August 2011 Glossary Archive
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
What to Expect with a Tummy Tuck
For many individuals in Beverly Hills, California, a tummy tuck may be a good option for those hoping for a more toned, flatter abdomen. The procedure tightens weak or stretched muscles, while also removing excess skin to help the patient reach their goals. What's more, a tummy tuck may be useful for those hoping to reduce the appearance of stretch marks in the lower part of the abdomen, although it may not completely removal all stretch marks. It is helpful to discuss expectations with a specialist in the area prior to the procedure so that patients enter the treatment with reasonable expectations for what this and any other procedure may accomplish.
For those with excess fat between the belly button and the pubic bone, a mini tummy tuck may be adequate. Muscles in the area may become flaccid due to an absence of supportive tissue (or damage to such tissue such as following a pregnancy) in this part of the abdomen. Accumulation of excess fat also contributes to bulging in this part of the torso. Abdomen walls are made tighter during a mini tummy tuck, and any excess skin or fat is taken away. Local anesthetic with sedation may be used to perform a mini tummy tuck, although most use general anesthetic. An incision is made across the abdomen and any excess fat and skin is taken out. The belly button may have to be detached and later re-attached so that skin may be more easily moved. Many procedures may use liposuction for the removal of the excess fat.
Following the procedure, patients may require about a week away from work as they recover. Patients may notice the abdominal skin feels tight right after treatment, and patients who have gone through this procedure should make an effort to keep pressure off of the incision site by resting and limiting their activity. To help get rid of excess fluid, drains may be used around the treatment site. About six weeks should be allowed before the resumption of strenuous activities, but patients should follow any care and recovery instructions handed down from the Beverly Hills cosmetic surgeon.
It is also important that patients understand possible risks associated with the tummy tuck procedure to help them determine if the treatment is right for them. Reactions to the anesthesia are rare, but could be serious and should be discussed with a doctor. Necrosis of the skin, more common in smokers, may lead to the loss of the belly button as well as scarring. Pain medication may be used to alleviate pain following the procedure, although severe pain should be reported to the doctor immediately.
Another risk associated with this procedure is hematomas, which are collections of blood in the skin. Hematomas may require a surgical procedure to remove. Patients are usually advised to stop all other medications—over-the-counter, herbal, prescriptions, vitamins, etc.—that may affect bleeding to help reduce the risk of hematomas. Swelling is normal, but if it lasts normal than what's expected, patients should inform the doctor. Scarring may be present as well, and may appear nearly invisible to a large discolored scar. Medical or surgical procedures may be used to treat a scar. With any surgery, infection is always a risk and patient are often given antibiotics to help avoid infection.
Those interested in the tummy tuck procedure are encouraged to discuss it in detail with a Beverly Hills cosmetic surgeon. The cost of the procedure may range from $5,000 to $9,000, and is another issue to discuss during a consultation. The costs vary depending on the location of the procedure, the surgeon, and other factors.
Learn more about tummy tuck in Beverly Hills, California.
Monday, August 01, 2011
What to Expect with Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation has helped individuals in Rocklin, California and other parts of the country achieve more symmetrical breasts and has helped others achieve larger breasts. Some even turn to breast augmentation following a mastectomy as part of a breast reconstruction procedure. The procedure involves the use of breast implants which are inserted behind breast tissue or behind chest muscles. Many women choose breast augmentation to achieve a breast size and/or shape that is more in line with their overall physique. Patients who are interested in the procedure should speak with a cosmetic surgeon in their community to help them determine if the procedure is right for them.
A general or local anesthetic is used during the procedure to help ensure patient comfort throughout treatment. Incisions are made so that the implants may be inserted. The incision may be made below the breast, on the nipple or in the crux of the arm or armpit. Navel incisions and insertions may be used as well. It is important that patients discuss each option with their specialist to help determine which is right for them. Each may carry its own risks and benefits, so a thorough understanding and discussion is often helpful.
The implants are inserted either in front of or behind pectoral muscles. When the implants are inserted behind the muscle, there may be a lower risk of the implants being rejected by the body. This is another issue that should be discussed with a Rocklin cosmetic specialist, as the position of the implant and where they're inserted may depend on body type and other factors. Incisions are sealed using sutures once the implant is in place. The recovery period should be thoroughly discussed with the specialist as well to ensure proper healing following the treatment.
When general anesthesia is used, patients may experience nausea, vomiting, shivering or disorientation following the procedure. A local anesthetic treatment is easier for most patients. Patients may notice their breasts feel sore and swollen after the procedure. The use of bandages protects the treatment site, while a drain may be used to remove excess fluid as the body goes through its healing process. Compression garments may be used to promote healing and to minimize postoperative swelling, while a support bra should be worn for all day, every day for a few weeks. Some may recommend placing ice on the breasts to reduce bruising and swelling.
It is important that patients discuss recovery guidelines with their specialist to help ensure their safety throughout the recovery process, and to make sure that the surgery site heals properly for optimal results. Patients may be home for about a week or more, although the exact time away from work or other normal activities will depend on how quickly the body heals, as all patients are different. For the first few weeks, all patients should avoid lifting the arms above the head or doing any heavy lifting at all. Any strenuous activities, including sexual activity, should be avoided for a few weeks to several months as the patient heals.
Learn more about breast augmentation in Rocklin, California.
Monday, August 01, 2011
Facelift May Reduce Signs of Aging
For those with various signs of aging in the Prescott, Arizona area, a facelift may be a very helpful procedure to reverse them. The procedure involves the tightening of facial skin and muscles for a younger, rejuvenated appearance. A patient's degree of success or improvement with this procedure may depend on the stages of the signs of aging or the severity of the cosmetic conditions which the patient is looking to overcome, so it is helpful to speak with a cosmetic specialist beforehand to discuss one's goals and what kind of results one may expect following treatment.
A facelift may involve various procedures all designed to help patients reach their goals. The process may include the removal of excess fat, the tightening of the muscles or the redraping of the skin on the face. However, facelifts do not include lifting the forehead, and those expecting to raise the mid or central face may find greater success with other treatments. A browlift or forehead lift may be recommended to treat a sagging brow or middle of the face.
The best candidates for facelift procedures include those who have facial or neck skin that's lost its elasticity or firmness. However, the skin should not have lost too much elasticity to the point that reshaping is not possible or extremely difficult. Patients should come into the procedure with reasonable expectations and should not expect facelift surgery to get rid of all of their creases such as those around the mouth and eyes.
Before treatment, patients should provide a complete medical history to the Prescott specialist who is performing the procedure. Those who smoke should quit smoking prior to the surgery, as smoking constricts the blood vessels, which results in decreased blood flow and may be a detriment to normal healing. As mentioned, several procedures may be present in a facelift procedure. Loose muscles of the face and neck may be tightening, while excess skin may be removed to define facial contours and provide a more toned appearance. Liposuction, eyelid surgery, chin implants or a browlift may be used as well. This should be discussed during an initial consultation with a cosmetic specialist.
About two hours are required to perform the procedure, which may be performed using local anesthetic with an IV sedative for patient comfort. General anesthesia may be used in some cases. Incisions may be made high up around the temple and then down in front the ear, around the earlobe, behind the ear and then curving into the hairline of the neck. An incision under the chin may be used as well. Skin may be lifted forward onto the cheeks and down, while the underlying muscles are lifted. Any blood vessels that are leaking will be sealed. Skin loosened from the tissue is lifted up with any excess getting removed. Sutures and mini staples are used to close the wound.
Bandages will be used and drains may be used as well after the procedure; they should be removed a day after surgery. A gentle shampoo should be used to wash the hair regularly over the next few days. Eight days after surgery, stitches and metal clips may be removed. Many report only a slight discomfort after the procedure, but this may vary. Some experience tension around the neck and cheek areas, and around the ear. There may be some swelling or bruising of the face which can last three to six weeks, while some lag in the motion of the facial muscles may be present, too. Swelling may distort facial features and the skin may feel strange after surgery. Patients should rest plenty and follow recovery instructions given to them by their Prescott cosmetic specialist.
Learn more about facelift in Prescott, Arizona.
