The Wonders of a Tummy Tuck with Exparel
Are you considering a tummy tuck to tighten your abs and flatten your stomach?
If so, there’s no time like the present.
Advances in surgical procedures have made tummy tuck surgery more streamlined than ever before. And a revolutionary new medication called Exparel puts the kibosh on the myth that recovery is terribly painful.
In fact, patients who have a tummy tuck with Exparel feel little pain in the days that follow surgery. Sound too good to be true? Read on.
Doing away with Drains
Once upon a time, patients would wake up from tummy tuck surgery to find they had to manage two or even three drains. These drains were required to siphon off the fluid that built up in the body between the newly lifted tissue during the surgery and the abdominal wall.
Drains were, to put it mildly, a drag. The hoses got crimped and they sometimes clogged. Plus, the portal of entry was a veritable breeding ground for bacteria.
Fortunately, the progressive tension sutures surgeons use today did away with those cumbersome drains.
Rather than placing drains in the space beneath the lifted and repositioned tissue, a skilled surgeon advances the skin flaps down toward the incision line. This eliminates the space created during the procedure. It also decreases the tension on the final line of closure, which creates a much more aesthetic scar.
And all of this means a smoother and faster recovery. Especially when used in tandem with Exparel.
What Is a Tummy Tuck with Exparel?
It’s pretty great, is what it is.
Typically, the first three or four days after a tummy tuck surgery were once the most painful. So post-surgical pain was usually treated solely with narcotics.
Now, narcotics do a stellar job at managing pain. But they also have side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, constipation and nausea. Furthermore, they present the risk of addiction – as is evidenced by the current opioid epidemic in the U.S. So it’s important they’re used sparingly.
Thus, responsible plastic surgeons have turned to Exparel.
This long-lasting extended release anesthetic helps to ease the pain during early recovery. And it works in much the same way you get a shot to numb your mouth at the dentist’s office.
This miracle medication is administered at the end of the surgery before the patient is awakened. It’s either done prior to closure by the surgeon by direct injection into the nerves behind the muscle, or by the anesthesiologist by way of TAP lock after closure. It simply blocks the nerves of the abdomen during the procedure.
Either way, when the patient comes out of surgery, much of the abdominal area is numb. And where there’s numbness, there’s little to no pain. Plus, unlike at the dentist, it continues to provide pain control for up to three days.
While it doesn’t eliminate the pain during recovery, it greatly reduces the amount of narcotics (by about 66%) that a patient will need.
The fewer narcotics, the better.
Forget the Pain
You don’t have to be a victim of excruciating pain to reap the rewards of a flat belly.
A tummy tuck with Exparel can make your dreams of a gorgeous toned abdomen a reality without subjecting you to days of torture. So don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule your free consultation. One of our board-certified surgeons will consult with you on best options.
And you can soon have a slimmer, flatter tummy without the “payoff” of pain.
Why Is It Called Plastic Surgery?
Some people believe that the term plastic in plastic surgery refers to breast implants. Others think that plastic surgeons work with plastic material in reconstructing parts of the body.
They’d be wrong on both counts. The term plastic surgery has been around since the late 1700s/early 1800s.
By contrast, the first man-made plastic (also known as Parkesine) wasn’t invented until 1862. And breast implants were developed in 1961. Furthermore, breast implants are not made of plastic.
So why is it called plastic surgery then?
It Is All Greek to Me
Like many words in the English language, the origin of the word plastic comes from Greek. It’s derived from plastikos, which means to mold, shape, grow or form something.
That’s precisely why the synthetic polymer we mentioned above was eventually dubbed “plastic.” Because of its ability to be molded or shaped. But the term plastic surgery already existed by that time.
Before It Was Known As Plastic Surgery
Interestingly enough, the first instance of plastic surgery can be traced back to the year 2000 B.C in India. During that time, removing one’s nose as a form of punishment was commonplace. So to appease those who had lost their noses, surgeons would create a wax replica of the missing nose, and secure it with skin from the cheek or forehead.
Procedures were recorded in an ancient text known as the Sushruta Samhita and many are still used today. For example, one procedure involved taking skin from the forehead, elevating it off of the underlying muscle and skull, and then rotating it down to reconstruct the nose.
This sort of flap is still used today in patients who have lost part or all of their nose as a result of trauma, cancer, or cocaine use.
So Why Is It Called Plastic Surgery?
Any plastic surgeon worth his or her salt knows about the book, On the Surgery of Mutilation by Grafting. It was written by Gaspare Tagliacozzi and while likely not the title he may have chosen today, it was a highly influential text.
In the book, there’s a great quote that lays the foundation for the current understanding of plastic surgery:
We restore, rebuild, and make whole those parts which nature hath given, but which fortune has taken away. Not so much that it may delight the eye, but that it might buoy up the spirit, and help the mind of the afflicted.
But this was the 1500s, so it still wasn’t known as plastic surgery. It would be a couple of centuries later before that appeared. And oddly enough, there’s no agreement on the where and when of the debut of the term “plastic surgery.”
Some say it was first coined in 1798 by Pierre Default of Greece. Others say it was in 1818 when German doctor Carl Ferdinand von Graefe coined it to describe the process of doctors who molded or reshaped body tissues.
Modern Plastic Surgery As We Know It
Regardless of the exact origin of the term plastic surgery, modern plastic surgery now comprises both reconstructive and aesthetic surgeries.
After World War I, soldiers suffered devastating injuries that required innovative solutions to repair them. Wounds needed to be closed with tissue from elsewhere in order to restore a “normal” appearance and function.
Improved and advanced innovations were required during World War II to help those soldiers. Yet, once surgeons recognized that they could manipulate tissues to reconstruct devastating injuries, attention slowly started to shift to manipulating tissue in a “normal” appearing person in an attempt to achieve a more “perfect” appearance. And this was the birth of cosmetic plastic surgery.
Early cosmetic plastic surgery was very expensive and typically reserved only for the ultra-rich and Hollywood stars. But since then, the field has expanded and now just about anything that someone wants improved can be done so through plastic surgery.
No plastic needed.
Could Plastic Surgery Boost Your Confidence?
Now that you know why is called plastic surgery, it’s strange to think that early plastic surgery procedures were performed over 4000 years ago. And without anesthesia.
Of course, procedures have come a LONG way since then. There are so many more technological advances to help mold and shape your body. So if you feel self-conscious about some part of your appearance, then contact us today.
It’s more than likely we can do something to improve it.
Men Are Getting into the BOTOX® Game
Did Father’s Day come and go and you never got around to getting your dad a gift? Or maybe you’re a dad and you’re still looking for a great way to treat yourself?
How about the gift of a more youthful appearance and restored confidence with almost no effort?
With BOTOX®, you can make that a reality for your father – or yourself. And right now, Star Plastic Surgery is offering discounts on BOTOX® as part of their Father’s Day specials.
What Is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® has been around a long time now, so you probably have at least some idea of what it is.
But to do a recap, BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription medication that is used to reduce or even eliminate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles including crow’s feet, brow wrinkles, and forehead wrinkles. You know – those wrinkles that make one appear sad or angry all the time.
So how does BOTOX® master this incredible feat? It’s injected directly into the facial muscles where it causes the muscles to relax. And once the muscles relax, the result is a smoother, wrinkle-free appearance.
By significantly reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles and creases, BOTOX® Cosmetic can instantly produce a more youthful, attractive appearance.
Plus, BOTOX® can even help those suffering with hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating.
The Low Down on BOTOX®
Not much low down to share, really.
When BOTOX® first came on the scene, rumors were quick to develop about the potential safety and aesthetic issues with BOTOX®. There was concern that once BOTOX® Cosmetic was administered, discontinuing use would result in science-fiction levels of rapid aging. Not true.
Others were concerned about the safety of the solution – curious as to how something so effective could actually be safe. But it is. As such, these concerns have been addressed over the past 20 years and proven false in several independent and government studies.
In over two decades of use, there has never been a recorded instance of botulism or paralysis from BOTOX® Cosmetic. The FDA considers BOTOX® Cosmetic to be a safe, effective way of reducing wrinkles and restoring a youthful appearance.
The BOTOX® Procedure
Again, not a whole lot to cover here.
The whole procedure consists of injecting the medicine directly into the affected muscle, where it significantly reduces the appearance of wrinkles and creases. In other words, the results are nearly instant. What else can you say that about?
BOTOX® can also help elevate the eyebrows and improve upper eyelid skin excess and hooding. In addition, it can help by blocking the nerve signals responsible for sweating.
Plus, there is little to no downtime associated with BOTOX® injections. Patients can return to their everyday routine as soon as they feel comfortable – although for best results, strenuous activity should be avoided for 4 -6 hours. Any swelling or redness that occurs will resolve quickly.
In no time, patients are back out in the world looking younger and feeling more confident.
Are You Considering BOTOX®?
It’s pretty amazing how this noninvasive and simple procedure can build so much confidence. So if you’re interested in giving BOTOX® a try, now is the time.
Right now during our Father’s Day Specials that run through July 31st, BOTOX® is just $10 per unit.
And no, you don’t have to be a father – or even a man – to take advantage of these deals. So contact us today to make an appointment. You’ll quickly see what a difference BOTOX® can make in your life.
Father’s Day Specials at Star Plastic Surgery
Shopping for dads is tough.
For many of us, this becomes startlingly apparent at Father’s Day each year. What do we get him this year? He’s already got a closet full of ties and a cabinet overflowing with cologne. Enough already!
And if you’re a dad who’s looking to treat himself, it can be just as challenging to figure out what that looks like.
So Star Plastic Surgery is making it easy this year with our Father’s Day specials.
What Are the Father’s Day Specials?
We thought you’d never ask.
Unlike that ridiculous World’s #1 Dad t-shirt, Star Plastic Surgery is offering all sorts of specials that are geared toward actually helping men feel more confident and better about themselves.
Let’s take a look.
Botox
Botox is celebrated for its ability to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It does a bang-up job in that department.
But did you know it’s also great for those suffering with hyperhidrosis? If you’re one of those guys who sweats like a faucet with little to no provocation, you may have this condition. You probably have sweaty hands a lot too.
Botox injections help by blocking the nerve signals responsible for sweating. So you can hit the gym without frightening those around you. Right now, botox is just $10 per unit.
BBL Hair Removal
Some men are embarrassed by an excessive amount of hair on body parts that don’t really require it. So what’s a guy to do? Shave it all off every couple of days?
Of course not. The solution is BBL hair removal. BBL stands for broadband light. With BBL hair removal, specifically designed lasers and intense pulsed light systems are used to destroy many hair follicles in a short time.
The technology allows for large areas of the body to be covered quickly, so it’s very effective for the back, shoulders, arms, abdomen, armpits (even sweaty ones), and legs. And facial areas including the lip, chin, and beard, can be treated in just minutes.
During our Father’s Day specials, receive a package of 3 for the back for $750 (a savings of $280), or a package of 3 for the shoulders or chest for just $450 ($130 savings).
Halo Laser
Has life been tough on your skin? Do you have the scars to prove it?
You’re not alone. Many adults still show the scars from acne or other unfortunate events that happened when they were younger. But Halo Laser can change all of that.
The Halo Laser process uses an ablative laser that targets very small pathways in the skin while leaving the area around it untouched. It’s similar to when your aerate your lawn.
Meanwhile, a non-ablative laser drills little thermal holes into the skin. The skin recognizes these as injuries, which in turn triggers collagen and elastin production for healing.
Although Halo Laser is most commonly used on the face, other areas of treatment include the neck, chest, arms, legs, and hands. Scar revision treatments with Halo Laser are currently only $500 per treatment. That’s a savings of $250.
PRP Hair Restoration
Have you noticed how your hair seems to be a little (or a lot) thinner each year?
You may want to consider PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy. With this three-step medical treatment, your blood is drawn, processed, and then injected into your scalp. It is believed that PRP injections trigger natural hair growth and maintain it by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle.
All of this leads to an increased thickness of the hair shaft. Right now, PRP hair restoration is just $500 per treatment ($250 savings).
Emsculpt
And finally, are you sporting a t-shirt at the beach at all times because you don’t have more of an 8-pack than a 6-pack?
Wouldn’t it be great if you could 20,000 sit-ups with absolutely no effort? It turns out, you can. Because that’s exactly what 30 minutes of Emsculpt can do for you. All you need to do is lay back and relax.
Take advantage of Emsculpt now and receive two treatments free with your purchase of two. That’s a $1500 value.
Get Ready to Impress with Father’s Day Specials at Star
Whether you or your dad wants toned abs, fewer scars or wrinkles, less sweating, and more or less hair, one of our Father’s Day specials is bound to please.
Hurry though. These specials expire July 31st, 2020. And they cannot be combined with any other offer. So don’t wait.
Contact us today!
Get Ready for Summer with BBL Hair Removal
Are you ready for summer? (Stupid question. Of course, you are.)
But how is your hair situation? It’s okay. We know. The long months of winter, coupled with several months of quarantine and no visits to the gym or anywhere else, left many a razor to rust in the shower.
Now that summer is finally here and we’re emerging from our shelter-in-place, it’s time to return to the pesky job of shaving, tweezing, and waxing.
Or maybe it isn’t. Have you considered BBL hair removal instead?
What Is BBL Hair Removal?
BBL stands for broadband light. With BBL hair removal, specifically designed lasers and intense pulsed light systems are used to destroy many hair follicles in a short time.
How does it work?
Without damaging the surrounding skin, controlled flashes of light penetrate the skin and are absorbed by the hair follicles. The heat damages not only the hair follicle but also the regenerative matrix that encourages the regrowth of hair. This minimizes the possibility of the hair growing back.
Because this technology allows for large areas of the body to be covered quickly, it’s very effective for the back, shoulders, arms, abdomen, armpits, bikini line, and legs. And facial areas including the lip, chin, and beard, can be treated in just minutes.
The Evolution of Sciton Forever Bare BBL Hair Removal
As with most technology, BBL hair removal technology has advanced since its beginnings.
In the early days of BBL hair removal, the technology worked only on fair-skinned individuals with brown or black hairs. Those with fine white or gray hairs did not find the treatment effective. It could also not be used on those with darker skin types or on anyone who had a tan.
Since that time, the Sciton Forever Bare BBL hair removal method emerged to address those issues. It’s now available on the Sciton JOULE platform.
This more advanced method creates lower fluence pulses of light that are administered at a higher repetition rate than previous treatment options. The pigment in the skin then absorbs the heat and the hair is destroyed. It also heats the follicles evenly to help eliminate missed spots.
Meanwhile, a thermoelectrically-cooled sapphire crystal on the handpiece provides continuous skin cooling before, during, and after the treatment. This combination of multi-burst lights and cooling methods works safely and effectively on multiple skin types, including those with darker skin.
How Long Does It Take?
Depending on the area being treated and the type of procedure performed, your procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour.
This is not a ‘one then done’ procedure though. Multiple visits are required. Even so, most patients begin seeing permanent hair loss after about three to seven sessions.
It’s hardly a sacrifice when the result is long-lasting hair removal. In the end, you’ll save both time and money.
Ease into Your Summer
Move smoothly into the warmest season of the year. Ditch the razors – and the embarrassment – and see what BBL for hair removal can do for you.
And right now, as part of our Father’s Day Specials, you can buy a package of 3 sessions for the back for just $750 (a savings of $280), or a package of 3 sessions for the shoulders or chest for just $450 (a savings of $130)!
So contact us today to speak with a hair removal specialist and set up your first session. But don’t hesitate. Summer will be over before you know it.
The Extra Importance of AAAHC Accreditation During COVID-19
Everyone expects high-quality and SAFE healthcare.
However, during these pre-vaccine days of COVID-19, the safety concerns are elevated. And rightly so.
So if you’re planning to visit a healthcare facility of any sort, you should understand the importance of AAAHC accreditation. It would be unwise to consider any facility that does to have this accreditation.
The Importance of AAAHC Accreditation
AAAHC stands for Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. With more than 6,100 accredited organizations, it’s the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation.
The association accredits a wide range of outpatient settings including ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery facilities, endoscopy centers, medical and dental group practices, community health centers, among others.
AAAHC advocates for high-quality health care through the development and adoption of nationally-recognized standards. Thus, accreditation through AAAHC demonstrates an organization’s commitment to provide SAFE services to its patients.
Requirements for Accreditation
There are certain guidelines and standards that organizations must perform and follow to maintain accreditation from AAAHC and they cover the entire gamut of the patient’s visit.
Before the patient even sets foot into the facility, the organization must pre-screen the patient for symptoms or high-risk exposure. They must also inform the patient to call ahead and discuss the need to reschedule their appointment if they develop any symptoms of a respiratory infection.
Upon arrival but before being admitted, patients are asked about a personal history of fever, sore throat, cough or other respiratory symptoms, as well as similar symptoms in family members or close contacts. They will also be asked about contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or any recent travel to a high-risk area.
Temperature is also taken upon arrival. AAAHC accreditation prohibits ANY individuals, both employees and patients, from entering the facility if they are experiencing elevated temperature or symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. This applies to both patients and staff.
Keeping Everyone Safe
In addition, all visitors, including vendors, are actively assessed for fever and respiratory symptoms upon entry to the facility. If fever or respiratory symptoms are present, it is the responsibility of the organization to inform these visitors that they are not to be allowed entry.
Once healthy, non-symptomatic patients and visitors are admitted, they are separated 6 feet apart. The organization is required to provide supplies such as tissues, alcohol-based hand rub, and trash cans. They must also encourage frequent hand washing.
AAAHC accreditation requires the facility’s staff to partake in education and active surveillance consistent with WHO, the CDC and other nationally recognized guidelines for hand hygiene.
Requirements for Healthcare Workers
Accreditation stresses the necessity of keeping healthcare workers protected from biologic hazards consistent with state, federal, and CDC guidelines.
AAAHC accreditation ensures that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, masks, eye shield/goggles, face shields, and gowns are available and worn by healthcare providers.
It also requires that the healthcare provider is educated and trained and has practiced the appropriate and correct use of PPE, including proper application and removal. Safeguards are in place to protect patients and others from cross-infection. Written policies address the proper attire of all persons entering operating or procedures rooms.
Only essential personnel – those authorized to perform or assist – are permitted in the operating rooms.
Continuity of Care
To maintain AAAHC accreditation, organizations are advised to consider phone follow-up for all patients 7–14 days post procedure to ask about the development of symptoms or a diagnosis of COVID-19. If these have occurred, they must have contingency plans in place.
Finally, in the ongoing battle to stay safe and protected during this pandemic, the organization is required to conduct frequent educational meetings, including refresher training, for staff regarding infection prevention and other related precautionary practices.
Only Consider Accredited Facilities
It’s clear the importance of AAAHC accreditation if you’re planning to have any surgical procedure. It’s very much in line with ensuring you have a board-certified plastic surgeon.
You can feel confident in knowing that we have both, and will always put your safety and care first during this pandemic, and beyond.
So contact us today to set up your free consultation. And move into the summer season with renewed confidence.
The History of Plastic Surgery
If you had to wager a guess as to when plastic surgery began, chances are you’d guess much later than reality.
In fact, the history of plastic surgery goes all the way back to 800 B.C. when physicians in ancient India were using skin grafts for reconstructive surgery.
It’s hard to imagine what that entailed exactly. It’s probably safe to say that the procedure would not have been considered hygienic by today’s standards.
Whatever the case, the practice of plastic surgery continued to grow from its roots in early Eastern medicine practices into what it is today.
The History of Plastic Surgery
The field hardly took off after those early days in India. Advances were admittedly slow in coming.
There were a number of Asian healers who used certain techniques that looked something like modern rhinoplasty to improve upon the shape of noses of royal family members. Over the next few centuries though, the techniques used in India and central Asia were introduced to European countries.
The Greco-Roman Period
The Greco-Roman Period was between 332BC -395 AD. It marked the end of Persian rule over Egypt. It also marked some of the biggest advancements in medicine.
Roman medical writer Aulus Cornelius Celsus wrote De Medicina which laid out surgical methods for reconstructing ears, lips, and noses. Another text entitled Synagogue Medicae, was a 70-volume work that contained numerous passages dedicated to reconstructive techniques to repair facial defects.
The Middle Ages
With the fall of the Roman Empire and the spread of Christianity throughout Europe during the Middle Ages (476– 1453AD), science gave way to mysticism and religion. At one point, Pope Innocent III declared that all surgery was expressly prohibited by Church law.
Later in the Middle Ages, plastic surgery fell further out of favor as it was considered the work of witchcraft.
Despite these limitations and the overall lack of standards for hygiene and cleanliness, minor advancements were still made during this time. A procedure to repair a cleft lip was, in fact, developed in the tenth century.
The Renaissance
The Renaissance occurred from 1300 – 1600AD and saw significant advances in science and technology. During this time, safer and more effective surgical techniques were developed.
An Islamic text from the 15th century, Imperial Surgery, included 191 procedures that included both maxillofacial and eyelid surgery. It also included a protocol for the treatment of gynecomastia and is thus believed to be the foundation for the modern method of surgical breast reduction.
During the 16th century, University of Bologna professor of surgery and anatomy Gaspare Tagliacozzi – whose often referred to as the “father of plastic surgery” – first started nose grafting using skin flaps from the upper arm. He used these techniques primarily to correct saddle nose deformity.
During the seventeenth century, plastic surgery would again decline. But by the late eighteenth and early 19th century, the pendulum would start to swing back in the other direction.
The 1800s
In 1818, German Doctor Karl Ferdinand von Gräefe published Rhinoplastik, being the first to coin the term “plastic” surgery. Originating from the the Greek word, plastikos, and the Latin word, plasticus, it meant “able to be molded.” Since these doctors molded body tissues during their procedures, it was called plastic surgery.
The first cleft palate operation was in 1827 in the United States. It was performed by Dr. John Peter Mettauer using surgical instruments of his own design.
Many women during this time used corsets and brassieres to enhance the look of their breasts. Cosmetic surgeons gradually learned new ways to augment the breast shape and size in women and in the 19th century, surgeons performed the first breast augmentation by using artificial implants made from rubber, paraffin, ivory, and glass.
Finally, the first reconstructive breast surgery was done by Vincenz Czerny in 1895. He performed a successful mammary reconstruction on an actress who had undergone a cancerous surgery and removal of a breast tumor.
The 1900s
At the beginning of the 1900s, the need for plastic surgery was becoming clearer. Its necessity would become ever more apparent with the arrival of World War I.
The casualties of war made reconstructive surgery a necessity for many soldiers. Military physicians were required to treat extensive facial and head injuries caused by modern weaponry – both in the United States and Europe.
Around this time, surgeons began to fully realize the potential influence that one’s personal appearance has on success in life. As such, aesthetic surgery became a more respected aspect of plastic surgery. In 1923, after WWI, the first modern rhinoplasty was performed in the United States.
This progress also brought with it advanced methods of anesthesia and infection prevention so that surgeons could perform increasingly complex procedures.
This fostered the establishment of medical boards and associations to provide continuity of care and research along with a network for medical providers working in the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery.
With board certification in place, plastic surgery became fully integrated into the medical establishment by 1950. And by 1969, plastic surgeons were moving to the forefront of the medical establishment, including Dr. Hal B. Jennings who was appointed Surgeon General that year.
In the 1980s, plastic surgeons and plastic surgery advocates pushed to expand public awareness and improve public perception and growth continued through the 1990s.
Growth continued through the 1990s, and today, plastic surgery is a popular option – whether for reconstructive purposes, health reasons, or to boost one’s appearance and confidence. With so many safe and proven options, it’s no big surprise.
Is Plastic Surgery Right for You?
The long history of plastic surgery demonstrates what a truly viable medical option it is.
So if you’re ready to address a body part that leaves you feeling less than attractive or even makes your life more difficult, contact us today to talk to one of our surgeons.
You’re fortunate to live in a time where you can make such choices.
The Link between Plastic Surgery and Healthier Lifestyles
In our last several blog posts, we illustrated the many health benefits that are the result of plastic surgery.
For example, fat removal from liposuction can help to lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of diabetes.
Meanwhile, rhinoplasty improves breathing while a breast reduction can decrease and relieve back, neck, and shoulder pain.
But did you know that there’s a link between plastic surgery and healthier lifestyles too?
The Link between Plastic Surgery and Healthier Lifestyles
It makes sense if you think about it.
When people feel bogged down by their bodies – be it from excess weight, pain, or difficulty breathing – they are less inclined to engage in physical activity. Once they are relieved of those problems, they feel better about their bodies and can move about more freely.
And that’s a big plus because one of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle is through exercise.
The Importance of Exercise
Exercise can, of course, help to maintain weight loss while preventing weight gain. That’s certainly motivation enough for some people to adopt a regular exercise regimen.
But the benefits go beyond that.
- Encourages Healthier Eating
Once patients have completed their surgery and are ready to partake in exercise, many are surprised to find the connection between physical activity and eating well.
Or, more accurately, wanting to eat well.
If they’d previously been consuming unhealthy food on a regular basis, they’d come to accept lethargy and low-energy as the norm. Once they arrive at the gym or fitness center with new-found confidence and self-esteem, it becomes clear that that old diet does nothing to foster their new exercise routine.
It doesn’t take long before they adopt a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and veggies, lean meats, and low-fat dairy to maintain their new appearance and help boost their energy for their workouts.
- Combats Health Conditions and Diseases
Exercise keeps the blood flowing, lowers blood pressure, and decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It also brings down triglyceride levels.
In fact, regular exercise can help to manage or even prevent a range of health problems including:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Many types of cancer
- Arthritis
It can also assist in improved cognitive function and can lower the risk of death from all causes.
- Boosts Mood
When plastic surgery patients feel better about their appearance, it increases their confidence and self-esteem. They want to continue to “do right” by their bodies.
Engaging in physical activity adds to this by stimulating the production of endorphins – the brain chemicals that boost a sense of happiness and well-being. It also decreases stress and improves cognitive function.
Another big plus? The mental health benefits that come as a result of social connection. Many plastic surgery patients forge new friendships and relationships at gyms, fitness centers, yoga studios, running clubs, or whatever group exercise experience speaks to them.
- Increases Energy
One of the most rewarding aspects of regular physical exercise is the ability to see the progress. As patients build their strength and increase their endurance, the natural by-product is a boost in energy. But they’ll also notice positive changes in their bodies that motivate them to continue.
In addition, exercise helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and enables the cardiovascular system to work more efficiently. This also increases energy levels.
Finally, because regular physical activity contributes to longer and deeper sleep, the result is improved energy and more wakefulness throughout the day.
It’s hard to put a price on the value of that.
Are You Ready to Both Look and FEEL Better?
There’s a clear connection between plastic surgery and healthier lifestyles.
Increased confidence and self worth from plastic surgery boosts the motivation to exercise and eat well. It also leads to less depression and anxiety about one’s appearance in private and public spaces, better relationships with partners, and even improved production in the work place.
So if you’re ready to get on board with a healthier lifestyle, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll sit down with you and determine the best treatment options to get you started on your path.
Plastic Surgery Procedures to Improve Vision
Do you experience puffiness or sagging around your eyes?
Many patients seek out the expertise of a board-certified plastic surgeon to address these cosmetic concerns. And rightly so. Plastic surgery does wonders in addressing these concerns and reversing facial aging.
But there are plastic surgery procedures to improve vision as well.
In fact, if you’ve noticed heavy sagging in your upper eyelids, you could be dealing with decreased vision due to ptosis. If this is your predicament, plastic surgery will not only improve the appearance of your eyes but can restore lost function as well.
What Is Ptosis?
Eyebrow ptosis or excess upper eyelid skin, called dermatochalasis, is an eye condition caused by excessive skin around your upper eyelid. When the upper eyelid becomes weighed down, it can droop into your field of vision. It can feel as though you’re looking through a window with its blinds partially drawn.
The most common symptoms of excess skin of the upper eyelid include:
- difficulty reading
- raising brows to improve vision
- dry and irritated eyes
- loss of peripheral vision
- frontal headaches
Although the most common cause of excess skin or brow ptosis is the aging process, it can also be the result of lax tissue and genetics. Trauma to the eye tissue, thyroid eye disease, and renal failure can all contribute to excess skin as well.
Relieving Excess Skin with Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, seeks to remove and tighten excess skin found above and below the eye. It not only restores a youthful, bright appearance to your eyes, but restores vision diminished by droopy upper eyelids.
During a blepharoplasty procedure, the surgeon creates precise markings where the excess tissue will be removed from the eyelids. In the case of the upper eyelid, the incision is made within the natural eyelid fold. For the lower eyelid, the incision is created just below the lower lash line to remove skin, or inside the lower eyelid, through the conjuctiva to remove fat bags.
Excess tissue is then removed through these incisions and, if desired, the fat may be redistributed to achieve a specific look.
Levator ptosis is a functional problem that produces a droopy upper eyelid. This can occur with aging, trauma, and neuromuscular disorders. Repair of the levator muscle tendon is performed to correct drooping upper eyelids. This may be performed at the same time as removal of the upper eyelid excess skin and concurrently with a brow lift (see below).
Other Plastic Surgery Procedures to Improve Vision
Sometimes the cause for altered vision is low-set eyebrows. In this case, your plastic surgeon would recommend a brow lift.
Eyebrows set lower on the face become problematic as you age. As the skin on the upper portion of the face becomes thinner and loses elasticity over time, deep-set wrinkles and heavy, low hung eyebrows can obstruct your peripheral vision.
During a brow lift, also known as an endoscopic brow lift, the surgeon uses an endoscope (a tube with a camera attached to the end) to best see the area of treatment. Small incisions are made in the hairline and forehead skin and eyebrows are repositioned higher on the forehead. Fixation of the forehead and brows is then performed for long-term results to create a smoother, more youthful-looking forehead.
The procedure requires very minimal incisions and is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia.
Could You See Better with Plastic Surgery?
While there are plastic surgery procedures to improve vision, it’s important to remember that these surgeries will not actually repair the eye.
But if your seeing is impacted by sagging skin, these procedures could just help to restore your field of vision.
So if you think an eyebrow lift or eyelid surgery is right for you, contact us today for a free consultation. One of our qualified experts will discuss the best procedure for you.
Better Breathing through Plastic Surgery
It’s hard to argue that the nose is the most prominent feature on the face. And let’s face it – not everyone is crazy about theirs.
Perhaps you’re not comfortable with the appearance of your nose. Maybe you feel it’s too prominent in that it’s very large or it has a strange shape. Whatever your reason for feeling dissatisfaction with its appearance, plastic surgery can remedy that.
But did you know that you can also achieve better breathing through plastic surgery?
The Dual Function of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, known as nose reshaping or, more colloquially, as a “nose job,” ranked among the leading cosmetic surgical procedures in the U.S. in 2018.
In fact, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 213,000 people elected to have a rhinoplasty procedure – coming in third behind only breast augmentation and liposuction.
And it’s no wonder. Not only can rhinoplasty improve the appearance of the nose, but it can also improve its function thereby providing relief for those who suffer from breathing problems. And it’s an outpatient procedure that generally takes 1.5 to 3 hours to complete.
When rhinoplasties are performed for correcting documented breathing, this is known as functional rhinoplasty. Also, when performing a cosmetic rhinoplasty, function is still a priority to maintain or improve.
Functional Rhinoplasty
With functional rhinoplasty, the main intention of the procedure does not focus on changing the appearance of the nose but rather aims to improve breathing. Even so, the best plastic surgeons are aware that the form and function of the nose are intimately linked.
In other words, improved breathing doesn’t come at a cost of decreased appearance. So it’s important to carefully select a highly-trained and board-certified plastic surgeon to achieve the best results.
Some of the medical conditions that could potentially be corrected with rhinoplasty include the following:
- Swollen or Enlarged Turbinates
You’ve probably never heard of turbinates. Made primarily of nasal mucosa, think of them as the humidifiers of the nose.
The turbinates periodically swell in response to the environment. For example, during allergy season or when you lie on one side of your body and it becomes difficult to breathe through the nostril closest to the pillow.
For some, however, chronic enlargement of the turbinates results in nasal obstruction that may require surgery.
- Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea may be the result of palate abnormalities, obesity, or nasal obstruction. Those with this condition are unable to get normal airflow and actually stop breathing for short periods of time.
Not only does this cause snoring, but the sufferer is subject to dangerous oxygen deprivation while they sleep. Functional rhinoplasty aims to remedy this situation by reshaping the external and internal valves to allow for normal airflow.
- Narrowing or Collapse of Middle Vault
If you’re familiar with the Breathe Right nasal strip, then you know its purpose is to hold nasal passages open to allow for fuller breathing. It was developed because some people suffer from weakness of the middle vault or side walls of the nose. When they deeply inhale, the side walls “collapse” inward.
Functional rhinoplasty repairs the internal nasal valves to prevent the nasal side walls from collapsing upon inhalation.
- Deviated Septum
The bone and cartilage that divide the space between your nostrils is known as the septum. A “deviation” is a bend of the septum.
To be honest, the septum is rarely perfectly straight for anyone. But when it bends significantly to one side or the other, it can block the air passage on one or both sides, making it difficult to breathe. This condition can also increase the risk for sinus infections due to poor drainage. Deviated septum also contributes to an asymmetric or crooked nose.
In the case of a deviated septum, a rhinoplasty along with a septoplasty is typically performed to straighten that bone and cartilage. The septum is repositioned to the middle of the nose. Portions of the septum may be used to augment the nose or narrow the tip.
To do this, the surgeon may need to cut and remove parts of the nasal septum before reinserting them in the proper position. But once a septoplasty is healed, the patient usually finds that it’s easier to breathe.
- Birth Defects
Some people are born with congenital malformations of the nose. These can include nasal masses, bony obstructions, tumors or cysts. Functional rhinoplasty can correct these conditions. In severe cases, such as when babies are born without a nasal septum, septoplasty is incorporated as well.
Overall Health Benefits of Better Breathing
Aside from the peaceful feeling that comes from taking deep breaths, the ability to fully respirate has many health benefits you may not have considered.
For example, not struggling to breathe results in lower blood pressure. It also improves exercise tolerance.
And, of course, better breathing leads to improved sleep. With improved sleep comes a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, less lethargy, and more energy. Poor sleep also activates the fight response which decreases metabolism.
So it turns out that improving one’s sleep through clearer breathing can even help to reduce the production of stress hormones and help with weight loss and lowering blood pressure!
Could You Achieve Better Breathing through Plastic Surgery?
If the source of your breathing issues is a malformation of or obstruction in your nose, you could just achieve better breathing through plastic surgery.
Functional rhinoplasty and/or septoplasty can open those airways while also providing any desired aesthetic change to the shape of your nose. It really is a win-win.
So contact us today for a free consultation with one of our highly skilled plastic surgeons. You’ll breathe easy knowing you’re getting the best possible care.
