When it comes to making a decision about having abdominoplasty surgery (tummy tuck) at my Champaign practice, we like to stress the idea that before-and-after pictures are quite important because they are representative of good results. When considering this procedure, make sure you ask to see before-and-after photographs of patients who had the same kind of issue that you have and whose surgery was done by the surgeon that you are considering.

In consultations in Bloomington and Champaign for tummy tuck surgery, we find the common reasons for seeking the procedure to be a large, flaccid stomach; loose skin and/or stretch marks throughout the lower abdominal area; the formation of an apron after weight loss or pregnancies; and contour deformities of the stomach, including the navel and surrounding tissue.

While the best candidate for tummy tuck surgery is a patient who is at or near his or her normal weight, we find that patients who are somewhat overweight tend to achieve very good results. In consultation with our patients in our offices in the central Illinois area, we stress that realistic expectations are quite important in the sense that abdominoplasty is not going to drastically reduce the weight of a person. In general, an active lifestyle, the correct diet and exercise are excellent companions for an expected good result.

A common request in my practice of cosmetic plastic surgery in Champaign and central Illinois is for a “Mommy Makeover” procedure. This involves doing an abdominoplasty and a breast augmentation or breast lift at the same time. This procedure is popular after pregnancy and breastfeeding, since pregnancy tends to significantly alter the tissues within the abdomen and breasts. The Mommy Makeover’s ability to solve abdominal and breast problems at the same time has been very valuable to our patients seeking breast surgery in Bloomington and Champaign.

In general, there are two main groups of people who seek and are helped by liposuction at my Champaign, IL, and Bloomington, IL practices. While the main purpose is to improve their appearance and contours, the first group is in their normal or near-normal weight range and the second group is above their normal weight or overweight.

Both groups are helped by liposuction, creating better body proportions and a more sculpted figure. The first group seeks liposuction mainly for purposes of looking better, while the second group has the goal of decreasing volume and/or weight.

The first group typically seeks correction of contour deformities that remain unchanged after normal development and exercise. Examples of these would be saddle bag deformity (excess fatty tissue in the lateral thighs and buttocks), excess fatty tissue on the hip and/or waist areas, and abnormal deposits of fatty tissue in the stomach area. These all tend to be easily corrected with tumescent liposuction. These contour deformities are, for the most part, resistant and cannot be corrected through normal exercise or dieting. The results for this group are generally excellent with minimal recovery time and good contouring of the skin without undue skin relaxation.

The second group of candidates tends to have not only the same bulges and/or excess fatty tissue but also above-normal weight, placing them in the overweight or obese categories. In this group of patients, the goal is not only to remove the contour deformities but also to remove the excess volume. Generally, in my cosmetic plastic surgery practice, I can remove between 8 and 15 pounds. This is a significant volume reduction, equaling between 1 gallon and slightly less than 2 gallons of body volume.

An additional benefit that was just reported on September 30, 2011, is that of improved metabolic profiles regarding cardiovascular disease in a group of 322 individuals who presented with an increased body mass index and who underwent liposuction. The levels of triglycerides (bad fats in the blood) and the levels of leukocyte counts (abnormal white blood cell formations) after fat reduction surgery through liposuction show the beneficial effect of a reduction in the generalized inflammatory status. Patients with levels greater than 150 mg of triglycerides showed a 43% reduction after liposuction. In fact, 62% of these patients whose levels were at risk before liposuction had normal levels after liposuction. As we know, abnormal triglyceride levels of over 150 mg have been associated with elevated risk for metabolic syndrome, type II diabetes, stroke, coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease.

To summarize, candidates for liposuction fall into two groups. However, both have the abnormal levels of fat accumulation in multiple areas of the body that create contour deformities, bulges, etc. and make the body unattractive. Liposuction helps individuals with esthetic or cosmetic problems, as well as those who are overweight, in reducing body mass. In addition, it may well have beneficial metabolic effects by reducing triglyceride levels in people with abnormally high triglycerides.

In my cosmetic plastic surgery practice, the most common questions asked during a breast augmentation consultation are, “What will my implants feel like?” and “Will my implants feel real?” This is a very understandable concern. Though I wish our patients could experience exactly how implants will feel inside their body prior to surgery, in real life it is not possible for them to experience that until the breast enhancement is completed. We do offer our patient implant sizers to try on. Though this process does not provide an answer to how the implants will feel inside the body, it does offer a good visual as to how they will look in clothing and how the patient’s body proportions will be improved.

In general, I tell women who are contemplating breast augmentation in my Champaign, IL or Bloomington, IL practices that, yes, both silicone and saline implants will feel real.

The easiest way to describe the difference between saline and silicone is to make the analogy that silicone implants generally tend to feel like the breasts of females who have had babies – that is, quite soft. In fact, sometimes they feel similar to fatty tissue. In contrast, saline implants feel more like the breasts of very young women, particularly those who have not had babies and whose breasts feel a little more substantial. In general, remember what your breasts felt like in your mid to late teens, and that is very much the type of feel that saline implants tend to have.

I think that most plastic surgeons would agree that typically silicone implants feel softer and appear more similar to a natural breast shape than saline implants. However, the degree of difference in the look and feel between saline and silicone implants varies when considering a few factors.

One consideration is that many thinner patients do not have a lot of breast tissue prior to breast augmentation. (They may wear an A cup and have thin chest tissue, for example.) In this situation, it is usually best to select silicone implants, as thinner patients have less tissue to conceal the implant. However, if there is sufficient breast tissue before the surgery, saline implants can feel quite natural and are easily camouflaged by the existing tissue. During saline breast augmentation surgery, I prefer to place the implants under the pectoral muscle, which makes them less palpable and provides further camouflage. The placement of implants beneath the muscle tends to lead to fewer problems, very likely because there is not any contact between the implant and the breast tissue itself.

Another consideration in achieving a natural look and feel is the size of the implant being used. In most cases, excessive volume will result in a firmer breast. If the patient desires natural looking breasts, then selecting less volume may be a factor to consider. Nearly 100% of patients are very satisfied with the look and feel of their implants, whether they are saline or silicone implants, as long as they have selected an experienced, knowledgeable surgeon.

Note: National statistics show that silicone prostheses have a higher capsular contracture rate, which can result in a revision surgery if this develops. For this reason, while I use both saline or silicone implants in my practice, I tend to use saline implants for the most part. I find saline to be reliable, satisfying, very well accepted and nearly free of post-operative revisions and/or complications.

When my patients ask me about options for treating signs of aging, they often assume that I’ll suggest an injectable filler or a chemical peel. However, among the most beneficial choices I offer at my dermatology practice in Chicago are laser skin treatments.

If you associate lasers with hair removal, it’s time to expand your view. Here are just a few of the many laser therapies available for transforming wrinkles, age spots, hyperpigmentation and facial lines into smoothly textured, glowing skin:

• Fraxel re:pair®: This non-surgical treatment tightens loose skin while replenishing the collagen and elasticity of your skin tissue. I frequently use it to smooth away lines and wrinkles while diminishing age spots.
• Lumenis® DeepFX™: For my patients with deep wrinkles, acne scars or stretch marks, I use this CO2 laser to smooth and tighten skin. Because of its fractional technology, it can repair damage deep within the tissue.
• Lumenis® ActiveFX™: Ideal for treating irregular pigmentation and rough skin texture, the ActiveFX also minimizes fine lines. It can be used to treat large areas such as the chest, arms, legs or neck. In addition, it stimulates the growth of new collagen and elastic tissue.

As a dermatologist in Chicago, one of my most rewarding jobs is treating acne scars and active acne. The reason? Acne and the resulting scars can detract from your self-confidence to such a degree that you may want to avoid social activities. When I can help a patient regain self-esteem through acne treatments, it is truly a pleasure.

If you have active acne or scars, consider one of the latest medical advances:

• LED therapy kills the bacteria that cause acne and helps inflammation subside. At our practice, we use the LIGHTWAVE Technologies system, which also helps minimize acne scars by promoting cell renewal and repair.
• Photodynamic therapy is a two-step process. First, we apply light-sensitive chemicals, which are absorbed by your oil glands and skin bacteria. Then, we treat your skin with an activating light to reduce oil production and minimize future acne outbreaks.
• IPL (intense pulsed light) treats the discolored and inflamed skin that can result from acne.
• Chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing are particularly helpful for treating acne scars and achieving smoother, healthier skin.

Don’t let acne detract from your life. Ask a board-certified dermatologist about the available options for helping to restore your self-esteem.

Women and men considering facelift in Chicago often are concerned with how long it will take for recovery. Although the healing period varies, depending on the surgeon that you choose, I have developed a way to perform a complete operation with minimized incisions. This method reduces the recovery time.

My specialized technique for facelift surgery uses a technique known as the “deep plane approach,” which enables me to create a natural and youthful looking appearance without stretching the skin. When performing facelift surgery, I create a series of small and inconspicuous incisions that I hide in the hairline. One of the benefits of using small incisions is the minimized recovery time. I personalize each procedure to match the patient’s cosmetic concerns and goals.

After surgery is complete, my patients usually return to work and their everyday activities within 10 to 14 days. Depending on the extent of the surgery, swelling usually subsides within 3 to 6 months. After surgery, my staff and I recommend following certain measures to protect your rejuvenated face, such as wearing sunscreen. Most people can expect to enjoy the results for 10 to 15 years.

There are a variety of different options that plastic surgeons have when performing breast augmentation in Chicago. Selecting the appropriate incision method and implant type can help women achieve the natural looking, beautiful results they desire.

Incision Options

The incision options include inframammary, periareolar, and transaxillary. The incision choice depends on the implant type, your body type, and degree of enlargement.

• Inframammary incision: Located at or near your inframammary fold (under your breast), this method provides a direct way for your surgeon to create a pocket and insert the implant.
• Periareolar incision: Placed at the lower border of your areola, this option may be appropriate depending on your anatomy and implant type.
• Transaxillary incision. Located in a crease in your armpit, this option is less common but can be helpful in some cases.

Implant Options

Together with your surgeon, you typically have a choice of two different implant types, saline and silicone:

• Saline implants: Filled with a sterile saltwater solution, saline implants often are filled at the time of surgery. The body will naturally absorb the saline naturally should a leak occur.
• Silicone implants: Containing an elastic gel, silicone implants may feel and behave like your natural breast tissue. Because they are filled prior to surgery, a somewhat longer incision is required than with saline implants.

Implant and incision options are just two of the choices women must make with their surgeons prior to undergoing breast augmentation. To determine which options are best for them, I recommend that women consult with qualified plastic surgeons in Chicago.

As a facial plastic surgeon, I believe that patient satisfaction after cosmetic surgery depends on the surgeon’s skill and the patient’s expectations; however, plastic surgeons shouldn’t overlook the importance of quality care and compassion. Listening to patients and taking the time to really consider their concerns is perhaps just as important as results.

To ensure that your surgeon has the skill to give you beautiful results, check the surgeon’s credentials carefully and evaluate the photo gallery “before and after” images. A surgeon with years of experience performing plastic surgery understands how to respond to each patient’s unique concerns. In addition, that surgeon knows how to meticulously create a treatment plan to achieve the aesthetic results you desire. An experienced surgeon typically has a wealth of techniques and approaches that a less qualified individual may not have.

When I perform tummy tuck, face lift, or breast augmentation in Champaign, IL, I take the time to listen to my patients and find out what their motivations and goals for plastic surgery are. By taking this time, I can understand my patients more thoroughly and provide the cosmetic results that they want.

Excess abdominal fat around the midsection, often referred to as a “spare tire”, can be very difficult to reduce through diet and exercise alone. In some cases, plastic surgery near Naperville may be the only way to achieve a slimmer, flatter stomach.

Why Exercise Won’t Always Work

After pregnancy, weight loss, or even aging, the abdominal skin loses elasticity and goes lax. Once the skin is stretched and becomes loose, even a healthy exercise routine including sit-ups and cardiovascular activity cannot restore the abdomen to its original state. Only surgical procedures such as tummy tuck are able to firm the torso and remove extra skin.

Liposuction

Liposuction is very effective for someone who wants to remove stubborn fat deposits such as “love handles.” At my practice, I usually perform the “tumescent technique” for liposuction procedures– which involves the use of a sterile solution containing a local anesthetic (to enhance comfort) and adrenalin (to shrink capillaries). This approach helps minimize blood loss and bruising, and allows for more effective fat removal.

Liposuction is a great option for men and women who have good skin elasticity and who do not suffer from excess abdominal skin. When combined with a healthy diet and exercise, liposuction can offer long-lasting results.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is popular among those who want to not only remove fat, but also improve the abdominal contour or remove scars below the belly button. For the appropriate candidate, liposuction can sometimes be used to suction out extra fat cells and the abdominal muscles are tightened. Tummy tuck surgery can be customized for the level of correction needed in each individual.

To remove a “spare tire,” I often perform a circumferential tummy tuck procedure that includes an incision around the waistline. This will help to narrow the waist and sculpt a more flattering silhouette while also improving the abdominal contour.

When most people think of liposuction, they envision obtaining a slimmer, smoother figure. While this approach is generally true of most liposuction procedures, liposuction can also be about enhancing curves by keeping volume in the right places.

The most common use for liposuction in Champaign, IL is body contouring, such as the abdomen, flanks, and love handles. When performing lipo for Bloomington, IL patients, I carefully consider each patient’s individual anatomy and the results each patient desires.

Every man and woman’s figure is unique, which means there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to liposuction. For example, to enhance one woman’s curves, I may need to sculpt the stomach or the flanks to slim the waist, while another woman may prefer that I create the illusion of having more volume added to the buttocks with the use of liposculpture.

Keeping Volume in Other Areas

In the face, preserving fullness can be ideal. We associate fullness with youth, especially in the cheeks and lips. However, as we age, volume in the face diminishes as our natural collagen breaks down. One possible way to correct this concern is with injectable fillers.

Typically, women want more volume in the cheeks to create fuller-looking cheekbones, which we associate with health and youth. Fillers make achieving this effect simple, with no downtime or incisions. When it comes to volume, it’s important to have a balance. Volume in the right places can help you look younger.