How to Recover Quickly from a Tummy Tuck

tummy tuck new york If you’re planning a tummy tuck, you’re no doubt excited about the results you expect to achieve. You may also know that abdominoplasty requires a longer recovery period than most cosmetic surgeries. Why is that?

Unlike many other procedures, tummy tuck surgery ventures inside the abdominal wall in order to tighten muscles that have become loose and separated. Healing from this and the other techniques plastic surgeons often choose to slim the torso (such as liposuction) means that the body uses a great deal of its “healing reserves” after surgery, notes Dr. Andrew Gear in an article on RealSelf.

Interestingly, though, like Dr. Gear, we have noticed that many of our New York tummy tuck patients bounce back pretty quickly and easily after surgery, while some take a bit longer. We’ve grouped some recovery steps everyone should know about into timeframes—have a quick look at these measures that are under your control:

Before Abdominoplasty

As Dr. Gear states in his article, those people in good shape before surgery tend to zip through the post-op period. Even if you’re not in tip-top form right now, you can begin an exercise program and make progress. Similarly, you can work on your diet not just to be close to your optimal weight, but to ensure your body has the nutrients it needs as well. Make a few changes if your eating habits aren’t the best, but don’t starve your body!

Dr. Gear also emphasizes the benefits of thinking positively, both physically and mentally. Those who expect to do well after surgery tend to have a good experience.

Initial Tummy Tuck Recovery

During the first few days following their procedure, we advise our New York tummy tuck patients to be kind to themselves. Even though we are careful to avoid issues such as significant blood loss during surgery, the procedure does take the “starch” out of you. Be sure to be ready to rest, drink plenty of fluids, avoid stress and so on.

Also, be smart about activities. We encourage gentle walking, with more mobility added each day. This promotes good circulation to aid the healing process and prevent blood clots. On the other hand, abdominal muscles must not be strained. That means no lifting and no strenuous exercise for a while. It also means avoiding constipation by taking stool softeners we’ll prescribe.

Smart Beauty Guide, a website published by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, offers more suggestions for recovering from a tummy tuck. Other plans recommended for the initial post-op period include:

• Having help at home: You’ll need someone with you, at least for a few days, to help you get up from reclining positions. They can also help with meal preparation, pet care and other tasks around the house. After this, you may have someone stop in daily or be “on call” if you live alone.
• Resting: Be sure to give your body the rest it needs. Have books, magazines, music, movies and other entertainment options on hand. And while you may be able to return to light work in a week or ten days, plan for two weeks away from the job if at all possible.
• Managing discomfort: We usually inject a medication that will minimize pain for the first 72 hours—enough to get the patient through the typical initial pain (many are able to walk upright out of our office!). But it’s completely normal to have moderate discomfort for a few days after that. We suggest you take the prescription medication we’ll prescribe on a schedule for a few days, then taper and switch to over the counter drugs. You’ll heal better and feel better with your discomfort under control, and there’s no benefit to getting off prescription drugs a day or two too soon.
• Pursuing good habits: We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to refrain from smoking after surgery. Smoking slows down circulation, which is a bad idea after any surgical procedure. Also, avoid alcohol and other drugs when you’re on pain medication.

In the Long Run

It goes without saying that after investing in tummy tuck surgery, you’ll want to celebrate the outcome. So go ahead and buy some new clothes that show off your figure, and maybe plan a tropical vacation. But give some thought to making your results last the rest of your life too. Even if you were in fine form before surgery, consider how you can maintain good health as your body ages. Incorporating a diet that makes sense and frequent exercise into your everyday life will ensure you get the most out of your abdominoplasty now and in the future.

Even though a tummy tuck dictates a recovery period that’s more involved than many surgeries, patients almost universally say the results are well worth it. In fact, a new study confirms that the procedure helps restore both form AND function—you can read our blog post about that here.

If you would like to talk with us about whether a tummy tuck in New York makes sense for you, just send us a quick email.

Tummy Tuck Benefits: Form and Function

tummy tuck new york There’s a reason tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is perennially among the top five most popular cosmetic procedures: it restores a flat torso when diet and exercise alone can’t do the job. Abdominoplasty patients almost always give their surgery glowing reviews too, as did our New York tummy tuck patient, Ahuva. She’s a great example of someone who gained weight then worked hard to lose it, only to find that even months with a personal trainer could not bring her figure back.

Women who have given birth are also familiar with what happens to the abdomen during pregnancy. Skin stretches to the point where it may not be able to bounce back on its own. In addition, muscle damage called diastasis recti (or rectus diastasis) can occur. As described on WebMD, this simply means that the gap between the left and right muscle bands has widened, allowing the tummy to stick out. The more pregnancies a woman has, and the closer together, the more likely she may experience muscle damage only a tummy tuck can fix.

New research confirms additional benefits of abdominoplasty beyond just cosmetic improvement. These have long been reported anecdotally: easing of lower back pain and urinary incontinence. A team of Australian researchers studied 214 women who elected tummy tuck surgery after giving birth. Their results, published recently in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, noted a “statistically significant” improvement in these two functions for this group of women.

How Abdominoplasty Restores Function

After finding these functional improvements, the scientists went on to discuss how abdominoplasty may bring these changes about. In terms of lower back pain, the team explained that tightening of the abdominal muscles restores proper, even tension across the torso, allowing the muscles to work together as they should. This helps stabilize the spine and pelvis and improves posture. All these positive outcomes of surgery help decrease lower back pain.

The improvement in urinary symptoms is less well understood, but several ideas are included in the journal article. One is that simply reducing pressure on the bladder helps; another is that improved muscle strength leads to more complete emptying of the bladder. The researchers also believe that elevation of skin and muscles may lengthen the urethra.

Form and Function

Some of the most rewarding cosmetic surgery procedures for patient and physician are those that deliver benefits in both form and function. In our Manhattan plastic surgery practice, we can’t help but be very pleased when a rhinoplasty patient both looks better and breathes better after a nose job with us. And there’s joy all around when a woman who has undergone breast reduction is happy with her new silhouette and thrilled with the load off her back and shoulders.

We have noted that our New York tummy tuck patients often report feeling healthier with their core muscles functioning better after surgery. It makes sense: when a person feels straighter and stronger after abdominoplasty, many health complaints might simply disappear. It’s great news to have these physical benefits confirmed by the new study.

If you’re considering a tummy tuck in New York, we would be very pleased to have you as our patient. Fill out our online contact form and tell us about yourself.

3 Reasons to Get a Facelift if You’re Younger

New York facelift Don’t take this article the wrong way: we’re not advocating that young people should rush out to get facial plastic surgery. But we do see some younger patients for whom a facelift in New York with us makes sense. This could be you if:

1. You’ve lost weight.

If you’ve dropped a significant amount of pounds, you may already have discovered that the face is one place that doesn’t necessarily look better in the “after” photos. Achieving a healthy weight is obviously a terrific goal to accomplish, but you may be left with sagging skin. That’s why many of our younger facelift patients have recently undertaken a campaign to lose excess pounds. Some start out with body sculpting procedures like abdominoplasty and decide that a facelift would put the finishing touches on their newly slim appearance.

2. Your face has suffered environmental damage.

Bright sun, dry snow, stinging cold wind, air pollution: we’ve got it all here in New York. Facelift patients who are on the younger side often note that the elements have contributed to early aging by causing damage to their surface tissues and underneath the skin.

3. You’re in the public eye.

The Big Apple is home to a vibrant and diverse entertainment industry, a busy political scene, highly active philanthropic groups and many other reasons people find themselves in the limelight. If your face is part of a public persona, you may be one who chooses to undergo facial plastic surgery at a relatively young age.

Many Facial Treatment Options

Of course, not every person who suffers early signs of aging elects a full facelift right away. We often begin treating younger women and men with Botox and facial fillers, sometimes combined with targeted microdermabrasion and a chemical peel. A combination of these less invasive facial treatments can address problems underneath the skin—such as overactive muscles and collagen breakdown—while freshening up the top layers as well.

Some people opt to start the rejuvenation process with an eyelid lift, perennially one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries for both men and women. Claire, one of our theater patients, is a good example. You can read her story here.

Facelift Choices

A facelift is the right choice for some younger patients,but for others may be more than they need. We are proud to offer a mid facelift for New York patients—a procedure very few other practices perform. It lifts and softens the triangle of skin below the eyes and down to the corners of the mouth, and it’s less expensive and involves less downtime than a full facelift.

If you choose cosmetic surgery for your face, we can fine tune it to your exact needs. You may benefit from a combination procedure including a non-invasive treatment, skin rejuvenation or fat transfer to fill hollows under the eyes, in the cheeks or in the temples.

You may have done plenty of research, weighed your options thoroughly and developed a pretty good idea about the treatment you need. On the other hand, in many of our facial plastic surgery consultations we find that people are dismayed by their wrinkles, droops and sags but not sure exactly which procedures would deliver the best results.

That’s why consultations are all-important when it comes to facial rejuvenation. We offer a wide menu of options and work with our patients to develop the right strategy. It’s especially satisfying when we can work with a patient throughout the years.

Let us care for your face now and later! Give us a call at 212-570-6080 today.

Body Contouring After Weight Loss: Getting Started

Two scientific studies conducted recently clearly stated the benefits of body contouring after weight loss. Three years ago, a Swiss publication called Frontiers in Psychology printed research results finding that people who underwent procedures to remove excess skin experienced better appearance evaluation, body satisfaction and physical functioning than weight loss patients who did not. A year before that, another study showed that patients who elected cosmetic surgery after massive weight loss regained significantly less weight than those who underwent gastric bypass without subsequent body contouring.

We can see the proof on the faces of elated men and women who choose body contouring after weight loss in New York with our team. When stretched, saggy skin is finally gone, people truly get their lives back.

We understand the prospect of doing more work on the body after losing weight can seem daunting. How do you get started?

First Things First: A Body Contouring Consultation

We suggest visiting at least two board certified plastic surgeons who have worked with weight loss patients. They should listen carefully to the challenges you face with extra skin and your ultimate goals, then propose a strategy that makes sense. You should understand each proposed procedure, whether any can be combined, the reasoning behind the sequence of multiple procedures, the recovery process, results you can expect and costs. Given that it’s very possible you’ll want more than one procedure, you should feel that you and your plastic surgeon and their staff will work well as a team.

Abdominal Cosmetic Surgery

Post weight loss patients who elect just one cosmetic surgery often choose a tummy tuck. And, our New York body contouring patients who are thinking of more than one procedure usually start with abdominoplasty because it affects the rest of the body, particularly the lower body.

We customize abdominal plastic surgery to each patient’s needs. We can perform what’s called a panniculectomy, meaning simply removing the “apron” of loose skin. Many patients need a full tummy tuck to remove skin, banish stray fat bulges with liposuction and lift the torso. Some benefit most from a circumferential abdominoplasty, or body lift, meaning contouring around the entire mid body.

Breast Surgery After Weight Loss

Both men and women often elect breast surgery after dropping many pounds. Both sexes find that after their breasts enlarged to accommodate excess weight, they just don’t bounce back into place without some help.

Guys usually develop man boobs when they gain weight, and we generally find the tissue left behind after weight loss contains both extra breast gland and fat. We perform male breast reduction for many guys who drop several pounds or more, and we can carefully remove redundant skin if needed.

Women often elect a breast lift to elevate their breasts back into a youthful position on the chest wall. If the breasts have a pronounced “deflated” look, we can insert an appropriate sized breast implant in the same procedure.

Other Post Weight Loss Surgical Options

Other post weight loss options we talk over with some New York body contouring after weight loss patients include thigh lifts, arm lifts and facelifts. Since extra weight gets distributed throughout the body—influenced by genetic patterns—some people choose a final cosmetic procedure or two to complete their rejuvenation goals.

Financing the Plan

Cosmetic surgery after weight loss is a true investment, and we encourage patients to look at it in that light. After working so hard to shed unhealthy weight, for many it doesn’t makes sense to carry around extra skin afterward.

Our staff can work with you on a payment strategy. We can discuss whether there may be a chance of help from your insurance company if health issues (aches and pains, rashes and so on) can be documented. We can share tips from other patients on saving for cosmetic surgery, and we can talk with you about the possibility of financing some of the cost. Many patients come up with a combination strategy for covering the cost of cosmetic surgery, and the staggered nature of multiple procedures can make the process easier.

We thoroughly enjoy working with patients seeking body contouring after weight loss in New York. It is truly a pleasure to help people who have worked so hard to change their health and body image. For many, cosmetic surgery after weight loss puts the finishing touches on a difficult physical and emotional journey, and it’s an honor to be part of this process.

If we can help you, give us a call at 212-570-6080.

Thighlighting, is it Really a Thing?

liposuction New York We should have seen it coming. The cosmetic surgery industry has proven itself to be fertile ground for marketeers, who routinely come up with tactics like these:

• Gimmicky names for cosmetic procedures, like the “designer vagina”
• Ways to bundle procedures for maximum appeal, like the “mommy makeover”
• Strategies for luring patients with a celebrity look, like the coveted “thigh gap”

Now, presenting “thighlighting!” A procedure that promotes itself in all three ways!

Seriously, there are some very good reasons patients talk with us about their legs in New York, though “thighlighting” is a term we have yet to hear in the consulting room. Here are three leading ways we help women and men improve the look of their legs:

• Liposuction: The outer thighs are one of the most popular targets for liposuction for our New York patients. That’s because where the body stores fat is genetically determined, and saddlebags are a common complaint. For many, no amount of exercise and dieting can banish those bulges, even when a person is otherwise fit, but liposuction can eliminate fat cells forever in a couple of hours.

Our practice in Manhattan has been on the forefront of liposuction since the start. We operated alongside one of the pioneers of the procedure more than three decades ago, and we’ve designed and patented our own instruments for delicate spots. Men and women seek us out to take advantage of our expertise.

• Thigh lift: After losing a great deal of weight—or just due to the passing years—both men and women can find their thighs displaying significantly saggy skin, and sometimes stray fat pockets. A thigh lift can remove and tighten excess skin, and we can also perform light liposuction to smooth away stubborn fat cells. Read more about thigh lift surgery here.

A thigh lift is not necessarily simple for the patient or the doctor; therefore, it’s important for patients to choose a highly experienced, board certified plastic surgeon to perform the procedure.

• Calf implants: Occasionally we meet a patient whose goal is to have highly defined calves. These are most often people who are very fit. Many are bodybuilders who have worked to tone and enlarge their lower leg muscles; only to find that they just don’t have the genetics to reach the sculpted look they’re after. We can help by inserting small implants in a relatively straightforward procedure.

Most patients interested in calf implants are men. Unlike most other plastic surgery practices, we work with almost as many men as we do women here in Manhattan. Guys can feel comfortable walking through our door—we understand their goals and concerns.

So, is thighlighting really a thing? In a way, yes. We are ready if a patient in New York asks about thighlighting. We’ll talk about it in the same way we discuss mommy makeovers: we can certainly design a combination of procedures to fit a person’s unique needs. In fact, no procedure we perform is ever exactly the same because patients aren’t carbon copies.

But if someone comes in the door asking for a specific set of procedures, or seeking legs that resemble those of Kendall Jenner, Angelina Jolie or another Hollywood celebrity, we’ll have a heart-to-heart talk about reasonable expectations.

Perhaps you have worked to slim and sculpt your legs and found that a little surgical help may be in order. Maybe all the media fuss about thighlighting has even brought you a little closer to seriously considering cosmetic surgery. Whatever the reason, why not contact us online and tell us what you’re thinking. We promise to give you the individual attention you need!

Do Plastic Surgeons Want You to Feel Bad?

plastic surgeon New York We read an article recently that asserts that plastic surgeons want you to feel bad about yourself. What the author really meant was that those of us in the industry target people’s low self-image in an effort to attract patients. How true is this notion? And does it have implications you should consider?

Let’s take a look at the points the author tried to make.

1) Plastic surgery ads prey on people’s insecurities.

The author acknowledges that we live in a culture that celebrates certain ideals of beauty. He notes that advertisers leverage this by touting products that promise to give you shinier hair, clearer skin and so on. In our busy media market in New York, plastic surgeons are front and center offering everything from larger breasts to smaller breasts to help women and men achieve the appearance they wish for.

We do see advertising by plastic surgeons in New York and other urban areas that goes too far. It’s clear to us that the use of certain words such as “perfect” may create unrealistic expectations, and gimmick-y procedures like the “vampire facelift” don’t do much for many patients except empty the wallet. Worse are ads that demean people. There’s no better example than a sad woman holding tangerines in front of her breasts and a happy woman with a pair of grapefruit.

But, in our experience, most plastic surgeons seek patients who feel generally good about themselves and just want to fine tune. Read some of our plastic surgery patient stories and you’ll see what we mean. We treat people with very specific goals, like Ahuva. She gained weight after a medical treatment, worked very hard to shed the pounds and elected a tummy tuck when she could not get her slim abdomen back on her own. Then there are patients like Mora for whom cosmetic surgery goes hand-in-hand with an important life milestone. These are people with clear objectives and reasonable expectations, not patients who have come to us trying to fix insecurities.

2) The $16 billion spent by patients every year could be used better.

Citing statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the article suggests that the money spent annually on cosmetic surgery could be better spent elsewhere. He suggests hurricane relief efforts and other ways to ease human suffering would be more appropriate targets.

There are a couple of points to raise about this notion. The most obvious is that you could make such a statement about many industries. According to PEOPLE Magazine, the average woman in the U.S. spends $15,000 on makeup in her lifetime. Couldn’t that kind of money make a difference to a charity as well? Is makeup a valid personal budget item?

In addition, while we don’t usually know about the charitable habits of our patients, it’s worth noting that many newsmakers who have undergone plastic surgery are also philanthropists. Jane Fonda is one example. Her causes include youth and reproductive health and higher education. In other words, people can invest in their appearance and in the well-being of others too. The two aren’t mutually exclusive.

3) The boost in confidence plastic surgery patients talk about isn’t REAL confidence.

The article noted that if you have issues with self-esteem, plastic surgery probably isn’t the answer. The author strongly asserted that confidence is not a byproduct of your appearance.

We agree—for the most part. When we meet people with psychological challenges in consultation, we most often suggest counseling and other ways to build their self esteem rather than a cosmetic procedure.

But we would argue strongly that while plastic surgery can’t give sudden confidence to a deeply troubled person, a healthy person’s confidence can be undermined by an area of the body that bothers them. Read this man boobs patient story and we think you will agree: the confidence this young actor gained from a straightforward, two-hour surgery is very real indeed.

If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure and you’re not sure it’s the right move for you, we have suggestions. First and foremost, examine your motivations carefully. Are your expectations in line with what cosmetic surgery can really accomplish for your appearance and your life? Also, spend at least a few hours researching the procedure that interests you—read everything you can find, both positive and negative. Finally, make at least two consultation appointments. There are many talented and reputable plastic surgeons in New York who practice with nothing but integrity. We believe you would feel that way about us, and we’d be very happy to hear from you.

Neck Options in New York: Kybella and More

New York necklift If a double chin or sagging neck bothers you enough that you’re researching treatment online, you’ve no doubt discovered that there are more options than ever these days. Patients who originally thought they might need a neck lift in New York now come see us asking about Kybella and liposuction too. How do you know which option is best for you?

Here are some advantages and cautions for you to think over.

Kybella

Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable treatment that dissolves fat under the chin. It contains deoxycholic acid, a natural substance, which destroys fat cells so the body can cleanse them from your system over a few weeks’ time. Patients usually receive several tiny injections of Kybella during their first session, and many times one treatment is sufficient. Occasionally patients with a large amount of fat or who need some fine-tuning require a second session. As one of the first practices in New York to use Kybella, we’re experienced at getting a great result.

Younger men and women with reasonably good skin tone are often the best candidates for Kybella. New York patients are enthusiastic about this non-invasive option, as it requires no downtime in most cases and can cost less than other procedures. One caution: Kybella can only treat fat located directly under the chin. If you have deposits in other places on the neck, liposuction is a better choice.

Liposuction

For those with a substantial amount of fat under the chin and on the neck, and for people looking for more immediate improvement, liposuction may be the best option. The cannula used for neck liposuction is quite small and the procedure takes a short amount of time, so recovery is usually just a few days long.

Liposuction is also a good choice for people whose skin is likely to bounce back into place after treatment. Liposuction does not remove lax skin nor tighten prominent neck cords known as “platysmal bands.”

Botox

For a few men and women, the main neck issue is an overactive platysmal muscle, resulting in vertical bands that contribute to an aged appearance. Occasionally, for patients seeking a non-invasive procedure, we’ll recommend Botox injections to relax the bands. This option was recognized as a viable use of Botox as long ago as 1999! It works best for younger patients and can be expected to last a few months.

Neck Lift

For older patients with some combination of fat deposits, lax skin and platysmal bands, a neck lift is still the gold standard treatment. This straightforward cosmetic surgery addresses all those issues in just a couple hours in our fully accredited surgical suite. We use twilight sedation in most cases, so people go home the same day feeling awake and alert.

Although patients normally experience some swelling and bruising, discomfort after surgery is usually mild. Most men and women can return to work in two weeks or less. Neck lift surgery can be combined with other procedures such as a facelift or an eyelid lift for more dramatic rejuvenation.

It’s Not Your Fault!

The neck can be a surprisingly troublesome area that contributes more than its share to early aging. We see plenty of young men and women in New York with a double chin. We also consult with many people who aren’t yet senior citizens but have saggy skin and/or ropy neck muscles. For these folks, the neck can be a source of frustration.

If this is you, do not worry that you’ve done something wrong. For one thing, know that neck skin is very delicate. We all have fat deposits under the chin, and skin loses its ability to rein them in over time. Environmental damage can hasten the process, but your double chin is probably due in large part to genetics. Similarly, ropy neck muscles tend to run in families.

As you can see, there are more options than ever for treating your neck. With over three decades of experience serving the men and women of greater New York, we know them all well. We can help you learn more and work with you to come up with just the right strategy. Give us a call at 212-570-6080 today!

What You Can Do To Speed Liposuction Recovery

One of the very first things our New York liposuction candidates want to know about is recovery. We won’t sugarcoat it: the liposuction post-op period is nothing to be afraid of, but it’s generally not as easy as it is for some procedures. Assuming you’re interested in sculpting a few areas, you’ll want to prepare for some discomfort and a few days of rest. But take heart! Liposuction is one of the most satisfying procedures for our patients, and with just a little preparation your initial recovery will be brief and quite tolerable.

Downtime

You’ll need to prepare to be at home and mostly off your feet for a few days. Most patients take about a week to return to light activity and sedentary work.

What you can do:

• Prior to your procedure, gather some materials that will help you rest quietly. You may want to have a stack of books, magazines and puzzles by your bed, a laptop handy and some music and movies ready to go.
• Have at least one compression garment and wear it as directed. Before surgery, it’s a good idea to think about clothing you might need when you return to work. Investing in a loose fitting pair of pants or skirt and perhaps a tunic style dress might help you wear the compression garment comfortably.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in protein and vitamins.

Discomfort

Unless you plan to target just a small area, liposuction will probably cause you some discomfort for a few days. Why? It’s because the cannula passes through layers of tissue several times to dislodge those stubborn fat pockets and suction them away. This action results in bruising, swelling and soreness. Don’t worry–very few patients report acute pain. But you will likely have some discomfort.

What you can do:

• Be sure to fill your pain medication prescription prior to surgery and take it regularly to “stay ahead.” Also have an over-the-counter pain reliever available to you as well. Your doctor will advise you about this.
• Consider asking someone to look in on you for the first two or three days, and perhaps help you prepare a meal or care for pets. Although you should walk a bit to avoid blood clots, it’s best to recline most of the time initially. You may find that limiting the need to change position will help.

Swelling

In the consultation room in New York, liposuction patients learn to expect a double dose of swelling following their procedure. As you may know, fluid is injected into the tissues during the procedure, and the action of the cannula causes swelling as well. It takes time for all that liquid to dissipate.

What you can do:

• Follow your plastic surgeon’s recommendations about activity very closely. Too much, too soon can lead to additional swelling.
• Wear your compression garment! It truly does make all the difference!
• Limit your salt intake.
• Be patient. Don’t panic if it seems swelling is taking a while to resolve, but call your plastic surgeon’s office with any concerns.

If you’re thinking about having liposuction, no doubt it’s because you are tired of battling persistent pockets of fat that just will not go away. Whether your problem is love handles, a belly pooch, a bra roll, saddlebags or chubby knees—or maybe a combination—liposuction can accomplish what diet and exercise can’t.

Our patients in New York agree: liposuction delivers results that are well worth a few days of moderate discomfort and a few weeks of patience with swelling. Come talk to us and let’s see if the procedure is right for you!

Cosmetic Surgery for Summer: Recovery Time

If you’re considering a cosmetic surgery tune up for summer, you may be wondering whether recovery time will allow you to enjoy your new body this coming season. Here’s what we tell our New York cosmetic surgery patients about how soon they can visit the pool or the shore following three popular body contouring procedures.

Breast Augmentation

Although many women are choosing to go smaller than in years past, breast augmentation is still the first or second most popular cosmetic surgery in New York and across the nation. Some choose breast enhancement to “refill” sagging skin after pregnancy and nursing, others want to supplement what Mother Nature gave them or address an issue such as tuberous breasts or marked asymmetry. Most women elect implants, but more and more often we are transferring fat to the breasts for modest enhancement.

No matter which approach you choose, breast augmentation does not involve a great deal of trauma. With implants, you’ll want to take it easy and prevent extra swelling for a week or two. After that, you may be near bathing suit ready, though you may want more coverage and support than a string bikini for a while longer. If you have breast enlargement with fat transfer, recovery will be about the same or perhaps a bit shorter.

Liposuction

Both men and women can benefit from liposuction prior to getting out the warm weather wardrobe. Men tend to target the torso, electing liposuction to banish love handles or as part of a male breast reduction procedure. Women often want some help getting rid of a tummy pooch or reducing saddlebags and chubby knees.

Although you will notice almost immediate improvement in your contours after surgery, you’ll need to allow a few weeks before donning skimpy clothes. Liposuction does bring swelling and bruising along with it, plus you will probably have a compression garment to wear to help manage the healing process. Depending on the extent of treatment, you will be able to reveal your new appearance to the world in a few weeks to about two months.

Tummy Tuck

There’s a reason people are so satisfied with tummy tuck surgery, also called abdominoplasty. For many, it delivers what exercise and dieting just can’t achieve: a flatter, more youthful looking belly. This is particularly true for women whose tissues have been stretched beyond the bounce-back point by pregnancy or for people who have experienced dramatic weight fluctuations.

We customize each tummy tuck we perform to suit our patients’ needs. Most procedures involve some light liposuction, plus suturing lax muscles and lifting and removing excess skin. Although final healing may take up to six months, initial swelling will be mostly gone in a week or two. You may feel ready to shop for a new bathing suit—probably a one-piece—in just a few weeks.

Recovery Tips

There are a few things we tell our New York cosmetic surgery patients they must do following any body contouring procedure:

• Refrain from doing too much too soon—extra swelling will be the result
• Wear compression garments and surgical dressings as directed
• Cover up incision sites in the sun to ensure scars do not darken
• Call us with any questions at all, including how soon to be active

Body contouring plastic surgery is as rewarding for us as it is for our patients. As new silhouettes are revealed in post-op visits, there’s joy all around! Call us if you’re interested in talking about a new shape for summer: 212-570-6080.

Breast Lift for Many Types of Women

Cosmetic surgery procedures that rejuvenate the appearance are some of the most highly rated elective surgeries around. Take a look at RealSelf, the website where patients review their operations, and you’ll see what we mean. Facelifts, neck lifts, tummy tucks and other procedures that give patients back a youthful appearance are very satisfying to people who elect them, with most of these surgeries rated at or near 95% approval.

We perform all these procedures in our fully accredited plastic surgery suite in New York, and breast lift surgery, also called mastopexy, is one of the most gratifying for us. Allow us to explain.

It’s quite natural for people to notice the signs of aging first in some areas of the face and neck. Crow’s feet, “parentheses” around the mouth and a saggy neck can be obvious when you confront your face every day in the mirror, and when we perform facial plastic surgery, patients are usually extremely pleased with the results. Some women evaluate their entire body as the years pass, and these patients often notice that saggy breasts really contribute to an aging, “frumpy” look. After a breast lift in New York with us, it is truly rewarding to see a patient turn this way and that in a full-length mirror, admiring her new profile.

But don’t think mastopexy is just for older women. If you browse the RealSelf reviews, you’ll notice that patients in their 20’s and 30’s also elect the procedure. Some have had children and find their breasts “deflated” and droopy after pregnancy weight fluctuation and breastfeeding. Others simply say their breasts have never looked perky and they’ve wanted to do something about them for years. Patients with these concerns also leave our offices with a new bounce to their step after surgery.

Other people who often consider a breast lift are patients who have lost a great deal of weight. Women know that breasts change easily with weight gain and loss, and skin doesn’t bounce back very readily. For these women, mastopexy can make a huge difference both physically and psychologically. Often patients elect to have small implants placed during surgery to restore lost volume.

Finally, women with tuberous breasts (sometimes called tubular breasts) often choose breast surgery. Suffering from constricted tissue at the base of the breasts that forces growth outward and down, these patients often say they’re hoping to achieve rounder, fuller breasts that seem more “normal” in shape. In these cases, cosmetic surgery is a delicate procedure. It often involves releasing tight tissues, placing a small implant and lifting the entire breast, all at the same time. It takes skill and experience working with tuberous breasts to achieve the best outcome for these women.

Because there’s such variety in patients’ “before” breasts as well as their goals for surgery, breast lift procedures require a high degree of customization. Fortunately there’s more than one approach to offer. If you elect to come see us about a breast lift, we’ll examine you and explain all the decision factors, then work with you to plan surgery that’s just right.

No matter what our ultimate strategy turns out to be, know that breast lift surgery is safe and requires a recovery period that’s not difficult. You can expect to need about a week away from work, and you’ll have some bruising and swelling to manage for the first few days. Your breasts will also feel tight and high on your torso for a time, but you can expect to be pleased with your new shape in a few days and very satisfied as your tissues settle into place over a few weeks.

Give us a call to find out more about breast lift in New York with our team: 212-570-6080.

New York Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Elliot W. Jacobs