Articles & FAQ

AquaShape® Liposuction

What is it?
AquaShape® is the latest advance in gentle in-office liposuction. It uses pulses of pure water to wash away areas of fat from anywhere on the body.

How does it work?
Through a tiny incision, a small tube is inserted, allowing pulses of water to dislodge the fat under the skin. It separates the fat from other tissue gently and quickly, causing minimal trauma both to the patient and to the removed fat. All performed conveniently, in our Bethlehem Township, PA surgical suite.

What areas can be treated?
Almost any area of the body can be treated, most frequently the abdomen, hips, thighs, knees, arms and beneath the chin. Because it is quick, with minimal downtime, some patients choose to treat more than one area at a time. But treatments can be spaced out, if desired.

When can I return to normal activity?
Recovery is quick and easy. Most patients say they are pain free after a few days.

Is it permanent?
Fat cells that are removed do not grow back. If there is any future weight gain, it will be distributed elsewhere on the body.

Is it right for me?
The ideal candidate for AquaShape® liposuction is in good health and not more than 25 pounds overweight. It is especially helpful for those with exercise-resistant fat deposits.

Botox®, Xeomin®, Dysport®

What is it?
Botox® Cosmetic, Xeomin® and Dysport® are all prescription medicines made from onabotulinumtoxinA, a purified protein that temporarily improves the look of moderate-to-severe facial expression lines.

How do they work?
All three brands are simple, nonsurgical treatments that are injected directly into the appropriate facial muscles. They work by blocking the nerve impulses to the injected muscles. This prevents the muscles from creating those unwanted lines.

What are they used for?
They are used to soften/eliminate Dynamic Facial Lines, which are the expression lines that form with facial animation.

Do they always work?
When administered correctly Botox®, Xeomin® and Dysport® always work.If you have not had success in the past, the injections were not placed correctly or they were used to treat lines that are not considered Dynamic Facial Lines. Dr. Sackman will only prescribe the right product for you. His experience and skill insures that you will see results.

When will I see results/How long do they last?
3-5 days following treatment, the injected lines will soften or be eliminated. This will last 3-4 months. After that, muscles gradually return to normal. Sometimes, after repeated treatments, the muscles weaken, causing the results to last up to 6 months.

Will it hurt?
At Enhancements, in Bethlehem Township, PA, patients are given ice packs to apply prior to treatment. The ice numbs the area and most patients say there is no pain or minimal pain. Some of our regular patients forego the ice altogether saying that Dr. Sackman is so quick and light with the needles they don't need to be numb.

Will Botox®, Xeomin® or Dysport® alter my facial expressions?/Are there side effects?
These injections will not prevent you from forming your normal expressions, when administered by a skilled surgeon such as Dr. Sackman. You will still be able to raise and lower your brows and smile fully. Most patients experience no side affects at all. But, occasionally, the needles may cause some temporary bruising which usually subsides within 5 days or less. You may also see some tiny needle spots at the injection site which disappear within hours. The application of a safe mineral makeup can camouflage the bruising or redness, allowing you to greet the world with confidence.

Corrective Fillers: Sculptra®, Juvederm®, Restylane®, Radiesse®

What are they for?
Fillers are used to treat static lines, the lines that are always with you, even when your face is still. The most common of these are smile lines and marionette lines.

How do they work?
Fillers add volume within the skin. Most stimulate the skin to replace the collagen that is lost with aging.

How do I know which one is right for me?
Dr. Sackman has years of experience using dermal fillers, in Bethlehem Township, PA, as well as in New York and New Jersey. He is familiar with each one and will help you decide which is your best choice.

Will it hurt?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort, which is alleviated by ice packs and/or anesthetic creams. Almost all of the fillers contain anesthetic medication. The first injection numbs the area so that the others are painless.

What about afterwards?
A mild redness or swelling can occur at the injection site. With all injections there is the possibility of bruising. Any after effects are easily camouflaged by an application of Enhancements Mineral Makeup and will clear up in 1-5 days.

Will I look natural?
Dr. Sackman aims for totally natural rejuvenation. He will not overdo. His vast experience with all of the fillers means he knows which will give you the look you want. His surgical skills ensure that the filler will be precisely and artistically placed for the best results.

When will I see results?
Depending on the product, results can be instant, after only one treatment, or may appear gradually over several months and after several treatments. Dr. Sackman can explain the options to you.

Surgery with Dr. Sackman

Do I have to go to the hospital?
Almost all of Dr. Sackman's cosmetic surgeries are performed in his comfortable, in-office suite, in Bethlehem Township, PA. That means less expense, less paperwork and a quicker, more relaxed experience.

Will I be awake?
Most procedures can be done with local anesthesia and the help of our caring staff. A sedative can be added to calm the jitters. General anesthesia can be arranged, if needed.

Can I drive afterward?
Most of the time, if you have had local anesthesia without sedation, you may drive home. The exception would be for surgery around the eyes (eyelid tucks), when temporary swelling might make it unsafe to drive.

IPL - Intense Pulsed Light

What is it?
IPL is a mini-procedure, which uses an intense light to remove almost any skin discoloration such as freckles, age spots, red-spots, spider veins, birth marks and small moles.

How is it performed?
A cold gel is applied to the skin first, then a small, bright light is applied in short bursts. A cold air blower may be used during treatment to neutralize the slight sting.

What happens afterward?
There is no recovery time for IPL. The treated area may be slightly pink for a short time. You should not expose your skin to the sun after treatment. A strong sunblock should be applied daily.

Am I a candidate for IPL?
IPL has the potential to cause skin discoloration on darker skinned people. Dr. Sackman will evaluate you during the consultation to be sure it will be a good procedure for your skin type.

Lip Enhancement

What is Lip Enhancement?
Sometimes called Lip Enlargement, Lip Contouring, or Lip Reshaping, Lip Enhancement is a way to have fuller, shapelier lips, by using a corrective filler.

How many treatments do I need?
Only one treatment is needed and you will see the results immediately. If you want to increase the size of your lips by a lot, we might suggest a series of smaller treatments for a subtle, less obvious change.

How long does it last?
Usually 5-7 months, but some patients may have results for up to 1 year.

Does it hurt?
Ice will be applied to the area first, numbing the mouth and minimizing discomfort. Keep in mind that a physician's technique plays a large part in your comfort. Dr. Sackman has many years of experience using corrective fillers. Most patients find the before-care at Enhancements, as well as the quickness and light touch that come with a surgeon's skill, combine to make the procedure tolerable and easy. Nonetheless, anesthetic medications are available if needed.

Will it look natural?
Good results should always be natural looking. Injections must be precisely and artistically placed, which is why it is important to seek out a Facial Plastic Surgeon with experience, such as Dr. Sackman. He is easy to find in Bethlehem Township, PA.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

What is it?
SmartXide Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Rejuvenation is the safest, most advanced laser technology available for reducing wrinkles, acne scarring, pigmentation problems and loose skin. This exciting new approach to CO2 laser therapy has reinvented laser resurfacing. Dr. Sackman is an official trainer for the SmartXide Dot Therapy Laser.

How does it work?
It uses tiny pulses of laser energy to carefully remove the outer layers of skin, causing new and improved skin growth. The doctor can customize the setting and tailor the treatment for you. The microscopic holes placed in your skin induce immediate skin tightening and stimulate collagen growth. The laser leaves healthy tissue behind, enabling your skin to heal more rapidly.

What is the procedure like?
A topical anesthetic is applied to your skin before the procedure. As the doctor moves the laser around the treatment area, you will experience a slight warmth, nothing uncomfortable. The procedure is quick, usually around 20 minutes for a full face. A cold compress will be applied immediately following.

How long does it take to heal?
Redness, similar to sunburn, is present for 3-4 days. As the redness subsides, you may experience some peeling of the old skin, while the new skin emerges. It is important to continually apply hydrating lotion to promote healing and relieve dryness. For most people, there is almost no downtime. More aggressive treatments may take longer to heal.

How many treatments will I need?
Improvement can be achieved in a single session. However, for best results, you may need a series of treatments spaced about a month apart. Stop by our Bethlehem Township, PA office, for a free consultation.

Laser Hair Removal

How does it work?
The hair removal laser heats each hair shaft to destroy the root. Only hair that is actively growing can be removed. Because hair grows in cycles, the procedure must be repeated several times to reach all of the hair and to be effective.

How many treatments are needed?
Currently, it is believed that 5 treatments are needed to remove most of the hair from an area.

Can all hair be treated?
Some lasers are not safe for use on darker skin. At Enhancements, in Bethlehem Township, PA, we currently use two different types of lasers so that we can safely accommodate most clients. Unfortunately, white, gray or light blond hair cannot be removed. The best results occur for people with dark hair and light skin.

Liquid Face Lift

What is a liquid face lift?
Recent technologies and new products are making it possible to gently lift and contour a face without surgery. Skilled surgeons can achieve the results of a traditional face lift without the invasive techniques and long recovery time of the past. Using one or more injectable fillers can provide you with the refreshed look you want.

Is it for me?
If you are unhappy with the effects of aging on your appearance, the bags and circles under your eyes, the loss of definition in your cheeks and jawline, your wrinkles, or if you are just looking for a friendlier smile and a more rested look, but don't like the idea of surgery, this may be your answer.

Is it permanent?
Nothing is permanent, not even plastic surgery, although a liquid lift lasts only as long as the filler that is used. Periodic touch ups are required to maintain the desired outcome.

Does it hurt?
A physician's technique plays a large part in your comfort. Dr. Sackman has been fully trained in Liquid Face Lift and is a member of the Liquid Face Lift Association. Membership in the association is limited to highly skilled physicians who meet strict criteria. Dr. Sackman has many years of experience using filler injections, in Bethlehem Township, PA, New York City, and New Jersey. Most patients find the before-care at Enhancements, as well as the quickness and light touch that come with a surgeon's skill, combine to create an easy, if not entirely pain-free, experience.

Instalift™

What is it?
Instalift is a unique dual-action minimally invasive treatment that redefines facial and neck contours for a natural, younger look WITHOUT SURGERY. With state of the art suspension sutures men and women get immediate lifting and volumization of the face, jowls and/or neck.

How does it work?
Very thin “strings” are inserted through tiny needle holes. Once inserted, Dr. Sackman will lift and reposition the skin to obtain the desired effect. The number of sutures applied depends on skin laxity ,the condition of your skin and  your cosmetic needs.

When will I see results/How long does it last?
Results are immediate! Even better, the Instalift™ strings stimulate a gradual regeneration of collagen to add volume, a result that gets better over time and offers long term improvement.

Will it hurt?
Before the treatment, Dr. Sackman will explain where the sutures will be placed using a marking pen. He then injects a local anesthetic so there is very little discomfort during or after treatment. There are no stitches or bandages required and little or no downtime.