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A frequent concern of our patients is looking plastic after facelift surgery. There are limitless examples of unnatural, operated results. When surgeons pull too tight, the corners of the mouth can change, the neck looks stretched and the skin can lose some of it’s natural contours. Your face and neck should not “done” after surgery. Your friends and colleagues should compliment you on how refreshed you look. They should never be able recognize that you had surgery. Dr. Kolstad is known for facelifts with natural results. Unlike many surgeons he does not offer 60 minute facelifts that rely on pulling the skin […]

WHAT IS A CHEMICAL PEEL?Skin resurfacing is the removal of the outer layer of the skin. The deeper skin cells replenish the outer layer resulting in smoother, younger-looking skin with fewer wrinkles and pigment changes. Chemical peels are an excellent way to reduce the appearance of imperfections such as sun and age spots, as well as fine lines and deep wrinkles from your face. There are several types of chemical peels which Dr. Kolstad may recommend depending on the unique needs of your skin. The type of chemical peel utilized will determine the recovery time required for your treatment. WHAT KINDS […]

A recessed (weak) chin is analyzed in three dimensions. From AP (front) view, the chin is evaluated for horizontal width and vertical length. A chin deficient in these two dimensions will appear like a small ball without much distance separating it from the lower lip. In contrast, oversized horizontal and vertical proportions are synonymous with very strong male jaws epitomized by the cartoon character Dudly Do-Right. A weak chin is most commonly evaluated on profile view. Surgeons use multiple fancy methods to determine the ideal chin projection, correlating it to the forehead, nose, cheeks and neck. I find the easiest way […]

SUPERFICIAL CHEMICAL PEELSA superficial peel is typically performed by an aesthetician. This type of peel is a mild exfolliator of the very superficial layers of skin. The main advantage of a superficial chemical peel is the lack of downtime associated with the resurfacing. Many patients receive the peel over a lunch break and go back to work the same day. Some pinkness may be apparent for a short time, but this will fade quickly. The most common superficial peels are Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA peel), and the Obaji Blue Peel. At Dr. Kolstad’s La Jolla Plastic Surgery office […]

In my practice it is common for both adolescent young men and women to be unhappy with the size and shape of their noses. Teenagers express many of the same complaints that I hear fromadults. The nasal tip is too big, there is a prominent dorsal hump, and they have been unhappy for quite some time. A complaint shared by adolescents that I do not hear from adults is in relation to bullying at school. A recent article posted by ABC News addresses the peer pressure, name calling, bullying and everything else in between can dramatically impact the way a teenager […]

A Facial Plastic Surgeon’s advice on how to find the right provider. Abstract How to find a good surgeon.How to avoid a bad apple.Where to go for more information.Things to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon.What questions to ask and where to look for answers. HOW TO FIND A GOOD PLASTIC SURGEONOne of the most important aspects of cosmetic surgery is choosing the right surgeon. With the greater acceptance of cosmetic surgery, finding a qualified provider is easier then ever. It is important to do your homework as choosing right surgeon can be as rewarding as choosing the wrong surgeon can be disastrous. […]

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Patients: Why do I have bags under my eyes? What is a good way to treat dark circles under my eyes? How do I remove dark circles under eyes? Are there nonsurgical treatments for under eye bags? Do I need surgery to fix dark circles under my eyes? Dr. Kolstad’s Philosophy On Volume Loss And Dark Circles Under The EyesIf you have tired eyes you are not alone.  A fatigued, haggard appearance is frequently cause by tired looking lower eyelids. This is a common complaint regardless of age. There are no exercises, diets or activities that fix lower eyelid bags. Dark circles under the […]

DO ACNE SCARS GO AWAY? Acne scars, especially pitting ‘ice-pick’ scars tend to be permanent. The good news is that there are a variety of treatments depending on the size of the scars. Resurfacing peels / microdermabrasion are very superficial in nature and consequently will only slightly improve deep, pitted scars. A good resurfacing tool is dermabrasion, but this technique typically requires sedation / anesthesia. A good place to start is with injectable fillers such a Juvederm, Restylane, or Perlane. A visit with a Dermatologist or Facial Plastic Surgeon should provide more information about which option best suits your needs. If you would like […]

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A NOSE JOB? There are a number of specific considerations which determine the cost of rhinoplasty, the cost of facelift surgery, or any other cosmetic procedure. Generally speaking, prices will vary based on geographical region similar to housing prices. The operational costs of an office in Beverly Hills are greater than a similar office in South Dakota, and that difference will be reflected in the costs of cosmetic nose surgery. The cost of rhinoplasty is also dependent on the unique characteristics of a patients nose as well as the complexity of the procedure. A revision surgery […]