MAIN SITE BLOG HOME

Posts Tagged ‘plastic surgery champaign’

« Older Entries

How Should I Care For My Skin After My Chemical Peel?

Wednesday, November 24th, 2021

CHEMICAL PEEL POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS: 

Proper maintenance of your skin after a chemical peel will facilitate and enhance your rejuvenation process. It is important that you follow a few easy steps to achieve the maximum benefit from your peel.

What To Expect:

You will receive written instructions and a post-peel skincare kit with all the products you will need to care for your skin following your peel. During your recovery period, we request that you use only the products provided in your kit unless instructed otherwise. These products will keep your skin hydrated, protected and nourished.

For the first few days after your peel, your skin will look normal with some possible redness similar to a sunburn. In approximately 48 hours, your skin may feel tight and will begin to flake or peel.  Some patients will peel mildly while others will peel more dramatically.

It is important not to pick at your skin, which could potentially introduce bacteria, or cause scarring. Do not attempt to help the skin peel off.  Let this process occur naturally to avoid exposing immature skin and irritation.

Avoid strenuous exercise for 2-3 days after your peel as sweat my cause irritation or burning.

SUN BURN ALERT: The peel solution contains a blend of ingredients that may increase your skin’s sensitivity level to the sun, especially for the first TWO weeks following your peel. Please use the medical-grade, UVA/UVB broad-spectrum sunscreen provided in your post-peel kit (Castillo MD Skin Science Sun Defense SPF 45).

Post-Peel Instructions:

A.M.  Regimen for the first 48 hours (or until you begin to peel):

  1. Apply Castillo MD Skin Science Gentle Cleanser using a facial cleansing sponge to cleanse in a circular motion. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Apply the selected Castillo MD Skin Science moisturizer provided in your kit and re-apply liberally as needed to maintain well hydrated skin.
  3. Apply medical grade sunscreen liberally and re-apply as needed.
  4. Avoid sun exposure.

P.M.  Regimen for the first 48 hours (or until you begin to peel):

  1. Apply the Castillo MD Skin Science Gentle Cleanser using a sponge to cleanse in a circular motion. Rinse and Pat dry.
  2. Apply the Castillo MD Skin Science moisturizer provided in your kit. Re-apply as needed to maintain well hydrated skin. moisturizer provided in your kit. Re-apply as needed to maintain well hydrated skin.

A.M Regimen days 3-7 (or until peeling has ceased)

  1. Apply the Castillo MD Skin Science Gentle Cleanser using a sponge to cleanse in a circular motion. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Liberally apply the Castillo MD Skin Science moisturizer provided in your kit. Re-apply as needed to maintain well hydrated skin. Frequent applications of this emollient moisturizer will keep your skin feeling and looking better.
  3. Apply medical grade sunscreen liberally and avoid sun exposure.

P.M Regimen days 3-7 (or until peeling has deceased)

  1. Apply the Castillo MD Skin Science Gentle Cleanser using a sponge to cleanse in a circular motion. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Liberally apply the Castillo MD Skin Science moisturizer provided in your kit. Re-apply as needed to maintain well hydrated skin. Frequent applications of this emollient moisturizer will keep your skin feeling and looking better.

To extend the life of your beautiful results, I recommend beginning a medical-grade skincare program designed specifically for your skin needs.

 

Yours Truly,

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Instructions / Recovery Tips, Non-Surgical Treatments, Recovery: What to expect, Skincare & Aging, Uncategorized | No Comments »

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP TO DISCOVERING IF A FACELIFT IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Friday, September 24th, 2021

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP TO DISCOVERING IF A FACELIFT IS RIGHT FOR ME?

One might think the first step is to call your local facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon or cosmetic surgeon and schedule a consultation appointment. That’s not a bad option, but I recommend doing a little homework first.  By that, I am not suggesting to waste hours and hours online reading about facelift preparation, recovery etc., as much of the information out there is not correct or not cohesive with the instruction you will get with from your future surgeon.  That information is ultimately much better gotten straight from your actual surgeon.

Instead, decide how far you are willing to travel for your surgery. Consider that there will be several appointments involved over the course of this journey. Then research the Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons or Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeons in that area. Look at their CV (curriculum vitae). What are their qualifications? What are their professional appointments (Example: Dr. Castillo is the Past President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery…)? What type of experience do they have? How long have they been practicing? Look online at their before and after photos.  Do their before and after photos look natural? Do their photos look the way you envision looking after surgery? Once you feel comfortable with your research, schedule one or more consultations.

CHOOSING YOUR SURGEON

Choose a Board-Certified surgeon whom you feel comfortable with and one who has decades of experience! You want a surgeon who takes the time to listen and time to explain the risks, benefits, alternative treatment options, recovery and result expectations. Evaluate the staff as well.  How did they make you feel?  Were they warm, welcoming, knowledgeable, attentive, helpful? How long as Doctor’s clinical staff worked for him? Is there a lot of staff turn-over? Staff members tend to stick around longer if they are working for a skilled, trustworthy, genuine human being.

MAKING THE DECISION

Electing to have a facelift or any cosmetic procedure is a very personal decision. In the final analysis, remember that choosing to have a facelift impacts one person alone – and that person is you. It  should only be carried out if it is what you truly desire.

After your consultation, you may need time to digest all the information you gathered.  I would encourage you choose a facility that does not apply pressure or a timeline to your decision-making process.  Having a facelift can be an amazing experience.  Choosing the right (or wrong) surgeon, can be a life-changing one.

 

Spread Love & Sunscreen

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Facelift, Facial Surgery, Neck Lift, Uncategorized | No Comments »

What Is a Facelift and How Can This Popular Procedure Actually Benefit Me?

Friday, September 10th, 2021

WHAT IS A FACELIFT AND WHAT CAN IT DO FOR ME?

Patients often consult with Dr. Castillo at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center when they begin to notice unwanted aging changes in the face and neck. Loss of collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in skin laxity, along with the loss of tissue and bone volume in the face are all normal parts of the aging process. When you combine those natural aging changes with gravity, years of cumulative sun damage, and hormonal changes, the result is often the formation of jowls, sagging facial and neck tissue, excess skin, wrinkles or skin folds, drier, thinner skin with pigmented spots and texture changes.

Funny how as a kid, you just can’t wait to “get older.”  You dream of the days when you can drive, go to bed when you want to, get up when you want to, make your own decisions, have total freedom… “BE AN ADULT.”  Well, apparently there is more to getting older than just gaining independence. Decades later, here we are “faced” with the full view of what giving up our youth really means.  Jowls. Sagging. Wrinkles.

So now what? The way I see it, there are 2 good choices:

  1. Truly accept the aging changes that are staring back at you in the mirror and live happily ever after.

OR

  1. Do something about it: Consult a Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon like Dr. Castillo on the options of a facelift and live confidently and happily ever after.

 

WHAT IS A FACELIFT?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens sagging tissue and skin of the lower face (cheeks, jowls, neck), resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance.  A facelift is typically preformed under general anesthesia and will take on average 2.5 – 5 hours of surgical time.

During this procedure, excess tissue, skin, and fat are removed and muscle and skin that has been pulled downward by gravity over time is re-positioned to create a more rested, youthful appearance.

 

WHAT CAN A FACELIFT DO FOR ME?

In a nutshell, a facelift will make you look younger than you do today. It helps to repeal the forces of nature: time, stress, environmental factors, sun, gravity, hormonal changes, volume loss, decreased collagen and elastin production.

A facelift can:

  • Remove your jowls and turkey neck
  • Tighten your sagging muscle structure
  • Lift your cheeks
  • Remove any loose, sagging skin, therefore tightening the remaining skin
  • Give you a more defined jawline
  • Deliver a smoother, more youthful, more inviting version of you.

WHAT TYPE OF RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?

Going into surgery with an appropriate set of REALISTIC expectations is the key to being happy with your surgical results.  Your surgeon can help you to understand what can and cannot be accomplished with a facelift. Here is where I would strongly recommend you listen to your surgeon, rather than Dr. Google (who by the way, didn’t actually go to medical school).  The results can vary from individual to individual depending on the severity of aging you present with before surgery, your skin quality, the amount of time you have spent in the sun over the course of your life, your genetics and your anatomy or facial shape and your lifestyle habits.

While surgery cannot stop you from aging in the future, it can certainly turn back time. Most people can expect to look 7-10 years younger after a facelift. For more information on facelifts review more of our blog entries on facelifts and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Facelift, Facial Surgery, Neck Lift | No Comments »

How To Improve Mask Acne and Skin Irritations For Clearer Skin

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020

Wearing a mask in public or when with others outside your household is essential in helping to prevent the spread of the Corona Virus.  However, wearing masks for extended periods of time can cause skin issues, so much so that there is a new trendy term to describe it:  “Maskne” (mask acne).

Sweating or breathing into a mask for an extended period can create a humid breeding ground for bacteria. This can result in cell break down and clogged pores which lead to black heads and acne breakouts, even for those who have lived a life of clear skin.  Friction from the mask that is too loose or does not fit properly can cause a breakdown of the skin’s protective barrier, resulting in skin rashes, breakouts and skin irritations.

What Can I Do To Prevent Mask Acne or Skin Irritations?

  1. Avoid using harsh or drying soap.  Certain cleansers can strip protective oils from your skin which are necessary to keep your protective barrier in-tact. If your skin feels dry or tight after washing, it is not the right cleanser for you. Using a harsh product can make your skin even more sensitive to mask friction.
  2. Wash your mask regularly! Re-using a mask that has make-up, debris or skin oils on it can create the perfect breakout environment.  Silk masks and some high-grade cottons are typically more gentle on the skin.
  3. Take off your mask when you are not with others. Put it in the sun (like on the dash of your car while driving…) The UV rays will help to kill the bacteria until you can wash it that evening. This is perfect for times when you have been sweating during a work-out, or exposed to summer heat! Let the sun zap some of the bacteria for you!
  4. Choose masks that fit properly!!! Masks that are too big will rub and cause friction, not to mention that loose masks DO NOT give proper protection to you or those around you. Your mask should fit snuggly around all the edges of mask.
  5. Apply a moisturizer. Moisturizers with ceramides like Replenishing Cream or Revive Recovery Complex from Dr. Castillo’s skincare line can help form a protective layer between your skin and mask and reduce irritations since ceramides are lipids that form the skin’s protective barrier. Products like Ultra-Hydration Booster (hyaluronic acid) can offer some soothing hydration to more intense acne breakouts to reduce irritation.  Replenishing Cream also helps to reduce sebum and provides anti-bacterial properties to reduce break-outs.
  6. Use a physical sunscreen formulated with zinc oxide. Zinc Oxide has anti-inflammatory properties that can both soothe and heal and will provide a buffer between your skin and areas where your mask rubs like the bridge of your nose, behind your ears, your cheeks, chin and jawline.  Avoid chemical sunscreens as the chemicals can create irritations and burning sensations.
  7. Let your moisturizer and sunscreen dry completely in between layers and before putting on your mask.
  8. Apply Clarifying Mint Mask (available at Dr. Castillo’s office) 1-2 times per week. This mask is formulated to purify, deep-clean, gently remove dead cells and minimize pore size, all while delivering a much-needed dose of moisture.
  9. Be careful with “home-spa” chemical peels and exfoliants. Aggressive exfoliation can compromise the skin’s barrier making it easy to develop or increase acne breakouts and irritations.
  10. Seek medical professional skincare advice / treatments to control your skin concerns during this time if at-home care does not resolve your skin issues.

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Patient Advocacy, Skincare & Aging | 1 Comment »

Avoid Misinformation & Worry: What To Expect On The Day Of Your Rhinoplasty Surgery

Wednesday, August 1st, 2018

Emotions:

It’s common to be a little nervous when you arrive for surgery. We WILL take good care of you. Each member of our staff is devoted to providing you with the highest quality of care in a safe environment.

If you are like most of our patients, you are likely to be entirely excited too! You have good reason to be! Dr. Castillo is such a true artist when it comes to giving you the nose you should have been born with. I get so excited each time we have Rhinoplasty on the surgical schedule. It’s a little bit like Christmas, many, many times per year. 🙂   Watching Dr. Castillo perform such intricately detailed work in such a small space to such precision and perfection never gets old. Each Rhinoplasty is new and different and so natural looking. No cookie cutter business here! It’s equally as fun to watch a Rhinoplasty patient’s confidence change and soar over the first several months after surgery. It is amazing to see how such small changes can evoke such big changes!

What to wear:

On the day of surgery, you should arrive free of lotion, skincare products, make up, jewelry and perfume with your hair pulled away from your face.

It is best to wear a zip up or button up shirt. You will want to avoid wearing pull over shirts for a couple of weeks to prevent nasal injuries. Wear comfy, easy to slip on pants and shoes as you may still be a bit foggy when you get dressed to go home.

Arrival:

Dr. Castillo’s state-of-the-art outpatient surgical facility.

When you arrive at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center, you will be asked to read and sign a surgical authorization form. For applicable female patients, you will be asked to leave a urine specimen for a pregnancy test. Then you will be escorted back to pre-anesthesia room where you will be asked to change. Dr. Castillo will speak with you briefly then you will meet with our anesthetist. You will undergo general anesthesia (completely asleep) for this procedure. The anesthetist will take great care to avoid any post-surgical nausea if that is a concern for you.

For Driver / Family members:

Your driver / family members are welcome to wait in our waiting room or return when you are ready for pick up if they prefer.  It is best to have a responsible adult accompany you when we are reviewing your discharge instructions as in can be difficult to remember everything immediately post-surgery. We will notify your driver 30 minutes before they are needed to review post-op care instructions and take you home.

Recovery Room:

  • You will awaken from surgery in the most comfortable recliner ever! We use a Bair Hugger system that releases warm air under your blanket to keep you toasty warm and peaceful! You will be much more comfortable than you thought you would be.
  • Rhinoplasty is not typically a painful surgery. The average patient reports a pain scale of 0-2 out of a 0-10 pain scale after surgery. Most of our patients just use Extra-Strength Tylenol to control any mild discomfort.
  • You will have a cast on your nose and you will hear Dr. Castillo asking you to breath out of your mouth. Once the tissue inside your nose begins to swell,  it will become difficult to breath out of your nose for about 5-7 days.
  • Secretions and bloody discharge are a normal part of recovery for the first 24-48 hours. We will place a mustache bandage just below your nostrils if you have any post-surgical nasal drainage. You will likely change this bandage 10-12 times before it resolves.
  • When it is time for you to go home, you will receive a full set of detailed at home care instructions. Our recovery nurse will review with you and your caregiver at the time of discharge.

The Evening Of Surgery:

When you arrive home you will begin with some ice chips followed by your drink of choice (water, coffee, tea, juice…).  Wait a half hour then move on to some food.  Do push the fluid over the next few days. Expect to feel a bit drowsy for a few hours after you get home. It is best to rest but you can certainly get up and walk around as soon as you feel you can. It is best to sit or sleep in a reclined position to reduce swelling.  Dr. will call you the night of surgery and of course we are only a phone call away if you have questions or concerns. You can reach Dr. Castillo after office hours through our answering service. We will see you back at one week to remove your cast and reveal your new look!

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Recovery: What to expect, Rhinoplasty, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Ask Our Expert: Absolutely Everything You Need To Kow About Retin-A Skincare

Friday, July 20th, 2018

RetinA postQ:   My dermatologists gave me a prescription for Retin-A, but after a few days my skin became very red and irritated.   My Doctor explained that several weeks of skin irritation is often just par for the course when using Retin-A.  He asked me to try applying it every other night instead of every night, to be patient and that eventually the irritation would resolve itself.  I stopped using the Retin-A because the irritation was worse than my aging skin.   Is there anything else I can do?

A:  I am happy to report – YES!  Our patients have found success with a few simple adjustments to the way they apply their Retin-A, Renova, Tretinion, etc.

1.  After you cleanse your face, pat it dry and wait at least 15 minutes (to assure your skin is completely dry) before applying your Retin-A.

2. Apply a pea size amount.  This is typically all you need for the entire face. Remember that more is not better in this case. 

3. Avoid combining other exfoliating or skin regenerating products like glycolic acids, with Retin-A, at least until your skin is able to easily tolerate the Retin-A.

4. Always apply a moisturizer on top of your Retin-A.  This is a very important step in the success of your regimen so resist skipping it. (If you find that you are still experiencing dry, irritated skin after trying all of the suggestions here,  you can try mixing your moisturizer and Retin-A together as this will reduce its potency. )

5. Begin applying your Retin-A every third night.  As your skin tolerates the Retin-A, increase use to every other night, then every night.

6. Remember that Retin-A and like products will cause increased sensitivity to the sun.  Therefore Retin-A should only be applied at night only, never during the day.  Wear a medical grade broad-spectrum suncreen every day, re-apply the sunscreen when needed and avoid excessive sun exposure.

If despite all of the above suggestions, you find that you are still unable to tolerate Retin-A, you may want to consider medical microdermabrasion.  It is a pain-free, even relaxing way to keep your skin well exfoliated and looking fresh.  For more information on medical microdermabrasion visit Dr. Castillo’s website.

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

 

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Ask Our Expert, Facial Surgery, Laser, Non-Surgical Treatments, Products, Skincare & Aging, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Ask Our Expert: Ways To Actually Gain Confidence With Male Gynecomastia

Wednesday, July 18th, 2018

 

Does Dr. Castillo offer a procedure for males with large breasts?

Dr. Castillo:  Correcting large male breasts is one of the most life changing cosmetic surgeries for men. For some men, having large breasts significantly affects the way they see themselves, resulting in a depletion of self-esteem. It changes the way they relates physically and emotional to others.  It changes how they play with their children and respond to affection from their wife or partner.  It reduces their level of activity and willingness to be social.

BEFORE Male Breast Reduction

Does this happen to a lot of men?

Dr. Castillo: Yes, much more often than one would think. The over-development of male breast tissue, known as Gynecomastia is  a relatively common condition and can occur at any age.  It can be related to genetics, hormonal changes, rapid weight gain or the use of certain drugs. It is easy to correct with breast liposuction or the surgical removal of undesired breast tissue through a small incision or a combination of both methods.

AFTER Male Breast Reduction Surgery by Dr. G.D. Castillo

When can they return to work?

Dr. Castillo:  Light work duties can typically be resumed with in three to four days after male breast reduction surgery, while heavier activities can usually be resumed after the first week.

What are the age limits for male breast reduction?

We perform breast reduction by liposuction as early as age 14.  If a young male (age 14 and up) has had an endocrinology study completed that indicates the need for surgical tissue removal then in those instances surgical breast reduction would be performed.

What makes you qualified to perform these procedures:

Dr. Castillo:  I am Triple-Board Certified and have been performing cosmetic surgery including male breast reduction for more than 3o years. I am the Past-President of The American Society of Liposuction Surgery and The Past-President of The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.

 

G.D. Castillo,M.D., FACS
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center

G.D. Castillo, M.D.

COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

 

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Male Breast Reduction | 4 Comments »

Feel Prepared: What to Expect During Your Consultation for Breast Augmentation

Wednesday, January 17th, 2018

When you arrive for your breast augmentation consultation at our Champaign, Illinois, office, you will be greeted by our patient coordinator. She will ask you to fill out very short registration form. A member of our clinical team will escort you back our breast consultation room and will ask some questions regarding your health history. We will ask you for a list of current prescribed medications, allergies, past surgeries and dates.

You will then meet with Dr. Castillo to discuss your goals and desires for breast augmentation. Dr. Castillo and a member of clinical/surgical team will complete a quick physical exam, including some chest measurements. Once he knows your measurements and desires, he will be able to suggest an appropriate breast implant size for your body proportions. Then the fun part begins! We will give you a few sets of implants to try on to help you visualize your new body proportions. This will allow you to determine your choice of implant size with ease!

Once you find a size that you like, Dr. Castillo will talk in detail about what you can expect before, during, and after your breast augmentation surgery. Personally, I think thoroughness is one of Dr. Castillo’s best attributes. New patients (and long-standing ones too) continually comment on how much they appreciate both his willingness to be thorough during his explanation and that he is clear about realistic expectations and body proportions. Our goal is for you to gain the knowledge you need to make an educated decision that is BEST FOR YOU.

Speaking of decisions… I just want to be clear—you do not need to make a decision at your consultation appointment! No pressure! Think of this as a fact-finding mission. You can go home and think about the information your gathered during your consultation. Is breast augmentation right for you? Think about your experience with Dr. Castillo, our facility, and our staff. Are we the right team for you? Of course that being said, many of our patients do choose to schedule their surgeries while they’re here for their consultations. So, if that is what you prefer, we are able to get everything set up for you before your leave our office.

One of the more important things about having surgery in a private surgical facility rather than a hospital is that you will already know the staff prior to your surgery. The staff members that you meet during your consultation and pre-op visits will be with you on the day of your surgery, in your recovery room with you, checking in with you by phone after surgery, and at each of your post-operative visits.

I recommend checking out a few of my other blog posts on breast augmentation:

To meet with Dr. Castillo and learn more about breast augmentation, request a consultation or call our office in Champaign.

Best Regards!

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Breast, Breast Enlargement | 1 Comment »

« Older Entries