What is the Body Contouring Procedure?

The term: ‘body contouring’ gives the impression of the human body as a lump of clay that the ‘artistic’ plastic surgeon sculpts it into a work of fine art – like Michelangelo’s David, perhaps. Very few plastic surgeons are artists in the generally accepted meaning of the word – despite self-indulgent posturing, marketing hype and the occasional art creation. The sad truth is that we are dealing with a pre-existing musculoskeletal structure and skin envelope that we can only alter in well-defined and limited ways. We do not have a free-handed liberty to shape the body into whatever form the patient desires.

Body contouring is therefore a misleading term that includes such procedures as liposuction (foolishly and even more misleadingly rendered ‘liposculpture’ by those with artistic pretensions); excisional surgery after weight loss; body, leg, breast and arm lifts; abdominoplasty and fat injection.

Liposuction (suction assisted lipectomy, liposculpture, suction lipectomy) can remove unsightly bulges of fat from areas where there is a disproportionate amount of it. It has become the most common aesthetic surgery procedure performed in the United States, and is highly effective in the right circumstances. The surgery itself leaves tiny scars. However, if large amounts of fat require removal and if the skin tone is poor – for example, after massive weight loss – the results are frequently disappointing. The loose skin, now unsupported by fat, becomes looser, taking on ripples at best; and, at worst, hanging in folds.

Body contouring involves dealing with the loose skin by removing it and thereby tightening that which remains. Since long incisions are necessary, the scars are more prominent than with liposuction, but are hidden – as far as possible – in inconspicuous places. For example, in arm reductions (batwing correction, brachioplasty) the scar is placed in the armpit or down the inside of the upper arm; in thigh lifts, the scar is located in the groin crease or down the inside of the thigh; in lower body lifts, the scar is sited within the bikini line, and with breast lifts, the scar is positioned around the nipple-areola complex and on the undersurface of the breast.

People who experience massive weight loss, be it from gastric bypass, banding or dieting alone, experience wildly different patterns of skin redundancy. Like all sensible plastic surgery, the techniques used, their combination and their staging have to be individualized to the patient and his or her physical condition. At your initial consultation, I will take a detailed history and perform a thorough examination with the object of finding out your aims, determining what combination of procedures would best satisfy them and ensuring that any pre-existing medical conditions may be appropriately managed to minimize risk at the time of surgery. You will have ample time to ask questions and discuss your options in a professional yet friendly environment.

Finally, if you are ever sitting in a plastic surgery office and you glimpse a bronze cast of the ‘artist’s’ hands, take my advice and head for the door.

Plastic Surgery Options After Massive Weight Loss

As the lap-band and other bariatric surgeries become more popular options for massive weight loss in men and women, more and more previously overweight people are approaching plastic surgeons to address their post-massive weight loss bodies.

While bariatric surgery can have incredible results helping you to lose weight rapidly, the downside is that often patients experience extra sagging skin and stubborn areas of fatty deposits that are not easily rid through regular diet and exercise. For some patients in liposuction can work quite well to help contour and shape the body by removing stubborn fatty deposits. In other areas surgeons may recommend another type of surgery.

Most average-sized people after losing 20-40 pounds, can easily go back to having a tight and svelte-looking body. Their skin has enough elasticity to bounce back from being stretched. The skin of a post-bariatric surgery patient however, simply is unable to do so because it has been over-stretched for too long. Unfortunately in this case, no amount of diet or exercise can reduce the excess sagging skin.

For these patients who have reached their weight goal, whether through bariatric surgery or rigorous diet and exercise, but are unhappy with the sagging skin, in tummy tuck surgery may be the best option. Generally, age and the amount of weight lost determine how much excess sagging skin you will have on your body after massive weight loss. The more weight lost and the older you are, the more likely you are to have more sagging skin than a younger person who has more skin elasticity, and who shed less pounds.

If you are considering plastic surgery after losing 100 pounds or more, then you should schedule an appointment with a local Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your options for improving your new body’s appearance. Through liposuction and various other procedures usually tummy tuck, abdominal lift, breast lift, arm lift, face lift, and neck lifts, you can achieve a body that you will be happy to show off.

Plastic Surgery and Liposuction Options after a Massive Weight Loss

With the popularity of the new lap-band bariatric surgery procedure, more and more previously overweight people are approaching plastic surgeons to address the aftermath on their body of their massive weight loss of more than 100 pounds.

While bariatric surgery can do wonders to help you lose weight, the downside is that you will come out of the weight loss process with a lot of extra sagging skin and stubborn areas of fatty deposits that you simply cannot get rid of through regular exercise and diet. For some of these areas liposuction can work quite well to help contour your body. In other areas more radical procedures will have to be performed.

Where a more average-sized person can easily lose 20-40 pounds, and their skin has enough elasticity to bounce back from being stretched, the skin of a post-bariatric surgery patient simply is unable to do so because it has been over-stretched for too long.

Because of this loss of elasticity, post weight loss patients will require much more work performed by a plastic surgeon to achieve the same result as the more average-sized person is able to achieve on their own through simple diet and regular exercise.

Generally speaking, the prime candidate for liposuction is the patient who is of average weight and who simply needs some targeted areas of fat removed. However, often post-weight loss surgery patients can see some good results utilizing liposuction as well.

But, it is important to know that these patients will not see the optimum results over time because as they age their skin will be much more likely to sag than someone who has not undergone a massive weight loss.

As long as a weight loss patient is realistic in their expectations of their outcome from liposuction they can be a good candidate to have it performed, usually in conjunction with other plastic surgery procedures such as a tummy tuck, abdominal lift, breast lift, arm lift, face lift, and neck lifts.

Age and the amount of weight lost determine how much sagging skin you will have on your body after a massive weight loss. If you are younger, then you are in a position to have less sagging skin because skin tends to have more elasticity when you are younger versus when you are older.

Additionally, if you have lost 100 pounds you will have much less sagging skin than someone who has had to loose 250 pounds to reach their goal weight.

If you have undergone a massive weight loss, due to diet and exercise or through bariatric surgery, you are to be commended on your achievement. If you are unhappy with your new post weight loss body, then you should consider scheduling an appointment with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your options for improving your new body’s appearance. Through liposuction and various other procedures you can achieve a body that you will be happy to show off.

Could cosmetic surgery be good for your career?

Once upon a time it was the domain of the greying generation trying to hang on to its youth. But a recent survey has revealed one-fifth of working women admit they’d consider getting cosmetic surgery to further their career.

The poll of almost 500 females also reported that 30 per cent of women have experienced discrimination at work based on their looks, highlighting a concern many feel to be true:  good-looking people are more likely to get ahead.

In a study conducted by the University of California a few years ago, attractive staff members were found to earn more than their less attractive counterparts. The cause of this disparity was that beautiful people were perceived as being more helpful and cooperative than their peers, and less selfish, too. The scientists discovered this was true across various industries and societies.

Backing that research is another statistic from this week’s survey: 40 per cent of women know a female co-worker who has been hired or promoted due to physical attractiveness rather than job performance. Perhaps some of that result reflects a tendency for people to find something superficial to explain a rival’s success, but still, even if it’s only half right, it shows that meritocracy is somewhat absent.

One of the most prolific researchers on physical attractiveness is Dr Gordon Patzer. In his book, “Looks: Why they matter more than you ever imagined”, he cites studies showing that cuter babies are more likely to be held affectionately than those that aren’t so cute, and that teachers have higher expectations of the more attractive kids as they progress through school. So it’s not unusual to see the favourable treatment of attractive people spreading into the workplace, too.

There is a heightened awareness today of cosmetic surgery which didn’t exist 20 years ago or even five years ago. The general community is much more accepting of cosmetic surgery today and it’s more affordable now.

In August, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery released for the first time a compilation of worldwide comparisons. The United States came out on top as the country in which surgical and non-surgical procedures are conducted the most. This was followed by Brazil in second place, China in third, India in fourth, and Mexico in fifth. Australia is sitting at number 22.

The five most popular surgical procedures from highest to lowest are: blepharoplasty (removal of excess skin from the eyelids), rhinoplasty (nose job), breast augmentation (implants), breast lift (tightening up), and liposuction (removal of fat).  And the most common non-surgical procedure was, unsurprisingly, botox.

Often it’s not just about the external gratification patients get from knowing people find them attractive. It also has a lot to do with how they personally feel about themselves. From a career perspective, if their self-esteem is up, they sound more assured in job interviews. When their confidence is stronger, they’re bolder during negotiations and salary reviews.

Official figures for work-inspired cosmetic surgery doesn’t exist here, but the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery surveyed their members a couple of years ago. Two thirds of surgeons reported seeing an increase in cosmetic surgery among those who want to be more competitive in the workplace.

This isn’t just about women, either. Increasingly, men are going under the knife, too. But I wonder how many people are resorting to cosmetic surgery before exploring other avenues like their hairstyle, the clothes they wear, the food they eat, their skincare products, and their level of exercise. A surgically improved face might not compensate for deficiencies in those areas.

Regardless, a dud employee is a dud employee. Just because the packaging’s great doesn’t mean the product will deliver. It’s a shame there isn’t a surgical procedure to enhance the brain.

Considering A Mastopexy, The Procedure Will Be Individualized To Each Patient

During your first consultation the surgeon will evaluate your general health, and discuss what changes can be made to your breasts and discuss what your expectations are. Your surgeon will examine your breasts and measure your chest size.

Surgeons prefers to individualize each one of their patient’s care and will discuss the variables that may affect your surgery-such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, the condition of your skin, and whether an implant is advisable. You will view pre and post-op pictures, be photographed and discuss pre and post-op care.

A mastopexy usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours. Plastic surgeons uses several different techniques for breast lift and will choose the one best suited for you. If you have small breasts and minimal sagging, you may be a candidate for the modified surgery that requires a less extensive incision (short-scar). One such surgery is the “doughnut” or periareolar mastopexy, in which circular incisions are made around the areola.

If you’re having an implant inserted along with your breast lift, it will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue, or deeper, under the muscle of the chest wall if you lack the appropriate amount of breast tissue to give your breasts a more natural appearance. Your surgeon will discuss with you the best surgery following your examination and what your expectations are.

Recovery is not typically difficult. You will be tired and slightly sore for 1-3 days following your surgery. After surgery, you’ll wear a surgical bra. Your breasts will be slightly bruised, swollen and uncomfortable for a day or two, but the pain should not be severe. Any discomfort you do feel can be relieved with medications prescribed by the doctor.

You will see your doctor within the first 5 days. Absorbable sutures are used; however a few sutures will be removed (painlessly!) within two weeks. You will follow up every 2-3 weeks for 2 months and then every 6 months for the first year. After the first year you will return for a follow up visit yearly.

The best candidates for mastopexy are healthy, emotionally stable women who are realistic about what surgery can accomplish. The best results are usually achieved in women with small sagging breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in heavy breasts.

Many women seek mastopexy because pregnancy and nursing have left them with stretched skin and less volume in their breasts. However, if you’re planning to have more children, it may be a good idea to postpone your breast lift.

While there are no special risks that affect future pregnancies for example with breast-feeding, pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts again and offset the results of your surgery.

Are there scars? Yes. Whenever surgery is performed on your body a scar will result. Many surgeons prefers to use short scar techniques when possible and will discuss this with you and the exact placement and location of the scars during your consultation.

These scars will become pale-pink to white in color over 6-12 months and will be hidden by your clothing. In the post-operative period doctors will prescribe several techniques to help your scars heal as best as possible.

What does scar maturation mean? As a scar heals it goes thru different phases initially being red and firm and progressing to a more mature scar that is similar in color to your other skin and soft to the touch. This maturation process takes 6-12 months.

Doctors uses several specialized scar therapy protocols to make your incisions as imperceptible as possible. Plastic surgeons will explain these protocols to you and monitor your incisions as they mature to give you your optimal result.

Does it hurt? Most patients do not complain of the surgery being very painful but describe it as uncomfortable. Postoperative discomfort is well controlled by pain medications as needed. Your pain will decrease over time and be mostly soreness rather than pain.

Will I be awake during surgery? Your doctor feels it is safest for the patient when the surgery is performed under general anesthesia. You will be completely asleep with a board certified anesthesiologist monitoring you.

Where is the surgery performed? Surgeons usually perform this type of surgery in a specialized plastic surgery operating room. Are medical photographs taken? Photographs are taken at your first visit, and then after your surgery at about two months, 6 months and 1 year.

What medications should I avoid? You should avoid or be off all diet or over the counter weight medications. The only homeopathic medications are those recommended by your surgeon. It is especially important to be off St. John’s Wort and Ginseng, which can cause adverse effects during anesthesia.

Please stop taking all aspirin and aspirin-like products, Advil, motrin, naprosyn, and ibuprofen as these medications can cause bleeding problems. Please tell your surgeon what medications you are on (prescription or non-prescription) to ensure the safety of any surgery.

 

Questions about the Mommy Makeover

Many women find that after having children it is incredibly difficult to regain the youthful, lean figure they had before their pregnancy. Some of the most common problem areas for women are the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and breasts; a mommy makeover can help recontour these areas. Many women have questions about mommy makeover, some of the most common questions asked by women considering mommy makeovers are:

 

What exactly is a mommy makeover?

 

A mommy makeover aims to correct many of the body problems women are forced to deal with after childbirth. To correct problems like sagging breasts, stubborn areas of fat, and stretch marks, a mommy makeover combines a few different cosmetic surgery procedures to help women gain back the body appearance they once had. Some of the procedures often considered when having a mommy makeover include:

 

• Breast Lift

• Facelift

• Liposuction

• Tummy Tuck

• Breast Enlargement

• BOTOX®

• Sclerotherapy

• Breast Reduction

• Eyelid Surgery

 

What can a mommy makeover correct?

 

Mommy makeovers can correct many different physical problems women deal with after they give birth. Some of the most common problems corrected are:

 

• Stretch marks

• Stubborn areas of fat

• Stretched abdominal muscles and skin

• Change in breast tissue

• Changes in breast size

• Visible blood vessels

 

Who is a candidate for a mommy makeover?

 

Nearly any woman who is suffering from physical changes after giving birth to a child is an eligible candidate for a mommy makeover. For most women, giving birth to a child can leave them feeling self conscious about their bodies, especially if diet and exercise are not providing the results they are looking for. To determine if they are mommy makeover candidates, women should contact a plastic surgeon in their area to schedule an initial consultation.

 

Can all the Mommy makeover procedures be performed at the same time?

 

Mommy makeovers can be fairly extensive cosmetic surgery solutions, so they can’t always be performed at the same. Depending on the number of different cosmetic surgery procedures being performed, it may be best to schedule your mommy makeovers over the course of a few different surgery days.

 

Mothers who would like to improve their appearances through cosmetic surgery should contact an experienced plastic surgeon through The Patients Advantage to schedule an initial consultation.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 8,000 people with plastic surgeons.

 

Breast Lift vs Breast Augmentation

There seems to be much confusion about Breast Lift (Mastopexy) vs. Augmentation (Breast Enhancement). These are two very different procedures.

 

The mastopexy seeks to change the contour while the augmentation increase the volume of the breast. For women whose breasts have sagged due to age, pregnancy, weight loss, or for whatever reason, the the nipple is at a level beneath where the breast attaches to the chest wall. In the “normal breast’ the position of the nipple – that is where the breast joins the chest wall or inframammary fold (IMF) is at the level or slightly above the IMF . Grade I ptosis is defined by the fact that the nipple is below the IMF while in Grade 3 the nipple is pointing vertically downward.

 

A less severe case of breast ptosis (droop) or pseudoptosis is where there is loss of superior fullness in an otherwise well proportioned breast. Breast Augmentation will increase the volume of the breast and minimally change the degree of ptosis (position of the nipple in relation to the IMF.

 

If we think about this intellectually, the lower limit of a breast implant has to be the IMF, otherwise the breast will be in an inappropriate location – on the lower chest – and not a very pleasing contour or thought.

 

Most women who have small breasts with either normal or Grade I and sometimes Grade 2 can simply undergo a breast augmentation. Women who are happy with the size of their breasts, but unhappy about the contour of their breasts and position of their nipples can undergo a mastopexy. Women who are unhappy with the contour as well as the volume of their breasts can undergo combined breast augmentation and mastopexy procedures.

 

The mastopexy procedure seeks to elevate the position of the nipple in relationship to the IMF, while the augmentation procedure seeks to increase the volume of the breast.

 

In some instances of Grade 1 and Grade 2 ptosis, a duel-plane breast augmentation can be performed, while in most cases of Grade C ptosis, a separate mastopexy procedure will be necessary to restore a natural contour.

 

During your consultation your surgeon will advise you of the best and least invasive procedure to restore a youthful look to your breasts as well as discuss alternative treatments. More information on breast augmentation can be viewed on our website at: www.thepatientsadvantage.com.

 

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

 

 

Breast Reduction Reveals a Shapelier Bust

In the image conscious culture of modern America, men and women alike are drawn to full perfect breasts. Whether cosmetic or natural, breasts get a lot of attention.

 

For some women, however, a full bra cup is a full time chore. Of course, most women do want breasts they can be satisfied with. In some cases, the women choose enlargement. But many women elect to have breast reductions and avoid concerns over implants and whether or not her breasts look real.

 

Other, fuller busted women, choose reduction surgery because their breasts are a problem for physical comfort, active lifestyles or even simply walking and moving around at home.

 

For these women, reductive surgery is a good option. Whether you want to reduce your cup size or lift sagging breasts, cosmetic surgery can help you meet those goals.

 

Breast reduction surgery provides many benefits to the women who chose to have the procedure done. Through consultations with your plastic surgeon, you can decide what you would like to gain from the reduction surgery. Each surgery includes a breast lift to eliminate excess skin and repositioning of the areolas and nipples.

 

The reduction itself involves several incisions that are necessary to remove the unwanted tissue. The surgeon will place three incisions on each breast to perform the reduction and lift procedures.

 

The first and second cuts will surround your areola and move downwards vertically to the inframammary fold. This is often referred to as a keyhole incision.

 

The third incision is along your inframammary crease (the fold where the breast meets chest). Scarring will occur here, but proper care and allowing for recovery are important parts of the healing process. Over time, the scars will fade.

 

As part of the lift procedure, your surgeon will reposition the areolas and nipples to normalize the overall appearance of your breasts. If your areolas and nipples are unattractive or too large, the surgeon will make them smaller to improve their aesthetic look.

 

One of the risks involved with resizing or repositioning these structures includes changes in nipple sensitivity. Because breast reduction surgery is an operation that only removes tissue, the risks seen with enlargement procedures are not of much concern.

 

Your doctor will want to monitor your recovery process. Post-operative pain is lessened; though you must be careful to follow all of the directions you are given. Typically, you will need two weeks to recover before returning to work.

 

Your goals for the reduction surgery should be discussed with your surgeon over the span of several consultations. This allows you to ask any questions you may have as well as guiding you towards reasonable goals and expectations of the surgery.

 

Most patients are thrilled with their results, seeing the scarring as a fair trade for the comfort that their breast reduction provides. As with any breast surgery, a future condition will be drooping or sagging of the breasts. This is a natural process, due to gravity, and is to be expected even after you have had the reduction surgery.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

Click here to learn more.

 

 

Important Facts About The Costs Of Cosmetic Surgery

When you call a plastic surgeon to determine the overall cost make sure to ask specifically what is covered in the fee that is quoted to you. You should make sure that the quoted price includes the surgeons fee, as well as covering any fees for the anesthesiologist and operating room.

Many times when receiving a quote they will only inform you of the surgeons fees without telling you that is all they are actually quoting you. when in reality the surgeon’s fee is roughly only 60-80% of the cost for the entire procedure. This is to get you to make an appointment to see the doctor which is when they will tell you the true total cost.

That can be quite different compared to the amount you where told over the phone. It is also wise to ask if the consultation fee itself can be deducted from the total cost. Most reputable surgeons should allow this deduction.

Another potential cost factor to have clarified is, if the surgical process takes longer then is estimated who will burden the extra cost? This can turn out to be a significant extra expenditure. If the surgery is done in a hospital the anesthesia and operating room fees can accrue at an hourly rate.

It is important to determine if you will be charged for any potential revisional surgery should it be necessary. One hopes they won’t need any revisional surgery done, but it is best to not automatically assume that will be the case. Some cosmetic surgery procedures have revision rates as high as 10-25%. If you or your plastic surgeon do not bring up these possible issue, you may end up having to fit the bill for these additional surgeries.

Lastly one should inquire if the fees for all future follow up appointments are included in the total cost. It is fairly common to receive anywhere from 9 to 12 months of follow up care at no additional cost.

As for the prices themselves they are pretty uniform in the United States on the whole. Although in some areas of New York certain procedures may cost 30-50 % more when compared to the rest of the nation. Below are some of the average prices from the east and west coast of north America for various procedures. Due note that these are the rates for accredited institutions and surgeons. It is defiently not worth the risk to try and save a few bucks by dealing with non accredited practioners.

Breast Lift $5000-6000

Breast Augmentation $5000-8000 (depends on if the implants are saline or silicone. Silicone being the more expensive of the two.)

Face Lift $7000-9000

Liposuction $2000-10,000 (depends on how many areas the procedure is done to.)

Nose Surgery $5000-6000

Tummy Tuck $6000-8000

Above are just the estimates for some of the more popular procedures. For more i nformation, visit www.thepatientsadvantage.com. Founded in 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified cosmetic surgeons and their patients; having match over 5,000 people this year alone. The Patients Advantage is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Which are better: Saline Breast Implants or Silicone Gel Breast Implants?

Saline Breast Implants or Silicone Gel Breast Implants?

This is one of the most common questions asked by women who are interested in a breast augmentation, breast lift also known as mastopexy, or a combination of both. The answer is that one is not “better” than the other; there are advantages and disadvantages to both. It is not really completely possible to determine which is the absolute best choice for a particular patient without a physical exam to determine breast tissue quality; however, in a nutshell, it comes down to this:

The advantage of Silicone Gel breast implants is that they feel more like a natural breast. However, they are much more expensive than saline breast implants, and, since they are pre-filled, a larger incision is needed to place them, resulting in a larger scar than if a saline breast implant is used. Also, adjustments to size cannot be made during surgery.

Saline breast implants are just the opposite. The are less expensive than silicone gel breast implants. Saline breast implants are placed prior to filling them so a much smaller incision is needed, resulting in a smaller scar. Also, adjustments to the size of the implant can be made during surgery and even after surgery in some cases. Saline breast implants tend to not feel quite as natural as silicone gel implants. However, in a patient with plenty of good quality breast tissue to begin with to cover the implant, a quite natural result can be achieved. On the contrary, if a saline implant is placed in an area of involuted (”deflated”) breast tissue and thin, poorly elastic skin, a much less natural breast will likely result. So, a good preoperative physical exam to determine tissue quality is critical. This is best accomplished by a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

There are numerous factors that go into the determination of breast implant choice, not only saline vs. silicone gel, but size and shape as well.  Of course there are other decisions to be made such as incision location and location of the implant (above or below the muscle). 

Founded in 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified cosmetic surgeons and their patients; having match over 5,000 people this year alone. The Patients Advantage is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery