you (and possibly your pooch) get your photo taken at our PEMCO Insurance Photo Booth on Saturday? All photo booth photos are now online: see them and order prints, t-shirts, mugs and more here. Additional event photos also available: portraits by our roving photographers, starting line pics, canine contest candid shots, and more.
LipoFill™ has many names like fat transfer, micro-lipoinjection, fat rejuvenation, etc. But facial fat grafting is a word that combines all of them. To decide whether this surgery is for you, learn some facts about facial face grafting and view some Before and After pictures on www.drdarm.com to see the results.
Your surgeon will take fat from one area of your body and remove it adding to the depressed areas of your face, where there is a need for some extra fat to be implanted. Very often the potential areas are the lips and places where wrinkles may form (nasolabial folds, marionette lines, chin, cheeks, areas around your eyes). Another purpose of this procedure is not only to rejuvenate the aging look of a patient’s face, but to also enhance an existing positive structure. The fat is a kind of material that has incredible characteristics for filling. Moreover, it is something that is taken from the same patient and works like a filler for the same person. In this case facial fat grafting , harmoniously using your natural product, becomes a truly unique procedure. The longevity of the result is potentially much longer than other fillers.
Frequently asked Questions:
Q - Where is the procedure performed?
A - In our surgical suite, directly across the hall from our main office.
Q - How long does the procedure take?
A - The procedure takes about an hour . We do request that you have a ride home.
Q - What is the downtime?
A - You may want to consider a long weekend to contend with any bruising or swelling. We will provide you with a list of medications to avoid prior to the procedure to minimize bruising.
Q - What is the preparation for the LipoFill?
A - We will perform a brief History and Physical in our office. You will come in fasting the morning of the procedure.
Q - What is the after care?
A - After the procedure the pain is minimal if at all. Ibuprofen may be used for pain if needed. You will be instructed to use ice . Recheck appointments are within the first week and after 6 weeks. You will be instructed to use ice at home.
For more information, please call us at (503) 697 9777 to schedule your free consultation or go to DrDarm.com
Dr. Jerry Darm of Aesthetic Medicine in Lake Oswego, Oregon is back from his trip in China. He was invited by members of the Chinese medical community to speak at a conference of medical professionals in Beijing, China and has participated in a series of conferences and speaking engagements at several hospitals and medical facilities located throughout China regarding the growing demand for cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures throughout Asia and the Far East. The 14-day trip is part of an on-going exchange program between North American and Chinese medical professionals to collaborate on emerging technology and medical innovations. Over the past 25 years, social and economic reforms have had tremendous success throughout China. As a result, the demand for high-quality healthcare in China continues to rise with more Chinese citizens interested in aesthetic and cosmetic medical procedures. Dr. Darm was asked to participate and share his insights about the growing popularity of plastic and cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Jerry Darm of Aesthetic Medicine joined us today to share how Aesthetic Medicine's LipoLift can improve the looks of a sagging chin or jawline to give you a more youthful appearance!
If you're thinking about summer's flirty clothes already and dreading the idea of baring your jiggly arms or legs, Dr. Darm of Aesthetic Medicine told us about non-invasive LipoLift and how it can reshape and resize you in time for those sundresses!
LipoLift is the trademark procedure by Dr. Darm at Aesthetic Medicine for treating unwanted fat using FDA approved laser.
What
makes us unique is that we perform a full history and physical, EKG,
and blood work to insure that you are a good candidate for this
procedure. After the procedure a physician will handle all of your
schedule follow up care. Our physician has successfully performed over 3000 of these procedures.
LipoLift is even more reliable, efficient, and now more affordable than ever with payments as low as $84 per month (*approved financing).
About Dr. Darm
Dr. Darm is the Medical Director of Aesthetic Medicine in Portland,
Oregon area. The new state-of-the-art medical and plastic surgery center
is Institute for Medical Quality (IMQ) accredited facility. Becoming
accredited is a significant accomplishment and demonstrates dedication
to improving patient care. Aesthetic Medicine is also a member of
American Society of Laser Medicine & Surgery, Ambulatory Surgery
Center Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Certified ACLS
for Medical Training Courses, and BBB Accredited business A+ Rating.
Dr. Darm has trademark procedures – LaserLift™,LipoLift™, MiniLift™, and LipoFill™. Dr.
Darm helps patients feel beautiful in other ways, including combating
spider veins with laser therapy or sclerotherapy and keeping wrinkles at
bay with BOTOX® and injectable fillers, laser hair removal, laser
tattoo removal, treatments for acne, rosacea, sun damage, and melasma.
The center’s medically-supervised weight loss program helps
patients shed pounds under the guidance of medical specialists and
dietitians. Additionally, Dr. Darm and Aesthetic Medicine care about the
community – proud supporters of the Oregon Humane Society, American
Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, KEX Kids
Fund, and many more.
