How Pregnancy Changes Breasts
If you’re a woman, do you remember a time when you were unencumbered in some way by breasts and moved through life with ease?
For most women, this is a distant memory. By the time puberty hit, you were probably well aware that you would be developing breasts – if you weren’t already. These may have been difficult years. But by the time you arrived at young adulthood, the primary stages of breast development were complete. What a relief, right?
But that didn’t mean your breasts would maintain their 20-something appearance. While the physical size and shape of your breasts likely changed to some degree throughout life, if you went through any pregnancies, you may have experienced significant changes. And given how pregnancy changes breasts, it’s no surprise that some women seek breast augmentation or reduction surgeries once they’re done having children.
The Stages of Breast Development
Interestingly, breasts start to develop while in utero. An area in the chest thickens to become what’s known as the mammary ridge, and the milk line develops. By the time a baby girl is born, her nipples and the start of the milk-duct system have formed. But the chest is flat, and the breasts are largely ignorable. This is the first stage of breast development.
During the second stage, breast budding (medically known as thelarche) occurs. As they grow, the breast buds may feel sore or tender. Nipples and the skin around them (the areolas) may also get larger.
The breasts become rounder as fatty tissue and milk-producing glands grow in stage three. The areolas increase in size and may darken while the nipples become more erect.
Stage four brings changes to the areolas and nipples as they form small mounds on top of the breasts – giving them a fuller look. Yet, there is still swelling and tenderness until they are done growing. Once they reach that point, the breasts are fully mature and the areolas typically flatten back into the curve of the breasts with only the nipples raised. This is stage five.
What Can Affect Breast Development?
It’s difficult to say when a girl will start developing breasts. For some, it can begin as early as eight years of age. For others, it may be as late as 13 or 14. Whatever the case, breasts are usually fully developed by a woman’s late teens or early 20s.
Several factors determine the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. Genetics has a major role, though just because a young girl’s mother has large breasts doesn’t mean she will.
A change in body weight or fat percentage during the teen years can affect the structure of breasts, which are made up of glandular and fatty tissue. In addition, teenagers who are very active in sports may have increased muscle mass behind the breasts that will impact their size.
Of course, hormones are almost always culprits. The hormonal changes and shifts that occur during menstrual cycles can change the fullness and sensitivity of breasts. And then there’s pregnancy. The massive hormonal changes during this time drastically change the breast size, texture, and firmness.
How Pregnancy Changes Breasts
Once women hit the six-to-eight-week point of their pregnancy, they notice their breasts become bigger. The breasts are also more sensitive and tender as they continue to grow throughout the pregnancy. Most women, in fact, go up a cup size or two and their breasts may feel itchy as the skin stretches.
Additionally, the areolas and nipples darken because of hormones and increased blood supply can also darken the veins. By the end of the first trimester, the breasts may start leaking colostrum. The nipples and areolas also increase in size, with the areolas possibly developing bumps.
So yes. The breasts experience major changes during pregnancy. And with good reason! Their sole duty is to sustain life. But once nursing is complete, the pregnancies have left a lasting mark on a woman’s breasts.
Plastic Surgery to the Rescue
There’s no denying that pregnancy changes breasts in ways that aren’t always appealing. Fortunately, plastic surgery can be performed to restore the breasts to their original and more youthful pre-pregnancy position.
So if pregnancy has negatively impacted your breasts, contact us today to talk with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. Depending on your situation, he or she might recommend a breast lift, breast augmentation, or breast lift with either silicone or saline implants.
And if your breasts have become too large after pregnancy and are no longer proportionate to your body, a breast reduction may be in order. Whatever the case, you’ll be in good hands.
Say Goodbye to Sagging Skin Under Your Arms
Are you troubled by sagging skin under your arms? Do you find it especially annoying because it won’t go away, no matter how much dieting and exercising you do?
That sagging skin could be the result of aging, genetics, or even rapid weight loss. It might be a combination of these. And even if you’re not particularly put off from an aesthetics perspective, you may be experiencing discomfort from a rash or inflammation caused by the extra folds.
Whatever the case, a brachioplasty (a.k.a. arm lift) can treat those saggy underarms to make your life a little easier.
Arm Lifts Are Not a One-Size-Fits-All
There are a few options available when it comes to arm lifts.
A traditional arm lift is usually recommended for those with a large amount of excess skin and fat on the upper arm. An extended arm lift addresses fatty tissue and loose skin underneath the arm and on areas on the side of the body.
On the other hand, a limited-incision brachioplasty, or hidden arm lift, may be recommended for those with moderate amounts of fat and loose skin. It utilizes an incision made in the crease of the underarm and may include liposuction.
In cases where there is only a small amount of fat, little to no excess skin, and good elasticity in the skin, the arm may be reshaped using liposuction only.
The Arm Lift Procedure
Given the different types of arm lifts, the incision length and pattern will be determined by your surgeon and will depend on the location of excess skin and fat, as well as how much needs to be removed.
Generally speaking, though, incisions are placed either on the back or the inside of the arm. They may extend from just above the elbow to the underarm. However, depending on your situation, incisions may be more limited.
Whatever the case, if there is excess fat, it will be removed with liposuction or directly excised. The supportive tissue underneath is then tightened and reshaped using internal sutures, and the skin is smoothed over to create a new contour. In some cases, additional body-contouring surgeries, such as a thigh lift, may be performed at this time as well.
Recovery from an Arm Lift
In the first few days after your brachioplasty, you’ll likely experience moderate pain. Your arms will be bandaged to limit your range of motion. This is intentional, as you don’t want to make any major movements with the arms. Your muscles may also feel sore and you’ll see bruising and swelling. Increased pain and pressure near the incision site are normal – especially when your arms are in motion.
You should not lift anything over five pounds in the first week of recovery. And since you need to avoid reaching over your head, be sure you have comfortable, loose button-up shirts on hand. Pain, swelling, and bruising will subside by the end of the week, and you should be able to transition to OTC pain management (if any is needed).
Bandages and any stitches are removed one to two weeks post-surgery and you’ll notice improved range of motion and arm mobility. You should be able to return to work and regular activities, but there will be lifting restrictions of 10 pounds in the second week and 15 pounds in the third. Stretching the arms is still not recommended.
Finally, after four to six weeks, you can expect any swelling or bruising to resolve. You may also be cleared to remove your compression garment and return to your regular exercise routine. And with improved confidence!
You Don’t Have to Accept Sagging Skin Under Your Arms
If proper diet and exercise are not addressing the problem of sagging skin under your arms, you don’t have to accept that the embarrassment and/or discomfort are just a part of life now.
An arm lift is a great option. So contact us today to set up a free consultation with our highly experienced and board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss the option of brachioplasty.
When paired with a healthy lifestyle, you’ll enjoy the comfort and confidence that comes with slimmer arms – year after year after year.
Top Reasons for Hair Loss
Did you know that you lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day? This may seem shocking, but your hair follicles consistently replace what’s lost each day. Except when they don’t.
For some people, production begins to falter, and they can no longer keep up with the loss. At this point, hair loss becomes evident.
There are many reasons for hair loss. Fortunately, plastic surgery can address certain types of hair loss.
The Main Reasons for Hair Loss
Millions of Americans experience some sort of hair loss. 25% of women have visible hair loss by the age of 50, and 50% of men experience balding. And while stress is a big reason for hair loss, it’s not the only one. There are a few other major factors that can contribute to visible hair loss.
- Genetics
Genetics is the most common cause of hair loss. Androgenic alopecia is the medical term for male-pattern and female-pattern baldness that affects so many people. And it’s not just among those who are approaching their golden years. Androgenic alopecia starts affecting men in their late teens and 20s and women in their 30s (though most experience it after menopause).
Researchers believe that genetics can affect hormones in such a way as to cause androgenic alopecia. Hormonal changes that come with pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause can also cause temporary or permanent hair loss.
- Mistreatment
Be kind to your hair! Mistreating your scalp or hair can negatively impact the follicles’ ability to produce more hair and lead to long-term hair loss. Styling with excessive heat and harsh chemicals is harsh on the scalp and the hair. Over-manipulating the hair can also cause tugging, which weakens the follicles.
In addition, is you’re mistreating your body with an unhealthy diet, it’s going to impact your hair as well. With the proper nutrients and vitamins, it will lose its strength and vitality.
- Medical Conditions and Treatments
Several medical conditions and/or treatments can cause temporary hair loss. Thyroid issues, for example, can contribute to temporary hair loss.
There’s a condition known as alopecia areata that affects hair follicles in a way that causes small bald patches on the scalp. Scalp infections can cause hair loss, as can the mental disorder trichotillomania that creates the uncontrollable urge to pull out one’s own hair.
Then there are treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation that cause hair loss. Drugs that treat several conditions, including high blood pressure, gout, arthritis, depression, and heart problems, can have hair loss as a side effect.
How Plastic Surgery Can Help
For patients struggling specifically with androgenic alopecia (or even those with early hair loss), a plastic surgeon who offers PRP therapy is a great option. PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma.
It’s believed that PRP injections not only trigger natural hair growth, but they maintain it by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle and increasing the thickness of the hair shaft. The actual process of PRP hair restoration is performed in three steps.
First, you get a standard blood draw from your arm. Next, the tube of blood is placed into a centrifuge to isolate the plasma from the red blood cells. Finally, the plasma is injected directly into your scalp at the level of the hair follicles. The injections are made approximately every half inch over the area where the hair is thinning.
The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes and there is minimal downtime. It’s as easy as that.
Could You Benefit From Plastic Surgery for Hair Restoration?
Depending on your reasons for hair loss, you could find success with PRP hair restoration.
As mentioned above, those who benefit from PRP hair restoration therapy are patients with androgenic alopecia.
If this sounds like you, the best course of action is to set up a consultation with a board-certified surgeon who can determine if PRP is right for you. So contact us today.
The Benefits of Radiesse
Aging brings with it more than a few indignities. If you’re of a certain age, you probably know this firsthand.
But while certain aspects of aging can’t be avoided, you can bring back a more youthful appearance to your hands and face using dermal fillers.
While there is a variety of effective dermal fillers currently on the market, we’ll look specifically at the benefits of Radiesse.
What Are the Benefits of Radiesse?
First off, let’s look at what Radiesse is.
Radiesse is an FDA-approved dermal filler comprised of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres in a water-based gel. Much like many other injectable fillers that use hydrolauronic acid to smooth wrinkles and restore skin, the calcium-based microspheres in Radiesse help to provide immediate volume and correction.
Where Radiesse differs is in the way the CaHA microspheres are absorbed by the skin where they prompt the body to produce new collagen. And the coolest part? Once the gel is absorbed, the collagen remains. Its firming and smoothing effects extend beyond those of typical fillers that need to be frequently re-administered.
In addition, Radiesse treatments are quick (about 20 minutes) and can be performed during a patient’s lunch hour. Plus, since the components of Radiesse are similar to naturally-occurring minerals, patients are much less likely to experience an allergic reaction.
Best Candidates for Radiesse
Every situation is different. Generally speaking, though, Radiesse is most often recommended for patients between the ages of 35 and 60 who are experiencing mild to moderate signs of aging. The majority of patients who benefit from Radiesse have one or more of the following goals:
- Correcting deep wrinkles and folds on the face or hands
- Defining the jawline
- Filling in sunken cheeks, wrinkles around the nose, and/or laugh lines and other wrinkles around the mouth
- Improving the appearance of scars
- Reshaping the nose without surgery
During your consultation, your skin specialist or board-certified plastic surgeon will advise you as to whether you’re a good candidate for Radiesse.
Treatment and Recovery from Radiesse
Before treatment with Radiesse, a topical anesthetic or numbing cream is applied to the treatment area to minimize discomfort. Some patients combine Radiesse with lidocaine to further increase comfort.
The treatment itself is straightforward. To minimize bruising or skin irritation, Radiesse is injected directly into the dermal and subcutaneous layers of the skin in the treatment area with a very fine needle. That’s it!
Recovery involves minimal downtime and patients are able to return to most normal daily activities right away. Strenuous exercise, extensive sun exposure, and makeup application should be avoided for the first 24 hours, however, to minimize the risk of irritation or infection.
Some patients experience mild swelling, bruising, redness, or tenderness at the injection sites, but these are temporary and typically resolve within a day or two.
Is Radiesse Right for You?
If you’re impressed with the benefits of Radiesse and the simplicity of the procedure, contact us today.
It could be that Radiesse is just what you need to address those mild to moderate signs of aging skin.
With Radiesse, you will see immediate improvement following your appointment. Then you’ll notice your results continue to improve over the following weeks as your body produces new collagen that will boost volume and contour for your skin.
Dispelling Myths About Liposuction
Are you considering liposuction? How much do you know about it? Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. Yet, there are a lot of myths about liposuction.
For example, many people believe that liposuction is an easy way to lose weight. The reality is, patients can lose two to five pounds of fat. But liposuction is really meant for reducing localized fat.
The procedure targets subcutaneous fat located above the muscle and under the skin. Fat that’s accumulated on the internal organs is known as visceral fat and it won’t be improved through the liposuction procedure. Diet and exercise are the best ways to combat visceral fat.
Busting Other Myths About Liposuction
Of course, the idea of using liposuction to lose weight is not the only misconception about it. We’ll take a look at some other misconceptions about this relatively simple procedure.
- There’s No Recovery Period
While it’s an outpatient procedure, there is a little recovery time involved with getting liposuction. Patients experience some swelling, soreness, and bruising around the treated area. The amount of time this takes to dissipate depends on each individual, but resting more than usual for the first week is advised. Then regular exercise and strenuous activity can be resumed as tolerated.
- It Fixes Loose Skin
As mentioned above, liposuction removes excess subcutaneous fat. But it does not tighten skin. Loose skin that comes with aging or sudden weight loss is best addressed with a skin-tightening or body contouring surgical procedure.
- Only Women Get It
Perhaps once upon a time, liposuction was the domain of women. They may have gotten it during their lunch hour. But it’s now one of the more popular procedures among men, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The most popular treatment areas where men want to rid themselves of stubborn fat include the abdomen, chest, and love handles (which they don’t love at all).
- You Can Treat Cellulite With It
Many patients are disappointed to learn that liposuction does not treat cellulite. Cellulite is the result of subcutaneous fat invested in the connective tissues beneath the skin. This is what causes the bumpy and dimpled look. Yet even though the fatty tissue is removed through liposuction, this isn’t going to affect the skin, the fibrous band, or the other tissues surrounding it. There are specific procedures that do target cellulite, however, such as Aveli.
- Older People Should Avoid It
This myth rose out of the idea that every older person doesn’t have the elasticity and firmness in their skin that would allow it to re-drape over the newly contoured area that’s been treated. And while to some degree this is true, each person’s skin is different. So it’s very possible for an older person who’s in good health and who possesses more elastic skin to get great results with liposuction.
- The Fat Will Return
The fat cells removed through a liposuction procedure will not return. It’s physically impossible. There is, however, the possibility of remaining fat cells expanding and growing into the area if a patient begins to take in too many calories. This is why a proper and balanced diet is essential in managing excess fat.
- It Can Be Unsafe
Of course, any surgical procedure carries some risk. But with liposuction, that risk is extremely minimal. The procedure is now so advanced and sophisticated that it’s almost commonplace. So when performed by an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon in tandem with the patient’s adherence to post-surgical instructions, success is the typical outcome.
Are You Curious About Liposuction?
If there were any myths about liposuction that were previously keeping you from getting the procedure, we hope you’re feeling more self-assured now.
The next step is to set up a consultation with a board-certified physician to see if it’s a viable option for you.
Contact us today to get started. And you could soon be saying goodbye to stubborn and problematic subcutaneous fat!
Common Plastic Surgery Procedures for Menopause
As women reach their 40s and 50s, and menopause begins, their estrogen and progesterone levels drop. This can result in sagging skin, fat redistribution, and changes in breast size and shape.
While menopause is a natural process, it’s no joy ride. Aside from all of the physical symptoms, the aesthetic changes only add insult to injury.
That’s why more women are consulting with board-certified plastic surgeons to inquire about common plastic surgery procedures for menopause. In fact, the whole process is coming to be known as ‘menopause makeover. And it’s helping women to counteract the ravaging effects of menopause and feel better about their bodies.
What Are the Most Common Plastic Surgery Procedures for Menopause?
‘Menopause makeovers’ are typically tailored to meet a patient’s individual aesthetic goals. That means each woman consults with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss which procedures will be appropriate for her situation and then proceeds from there.
A menopause makeover consists of multiple treatments that may include any combination of the following:
Liposuction
Hormonal shifts during menopause can cause fat to increase and collect in areas like the thighs, hips, arms, and abdomen. And it’s stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction can remove those fat deposits that have become more pronounced during menopause.
Tummy Tuck
For women experiencing fat in the abdomen that’s accompanied by excess skin and low muscle tone, a tummy tuck can help redefine the waist. A tummy tuck, which often includes liposuction as part of the whole procedure, removes the excess skin and repairs and tightens separated abdominal muscles.
Facial Rejuvenation
While age brings wrinkles, drooping skin, and loss of facial volume, the decrease and loss of estrogen that comes with menopause can exacerbate these conditions. Facelifts, brow lifts, and eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) are common procedures women ask for that address these indications of aging.
Breast Reduction
Some women struggle with weight gain once menopause hits. In some cases, this can mean increased volume in the breasts. A breast reduction provides a return to their regular breast size by removing excess tissue and fat.
Breast Lift
Along with increased volume, the loss of elasticity in the skin can also cause breasts to sag. A breast lift provides lift and elevation to the breast by removing excess skin to reposition the breast higher up on the chest while tightening the surrounding area. This procedure is often done in tandem with a breast reduction or augmentation.
Skin Treatments
While not considered plastic surgery, cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, and microneedling are also effective ways to improve skin quality and appearance by addressing aging issues related to menopause.
The Additional Benefits of Plastic Surgery for Menopause
The term ‘menopause makeover’ makes this combination of plastic surgery procedures for menopause sound like merely a physical transformation. But it’s more than that.
Most patients report a shift in their self-perception and a boost in confidence. This, in turn, increases mental and emotional resilience and improves their overall sense of well-being.
So if you’re struggling with the aesthetic changes that come with menopause, contact us today to set up a consultation. The right set of procedures could just inspire you to embrace this stage of life in a brand new way.
A Brief History of Rhinoplasty
Are you dissatisfied with the appearance of your nose, you may be considering a rhinoplasty, less elegantly known as a nose job.
But if you think getting a nose job is new to the 20th century, you’d be mistaken.
The history of rhinoplasty dates all the way back to ancient Egypt. Of course, the procedure looks a lot different now.
What Exactly Is Rhinoplasty?
If you’re shopping around for a rhinoplasty, you may not be aware that there are closed and open rhinoplasty procedures.
Whether you’re getting closed or open rhinoplasty, the surgeon will lift the skin of the nose, alter the bone and cartilage, then lay the skin back down. That’s the basics of rhinoplasty 101. Of course, it’s much more complicated than that. And the ways the surgeon customizes each rhinoplasty is its own art form.
The only thing you really need to know is that with a rhinoplasty, there are just two ways for the surgeon to access the structure of the nose. There is the closed version and the open version.
With closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes two incisions inside the nose and makes the alterations through these incisions.
An open rhinoplasty utilizes the same two incisions. But then there’s a third incision that connects them. It goes across the columella (the skin between the two nostrils) and is known as a trans-columellar incision. It is this third incision that opens up and unveils what’s happening in the nose.
Which procedure utilized will depend on what the surgeon is attempting.
A Short History of Rhinoplasty
The first medical text that detailed techniques for fixing a broken nose was in the Edwin Smith Papyrus. The text originates from 3000 to 2500 BC. The next most important record of nose reconstruction came in 800 BC from Ayurvedic physician, Sushruta, in India. The technique involved using a skin flap from the cheek to restore the nose. These were still being performed in the 5th century BC.
Two medical texts from Roman antiquity have detailed methods of restoring and reconstructing the nose. One of the texts from 14 AD offered guidelines for nose reconstruction. Another physician in the Byzantine Roman court published a 70-volume guide to medical care, which detailed a number of reconstructive surgery options.
16th – 19th Centuries
Rhinoplasty fell out of use during the Middle Ages, but it experienced a rebirth during the Renaissance among Italian surgeons. This wasn’t necessarily a result of increased vanity. It had more to do with a syphilis epidemic.
One of the effects of syphilis involves the decay of soft tissue, which can result in the wasting away of part of the face. To reconstruct noses, surgeons used donor tissue most often from the arm. In 1597, an Italian professor of surgery and anatomy detailed numerous surgical techniques for facial wounds and grafting.
In the 18th century, a British surgeon developed a technique for rebuilding the nose using cartilage from the patient’s ear. And by the 19th century, a German surgeon had developed a technique that involved making an incision inside the nose. This is still used in today’s rhinoplasty.
20th Century and Beyond
By the early 1900s, deviated septum correction had improved considerably. And reconstructive surgery experienced a notable surge after WWI and WWII when veterans returned from the battlefield. Surgeons at this time were working on open rhinoplasty techniques that involved a specific kind of incision that improved the degree of control the surgeon had over the various nasal structures.
Today, rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures. Improved techniques and technology make the procedure safe and effective when performed by a skilled board-certified plastic surgeon.
Is Rhinoplasty in Your Future?
If you’re ready to explore your rhinoplasty options, contact us today.
We’ll sit down with you during your free consultation and discuss the benefits of closed and open rhinoplasty procedures for your specific situation.
Rest assured, you’ll get the one that’s right for you.
The Top Three Cosmetic Treatments for People in Their 30s
With the old stigma around cosmetic surgery and procedures falling away, it’s not surprising that cosmetic treatments for people in their 30s are on the rise.
Most people experience the first signs of aging, like fine lines and minor wrinkles, during their 30s. In addition, a lot of people’s breasts experience a change in size, shape, and appearance by their 30s.
People ages 30-39 account for around 16% of plastic surgery patients. Yet, minimally invasive procedures lead the way in popularity.
What Are the Top Three Cosmetic Treatments for People in Their 30s?
The older we get, the easier it is to put on weight. What’s more, it’s harder to lose excess weight. Especially in areas like the midsection, arms, and flanks. This is what makes liposuction a great procedure for people in their 30s looking to maintain some of their body contour.
But getting ahead of the “aging” curve that brings wrinkles and lines makes injectables like fillers and Botox an attractive option for this age group too.
Finally, with the constant body shape fluctuations due to puberty, pregnancy, and or/age, women and men alike in their 30s are requesting various breast procedures.
We’ll dig a little deeper.
- Liposuction
Liposuction is a fairly simple treatment with the surgeon making tiny incisions in the treatment area, inserting a fine cannula, and suctioning out the fat. Since the incisions are small enough to heal on their own, downtime is extremely minimal. And it’s an effective way to get rid of stubborn fat that won’t go away with diet and exercise.
- Anti-Aging Injectables
Elastin and collagen levels decrease as we age. This results in a decrease in facial fullness and the formation of lines that typically show up in our 30s. These lines are the precursors to deep wrinkles that occur in the next few decades. So, focusing on preventative care and minor corrections before hard lines and wrinkles form is favorable for people in their 30s.
Dermal fillers are a great choice for correcting minor imperfections as well as adding and replenishing volume. Plus, they’re safe for all skin types and tones, and there’s a low risk of allergic reaction. Dermal fillers aren’t meant to drastically change one’s appearance and the results aren’t permanent.
Meanwhile, injectables like Botox prevent muscles from moving for a limited amount of time by blocking nerve signals. It is highly effective in treating signs of aging and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. It may even reduce the chance of future wrinkles forming.This makes it an attractive option for patients in their 30s.
Skincare experts and plastic surgeons also encourage micro-needling and laser treatments for people in their 30s, as well as the regular use of sunscreen.
- Breast Augmentation
It may surprise you to find out that patients in their 30s comprise 26% of all breast augmentations.
For some, the issue is sagging breasts. These patients benefit from a breast lift procedure, which will remove excess skin and tighten the surrounding tissue to provide an uplifted and more youthful appearance. A lift doesn’t add or remove significant volume. It’s often used in tandem with other procedures.
Other patients in their 30s are seeking a breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty. After a few decades of dealing with poorly fitting clothes, as well as neck, back, and shoulder pain because of oversized breasts, many women are seeking relief. Meanwhile, for men with excessive breast tissue from hormonal changes, heredity, or weight fluctuation, male breast reduction surgery, or gynecomastia, provides a flatter chest.
Finally, because breast implants typically last around 10 to 15 years, some patients in their 30s who had implants in their 20s are ready to replace their implants. In this case, breast implant exchange surgery is recommended as a part of regular maintenance. Additionally, they may decide to get rid of implants or opt for fat transfers instead.
Celebrate Being In Your 30s!
Though the above cosmetic treatments for people in their 30s are the most popular, they are by no means the ONLY ones.
So if you’re interested in how a cosmetic procedure or surgery could improve your life, contact us today.
And move into your 40s and beyond, with confidence.
Debunking Myths About Breast Lifts
If you’re experiencing sagging or changes in your breasts’ appearance that are not associated with illness, then a breast lift might be right for you. And you may have questions.
A breast lift, known medically as mastopexy, is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and tightens the surrounding tissue. This raises and reshapes sagging breasts to deliver an uplifted breast profile.
Yet, despite all the benefits of this amazing procedure, myths about breast lifts continue to proliferate. We’re here to debunk them.
Most of the Myths About Breast Lifts Just Aren’t True
For whatever reason, many aspects of breast lifts are misunderstood or ill-conceived. The following four myths about breast lifts should not be accepted as fact:
- Your Breast Size Will Change Significantly
The misconception that your breast size will change is likely drawn from confusing a breast lift with breast augmentation/reduction. The objective of a breast lift is to reshape the breasts to improve their contour. By contrast, a breast augmentation/reduction serves to increase/decrease the breast size.
There are cases where a plastic surgeon may recommend combining the two procedures to reach the desired outcome. But a breast lift by itself will not significantly change your breast size.
- They Are Only for Older Women
Because breast lifts are primarily associated with sagging, there’s a belief that breast lifts are only performed on older women. But sagging breasts are not solely the result of aging.
For some women, breast shape and position can change due to pregnancy, fluctuations in weight, or even genetics. So while it’s often older women seeking mastopexy, it’s a procedure that can be easily performed on women of various ages.
- Breastfeeding Becomes an Impossibility
Because a breast lift involves repositioning the nipple and areola, younger patients are often concerned about how the procedure will affect their milk ducts and ability to breastfeed. We can’t come right out and say that a breast lift will not impact breastfeeding. It could, potentially. But many women have been successful with breastfeeding after a breast lift. It will vary from patient to patient.
While it’s probably best to wait until you’re done having children to get a breast lift, there are extenuating circumstances. In these cases, a skilled board-certified plastic surgeon will tailor the surgery to preserve the milk ducts as much as possible.
- The Scars Are Very Visible
Any surgical procedure carries the potential for scarring. A breast lift is no different. However, the notion that mastopexy in particular leaves highly noticeable scars is untrue. Based on the skill of the surgeon and the specific technique he/she uses, scarring can be minimized. Surgeons can make incisions along the natural contours of your breast to make potential scarring less visible.
Of course, keeping up with recommended postoperative care and your own individual healing process will also be factors.
It Comes Down to Making Informed Choices
If you’re considering mastopexy but still have concerns regarding the myths about breast lifts, contact us today.
Our highly qualified plastic surgeons will clear up any misconceptions you may have and provide you with a clear understanding of the procedure and what to expect.
Then, based on this knowledge, you can make an informed choice about whether a breast lift is right for you.
What Can Affect Wound Healing?
If you’ve been considering a plastic surgery procedure, you’re probably looking forward to the many positive changes it will bring.
What you may not have considered, though, is the miracle of wound healing. Most of us take for granted the impressive cascade of events the body orchestrates to heal a wound – whether it’s the result of a small scrape or a surgical procedure.
How quickly you recover from surgery will depend to some extent on how effectively your body moves through the stages of healing. But there are more than a few external factors that can affect wound healing too.
The Basics of Wound Healing
Any time the body is wounded, it kicks into action to repair itself. In terms of wound healing, three distinct stages comprise the healing process.
The first stage is the inflammatory stage. During this time, the body utilizes corrective mechanisms to form a clot that stops the bleeding. It then stimulates blood vessels in the area to flood the wound with reparative and regenerative cells.
Once initial inflammation subsides, the body moves into the second stage of proliferation. At this point, the wound needs enough oxygen and nutrients to support the growth of new tissues. Thus, the body builds a network of blood vessels that will provide these, and the wound contracts.
The third stage of healing, known as maturation, occurs when there’s enough tissue regrowth to signal wound resurfacing with new skin cells. These grow under a scab, and once the surface is strong enough, the scab falls away to reveal a fresh layer of skin.
As mentioned above, how quickly you move through these stages will affect how quickly you heal. In addition, the type, size, and severity of a wound are also factors. There are other considerations, though.
What Else Can Affect Wound Healing?
There is also a range of external factors that can affect wound healing. The most significant factors are as follows:
- Unhealthy Lifestyle
If you’re a smoker and/or you regularly drink alcohol, steering clear of these while your wound heals is advised. Both drinking and smoking suppress the body’s inflammatory response because they restrict the flow of blood, nutrients, oxygen, and other healing cells to the wound. Thus, recovery will be slower.
In addition, consuming an unhealthy diet that doesn’t meet your basic nutritional needs can also slow or delay your healing. You’ll want to include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and grains in your diet to assist and accelerate your body’s healing process. And drink plenty of water.
- Chronic Illness
If you struggle with a chronic condition, you may experience a slower healing time. Most persistent illnesses interfere with the immune system’s responses to some degree.
Furthermore, conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease that cause poor circulation can make it difficult for your body to deliver oxygen, reparative cells, and nutrients to your wound.
- Age and Weight
Older skin doesn’t repair and regenerate as quickly as younger skin. Years of sun damage and age-related hormonal changes make the skin thinner, drier, less elastic, and more delicate. Thus, it’s more susceptible to slower healing.
People who are very overweight or obese are also more likely to experience a delay in wound healing. The extra weight can place pressure on the wound and decrease the amount of oxygen and nutrients needed to fuel healing. If a wound is between skin folds, continuous friction and tissue breakdown are also negative factors. If not properly addressed, this can lead to infection.
Staying Informed Is Key
Now that you know the factors that can affect wound healing, you can go into your plastic surgery procedure with increased confidence.
Of course, when you work with a skilled board-certified plastic surgeon, you’ll be prepped on all things pre-, during, and post-surgery to ensure the best experience. That means they’re with you every step of the way.
So if you’re ready to start exploring plastic surgery options, contact us today to secure a stellar plastic surgery experience.
