The Emotional Changes With Plastic Surgery
If you’re considering changing your appearance through a surgical procedure, you may not be aware of the possible emotional changes with plastic surgery.
There’s no need to worry. This is completely normal.
Even so, it’s best to go into your procedure with the understanding that the operation could temporarily stir up some emotions. Here’s what you might expect.
There Could Be an Adjustment Period
Whether you’re having a Brazilian Butt Lift, a tummy tuck, or a facelift, what you’ll see in the mirror after the procedure will be different from what you’ve always known. And getting used to this can take some time.
In some cases, the adjustment period might be minimal. Certain people can roll with the punches more easily than others and will be able to embrace the changes quickly. For example, if you’ve elected rhinoplasty surgery because you’ve disliked the appearance of your nose for a long time, you may be a bit startled to see your reflection without that imperfection. On the other hand, it may come as a tremendous relief that your nose finally has the appearance you’ve long desired. It’ll depend to some degree on your natural disposition.
Another factor that will lend to the likelihood of an adjustment period is whether the surgery is elective and how major the results are. A patient coming in for liposuction to get rid of some pesky areas of fat is going to have a different emotional response than one having reconstructive surgery after dealing with breast cancer.
You May Experience an Identity Shift
Going to sleep one way and waking up another can be jarring to your identity. And not just for the patient. This is particularly the case for those electing to have body contouring surgery after massive weight loss.
In these cases, the patients have long identified with moving through life in a bigger body that may have gone largely unnoticed. Once they lose a lot of weight after a gastric bypass or GLP-1 medications, they need a body contouring procedure to get rid of the excess skin.
The result?
An entirely different body that may be getting attention. This can be difficult for the patient if they’ve grown accustomed to going unnoticed. What’s more, it can be difficult if there’s a spouse or partner who’s threatened by this new attention.
Waiting for Results to Show Can Be a Challenge
Of course, when we say that patients go to sleep looking one way and waking up another, there’s the recovery process to consider as well.
For example, you will definitely look different after a facelift. But what you see immediately after the procedure may leave you discouraged. Instead of the ‘after image’ you have in your head, you’ll more than likely look swollen and bruised with visible scars around your ears and hairline. That’s because there’s the necessary recovery time.
Some patients experience negative emotions around the disappointment of having to wait. Especially if they haven’t been fully briefed on the entire procedure and not allowed the chance to prepare themselves emotionally. That’s why it’s so important that you insist on a board-certified plastic surgeon who will not go ahead with the procedure until he or she feels confident that you know what to expect.
When you work with a highly qualified and skilled surgeon, you’ll have a better grasp on the reality of what to expect. In addition, in cases where the healing is longer and more intense, you’ll have made provisions to stay home and give your body (and your mind) time to recover.
The Emotional Changes With Plastic Surgery Aren’t Permanent
Yes, recovering from plastic surgery requires physical healing. But depending on several factors, it can be an emotional process too.
Just know that the emotional changes with plastic surgery are normal and won’t last forever. You just need to be patient with yourself and allow your mind time to catch up with your body. It will.
In the meantime, if you’re ready to start exploring different plastic surgery options, contact us today. We’ll ensure that you know what to expect every step of the way.
Can a Breast Reduction Affect Breastfeeding?
If you’ve been struggling with the discomfort that comes from having very large breasts, you might be considering decreasing the size. This can be an affirming and life-changing decision for many women.
However, if you’re considering this procedure but haven’t finished having children, you might be wondering, can a breast reduction affect breastfeeding?
The majority of women of childbearing age who undergo a breast reduction can breastfeed after their surgery. But there are definitely considerations.
First, What Is a Breast Reduction?
For everyone, gravity takes a toll on the breasts. Even men. But for women with large breasts, it can be especially daunting. There’s the potential for back, shoulder, and neck pain from excess breast tissue weighing them down. In addition, women often suffer from cuts and abrasions on their shoulders from the straps of extra supportive bras. Plus, overly large breasts can make finding clothes difficult and zap one’s confidence.
Fortunately, through the surgical procedure known as a breast reduction, a board-certified plastic surgeon can remove troublesome excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin to resize and reshape the breasts.
For those who need a moderate reduction, the board-certified surgeon will typically use what’s known as a lollipop incision. This is an incision made around the areola and down to the breast fold. In the cases of those who need a significant reduction, an anchor incision continues along the crease underneath the breast. Whatever the case, a breast reduction is accompanied by a breast lift to fully restore the shape and contour of the breast.
Sometimes, breast reduction is done in combination with other procedures such as a tummy tuck or liposuction. This combination of procedures, known as the Mommy Makeover, is typically done after a woman has stopped having children.
For women who want just a breast reduction and still plan to give birth, however, surgeons have to take extra consideration when it comes to breastfeeding.
How Can a Breast Reduction Affect Breastfeeding?
During a breast reduction procedure, the surgeon will encounter milk ducts, glands, and nerves required for breastfeeding. Removing breast tissue can damage these milk-producing structures and cause a significant drop in milk production. In addition, damage to the nerves around the nipples could result in an inability to stimulate milk let-down and ejection.
As such, a qualified surgeon will avoid techniques that cause damage to the breast ducts and glands. He or she instead focuses on those that preserve glandular tissue and minimize nerve damage to increase the chances of successful breastfeeding.
Timing and Post-Op Care Are Everything
If you are considering a breast reduction but still intend to breastfeed, you and your surgeon will discuss the best time to do this. The more time you allow between the surgery recovery and your pregnancy, the better it will be for your milk duct regeneration and recovery. This could mean giving yourself a few years after the surgery before breastfeeding.
In addition, the quality of your post-op care will be emphasized to enhance your recovery and future breastfeeding success. Once you reach the point of breastfeeding, you’ll be encouraged to eat healthy, stay hydrated, and apply breast strategies (frequent nursing, pumping, etc.) that improve milk let-down. You’ll also be encouraged to work with a lactation consultant who can guide you on effective latching techniques and give you tips for boosting milk production.
One of the most important things to remember is that each woman’s breastfeeding journey is unique. With or without a breast reduction, you may still have difficulty exclusively breastfeeding. And that’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with supplementing with formula as long as you and your baby are healthy and thriving.
Insist Upon a Highly Experienced Plastic Surgeon
Can a breast reduction affect breastfeeding? Yes. So it’s crucial you work only with an experienced and board-certified surgeon.
If you’re ready to further explore your options, contact us today.
During your consultation, our surgeon will explain the best surgical technique that will preserve your breast ducts, guide you based on your specific needs and goals, and provide practical expectations about your breastfeeding potential.
Is It Possible to Reverse Sun Damage?
If you’re a self-avowed sun worshipper, your skin may now be showing fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and hyperpigmentation as a result.
Especially if you didn’t take measures to protect your skin.
Even so, while it’s not possible to reverse sun damage, there are advanced treatments that can help decrease signs of sun damage and restore skin health.
What Happens to Skin in the Sun?
When the skin is penetrated by UV rays from the sun, there’s an acceleration in the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers. Collagen is necessary for keeping the skin smooth, while elastin fibers help it retain its shape. The breakdown of these components leads to sunspots, sagging, and the formation of wrinkles.
Fortunately, advancements in dermatological technology go the distance in reversing the visible effects of sun damage. The following top three are among the top solutions:
- Laser Skin Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical procedure that ablates the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). Then the energy can enter into the deeper layer (the dermis). This results in an immediate contraction of the skin which promotes collagen production. Collagen locks moisture into the skin cells to lessen age-related loss of skin volume. The more collagen in the skin, the fewer lines and creases.
Laser treatments effectively smooth wrinkles and even out skin tone on the face, neck, hands, and other places. And because it’s a minimally invasive procedure, the downtime is short. What’s more, the benefits of laser skin resurfacing last a long time.
- Chemical Peels
Simply put, a chemical peel is the application of a chemical solution to the skin.There are a few different peels available.
A light or “lunchtime” chemical peel is usually done in a series and it’s best for those with fine wrinkling, uneven skin coloring, or rough sun-damaged skin. Only the outermost layer of skin is removed and recovery requires little to no downtime.
With a medium chemical peel, both the outermost layer and the upper part of the middle skin layer are removed. This is a good option for those with more moderate wrinkles, age spots, acne scarring, or uneven skin coloring that’s more pronounced.
A deep chemical peel provides the most dramatic results. In this case, the chemical penetrates all the way down to the lower middle layer of the skin. This is most often recommended for those with moderate lines and wrinkles, extensive sun-damaged skin, deep acne scars, blotchy skin, and actinic keratosis. When done on the face, it’s a one-time treatment that requires pretreatment for up to eight weeks.
- Microneedling with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Microneeding with PRP is a minimally invasive skin treatment. It involves taking a small amount of your blood, then placing it in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from other blood components. The PRP is highly concentrated with growth factors that boost healing and tissue regeneration.
A microneedling device is then used to create tiny, controlled micro-injuries in the treatment area. These micro-injuries trigger your skin’s natural healing response, stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin, which are vital for youthful skin. Once that’s complete, the PRP is applied to the skin. The microchannels created by the microneedling allow the PRP to penetrate deeply into the skin, enhancing the healing process and maximizing the benefits of the treatment.
An Ounce of Prevention
While the above treatments can improve the appearance of skin that’s suffered sun damage, preventing further exposure to UV rays is crucial in maintaining your skin’s health. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 35 SPF is recommended. This includes on cloudy days. Even with the daily application of sunscreen, you should stay in the shade as much as possible and wear protective clothing such as certain fabrics and wide rimmed hats. Adopting such preventive measures as part of your skincare routine is easier than you think.
Could You Benefit from a Sun Damage Treatment?
If it were possible to reverse sun damage, that would be great. But since that isn’t an option, you can take the above-mentioned measures to prevent further damage.
In the meantime, if you’re bothered by the visible effects of sun damage you currently have, don’t let it damage your confidence too.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our skincare specialists will meet with you to determine which treatment is the most appropriate.
Discover the Beauty of Forever Bare BBL
Removing unwanted hair can feel like a constant battle.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could commit a lot less time to this battle? You can! With Forever Bare BBL, you can have smooth and radiant skin that lasts a long time.
And Forever Bare BBL treatments are incredibly versatile. You can have hair removed from the legs, underarms, bikini line, back and chest, and the face – particularly the upper lip and chin.
What Exactly is BBL?
BBL stands for broad band light. This form of hair removal technology delivers light energy to the skin which is absorbed by melanin – the pigment that gives your skin and hair color. The energy converts to heat which safely disrupts the hair’s growth cycle.
Because BBL uses multiple high-energy pulses at a higher repetition rate than traditional laser treatments, it’s far less likely to miss areas.
What to Expect from Forever Bare BBL
It should be noted that Forever Bare BBL treatments are safe for most people. However, pregnant women and people with certain skin conditions or sensitivities to light-based treatments should avoid BBL.
If your skincare specialist determines Forever Bare BBL will^ be good for you, the target area will be prepared and your provider will use a hand piece to deliver light energy to your hair follicles. Depending on the size of the area being treated, sessions are relatively short. There is minimal discomfort and you’ll feel a warm sensation.
BBL hair removal also has minimal downtime. Though there will be some redness or sensitivity in the treated area, that will quickly subside and you’ll be able to get back to your daily activities immediately after the treatment.
You’ll be provided with aftercare instructions and be advised to avoid sun exposure, wear sunscreen, and clean the treatment area with gentle cleanser and warm water.
Complete hair removal typically requires several sessions spaced a few weeks apart. After the initial treatment, your results will be assessed and maintenance sessions once or twice per year might be required to maintain smoothness.
The Benefits of Forever Bare BBL
One major benefit of Forever Bare BBL is how comfortable the treatment is. The system has a built-in cooling plate to keep the skin cool during the session.
Another benefit is its versatility. The treatment can be tailored to suit many different skin types and hair colors. Plus, the treatments have minimal to no downtime so they won’t interrupt your life.
Plus, Forever Bare BBL is clinically proven to be safe and effective. The gentle wavelength targets the pigment without harming the surrounding tissue, while the cooling system minimizes discomfort and aftereffects. 80-90% of the hair in the treated area is eliminated within 3-6 treatments.
Finally, the results from Forever Bare BBL are long-lasting. After completing your treatment plan, you could see a reduction in hair growth for years!
Discover the Beauty of Forever Bare BBL for Yourself!
If you’re ready to see if Forever Bare BBL could be a great option for you, contact us today to set up your consultation.
We’ll discuss your skin and hair type and determine if Forever Bare BBL is the best choice for your hair removal goals. From there, we’ll outline a personalized treatment plan, including the number of sessions needed for optimal results.
So don’t hesitate! Get summer smooth… and stay that way for a long time!
Benefits of An Endoscopic Brow Lift
If you’ve researched any of our articles on the brow lift procedure, then you know it’s an effective surgery. Yet, even though you’re not satisfied with your drooping eyebrows, you may not be ready to pull the trigger on the procedure.
So perhaps it’s time to consider the benefits of an endoscopic brow lift instead.
It’s a more minimally invasive technique that has several advantages over a traditional brow lift procedure. And it’s becoming increasingly popular because of this.
Benefits of an Endoscopic Brow Lift Surgery
Just like it sounds, an endoscopic brow lift utilizes an endoscope for better visualization. This means smaller incisions than in the regular procedure, faster recovery time, lowered risk of complications, and less swelling and bruising.
In reducing a sagging brow, it also works to smooth out crow’s feet, frown lines, the horizontal wrinkles across the forehead, and the vertical creases that develop between the eyebrows – more affectionately known as the “11s.” It will also restore the natural arch in your eyebrows. Results from an endoscopic brow lift typically lasts between five and ten years – depending on your skin elasticity, sun exposure, and how well (or not well) the aging process treats you.
If after your consultation your board-certified plastic surgeon determines an endoscopic brow lift is right for you, you’ll need to provide your medical history. You’ll also receive instructions on medication, not eating before surgery, and the best ways to manage your hair – since that’s where the incisions will be hidden.
Endoscopic Brow Lift Procedure
An endoscopic brow lift is typically performed using local anesthesia with IV sedation, though in some cases there may be general anesthesia. From there, your board-certified plastic surgeon will make tiny incisions in a part of the scalp that has hair so as to limit scarring. The exact placements and number of incisions will depend on your forehead’s structure and the surgeon’s technique.
The surgeon then inserts an endoscope through the incisions to get a clear view (on a monitor) of the internal structures to avoid important facial nerves. He or she will manipulate the forehead’s soft tissues, adjusting muscles and fascia to create the ideal brow position while smoothing the forehead.
Fixation methods hold the new position in place and the incisions are carefully closed. There will likely be some swelling and bruising.
Recovery
Generally speaking, you can expect a recovery period of 10-14 days, though most patients return to work within a week. Swelling and bruising are common. They typically peak around 36-48 hours after the procedure and are best managed with cold compresses. You’ll also need to keep your head elevated in the first two days after the procedure to reduce swelling. This includes when you’re sleeping.
A gentle shower may be viable after 24 hours, but be careful to avoid direct water on the incision sites. You’ll need to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and anything requiring you to bend over for too long. Rest is crucial and always adhere to your surgeon’s instructions regarding wound care and medication.
Within a few months, you should be bright-eyed and fully recovered.
Curious About Brow Lift Surgery?
If you’re wondering about the benefits of an endoscopic brow lift versus a regular brow lift, contact us today to set up a meeting.
During your personalized consultation, our board-certified plastic surgeon will examine your facial features and discuss your aesthetic goals to determine which procedure is right for you.
We look forward to hearing from you!
What Is the Obagi Blue Radiance Peel?
Considering a chemical peel but not sure where to begin?
The Obagi Blue Radiance Peel is a great place to start your journey. It’s suitable for both mature skin with fine lines as well as oily or acne-prone skin.
Another reason this is a good starter chemical peel is it’s light-strength and can be done in a short amount of time. In fact, you could have an Obagi Blue Radiance Peel during your lunch break, and return to work immediately afterward!
How Does It Differ from Other Peels?
The Obagi Blue is different from other alpha-hydroxy peels or superficial skin procedures in that it allows your skin care specialist more precise control of the depth of the peel. For some patients, one layer of the peel solution will be enough to get the job done. For others, two layers are required.
During your consultation, your aesthetician will determine the number of layers based on your individual needs. Although the vast majority of patients use the peel for their face, it can also be applied to your neck, hands, arms, legs, back, and chest.
Another thing that makes Obagi Blue Peel Radiance unique is that it’s specially formulated to treat Black, Asian, Latino/a, and all other darker skin types. In the past, chemical peels only worked on lighter skin.
What You Can Expect from Your Obagi Blue Radiance Peel
Before proceeding to the desired area to be treated, a test application will be applied to a small area of skin to ensure there are no negative reactions.
You’ll be brought to a comfortable reclining position. If you’re having the procedure on your face, your skin care specialist will apply moisturizer to your lips and the corners of your eyes to protect them. You may also have gauze placed over each eye to protect your eyelids.
Regardless of where you’re having the peel, the Blue Peel Radiance Prep Solution will then be applied to your skin and left to dry completely.
Using a systematic pattern, your aesthetician will apply a single layer of the Obagi Blue Radiance Peel. You may experience mild tingling, which is completely normal. If you opt to get a second layer and your skin tolerates the first layer well, the second layer will be applied 30-60 seconds after the initial layer and using the same systematic pattern.
Whether you’re doing one or two layers, the peel stays on the skin for up to 10-12 minutes. It’s then removed using a sponge or gauze with a gentle cleanser and a rinse of water and a mineral sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is applied.
Caring for Your Skin After the Peel
While an Obagi Blue Peel Radiance is considered gentle, you might experience mild redness or peeling afterward. This is not unusual. Just be sure to avoid using any alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid products, retinoids, retinols, or facial products containing fragrance for a few days after the peel.
Also, be gentle with your skin. Do NOT exfoliate it and avoid picking at any flaking or peeling skin during your short recovery. In addition, avoid direct exposure to the sun and wear an SPF of at least 30 at all times for at least a week. Following these guidelines will keep your skin protected from improper healing that could reverse the benefits of the peel.
Renew Your Skin with an Obagi Blue Radiance Peel
Are you ready to experience the ease and effectiveness of an Obagi Blue Radiance Peel?
Treat yourself to a lunch break pick-me-up for your skin!
Contact us to set up a consultation with one of our skincare specialists and discover the miracle of this quick yet powerful procedure.
Can You Reduce the Size of Your Breast Implants?
Having breast augmentation surgery to increase the size of your breasts can be an emotional journey. In most cases, women enjoy the results as they navigate life with a larger breast size. They’re pleased with the way clothes fit better and their increased confidence.
But there are occasions when the increased breast size is not what they imagined. Or it’s simply that after many years being satisfied with the results, changes in the body have now rendered the implants too large. If this is you, you may be wondering if you can reduce the size of your breast implants.
The short answer is yes. However, it isn’t always a matter of swapping one pair of implants out for another. The experience will be different for every patient. And if your surgery was recent, there is one major question you need to ask yourself.
Do You Really Want to Reduce the Size of Your Breast Implants?
If it hasn’t even been a year since your breast augmentation, you’ll want to give yourself some time. It’s not unusual for patients to feel uncertain at first. For some, it can be challenging for the body and mind to adjust to the new size. Plus, in the early months when there is normal post-op swelling, it can make your new breasts appear even larger. In addition, they’ll be sitting up higher on your chest. Just know that this isn’t permanent.
Of course, this isn’t to say that if you’re completely dissatisfied for any reason you should just wait it out for a year. Your best bet is to consult your surgeon and discuss any concerns you have. He or she will work with you to find a viable solution.
On the other hand, if you’ve had your implants for many years and are now feeling that you want to decrease the size of your breasts, you’re likely working from a place of more certainty. So here’s what you should know.
You May Have More Choices This Time Around
If you had your breast augmentation more than ten years ago, you’ll be amazed at the much wider variety of implant sizes, shapes, and types of fillings.
For example, silicone is now available in varying degrees of thickness that allow the surgeon to fine-tune the feel and shape of the breast. Or perhaps this time you opt for gummy bear implants. No, they’re not filled with gummy bears. But these newer implants allow for more teardrop-shaped results.
During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will help you determine which route is best for you.
Your Revision May Require a Breast Lift Too
When you increase the size of your breasts, you also increase your breast volume. So it stands to reason that reducing implant size means you’ll also reduce that volume. If the skin and breast tissue don’t naturally contract on their own, you may have some sagging. In addition, if your nipple/areola size is currently proportionate with a larger implant, it may look too large with a smaller one.
In these cases, your surgeon may recommend a breast lift to firm up the breast shape and provide proportion for your nipple/areola to offer a more youthful breast shape.
Are You Ready to Downsize?
If you want to reduce the size of your implants, choose only a skilled and board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced with revisions and secondary procedures.
So if you’re ready to start your journey, contact us today.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons will take into account your individual anatomy, the size and age of your original implants, and your desired size change to get you the results you’re envisioning. Let’s get started.
Should You Use Lymphatic Massage After Plastic Surgery?
If you’re preparing for plastic surgery, you’ve probably read up on what to expect during recovery.
What you may not have encountered is information on the benefits of getting a lymphatic massage after plastic surgery. Especially in the case of liposuction procedures.
So we’ll take a look at this great resource that, when used properly and with a licensed therapist, could even shorten your recovery time.
Benefits of Lymphatic Massage After Plastic Surgery
The lymphatic and circulatory systems work in tandem to maintain the balance of fluid in your body. They also work together to remove waste products from the tissues. Surgical procedures tend to interrupt this balance. As such, swelling and fluid accumulation are common post-surgical issues. These can cause additional pain while slowing down the healing process. Lymphatic massage can alleviate this.
How does it work?
Lymphatic massage consists of gentle, soothing movements that improve lymphatic flow throughout your body so you’ll experience better blood circulation. It expedites the drainage of excess fluid and prevents further fluid buildup to decrease swelling and promote healthy tissue regeneration.
Decreased swelling means less pain and discomfort, while faster tissue regeneration results in less scarring and an improved appearance of the incision site. But that’s just the beginning.
Other Reasons to Consider Lymphatic Massage
In its ability to improve blood flow and boost tissue health, a lymphatic massage offers other benefits that go above and beyond helping you recover from surgery. Lymphatic massage can do the following:
- Boost Your Immune System
Your lymphatic system keeps lymph fluid moving around efficiently to filter toxins, bacteria, and other nasty substances from your body. In other words, it’s a key player in the detoxification process. So when it’s unable to effectively clear out those waste products, the body’s other organs and lymph nodes take on the burden.
This puts a strain on your immune system and makes it even more difficult to ward off infections or other illnesses. So keeping the fluid flowing with a lymphatic massage is going to improve your body’s immune processes.
- Reduce Water Retention
Most of us have experienced water retention. It can happen when we get dehydrated or eat too much salty food. However, if you’ve experienced chronic water retention, also known as edema, you know how uncomfortable or even painful it can be.
Movements in a lymphatic massage stimulate the lymph nodes and vessels which, in turn, encourage the drainage of excess fluid. In this way, it also enhances your body’s innate ability to move and then excrete any excess fluid.
- Lessen Cellulite
It turns out that enhanced circulation and reduction in water retention in your body means smoother skin and texture. This is good news if you struggle with cellulite. Because if all of the above weren’t enough, a lymphatic massage can also help break down the fat deposits that can contribute to cellulite. In fact, a lymphatic massage can be a great part of a holistic approach to not only reduce cellulite but to attain a more toned appearance overall. So that’s a big plus!
Speak With Your Plastic Surgeon
If you’re considering a surgical procedure, you always want to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who can help you determine whether lymphatic massage after plastic surgery is right for your procedure and recovery.
He or she should be able to guide you to a certified lymphatic massage therapist who has experience with post-surgical patients.
To get started on your journey, contact us today. During your consultation, we’ll discuss all of your options to ensure the safest and most effective treatment and recovery for you.
Is It Possible to Skip Narcotics After Plastic Surgery?
While the opioid epidemic has lessened to some degree, it has created an awareness of the dangers of narcotics. As such, some patients considering elective plastic surgery decide against it because of their desire to avoid narcotics after surgery.
Plus, some patients have a history of addiction and are reticent to use Percocet, Norco, Vicodin, or even Tylenol with Codeine because of the possibility of dependency.
So then is it possible to skip narcotics after plastic surgery? Given that everyone experiences pain differently, there’s no easy answer. For some, yes. But even for those who can’t, the focus has shifted toward more responsible use and mindful prescribing of opioids.
What to Expect from Pain Management
Plastic surgeons know that the amount of pain their patients experience must be balanced with safety when taking pain medications. Striking this balance doesn’t necessarily mean that, as a patient, you will feel no pain. It’s a matter of determining the level of pain you can tolerate.
Your surgeon is going to prescribe medication only for acute pain related to your surgery (and/or any injury that may have caused it). Medications serve to primarily decrease inflammation and block pain. More than one medication may be used and your regimen may change as you start to heal or if side effects are problematic. These are all the things your board-certified plastic surgeon will discuss with you.
It’s important to know at the onset that your surgeon will not prescribe medication for chronic pain.
So Can You Skip Narcotics After Plastic Surgery?
As mentioned above, every patient has a different pain threshold. This is taken into consideration by a board-certified plastic surgeon when managing and addressing pain management.
As far as narcotics and opioids, plastic surgeons now prescribe far fewer pills than in the past. These are intended for only extreme pain at the beginning of the recovery process. Pain can be further alleviated by prescribing a long-acting non-opioid pain reliever such as Exparel which is injected during surgery. Doing this reduces the quantity of opioids consumed after surgery as Exparel can give two to three days of pain control postoperatively.
That said, there are occasions when the post-op period can be managed without narcotics. Again, for more minor procedures or in cases where patients have a high pain threshold, there are options for non-narcotic pain control. Some surgeons use an NSAID the night before like Celebrex that doesn’t cause bleeding. Another option is Toradol. This strong, non-opioid, non-steroidal causes minimal to no post-op bleeding and can be used for five days after surgery.
They may also recommend gabapentin the night before the surgery to alter the pain signals carried by your nerves. Then local anesthetics (such as lidocaine or Bupivacaine) may be used to numb the tissue and Tylenol might suffice for pain.
Additional Ways to Manage Pain
If you’re determined to go without narcotics and your surgeon thinks it’s a do-able situation, there are additional ways you can help manage your pain. For example, muscle relaxers such as Valium can be used to help muscle relaxation after a tummy tuck.
But no matter what procedure you have, the first thing you’ll want to do is stay ahead of the pain. If you’re using a non-narcotic pain reliever and/or local anesthetic, don’t wait until the pain is severe before you take them. This is going to make it harder to control.
Also, get plenty of sleep. It’s going to speed healing and reduce your pain. Sitting or lying in one place for too long will exacerbate the pain so plan on changing positions with some regularity. And if you have to sneeze, cough, or do anything that can cause stress on the surgery site, brace or hold it.
As with all aspects of life, keep your stress levels low. Steer clear of people and situations that can kick up stress. You can also release stress with physical activity. You need to consult with your surgeon about how much is too much though.
Finally, alternative pain management relaxation methods like stretching, therapeutic massage, and deep breathing can calm pain.
Be Completely Forthcoming with Your Plastic Surgeon
More and more people are opting out of plastic surgery because they’re worried about using narcotics. That’s easy to understand.
So if you’re hoping to skip narcotics after plastic surgery for any reason, be sure to insist on a board-certified plastic surgeon only.
Contact us today to set up a consultation with one of our highly trained and skilled surgeons. He or she can discuss your options and what a pain management plan might look like for you.
Why Belly Fat Is Harder to Lose
Is your belly your problem area? Perhaps you’ve been eating well, exercising, and noticing a difference on the scale. Yet, that difference doesn’t seem to be translating to your abdomen.
This phenomenon can be so discouraging that you might postulate that belly fat is harder to lose – and then laugh at yourself for such a seemingly ludicrous thought.
It’s not ludicrous, though. In fact, research shows that belly fat is unique in its resistance to weight loss.
Causes of Belly Fat
When trying to lose belly fat, one of the most obvious plans of attack is to spend more time moving, cut back on the beer/wine, and replace potato chips with broccoli. A sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption, and an unhealthy diet are three huge contributors to weight gain around the belly.
Unfortunately, some of us are genetically prone to carrying more fat around the abdomen. Then there’s the whole challenge of aging (sound familiar?). The body’s ability to convert food into energy declines. And for women, the added hormonal changes after menopause often shift primary fat storage to the abdomen.
It’s not…. ideal.
Understanding Why Belly Fat Is Harder to Lose
For most of us, subcutaneous fat is the type of fat that’s creating that bulging abdomen. This is the fat that sits beneath the skin but above the muscle. You can pinch it.
Yes, you can lose subcutaneous fat with diet and exercise. But here’s the thing. Fat cells throughout the body have beta receptors that are responsible for lipolysis. This is the metabolic process that breaks down stored fat in the cells and turns it into energy. For some (possibly cruel) reason, abdominal fat cells have fewer beta receptors so they’re slower to process.
Beyond that, there is another type of fat that could be contributing to some of that bulge. And that is visceral fat. Where subcutaneous fat is mostly benign (if not annoying), visceral fat can be dangerous. It accumulates around internal organs within the abdominal cavity and can encase important organs like the liver, pancreas, and intestines. It’s often referred to as “hidden” fat because it exists deeper than subcutaneous fat.
Addressing Belly Fat with Plastic Surgery
If it’s stubborn subcutaneous fat that you can’t seem to eliminate, then liposuction is often the top recommendation. It works by surgically removing those beta receptor-light fat cells.
Through tiny incisions in the areas you’d like to target, a board-certified plastic surgeon inserts a narrow tube called a cannula. The cannula is connected to a surgical vacuum or syringe. The surgeon manipulates the cannula to disrupt fat cells, which are then suctioned out of the incision.
Although it is a surgical procedure, liposuction is a fairly simple way to remove excess fat from the belly. It’s important to note, however, that liposuction cannot remove visceral fat but only the superficial layers of fat tissue. Diet and exercise are the best ways to remove visceral fat.
Another more complex way to approach stubborn belly fat is with an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck. With this procedure, the ultimate goal is to flatten the lower abdomen. The patient is put under anesthesia and a board-certified plastic surgeon makes an incision about 4-8 inches long in the lower abdomen.
From there, he or she may tighten loose muscle, remove flabby skin, and/or possibly use liposuction to remove excess fat. If there is excess skin, it will be trimmed and laid flat. Depending on where and how much excess skin is in the area, this can potentially remove stretch marks too. Bonus!
Give Up the Battle of the Bulge
If your continued dedication to diet and exercise isn’t giving you the results you want, it’s because belly fat is harder to lose. It’s as simple as that.
So, if you’re ready to consider plastic surgery as an option for ridding yourself of that ‘problem area,’ contact us today.
During your consultation, you’ll have a chance to share your woes with a board-certified plastic surgeon and chart a plan for victory over that bulge!
