Fat: Use It Or Lose It!

You may not like to hear this, especially if you’ve been running away from the very idea of fat your entire life, but as you get older, a little extra fat can be a good thing.  Why?  Because cosmetic surgeons have discovered that removing a few fat cells from the hip or thigh or abdomen and re-implanting them—through very teeny incisions—into the hollows of an aging face can produce some extremely satisfying results.  This procedure is called a fat transfer (or fat grafting or fat injections, as they are also sometimes called).

As we get older, the underlying tissue that gives younger faces their glowing beauty begins to break down.  This is the same tissue that houses what’s left of our collagen supply.  Once it goes into decline, those pesky lines and wrinkles begin to appear in its place.  What the fat transfer does is not only strategically inflate the skin in very precise locations, but it also necessarily drives the wrinkles away!

Why haven’t I heard about this procedure before, you may be wondering?  Actually, fat transfers have been around for quite a long time, but until recently they were not always successful because the body has a tendency to absorb new fat tissue that is injected into it.  But these days plastic surgeons have learned that there are particular methods for harvesting the fat that is to be injected, so that it will not be so readily absorbed.  Special tools gently clean extracted fat and concentrate it in such a way so that unwanted fluids pass through a filter and into a waste container.  What is left afterwards are tiny parcels of manageable fat.

Now that the technology is there to support the procedure, fat transfers are becoming very popular very fast.  And it’s not hard to figure out why.  Generally fat transfers require only a local anesthesia; they can take less than an hour; and they boast a super fast recovery time due to fact that only minimal bruising occurs.  Imagine, the chance to look younger and healthier practically overnight—and without undergoing surgery!

And for those who don’t feel that the addition of a little fat padding will be quite enough to create the changes they envision, fat transfers can be used in conjunction with traditional face lifts to produce optimal results.

If you don’t want to have a fat transfer but do want to enjoy the benefits of a fuller, more youthful-looking face, there are all kinds of synthetic fillers available that work very well too.  But there is something straightforward about using your own fat tissue to get the job done.  Also autologous materials are soft and smooth to the touch… They can’t help but feel natural because they are!  And there is no risk of allergenic reaction.

Fat transfers from the hips or thighs or abdomen to lips or cheeks or chin or around the eyes or at the jaw line provide a very natural-looking enhancement.  That little bit of plumping up can make all the difference between a tired aging appearance and a rested, relaxed youthful aspect.  And fat transfers are great for filling in scars too.  Of course, not every plastic surgeon will have kept up with the evolution of fat transfer procedures, so before you run out to make an appointment to learn about putting your fat to good use, be sure to check that your professional of choice has both the know how and the experience with this particular procedure.

Razzle Dazzle, Wave the Wand and Revive Your Face!

What it is:

LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.  The laser was invented in 1958 (based on a concept that Einstein came up with in 1917), and since then the improvements and applications have been piling up faster than excuses in a third-grade classroom.  Lasers are used in medicine, for everything from making delicate incisions for ulcer removals to the gentle burning away of cataracts.  They are used to scan the barcodes on your purchases, to translate the digital codes on your CDs for the production of music, to measure distances, to cut, blast and weld various materials, and even for nuclear fusion—and a whole lot more.  It was only a matter of time until scientists realized that the laser could be used to rejuvenate one’s skin.

How it works:

Laser skin resurfacing is quickly becoming one of the most popular non-surgical procedures for improving one’s appearance.  The technology that makes this possible is now so advanced that most plastic surgeons and other skincare professionals want more than one laser, as each type offers its own special wizardry.

Basically, the laser emits short pulsating beams of light that can be used to remove skin very precisely, one layer at a time.  The doctor passes a kind of wand over the area being worked on, and scars, blemishes and age spots can actually disappear. So can fine lines and wrinkles that are not too deep.  When a layer of skin is removed, the cells beneath it will begin to rebuild, and the new skin that results will not include the imperfections that were burned off.

What else to expect:

In addition to burning away wrinkles and blemishes, some lasers actually work with the tissue under the skin, stimulating the growth of new collagen and elastin. While laser resurfacing is not as effective as a facelift, it can provide many of the benefits of a face lift without surgery, with practically no down time, and with nothing near the cost.  If your skin has been damaged by UV radiation, environmental pollutants or even those irritating but inevitable effects of growing older, you can reverse much of the damage and improve your skin laxity in no time.

Who is it for and how long does it last?

Laser resurfacing is a great option for many people—though it’s not for everyone. People with darker skin will take longer to regain their normal pigmentation.  And the ingestion of certain medications may eliminate some people from becoming laser skin resurfacing candidates altogether.

While the laser works best on those with healthy skin and a fair complexion, age is not a factor in accessing whether it is right for you.  Most laser sessions last only an hour or two and patients feel nothing much more than a light burning sensation. Your doctor will prescribe an protective ointment to be used for a week or so after the procedure.

You may have minor pain and swelling for a few days, and a reddish face for a couple of weeks.  But the redness is actually a good thing and signifies that healing is happening and new collagen is in the making.  Yes, you will experience new wrinkles over time, but the results of laser resurfacing can in fact last several years.

Where does the line begin?

Consult with an experienced and trusted plastic surgeon to determine if laser skin resurfacing is right for you.  And remember, even the best plastic surgeons are only as good as the technologies they wield.  If your plastic surgery team doesn’t have at least two state-of-the-art lasers, you may be missing the opportunity to benefit from the greatest variety of laser applications.

Looking younger longer has never been so easy!

The Gift of Giving Yourself!

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month will soon be over, but that doesn’t mean that the time for giving back has come to an end.  There are plenty of people who have witnessed the survival of a mother or sister or wife or friend with breast cancer and who want to go on saying thank you all through the year.

Giving of yourself—your time, your blood, your hair—is one of the most perfect gifts you can ever give.  And the fact that the recipient may never know that you were the one to make the donation renders it even more unselfish.  Giving of yourself is truly a gift of the heart.

Volunteer Your Time: Check with the American Cancer Society or with your local hospital or medical organization to learn about the best ways to volunteer your time.  Or find out who in your community could use your help and offer yourself to that person directly – chances are there’s someone right around your corner who is battling breast cancer.  Perhaps if your schedule is flexible enough, you can drive someone to chemo appointments.  Just think how good it will feel for someone who is suffering such discomfort to come out of the doctor’s office and see you sitting there waiting to take her home.  Or maybe you can do someone’s grocery shopping during the time they are recovering from  surgery.  Maybe you will even be moved to provide some home-cooked meals, or to knit a few chemo caps.  Or, if you barely have enough time in the day to see to your own domestic tasks, perhaps you will simply spend one lunch hour contacting all the women in your address book to remind them to have mammograms on a regular basis.  Your email prompt or phone call could result in a life being saved.

Donate Blood: There are probably blood drive events that go on in your community from time to time, but if you are moved by the October Breast Cancer Awareness spirit to give blood now, you may have to take the initiative and contact the American Red Cross or other organization to see where the blood center nearest to you is located.  Since donating blood requires you to be in good health, it’s an especially fine way to show your gratitude for your good fortune by sharing your vital fluid with someone less fortunate.  According to the American Red Cross, blood donors should be at least 17 and weigh at least 110 pounds.  The process of giving blood—filling out the registration questionnaire, the act itself, and a few minutes post-donation to recuperate—takes about one hour.  Since you will be giving up one pint and your body has 10 to 12 pints, you should not feel any different afterwards.  You can call 1-800-GIVE LIFE for more information.

Give Hair: If you are thinking of cutting your long locks, you can make someone very happy by offering your hair to an organization, such as Locks of Love and Pantene Beautiful Lengths, that can have it made into a wig.  Most of the organizations that accept donated hair have the same basic directives: whether curly or straight, the hair should be about12 inches in length; and before it is cut, it should be washed, dried and braided.  Then the cut braid can be tied off at either end and placed in a plastic bag.  Some organizations will take hair that is only 10 inches long.  Others will take chemically-treated hair as long as it is not bleached.  Shipping directions may also vary slightly, so be sure to check with the organization of your choice to ensure you’ve followed all the rules.  How wonderful you will feel knowing that a cancer patient somewhere is feeling so much better about herself because she has the gift of your beautiful hair.

We all know that is feels like there’s never enough time in the day, especially if your balancing a career, family and social life.  But the feelings you’ll experience by giving just a little of yourself to someone in need will give you a boost of energy that will last longer than it took you to give the gift of yourself.

Mirror, Mirror On the Wall

Now that we’re sporting our skin-bearing summer wardrobes, some of us are having second looks in the mirror and noticing a little extra flab here, a sag there and a few new wrinkles we didn’t have last season.

Wishing them away certainly won’t work and there are some things that diet and exercise just can’t fix.  However, a skilled plastic surgeon can offer some alternatives that can help boost our body contours as well as our self-confidence.

Body contouring surgery encompasses a number of different techniques used by plastic surgeons to reshape almost any area of the body.  Whether it’s augmentation, enhancement or eliminating excess fat and skin, there is a procedure to help nearly anyone achieve their aesthetic preference.

After all, it’s not just about attaining some ideal.  It’s a matter of personal confidence and enhancing your own personal image.

The first and most important step is to find a board certified, cosmetic surgeon experienced in all areas of plastic surgery who can help guide you toward realizing a more beautiful you.

Some of the more popular procedures include:

Breast Augmentation and Enhancement

This has become one of the most frequently performed procedures available, in part because of the focus on development of new materials and techniques that have made it safer and more effective.  Surgeons now have many options available for customizing a result to suit a woman’s specific preference and body type.

Liposuction 

Liposuction involves removing excess or unwanted fat from specific areas of the body.  It’s often used in combination with other procedures and is a very effective way to “spot reduce,” meaning it is not intended for overall weight reduction.  It requires only a tiny incision between the skin and muscle for the insertion of the instrument used to remove fat and shape target areas on the body.  In some cases, where there is a large amount of cellulite or excess skin, your doctor may recommend skin tightening at the same time.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) 

Tummy tucks are a popular choice following pregnancy and childbirth.  The procedure is designed to improve the contours around the mid-torso by removing excess skin and fat and, when necessary, actually tightening the muscular girdle around the stomach and abdomen.

In addition, there are procedures for achieving an overall ‘Body Lift’ which can focus on several areas of the body at once, for example the thighs, stomach and buttocks.

The possibilities are exciting and can be positively life changing. However, it’s important to be sure you consult your cosmetic surgeon to fully understand all your options and determine which procedure or combination of procedures are best suited for your expectations and body type.

Call 877-430-0523 today to schedule your free consultation.

Happy Holidays!

The docs and staff at pss wish all our patients a Happy Holiday Season! Without you there would be no us and we say Thank you… Thank you… and can’t wait to see you next year. We are closed from 12/24 until Jan4. Lucky us!