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Ralph Garramone MD, FACS
12998 S. Cleveland Ave.
Fort Meyers, FL 33907
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About Us
Meet Dr. Garramone
Dr. Ralph R. Garramone is a devoted family man. He has been a member of the Fort Myers medical community since 2000.
Since that time he has developed a reputation for excellence. His medical approach is centered on caring for his patients as if they were his family or a close personal friend.
After graduating cum laude from Bucknell University in 1983 with dual bachelor's degrees in English and Biology, Dr. Ralph R. Garramone earned his medical degree from New York Medical College in 1987
Over the course of the next decade, Dr. Ralph Garramone distinguished himself as a practitioner, researcher, and contributing author in a range of respected medical journals.
In 1993, Dr. Garramone completed a six-year residency in general surgery at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine/Hartford Hospital
where he earned the prestigious Murray-Helig Award for Excellence in Research, and was named the Outstanding Surgical Resident.
Dr. Ralph Garramone continued on to fulfill his plastic surgery residency requirements at Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital from 1993 to 1995.
While at Rhode Island Hospital, Dr. Garramone also served on the surgical faculty at Brown University.
Dr. Ralph Garramone earned fellowships in craniofacial surgery at Primary Children's Hospital Medical Center in Salt Lake City, UT
and in hand surgery at the Institute for Reconstructive Plastic Surgery at New York University Medical Center.
Dr. Garramone entered private practice in 1997 in Salt Lake City, UT
while serving as co-director of the Craniofacial Fellowship Program at Primary Children's Medical Center. During this time, he also served on the clinical faculty at the University of Utah School Medicine in the Division of Plastic Surgery.
A widely published journal author and a frequent presenter at medical conferences and symposia, Dr. Garramone is a Diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery
and is a board-certified member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Additionally, he is a member the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the American Cleft Palate – Craniofacial Association and a member of the American Medical Association. Locally, he is a member of the Lee County Medical Society, Florida Medical Association and the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Garramone's Credentials
Medical Credentials, Memberships and Awards
With the growing popularity of plastic surgery, it is now more important than ever to confirm your plastic surgeon has the training, credentials and experience necessary to perform your cosmetic procedures. Two of the most important to look for are the American Board of Medical Specialties and the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Board Certification and Maintenance of Certification
ABMS Board Certification and the ABMS Program for Maintenance of Certification (ABMS MOC®) are instrumental to the integrity of medical specialty care. They provide a trusted credential that is important to patients and relevant to physician practice. Physicians that have achieved a medical license only have met the minimum competency requirements to diagnose and treat patients; however, this is not specialty specific. Board Certification is a voluntary process, and one that is very different from medical licensure. Certification by an ABMS Member Board involves a rigorous process of testing and peer evaluation that is designed and administered by specialists in the specific area of medicine. Board Certification demonstrates a physician's exceptional expertise in a particular specialty and/or subspecialty of medical practice and serve as important credentials that the specialist provides a higher standard of patient care. Patients should look for these credentials as the best measure of a physician's knowledge, experience and skills providing quality health care within a given specialty.
The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is one of 24 medical specialty boards that make up the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Through ABMS, the boards work together to establish common standards for physicians to achieve and maintain board certification. The boards were founded by their respective specialties to protect the public by assessing and certifying doctors who meet specific educational, training and professional requirements. Dr. Garramone, a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, has met the stringent requirements and is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons®
Dr. Garramone is a Board-Certified Member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons: The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world. Founded in 1931, the Society represents 94% of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the U.S., and more than a thousand plastic surgeons worldwide, making ASPS a global institution and leading authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. The mission of ASPS is to advance quality care to plastic surgery patients by encouraging high standards of training, ethics, physician practice and research in plastic surgery. The Society is a strong advocate for patient safety and requires its members to operate in accredited surgical facilities that have passed rigorous external review of equipment and staffing.
The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
Dr. Garramone is a Member of The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) is the leading organization of board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in cosmetic plastic surgery. ASAPS Active-Member plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
The American College of Surgeons
Dr. Garramone is a Fellow of The American College of Surgeons. The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to improve the quality of care for surgical patients by setting high standards for surgical education and practice. The American College of Surgeons admits to its Fellowship only those surgeons whose professional activity is devoted to surgical practice and who agree to practice by the professional and ethical standards of the College.
The American Cleft Palate – Craniofacial Association
Dr. Garramone is a Member of The American Cleft Palate – Craniofacial Association. The American Cleft Palate – Craniofacial Association is an international non-profit medical society of more than 2,600 health care professionals from 60 countries who treat and/or perform research on birth defects of the head and face.
The American Medical Association
Dr. Garramone is a Member of The American Medical Association: Since 1847 the American Medical Association has promoted scientific advancement, improved public health, and invested in the doctor and patient relationship. As part of a physician organization committed to strengthening the ethics of medicine, every member pledges to uphold the Principles of Medical Ethics as interpreted in the Code of Medical Ethics, and to comply with the Bylaws of the American Medical Association and the Rules of the AMA Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs.
The Lee County Medical Society
Dr. Garramone is a Member of The Lee County Medical Society. The Lee County Medical Society (LCMS) is an Organization Dedicated to the Health of our Community in Lee County, FL. They are committed to providing the most caring, modern and efficient health care system available, offering over 565 active dedicated physician members ready to respond to patients' health care needs.
The Florida Medical Association
Dr. Garramone is a Member of The Florida Medical Association. Founded in 1874, the Florida Medical Association is a professional association dedicated to the service and assistance of medical professionals in Florida. The FMA represents more than 20,000 physicians on issues of legislation and regulatory affairs, medical economics and education, public health, and ethical and legal issues.
The Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons
Dr. Garramone is a Member of The Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons. The Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons (FSPS) has been helping to make safe, high-quality plastic surgery available in the state of Florida for more than half a century. Established in 1956, the society's membership base includes more than 200 reputable, board-certified plastic surgeons.
Awards and Recognition
Castle Connolly Medical Ltd- "Top Doctors®" Recognition, 2010 – 2017
For more than two decades, Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., America's trusted source for identifying Top Doctors, has based its selection process on the foundation of peer nominations. Physicians nominate other doctors whom they feel are the most outstanding in their medical specialties, in any area of medicine and in any part of the country. Physicians cannot nominate themselves. Each year, Castle Connolly receives nearly 100,000 nominations via this process. After a thorough selection process only the best of the best are acknowledged as nation's 'Top Doctors". Dr. Ralph Garramone, recognized as one of America's Top Doctors in plastic surgery for 8 years in a row, is one of the leading plastic surgeons in Fort Myers area.
Florida Weekly's Best, 2015
Dr. Garramone's practice was named "Best Place to Enhance Your Face & Body".
Florida Weekly's Best, 2016
Dr. Garramone's practice was named "Best Place to Enhance Your Face & Body".
The News-Press, The Best of Southwest Florida, 2014
Dr. Garramone voted "The Best Cosmetic Surgeon" and "The Best Breast Cosmetic Surgeon" by the News-Press readers.
The News-Press, The Best of Southwest Florida, 2015
Dr. Garramone voted "The Best Cosmetic Surgeon" by the News-Press readers.
The News-Press, The Best of Southwest Florida, 2016
Dr. Garramone voted "The Best Plastic Surgeon" and "The Best Breast Cosmetic Surgeon" by the News-Press readers.
The News-Press, The Best of Southwest Florida, 2017
Dr. Garramone voted "The Best Plastic Surgeon" and "The Best Breast Cosmetic Surgeon" by the News-Press readers.
Sara Levene, NP
Sara Levene, ARNP, is a highly experienced nurse practitioner, practicing in South Florida since 2005.
She is highly skilled in medical aesthetics and is a national instructor in laser and intense pulsed light treatments (IPL).
She is a consultant with Cynosure, the only manufacturer of Smart Lipo, Cellulaze, Precision TX.
We are thrilled to have Sara on board to provide her expertise to our patients," says Dr. Ralph Garramone. "She is a welcome addition to our highly-skilled personnel. Sara's level of expertise not only complements our plastic surgical practice, but also adds another dimension to what we are able to offer our patients.
Sara has been chosen by Allergan Medical, the makers of Botox®, Juvéderm®, Voluma® and Latisse®, to become a member of the Allergan Medical Facial Aesthetics Speakers Bureau.
The speakers Bureau has been created to inform clinicians about the use of Allergan Medical Facial Aesthetics products. Sara has extensive experience in the area of clinical education in aesthetics. She has been a consultant to Cynosure for several years, teaching nationally and internationally in the field of laser aesthetics.
Sara holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University, and received her undergraduate degree in Nursing from the University of Florida.
She brings a wealth of experience in skin care, aesthetics and cosmetics. Sara's background includes a special emphasis on injection therapy including Botox, fillers and sclerotherapy. She is extremely well-versed in laser technology – and she holds advanced certification in these areas. Her expertise in laser therapy includes laser and light-based skin therapy, laser hair removal, and laser assisted liposuction.
Valerie Walk, Pa-C
Valerie, Pa-C, is a Reputable and Well-Recognized Physician Assistant Who Has Been Practicing in the Fort Myers Area Since 2003
She has an extensive procedural and surgical background, as well as years of aesthetic experience. Valerie holds advanced certification in injection therapies, including Botox, Dysport, and the Allergan and Restylane families of fillers. Her surgical experience enhances her ability to perform the minimally invasive InstaLift procedure in the office. She is also our designated provider specializing in noninvasive vaginal rejuvenation. In addition to CO2 laser treatments, she is trained in other laser therapies, including IPL. We're very excited to have Valerie join our team of experienced aesthetic providers. Valerie graduated with honors from the Physician Assistant program at Butler University in Indianapolis. She is extremely active in the community as a board member of her alumni group, charitable organizations, and Riverside Church. Her family is of utmost importance to her, and she loves spending time with her husband and three children. Valerie loves the artistry behind aesthetics, treating each patient to uniquely enhance their individual beauty.
Plastic Surgery Staff
Annette
Annette has been Dr. Garramone's Aesthetic Coordinator since 2004. She and her family moved to Cape Coral from Miami, where she worked in a plastic surgeon's office for several years. As Dr. Garramone's Aesthetic Coordinator, Annette wears many hats! Most importantly, she enjoys taking time with each patient to assure they have the best possible experience from the moment they walk through the door until their treatment process is complete, which includes post-procedure care. With Annette's knowledge in both surgical and non-surgical aesthetics, she serves as a wonderful educational resource. She also has a gentle, sensitive demeanor when interacting with patients both by phone and in our office, assuring them of the utmost confidentiality. Annette brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in medical aesthetics. Many of our patients know and love Annette as she has developed a strong relationship with them over the years.
Julie, RN BSN
Julie, RN BSN is the senior member of Dr. Garramone's Operating Room team. Prior to working with us, she worked in Illinois as an OR nurse and we were quite lucky to have her work join our team in 2008 when her family moved to Fort Myers. She has over 20 years of hospital and operating room experience and is dedicated to making every patient's surgical experience safe and comfortable. Julie treats each patient like a member of her family. Julie and her husband have two beautiful girls and a cavapoo.
Stacy, RN, BSN
Stacy, RN, BSN. Stacy joined our team in 2014 as our Recovery Room Nurse, and since then she has grown into the role of Dr. Garramone's full-time Aesthetic Nurse as well as the director of the Medical Weight Loss and Wellness Program at the practice. She received her nursing degree at Penn State University, and soon after graduating she worked at Geisinger Medical Center in the PICU for 5 years prior to moving to Fort Myers. She is knowledgeable and compassionate about the aesthetic field, and it shows in her interactions with our patients before, during, and after treatment. She is easy to talk to and eager to answer any questions. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her three active kids and teaching spin at her local gym.
Lindsey
Lindsey, Certified Surgical Technician. Lindsey was born in Fort Myers. She became a certified surgical technician in 2016, and is a member of the Association of Surgical Technicians national honor society. A Surgical tech is the member of the operating room team who assist with surgery and prepares the instruments for each case. Lindsey also works as our clinical aesthetic medical assistant when needed. She is married with two children. She and her family enjoy spending time boating and being involved with church activities. Lindsey says that she always wanted to be in the medical field to help people, and in plastic surgery, she is able to help patients feel better about themselves.
Tammy Cobb
Tammy Cobb, Licensed Medical Aesthetician. Tammy started her career in the spa industry more than 17 years ago, with experience working in world-class resorts and medical spas. She has an exceptional talent for enhancing each individual's appearance using the latest technology and products in the skincare industry. Tammy is a licensed aesthetician, Coolsculpting University trained and certified technician, certified medical electrologist and laser specialist. In her spare time, Tammy and her husband keep busy with three boys.
Danielle Brylanski
Danielle Brylanski, Licensed Medical Aesthetician. Certified Medical Aesthetician and permanent makeup artist with several years experience in the world of aesthetics. I am both Coolsculpting University and Sculpsure Academy certified. With my advanced training in Ultherapy, I'm seeing amazing results with very happy patients. I enjoy helping people and think everyone should feel beautiful in their own skin. With my talent, knowledge and passion for skincare/esthetics, I feel I can provide that good feeling in your own skincare. I provide a custom treatments to all my patients individual needs. Born and raised in beautiful Southwest Florida, in my spare time I love relaxing and being outdoors with my fur babies.
Dawn
Dawn, Office Manager. Dawn moved to Florida from Minnesota in 2002, ultimately relocating to the Fort Myers area in 2014 to join the practice. She studied business as well as design while attending the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She has over 20 years of administrative experience working in Plastic Surgery and brings an extensive background and knowledge of cosmetic procedures, services and products. Her passion for patient satisfaction and the plastic surgery aesthetic industry is a perfect match for Dr Garramone's innovative, and cutting-edge organization. Dawn says, "Dr Garramone is an exceptional surgeon and I am proud to work for him and his amazing team!"
Theresa
Theresa, Patient Care Coordinator and Certified Surgical Technician. Theresa moved to Fort Myers in December 2017 from Stamford CT, and joined GPS shortly there after. Theresa has been working the the plastic surgery industry for over 18 years and as a surgical tech for over a decade. Theresa is also a Certified Coolsculpting Technician. Her extensive knowledge base of surgical and cosmetic procedures allows patients to feel comfortable. She approaches each patient with an unparalleled dedication and commitment, supporting them through every step of their procedure. Fun Fact – Theresa grew up as a professional roller skater!
Cathy
Cathy, Medical Assistant. Cathy spent most of her childhood in Iowa but finished off her senior year of high school here in Florida. She explored her passion for patient care, and in 2001 she began in the cosmetic surgery industry. Joining our practice in 2016, Cathy is a strategic part of the hair-transplant team and a medical assistant for our Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant. Most recently, Cathy has taken on the role of Microblading Technician at the practice. Always devoted to her patients and colleagues, she has been an incredibly valuable addition to the practice. Cathy brings a genuine enthusiasm to all aspects of her work that our patients feel and deeply enjoy.
Lisa Ralph
Lisa Ralph, Front Desk Coordinator. Lisa grew up in Miami, Florida, and moved to the Fort Myers area with her husband and three children in 2011. Lisa has been in the beauty and med-spa industry since 2000 and has a true desire to make every patient feel welcome and beautiful. Outside of work, Lisa is very involved with her church community and volunteering. In her free time, she enjoys party planning, entertaining, and helping her husband with his catering service. She says, "Dr. Garramone is an incredibly gifted surgeon. Working with him and his team of knowledgeable and caring women is a truly rewarding experience."
Megan Scott
Megan Scott, Front Desk Coordinator. Megan is one of the newer additions to the Garramone Family. Megan has been a lifelong resident of Cape Coral and has always had a passion for the beauty industry and is currently in school to become a licensed aesthetician. When asked why she came to work at Garramone, Megan replied, "Working at a company of this caliber is the best learning experience." Next to raising her young son, Megan's favorite thing to do is make people feel beautiful and confident.
Aubrey Saffron
Aubrey Saffron, Front Desk Coordinator. Aubrey will be one of the first faces you see when you walk through the door of Garramone Plastic Surgery. Originally from Connecticut but raised here in Southwest Florida, Aubrey has seven years of experience at high-end salon and spas, giving her a strong background in customer service and beauty. Her expertise, passion, and knowledge in this industry make her a great asset to the Garramone Family. Making people feel beautiful inside and out is one of her favorite things next to shopping and taking care of her beautiful daughter.
Beth
Beth, Director of Marketing & Community Outreach. Beth is originally from Chicago and moved down to Fort Myers in 2015 with her husband and young daughter. With over 7 years of management experience in high-end salons and retail accompanied by a strong background in graphic design, Beth is the perfect fit for what Garramone Plastic Surgery needs to grow to the next level. She brings a genuine enthusiasm for the beauty industry, creating different campaigns for the practice through social media posts, media advertising, and events that she plans, designs, and executes. In her free time, she loves to spend time outdoors near the water with her two little girls, husband, and friends.
Facility Credentials
It is just as important to understand the facility credentials of the location where your surgical procedure will be performed, as it is to understand the credentials of your surgeon.
The surgery facility at the office of Ralph R. Garramone, M.D., FACS has met the stringent Accreditation Requirements of The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. It is the mission of this organization to ensure the highest quality patient care in the ambulatory surgery setting.
Our AAAASF accredited surgery facility has met stringent national standards for equipment, operating room safety, personnel and surgeon credentials.
Maintaining safety and quality in an ambulatory surgery facility is a dynamic process which requires constant review and AAAASF has developed systems to effectively monitor and implement the latest advances in outpatient care delivery that will directly benefit patients. In fact, AAAASF accreditation guidelines have been recognized as the Gold Standard, providing the highest level of safety and quality in ambulatory surgery care.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon
Choosing to have cosmetic surgery is a very personal and important decision and so is selecting your surgeon.
Board certification in the various medical sub-specialties is the professional benchmark among all physicians. But all board certifications are not equal when it comes to the highly specialized field of plastic surgery.
The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is the only recognized agency that oversees the certification boards of medical sub-specialties such as plastic surgery.
More than 100 "boards" have been submitted for ABMS approval, but only 24 have met the strict qualifying educational and examination criteria.
The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the only ABMS-approved board that oversees the training and certification of plastic surgeons.
Dr. Garramone is a Diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
It's important that patients realize
that certification by boards other than the American Board of Plastic Surgery does not ensure the physician has met the same rigorous qualification criteria set by the ABMS. The following boards have not been approved by the ABMS: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, Dermatologic Surgery, Facial Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Aesthetic Surgery, Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery
Accreditation by these unapproved boards should not be confused with plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and, by extension, the American Board of Medical Specialties.
You should consider certification by American Board of Medical Specialties as the benchmark among plastic surgeons.
In fact, Dr. Garramone recommends that you contact the ABMS at Call 1-866-ASK-ABMS (275-2267) to see if the plastic surgeon you are considering is certified or you can visit www.abms.org and search by name or specialty. An informed decision is the best decision.
Facelift Ft. Myers
Known as a rhytidectomy, a facelift is designed to alleviate some of the changes to the face that occur with aging, gravity, and the effects of our environment. This procedure elevates and tightens the facial skin and underlying tissue to eliminate most facial wrinkles and creases. This restores facial shape to create a more youthful appearance. Most people's physical characteristics age in a similar way. Slowly the face begins to change. The forehead begins to show lines, and the eyebrows may move lower. The upper eyelid skin will get loose. Fatty deposits will become more visible in the lower eyelids and the skin and tone of the lower lids will become lax. Fine lines will start to appear and the cheek tissue will start to weaken and sag. The nasolabial fold, which extends from the nostril to the corner of the mouth, often becomes more pronounced. Another line will form from the corner of the mouth to the side of the chin, the marionette line. The jowl will also form and this will alter the sharp contours of the youthful jawline. Along with these signs of aging, which are mostly due to gravity, there is a loss of facial volume. This is due to a combination of less facial fat and descent of facial fat from its location in youth to its location in middle and advanced age. Signs of aging are also present in the neck, and often these signs are present before aging signs in the face. The skin loosens and often there is fat accumulation just under the chin. A very thin muscle in the neck gets loose with age and leads to the loss of the youthful angular contour of the neck.
Minimally Invasive Facelift Procedures
Luckily there are a number of procedures to reverse nearly all of these signs of aging. We try to tailor the procedure to the specific problem and to each patient, taking into account their current appearance, and their desired appearance. We consider the part of the face that they are concerned about most and we begin to formulate a plan considering non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures first, and moving up to more invasive procedures if necessary. In some cases, patients may be candidates for a combination of injectables in order to improve the volume in areas of volume loss. Injectable fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, Kybella, or Radiesse can be utilized to improve contours in discreet areas where lines or folds have developed. Sculptra is used to restore volume over larger areas where volume in the form of facial fat is lost through the normal aging process. In certain patients, volume correction will fill out loose skin and delay the need for a surgical procedure. Botox can be utilized to improve lines and wrinkles specifically due to excessive muscle activity. The combination of these injectables can be utilized to create a more well-rested, rejuvenated appearance without surgery with Dr. Garramone's Diamond Lift, a non-surgical face lift developed by him and customized to meet your needs. In some cases, Thermage can be utilized together with these injectables as another nonsurgical method of tightening the skin. Or InstaLift, which is our newest procedure. Scheduling a complementary consultation is helpful to assess your options.
Surgical Face Lift Rejuvenation
When surgical rejuvenation of the face is necessary, there are still several choices. Some patients are candidates for a short incision facelift. These patients tend to be younger with less significant signs of aging particularly in the lower face and neck. This operation is accomplished with an incision that is confined to the curves in front of the ear. It does not extend behind the ear. It can be performed either under IV sedation or with local anesthesia alone. If more advanced signs of aging are present, a facelift and necklift is performed through incisions placed in natural skin creases in front of each ear and extending up into the hairline above the ear and possibly into the hair behind the ear. This operation has been performed for a number of years. It has been refined over the years and it remains the gold standard for turning back the hands of time and restoring a more youthful appearance to the aging face. It can deliver either a dramatic or a subtle improvement depending on the needs and desires of the patient. The procedure is individualized for each patient. The best patients for this procedure have good underlying bone structure and reasonably good skin elasticity with aging signs such as jowl formation, droopiness of the cheek and laxity of the neck. In most cases, the procedure is combined with other enhancements, such as a brow lift, neck lift or eyelid surgery to more completely rejuvenate the face. Facelifts are usually performed on an outpatient basis under IV sedation with local anesthesia. Patients typically return to their usual routines approximately one to two weeks after surgery, and makeup may be applied after three to five days. Strenuous sports and other activities, however, should not be performed for two weeks.
Facial Implants
Facial implants enhance the basic structure of the face by aesthetically recontouring certain areas such as the cheeks or chin to create a more attractive look. It is not uncommon for patients to supplement surgical procedures such as a facelift or a brow lift with a facial implant procedure to restore a more youthful appearance. Quite often a chin implant is placed at the time of a rhinoplasty, an operation to reshape the nose, because the relationship of the nose and chin are important to one another in achieving natural facial proportions.
Facial Contouring
Facial contouring entails inserting an implant within the facial tissue through small incisions made on the inside of the upper and/or lower lips. If external incisions are necessary, they are small and discreetly placed in the natural contours or creases of the face. In almost all cases, the procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. Full recovery typically extends over one or two weeks.
Neck Lift Ft. Myers
As we age, the structures of the face and neck lose tone with the loss of collagen that accompanies increasing age. The structures begin to sag following the direction of gravity. In many patients, these early signs of aging begin to show up in the neck. First there will be some laxity just under the chin and this will progress to form two bands that extend from just under the chin all the way down to where the neck meets the chest. In many situations, there is also some fat that accumulates under the chin. As people age and their laxity increases a surgical procedure that directly tightens the skin and muscles while also contouring the fat, called a neck lift, is recommended. The procedure begins with an incision behind the ear and under the chin, which is easily concealed naturally. During the procedure the fat may be sculpted or redistributed and some of the muscles in the neck will be tightened. The neck lift can be performed by itself or it can be combined with a facelift, eyelid, or brow surgery depending on the situation. This procedure is usually performed under IV sedation. Patients return home the same day. Most patients return to regular activities in 10 – 14 days.
Non-Surgical Alternatives
Typically in younger patients the primary problem is fat; so face liposuction can be used to remove the fat and improve the contour of the face alone. Though patients with increased skin and muscle laxity may need to have an additional procedure to tighten the muscles and skin. One procedure that tightens the skin and melts away some of the excess fat is PrecisionTX™. In addition, Kybella™, a non-surgical injectable, has been approved to melt away the fat under the chin area.
Brow Lift Ft. Myers
Sometimes called a forehead lift, a brow lift elevates the eyebrows and reduces or eliminates the wrinkles and "worry lines" from the forehead. At the same time, it restores drooping eyebrows that can create unsightly "hooding" or bulging over the eyes. The result is a firmer, revitalized and refreshed appearance. Brow lifts are often performed along with other procedures to enhance the entire face, and are usually performed as outpatient surgery under local anesthesia combined with a sedative. Patients normally return home a few hours after surgery, and most are up and about within a day or two. However, patients should avoid strenuous activities for two weeks.
Eyebrow Lift Procedures
There are several different ways in which a browlift can be performed. An incision can be made at the hairline which does not cause any additional elevation of the anterior hairline, or can be utilized in some cases to lower a high anterior hairline. In some cases, a shorter scar approach can be utilized, which not only results in less scarring but also a shorter recovery. In all cases, the procedure is individualized to the patient. In some cases, a nonsurgical approach to the forehead can be utilized with good results. The major muscles of the forehead area cause lines and wrinkles that course horizontally across the forehead and vertically between the eyebrows. Each of these muscle groups can be weakened with the use of Botox. Subsequently, the wrinkles that these muscles cause will improve. In some cases, an injectable filler such as Restylane or Juvederm can be utilized to address these wrinkles and lines directly.
Blepharoplasty Ft. Myers
The eyes are often the area on the face that gives away aging first. Eyes are not only expressive, they are frequently the part of the face seen most by others. Given their prominent location, there are a number of ways to improve the appearance of the eyes. Excess skin and fatty tissue around the eyes can sag with age, creating a tired and listless appearance. A lifetime of exposure to sun or hereditary factors can also contribute to this condition as skin loses its elasticity. Aging affects both the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid. In some cases, the upper eyelid is affected due to the droopiness of the forehead and eyebrows and as such needs to be addressed utilizing a forehead or browlift. Eyelid surgery will not elevate a droopy eyebrow nor will it address crows feet. When the issue is related to the eyelid itself, both the upper and lower eyelids can be improved with surgical procedures. In fact, eyelid surgery, called a blepharoplasty, is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States.
How is Blepharoplasty Performed?
With the upper eyelids, a combination of excess skin and fat is removed to restore a toned, more refreshed look. With the lower eyelids, primarily fat and a small amount of excess skin are removed to eliminate "bags" under the eyes. In some cases, these surgical procedures are combined with nonsurgical procedures such as professional skin care or perhaps a chemical peel or skin resurfacing in order to refine the improvement further or to improve the textural changes of the skin or dark circles under the eyes. While this procedure can be performed by itself on either the upper or lower eyelids or both, it is often combined with other procedures to rejuvenate the face. This procedure may be performed under local anesthesia with or without additional sedation on an outpatient basis, and patients normally return home a few hours after surgery. Most people return to their usual activities approximately one week after surgery, and makeup can be applied after three to five days. Strenuous activities should be avoided for two weeks.
Rhinoplasty Ft. Myers
The nose holds a prominent position on the face; therefore, it is one of the strongest character-assigning features on the face. Throughout history, surgery on the nose has been performed to change its appearance and also to restore form following trauma. This procedure (also called a rhinoplasty) can redefine the nose's shape, size, and general appearance to achieve an aesthetic balance between the nose and the other facial features.
Rhinoplasty Procedure
During a rhinoplasty, the cartilage and/or bone structure that gives the nose its shape is modified. The skin is then re-draped over the newly shaped framework, providing the nose its new appearance. The changes can be subtle or dramatic depending on the patient's needs. Rhinoplasty is often performed in conjunction with other procedures to achieve the most natural facial appearance. The goal with a rhinoplasty is a nose that appears natural, functions properly, and is in balance with the rest of the face. The patient's wishes about the type of nose desired are always considered. However, there are limiting factors. The texture and thickness of the skin, previous injury, individual differences in healing, and differences in facial proportions all play important roles in what can be achieved.
Rhinoplasty Outpatient Surgery
A rhinoplasty is usually performed as outpatient surgery, with patients returning home the same day. A rhinoplasty can be combined with other procedures, most often a chin augmentation with an implant. This combined procedure can be utilized to improve proportion between the chin and nose, both of which strongly affect the profile. In most cases, surgery is performed under light general anesthesia or IV sedation and most people return to their normal routines within a day or two. However, patients should avoid strenuous activities for two weeks.
Rhinoplasty Initial Consultation
Typically at your initial consultation we will take digital photographs of the patient's nose and upload these on a computer. This will allow us to make digital changes to the photographs to give patients an idea of what may be possible with surgery. This helps to visualize the post-operative appearance.
Laser Face Lift Ft. Myers
PRECISION TX™, a laser face lift, is a precise laser treatment that gives you a defined look without having a surgical procedure. This treatment is a one time, minimally invasive laser procedure without cutting or removing any skin. Dr. Garramone's laser face lift procedure targets the problem areas by delivering laser energy underneath your skin. This innovative technique stimulates collagen production in the dermis, which improves skin elasticity, skin thickness, and texture. Benefits of using the PRECISION TX method over the alternatives: No bleeding, No stitches, Less bruising, Less risk of complication after operation, Shorter time spent on treatment, Oral sedation only
What to Expect During a Laser Face Lift
Before the procedure, a local anesthetic is used to make the patient more comfortable. A laser fiber is then inserted under the skin through a very small incision. The laser energy is directed toward the dermal layer of the skin. It heats the dermis, which is the deep layer of the skin, causing an increase in collagen; which tightens the area and increases skin thickness by as much as 30%. The procedure lasts for about one hour.
What to Expect After a Laser Face Lift
There is almost no scarring and very little recovery time. After the treatment, a facial compression garment should be worn non-stop for 7 days, after which it should be worn whenever possible to ensure better results. Full results can be seen in 3-6 months.
The Diamond Lift Ft. Myers
Looking to polish your appearance? Our newest procedure does just that!
Our Custom Approach
Youthful appearances have many qualities that resemble the shape of a diamond. The face has defined features with a tight and full appearance. As we age, however, the volume and structure are gradually lost and facial contours soften. As this change occurs, the defined shape of the face begins to collapse and loses volume. Due to aging, the once beautiful diamond features become wrinkled and misshapen. The Diamond LiftTM reverses this process, returning the face to its original brilliance.
Recontouring
Dr. Garramone created The Diamond Lift in order to help his patients reclaim their youth. The Diamond Lift uses minimally invasive procedures to redefine the regions of the face that begin to droop and sag with age while also polishing the skin to bring it back to its youthful brilliance. These goals are accomplished through the use of various non-surgical techniques including Botox, Voluma, Fractional CO2, Intense Pulse Light, and Precision TX.
Flexibility
Another incredible facet of The Diamond Lift is its ability to work for you. The procedure is customized for the individual patient based on his or her needs and goals. Additionally, the procedure takes only two hours. When performed on a Friday, most patients can return to work on Monday, looking as flawless as a diamond.
Silhouette Instalift Ft. Myers
As men and women age, skin loses elasticity and begins to sag and at the same time facial volume in the form of fat is lost. Collagen, a building block of the skin, is lost as well resulting in a tired, aged appearance. Luckily, there is now a new and exciting procedure to counter these signs of aging without surgery.
Immediate Results that Improve with Time
The Silhouette InstaLift is a minimally invasive procedure, which lifts the deep tissue of the face without the need for surgery, scars or anesthesia. It also helps to increase and restore midface volume for a naturally youthful appearance. While the outcome is immediate, results improve over time! The long-lasting results with this procedure complement other aesthetic facial procedures as well. This procedure is ideally suited to men and women who are interested in improving their appearance without major surgery with little, if any, downtime. Silhouette InstaLift sutures are FDA-approved and manufactured in the United States from a polymer commonly used in other biomedical products and are well tolerated by the body. The sutures, which are eventually absorbed by the body, lift and reposition the deep structure of the skin using a series of novel bi-directional cones, which anchor the elevated surface in an elevated position. Over time the implanted suture and the cones stimulate the body to produce collagen. The new collagen increases and restores volume in the mid face complementing the lift for even longer lasting results. The improvement in facial shape will last 18 months.
The Silhouette InstaLift Procedure and Aftercare
The Silhouette InstaLift procedure is an in-office procedure. The areas to be treated are marked to give the desired lift in the desired areas. A local anesthetic is administered, then each end of the suture is passed through the deep tissue to each suture exit point. The tissue is elevated and secured by the anchoring effect of the bi-directional cones attached to the suture. This procedure takes about 30 minutes and is well tolerated by patients. We ask that you ice the treated areas after the procedure. Some patients take Tylenol after the procedure. We recommend no strenuous activity for two weeks. Fees for the Silhouette InstaLift start at $3,000 and will depend on the number of sutures necessary.
Botox Ft. Myers
Dr. Garramone provides Botox® services at his office in Fort Myers. Botox Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A) is a purified and sterilized extract from bacteria. It has been FDA approved since 2002 to treat the area between the eyes in a specific muscle area. However, it may be used "off-label" in other areas. Doctors have used Botox Cosmetic for over 17 years to treat various medical conditions, especially around the eyes. Botox Cosmetic is the most popular cosmetic procedure performed with over 11 million treatments annually.
Save on Botox Treatments and Receive Special Offers.
Enroll in the Brilliant Distinctions® Program and earn points every time you receive a Botox Cosmetic treatment at Dr. Garramone's office. Redeem your points for savings on your next Botox Cosmetic treatment or on other select Allergan products that Dr. Garramone may determine are right for you. And when you enroll, you will receive reminders to schedule your appointment, as well as account points updates and special offers from time to time.
Treat Dynamic Lines on the Face with Botox
Over time, active muscle contraction will result in visible lines on the face. Lines in these areas are called dynamic lines because they are caused by over-active muscles. This type of line is the type of line that can be treated with Botox. Static lines, on the other hand, are lines that are visible even when the muscles are at rest. These lines are usually treated with an injectable filler such as Juvederm, Restylane, or Evolence. For example, scowl lines, frown lines, and crow's feet are some of the most concerning dynamic lines for both men and women. These lines or furrows will continue to deepen and worsen with continued muscle activity and aging.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox Cosmetic works by temporarily weakening the targeted facial muscles. Therefore, they are not able to cause the deep furrows. During treatment, very small doses of Botox Cosmetic is administered through a series of tiny injections into the area of the muscles and takes about two to five days to take effect on the muscle area. Over the following days to weeks, the lines will fade away. The timing to see results varies with the severity of the lines and furrows. They can be quite dramatic and the effects usually last 3 to 4 months, in some cases longer. The length of time that the injections last also depends on the patients genetics (muscle density), the amount of Botox injected, how fresh the Botox is, and the skill of the plastic surgeon doing the injections. Treatments done in proper conditions will usually last progressively longer up to a point that is determined again by the Botox quantity and the patient's metabolism of the product. The common misconception about Botox is that it will give the patient a "frozen" or expressionless appearance. In fact, when administered by an experienced plastic surgeon you will still be able to smile, frown and look surprised but with less or no lines in the areas treated. If you decide to discontinue using Botox Cosmetic, you will usually have a return of some of your previous muscle activity. Some of the side-effects of a treatment, though rare, may include temporary bruising, tenderness at the injection site, and headache. Depending on the where the injections are placed you may experience brow asymmetry, forehead wrinkle asymmetry, or other facial asymmetry secondary to how a muscle responds to the injections. These types of issues are also temporary and can usually be adjusted by additional Botox Cosmetic into the areas. More concerning is when the medication is injected or diffuses into other muscle groups that are not intended to be treated. When this occurs you may experience complications secondary to these other muscles not working correctly. This can occur with treatment of the scowl lines and you may experience a lowering of your eyelid. This is very rare, and when it occurs it will last a few weeks. This can be treated with eye drops however when the eye drop medication wears off, the eyelid will droop again. This complication is usually seen with aggressive injections near these eye muscles. Be sure to discuss this with Dr. Garramone if you have questions or concerns. Botox has been used therapeutically for more than 17 years and is approved for use in more than 75 countries.
Dysport Ft. Myers
DYSPORT™ is a purified formulation that has been shown to deliver temporary improvements in moderate to severe frown lines.
Even with repeat treatments, this procedure does not change the look of your whole face.
DYSPORT works by blocking the signal from the nerve to the muscles, ultimately resulting in a reduction of muscle activity and temporarily preventing contraction of the muscles that cause frown lines.
This treatment only affects the certain areas injected, so muscles that are untreated operate normally and allow you to have regular facial expressions. Frown lines are "dynamic"—they occur because of the way your face moves when muscles contract during a frown or squint. There are certain areas affected by frowning and squinting, such as between the eyebrows and "crows feet" lines near the outer part of the eyes. These are typical locations for DYSPORT injections.
BOTOX® and DYSPORT are made up of the same toxin, but there are less proteins surrounding the toxin in DYSPORT.
Those who find that their body fights off Botox too quickly may find DYSPORT a better option. Typical DYSPORT procedures range from 10-20 minutes and last 3 – 4 months. Dr. Garramone suggests that patients not be retreated in the same areas until after 90 days of the prior procedure.
Juvederm Ft. Myers
Juvederm™ is the latest dermal filler being introduced by Allergan, Inc. to help reduce the appearance of deep nasolabial folds, fine lines, and wrinkles around the mouth, and to create fuller lips.
This innovative smooth gel is a non-animal derived hyaluronic acid dermal filler that offers patients a natural look and feel with long lasting results for up to six months and possibly longer. Juvederm's longevity and smoothness can be attributed to the high concentration of hyaluronic acid and its special formulation process. Juvederm has the highest concentration of cross linked hyaluronic acid of any dermal filler currently available in the US market. Juvederm differs from other hyaluronic acid dermal fillers because of its smooth consistency. Juvederm's smooth gel is positioned into the skin and creates a smooth natural appearance.
Juvederm was approved by the FDA in 2006 and is the first such hyaluronic acid general dermal filler that is FDA approved to last up to one year.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural complex sugar found in all living organisms, including men and women, that retains water. It absorbs more than its weight and can add volume to the skin's surface. Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in numerous areas of the body, such as the maintenance of skin volume and hydration, eye volume and shape and joint lubrication and cushioning. Hyaluronic acid will bind with elastin and collagen to transport essential nutrients. The combination of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid provides structure, elasticity and volume to the skin.
The skin cells age and are exposed to environmental pollutants and ultraviolet rays, this causes them to diminish their ability to make hyaluronic acid.
This is what causes skin to lose volume, causing facial wrinkles and folds. Dermal fillers crossed linked with hyaluronic acid are used to help temporarily replace lost hyaluronic acid and restore the skin's volume and smooth appearance.
Juvederm is administered as an in office procedure.
The difference is noticeable immediately. Either a topical anesthetic or an injectable anesthetic is used prior to the procedure. The gel is then administered using a very fine needle. The most commonly reported side effects are temporary injection site redness, swelling, pain or tenderness, firmness, swelling, lumps, and bruising. Laser treatments, chemical peels or any other active dermal procedure done after Juvederm may cause inflammation around the injection site. Patients should notify Dr. Garramone and his staff, if they are on any medication that may prolong bleeding, such as aspirin or ibuprofen or Vitamin E. This may cause increased bruising or bleeding at the injection site. As with all injection procedures, there is a risk of infection. The safety of Juvederm injectable gel in patients with a history of excessive scarring and pigmentation disorders has not been studied.
Juvederm injectable gel should not be used if a patient with a history of anaphylaxis or multiple severe allergies.
Juvederm should not be used with patients who have allergies to gram positive bacterial proteins. The effectiveness of Juvederm, as with all other hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, for the treatment of areas other than facial wrinkles and folds has not been established in controlled clinical studies. This text does not contain all the information known about these products. For more information, please consult www.juvederm.com
Voluma Ft. Myers
Loss of volume in the cheeks leads to sagging skin and an aged, hollow appearance. Full cheeks are a key marker of youth. Age-related volume loss can cause the face to lose definition, balance and change shape, all of which may make a person appear older than their years.
JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC is an injectable gel introduced by Allergan, Inc. that works instantly to add volume and subtly lift the cheek area
Temporarily reversing this particular sign of aging. It is the first and only filler FDA-approved to enhance cheek volume in people over the age of 21.
Like other fillers in the Juvederm family
Voluma is comprised of hyaluronic acid, a complex sugar that occurs naturally in your skin. Voluma also combines with collagen and elastin to improve skin structure and elasticity to create a smooth natural look. It was designed specifically to restore facial volume as opposed to just filling wrinkles.
Voluma does not involve surgery and is injected with a small needle.
To reduce discomfort during the procedure, Voluma contains a numbing agent called lidocaine. The procedure takes 30 minutes and there is no downtime, although strenuous activity and extensive sun exposure should be avoided for the first 24 hours following the treatment. The great news is that the results of a treatment with Voluma can last up to two years and are visible immediately after the injection. You can look up to five years younger with a more youthful, natural-looking profile.
The most commonly reported side effects include temporary reactions at the treatment site such as tenderness, swelling, firmness, lumps/bumps, bruising, pain, redness, discoloration, and itching.
Most of these will resolve in 1- 2 weeks.
Get a more youthful looking face in just 30 minutes!
For more information, please call our Fort Myers office at 239.482.1900 to learn more about Voluma.
Patients should notify Dr. Garramone and his staff, if they are on any medication that may prolong bleeding, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or other blood thinners.
This may cause increased bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Patients should also notify the office if they are undergoing any therapy used to decrease the body's immune response. As with all injection procedures, there is a risk of infection.
Voluma should not be used if a patient has a history of severe allergies or severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis),
or if the patient has had allergic reactions to the proteins (gram-positive bacterial proteins) used to make the hyaluronic acid (HA) in JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC. The safety of JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC injectable gel for use during pregnancy, in women who are breastfeeding, or in patients with very thin skin in the cheek area has not been studied. This text does not contain all the information known about Voluma. To see a full disclosure statement please visit www.voluma.com.
Vollure - Juvederm
What is Juvéderm Vollure™ XC?
Vollure XC is an injectable filler that is designed to smooth moderate to severe nasolabial folds, or deeper creases around the nose and mouth. Like all Juvéderm products, Vollure XC is made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring substance in the body that helps keep skin plump and hydrated. The difference is that Vollure XC incorporates VYCROSS, the same proprietary technology that's used in the lip filler VOLBELLA, into a filler meant for deeper wrinkles. Thanks to VYCROSS, Vollure XC contains the optimal ratio of larger-to-smaller hyaluronic acid molecules to create a smooth and soft, yet slightly firmer gel that sits beautifully beneath the skin to smooth out deeper creases, while moving naturally with your facial expressions.
What signs of aging can Vollure XC treat?
Smile lines or "parentheses", Marionette lines , Nasolabial folds , Other moderate to severe facial wrinkles Schedule Your Vollure Consultation Now
Juvéderm vs. Vollure: which is best for you?
Vollure XC offers very similar, natural looking and feeling results to "regular" Juvéderm XC; however, the slightly firmer consistency of Vollure XC is especially well-suited to nasolabial folds and it can last up to twice as long. If you love the results you get with Juvéderm, but wish they would last longer, then you'll really love Vollure XC. Vollure XC offers very similar, natural looking and feeling results to "regular" Juvéderm XC; however, the slightly firmer consistency of Vollure XC is especially well-suited to nasolabial folds and it can last up to twice as long. If you love the results you get with Juvéderm, but wish they would last longer, then you'll really love Vollure XC.
Volbella - Juvederm
JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA® XC adds subtle volume to lips and softens the appearance of vertical lip lines.
Treatment areas
Volbella was developed specifically for use both in the lips and around the mouth area, and has been FDA approved to increase lip fullness and soften the appearance of lines around the mouth. The treatment can deliver highly noticeable, professional results and is used for a myriad of cosmetic enhancements, including: Filling and defining of the lips, Smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles above the lips ("smoker's lines"), Minimizing the appearance of creases and wrinkles below the lips
How Volbella Is Different From Other HA Fillers
Volbella shares many qualities with its Juvederm filler counterparts, including the presence of hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a naturally-occurring substance that helps to give a full, supple appearance to the face, often associated with youthful skin. However, Volbella stands out in the family of Juvederm fillers due to its unique, thin consistency. This allows the treatment to be injected very close to the skin's surface, giving more noticeable results. In addition, Volbella utilizes Juvederm's exclusive VYCROSSTM technology, creating a pattern of cross-linked chains made of hyaluronic acid. This permits for slow degradation of the product once it has been administered in the skin, allowing Volbella's results to be maintained for up to a year.
How Volbella works
While other HA fillers provide results by increasing volume in and around the lips, Volbella takes a different, more practical approach. Volbella minimizes wrinkles by attracting and retaining moisture in the treated area. When it is injected into the upper layers of the skin, the hyaluronic acid attracts water to the area, giving patients a naturally soft feel to the skin. Because Volbella is injected superficially, it is the perfect solution for treating wrinkles and fine lines around the lips. Volbella is ideal for patients who are not interested in increased volume but are instead looking to simply reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the lips. Volbella treatments are very time effective, with most treatments completed in less than 30 minutes and results seen immediately. Additionally, Volbella contains Licocaine, a numbing agent that ensures patient comfort both during and immediately after treatment. After treatment is complete, patients are free to continue with their day as normal.
Restylane Ft. Myers
Restylane® is a crystal-clear, non-animal derived, biodegradable gel based on a natural substance, called hyaluronic acid.
Restylane is approved by the FDA for the treatment of facial wrinkles and folds like the nasolabial folds, which extend from the nose to the corners of your mouth. Restylane and Perlane® belong to a family of products known as cosmetic dermal fillers. They replace lost volume and restore youthful contours to the skin by smoothing the way lines and wrinkles. Restylane and Perlane differ in the size of the particles of hyaluronic acid. In Perlane, the particle size is larger and therefore Perlane is designed for deeper injection than Restylane. The Restylane or Perlane gel is injected into the skin in tiny amounts with a very fine needle. The result is instantaneous and produces a long-lasting, natural enhancement. Restylane gives natural volume in your skin to lift and produce new firmness, resulting in a healthy, vital appearance.
Restylane and Perlane are both safe products, made of hyaluronic acid which is naturally present in the body.
Restylane was the first FDA approved, non-animal based, stabilized, injectable hyaluronic acid for aesthetic use. Since Restylane and Perlane are free from animal substances, the risk of transmitting diseases from other species is eliminated. To date, more than 10 million treatments have successfully been carried out with Restylane in more than 70 countries worldwide. It is the most studied cosmetic dermal fuller in the world.
The hyaluronic acid in Restylane and Perlane is naturally integrated into the tissue and allows for the passage of vital nutritive substances like oxygen and hormones.
As cells are also able to pass between fragments of the gel your skin will look perfectly healthy and natural. The hyaluronic acid is biodegradable, which means that, when the injected gel breaks down, it turns into water and carbon dioxide and disappears unnoticed from your body.
Unlike some other injectable products for wrinkle treatment and lip enhancement, Restylane and Perlane are totally non-animal products.
So, if you're sensitive to common foods, such as beef, chicken and eggs; there's no risk of an allergic reaction. No pretesting is required. Some precautions should be taken prior to treatment. Avoid using aspirin, ibuprofen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications or high doses of vitamin E supplements prior to treatment because these may increase her chance of bleeding or bruising at the site of the injection. Also, if you have previously suffered from a facial cold sore discuss this with your doctor who may prescribe a medication to minimize the chance of recurrence.
Restylane and Perlane may be used for treating facial wrinkles or folds, and enhancing facial features. Restylane is injected into the skin in tiny amounts with a very fine needle.
Prior to the treatment, the area is anesthetized. The injected gel produces natural volume under the wrinkle, which is lifted up and smoothed out. The results can be seen immediately. Treating wrinkles with Restylane is fast and safe and leaves no scars or other traces on the face. For many women, fuller and more sensuous lips are high on the wish list. With Restylane, you can enjoy more pronounced lips or a soft pouting look with the body's own material.
Perlane is specifically designed for shaping facial contours.
Perlane works by volume augmentation. Injected into the skin, it corrects deep folds and lifts up the skin from cheeks and chin, giving a new shape to your facial contours.
Restylane and Perlane treatments are long-lasting but not permanent.
The length of time a treatment will last is very individual and depends on many factors, such as your age, skin type, life-style and muscle activity, as well as the injection site and the technique used. This means that you always have the option to assess your aesthetic appearance.
Experience shows that Restylane can be effective for up to six months for lip enhancements and for the treatment of wrinkles on the face.
In many cases patients return after 9 months or even a year for an additional treatment. Perlane has been shown to last up to six months as well. It is recommended that you plan for regular future visits to maintain the result. Most patients choose to have a follow-up treatment six to twelve months after the initial treatment of wrinkles. This has been shown to increase the length of the result.
The reason Restylane and Perlane generally remains for 6-12 months after injected into the skin is due to its very effective stabilization method.
This method allows the volume to remain intact for a long period of time. As the stabilized hyaluronic acid in Restylane does begin to break down, your body's water takes its place. The more fragmented the Restylane gel becomes, the more water it is able to bind. This is one of the main reasons Restylane lasts so long.
After Treatment – Please Note the Following
Avoid touching the treated area excessively within the following six hours.
After that the area can be gently washed with soap and water, and light make-up can be applied. Until the initial swelling and redness have disappeared, do not expose the treated area to intense heat (e.g. solarium and sunbathing) or extreme cold. If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another eruption of cold sores. If you are taking aspirin or any similar medication, please note that the treatment may increase the bruising and bleeding at the injection site.
Other types of reactions are very rare, but about 1 in 2000 treated patients have experienced localized reactions thought to be of a hypersensitive nature.
These have usually consisted of swelling at the injection site, sometimes affecting the surrounding tissues. Redness, tenderness and rarely acne-like formations have also been reported. These reactions have either started a few days after the injection or after a delay of two to four weeks, and have generally been described as mild to moderate and self-limiting with an average duration of two weeks. As your face is constantly changing, beauty is best maintained by evaluating the need for further treatments from time to time. With Restylane and Perlane, you always have the option of continuing or changing the combination of treatments. The treatment can be repeated as often as you like.
One of the great advantages of Restylane and Perlane is that they are long-lasting, but not permanent.
Unlike permanent treatments or implants, Restylane always leaves you with the option of re-evaluating your needs when the initial effect has worn off. A follow-up can be performed at any time you like after the previous treatment. This text does not contain all the information known about these products. For more information, please consult www.restylane.com.
Radiesse Ft. Myers
RADIESSE® is a natural injectable gel made up of unique calcium based microspheres that stimulate the growth of collagen. The two ingredients in the gel are both very safe for the human body. After the initial effect, collagen production continues for some time, usually 4-12 weeks, to give you desirable, youthful looking skin. RADIESSE may be used to treat smile lines, marionette lines at the corners of the mouth, pre-jowl, and chin wrinkles.
What to Expect During Treatment
Since the gel is biocompatible there is no prior skin testing necessary. RADIESSE is given as an injection with a small needle. The procedure does not take up much time and can be done during your lunch hour. RADIESSE is mixed with local anesthetic so the treatment is not uncomfortable.
What to Expect After Treatment
Results happen immediately after injection. There may be some swelling, bruising or redness and it is best to avoid the sun for a day or until any swelling and redness has gone away. Ice may be applied to injection site. Most people are able to get back to their day right after treatment. Touch-up or maintenance treatments may be desirable. The results may last for a year or more, some lasting up to 18 months.
Belotero Ft. Myers
Belotero Balance® is a new dermal filler used to soften lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth. Hyaluronic acid, a natural component of the skin, is the main ingredient of Belotero. When the hyaluronic acid mixes with water in the skin it is able to provide additional structure and form to fill in wrinkles and lines. The components in Belotero Balance allow it to be unique for each person. Once injected, it is able to integrate into the skin and mold to a persons' individual features, leaving a natural-looking result. Belotero Balance is a great choice for any patient because it can treat both deep and fine lines. Belotero treats common problem areas around the nose and mouth, such as:
Nasolabial folds (also known as the smile line), which run from the nose to the corner of the mouth and get deeper with age.
Vertical lip lines (the lines above the lip), which can be shallow and form when there is a loss of volume in the skin.
Marionette lines (lines from the corner of your mouth down to your jaw), which get deeper with age and leave others with the impression that you are frowning even when you are not.
Oral commissures (lines around the corner of the mouth), which occur when there is a loss of volume in the area.
They give your mouth a down-turned appearance, also leaving you looking frowning or sad.
Belotero Balance® is unique in that it can also be used to treat fine lines like crows feet lines.
What to Expect During and After Treatment of Belotero
The treatment time is minimal and can be done within your lunch hour.
It is possible to have some bruising at the site of the treatment so you should avoid any medications that increase your chance of bruising. There is no downtime afterwards so you are free to go back to your normal activities. You can expect to see results instantly that last up to 6 months, possibly more.
Kybella Ft. Myers
KYBELLA™ (formerly known as ATX-101) is the first and the only FDA-approved, prescription non-surgical treatment, used to reduce the appearance of submental fat, more commonly known as a double chin. A double chin can makes the face look older and heavier regardless of age or weight. And, in many cases, this fat doesn't respond to lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise because genetics is often the cause. Because of the extremely limited options for correction, submental fat has been an under-treated aesthetic issue until now. Many professionals in cosmetic industry consider Kybella the biggest innovation since Botox. Since FDA-approval in April 2015, Kybella fat dissolver has been revolutionizing the world's non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Before Kybella, for those who wanted to reduce a double chin the ONLY option was to undergo liposuction – which, as a surgical procedure, is somewhat invasive and requires a few days of recovery.
How Does Kybella Work?
The active ingredient in Kybella is deoxycholic acid, a naturally-occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. Only trained physicians should administer Kybella. It is crucial for Kybella to be injected at the proper depth to reach the fat and to keep the upper skin layers safe. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, Kybella causes the destruction of fat cells. Once eliminated, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat.
How Long Will Kybella Results Last?
Kybella treatment regime is customized for each patient and based on the desired chin profile. A series of injections will be administered at each treatment session, which are spaced at least a month apart. Kybella results are cumulative as each session removes more fat. Many patients experience visible contouring of their chin profile in two to four treatment sessions spaced at least one month apart. Up to 6 treatments may be required.
What are Side Effects of Kybella?
The most common side effects are swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness and areas of hardness around the treatment area. The patients are to be advised of all potential side effects prior to treatment.
Breast Procedures Ft. Myers
Breast Augmentation
Mastopexy – Breast Lift
Breast Reduction
Mommy Makeover
Implant Options
Commonly Asked Questions
Breast Augmentation Ft. Myers
Dr. Garramone provides breast implants and augmentation consultations in his Fort Myers office which serves the Naples, FL area as well. There is perhaps no plastic surgery procedure more personal or that holds more promise for enhancing a woman's self-image than breast augmentation such as breast implants, breast lifts or breast reductions. Breast augmentation procedures offer not only cosmetic benefits but health benefits as well. Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammaplasty allows women who are dissatisfied with their breast size to achieve a more personally pleasing dimension and shape. A breast augmentation is ideal for patients who want to restore breast size and fullness after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss.
Breast Augmentation, Fort Myers
Breast augmentation is consistently one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed nationally and one of the most common procedures performed in Fort Myers by Dr. Garramone. Patients having breast augmentation are consistently some of the most satisfied patients in his practice.
Types of Breast Implants – Saline vs Silicone Gel Implants
One of the primary decisions to make before this procedure is the type of breast implant and size of the implant. Our Fort Myers Plastic Surgery Practice uses both saline and silicone gel breast implants. Silicone gel implants were approved by the FDA in late 2006 for use in patients desiring a breast augmentation. Before that, their use was limited only to reconstructive procedures in the United States. The advantage of these implants is that they feel more natural than saline. Silicone gel breast implants also tend to wrinkle and ripple less than saline implants. Our Fort Myers Plastic Surgery practice is now using silicone gel implants in the majority of our breast augmentation patients.
New 'Gummy' Implants
Natrelle INSPIRA® round gel breast implants are designed for increased fullness and a soft feel. They have been given the nickname "Gummy" because when cut in half, the implant is stable and retains its shape, much like the candies. Many advocates of "gummy" implants believe they look and feel more like natural breasts, and they are safer than other types of implants because they have a lower rupture rate.
Breast Implants Surgery Procedure – Serving Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Naples
The shape and size of a woman's breasts before breast implants surgery will influence both the recommended treatment and the final results. During the procedure, a small incision may be made either under the breast, around a portion of the areola, or in the armpit. The breast implant is inserted either under the breast tissue but above the underlying pectoralis muscle – or under both the breast tissue and the muscle. The incision is discreetly closed with tiny sutures designed to be inconspicuous. The best surgical approach for the insertion of implants is determined during the patient's consultation and depends on your preferences, your anatomy, and Dr. Garramone's recommendation. Depending on which procedure is utilized, breast augmentation is performed most often under sedation and local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Regardless of the procedure, most women return to their usual activities, including work, within one week of the breast augmentation. Strenuous activities should be avoided for two to four weeks. Breast augmentation surgery can be combined with other procedures – most often body contouring procedures on the abdomen like a tummy tuck.
Breast Reduction
A breast reduction is related to a breast lift, but the focus of the procedure is different. The main objective of the breast reduction is to reduce the size or volume of the breast and reduce the amount of skin covering the breast. The scars left behind may be quite similar after these two different procedures. The procedures may be combined for the patient who desires a breast lift but would like to be a little smaller as well. Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, can reduce the number of health-related complications that result from very large and heavy breasts, such as back and neck pain, as well as restricted lifestyles. A breast reduction may also be performed not for health issues, but to create more aesthetically pleasing breasts in proportion to the patient's body. The key is the removal of excessive fatty tissue, breast tissue, and skin. This removal reduces the size of the breasts and makes them lighter and more youthful because the position of the nipple and areola lift as well. A breast lift or breast reduction is normally performed as an outpatient procedure under sedation or, in some cases, under general anesthesia. Most patients usually return to their usual activities about a week or two after surgery, but should avoid strenuous sports and other activities for approximately three to four weeks.
Breast Lift
Known as mastopexy, a breast lift reshapes the breast and raises the position of the nipple. Breast lift eliminates sagging, which sometimes caused by pregnancy, breastfeeding, or simply gravity and age. A breast lift is a reshaping procedure and does not imply any change in volume. In some cases, a patient may want a volume increase as well as a shape change, and a breast implant may be used to accomplish the desired aesthetic result. With this combined procedure, an implant may be used not necessarily to increase size alone, but to provide shape, projection and fullness in the upper part of the breast where fullness is lacking. Typically, an incision is made to allow the removal of excess skin, while leaving as much breast tissue as possible. The nipple and areola are then repositioned to a more aesthetically appealing position on the breast to form an uplifted contour.
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction following the traumatic experience of breast removal (mastectomy) due to cancer or a similarly threatening disease is one of today's most rewarding plastic surgery applications. There are multiple types of procedures that can be performed either immediately after a mastectomy or after a short period of time has passed. The timing and type of the reconstruction are determined best by taking into consideration the desires of the patient and the surgical judgment of a plastic surgeon and the surgeon performing the mastectomy. The most common technique combines tissue expansion and the subsequent insertion of an implant. The expander is positioned under the skin and is gradually filled with a saline solution, which incrementally stretches the skin to create the necessary pocket to accept the implant. An alternative approach, flap reconstruction, involves the creation of a skin flap taken from other parts of the body, such as the back, abdomen or buttocks. The flap is composed of skin, underlying tissue, and muscle, and provides the pocket for the implant. Depending on the magnitude of the surgery, patients can expect to stay in the hospital for two to five days post surgery, and the recovery period can extend up to several weeks.
Mommy Makeover
Pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing take a toll both mentally and physically. For those mothers who want to restore or improve their post-pregnancy body, Dr. Garramone offers Mommy Makeovers. This option combines procedures such as tummy tuck and breast lift into a single-session surgery.
Mommy Makeover Ft. Myers
Pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing can take a toll on a woman's body both mentally and physically. For those mothers who want to restore or improve their post-pregnancy body, Dr. Garramone offers the Mommy Makeover. This option combines procedures such as breast augmentation and a tummy tuck into a single surgical procedure.
Mommy Makeover – Breast Augmentation
Immediately after pregnancy – often during lactation and nursing, a woman's breasts can swell and become significantly larger. This swelling results in stretching of the skin, and sometimes the skin doesn't shrink back to its original state. Breast tissue itself can also lose volume after pregnancy (referred to as postpartum atrophy or ptosis). The combination of these two factors results in a larger amount of skin holding a smaller volume of tissue and a woman may be left with breasts that sag or appear "deflated". Unfortunately, exercise cannot alter the appearance significantly – only a breast augmentation procedure can. Mastopexy, a breast lift, is a procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts. This procedure can be combined with implants for patients requiring volume augmentation.
Mommy Makeover – Tummy Tuck
Another issue that can result from pregnancy is the permanent stretching of the abdominal skin, and sometimes even the separation of the two abdominal muscles – which can leave a permanently visible gap between them. This gap in the musculature can result in pain and discomfort when exercising or lifting objects. Stretched skin results in scarring and stretch marks that may resist all topical (surface) applications to lessen their appearance. Fortunately, these issues can be successfully addressed with abdominoplasty, more commonly called a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck sculpts the abdominal area when an excess of sagging skin has accumulated due to major weight loss and/or changes after pregnancy. In a 'tummy tuck', the abdominal "six-pack" muscles are tightened and loose skin is tightened over the front of the abdomen. Liposuction is also performed in the majority of cases involving excess fat deposits. A woman's relationship with her body is a very personal issue, Dr. Garramone and his staff fully understand this. If you simply wish to combat the physical changes caused by pregnancy, a Mommy Makeover may benefit you in multiple ways.
Breast Augmentation Commonly Asked Questions Ft. Myers
What type of bra should I wear after surgery and for how long?
I recommend that my patients wear an underwire bra beginning immediately after surgery and in fact we place patients in an underwire bra in the recovery room after surgery. I recommend a well fitting underwire with cups, which helps to support the weight of the implants over time. Otherwise, your skin is essentially supporting the weight of the implant and there is more likely to be drooping in that case. I recommend a sports bra when exercising. I don't recommend a sports bra all the time or overnight because a sports bra is compressive and it doesn't support the type of breast shape we want after surgery.
What are the differences between saline and silicone implants?
I use mostly silicone gel implants is my practice. Silicone has several advantages over saline. It will look and feel more natural than saline. Silicone implants tends to ripple and wrinkle less than saline. The main advantage with silicone implants is that they do not leak, which means they will last longer than saline implants. Saline implants do cost less than silicone and in patients with a greater amount of breast tissue and body fat the rippling is less of an issue. The saline implant can be placed through a slightly shorter incision since it is placed when it is empty and then filled. The silicone implants require a longer incision because they are filled when they are manufactured.
Is it safe to breast-feed after a breast augmentation?
Breast implants do not interfere with breast-feeding. It is safe to breast-feed with either saline or silicone implants. If the breast augmentation is performed with an incision around the areola this may interfere with the breast ducts and their continuity with the nipple. If you are interested in breast-feeding after a breast augmentation I would recommend an alternate incision, either in the crease under the breast or through the armpit.
Will a breast augmentation make my stretch marks better?
Unfortunately, stretch marks are permanent. The breast implant will fill out the skin and in most cases the stretch marks will seem better. Sometimes, the loose skin of the breast makes the stretch marks more noticeable. You can simulate this by stretching the skin with your hands and seeing if there is any change to the stretch marks. This simulates the stretching that occurs with the breast implant. I have only seen patients younger than 20 develop new stretch marks after a breast augmentation. So getting additional stretch make would be very unusual.
Will I have a large gap between my breasts after a breast augmentation?
The distance between breast implants, which will determine how much cleavage you have after a breast augmentation, is determined by your anatomy. If your breasts are far apart before surgery, you will most likely have a wider space between them after surgery. If your breasts are close together before surgery, the implants will be closer together after surgery. Whether the implants are under the muscle will also affect this since the muscle attaches to the breastbone. If the muscle happens to attach at the outer edge of a wide breastbone the implants will be farther apart. The surgeon can try to decrease this distance, however being too aggressive can result in implant visibility in this area. That is rippling may be visible in certain clothing or a bikini top. The worst problem that can occur with trying to position the implants too close together is elimination of the cleavage area altogether, which is a condition, called "symmastia". This requires another procedure to treat and it is difficult to treat.
What is the best procedure for me? I have saggy breasts and large areolas.
In most cases if you have saggy breasts you need a breastlift. This procedure improves the shape of the breast and restores a more youthful look. At the same time the areola diameter is reduced. In most cases, a breast implant is placed to restore volume to the upper part of the breast. The implant also provides some projection and shape to the breast. You should have consultations with 2 or 3 board certified plastic surgeons. Check credentials not only for the surgeon but also for the anesthesia provider and the accreditation status of the facility.
Tummy Tuck Ft. Myers
Dr. Garramone performs tummy tucks in his Fort Myers office. Commonly known as a "tummy tuck," an abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area to correct the changes that occur during pregnancy and also after weightloss. Patients who undergo tummy tuck surgery can look better in clothing and bathing suits and are typically more comfortable engaging in physical activities. They have an increased level of comfort and confidence. The underlying muscles and tissue of the abdominal wall are tightened, resulting in a trimmer, more youthful physique. Additionally, scars of the lower and mid abdomen can be improved, or in some cases eliminated. The results can, in many cases, be dramatic. The abdominoplasty or tummy tuck can considerably reduce the look of a protruding belly that is out of proportion with the rest of the body. The abdominoplasty is most appropriate for patients who are in good shape but have fat and loose skin in the abdomen region that will not respond to dieting or exercise. This procedure is most often used to treat women after having a pregnancy, which may have caused the abdominal skin and muscles to become weak and loose. Significant weight gain followed by weight loss, in men or women, can also leave a loose or sagging layer of skin and fat, which can also be treated with an abdominoplasty. Both pregnancy and weight gain cause skin expansion, which causes the deeper elastic structures of the skin to tear, resulting in stretch marks. Proper diet and exercise may help up to a point after weight loss or pregnancy, but exercise will not take away loose skin and excessive folds. An abdominoplasty is not a procedure to treat obesity nor is it a substitute for proper diet and exercise. Ideally, patients should wait to have a tummy tuck until after planned pregnancies and when weight loss goals are reached.
How is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
Complete abdominoplasty allows maximum results. A tummy tuck achieves this by removing the extra skin that usually contains most if not all of the stretch marks, and tightening the abdominal muscles to enhance your shape and figure. The excess fat is usually contoured with liposuction. Alternatively, a limited procedure, or "mini-abdominoplasty", may be performed in select patients. In this procedure, the main lower abdominal incision is shorter. A shorter scar allows less skin to be removed. Which approach is best for each patient is decided during the patient's initial consultation. Scars from previous abdominal surgery may be used for a tummy tuck or removed during the tummy tuck. Using scars from the previous abdominal surgery is often the case for women who have Cesarean section scars. These scars are replaced with a new tummy tuck scar. An abdominoplasty may be combined with other procedures performed on other parts of the body. For example, liposuction is commonly performed in conjunction with abdominoplasty. In some cases, breast surgery is also combined with an abdominoplasty. A complete abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation. Most people return to their usual activities approximately two weeks after surgery. Strenuous activities should be avoided for approximately four to six weeks. Giving yourself the proper time to heal and recover is very important.
Mommy Makeover
Pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing take a toll both mentally and physically. For those mothers who want to restore or improve their post-pregnancy body, Dr. Garramone offers Mommy Makeovers. This option combines procedures such as tummy tuck and breast lift into a single-session surgery.
Body Contouring Ft. Myers
Body contouring references a group of procedures that target different areas of the body.
Although there are many areas of the body that respond well to physical fitness and healthy diets, there are those areas that no amount of exercise or dieting can improve. Body contouring surgery is one option for people whose skin and underlying tissue has lost its natural elasticity due to massive weight loss, pregnancy, aging, sun damage, genetics or other reasons.
If there are parts of your body that have been affected by age or perhaps extreme weight loss, you may want to consider Dr. Garramone's body contouring procedures as a solution.
Our body contouring options have the potential to not only remove excess, loose or sagging skin and fat deposits, but also those miscellaneous areas where there are uneven body contours. Body contouring can visually impact and improve the tone of the tissue that lies underneath, as well as improving the appearance of cellulite that leaves you with dimpled, uneven skin. It even improves those hated areas that sag or droop.
Our office will sit down with you to discuss the problem areas affecting you and your goals in eliminating these areas.
Some of the body contouring procedures that Dr. Garramone specializes in include: SmartLipo, Cellulaze, Precision TX, SculpSure, Coolsculpting, Weight Loss & Wellness, Breast Augmentation, The Diamond Lift™
To reach individual goals, Dr. Garramone may recommend one or more of these procedures.
Body contouring can be done in one session but may require multiple sessions depending on the patient's health, the type and extent of procedures and the magnitude of the outcome discussed.
Good candidates for body contouring are adults whose weight loss has stabilized.
It is important that the individual is healthy without any medical condition that impairs healing or increases the risk of surgery. It is best if the individual is a non-smoker and committed to leading a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and fitness, as a well balanced diet and exercise are necessary to maintain a healthy body and contribute to one's body image.
The look and feel of the body impacts the quality of one's life.
Our body contouring procedures have the ability to address and dramatically improve these impacts. Dr. Garramone's Fort Myers Body Contouring patients gain confidence from their new appearances and alterations.
Improvements to a person's image and body shape may be reached by reducing fat, excess skin and tissue, and many other options.
With body contouring, Dr. Garramone's patients can reshape and refine their body in a way they could not do otherwise. Body contouring can improve not only the shape but the proportion of the body, improving an individual's overall appearance and thereby increasing his/her self-confidence.
Liposuction Ft. Myers
Dr. Garramone performs liposuction in Fort Myers.
Liposuction enhances the body's overall shape by permanently removing fat deposits. Liposuction procedures are consistently among the top 5 aesthetic plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States.
There are different types of Liposuction procedures.
Fort Myers Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Garramone, will determine which procedure is best for you during your consultation. Liposuction can be performed to achieve a relatively small volume reduction, or in some cases a large volume reduction. In some cases, with smaller areas or with smaller volumes in delicate areas, the operation requires a bit more planning and finesse; "liposculpture" is sometimes used to describe this procedure. It remains, however, a variation of liposuction.
Our Fort Myers Liposuction services can be performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures.
Liposuction is effective on all areas of the body, including the face, neck, abdomen, back, buttocks, thighs, lower legs, and arms. The result is an aesthetically pleasing physique that helps patients achieve their goals.
Liposuction is commonly performed on both men and women.
It may be the most common procedure performed on men. Men will tend to seek correction of the chest, abdomen, and especially the flank areas. Women will tend to seek correction of the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and arms. Less often, liposuction is performed on the leg below the knee to treat the calves and knees.
How is Liposuction Performed?
Liposuction is performed through small incisions placed inconspicuously in natural skin creases using a high-vacuum instrument called a cannula
Which is a tube inserted through the incisions into the treatment area. Prior to this however the areas to be recontoured are infiltrated with a solution containing saline, local anesthetic and epinephrine. This is referred to as tumescent anesthesia and it accomplishes several things. It reduces bleeding and therefore bruising after the procedure. It results in less discomfort after the procedure and it makes the liposuction procedure itself more efficient.
A vacuum pump removes fat by suction as the cannula is moved under the skin.
The cannulas are of various dimensions and diameters depending upon the area of the body to be treated. The amount of fat removed will vary depending on the patient and the area of the body to be treated. Typically fat is removed along with a portion of the tumescent solution and this combination is referred to as the "aspirate" once it is removed.
There are limits as to how much fat can be removed during an outpatient surgical procedure in order to maintain a margin of safety.
After the cosmetic surgery procedure, the access incisions are closed with small stitches. A compression garment is placed on the patient and it is recommended that this be worn for at least 2-3 weeks after the procedure, however in most cases it is worn for 6 weeks. Most activities are resumed within 14-21 days depending on the extent of the procedure and the number of areas treated.
Liposuction is not a substitute for a healthy diet, nor is it useful for generalized weight reduction – it selectively removes fat only from specific areas.
The goal of the operation is always contouring of the treated body areas. When only one or two small areas are treated, local anesthesia may be used. When multiple or large areas are treated, IV sedation or general anesthesia is usually administered.
During liposuction, fat can be taken from one area of the body and repositioned in another area to improve contour in that second area.
This is referred to as fat injection or grafting. Fat is typically transferred to areas of volume loss such as the lower face and to the lips. In some cases areas where folds or creases develop are filled with fat from another area. Dr. Garramone also provides an alternate to plastic surgery which is CoolSculpting, which is an FDA approved, non-surgical alternative.
Smartlipo Ft. Myers
Dr. Garramone has a minimally invasive type of liposuction, using a new system called SmartLipo. SmartLipo is the most advanced laser-assisted lipolysis system available, and it is the only one of its kind with intelligent delivery systems that keep safety and consistency in mind. With eight years worth of clinical studies, it is the most studied system of its kind today. SmartLipo is FDA approved. This laser-assisted lipolysis system uses three different laser wavelengths of 1440, 1064, and 1320nm. This allows Dr. Garramone of Fort Myers to customize the treatment based on each patient's needs. It can help reduce fat and tighten skin in the jowls, face, neck, thighs, stomach, chest, and other areas.
Smartlipo tightens skin and sculpts
Unlike conventional liposuction, SmartLipo tightens the skin, so there is less loose skin left behind and there are fewer worries about dimpling and sagging after the procedure. SmartLipo tightens tissue, permanently destroys fat cells and improves the overall body shape. With this lipolysis, Dr. Garramone can create a sculptured look that defines the waistline in women or abdominal muscles (six pack) in men. SmartLipo treats areas that conventional liposuction cannot reach.
Who is the best candidate for smartlipo?
SmartLipo works best for men and women who are not significantly overweight but have accumulated fat deposits such as love handles, flappy upper arms, or excess neck, face, and/or torso fat. It is specially made for those who exercise and diet but cannot lose that little bit of fat. It is best for those who are in good health.
Smartlipo procedure
SmartLipo is performed by inserting a small cannula (or tube) the size of the tip of the pen, 1-2mm in diameter, under the skin. The laser delivers energy through the cannula directly to the fat cells. The energy causes the fat cells to rupture and liquefy, allowing Dr. Garramone to gently suction out the liquefied fat cells. From this procedure, new collagen is produced causing the skin to tighten. The laser also cauterizes blood cells to ensure minimal bleeding. Since this lipolysis is minimally invasive, a local anesthetic can be used allowing patients to be awake during the procedure and resulting in a faster, easier recovery. This is an outpatient procedure. Normal activities can be resumed within a few days. Slight bruising may occur in the areas that are treated. Compression bandages may need to be worn for a week or two after the procedure. Side effects are minimal. For most patients, only one treatment is needed. The treatment usually takes about an hour. Some results are seen immediately, such as the reduction of fat. After a few weeks, a toned appearance will be noticeable. Over the course of the next six months, a slimmer and firmer result will be visible. The fat cells will be permanently removed and with exercise and diet the results can last continuously. Click on the Before & After photo gallery to see a few of Dr. Garramone's SmartLipo patients' transformations.
Fat Transfer Ft. Myers
Have you ever wished that you could transfer fat from one part of your body to another? Well, getting a fat transfer is possible at Dr. Garramone's office; giving you youthful, healthy-looking skin. A fat transfer (also known as a fat grafting) allows fat from one portion of your body (usually your abdomen or thighs) to be removed and placed into another area of your body that needs volume. As the fat originates from your own body, fat transfer is the most well tolerated filler. You will not experience allergic reactions or rejections to the fat, thereby preventing some of the risk that comes with using fillers. Common places for fat to be transferred to are the face, lips, hands, breast, and buttocks. Fat transfer can be a natural alternative to certain implants. Fat can be transferred for: Improving creased or sunken areas in face; Adding fullness to lips and cheeks; Changing your body contour, improving buttock size or shape; Revising scars; Filling depressions created by liposuction; Rejuvenation of hands and face
What to Expect During a Fat Transfer
The fat is taken from the donor area, which will be treated with a local anesthetic. Fat withdrawal will be accomplished using a syringe. The fat is then purified before re-injection into the areas that require it. The fat is then transferred into the areas that are deficient. A light dressing may be applied to protect both areas.
What to Expect After a Fat Transfer
There may be some swelling, discomfort, and bruising after the injection. After the treatment, little to no downtime may be needed, and you may return to normal activities after a few days. If the buttock is treated, you may not be able to sit or lie down on the injected area for 3 – 4 weeks after the procedure. Swelling can last for 2-3 weeks. There may be a need to repeat the procedure until desire effect is reached. This procedure is long lasting and in some cases permanent.
Brazilian Butt Lift Ft. Myers
Over time the skin and muscle of the buttocks may lose tone and volume. In some cases, patients may have always had small buttocks, which caused them to feel as though their body was out of proportion. Procedures to enhance the shape and proportion of the buttocks have increased in popularity over the last several years.
What is a Brazilian Butt Lift?
Buttock or gluteal augmentation, known commonly as a Brazilian Butt Lift or simply a Butt Lift involves liposuctioning fat from one or more areas of the body and then transferring the fat to the buttocks to increase size and projection and/or to improve the shape of the buttocks and improve overall body proportion. This is the primary procedure performed today. Buttock implants, which were popular a number of years ago have fallen out of favor with most plastic surgeons for the fat transfer technique. Slimmer patients will need to have liposuction of several areas to harvest enough fat to make a significant difference. Women who have particularly low body fat will not be candidates for this Butt Lift procedure because they will not have enough fat to harvest.
The Procedure
Liposuction is performed through small incisions that usually leave behind very inconspicuous scars. The fat is harvested in a sterile collection device. The transfer of fat is carried out by processing the fat to remove blood and local anesthetic fluid called tumescent fluid. The fat is then placed in syringes, which are attached to cannulas similar to those used to perform liposuction. The fat is then injected into the buttocks. In addition to using liposuction to harvest the fat for transfer some liposuction is also performed on the lower back and outer thighs if necessary to better shape the buttocks.
When will I see the Results?
While the results are immediately visible after the surgery it can take several months to see the final result after resolution of swelling and bruising. Also, some of the transplanted fat will not "take" and your body will absorb it. On average most patients will retain about 70-80% of the transferred fat. Most women are very pleased with the new shape and size of their buttocks and the overall improvement in body proportions. The results will vary over time if the patient gains or loses weight as the transplanted fat can grow or shrink just like normal fat in other areas of your body.
Aftercare
The first few weeks after the procedure are very important. Too much movement can affect the amount of fat that "takes", as can too much direct pressure on the buttocks. In order to get the best results from the Butt Lift, Dr. Garramone recommends that patients limit movement for the first week. He does not recommend sitting or lying on the back while sleeping for the first two weeks and then for the next two weeks sitting on a pillow for short periods. After one month, there are no restrictions.
Vaginal Rejuvenation Ft. Myers
As women age, they may begin experiencing vaginal atrophy discomfort, dryness, itching, atrophy, laxity, bladder incontinence and painful sexual intercourse.
Why Fractional CO2 versus Radio Frequency lasers?
Both Fractional CO2 and Radio Frequency (RF) lasers tighten the skin. We recommend using a Fractional CO2 laser for this procedure, as it also provides the opportunity for stimulation and production of collagen, which helps firm and lift as well.
Is vaginal rejuvenation an in-office procedure?
The vaginal rejuvenation procedure is performed in the office. It is performed safely, quickly and painlessly and does not require anesthesia. There is no down time ensuring the women can return to their normal routine post treatment. This procedure may require a few treatment sessions and will require annual maintenance, once completed.
CO2 Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation
Fractional CO2 laser therapy delivers controlled energy to the vaginal tissue leaving the surrounding tissue intact. The laser therapy stimulates the formation of new collagen fibers and restores hydration and elasticity; while rejuvenating the vaginal tissue. Many women experience a significant change immediately after the procedure. Shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal. Vaginal rejuvenation can help address the following common health conditions:
Dyspareunia
Light bleeding after intercourse
Discomfort with intercourse
Decreased vaginal lubrication during sexual activity
How does vaginal rejuvenation work?
For vaginal concerns such as atrophy and looseness
Concentrated thermal heating and micro-ablation is applied to various layers of the vaginal tissue providing a safe and effective solution to help replenish the vaginal fluid, vaginal lining, and thickness of the vaginal wall. The female genital tissue is restored to a more youthful state.
Vaginal dryness and infections are treated using the laser therapy by focusing on the vulvovaginal tissue improving vaginal lubrication, vaginal pH and natural flora.
Urinary issues, such as incontinence, may be solved by stimulating collagen growth, elastin fibers contractions and enhancing tissue renovation.
The laser therapy is focused on the pre-urethral area to increase the thickness of the vaginal walls providing better support to the mid-urethra resulting in a reduction of incontinence.
What causes these types of women's health issues?
Many of the above conditions including vaginal atrophy are caused by lack of a woman's ability to produce estrogen due to the following:
Menopause
Perimenopause
Extended use of birth control
Tamoxifen (anti-estrogen to prevent cancer recurrence)
Prolonged breast feeding
CoolSculpting Ft. Myers
Developed by a Harvard scientist, CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared, effective and does exactly what it's supposed to do… help get rid of unwanted fat. CoolSculpting is more than a ray of hope – it's a loophole in the laws of gravity. This revolutionary new technology targets and crystallizes stubborn fat cells. The crystallized fat cells gradually die off, then naturally eliminated from the body. In the weeks and months following treatment, remaining fat cells condense, reducing the fat layer. No needles, no special diet, no supplements, no surgery. And most importantly, no downtime. Most people see an undeniable reduction of fat after a few CoolSculpting treatments. In as little as an hour, this contouring treatment can get you back the body you deserve. Starting today, reclaim the real you with CoolSculpting. Muffin tops. Love handles. Spare tires. These lumps and bumps cause your belt to slide in the wrong direction and your little black dress to be too little. You skip dessert. You hit the gym. No matter how hard you work at losing them, they're immune to diet and exercise. Something other than your belt has got to give. You don't feel as confident in your own skin as you should. Or could.
CoolSculpting – In The News
See the special segments that aired on Entertainmet Tonight and Extra. To read an article in GQ, about Botox and CoolSculpting, visit https://garramone.com/bro-tox-coolsculpting/. For more information, visit https://www.coolsculpting.com/the-coolsculpting-procedure/in-the-media/.
Schedule a Complimentary CoolSculpting Consultation Today
Visit Dr. Garramone and see if CoolSculpting® is right for you. For more information about CoolSculpting, or to schedule a CoolSculpting consultation, please contact Dr. Garramone's office today at 239.482.1900.
What you need to know about CoolSculpting
About CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting was developed by ZELTIQ to offer an alternative to surgical liposuction.
Like traditional liposuction, CoolSculpting eliminates fat cells in your body, as opposed to weight loss, which just shrinks them. According to experts, eliminating fat cells provides better long-term results than weight loss alone.
CoolSculpting kills fat cells by exposing them to cold temperatures.
Researchers have found that fat is more susceptible to cold than other cells in your body. The CoolSculpting machine lowers to a temperature of about 23 degrees fahrenheit, freezing fat cells but leaving the surrounding tissue safe.
During a CoolSculpting fat-freezing procedure, a gel pad and special vacuum applicator are attached to the area you're having treated. The machine precisely cools the area for 35-60 minutes.
As a result, fat cells under the skin are frozen and die. Over the next several weeks, the body naturally processes and eliminates the dead fat cells, and the treated area becomes slimmer.
The CoolSculpting fat-freezing procedure is patented and FDA-approved.
The science behind it has been the subject of extensive clinical research to validate the safety and efficacy of CoolSculpting.
Common questions about CoolSculpting
What does it cost?
CoolSculpting fat-freezing typically costs between $2,000–$4,000. Prices will vary based on your desired treatment areas and goals for fat reduction. Given the individualized nature of the procedure, CoolSculpting providers will work with you to develop a treatment plan to suit your goals and budget. Most providers offer flexible payment plans or financing through a healthcare lender.
What happens to frozen fat cells? Can they come back?
No, CoolSculpting permanently eliminates fat cells. CoolSculpting fat-freezing instigates a form of cell death called apoptosis, which naturally occurs in the body as cells age and die. Once the immune system recognizes frozen fat cells are dead, a cleanup process is triggered in which special white blood cells called macrophages break down and consume the dead cells. The dead fat cell material is digested and recycled as fuel for macrophages to continue cleanup elsewhere in the body.
What if I gain weight after my CoolSculpting procedure?
Weight gain causes the fixed number of fat cells in the body to expand. If you gain weight after the procedure, your remaining fat cells will expand. Those who do gain weight after CoolSculpting gain it evenly all over their body, not just in the treated area.
Who can have CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting fat-freezing is equally effective for adult men and women. It's best for people who are at or near their ideal body weight, because it treats specific areas where excess fat causes unwanted bulges despite diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle. This procedure is not a weight loss solution for people wishing to treat obesity or lose a significant amount of fat. Additionally, certain autoimmune and blood diseases such as cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria may make CoolSculpting too dangerous for some people.
What parts of my body can I treat with CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting fat-freezing can treat thighs, abdomen, flank (sides/hips), upper arms, areas of the back and the submental area (double chin).
What does the procedure feel like?
CoolSculpting applicators use gentle suction to attach to treatment areas, so there will be a tugging sensation. As the name suggests, the first few minutes will feel very cold on the targeted area, but your skin will become numb within the first 10 minutes of the treatment. Most people are relaxed enough to read or watch TV during their procedure.
What is the aftermath and recovery like?
Immediately after the procedure, expect the treated areas to bruise and swell as a reaction to the applicator's suction. It is normal for swelling to make treated areas appear "worse" than before. These areas will steadily shrink as swelling decreases and dead fat cells are processed and eliminated. Minor soreness or discomfort is common, but should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most people return to normal activities immediately after their procedure.
When will I notice the full results?
Most patients start to notice results about three weeks after their procedure. Results should be fully visible about two months after a procedure, but the body can continue flushing dead fat cells as long as six months later. Most clinics schedule follow-up appointments in which patients may discuss their results and schedule another CoolSculpting fat-freezing session if necessary. CoolSculpting typically freezes about 25 percent of the fat cells in a treated area, so your provider may recommend multiple sessions.
Who provides CoolSculpting?
General information
CoolSculpting is only available through medical practices certified by ZELTIQ, the company that developed and patented CoolSculpting fat-freezing technology, devices and procedures. Every procedure is administered by a trained healthcare professional and supervised by medical doctors. This means that you should get similar results regardless of which provider you choose. Once you've determined whether CoolSculpting is right for you, think about these services when picking a provider.
Location
You may need to have more than one CoolSculpting session. Choose a location that's close to your home or near hotel accommodations.
Atmosphere
CoolSculpting is a medical procedure. It might be performed in a doctor's office or a med-spa. Think about which atmosphere you're more comfortable in.
Financing
Because CoolSculpting fat-freezing costs a few thousand dollars, you may want to finance the procedure. Ask the provider you're considering whether they offer financing or accept financing from healthcare lenders.
Special pricing
To save money, ask about special promotions for CoolSculpting. Many providers have seasonal discounts and specials.
Other services
If you're interested in other cosmetic procedures, look for an office with those services. Having a single provider can make life more convenient. If you're not sure if you're a good candidate for CoolSculpting, look for an office that offers multiple treatments for fat reduction; they can help you pick the right procedure.
Sculpsure Ft. Myers
Introducing SculpSure Fort Myers – The Newest Technology for Permanent Fat Removal and Body Sculpting. Change your life in 25 minutes… Give us just 25 minutes and we will give you a newly, sculptured physique. Try SculpSure Fort Myers, the newest technology for permanently removing fat. And the great news is – it only takes 25 minutes. There are no incisions, no surgery, no downtime – and results last forever.
How It Works
SculpSure® is the first FDA-cleared treatment for non-invasive lipolysis, focusing on removing modest bulges of fat on the abdomen, back or thighs. SculpSure is a pain-free, quickly performed procedure with no recovery time. Proper healthy diet and active lifestyle are sometimes not enough for patients wishing to achieve a trimmer look without having to undergo an invasive surgical procedure. SculpSure is a non-surgical treatment that concentrates on certain areas of the body, generally the abdomen and lower back. It uses a 1060 nm (nanometer) wavelength laser that targets unwanted fat cells without affecting the skin. Four non-suction applicators and frames, contouring the specified region, are attached to the body and customized to meet the patient's needs. Throughout the procedure, the wavelength of this light energy attacks stubborn fat cells, destroying nearly a quarter of them in a single session. Over time, the body naturally eliminates those fat cells, and they disappear, leaving the patient with a more sculpted look.
The SculpSure Procedure
A SculpSure procedure lasts only about 25 minutes. The fat cell areas are heated, while the skin is simultaneously cooled, delivering a pain-free experience to the patient. You can read, watch TV, surf the web, or just relax—it's that gentle and simple. There is no downtime after SculpSure is performed, allowing patients to return to normal activities after the procedure. Most patients require only one or two sessions, but some may choose additional rounds of treatment to further reduce fat areas.
SculpSure Results
SculpSure was specifically designed to focus on the permanent disappearance of the treated fat cells. Typically, results will be noticeable in about six weeks, with optimal visibility in about three months. In clinical studies, there has been a 90% patient satisfaction rate, making SculpSure the newest, trusted, non-invasive method of eliminating fat cells from the body.
Vaginal Rejuvenation Ft. Myers
As women age, they may begin experiencing vaginal atrophy discomfort, dryness, itching, atrophy, laxity, bladder incontinence and painful sexual intercourse.
Why Fractional CO2 versus Radio Frequency lasers?
Both Fractional CO2 and Radio Frequency (RF) lasers tighten the skin. We recommend using a Fractional CO2 laser for this procedure, as it also provides the opportunity for stimulation and production of collagen, which helps firm and lift as well.
Is vaginal rejuvenation an in-office procedure?
The vaginal rejuvenation procedure is performed in the office. It is performed safely, quickly and painlessly and does not require anesthesia. There is no down time ensuring the women can return to their normal routine post treatment. This procedure may require a few treatment sessions and will require annual maintenance, once completed.
CO2 Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation
Fractional CO2 laser therapy delivers controlled energy to the vaginal tissue leaving the surrounding tissue intact. The laser therapy stimulates the formation of new collagen fibers and restores hydration and elasticity; while rejuvenating the vaginal tissue. Many women experience a significant change immediately after the procedure.Shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal. Vaginal rejuvenation can help address the following common health conditions:
Dyspareunia
Light bleeding after intercourse
Discomfort with intercourse
Decreased vaginal lubrication during sexual activity
How does vaginal rejuvenation work?
For vaginal concerns such as atrophy and looseness
Concentrated thermal heating and micro-ablation is applied to various layers of the vaginal tissue providing a safe and effective solution to help replenish the vaginal fluid, vaginal lining, and thickness of the vaginal wall. The female genital tissue is restored to a more youthful state.
Vaginal dryness and infections are treated using the laser therapy by focusing on the vulvovaginal tissue improving vaginal lubrication, vaginal pH and natural flora.
Urinary issues, such as incontinence, may be solved by stimulating collagen growth, elastin fibers contractions and enhancing tissue renovation.
The laser therapy is focused on the pre-urethral area to increase the thickness of the vaginal walls providing better support to the mid-urethra resulting in a reduction of incontinence.
What causes these types of women's health issues?
Many of the above conditions including vaginal atrophy are caused by lack of a woman's ability to produce estrogen due to the following:
Menopause
Perimenopause
Extended use of birth control
Tamoxifen (anti-estrogen to prevent cancer recurrence)
Prolonged breast feeding
Cellulite Treatment Ft. Myers
Are you frustrated that you can't get rid of cellulite, no matter how hard you try? Here's a fact that may surprise you: cellulite in not a fat problem, it is actually caused by factors outside your control. Cellulite is a structural problem below the skin, which is why surface based treatments simply do not work. CELLULAZE™ is the only treatment that attacks the structural problems beneath the skin that cause cellulite. A laser procedure performed by Dr. Garramone, CELLULAZE is clinically proven to release the fibrous bands that cause dimples, reduce fat deposits which create lumps and increase the thickness of the skin by 25%. Patients benefit from just one CELLULAZE treatment with a smoother and healthier look that lasts, as well as improved skin elasticity. Aging, hormones, genetics, and weight fluctuations all play a role in cellulite, that dimpled uneven skin. Those who have thin skin experience worse cellulite than those with thicker skin. There are tissue bands present below the skin surface that stiffen, giving the fat in-between no room to move, pushing it out into the skin. The CELLULAZE laser fiber levels out those bumps while simultaneously treating the dimples by releasing the bands and stimulating collagen, which increases your skin elasticity by nearly 30%.
What to Expect During Cellulite Treatment
Before the CELLULAZE procedure, you will be given local anesthesia, as you will be awake during the procedure. Dr. Garramone will mark the areas to be treated. The laser fiber will then be inserted under the skin. You may feel light pressure during the procedure as each area is treated. The procedure should take around 1-1½ hours.
What to Expect After Cellulite Treatment
Bruising, discomfort and small amounts of fluid leaking from the incision site may occur after the procedure. Patients will wear a compression garment for 6 weeks after the procedure. In just a few days you may resume your normal activities, and in a few weeks you may return to more strenuous exercises. Continued improvements may be seen for 3-6 months.
Laser Hair Removal Ft. Myers
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive treatment that permanently and safely removes and reduces hair growth. Controlled flashes of light penetrate the skin and are absorbed by the hair follicles. The heat from the light damages and destroys the potential for hair re-growth. Laser hair removal reduces unwanted hair from all parts of the body, except for areas around the eyes. This works best on fair skin with dark hair but treatment can be performed for those with darker skin.
How Lasers Remove Unwanted Hair
Lasers work by damaging the root of the hair follicle. The laser can only remove hair when a hair shaft is present. The hair shaft is the target for the laser. Most of the hair follicles on the human body are empty. That means they are not actively growing a hair. Since only 25% to 35% of your hairs are actively growing at any time, these are the only ones that can be treated. The laser does not affect the empty follicles without a hair. Since most hair follicles are not growing at a given time, laser hair removal takes more than one treatment. Usually 4-5 treatments are required. This allows the hair follicles to begin to grow a hair. To remove hair, the laser's energy is absorbed by the hair. This creates heat, and the heat destroys the hair cell.
What to Expect Before Laser Hair Removal
Dr. Garramone may suggest as little exposure to sunlight as possible prior to your laser hair removal procedure to improve the results and reduce any potential side effects. Shaving, as opposed to other hair removal alternatives, is also suggested prior to your procedure. On the day of your laser hair removal treatment, a topical anesthetic may be applied to minimize any associated pain.
What to Expect After Laser Hair Removal
Initial discomfort and redness after treatment is expected but should resolve within a day. You may put ice onto the treated area. Post-treatment hair shedding is a common side effect. It is best to avoid sun exposure until the skin has healed. Use sunscreen when out in the sun after healing.
Follow Up
4-6 treatments are necessary and they are usually spaced 5-9 weeks apart. Some patients may require additional treatments. Treatment is effective on all skin types. The procedure does not guarantee permanent hair removal as some hair follicles can recover or even be resistant; however, new hair may be lighter and finer. Additional maintenance treatments might be needed to keep hair from growing back.
Hand Rejuvenation Ft. Myers
As men and women age, their aging hands are one of the first parts of the body to show signs of aging. Hands receive significant exposure to sunlight and elements causing fine lines, unsightly veins, and dark skin patches known as brown spots, age spots, dark spots, sun spots or liver spots.
Why Fractional CO2?
The Fractional CO2 laser is recommended for this procedure, as it tightens the skin and provides the opportunity for stimulation and the production of collagen, creating a more youthful appearance.
The CO2 Laser Hand Rejuvenation Procedure
First, the treatment area is defined and cleaned using soap and water. A cooling ice pack may be administered before and after the treatment. The fractional CO2 laser is then applied penetrating the skin deeply, removing the damaged skin layers, stimulating collagen growth and enhancing tissue renovation. Healthy cells will then be able to regenerate new skin layers, significantly reducing visible signs of aging.
Is Fractional CO2 Hand Rejuvenation an In-Office Procedure?
The hand rejuvenation procedure using the fractional CO2 laser is performed in the office. It is performed safely, quickly and painlessly and does not require anesthesia. For the comfort of our patients, a topical anesthetic may be applied and cold packs may be used before and after the procedure. There is no downtime, ensuring our patients return to their normal routine immediately after the treatment. This procedure may require a few treatment sessions to optimize the results and will require annual maintenance, once completed.
Other Hand Rejuvenation Treatments
Additional hand rejuvenation procedures such as chemical peels, prescription-strength skin care products, Microdermabrasion and Intense Pulse Light treatments are available for our clients.
What is Fractional CO2 Laser Hand Rejuvenation Therapy?
Fractional CO2 laser therapy, also known as fully ablative fractional resurfacing and fractionated or pixilated carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment, delivers controlled energy to your hands. An ablative laser delivers an intense light beam thus penetrating into the deeper layers of the dermis providing superior results. The laser therapy stimulates the formation of new collagen fibers and restores hydration and elasticity while rejuvenating skin. Fractional CO2 laser hand rejuvenation treatments can help address the following common problems:
Darkened spots
Age spots
Spider veins
Wrinkled hands
Fine lines
Sun freckles
Scarring
Thinned collagen layer
Skin laxity and uneven coloration
What Is Expected after CO2 Laser?
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing recovery varies and depends on the depth of the laser treatment and the density of the treated skin. During the days following the procedure, it is important to closely follow the post-treatment instructions that will be given to you. Typical hand rejuvenation recovery timeline, using a fractional CO2 laser:
Day 1 – Treated area will have a sun-burned look with tight feeling
Day 2 – Treated skin may get darker or appear bronzed
Day 3 – The treated area may peel and could become mildly itchy
Day 7 – Treated skin is back to its normal appearance
Excessive Sweat Treatment Ft. Myers
Excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis is a problem that affects as many as 4 million people in the United States.
It may affect your self-confidence, your wardrobe, and your social life. If prescription antiperspirants do not work, there are a number of long-term options.
Botox® injections, commonly used to treat facial lines and wrinkles can also block the nerves to the sweat glands that trigger perspiration.
Sweat continues to be produced elsewhere. The majority of patients treated with Botox have a significant reduction in sweating that can last as long as 6 months. An additional treatment will then be necessary.
Ultherapy® works by targeting the sweat glands using focused ultrasound. The heat created by this system will damage the sweat glands reducing the amount of sweat that is produced.
The treatment is virtually painless. There is no downtime, as the procedure is non invasive. Two treatments are necessary, thirty days apart. Over 80% of patients showed improvement at one year.
PrecisionTX™ is the latest breakthrough in dealing with excessive sweating. It is a one-time, minimally invasive laser procedure that treats the sweat glands directly.
The procedure is performed by Dr. Garramone who will numb the area with an anesthetic. The procedure is performed by delivering laser energy under the skin precisely to the sweat glands. The heat generated by the laser damages or destroys the sweat glands. You may feel slight pressure during the procedure and some tenderness afterward. Most patients return to regular activities the next day. The procedure takes about one hour. In some cases, the procedure may need to be repeated but in most cases one treatment is all that is necessary.
Weight Loss Program Ft. Myers
Get started with Dr. Garramone's Weight loss & Wellness program. Lose weight fast with this medically-supervised weight loss plan. Dr. Garramone offers a proven weight loss plan of diet and exercise, providing his patients the opportunity to take control of their appearance and their health. Diets can be difficult to maintain especially with hectic schedules and travel. Our weight management and wellness program, supervised directly from Dr. Garramone, allows you to lose weight safely and efficiently. Our program offers:
Medical supervision including initial medical evaluation
Weekly visits to monitor progress, provide support and ensure optimal medical safety
FDA approved appetite suppressants to control hunger in appropriate cases
Supplemental injections when appropriate to hunger in appropriate cases
Individualized nutritional planning
Exercise counseling and support
Weight Loss FAQ's
I am a vegetarian, does your weight loss program have a vegetarian option?
Yes, we have a meal plan that accommodates Vegetarians and Vegans.
How long does the weight loss program last?
The length of the program is unique for each patient. The length of time you will be enrolled in the Acute Phase of the program depends on how long it takes you to reach your goal weight.
What does your weight loss program consist of?
There are 3 main components of our program: Diet, Vitamins & Supplements, and Exercise. It is important to incorporate all 3 components in order to get your best results.
How many office visits are required for weight loss?
You will have an Initial Office Visit in order to begin the program and then come in weekly to have your weight and body fat percentage recorded. The number of visits varies based on your goals and the total weight loss required.
How long has Dr. Garramone's weight loss and wellness program been in operation?
We began our program in July of 2009, and since then have hundreds of patients complete the program with great success.
Vivace Ft. Myers
Up to recently, procedures for fine lines and wrinkles to help minimize their appearance have been treated by Botox and fillers, lasers or more involved surgical options.
Now, there is a revolutionary non-surgical treatment that addresses these same concerns with enhanced facial and body rejuvenation and without the side effects or downtime. Introducing Vivace Fractional Micro Needle RF – a non-surgical treatment for contouring and tightening the face, neck, hands and body that stimulates the natural production of collagen, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Garramone Plastic Surgery, located in Fort Myers, Florida is pleased to announce that it is the first aesthetic practice in all southwest Florida to offer Vivace.
Vivace is an FDA-cleared device that combines microneedling with radio frequency (RF) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) therapy. This three-in-one device treats the skin under topical anesthesia numbing agent (cream) and with no downtime. The Vivace process involves the use of sterile microneedles to create microscopic channels deep into the dermis of the skin, while radio frequency provides heat stimulating the body to produce new collagen. And the LEDs provide red or blue light therapy applied immediately following the treatment. LED lights are wavelengths of light (not using UVA or UVB rays) to aid in quicker recovery time. The blue light helps kill bacteria under the skin. This important when treating acne patients. Red light coagulates vessels to help calm the skin. Unlike other microneedling devices, the treatment is fully customizable based on the patients' needs and is virtually pain free comfort in mind.
A game-changing benefit of using the Vivace micro needling technique
Versus historical laser or other RF is that it allows the microscopic channels to remain open for several hours, thereby allowing the treatment to penetrate the skin longer and creating immediate results. And of course, there isn't any downtime with the treatment, so you can go out that evening or back to work the same day. "We evaluated all skin tightening devices and options for our clients, and concluded that Vivace presented the best of class and most safe and effective treatment option for our patients," states Dr. Ralph Garramone, Medical Director and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. As with any type of treatment, it's best to consult with a trusted physician. Garramone Plastic Surgery is approved and trained to provide Vivace Fractional Micro Needle RF. It is now offering Vivace to its clients as the ultimate treatment for both facial and body skin rejuvenation.
Silhouette Instalift Ft. Myers
As men and women age, skin loses elasticity and begins to sag and at the same time facial volume in the form of fat is lost. Collagen, a building block of the skin, is lost as well resulting in a tired, aged appearance. Luckily, there is now a new and exciting procedure to counter these signs of aging without surgery.
Immediate Results that Improve with Time
The Silhouette InstaLift is a minimally invasive procedure, which lifts the deep tissue of the face without the need for surgery, scars or anesthesia. It also helps to increase and restore midface volume for a naturally youthful appearance. While the outcome is immediate, results improve over time! The long-lasting results with this procedure complement other aesthetic facial procedures as well. This procedure is ideally suited to men and women who are interested in improving their appearance without major surgery with little, if any, downtime. Silhouette InstaLift sutures are FDA-approved and manufactured in the United States from a polymer commonly used in other biomedical products and are well tolerated by the body. The sutures, which are eventually absorbed by the body, lift and reposition the deep structure of the skin using a series of novel bi-directional cones, which anchor the elevated surface in an elevated position. Over time the implanted suture and the cones stimulate the body to produce collagen. The new collagen increases and restores volume in the mid face complementing the lift for even longer lasting results. The improvement in facial shape will last 18 months.
The Silhouette InstaLift Procedure and Aftercare
The Silhouette InstaLift procedure is an in-office procedure. The areas to be treated are marked to give the desired lift in the desired areas. A local anesthetic is administered, then each end of the suture is passed through the deep tissue to each suture exit point. The tissue is elevated and secured by the anchoring effect of the bi-directional cones attached to the suture. This procedure takes about 30 minutes and is well tolerated by patients. We ask that you ice the treated areas after the procedure. Some patients take Tylenol after the procedure. We recommend no strenuous activity for two weeks. Fees for the Silhouette InstaLift start at $3,000 and will depend on the number of sutures necessary.
Ultherapy Ft. Myers
Ultherapy® is the only non-invasive FDA approved procedure to lift the skin of the brow, neck or under the chin. It uses focused ultrasound plus visualization to stimulate new collagen and elastin production. Ultherapy will non-surgically lift and tighten the skin in these areas with no downtime! Age and environmental factors cause damage to the skin. Collagen and elastin is broken down and weakened causing signs of aging including laxity. Ultherapy is designed to penetrate the skin and tighten from the inside, unlike lasers, which work from the outside causing injury to the skin surface which results in downtime for healing and redness. The ultrasound waves produced by Ultherapy deliver energy to the deeper layers of the skin, the same structural layer that is tightened in a surgical facelift procedure. The effect is seen over 2 – 3 months after the procedure.
What to expect before Ultherapy
One of our skin care specialists will clean your skin and apply a topical cream to numb the skin. In most cases, an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen is given along with a medication to help you relax for the duration of the procedure.
What to expect during Ultherapy
A cool gel will be applied to the skin surface to better conduct the ultrasound waves. A transducer will be applied to the skin surface to deliver the treatment. Depending on the number of areas to be treated, the procedure may take from 1 to 2 hours.
What to expect after Ultherapy
In a very few cases there may be some bruising. In most cases there may be some tenderness at the site of the treatment. There may be some temporary numbness. There is no downtime.
Follow Up
Most patients have just one treatment. Some patients will come in to have another area treated or to have an additional treatment after one year or so for maintenance. The effect can last as long as three years.
Ultherapy on the Décolletage
What is the Ultherapy Décolletage Treatment?
A non-invasive procedure that treats the chest to improve lines and wrinkles of the décolleté (chest).
What is Unique About the Ultherapy Décolletage Treatment?
While there are many energy-based devices on the market to treat wrinkles and lines on various surfaces of the skin, the Ultherapy Décolletage Treatment is now the ONLY non-invasive procedure specifically indicated by the FDA to improve lines and wrinkles on the chest. Check out the Décolletage Treatment Patient Video Below: Background: Dominique, 52, Beauty Journalist; Motive: After getting great results from her full-face and neck Ultherapy lifting treatment, Dominique opted to have her décolletage treated to improve lines and wrinkles on that exposed area.
How does the Ultherapy Décolletage Treatment work?
Unlike lasers, radio frequency, surgery and other technologies, non-surgical Ultherapy bypasses superficial skin to deliver the right amount of ultrasound energy at the right depths and the right temperature. This energy triggers a natural response under the skin, jumpstarting the regenerative process that strengthens weak collagen and produces fresh, new collagen. The treatment also uses traditional ultrasound imaging, which allows practitioners to see the layers of tissue they are treating, ensuring the treatment energy is delivered to where it will be most beneficial.
What kind of results are expected?
Some patients see an initial effect right after their treatment, but the real results are visible after about three months as new collagen works smooth skin on the chest. Most patients enjoy fresh, young collagen for at least a year after their procedure. As skin continues to age, future touch-up treatments can help keep pace with the natural aging process.
Key Benefits of the Ultherapy Décolletage Treatment
It's non-invasive.
There's no downtime.
It takes just 30 minutes.
It's a single procedure.
It's a safe ultrasound treatment.
It improves lines and wrinkles on the chest.
It stimulates the body's natural collagen production.
Intense Pulse Light Ft. Myers
Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Skin Rejuvenation is designed to gently combat the effects of aging and environmentally damaged skin. This procedure does not use an actual laser, but uses different wavelengths of light that may be adjusted to accommodate each patient's individual needs. This gentle procedure is able to treat the face, chest, neck, and hands. The procedure is popular because it requires no downtime and has a low risk of side effects. In most cases, three to six treatments are necessary at 3 week intervals. Also, Intense Pulse Light rejuvenation reverses photo aging (changes due to exposure to UVA and UVB), minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores, and evens out overall skin tone. This procedure is non-invasive; there is no damage to the epidermis (the outer layer of skin), as it is the lower levels of skin, the dermis, that are being treated. Because of this, patients experience a minimal amount of discomfort throughout the entire process. Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Laser Hair Removal is a non-invasive treatment to permanently and safely remove and reduce unwanted hair from all parts of the body. Controlled flashes of light penetrate the skin and are absorbed by the hair follicles. The heat damages or destroys the potential for hair re-growth. Four to six treatments are necessary, spaced 5-9 weeks apart. Some individuals may require additional treatments. Treatment is effective on all skin types. Laser hair removal is not effective on grey, white, or blonde hairs (Procedure FDA approved).
What to Expect Before IPL
A cooling gel and protective eye wear are applied to be worn throughout the procedure.
What to Expect During IPL
An intense light is applied in a series of pulses over the treatment area. During the procedure, IPL gives thermal energy to deeper tissues.
What to Expect After IPL
You can get back to your day right after you leave the doctor's office because the treatment is non-invasive. There is minimal to no downtime. There may be mild redness after the procedure.
Follow Up
Treatments are simple and safe. The sessions usually last 15-30 minutes. The use of a series of treatments allows for the changes to be gradual and natural.
The pulse light energy
Stimulates the production of collagen.
Helps to fade brown spots, sun damage, freckles and broken capillaries.
Helps to fade Rosacea (a facial redness).
Smartskin Ft. Myers
Over the years exposure to the sun (photoaging), gravity and natural aging affect the texture, tone and pigmentation of skin resulting in the appearance of aging. This can leave a person with wrinkles, lines, sunspots and larger pores. SmartSkin fractional laser resurfacing is the latest advancement in laser skin renewal. It is a CO2 laser that optimizes outcomes while minimizing downtime. It can be used to reduce wrinkles, treat brown spots, improve skin irregularities, smooth uneven pigmentation, treat dark eye circles, reduce pore size and rejuvenate the hands and neckline. Unlike other procedures only portions of the skin is treated.
SmartSkin – Procedure
In most cases a topical anesthetic is applied beforehand but other anesthetics can be used to ensure comfort. During the procedure heat and tingling will be felt as the laser scanner moves across the face. The procedure uses the SmartSkin CO2 laser to send pulses of energy to the skin creating microscopic holes. Collagen is stimulated deep within the skin to tighten the tissue. When these holes heal, new younger looking skin is revealed. The procedure can be completed in as little as fifteen to thirty minutes.
SmartSkin – Process for Skin Rejuventation
After the procedure, skin will be warm and will appear sunburned. The body will naturally replace aged skin cells with new ones. There may be some swelling and redness after a few days. It is important to avoid direct sun exposure after the procedure. Makeup can be applied to the skin and normal activities can be resumed after two to seven days. Within a few days results such as a more even skin tone, smoother texture and healthier looking skin will become noticeable. Optimal results are usually seen after two to three months. The results can last years as long as proper skin care and protection are used. The number of sessions needed depends on the patient's expectations of results and downtime. It is possible to get the results in just one session. Dr. Garramone will be able to determine the number of sessions needed.
Micro Needling Ft. Myers
Micro-needling is a cosmetic treatment that produces "fractional" micro injuries to the epidermis and dermis of the skin. Micro-needling devices include rollers with wheels of needles and pens with a cluster of needles at the tip. The slight injury they cause stimulates the growth of collagen, the scaffolding under the skin, which then improves the appearance of some scars and wrinkles. The mechanism of injury is a natural process, which makes micro-needling a holistic approach to skin therapy.
Micro-needling Process
First, an inflammatory response (1-3 days), to the initial injury promotes the chemotaxis response and proliferation of fibroblasts. The body's platelets also respond to initiate a wound matrix. This response is the early phase of cell migration to remove debris and bacteria and stimulate the next proliferative phase. During the second phase (3-5 days), the new fibroblasts, monocytes, keratinocytes of the first phase continue to proliferate and multiply. New collagen will be laid down and deposited with new tissue formation. Next a fibrotic response (5-20 days), of growth factors are released and fibroblasts release collagen. Finally, the maturation stage of new healthy skin takes place from day 28 to two years after needling. Collagen fibers mature and stiffen and the matrix of new tissue grows 80% to full tensile strength. Micro-needling can be safely repeated every 4-6 weeks until the desired results are achieved. The number of treatments required depends on how each individual responds to treatments. On average it takes 3 to 6 treatments to achieve desired goals.
What is Micro-Needling Used to Treat?
This treatment requires little to no downtime. The inflammatory reaction of the skin is extremely short and fades significantly within hours. Micro-needling treatments complement other procedures, such as chemical peels, IPL and laser skin tightening, and greatly increase their effectiveness. Four major phases of physiological wound response help in stimulating new healthy tissue growth resulting in tightened, lifted and rejuvenated skin.
Fine lines, wrinkles and pore size reduction
The theory behind micro-needling is that the device's tiny needle pricks stimulate the growth of collagen, one of the body's natural healing processes ultimately helping improve fine lines, wrinkles and minimizing pores.
Acne scarring
Topical anesthetic cream is used to keep the patient comfortable during the procedure. Patients should be advised that multiple treatments will be necessary. The number of needling sessions depends on the individual skin condition. Three or four treatments may be recommended for mild to moderate acne scarring, whereas severe acne scarring may take more.
Reduce stretch marks
Stretch marks result from shear forces on tightened skin. Stretch marks may result from pregnancy or other changes in the girth of limbs or the abdomen. They are tears to the connective tissue of the skin caused by rapid growth or over-stretching of the skin. When the connective tissue is stretched and tears, the overlying epidermis becomes thin and loses it ridges. The elastic fibers break and retract. Micro-needling helps to thicken the skin over stretch marks helping to restore the contours of the epidermal surface. Stretch marks may require five or more treatments.
Chemical Peel Ft. Myers
Revitalize your skin, improve and smooth texture of the skin, help to improve and eliminate blemishes, wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, skin discolorations, and enlarged pores. One, or a series of Pharmaceutical Grade Chemical Peels is recommended and can be customized for your specific needs.
VI Peel
The VI Peel contains a synergistic blend of powerful ingredients suitable for all skin types. This peel provides dramatic results with virtually no pain, no skin preparation and little downtime. It will improve the tone, texture and clarity of the skin; reduce or eliminate age spots, freckles, and hyper-pigmentation, including melasma; soften lines and wrinkles; clear acne skin conditions; reduce or eliminate acne scars; and stimulate the production of collagen, for firmer, more youthful skin. Vi Peel also works well in conjunction with lasers, injectables and post procedure.
Croton Oil
TCA 15%
A medium depth peel with yogurt extract and antioxidants formulated especially for those with mature skin problems, such as sun damage, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.
Glycolic 30% & 60%
A chemical exfoliant to promote the repair and regeneration of skin. Improves the appearance of aging skin and uneven texture and tone.
Salicylic 30%
An antiseptic exfoliant that deeply cleanses pores. Excellent treatment for acne and aids in overall skin rejuvenation.
Modified Jessner 14%
A synergy of effective acids to help reduce the appearance of melasma, freckles, acne and mild cases of rosacea.
Triplex
A combination of acids, mushroom and neem leaf extract to enhance skin tone and texture. It helps to improve fine lines, photo damage, hyperpigmentation and purify blemish prone skin.
TCA 15%
A medium depth peel with yogurt extract and antioxidants formulated especially for those with mature skin problems, such as sun damage, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.
Alpha Beta 17%
Glycolic, Lactic, and Salicylic Acids blended to refine surface texture, lessen the appearance of discoloration while clearing acne, and discolorations of the skin.
Microblading Ft. Myers
Eyebrows are arguably one of the most important facial features. Over the years, people have utilized eyebrow enhancements, such as brow gels, pencils, and even tattooing, with limited success. Now, there's a new option that delivers results that are natural-looking, as well as semi-permanent; Microblading.
What is Microblading?
Sometimes referred to as Semi-Permanent Makeup, 3D Embroidery, Hair Simulation Effect or Hair-Stroke Eyebrows, Microblading involves using a special handheld tool (Microblading pen) to etch ink into the skin, creating a natural-looking eyebrow. The pen allows 'drawing' individual hair strokes, mimicking natural hair to create a 3D (or feathering) effect.
What does the procedure involve?
First, the appropriate ink (or pigment) color is selected. The shade is typically matched to the hair and skin color profile as closely as possible, to ensure a natural look. The skin is cleaned, and numbing cream is applied to lessen discomfort. The specific shape of each eyebrow is drawn. This is the longest and most important part of the procedure, as everyone's eyebrow shape is unique. The Microblading tool has a row of several fine needles to create thin lines in the skin to simulate hair. The ink is bladed just below the epidermis and the shallowest part of the dermis, making extremely fine, natural looking hair strokes. As the Microblading tool is not powered or attached to any motor, the blading process is performed manually by dipping the tool into the ink, and the blade is used to deposit the ink into the skin via small cuts. The hairs are bladed into the skin based on the natural hair growth direction, achieving a very natural result.
What Is the Down Time and What Will I Look Like After Treatment?
The best part of Microblading is that there is no downtime. There may be, however, a bit of itching and redness during the first week. At first, the eyebrows will appear sharp and dark, but within two weeks will fade to the perfect color for a natural look. The full healing process typically takes between 25 and 30 days. While healing, aftercare ointments should be applied daily. After this time, you can rub your eyebrows and enjoy activities such as swimming.
How Many Treatments do I Need and How Often Should Microblading Procedures be Repeated?
As Microblading is a semi-permanent solution, results last up to three years. Based on the individual patient, periodic touch-ups may be needed.
What Conditions can be Treated or Improved with Microblading?
Loss of hair and lack of shape or definition
Thickening thin eyebrows
Correcting asymmetry
Hair loss due to Chemotherapy or Alopecia
Thin brows, due to years of plucking/tweezing
Covering scars or gaps in the eyebrow
Trouble applying conventional makeup due to a physical disability or impaired motor skills.
Hair Transplant Ft. Myers
Hair transplantation or hair restoration is the fastest growing aesthetic procedure for men, in line with the increasing life expectancy and aging lifestyle choices for the male population. Hair loss is considered the leading indicator of aging, and a hair transplant or restoration can wind back years on the facial appearance and perceived age of men, as well as with women. Normally a person loses between 50 to 100 hairs per day because 90% of hair is in the growth phase and 10% is in the shedding phase at any given time. However, any significant change that alters the normal growth cycle of hair, or permanently damages the roots of the hair (the follicles), results in excessive hair loss (100 or more hairs a day). Hair loss may be temporary or permanent and can be accelerated with predisposed genetic and environmental factors. 95% of hair loss from the scalp is related to heredity. Other common causes of hair loss include stress, age, and trauma to the hair. If you suspect that you may be "follicly-challenged," there are safe and proven effective treatments and procedures available that could recover the hair loss and perceived age of men.
The Difference is the Plastic Surgeon
While hair transplants don't require in-depth plastic surgery, the hair transplant patient benefits from the techniques of a highly skilled surgeon to ensure there is little or no scarring apparent after the procedure. Top-notch credentials such as being board certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery help validate the physician's overall expertise and experience, resulting in safe and rapid healing of the hair donor site. Being a recipient of Castle-Connolly's America's, "Top Doctors Recognition," demonstrates that a physician's peers recommend his services. A state of the art facility which has met the stringent accreditation requirements of AAAASF certify the highest level of safety and quality. All of these credentials are extremely important when selecting your hair transplant physician, and Garramone Plastic Surgery holds all of these credentials. During your private hair transplant consultation, you will be able to discuss your options with our plastic surgeon and experienced members of our team, and have an opportunity to ask a full range of questions and address any concerns you may have. The surgical hair transplant procedure will be specifically tailored to meet your personal objectives.
How Long Does Hair Transplantation Last?
While the hair along the hairline may have receded, as well as thinned or disappeared in the crown and vertex, hair follicles on the sides and back of the head are genetically imprinted to produce hairs through a patient's life. Knowing that hair follicles from one area of the scalp can be grafted to another region of the scalp is the basis of hair transplantation. Hair transplantation is the only permanent solution to hair loss. Once the hair follicles are transplanted from the back of the scalp, they will continue to produce healthy and vibrant hairs in the grafted areas in the years to come. It is your natural hair and can be cut, styled, and if necessary colored. Surgical Hair Transplant Techniques – Hair transplantation is performed by surgically removing hair follicles from the back or sides of the scalp and grafting into the areas suffering hair loss. There are two ways of transplanting hair follicles:
FUI (Follicular Unit Integration)
Follicular Unit Integration (FUI) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed in our modern surgical facility and is the most established safe and proven procedure for ensuring transplanted hair follicle viability. Patients receive sedation, allowing them to be comfortable and totally relaxed while the surgeon and technicians complete the procedure. After receiving sedation, both the donor area (usually the back or sides of the scalp) and the recipient area(s) are anesthetized. The tissue to be used for grafting is removed, and the plastic surgeon skillfully conceals the area from which it was removed. The follicle-bearing tissue is then hand-fractionated, resulting in microscopic grafts for insertion into the designated recipient area(s). The surgeon then uses a variety of microscopic instruments (not punches) to create receptive sites for the follicle-bearing grafts. The grafts may contain as few as a single follicle or perhaps two to three follicles in areas where greater density is desired. This portion of the procedure is as much an art form as surgical. The surgeon will continue to vary the articulation of the instrument during the creation of recipient sites, so that when the follicles become active and begin to produce hairs, the appearance will appear natural rather than machine made. The arrangement and positioning of these follicular unit grafts determine the aesthetic qualities of the hair transplant. Hair follicle arrangement and placement are determined on a case-by-case basis. It is important to have a surgeon with extensive experience perform this procedure – one who can identify the patient's pattern of hair loss and the likelihood of future hair loss. Since follicular unit transplants mimic the way hair grows in nature, the results, when transplanted well, will look completely natural and be indistinguishable from one's original hair. In other words, there will not be any unsightly clumps or corn rows of hairs. Hair transplant is a minimally invasive procedure that can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on the number of transplanted follicles required. The number of transplant sessions may vary as well depending on the size of the area of hair loss and the desired density of the transplanted hair. There are specific directions provided by our practice outlining the do's and don'ts that follow the procedure. Call 239.482.1900 to schedule a consultation and learn more about the procedure.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
FUE is the method of directly and individually harvesting hair follicle grafts from a patient's donor area(s). FUE is typically performed by a robotic machine. FUE saves cost by reducing the number of technicians involved in the procedure but increases the chances for donor site degradation, scarring and possibly limits or negates the possibilities for future procedures, if desired. Additionally, follicles are extremely delicate, and suction can negatively impact their viability after being exposed to forceful extraction. Dr. Garramone's practice believes that FUI and not FUE is the safest and most clinically proven procedure to ensure long term hair follicle viability and hair restoration.
Permanent Makeup Ft. Myers
Ever wanted to 'Wake Up With Makeup?'
Imagine waking up every day, and NOT having to spend a lot of time on your makeup… Permanent makeup not only saves time but actually LOOKS better than regular makeup. Permanent makeup doesn't smear, won't come off, and can last years.
What is Permanent Makeup?
Permanent Makeup is a cosmetic technique that involves tattooing the skin to recreate the look of just-applied lipstick, lip liner, eyebrow pencil, and eyeliner. The permanent makeup process, called Micropigmentation, is done where permanent ink is injected into the skin, using a tattoo pen. Just like any tattoo, the color appears brighter or darker at first, then fades into a more natural-looking form. 0:00 / 2:19
What are the Benefits of Permanent Makeup?
The most obvious benefit of permanent makeup is that it can save time. People with busy schedules, long commutes, and many commitments can cut several minutes out of their morning routine each day. Since permanent makeup doesn't smudge or fade, there's no need to spend time reapplying during the day. Beyond time savings, permanent makeup allows people to wear makeup, who may be unable (individuals with physical disabilities or impaired motor skills) to apply traditional products themselves. People with hair loss conditions, causing them to lose their eyebrows may invest in permanent eyebrow tattoos. Permanent makeup can also benefit people with cosmetic allergies, and someone with a lip scar may use permanent lipstick to hide it.
What Areas Can Be Enhanced With Permanent Makeup?
Popular areas of permanent makeup include lip lining/lip color, eye-lining, eyelash enhancement and eyebrows.
Lip Lining/Lip Color
Lip procedures can either help re-shape lips or enhance the beauty of well-shaped lips. Permanent lip color can correct asymmetry, add definition and fullness, enlarge thin lips and minimize the appearance of large lips. For a Naturally Youthful You, permanent lip color de-emphasizes age lines around the lips and prevents lipstick from 'bleeding' into surrounding areas. The lips are typically tender for a couple days, and generally take 2 to 3 weeks to heal completely. Once healing is complete, lipstick can be applied.
Eyeliner and Eyelash Enhancement
Pencil eyeliner and mascara are inconvenient, smears and impossible to use in situations involving water, sweating, crying, rain, or humidity. Permanent eyeliner accentuates and highlights your eyes, without having to reapply. Typically, procedures involve the upper, the lower or both the upper and lower eyelids. For the first couple days, the area is a bit tender, and take approximately 2 to 3 weeks to heal completely. The results, however, are immediate.
Eyebrow Enhancement (Microblading)
Sometimes referred to as Semi-Permanent Makeup, 3D Embroidery, Hair Simulation Effect or Hair-Stroke Eyebrows, Microblading involves using a special handheld tool to etch ink into the skin, creating a natural-looking eyebrow. There is no downtime for this procedure. At first, the eyebrows will appear sharp and dark, but within two weeks will fade to the perfect color for a natural look.
Hydrafacial Ft. Myers
Dr. Garramone's HydraFacial™ resurfacing procedure thoroughly enhances the skin using patented Vortex Technology to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate simultaneously. It merges soothing and invigorating spa therapies with advanced medical technology to achieve instant and lasting results. HydraFacial improves skin while simultaneously restoring it to leave you with youthful looking skin. Dead skin cells and impurities are removed from the surface, while your skin is being replenished. The procedure is soothing, moisturizing, non-irritating, and immediately effective. There is no surgery, lasers or injections with HydraFacial, giving no discomfort. It is for all skin types, including sensitive skin, with no social downtime. Treatment takes approximately 20-30 min. Free-radicals (stress, pollution, toxins and sunlight) all damage and age your complexion by destroying the chemical makeup of cells. HydraFacial, one of the newest products in aesthetic technology, uses antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to help restore your skin. Antioxidants, necessary to obtain healthy skin, are a natural defense and work by restoring and protecting you from further damage.
What to Expect After HydraFacial
This procedure has no downtime, so as soon as you are finished you may go back to your day. The results are almost instantaneous, and after one treatment most people have better hydrated and healthier looking skin. It is recommended to have 1 treatment a month in order to keep skin healthy.
HydraFacial can help improve
You can upgrade your HydraFacial by adding LED Light Therapy, DermaBuilder, or a Medical Grade Facial.
Oily Skin
Sun Damage
Hyperpigmentation
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Dermaplaning Ft. Myers
Dermaplaning is a simple and safe exfoliating procedure.
One of our certified Medical Estheticians delicately grazes the surface of the skin and simply shaves the epidermal with light strokes. Dermaplaning works by exfoliating your skin while also removing the fine vellus hair (commonly known as peach fuzz) from your face. Many who wish to improve the look of their facial skin will benefit from our Dermaplaning procedure, as it reduces the appearance of scars, wrinkles, or pre-cancerous growth. It may also be suggested for those who are scheduled to undergo laser treatment and chemical peels, as it will improve the efficacy of those procedures. Dermaplaning is only recommended for the face, and is best not used on the neck and nose.
Removing excess vellus hair, which can hold dirt and oils, will give your skin a healthier look without the worry that the hair will grow back heavier and darker.
As long as the hair is superficial, it will grow back the same as before. This procedure also allows products to more easily penetrate your skin at deeper levels.
Pregnant or nursing women who wish to have deep exfoliation may use Dermaplaning safely without worrying about any chemicals being absorbed and affecting the fetus or child.
Dermaplaning is often used on those with: Rough, dry skin; Superficial hyperpigmentation; Mild acne scarring; Fine lines and wrinkles
After a Dermaplaning procedure there is no downtime and sunscreen is recommended for use on treated areas post-procedure.
You will see results after just one procedure. The procedure can be repeated every 2 weeks but most patients wait 1 month between sessions.
Medical Grade Facial Ft. Myers
Sometimes, a little pampering or a specialized treatment is all you need to feel relaxed and ready to face the world again. You will find a complete array of luxurious treatments and products designed to rejuvenate and enhance your natural beauty. Our menu includes facials, skin care treatments, and make-up. Please phone to speak with our Spa Professionals. Gift Certificates Are Always Available. We offer the finest in Medical Skincare products: Obagi, NeoCutis, Revision, Latisse, MD Solar Science and more. Our licensed professionals can recommend a home-care system for your skin care needs.
European Facial
Pamper your skin to perfection with steam, exfoliation, light extraction, massage, and customized mask. This facial is customized to your skin care needs. Recommended for all skin types.
Conditioning Facial
Nourish, hydrate, and strengthen your skin with grape seed, jojoba, and soy oils. Infused acai berry, shitake extract, and wild yam to help improve elasticity and overall skin health. Recommended for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin types.
Clear Skin Facial
Purify your skin with a blend of pomegranate, cranberry extract, papaya, and pineapple enzymes under steam therapy with an extraction process. This treatment will help to clear breakouts, calm and soothe irritation, and increase oxygen flow for a healthy clear complexion. Recommended for congested, acneic, and oily skin types.
Medical Microdermabrasion
Crystal free microdermabrasion provides a medical grade exfoliation, using a diamond-tipped wand. A non-invasive treatment that peels away dead skin, helps reduce fine wrinkles, acne scars, reduce hyperpigmentation, age spots, uneven skin texture, and promotes new skin cell growth. Achieve an immediate, radiant glow with very minimal or no downtime. 3 to 6 treatments are recommended for optimal results.
Glo Enzyme with Diamond Facial Peel
This advanced treatment provides a medical grade exfoliation, enzyme peel and facial massage to reveal a smooth and radiant complexion. Recommended for all skin types except sensitive skin.
Crystal Collagen Treatment
Co Enzyme Q10, Vitamins, Hyaluronic Acid, Phyto-Collagen and pure natural extracts are infused into your skin with crystal technology. A gel capsule is massaged into your skin leaving it feeling like silk. Will help to repair lines and wrinkles, while strengthening your skin.
Vitamin C Collagen Facial
Protect our skin from damaging UV rays and free radical damage. An ultra blend of 15% Vitamin C serum, peptides, and antioxidants help reverse sun damage, decrease wrinkles, strengthen and improve elasticity and discoloration. Finish with a Vitamin C Phyto-Collagen infused mask leaving your skin radiant.
Oxygen Facial
Nourish and rejuvenate dull skin with a luxuriant cocktail of corrective serums, specialized masks, oxygen infused products, and a mega dose of vitamins and minerals. This facial detoxifies your skin, increases circulation, and helps in cellular regeneration.
Hydrafacial™
The HydraFacial™ resurfacing procedure thoroughly enhances the skin using patented Vortex Technology™ to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate simultaneously. It merges soothing and invigorating spa therapies with advanced medical technology to achieve instant lasting results. The procedure is soothing, moisturizing, non-irritating, and immediately effective. For all skin types with no social downtime. Click here for more information about HydraFacials.
Dermaplaning
An exfoliation treatment to remove fine facial hair and dead cellular layers. A change in skin texture can be felt immediately. Click here for more information about Dermaplaning.
LED Light Therapy
Light therapy is the application of light energy to the skin for therapeutic benefits. It is a natural photobiochemical reaction similar to the process of plant photosynthesis. NASA's space program has proven that LED Light Therapy (near-infrared) promotes wound healing and human tissue growth. LED Light Therapy can be used on all skin types and it is non-ablative, non-invasive, painless, and no downtime.
Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymph drainage massage is a form of very light massage that encourages lymph flow in the body. It is particularly good for detoxification, edema, pre- and post-plastic surgery and post-liposuction. It can also help with cellulite treatments, scar tissue, spider veins, redness, and acne.
Aqua Collagen Eye Treatment
This eye treatment utilizes marine collagen to renew, hydrate, plump and tighten the eye area. *Can be added to any facial.
Collagen Crystal Lip Treatment
An intense hydrating gel mask helps to plump up lips, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, leaving your lips moist and smooth. *Can be added to any facial treatment.
Vivace Ft. Myers
Up to recently, procedures for fine lines and wrinkles to help minimize their appearance have been treated by Botox and fillers, lasers or more involved surgical options.
Now, there is a revolutionary non-surgical treatment that addresses these same concerns with enhanced facial and body rejuvenation and without the side effects or downtime. Introducing Vivace Fractional Micro Needle RF – a non-surgical treatment for contouring and tightening the face, neck, hands and body that stimulates the natural production of collagen, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Garramone Plastic Surgery, located in Fort Myers, Florida is pleased to announce that it is the first aesthetic practice in all southwest Florida to offer Vivace.
Vivace is an FDA-cleared device that combines microneedling with radio frequency (RF) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) therapy. This three-in-one device treats the skin under topical anesthesia numbing agent (cream) and with no downtime. The Vivace process involves the use of sterile microneedles to create microscopic channels deep into the dermis of the skin, while radio frequency provides heat stimulating the body to produce new collagen. And the LEDs provide red or blue light therapy applied immediately following the treatment. LED lights are wavelengths of light (not using UVA or UVB rays) to aid in quicker recovery time. The blue light helps kill bacteria under the skin. This important when treating acne patients. Red light coagulates vessels to help calm the skin. Unlike other microneedling devices, the treatment is fully customizable based on the patients' needs and is virtually pain free comfort in mind.
A game-changing benefit of using the Vivace micro needling technique
Versus historical laser or other RF is that it allows the microscopic channels to remain open for several hours, thereby allowing the treatment to penetrate the skin longer and creating immediate results. And of course, there isn't any downtime with the treatment, so you can go out that evening or back to work the same day. "We evaluated all skin tightening devices and options for our clients, and concluded that Vivace presented the best of class and most safe and effective treatment option for our patients," states Dr. Ralph Garramone, Medical Director and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. As with any type of treatment, it's best to consult with a trusted physician. Garramone Plastic Surgery is approved and trained to provide Vivace Fractional Micro Needle RF. It is now offering Vivace to its clients as the ultimate treatment for both facial and body skin rejuvenation.
CoolSculpting Ft. Myers
Developed by a Harvard scientist, CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared, effective and does exactly what it's supposed to do… help get rid of unwanted fat. CoolSculpting is more than a ray of hope – it's a loophole in the laws of gravity. This revolutionary new technology targets and crystallizes stubborn fat cells. The crystallized fat cells gradually die off, then naturally eliminated from the body. In the weeks and months following treatment, remaining fat cells condense, reducing the fat layer. No needles, no special diet, no supplements, no surgery. And most importantly, no downtime. Most people see an undeniable reduction of fat after a few CoolSculpting treatments. In as little as an hour, this contouring treatment can get you back the body you deserve. Starting today, reclaim the real you with CoolSculpting. Muffin tops. Love handles. Spare tires. These lumps and bumps cause your belt to slide in the wrong direction and your little black dress to be too little. You skip dessert. You hit the gym. No matter how hard you work at losing them, they're immune to diet and exercise. Something other than your belt has got to give. You don't feel as confident in your own skin as you should. Or could.
CoolSculpting – In The News
See the special segments that aired on Entertainmet Tonight and Extra. To read an article in GQ, about Botox and CoolSculpting, visit https://garramone.com/bro-tox-coolsculpting/. For more information, visit https://www.coolsculpting.com/the-coolsculpting-procedure/in-the-media/.
Schedule a Complimentary CoolSculpting Consultation Today
Visit Dr. Garramone and see if CoolSculpting® is right for you. For more information about CoolSculpting, or to schedule a CoolSculpting consultation, please contact Dr. Garramone's office today at 239.482.1900.
What you need to know about CoolSculpting
About CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting was developed by ZELTIQ to offer an alternative to surgical liposuction.
Like traditional liposuction, CoolSculpting eliminates fat cells in your body, as opposed to weight loss, which just shrinks them. According to experts, eliminating fat cells provides better long-term results than weight loss alone.
CoolSculpting kills fat cells by exposing them to cold temperatures.
Researchers have found that fat is more susceptible to cold than other cells in your body. The CoolSculpting machine lowers to a temperature of about 23 degrees fahrenheit, freezing fat cells but leaving the surrounding tissue safe.
During a CoolSculpting fat-freezing procedure, a gel pad and special vacuum applicator are attached to the area you're having treated. The machine precisely cools the area for 35-60 minutes.
As a result, fat cells under the skin are frozen and die. Over the next several weeks, the body naturally processes and eliminates the dead fat cells, and the treated area becomes slimmer.
The CoolSculpting fat-freezing procedure is patented and FDA-approved.
The science behind it has been the subject of extensive clinical research to validate the safety and efficacy of CoolSculpting.
Common questions about CoolSculpting
What does it cost?
CoolSculpting fat-freezing typically costs between $2,000–$4,000. Prices will vary based on your desired treatment areas and goals for fat reduction. Given the individualized nature of the procedure, CoolSculpting providers will work with you to develop a treatment plan to suit your goals and budget. Most providers offer flexible payment plans or financing through a healthcare lender.
What happens to frozen fat cells? Can they come back?
No, CoolSculpting permanently eliminates fat cells. CoolSculpting fat-freezing instigates a form of cell death called apoptosis, which naturally occurs in the body as cells age and die. Once the immune system recognizes frozen fat cells are dead, a cleanup process is triggered in which special white blood cells called macrophages break down and consume the dead cells. The dead fat cell material is digested and recycled as fuel for macrophages to continue cleanup elsewhere in the body.
What if I gain weight after my CoolSculpting procedure?
Weight gain causes the fixed number of fat cells in the body to expand. If you gain weight after the procedure, your remaining fat cells will expand. Those who do gain weight after CoolSculpting gain it evenly all over their body, not just in the treated area.
Who can have CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting fat-freezing is equally effective for adult men and women. It's best for people who are at or near their ideal body weight, because it treats specific areas where excess fat causes unwanted bulges despite diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle. This procedure is not a weight loss solution for people wishing to treat obesity or lose a significant amount of fat. Additionally, certain autoimmune and blood diseases such as cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria may make CoolSculpting too dangerous for some people.
What parts of my body can I treat with CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting fat-freezing can treat thighs, abdomen, flank (sides/hips), upper arms, areas of the back and the submental area (double chin).
What does the procedure feel like?
CoolSculpting applicators use gentle suction to attach to treatment areas, so there will be a tugging sensation. As the name suggests, the first few minutes will feel very cold on the targeted area, but your skin will become numb within the first 10 minutes of the treatment. Most people are relaxed enough to read or watch TV during their procedure.
What is the aftermath and recovery like?
Immediately after the procedure, expect the treated areas to bruise and swell as a reaction to the applicator's suction. It is normal for swelling to make treated areas appear "worse" than before. These areas will steadily shrink as swelling decreases and dead fat cells are processed and eliminated. Minor soreness or discomfort is common, but should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most people return to normal activities immediately after their procedure.
When will I notice the full results?
Most patients start to notice results about three weeks after their procedure. Results should be fully visible about two months after a procedure, but the body can continue flushing dead fat cells as long as six months later. Most clinics schedule follow-up appointments in which patients may discuss their results and schedule another CoolSculpting fat-freezing session if necessary. CoolSculpting typically freezes about 25 percent of the fat cells in a treated area, so your provider may recommend multiple sessions.
Who provides CoolSculpting?
General information
CoolSculpting is only available through medical practices certified by ZELTIQ, the company that developed and patented CoolSculpting fat-freezing technology, devices and procedures. Every procedure is administered by a trained healthcare professional and supervised by medical doctors. This means that you should get similar results regardless of which provider you choose. Once you've determined whether CoolSculpting is right for you, think about these services when picking a provider.
Location
You may need to have more than one CoolSculpting session. Choose a location that's close to your home or near hotel accommodations.
Atmosphere
CoolSculpting is a medical procedure. It might be performed in a doctor's office or a med-spa. Think about which atmosphere you're more comfortable in.
Financing
Because CoolSculpting fat-freezing costs a few thousand dollars, you may want to finance the procedure. Ask the provider you're considering whether they offer financing or accept financing from healthcare lenders.
Special pricing
To save money, ask about special promotions for CoolSculpting. Many providers have seasonal discounts and specials.
Other services
If you're interested in other cosmetic procedures, look for an office with those services. Having a single provider can make life more convenient. If you're not sure if you're a good candidate for CoolSculpting, look for an office that offers multiple treatments for fat reduction; they can help you pick the right procedure.
Sculpsure Ft. Myers
Introducing SculpSure Fort Myers – The Newest Technology for Permanent Fat Removal and Body Sculpting. Change your life in 25 minutes… Give us just 25 minutes and we will give you a newly, sculptured physique. Try SculpSure Fort Myers, the newest technology for permanently removing fat. And the great news is – it only takes 25 minutes. There are no incisions, no surgery, no downtime – and results last forever.
How It Works
SculpSure® is the first FDA-cleared treatment for non-invasive lipolysis, focusing on removing modest bulges of fat on the abdomen, back or thighs. SculpSure is a pain-free, quickly performed procedure with no recovery time. Proper healthy diet and active lifestyle are sometimes not enough for patients wishing to achieve a trimmer look without having to undergo an invasive surgical procedure. SculpSure is a non-surgical treatment that concentrates on certain areas of the body, generally the abdomen and lower back. It uses a 1060 nm (nanometer) wavelength laser that targets unwanted fat cells without affecting the skin. Four non-suction applicators and frames, contouring the specified region, are attached to the body and customized to meet the patient's needs. Throughout the procedure, the wavelength of this light energy attacks stubborn fat cells, destroying nearly a quarter of them in a single session. Over time, the body naturally eliminates those fat cells, and they disappear, leaving the patient with a more sculpted look.
The SculpSure Procedure
A SculpSure procedure lasts only about 25 minutes. The fat cell areas are heated, while the skin is simultaneously cooled, delivering a pain-free experience to the patient. You can read, watch TV, surf the web, or just relax—it's that gentle and simple. There is no downtime after SculpSure is performed, allowing patients to return to normal activities after the procedure. Most patients require only one or two sessions, but some may choose additional rounds of treatment to further reduce fat areas.
SculpSure Results
SculpSure was specifically designed to focus on the permanent disappearance of the treated fat cells. Typically, results will be noticeable in about six weeks, with optimal visibility in about three months. In clinical studies, there has been a 90% patient satisfaction rate, making SculpSure the newest, trusted, non-invasive method of eliminating fat cells from the body.
Laser Hair Removal Ft. Myers
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive treatment that permanently and safely removes and reduces hair growth. Controlled flashes of light penetrate the skin and are absorbed by the hair follicles. The heat from the light damages and destroys the potential for hair re-growth. Laser hair removal reduces unwanted hair from all parts of the body, except for areas around the eyes. This works best on fair skin with dark hair but treatment can be performed for those with darker skin. Note: Laser hair removal is not effective on grey, white or blonde hairs
How Lasers Remove Unwanted Hair
Lasers work by damaging the root of the hair follicle. The laser can only remove hair when a hair shaft is present. The hair shaft is the target for the laser. Most of the hair follicles on the human body are empty. That means they are not actively growing a hair. Since only 25% to 35% of your hairs are actively growing at any time, these are the only ones that can be treated. The laser does not affect the empty follicles without a hair. Since most hair follicles are not growing at a given time, laser hair removal takes more than one treatment. Usually 4-5 treatments are required. This allows the hair follicles to begin to grow a hair. To remove hair, the laser's energy is absorbed by the hair. This creates heat, and the heat destroys the hair cell.
What to Expect Before Laser Hair Removal
Dr. Garramone may suggest as little exposure to sunlight as possible prior to your laser hair removal procedure to improve the results and reduce any potential side effects. Shaving, as opposed to other hair removal alternatives, is also suggested prior to your procedure. On the day of your laser hair removal treatment, a topical anesthetic may be applied to minimize any associated pain.
What to Expect After Laser Hair Removal
Initial discomfort and redness after treatment is expected but should resolve within a day. You may put ice onto the treated area. Post-treatment hair shedding is a common side effect. It is best to avoid sun exposure until the skin has healed. Use sunscreen when out in the sun after healing.
Follow Up
4-6 treatments are necessary and they are usually spaced 5-9 weeks apart. Some patients may require additional treatments. Treatment is effective on all skin types. The procedure does not guarantee permanent hair removal as some hair follicles can recover or even be resistant; however, new hair may be lighter and finer. Additional maintenance treatments might be needed to keep hair from growing back.
Hand Rejuvenation Ft. Myers
As men and women age, their aging hands are one of the first parts of the body to show signs of aging. Hands receive significant exposure to sunlight and elements causing fine lines, unsightly veins, and dark skin patches known as brown spots, age spots, dark spots, sun spots or liver spots.
Why Fractional CO2?
The Fractional CO2 laser is recommended for this procedure, as it tightens the skin and provides the opportunity for stimulation and the production of collagen, creating a more youthful appearance.
The CO2 Laser Hand Rejuvenation Procedure
First, the treatment area is defined and cleaned using soap and water. A cooling ice pack may be administered before and after the treatment. The fractional CO2 laser is then applied penetrating the skin deeply, removing the damaged skin layers, stimulating collagen growth and enhancing tissue renovation. Healthy cells will then be able to regenerate new skin layers, significantly reducing visible signs of aging.
Is Fractional CO2 Hand Rejuvenation an In-Office Procedure?
The hand rejuvenation procedure using the fractional CO2 laser is performed in the office. It is performed safely, quickly and painlessly and does not require anesthesia. For the comfort of our patients, a topical anesthetic may be applied and cold packs may be used before and after the procedure. There is no downtime, ensuring our patients return to their normal routine immediately after the treatment. This procedure may require a few treatment sessions to optimize the results and will require annual maintenance, once completed.
Other Hand Rejuvenation Treatments
Additional hand rejuvenation procedures such as chemical peels, prescription-strength skin care products, Microdermabrasion and Intense Pulse Light treatments are available for our clients.
What is Fractional CO2 Laser Hand Rejuvenation Therapy?
Fractional CO2 laser therapy, also known as fully ablative fractional resurfacing and fractionated or pixilated carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment, delivers controlled energy to your hands. An ablative laser delivers an intense light beam thus penetrating into the deeper layers of the dermis providing superior results. The laser therapy stimulates the formation of new collagen fibers and restores hydration and elasticity while rejuvenating skin. Fractional CO2 laser hand rejuvenation treatments can help address the following common problems:
Darkened spots
Age spots
Spider veins
Wrinkled hands
Fine lines
Sun freckles
Scarring
Thinned collagen layer
Skin laxity and uneven coloration
What Is Expected after CO2 Laser?
Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing recovery varies and depends on the depth of the laser treatment and the density of the treated skin. During the days following the procedure, it is important to closely follow the post-treatment instructions that will be given to you. Typical hand rejuvenation recovery timeline, using a fractional CO2 laser:
Day 1 – Treated area will have a sun-burned look with tight feeling
Day 2 – Treated skin may get darker or appear bronzed
Day 3 – The treated area may peel and could become mildly itchy
Day 7 – Treated skin is back to its normal appearance
Vivace Ft. Myers
Up to recently, procedures for fine lines and wrinkles to help minimize their appearance have been treated by Botox and fillers, lasers or more involved surgical options.
Now, there is a revolutionary non-surgical treatment that addresses these same concerns with enhanced facial and body rejuvenation and without the side effects or downtime. Introducing Vivace Fractional Micro Needle RF – a non-surgical treatment for contouring and tightening the face, neck, hands and body that stimulates the natural production of collagen, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Garramone Plastic Surgery, located in Fort Myers, Florida is pleased to announce that it is the first aesthetic practice in all southwest Florida to offer Vivace.
Vivace is an FDA-cleared device that combines microneedling with radio frequency (RF) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) therapy. This three-in-one device treats the skin under topical anesthesia numbing agent (cream) and with no downtime. The Vivace process involves the use of sterile microneedles to create microscopic channels deep into the dermis of the skin, while radio frequency provides heat stimulating the body to produce new collagen. And the LEDs provide red or blue light therapy applied immediately following the treatment. LED lights are wavelengths of light (not using UVA or UVB rays) to aid in quicker recovery time. The blue light helps kill bacteria under the skin. This important when treating acne patients. Red light coagulates vessels to help calm the skin. Unlike other microneedling devices, the treatment is fully customizable based on the patients' needs and is virtually pain free comfort in mind.
A game-changing benefit of using the Vivace micro needling technique
Versus historical laser or other RF is that it allows the microscopic channels to remain open for several hours, thereby allowing the treatment to penetrate the skin longer and creating immediate results. And of course, there isn't any downtime with the treatment, so you can go out that evening or back to work the same day. "We evaluated all skin tightening devices and options for our clients, and concluded that Vivace presented the best of class and most safe and effective treatment option for our patients," states Dr. Ralph Garramone, Medical Director and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. As with any type of treatment, it's best to consult with a trusted physician. Garramone Plastic Surgery is approved and trained to provide Vivace Fractional Micro Needle RF. It is now offering Vivace to its clients as the ultimate treatment for both facial and body skin rejuvenation.
Hair Transplant Ft. Myers
Hair transplantation or hair restoration is the fastest growing aesthetic procedure for men, in line with the increasing life expectancy and aging lifestyle choices for the male population. Hair loss is considered the leading indicator of aging, and a hair transplant or restoration can wind back years on the facial appearance and perceived age of men, as well as with women. Normally a person loses between 50 to 100 hairs per day because 90% of hair is in the growth phase and 10% is in the shedding phase at any given time. However, any significant change that alters the normal growth cycle of hair, or permanently damages the roots of the hair (the follicles), results in excessive hair loss (100 or more hairs a day). Hair loss may be temporary or permanent and can be accelerated with predisposed genetic and environmental factors. 95% of hair loss from the scalp is related to heredity. Other common causes of hair loss include stress, age, and trauma to the hair. If you suspect that you may be "follicly-challenged," there are safe and proven effective treatments and procedures available that could recover the hair loss and perceived age of men.
The Difference is the Plastic Surgeon
While hair transplants don't require in-depth plastic surgery, the hair transplant patient benefits from the techniques of a highly skilled surgeon to ensure there is little or no scarring apparent after the procedure. Top-notch credentials such as being board certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery help validate the physician's overall expertise and experience, resulting in safe and rapid healing of the hair donor site. Being a recipient of Castle-Connolly's America's, "Top Doctors Recognition," demonstrates that a physician's peers recommend his services. A state of the art facility which has met the stringent accreditation requirements of AAAASF certify the highest level of safety and quality. All of these credentials are extremely important when selecting your hair transplant physician, and Garramone Plastic Surgery holds all of these credentials. During your private hair transplant consultation, you will be able to discuss your options with our plastic surgeon and experienced members of our team, and have an opportunity to ask a full range of questions and address any concerns you may have. The surgical hair transplant procedure will be specifically tailored to meet your personal objectives.
How Long Does Hair Transplantation Last?
While the hair along the hairline may have receded, as well as thinned or disappeared in the crown and vertex, hair follicles on the sides and back of the head are genetically imprinted to produce hairs through a patient's life. Knowing that hair follicles from one area of the scalp can be grafted to another region of the scalp is the basis of hair transplantation. Hair transplantation is the only permanent solution to hair loss. Once the hair follicles are transplanted from the back of the scalp, they will continue to produce healthy and vibrant hairs in the grafted areas in the years to come. It is your natural hair and can be cut, styled, and if necessary colored. Surgical Hair Transplant Techniques – Hair transplantation is performed by surgically removing hair follicles from the back or sides of the scalp and grafting into the areas suffering hair loss. There are two ways of transplanting hair follicles:
FUI (Follicular Unit Integration)
Follicular Unit Integration (FUI) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed in our modern surgical facility and is the most established safe and proven procedure for ensuring transplanted hair follicle viability. Patients receive sedation, allowing them to be comfortable and totally relaxed while the surgeon and technicians complete the procedure. After receiving sedation, both the donor area (usually the back or sides of the scalp) and the recipient area(s) are anesthetized. The tissue to be used for grafting is removed, and the plastic surgeon skillfully conceals the area from which it was removed. The follicle-bearing tissue is then hand-fractionated, resulting in microscopic grafts for insertion into the designated recipient area(s). The surgeon then uses a variety of microscopic instruments (not punches) to create receptive sites for the follicle-bearing grafts. The grafts may contain as few as a single follicle or perhaps two to three follicles in areas where greater density is desired. This portion of the procedure is as much an art form as surgical. The surgeon will continue to vary the articulation of the instrument during the creation of recipient sites, so that when the follicles become active and begin to produce hairs, the appearance will appear natural rather than machine made. The arrangement and positioning of these follicular unit grafts determine the aesthetic qualities of the hair transplant. Hair follicle arrangement and placement are determined on a case-by-case basis. It is important to have a surgeon with extensive experience perform this procedure – one who can identify the patient's pattern of hair loss and the likelihood of future hair loss. Since follicular unit transplants mimic the way hair grows in nature, the results, when transplanted well, will look completely natural and be indistinguishable from one's original hair. In other words, there will not be any unsightly clumps or corn rows of hairs. Hair transplant is a minimally invasive procedure that can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on the number of transplanted follicles required. The number of transplant sessions may vary as well depending on the size of the area of hair loss and the desired density of the transplanted hair. There are specific directions provided by our practice outlining the do's and don'ts that follow the procedure. Call 239.482.1900 to schedule a consultation and learn more about the procedure.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
FUE is the method of directly and individually harvesting hair follicle grafts from a patient's donor area(s). FUE is typically performed by a robotic machine. FUE saves cost by reducing the number of technicians involved in the procedure but increases the chances for donor site degradation, scarring and possibly limits or negates the possibilities for future procedures, if desired. Additionally, follicles are extremely delicate, and suction can negatively impact their viability after being exposed to forceful extraction. Dr. Garramone's practice believes that FUI and not FUE is the safest and most clinically proven procedure to ensure long term hair follicle viability and hair restoration.
Skinceuticals Ft. Myers
Formulated with an exclusive blend of clinical-grade acids and a maximized peel concentration of phenylethyl resorcinol, Advanced Corrective Peel dramatically diminishes the appearance of discoloration, while smoothing texture and refining the appearance of pores, to restore a brighter, more clarified skin tone. For optimal results, a series of 4-6 treatments every 4 weeks is recommended. SkinCeuticals is a skin care line dedicated to the research and development of innovative dermatology products, designed to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. To maintain and improve skin health, an effective skincare regimen must contain three fundamental elements: Prevention, Protection, and Correction. The SkinCeuticals product philosophy is built around these principles.
Advanced Skincare Backed by Science
SkinCeuticals devotes significant resources towards carefully controlled and peer-reviewed research in support of the technology behind the products, which supports its solid reputation within the dermatologic community. Designed to combat the visible effects of aging, SkinCeuticals products combine natural botanical extracts and scientifically advanced skin care. Their topical vitamin C products, super antioxidant treatments, moisturizers, broad-spectrum sun blocks and alpha hydroxy acids employ pure bio-available ingredients designed to improve the condition of even the most environmentally challenged skin.
Antioxidants Prevent Skin Damage From the Inside Out
Skin naturally protects itself with antioxidants; however, as it is bombarded with environmental aggressors, its natural supply is quickly depleted and requires supplemental protection. With nearly 3 decades of research, SkinCeuticals pioneered the industry in antioxidant technology, developing formulations that protect against environmental aggressors that can cause skin damage. Over the last 15 years, the SkinCeuticals scientific team has researched 100s of antioxidants, discovering only four of them get into skin and effectively supplement its natural antioxidant reservoir. These include L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), ferulic acid, and phloretin. Research shows that specific combinations of antioxidants, when effectively formulated, perform synergistically to provide superior results to any single antioxidant formulation. It is also noteworthy that as multifunctional as antioxidants are, they cannot stop aging; they won't eliminate wrinkles; and they do not replace the need for daily sun protection. SkinCeuticals products are recommended for use in professionally monitored regimens.
Products by SkinCeuticals
C E Ferulic
C E Ferulic is a revolutionary antioxidant combination that delivers advanced environmental protection against photoaging by neutralizing free radicals that can accelerate the appearance of aging.
Hydrating B5 Gel
Hydrating B5 Gel, enriched with vitamin B5, replenishes nutrients the skin needs to feel smooth and appear younger. This moisture-enhancing gel contains hyaluronic acid, the body's natural hydrator, to bind moisture to the skin.
Phloretin CF
Phloretin CF is a daytime antioxidant serum, designed to deliver advanced environmental protection, while diminishing the appearance of discoloration.
Resveratrol B E
Resveratrol B E, a nighttime antioxidant concentrate, supports skin's natural repair by neutralizing free radicals and diminishing the visible signs of accelerated aging.
Revision Ft. Myers
Revision Skincare uses their passion for science to create skincare products with a purpose, and concentrate on the substance and quality of their products. For over 25 years, Revision Skincare has provided physicians with clinically proven, high-performing skincare products. Using only the purest, most efficacious ingredients, the Revision Skincare collection was formulated to provide targeted solutions for enhancing the skin's appearance and reducing the signs of aging.
Cleansing & Toning Products
Revision creates their cleansing and toning products to lift impurities, exfoliate, and prepare the skin for other products.
Brightening Facial Wash
Brightening Facial Wash brightens while hydrating the skin and can be used on most skin types – except dry or sensitive.
Gentle Cleansing Lotion
Gentle Cleansing Lotion cleans your skin while being careful not to upset its balance, making this product great for dry or sensitive skin.
Purifying Cleansing Gel
Purifying Cleansing Gel helps those with oily skin get a deep cleaning.
Exfoliating Facial Rinse
Exfoliating Facial Rinse works as a toner giving a deep clean, but it is not suitable for sensitive skin.
Soothing Facial Rinse
Soothing Facial Rinse is an alcohol-free toner for all skin types – especially sensitive skin.
Exfoliating Products
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin healthy looking. Revision products improve the texture and tone of your skin while brightening and preparing your skin for other products.
Black Mask
leaves your skin feeling smooth and polished. Suitable for all skin types.
Finishing Touch
Finishing Touch, an exfoliating scrub, hydrates while removing dead skin cells and leaves your skin soft and smooth. Not recommended for sensitive skin.
Gentle Buffing Cream
Gentle Buffing Cream gently exfoliates sensitive skin and works for every skin type for smoother skin texture.
Skin Resurfacer 15% & 25%
Skin Resurfacer 15% & 25% freshens mature skin while brightening and reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Treating Products
Revision has treatment products that work to help take years off your skin's appearance. They achieve this through the use of peptides, antioxidants, and the purest botanical extracts.
Delicate Repair
Delicate Repair reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles while brightening skin, and is formulated for all skin types – especially sensitive skin.
Retinol Facial Repair
Retinol Facial Repair helps to even-out skin tone while reducing the look of wrinkles and lines. This product is not recommended for sensitive skin.
Revox II
Revox II is designed to soften lines around the eyes, mouth and forehead. It is for all skin types.
Vitamin K Serum
Vitamin K Serum soothes and moisturizes all skin types with antioxidant benefits.
Lumiquin
Lumiquin enhances the moisture level of the skin of the hands while brightening them for younger-looking skin.
Nectifirm
Nectifirm firms the neck, adding moisture and reducing lines and wrinkles.
Retinol
Retinol softens and moisturizes the skin around the eyes, while reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Not recommended for sensitive skin.
Teamine Concealer
Teamine Concealer improves the look of dark circles and puffiness under the eyes.
Teamine Eye Complex
Teamine Eye Complex is advanced technology and reduces dark circles while smoothing, firming, and brightening the skin under the eyes.
Moisturizing Products
Moisturizers from Revision help to hydrate the skin.
Firming Night Treatment
Firming Night Treatment hydrates dry and sensitive skin while you sleep and replenishes your skin as well. Suitable for dry or sensitive skin types.
Hydrating Serum
Hydrating Serum relieves tightening while moisturizing, and reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. This product is oil-free.
Restorative Night Cream
Restorative Night Cream softens, brightens and moisturizes skin along with reducing lines and wrinkles.
Prevention and Correction Products
This collection from Revision not only corrects the appearance of lines and wrinkles but also contains an SPF to protect your skin from the sun. These products are safe for all skin types.
Intellishade
Intellishade fights photo-damage while protecting and moisturizing your skin.
Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50 moisturizes your skin as it protects it from sun damage.
Vitamin C Lotion 15% & 30%
Vitamin C Lotion 15% & 30% brightens and moisturizes your skin.
Obagi Ft. Myers
Obagi Medical Products, Inc. is a global specialty pharmaceutical company founded by leading skin care experts in 1988.
Obagi products are designed to minimize the the appearance of premature skin aging, skin damage, hyper pigmentation, acne, and sun damage. Obagi skin care products contain prescription-strength formulations and are available only through physicians, medical spas, and other skin care and medical professionals.
Environmental exposure results in changes to the skin which:
Slow cell turnover making the skin look tired; Creates abnormal skin cells called keratinocytes, which make the skin look and feel rough; Increased melanocyte activity which produces dark spots; Causes damage to collagen and elastin, which results in less skin support and more wrinkles.
Nu-Derm transforms the skin at the cellular level by:
Increasing cell turnover and repairing keratinocytes to even out skin tone and structure; Reduces overactive melanocytes to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation; Increases collagen making the skin stronger and reducing lines and wrinkles.
The Nu-Derm System uses prescription strength ingredients to provide improved penetration below the skin surface to transform your skin at the cellular level.
Daily use has been shown to produce noticeable results is a little as four weeks.
Latisse Ft. Myers
Latisse is the first and only FDA approved treatment which can be used to help eyelashes grow longer, thicker, and darker.
It works by both increasing the growth phase of the individual hair follicle and it also increases the number of hairs that are in the growth phase. The affect is gradual, and the majority of Latisse users see results in two months.
Latisse is available by prescription or in your doctor's office.
The most common side effects after using Latisse include irritation and redness of the eye.
Less common side effects include darkening of the skin of the eyelid along the base of the eyelashes, where Latisse is applied.
Latisse is applied nightly after removing makeup and contact lenses.
The product is applied to a small sterile applicator and the applicator is drawn across the skin of the upper eyelid margin at the base of the eyelashes. Typically this is done from the inner part of the lash line to the outer part. Any excess solution should be blotted. The product is to be applied to the upper lash line only, not the lower eyelid.
Patients who have been previously diagnosed with eye pressure problems should make their physician aware of this.
In addition, if you are currently taking medications for eye pressure problems you should make your physician aware. Patients with risk factors for glaucoma, including a family history of glaucoma, should discuss this issue with your doctor before proceeding with treatment.
Just For Men Ft. Myers
In today's youthful, creative and high-tech business world making a positive impression is becoming a must. With the growing popularity of plastic surgery, more and more men are considering cosmetic surgical and non-surgical options, tailored to fit their unique needs. According to 2014 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, compiled by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the top five cosmetic surgical procedures chosen by men were: Rhinoplasty, Eyelid Surgery, Breast Reduction, Liposuction and Facelift. The top five minimally invasive procedures chosen by men were: Botox, Laser Hair Removal, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peel and Soft Tissue Fillers. Aging men often exhibit wrinkles and furrows around the brow and forehead. Although it is common to refer to these characteristics as "miles gained on the road of experience", in today's market showing this type of "experience" may not be such a good thing. Dr. Garramone focuses on helping his patients feel young again; enhance their self-image and boost their self-confidence. A small change on the outside can create an extraordinary change on the inside. Dr. Garramone is also known for constantly improving traditional procedures and working diligently on introducing new products and developing new treatments, such as The Diamond Lift.
The Diamond Lift
The Diamond Lift, is designed to address the most common aging signs like drooping eyebrows, weak jaw line, corners of the mouth turning down and lines on the forehead. The Diamond Lift is a combination of treatments such as Botox®, Voluma®, Intense Pulse Light, PrecisionTX, and Fractional CO2. It is non-surgical procedure; there are no bandages and virtually no bruising. When performed on Friday, you can return to your regular activities on Monday. Read more about The Diamond Lift here.
Rhinoplasty & Chin Implants
Since the nose is one of the strongest character-assigning features on the face, it is very common to perform the surgery on the nose to achieve an aesthetic balance between the nose and other facial features. This surgical procedure, performed under light general anesthesia, is called a rhinoplasty and is often performed in conjunction with other procedures, like chin implants, to improve the proportions of the face for the most natural facial appearance. Most of the patients return to their normal routines within couple of days. However, patients should avoid strenuous activities for two weeks. Read more about Rhinoplasty here.
Body Contouring Procedures
Excess body fat has a negative impact on physical and mental health. It may increase the risk of many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, and damage self-confidence and self-esteem. Body-contouring procedures are specifically designed to address these issues through reshaping the body and achieving a sleeker, more youthful silhouette. Dr. Garramone offers a wide array of body-contouring procedures, both surgical and non-surgical. The most common surgical body contouring procedure for men is Liposuction. Liposuction is usually performed under anesthesia and requires 3 – 5 days of recovery in most cases. Liposuction is used to permanently remove fat cells from discreet areas of the body to improve contour. Men often choose to treat the abdomen, "love handles" and chest. SmartLipo adds skin tightening to the tradition liposuction procedure when necessary. CoolSculpting®, is a non invasive procedure that permanently eliminates fat cells and improves the overall body shape without anesthesia or incisions. Minimal or no downtime make this procedure extremely popular.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the US. It beams highly concentrated light into hair follicles. Pigment in the follicles absorbs the light, which destroys the hair follicle. Lasers are useful for removing unwanted hair from the back, face, legs and arms. Lasers selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. Most patients have permanent hair reduction after an average of three to seven sessions. Variations arise because of fluctuations in active hair growth. Some people may experience mild discomfort during laser hair removal treatment. To minimize this discomfort a topical anesthetic is sometimes applied. Laser hair removal is effective on all skin types. However, it is not recommended to be performed on grey, white or blond hairs. Read more about laser hair removal here.
Hair Transplants
You want to look good. You want to be proud of the way you look. Everyone does, and there's nothing wrong with it. And for people in Fort Myers and across the country, self-confidence is often tied to the quality and quantity of your hair. Now offering hair transplants by a board-certified, plastic surgeon. Dr. Garramone and his staff are committed to providing the highest quality patient care, as exceptional patient care is always the priority. Maintaining this standard begins with ensuring the patients have complete information regarding plastic surgery procedures and their alternatives. There are many different aspects of plastic surgery, and Dr. Garramone learns about each patient's needs, and then develops a customized plan, which may include surgical procedures, non-surgical procedures, and professional skin care.Call Dr. Garramone's office at 239.482.1900 or email us today to schedule your consultation today.
Hair Transplant Ft. Myers
Hair transplantation or hair restoration is the fastest growing aesthetic procedure for men, in line with the increasing life expectancy and aging lifestyle choices for the male population. Hair loss is considered the leading indicator of aging, and a hair transplant or restoration can wind back years on the facial appearance and perceived age of men, as well as with women. Normally a person loses between 50 to 100 hairs per day because 90% of hair is in the growth phase and 10% is in the shedding phase at any given time. However, any significant change that alters the normal growth cycle of hair, or permanently damages the roots of the hair (the follicles), results in excessive hair loss (100 or more hairs a day). Hair loss may be temporary or permanent and can be accelerated with predisposed genetic and environmental factors. 95% of hair loss from the scalp is related to heredity. Other common causes of hair loss include stress, age, and trauma to the hair. If you suspect that you may be "follicly-challenged," there are safe and proven effective treatments and procedures available that could recover the hair loss and perceived age of men.
The Difference is the Plastic Surgeon
While hair transplants don't require in-depth plastic surgery, the hair transplant patient benefits from the techniques of a highly skilled surgeon to ensure there is little or no scarring apparent after the procedure. Top-notch credentials such as being board certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery help validate the physician's overall expertise and experience, resulting in safe and rapid healing of the hair donor site. Being a recipient of Castle-Connolly's America's, "Top Doctors Recognition," demonstrates that a physician's peers recommend his services. A state of the art facility which has met the stringent accreditation requirements of AAAASF certify the highest level of safety and quality. All of these credentials are extremely important when selecting your hair transplant physician, and Garramone Plastic Surgery holds all of these credentials. During your private hair transplant consultation, you will be able to discuss your options with our plastic surgeon and experienced members of our team, and have an opportunity to ask a full range of questions and address any concerns you may have. The surgical hair transplant procedure will be specifically tailored to meet your personal objectives.
How Long Does Hair Transplantation Last?
While the hair along the hairline may have receded, as well as thinned or disappeared in the crown and vertex, hair follicles on the sides and back of the head are genetically imprinted to produce hairs through a patient's life. Knowing that hair follicles from one area of the scalp can be grafted to another region of the scalp is the basis of hair transplantation. Hair transplantation is the only permanent solution to hair loss. Once the hair follicles are transplanted from the back of the scalp, they will continue to produce healthy and vibrant hairs in the grafted areas in the years to come. It is your natural hair and can be cut, styled, and if necessary colored. Surgical Hair Transplant Techniques – Hair transplantation is performed by surgically removing hair follicles from the back or sides of the scalp and grafting into the areas suffering hair loss. There are two ways of transplanting hair follicles:
FUI (Follicular Unit Integration)
Follicular Unit Integration (FUI) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed in our modern surgical facility and is the most established safe and proven procedure for ensuring transplanted hair follicle viability. Patients receive sedation, allowing them to be comfortable and totally relaxed while the surgeon and technicians complete the procedure. After receiving sedation, both the donor area (usually the back or sides of the scalp) and the recipient area(s) are anesthetized. The tissue to be used for grafting is removed, and the plastic surgeon skillfully conceals the area from which it was removed. The follicle-bearing tissue is then hand-fractionated, resulting in microscopic grafts for insertion into the designated recipient area(s). The surgeon then uses a variety of microscopic instruments (not punches) to create receptive sites for the follicle-bearing grafts. The grafts may contain as few as a single follicle or perhaps two to three follicles in areas where greater density is desired. This portion of the procedure is as much an art form as surgical. The surgeon will continue to vary the articulation of the instrument during the creation of recipient sites, so that when the follicles become active and begin to produce hairs, the appearance will appear natural rather than machine made. The arrangement and positioning of these follicular unit grafts determine the aesthetic qualities of the hair transplant. Hair follicle arrangement and placement are determined on a case-by-case basis. It is important to have a surgeon with extensive experience perform this procedure – one who can identify the patient's pattern of hair loss and the likelihood of future hair loss. Since follicular unit transplants mimic the way hair grows in nature, the results, when transplanted well, will look completely natural and be indistinguishable from one's original hair. In other words, there will not be any unsightly clumps or corn rows of hairs. Hair transplant is a minimally invasive procedure that can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on the number of transplanted follicles required. The number of transplant sessions may vary as well depending on the size of the area of hair loss and the desired density of the transplanted hair. There are specific directions provided by our practice outlining the do's and don'ts that follow the procedure. Call 239.482.1900 to schedule a consultation and learn more about the procedure.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
FUE is the method of directly and individually harvesting hair follicle grafts from a patient's donor area(s). FUE is typically performed by a robotic machine. FUE saves cost by reducing the number of technicians involved in the procedure but increases the chances for donor site degradation, scarring and possibly limits or negates the possibilities for future procedures, if desired. Additionally, follicles are extremely delicate, and suction can negatively impact their viability after being exposed to forceful extraction. Dr. Garramone's practice believes that FUI and not FUE is the safest and most clinically proven procedure to ensure long term hair follicle viability and hair restoration.
Liposuction for Men
Dr. Garramone performs liposuction in Fort Myers. Liposuction enhances the body's overall shape by permanently removing fat deposits.
Liposuction procedures are consistently among the top 5 aesthetic plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States.
There are different types of Liposuction procedures. Fort Myers Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Garramone, will determine which procedure is best for you during your consultation.
Liposuction can be performed to achieve a relatively small volume reduction, or in some cases a large volume reduction. In some cases, with smaller areas or with smaller volumes in delicate areas, the operation requires a bit more planning and finesse; "liposculpture" is sometimes used to describe this procedure. It remains, however, a variation of liposuction.
Our Fort Myers Liposuction services can be performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures.
Liposuction is effective on all areas of the body, including the face, neck, abdomen, back, buttocks, thighs, lower legs, and arms. The result is an aesthetically pleasing physique that helps patients achieve their goals.
Liposuction is commonly performed on both men and women. It may be the most common procedure performed on men.
Men will tend to seek correction of the chest, abdomen, and especially the flank areas. Women will tend to seek correction of the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and arms. Less often, liposuction is performed on the leg below the knee to treat the calves and knees.
How is Liposuction Performed?
Liposuction is performed through small incisions placed inconspicuously in natural skin creases using a high-vacuum instrument called a cannula
Which is a tube inserted through the incisions into the treatment area. Prior to this however the areas to be recontoured are infiltrated with a solution containing saline, local anesthetic and epinephrine. This is referred to as tumescent anesthesia and it accomplishes several things. It reduces bleeding and therefore bruising after the procedure. It results in less discomfort after the procedure and it makes the liposuction procedure itself more efficient.
A vacuum pump removes fat by suction as the cannula is moved under the skin. The cannulas are of various dimensions and diameters depending upon the area of the body to be treated.
The amount of fat removed will vary depending on the patient and the area of the body to be treated. Typically fat is removed along with a portion of the tumescent solution and this combination is referred to as the "aspirate" once it is removed.
There are limits as to how much fat can be removed during an outpatient surgical procedure in order to maintain a margin of safety.
After the cosmetic surgery procedure, the access incisions are closed with small stitches. A compression garment is placed on the patient and it is recommended that this be worn for at least 2-3 weeks after the procedure, however in most cases it is worn for 6 weeks. Most activities are resumed within 14-21 days depending on the extent of the procedure and the number of areas treated.
Liposuction is not a substitute for a healthy diet, nor is it useful for generalized weight reduction – it selectively removes fat only from specific areas.
The goal of the operation is always contouring of the treated body areas. When only one or two small areas are treated, local anesthesia may be used. When multiple or large areas are treated, IV sedation or general anesthesia is usually administered.
During liposuction, fat can be taken from one area of the body and repositioned in another area to improve contour in that second area.
This is referred to as fat injection or grafting. Fat is typically transferred to areas of volume loss such as the lower face and to the lips. In some cases areas where folds or creases develop are filled with fat from another area.
Dr. Garramone also provides an alternate to plastic surgery which is CoolSculpting, which is an FDA approved, non-surgical alternative.
Botox for Men
Dr. Garramone provides Botox® services at his office in Fort Myers. Botox Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A) is a purified and sterilized extract from bacteria. It has been FDA approved since 2002 to treat the area between the eyes in a specific muscle area. However, it may be used "off-label" in other areas. Doctors have used Botox Cosmetic for over 17 years to treat various medical conditions, especially around the eyes. Botox Cosmetic is the most popular cosmetic procedure performed with over 11 million treatments annually.
Save on Botox Treatments and Receive Special Offers.
Enroll in the Brilliant Distinctions® Program and earn points every time you receive a Botox Cosmetic treatment at Dr. Garramone's office. Redeem your points for savings on your next Botox Cosmetic treatment or on other select Allergan products that Dr. Garramone may determine are right for you. And when you enroll, you will receive reminders to schedule your appointment, as well as account points updates and special offers from time to time.
Treat Dynamic Lines on the Face with Botox
Over time, active muscle contraction will result in visible lines on the face. Lines in these areas are called dynamic lines because they are caused by over-active muscles. This type of line is the type of line that can be treated with Botox. Static lines, on the other hand, are lines that are visible even when the muscles are at rest. These lines are usually treated with an injectable filler such as Juvederm, Restylane, or Evolence. For example, scowl lines, frown lines, and crow's feet are some of the most concerning dynamic lines for both men and women. These lines or furrows will continue to deepen and worsen with continued muscle activity and aging.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox Cosmetic works by temporarily weakening the targeted facial muscles. Therefore, they are not able to cause the deep furrows. During treatment, very small doses of Botox Cosmetic is administered through a series of tiny injections into the area of the muscles and takes about two to five days to take effect on the muscle area. Over the following days to weeks, the lines will fade away. The timing to see results varies with the severity of the lines and furrows. They can be quite dramatic and the effects usually last 3 to 4 months, in some cases longer. The length of time that the injections last also depends on the patients genetics (muscle density), the amount of Botox injected, how fresh the Botox is, and the skill of the plastic surgeon doing the injections. Treatments done in proper conditions will usually last progressively longer up to a point that is determined again by the Botox quantity and the patient's metabolism of the product. The common misconception about Botox is that it will give the patient a "frozen" or expressionless appearance. In fact, when administered by an experienced plastic surgeon you will still be able to smile, frown and look surprised but with less or no lines in the areas treated. If you decide to discontinue using Botox Cosmetic, you will usually have a return of some of your previous muscle activity. Some of the side-effects of a treatment, though rare, may include temporary bruising, tenderness at the injection site, and headache. Depending on the where the injections are placed you may experience brow asymmetry, forehead wrinkle asymmetry, or other facial asymmetry secondary to how a muscle responds to the injections. These types of issues are also temporary and can usually be adjusted by additional Botox Cosmetic into the areas. More concerning is when the medication is injected or diffuses into other muscle groups that are not intended to be treated. When this occurs you may experience complications secondary to these other muscles not working correctly. This can occur with treatment of the scowl lines and you may experience a lowering of your eyelid. This is very rare, and when it occurs it will last a few weeks. This can be treated with eye drops however when the eye drop medication wears off, the eyelid will droop again. This complication is usually seen with aggressive injections near these eye muscles. Be sure to discuss this with Dr. Garramone if you have questions or concerns. Botox has been used therapeutically for more than 17 years and is approved for use in more than 75 countries.
CoolSculpting for Men
Developed by a Harvard scientist, CoolSculpting is FDA-cleared, effective and does exactly what it's supposed to do… help get rid of unwanted fat. CoolSculpting is more than a ray of hope – it's a loophole in the laws of gravity. This revolutionary new technology targets and crystallizes stubborn fat cells. The crystallized fat cells gradually die off, then naturally eliminated from the body. In the weeks and months following treatment, remaining fat cells condense, reducing the fat layer. No needles, no special diet, no supplements, no surgery. And most importantly, no downtime. Most people see an undeniable reduction of fat after a few CoolSculpting treatments. In as little as an hour, this contouring treatment can get you back the body you deserve. Starting today, reclaim the real you with CoolSculpting. Muffin tops. Love handles. Spare tires. These lumps and bumps cause your belt to slide in the wrong direction and your little black dress to be too little. You skip dessert. You hit the gym. No matter how hard you work at losing them, they're immune to diet and exercise. Something other than your belt has got to give. You don't feel as confident in your own skin as you should. Or could.
CoolSculpting – In The News
See the special segments that aired on Entertainmet Tonight and Extra. To read an article in GQ, about Botox and CoolSculpting, visit https://garramone.com/bro-tox-coolsculpting/. For more information, visit https://www.coolsculpting.com/the-coolsculpting-procedure/in-the-media/.
Schedule a Complimentary CoolSculpting Consultation Today
Visit Dr. Garramone and see if CoolSculpting® is right for you.
What you need to know about CoolSculpting
About CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting was developed by ZELTIQ to offer an alternative to surgical liposuction.
Like traditional liposuction, CoolSculpting eliminates fat cells in your body, as opposed to weight loss, which just shrinks them. According to experts, eliminating fat cells provides better long-term results than weight loss alone.
CoolSculpting kills fat cells by exposing them to cold temperatures. Researchers have found that fat is more susceptible to cold than other cells in your body.
The CoolSculpting machine lowers to a temperature of about 23 degrees fahrenheit, freezing fat cells but leaving the surrounding tissue safe.
During a CoolSculpting fat-freezing procedure, a gel pad and special vacuum applicator are attached to the area you're having treated.
The machine precisely cools the area for 35-60 minutes.
As a result, fat cells under the skin are frozen and die.
Over the next several weeks, the body naturally processes and eliminates the dead fat cells, and the treated area becomes slimmer.
The CoolSculpting fat-freezing procedure is patented and FDA-approved.
The science behind it has been the subject of extensive clinical research to validate the safety and efficacy of CoolSculpting.
Common questions about CoolSculpting
What does it cost?
CoolSculpting fat-freezing typically costs between $2,000–$4,000. Prices will vary based on your desired treatment areas and goals for fat reduction. Given the individualized nature of the procedure, CoolSculpting providers will work with you to develop a treatment plan to suit your goals and budget. Most providers offer flexible payment plans or financing through a healthcare lender.
What happens to frozen fat cells? Can they come back?
No, CoolSculpting permanently eliminates fat cells. CoolSculpting fat-freezing instigates a form of cell death called apoptosis, which naturally occurs in the body as cells age and die. Once the immune system recognizes frozen fat cells are dead, a cleanup process is triggered in which special white blood cells called macrophages break down and consume the dead cells. The dead fat cell material is digested and recycled as fuel for macrophages to continue cleanup elsewhere in the body.
What if I gain weight after my CoolSculpting procedure?
Weight gain causes the fixed number of fat cells in the body to expand. If you gain weight after the procedure, your remaining fat cells will expand. Those who do gain weight after CoolSculpting gain it evenly all over their body, not just in the treated area.
Who can have CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting fat-freezing is equally effective for adult men and women. It's best for people who are at or near their ideal body weight, because it treats specific areas where excess fat causes unwanted bulges despite diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle. This procedure is not a weight loss solution for people wishing to treat obesity or lose a significant amount of fat. Additionally, certain autoimmune and blood diseases such as cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria may make CoolSculpting too dangerous for some people.
What parts of my body can I treat with CoolSculpting?
CoolSculpting fat-freezing can treat thighs, abdomen, flank (sides/hips), upper arms, areas of the back and the submental area (double chin).
What does the procedure feel like?
CoolSculpting applicators use gentle suction to attach to treatment areas, so there will be a tugging sensation. As the name suggests, the first few minutes will feel very cold on the targeted area, but your skin will become numb within the first 10 minutes of the treatment. Most people are relaxed enough to read or watch TV during their procedure.
What is the aftermath and recovery like?
Immediately after the procedure, expect the treated areas to bruise and swell as a reaction to the applicator's suction. It is normal for swelling to make treated areas appear "worse" than before. These areas will steadily shrink as swelling decreases and dead fat cells are processed and eliminated. Minor soreness or discomfort is common, but should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most people return to normal activities immediately after their procedure.
When will I notice the full results?
Most patients start to notice results about three weeks after their procedure. Results should be fully visible about two months after a procedure, but the body can continue flushing dead fat cells as long as six months later. Most clinics schedule follow-up appointments in which patients may discuss their results and schedule another CoolSculpting fat-freezing session if necessary. CoolSculpting typically freezes about 25 percent of the fat cells in a treated area, so your provider may recommend multiple sessions.
Who provides CoolSculpting?
General information
CoolSculpting is only available through medical practices certified by ZELTIQ, the company that developed and patented CoolSculpting fat-freezing technology, devices and procedures. Every procedure is administered by a trained healthcare professional and supervised by medical doctors. This means that you should get similar results regardless of which provider you choose. Once you've determined whether CoolSculpting is right for you, think about these services when picking a provider.
Location
You may need to have more than one CoolSculpting session. Choose a location that's close to your home or near hotel accommodations.
Atmosphere
CoolSculpting is a medical procedure. It might be performed in a doctor's office or a med-spa. Think about which atmosphere you're more comfortable in.
Financing
Because CoolSculpting fat-freezing costs a few thousand dollars, you may want to finance the procedure. Ask the provider you're considering whether they offer financing or accept financing from healthcare lenders.
Special pricing
To save money, ask about special promotions for CoolSculpting. Many providers have seasonal discounts and specials.
Other services
If you're interested in other cosmetic procedures, look for an office with those services. Having a single provider can make life more convenient. If you're not sure if you're a good candidate for CoolSculpting, look for an office that offers multiple treatments for fat reduction; they can help you pick the right procedure.
Sculpsure for Men
Introducing SculpSure Fort Myers – The Newest Technology for Permanent Fat Removal and Body Sculpting. Change your life in 25 minutes… Give us just 25 minutes and we will give you a newly, sculptured physique. Try SculpSure Fort Myers, the newest technology for permanently removing fat. And the great news is – it only takes 25 minutes. There are no incisions, no surgery, no downtime – and results last forever.
How It Works
SculpSure® is the first FDA-cleared treatment for non-invasive lipolysis, focusing on removing modest bulges of fat on the abdomen, back or thighs. SculpSure is a pain-free, quickly performed procedure with no recovery time. Proper healthy diet and active lifestyle are sometimes not enough for patients wishing to achieve a trimmer look without having to undergo an invasive surgical procedure. SculpSure is a non-surgical treatment that concentrates on certain areas of the body, generally the abdomen and lower back. It uses a 1060 nm (nanometer) wavelength laser that targets unwanted fat cells without affecting the skin. Four non-suction applicators and frames, contouring the specified region, are attached to the body and customized to meet the patient's needs. Throughout the procedure, the wavelength of this light energy attacks stubborn fat cells, destroying nearly a quarter of them in a single session. Over time, the body naturally eliminates those fat cells, and they disappear, leaving the patient with a more sculpted look.
The SculpSure Procedure
A SculpSure procedure lasts only about 25 minutes. The fat cell areas are heated, while the skin is simultaneously cooled, delivering a pain-free experience to the patient. You can read, watch TV, surf the web, or just relax—it's that gentle and simple. There is no downtime after SculpSure is performed, allowing patients to return to normal activities after the procedure. Most patients require only one or two sessions, but some may choose additional rounds of treatment to further reduce fat areas.
SculpSure Results
SculpSure was specifically designed to focus on the permanent disappearance of the treated fat cells. Typically, results will be noticeable in about six weeks, with optimal visibility in about three months. In clinical studies, there has been a 90% patient satisfaction rate, making SculpSure the newest, trusted, non-invasive method of eliminating fat cells from the body.
Kybella Ft. Myers
KYBELLA™ (formerly known as ATX-101) is the first and the only FDA-approved, prescription non-surgical treatment, used to reduce the appearance of submental fat, more commonly known as a double chin. A double chin can makes the face look older and heavier regardless of age or weight. And, in many cases, this fat doesn't respond to lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise because genetics is often the cause. Because of the extremely limited options for correction, submental fat has been an under-treated aesthetic issue until now. Many professionals in cosmetic industry consider Kybella the biggest innovation since Botox. Since FDA-approval in April 2015, Kybella fat dissolver has been revolutionizing the world's non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Before Kybella, for those who wanted to reduce a double chin the ONLY option was to undergo liposuction – which, as a surgical procedure, is somewhat invasive and requires a few days of recovery.
How Does Kybella Work?
The active ingredient in Kybella is deoxycholic acid, a naturally-occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. Only trained physicians should administer Kybella. It is crucial for Kybella to be injected at the proper depth to reach the fat and to keep the upper skin layers safe. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, Kybella causes the destruction of fat cells. Once eliminated, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat.
How Long Will Kybella Results Last?
Kybella treatment regime is customized for each patient and based on the desired chin profile. A series of injections will be administered at each treatment session, which are spaced at least a month apart. Kybella results are cumulative as each session removes more fat. Many patients experience visible contouring of their chin profile in two to four treatment sessions spaced at least one month apart. Up to 6 treatments may be required.
What are Side Effects of Kybella?
The most common side effects are swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness and areas of hardness around the treatment area. The patients are to be advised of all potential side effects prior to treatment.
Botox
Dr. Garramone provides Botox® services at his office in Fort Myers.
Botox Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A) is a purified and sterilized extract from bacteria. It has been FDA approved since 2002 to treat the area between the eyes in a specific muscle area. However, it may be used "offlabel" in other areas. Doctors have used Botox Cosmetic for over 17 years to treat various medical conditions, especially around the eyes. Botox Cosmetic is the most popular cosmetic procedure performed with over 11 million treatments annually.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox Cosmetic works by temporarily weakening the targeted facial muscles. Therefore, they are not able to cause the deep furrows. During treatment, very small doses of Botox Cosmetic is administered through a series of tiny injections into the area of the muscles and takes about two to five days to take effect on the muscle area. Over the following days to weeks, the lines will fade away. The timing to see results varies with the severity of the lines and furrows. They can be quite dramatic and the effects usually last 3 to 4 months, in some cases longer. The length of time that the injections last also depends on the patients genetics (muscle density), the amount of Botox injected, how fresh the Botox is, and the skill of the plastic surgeon doing the injections. Treatments done in proper conditions will usually last progressively longer up to a point that is determined again by the Botox quantity and the patient's metabolism of the product.
The common misconception about Botox is that it will give the patient a "frozen" or expressionless appearance.
In fact, when administered by an experienced plastic surgeon you will still be able to smile, frown and look surprised but with less or no lines in the areas treated. If you decide to discontinue using Botox Cosmetic, you will usually have a return of some of your previous muscle activity.
Some of the side-effects of a treatment
Though rare, may include temporary bruising, tenderness at the injection site, and headache. Depending on the where the injections are placed you may experience brow asymmetry, forehead wrinkle asymmetry, or other facial asymmetry secondary to how a muscle responds to the injections. These types of issues are also temporary and can usually be adjusted by additional Botox Cosmetic into the areas. More concerning is when the medication is injected or diffuses into other muscle groups that are not intended to be treated. When this occurs you may experience complications secondary to these other muscles not working correctly. This can occur with treatment of the scowl lines and you may experience a lowering of your eyelid. This is very rare, and when it occurs it will last a few weeks. This can be treated with eye drops however when the eye drop medication wears off, the eyelid will droop again. This complication is usually seen with aggressive injections near these eye muscles. Be sure to discuss this with Dr. Garramone if you have questions or concerns.
Botox has been used therapeutically for more than 17 years and is approved for use in more than 75 countries.
Dysport
DYSPORT™ is a purified formulation that has been shown to deliver temporary improvements in moderate to severe frown lines.
Even with repeat treatments, this procedure does not change the look of your whole face. DYSPORT works by blocking the signal from the nerve to the muscles, ultimately resulting in a reduction of muscle activity and temporarily preventing contraction of the muscles that cause frown lines. This treatment only affects the certain areas injected, so muscles that are untreated operate normally and allow you to have regular facial expressions.
Frown lines are "dynamic"
They occur because of the way your face moves when muscles contract during a frown or squint. There are certain areas affected by frowning and squinting, such as between the eyebrows and "crows feet" lines near the outer part of the eyes. These are typical locations for DYSPORT injections.
BOTOX® and DYSPORT are made up of the same toxin
But there are less proteins surrounding the toxin in DYSPORT. Those who find that their body fights off Botox too quickly may find DYSPORT a better option.
Typical DYSPORT procedures range from 10-20 minutes and last 3 - 4 months.
Dr. Garramone suggests that patients not be retreated in the same areas until after 90 days of the prior procedure.
Juvederm
Juvederm™ is the latest dermal filler being introduced by Allergan, Inc. to help reduce the appearance of deep nasolabial folds, fine lines, and wrinkles around the mouth, and to create fuller lips.
This innovative smooth gel is a non-animal derived hyaluronic acid dermal filler that offers patients a natural look and feel with long lasting results for up to six months and possibly longer. Juvederm's longevity and smoothness can be attributed to the high concentration of hyaluronic acid and its special formulation process. Juvederm has the highest concentration of cross linked hyaluronic acid of any dermal filler currently available in the US market. Juvederm differs from other hyaluronic acid dermal fillers because of its smooth consistency. Juvederm's smooth gel is positioned into the skin and creates a smooth natural appearance.
Juvederm was approved by the FDA in 2006 and is the first such hyaluronic acid general dermal filler that is FDA approved to last up to one year.
Hyaluronic acid is a natural complex sugar found in all living organisms, including men and women, that retains water. It absorbs more than its weight and can add volume to the skin's surface. Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in numerous areas of the body, such as the maintenance of skin volume and hydration, eye volume and shape and joint lubrication and cushioning. Hyaluronic acid will bind with elastin and collagen to transport essential nutrients. The combination of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid provides structure, elasticity and volume to the skin.
The skin cells age and are exposed to environmental pollutants and ultraviolet rays
This causes them to diminish their ability to make hyaluronic acid. This is what causes skin to lose volume, causing facial wrinkles and folds. Dermal fillers crossed linked with hyaluronic acid are used to help temporarily replace lost hyaluronic acid and restore the skin's volume and smooth appearance.
Juvederm is administered as an in office procedure.
The difference is noticeable immediately. Either a topical anesthetic or an injectable anesthetic is used prior to the procedure. The gel is then administered using a very fine needle.
The most commonly reported side effects are temporary injection site redness
Swelling, pain or tenderness, firmness, swelling, lumps, and bruising. Laser treatments, chemical peels or any other active dermal procedure done after Juvederm may cause inflammation around the injection site.
Patients should notify Dr. Garramone and his staff
If they are on any medication that may prolong bleeding, such as aspirin or ibuprofen or Vitamin E. This may cause increased bruising or bleeding at the injection site. As with all injection procedures, there is a risk of infection. The safety of Juvederm injectable gel in patients with a history of excessive scarring and pigmentation disorders has not been studied.
Juvederm injectable gel should not be used if a patient with a history of anaphylaxis or multiple severe allergies.
Juvederm should not be used with patients who have allergies to gram positive bacterial proteins. The effectiveness of Juvederm, as with all other hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, for the treatment of areas other than facial wrinkles and folds has not been established in controlled clinical studies. This text does not contain all the information known about these products.
Juvederm Voluma
Loss of volume in the cheeks leads to sagging skin and an aged, hollow appearance.
Full cheeks are a key marker of youth. Age-related volume loss can cause the face to lose definition, balance and change shape, all of which may make a person appear older than their years.
JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC is an injectable gel introduced by Allergan, Inc. that works instantly to add volume and subtly lift the cheek area
Temporarily reversing this particular sign of aging. It is the first and only filler FDA-approved to enhance cheek volume in people over the age of 21.
Like other fillers in the Juvederm family
Voluma is comprised of hyaluronic acid, a complex sugar that occurs naturally in your skin. Voluma also combines with collagen and elastin to improve skin structure and elasticity to create a smooth natural look. It was designed specifically to restore facial volume as opposed to just filling wrinkles.
Voluma does not involve surgery and is injected with a small needle.
To reduce discomfort during the procedure, Voluma contains a numbing agent called lidocaine. The procedure takes 30 minutes and there is no downtime, although strenuous activity and extensive sun exposure should be avoided for the first 24 hours following the treatment. The great news is that the results of a treatment with Voluma can last up to two years and are visible immediately after the injection. You can look up to five years younger with a more youthful, natural-looking profile.
The most commonly reported side effects include temporary reactions at the treatment site such as tenderness
Swelling, firmness, lumps/bumps, bruising, pain, redness, discoloration, and itching. Most of these will resolve in 1- 2 weeks.
Get a more youthful looking face in just 30 minutes!
For more information, please call our Fort Myers office at 239.482.1900 to learn more about Voluma.
Patients should notify Dr. Garramone and his staff
If they are on any medication that may prolong bleeding, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or other blood thinners. This may cause increased bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Patients should also notify the office if they are undergoing any therapy used to decrease the body's immune response. As with all injection procedures, there is a risk of infection.
Voluma should not be used if a patient has a history of severe allergies or severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
Or if the patient has had allergic reactions to the proteins (gram-positive bacterial proteins) used to make the hyaluronic acid (HA) in JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC. The safety of JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC injectable gel for use during pregnancy, in women who are breastfeeding, or in patients with very thin skin in the cheek area has not been studied. This text does not contain all the information known about Voluma.
Juvederm Vollure
What is Juvéderm Vollure™ XC?
Vollure XC is an injectable filler that is designed to smooth moderate to severe nasolabial folds, or deeper creases around the nose and mouth. Like all Juvéderm products, Vollure XC is made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring substance in the body that helps keep skin plump and hydrated. The difference is that Vollure XC incorporates VYCROSS, the same proprietary technology that's used in the lip filler VOLBELLA, into a filler meant for deeper wrinkles.
Thanks to VYCROSS
Vollure XC contains the optimal ratio of larger-to-smaller hyaluronic acid molecules to create a smooth and soft, yet slightly firmer gel that sits beautifully beneath the skin to smooth out deep creases, while moving naturally with your facial expressions.
Juvéderm vs. Vollure: which is best for you?
Vollure XC offers very similar, natural looking and feeling results to "regular" Juvéderm XC; however, the slightly firmer consistency of Vollure XC is especially well-suited to nasolabial folds and it can last up to twice as long. If you love the results you get with Juvéderm, but wish they would last longer, then you'll really love Vollure XC.
What signs of aging can Vollure XC treat?
Smile lines or "parentheses"
Marionette lines
Nasolabial folds
Other moderate to severe facial wrinkles
Juvederm Volbella
JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA® XC adds subtle volume to lips and softens the appearance of vertical lip lines.
Treatment areas
Volbella was developed specifically for use both in the lips and around the mouth area, and has been FDA approved to increase lip fullness and soften the appearance of lines around the mouth. The treatment can deliver highly noticeable, professional results and is used for a myriad of cosmetic enhancements, including:
Filling and defining of the lips
Smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles above the lips ("smoker's lines")
Minimizing the appearance of creases and wrinkles below the lips
How Volbella Is Different From Other HA Fillers
Volbella shares many qualities with its Juvederm filler counterparts
Including the presence of hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a naturally-occurring substance that helps to give a full, supple appearance to the face, often associated with youthful skin. However, Volbella stands out in the family of Juvederm fillers due to its unique, thin consistency. This allows the treatment to be injected very close to the skin's surface, giving more noticeable results.
In addition
Volbella utilizes Juvederm's exclusive VYCROSSTM technology, creating a pattern of cross-linked chains made of hyaluronic acid. This permits for slow degradation of the product once it has been administered in the skin, allowing Volbella's results to be maintained for up to a year.
How Volbella works
While other HA fillers provide results by increasing volume in and around the lips
Volbella takes a different, more practical approach. Volbella minimizes wrinkles by attracting and retaining moisture in the treated area. When it is injected into the upper layers of the skin, the hyaluronic acid attracts water to the area, giving patients a naturally soft feel to the skin. Because Volbella is injected superficially, it is the perfect solution for treating wrinkles and fine lines around the lips. Volbella is ideal for patients who are not interested in increased volume but are instead looking to simply reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the lips.
Volbella treatments are very time effective
With most treatments completed in less than 30 minutes and results seen immediately. Additionally, Volbella contains Lidocaine, a numbing agent that ensures patient comfort both during and immediately after treatment. After treatment is complete, patients are free to continue with their day as normal.
Restylane
Restylane® is a crystal-clear
Non-animal derived, biodegradable gel based on a natural substance, called hyaluronic acid. Restylane is approved by the FDA for the treatment of facial wrinkles and folds like the nasolabial folds, which extend from the nose to the corners of your mouth. Restylane and Perlane® belong to a family of products known as cosmetic dermal fillers. They replace lost volume and restore youthful contours to the skin by smoothing the way lines and wrinkles. Restylane and Perlane differ in the size of the particles of hyaluronic acid. In Perlane, the particle size is larger and therefore Perlane is designed for deeper injection than Restylane. The Restylane or Perlane gel is injected into the skin in tiny amounts with a very fine needle. The result is instantaneous and produces a long-lasting, natural enhancement. Restylane gives natural volume in your skin to lift and produce new firmness, resulting in a healthy, vital appearance.
Restylane and Perlane are both safe products
Made of hyaluronic acid which is naturally present in the body. Restylane was the first FDA approved, non-animal based, stabilized, injectable hyaluronic acid for aesthetic use. Since Restylane and Perlane are free from animal substances, the risk of transmitting diseases from other species is eliminated. To date, more than 10 million treatments have successfully been carried out with Restylanein more than 70 countries worldwide. It is the most studied cosmetic dermal fuller in the world.
The hyaluronic acid in Restylane and Perlane is naturally integrated into the tissue and allows for the passage of vital nutritive substances like oxygen and hormones.
As cells are also able to pass between fragments of the gel your skin will look perfectly healthy and natural. The hyaluronic acid is biodegradable, which means that, when the injected gel breaks down, it turns into water and carbon dioxide and disappears unnoticed from your body.
Unlike some other injectable products for wrinkle treatment and lip enhancement
Restylane and Perlane are totally non-animal products. So, if you're sensitive to common foods, such as beef, chicken and eggs; there's no risk of an allergic reaction.
No pretesting is required.
Some precautions should be taken prior to treatment. Avoid using aspirin, ibuprofen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications or high doses of vitamin E supplements prior to treatment because these may increase her chance of bleeding or bruising at the site of the injection. Also, if you have previously suffered from a facial cold sore discuss this with your doctor who may prescribe a medication to minimize the chance of recurrence.
Restylane and Perlane may be used for treating facial wrinkles or folds, and enhancing facial features.
Restylaneis injected into the skin in tiny amounts with a very fine needle. Prior to the treatment, the area is anesthetized. The injected gel produces natural volume under the wrinkle, which is lifted up and smoothed out. The results can be seen immediately. Treating wrinkles with Restylane is fast and safe and leaves no scars or other traces on the face.
For many women
Fuller and more sensuous lips are high on the wish list. With Restylane, you can enjoy more pronounced lips or a soft pouting look with the body's own material.
Perlane is specifically designed for shaping facial contours.
Perlane works by volume augmentation. Injected into the skin, it corrects deep folds and lifts up the skin from cheeks and chin, giving a new shape to your facial contours.
Restylane and Perlane treatments are long-lasting but not permanent.
The length of time a treatment will last is very individual and depends on many factors, such as your age, skin type, life-style and muscle activity, as well as the injection site and the technique used. This means that you always have the option to assess your aesthetic appearance.
Experience shows that Restylane can be effective for up to six months for lip enhancements and for the treatment of wrinkles on the face.
In many cases patients return after 9 months or even a year for an additional treatment. Perlane has been shown to last up to six months as well. It is recommended that you plan for regular future visits to maintain the result. Most patients choose to have a follow-up treatment six to twelve months after the initial treatment of wrinkles. This has been shown to increase the length of the result.
The reason Restylane and Perlane generally remains for 6-12 months after injected into the skin is due to its very effective stabilization method.
This method allows the volume to remain intact for a long period of time. As the stabilized hyaluronic acid in Restylane does begin to break down, your body's water takes its place. The more fragmented the Restylane gel becomes, the more water it is able to bind. This is one of the main reasons Restylane lasts so long.
Before your procedure
A local anesthetic injection or a topical anesthetic cream can be applied to the area being treated. For wrinkle treatments, pain relief is not required by all patients; but can be easily arranged at your request and is recommended.
Immediately after treatment
You can expect a slight redness, swelling, tenderness and itching sensation in the treated area, which is a normal result of the injection. Discomfort is temporary and generally disappears in a few days. When it comes to lip augmentation, the swelling may last longer. Some patients experience swelling for about a week.
During this time
The lips may look somewhat uneven. This means that the result directly after the treatment should not be regarded as the final result. If discomfort continues or if other reactions occur, you should contact Dr. Garramone's office. A touch-up treatment within 2-4 weeks after the initial treatment may be necessary for optimal correction.
After Treatment
Please Note the Following:
Avoid touching the treated area excessively within the following six hours.
After that the area can be gently washed with soap and water, and light make-up can be applied. Until the initial swelling and redness have disappeared, do not expose the treated area to intense heat (e.g. solarium and sunbathing) or extreme cold. If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another eruption of cold sores. If you are taking aspirin or any similar medication, please note that the treatment may increase the bruising and bleeding at the injection site.
Other types of reactions are very rare
But about 1 in 2000 treated patients have experienced localized reactions thought to be of a hypersensitive nature. These have usually consisted of swelling at the injection site, sometimes affecting the surrounding tissues. Redness, tenderness and rarely acne-like formations have also been reported. These reactions have either started a few days after the injection or after a delay of two to four weeks, and have generally been described as mild to moderate and self-limiting with an average duration of two weeks.
As your face is constantly changing
Beauty is best maintained by evaluating the need for further treatments from time to time. With Restylane and Perlane, you always have the option of continuing or changing the combination of treatments. The treatment can be repeated as often as you like.
One of the great advantages of Restylane and Perlane is that they are long-lasting, but not permanent.
Unlike permanent treatments or implants, Restylane always leaves you with the option of re-evaluating your needs when the initial effect has worn off. A follow-up can be performed at any time you like after the previous treatment. This text does not contain all the information known about these products.
Radiesse
RADIESSE® is a natural injectable gel made up of unique calcium based microspheres that stimulate the growth of collagen.
The two ingredients in the gel are both very safe for the human body. After the initial effect, collagen production continues for some time, usually 4-12 weeks, to give you desirable, youthful looking skin. RADIESSEmay be used to treat smile lines, marionette lines at the corners of the mouth, pre-jowl, and chin wrinkles.
What to Expect During Treatment
Since the gel is biocompatible there is no prior skin testing necessary. RADIESSE is given as an injection with a small needle. The procedure does not take up much time and can be done during your lunch hour. RADIESSE is mixed with local anesthetic so the treatment is not uncomfortable.
What to Expect After Treatment
Results happen immediately after injection. There may be some swelling, bruising or redness and it is best to avoid the sun for a day or until any swelling and redness has gone away. Ice may be applied to the injection site. Most people are able to get back to their day right after treatment. Touch-up or maintenance treatments may be desirable. The results may last for a year or more, some lasting up to 18 months.
Belotero
Belotero Balance® is a new dermal filler used to soften lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth.
Hyaluronic acid, a natural component of the skin, is the main ingredient of Belotero. When the hyaluronic acid mixes with water in the skin it is able to provide additional structure and form to fill in wrinkles and lines. The components in Belotero Balance allow it to be unique for each person. Once injected, it is able to integrate into the skin and mold to a persons' individual features, leaving a natural-looking result. Belotero Balance is a great choice for any patient because it can treat both deep and fine lines.
What to Expect During and After Treatment of Belotero
The treatment time is minimal and can be done within your lunch hour. It is possible to have some bruising at the site of the treatment so you should avoid any medications that increase your chance of bruising. There is no downtime afterwards so you are free to go back to your normal activities. You can expect to see results instantly that last up to 6 months, possibly more.
Belotero treats common problem areas around the nose and mouth, such as:
Nasolabial folds (also known as the smile line), which run from the nose to the corner of the mouth and get deeper with age.
Vertical lip lines (the lines above the lip), which can be shallow and form when there is a loss of volume in the skin.
Marionette lines (lines from the corner of your mouth down to your jaw), which get deeper with age and leave others with the impression that you are frowning even when you are not.
Oral commissures (lines around the corner of the mouth)
Which occur when there is a loss of volume in the area. They give your mouth a down-turned appearance, also leaving you looking frowning or sad.
Belotero Balance® is unique in that it can also be used to treat fine lines like crows feet lines.
Kybella
KYBELLA™ (formerly known as ATX-101) is the first and only FDA-approved
Prescription nonsurgical treatment, used to reduce the appearance of submental fat, more commonly known as a double chin.
A double chin can makes the face look older and heavier regardless of age or weight.
And, in many cases, this fat doesn't respond to lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise because genetics is often the cause.
Because of the extremely limited options for correction, submental fat has been an undertreated aesthetic issue until now.
Many professionals in cosmetic industry consider Kybella the biggest innovation since Botox.
Since FDA-approval in April 2015, Kybella fat dissolver has been revolutionizing the world's non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Before Kybella, for those who wanted to reduce a double chin the ONLY option was to undergo liposuction – which, as a surgical procedure, is somewhat invasive and requires a few days of recovery.
How Does Kybella Work?
The active ingredient in Kybella is deoxycholic acid
A naturally-occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat.
Only trained physicians should administer Kybella.
It is crucial for Kybella to be injected at the proper depth to reach the fat and to keep the upper skin layers safe. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, Kybella causes the destruction of fat cells. Once eliminated, those cells cannot store or accumulate fat.
How Long Will Kybella Results Last?
Kybella treatment regime is customized for each patient and based on the desired chin profile.
A series of injections will be administered at each treatment session, which are spaced at least a month apart. Kybella results are cumulative as each session removes more fat.
Many patients experience visible contouring of their chin profile in two to four treatment sessions spaced at least one month apart.
Up to 6 treatments may be required.
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Monday:
8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday:
8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday:
8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday:
8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday:
8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday:
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Sunday:
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