Dr. James Barber - Cosmetic Surgery Blog

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2010-04-20T19:08:00.001-04:00

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Choosing the Right Breast Implant Size

2010-04-15T17:36:00.001-04:00

Why are you considering breast implants? Is one breast larger, or smaller, than another? Has weight loss caused your breasts to sag? Or do you want to look more glamorous - whatever that means to you?

Whatever your reasons, you should be ready to discuss them with your doctor. Dr. James J. Barber has years of background in helping women decide not only if breast implants are a good idea for them, but also what size implant will work best for their particular body types.

There are many questions that any woman considering breast implants must ask, and Dr. Barber has the experience to help you find answers. His numerous client testimonials illustrate his success in this regard.

Some women think "bigger is better." This is a stereotype often promoted by the media. But in real life, there is no universally "right" human figure: the ideal is a harmonious and proportional appearance appropriate to your size and weight. Dr. Barber can help you choose the type of implant that is best suited to your needs and wishes.

A related topic is placement of the implant. Dr. Barber will work with you in looking at the variables involved and deciding what options will work well with your own body type.

There is no substitute for friendly, personalized, and professional advice in addressing this issue. Any woman in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area faced with making such a decision is urged to contact Dr. James J. Barber for a consultation.

Time to Treat Those Frown Lines?

2010-03-05T15:21:00.009-05:00

Dysport is an injectable solution that improves the appearance of facial wrinkles. The solution works by causing muscles of expression to relax, creating a smoother look. Generally, Dysport is considered safe (side effects are minimal and rare). If you are planning on having a treatment, please discontinue all blood thinning medications (Advil, Aspirin, Ginger, Ginseng, etc.) 1 week prior to your appointment. Contact your physician prior to stopping certain medications.

Save up to $150 and take the DYSPORT CHALLENGE. Contact our office at 412-741-1976.

I'm Here to Pump You Up

2010-02-19T12:02:00.004-05:00

I know you have probably heard that line on Saturday Night Live before, but this saying gets an entirely new meaning with this economy. Layoffs and cutbacks are very much a reality for our fellow workers. Job competition is fierce. You need to be just as fierce to get that job and keep it. Does your appearance say "I am healthy and vibrant and capable to do the job better than anyone else."? Or does your appearance say "I am tired"? You can't judge a book by it's cover, but we all do. Cosmetic intervention may help change the way in which you are perceived.

Even though the economy has shown a tremendous downturn, we have seen a sharp increase in the number of people for Botox/Dysport injections, facial fillers, eyelid lifts, and face lifts. Patients are telling us that they are nervous about their jobs and feel like cosmetic surgery will give them the edge and keep them competitive with the younger crowd. Our findings are consistent with a recent survey conducted by the American Board of Plastic Surgery showing that women and men consider cosmetic surgery a competitive edge in the workplace.

In this market, first impressions are so important and second chances are slim. So feel free to pump yourself up--take that however you need to--physically, mentally, emotionally. YOU are your best investment.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation. 412-741-1976

Latisse special

2010-02-05T13:51:00.002-05:00

Grow your own eyelashes...longer, fuller, darker!

While supplies last:
Buy 2 boxes of Latisse, receive the 3rd box FREE.

Restrictions apply.

Call today to reserve your Latisse. 412-741-1976

Listen up ladies. IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT!

2010-02-04T14:08:00.004-05:00

How often do you hear that line from a man? Well, let me be the first to utter those words to you. Truth be told, it is not your fault when it applies to the wrinkling around your mouth (perioral skin). A recent study conducted by a team of plastic surgeons in the Netherlands showed that there are gender specific differences between men and women pertaining to the nature and extent of wrinkling of the mouth area. Using the skin of cadavers and live subjects, the study found the following reasons why women's perioral wrinkles are deeper and more profound.

Women's perioral skin contains fewer sweat glands and sebaceous glands (glands that secrete an oily, waxy matter to lubricate skin and hair). This certainly may influence the natural filling of the dermis.
Women's perioral skin has fewer blood vessels therefore is less vascularized which could accelerate wrinkling.
In women, muscle fibers are more closely attached to the dermis of the mouth causing a more pronounced retraction of the skin causing....you guessed it...WRINKLES.

Disappointed? Frustrated? Do something about it. There are so many options available to you in your fight against wrinkles including Dysport/Botox, injectable fillers (Restylane/Perlane), laser resurfacing, and chemical peels.

So ladies, I reiterate--it's not your fault. And please remember, I was the first man to ever echo those words to you....and mean it!

Twitter

2010-01-08T14:23:00.002-05:00

We are now on Twitter. Follow us at drjamesbarber
I am hoping to give you a taste of our personality and atmosphere in the office. If you are a patient, you know this well! For those of you that do not know us, you are in for a treat!

No Pain, Your Gain

2009-11-05T15:49:00.002-05:00

As you may well know, none of us like to see ourselves aging, hence the onslaught of non-invasive techniques to reverse Old Man Time. Clock fighters such as Botox/Dysport and skin fillers are no strangers to this battle. New to the battle-evolving injection techniques that allow for a more comfortable experience. The newest trend is for doctors to combine lidocaine with facial fillers such as Restylane, Perlane, and Juvederm. By doing this at Dr. Barber's Pittsburgh plastic surgery practice, we have seen a noticeable decrease in pain for our patients.

Can you tell we really don't care for the saying "No Pain, No Gain"? We would like to throw it out of the window and stomp on it a couple of times.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. 412-741-1976

Why do you want plastic surgery?

2009-10-16T14:40:00.003-04:00

Plastic surgery and vanity wrongly and unfairly go hand in hand. Quite the opposite is true, actually. Mariam Webster's definition of vanity is: inflated pride in oneself or one's appearance. Cosmetic surgery candidates typically lack pride in their appearance and suffer with low self-esteem. I am always quick to correct a patient that walks into the office saying "I am so vain for wanting a breast lift", for example.

When patients reach out to Dr. Barber, it is usually because they have a deep desire to feel better about themselves, which is NOT vanity. Desire for self improvement is a natural impulse, and typically people who seek plastic surgery are simply unhappy about an aspect of their appearance.

Pittsburgh plastic surgery encourages and promotes a strong, positive self-image. It can be a rewarding choice if done for the right reasons. Let's be realistic. Wanting to look like Angelina Jolie is neither healthy nor realistic. Examine the reasons behind your decision. Why do you want surgery? Are you doing it to please someone else? Are you doing it in hopes of changing your life? Improving your appearance could help promote a positive change in many areas of your life, but you are setting yourself up for disappointment if you think it will change your life as a whole.

Many patients tell us they want to look younger because they feel young on the inside and they want the outside to reflect it.
Other positive motivations may be:

Look younger for personal/professional reasons. (Example: stay competitive in the workplace.)
Change a feature that they have never liked. (Example: Pittsburgh rhinoplasty)
Finally get what nature forgot. (Example: Pittsburgh breast implants)
Repair damage from weight loss/gain or pregnancy. (Example: Pittsburgh tummy tuck)

It is Dr. Barber's job to help potential Pittsburgh plastic surgery patients examine and understand their motivations. Speak openly and honestly with your surgeon. Honesty and a healthy perspective will lead to a realistic and successful experience.

Contact our office today to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. James Barber. 412-741-1976

Buyer Beware

2009-10-02T15:17:00.003-04:00

Patients should avoid "too good to be true" discounts on injectables. Some physicians are buying these "discount injectables" offshore and offering them to patients at a lower price.

Make sure your safety is protected by choosing a physician with appropriate training, credentials and judgement. Many patients safely enjoy the benefits of Botox, Restylane, Juvederm and Dysport.

And remember the old saying, "If it's too good to be true, it probably is".

Face the Facts

2009-09-25T13:52:00.003-04:00

You just looked in the mirror and you didn't recognize the person looking back at you. What happened? Where did the years go? Where did that line come from? Age tends to sneak up on people and bite them. Are you feeling like it is your turn to bite back?

With little downtime and very little discomfort, facial rejuvenation procedures are very popular in our practice. Patients are thrilled and report back that they look and feel at least 10 years younger.

Facelifts are a benefit to patients with sagging facial skin. Dr. Barber takes the individual patient into consideration before making a recommendation as this procedures can be tailored to fit time restrictions, desires and physical characteristics. Facelifts tighten the sagging beneath your neck, lift the jowls and recontour facial features. Often times, facelifts are combined with other rejuvenation procedures for a more polished look.

Eyelid lifts-to tighten eyelid skin and correct drooping.
Brow lift-to correct brow ptosis and heaviness.
Cheek/chin implants-to enhance facial contours.
Restylane/Juvederm-to fill in lines and add volume.
Laser resurfacing-to soften fine lines.

Perhaps it's time your reflection in the mirror matches your inner spirit. Time to let that vitality shine through! Contact our office for more information 412-741-1976.

Filler-up

2009-08-25T12:51:00.002-04:00

Now, that statement can refer to a multitude of things from pulling into a gas station to sitting on a bar stool with the boys from Cheers. But from a cosmetic standpoint, "filler-up" refers to a host of materials now being used to treat facial wrinkles and lines.

Injectable materials have long been a staple for facial rejuvenation dating back to bovine collagen injectables like Zyderm and Zyplast. The very first injectables often required an allergy test prior to injection and were not very long lasting.

We have come a long way. Today's fillers are longer lasting and do not need prior allergy testing. Restylane/Perlane, Juvederm, Artecol, and Sculptra (among many others) now fill the void for those people who desire a younger refreshed look without surgical intervention.

Fillers play an important role in facial rejuvenation:

Filling in the lines between the eyes (glabella)
Treating the lines between the nose and mouth (nasalabial folds)
Softening the lines at the corners of the mouth (marionette lines)
Lip enhancement

Lasting between 6-18 months, fillers are an important weapon in turning back the clock. Now go ahead, "filler-up"

Ratings make us strive to do our very best

2009-08-07T15:46:00.003-04:00

Online customer opinion sites are more popular than ever, giving us yet another reason to provide you with excellent service. These sites make it easy for you to share honest feedback about your experience with the office of Dr. James Barber. Please take a minute to share your experience with the opinion sites listed below.

Citysearch.com
Visit our profile then click on the "Write a Review" link in the upper right corner of the profile.

Google.com
Google's rating system allows you to assign up to five stars for excellent service and write a short review. Visit our profile to share your opinion.

Yelp.com
Yelp.com also uses the five star rating system. Go directly to our profile to rate our office.

As always, we hope you had a positive experience with the office of Dr. James Barber.

Celebrate with Botox

2009-08-06T16:47:00.002-04:00

Allergan is celebrating Botox's 7-year anniversary with a special savings for you. For a limited time, get a $50 rebate on your Botox treatment over $200.

Wrinkles that are caused by muscle contraction, such as frown lines, crow's feet, and forehead creases can be safely and effectively treated with Botox.

Contact Dr. Barber's office to schedule an appointment. 412-741-1976

Anesthesia

2009-05-07T14:42:00.005-04:00

Pittsburgh plastic surgery patients have many options when it comes to the aspect of anesthesia. The options can be confusing and the thought of anesthesia alone can make most cosmetic surgery patients very fearful. Well, never fear...because we are here...to help. (Yes, that was bad.) There are a variety of factors that play a role in determining anesthesia-the patient's body type, medical history, type of procedure, and extent of time in the operating room setting. Dr. James Barber will discuss your options so that you are clear on what to expect during and after surgery.

OPTIONS

Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is typically used for noninvasive procedures. The area surrounding the treatment site is numbed with local injections. The anesthetic can be applied as an injection in the tissue or as a "block". This approach is not recommended for larger-scale plastic surgery procedures because patients are typically fully awake and coherent. We normally use local anesthesia for procedures such as mole removals, laser skin resurfacing procedures, and facial filler treatments (upon the patient's request).

Twighlight Sedation
With this approach, there is a continuous stream of intravenous sedation which allows the patient to remain "awake" throughout surgery. The plastic surgery patient, while "awake", will not feel the procedure and will not remember the experience. We suggest twilight sedation for facial rejuvenation procedures-full facelifts, mini facelifts, eyelid lifts, and brow lifts.

General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is typically used for more invasive procedures such as nasal surgery, tummy tucks, breast augmentations/lifts, and liposuction. This approach places the patient in a sleep state without sensation for the duration of the procedure. General anesthesia carries some risks however in the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist, these risks are minimal.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Whenever you are heavily sedated or have general anesthesia, you put your life in someone's hands. Much of that responsibility falls to the person administering the medications and monitoring your vital signs. You need to know the qualifications of the person assuming that responsibility. Their training can range from specialization after earning a medical degree (anesthesiologist) to specialization after nursing training (nurse anesthetists) to nursing training only.

After years of performing cosmetic surgery procedures like breast enlargements, Dr. Barber is well aware of which approaches do--and do not--tend to work. Our Pittsburgh plastic surgery team works with only the most capable professionals to ensure your safety. We will advise you of the pros and cons to each method and make sure you are comfortable and confident that you are in the best hands.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-01T09:30:00.004-04:00

Surprise mom with a gift she is sure to love!

Gift certificates are available in our office for that unique surprise. Give the gift of Latisse for beautiful long and lush eyelashes. Our skin care products will make her skin look and feel healthy and young. Gift certificates can also be used for treatments such as facials, Restylane, and Botox. If you are out of ideas and tired of the same old gifts, then try something new. Give the mother in your life something that will help her to look and feel her absolute best.

Call Dr. Barber's office today! 412-741-1976

Your eyelashes...real results.

2009-04-17T14:07:00.002-04:00

The office of Dr. James Barber is pleased to introduce Latisse to our patients. Latisse solution is a prescription treatment used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker, and darker. It is believed to affect the growth phase of the eyelash hair cycle in 2 ways: first, it increases the length of this phase; and second, it increases the number of hairs in this growth phase.

Latisse solution is FDA approved and available through our office. Contact us today for additional information. 412-741-1976

Help with breast implant sizing

2009-03-31T16:01:00.005-04:00

We hear it all the time-"I don't know what size breast implant to use" or "I don't want to be too big".

Implant size is a very personal decision every breast augmentation patient will have to make. Actual bra cup size is an inexact estimate of final breast size due to differences in the cup sizes of bra manufacturers. So it's not always as easy as saying "I am an "A" cup and I want to be a "C". You may be an "A" cup with a certain style/make of bra and a "B" cup in a different style/make of bra. It also depends on how you like to wear your bra (tight or loose) and the amount of breast tissue already present.

Describing your ideal cup size will aid Dr. Barber, but it also helps to look at photos and "try on" different implant sizers. These sizers are made available to you during your consultation in our Sewickley, South Side (Pittsburgh), and New Castle locations.

Most patients decide the best way to determine size is in the privacy of their own home. The most accurate method of estimating the implant size (in ounces) is to fill a plastic bag with measured amounts of water to place in your desired sized bra. You can then study the look of your new shape-in your own home, for as long as it takes, with different styles of clothing. This is a fabulous fun way to get a better idea of what your new body will look like.

Contact our office today to schedule your consultation. 412-741-1976

Let Your Beauty Bloom This Spring!

2009-03-26T14:30:00.005-04:00

Save up to $150 on your Restylane or Perlane treatment and see beautiful results for up to 18 months with only one follow-up treatment*.

Don't let a down economy keep you from looking your best. A treatment with Restylane or Perlane can enhance your skin's fullness to smooth away moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth. With one follow-up treatment, you may maintain your youthful appearance for up to 18 months.* And now, you can save up to $150 on your treatment--which makes Restylane a great beauty value.

For a limited time, when you receive a Restylane or Perlane treatment, you can receive a $100 rebate on two 1-mL syringes or a $150 rebate on three 1-mL syringes

Contact our office for an appointment. Offer expires May 4, 2009.

Balance and Proportion

2009-03-20T12:38:00.002-04:00

Many patients are not bothered JUST by a small breast size, but more by a body that is not proportional. A common concern is clothing that does not fit properly because the lower body is a different size from the upper body. We hear it all the time in our office. The top doesn't match the bottom--I have a dress that fits perfectly at the top but is too snug at the bottom. Most women desire an attractive silhouette that is balanced. Dr. James Barber, a Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, will help you achieve your goals.

Dr. Barber likes to look at the body as a whole, beyond breast volume and cc's, for a natural looking, balanced result. Liposuction can de-emphasize common problem areas resulting in a slimmer dramatically more proportional look while enhancing the curvier results of breast augmentation.

Problem areas that may benefit from liposuction:

Abdomen-a flatter abdomen enhances the results of a breast augmentation.

Saddlebags-wide outer thighs take away from even the perkiest of breasts and can make the body appear larger. Smoothing out these areas elongates the legs and brings the focus upwards.

Upper back-dreaded back fat effects women of all sizes. Correction to this area will help improve the look of your upper torso allowing you to wear slimmer more form-flattering clothing.

Flanks and buttocks-fatty deposits on the flanks and buttocks gives your body a pear shape. A slimmer lower body emphasizes a smaller waist and a fuller bust.

To discuss your Pittsburgh cosmetic surgery options in a personal private consultation, contact our office today. 412-741-1976

Limited Time Only

2009-03-13T10:48:00.003-04:00

For a limited time we are offering complimentary consultations with Dr. Barber. Patients can contact the office to schedule a consultation for:

If you would like to take advantage of a complimentary consultation, contact our office today at 412-741-1976. Appointments are limited.

Look Your Best For Fun In The Sun

2009-03-11T14:11:00.003-04:00

Most of us love the summer sun and all the festivities that the warmer weather brings. After a long winter, we long for the tennis courts, gardening, and beach vacations. However, the thought of wearing shorts and tank tops makes us hope the colder weather sticks around a little longer. After all, there is nothing like the comfort and confidence an oversized sweater brings. Since we all know that 12 months of winter and sweaters is not an option, it is time to look ahead. There could not be a better time to think about what you should be doing to look and feel your best in time for summer.

Are you thinking about stepping up your exercise program? Or perhaps the last minute starvation diet to shed the winter weight so you can bare to show your legs?

We hear it all the time.

I eat well and exercise and still have stubborn fat deposits on my legs and tummy. There is no way I can wear shorts this summer!
My breasts are too small for my frame. I hate looking like a boy. I want to finally look good in a bathing suit. I want to look proportional.

Liposuction

A fit and well-proportioned body is often considered a symbol of health and vitality. Despite all the hard work, some individuals still have localized fat deposits. These areas may be due to heredity or family traits rather than a lack of weight control or fitness.

Liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing localized or regional excess fat deposits, improving body contours and proportion, and ultimately, enhancing your self-image.

Breast Augmentation

How a woman feels about her body has a lot to do with her overall self-confidence...that's no secret. When breast size or shape is an issue, many women turn to breast augmentation to increase their confidence, look better in their clothes, and...bottom line...present the image they want to the world.

Implants come in many different shapes and sizes. The process of determining the type of implants is an individualized process that will take place during your private consultation.

Silicone gel implants look and feel more like natural breast tissue because the gel filler holds together uniformly-without compromising reliability or safety. Silicone gel implants have been successfully used and trusted for 20 years by millions of women worldwide.

Saline implants are still widely used for breast augmentation surgery. Saline implants are filled with a saltwater solution similar to the fluid that makes up most of the human body.

If you would like additional information on any of these procedures, or if you would like to schedule your private consultation, please call the office at 412-741-1976.

Confidence Boost

2009-03-05T13:08:00.002-05:00

Jenny McCarthy recently told Michigan Avenue Magazine that she thinks "plastic surgery is fun if it makes you feel good. I'm all for looking better, so I plan on doing whatever I want when the time comes."

Many people feel the same as Jenny, even in these uncertain economic times. We all are looking for that competitive edge in the workplace. We all want the confidence and enthusiasm needed to edge out our competition.

In a recent telephone survey by the ASPS of 765 women between the ages of 18 and 64, many reveal cosmetic plastic surgery procedures now appear to be an important rung on the success ladder.

13 percent (more than 1 out of 10 of the 115-million working-age women) say the would consider having a cosmetic medical procedure specifically to make them more confident and more competitive in the job market.
An astounding 3 percent (nearly 3.5-million working women) say they've already had a cosmetic procedure to increase their perceived value in the workplace.
73 percent (almost three out of four or, 84-million working women) believe, particularly in these challenging economic times, appearance and youthful looks play a part in getting hired, getting a promotion, or getting new clients.
80 percent (four out of five or 92-million working women) think having cosmetic medical procedures can boost a person's confidence.

If you are in need of a boost in your self confidence, call us today to schedule a complimentary cosmetic consultation. 412-741-1976

National websites

2009-03-02T14:05:00.002-05:00

Dr. Barber is now featured on national websites:
www.drbarberlive.com
www.healthlife.com

These websites contain the latest information on health, life and plastic surgery.

BOTOX VIP PROGRAM

2009-02-24T14:37:00.004-05:00

We are pleased to introduce our new Botox Cosmetic VIP program. Effective March 1, 2009 patients will be enrolled in our Botox program when they receive their first Botox treatment for the year. Over the course of 1 calendar year, we will discount each successive treatment after your initial treatment by $20, $30, $40 respectively. When the year is completed, the program will start over with the first treatment of 2010 and the rewards begin again!

The program terms run January-December. The program starts over for any missed appointments.

Please contact the office today to schedule a Botox treatment.