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The tummy tuck, technically known as abdominoplasty, is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures. If you have stubborn abdominal fat or excess skin on your tummy, and have tried without success to eliminate it with diet and exercise, then the tummy tuck procedure may be the solution for you.

How do you know if you�re a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

Generally, in order to be a good candidate for the tummy tuck procedure, you should be in good overall health and near your ideal weight, but struggle with stubborn fat and excess skin in your midsection. During your initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will review your needs and evaluate your candidacy for tummy tuck surgery.

How long is the recovery time from a tummy tuck?

Most tummy tuck patients are able to return to work after two to three weeks. However, strenuous physical activity should be avoided for several weeks to allow for proper healing and recovery.

What are the risks of a tummy tuck?

The risks associated with tummy tuck surgery are similar to the risks associated with other major surgical procedures, such as blood clots, infection, excessive bleeding, nerve damage, pain, scarring, and adverse reaction to anesthesia.

What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck works by removing fat and excess skin on the abdomen to give patients a flatter, more taut and lean tummy, plus a smaller waistline. After the tummy tuck procedure, most patients enjoy increased self-confidence and improved satisfaction with their appearance.

Are there different kinds of tummy tucks?

Yes, there are several abdominoplasty techniques, including the �mini-tummy tuck.� Your plastic surgeon can help you decide which technique is best for you. Your surgeon can also help you determine if combining your tummy tuck with another procedure, such as breast lift surgery, can help you achieve your personal appearance goals more effectively.

If you have bags under your eyes, puffiness on your upper lids, or vision problems caused by sagging skin in the eye area, you may benefit from a blepharoplasty procedure. The blepharoplasty procedure is commonly referred to as eyelid surgery, and it can correct a number of problems in the eye area.

Candidates for Eyelid Surgery

Generally, candidates for blepharoplasty are over the age of 35, but most plastic surgeons require their patients to be at least 18 years of age to have this procedure. Regardless of your age, you will not be considered for surgery if you are not in good health, both mentally and physically. Although this seems like a simple plastic surgery procedure it does come with its own unique set of medical concerns and restrictions.  

Certain eye conditions may exclude a person from being an ideal eyelid surgery candidate, including glaucoma and chronic dry eye. Both of these conditions exclude you from blepharoplasty because the procedure can lead to complications with either of these conditions. Additionally, there are a number of medical conditions that may exclude you as an eyelid surgery candidate, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, and certain anatomical issues. These conditions can increase surgical risks and may lead to complications during healing.

Eyelid Surgery Results

Eyelid surgery is a popular and effective plastic surgery procedure, but it is important for an eyelid surgery candidate to understand the results this option can provide and to have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of their surgery. The blepharoplasty procedure can address some of the features that are making you look older, but the procedure does have its limitations. Crow's feet, dark under eye circles, and fine lines around the eye cannot be removed during the blepharoplasty procedure. However, your surgeon may be able to recommend complementary treatments, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, that can enhance the outcome of your surgery.

A breast lift can help improve the appearance of your breasts if they are drooping and saggy. A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, helps reposition the breasts so that they sit higher on the chest wall, creating a more youthful shape. While a breast lift is a popular choice, not all women are candidates for this procedure.

Age

First and foremost, a breast lift candidate has to be the right age. Most doctors require a breast lift candidate to be at least 18 years old. During adolescence girls continue to grow, so having any form of cosmetic surgery before this age is not usually recommended. 

General Health

To have any plastic surgery, including a breast lift procedure, doctors require that a patient be in good overall health. This means that they can withstand anesthesia and have the ability to heal properly following the procedure. For this reason, certain chronic medical conditions may exclude a person from being a breast lift candidate.

Weight

Weight also plays a role in whether or not you are an ideal breast lift candidate. If you are planning on losing a significant amount of weight, or you are in the process of losing weight, you may want to postpone breast lift surgery. This is because when you lose weight the volume of your breast changes and may result in drooping. It is best to wait until you have reached your goal weight to undergo the mastopexy procedure. 

Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes many women to develop droopy breasts, so it is best to be sure you are done having children before undergoing the breast lift procedure.

For more information about breast lift surgery, contact a plastic surgeon to review your candidacy.

Facial plastic surgery can include any type of cosmetic procedure that is performed on the face. There are many different facial plastic surgery procedures available, including various non-surgical treatments, and in some cases more than one procedure may be used to address your individual concerns and help you achieve the appearance you desire.

Non-Surgical Treatments

A non-surgical facial procedure is a procedure which does not require an incision or general anesthesia to be performed, though it may require a local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. While there are many times of non-surgical facial rejuvenation, some of the most popular options include: BOTOX® Cosmetic, injectable fillers, laser skin treatments, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion.

Surgical Treatments

Surgical methods of facial plastic surgery are often more invasive, and require the use of standard surgical procedures and incisions. Many surgical methods of facial plastic surgery also require the use of general anesthesia, though there are others that can be performed with a local anesthetic as well. Popular methods of surgical facial plastic surgery include: blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), rhinoplasty (nose surgery), facelift, browlift, and chin and cheek procedures.

Treatment Planning

Whether you will require a surgical or non-surgical method of facial plastic surgery depends on what results you are looking for. For many common skin issues, non-surgical methods of cosmetic treatment will generally be sufficient. These treatments are typically less expensive and offer a much shorter recovery time. However, if you are looking to change the shape of a facial feature, or require a facial lift to help tighten the skin's appearance, a surgical method will likely be necessary. These are often more costly and generally have a longer recovery period. There are also more risks involved with surgical methods of facial plastic surgery which should be considered as well.

Contact a Plastic Surgeon

The best way to determine which method of facial plastic surgery will work best for you is to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon, who can help you in deciding what treatment you need to get the results you are looking for and help you to understand the benefits and risks of that particular treatment. 

Many women may consider breast augmentation for different reasons. It is important to learn as much as you can about the procedure prior to your decision. Below are just a few of the most commonly asked questions about breast augmentation.

What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is also referred to as breast enlargement surgery. To enhance the size of your breasts, saline or silicone implants are placed in one of two areas--behind the chest wall muscle or in front of it. Breast implants can also be a part of a reconstruction treatment plan for mastectomy patients.

Can complications can arise after breast augmentation surgery?

After breast augmentation surgery, you should closely monitor for possible infection, deflation, or displacement of the implant. You may also experience numbness around the nipples as a side effect. Capsular contracture is also possible. This condition is when the breasts harden after the capsule surrounding the implant tightens and squeezes the implant. You should notify your plastic surgeon if this occurs.

What is the recovery time following breast augmentation surgery?

After breast enlargement surgery, you will experience some discomfort and swelling. This is normal, and you should be able to return to work within a week. You should refrain from exercising for about four weeks after your surgery.

Do breast implants affect mammogram testing?

Yes, they do. When you go in for your next mammogram, check with your doctor to make sure the technicians are experienced in performing mammograms on women who have breast implants.

Will my insurance cover the cost of breast augmentation surgery?

If breast augmentation is purely cosmetic, it's considered an elective procedure and will not be covered by insurance. For reconstruction purposes after a mastectomy, a portion of the costs may be covered. Your insurance provider can tell you if breast enlargement is covered in your case. Schedule a cosmetic surgery consultation for more information about the breast augmentation procedure or other popular treatment options.

Restylane® is an injectable anti-aging treatment. Restylane® is made from a clear gel that closely mimics the hyaluronic acid found naturally in the body. As a dermal filler, hyaluronic acid lubricates and plumps up tissues, decreasing wrinkles and concave areas to produce a more youthful appearance.

Restylane® Uses and Results

Since its FDA approval in 2002, Restylane® has been used to diminish wrinkles in 1.4 million people in America. Its popularity stems from the procedure’s short duration, relatively low cost, and minimal recovery phase. Restylane® is best-known for its use in minimizing nasolabial folds – the lines that run from the corners of the nose and down either side of the patient’s mouth. It is also used to plump up the backs of patients’ hands that have become sunken due to age. Additionally, Restylane® can be used to augment the lips and contour the face. Its effects last for about six months to a year, at which point a follow-up treatment becomes necessary to maintain results. Unlike those who undergo invasive cosmetic surgery, Restylane® patients are ready to get back to work and normal activities immediately. Since the hyaluronic acid used in Restylane® isn’t derived from animals, allergic reactions are rare. More common side effects are the same ones you could expect from any injection: temporary swelling, itching, redness, and a low grade fever.

Restylane® Procedure

During a Restylane® treatment, the doctor applies anesthetic cream to the patient’s face. Then Restylane® is injected into the necessary areas. The whole procedure takes about half an hour. Results are instantaneous, and most people who receive Restylane® injections report only mild discomfort during the procedure. It’s important to note that Restylane® is not a permanent procedure. It is, however, a popular alternative to face lift surgery, eyelid surgery, and other invasive facial rejuvenation procedures. If you’re thinking of having an anti-aging treatment, ask your doctor about Restylane® and what it can do for you.

If you are considering liposuction because you cannot seem to lose those unwanted pounds or you would like to improve the shape of your body, you should seek the advice of an experienced plastic surgeon. Here are some commonly asked questions regarding liposuction.

Am I a good candidate for liposuction?

If you are close to a normal weight and have realistic expectations you may be a good candidate for liposuction. There is not an age requirement or limitation to have liposuction. However, if you suffer from certain medical conditions you may not be an ideal candidate. Patients of average weight with localized areas of fat are usually the best candidates for liposuction.

Will a liposuction procedure get rid of cellulite?

Liposuction improves your body’s contour but it does not always get rid of cellulite. Liposuction can help decrease the appearance of cellulite but it is important to remember that cellulite is caused by many factors including; age, genetics, and the texture of your skin.

What are the common areas that you can have liposuctions?

Men and women have different areas that are commonly treated. In women the outer thighs and stomach tend to be more common to treat while men tend to have liposuction in the area known as their “love handles.” For more noticeable results, some patients combine liposuction with tummy tuck or other body contouring procedures.

What are the common side effects of a liposuction procedure?

Some of the common side effects are swelling, bruising, and scarring. Some of these side effects can last from days to several months, such as swelling. The scar from the procedure will begin to fade after a few weeks. The sides effects of liposuction are considered minor and you should be able to resume normal activities within one to two weeks.

What are the risks involved with having a liposuction procedure?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with having liposuction. Some risks would be infection, bleeding, and possible nerve damage. You can also experience a loss of fluids from having liposuction. It is very important to follow your doctor’s instructions to prevent any excessive fluid loss or other complications.

Bariatric surgery has produced remarkable weight loss results for millions of Americans. Despite the success of these procedures, bariatric surgery patients share one common adverse side effect at the end of their weight loss journey: excess skin. For many of these men and women who have been so successful in achieving their weight loss goals, it can be disheartening to have to face the discomfort and embarrassment of loose, overhanging skin. Post-weight loss cosmetic surgery offers a solution for patients who would like to eliminate a significant amount of excess skin. Plastic surgeons can employ a variety of body contouring procedures in combination to sculpt the entire body. This treatment is commonly referred to as a complete body lift, and may include tummy tuck surgery, liposuction, breast lift, arm lift, and thigh lift.

Risks and Benefits

Post-bariatric body contouring can be extremely rewarding for patients who have lost a massive amount of weight. But it is important to keep in mind that a full body lift is an invasive treatment and will likely require significant recovery time and leave patients with visible scarring. Most surgeons will employ several plastic surgery techniques and operate on multiple areas of the body at once. For most patients who are dealing with the daily discomfort of excess skin, the scarring, cost, and recovery time are all sacrifices they are willing to make.

Choosing a Surgeon

If you have undergone bariatric surgery and are interested in pursuing plastic surgery to remove excess skin, contact an experienced plastic surgeon. To ensure the best result, be candid during your surgical consultation and make sure to follow your physician’s instructions after surgery.