Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery Blog

May 28, 2020September 5, 2025

Scar Revision Treatment 101

After an accident or surgery, your body can form scars in the process of healing lost or damaged skin. If you do form a scar, you may not only dislike the way your scar(s) looks, but they can also be itchy, painful, thick, tight and limit your movement. If so, you may be a good candidate for a scar revision treatment. In addition to improving the scar’s appearance, revision treatment can minimize pain and help make the nearby skin softer and more elastic.

The level of improvement that can be achieved through scar revision is based on the severity of your scar, as well as the size, type and location. In some cases, you may only need a single technique to see significant improvement, but your facial plastic surgeon may recommend a combination of techniques to achieve the best outcome.

Non-Surgical Scar Revision

Non-surgical treatments can effectively minimize the appearance of scars. They work most effectively on minor scars, such as those resulting from acne. Dr. Garcia may recommend:

Dermabrasion– Depending on the size of the treatment area, dermabrasion can take about 15 minutes to an hour. Following the procedure, the crusts will fall off in about one week, revealing new skin. It will take six to 12 months until you can see final results.
Microneedling – Microneedling may be used for burn scars, acne scars and surgical scars. This treatment works best on depressed, not raised, scars due to its collagen-inducing efforts. A raised scar means you already have an excess of collagen in the area.
Soft-tissue fillers – A soft-tissue filler injection appointment takes less than an hour and offers quick, long-lasting results.
Chemical peels – Chemical peels improve the appearance of mild scarring by using a chemical solution to remove the outer layer of old skin. The new skin that replaces it is usually smoother and less irregular in appearance.

Surgical Scar Revision

Surgical scar revision involves making the scar as smooth and invisible as possible by either recreating the incision, moving the skin around or even moving the scar to a less noticeable area. Your facial plastic surgeon will determine the best plan of action based on where your scar is located and how it looks.

What to Expect After Scar Revision Surgery

Following scar revision surgery, you should expect to feel some discomfort, as well as some degree of swelling, redness and bruising during the early stage of healing. It is important that you follow your surgeon’s after-care instructions to achieve the best results, which will include decreased activity for a period of time. You should also keep your head elevated when lying down and use cold compresses to decrease swelling.

For more information on scar revision treatment or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Garcia at our convenient location in Jacksonville (Town Center), please contact us today.

May 12, 2020September 5, 2025

Liposuction: What You Should Know

Liposuction, one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the world as it removes fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. A surgeon will typically perform the procedure on the legs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, neck, back, face, breasts and arms. Liposuction can also be performed in conjunction with other procedures, such as facelifts, tummy tucks and breast reductions. Before undergoing liposuction, it’s important to know the facts, so you can go in with realistic expectations.

Liposuction Works Best on Those with Firm, Elastic Skin

Liposuction is generally most suitable for adults who are within 30% of their ideal body weight. For best results, patients should have good muscle tone and firm, elastic skin. Your doctor will usually ensure you have realistic expectations of how your body will look following liposuction in order to promote a great level of satisfaction.

Liposuction Is Not a Weight Loss Procedure

In the majority of cases, liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that enhances the appearance of a particular area on the body. The procedure is designed to reshape or contour the body through the removal of fat deposits. Since liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, you should not expect to lose weight. However, maintaining a healthy weight is essential for long-term results.

You May Have Some Pain and Bruising After Liposuction

During liposuction surgery, your surgeon will give you general or regional anesthesia and possibly inject a local anesthetic into the area as well. This will slowly wear off following the procedure, and you may begin to feel some discomfort or pain, as well as minor bruising in the area. Your doctor can prescribe a pain reliever, but symptoms should subside in a few days.

As long as liposuction is being performed by a skilled physician, it is generally a safe procedure. However, like any surgery, there are risks, including skin discoloration, scarring, dimpling and bagginess. If you are interested in liposuction, make sure to find visit a board-certified surgeon with many years of experience like Dr. Phillip Garcia. With double board certifications in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology, you can ensure you’re in good hands.

You’ll Need to Limit Your Activities for a Few Weeks

Following liposuction, you can typically return to work and normal activities within a few days. You should avoid strenuous activities and sports for about two weeks. You will see swelling decrease, and subtle changes occur in the area that received liposuction for the next several weeks. It may take a few months for swelling to resolve completely, after which, you will be able to see your full results.

The Results are Permanent

During liposuction, the fats cells are removed permanently. To maintain your new body after liposuction, exercise regularly and follow a diet that includes lean protein, fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy and whole grains.

For more information on liposuction or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Garcia at our convenient location in Jacksonville, please contact us today.

April 23, 2020September 5, 2025

How to Fix Droopy Eyelids

Are you tired of looking tired? You’re not alone. If you’re looking to get rid of the excess skin from your eyelids, you may want to look into blepharoplasty. This popular surgical eyelid procedure has been helping men and women look more alert, more awake and more interested in everyday activities, while reducing signs of aging, by decades. Let’s take a deeper dive into what blepharoplasty is and how it can positively impact your life.

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, more commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure in which excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed from the upper or lower eyelid area. Because everyone’s blepharoplasty case is different, upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery can be done together or a patient can opt for one or the other, depending on individual concerns.

How Do I Know if I Need Eyelid Surgery?

Patients usually come in asking about blepharoplasty for either functional or cosmetic reasons. These are the most common complaints from patients coming in for either functional or cosmetic eyelid surgery:

Functional blepharoplasty. Patients who come in for a functional blepharoplasty often experience irritation from the excess folds of their eyelid skin rubbing together or have discomfort from overusing muscles that strain to lift the sagging skin in the eyelid area. Patients who undergo functional blepharoplasty also have disrupted vision from the weight of their eyelids weighing heavily around their eyes.
Cosmetic blepharoplasty. Patients who come in for a cosmetic blepharoplasty most often are concerned that their drooping upper eyelids or puffy under-eye area make them look endlessly exhausted, bored or older than they actually are. Choosing to undergo eyelid surgery can help alleviate this appearance and boost the patient’s self-confidence.

While a functional blepharoplasty and cosmetic blepharoplasty may feel like they’re on two opposite ends of the spectrum, realistically, may patients who come in for a functional blepharoplasty also are impacted by the appearance of their sagging eyelids and look forward to the cosmetic benefits as well.

What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?

An upper eyelid operation and lower eyelid operation have the same overall goals, but very different ways of getting to that goal.

During an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, a small, discrete incision will be made into the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Through that incision, Dr. Garcia will remove excess skin from the eyelid and excess fat from the inner corner of the eye.

During a lower eyelid blepharoplasty, a small incision will be made at the lower lash line, and excess tissue or fatty deposits will be removed from the area to decrease unwanted sagging and puffiness.

Am I a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your sagging upper or lower eyelids, or if your droopy eyes are getting in the way of your overall comfort, eyelid surgery may be right for you. Ideal blepharoplasty candidates are in good general health and do not suffer from any major ophthalmologic conditions.

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can benefit from blepharoplasty, contact us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Garcia today.

April 7, 2020September 5, 2025

Four Things You Need to Know about Ultherapy®

Ultherapy® is the only FDA-approved non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that can benefit every patient. For some patients Ultherapy® can be used as a treatment to tighten and lift the skin and muscle of the face, neck, and décolletage (chest). However, for other patients Ultherapy® can be used as a collagen booster to strengthen these same areas, slowing down the aging process. This procedure relies on ultrasound technology to visualize and treat the skin and muscle. This technique delivers heat therapy deeper than other non-invasive treatments for collagen stimulation. Being able to visualize the different tissue layers will ensure that the treatment is being delivered to where you will benefit the most. Ultherapy® is intended to create a natural, more youthful appearance. Here are some great things to know about Ultherapy® prior to scheduling your appointment.

1. Ultherapy® is an Investment

The cost of Ultherapy® treatment is going to be as unique as your concerns. In most cases, Ultherapy® is a one-session procedure. However, depending on the areas being treated, the average cost of Ultherapy® treatments could go up to $4,000. At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, we offer financing options to help you with your payments. Also, by booking on a Friday with Rosie, you can save 20% on regular-priced Ultherapy® treatments.

2. Mild Side Effects are Normal

While side effects are minimal and rare with Ultherapy®, mild swelling and bruising can occur following your treatment. This being said, the swelling and bruising you do experience generally subsides on its own within a few days. You may also experience some change in sensation, like numbness, for a few days following your treatment as well.

3. Results May Take a While, but They Last

We like to think of Ultherapy® as a transformational treatment. By this, we mean that you’ll be able to see the tightness of the treated area transform before your very eyes in three to six months following your treatment. You’ll be expected to see the full results of your Ultherapy® treatment about six months following your initial session. This is because Ultherapy® works by boosting the body’s natural production of collagen over time. While the results may take a few months to see, they can last for up to two years at a time.

4. Aftercare is a Breeze

There is no downtime after an Ultherapy® procedure. If you experience mild bruising and/or swelling, this can be camouflaged with makeup. Your skin may feel a little sensitive following your treatment. Sunscreen is always recommended after procedures to protect your skin. Other than that, feel free to continue your regular skincare routine as normal.

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can benefit from Ultherapy®, contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation today. Dr. Garcia is excited to meet you, sit down with you, listen to your concerns and develop a fully customized treatment plan for you based on your ultimate aesthetic goals.

March 24, 2020September 5, 2025

How to Get Rid of Red Spots on the Face

Are you tired of looking in the mirror to see your face riddled with broken blood vessels and capillaries? Makeup can only do so much to hide your uneven skin tone. Let the Nd:LYAG laser help you make the transition to more even-toned skin. This laser treatment is perfect for helping clear your skin of hyperpigmentation. Let’s take a more in-depth look at the Nd:YAG and how it can help transform your skin for the better.

What is an Nd:YAG Laser?

The Nd:YAG laser is a non-ablative laser treatment that helps you get rid of the appearance of broken capillaries on your skin. The laser being non-ablative means it treats your hyperpigmentation by gently heating the underlying skin tissue without harming the surface of your skin. This makes the Nd:YAG perfect for nearly all skin tones and textures. The quick treatment sessions require little to no downtime or recovery, making it the perfect treatment to get on-the-go or even during your lunch break.

How Does an Nd:YAG Laser Work?

The Nd:YAG simply works by heating the deep tissues underneath the surface of the skin. The wavelengths the laser emits specifically target highly red-pigmented cells. Once those targeted cells are damaged, they are naturally eliminated from the body and cleared from the treatment area. After just a few, quick treatments, you’ll be left with a glowing, even-toned complexion you’ll have all your friends asking about.

What Else Can the Nd:YAG Laser Treat?

While many patients come in to have their broken capillaries on their face treated, the Nd:YAG laser also has the ability to treat the appearance of your unwanted spider veins, red birthmarks and cherry hemangiomas anywhere on the skin. If you’re looking for a treatment to treat your brown spots or melasma, this may not be the right laser treatment for you. Consider our microneedling with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in addition to your Nd:YAG laser treatments for ultimate results.

What are the Benefits of Treating My Red Spots with the Nd:YAG Laser?

There are many benefits to getting an Nd:YAG laser treatment done at Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, including:

Improves skin tone
Reduces rosacea and thread facial veins
Stimulates the production of new collagen
Quick, comfortable treatments
Minimal downtime and recovery

If you’re interested in learning more about the Nd:YAG laser and what it can do to you, call our office to schedule your one-on-one consultation with nurse practitioner Becky today. She’ll sit down with you, assess your skin, listen to your concerns and develop a fully customized treatment plan for you based on your budget, lifestyle and overall aesthetic goals.

March 12, 2020September 5, 2025

Is Rhinoplasty Worth It?

Rhinoplasty, more commonly known as a nose job, is the most common facial procedure for men and women in the U.S. According to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nearly 220,000 rhinoplasties are performed yearly. With so many individuals going through the procedure, you have to ask yourself: Is it really worth it? Today, we’re going to dive deep into the nose job so you can make the determination for yourself.

Why Do Some People Get Nose Jobs?

There are two different reasons why people opt for rhinoplasty. The first is for functional reasons. Because rhinoplasty can change the structural integrity of your nose, many individuals who have a problem with a deviated septum may undergo rhinoplasty to fix it in addition to changing their nose’s shape. Other individuals may seek out a rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons. During a cosmetic rhinoplasty, the structure of the nose does not affect its function, rather it focuses on the outward appearance of the nose. At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, a cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty can be done at the same time to fix both the appearance and function of the nose for ultimate results.

Can a Rhinoplasty Help Breathing Problems?

In short, yes. A common medical reason for rhinoplasty is difficulty breathing through the nose caused by a nasal obstruction. Your inability to breathe properly through your nose can start to interfere with your exercise, disturb your sleep, and even cause problems like snoring or sleep apnea. A functional rhinoplasty has the ability to change the structure of the bone and cartilage in the nose to improve your breathing.

How is a Nose Job Done?

At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, your rhinoplasty will be performed under twilight anesthesia without the use of intubation. Your rhinoplasty surgery is going to differ from everybody else’s as your nose and desired results are both as unique as your personality. In most cases, incisions are made inside the nose. On rare occasions, Dr. Garcia may need to make an incision in the crease at the bottom of the nose as well. Once your surgery is complete, your nose will be covered with tape and your recovery process will begin.

What Can I Expect During Recovery from Rhinoplasty?

Dr. Garcia doesn’t believe in packing the nose or placing gauze-like martial into the nose to absorb blood after your surgery. Instead, he uses absorbable sutures which will harmlessly dissolve into the body throughout your recovery. Most of the swelling inside and outside the nose will dissipate within the week following your surgery and most patients report being able to breathe through their nose just two or three days after their rhinoplasty. All splints and tape will be removed after just seven days, at which time you’ll be able to return to most of your normal daily activities. Typically, patients make a full recovery within two weeks.

Is a Nose Job Worth It?

If you’re unhappy with the appearance or function of your nose, rhinoplasty is absolutely worth it. Although it is a surgical procedure, it does not require the use of general anesthesia and the recovery period, being just two weeks, is relatively short. If you’re still trying to figure out if a nose job is right for you, come in for a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Garcia. He’ll evaluate the inside and outside of your nose, listen to your concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan for you based on your ultimate health and aesthetic goals.

Take a deep breath and call our office to schedule your consultation with Dr. Garcia today.

February 27, 2020September 5, 2025

Top 5 Tips for a Successful Blepharoplasty Recovery

Blepharoplasty is often a daunting surgery to go through. With surgery being performed on such a delicate area, it can be overwhelming to know where to start once your surgery is over. We want you to get excited to get on the road to recovery. Here are our top five tips for having a successful and relaxing recovery from blepharoplasty.

1. Plan Ahead For Your Blepharoplasty

This may sound simple, but one of the best ways to make sure you’re comfortable after your surgery is to plan ahead. Mentally and physically prepare for your surgery before you even go in. Make a list of questions and, at your pre-op appointment, discuss these concerns with your doctor. Make sure your home is set up with all your post-operative needs such as cleaning supplies and prescriptions. Being prepared for the aftermath makes recovering that much easier when you’re actually going through the motions.

2. Buddy Up After Your Blepharoplasty

After your blepharoplasty, you’re going to need to recruit a close friend or family member to help you for the first 24 hours or so. Because this surgery requires the use of anesthesia, you may be feeling the effects of the medication for the next day or so. We want to make sure you get home safely and have the help you need immediately following your surgery.

3. Keep Your Head Elevated After Your Blepharoplasty

After any surgery, you should expect the surgery site to have some swelling. Because of this, we recommend keeping your head elevated to a 40-degree angle over the next several days. This will help reduce swelling and bruising, and any discomfort you may feel while you heal.

4. Use Cold Compresses After Your Blepharoplasty

In addition to making sure your head is elevated, use some cold compresses to help manage your swelling. Generally, you want to make sure you apply a cold compress constantly for the first four days following your procedure. The ice will inhibit swelling increase, thus promoting a speedy recovery. Just make sure you’re never applying ice directly to the area of your procedure. Instead, use a cold compress such as gauze or towel between the cold surface and your eyes.

5. Follow Your Doctor’s Post-Blepharoplasty Care Instructions

Ultimately, the best way to recover from your blepharoplasty is by taking direction from your doctor. Each doctor has you follow a general rule of thumb when recovering from a procedure. Before you book your surgery, have your doctor go through all the recovery details with you so you fully understand them and can prepare for them ahead of time. At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Garcia and his staff will go over these instructions with you in detail during your consultation.

Does blepharoplasty feel a little less intimidating now? We hope that these top tips benefit you greatly and ease your anxiety about undergoing this procedure. If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Garcia’s post-operative instructions, contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation with him today.