•Cosmetic
Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to enhance the patient's appearance and self-esteem. Our surgeons utilize the newest surgical techniques including minimally invasive, endoscopic, and short scar techniques.
•Reconstructive
Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease. Reconstructive surgery is generally performed to improve function or to approximate a normal appearance.
Plastic Surgery’s Hot Trends for 2008
by Della C. Bennett, M.D.
Every year, we benefit from advances in rejuvenation techniques that decrease the effects of aging.
As we age, gradual changes occur in our bodies that cause us to look older than we feel. This discrepancy between how old we look versus how young we feel is a very common reason patients seek cosmetic surgery.
Plastic Surgery
For those who are interested, there are new “minimally invasive” surgeries with smaller incisions and faster recovery. This increases the availability and possibility of looking and feeling younger, with less pain, lower cost, and reduced downtime.
Procedures to ask a plastic surgeon about include the broadening array of facial fillers, a group of substances known as injectables that can be delivered by a syringe.
The FDA is approving various fillers consisting of hyaluronic acid (Juvederm ™ and Restylane ®) and calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiance ® and Radiesse ®) for the reduction of facial wrinkles.
Lunch Hour Procedures
For instance, the nasolabial folds, the creases that run from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth, deepen as we age and make us look older. However, these deep creases are easily treated with injectable fillers that can last up to a year. Over the past 12 months, we have seen a dramatic increase in patients requesting ArteFill ®, a permanent filler injection containing collagen and a substance known as PPMA.
Amazingly, these injection procedures take no longer than a typical lunch break!
Other cosmetic procedures require only slight incisions.
Blepharoplasty
Skin tightening procedures that combat sagging flesh, due to changes in weight and the incessant pull of gravity, also continue to grow in popularity.
For instance, the area around the eyes, important for expressing emotion, is often the first facial area to appear aged. Puffy lower eyelids or excess skin and fat in the upper eyelids cause a perpetually tired look. This can be treated through small, thin incisions hidden near the eyelashes or even from inside the eyelid during eyelid surgery.
The forehead and outer eyebrow can also be dramatically improved with tiny incisions in the hairline. These minimally invasive surgeries provide significant benefits with minimal bruising and recovery time.
Breast Implants
Among women, breast augmentation leads the list of the most commonly performed surgery.
For women who are not satisfied with their breast shape -- due to nature or the effects of aging and pregnancy -- new options are available.
One common concern is the “deflation” of the breast and, with surgical advancements, we use less visible and smaller incisions for breast enhancement surgery.
Or, if a woman feels her breasts are stretched out, incisions can be hidden around the nipple or in conjunction with a vertical incision to create a breast lift.
Finally, silicone implants are now FDA approved again, after years of rigorous research have shown them to be safe. Many women seek silicone implants for the more natural feel of the implant. These are a few of the options women can discuss with a board eligible or certified plastic surgeon.
Body Contouring
Body shaping procedures are quite popular and range from contour refinement via liposuction, to the more complete waist trimming surgery known as tummy tuck.
“LipoSculpture” identifies and treats small areas of fat that just can’t be taken off through diet and exercise. The same fat can be used to shape and fill out an alternate area, such as the buttocks, to create a Brazilian butt lift.
Tummy tuck surgery helps remove excess skin and fat and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. Combining the tummy tuck surgery with a breast lift or breast augmentation is widely known as the “mommy makeover.”
To prepare for your best appearance, plan ahead. All surgeries have some period of bruising and healing while many procedures require a few weeks of wearing a compression garment, which can be quite warm in the summer!
Nonetheless, surgical recovery times are becoming shorter while non-surgical fillers and skin tightening techniques can be performed on a lunch break.
It all comes down to looking as young as you feel and moving one step closer to better living through increased self-confidence and pride in your appearance.