Injector Elisia

Non-surgical Nose Job. This patient was primarily concerned with her nose in profile view. She wanted to reduce the appearance of her nasal hump and subtly lift the tip without creating a dramatically lifted tip that can sometimes occur with surgical nose jobs or over correction. With strategic filler placement we were able to give her a straighter bridge and lifted tip for that softer profile view.

People often ask how we get noses to appear smaller even though we're actually adding volume. And it is quite the mystery. It's all about softening the harsh features that "stick out" and improving proportions. By giving the face that balance and harmony the nose almost always appears smaller.

What you hear as the PATIENT vs what I’m saying as the INJECTOR. There is always a thought process behind every decision. Just know that in the end I will always have your best interest at heart.

Today is Rare Disease Day. Rare diseases often get overlooked when it comes to research and funding due to lack of knowledge and understanding. It all begins with awareness. Awareness comes from talking about it which can be hard but necessary.

Meet Mason. He is 2.5 years old. He started having seizures at 2 months old. He was diagnosed with PIGA-CDG at 4 months old. This is a rare genetic condition. There are ~200 others in the world with the same diagnosis. This condition comes with treatment resistant epilepsy, hypotonia, developmental delay, gastrointestinal complications, among others.

Mason’s first year of life was quite challenging and he had to endure things no child should. There were medical doctors who told us things no parent should have to hear. Mason proved these doctors wrong in so many ways. We are fortunate. Things are much better now yet every day is unpredictable and comes with new challenges. Challenges of which many other families also face.

Mason has to work extra hard to do things most people don’t even have to think about. He goes to therapy 5 days/week. He has become far too familiar with hospitals and specialist visits. He jumps hurdles and overcomes obstacles every single day. He does this with poise and grace and usually a smile on his face. He is happy. He is loving. He loves snuggles and tickles. He lives for bouncing and swinging and flying and thrill. He loves music and books. His laugh lights up a room and his big toothy smile will melt even the hardest of hearts.

The reason for this post is to bring awareness. PIGA is one of many “rare diseases”. And although these diagnoses may be rare the lives they effect are abundant.

Treatments and cures are currently being explored but are often halted by limitations. Gene therapy is a promising treatment for not just Mason’s condition but potentially all “rare” genetic conditions. We have personally met with doctors who are exploring treatments as we speak but are halted by limitations, including lack of education, knowledge and funding. But it all begins with AWARENESS.

To all of the families affected by a “rare disease” we see you.