Dr. Lucie Capek

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Check out some of the latest information on popular, proven and innovative treatments!
In the Capital Region, Dr. Capek is a leader in offering patients the latest proven technologies and techniques.

Dr. Capek In the News:

HARMONIC® Technology - GENTLER RECOVERY
Most of our patients who are considering undergoing a plastic surgery procedure have many questions and concerns, including the recovery experience, before making their decision. Although each patient will experience post-operative recovery in a different way, Dr. Capek uses the latest available technology to make it as gentle and comfortable as possible.

Since 1997, Dr. Capek has been the only plastic surgeon in the Capital District to consistently use the HARMONIC® technology, a gentler, more advanced approach to recovery for many plastic surgery procedures of the face and body. She has one of the longest plastic surgery experiences with this device in the United States.

HOW IT WORKS:
HARMONIC® technology uses ultrasonic, high-speed vibration (55,500 cycles per second) that enables very precise cutting and hemostasis (sealing of blood vessels). The HARMONIC® scalpel denatures protein in the tissue to form a sticky coagulum which seals blood and lymphatic vessels at a significantly lower temperature than more traditional tools such as electrocautery. This technology potentially minimizes ‘collateral’ damage to nearby tissues and may lead to less pain and swelling, less bruising and drainage. Numerous studies in facelifts, breast surgery and abdominoplasties, as well as post-massive weight loss body contouring, have confirmed these findings.

Dr. Capek has found that the clinical benefits of HARMONIC® technology have increased patient satisfaction with the surgery experience. Our patients often tell us that they had much less pain than they expected and in facelifts in particular, they are frequently surprised by the lack of bruising. Those who have helped friends recover after procedures done elsewhere, tell us that their own recovery was much easier.

Click here to see Dr. Capek discussing the HARMONIC® on YNN.

HARMONIC® Products: Proven technology

Although the HARMONIC® is not yet used by many plastic surgeons, it has a long track record:

• The HARMONIC® product line has been used worldwide for over a decade in more than ten million surgical procedures, in a variety of specialties.
• HARMONIC® devices are used every day in general surgery, urology, gynecology, thoracic, bariatric, ear-nose-throat, colorectal, and plastic surgery.
• The benefits of HARMONIC® devices are backed by clinical evidence. HARMONIC® technology has been referenced in over 590 peer-reviewed journal articles across surgical specialties.

 

FACIAL ENHANCEMENT

• SURGERY
  • The 'New' Facelifts
  • Micro-Fat Grafting
  • Endoscopic Forehead Lift and/or Midface lift
• LASER
  • 3D Skin Rejuvenation
  • PEARL Skin Resurfacing
  • CO2 LASER Resurfacing
• INJECTABLES
  
  • BOTOX Cosmetic & Dysport
  • Injectable Fillers
    • Restylane and Juvéderm
    • Radiesse
    • Artefill
  • Sculptra
• SKIN CARE & AESTHETICS
  • LASER Hair Removal
  • Eyelash Extensions
  • Latisse

SURGERY

THE 'NEW' FACELIFTSWhat is a facelift these days? With so many n
ew techniques being advertised, no wonder many patients are confused. In a nutshell, today’s ‘facelift’ is a highly customized procedure that can achieve facial rejuvenation using many different approaches. Some are scarless and may be done under local anesthesia while other techniques are more invasive. All modern facelifts have the common goal of achieving more natural-looking results.

The ‘Liquid’ Facelift

A truly minimally-invasive facial rejuvenation, this term has been used when describing the sometimes remarkable results that can be achieved with Sculptra facial volumizing. This product is a collagen stimulator that is injected into the facial tissues to gradually add volume and lift. The results achieved are from the patient’s own tissue growth and last at least 2 years, though often considerable longer. Best candidates have loss of volume and mild skin laxity.

The procedure is done in the office with only topical numbing cream and 2 to 4 sessions 4-6 weeks apart are typically needed for optimal results. Many patients have no downtime and since the improvement is gradual, it is very natural in appearance. Cost is typically less than half the price of a surgical lift.

The ‘Stem Cell” Facelift

This is another scarless and minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedure typically done in the office with local anesthesia and oral sedation. Dr. Capek uses the patients’ own fat cells (from the belly or thighs, and rich in stem cells) to add volume to many areas of the face, thereby reinflating sagging tissues and giving a lifted, rested and very natural appearance. Best candidates are non-smokers who have loss of volume and mild skin laxity without too much loose skin in the neck.

There is very little discomfort with this procedure, though patients experience moderate bruising and swelling for about 2 weeks, and possibly milder swelling for an additional few weeks. When done correctly, micro-fat grafting (the process of transferring fat in small, numerous ‘packets’) results in long term survival of 50-80% of the fat cells transferred. It is a technically demanding procedure that requires a lot of experience on the surgeon’s part to be successful. Patients should be certain of their surgeon’s credentials i.e. Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and familiarity with this technique, before agreeing to proceed.

Dr. Capek has been using micro-fat grafts in facial rejuvenation since 1997 and performs several of these procedures every month. She can rejuvenate limited areas, such as around the eyes or the lips only, or treat the full face. Cost is typically less than half the price of a surgical lift.

Short-Scar Vertical Facelift

This is a newer surgical facelift technique where shorter incisions are used, resulting in no distortion of the hairline as sometimes seen in earlier facelifts. The vector of pull is purely vertical, which also places sagging tissues of the face, and even the neck, up where they belong without the ‘windswept’ appearance that can also be a stigma of earlier facelifts. The goal is to ‘set back the clock’ without making the patient look like a different person. Dr. Capek uses this technique in most surgical facelifts (See MACS Facelift below).

Micro-fat grafts are often added at the same time to correct volume loss in the cheeks or hollowing around the eyes. The procedure can be further customized to include an eyelift, browlift or necklift as needed to achieve a balanced look. Best candidates are non-smokers with moderate facial aging including sagging tissues and volume loss. This technique can accommodate a very wide range of patients, typically between the age of 40 and 70.

Dr. Capek uses HARMONIC® technology in all her surgical facelifts and necklifts, resulting in a faster recovery with less bruising and swelling. Downtime often depends on the other procedures being done at the same time, such as eyelifts, which can prolong healing time. With an isolated facelift, patients can be ‘restaurant–ready’ within 2 weeks and with an isolated necklift, in as little as a week. Cost varies widely depending on the customized procedure being done.

 

'Smart' Lift

This technique refers to sculpting of the face, jawline and neck using laser-assisted lipoplasty. This technology first appeared under the brand-name SmartLipo and consists of the use of a laser fiber inserted into the fatty layer where fat is broken up and skin is heated to achieve smoother, tighter contour. It is frequently used in body contouring but in properly selected patients, remarkable results can be achieved in the lower face, jawline and neck.

Typically done in the office under local anesthesia and oral sedation, this procedure is associated with a short recovery and natural-appearing results. Best candidates are younger patients with excessive jowls or fatty tissue in the lower face and neck with mild skin laxity.

Dr. Capek uses LipoLite laser-assisted lipoplasty technology made by Syneron, one of the many brands now available. She has found this procedure a great alternative for many patients including men, who often have heavier necks, tighter skin and are otherwise often reluctant to have surgical facelifts. Cost for this procedure is less than half of a surgical facelift.

‘Weekend’ Facelift or 'Lifestyle' Lift

Consumer beware! These are marketing terms for various mini-facelift techniques that are often performed by non-plastic surgeons with ‘weekend’ training

At least one of the companies promoting this type of surgery settled with the NYS Attorney General’s office in 2009. Lifestyle Lift, which markets cosmetic surgery at more than 40 locations nationwide, agreed to pay out a $300 000 settlement for flooding the internet with flattering testimony from fake “satisfied” customers.

ALWAYS check your surgeon’s credentials and board certification before committing to surgery. Specialists including oral surgeons (they are dentists, not MD’s!), gynecologists, general surgeons, dermatologists, otolaryngologists and even general practitioners are offering plastic surgery to willing consumers. Go to the American Board of Medical Specialties to see your doctor’s certification: www.abms.org.

MICRO-FAT GRAFTING
As we age, our faces don't just sag but also 'deflate', losing volume over time in the fatty layers and even the facial skeleton. Lifting or tightening alone is not always enough to give patients a natural appearing rejuvenation. You may look 'tighter' but not really younger. Micro-fat grafting (technique of Lipostructure™) uses a meticulous technique to harvest fat cells from areas such as the thighs or tummy. This 'living filler' is then delicately transplanted to areas of the face or body. In facial rejuvenation it can be used to re-inflate hollow temples, lateral eyebrows, hollow eyelids, loose cheeks and lax jaw line and thin lips, also lifting tissues along the way. It can also enhance these areas of the face in younger patients achieving a fuller shape, i.e. lips, cheekbones, jaw line. In breast and body contouring, it can be used to enhance the buttocks ("Brazilian Butt Lift"), enlarge or reshape the breasts or even correct areas of indentation due to trauma or surgery (see body contouring). The latest studies suggest that fat grafts may also improve skin quality possibly due to the stem cells found in fat. Best of all, this living filler can be permanent after 1-4 treatments!

Downtime: 3-14 days of bruising/swelling depending on volume/areas done

ENDOSCOPIC FOREHEAD LIFT: Long-lasting rejuvenation of the forehead and temple area using small incisions in the scalp. Special instruments and a 'scope' with attached camera are used for visualization. The muscles between the eyebrows that cause frown lines are often weakened at the same time as lifting the brows, minimizing future need for Botox. This procedure opens up the eye area beautifully and the results typically last for many years.

Downtime: 7-14 days

In addition to our Laser skin treatments, we are now offering more office-based, minimally invasive procedures for the face that:

• Significantly improve appearance, especially that 'tired' look
• Have little or no 'downtime'
• Can be done under topical or local anesthesia with minimal discomfort
• Can be combined in a comprehensive treatment package for more dramatic results

LASER

3D Skin Rejuvenation

This 3- step approach utilizes LimeLight IPL, LaserGenesis and Titan™ treatments to minimize age spots, sun damage, large pores, rosacea, skin flushing and wrinkles while tightening the skin of the face or body with proven Titan™ technology. The details of each treatment step are provided below. When all three are combined in a 3D skin rejuvenation program, the results can be dramatic. Add other minimally invasive procedures such as Botox and fillers (Restylane, Juvéderm, Radiesse or Artefill) and your rejuvenation can approach surgical results. Talk to us about cost-saving packages!

• TITAN

This remarkable, proven technology is truly a breakthrough in non-surgical skin tightening with no downtime! Titan works by utilizing safe, infrared light to heat the dermis well below the skin's surface. This heating can cause immediate contraction of collagen to tighten skin. After the procedure, new collagen growth in the dermis results in further tightening of lax skin, fold and lines over a 3 to 6 month period. The treatment is done in the office and is usually only mildly uncomfortable. Patients sometimes notice mild redness or swelling for a few hours after the treatment but there are no activity restrictions. Most patients need 2 to 3 treatments for optimal results. The most common areas that we treat are the face, neck, upper arms, abdomen and inner thighs. Titan ™ is safe and effective on any skin color.

• LimeLight IPL

The visible pulsed light of PhotoGenesis is exceptionally effective at treating skin redness, sun damage and age spots on the face, chest, shoulders, arms and hands. The treatment is done in the office with no anesthetic and minimal to no discomfort. Remarkable improvement can be realized in as little as two treatments, though many patients benefit from 3 or 4. Your skin is often a little red after the treatment for a couple of hours. Age spots darken more over the next 24 hours and then fade and flake off over a week or two. Your complexion will continue to improve for a month or more.

• LaserGenesis

The visible pulsed light of PhotoGenesis is exceptionally effective at treating skin redness, sun damage and age spots on the face, chest, shoulders, arms and hands. The treatment is done in the office with no anesthetic and minimal to no discomfort. Remarkable improvement can be realized in as little as two treatments, though many patients benefit from 3 or 4. Your skin is often a little red after the treatment for a couple of hours. Age spots darken more over the next 24 hours and then fade and flake off over a week or two. Your complexion will continue to improve for a month or more.

 Cool Glide Vein Therapy

The Cutera CoolGlide combines laser wavelength with flexible parameters to deliver remarkable results for vascular treatments for face and body.  It has the ability to treat a broad range of vessels from the very small facial telangeictasia tiny spider veins to the deep blue, purple reticular veins safely, quickly and very effectively.  This treatment is for patients with all skin types.  The CoolGlide system delivers pulses of light energy which cause the blood within the vessel to coagulate, which eventually destroys the vessel and is reabsorbed by your body.  This system is also effective on hemangiomas and port wine stains and other vascular lesions.     

PEARL™ Skin Resurfacing
PEARL is a resurfacing laser for fast, remarkable skin rejuvenation. Our patients are raving about this one! Pearl is a completely new kind of laser but like its predecessors, CO2, Erbium and Fraxel, in concept it removes the outer layer(s) of skin and stimulates collagen in the deeper layers. Most patients will have one or two treatments. The results include a lustrous skin surface with markedly reduced pores, age spots and wrinkles. The results are permanent; the restructuring doesn't "wear off" but of course the aging process, smoking and sun exposure will create new damage. Healthy habits, including great skin care, will maintain your results longer so we encourage patients to meet with our medical aesthetician, Kelly, for guidance on a great home program.

Pearl can be used on the eyelids, the face, the neck and even the décolletage (chest). Unlike our other laser treatments, which have no downtime, with Pearl you need 4-5 days to heal, depending on how deep a treatment you need or choose to have. There is no prolonged redness after PEARL and results continue to improve over 1-2 months as new collagen continues to grow in the skin.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Resurfacing (CO2 Laser) is done with or without dermabrasion for diffuse wrinkling of the skin or localized wrinkles i.e. upper lips, crows feet, as well as acne scars. Sedation or general anesthesia is used due to the significant discomfort associated with this deeper treatment.

Downtime: 7-10 days for skin to heal
6-10 weeks "sunburned" discoloration

Please see our LCMD Laser Center section for more information.

Related Treatments: Skin Care, Laser Hair Removal, Laser Vascular Treatments

 

INJECTABLES

These minimally invasive procedures for the face are a great alternative to surgery that:

• Significantly improve appearance, especially that 'tired' look
• Have little or no 'downtime'
• Can be done under topical or local anesthesia with minimal discomfort
• Can be combined in a comprehensive treatment package for dramatic results

BOTOX® and DYSPORT® : relax muscles in the face to minimize wrinkles. Both brands are FDA-approved for forehead wrinkles and last 3-6 months. Used “off-label” in many areas of the face and neck.

• Can decrease or eliminate wrinkles in the brow, forehead, 'crows feet', and upper lip.
• Can reshape facial features, i.e. eyebrows ('chemical' browlift), down turned corners of the mouth, etc.
• Can minimize muscle bands in the neck
• Does not usually require any kind of 'numbing' before treatment

Downtime: None

RESTYLANE®, PERLANE®  and Juvéderm™: FDA-approved NASHA (nonanimal stabilized hyaluronic acid) fillers that last at least twice as long as collagen and have minimal risk of side effects.

• Most often used to fill smile lines, 'marrionette' lines and other wrinkles around the mouth but off-label uses also include injection around the eyes (tear troughs), lip augmentation and facial volume enhancement in the cheeks or chin and other facial wrinkles
• Safe and effective for lip enhancement/augmentation
• Last 6-12 months

Downtime: Minimal bruising and swelling for 1-4days.

RADIESSE®: Formerly known as Radiance, this is an FDA-approved calcium-based filler that lasts up to 18 months.

• Considered longer-lasting than Restylane and Juvederm
• Has also been shown to stimulate the body's own collagen to grow into the treated area
• Most often used to fill smile lines, 'marrionette' lines and other wrinkles around the mouth but off-label uses also include facial volume enhancement in the cheeks or chin and other facial wrinkles
• Is prone to creating lumps when injected into the lips, so not recommended in this area.
• Tpical numbing cream and a local anesthetic are applied before treatment

Downtime: Mild bruising and swelling for 2-4 days; antihistamines may help

ARTEFILL
This very long-lasting (5+ years!) filler is FDA-approved for filling in the nasolabial folds (‘parentheses’ around the mouth) but can be used ‘off-label’ for other areas of the face to correct wrinkles, reshape and add volume. It should not be used in the lips. ArteFill harnesses the power of your own body to regenerate collagen so that up to 80% of the filling effect is in fact your own tissue!

ArteFill is made up of 20% PMMA microspheres and 80% purified bovine collagen. After it is injected, the bovine collagen component gradually breaks down and is replaced with the patient’s own collagen, which grows around the permanent PMMA microspheres. Although the improvement in wrinkle correction and volume is seen immediately, the process of the patient’s own collagen replacement takes several months. Two treatments done 2-3 months apart are typically required for the best results. Patients must have a skin test at last 30 days prior to using the product to ensure they do not have an allergy to the bovine collagen component.

After the nurse applies numbing cream to your face, Dr. Capek fills in the areas that bother you. Results are usually excellent with minimal risk of side-effects. Mild bruising and swelling may occur for a few a days. Allergic reactions to the skin test are very rare.

SCULPTRA
FDA-approved initially in 2004, Sculptra is an injectable collagen stimulator that is used to a add volume to the face, achieving a more youthful and healthier appearance. Unlike wrinkle fillers, the product itself does not achieve the filling effect, but rather it harnesses the power of your own body to regenerate collagen, stimulating re-growth of your own tissue to add the fullness of youth to your face. Because the volume comes from you, this is a long-lasting correction – at least 2 years but often significantly more.

Sculptra is a powder-form of poly-L-lactic acid, the same molecule that makes up commonly-used, dissolvable sutures which have been used in millions of patients worldwide. It is reconstituted with sterile water and then injected into the subcutaneous tissues of facial areas such as the temples, brows, cheeks and jawline. After the nurse applies numbing cream to your face, Dr. Capek marks out the areas that need volume and completes the treatment in about 20 minutes. Discomfort and downtime are minimal. After a day or two of mild swelling and occasional bruising, you don’t see much change. The improvement with Sculptra occurs gradually, over several months as your collagen grows. At least 2-3 treatments are required for optimal results and these are done about 4-6 weeks apart.

In our experience, this product gives really natural-looking rejuvenation and patients love it!

Skin Care and Aesthetics

LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Since the mid-1990's, laser hair removal has become one of the most popular non-invasive aesthetic treatments available. But not all hair removal lasers are created equal. Our Cutera® Laser System uses a long wavelength that penetrates deeper into the hair root which results in greater permanent hair removal, not just a temporary 'stunning' of the hair follicle. It also effectively removes unwanted facial and body hair in patients of all skin types - from the fairest to the darkest skin color. Many other systems cannot be used to treat dark-skinned patients. Our treatments are also more comfortable than many other hair removal lasers, in part because of the built-in cooling mechanism in the CoolGlide laser hand piece. We can also treat large areas quickly with our new ProWave hand piece from Cutera – great on backs and legs!

Patients can expect to see 15-20% less hair growth/density with each treatment. Therefore, 90% or more hair removal can be achieved with a recommended series of 6 treatments in most areas. The hair follicles that are destroyed are gone permanently. Over time, however, new hair follicles may develop due to hormone changes, medications and other factors. The final result is nevertheless a permanent and significant reduction of unwanted hair growth. Imagine a smooth bikini line and legs - no ingrown hairs and silky smooth skin all the time! And for the gentlemen, no shaving your back, chest or abdomen!

Remember, if you are coming in for a treatment, shave the area the night before or that morning and avoid any self-tanners or bronzing cream for at least a week. Stop active tanning for at least 2 weeks. Avoid plucking or tweezing the area for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment.

EYELASH EXTENSIONS (NovaLash)
Individual eyelash bonding (Novalash) is an exciting new procedure offered by our medical aesthetician. This is a great procedure for a wedding day, honeymoon, or any special event, or for someone who just doesn't want the hassle of applying and taking off mascara everyday!

• NovaLash extensions are safe. Each eyelash extension is bonded to your own individual eyelash with a USA pharmaceutical- grade adhesive (beware that other companies use foreign-made adhesives that are not subject to the same rigorous testing).
• They look and feel very natural and length, thickness and even color can be customized for you.
• The extensions are semi-permanent and will last about 4 weeks.
  After 4 weeks the extensions will shed as your own eyelashes naturally shed. To keep a full set of lash extensions, touch-ups are required every 4-5 weeks.
• Immediate results.

LATISSE
Latisse is an FDA-approved eyelash growth stimulator that can be obtained by prescription. This liquid medication is applied daily to the upper lash line using a small brush. Over 12-16 weeks, patients typically see their eyelashes growing longer, thicker and darker. Although the degree of improvement varies, most patients see a noticeable difference. Treatment needs to be continued to maintain results. Side effects are usually minimal, such as mild irritation or pigmentation in the skin where applied. It should not be used IN the eyes since it can darken the color of the iris. It is also the same medication that is used to treat glaucoma, so patients with any form of eye disease should check with their ophthalmologist before using it.

BREAST ENHANCEMENT

• Fat Transfer for Breast Contouring
• Silicone Gel Implants

FAT TRANSFER for BREAST CONTOURING:
The ultimate ‘green’ procedure with a 2-for-one benefit, fat transfer to the breasts is just becoming accepted and offers patients a very exciting option for breast augmentation and breast lifts. Although it has been controversial, more recent studies have supported it as a safe alternative to breast implants in selected patients. The best candidates are women who do not want to increase their breast volume by more than one cup size, whose breasts have at least mildly loose skin and who want very natural looking breasts. In contrast, women with very tight skin and minimal breast development, those who want significant enlargement or those who want a lot of fullness in the upper breast, usually get better results with breast implants.

For a natural breast augmentation, Dr. Capek gently harvests unwanted fat from areas like your abdomen, thighs or hips using tumescent liposuction on low vacuum. She then prepares the healthy fat cells for transfer as they separate from the fluid and a small amount of blood and serum in the aspirate. The fat is then gently injected into the breast in a precise and sculpting fashion, shaping the cleavage, filling in hollow areas and enhancing the volume where it is needed. Approximately 60-70% of the fat cells are expected to survive and the volume and shape of the breasts is usually stable and long-lasting 4-6 months after the surgery. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and conscious sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the situation. Recovery is usually similar to VASER liposuction, with mild to moderate bruising and swelling in the harvest and grafted areas for 2 weeks, followed by mild swelling that gradually decreases over 3-6 months until the final shape is achieved. Time out of work is usually one week or less for sedentary occupations.

Breast augmentation with fat grafts is best performed by board-certified plastic surgeons that have extensive experience with fat grafting/transfer. Dr. Capek has been performing autologous fat grafting to the face and body for 15 years. It is a very technique-dependent procedure, meaning that the results can vary greatly in inexperienced or poorly trained hands. It should not be a procedure undertaken by doctors taking weekend courses in fat grafting and not trained in plastic surgery. Dr. Capek believes this procedure will become increasingly popular and successful, as more research and experience supports great results. Without a doubt, however, as with many popular cosmetic procedures, unqualified practitioners will be offering it to uninformed patients – buyer beware! Do your homework, check out qualifications (what is your doctor’s board certification? Find out at abms.org) and ask pointed questions.

 

 

SILICONE GEL IMPLANTS: On November 17, 2006 the FDA approved the use of silicone gel breast implants manufactured by Mentor and Inamed in the United States. This has greatly increased the choice for women seeking breast enhancement surgery. These implants have been used worldwide for many years and are the implant of choice among most patients and surgeons in Europe because they often have a more natural feel and appearance.

In the United States, the current gel implants are considered 'third generation', having undergone changes since they were first introducted in the 1960's. Between 1992 and now, silicone implants in the US were only available to patients who met the criteria for FDA-approved trials of these devices. Dr. Capek has participated in these studies since 1998 and therefore has extensive experience using both saline and silicone implants.

The latest silicone implants are associated with significantly lower complication rates than earlier versions. Their greatest disadvantage remains the possibility of a ‘silent’ rupture where the patient is unaware of the problem. However, the latest study of rupture rates in Mentor Memory Gel implants (Dr. Capek’s preferred brand) showed a rate of 1.1% in six years. This is significantly lower than rupture rates of saline implants. Monitoring gel implants with MRI’s also minimizes the risk of silent rupture. Currently, Dr. Capek’s patients are selecting silicone implants about 90% of the time for breast augmentation.

As of November 17, 2006 all patients over the age of 22 have access to silicone gel implants for both breast augmentation and reconstruction. As always, a detailed consultation with Dr. Capek is required to determine if breast enhancement using silicone breast implants would be right for you.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

• Thicker silicone rubber shell - less likely to tear or break
• Cohesive gel - more viscous, less 'runny'.
• Smooth or textured surface
• Round shape. 'Anatomic' shape currently not available under new FDA approval.

 

For a more detailed discussion of silicone and saline breast implants, and breast surgery please visit our Procedures section and also www.breastimplantsafety.org.

BODY CONTOURING

• 'Mommy' Makeover
• LipoLite™Laser-assisted Lipolysis
• VASER LipoSelection
• "Brazilian Butt Lift"
• Genital rejuvenation
• Cellulite Treatment

MOMMY MAKEOVER
You’ve had a baby, or 2, or more and your body just isn’t the same, no matter how much you diet and exercise. It’s a fact that pregnancy, delivery and breast feeding can change things in a less-than desirable way. Thankfully, there are lots of options to get your figure back.

With the affectionately-called Mommy Makeover, you can customize a surgical plan that addresses all your concerns. Some common combinations include:

Breast augmentation and lift, Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and Liposuction (VASER)

Any-of- the–above PLUS Labial reduction/genital rejuvenation

Dr. Capek performs many ‘mommy makeover’ combination procedures and their popularity has increased over the last few years. The advantages of a combination procedure include one recovery period and comprehensive correction of the breasts and body. Many women find that they have a renewed sense of confidence as they see their figure restored or improved to better- than-ever. This is a great way to start the next chapter of your life!

LipoLite™Laser-assisted Lipolysis

LipoLite is the new evolution of laser technology being used to help people look and feel their best. It was developed by the same company behind the popular VelaShape™ treatment for body sculpting. This technology is similar to the much-advertised SmartLipo™ treatment, however it can be more easily customized to individual patient needs for fat removal vs. skin tightening or both.

This minimally invasive body contouring treatment is perfect for those stubborn pockets of fat that resist diet and exercise but may not be suitable for more invasive liposuction surgery. The ideal patient for this treatment is of normal weight and has small areas of fat that just won't go away. Common areas include the neck or jawline, upper arms, lower belly, inner thighs and knees, though any area can be treated as long as the deeper layers of fat are not excessive. Consultation with Dr. Capek will let you know which body contouring treatment is best for you.

LipoLite is done in the office under local anesthesia and patients generally return to normal activities within a day or two. A tiny laser fiber is inserted under the skin into the upper fatty layer where is dissolves fat cells and heats the undersurface of the skin. The liquefied fat is then gently aspirated, permanently removing fat cells. Patients have minimal swelling and bruising and results are visible within a week of treatment, though skin tightening continues to improve for 2-3 months as new collagen is built up. Because of the skin tightening effect, this is a great treatment for under the chin or neck, as well as for body contouring, and may delay the need for a formal necklift in some patients.

 

VASER LipoSelection® - Minimally invasive body contouring

: VASER LipoSelection® is the gentlest form of ultrasound liposuction, using sound energy to emulsify or dissolve fat while sparing blood vessels and nerves. With a better safety profile than earlier ultrasound liposuction machines, more superficial suctioning can be performed, increasing the options for patients. After surgery, patients report far less discomfort, swelling and bruising than after conventional liposuction, which means a faster recovery. Because the ultrasound energy also has a better tightening effect on the skin, the results look smoother with less risk of worsening the appearance of cellulite than traditional liposuction. The VASER technology is very versatile and treatments can be individualized for each area of the body, depending on the type of fatty tissue that is present. For instance, delicate areas like the neck and inner thighs are treated gently and safely, yet difficult areas such as the denser fat in men's love handles or scarred areas from previous liposuction can also be corrected with relative ease.

We are the first practice in the Capital District offering this advanced, less invasive

body contouring option. The cost for the procedure is comparable to other liposuction procedures. Call us for more information or visit the VASER website at 

www.vaser.com.

BRAZILIAN BUTT LIFT:
Curves are back! Many patients complain that while their waist line is expanding, their buttocks are getting flat and drooping. Sometimes they never had a curved bottom to begin with. The ‘Brazilian Butt Lift’ is another great application for transferring your own fat from an unwanted area, such as your belly or thighs, to reshape the butt.

Done as an outpatient procedure at Ellis Health Center, Dr. Capek harvests fat using either gentle tumescent or VASER liposuction on low vacuum, from your stubborn areas. As the healthy fat cells are prepared for transfer, they separate from the fluid and a small amount of blood and serum in the aspirate. Dr. Capek then reinjects your fat cells using a delicate, sculpture-like technique, into the areas of the buttocks that need shaping and lift. You really get 2 procedures in 1! The fat cells typically survive well in this new location if post-operative instructions are followed. We do expect about a 20-30% loss of volume after the surgery since not every living cell survives the transfer process. After about 4-6 months, however, your new shape should be long-lasting if you maintain your weight with a healthy diet and exercise program.

FEMALE GENITAL REJUVENATION/EHANCEMENT
Over the last few years, procedures to reshape and rejuvenate the vulva and vaginal area have emerged in response to patient interest. Dr. Capek performs several genital enhancement procedures including:

Labial Reduction: Consists of excess skin removal from the labia minora. Although many women notice enlargement and sometimes irritation of this area after having children, even adolescent women may be plagued by uncomfortably large labia minora which can interfere with sports and athletic activities. This is an outpatient procedure usually performed under either local anesthesia and conscious sedation or general anesthesia in combination with other body contouring or breast procedures. Recovery is usually quick with few complications as long as post-operative instructions are followed.

Mons Pubis Lift: Often done in patients who have lost significant weight or have a lot of loose abdominal skin after childbirth and may accompany a tummy tuck. The sagging pubic area is lifted up while tummy skin is pulled down, and the excess skin is removed. This repositions the pubic tissues into a more natural location.

Autologous Fat Grafting/Transfer:   As we age, several areas of the body lose volume, while others seem to get thicker. In the female genital area, the labia majora often ‘deflate’ with aging, as does the mons pubis. Both of these areas can be enhanced with transfer of fat cells from other areas, such as the abdomen or thighs. The procedure is minimally invasive and is usually performed outpatient under local anesthesia and conscious sedation, or in combination with other body contouring or breast procedures. Unlike temporary fillers, fat is a living tissue and most of it survives in the new location, so results are long-lasting.

CELLULITE TREATMENT: VelaShape™ Body Sculpting

VelaShape™ is the first and only FDA-cleared, non-surgical alternative for cellulite and circumference reduction. The secret behind VelaShape is elos™- a unique technique that combines powerful energies to reduce the volume and appearance of fat tissues. 

This in-office treatment is completely non-invasive. Any area of the body or neck can be treated and you can expect a significant smoothing and tightening of the area in as little as 4 treatments. Most patients also

see a measurable reduction in circumference: 1-2 inches off the waist or each thigh can make a dramatic difference in clothes or a bathing suit. This is a favorite treatment among celebrities because it works and you see results quickly. After the initial series of treatments, one treatment every 3-6 months maintains your new look! Don't forget a healthy diet and exercise for the best results.