Breast Augmentation Terminology Part 2 (L-Z)
Are you considering breast augmentation and want to do all your research first? If so, you may have read our first post on breast augmentation terminology.
So as not to overwhelm our readers, we only addressed the first half of the alphabet.
We’ll finish the job here with the second half of the alphabet so that you don’t need to scour the internet to find them.
Breast Augmentation Terminology (L-Z)
Just as we did in our first post, we won’t do a serious deep dive into the terminology. And just as some of the words in the first list didn’t apply to you, the same will apply here. But you can never have too much knowledge, right? So let’s take a look.
Mammary Hypoplasia
If one or both of your breasts are pointed, square, or oval in shape, your doctor may have diagnosed you with mammary hypoplasia. It’s a condition caused by breast malformation and typically occurs because the breast didn’t fully form during puberty. The areolar area may be constricted or collapsed, there may be a high breast fold, and/or the breast tissue tilts downward. Augmentation can repair this, but the constricted tissue will first need to be released.
Periareolar Incision
The area on the breast that includes the nipple and the surrounding pigmented skin is known as the nipple-areolar complex. A periareolar incision is one that’s made on the outside edge of this area. If you’re looking at a breast lift, the surgeon may use this to remove excess skin – though there are other applications.
Rupture
One of the reasons people may hesitate to have breast augmentation is the possibility of a breast implant rupture. This is a rare occurrence, however. It can happen at any point after the procedure and is often the result of surgical instruments, trauma, under- or overfilling breast implants, capsular contracture, or excessive compression. While there will always be a risk with any surgery, it’s very important to vet your surgeon and ensure that he or she is board-certified and highly qualified.
Subglandular or Subpectoral Implant Placement
Subglandular implant placement is known as over-the-muscle placement, while subpectoral implant placement is under-the-muscle placement. Subglandular has a shorter recovery time but may not look as natural on certain body types. Subpectoral has a slightly longer recovery time but offers improved support and a more natural look.
Symmastia
On extremely rare occasions, the breast implants may settle too close together after the augmentation procedure and there is little to no room between the breasts. This is known as symmastia and is usually the result of over-dissection of the pocket.
Textured Breast Implants
Textured breast implants are subjected to a texturizing process that creates a grained surface on the outer shell of the implant to help reduce the risk of malposition or flipping of the implant. Many surgeons no longer promote this since it appears to correlate with the development of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
Transaxillary Incision
A transaxillary incision is made in the armpit and the implant is placed using an endoscopic surgical camera. It reduces the appearance of scarring. It is not among the more common techniques and requires specific skill and experience.
Upper Pole Fullness
If you’re looking for breast augmentation because your breasts have somewhat fallen flat, then you’re looking for what’s called upper pole fullness. This term refers to the breast area’s shape, contour, and volume above the nipple. (Below the nipple is known as the lower pole.) Increasing upper pole fullness makes cleavage more prominent and gives the breast a rounder appearance. The size and profile of your chosen breast implant will determine how much upper pole fullness you’ll achieve.
Are You Considering Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Between this post and last week’s post, you now have more familiarity with breast augmentation terminology.
So if you’re thinking about getting breast augmentation, contact us today.
During your free consultation, you can ask the surgeon any further questions you have about the terminology as well as discuss the intricacies of the procedure. Then you can get that breast augmentation with confidence.
Breast Augmentation Terminology Part 1 (A-K)
When considering getting work done on your breasts, you’re bound to experience some amount of breast augmentation terminology that may be unfamiliar to you.
No worries. Rather than pouring through the internet to find their meanings, we’re breaking down some of the terminology here.
Because there is a wealth of terms, we’ve tackled the first half of the alphabet here and will address the second half in our next post.
Breast Augmentation Terminology (A-K)
We won’t get too deep in the weeds on the terminology so as not to overwhelm you. And some if not many of these terms won’t apply to you. But if you like to go in knowing all the details, here is a sampling of some of the terms you may hear.
Augmentation Mastopexy
Augmentation mastopexy is really just a ‘doctorly’ way of saying breast augmentation with a lift. This is often the recommended procedure for patients who are struggling with breast sagging because of weight loss, aging, or childbearing. It’s designed to lift drooping breast tissues while adding fullness especially in the upper breast.
Breast Capsule
Any time the human body experiences a foreign body, it responds by creating a protective capsule of collagen around it. The breast capsule is what forms around breast implants. It’s completely normal and a healthy part of the healing process. It also helps to keep the implants in place.
Cooper’s Ligaments
Within the breast there is connective tissue that provides support and structure. The Cooper’s ligaments run from the clavicle to the interior part of the pectoralis major muscle before branching throughout the breast tissue.
Drop and Fluff
“Drop and fluff” may sound like a laundry term, but it actually describes the way a breast implant settles after breast augmentation surgery. Immediately after surgery, breast implants sit high on the chest as the muscles in the chest tighten to adjust to their presence. As healing proceeds, the muscles relax and the implants drop to a more natural position. From there, they fluff, as it were to fill the lower breast cavity.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants
As silicone breast implants continue to improve, they’re becoming highly cohesive. Compared to their earlier silicone counterparts, they are firm yet flexible – like the consistency of a gummy bear. They also retain their natural look and feel even as they age.
Implant Rippling
Implant rippling is just like it sounds. Rippling of the implant becomes visible through the skin at the outer perimeter of the implant. This is usually along the outer edge toward the arm pit. It can occur with either saline or silicone implants, but is more prominent in round saline implants. It is also most common among women who are very thin or who have little natural breath tissue.
Keller Funnel
If you’re wondering how a Keller Funnel works, think about a piping bag as one would use in baking. In this case though, the breast implant is placed in the large end of a sterilized and hydrated bag, while the narrow end is inserted into the incision on the patient. The breast implant is then gently ‘piped’ into the surgical pocket.
Are You Considering Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Having awareness of breast augmentation terminology can give you more peace of mind as you consider surgery.
So if you’re thinking about getting breast augmentation, contact us today. During your free consultation, we’ll walk you through the process and answer any other questions you might have.
That way you’ll go in reassured and confident about the whole procedure.
When Is Plastic Surgery Reversal A Good Idea?
Plastic surgery reversal is not the same thing as revision. A revision is the correction of a faulty procedure. A reversal, on the other hand, is the undoing of a successful procedure to restore one’s previous appearance.
There are many reasons patients may consider a reversal. And it’s important they are realistic about their expectations.
Since there’s no magic involved, there are limits to the capabilities of these procedures. Some more than others.
When Plastic Surgery Reversal Makes Sense
Unfortunately, there are always going to be patients who partake in frequent cosmetic surgery procedures to chase the latest trends. Many surgeons choose not to work with these patients because they don’t grasp that repeated surgeries and reversals can have lasting or even permanent effects.
There are several instances when plastic surgery reversal could be considered, however. In these cases, the surgeon is careful to review with the patient the risks involved with plastic surgery reversal.
The three most logical reasons for reversal are as follows:
- Medical Complications
With any medical procedure, there is always going to be a risk. In situations where infections or tissue damage occur, patients may opt for either a plastic surgery revision (if they want to fix the issue) or a reversal procedure. In some rare instances, a reversal may be the only option.
- Changes in Personal Preferences or Lifestyle
We want to specify here again the difference between someone wanting to be part of the latest trend versus a person who has shifted into different preferences or lifestyle choices over time.
For example, a woman who wanted large breast implants in her 20s may find them no longer desirable in her 30s. Another common example is a patient wanting to restore ethnic facial features that he or she felt pressured to change when younger.
Any big life changes such as marital status, having a child, shifting careers, or facing a health challenge can also trigger the need to reverse a procedure. These would all be carefully evaluated with the surgeon.
- Psychological/Emotional Concerns
Despite their best efforts and advancements in technology that allow patients to get a glimpse of their results, there will always be those who are dissatisfied at first. Sometimes it’s a matter of gaining familiarity with a new appearance.
For patients who are unable to clear this hurdle and become psychologically or emotionally distraught because of it, a reversal would be a serious consideration.
Recovery From Plastic Surgery Reversal
A skilled and board-certified plastic surgeon is your best insurance against problematic procedures. But you’ll also want to insist on this for any reversal you’re considering.
Depending on the procedure or treatment to be reversed, an ethical surgeon will be honest and upfront about what you can expect. How much of your pre-procedure appearance you can expect to get back will be dependent on the procedure so it’s important you understand what to expect.
In terms of recovery time, you can expect a similar situation to the one you experienced with the initial surgery. Therefore, you’ll need to schedule accordingly.
Is Plastic Surgery Removal Right For You?
Plastic surgery reversal is a big decision and not one to be taken lightly. You’ll want to consider the long-term outcome rather than just what you want in the immediate moment.
So if you’re feeling quite certain this is the right choice for you, then contact us today.
During your free consultation, Dr. Reisin will discuss the risks and benefits to help you weigh your options. From there, you can move forward with more confidence.
What to Expect – Recovering From an Arm Lift
Do you remember the days when you felt comfortable showing off your arms? But now there’s sagging skin on your upper arms you keep under cover.
Or maybe you lost a lot of weight and were looking forward to finally showing off your arms. Yet, now there’s excess skin hanging there.
You DO have options with a brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery. And the good news is, recovering from an arm lift is fairly straightforward.
Recovering From an Arm Lift
The brachioplasty procedure typically lasts around two to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia. And the smoother contours of your upper arm will be apparent almost immediately.
As time progresses, results will eventually be somewhat obscured by swelling and bruising. And there will be some scarring.
Recovery from brachioplasty is one of the procedures with a shorter recovery time. Yet, it’s always going to be different from person to person. But here’s what you can generally expect:
Immediately After Brachioplasty Procedure
As with any surgery, experiencing discomfort after brachioplasty is common. Any swelling and redness may be addressed with oral pain medications.
In addition, you can expect to wear a compression garment to help circulation and minimize your discomfort.
First Week
It’s during the first few days when you’ll likely experience moderate pain. Your arms will be bandaged which will limit your range of motion. This is intentional, as you don’t want to make any major movements with the arms during this time. Your muscles may also feel sore and you’ll see bruising and swelling. Increased pain and pressure near the incision site are normal – especially when your arms are in motion.
You’ll want to have someone stay with you overnight the first night and enlist a little extra help with everyday activities in the days that follow. It is crucial in the first week that you don’t lift anything over five pounds. And since you need to avoid reaching over your head, be sure you have comfortable, loose button-up shirts on hand.
Pain, swelling, and bruising will subside by the end of the week. Expect them to persist to some degree for the first month, however. You may be able to transition to OTC pain management at this point – if you need any at all.
Two to Three Weeks
Bandages and any stitches are removed one to two weeks post-surgery. You’ll have an improved range of motion and arm mobility, but you’ll have weight restrictions of 10 pounds in the second week and 15 pounds in the third. Stretching the arms is still not recommended.
Most patients return to work at this point and can perform normal activities around the house. You’ll probably have to continue wearing your compression garment though and your doctor may recommend beginning a scar therapy treatment plan.
One to Two Months
At the four- to six-week point, you can expect any swelling or bruising to resolve. You may also be cleared to remove your compression garment and routine to your regular exercise routine. Treatment for scarring will continue throughout this time.
Acquire a More Contoured Look for Your Upper Arms
You don’t need to accept sagging upper arms as one of the inevitable results of aging or weight loss.
Brachioplasty is a great option. And as stated above, recovering from an art lift is not an arduous process.
So contact us today to set up a free consultation with our board-certified surgeons. And get started on your journey to slimmer and move lovely arms.
Making Sense Of Different Types Of Body Fat
While it may not seem like it, body fat is an organ that contains nerves, immune cells, and connective tissue. It’s also made up of different types of fat cells.
Depending on the body’s needs, the primary job of body fat is to store and release energy. The different types of fat cells also serve their own unique purposes.
Plastic surgeons are sometimes faced with the difficult task of telling patients that plastic surgery can’t always address issues with excess fat. That’s because not all body fat is created equal.
The Different Types of Body Fat
The main type of fat cells that comprise body fat are white fat cells. They produce hormones like leptin and adiponectin, as well as store energy. Brown fat cells are referred to as thermogenic because under certain conditions (such as colder temperatures) they burn energy to produce heat. People with more brown fat cells tend to be leaner and have a higher metabolism. Finally, beige fat cells are white cells that are in the process of transforming to brown cells.
Fat is not an F-word. (Well, it is, but you get what we mean.) In fact, fat is essential to the healthy operation of the body. It plays many important roles including regulation of body temperature, absorbing vitamins, and producing fertility hormones.
Yes, too much fat is unhealthy. But so too is not enough fat. What’s considered the right amount of essential fat for each person is not a universal equation and can vary quite a bit. For example, women generally have 6-11% more than men.
One thing is for certain though. Some types of fat are more dangerous than others. The two types of fat we’ll focus on here are subcutaneous and visceral.
What Is Subcutaneous Fat?
Subcutaneous literally means, “under the skin.” Thus, subcutaneous fat is fat that lies beneath the skin. You’re able to pinch it with your fingers.
This kind of fat accounts for about 90% of overall body fat. Subcutaneous fat acts as a cushion between the skin and muscles for comfort and protection. It also produces estrogen – which accounts for women generally having more body fat than men.
Subcutaneous fat is essential fat. Yet, it’s possible to have too much. The body stores subcutaneous fat as an emergency backup source of calories in the event of starvation. When the amount of calories going in exceeds what’s being burnt, the body will continue to store this fat and it will accumulate.
Many people find that reducing their caloric intake and avoiding refined and processed foods along with high-intensity exercise can lessen subcutaneous fat. There are times, however, where no matter how much focus on diet or exercise, there are stubborn pockets that won’t disappear. In these cases, plastic surgeons may recommend adding liposuction body shaping treatments to reshape the area. Even in more complicated procedures such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), it’s also subcutaneous fat that’s removed.
Visceral fat, on the other hand, is a very different creature.
The Dangers of Visceral Fat
Visceral fat is located between the organs in the abdominal area of the body. It typically appears as a protruding waist and unlike subcutaneous fat, it’s hard and you can’t pinch it.
This is the type of fat that cannot be removed with plastic surgery or liposuction. Patients usually need to completely revamp their diet, ensure they’re getting enough sleep every night, and regularly perform targeted abdominal strength-training exercises.
While it may sound like a big commitment, it’s important to get rid of visceral fat. As it accumulates, it secretes a protein that’s known to cause insulin resistance that could lead to diabetes. Increased levels of visceral fat are also linked to a higher risk of stroke, dementia, colorectal and breast cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease. So while subcutaneous fat can be a nuisance, visceral fat can be deadly.
Are You Considering Fat Removal?
Hopefully, you now have more clarity on the different types of body fat and fat cells.
So if you think you’re a good candidate for a fat removal procedure and you’re ready to speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon about your options, contact us today!
During your free consultation, you’ll be able to discuss your specific needs and how they can be addressed to result in a thinner and healthier you.
Can You Reduce the Appearance of Large Pores?
Many people fear the close-up. And while makeup can go the distance in covering up blemishes and other imperfections, it can accentuate large pores.
Large pores are the result of oil and sweat not being properly released through the pores by the sebaceous glands that sit beneath the skin. Eventually the pores get clogged with oil, dirt, and dead skin cells leading to the appearance of large pores. And it doesn’t just happen to those with oily skin.
So is there any way to reduce the appearance of large pores?
You CAN Reduce the Appearance of Large Pores
Some degree of pore visibility is normal. And you can change your skincare routine and try gentle cleansers and/or a clay mask. Getting rid of oil-based products and using mineral sunscreen can also help.
But for those who struggle with large pores because of genetic factors, or for those for whom the change in skincare doesn’t work, there are also non-invasive procedures that can help:
Chemical Peels
If you’ve tried various exfoliants and haven’t had any luck, you may have more success with chemical peels. Peels are effective in removing the dirt, dead skin, and blackheads that contribute to the appearance of large pores.
While it might sound a bit scary, chemical peels remove layer(s) of skin. To do this, skincare specialists use an exfoliant consisting of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and trichloroacetic acid. The process is very similar to getting a sunburn that causes the skin to peel.
Depending on the level of exfoliation needed, there are three different types of peels. With a light peel, the exfoliant doesn’t penetrate any deeper than the top layer of skin and takes around 30 minutes. A medium peel gets down to the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. Finally, a deep peel gets down a little further to remove the most damaged cells.
Microneedling
In a nutshell, microneedling uses radiofrequency to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The main concept behind the process is to create micro-injuries to the skin to stimulate the body’s response.
With microneedling, the skin is pierced to create inflammation. The immune system is then triggered to increase blood flow to the area to disinfect the pores and remove debris. This, in essence, creates new tissue and a fresh network of blood cells is built. Finally, newly created blood vessels and dermal tissues repair the area.
Laser Treatments
Many patients seek laser treatments to address wrinkles and scars. But this outpatient procedure is effective in reducing the appearance of large pores too.
Similar to chemical peels, these treatments use ablative or non-ablative lasers to remove the top layer of damaged skin to stimulate the growth of new skin cells. Also like chemical peels, there are three different types of laser treatments – CO2, erbium, and fractionated CO2.
Which one is right for you will depend on how deep the damage is.
Are You Embarrassed by Large Pores?
You don’t need to be.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you change your skincare routine or utilize one of the above procedures to reduce the appearance of large pores.
And get ready for your close-up.
Pioneers in Plastic Surgery – Arthur Rainsford Mowlem (1902–1986)
When you think of plastic surgery, you may consider it a relatively new field. It’s actually been around longer than you may think.
Although plastic surgery has existed in some form for millennia, casualties from World War I and II in particular created a new demand for reconstructive surgery.
Born in New Zealand in 1902, Arthur Rainsford Mowlem, was the youngest of four well-known British plastic surgeons who practiced in between the world wars.
The Journey to Medicine
Mowlem started out studying law, but later changed to medicine. In 1924, he undertook house officer appointments in Auckland Hospital before going into general practice. Once he decided to take the surgical route, he worked his passage to England around Cape Horn as a ship’s surgeon.
He studied at the Middlesex Hospital for the primary Fellowship, completed his house surgeon’s appointment in Greenwich, then passed the final Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons in 1929. Throughout the war years, he would treat many victims of air raids. He also participated in early trials of penicillin.
Interestingly, when he served as a resident surgical officer at Queen Mary’s Stratford, he met with the then Prince of Wales and, being a heavy smoker, showed him where to smoke cigarettes.
Shifting Gears
Mowlem was planning to return to New Zealand to take an orthopedic post in Auckland, but destiny took him to Hammersmith Hospital instead. It was there that he met Sir Harold Gillies who had been given four beds for plastic surgery. Mowlem was fascinated by the potential of this burgeoning field. And Gillies noticed.
Along with P.T. Kilner and A.H. McIndoe, Gillies was part of a group of pioneering surgeons. Mowlem moved with Gillies to a larger unit at St. James Hospital. With the addition of Mowlem, the quartet would become known as the “Big Four.”
The two first full-blown medical publications committed specifically to plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery were the Revue de Chirurgie Plastique and the Revue de Chirurgie Structive. The publication existed from 1931- 1938 and the four surgeons were often cited.
By 1940, Mowlem served as a professor who lectured on the use of iliac chips from bone grafting in patients with mandibular defects. He was considered an outstanding teacher who would go on to train juniors in plastic surgery techniques.
1950s and Beyond
After the war, he was twice President of the British Association of Plastic Surgeons and went on to serve as President of the Second International Congress of Plastic Surgeons. He was given an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Trinity College, Hartford, USA, and an honorary Fellowship of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.
His primary interest in reconstructive surgery to repair unsightly defects (resulting particularly from the treatment of malignant disease) continued until his retirement in 1962. Despite his significant contributions, he would never receive British honors.
What Can Plastic Surgery Do For You?
The legacy of Rainsford Mowlem lives on in the field of plastic surgery. His contributions made a major difference in how procedures are performed today.
Of course, plastic surgery has come a long way since then. So if you’re considering any sort of plastic surgery, contact us today to set up your free consultation.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Tips for Winter Skincare After Plastic Surgery
If you’re considering any sort of plastic surgery, winter can be a great time to get it done. Especially if you want to show off the results in the spring and summer months.
Plus, it’s much easier to hide the recovery process when the snow is flying and you’re bundled up in scarves, hats, and sweaters.
Yet, since plastic surgery can exacerbate skin sensitivity in the colder and drier months, you’ll want to pay extra attention to winter skincare after plastic surgery.
Focusing on Winter Skincare After Plastic Surgery
In a recent post, we talked about the importance of caring for your skin during the winter. But what about the best way to care for your skin after a plastic surgery procedure in the winter?
There are certainly some overlaps. For instance, drinking plenty of water and sticking with a healthy diet are crucial parts of holistic skincare.
Post-surgical skin, however, has additional needs in terms of maximizing recovery and minimizing the appearance of scars. The inherent chapping, dehydration, flaking, and tissue irregularity that comes with colder air and indoor heating can make this more challenging.
So what can you do to ensure you’ll get the best results?
1. Emphasize Hydration
When most people hear the word ‘hydration,’ they think only of internal hydration and drinking plenty of water. And yes, internal hydration is crucial. But during the cold and dry winter months, external hydration is also vital. Especially for sensitive post-surgical skin.
Maintaining necessary moisture levels in the skin is going to promote faster healing while reducing the risk of complications. Your surgeon may recommend you use ointment-type medications on suture lines to trap moisture. He/she may also advocate a layered hydration approach with specialized skincare that will provide an additional protective barrier.
2. Steer Clear of Certain Products
If you’re of a certain age, retinols may be a part of your regular skincare regimen. After surgery though, you’ll be advised to avoid retinols as they are very drying. Especially during the winter.
In addition, products that contain alcohol or fragrances can cause further dryness and irritation. Your surgeon will be able to point you to calming and nourishing products formulated for the special needs of post-surgical skin in the winter.
3. Avoid the Sun
This one might seem silly. Especially if you live in a northern climate without much in the way of winter sun. Yet, even if the sun doesn’t feel especially warm, or it’s trapped behind clouds, the harmful UV rays are still getting through to your skin. Particularly on your face.
Post-surgical skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation or other sun-related damage. So you’ll be advised to use a mineral-based broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of least 30 rather than a chemical sunscreen that could further irritate your skin.
4. Stay Vigilant
Finally, one of the most important things you can do is regularly monitor your post-surgical skin for increased redness or swelling. This is another disadvantage of winter because it’s easy to ignore skin when it’s covered with clothing.
Early intervention is key to a smoother recovery though. So you don’t want to wait until you’re feeling pain or discomfort. Keep an eye out for any adverse reactions or changes in your skin and let your surgeon know immediately if you see anything so s/he can promptly address the issue.
Get the Most Out of Your Plastic Surgery This Winter
Sure, winter is as good a time to get plastic surgery as any. Sometimes, it’s the best time! Especially if you’re willing to attend to winter skincare after plastic surgery.
So if you’re ready to get that procedure you’ve been dreaming of, contact us today. During your free consultation, you’ll be counseled on what to expect and the best ways to ensure you’ll be ready to step into the spring/summer season with confidence.
Technological Advances in Plastic Surgery
Although there is some question about whether technology benefits every industry, technological advances in plastic surgery continue to take procedures to new heights.
While tech has gone the distance in advancing every aspect of plastic surgery, it’s been especially beneficial for patients seeking to enhance their appearance in new and exciting ways.
Plus, with these advancements, plastic surgery is safer and more effective now than ever before.
Latest Technological Advances in Plastic Surgery
If you’re frustrated with some aspect of your appearance or part of your body, now is a great time to take advantage of these advancements. The following five advancements are contributing to the field taking big strides.
- Laser Treatments
Laser treatments are straightforward procedures that can be performed in a clinic or office setting. They don’t require general anesthesia and there is little to no downtime.
While laser treatments are nothing new, they do continue to evolve. And for those seeking to reduce the appearance of scars or remove unwanted hair, they’ve been a game changer.
- MRIs and CT Scans
Plastic surgeons use MRIs, CT scans, and other advanced imaging techniques to get a clearer view of a patient’s anatomy. This helps them find potential pre-surgical issues, as well as enabling them to monitor patients post-op to ensure they’re healing.
- Virtual Reality
Wouldn’t it be great if you could “try on” different plastic surgery procedures? With virtual reality technology (VR), you can do just that – without ever going under the knife.
VR technology enables patients to get a glimpse of how they’ll look after a particular procedure. It also assists in educating patients about the process of the procedure as well as its potential outcomes.
- 3D Imaging and Printing
For procedures where precise measurements are particularly crucial, 3D imaging and printing have been revolutionary. For example, a surgeon counseling a patient seeking facial reconstruction can show the patient a digital model of their face so they can visualize the outcome of the surgery.
Meanwhile, 3D printing enables surgeons to create highly customized prosthetics and implants. For patients who require breast reconstruction, these personalized versions look and feel more natural than traditional implants.
- Stem Cell Therapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma
Technological advances in regenerative medicine have also had a positive impact on plastic surgery. Through stem cell therapy, tissues can be regenerated to create more natural-looking results.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is also utilized in combination with other procedures to not only enhance results but to boost recovery times. It’s an amazing outcome from such a simple therapy.
Take Advantage of the New Technology!
The above technological advances in plastic surgery have rendered procedures the safest and most precise they’ve ever been. And with the most natural-looking results.
So if you’re considering plastic surgery for any reason, there’s no time like the present!
Contact us today to set up your free consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons. You can be assured that you’ll get the best results in the field today.
Do Teens Get Plastic Surgery?
The quick answer is yes. But the number of teens who opt for plastic surgery is not huge.
This leads to the bigger question – should teens get plastic surgery? Many surgeons won’t perform procedures on patients under the age of 21. And there are many reasons for this.
Then there are procedures that some surgeons will perform but only if they’re absolutely certain that it’s the best option for the teen.
Why Do Teens Get Plastic Surgery?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), most teenagers seek out plastic surgery because they are desperate to fit in but feel their appearance is not acceptable to their friends and peers.
For example, young men who have embarrassing excess breast tissue (gynecomastia) that won’t resolve with proper diet and exercise may seek out a breast reduction. Or teenagers who are ashamed of birthmarks in obvious places may inquire about laser treatments to lessen their appearance.
Some teens struggle with severe acne that results in pocks and scars that leave them self-conscious and prone to isolation. A cosmetic procedure known as dermabrasion can help to smooth out or camouflage those scars. And for teenagers with birth anomalies such as ears that stick out, some surgeons will perform surgery to pin back ears known as otoplasty.
Important Considerations
As with any surgery, the option to perform plastic surgery on teens should be heavily weighed. In many cases, it’s simply not appropriate. There are many things to consider:
- Teenagers Are Still Growing
It’s normal for teenagers to criticize their appearance. But it’s important to remember that they are still changing and growing. So even if a teenager feels his nose is too big or her breasts are too small, there’s a good chance that they will become more proportionate as they grow into their adult bodies.
- Changes in Exercise and Diet Could Help
It’s often not easy to get teenagers on board with regular exercise and dietary restrictions. We get it. For teenagers struggling with weight issues, they may think that liposuction or even a gastric bypass is a better option and a nice, quick fix. They’re sure much easier than sticking with a diet and exercise regimen.
Any parent considering this needs to understand though that ethical doctors know the risks involved with these procedures and reserve them for extreme cases when other options have failed.
- Self-Consciousness Is Part of Teenage Years
Feeling dissatisfied with one’s appearance while having it feel like a monumentally big deal is part and parcel of the teenage years. And teens don’t realize that a lot of this will go away with time. Of course, even as adults most of us have some part that we’d like to change. But by the time we’re adults, we’re doing it for ourselves and not for someone else. This is an important distinction.
- There Could Be Mental Issues
This is a big one.
Teenagers see a distorted version of themselves. If this already inaccurate view is further exacerbated by depression or other emotional issues, teenagers are quick to believe that ‘looking better’ will solve their problems.
There is no plastic surgery procedure that can fix underlying mental issues. Plastic surgeons are well aware of this and many won’t perform plastic surgery on any patient – teenage or otherwise – until such mental issues are addressed first with a therapist or other mental health expert.
It’s Up to the Surgeon
Ultimately, once a parent has conceded, the choice as to whether teens get plastic surgery comes down to the surgeon. Many feel that it’s best to wait until the body is fully formed.
But again, it depends on the person and the procedure.
So if you’re considering plastic surgery – whether for you or someone else – contact us today to speak with our ethical surgeons who will lead you in the right direction.
