Breast Implants Or Fat Transfer?
If you’re considering breast augmentation, having an implant is no longer your sole option. Fat transfer is gaining in popularity as a more natural option.
So that may now leave you with the question, “Do I want breast implants or fat transfer?”
Fortunately, you don’t have to decide now; or even by the end of this article. But we’ll give you a quick rundown of the two different options so you can make a better informed decision.
What Happens with a Breast Implant
There are numerous reasons a patient may seek a breast implant. In some cases, they’re looking to reconstruct their breasts after a mastectomy. In others, they simply want to increase volume after giving birth or losing weight. Some just want larger breasts.
Breast implants are made with either saline or silicone. Each of these materials has its own distinct advantages which are outlined by the surgeon during a consultation.
During the procedure, the implant is placed either over or under the chest (pectoral) muscle. And just as there are different options for the implant, the incisions the surgeon uses will also depend on a number of factors.
The Deets on Fat Transfer
For those who would prefer to keep things more natural, a fat transfer might be a good option. With this method, fat cells are harvested from another part of the body utilizing liposuction techniques. The cells are then purified before being injected into the breasts.
Not only does this procedure result in fuller breasts, but there’s the added bonus of removing fat from an area where there is excess.
So now the question remains:
Breast Implant or Fat Transfer?
Ultimately, you’ll want to discuss your options with your board-certified plastic surgeon. But we’ll take a look at some of the pros and cons of each.
Implants
For those who want to select the size and shape closest to their ideal, there is more control with implants. In addition, breast augmentation with implants has been practiced and refined for many decades so former safety issues have been nearly eliminated.
Breast implants have decent longevity – lasting between 15 and 20 years before they need to be replaced.
Given that it’s surgery performed under general anesthesia, this aspect must be considered. And recovery from augmentation with implants can be on the longer side – although the difference between implants and fat transfer may be just a few weeks.
Fat Transfer
While implants are increasingly more natural looking in appearance, it’s hard to beat fat transfer for the most natural look. Plus, some patients find it appealing to avoid putting foreign material in their bodies. And as we mentioned above, there’s the additional benefit of losing fat in another area of the body.
Fat transfer also requires general anesthesia, so it’s still a major procedure. But it’s less invasive than getting implants. It’s often chosen for patients who have uneven breasts or after a lumpectomy.
All of these advantages aside, fat transfer tends to deliver more modest results, so it’s not ideal for those looking to enhance their breasts by a cup size or more. In addition, fat transfer doesn’t have the predictability that implants do so the procedure may need to be done again within a few years.
Considering Breast Augmentation?
If you’re feeling a bit more in the know on breast augmentation, you may be ready to take the next step. Go for it!
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss whether breast implants or fat transfer is the better option for you.
The Truth About Skin and Sun Exposure
If you’re a sun worshipper, perhaps you’re hoping that we’re going to tell you that skin and sun exposure go together like chocolate and peanut butter.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
While some time in the sun is considered healthy for most, there are many factors at play as to how damaging it could be to your skin in the long run. It all depends on how your skin reacts to the sun’s various rays.
UVA/UVB Rays
Sunlight reaches our skin in the form of ultraviolet light (UV) waves. The shorter a wave, the more potential it has to harm humans.
UV waves are on the shorter side. To make matters worse, UV light waves are further broken down into UVA and UVB waves – with UVB being the shorter of the two. It’s excessive exposure to UVB rays that can cause sunburn.
Meanwhile, UVA rays are able to travel more deeply into the skin where they effectively upset the delicate processes that affect skin’s appearance and growth.
Aside from causing a painful sunburn, the rays of the sun can make the skin less elastic over time – leaving it leathery, wrinkled, and either thickened or thinned.
Melanin and UVA/UVB Rays
Tanning is the skin’s first line of defense against harmful sun exposure. It all comes down to your body’s ability to produce melanin though. Melanin is the pigment in our skin. Some of us have a lot of it. Others, not so much.
For those who are able to tan, their skin produces more melanin when exposed to UV rays. Since melanin absorbs the dangerous UV rays that can cause damage, it provides protection for the skin. When the amount of UV damage exceeds the amount of melanin production the skin can provide, the result is a sunburn. For those with less melanin, this happens much more quickly.
Luckily, the skin is able to repair damage by shedding dead skin cells on the outermost layer and replacing them. Especially when we’re young. But as we get older, the limits of the skin’s ability to recover become more obvious.
The Challenges of Aging Skin and Sun Exposure
Many of us in the middle and later stages of our lives remember getting sunburns when we were kids and teenagers. Some of us didn’t know the damage it was causing. Others were told this was the case, but ignored the warnings from adults because we believed ourselves wiser than adults.
(Ah, youth.)
Back then, having a tan was equated with looking healthy. Who cared about a little long-term skin damage? Ironic.
These days, we know better. And as we age, it becomes more difficult for the skin to repair itself. UV damage has ravaged some of the underlying connective tissue and left us with wrinkles and lines.
And it’s no surprise that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.
Protecting Your Skin from the Harm of the Sun
A good way to reduce the likelihood of wrinkles, lines, and skin cancer is to make protecting your skin from the sun a high priority. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following:
- Stay Out of the Sun
This one is a no-brainer. Just stay out of the sun whenever you can. Find shade under a tree or, even better, in the shadow of a building or a sun umbrella. And remember that water, snow, or sand reflect harmful UV rays, so steer clear of them.
Keep in mind that the rays are at their strongest between 10am and 4pm. So if your shadow is shorter than you are, get out of the sun. And don’t believe that tanning beds are any safer. They’re not.
Of course, there might be times when you simply can’t avoid being in the sun. In that case…
- Use Sunscreen with Appropriate SPF
If you have to be outside or even in a sunny car for any amount of time, be sure to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Don’t be skimpy with the application. To ensure you’re getting protection from both UVA and UVB waves, be sure you buy broad spectrum lotion and re-apply about every two hours and after sweating or swimming.
Also, don’t forget lip balm for your smackers with a minimum SPF 15.
- Suit Up with Protective Wear
Finally, give yourself that extra layer of protection with pants, long sleeves, wide brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
And clothing with UV protection factor (UPF) will give you extra peace of mind. Plus, it’s designed and manufactured with light and breathable materials to keep you cool on even the brightest and hottest of days.
Is Your Skin Sun Damaged?
These days, most of us are well aware of the dangers of skin and sun exposure. Especially when the skin is not protected.
But if you weren’t privy to that wisdom (or simply ignored it) and are now dealing with wrinkles and lines from too much sun, contact us today.
We can recommend various skincare products and cosmetic procedures that can smooth out some of those blemishes to restore your skin with a healthy glow and younger looking appearance.
Long-Term Weight Loss From A Tummy Tuck?
Are you sick and tired of working so hard to remove stubborn abdominal fat and excess skin that won’t go away? It’s frustrating.
Of course, following a healthy diet and exercising regularly are great ways to maintain your overall health. Still, it can be discouraging when you’re not seeing the results you desire.
And maybe you’ve considered surgery, but figured long-term weight loss from a tummy tuck wasn’t possible. Think again.
You Can Experience Long-Term Weight Loss from a Tummy Tuck
Yep. New studies and research are pointing to preliminary evidence that patients who undergo a tummy tuck CAN experience long-term weight loss. So what makes a tummy tuck more successful than other diets or weight-loss strategies?
It turns out that after a tummy tuck surgery, patients report that they feel fuller after eating than when they did before the procedure. This means they’re less prone to snacking or engaging in other unhealthy eating habits.
So how could this be? Nobody is 100% sure. But researchers speculate that fat cells release hormones that stimulate the appetite. By removing excess fat from the abdominal region, those cells are systematically eliminated. Again, this is speculation.
But it’s hard to argue the studies that show roughly 75% of patients feeling more satiated after meals and throughout the day after a tummy tuck procedure.
Additional Reasons Tummy Tucks Work
Aside from the purely biological factors, a tummy tuck may also increase motivation in patients to maintain weight loss. After the procedure, patients are conscious of the decrease in abdominal fat and it feels great! This, in turn, motivates them to maintain and even improve their new shape further. They often feel compelled to start an even healthier lifestyle routine than they may have had pre-surgery.
It makes a big difference when diet and exercise actually garner the results they were initially trying to receive before the tummy tuck.
In addition, patients are aware that fat cells can re-emerge and create havoc. So on a purely practical level, once they’ve made the physical and financial commitment to a tummy tuck surgery, they’re going to be motivated to maintain those results.
And as we mentioned above, you can’t go wrong with a lifetime of healthy diet and regular exercise. When continued after a tummy tuck, you’ll feel and LOOK fantastic.
Are You Ready for a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck procedure is not a short-term thing that’ll only last a few months.
Obviously, you’ll play a role in your tummy tuck and long-term weight loss goals, but if you’re ready to explore the options, contact us today.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons have the experience and the skills to help you create long-lasting results. And you’ll notice a huge bump in your self-esteem (instead of your abdomen!)
Can a Breast Lift Help You Exercise?
If you have significant sagging in your breasts, you may find that even an industrial strength sports bra doesn’t provide the support you need. This can make exercise uncomfortable, irritating, and even embarrassing. It could even lead to blisters, chafing, and pain.
So can a breast lift help you exercise?
Well, it’s not going to drive you to the Pilates studio or enable you to bench press twice your weight. OBVIOUSLY. But it sure can make movement a much more enjoyable experience! So in that regard, yes it will help you exercise.
What Breast Lift Surgery Entails
Whether you’re experiencing sagging as a result of pregnancy and breastfeeding, fluctuations in weight, genetics, or aging, a breast lift uplifts and improves the shape of the breast.
During a breast lift procedure (also known as mastopexy), your board-certified plastic surgeon removes excess skin and fat and raises the breast tissue. Separating the tissue from the skin beneath it allows for more comfort and mobility.
The chosen incision for the procedure depends on a number of factors. Depending on these, your surgeon may choose a circular incision around the areola, a line down the lower portion of the breast from the areola to the crease under the breast, or a line along that crease.
The excess skin and fat are removed from the incision. The surgeon then reshapes and lifts the breast, tightens the remaining skin, and closes the incisions.
While it’s a fairly straightforward procedure, recovery can be a bit more involved than with a traditional breast augmentation. So before you jump on the treadmill or dive into the pool, you’ll want to follow the detailed instructions provided by your surgeon for recovery.
Can a Breast Lift Help You Exercise?
It’s important to understand there will be an adjustment period after a breast lift. This is completely normal. The best thing you can do is be patient during this time. You may be eager to get back to exercise, but you don’t want to push too hard and jeopardize your lift results.
Most patients can begin with short walks around the house every few hours after the procedure. This not only keeps your heart pumping, but it improves circulation and prevents potential blood clots. Once you feel ready, you can begin to increase your activity. Take it slowly. Especially in those first few weeks after surgery.
Start with some slow walks around the neighborhood or cycling on a stationary bike. Then go from there.
You’ll be advised to not push or pull anything heavy. And because you shouldn’t exert your pectoral muscles, you’ll also not be permitted to lift anything that weighs over 10 pounds. That means you’ll need to steer clear of push-ups, pull-ups, and certain yoga poses. And no weight training or intense exercise until you get the go-ahead from your surgeon.
Jump Back Into Action With a Breast Lift
Can a breast lift help you exercise? If you’re struggling with sagging breasts that make exercise cumbersome and painful, then yes, it can.
With higher and firmer breasts, you’ll not only find more ease with exercise, but you’ll feel more confident and self-assured next time you hit the gym or the yoga mat.
So contact us today and make physical fitness a priority again. You’ll feel better in every way.
Surprising Benefits of Tummy Tuck
Frustrated with your mid-section?
When diet and exercise don’t seem to touch those not so lovable handles, a tummy tuck could be the perfect solution. It’ll smooth out those bulges to give you a more stream-lined appearance.
But there are also surprising benefits of a tummy tuck that go beyond just a flatter belly. We’ve got three right here.
- Gets Rid of Excess Skin, Scars, and Tattoos
One of the biggest drawbacks of losing a significant amount of weight is the possibility of excess skin. This is also the case for some women after pregnancy.
Not only does it look unattractive, but it can create discomfort. Especially while exercising. Fortunately, a tummy tuck not only takes care of unsightly fat, but it eliminates that excess skin too. That means exercise becomes easier and you’re able to return to activities you may have given up.
In addition, if you have scars, stretch marks, or a regrettable tattoo born of some poor decision-making, they can potentially be removed along with the excess skin. In fact, many women are able to improve the appearance of (or lose altogether) c-section scars when they undergo a tummy tuck.
And as an added bonus, once the skin is pulled and tightened, you can even have your belly button shaped and contoured. If that’s your thing.
- Decreases Back Pain and Improves Posture
If you carry around extra weight in the abdominal region (not so affectionately known as a “muffin top”) you may find yourself frequently complaining of back pain. This is not surprising.
Weak abdominal muscles and excess abdominal fat and skin affects your posture while both sitting and standing. It causes your body to pull forward, forcing your back muscles to strain and overcompensate. The result? Back pain.
Because the tummy tuck procedure tightens and repositions the abdominal muscles, they’re able to work more effectively. That means you will increase your overall core strength. And where there’s a strong core, there are fewer back problems.
- Lessens Postpartum Urinary Incontinence
During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles have to stretch in order to accommodate the new arrival. Unfortunately, for some women, the muscles remain lax after they give birth and become loose. This condition is known as diastasis recti. And no amount of dieting or exercise can tighten them again.
But a tummy tuck can.
To address the issues of diastasis recti, most plastic surgeons perform a tummy tuck combined with a rectus repair. A rectus repair utilizes sutures to tighten the abdominal muscles. One of the best results to come from this surgery is the reduction in postpartum urinary incontinence.
In fact, an Australian study monitored over two hundred patients who had the combination tummy tuck and rectus repair after giving birth. Most of the women reported an improvement in urinary incontinence. (And just in time to safely laugh at the adorable antics of their newborns!)
Want to Experience the Surprising Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
If you’re having trouble getting rid of that spare tire why not take advantage of the surprising benefits of a tummy tuck?
Contact us today to find out how this amazing procedure could help you.
It will not only leave you with a smoother and flatter belly, but it will boost your confidence and self-esteem in ways you never imagined.
The Difference Between Closed and Open Rhinoplasty
If you’re shopping around for a nose job – more elegantly known as a rhinoplasty – you may not be aware that there are closed and open rhinoplasty procedures.
And you may not even care. That’s okay. We get it. For example, if you have a deviated septum, you may just want to breathe normally and not care how it happens.
But in case you ARE interested – and are wondering which one is right for you – we’ll lay out the differences between the two here.
How Closed and Open Rhinoplasty Differ
Whether you’re getting closed or open rhinoplasty, the surgeon will lift the skin of the nose, alter the bone and cartilage, then lay the skin back down. That’s the basics of rhinoplasty 101. Of course, it’s much more complicated than that. And the ways the surgeon customizes each rhinoplasty is its own art form.
The only thing you really need to know is that with a rhinoplasty, there are just two ways for the surgeon to access the structure of the nose. There is the closed version and the open version.
With closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes two incisions inside the nose and makes the alterations through these incisions.
An open rhinoplasty utilizes the same two incisions. But then there’s a third incision that connects them. It goes across the columella (the skin between the two nostrils) and is known as a trans-columellar incision. It is this third incision that opens up and unveils what’s happening in the nose.
Which procedure is utilized will depend on what the surgeon is attempting.
When a Closed Rhinoplasty Is Preferred
Of the two approaches, the closed rhinoplasty is less complicated. And because the incisions are made inside the nose, there is no chance of a visible scar.
Plus, because a closed rhinoplasty is not as intensive, there tends to be less swelling during recovery. But less intensive also means that it may not be an option for those seeking a more complicated fix.
As such, the closed rhinoplasty is typically restricted to patients who need minimal work on their noses with reasonable symmetry. Sculpting of the dorsum and narrowing of the tip and bones may be performed in a closed rhinoplasty. Even so, it’s a viable option in those situations where the plastic surgeon deems it so.
Choosing an Open Rhinoplasty
During an open rhinoplasty, the surgeon is able to see the anatomy underneath. This is a plus in that it allows the surgeon to measure and more deeply analyze the anatomy of the nose to see any asymmetries or abnormalities. With a clear understanding of the anatomy of the patient’s nose, he or she can perform more detailed work.
In a nutshell, an open rhinoplasty allows for more correction of asymmetries and is ideal for noses that require cartilage grafting to add more structure to an otherwise amorphic nose. Since the nose is such a prominent feature on the face – as well as one of the more delicate anatomical structures of the body – precision is a desirable attribute (to say the least!).
In addition, for cases that require advanced cartilage grafting techniques, an open rhinoplasty enables the surgeon to more accurately place those grafts. And although an open rhinoplasty requires a visible incision, with advancements in surgical procedures, scarring is extremely minimal to non-existent.
For these many reasons, the open rhinoplasty is often the preferred method.
Which Rhinoplasty Is Your Best Bet?
If you’re ready to explore your rhinoplasty options, contact us today.
We’ll sit down with you during your free consultation and discuss the benefits of closed and open rhinoplasty procedures for your specific situation.
Rest assured, you’ll get the one that’s right for you.
Is Tingling After Liposuction Normal?
Liposuction is quickly gaining ground as one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures. In 2020 alone, there were over 210,000 liposuction procedures performed in the United States by plastic surgeons.
Patients feel a boost in their confidence and love the relative simplicity and ease of the liposuction procedure. Still, it’s important to take the time to know what to expect during recovery.
For patients who don’t take this step, they’re not usually too surprised when they encounter some swelling or pain. But it can be alarming to experience numbness or tingling after liposuction.
Is Tingling After Liposuction Normal?
The discomfort, bruising, and swelling that come with liposuction typically last about two weeks. If even that long. But any tingling or numbness experienced after liposuction can go on for longer.
Don’t worry though!
Numbness and tingling at the incision site after liposuction is completely normal. If fact, it’s not an uncommon outcome for all surgical procedures. Any time there is cutting through body tissues, it can impact the nerves that provide feeling in that area. It simply takes time for those nerves to heal.
This doesn’t mean that everyone will experience numbness or tingling. But if you do, there’s no need to worry. You’ll typically notice the tingling subsides with time and by properly following proper post-op protocol.
Speaking of which…
Make the Most of Your Recovery
Sure, it would be great if you could just bypass the whole recovery process altogether. Obviously, that isn’t going to happen. But you’ll also want to resist the urge to rush your recovery.
Be sure to get plenty of rest and sleep in the weeks following your surgery to help your body heal. This will expedite the process. In addition, follow these three important steps:
- Embrace Help
The truth is, you’re going to need help when it comes to errands, lifting things, taking care of the kids, cleaning the house, etc. after liposuction surgery.
So let go of your pride and reach out to a friend or family member who can help you with certain activities. This falls in line with resting and giving your body a break. Pushing yourself too hard is only going to slow your healing.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
If there were ever a time to stress the importance of drinking fluids, it’s after surgery. Staying hydrated is essential to your recovery. So drink plenty of water, herbal tea, and broth and avoid sugary juices and sodas that can increase inflammation.
In addition to staying hydrated, you’ll need proper nutrition for healing. Fruits and veggies that are high in water content (such as watermelon and cucumbers) will boost your hydration efforts. You may want to prep healthy meals with lots of fruits, veggies, and lean protein ahead of your surgery. That way, you won’t need to cook. And just as important as eating healthy is eating regularly. Post-surgery is not the time to skip meals.
- Engage in Light Movement
Finally, you’ll need to avoid regular exercise for a while. But when your physician gives you the go-ahead, you can get out and start taking short walks. Light movement can help to also speed up your body’s recovery. Just be sure to take it easy. Save the speed walking for later.
Boost Your Self-Esteem with Liposuction
Now that you understand there will be some short-lived discomfort, swelling, and possibly tingling after liposuction, you may be ready to explore your options.
Contact us today for a free consultation with our plastic surgeons.
A sleek and more contoured appearance with be well worth your recovery efforts.
Is There Body Contouring for Men?
Given all the pressure on women to have certain “contours,” the overriding notion of body contouring procedures has been as something almost solely performed on women.
That’s just not the case though. Especially these days. Plastic surgery procedures that provide body contouring for men have been steadily on the rise.
It helps that many of these cosmetic procedures are relatively simple and don’t require much in the way of down time.
Body Contouring for Men
It turns out that men are just as prone to a hit in self-confidence when they feel unattractive. Especially if they’ve been dealing with rolls or pockets of fat that refuse to disappear no matter how much they diet or how hard they exercise. This lack of self-confidence bleeds into a man’s professional, social, and intimate life.
Fortunately, men have discovered that contouring procedures can slim, shape, and define those problem areas – improving muscle definition and giving a more chiseled appearance.
While body contouring for men spans a range of procedures, there are several situations that plastic surgeons see the most often.
- Not Loving the Love Handles
Many men seek out plastic surgery when they get older and start putting on extra weight around the belly. This can be perplexing to men who haven’t changed their diet or exercise regimen, but suddenly have a spare tire.
Sometimes this extra weight is the result of hormonal changes that cause the area to become dense. And no amount of diet or exercise will melt it away. This is when liposuction is a miracle worker.
With this fairly simple procedure, the plastic surgeon makes a small incision through which he or she guides a cannula tube into the targeted area. The fat is then suctioned out and the surgeon shapes and contours the designated area.
In the vast majority of cases, liposuction is outpatient surgery that’s performed under general anesthesia. Men can get back to work in 3-5 days, and return to the gym in a few weeks. As such, liposuction rates as the number one plastic surgery procedure for men.
- Men Get Boob Jobs Too
Ah, the dreaded gynecomastia.
You may know this condition better as “man boobs.” And it can be an embarrassing predicament for many men. Especially for those who are going to the gym to flatten their chest but can’t get the jiggle to go away.
Gynecomastia isn’t just the bane of older men either. In fact, it’s estimated that 40-60% of men struggle with gynecomastia. So it’s no wonder that men are showing up for male breast reduction surgery.
If the issue is extra glandular tissue, the plastic surgeon will work through an incision under the arm or around the nipple to remove the tissue with a scalpel. In cases of extra fatty tissue, liposuction once again comes to the rescue. It’s not uncommon for there to be both excess glandular and fatty tissue. And in more extreme cases, there may be need to remove excess skin as well.
Initial recovery time for male breast reduction surgery is 1-2 weeks on average and involves wearing a compression vest. After this time, most normal activities can resume.
- Lost the Weight but Not the Skin
As men are increasingly more aware of the benefits of diet and exercise, it’s not unusual for guys who were carrying a lot of extra weight to finally lose it. The problem is, they’re often left with excess skin in those areas and liposuction doesn’t do the trick here.
In these cases, there may be need for one or more excision skin surgery lifts. These can include a tummy tuck, as well as lifts to the arm, inner thigh, circumferential body (belt line), buttock, or breast. There may also be a need for a panniculectomy which is surgery that removes excess skin and fatty tissue that hangs down over the thighs and/or genitals.
The recovery time for lift surgeries is wholly dependent on the specific procedure. In most cases, men can expect to return to work in 1-2 weeks, and back to normal activity in 4-6 weeks.
Get the Contours You Desire
Don’t get stuck in the trap of thinking that plastic surgery only helps women to achieve the contours they want. With body contouring for men, you can increase your self-worth and boost confidence.
And all with minimal downtime.
So start feeling good about yourself. Contact us today to discuss the many options available to you.
Best Practices to Reduce Post Surgery Swelling
Recovering from a surgical procedure involves some degree of patience. But that doesn’t mean your best bet is to sit in front of the TV, binge watching your favorite series while snacking all day long.
Especially if you want to reduce post surgery swelling and expedite healing.
There are certain things you can do that will help you more effectively move through recovery.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
We all know by now that drinking plenty of water each day is essential to good health. It’s also essential to keeping post-surgical swelling at bay.
But you don’t necessarily have to get all of your hydration from water. Herbal teas and decaf coffee with minimal or no sweeteners also count. And if plain water doesn’t do it for you, you can drink water with natural fruit essences or even add a small amount of juice to your water.
You can also get hydration from produce. There are plenty of high water content fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, grapefruit, strawberries, zucchini, and celery. Speaking of eating…
- Eat With Recovery In Mind
Enemy number one when trying to reduce swelling is salt. So while you’re hydrating, stay away from Gatorade or other sports drinks that contain sodium. And keep the salty snacks at a bare minimum.
Another thing you want to decrease is your sugar intake. Too much sugar can suppress your immune system and throw off your body’s ability to heal.
One thing you can increase though is protein. It is essential for muscle and skin regrowth as well as wound healing. And adding a quality probiotic to your diet will go the distance in countering the effects of any antibiotics or other prescription drugs you’ve been prescribed.
- Dress Responsibly
Whatever notions you have of high fashion during surgical recovery, you’ll likely need to ditch them.
If you need to wear a compression garment during recovery, you may want to purchase some basic tank tops to wear underneath to reduce itching. You can cut them to size. And don’t even think about getting rid of the compression garment until your doctor gives you the go-ahead. (Some patients continue to wear them though for comfort and support.)
Plus, if you had any sort of liposuction to the midsection, you’ll need to steer clear of anything with tight waistbands.
- Keep on Moving to Increase Circulation
When you first come out of surgery, you’ll need to rest for the first 24 hours. But after that, you can start to get back to your normal daily activities – slowly.
Your physician may request that you don’t elevate your heart rate right after surgery. Slow walking is one of the best ways to keep the body in motion without raising the heart rate. Then once you get the okay, you can increase the pace of your walking.
Stretching is also a great way to add gentle motion while breaking up adhesions after lipo procedures. Depending on your surgery, you may find it helpful to lay on your side, back, and/or stomach on an exercise ball.
- Trust Your Body When It Wants to Rest
Finally, although we’re recommending all of these actions, it’s equally important to honor your body when it needs a break. As eager as you are to reduce swelling and get back to life, your body is healing from trauma. So in those six weeks following surgery, really pay attention to what your body is telling you and heed it.
You Have the Tools to Reduce Post Surgery Swelling
Now that you know the best ways to reduce post surgery swelling and understand the ins and outs of healing from surgery, you may be ready to try plastic surgery for yourself.
Contact us today. During your free and comprehensive consultation, you’ll be able to share your vision with a board-certified plastic surgeon who will advise you of next steps.
They could just be life-changing.
What Are the Best Plastic Surgery Combinations?
Plastic surgery combinations, i.e. getting two procedures done at once, might seem like a lot to take on. But actually, they’re more common than you may realize.
It’s not a matter of you picking and choosing procedures from a menu. The combination procedures are chosen carefully by your surgeon based on your objectives, goals, and health.
And there is a definite upside to having multiple surgeries performed simultaneously.
Benefits of Multiple Surgeries
Patients save time and money by only being put under anesthesia once. As with all surgery, there is some risk with anesthesia. By having two procedures accomplished during one round of anesthesia, patients reduce the number of times they have to be anesthetized. Furthermore, they save money.
In addition, the recovery times for each procedure are done under one umbrella. That means that patients only have to take off one period of time for work and activities rather than two.
Finally, in having two surgeries done at once, patients usually experience more dramatic results in a shorter amount of time.
The Best Plastic Surgery Combinations
There are occasions when procedures must be combined. One such occasion is when a patient opts for breast augmentation with fat transfer. In this case, the patient has to undergo liposuction in order to harvest the fat which will then be applied during the augmentation surgery.
For the most part though, combining plastic surgeries is more a matter of getting the best and most complete results with minimum invasiveness.
- The Mommy Makeover
The mommy makeover is the ultimate in combining plastic surgery procedures. There’s no one-size-fits-all though. Depending on what each patient wants or needs, there are many variations.
Generally speaking though, a mommy makeover typically includes breast augmentation for women who lost breast volume during childbirth, with a possible lift if they find their breasts sag a bit after breastfeeding. These multiple surgeries for the breast are also common among older women, regardless of their motherhood status.
In addition, if there is post-pregnancy abdominal flab that won’t go away with diet and exercise, the surgeon may also recommend a tummy tuck. On occasion, there may even be need for some vaginal rejuvenation work. Again, it depends on each individual.
- Surgeries for Contouring
In many cases, diet- and exercise-resistant fat forms in the body as we age. Especially in the abdomen. So in this case, a plastic surgeon will often combine a tummy tuck with liposuction.
The tummy tuck helps to give the waistline a sleeker and more contoured appearance, while the liposuction serves to vacuum out some of that resistant fat. When done in tandem, these two procedures deliver a smooth and attractive waistline.
- Firming up the Face
When patients are obsessed with an imperfection on the face, they typically have one specific procedure in mind. But facial surgery is complicated.
For example, someone who is troubled by a crooked nose may insist the only thing they need is rhinoplasty (i.e. nose job). But there are many occasions where once the shape of the nose changes, it brings the rest of the face out of harmony. So in these cases, the surgeon may need to add a chin augmentation or other procedure to keep the face in proportion.
This is just one example. In the realm of facial surgery, there are countless combinations such as facelift/eye lift, facelift/fat transfers, face lift/neck lift, brow lift/facelift, and eye lift with dermal fillers. It takes the work of a skilled surgeon to maintain proper facial proportion.
Curious About Combining Procedures?
When we refer to the best plastic surgery combinations, we’re really looking at the most common ones. In reality, the possibilities for combinations are nearly endless.
So if you’re curious about the benefits of multiple surgeries, contact us today. During your free consultation, your surgeon will determine whether you’re a good candidate and which procedures will serve you best.
Then get ready to put your best self forward.
