We are excited to announce that we just received the latest and newest addition to our CoolSculpting system, the “Cool Petite”, which will finally allow us to reduce the fat of your upper arms . “Bat wings”, “wallpaper hangers”, whatever you call them, we want them gone. Up until today, the only treatment options were to do invasive liposuction or surgical excision. Approved by the FDA, CoolSculpting is a safe and effective way to freeze and destroy unwanted fat cells permanently! There is minimal pain, no needles, no down time, and no scar with CoolSculpting.
We now have all the available devices and hand pieces to allow us to treat the tummy, love handles, flanks, back, bra bulges, inner and outer thighs, knees, chin and upper arms.
CoolSculpting is performed in our office by a Physician, Dr. Olsen, who doesn’t hesitate to obtain a plastic surgeon opinion or consultation from her partner Dr. Dick, if she feels that the patient may not be a candidate for CoolSculpting, or might obtain a better result from surgery, such as Liposuction or Abdominoplasty. To ensure that your treatment options are customized to your needs, Dr. Olsen has also not hesitated to confer with the devices’ inventor.
As a sophomore in high school, (way back in the late 1980s,) I will never forget what it was like to witness a friend’s mother’s transformation post-facelift. Her mother, (who I will refer to as “Julie”) had just gone through a divorce and I remember her telling her daughter and me that she just felt like she needed to be refreshed. At the time I thought, why not just go to the cosmetics counter at the mall and get a mini makeover- or go to the salon and get a new haircut and color? Little did I know weeks later I would be at my friend’s house as she was feeding Julie dinner through a straw while her mother moaned, groaned, and begged for painkillers. As I watched Julie, who had essentially morphed into a swollen and bruised shell of her former self recuperate, I remember thinking — there is NO way I would ever subject myself to any kind of pain in the name of beauty.
About three weeks after her facelift, I saw Julie again. The transformation was, in a word, MIRACULOUS. It was like the clock had been turned back ten years – and those fine lines, her turkey-like neck, the jiggly jowls, the sunken eye sockets, the low hanging forehead… they were all GONE! But she didn’t look tight or as though she had just come out of a wind tunnel. She simply looked like herself – just a softer and more youthful version. There was also a discernible change in her attitude as though getting her face “lifted” also “lifted” her spirit. Sure she had to go through a painful recovery process – but doesn’t every hard-earned goal require some kind of sacrifice?!
Fast forward to 2016 and as a 42 year-old woman I still vividly recall Julie’s facelift reawakening and it has me pondering just what advancements have been made in the procedure, AKA the holy grail of plastic surgery. So if you are a woman of a certain age and you moisturize, avoid the sun, don’t smoke, have had Botox treatments and a couple of fillers and feel like the next logical step is a facelift, then read on! To answer all of your questions Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh, Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Westchester Medical Center, Associate Professor of Surgery, New York Medical College, deconstructs this not-so-simple procedure and shares the different types of facelifts and potential side effects and risks involved.
What is a Facelift?
According to Dr. Alizadeh, a facelift refers to a surgical procedure that repositions the soft tissue (skin, fat, muscle) of the lower face to re-establish a rejuvenated contour of the face and neck. Need an analogy? Think of it as similar to straightening out a tablecloth on a table.
Who is the ideal candidate?
Someone who is usually between the ages of 40-70 and has moderate to severe loss of midface prominence, with increased jowls, neck skin and platysma (neck muscle) banding.
Most Popular Facelift Techniques
“Although there are many different types of facelifts, the type of facelift I perform most frequently employs a minimally invasive approach to lift the underlying structures of the face (named SMAS) to their natural position while adding a patient’s own soft tissue to strategically augment the areas around the mouth and cheeks that descend over time,” explains Dr. Alizadeh. “A more novel and recent approach is the so-called liquid face lift which incorporates the liberal use of fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm to strategically fill the areas of soft tissue deflating as a result of aging. It requires minimal downtime, but has short-term results of 7-12 months.”
Types of facelifts
According to Dr. Alizadeh, here is what you need to know about different types of facelifts:
The deep plane lift involves structures closer to the bone. However, it has fallen out of favor because of longer recovery time usually related to increase swelling from this operation.
The short scar lift, which is minimally invasive, but may not be able to get rid of all the extra skin.
The midface or cheek lift is great for the midface but does not address the neck.
The thread lift simply does not last and may cause static facial deformity.
Endoscopic facelifts usually mean deeper facelift planes and again, do not address the skin-related problems.
Risks and Recovery
Alizadeh notes the reported risks include scarring, infection, bleeding, skin or nerve damage although these are extremely rare. Of course he adds the risks are minimized by having your procedure performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with plenty of experience and expertise in the particular procedure you plan to have. The recovery can be anywhere from 1-2 weeks which mostly involves swelling and bruising to resolve.
Questions EVERY patient should ask prior to getting a facelift:
Before entering into this procedure, Dr. Alizadeh urges you to ask a few questions: Is the surgeon board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? How much experience does he/she have with this type of surgery? Can they refer you to someone who has had experience with this particular office and staff and surgery center and was that patient’s experience positive?
After chatting with Dr. Alizadeh, it is clear that these new rounds of facelift procedures are nothing like our mother’s lifts and therefore I think getting a facelift is most definitely in my future!
About the Author
Melissa Chapman blogs about her marriage and everything in between at Married My Sugar Daddy and is determined to never be caught dead wearing mom jeans. When she is not busy scheduling her life around her two Shih Tzu’s and kids and uncovering the secret ingredient to happily ever after with her husband of 15 years, at age 41 she has found herself on a permanent quest to uncover the best tips and tricks to attaining a youthful, un-marionette-like appearance.
Her work has appeared in Ladies Home Journal, Care.com, The Staten Island Family, ABC News, BlogHer, Baby Center, Momtourage, Babble, The Washington Post, Time Out NY Kids, iVillage and Lifetime Moms.
Women planning on undergoing breast augmentation are primarily anxious about how their breasts will look after the surgery, whether or not they’ll look completely artificial or real, too big, too small or just right, etc. Having a sense of what look you’d like to achieve prior to going under the knife is key as is finding a board-certified plastic surgeon you’re comfortable with who will help you through the process. A skilled and experienced surgeon will provide you with insights and options in order to achieve the most natural aesthetic possible with implants. They will discuss a multitude of factors with you, including the implant shape, size, type and texture, as well as placement options tailored to your individual body.
So What is ‘Natural Looking’ Breast Augmentation?
A natural looking augmentation procedure creates breasts in the ideal shape and size proportionate to your entire body. In other words, people won’t necessarily be able to tell that they’re not your own. The augmentation itself is subtle and you look well-balanced post-surgery.
Factors that contribute to the more natural looking augmented breast procedures include the following:
Breasts will have a gentle slope and project forward towards the nipple
The nipple is on the most projected part of the breast
The implants will have a tear drop shape similar to natural breasts
The cleavage is at a similar distance when compared to natural breasts
In other words, nothing looks artificial and to the untrained eye, it would be a challenge to ascertain whether your breasts have been “helped” or not.
How to Achieve Natural Looking Breasts with Implants?
Natural looking breast augmentation results come from careful planning on the part of the surgeon and performing the procedure on a patient who has realistic expectations for their outcome. It is important to understand that breast augmentation should ultimately enhance the existing breasts without placing excess weight and volume that could not only look unnatural, but have an adverse impact on your overall health as well. Disproportionately large breasts can cause back problems among other issues.
When selecting breast implants things to consider include your body shape, chest width, routine activities, and physical activities requiring exertion outside the normal scope of daily activities as well as your height and weight. Each of these can and should play a role in what will work best for you and your lifestyle. Again, if you’re considering augmentation, find a board-certified plastic surgeon and one who specializes in breast augmentation. They can walk you through the process, make you comfortable, help guide you to the right implants for you and share before and after photos of patients who’ve already gone through the process themselves, with results they were quite satisfied with.
What Look is best for me? Or How Big Should I Go?
Many of my patients ask me this question, while others come in with a pre-planned breast implant size in mind. The final decision lies with the patient; however in instances where the patient is not sure, I prefer to decide the size based on the body shape of the patient.
When you try different sizes and look into the mirror, you can clearly determine the look that suits you best. You will be shown before and after photos that can help you determine the best placement, size, and type of implant that will suit you best.
There’s a Slight Catch in This
– Look at the nude pictures of the patients. Clothes always show breasts that are supported, lifted, and held firmly at their position. Reviewing full breast nude photos will give you a clear picture. To learn more about breast augmentation and read patient reviews, go to https://www.gregorydickmd.com/procedures/breast/breast-augmentation-breast-lift/
I have tried as hard as I possibly can to stop myself from frowning, screaming and getting mad at my kids and my husband. Why you ask? Is it because I am trying to be more grounded and Zen about life? Oh hell to the no. It’s because I am in a mad race against father time to keep the lines on my forehead from getting increasingly more furrowed and deep. I figure if I frown as little as possible, stay out of the sun and basically keep my face as expressionless as can be, it will go a long way in staving off those wrinkles. And yet each morning when I wake up- there they are staring back at me and all of a sudden a little voice goes off in my head saying,“ Just do it Melissa, just get Botox and train your wrinkles away.” And then my dog lifts his leg and pees on the bathroom floor (knowing full well that I have my gaze directed upon him) and those furrows on my brow inevitably get deeper.
So yes, at 42 I am definitely ready to train my wrinkles to stop wrinkling and try a neuromodulator. I know I am not the only woman my age who desperately wants to get angry without fear of deepening her wrinkles – and take the Botox plunge. Of course most of us have heard horror stories about women whose faces look frozen post-Botox treatments and therefore feel torn and not sure if getting said injections is the best course of action. So, rather than endlessly debate with myself, I went straight to the source, Dr. Kenneth Rothaus, a board-certified plastic surgeon, to finally get the wrinkle-free lowdown on Botox.
According to Dr. Rothaus, wrinkles on the skin are a direct result of the action of the facial muscles. Quite simply, he added, Botox prevents the muscles from contracting and with the paralysis of the muscles the wrinkles are softened or eliminated.
“In my experience, neuromodulators work very well on the forehead and crow’s feet and the glabellar wrinkles (vertical lines between eyebrows),” says Dr. Rothaus. “Other areas that can respond well to small amounts of neuromodulator are the upper lip and the chin. I find the neuromodulators to be less effective in the neck. Botox does however wear off, and its effects last about three to four months, so it is frequently used repetitively.”
While its effects may only last four months – Dr. Rothaus adds that for those patients who keep to a regular schedule of Botox injections, the interval between injections gets longer and longer. He adds that he assumes they develop some atrophy of the muscles with time.
“The good news is if the muscles are paralyzed, new wrinkles will not develop, however the bad news is the component of the aging process that is treated by Botox is different than that treated by a facelift,” says Dr. Rothaus. “Therefore, the use of Botox won’t obviate the need for a facelift, but patients will look much better in the time leading up to their facelift.”
Dr. Rothaus also shares that when it comes to neuromodulators, while Botox is the name we most commonly know, there are others like Dysport and Xeomin. When it comes to his experience with the others he states that, “The onset of Dysport might be a little quicker than Botox. Similarly one might see the effects of Xeomin a little quicker than those of Dysport. As far as persistence of the effect, Botox might last a little longer than Dysport and Dysport might last a little longer than Xeomin. This is just my opinion and experience though and ultimately it might depend on the patient.”
When it comes to the side effects of a neuromodulator, Dr. Rothaus shares that if a patient were to read the package insert with Botox, they may find many side effects, but in practice Botox is a very well tolerated product.
“The most likely side effect from an injection is a bruise or hematoma and some local, temporary swelling. Although Botox can be used to treat headaches, on rare occasions some patients actually experience a headache after the injection,” adds Dr. Rothaus. “The most distressing complication patients might see is a drooping of the eyelid (ptosis). Of course, this disappears after the Botox wears off.”
Speaking with Dr. Rothaus illuminated some myths I had regarding Botox and also helped me to temper my expectations post-treatment. I am now officially ready to take the neuromodulator plunge!
Brought to you by The American Society For Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryASAPS
Melissa Chapman blogs about her marriage and everything in between at Married My Sugar Daddy and is determined to never be caught dead wearing mom jeans. When she is not busy scheduling her life around her two Shih Tzus and kids and uncovering the secret ingredient to happily ever after with her husband of 15 years, at age 41 she has found herself on a permanent quest to uncover the best tips and tricks to attaining a youthful, un-marionette-like appearance. Her work has appeared in Ladies Home Journal, Care.com, The Staten Island Family, ABC News, BlogHer, Baby Center, Momtourage, Babble, The Washington Post, Time Out NY Kids, iVillage and Lifetime Moms.
Visiting the plastic surgeon’s office is becoming a more routine and normal thing. There is no longer a stigma associated with some nips, tucks, or injections. However a few minor details are still getting in the way of some patients heading in for look-better, feel-better procedures. Aside from affordability, many potential patients cite concerns over post-procedure redness, swelling, and scarring. But is it really a necessary concern — one that is big enough to stop a person from a potentially confidence-boosting procedure? Not necessarily, says board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Stewart Wang, medical director of Wang Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles.
“Swelling and redness can vary from 3-5 days or last up to several weeks, depending on the type of surgery and the location,” notes Dr. Wang. He stresses that the typical few days of swelling is a small emotional price to pay for what could potentially be long-term confidence. “To reduce redness and swelling faster, use cold compresses and keep the area elevated and immobilized. Drink water to keep the body from dehydrating, which can occur after a major surgery.” Water is the primary way that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the wounded area facilitating the process of tissue repair. It also helps rejuvenate your skin from the inside out by flushing out toxins.
The accelerated healing doesn’t end with a cold compress, extra glasses of water and rest. Arnica homeopathic supplements available in topical creams, gels and orally treat bruises. It reputedly increases circulation by stimulating white blood cell activity, thereby decreasing the amount of healing time and reducing inflammation. These supplements are sold over-the-counter.
“We have found taking arnica orally helps decrease swelling, but less so with topical creams and gels,” notes Dr. Wang.
Scarring, on the other hand, tends to vary from patient-to-patient and the methods of combatting long-term, noticeable scars are more aggressive.
“Patients with a history of keloid scars as well as people who have a history with poor healing or scarring are at the most risk of noticeable, hard-to-fade scars. Parts of the body that are more associated with prominent scarring include the chest, shoulder, back, knee, and jawline. Silicone-based scar creams soften scars and decrease scar pigmentation. There are many different brands on the market like BioCorneum It combines silicone gel with sunscreen for outdoor protection.”
Another popular silicone alternative treatment for scars is small patches of self-adhesive silicone sheets like NewGel+, which work by softening and fading scars gently over time. While they’re not an immediate solution, patients with healed incisions often find that using scar therapy treatments in conjunction with additional daily hydration and elevation can help lessen the recovery time and get back to normal sooner.
“Silicone sheets have been shown to reduce the prominence of scar by applying direct pressure and decrease activities of scar forming cells, which helps reduce the overall brightness and texture of the scar.”
Studies show ablative fractional resurfacing is a safe and effective way to remove surgical scars. It works by removing the top layer of skin that has been scarred and penetrates the skin’s middle layers tightening and smoothing it.
The best way to reduce long-term swelling, redness, and scarring post-procedure according to Dr. Wang, is by living the healthiest possible lifestyle in the weeks and months leading up to your procedure.
“I tell my patients to be as healthy as they can. Exercise routinely, eat a healthy diet and avoid smoking for at least two weeks before surgery.”
Every face ages, it’s a fact of life. The good news is that facial rejuvenation can start at any time. In your 20’s, you may need to treat acne with lasers and skin care. In your 30’s, you may start to develop some fine lines and wrinkles in high movement areas such as the forehead. These are typically addressed with a combination of Botox and skin care. As you move into your 40’s, your face may start to lose volume, particularly in the cheeks and around the mouth. Treating these areas with the appropriate filler can make your face look timeless. Dr. Cliff Clark of Winter Park FL discusses how surgeons decide when non-surgical options are no longer enough.
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO MOVE FROM NON-SURGICAL TO SURGICAL?
One of the biggest changes in how plastic surgeons approach facial aging has been the realization that aging is not just a result of gravity: it is also about a loss of volume. This is why injectables have been such a game changer in the world of facial rejuvenation. Plastic surgeons today can easily replace volume that’s lost in, say, the cheeks or around the mouth, instantly restoring a more youthful shape to the face. The problem is that many patients take volumization to the extreme. The result is a face that’s too full and looks odd. So, how does a plastic surgeon decide when a patient is at the point where he or she will get a better result from surgery whether it be eyelid surgery, brow surgery, a facelift or a neck lift?
It really comes down to the following. When the issues that are causing a patient’s face to age are no longer simply about a loss of volume, but are because the face needs to be elevated then it’s time for surgery. Some patients need a facelift at 50. Some don’t need one until 70. The right time for surgery is really going to depend on the patient. “I wait for my patients to tell me,” says Clark.
Usually, there is an “aha” moment where the patient looks in the mirror and doesn’t recognize his or her reflection. Oftentimes, patients will start with some surgery on the eyes, either removing a little pinch of skin on the upper lid or elevating the brow. Clark calls it, “a sweet spot.” Or they might treat their neck. The right procedures is really going to depend on a patient’s individual needs as everyone ages differently.
A HEART SHAPED FACE = A YOUTHFUL FACE
Deciding whether or not it’s time for a facelift really comes down to the jowl. Once a face loses it’s heart shape and becomes square due to fullness along the neckline then it’s time for surgery. While you can camouflage the descent of the lower face for a short period of time with filler in front of the jowl, at a certain point it stops working because it makes the face look too square. And once the face becomes square then, “you need to re-elevate the tissues because it’s hard to compensate for it with a non-surgical approach,” says Clark.
A NATURAL LOOKING FACELIFT IS ABOUT REDISTRIBUTING THE FAT
Most patients desire a natural looking facelift. They want to look like themselves, only better rested. How can this be achieved? As Clark explains it, “we learned a long time ago that you can’t pull on the skin.” It delivers an overly tight look as if the patient has been stuck in a wind tunnel. The modern technique is for the surgeon to go underneath a muscle and put the fat back in the right place. It’s about “redistributing the fat” that exists and adding back fat into the places where a patient’s lost volume.
Ideally, you want fullness over the cheekbones, a little hollow beneath it with a nice, clean jawline. “One of the major facets of the modern facelift is knowing the direction in which you elevate,” says Clark. Generations ago, plastic surgeons pulled straight back which created a very unnatural sweep to the face. Now, it’s more of upward lift.
“Facial aging is a continuum,” that starts the moment you’re born. Dr. Clark believes, “it takes a thoughtful plastic surgeon to think through how you’re aging, what you need and when you need it.”
For twenty five years, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital has been at the forefront of providing breast reconstruction, and that trend continues. Shady Grove Adventist Hospital is one of the first hospitals in the Greater Washington area to perform Fat grafting as part of breast reconstruction.
What is Fat Grafting?
It is an extremely safe procedure usually performed during the second stage of breast reconstruction when the balloon or expander that was placed at the first stage (Mastectomy) is removed and a permanent implant is placed. At the same time, fat is removed by liposuction from areas where we all have a little extra to spare: the tummy or thighs. The fat is then injected under the skin at the upper and inner areas of the “new” breast allowing the surgeon to shape the breast, making it appear very natural. It also allows the surgeon to better match the other breast, especially after “Lumpectomy” for early stage breast cancer. Fat grafting has also been shown to improve the tissues in patients who have received radiation therapy. This may be due to the stem cells present in the grafted fat. And more good news: Insurance will cover fat grafting.
Dr. Gregory Dick, a previous president of the American Cancer Society, Montgomery County Unit, and one of the key developers (founders) of the Comprehensive Cancer Program at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, is the first plastic surgeon at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital to perform Fat grafting in a Breast Reconstruction. He now recommends this in nearly all of his patients. Not only are the results superior, but patients get the added benefit of moving fat from where they don’t want it, to where they can use it!
Our “girls” have quite a journey in life. Starting with our preteen years, we’re begging them to grow, eager to get that first bra – and then, we’re eager to have a bra bigger than our friends. (Never happened for me, alas.) Then, as we have babies, our breasts become more than just bra filler and man magnet – they become a source of sustenance to a tiny person! And we watch them inflate – only to later deflate, followed by sagging, much to our utter dismay.
The entire aging process can be seen, in all its depressing glory, through the eyes of our breasts. (Wait, imagine if breasts had eyes? Gross.) And the truth is, the decades aren’t always kind, so you better appreciate those “best breast” years!
The ticking of a clock…
The size and shape of the female breast is, in large part, a reflection of a woman’s biologic clock – which is, in large part, under hormonal control, says board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Yaremchuk
“As such, its appearance changes with its ability to provide milk to her baby. Approximately two years after the onset of puberty (a girl’s first menstrual cycle), the hormone estrogen, in conjunction with growth hormone, stimulates the development and growth of the glandular, fat, and suspensory tissues that compose the breast. This continues for approximately four to six years or so until establishing the final shape of the breast (size, volume, density) when she is a woman of approximately 21 years of age,” says Dr. Yaremchuk.
With every season…
Many of us see our weight fluctuate during these years as well, and often will sadly see our breasts be the first place to deflate when we lose weight – but not the first place to get larger as we gain. It’s not fair. “The volume and shape of the breast will be mainly affected by weight changes reflecting the amount of fat in the breast,” says Dr. Yaremchuk.
The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy also increase the size of the breast. “During pregnancy, the breasts become enlarged and denser (firmer) because of the prolactin-caused organ hypertrophy, which begins the production of breast milk, increases the size of the nipples, and darkens the skin color of the nipple-areola complex,” explains Dr. Yaremchuk.
After pregnancy, the breasts generally revert to their pre-baby size, shape, and volume. “Changes in the size and volume of the breast may permanently stretch the skin resulting in stretch marks and sagging (termed breast ptosis). Repeated pregnancies can aggravate the sagging and stretching,” says Dr. Yaremchuk.
At menopause, breast atrophy occurs. “The breasts can decrease in size when the levels of circulating estrogen decline, followed by the withering of the adipose tissue and the milk glands,” notes Dr. Yaremchuk. Breast ptosis, or sagging of the breasts, is a normal consequence of aging and is influenced by not only pregnancies, but also, higher body mass index, larger bra cup size, history of significant weight loss (>50 lbs.), and history of cigarette smoking.
So what would be our best breast years?
“It is clear that the best breast years are the 20’s and 30’s and even 40’s until the first pregnancy occurs with its concomitant hormone changes. Of course, massive fluctuations in weight can inflate and deflate the breast with concomitant stretching and sagging,” says Dr. Yaremchuk.
The fountain of youth
Turning back the clock on our breast means reversing the sagging and stretching that accompanies pregnancy or significant changes in weight. It may also mean correcting the deflation that accompanies the aging process.
The solutions all involve breast surgery to restore shape to the breast.
When the nipples and skin envelope sag (ptosis) but sufficient breast volume remains, a breast lift (mastopexy) is performed. This operation removes excess skin and repositions the remaining skin envelope to restore shape and nipple position. When there is loss of volume with minimal sag, a breast augmentation using either implants or fat taken from another area of the body can restore breast shape and volume,” explains Dr. Yaremchuk.
So where are you in the breast-aging process? What were your best breast years? Do you think they may still be ahead of you? To learn more about breast surgery, check out the procedure page.
Attention fellas: Plastic surgery isn’t just for the ladies anymore. In fact, it hasn’t been for a while but male-centric options are just now beginning to go mainstream. While male-focused procedures may not make the headlines as frequently, they are certainly available if you feel like it’s time for some sprucing up. There is a suite of procedures that can stand alone or be paired together for a dynamic transformation; these range from the superficial (chemical peels) to the, ahem, intimately substantive (penis enlargement).
Chemical peel
Skin on your face, neck and hands create a first impression. While men can hide behind a 5 o’clock shadow, that doesn’t mean that the quality of your skin should be neglected. Dead skin builds up, creating a dull, rough surface and needs to be removed. Chemical peels are offered in a variety of strengths and formulas catered to your face’s needs at the time. It reverses sun damage, balances uneven skin tones, and reduces wrinkles. The variation of the chemical peel can be increased with each session.
Liposuction
When diet and exercise leave resistant pockets of fat, liposuction can surgically remove them from areas such as the buttocks, hips, love handles, saddlebags, thighs, calves, ankles, pecs, back, arms and neck. The unwanted fat can be injected into other areas the body, such as the pectoral muscles, sculpting your overall shape. Say hello to a six-pack!
Breast Reduction To Treat Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is the swelling of breast tissue in men, usually caused by unbalanced hormones. Multiple reduction methods such as liposuction or cutting out excess glandular tissue or a combination of both liposuction and excision can be used to treat gynecomastia.
Pectoral and/or Calf Implants
If hours at the gym and proper nutrition still leave parts of the body looking less than ideal in your mind, there’s a way to get that desired contour for your pectorals, and legs: chest implants and calf implants.
Pectoral implants are available to men who are unable to develop thickness of their chest.
A two-inch incision is made close to the armpit so scars won’t be easily visible. A pocket is created between the chest muscles, where the implant is then inserted. Implants can be made of silicone gel or fluid and are available in different sizes.
Pectoral implants won’t improve the actual muscular structure of the chest, but they will enhance the contour, creating the desired silhouette.
Calf implants are available to men who have attempted to build more muscle and definition in the lower leg and who can’t seem to make it happen with regular exercise and diet.
An incision is made at the back of the knee, through the skin and fascia, where a snug pocket will be created to house the implant between the fascia and muscle.
Penis enlargement
If sexual performance isn’t an issue but additional length or girth is desired, the penis can be enhanced surgically. For additional length, the ligaments that connect to the pubic bone are cut and the base of the penis is moved out. To increase the circumference, a layer of collagen is inserted under the skin, between the skin and the shaft.
An experienced board-certified plastic surgeon will take measurements of existing length and girth and make a recommendation to create the enhancement in a proportional way.
From outpatient facial treatments to surgical transformations, there are safe and effective options for men who are ready for a change. Remember to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the procedure that is best for you.
The late queen of keepin’ it real, Nora Ephron wasn’t alone when she titled her 2006 best-seller, “I Feel Bad About My Neck.” In fact, as we age it’s a strong bet that many of us will start to feel “bad” about our necks — and for good reason. A once swanlike neck that starts to accumulate fat, wrinkles and vertical banding as we grow older is hardly the stuff of dreams. And when that tight as a baby’s bottom jawline starts to display jowls, a double chin, and/or a “turkey wattle” you’ll need that neck scarf to wipe away the tears.
The sweet bird of youth may have flown the coop, but you don’t necessarily have to cop to it. Ephron chose to address her neck issues by sporting turtlenecks and putting a pen to paper to help us commiserate, but there are other more proactive approaches one can take — like visiting your plastic surgeon to discuss the combo of procedures available, collectively referred to as a neck lift.
Not exactly a “one-size-fits-all” procedure, a neck lift is meant to improve the appearance of the neck by tightening the skin and underlying muscles and by enhancing the contour of the jawline through a combination of procedures aimed at producing a tighter and more youthful appearance. Doctors typically rely on a combination of liposuction, platysmaplasty and cervicoplasty to achieve the desired results.
For example, a patient with only a small amount of excess fat under the chin may only require liposuction while other patients, particularly those with banding or a “turkey wattle” may benefit from platysmaplasty, which adjusts the platysma muscle that crisscrosses the neck. Still other patients may require cervicoplasty to address loose sagging skin on the jawline and neck. The latter two, being more invasive and lengthy procedures, will likely result in a longer recovery time, and oftentimes are done in-tandem with other facial rejuvenation procedures.
The pros are self-evident: an improved neck, jawline and even profile.
The cons: bruising and swelling, your neck may feel tight for a few months after the procedure, and your neck will look so darn fabulous that other signs of aging may appear more prominent.
A consultation with your aesthetic surgeon will help determine which procedures will offer the most benefit for you depending on a combination of factors, including: the laxity of your skin, your own fat accumulation, your expectations, and your general health.
So if you’re feeling “bad about your neck,” don’t hide away in a turtleneck sweater and pen an essay about your endless suffering. Instead, simply make an appointment with your board-certified plastic surgeon and talk about today’s wide variety of surgical options. Your neck will thank you.
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Attention fellas: Plastic surgery isn’t just for the ladies anymore. In fact, it hasn’t been for a while but male-centric options are just now beginning to go mainstream. While male-focused procedures may not make the headlines as frequently, they are certainly available if you feel like it’s time for some sprucing up. There is a suite of procedures that can stand alone or be paired together for a dynamic transformation; these range from the superficial (chemical peels) to the, ahem, intimately substantive (penis enlargement).
