Having Plastic Surgery Is YOUR Decision
The decision to have plastic surgery can be polarizing. And it’s not unusual for family and friends to want to weigh in on your decision.
Plastic surgeons frequently encounter scenarios where patients bemoan the misgivings of family and friends who, for various reasons, are against the patient having surgery.
It’s important to understand that in most cases, having plastic surgery is your decision. There is one big question you need to honestly answer first though.
Can You Afford to Have Plastic Surgery?
The financial aspect is a legitimate concern. And if your partner, spouse, or other family members with whom you share finances are against it based purely on money issues, then you need to approach this as you would any other big-budget decision.
After all, you wouldn’t remodel your kitchen or bring home a brand-new car without consulting with them first. While most plastic surgery procedures won’t cost as much as a new car or a kitchen remodel, they can be expensive. So if your choice will affect their finances, then you’ll want to be sure you’re all in agreement before taking this step.
If, on the other hand, you’re single and are solely responsible for your finances, then what others think doesn’t really matter. This includes your parents, children, and friends. So in these cases, how do you ensure them that you’ve made the right decision?
It comes down to educating them. Let them know the two following things:
- Plastic Surgery Is Safe
It’s normal for loved ones to worry about your health and safety. So when you decide to have elective surgery, some of them may struggle with this choice.
Let them know that you’ve been cleared as a medically solid candidate for the surgery based on input from your board-certified plastic surgeon. You could also consult with your primary care physician if you want another voice of reason to speak with friends and family.
Many plastic surgeons encounter the children of patients who are concerned that their ‘older’ parent isn’t in good enough shape for surgery. But if the surgeon and family practice doctor believe they are medically healthy enough to do it and their desired results are realistic, then the concerned children have no choice but to find some solace and peace in the opinion of these experts.
Hopefully, your friends and family can too.
- Though Elective, It Is Necessary… for Me
You may also be running up against family and friends telling you that you don’t really need your chosen surgery. It’s not surprising they’d take this view. They see you in a different light than you see yourself.
Saying you don’t need surgery is a value judgment though. And while it may not be medically necessary, if there’s something on your body bothering you enough that you want to modify it, then that’s up to you. At the end of the day, if it’s going to make you feel better about yourself and increase your self-worth, then you DO need it.
Of course, there are always going to be cases where patients with body dysmorphic disorder seek out surgery to correct imperfections that don’t exist. And they’re never happy with the results. Plastic surgeons are familiar with this condition and are educated on how to handle patients who struggle with it.
But if your case is simply a matter of wanting a visible improvement that will make you happier and more comfortable in your skin, and your surgeon has recommended surgery, then you can share this with your loved ones. They may or may not agree, but it doesn’t matter. At this point, it’s purely up to you. And as long as the financial aspect has been cleared, it’s nobody’s decision but yours.
Having Plastic Surgery Is YOUR Decision. Are You Ready?
If you’re responsible for your own finances, then having plastic surgery is YOUR decision and yours alone.
So if you’re interested in how plastic surgery can improve your overall well-being, contact us today. Once our board-certified plastic surgeon has determined you are medically healthy and your desired results are realistic, the next step is yours.
Sure, you can listen to and entertain the opinions of friends and family. But just remember that at the end of the day, it’s your happiness on the table.
The Down-Low on Local Vs. General Anesthesia
If you are considering a plastic surgery procedure, you may have some reticence about being anesthetized. “Going under” can be daunting. General anesthesia is not something that’s taken lightly by any qualified and respected plastic surgeon. Important safety measures are always put into place.
But here’s the good news. You may not even need general anesthesia. There are some procedures (liposuction, fat transfer, and eyelid surgery, to name a few) where you may have the option to do a local anesthetic and oral sedation instead.
Given the option, which do you choose? There are numerous factors. So we’ll take a look at local vs. general anesthesia.
What Happens with General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is the most common form of sedation in plastic surgery. And if you are having an extensive procedure, it will be the best and only option.
With general anesthesia, you are rendered completely unconscious and then intubated with a machine so that you can breathe. You’ll have an anesthesiologist present at all times to ensure that you remain comfortable and motionless while the surgeon carefully performs the procedure.
The anesthesiologist is also there to monitor your vitals and blood pressure; making adjustments with the anesthetic to adjust blood pressure when and if needed.
Benefits of Local Vs. General Anesthesia
As stated above, there will be procedures where general anesthesia is the only option. And you can rest assured knowing that every precaution is taken to ensure your safety.
But in the event that you are offered a choice between the two, you may be wondering what the advantage of a local anesthetic with oral sedation would be.
For some patients, general anesthesia can cause nausea, vomiting, and constipation. There’s often grogginess and disorientation when recovering from it as well. And recovery time is slower with general anesthesia.
Local anesthesia can be more cost-effective because there is no need for an anesthesiologist and specialized equipment. Plus, because patients are awake, they can provide feedback to the surgeon in cases where aesthetics are the top priority.
Another benefit of local anesthesia and oral sedation is that it’s a safer option for patients with a high body mass index (BMI). General anesthesia can be taxing on their cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Local anesthesia dodges many of these risks.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate?
Before eliminating the option of general anesthesia, it’s important to understand that for some, the benefits of general anesthesia will outweigh the risks.
Being conscious during even a minor surgery can be distressing for those who regularly struggle with and/or take medication for anxiety. You will be fully aware of the surgical procedure and will still experience pressure, vibrations, or other movements in the area that’s been numbed. You may also hear the sounds of the surgical instruments.
This is true even in cases where the surgeon may offer eye coverings, ear plugs, and soothing music. Plus, the amount of medication required for full sedation may be more than the surgeon is comfortable administering. General anesthesia, if available, would likely be the best option in this situation.
Is Local Anesthetic an Option for You?
When it comes to deciding between local vs. general anesthesia, you’ll want to be sure you have all of the information.
So if you’re considering a procedure, please contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
You’ll be able to speak with a board-certified surgeon who can determine your anesthesia options, then outline the benefits and drawbacks of each to determine the best approach for your needs.
Unsure of What Plastic Surgery Procedure You Want?
Many patients seeking plastic surgery have specific areas they wish to address. For example, they may want fuller lips or smaller breasts or a different nose.
If you’re just feeling a general dissatisfaction with your appearance and can’t pinpoint the issue, however, you may not know what plastic surgery procedure you want.
That’s okay. There are plenty of others just like you. As such, you’d benefit from a consultation with a plastic surgeon to help you determine this. The consultation will be more effective if you’re able to go in with some ideas though. So where can you get inspiration?
Is AI the Best Way to Go?
Artificial intelligence is a good starting point. With AI, you can generate images of how you might look with certain tweaks. It’s important to remember though that these are made-up images and may not be obtainable in reality.
AI is, at this point, unable to take into account your unique structural and anatomical features to give a fair assessment of how you could change these. It’s also unaware of your skin type and age and the challenges involved with that. So it should be only used for very baseline inspiration.
Are Fashion Magazines, Television, and Social Media More on the Mark?
Fashion magazines were once the gold standard for plastic surgery inspiration. Patients would show up at the plastic surgeon’s office, flash a picture of their favorite celebrity, and insist upon his or her lips/breasts/butt/skin, etc. Of course, movies and television were also great sources for inspiration.
Today, patients will still turn to television, film, and print to get inspired. Yet, they’re also turning to social media in hopes of looking like the latest influencer. In both cases, these images are usually not an accurate representation of what these folks look like. Celebrities have hair and make-up artists, the best lighting, amazing photographers, and the magic of Photoshop to make them look great. And anyone on social media can alter their photos with apps and filters.
So what’s a confused potential plastic surgery patient to do?
To Decide What Plastic Surgery Procedure You Want, Stick with Reality
Many plastic surgeons recommend that you look to your past for inspiration. How? For example, if you want to rejuvenate your look or focus on anti-aging treatments, pour through old photos of yourself from a decade or so ago. Did you have fewer wrinkles, fuller lips, less sagging in your eyebrows?
By looking at these pictures of yourself from a decade or so ago, you’ll get a better idea of what you may want and how your potential results will look. It just creates a more realistic vision for you and your surgeon.
Another recommendation from surgeons is to find images of REAL people you find visually appealing with whom you share common physical traits (age, skin type, body type, etc.). Showing the surgeon such an image will help him or her to assess your expectations and determine how realistic they are.
Ready to Speak to a Surgeon?
When trying to decide what plastic surgery procedure you want, AI, television, film, social media, celebrity photographs, apps, and websites are good starting points.
But at the end of the day, you have to remember that you are not made of wood and clay that can be easily sculpted. What’s possible will depend on your skin laxity, anatomy, and other structural features.
So contact us today to set up a free consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. And prepare to engage in an honest and transparent discussion about your aesthetic goals, whether they’re realistic, and the most effective procedures to get you the best results.
Why Millennials Are Getting Laser Skin Resurfacing
Strange as it may seem, millennials are openly talking about proactive measures to address signs of aging.
It makes sense though. It’s easier to preserve skin that is supple and resilient than to repair or restore skin that is aging or has aged.
This is why an increasing number of millennials are getting laser skin resurfacing.
What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser resurfacing is a non-surgical procedure that ablates the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). Then the energy can enter into the deeper layer (the dermis). This results in an immediate contraction of the skin which promotes collagen production. Collagen locks moisture into the skin cells to lessen age-related loss of skin volume. The more collagen in the skin, the fewer lines and creases.
And millennials are embracing it. Cosmetic procedures are no longer regarded as a luxury for those middle-aged and beyond. Thanks to influencers, social media, and celebrity culture, societal attitudes have shifted. Plus, these procedures are more affordable than ever.
As such, cosmetic treatments such as laser skin resurfacing are increasingly a part of regular self-care routines for millennials who wish to maintain and enhance their natural beauty.
Why Millennials Are Getting Laser Skin Resurfacing
The latest generation isn’t as much about aging gracefully as finding ways to improve as the years progress. As millennials experience the emergence of fine lines and wrinkles, they’re discovering that laser skin resurfacing can help them to keep their youthful radiance.
Laser treatments effectively smooth wrinkles and even out skin tone on the face, neck, hands, and other places. And because it’s a minimally invasive procedure, the downtime is short. This is important for millennials who typically lead busy lifestyles. What’s more, the benefits of laser skin resurfacing last a long time.
The Added Benefit of Treating Acne Scars
Acne is not just an adolescent plague. Many adults struggle with it and the scars it leaves behind. And for millennials who are in the prime of their lives, these scars can be embarrassing and cause physical and emotional distress.
Fortunately, in addition to leaving skin brighter, tighter, smoother, and more even, laser skin resurfacing is also a reliable treatment for acne scars. A series of swift laser energy sessions stimulate collagen production to facilitate the regeneration of healthy skin cells to heal acne scars.
The number of sessions depends on the level of severity of the scars. Whatever the case, millennials who opt for laser skin resurfacing report noticeable skin improvement after even just a few sessions. And unlike more abrasive alternatives to treating acne scars, this procedure is much gentler on the skin.
Take a Pro-Active Approach to Aging Skin
The skin continuously replenishes itself by replacing old tissue with new. This process is expedited with laser resurfacing.
So it’s no big mystery as to why millennials are getting laser skin resurfacing to keep the youthful glow that still comes easily to them.
If you’re a millennial looking to keep your radiant skin, contact us to schedule your free consultation. We’ll take the time to give you options so you can move forward with the best procedure for you.
SkinMedica and Growth Factor Technology
If you’re looking for groundbreaking scientifically based skincare products that slow the aging process by healing the skin from within, then you’ll want to try SkinMedica.
Established in 1999, SkinMedica began the development of growth factor technology just one year later in 2000 with a patent that proved to be revolutionary in age defense science.
It wasn’t long before SkinMedica and growth factor technology became synonymous.
What Is Growth Factor Technology?
To explain growth factor technology, it helps to understand first what growth factors are. Simply put, they are naturally occurring proteins produced in human, animal, and even plant skin cells.
Also known as cytokines, these proteins are responsible for keeping skin cells healthy, alive, and thriving. They also serve to communicate messages between other cells to promote growth and healing. Unfortunately, as we age, the production of cytokines declines.
There are ways to boost production though. Skincare experts and scientists have taken to the lab to cultivate growth factor proteins. When formulated properly, as they are in SkinMedica products, they boost the production of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan. And this is growth factor technology.
SkinMedica and Growth Factor Technology
From 2008 – 2013, SkinMedica was doing groundbreaking work with growth factor technology. They created an all-in-one skin rejuvenating treatment by combining serums and complexes with antioxidants, peptides, and other specialty ingredients. They also introduced a highly effective topical retinol product that renews skin to lessen the appearance of fine lines.
Then in 2011, they established a special clinic where cosmetic chemists and scientists could focus on developing innovative new products through clinical research studies. In the following years, they continued this science-based innovation by focusing on pre-clinical studies to comprehend complex biological systems. All of this to ensure that they stayed up with the latest information to keep developing revolutionary and high-quality products.
Continuing to Blaze a Trail
Over the past ten years, SkinMedica has forged ahead in the science of skincare with a clinical research site and laboratories. They upped the ante in sun protection with the creation of a revolutionary sunscreen that offers protection from both UV and infrared rays while simultaneously supporting the skin’s ability to restore itself.
They were also pivotal in understanding the importance of hyaluronic acid (HA) and its effect on overall skin health. This understanding helped them develop a product that provides immediate smoothing in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while supporting the skin’s ability to replenish HA. Further scientific advances from there included the development of a pigment correcting serum for a variety of skin types and ethnicities.
Finally, with the recent launch of the only growth factor product proven to address sagging skin, SkinMedica demonstrates the next-generation in growth factor innovation.
Given SkinMedica’s commitment to growth factor technology and top-of-the-line skincare products, one can only imagine where they’ll go from here.
Curious to Try SkinMedica for Yourself?
If you’re ready to see how SkinMedica and growth factor technology can give you more vibrant and youthful skin, take a look at the vast array of products we offer from this revolutionary skincare company.
And if you’re ready to take it a step further and are considering a surgical procedure to tighten your skin’s sagging or laxity, contact us today.
There are many options available to you. We’re happy to discuss them all during your free consultation.
Is Broadband Light Therapy for Acne Effective?
If you’re embarrassed by the appearance of zits and pimples anywhere on your body, then you know all too well that the struggle with acne is real.
Plus, it’s not just a problem for teenagers. Contrary to popular belief, a growing number of adults continue to struggle with acne. And if not treated, it can leave unsightly scars and pockmarks in its wake.
Fortunately, there’s Broadband Light Therapy for acne.
What is Broadband Light Therapy for Acne?
Trying to figure out what to do with problematic acne can be overwhelming. There is a wealth of different treatments – some of which can cause prolonged side effects. What’s more, what works for one person may not work for you. Some so-called treatments could even worsen your acne.
This is what makes Broadband Light Therapy so appealing. Also referred to as BBL (which shouldn’t be confused with the other BBL in plastic surgery – the Brazilian Butt Lift) filtered light similar to a laser is used to stimulate the regeneration of your skin cells. The result is improved clarity and luminosity of your skin.
In addition, the energy from the light stimulates collagen and elastin production to help even out your skin’s texture and complexion. It also destroys the bacteria that causes the acne.
So How Does BBL Work?
BBL is a fairly simple and minimal pain procedure done in the office. It does not require numbing cream and takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to perform.
During the 3-step procedure, your skincare specialist uses a handheld FDA-approved device to apply light in three different wavelengths to the targeted areas of acne.
In the first step, blue light moves deep within your epidermis and sebaceous gland to kill the bacteria that causes acne. The reduction of active acne also prevents new breakouts. Yellow light is then utilized in the second step to reduce deeper acne lesions. This will further diffuse any inflammation or redness you’re experiencing. Finally, the third step utilizes a filter to complement the results from the first two steps.
When all is said and done, you may experience slight redness and a light sunburn sensation immediately following BBL. This typically lasts less than a couple of hours and you may return to normal activities within 24 hours of treatment.
Sound too good to be true?
Just a Few Caveats
It should be noted that BBL for acne is not a “one-and-done” affair. For best results, you’ll need a minimum of 6 consistent treatments done at 2- to 4-week intervals. Results will typically become noticeable after the first 2-3 treatments though and you’ll likely experience fewer breakouts.
In addition, BBL for acne should be performed in the fall or winter when there is little to no risk of sun exposure. (So if you go to Florida for Thanksgiving, you’ll want to wait until after you return home.) This is because sunlight exposure, or even any products that increase your sensitivity to the sun, put your skin at risk when exposed to BBL.
So to avoid the possibility of burning, striping, hyperpigmentation, white spots, or other skin damage, you’ll need to be extremely cautious about sun exposure or certain lotions for at least 4-6 weeks both before and after your treatment.
Schedule Your Fall/Winter BBL Treatments Now!
If the appearance of chronic pimples and zits is taking an emotional toll on you, now is the time to consider trying broadband light therapy for acne.
Contact us today to set up a free consultation with one of our skincare specialists. They will discuss the best options and treatment plans for you.
But don’t wait too long. Autumn is just around the corner and winter will be here before you know it!
Medical Tourism Is Risky Business
Have you been long considering changing something about your appearance? You’re not alone.
Yet, finances are tight for many of us these days. And since health insurance doesn’t cover most plastic surgery procedures, folks are turning to medical tourism as what they believe is the ideal solution for finding plastic surgery at a discount.
Unfortunately, medical tourism is risky business and should be approached with extreme caution. Because it doesn’t take much for a dream vacation to become a nightmare.
Seeking Savings South of the Border
If you’re not familiar, medical tourism is the term for people traveling to other places, usually internationally, to get medical procedures at a lower price point.
One of the hottest destination countries offering discount plastic surgery is Mexico. Low-cost body contouring procedures such as tummy tucks and liposuction are among the most popular surgeries. Columbia and the Dominican Republic are also making names for themselves. Meanwhile, more east of the border Turkey is establishing itself as the mecca for male hair transplants and rhinoplasty.
While medical tourism typically involves international travel, plastic surgeons around the United States are experiencing people coming across state lines in hopes of finding a better deal too.
Whether traveling near or far for plastic surgery can be problematic, to say the least.
Medical Tourism Is Risky Business
One of the problems with surgeons offering low prices on plastic surgery procedures in Mexico is that it draws attention away from those who are legitimate and highly professional doctors. The ones, in other words, who are not offering discounted prices. And there are plenty.
What’s more, even though plastic surgeons in the United States are highly trained physicians with the most advanced medical technology doesn’t mean every last one of them is ethical. Any time a professional offers a lowball price, it’s a red flag.
So whether staying domestic or going abroad, patients traveling to score a low price on a plastic surgery procedure are taking a lot of chances. There are many risks associated with medical tourism. These not only include those of health, legal, and safety varieties – which are all important. But patients must also consider the quality and continuity of care and the real possibility of infection, blood clots, and wound separation.
In addition, patients looking for a good deal need to factor in costs for accommodations while in recovery since they will be advised not to travel after their procedure. All of this begs the question:
Are the Savings Worth It?
As any highly qualified board-certified plastic surgeon in the U.S. can tell you, the requirements to become a plastic surgeon vary from country to country. And many American surgeons have seen their fair share of medical tourism mishaps – including women who had breast implants that hadn’t been sterilized which led to serious infection due to fungus growing on the implants.
These patients believed they were saving money but then ended up spending far more on revision surgery and wound care. Plus, any kind of revision surgery is going to cost more than the primary surgery. They’re more complex because of scar tissue and the unpredictability of what the surgeon may find.
Stick Closer to Home
Medical tourism is risky business for sure. For patients who know how to ask all the right questions and can speak the language of the surgeon, there’s a chance they could save a little money. A chance.
But most patients would prefer to know they’re in good hands with a professional near them who has their best interests at heart.
So if you’re looking to change up your appearance and feel better about yourself, contact us today. During your free consultation, you’ll find peace of mind in knowing that you’re in the best hands possible. And you won’t need to pack your bags.
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.
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!
