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.
Cosmetic Surgery Tips: Maintaining Your Results
Anyone who has cosmetic surgery wants to make sure their investment pays off.
Procedures at Star Plastic Surgery have very high patient satisfaction rates. Most patients are thrilled with their results for many years after surgery as well. Believe it or not, the surgeon isn’t 100% responsible for your long term results. You also have a responsibility in maintaining the long term results of your cosmetic surgery.
Fitness and Exercise
Body contouring procedures can transform your curves, providing a more pleasing and proportionate look. While the results may seem magical, the look you see now can only last if you remain at a healthy weight. For instance, fat removal procedures such as liposuction will permanently rid you of targeted fat cells, but if you gain weight, you will see it in other areas as remaining fat cells expand. It’s even more important to keep your weight within a stable range if you’ve had a surgical lifting procedure (such as tummy tuck or body lift)—you’ll want to avoid stretching your skin again and nullifying the improvements you worked hard to achieve.
Sunscreen and Sun Protection
Immediately after your procedure, proper care makes a difference in scarring. Great skin care will help your results look as good or better than ever. Scarring is a necessary aspect of many surgeries. While your surgeon will take care to place your incisions where they can be most easily hidden, making sure they heal optimally and fade nicely over time is partially in your hands. First, it is critical to follow any post-operative activity restrictions; these rules will help you avoid straining your scars, which could cause them to become wider or more visible. Secondly, be sure to protect your incisions in the sun by covering them or using sunscreen, keep the area clean. It is also advised to use the topical scar care creams and ointments recommended by your doctor.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits
What you put in and on your body not only impacts your surgical results, it can make a huge difference in your overall health. We require patients to quit smoking tobacco for a few weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine greatly impacts your body’s ability to heal, resulting in prolonged recovery times. We would like to avoid potential complications that lead to pain, bleeding, or more visible scarring. Excessive alcohol consumption is another pitfall to avoid; there are a number of health drawbacks to overdoing it when it comes to drinking. Healthy eating habits are critical as well.
You’ve made the wise investment of cosmetic surgery… Now, it’s important to remember that post-surgery you have a share in the continued success.
How Old Will You Look in the Future?
The “aging suit” is the newest in virtual reality technology, which allows you to get the full simulation of the growing old effect. The suit is called Genworth R70i Aging Experience, was created by a 62-year-old man named Bran Ferran who is the former president of research and development for Disney. This division created all of the “magic” at the theme parks and studios. - Breast Enhancement Surgery
- Liposuction
- Abdominoplasty – Tummy Tucks
- Mommy Makeovers – Breast Augmentation, Tummy Tuck, & Liposuction
- Body Contouring & Lifts
- Facial Plastic Surgery
Scientist Find Gene That Causes Obesity
People have always wondered, “What makes me fat”? Scientist have finally figured out a gene that ties people to obesity. Scientist have known about a gene called FTO, but now they have discovered a faulty gene that causes energy from food to be stored as fat instead of being burned. Getting Defined Arms Through Plastic Surgery
With summer quickly approaching, you may be trying everything in your power to get toned arms. And if you’re not having much luck with your efforts, you’re probably feeling frustrated.
You don’t need to throw in the towel on having great arms this summer just yet though.
It is possible to get more defined arms through plastic surgery.
How To Achieve Defined Arms Through Plastic Surgery
The cool thing about plastic surgery is that no matter which area of the body you’re targeting, there are usually multiple choices in how to approach it.
But that’s also the challenging part because it can leave patients confused about what to do. Fortunately, when you enlist a highly professional and board-certified plastic surgeon, he or she will advise you on the best route for you.
There are three main options when it comes to tightening arms.
- Liposuction
If the skin of your arms is still taut and bounces back easily, your surgeon will likely recommend liposuction. He or she will make two small incisions, one above the elbow and another near the upper armpit, then utilize a cannula to draw out the fat and de-bulk the arm.
You’ll want to schedule this procedure soon though because you may need to wear a compression garment for up to a month to minimize fluid buildup and enable the skin to re-drape.
- Emsculpt
Many who seek out Emsculpt procedures focus on improving their abs. And it’s extremely effective for this area. Plus, toning the abdominal muscles will have the natural outcome of increasing core strength and stability.
Yet there are even smaller paddles utilized to target the biceps and triceps. For instance, golfers and tennis players use Emsculpt to improve the strength of their swings and explosive maneuvers.
Emsculpt is a better option for those with minimal excess fat and good elasticity. You relax back onto a table while a small device is strapped over the area of your arms you’re targeting. Facilitators give you tips on ways to breathe and relax through the session.
Power from the device slowly increases and your muscles begin to contract, creating an intense vibration that may feel strange at first. After a few contractions, the machine switches to a tapping action to break down the lactic acid your muscles produce during the contractions. At the end of 30 minutes, you’re done. It’s a great option for those who qualify and are looking for a quick procedure with no downtime.
- Brachioplasty
Brachioplasty or arm lift surgery is the best option for patients with excess loose skin and moderate to severe skin laxity. It’s effective for reducing sagging skin and localized fat that hangs off the upper arm. At the same time, underlying supportive tissue is tightened and smoothed.
Performed under general anesthesia, there are two types of brachioplasty. With a full brachioplasty, more skin and fat are removed. A modified brachioplasty does not require as much removal. Therefore, it is the one that will involve a shorter recovery time.
Your plastic surgeon will do everything in his or her power to limit the incisions and scarring as much as possible. However, in cases where there is a lot of excess skin and fat, a longer incision may be required. And while this will leave a scar, it will fade significantly over time.
Regardless of the incision, excess fat is either directly excised or removed through liposuction. From there, underlying tissue is tightened and then reshaped using internal sutures. Then the skin is smoothed over the resulting toned contour.
Finally, incisions are closed with either absorbable sutures or with stitches that will need to be removed within a week or two of the procedure.
Show Off Your Arms This Summer (and Beyond)
If you’re not getting the results you want through diet and exercise, then take advantage of everything plastic surgery has to offer.
Contact us today to find out how you can get more defined arms through plastic surgery.
And put the dumbbells away for now!
Reasons to Avoid Silicone Fillers
Once upon a time, the go-to material for dermal fillers was silicone-based. They lasted a long time and the most common areas for injection included the lips, face, buttocks, and hips.
Interestingly, the FDA never approved silicone fillers for cosmetic purposes. Yet, this didn’t stop some practitioners from continuing to offer these “permanent” fillers as an option.
When some patients began to experience chronic inflammation, lumps, skin discoloration, and/or tissue loss after the procedure, however, it served as a real wake-up call to avoid silicone fillers.
The Many Reasons to Avoid Silicone Fillers
Despite the warnings and continued lack of FDA approval, some less-than-ethical clinics continue to offer silicone fillers. If this is something you’re considering, it’s important you understand the risks involved with silicone.
- Risk of Infection
Silicone-based fillers can get infected. While the inflammation that results from such infections can sometimes be treated with antibiotics, in other cases the bacteria is much more difficult to address. This can lead to both short and long-term health problems.
- Fillers Move to Other Parts of the Body
After the procedure, some patients who’ve opted for silicone-based fillers struggle with inflammation and swelling nowhere near the injection site. This is because the silicone fillers can migrate to other areas of the body where they create problems. For patients unaware of this tendency, experiencing pain and swelling in an unrelated area can be alarming. And it’s not always easy to treat.
- A Hyper Immune Response
The human body’s immune system is wired to react aggressively to foreign material in the body. In the case of objects like implants, a highly negative response warrants the removal of the object. The problem with fillers though is that the silicone can not be easily removed. Materials used in contemporary fillers can be easily dissolved. Silicone-based fillers cannot and it may even require surgery to extract it.
- Swollen Tissues
In line with the above-mentioned immune reaction, silicone can cause inflammation and swelling as a result of allergies. It can also be the result of a lymphatic flow blockage. Massaging the swollen area may help reduce the swelling to some extent.
So Then Why Would Someone Choose Silicone Fillers?
At the top of the list of reasons to choose silicone is that they last a long time. Current fillers in the U.S. last six to 24 months. By contrast, silicone fillers can last for years or decades. Thus, they require fewer injections.
But because of the countless problems incurred, most doctors and practitioners don’t offer them. While you can still find locations who will perform the procedure illegally and by non-medical practitioners, it’s very risky.
Contemporary Fillers
Today, most fillers are made with the body’s natural compound hyaluronic acid that is found in the skin and cartilage. It typically dissolves within 12 to 16 months. Some injectables contain the mineral calcium hydroxylapatite which is a mineral that’s found in the bones. These fillers last closer to 18 months.
A biodegradable synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid is also available. These are the longest lasting at two years. Whatever the case, dermal fillers are a safe option for patients who would rather try a more temporary procedure.
Insist on Safe Fillers
If dermal fillers are in your future, the obvious solution is to avoid silicone fillers.
While today’s modern fillers may not last as long and you’ll need to get more of them, isn’t your health worth it? We think so.
So contact us today to set up a free consultation. You’ll be so glad you did.
Is Cosmetic Plastic Surgery for Men Too?
It may not seem like cosmetic plastic surgery for men is much of a ‘thing.’ After all, men only account for 8% of cosmetic surgery procedures.
But according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), male cosmetic procedures rose 29% between 2000 and 2018. And post-pandemic numbers are expected to keep rising.
It seems that struggling with insecurities about appearance isn’t gender specific. Yet, it’s overwhelmingly women who are open to talking about the fact that they’ve had work done.
Most Popular Procedures for Men
The majority of men motivated to get cosmetic surgery want to lose that last bit of stubborn fat. This isn’t to say, though, they don’t also have concerns about wrinkles or other imperfections.
So despite the differences between the sexes, men seeking cosmetic plastic surgery are often looking for the same solutions that women are. The following four procedures are the most common:
1. Skin Reduction/Tummy Tuck
It’s not unusual for men to hit their 30s or even 40s and realize that it’s time to take their health seriously. They may start dieting and exercising to get their bodies in better shape. The problem is, once the beer-and-Cheetos belly disappears, the skin that enveloped it has nowhere to go.
Many men are embarrassed by the resulting hanging skin around the mid-section. Especially when they’ve worked so hard to get buff and toned. Skin reduction surgery helps eliminate this unsightly problem.
Then for those who also have fat that’s resistant to diet and exercise, there’s the option of a tummy tuck to further contour the mid-section and show off that six-pack.
2. Brow Lift, Eyes, Face
Historically speaking, women have generally spent more time in front of the mirror. But when the pandemic hit in 2020, men were suddenly staring at themselves on computer screens and noticing every little imperfection they hadn’t before. This ‘Zoom effect’ was a serious motivator for men to seek out cosmetic procedures.
To date, the most popular procedures for the face include brow lifts, upper eye lifts, and liposuction around the jawline and neck. Men are also opting for non-surgical procedures like Botox injections to combat wrinkles.
3. Neck Contouring
Of course, once the face was looking good, the attention started drifting to the neck. Every woman is all too aware of how the skin on the neck loses elasticity and stretches during aging. But once again, the time in front of video calls made men more aware of this.
While women have the option to cover their necks with a stylish scarf, we can all admit that the ascot is hardly a fashion trend for men. And if a beard isn’t an option, a neck lift or other neck contouring procedure can address the loose skin and sagging jawline to deliver a more chiseled look.
4. Male Breast Reduction
If you think any sort of plastic surgery for the breast is purely women’s domain, think again.
Breast reduction surgery is gaining in popularity among men who are troubled to find that their breasts are becoming fattier as they age. And no amount of diet or exercise remedies it. For them, male breast reduction, or gynecomastia, reduces the swelling in the breast area to give the pectorals more definition.
Curious About Cosmetic Plastic Surgery for Men?
While cosmetic plastic surgery for men may still be in its infancy, as more men open up about having these surgical procedures, the less stigma there will be.
If you’re a man struggling with insecurities about your appearance, contact us today. During your free consultation, we’ll advise you on the next best steps to get that more youthful look. We’ll also ensure that you feel comfortable with being (something of) a trail blazer!
What Are the Best Plastic Surgery Combinations?
Plastic surgery combinations, i.e. getting two procedures done at once, might seem like a lot to take on. But actually, they’re more common than you may realize.
It’s not a matter of you picking and choosing procedures from a menu. The combination procedures are chosen carefully by your surgeon based on your objectives, goals, and health.
And there is a definite upside to having multiple surgeries performed simultaneously.
Benefits of Multiple Surgeries
Patients save time and money by only being put under anesthesia once. As with all surgery, there is some risk with anesthesia. By having two procedures accomplished during one round of anesthesia, patients reduce the number of times they have to be anesthetized. Furthermore, they save money.
In addition, the recovery times for each procedure are done under one umbrella. That means that patients only have to take off one period of time for work and activities rather than two.
Finally, in having two surgeries done at once, patients usually experience more dramatic results in a shorter amount of time.
The Best Plastic Surgery Combinations
There are occasions when procedures must be combined. One such occasion is when a patient opts for breast augmentation with fat transfer. In this case, the patient has to undergo liposuction in order to harvest the fat which will then be applied during the augmentation surgery.
For the most part though, combining plastic surgeries is more a matter of getting the best and most complete results with minimum invasiveness.
- The Mommy Makeover
The mommy makeover is the ultimate in combining plastic surgery procedures. There’s no one-size-fits-all though. Depending on what each patient wants or needs, there are many variations.
Generally speaking though, a mommy makeover typically includes breast augmentation for women who lost breast volume during childbirth, with a possible lift if they find their breasts sag a bit after breastfeeding. These multiple surgeries for the breast are also common among older women, regardless of their motherhood status.
In addition, if there is post-pregnancy abdominal flab that won’t go away with diet and exercise, the surgeon may also recommend a tummy tuck. On occasion, there may even be need for some vaginal rejuvenation work. Again, it depends on each individual.
- Surgeries for Contouring
In many cases, diet- and exercise-resistant fat forms in the body as we age. Especially in the abdomen. So in this case, a plastic surgeon will often combine a tummy tuck with liposuction.
The tummy tuck helps to give the waistline a sleeker and more contoured appearance, while the liposuction serves to vacuum out some of that resistant fat. When done in tandem, these two procedures deliver a smooth and attractive waistline.
- Firming up the Face
When patients are obsessed with an imperfection on the face, they typically have one specific procedure in mind. But facial surgery is complicated.
For example, someone who is troubled by a crooked nose may insist the only thing they need is rhinoplasty (i.e. nose job). But there are many occasions where once the shape of the nose changes, it brings the rest of the face out of harmony. So in these cases, the surgeon may need to add a chin augmentation or other procedure to keep the face in proportion.
This is just one example. In the realm of facial surgery, there are countless combinations such as facelift/eye lift, facelift/fat transfers, face lift/neck lift, brow lift/facelift, and eye lift with dermal fillers. It takes the work of a skilled surgeon to maintain proper facial proportion.
Curious About Combining Procedures?
When we refer to the best plastic surgery combinations, we’re really looking at the most common ones. In reality, the possibilities for combinations are nearly endless.
So if you’re curious about the benefits of multiple surgeries, contact us today. During your free consultation, your surgeon will determine whether you’re a good candidate and which procedures will serve you best.
Then get ready to put your best self forward.
All About the Arm Lift
Sagging skin under the arms can be embarrassing. It can also be terribly discouraging if you’re going to great lengths to remove it through diet and exercise and getting no results.
Ironically, rapid weight loss can be a cause of sagging skin on the arms. But it can also be a result of aging or genetics. It could be a combination of factors.
Whatever the case, a brachioplasty (a.k.a. arm lift) can treat those saggy underarms to leave them looking more toned and defined.
Who Would Benefit From Brachioplasty?
Of course, experiencing a hit to your self-esteem because of sagging arms is reason enough to seek out an arm lift. And it’s not an unusual procedure following weight-loss surgery.
But even if you don’t find the extra folds of tissue particularly troubling from the aesthetics perspective, you may want relief from the general discomfort. Then there’s the issue of maintaining hygiene, which is more challenging.
Finally, inflammation and rash associated with the extra folds of tissue can lead to infection. At this point, brachioplasty becomes a necessity.
Arm Lift Options
Fortunately, there are numerous options available when it comes to arm lifts.
A traditional arm lift is usually recommended for those with a large amount of excess skin and fat on the upper arm. An extended arm lift addresses fatty tissue and loose skin underneath the arm and on areas on the side of the body.
Finally, a limited-incision brachioplasty (also known as a hidden arm lift) may be recommended for those with moderate amounts of fat and loose skin. It utilizes an incision made in the crease of the underarm and may include liposuction.
In cases where there is only a small amount of fat, little to no excess skin, and good elasticity in the skin, the arm may be reshaped using liposuction only.
The Procedure
Given the variety of arm lifts, you’ll discuss which is best for you with your board-certified plastic surgeon.
Depending on the chosen procedure, you’ll receive either a general or local anesthesia. The surgeon will then make the appropriate incision depending on the chosen procedure and remove extra skin and fat from the desired area.
The surgeon then reconnects the skin to provide a smooth contour. In some cases, additional body-contouring surgeries may be performed at this time as well.
Recovery
During recovery, it may be necessary to wear a compression garment to control swelling.
Patients are provided with postoperative care instructions that include attending to the incision, which medications to take and when, and potential warning signs. There will also be a timeline for follow-up appointments.
Most patients are able to return to work or school within a week or two, and can return to normal activities within 2-4 weeks.
Tighten and Tone Those Arms
Of course, maintaining proper diet and exercise is key to maintaining good health. But sometimes it just isn’t enough for certain problem spots.
So if you’re struggling with extra skin and fat on your arms no matter how hard you try, then an arm lift could be right for you.
It’s important to add that Emsculpt can also be performed to improve the muscular contour and reduce the fat layer when a patient has a tight skin envelope. This effective and non-invasive improvement to the upper arms requires no downtime and no anesthesia.
So contact us today for a free consultation. And show off those arms this summer!
Is There Such a Thing As Thigh Lift?
For all of the joy that comes with intentional weight loss, there is one rather sizable drawback. Loose skin.
Much of the focus on TV and in publications has been on abdominoplasty (a.k.a. “tummy tuck”) to rid the abdominal area of loose skin. But what if you experience a lot of your weight loss in your thighs and are left with loose skin there?
Fortunately, there IS such a thing as thigh lift.
So How Does a Thigh Lift Work?
There are basically two kinds of thigh lifts (known medically as thighplasty).
If vertical laxity is the primary issue, the thigh lift is performed through an incision in the groin area. The scar from the incision is usually hidden in the crease. This is referred to as a transverse minimal or short scar thigh lift.
In other cases where there is circumferential laxity, the thigh lift is performed using an incision that begins at the groin, but then extends down toward the knee. This procedure is known as full scar, or “hockey stick”, and allows for tightening of the thigh circumference.
Both procedures are medial thigh lifts and serve to lift the skin while fat and excess skin are removed.
The Addition of Other Procedures
While thighplasty can be performed on anyone feeling discouraged by extra skin around the thighs, there are occasions where the surgeon may recommend additional procedures to ensure complete integrity of the thigh lift.
In many cases, liposuction is used in conjunction with thighplasty to contour the the knee area, internal thigh area, and saddle bags.
Also, patients with heavier legs achieve the best results when debulking liposuction is performed six months before the thigh lift. This is because performing liposuction of the medial thigh while simultaneously excising skin from that same area will almost always result in problems with wound healing and deliver less aesthetic results.
With patients who have experienced massive weight loss, many surgeons prefer to establish mid-body surgeries such as lower body lift, abdominoplasty, and mastopexy first. They will then proceed at a later date with an extremity skin lift surgery such as thighplasty.
After Surgery
Recovery time will, of course, depend on all of the above factors.
Pain from the thighplasty procedure though is usually minimal and easily managed with medication. Patients do need to rest and avoid excessive leg movement as much as possible in the first week after the procedure.
Most patients can return to work after a week, with bruising and swelling generally gone within the month. Within a few months, they can return to their regular activities.
Celebrate a Leaner and Healthier You
You don’t have to accept the extra skin on your thighs from weight loss as merely a troubling side effect.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss which sort of thigh lift is right for you. And make your transformation complete.
