Online Surgery Glossary & Information

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

When is a Breast Reduction Right for You?

Many in Newport Beach, California and other parts of the country have found breast reduction a worthwhile and rewarding procedure. But is it right for you? A consultation with a cosmetic specialist will help you answer that question, but most who seek breast reduction procedures do so to remove some weight from their breasts, which can lead to discomfort for some. Others prefer the added freedom that comes by reducing the size of the breasts. Whatever the reason, be sure to seek treatment with an experienced, well-trained surgeon to obtain the best results.

A breast reduction procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia to help ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, however, while some may be required to stay overnight in the hospital. Before treatment, patients should discuss the procedure and whether a stay in the hospital is required to ensure safe, effective recovery after breast reduction procedures. The process involves the removal of breast tissue and excess skin, while at the same time raising the nipple.

There may be some scarring afterwards, but this is influenced by the amount of breast tissue that is removed during the procedure, as well as the distance that the nipple is relocated. Modern methods may reduce scarring following breast reduction procedures. Patients should discuss their goals and needs with the Newport Beach cosmetic surgeon prior to the procedure to discuss scarring so they may get an idea of what to expect. 

There are some risks and side effects that should be discussed with a specialist as well. Patients are typically encouraged to stop smoking for a couple of weeks before the surgery. What's more, smokers may be at increased risk for some risks. Patients should be forthcoming with their medical history and lifestyle habits so they thoroughly understand risks involved with the procedure. Like any surgery, infection is a risk with this procedure. Incisions may also pull apart, which requires treatment to ensure that it does not heal inappropriately. 

Other potential risks include nipple necrosis, which can lead to the loss of the areola and/or nipple, as well as the inability to breast feed after the surgery. These risks are rare, but should be understood going into the procedure. Some procedures may lead to changes in skin sensitivity, as well as asymmetry in breast shape and size. For more information, patients should always seek consultation with a cosmetic surgeon.

Learn more about breast reduction in Newport Beach, California.

Tuesday, March 06, 2012

Are You a Candidate for a Face Lift?

For many individuals in Las Vegas, Nevada and other parts of the nation, sagging skin and wrinkles can be problematic and may cause embarrassment. These are some of the first signs of aging that can make us feel older, and those who notice them may look for ways to get rid of them. That's where, for some, a face lift may be able to help. This procedure is intended to reduce the signs of aging by tightening facial skin and muscles that lose their elasticity or begin to sag over the years. Depending on the specific conditions, a number of different procedures may be performed in the collective 'face lift' procedure.

Note that face lift does not include lifting the forehead and will not completely raise the middle of the face. For those with these goals, brow lifts and forehead lifts may do the trick. Candidates for face lifts vary. It is a major procedure, and should be considered as such by patients who are thinking of undergoing the procedure. The specialist will look at skin type, any preexisting sun damage, the age of the patient, and the rate at which the patient's skin is aging in determining candidacy for face lift procedures. 

Ideal candidates are those with facial or neck skin that has lost firmness and elasticity, but still has some elasticity so the skin can be reshaped. It is usually used by individuals who are over 40 years old, although individuals younger than 40 have found the procedure successful as well. People who seek treatment when they are younger than 40 often do so to maintain appearances or to avoid excess sagging down the road. Patients should always consult a Las Vegas cosmetic specialist to determine reasonable expectations and increase their knowledge of the procedure. The procedure cannot permanently erase every crease or line in the face.

Basically, the loose muscles and neck will be tightened, and excess skin will be removed so it may be reshaped to the contours of the face. Most procedures take about two hours to perform, and a local anesthetic with intravenous sedatives may be used for some. General anesthesia is often used for other patients. Patients should expect bandages and drains in the day or so after surgery, and stitches and metal clips will be left in place for about a week. The specialist will go over all recovery and downtime instructions.

Learn more about face lifts in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Smart Lipo Removes Unwanted Body Fat

Individuals in the Beverly Hills, California area and the surrounding community with pockets of unwanted body fat have found success through Smart Lipo. This is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses laser energy to break up fatty tissue in problem areas. Those who have stubborn pockets of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise may be considered perfect candidates for this procedure. It is not intended for obese or overweight individuals, and is not a way to shed excessive weight. It is a body contouring procedure to get rid of those stubborn areas in the belly, buttocks, waist, love handles, hips, flanks, chin, upper arms, pubic mound, back of the neck, and facial areas.

Patients who have certain medical conditions like diabetes, heart conditions, liver and kidney problems, blood disorders, or autoimmune disorders may not be considered candidates for the procedure and should look elsewhere for treatment. Before receiving treatment, patients should discuss any health conditions and medications they are currently taking with their doctor. A healthy lifestyle is required to maintain results of the procedure, as fat will return to the area without the proper diet and exercise routine; so speak with your doctor about your ability to keep the fat off following the procedure.

The treatment areas will be marked prior to treatment, and a local anesthetic is used to numb the treatment area. This is instead of a general anesthetic, which is required with most liposuction procedures and increases the recovery time and downtime required following the procedure. The local anesthetic and minimally-invasiveness of the Smart Lipo procedure usually means that patients may return to work about 24 hours after treatment. Of course, patients should discuss this with their doctor before doing so.

Once the area has been numbed, the laser is directed towards the fat cells that are being removed. This breaks up the fat cells, liquefying them. This liquefied fat will be taken away by the body's own natural processes. The laser also helps to stimulate the production of new collagen, tightening the skin to improve the results and appearance of the skin. The small blood vessels in the area are sealed by the laser energy, furthering the benefits of the procedure. Most patients begin to see results once the initial swelling has resolved. The treatment area starts to appear tighter and more toned. Results should start to appear after the first six to eight weeks, and optimal results are usually evident after eight weeks.

Patients may require multiple sessions to achieve desired results. Most reach optimal results after one to three sessions, and in some cases Smart Lipo may be combined with traditional liposuction procedures for more refined results thanks to the ability of the handheld laser to treat smaller pockets of fat. Patients should discuss this possibly with a cosmetic surgeon in the Beverly Hills area to determine if it is a viable option for their particular case. 

Learn more about Smart Lipo in Beverly Hills, California.

Monday, October 17, 2011

How Male Breast Reduction Works

Men in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and in other parts of the country with excess breast tissue or fat have found success through male breast reduction. This is a procedure that is performed by a trained professional in the proper setting. It is intended for healthy men of any age who are in good mental health. Before undergoing this procedure, though, many men are encouraged to lose weight, diet, and adjust certain lifestyle habits. This is to ensure that all other avenues are explored before opting for surgery.

Those who consume an excessive amount of alcoholic beverages and those who smoke marijuana are generally not considered candidates for this procedure. What's more, those who consume anabolic steroids are not candidates. This because by stopping these activities men may lose the excess fat located in the breast. Men whom these activities describe will first be instructed to adjust their lifestyle to cease engaging in these activities before surgery can be performed.

If the reason for the male breast issue is an excessive amount of glandular tissue, this tissue is removed during the procedure. An incision s made, while some may choose to combine liposuction with male breast reduction procedures. It is important that patients speak with their doctor about this to ensure that it is safe to do so. Excess glandular tissue, fat and skin is removed around the areola and at the sides as well as the bottom of the breast. In cases of larger male breasts, a larger incision may be required to remove more fat and tissue.

If fatty tissue is to blame for the male breasts, then liposuction may be used to remove the fat. The incisions is usually pretty small with liposuction procedures, about half an inch. The incision is made around the nipple or may be made under the arm. Through this incision a cannula is inserted that helps to breakdown and get rid of the fat. A drain is used to get rid of excess fluids. The drain is usually inserted in a separate incision. A dressing will be used to cover any incisions.

 Patients should follow all recovery instructions given to them by the Myrtle Beach professional who performs the procedure. Patients may be able to walk around following the procedure, and some may return to work within a couple of days. Stitches might be removed after a couple of weeks, although recovery times vary from patient to patient.

Learn more about male breast reduction in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

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.