Plastic surgery is a specialty dedicated to cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic surgery is enhancement of the face and body, whereas, reconstructive surgery is return of function or a structure to normal. For those who wish to improve their appearance, cosmetic surgical procedures offer patients the opportunity to reshape physical features and improve their self-esteem.

Postoperative pain varies from patient to patient and between procedure types. Appropriate pain medications, which minimize discomfort, are prescribed for postoperative patients. Also, pain pumps are available to dispense numbing medication directly into the post surgical site.

There is no precise answer to this question. Despite surgery, aging continues due to genetics, environmental factors, and gravity. Cosmetic surgery can return a patient to a more youthful look; however, unfortunately aging is inevitable.

Drs. Bennett and Hardesty perform surgery under most types of anesthesia: local anesthesia, intravenous sedation ('twilight'), general anesthesia and regional anesthesia (nerve blocks). The method of anesthesia used is based on the surgery, the patient, and surgeon's preference.

The techniques used by our physicians emphasize a final result that appears natural. Depending on the procedure it may take a few weeks to months to resolve the post surgical changes.

The length of time for recuperation after plastic surgery varies depending on the procedure performed. Most patients will require assistance for a day or so, and then will be able to care for themselves. We will discuss with you in detail your postoperative care and recovery instructions. The surgical techniques offered today allow patients to return to work fairly soon following surgery.

The procedure performed determines when a patient may resume physical exercise. All patients are encouraged to start walking the day of surgery to improve circulation. Please refrain from more rigorous activity until after consulting with the doctor.

There is no ideal age to have cosmetic surgery. Generally, more stretched out, sun damaged or aged tissue requires more aggressive treatment. It is up to the patient to decide if they prefer larger surgery later, or to start younger with less aggressive interventions.

Absolutely! People of all ages can benefit from liposuction. Liposuction works best in defined areas around the hips and thighs that are 'diet resistant.' Liposuction removes fat volume and smoothes contours with minimal improvement on excess skin.

Cellulite is fat trapped close to the skin between tight, fibrous bands. Cellulite is more common in women because of genetic differences between men and women. Cellulite is found even in women at their ideal or lean body weight. While liposuction can improve contour, it cannot eliminate cellulite. Dr. Bennett and Hardesty offer Endermologie as one method to minimize the appearance of cellulite. Please ask your doctor for more information.

Liposuction is not meant for weight loss, but rather for reshaping the body by getting rid of stubborn and unappealing deposits of fat. The difference will be seen primarily in your body shape and contour, not in your body weight.

The best way to maintain the results from liposuction is through proper health, nutrition and exercise. It is important to maintain a weight similar to or less than at the time of surgery to keep your surgical results. While fat cells won't return once removed, the remaining fat cells will increase in size if you gain weight after the procedure.

The number of fat cells in the adult body is fairly constant. These cells swell or shrink depending on weight gain or loss. Once they are removed via liposuction they do not return, but the remaining fat cells in the suctioned area or in other parts of the body can expand with weight gain.

The type of anesthesia that would best suit you, such as local, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia, depends on patient preference, and the area and amount of tissue to be suctioned. As always, safety and comfort are critical goals in this decision making process. Our board certified anesthesiologists can help you with your final decision.

Thick or fatty upper arms can be a problematic area for many patients. If diet and exercises have not helped, liposculpture can improve the contour of your upper arms. If there is excess skin tissue as well as fat, then an arm-lift procedure may be indicated.

At Plastic Surgery Specialists and Services we are associated with Dr. Peters and the Cardiometabolic Institute that focuses on weight management and health enhancement. This program encourages our patients to live a healthy lifestyle, which will contribute to maintaining or even improving surgical results.

Liposuction alone is performed when the underlying abdominal muscles and skin are fairly tight. A tummy tuck however, which can be done in conjunction with liposuction, tightens the skin and repairs weakened abdominal muscles.

A tummy tuck can be done as early as 6 weeks after pregnancy, but it's best to wait 6 months to give your body time to recover from the pregnancy and delivery. Also take into consideration you will not be able to breast feed during the tummy tuck post surgical period.

A buttocks lift or latral thigh lift can eliminate excess skin but may leave long, visible scars. This is effective surgery, but should be used after trying diet, exercise and even liposuction.

All skin tissue relaxes with time, and weight loss certainly contributes to having excess hanging skin. A Lower Body Lift addresses the body circumferentially - the tummy, outer thigh and buttocks to remove fat and tighten loose skin, which will result in an improved contour.

The inner thigh lift removes excess skin and fat. It can be performed with only a groin incision, however, as the amount of tissue to be removed increases, an additional vertical incision may need to be added along the length of the thigh.

Thick or fatty upper arms can be a problematic area for many women. If diet and exercise has not helped, liposculpture alone or in combination with excisional surgery can be performed to remove the fat on the upper arms. A small lift can be performed through an axillary(armpit) incison, however, with increasing amounts of tissue to remove, the scars may need to run along the length of the inner arm.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding often change the shape of a woman's body. If your breasts sag but still have enough breast volume then a breast lift procedure would be recommended. If your breasts sag and you want to increase the volume of your breasts then you may be a candidate for a breast augmentation with or without a lift.

Mammograms are critical in detecting cancer, and women over 40 with implants should have them yearly. Earlier if you have a strong family history of breast cancer. Make sure your mammographer has experience imaging breasts with implants and knows the special views needed to screen for cancer.

Some studies show a decreased risk of scar tissue with textured implants. In an anatomical silicone implant the texture helps secure the implant into position and keeps it from rotating. However, textured implants may increase the risk of visible rippling, particularly when implants are placed above the muscle or in women with very thin skin.

It is usually obvious when a saline implant ruptures because the breast will become smaller as the fluid is harmlessly absorbed. A ruptured silicone implant can be more difficult to detect and may require radiological tests, such as a sonogram or MRI.

While there is always a small risk of nipples becoming less or more sensitive after breast surgery, usually these changes resolve within the first few months after surgery.

Virtually every patient's body will respond to the presence of an implant by forming a capsule of scar tissue around the implant. Generally the scar capsule is not detectable and the breasts look and feel very natural. In about 5 percent of patients, however, the capsule contracts around the implant causing the breast to feel hard and the shape of the breast to be distorted, often requiring additional surgery.

We suggest that patients come to the office with photographs of the size breasts they wish to have, as well as pictures of breast sizes that they do not want. Also, you can perform the 'rice trick' to find a size you like. Fill a knee high stocking with dry rice, tie the top and insert the packet into your bra. Adjust the amount of rice within the stocking until you like the size increase, do this for both breasts. Wear the packets inside your bra and try on different types of clothing to make sure you like the size. Bring the rice packets to your consultation and we can measure the volume and convert this to an implant size.

It is important that the outpatient facility, including the physician's office, is accredited to perform the type of surgery you are requesting. Ask for these credentials, including information about the person performing your anesthesia. Drs. Hardesty and Bennett use board certified anesthesiologists and accredited facilities for their surgery cases.

You may be tired or sore but should be up and around within 24 hours after surgery. While recovery time varies from patient to patient and depends largely on pre-surgery health, you should be fine to travel three weeks after surgery. Breast implants may ride higher during the first few months postoperatively, especially if they are placed under the muscle.

Skin stretches from the weight of the implant/breast tissue and as the skin ages. Also the amount of breast tissue often decreases as a woman gets older. These factors combine and cause breasts to sag whether or not there are implants present.

Many doctors today prefer the 'submuscular' approach for implants as an added support and tissue covering for the implant. Where the implants are placed depends largely on the amount of existing breast tissue, breast shape, type of implant used and the desired end result.

Yes. Breast augmentation should not affect your ability to breast feed. However, a peri-areolar incision may cause a slight decrease in breast feeding ability if the breast tissue is entered.

Every surgical procedure entails some risk. The associated risks with this type of surgery are risk of anesthesia, infection, blood clot or fluid collection, changes in the sensitivity of the breast skin or nipple, implant exposure, implant rupture, re-operation, and capsular contracture causing the implants to become firm and round.
Thousands of women undergo breast augmentation successfully each year and are very satisfied with their outcome.

The saline implants (filled with sterile saline solution) used for breast augmentation surgery are available in both round and 'anatomic' shapes. Recently, the FDA has also approved silicone gel implants for breast augmentation. All implants come in either a smooth or textured shell. Drs. Hardesty and Bennett will discuss which implant type would best give you the results you are seeking.

If the sagging is not severe, a 'nipple lift' can be performed. The excess skin is removed through an incision around the outside of the areola (the pigmented skin around the nipple). The scar is at the edge of the areola and normal skin.
In cases of more severe sagging, a 'lollipop' incision is made around the areola and vertically into the breast crease. Or in the most extreme case excess skin is removed using an 'anchor' incision. The anchor incision adds a horizontal incision to the 'lollipop' incision described above. Breast lifting is an excellent choice for many patients that like their breast volume, but feel they sagging.

Saline implants can remain in the body as long as they are not causing the patient any problems, and remain inflated. The silicone implants are recommended by the manufacturer to be monitored using MRI and once the outer shell is ruptured then the implant should be changed. The implant manufacturer has a replacement warranty, please ask your doctor for more information on this warranty.

Depending on the amount of breast tissue that needs to be removed, a smaller reduction uses a 'lollipop' or vertical incision, versus a larger volume procedure needs an anchor-shaped incision. The incisions follow the natural contour of the breast and are partially hidden, however, they often remain visible for up to a year and then will fade with time.

The decision to have any surgery is always a personal one and should be considered carefully. Breast Reduction can often provide relief to women who have endured physical discomfort as well as emotional distress due to large breasts.

There are many options available to patients after mastectomy. The two main categories of reconstruction include tissue expander and implants versus your own body tissue rotated/moved to create a new breast mound.

Breast matching procedures are considered part of breast reconstruction for cancer and usually included in your insurance coverage.

Tissue expanders and implants are at increased risk for complications after the chest wall has received radiation. A discussion between the patient and surgeon is necessary to determine the best options for reconstruction.

Meeting with a physician or their trained staff is the best way to get all the information you need concerning cosmetic facial surgery. Many patients who are considering surgery schedule an appointment with Drs. Hardesty and Bennett to review surgical procedures tailored to the individual's needs and answer any questions they may have.

It is important that the outpatient facility, including the physician's office, is accredited to perform the type of surgery you are requesting. Ask for these credentials, including information about the person performing your anesthesia. Drs. Bennett and Hardesty use accredited facilities for procedures and board certified anesthesiologists.

Botox (botulism toxin) injections have proven highly effective in eliminating expression lines by temporarily relaxing the action of the facial muscles. These benefits usually last between three to five months, and can be repeated as needed.

Botox injections can eliminate crows feet and forehead expression lines, fillers can soften the nasolabial fold and lip lines, while a superficial chemical peel can give skin a youthful, glowing appearance.

Everyone's skin ages at a different rate, depending on skin tone, heredity, and sun exposure. Botox injections temporarily weaken the action of the muscles and are an effective, non-surgical treatment for deep expression lines.

Hyaluronic acid, a normal skin protein has been produced in a high concentration gel that is injected under the skin to add volume to lips, facial wrinkles and facial folds. It plumps up the area it is injected into and decreases facial wrinkling. In an actively moving area such as the lips, the product doesn't last as long, and patients see results lasting about 4 months.
Calcium hydroxyapatite, a component of our bones, has been produced in micro particles and suspended in a gel and is also available as a filler to reduce wrinkles. Because the calcium hydroxyapatite mixture has a firmer consistency it is injected deeper into the skin to fill in areas like the nasolabial folds. This filler lasts longer, and results are evident up to ten months.

Laser skin resurfacing can remove most lines and skin imperfections while stimulating the regeneration of deeper, healthier layers of skin. More aggressive treatments take longer recovery times, your doctor can tailor a program that fits your needs.

Microdermabrasion is effective on fine lines and minor skin discoloration. To achieve optimum results, six to ten treatments are required with continuing maintenance every 4 to 6 months.

Known as Melasma, those areas of increased pigmentation are fairly common, especially in women of childbearing age. A new FDA-approved cream called Tri-Luna combines three previously separate treatments - a lightening agent, a retinoid, and a steroid - in one tube. The prescription cream is used nightly for eight weeks and has proven very effective in fading or even eliminating dark spots.

A good skin care program combined with a skin resurfacing procedure can reverse signs of aging caused by sun damage. Drs Hardesty and Bennett work with aestheticians and nurses at our Skin and Laser Center to create an individualized skin care maintenance and rejuvenation program.

Patients desiring a more youthful, rested appearance usually see great results with aesthetic eyelid surgery, and it's one of the easiest facial procedures to recover from.

Often heavy, droopy lids are genetic and have nothing to do with age. Patients desiring a more youthful, rested appearance usually see great results with aesthetic eyelid surgery.

Every effort is made to keep scars as minimal as possible by hiding them in the natural lines and creases of the skin. As with most procedures, scars fade over time and become much less visible. The facelift scar is made around the front and back of the ear and may extend into the hairline.

Facial surgery will improve the appearance of deeper wrinkles and by tightening the skin. The texture of skin and fine lines need treatment through a skin care program that will increase collagen production. Deeper wrinkles around the mouth might need dermabrasion at the same time as the facelift.

A lot depends on your skin elasticity and underlying muscle tone. Less aggressive options start with light peels, pigment treatments with laser, deep peels, deep dermabrasion, and full face laser surgery. After an examination, you and your doctor will decide on the best procedure to achieve the results you desire in conjunction with your ability for down time.

The term otoplasty literally means 'reshaping or reforming ears.' Most commonly the procedure is performed to correct prominent ears by trimming or folding the ear cartilage so that the ears rest closer to the head. Ears come in all shapes and sizes, and otoplasty may refer to correction of a number of different ear deformities.

The procedure can be performed on either children (as young as 2 years of age) or adults.

In children with severely prominent ears, the procedure is done early in life between ages 3-5 years. In children with more minor deformities, the family may wish to wait until the child can participate in the decision.

If you like your profile but the tip of your nose is too wide, prominent, projects too much or droops, it can be corrected by placing sutures into the structures of the nasal tip.

If you do not like the way your nose looks and want a surgical procedure, and if you are in good physical and mental health then you are a candidate for a rhinoplasty consultation. You would meet with Drs. Bennett or Hardesty to see if your desired changes can be accomplished with surgery.

This is a common problem that can be greatly improved with liposuction or liposculpture. Skin with good tone in this area will benefit from liposculpture alone, those patients with very loose skin will require an additional skin tightening procedure.

Drs Hardesty and Bennett use products from the Obagi and La Roche Posay skin care lines. These are medical skin care products that can be used in combination to accomplish skin rejuvenation and maintenance. Our aestheticians meet with you to provide a skin evaluation and personalized skin care program.

A skin care program using Retin-A, hydroquinone, and products containing alpha hydroxy acids often help to reduce the look of sun damage. If sun damage is severe, deeper treatments including laser resurfacing or chemical peels may bring the best results.

Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater generally is recommended however besides this recommendation every skin type has different needs to provide optimal results. A consultation with our skin care specialists would best provide you with individualized recommendations.