How Do Liposuction and Emsculpt Differ?
Are you conscientious about diet and exercise, but finding that they’re not doing the trick when it comes to losing fat and/or toning muscle?
It’s a frustrating situation. As such, you may have started looking at different cosmetic procedures – both surgical and non-surgical – and are somewhat confused about what would be best for you.
Two of the most common options are liposuction and Emsculpt. Both can improve your body shape. But the procedures, overall focus, and timeline for your results differ. We’ll take a look.
How Liposuction Works
If it’s stubborn subcutaneous fat that you can’t seem to eliminate, then liposuction is often a top recommendation. It works by surgically removing fat cells.
Through tiny incisions in the areas you’d like to target, a board-certified plastic surgeon inserts a narrow tube called a cannula. The cannula is connected to a surgical vacuum or syringe. The surgeon manipulates the cannula to disrupt fat cells which are then suctioned out of the incision.
Although it is a surgical procedure, liposuction is a fairly simple and straightforward way to remove excess fat from almost any part of the body.
The Emsculpt Process
Emsculpt, on the other hand, is a non-surgical procedure. It’s not a magical cream or elixir though. Rather, it’s technology that uses non-invasive, high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy to implode fat cells while simultaneously building muscle.
It’s like getting a major workout that will affect the muscles in a way that would be impossible for you to do voluntarily. For example, it’s as if you could do 20,000 sit-ups in the course of 30 minutes.
How does it work? You relax back onto a table while a small device is strapped over the area you’re targeting. Facilitators give you tips on ways to breathe and relax through the session.
Power from the device slowly increases and your muscles begin to contract, creating a very intense vibration that may feel strange at first. After a few contractions, the machine switches to a tapping action to break down the lactic acid your muscles produce during the contractions.
Many who seek Emsculpt procedures are focusing on improving their abs because it’s extremely effective for this area. Yet Emsculpt is also commonly used for the buttocks. There are even smaller paddles utilized to target the biceps, triceps, thighs, and calves.
Which Way to Go? The Differences Between Liposuction and Emsculpt
It depends on what you want to achieve. While both will give you a contoured appearance, liposuction does more to remove fat while Emsculpt focuses on toning muscle.
If you choose liposuction, you will be required to have some sort of anesthesia – whether general, local, or IV sedation. It will depend on the treated area. You should also plan to take at least several days off of work and will have activity restrictions in the weeks that follow. You will likely experience some initial swelling, bruising, and numbness as well.
With Emsculpt, there are no needles, no incisions, and no anesthesia. There is little to no risk of complications and you’ll likely feel some muscle soreness the next day – just as you would after an intense workout. You’ll need to have multiple treatments, however. And improvements appear two to six weeks after the last session and continue to improve for several weeks following the sessions.
It’s important to note that both of these treatments are most optimal if you’re in overall good health, physically active, have a BMI of 30 or under, and want to enhance where your regular exercise program has plateaued.
In other words, neither is meant to replace regular exercise and good eating habits. So don’t let those go!
Is It Time for a Change?
You’re already doing a great job eating well and exercising. But if they’re not giving you the contours you want, you could supplement them with liposuction and Emsculpt.
Contact us today to speak with our board-certified plastic surgeon who will review your aesthetic goals with you and advise you on the next best steps.
After all, you’re doing the work. You deserve amazing results!
Stopping Medication Before Anesthesia
If you’re considering a plastic surgery procedure that requires you to be anesthetized, you may have heard about the importance of stopping medication before anesthesia.
This isn’t true for every medication though. Some are riskier than others.
So if the notion of having to quit your medication to have a procedure feels too daunting, you’ll want to read on to determine how (or if) you’ll be affected.
Medications You May Need to Briefly Pause
It’s crucial to be forthright with your surgical team about your current prescriptions because you MAY need to put a temporary halt on certain medications to ensure your safety.
The main culprits are medications that treat the following:
- Blood Pressure
Patients who take drugs for high blood pressure (such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, direct renin inhibitors, or diuretics) are asked to stop these medications 24 hours pre-op to reduce the risk of blood pressure falling too low during the procedure.
On the other hand, patients taking beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or other medications for heart failure are advised to take their medication as usual.
- Type 2 Diabetes
Among medications used to regulate blood sugar, GLP-1 agonists are of particular concern because of an increased risk of vomiting and aspiration during the procedure. Patients are typically asked to temporarily stop taking these based on how often they take them. For those taking them daily, the recommendation is to hold off the day before and the day of surgery.
SGLT-2 inhibitors are also of concern because they slow the time it takes for food to leave the stomach and can put patients at risk for a dangerous condition known as euglycemic ketoacidosis. The recommendation is to stop the medication 3-4 days before anesthesia and consult with the prescribing doctor.
Patients taking insulin for Type 1 diabetes are advised to continue taking it but need to discuss specific recommendations before anesthesia. Those taking insulin for Type 2 diabetes will likely need to adjust it – based on the doctor’s recommendation – in the 24 hours before anesthesia.
- Weight Loss
Those taking GLP-1 agonists for weight loss need to follow the same protocol as those taking it for diabetes (see above).
Another class of weight loss medication includes drugs that contain phentermine. Phentermine shouldn’t be combined with anesthesia and patients are advised to stop four days before anesthesia. Depending on whether phentermine is taken with another medication, there may be recommendations on how to wean off the medications safely.
4. Blood Clotting
To avoid the risk of excessive bleeding, your surgeon will recommend the cessation of all blood thinning medications. These even include OTC medications such as Advil/Ibuprofen.
Concerned About Stopping Medication Before Anesthesia?
We understand the fear of stopping medication before anesthesia. Fortunately, if you’re taking medication for depression, anxiety, sleep, birth control, or even ADHD (in most cases), you won’t be affected.
And even if you do have to stop a medication, most patients can start again soon after coming out of anesthesia.
So don’t let fear stop you from getting that plastic surgery procedure you’re dreaming of. Contact us today to set up a free consultation. We’ll discuss any reservations you may have and put your mind at ease.
Do CBD and Plastic Surgery Mix?
In previous posts, we’ve gone into some detail about the risks associated with smoking and/or drinking alcohol before surgery.
But given the increasing popularity and availability of cannabis products, you might be wondering – what about CBD and plastic surgery? What’s the recommendation for that?
Could this seemingly harmless and often helpful substance be a hindrance to surgery? We’ll take a look.
What Is CBD?
Cannabis plants are loaded with cannabinoids which can have varying effects on the human endocannabinoid system. The most well-known of these is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Of all the cannabinoids, THC is the only one that is psychoactive – meaning that it causes a high.
The second most well-known and abundant cannabinoid is cannabidiol or CBD. While CBD does not have a psychoactive effect, it is used for therapeutic purposes including epilepsy, insomnia, and anxiety. So those who take CBD regularly for any of these conditions may be reticent about stopping its usage. That’s understandable.
But is a patient required to stop taking CBD before plastic surgery?
Research on CBD and Plastic Surgery Is Still Minimal
While CBD is not in the same camp as alcohol and tobacco/nicotine in terms of riskiness, it’s still generally advised that patients stop taking products with CBD before surgery.
Because marijuana continues to be prohibited on the federal level, very little research has been funded over the years concerning the risks and benefits of its many cannabinoids. And this makes medical professionals hesitant to say that CBD is completely safe when combined with surgery.
At the time of this publication, there is research pointing to CBD as potentially having an anticoagulant effect. Anticoagulants prevent blood from clotting and because proper blood clotting is required to prevent excessive bleeding during surgery, they are discouraged.
As research continues around CBD, however, doctors and surgeons will likely alter their recommendations on CBD for their patients. So each patient must ensure that their physician is aware of any CBD usage.
Is CBD Okay After Surgery?
As stated above, the research is not abundant on CBD and plastic surgery. There is some evidence that CBD is effective in managing symptoms after orthopedic surgeries. At this time, however, there is hardly a wide body of research to back this.
In addition, there can be quality control issues with CBD supplements. This is especially the case in states that have yet to legalize marijuana and don’t have strict testing protocols. As such, taking post-surgical CBD products could result in unpredictable effects.
Most surgeons, at this point, encourage patients to stick with the tried and true take-home prescription for the first few days and then return to regularly taking CBD products sometime after that regimen is over.
What About THC for Pain Relief?
The jury is no longer out on whether THC is good for managing pain. There’s enough research and anecdotal evidence to say that it is. It’s particularly beneficial for those struggling with chronic pain as a result of damage to nerve endings.
That being said, there’s still not much research on how helpful THC is in treating surgical pain – which is not the same as nerve pain. What’s more, it would be difficult to recommend a dosage.
So even if you live in a place where THC is legal, your doctor/surgeon is likely to recommend staying on the course of prescription painkillers and then OTC medications since these are tested and approved by the FDA.
Research on CBD in the Medical World Continues to Evolve
As marijuana legalization expands, so too does the research that’s funded for it. So even if the idea of combining CBD and plastic surgery seems risky now, that could change considerably in even just a year.
If you’re a regular CBD user who’s considering plastic surgery, talk to a qualified and board-certified plastic surgeon who’s up on the latest research and protocols.
Contact us today to set up a free consultation. Things may have already changed!
Can You Get a Thigh and Arm Lift at the Same Time?
Given the popularity of tummy tucks and breast augmentation, it can feel like much of the focus in plastic surgery is on the torso. Yet, that’s not the reality.
For some patients, the “problem areas” are the limbs. After weight loss, they are satisfied with their midriffs. Yet, the extra fat or saggy skin of their arms and legs is embarrassing. And no amount of diet and exercise seems to help.
This is why there are procedures like the thigh and arm lift that remove unwanted skin and fat while targeting deeper structures to create a sculpted contour. Plus, these procedures can be done at the same time to lessen overall recovery time.
The Arm Lift Procedure
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to an arm lift (also known as brachioplasty). The incision length and pattern will be determined by your surgeon and will depend on the location of excess skin and fat and how much needs to be removed.
Generally speaking though, incisions are placed either on the back or the inside of the arm. They may extend from just above the elbow to the underarm. However, incisions may be more limited – depending on your situation.
Whatever the case, if there is excess fat, it will be removed with liposuction or directly excised. The supportive tissue underneath is then tightened and reshaped using internal sutures, and the skin is smoothed over to create a new contour.
Types of Thigh Lift
Similar to the arm lift, the type of thigh lift performed will depend on your specific situation and your desired goals.
Your plastic surgeon will recommend either an inner (medial) thigh lift or a standard thigh lift. With the former, excess skin is removed to give the top part of the inner thigh a more toned appearance. This is the most common type of thigh lift.
Meanwhile, a standard thigh lift aims to reshape and tone the entire upper leg. This type of thigh lift is more appropriate for those who have excess skin as a result of weight loss.
Are You a Good Candidate for a Thigh and Arm Lift?
A large number of patients who opt for this combination surgery have lost significant weight and are unable to get rid of saggy skin and stubborn pockets of fat through diet and exercise. If this is the case with you, you may be a perfect candidate.
As with all surgical procedures, it’s important that you be in good health with no pre-existing conditions that might negatively impact healing. In addition, you need to be at a stable body weight with no intention of losing or gaining weight in the near future.
What to Expect During Recovery
You’ll likely experience some swelling after surgery so you’ll want to avoid strenuous activity. For an arm lift, you’ll need to keep arm movement at a minimum and avoid lifting anything over your head. You may feel some arm and hand weakness at first. This is normal.
As for a thigh lift, expect compression wraps around the thighs and keep your legs elevated as much as possible in that first week. You’ll be able to shower within the first few days post-surgery.
Depending on the sort of work you do or your activity level, most patients return to basic activities of daily living within two weeks after surgery. Exercise and heavy lifting, however, will be restricted for longer.
You CAN Tone Your Thighs and Arms
If a tightened and more youthful appearance to the inner thighs and arms feels like only a dream, it doesn’t have to be. Contact us today to set up your free consultation. Let’s make that dream a reality.
And when it comes to combining surgeries, you’re not limited to the thigh and arm lift pair. You may decide to combine your thigh lift with breast augmentation instead. Or perhaps a tummy tuck with an arm lift.
Your board-certified plastic surgeon will discuss all of the (nearly endless) possibilities with you.
Avoiding Counterfeit Botox
OnabotulinumtoxinA, better known as Botox, was approved for cosmetic use over 20 years ago. And since that time, it’s been a popular medication used to smooth wrinkles and help patients look younger.
Given that the average Botox injection costs around $530 and multiple injections are required, it’s not surprising that counterfeit versions of this drug have appeared around the country. Unfortunately, the counterfeit version has resulted in illness for those to whom it was administered.
This may sound ominous. And it’s a serious situation. But the reality is that avoiding counterfeit Botox is very simple.
The Story With Counterfeit Botox in 2024
While Botox is highly effective in reducing wrinkles and rejuvenating one’s appearance, the effects of the shot last 3-4 months on average. That means additional shots are needed to maintain that youthful appearance.
Recognizing how lucrative it is to manufacture Botox, some rather unscrupulous folks figured they’d take a stab at creating some counterfeit versions and pass them off to unsuspecting individuals hoping to save a buck.
In every case, the individuals who fell for the ruse were untrained and/or unlicensed providers working in non-healthcare settings. Between November of 2023 and April of 24, a total of 22 people across 11 states reported adverse effects after having been administered with the counterfeit drug.
None of these cases was in Michigan.
Symptoms of Botulinum Poisoning
Every one of the affected individuals was female ranging in age from 25-59 years of age. They had either visited private homes or unlicensed “medical” spas to receive the treatment. Of the women, 95% reported that had received the injections for cosmetic purposes.
While no two women had the same set of symptoms, there were many tell-tale signs of botulinum poisoning. These included difficulty breathing, blurry vision, fatigue, muscle weakness, headaches, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, double vision, slurred speech, and neck pain.
(This isn’t even the first time counterfeiters attempted to peddle fake botox. Also in 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Ohio intercepted counterfeit Botox that had been shipped from Korea, Bulgaria, China, and Spain.)
It’s critical to note here that NOT A SINGLE ONE of these cases was linked to FDA-approved botulinum toxins including Botox and Botox Cosmetic.
The Best and EASIEST Way for Avoiding Counterfeit Botox
If a plastic surgeon comes across Botox treatment that’s quoted at a significantly lower price, they regard this as a serious red flag. After all, as skilled doctors, their primary concern is the safety of the patient. They’re not going to take any chances.
What’s more, they’re able to identify the telltale info on the vial or outer carton that signifies the product isn’t legit. For example, in an attempt to mimic old packaging, the active ingredient may be displayed as “Botulinum Toxin Type A” instead of “OnabotulinumtoxinA”. Or the product may indicate 150-unit doses, which is not a legally manufactured dose.
That’s why it’s essential that you only receive Botox or other injectables from a board-certified plastic surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). He or she adheres to the strictest safety standards.
It’s that simple.
Don’t Settle for Less
Botox at bargain prices is risky. To say the least.
The safest bet in avoiding counterfeit Botox is to stick with a skilled professional in a clinical setting. Period.
So if your future includes Botox, contact us today. Ditch the spa and put your mind at ease. We’ve got you covered.
Who Was the First Female Plastic Surgeon in the U.S.?
There is documentation of women performing surgical procedures as far back as 3500 BCE.
But new regulations issued during the Middle Ages prohibited women from practicing surgery unless they were given privileges by a jury or took over their deceased husbands’ practices.
Fast forward 1400 years or so to the inaugural class of 1057 fellows of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) in 1913 had five women in the fields of general surgery, ENT, and gynecology. And the first female plastic surgeon in the U.S. wouldn’t be admitted to the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS, later ASPS) until 1948.
The First Female Plastic Surgeon in the U.S.
The first woman to be recognized in the field of plastic surgery in the U.S. was Dr. Alma Dea Morani.
Graduating from the Women’s Medical College in Pennsylvania (now Drexel University) in 1931, she completed her internship at St. James Hospital in New Jersey. She was the sole female physician there so she had to live in the nursing quarters.
Morani went on to become a fellow of the ACS in 1941 after she passed her general surgery boards. Given her passion for art, she was interested in applying her surgical skills to the emerging field of plastic surgery.
It Was No Easy Feat
In 2022, over 86% of cosmetic plastic surgeries were performed on women, while 13.8% were on men. Even so, the field of plastic surgery is still dominated by men. And the journey for Moreni to become a plastic surgeon was not an easy one.
Over the course of six years, she tried six times to apply for plastic surgery training. Each time she was turned down until a surgeon in St. Louis accepted her. There were different rules for her than for the male pupils though. She was allowed only to observe and not permitted to scrub or assist in cases. In addition, she could only operate on Saturdays when the male colleagues had the day off.
Despite this, she completed her training and then traveled the world to learn from other plastic surgeons including Drs. Gillies and McIndoe in Great Britain and Dr. Severino-Roselli in Italy. Eventually she
worked with the first female cosmetic surgeon in France and assisted in training other female plastic surgeons.
Morani Continued to Blaze New Trails
Eventually Morani returned to the United States to the Women’s Medical College in Pennsylvania. There she practiced a wide range of plastic surgery procedures, including general reconstruction, burns, facial trauma, and hand surgery.
She would go on to found The Hand Clinic there and continued to act as an advocate for women in plastic surgery and medicine as a whole. She also remained active in medical societies including the American Medical Women’s Association and the Medical Women’s International Association – and helped found the Pennsylvania Plastic Surgery Society in 1954. It was there that she served as its third president and second historian.
Plastic Surgery for Everyone
To this day, many consider the first female plastic surgeon in the U.S. as the “mother” of plastic surgery for multiple generations of women who went on to practice in the field.
And Morani was just that.
So whether you’re a woman or a man looking to make some adjustments (cosmetic or otherwise) through plastic surgery, don’t hesitate to contact us. Discover what it can do for you.
Can You Reverse a BBL?
If you’re in the know (in the world of plastic surgery, at least), then you’re aware that a BBL is a Brazilian Butt Lift. It was a popular procedure during the reality TV reign of the Kardashians.
With a BBL, fat from one part of the body is harvested, treated, and then injected into the fatty layer of the buttocks. The result is a fuller, more lifted, and just plain perkier butt.
Yet, for patients who opted for an exaggerated BBL or who have gained weight, the size of the buttocks may be noticeably disproportionate to their bodies. It’s at this point they return to the plastic surgeon asking if they can reverse a BBL.
So Can You Reverse a BBL?
The short answer is yes. But there are many factors.
Since a BBL is performed by injecting fat, it would SEEM that simply removing that fat via liposuction would solve the problem. It’s not always that easy though.
For patients with excellent skin elasticity and who are seeking minor to moderate reduction, a board-certified plastic surgeon will likely utilize ultrasound-assisted liposuction to remove the excess fat while sculpting and reshaping the butt. This technique can also stimulate collagen production and improve skin tightening. At least to some extent.
This method isn’t going to work for everyone though. Patients with great elasticity who need a lot of fat removed are still going to be stuck with loose skin. The same goes for those who don’t have much skin elasticity to start with. In these cases, using just liposuction can leave loose skin that appears as a contour irregularity.
Considerations for BBL Reversal
There are three primary concerns your surgeon will address when assessing the proper BBL reversal procedure for you.
First, he or she will need to know how big your buttocks are relative to the rest of your body. If you’re like most BBL patients, you’re probably not looking to go back to your original appearance before getting the BBL. You want an enhanced look that’s not quite as dramatic. It’s the new era of the BBL.
Second, how much reduction do you desire? If you’re hoping to remove a significant amount of fat but you have poor skin elasticity, there’s a good chance the skin may not fully contract and conform to your desired contours. In this situation, a concomitant skin excision or butt lift procedure may be performed to lift the skin.
And third, how much elasticity does your skin have? Typically, the younger the patient, the better the skin elasticity. For them, careful liposuction can be done to deliver the shape and volume they desire without the after effects of loose skin. This is not the case for older individuals though.
The Challenges of Reversing a Brazilian Butt Lift
For patients seeking moderate to significant reduction with poor skin elasticity, the surgeon may take more of a restoration and reshaping approach. This will be the most effective way to reduce, lift, and reshape the buttocks without leaving extra skin.
This same approach is taken if the initial BBL was not performed correctly. In cases where the fat was injected above the muscle and there is good skin elasticity, a standard BBL with liposuction can be performed. On the other hand, if the BBL involved injecting fat into the gluteal muscle, the fat can not be safely removed. This will likely require a butt lift.
Your new surgeon will see this in your medical record and respond accordingly.
Is It Time to Reverse Your BBL?
If you’re no longer happy with the appearance of full buttocks, you’re not alone. This is why it’s possible to reverse a BBL.
So contact us to get those refined contours you’re seeking.
During your free consultation, we’ll sit down with you to discuss the best options available to you depending on all of the above factors we discussed. We look forward to hearing from you!
Are There Procedures That Combine with Rhinoplasty?
Given its popularity, you probably already know that the medical term for a “nose job” is rhinoplasty. It’s one of those trivia questions many people answer correctly.
If you’re considering the procedure for yourself, however, you may not know that there are several procedures that combine with rhinoplasty – should you desire.
So if you suspect an additional surgery might be needed to bring you true facial harmony, consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. You can discuss how a specific combo could be tailored to your facial structure and desired outcome.
Procedures That Combine with Rhinoplasty
Along with insisting upon only a highly experienced surgeon, you’ll also want one who understands facial aesthetics. He or she can offer guidance on the optimal surgical procedure that will best complement your rhinoplasty while enhancing overall facial balance.
Your surgeon may suggest one of the following:
- Septoplasty
Because many rhinoplasty patients have a deviated septum and struggle with the breathing issues that accompany it, septoplasty is frequently combined with rhinoplasty. With septoplasty, the septum is straightened to allow for better airflow.
- Cartilage Grafts
For patients who require more structure or support for their nose, or for those making a significant change to its appearance, cartilage grafts are often recommended. In these cases, the surgeon may take cartilage grafts from the septum, ear, or rib to reconstruct the nose and achieve the patient’s desired aesthetic outcome.
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
If you’ve noticed loose or sagging skin around your eyelids due to age or weakening muscles, consider how eyelid surgery with rhinoplasty could both revise and rejuvenate your face. Bringing these two procedures together can result in truly dramatic and impressive aesthetic changes.
- Chin Implant (Mentoplasty)
For patients who are bothered by asymmetry issues with their chins, mentoplasty corrects these. Whether the procedure involves reduction, re-shaping, or augmentation, combining rhinoplasty and mentoplasty can increase and accentuate symmetry to enhance the midline of your face.
- Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
Okay, the ears are technically not on the face. Plus, abnormalities are easier to hide under hair or headgear than an unusual nose. Even so, some patients decide upon the surgical altering of their ears along with rhinoplasty to create more facial balance. Particularly in cases where the appearance of the ears may detract from positive rhinoplasty results. This would be counterintuitive.
Interested In a Rhinoplasty Consultation?
If you’re ready to take the plunge and bring more harmony to your face, contact us today to set up your free rhinoplasty consultation. During your comprehensive meeting with the surgeon, you can discuss the best procedures that combine with rhinoplasty for your specific situation and whether any is right for you.
At the end of the day, it will come down to both your personal preference and your surgeon’s professional opinion based on your overall health and any risks involved.
So don’t hesitate. It’s time to love your face and everything it has to express.
What Is Avéli for Cellulite Reduction?
If you’re embarrassed by stubborn cellulite around your thighs, buttocks, and abdomen, you may go to great lengths to hide it.
And as much as you’ve exercised and stuck to a strict diet, it doesn’t seem to make any difference. You’ve probably even been told there’s nothing that can be done about cellulite.
For some part of the 80-90% of women who have cellulite, this isn’t what they want to hear. Fortunately though, there’s now Avéli for cellulite reduction.
Is Cellulite a Medical Condition?
First, it’s crucial to note that cellulite is not a medical condition and it’s not dangerous. It IS, however, a common cosmetic concern. Some patients are troubled by the appearance of dimpled and lumpy skin. And this can cause their self-confidence and body image to take a hit.
It’s also important to acknowledge that cellulite affects all body types. This includes folks who are otherwise very lean. While lifestyle choices can contribute to cellulite in some patients, genetics, hormonal changes, and poor circulation can also be culprits.
As such, cellulite was once a frustrating fact of life. Today though, there are some solutions to greatly lessen the presence of cellulite. One of the most effective and longest-lasting is Avéli for cellulite reduction.
How Avéli for Cellulite Reduction Works
The underlying cause of cellulite are septae. These fibrous bands are connective tissue beneath the skin that adhere the skin to underlying structures. This, in turn, puts tension on the skin and causes it to pucker.
To effectively remove cellulite, the tension from septae needs to be released. FDA-approved Avéli does this by targeting and cutting into the fibrous bands. This effectively smooths the skin’s surface and gives it a more even texture. While it does not treat skin laxity, Avéli can be combined with other skin-tightening procedures.
The process is fairly simple. Your provider identifies the specific septae causing the dimple and then uses a specialized Avéli device under the skin to target those bands and cause them to release. Another benefit of this is that the provider can confirm, in real-time, that the bands were released because the skin will be immediately smoother. Plus, one in-office treatment is usually all that’s needed. And it’s typically completed in an hour or so.
Best Candidates for Avéli
As with most procedures – even (and perhaps especially) those that are cosmetic – patients should be in good health. And while Avéli does a great job lessening cellulite, it’s unlikely that there will be a 100% reduction in its appearance. As such, people opting for this procedure need to have realistic expectations.
There is typically little downtime with Avéli. Even so, patients should expect the possibility of some bruising and swelling in the first few days to a week and lay off strenuous activity or workouts until the area heals completely.
You CAN Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite
It’s time to give your self image a boost with an Avéli cellulite reduction treatment. You deserve it!
So contact us to schedule a consultation.
And get ready to show off, rather than hide, your smoother skin this summer.
Can You Eliminate a Cleft Chin?
If you have a prominent dimple in your chin that leaves you feeling self-conscious, you may be wondering if you can get rid of it.
Known medically as a cleft chin (and colloquially as a butt or booty chin), this dimple or crease doesn’t pose any threat to your health. But you may be so troubled by its appearance that it DOES impact your confidence.
The good news is, you can eliminate a cleft chin.
What Causes a Cleft Chin?
A cleft chin is a genetic trait. It happens during fetal development when there’s an alteration in the development of the lower jaw bone and the underlying chin muscles. A cleft chin is NOT considered a defect, but rather a natural variation.
As such, some see it as a distinctive feature (think John Travolta, John Mayer, Adele – to name a few). Even so, not everybody is happy with such a ‘feature.’ Plus, not all cleft chins are created equal. Variations in soft tissue structure and facial bone can affect size of the cleft.
So it’s understandable that there will be folks with cleft chins who’d rather go without.
How Can You Eliminate a Cleft Chin?
When it comes to saying goodbye to that cleft chin, there are a few options available.
- Filler Injections
Filler injections are a great option for those who have a fairly deep chin cleft but don’t wish to go under the knife. Not yet, at least.
With this method, hyaluronic acid fillers are injected directly into the indentation or wide space of the chin. This creates a rounder shape and a more contoured chin.
It’s important to note, however, that fillers are a temporary solution. This can be a positive thing because you may find you actually miss that cleft chin once it’s gone. If not though, you’ll need to get fillers on a regular basis. Or you’ll need to opt for surgery.
- Fat Grafting
If having fillers sealed your resolve to eliminate your cleft chin, or you already know you want it gone, then you may want to opt for fat grafting.
With fat grafting, the surgeon first harvests fat from your abdomen or thighs. It’s then purified and carefully injected into your chin – effectively filling the cleft and giving your chin a smooth and round finish. This surgical procedure provides a more natural and longer-lasting solution than fillers.
- Cleft Chin Surgery (Genioplasty)
As we said earlier, not all cleft chins are created equal. Some involve more steps to repair than others.
Genioplasty is more a complicated surgery than fat grafting. This procedure is recommended for those who require a reshaping and adjusting of the chin bone to provide a rounder shape and reduce the cleft’s prominence.
On some occasions during genioplasty, the plastic surgeon may also use a chin implant to change the appearance of the lower jaw bone. Given the often complex nature of this procedure, the recovery time will be longer than with fat grafting.
We All Want to Feel Comfortable in Our Skin
While reading about ways to eliminate a cleft chin, did you start thinking about areas of your body you don’t find aesthetically pleasing? Is this dissatisfaction causing you stress? You have a choice!
Consider taking the next step with a plastic surgery procedure. Contact us today to set up a free consultation where you’ll speak with a board-certified surgeon who can help you achieve your desired aesthetic.
It’s time to feel more comfortable in your own skin.
