At the Deschamps-Braly Clinic, many of our patients choose Dr. Deschamps-Braly for his expertise in gender-affirming surgeries. This means that many of our patients are transgender, nonbinary, or otherwise gender diverse. It is important to us to maintain a clear understanding of gender identity terms so we can be respectful and accommodating of our patients, and we encourage others to do the same. As you review these gender identity terms, keep in mind that identity and expression is unique to every individual, and these are only general definitions.

Agender

Agender means that an individual does not identify as having a gender or does not identify with an existing gender. An agender person may describe this as being genderless or gender-neutral.

Androgynous

Androgyny typically refers to a person’s physical appearance or expression. Rather than describing a particular identity, people of multiple gender identities may prefer an androgynous appearance or quality. This may be a part of their gender expression or simply an aesthetic preference.

Bigender

A bigender person may fluctuate between traditionally masculine and feminine gender identities or embody both.

Cisgender

A cisgender individual is a person whose gender identity is the same as the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a cisgender woman would be assigned female at birth, and a cisgender man would be assigned male at birth.

Gender Expression

Gender expression includes our external appearance, including the way we dress or wear our hair, and the way we behave, such as the way we speak or our mannerisms.

Gender Fluid

Gender fluid individuals may experience fluctuations in how masculine, feminine, or nonbinary over time. They may also embody a blend of masculine, feminine, or nonbinary characteristics most of the time. Each gender fluid individual has a unique sense of gender identity, just as any transgender or cisgender person would.

Genderqueer

Genderqueer is often used as an umbrella term for those who are gender non-conforming, gender fluid, or nonbinary. A person may use genderqueer as their own identity label, or the term may be used to be inclusive of multiple identities.

Intersex

Intersex individuals are born with reproductive or sexual anatomy which does not fall into a typical male or female definition. Keep in mind that sex and gender are different. This means that an intersex person’s gender identity may be male, female, or nonbinary/genderqueer regardless of their intersex identity.

Mx.

Mx. is a gender-neutral title that can be used in place of gendered titles such as Mr., Ms., or Mrs. Mx. is pronounced like the word “mix.”

Neopronouns

Neopronouns are typically used by nonbinary or genderqueer individuals and include a range of pronouns beyond he/him and she/her. Some neopronouns include they/them, xe/xyr, ze/zir, or ze/hir (pronounced like the word “here”). If you are unsure of a person’s pronouns, you may politely and respectfully ask and share your own.

Nonbinary

Nonbinary is often used as an umbrella term for individuals who are genderqueer, gender fluid, two-spirit, etc. An individual may also use the term nonbinary to define their own gender identity. A nonbinary person may identify with being agender, gender fluid, or a mix between masculine and feminine.

Transgender

A transgender person is someone whose gender identity is not the same as their sex assigned at birth. We typically think of binary transgender people first, but nonbinary individuals may also identify as transgender. While many transgender people pursue gender-affirming procedures, such as facial feminization surgery or facial masculinization surgery, not all transgender people will.

Two-Spirit

Two-spirit is a term used by Native American people as an umbrella term for traditional third-gender identities. In many Native American communities, a two-spirit person is someone who has both masculine and feminine characteristics and fulfills a unique social or ceremonial role. Definitions or translations vary based on an Indigenous individual’s tribe or heritage.

Call the Deschamps-Braly Clinic

If you are interested in pursuing a gender-affirming procedure, including both surgical or non-surgical options, schedule a consultation at the Deschamps-Braly Clinic in San Francisco. Call +1-415-877-6585.

Facial Feminization—The Journey to Gender Affirmation

Authors: Jordan Deschamps-Braly, MD, and Douglas Ousterout, MD

The Independent Book Publishers’Association announces that Facial Feminization—the Journey to Gender Affirmation has received first place in the 34th annual Benjamin Franklin Awards.™ The book won in the health and fitness category. The authors are Jordan Deschamps-Braly, MD, and Douglas Ousterhout, MD, of San Francisco. This year’s award winners were honored during a dinner ceremony held on April 29, 2022 at the Renaissance Hotel in Orlando, Florida.

Celebrating excellence in book editorial content and design, the Benjamin Franklin Awards™ are administered by the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), the largest book publishers’ association in the US with more than 4,000 members.

Facial Feminization discusses facial cosmetic surgery procedures for transgender women. Topics covered include scalp advancement, chin feminization, forehead feminization, lower jaw tapering, temple augmentation, thyroid cartilage reduction, cheek contouring, lower jaw repositioning, nose reshaping, upper jaw repositioning, upper lip reshaping.

According to author Dr. Deschamps-Braly, “For many transgender women, having their facial features refined is an important step in their transition, with many considering it the most essential part of their transformation.

The annual book award competition honors the best in American Independent publishers across 57 categories. This year’s awards competition, for books with a copyright date of 2021, garnered over 1,900 individual entries. The judges for this year’s awards were 171 book publishing professionals including librarians, bookstore owners, reviewers, designers, publicity managers, and editors. For a complete listing of the 34th annual IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award™ winners in each of the 57 categories, visit www.ibpabenjaminfranklinaward.com.

Founded in 1992, the publisher, Addicus Books, Inc, publishes best-selling consumer health books and other nonfiction. It is based in Omaha, Nebraska.

About the Ben Franklin Awards

The IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards, recognizing excellence in editorial content and book design, are regarded as one of the highest national honors for independent publishers. The awards are unique in that the verbatim judging forms are returned to all participating publishers, providing entrants with direct feedback on each submission.

About Independent Book Publishers’ Association (IBPA)

Founded in 1983 to support independent publishers nationwide, the Independent Book Publishers’ Association (IBPA) serves the independent publishing community through advocacy, education, and tools for success. It is the largest publishing association in the U.S. Its mission is to serve independent publishers. providing access to knowledge and tools needed to professionally engage in all aspects of an inclusive publishing industry. For more information, visit www.ibpa-online.org.

Tired of having a double chin? Kybella to the rescue!

What Causes Submental Fat (Double Chin)?

Submental fat, or “double chin” can be genetically inherited, caused by weight gain, or age. If someone is genetically predisposed to gain or hold fat in certain body areas, it likely will not matter how healthy or fit they are, the submental fat may persist. Often, despite exercise and weight loss, problem areas such as the double chin remain. Aging can be a factor, due to reduced collagen and elasticity and muscle tone. It is important to determine if the submental volume under the chin is due to fat accumulation or skin laxity, as the treatment options are quite different. Kybella can only treat fat that is in front of the muscles of the neck (pre-platysmal fat).

What is Kybella?

Kybella is the first injectable medication that permanently dissolves submental fat. It is composed of deoxycholic acid, a bile salt found naturally in the body that breaks down fats during the digestive process. When it is injected into the submental fat, it breaks down the fat cells, allowing the body to absorb the cell contents and metabolize them. The fat cells that are destroyed are gone, however, the remaining fat cells will continue to expand or shrink depending on lifestyle and diet.

What is the Kybella Treatment Process?

Since Kybella is a non-invasive injection treatment, the appointments are quick, and there is very little discomfort. Ice is applied before and after treatment for comfort and to reduce swelling. During the treatment, you may experience a burning sensation that subsides within a few minutes after treatment. After treatment, the treated area may feel numb and tender to touch but not painful. Occasionally bruising may occur but is manageable. Visible swelling is noticeable for about one week, with patients describing it as a “bullfrog” appearance. Swelling gradually dissipates with the effects of the treatment being fully realized about 8-10 weeks later.

Typically 2-4 treatments are required, and up to 6 may be necessary for some patients. Usually, 1-2 vials of Kybella are placed depending on the surface area requiring treatment. Treatments are spaced 6-8 weeks apart. A consultation and evaluation with Jennifer Fick, our board-certified aesthetic nurse practitioner,  is required to ensure you are a candidate for Kybella. She will provide you with the best treatment options, and a timeline in which you can expect results.

Schedule a Kybella Consultation

To learn more about Kybella and if you are a candidate, schedule a consultation at the Deschamps-Braly Clinic in San Francisco, California. Call our office at (415) 877-6585.

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating affects approximately 15.3 million people in the United States, or 4.8% of the population. It is characterized by excessive sweating that is more than required for thermoregulation of body temperature. Since it is caused by the overactivity of certain nerves, it is not necessarily caused by the exercise of exposure to heat. Therefore, it can substantially impact a person’s lifestyle, including work and social activities.

Where Does Hyperhidrosis Occur?

It may affect the hands, feet, and underarms, but can also affect the head and face, back, chest and under the breasts. Depending on the area affected, topical antiperspirants, iontophoresis, and radiofrequency treatments may be effective. Botox® is an FDA-approved treatment for hyperhidrosis affecting the underarms, but we have also used it effectively on the face. Your provider will do a thorough consultation and physical exam to determine if you are an appropriate candidate. In some cases, a starch iodine test may be used to locate areas of focal sweating in the underarms to ensure adequate treatment in that area.

How do I Treat Hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis treatments are non-invasive injections, similar to cosmetic treatments, however, the injections are placed more superficially to target the sweat glands. Botox blocks the release of acetylcholine, which is the neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating sweat gland activity as well as muscle movement. Since the Botox is injected into the skin and not the muscle tissue in the underarm, no impairment in muscle activity occurs.

A starch iodine test is performed if needed. Then the treated area is marked and injections are placed in a specific pattern and distance apart. Ice is applied before and after, and there is no residual discomfort after the procedure. Patients can return to all work and social activities immediately. We recommend refraining from exercise until the day after treatment.

How Long Does Hyperhidrosis Treatment Last?

This treatment is not permanent, and patients will enjoy the results for 6-8 months after each session. The duration of relief from excessive sweating will vary from patient to patient, but most patients report significant relief. We have had patients report not having to bring a second or third shirt or blouse to work, and feeling less self-conscious after treatment.

 A consultation and evaluation with Jennifer Fick, our board-certified aesthetic nurse practitioner,  is required to ensure you are a candidate for hyperhidrosis treatment. She will provide you with the best treatment options, and a timeline in which you can expect results. 

Schedule Your Hyperhidrosis Treatment Consultation

To learn more about hyperhidrosis treatment and to see if you are a candidate, schedule a consultation at the Deschamps-Braly Clinic in San Francisco, California. Call our office at (415) 877-6585. 

The lips play a significant role in the appearance of a traditionally feminine face. Typically, feminine faces have a shorter distance between the upper lip and nose as well as a fuller or more voluminous shape. This makes lip augmentation procedures a popular choice for facial feminization patients. At the Deschamps-Braly Clinic, patients can consider options including lip lifts and lip fillers to achieve a more feminine look.

The Difference Between a Lip Lift and Lip Fillers

The primary difference between a lip lift and lip fillers is that the former is a surgical procedure while the latter is performed using injections.

A lip lift is also referred to as an upper lip reduction. In a lip lift, a small section of skin below the nose is removed, raising the upper lift slightly higher. This exposes more of the pink tissue of the lips, creating a fuller appearance, and shortens the distance between the upper lip and nose. The results of a lip lift is a more typically feminine and youthful look. Some patients may also choose a lip lift for the corners of the mouth. This creates a more pleasant resting expression by focusing on the corners of the mouth alone, improving the “sweep” of the lips while still creating the appearance of more volume.

Lip fillers, or lip injections, typically involve using hyaluronic acid-based products such as Juvéderm, Restylane Kysse, or Belotero to create fuller lips. In some cases, fat transfer may also be used to create longer-lasting results. Lip fillers can be completed quickly and are a significantly less invasive option compared to a lip lift. However, results from hyaluronic acid fillers are not permanent.

Recovery After a Lip Lift vs. Lip Fillers

Recovery is a significant consideration for patients to make when choosing between lip lift and lip fillers.

After a lip lift, sutures will be in place, and you can expect some bruising and swelling. Incisions will heal within several weeks, and a short amount of downtime is typical.

After lip fillers, no downtime is required. You may notice minimal side effects including redness or swelling at the injection site. However, results are immediately noticeable.

Choosing Between Lip Lift and Lip Fillers for Facial Feminization

The best option for your facial feminization will vary depending on several factors. First, patients can consider which facial features they are most concerned about. Some facial feminization patients may have a noticeably long distance between the nose and upper lip, creating a masculine effect. Others may only have concerns about the fullness of their lips, which can make lip fillers a better option. It is also worth factoring in pairing your lip procedure with other facial feminization options. If you are including a lip procedure as part of an overall facial feminization surgery, the downtime required after a lip lift is less of a concern.

Longevity of your results is another important consideration. Some patients opt for lip fillers first as results are not permanent. This gives them the opportunity to see how they feel about the results before committing to a permanent change.

Finally, it is possible to combine a lip lift and lip fillers in many cases. While a lip lift will result in the appearance of fuller lips, fillers can then be used to enhance these results. Dr. Deschamps-Braly and Jennifer Fick can help guide you toward the best options to achieve the results you’re looking for.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about your lip augmentation and facial feminization options, schedule a consultation at the Deschamps-Braly Clinic in San Francisco, California. Call our office at (415) 877-6585.

Fat grafting is a relatively common plastic surgery procedure today, but the technique only became widespread fairly recently. This procedure has a wide range of applications, and Dr. Deschamps-Braly uses it in both cosmetic facial and gender affirming surgeries. Before you schedule your consultation at the Deschamps-Braly Clinic, continue reading to learn more about the history of fat grafting.

Early Fat Grafting Procedures

The first fat grafting procedure was performed in 1893 when a German plastic surgeon, Gustav Neuber, transferred fat to the eye region from the arm to correct a patient’s scarring. Later, in 1895, Dr. Viktor Czerny transferred a lipoma to a patient’s breast to restore symmetry after a partial mastectomy.

Unfortunately, these early fat grafting procedures carried high risks, so the technique was used infrequently in the 100 years following these surgeries. Modern liposuction techniques had not yet been developed, meaning that extracted fat varied greatly in quality and results were inconsistent or difficult to predict.

Beginning in the 1990s, Dr. Sydney Coleman of New York City began publishing papers to describe standardized techniques for fat transfer. These techniques made the procedure, from the fat extraction to processing to injection, much safer with superior results. Thanks to Dr. Coleman’s techniques, fat transfer’s popularity and applications have only increased since the ‘90s.

The Fat Grafting Procedure

Fat grafting is completed in three steps. First, donor fat is extracted using liposuction. This is usually applied to areas such as the abdomen, back, thighs, or upper arms. Next, the removed fat is prepared for transfer through a process of decanting and centrifugation. This removes any excess fluid, debris, or dead cells from the adipose fat cells that are appropriate for transfer. When this is complete, the fat is injected into the treatment area in small droplets. This helps to ensure that the transferred fat can establish an appropriate blood supply and the grafted fat will survive. Even with proper injection techniques, not all transferred fat will establish the necessary blood supply, meaning that some fat cells will die and be naturally metabolized by the body. For this reason, your plastic surgeon will typically inject a slightly larger amount of fat than is necessary to achieve your goal results. Fat grafting is performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation in a hospital or surgical center.

Fat Grafting for Cosmetic Facial Surgery

Fat grafting has a number of uses in facial plastic surgery. Generally speaking, most cases that could apply to dermal fillers can also apply to facial fat grafting. For example, fat grafting can be used to restore lost volume in areas such as the cheeks or temples due to the natural aging process. It can also be used in a lip augmentation. The major benefit of fat grafting compared to dermal fillers is that results are permanent. Once the transferred fat establishes a blood supply, it will remain in place long-term. The results also tend to be very natural-looking, though natural results can also be achieved with the right dermal filler.

Fat Grafting in Gender Affirming Surgery

In addition to purely cosmetic applications, fat grafting can be useful in a gender affirming surgery. In particular, the technique can be used for facial feminization surgery (FFS). Fat transfer to areas such as the cheeks or lips can create a more traditionally feminine appearance by increasing a rounder or fuller effect in these areas. Many FFS patients try dermal fillers in these areas prior to their surgeries, and fat grafting can allow them to enjoy these results long-term.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about facial fat grafting and whether the procedure will suit your goals, schedule a consultation with Dr. Deschamps-Braly. Call the Deschamps-Braly Clinic in San Francisco at +1-415-877-6585.

In addition to fat grafting, dermal fillers are an alternative treatment option to consider when adding facial volume. Dermal fillers can be placed in the same areas of the face as the patient’s own fat, including the lips, cheeks, temples and tear trough, as well as other facial areas. In the case where a patient doesn’t have a significant amount of body fat to harvest for fat grafting, dermal fillers can supplement the volume that wasn’t achievable during the fat grafting surgery. Some patients are hesitant initially about undergoing fat grafting, as it is a more permanent solution. Dermal fillers allow patients to do a “trial run” and preview their fat grafting results. Dermal fillers are reversable and are metabolized naturally by the body over time, so the commitment factor to the final outcome is much lower. Some patients are not candidates for surgery, and in that case, dermal fillers allow them to enhance facial contours and add volume to the face to achieve their aesthetic goals.

As one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, it is no surprise that there are many myths and misconceptions about facelifts. Often, plastic surgeons like Dr. Deschamps-Braly answer similar questions and clear up the same misconceptions during consultations. Below are some of the most common myths and the truth about facelifts explained.

What Causes Facial Aging

A common myth about visible signs of aging is that sagging and wrinkles are caused by gravity stretching the skin downward. This myth was especially pervasive in the past, leading plastic surgeons to perform facelifts by simply pulling the skin upward. However, this created unnatural results with a pinched or pulled appearance.

Today, we understand that aging is caused by facial volume loss and decreasing collagen production over time. As you age, facial fat diminishes and is naturally stored lower in the face—think of “baby fat” and chubby cheeks seen in youth vs. hollow cheeks and jowls seen in older faces. For this reason, good facelift results are dependent on repositioning underlying soft tissues. This technique is sometimes referred to as a “deep plane” facelift and was first developed by a French craniofacial surgeon in the 1970s.

In addition to repositioning the underlying tissues, Dr. Deschamps-Braly may recommend restoring hollow or sunken areas using fat grafting. This involves removing a small amount of fat from a donor area of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, which can be injected into areas of the face with the most volume loss. This creates a naturally youthful effect.

Non-surgical Treatments vs. Facelift Results

Today’s non-surgical treatment options offer excellent anti-aging results. Treatments like IPL  and ReSurFX can help boost collagen production and reduce age spots  and sun damage for smoother skin. Botox and Dysport can soften fine lines, create a “chemical” brow lift  and overall achieve a more rested and youthful appearance. Strategically placed dermal filler injections add volume to the face and can create the appearance of a “liquid facelift”. Kybella reduces the appearance of a double chin, making the jawline appear more contoured and defined. Typically, a customized treatment plan combining several surgical treatments is necessary to achieve the patient’s desired aesthetic goal. At the Deschamps-Braly Clinic, our non-surgical procedures are performed by Jennifer Fick, a board-certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist with years of experience in cosmetic dermatology.

However, non-surgical treatments are not a replacement for a facelift for all patients. Patients with moderate to severe skin laxity or wrinkles and deep folds will see the best results from a surgical procedure. This is why an in-person consultation is crucial to decide which procedure will offer the results that you are looking for.

Facelifts for All Genders

When most people imagine the typical facelift patient, they will picture a woman first. However, facelifts can be a great option for all genders. While women make up the majority of facelift patients in the United States, a growing number of men are choosing the procedure as well. A skilled and experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Deschamps-Braly can maintain a masculine or androgynous appearance with careful, tailored facelift techniques.

The Right Age for a Facelift

Often, patients ask when the correct age for a facelift is. However, this answer truly varies for everyone. We all show signs at varying rates due to our genetics, skincare habits, lifestyle factors, and more. This means that the best age for a facelift—when you start seeing sagging or drooping skin and deeper wrinkles or lines through the lower face—will vary from patient to patient.

Generally speaking, patients are opting for facelifts at younger ages than they did in the past. In general, the average facelift patient is between the ages of 40-54. In some cases, however, younger patients will benefit most from preventative or non-surgical treatment options and are not yet ready for a surgery.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about your facelift options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Deschamps-Braly in San Francisco. Call (415) 877-6321 to schedule your appointment.

Both microneedling and PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) are known to make significant improvements in the skin’s tone and texture. These treatments are often combined to further stimulate new skin cell and collagen growth. You may have heard of this combination treatment referred to as a “vampire facial,” popular with celebrities and discussed in major publications. But what is the difference between microneedling alone and microneedling with PRP, and which option should you choose?

Benefits of Microneedling

Professional microneedling treatments with our aesthetic nurse specialist, Jennifer Fick, are completed using a mechanized pen-like device with a disposable cartridge containing very fine needles. Treating the skin with these tiny needles creates microscopic perforations in the skin’s surface, triggering the body’s natural healing response. There is no damage to the skin as the treatment is causing a controlled “injury” to the skin structures. The result is new skin cell, elastin, and collagen growth—for this reason, microneedling is also referred to as “collagen induction therapy.” A topical medical grade serum is applied before and after the microneedling treatment. Microneedling allows the serum to penetrate more deeply through the new channels created by the needles, increasing its effectiveness.

Microneedling can address common concerns including acne scars, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, burn scars, and even alopecia. In addition, microneedling treatments can reduce signs of aging like sun spots and fine lines and wrinkles.

Benefits of Microneedling with PRP

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a concentrated serum processed from the patient’s own blood. PRP works by utilizing the patients’ own natural platelets to instruct the body to create new collagen for tauter, smoother, and better toned skin. The PRP works by targeting the “injured” area caused by the micro-needling. The plasma serum behaves the same way the body would respond if there were an actual injury by rushing to aid the area in need by releasing growth factors and stimulating the production of new collagen. This is especially beneficial for patients who have concerns like scarring or deeper-set wrinkles, as PRP aids in repairing damaged tissues.

The use of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) delivered directly to the dermis enhances the micro-needling treatment for expedited healing and strengthening the skin’s tissue. The PRP also has factors which stimulate the blood supply to the skin to create a look of glow and overall refreshing rejuvenation.

Which Should I Choose?

Jennifer Fick often recommends microneedling with PRP over one of the two options alone. Combining these treatments allows for more effective results as well as a faster recovery time. In particular, the combination of microneedling with PRP is often strongly recommended for patients who have more severe concerns they would like to treat, such as scarring or deeper lines and wrinkles or significant sun damage. In contrast, those who have only minor concerns in their complexion, such as dullness or preventing aging signs before they appear, may see the results they are looking for from microneedling alone. The best treatment option varies for each unique patient, which is why an in-person consultation is so important. During your consultation, Jennifer will evaluate your concerns and skin type and determine a tailored treatment plan that will meet your needs and achieve your goal results.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about microneedling with PRP, schedule a consultation with Jennifer Fick, MSN, FNP-C, CANS at the Deschamps-Braly Clinic. Call our San Francisco office at (415) 877-6585 to schedule your appointment.

At the Deschamps-Braly Clinic, much of our work focuses on transgender individuals seeking gender affirming facial feminization or facial masculinization procedures. However, a considerable number of patients are also interested in achieving an androgynous look rather than a strictly masculine or feminine appearance. These patients include both nonbinary, genderfluid, or other gender minorities as well as binary cis or transgender patients who prefer to express themselves with an androgynous look.

However you identify, our aesthetic nurse specialist, Jennifer Fick, can help you enhance an androgynous appearance using non-surgical methods.

Non-Surgical Options for an Androgynous Look

When it comes to achieving an androgynous look, non-surgical options vary from patient-to-patient. During your consultation, Jennifer can recommend which features can be enhanced or adjusted to create a balance of traditionally masculine and feminine features that still appears natural and harmonious. For most patients, this means a combination of neuromodulators like Botox or Dysport with dermal fillers like Restylane.  

For a majority of Botox patients, the goal is a more youthful appearance. Brow shape and height can be feminine or masculine, and your natural brow shape can be altered using Botox or Dysport. It is possible to elevate and create a more arched appearance, feminizing the brow. It is also an option to slightly lower and straighten the brow, creating a more masculine shape.

Regardless of gender identity, many patients wish to have a more pronounced or contoured jawline. Dermal fillers can be placed to smooth, enhance, and contour the jawline. Technically, this could be considered masculinizing, but in reality, it can complement either gender, or provide a more androgynous appearance. In contrast, some patients have enlarged masseters (chewing muscles) from clenching or grinding at night. Botox can be injected in the jaw to relax and reduce the bulk of the muscles. This can not only reduce jaw pain, but also results in a slimmer and more feminine look.

Patients with submental fullness, or a “double chin” can benefit from a series of injection treatments with Kybella to dissolve excessive fat. Kybella is a synthetic bile salt and can permanently remove unwanted fat pockets. In doing so, it can improve the contour of the jawline, resulting in a more youthful appearance overall.

Adding volume and contour to the lips can create a more feminine appearance and restore lip volume that has been lost with time. This also holds true for adding volume to the cheek and temple areas, where the fat pads tend to shrink and shift over time. Cheek volume and shape is quite different between men and women, so care must be taken when adding volume to not feminize a male cheek if the desired outcome is to restore lost volume alone.  

The most appropriate treatment options depend on a patient’s innate and unique facial features and no two patients will have identical treatment plans. A thorough, in-person consultation and facial evaluation with Jennifer is necessary to successfully achieve the androgynous look each patient is wishing to achieve.  

Gender Affirmation for Nonbinary and Gender Minority Patients

For many patients, an androgynous look goes far beyond a fashion statement. Many may feel gender dysphoria related to their natural appearance and seek non-surgical options as part of a gender affirming treatment plan. If a more androgynous look will result in reduced dysphoria, this can often be achieved non-surgically. During a consultation, Jennifer can review your options.

Non-Surgical Options to Prepare for Gender Affirming Surgery

Some patients may pursue gender affirming craniofacial surgery to achieve a more androgynous look but are not yet ready for surgery. This may be because they are not yet ready to commit to permanent changes, they are waiting for the right time to undergo a surgery and recovery period, or countless other reasons. Whatever the case, non-surgical options may be best. In addition to temporarily changing the appearance with injectables, treatments such as IPL Photofacial or microneedling can create healthier skin prior to surgery to improve the healing process.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in achieving a more androgynous appearance through non-surgical treatment options, schedule a consultation with Jennifer Fick, MSN, FNP-C, CANS at the Deschamps-Braly Clinic in San Francisco. Call +1-415-877-6585 to schedule your appointment.

While a custom, medical-grade skin care routine may seem like a significant expense to those who are used to over-the-counter products, these products can make a significant difference in your skin’s health and appearance. As a board-certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist with over 20 years of experience in the cosmetic medical industry, Jennifer Fick has in-depth knowledge on effective skin care for varying skin types or concerns. Medical-quality skin care is one key component to improving your skin’s health and maintaining the results of both non-surgical and surgical cosmetic procedures.

Medical-Grade Skin Care vs. Over-the-Counter Skin Care

Medical-grade skin care is specifically formulated to better penetrate more evenly and into deeper layers of the skin compared to over the counter (OTC) products. Using patented ingredients and formulas, medical-grade products affect the skin in biological ways and penetrate below the stratum corneum, or the outermost layer of the skin. For this reason, over-the-counter skin care is only considered “cosmetic” in nature. A medical-grade products can only be purchased from qualified medical professionals.

The Importance of Active Ingredients

A key difference between medical-grade and over-the-counter skin care is the presence of active ingredients. Medical-grade skin care products often contain active ingredients such as retinol, peptides, and antioxidants. At the appropriate strength and concentration, these ingredients are highly effective in preventing or repairing damage and improving signs of aging. OTC products are limited and regulated to contain at most only 4% of any active ingredient, while the remainder of the product volume is comprised of petrolatum, water and other fillers or emollients. While OTC products may contain some active ingredients, it is a negligible amount.

Scientifically Proven Formulas

When developing a new medical-grade skin care product, the formula undergoes rigorous testing to meet specific medical standards and utilize the highest quality ingredients. These tests demonstrate that the product is effective and safe for a wide range of people. In comparison, over-the-counter products are mass produced. These products undergo less testing and are developed at a much faster pace in order to reduce the cost of production.

Custom Routines Offer Better Results

When you select your skin care product based on the advice of a medical professional, you can do away with the trial-and-error of purchasing over-the-counter products. This means that you will see results faster and waste less as you select your products. A professional like Jennifer Fick can guide you to products that are suited to your unique needs. For example, patients can benefit from products that support their skin health as they recover from facial plastic surgery or products which reduce signs of aging to complement results from treatments like laser resurfacing or injectables. As a cosmetic medicine professional, Jennifer can suggest the products that will be most effective for your unique skin type and needs.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about medical-grade skin care and the best options for your daily routine, schedule a consultation with Jennifer Fick at the Deschamps-Braly Clinic. Call our San Francisco office at +1-415-877-6585.