Exercise Options Following Plastic Surgery

Exercise Options Following Plastic Surgery

“After plastic surgery, when can I get back to my workout? The last thing I want to do is be sedentary and gain weight!”

Patience is paramount when it comes to safe healing and optimized wellbeing. Think “less is more”. This, and keeping up with an overall healthy lifestyle, is the best plan for maintaining the results of the surgery in the long term.

Each surgery has special considerations about exercise, but in general terms, light exercise can begin 3 weeks after surgery. During immediate recovery (following days after procedures), walking and moving around is recommended. In fact, staying in bed or sitting down after surgery can imply risk for complications. Taking light walks, gradually increasing in length and frequency, is really important after most procedures. In addition, gentle stretching starting a few weeks after surgery will help to flush out any remaining by-products from the surgery more quickly.

In terms of each surgery, however, special exercises have to wait a bit longer. For example, breast augmentation patients can't do any weight lifting or exercises involving the chest muscles before 6 weeks. The same is true for tummy tuck patients when dealing with the abs, arm lift patients with arm exercises, and so on. So face-lift patients can start any exercise at 3 weeks, so long as they're not participating in “facercise” (face exercises). Of course, every surgery and every patient is different. This is just a general guide of what to expect, as your operating surgeon or family doctor will give you a more precise recommendation.

Bearing all of this in mind, it's a great idea to consider what kinds of exercise and eating plans you may want to implement when the time comes to increase your activity. As we're all too aware, there are a plethora of fad diets and workouts circulating our social strata. The main thing to keep in mind when exploring what is most suitable to you is balance.

When developing an exercise routine, it's important to strike a balance between strength, cardiovascular health, flexibility, and sufficient rest. For one person, this could be covered with a yoga and swimming regimen. For another, resistance training and dance. Ultimately, as long as you are involving your entire body using safe movements and activities you find enjoyable, you really can't go wrong. Keep it varied, keep it consistent, and keep it fun!

Regarding food, it's especially important after surgery to avoid foods that have condiments, irritants like garlic or intense spices, sodas, alcohol, and heavy fats as these can all lead to inflammation and more sluggish processing of wastes. Drinking enough water or even electrolyte-enhanced beverages is recommended to help with this. In terms of a long-term diet, keep the balance idea going (protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats) and just add purity, committing to only eating unprocessed foods free of pesticides and genetic alteration.

If you take all of these things into consideration and follow the specific guidance given by your surgeon, you will be poised to get the most out of your aesthetic procedures and life in general.

The Best Implants for Breast Augmentation

The Best Implants for Breast Augmentation

Considering a breast augmentation? You’re not alone. Millions of patients around the world have already or are on their way to a fuller, more shapely bust.

According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation was the #1 plastic surgery performed in the United States. In fact, 330,631 breast augmentation procedures.

You’ve got two choices: saline and silicone breast implants.

While both implants are considered safe by the FDA, but each comes with its own set of benefits and risks.

Also, we’re going to look at what are the best implants for breast augmentation for you as a patient.

Saline Breast Implants

·      Material: Sterile salt water is contained by a round silicone shell.

·      Appearance: Saline breast implants, while a less-risky choice, are a bit harder to the touch. Some patients—those who lack sustainable breast tissue—have voiced concern regarding the “rippling effect” on the edge of the implant.  

·      Insertion Procedure: These breast implants are empty when they are first inserted. Once they are in properly placed, the implants are filled with the saline solution.

·      Recommended Age: Saline breast implants are recommended for women who are 18 years and older.

·      Implant Longevity: Saline breast implants will last approximately 10 years.

·      Risks: As with any surgery, elective or otherwise, scarring, pain and infection can occur. When a patient seeks breast augmentation, additional risks should be taken into consideration: leakage, a rupture or temporary changes to breast and nipple sensitivity. Should a saline breast implant leak, the implant will flatten. The body will absorb the saline solution.

·      Treatment: There are no health risks to leaking saline solution. The body will just expel it naturally. However, the patient will need to have the silicone shell surgically removed to prevent infection. But the good news is that the patient can have a saline-filled implant replacement at the time of the surgery.

Silicone Breast Implants

·      Material: A round, silicone shell is filled with silicone gel.

·      Appearance: Men and women claim the feel and look resembles that of natural breast tissue. Silicone breast implants are softer to the touch and make a better aesthetic appearance.

·      Insertion Procedure: These breast implants come “pre-filled” with silicone gel.

·      Recommended Age: Silicone breast implants are recommended for women who are 22 years and older.

·      Implant Longevity: Silicone implants will last about 10-15 years, but doctors are more proactive in monitoring the implant status for leakage. Self-detection and yearly mammograms are recommended as they will help to determine whether or not it’s time to replace these implants due to leakage. MRIs can help, too, but they are more expensive.

·      Risks: If saline breast implants are the selected, the same risks apply to silicone breast implant surgery as that of saline. Correcting a silicone gel-filled breast implant leak is very different than that of a saline-filled implant. Instead of an obvious rupture, the patient may not notice the slow leaking of a “silent rupture.” This occurs when the gel is stuck in the fibrous tissue surrounding the implant.

·      Treatment: This is not a reason to panic; however, as the silicone gel isn't believed to cause health issues such as rheumatoid arthritis, reproductive difficulties or breast cancer. But doctors are cautious as a ruptured implant could lead to shape and contour changes as well as pain and discomfort. Surgery is recommended, and a replacement can be made at that time.

A Matter of Choice

In 2012, 72% of U.S. performed breast augmentation procedures used silicone implants while the rest used saline. To determine the right breast implant for your breast augmentation or reconstruction, talk with your doctor.

Based on your breast anatomy, implant placement, body type and expectations, your surgeon might recommend one type of breast implant over another for optimum results. Ultimately, the decision is yours.

If you’d like to learn more about the best implants for breast augmentation, contact us today.

We’d be happy to help you save with our Valentine’s Day breast augmentation and lift promotions:

·      breast lift – 5% off

·      breast augmentation – 5% off

·      breast lift and augmentation – 10% off  

·      3 areas of liposuction, plus Brazilian butt lift – 10% off

Sources:

http://www.isaps.org/press-center/isaps-global-statistics

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887324735304578354112677417392

The Psychology of Facelift Surgery

One of my favorite surgeries to perform is the facelift. Seeing the twinkle in the eye and the smile on the face of my patients when they see the final results is breathtaking. Not only is it an emotional experience for them, but it’s an extraordinary reminder of how far we’ve come as partners on this surgical journey.

When my patients first come to see me, the most important thing I can do for them is to listen. They tell me about their desire a have a more beautiful, younger or vivacious appearance. We spend a lot of time discussing their “problem areas” and what can be done to correct them. But that’s not all. We take the time to explore their “why.”

The “Why” of Knowing the “Why”

Aesthetic surgery is unlike any other surgical procedure. It is elective surgery meaning it is initiated by the patient. When a patient wants to undergo aesthetic surgery, they have a distinctive “why, and this tells me what they are expecting with the surgical outcome.

If a patient wants to look like a celebrity, the risk of disappointment is great after surgery. And it is this emotion that can lead to a more damaged self-view and a drop in self-esteem.

However, if a patient simply wants a better version of themselves, then he or she will be more satisfied with the surgical experience. And it is this result that we aim for in the field of aesthetic surgery.

Getting to the Nitty Gritty

When patients come to see me, I ask questions such as…

·      What area of the face seems to be “flawed”?

·      Would other people perceive it to be normal?

·      Why do you think it’s flawed?

·      Does the problem area cause pain or get in the way of everyday activities?

·      What are your expectations before, during and after your facelift surgery?

·      Is there someone you would like to resemble?

·      Will this surgical procedure be a boost to your self-esteem? How so?

·      Are you looking to simply change your appearance or do a total life makeover?

·      Why have you chosen this time in your life to seek aesthetic surgery?

Understanding the Psychology of Facelifts

Many would-be patients want to look and feel better, and some want the advantage of a boost in confidence because they are dating again or want to advance in their careers.

Sometimes patients want to shake things up during or after a traumatic event. They may be going through a dramatic change – the loss of a job, divorce or the death of someone who is close to them. It’s common to want to shake things up after such events, but it may be a good idea to postpone elective surgery until the issues have settled.

And still, there are those who want to play up to external influences such as cultural, social, physical and sexual influences. Sometimes they are pressured into having facelift surgery to keep the attention of a significant other. If this is the case, I believe it’s good for my patients to hear themselves tell me if this is the cause because it may prompt them to reconsider unhealthy relationships.

Naturally aesthetic surgery isn’t off the table in situations like these, but it is helpful to know what patients are dealing with so I can address their concerns and support them emotionally throughout the surgical process.

At Your Service

If you would like to learn more about the consultation process, contact us today. And be sure to ask us about our January special. Save 5% on a lower facelift and 10% on a mid or full facelift.*

*To take advantage of this special offer, you will need to pay a booking fee before January, 31, 2014. All procedures must be complete by May 31, 2014.

Sources:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7360810