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Westlake, Ohio 44145

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Is Liposuction a Good Way to Lose Weight?

Liposuction is a great way to trim excess fat from your body, but it is not a weight loss method. The goal of liposuction is not to reduce overall body weight but to remove stubborn pockets of excess fat to improve the shape of your body.

It may seem like a fine distinction, and in some ways it is. But it is important to know that liposuction isn’t capable of reducing someone’s weight. One’s body weight depends on the balance between the calories consumed as food and the calories used by daily activity including exercise. Any excess calories are stored in the body as fat and lead to weight gain. Even if you have fat removed by liposuction the body weight does not change unless there is a reduction of the calories stored by the body (by eating less and exercising more).

Think of liposuction as a way to chisel and fine-tune your physique. If you are already near your ideal body weight, but there is some fat clinging to your abdomen, thighs, back, etc., then liposuction is a great way to reveal a more toned, defined body contour by eliminating that fat.

How Does It Work?

Dr. Diwan uses the tumescent liposuction technique with local anesthetic. Tumescent fluid containing lidocaine (the numbing medicine) is injected into the treatment area and numbs it for painless removal of fat. Dr. Diwan can perform liposuction on many different areas of the body, including:

  • the abdomen
  • knees
  • thighs
  • back
  • hips
  • buttocks
  • chin and neck

Liposuction requires small incisions. Dr. Diwan removes the fat through these incisions using a narrow tube called a cannula. The incisions will be as minimal as possible, and whenever reasonable are placed in areas that are well-concealed from view. Although the scars will be red at first, they get lighter in color over time.

The results from liposuction are long-lasting as long as body weight is maintained. The fat that has been removed is gone for good, but it is of course still possible to gain new weight. The vast majority of liposuction patients feel even more motivated to pursue a stable body weight by eating well and staying active, once they’ve seen their liposuction results.

Find Out If You Are a Liposuction Candidate

If you live in Westlake, Ohio, or the surrounding areas and want to know if you are a good candidate for liposuction, please call Cleveland’s Laser & Skin Surgery Center at 440-871-9832. Dr. Renuka Diwan has decades of experience providing aesthetic procedures and is personally committed to helping you reach your goals.

Does Scar Revision Really Work?

Rear view of attractive young woman trying on her sun hat and smiling while looking in the mirror at home
When it is wounded, the skin has an incredible ability to heal itself. The skin produces growth factors that influence skin cells to grow new collagen that mends and repairs the site of the injury. Unfortunately, depending on the depth and severity of injury, the result of this process can be an unsightly scar. Depending on its location, a scar can make a person feel really self-conscious. If you have a scar in an obvious place, you may spend time every day considering how you can conceal it with clothing or cosmetics. Not only can this affect your confidence, but thinking about your scar on a daily basis is frustrating and tiring. Fortunately, there are treatments to help reduce and revise scars.

How well scar treatments work depends on the proper assessment of the scar and selection of the best suited treatment for the particular scar, the severity of the scar, and your end goal and expectations. There are many different types of scars. Scars can be raised, flat or depressed, pink, skin-colored, lighter than your natural skin tone or darkened; large, small, etc. The treatment for each type is different. The first step is to consult Dr. Diwan, who can give you an idea of which treatments should be considered, the nature of the treatments, recovery and care, and what the scar(s) can be expected to look like after a given treatment. In general, scars improve significantly but may or may not completely disappear after treatment, and may require multiple treatments or a combination of treatments over time for best results. It really depends on the circumstances. Because individual results vary, it’s best not to speculate but to consult Dr. Diwan so she can examine the scar. She may recommend:

Dr. Diwan has extensive experience with scar treatment and will help you choose the right approach for the type of scar you have, taking your skin’s unique healing response into account, and prepare you for the treatment process.

Most people who are bothered by scarring report high rates of satisfaction with scar revision. Whether the scar is eliminated or dramatically reduced in appearance, scar treatments are often the key to reducing the effort and time needed to cover a scar, changing how you feel about yourself and improving your quality of life.

If you are interested in learning about scar revision in Westlake, Ohio, please call Dr. Renuka Diwan at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center by dialing 440-871-9832. We look forward to providing clear and honest answers about your scar reduction options!

3 Ways to Maintain Your Liposuction Results

A woman cutting fruit in her kitchen.
A liposuction procedure is a great way to achieve your ideal shape and body contour. However, since liposuction is not a weight loss solution, there are a few healthy lifestyle habits you will need to follow to maintain your new figure. By following these three tips, you can ensure that your liposuction results will be long lasting.

1. Follow a Healthy, Balanced Diet

To keep your weight stable, make sure you eat a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Try sticking to things like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins like fish or chicken. Do your best to limit or avoid saturated fats and refined sugars, which are calorie dense and easy to overeat. Limiting the amount of salt in your diet will also help prevent water retention. If you are having trouble coming up with a meal plan, you can work with a registered dietician to come up with some ideas.

2. Exercise on a Regular Basis

Consistent exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy body and mind. Strength exercises in particular are great because they will keep you tone. Even if you are unable to use a gym because of a busy routine, there are a few things you can do to keep active. If you work at a desk most of the day, try to get up and walk around every 30-60 minutes. While watching TV, try doing some jumping jacks, crunches, etc. to get your heart rate up.

3. Drink Lots of Water

Water is an important factor in maintaining energy levels throughout the day. If you are constantly hungry throughout the day despite eating, you might be dehydrated instead. In general, most adults should drink at least two liters of water per day, depending on their weight and activity level. This will help keep you productive and curb cravings.

Schedule Your Liposuction Consultation Today

If you have a few extra pounds of fat that won’t go away with diet or exercise, call The Laser & Skin Surgery Center today at 440-871-9832 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Renuka Diwan. We are happy to serve patients living in Westlake, Cleveland, and the surrounding areas of Ohio.

What Are the Benefits of a Mini-Facelift?

A portrait of a middle aged woman holding her corgi.

For those looking to restore the youthful appearance of the face and upper neck with less aggressive surgery, a mini-facelift (also known as a short scar facelift) may be the best choice. A mini-facelift lifts marionette folds and jowls along the jawline, as well as the sagging skin in the upper neck. While Botox and fillers can provide significant improvement by hiding or lifting the jowls, some patients find that a mini-facelift is an attractive option to achieve greater improvement that lasts longer. A mini-facelift helps to rejuvenate the face at a stage of aging when a full facelift is not yet necessary, and the results of the procedure are not obvious to others.

This more conservative procedure has become a popular option for patients who want to safely achieve natural results almost as dramatic as a traditional facelift with a shorter scar and recovery.

Quick Recovery

A mini-facelift patient can return to work and other non-strenuous activities in just one week, the recovery after a traditional facelift is usually longer.

Less Post-Operative Pain

Since a mini-facelift is much less extensive than traditional techniques, it results in less bruising and swelling. Pain or discomfort requires less medication and also resolves more quickly.

Reduced Scarring

The shorter incisions for a mini facelift leave shorter scars which are practically invisible. The incisions and scars from a traditional facelifts are much longer, extending behind the ear and into the scalp.

Lasting Results

In general, the younger you are the longer the results last. No surgery can stop the skin from future aging, but removal of the loose skin during a facelift will help you look younger than you would without the procedure. Patients with more advanced sagging usually need more extensive surgery and may not be candidates for a mini-facelift.

Schedule Your Mini-Facelift Consultation With Dr. Renuka Diwan

If you want to know more about the mini-facelift procedure or any other of our non-surgical facial rejuvenation services, please call The Laser & Skin Surgery Center today at 440-871-9832 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Diwan will create a custom treatment plan that meets your aesthetic goals. We are happy to serve men and women living in Cleveland, Westlake, and surrounding Ohio communities.

Pre-Wedding Planning for Cosmetic Treatments

Beautiful bride in a long white dress. Handsome groom in a black suit.
Whether you are the bride, mother-of-the-bride, or a member of the bridal party, you want to look your best on the big day. At The Laser & Skin Surgery Center, Dr. Renuka Diwan can help you look and feel your best for the wedding with a variety of treatment options depending on your timeline. Like other aspects of the wedding, it’s best to plan ahead. Here’s a guide to give you an idea of how much time it may take for various treatments.

4 Days

If you are looking for a quick way to exfoliate dry, rough skin, remove peach fuzz for soft, smooth glowing skin or improve uneven skin tone, dermaplaning is a great choice. This non-invasive treatment rejuvenates your skin with no downtime. For a flawless red carpet-ready finish that celebrities have before big events, Dr. Diwan offers Aquagold microneedling with microinfusion. Make time for this at least 3 days (preferably 7 days) before your big day.

2-4 Weeks

For those who are on a short timeline and want to reduce the appearance of oiliness, pores, wrinkles or scars, we offer AQUAGOLD® microneedling treatments and dermal fillers like Juvéderm®.

6-8 Weeks

If you have a couple of months to prepare, there are a few more options. Non-invasive facial treatments that provide best results with a series of 6 treatments such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels. BOTOX® for wrinkles and excessive perspiration is ideal in this time frame, allowing time for a second visit for any touch up.

For longer eyelashes, we recommend Latisse®, which helps stimulate hair growth. Finally, if you want to address loose skin, Dr. Diwan can perform a mini facelift. A minimum of 8 weeks is recommended for planning a mini facelift.

3-6 Months

If you have a few months before the wedding day visible veins or sunspots can be significantly reduced with laser treatment, IPL treatment, or sclerotherapy. Excess skin on your upper or lower eyelids, can be removed with a blepharoplasty. Laser resurfacing or a series of microneedling treatments

can provide significant improvement of wrinkles and skin texture and allow time for complete recovery.

6-8 Months

If you’ve started planning even sooner, you’ll have enough time for body sculpting options. Dr. Diwan recommends either liposuction or CoolSculpting® for stubborn fat. Kybella® injections improve a double chin and fullness of jowls.  If you’re going to bare your legs, we highly recommend Apollo Radiofrequency TriPolar treatment and other treatments for cellulite.

1-2 Years

Patients who plan far in advance can address most, if not all of their needs. You have enough time for laser hair removal, and tattoo removal.

If you need help preparing for a wedding, call The Laser & Skin Surgery Center today at 440-871-9832 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Diwan. We welcome patients living in or around Westlake and Cleveland, Ohio.

How Can I get Rid of Brown Sun Spots on My Face?

A beautiful woman with glowing skin raises her fingers to her jawline
Oh, the dreaded sun spot! These flat brown imperfections can be really frustrating to deal with. You may find them difficult to fully conceal with makeup, and they tend to stand out when you aren’t wearing makeup. State-of-the-art non-surgical treatments offered by Dr. Renuka Diwan can help reduce or eliminate the appearance of these brown spots.

Sun spots are a common cosmetic issue for people who want an even complexion but sometimes they may be pre-cancers or early skin cancers, or other benign brown spots. It’s best to consult Dr Renuka Diwan, a board-certified dermatologist, first to confirm that the brown spots on your skin are in fact only sun spots. Also called “liver spots,” true sun spots are harmless and won’t affect your health. There may be a few treatments that are a good match for lightening your sun damage. One of the most common for brown spots is intense pulsed light (IPL). Pulses of high-intensity light absorbed safely by the skin destroy the excess melanin causing the sun spot. The IPL treatment is non-surgical and causes little to no discomfort. A numbing cream is applied to the skin beforehand. Right after the treatment the brown spots will appear darker and may have some redness and swelling but you’ll be able to get right back to your day afterward.

Other options include:

  • Chemical peels (causes the surface skin cells containing pigment to peel off, and are replaced with fresh skin cells)
  • Microdermabrasion (an abrasive tip is used to whisk away surface skin cells)
  • Laser resurfacing (safely vaporizes skin cells to remove the brown spot)
  • Topical treatment regimens that lighten brown spots after a few weeks of consistent use.

Sun spots are caused by sun exposure, so remember to wear sunblock if you’ll be outdoors. Use an SPF-30 or higher sunscreen generously. A wide-brimmed hat is an important addition on sunny days.

Are you unhappy with the appearance of brown spots, redness or other sun damage on your face, hands, neck, chest or other sun-exposed parts of your body? If so, Dr. Renuka Diwan can help you find a treatment plan that works for your goals. To learn more, and to arrange a consultation in Westlake, Ohio, please call The Laser & Skin Surgery Center at 440-871-9832.

Skin Care for the Ohio Winter Season

Close-up portrait of blonde beautiful young woman smiling wearing winter jacket, gray knitted hat and pink scarf, posing outdoors in the park on snowing winter day.
Brrr! The extended forecast predicts chilly, snowy weather ahead for the Westlake area. As we turn up our heaters to stay toasty warm indoors, that hot, dry air can take a toll on your skin. Dryness, flakiness and the dreaded “winter itch” are common.

At The Laser & Skin Surgery Center, Dr. Renuka Diwan offers a wide array of non-surgical and surgical facial treatments, as well as premium skin care treatments. Hydrating facial treatments are a great way to boost skin hydration and get a youthful glow. But there are also steps you can take at home to combat the drying effects of winter:

  • Drink water to keep your body hydrated. It will show up in the appearance of your skin. Dull, dehydrated skin looks lackluster. Avoid overdoing it on alcoholic beverages, because they will dehydrate you.
  • Avoid stripping natural moisturizing substances from your skin. Long, hot showers – which feel like such an obvious solution on a chilly day – tend to strip your skin of its natural moisturizing factors and lead to flaky, dry skin. Don’t max out your shower time, and keep the temperature warm to lukewarm.
  • Lock in moisture. Use a lotion, body oil or other moisturizer after you get out of the shower and towel off. Doing so will lock moisture into your dewy, shower-fresh skin.
  • Bundle up! Gloves, hat and a scarf will act as a protective barrier when you go outside in cold temperatures and wind.
  • Don’t forget sunscreen. It’s easy to think you can skip sunscreen in the winter. It’s cold, often cloudy, the sunshine is less intense, but it’s still important to protect your skin from UV radiation. If you plan to be outside for an extended time, apply an SPF-30 or higher sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage.
  • Point heating vents in your vehicle away from your face. You get in the car in the morning and what’s the first thing you do? Probably fire up the heat to get warm. Direct the vents away so they aren’t pointing at your face. The steady blast of dry, hot air can definitely lead to dry, itchy skin.

Ready for a customized hydrating skin treatment? Please contact the practice of Dr. Renuka Diwan. Call our team in Westlake at 440-871-9832.

Cleveland, Ohio | The Laser & Skin Surgery Center

Cleveland, Ohio | The Laser & Skin Surgery Center