What Happens to the Belly Button During A Tummy Tuck?
If you’re frequently obsessing over a bulge in your belly, you may be focusing on ways to get rid of it. And if exercising and changing your diet haven’t done the trick, then you might be a good candidate for abdominoplasty.
Also known as a tummy tuck, this procedure is a great way to flatten and contour round bellies that aren’t responding to diet and exercise.
But such a surgery may leave you pondering – what happens to the belly button during a tummy tuck? Let’s explore.
What Is the Belly Button?
Sure, most of us know that the belly button is the demarcation of where the umbilical cord was cut when we were born. It’s a scar – regardless of whether it’s an innie or an outie. And its only purpose after birth is purely cosmetic. It helps to define the contour of our bellies.
But what’s happening beneath that scar? The belly button sits at the end of a ‘stalk’ that extends to the fascia where the two rectus abdominis muscles meet. (If you’re not familiar, these are the muscles you use when doing a sit-up.) So that means if you’re getting any surgical work done on your belly, that stalk is a consideration.
How Is It Addressed During Tummy Tuck?
It’s not unusual for patients to be concerned that their belly button is going to be eliminated after a tummy tuck. But have no fear. While your belly button may have a slight change in appearance or position, it’s the surrounding skin and tissues that are rearranged during the surgery.
At the beginning of the procedure, the inner border of the belly button is held up and the surgeon incises around its edges. It’s then dissected down to its base on the fascia (abdominal wall). Excess skin and fat are retracted so the belly button can be viewed within the separation of the above-mentioned rectus abdominis muscles.
The surgeon tightens the muscles and removes the excess skin and fat. These newly tightened edges of the skin are sutured together. Still attached to the abdominal wall, the belly button stalk is brought out through a new opening which is closely in line with where the hip bones protrude and the edges are neatly sutured.
Does the Belly Button Need to Be Reshaped?
As mentioned above, there will likely be a slight change in the appearance of your belly button. And if you have an outie and want an innie (or vice versa), that can also be achieved.
Whatever the case, your board-certified plastic surgeon will go the extra mile to ensure that the positioning of the belly button looks natural and doesn’t appear too round or too narrow. The scar will also be kept internal.
Is There Always an Issue with the Belly Button During a Tummy Tuck?
For patients with only a mild to moderate amount of fat or loose skin that’s localized to the lower abdomen, a mini tummy tuck may be a good option. This less extensive form of abdominoplasty focuses on the area below the belly button and so there is little to no change in the belly button. There is also no incision or scar around it.
Most candidates for tummy tucks won’t qualify for a mini tuck though as it won’t give them all of the benefits of a full abdominoplasty. This is, or course, something you can discuss with your surgeon as a possible option during your consultation.
Is It Time to Talk Tummy Tuck?
Hopefully, you’re feeling confident now that you won’t lose your belly button during a tummy tuck.
You might even be able to put a new spin on the one you currently have.
So if you’re ready to explore tummy tuck options, contact us today to set up your free consultation. And get ready for a flatter, more toned stomach with the belly button of your dreams.
Do You Have Bloating or Diastasis Recti?
Does your belly protrude in a way that makes you appear pregnant?
There are several possibilities for this. However, the two most common conditions are the standard everyday bloating that many of us experience, or a more complicated issue known as diastasis recti.
So how do you know if your protrusion is a result of bloating or diastasis recti? Let’s take a look.
Determining Whether It’s Bloating or Diastasis Recti
Most of us have experienced bloating. It’s that too-full feeling in the belly that can make your clothes feel too tight, cause cramps, or even limit your activities. The majority of the time, bloating is temporary.
Fortunately, there are dietary and lifestyle changes you can make to minimize or even eliminate bloating.
Ways to Manage Bloating
One of the biggest culprits for bloating is eating too quickly. Doing so can lead to indigestion, as well as cause you to overeat.
What you’re eating is equally important. A fiber-rich diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, beans, or other legumes will result in less bloating. Eating more fiber also regulates bowel movements, supports your gut microbiome, and even normalizes blood sugar levels.
Consider eating more probiotics too. These beneficial live bacteria can reduce bloating and are naturally present in many foods including unsweetened yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh, and kimchi. You can also use probiotic supplements.
And don’t forget to hydrate. Water breaks down food so your body can absorb it more effectively.
Meanwhile, limit (or eliminate) your alcohol consumption. Alcohol is notorious for causing bloat because it can trigger gut inflammation which causes your body to produce more gas than usual.
Finally, after eating, get your body moving to keep your digestion system moving. You can try a brisk walk or some gentle yoga poses.
Diastasis Recti
Diastasis recti looks like bloating but is something quite different. Caused usually by weight gain or pregnancy, it’s a condition wherein the abdominal muscles separate vertically down the middle.
When the uterus expands outward, it can cause the abdominal muscles to stretch so as to accommodate the baby. When the connective tissue is overstretched, the abdominal muscles actually separate.
While for some women the gap closes postpartum, for others, this is not the case. With diastasis recti, the belly extends because those separated abdominal muscles are unable to hold the organs in their normal position near the spine. As a result, the belly bulges.
Assessing and Treating Diastasis Recti
If you’re able to suck your belly all the way in until it’s flat from a side view, that shows how much diastasis you have. If you can’t suck it in, then there may be visceral fat or bloating with or without diastasis recti. There’s a simple self-test to determine diastasis recti.
Start by lying on your back and bending your knees. Place your fingers on each side of your belly button. Point them downward into your stomach and then lift your head. You’ll feel your abdominal muscles contract.
If you have diastasis recti, you will feel a gap between the two sides of the abdomen. You will, of course, want to get this verified by a medical expert. And if the gap exceeds 1.5 cm, it can only be corrected with abdominoplasty.
Also known as a tummy tuck, abdominoplasty repairs abdominal muscle separation and provides you with a smoother and more contoured midsection.
What’s Causing Your Protruded Belly?
One of the simplest ways to determine whether you’re struggling with bloating or diastasis recti is to try the lifestyle changes we’ve suggested above. If they work, you’ve ruled out bloating.
On the other hand, if they don’t, you could be dealing with diastasis recti.
If that’s the case, then don’t hesitate to contact us today. During your free consultation with our board-certified surgeon, you’ll get an understanding of your specific issue so that you can get started on a journey to a flatter and more streamlined tummy.
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.
Tailoring Plastic Surgery to Different Age Groups
Just as not all plastic surgery procedures are created equal, not all patients are created equal either. Each person has a unique set of traits and characteristics.
One of the biggest considerations is the age of the patient. A patient in her 20s is going to have different needs than one that’s in his 60s.
As such, doctors are always tailoring plastic surgery to different age groups to achieve optimal outcomes. We’ll look at some of those different considerations based on specific age groups.
Teens/Young Adults
Teens and young adults (those in their 20s and 30s) are very prone to social media influences. As such, they may come to a surgeon with unrealistic expectations.
What they fail to grasp at this age is that plastic surgery is not meant to be some sweeping miracle cure to whatever is ailing you about your appearance. So one of the most critical responsibilities with young patients is educating them about the long-term aspects of a procedure.
Facial contouring is in high demand among young adults. So surgeons need for them to understand how their ongoing physical and psychological development could be impacted. And there are simply some procedures that are not appropriate for teens and young adults.
The vast majority of teenagers should only be considered for cosmetic or minimally invasive procedures rather than surgery. Many of these procedures are not even available to them. Breast augmentation, for example, requires a patient to be over the age of 18.
Yet even young adults over 18, both men and women, who are seeking breast procedures need to understand the potential future implications of such a procedure. Many life changes happen during these years, including pregnancy.
Middle Age
The latest statistics from ASPS show that patients in their middle years are the most likely to seek out plastic surgery. Unlike their younger counterparts and having lived longer, they’re typically more realistic in their expectations. Although there will always be occasions where patients falsely regard plastic surgery as akin to the fountain of youth.
Patients in their 40s and 50s begin to see structural changes in the face. In addition, they’re beginning to lose skin elasticity. By this stage of their lives, they’ve established an identity that they may feel is fading. So rather than seeking augmentation, most people in middle age want procedures that are more restorative in nature. Facelifts and eyelid surgery are among the more popular.
Another consideration with middle age are health complications that are not as present in young adults. These will impact not only the procedure, but the recovery. So all of this must be considered when creating a surgical plan.
Senior Patients
As patients age into their 60s and beyond, the chances for complications increase. The effects of gravity and skin laxity can render certain procedures difficult or even impossible. The return on investment may not be worth it.
In addition, medication interactions and overall health need also to be heavily considered. As such, many plastic surgeons will recommend nonsurgical options first to address desired changes. If these are not adequate, then it becomes about striking the right balance between surgical and nonsurgical options based on the patient’s particular needs.
Considerations Across the Board
Yes, there are definite differences that come into play when working with specific age groups. For instance, younger patients will heal faster than older patients. But they are also prone to more pronounced scarring. So recovery plans must be customized to consider any age-related factors.
Regardless of a patient’s age, a truly professional plastic surgeon will always focus on ethical considerations. As such, they make every effort to stress the importance of the individual over societal pressures.
It’s the surgeon’s job to educate the patient on every possible alternative and discuss the impact the procedure(s) will have on him/her/them physically, psychologically, and socially. Any surgeon not doing this should be avoided.
Tailoring Plastic Surgery to Different Age Groups
The importance of tailoring plastic surgery to different age groups can’t be overemphasized. Steer clear of any doctor, clinic, or facility that will perform procedures without first covering all the bases.
If you’re ready to begin your journey, contact us to get started.
During your free consultation, our board-certified plastic surgeons will advise you on best practices and discuss your options. Then you can go forward with confidence – no matter what your age.
Breast Augmentation Terminology Part 2 (L-Z)
Are you considering breast augmentation and want to do all your research first? If so, you may have read our first post on breast augmentation terminology.
So as not to overwhelm our readers, we only addressed the first half of the alphabet.
We’ll finish the job here with the second half of the alphabet so that you don’t need to scour the internet to find them.
Breast Augmentation Terminology (L-Z)
Just as we did in our first post, we won’t do a serious deep dive into the terminology. And just as some of the words in the first list didn’t apply to you, the same will apply here. But you can never have too much knowledge, right? So let’s take a look.
Mammary Hypoplasia
If one or both of your breasts are pointed, square, or oval in shape, your doctor may have diagnosed you with mammary hypoplasia. It’s a condition caused by breast malformation and typically occurs because the breast didn’t fully form during puberty. The areolar area may be constricted or collapsed, there may be a high breast fold, and/or the breast tissue tilts downward. Augmentation can repair this, but the constricted tissue will first need to be released.
Periareolar Incision
The area on the breast that includes the nipple and the surrounding pigmented skin is known as the nipple-areolar complex. A periareolar incision is one that’s made on the outside edge of this area. If you’re looking at a breast lift, the surgeon may use this to remove excess skin – though there are other applications.
Rupture
One of the reasons people may hesitate to have breast augmentation is the possibility of a breast implant rupture. This is a rare occurrence, however. It can happen at any point after the procedure and is often the result of surgical instruments, trauma, under- or overfilling breast implants, capsular contracture, or excessive compression. While there will always be a risk with any surgery, it’s very important to vet your surgeon and ensure that he or she is board-certified and highly qualified.
Subglandular or Subpectoral Implant Placement
Subglandular implant placement is known as over-the-muscle placement, while subpectoral implant placement is under-the-muscle placement. Subglandular has a shorter recovery time but may not look as natural on certain body types. Subpectoral has a slightly longer recovery time but offers improved support and a more natural look.
Symmastia
On extremely rare occasions, the breast implants may settle too close together after the augmentation procedure and there is little to no room between the breasts. This is known as symmastia and is usually the result of over-dissection of the pocket.
Textured Breast Implants
Textured breast implants are subjected to a texturizing process that creates a grained surface on the outer shell of the implant to help reduce the risk of malposition or flipping of the implant. Many surgeons no longer promote this since it appears to correlate with the development of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
Transaxillary Incision
A transaxillary incision is made in the armpit and the implant is placed using an endoscopic surgical camera. It reduces the appearance of scarring. It is not among the more common techniques and requires specific skill and experience.
Upper Pole Fullness
If you’re looking for breast augmentation because your breasts have somewhat fallen flat, then you’re looking for what’s called upper pole fullness. This term refers to the breast area’s shape, contour, and volume above the nipple. (Below the nipple is known as the lower pole.) Increasing upper pole fullness makes cleavage more prominent and gives the breast a rounder appearance. The size and profile of your chosen breast implant will determine how much upper pole fullness you’ll achieve.
Are You Considering Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Between this post and last week’s post, you now have more familiarity with breast augmentation terminology.
So if you’re thinking about getting breast augmentation, contact us today.
During your free consultation, you can ask the surgeon any further questions you have about the terminology as well as discuss the intricacies of the procedure. Then you can get that breast augmentation with confidence.
Breast Augmentation Terminology Part 1 (A-K)
When considering getting work done on your breasts, you’re bound to experience some amount of breast augmentation terminology that may be unfamiliar to you.
No worries. Rather than pouring through the internet to find their meanings, we’re breaking down some of the terminology here.
Because there is a wealth of terms, we’ve tackled the first half of the alphabet here and will address the second half in our next post.
Breast Augmentation Terminology (A-K)
We won’t get too deep in the weeds on the terminology so as not to overwhelm you. And some if not many of these terms won’t apply to you. But if you like to go in knowing all the details, here is a sampling of some of the terms you may hear.
Augmentation Mastopexy
Augmentation mastopexy is really just a ‘doctorly’ way of saying breast augmentation with a lift. This is often the recommended procedure for patients who are struggling with breast sagging because of weight loss, aging, or childbearing. It’s designed to lift drooping breast tissues while adding fullness especially in the upper breast.
Breast Capsule
Any time the human body experiences a foreign body, it responds by creating a protective capsule of collagen around it. The breast capsule is what forms around breast implants. It’s completely normal and a healthy part of the healing process. It also helps to keep the implants in place.
Cooper’s Ligaments
Within the breast there is connective tissue that provides support and structure. The Cooper’s ligaments run from the clavicle to the interior part of the pectoralis major muscle before branching throughout the breast tissue.
Drop and Fluff
“Drop and fluff” may sound like a laundry term, but it actually describes the way a breast implant settles after breast augmentation surgery. Immediately after surgery, breast implants sit high on the chest as the muscles in the chest tighten to adjust to their presence. As healing proceeds, the muscles relax and the implants drop to a more natural position. From there, they fluff, as it were to fill the lower breast cavity.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants
As silicone breast implants continue to improve, they’re becoming highly cohesive. Compared to their earlier silicone counterparts, they are firm yet flexible – like the consistency of a gummy bear. They also retain their natural look and feel even as they age.
Implant Rippling
Implant rippling is just like it sounds. Rippling of the implant becomes visible through the skin at the outer perimeter of the implant. This is usually along the outer edge toward the arm pit. It can occur with either saline or silicone implants, but is more prominent in round saline implants. It is also most common among women who are very thin or who have little natural breath tissue.
Keller Funnel
If you’re wondering how a Keller Funnel works, think about a piping bag as one would use in baking. In this case though, the breast implant is placed in the large end of a sterilized and hydrated bag, while the narrow end is inserted into the incision on the patient. The breast implant is then gently ‘piped’ into the surgical pocket.
Are You Considering Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Having awareness of breast augmentation terminology can give you more peace of mind as you consider surgery.
So if you’re thinking about getting breast augmentation, contact us today. During your free consultation, we’ll walk you through the process and answer any other questions you might have.
That way you’ll go in reassured and confident about the whole procedure.
When Is Plastic Surgery Reversal A Good Idea?
Plastic surgery reversal is not the same thing as revision. A revision is the correction of a faulty procedure. A reversal, on the other hand, is the undoing of a successful procedure to restore one’s previous appearance.
There are many reasons patients may consider a reversal. And it’s important they are realistic about their expectations.
Since there’s no magic involved, there are limits to the capabilities of these procedures. Some more than others.
When Plastic Surgery Reversal Makes Sense
Unfortunately, there are always going to be patients who partake in frequent cosmetic surgery procedures to chase the latest trends. Many surgeons choose not to work with these patients because they don’t grasp that repeated surgeries and reversals can have lasting or even permanent effects.
There are several instances when plastic surgery reversal could be considered, however. In these cases, the surgeon is careful to review with the patient the risks involved with plastic surgery reversal.
The three most logical reasons for reversal are as follows:
- Medical Complications
With any medical procedure, there is always going to be a risk. In situations where infections or tissue damage occur, patients may opt for either a plastic surgery revision (if they want to fix the issue) or a reversal procedure. In some rare instances, a reversal may be the only option.
- Changes in Personal Preferences or Lifestyle
We want to specify here again the difference between someone wanting to be part of the latest trend versus a person who has shifted into different preferences or lifestyle choices over time.
For example, a woman who wanted large breast implants in her 20s may find them no longer desirable in her 30s. Another common example is a patient wanting to restore ethnic facial features that he or she felt pressured to change when younger.
Any big life changes such as marital status, having a child, shifting careers, or facing a health challenge can also trigger the need to reverse a procedure. These would all be carefully evaluated with the surgeon.
- Psychological/Emotional Concerns
Despite their best efforts and advancements in technology that allow patients to get a glimpse of their results, there will always be those who are dissatisfied at first. Sometimes it’s a matter of gaining familiarity with a new appearance.
For patients who are unable to clear this hurdle and become psychologically or emotionally distraught because of it, a reversal would be a serious consideration.
Recovery From Plastic Surgery Reversal
A skilled and board-certified plastic surgeon is your best insurance against problematic procedures. But you’ll also want to insist on this for any reversal you’re considering.
Depending on the procedure or treatment to be reversed, an ethical surgeon will be honest and upfront about what you can expect. How much of your pre-procedure appearance you can expect to get back will be dependent on the procedure so it’s important you understand what to expect.
In terms of recovery time, you can expect a similar situation to the one you experienced with the initial surgery. Therefore, you’ll need to schedule accordingly.
Is Plastic Surgery Removal Right For You?
Plastic surgery reversal is a big decision and not one to be taken lightly. You’ll want to consider the long-term outcome rather than just what you want in the immediate moment.
So if you’re feeling quite certain this is the right choice for you, then contact us today.
During your free consultation, Dr. Reisin will discuss the risks and benefits to help you weigh your options. From there, you can move forward with more confidence.
What to Expect – Recovering From an Arm Lift
Do you remember the days when you felt comfortable showing off your arms? But now there’s sagging skin on your upper arms you keep under cover.
Or maybe you lost a lot of weight and were looking forward to finally showing off your arms. Yet, now there’s excess skin hanging there.
You DO have options with a brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery. And the good news is, recovering from an arm lift is fairly straightforward.
Recovering From an Arm Lift
The brachioplasty procedure typically lasts around two to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia. And the smoother contours of your upper arm will be apparent almost immediately.
As time progresses, results will eventually be somewhat obscured by swelling and bruising. And there will be some scarring.
Recovery from brachioplasty is one of the procedures with a shorter recovery time. Yet, it’s always going to be different from person to person. But here’s what you can generally expect:
Immediately After Brachioplasty Procedure
As with any surgery, experiencing discomfort after brachioplasty is common. Any swelling and redness may be addressed with oral pain medications.
In addition, you can expect to wear a compression garment to help circulation and minimize your discomfort.
First Week
It’s during the first few days when you’ll likely experience moderate pain. Your arms will be bandaged which will limit your range of motion. This is intentional, as you don’t want to make any major movements with the arms during this time. Your muscles may also feel sore and you’ll see bruising and swelling. Increased pain and pressure near the incision site are normal – especially when your arms are in motion.
You’ll want to have someone stay with you overnight the first night and enlist a little extra help with everyday activities in the days that follow. It is crucial in the first week that you don’t lift anything over five pounds. And since you need to avoid reaching over your head, be sure you have comfortable, loose button-up shirts on hand.
Pain, swelling, and bruising will subside by the end of the week. Expect them to persist to some degree for the first month, however. You may be able to transition to OTC pain management at this point – if you need any at all.
Two to Three Weeks
Bandages and any stitches are removed one to two weeks post-surgery. You’ll have an improved range of motion and arm mobility, but you’ll have weight restrictions of 10 pounds in the second week and 15 pounds in the third. Stretching the arms is still not recommended.
Most patients return to work at this point and can perform normal activities around the house. You’ll probably have to continue wearing your compression garment though and your doctor may recommend beginning a scar therapy treatment plan.
One to Two Months
At the four- to six-week point, you can expect any swelling or bruising to resolve. You may also be cleared to remove your compression garment and routine to your regular exercise routine. Treatment for scarring will continue throughout this time.
Acquire a More Contoured Look for Your Upper Arms
You don’t need to accept sagging upper arms as one of the inevitable results of aging or weight loss.
Brachioplasty is a great option. And as stated above, recovering from an art lift is not an arduous process.
So contact us today to set up a free consultation with our board-certified surgeons. And get started on your journey to slimmer and move lovely arms.
Making Sense Of Different Types Of Body Fat
While it may not seem like it, body fat is an organ that contains nerves, immune cells, and connective tissue. It’s also made up of different types of fat cells.
Depending on the body’s needs, the primary job of body fat is to store and release energy. The different types of fat cells also serve their own unique purposes.
Plastic surgeons are sometimes faced with the difficult task of telling patients that plastic surgery can’t always address issues with excess fat. That’s because not all body fat is created equal.
The Different Types of Body Fat
The main type of fat cells that comprise body fat are white fat cells. They produce hormones like leptin and adiponectin, as well as store energy. Brown fat cells are referred to as thermogenic because under certain conditions (such as colder temperatures) they burn energy to produce heat. People with more brown fat cells tend to be leaner and have a higher metabolism. Finally, beige fat cells are white cells that are in the process of transforming to brown cells.
Fat is not an F-word. (Well, it is, but you get what we mean.) In fact, fat is essential to the healthy operation of the body. It plays many important roles including regulation of body temperature, absorbing vitamins, and producing fertility hormones.
Yes, too much fat is unhealthy. But so too is not enough fat. What’s considered the right amount of essential fat for each person is not a universal equation and can vary quite a bit. For example, women generally have 6-11% more than men.
One thing is for certain though. Some types of fat are more dangerous than others. The two types of fat we’ll focus on here are subcutaneous and visceral.
What Is Subcutaneous Fat?
Subcutaneous literally means, “under the skin.” Thus, subcutaneous fat is fat that lies beneath the skin. You’re able to pinch it with your fingers.
This kind of fat accounts for about 90% of overall body fat. Subcutaneous fat acts as a cushion between the skin and muscles for comfort and protection. It also produces estrogen – which accounts for women generally having more body fat than men.
Subcutaneous fat is essential fat. Yet, it’s possible to have too much. The body stores subcutaneous fat as an emergency backup source of calories in the event of starvation. When the amount of calories going in exceeds what’s being burnt, the body will continue to store this fat and it will accumulate.
Many people find that reducing their caloric intake and avoiding refined and processed foods along with high-intensity exercise can lessen subcutaneous fat. There are times, however, where no matter how much focus on diet or exercise, there are stubborn pockets that won’t disappear. In these cases, plastic surgeons may recommend adding liposuction body shaping treatments to reshape the area. Even in more complicated procedures such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), it’s also subcutaneous fat that’s removed.
Visceral fat, on the other hand, is a very different creature.
The Dangers of Visceral Fat
Visceral fat is located between the organs in the abdominal area of the body. It typically appears as a protruding waist and unlike subcutaneous fat, it’s hard and you can’t pinch it.
This is the type of fat that cannot be removed with plastic surgery or liposuction. Patients usually need to completely revamp their diet, ensure they’re getting enough sleep every night, and regularly perform targeted abdominal strength-training exercises.
While it may sound like a big commitment, it’s important to get rid of visceral fat. As it accumulates, it secretes a protein that’s known to cause insulin resistance that could lead to diabetes. Increased levels of visceral fat are also linked to a higher risk of stroke, dementia, colorectal and breast cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease. So while subcutaneous fat can be a nuisance, visceral fat can be deadly.
Are You Considering Fat Removal?
Hopefully, you now have more clarity on the different types of body fat and fat cells.
So if you think you’re a good candidate for a fat removal procedure and you’re ready to speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon about your options, contact us today!
During your free consultation, you’ll be able to discuss your specific needs and how they can be addressed to result in a thinner and healthier you.
Can You Reduce the Appearance of Large Pores?
Many people fear the close-up. And while makeup can go the distance in covering up blemishes and other imperfections, it can accentuate large pores.
Large pores are the result of oil and sweat not being properly released through the pores by the sebaceous glands that sit beneath the skin. Eventually the pores get clogged with oil, dirt, and dead skin cells leading to the appearance of large pores. And it doesn’t just happen to those with oily skin.
So is there any way to reduce the appearance of large pores?
You CAN Reduce the Appearance of Large Pores
Some degree of pore visibility is normal. And you can change your skincare routine and try gentle cleansers and/or a clay mask. Getting rid of oil-based products and using mineral sunscreen can also help.
But for those who struggle with large pores because of genetic factors, or for those for whom the change in skincare doesn’t work, there are also non-invasive procedures that can help:
Chemical Peels
If you’ve tried various exfoliants and haven’t had any luck, you may have more success with chemical peels. Peels are effective in removing the dirt, dead skin, and blackheads that contribute to the appearance of large pores.
While it might sound a bit scary, chemical peels remove layer(s) of skin. To do this, skincare specialists use an exfoliant consisting of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and trichloroacetic acid. The process is very similar to getting a sunburn that causes the skin to peel.
Depending on the level of exfoliation needed, there are three different types of peels. With a light peel, the exfoliant doesn’t penetrate any deeper than the top layer of skin and takes around 30 minutes. A medium peel gets down to the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. Finally, a deep peel gets down a little further to remove the most damaged cells.
Microneedling
In a nutshell, microneedling uses radiofrequency to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The main concept behind the process is to create micro-injuries to the skin to stimulate the body’s response.
With microneedling, the skin is pierced to create inflammation. The immune system is then triggered to increase blood flow to the area to disinfect the pores and remove debris. This, in essence, creates new tissue and a fresh network of blood cells is built. Finally, newly created blood vessels and dermal tissues repair the area.
Laser Treatments
Many patients seek laser treatments to address wrinkles and scars. But this outpatient procedure is effective in reducing the appearance of large pores too.
Similar to chemical peels, these treatments use ablative or non-ablative lasers to remove the top layer of damaged skin to stimulate the growth of new skin cells. Also like chemical peels, there are three different types of laser treatments – CO2, erbium, and fractionated CO2.
Which one is right for you will depend on how deep the damage is.
Are You Embarrassed by Large Pores?
You don’t need to be.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you change your skincare routine or utilize one of the above procedures to reduce the appearance of large pores.
And get ready for your close-up.
