Patient tips for Safe and Effective Lipoplasty

If you've resolved to get in shape in 2001, the road ahead may seem daunting. Getting fit often requires major lifestyle changes including reducing food intake, selecting foods that are better for you, and sticking to an exercise routine. Could lipoplasty (liposuction) offer an easier way to achieve your ideal body?

The following questions and answers from the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) can be a starting point in determining if lipoplasty is the right choice for you.

Have you tried diet and exercise?

A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are always the first choices to improve fitness. If these methods fail to improve specific problem areas of fat accumulation, then lipoplasty may be the answer.

Is your weight within the "normal" range?

Lipoplasty is a body contouring technique, not a method for overall weight reduction. Most plastic surgeons agree that a good candidate for lipoplasty should be no more than 30% over his or her ideal body weight.

Do you plan to remain at about your current weight?

If you lose or gain a significant amount of weight following surgery, it may affect your final aesthetic result. Since weight fluctuations affect every individual differently, you should discuss your weight history with your plastic surgeon.

Are you in generally good health?

If you have any pre-existing health conditions, your plastic surgeon may consult with your personal physician prior to making a decision about whether you should undergo surgery.

Is your excess fat in specific areas, such as thigh "saddlebags", "love handles" around your waist, or extra padding on your hips?

Localized fat deposits frequently are resistant to diet and exercise. Lipoplasty of these problem areas can help you achieve a smoother body contour and is the only truly effective treatment available.

Do you have reasonably good skin tone?

Patients with good skin tone will obtain the best results from lipoplasty. Individuals with diminished skin tone due to weight gain or loss, pregnancy, or the aging process may require a skin tightening procedure such as a tummy tuck or a thigh lift, whether alone or in combination with lipoplasty.

Can you take sufficient time for recovery?

The amount of time it takes for recovery from lipoplasty varies. Typically, it takes 1 to 2 weeks before you can return to normal activities, and a little longer before you can resume exercise. If you are having a relatively small amount of fat removed, though, your recovery could be faster.

Do you have realistic expectations?

Patients who have realistic expectations are likely to be very satisfied with the results of lipoplasty surgery.

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After

Localized fat deposits, such as thigh "saddlebags", often are resistant to diet and exercise. Lipoplasty of these problem areas can help you achieve a smother body contour and, for many people, is the truly effective treatment. (Photo is provided by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Before

After

Lipoplasty of the abdomen gave this patient a trimmer, more physically fit appearance. (Photo is provided by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)

Nose Reshaping Can Harmonize Facial Features

Most people don't realize that the basic techniques for performing cosmetic rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) originating from reconstructive plastic surgery. The first operation closely resembling "modern" cosmetic rhinoplasty was developed by a plastic surgeon in 1845! Since then, many refinements to the technique of nose reshaping have occurred, allowing for the wonderful results we see in cosmetic surgery today.

Rhinoplasty is the fourth most popular cosmetic surgical procedure, according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic statistics. More than 100,000 rhinoplasties are performed each year. While the majority of rhinoplasties are for women, 32 percent of procedures are performed on men. In fact, rhinoplasty is the second most common cosmetic surgical procedure among men.

Stories in the media have claimed that teenagers are flocking to plastic surgeons to have their noses done, but in reality less 13 percent of rhinoplasties are performed on people under 19 years of age. Teenagers who have the physical and emotional maturity for cosmetic surgery may undergo rhinoplasty as early as 14 or 15, or possibly older for boys. There is no upper age limit for rhinoplasty, as long as you are in good health. Nose reshaping is sometimes performed in conjunction with a facelift or other rejuvenative surgery to correct aging changes of the nose such as a drooping tip.

What can rhinoplasty achieve?

The goal of rhinoplasty, at any age, is a nature-looking nose that achieves a harmonious balance with your other facial features. In the earlier days of rhinoplasty, patients and their surgeons tended to think in terms of an "ideal" nose, and this ideal often varied only slightly from patient to patient. Today, plastic surgeons are sensitive to the unique aesthetics of each individual's appearance. This includes factors such as ethnicity and the strength of other facial features. Some patients are looking for only subtle improvements, while others desire more substantial changes in the appearance of their nose. An important part of your rhinoplasty consultation is the discussion of your personal goals for surgery.

Nasal length and projection are key measurements in determining the ideal aesthetic relationships between your nose and other facial features. In cases where the chin lacks sufficient projection, it is not uncommon to place a chin implant at the same time as the nose is reshaped in order to create proper balance and facial harmony.

A rhinoplasty can increase or decrease your nasal bridge, reduce the size and width of your nose, narrow your nostrils, change the angle between your nose and upper lip, or reshape your nasal tip. In many instances, all of the incisions will be placed inside your nose, where they will not be visible.

Sometimes, a very short incision is made across the vertical strip of tissue that separates the nostrils. This technique is called an "open rhinoplasty." Other incisions are used to narrow the base of your nose or reduce your nostrils. Whatever incisions are used to reshape your nose, they will ultimately be very inconspicuous.

Recovering from Rhinoplasty

Generally, bruising around the eyes and cheeks is most apparent during the first three days following surgery. Most discoloration will disappear within a week, and you can begin wearing makeup as a concealer after just a few days. Most of the swelling will be gone after several weeks. You will notice some minor swelling that may continue for months after, but it probably won't be noticeable at all to others.

The final results of rhinoplasty take longer than those of most other cosmetic surgeries. At the same time, the psychological impact of rhinoplasty can be very positive, bolstering self-confidence and self-esteem to a remarkable degree. If you decide to undergo rhinoplasty, just remember that once the recovery is completed, the benefits will last a lifetime!

Before

After

The patient had a total facial rejuvenation (facelift, forehead lift, eyelid surgery) and, at the same time, had her nose reshaped and a chin implant placed to create a more aesthetically pleasing balance among her features. (Photo is provided by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)

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After


Alterations can be made to decrease the nasal bridge and reduce the size of the nose. (Photo is provided by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)


Planning Ahead For Summer Fun

Why do so many people have cosmetic plastic surgery between January and May? The answer is summer! Weddings, vacations and looking good at the beach are reasons why winter and spring months are prime times for a little nip and tuck - or something more.

The best advice is to allow yourself plenty of time. After your surgical consultation, it may be several weeks or longer before the first available date for surgery. If you are taking certain medications, you may be advised to stop for a period of time before surgery. And for some facial procedures, your surgeon may want to use special products to prepare your skin. After surgery, recovery time varies. "Mini" procedures have shorter recovery periods, but a tummy tuck may require three to six weeks. So plan ahead!


Making The Decision For Breast Reduction

Throughout history, large breasts have been associated with nursing and considered a sign of femininity. But heavy, pendulous breasts are often a source of terrible discomfort, including severe neck, shoulder and back pain. They can make it difficult to participate in sports and other physical activities. Psychologically speaking, excessively large breasts may cause embarrassment and self consciousness, particularly in young people.

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Surprisingly, the first surgical reduction of the breasts may date as far back as the mid 1600s in England. Modern breast reduction techniques evolved in the second half of the 20th century. Today, emphasis is not only on reducing size but also improving the shape and overall aesthetics of the breast. At the same time, plastic surgeons have developed techniques that strive to preserve breast sensation and the ability to breast-feed.

Breast reduction can be performed at any age, but it is usually best to wait until breast development has stopped. There are exceptions - when psychosocial development is seriously damaged by the physical and emotional problems are associated with excessive breast size, the benefits of surgery may outweigh the risk of possible recuperation in the future if the breasts continue to grow. Women past menopause may also benefit from breast reduction, particularly if it will significantly decrease the stress on their skeletal system. People who are severely overweight usually are encouraged to drop pounds before undergoing surgery. Studies have shown, though, that breast reduction may sometimes be the stimulus for effective weight loss in such individuals following surgery.

Breast reduction surgery may be covered by some health insurance plans when the amount of breast tissue removed is significant and meets the insurance company's criteria. In other cases, insurance companies may consider the reduction to be "cosmetic" and the surgery must be paid for directly by the patient. Your plastic surgeon can help you determine whether your breast reduction surgery might be covered by insurance.

It is important to be realistic in your expectations about breast reduction surgery. Breast reduction is a major operation and often requires a brief stay in the hospital. There are a number of possible techniques, but, in most cases, there will be visible scars. Most women have no problem accepting these scars, which normally fade and become less noticeable over time. Women who decide on breast reduction usually feel that the freedom from pain and the ability to find clothes that fit balance any potential downsides to the surgery. Plastic surgeons generally agree that breast reduction surgery has one of the highest satisfaction rates of any procedure they perform.

Male Breast Reduction

Many people are not aware that over development of the breasts is a fairly common problem among males. In fact, it is estimated that 40 to 60 percent of men experience some degree of breast enlargement, a condition called gynecomastia, during their lifetime. This may occur during adolescence or later on. Although certain drugs and medical conditions have been associated with gynecomastia, in most cases the reason for the condition is unknown.

The treatment for gynecomestia varies according to whether the excess tissue is primarily glandular or fatty. In some cases, gynecomastia can be easily corrected with lipoplasty (liposuction) alone. Often, the procedure is more extensive but it is usually possible to position scars inconspicuously around the edge of the pigmented area surrounding the nipple, or sometimes the underarm area.

Like breast reduction for women, the correction of gynecomastia can make a big difference in a man's self-image and self-confidence. When breast reduction is the right choice and is performed by a qualified, board certified plastic surgeon, it can greatly improve your quality of life.


Facial Rejuvenation Touch-ups with No Downtime

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the popularity of minimally invasive procedures for rejuvenating the face and skin is on the rise! Botox, light chemical peels, collagen and fat injections are among the touch-ups most requested by baby boomers experiencing early visible signs of aging.

Botox is effective in treating facial wrinkles such as frown lines, forehead furrows and "crow's feet." It works by temporarily immobilizing the muscles that cause these types of facial lines. Following injection with Botox, you can wear makeup and resume normal activities right away. The same is true for collagen, which reduces the appearance of creases and depressions by replacing your own natural collagen, that is lost over time, with injectable Zyderm or Zyplast collagen. Your plastic surgeon will test you for any possible allergic reaction to collagen before proceeding with a treatment program. Both Botox and collagen require treatment every few months in order to maintain results.

Some patients prefer to use their own fat for plumping up facial lines and wrinkles. Fat injection is not completely permanent, either, and may need to be repeated in order to maintain full benefits.

Light chemical peels are a good option for freshening the skin and reducing the appearance of fine wrinkles. Generally, the most superficial peels are those using alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid. Multiple treatments will provide the best result. You may be given a cream or lotion to apply at home that can help repair sun damage and discoloration.

The best source for all these touch-ups is your plastic surgeon's office. With medical supervision, the effectiveness of your facial rejuvenation and skin care treatments can be maximized so that you truly look your best!

Everyone Wants To Be A Plastic Surgeon

Have you ever wondered how there could suddenly be so many plastic surgeons? It seems that, almost overnight, the pages of magazines and newspapers, even TV advertisements, are populated with a huge number of plastic surgery "experts." Where did they all come from?

The fact is that only about 6,000 physicians are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the board officially recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify doctors in the specialty of plastic surgery. By some estimates, though, there may be as many as 60,000 doctors in the United States who perform some type of cosmetic surgery. In many cases, patients do not even know that the doctor they have chosen is not an ABPS certified surgeon! In most states, there are few restrictions on physician advertisements, some of which may intentionally mislead prospective patients about a doctor's training and qualifications.

Why does everyone want to be a plastic surgeon? Many physicians are dissatisfied with the changes in our health care system that are a result of managed care. Some of these physicians find cosmetic surgery an attractive option, because it bypasses managed care and deals directly with patients.

One of the important missions of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is to educate the public about plastic surgery and the training that qualifies a physician to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. ABPS certification means that a physician has at least 5 years of surgical training, including an approved residency program in plastic surgery. During this training, doctors learn to perform reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery of the face and body. Examinations administered by ABPS following residency training are designed to measure competency in all areas of plastic surgery.

After an ABPS certified doctor has been in plastic surgery practice for a while, and has established a reputation for excellence in cosmetic surgery, he or she may be invited to join ASAPS. In order to become an ASAPS member, the doctor has to document cosmetic cases performed and meet requirements for Continuing Medical Education in cosmetic surgery. These requirements help to ensure that the physician is up-to-date on the latest techniques and technologies impacting patient care.

When everyone wants to be a plastic surgeon, it is doubly important that you know your doctor. You can be sure of your surgeon's appropriate training and certification by choosing a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.