Breast Procedures

What is the procedure like?

Breast augmentation is usually an outpatient procedure, performed with the use of general anesthesia. For the procedure, the surgeon will increase the size of the breasts by inserting a saline or silicone implant under the breast tissue or the chest muscle. Incisions may be made underneath the breast, in the nipple area, in the crease between the chest and breast, or in the belly button.

Who are good candidates for breast augmentation?

Women who are physically and emotionally healthy, have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery, and understand the risks and benefits of the procedure are ideal candidates for breast augmentation.

Women may wish to increase the size of their breasts for a number of reasons, including:

• feelings that their breast size is too small or disproportionate to their body
• breasts have become uneven and symmetry is desired
• significant weight loss may have also shrunk breasts
• breast size and shape may have changed after pregnancy

What is the typical recovery time?

Recovery from breast augmentation surgery may take two or three weeks. Bandages may be removed several days after surgery, and showers are usually permitted within the first week. Arm movement will likely be limited, and heavy lifting as well as physical contact with breasts should be avoided for up to three weeks. While bruising and discoloration will likely disappear quickly, the swelling may take a month to subside.

What are the risks associated with the procedure?

Virtually all surgery includes some risks, including reactions to anesthesia, blood clots and infection. Additional possible complications from breast augmentation include changes in breast/nipple sensation and capsular contracture.

One of the most common risks linked to breast augmentation, capsular contracture, occurs when the scar around the implant hardens or becomes tight. The soft implant may then feel hard, and could even tear or rupture, causing a leakage in the breast. The majority of the side effects associated with the procedure, such as swelling, bruising, scars and hardness, will disappear over time.

How much does breast augmentation cost?

The cost of the procedure depends on many variables, so it is not possible to give a price without a personal consultation. Associated costs may include the price of the procedure, operating room costs and anesthesia fees. Please contact us for a personal consultation.

Body Procedures

What is Smartlipo™?

The first laser system designed for body sculpting, Smartlipo™ is ideal for treating localized deposits of unwanted fat and tightening the skin in those areas, effectively smoothing out bumps and bulges. Smartlipo™ is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laser to heat fat cell membranes, causing them to rupture. The essentially liquefying fat is then aspirated from the body. The laser also coagulates the underlying vessels, resulting in less bleeding, bruising and much less downtime. The procedure is commonly performed under local anesthesia.

What areas of the body may be treated with Smartlipo™?

Smartlipo™ is ideal for treating small areas of the face, neck, arms, waist, inner/outer thighs, male breasts (gynecomastia), and other areas of loose or lax skin (flabby skin).

What type of technology is involved?

The Smartlipo™ is an Nd:YAG laser with high peak power and a high rep rate of 40 Hz. The laser energy is delivered using a 300 micron fiber which is threaded through the handpiece and cannula.

Do the results last?

The procedure permanently destroys the treated fat cells, and adults do not create new fat cells. (Weight gain or loss is simply a matter of the fat cells expanding or shrinking, but not the addition or subtraction of the number of fat cells.) Should the patient later gain weight, the fat cells that remain in that part of the body or those in other parts of the body will expand accordingly.

Who is a good candidate for the procedure?

Women and men who are physically and emotionally healthy, have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery, and understand the risks and benefits of the procedure are ideal candidates for body sculpting procedures. Additionally, an excellent candidate will be close to normal body weight and have areas of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise.

How many treatments are required?

For most patients, only one treatment is required. The session may require 45-60 minutes for each area treated. Laser lipolysis is also an ideal choice for “touch ups” and revisions.

How much does Smartlipo™ cost?

The cost of the procedure depends on many variables, so it is not possible to give a price without a personal consultation. Associated costs may include the price of the procedure, operating room costs and anesthesia fees. Please contact us for a personal consultation.

Facelift

What is a facelift?

Medically referred to as rhytidectomy, a facelift is a surgical procedure that smoothes loose skin on the face and neck, tightens underlying tissues and muscles, and removes excess fat. Facelifts are typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation; however, a surgeon may choose to use general anesthesia.

What are the benefits of the procedure?

A facelift can help to minimize visible signs of aging and enhance self-confidence by making the patient look younger and fresher.

What are the risks associated with the surgery?

Virtually all surgery includes some risks, including reactions to anesthesia, blood clots and infection. Although significant complications from facelifts are rare, additional risks may include nerve damage. Smokers stand an increased risk for poor healing.

Most people are able to return to work between 10 and 14 days after surgery, but swelling and bruising may be visible for up to three weeks. Patients should avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks, and sun exposure should be limited.

Who is a good candidate for the procedure?

Women and men who are physically and emotionally healthy, have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery, and understand the risks and benefits of the procedure are ideal candidates for a facelift. The best candidates are those whose facial skin has started to sag, but still retains some elasticity.

Are the results permanent?

Facelifts can appear to turn back time by giving patients a fresher, more youthful appearance, but no treatment can stop the advancement of time. Individual results may vary significantly, but most people can expect their results to last between five and ten years.

How much does a facelift cost?

The cost of the procedure depends on many variables, so it is not possible to give a price without a personal consultation. Associated costs may include the price of the procedure, operating room costs and anesthesia fees. Please contact us for a personal consultation.