Will Pregnancy Undo a Tummy Tuck?
You may be pondering the question – will pregnancy undo a tummy tuck? The short and simple answer is yes. This is why plastic surgeons advise women to wait until they’re done having children before getting a tummy tuck.
Still, some women who have had the procedure experience a pregnancy after the fact. It’s okay though.
Even though pregnancy reverses much of what a tummy tuck accomplishes, there are possible solutions.
What Does a Tummy Tuck Address?
After pregnancy, many women experience loose skin that shrinks up in the first six months. Yet, this isn’t the case for some women and they will seek out a tummy tuck to remove it.
In addition, many women experience diastasis recti. This is when the fascia between the rectus abdominis (two strips of muscle on the front of your abdomen) is overstretched and doesn’t return to its pre-pregnancy state. This widened space between the muscles causes the belly to look six months pregnant even after the baby is born.
A tummy tuck helps to flatten the stomach and tighten the muscles in both of these situations. It is not effective, however, for visceral fat which accumulates behind the organs.
How Does Pregnancy Undo a Tummy Tuck?
First of all, having a tummy tuck is not going to negatively impact a pregnancy. The previous muscle repair and skin removal don’t affect fertility. But women who have a baby after a tummy tuck often find that the pregnancy doesn’t show as early because the tightened abdominals take time to stretch. They will though.
And so will the skin.
There’s no real way of knowing how much the skin and muscles will stretch out and then retract after pregnancy. But new stretch marks, loose skin, and stretched muscles are definitely on the table.
Then there’s the issue of weight gain. Many women put on additional weight during their pregnancy. They may be more sedentary and inclined to eat more. And that’s pretty normal. But the extra pounds will add to skin and muscle stretching.
So Can (and Should) You Get a Second Tummy Tuck or Revision?
Fortunately, there is the possibility of a second tummy tuck or revision surgery. Though surgeons are emphatic that there be no more pregnancies or lifestyle changes after a second procedure.
Plus, even though many women feel they’ve recovered from their pregnancy a few months postpartum, it takes the body about six months to recover fully after pregnancy. The skin and abdominal muscles are still shrinking.
Because of this, surgeons will also not rush to offer a second surgery until a bare minimum of six months after delivery. In many cases, it will be longer. This is because the procedure will render optimal results when the patient has been at their ideal weight (with a BMI around 30 or less) for at least six months.
To Tuck or Not to Tuck…
Did your pregnancy undo a tummy tuck? You’re far from alone. And there’s absolutely no shame in it.
So if you’re curious about whether a second tummy tuck or a revision is in your best interest, contact us today.
During your free consultation, our surgeon will give you an honest and comprehensive evaluation of your situation and point you in the right direction.
Your Guide to Exercising With Breast Implants
It’s no secret breast augmentation can improve a patient’s confidence.
Yet, one of the most common concerns women have when considering breast augmentation is whether exercising with breast implants will be a problem.
And for patients who are normally active, they’re often also concerned about having to take a break from exercising to allow for recovery from surgery. It’s important though.
Exercising with Breast Implants Is Just Fine – With a Caveat
Exercise is a critical component of many people’s lives. It’s either how they start their day to get energized or end their day to clear their minds and move their bodies. In some cases, both.
In addition, they rely on exercise to keep their bodies toned, tight, and younger-looking. So if you’re one of those people and you’re considering breast implants, you may have reservations about how the implants will impact your workout. You don’t need to worry though.
If you count on movement and your exercise regimen to keep you sane, you won’t have to give it up just because you get breast implants. You can look forward to weights, running, swimming, the treadmill, Pilates, whatever it might be, once again. But here’s the caveat…
Don’t Dive Right Back In
The vast majority of the time, you’ll be able to resume all forms of exercise, including heavy cardio, within six weeks. That doesn’t mean that you’ll have to stay completely still during that time. You’ll just need to get back to exercise and movement SLOWLY.
Heading back to the gym for a hardcore workout before your body has healed can create complications, affect the quality of your results, and impact your overall health. Overstressing the torso is particularly risky since implants are placed either above or below the chest muscle so avoid chest and shoulder exercises or anything that puts pressure on that area. This increases the risk of swelling that could put tension on the stitches and cause scars to be more pronounced or even cause infection at the incision site.
In addition, trying to do too much too soon can cause a rise in blood pressure which could cause bleeding or make swelling last longer.
Thus, your best bet is to start with light walking. This can be done almost immediately after breast augmentation. In fact, gentle movement such as walking is preferable to nothing since it helps to prevent blood clots. So even just short walks around the room, house, or apartment are encouraged.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions
Healing properly ultimately comes down to following your post-op guidelines. So during your free consultation, be sure to tell your surgeon about your exercise preferences and all the activities that make you feel great. This information will impact the type and placement of the implant.
And here’s the good news.
You may not have to wait a full six weeks. The amount of time required before you can get back to your regular regimen will depend on how extensive the procedure is and your lifestyle factors. If you’re already exercising regularly, you’re one step ahead of the game.
Breast Implants Could Boost Your Confidence
If you’re an exercise aficionado and feel that breast augmentation could be right for you, contact us today.
After speaking with our board-certified surgeon, you’ll be reassured that exercising with breast implants will not be an issue.
So give yourself the gift of increased confidence and self-esteem!
Is There Such a Thing As a Thigh Lift?
You’ve likely heard of a breast lift and certainly a facelift, but a thigh lift? There is such a thing.
Also known as thighplasty, a thigh lift is a cosmetic surgery that delivers a contoured appearance by removing excess skin and fat.
In addition, a thigh lift goes the distance in relieving pain and irritation that results from the thighs constantly rubbing together. So now that you know such a thing exists, is it something you’re considering?
Are You the Ideal Candidate for a Thigh Lift?
In some cases, people request a thigh lift because they’ve shed a lot of weight and now have a loss of elasticity, sagging or lumpy, dimpled skin in their thighs. In other cases, there are excess stores of fat that won’t disappear even after changes in diet and exercise. They may also suffer from bleeding, discoloration, rashes, and chafing.
Whatever the case, certain qualifications that make some people more ideal candidates than others. Patients should have excess soft tissues along the inner or outer thigh and maintain a relatively stable weight. They should also be nonsmokers without a medical condition that might impair healing.
Finally, and probably most importantly, patients will be more satisfied with the procedure if they go in with a positive outlook and realistic goals for what the surgery can accomplish. They should also commit to a healthy lifestyle to maintain the results.
Different “Levels” of Thigh Lifts
Because each patient has unique needs, a thigh lift will be tailored based on that. The following might be considered:
- Inner Thigh Liposuction
For those with problematic pockets of fat, inner thigh liposuction may be all that’s required. Tumescent liposuction can create a drastic improvement to the thigh’s silhouette with minimal scarring or downtime.
- Inner Thigh Lift
For patients with more than just problematic pockets, the surgeon will have the patient stand while making incisions lines to position sagging skin at different angles.
The incision may extend around the back of the thigh, around the hip and back, or down toward the knee. The fat is removed and the surgeon repositions the tissue, trims away excess skin, and tightens the nearby muscles.
Deep tissue in your thigh is secured by sutures or slips to close the incision and help secure tissue deep in the thigh to support the new shape.
- Extended Inner Thigh Lift
The extended inner thigh lift is essentially an extended version of the inner thigh lift. It is appropriate for patients who have a significant amount of excess skin and fat. The scars from this procedure tend to be more T-shaped or L-shaped, but are still easily concealed with clothing.
Thigh Lift Recovery
While inner thigh liposuction has a quick recovery, both the extended and inner thigh lifts are surgery and therefore require downtime to heal. For some patients, this can be up to ten days with the recommendation of staying off your feet since incisions will be sensitive to movement, temperature, and touch.
You’ll likely need to wear compression garments for at least six weeks, but will be able to resume daily activities within that time. Any scarring will fade over time, but won’t completely disappear. It’s very important to carefully follow your surgeon’s instructions.
Looking for Smoother, Less Saggy Thighs?
There are so many benefits to getting a thigh lift. These include smoother thighs, tighter muscles, less sagging skin, and reduced friction rashes.
But one of the biggest benefits is an increased confidence in your appearance.
So contact us today if you’re ready to enjoy all of these outcomes. We look forward to meeting you.
What’s the Story About CBG for Sleep?
What’s the Story About CBG for Sleep?
The hemp plant has more than one hundred naturally occurring cannabinoids. Cannabigerol, or CBG, is one of them.
While there isn’t a wealth of studies on CBG for sleep, preliminary research suggests that CBG has the potential to help with inflammation, anxiety, and neurodegenerative disorders.
But now, some researchers are shifting their focus to using CBG for sleep.
Research About CBG for Sleep
As mentioned above, there is limited research that shows how CBG can have anti-anxiety effects. But a 2003 research review, did find a solid correlation between anxiety disorders and trouble with sleeping. Thus, if CBD can help with anxiety, then by extension, it could aid in better sleep.
Survey Shows Power of CBG
Even if there isn’t much scientific evidence, there is strong anecdotal evidence for CBG’s impact on sleep.
A survey of conducted in late 2022 looked at 127 people who had used CBG in the previous six months. 30% of them were using it for sleep. Of that group, 73% said that CBG-dominant products were more effective than conventional medication for sleeplessness.
Given this information, it certainly seems that CBG has the potential to help with sleep.
How the Body Interacts with CBG
Like all other cannabinoids, CBG works by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS serves as a transmitter system to help your memory, learning, emotional processing, and sleep – among other functions.
The ECS has two main receptor types – CB1 and CB2. CBG appears to interact with both of these. Scientific evidence shows at this point that CBG has anti-inflammatory properties. And CB2 receptors are therapeutic targets for anxiety and depression.
Again, the scientific information is still lacking. But as cannabis becomes more accepted, there will be more research.
What About CBD for Sleep?
As far as the science says, CBD is still considered the sleep cannabinoid. Research shows it helps with insomnia and sleep disorders. Meanwhile, CBG it touted for its anti-inflammatory.
CBG is still considered a body-focused cannabinoid while CBD is known for rendering stronger mental relaxation effects. Unlike THC, it won’t get you high. Plus, THC can elevate anxiety so it’s probably best to avoid if your sleep problems are related to anxiety.
Bringing CBD and CBG Together
CBD and CBG each have their benefits. It seems that combining the two delivers a nice entourage effect. CBD delivers mind-focused benefits while CBG has full-body effects.
So if you’re having difficulty finding slumber, you may want to experiment with taking CBD and CBG together. It may take some experimenting in terms of dosage and ratio of CBD to CBG. But once you land on the perfect combination, it could be just the game changer you’ve been seeking.
Trouble Sleeping?
If slumber is a challenge for you, you may benefit from CBG for sleep. Especially if you fold in some CBD too.
Meanwhile, if you’re having trouble sleeping because you’re worrying about your cannabis business, contact us today.
As cannabis marketing experts, we specialize in ensuring your business takes the spotlight.
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!
Tailoring Plastic Surgery to Different Age Groups
Just as not all plastic surgery procedures are created equal, not all patients are created equal either. Each person has a unique set of traits and characteristics.
One of the biggest considerations is the age of the patient. A patient in her 20s is going to have different needs than one that’s in his 60s.
As such, doctors are always tailoring plastic surgery to different age groups to achieve optimal outcomes. We’ll look at some of those different considerations based on specific age groups.
Teens/Young Adults
Teens and young adults (those in their 20s and 30s) are very prone to social media influences. As such, they may come to a surgeon with unrealistic expectations.
What they fail to grasp at this age is that plastic surgery is not meant to be some sweeping miracle cure to whatever is ailing you about your appearance. So one of the most critical responsibilities with young patients is educating them about the long-term aspects of a procedure.
Facial contouring is in high demand among young adults. So surgeons need for them to understand how their ongoing physical and psychological development could be impacted. And there are simply some procedures that are not appropriate for teens and young adults.
The vast majority of teenagers should only be considered for cosmetic or minimally invasive procedures rather than surgery. Many of these procedures are not even available to them. Breast augmentation, for example, requires a patient to be over the age of 18.
Yet even young adults over 18, both men and women, who are seeking breast procedures need to understand the potential future implications of such a procedure. Many life changes happen during these years, including pregnancy.
Middle Age
The latest statistics from ASPS show that patients in their middle years are the most likely to seek out plastic surgery. Unlike their younger counterparts and having lived longer, they’re typically more realistic in their expectations. Although there will always be occasions where patients falsely regard plastic surgery as akin to the fountain of youth.
Patients in their 40s and 50s begin to see structural changes in the face. In addition, they’re beginning to lose skin elasticity. By this stage of their lives, they’ve established an identity that they may feel is fading. So rather than seeking augmentation, most people in middle age want procedures that are more restorative in nature. Facelifts and eyelid surgery are among the more popular.
Another consideration with middle age are health complications that are not as present in young adults. These will impact not only the procedure, but the recovery. So all of this must be considered when creating a surgical plan.
Senior Patients
As patients age into their 60s and beyond, the chances for complications increase. The effects of gravity and skin laxity can render certain procedures difficult or even impossible. The return on investment may not be worth it.
In addition, medication interactions and overall health need also to be heavily considered. As such, many plastic surgeons will recommend nonsurgical options first to address desired changes. If these are not adequate, then it becomes about striking the right balance between surgical and nonsurgical options based on the patient’s particular needs.
Considerations Across the Board
Yes, there are definite differences that come into play when working with specific age groups. For instance, younger patients will heal faster than older patients. But they are also prone to more pronounced scarring. So recovery plans must be customized to consider any age-related factors.
Regardless of a patient’s age, a truly professional plastic surgeon will always focus on ethical considerations. As such, they make every effort to stress the importance of the individual over societal pressures.
It’s the surgeon’s job to educate the patient on every possible alternative and discuss the impact the procedure(s) will have on him/her/them physically, psychologically, and socially. Any surgeon not doing this should be avoided.
Tailoring Plastic Surgery to Different Age Groups
The importance of tailoring plastic surgery to different age groups can’t be overemphasized. Steer clear of any doctor, clinic, or facility that will perform procedures without first covering all the bases.
If you’re ready to begin your journey, contact us to get started.
During your free consultation, our board-certified plastic surgeons will advise you on best practices and discuss your options. Then you can go forward with confidence – no matter what your age.
Breast Augmentation Terminology Part 2 (L-Z)
Are you considering breast augmentation and want to do all your research first? If so, you may have read our first post on breast augmentation terminology.
So as not to overwhelm our readers, we only addressed the first half of the alphabet.
We’ll finish the job here with the second half of the alphabet so that you don’t need to scour the internet to find them.
Breast Augmentation Terminology (L-Z)
Just as we did in our first post, we won’t do a serious deep dive into the terminology. And just as some of the words in the first list didn’t apply to you, the same will apply here. But you can never have too much knowledge, right? So let’s take a look.
Mammary Hypoplasia
If one or both of your breasts are pointed, square, or oval in shape, your doctor may have diagnosed you with mammary hypoplasia. It’s a condition caused by breast malformation and typically occurs because the breast didn’t fully form during puberty. The areolar area may be constricted or collapsed, there may be a high breast fold, and/or the breast tissue tilts downward. Augmentation can repair this, but the constricted tissue will first need to be released.
Periareolar Incision
The area on the breast that includes the nipple and the surrounding pigmented skin is known as the nipple-areolar complex. A periareolar incision is one that’s made on the outside edge of this area. If you’re looking at a breast lift, the surgeon may use this to remove excess skin – though there are other applications.
Rupture
One of the reasons people may hesitate to have breast augmentation is the possibility of a breast implant rupture. This is a rare occurrence, however. It can happen at any point after the procedure and is often the result of surgical instruments, trauma, under- or overfilling breast implants, capsular contracture, or excessive compression. While there will always be a risk with any surgery, it’s very important to vet your surgeon and ensure that he or she is board-certified and highly qualified.
Subglandular or Subpectoral Implant Placement
Subglandular implant placement is known as over-the-muscle placement, while subpectoral implant placement is under-the-muscle placement. Subglandular has a shorter recovery time but may not look as natural on certain body types. Subpectoral has a slightly longer recovery time but offers improved support and a more natural look.
Symmastia
On extremely rare occasions, the breast implants may settle too close together after the augmentation procedure and there is little to no room between the breasts. This is known as symmastia and is usually the result of over-dissection of the pocket.
Textured Breast Implants
Textured breast implants are subjected to a texturizing process that creates a grained surface on the outer shell of the implant to help reduce the risk of malposition or flipping of the implant. Many surgeons no longer promote this since it appears to correlate with the development of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
Transaxillary Incision
A transaxillary incision is made in the armpit and the implant is placed using an endoscopic surgical camera. It reduces the appearance of scarring. It is not among the more common techniques and requires specific skill and experience.
Upper Pole Fullness
If you’re looking for breast augmentation because your breasts have somewhat fallen flat, then you’re looking for what’s called upper pole fullness. This term refers to the breast area’s shape, contour, and volume above the nipple. (Below the nipple is known as the lower pole.) Increasing upper pole fullness makes cleavage more prominent and gives the breast a rounder appearance. The size and profile of your chosen breast implant will determine how much upper pole fullness you’ll achieve.
Are You Considering Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Between this post and last week’s post, you now have more familiarity with breast augmentation terminology.
So if you’re thinking about getting breast augmentation, contact us today.
During your free consultation, you can ask the surgeon any further questions you have about the terminology as well as discuss the intricacies of the procedure. Then you can get that breast augmentation with confidence.
Breast Augmentation Terminology Part 1 (A-K)
When considering getting work done on your breasts, you’re bound to experience some amount of breast augmentation terminology that may be unfamiliar to you.
No worries. Rather than pouring through the internet to find their meanings, we’re breaking down some of the terminology here.
Because there is a wealth of terms, we’ve tackled the first half of the alphabet here and will address the second half in our next post.
Breast Augmentation Terminology (A-K)
We won’t get too deep in the weeds on the terminology so as not to overwhelm you. And some if not many of these terms won’t apply to you. But if you like to go in knowing all the details, here is a sampling of some of the terms you may hear.
Augmentation Mastopexy
Augmentation mastopexy is really just a ‘doctorly’ way of saying breast augmentation with a lift. This is often the recommended procedure for patients who are struggling with breast sagging because of weight loss, aging, or childbearing. It’s designed to lift drooping breast tissues while adding fullness especially in the upper breast.
Breast Capsule
Any time the human body experiences a foreign body, it responds by creating a protective capsule of collagen around it. The breast capsule is what forms around breast implants. It’s completely normal and a healthy part of the healing process. It also helps to keep the implants in place.
Cooper’s Ligaments
Within the breast there is connective tissue that provides support and structure. The Cooper’s ligaments run from the clavicle to the interior part of the pectoralis major muscle before branching throughout the breast tissue.
Drop and Fluff
“Drop and fluff” may sound like a laundry term, but it actually describes the way a breast implant settles after breast augmentation surgery. Immediately after surgery, breast implants sit high on the chest as the muscles in the chest tighten to adjust to their presence. As healing proceeds, the muscles relax and the implants drop to a more natural position. From there, they fluff, as it were to fill the lower breast cavity.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants
As silicone breast implants continue to improve, they’re becoming highly cohesive. Compared to their earlier silicone counterparts, they are firm yet flexible – like the consistency of a gummy bear. They also retain their natural look and feel even as they age.
Implant Rippling
Implant rippling is just like it sounds. Rippling of the implant becomes visible through the skin at the outer perimeter of the implant. This is usually along the outer edge toward the arm pit. It can occur with either saline or silicone implants, but is more prominent in round saline implants. It is also most common among women who are very thin or who have little natural breath tissue.
Keller Funnel
If you’re wondering how a Keller Funnel works, think about a piping bag as one would use in baking. In this case though, the breast implant is placed in the large end of a sterilized and hydrated bag, while the narrow end is inserted into the incision on the patient. The breast implant is then gently ‘piped’ into the surgical pocket.
Are You Considering Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Having awareness of breast augmentation terminology can give you more peace of mind as you consider surgery.
So if you’re thinking about getting breast augmentation, contact us today. During your free consultation, we’ll walk you through the process and answer any other questions you might have.
That way you’ll go in reassured and confident about the whole procedure.
What to Expect – Recovering From an Arm Lift
Do you remember the days when you felt comfortable showing off your arms? But now there’s sagging skin on your upper arms you keep under cover.
Or maybe you lost a lot of weight and were looking forward to finally showing off your arms. Yet, now there’s excess skin hanging there.
You DO have options with a brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery. And the good news is, recovering from an arm lift is fairly straightforward.
Recovering From an Arm Lift
The brachioplasty procedure typically lasts around two to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia. And the smoother contours of your upper arm will be apparent almost immediately.
As time progresses, results will eventually be somewhat obscured by swelling and bruising. And there will be some scarring.
Recovery from brachioplasty is one of the procedures with a shorter recovery time. Yet, it’s always going to be different from person to person. But here’s what you can generally expect:
Immediately After Brachioplasty Procedure
As with any surgery, experiencing discomfort after brachioplasty is common. Any swelling and redness may be addressed with oral pain medications.
In addition, you can expect to wear a compression garment to help circulation and minimize your discomfort.
First Week
It’s during the first few days when you’ll likely experience moderate pain. Your arms will be bandaged which will limit your range of motion. This is intentional, as you don’t want to make any major movements with the arms during this time. Your muscles may also feel sore and you’ll see bruising and swelling. Increased pain and pressure near the incision site are normal – especially when your arms are in motion.
You’ll want to have someone stay with you overnight the first night and enlist a little extra help with everyday activities in the days that follow. It is crucial in the first week that you don’t lift anything over five pounds. And since you need to avoid reaching over your head, be sure you have comfortable, loose button-up shirts on hand.
Pain, swelling, and bruising will subside by the end of the week. Expect them to persist to some degree for the first month, however. You may be able to transition to OTC pain management at this point – if you need any at all.
Two to Three Weeks
Bandages and any stitches are removed one to two weeks post-surgery. You’ll have an improved range of motion and arm mobility, but you’ll have weight restrictions of 10 pounds in the second week and 15 pounds in the third. Stretching the arms is still not recommended.
Most patients return to work at this point and can perform normal activities around the house. You’ll probably have to continue wearing your compression garment though and your doctor may recommend beginning a scar therapy treatment plan.
One to Two Months
At the four- to six-week point, you can expect any swelling or bruising to resolve. You may also be cleared to remove your compression garment and routine to your regular exercise routine. Treatment for scarring will continue throughout this time.
Acquire a More Contoured Look for Your Upper Arms
You don’t need to accept sagging upper arms as one of the inevitable results of aging or weight loss.
Brachioplasty is a great option. And as stated above, recovering from an art lift is not an arduous process.
So contact us today to set up a free consultation with our board-certified surgeons. And get started on your journey to slimmer and move lovely arms.
Making Sense Of Different Types Of Body Fat
While it may not seem like it, body fat is an organ that contains nerves, immune cells, and connective tissue. It’s also made up of different types of fat cells.
Depending on the body’s needs, the primary job of body fat is to store and release energy. The different types of fat cells also serve their own unique purposes.
Plastic surgeons are sometimes faced with the difficult task of telling patients that plastic surgery can’t always address issues with excess fat. That’s because not all body fat is created equal.
The Different Types of Body Fat
The main type of fat cells that comprise body fat are white fat cells. They produce hormones like leptin and adiponectin, as well as store energy. Brown fat cells are referred to as thermogenic because under certain conditions (such as colder temperatures) they burn energy to produce heat. People with more brown fat cells tend to be leaner and have a higher metabolism. Finally, beige fat cells are white cells that are in the process of transforming to brown cells.
Fat is not an F-word. (Well, it is, but you get what we mean.) In fact, fat is essential to the healthy operation of the body. It plays many important roles including regulation of body temperature, absorbing vitamins, and producing fertility hormones.
Yes, too much fat is unhealthy. But so too is not enough fat. What’s considered the right amount of essential fat for each person is not a universal equation and can vary quite a bit. For example, women generally have 6-11% more than men.
One thing is for certain though. Some types of fat are more dangerous than others. The two types of fat we’ll focus on here are subcutaneous and visceral.
What Is Subcutaneous Fat?
Subcutaneous literally means, “under the skin.” Thus, subcutaneous fat is fat that lies beneath the skin. You’re able to pinch it with your fingers.
This kind of fat accounts for about 90% of overall body fat. Subcutaneous fat acts as a cushion between the skin and muscles for comfort and protection. It also produces estrogen – which accounts for women generally having more body fat than men.
Subcutaneous fat is essential fat. Yet, it’s possible to have too much. The body stores subcutaneous fat as an emergency backup source of calories in the event of starvation. When the amount of calories going in exceeds what’s being burnt, the body will continue to store this fat and it will accumulate.
Many people find that reducing their caloric intake and avoiding refined and processed foods along with high-intensity exercise can lessen subcutaneous fat. There are times, however, where no matter how much focus on diet or exercise, there are stubborn pockets that won’t disappear. In these cases, plastic surgeons may recommend adding liposuction body shaping treatments to reshape the area. Even in more complicated procedures such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), it’s also subcutaneous fat that’s removed.
Visceral fat, on the other hand, is a very different creature.
The Dangers of Visceral Fat
Visceral fat is located between the organs in the abdominal area of the body. It typically appears as a protruding waist and unlike subcutaneous fat, it’s hard and you can’t pinch it.
This is the type of fat that cannot be removed with plastic surgery or liposuction. Patients usually need to completely revamp their diet, ensure they’re getting enough sleep every night, and regularly perform targeted abdominal strength-training exercises.
While it may sound like a big commitment, it’s important to get rid of visceral fat. As it accumulates, it secretes a protein that’s known to cause insulin resistance that could lead to diabetes. Increased levels of visceral fat are also linked to a higher risk of stroke, dementia, colorectal and breast cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease. So while subcutaneous fat can be a nuisance, visceral fat can be deadly.
Are You Considering Fat Removal?
Hopefully, you now have more clarity on the different types of body fat and fat cells.
So if you think you’re a good candidate for a fat removal procedure and you’re ready to speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon about your options, contact us today!
During your free consultation, you’ll be able to discuss your specific needs and how they can be addressed to result in a thinner and healthier you.
