Dec 19, 2016 | Uncategorized
When it comes to plastic surgery, you shouldn’t believe everything you hear. Many Americans are misinformed about plastic surgery, even ones who have had it before. We’re debunking common plastic surgery myths to help patients make safer, more educated choices.
4 Common Plastic Surgery Myths
It’s all about vanity. Studies show that 88% of plastic surgery patients have realistic expectations about their results. Plastic surgery can improve self-esteem and help patients get healthier, but it won’t fix deeper problems relating to health, relationships, or self-worth.- Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are the same thing. Many people believe that “plastic surgery” and “cosmetic surgery” are interchangeable, but they’re actually two different specialties. Cosmetic surgery is elective surgery to improve the appearance. There’s currently no residency training for cosmetic surgery, so cosmetic surgeons get their experience “on the job” or in 2 year post-residency fellowships. Plastic surgeons must undergo 5 years of surgical training, which includes both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, before getting certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- It takes the work out of weight loss. While procedures like liposuction, tummy tucks, thigh lifts, and our new SculpSure fat reduction laser will reduce or remove fatty deposits, surgery is not the solution for patients who aren’t willing to change their lifestyles. Without regular exercise and healthy eating habits, patients will regain the weight, if not always in the same places.
- It’s not affordable for normal people. Cosmetic surgery has a reputation as a luxury item, but the truth is, plastic surgery is affordable for people with normal incomes. Non-surgical procedures like Botox and laser hair removal only cost a few hundred dollars. And if your surgical procedure is medically necessary (as is often the case with breast reductions and eye lifts), it may be covered by insurance.
Don’t make a decision before you have all the facts. If you have questions about a plastic surgery procedure, call Dr. Brantner’s office to schedule a consultation.
Dec 7, 2016 | Facelifts, Uncategorized
One facelift doesn’t fit all. Facelifts have been a popular cosmetic surgery for decades, giving women and men the opportunity to rejuvenate their face, remove excess skin, and restore a more youthful appearance. But many kinds of facelifts exist, giving surgeons the ability to target specific areas of the face that patients are unhappy with. Which type of facelift surgery is right for you?
The S-Lift
An S-Lift is essentially a “mini-facelift,” giving patients many of the benefits of a full facelift, but with reduced recovery time. Named for the s-shaped incision made by the ear, the S-Lift tightens skin on the lower part of the face, reducing the appearance of sagging jowls. Because loose skin around the jaw line is often an early sign of aging, it’s a popular choice for patients who are dissatisfied with their appearance, but aren’t ready for a full facelift.
Mid-Facelift
A mid-facelift improves the appearance of the cheek area. Dr. Brantner makes small incisions in the hairline and inside the mouth. This allows him to elevate the fat pad in the cheeks, tightening sagging skin of the mid-face. A mid-facelift restores fullness to the cheeks and lower eye area, giving the patient a fresher, rejuvenated appearance.
Upper Facelift
Dr. Brantner can target specific areas of the upper face with a brow lift or eye lift procedure. A brow lift can reduce frown lines by lifting the skin and tightening muscles in the forehead and brow area. An eye lift removes excess skin around the eyes, rejuvenating the appearance and improving vision that could be impaired from drooping skin above the eyes.
Full Facelift
A traditional facelift addresses many of the issues resolved by more specific facelift procedures. A full facelift lifts sagging skin of the mid-face, removes excess skin around the jaw, addresses creases below the eyes, and smooths lines around the nose and mouth. A facelift may also involve removing fatty deposits under the eyes, chin, and on other areas of the face.
If you’re not sure which type of facelift is right for you, we can help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Brantner to find which facelift suits your desired outcome.
Dec 2, 2016 | Uncategorized
Cigarettes and surgery are longtime foes. Surgery seeks to improve the patient’s health and appearance through reconstructive or elective procedures, while cigarettes lead to aging, healing complications and, in some cases, cancer. But what are the risks and benefits of the mediator between smokers and healthcare professionals: vaping?
What Is Vaping?
The use of e-cigarettes, more commonly known as “vaping,” is becoming increasingly popular in response to the proven negative effects of traditional smoking. Vapers inhale a flavored vapor that contains a lower nicotine content than old school cigarettes. Vaping also removes smoke inhalation from the equation. While it’s not as healthy as abstaining altogether, vaping involves fewer health risks than smoking tobacco. And e-cigarettes can also help smokers quit, allowing their bodies adjust to lower levels of nicotine.
Vaping and Plastic Surgery
When smoking and surgery mix, they put the life of the patient at risk. Smoking can lead to serious complications, both during surgery and during the healing process. Does vaping have the same risks, or is vaping before surgery acceptable?
As they seek more information about the health risks of vaping, the FDA has placed it on par with tobacco use. Medical researchers are still analyzing the long term effects of vaping on the body. But one thing is clear: because of the nicotine content, vaping may cause vasoconstriction (reduced blood flow), which can lead to skin flap failure in surgical procedures. Doctors recommend vapers follow the same rules as traditional smokers before a procedure: stop vaping 4-6 weeks before surgery (or at the recommendation of your doctor).
Are you considering cosmetic surgery in East Tennessee? Call Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to schedule a consultation.
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