Fixing a Double Chin

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Are noticing a fullness under your chin that wasn’t there in the past? You may even have a double chin.

Known medically as submental adiposity, it’s not a desirable condition for most people – no matter what you call it.

Fortunately, there are many methods for fixing a double chin. Some more extreme than others.

What Causes a Double Chin?

The double chin is, unfortunately, not uncommon. It’s merely the formation of a layer of fat under your chin. There’s a lot of stress in the world right now and for some of us, that means extra weight gain. And if you lead a rather sedentary lifestyle, that can exacerbate the situation.

So when dealing with a double chin, where do you start?

Possible Changes in Diet

If you don’t have the best eating habits and you believe that your double chin is a result of weight gain, then the first approach is to lose weight. That means cutting way back on refined grains, saturated fats, sugar, and processed foods.

Start focusing on more whole grains, lean protein (such as in poultry and fish), low-fat dairy products, and healthy fats that include avocados, nuts, and olive oil.

And, of equal importance, make every effort to not exceed your daily caloric needs. For example, while fruit is a better choice than cookies, eating a lot of it brings up the calorie count quickly.

In addition to shifting to a healthy diet, you’ll also burn more calories if you’re active. Speaking of physical activity…

Are There Specific Exercises That Help?

Yes, there are exercises that you can repeat several times throughout the day to address a double chin.

One of the more popular ones is the straight jaw jut. Simply tilt your head back, look toward ceiling, and push your lower jaw forward to stretch under the chin. Hold for a count of ten and then return the head to its natural position. Repeat several times.

Another one to try is the neck stretch. Again, tilt your head back to look at the ceiling. This time, press your tongue on the roof of your mouth for 5-10 seconds, then release. Repeat several times.

There’s also a ball exercise that involves you putting a 9- to 10-inch ball under your chin then continually pressing down against the ball for as log as it feels mindful to do so.

It should be noted that there’s currently no scientific evidence that chin exercises work to fix a double chin. But there IS anecdotal evidence. So they could be worth a shot.

Fixing a Double Chin With Plastic Surgery

There are many cases where genetics or looser skin from aging cause a double chin. And no matter how much you diet or exercise, it doesn’t result in fixing a double chin.

In these instances, plastic surgery is the best go-to. Plastic surgeons have a variety of tools in their surgical tool boxes to address a double chin.

  1. Injection

The least invasive option is an injectable medication that contains deoxycholic acid. Normally produced by the body, deoxycholic acid assists with fat absorption during digestion.

By injecting this acid into submental fat under the chin, fat cells are destroyed – thus preventing fat storage in the chin area.

  1. Liposuction

With the liposuction procedure, a small incision is made under the chin to insert a tube that vacuums out the fat. The surgeon then sculpts the chin and neck contour.

  1. Neck Lift

A neck lift serves to tighten the neck muscles and/or remove extra skin. A neck lift may be recommended in tandem with liposuction if there is excess skin. Or it may be combined with a facelift to further contour the neck and chin.

  1. Facelift

Finally, with a facelift, the surgeon removes fat and sagging skin around the chin and neck. This effectively removes the double chin.

  1. Correction of Witch’s Deformity

This is a procedure to lift and tighten the droopy chin back up above the jawline by tightening the muscles of the lower lip.

Say Goodbye to Your Double Chin

If you’re embarrassed by a double chin and you’ve tried diet and exercise with no success, then contact us.

Fixing a double chin is a regular part of our surgical repertoire. So you know you’ll be in good hands.

Set up your free consultation today!

 

 

How Do I Sleep After a Brazilian Butt Lift?

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Has your butt deflated while you carry extra weight on other areas of your body? You’re certainly not alone.

A procedure like a Brazilian Butt Lift can address this issue perfectly. It is a surgery though. And that means there’s a chance you’ll experience some discomfort when attempting to sleep after a Brazilian Butt Lift.

We have some simple ways around this to make the discomfort far less. But first we’ll take a look at what this surgery entails.

The Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure

In a strange turn of events, this procedure actually has no direct connection with Brazil. Furthermore, it’s not a lift in the traditional sense of the word. It doesn’t actually address loose skin on the buttocks.

A Brazilian butt lift improves the shape and size of the buttocks in situations where there is not excess skin. Patients who want this procedure prefer fat transfer over implants and need to have adequate fat stores in other areas of the body.

So what goes into a Brazilian butt lift?

First, excess fat is removed with liposuction from areas such as the thighs, abdomen, the area above the buttocks, and the lower back. This fat is then processed and prepared for transfer. From there, the plastic surgeon injects that fat into targeted areas of the buttocks where more volume or fuller shape is desired. This is typically an outpatient procedure that uses general anesthesia or intravenous sedation and local anesthesia.

Best Ways to Sleep After a Brazilian Butt Lift 

It’s crucial that you avoid sitting directly upright for four weeks after surgery. Any decrease of circulation to the buttocks could result in the destruction of the newly transferred fat cells. (Yes, you’re allowed to sit down to use the toilet, but that’s it.)

So that means you’re going to be in a reclined position for awhile. And this is good, as rest is essential for healing after surgery. So what are the best tips for getting better rest and sleep after a Brazilian Butt Lift?

  1. Use Pillows Liberally

Supporting your body is a top priority after this surgery. It’s important to take pressure off your back and buttocks so that you’ll be comfortable. Be sure to have pillows at hand to support any and all areas that require support.

  1. Lie Flat Only on a Mattress

Whether sleeping or just resting and watching TV or reading, you don’t want to lie flat on your back for too long. And you definitely want to be on a supported mattress when you do. While it may not feel painful while you’re resting, it has the potential to put too much pressure on the back and the buttocks over the long haul.

  1. Try Side Sleeping

Ultimately, sleeping on your side is the best position when healing from this procedure. If you’re already a side sleeper, this won’t be a big order. You may want to use pillows to prop up one leg so that it’s not resting flat on the bed. Or put a pillow under each knee so there is no added weight on your lower back or buttocks.

On the other hand, if side sleeping is not your natural position, this can take some adjustment. If need be, you could take sleeping aids to help ease you into this unfamiliar territory.

Still Worried You Won’t Be Able to Sleep?

Don’t let concerns about losing sleep after a Brazilian Butt Lift deter you from getting this effective surgery.

Contact us today to get all the details on what to expect from this surgery. And should you opt for this procedure, just know that you won’t be left hanging if you have any issues getting sleep after it.

We’re always happy to provide more recommendations to ensure your healing.

Facial Surgeries Are Trending Younger

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It may come as something of a surprise that there are popular trends in plastic surgery every year.

But just like fashion, plastic surgery is influenced by lifestyle, technology, the economy, and cultural shifts. Even if the results are much longer lasting.

Interestingly, the most popular facial surgeries are trending younger for 2023. Why is this?

More Focus on the Eyes

There is an increasing number of patients in their 40s (and even late 30s) seeking plastic surgery for sagging and drooping around the brows and eyelids.

While fillers are often used for patients in these age groups, many younger patients are resistant to the limitations that come with injections. In other words, they’re turned off by having seen too many Hollywood stars using excessive fillers or Botox and being unable to make facial expressions.

In addition, disappointed by the false promises of medi-spas and laser therapies that don’t deliver results, they’re more willing to go under the knife. There are two plastic surgery procedures that are already surging in 2023.

  1. Blepharoplasty

The umbrella medical term for eyelid lifts is blepharoplasty. Depending on a patient’s needs, a highly skilled plastic surgeon recommends either an upper eyelid lift or a lower eyelid lift. In some cases, he or she may recommend both – known as a quad blepharoplasty.

For patients with lines, wrinkles, sagging, or bags in the under-eye area, the recommendation would be a lower eyelid lift. An upper eyelid lift procedure is less involved than a lower eyelid surgery and would be recommended where there is sagging skin, excess fat, or loose muscle along the upper eyelids as opposed to the lower eyelids. In these situations, the drooping can be significant enough to block or obstruct vision to some degree – a condition known as ptosis.

The procedure for each patient depends on individual eye anatomy and the results one hopes to achieve. All three procedures deliver a dramatically more youthful appearance to the eyes. As such, blepharoplasty surgery has become one of the most commonly performed procedures.

  1. Brow Lifts

A brow lift is the removal of excess skin bunching and the possible repositioning of the skin and muscles around the brow. Each procedure is personalized to the patient’s specifications depending on hairline position, hair type, degree of lift needed, and individual facial characteristics.

The endoscopic procedure is the least invasive and involves suspending tissue rather than removing it. A coronal brow lift procedure addresses more serious sagging for those with a low hairline. Finally, a pretrichial procedure is chosen when the patient has a higher hairline.

In all cases, a brow lift tightens loose skin of the forehead, reduces wrinkling, and raises drooping brows. In some cases, part of the muscle that’s responsible for frown lines between the brows is removed or trimmed.

The Facelift as Maintenance

At one time, the facelift was a procedure performed exclusively on the wealthy and well-over-50 crowd. There’s a noticeable shift these days though.

Sure, the facelift remains popular among its early adopters. But like the surgeries around the eyes, the facelift is also gaining traction among patients in their early 40s. Of course, the procedure for this group is altered. Excess skin is removed, but there’s not as much of it. The same goes for tightening the muscles in the neck and underneath the jawline.

Because there is less work to be done, the process is faster. So too is the healing. A facelift on a younger person may also involve injecting the cheeks with the patient’s own fat. This balances the lift so there’s a more three-dimensional result rather than a flattened appearance.

Younger patients recognize that a facelift is still an involved procedure. For them, it’s more like the sort of preventative maintenance you might do on your car. The facelift is part of a future program. By doing it this way, they’ll have less maintenance (and expense) when they get older.

Facial Surgeries Are Trending Younger

Given the above information, it makes sense that facial surgeries are trending younger. But it’s not just for them.

Whether you’re in your early 40s or beyond, plastic surgery can certainly restore your confidence in 2023. If you’re curious about how a facial surgery could benefit you this year, contact us today.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Is Cosmetic Plastic Surgery for Men Too?

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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!

Skin Sensation Loss After Plastic Surgery

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The age-defying and confidence-boosting results that come from plastic surgery can seem magical.

But plastic surgery isn’t a matter of “just add water and stir.” The procedures are exacting and involve the cutting and tightening of the skin. As such, the incisions can cause a temporary skin sensation loss after plastic surgery.

Don’t fret. As with any surgery, this is a normal outcome. And it’s not as scary as it may sound.

Why Is There Skin Sensation Loss After Plastic Surgery?

Think about the last time you had a wound. When you cut yourself, you may have felt pain. But if the cut was very deep, there’s a chance you didn’t notice any pain at first.

That’s because the wound broke deep enough into the skin to disturb the network of nerves that runs through your body. This network is responsible for communicating sensation from many parts of the body to your brain.

Much like that deep cut, a surgical incision also impacts that network and disrupts those communication pathways – cutting off sensation to the skin.

So What Does It Feel Like?

There’s no one-size-fits-all for how each patient experiences the loss of skin sensation. For some there may just be some numbness or dullness. Yet another person with the same surgery may experience a complete loss of feeling.

In terms of when the skin sensation returns, this also varies. For many patients, the sensation returns gradually. They might experience tingling or even zapping as the nerves heal. But then there are those who have an abrupt return of sensation.

How Long Does It Last?

The simple rule of thumb is that the more invasive the surgery, the higher your risk of losing skin sensation. Of course, there are always other factors. For example, smoking reduces oxygen in the blood and slows the healing process. So for smokers, it will take longer.

In general, however, you can expect the these outcomes from the following procedures:

  1. Facelift

Experiencing sensation changes after having a facelift is very common. Especially around the incision sites. While many patients start regaining sensation within three to six months, it’s possible that you may still have some lack of sensation for a year before feeling sensation again.

  1. Tummy Tuck

Similar to a facelift, much of the loss of skin sensation after a tummy tuck is around the incision line. The area between the incision line and the belly button may also experience loss of feeling. This typically clears up within two to six months.

  1. Breast Augmentation/Lift/Reduction

Breast skin usually regains feeling within two to three months after breast augmentation, lift, and/or reduction. In cases where incisions were made around the nipple, the skin sensation loss can be longer lasting than those where incisions were made under the breast or arm. Nipple sensitivity may also be impacted.

  1. Liposuction

Here’s the good news: loss of skin sensation is rare after liposuction when it’s done as a standalone procedure. Within a few weeks of surgery (at most) the majority of patients return to normal feeling.

Get All the Deets on Plastic Surgery

While the idea of skin sensation loss after plastic surgery can be daunting, it’s almost always temporary. And the payoff is well worth the short term inconvenience.

If you’re dubious and want reassurance from a highly qualified team of medical experts though, contact us today for your free consultation. We’ll answer all your questions to put your mind at ease.

You won’t be left in the dark for a moment about your procedure.

 

What to Expect After Lip Fillers

Did you know that lip fillers are one of the most popular types of dermal fillers? In fact, theyre more than just popular.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of lip filler treatments has increased by more 48% since the year 2000. Thats more akin to world domination.

Whatever the case, if youre considering this treatment for yourself, you may be wondering what to expect after lip fillers. Well fillyou in. (Sorry. Had to do it.)

The Lip Filler Procedure

There are any number of reasons patients seek a lip filler treatment. Although one of the most prominent reasons is to plump up the lips, some patients are seeking to correct uneven lips, smooth out lip wrinkles, or lift the corners of the mouth. The latter two are more common with age.

Anyhow, the procedure itself is fairly simple.

Once the patients goals have been thoroughly discussed, the lips are cleaned with alcohol and anesthetized. Depending on the level of anesthetization desired by the patient or required for the procedure, it may be a topical lidocaine or numbing cream, or a nerve block for the entire area.

Using a tiny needle, filler is then injected into the areas of the lips that need volume. The filler might be hyaluronic acid, fat, or implants. It depends on the goal for treatment as well as the patients anatomy. The filler is gently massaged into the lips to prevent lumps. And thats it.

As simple a procedure as it is, the results are not instant. And your lips will need 24 to 48 hours to recover. So if youre planning on having the procedure for a specific event, youll need to take that into consideration and allow for ample healing time.

The following five situations apply to lip filler recovery:

1. Expect Some Discomfort

Dont be alarmed if you see bruising at the injection site. This can be treated with vitamin K, aloe vera, arnica creams, or whatever your healthcare professional recommends.

There may also be itching, swelling, or other pain. Applying an ice pack or ice covered in a cloth can ease these symptoms. If the pain becomes too uncomfortable, your doctor may recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) rather than blood-thinning medications like aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil).

2. Pamper Your Face

If you feel naked without lipstick or other makeup on your lips, youre going to have to embrace that nudity for up to 24 hours after the procedure.

Furthermore, in an effort to keep your lips protected and the swelling at a minimum, youll need to sleep with your head elevated on pillows and not on your face that first night. So if you always sleep on your side or belly, that means you may have an interesting nights sleep.

3. No Strenuous Exercise

After any sort of dermal filler, its key to keep blood pressure and the heart rate low. If theyre elevated, the swelling and bruising could be worse. As such, strenuous exercise should be avoided for 12 to 24 hours.

While light activity such as walking is okay, taking a sauna or steam afterwards is not. Any situation with high heat could make the swelling more pronounced. This includes a heated exercise class – no matter how gentle.

4. Say Yes to Water, No to Alcohol

Water is crucial in helping the body to heal. So its important to stay hydrated. If drinking a lot of water becomes tiresome, there are plenty of hydrating foods that can help. Also, avoiding sodium will enable the body to retain the hydration you provide.

And no matter how happy you are with your lip filler procedure, hold off on the champagne for a bit. Or any alcohol, for that matter. Not only does alcohol dehydrate, but it can cause inflammation and it acts as a blood thinner. (Hence, avoiding it before the procedure is also recommended.)

5. Know Youll Be on the No Fly List

If youve spent any amount of time on a plane, you know how the air pressure can wreak havoc with many of the bodys systems. Unfortunately, it can also make swelling and bruising worse. So your doctor will likely recommend you stick to the road for at least 24 hours after treatment.

Abide by the Advice

Now that you know what to expect after lip fillers, you may be ready to move forward toward plumper and more pouty lips.

So dont hesitate to contact us for your free consultation.

And know that the best results will come from following the post-treatment recommendations from your cosmetic medical experts.

Why Compression After Plastic Surgery?

 

When patients make the decision to have plastic surgery, they’re often so excited by the notion of looking and feeling better, they forget about the importance of compression after plastic surgery.

‘Compression garment’ doesn’t exactly scream glamour. But it’s an incredibly useful tool to ensure a quicker and more efficient recovery. Plus, when worn during initial healing, it provides comfort and support.

With that said, it may sound like a compression garment is more or less optional.

So Then Can You Skip Compression After Plastic Surgery?

Obviously, you won’t be under the scrutiny of the compression garment police. But you’re strongly advised not to skip this important step.

The purpose of compression is triple fold. First, by maintaining constant pressure to the healing area, excess fluid build-up can’t occur. The body must then absorb any accumulated fluid. This, in turn, minimizes swelling and pain.

Second, less swelling equals less time healing. And the quicker you heal, the faster you’ll see those desired results. Without compression, on the other hand, post-op swelling will last considerably longer and you’ll have a longer wait.

And finally, compression also helps your skin form to the new body contour. This is particularly crucial if you’re having liposuction. It also prevents flabby or wrinkled skin which can detract from the overall results.

What If People Notice?

If you feel self-conscious about wearing a compression garment, know that it’s not your grandma’s/grandpa’s garment. Today’s garments aren’t bunched up and bulky. You can get them in various shades and accessorize them with outerwear. Once you layer yours underneath looser clothes with thick fabric, nobody will even know you’re wearing it.

Plus, a well-fitting garment is going to lay flat on your skin and support your body with gentle pressure. When fitted properly, it doesn’t hinder circulation or cause fluid buildup. And you won’t feel like your circulation is cut off or that your limbs may fall asleep.

Can You Take a Break?

Depending on your procedure, your board-certified plastic surgeon will likely recommend you wear a compression garment 24/7 for at least one week and up to three weeks.

While these newer compression garments have come a long way, there will be times you’ll want to remove it. For example, you won’t bathe in it. And much like taking off a bra or loosening a tie at the end of the day, it does feel nice to let loose for a bit. A short break is completely acceptable.

Even so, you’ll want to keep the breaks to a minimum and not do any heavy lifting or other strenuous activities without it. Also, be sure to wear soft and loose clothing that won’t disturb your incision(s). Then get that garment back on. Because the more you wear it during initial healing, the more effective it will be.

Is Plastic Surgery In Your Future?

Don’t let the notion of compression after plastic surgery stop you from getting your desired procedure. It’s a small price to pay for such a huge payoff.

So contact us today to discuss your plastic surgery objectives and goals. We’ll put your mind at ease so you can soon unveil a brand new you.

Plastic Surgery for Hair Restoration?

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If you’re noticing thinning hair as a result of androgenic alopecia, your first thought is probably NOT that you need plastic surgery for hair restoration.

While some plastic surgeons do provide hair transplant procedures and grafting for patients who are bald, it’s not ideal for thinning hair. Plus, the procedure is complicated.

For patients struggling specifically with androgenic alopecia (or even those with early hair loss), however, a plastic surgeon who offers PRP therapy is a great option.

So What Exactly Is PRP?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma.

What’s so special about PRP? Well, it’s the part of your blood that contains white blood cells and platelets. Any time you have a wound, it’s the platelets that rush to the rescue to stop the bleeding and encourage collagen growth. Platelets are natural healers.

When researchers began to understand platelets’ powers of healing, they theorized that extracting concentrated platelets from the blood and then injecting them into damaged areas of the body might just accelerate healing. Their theory ended up being spot on.

As such, PRP therapy has been utilized by orthopedic doctors since the 1980s to treat athletes struggling with injured ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Based on the success of these therapies, plastic surgeons soon got on board. They now use this therapy in applications from cosmetic procedures to hair restoration.

The PRP Therapy Procedure

It’s believed that PRP injections not only trigger natural hair growth, but they maintain it by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle and increasing the thickness of the hair shaft.

PRP therapy is a three-step process which typically requires three treatments that are 4–6 weeks apart. The treatments are exacting and meticulous, and require anesthetics. They must also be maintained every 4-6 months.

What can you expect in a PRP therapy procedure?

First, when you enter the plastic surgery center, blood will be drawn from your arm. The blood is then placed into a centrifuge for around ten minutes. This will break it down into three different fluids – red blood cells, platelet-poor plasma, and platelet-rich plasma.

The platelet-rich plasma is then drawn up into a syringe and to be injected into parts of the scalp where increased hair growth is required. And because you’re using your own blood with PRP therapy, there’s no risk of getting a communicable disease.

It really couldn’t be any easier.

Could You Benefit From Plastic Surgery for Hair Restoration?

Plastic surgery for hair restoration is not as strange as it sounds.

As mentioned above, those who have the most success with PRP hair restoration therapy are patients with androgenic alopecia. In men, this is thinning of the hair along the top of the head. In women, it appears as a widening part.

It has also been effective for patients who are experiencing early hair loss. If this sounds like you, the best course of action is to set up a consultation with a board-certified surgeon who can determine if PRP is right for you. So contact us today!

 

 

The Benefits of Laser Resurfacing in the Winter

The skin is your body’s largest organ. It’s also the most prominent. Given its exposure to the elements, it’s also prone to damage that leaves it roughened, discolored, and wrinkled.

While the skin is continuously replenishing itself by replacing old tissue with new, the process can be greatly expedited with laser resurfacing. It leaves the skin brighter, smoother, tighter, and more even.

And while you might think that summer would be the best time to have it done, laser resurfacing in the winter has many benefits.

What Is Laser Resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing is a non-surgical procedure that ablates the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). Then the energy can enter into the deeper layer (the dermis). This results in an immediate contraction of the skin which promotes collagen production. Collagen locks moisture into the skin cells to lessen age-related loss of skin volume. The more collagen in the skin, the fewer lines and creases.

Furthermore, the lasers used in the procedure remove rough patches and smooth out areas where the skin has become crepey or leathery.

And the downtime is minimal.

Why Get Laser Resurfacing in the Winter

Laser resurfacing is most effective when the proper steps are taken during recovery. And these are much easier to do in the winter months when the weather is cold and the days are shorter.

Here’s why:

1. It’s Easier to Avoid the Sun

For optimal healing, avoiding direct sun exposure is highly recommended after laser resurfacing treatment. This can be difficult during the long days of summer when a sunny day lures you outdoors.

Even if there is a cold sunny day in the winter that’s calling you out to play, you’ll be mostly covered in your warm winter clothes and won’t need to use as much sunscreen.

2. You May Already Have Time Off for the Holiday Break

You may want to plan to take a few days off to allow your skin to heal after laser resurfacing. For many of us, time off is built in around the holidays. So if you’re able to schedule your procedure in that timeframe, you won’t even need to take additional time off.

3. Easier Recovery

Some laser resurfacing treatments are gentler than others. But fractional CO2 laser resurfacing goes deeper to provide outstanding results that last longer. Plus, it doesn’t require multiple treatments. It’s one and done.

For this reason, it’s the most popular option and often chosen by board-certified plastic surgeons.

The recovery can last 3-7 days and involves a certain degree of peeling as the skin exfoliates. This is easier to deal with in the cold winter months when you’re relaxing by a fire and allowing the skin to heal under a warm sweater. And if you need to make a quick errand, your skin will be protected from the elements.

Dive In This Winter

If you’re starting to despair that the cold and dry air is damaging your skin, now is the time to enjoy all of the benefits of laser resurfacing in the winter. Contact us today to start your free consultation.

Not only will your healing be optimal, but getting the treatment now will help your skin to look its best when spring and summer return. 

Breast Augmentation After Weight Loss

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Have you recently undergone significant weight loss? If so, you may also be noticing a change or even loss in breast size.

If your reasons for weight loss are celebratory, this can be a bit of a downer. And if the weight loss was not welcome, it can be even more discouraging.

Fortunately, breast augmentation after weight loss is a common and highly effective procedure to bring brightness to your situation – whatever it might be.

Breast Augmentation After Weight Loss

The majority of breast augmentations, whether needed because of weight loss or simply by choice, are completed using implants. The two most common implants are silicone or saline.

Both silicone and saline implants are made from a silicone elastomer shell. The main difference is silicone implants are made fully of silicone and filled with a cohesive silicone gel, while saline implants have an outer shell that’s constructed of silicone and then later filled with saline.

Some people believe that silicone implants look and feel more natural. Plus, they come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and degrees of firmness so you know exactly what will be implanted.

Meanwhile, saline implants are inserted when empty and then filled with a sterile saline solution once in place. Some patients prefer the idea of saline solution versus silicone gel in their bodies. Yet, silicone gel more closely simulates breast tissue. So saline implants may end up feeling firmer than natural breast tissue.

The third option is fat transfer. In this case, a patient’s own fat is used to increase breast volume in a more natural way. After weight loss, though, this may not be an option. Ultimately, you can discuss your available options with your board-certified plastic surgeon.

 

What If You’ve Already Had Breast Augmentation?

If you’ve already had breast augmentation in the past, weight loss will likely affect the appearance of your breasts too. This amount of impact will depend on which sort of breast augmentation procedure and/or implant you have.

For patients who chose fat transfer, weight loss can noticeably affect the results of augmentation. Breast contour is created by fat and other tissue – the loss of which can change the overall appearance of the breast.

Meanwhile, implants are much less prone to significant impact from weight fluctuation. The implants will maintain their original shape and size. This is not to say, however, that there will be no impact. Despite the fact that the implants remain the same, the aforementioned fat and tissues that create the contour have decreased. The skin may now be stretched leaving the implants to sag.

In this case, the best course of action is a breast lift. This body contouring procedure won’t alter the volume of the breasts or breast implants. Instead, the objective here is to reshape the breasts to restore a more uplifted and youthful appearance.

Looking to Boost Your Breasts After Weight Loss?

There are many reasons for losing weight. But if you’re generally dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts now that you have, don’t let it bring you down.

Lift your spirits with firmer and perkier breasts.

Contact us today to find out which sort of breast augmentation after weight loss is right for you.