Medical Spa Times

Timely Articles written by Medical Spa Experts

Mar

What Causes Man Boobs?

Men all around the world struggle with breasts that have too much soft tissue, which causes them to look more like female breasts. Although ‘man boobs’ don’t pose a physical health risk they can take a psychological toll, as they are often frustrating to deal with. But what causes man boobs and how can they be treated.

What causes man boobs

Enlarged breasts in men, also known as gynecomastia, is a condition that is typically caused by an imbalance in hormones, specifically testosterone and estrogen.

Gynecomastia occurs when there is a reduction in testosterone levels in relation to estrogen. Testosterone is the male sex hormone responsible for the development of male characteristics such as muscle mass and facial hair, while estrogen is the female equivalent. Men also produce estrogen, but in very small quantities. However, males that have unusually high estrogen levels and low testosterone can develop man boobs.

Gynecomastia commonly occurs in babies as well as teens during puberty, but very often resolves on its own, without the need for any medical intervention. However, it can also affect older males, especially those between the ages of 50-69.

Treatment for man boobs

Male breast reduction surgery is the usual treatment for man boobs. It is an outpatient procedure that is done under general anesthesia or IV sedation. During male breast reduction the surgeon will remove fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breast (click here to learn more).

Are you ready to treat your man boobs? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Walnut Creek or Greenbrae, CA areas, Robert Aycock, MD is our featured board certified plastic surgeon.

You can reach Dr. Aycock at www.aycockmd.com, or by calling (925) 236-9748 for the office in Walnut Creek, CA or (415) 801-3887 for the Greenbrae, CA office.

Feb

Which procedures can be included in a Mommy Makeover?

by Medical Spa Admin

If you’re a mom, and you have tried but failed to get back in shape after pregnancy and breastfeeding, a mommy makeover may be the solution for you. A mommy makeover is a rewarding procedure that can restore your confidence, and change your life. But which procedures can be included in a mommy makeover.

What is a mommy makeover?

A mommy makeover is actually a group of surgical procedures that a woman can undergo in order to restore her pre-baby body. The procedures are done to address some of the changes brought on by pregnancy and breastfeeding, and typically focus on rejuvenating the breasts and abdomen. The breasts generally lose shape and volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the abdomen sometimes sags.

Mommy makeover procedures may be done at the same time or separately, it all depends on the areas of emphasis. Doing several procedures at once can be beneficial, because it means preparing for only one round of surgery and having a single recovery period.

The procedures included in a mommy makeover are not the same for every woman, as the treatment is customized to fit the specific needs and concerns of each patient. However, there are some core procedures that are typically included in a mommy makeover. These include:

Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck is a procedure that is done to tone and tighten the abdomen. Regardless of how many crunches some women do, they still have a pudgy tummy that simply won’t go away. This is most often due to separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), which can occur during pregnancy. During a tummy tuck the surgeon will remove excess skin and fat, and repair weak or stretched abdominal muscles.

Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation is often requested as part of a mommy makeover. It addresses the changes in breast tissue caused by breastfeeding that lead to a reduction in the size of the breasts. Breast augmentation uses implants to add volume to the breasts, helping to restore their natural shape and appearance. Breast implants are generally made of sterile salt water or silicone gel. While some women only want to restore the breast size they had before pregnancy, others opt to go up a cup size, in order to further enhance their figure.

Breast Lift

A breast lift (mastopexy) is often appealing to women that have breast ptosis (sagging), after pregnancy. The breasts often don’t regain their perky shape post-pregnancy, but a breast lift will raise them to a more youthful position. Mastopexy involves removing excess skin that is causing the breasts to sag, and tightening the breast tissue. There are various techniques that can be used to perform a breast lift, and the choice will depend on the degree of sagging.

A combined breast lift with implants is often recommended for women with sagging breasts that also wish to increase breast size. It is a single procedure that allows the plastic surgeon to address both sagginess and size, which are two of the most common complaints women have about their breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Liposuction

Liposuction is another popular mommy makeover procedure, because it helps to sculpt those areas with stubborn fat that will not budge, despite efforts at diet and exercise. After having a baby, many women have unwanted fat in areas such as the tummy, arms, back, and thighs, and liposuction is the best way to remove it.

Are you a good candidate for a mommy makeover?

If you are experiencing the lingering effects of giving birth, such as droopy, deflated breasts or a protruding tummy, you may be a good candidate for a mommy makeover. It’s the ideal procedure for moms that have worked at losing weight, but have some fat bulges that will not go away.

If you think you might be a good candidate for a mommy makeover, it’s best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation. The surgeon will discuss the various procedures with you, and determine which combination would be most appropriate.

Is your post-baby body getting you down?

Contact Ed Pittman, MD of Pittman Plastic Surgery located in Athens, GA, for more information on mommy makeover surgery.

Call (706) 549-3203 to schedule a consultation.

Feb

Is Fraxel or Vbeam better for acne scar reduction?

by Medical Spa Admin

If you have struggled with acne, you already know the frustration that pimples can cause. But as annoying as pimples are, they often leave behind telltale acne scars that are far worse. Thankfully, laser skin rejuvenation treatments like Fraxel and Vbeam can reduce these scars for you. But is Fraxel or Vbeam better for acne scar reduction.

What are acne scars?

Acne scars form as a consequence of the damage to the skin during the healing of active acne, which leads to the abnormal production of collagen. Collagen is a structural protein that supports the tissues, and is integrally involved in the wound healing process. During healing the skin produces additional collagen to repair the damage done to the dermal layer of the skin. However, the collagen fibers develop unevenly, resulting in the formation of scars.

Acne scars come in various shapes and sizes, and are usually raised or depressed. The acne scars most people encounter are ice pick scars which are small and deep, boxcar scars that are broad and depressed, and rolling scars which have smooth edges and resemble hills and valleys.

Laser therapy for acne scars

Laser skin resurfacing treats scars by breaking up the excess collagen without damaging the skin. Laser therapy is an effective solution for acne scars, because it reverses the textural damage to the skin by remodeling the collagen.

Fraxel laser therapy

The Fraxel is a non-ablative fractional laser that is routinely used to reverse the signs of aging. It is also used to treat skin issues such as sun damage, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and fine lines. The Fraxel is also considered one of the most effective solutions for reducing acne scars.

How Fraxel treats acne scars

The laser emits microscopic laser beams that specifically target the scar, so the skin around the scar is not affected in any way. It also stimulates the production of collagen, and this helps to rebuild the skin from within.

Treatment takes approximately 20 minutes, and there is virtually no discomfort. Numbing cream is also applied prior to treatment to make the procedure more comfortable. Many patients say that Fraxel treatment feels similar to having a rubber band snapped against the skin. It generally takes 4-6 Fraxel treatments to achieve the desired reduction in acne scars.

There is generally some redness and swelling after Fraxel treatment, and patients are advised to say out of the sun, as the skin is very sensitive after the procedure.

Vbeam Perfecta

Vbeam Perfecta is an advanced pulsed dye laser that is especially beneficial for removing vascular and pigmented lesions.

The Vbeam Perfecta can be used to treat a range of skin concerns including acne scars, rosacea, leg veins, spider veins, warts, and more.

How Vbeam treats acne scars

The Vbeam is a state-of-the-art laser that delivers pulsed laser energy at a wavelength of 595nm. The gentle pulses pass through the outer and inner layers of the skin. The energy is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood vessels and closes down the blood vessels that are causing the discoloration or redness. It also triggers collagen production.

The Vbeam works based on the principle of selective photothermolysis, which means it only damages the targeted tissue, and leaves the surrounding tissue unharmed.

Vbeam treatment is not painful but patients may feel a tingling sensation during treatment.

Is Fraxel or Vbeam better for acne scar reduction?

Fraxel and Vbeam are both effective treatments for acne scar reduction, but they work in different ways. In fact, they are sometimes used in combination in order to achieve optimal results.

Fraxel improves the texture of the skin, so it helps to minimize the rough texture of acne scars. However, the advanced Fraxel Dual is a dual wavelength laser that improves skin texture and addresses skin discoloration.

On the other hand, the Vbeam laser is ideal for reducing redness in the skin, and this makes it effective for reducing the redness and discoloration of acne scars. However, it is not as effective for improving skin texture.

Are you interested in laser therapy for acne scars?

If you are in the Orange County area, contact Total Dermatology in Irvine, CA for more information.

Call 949.727.3800 today to schedule a consultation.

Jan

How long is recovery from breast augmentation?

by Medical Spa Admin

Despite the thrill and anticipation most women feel when they make the decision to undergo breast augmentation, they are often concerned about the recovery process. Patients typically want realistic insights regarding how long recovery from breast augmentation is likely to take, and what to expect during the process.

Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that adds volume to the breasts using implants that are typically made of silicone gel (silicone implants), or sterile salt water (saline implants).

How long is recovery from breast augmentation?

Recovery after breast augmentation normally takes 2-3 weeks. However, the recovery time may be longer for some patients, depending on factors such as the placement of the implants, location of the incisions, and size of the implants. For example, recovery generally takes longer when the implants are placed below the chest muscle (submuscular), rather than below the breast tissue (subglandular).

The breasts will be somewhat swollen and sore immediately after breast augmentation, and this can take a few days to resolve. Patients are advised to closely follow the post-operative instructions of their plastic surgeon, to ensure optimal healing.

Most patients are able to return to work 1-2 weeks after surgery, but all strenuous activity should be avoided for at least 4 weeks. Normal activities can be resumed after 6 weeks.

The popularity of breast augmentation continues to increase, and patients are generally very happy with their results. Thanks to modern surgical techniques, the recovery process is safe and comfortable for most patients.

Interested in learning more about breast augmentation? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the greater Orange County, CA area, Tenley Lawton, MD, Newport Beach, CA is our featured board certified plastic surgeon.

You can reach Dr. Lawton at www.lawtonmd.com, or by calling (949) 835-5249.

Jan

What are the benefits of DualSculpting?

by Medical Spa Admin

By now, you’ve probably heard about CoolSculpting, the remarkable non-invasive alternative to liposuction. CoolSculpting removes small areas of stubborn fat without invasive surgery or a lengthy downtime, but DualSculpting offers the same exciting results in less time. So what are the benefits of DualSculpting?

How DualSculpting works

DualSculpting uses two CoolSculpting machines at the same time to double the fat blasting power. CoolSculpting reshapes the body by freezing away unwanted fat below the skin. The treated fat cells die, and are gradually eliminated from the body over the following months. CoolSculpting is designed for people who are already at or near their ideal body weight, but still have some stubborn fat that does not respond to diet and exercise.

What are the benefits of DualSculpting?

DualSculpting allows patients to treat more areas in a single session. The CoolSculpting machine only treats one area at a time. This is okay when treating a problem area like a double chin, but patients that need to treat the thighs or flanks usually have to schedule 2 CoolSculpting appointments. DualSculpting makes it possible to treat both thighs simultaneously in a single session, which means fewer appointments.

DualSculpting is a time-saver. Patients needing to treat several trouble spots can schedule fewer appointments. DualSculpting is a more efficient way for patients to get the results they want, without having to take a lot of time out of their already busy day. Since DualSculpting can be easily done in the lunch hour, there’s no need to take time off work.

Would you like to learn more about the benefits of DualSculpting? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Indianapolis, IN area, Fundamentals Med Spa is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.fundamentalsmedspa.com, or by calling (317) 222-7546.

Dec

Can Surgery Fix the Way My Ears Look?

by Medical Spa Admin

Do you have protruding or prominent ears and don’t like the way they look? It is a common problem that affects about 2% of the population in the US. People with protruding ears sometimes feel self-conscious or embarrassed about their appearance, so they often ask – Can Surgery fix the way my ears look?

There are a variety of factors that can cause some people’s ears to stick out more than others, but it’s often the result of genetics or a birth defect. Unfortunately, most people see it as a bad thing, and children with protruding ears are often teased and bullied by their peers.

Can Surgery Fix the Way My Ears Look?
If you are unhappy with the way your ears look, otoplasty or ear surgery can fix them. Otoplasty reshapes the ears and makes them more aesthetically appealing by setting them back closer to the head. Ear surgery may also be carried out to fix large or stretched earlobes, reduce ears that are too big, or to improve the appearance of a ‘cupped ear’ or ‘lop ear.’

Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. It is typically done on children, but adults can be candidates for the procedure as well.

The incision for ear surgery is usually made on the back of the ear, in the region where the ear and head intersect, so the scar is not visible. When otoplasty is being done to correct protruding ears, the cartilage is shaped and pinned back towards the head.

Are you interested in ear surgery? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Knoxville and Powell, TN areas, Gallaher Plastic Surgery & Spa is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.gallaherplasticsurgery.com, or by calling (865) 671-3888.

Dec

What Procedures Are in a Mommy Makeover?

by Medical Spa Admin

Have you experienced major changes in your body after giving birth? You’re not alone, most women undergo changes in their body after pregnancy that they struggle to cope with, but a mommy makeover can help. It can boost your self-esteem and change your life. But what procedures are included in a mommy makeover.

What is a mommy makeover?
A mommy makeover is a combination of plastic surgery procedures women undergo to restore their pre-pregnancy figure. The operations may be done in a single session but it depends on the type of procedures being done, as well as the health of the patient.

What Procedures Are in a Mommy Makeover?
A mommy makeover typically includes the following:

Breast augmentation: After pregnancy and breastfeeding many women experience a noticeable loss of volume in the breasts, breast augmentation will restore volume, and make the breasts fuller and shapelier.
Breast lift: The breasts may also become droopy and saggy after pregnancy and nursing. A breast lift elevates the breasts by removing excess skin, and tightening the breast tissue.
Tummy Tuck: A sagging tummy is another issue many women have to deal with after pregnancy. A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is designed to remove the excess skin and fat, and repair the underlying abdominal muscles.
Liposuction: Liposuction gets rid of stubborn pockets of fat in areas such as the arms, thighs, and buttocks.

A mommy makeover can take anywhere from 3-5 hours to complete, depending on the combination of procedures being done (click here to learn more).

Are you interested in a mommy makeover? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Winter Park, FL area, Lakemont Plastic Surgery & Laser Center is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.scottgreenbergmd.com, or by calling (407) 644-3137.

Nov

How Many Tattoo Removal Treatments will I need

by Medical Spa Admin

Are you tired of looking at that old tattoo? It may be time to give laser tattoo removal a try. Patients generally want speedy results with laser tattoo removal, so they are always interested in finding out how many tattoo removal treatments they will need.

What is laser tattoo removal?
Laser tattoo removal refers to the use of laser energy to remove an unwanted tattoo. The high intensity laser energy is absorbed by the ink particles and breaks them down into smaller fragments. These fragments are eventually flushed away by the body’s immune system.

How many tattoo removal treatments will you need
Tattoos are unique markings, so it’s often difficult to predict the exact number of treatments that will be required to completely remove them. However, in most cases, it takes about 5-10 tattoo removal treatments. Sessions are generally spaced about 6-8 weeks apart.

Also, the number of treatments needed for tattoo removal is influenced by a variety of factors including the ink colors, type of ink, age of the tattoo, and the technology used.

Laser tattoo removal using advanced systems like the PicoWay laser, often requires fewer treatments in comparison to other lasers.

The PicoWay is an innovative multi-wavelength laser that uses picosecond technology to erase a tattoo. The picosecond laser delivers ultra-short bursts of energy that shatter the tattoo pigment into very tiny particles. The device also has 3 wavelengths, so it is able to efficiently treat a wide range of tattoo colors, because each wavelength targets different colors.

Depending on the size of the tattoo, PicoWay can sometimes remove a tattoo in 3-4 treatments (click here to learn more).

Are you ready to book your laser tattoo removal treatment? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Franklin, TN area, Life at Cool Springs is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.lifecoolsprings.com, or by calling (615) 502-3968.

Oct

$How long is recovery from fractional C02 Laser Skin Resurfacing$

How long is recovery from fractional C02 Laser Skin Resurfacing

by Medical Spa Admin

Are you looking for a minimally invasive way to revitalize the appearance of your skin? Smooth, youthful-looking skin can be yours with fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing. When it comes to facial rejuvenation, the CO2 laser is one of the most effective options available. But how long is recovery from fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing.

How fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing works
The fractional CO2 laser emits tiny beams of light that create microscopic holes in the skin. This action stimulates the skin’s wound healing process, resulting in the formation of new collagen and elastin fibers. As the new collagen and elastin emerge, the skin looks tighter and more youthful. CO2 laser skin resurfacing also smooths lines and wrinkles, improves skin texture, and reduces hyperpigmentation. The procedure provides long-lasting results.

Light skin resurfacing sessions are done under local anesthesia, but more aggressive treatments usually require IV sedation.

How long is recovery from fractional C02 Laser Skin Resurfacing
Recovery after the CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment takes approximately 1 week. There is generally some post-procedural swelling and redness, which can take 5-7 days to heal. Since the fractional laser only treats specific zones of the skin and not the entire surface area, it supports faster healing times.

Recovery time after fractional CO2 laser treatment is also influenced by the power and wavelength of the laser used, and the number of passes made. The power of the laser will also determine the degree of peeling. The skin may be slightly red for a short time after healing, but this can be easily covered with makeup.

Are you ready to rejuvenate your appearance? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Torrance & South Bay, CA areas Awaken Aesthetics is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.awakenaesthetics.com, or by calling (310) 791-2233.

Oct

How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Are needed to see results?

by Medical Spa Admin

If you’ve decided to have laser hair removal you’re probably anxious to see results as soon as possible. Laser hair removal is a quick, convenient procedure that only takes a few minutes to complete. But how many laser removal treatments are needed to see results.

Laser hair removal involves the use of concentrated wavelengths of light to target the melanin (pigment) at the base of the hair follicle. The heat is absorbed by the hair follicle, which causes thermal damage that prevents future hair growth.

How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Are needed to see results?
While there will be some noticeable reduction in hair after one treatment, it will take multiple sessions to get the job done well. So the hair removal process will be done over the course of several months.

The number of laser hair removal treatments needed to see results won’t be the same for everyone, because it depends on the texture and thickness of the patient’s hair, as well as their skin type.

In addition, hair grows in 3 phases – anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting), and the laser energy is only able to treat hair during the growth phase.

Since laser hair removal can only treat hair when it is in the growth phase and hair grows at different rates, it typically takes 5-6 treatments to see optimal results with laser hair removal. Sessions are spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Depending on the desired results, some areas may take a few additional treatments (learn more).

Are you ready to book your laser hair removal consultation? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Philadelphia metro area, Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting P. C. is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.plymouthmeetingdermatology.com, or call (610) 828-0400 to set up a consultation.

What causes man boobs

Treatment for man boobs

What is a mommy makeover?

Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)

Breast augmentation

Breast Lift

Liposuction

Are you a good candidate for a mommy makeover?

What are acne scars?

Laser therapy for acne scars

Fraxel laser therapy

How Fraxel treats acne scars

Vbeam Perfecta

How Vbeam treats acne scars

Is Fraxel or Vbeam better for acne scar reduction?

Breast augmentation

How long is recovery from breast augmentation?

How DualSculpting works

What are the benefits of DualSculpting?

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