Choosing a plastic surgeon can be a difficult and confusing process. Wading through copious amounts of information, listening to friends and factoring in cost can make a very individual decision overwhelming. Dr. Trussler is recognized in Austin, Texas for Rhinoplasty, breast lift, mommy makeover, and tummy tuck. Dr. Trussler has many years of experience, emphasizing safety and explaining what works and what doesn’t. Most importantly, he is real in the often not so real world of plastic surgery.
When a person begins to feel concerned about cosmetic aging, we usually think this is associated with facial changes like lines, creases, and jowls. There is more to aging than what happens to the face, though. Sometimes, what is aging a woman’s body is the shape and overall appearance of her breasts. Here, we discuss why breast ptosis occurs and how a breast lift can help.
Why Do Breasts Sag with Age?
Just as the skin on the face becomes thinner and weaker with age, so does the skin everywhere on the body. Without the continual renewal of strong collagen, the skin loses firmness and elasticity. This diminishes its ability to withstand the force of gravity. On the face, this may look like downturned corners of the mouth. On the body, it may look like sagging breasts. In the context of the breasts, too, we have to consider how the weight of breast tissue contributes to this aging process. Then, if a woman has had children has breastfed, or has lost a significant amount of weight, her breasts may have morphed from high-sitting, perky mounds to flattened, droopy bits of tissue. Normal? Yes. Also, quite frustrating.
How a Breast Lift Makes You Look Younger
The breast lift procedure is designed not to add volume to the breasts via implants but to sculpt the breast mounds to make the most of existing natural tissue.
To change the appearance of the breasts, the surgeon removes skin using precise incisions. Depending on the degree of laxity and its effects on the areola and nipple, multiple incisions may be made. This can allow the surgeon to change the position, projection, and overall shape of the breasts and also reduce the size of the areola to further rejuvenate appearance. Breasts that sit higher on the chest wall and project more directly forward, that have small, forward-pointing nipples, look younger. For further enhancement, some women combine their lift with slight breast augmentation to fill out more of the breast mound after deflation due to breastfeeding and aging.
Antiaging treatments have become the path to aging gracefully, and that path seems to expand all the time. It’s great to have choices that help us achieve our beauty goals. At the same time, though, more choices can make it more difficult to determine which option is “best.” We’re here to help our patients find what is best for them, even if it may not be “best” for everyone. Here, we discuss how BOTOX and blepharoplasty stack up for addressing the issue of aging eyelids.
BOTOX® and Blepharoplasty: Same Goal, Different Approach
Ultimately, BOTOX and blepharoplasty achieve very similar goals, although we must say that blepharoplasty is a bit more comprehensive. More on that in a minute. Each approach to eye rejuvenation is proven and harbors very few risks. Both have a high satisfaction rate. Aside from outcomes, they are completely different.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic eyelid surgery that works by repositioning and removing the delicate, superficial tissue around the eyes. To have blepharoplasty does not mean that the entire eye area is lifted. A surgeon may tighten up either the upper or the lower eyelids based on need. In both situations, incisions are placed in hidden places like the natural crease or the lash line, so scarring is not visible. While the effects of eyelid surgery are immediately noticeable, patients need about a week for the majority of their postoperative swelling and bruising to go away before they go back to work and other light activities. Blepharoplasty doesn’t stop the aging process, but it can make the eyes look younger for many years.
BOTOX
BOTOX injections are widely praised for their power against lines and wrinkles in the upper third of the face. This product can smooth away crow’s feet, frown lines, and more. It is not used directly on the eyes but can have a positive effect on the upper eyelids that have become hooded due to laxity and a descending brow. The way that BOTOX can do this is through injections in the muscles that are pulling the brow downward.
You’ve taken your time, done your research, and considered all of your treatment options to get a younger-looking face. Maybe you’ve even tried a few non-surgical procedures but want something more in terms of rejuvenation. Once you decide to have a facelift, your sights can shift to the issue of recovery and how to maximize the improvements achieved through surgery.
Here, we discuss some skin care tips that can expedite healing and help you maintain a more youthful appearance.
Follow post-op instructions. There is no other tip that will trump this one for your immediate healing. Your surgeon gives you post-operative instructions that include activity restrictions, medication usage, and wound care. Every point in our post-operative care guidelines is important to your healing, so review your document.
Skin care. It is important to cleanse and moisturize the facial skin after surgery. Doing so can help reduce the risk of infection caused by bacteria around incisions. Because the face will likely be sore and tender, it is necessary to use a very soft cloth and mild antibacterial cleanser, followed by a soothing moisturizer.
Swelling and bruising. Side effects after a facelift tend to get worse before they get better. It helps to expect this so it does not feel completely alarming. To minimize swelling and bruising, sleep with your head elevated on multiple pillows. You can also apply cold compresses to the face to ease discomfort and reduce swelling.
• Sun protection. This could be considered skin care but it deserves its own mention. Sunlight carries ultraviolet light into the atmosphere. UVB rays can cause tissue damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. So can UVA rays, which permeate through a cloud layer. While incisions are still healing, if you must go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat. Once your doctor approves it, apply SPF 30 sunscreen all over the face, including the incisions.
• Hydrate. The skin relies largely on water to rebuild. Water consumption is necessary after surgery, as well, because it helps the body flush out toxins and the remnants of anesthesia. Flushing toxins is beneficial for wound healing and it can also help prevent severe constipation.
• Scar prevention. There is no way to prevent post-surgical scarring. The body naturally develops scar tissue as a response to a cut, scrape, or other injuries. Knowing that scarring is inevitable, turn your attention to optimal wound healing. Cleaning the incisions with water and a gentle cleanser is one way to promote optimal tissue healing. You may also be instructed to apply an antibiotic ointment for some time. Once the incisions have healed, you may begin a scar treatment program using special oils, creams, or silicone sheets.
Most patients we meet with to discuss the value of a Mommy Makeover have more questions about recovery and outcome than they do about returning to normal activities. The purpose of a Mommy Makeover is often to resolve the issues that can’t be managed with diet and exercise alone. Still, some patients do feel somewhat antsy about getting back to their workout schedule. This is understandable, especially for very active women or those who had created a strict workout routine in order to achieve their desired results. It isn’t as if one can rest on their laurels after having Plastic Surgery Austin. However, the matter of exercise after a Mommy Makeover is also a matter of timing. Here, we discuss what you should know as you contemplate your Mommy Makeover recovery.
What is Mommy Makeover Surgery?
Every woman’s body ages in a unique way. Mommy Makeover procedures are known to focus on the areas that are primarily changed by pregnancy and nursing. However, it should be noted that all women who want to combine body contouring procedures can be good candidates for a Mommy Makeover. Cosmetic issues like sagging, deflated breasts, and loose abdominal tissue are not unique to mothers. These concerns can weigh heavily on a woman’s sense of confidence and satisfaction with her body. The Mommy Makeover is a customized series of procedures that correct what troubles a patient the most.
Healing after a Mommy Makeover
It can take the body a total of up to nine months to completely heal after Mommy Makeover procedures. That doesn’t mean you have to wait that long to get back to your normal daily life. You do, however, need to give your body time to adjust. We encourage patients not to expect to pick up right where they left off. The best way to return to a normal exercise routine after a Mommy Makeover is to go slow. Begin at low intensity and work up gradually from there. Very gradually. Doing too much too soon is a recipe for potential post-surgical complications and a longer recovery. Now, how soon this can happen may also vary from one patient to another. Generally, patients should anticipate:
• Two weeks of relative rest. The only activity that may resemble exercise during the first two weeks after surgery is walking.
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• Beginning in week three, more extensive walking and light cardio may be done. This should always be done slowly and with a keen eye for any discomfort.
• Beginning in week four, patients may intensify their cardio and may add light strength training.
• At week six of the postoperative period, most patients can resume the vast majority of their normal working. Even this far into recovery, though, it is necessary to avoid abdominal exercises.
• Core exercises may resume beginning eight or more weeks after surgery.
Breast augmentation surgery is popular across a wide age range of women. This procedure, with or without a breast lift, can beautifully enhance the proportions of the body. In addition to feeling excited about the potential outcome of breast augmentation, most patients also face some degree of concern about complications and side effects. Primarily, we talk with patients to answer their questions about pain during and after the procedure. Because it is such a common thing to wonder if breast augmentation is painful, we want to discuss it in detail here. Such an important question deserve no less than a thoughtful response.
Breast Augmentation: What Should I Expect?
Does breast augmentation hurt? No. And yes. The most honest answer must be multifaceted and comprehensive. When you have breast augmentation, you will be under general anesthesia.
This summer may be shaping up to look far different than the past two years. If you are eyeing a warm and relaxing location to visit in the coming months, you’ve got a lot on your plate. The last thing you want to have to think about is what is on your plate at every meal. When shorts and swimsuits are part of the near future, though, it can be difficult to think of much else besides how great you want to feel wearing your favorite vacation outfits. At the same time, you may have little to invest in working out at the moment. For many people, getting liposuction is an exciting part of preparing for a great vacation. The results of liposuction last far beyond those few days on the beach or by a pool. Still, would you have time to schedule this procedure and still look amazing when you want? Let’s take a look.
What About Post-Operative Pain?
The insertion of breast implants requires the surgeon to manipulate skin, connective tissue and, in many cases, muscle. A certain degree of tissue trauma takes place. This is why, when patients wake up from anesthesia, they can sense soreness and tightness in the chest. The compression garment applied after surgery helps, as does prescription pain medication. However, a little pain is a vital part of optimal healing, too. When the brain registers pain signals from the body, it then stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more endorphins. These neuro-chemicals are natural painkillers. The inflammation that is natural after any wound also stimulates collagen production in the affected area. This protein helps with tissue and skin healing, so we need that inflammatory response to promote strong healing. The pain that a patient feels after breast augmentation surgery is tolerable. Prescription pain medication is usually only needed for about a week.
Liposuction Recovery: What to Expect
The real question about liposuction before a vacation or any other big event is whether or not you can be fully recovered by the time you need to be. Generally, patients are advised to take about a week off from their normal routine to recover from this procedure. That does not mean the body will completely recover in that time frame. Localized tenderness can persist beyond the first week of recovery, and the deep healing that goes on can take even longer. Inflammation is a natural part of the process of recovery. It’s integral to tissue repair but can lead to side effects like bruising and swelling. This can be the most challenging aspect of liposuction recovery. You may feel well enough to return to most of your normal activities but, deep down, your body still requires a bit more rest and care than it may in a few months. Plus, visible swelling can obscure those body contours you want to show off. We understand. You don’t want to show up at the pool, beach, wedding, or other event looking puffy. So what can you do?
Andrew P. Trussler, MD - Austin Plastic Surgery
5656 Bee Cave Rd J-200, Austin, TX 78746, United States
(512) 450-1077
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Helping Your Body Heal after Liposuction
First, if you want to have liposuction for a special event, know that it typically takes 3 to 4 weeks for the area to look sculpted and slim. The wise choice is to lean toward the longer period and schedule liposuction at least one month before the target date.
While liposuction recovery can vary from one person to another in terms of timing and the severity of side effects, there are ways that every person can maximize this process. Suggestions include:
• Wear compression. The post-operative instructions for liposuction patients discuss how to wear compression appropriately. At first, this may be 24 hours a day, except when bathing. The point of compression is to support healing tissues, reduce swelling, and promote comfort.
• Optimize lifestyle choices. Starting before surgery, it is helpful to eat a highly nutritious diet and foods that decrease inflammation naturally. You may already do so as a part of your weight loss or weight management habits. Additionally, it is wise to avoid tobacco, nicotine, and alcohol. Doing so can reduce the risks of bleeding and bruising. Finally, after liposuction, drink plenty of water. If you currently only consume the bare minimum of 64 ounces a day, try to increase this by 12 to 24 ounces. Doing so will help the body eliminate toxins and wastes associated with tissue repair.