Clavin Center
1-310-829-5977
HAROLD CLAVIN, M.D., F.A.C.S
Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
Potential patients have dozens of questions about cosmetic procedures and surgeries. Every procedure involves different circumstances based on the doctor, the patient, and the specific treatment or surgery being done. The best way to get these questions answered and to feel the most comfortable in moving forward with a decision is to come in to the Clavin Center and have an in-depth personalized consultation with Dr. Clavin. He and his staff will take all the time you need and give you all the information you could possibly need to know. Here are a few commonly asked questions to start.
01
What is the difference between Botox and fillers?
Botox and Juvederm (the filler we use) are both nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in the form of injectables. Botox is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles to delicately prevent movement in specific areas to eliminate and prevent wrinkling of the skin in that area. Botox has also now been approved for an array of other medical uses from treating areas that produce too much sweat on the body to helping with urinary tract infections. Juvederm is a soft gel filler that a doctor injects to smooth away lines and wrinkles and give fullness back to areas of the face.
02
Do injectables hurt?
There is very minimal discomfort associated with injectables. We use the smallest needles available for the procedures, which helps in reducing any pain. There is also the option of a numbing cream that can be applied all over the face available to those who are willing to remove all makeup and take the extra time (about 30 minutes) for the cream to take effect. Juvederm is infused with lidocaine as well just to minimize any pain or discomfort. Some patient experience a small amount of swelling, redness, and occasional bruising around the injection sites, but these side effects disappear relatively quickly. It's our goal to make the entire experience as quick and painless as possible.
03
What is fat grafting exactly, and what's the difference?
Fat grafting, fat transfer, and fat injections are all names for the same type of procedure. The process involves removing small amounts of fat from another part of the body and injecting those living fat cells into the area of desired additional fullness and smoothness. This treatment is the most natural way to augment or enhance various parts of the face and body. It is a permanent solution and requires one to three sittings for optimal results. Dr. Clavin is very skilled and experienced in fat grafting all over the body.
04
How long is the healing time for cosmetic procedures?
The healing time for each particular cosmetic surgery varies greatly depending on the patient history and surgery involved. This can vary from a few days to a week for a standard rhinoplasty (nose surgery), to a couple of weeks for more significant face work. Not all the recovery time includes time off work by any means. It is just the time a patient needs to take it easy and restrict some activities. Dr. Clavin and his staff will explain in detail any and all elements of the healing process for the procedure(s) during the initial in-depth consultation and until the patient has full understanding of every aspect of the surgery or treatment. You will also get a printout covering all the details to take home and review.
05
What is the difference between open and closed nose surgery?
Dr. Clavin uses the closed surgical technique, adopted by highly trained nasal surgeons after becoming very comfortable and familiar with the structure of the nose and the delicate treatment it requires. With less damage and swelling the end result is often much easier to predict and control, and the healing process is much faster.
Many surgeons use an open nose surgery technique when performing rhinoplasty or revision nasal surgeries. This style of surgical technique is far more invasive and involves cutting at the base of the nose and lifting the skin up and over the bony and cartilage structures underneath for easier access. The problem with this choice is that is causes more scar tissue and requires extra cartilage support to reverse the disruption by the process. More swelling and bruising occurs during recovery as well. These are just a few reasons open nose surgery is preferable to closed.
06
What are the risks involved in cosmetic procedures?
The advances in technology combined with the skill and experience of Dr. Clavin make the risks involved in any cosmetic procedure as minimal as humanly possible. Patients are sometimes nervous about anesthesia, for instance, and Dr. Clavin only works with anesthesiologists he hand picks whose technique and philosophy on anesthesia are incomparable. The form of anesthesia they use all but completely eliminates the negative side effects associated such as nausea and drowsiness. The details of the risks and possible side effects of any surgery or procedure are again highly varied depending on the patient history and procedure at hand. You are guaranteed a thorough explanation of every part of the process for your surgery or treatment of interest.