When Bigger is Too Big

Many women have breasts that are so large that they disrupt the quality of their lives. In 2011, the American Society of Plastic Surgery reported that over 63,000 breast reductions were performed in the United States. Patients with large breasts not only have an aesthetic deformity, but the condition frequently results in a functional disability as well.

Women with large breasts complain of back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, and pain within the breasts themselves. They often have skin rashes and skin breakdown beneath the fields of their breasts. Many women have decreased exercise tolerance, and because of this, they have to give up activities that they have historically enjoyed and as a result, gain weight elsewhere. They have difficulty with finding clothes that fit and are relegated to wearing loose fitting garments, such as sweaters and T-shirts. They feel that people frequently stare at them and this adversely impacts self-esteem, self-image, and self-confidence. It can result in anxiety and depression which can cause sexual and social inhibition. It can also significantly impact the quality of day-to-day life.

Is Bigger Better?

Many people say that breast size isn’t important, but is this statement really true, or does breast size make a big difference? In 2011, over 316,000 breast augmentations were performed in patients who were unhappy with their breast size. This made breast augmentation the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery performed in the United States last year.

Recently, a study was done at the University of Florida, which looked at perceptions of sexuality and self-esteem before and after breast augmentation. This study demonstrated a significant increase in sexual activity and self-esteem following breast augmentation. Patients had an 81% increase in sexual arousal, a 78% increase in sexual desire, and a 57% increase in sexual satisfaction.

At Aesthetic Surgical Images, we find that patients seeking breast augmentation often complain of lowered self-esteem, self-image, and self-confidence. They feel that their breast size affects feelings of feminity, sexuality, and how clothes fit. These women are dissatisfied with their breast size and feel insecure about their bodies. They frequently request breast augmentation, not to draw attention to themselves, but instead, so that they fit in. They desire breasts that have harmony, balance, and proportion with other anatomic features. In our experience, this operation results in some of the highest satisfaction rates that we see.

Breast Augmentation with Breast Lift, One or Two Procedures?

At Aesthetic Surgical Images, we frequently see women who have breast hypoplasia associated with breast sag. The majority of these women present because of changes in their body which occur because of pregnancy. During pregnancy, their breasts increase in size and after pregnancy they shrink. This often leads to loss of breast volume and resultant skin sag.

To correct this problem, patients will require breast augmentation with a breast lift. There are basically two approaches to performing these two procedures. The first involves a single-stage procedure in which breast lift and augmentation are performed simultaneously. The second involves a two-stage procedure in which the breast augmentation and breast lift are performed at two separate settings.

The issue of one or two stages for breast augmentation with breast lift continues to represent an area of significant controversy in plastic surgery. This appears to be driven by the large number of variables involved with breast augmentation and breast lift. Some surgeons feel that the additive impact of these variables result in a high revisionary rate. Some surgeons feel that this may be as high as 20%.

It's Here! The Obagi Holiday Special!

Want visibly radiant and healthier looking skin for the holidays? At Aesthetic Surgical Images, we are offering 20% off our Obagi skin care products. From oily to dry skin types, Obagi transforms and improves cellular skin function, minimizes signs of premature aging, reduces further photodamage, and enhances cosmetic procedure results. Our Obagi products contain powerful yet soothing ingredients to exfoliate, renew, and revitalize your beautiful skin.

 For more information about Obagi and how to get your hands (or face) on this holiday special, call (402) 390-0100 or toll-free at (800) 331-5001 to schedule a consult with one of our board-certified physicians.

Male Botox Injections Increasing in Popularity

It’s safe to say that Botox injections are no longer just for the ladies. At Aesthetic Surgical Images, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of men who request Botox. Recent data from the American Society of Plastic Surgery has demonstrated a 258 percent increase in the use of Botox amongst men in the past ten years. Between 15 to 30 percent of all Botox users are now men and it is the most popular cosmetic procedure amongst men.

Male Botox injections have popularly become known as “brotox.” Men typically have a different set of aesthetic goals when compared to women. Most men are not interested in looking different following Botox injections and therefore request subtle changes.

How Long Does a Facelift Last?

A variety of factors affect how long a facelift lasts. These include: the type of procedure performed, the skill of the surgeon, the genetics of the patients, the amount of sun damage, and the patient’s lifestyle decisions such as cigarette smoking. All of these factors impact the result of facelift procedures and their longevity.

It’s important to realize that facelifts turn the clock back, but don’t stop the clock from ticking. Most surgeons will tell you that the procedure will generally last about ten years. We feel that if a facelift makes you look 15 years younger, you should be back to your original starting point in approximately 15 years.

Using this logic, more aggressive procedures will set the clock back further and hence tend to last longer. A SMAS procedure (where the deeper tissues are tightened) would be expected to have a greater impact than a mini-facelift and would therefore be expected to last longer.

Five Benefits of Breast Reduction

Patients who undergo breast reduction surgery for breast hypertrophy have extremely high satisfaction rates. At Aesthetic Surgical Images, we feel that this operation may be a life-changing experience for some women. There are five major reasons for this significant improvement in quality of life:

1. Patients who undergo breast reduction have significant improvement in their symptoms.

Symptomatic breast enlargement is associated with: back pain, neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, bra strap indentations, numbness on the inner aspect of the arms, areas of chafing and infection beneath the folds of the breast, and pain within the breast themselves. Most women see significant improvement in their symptoms following breast reduction.

2. Increase in exercise tolerance.

Many patients who undergo breast reduction report improved exercise tolerance. Many ultimately lose weight elsewhere as they resume activities that they have historically abandoned. 

3. Breast reduction results in improved breast aesthetics.

The aesthetic goals of breast reduction include balance and harmony with the surrounding anatomic structures, reduction in areola size, and correction of breast sag, which typically occurs with breast hypertrophy. Scarring can occur but over the course of time these usually fade and become acceptable to patients. 

Cosmetic Surgery for Bullying

Bullying appears to have reached epidemic proportions in the United States. It is estimated that 160,000 American students refuse to go to school each day because of physical and verbal abuse from other students. Some studies now suggest that the stress associated with bullying can cause medical problems later in life. There appears to be a higher incidence of hypertension, depression, and often diabetes in adults who were bullied as children. With the internet, cyber-bullying is a new phenomena increasing at an exceptional rate.

Developmental psychologists note that children start perceiving differences between themselves and others at around five years of age. Once this happens, the stage is potentially set for bullying to occur.

Being different from others isn’t always easy and sometimes these differences are utilized to ridicule the individual. Children with large ears are frequently called “Dumbo.” Teenage girls with large or small breasts are frequently made fun of and stared at. Young men with abnormal breast development, a condition known as gynecomastia, are frequently unwilling to take their shirt off because of teasing. Children with nasal deformities are frequently made fun of and called names like “banana nose.”

What is the Most Commonly Performed Cosmetic Surgery Procedure?

Recently the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery released its 2011 cosmetic surgery statistics. Their data shows that over 9.2 million cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures were performed in 2011.

There were over 1.6 million cosmetic surgery procedures performed last year. The top five procedures included:
- Liposuction(325,332)
- Breast augmentation (316,848)
- Abdominoplasty (149,410)
- Eyelid surgery (147,540)
- Breast lift (127,054)

Breast Augmentation. How Do You Pick the Right Size?

One of the most important questions facing a breast augmentation patient is the size of the implant that will meet her goals. The answer is complicated for multiple reasons. Many factors influence the final implant recommendation, including the patient’s aesthetic goals, her baseline anatomy, the doctor and patients ability to communicate with each other, and the patient’s visualization of the doctor’s recommendation and how realistically it meets her expectations.

In an effort to minimize any miscommunication in the selection of the appropriate breast implant size, surgeons utilize a variety of protocols. The patient’s initial consultation is the starting point. The patient is asked to define her aesthetic goals. Most patients strive for harmony in balance and proportion with her body shape. Typically, most want a natural look although some request upper breast fullness.

Aesthetic Surgical Images Participates in Race for the Cure

On October 7th staff members of Aesthetic Surgical Images participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The 5k run is an annual event that raises funds to support breast cancer research. The event honors those who have lost their battle with breast cancer while celebrating those who have survived breast cancer. In addition to supporting research, the event also promotes breast cancer awareness, education, and early breast cancer detection.

The magnitude of the incidence and severity of breast cancer cannot be underestimated. Last year, 230,480 new cases of breast cancer occurred in the United States, and sadly 39,520 women died of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the leading cancer among American women and second only to lung cancer in mortality. Last year there were over two-million women living in the United Stated who had been treated for breast cancer. It’s fair to say that this disease touches each one of us in some way.

Jewel Teams with ASPS

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently announced a partnership with singer songwriter, Jewel, to promote breast reconstruction awareness. Jewel, a four-time Grammy nominated singer will perform a benefit concert on October 29th, during the annual ASPS meeting in New Orleans. The proceeds will be donated to charitable organizations that support breast reconstruction. The concert will feature her new song “Flower” which has been dedicated to breast cancer awareness.

Does Computer Imaging for Cosmetic Surgery Make a Difference?

At Aesthetic Surgical Images in Omaha, Nebraska we feel that computer imaging is an important component of any cosmetic surgery consultation. We currently utilize both the “Mirror” and “Vectra 3D” imaging systems.

Computer imaging provides extremely important information for both the patient and the plastic surgeon. The surgeon is better able to understand the patient’s goals for a certain procedure. In many cases, the physician can determine whether the patient goals are realistic or obtainable. It may also, in many cases, determine the patient’s preferences.

The patient, on the other hand, is able to see what the surgeon feels he can reasonably deliver. In addition, the patient can visualize how these changes affect surrounding anatomic structures.

We feel that imaging is especially helpful for facial rejuvenation procedures, such as: eyelid surgery, brow lift, and facelifts. It’s also helpful for rhinoplasty and genioplasty. Computer imaging is also used, with success, for body contouring procedures, including: tummy tucks, liposuction, and brachioplasty.

Recognizing the Benefits of Tummy Tuck Procedures

Despite countless hours spent in the gym, many women and some men fail to see improvement in their abdominal appearance. Although their “abs” may have good tone, the overlying contour is unchanged because the “skin problem” does not respond to exercise in any meaningful manner.

When an exercise program and diet fails to improve the body’s shape, a significant number of women and men consider surgical intervention to achieve their goals- specifically a “tummy tuck.”

All abdominal problems do not necessarily need a full tummy tuck. Recommendations will depend on the severity of the problem. Other options, including liposuction for localized fat accumulations only or a mini tummy tuck for sagging skin of the lower aspect of the abdominoplasty wall. Since there are several options possible, a person seeking such an operation should seek a consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon for evaluation and recommendations.

New “Vectra 3-D” Imaging System

The physicians of Aesthetic Surgical Images are pleased to announce the arrival of the new Vectra 3-D surgical imaging system! Visualize the possibilities of your next face, breast, or body contouring procedure in vivid 3-D images. For more information, please visit our website!

Eyelid Surgery Rejuvenates Skin, Takes Years Off and Creates a Restful, Happy Appearance

Many women and men have suffered for years over the appearance of dark circles, heavy bags and drooping skin around their eyes.  But with a blepharoplasty surgery there is hope for more fresh, youthful and healthy-looking face and eyes.  There are more than one methods of achieving this very attainable goal and it largely depends on where the problem areas lie in each patient’s case.

Lower-Lid Blepharoplasty

Among the most common complaints that many patients bring to our practice of plastic surgery in Omaha is having puffy bags and/or dark patches or circles underneath the eyes.  Puffiness is caused by the presence of too much fat below the eye; whereas dark circles are the result of there being too little fat in the same area.  An incision will be made by your surgeon on either the inside or outside of the lid to adjust the amount of fat accordingly, waking up your eyes as a result.

Common Questions Asked During a Breast Augmentation Consultation

The decision to have a breast augmentation surgery is a big step and requires each patient to make several important decisions to reach their goal. Potential candidates for breast implant surgery should consult with a surgeon of Aesthetic Surgical Images to determine their options which will meet their individual needs and provide a successful result. The three most common variables reviewed during a breast augmentation consultation include: placement of implant, implant type, and the site of the incision.

Where Are Implants Placed?

With small exceptions, the most commonly placed position of the implant is beneath the pectoralis major muscle. Over the years, the subpectoral placement has improved the aesthetic results, as well as minimized some of the potential risks encountered with a submammary placement. Occasionally, a submammary placement may be appropriate for a small, select group of patients. Lastly, there is a possibility of a “bi-planar” placement, which is actually a hybrid position. The superior aspect of the implant is covered by the breast. Recommendations for the proper placement of the implant will depend on the findings during the physical exam.

You’re Invited to Another ‘Cool Night Out’ at Surgical Images!

The Physicians of Aesthetic Surgical Images extend an invitation to you to join us for the next ‘Cool Night Out’ event. At this event, you can learn about the CoolSculpting treatment, view a live demonstration and enter to win a CoolSculpting treatment!*

Presented by: The Physicians of Aesthetic Surgical Images
Thursday, March 15, 2012
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Hosted at Aesthetic Surgical Images
8900 W. Dodge Road
Omaha, NE 68114

You’re Invited to a ‘Cool Night Out’ at Surgical Images!

The Physicians of Aesthetic Surgical Images extend an invitation to you to join us for the first ‘Cool Night Out’ event. At this event, you can learn about the CoolSculpting treatment, view a live demonstration and enter to win a CoolSculpting treatment!*

Presented by: The Physicians of Aesthetic Surgical Images
Thursday, February 23, 2012
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Hosted at Aesthetic Surgical Images
8900 W. Dodge Road
Omaha, NE 68114

Get the Skinny – Liposuction v. CoolSculpting

Although liposuction in Omaha rids the body of unwanted fat, it may not be the procedure recommended to meet patients’ goals.  Now there is a new technique, called CoolSculpting®, which uses Cryolipolysis technology to freeze fat in localized areas. The FDA-cleared method is non-invasive and requires no anesthesia. Depending on their goals, patients can often be treated in just a few hours returning to daily activities immediately. What are the differences between liposuction and CoolSculpting? The surgeons of Aesthetic Surgical Images share their insight.

1) Who is a good candidate? Both treatments address stubborn pockets of fat which are resistant to diet and exercise. CoolSculpting is designed for the patient close to his or her ideal body weight, who may not want to undergo a surgical procedure. Liposuction has been a very popular procedure for patients who may have larger deposits of fatty tissue, or who are combining the treatment with another surgical procedure to achieve overall body contouring goals.

Plastic Surgery and Insurance Coverage – Do They Go Hand in Hand?

Patients who visit Surgical Images often wonder if their cosmetic surgery in Omaha will be covered by their insurance policy.

It depends!

If your insurance company deems your procedure as “medically necessary,” your surgery will probably be covered. In some cases, a portion of your surgery will be covered, since there will be a functional improvement, while the cosmetic enhancement will not be covered. Sometimes, a “medically necessary” procedure will not be covered, due to your insurance contract exclusion.

CoolSculpting® in Omaha

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Patients often inquire about non-invasive procedures for small, stubborn pockets of fat, as an alternative to liposuction in Omaha. The physicians of Aesthetic Surgical Images are excited to offer the new technology of Coolsculpting® by ZELTIQ as an option for men and women looking to safely eliminate fat cells without surgery. CoolSculpting® uses a cooling process which freezes fat cells, and the body removes them naturally.