Surprising Benefits of Tummy Tuck
Frustrated with your mid-section?
When diet and exercise don’t seem to touch those not so lovable handles, a tummy tuck could be the perfect solution. It’ll smooth out those bulges to give you a more stream-lined appearance.
But there are also surprising benefits of a tummy tuck that go beyond just a flatter belly. We’ve got three right here.
- Gets Rid of Excess Skin, Scars, and Tattoos
One of the biggest drawbacks of losing a significant amount of weight is the possibility of excess skin. This is also the case for some women after pregnancy.
Not only does it look unattractive, but it can create discomfort. Especially while exercising. Fortunately, a tummy tuck not only takes care of unsightly fat, but it eliminates that excess skin too. That means exercise becomes easier and you’re able to return to activities you may have given up.
In addition, if you have scars, stretch marks, or a regrettable tattoo born of some poor decision-making, they can potentially be removed along with the excess skin. In fact, many women are able to improve the appearance of (or lose altogether) c-section scars when they undergo a tummy tuck.
And as an added bonus, once the skin is pulled and tightened, you can even have your belly button shaped and contoured. If that’s your thing.
- Decreases Back Pain and Improves Posture
If you carry around extra weight in the abdominal region (not so affectionately known as a “muffin top”) you may find yourself frequently complaining of back pain. This is not surprising.
Weak abdominal muscles and excess abdominal fat and skin affects your posture while both sitting and standing. It causes your body to pull forward, forcing your back muscles to strain and overcompensate. The result? Back pain.
Because the tummy tuck procedure tightens and repositions the abdominal muscles, they’re able to work more effectively. That means you will increase your overall core strength. And where there’s a strong core, there are fewer back problems.
- Lessens Postpartum Urinary Incontinence
During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles have to stretch in order to accommodate the new arrival. Unfortunately, for some women, the muscles remain lax after they give birth and become loose. This condition is known as diastasis recti. And no amount of dieting or exercise can tighten them again.
But a tummy tuck can.
To address the issues of diastasis recti, most plastic surgeons perform a tummy tuck combined with a rectus repair. A rectus repair utilizes sutures to tighten the abdominal muscles. One of the best results to come from this surgery is the reduction in postpartum urinary incontinence.
In fact, an Australian study monitored over two hundred patients who had the combination tummy tuck and rectus repair after giving birth. Most of the women reported an improvement in urinary incontinence. (And just in time to safely laugh at the adorable antics of their newborns!)
Want to Experience the Surprising Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
If you’re having trouble getting rid of that spare tire why not take advantage of the surprising benefits of a tummy tuck?
Contact us today to find out how this amazing procedure could help you.
It will not only leave you with a smoother and flatter belly, but it will boost your confidence and self-esteem in ways you never imagined.
The Difference Between Closed and Open Rhinoplasty
If you’re shopping around for a nose job – more elegantly known as a rhinoplasty – you may not be aware that there are closed and open rhinoplasty procedures.
And you may not even care. That’s okay. We get it. For example, if you have a deviated septum, you may just want to breathe normally and not care how it happens.
But in case you ARE interested – and are wondering which one is right for you – we’ll lay out the differences between the two here.
How Closed and Open Rhinoplasty Differ
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 is utilized will depend on what the surgeon is attempting.
When a Closed Rhinoplasty Is Preferred
Of the two approaches, the closed rhinoplasty is less complicated. And because the incisions are made inside the nose, there is no chance of a visible scar.
Plus, because a closed rhinoplasty is not as intensive, there tends to be less swelling during recovery. But less intensive also means that it may not be an option for those seeking a more complicated fix.
As such, the closed rhinoplasty is typically restricted to patients who need minimal work on their noses with reasonable symmetry. Sculpting of the dorsum and narrowing of the tip and bones may be performed in a closed rhinoplasty. Even so, it’s a viable option in those situations where the plastic surgeon deems it so.
Choosing an Open Rhinoplasty
During an open rhinoplasty, the surgeon is able to see the anatomy underneath. This is a plus in that it allows the surgeon to measure and more deeply analyze the anatomy of the nose to see any asymmetries or abnormalities. With a clear understanding of the anatomy of the patient’s nose, he or she can perform more detailed work.
In a nutshell, an open rhinoplasty allows for more correction of asymmetries and is ideal for noses that require cartilage grafting to add more structure to an otherwise amorphic nose. Since the nose is such a prominent feature on the face – as well as one of the more delicate anatomical structures of the body – precision is a desirable attribute (to say the least!).
In addition, for cases that require advanced cartilage grafting techniques, an open rhinoplasty enables the surgeon to more accurately place those grafts. And although an open rhinoplasty requires a visible incision, with advancements in surgical procedures, scarring is extremely minimal to non-existent.
For these many reasons, the open rhinoplasty is often the preferred method.
Which Rhinoplasty Is Your Best Bet?
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.
Is Tingling After Liposuction Normal?
Liposuction is quickly gaining ground as one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures. In 2020 alone, there were over 210,000 liposuction procedures performed in the United States by plastic surgeons.
Patients feel a boost in their confidence and love the relative simplicity and ease of the liposuction procedure. Still, it’s important to take the time to know what to expect during recovery.
For patients who don’t take this step, they’re not usually too surprised when they encounter some swelling or pain. But it can be alarming to experience numbness or tingling after liposuction.
Is Tingling After Liposuction Normal?
The discomfort, bruising, and swelling that come with liposuction typically last about two weeks. If even that long. But any tingling or numbness experienced after liposuction can go on for longer.
Don’t worry though!
Numbness and tingling at the incision site after liposuction is completely normal. If fact, it’s not an uncommon outcome for all surgical procedures. Any time there is cutting through body tissues, it can impact the nerves that provide feeling in that area. It simply takes time for those nerves to heal.
This doesn’t mean that everyone will experience numbness or tingling. But if you do, there’s no need to worry. You’ll typically notice the tingling subsides with time and by properly following proper post-op protocol.
Speaking of which…
Make the Most of Your Recovery
Sure, it would be great if you could just bypass the whole recovery process altogether. Obviously, that isn’t going to happen. But you’ll also want to resist the urge to rush your recovery.
Be sure to get plenty of rest and sleep in the weeks following your surgery to help your body heal. This will expedite the process. In addition, follow these three important steps:
- Embrace Help
The truth is, you’re going to need help when it comes to errands, lifting things, taking care of the kids, cleaning the house, etc. after liposuction surgery.
So let go of your pride and reach out to a friend or family member who can help you with certain activities. This falls in line with resting and giving your body a break. Pushing yourself too hard is only going to slow your healing.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
If there were ever a time to stress the importance of drinking fluids, it’s after surgery. Staying hydrated is essential to your recovery. So drink plenty of water, herbal tea, and broth and avoid sugary juices and sodas that can increase inflammation.
In addition to staying hydrated, you’ll need proper nutrition for healing. Fruits and veggies that are high in water content (such as watermelon and cucumbers) will boost your hydration efforts. You may want to prep healthy meals with lots of fruits, veggies, and lean protein ahead of your surgery. That way, you won’t need to cook. And just as important as eating healthy is eating regularly. Post-surgery is not the time to skip meals.
- Engage in Light Movement
Finally, you’ll need to avoid regular exercise for a while. But when your physician gives you the go-ahead, you can get out and start taking short walks. Light movement can help to also speed up your body’s recovery. Just be sure to take it easy. Save the speed walking for later.
Boost Your Self-Esteem with Liposuction
Now that you understand there will be some short-lived discomfort, swelling, and possibly tingling after liposuction, you may be ready to explore your options.
Contact us today for a free consultation with our plastic surgeons.
A sleek and more contoured appearance with be well worth your recovery efforts.
Is There Body Contouring for Men?
Given all the pressure on women to have certain “contours,” the overriding notion of body contouring procedures has been as something almost solely performed on women.
That’s just not the case though. Especially these days. Plastic surgery procedures that provide body contouring for men have been steadily on the rise.
It helps that many of these cosmetic procedures are relatively simple and don’t require much in the way of down time.
Body Contouring for Men
It turns out that men are just as prone to a hit in self-confidence when they feel unattractive. Especially if they’ve been dealing with rolls or pockets of fat that refuse to disappear no matter how much they diet or how hard they exercise. This lack of self-confidence bleeds into a man’s professional, social, and intimate life.
Fortunately, men have discovered that contouring procedures can slim, shape, and define those problem areas – improving muscle definition and giving a more chiseled appearance.
While body contouring for men spans a range of procedures, there are several situations that plastic surgeons see the most often.
- Not Loving the Love Handles
Many men seek out plastic surgery when they get older and start putting on extra weight around the belly. This can be perplexing to men who haven’t changed their diet or exercise regimen, but suddenly have a spare tire.
Sometimes this extra weight is the result of hormonal changes that cause the area to become dense. And no amount of diet or exercise will melt it away. This is when liposuction is a miracle worker.
With this fairly simple procedure, the plastic surgeon makes a small incision through which he or she guides a cannula tube into the targeted area. The fat is then suctioned out and the surgeon shapes and contours the designated area.
In the vast majority of cases, liposuction is outpatient surgery that’s performed under general anesthesia. Men can get back to work in 3-5 days, and return to the gym in a few weeks. As such, liposuction rates as the number one plastic surgery procedure for men.
- Men Get Boob Jobs Too
Ah, the dreaded gynecomastia.
You may know this condition better as “man boobs.” And it can be an embarrassing predicament for many men. Especially for those who are going to the gym to flatten their chest but can’t get the jiggle to go away.
Gynecomastia isn’t just the bane of older men either. In fact, it’s estimated that 40-60% of men struggle with gynecomastia. So it’s no wonder that men are showing up for male breast reduction surgery.
If the issue is extra glandular tissue, the plastic surgeon will work through an incision under the arm or around the nipple to remove the tissue with a scalpel. In cases of extra fatty tissue, liposuction once again comes to the rescue. It’s not uncommon for there to be both excess glandular and fatty tissue. And in more extreme cases, there may be need to remove excess skin as well.
Initial recovery time for male breast reduction surgery is 1-2 weeks on average and involves wearing a compression vest. After this time, most normal activities can resume.
- Lost the Weight but Not the Skin
As men are increasingly more aware of the benefits of diet and exercise, it’s not unusual for guys who were carrying a lot of extra weight to finally lose it. The problem is, they’re often left with excess skin in those areas and liposuction doesn’t do the trick here.
In these cases, there may be need for one or more excision skin surgery lifts. These can include a tummy tuck, as well as lifts to the arm, inner thigh, circumferential body (belt line), buttock, or breast. There may also be a need for a panniculectomy which is surgery that removes excess skin and fatty tissue that hangs down over the thighs and/or genitals.
The recovery time for lift surgeries is wholly dependent on the specific procedure. In most cases, men can expect to return to work in 1-2 weeks, and back to normal activity in 4-6 weeks.
Get the Contours You Desire
Don’t get stuck in the trap of thinking that plastic surgery only helps women to achieve the contours they want. With body contouring for men, you can increase your self-worth and boost confidence.
And all with minimal downtime.
So start feeling good about yourself. Contact us today to discuss the many options available to you.
Best Practices to Reduce Post Surgery Swelling
Recovering from a surgical procedure involves some degree of patience. But that doesn’t mean your best bet is to sit in front of the TV, binge watching your favorite series while snacking all day long.
Especially if you want to reduce post surgery swelling and expedite healing.
There are certain things you can do that will help you more effectively move through recovery.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
We all know by now that drinking plenty of water each day is essential to good health. It’s also essential to keeping post-surgical swelling at bay.
But you don’t necessarily have to get all of your hydration from water. Herbal teas and decaf coffee with minimal or no sweeteners also count. And if plain water doesn’t do it for you, you can drink water with natural fruit essences or even add a small amount of juice to your water.
You can also get hydration from produce. There are plenty of high water content fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, grapefruit, strawberries, zucchini, and celery. Speaking of eating…
- Eat With Recovery In Mind
Enemy number one when trying to reduce swelling is salt. So while you’re hydrating, stay away from Gatorade or other sports drinks that contain sodium. And keep the salty snacks at a bare minimum.
Another thing you want to decrease is your sugar intake. Too much sugar can suppress your immune system and throw off your body’s ability to heal.
One thing you can increase though is protein. It is essential for muscle and skin regrowth as well as wound healing. And adding a quality probiotic to your diet will go the distance in countering the effects of any antibiotics or other prescription drugs you’ve been prescribed.
- Dress Responsibly
Whatever notions you have of high fashion during surgical recovery, you’ll likely need to ditch them.
If you need to wear a compression garment during recovery, you may want to purchase some basic tank tops to wear underneath to reduce itching. You can cut them to size. And don’t even think about getting rid of the compression garment until your doctor gives you the go-ahead. (Some patients continue to wear them though for comfort and support.)
Plus, if you had any sort of liposuction to the midsection, you’ll need to steer clear of anything with tight waistbands.
- Keep on Moving to Increase Circulation
When you first come out of surgery, you’ll need to rest for the first 24 hours. But after that, you can start to get back to your normal daily activities – slowly.
Your physician may request that you don’t elevate your heart rate right after surgery. Slow walking is one of the best ways to keep the body in motion without raising the heart rate. Then once you get the okay, you can increase the pace of your walking.
Stretching is also a great way to add gentle motion while breaking up adhesions after lipo procedures. Depending on your surgery, you may find it helpful to lay on your side, back, and/or stomach on an exercise ball.
- Trust Your Body When It Wants to Rest
Finally, although we’re recommending all of these actions, it’s equally important to honor your body when it needs a break. As eager as you are to reduce swelling and get back to life, your body is healing from trauma. So in those six weeks following surgery, really pay attention to what your body is telling you and heed it.
You Have the Tools to Reduce Post Surgery Swelling
Now that you know the best ways to reduce post surgery swelling and understand the ins and outs of healing from surgery, you may be ready to try plastic surgery for yourself.
Contact us today. During your free and comprehensive consultation, you’ll be able to share your vision with a board-certified plastic surgeon who will advise you of next steps.
They could just be life-changing.
What Are the Best Plastic Surgery Combinations?
Plastic surgery combinations, i.e. getting two procedures done at once, might seem like a lot to take on. But actually, they’re more common than you may realize.
It’s not a matter of you picking and choosing procedures from a menu. The combination procedures are chosen carefully by your surgeon based on your objectives, goals, and health.
And there is a definite upside to having multiple surgeries performed simultaneously.
Benefits of Multiple Surgeries
Patients save time and money by only being put under anesthesia once. As with all surgery, there is some risk with anesthesia. By having two procedures accomplished during one round of anesthesia, patients reduce the number of times they have to be anesthetized. Furthermore, they save money.
In addition, the recovery times for each procedure are done under one umbrella. That means that patients only have to take off one period of time for work and activities rather than two.
Finally, in having two surgeries done at once, patients usually experience more dramatic results in a shorter amount of time.
The Best Plastic Surgery Combinations
There are occasions when procedures must be combined. One such occasion is when a patient opts for breast augmentation with fat transfer. In this case, the patient has to undergo liposuction in order to harvest the fat which will then be applied during the augmentation surgery.
For the most part though, combining plastic surgeries is more a matter of getting the best and most complete results with minimum invasiveness.
- The Mommy Makeover
The mommy makeover is the ultimate in combining plastic surgery procedures. There’s no one-size-fits-all though. Depending on what each patient wants or needs, there are many variations.
Generally speaking though, a mommy makeover typically includes breast augmentation for women who lost breast volume during childbirth, with a possible lift if they find their breasts sag a bit after breastfeeding. These multiple surgeries for the breast are also common among older women, regardless of their motherhood status.
In addition, if there is post-pregnancy abdominal flab that won’t go away with diet and exercise, the surgeon may also recommend a tummy tuck. On occasion, there may even be need for some vaginal rejuvenation work. Again, it depends on each individual.
- Surgeries for Contouring
In many cases, diet- and exercise-resistant fat forms in the body as we age. Especially in the abdomen. So in this case, a plastic surgeon will often combine a tummy tuck with liposuction.
The tummy tuck helps to give the waistline a sleeker and more contoured appearance, while the liposuction serves to vacuum out some of that resistant fat. When done in tandem, these two procedures deliver a smooth and attractive waistline.
- Firming up the Face
When patients are obsessed with an imperfection on the face, they typically have one specific procedure in mind. But facial surgery is complicated.
For example, someone who is troubled by a crooked nose may insist the only thing they need is rhinoplasty (i.e. nose job). But there are many occasions where once the shape of the nose changes, it brings the rest of the face out of harmony. So in these cases, the surgeon may need to add a chin augmentation or other procedure to keep the face in proportion.
This is just one example. In the realm of facial surgery, there are countless combinations such as facelift/eye lift, facelift/fat transfers, face lift/neck lift, brow lift/facelift, and eye lift with dermal fillers. It takes the work of a skilled surgeon to maintain proper facial proportion.
Curious About Combining Procedures?
When we refer to the best plastic surgery combinations, we’re really looking at the most common ones. In reality, the possibilities for combinations are nearly endless.
So if you’re curious about the benefits of multiple surgeries, contact us today. During your free consultation, your surgeon will determine whether you’re a good candidate and which procedures will serve you best.
Then get ready to put your best self forward.
The Ultimate Breast Implants Checklist
Summer’s almost here. It’s that time of year when you start showing more skin and seeing just how your body has changed over the winter. And with the pandemic, you might be noticing the impact of a couple of winters.
If you’re feeling self-conscious about filling out your bathing suit or other summer wear, this may be the year for breast augmentation surgery.
Breast implants could boost your confidence this summer. But what will be expected of you before and after the surgery? To address that, we’ve got the most complete breast implants checklist here for you.
BEFORE Pre-Surgery
Once you finally make an appointment to talk with a plastic surgeon, he or she will provide you with literature on the procedure. This can be a lot of information to absorb. There will also be an FDA-approved patient-decision checklist. The purpose of this list is to present the benefits and risks of getting implants.
The checklist covers topics such as what makes a successful breast implant candidate; situations when implants shouldn’t be used, the risks of undergoing the surgery; the importance of proper training and experience; and other options (where appropriate).
The patient-decision checklist is reviewed together by you and your surgeon.
Breast Implant Checklists
Once everything is agreed upon and you’ve decided to go ahead with the surgery, you’ll be given an opportunity to sign and initial throughout the patient-decision checklist. The checklist is then signed by your board-certified surgeon.
At that point, you’ll need to start tackling the next checklist – which is things you’ll need to do before the procedure.
Pre-Surgery
If you love a good smoke first thing in the morning or after a meal, you’ll need to get used to not having this. It’s crucial that you quit smoking a minimum of four weeks pre-op.
Also, get your work and other life affairs in order. You’ll need at least one week off from your job. Stock up on essential items and foods that are simple to make. (Soup comes to mind.) And be sure to get all of your prescriptions filled so you’ll have them after the surgery.
On the actual day of the surgery, you’ll need to wear loose clothing with a top that zips or buttons in the front. Don’t eat anything or take vitamins/medications unless instructed by the doctor. Refrain from wearing creams, lotions, or fragrances, or using hairspray on surgery day.
Finally, arrange to have a family member or friend drive you home after the surgery.
Post-Surgery
Once you arrive home, it’ll be important that you get plenty of rest to help the body heal. Keep your head and neck elevated using firm but comfortable pillows.
If you live alone, plan to have someone around who can help for at LEAST that first day back. You’ll have to avoid lifting, bending, or any sort of vigorous movement until the surgeon says it’s clear to do so.
Got hydration? If you don’t like water, now is the time to start embracing its benefits because you’ll need to drink at least eight ounces of water every two hours that first day back. Also, take your pain meds as prescribed, wear the recommended compression garments, and have ice packs ready to help with any swelling.
And be sure you have quick access to your surgeon’s contact info in case you experience any complications or just have questions.
Boost Your Confidence with Breast Implants
Now that you’ve gone over the ultimate breast implants checklist, you know exactly what to expect. So why not contact us today?
And get ready for an amazing and form-fitting summer!
Facial Fillers Versus a Facelift
There comes a time in every person’s life when, as much as you might still feel like you’re in your 20s, your face tells a different story.
While you may not achieve that youthful look of your 20s again, you needn’t be resigned to the visual ravages of aging. So if you’re considering taking action, you may be wondering what your options are.
It comes down to facial fillers versus a facelift. Each of these procedures has its benefits and which one you choose will depend on your specific situation.
Best Candidates for Dermal Fillers
In terms of facial rejuvenation, dermal fillers (or injectables) are becoming more and more popular. Especially because they don’t require going under the knife.
Even so, fillers have their limits. They are not effective for the finely etched-in lines that occur with more advanced age.
For younger patients who are in the early stages of wrinkles or collagen loss though, fillers are the less extreme option. They are minimally invasive and can effectively restore lost volume. Restoring volume can also help to eliminate wrinkles and drooping skin. Along with filling in newer wrinkles, fillers can also augment thin cheeks and fill hollow temples.
Another plus is that there is virtually no downtime – although they do require multiple visits for maintenance. But they’re a great way to refresh for a more youthful appearance.
Types of Dermal Injectables
Dermal injectables fall into two categories. The first are neurodilators such as Botox or other similar neurotoxins that work by “freezing” overactive muscles in the face to treat dynamic wrinkles. Then there are dermal fillers such as Teoxane and Juvederm products which are hyaluronic acid fillers that address static wrinkles such as nasolabial folds (i.e. laugh lines) and the marionette line folds that develop between the corners of the mouth and continue down to the jaw line.
Both types of injectables can help stave off the need for facial surgery in younger patients. For older patients, they can also enhance the results of a facelift.
Speaking of which…
Benefits of a Facelift
Though fillers do a terrific job of replacing fat in the lips or cheeks, only a facelift can actually remove excess skin around the jowls and then tighten the skin. This can render a remarkable difference in your appearance.
Facelifts are more effective than fillers in treating severe signs of aging. Through repositioning the facial fat pads, this procedure improves facial volume and contours. And when working with a skilled board-certified plastic surgeon, you can be sure that any incisions will be carefully hidden for a more natural-looking appearance.
Best Candidates for a Facelift
For patients with deep wrinkles, or excess or sagging skin, a facelift is a better option to address these problems for the long-term.
Unlike fillers though, a facelift is a surgical procedure. Therefore, it will require downtime for recovery. The best candidates for this procedure should also be in overall good health, still have some skin elasticity, not smoke, and (perhaps most importantly) have realistic expectations.
Facial Fillers Versus a Facelift – Which One is Right For You?
You don’t have to face the question of facial fillers versus a facelift on your own.
If you’re considering which is the better option for you, then contact us today for a free consultation. Our qualified and trained professionals will point you in the right direction.
And soon enough, looking in the mirror will bring a smile to your more youthful face.
Surgical Ways To Remove A Double Chin
Do you remember a day when you had a streamlined profile while looking in the mirror? Of course, it’s possible that you’ve never had that particular brand of luck.
In fact, many of us deal with excess fat on the neck or chin that results in a double chin. Also known as submental fullness, it can be the result of weight loss, aging, or just good old genetics.
Fortunately, there are surgical ways to remove a double chin and feel more confident about your appearance.
Surgical Ways To Remove A Double Chin
Getting rid of excess fat or skin around the neck can be achieved in a number of ways. Depending on your goals, a board-certified plastic surgeon may use one or more of the following procedures:
- Chin Liposuction
For folks with more elastic skin (often those in the 20-50 year age range), the surgeon may opt for just chin liposuction.
With chin liposuction, the surgeon inserts a cannula, or small tube, into different areas of the chin. Gentle suction removes small amounts of fat from each location which leaves the skin looking smoother.
Although this procedure removes excess fat, it doesn’t improve skin quality.
- Submentoplasty and/or Lower Rhytidectomy
Submentoplasty is just the medical field’s fancy term for a chin tuck while a lower rhytidectomy is more commonly known as a neck lift.
A chin tuck focuses solely on tightening the skin and removing extra fat from the chin and upper neck. A neck lift is more extensive than a chin tuck in that it tightens the muscles.
Chin Tuck and Neck Lift Surgery Procedures
As explained above, chin liposuction is fairly straightforward. A chin tuck or neck lift are more extensive, however, and involve making incisions.
First, your doctor marks the chin and neck to indicate the areas where he or she will work. Then either IV medications are administered or you may have to undergo general anesthesia.
The area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. For those not under general anesthesia, a local anesthetic may be injected under the skin.
Incisions are generally made at the hairline and around and behind the ear to avoid conspicuous scars. Excess fat and skin are removed from the neck.
In the case of a chin tuck, there will be fewer incisions and excess skin isn’t removed. Instead, the platysma (neck muscle) is tightened to give the skin a more sculpted and toned appearance.
In both cases, incisions are closed with glue or sutures.
Recovery
As with all surgical procedures, swelling and discomfort following the procedure are common. The skin on the neck and chin may show bruising and swelling and might feel very tight. Your surgeon may recommend an antibiotic ointment.
You’ll need to avoid the sun, as well as getting excess amounts of water on the face or chin for a few days.
Overall recovery time will depend on the surgical procedure you have. Chin liposuction typically heals within a few days to a week. A neck lift will be more like 7-10 days.
Eager to Say Goodbye to Your Double Chin?
With a number of surgical ways to remove a double chin available, you could be bidding that double chin farewell in the near future.
So contact us today to get started.
Our experienced team will sit down with you during your free consultation and discuss which option(s) will be best for you.
How To Prepare For Your Facelift
Have you recently made the decision to get a facelift? Great! Rejuvenating your facial appearance is sure to boost your confidence and self-esteem.
There are some things you’ll need to know to prepare for your facelift though.
The absolute first step is to find a board-certified plastic surgeon who has the expertise to do the procedure to your satisfaction. Once you’ve chosen your surgeon, you can expect the following:
An Initial Consultation
Of course, having a board-certified plastic surgeon with whom your comfortable is essential. But you’ll want to be just as comfortable with the procedure you’re about to have. This is the point of the consultation.
It’s during this meeting that you and your surgeon will review your health history, current medical conditions, and any medications you may be taking. He or she will also listen to your expectations and inform you of whether they’re realistic.
You’ll have a chance to see before-and-after photos of patients who have had the procedure. Then the surgeon will tell you about treatment options, risk of complications/side effects, and what to expect from the procedure. Once it is clear that you’re a good candidate for a facelift, he or she will be clear about the cost, outcomes, anesthesia, risks, recovery and aftercare.
Prepping For The Actual Surgery
Once the consultation is complete, you’ll need to do some prep work. This includes quitting smoking at least six weeks prior to the procedure. Smoking not only increases the risk of complications, but it can also result in less than ideal results.
It’s also important during this time to get into the habit of drinking a lot of water. You want to be as hydrated as possible when the day arrives to ensure faster and more effective recovery. You’ll also need to go into your surgery without having eaten anything since the night before.
If you regularly take aspirin, NSAIDs (like Advil), or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, there will be a point when your surgeon will tell you to stop taking them.
Finally, make your home environment as comfortable as possible so that when you return from the surgery, you’ll be able to relax and heal. You’ll also want to plan to have someone drive you home and stay with your for at least 24 hours after the surgery. In addition, find someone who can perform household duties for the week following surgery so you can focus on healing.
The Morning Of The Surgery
Plan to wear a top that’s easy to get on and off – such as a zip-up hoodie. You’ll want to avoid pulling anything over your head and impacting the treatment area.
Your surgeon will give you an estimate of how long the procedure will take, but it’s typically a few hours. An anesthesiologist will be in the room throughout your surgery and constantly monitoring your vitals. When your facelift is complete, you’ll spend some time in the recovery room until you’re stable and cleared to go home.
And that’s it!
Prepare For Your Facelift
Now that you’ve made the mental commitment to this amazing procedure, it’s time to contact us for your free consultation.
With a highly experienced staff of board-certified plastic surgeons, aestheticians, and skin care specialists, we’ll go above and beyond to help you prepare for your facelift.
And you could be looking at a brighter and happier reflection in a just a few months!
