What Makes Scars Discolored?
If you’re considering a plastic surgery procedure, you likely know that scarring is inevitable with most surgeries. Fortunately, experienced board-certified plastic surgeons are adept at making these scars far less noticeable or almost invisible.
There are incidents of scars taking on red or dark hues, though, compelling patients to ask – what makes scars discolored?
It turns out that many factors can influence scar color after surgery.
Scarring Is a Natural Outcome of Surgery
The truth is, once you have a scar, nothing can truly get rid of it. But if you end up being unhappy with how a scar looks, scar revision may be an option.
As mentioned above, plastic surgeons are highly trained in minimizing the appearance of scarring in the first place. So for most, this isn’t an issue.
Yet, there are occasions when a scar can become noticeable after surgery because it becomes more darkly colored than the skin around it. This can be normal in the first year to year and a half after surgery when the scar is healing.
But if the discoloration remains after that, there could be several reasons.
What Makes Scars Discolored?
Many factors can contribute to the darkening of a scar. They are as follows:
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperemia
While new scars often appear pink or red, if there is persistent inflammation, this could lead to keloid formation. A board-certified plastic surgeon will be able to determine if this is what’s happening and then may recommend a pulsed dye laser to reduce redness and any discoloration caused by the inflammation.
- Differences in Skin Color
Many patients have a natural variation in skin color depending on the body part. For example, the skin might be lighter in areas like the knees, elbows, armpits, inner thighs, and pubic area. And that’s just to name a few.
In cases where plastic surgery requires grafting of large amounts of skin from somewhere else on your body, the scar may serve as a demarcation between these two different skin variations. It may look quite pronounced along incisions for procedures like a tummy tuck, thigh lift, arm lift, or breast surgery. This is typically treated with a combination of skin lighteners, exfoliative treatments, or lasers.
- Hyperpigmentation
There are occasions where a patient’s skin produces more melanin in the scar area. There’s no way to stop it, and the results can be long-lasting. Using exfoliating peels or skin-lightening creams can help reduce discoloration.
- Bruising (Hemosiderin)
Sometimes, there may be bleeding or bruising under the skin called hemosiderin discoloration. It most often occurs in the lower eyelids, face, and lower legs and is treated with lasers or exfoliation therapy.
- Sunlight
When a scar is still pink and new, the skin is more susceptible to damage from sunlight. That’s why a new scar should be kept out of the sun for six months to one year to avoid discoloration. In other words, it should essentially be covered from sunlight until it becomes a mature scar.
- Lifestyle
Poor nutrition, stress or tension on your incision line, and microbial contamination can all cause scar discoloration. So be sure to always follow the guidelines set by your surgeon for your specific procedure.
Are You Ready to Move Forward With Plastic Surgery?
Now that you know what to expect in terms of scarring and what makes scars discolored after surgery, hopefully you’re ready to take the next step.
Contact us today to speak with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss treatment options.
And remember, on the off chance that you do experience scar discoloration, there are plenty of treatments to help reduce its appearance. So let’s get started.
What Is Muscle Repair During a Tummy Tuck?
If you’ve been considering abdominoplasty (i.e. a tummy tuck), you might have heard about muscle repair during a tummy tuck as part of the procedure.
Most patients seek a tummy tuck to remove excess fat and loose skin for a flatter stomach. They are a common component of a mommy makeover surgery.
In some cases, however, there’s also a need to repair the muscles of the abdominal wall.
Does Everyone Need Muscle Repair During a Tummy Tuck?
If you’re considering a tummy tuck but have sustained minimal damage to the abdominal wall, you may not need muscle repair.
The most common reason for muscle repair during a tummy tuck is to treat diastasis recti. This is a condition that occurs when the abdominal muscles in the stomach separate from one another. Not only does this leave noticeable physical changes, but it can cause discomfort as well.
One of the leading causes of diastasis recti is pregnancy. The tendon that holds the right and left abdominal walls together becomes overstretched from the growing baby pressing against it. Eventually, there’s a gap between the muscles.
Diastasis recti occurs in more than 60% of pregnancies. Many of these women experience healing within eight weeks after delivery. However, 40% are still experiencing the condition six months after having the baby. For them, muscle repair is a great solution.
It’s not just pregnant women who experience diastasis recti, however. Patients who have experienced excessive weight gain and then rapid weight loss over a short time can also experience a separation of the abdominal muscles.
Factors That Contribute to Diastasis Recti
Though daunting in name, diastasis recti by itself isn’t painful. But the condition of the muscles separating can lead to discomfort or pain in other parts of the body. Patients with diastasis recti speak of difficulty in lifting objects, poor posture, indigestion, urinary incontinence, and pain in the lower back, pelvis, or hips. In addition, there might be visible bulging above or below the belly button and a jelly-like feeling around the belly button.
Along with excessive weight gain and rapid weight loss, other factors that can increase the likelihood of diastasis recti include delivering vaginally, an abundance of amniotic fluid, carrying multiples, having multiple pregnancies in close succession, or delivering a larger-than-average baby.
The Muscle Repair Procedure and Benefits
Correcting damaged muscles during a tummy tuck is fairly straightforward. A board-certified plastic surgeon sutures the band of connective tissue between the separated abdominal muscles to pull them back together. It’s like a corset beneath the skin.
Reconstructing these muscles creates a strong and intact core that’s vital for supporting the trunk and holding the internal organs in place. Without this strong core, it becomes difficult to move correctly. The body gets thrown off balance and the back muscles have to take on more work. Muscle repair restores that stability.
It also provides better posture, improved digestion, reduced pain during intercourse, more effective workouts, a reduction in C-section scars, and, or course, a flatter stomach.
Improve Your Life With a Tummy Tuck
Muscle repair during a tummy tuck is about more than just getting a flatter stomach. (Though it’s a nice benefit!) It will help restore harmony in your body.
But even if you don’t need muscle repair, a tummy tuck can go a long way in boosting your confidence and helping you feel good about yourself.
So if you’re ready to discuss the possibility of a tummy tuck, contact us today. We’ll take the time to walk you through the options that will deliver the best results for you.
Drugs That May Cause Gynecomastia
Just like women, men’s breasts consist of glandular and fatty tissue. Men
typically have less though. But when there is abnormal or excess growth
tissue, men can have breasts that begin to take on a more womanly
appearance.
This condition is known as gynecomastia , which translates from the Greek
for “woman-like breasts.” It’s quite common – with 40-60% of men
experiencing it. And there are quite a few drugs that may cause
gynecomastia.
Men experiencing gynecomastia often feel self-conscious about their
appearance. For many, breast reduction surgery is a great solution.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Simply put, testosterone typically controls male traits such as body hair and
muscle mass. Meanwhile, estrogen is responsible for female traits including
breast growth.
Females produce a small amount of testosterone and males produce a
small amount of estrogen. When estrogen levels are too high in men and
there’s an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone, it can cause
gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia can occur naturally during different phases of a male’s life.
Over half of newborn boys are born with enlarged breasts. This is the result
of being under the effects of estrogen from their mothers while in utero. In
this case, gynecomastia resolves within two to three weeks.
Gynecomastia may show up again during puberty as hormone levels start
to fluctuate in young men. If there is a surge of estrogen that counters the
effects of testosterone, it can result in larger breasts. This usually resolves
within six months to two years of the onset of puberty.
Finally, gynecomastia returns around mid-life and breast enlargement
frequently peaks in men between 50 and 80. It is at this stage of life when
male breast reduction surgery is most warranted.
While the discrepancy in hormones is the most common cause of
gynecomastia, there are other conditions that can cause this condition.
Certain injuries or diseases of the testicles can affect testosterone
production and create an imbalance. And obesity can result in higher
estrogen production. There are also a number of drugs that have
gynecomastia as a side effect.
Drugs That May Cause Gynecomastia
Men who are struggling with prostate enlargement or cancer are often
subscribed anti-androgens . These can disrupt the balance between male
and female hormones and lead to breast enlargement in men. Common
examples include anti-androgens flutamide, finasteride (Proscar, Propecia),
and spironolactone (Aldactone).
Other medications that can cause abnormal breast growth are certain anti-
anxiety medications such as Valium, HAART drugs for HIV, anabolic
steroids, ulcer medications such as Tagment, and even some antibiotics.
For men experiencing gynecomastia because of certain drugs, breast
reduction surgery may be a possible solution.
Meanwhile, it should be noted that excessive use of alcohol or illicit drugs
such as heroin and amphetamines can also cause breast enlargement.
Men experiencing gynecomastia as a result of these are typically not good
candidates for breast reduction surgery.
Don’t Live With the Embarrassment of Gynecomastia
Many men don’t know that certain drugs may cause gynecomastia.
So if you’re experiencing gynecomastia due to the use of certain drugs or
other factors, breast reduction surgery may be a possible solution. You’ll
see how simple it is to restore an appealing, more masculine appearance
to your upper body through male breast reduction surgery.
Contact us today. Our board-certified surgeons and caring staff put your
comfort, safety, and satisfaction first and foremost.
Planning Your Sleep After Breast Augmentation
Planning Your Sleep After Breast Augmentation
Did you know that the way you sleep after breast augmentation matters a
lot? Implants add pressure and weight to your chest, and the surrounding
tissue needs time to settle and recover.
If you don’t sleep in an approved position and perhaps with support, your
implants can be pushed in the wrong direction.
So if you’re planning to have breast augmentation surgery, you may want to
start ‘practicing’ sleeping in the way you’ll need to following surgery. This
will make your recovery that much easier.
How Should You Sleep After Breast Augmentation?
Sleeping is important for the healing process. But after breast
augmentation, there are certain positions that you’ll need to avoid for a
while. And if they’re positions you currently prefer, there might be an
adjustment period getting used to other positions.
In the nights immediately following your surgery, you’ll need to sleep with
your chest slightly elevated. But it’s crucial because sleeping elevated and
supported by pillows, or reclined in a chair, will keep pressure off your
chest, reduce strain on the incisions and swelling, and maintain the
placement of your implants.
Yes, this can feel awkward at first. But there are steps you can take now to
help make that transition easier once the procedure is complete and you
begin healing .
Start Practicing Now
First, start getting used to sleeping on your back if that’s not your normal
position because it’s the only safe position in the weeks following surgery.
Be sure you’re fully supported with stacked pillows or a wedge pillow to
keep your torso inclined. You’ll also want pillows under your arms to
decrease tension across the chest.
It helps to get used to sleeping with these additions before your surgery so
they feel more familiar once the procedure is done and you need to rest.
In addition, you’ll need to wear a surgical bra when you sleep after the
procedure so you can practice by wearing a sports bra to bed. Just be sure
it’s not too tight. And if you normally sleep in a warm room, start getting
used to a cool room, as your body will heal better when it’s not overheating.
Finally, if you tend to enjoy heavy meals and alcohol in the evening, you’ll
need to avoid those right after your surgery. You’ll also need to clear with
your board-certified plastic surgeon any sleep aids you’re taking.
When Can You Return to Your Usual Sleeping Position?
It seems the preferred position for many patients is side sleeping. But going
back to sleeping on your side can be a mistake if done too soon.
Depending on how well your body is healing and the type of implant you
have, your surgeon could clear you in four to six weeks to move back onto
your side.
You’ll need to ease back into that position, keeping a pillow below your
breasts and another between your knees so that your body is aligned and
there is minimal pressure to the chest.
Meanwhile, if you’re a stomach sleeper, you’re likely going to have to wait
longer. It’s typically AT LEAST eight to twelve weeks before you’ll be able to
get back on your belly. This makes sense, given that this position puts the
most pressure on your implants and chest and can affect symmetry, long-
term results, and comfort.
The best way to return to stomach sleeping (once cleared by your surgeon,
of course) is to sleep first on a slight angle or with a pillow under one side
of your torso. If you’re able to eventually go face-down without feeling
tightness or discomfort, you’ll be good to go.
Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Sleep
While sleep after breast augmentation may not have been your first
consideration, if you get your setup right, adhere to safe positions, and
follow all of your surgeon’s instructions, your healing will go more smoothly.
So if you’re considering breast augmentation, contact us today.
Once your procedure is complete, your surgeon will provide a detailed
recovery plan that includes when and how to adjust sleep positions during
your healing and will be based on your own personal progress.
Reasons to Avoid Ice After Plastic Surgery
Once upon a time, the solution to almost any experience of swelling, pain, or bruising in the body was to ice it. And this is still the case for acute sports injuries – at least at first.
Yes, icing does bring down swelling and decreases inflammation. Yet, board-certified plastic surgeons are increasingly telling patients to avoid ice after plastic surgery. Especially with body contouring procedures.
So why is this the case?
Reasons to Avoid Ice After Plastic Surgery
While icing to numb an area and reduce pain makes sense on the surface, it can be counterintuitive to healing after certain plastic surgery procedures. Here’s why:
- It Compromises Blood Flow
To heal after surgery, your tissues need oxygen and nutrients. These are supplied to the tissues through healthy blood flow.
Unfortunately, ice constricts blood vessels and causes them to shrink (vasoconstriction). While this means less pain, it also means less oxygen and fewer nutrients reach the tissues which ultimately delays healing. In some cases, it can increase the risk of tissue death, known as necrosis.
This is precisely why plastic surgeons advise patients against anything that restricts circulation after surgery such as tight clothing or sleeping in strange positions.
- Inflammation Is a Normal Part of Healing
Swelling from inflammation can feel like a nuisance and cause discomfort. Hence the desire to eliminate it through icing.
Even so, inflammation is crucial for the body’s recovery. It’s a sign that your body is sending the necessary white blood cells to rebuild and heal the area. That’s why post-op plans focus on managing swelling rather than eliminating it.
- There’s the Risk of Frostbite and Skin Damage
One of the biggest reasons to avoid ice after plastic surgery is that in many body procedures, nerve manipulation is required. For example, patients who have a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and liposuction often report numbness.
With these areas already desensitized, patients who apply ice may not realize how cold their skin is getting or how long the ice has been on. This can lead to blistering, ice burns, delayed healing, skin discoloration, or even permanent skin damage.
Options Instead of Icing
It’s important to note that some facial procedures might involve short periods of controlled cooling. But for procedures on the body – and especially those that involve contouring – ice should be avoided. This is not to say that plastic surgery patients need to just suck it up and deal with the discomfort. There are other ways to provide comfort and ease your recovery.
First, your surgeon will likely prescribe an appropriate amount of pain medication for the short run, as well as recommend OTC pain-relieving products you can use.
Then, depending on your procedure, you may be required to wear a compression garment which will provide gentle, consistent pressure to reduce fluid buildup, minimize bruising, and help shape the body. Movement may also be recommended. Short but frequent walks stimulate blood flow and reduce stiffness.
Staying hydrated and eating nutritious foods such as leafy greens, nuts, fish, turmeric, and berries also help you feel better and heal faster. And if your surgeon gives you the go-ahead, you can also get a lymphatic massage to help reduce swelling and speed up healing time.
Listen to Your Surgeon
Your post-op protocol is personalized to you. If your board-certified surgeon says it’s best to avoid ice after plastic surgery, take that to heart.
Also, as tempting as it might be, don’t try to speed up healing with do-it-yourself remedies. This could cause more harm than good.
If you’re curious about a plastic surgery procedure and would like more information about recovering from it, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’re happy to answer all your questions.
Are There Differences Between a BBL and a Butt Lift?
A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) and a traditional butt lift do have similarities. At the end of the day, each one goes the distance to improve the shape of the buttocks and boost the patient’s confidence.
There are, however, differences between a BBL and a butt lift.
We’ll break it down here.
Technique and Recovery Are Two Big Differences Between a BBL and a Butt Lift
The traditional butt lift, also known as a gluteal lift, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of fat and sagging or loose skin in the lower back area, followed by the repositioning of gluteal tissues. After this procedure, patients usually experience some bruising and swelling that can be alleviated by gentle walking to improve circulation. Most patients can resume light work within two to three weeks, but intense physical activity is usually delayed for six weeks.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian butt lift procedure involves fat transfer. The procedure begins with liposuction to harvest fat from different parts of the body. The fat is then processed and injected above the gluteal muscles. Healing from a BBL requires avoiding pressure on the transferred fat for the first few weeks. Special attention is paid to aftercare to protect the fat grafts. Patients can resume normal activities in the first two to three weeks. However, intense activity should be avoided until the surgeon clears it.
Will There Be Scarring?
Since a regular buttock lift involves a board-certified plastic surgeon making incisions to remove excess skin, there is typically visible scarring. This isn’t as off-putting as it sounds. The incisions are made along the top of the buttocks or in the natural crease to make them less noticeable. Plus, in caring for the scars properly, patients can expect significant fading over time. The surgeon may also recommend laser treatments to further minimize the appearance of scarring.
On the other hand, there is minimal scarring with a Brazilian butt lift. This is because the procedure uses liposuction and small cannulas for injecting the fat. The required incisions for the cannulas are very small and are made in discreet areas of the body. They heal quickly and fade to barely noticeable marks.
So Which One Is Right for You?
Whether you choose a BBL or a more traditional butt lift goes beyond your personal feeling about scarring. Your choice will ultimately depend on the outcome you’re seeking. Though both procedures lift the buttocks, the results can be quite different.
Traditional Butt Lift
In cases where a patient has experienced significant weight loss and now has excess skin that needs removing, a traditional butt lift would be the first consideration. It is also the top choice for those who may not have many areas of the body with excess fat for removal and grafting.
A traditional butt lift typically results in a more toned and firm buttock area rather than one that’s more voluminous. Most patients experience a perkier, tighter, and more uplifted contour to their rear ends.
BBL
Meanwhile, the Brazilian butt lift is all about adding volume and fullness while enhancing the overall shape of the buttocks. A BBL can only work on patients who have enough fat in other areas of the body that would serve as donor sites though.
The result of fat grafting is a more natural and youthful contour. In addition, skin texture is improved because of collagen stimulation. So that’s a nice bonus.
Give Your Buttocks and Your Confidence a Boost
Now that you know the differences between a BBL and a butt lift, you may feel certain about which one is right for you. Then again, you may still be waffling.
Either way, it’s okay! We’re here for you.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons. They’ll answer any other questions you may have so you can feel sure about your choice.
How to Find the Best Bras After Breast Augmentation
If you’re considering breast augmentation, then you may have heard that finding the best bras after breast augmentation can be a bit daunting. After all, there are so many from which to choose.
It doesn’t have to be a big to-do, though.
By listening to your surgeon, your body, and respecting each stage of your recovery, you’ll be able to navigate these decisions much more easily than you think.
So What Are the Best Bras After Breast Augmentation?
The most important factor in choosing bras after your surgery is to pick those that best correspond with your phase of post-op recovery. In other words, as excited as you may be to try out your new breasts in sexy lingerie, you’ll probably need to wait a while.
The reality is, your breasts will be swollen and tender right after your surgery, so you probably won’t even be thinking about sexy lingerie. At this stage, you’ll likely need a medical compression bra. The primary objective at this point is to reduce swelling and promote healing. A compression bra will keep your wound dressings in place, restrict movement of your implant, and protect breast tissue. This will provide the most support at the beginning of your healing and facilitate recovery.
Your surgeon will recommend the best medical compression bra and instructions on how long to wear it. Most patients are required to wear it day and night for one to two weeks. After that time and with the surgeon’s approval, you’ll be able to move on to a supportive sports bra.
Transitioning to a Sports Bra
Keep in mind that your new breasts will be heavier than your old ones. So you’ll want to find a sports bra that keeps your breasts positioned high on your chest.
Steer clear of underwires since they can irritate incisions and slow down healing. You’ll also want to select one with a front clasp. This will help you avoid excessive movement or stretching while putting it on or removing it.
The amount of time you’ll wear a supportive sports bra will depend on your own healing journey. But once the incisions have healed, the breast implants have fully settled, and you feel sensation along the breast skin, your surgeon will green-light you for a more feminine underwire bra.
What Should You Look For in a New Bra?
When you start shopping for bras that will accommodate your new breasts, don’t be afraid to ask your board-certified plastic surgeon for advice. He or she performed the surgery and knows your anatomy and how well you’re recovering.
A solid and supportive bra can maintain the look of your implants for years. So what surgeons generally recommend at this point is a bra that provides excellent support so that the implants don’t droop too low. Once you’ve considered that, it’s up to you to select the best bra that fits your personality and makes you feel beautiful while showing off your new breasts.
Is a Breast Augmentation in Your Future?
Seeking the best bras after breast augmentation doesn’t have to be a big deal. Especially if you’re working with surgeons who have been performing breast augmentation for many years.
They know the terrain and can set you on the path to the best brands and types that will keep your implants looking beautiful for many years to come.
So if you’re ready to take the next step with highly experienced board-certified plastic surgeons, contact us today. Let’s get started!
What Is a Hydrafacial Keravive?
What Is a Hydrafacial Keravive?
If you’re trying to manage damaged or thinning hair, you know it can be irritating, troublesome, or even embarrassing. Matters only get worse if these conditions are accompanied by an itchy, dry, irritated, and flaky scalp.
What you may not know is that poor scalp health could be to blame for your hair loss. And this could happen for any number of reasons including stress, hormones, or environmental factors. Or it could be genetic.
Fortunately, you can achieve better scalp health with a Hydrafacial Keravive. It’s like a facial but for your scalp. And it’s also a great way to prep your scalp for a hair transplant or a hair loss treatment like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
How Does a Hydrafacial Keravive Work?
The objective of the Hydrafacial Kervive is to create the ideal environment for hair growth by addressing scalp issues like thinning hair, irritation, and dryness. And it’s so simple. HydraFacial technology combined with a special Keravive peptide solution helps to clean, exfoliate, and stimulate the scalp while delivering a blend of growth factors and skin proteins that nourish and hydrate.
It’s a relaxing three-step treatment that will restore your scalp’s health and could leave you with thicker and healthier-looking hair.
First, the HydraFacial vortex technology extracts oil, dirt, and other impurities from your scalp and hair follicles to encourage more circulation. Then, the special peptide solution containing growth factors and skin proteins is applied to further stimulate and nourish the scalp and hair follicles.
The first two steps are done in the office. The third step is the daily administration of a patented Hydrafacial scalp health spray that enhances the benefits of the in-office treatments and continues to provide nourishment and stimulation to your scalp and hair follicles.
For best results, you should expect to repeat the in-office treatment once a month for three consecutive months while continuing the Wuse of the at-home spray. After that, an in-office treatment every 1-3 months is encouraged to maintain scalp health.
What Happens After the Treatment?
Because it is gentle, non-invasive, and rejuvenating, the Hydrofacial Keravive is suitable for all skin types. There is no downtime or recovery. Each time you complete a treatment, you can go about your day as you normally would.
You may notice some minimal hair shedding after the procedure and this is normal. These are the non-growing hairs (the vellus) that have been uprooted. They are hairs that would have fallen out on their own even if you didn’t have the treatments. Shedding these hairs after a treatment is a sign that the scalp is getting healthier.
Welcome a Fuller Head of Hair and Renewed Confidence
You don’t have to settle for hair loss as a fact of life. A series of simple Hyrfacial Keravive treatments can restore your scalp and lead to a healthier head of hair.
Or it may be that you need additional scalp stimulation such as PRP therapy or microneedling.
Whatever the case, contact us today to speak with our skincare specialists. Regardless of which procedure they recommend, you’ll be aware of all the potential risks and side effects before your procedure so you can rest assured you get the best treatment.
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.
