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, 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 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 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 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 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 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.

As we age, we lose volume in our skin and that can lead to a hollow, sunken, or older-looking appearance. When most people think about restoring facial volume, they turn to dermal fillers formulated with hyaluronic acid. But dermal fillers aren’t the only option you have if you want to increase facial volume. At Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL, we know that a facial fat transfer can be an effective long-term solution for restoring facial volume.

A facial fat transfer is essentially a fat grafting procedure that harvests a small amount of fat from other areas of the body, such as the thighs or abdomen, and then transfers that fat to the face. The fact that this procedure uses your body’s own fat is one of the biggest appeals, especially for those who may have drug allergies. But are the results of this procedure permanent?

Is a Facial Fat Transfer Permanent?

In general, you can expect the results of a facial fat transfer to last for several years – or even a lifetime. The fat that is placed in the face will remain there for many years, which will help you look younger for longer. However, it’s important to realize that the results of this procedure will be permanent in areas where fat has been grafted; it’s possible to experience volume loss in new areas of the face in the future.

Fat Transfer vs Facelift

Fat grafting procedures are unique in terms of longevity. A skin tightening procedure like a facelift is working against the effects of gravity, which is why the results usually aren’t permanent. With fat grafting, however, the fat cells that are placed in the face will remain there for a long time because fat cells are generally resistant to significant changes in tissue volume.

So, although a fat transfer and a facelift can treat many of the same concerns, a fat transfer may be preferable if you are looking for longer-lasting results in hollow areas of the face. That said, it’s common for a facelift to be combined with a fat transfer to achieve your ideal aesthetic.

Fat Transfer vs Dermal Fillers

Right now, some of the most popular aesthetic treatments in the world are dermal fillers, which inject artificial volume into the sub-dermal layers of the skin to increase skin volume and smooth away the visible signs of aging. Many people use dermal fillers because they are non-invasive and don’t have a long recovery period.

However, the major downside of a dermal filler is the fact that the results will usually only last for 12 to 24 months at a time. A fat transfer, on the other hand, can last for years and years – sometimes even over a decade – which more than makes up for the more invasive components of the procedure. This surgery is ideal for those who want low-maintenance results.

Benefits of Facial Fat Transfer

The primary benefit of this procedure is the fact that the results will last for several years. The purified fat cells that are placed into your face will integrate with existing tissue and remain at a high volume in your skin for many years to come as a permanent part of your facial anatomy. Ultimately, this means that your results will remain consistent and that you will not notice major changes in facial volume because of fat cell permanency.

In addition to providing long-lasting results, there are many other benefits to consider for this procedure. Some benefits include being an excellent solution for skin laxity, a minimally invasive procedure, and a low-risk treatment that can produce your ideal results.

Resolve Skin Laxity

Skin laxity occurs because of a combination of collagen and elastin depletion associated with aging, the effects of gravity on the skin, and the loss of fat pads in the sub-dermal layers of the skin as a result of the natural aging process. While you may be able to use artificial fillers to restore a youthful skin texture, the fact of the matter is that your facial anatomy relies on fat pads to produce natural-looking results.

By introducing fat cells back into hollow areas of the skin, you can improve the appearance of mild to moderate skin laxity, particularly wrinkles on the lower third of the face. Skin laxity in this area can be more difficult to resolve because gravity drags loose skin lower. By restoring the natural fat volume in the skin, you can accomplish more significant results for skin laxity resolution.

Minimally Invasive Technique

This procedure is considered minimally invasive, particularly compared to procedures like facelifts. Overall, the techniques required for this procedure are designed to be as minuscule as possible to lower the risk of scarring. The incisions made on donation sites will be small, and once the fat is harvested and prepared, it can usually be injected into the face via a small needle or with very tiny incisions. This also speeds up the recovery period for this procedure.

Low-Risk

Finally, this procedure is considered relatively low risk. Some other aesthetic treatments work by introducing foreign chemicals and formulas into your body to stimulate collagen production. This procedure uses your body’s own fat cells, which removes any risk of allergic reactions. Additionally, some other plastic surgery procedures will require the use of a general anesthetic, but this treatment can be done with only local anesthesia, so there are no risks associated with sedatives that might be used with other surgeries.

What Else Should You Know About Treatment?

This procedure works by taking a small amount of fat from other areas of the body, such as the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen, and then purifying these cells before they are placed into hollow areas of the face, including the cheeks and beneath the eyes. For this procedure, the amount of fat that will be harvested is usually the equivalent of about two to three teaspoons. The procedure itself will only take an hour or two to complete.

Preparation

To prepare for this procedure, you should stop smoking for at least four to six weeks before your appointment day, as this will minimize the risk of bruising and make your recovery much quicker. Like many other injectable treatments, you should speak with your provider about temporarily discontinuing blood-thinning medications and supplements for at least a week before your treatment. You may also be instructed to stop using retinoids and to avoid sunlight for about a week.

Aftercare

After your procedure, you will need to follow post-operative instructions that will help you recover from your treatment quickly. Some instructions you can expect after your facial fat transfer include avoiding touching, rubbing, or massaging the treatment area for at least three to five days after your appointment. You should sleep elevated on your back and avoid strenuous activity, including cardio exercises and lifting.

Many people return to work about a week after their appointment. This is also around the time that you can resume your normal routine, including light exercise and using skincare products that contain retinoids. However, you should continue to avoid sunlight or wear SPF when you plan to be outside for longer than 10 minutes.

How Long Will It Take for Results To Settle?

If you’ve ever had an injectable procedure, then you may be familiar with the concept of “settling”, which is the period of time it takes for an injectable product to disperse evenly into the skin and bond with the sub-dermal layers. For a fat transfer, the settling period can take about seven to 10 days for some people, so during this time you should follow all of your aftercare instructions closely to get the best results from your procedure.

After about two to three weeks, you will notice the final results of your treatment. These results may appear to improve as your skin recovers from the treatment. You may attend a follow-up appointment at this time to assess your results.

Try a Natural Volumizing Solution

If you’ve been-there-and-done-that with dermal fillers and you haven’t been satisfied with your results, then you may want to consider a facial fat transfer procedure. Although similar to a dermal filler, this procedure harvests fat from your body and places this fat in low-volume areas of your face to resolve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hollow facial areas. The results of this procedure can be permanent. Contact us at Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL to schedule your consultation today.

If you look in the mirror and don’t recognize yourself anymore because the signs of aging have become so severe that non-invasive skincare treatments aren’t making a difference, we want to let you know there is a solution. At The Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL, we offer the facelift an effective cosmetic procedure that can restore a natural, youthful-looking appearance.

Facelift FAQs: How It Works, What Kind of Results You Can Expect, and How Long They Last

Everyone knows that a facelift can deliver some incredible results, but if you’re considering this procedure, you probably have many different questions about what it is, how it works, and what you can expect.

If you want the results of a facelift and want the details about everything that happens between achieving those results, we can help. We’re going to provide you with all the information you need to know so you can make an informed decision about this procedure and then walk into the process with complete confidence.

How Long Do the Results Last?

When you undergo a facelift, expect some incredible results. Also known as rhytidectomy, this procedure will not only give you amazing results but long-lasting results as well. Patients can expect to enjoy their results for seven to ten years or longer based on their skin elasticity, and the rate at which they age after the procedure is complete.

This procedure will deliver anti-aging results, but it cannot stop aging. However, living a healthy lifestyle and taking good care of your skin after your procedure can help you enjoy your results for as long as possible.

Making Your Results Last Longer

Even though you cannot stop the aging process, you can take steps to enhance and prolong your results. The easiest and most cost-effective way to maintain your results involves living a healthy lifestyle. Drinking plenty of water, eating foods that promote skin health and a healthy body will go a long way in helping you maintain a tight, contoured, and lifted appearance post-op.

What To Avoid

As long as you avoid some specific foods and unhealthy habits, you can help maintain youthful skin in the years following your procedure. The number one way to maintain and enhance your results is to avoid smoking of any form. Not only does smoking pose significant health issues, but it negatively impacts the appearance and health of your skin as well as your body and your facelift.

Smoking will accelerate the aging process, so if you are a smoker, take every possible measure to quit. You should also work to avoid excess sugar and excess sodium. Sugar causes inflammation and will affect your blood sugar and cortisol levels which can speed the aging process. By simply avoiding processed foods, salt, and excess sugars, you can help ensure long-lasting results.

The Importance of Hydration

Hydration is extremely underrated when it comes to maintaining youthful skin. Drinking an adequate amount of water each day and avoiding the overconsumption of beverages that negatively impact the skin, like alcohol and caffeinated drinks, will go a long way in helping you maintain youthful skin long-term.

Drinking plenty of water daily along with avoiding beverages that will negatively impact your skin health and elasticity will help you enjoy your results for as long as possible. Plus, adequate water intake will help you maintain optimal skin health by promoting detoxification and adequate skin hydration.

Skincare

In-office anti-aging and skin-perfecting treatments combined with an effective morning and evening skincare routine will help you maintain and enhance your post-procedure results.

Facials, chemical peels, and other anti-aging skin treatments will help promote collagen and elastin production after your procedure and help you maintain a clear, beautiful, and healthy complexion. Additionally, using the right skincare products from a professional-grade skincare line with nutrient-rich ingredients will promote youthful, healthy skin.

Sunscreen

While skincare is important, so too is the level of commitment you have to wear sunscreen. The sun ages your skin, and if you want to help maintain your post-procedure results long-term, you can easily do so simply by investing in a high-quality sunscreen and making it a part of your daily skincare routine. Applying sunscreen regardless of the weather will protect your skin from sun damage and additional aging.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical cosmetic procedure also known as rhytidectomy and involves the lifting, restructuring, and tightening of the lower two-thirds of the face. The procedure will address the signs of aging in the mid and lower half of the face by lifting, tightening, and contouring the skin and tissues.

What Does It Treat?

While this procedure primarily addresses the lower and middle half of the face, it does address some specific concerns. It will help address nasolabial folds, wrinkles around the mouth and lips, marionette lines, and jowls. It can also improve and tighten the appearance of the neck to help patients look and feel years younger.

How Does It Work?

Your Consultation

Rhytidectomy is a surgical procedure, so it’s important that you attend an initial consultation before scheduling this procedure. Even though this procedure addresses the same area of the face for all patients, we can customize it to your needs. It’s important that we understand your ultimate aesthetic goals so that we can plan your procedure accordingly to help you achieve the best possible results.

We will evaluate your primary problem areas in person and then custom-tailor your procedure. We want you to feel confident knowing that your facelift will correct your specific areas of concern and help you look and feel your best. We will also review your health history to confirm that this procedure is a safe choice for you.

Procedure Qualifications

It’s important that patients are in good physical, mental, and emotional health before undergoing the procedure. It’s very important that you understand the procedure’s limitations and benefits before moving forward. We will explain this during your initial consultation so that you are fully informed and prepared about everything involved in this process.

Your Procedure

You will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment on the day of your procedure. Since you will receive anesthesia before the procedure begins, you will not be able to drive yourself home. You should have meals prepared and someone who can help at home for those first few days while you rest and recover.

During the procedure, our surgeon will address the problem areas, any excess skin, redistribute fat or tissue as necessary, and complete your procedure by suturing the incisions. He will use the SMAS technique during the procedure, which will deliver some amazing results. Depending on your specific treatment plan, the procedure itself can take anywhere from two to four hours total.

Your Recovery

A bandage of sorts will be applied to your face after your procedure is complete. Our surgical team will provide you with extensive aftercare and recovery directions so that you know how to care for your face in the days and weeks following your procedure. We will provide you with detailed instructions regarding what you should avoid and what activities you should do to promote a quick and healthy recovery.

Am I a Candidate?

If Botox, dermal fillers, and non-invasive anti-aging treatments aren’t delivering the kind of results you would like, you may be a good candidate for a facelift. If the signs of aging have become more severe and you have deep lines, extensive skin laxity, and other signs of aging that cannot be improved with non-invasive treatments, this procedure may be right for you. The best candidates understand the procedure and have realistic expectations going into this process.

This procedure is not designed to change your face and make you look like a different person but instead is designed to restore your youthful appearance by eliminating the more common signs of aging that affect the mid and lower half of the face. If you have realistic expectations and are committed to the recovery process and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to maintain your results, you can expect the entire process to be an enjoyable and effective one.

Restore Your Youth

If you want to restore that youthful appearance to your face, this procedure may help you reach your anti-aging goals while also helping you feel more confident about your appearance. Contact us today at The Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL, to learn more about this procedure and set up your consultation to see whether you are a good candidate.

A person’s eyes are like windows into their soul, but sometimes these windows need to be repaired. Your eyelids can become lax with age, resulting in not only an aged appearance but also impaired vision. If you are experiencing aging skin around the eyes, we can help. At The Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL, our expert surgeons are skilled in performing eyelid surgery that will change the way you see yourself as well as the world around you.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Eyelid Surgery?

There is a recovery period for every surgery, and with blepharoplasty it is no different. However, the recovery process is not difficult, and by the end of it, your beautiful and youthful eyes will be yours to enjoy.

Within two weeks of your procedure, any swelling and bruising will have faded, and most patients can return to work within 10 to 14 days. Even after you return to your normal daily routine, you will continue to heal gradually for several weeks following your surgery.

Promoting Your Recovery

You play an important role in your recovery. In order to ensure that you have the quickest and best recovery possible, you can take some steps.

You will have the best results when you take care of your body, get adequate rest, hydrate, eat well, and follow the aftercare protocol. Just remember, this is only a short period of time. Your eyes will be fully healed in no time, and you will be enjoying your results for a long time.

Here’s what you can do to speed things along:

Get Plenty of Rest

Even after eyelid surgery, it can be difficult to rest if you don’t have a naturally relaxed temperament. Don’t worry about all the tasks on your to-do list. Those things can wait. At this time, your recovery is your top priority, and rest is an integral part of that.

Rest on a regular basis throughout the day and night. As we sleep, our bodies regenerate and rebuild. Ensure that you are getting enough sleep each night and that you are getting enough rest throughout the day: whenever you feel tired, you should feel free to rest and sleep.

Don’t Be Afraid To Get Help

Now is the right time to seek assistance. The first few days after your procedure, ask a family member or friend to help you at home. By not having to worry about household chores, you’ll be able to rest, relax, and recover more quickly.

Make a list of the things that need to get done before your surgery and take care of them. Then get help for after your surgery so you can rest.

Follow all the Recovery Instructions

Following your procedure, your doctor will provide you with specific instructions that must be followed during the recovery process. To promote faster recovery, you will need to keep your eyes clean each day, sleep with your head elevated above your chest, and drink enough water to hydrate your skin.

Take your prescribed medications throughout your recovery period as directed by your doctor, and wear sunglasses at all times if you spend any time outside to protect your skin from the sun. It is best to avoid strenuous activities for two to three weeks while you are recovering.

Eat Well

Nutritional foods are as important for health maintenance as they are for recovery. It is essential that you give your body the right vitamins and minerals so that it can heal and rebuild quickly. When you’re recovering, make sure you eat a lot of healthy fats, lean proteins, and fruit and vegetables.

Foods high in salts or sugars, foods containing processed ingredients and chemicals, or excessive alcohol can hinder the recovery process. If you’re already eating a healthy diet, you’re ahead of the game and can eat normally after your surgery to aid your recovery.

Apply Ice

Using ice after surgery can be one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to promote healing. When you apply ice to your eyes, you will reduce post-surgical effects and improve the appearance of the area as quickly as possible. Your eyes will feel comfortable and your surrounding skin will be benefited as well if you apply ice throughout the day at different intervals.

Plan Ahead for Meals

Preparing meals in advance can help you prepare for your recovery. Make meals that can be easily frozen and reheated so that you and your family have meals ready without spending a lot of time preparing them.

Know What To Expect

Be realistic about what you can expect during your recovery. Recovery will take some time, but it will not last forever. In order to enjoy your beautiful eyes as soon as possible, you should invest in yourself during your recovery and follow all of the instructions.

It won’t be possible to do this on your own, and even if you hate asking for help, you will need it during this time. Many people care about you and want to help you heal as quickly as possible.

What Is Eyelid Surgery?

Aging does not spare the eyes. The muscles of the face weaken as we age, and gravity takes over. Once evenly proportioned fat in your face begins to move and is displaced. It can result in hooded, aged-looking eyes that can make you look and feel older than your actual age.

Blepharoplasty involves removing excess skin and gently reconstructing the area to improve the appearance of the eyelids.

What Does This Surgery Treat?

Blopharoplasty is performed on eyes with signs of aging. This procedure is performed on patients with both cosmetic and medical symptoms. As a cosmetic procedure, it can make your eyes appear younger and healthier. After surgery, all of the bags and drooping eyelids that once characterized the area will be reduced or completely removed.

Speaking medically, if the eyelids have drooped to the point that they are affecting vision, this procedure can help restore the eyesight. Surgery can open up your eyes so you can see more clearly. Even if you opt for this procedure for purely medical reasons, you will also enjoy youthful-looking eyes as a result.

The Process

A consultation, the procedure, and your recovery are all part of the blepharoplasty procedure. Each step is critical to obtaining the best results.

Consultation

During this consultation, we’ll talk about your medical history, evaluate your eyes, and help you decide if this is the right treatment for you. You can also ask questions during this time and get all the facts about everything involved as you make your decision.

The whole treatment plan will be customized to your needs, to help you get the results you’re looking for.

Procedure

We will determine during your consultation whether this procedure will be performed on both of your eyelids, or just one. In order to treat your upper eyelid, an incision will be made in its crease during the procedure. Incisions will be made just below your eyelashes if your lower eyelid is going to be treated. Scars are not visible after the surgery because incisions are made in strategic places on the eye.

Excess fat and skin will be removed from the areas following the incision in the correct location. If necessary, your doctor may reposition the fat inside the incision and tighten the surrounding muscles according to your needs and aesthetic goals. Once the incision has been carefully closed with precision and accuracy, the procedure will be completed.

Recovery

Once your procedure is complete, recovery begins. Be sure to follow the tips we’ve already discussed here to have the fastest and easiest recovery possible. We’ll make sure you have all the information you need before the procedure and review it with you afterward, as well.

Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

You may be a candidate for a blepharoplasty if you are unhappy with the appearance of your eyes that are showing signs of aging, or if your eyesight has been affected by those same signs. It does not matter what the reason is, whether it is cosmetic or eyesight-related. We can help open up your eyes and improve your vision while making you feel more youthful. The first time you visit with us, we will determine if this is an appropriate procedure for you.

Talk to Us Today To Learn More

Our goal is to make you feel more comfortable with the way you look, especially in an area as critical as your eyes. Whether you are interested in improving your vision or improving your appearance, we can help. We invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our experts at The Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL to determine if blepharoplasty is right for you.

If you’ve been thinking about breast augmentation but are worried you’re too young or too old, rest assured age is a very small piece of the puzzle. At The Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL, we don’t believe women should forego the bodies they want simply because of a number. Instead, more emphasis should be placed on factors like your physical health and reasons for surgery.

What Is the Best Age for a Breast Augmentation?

You should first understand that saline implants are FDA-approved for women 18 years or older, while silicone implants are indicated for women 22 years or older. Once you’ve reached the appropriate age limits for the implants you want, you’re free to move forward with the surgery.

Now that the legalities have been dispensed with, we can tell you women from ages 25 to 65 choose to have breast augmentation (BA). In other words, implants are not associated with a “best” age. The number of years you’ve accumulated should play very little part in your decision to get implants. Far more important are your mental and physical health – and your reasons for wanting a BA in the first place.

Little More Than a Number

Let’s talk about maturity for a moment, which must be considered when speaking of implants. We mean both physical and emotional maturity. Some women bloom later than others with breasts that continue developing into their mid-twenties. It’s important you wait until your body has completely finished growing before scheduling your surgery, meaning you may need to wait longer than others.

Think About Your Why

Emotional maturity is a little harder to define. The decision to get implants is one that’s very personal. You need to think about your goals and why surgery is right for you. For instance, an emotionally mature woman ready to handle Breast Augmentation surgery and recovery wants implants to make herself happy.

But a woman choosing implants for her partner or because she thinks others will find her more attractive likely is not emotionally mature. This is an important consideration, and our office will speak to you about your reasons for surgery to ensure you’re a strong candidate.

A Brief Data Review

If you’re on the fence about a BA, it might be helpful to see what women in a range of age brackets are choosing. Take a look at the following data for 2018, provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons:

• Women aged 20 to 29 accounted for 29% of all breast augmentation procedures
• Women aged 30 to 39 accounted for 37% of these procedures
• Women aged 40 to 54 accounted for 29% of these procedures

Between the ages of 30 and 55, women are usually settled into their careers and likely to be finished having children and breastfeeding. Alternatively, these women may have reached the decision to not have kids and simply want a more youthful profile. Last but not least, women aged 30 to 55 are physically and emotionally mature enough to make decisions for themselves. They know what they want and are pursuing surgery to fulfill their own needs.

Implant Guidelines

Generally speaking, we recommend teens wait until they are at least 18 years old to get breast implants unless a special circumstance warrants surgery sooner. The human body doesn’t fully develop until the late teens, and many girls gain weight between the ages of 18 and 21. This can affect breast size, and it’s best to wait until breasts have stopped growing so the implants remain proportionate with the rest of the body.

Emotional reasons also factor into this recommendation. Young teenagers may lack the emotional maturity to fully commit to implants. They may not follow our recommendations for rest and relaxation and, in turn, interfere with their results. Consent is another issue to consider; parents must provide the necessary authorization for a 16- or 17-year-old to undergo surgery.

During puberty, many teens feel unhappy with their changing bodies, but this sense of discomfort is not usually best treated with a physical solution. The vast majority of teens who experience dysphoria find that it eases as they get older, and this is the sort of occasion where counseling may also help. Of course, if they are still unhappy with their appearance in their later teens or early twenties, then breast implants are an option.

Is Any Age Too Old?

As a society, we tend to think that women stop caring about their appearance after a certain age – say, 40. But this is absolutely not true. Older women often choose to get breast implants because they want to feel more confident in their own skin. Implants can improve the size, shape, and fullness of breasts, make them more proportionate, and even improve symmetry. But depending on a woman’s age, she might think she’s too old for BA.

So, is 55 the cut-off? Or 65? The truth is this surgery does not pose an upper age limit. We’ll repeat our earlier statement: what matters more is your physical health. Many older women are healthy enough to successfully have surgery and are then thrilled with their results. And women over the age of 40 consider BA for reasons that are quite different from those of younger women. To illustrate, they often want to:

• Restore a more youthful shape
• Regain lost volume
• Improve their feminine curves
• Choose from a wider range of clothing

 

Mammograms Won’t Be Affected

Women over age 40 often sometimes how their implants will affect mammogram results. We’re happy to say that in most cases, the implant don’t interfere with imaging abilities.

You can help by letting the facility or clinic know you have implants ahead of time. The technician performing the imaging can then take pictures from different angles to obtain the most accurate pictures possible. In addition, the mammography machine will not squeeze or damage implants, meaning it’s perfectly safe to proceed with the test.

The Addition of a Breast Lift

As a woman ages, her breasts tend to naturally sag. This is owed to different factors, including hormonal changes, gravity, and genetics. Weight gain or loss and diminishing skin elasticity also contribute. Many times, sagging causes the nipples to point down rather than out.

With this in mind, women over the age of 40 commonly choose to combine a BA with a breast lift. The latter restores shape and position so the breasts sit higher on the chest wall. In combination, the two procedures can rejuvenate breasts so they appear fuller, perkier, and more youthful-looking. This might be the ideal option for you based on your age and the physical appearance of your breasts.

A Few Final Details

Implants last a long time, up to 15 years or more. Depending on your age when you get them, they may even last a lifetime. We’ll monitor your implants to ensure they continue meeting your lifestyle and aesthetic needs. If they need to be replaced at any time, we’ll develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Having said that, you should know recovering from BA surgery is relatively quick and easy. You will need to take some time away from work to properly heal, but patients generally feel like their old selves in just a few days. Everyday routines can be resumed in one or two weeks, and you can usually engage in exercise and strenuous physical activity after four to six weeks.

Improved Materials and Techniques

Today’s implants are better than ever, providing women with a very natural look that emphasizes their feminine beauty. New implant options include those that are teardrop-shaped to mimic the contours of natural breasts more closely. They provide more fullness at the bottom and taper toward the top. New silicone gels also look and feel like real breast tissues. The bottom line? You have plenty of options to meet your aesthetic goals.

Surgical techniques are also vastly improved, and an experienced provider can help you choose the right implant and incision during your consultation. After the surgery, you can look forward to very smooth, youthful-looking results.

Forget About Age

Don’t let age stand between you and the body you want. Breast augmentation can improve the shape, size, and symmetry of your bust, and thanks to medical advances, your results will look soft and natural. Whether you’re 25 or 65, now is your time. Schedule your consultation today by contacting The Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL.

The natural wear and tear of aging begins to show on our skin as we get older. The degradation of the collagen framework that keeps our skin smooth and firm breaks down over time, leading to loose skin, wrinkles, and fine lines. If this natural aging process has you dissatisfied with how your skin looks, the amazing results that Juvederm dermal fillers provide may be the solution you’re looking for. Our expert team at The Plastic Surgery Center in Bradenton, FL is standing by to help you find out if this line of products can give you the results you’re looking for.

How Does Juvederm Work?

This treatment is a gel-based dermal filler that has been approved by the FDA to fill out and lift your skin, fighting the appearance of aging with zero downtime required. Almost every patient at any stage of the aging process can benefit from this line of products, as there is a filler for every different concern. 

The secret to the way this treatment improves the volume of your skin and smooths over wrinkles and lines is hyaluronic acid, the key ingredient each of these fillers uses. To help make the injection painless and comfortable, these solutions also include a minuscule amount of lidocaine. Treatment sessions typically last just 5 to 45 minutes and instantly give you lasting, attractive results.

What Happens During a Treatment Session?

To provide your skin with an instantaneous lift, the dermal fillers are injected directly under the surface. You’ll be left with a more youthful appearance right away as the solution tightens and fills wrinkles and lines that appear on your skin. The results look entirely indistinguishable from the other parts of your skin, with a natural, soft look and feel. The natural look means that nobody will know that you had treatment done unless you decide to tell them, but the age-defying results are clearly noticeable.

The Key Ingredient: Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is created naturally by your body for use as a hydrating sugar. The healthy, vibrant glow of youthful skin is a result of hyaluronic acid plumping and cushioning the skin and helping it retain moisture. By using cross-linked hyaluronic acid, Juvederm products are able to prolong the lifetime of youthful skin and maximize the lift you see. 

Afterwards, your body will naturally break down the product. Because the active ingredient is something that is naturally found in the body, most patients are good candidates for these fillers.

What Is This Treatment Used For?

Most of the often-occurring signs of aging can be alleviated with just one appointment using the wide variety of different fillers included in this line of products. Your unique needs will be determined during your first consultation so that our experienced professionals can recommend you the right combination of fillers. Among all the issues these injections can help with, here are some of the more common concerns:

Fine Lines

Due to simply the natural movements of your facial muscles, you may notice fine lines in the delicate skin near your eyes, or the area around your mouth, or on your forehead. Despite being somewhat thinner than wrinkles, these lines become more visible with time. You can restore a smoother, softer appearance to these regions of the face by erasing lines using a dermal filler injection.

Wrinkles

For most people, folds and wrinkles in the skin start developing in their mid-twenties. Other factors such as sun exposure can accelerate these wrinkles forming as we continue to age. Correct the texture of your skin and temporarily turn back time by using a dermal filler to erase even the most severe of wrinkles.

Sagging, Loose Skin

As the collagen framework that supports your skin begins to break down, you’ll notice skin laxity. This is a natural consequence of the process of getting older, but you don’t need to live with this skin if you don’t like its appearance. Restore a younger look and fix skin laxity by using a dermal filler to add fresh, noticeable volume to the affected areas.

Decreasing Volume

The process is slow enough that you may not immediately notice it, but hollow areas that make you appear older begin to form on your face due to a loss of volume in your skin. Achieve fuller, rounder cheeks and a more voluminous midface area using the proven results that a dermal filler can provide.

Undefined, Thin Lips

You may not be fully confident in the appearance of your lips if you’re noticing the appearance of fine lines, smoker’s lines, or a general loss of volume or definition. You can see the signs of aging in and around your lips eliminated with one easy treatment using a dermal filler specially formulated for this issue. Create more full, plump lips that have a soft, natural look and feel, further define your lips’ borders, and accentuate your Cupid’s bow using this proven treatment.

Are Results Long-Lasting?

There is some variance in how long your results will last depending on the specific concerns you have and the fillers that are used to treat them. External factors that damage your skin and hasten the aging process, such as harmful sun exposure, can also decrease the effectiveness of dermal fillers. However, by following the instructions that your doctor gives you following treatment, you can get results that remain for between 6 and 18 months. 

Touch-up treatments that enhance your results and help achieve the image you’re looking for can be helpful during this time. Typically, most patients continue with one or two injection appointments per year to maintain results and keep their skin wrinkle-free and youthful looking after the initial timeframe. You can enjoy a more youthful appearance for many years to come if you use a committed treatment plan.

What’s The Difference Between a Dermal Filler and Botox?

Another common solution to lines and wrinkles appearing with age is the treatment called Botox. However, these two treatments are designed to remedy different types of concerns. Dermal fillers are designed to target static wrinkles, lifting and smoothing your skin and restoring the firmness and volume it loses over time. Typically growing deeper as time passes, these wrinkles don’t move the same as the rest of your facial movements, making them stand out. 

On the other hand, neurotoxin treatments like Botox are designed to temporarily ease dynamic wrinkles, which are often invisible if the face is at rest. Making facial expressions tends to make these wrinkles more noticeable, usually in the forehead, and they can be alleviated by blocking nerve signals from transmitting to specific facial muscles. Results from Botox treatments typically last between 3 and 4 months. To address both static and dynamic wrinkles, it may be beneficial to use both of these treatments in conjunction with one another.

Who Is This Treatment Intended For?

Most patients are eligible for this treatment because of the safe and effective nature of fillers. You may be eligible for treatment if you are an adult man or woman who is considered about skin laxity, wrinkles, or lines on your face. The only qualifications are that you should be generally in good health, are free from any irritation or infections on your skin that could interfere with the injections, and you have realistic expectations for the results you’ll get. It is also necessary that you don’t have any allergies to the ingredients this product is comprised of. 

Patients of all ages can benefit from using this treatment, although most patients tend to seek treatment when they’re older than 35 years of age. Severe skin laxity may use other forms of treatment to be efficiently treated than a dermal filler such as Juvederm. As covered earlier, those dealing with dynamic wrinkles they wish to correct will be better served by other treatments. Those concerns are better addressed by using Botox or another service. Don’t worry if you are unsure if this treatment is right for you; our doctor can evaluate you and help you find the treatment that best suits your needs.

Restore a Younger Look Today!

Our team of experts are standing by to help you learn more about how Juvederm can help you reach the appearance you’re looking for. Using these high-quality products, you’ll take years off of your age to look and feel your very best by adding a youthful lift to different regions of your face. Contact The Plastic Surgery Center in Bradenton, FL today to schedule your consultation! 

At Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL, we commonly have clients asking us what we can do to improve their midface. Specifically, people are concerned about the size or shape of their noses. Some people were born with a deformity; other people have suffered a traumatic injury due to a motor vehicle accident or sports accident. Today, we’re talking about rhinoplasty, the perfect solution for people who are concerned about their noses.

How Long Does It Take to Recover After Rhinoplasty?

Generally, it takes a full year to recover from the best rhinoplasty Sarasota. Although this may sound like an intimidatingly long time, most of the recovery timeline is similar to any other aesthetic procedure. For example, you are free to resume cardio roughly three to four weeks after your procedure, and you can get back to pumping iron just six weeks after your procedure.

How Can I Speed Up the Recovery Process?

There are many things you can do to speed up your recovery process.  We will give you an all-inclusive list of what to do post-op during your initial consultation so you can have the smoothest, fastest recovery possible.  Here are some actionable steps you can take for the best possible recovery process:

Listen to Your Doctor

Once Dr. Jeffrey K. Scott M.D., F.A.C.S. determines you are a good candidate for this procedure, he will give you numerous prescriptions to fill, such as antibiotics. Take these antibiotics precisely as prescribed, including adhering to the time of day and dosage. Don’t think you don’t need to take them because you do not have an active infection. These antibiotics are not to treat an infection. Rather, they are to reduce the chance of an infection.

If you have any questions, please bring them up during your initial evaluation. You can also ask any questions you may have about post-op instructions once your procedure is complete. If you have any queries during your recovery period, please feel free to call us. We are more than happy to explain anything you’re confused about throughout the recovery process.

Listen to Your Body

Everyone’s recovery experience is unique. Some people find themselves completely alert three hours post-op and stay up engaging in relaxing hobbies until they are ready for bed. Other people find that they spend 24 hours drifting in and out of sleep. Rest if your body is communicating that it needs more rest. Don’t feel bad if you can’t pay attention to an entire television show.

Get Plenty of Rest

Do your best to get at least 7.5 hours of sleep nightly during the first couple of weeks after your procedure. Ideally, you should get nine hours of sleep nightly. It is important to sleep between 7.5 and nine hours per night because it takes 90 minutes to complete a sleep cycle. Therefore, you will be able to complete five to six sleep cycles nightly. Allow your body the energy it requires to heal itself.

Keep Your Head Elevated

Your recovery period will last longer than it should if you sleep on your side following your procedure. You won’t negatively affect your results if you sleep on your side, but your results will be affected if you sleep on your stomach.

For the fastest recovery period, it is crucial that you sleep on your back with your head elevated for six weeks following your procedure. We recommend using two or three pillows to prop your head up. To keep yourself from tossing and turning at night, we recommend using a travel pillow or surrounding yourself with rolled up towels.

Use Cold Compresses

Using cold compresses during the first 72 hours post-op will also shorten your recovery period. It is strongly advisable to use a cold compress for five minutes at a time, five times daily during the first three days. Nevertheless, it is not recommended that you apply the cold compress directly to your nose. Instead, you should apply the cold compress to your cheeks.

Wrapping frozen produce in a dish towel will provide you with the same benefits as a cold compress. Similarly, if you don’t have a cold compress, you can wrap a bag of ice in a dish towel.

Eat Lots of Produce

One of the best things you can do to shorten your recovery process is loading up your plate with lots of produce. Your body doesn’t just need a great deal of energy to heal itself; it also requires a lot of micronutrients. Vitamins A and C are particularly beneficial when you’re seeking to shorten a recovery period.

You can get large doses of vitamin A in dark, leafy greens. Vitamin C is found in abundance in citrus fruits and cruciferous vegetables. Vitamin C is so important for healing because it contains the building blocks required for your skin to produce extra collagen.

Eat Bioavailable Protein

Collagen is an essential protein for keeping your skin tight, smooth, hydrated, and healthy. However, your skin doesn’t just need vitamin C to produce this essential protein. It also needs lots of bioavailable protein. Ideally, you should eat plenty of lean fish, low-fat nuts, game meat, and eggs every day.

On the other hand, you should try to eat full-fat dairy products because they are far less processed than reduced-fat dairy products. If you don’t get enough protein in your diet, you will be in for an unnecessarily long recovery.

Stay Cool

Heat causes tissue swelling which will prolong your recovery process. Therefore, it is highly advisable to avoid saunas, steamy showers, steam rooms, hot baths, and hot bowls of soup. Take lukewarm showers, avoid vigorous exercise, and eat foods that aren’t steaming hot early in your recovery period.

Refrain From Blowing Your Nose

If you get too hot, your nasal passages will experience swelling. This can make you feel congested, but you shouldn’t respond to this feeling by blowing your nose. Instead, use a saline spray to moisturize your nasal passages gently until the urge to blow your nose passes. You can purchase a saline solution or make your own.

To make your own saline spray, boil a cup of tap water to ensure it is sterile. Then, combine it with half teaspoons of salt and baking soda. If you boil tap water, allow it to cool until it is tepid. If you don’t want to boil water, you can use distilled water. Either way, your saline solution may be stored safely for up to 72 hours.

Don’t Pump Iron

We know how hard it is to skip leg day. However, you need to refrain from vigorous exercise for six weeks following your procedure for your recovery’s sake. We will advise on the intensity at which you may exercise when you come in for your follow-up appointment. Until you get the green light, avoid dynamic stretching, bending over, and lifting.

Don’t Wear Sunglasses

Remember, it is essential that you avoid applying pressure to your nose during the first six weeks of your recovery. Unfortunately, this means you can’t wear reading glasses, prescription glasses, or sunglasses during the first six weeks post-op.

If possible, wear contacts if you need to wear glasses for vision correction. If you can’t, talk to your ophthalmologist about ordering lighter frames. Only wear your glasses when you really have to, and wear a splint under your glasses.

Minimize Sun Exposure

Eating plenty of protein and vitamin C will go a long way in supporting extra collagen production. Unfortunately, your diet alone is not enough to speed up your recovery if you are damaging your existing collagen. You need to minimize sun exposure to keep your existing collagen healthy and ensure you’re not slowing your collagen production. Wear at least SPF 35 and minimize time outside between 10 AM and 4 PM.

Discover Today How to Look and Feel Your Best

Were you in a vehicle or sports accident that led to a misshapen nose? Do you have trouble breathing when you lie on your back due to a deviated septum? If so, you may be the perfect candidate for the best rhinoplasty in Sarasota. While recovery usually takes a full year, you will only need to focus on your recovery for a couple of weeks.

To learn more about this procedure, please contact us today at Plastic Surgery Center in Sarasota, FL to schedule your initial evaluation. We are happy to answer all of your questions regarding the entire process, from preparation to recovery.