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Ornaments Too Low? Need A Lift For The Holidays? Breast Lift Surgery Can Provide the Cure

· Breast, Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Choosing the Best · No Comments

 

Cosmetic plastic surgery can be generally characterized by three types of procedures. Plastic surgeons make big things smaller, small things bigger, and we pick up what falls down. The latter is a common consequence of the breast aging process.

 

The most common cosmetic breast performed by plastic surgeons is augmentation. However, for some patients the problem is not size, but rather position of the breasts and nipples. Breast droopiness occurs for two reasons; gravity and skin quality. Gravity, the plastic surgeon’s best friend, cannot be changed. Skin quality is impacted by many variables. Things like pregnancies, weight fluctuations and genetics all play a role in the tone of a woman’s breast skin.

 

The Diagnosis

            The first step to determine the correct breast procedure is a thorough and honest consultation. Breast lift surgery creates significant scarring which must be factored into the decision. The two most common measurements taken at the examination are the distance from the midline neck notch to the nipple, and the distance from the nipple to the crease at the bottom of the breast. These help the surgeon choose the best procedure for each patient.

 

Treatment Options

 

Women with breast measurements that exceed the ideal for their figure are candidates for breast lift surgery, also called mastopexy. Several options exist for mastopexy, each with varying degrees of scarring. The patient should consult with a plastic surgeon experienced with these options and be able to see photographic examples of each surgery.

 

The most common type of breast lift is the classic “anchor” or Wise pattern. The procedure raises the nipple-areola (which can also be reduced in diameter), tightens the skin to make the breast perkier, and recreates a shapelier teardrop silhouette. A variation of this technique is the LeJour, or “lollipop” scar procedure.

 

A less common, but very valuable procedure is the peri-areolar lift because it carries far less scarring than the other options. It is also known as the Benelli lift, named after the French plastic surgeon who initially described the technique. It is especially useful for women seeking a limited scarring breast lift with simultaneous implant augmentation. The technique is difficult to master and is not offered by all plastic surgeons.

 

Mastopexy surgery can enhance a woman’s figure. Some women may choose to change size as well. It can be combined with breast augmentation or reduction. However, breast lift should be carefully considered only after consultation with a plastic surgeon experienced in the various options.

About the Author:

 

Dr. Perez is a member of the NOVO National Council of Leaders in Breast Aesthetics. He has served as a consultant for both Mentor (J&J) and Inamed (Allergan), leading breast implant manufacturers. Dr. Perez has lectured internationally on the subject of breast lift surgery and has been selected among the Castle Connolly (U.S. News & World Report) America’s Top Doctors. More information is available at www.PerezPlasticSurgery.com or call (954) 351-2200. Visit our website blog to learn about The Dirty Little Secrets of Plastic Surgery.

 

Plastic Surgery, Diet and Exercise: 3 Coins in the Fountain…of Youth

· Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck, Body Contouring, Breast, Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Choosing the Best, Eyelids, Face and Neck, Liposuction · No Comments

            Plastic surgery is more popular now than ever before. However, many misconceptions exist about the role of plastic surgery and overall wellness. We often see patients who believe that surgery is the solution to an overweight or sedentary lifestyle. The reality is that plastic surgery, diet and exercise are all pieces of the puzzle. The best results are achieved when each piece is correctly applied.

 

Eat Right

 

A well balanced, varied and moderate diet is both healthy and necessary to maintain ideal body weight. Patients sometimes think that liposuction is a treatment to remove large volumes of fat. Liposuction is not intended to be a treatment for obesity. In fact, fat is not very dense tissue so the weight of liposuction fat is often only a few pounds, hardly a dent in an overweight patient.

 

I often recommend that overweight patients work with nutritionists to reach a reasonable weight before considering surgery. The ideal body contour candidate is at a good weight and in physical shape.

 

Get to the Gym

            Another misconception is that “If I just have a six pack chiseled into my abdomen by a plastic surgeon I don’t have to do crunches”. Wrong. Exercise is critical to developing a lean, well defined physique as well as improving overall fitness. Zumba moms, spin fanatics and ballroom dancers are among our most common patients because they are fit, lean and want to look as good as they feel. We often work in tandem with personal trainers to achieve the best results.

 

So What’s Plastic Surgery For?

            Diet is to maintain weight. Exercise is for fitness and definition. So where does plastic surgery fit in? Well, I like to define plastic surgery as three types of procedures; we make big things smaller, we make small things bigger, and we pick up what Mother Nature causes to fall down.

 

Here are a few examples of the more common procedures we perform. Breast augmentation is common for women in such good shape that they’ve lost their breast fat. Breast reduction (for women or men) or breast lift may be necessary if there is too much tissue or loose skin. Tummy tucks are common among moms or yo-yo dieters because neither diet nor exercise will eliminate the stretch marks or tighten the loose belly skin and muscles. Liposuction is best for stubborn areas such as love handles and outer thigh saddle bags. And facial rejuvenation surgery such as eyelids, face and neck lifts help the face look as youthful as the body.

So remember the fountain of youth requires all three; diet, exercise and plastic surgery. One is not a substitute for the others. However, as with all plastic surgery, a skilled, experienced surgeon, a safe facility, and a competent anesthesiologist are also key to a successful outcome.

 

About the Doctor:

 

Dr. Perez has been selected among Castle Connolly/U.S. News and World Report’s America’s Top Doctors (again for 2012-2013). He has lectured internationally and been featured as a plastic surgery expert for major media outlets. Surgery is performed at the Broward Health Weston facility.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perez call (954) 351-2200. To learn more about any of these procedures, or to view our recent ABC News segments, featuring Dr. Perez visit www.PerezPlasticSurgery.com.

 

Breast Augmentation: Adequate vs. Awesome

· Breast, Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Choosing the Best · No Comments

 

Breast augmentation surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in plastic surgery. In 2011 over 300,000 breast implant procedures were performed in the U.S., representing an increase over the previous two years.

Most of these procedures were performed by board certified plastic surgeons. However, as with most aesthetic surgery, these credentials are sometimes insufficient to achieve the best outcome. An eye for beauty and balance, as well as a good ear for patients’ desires, are just as important.

Patients are often lured by “free consultations” and car dealer-type discounts. However, simply putting in implants to enlarge the breast mound is not enough. Cleavage, implant pocket sculpting and nipple-areolar position are just a few of the many important fine points that cannot be overlooked if a woman is to achieve her personal best. Bikini season is here, so let’s talk about the difference between just an adequate breast augmentation and an awesome one.

 

It’s All About the Cleavage

 

Cleavage, the separation between the breasts, is an important part of a woman’s breast appearance. It therefore follows that a goal of augmentation surgery should be to narrow, and improve, the breast cleavage. I am often surprised by surgeons at conferences, or on their websites, who tout great results, yet show a wider cleavage gap after than in the before photos. Placing the breast implant closer towards the center of the chest can be a challenge for some surgeons because of the complex anatomy of the area. Nevertheless, an attractive cleavage makes a better result.

 

Drifting: the Breast Implant Kind

 

A significant portion of our practice is dedicated to corrective surgery for patients who are unhappy with their original augmentation. I have observed a common condition where the breast augmentation pocket is too far out and the implants fall towards the armpits when the patient lays flat. I call it drifting. Drifting is definitely not an attractive bikini beach look. The good news is that we have had great success in correcting this problem. Readers can visit our website for examples of before and after pictures of our corrective procedure.

 

And Don’t Forget the Nipples

 

Part of a thorough consultation for breast augmentation is analysis of the patient’s nipple-areola. Sometimes these important structures do not fall in a symmetrical and ideal position. If the patient desires, the areola can be modified or repositioned at the time of augmentation to achieve a more appealing result. Fine points in breast augmentation make the difference between just an adequate result and an awesome one. Take the time and effort to research the right plastic surgeon in order to achieve your personal best.

 

About the Author:

 

Dr. Perez is a member of the NOVO National Council of Leaders in Breast Aesthetics. He has served as a consultant for both Mentor (J&J) and Inamed (Allergan), leading breast implant manufacturers. Dr. Perez has lectured internationally on the subject of breast surgery and has been selected among the Castle Connolly (U.S. News & World Report) America’s Top Doctors. More information is available at www.PerezPlasticSurgery.com or call (954) 351-2200. Visit our website blog to learn about The Dirty Little Secrets of Plastic Surgery.

 

New Year, New You: 5 Plastic Surgery Procedures to Start the New Year

· Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck, Body Contouring, Breast, Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Choosing the Best, Eyelids, Face and Neck, Safety · No Comments

            It’s resolution time again. Exercise, weight reduction and improving our appearance are always high on the list of objectives for the new year. Here are 5 popular plastic surgery procedures that produce a valuable, big-bang-for-the-buck change to begin the journey. The procedures featured here are very popular and offer a significant change with a high degree of patient satisfaction.

 

Eyelid Tuck

 

            The first place aging becomes evident is around the eyes. If the eyes are the windows of the soul, then the eyelids are the curtains that allow us enjoy the view. The upper lids develop excess skin causing hooding.  The puffy bags on the lower lids create a tired look.

 

The procedure of choice to correct tired eyelids is the eyelid tuck or blepharoplasty. It is one of my personal favorites to perform and is the most commonly performed aging procedure for men. The procedure takes 45 minutes and patients soon enjoy a refreshed and less tired look.

 

 

Face/Neck Lift

 

Facelift territory includes the area of the cheeks, jawline and neck. As we age the skin and other tissues sag from the underlying bony structures. Although highly advertised under many catchy terms, surgical facelift procedures generally fall into two categories, mini and full. A mini-facelift is best suited for patients in their 40’s or younger who just want to freshen the cheek and jawline.

 

The patient for traditional face and necklift is in her late 40’s and older with laxity of the jawline and neck, often with turkey-like banding. Combined with eyelid surgery, the procedure often produces dramatic results and can reduce the aging appearance by decades.

 

 

Breast Augmentation or Breast Reduction

 

Breast augmentation surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in plastic surgery. Women choosing breast implant surgery want to achieve greater fullness and cleavage and fit their clothing more naturally. Many implant options exist and attention to detail is important. Breast augmentation is also one of the most commonly re-done procedures so women should carefully choose a compatible surgeon based upon credentials and experience.

 

Women who experience neck and back pain from heavy pendulous breasts can achieve a significant lifestyle improvement with breast reduction. Breast reduction can improve exercise tolerance, as well as lead to weight reduction and greater overall fitness.

 

Tummy Tuck

 

 

            Pregnancy or weight loss can create changes in a woman’s abdominal skin and muscles. In these cases, the procedure of choice is an abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck. Tummy tuck surgery results in a substantial removal of excess skin and stretch marks, as well as tightening of the muscles. The result is a remarkable improvement in the belly with a very high degree of satisfaction.

 

Regardless of where you choose to start, these procedures, in the hands of a skilled surgeon, can produce dramatic results and patients who are among the happiest in plastic surgery. Bon voyage.

 

About the Doctor:

 

Dr. Perez has been selected among Castle Connolly/U.S. News and World Report’s America’s Top Doctors. He has lectured internationally and been featured as a plastic surgery expert for major news outlets. Dr. Perez is a member of the National Council of Leaders in Breast Aesthetics and was selected as a principal investigator for a national FDA-approved study on abdominoplasty. For more information call (954) 351-2200 or visit www.PerezPlasticSurgery.com.

 

The 5 Steps of Breast Cancer Reconstruction

· Breast, Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Reconstruction · No Comments

 

October is breast cancer awareness month as it continues to be one of the most common disorders affecting women. However, great strides have been made in both cancer diagnosis and treatment. In addition, many options exist for reconstruction following breast lumpectomy or mastectomy that allow these women to enjoy a greater quality of life.

 

There are several important and timely decisions for women to consider in achieving an optimal outcome. These choices can be overwhelming, though, so here are 5 steps to help women work through this difficult time.

 

Step 1: The Cancer Operation

 

Following the diagnosis of breast carcinoma a woman’s first consultation should be with a general surgeon experienced in all of the options for removal of the cancer. Together they should decide upon mastectomy or less radical surgery such as lumpectomy, as well as the role of adjuvant treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation. Based upon these plans a referral to a plastic surgeon with expertise in breast surgery is in order.

 

Step 2: Immediate vs. Delayed Reconstruction

 

The initial consultation with a plastic surgeon includes a thorough medical history and directed physical examination. The first decision will be whether to delay the breast reconstruction or begin at the time of mastectomy. The latter is regarded as an “immediate” reconstruction. Coordinated surgery offers the advantage of a single operation and fresh tissue planes for a cleaner and faster reconstruction, although delayed breast reconstruction can also be safely performed years after a mastectomy.

 

Step 3: Autologous Tissue vs. Prosthesis Reconstruction

 

The detailed plastic surgery discussion should include the types of reconstruction. There are several procedures available for creation of a new breast mound ranging from simple implant placement to microsurgery. The choice will depend upon several variables including the patient’s desires and body type. Autologous reconstruction is performed using the woman’s own body fat from the belly, back or buttocks. These can be lengthy and more complicated procedures. Breast implants, with or without expansion of the chest skin is called prosthesis reconstruction.

 

Step 4: The Other Breast

 

The opposite, healthy breast can be reshaped as well. Breast augmentation, lift or reduction for the purpose of achieving symmetry to the reconstructed breast may be necessary and should be included in the reconstructive planning.

 

Step 5: Nipple and Areolar Reconstruction

 

Once a new breast mound has been formed the final phase is the optional creation of a nipple and/or areola. Many procedures exist for this purpose. Although these are not mandatory, the results can be amazing.

 

Finally, and fortunately, laws exist to protect women from insurance companies during this vulnerable time. Florida law mandates coverage for both the reconstructed breast as well as the other healthy breast, if necessary, to achieve symmetry.

 

About the Author:

 

Dr. Perez is a member of the NOVO National Council of Leaders in Breast Aesthetics. He has served as a consultant for both Mentor (J&J) and Inamed (Allergan), leading breast implant manufacturers. Dr. Perez has lectured internationally on the subject of breast surgery and has been selected among the Castle Connolly (U.S. News & World Report) America’s Top Doctors. Our office aggressively advocates only on behalf of patients, not insurance plans. More information is available at www.PerezPlasticSurgery.com or call (954) 351-2200. Visit our website blog to learn about The 10 Questions Every Plastic Surgery Should Ask.

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