Summer Plastic Surgery Suggestions

Thursday, March 15th, 2012

Tags: Beach, Plastic Surgery, Pool, Seasonal, Summer, Swimsuit, Thigh Lift, Tummy Tuck
Posted in Body Sculpting, Breast Augmentation, Plastic Surgery, Tummy Tuck | Comments Off

Measuring Outcomes of Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Wednesday, December 7th, 2011

Male breast reduction improves quality-of-life by resolving gynecomastia, according to a recent study by plastic surgeons in Siena and Pisa, Italy.

Men who have gynecomastia have excess breast tissue. The problem can develop during adolescence or adulthood. Gynecomastia can negatively affect a man’s self-image, harming his quality of life for years.

Male breast reduction is common solution to the problem. A plastic surgeon can remove glandular tissue and fat, sculpting the chest into a more masculine shape.

Research on Male Breast Reduction

The Italian study evaluated 126 cases of gynecomastia during a six-year period.

The average patient was a 28 year old male. Most patients had symptoms of gynecomastia on both sides of the chest, while a smaller number (11.9 percent) had the condition on one side.

During procedures, the surgeons employed different techniques as necessary. They frequently performed “adenomammectomy with periareolar inferior or inverted Omega incision,” while another alternative was “circumareolar or vertical scar incision and liposuction.”

The procedures effectively removed the excess glandular tissue and fat from the patient’s chest.

Effectiveness of The Procedure

Before and after their male breast reduction surgery, patients filled out questionnaires for their experiences. They answered questions like:

• Why did you choose to undergo male breast reduction?
• How satisfied are you with your results?
• Has the quality of your life improved after surgery?

According to the study, patients had high satisfaction: “all patients reported an improvement in their quality of life with an average satisfaction score of 8.2 out of 10.” The complication rate was reportedly 17.72 percent.

“We suggest to the patients affected by gynecomastia to undergo surgery always and as soon as possible,” the authors conclude.

Tags: male breast reduction new jersey
Posted in Body Sculpting | 1 Comment »

Recovery After a Tummy Tuck

Monday, September 26th, 2011

Admiring her new trim waistline in the mirror, it was hard to imagine that just a short time ago A.B. was leaving the surgery center to recover after her tummy tuck. After the birth of her third child and successful weight loss, she still felt left with a soft and stretched mid-section. Nine weeks later she’s now excited to show off the results.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, involves the removal excess fat and skin from the mid-section and repair of weakened or separated muscles. Compared to other procedures in cosmetic surgery, a tummy tuck is rather extensive. After surgery, the abdomen may be swollen and throbbing; and the skin is likely to be numb. These are normal symptoms and result from the separation of the skin from the abdomen.

Sensation typically returns over the course of several months, often beginning with tingling or itching. As the recovery progresses, the swelling and pain will dissipate and bruising will diminish. Full recovery after tummy tuck surgery will take several months, but many patients are well enough to return to work and a modified routine after several weeks.

When leaving the hospital or surgical facility after a tummy tuck, patients can expect to receive a list of postoperative instructions and advice on general care of the incisions, restrictions on movement or activity, and signs to watch out for such as an elevated temperature or bleeding from the incision. Pain medications are used to control discomfort during recovery. A follow-up visit will typically be scheduled 3 to 4 days after tummy tuck surgery so that the surgeon can examine your incision and see how the recovery is progressing.

Since recovery after a tummy tuck varies from person to person, sutures may be removed as early 5 to 10 days after surgery, or may be left in for 2 weeks or more. Between follow up visits, patients are often encouraged to take short walks to prevent blood clots and ease swelling; and to drink plenty of water. After sutures are removed and under the advice of a surgeon, a patient can gradually increase their rate of activity.

A full recovery after a tummy tuck surgery takes time, how much time depends on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s health. People considering a fully tummy tuck should weigh the downtime and risks involved with the expected outcome: a flatter abdomen, fewer stretch marks, tighter skin and visible muscle tone.

View before & after photos of New Jersey tummy tuck patients

Tags: tummy tuck recovery
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Bariatric Patients Aren’t Fully Aware of Options in Body Contouring After Weight Loss

Friday, September 23rd, 2011

Americans had more than 220,000 bariatric surgery procedures last year. According to a new study to be presented at ASPS this weekend, 75 percent of them aren’t aware of their options in cosmetic surgery.

Plastic surgeons know that people who experience massive weight loss are typically left with a large amount of loose skin, which leads to problems. “Many massive weight loss patients suffer large amounts of loose, sagging skin as a result of their rapid weight loss that, if not removed, can cause rashes, wounds, infection, and limit comfortable mobility,” says Jason Spector M.D., lead study author.

Only 25 Percent Discussed Body Contouring After Weight Loss

Dr. Spector studied 284 patients who had bariatric sugery. He found that only 25 percent had discussed body contouring procedures before or after the operation. Only 14 percent were actually referred to a plastic surgeon for consultation about body contouring. If they had known about their options, almost 40 percent of the patients may have undergone a procedure, the study says.

This lack of awareness can be attributed to “insufficient counseling at the time of bariatric surgery” according to the authors.

Even when they are aware of plastic surgery options, insurance coverage frequently becomes an issue. Even though bariatric surgery such as the Lap Band can be covered by health insurance, post bariatric body contouring will not; it’s still considered elective and cosmetic – despite the fact that it helps to address rashes, infection and significant discomfort caused by loose folds of skin.

The study, titled, “Body Contouring Following Bariatric Surgery: How Much is Being Done,” is scheduled to be presented tomorrow in Denver at 2:45 p.m., during Plastic Surgery 11 THE Meeting.

Read more about body contouring after weight loss in New Jersey

Tags: body contouring weight loss
Posted in Body Sculpting | 28 Comments »

CoolSculpting by ZELTIQ Results: A Slideshow

Friday, August 26th, 2011

Check out this slideshow of CoolSculpting before and after photos, posted to YouTube by Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Young Cho.

Read more about CoolSculpting in New Jersey.

Tags: coolsculpting before and after photos, zeltiq results
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New PRS Article Explains Buttocks Enhancement Technique

Monday, August 15th, 2011

Fat grafting for buttocks enhancement is a surgical procedure that is rapidly growing in popularity. Commonly known as the “Brazilian Butt Lift” it’s a technique that has been proven to enhance the size and shape of a person’s rear end.

Right now, PRS Journal is allowing open online access to a recent article about buttocks fat grafting.

The article, authored by Lázaro Cárdenas-Camarena, MD; Rafael Arenas-Quintana, MD; Jose Antonio Robles-Cervantes, MD, MSc, PhD., provides exclusive details of the procedure, documenting 14 years of surgical experience with the Brazilian Butt Lift.

From 1995 to 2009, the doctors treated 789 patients with liposuction and subsequent buttocks fat grafting. They choose from 4 different areas of the buttocks, which can be injected with fat for aesthetic enhancement. The surgeons choose the proper area of the buttocks depending on the desired aesthetic outcome – the goal, of course, being a more shapely buttocks.

First the areas are marked. Then the doctor makes small incisions before performing liposuction with the tumescent technique. They collect and prepare the fat by separating it from the fibrous tissue, connective tissue, and water.

When liposuction is done, it’s time for lipo-injection into the buttocks. The doctors explain it as such:

“Fat was injected with only retrograde movement of the cannula, avoiding placement of large amounts of fat in a single site and reaccommodating the fat by massaging the gluteal surface. We inject approximately 20 to 30 cc with each retrograde movement.”

The authors go on to explain the minor variations they have introduced in their buttocks fat grafting technique, a procedure they have gradually improved over many years.

Overall, the article provides an insightful overview detailing one of the most interesting plastic surgery procedures being done today. If you’re curious about the Brazilian Butt Lift, read it now on the PRS website, while it is still available for free.

Tags: brazilian butt lift
Posted in Body Sculpting | 32 Comments »

Plastic Surgeon Anthony Youn on Good Morning America

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

Are there important differences between male and female cosmetic surgery? Doctor Anthony Youn, author of the book In Stitches, recently appeared on Good Morning America Health to discuss this question.

For men, the most popular cosmetic procedure is probably nose reshaping, he says. Dr. Youn explains the way he does rhinoplasty, with incisions inside the nose and scars that are well-hidden. He says surgery takes only about 2 hours, and recovery is about one week or so.

Eyelid surgery is popular for aging women and men. The procedure is typically done to remove puffy bags below the eyes. Dr. Youn explains his technique that takes out the unwanted lower eyelid fat without scars. It heals fast because it is mucosa, he says. It heals quickly, in a similar manner to a wound inside your mouth. The surgery requires about one an hour and 15 minutes, and healing requires about one week.

Women wear bangs to cover up wrinkles, while men wear a goatee to cover up weak chin, Dr. Youn explains. He goes on to shows a chin implant and explains his in-mouth chin augmentation technique. One of the benefits – It’s reversible if you don’t like it. For a more defined jawline, there are also implants and fat grafting.

In women, body contouring surgeries are designed to slim down and create a slender shape, while men want enhanced muscle definition. That’s where VASER liposuction comes in. Using an ultrasonic liposuction system, the doctor sculpts the fat on the tummy to create a six-pack appearance, actually enhancing the definition of the patient’s abdomen. As Dr. Youn states, this is an advanced technique that not all surgeons will offer.

Using the special ultrasonic cannula, Dr. Youn uses crisco to demonstrate the “melting” ability of VASER ultrasonic lipo. Because the fat is liquified, you can really improve the results achieved with liposuction.

Tags: plastic surgery for men, vaser lipo
Posted in Body Sculpting, Facial Plastic Surgery | 4 Comments »

7 Reasons Men of Today Choose Plastic Surgery

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

The news is currently buzzing about the topic of cosmetic surgery for men. “Why are men getting cosmetic surgery?” people ask. The answer always varies depending on the man, but here are seven reasons your brother, father or son may be considering a cosmetic procedure.

1. He’s Growing Tired of Those Tired Eyes

“The cosmetic surgery procedure men want the most these days is lower eyelid surgery,” writes Dr. Pat McMenamin of Sacramento. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 30, 000 eyelid surgery procedures were done for men in 2010, showing an increase of 4 percent over 2009. The numbers suggest that plenty of men are not too thrilled about looking like “the walking dead,” as Brennan, a male surgery patient describes himself on Youtube.

Brennan chose to undergo eyelid surgery in Beverly Hills. “I’m going to get my eyes done,” he says as he walks into the office of plastic surgeon Dr. Gerald Minniti. After eyelid surgery he says his eye bags and dark circles are resolved: “it’s gone, so every time I look in the mirror that is eliminated,” he confidently explains.

2. For a Refined, But Still Masculine Nose

Since ancient times, the appearance of one’s nose has been a vital, even symbolic, part of a man’s face. The earliest nasal surgeries were most likely performed on men, including the Byzantine emperor Justinian II in the eighth century.

One scholar and surgeon writes:

Known as the Rhinometus or “the one with the amputated nose,” Justinian II was overthrown and his nose mutilated so that his disfigured appearance would prohibit him from regaining the status of emperor. These efforts were futile, as he subsequently returned to power after benefiting from nasal reconstruction.

Today, rhinoplasty remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures. “For both men and women, rhinoplasty has increased significantly in the last 2 years,” says Dr. Cuzalina of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

But the procedure isn’t identical for either gender. A man’s rhinoplasty should always preserve a masculine appearance. In men, it is generally considered inappropriate to significantly reduce nasal size or excessively refine the nasal tip.

Instead, surgeons focus on making small changes, such as reduction of the dorsal hump, narrowing of the nasal base or subtle refinement of the nasal tip. “Men typically want a hump removed or a smaller nasal tip, but we also see men who want revision surgeries from a previous rhinoplasty,” explains Cuzalina. In some cases, men also choose rhinoplasty to change ethnic features or address the signs of aging.

3. Undoing Obesity Brings Unexpected Changes

As physicians and other experts implement solutions for the obesity problem in America, more men are experiencing the after-effects of major weight loss. Roughly one third of the U.S. male population is obese (with BMI greater than 30). Some are turning to bariatric surgery, while others are hitting the gym with greater intensity. Unfortunately either weight loss method can leave you with folds of loose hanging skin on your body.

In this situation, a guy can turn to his cosmetic or plastic surgeon for body contouring. On the website of Dr. Jagdev Heir, Matt from Sacramento explains his post-weight loss procedure:

“After losing so much weight, I was left with a lot of excess, hanging skin on my stomach and abdominal areas. I was at a good weight, but I looked pretty bad. I thought I’d just have to learn to live with it. When I discussed it with my regular doctor, he recommended abdominoplasty surgery…”

Post-weight loss issues are showing up more in media as more celebrities undergo bariatric surgery. Rapper Paul Wall was the latest to comment on his gastric bypass. “I lost 100 pounds, so I’m back at my fight weight. I’m ready. The champ is back,” he says in an interview for Ballerstatus.com.

4. Chest Concerns: Gynecomastia, Pectoral Implants and Pectoral Etching

Although it is quite exaggerated in size, an idealized male chest is highly sought after by body-conscious men. Enhancing the chest can mean different things for different men; some want to reduce excess chest fat while others want to pump up the pectoral muscles.

In 2010, more than 18,000 American men had a breast reduction to remove excess tissue (Gynecomastia). “Many of these young men are well built and in great physical condition, but just have excess fat and glandular tissue in the chest,” observes cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jacob Haiavy of southern California.

A smaller, but still significant group of men (more than 200) chose to augment their chests with pectoral implants.

One more option exists for chest contouring, that few people know about. Some surgeons are offering a procedure called “pectoral etching,” which involves lipo-sculpting the chest tissue to create the appearance of muscle definition.

An article in PRS Journal introduced this technique a few years ago:

“Non-athletes are requesting pectoral etching to add palpable pectoral inscriptions to their chests, particularly in conjunction with upper and lower body lipectomy. It is among our most popular procedures for men because the puncture scars are virtually undetectable, there are no rejection issues associated, and the result is permanent, resulting in a physique that often remains elusive even after routine strength training.”

5. More and Better Options in Hair Restoration

By the age of thirty-five two-thirds of American men will experience some degree of appreciable hair loss, and by the age of fifty approximately 85% of men have significantly thinning hair.

– American Hair Loss Association

In 2010, more than 13,000 men chose a hair transplantation procedure from a plastic surgeon. New hair restoration methods are continually being developed.

One of the latest hair restoration advancement is the introduction of bio-stimulation lasers. The iGrow system, for example, is a helmet that contains laser and LED diodes, which deliver energy to the scalp for hair restoration at home. Some plastic surgeons, including Dr. Barry DiBernardo of New Jersey Plastic Surgery, have added the iGrow to their list of non-surgical treatments.

6. Male Boomers Staying Competitive Through the Recession

“Men are the victims of two thirds of the 11 million jobs lost since the recession began in 2007.”

- Newsweek

During the recession, male-dominant industries were hit disproportionately hard with layoffs. In the current economic recovery, it shouldn’t be surprising to hear that men are seeking a competitive advantage over their (often younger) peers.

“A lot of these guys think that in order to compete in the workplace – to compete with younger guys – that they need to look better,” said clinical psychologist Jeff Gardere, on a recent CBS Early Show appearance.

“In our tough economic environment, men want to look more youthful so they can compete for and retain jobs that younger people are competing for,” comments Indiana plastic surgeon David Robinson, and “plastic surgery is playing an increasingly important role for these men.”

Dr. Richard Rand of Bellevue Washington shared a similar view: “With companies downsizing their senior executive pool in the struggling economy, many have found it critical to look as young and robust as possible,” says the Seattle area doctor. “As facial rejuvenation techniques have evolved, with a very natural and un-operated look that retains masculinity, more men are having facelifts and eyelid surgery,” he further explains.

A large number of practicing cosmetic surgeons are men in the very same age group, so they understand the desire to keep up appearances. “As a boomer myself, I identify with men my age who exercise, act young, and feel young,” remarks Philadelphia plastic surgeon Bruce Genter.

7. Influential Men, Like Politicians and Celebrities, Are Doing It

Tabloid speculation about politicians, celebrities and other influential men “having work done” has put the spotlight on cosmetic surgery options. Even for men who don’t pay attention to Hollywood, these examples are nearly impossible to ignore.

“Media, Hollywood and advertising have all influenced men regarding what looks good and why cosmetic surgery may be an option,” says Tulsa cosmetic surgeon Angelo Cuzalina.

Last week, the Boston Herald wrote an article claiming that John Kerry looked “better than he did a decade ago.” As hard-hitting journalists should, they asked local experts for their opinions. Boston plastic surgeon Dr. Fouad Samaha observed that Kerry “looked his age in 2002, with the loss of facial volume resulting in hollow cheeks and deepening of the folds around the nose and mouth.” But now in 2011, Kerry’s appearance is visibly improved.

Dr. Samaha explains: “Although this can happen naturally, it is likely that these areas were ‘enhanced’ and that volume was added. Many techniques are available to achieve this result, and it would be difficult to say which was done here.” He also adds, “if Senator Kerry had any ‘work’ done, it was done very tastefully, enhancing his features without creating something that looks artificial.”

Tags: alopecia, cosmetic procedure for man, gynecomastia, more men getting plastic surgery
Posted in Body Sculpting, Facial Plastic Surgery, Hair Transplant Surgery | 3 Comments »

VASER Ultrasonic Lipo Featured on The Doctors

Wednesday, April 6th, 2011

This episode of The Doctors features a discussion of body sculpting with VASER liposuction, a procedure that more men are considering as a means to slim down problem areas of body fat.

Blair Underwood from L.A. Law appears on the segment, saying, “I am good right now with the 6-pack, but I hear there’s a plastic surgery you can do to work out the 6-packs when I am older. If there’s a plastic surgery for a man, let the brother know.”

The doctors respond with a mention of VASER Liposuction, what Dr. Drew Ordon describes as “super-charged lipo.” “It not only sucks out the fat, but it first melts those fat cells… loosens them up so you’re allowed to remove more fat cells evenly” he says.

So, can VASER liposuction actually accentuate a the abs? According to Dr. Ordon, it can with a procedure called “etching.” He explains: “We turn the instrument up, we bring it more superficial, to the skin, and actually etch out a six-pack.”

Posted in Body Sculpting | 147 Comments »

Stats Show Slight Rise in Male Cosmetic Procedures

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011

More men may be interested in plastic surgery, not as a career but as a solution to the unwanted signs of aging. The overall number of cosmetic plastic surgery procedures chosen by men rose a whole 2 percent from 2009 to 2010, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Individual procedures however, showed significant rises of nearly 15 percent. Moreover, among the cosmetic procedures they chose, most of the top 10 were surgical operations, contradicting the often discussed trend toward non-invasive cosmetic treatments.

The reason for choosing surgical operations? Because “as you age and gravity takes over, surgical procedures that lift the skin are necessary in order to show significant improvement,” said plastic surgeon and President of the ASPS, Dr. Phillip Haeck.

The procedure that saw the greatest spike between 2009 and 2010 was the facelift, which saw a 14% increase. This procedure tones the sagging skin of the lower face to remove jowls and deep wrinkles.

Two body procedures that saw the greatest boost were liposuction and male breast reduction. Both of these body slimming procedures can create a leaner, more masculine figure with the removal of excess fat and tissue.

On the non-surgical side, injectable fillers and Botox, which treat many moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds saw increases of 10% and 9% respectively. This indicates that even with a greater spike in surgical procedures, some men still choose the non-invasive route, at least at first.

Tags: male cosmetic surgery nj
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