The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that one in four men between the ages of 50 and 69 are affected by gynecomastia, although it can happen to males at any age and is not uncommon for teens and young adults. Hormonal changes and imbalances, heredity, obesity and the use of certain prescription and recreational drugs may cause an increase of fat or tissue in the male breast area. Although this condition affects many people, sometimes men feel body shame to the extent that it inhibits their sports activities, clothing choices and intimacy with others. While diet and exercise are important, they can often do little to reduce the appearance of male breasts.

Gynecomastia surgery can eliminate male breast insecurities by reducing breast size and flattening and sculpting the chest. If you are considering gynecomastia surgery (aka, reduction mammaplasty), you are not alone. The staff at bodybyZ will be there for you every step of the way. Your results will depend on you being candid during the consultation and preparing yourself properly for a successful surgery. Here are some ways to prepare yourself.

Determine the Procedure You Want

The first thing you need to do is determine which procedure will meet your individual physical needs. You’ll have a medical exam with Dr. Zienowicz to assess whether the fullness in your chest is from too much glandular breast tissue, excess fat, both excess breast tissue and fat or from loose skin around the areola (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple). Sometimes gynecomastia can be unilateral (meaning, one breast needs correction) or bilateral (both breasts are affected).

Because the causes for gynecomastia may be hormonal or due to anabolic steroids, recreational drugs and prescription medications, it is important to include a complete medical history when consulting with Dr. Zienowicz. We want to ensure permanent results, so we will order lab tests to ensure your hormone levels are in the correct range prior to surgery.

The surgical technique employed by Dr. Zienowicz depends on the excess weight of the breast tissue, how much the breast(s) sag and the stretch of the areola, so that if necessary the position and size of the areola can be improved, and the excess fat and tissue will be reduced. When gynecomastia is mostly the result of extra fatty tissue, liposuction techniques via cannula insertion into small incisions may work best to create the optimal result and allows for sculpting of the chest wall for a toned and athletic chest. When there is glandular breast tissue or areola reconstruction or reduction, excision techniques are recommended to remove excess skin and to reposition the areola. The goal will always be the combination of surgical techniques to provide the patient with a natural male contour. You and Dr. Zienowicz will determine the technique(s) most appropriate for your body type prior to your procedure.

Your Well-Being Is Paramount When Preparing for Surgery

There are things you should avoid before gynecomastia: smoking, herbal supplements and taking anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. Let Dr. Zienowicz know about any medication you take to verify if you should stop taking it or continue before your procedure.

Aim to reach the healthiest version of yourself to prepare your body for surgery. If your gynecomastia is the result of a nutritional supplement, prescription medication or recreational drug use, you may be asked to refrain before surgery.

If your excessive chest fat is due to poor diet and overeating, then before surgery is the best time to examine and fix your exercise and diet habits. Surgery is always best when you are either at or close to your ideal body weight. Ways to improve a poor diet are:

• Drinking plenty of water to flush out toxins
• Eating more fruits and vegetables
• Limiting the amount of sugar, salt and fat in your diet
• Reducing alcohol intake

Ways to improve your physical endurance and exercise regimen are by doing 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise at least three times a week and doing resistance work, such as lifting weights, using arm and ankle bands, or balls.

Remember that the healthier you are, the faster your body, skin and tissues will heal.

Make Logistical Arrangements Prior to Surgery

Know the procedure time and duration of your post-op stay. The surgery is usually a one-time treatment and it takes about two hours, plus the time for anesthesia preparation and recovery.

Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you to our office-based surgical facility and home after the surgery. Have your trusted caregiver handy in case you need to pick up a prescription or need to run an errand during the first 24 hours following surgery.

Have your meals prepared ahead of time so you can rest without stress.

Prepare for a Successful Recovery

The liposuction cannula incisions are typically very well hidden and inconspicuous, so healing is fast and redness fades quickly after a few months. You can expect some bruising and puffiness for at least two weeks. Recovery downtime is quick, but you’ll need to take it easy for the first week after surgery. You can look forward to resuming normal active exercise within just a few weeks after surgery; however, avoid upper-body workouts for at least four to six weeks.

You may also have drains for 24 to 48 hours after surgery and wear a compression vest for six weeks to two months. The vest helps reduce swelling and fosters great results.

Always set realistic expectations about your recovery and results. Patience and a positive mindset are key to healing. Your chest contour may look puffy, red or irregular at first, but this heals and resolves with time. With proper preparation, you can enjoy results that bring out the best version of yourself.

If you’re considering gynecomastia or other procedures, we would be delighted to help guide you through this process. Get in touch today to learn about your options and schedule a consultation at your convenience.

To help determine whether liposuction is a good fit you, there are 15 common questions candidates ask their surgeons most frequently.

1. What is liposuction?

For starters, liposuction is a surgical procedure that helps contour your body by removing excess fat deposits located just under the skin. It removes the pockets of fat that are most resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction may also have several clever names which essentially mean the same thing. Liposculpture is how a surgeon many sculpt areas of your body using the liposuction method. Lipo 360 essentially means lipo around the full circumference of your body – in other words you are turned over during the procedure 360 degrees so that both the front and back of your body are treated.

2. Am I a good candidate for liposuction?

There are two layers of fat you need to understand before determining if you are a good candidate for liposuction: subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat can be stubborn to lose, and it lies between muscle and skin. Visceral fat, on the other hand, is the layer beneath the muscle layer around organs. Visceral fat cannot be removed, but the subcutaneous layer can. The subcutaneous layer’s integrity, as well as your skin’s elasticity will help determine if you are a good candidate. An important consideration when evaluating whether liposuction is right for you is ensuring the skin envelope will not sag or look wrinkly with fat removed. This will be determined in your consultation.

Ideal candidates are healthy, close to their weight goals, and nonsmokers. An office consultation with your surgeon is recommended to determine if you could benefit from liposuction. Dr. Zienowicz will be able to help you best determine the areas you will see the most benefit from liposuction and how he can sculpt those areas for an ideal result.

3. What parts of the body can I have liposuction performed on?

The optimal area(s) for you depends on your unique response to exercise and diet. Common problem areas of the body where women want liposuction performed are:

• Chin and neck area – double chin removal
• Abdomen and Flanks – create curves and sculpted abs and remove love handles and muffin tops
• Breasts – remove “side boob” fat
• Hips – eliminate squareness
• Outer, anterior, and inner thighs – define thighs in proportion to knees and calves
• Knees – create runners’ knees
• Arms – sculpt and define for the appearance of toned and “cut” upper arms
• Back – removed dreaded back fat to soften and create a more feminine physique

Men tend to have liposuction performed most commonly on the chin and neck area, flanks (love handles), abdomen, and male breasts.

Dr. Zienowicz will help you determine where liposuction would benefit you most.

4. Is liposuction safe?

Tumescent liposuction that is performed by a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon under local, IV sedation or general anesthesia is very safe. The determination of anesthesia type would be made based on the number of areas being addressed and the projected amount of fat expected for removal.  

Compared to other surgical procedures, liposuction is one of the safest. The procedure is non-invasive; the liposuction cannula is a narrow stainless-steel tube that removes subcutaneous fat through a very small insertion cut in the skin.

5. Is liposuction a weight loss procedure to treat obesity?

Liposuction is not for obesity, and it’s a misconception that liposuction is a weight-loss treatment. Rather, it’s a fat reduction procedure. The amount of fat you can have removed depends on many factors, including the surgeon’s assessment of your health and body goals. That said, even if you are over-weight, liposuction will help remove several pounds and in such a way to enhance your figure.

6. What are the differences between liposuction and a tummy tuck?

Liposuction removes fat from undesirable areas on the body. With liposuction the surgical incisions are small and recovery time is minimal. Liposuction by itself does not tighten excess skin from massive weight loss or childbirth.

A tummy tuck involves removing excess fat and skin and begin with surgery to correct and tighten weakened abdominal wall muscles (diastasis recti). A tummy tuck’s surgical area is larger, and the incision is longer.  Neither procedure is for weight loss, rather they both help boost your body confidence with a slimmer appearance and help you achieve your ideal body contour. Dr. Zienowicz will perform an examination of your abdominal muscles and any excess skin and stretch marks to determine if a tummy tuck is necessary.

7. Is liposuction covered by insurance?

Because liposuction is considered cosmetic by health insurance carriers, it is not a covered procedure.

8. What are the costs and is financing available?

Costs vary by the patient’s needs and on how many areas are treated by liposuction. One area for liposuction treatment costs less than multiple areas. Following your consultation, Dr. Zienowicz’s surgical coordinator will review costs and help you assess various financing options to put a liposuction procedure within reach of your budget. Dr. Zienowicz accepts www.carecredit.com and www.goalphaeon.com and both plans may be reached directly from our website.

9. How does a patient prepare for liposuction surgery?

Your surgeon will provide instructions for the days prior to liposuction. Be sure to ask a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from the surgical center and to help assist with postsurgical care. Blood thinning medication, such as aspirin should be stopped before the procedure. When using general anesthesia, blood work is done ahead of time to ensure you are good candidate for anesthesia. On the surgery day, no food or drink should be consumed for about 12 hours prior to the surgery appointment time.

10. What happens during the liposuction procedure?

The surgeon makes small cuts in the skin and inserts a tool called a cannula into the fat pocket, just under the skin. This cannula attaches to a suction or a syringe that pulls out the fat. It’s typically an outpatient surgery, so even if you are put under anesthesia, you will go home on the same day as the surgery.

11. What is the recovery like?

The patient can usually return to work within just a few days and resume normal exercise activities within 2-4 weeks, or less. You will likely be asked to wear a surgical compression garment for several weeks and this will be put on you immediately after your liposuction procedure. Recovery and postsurgical care may vary, depending on the area(s) treated and the amount of fat removed. Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions to minimize pain and its duration. Rest, hydration, and not smoking will help with healing time and to eliminate complications.

The most common postsurgical effects can include some swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the area of the procedure. The surgical team will offer some options on pain relief after surgery as well as a list of pain relievers to avoid. 

12. Will there be scarring?

Because the modern cannula (microcannula) is a small instrument, scars are tiny or unnoticeable. Redness will coincide with how many insertion points are necessary for the procedure and will depend on the skin’s elasticity and this will fade over time. Dr. Zienowicz will discuss ideal locations for discrete insertion points and the best ways you can minimize redness and care for your skin after liposuction.

13. What postsurgical and follow-up care is necessary?

Compression garments are used to reduce puffiness and speed up healing. If special care is required, you can plan it with your surgeon for optimal healing. The surgeon may require only one or two post-surgery visits to confirm that everything is healing according to schedule or if multiple areas were treated, you may require multiple follow-up visits, depending on your situation. Following your liposuction procedure, you and your care team will be watching out for any post-surgical fluid collection in the areas treated. If fluid pockets are present they are easily aspirated during a follow up visit to ensure a nice long-lasting flat result.

14. What results should a patient expect after the procedure?

Your surgeon will discuss and help you visualize realistic results. Immediately after surgery, there may be swelling and loose skin that will go away during the healing process. It may take several weeks to months to see the full extent of the results of the procedure. The final result will be a lovely enhancement to create a slimmer more toned figure.

15. Will I gain the fat back after liposuction?

Fat cells removed via liposuction are permanently removed; however, we recommend you maintain a stable weight to keep new fat from coming back to problem areas. Be sure to exercise and eat a healthy diet to help achieve long-lasting results.

If you’re considering liposuction or other procedures, we would be delighted to help guide you through this process. Get in touch today to learn about your options and schedule a consultation at your convenience.

With Dr. Zienowicz you can anticipate following up at our office every week for several weeks, then bi-weekly for several months with subsequent visits as needed through your first-year. We believe that the optimal result comes from an experienced and expert surgeon combined with frequent follow up care by our well-trained and experienced team. Here is a breakdown of what to expect during recovery and tips on how to obtain optimal healing ̶ for results that promote a firmer, flatter and smoother abdominal profile.

Know What to Expect During Recovery

Your recuperation rate depends on the type of tummy tuck, your age, health conditions, and body weight. As with most surgeries, healing is gradual. Complete healing may take several months, while recovery time may be shorter for a mini tummy tuck.

After spending the day at our fully accredited outpatient surgical center, you will go home when feeling alert and well recovered from anesthesia. It is completely normal to have discomfort and swelling for the first few days after surgery, which may be controlled by medicine and a compression garment. While we expect general physical discomfort, the idea is never to cause pain. You will hear from someone in our office when you arrive at home to check in on you and help manage your discomfort. Walking around carefully and as soon as possible after the surgery will help reduce swelling and promote healing.

Once you are home, recovery care may include:

• Tending to surgical site and drains. It’s important to make sure dressings and bandages are clean and changed often. If drains are necessary to aid in fluid removal, you’ll be instructed on how to take care of them and how to keep the area clean.
• Wearing an elastic girdle, abdominal binder, or compression garment for about six weeks post-surgery. These minimize swelling, help eliminate fluid buildup, and support the abdomen.
• Taking prescribed oral medications to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, such as antibiotics, anticoagulants, and pain management. You may also be given topical medications to apply to the skin and scars.
• Meeting with your plastic surgeon for follow-up care.

The appropriate time for you to go back to work and start driving again will depend on the extent of the procedure and your health, but patients are usually able to resume work activities between two and three weeks following surgery. Always feel comfortable asking your surgeon specific, individualized questions about what to expect during your recovery period.

Helpful Tips for Optimal Healing Results

Remember to allow yourself time to recuperate and heal. To help with your recovery, follow these seven tips:

1. Eat a proper diet before and after surgery. Drink plenty of water to help flush toxins out of the body and reduce swelling. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables because they are full of antioxidants and vitamins to aid in healing. Protein-rich foods are also a good idea, like salmon and chicken. They have healthy fats.

2. Rest as much as possible and sleep on an incline. Raising your upper body slightly with knees bent can help reduce swelling. Another tip while sleeping is to put pillows under your knees to reduce pressure on your abdomen. Ask your surgeon about appropriate positioning for a restful night’s sleep.

3. Keep moving, even if it’s just to walk around. This helps to keep blood flowing, to heal, and to decrease blood clots.

4. Don’t push yourself past your limit. Avoid strenuous activity and lifting for at least 6 weeks to avoid injury.

5. Stay positive. Feeling a little sad after a tummy tuck is normal, especially during the first week due to the effects of your pain medication or because you can’t see the immediate result due to post-operative swelling. Focus on why you had the surgery in the first place, your experience with your surgeon and the end results, not immediate discomfort or swelling. You will see these results very soon.

6. Avoid smoking and alcohol. Nicotine causes complications and hinders healing. Alcohol can have dangerous interactions with prescribed pain medications. We can’t stress enough the importance of staying away from people who are smoking or from smoke filled locations.

7. Take care of your scar. There will be bruising in your abdominal area and swelling above the scar, but this will go away. Scars may be red and bumpy at first, but it will fade and flatten after several months. Apply silicone gel or patches may help heal your scar faster and always avoid direct sun exposure for a year. If you can’t avoid the sun, be sure to use 50 SPF or higher before the exposure.

Recovery time is different for everyone, so whether your progress comes in small steps or giant leaps, take it all in stride.

If you’re considering a tummy tuck or other procedures, we would be delighted to help guide you through this process. Get in touch today to learn about your options and schedule a consultation at your convenience.

What Is Labiaplasty?

We typically refer to female genitalia broadly as the vagina, though this is a misnomer. Your vagina is actually your internal genitalia. External genitalia–the parts you can see–is the vulva. 

Labia majora are the large, fleshy outer folds you see when you first look at a mirror and are where hair grows unless you shave or wax that area. The primary purpose of the labia majora is to protect the more sensitive tissue between them, including the labia minora, which are the inner folds, or “lips” leading to your vaginal opening. 

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure most commonly performed to reshape the labia minora, the “inner lips” of the vulva. 

The most common reasons for labiaplasty are as follows:

• Uneven appearance – more tissue on one side than the other
• Too much labia – excessive tissue that hangs longer on one or both sides or hangs out longer than the labia majora
• Discoloration – the excess tissue is much darker than the labia majora
  Pain or discomfort – the excess skin creates friction with movement or sexual activity

What Happens During Labiaplasty?

During your labiaplasty procedure Dr. Zienowicz will make an incision along the edge of each side of the labia minora, allowing the even removal of excess tissue on each side. This approach creates a symmetrical appearance of skin along the opening of the vaginal canal. Dissolvable sutures help ensure the most predictable healing with natural-looking beautiful results.

In some instances, if in addition to excess skin on the labia minora the labia majora are felt to be too small or thin, fat grafting may be performed to enhance the outer lip size and projection.

During your consultation Dr. Zienowicz will speak with you to better understand exactly how you would like the appearance of your labia to look after the procedure.  He will then examine the labia majora, labia minora and clitoral hood to decide with you how to best reshape your genital area.   He will also address all of your questions about the procedure, including preparation, length of time, expected discomfort and follow up requirements.

What to Expect During and After a Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a relatively quick procedure performed in the comfort of our office and typically takes about an hour. Upon your arrival you will be given medication to help you feel relaxed. While you will be alert and awake for the duration of the procedure, the area will be sufficiently numbed so that you will not feel any discomfort. You will go home with a prescription for pain medication should you experience any discomfort when the local anesthesia wears off.

Post-operative care is relatively simple. The sutures used by Dr. Zienowicz are dissolvable and while there may be a small amount of bleeding, this is minimal and will go away in approximately 24 hours. The initial recovery period is between two and five days and it is completely normal to experience slight swelling or bruising during this time.

You will come back for 1-2 follow up appointments usually at one and then two weeks to ensure optimal healing has occurred. Because the small sutures are completely dissolvable you will not have a painful suture removal experience. It usually takes between three to four weeks to see a final result and you are able to resume sexual activity.

Are You Considering Surgery?

We encourage you to review the information we provide on our website to help in your research of a cosmetic procedure and we urge you to call us with any questions or additional information that may be helpful to you as you embark on this journey.  We always encourage our patients to openly discuss their goals and want you to feel comfortable with Dr. Zienowicz and his team of experienced care-givers. It is Dr. Zienowicz’s greatest joy to provide our patients with renewed confidence and to always answer your questions with honest and clinically-sound guidance.

If you’re considering labiaplasty or other procedures, we would be delighted to help guide you through this process. Get in touch today to learn about your options and schedule a consultation at your convenience.

While at it, understanding saline vs silicone implants is important so that you opt for what will suit your needs.

The two breast implants are in different sizes and are both safe. Silicone is viscous and creates a natural feel when implanted. Saline-filled implants have saline fluid that fills a silicone envelope.

If you are considering a breast augmentation surgery, read on about saline vs. silicone implants to know the breast implants for you.

Saline vs Silicone Implants: Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Breast Implants

Silicone and saline breast implants have different features and the choice is dependent on several factors. Your decision will depend on these factors and on your preferences. Here is what you need to know and consider before making this decision.

1. Age

The FDA approves saline implants when patients are 18 years and above. On the other hand, silicone implants are for people who are above 22 years. While going for either option is not illegal, manufacturers are not liable for any side effects if you opt for a breast implant that is beyond your age.

In most cases, younger women opt for breast implants to increase the volume of their small breasts. If you are above 40 years, breast lifting will often be necessary along with augmentation to address cases of sagging breasts.

Your age along with current size and shape should determine the choice of breast implant.

2. Cost

The cost of breast implants is dependent on the type, location, and the doctor. Health insurance is not an option in cosmetic surgery. Most of the breast augmentation costs range between $7,000 and $10,000.

On average, saline implants are cheaper than silicone implants. While still considering cost, it is important to understand that the outcome will be different. Contemplate other related costs such as future monitoring to avert ruptures and breast-augmentation recovery procedures.

The FDA recommends recipients of silicone implants to have regular MRIs in case of silent ruptures. The MRIs are expensive. Most plastic surgeons do not feel regular MRI’s are necessary. When choosing the best breast implant, consider such additional costs.

3. The Nature of Your Breast Tissues

You can opt for saline implants if you have adequate natural breast tissues. Filling the implants is vital because it reduces rippling. With more breast tissues, filling with saline gives it a firm feel.

Most patients who go for breast augmentation procedures have few breast tissues, causing their doctors to recommend silicone implants. In contrast to saline, silicone implants have a viscous filling. The silicone gives the breast a natural look because the implant is quite soft.

Consultation with your doctor will help identify the number of breast tissues you have. A professional cosmetic surgeon will direct you on the best implant. Research more so that you can make decisions from an informed perspective.

4. The Degree of Scarring

For saline implants, the incisions are smaller but more versatile. An incision is necessary to create a breast pocket where an implant is placed.

With silicone implants, you can have a transaxillary or inframammary incision. The degree of scarring is dependent on the incisions and the outcome you desire. The saline implants have fewer cases of scarring because of the small incisions.

Seek your surgeon’s view on the procedure that will have minimal scars. Smaller scars can increase women’s confidence and makes the breasts more attractive without having to hide some marks.

5. Implant Ruptures

When going for breast augmentation surgery, you should know that a future revision surgery might be necessary. The breast implants can rupture any time. Whether silicone or saline breast implants, the rupture is inevitable.

If you have an implant rupture, going for breast revision with a Plastic surgeon can restore your confidence. The breast revisions can also be ideal if the symmetry, shape, placement, and size of the implants don’t impress you. Seek a professional to avoid a botched procedure.

For saline implants, you can sometimes detect a rupture within hours. The affected breast reduces in shape and size because of the deflated implant. The body naturally absorbs the saline with no recorded side effects.

You might never detect a ruptured silicone implant even over many years. Silicone is cohesive and can remain in the breast’s fibrous capsule. When it ruptures, the breast might change in shape and experience discomfort. The recommended MRIs can detect a ruptured silicone breast implant in time. You will have to undergo minor surgery to remove the leaking silicone and implant shell. If any of the implants rupture, you can replace them at your convenience.

Choose a Great Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon

You should always select a qualified and professional surgeon to undertake your procedure. A good doctor will let you know of possible side effects and advise you accordingly.

For instance, breast augmentation can affect the ducts and nerves in a breast. If the implants are below the muscles, the effect on milk production for lactating mothers is not an issue.

Some of the risks associated with either of the implants include breast pain and infection. The breast sensation might change temporarily especially if you had an areolar incision. One of the major risks is rupture or implant leakage, which can be undone through augmentation revision.

A good doctor will be available in case you need a breast augmentation procedure.

The Choice of Saline vs Silicone Implants Is One of the Hardest Because They Both Have Their Pros and Cons

If you desire a natural feel, silicone breast implants are your ultimate solution.

Despite the negative attention from the media, the silicone breast implants don’t have adverse health impacts. FDA has prompted in-depth clinical research to determine the safety of the implants. Whether you choose saline or silicone implants, your main concern should be to get a professional and board-certified Plastic surgeon.

Your body anatomy should guide a surgeon to the best implant choice for best results. However, after researching saline vs silicone implants, the choice is on you. The FDA has approved both types of breast implants, making one confident when going for the surgery.

Contact us for any cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, and experience firsthand quality service of a dull board certified, experienced and skilled surgeon.

Are you gearing up to get your liposuction surgery?

Congratulations! You’re getting ready to take the first steps to get a better-looking body.

Liposuction isn’t an uncommon fix for losing weight. In fact, it’s the second most common form of plastic surgery.

While liposuction isn’t nearly as serious as something like heart surgery, it’s still major surgery. You need to take care of yourself after you go through the procedure, so your body can recover correctly.

Keep reading to learn what to expect during your liposuction recovery.

1. Swelling and Bruising

You will have swelling after the procedure around your incision points. While you might not notice it there in everyday life, it can cause discomfort for some people.

Many doctors will provide you with a compression garment or bandage to wear around the treated areas. This will help keep the swelling under control and minimize bruising.

You can expect to wear your garments for a few weeks after the surgery, but the swelling might not go away after you stop wearing it. This can last for a few months.

2. Pain

Pain after surgery isn’t uncommon. You can expect to have some pain for a few days after you get home.

You can use over the counter medication like Tylenol to control your pain.

In some instances, your doctor may prescribe you something more potent. This can depend on the type of liposuction you get and how severe your pain is after the surgery.

If your pain medication starts to become ineffective, then it could be a sign that something is wrong. You should see your doctor if this happens.

3. Antibiotics

Your doctor may sometimes but not frequently prescribe antibiotics to you after your surgery is over. You need to take these for as long as recommended by your doctor.

4. Incision Care

You just had major surgery. Any incisions made on your body aren’t going to heal overnight.

Most people can expect their incisions to heal after around two weeks. During this time, you will have either strips or tape to hold things together.

You will also have to take care when bathing yourself. You should avoid showers for 24-48 hours after the operation. Your doctor will give you a specific time.

After this time you can take a shower, but you should avoid getting into a bath.

IT IS NORMAL FOR BLOODY LOOKING FLUID TO COME OUT OF ANY OF THE INCISIONS USED FOR LIPOSUCTION AND THIS WILL CONTINUE FOR 1-2 DAYS AFTER SURGERY. VIRTUALLY EVERY PATIENT EXPERIENCES THIS AND IT IS JUST HAPPENS BECAUSE OF THE INJURY TO THE TISSUES BENEATH. THINK ABOUT HOW A SCRAPE OF YOUR SKIN OOZES UNTIL IT SCABS OVER.

5. Watch for Side Effects

You can have side effects from surgery even if everything goes perfectly. Here are some problems to watch out for:

• Increasing pain
• Fever
• More swelling
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Leg pain

If you encounter any of these symptoms, then call your doctor immediately so you can get checked out.

Tips for Handling Your Recovery

Now that you know what to expect after your surgery, you can prepare action steps that can help you during your recovery. Follow the tips below to help recover from your surgery.

Get Plenty of Rest

You might feel like you can get up and move around after your surgery and walking frequently is advised but don’t go overboard.

If you get tired during the day, make sure you take it easy and get some rest. Don’t ignore the importance of napping during this time to help your recovery.

Listen to your body.

Get Proper Nutrition

Your body needs fuel to recover. If you eat nothing but junk, then you are going to have a hard time recovering. Protein is far better than carbs.

Make sure you follow a proper diet during your time after the surgery. Your diet will give your body everything it needs for a quick recovery.

Light Exercise

You shouldn’t go to the gym and try to hit a weight lifting record your first week after surgery, but that doesn’t mean you can’t engage in any light exercise.

Walking is one of the best forms of exercise there is. The day after the surgery, try getting out for a short walk during the day so you can get your body moving. If the weather is bad walk inside for 10 minutes several times a day.

Wear Loose Clothing

When you wear tight clothing, your incision doesn’t have enough room to breathe. Constricting the surgery area can irritate it and cause more problems and reduce your recovery speed. Very often you will have a garment designed to gently compress without the damaging constriction that too tight clothing, belts and elastic waistbands can cause.

You will also be more comfortable during the recovery process with loose clothing. Tight clothing can cause discomfort and bother you through the day.

Keep Hydrated

Your body needs to be hydrated if you want your recovery to go smoothly. Make sure you are drinking enough water during the day.

It’s also important to avoid drinks that dehydrate you. This means no alcohol, caffeinated soft drinks, or coffee.

Check in With People

Make sure you have people who can check in with you during your recovery time. You don’t need a constant companion, but having someone to check in a few times a day can offer you peace of mind and insurance in case something happens.

They can also help you with tasks that you might have trouble doing right after the surgery. Make sure you have all the support you need.

Try Aromatherapy

Depression can occasionally happen to people who have just gone through surgery. You should have a plan in case this occurs.

Research has shown that aromatherapy can help manage depression. You can pick up a diffuser to put in your common living areas. This can help regulate your mood during the day. Your doctor wants to know if this happens so don’t be afraid of letting those that can help know if you’re really feeling blue.

Make Sure You Prepare for Liposuction Recovery

Your liposuction recovery shouldn’t take too long. Most people can return to work after a few weeks and many after only a few days.

Once you’re past that stretch, it’s up to you to keep making healthy choices for your body. When you do this, you can keep the body you want to have.

Are you ready to schedule an appointment for liposuction? Call us today to learn how to get started

The suitable type of tummy tuck procedure varies from patient to patient. Read about mini tummy tuck vs. full tummy tuck to learn which surgery is right for you.

Each year, nearly 200,000 tummy tuck procedures are performed in the US.

A tummy tuck involves a surgical procedure that gives you a quick way to have a flat tummy and toned abs. People that have high levels of fat deposits around their lower abdomen often prefer to undergo the surgical procedure as it is the quickest way to get rid of loose skin.

People often find it hard to choose between the full or partial procedure. The details about mini tummy tuck vs full tummy tuck can help you in deciding which one is a better option.

Find out more about mini vs full tummy tuck.

Mini Tummy Tuck vs Full Tummy Tuck

In order to eliminate loose skin, people often prefer this treatment to have a quick way to get rid of the excess fat deposits.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck procedure varies, and it depends on the patient who wants to have the surgery. Mini abdominoplasty is for those who want less surgery. Liposuction to the upper abdomen is frequently included.

The procedure is suitable for those how to have excess loose skin below the belly button. The muscles lying underneath can also be tightened through this procedure. The recovery from a mini tummy tuck is faster. Unfortunately many individuals are not good candidates for this procedure because they have skin laxity above the belly button and this cannot be fixed with the mini tummy tuck.

This procedure involves less surgery and people are seen recovering from the surgery in a short time. Those who have loose skin only in their lower abdomen region can benefit from this procedure. If you have a noticeable space between your ab muscles (that often occurs after pregnancy) then this may not be the right surgery for you. Full abdominoplasty will correct that space (aka diastasis recti).

Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck is performed on people who need more correction. A full tummy tuck is performed on those who have loose skin in lower and middle abdominal regions. Abdominal muscles are tightened once the excess skin has been removed. In order to enhance the results, the procedure is often combined with liposuction.

For males who find it hard to see results even after strenuous exercise and a healthy diet, the option of liposuction is also available.

Both of the procedures have their own side effects. The surgery and its result vary from patient to patient. Even after the surgery, the patient is required to follow a strict diet plan as well as a workout plan to keep the results intact.

It is important to understand the difference between the two procedures to have better and long-lasting results.

Mini vs Full Tummy Tuck: Which One Is a Better Option?

Your body is different from many others. Your contours or curves are not like all others. This is the reason that the decision is highly dependent on the type of body and fat deposits.

If you have loose skin only below the belly button then you are more likely to qualify for a mini abdominoplasty. However, if loose skin is present above the belly button then there is a chance that you might go for a full tummy tuck.

This is just a rough idea and there are many other factors that are considered while making the right decision. There are different approaches to these procedures. A surgeon is responsible for making the right decision so that your transformed body can complement the existing one.

This is one of the important decisions as you must bear the results.

Mini tummy tuck procedures are suitable for those who:

• Have good upper body muscles
• Have good muscle tone
• Have problems mostly in the lower abdomen region
• Are close to an ideal weight according to their body
• Have good health
• Don’t have a significant space between the rectus muscles (diastasis recti)

The gist is that mini tummy tuck is suitable for those who have loose skin in the lower abdominal region or below the belly button. A state of good health is also essential to deal with post-surgery issues.

A full tummy tuck is a bit different. It has different requirements. If you have loose skin above the belly button or stretch marks, then in such a case full tummy tuck is more suitable.

So, it is highly dependent on the type of body and fat deposits that will determine the type of surgery that is best. It is important to know about these procedures so that you can make the best decision.

Tummy Tuck and Pregnancy

Pregnancy comes with many new changes. Women while enjoying the birth of their baby may occasionally experience some depression as they have to deal with their transformed body. Many deal with it and through a strenuous workout get their body in proper shape.

For some, however, this becomes a challenging task. Even after trying hard, they are unable to achieve results. Postpartum depression can affect both sexes. Women often opt for surgery either a partial tummy tuck or full tummy tuck. However, the effect does not remain the same if a woman gets pregnant after the surgery.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Full Tummy Tuck

There are some pros and cons to this procedure.

Pros are:

• Removes excessive skin both above and below the belly button.
• The patient gets a more completely transformed body.
• Belly button issues can often be dramatically improved

Cons are:

• It has a longer recovery period that can affect your daily tasks.
• Wound healing issues and seromas are definitely more common than with Mini abdominoplasty.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Partial Tummy Tuck

The advantages and disadvantages of a mini tummy tuck are given below:

Pros are:

• Shorter scars
• Shorter recovery time

Cons are:

• Does not deal with the upper abdominal region issues
• Less transformation of the body as compared to full tummy tuck

Learn more about male tummy tuck or abdominoplasty here.

Get a Flat Stomach Today!

Seeing the difference between the two procedures is essential for you to make the right decision so that you can benefit in the long run.

A mini tummy tuck vs full tummy tuck can help you in understanding the procedure and reaching the right decision. Make sure you are not overlooking the minute details and your body can deal with the post-surgery issues.

To know more about the procedure contact us here.

Brazilian butt lift is an extremely popular surgery, but lasting results also depend on surgery aftercare. Learn the best Brazilian butt lift recovery tips here.

This procedure was invented by Dr. Pitanguy with his first plastic surgery in 1963. There is no denying that BBLs (Brazilian Butt Lifts) are gaining immense popularity. According to ASPS statistics, more than 24,000 buttock augmentation with fat grafting procedures were performed in 2018 – an increase of 19 percent over the previous year.

The Brazilian Butt Lift also called gluteal fat augmentation is a surgical procedure where surgeons use one’s own fat which is removed by liposuction from other body areas where it is simple to obtain. The isolated fat is then injected into the subcutaneous tissues of the buttocks to enhance their size and shape. A well-performed procedure will give you a natural looking buttock while giving the desired enhancements of the areas where the fat was removed.

The prime turn-off with getting this procedure is the post care requirements. Like all other surgical procedures, a Brazilian Butt Lift has become an extremely popular procedure, but lasting results also depend on surgery aftercare. Learn the best Brazilian butt lift recovery tips here.

What to Expect Post Procedure

Here’s what you can expect after the procedure.

1. Pain and Discomfort

After liposuction has been done, you are likely to experience some discomfort in the areas where fat was removed. The severity will vary but you can get rid of the pain through over-the-counter or prescriptions from your surgeon to help you through the Brazilian butt lift recovery process.

2. Fluid Draining

After a BBL procedure, you’re likely to notice blood-stained fluid oozing from the incisions where fat was removed. This should not worry you as draining is due to the excess fluids from these points which is entirely normal. This typically stops within 24 hours after the procedure.

3. Swelling

Don’t be alarmed to notice some swelling or asymmetry on your buttocks. After the procedure, some of the injected fat will be eventually digested as normal fat calories. This is why when aiming at a preferred enhancement size the surgeons have to go a bit bigger because not all the fat will be retained. After about 5-6 weeks post procedure, you’ll be able to tell the amount of fat that has survived.

After this, the Brazilian butt lift recovery process will be smooth and everything should stay consistent and there should be no more fat loss and the injected fat will remain incorporated into your own body tissues.

4. The BBL Recovery Process Differs for Everyone

Everyone will respond to the procedure differently. This means the timeline for BBL recovery will not be the same for everyone. The time you will have to wear the compression garment will differ from patient to patient. How well your skin will contract during the first week’s post-procedure visit will vary according to many factors.

Creative Sitting Positions

Don’t be surprised to realize how many times you sit in a single day. Sitting after the BBL procedure exerts pressure on your buttocks which interferes with the process of fat transfer. This can cause less fat to survive. It’s important to avoid sitting until given the go-ahead by your surgeon. After that, you can use your Brazilian butt lift pillow to sit on.

Tips on Butt Lift Recovery

The above are the five things you should expect immediately after the operation. Now that you’re well prepared, let’s look at the 5 Brazilian butt lift recovery tips you need to follow to maximize your BBL results.

1. Sitting and Sleeping

Are you aware of how many times you’re sitting down in a day? We sit down almost the whole day at work, in the nicely padded movie seats, at the dinner table, in the car, etc. If you get a BBL this is something you’ll have to avoid at all costs. With the exception of the toilet, you have to avoid sitting down for a period not less than 10-14 days after the procedure.

This is because you need to protect the grafted fat. The new fat cells need to settle within the tissues and heal. Sitting down introduces pressure to the fat preventing this healing. You will also need to avoid sleeping on your back because it will add pressure on your buttocks.

You’ll need to sleep either sideways or on your chest down during the entire recovery period. In case you’re worried about unconsciously rolling over onto your back while sleeping; you could wear a backpack with a golf/tennis ball in it. If you assume a back position while sleeping, the ball will cause your back discomfort, making you shift onto your side.

2. Compression Garments

Following the BBL operation, the surgeon will recommend wearing a special compression garment to help treat the liposuctioned areas. It’s recommended to wear the garment for a period determined by your surgeon to ensure that the areas heal well. It also helps to minimize swelling, reduce discomfort, and help the skin contract.

3. Exercise

You are advised to keep away from all high impact physical activities/exercises until cleared by your surgeon. Performing strenuous routines before when you’re yet to heal fully could affect the fat transferred. After about 6-8 weeks following the operation, the fat cells transferred will be stable enough to undertake vigorous exercises. Here’s a quick guide of the useful butt exercise routines:

• Squats
• Donkey Kicks
• Lunges
• Standing lateral leg raises
• Side leg raises
• Plank leg raises

4. Healthy Diet

You’ll need to follow your surgeon’s recommended dietary guidelines. This will include plans like eating well-balanced meals, low sugar intake and fat consumption. You’ll also need to watch out for salty foods because this will promote liquid retention.

Usually, after any surgical procedure, you want the swelling to subside as soon as possible. Consumption of whole foods containing low sodium naturally achieves this.

5. Stay alert for Infection Signs

You’ll need to be wary of the signs for a possible BBL infection. Such signs might include excessive amounts of swelling and/ redness; if either of these symptoms occur, you are advised to contact the surgeon immediately. Other less common but nevertheless serious symptoms that may arise indicating an infection can include an odor that is usually unpleasant oozing off the wound, a fever, swollen glands, or increased pain.

What to Expect in a Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure and Recovery Tips

Now you’re well aware of what to expect during a Brazilian butt lift recovery, you should be good to kick off your own transformation process. There’s also a lot of information on our website to help you as well as the testimonials of our happy clients.

Take the first bold step and Contact Us to schedule a consultation.