Beware of Coloring Your Hair Following Facelift Surgery

The ability of patients to apply makeup and fix their hair following facelift surgery are important benchmarks in their recovery process. For many patients, there is no recovery until these activities can be resumed. Facelift patients are obviously motivated by appearance, and for this reason, hair color is extremely important to them.

After facelift surgery, we recommend waiting until all the wounds have healed before proceeding with coloring the hair. This usually takes about three to four weeks. Once this point has been reached, patients can safely resume coloring their hair.

Facelift Surgery for Rejuvenation of the Neck

It’s not unusual to see women who have significant changes in their neck area as a result of facial aging. In many cases, this may be the primary manifestation of aging, with the face itself being relatively unaffected. These changes may include loss of definition of the jaw line, loss of the sharp angle between the neck and jaw, laxity of the underlying neck muscles with the formation of bands called turkey gobblers, fat accumulation, and of course excess skin. To obtain an excellent result, all of these issues need to be addressed. With this in mind it’s important to remember that all patients have unique facial anatomy and specific aesthetic goals. Therefore, treatment plans may vary from patient to patient depending upon their underlying anatomic deformity.

The procedure that is most likely to accomplish these goals is a facelift. This procedure corrects the abnormalities of the underlying muscles which ultimately defines the jaw line, removes the neck bands, and improves the angle between the jaw and neck. It also addresses fat accumulation and excess skin to further accentuate these improvements.

Teen Breast Reduction

When younger patients have significant breast enlargement with associated symptoms, we don’t feel that they should be denied the benefits of this procedure because of an arbitrary age cutoff. Before proceeding, there are several unique considerations in this group that must be considered.

One of these is the issue of breast growth. We would prefer stabilization of breast growth for at least six months prior to proceeding with surgery. Another issue is the age of consent. Because of this, parents should be involved in every step of the decision- making process.

Breast Augmentation Options

Several questions need to be answered before proceeding with breast augmentation surgery.  These pertain to the following issues: 1) Implant size, 2) Implant type, 3) Incision location, 4) Under or the over muscle, and 5) With or without a breast lift.

Depending upon the answers to these questions, a large variety of treatment options potentially exist. Each patient should be considered individually since no two patients are the same. Patients may have unique anatomic findings and specific aesthetic goals that impact their treatment plan.

In general terms, data shows that the majority of implants are placed under the muscle through an inframammary approach.  There is a greater tendency to use silicone gel implants than saline implants, but saline implants are still frequently used.

The Ideal Age for Rhinoplasty

Several variables should be considered when determining the appropriate age for rhinoplasty surgery. These variables tend to make each patient’s situation unique. As a general rule, it’s important for patients to reach both physical and emotional maturity before proceeding with surgery.

Physical maturity is important for several reasons. Operating on the nose before growth has stabilized can have significant consequences. Under these circumstances, continued growth following rhinoplasty surgery can result in nasal changes that may alter the appearance of the nose. In addition, rhinoplasty surgery performed at an early age has the potential to disrupt facial growth. This can result in flattened cheekbones and even malocclusion.

Emotional maturity is also extremely important. For the most part, this procedure is irreversible and young patients must understand the significance of their decision. The nose is located in the center of their face and their appearance will be altered forever.

Will Pregnancy Ruin My Breast Implants?

Breast implants are not impacted by pregnancy and breast-feeding, but the surrounding breast tissue can be significantly impacted. These changes vary from patient to patient following breast augmentation and pregnancy. Some patients are minimally impacted, while others note sag of their native breast tissue, loss of breast volume, and stretch marks. These changes are probably not related to breast implants, but are instead related to the natural biologic tendencies of the breast tissue. In other words, loss of breast volume, sag, and stretch marks would occur even if breast implants weren't present.

Exercise Following Breast Augmentation

Recovery times following breast augmentation surgery vary from patient to patient. These times are significantly impacted by the nature of the procedure, the patient’s employment, and the patient’s social situation. It’s important to realize that even though breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure, it’s still a significant operation with associated risk. For this reason, premature return to normal activity can result in an increased incidence of complications.
  
We generally recommend light activity for the first week following the procedure. After one week, patients are allowed to gradually resume normal non- strenuous activities. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting are not allowed for at least six weeks in most cases. At six weeks, most patients are able to resume all of their normal activities.

Insurance Coverage for Blepharoplasty?

When redundant upper eyelid skin results in obstruction of vision, it’s more than a cosmetic issue.  Patients often have excess skin, which obstructs vision superiorly and laterally.  Under these circumstances, excess upper eyelid skin can actually cause significant functional problems.  For instance, this can create problems when driving a motor vehicle and this can be potentially dangerous.  When this happens insurance carriers will occasionally view upper lid blepharoplasty as
medically necessary and cover its expense.

Before insurance carriers cover the expense of blepharoplasty they require that certain criteria be met.  These include documentation of symptoms and physical findings associated with visual field obstruction.  In addition, visual field studies that demonstrate visual field obstruction are critical to insurance approval.

Visual field studies are typically performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. The study is performed by measuring the patient’s response to a series of flashing lights. The patient’s responses are recorded and a computer- generated report is made. This report will demonstrate any visual field defects that the patient may have. The initial study is followed by a secondary study in which the upper eyelids are taped in an upward direction.  Improvements in the results of visual field studies with the upper lids taped as opposed to untaped would indicate that blepharoplasty would benefit the patient.

Should I Get Breast Implants If I Plan On Getting Pregnant Later?

The results of breast augmentation surgery are never permanent. Changes in weight, normal aging, pregnancy, and breast-feeding can all be expected to change the breasts. Each patient who is considering breast augmentation and possibly pregnancy should be considered individually based on their personal situation. As a rule, if a patient is planning pregnancy within a year of surgery, we generally recommend postponing surgery until after the pregnancy. Most patients who present for breast augmentation don't have plans for pregnancy in the short term, but realize that it's probably in their future. It's important for this group of patients to realize that pregnancy may impact their final result.

The impact of pregnancy on breast augmentation varies from patient to patient. Some patients are minimally impacted, while others note sag of their native breast tissue, volume loss, and stretch marks. This often results in the need for secondary procedures, such as implant exchange and breast lift.

When is the Best Time to Get a Mommy Makeover?

Pregnancy causes significant changes in a woman’s body.  These changes vary from patient to patient and are permanent in most cases unless surgery is undertaken to reverse them. These changes can affect the breast, abdomen, and lead to fat accumulation in the hips and thighs. Many patients attempt diet and exercise, but this isn’t always helpful.  This problem can ultimately affect self-confidence, self-esteem, self-image, and the quality of day-to-day life. For these reasons, many patients request breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and liposuction.

The timing of surgery following pregnancy is important and several issues should be considered before proceeding with surgery. It takes time for a new post-pregnancy body to reach its new baseline following pregnancy. During this period, stretched skin may contract, a swollen uterus may shrink, and the weight gained during pregnancy may gradually disappear.

The breasts also undergo significant changes with pregnancy and breast-feeding. This results in breast enlargement, which continues with nursing. After nursing is stopped, it takes time for the breasts to return to their new baseline. At this point, the breasts may be smaller and have sag. This process takes three to six months to occur. All of these changes need to occur before a mommy makeover is considered.

What is an Endoscopic Browlift?

Brow descent occurs with normal aging and is typically treated with a browlift. The traditional open transcoronal approach and the endoscopic approach are the two most commonly used techniques. 
 
A transcoronal browlift is performed by making an incision across the top of the head from ear to ear. The forehead skin is lifted off the bone to the level of the orbital rims. The forehead muscles that are responsible for frown lines are then treated under direct vision. The brow is elevated by removing a strip of skin along the incision. 
 
In contrast, endoscopic browlift is performed through several small incisions placed behind the hairline. The operation is performed with a scope, ultimately accomplishing the same basic maneuvers as the open approach. 

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Tummy Tuck Scars

It’s safe to say that it’s impossible to perform a tummy tuck without scarring. This operation trades stretch marks, loose skin, and weakened muscles for a scar that is hopefully well positioned.  The patient’s particular anatomy will have a profound impact on scar placement. Factors such as the transverse width of the abdomen, the distance from the pubis to the rib cage, the position of the umbilicus, and the patient’s stretch marks are all extremely important variables.

Each patient is unique and it’s important to have good communication between the patient and surgeon. We find that it’s very helpful to perform pre-operative markings with the patient wearing her swimsuit. By utilizing this maneuver, confusion regarding incision placement is minimized.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

This is a commonly asked question and a frequent source of confusion amongst patients. There is a common misperception that breast implants should be replaced every ten years. The origin of this belief is unclear, but is probably secondary to misinterpretation of implant warranty terminology.

The manufacturers of breast implants clearly state that these devices are not intended to last a lifetime, despite this many patients can expect to have implants last their entire lifetime. Current studies suggest that implants deflate at a rate of 1% at one year and 3% at three years. Over time this number can be expected to grow.

Implants may deflate with no apparent cause or may deflate secondary to some type of trauma. Under these, the decision to replace implants is easy.

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Insurance Coverage for Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is often covered by insurance carriers, but not all of them cover this procedure and significant restrictions may exist. Some insurance companies actually exclude breast reduction as a contract exclusion. When insurance carriers cover breast reduction, they may have specific criteria that must be met.

For instance, most insurance carriers require documentation of symptoms. Examples would include back pain, shoulder pain, breast pain, and headaches to name a few. They may also require documentation of attempted non-surgical management of symptoms. Examples might include physical therapy, support devices, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Some insurance carriers require a minimal amount of breast tissue removal from each breast. This is often based on calculations, which utilize the patient’s weight and height.

Is Breast Reduction Surgery Recommended if Overweight?

For many patients, breast reduction surgery is a life-changing experience.  Symptoms such as back, neck, and shoulder pain seem to improve almost overnight.  Patients note that clothes fit better and over time, their self-esteem and self-image improve as well.

Patients who are overweight do not differ from other patients in this regard.  They note similar improvement in quality of life and significant improvement in symptoms.

When patients who are overweight undergo breast reduction surgery they often experience additional benefits.  They note increased exercise tolerance and subsequently become more physically active as they adopt a healthier lifestyle.  In many cases, this results in significant amounts of weight loss.

Liposuction for Men

Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedures in men.  The flanks, abdomen, chest and neck appear to be the most commonly treated areas.  This procedure is associated with high satisfaction rates when patients are near their ideal body weight.

Liposuction in men has limitations because the fat tends to be more fibrous.  In addition, a large amount of the abdominal fat is located within the abdominal cavity where it can’t be reached by a liposuction canula.  These characteristics can limit the amount of fat that can be removed with this procedure.  Men generally have thicker skin than women and as a result, skin sag is less likely to occur in this group.

Computer Imaging for your Cosmetic Surgical Procedures

Once you’ve chosen your board certified plastic surgeon for your cosmetic surgical procedure, the next step is to schedule a consultation. At this stage, all your questions about your procedure will be answered. How long does surgery take? Will there be pain and swelling? Is there noticeable scarring from the procedure? What are the risks involved? How soon can I return to work?

Patients often ask, “What type of results can I expect after surgery?” During your initial consultation at Surgical Images, your physician can simulate a “post-op” blueprint of your surgical results. Imaging is most commonly used with the following procedures: