Avoid At-Home DIY Chemical Peels
Are you annoyed by fine lines and wrinkles? How about age spots, mild scars, or dark patches? Plastic surgeons might advise treating those wrinkles with a chemical peel in their office.
The problem is that the internet and certain beauty suppliers offer at-home DIY chemical peels that make it sound like you can just take care of these yourself. You absolutely should not.
In August of 2024, the FDA issued a new warning about do-it-yourself home chemical peels. They advised not purchasing them or using them only under licensed professional supervision. And consumers should take heed.
What Is a Chemical Peel?
Simply put, a chemical peel is the application of a chemical solution to the skin to address the above-mentioned issues. And there are a few different peels available.
Generally speaking, 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.
Why Are At-Home DIY Chemical Peels to Be Avoided?
All of the chemical peels we discussed require precision in application and expertise in the whole procedure – from start to finish. After all, you’re putting chemicals and acid on your skin. Without an experienced practitioner to perform a peel, you’re taking some serious risks.
Many of the at-home DIY chemical peels contain the same professional strength ingredients (such as trichloroacetic acid, glycolic acid, hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, fruit acid, and lactic acid) in varying inexact concentrations. Many of these concentrations are too high to be used safely at home,
Concentration is not the only problem. Each person has different skin and there’s no way of knowing how it will react to a chemical peel. In addition, as laid out above, skin prep and post-peel care are also critical components. Certain products shouldn’t be used before peels. And knowing how to care for the skin after a peel is essential.
Without all of these considerations, at-home DIY chemical peels are causing serious injuries.
What Sort of Things Can Go Wrong?
The chemicals used in most chemical peels remove layers of skin. That’s what they’re supposed to do. But just how deeply they penetrate needs to be carefully monitored to minimize complications.
If applied incorrectly or for too long, patients can experience chemical burns, swelling, pain, blisters, infection, pigmentation changes, and even disfiguring scars – at which point they require treatment with emergency care from a plastic surgeon or dermatologist.
So Should All Acids Be Avoided?
To be clear, the FDA warning only applies to chemical peels sold online or at beauty supply stores that are heavily marketed for treating acne, wrinkles, and discoloration while promoting collagen production.
That said, it’s not unusual to find glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, and fruit acids in regular over-the-counter skin care products. Yet the concentrations are far lower than in a chemical peel and are unlikely to cause injury. As such, they are also unlikely to deliver the results many patients seek.
Don’t Cheat Your Skin
If you’re truly frustrated with fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, mild scars, or dark patches, you owe it to yourself (and your skin) to let a professional care for you.
Contact us today to set up your free consultation so we can discuss the best options for you.
And PLEASE steer clear of at-home DIY chemical peels. They’re just not worth it.
Is There Such a Thing As Nipple Reduction Surgery?
Yes! Nipple reduction surgery is definitely a ‘thing.’
Firmly under the umbrella of breast augmentation surgery, a nipple reduction is a procedure in which a plastic surgeon removes extra skin and tissue to decrease the height or projection of one’s nipples. It can also be used to reduce the diameter or width of the nipple.
If it’s something you’re curious about, you should know that it’s more common than you might think.
Why Would One Need Nipple Reduction Surgery?
There are several reasons one may seek a nipple reduction. In some cases, a patient might be struggling with nipple hypertrophy where the nipple is prominent and can reach lengths up to 3/4 of an inch. This can cause discomfort or chafing when wearing clothes. The protruding nipples also show through clothing and can make people feel self-aware.
In other cases, a patient may be self-conscious about an enlarged nipple – wherein the diameter of the areola has increased. Enlarged nipples can happen to anybody and are often the result of breastfeeding and menstruation in women.
But men can also struggle with prominent nipples due to weight gain, steroid use, hormonal imbalance, or medical conditions such as gynecomastia; a condition that causes enlarged male breasts.
Nipple reduction surgery addresses the issues of chafing, discomfort, and lowered self-esteem and self-image.
Nipple Reduction Is Often Combined with Other Breast Augmentation Procedures
One of the main reasons nipple reduction surgery is part of the breast augmentation family is that it’s often performed as part of a breast lift, enlargement, or reduction.
Combining nipple reduction surgery with a breast reduction, in particular, can deliver the best aesthetic results – though this isn’t a requirement. If you’re satisfied with your breast size but uncomfortable with the appearance of enlarged or protruding nipples, then you’ll want to seek counsel with your plastic surgeon to discuss all of your options.
What To Expect
Generally speaking, there are two different nipple reduction techniques. They are called the flap and the wedge. The technique chosen by a board-certified plastic surgeon depends on the condition of the nipple.
With the flap technique, the surgeon makes an incision at the base of the nipple to lift part of it. The excess tissue is then removed from the nipple, and the surgeon turns down the flap to create a smaller nipple.
Meanwhile, the wedge technique involves the surgeon cutting out a wedge-shaped piece from the nipple and attaching the two remaining sides to reduce the overall size of the nipple.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Nipple reduction surgery is ideal for patients whose nipple size is enlarged as a result of weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. It’s also appropriate for those who feel their nipples project too far from the breast or are too wide. And this includes men.
Additional situations that might make you a solid candidate for nipple reduction include uneven or droopy nipples or extra skin on your nipples.
No Need to Be Shy!
If overly large, puffy, or protruding nipples are negatively impacting your confidence or are causing intimacy issues, then contact us today.
A nipple reduction surgery might be just what you need to restore your self-esteem and feel good about your appearance – no matter what the situation.
And remember, you’re not alone.
What’s the Simplest Skincare Regimen for Men?
More and more men are waking up to something women have known for a long time – the importance of caring for their skin.
By partaking in even the simplest skincare regimen for men, guys are discovering that by maintaining a consistent routine, they’re warding off the ravages of premature aging and keeping a more youthful appearance.
Yep. It seems that the self-care gender gap is closing.
The Simplest Skincare Regimen for Men
For years, men haven’t put much emphasis on skin care. Some men felt it was a pointless expense. Others thought it wasn’t worth the time involved. And many (if not most) believed the quest for healthy and younger-looking skin belonged to women alone.
That viewpoint has shifted. Men are discovering that prioritizing skin care doesn’t require a lot of time. And it doesn’t mean breaking the bank either. In fact, with just five simple steps, any man can create an easy and effective routine that delivers long-lasting results.
- Research Cleansers
Even though men tend to have thicker and oilier skin than women, there’s no need to settle for that old bar of soap that’s been in the shower since last year. Seek instead a cleanser that’s both gentle and effective.
Knowing your skin type (oily, dry, combination) is crucial in finding the most effective cleanser that will rid your skin of impurities and prep it for the next step.
- Regularly Exfoliate
Removing dead skin cells to access the fresh layer of skin underneath requires some sort of exfoliation. For most men, this isn’t a daily requirement. Twice per week is a good rule of thumb to maintain smooth and even skin.
Look for a scrub that clears pores by using some natural exfoliants such as salicylic acid, sea salt, or baking soda.
- Take Advantage of Serums
As you continue exploring your skincare needs, you’ll likely find you have some specific concerns. This is where serums come into play.
For example, if you have dry skin, a serum with hyaluronic acid can add hydration. To brighten your skin, a vitamin C serum can help. If you’re concerned about wrinkles and age lines, a serum with retinol is recommended.
- Use Moisturizer
If you want to maintain elasticity, it’s important to keep the skin hydrated. The most effective moisturizer is one that not only maintains moisture but also minimizes water loss and protects against environmental elements.
Once again, your skin type will dictate the best moisturizer for you. If you have oily skin, look for a gel-based product. For dry skin, a cream-based product will be the best choice. And be sure to regularly moisturize your neck and the skin around your eyes to avoid early signs of aging.
- Protect with SPF
To prevent premature aging – and lower your risk of skin cancer – you must always protect your skin from the sun. That’s why applying sunscreen is the essential final step in your daily routine.
Stick with broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. And don’t skip this step, even if it’s a cloudy winter day.
Skincare Is Crucial for Men Too
Now that you know all about the simplest skincare regimen for men, you may be ready to embark on your own journey to healthier and younger-looking skin.
And if you’d like to get a head start on your skin rejuvenation with a Hydrafacial, microneedling, or chemical peel, then don’t hesitate to
During your free consultation, we’ll help you get the best plan in place to elevate your skincare routine.
Common Questions About Breast Lifts
We’ll come right out and ask it – are your breasts not as… perky as they once were? If so, do you feel self-conscious about it? You’re not alone.
And you may think the only solution is to get a “boob job,” or breast augmentation/reduction. You’re also not alone in this belief.
Fortunately, you have another option. A breast lift can raise and reshape sagging breasts. How? We’ll address this and other common questions about breast lifts.
Common Questions About Breast Lifts
Sagging breasts is a common occurrence. It could be the result of pregnancy and breastfeeding, fluctuations in weight, genetics, and/or aging. Whatever the reason, a breast lift can restore some of that youthful perkiness.
That said, you’re probably left with some questions. We’ll address common inquiries from our patients here – starting with the most obvious one:
1. What Is a Breast Lift?
During a breast lift procedure, also known as mastopexy, your board-certified plastic surgeon removes excess skin and fat and raises the breast tissue to uplift and improve the shape of breast. Separating the tissue from the skin beneath it allows for more comfort and mobility.
The chosen incision for the procedure depends on a number of factors. Depending on these, your surgeon may choose a circular incision around the areola, a line down the lower portion of the breast from the areola to the crease under the breast, or a line along that crease.
The excess skin and fat are removed from the incision. The surgeon then reshapes and lifts the breast, tightens the remaining skin, and closes the incisions.
2. Will My Breast Lift Scars Be Very Noticeable?
Any surgical procedure is going to carry the potential for scarring – though advancements in surgical technique have greatly reduced their appearance. This is also the case with a breast lift.
The visibility of scars from a breast lift depends on a number of factors, including the chosen incision (see above), as well as your own healing process.
In addition, postoperative care will impact scarring. For instance, not following the surgeon’s orders, getting back to work and exercising too soon, or skipping follow-up appointments could affect your ability to heal and hence, lead to more pronounced scarring.
3. Am I Too Young to Have a Breast Lift?
It’s not unusual for older women to seek a breast lift since aging is a primary reason for sagging breasts. Yet, as mentioned earlier, genetics, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and breastfeeding are all culprits as well.
So that means women of all ages can benefit from a breast lift. Age is just one of the factors your surgeon will consider when deciding whether a breast lift is right for you.
4. What If I Want to Breastfeed After a Breast Lift?
Many women may not consider getting a breast lift if they still wish to breastfeed.
To be honest, if you can wait until you’re done breastfeeding, that’s ideal. After all, the repositioning of the nipple and areola during a breast lift can affect milk ducts.
That being said, however, it’s not a deal breaker. Women have been able to breastfeed successfully after a breast lift. The success of this varies from patient to patient though. So if breastfeeding is still in your plans, you’ll need to discuss this with your surgeon to determine if s/he can tailor your breast lift to preserve your milk ducts as much as possible.
5. Will a Breast Lift Significantly Increase or Decrease My Breast Size?
Although a breast lift does change the appearance of your breast, it does not fall under the umbrella of breast augmentation or breast reduction. If you’re looking to dramatically change the size of your breast (for larger or smaller), these are the appropriate procedures.
The primary objective of a breast lift is to lift and reshape the breasts. They improve the position and contour of the breasts but don’t do much (if anything) to change the size. It should be noted, however, that a breast lift is sometimes done in tandem with a breast augmentation or reduction.
Stay Informed
If you’ve been considering a breast lift, we hope our answers to common questions about breast lifts allow you to make a more informed decision.
Understanding the procedure and going in with realistic expectations is the ideal place to start. So don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule your consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
He can answer any further questions you may have.
The Interesting History of Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants have gone the distance in restoring confidence for patients opting for both aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.
Yet given how commonplace implants are in modern plastic surgery breast augmentation and reconstruction procedures, you may have never considered the history of silicone breast implants.
There was a time in the not-too-distant past when breast implants didn’t exist at all.
The Years Before Breast Implants
Women who wanted to increase their breast size in 1889 were limited to paraffin and vaseline injections for breast augmentation. While breasts became larger, they were also hard. And patients experienced severe inflammation and disfiguration.
In 1895, a surgeon who had removed a breast tumor grafted a benign fatty tumor from the patient’s back to essentially reconstruct the breast. While this worked to some degree, it was still less than ideal.
Surgeons continued to experiment with various implant materials through the early to mid-20th century. These included wool, ground rubber, ivory, glass balls, polyethylene chips, polyether foam sponge, and teflon-silicone prostheses. They also began to experiment with different surgical methods to increase the volume of the breast, such as a rotational flap.
It wasn’t until the 1950s that silicone was first injected into the breast. The results were positive initially. But eventually, the formation of silicone granulomas caused the breasts to harden. In some cases, it was severe enough to warrant a mastectomy.
Silicone would, however, be a game changer.
The History of Breast Implants Began With Silicone
By the early 1960s, surgeons worked in tandem with laboratories to encapsulate silicone to make it safer. In 1962, the first augmentation mammoplasty was performed using a silicone implant.
While these implants were a huge improvement over the early days of injecting foreign materials, they were not without their problems. And in 1976, the U.S. Congress passed the 1976 Medical Device Amendments to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to classify them as moderate risk (Class II) devices and were required to comply with general controls and performance standards.
By the 1980s, there were concerns about associations between breast implants, particularly silicone-filled, and serious health issues. As such the FDA reclassified breast implants into Class III higher-risk products that required premarket approval. Manufacturers needed to provide data demonstrating the devices were safe.
1992 was the turning point year for implants. It was in this year that the FDA decided that breast implant manufacturers did not adequately address public concerns about certain complications. Rather than selecting the devices with a poor record, they removed all silicone gel-filled breast implants from the market.
Silicone implants during this time could not be used for elective surgery – though they were still available for breast reconstruction after mastectomy, replacement of existing implants, and correction of congenital deformities.
The formation of the Breast Implant Adjust Studies was developed to begin to gather data.
The Next Generation of Breast Implants
Throughout the 1990s, women seeking breast augmentation for cosmetic purposes were offered saline-filled implants.
Meanwhile, studies continued on silicone implants. And so did the implants’ evolution. By the mid to late1990s, the development of textured, anatomic, and highly cohesive silicone implants were ready for submission for FDA studies in the United States. In 1999, a comprehensive report of those studies was released that concluded there was no evidence that silicone breast implants caused systemic health problems.
It wouldn’t be until 2006, after a clinical study that followed hundreds of women with silicone implants, that the FDA would finally determine them as safe and effective – allowing women to make informed decisions about their use based on known risks and benefits. In 2011, the FDA released an update on silicone implants’ safety and found no apparent association between them and reproductive problems, breast cancer, or connective tissue disease.
Finally, in 2012, the FDA approved the first high-strength silicone implant, Known as the gummy bear, this implant is a soft yet solid gel filler with a remarkably low failure rate. Approved in Europe two decades before the U.S., These form-stable fillers allow the manufacturer to create implants that are shaped for a far more natural appearance.
What’s next in the world of breast implants? Stay tuned.
Insist on a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Now that you know the history of breast implants, you may be feeling a lot more secure in your decision to have a breast augmentation procedure.
And why not? You deserve the confidence that comes with feeling good about your appearance.
So if you’re ready to speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon, contact us today. With these highly cohesive, textured, and shaped implants, you and your surgeon will have a wide selection of options in choosing the best one for you.
The Latest Advances in Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Procedures
Just as in about every other industry on the planet, technology is making itself known in the field of plastic surgery.
One area where it’s been particularly influential is in the latest advances in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.
Technology has ushered in a new evolution of cosmetic procedures that are safer and more precise while offering extremely effective results.
Some of the Latest Advances in Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Procedures
There are myriad benefits to minimally and noninvasive procedures that make them appealing to patients.
In the case of minimally invasive procedures, there’s a significant reduction in the risk of scarring or infection that’s part and parcel of traditional surgery. Recovery time is also far shorter, and patients can often return to daily activities within days rather than weeks. Plus, because there’s a reduced need for anesthesia and operating times with minimally invasive procedures, the overall cost is lower.
Furthermore, the latest advances in these procedures have enabled surgeons and skin specialists to offer highly targeted treatments that produce more refined and natural-looking results. We’ll take a look at just three of these latest advancements.
- Discover What’s New in Laser Skin Resurfacing
The early days of traditional laser skin treatments were effective but aggressive and often led to a high occurrence of scarring and hypopigmentation.
That’s not the case anymore. One of the most substantial innovations in laser skin resurfacing has been the introduction of fractional laser technology. Fractional lasers are able to target microscopic areas of the skin while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This method accelerates healing while reducing the risk of hyperpigmentation or prolonged redness. Plus, the lasers can be finely tuned to address a wide variety of concerns from treating acne scars and reducing deep wrinkles to simply enhancing overall skin texture.
The end game is a significant improvement in skin appearance with minimal downtime.
- More Easily Contour Your Body with EMSculpt
EMSculpt is the ultimate in non-invasive procedures. It focuses on both muscle enhancement AND fat reduction.
It’s a completely non-invasive procedure that uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy to trigger 20,000 supramaximal muscle contractions in the course of 30 minutes. What this essentially means is that it’s able to affect the muscles in a way that would be impossible for you to do voluntarily. For example, it’s as if you could do 20,000 sit-ups in the course of 30 minutes.
This not only burns fat but also builds muscle. And that means a more toned and sculpted appearance. Think of Emsculpt as an intense workout, except all the work is done for you with no sweating and no downtime. And after your session, you’ll be able to return to your daily activities almost immediately while enjoying gradual, natural-looking improvements.
- Take Advantage of Advances in Botox Techniques
One of the earlier telltale signs that someone had undergone Botox injections was compromised facial expressions. The significant and innovative development of micro-dosing in Botox has addressed this issue.
By administering Botox in smaller and more precise quantities, facial expressions are not nearly as compromised and patients achieve more natural results. This is especially the case in areas where the skin is more delicate, such as around the mouth and eyes. Micro-dosing can also soften fine lines.
In addition, Botox is now being used as a preventative treatment to target early signs of lines and wrinkles before they get too deep. And all with minimal downtime.
Put Technology to Work for You
These innovative cutting-edge approaches to non-invasive procedures reflect the growing need and preference for treatments that offer amazing results with little to no downtime.
At Star Plastic Surgery, we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of these latest advances in minimally invasive plastic surgery procedures. That’s why we offer our clients in Novi and southeast Michigan the option of these highly effective procedures that also prioritize safety and convenience.
So if you’re ready to see what we can do for you, contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.
Dermal Fillers or a Mini Facelift? Which Is Right for You?
Remember once upon a time when someone “got work” on their face it appeared as though their face had been flattened by plastic wrap?
That was back in the earlier days of plastic surgery where drastic pulling and tightening were the only game in town. Fortunately, things have changed.
If you’re starting to experience decreased skin laxity in your face, you’re not relegated to a full facelift. You may be able to get by with dermal fillers or a mini facelift.
What Is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift is similar to a full facelift, but it’s a modified version. A traditional facelift is comprehensive and covers the entirety of the face. Meanwhile, a mini facelift focuses on eliminating loose and sagging skin and deep creases in the mid/lower part of the face and jawline.
Yes, it is still a surgical procedure. There isn’t as much tightening and lifting as in a traditional facelift though. And the procedure still effectively smooths wrinkles and restores elasticity. Plus, it’s a lower-risk procedure than a full facelift and with a shorter downtime for recovery.
The Mini Facelift Procedure
A mini facelift is considered invasive surgery. Even so, it is less invasive than a full facelift and there is minimal scarring. Plus, it can be performed as an outpatient procedure. You will be under local or twilight anesthesia for a mini facelift.
The procedure typically takes around two and a half hours during which time, the plastic surgeon makes small incisions in the hairline, around the upper portion of the ear, then circles to the earlobe. Underlying muscle and tissue are repositioned through this opening and excess loose skin is removed. A layered suturing technique is used to minimize scarring.
Are You a Good Candidate?
As with any surgery, the first requirement is that you are in relatively good health. Of almost equal importance is that you should have realistic expectations about the results.
That being said, a mini facelift is often recommended for those who have just started to notice decreased skin laxity and have mild to moderate skin sagging and wrinkles. It’s also effective in removing excess skin for those who have recently lost weight.
While many patients wait until they are in their 40s or 50s to consider a mini facelift, if there is enough significant sagging before that age, a plastic surgeon may recommend it.
On the other hand, if you do not qualify for surgery because of health reasons or are apprehensive about going under the knife, you may benefit from dermal fillers.
Could Dermal Fillers Be a Better Choice?
Some patients are more comfortable with a noninvasive option such as a dermal filler. It’s important to understand though that a dermal filler will not garner the same results for patients whose sagging and wrinkles are more advanced. But it could be a great place to start.
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin. They smooth lines, soften creases, and restore volume to enhance your facial contours. There is no downtime with fillers, but the results aren’t as long-lasting as surgical options. Therefore, you’d need to return for treatments.
Today, most fillers are made with the body’s natural compound hyaluronic acid which is found in the skin and cartilage. It typically dissolves within 12 to 24 months. Some injectables contain the mineral calcium hydroxylapatite which is a mineral that’s found in the bones. These fillers last closer to 18 months.
Still Confused About Which Way to Go?
When deciding between dermal fillers or a mini facelift, you may still be floundering. That’s understandable. It’s a big decision.
Fortunately, you don’t have to make it on your own.
Contact us today to set up a free consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon. You can feel confident in his experience and expertise to guide you on the path that’s tailor-made just for you.
Top Questions About Chin Implant Surgery
How do you feel about your reflection when you look in the mirror? Some folks are pleased with their reflection straight on but aren’t satisfied with how it looks from the side.
This is usually because of issues with the chin losing definition and blending in with the neck. Fortunately, there are chin augmentation procedures to address this issue.
Sound familiar? If you’re curious about contouring your jawline, take a look at some of the most common questions about chin implant surgery.
Am I a Good Candidate for Chin Implant Surgery?
If you’re dissatisfied with the look of your profile because of your chin or neck and want a bolder jawline, then chin implant surgery could be the perfect solution. It will improve the definition of that region of your face. Plus, combining chin implants with liposuction of the neck could give you the ultimate contour and profile!
Keep in mind though that this is surgery. You must be over the age of 18 and in good health. Plus, if you’re a smoker, you’ll need to quit smoking for 4-6 weeks before the procedure.
What Can I Expect During the Procedure?
Chin implant surgery requires general anesthesia so you will be unconscious during the entire procedure. The procedure is generally completed within an hour.
Once you’ve been safely anesthetized, a board-certified plastic surgeon will make an incision either under your chin or through your mouth. The surgeon will then place an implant on top of the existing chin bone, sew up the incision, and bandage the area.
The vast majority of chin implants are made with silicone so that it feels natural to the touch and nobody will be able to tell you’ve had surgery.
How Is Recovery from Chin Implant Surgery?
Once you awaken, you will feel groggy from the anesthesia. This will fade. There will be light swelling which is normal and will diminish over the following weeks or months.
To prevent swelling, your surgeon will ask you to sleep face-up. He or she will probably recommend a cold compress as well. And you may need to take a few days to a week off to rest. Within a week, you should be cleared to return to most of your daily activities.
The pain is relatively minimal with chin implant surgery. Even so, you will probably be prescribed pain medications. The most important thing you can do is follow your surgeon’s instructions both before and after the surgery. And let the surgeon know if there are any post-op issues.
The great news is that chin implant surgery results are permanent.
Is Chin Implant Surgery Right for Me?
If you’re left with questions about chin implant surgery, you need to consult a trusted plastic surgeon to discuss whether this is a viable option for you. There’s a possibility that you may be able to do fillers instead of having surgery.
Whatever the case, you deserve to feel satisfied with your reflection, no matter what the angle.
So contact us today to set up a free consultation. We’ll recommend the most appropriate method way to strike a balanced and harmonious appearance.
Having Plastic Surgery Is YOUR Decision
The decision to have plastic surgery can be polarizing. And it’s not unusual for family and friends to want to weigh in on your decision.
Plastic surgeons frequently encounter scenarios where patients bemoan the misgivings of family and friends who, for various reasons, are against the patient having surgery.
It’s important to understand that in most cases, having plastic surgery is your decision. There is one big question you need to honestly answer first though.
Can You Afford to Have Plastic Surgery?
The financial aspect is a legitimate concern. And if your partner, spouse, or other family members with whom you share finances are against it based purely on money issues, then you need to approach this as you would any other big-budget decision.
After all, you wouldn’t remodel your kitchen or bring home a brand-new car without consulting with them first. While most plastic surgery procedures won’t cost as much as a new car or a kitchen remodel, they can be expensive. So if your choice will affect their finances, then you’ll want to be sure you’re all in agreement before taking this step.
If, on the other hand, you’re single and are solely responsible for your finances, then what others think doesn’t really matter. This includes your parents, children, and friends. So in these cases, how do you ensure them that you’ve made the right decision?
It comes down to educating them. Let them know the two following things:
- Plastic Surgery Is Safe
It’s normal for loved ones to worry about your health and safety. So when you decide to have elective surgery, some of them may struggle with this choice.
Let them know that you’ve been cleared as a medically solid candidate for the surgery based on input from your board-certified plastic surgeon. You could also consult with your primary care physician if you want another voice of reason to speak with friends and family.
Many plastic surgeons encounter the children of patients who are concerned that their ‘older’ parent isn’t in good enough shape for surgery. But if the surgeon and family practice doctor believe they are medically healthy enough to do it and their desired results are realistic, then the concerned children have no choice but to find some solace and peace in the opinion of these experts.
Hopefully, your friends and family can too.
- Though Elective, It Is Necessary… for Me
You may also be running up against family and friends telling you that you don’t really need your chosen surgery. It’s not surprising they’d take this view. They see you in a different light than you see yourself.
Saying you don’t need surgery is a value judgment though. And while it may not be medically necessary, if there’s something on your body bothering you enough that you want to modify it, then that’s up to you. At the end of the day, if it’s going to make you feel better about yourself and increase your self-worth, then you DO need it.
Of course, there are always going to be cases where patients with body dysmorphic disorder seek out surgery to correct imperfections that don’t exist. And they’re never happy with the results. Plastic surgeons are familiar with this condition and are educated on how to handle patients who struggle with it.
But if your case is simply a matter of wanting a visible improvement that will make you happier and more comfortable in your skin, and your surgeon has recommended surgery, then you can share this with your loved ones. They may or may not agree, but it doesn’t matter. At this point, it’s purely up to you. And as long as the financial aspect has been cleared, it’s nobody’s decision but yours.
Having Plastic Surgery Is YOUR Decision. Are You Ready?
If you’re responsible for your own finances, then having plastic surgery is YOUR decision and yours alone.
So if you’re interested in how plastic surgery can improve your overall well-being, contact us today. Once our board-certified plastic surgeon has determined you are medically healthy and your desired results are realistic, the next step is yours.
Sure, you can listen to and entertain the opinions of friends and family. But just remember that at the end of the day, it’s your happiness on the table.
The Down-Low on Local Vs. General Anesthesia
If you are considering a plastic surgery procedure, you may have some reticence about being anesthetized. “Going under” can be daunting. General anesthesia is not something that’s taken lightly by any qualified and respected plastic surgeon. Important safety measures are always put into place.
But here’s the good news. You may not even need general anesthesia. There are some procedures (liposuction, fat transfer, and eyelid surgery, to name a few) where you may have the option to do a local anesthetic and oral sedation instead.
Given the option, which do you choose? There are numerous factors. So we’ll take a look at local vs. general anesthesia.
What Happens with General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is the most common form of sedation in plastic surgery. And if you are having an extensive procedure, it will be the best and only option.
With general anesthesia, you are rendered completely unconscious and then intubated with a machine so that you can breathe. You’ll have an anesthesiologist present at all times to ensure that you remain comfortable and motionless while the surgeon carefully performs the procedure.
The anesthesiologist is also there to monitor your vitals and blood pressure; making adjustments with the anesthetic to adjust blood pressure when and if needed.
Benefits of Local Vs. General Anesthesia
As stated above, there will be procedures where general anesthesia is the only option. And you can rest assured knowing that every precaution is taken to ensure your safety.
But in the event that you are offered a choice between the two, you may be wondering what the advantage of a local anesthetic with oral sedation would be.
For some patients, general anesthesia can cause nausea, vomiting, and constipation. There’s often grogginess and disorientation when recovering from it as well. And recovery time is slower with general anesthesia.
Local anesthesia can be more cost-effective because there is no need for an anesthesiologist and specialized equipment. Plus, because patients are awake, they can provide feedback to the surgeon in cases where aesthetics are the top priority.
Another benefit of local anesthesia and oral sedation is that it’s a safer option for patients with a high body mass index (BMI). General anesthesia can be taxing on their cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Local anesthesia dodges many of these risks.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate?
Before eliminating the option of general anesthesia, it’s important to understand that for some, the benefits of general anesthesia will outweigh the risks.
Being conscious during even a minor surgery can be distressing for those who regularly struggle with and/or take medication for anxiety. You will be fully aware of the surgical procedure and will still experience pressure, vibrations, or other movements in the area that’s been numbed. You may also hear the sounds of the surgical instruments.
This is true even in cases where the surgeon may offer eye coverings, ear plugs, and soothing music. Plus, the amount of medication required for full sedation may be more than the surgeon is comfortable administering. General anesthesia, if available, would likely be the best option in this situation.
Is Local Anesthetic an Option for You?
When it comes to deciding between local vs. general anesthesia, you’ll want to be sure you have all of the information.
So if you’re considering a procedure, please contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
You’ll be able to speak with a board-certified surgeon who can determine your anesthesia options, then outline the benefits and drawbacks of each to determine the best approach for your needs.
