Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery Blog

February 11, 2020September 5, 2025

Getting Kissable Lips for Valentine’s Day

With celebrities like Kylie Jenner on the rise, having plump lips is more and more popular. Thanks to some of your favorite skincare products and services offered by Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, there are four ways you can get your lips ready for the most romantic day of the year.

1. Juvederm® Lip Fillers

Lip fillers or lip injections have shot up in popularity over the past several years. At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, we use Juvederm® to add volume to a patient’s lips. Juvederm® is a hyaluronic acid-based filler, which naturally bonds to water molecules in the body to add volume to the treated areas. All it takes is a quick, 30-45-minute treatment consisting of a series of injections to the lips. You’ll see the results you want immediately, and they will generally last for up to a year.

2. ZO® Skin Health Exfoliating Polish

The ZO® Skin Health exfoliating polish is one of our best-kept secrets for your lips. While this product can be used all over the face, we highly recommend trying it as a lip scrub. Simply use a small amount to gently massage on the lips and rinse thoroughly. The ultra-fine magnesium crystals remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, while vitamins A, C, and E deliver nutrients back into the skin. We guarantee you’ll have smooth, kissable lips in no time!

3. PCA Skin® Peptide Lip Therapy

The PCA Skin® Peptide Lip Therapy takes your average lip moisturizer to a whole new level. This hydrating lip treatment uses a combination of BMX complex and shea butter to soften the lips, while next-generation peptides help stimulate collagen production to keep your lips nice and plump. This treatment is sure to keep your lips hydrated all day and night without the use of harsh chemicals.

4. PermaLip™

PermaLip™ is a lip implant that can be used as a more permanent solution to thin, lifeless lips. The implant is made of very soft, solid silicone and is tapered at each end to match the natural shape of the lips. This implant is a great option for individuals who don’t want to bother with the upkeep that comes with getting dermal fillers and lip injections.

If you’re interested in getting big, soft lips, call us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Garcia. He’ll sit down with you, listen to your concerns and put together a personalized treatment plan to help you get the look you’ve been wanting.

January 21, 2020September 5, 2025

What Exactly are Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures?

We all have concerns about the way we look, but some of us are scared about scheduling surgery to help us make our tweaks. Whether you do or do not qualify for plastic surgery, it may not always be the best option for you. With cutting-edge technology, the world of cosmetic surgery has several minimally invasive non-surgical options to help patients get the look they desire without going under the knife.

Non-surgical cosmetic procedures include all minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments that allow patients to alter their looks without going through traditional surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic procedures may include anything from injections to radiofrequency treatments delivered through a handheld device. Their results are not permanent, but they require less recovery time and produce minimal discomfort and to a more invasive procedure.

Am I a Good Candidate for Non-Surgical Procedure?

If you are a man or woman who is interested in achieving cosmetic results, but do not qualify for cosmetic surgery or are concerned about undergoing traditional surgery, non-surgical cosmetic procedures may be right for you. Non-surgical procedures are more for less extreme cosmetic improvements. They’re great for making subtle changes to your appearance and maintaining the results of previous procedures.

What Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures Are Offered at Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery?

At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, we offer a variety of non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Three of our most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures are Ultherapy® for skin tightening, Kybella® to get rid of excess fat under the chin and microneedling for complexion rejuvenation.

Ultherapy®

Ultherapy® is a state-of-the-art procedure that uses ultrasound technology to deliver waves of skin tightening energy into the deepest layers of the skin. This energy helps to stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen, which in turn enhances skin elasticity and volume in the treated areas. Patients who receive Ultherapy® on their face and neck see a decrease in the number of wrinkles, and the amount of banding and sagging skin in the treated areas.

Kybella®

Kybella® is a series of injections made into the underside of the chin to help reduce fat in the area and improve the appearance of a “double chin.” The main active ingredient in Kybella® works to absorb and destroy fat cells in the treated areas. This non-surgical procedure is perfect for patients who are concerned with volume under the chin.

Microneedling

Microneedling is the process of stimulating collagen and effectively remodeling scar tissue through controlled micro-injuries. This process stimulates your body’s natural wound-healing process and minimizes cellular damage. At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, we use the SkinPen® device, the world’s first FDA-cleared microneedling device, for our microneedling procedures.

If you are interested in the results of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, consider one of our non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Contact us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Garcia and talk about your non-surgical options.

January 9, 2020September 5, 2025

New Year, New Services!

At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, we are always trying to find new and innovative ways to help you get the look you desire. Broken capillaries are a harmless, yet frustrating and bothersome problem to have. We understand that you want to look and feel your best, which is why we’re bringing you the latest in broken capillary technology in 2020.

What is the Nd:YAG Laser?

The Nd:YAG laser targets blood vessels underneath the surface of the skin to reduce the appearance of redness in the affected areas. Because the Nd:YAG laser is so gentle, it doesn’t cause damage to the skin and is safe for almost all skin tones and textures. The quick treatments require little downtime or recovery, which makes it the perfect treatment to get on-the-go.

What Does the Nd:YAG Laser Do?

The Nd:YAG laser is a non-ablative laser that helps patients get rid of the appearance of their broken capillaries, spider veins, red birthmarks and cherry hemangiomas. The wavelengths of the laser specifically target highly red-pigmented cells. After the cells are damaged, they are naturally cleared from the treatment area. This results in a glowing, even-toned complexion you will be proud to show off in the New Year.

What are the Benefits of an Nd:YAG Laser Treatment?

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

How Much Does an Nd:YAG Laser Treatment Cost?

The cost of your Nd:YAG laser treatment is going to vary depending on the size of the area that needs to be treated and the number of treatments needed to help you achieve your desired results. You can get your cost during your consultation with our nurse practitioner, Becky Hamilton. She’ll sit down with you, listen to your concerns and provide you with a fully customized treatment plan. Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery also offers financing options that allow you to break up your bill into smaller, more manageable monthly payments that may better suit your budget and lifestyle.

If you are interested in learning more about how to get clear skin for 2020, contact us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Garcia.

December 24, 2019October 29, 2025

Jacksonville Residents Want to Know: What’s It Like Getting Lip Injections?

All the celebrities have them and you want them – full, plump, luscious lips. They’re all over Instagram and in every magazine, but not something you usually have naturally. You’ve tried over-lining with lipstick and makeup, but nothing seems to cut it. Lip injections are a semi-permanent solution to your dilemma, but you don’t quite know what’s involved. Let’s break it down for you.

Your Consultation

During your consultation, you’ll talk to Becky Hamilton, nurse practitioner, about your desired look. Be candid about what you want out of your treatment and your expectations from lip injections. She’ll go over all of your options and give you a customized treatment plan. You’ll also go over pricing, pre-care and post-care at the time of your consultation. Feel free to ask as many questions as you can. Becky is there to help you and want to make you feel as comfortable as possible throughout your procedure.

The Injections

There are various brands that have lip injections, the most common now being Juvederm® and Radiesse®. These popular fillers are made from the same base ingredient: hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that bonds to water to increase moisture retention in the skin. When injected into the lips, it restores volume to give us the full, plump, sensual look we desire.

The Procedure

You had your consultation with Dr. Garcia, now it’s time to get your lips augmented! Becky will have you ice your lips before-hand to help numb the area and reduce any swelling that may occur. Once the area is numb, they’ll start to fill your lips. Injections are quick and painless, and your entire treatment should take less than 30 minutes to complete. There is no downtime after your procedure and you can go back to your daily activities immediately. There may be some swelling and bruising after your first time, but don’t worry. That’s perfectly normal and typically resolves by itself in a few days. It is recommended you ice periodically throughout the day. You can also take Arnica supplements before and after the procedure to minimize the swelling and bruising.

The Results

You should be able to see the results of your treatment immediately! After photos are taken, you can compare before and after filler. This treatment usually lasts six to nine months. Your body will slowly start to metabolize the material, so you may need to come in for touchups or follow-up treatments in the coming months. Just be attentive to your lips and how they look and schedule your next appointment to regain volume when you feel necessary.

To learn more about lip injections or other cosmetic treatments offered at Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation today. Dr. Garcia and his staff will make a customized plan for you to give you the look you’ve been dreaming of.

December 10, 2019September 5, 2025

What’s “Plastic” About Plastic Surgery in Jacksonville?

When you think about the words “plastic surgery,” what do you think of? Do you think of a Barbie doll? Or do you think of your regular med spa treatments? Let’s take a look behind the meaning of the words and get to the root of what plastic surgery really is.

“Plastic”

Outside of being a material we use every day, the actual meaning of the word plastic is “moldable and easy to shape.” When we refer to plastic surgery, we aren’t referring to the material. We’re not inserting or injecting plastics into our face and bodies. We are, on the other hand, molding and shaping our bodies into what we desire. Our bodies are, by definition, plastic! We can manipulate them with science and technology, which is exactly what Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery helps you to do.

What Can Change

With the help of Dr. Phillip Garcia, there’s a lot that you can change about your face. Your face is very plastic, or easy to shape, with his expertise. Changes can be as subtle or dramatic as you desire depending on your treatment; however, these changes will always look natural. From a rhinoplasty, or nose job, to a facial implant, our skin molds to the form underneath which is manipulated during surgery, creating your ultimate look.

Not Barbie

Your end result from plastic surgery done at Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery will always be natural looking. The point of getting plastic surgery done is to enhance the way you look, not change the way you look completely to make you simulate a Barbie doll. Our goal is to give you the look you always desired as naturally as possible.

Choosing What’s Right for You

Now that we’ve cleared the air, you may be considering which treatment is right for you. Do you go with facial surgery, or do you go with a less invasive treatment? Will the less invasive treatment give you the results you want? The best way to find out which procedure may be right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Phillip Garcia and his staff. They’ll carefully listen to your concerns and suggest a fully customized treatment plan to help you get the results you desire.

Is It Expensive to Change my Look?

Another misconception about plastic surgery is that it’s only for the rich and famous. This doesn’t have to be the case. The price of your treatment ultimately depends on the type of treatment you get and the condition of your skin, so the price of your treatment will always vary. However, you don’t have to worry about paying for everything all at once. Dr. Garcia and his staff offer financing options to help you feel more comfortable with paying for your procedure. These options allow you to break up your bill into smaller monthly payments, similar to that of a credit card.

If you are interested in learning more about plastic surgery and which procedure may be right for you, contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation today. Dr. Garcia and his expertly skilled staff will go over which treatments will give you your desired results to give you your ultimate look.

November 19, 2019September 5, 2025

What Ages Your Face in Jacksonville, FL?

We often consider cosmetic surgery to reduce the signs of aging. We want to know why we age the way we do, and really that’s a complicated question to answer. Let’s talk about some of the reasons we look the way we do as we get older.

Biological Factors

Biological factors include our genetic makeup and body chemistry. These things have an effect on our skin and the muscles underneath.

Genetics

Our genetics probably play the biggest part in our aging process. Dr. Phillip Garcia believes that the way we age is closely related to the way our relatives age. If you want to get a general idea of how you will look as you get older, consider looking at your parents and the changes in their faces. Our genetics are not something we can change, but they can be a good indicator of the things we may want to change with the help of cosmetic surgery.

Health

Health also plays a large role in the way we age. The healthier you are, the better your skin and muscles hold up over time. You can achieve healthy skin and age gracefully by sticking to a regular skincare regimen with products specifically for your skin type. Having medical conditions may affect the way you age. Medical conditions are not something that you can help, but maybe something to consider when thinking about how your skin and facial muscles change over time.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors that affect our age are based on our lifestyle. This includes where and how we spend our time throughout our lives.

Lifestyle

Our lifestyles and the way we live day-to-day have a lot to do with the way we age. Smoking cigarettes, staying out in the sun without sunscreen, and using tanning beds can affect the way we age. Smoking doesn’t only affect our insides, it has detrimental effects on our outward appearance as well. The act of smoking leaves black tar in your pores, increases wrinkles around the mouth, and decreases elasticity of the skin. Gaining and losing weight can add to the loss of volume in the face and cause sagging and wrinkles to appear. Also, what you eat has an affect on the health of the skin. Sugar can cause breakouts, which can result in poor texture of the skin. Vegetables, fruits, and other nutrient-rich foods help keep your skin in a good condition.

Combatting the Aging Process

Aging may feel like a never-ending battle, but there are ways we can help prevent and minimize the appearance of aging. With a healthy diet, regular exercise and taking care of your skin, you can maintain your youthful appearance and ward off any extreme signs of aging. Cosmetic procedures can give you an anti-aging boost, but it’s ultimately up to you to maintain your health to maintain your appearance.

To learn more about combatting your signs of aging based on your biological and environmental factors, contact us to schedule your consultation today.

November 7, 2019October 29, 2025

Jacksonville Residents Want to Know: Can I combine Surgical and Spa Procedures?

When undergoing treatment to look younger, we want to make sure we get the best possible results. With so many options on the market, it’s hard to not get carried away with a list of procedures you want to receive, and that’s okay. Combining procedures is actually advantageous to getting you your ultimate look.

Combination Therapy

Have you ever asked your doctor if it would be okay to get multiple procedures done at the same time? There’s actually a word for putting multiple procedures together. Combination Therapy is when you combine two or more procedures together to get your desired results. You’re not crazy for wanting to achieve your ultimate look, and it’s actually encouraged that you combine certain procedures to do so. This is because you can use multiple treatments to treat different layers of the skin, resulting in a fresh face.

Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels are a wonderful way to refresh the skin with gentle or aggressive skin resurfacing. Skin resurfacing means re-contouring and taking off the outer and inner layers of the skin to reveal a fresh layer of skin underneath. Chemical peels exfoliate the face and get rid of your dull and dead skin, resulting in a bright, fresh face. When used in combination with your other procedures, you can ensure your skin is smoother and the results of your procedure last longer. The chemical peel acts as a maintenance step to your other procedure.

Microneedling

Similar to chemical peels, microneedling resurfaces the skin. In this minimally invasive med spa treatment, tiny needles create micro-channels in the skin, which naturally stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the treated area. Collagen and elastin are the properties in the face that add volume and smooth the skin. Microneedling works well in combination with dermal fillers to add volume back into the face and maintain your plump and youthful skin between treatments. At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, we often pair microneedling with chemical peels. We call this “Pens and Peels,” referring to the SkinPen we use for microneedling.

Ultherapy®

Ultherapy® involves using ultrasound technology to emit energy into the deeper layers of our skin. While microneedling and chemical peels work in combination with your fillers to resurface the skin, Ultherapy® works well in combination with more invasive procedures to target the deeper layers of the skin and promote the production of collagen. This therapy is non-invasive and requires no downtime. When used in combination with procedures like a facelift or less invasive procedures like a chemical peel, you can expect a tighter, more firm appearance to the face.

To learn more about what kind of combination therapy works for you, contact our office to schedule your consultation today. Dr. Phillip Garcia and his team of expertly skilled staff can create a customized plan to target your problem areas and help give you your ultimate appearance.