Post-Bariatric Surgery: Where to Begin Reaping the Benefits of Body Contouring?

If you’re among the thousands of patients who have undergone major weight loss, we say, “Congratulations, you did it! You have reclaimed your health.

But if you are distracted by the flabby skin that continues to hang on, we have great news. Post-bariatric surgery will rid your body of unwanted, uncomfortable and unattractive skin in the abdomen, breast, upper arm, buttock, groin and thigh regions.

In fact, major weight loss patients all over the U.S. have taken advantage of post-bariatric surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that there were over 45,534 body contouring procedures performed in 2012.

This surgery was so popular, because major weight loss patients were tired of skin tissue that had lost its elasticity. They wanted to show off their new bodies, and it was post-bariatric surgery that helped them look as good on the outside as they felt on the inside.

What is post-bariatric surgery? 

Post-bariatric surgery – also known as body contouring – is the final phase of your total weight loss experience. It removes sagging skin and fat while improving the shape and tone of underlying tissue. Post-bariatric surgery gives your body a more natural appearance and an added boost to your self-confidence.

Types of Body Contouring Procedures

There are a number of body contouring procedures for men and women.

• Arm lift - designed to get rid of “bat wings,” the sagging tissue on the upper arm
• Breast lift - corrects sagging or flattened breasts
• Butt lift - eliminates extra skin and fat from the buttocks
• Circumferential body lift - combines an abdomen reduction and a buttock reduction
• Face lift - removes wrinkles by tightening facial skin
• Neck lift - improves the appearance of the neck by removing excess skin and fat
• Lower body lift - removes sagging skin located on the abdomen, buttocks, groin and outer thighs
• Thigh lift - repairs sagging around the inner, outer and mid-thigh

 

Am I a good candidate for body contouring?

If you’ve experienced major weight loss and are considering surgery, be sure your weight has been stabilized for at least six months. This will prevent the reoccurrence of sagging pockets as well as stretch marks and scarring.

The success of your post-bariatric surgery greatly depends on your weight distribution, age, genetics and exposure to the sun. You will want to have a good attitude, a healthy lifestyle including proper nutrition and fitness, a clean bill of health as well as realistic expectations.

Will insurance cover body-contouring surgery?

Typically, insurance companies do not cover most body-contouring surgeries as they are considered to be cosmetic only. This is unfortunate as body contouring surgery is expensive in the U.S.

• Arm surgery – approximately $8,000
• Inner thighs – approximately $10,000 a pair
• Breast lift and upper back surgery – approximately $15,000
• Neck and face lift – approximately $15,000
• Full-body lift – approximately $30,000

Because of these high prices, many Americans (and Canadians) opt to travel beyond their borders for post-bariatric surgery after major weight loss. They have come to rely on highly educated and experienced international surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities. Plus, the savings (up to 80%) makes surgery abroad too good to pass up.

What are the risks?

As with any surgery, there are risks. These can range from bleeding and scarring to infection and blood clots. Naturally, your doctor and surgical team will be on hand to handle any complications.

Once you have been discharged from the hospital, you will continue to experience some swelling and bruising. This is to be expected for approximately two to three weeks after your body contouring surgery.

How many surgeries can I have at one time?

It is quite common for a major weight loss patient to undergo several body contouring procedures at one time. This can significantly reduce your recovery time as well as the price tag. The decision to combine several body contouring surgeries will be made by you and your surgeon. He or she will consider those areas which are most bothersome to you. Of course, your safety is number one and will be taken into account when coming up with a surgical schedule.

There are several post-bariatric surgeries that can be combined.

• Tummy tuck and liposuction
• Tummy tuck and breast enhancement
• Total facial rejuvenation with breast augmentation, tummy tuck or liposuction
• Face lift with laser resurfacing or a combination of eyes, ears and nose

We're Here to Help

Whether or not to complete your major weight loss experience with body contouring is a big decision. But you don’t have to worry about where to begin. We are here to help.

If you’re curious about body contouring surgery after massive weight loss, visit medtogo.com. Our team will supply you with everything you need – options, locations, cost and recovery time – to help you reach your goals and be the best you can be.

The World’s Most Popular Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

The holidays are upon us, and with all of the shopping, decorating, cookie-making, and gift-giving, you’re probably wondering if there’s time to do something for yourself.

Of course, you could always go to the spa, join a health club or hit the road for a weekend getaway. But why not consider something with a little more staying power?

Maybe brighter eyes, a straighter nose, a healthier waistline or a perkier chest is just what you need to feel as confident on the outside as you do on the inside.

If you find yourself nodding up and down, you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world treat themselves to a healthy dose of confidence by going under the knife. Their procedures of choice? Liposuction, breast augmentation and rhinoplasty (nose jobs) are among the top five according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

Those living in Venezuela, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Brazil and Thailand go for liposuction while those in China, Japan and South Korea favor rhinoplasty. Patients in Romania, Australia, Mexico, France and the Netherlands jump at the chance to have breast augmentation.

It’s interesting to note that breast augmentation was the number one surgical procedure of all 1.5 million cosmetic procedures performed in the United States in 2012. Some women want to restore volume after a pregnancy or major weight loss. Others opt to reconstruct their breasts after a mastectomy. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes there are many women who are unsatisfied with their breasts altogether, and augmentation offers a desirable, balanced figure.

Below are the top five surgical procedures in the United States:  

Cosmetic Surgery	# of Surgeries in 2012
Breast Augmentation	286,274
Nose Reshaping (rhinoplasty)	242,684
Eyelid Surgery (blepharoplasty)	204,015
Liposuction	202,128
Facelift	126,320

Naturally, the question “Which surgery lasts the longest?” comes to mind. We tell clients, “The best results come from the most experienced physicians.” As you shop for the best surgeon to meet your surgical needs, be sure he or she offers a blemish-free record and a wealth of testimonials from within your age group. (Why age group? Because results will vary with patients in various age groups.)

If you’re looking for long-lasting procedures, check out our top five list below:

Type of Cosmetic Surgery	Average Period of Time
Breast Augmentation	10-15 years
Nose Reshaping (rhinoplasty)	Lifetime
Eyelid Surgery (blepharoplasty)	10-15 years
Liposuction	Varies for each patient and lifestyle.
Facelift	2-12 years (Depending on the patient’s age.)

If you’re thinking about a pick-me-up for the New Year, consider that you are not alone. Millions of people around the world are treating themselves to safe, long-lasting cosmetic surgery results.

Give us a call today to learn how you can “make a little merry” with a brand new look! We will provide you with a wealth of information to help you make the best decision for your surgical needs. 

The Psychology of Breast Augmentation Surgery

It was Ulla, the sassy showgirl from The Producers, which delighted audiences with the song, “If You’ve Got It Flaunt It”:

When I was just a little girl in Sweden

My thoughtful mother gave me this advice

If nature blesses you from top to bottom

Show that top to bottom don’t think twice.

It is a lively number belted out with confidence and pizzazz. But it wasn’t just Ulla’s voice that made the song a hit; it was her voluptuous shape.

Although the songstress was overjoyed with what Mother Nature had given her, hundreds of thousands of women are not. They consider their breasts to be too small, a little saggy or a tad bit lopsided. And since 1962, these women have elected to permanently improve the size and shape of their cleavage with breast augmentation surgery.  

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a whopping 286,000 breast augmentations were performed in the United States in 2012. What is equally impressive is that for six years, this type of cosmetic surgery has topped the list as the favored cosmetic procedure in the country. So we know that there is something interesting to examine when it comes to the psychology behind breast augmentation.

First of all, let’s address the critics. There are those who believe the surgery is frivolous, a response to decades of pop culture inundation. Large breasted women are always featured in the media as the epitome of sexiness, and it isn’t any wonder that women want to emulate what they see on TV, in the movies and on stage.

However, there are hundreds of thousands of patients who have spoken up in defense of breast augmentation surgery. They claim it restored their femininity and self-confidence while rebalancing their shape.

So what motivates women to go under the knife? The psychology behind breast augmentation surgery is as diverse as the patients themselves.

Studies have shown that every human being has a mental image of his or her physical body. It is often subjective and may not match the way the world views him or her. For example, a woman may look in the mirror and see nothing but flaws. And yet, the world may see her body as being average. If this woman sees her flaws as an ongoing source of discouragement, she may look for a permanent fix.

We find that women are often disappointed with their bodies as adolescents. This is normal. However, if a woman was constantly teased for being flat chested as a teen, she may opt for breast augmentation as an adult in order to blend in with the crowd.  

This isn’t the only reason for a woman to opt for breast augmentation surgery. Some women may long for the volume they had before the days of breastfeeding. Others may want to rebalance their bodies after a mastectomy.

On the other hand, there are those who feel pressured into having the surgery. They believe that a voluptuous silhouette – like our showgirl, Ulla – would influence the love or behavior of another. In fact, these feelings are common for those experiencing a loss, break up or divorce. However, a “quick fix” is not a reason to undergo breast augmentation. Cosmetic surgeons often advise against pursing this kind of cosmetic surgery until the situation is resolved. At that point, the patient will be free to deal with the emotional and physical challenges of surgery and post-surgical treatment.

For those who have had breast augmentation surgery, they are usually ecstatic with the results. According to a Plastic Surgery Nursing report from the University of Florida researchers, women who have had breast augmentation surgery claim that it boosted their self-esteem and allowed them to feel more feminine and sexy.

These sentiments were echoed by Dr. Eric Swanson in patient study published in the May 2013 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He noted that women experienced improvements in their quality of life and self-esteem after their breast augmentation surgeries. Of the 225 patients involved in this five-year study, Dr. Swanson noted that 98% of breast augmentation surgery patients were delighted with the results.

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, contact MedToGo today. We have a highly qualified team of cosmetic surgeons who are happy to help you every step of the way – from the decision making process to stepping out into the world with confidence and pizzazz, just like Ulla. 

Sources:

http://www.plasticsurgery.org/news-and-resources/2012-plastic-surgery-statistics.html

http://www.songlyrics.com/the-producers/when-you-got-it-flaunt-it-lyrics/

The Dangers of Smoking When Undergoing Cosmetic Surgery

We all know that smoking is an unhealthy lifestyle choice, but did you know that smoking can significantly affect your surgical outcome? No matter the type of surgery you’re planning to undergo – elective or otherwise – smoking will have adverse effects on your body before and after treatment. 

According to associate professor of anesthesiology at the Cleveland Clinic, Alparslan Turan, MD, smokers are 40% more likely to risk death within 30 days of their surgery. Plus, the risk of contracting pneumonia was double for smokers than the risk for nonsmokers.

During a 2010 American Society of Anesthesiologists meeting, Turan presented a comparative study noting the difference between 82,000 smokers and nonsmokers. The patients who smoked were more likely to experience the following health risks during surgery:

•        57% more likely to have cardiac arrest
•       73% more likely to have a stroke
•        80% more likely to have a heart attack

Patients considering surgery of any kind should be advised that continuing the habit will compromise circulation and delay the healing process. Smoking can also lead to scaring, skin loss or infection. The rate of post-surgery infection in smokers is 12% while it is a mere 2% in non-smokers.

So, how does this happen? Cigarettes produce carbon monoxide, a toxin which restricts the flow of nutrient-rich blood to the body. It causes inflammation which can be so restrictive it starves parts of the body. If serious enough, organs and limbs can be permanently damaged.

Smokers who continue their habit before cosmetic surgery run the risk of these surgery-related complications:

•       Blood Clots
•      Heart Attack
•        Death Post-Surgery
•        Pneumonia

Patients who undergo cosmetic surgery treatments also experience a slower recovery time with the following procedures:

•       Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
•       Breast augmentation / reduction / lift
•       Face lifts
•        Rhinoplasty (a nose job)
•      Tummy tuck

In addition, smokers who receive anesthesia prior to surgery may not appreciate its full effects due to the restrictions already placed on the blood vessels. They may also experience sensitivities which affect the heart, lungs and nervous system. After surgery, patients who smoke are likely to be put on mechanical ventilation to prevent added complications.

Because of the seriousness of these smoking-related issues, it’s important to notify your surgeon and anesthesiologist if you smoke or have just quit prior to surgery. Full disclosure will help you realize the best treatment for your surgical needs.

Keep in mind that if you were to quit smoking cigarettes – even briefly – you would enjoy immediate results. Within 12 hours, a patient’s heart and lungs begin to function more regularly. Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels decrease while blood flow improves. The chance of wound complications is cut in half if a patient quits smoking 4 to 6 weeks prior to surgery and maintains their smoke-free commitment for 4 weeks after surgery.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery, doctors recommend that you quit smoking for at least 4 to 8 weeks prior to your procedure. Of course, they encourage patients to quit smoking cigarettes as soon as possible. They are quick to point out that studies have proven that smokers who quit at least one year prior to cosmetic surgery share the same level of risks as nonsmokers. Plus, former smokers are less likely to have long hospital stays and recovery times.

If you’re ready to improve your life and surgical outcome, talk to your doctor. He or she can provide options that will help you kick the habit and get your body in tip-top condition for surgery and recovery.

Sources:

www.webmd.com

Post-Bariatric Cosmetic Surgery

With the ever increasing popularity of bariatric or weight loss surgery, post bariatric cosmetic surgery has become a dream come true for those who want to show off their new and improved bodies. It offers a more proportional body, giving the patient an enhanced body image and a boost of self-confidence.

Post bariatric cosmetic surgery is especially handy after a patient has experienced significant weight loss due to weight loss after dieting or cosmetic surgeries such as bariatric surgery, gastric bypass or gastric banding.

Even though patients are faithful to their post-surgery diet and physical activity regimen, they are left with drooping, saggy skin. Why? Because the skin does not have time to keep up with significant weight loss. It loses its elasticity and can cause issues when it comes to maintaining daily hygiene habits, getting around and shopping for clothes that fit properly.

Patients who have undergone weight loss cosmetic surgeries are eager to reveal the eye-pleasing contour and youthful tone hiding beneath their sagging cheeks, upper arms, breasts, abdominals, hips and thighs. They are ready to complete the final phase of their weight loss experience with these cosmetic surgeries:

•        Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) – This surgery focuses on the excess skin and fat deposits of the upper arms.
•     Breast Lift – This lift raises and firms sagging breasts. Some patients may require breast implants to improve shape and size.
•        Face and Neck Lift – This procedure targets drooping cheeks and jowls while leaving behind a more defined jaw line.
•        Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy) – Thought to be an all-in-one cosmetic surgery, this lift corrects skin that hangs over the abdomen, hips, buttocks and outer thighs. 
•        Medial Thigh Lift – This treatment raises and tightens the skin around the inner thigh.

It is common to combine various cosmetic surgeries at one time – a breast lift with a thigh lift or an arm lift with a face lift. The possibilities are endless for bariatric patients who wish to achieve their optimal body shape.

As with any surgery, it’s important to have the right mindset before committing to cosmetic surgeries. The doctor will first determine how age, size, shape and skin tone will affect the surgical outcome. He or she will walk the patient through every step of the process while offering realistic expectations.

Keep in mind that it is common for bariatric surgery patients to be nutritionally deficient after their weight loss surgery. They will need to wait three months or longer for post bariatric surgery. During that time, they will work with a nutritionist to come up with a treatment plan to build the body’s resources. The skin will then have time to shrink as much as possible. Only when a patient’s nutrition and weight are stable for at least three months, can he or she be considered for post bariatric surgery.

After the surgery, the patient will be given a post-surgery treatment plan which includes the following:

·       Low-Fat, Low-Carb, Post-Surgery Diet – The meals will be smaller than those prior to surgery, but they will be packed with vitamins and proteins. Both will optimize the recovery process.

·       Topical Solutions – Skin-loving products will heal incisions and allow scars to fade more rapidly.

·       Limited Sun Exposure – Patients must avoid direct sun exposure for 9 to 12 months after surgery. If scars are exposed to sunlight without a high SPF sunscreen, they will permanently tan darker than the rest of the body.

·       Post-Surgery Compression Garments – These garments help incisions to heal while decreasing the chance of swelling and bruising. They will need to be worn for up to 3 weeks.

·       Light activity – No heavy lifting, aerobics, contact sports, swimming, golf or tennis for the first 3 weeks.

Post bariatric cosmetic surgery could be the answer you’re looking for. Say “goodbye” to those layers of saggy, drooping skin.

Reveal the "new you" with post-bariatric cosmetic surgery today. Contact MedToGo for more information.