Smoking and Plastic Surgery Don’t Mix
If you’re a smoker and have had surgery in the past without complications, consider yourself lucky.
Tobacco smokers are at a much higher risk than non-smokers for complications that include impaired heart and lung functions, infections, and delayed wound healing.
And if you think that you don’t need to worry about that for plastic surgery, think again. Smoking and plastic surgery are a terrible pair.
How Smoking Impacts the Body
Cigarettes are chock full of chemicals. Over 4,000 of them. And these chemicals present a significantly higher risk for surgical complications in smokers.
The two biggest culprits are nicotine and carbon monoxide. Both of these decrease oxygen levels in the body and boost the risk of heart-related complications. In addition, the actual act of smoking damages the lungs and makes proper air flow through them difficult.
Furthermore, smoking negatively impacts the immune system. So when the body is attempting to heal from surgery, it’s going to take longer. This increases the risk of infection at the wound site.
And you don’t have to be a chain smoker for this to be the case. Smoking a single cigarette is enough to decrease the body’s ability to deliver nutrients for healing after any type of surgery.
Specific Complications for Smoking and Plastic Surgery
One of the worst effects of smoking is vasoconstriction. This is the narrowing of the blood vessels. When the vessels are narrowed, flow of blood and oxygen are compromised. This deters proper healing of the skin cells and increases the likelihood of skin cell death, or necrosis, on the wound.
But wait. There’s more.
When nicotine is present in the body, plastic surgery can result in loss of cheek skin, nipples, or belly skin after a facelift, breast lift, breast reduction, or tummy tuck surgery. It may also cause a loss of breast implants.
And because healing is delayed, scars are thicker and wider. Slower healing means more pain and also the possibility of infection or even blood clots – which can be fatal. Pair all of these with the other dangerous complications such as heart attack and stroke, and it’s clear that smoking and plastic surgery do not mix.
What About Marijuana or Other Alternatives?
When your doctor tells you not to smoke before surgery, this includes smoking tobacco in pipes, cigars, hookahs, as well as smoking marijuana. Carbon monoxide is created any time you smoke and this can lead to tissue death after surgery. Marijuana edibles or tinctures may be approved, however. You’ll need to discuss with your surgeon that option.
Meanwhile, vapes and e-cigs are not acceptable switch-outs for smoking either because even though there’s no carbon monoxide, they still contain nicotine. Even nicotine gums and patches should be avoided.
The general rule of thumb is that ANY type of smoking or nicotine use is going to be bad for your surgical outcome. Period.
Your Best Bet
If you are a smoker, evidence shows that quitting at least four weeks before surgery will not only lower your risk of complications, but you’ll notice better results six months after the plastic surgery procedure. You are also less likely to experience complications with anesthesia.
To heal properly, sustain results, and improve your overall health, ceasing the use of nicotine products altogether is really the only game in town. So if you’re considering a plastic surgery procedure and know you’ll need to quit for at least four weeks prior, now might be the time to consider quitting forever.
Change Your Appearance, Change Your Life
Are you a smoker who’s looking for a fresh new look with a facelift, tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or other plastic surgery procedure?
Contact us today.
Because now that you understand how smoking and plastic surgery don’t play well together, you may be inspired to quit for good. And your new look may just come with a new lease on life.
Is It Possible to Remove a C-Section Scar?
There’s no arguing that pregnancy is hard on a woman’s body. As such, many women decide to undergo a mommy makeover to restore their pre-pregnancy appearance. The procedure includes removing sagging skin, eliminating stretch marks, and creating a more contoured silhouette.
In addition to all of this, you could also completely remove a C-section scar if you have a tummy tuck. In this case, a cesarean scar is traded with a more aesthetic abdominoplasty scar below the bikini line.
Whatever the case, thanks to C-section scar removal procedures, women who’ve had a cesarean birth are no longer stuck with a prominent scar. And with proper care and additional post-procedure treatment, it can be almost unnoticeable.
Good Candidates for C-Section Scar Removal
If you’re frustrated by a C-section scar and don’t want a full tummy tuck, you may have tried various products that claim to reduce its appearance or remove it altogether. And you’ve likely found no success.
Scar revision surgery, on the other hand, is proven to reduce the prominence of a scar. Simply having had a cesarean birth does not qualify you for this procedure, however.
A good candidate for this surgery should be in good overall health. This includes being a non-smoker or having abstained from tobacco products for a minimum of six weeks. In addition, anyone suffering adverse skin conditions or acne around the scar area is also not considered a good candidate.
How Does a Plastic Surgeon Remove a C-Section Scar?
C-scar revision requires a local anesthetic, at the very least. Some patients will need to undergo some degree of sedation to ensure they remain calm and don’t experience pain during the surgery.
Once the patient is prepped, a board-certified plastic surgeon carefully makes incisions around the C-section scar and under it to free up the tissue. Doing this realigns the scar tissue to make it appear less prominent.
Any part of the scar that remains uplifted can then be excised using advanced surgical techniques. Furthermore, if the shape of the less prominent scar is unsightly in any way, the surgeon can also alter this to make it look better.
Recovery from Scar Removal Treatment
After the surgery, there are typically other non-surgical treatments and skincare procedures you’ll need to follow to help further reduce the appearance of any scarring. Depending on the nature of your job and how intensive the surgery is, you may want to take some time off from work.
In addition, you’ll be given specific post-operative instructions on treating the surgical scar to keep it clean and reduce the risk of infection.
It’s crucial that you attend all follow-up visits to ensure that your scar is healing properly. In the event that additional procedures are needed, your plastic surgeon may recommend laser treatments or other skin care options to help you achieve the most desirable aesthetic results.
Get Back Some of Your Pre-Pregnancy Body
Are you finished having children and are considering a mommy makeover? Do you meet all the requirements that make you a good candidate to remove a C-section scar or a tummy tuck?
If so, contact us today. During your consultation, we’ll determine whether scar removal is right for you and plan the optimal time to perform it in relation to your mommy makeover.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Can You Fix Drooping Eyelids Without Surgery?
Do you ever feel like your outside isn’t fairly representing your inside?
For example, how often is your good mood negatively impacted by looking in the mirror only to see sad and droopy eyelids reflected back at you?
It can be discouraging. But the good news is you may be able to fix drooping eyelids without surgery.
Yep, You CAN Fix Drooping Eyelids Without Surgery
Of course, if the sagging is severe and is affecting your vision, you’ll definitely want to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon – as nonsurgical options may not be effective.
However, if you’ve recently started noticing droopy eyelids and it’s enough to make you frown at your reflection (thus adding the potential of frown lines to your worries!) you may be able to skip the surgery.
There is a handful of options available.
- Dermal Fillers
A top choice for addressing sagging eyelids is dermal fillers. They deliver a subtle yet effective lift to give your eyes a rejuvenated appearance.
EZgel is a specific dermal filler that does more than just add volume to those drooping eyelids. It also stimulates your skin’s collagen production to restore structure and fullness around the eyelid area. EZgel uses your own cells, called platelets, combined with growth factors and albumin to fill and stimulate collagen production.
Because there’s a natural boost in collagen production through EZgel, the results are sustained for longer than with fillers that don’t have this benefit.
- Injections
Another effective solution is Botox. Unlike a dermal filler, Botox works to smooth the skin around the eyes through the use of neuromodulators. These are injected into the eyelid muscles to relax the orbicularis oculi – giving your eyes that open, alert, and youthful look. Botox is a great noninvasive option for lifting your sagging eyelids with minimal discomfort and zero downtime.
- Prescription Eye Drops
In specific situations where there’s mild to moderate excess skin around the eyes, your surgeon may recommend a visit to an ophthalmologist or eye specialist if s/he thinks you might benefit from prescription eye drops.
There is currently a prescription eye drop that temporarily raises the eyelid and improves eyelid muscle strength. As with all prescription drugs, there are caveats and side effects. So you’ll want to discuss this option with your provider.
An Ounce of Prevention…
As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. But there’s no preventing aging. You can slow down its ravages though. In addition, taking preventive measures after having fillers or injections will also slow the process of eyelid drooping.
For example, we all know at this point that there are negative effects to too much screen time. Yet, many of us have to be on our screens for work. So take regular breaks to prevent eye strain that can lead to eyelid drooping.
You should also use sun protection. Apply a sunscreen of at least SPF30 on the delicate skin around the eyes and always wear sunglasses to prevent early aging around the eyes.
Be sure you’re getting plenty of sleep because a lack of slumber can make your droopy eyelids sag even more. And drink plenty of water to give your skin (and body) the hydration it needs.
Finally, avoid smoking because it can have a significantly poor impact on your skin’s elasticity.
Do You Want to Brighten Your Eyes?
Don’t despair! Depending on your situation, it’s entirely possible to fix drooping eyelids without surgery.
Contact us today to consult with our specialists to discuss your aesthetic goals and find out which would be the most beneficial procedure for you.
And bring that sparkle back to your eyes!
Top Questions About Chin Implant Surgery
How do you feel about your reflection when you look in the mirror? Some folks are pleased with their reflection straight on but aren’t satisfied with how it looks from the side.
This is usually because of issues with the chin losing definition and blending in with the neck. Fortunately, there are chin augmentation procedures to address this issue.
Sound familiar? If you’re curious about contouring your jawline, take a look at some of the most common questions about chin implant surgery.
Am I a Good Candidate for Chin Implant Surgery?
If you’re dissatisfied with the look of your profile because of your chin or neck and want a bolder jawline, then chin implant surgery could be the perfect solution. It will improve the definition of that region of your face. Plus, combining chin implants with liposuction of the neck could give you the ultimate contour and profile!
Keep in mind though that this is surgery. You must be over the age of 18 and in good health. Plus, if you’re a smoker, you’ll need to quit smoking for 4-6 weeks before the procedure.
What Can I Expect During the Procedure?
Chin implant surgery requires general anesthesia so you will be unconscious during the entire procedure. The procedure is generally completed within an hour.
Once you’ve been safely anesthetized, a board-certified plastic surgeon will make an incision either under your chin or through your mouth. The surgeon will then place an implant on top of the existing chin bone, sew up the incision, and bandage the area.
The vast majority of chin implants are made with silicone so that it feels natural to the touch and nobody will be able to tell you’ve had surgery.
How Is Recovery from Chin Implant Surgery?
Once you awaken, you will feel groggy from the anesthesia. This will fade. There will be light swelling which is normal and will diminish over the following weeks or months.
To prevent swelling, your surgeon will ask you to sleep face-up. He or she will probably recommend a cold compress as well. And you may need to take a few days to a week off to rest. Within a week, you should be cleared to return to most of your daily activities.
The pain is relatively minimal with chin implant surgery. Even so, you will probably be prescribed pain medications. The most important thing you can do is follow your surgeon’s instructions both before and after the surgery. And let the surgeon know if there are any post-op issues.
The great news is that chin implant surgery results are permanent.
Is Chin Implant Surgery Right for Me?
If you’re left with questions about chin implant surgery, you need to consult a trusted plastic surgeon to discuss whether this is a viable option for you. There’s a possibility that you may be able to do fillers instead of having surgery.
Whatever the case, you deserve to feel satisfied with your reflection, no matter what the angle.
So contact us today to set up a free consultation. We’ll recommend the most appropriate method way to strike a balanced and harmonious appearance.
Do CBD and Plastic Surgery Mix?
In previous posts, we’ve gone into some detail about the risks associated with smoking and/or drinking alcohol before surgery.
But given the increasing popularity and availability of cannabis products, you might be wondering – what about CBD and plastic surgery? What’s the recommendation for that?
Could this seemingly harmless and often helpful substance be a hindrance to surgery? We’ll take a look.
What Is CBD?
Cannabis plants are loaded with cannabinoids which can have varying effects on the human endocannabinoid system. The most well-known of these is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Of all the cannabinoids, THC is the only one that is psychoactive – meaning that it causes a high.
The second most well-known and abundant cannabinoid is cannabidiol or CBD. While CBD does not have a psychoactive effect, it is used for therapeutic purposes including epilepsy, insomnia, and anxiety. So those who take CBD regularly for any of these conditions may be reticent about stopping its usage. That’s understandable.
But is a patient required to stop taking CBD before plastic surgery?
Research on CBD and Plastic Surgery Is Still Minimal
While CBD is not in the same camp as alcohol and tobacco/nicotine in terms of riskiness, it’s still generally advised that patients stop taking products with CBD before surgery.
Because marijuana continues to be prohibited on the federal level, very little research has been funded over the years concerning the risks and benefits of its many cannabinoids. And this makes medical professionals hesitant to say that CBD is completely safe when combined with surgery.
At the time of this publication, there is research pointing to CBD as potentially having an anticoagulant effect. Anticoagulants prevent blood from clotting and because proper blood clotting is required to prevent excessive bleeding during surgery, they are discouraged.
As research continues around CBD, however, doctors and surgeons will likely alter their recommendations on CBD for their patients. So each patient must ensure that their physician is aware of any CBD usage.
Is CBD Okay After Surgery?
As stated above, the research is not abundant on CBD and plastic surgery. There is some evidence that CBD is effective in managing symptoms after orthopedic surgeries. At this time, however, there is hardly a wide body of research to back this.
In addition, there can be quality control issues with CBD supplements. This is especially the case in states that have yet to legalize marijuana and don’t have strict testing protocols. As such, taking post-surgical CBD products could result in unpredictable effects.
Most surgeons, at this point, encourage patients to stick with the tried and true take-home prescription for the first few days and then return to regularly taking CBD products sometime after that regimen is over.
What About THC for Pain Relief?
The jury is no longer out on whether THC is good for managing pain. There’s enough research and anecdotal evidence to say that it is. It’s particularly beneficial for those struggling with chronic pain as a result of damage to nerve endings.
That being said, there’s still not much research on how helpful THC is in treating surgical pain – which is not the same as nerve pain. What’s more, it would be difficult to recommend a dosage.
So even if you live in a place where THC is legal, your doctor/surgeon is likely to recommend staying on the course of prescription painkillers and then OTC medications since these are tested and approved by the FDA.
Research on CBD in the Medical World Continues to Evolve
As marijuana legalization expands, so too does the research that’s funded for it. So even if the idea of combining CBD and plastic surgery seems risky now, that could change considerably in even just a year.
If you’re a regular CBD user who’s considering plastic surgery, talk to a qualified and board-certified plastic surgeon who’s up on the latest research and protocols.
Contact us today to set up a free consultation. Things may have already changed!
The Ultimate Prep List for Your Mommy Makeover
If you’re gearing up for a mommy makeover, you’re probably feeling excited about getting back to a leaner and more toned body.
Even so, it is surgery. So to get the most out of your procedure, there are things you’ll need to consider both before and after your surgery.
In other words, you’re going to need the ultimate prep list for your mommy makeover.
What Should Be on Your Prep List for Your Mommy Makeover
Because a mommy makeover consists of multiple surgeries, there are several actions you’ll need to take in preparing for this life-changing procedure.
Plus, recovery can take anywhere from two to four weeks before swelling, bruising, and tenderness subsides. Getting yourself set up ahead of time is going to make the whole process easier and more comfortable.
With that in mind, we’ve got five pre- and post-op tips to make your mommy makeover a success.
- Arrange a Pre-Operative Physical
This one isn’t a tip as much as a requirement.
Your surgeon will ask you to get a physical before your surgery to ensure that you’re in good health. This is true even if you had a check-up in the past year and everything came back okay. You’ll still need an updated exam for your health and safety.
- Avoid Anything with Nicotine
If you’re a nicotine connoisseur, you’ll need to put the kibosh on your habit. This includes smoking cigarettes, vaping nicotine products, and even nicotine patches. We know this is tough, but having nicotine in your system greatly increases the risk of complications during surgery. It also hinders your healing progress.
Your surgeon will give you guidelines as to when to quit. And as tempted as you may be to have a cheat day, it’s crucial to your health that you don’t give in.
- Load Up on the “Comfort” Essentials
During your recovery, you want to be as comfortable as possible. So the first order of business is to get some zip-up hoodies and button-down nightwear that don’t require you to pull clothing over your head. You can also put your maternity clothing back to good use since it’ll be loose around your waist.
Also, you don’t want to fall during recovery. Plus, you’ll be sore and stiff for a few days. So another consideration is no-slip socks or slippers so you can stay steady on your feet.
Finally, you won’t be able to shower for the first few days during recovery. If you’re used to a daily shower and feel like you can’t go on without it, have some dry shampoo on hand.
- Get Your Medications Set Up
Your surgeon will likely recommend that you get your prescriptions filled ahead of time to manage your pain. Plus, if you haven’t had surgery in the past, you may not be aware that anesthesia and pain medication can cause constipation. So picking up stool softeners is also a good idea.
- Plan on (and Accept!) Help
Finally, if you’re someone who has trouble asking for and accepting help, now is the time to practice letting that go. You’ll need at least a week, possibly two, to rest and relax without engaging in your normal activities. That means someone else is going to need to be there to help with the kids, pets, and household chores such as laundry, shopping, and meal prep.
Give Yourself the Gift of a Mommy Makeover
You’ve earned it!
Plus, now that you’ve got the essential prep list for your mommy makeover, there’s nothing stopping you from moving forward.
So contact us today to set up a free consultation. And get started on your return to your pre-pregnancy confidence.
5 Great Benefits of a Facelift
Once upon a time, a facelift, or rhytidectomy, was a procedure only available to the elite. That is no longer the case. And given the many benefits of a facelift, they’ve become increasingly commonplace.
Plus, you needn’t be a particular age to be an ideal candidate for a facelift procedure. While the most common age range for most patients seeking a facelift is between 50 and 65, they can be performed on anyone troubled by sagging skin or unwanted wrinkles.
And while facelifts are often targeted at women, they’re effective for men as well. So if you’re considering this procedure, now is the time!
What Are the Benefits of a Facelift?
Okay, you may not be ready to jump right in just yet. That’s smart. It’s a good idea to do a little research before you have any procedure. After all, a facelift will change your appearance.
But when handled by a skilled board-certified surgeon with a proven track record, that change will be for the better. A successful facelift can do the following:
- Tighten Skin and Get Rid of Jowls
It is often the 50+ crowd seeking facelifts because of the reduced levels of collagen production that come from aging. They begin to notice their skin has started sagging or wrinkling. In addition, for those who weren’t terribly diligent about using SPF protection over the years, there may be sun damage.
Over-the-counter and prescription creams can help for a while. But eventually, they can’t do the job in tightening and smoothing out those wrinkles. Plus, no cream on the market can get rid of the sagging skin that’s concentrated around the jawline and creates jowls. In all of these cases, a facelift removes that excess skin, tightens the neck and facial muscles, and contours the jaw and upper neck area to provide a more youthful appearance.
- Target Various Signs of Aging
Along with the aforementioned factors of lower collagen production and sun damage, the impact of years of stress, poor eating, and/or smoking can negatively impact your skin.
Facelifts can restore your youthful appearance by targeting various signs of aging, resulting in a tighter appearance of the face and neck. Fortunately, a facelift targets sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and creases that appear between the nose and mouth, as well as those extending from the mouth to chin. In addition, if needed, excess fat is removed – and all in one procedure.
Speaking of excess fat…
- Reduce or Eliminate a Double Chin
Sagging and wrinkles on the skin of the neck come with aging. But for some patients, extra skin or excess fat has formed around their neck giving the appearance of a double chin.
This excess skin on the chin renders them much older-looking than they are. It is also a source of embarrassment or even discomfort when wearing certain clothes. In this case, a neck lift may be added to a facelift to remove that excess fat and tighten the skin.
- Deliver Natural-Looking Results
Facelifts of the past were easy to spot. The patient often appeared to have plastic wrap stretched across their face and everyone knew they had “work” done.
Plastic surgery has come a long way since then. Today’s procedures are far more advanced. Plus, surgeons have learned new skills that allow for a more naturally reinvigorated appearance for their patients.
- Leave No Visible Surgical Scars
While the location and size of incisions will vary from one facelift patient to the next, they are all designed to be invisible. This doesn’t mean non-existent of course. But in most cases, incisions are made behind the ear or along the hairline so as not to be apparent.
Feeling More Confident About a Facelift?
While you can’t turn back the clock, bringing a more youthful glow back to your face is just one of the many benefits of a facelift.
So if you’re ready to smooth out those wrinkles or say goodbye to that double chin, then contact us today.
During your free consultation, you’ll learn about all of the facelift options available to you so you can move forward with confidence – and a smile.
Look Rejuvenated with Fat Transfer to the Face
Do you ever look in the mirror and wonder what happened to the lower third of your face?
It might sound like a weird question, but if you’re of a certain age, you probably understand. As we age, precious collagen reserves are depleted in this area of the face. The result?
Sagging skin and decreased volume. Fortunately, fat transfer to the face can help rejuvenate your appearance. And it can be done as a stand-alone or in conjunction with facelift surgery.
Who Is (and Isn’t) a Good Candidate for Facial Fat Transfers?
You’re a good candidate for facial fat transfer if you’re noticing long lines between the nose and mouth, areas of the face look creased or sunken, scarring from acne, or just general loss of a youthful facial appearance.
Because this procedure does require surgery, tobacco users unwilling to quit smoking and/or those with multiple or uncontrolled medical problems are not good candidates.
In addition, because the procedure requires fat from your body to be transferred to the face, if you have little or no overall body fat, you will also not be a good candidate.
Fat Transfer Vs. Fillers
You may be curious as to why someone would choose a surgical procedure rather than just use fillers.
Yes, fillers are less invasive and they require far less downtime. Yet, for patients who are looking for an approach that doesn’t include synthetic materials, fat grafts come as a more natural option. And since you’re having your own organic material injected back into your body, there are fewer risks and side effects.
Finally, another benefit of fat transfer over fillers is the amount of time they last. Fillers are a temporary fix and require regular treatments. A fat transfer, on the other hand, are more permanent and will last a much longer time.
What Does a Fat Transfer to the Face Involve?
The procedure is straightforward. And in most cases, a facial fat transfer is with local anesthesia or sedation in an outpatient setting.
You and your surgeon will need to determine the area of your body from which you’d like the fat transferred. This is your donor site. The surgeon will make a small incision there and insert a cannula that’s connected to a syringe for extraction purposes.
Of course, the fat isn’t just taken from one spot to another. Once it’s extracted, it is processed in a centrifuge that separates the poor quality fat cells from those that are viable.
The viable fat cells are then injected into the face. The cannula is typically inserted and withdrawn multiple times to deposit lines of fatty tissue parcels in natural tissue planes. This enables the surgeon to achieve the desired affect.
Recovering from the Procedure
Every body will have a different recovery story. But as stated above, because you’re working with all organic materials, there are fewer risks and complications.
Once the transfer is completed, you’ll be monitored for a short time and then sent home (somebody will have to drive you).
You may experience minor discomfort and swelling immediately following the procedure, but it’s typically gone within a week to ten days. You’ll also need to sleep on your back with your head elevated in the first week and not rub your face for two weeks. Soft washing is permitted.
In addition, you’ll want to avoid strenuous activity, swimming, aerobic exercise, or lifting anything heavier than 20 pounds until your incisions are healed. This usually takes a couple of weeks at the most.
Finally, be sure to keep your scheduled return visits.
Get Back to Smiling When You Look in the Mirror
If you’re ready for that fuller face from your youth, then you’re probably a great candidate for a fat transfer to the face procedure.
Contact us today to set up your free consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon.
Then smile!
Could You Be a Candidate for a Neck Lift?
It’s not surprising that the neck scarf is popular among older people for hiding crepey, drooping, or wrinkled skin. They’ll sport a scarf even in the middle of the summer.
Unlike other areas of the body, the neck doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. And there are almost no over-the-counter treatments that make any kind of difference.
Fortunately, a plastic surgeon can perform a neck lift to restore a more youthful contour and sharper jawline.
Are You a Good Candidate for a Neck Lift?
If you have a double chin, excess fat or drooping skin on the lower face, wrinkly or crepey neck skin, or loose sagging skin that gives the appearance of a ‘turkey neck,’ you may have resigned yourself to a less-than-attractive neckline. You don’t have to though.
If you’re a nonsmoker (or willing to quit), are in generally good health, and have no medical conditions that will slow healing, a neck lift can alter your profile and jawline in such a way that you’ll look years younger.
Another key component is the ability to be realistic about the outcome. When you have a full understanding that a neck lift is not going to drastically change your appearance or stop the aging process, you will be more satisfied with the results.
What To Expect From a Neck Lift Procedure
A neck lift, or in doctorly terms a platysmaplasty, is surgery. That means you’ll be under anesthesia.
The surgeon makes an incision that typically follows the contour from the top of your ear to your lower hairline on each side. Then depending on your specific needs, the surgeon may sculpt, remove, or redistribute excess fat. Tissues may need to be repositioned and tightened and skin will be redraped and positioned over the new contours. Excess skin is trimmed away.
In the case of a double chin, there will also be liposuction to tighten the area.
Neck Lift Recovery
You will need to keep your head elevated and limit the movement of your neck to keep the stitches intact. There may or may not be a drain near the incision site to avoid fluid build-up and lessen swelling.
Any residual bruising or swelling you experience could last for several weeks. As that goes down, you’ll begin to see your new and improved contours.
Follow the specific instructions your doctor will give you to ensure you get the best possible results and quickest recovery.
Are There Non-Surgical Options?
A neck lift is surgery. There’s no way around that. And while there are non-surgical options, they will not achieve the same results.
Even so, if you’re just starting to notice changes in your neck, nonsurgical rejuvenation treatments can delay your need for surgery. Or if you’ve had a neck lift, these non-surgical treatments can complement the results.
If your issues are not advanced, nonsurgical options offer a quicker recovery time and fewer risks. Botox, for example, can reduce banding. Dermal fillers can bring more volume. Microneedling rejuvenates the skin by stimulating collagen production. And laser treatments can provide textural improvements.
You can always discuss these with your plastic surgeon.
Is a Neck Lift Right for You?
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your neck because of aging, you could be the perfect candidate for a neck lift.
You may also find that a non-surgical technique delivers what you need. Whatever the case, you don’t need to be unhappy with your neck any longer.
Contact us today to set up a free consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon. You’ll be pointed in the direction that will garner the best results for you.
What to Expect – Recovering From a Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty, better known as a tummy tuck, is one of the most popular plastic surgeries performed in the world. It’s no wonder – given what an effective procedure it is for body contouring.
Even so, recovering from a tummy tuck requires patience, diligence, and the ability to deal with some discomfort. There are many factors that affect each person’s tummy tuck recovery. A mini tummy tuck, for example, will require less recovery than an extended tummy tuck.
Whatever the case, the best way to minimize postoperative complications is to follow the recovery instructions exactly as prescribed by your surgeon.
Recovering From a Tummy Tuck Overview
Generally speaking, most patients take 1-3 weeks off from work after a tummy tuck – though some will do less. Depending on the scope of the surgery, you’ll be able to return to regular activities such as cooking and driving within a week or two.
If your job is physically demanding, you’ll need to plan plenty of time off for your recovery. In addition, if you’re a fitness fanatic, you’ll be advised to ease back into your workout routine slowly and mindfully.
There are other factors that will significantly slow your recovery, such as smoking and drinking alcohol. So those will need to be avoided for optimal recovery. If you are prescribed narcotics, you will be able to drive once you stop taking them.
We’ll break it down into a more detailed timeline:
- First Week
The first week of recovery is usually the most uncomfortable. While rest is important for healing, you’ll also need to walk around for about five minutes every two hours to help prevent blood clots and promote the return of bowel function.
Along with having to wear compression garments, you’ll experience swelling, bruising, and soreness in the abdomen. You can also expect to experience exhaustion during the first one to three days post-op.
Pain medication will be prescribed and you can use ice packs outside of compression garments to further reduce swelling. Following the medication schedule as prescribed at the beginning will result in having to take significantly less medication for pain in the long run. During surgery, Exparel – a long-acting local anesthetic block – will be injected before you wake up to provide additional pain control.
- Second Week
The pain begins to subside and bruising continues to fade by the second week of recovery. While swelling decreases at this time, it is still present. Thus, you’ll need to continue wearing your compression garment.
Some patients feel well enough to return to work in seven to ten days, provided they don’t have a strenuous job. Any activity during this time should be slow and gentle though. Taking light walks is recommended during this time to increase blood circulation and prevent blood clots. If pain medication is still required, you’ll want to continue to follow the instructions as written.
Even if you’re feeling a lot better, you should continue to avoid lifting anything over 15-20 pounds or partaking in vigorous cardio.
Toward the end of that second week, you’ll be able to resume your normal diet and, should you wish, return to drinking alcohol in moderation. Because smoking is counter-indicated to proper healing, many patients choose their recovery time as an opportunity to quit smoking altogether.
- First Month
Around the third or fourth week, the pain, swelling, and bruising are greatly reduced. For some patients, they’re nearly or completely gone. Once you’re at that point, you’ll no longer need your compression garment.
- Second Month
For the vast majority of patients, life returns to normal and you’ll be able to resume more rigorous physical activity during the second month. Some patients are cleared around six weeks to do this, while others may have to wait until the end of the second month.
The Long View
Although the two-month point is when most patients are ready to get back out into the world, it’s not uncommon to experience some numbness for months afterward. There may also be occasional swelling as well as twinges of abdominal pain. All of this is normal and no need for concern. Different sorts of shapewear (such as Spanx) can assist with these.
Change Your Life With Body Contouring
While recovering from a tummy tuck can be a little challenging, the payoff is so worth it.
So if you’re ready to explore how a tummy tuck could improve your confidence and boost your self-esteem, contact us today.
We’ll guide you through the procedure, as well as the recovery, so you know exactly what to expect.
