December 3rd, 2009
Water assisted liposuction is an alternative to traditional liposuction.
Water assisted liposuction is a new method of body-contouring that uses powerful jets of water to “blast away” excess fat cells. Unlike traditional liposuction techniques, water assisted liposuction does not require a general anesthesia and therefore offers a lower risk for post-operative complications. In addition, the plastic surgeon who operates the water jets is able to exert more control over the fat cells that are targeted due to the very precise nature of the instruments.
Water assisted liposuction, along with laser and ultrasound liposuction techniques, is becoming a popular method of body contouring due to the permanent results and short recovery times. There is some risk involved with this type of liposuction, however, since the powerful stream of water can damage nerves and tissues in the surrounding areas.
Water assisted liposuction is very effective for removing both cellulite and small pockets of fat that can’t be eliminated through diet or exercise. In other words, this may not be an effective approach for removing large deposits of fat throughout the torso and buttocks. It is effective, however, for “saddlebags” or a double chin.
In order to properly maintain the new contour of your body, it is recommended to wear a compression garment after your procedure. Abdominal binders are good for water assisted liposuction of the mid-section, while girdles and body shapers are ideal for more comprehensive body-contouring.
Tags: Water assisted liposuction
Posted in Liposuction Recovery | No Comments »
November 30th, 2009
Anti-cellulite diets can help reduce the appearance of cellulite
There are several effective ways to decrease the appearance of cellulite:
- Go on an “anti-cellulite” diet. Some raw fruits and vegetables have natural properties that can decrease the appearance of cellulite in legs, thighs, buttocks and stomachs. Fish that are high in fatty acids may also work. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water as well.
- Use creams that are designed to decrease the appearance of cellulite. Many of these products are acai-based and have little of no side-effects. Some people see results after just a few weeks of daily use.
- Take anti-aging supplements to combat cellulite that can reduce the appearance of both wrinkles and cellulite.
- Treat yourself to massage therapy. Gentle but persistent fingers can smooth out the fat under the skin, especially when coconut oil is used.
- Consider liposuction to decrease the appearance of cellulite. While traditional liposuction methods can be expensive and have long recovery times, new techniques using lasers, ultrasound and even water jets are less invasive. These new alternatives are very effective in targeting small areas of cellulite.
If you choose the route of liposuction, be sure to speak with your doctor about wearing a post liposuction recovery garment. There are many garments to choose from and finding the best one to fit your needs – whether it’s an abdominal binder, compression girdle, bodyshaper or other post liposuction garment – will help maintain the new shape of your body.
Get more post liposuction recovery information and tips at www.ContourMD.com.
Tags: decrease the appearance of cellulite
Posted in Cellulite, Plastic Surgery Recovery | 1 Comment »
November 27th, 2009
How does silicone sheeting help with healing?
Silicone sheeting is a soft, transparent adhesive membrane that can be applied directly to a wound once it has closed and sutures have been removed. While there is still plenty to learn about the reasons silicon sheeting is so effective in both scar management and the healing process, the results are conclusive and even dramatic.
Doctors believe that silicone sheets help healing in two distinct ways. First, silicone aids in the hydration of the wound, which can keep skin moist and pliant and much more likely to heal. The silicone sheeting, like a traditional dressing, also keeps the wound clean and free from bacteria. The sheet is just permeable enough, however, to let oxygen in.
Second, silicone sheeting aids with scar support. These sheets actually control the tension on the scar to reduce stretching and irritation.
There are some precautions to take if you’re going to use silicone sheeting in a scar management program. First of all, never use other ointments or gels underneath the sheet. Second, stop using the sheets immediately and contact your physician if a rash develops around the wound.
Tags: silicone sheeting
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November 23rd, 2009
Male breast reductions are becoming more and more popular
The differences between male and female breast reduction surgeries are quite distinct. With male breast reduction surgery, also known as gynecomastia, the goal is to remove excess skin and tissue. With female breast reduction surgery, the contour and projection of the breast needs to be maintained as well. This requires a completely different strategy from the surgeon.
With male breast reduction surgery, the incisions are usually much smaller since the skin contours do not require re-shaping. While there may be some loose skin immediately after the surgery, the typical aesthetic of the male chest is preserved. Also, a smaller incision means a shorter recovery time and less potential post-operative complications.
Female breast reduction surgery is more complicated. The surgeon needs to shape the breasts so that they project outward in a desirable manner. Since the incisions are larger, more attention is paid to reducing the size of the scars. In most cases, the woman wants to preserve the lactation function of the breast, so care must be taken with the nipples and the surrounding nerves during female breast reduction surgery.
As with any plastic or reconstructive surgery, you should have a couple compression garments on hand for the recovery. For women, it is recommended to wear a compression support bra, while men are suggested to wear a compression vest to help keep the shape of their new bodies.
Tags: female breast reduction
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November 19th, 2009
Knowing what to expect from a breast reduction surgery will help with its success
Here’s what you can expect while recovering from breast reduction surgery:
- Immediately after the breast reduction surgery, small tubes will be placed inside each breast to drain excess blood and fluid. Both of your breasts will be wrapped in gauze bandages for the first few days.
- You’ll be fitted for a surgical bra that will help to support and protect your breasts until the swelling and pain from the breast reduction subsides.
- You’ll feel pain in your breasts for about a week, especially when you cough or shift your torso. You should receive prescription pain medication from your plastic surgeon.
- The skin around your breasts will be very dry for a few weeks. You’ll need to use a moisturizing cream during the recovery.
- You may feel swelling and numbness in your breasts and nipples for up to six weeks after the breast reduction. Occasionally this lack of sensitivity may last longer or may even be permanent.
- Stitches should be removed in one to three weeks.
- Your first menstruation after the surgery may cause pain and swelling.
- Sex should be avoided for a week or more, and direct contact with your breasts should be avoided for six weeks.
Wearing a post surgical bra will help with the new shape of your breasts. There are several types of bras to choose from including post surgical recovery bras, Bali brand bras, bras designed especially for breast reduction as well as compression support bras. Be sure to speak with your plastic surgeon to find the best bra for your specific case.
Tags: breast reduction
Posted in Breast Reduction Recovery | No Comments »
November 16th, 2009
Knowing the facts can help you recovery faster from your plastic surgery
There are several ways to speed up your plastic surgery recovery time:
- Plan ahead for your recovery time. First, ask your doctor how long the plastic surgery recovery should take. Being frustrated by a slow healing process will place a lot of stress on your body, and that can add to the amount of time it will take to feel 100 percent.
- Take it easy during your plastic surgery recovery. Don’t plan a lot of activities and events or increase your workload. This is the time to take it easy and allow your body to rebound.
- Be prepared for an “ugly ducking” phase. Immediately after your surgery you will experience a lot of bruising, swelling and redness. Worrying about your looks during this period will cause you a lot of stress as well. Within a couple of weeks you’ll start to see the new, beautiful you.
- Drink a lot of water. Hydration is one of the single most important components of the healing process. Drink at least eight full glasses of water every day.
- Follow the doctor’s orders. He or she knows more about plastic surgery recovery and the healing process than you do.
After plastic surgery you should wear a compression garment. These garments, also known as post surgical recovery garments, can help keep the shape of your new body while decreasing the swelling and bruising. Because these recovery garments must be worn throughout the day, it’s a good idea to keep two on hand.
Depending on the procedure, you might need an abdominal binder, or a compression girdle and for those who are undergoing a full body make over – like a mommy makeover – a full body compression garment is your best bet.
Also scar creams and gels can help with the scars left from the surgery.
Tags: Plastic Surgery Recovery
Posted in Plastic Surgery Recovery | No Comments »
November 12th, 2009
Scar creams and gels might be helpful in decreasing the appearance of scars
Resurfacing laser treatment has been used to treat such skin conditions as wrinkles, moles, scars and acne. This procedure uses a laser beam that emits short pulses of energy to remove layers of superficial or damaged skin. As a result, resurfacing laser treatment has been an effective way to remove potential skin cancer spots.
Resurfacing laser treatments, also known as lasabrasion or a laser peel, actually vaporize the damaged cells of potential skin cancer spots. Because the duration of each pulse of the laser is so brief, healthy skin cells are not affected by the exposure to the intense heat. While there may be relatively mild side effects such as swelling, redness and bruising, recovery times generally last no longer than a week. These skin treatments are generally performed with a local anesthetic on an outpatient basis.
Before you consider resurfacing laser treatments for the treatment of potential skin cancer spots, it’s important to discuss your options with your physician or oncologist. Possible complications after resurfacing laser treatment include bacterial infections, hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) and scarring. If you suffer from herpes, these skin treatments may trigger an outbreak.
Scar creams and scar gels can help with any possible scarring that might occur. Though nothing may erase scars completely, by incorporating a scar management program you can great decrease the appearance of unslightly scars.
Tags: resurfacing laser treatment
Posted in Laser Treatments | 1 Comment »
November 9th, 2009
There are many ways to decrease wrinkles on your face
Wrinkle freezing treatment (REX) has become a popular and effective alternative to Botox injections for the treatment of wrinkles and frown lines. This procedure involves the insertion of a probe at a location near the temple. This probe sends radio frequency (RF) energy to limit the movement in forehead muscles that are responsible for frowning–and for frown lines.
Wrinkle freezing treatment (REX) provides several advantages over Botox injections. First of all, many patients feel uneasy with the idea of injecting the botulism virus into their bodies. Wrinkle freezing treatment (REX) is entirely non-toxic. Secondly, a single REX treatment can last 18 to 24 months. Most Botox injections only last three to six months.
On the other hand, many patients still prefer Botox treatment over wrinkle freezing treatment (REX). Botox has been on the market for many years, and its long-term effects are widely known. REX is a relatively new technology and is still under evaluation. Wrinkle freezing treatments also tend to produce more swelling, bruising and discomfort.
Both techniques are minimally evasive and take only about 30 minutes, and results are immediate. Your physician or plastic surgeon can help you to choose which wrinkle treatment is right for you.
Alternatively, you can opt for a face lift. If this is the direction you think you might want to take, then be sure to read up on all the facts and information. Also be sure you have a facial surgery recovery garment, also known as facial compression garments, to help keep the shape of the new you and to speed up the time for recovery.
Tags: wrinkle freezing treatment (REX)
Posted in Botox | No Comments »
November 2nd, 2009
Due to its anti-bacterial properties, silver is often used by physicians to promote the healing process. Silver consists of charged particles, called ions, that can be released steadily over several days. That’s why silver ions are often used in commercial dressings in post-operative settings in hospitals.
Silver healing methods have to be employed under the careful supervision of a surgeon. That’s because healthy cells and bacteria are both sensitive to silver healing. A precise balance of silver ions has to be maintained so that bacteria is destroyed without affecting mammalian cells. New types of dressings use lower concentrations of silver than ever before to take advantage of new research in the field of silver healing.
Silver healing methods are often avoided in burns and amputations since there has already been extensive damage to cell tissue. Diabetic patients with poor blood circulation may also be poor candidates for silver healing. Ask your physician if silver healing methods are right for you.
Tags: silver healing
Posted in Plastic Surgery Recovery | No Comments »
October 29th, 2009
A new type of forehead lift is currently being used by plastic surgeons to relieve migraine headaches. This modified procedure detaches nerve endings at specific sites known to act as triggers for migraine headaches. In fact, many of the same forehead lift procedures used to eliminate crow’s feet and frown lines can also be used to help patients who experience chronic pain from migraines.
Plastic surgeons first considered forehead lifts as a potential cure for migraines when they discovered that Botox injections could achieve similar but short-term results. These physicians do warn, however, that a forehead lift isn’t an ideal solution for all migraine sufferers. This procedure seems to be much more effective with patients who suffer frequent and severe migraines than those who only suffer occasional headaches. In other words, only about 10 to 15 percent of all migraine sufferers may be a good candidate for a forehead lift.
Some migraine specialists still recommend a combination of treatments for migraine therapy such as prescription drugs and acupuncture. Studies on the effectiveness of forehead lifts to relieve migraines are fairly conclusive, however, and many plastic surgeons now offer this option to their patients.
If a forehead lift is something you are considering, be sure to get all the information and tips on the procedure plus post surgery recovery. More post surgery information, products and tips are right at your fingertips at www.ContourMD.com
Tags: Will a Forehead Lift Help Relieve Migraines?
Posted in Plastic Surgery Recovery | 1 Comment »
