Surgical Procedures
Surgical Procedures
At Star Plastic Surgery, we offer a full range of cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. Men and women in the Detroit, Michigan area, as well as from around the world, have trusted our board certified plastic surgeons for both surgical and non-surgical procedures. We work closely with all of our patients to ensure that their cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are customized to meet their unique individual needs. Our doctors are dedicated entirely to your satisfaction, and will help you determine which cosmetic plastic surgery procedures will best help you reach your goals.
We offer a wide range of body contouring procedures for every shape and size body, breast enhancements, as well as a facial procedures. Our doctors have extensive experience in providing our clients with superior cosmetic plastic surgery procedures including:
Breast Procedures
Body Procedures
Face Procedures
Contact Us Today
Along with your satisfaction, your safety is our primary concern. We take the time necessary both before and after your surgery to ensure that your breast augmentation provides you with pleasing results for years to come.
Our surgeons have performed thousands of breast augmentation surgeries during their careers, but still view each patient as a unique individual deserving of the highest quality service and care. If you are considering breast augmentation contact us to schedule your free consultation today.
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.
What to Expect – Recovering From a Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty, better known as a tummy tuck, is one of the most popular plastic surgeries performed in the world. It’s no wonder – given what an effective procedure it is for body contouring.
Even so, recovering from a tummy tuck requires patience, diligence, and the ability to deal with some discomfort. There are many factors that affect each person’s tummy tuck recovery. A mini tummy tuck, for example, will require less recovery than an extended tummy tuck.
Whatever the case, the best way to minimize postoperative complications is to follow the recovery instructions exactly as prescribed by your surgeon.
Recovering From a Tummy Tuck Overview
Generally speaking, most patients take 1-3 weeks off from work after a tummy tuck – though some will do less. Depending on the scope of the surgery, you’ll be able to return to regular activities such as cooking and driving within a week or two.
If your job is physically demanding, you’ll need to plan plenty of time off for your recovery. In addition, if you’re a fitness fanatic, you’ll be advised to ease back into your workout routine slowly and mindfully.
There are other factors that will significantly slow your recovery, such as smoking and drinking alcohol. So those will need to be avoided for optimal recovery. If you are prescribed narcotics, you will be able to drive once you stop taking them.
We’ll break it down into a more detailed timeline:
- First Week
The first week of recovery is usually the most uncomfortable. While rest is important for healing, you’ll also need to walk around for about five minutes every two hours to help prevent blood clots and promote the return of bowel function.
Along with having to wear compression garments, you’ll experience swelling, bruising, and soreness in the abdomen. You can also expect to experience exhaustion during the first one to three days post-op.
Pain medication will be prescribed and you can use ice packs outside of compression garments to further reduce swelling. Following the medication schedule as prescribed at the beginning will result in having to take significantly less medication for pain in the long run. During surgery, Exparel – a long-acting local anesthetic block – will be injected before you wake up to provide additional pain control.
- Second Week
The pain begins to subside and bruising continues to fade by the second week of recovery. While swelling decreases at this time, it is still present. Thus, you’ll need to continue wearing your compression garment.
Some patients feel well enough to return to work in seven to ten days, provided they don’t have a strenuous job. Any activity during this time should be slow and gentle though. Taking light walks is recommended during this time to increase blood circulation and prevent blood clots. If pain medication is still required, you’ll want to continue to follow the instructions as written.
Even if you’re feeling a lot better, you should continue to avoid lifting anything over 15-20 pounds or partaking in vigorous cardio.
Toward the end of that second week, you’ll be able to resume your normal diet and, should you wish, return to drinking alcohol in moderation. Because smoking is counter-indicated to proper healing, many patients choose their recovery time as an opportunity to quit smoking altogether.
- First Month
Around the third or fourth week, the pain, swelling, and bruising are greatly reduced. For some patients, they’re nearly or completely gone. Once you’re at that point, you’ll no longer need your compression garment.
- Second Month
For the vast majority of patients, life returns to normal and you’ll be able to resume more rigorous physical activity during the second month. Some patients are cleared around six weeks to do this, while others may have to wait until the end of the second month.
The Long View
Although the two-month point is when most patients are ready to get back out into the world, it’s not uncommon to experience some numbness for months afterward. There may also be occasional swelling as well as twinges of abdominal pain. All of this is normal and no need for concern. Different sorts of shapewear (such as Spanx) can assist with these.
Change Your Life With Body Contouring
While recovering from a tummy tuck can be a little challenging, the payoff is so worth it.
So if you’re ready to explore how a tummy tuck could improve your confidence and boost your self-esteem, contact us today.
We’ll guide you through the procedure, as well as the recovery, so you know exactly what to expect.
What to Expect: Healing After Breast Implant Removal
If you had a breast implant in the past, there are many reasons you may be opting for breast implant removal. That’s nobody’s business but your own.
When an implant is removed, it’s known as explant surgery. And yes, it is surgery. So just as with any surgery, that means you can expect recovery time.
Obviously, every patient is different and there’s no one story that applies to all. There are some basics you can expect though.
The Basics for Recovering from Breast Implant Removal
You had implant surgery so you could use that as a baseline for your explant surgery. However, if your surgery was a long time ago, you may not feel comfortable relying on that.
Plan to spend the first several days recovering at home. It is essential during this period to avoid any excessive pulling or stretching of the area. Your incisions cannot be exposed to abrasion of any kind, so ditch the loofah. And don’t plan to hit the nudist beach for tanning. The incisions cannot be in direct sunlight either.
Compression garments will also be vital. These may seem like an inconvenience, but in the long run, they accelerate the healing process by managing swelling and bruising and promoting blood circulation. These garments are surprisingly comfortable. They do a stellar job at reducing postoperative discomfort. So regard them as supportive friends.
On average, you can expect to return to work in one week, unless you have a job that requires strenuous movement or lifting anything over ten pounds. (This includes children.) It’s important to give yourself extra time if that’s the case.
Further Explant Surgery Recovery Tips
Eating well and staying hydrated is always the rule of thumb. Abiding by your board-certified surgeon’s directions and attending follow-up appointments is also key. But there are a few other things you may not have considered.
Any time you’re healing from breast surgery (of any kind), you need to avoid using your upper body and chest muscles. You’ll need to wait at least four weeks to return to any exercise that uses these. Consider consulting a physical therapist who can design a post-op program that allows you to safely adapt to your new chest contour.
And speaking of adapting, any change to your appearance is going to require some adjusting. Having breast explant surgery can be particularly emotional. This may not be the case at all for you. Just in case you find yourself mentally struggling though, it’s a good idea to reach out to compassionate friends and family members ahead of the procedure to let them know you may need their support. Furthermore, you could also speak with a therapist.
At the end of the day, listening to your body is always the best practice so if you’re feeling that you need more time to rest and recover, honor that. You don’t want to end up with complications because you jumped the gun.
Wrestling With the Idea of Explant Surgery?
The decision to do breast implant removal is an important one and not to be taken lightly.
If you’re debating about whether this procedure might be right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our compassionate and board-certified plastic surgeons.
We will always have your back. (And front.)
Which Plastic Surgery Procedures Require More PTO?
Any time you have surgery, some (if not a lot) of your body’s tissue is manipulated. This means there is always going to be at least a small amount of time for your natural tissue vitality to be restored.
Patients considering a procedure who have a full-time job often inquire as to which plastic surgery procedures require more PTO.
It’s an important question because planning ahead is going to give you the best odds for faster healing. Especially for procedures that have a longer recovery time.
Some Plastic Surgery Procedures Require More PTO Than Others
In a previous post, we looked at procedures with the shortest average recovery times. We say ‘average’ because no two patients will ever have the same experience. Depending on a number of factors, some of the so-called ‘shorter’ recovery time procedures end up being longer than anticipated.
Nevertheless, we’ll look at some of the more complicated procedures here and what you can expect in terms of arranging for that paid time off.
- SMAS Facelift
A SMAS facelift is not to be confused with the simpler in-office or ‘lunchtime’ lift (also known as MACS). The SMAS facelift is considered by many surgeons to be the only true facelift, as it is more than just a skin-supported facelift.
With a SMAS facelift, muscle and connective tissue are manipulated. As such, the recovery time is much longer. Nurse care may even be required for the first night or two.
Generally speaking, it takes about two weeks before the bruising dissipates enough that makeup becomes effective. So if you’re choosing this procedure, start saving up those days now.
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
The tummy tuck is the next biggest contender for most PTO required after a procedure. Similar to the SMAS facelift, nurse care may be required for the first night or two.
Because of the complexity of this procedure, it is crucial to do sit-ups for at least six weeks. That doesn’t mean you’ll need to take six weeks off though! Most people do well by planning to take a week and a half to two weeks off.
You may find you’re ready to go back after five days or so. But whatever the case, you’ll still need to wear a compression garment and avoid heavy lifting for four to six weeks.
- Nose Job (Rhinoplasty)
The good news is, rhinoplasty doesn’t require aftercare nursing. And the pain will likely be mild for only a couple of days.
Unfortunately, the under-eye bruising is significant for a solid week – regardless of any efforts to conceal it. So if you’re in the public eye, the recommended time off for rhinoplasty is one week.
- Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
The general recommendation for time off after a BBL is three to seven days. It all depends on your ability to tolerate pain.
There is going to be swelling after a BBL procedure so you’ll be required to wear a compression garment for eight weeks. This also means that you shouldn’t sit or sleep directly on your buttocks for one to two weeks. You can sit on a donut cushion though and sleep on your side.
- Breast Reduction/Lift/Implants
Much like the BBL, the recommendation for time off after a breast reduction/lift/implant is in the three to seven-day range.
A breast reduction removes excess tissue and fat and raises the breasts without manipulation of the pectoralis major muscle. This fact means there will only be some discomfort – though you can expect swelling and bruising.
Additionally, in the case of a breast lift that does NOT require manipulating the pectoralis major muscle, the discomfort may also not last too long. The bruising and swelling could stick around for seven to ten days though.
Meanwhile, in an augmentation procedure where the implant is placed under the pectoralis major, there is going to be more discomfort for an average of four to seven days.
At the end of the day, the amount of time you opt to take off for any of these breast procedures will depend largely on your ability to deal with pain.
Be Realistic When Considering the Time Off You’ll Need
While the above plastic surgery procedures require more PTO than many others, it’s important to remain realistic about what you need during recovery.
There will be times post-op when you feel more discomfort than other times. You’ll want to prepare for those.
So if you’re considering a procedure, be sure to contact us to get the low-down on what you might expect from your own recovery based on how you specifically heal. Then you can more comfortably go from there.
Pioneers of Plastic Surgery – Dr. Harold Gillies
The long-term disabilities from World War I were overwhelming. Many men came off the battlefield quite disfigured.
Not only were they in pain, but the disfigurement impacted their prospects for work. And the government offered little financial or social support.
Fortunately, pioneering surgeons like Dr. Harold Gillies were changing the face (literally) of surgery and providing needed relief for many of these men.
The Early Days
Treating facial injuries on the frontline was difficult, to say the least. Gaps and holes in the face were stitched together leaving jagged scars. And because there was so much missing flesh, the scars would tighten as they healed and pull the face into permanent grotesque expressions.
Some men were blinded or had a hole where their nose was. Others were unable to eat or drink because of severe deformities in the jaw. They had to be fed sitting up so they didn’t suffocate when they laid down.
The early days of skin grafting were awkward and unpleasant. A large flap of skin was lifted from somewhere near the wound and swung over the injury site. To maintain the blood flow and increase the chances of the graft being accepted, however, it was not severed from the donor area.
Then came Dr. Harold Gillies.
Dr. Harold Gillies
The history of plastic surgery dates back to 800 BC – though it was highly rudimentary at that point. By the Civil War, experimentation had advanced. Even so, the results were often disappointing and soldiers were left with gaping holes in their faces.
During World War I, Dr. Gillies worked at a French military hospital and was horrified by the head injury patients. He knew something needed to change. Working alongside other surgeons and dentists, as well as portraitists and sculptors, he explored new skin graft and bone repair procedures.
He recognized that the flaps in the above-mentioned surgical procedure would curl in on themselves when under tension. He proposed sewing the flaps into a tube to increase blood supply and also decrease the risk of infection.
Then once the tubed flap was attached near the injury site, it could be cut away from the donor area. From there, the skin could be opened and spread out to cover a wider area.
The procedure was a success.
Ushering in the Dawn of Modern Plastic Surgery
Dr. Harold Gillies had the courage to commit himself to a burgeoning wing of surgery that many told him he’d never make a living doing. By the time he had settled into Britain’s Queen’s Hospital, he and his team had advanced the field of reconstructive surgery to help thousands of veterans live a more normal life.
His work also laid the foundation for modern plastic surgery that would grow in strength and stature by World War II to provide the veterans of that war with even more life-changing procedures. And luckily so.
How Can Modern Plastic Surgery Help You?
Pioneering surgeons like Dr. Harold Gillies had a huge part in advancing plastic surgery and making it accessible to and safe for so many people today.
So if you’re considering a plastic surgery procedure, you can do so with peace of mind.
Further that peace of mind by working with only board-certified surgeons. Contact us today to see how plastic surgery could change your life for the better.
Are There Different Breast Implant Placement Options?
If you’re considering breast augmentation, you’ve probably researched different types of implants, and started thinking about the size you want.
But did you know that there are different breast implant placement options too? (Great! Another thing to think about!)
This is a good thing, though. To get the most natural look for your breast implants, the last thing you want is a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Especially when it comes to the procedure.
What Are the Breast implant Placement Options?
You don’t need to stress too much. Fortunately, there are only two options. The breast implant is placed under your breast tissue and over your chest muscles, or under the breast tissue and partially under the pectoralis major.
Both provide great results and which one is right for you will come down to a number of factors that you’ll discuss thoroughly with your board-certified plastic surgeon. He or she will provide you with the choice that will deliver the best aesthetic results.
For the sake of understanding the difference between the two, here’s how they compare:
Over the Muscle
Also referred to as sub glandular placement, the over the muscle option involves placing the implants on top of the pectoralis major muscle but under the glandular breast tissue.
Because this option produces a lifted appearance, it’s often recommended to patients whose breasts tend to sag from having a larger amount of natural breast tissue. The tissue offers support and coverage for the implants. Without proper coverage, the implant can take on the appearance of being artificially inflated.
Another benefit of sub glandular placement is the ability of the implant to move with the breasts over the years as they go through changes. This gives them a more natural appearance for many years. In addition, over the muscle placement is a slightly easier procedure and requires a little less recovery time. Since the chest muscle isn’t altered, there’s no risk of the implants visibly distorting during exercise of daily movements.
That said, there IS a slightly increased possibility of visible folds or rippling with this sort of placement. Especially for patients with less natural breast tissue. In addition, subgladular implants tend to interfere more with mammogram readings and may result in the patient having to incorporate ultrasounds or other modalities.
Under the Muscle
Not to be confused with the term sub glandular, the sub muscular (under the muscle) procedure is a bit more involved. In this case, the implant is placed under the skin, fat, glands, AND the pectoralis major.
Yet, it’s also placed on top of the inner pectoralis minor and serratus muscles. Doing it this way allows for the pectoralis major muscle to cover the top and side of the implant while the natural breast tissue covers the bottom and outer edge. This creates a smoother and more natural looking transition from the chest to the implant.
Sub muscular implants interfere less with mammogram readings and they have a lower incidence of capsular contracture.
Even so, the more complicated nature of the procedure means there is usually a slightly longer surgery time and recovery period. This is because the surgeon has to cut and detach the pectoralis major muscle. There’s also an increased chance of the implants becoming distorted when the chest contracts, and/or migrating upward toward the armpit. Patients usually experience diminished strength in the chest muscles after this surgery as well.
So your plastic surgeon will carefully consider whether this placement option is your best bet.
Are Breast Implants Right For You?
When it comes to choosing between the two breast implant placement options, you can take heart in knowing that you’ll never be alone in that decision.
Contact us today to set up your free consultation and get started.
After an examination, your surgeon will discuss your goals and expectations with you. From there, the two of you will decide which option is right for you.
Is It Possible to Avoid Capsular Contracture?
You may not think about it this way, but the body is an amazingly efficient machine. Every system works together to keep it running optimally.
So when a foreign body (such as a breast implant) is introduced into the “machine,” the body’s systems jump into action to create a capsule of scar tissue around it to keep the body protected. Unfortunately, that capsule can tighten over time and create a painful condition known as capsular contracture.
If you’re prepping for breast implant surgery, you may be wondering if there are ways to avoid capsular contracture.
Work ONLY With a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
There are preoperative requirements such as avoiding drugs, foods, and supplements that thin the blood for two weeks before the surgery.
But the foundation of avoiding capsular contracture starts with all of the details that go into how the procedure is performed. So it’s important you insist on a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast implantation.
First, a qualified surgeon may choose to place the implant under the chest muscle (a procedure known as sub muscular implant placement) if that’s an option. He or she will also be cautious to minimally handle the implant before implementation to reduce risk of bacterial contamination.
Additionally, an experienced surgeon will guide you to the proper size of implant that will suit you best. For example, if you have naturally smaller breasts and are looking to increase the size, your doctor will need to determine the size that your breast tissue can adequately cover. In other words, too large an implant can lead to capsular contracture.
Finally, the type of implant is also an important consideration. Textured surface gel implants appear to reduce the risk of capsular contracture. As opposed to smooth implants, the body has a harder time forming thick scar tissue around it. Even so, textured implants aren’t ideal for everyone.
How Can YOU Prevent Capsular Contracture?
One of the very best things you can do to prevent capsular contracture after surgery is to perform a daily breast massage. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will likely recommend this and can verbally explain how to massage the region safely and/or provide instructional materials.
It’s important to understand that massage can help prevent the capsule from tightening, but there’s no guarantee that it will stop the process.
There are further actions you can take (or not take, as the case may be):
- Avoid Heavy Lifting or Repetitive Arm Motion
It takes around six weeks for the body to form the capsule after breast implant surgery. So it’s crucial during that time that the tissues of the pectoralis muscle are protected from repetitive or intense motion. That means you’re off the hook for any heavy lifting (over 20 pounds) or activities such as vacuuming or raking.
- Steer Clear of High Impact Activities
You may be happy to get out of housework or yard work for six weeks. But if you’re a fitness enthusiast, you may not feel so excited. Especially if you love playing tennis or golf, running, or doing any other exercise that requires jumping or swinging of the arms. You’ll need to find something lower key during that time.
- Request An Antibiotic Prophylaxis During Dental Visits
This may sound odd, but when you get your teeth cleaned, the scraping can potentially force bacteria into the tiny blood vessels of the gums and then into the blood stream. Presence of bacteria in the blood stream can cause the body to go into defense mode similar to that from after your surgery and lead to capsular contracture. So let your dentist know that you’ve had implant surgery.
Ultimately, if you can work it out as such, it’s much better to schedule all of your dental work (including cavities, root canals, implants, etc.) prior to augmentation surgery.
Set Up Your Free Consultation
Are you considering breast implant surgery? Contact us today to set up a free consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.
Entrusting your breast implant surgery to a highly skilled plastic surgeon is your first best move to avoid capsular contracture and get the results you desire.
The Ultimate Guide in Prepping for Plastic Surgery
Picture it. Your body finally has the shapes, lines, and sleek contours that you’ve always desired. And all you had to do was “add water and stir.”
Okay. Obviously the second part is merely a dream.
Because getting the body you want may very well mean you’ll have to go under the knife. And prepping for plastic surgery requires more than just adding water and stirring.
Aesthetic and Hygienic Guidlines
First, take a shower both the night before and the morning of your surgery. Wash with an antibacterial cleanser and wash your hair. You’ll want to go in as clean as possible.
And as much as you might feel inclined to wax or shave during those showers, don’t. Though shaving seems logical enough, the recommendation is to wax or shave about four to seven days before surgery.
Sure, you won’t have that baby smooth skin. But shaving right before surgery can lead to microscopic cuts and abrasions which can disrupt the skin’s barrier defense against microbes colonizing the skin and hair follicles.
Also, your surgeon doesn’t care if you have a fierce tan while on the table. He or she is more concerned with reducing your risk for added inflammation and scarring. And tanning before your procedure increases that risk.
What to Wear…
Again, it’s surgery and not a fashion show. Throw on your most comfortable and loosest fitting clothing. If you’re having a procedure such as a tummy tuck or a Brazilian butt lift, you may be fitted with a compression garment afterwards. When you have big comfy clothes, they’ll slide easily over that garment.
Of course, as you go into surgery, you’ll be donning a hospital gown. Those comfy clothes and other personal items will be waiting for you when you come out.
As far as wearing a menstrual pad or tampon, these are totally fine.
The Do NOTs in Prepping for Plastic Surgery
Generally speaking, less is more on surgery day. So it really comes down more to what you shouldn’t have coming into surgery versus what you should.
- No Need to Be Bedazzled
You will need to take off all of your jewelry before your procedure. That means not just necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings, but every body piercing as well. Your surgeon will use an electrosurgical device to cut tissue and control bleeding. A piercing – even a small one – can divert the electrical current and damage the tissue.
In addition, pressure on those piercings could result in the loss of tissue around them since you’ll be anesthetized and unable to recognize the pressure.
- Go Au Naturel
If you normally use hair products after you shower, leave them out this time. The key is to avoid contamination with open wounds – which we all have to agree takes precedence over whether your hair is frizzy or falling flat.
Makeup is also prohibited so that makeup particles don’t end up in your eyes. When you’re anesthetized, you won’t have the ability to blink to clear out those particles. In some cases, you may even have your eyes taped shut. So leave the make-up in its bag or curio drawer.
Another reason for ditching the makeup and hair products is that some of them have flammable ingredients. So it’s best to just avoid them.
- Skip the Manicure
Let your nails go naked.
It might sound weird, but nail polish is prohibited during your surgical procedure. Doctors and nurses will keep an eye on your circulation and need to be able to see your natural fingernail to do this. They’ll also need to regularly monitor your pulse and how well you’re breathing using a pulse oximeter clipped onto your finger. Nail polish can interfere with these readings.
For some time, there was the belief that acrylic nails affected the pulse oximeter as well. Recent studies show that unpolished acrylics do not impact this. But you may need to remove them anyhow.
- Leave Your Orthodontics At Home
Finally, if you really dislike wearable orthodontics like a retainer or elastic bands for your teeth, good news! You finally have a valid excuse to not wear them (for a little while, at least).Your surgeon will need you to remove them before your procedure.
Get the Body You’ve Dreamed Of
The extra measures you have to take in prepping for plastic surgery are well worth the outcome.
Isn’t it time you felt better about your body and appearance? If you’re ready to step into the plastic surgery arena, contact us today.
We’ll set you up for your free consultation where you’ll be able to ask your plastic surgeon the hard-hitting questions that’ll give you peace of mind before your procedure.
