Jun
15
How Can I Stop Signs of Facial Aging without surgery?

How Can I Stop Signs of Facial Aging without surgery?

by Medical Spa Admin

Is your face aging faster than you are? If it is, you may be wondering what you can do to stop signs of facial aging without having surgery. The good news is there are a variety of non-surgical options on the market that can give you a more youthful look with less pain and downtime.

Facial aging

Facial muscles become weaker with age, and this causes a gradual descent of the skin and changes in facial contours. Common signs of facial aging include wrinkles, fine lines, sun spots, and irregular skin texture.

How Can I Stop Signs of Facial Aging without surgery?

Thanks to treatments like laser skin resurfacing it’s possible to improve the quality of your skin and reduce signs of aging without surgery. There are a variety of facial laser treatments on the market including the powerful Venus Viva.

Venus Viva anti-aging treatment

The Venus Viva is a next-generation skin resurfacing and face remodeling treatment that uses nano-fractional radiofrequency (RF) to diminish signs of aging. It addresses deep wrinkles, pigmentation, uneven texture, enlarged pores, acne scars, rosacea, and more.

The Venus Viva emits nano-fractional RF energy throughout the skin and the resulting heat activates the skin’s natural healing. This helps repair damage on the skin’s surface. The device comes with a Diamond Polar applicator that also reduces wrinkles, and promotes the production of collagen and elastin.

Skin resurfacing with the Venus Viva takes 15-30 minutes, and requires minimal to no downtime. The Venus Viva technology is safe for all skin types, including darker skin tones.

Are you ready to schedule your Venus Viva consultation? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Overland Park, Leawood, or Kansas City, MO area, Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.premierveinandbody.com, or by calling (913) 701-3545.

Jun
09
How can I reduce signs of aging without surgery?

How can I reduce signs of aging without surgery?

by Medical Spa Admin

If you are starting to notice early signs of skin aging, you may be wondering how you can reduce signs of aging without surgery. If you are, rest assured that there are options available that can help retard skin aging.

How the face ages

Age brings about changes in the structural components of the face. A youthful face has an even distribution of fat in all the right places, and pockets of fat in areas such as the cheeks and temples, help maintain youthful contours. However, as the years pass, fat stores decline and shift downward, and with that the skin becomes loose and starts to sag. Consequently, certain parts of the face take on a hollow, sunken appearance.

How can I reduce signs of aging without surgery?

There are many ways to reduce visible signs of aging without surgery. Injectable treatments such as botox and dermal fillers are excellent anti-aging treatments that can be combined to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and add volume to sunken areas of the face. Chemical peels are also an option.

How botox reduces signs of aging

Botox (botulinum toxin type A), treats dynamic wrinkles, which are expression lines seen on the forehead (forehead lines), and between the brows (frown lines). It also reduces crow’s feet (lines at the corner of the eyes). These expression lines are caused by the repeated movement of the muscles when you laugh, squint, or frown.

Botox is a neuromodulator that can be used to temporarily relax certain facial muscles that cause the skin to crease. Botox is injected into specific muscles and the drug blocks the nerve signals that cause the muscles to contract. Relaxing the muscles helps reduce the appearance of unwanted wrinkles.

Botox is an in-office treatment that only takes a few minutes to complete. Possible side-effects include swelling, bruising, and redness at the injection site.

The muscles start to relax about 3-5 days after botox treatment, and the effects typically wear off within 3-6 months.

How dermal fillers reduce signs of aging

Dermal fillers can be used to reduce facial wrinkles such as nasolabial folds (lines that extend from either side of the nose down to the mouth), and marionette lines (lines that run from the corner of the mouth to the chin).

These wrinkles develop as a result of the breakdown of skin collagen and elastin over time. The decline in these skin components reduces skin elasticity, so the skin no longer bounces back after facial expressions.

Dermal fillers also improve collagen production and help bring back moisture to the skin, making it fuller and smoother.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane are among the most popular choices for wrinkle reduction. HA fillers are a favorite because HA is a molecule that is naturally found in the skin.

When HA fillers are injected into the skin they attract and retain water. This stored moisture hydrates the skin and gives it a plump, smooth appearance. It typically takes just one injection to reduce the appearance of wrinkles for several months.

Loss of facial volume also gives the face an aged appearance, as it changes the shape and proportions of the face. The decline in facial fat in the cheek and temple areas, contributes to the formation of jowls and deep creases. Dermal fillers also restore lost facial volume, giving the face a subtle lift.

How chemical peels reduce signs of aging

A chemical peel is a multipurpose skin rejuvenation treatment that can address a variety of skin concerns. Peels are regularly used to treat wrinkles, scars, and skin discoloration.

Chemical peels vary in intensity depending on the depth to which they penetrate, and may be superficial, medium, or deep.

The chemical peel process involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin. The controlled exfoliation triggers cell turnover and regenerates skin cells. Exfoliating the outermost layer of the skin reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and improves skin tone.

The skin looks plumper and healthier after a chemical peel, due to the regeneration of the skin cells.

Would you like to learn more about non-surgical anti-aging treatments.

If you are in the Athens, GA area, contact Pittman Plastic Surgery for a consultation.

Call 706-549-3203 today to set up your appointment.

May
20
How much does a Mommy Makeover cost?

How much does a Mommy Makeover cost?

by Medical Spa Admin

Have you found it difficult to accept some of the body changes that have occurred as a result of having a baby. If you have, and you’re ready to do something about it, you may be a good candidate for a mommy makeover. A mommy makeover is designed to remedy some of the unwelcome changes that come with pregnancy and childbirth. But how much does a mommy makeover cost.

What exactly is a mommy makeover

A mummy makeover refers to a set of cosmetic procedures that are done to rejuvenate a woman’s body after pregnancy and breastfeeding. The procedures typically focus on the breasts and abdomen, which are the areas that are primarily affected after pregnancy and childbirth.

What can a mommy makeover fix

Droopy breasts, stretch marks, excess tummy skin, abdominal fat, and stretched abdominal muscles, are common concerns women have after childbirth. A mommy makeover addresses these issues with the help of procedures such as a breast lift and/or breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and liposuction.

A breast lift with implants is one of the most common mommy makeover procedures. It gets rid of excess skin to improve breast sagging, and it adds implants to increase the volume of the breasts. The procedure leaves the breasts fuller and perkier.

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is another frequently requested mommy makeover procedure. It makes the tummy flatter and smoother by removing excess skin and fat in the abdominal region, and tightening the abdominal muscles. During pregnancy the expansion of the uterus puts pressure on the abdominal walls, causing them to stretch or separate. The abdominal separation known medically as diastasis recti, can only be corrected with a tummy tuck.

How much does a mommy makeover cost

Moms considering a mommy makeover are often concerned about the cost, since multiple procedures are involved.

The cost of a mommy makeover depends on the number and type of procedures being done. A patient may choose to have any mix of procedures depending on the specific issues they would like addressed, and the transformation they are hoping for.

Since a mommy makeover combines several treatments, it can be expected to cost more than other plastic surgery procedures. Consequently, patients can expect to pay anywhere from $9,000-$20,000 for a mommy makeover.

Other factors that influence the final cost of a mommy makeover include:

  • The experience and training of the surgeon. Surgeons that are highly trained and have a lot of experience performing mommy makeover procedures, generally charge more.
  • Complexity of the surgery and extent of the procedures. Surgical procedures that are more complex and extensive are likely to require greater expertise and longer surgical time, so they are usually more costly.
  • Geographic location. When it comes to any type of plastic surgery, geographic location can significantly impact cost. Therefore the cost of mommy makeover surgery will be impacted by the cost of living index in the state in which surgery is performed. Mommy makeover surgery is generally more expensive in urban centers such as New York, Beverly Hills, and Los Angeles, due to the higher overheads surgeons have to pay.

Other related costs for a mommy makeover include charges for the operating room and anesthesia.

Who is a good candidate for a mommy makeover

Plastic surgeons generally recommend that mommy makeover candidates should have finished having children. Subsequent pregnancies may result in droopy breasts and re-stretch the skin.

In addition, candidates for a mommy makeover should be within 15-20 pounds of their ideal weight, and be in good overall health.

Mommy makeover surgery can be very transformative for the right candidate, as many women report feeling more confident after undergoing the procedures.

If you are contemplating having a mommy makeover, it’s advisable to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon, to determine the procedures that would be most appropriate for you. The surgeon will be able to develop a customized treatment plan, and provide an accurate estimate of the cost of your mommy makeover.

If you are in the San Francisco or Walnut Creek, CA areas, contact board certified plastic surgeon Andrew Barnett MD to find out more.

Call (415) 879-8735 today to set up a consultation at either location.

May
06
How does hair grafting work?

How does hair grafting work?

by Medical Spa Admin

Are you losing your hair? If you are there’s no need to worry, because there are techniques available that can help restore your hair. However, when it comes to getting the best results with hair grafting, technique matters, so it’s important to know how hair grafting works, and what type of results you should expect.

What exactly is hair grafting?

Hair grafting is a procedure in which hairs are taken from one area of the scalp (often referred to as the donor site), and grafted into the area of the scalp where there is hair loss (recipient site).

While hair loss affects both men and women, it’s a lot more prevalent among men. Male pattern hair loss is a common condition that is linked to genetics as well as a hormone known as DHT, and typically manifests as a receding hairline.

How does hair grafting work?

Traditional hair grafting methods often produced unnatural results, because of the manner in which the hair grafts were extracted and transplanted. But now there is the new and innovative NeoGraft hair transplant treatment that delivers beautiful, natural looking results.

NeoGraft is an automated hair transplant technique that harvests hair using the follicular unit extraction (FUE) method. NeoGraft utilizes state-of-the-art technology to treat hair loss. It makes the hair thicker and gives the hairline a natural appearance.

FUE is one of 2 major methods by which hair is harvested during a hair transplant procedure, the other being follicular unit transplantation (FUT). With FUE, the hair follicles are taken from the donor site individually, while with the FUT method a strip of hair is harvested from the back of the scalp.

The FUE method has gained popularity in recent years, because it produces small virtually indiscernible scars that are less visible than the longer linear scars seen with FUT. In addition, recovery after FUE is less painful and since there is no scar the donor site is much more inconspicuous during recovery.

How NeoGraft works

The donor area is trimmed in preparation for the procedure, and the scalp is numbed using a local anesthetic. The hair follicles are then harvested individually using the NeoGraft device, leaving the scalp intact. The NeoGraft device uses gentle suction to core and remove each hair follicle, which occur naturally in grouping of 1-3 hairs.

When the required number of grafts have been harvested they are sorted based on size and prepared for implantation. The grafts are placed in the recipient site using the NeoGraft ‘no touch’ implantation technology.
NeoGraft can take anywhere from 3-8 hours to complete, as the duration varies based on the number of follicles that need to be grafted.

In order to achieve natural looking results, and ensure optimal graft take, the follicles have to be implanted using the right depth and angulation. When this is done, the hairs will grow in accordance with the natural contours of the patient’s hairline.

What to expect after treatment

Patients are generally given post-procedural instructions so that they are able to properly care for the grafts in the days immediately following the operation. The grafts will start to scab over about 3-4 days after the procedure, but patients need to treat the area gently, so as not to disrupt the grafts for at least 14 days.

There is little to no pain or discomfort after NeoGraft, but patients are advised to avoid any strenuous activity for at least 7 days after surgery.

Benefits of NeoGraft

NeoGraft is a minimally invasive procedure that requires no incisions, which makes it a very attractive option for people that are concerned about having scars after hair transplantation. Also, the recovery time is minimal, and it provides patients with a head of hair that looks very natural.

If you are looking to reverse hair loss and fill in your hair line, NeoGraft hair grafting may be the solution for you.

If you are in the Roseville, Rocklin, or Loomis CA areas, contact board certified plastic surgeon Rudy Coscia, MD for more information. Dr. Coscia has offices in Granite Bay and Sacramento, CA.

Call 916-773-5559 today to schedule a consultation at the Granite Bay office, or 916-929-1833 for the Sacramento location.

Apr
26
How does the Orbera weight loss bubble work?

How does the Orbera weight loss bubble work?

by Medical Spa Admin

Weight loss is a never ending journey for some people, because regardless of how much they diet and exercise, they can’t seem to be able to shed those extra pounds. The Orbera Managed Weight Loss System may be the solution. The system uses an intragastric balloon to initiate a lifestyle change for people struggling to lose weight. But just how does the Orbera weight loss bubble work.

What is Orbera?

Orbera is a non-surgical weight loss system that uses a gastric balloon to help patients meet their weight loss goals. The Orbera balloon, which is made of soft silicone, is inserted into the stomach and takes up space to create a sense of fullness. It also helps to slow down digestion and assist with proper portion control.

The Orbera Weight Loss System is FDA approved for use by obese individuals with a BMI of 30 to 40. It is appropriate for people that have tried diet, exercise, and other weight loss interventions, but have not been able to lose the excess weight.

The Orbera gastric balloon is part of an overall managed weight loss program that sees patients getting the support they need from a team of experts, which includes a nutritionist, fitness trainer, and psychologist. The Orbera team creates a tailored support program for each patient, in order to keep them motivated during the year-long Orbera managed weight loss program.

Orbera is designed not only to assist with weight loss, but to help patients establish healthy habits that will make it easier for them to keep the weight off in the long term.

How does the Orbera weight loss bubble work?

Inserting the Orbera balloon into the stomach is performed on an outpatient basis. Patients are first given mild sedation, and then the deflated Orbera balloon is inserted into the stomach by way of the esophagus. This is done with the use of an endoscope, which is a medical imaging device that has a flexible camera on the end.

Once the balloon is in place, a syringe is used to fill it with sterile saline solution, and it is inflated until it’s about the size of an average grapefruit. The insertion procedure takes about 20 minutes, and patients go home the same day.

When the balloon is inflated it takes up space in the stomach, so patients feel full quickly, even after eating only a small meal.

The Orbera balloon is left in place for about 6 months, and during this time patients are encouraged to eat smaller portions of food, and develop healthy eating habits.

The balloon is removed at the end of the 6 month period. The balloon is deflated and then taken out using an endoscopic procedure much like the one used to insert it. However, the Orbera Managed Weight Loss Program lasts for an additional 6 months, so patients will continue to receive the necessary coaching from their support team, to ensure that they reach their weight loss goals.

What to expect

After the gastric balloon is inserted some patients experience nausea and vomiting in the first few days. Medications are prescribed to relieve these symptoms.

Patients generally lose most of their excess weight during the first 3 months of the Orbera Weight Loss Program, and this can range from 20-50 pounds. Studies show that patients on the Orbera system experience 3 times more weight loss than individuals that only follow a program of diet and exercise.

However, the amount of weight loss experienced with Orbera is influenced by variables such as the patient’s starting weight and motivational level. In order to achieve optimal results, patients must be motivated to lose weight and must also be willing to make the required lifestyle changes.

Benefits of Orbera

Orbera is a non-invasive, non-surgical endoscopic procedure that is done without incisions, so there is no anesthesia or surgical scars. It is a safe, medically supervised program, therefore patients benefit from the expertise of their support team.

Would you like to learn more about the Orbera weight loss bubble?

If you are in the Columbus Ohio metro area, contact Dorner Plastic Surgery, Dublin, OH.

Call (614) 916-9497 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Dorner.

Apr
21

Which treatments can be combined with microneedling?

by Medical Spa Admin

If you’re looking for a simple, minimally invasive way to treat skin issues such as fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and scars, you may want to try microneedling. Microneedling is ideal because it is a versatile treatment that is suitable for all skin tones and skin types. It’s also possible to boost the effectiveness of the microneedling treatment by doing it alongside other cosmetic procedures. But which treatments can be combined with microneedling?

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling or collagen induction therapy is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatment in which micro-fine needles are used to create tiny punctures in the skin. The micro-channels are made with a microneedling pen that is equipped with very tiny needles.

How microneedling works

The microneedling device is moved rapidly over the skin and repeatedly punctures the skin. The controlled injuries trigger the skin’s natural healing, and when the skin starts to repair itself, more collagen and elastin is produced. These essential skin proteins firm and plump the skin so it looks dewy and more youthful. Microneedling also treats a range of skin issues including wrinkles, acne scars, pigmentation, enlarged pores, and stretch marks.

Microneedling is an outpatient procedure that is performed using a topical anesthetic cream. The procedure is virtually painless and takes about 30 minutes to complete. It is the ideal solution for people looking to reduce signs of facial aging.

The number of microneedling sessions needed varies depending on the specific condition being treated, but 3-5 sessions at monthly intervals is normal.

What to expect

There may be some mild swelling and redness for a few hours after microneedling, but there is virtually no downtime. Once the redness subsides the complexion will be noticeably brighter and there will be a new plumpness to the skin.

Which treatments can be combined with microneedling?

Although microneedling is an excellent skin rejuvenation procedure it can be combined with other treatments such as platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) therapy or radiofrequency therapy to achieve even more dramatic skin rejuvenation results.

What is PRP therapy?

PRP therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses a concentrate of platelet rich plasma to promote tissue repair, and speed up healing. It has been used routinely in sports medicine for many years to treat injuries to the joints, tendons, and ligaments. Platelets contain healing growth factors that help repair the damage when an injury occurs.

PRP is now being used for cosmetic treatments especially for facial rejuvenation.

PRP Facial

The PRP facial is a non-invasive treatment that uses platelets to renew the skin and refresh the appearance. The platelets are derived from the patient’s own blood. Blood is drawn from the patient’s arm and is then processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets. The platelets are activated and then injected in the targeted areas of the face.

Microneedling with PRP

When combined with PRP the microneedling procedure is performed first. The PRP is then introduced into the skin through the micro-channels created during microneedling. This further stimulates the healing process as the platelets are able to penetrate deeper into the skin. That’s why combining both procedures produces even more remarkable skin rejuvenation results.

Microneedling with PRP leaves the skin supple and healthy, as the treatment boosts the rejuvenation effect, and replenishes and renews the skin.

SkinPen is one of the most efficient microneedling pens on the market. It is an adjustable device that allows doctors to vary the depth of the needles, depending on the skin condition being treated.

Microneedling and RF energy

Microneedling with RF energy is also a highly beneficial treatment. RF energy is clinically proven to trigger collagen remodeling, and has been safely used in cosmetic procedures to improve skin tone and texture. RF energy heats the deep tissues of the skin and the energy is delivered via the microneedles. The heat is able to reach deeper than the needles, for optimal effect.

Although microneedling is suitable for a variety of skin types, it’s important to consult with a board certified dermatologist to determine if it’s right for you.

If you are in the Memphis, Germantown & Collierville, TN areas, contact Levy Dermatology to learn more.

Call (901) 295-0183 today to set up a consultation.

Apr
14
What Can I Expect During Breast Reduction Surgery?

What Can I Expect During Breast Reduction Surgery?

by Medical Spa Admin

Having large breasts is not always as attractive as it’s made out to be. Breasts that are too large can be painful and cumbersome to handle, and some women experience psychological embarrassment and self-esteem issues as a result. Breast reduction can therefore be life changing for them. But what is the procedure like and what can you expect during breast reduction surgery.

What is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that is done to reduce the size of breasts that are excessively large and heavy. It involves removing glandular tissue, skin, and fat to make the breasts smaller and more proportionate with the rest of the body.

When the breasts are too large, they can cause a lot of physical issues including neck, shoulder, and back pain, rashes under the breasts, and grooves in the shoulders, to name a few. In addition, most women with overly large breasts find it very difficult to find clothes that fit. Breast reduction surgery will resolve the weight and size issues that cause these difficulties.

What can you expect during breast reduction surgery?

During breast reduction patients can expect the following:

  1. Removal of excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin.
  2. Relocation of the nipple.
  3. Redraping of the skin around the reduced breast.

Type of Anesthesia

Breast reduction surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, and is done on an outpatient basis.

Types of Incisions

There are several techniques that can be used to perform breast reduction surgery including the following:

  • Wise pattern incisions: The wise breast reduction method also known as the anchor incision or inverted-T, is the most popular technique. It involves 3 incisions. One incision is made around the edge of the areola, another is made vertically down the front of the breast, and the final incision is made along the bottom crease of the breasts. The wise pattern is generally recommended for women with extremely large breasts, as it allows the surgeon to remove more tissue and skin than is possible with other breast reduction methods.
  • Vertical incision breast reduction: The vertical incision also known as the lollipop incision technique, is a newer breast reduction method. The incisions for this technique are made around the areola and then down from the areola to the breast crease. There is less scarring with this technique, because no incision is made at the bottom of the breast. The vertical incision technique is suitable for women that have a moderate amount of breast tissue that needs to be removed.

Removal of excess skin, tissue and fat

After the incision is made the surgeon will remove skin, tissue, and fat, and reshape the remaining tissue. The areola will also be reduced, and in some cases the nipple/areolar complex may need to be repositioned. The breasts will be smaller and firmer after surgery.

A small drain may be put under each breast and left in place for a few days, in order to help with drainage during healing. After surgery blood and fluid may accumulate below the skin and the drains help to remove the pooled fluid. The breasts are also wrapped in gauze and bandages.

Breast lift surgery takes 2-3 hours, but it depends on the extent of the reduction required.

After surgery

The breasts will feel tight and swollen after surgery, and patients generally wear a sports bra to help minimize swelling and provide support for the breasts. Pain is minimal, and most patients are able to go back to work after 1 week.

Choosing the right breast reduction method for you

There are several breast reduction methods, but the right one for you will depend on your specific situation, and your aesthetic goals. It’s therefore best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon that is experienced with the various techniques.

Breast reduction surgery is often combined with a breast lift for optimal breast rejuvenation results.

If you are in the Roseville, Rocklin, or Loomis CA areas, contact board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rudy Coscia for more information.

Call 916-773-5559 to set up a consultation at his Granite Bay, CA office or 916-929-1833 for the Sacramento, CA location.

Mar
01
What Causes Man Boobs?

What Causes Man Boobs?

by Medical Spa Admin

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
16
Which procedures can be included in a Mommy Makeover?

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
04
Is Fraxel or Vbeam better for acne scar reduction?

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.

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