Abdominoplasty, often referred to as a tummy tuck, is popular among my Columbus, Ohio patients (as well as men and women throughout the United States). Many of my patients choose this procedure because they want a smoother and flatter stomach, one that will be proportional to the rest of their body. A tummy tuck removes excess abdominal fat and skin and tightens abdominal muscles.

Most people understand these basic facts about abdominoplasty; what they may not realize is that, especially when receiving a full tummy tuck, the position of the belly button may need to be changed.

During a full tummy tuck:

1. An incision is made from hip to hip, above the pubic area.
2. Another incision is made to free the navel of surrounding skin.
3. The skin is detached from the abdominal wall, and muscles are restructured.
4. Excess skin and fat are removed.
5. The old belly button stalk is brought out through a new hole.
6. Liposuction may be used to refine specific areas.

It should be noted that this does not need to happen in all cases. A skilled plastic surgeon will personalize the tummy tuck procedure for each patient, so each surgery is slightly different. If you’re considering a tummy tuck, meet with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon to learn more about how the procedure would affect the position of your belly button.

When considering implants, it is important to think about more than just the cup size of your new breasts. I tell all of my breast augmentation patients in Columbus that they should look at the whole picture when making decisions about their implants.

Implant Type

Silicone

Pros: Silicone breast implants have a more natural look and feel than saline implants. They do not ripple or wrinkle like saline implants. After considerable scrutiny, they have been established as safe by the FDA (not causing autoimmune disorders, cancer, or other diseases).

Cons: If silicone implants rupture, it is possible that it could go unnoticed for some time because they will not immediately deflate. So women who have this type of implant should get regular MRI’s to ensure that the implant is still in place. Another drawback is that they tend to be more expensive than their saline counterparts, and patients must be at least 22 years of age in order to get silicone implants.

Saline

Pros: Saline implants are filled after insertion. This is an advantage because it creates some room for flexibility in the final size of the implants and may mean that a smaller incision can be used. Often, saline-filled implants are a more affordable alternative to silicone implants. Also, a rupture or leakage will be noticed immediately.

Cons: Typically these implants do not look as natural as silicone ones. They may cause visible rippling or wrinkling.

Size Matters

The size, or cc (which stands for cubic centimeter), of your implant is also something to consider when contemplating a breast augmentation. A good way to visualize this is that a 250cc implant can be approximated by filling a plastic bag with 1 cup of rice. So, as another example, a 400cc breast implant can be approximated by filling a plastic bag with a little more than 1 1/2 cups of rice (13 oz.).

CC’s Don’t Stand Alone

You’ll be asked to decide on the shell surface (smooth or textured) of your implants, implant shape (round or shaped), and profile (projection). There are also many other factors that will influence how the implants look after you’ve had your surgery. Chest shape, breast shape, breast volume, breast width, tissue quality, and many other things will affect how large implants ultimately look.

These tips are a good starting point, however, a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon will help guide you in determining which implant will best accomplish your goals.

As a surgeon, I’m naturally curious about which procedures are most popular with my Columbus plastic surgery patients and with patients throughout the country. Some people may just be thinking about cosmetic procedures like liposuction, BOTOX® Cosmetic and breast augmentation. But, as a surgeon trained in treating both form and function, I’m curious about reconstructive procedures, too. So, I got the facts.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons releases statistics for each year. For 2009, the top 5 reconstructive procedures were:

1. Tumor Removal
2. Wound/Scar Repair
3. Hand Surgery
4. Breast Reconstruction
5. Breast Reduction

Let me take a moment to provide some brief information about these procedures.

Tumor Removal: Surgical removal is one of the main ways tumors are treated. In fact, tumors are often successfully treated with surgical removal alone. Surgery is also a good way to assess the extent of a cancer.

Wound/Scar Repair: Also known as “laceration repair,” the main goals are to stop bleeding, prevent infection, preserve function, and restore appearance.

Hand Surgery: Carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, dupuytren’s contracture, and trigger finger are examples of some conditions that can be treated with hand surgery. These procedures can treat diseases that cause pain and impair the strength, function and flexibility of the wrist and fingers.

Breast Reconstruction: This procedure recreates the breast and nipple/areola for women who have had a mastectomy.

Breast Reduction: Also known as reduction mammaplasty, this surgery removes excess fat, glandular tissue and skin from breasts in order to alleviate physical and emotional discomfort.

By: Jason Lichten, MD, FACS

Lately you may have seen a number of news stories about Connie Culp, the first patient to receive a facial transplant in the United States. While her procedure is classified as “reconstructive,” her surgeons clearly spent some time working to create a more “normal” and attractive appearance for her, and I think her case is a great example of how often reconstructive and cosmetic surgery overlap.

At my plastic surgery practice near Columbus I perform a fair number of procedures like reconstructive hand surgery along with “purely cosmetic” procedures. For most of my patients, though, even “cosmetic” procedures like face lift surgery and Columbus, OH breast augmentation have a reconstructive component that must be addressed if the patient is going to enjoy good results.

A few goals cosmetic and reconstructive patients share:

• A more “normal” appearance: No one wants to look unnatural, and while problems like underdeveloped or severely uneven breasts may seem unimportant to people who do not have them, for the person who experiences them, correction can be life-changing.
• Functional results: In the hands of a skilled surgeon, cosmetic surgery will reshape areas like the abdominal muscles, facial tissues, or breasts while maintaining or even enhancing the functionality of those areas. Eyelid surgery is a great example because for many patients, this procedure significantly improves vision, but even treatments like Columbus area BOTOX® Cosmetic, when properly performed, will retain as much as possible of the normal function of the patient’s body.

Connie Culp’s transformation is far more dramatic than what almost any other plastic surgery patient is likely to experience, but her case resonates with me because most of my patients’ goals are very similar to hers – achieving a lasting, natural-looking change that allows their outward appearance to reflect more accurately who they are. Ideally, I think that is the goal that every good plastic surgeon wants to achieve.

By: Jason Lichten, MD, FACS

Facial aging tends to happen “everywhere at once,” so many patients who are thinking of improving their appearance with face lift surgery in the Columbus, OH area will also look into eyelid surgery to smooth out extra eyelid tissues and complete their results. For some patients, dual procedures like this one offer more advantages than for others, so it can be a little difficult to decide whether the extra procedure really offers the benefits you want.

Factors that patients should consider:

1) Focus and Balance:

The eyes communicate much of the emotion of the face, and part of the positive effect of face lift surgery is to help Columbus, OH area patients de-emphasize the “downward” effect of sagging facial tissues and help make sure people’s attention is on your eyes and expression – not flabby cheek tissues. Loose eyelid skin may not be as noticeable as facial folds, but it tends to have a narrowing effect on the eyes that indirectly makes the face seem “fleshier” and more wrinkled.

• Try this: Instead of evaluating your eyes and mid-face in terms of “how much” wrinkling or loose tissue you are seeing, try to determine how well your features do – or don’t – create a good balance that emphasizes focal points like the eyes.

Even moderately sagging loose tissues can inhibit or change your expression, so evaluate different facial expressions and ask yourself whether eyelid sagging is affecting the emotions and attitudes you communicate to other people. If not, a face lift alone might meet your needs.

2) Timing and Cost:

Eyelid surgery typically does not add to face lift surgery downtime, but it will affect the cost of the procedure, so patients with a limited budget should evaluate their options carefully to make sure they are making a good investment.

• Try this: Think ahead. Consider how your family traits, tissue health, and unique aging patterns determine how your eyelid tissues will change over time, and think about whether you’re likely to find yourself considering eyelid surgery in the future. (Combined surgeries actually tend to be much more cost-effective than having the two procedures separately.)

Also, if milder upper-eyelid sagginess is your primary concern, ask your surgeon whether Columbus area BOTOX® Cosmetic injections would be effective to correct the problem in the short term. This approach is not right for everyone, and its effects are limited, but for certain patients it can work very well.

By: Jason Lichten, MD, FACS

When patients come to me considering a Columbus area cosmetic surgery procedure, I tell them that their choice of surgeon is the first and most important decision they have to make. Unfortunately, many people are unaware how to choose wisely, or unwilling to act on their instincts when they have reservations about their surgeon.

Here are three signs your surgeon may not offer the quality of care you deserve:

1. Your surgeon’s credentials don’t stand up to scrutiny

There are plenty of certification boards out there, but not all are created equal. Doctors who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have received rigorous training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery techniques, while many other boards do not have such high standards. If your surgeon lacks certification from a reputable board, or their stated credentials don’t match up with what you find when you research them with the ABMS and state boards, it is time to look elsewhere for your procedure.

2. Your surgeon does not seem to listen

I see Columbus area cosmetic surgery as a partnership. Even though I have the skills to provide the enhancements my patients want, their procedures will only be “successful” in my eyes if my patients are happy.

A good plastic surgeon will demonstrate a strong commitment to understanding your reasons and goals for surgery, so that you can work together to plan for results that line up reasonably with those objectives and look natural. If you have trouble getting a quick response from your surgeon’s offices or you are not entirely confident that you and your surgeon are “on the same page,” it might be time to reassess your objectives with your doctor, or to look for someone more dedicated.

3. Your surgeon wants to “sell” you on a specific procedure

Some patients require better education about their options before they understand clearly which procedure matches their needs best, but you should never feel pressured to undergo a procedure you aren’t sure about, from a surgeon who makes recommendations before understanding your goals.

Some plastic surgery offices will give price quotes and assessments over the phone, without even seeing the patient or hearing why and how they want to make a change. A good surgeon will focus on your needs and educate you about your options so that you have realistic expectations and can make healthy choices.

Sometimes, for example, patients come into my office thinking they need face lift surgery in Columbus, OH when a brow lift might offer results much closer to what they want. Before I can make any suggestions, I have to understand an individual patient’s concerns and desires clearly. If your surgeon seems to fall short in this area, it might be time to look elsewhere.

By: Susan D. Vasko, MD

The job market is competitive, and appearances can mean everything, which is why so many women and men in Ohio are turning to cosmetic surgery to help them improve their appearance and enhance their self-confidence. At the same time, though, tighter budgets influence people’s choice of procedures. Last week my colleague Dr. Robert Heck highlighted injectable treatments like dermal fillers and BOTOX® Cosmetic in Columbus, Ohio; this week’s post will touch on a few skin and surgical treatments that are particularly popular with budget-conscious patients.

Laser Hair Removal

Why it’s so popular – Laser hair removal’s biggest benefit is convenience – imagine remarkably smoother skin without fussing with razors or tweezers on a daily basis. Treatment sessions take about 30 minutes; most patients require 4 to 7 sessions.

How it works – All laser hair removal systems aim to destroy the hair root and follicle through targeted laser energy. However, a few different approaches are available, so it is important that you understand what system your laser hair removal center in Columbus, Ohio offers, and whether that system will provide the highest degree of accuracy for your skin type. At our practice, we use the Cynosure Elite system, which offers variable wavelengths so that we can adjust the treatment intensity to match your skin type more precisely.

Laser Skin Rejuvenation

Why it’s so popular – Laser skin rejuvenation procedures minimize wrinkles and correct pigmentation problems. This procedure has a tightening effect that creates a younger look, and is effective for areas including the face, hands and chest, as well. Treatments generally take under an hour, and most patients require a touch-up once or twice a year.

How it works – Aesthetic skin laser treatments can help Columbus, Ohio women and men achieve dramatic improvements in not only the appearance but also the health of their skin. By destroying dead and discolored skin cells, this treatment stimulates regenerative cell formation, creating a fresh new look and promoting healthier tone and texture for the skin. At our practice we use an intense pulsed light treatment, which works somewhat like the lasers used in laser skin resurfacing, but allows for precise results with a wider range of skin colors and types.

Interact with this topic:

• Read “Recession-Resistant Cosmetic Surgery, Part 1 – Fast & Effective Injectable Options
• Learn more about Columbus, Ohio aesthetic laser procedures
• Share your thoughts – what low-cost cosmetic enhancement procedures do you prefer?

By: John K. Wakelin, MD

According to the recently-released ASPS plastic surgery statistics, over 1.1 million male cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed in 2008 alone, and each year more men visit with me to learn more about options like laser hair removal, aesthetic skin laser treatments, and Columbus, Ohio BOTOX® treatments.

Men have unique goals for their procedures, and last week my colleague Dr. Timothy Treece outlined some of the ways surgeons typically adapt top male facial cosmetic surgery procedures to create results that enhance masculine features. This week, my focus is on enhancements to create a better body shape.

Part 2: Body and Skin Correction

Aesthetic Skin Laser Treatments

• Popularity: 49,000 procedures in 2008 (according to the ASPS)
• Why: Good facial skin tone is important for the firm, sharp-looking features most men want. Loose, sagging tissues, fine lines, broken veins, or uneven pigmentation can change the way the skin appears and detract from balanced, attractively masculine features. Laser treatments like IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) can correct many of these problems quickly, without the downtime of facial surgery.
• How: Like any aesthetic skin laser treatment, Columbus, Ohio laser skin rejuvenation requires an accurate, professional assessment for good results. Men tend to have slightly thicker skin than women, but a skilled skin specialist can account for these differences and create smooth results with very little downtime.

Gynecomastia Treatment

• Popularity: 17,900 procedures in 2008 (according to the ASPS)
• Why: Many men develop extra tissue around their nipples during puberty, but in most cases this disappears when they reach adulthood. For some, though, these stubborn fatty patches will persist, creating an awkwardly feminine breast shape. Male liposuction of the upper body and in some cases surgical removal of excess breast tissue can generally correct this problem.
• How: Male “breast” reduction, unlike female breast reduction, often can be performed using liposuction alone. Because men tend to want a more angular, squared-off pectoral shape, a good surgeon will typically design this procedure with a focus on flattening the nipple area as much as possible and emphasizing the horizontal shape of the pectoral muscles. Many men will also follow upper-body liposuction with laser hair removal in Columbus, Ohio so that unwanted hair will not obscure their new, sculpted shape.

Interact with this Topic:

• Read Post 1 – Top Facial Cosmetic Enhancements for Men
• View the American Society of Plastic Surgeons statistics on male cosmetic surgery trends
• Learn more about male plastic surgery in Columbus

By: Robert T. Heck, MD

Many women and men are choosing low-cost cosmetic enhancements to help them look fresh-faced and energetic for job interviews or just to look as young and energetic as they feel. Lately, more people who would normally opt for cosmetic surgery have been choosing faster, more budget-friendly treatments that offer some of the most desirable effects of cosmetic surgery.

At our cosmetic surgery center and medical spa in Columbus, Ohio, BOTOX® Cosmetic and other facial enhancements are popular for their dramatic results, but a few skin and body treatments are also gaining a bigger following as fast and effective short-term alternatives to cosmetic surgery. In this blogging series we will look at top choices in both of these areas, starting this week with injectables.

BOTOX® Cosmetic

Why it’s so popular – BOTOX focuses on some of the most obvious and problematic signs of aging – dynamic wrinkles – without requiring actual surgery. This procedure takes under an hour, so patients also don’t need to take time off of work to recover. The results last about six months.

How it works – Many wrinkles in the upper portion of the face come from the repeated muscle contractions as we express emotions. This constant movement creates “dynamic” wrinkles, which deepen when we form facial expressions. Like a forehead lift, Columbus BOTOX Cosmetic treatments address the facial muscles directly, but while a forehead lift actually results in a repositioning of the muscles, BOTOX only temporarily relaxes the muscles to diminish the appearance of wrinkles.

Injectable Fillers

Why they’re so popular – Fillers correct noticeable signs of aging while at the same time restoring many of the characteristics of youthful skin, instantly and without surgery. These treatments generally take less than 45 minutes, and may last as long as a year depending on the type of filler used.

How they work – Aging, sun damage, and weight changes can all cause the body to lose fat below the skin and limit the production of proteins like collagen, which help maintain the skin’s elasticity. The resulting loose skin emphasizes facial hollows while at the same time creating wrinkles that worsen the appearance of fatty pockets and loose skin. Paired with BOTOX, Columbus, Ohio injectable fillers can dramatically improve the look of the entire face by filling out those hollows and smoothing finer wrinkles on the lower face.

If you are thinking of undergoing one of these treatments, keep in mind the importance of choosing a trained skin care professional. Jeopardizing your health is simply not worth saving a few dollars, even in tougher times like these.

Interact with this topic:

• Read “Recession-Resistant Cosmetic Surgery, Part 2 – Top Laser Treatments
• Learn more about Columbus, Ohio medical spa procedures
• Share your thoughts – what low-cost cosmetic enhancement procedures do you prefer?

By: Timothy A. Treece, MD

Cosmetic surgery for men has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years, as more men have turned to treatments laser hair removaland BOTOX® Cosmetic in Columbus, Ohio to reinvigorate their look and maintain a sharp appearance. Men want these procedures for some of the same reasons that women do – to look better and enjoy a more confident self image – but at the same time, men have different objectives and require different approaches.

Part 1 – Male Facial Enhancement

BOTOX® Cosmetic

• Popularity: 313,000 male BOTOX procedures in 2008 (according to the ASPS)
• Why: Frown lines and sagging tissues around the eyebrows create a tired appearance and make the face appear loose and lacking in definition. Columbus BOTOX Cosmetic treatments can help correct these problems by relaxing the facial muscles that create frown lines, and in the process slightly lifting the brows so that loose upper eyelid tissues appear tighter.
• How: Good BOTOX results will lift the brows – but not too much. A flatter, more horizontal brow line tends to look more masculine, so your surgeon should not aim to elevate the brows into too high or too curved a shape.

Eyelid Surgery (blepharoplasty) and Nose Surgery (rhinoplasty)

• Popularity: 75,000 rhinoplasty and 31,000 blepharoplasty cases in 2008 (according to the ASPS)
• Why: A disproportionate nose shape or loose, baggy tissues above or below the eyes can de-emphasize strong masculine features. Cosmetic surgery can refine these areas so that they offset your other features in a more balanced way.
• How: When performed by a skilled surgeon, eyelid surgery will remove a small amount of eyelid tissue from above the eyes, but not too much. A “pulled” look can expose too much of the eye and compromise the more horizontal shape of the “ideal” male eye, so eyelid surgery tends to yield better results in moderation.
   
  Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) for men needs to preserve the angularity and structure of the nose, so the surgeon needs to avoid reducing the nasal bridge too much, and in most cases should not narrow the shape of the nostrils.

Next week in part two of this series, my colleague Dr. John Wakelin will outline why and how some of the most popular body and skin enhancements like laser hair removal can help Columbus, Ohio men create a more toned and attractive shape.