Can You Remove Cellulite With Liposuction?

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Can You Remove Cellulite With Liposuction?

Did you know that cellulite affects between 80% and 90% of adult women? And it’s often not the result of overeating or a lack of exercise.

Frequently referred to as ‘orange peel skin’ or ‘cottage cheese,’ cellulite does not discriminate. It can affect folks of all shapes and sizes.

While it may seem like you could just go on a diet, exercise vigorously and/or remove cellulite with liposuction, it’s not that simple. That’s because cellulite isn’t your regular garden variety fat.

What Is Cellulite?

While you’re likely to find cellulite on those who are already carrying excess fat, it shows up on people who are slim and fit as well. It’s more common after the age of 25, but can also affect teenagers.

Of course, eating a healthy diet and exercising are essential for feeling good and keeping the body in optimal condition. They do nothing to eliminate cellulite though. That’s because cellulite is essentially a form of fat that’s trapped in the sub dermal layer of the skin. One of the key ways it differs from regular fat is that the body is unable to process it as fuel.

Cellulite is the result of an interaction between the connective tissue in the layer below the surface of the skin, and the layer of fat beneath that. Strangely enough, women’s fat cells and connective tissues are arranged vertically so that when the fat cells protrude into the skin layer, it presents as cellulite. Men’s tissue has more of a criss-cross structure which seems to explain their lower risk of developing cellulite.

What Causes It?

There’s no one specific reason people, and especially women, develop cellulite. Some of it is just the genetic cards we’re all dealt. How fat is distributed beneath the skin, circulation, ethnicity, and rate of metabolism are all genetic factors.

 

Hormone are also likely players. Estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin are crucial in the production of cellulite.

Then, of course, there is aging and menopause. With less estrogen in the body, fat cells enlarge and blood flow to the connective tissues decreases. This less effective circulation results in lower collagen production. All of these factors join together to weaken the connective tissues, decrease elasticity in the skin, and increase the chance of cellulite developing.

Is It Possible to Remove Cellulite With Liposuction?

Not really.

Liposuction is great for getting rid of excess fat. During the procedure, fat cells are removed from the body to create a sleeker contour. The remaining cells, however, can push against the skin and threaten the structural integrity. Liposuction also doesn’t address the issue of those vertical connective tissues.

Many doctors and dermatologists may try topical treatments first to reduce the visibility of cellulite. Creams can tighten the skin to make it firmer and smoother, while adding moisture to reduce the appearance of cellulite. The effects typically don’t last long and the creams must be applied every day.

What is most effective is treatments that deliver laser energy beneath the surface of the skin. This thickens and strengthens the lower layers of skin to increase elasticity. Meanwhile, the thermal energy that’s developed releases the vertical bands so they don’t pull or pucker against the fat cells beneath.

The result?

Skin that lies smoother and flatter to eliminate dimpling. Voilà!

Are You At Battle With Cellulite?

Even if you can’t remove cellulite with liposuction, you CAN win the war against it with laser therapies.

Let’s get started.

Contact us today for your free consultation. And regain some of that smoother skin of your youth – just in time for summer.

Are There Required Pre-Surgical Tests Before Plastic Surgery?

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If you’re getting ready for a surgical procedure and your surgeon hasn’t ordered any pre-surgical tests, that’s a huge red flag. Like “run away screaming” huge.

Any surgical procedure should be preceded by at least a few tests. This includes plastic surgery procedures. These tests help find potential problems that could complicate surgery if not mitigated early.

The required pre-surgical tests before plastic surgery vary from person to person and depend on a number of factors.

Possible Pre-Surgical Tests Before Plastic Surgery

Pre-operative testing typically occurs a couple of weeks before your scheduled procedure so you’ll want to plan accordingly. Depending on your specific situation, the following tests might be required before your surgical procedure:

  1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) With Differential

A CBC is a requirement for everyone. This test measures various aspects of your blood and reveals a lot about what’s going on in your body. Knowing the quality and amount of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets is crucial to the surgeon.

In addition, a CBC with differential will determine your levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit in your red blood cells to identify what risks you may have for anemia and infection.

  1. Urinalysis

The pre-operative urinalysis is a basic diagnostic test that’s routinely performed to suss out certain conditions and ensure that there are no infections present. If the urinalysis shows a urinary tract infection (UTI), the surgery will need to be postponed until the infection is fully treated. Given that UTIs are more common in women, a urinalysis is more often ordered for women.

  1. Complete Physical

For younger patients in good health, a complete physical may not be necessary. Older patients and/or those with pre-existing medical conditions, however, will need to undergo a physical in order to get medical clearance for the procedure.

  1. Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)

An EKG or ECG test measures and records the electrical signals in the heart. This test is used primarily to identify any problems with the arteries and to rule out coronary issues before surgery. Primarily those with heart conditions will need to undergo an EKG/ECG.

  1. Chest X-Ray

For patients with heart and/or lung conditions, a board-certified plastic surgeon may also order a chest x-ray. It’s crucial that these organs are healthy enough to withstand the trauma and manage the taxing properties of the healing process.

  1. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

Because a CMP examines the fluid balance in the patient’s body, it’s typically only ordered for patients who have metabolic issues (or have had them in the past.) It’s important that glucose, electrolyte, creatine, protein, and blood area nitrogen levels are balanced in order to perform surgery. If they’re not, they’ll need to be treated first.

  1. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

Many women know all about the HCG test. The other name for it is pregnancy test. HCG is the hormone that shows up in urine when a woman is pregnant. So if there’s any chance that a woman might be pregnant, she’ll need to be tested for HCG.

  1. Mammogram

Women who’ve elected to have breast augmentation surgery will need to get a mammogram (known less lovingly as the boob crusher) to ensure there are no abnormalities or cancer.

  1. HIV

There are extra precautions plastic surgeons need to take in treating patients who are HIV positive. Because of this, an HIV test may be ordered to ensure safety for both the surgeon and the patient.

  1. Nicotine

There’s nothing like nicotine in the body to increase scarring and slow wound healing. This is one of the big reasons that surgeons require you to quit smoking at least four weeks before surgery. Thus, the surgeon may order a test for nicotine to ensure that his or her work has the optimal outcome.

Pre-Surgery Testing Is Completely Individualized

Just as each patient is different, so too is every surgery. Pre-surgical tests before plastic surgery for your procedure may differ from those of others you know who’ve had procedures. Even if it’s the same procedure.

That’s why it’s important to choose surgeons who will take the time and do the footwork to be sure you have the best and SAFEST experience possible.

We’ve got you covered. Contact us today to set up your free and comprehensive consultation so you can begin your journey.

 

Are You a Poor Candidate for Liposuction?

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If you have diet- and exercise-resistant fat that just won’t go away, you may be considering liposuction. And why not? It’s a great solution.

Then again, it’s not ideal for everyone. (But what is?) There are a handful of reasons that a board-certified plastic surgeon might recommend avoiding this procedure.

If you’re now wondering whether YOU’RE a poor candidate for liposuction, we’ll look at four distinct reasons you may be steered in a different direction.

What Makes a Poor Candidate for Liposuction?

For a great many patients, liposuction is a godsend. And you may well be one of those people for whom this procedure would be seriously beneficial.

But you can expect any plastic surgeon worth his or her salt to address certain issues to first ensure that it’s a good option for you. If you have any of the following, liposuction may not be advised for you:

  1. Poor Skin Elasticity/History of Scarring

Let’s face it. The younger you are, the more elastic your skin is. Generally speaking. Since liposuction involves removing fat, the skin that was over that fat needs to spring back to deliver the contoured look. Otherwise, you’ll be left with loose skin that will make the area look deflated.

In addition, if you tend to develop raised scars (known as keloid scars) easily after an injury, you may be advised against liposuction. Especially if the incision site is in an obvious place. Patients who struggle with keloid scars are often genetically predisposed to them.

  1. Excess Fat

It might seem counterintuitive that you wouldn’t be able to get liposuction if you have a lot of excess fat. The reality is, there is such an increased risk of complications from high volume liposuctions, they’re not allowed in many states. This is based on studies of post-operative liposuction patients.

In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends the removal of no more than five liters of fat and fluid in a procedure. Thus, your plastic surgeon may ask you to get closer to your target weight before having liposuction.

  1. BMI That’s Too High or Low

There’s so much that your body mass index (BMI) doesn’t accurately tell a plastic surgeon. This is mostly because it doesn’t differentiate between muscle mass and body fat. Even so, it still does play a baseline diagnostic role in the surgeon’s decision to perform liposuction.

Similar to patients with excess fat, those with a high BMI are also likely to experience more complications. Because of this, the vast majority of surgeons won’t operate on patients with a BMI higher than 35, with some capping off at 30.

It’s not just those with a high BMI who are poor candidates for liposuction though. If you have an unusually low BMI, you may also be strongly discouraged from the procedure. This is because liposuction areas should have a pinch thickness of at least two centimeters to lessen the risk of leaving indentations or other regularities on the skin.

  1. Certain Underlying Conditions

If you’re considering liposuction but you have a medical condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, etc., you may not qualify for the procedure. Many medical conditions (and the medications that go along with them) can compromise healing from surgery. The surgeon will require medical clearance from your other doctors in these cases.

In addition, although it’s not a medical condition, you’ll need to disclose whether you’re a smoker or you use tobacco or other nicotine products. This is REALLY important because if you do, you’ll have a greater risk of delayed healing, scarring, necrosis, and infection. Therefore, you’ll need to quit tobacco/nicotine use at least one month before your procedure.

There Are Always Options

If you’re a poor candidate for liposuction right now, don’t despair. In some cases, you may be a good candidate in the future.

Even if you’re not though, there are a myriad of different plastic surgery avenues you and your surgeon can explore.

So contact us today to set up your free consultation. And take heart in knowing you’ll be under the absolute best care available.

 

Four Wonderful Benefits of Body Lift Surgery

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If you’ve finally lost that excess fat that’s been troubling you for awhile, you may be troubled by a new problem – excess skin.

In many cases, skin and tissue fail to contract after weight loss. And that means you’re stuck with loose and hanging skin that no dieting or amount of exercise will remove.

Fortunately, there is a way to get rid of that embarrassing skin on the abdomen, arms, buttocks, breasts, and thighs with body lift surgery.

The Many Benefits of Body Lift Surgery

While weight loss is a reason to celebrate, there can be unexpected functional and psychological issues that comes with the remaining excess skin. When you opt for body lift surgery, you’ll be able to achieve the following:

1. Finally Reach Your Weight Loss Goals

In addition to the unsightliness of that excess skin, the extra weight of it is keeping the numbers up on your scale. So if you’ve been unable to hit that target number even though you’ve trimmed off the fat, it’s because that skin is weighing you down.

Plus, excess skin causes irritation from friction and it makes exercising more difficult and less effective because it causes interference with tissue circulation. With a body lift surgery, that extra skin will be removed and you’ll finally see the numbers you’ve been aiming for on your scale.

2. Show Off Your True Contours

You’ve been diligent about your diet and exercise to achieve that weight loss. So now it’s time to show off your work.

Removing excess skin will reveal the toned muscles and contours of your new body. Of course, you’ll need to maintain the effective eating and exercising habits you’ve established up to this point. But once you see the proof of your efforts, you’ll have the motivation to do so.

3. Boost Your Confidence

Dealing with hanging skin after weight loss is more than just frustrating. The discouragement you feel long-term can take a serious hit on your confidence. And you may not even realize it.

There’s a lot to be said for finally fitting into that dress or those jeans you’ve been longing to wear. And with summer coming, think about the exhilaration you’ll feel walking down the beach and showing off your beach body.

4. Get the Exact Procedure You Need

Obviously, body lift surgery isn’t one size fits all. You’ll consult with your board-certified plastic surgeon to create a customized treatment plan that will fit your specific needs. He or she may also recommend liposuction to remove localized body fat.

So whether you’re dissatisfied with your chest, waist, arms, back, thighs, abdomen, or some combination of them, you’ll be able to achieve your aesthetic goals.

Curious About How Body Lift Surgery Could Help You?

You’re proud of the work you’ve done to lose weight. But if you’re struggling with the unsightly skin that remains, why not consider body lift surgery?

Contact us today to set up your free consultation. And get ready to streamline your body contours and finally show off the true progress of your weight loss.

Plastic Surgery and Regenerative Medicine – The Perfect Duo

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It’s been said, “regenerative medicine is the wave of the future.” Of course, that was said a while back because this burgeoning field is already taking the medical world by storm.

In the simplest of terms, regenerative medicine is the process of either replacing or renovating human cells, tissues, and organs to assume regular function.

And as the field continues to merge and expand, it’s no surprise that plastic surgery and regenerative medicine make good bedfellows.

Ways That Plastic Surgery and Regenerative Medicine Work Together

Any surgical procedure requires the body to heal. For some this is more challenging than others.

Regenerative medicine gives the body a boost. Through various processes, it aims to either regenerate damaged nerves, bones, or tissues or to stimulate the body’s existing repair mechanisms to heal. It’s an amazing concept, really.

Seeing the huge potential of this field, plastic surgeons have been particularly instrumental in elevating and utilizing these therapies. Here are just a few ways:

  1. Wound Care

Wound healing is highly emphasized in all surgical procedures. And complex wounds that don’t easily heal have forever been a source of concern for surgeons.

Healing these complex wounds is a major focus in regenerative medicine. Strategies in tissue engineering enable surgeons to use skin substitutes (composed of living cells cultivated in a lab) to stimulate healing. Meanwhile, other growth factors continue to be explored.

Proper healing can be especially crucial in plastic surgery procedures where aesthetics are the primary focus. Thanks to regenerative medicine, it’s not unusual to encounter plastic surgeons now using devices that incorporate micro-mechanical forces and negative pressure to stimulate wound healing. In fact, it was a plastic surgeon who discovered these devices.

Regenerative therapies for healing scars also include energy-based devices that use intense pulsed light or lasers.

  1. Bone and Nerve Regeneration

When skilled plastic surgeons work with patients to reconstruct extensive damage to the face or limbs, there are often significant segments of bones missing. Through regenerative medicine, surgeons have been able to use calcium-based scaffolds and biomaterials (made from bone) to form new bone tissue.

They’ve also taken great strides in the science of regenerating nerves to attain their optimal functioning through therapies that use growth factors to stimulate nerve healing and grow nerve fibers. Special biomaterials are then further employed as guides to direct that growth. This has been especially beneficial for patients in need of hand and upper extremity surgery, as well as lower extremity surgery.

  1. Burn Care

When it comes to reconstructive surgery for burn injury patients, plastic surgeons are pioneers in the field of skin regeneration. The utilization of protein scaffolds to generate the innermost layer of skin (the dermis) have been highly effective in healing.

  1. Breast Reconstruction

For breast cancer survivors, regenerative medicine has provided better outcomes from reconstructive surgery through the use of decellularized tissue scaffolds. Much like the scaffolds mentioned above, these scaffolds regenerate new tissue layers which, in this case, are over the implants.

  1. Specialized Skin Flaps

In some cases, plastic surgeons have to work to eliminate deformities involving delicate and complex structures that require additional skin. This is not unusual in rhinoplasty surgery.

As such, they’ve utilized regenerative medicine to engineer replacement tissues on another part of the body. Known as ‘flap prefabrication,’ the process involves then transferring tissue grafts from the growth area to the deformity once it has healed.

Want More Great Articles About Plastic Surgery?

If you’re thinking about plastic surgery for yourself, you might be curious about the plastic surgery and regenerative medicine connection or any other number of topics. Explore our blog loaded with informative topics to educate yourself further.

Of course, if you’re feeling ready to you move forward right now, reach out to set up your free consultation. We’ll answer any questions or address concerns you might have about the surgical procedure(s) you’re considering.

So go ahead. Contact us today!

Is Getting Plastic Surgery Across the Border Wise?

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In early March of 2023, a North Carolina resident and three friends decided to make the long journey to Mexico to save money on a tummy tuck. She was just one of many Americans crossing the border to get cheaper medical procedures.

This phenomenon is known as medical tourism. And it might leave you wondering if getting plastic surgery across the border is a good idea.

Some sources say yes. But others speak to the contrary. And for a number of reasons.

Every Situation Is Unique

For the North Carolina woman who wanted a tummy tuck, the trip ended in tragedy. She and her friends were kidnapped. Two of her friends were murdered, while she and the other surviving friend were sent back to North Carolina to get medical care.

Of course, you’re likely to talk to many people who’ve received plastic surgery in Mexico and everything went alright. But as the numbers of Americans who travel to Mexico for procedures increases, the higher the risk they’ll run into volatile situations.

In addition, there are the real dangers to consider when it comes to the actual procedures. Since you’re entrusting your medical care to someone you’ve never met and in a place with which you’re not familiar, you could be taking some big chances.

Complications from Plastic Surgery

It’s vital that you ALWAYS choose a board-certified plastic surgeon. While there are board-certified surgeons in Mexico, it’s not always easy to verify whether the surgeon you’re considering has these credentials. Or you could be led by misinformation.

By contrast, when you choose a surgical center that’s a manageable distance from your home, you’re able visit the location and consult with your surgeon face-to-face to increase peace of mind.

It’s true that all surgery comes with complications – no matter where it’s performed. But if you believe you’re getting big savings by crossing the border into Mexico, you may want to pause to consider the actual cost that might come along with it.

Here are just some of the possible outcomes:

  1. Tummy Tuck

Though it sounds like a simple procedure, a tummy tuck involves removing fat and tissue from the abdomen area. If the procedure isn’t performed correctly, it can lead to bleeding or severe infection that would require  going back in, cleaning the wound, and then closing it again.

  1. Facelift

The facelift is in high demand in Mexico. But this is not a procedure to be taken lightly. If you’re not certain that you’re working with only a skilled and experienced surgeon, you could end up with infection, nerve damage, or even necrosis in your face.

  1. Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

BBL requires the removal of fat from one part of the body to be grafted to the buttocks. Again, there is a specific technique involved with the grafting and if it’s not performed correctly, it could result in thrombosis or even a stroke.

  1. Liposuction

As simple as liposuction may seem, the technique is also very specific to ensure that no fat globules travel through the bloodstream and into the lungs causing pulmonary thromboembolism. Even if that doesn’t happen, there’s still the risk of bruising and infections.

  1. Breast Reduction

While there currently are not many patients flocking to Mexico for a breast reduction, this is a procedure that should be done closer to home. The recovery process can result in keloids, or excessive scar tissue growth. Necrosis in the areola and nipple can also be a result. These would require corrective surgery.

Unexpected Outcomes

Then there are patient accounts that speak to the lack of experience an unsuspecting American may find in a Mexican operating or recovery room.

In one Tijuana clinic alone, three different women scheduled a tummy tuck with one doctor on a single day. The first woman knew something was askew when they didn’t hook her up to any machines or perform bloodwork. She was sent to a hotel to recover. But she was lucky.

The second woman, her friend, did not fare as well. And that’s putting it mildly. Without adequate oxygen and blood supply during the surgery, she died from secondary hypoxic encephalopathy.

The third woman was rushed across the border to an ER in California a few days after the procedure when her body went into septic shock.

In another case, two women found themselves at a facility in a strip mall that didn’t look at all like the images on the website. After their procedures, one was left with skin protruding from her breast augmentation incisions, while the other was left disfigured and was told by a doctor that the surgery had put her life in jeopardy.

Finally (but certainly not the last on a lengthy list), a woman who travelled to Mexico from Washington state to get a mommy makeover was left with severe burns on her fingers after heated saline bags were placed there during surgery. Her hands will be scarred for life and she’ll likely need to have an amputation on her dominant thumb.

Still Wondering About Getting Plastic Surgery Across the Border?

Clearly, getting plastic surgery across the border in Mexico is risky business. Like the old adage says, you get what you pay for.

Plastic surgery is an investment that gives you great returns such as increased confidence, improved self-esteem, and a boost in your overall well-being. It’s hard to put a price on that.

So if you’re considering plastic surgery in your future and want the assurance that comes from working with only highly qualified board-certified plastic surgeons, contact us today. And invest in yourself.

 

The Ultimate Guide in Prepping for Plastic Surgery

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Picture it. Your body finally has the shapes, lines, and sleek contours that you’ve always desired. And all you had to do was “add water and stir.”

Okay. Obviously the second part is merely a dream.

Because getting the body you want may very well mean you’ll have to go under the knife. And prepping for plastic surgery requires more than just adding water and stirring.

Aesthetic and Hygienic Guidlines

First, take a shower both the night before and the morning of your surgery. Wash with an antibacterial cleanser and wash your hair. You’ll want to go in as clean as possible.

And as much as you might feel inclined to wax or shave during those showers, don’t. Though shaving seems logical enough, the recommendation is to wax or shave about four to seven days before surgery.

Sure, you won’t have that baby smooth skin. But shaving right before surgery can lead to microscopic cuts and abrasions which can disrupt the skin’s barrier defense against microbes colonizing the skin and hair follicles.

Also, your surgeon doesn’t care if you have a fierce tan while on the table. He or she is more concerned with reducing your risk for added inflammation and scarring. And tanning before your procedure increases that risk.

What to Wear…

Again, it’s surgery and not a fashion show. Throw on your most comfortable and loosest fitting clothing. If you’re having a procedure such as a tummy tuck or a Brazilian butt lift, you may be fitted with a compression garment afterwards. When you have big comfy clothes, they’ll slide easily over that garment.

Of course, as you go into surgery, you’ll be donning a hospital gown. Those comfy clothes and other personal items will be waiting for you when you come out.

As far as wearing a menstrual pad or tampon, these are totally fine.

The Do NOTs in Prepping for Plastic Surgery

Generally speaking, less is more on surgery day. So it really comes down more to what you shouldn’t have coming into surgery versus what you should.

  1. No Need to Be Bedazzled

You will need to take off all of your jewelry before your procedure. That means not just necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings, but every body piercing as well. Your surgeon will use an electrosurgical device to cut  tissue and control bleeding. A piercing – even a small one – can divert the electrical current and damage the tissue.

In addition, pressure on those piercings could result in the loss of tissue around them since you’ll be anesthetized and unable to recognize the pressure.

  1. Go Au Naturel

If you normally use hair products after you shower, leave them out this time. The key is to avoid contamination with open wounds – which we all have to agree takes precedence over whether your hair is frizzy or falling flat.

Makeup is also prohibited so that makeup particles don’t end up in your eyes. When you’re anesthetized, you won’t have the ability to blink to clear out those particles. In some cases, you may even have your eyes taped shut. So leave the make-up in its bag or curio drawer.

Another reason for ditching the makeup and hair products is that some of them have flammable ingredients. So it’s best to just avoid them.

  1. Skip the Manicure

Let your nails go naked.

It might sound weird, but nail polish is prohibited during your surgical procedure. Doctors and nurses will keep an eye on your circulation and need to be able to see your natural fingernail to do this. They’ll also need to regularly monitor your pulse and how well you’re breathing using a pulse oximeter clipped onto your finger. Nail polish can interfere with these readings.

For some time, there was the belief that acrylic nails affected the pulse oximeter as well. Recent studies show that unpolished acrylics do not impact this. But you may need to remove them anyhow.

  1. Leave Your Orthodontics At Home

Finally, if you really dislike wearable orthodontics like a retainer or elastic bands for your teeth, good news! You finally have a valid excuse to not wear them (for a little while, at least).Your surgeon will need you to remove them before your procedure.

Get the Body You’ve Dreamed Of

The extra measures you have to take in prepping for plastic surgery are well worth the outcome.

Isn’t it time you felt better about your body and appearance? If you’re ready to step into the plastic surgery arena, contact us today.

We’ll set you up for your free consultation where you’ll be able to ask your plastic surgeon the hard-hitting questions that’ll give you peace of mind before your procedure.

 

Are There Non-Surgical Fat Removal Options?

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As much as we’re told to embrace imperfections in our bodies, stubborn fat that won’t go away no matter how much you diet and exercise can be discouraging. VERY.

Liposuction is one of the most popular and effective fat removal procedures. It’s highly effective and delivers outstanding results. It does have drawbacks though. First, it’s an invasive procedure that requires some recovery time. Plus, it can be a bit costly.

Meanwhile, there’s a group of non-surgical fat removal options now that don’t require surgery. Plus, the recovery time is minimal. We’ll take a look at how they work.

Non-Surgical Fat Removal Options

Around since the 1980s, liposuction is fairly straightforward. A board-certified plastic surgeon makes a small incision in the skin and sucks out excess fat cells using a small tube. He or she then sculpts a more sleek body contour.

But for those not eager to go deeply under the knife, there are procedures that zap unwanted fat cells topically. Here’s how:

1.Cold and Heat

Many of us are not too far from our ideal weight, but still struggle with small and localized fat spots on the abdomen, hips, and thighs. Some treatments utilize freezing to remove that unwanted fat. It may sound unpleasant, but it’s not.

A surgeon or other practitioner uses a special cryolipolysis device to cool fat cells to the point of death without affecting surrounding tissues. The dead fat cells are flushed from the body in the days and weeks that follow – with results noticed after about three months.

On the other end of the spectrum, certain non-invasive procedures employ heat to destroy fat cells. This process is known as apoptosis and it’s especially effective in targeting those love handles, as well as fat beneath the chin, and on the back, abdomen, and thighs.

Triple Wavelength Laser Technology

This procedure with the space-agey name is not as out there as it sounds. The use of triple wavelength laser technology is sometimes referred to as laser liposuction. And yes, there is a very tiny incision made to insert a small tube which removes excess liquid that can accumulate during the procedure.

Triple wavelength laser technology is effective for those who want to address sagging skin or fat around the muscles without going into surgery. This technology is a great alternative to liposuction in addressing fat deposits in the same problem areas including the back, thighs, upper arms, buttocks, abs, and flanks.

It’s also ideal for tackling unwanted fat in the face (around the jaw, chin, jowls, and neck) that traditional liposuction can’t effectively treat. Results from this treatment are immediate with minimal downtime.

Radiofrequency Technology

Finally, radiofrequency technology has been a godsend to the plastic surgery and dermatology industries. Radiofrequency energy is used to eliminate fat cells on the abdomen, thighs, hips, and buttocks.

An internal probe is used to deliver this energy to help melt fat while tightening the skin by strengthening the collagen bands beneath it. (Yes, that means there is a small incision made for the probe.) There is also an external applicator delivering energy to further tighten the skin.

Radiofrequency lipolysis is ideal for patients trying to get rid of loose skin along with small to moderate amounts of fat. There is very little downtime and results start surfacing within days. Full results are apparent in two to three weeks with skin tightening continuing for months.

Ready to Tackle Unwanted Fat?

Whether you opt for liposuction or choose from one of the non-surgical fat removal options, getting rid of that unwanted fat will leave you feeling lighter and with renewed confidence.

So contact us today to discuss your options.

We’ll guide you through all of your options so you can make the most educated decision.

 

 

Nutrition Before and After Plastic Surgery

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Any time you opt for surgery – even if it’s elective – it’s still important to consider what to put into your body and what to avoid.

Getting the proper nutrition before and after plastic surgery is going to make a difference in how quickly you heal.

That’s why you should always discuss any dietary restrictions you may have with your board-certified plastic surgeon. It’s possible that certain diets could deplete you of key nutrients that will lend to optimal healing.

Preparing Your Body

There are certain foods, drinks, and supplements you may need to avoid the days or week before you prepare for your plastic surgery. Many of these have to do with how they impact blood clotting, but there are other factors.

For example, if you regularly eat a lot of omega-3 foods or take a supplement, you’ll probably need to refrain before surgery because they can increase bleeding and thin the blood.

Vitamins B, D, E, and K can all interfere with anesthesia. And herbal supplements sometimes have anti-coagulant or other qualities that can cause bleeding, and kidney or liver malfunction. They can also affect how patients process anesthesia.

Finally, you’ll be discouraged from two of the biggest offenders – alcohol and caffeine. Along with dehydrating your system, alcohol can thin the blood. Caffeine, meanwhile, can increase bleeding and elevates the heart rate. If you can’t imagine a day a week without your cup of joe, take heart. You likely will only need to abstain a day or two before the procedure.

Keeping Clean for Better Recovery

Going into the surgery clean is also going to assist with recovery. The mistake some patients make is going right back to poor eating habits post-op. When they get bored while waiting for the body to heal, they may be prone to sugary or salty snacks. This is a mistake.

Sugar creates inflammation and suppresses the immune system – neither of which is optimal for healing. Furthermore, salt will zap you of the hydration that’s critical for recovery. It causes you to hold water and can prolong any puffiness of swelling you might experience.

And set the beer/wine/cocktail aside too. Like salt, alcohol also causes fluid retention which can prolong swelling. What’s worse though, it may interact in negative or even dangerous ways with pain medications.

Good news? You can have your coffee again.

The Best Nutrition Before and After Surgery… and Beyond

So now that you know all the things you should avoid, what’s on the approved list of beneficial nutrition before and after surgery? We’ll take a look at the non-offenders:

  1. Protein

Collagen and blood cell production rely on protein while healing tissues and transporting nutrients. So load up on lean meats, eggs, seeds, and nuts before surgery. Then you can always add the omega-3 heavy fish back in after surgery.

  1. Zinc & Iron

In terms of preventing infection, zinc is the biggest go-to. Meanwhile, iron helps build red blood cells to boost the above mentioned nutrient delivery. Oysters have the most zinc of all foods. If you’d sooner eat pond scum, you can also find zinc in chick peas, tofu, hemp seeds, oats, and lean beef. These are similar sources for iron, but add in some dark-leafy greens to complete the picture.

  1. Vitamins A & C

As mentioned above, you’ll want to avoid vitamins B, D, E, and K before surgery. But you can certainly invite them back into your diet after your procedure. Meanwhile, vitamins A and C are kosher for both before and after.

Fruits and vegetables loaded with vitamins A and C, such as spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli, are loaded with antioxidants that will help reduce inflammation and combat the negative effects of free radicals.

  1. Water

It should go without saying, but drinking plenty of water is nearly always good for you. This is especially true before and after surgery. Staying hydrated is key in both cases. Skin that is hydrated before the procedure will be better equipped to heal wounds and leave less scarring. And post-op, water is key in maintaining the body’s lymphatic system which is busy flushing out the by-products of tissue healing.

So raise a glass (or eight) to water.

Prepare to Look and Feel Great

You’re making a big investment when you decide to get plastic surgery. So you want to get the most out of it.

Contact us today for your free consultation where you’ll be able to discuss diet and nutrition with your plastic surgeon.

Then strive to maintain proper nutrition before and after plastic surgery. Once you establish these good habits, you’ll be surprised at how great you feel.

Wondering How Skin Elasticity Affects Plastic Surgery? 

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If you’re considering plastic surgery, you may be so focused on your desired outcome that you haven’t considered how the elasticity of your skin may affect that outcome. 

But you can bet your plastic surgeon certainly has. 

The fact is, skin elasticity affects plastic surgery results. Especially when it comes to liposuction. So skin elasticity is something every plastic surgeon considers when consulting with their patients.  

What Is Skin Elasticity?  

Do you remember the first time you pulled up some skin on the back of your hand to see how quickly it snapped back into its original shape? Given that most of us did this as children the first time, the skin snapped back quickly, right? That’s elasticity. 

The skin is made up of three layers; the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutis. The dermis is the middle layer and it contains two kinds of proteins known as elastin and collagen. They are responsible for elasticity.  

If you waited until later in life to play this game though, there probably wasn’t so much a snapping back as a slow descent. As we age, the skin loses its elasticity – a condition known as elastosis. The body’s production of collagen and elastin decline. And the increasing lack of elasticity causes the skin to sag, wrinkle, or even take on a leathery appearance. 

Are There Other Causes For Skin Elastosis? 

As previously mentioned, age is one of the biggest perpetrators. And until the enigmatic fountain of youth is discovered, it will almost always be one of the top factors for your skin not looking or behaving as it once did.  

Even so, there are other factors that play into the skin’s loss of elasticity.  

Environmental and lifestyle causes can certainly accelerate it. Excessive exposure to the sun, for example, breaks down collagen and elastin fibers and causes the skin to prematurely age. Smoking is also a factor. Tobacco smoke is notorious for drying out delicate facial skin.   

Finally, rapid and extensive weight gain or loss can also contribute to elastosis. The skin isn’t designed to hold a large amount of weight and then spring back when the weight quickly disappears. 

How Skin Elasticity Affects Plastic Surgery 

Many people come to plastic surgeons because they want to get rid of problematic fat or are looking for a sleeker, more streamlined appearance on some part of the body.  

In most cases, patients under 40 still have fairly elastic skin. For them, these procedures tend to go smoothly. The skin in the treated area maintains the same tone after the procedure and is able to re-drape tightly over the contoured part.  

Women under 40 who’ve gone through a single pregnancy may have reduced elasticity around the abdominal area, but it may spring back enough.  

Folks under 40 who’ve experienced dramatic fluctuations in weight, however, will likely have issues with their skin not bouncing back after the procedure.  

And nearly everyone over the age of 40 is going to have decreased skin elasticity to some degree. Again, those who have experienced major weight fluctuations (and/or multiple pregnancies) are going to be up against even more challenges. 

So in these cases, the plastic surgeon may encourage skin excision or lift procedures instead. A tummy tuck, for instance, will remove both excess fat and sagging skin. The same goes for a thigh lift or arm lift.  

For Every Problem. There’s a Solution 

Now that you have a firmer (pun intended) grasp on how skin elasticity affects plastic surgery, you may be reconsidering which procedure you want. 

You don’t need to think too much about it though.  

Instead, contact us to set up your free consultation to talk with one of our highly skilled surgeons. He or she will clearly guide you through exactly what you need.