Make Your Botox Last Longer
If you’re seeing the signs of aging, you know that nothing in life is permanent. And while Botox can address some of those signs, the results are also not permanent.
That’s no reason to throw in the towel on attaining a more youthful appearance though.
Getting Botox can go a considerable distance in smoothing out wrinkles and restoring your confidence. And there are certain things you can do to make your Botox last longer.
What Is Botox?
When you hear the word Botox, you may think of botulism and wonder why you’d ever inject something like that into your body.
The fact is, Botox is derived from a natural bacteria that’s found in lakes, forests, and soils. It’s also present in the intestinal tracts of mammals and fish. The spores of this bacteria are basically harmless.
Problems only occur when the spores transform and the cell population increases. At this point, they start producing Botulinum toxin. This is the neurotoxin that leads to botulism.
When Botox is used in a therapeutic context, however, it is safe. The amounts of the Botulinum toxin are miniscule. There is only enough to temporarily paralyze the muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Most people use Botox to treat wrinkles around the eyes, lines at the corners of the mouth, horizontal creases in the forehead, or “cobblestone” skin on the chin. The effects are temporary though.
How To Make Your Botox Last Longer
While there are ways to maximize your results, your first order of business is to find an experienced provider. If you settle for “discount” Botox, you can expect that your results will not only be lackluster, but they won’t last very long.
So once you’ve found a highly experienced provider and feel confident with your Botox treatment, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure your results last longer.
- Take Zinc
Studies show that zinc is effective in extending the effects of Botox by up to 30%. In fact, the results of a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, showed that almost 92% of the patients who took zinc noticed their results quicker and reported they lasted several weeks longer.
If you make the decision to have Botox, you’ll need to start taking zinc twice per day for four days before your treatment.
- Stay Out of the Sun
As eager as you may be to get out there and shine some light on your results, you’ll want to avoid the sun. This is particularly important on the day of treatment.
Exposure to the sun boosts blood circulation and causes the blood vessels to dilate. As a result, it could cause the Botox to disperse faster than normal.
So lather up with a sunscreen that has a minimum 30 SPF to sustain those results.
- Free Your Face From Abrasion
Finally, for the first week after treatment, you’ll need to avoid putting any sort of product on your face that causes abrasion. These include scrubs, toners, masks, or any abrasive cleaners.
You’ll also want to consider getting regular Botox treatments to weaken the muscles that cause wrinkles. Doing so will also help the effects last longer.
Curious About Botox?
Now that you have the intel on how to make your botox last longer, are you ready to start smoothing out some of those lines and wrinkles?
If so, then contact us today.
During your free consultation with our highly experience staff, you’ll find out about how this simple procedure can make a big difference in your appearance.
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.
How Botox Works
There’s beauty in aging. But that doesn’t mean you have to giggle about your laugh lines or give a celebratory caw for those crow’s feet.
If you’re troubled by the increasing number of wrinkles showing up seemingly every time you glance in the mirror, then you may want to consider Botox.
You might say, “But why would I want to inject botulism into my body!?” Well, that’s not how Botox works. We’ll take a deeper dive and explain how it does.
Botox and Botulism?
Let’s address the elephant in the room first.
Unlike with dermal fillers, Botox contains neurotoxins that temporarily weaken the muscles in your face. A bacterium called Clostridium botulinum comprises the neurotoxins used in Botox. Botulinum toxins occur naturally in soil as well as in contaminated foods. It is the latter that has created the scare around botulism.
However, in the case of Botox, this bacteria is created in lab where technicians dilute and sterilize these toxins so they will NOT cause botulism. Even so, you always want to work with only highly qualified medical professionals when receiving injections.
Bargain shopping for Botox is not a great idea.
How Botox Works
By weakening or paralyzing the muscles that cause laugh lines, crow’s feet, or other wrinkles, Botox effectively reduces those wrinkles and lines to provide younger looking skin.
Now that you’ve gotten past the botulism issue, you might shudder at the thought of your face being paralyzed. To be clear, Botox doesn’t completely paralyze the face. This is because there are two types of nerves in the body.
One type of nerve is responsible for motion, and the other for feeling. Botox blocks only the synapses of the brain only in the former, so you will still be able to feel your face. Once the injection moves into the desired muscle, only the motion nerves are blocked. So while your brain may be firing and signaling your body to move that muscle, Botox will block those synapses.
When the injected muscle is unable to contract, wrinkles relax and soften. Plus, Botox also helps prevent new wrinkles from forming. So it’s a two-fer. And, once again, when done by a highly qualified specialist, the procedure will result in a natural appearance.
Various Reasons for Botox
Of course, Botox injections are used to smooth wrinkles and lines on the face and neck.
But it’s also been used in the medical industry for decades to treat a variety of medical conditions including chronic migraines, overactive bladder, excessive sweating, eyelid twitching, crossed eyes, cervical dystonia, and adult spasticity.
Furthermore, since Botox blocks nerve signals that control muscle movement, it can also provide relaxation and pain relief. As such, it’s effectively used for pain management for the back, neck, and jaw, as well as nerve pain, neuropathy, osteoarthritis, joint pain, TMJ, and chronic myofascial pain.
What to Expect
The procedure is pretty simple.
Depending on where the injection occurs, the doctor may rub an anesthetic cream in the area to numb it. Then the medicine is injected into the targeted facial muscles.
The whole procedure takes only a few minutes and within the first week of your treatment, you’ll notice fewer facial lines and wrinkles as your muscles start to relax. This effect will last for up to four months.
And that’s it!
A More Youthful Appearance Is Easier Than You Think
Now that you know how Botox works, find out if it’s right for you.
Contact us today for your free consultation. We’ll give you the 411 on all your options and you can decide from there.
What Makes Up The Healthy Skin Diet?
Are you incredibly careful about what you put on your skin? Perhaps you buy the richest lotions and diligently apply sunscreen each day.
What you put on your skin is certainly important. But have you considered that what you put IN your body is just as important as what you’re putting ON your body.
As the largest organ in the body, the skin is impacted by just about everything you do. Even stress affects your skin! So to keep it performing optimally, stick with the healthy skin diet we’ve outlined below.
- Eat Five-a-Day For Better Health
By now, you’ve probably heard of free radicals. They’re the natural products of human metabolism, sun exposure, and certain lifestyle choices. And they’re not your friends.
Free radicals create oxidative stress which has a starring role in skin aging. One of the best defenses against free radicals are antioxidants. And fruit and vegetables are loaded with with antioxidants like betacarotene and lutein. So making sure you get five servings a day is going to give you a big advantage.
Many fruits and vegetables have vitamin C which is also good for helping the skin fight wrinkles. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, and kiwis are great sources.
- Avoid Processed Foods
So while you’re learning to enjoy more fruits and vegetables, you can swap out some processed foods, refined sugars, and foods with a high glycemic index for them.
Consuming dairy, carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats increases inflammation in the body that can negatively impact your skin including irritation, breakouts, and faster aging.
- Stay Hydrated
There are so many reasons to stay hydrated. Drinking six to eight glasses of fluid per day will help keep your skin from getting dry and dull. Water is the best choice, but caffeine-free and herbal teas count too. There are even certain fruits (watermelon, anyone!?) and vegetables such as zucchini and cucumber that contribute fluid. Plus, they offer minerals as well.
- Load Up On Vitamin E
Some folks rub vitamin E directly onto their very dry skin. But pure vitamin E is not exactly practical as a daily treatment. So you can get it from your foods instead.
Vitamin E is another antioxidant and some of the best food sources are almonds and sunflower seeds. Which is convenient because they travel well.
- Prioritize Omega-3s
We’ve been told forever the health benefits of fish. That’s because of the omega-3 fatty acids which improve cholesterol and counteract inflammation. But they also help to preserve collagen and keep it firmer and more supple.
Some fish are richer in omega-3s than others. Mackerel, sardines, salmon, tuna and herring top the list.
If you’re vegetarian, no need to lament. Plant-based options for omega-3 include chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, almonds, and edamame.
- Don’t Forget the Polyphenols
In case you’re unfamiliar, polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that are found in a variety of foods including grapes, tea, coffee, and (fortunately) dark chocolate.
Polyphenols such as anthocyanin, flavonoids, resveratrol, and phenolic acid can reduce rough texture on the skin and even protect against sun damage.
- Skip the Crash Diet
Finally, if you’re addicted to taking off weight with the latest fad diet each time you put on a little weight, it’s time work for a more steady and balanced diet. The losing and regaining weight cycle is hard on the skin and can cause wrinkles, sagging, and stretch marks. Plus they rob you of essential vitamins and minerals.
Your best bet? Treat your skin kindly by eating a diet with lean meats and plant-based foods, while reducing processed food and alcohol. You’ll be amazed what a difference this can make.
Consider the Healthy Skin Diet
Once you start the healthy skin diet, you’ll feel better overall. But if you’re still unhappy with the state of your skin or changing your diet hasn’t quite done the trick, then contact us.
We have a full line of skincare products that can supplement your diet and healthy lifestyle to rejuvenate and brighten your skin. Get out there and shine!
Looking Younger Isn’t Just Vanity
People get plastic surgery for many reasons. Of course, we’ve addressed important health reasons such as easing respiration, improving vision, and restoring balance.
As such, there are those that believe plastic surgery is “fine” for those reasons, but pass judgment on those who want to look younger.
The reality is, looking younger isn’t just vanity. In fact, there are multiple mental health benefits that come from having procedures with that goal in mind.
The Positive Psychological Benefits
Some folks believe firmly in the idea of aging gracefully. Until aging actually hits and the effects aren’t so graceful. And when someone is bothered by the appearance of being old, it can have a profound influence on how they live their lives and feel about themselves.
For example, while some women are fine with the aftereffects of pregnancy, others are disturbed by looking older after having their last child. Childbearing can take a serious toll on a woman’s body. For most, the full breasts and flatter stomach from their youth are distant memories.
Or perhaps one man is fine with thinning hair and eventually becoming bald. It may even lend to his appearance. But that’s not the case for everyone. So these men (and women) may seek out ways to fill their hairline with hair implants or other treatments.
In all of these scenarios, there is nobody in the wrong. Each of us has our own comfort level with aging. And if looking younger through a plastic surgery procedure leads to more self-confidence, then that’s a big plus.
And self-confidence isn’t the only improvement.
Positive Mental Health Outcomes
When we can acknowledge that we’re not comfortable with looking older and then take action toward self-improvement, it can be very empowering.
Research backs. A study published in Clinical Psychological Science looked at two groups of people. The first group decided to get a plastic surgery procedure to improve their appearance. The second group wanted a procedure, but did not have one.
Those who opted-in reported mental health improvements in a vast array of areas. They experienced less depression, anxiety and social phobia, while increased self-esteem, well-being, quality of life, and even attaining of goals.
So How Could That Be?
So it makes perfect sense that self-esteem and well-being would be improved upon looking younger. But what about attaining of goals?
Authors of the study can only surmise that those who look younger also feel younger and more self-assured so they are likely to take more risks to achieve their goals. It’s impossible to say for sure, but there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence that points to many uplifting mental benefits of looking younger.
Of course, there are no guarantees. And it’s important that each person approach plastic surgery with a realistic expectation rather than seeing it as a magical way to drink from the fountain of youth. (Those with body dysmorphic disorder, for instance, will never be satisfied.)
Going in with that understanding will make all the difference.
Looking Younger Isn’t Just Vanity
Given all the mental health benefits, it’s clear that looking younger isn’t just vanity. So if you’ve been feeling down about looking older and debating about whether to get a cosmetic procedure, contact us today.
During your free consultation, we’ll sit down with you and discuss what you can realistically expect from your procedure. Then you can make an informed decision from there.
The Top Reasons for Getting Plastic Surgery
(Not-so) reality TV has given plastic surgery a bad rap. Too much programming focuses on eccentric, shallow people seeking out plastic surgery for all the wrong reasons.
This is unfortunate because the vast majority of plastic surgeons are doing a lot of good for their patients. After all, there are truly legitimate reasons for getting plastic surgery.
Some of them might even surprise you.
1. Addressing Health Issues
Next time you take a full deep inhale and exhale through your nose, think for a moment how it would feel to have a constant obstruction that never allowed for such a seemingly simple action. This is the case for folks with a crooked septum or nasal polyps. Plus, they tend to suffer from more severe allergies and sinus troubles.
Enter the “nose job.” Also known as rhinoplasty, this procedure is often requested by patients who have some sort of defect inside their noses. And yeah, sure. Rhinoplasty can also address the external appearance of the nose. Which is an added benefit.
It’s not just a faulty nose that can present health problems though. Some women struggle with chronic and severe back and shoulder pain as a result of breasts that are too large. A breast reduction surgery eases this pain and allows them more freedom of movement.
Furthermore, vision problems that come from heavy, drooping, or sagging eyelids can be corrected by blepharoplasty. And just as is the case with a rhinoplasty, the procedure also helps to improve the appearance of the eyes.
2. Boosting Confidence
Some patients DO seek out a plastic surgery procedure for cosmetic purposes. And that’s completely valid. For example, a man who is constantly troubled by his facial reflection in the mirror can feel better about himself after a facelift. Or a woman who feels self-conscious about how her clothes fit because of the size of her breasts may opt for a breast augmentation. Another woman may wish to reclaim her body after a tough pregnancy.
It’s important to remember that mental health is just as important as physical health. There’s a great deal to be said about boosting one’s confidence to bolster positive mental health outcomes. Because when people feel good about their physical appearance, they are more likely to present themselves to the world in a positive way.
3. Increased Safety and Affordability
Plastic surgery has made great technological strides in the past decade. The presence of lasers, pulsating light, and advanced skin treatment options are now within reach of most plastic surgeons. Plus, such strides have made these procedures safer.
These advances have also made plastic surgery more in reach for everyone. It’s no longer the domain of the wealthy Beverly Hills diva who has a few weeks free to get her face done.
Nowadays, plastic surgeons are seeing far more working professionals who are seeking a procedure for any of the above reasons. And with medical credit cards, payment plans, personal loans, and other financing options available, they can make these procedures a reality.
4. More Time on Screens
In the past ten years, everyone is seeing more of their faces everywhere. Selfies, cell phones, and social media platforms were to thank for this. Then came 2020 and COVID. Within a month, many of us were staring at our reflections day after day on Zoom. And some of us were less than satisfied.
Let’s face it. (Pun intended.) This trend isn’t going anywhere too quickly. And as a result, an increasing number of people are seeking out plastic surgery to manage this self-scrutiny with more ease. And why not? Haven’t we been through enough?
What Are Your Reasons For Getting Plastic Surgery?
There are clearly a lot of great reasons for getting plastic surgery. So if you’ve been considering it, now is the time to take that step!
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We’ll sit down to discuss the options available to you to get you started.
Understand Your Plastic Surgery Procedure
If you’re considering surgery to correct or contour some part of your body, you may be feeling some apprehension. And that makes sense.
Whether for reconstructive or cosmetic purposes, plastic surgery does present the possibility of complications. Just like any other surgery. Even if it’s elective.
So to ensure you’re going in with as much peace of mind as possible, it’s important you understand your plastic surgery procedure. And the best way to do this is to go directly to the source: your plastic surgeon.
How to Better Understand Your Plastic Surgery Procedure
First things first – when vetting the ideal surgeon, you’ll want to ensure that yours is board certified in plastic surgery. Insist on this.
Such certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) demonstrates that your surgeon is of the highest caliber. It means he or she made the effort to attain in-depth training that goes above and beyond what’s simply required. A board-certified plastic surgeon has comprehensive knowledge of the field and is committed to excellence.
Once you’ve established this basic but crucial requirement, then it’s time to start investigating.
It’s Okay to Ask Questions
You may feel like you’re offending a potential surgeon by asking all about their experience, training, and credentials. But any surgeon who is turned off by this is putting up a red flag. Your surgeon should want you to feel confident about your procedure and be willing to answer all questions relating to it.
For example:
How Familiar Are You With the Procedure?
Though you may be nervous posing it, this is a 100% reasonable question. You don’t want to go into your procedure with a surgeon who’s relatively (or brand) new to it. The fact is, surgeons who have performed a higher volume of specific procedures have lower complication rates and shorter hospital stays for their patients. So don’t be afraid to ask this question.
Then follow it up with:
Do You Have Pictures of Previous Clients?
If your surgeon hasn’t already shown you ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures of what to expect from your procedure, then you’ll definitely want to see some of these. This will help you to not only see the surgeon’s work, but you’ll feel reassured that the procedure was safe and effective for patients before you.
What Are the Risks?
In general, plastic surgery carries a slightly lower risk than other types of surgical procedures. Still, there is always the chance of infection, reaction to anesthesia, or loss of blood. So you’ll want to be crystal clear with your surgeon on how these risks could play out for you.Again, if a surgeon does not take the question seriously, then consider looking elsewhere. Any reputable surgeon will understand your need for assurance and peace of mind and will be completely forthcoming about any post-operative complications. He or she should place your safety and health as the top priorities.
Feeling Nervous About Your Surgery?
Knowing the ways to better understand your plastic surgery procedure will help increase your confidence.
So contact us today if you’re ready to start exploring your options with one of our highly trained board-certified plastic surgeons.
And keep in mind that lifestyle changes (such as quitting smoking and adopting a healthy diet) before surgery can also lower your risks and result in faster healing and less scarring. These are factors you’ll also discuss with your plastic surgeon during your free consultation.
The Basics of a Neck Lift
The appearance of the neck is one of the biggest indicators of age. So it’s no wonder that so many folks over a certain age favor the turtle neck or deem the scarf a necessary fashion accessory.
It doesn’t have to be that way though.
Depending on what issue you have with the appearance of your neck, you can remedy it with a neck lift.
What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift isn’t a single procedure, but rather a set of them. Medically speaking, they’re referred to as a lower rhytidectomy or submental lipectomy.
The neck lift is often a part of a face lift. But it can also be a stand alone procedure if you’re content with the current status of your face.
Again, the exact procedure you need depends on whether you’re looking to remove extra skin, excess fat, or seeking to alter the neck muscles.
In some instances, there may be injections utilized to address problems with fullness or excess fat under the chin. Additional techniques include ultrasound, lasers, fillers, radio-frequency devices, intense pulsed light, and SkinTyte using Sciton Laser.
What Are the Benefits of a Surgical Neck Lift?
While Botox, filler, and lasers may work for a while to smooth out the neck, they don’t deliver the long-lasting results that surgery does.
A plastic surgeon can go in and reposition soft tissue, remove excess fat, and tighten loose skin. This delivers a far more natural-looking fix that nonsurgical procedures.
To truly address the changes to the neck that come with aging, a surgical neck lift is the best long-term solution.
The Neck Lift Procedures)
As stated above, there’s no one-size-fits-all procedure for a neck lift. Which one is right for you will be established during a free consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
But here’s a look at the three most common complaints that come with an aging neck and how they are addressed:
- Turkey Wattle
While Botox injections can relax parts of that unsightly turkey wattle, surgery is usually the recommendation.
This procedure involves incisions under the chin or behind the ears (or both) in order to access a neck muscle called the platysma. In some instances, part of the platysma may need to be removed. Newer procedures allow for smaller incisions and the use of an endoscope to execute the surgery.
This sort of neck lift can be done under general anesthesia, or local anesthesia with sedation.
- Extra Skin
When there is extra skin but it’s not quite a turkey wattle, the skin is trimmed then lifted into place. It’s secured with stitches or tissue glue. This procedure takes two to four hours and it can be done under either local or general anesthesia.
After the procedure, the patient is fitted with a compression bandage to be worn for five to seven days.
- Excess Fat
Liposuction is often the preferred method for removing excess fat. Simpler than the above two procedures, the surgeon need only make a small incision below the chin.
If no other procedure is performed, the liposuction surgery lasts no more than an hour. A local anesthetic is used, the incisions are stitched and bandaged, and the patient is sent home with instructions for wound care.
Turn Back the Hands of Time
Yeah, okay. A neck lift won’t actually turn back the hands of time. But it can address the ravages of aging on your neck to help you look younger.
So if you’d like to ditch the scarf and/or turtle neck, contact us today for your free consultation. And soon, you could be showing off a smoother and more youthful looking neck.
Your Options for Surgical Body Contouring
You exercise and you eat well. You’re active and you’re healthy. Yet, you’re stuck with areas of stubborn fat or sagging skin that just won’t go away, no matter how hard you try.
You’re not alone. But you’re also not without help.
With a surgical body contouring procedure, you can eliminate excess fat, as well as get rid of extra skin to reshape and contour an area of the body. And it actually works!
How Does It Differ From Nonsurgical Body Contouring?
In a previous blog post, we discussed the relatively new field of aesthetic medicine known as nonsurgical body contouring. Its objective is to sculpt, tone, and contour the body without surgery. It uses a range of state-of-the-art technology to achieve results across a wide array of body areas including the thighs, abdomen, arms, and legs.
But when there is excess skin or very stubborn fat, surgical body contouring is more effective.
It’s important to understand though that neither surgical nor non-surgical body contouring is intended to help you lose weight. Rather, it aims to address specific problem areas where weight loss isn’t effective, or where there is excess skin after significant weight loss.
The end result isn’t necessarily a slimmed down body, but a more normal appearance with smoother contours. For example, a facelift is going to help with excess skin of the mid-face, jowls, and neck. Or a breast lift will address sagging and flattened breasts.
Other surgical body contouring procedures include:
Liposuction
Liposuction aims to remove excess fat from a variety of areas including the chin and neck, hips, abdomen, inner and outer thighs, knees, ankles and buttocks. Liposuction is one of the less complicated procedures to improve body contour and proportion. While it often requires general anesthesia, it can be performed on an outpatient basis.
Arm Lift
Excess skin on the underarm can be the result of weight loss, aging, or heredity. An arm lift removes that excess skin. The upper portion of the arm is reshaped from the armpit area to the elbow and weakened tissues are addressed.
Tummy Tuck
Patients seek a tummy tuck when they want a smoother, firmer abdominal profile. This procedure removes excess abdominal fat and skin while reestablishing weakened or separated muscles.
Lower Body Lift
Excess skin, cellulite, and sagging fatty tissue on the buttocks, abdomen, waist, hips, and thighs are removed in this comprehensive procedure. Smoother leg and abdomen contours are the result.
Recovery From Surgical Body Contouring
Because there’s such a wide range of options for surgical body contouring, recovery varies based on the procedures as well as the individual. For example, a tummy tuck surgery will result in greater scarring and healing than liposuction.
General anesthesia and at least one overnight stay are often required for surgical body contouring procedures. Your surgeon may also require you to wear a compression garment for several weeks.
Again, depending on your procedure, full recovery could take several months – though the initial discomfort usually fades within two to four weeks. Not much to endure to get rid of that pesky fat and sagging skin!
How Could Surgical Body Contouring Benefit You?
If you’re healthy and near your ideal weight, but have stubborn fat and excess skin that won’t respond to diet and exercise, then it could be time to consider a surgical body contouring procedure.
Contact us today to meet with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. During your free consultation, they’ll discuss your body shaping goals and offer with the best treatment options to meet your needs.
Plastic Surgery For Body Positivity
Perhaps you’ve noticed that catalogs and magazines now have models that buck what was once conventional. As a society, we’re waking up to the fact that people come in all shapes and sizes.
The body positivity movement grew out of this understanding – focusing on the idea that all bodies are beautiful. But that doesn’t mean that everyone is suddenly happy with certain features of their bodies. It’s just not that easy.
This is where plastic surgery for body positivity makes sense.
What Is Body Positivity?
In 1996, a psychotherapist and an individual who had been through treatment for an eating disorder coined the term “body positive.” They created a website that offered resources designed to help people feel good about their bodies by pulling the focus away from losing weight through unhealthy dieting and exercise efforts.
The movement evolved from there and its current incarnation emerged in 2012 in response to unrealistic feminine beauty standards. Working from the “all bodies are beautiful” battle cry, the movement became increasingly popular. Marketing campaigns and advertisements shifted gears to reflect this.
Even so, a lot of people are still confused about body positivity and essentially how to make it happen for themselves. As mentioned above, you don’t just wake up one day and decide everything is great after years or even a lifetime of struggle. And not being able to embrace body positivity can have the reverse effect of making people feel bad if they’re unable.
So yes, while body positivity embraces changes that happen naturally due to aging, pregnancy, or lifestyle choices, it doesn’t demand that someone should feel ashamed for taking action to improve some aspect of their body.
Plastic Surgery for Body Positivity
At its core, body positivity sets out to look at some of the ways that body image influences mental health and well-being. Having a healthy body image impacts the way people feel about their appearance and judge their self-worth. Meanwhile, negative body image is connected with an increased risk for conditions such as depression and eating disorders.
So how does plastic surgery help with body positivity? Quite successfully, actually. Plastic surgeons and their patients understand that aesthetic procedures aren’t meant to be quick fixes. They’re a means for making someone more comfortable in their skin.
As such, a growing number of patients are coming in to consult with plastic surgeons with modest requests that don’t involve them wanting to look like supermodels or turn back the hands of time. They eat well and exercise but just want a procedure that will help them feel better about the person they’re presenting to the world.
In addition, some procedures such as rhinoplasty and debulking liposuction (to name just two) have added health benefits. And people in good health are generally happier than those who are not.
At the end of the day, body positivity includes non-judgment for what an individual decides. And that includes plastic surgery.
Could You Use a Boost in Body Positivity?
Plastic surgery for body positivity is about embracing what makes each person unique and beautiful.
If you’ve tried to embrace and accept some aspect of your body that is causing you grief, there’s no need to endure that. Contact us today to discuss your options.
Our plastic surgeons are trained to utilize their skill set to direct ALL patients onto the path of body positivity.
