All posts by idmcornellmcc

Facial Aesthetics Chicago | You Can Finally Lift Your Gummy Smile

Facial Aesthetics Chicago

The confidence that comes with showing off a great smile is a feeling that everyone should have. However, if you feel that an excessive amount of gums or a disproportionate area of space between the teeth and gums is an issue, there is an answer. Gum lift or lip repositioning may be the ideal solution to help you to show off your smile with complete confidence. How?

Allowing more of your teeth and less of your gums to show, a gum lift or lip repositioning procedures can help you achieve a more balanced smile.

Excessive amounts of visible gum or disproportion between your teeth and gums can be caused by a number of factors. Genetics, health issues, or even prescription drugs can all play a role in causing a gummy smile. Luckily, this issue can be treated in different ways depending on both the specific situation and client preference.

In some cases, soft tissue lasers can be used to create a greater degree of accuracy during treatment. The higher level of precision can help reduce recovery time and may also reduce discomfort for you. There are also more standard surgical procedures that can be used that will help you accomplish your goals. Between a soft tissue laser or a more standard surgical procedure, the process can and will be custom fit to you and your specific needs. Take the first steps to help you gain confidence in your smile today. If you feel a gum lift or lip repositioning could be a solution for your smile, contact our facial cosmetic office today to schedule a consultation. We will use the consultation to discuss your personal needs and the best options for treatment. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you regain your confidence.

Timeless Beauty
Phone: 773-488-3738
Fax: 773-874-6575
820 East 87th Street Suite 201
Chicago, IL 60619

Facial Cosmetics Chicago IL | Your Guide to Chin Implants

YIf you’ve ever felt that you would life a more defined facial silhouette, a chin implant may be the perfect option for you. Chin implants can help complement your facial features, creating natural looking results. Dr. Cornell McCullom is an expert in genioplasty, or “chin implants” and has provided this step by step guide for your convenience.

1) During your initial consultation with your Dr. McCullom it will be determined whether you are a suitable candidate. X-rays of your face and chin will be performed. You will discuss your goals and find out what is realistic.

2) Based on the results, you and your doctor will decide on the best option for implants. There are different types of implants and different ways they can be implanted. Regardless of the type of implant, anesthesia will be used to keep you comfortable. Procedures can last anywhere between 1-2 hours depending on your needs.

3) Following your chin implant, you may experience numbness, bruising, and swelling, all of which are normal. You can expect all of these side effects to subside within a few weeks to a few months, although the recovery period should only last between 1-2 weeks. Dr. McCullom will discuss post operative expectations, so no part of the healing processes will come as a surprise.

4) After the swelling subsides you will be able to notice the results. A chin implant provided by Dr. McCullom will provide a natural and beautiful result, giving you more confidence in your appearance.

Are there risks?

As with any surgical procedure, there are a few risks involved, all of which are limited by Dr. McCullom’s expertise. If you are worried about the procedure, it is best to discuss potential risks with your doctor.

Deciding to have cosmetic surgery is often a decision with positive results that will help boost your self-esteem. Dr. McCullom and our entire team will be happy to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process. Contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. McCullom.

Chicago IL Facial Cosmetics | Facial Fillers: Restylane Edition

Seeing the visible signs of aging is never a fun sight. Wrinkles and folds showing can be hard to look at and hurt your confidence. However, keeping your skin looking as young as you feel is easier than you may think. Restylane is an injectable gel used to smooth out wrinkles and folds in the skin. Restylane can be used in different locations and help you to look and feel great. Learn more about Restylane and how it can benefit you below.

What is Restylane?

Created to simulate a naturally produced substance in your body, hyaluronic acid, Restylane is a non-animal, biodegradable gel formulation. Naturally occurring in our skin, hyaluronic acid is generally found in connective tissue. As you age, connective tissue and collagen can be naturally lost, causing wrinkles to form. Restylane’s formulation helps correct and smooth out these areas keeping skin looking young.

Where can it be used?

Restylane is used to treat multiple areas below the nose and around the mouth, smoothing out wrinkles and folds. Generally these areas are more susceptible to tissue breakdown with basic daily activities such as smiling, chewing, and speaking. Other factors like sun exposure contribute to accelerated breakdown in these areas. The following is a list of the most common areas where Restylane can be used:

  • Smile lines: Lines that form and run from the nose to the edge of the mouth.
  • Marionette lines: Lines that from on the edges of the mouth and run down towards the jaw
  • Lips: Gives both upper and lower lips a fuller look
  • Corners of the mouth: The crease that forms in the corners of the mouth

The process is short and simple with minimal recovery time, allowing you to reach the confidence level you want without having to wait for results. Restylane can be a great option for most people looking to retain that youthful look. If you have any questions or wish to schedule a consultation, contact our office today and start yourself on the path to a more confident you.

Chicago IL Facial Aesthetics | Questions to Ask Before Getting Botox

QBotox is a serious procedure. It involves a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, dentist, or other qualified medical professional injecting a powerful substance called botulinum toxin into your facial muscles. The toxin has a paralyzing effect, and prevents those muscles from tensing up over time and creating wrinkles on the face and neck. Patients looking into Botox injections should know as much as possible about the short- and long-term effects of the procedure. Here are a few of the most important questions to ask in anticipation of your age-defying office visit.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Before receiving Botox, you’ll want to know whether the procedure is going to affect you in any other way. Fortunately, side effects associated with Botox injections are minimal. The main thing to be aware of is that the site could darken, bruise, or swell up in the days following the injection. Individuals should also avoid any strenuous exercise in the hours immediately after the visit. During this time the botulinum toxin has not yet completely settled. Working out—which tends to activate facial muscles—could spread the drug to other parts of the face. Besides that, though, there are no other serious concerns.

How Long Does Botox Last?

The length of time Botox keeps the targeted facial muscles paralyzed and skin wrinkle-free depends on several factors. These include the age of the patient, the condition of the injection site, and how the facial muscles themselves respond to and recover from the botulinum toxin. In general, though, Botox injections usually last between three and six months. Patients will see the full effect within a week or so of the procedure.

Am I Doing It at the Right Time?

Historically, people have opted for Botox in middle age and beyond—that is, when they’ve reached their forties, fifties, sixties, etc. But recent years have seen the emergence of a trend called preventative Botox. The idea behind preventative Botox is that younger people in their thirties and even late twenties could also benefit from Botox by eliminating wrinkles at the first signs of their formation. Many plastic surgeons, in fact, feel that Botox works most effectively when patients get it earlier in life, when facial wrinkles and fine lines are still faint.

For answers to any of your Botox related questions, schedule an appointment with our office today and talk with your doctor.

Chicago IL Facial Cosmetics | What You Should Expect During Mole Removal

Unless someone feels strongly that the brownish raised bump on their skin is, in fact, a “beauty mark,” moles are not generally among people’s favorite physical features. People get moles removed for a range of different reasons. An individual may not like where the mole is located on their body, or finds that it frequently gets irritated under their clothing. Maybe they’re concerned that it could be abnormal, or a sign of an emerging health condition. Any one of these reasons is enough to justify seeking out a dermatologist and getting your mole removed.  Fortunately, the process of mole removal is short, simple, and straightforward.

Outpatient

Mole removal is always an outpatient procedure. This means that you’ll check into the clinic or doctor’s office, have the procedure performed, and then head home shortly after that. There’s no need to stay at the medical facility any longer than that.

Cleaning and Anesthetic

After you’ve been checked in, you’ll be led to a surgical room. There the dermatologist, often accompanied by one or several other medical professionals, will begin the procedure by cleaning the mole and the skin surrounding it. Once that’s complete, the physician will inject the area with a local anesthetic. Popular forms of local anesthesia include lidocaine and bupivacaine. While this is the only somewhat uncomfortable part of the procedure, it’s also the reason you won’t feel any pain when the mole is physically removed. A minute or so after the injection, the mole and surrounding skin should feel almost completely numb.

Surgical Procedure

There are several different approaches dermatologists can take when removing a mole. Your doctor may use a scalpel to slice off the mole and some of the skin around it. Alternatively, they may perform what’s called a “shave biopsy,” in which they use a razor to shave the mole off the skin. Depending on the size of the mole and how deep your doctor needs to cut to completely remove it, stitches may be required after the procedure. The whole process takes no longer than an hour, with the removal of smaller moles barely clocking in at 20 minutes.

Biopsy

After the procedure is completed, the mole is sent out to a laboratory to be analyzed. There lab technicians examine it under a microscope to determine whether it is benign—that is, safe and harmless—or abnormal and potentially cancerous. The biopsy process typically takes one to two weeks, and your doctor’s office will call you as soon as they’ve received the results.

A mole removal is a quick and easy procedure that most dermatology clinics and practices have extensive experience performing. If you identify a mole that you want removed, for any reason, it’s worth making an appointment with our local office. We will accommodate your needs with minimal hassle.

Chicago IL Facial Aesthetics | Could Sculptra Help Restore Volume to Your Face?

Sculptra is a dermal filler that was first approved by the FDA in 2004 to treat a condition called lipoatrophy. As the name implies, lipoatrophy is the loss of localized fat tissue. Sculptra restores volume and fat tissue in the injected area, giving patients a healthier, more youthful appearance. The drug was initially approved for HIV patients that suffered major lipoatrophy of facial tissue. Over the past decade, though, the dermal filler has also been used on healthy individuals looking to revitalize their appearance and restore lost facial volume. Let’s take a deeper look at this relatively new cosmetic treatment.

How Does It Work?

Sculptra works differently than both Botox and other dermal fillers currently available. Botox uses botulinum toxin to paralyze the facial muscles that contract over time and create facial wrinkles and fine lines. Dermal fillers use substances like hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite that give facial tissue suppleness, smoothness, and volume.

Sculptra users a synthetic polymer called poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) to do something different. Instead of injecting a protein or sugar into the face that will temporarily restore youthfulness and vigor, poly-L-lactic acid activates the body’s natural production of collagen. The PLLA microparticles contained in Sculptra penetrate deep within the layers of your skin and are eventually absorbed into your body. Once this happens, the polymer starts to stimulate the creation of collagen, a protein integral to facial tissue and skin elasticity. Sculptra’s unique mechanism of action is one of the primary reasons the drug’s effects can last up to two years.

What’s the Treatment Regimen?

Sculptra requires several injections to have a maximum impact on your body’s collagen production. For the best possible results, Dr. McCullom recommends two to three treatments spread out over several months. 

Are There Side Effects?

Like most facial injections and dermal fillers, Sculptra’s side effects are minimal. Patients should be prepared for some pain and tenderness around the injection site, as well as the possibility of redness and swelling.

It’s also worth noting that Sculptra takes slightly longer than other injectables to achieve its full effect. While the results of Botox, for example, can be seen in just a few days, Sculptra may require two weeks or more to take complete effect. It’s important to bear in mind, though, that Sculptra can last up to two years—several times longer than other popular facial injections. If you want to learn more about the long lasting benefits of Sculptra, contact our office and schedule an appointment with Dr. McCullom today. 

Chicago IL Facial Cosmetics | A Basic Guide to Neck Liposuction

AAs we age or experience fluctuations in body weight, our neckline can often suffer. If it seems that no amount of exercise will remove the loose skin and excess fat that accumulates in the chin, neck, and jowl areas, neck liposuction could be the answer.

Liposuction can create a firmer, smoother and more refined appearance. Improving this one feature can even help patients look years younger or as if they’ve lost weight.

For most patients, neck liposuction is a fairly quick procedure and can be performed using local anesthesia. Dr. McCullom will remove excess fat and sculpt a natural contour using one or two small incisions, concealed beneath the chin or behind the ears. After the procedure is over, patients typically wear a supportive chin strap for a few days and return to work within 1 week. It is typical for some swelling and bruising to occur, but this should be resolved within 10 to 14 days post surgery.

If patients maintain a stable body weight, the results of this procedure are permanent and can bring balance to the facial features. You can expect a strong jawline and chin that look natural, attractive and more youthful. This procedure can also be combined with others, including rhinoplasty, to further enhance facial contours.

As it is a delicate area of the body, Dr. McCullom takes special care to safely perform neck liposuction. He is highly trained and experienced, delivering great results to his patients. If you are interested in learning more about neck and jowl liposuction, contact our office and schedule a consultation today. 

Facial Aesthetics Near Me | The Many Types of Chemical Peels

Many individuals are turning to chemical plees to improve the appearance of their skin. Used on the face, neck, or hands, a chemical solution causes the skin to exfoliate and eventually peel off (hence the term chemical peel). The new skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin.

So What Are They Used For?

Chemical peels can help with a wide range of skin related ailments, which include reducing scarring, wrinkles and sagging skin. The peels can also help with age spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and sun damage.

The Three Main Types

Chemical peels can be broken down into three categories, each more powerful than the next. On the milder side of the spectrum is the superficial peel. Using alpha-hydroxy acid, or another mild acid to penetrate the outer layer of skin, this treatment is used to improve mild skin discolorations, and refresh the face, neck, chest or hands. They require anywhere from one to seven days to heal.

In the middle category are medium peels. Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid penetrates both the outermost and middle layers of skin to remove damaged cells. Primarily used to improve age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, this treatment can also be used to smooth skin and even treat some precancerous skin growths. Healing time ranges from between seven and 14 days.

Finally are the deep peels. These harsher treatments deeply penetrate the middle layer of skin to remove lines, age spots, freckles and shallow scars. Patients can expect dramatic results on skin appearance, and can only be performed once. It can take up to 21 days to heal, depending on the patient and several follow-up appointments should be made to monitor progress.

Your cosmetic solution can be found at Timeless Beauty. To choose the right chemical peel for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. McCullom. Together, you can decide on a treatment plan that works best for your needs.

Chicago Facial Aesthetics | NovaThreads, the Non Surgical Facelift

For years individuals looking to treat wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, and lost facial volume had two possible routes: surgical or nonsurgical. The surgical route included facelifts and other major procedures that involved invasive methods and came with significant recovery time. The nonsurgical route—Botox, collagen injections, and dermal fillers—were faster and easier, but came with more temporary results. NovaThreads is a relatively new treatment that finds a happy medium between these two types of facial procedures.

What Is NovaThreads?

NovaThreads uses a technique called “thread lifts.” Thread lifts are absorbable sutures that are injected into the skin. These sutures then work within the dermis by pulling up the facial tissue and creating tighter, more voluminous cheeks, chins, and jawlines.

But NovaThreads actually function in another way, too. The injection of the thread or suture in the patient’s face triggers a healing response from the body. The response? Sending large quantities of collagen to the injection site. Collagen is a protein critical to facial, skin, and muscle tissue. By forcing the body to direct additional collagen to the location of the suture, the procedure effectively doubles its impact. The suture itself lifts facial tissue, while the body’s natural healing response produces the collagen that adds volume and thickness to the face.

Do the Sutures Stay In Your Face Permanently?

Thankfully not. While earlier versions of thread lifts used sutures that stayed in the face permanently, NovaThreads utilizes an absorbent material called polydioxanone. The body is able to fully absorb polydioxanone within six months.

How Long Do the Effects Last?

NovaThreads have the advantage of working on a patient’s facial tissue through two distinct phases. The first phase, during which the injected suture lifts the skin area, lasts between four and six months. But even once the sutures start to dissolve, the collagen response and its visible impact continues. In all, the effects of NovaThreads can last for a year, sometimes even longer.

Why Choose NovaThreads over a Traditional Facelift?

NovaThreads treatment has a few clear-cut advantages over the more traditional facelifts. Thread lifts are a short, minimally invasive procedure—patients are able to drive themselves home right after the treatment. Recovery time afterward is also much briefer compared with facelifts, and patients risk far fewer side effects. In fact, even the slightest scarring or bleeding is quite rare. Last, and perhaps most important, NovaThreads is a substantially more affordable option than a facelift.

Contact our office today and schedule an appointment. When you meet with Dr. McCullom, you’ll discuss this treatment option and others to determine which is best for you. 

Chicago IL Facial Aesthetics | Education, Experience, and Happiness: A Beginner’s Guide to Our Favorite Doctor, Dr. McCullom

When you come to Timeless Beauty for you facial cosmetic solution, you’ll be working with one of the most skilled and dedicated doctors in the business. As one of only five African-American Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons in the country with a medical degree, Dr. Cornell McCullom III brings excellence to everything he does. Get to know our favorite doctor with this brief beginner’s guide and see for yourself why Dr. McCullom should be your number one choice.

Chicago IL Facial Aesthetics | Education, Experience, and Happiness: A Beginner’s Guide to Our Favorite Doctor, Dr. McCullom

Education:

Graduating from Yale would be an impressive accomplishment for anyone. But for Dr. McCullom it was only the beginning of an extensive scholarly career. Seeking the next challenge, Dr. McCullom went on to earn his dental degree from Howard University. After a few years of assistant professorship at Northwestern and the University of Illinois, Dr. McCullom once again endeavored for more. He returned to school, earning his medical degree from Northwestern University and gained a wealth of experience and knowledge in implant surgery, facial surgeries and more.

Today, Dr. McCullom believes in staying up-to-date with the newest procedures. To ensure you get the best available care, he attends lectures and education seminars regularly. With all this education under his belt, it’s no wonder that he wants to share it with each of his patients. One of Dr. McCullom’s goals when working with you is to make sure you learn about your procedure, its benefits, and maybe even a little about yourself.

Experience:

In addition to all the years gaining invaluable experience through his schooling, Dr. McCullom completed a year long general anesthesia fellowship at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. He has also assisted in live videotaped surgeries for continuing education seminars. Dr. McCullom is a member of numerous professional organizations and is even starting his own teaching institute in Chicago to pass along his knowledge.

Happiness:

Dr. McCullom has been featured in newspapers and even on ABC News for his commitment to his field. In his free time, he finds happiness through regular exercise, including coaching youth soccer teams and practicing the Japanese martial art Aikido.

Dr. McCullom is also interested in making sure you leave his office feeling happy with your results. Don’t hesitate to schedule your next appointment and experience Dr. McCullom’s authentic and driven style of care.