Q. What are the most common cosmetic procedures today?
A. The three most common procedures performed around the country by plastic surgeons are breast augmentation, liposuction and nose reshaping. These also happen to be some of the most satisfying procedures for patients to have. If you are thinking about having breast augmentation, you need to know which procedure will have the best results for you; this is done by first choosing the right type of implant. Silicone implants have a more natural look and feel than saline implants because silicone gel has a texture that is similar to breast tissue. Saline implants have some advantages over silicone implants. The breast augmentation is an in office procedure taking less then an hour, with the patients returning to normal activities in 24 hours. Thinking about removing unwanted fat? Liposuction (lipoplasty) is a procedure that can help contour your body by removing this unwanted fat from certain parts of the body, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, arms and chin. Liposuction is not a replacement for diet or exercise, but it helps selected patients get rid of stubborn areas that do not respond to other weight loss methods. With weight loss, the fat cells in your body only shrink – they do not disappear. Liposuction surgery actually removes the fat cells from your body. The newest smart liposuction allows for a better body. If You Are Considering Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)… keep in mind, this surgery is best to: correct the size of the nose, remove the “dorsal hump” or bump on the nose, Change the width of the nose, Define and correct the tip of the nose, it can also help correct structural defects that may cause breathing problems.
Q. What should I know before I undergo breast augmentation?
A. Breast augmentation (augmentation mammaplasty), is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breast. It is best to: Correct and enhance the body contour of a woman who feels that her breast size is too small, Correct a reduction in breast shape or volume after pregnancy, balance a difference in breast size, Lift the breast in a patient with only a minimal droop. I am able to perform breast augmentation in most patients with minimal or no visible scars! There are a variety of incisions that can be used for the procedure, including under the breast (infra-mammary), around the nipple (peri-areolar), under the arm (transaxillary), and through the belly button (transumbilical). The short infra-mammary incision has the advantage of the scar healing exceptionally well. In the majority of patients, the incision cannot be detected. This incision also offers better long-term results and perhaps lower overall complication rates.
Q: Are there choices when thinking about having Liposuction?
A. Yes, there are many different ways a cosmetic surgeon can perform liposuction. Ultrasound assisted lipoplasty, the tumescent technique, Power assisted lipoplasty, Smart lipo. I utilize a unique combination of tumescent liposuction, along with smartlipo. When used together, these methods provide the patient with a smoother contour and a quick recovery, with minimal pain or bruising. There will be a noticeable difference in your body contour almost immediately after liposuction surgery and a small amount of swelling that will continue to subside for a few months after. Your new contour will remain permanent as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you gain weight after your liposuction surgery, the weight will distribute itself evenly throughout your body and will not settle in the same problem areas.
Q. I have been considering having Rhinoplasty, what are the key facts I should be aware of?
A. Nasal surgery can be performed either under general anesthesia or with local anesthesia depending on what needs to be done. Rhinoplasty takes about 1 hour and the patient usually experiences only mild discomfort when recovering. Most often, a “closed” technique is utilized, in which incisions are made inside the nostrils and all work performed through the nostrils only. The incisions are closed with dissolving sutures at the end of the operation. The underlying bone and cartilage is re-shaped giving the nose a natural contour. Many times, your nasal passage may need to be opened, in conjunction with the rhinoplasty, called septoplasty. In many cases, very slight changes to the structure of the nose – sometimes as little as a few millimeters – can produce drastic and pleasing results. Slight bruising and swelling may occur, but will reside in a few days. Usually you are bandaged for about four days, and normal activity can be started in a short period of time.