If you have deep lines and wrinkles on the face, you may have found that over-the-counter skin care products and non-surgical aesthetic techniques are not powerful enough to reverse the appearance of these wrinkles. That’s when you might want to consider a facelift; the gold standard of plastic surgery for turning back the hands of time. Learn more about this surgical procedure before you schedule a consultation at Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL.

What’s the Best Age To Get a Facelift?

Most plastic surgeons will recommend scheduling a facelift procedure if you are in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. This is typically the age range in which collagen depletion leads to more visible lines and wrinkles, particularly on the midface. At this age, using non-surgical treatments to increase collagen production may not always be effective, and over-the-counter skin care products will usually not produce a long-lasting youthful appearance.

Of course, the best age for you to have a procedure such as a facelift will depend on the condition of your skin, your genetics, and even your lifestyle factors. For example, fair-skinned people age more quickly because their skin has less protection against UV rays, while medium and dark-skinned people may have a slower aging process. People who used sun protection from a young age will typically be able to delay the visible results of aging, as well.

What About a “Refresher” Lift?

Occasionally, people will want to schedule a refresher lift. You may want a refresher lift if you had a mini lift in the past or a facelift several years ago. A refresher lift is a customized treatment that allows a plastic surgeon to tighten and lift your skin so you can enjoy longer-lasting results. Typically, you will have a refresher lift about 10 to 15 years after your first procedure, since this is when the visible signs of aging may start to creep back in.

How Long Will Results Last?

The results of a facelift procedure can last for about 10 to 15 years. A full lift produces the most dramatic results, while a mini lift will produce results that can last for up to five years. Naturally, the longevity of your results may depend on how well you can take care of your skin and factors that are beyond your control, such as a genetic predisposition to deplete collagen more quickly.

How Can You Maintain Your Results?

Any plastic surgery procedure is an investment in both your time and money. Given the long recovery period associated with an invasive treatment such as this one, you may want to consider ways that you can maintain your results.

Maintaining long-lasting results means you are taking steps to protect the collagen production in your skin so that you can enjoy skin firmness and elasticity. Some of the best methods to maintain your results include:

Neurotoxins

A treatment such as a neurotoxin injectable can help you enjoy longer-lasting results, particularly when you use this treatment around the eyes and on the forehead. Research shows that using Botox regularly can prevent or delay the visible signs of aging.

After a procedure to lift and tighten the skin on your face, it may be a good idea to use neurotoxins to keep muscles in the upper face relaxed so that you can prolong your results. By relaxing your facial muscles, less tension will be put on the skin, which will ultimately slow down the development of lines and wrinkles.

Dermal Fillers

You may also be able to use dermal fillers to maintain or enhance your results. After a lift procedure, using dermal fillers can top up your results so that you can enjoy smoother, firmer skin. Using dermal fillers is common several years after a lift procedure so that you can prolong your results.

You may also be able to use dermal filler to accentuate your results, such as using these products to contour areas of the face. Many people use dermal fillers to contour the jawline, nose, lips, and cheekbones.

Chemical Peels

Sometimes, maintaining your results means tricking the eye into thinking your skin looks younger because of a lack of superficial skin concerns. In particular, superficial skin concerns such as sun damage and dark spots can add years to your overall age, even if the texture of your skin is tight and supple. Regular chemical peels can gently resurface your skin so that you can have a radiant, even-toned appearance.

Aesthetic Facials

You may want to consider other aesthetic facials, which can include laser treatments that enhance collagen production, or facials that resurface the skin. Non-surgical facials can tighten and restore the skin, which can prolong the results of your lift procedure. Furthermore, some aesthetic facials can enhance the health of your skin, which can also help you look younger for longer.

Sun Protection

When it comes to maintaining long-lasting results, protecting your skin from the sun is essential. Sun protection should be the final step in your daily skincare routine so that you can prevent free radicals and UV rays from breaking down collagen prematurely. Sun protection will allow you to enjoy longer-lasting results and will prevent the development of superficial skin concerns, such as melasma and other blemishes.

Skin Care

Your skin care products are essential for enjoying long-lasting results after a lift procedure. Although your skin care products may not be powerful enough by themselves to reverse the visible signs of aging, they can maintain the results of your lift procedure when you use them consistently. For example, using products that contain retinol and collagen can keep the texture of your skin supple and youthful.

Less Stress

Reducing stress can be another way you can maintain longer-lasting results. The stress hormone cortisol is associated with faster collagen depletion. By reducing your stress response when you can, you can help the collagen in your skin last longer, which will allow you to enjoy a tighter skin texture for longer.

There are several ways you can reduce stress, such as cutting back on work hours, meditating, or addressing interpersonal issues in your life that are contributing to daily stress. Emotional stress, however, isn’t the only type of stress you need to worry about when it comes to premature aging. Not getting enough sleep is a physical type of stress that can also cause premature aging.

Healthy Lifestyle

Finally, leading a healthy lifestyle can go a long way to prolonging the results of your lift procedure. In particular, you will want to make sure that you are eating healthily, drinking enough water, and exercising regularly. When you can balance these healthy aspects of your lifestyle, your skin will respond by maintaining a more youthful appearance.

Another healthy lifestyle change you can make is cutting back on tobacco or alcohol consumption. Tobacco in particular can contribute to premature aging, so it might be time to quit smoking or using other tobacco products if you want to look younger for longer.

What Can You Expect From This Procedure?

A lift procedure for the face typically takes a few hours to complete. Most of the time, the surgery is completed under general anesthesia, so you must be healthy enough to withstand this surgery. Before your surgery, you will usually need to complete several labs and exams to assess your eligibility for the procedure.

How Should You Prepare for Surgery?

To prepare for this surgery, you will need to stop smoking and stop taking anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning drugs for at least one week. This can include aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain herbal supplements. Some people may also use Arnica Montana supplements to fortify the body’s natural healing response so the recovery period is shorter.

Will You Have Aftercare Guidelines?

Your recovery period after this surgery will usually take two to four weeks. During your recovery, you will have to follow several aftercare instructions for how you can wash your face, wear makeup, or apply skin care products. You will also need to avoid activities that involve lifting heavy objects, bending over, or elevating your blood pressure with strenuous exercise or exposure to heat.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If your skin care products and non-surgical aesthetic treatments just aren’t cutting it anymore, you may want to consider a surgical option to lift and tighten the skin on your face. Usually, people between the ages of 40 and 60 are the best candidates for a facelift procedure. The results of this surgery can last for over 10 years. Reach out to us at the Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL to schedule your consultation today.

Are you unhappy with the way your face looks now that you’re getting older? Aging is a natural process, but the changes you may be seeing to your appearance aren’t necessarily welcome. At The Plastic Surgery Center in Bradenton, FL, our Voluma treatments can help you maintain a younger appearance.
 

How Long Will Voluma Last?

Your cheeks are one of the fullest parts of your face, so when you begin to lose volume in this area as you get older, it tends to be pretty noticeable. You may find your face looking overall gaunt and older.
 
Volume is part of the Juvederm lineup of injectable dermal fillers. It’s specifically designed to add volume to your cheeks, and you can expect to enjoy your results for up to 18 months.
 

What Is Juvederm?

Juvederm is a collection of dermal fillers that puts fullness into different areas of your face. It’s injected into your desired areas using a fine and precise needle, making it a great option for patients who want something non-invasive.
 
Its main ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which is a chemical that you can find naturally in various parts of your body already. This includes your muscles, connective tissues, eyes, and, of course, your skin.
 

What Makes Skin Sag and Wrinkle?

Along with hyaluronic acid, your skin is made up of other important chemicals. It contains the proteins elastin and collagen, which provide your skin with structure and elasticity. The hyaluronic acid, meanwhile, gives your skin fullness and maintains its hydration by attracting moisture molecules.
 
Over time, your body becomes less effective at producing these important chemicals. While they may be in abundance in your youth, as you get older, the levels of these chemicals in your skin lower. This means your skin is no longer able to stay elastic, and you’ll find a significant amount of volume loss.
 

What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do?

As we mentioned, hyaluronic acid helps your skin maintain its hydration and its fullness. When it’s injected into your skin in the form of this dermal filler, it takes up space under loose skin you may have on your face, lifting it and smoothing out any wrinkles.
 
Once it’s been injected, the hyaluronic acid will also stimulate your body’s production of collagen. This keeps your skin elastic, firm, and supple.
 

What Other Areas Can Juvederm Treat?

If you get Voluma injections, you’ll be able to fill out your cheek area and add more definition to your cheekbones. But this isn’t the only formula available. If you have any of the following concerns, then you can get other Juvederm formulas to help manage them.
 

Jowls

Jowls will naturally begin to form as your skin becomes less elastic and gravity begins to have a stronger effect. While they are a normal and common part of aging, they’re probably not welcome.
 
If you get Voluma injections in your cheeks, this will fill in the space under your skin and lift the skin that’s been sagging. Not only will you reduce the appearance of your jowls, but you’ll also smooth out and add more definition to your jawline.
 

Laugh Lines

It’s very common to get wrinkles around super mobile areas of your face. A combination of loss of elasticity and repeated facial movements will eventually make the lines that form between your nose and mouth when you smile or laugh permanent.
 
These lines are also called nasolabial folds. If you’ve noticed the appearance of these lines on your face and you’re not happy with the way they’re making you look, consider getting Juvederm’s Vollure formula.
 

Marionette Lines

Over time, your chin is going to lose volume, just like the rest of your face. This volume loss can result in the appearance of marionette lines or the lines that run from the corners of your mouth down towards your chin.
 
These can dramatically age your overall appearance. To help lessen the effect or even get rid of these lines entirely, you can get Juvederm’s Ultra formula injected into the area.
 

Lips

Do you have thin lips? This may be a result of aging, or it could be a simple matter of genetics. Regardless of the reason, thin lips can make you appear older than you are, or they can make you look much more severe than you really are.
 
Juvederm’s Volbella formula is a great solution to this cosmetic concern. It will put this missing volume into your lips, and it can be used as a way to even out asymmetrical lips.
 

Lipstick Lines

The vertical lines that you may have noticed appearing on your lips with age are called lipstick lines. You may have also heard them called smoker lines. Not only can they make you look older, but they can even make you appear unhealthy.
 
If you get Juvederm injections in your lips to add more fullness, this will take up space beneath the loose skin and smooth out the wrinkles you may have noticed.
 

What Is Getting Treatment Like?

Before Your Appointment

If you think that Voluma could be the perfect solution to your thinning cheeks, then the first thing we’ll do is book a consultation with you. During this time, we’ll go over your goals and expectations. We’ll also provide you with instructions on how you should prepare for your appointment.
 
There are a few things you’ll need to remember in the days leading up to your appointment. Make sure you follow our instructions to ensure your treatment is as safe and effective as possible. We’ll ask that you avoid certain things like alcohol and tobacco as well as some supplements and medications, as these could thin your blood and cause bruising.
 

Your Treatment

When you arrive at our clinic, we’ll do everything we can to ensure the entire process is as comfortable for you as possible. The first thing we’ll do is thoroughly clean the areas where you’re going to receive your injections, preventing any bacteria from entering the injection sites.
 
Once your skin is ready, we can start applying the product. We’ll use multiple injections, applying small amounts of the Juvederm at a time. This helps the process stay accurate, meaning that you’ll walk away with exactly the results you want. Treatment is fast and generally takes less than an hour.
 

Your Recovery

Unlike invasive surgical procedures, the healing process for any Juvederm treatment is extremely easy and low-maintenance. As soon as your treatment is finished, you’ll be able to leave our clinic and get back to your regular life. There are just a few things to remember as your skin heals from the injections.
 
Be careful to stay out of direct sunlight since your skin will be much more sensitive over the next few days. You should also avoid any strenuous physical activity or anything else that could cause excessive sweating, and you should continue to keep from drinking alcohol or smoking.
 

What Will My Results Be Like?

One of the biggest reasons why so many dermatologists and doctors love this filler is that it’s easily customizable to fit each patient’s individual needs. No matter how dramatic or subtle you want your results to look, we can make sure that you love your appearance.
 
As soon as you leave the clinic, you’ll see a noticeable change in the way you look as the product takes up space beneath your skin. Over the next week or so, as the hyaluronic acid begins to work, you’ll see your full results.
 

Who Is a Candidate?

Wondering if this injectable might be right for you? All of the fillers in the Juvederm lineup are formulated to be safe and effective, and its main ingredient is something that you can already find present in your skin. This means that almost anyone can safely get this treatment.
 
As long as you are not pregnant or breastfeeding and do not have any skin conditions like sunburns or eczema flare-ups, then this treatment could be perfect for you. It’s a great way to reduce the appearance of wrinkling and sagging as well as to prevent them from appearing in the first place.
 

Get Your Appointment Today

If you’re ready to get your Voluma injections, then it’s important to choose the right clinic. We’re ready to help you get the youthful, healthy appearance that you’ve been missing. Get in touch with us today at The Plastic Surgery Center in Bradenton, FL.

Breast augmentation is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures in the nation. Many people use breast augmentation to increase the volume of their breasts, correct asymmetry, and more. At Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL, we know how crucial it is to select breast implants that will help you achieve your dream body silhouette. Learn more about how implants work and how to choose the best implants for your goals.

How Do Breast Implants Work?

Breast implants are synthetic materials that are placed within the breast tissue to enhance breast size, shape, and fullness. Essentially, implants are long-term solutions to correct lost volume, breast sagging, and other concerns you may have about the appearance of your breasts. The procedure can be used by most people to achieve body goals.

What Are Your Implant Options?

As part of your augmentation procedure, it’s essential to select breast implants that will help you achieve your goals. When you are working with your cosmetic surgeon to select breast implants, you will need to make choices about material, shape, and placement. Let’s explore some of the options you will have.

Silicone vs Saline

The two most common materials used for implants are saline and silicone. Each of these materials has advantages and disadvantages. For example, many people feel that saline implants are more reliable than silicone implants, while others feel that silicone implants produce a more natural-looking result.

Silicone implants tend to have more density and durability as well as more options for size and shape. Saline implants, on the other hand, are usually more appropriate for younger women or those who have enough native breast tissue to mask the shell of the implant.

Round vs Teardrop

The size and shape of your implants will have a significant impact on your final results. For those who are looking for more natural-looking results, teardrop implants tend to be ideal. Teardrop-shaped implants are fuller at the bottom, which mimics the natural shape of the breast.

However, if you want to significantly increase breast size or visibly improve breast shape, round implants may be a better option for you. Round implants typically lift the overall profile of the breast, which can create more fullness.

Above Muscle vs Under Muscle

Finally, you will need to choose the placement for your implants. Typically, you will have the choice of placing the implant above the pectoral muscles or below the pectoral muscles. Ultimately, the placement will depend on the size of your implants and your native breast tissue.

Which Options Are Best for You?

When you’re considering all of your options for your implants, it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed. This is why you will need to have a frank discussion with your cosmetic surgeon to go over all of your options. Your cosmetic surgeon will make recommendations based on your body goals and the natural amount of breast tissue you currently have.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

In general, most implants will last for 10 to 20 years. Both saline and silicone implants can have extreme longevity based on how well you take care of yourself and the amount of natural breast tissue you have. Many people postpone revision surgery until later in life because their implants still look good after 10 to 20 years.

That said, it’s common to have revision surgery after menopause because the natural breast tissue will become less voluminous, which can reveal the shape of the implant. For revision surgery, you will have to make many of the same choices for your new implants.

What About Fat Transfer?

If you want to moderately increase the volume of your breasts or correct asymmetry, you may want to consider a fat transfer instead. For those who want a natural alternative to increasing breast volume and fullness, fat transfers can produce similar results to implants. A fat transfer works by removing fat in one area of your body and placing that fat in your breast.

Advantages of Fat Transfer

The main advantage of a fat transfer is that the results can look much more natural than using implants. Other advantages include the fact that the recovery process is much shorter after a fat transfer and that you will not require revision surgery later in life. Finally, a fat transfer may be a better option for those who only want to make moderate changes in the appearance of their breasts.

What Can You Expect From Treatment?

Usually, the surgery will take one to two hours to complete. Your surgery will involve the use of general anesthesia, which means you will not be able to drive yourself home after your surgery, and you may require some at-home care for the first day or two.

What Should You Do Before Treatment?

Because breast augmentation will require general anesthesia, many of your pre-op instructions are designed to give you an easier recovery time. This is why you should not eat anything on the morning of your surgery and why you should stop smoking at least four weeks ahead of time.

On the day of your surgery, you should not wear lotion, perfume, or hairspray. It’s also a good idea to bring comfortable clothing, particularly clothing that can zip or button. Many of your post-op clothes should be easy to put on without lifting your arms over your head.

What Should You Do After Treatment?

After your surgery, you will need to rest as much as possible on your back, preferably in an elevated position. During the first 24 hours, you should drink at least one glass of water every two hours and walk around the house for at least 15 minutes every few hours.

Your diet after surgery should be light, including soup, Jello, or other easily digestible foods. You will need to avoid bending over and lifting anything more than one to two pounds for several weeks after your treatment. You should also avoid exercise other than walking for at least four weeks.

How Long Is the Recovery Process?

Your recovery process after breast augmentation will usually take six to eight weeks. During your recovery, you will need to wear a compression garment most of the day and at night, unless you are bathing. The compression bra will help speed up your healing and ensure that your breasts conform to the desired shape.

You will attend several follow-up appointments during your recovery to assess how well you were healing after your surgery. Most people go back to work after two to four weeks for desk jobs, or after four to six weeks for more labor-intensive jobs.

Is There a Best Age for This Treatment?

You can have breast augmentation surgery as long as you are 18 years or older. However, although you can have the surgery at any age, if you plan on breastfeeding, it may be a good idea to wait until you are done childbearing and breastfeeding to have the surgery.

While breast implants won’t prevent you from breastfeeding, the weight changes and milk production associated with pregnancy will alter the shape and size of your breasts. To simplify your life, waiting to have breast augmentation until after you are done breastfeeding is a good idea.

Is There a Best Time for This Treatment?

Because the recovery time for breast augmentation is so long, it’s generally a good idea to schedule your surgery at least three to four months ahead of any important life events, such as a wedding.

Are You a Good Candidate?

Most adults who are in good health are good candidates for this procedure. Because the surgery will involve general anesthesia, you may need to complete certain labs and exams before you’re cleared for surgery, including blood work that assesses your general health.

Good candidates may be motivated to have this procedure because of breast asymmetry, breast sagging, or perceived lack of fullness. Women who have undergone a mastectomy may also use breast augmentation surgery to restore their previous body shape. Finally, some candidates can also include those who want to complete a male-to-female or male to non-binary transition.

Increase Your Body Confidence With Breast Augmentation

For some, the size and shape of your breasts are closely linked to your body confidence. Fortunately, breast augmentation can place implants in your breasts to correct volume, fullness, asymmetry, and other concerns you may have. Get in touch with the Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL to schedule your consultation today.

Sadly, we can’t delay the onset of wrinkles forever. Even if you take great care of your skin and protect it from the sun, developing lines and wrinkles is a part of life. Thankfully, Botox is an excellent solution for managing these wrinkles. At The Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL, we’re pleased to offer this gentle but powerful treatment option for our patients.

Does Botox Work Right Away?

Results Should Arrive Quickly

Botox is known for its ability to deliver results quickly, usually within 48 hours. While some patients may notice results as quickly as 24 hours after their injection, for others it may take a few extra days. It’s important to remember that everyone is an individual, so the timeline of when you can expect your results may vary slightly depending on how your skin responds to treatment.

Your results will likely reach full effect 10 to 14 days after treatment. The “full effect” period is when your results are at their strongest.

Regular Treatments May Help

Many patients find that getting regularly scheduled treatments can help their results both improve and last longer. Botox works by relaxing your facial muscles. There are nerves that tell our muscles when to contract, which is happening almost constantly as we make various facial expressions.

When specific muscles are targeted during treatment, the treatment will block these nerve signals. As a result, the treated muscles will relax, and the overlying skin will smooth over. Regular treatments can help “train” the muscles to remain relaxed for longer.

The Appointment Is Fast Too

This injectable boasts both fast results and quick appointments. This treatment can usually be carried out in as little as 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the area we’re treating. That’s a pretty good trade-off when it comes to enjoying months of improved wrinkles. Modern life is pretty busy; many of our patients appreciate not having to sacrifice their whole day to get the results they want.

How Long Will I Notice Improvements?

Four to Six Months

The treatment tends to remain at its full effect for about three months. Most patients will enjoy the benefits from this treatment for four to six months before they feel the need to get a follow-up injection. There are many factors that can slightly alter this timeline. It can depend on how severe your wrinkles are, your skin condition, your overall health, and how many units of treatment you receive.

When we meet with you, we can take a look at these factors to help you get a better idea of your timeline. We will also be happy to talk through your goals with you; whether that’s receiving regular treatments, or just stopping by now and then for a boost in confidence. After your first treatment, you should have a better idea of how often you may want to come in for a touch-up.

Is There a Best Age for Treatment?

It Depends on You

You don’t have to be any particular age to start looking into cosmetic treatments. Some people get hung up on the idea that injectables are only appropriate after a certain age. In reality, this treatment is very flexible and able to help patients of almost any age. Patients in their 20s may come in looking to address fine lines or help keep certain facial muscles still. This can help slow down the progression of wrinkles.

On the other hand, there’s nothing wrong with waiting either. Many patients choose to wait until they already have wrinkles before they seek out treatment. The long and short of it is, if you’re an adult and want to either help your face age gracefully or address wrinkles, this could be a good option for you.

Is This Treatment Considered Safe?

An Excellent Track Record

Clostridium botulinum type A, which is used to make Botox, is a neurotoxin. That can sound intimidating, but this neurotoxin is thoroughly purified in a process that allows it to be safely used for cosmetic purposes. In fact, there are even some medical conditions that can be improved with this treatment, such as neck spasms and excessive sweating.

Throughout decades of use, this treatment has been studied and tested for safety and effectiveness. Our team has the experience and the training needed to properly handle and administer this treatment, but we also want our patients to be comfortable asking us questions. If you have any concerns, please ask us at any point and we would be happy to address them with you.  

What Can I Have Treated?

Dynamic Lines

If you stand in front of the mirror and make a range of facial expressions, you’re going to see certain lines appearing or deepening as you do so. These lines are called dynamic lines, and they’re caused by facial movement. For younger patients, these lines may only show up when you make an expression right now, but over time they become permanent.

This treatment specializes in treating both fine and deep dynamic lines, since it works through facial relaxation. It can erase or greatly improve the appearance of various wrinkles and lines by helping the treated area remain relaxed no matter what expression you’re making.

Frown Lines

When you furrow your brow or squint in the sun, do you see a single vertical line appearing between your eyebrows? These are called frown lines. These lines can sometimes be referred to as “11 lines” if there are two vertical lines between your eyebrows.

Treating frown lines is an excellent way to soften your facial expression. When frown lines become permanent, it may make a person look as though they’re furrowing their brow even when they’re at rest. This treatment can help the skin throughout your upper face look more youthful as well.

Crow’s Feet

These fine lines can curve up and down from the corners of the eyes. As the lines progress, they may extend up to the eyebrows, and down towards the cheekbones. Our team can use our expertise to gently treat the muscles around your crow’s feet, and help reduce their appearance.

Forehead Wrinkles

We use our eyebrows to make a lot of different expressions. That can take a toll on the skin of our foreheads. Horizontal lines across the forehead are some of the first wrinkles to show up, and a very popular area to treat. Patients who have permanent lines across their forehead, or want to reduce the depth of their forehead wrinkles when they raise their eyebrows, can find this treatment to be very effective.

Are There Any Alternative Treatments?

We Offer Various Fillers

We know it’s important to feel like you have good options for your needs. That’s why we offer a wide range of injectable treatments. Dermal fillers work differently than Botox. Rather than blocking nerve signals, fillers are used to fill in your wrinkles and areas of the face that are lacking in volume.

Either option can be very effective. They can be used on their own, but some patients like to have them used together. This approach is often called a “liquid facelift.” We would be happy to discuss our different fillers with you, and let you know what our recommendation is, based on your needs and goals.

The Benefits of Fillers

Collagen is a naturally-occurring protein, and it plays a significant role when it comes to skin health and supporting a youthful complexion. Collagen helps the skin remain strong, hydrated, smooth, and flexible. Unfortunately, collagen production eventually begins to decline with age. By the time we reach our late 20s, our skin is usually producing a little less collagen each year.

Many fillers offer the additional benefit of giving your natural collagen levels a powerful boost. This can help improve skin texture and laxity while managing wrinkles at the same time. We offer various fillers here. Each one has different benefits, and picking the right one may depend on the area of treatment. Our options include the following:

• Juvederm
• Voluma
• Volbella
• Restylane

Picking the Right Option

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the different options, we’re here to help and offer advice. Whether you’re considering Botox, a filler, or both, each treatment brings something unique and valuable to the table. We will consider the location of your wrinkles, their severity, and your long-term goals when we suggest treatment options for you.

Find Out More

We are confident that we have the experience needed to help you find the right treatment. If you have more questions about this treatment or are interested in looking into different options, we’d be happy to talk with you. Contact us today at The Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL, to set up your consultation!

A breast lift Sarasota sometimes referred to as mastopexy, is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. At Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL, we proudly offer this procedure because we understand how much-sagging breasts can affect a woman’s self-confidence. We believe everyone, including those experiencing the effects of massive rapid weight loss or aging, deserves to feel confident in their skin.

How Long Will a Breast Lift Sarasota Last?

As a general rule of thumb, you can expect your breast lift Sarasota results to last for 10 to 15 years. However, individual results vary because many factors affect the actual longevity of the results. For example, the older you are, the more likely it is that you will need a maintenance procedure sooner. This is because your skin produces collagen at a reduced rate as you age, and collagen is one of the vital supportive structures responsible for keeping your skin taut.

On the other hand, if you get a breast lift Sarasota when you’re 21 because you lost a massive amount of weight very quickly, you may be able to go until you are 41 without considering another lift. The health of your skin also significantly affects how long the results of your procedure last. The healthier you keep your collagen, the longer your skin will be able to remain taut despite gravity almost constantly dragging your skin down.

Will Weight Fluctuations Affect the Longevity of My Results?

It is possible that weight fluctuations will affect the longevity of your results, but that is not a guaranteed factor. There is a chance that your breasts will start to sag prematurely if you lose a significant amount of fat from your chest very quickly. The faster you lose weight, the harder it is for your skin to remain flush with the rest of your tissues. This problem is compounded when a significant amount of weight is lost.

Therefore, for results that last as long as possible, do your best to maintain your weight. If you want to lose excess fat, remember to go slow and steady. As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to lose no more than 1% of your body weight per week. If you weigh 145 pounds, losing 1.45 pounds in seven days by averaging a caloric deficit of 725 calories per day should not result in your skin sagging.

Will Pregnancy Affect the Longevity of My Results?

Yes, there is a chance that pregnancy will affect the longevity of your results. Often, a pregnant woman’s breasts will become much larger very quickly due to extreme hormone fluctuations. Then, breasts often shrink once the baby is born. Depending on how drastic and rapid the change in your breast size is, you may need a lift sooner if you get pregnant after your procedure.

How Soon Will I Be Able to Enjoy My Results?

The lift of your breasts will be improved immediately after surgery. However, it may take up to a few months for your skin to heal from the surgery and truly settle in. It will be especially hard to enjoy your ideal results at first because you will need to wear a compression garment for the first two weeks following your surgery. You will even need to wear this garment while you sleep. After that, you will need to wear a wireless sports bra for several more days.

What Else Will I Need to Do After My Surgery?

Sleep On Your Back

It is not just important that you wear a compression garment while you sleep. It is also important that you sleep in the appropriate position, on your back. The reason why you shouldn’t sleep on your side or stomach after your mastopexy is that doing so may apply too much pressure to the healing skin. This can slow your recovery.

Get Enough Sleep

It is also important that you dedicate plenty of time to restful sleep during your recovery process. Your skin mostly heals itself during the REM stage of sleep, the final stage in the sleep cycle. Ideally, you should take 90-minute naps during the day if you can’t get 7.5 to nine hours of solid sleep per night. Just keep in mind that the more sleep cycles you complete, the longer you spend in the REM stage.

If you have trouble sleeping soundly throughout the night, take some time to consider why. If you wake up throughout the night because you’re too hot, turn the AC down or put a fan in your room. If you wake up to urinate in the middle of the night, stop drinking fluids at least an hour before bed. You also may find that you sleep better if you stop consuming caffeine after a certain time. Caffeine usually has a plasma half-life of around five hours.

Drink Plenty of Water

Another step you must take to ensure your recovery is as smooth as possible is to drink plenty of water. How much water you need to drink for optimal hydration depends on many factors, including your diet, activity level, and body weight. If your diet consists of a lot of foods with high water content, you may only need to drink around eight cups of water daily to stay hydrated.

It is worth noting that unsweetened coffee and tea can also help to hydrate you. Just remember that too much caffeine can affect your sleep quality. Also, it is vital that you do not consume so much caffeine that your blood pressure leaves the normal range.

Limit Sodium Intake

Another important step you should take to keep your blood pressure normal is to moderate your intake of sodium chloride. This chemical compound will help you retain water, but consuming too much may slow your recovery.

Am I a Good Candidate for This Procedure?

You need to attend an initial evaluation to verify that you are a good fit for mastopexy, but if you’re in relatively good health, there’s a good chance you’ll qualify. The reason you should be relatively healthy is that surgery requires a lot of energy to recover from, and illnesses require a lot of energy to recover from. If you are sick within two weeks of your scheduled procedure, your operation may need to be rescheduled. We want you to have a smooth recovery.

Also, it is important that your heart and lungs are relatively healthy if you are getting several body contouring procedures at the same time. This is because the greater the scope of your cosmetic improvements, the more likely it is that you should get general anesthesia. However, for general anesthesia to be safe for you, it is vital that your cardiovascular and pulmonary systems are strong.

Will This Procedure Be Effective for Me?

During your initial consultation, we will evaluate your cosmetic concerns and discuss your goals to verify this procedure will be effective for you. To give you a pretty good idea of whether mastopexy will help you improve your self-confidence, you may want to perform the pencil test on yourself. You can verify that your breasts are sagging (experiencing ptosis) by placing a pencil in your inframammary fold. If the pencil falls, you probably don’t need a lift.

On the other hand, if the pencil is held by your breast, you are experiencing sagging breasts and could probably benefit from mastopexy. We will discuss all of your cosmetic goals during your initial evaluation. If you’d like, we can reposition your nipple and areola in addition to lifting sagging breast skin. Just let us know if you plan to get pregnant in the future; detaching the nipple may affect your ability to nurse.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

While mastopexy results are not permanent, you can expect them to last a long time. Generally, the results of this procedure remain for 10 to 15 years. To help your results last as long as possible, you should do your best to maintain your weight and keep your skin healthy. If you’re in the Bradenton area and believe lifting your breasts will improve your self-confidence, schedule a consultation at Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL today.

Our faces are a focal point that others focus on as they talk to us or otherwise evaluate us. This is true no matter our age, and as we get older, it can be common to suffer some anxiety and self-consciousness as we realize our faces are changing. At The Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL, we offer many treatments and procedures that can help address the problems of aging and increase your self-confidence. Among them are the traditional facelift and the faster, simpler mini facelift. Both of these procedures are effective, but they will be right for different people.

How Is a Mini Facelift Different From a Traditional Facelift?

The mini facelift offers many of the same benefits as a traditional lift, but it is not as dramatic. You can think about it as “mini” in a number of different ways. For one thing, the incisions are smaller. For another, the recovery period is shorter and simpler. At the same time, while the results are just as noticeable, they affect less of the face.

The primary difference between these two procedures is really the area of focus. The mini facelift focuses only on the lower part of the face and the neck. A full facelift addresses these areas and also the upper cheeks.

What Happens in a Facelift?

When you have a facelift, the procedure begins with your neck and face being sanitized so everything is completely sterile and there is no possibility of introducing bacteria into your body. Then, you are put to sleep so you will be comfortable throughout the procedure. The surgeon will make a small incision near your ears, carefully placed to hide any scarring.

The surgeon will then tighten the muscles and connective tissues of your face in order to address the sagging that naturally occurs with age. This can be done on the upper and lower parts of the face as well as the neck, and once it’s over, your surgeon will close up the incisions. A full facelift usually takes between two and five hours.

What Happens in a Mini Facelift?

During a mini facelift, everything will begin just as it does with a regular facelift. The same kind of procedure will be done, but only on your neck muscles and the skin of the lower face. The goal is to lift skin that has sagged due to volume loss or the pull of gravity on the muscles and then to restructure loose tissues while removing excess fat. A mini facelift typically takes about two hours to complete.

Other Questions

How Long Does It Last?

Don’t let the term “mini” confuse you. This term only refers to the size of incisions and the amount of the face that is addressed. It does not refer to how long you will enjoy your results. This type of facelift provides the same long-term results as a full facelift. Most people will enjoy the results for around 12 to 15 years before the natural aging process makes much of a difference again. While a facelift can certainly address the effects of aging, it cannot stop the aging process.

The age at which you have this procedure done will affect how long your results last. The younger you are, the longer your results tend to last. This is because, when we are younger, our bodies are better at producing collagen and keeping our skin healthy.

Am I Too Old for a Facelift?

There is really no wrong age for this procedure. Some people seek a mini or full facelift as young as age 30, especially if they have lost the “genetic lottery” and notice signs of aging earlier than average. Other people wait into their 60s before getting a facelift. The important consideration is how you feel about your own face and what you want for your own future.

The main considerations in this procedure are your overall health and expectations. It’s important that you have reasonably good general health and skin health, as well as some skin elasticity, in order to ensure you will get good results from the procedure. It’s also crucial that you have realistic expectations about what it will be like and what your results will be.

What Is the Recovery Period Like?

This procedure has a relatively short recovery. You will need someone to drive you to and from the procedure and to stay with you during the first 24 hours as the anesthesia wears off. You will probably also need someone to help you with chores and things around the house for a few days, particularly if you have pets or children.

It will also be important to avoid moving your face more than necessary during this time, so you may wish to lay in what you need for meals in advance, choosing things that are easy to eat, like soups, smoothies, and protein shakes.

For the first couple of days, you will not feel like doing much besides resting, but after a few days, you’ll begin to feel very much like yourself again. Within a week, you should be able to wear makeup again, and you should be ready to return to work after about two weeks.

Can I Make My Results Last?

Everyone hopes to extend their results after a procedure like this, and the best thing you can do is to take excellent care of your skin. This involves caring for your skin itself as well as your general health.

Keep Up a Good Skincare Routine

Make it a habit to take good care of your skin. Be sure to wash it with a gentle cleanser in the morning and evening, stay well moisturized, and use skin care products that are recommended for your age, lifestyle, and skin type. We can give you recommendations for products that will best support your skin.

Live Well

The simplest and cheapest way to take care of your skin for the long term is to wear a good quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever you spend time outside and stay well hydrated. If you are a smoker, now is the time to quit. Smoking is extremely damaging to the skin and will actively work against everything you’re trying to do in preserving your appearance. Be sure to drink alcohol in moderation and eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of proteins, healthy fats, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Schedule Non-Invasive Treatments

You can support the longevity of your results by getting other types of skin care treatments at our office, such as cosmetic injectables, skin resurfacing treatments, facials, and more. These are non-invasive, fast and simple, and can deliver dramatic results.

How Do You Prepare for This Type of Procedure?

Your first step to prepare will always be to come in for a consultation, and during your consultation, we will give you a list of instructions to follow prior to your surgical appointment. Those instructions will include things specific to you and your unique health concerns but also general advice that applies to anyone getting a mini or full facelift:

Stay Hydrated

In the days prior to your procedure, you will help your body to recover quickly by being very careful to stay well hydrated. If you can drink at least half a gallon of water each day, your skin will thank you.

Quit Smoking

As mentioned, smoking destroys the skin and dramatically advances the aging process. Nicotine damages the skin, destroys collagen, and interferes with the body’s collagen production rate. It can also raise your blood pressure, which will make recovery more difficult. If you have never quit smoking before, use this surgery as the motivation you need to put this bad habit behind you. Your skin and your entire body will thank you for this one.

Avoid Blood Thinners and Alcohol

It’s important to avoid medications and supplements that can thin the blood prior to this procedure. This includes alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, ginkgo biloba, St. John’s wort, and others. We will give you a full list of things to avoid during your consultation. You should also avoid alcohol for a few weeks prior to and after the procedure because of the way it raises blood pressure and causes dehydration.

Get Started

If you are concerned with sagging in the lower part of your face, and especially if it’s interfering with your confidence, a mini facelift might be the perfect way to restore a youthful look. Come talk to us at The Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL today to learn more and get started.

Are puffy, lined eyelids aging your appearance? Would you like to tighten up and refine your eyelids for a fresher and more youthful look? Blepharoplasty Sarasota, which is also known as an eyelid lift, can quickly and easily restore drooping eyelids and lift them back to a more natural position. Eyelid lifts are one of the many popular treatments at The Plastic Surgery Center in Bradenton, FL.

How Long Does Blepharoplasty Sarasota Take?

Eyelid lifts are performed on an outpatient basis and usually take no more than two hours when both the upper and lower lids are addressed. If this treatment is performed just on the upper lids, or on just the lower lids, it will take even less time. Most patients set aside about 10 days so that they have time to rest and recover at home before heading back to work.

What Is an Eyelid Lift?

An eyelid lift is a cosmetic treatment that can improve the appearance of the eye area. This treatment tightens and lifts puffy, drooping eyelids. It can also minimize the appearance of bags beneath the eyes and sagging skin around the eyes. Patients love this treatment because it helps them turn back the clock for a more rejuvenated appearance.

In some cases, this treatment can also make it easier for patients to see by lifting eyelids that have begun to sag and obstruct their vision.

How Is This Treatment Performed?

We’ll start by making tiny incisions in the lids. On the upper eyelids, incisions are made in the natural fold behind the eye. On the lower lids, incisions are made along the lash line. We will then remove excess fat, skin, and muscle in a way that tightens the eye area. This is a comfortable treatment, and while your eyes may feel tight or itchy afterward, you will not experience any pain. This treatment is often performed under local anesthesia.

Does an Upper Blepharoplasty Differ From a Lower Blepharoplasty?

When performed on the upper lids, an eyelid lift focuses on removing excess skin and fat to give the patient a more alert appearance. This treatment can also reduce the appearance of hooded lids. When performed on the lower lids, an eyelid lift can minimize under-eye bags and give the skin beneath the eyes a smoother, firmer look. Patients can have either their upper or lower lids treated. They can also have both lids treated simultaneously.

Will I Need To Follow Any Special Steps During Recovery?

The post-treatment care that follows an eyelid lift is fairly straightforward. You will be asked to keep your head elevated, even while resting. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise will be off-limits during your recovery period, and so will the use of contact lenses and eye makeup. It is also a good idea to give your eyes a break by avoiding too much screen time and reading.

How Soon Will I See Improvement?

It usually takes about six weeks for patients to see their full results.

How Long Will My Results Last?

Results vary with each patient, but many individuals enjoy their eyelid lift results for 10 years or more. Lower eyelid lifts are particularly long-lasting.

What Advantages Are Associated With This Treatment?

It Will Give You a Rested, More Youthful Appearance

Puffy, heavy, lined eyelids have a way of making us look older than we are. An eyelid lift can eliminate these signs of aging and help give you a more rested, relaxed, and youthful appearance. The skin around your eyes will be firmer and smoother after treatment, and sagging lids will be listed back to a more natural position.

It Will Help Your Eyes Sparkle

By removing excess skin and lifting your eyelids, an eyelid lift can help natural light better reach your eyes, allowing them to sparkle. Many patients are surprised by how bright their eyes appear after this treatment.

It May Help You See Better

For many patients, sagging eyelids interfere with their line of vision. If you are squinting and struggling to see from beneath heavy lids, blepharoplasty Sarasota can remove that vision impediment and get you back to seeing again.

It Might Help Your Communication

Are you frequently asked if you are tired, sad, or frustrated when you aren’t feeling any of those things? The eyes play an important role in non-verbal communication, and aging lids may be sending incorrect signals about your state of mind. Blepharoplasty can restore the eyelids and clear up those types of miscommunication.

It Will Give You Custom Results

Each patient we work with has a unique facial structure and a unique set of aesthetic goals. We develop a custom blepharoplasty Sarasota treatment plan for each individual we work with.

It Offers Natural Results

We can perform eyelid lifts in a way that offers patients results that are both noticeable and natural. You won’t have to worry about looking artificial after you’ve had this treatment. You’ll simply look like you’ve been taking great care of yourself and enjoying plenty of rest.

It Will Help You Feel Great About Yourself

The eyes are one of the most prominent features of the face, and they play a significant role in first impressions and interpersonal communication. The more alert, youthful, bright-eyed appearance this treatment offers can significantly boost your self-confidence and help you feel great about the way you look.

Am I a Good Candidate?

You Are Unhappy With Your Eyelids

Patients who seek this treatment out are unhappy with their eyelids from a cosmetic standpoint. In some cases, patients are also frustrated with the visual limitations caused by drooping eyelids.

You Understand the Treatment

Patients should have a good understanding of how this treatment works and realistic expectations about what it can accomplish.

You Are in Good Health

The ideal patient is a non-smoker in good overall health. Blepharoplasty Sarasota patients should not have any underlying eye conditions.

What Causes Eyelid Sagging?

For many patients, eyelid droopiness is a natural part of the aging process. As we get older, collagen levels in the body decline, which can leave the skin loose and droopy. And the delicate skin around the eyes is one of the first places where drooping develops. Eyelid droopiness also has a genetic component. If one of your parents experienced drooping eyelids, there is a chance you will as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Age for This Treatment?

Adults of all ages can benefit from these treatments. Because eyelid lifts are most frequently performed as a way of combatting the aging process, patients are often in their forties or older.

Will This Smooth Over Crow’s Feet?

This treatment won’t get rid of crow’s feet, which are the fine lines that radiate out from the outer corners of the eyes. If you are concerned about crow’s feet, we may recommend botulinum toxin injections for you. Some of our patients opt to undergo both botulinum toxin injections and an eyelid lift for maximum rejuvenation of the eye area.

Will My Insurance Cover This Treatment?

Health insurance may not cover blepharoplasty in Sarasota if you are scheduling it for cosmetic reasons. But if you are seeking an eyelid lift for medical reasons, such as a vision limitation, your policy may cover it. The best strategy is to check with your insurer before scheduling treatment. Our practice also offers health care financing through Care Credit.

Can Men Take Advantage of This Treatment?

Yes. Men are frequently bothered by sagging eyelids just as women are. Fortunately, this treatment works very well for patients of both genders.

Will I Still Be Able To Comfortably Close My Eyes?

Yes. Although this treatment will tighten the skin on your eyelids, it won’t prevent you from closing your eyes or otherwise interfere with normal eye activity.

Will I Have Visible Scars?

Scarring is not a concern with this treatment. The incisions we make will be tiny, and they will be tucked into the natural creases and contours of your eye area, which assures that they won’t be visible.

How Can I Get Started?

If you are interested in finding out if an eyelid lift is for you, the first step is to schedule a consultation with our practice. We will evaluate your eyes, talk with you about your cosmetic goals, and determine if this treatment is the right approach for you.

Take the First Step Toward More Youthful Eyes Today

If you’re ready to rejuvenate tired eyes, an eyelid lift may be the perfect solution. This amazing treatment can be performed in just a few hours and offers long-lasting results. Don’t wait any longer. Contact the Plastic Surgery Center in Bradenton, FL, and schedule your consultation today!

If you are considering breast augmentation, you are likely wondering a lot of questions about the process. What does it involve? How long does it take? Will it look natural? Is it painful? Who is a good candidate for this surgery? In this blog post, we will answer all of your questions and give you an overview of the entire process and what you can expect when you come to visit us at The Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL.

 

Does Breast Augmentation Look Natural?

The results of augmentation surgery can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and shape of the implants, the surgical technique used, and the individual’s anatomy. Most women who undergo augmentation, however, are very happy with the results. It is always important to keep in mind that no surgery can guarantee perfect results, and it is important to have realistic expectations.

When undergoing surgery, it is important to work with qualified professionals who have the experience and expertise to ensure a safe and successful outcome. At The Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL, Dr. Jeffrey Scott is a top-rated Sarasota plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing breast augmentation surgery. We will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that meets your needs and goals.

 

How Long Does It Take To See Results?

The majority of women who undergo breast augmentation surgery report that they are very happy with the results almost immediately following surgery. However, it can take a few weeks for the implants to settle into their final position. Most people will see the final results of their surgery within a few months.

 

Why Should I Get Breast Augmentation?

Some of the most common reasons women choose to get augmentation surgery include wanting to improve the appearance of their breasts, restore lost volume following pregnancy or weight loss, and achieve a more balanced figure. Augmentation can also help to improve self-confidence and body image. Breast augmentation can also be used to correct congenital defects or deformities.

 

Who Is a Good Candidate for This Procedure?

Candidates for augmentation surgery should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery. It is important to keep in mind that no surgery can guarantee perfect results, and it is important to have realistic expectations. At The Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL, we will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that meets your needs and goals.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not typically good candidates for surgery, as the implants may interfere with the production of milk or with the development of the baby. It is important to discuss your concerns with Dr. Jeffrey Scott before making a decision about whether or not to proceed with surgery.

 

What Is the Process Like?

The process typically includes the following steps:

• Consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and determine if augmentation is right for you
• Selection of implant size and shape
• Marking of the surgical site(s)
• Anesthesia administered
• Incision made and implant(s) inserted into the breast pocket created behind the breast tissue or under the muscle
• Sutures placed
• Recovery time

 

What Should I Do To Prepare?

In order to prepare for surgery, you will need to stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of surgical complications, avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood-thinning medications for two weeks before surgery, as they can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery, and abstain from smoking and alcohol for a certain period of time before surgery, as these can increase the risk of complications.

You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and help you with your recovery. Recovery times vary depending on the individual, but most people take between two and four weeks to fully recover from augmentation surgery. During this time, it is important to rest and avoid strenuous activities. You will likely need assistance with some basic tasks, so you might also consider having someone take your kids or pets for a few days so you can concentrate fully on recovery.

 

What Should I Do To Recover Quickly?

The augmentation procedure usually takes about one to two hours to complete, depending on the surgical technique used and the size of the implants. Most women report that they are able to return home shortly after surgery. Recovery times vary from individual to individual, but most women report that they feel comfortable and back to much of normal life within a week or two after surgery.

Recovering fully from augmentation surgery typically takes a few weeks. During this time, you will need to avoid strenuous activity and wear a compression garment to help support the breasts and reduce swelling. You will also need to take antibiotics to prevent infection. Most people are able to return to work within a few weeks of surgery.

It is important to follow a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids in order to recover quickly from augmentation. Eating a balanced diet will help your body heal properly and reduce the risk of complications. You should avoid foods that are high in fat and sodium, as they can cause bloating and swelling. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated.

 

How Long Do Results Last?

The results of breast augmentation surgery typically last many years, but the exact duration depends on a variety of factors, including the type of implant used, the size and shape of the implant, and the individual’s natural physiology. Some implants may need to be replaced after a certain number of years. It is important to discuss your concerns with Dr. Jeffrey Scott before the procedure to make sure it matches your goals.

 

Will I Look Like I’ve Had Work Done?

It is important to select an implant size and shape that will give you the results you want while also looking natural. Many women choose to get augmentation surgery in order to look and feel more confident, and most people will never realize you’ve had surgery unless you choose to tell them. Your plastic surgeon will help you select the best implant size and shape for your body and goals.

 

Types of Breast Implants

There are a variety of breast implants available on the market, including saline and silicone implants. Saline implants are filled with saltwater and feel more like natural breasts. Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel and feel softer than saline implants. Both types of implants are safe and have been FDA-approved for use in the United States.

 

Which One Is Right for Me?

The best implant for you depends on your individual goals and anatomy. Dr. Jeffrey Scott will help you select the best implant for your body and goals. Some factors to consider include implant size, shape, and type. You should also discuss your concerns with Dr. Scott before the procedure to make sure it matches your goals.

 

What Happens During the Consultation?

Your consultation is a time for you to ask questions and learn more about the breast augmentation procedure. You will have an opportunity to discuss your goals with your plastic surgeon and see what types of implants are available. You should come prepared with a list of questions to ask Dr. Scott.

Dr. Scott will ask about your medical history and any medications you are taking. You should also tell Dr. Scott if you have any allergies. He will also ask about your goals for the surgery and what you would like to achieve. You should bring photos of breasts that you like to help give Dr. Scott an idea of what you are hoping for.

 

When Can I Start Exercising Again?

You should avoid strenuous exercise for at least four to six weeks after surgery. During this time, you should focus on gentle activities such as walking or swimming. Once you have been cleared by the doctor, you can gradually add more strenuous exercises into your routine. Talk to Dr. Scott before starting any new exercise program.

Find Out More

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery and would like more information, please contact us at The Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL today. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you to determine if this surgery is right for you.

For millions of Americans, a well-sculpted stomach is the ultimate goal. Although we spend hours at the gym, however, endlessly diet, that goal can seem very far away indeed. The Plastic Surgery Center of Sarasota, FL wants to bring that dream home for you. A tummy tuck by Jeffrey Scott, MD, FACS can give you the stomach you’ve been wanting.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty cannot replace natural weight loss. Patients with weight loss problems should consider other options. After you have reached a weight close to the ideal amount for your build, a tummy tuck (formally known as abdominoplasty) becomes a much better choice.

You’ll have better results and a faster recovery if you’re in good shape before your surgery. In many cases, patients first try to attain the desired look through diet and exercise, and only turn to this procedure to put the finishing touches on their look or address stubborn pockets of fat that aren’t responding to diet and exercise.

This procedure is also especially appropriate for a few other types of people:

Those Who Have Lost a Lot of Weight

A stomach augmentation could also be right for people who have lost large amounts of weight quickly. In order to accommodate extra fat, your skin expands and stretches when you carry a lot of weight. Stretch marks are the result of this. Moreover, gravity pulls your abs downward and forward when you have excess weight on your stomach, causing them to loosen and pull further away from your body.

You may find, even if you start a rigorous training regimen, that your abs don’t tighten up the way you thought they would. The best way to restore your natural shape and undo the damage done to your abdomen is by having an abdominoplasty.

Those Who Want To Restore Their Bodies After Pregnancy

Pregnancy has similar effects to what we have just described. The abdominal muscles are more stressed during pregnancy than they are during natural weight gain, as weight is gained behind the abdominal wall.

As the growing baby pushes against the abdomen, the abdominal muscles usually separate, resulting in a flabby stomach. Abdominoplasty can be performed after pregnancy, but it is recommended to wait until breastfeeding has ended. It is best to wait until you have fully recovered from a C-section delivery before undergoing another surgery.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

This procedure reshapes body tissue in the abdomen. The abdomen has three layers of tissue, as do all other parts of your body. You have your muscles, which attach to your bones. Your fat cells sit above your muscles, followed by your fat deposits, and finally, your skin sits on top. Those who exercise know that their muscles define their shapes.

Even with high levels of body fat, muscles are often visible, so it makes sense that losing fat will enhance the muscles’ look even more. Muscles and fat work together to determine your overall appearance; therefore, we shape both of these, if necessary, and remove any excess skin. As a result, many people are able to achieve a firmer, flatter stomach that is otherwise impossible to obtain.

Do I Need This Procedure?

For many people, this procedure is the only way to achieve the results they desire, even though it is purely cosmetic. Losing weight will reduce the fat around your stomach, but it will not reshape the structural muscles. It is also important to contour the midsection’s abs as they form the foundation for the entire midsection. However, going to the gym every day might not be enough, either! You can develop a distended muscle after sustaining an injury, not using it, or even training it incorrectly. Even a strong set of abdominals can appear bloated or stick out.

An abdominoplasty is also the only way to remove excess skin from your abdomen caused by pregnancy or excessive weight loss. Even if you lose a lot of weight and do a lot of sit-ups, the skin is still there. The abdominoplasty procedure is fortunately relatively easy to perform and suitable for most patients. You can dramatically improve the appearance and health of your body in just a few hours.

History of the Tummy Tuck

This type of surgical procedure has been practiced for over 100 years! Modern surgical techniques were introduced in 1870, and it wasn’t long before this procedure was tried out. Throughout the following decades, doctors experimented with a variety of methods.

In the early days of abdominoplasty, many of the procedures were not performed for aesthetic reasons. In many cases, the goal was to repair damage to the body caused by a hernia or object wound. Because aesthetics wasn’t a goal, no one worried about leaving huge scars. In the 1960s, surgeons began working harder to avoid scaring, and today it’s a main goal in the procedure.

Advancements in Technique

In the mid-1970s, doctors started using liposuction to remove fat from the body in order to sculpt it to their liking. Liposuction became synonymous with abdominoplasty almost immediately. By using liposuction, we can contour the abdomen naturally.

Advances in the field have made this procedure less invasive and safer than ever. Recovery times are shorter than ever before. Now is the best time ever to get a tummy tuck.

About the Procedure

In most cases, a tummy tuck can be performed as an out-patient procedure in a matter of hours. If you choose a skilled surgeon and prepare well, your tummy tuck will be successful and smooth.

Preparation

Consultation is required before an abdominoplasty can be performed. Your body’s structure and shape will be evaluated so that we can determine which treatment is best suited to you.

Additionally, your goals and desired outcome will be discussed. You’ll be scheduled for surgery if you meet the criteria for the procedure, which most of our patients do. A week prior to surgery, you’ll receive instructions. They may include healthy diet recommendations to promote healing after surgery. You will receive specific instructions regarding your diet and physical activity immediately before surgery.

During the Tuck

The type and extent of anesthesia required for abdominoplasty will depend on the nature of the procedure and your preferences. For minor procedures, a “Mini Abdominoplasty” can be performed under local anesthesia. For patients who prefer to be completely unconscious during their surgery, general anesthesia may be an option. Epidural anesthesia is the most common type of anesthesia used. Once the anesthesia is administered, your surgeon will make a careful incision across the abdomen from one hip to the other. Another incision in your navel allows Dr. Scott to adjust the skin.

How It Works

Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat along with trimming loose skin. In the process, the abdominal muscles are strengthened and contracted. The abdominal muscles are meticulously stitched back into the new location of the skin over the abdominal muscles. The last detail is your belly button. A new navel is stitched into the skin above your belly button, preserving the original material underneath.
 
As a result, you and those closest to you will see a stomach that is completely natural. Most procedures last around two or three hours. The procedure can be completed in one morning or afternoon.

Aftercare

Since you won’t be able to drive right away, arrange for someone to pick you up. An incision dressing will be applied by your doctor and easy-to-follow instructions given for how to keep the incision clean will be given. It will probably help if you have a friend or family member to stay with you for the first few days. They can retrieve things for you, for example, so that you don’t have to strain yourself in any way.

A few weeks of wearing an abdominal garment will help everything heal properly. Your doctor will also prescribe antibiotics for the prevention of infection. We will schedule follow-up visits with you to make sure you are recovering properly.

Are You Ready for a More Sculpted Look?

If you’re thinking about this procedure, or if you just want to know more about it, we welcome your questions. Dr. Scott is a highly-regarded surgeon and distinguished internationally for his skills in plastic surgery. His goal is to listen to every patient and provide the personalized care needed to get you the results you’re looking for. Come talk to us at The Plastic Surgery Center of Sarasota, FL today to get started!

The effects of childbirth and breastfeeding can be difficult to bounce back from with diet and exercise alone. Many new mothers find that after even one child, their body just isn’t recognizable. At the Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL, renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Scott performs the Mommy Makeover, which can restore a woman’s figure to how it looked before her first pregnancy. If you are wondering how this surgical makeover works, keep reading.

Restoring Your Body After Childbirth

The Mommy Makeover is actually a combination of procedures designed to trim and tone the figure while lifting and filling out the breasts (which typically go through a tremendous amount of change during pregnancy and breastfeeding). While this surgical makeover can be completely customized to address whatever problem areas are bothering you, women often request the following procedures:

• Breast augmentation (with or without a breast lift)
• Liposuction (with skin tightening, if required)
• Tummy tuck

 

When Diet and Exercise Aren’t Enough

The purpose of having this combination of procedures performed is to address those stubborn areas that are not responding to your best efforts at leading a healthy lifestyle. The hormones released during pregnancy and after childbirth can leave a woman with stubborn pockets of fat that often don’t respond to diet and exercise.

A woman might also find herself with excess, sagging skin or deflated, drooping breasts, and these are issues that can only be resolved with surgery. A surgical makeover that is tailored to the patient’s body and aesthetic goals can resolve all these problems at once while requiring only one surgery and recovery period.

What Results to Expect

Patients undergoing a traditional Mommy Makeover usually have both a breast augmentation and a breast lift. Having both procedures at once addresses sagging as well as the tissue loss that can result from the wear and tear of breastfeeding. Some women find that they only need one of these procedures to get the look they want.

This makeover also focuses on removing stubborn fat deposits that have formed around the middle of the body. Women who have given birth typically need liposuction on their stomach, but we can also work on the thighs, hips, and buttocks if needed. If you wish to have a significant amount of fat removed, it may be advisable to have one or more lifting procedures done to tighten up the excess skin that would be left behind.

How Long Do These Results Last?

If a woman is committed to healthy living after her makeover, there is no reason why these positive results should not last for many years. Yo-yo dieting and gaining/losing large amounts of weight can undo even the best surgical procedure, so please avoid this any way you can. Sticking to the basics, such as regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet, can help you to continue looking great well into the future.

When to Schedule a Surgical Makeover

Some women choose to schedule their makeover as soon as they are done breastfeeding, while others want to wait a couple of years to see if they can get back into shape on their own. There is no rule about when to have this makeover performed, as long as you are fully recovered from childbirth and no longer breastfeeding.

Most women typically wish to wait until they are sure they will not be having any more children. This will ensure that you get the maximum value out of your makeover and help you to avoid the need for more procedures down the road. Since childbearing places so much stress on the body, it is possible that some of the effects of your makeover will be undone if you get pregnant again.

How Long to Wait After Childbirth

Your last baby was born recently and you are wondering how soon you can safely schedule your Mommy Makeover. While you are probably anxious to get your figure back and feel like your old self again, we do recommend waiting at least a year after childbirth. At the one-year mark, you are likely done with breastfeeding and have also had enough time to see how well your body can bounce back on its own.

What Does Recovery Look Like?

Since you would be having several procedures performed at once, the recovery process should take several weeks, with final results fully visible around the three-month mark. It is very important to have help at home during this time, particularly if you have young children to care for. Patients must get plenty of rest and avoid heavy lifting. With proper self-care, you should begin to feel like yourself again within a couple of weeks.

Who Makes the Best Candidate for a Mommy Makeover?

Whether you are a new mother or have been thinking about having this makeover for many years, the ideal candidate for this set of procedures will fit the following profile:

• Be in good overall health
• Be a non-smoker or willing to quit
• Have reliable help at home
• Be able to follow all post-operative care instructions
• Be able to take several weeks off work
• Be realistic about what results to expect

 

Devoting Time to the Recovery Process

The biggest challenge we see with women who schedule this surgery is that they may find it difficult to fully focus on their recovery process, particularly if they have young children at home. Mothers, by their very nature, are so focused on taking care of others that they aren’t used to putting themselves first. If you decide to have a surgical makeover performed, it is so important to get the rest and self-care that will ensure an optimal recovery.

If your partner works long hours, you may wish to bring in extra help for a few weeks so that you don’t overdo it during this critical healing period. After the first week post-op, you should be able to engage in very light activity, but picking up children and doing strenuous housework is out of the question. Setting boundaries with your loved ones and focusing on your healing process as much as possible will ensure the quickest and most seamless recovery.

Having Realistic Expectations

A surgical makeover can do wonders when it comes to restoring a woman’s body to how it looked before she had children, but it is still important for patients to have realistic expectations about what their final outcome might look like. This set of procedures can lift, tighten, and tone several parts of the body, and restore a fuller bustline, but it will not necessarily make you look the way you did when you were 20.

Your final outcome will depend on how well your body heals, how much work was done, and your own long-term commitment to healthy lifestyle habits.

If You Decide to Have More Children

It is not unheard of for women to go through this makeover process and later decide to have another child. While it is ideal to wait until you are done having children in order to maintain your new body for as long as possible, there is certainly no rule against going through subsequent pregnancies. Whether or not you decide to have another procedure in the future is a personal decision.

If You Aren’t Sure Whether This Makeover Is for You

Having a surgical makeover is a big decision and one that should not be made lightly. If you are having a tough time deciding if a Mommy Makeover would be right for you, scheduling a consultation with a reputable plastic surgeon should be your first step. Come to your consultation equipped with questions and prepared to look at some before and after pictures.

A surgeon can help you decide exactly what procedures you would need to look your best. For instance, it might be determined that you don’t need the complete makeover – just a breast lift and some liposuction. The goal is to only perform the exact procedures that you will benefit from the most.

Are You Ready to Make a Big Change?

If you would like to look and feel the way you did before you became a parent, the Mommy Makeover can be a life-changing experience. Contact us today at Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Scott. We can help you to tailor a surgical makeover that works for your body and your budget.