While you may think liposuction and a tummy tuck are one and the same, there are actually a few differences between the two. It all has to do with the abdominal wall, whether or not you have excess fat and whether loose skin is present after extreme weight loss or pregnancy. Depending on your situation, your plastic surgeon will recommend one or the other. Let’s take a look at what makes the two procedures different and what their respective recovery times are. Tummy Tuck If you have recently lost a lot of weight and are left with excessive loose skin on your stomach, a tummy tuck—technically called abdominoplasty—may be order. This procedure involves removing excess fat and skin and restoring weakened or separated muscles for a smoother and firmer belly, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. While many people strive to get a tighter stomach through diet and exercise, this isn’t always possible due to several factors, such as age, heredity, extreme weigh fluctuations and past pregnancy. As a result, many people—particularly older women—enlist the help of a plastic surgeon to address the sagging skin and pull it tighter. Liposuction This procedure is a bit different in that it’s not quite as invasive as an abdominoplasty. Liposuction is a process that removes small bulges of fat—not cellulite—which diet and exercise can’t fix; the procedure is most commonly performed on the hips, stomach, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and face, according to WebMD. Candidates for this procedure should be of average weight with firm skin and concentrated pockets of fat. Liposuction can be done in the doctor’s office or at an outpatient facility. The doctor performing the surgery makes small incisions to remove fat through the insertion of a suction device. Liposuction usually requires only local anesthetic, while a tummy tuck entails general anesthesia. Cosmetic Results The overall result of both procedures is largely the same but with a few small differences. One difference is that a tummy tuck can effectively remove stretch marks and other scars because some skin is actually removed. With liposuction, no skin is removed—only fat is suctioned out. That’s why liposuction is best for those who already have tight abdominal muscles with firm skin tone. A tummy tuck will tighten up the abdomen and smooth out the skin to result in a tighter stomach. Your doctor will let you know which procedure is best for your body type. Generally, older women who have had babies and need to tighten up their abdominal muscles, as well as remove sagging skin, are good candidates for tummy tucks. Those who want to remove fat from their stomachs but don’t need abdominal tightening are better candidates for liposuction. Recovery time for a tummy tuck can be up to four times longer than for liposuction. The procedure is also much more invasive and presents more risks. Be sure to always get a consult with a plastic surgeon to go over all possible options before undergoing surgery. You can contact us today for a complimentary consultation!
Getting into shape for that bikini
Getting into shape for bikini season doesn’t just require commitment; it requires knowledge. There are people who wake up every day and perform an endless routine of crunches and sit-ups, chasing that bikini body that always seems to elude them. Without knowledge, even the strongest commitment will wane when no results are forthcoming. It’s time to make your sure your natural excitement about working out is rewarded this summer. Here are just a few tips for getting into shape for bikini season. Water Adds Natural Resistance One of the best workouts out there is entirely dependent on the medium: water. Taking a brisk walk to get your blood pumping is great exercise for the beginner; doing this same workout with half of your body underwater increases the resistance and ratchets it up to an elite workout. The results of a dedicated water-walk or jog can be exceptional; you’re essentially weightlifting with every move as you fight the water’s subtle resistance. Although walking underwater will help you shed fat to get that bikini body and significantly improves your cardiovascular health, many people think of it as a primarily rehabilitative exercise. It certainly helps athletes recuperate and the disabled strengthen their muscles, but make no mistake, it’s good for everyone. If you can locate a gym or swim center with underwater treadmills, all the better, but a simple swimming pool, lake or dip at the beach will do. Combine High-Intensity Workouts to Burn Fat Vigorously Since it’s now widely known that you can’t simply target the fat on your body and work out just those regions, find your favorite workouts and do several of them in a single routine. For example, if you like to work out your triceps with pull-downs, biceps with curls, and latissimus dorsi with lat-pull-downs, combine them. Do the triceps first, since it’s the biggest muscle group on your arms, then rest just a few seconds before moving on to the other two in succession. This counts as single set. Repeat 3-4 times and you’ll feel the burn that tells you you’re really working out. The point is, compound exercises are the straightest line to that bikini body. Naturally Compound Exercises An alternative to using several different exercises to sculpt and shape that bikini body is to choose naturally difficult workouts that recruit as many muscle fibers as possible. Because your legs work in tandem in almost everything they do, it should come as no surprise that squats and deadlifts dominate here. People tend to skip these workouts in the gym precisely because they’re so taxing, but it’s this taxing effort that will burn off the unwanted fat faster than anything else you do. To perform squats and deadlifts correctly, start out with just your body weight to get a feel for the right form, then add weight incrementally. It’s often useful to ask a trainer at the gym to show you the proper form first time, or consult online videos and practice the form at home. These workouts will have you strutting around with a toned physique in no time at all. Man or woman, your body will be ready to hit the beach in no time.
How to Get Healthy, Glowing Skin
Healthy and glowing skin doesn’t just happen. Even those blessed with the creamy, soft skin that everyone craves will need to take good care of it in order to keep it looking its best as they age. Remember: the skin is the body’s first line of defense against environmental toxins, and toxins exiting the body through the skin can cause imperfections and skin break-outs. This is also a solid reason why it is so important to drink plenty of water and eat fresh, nutritious foods. Here are some essential tips for achieving glowing skin. Hydrate and Moisturize Keeping the skin hydrated is the first step toward keeping it healthy. It is helpful to keep a spray bottle of distilled water nearby to spritz the face and hydrate the skin throughout the day. If you add a couple drops of peppermint oil to your water, you can fight pimples while staying cool and refreshed. Moisturize your skin at least twice a day, and use lotion on damp skin for optimal results. Swap Washcloths for Wipes If you are currently scrubbing your face with a washcloth, think again. Bacteria and germs cling to your washcloth, and this will all be transferred to your skin when you use it on your face. Instead, invest in disposable facial wipes to cleanse without the risk of exposure to bacteria or skin damage from harsh fibers. Make sure to read the product labels carefully, though: many wipes recommend that you rinse your face well after use to remove any harsh ingredients that might be harmful if they were to linger on your skin. Use High-Quality Bedding and Launder Well It’s easy to think of your bed as the softest, most comfortable place to be, but using the wrong bedding can wreak havoc on your skin. Pillowcases made of rough fibers can scratch and dry out your skin while you sleep. Try switching to soft cotton, bamboo fiber, or even silk and keep your beauty rest wholesome! Also, check how clean your pillowcase is; you’ll need to launder and replace it more frequently than you might change your bed’s sheets. Launder pillowcases every two or three days to prevent dirt and oil from rubbing off on skin during sleep time. Also, use gentle laundry soaps that won’t irritate your skin, particularly if you have dry or sensitive skin. Raise Your Head Sleeping with your head elevated slightly can improve circulation while you rest, and will leave you looking less blotchy and red-faced in the morning. This is because sleeping with your head raised allows for optimal blood flow so you wake looking refreshed and rejuvenated. Furthermore, this contributes to getting a better night’s rest, which can give the skin a more youthful appearance. Cut Up a Cucumber There are numerous health benefits conferred on the body by cucumbers, and they have some remarkable effects on your skin’s appearance, too. Slicing cucumbers and placing slices on your eyes for around 20 minutes can reduce any redness or swelling around this area. Also, rubbing cucumber slices over your skin after being out in the sun can cool and hydrate the face and help it recover, similar to the way aloe vera works. Try juicing cucumbers and adding lemon juice for a cheap and refreshing facial that will reduce the sight of scars or sun damage. Taking good care of your skin now may prevent the wrinkles and dark spots that can surface as you age, and will help to maintain the elasticity of your skin that is so important for a smooth, refined texture. Treat your skin well and take note of how much more radiant and youthful it can look!
Why Do My Breast Lose Volume & Shape?
Regardless of shape, size, or whether she likes them or not, a woman’s Breast shape often forms a large part of a woman’s identity. Breasts, just like any other part of the body, can change over time, and women often see the changes happening right before their eyes. Changes to breast shape and volume usually occur with fluctuations in hormone levels, but can occur for other reasons, and are often useful indicators of what’s happening in a woman’s body. Here are some common reasons for breasts losing volume and changing shape. Puberty The first indication of puberty in girls is often the growth of the breasts. They don’t always grow at the same rate, though, and it can take several years for breasts to reach their full size. Breast Shape development, sometimes called “breast budding,” starts first with a small bump and continues with the nipple and areola darkening in color and growing. Menstruation usually starts two to about a year to two years after initial breast growth. Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Breast changes are also among the first signs of pregnancy for women. Along with breast tenderness, the nipple area often darkens and expands during pregnancy. An increase in cup size is also common and is caused by the expansion of the blood vessels, ducts, and lobules as the body prepares for lactation. Once the baby arrives and lactation begins, breasts continue going through many changes, taking as many as six months to go back to regular size after breastfeeding stops. Menopause Another natural stage in a woman’s life where her breasts may change size, shape, and volume is during menopause. While there is a decrease in estrogen levels, breasts don’t actually get smaller. Instead, they are more likely to lose their firmness, getting softer and beginning to sag as they Lost Breast volume. Breast density also decreases with age and a larger percentage of the breast is fatty tissue. For women uncomfortable or unhappy with these less positive changes, plastic surgery is one of many options. Exercise & Loss of Body Fat Getting into shape is important, but many women worry that exercising too much will cause their breast shape to change shape or lose volume. Since breasts are made up in large part of fatty tissue, there is some cause for concern. However, breasts usually only Lose Breast Fat volume or change shape with significant weight loss, and because there’s no standard shape or size for breasts it has no harmful medical impact. To regain a pre-weight-loss bust line there are some things that can be done through diet and exercise, but significant changes are better handled by a plastic surgeon. Substance Use Taking any substance that changes hormone levels can have an effect on breast size. It isn’t unusual for women taking birth control pills to experience a small increase in size, and antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs are notorious for causing changes including spontaneous lactation and pain. Caffeine and alcohol can also have negative effects on breasts, especially alcohol, which has been linked to breast cancer. Correcting Breast Changes While many women are perfectly happy with changes in breast size, for some the changes have a negative impact on their body image. For women unhappy with changes after pregnancy, during menopause, or at any time, there are options for making corrections. Plastic surgeons can help women make corrections or enhancements and, with new techniques that minimize scarring, produce natural-looking results.
Questions You Should Ask Your Plastic Surgeon
There are few things as life-changing as having plastic surgery. Whether it’s for cosmetic improvement or to correct a health issue, plastic surgery entails a major alteration to your physical appearance, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Liposuction, facelifts, Botox treatments and breast enhancements are all invasive procedures, and your peace of mind depends on both the preparation and the skill of your doctor. Here are some of the questions you should ask—both your doctor and yourself—before you have plastic surgery. It Starts With the Doctor First and foremost, it’s important to get to know the surgeon who will be performing your procedure. It’s well worth the time to do a little research in advance of meeting with your doctor to determine if they’re a good fit. Is plastic surgery their primary practice, or do they specialize in another area? Do they have any patients who would recommend them? For an even safer bet, seek out referrals from your primary physician, or friends and family who’ve gone under the knife. After all, who better to ask than a satisfied breast implant patient? Formulate a list of questions about the doctor’s qualifications and licensing—if they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, for example—and schedule brief interviews. Your Safety During and After Surgery Is Paramount Once you find a certified plastic surgeon with whom you have some rapport and whom you trust, that’s half the battle. The next step is to familiarize yourself with any potential post-op complications. Your plastic surgeon should be able to candidly tell you the risks involved for any surgery he or she is capable of performing—and you should never hear the words “risk-free,” because there’s no such thing. Your surgeon should be able to accurately and confidently describe what you’ll feel after the surgery, if there will be swelling, and the program of rest and medicine you’ll need to recover. Hospital Information No matter who your surgeon is, there’s always a possibility that something could go wrong. As such, you want to be apprised of your surgeon’s plan and resources in the case of emergency. If you need to be rushed to a different hospital, does your surgeon have the necessary privileges to continue treating you at this new location? This is not guaranteed, and you do not want to a new surgeon to take over a plastic surgery operation, so it’s important to iron out these details in advance. You should make it a point to cover these questions during the initial consultation, and not count on your surgeon to cover them as a matter of course—other patients may not have bothered to ask, and it may not be a part of his or her routine. Many thousands of plastic surgeries are performed each year with high rates of success; just make sure you’re in good hands before you go under the knife.
What are Gummy Bear Implants?
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgeries performed in the U.S. every year. Women go under the knife to increase their cup size, mostly, although a small fraction opt for breast reductions and reshaping procedures. In fact, out of all the face lifts, liposuction procedures, tummy-tucks and eyelid-augmentations, breast implants are the most common form of cosmetic surgery, with hundreds of thousands performed annually. A New Form of Enhancement At first, the “gummy bear” procedure may sound rather frivolous, but it is in fact a quickly-growing alternative to the staid silicone implant of old. It is very much an upgrade, with a more life-like and natural feel that, once molded into shape, actually stays that way. As with the materials used in any medical procedure, the safety of the so-called gummy bear gel had to be certified by the FDA in order to make it to market. The term “gummy bear” procedure itself is not actually official; it was coined by Dr. Stephen Grant precisely because of the material’s ability to maintain its molded shape, even when cut into separate pieces. The gummy bear procedure is yet another in a series of improvements to breast augmentation surgery that has caused a rise in the popularity of plastic surgery in recent years. Slightly under a $1 billion is spent annually on breast augmentation procedures, which represents a whopping 45% total increase since the turn of the 21st Century. The Physical Experience of Gummy Bear Implants Although still composed of high-strength silicone, gummy bear implants are now favored because they contour to the natural curve of the breast, as well as giving the look a fuller and more natural breast after surgery. Since they’re even stiffer than the normal implants, they don’t wrinkle or shift position. Some patients have reported the inability of their partners to tell that the new implants were not real, which makes the procedure even more tempting. In recent years, there have been a few problems with traditional breast implants from some companies, involving the nondisclosure of the origin of the silicone used. Once it was discovered that it was mattress-grade silicone, there were widespread recalls because of the instability of the implants made with this kind of silicone. The gummy bear breast implant is produced by Sientra, and has enjoyed FDA approval since March 2014. Almost 2,000 of their implants, used in female test subjects over a span of eight years, have proven that they work as advertised and are safe. As with any surgical procedure, the patient’s safety is mostly tied to the skill and experience of the practicing surgeon, so whether you opt for high-strength gummy bear silicone or traditional silicone, make sure you find the right doctor.
