Which area of your body would you most like to change? For many men and women in the US, the answer to that question is changing. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons released their annual cosmetic surgery report for 2015, which shows a rising diversity in which areas of the body patients choose to address. Breast lifts, lower body lifts, and arm lifts showed considerable growth this year, as did the number of men choosing breast reduction surgery. The overall trends in cosmetic surgery and minimally-invasive procedures, however, has stayed fairly consistent with data from previous years.
Most Popular Cosmetic Surgery in 2015
The number of breast augmentations may have decreased 2% in 2015, but it’s still the most popular cosmetic surgery by over 50,000 procedures.
Liposuction procedures are up 5% from 2014, but they’re 37% less popular than they were in 2000.
Nose reshaping hasn’t changed in popularity since 2014. In 2015, it was still the 3rd most popular cosmetic procedure in America.
Eyelid surgery, such as lower and upper eye lifts, decreased 1% in popularity in 2015.
Tummy tucks replaced facelifts as the 5th most popular cosmetic procedure in 2015. Tummy tucks increased 9% in popularity over the last year and 104% since 2000.
Most Popular Non-Surgical Procedures in 2015
Non-surgical procedures have grown in popularity over the last several years, attracting patients who want facial rejuvenation without the permanence of surgery. The top minimally-invasive procedures in 2015 were:
Botulinum Toxin Type A
Soft Tissue Fillers
Chemical Peel
Laser Hair Removal
Microdermabrasion
Every patient’s surgical journey is wholly unique. If you’re considering a surgical or minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure, call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brantner.
The quest for a prettier pout is nothing new. Women have sought plumper, fuller lips for centuries, using makeup and natural plumpers to achieve a more vital, youthful look. Though early 20th century lip injections were unsuccessful, today they’re a simple, low-risk path to achieving a fuller mouth.
Cosmetic Lip Augmentation
Some people were born with thin lips, or may feel that their mouths look off-balance with their full cheeks or wide jaw. And as men and women age, their lips often begin to thin, all but disappearing when they smile. For people who are unhappy with the appearance of their lips, lip augmentation is an attractive solution. From the old fixation on Angelina Jolie to Scarlett Johansson’s more natural smile, lip injections help men and women achieve plump-looking lips.
About Lip Augmentation
If you want full, natural lips, a lip augmentation may be right for you. Lip augmentation is a minimally invasive procedure, with recovery typically only taking a several days. Lip augmentation can be temporary or permanent based on the type of injection used. Restylane is an injectable gel that adds fullness and volume to the lips for up to 6 months. Juvederm fillers last 9 months to a year per injection. For a more permanent solution, patients can get fat transfer injections. Because the injections come from their own tissue, it will not be absorbed in the same way as an injectable filler. Some women may need occasional touch ups to achieve and maintain the desired results.
Breast reconstruction is a personal decision that each breast cancer patient must consider carefully. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation about when, why, and how to reconstruct the breasts after a mastectomy. If you have questions about breast reconstruction, talk to Dr. Brantner about what’s right for you. In the meantime, we’re debunking a few of the most common myths about breast reconstruction.
4 Myths about Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction must take place immediately after a mastectomy. There’s no right time for breast reconstruction. Many women choose reconstruction immediately after their mastectomy, while others wait to finish radiation treatments or until they’re sure reconstruction is right for them. Breast reconstruction can be effective years after a mastectomy.
Radiation or chemotherapy makes breast reconstruction impossible. Radiation affects blood circulation and the elasticity of the skin, while chemotherapy may affect the timeline of breast reconstruction. These treatments can limit reconstruction options, but in most cases, they don’t disqualify patients from breast reconstruction. If you’ve undergone (or are currently undergoing) radiation or chemotherapy treatments, discuss your breast reconstruction options with Dr. Brantner.
Unnatural looking implants are the only option. Women who choose breast reconstruction have a variety of options, ranging from breast implants to breast reconstruction using body tissue. Thanks to surgical advancements, both options can result in natural looking breasts that help cancer survivors reclaim their confidence and sense of femininity.
It’s harder to detect breast cancer after reconstruction. Detection of breast cancer relies on a variety of factors, none of which breast reconstruction has been proven to affect. Ask Dr. Brantner which screening techniques and breast exams are best for after your reconstruction.
Although most patients have spent months or years considering the results of their breast augmentation, many feel both nerves and excitement in the weeks prior to surgery. It’s easy to doubt yourself, over prepare for life post-surgery, or bottle up concerns in an effort to carry on as normal. You’re in good hands with Dr. Brantner, but there are a few things you can do to make your breast rejuvenation easier.
3 Things NOT to Do Before a Breast Augmentation
Bite your tongue. Dr. Brantner has spent his career giving women beautiful, natural results. But every body is different. Talking to Dr. Brantner about your breast augmentation concerns doesn’t just soothe your fears; it also may affect your end results. Be open and honest with Dr. Brantner about your ideal look, your lifestyle, and any questions you may have about the surgery or healing process.
Go on a shopping spree. It’s tempting to hit your favorite stores for bigger bras, bust-enhancing shirts, and flattering work dresses in the weeks before your breast augmentation. It may seem like you’re saving time, but shopping before surgery usually leads to returns, returns, returns. There’s no telling exactly how clothes will fit your body after surgery. Breast implants settle over time, giving you a subtle different shape in month five than you had the week after surgery. You’ll also spend several weeks post surgery going braless to ensure a proper settling of the implants. Trust us, you’ll have plenty of time for shopping once you’ve healed.
Carry on as normal. In the weeks leading up to surgery, Dr. Brantner will give you a pre-surgical checklist to follow. He may adjust your medications, diet, or fitness routine in the weeks before your procedure. If you don’t follow his pre-op instructions, it may lead to complications during surgery or difficulty healing afterwards. But there are also day-to-day tasks to consider. Before surgery, most patients clean the house, schedule babysitters, and plan for other daily tasks they won’t be able to complete during recovery.
Have a question about recovering from breast augmentation surgery? Call Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Johnson City, TN.
Many patients feel anxious in the days leading up to their procedure, especially if they’ve never had major surgery before. To help you feel confident the day of your procedure, we’ve put together a list of what to expect the day of your surgery.
What to Expect Before Surgery
Check-in. Go to the registration desk when you arrive. A receptionist will answer questions about the preoperative process, review the information in your file, and give you any remaining consent forms to sign. You will receive your ID bracelet and be directed to the waiting room.
Holding area. A nurse will arrive to take you from the waiting room to a private area where you can change into your hospital gown. The RN will verify your medical history, conditions, and medications. He or she may also perform final testing prior to surgery. Your nurse will escort you to the pre-surgical holding area where you will meet your surgical team.
Anesthesiologist interview. Prior to surgery, you will meet with your anesthesiologist, who will ask questions that determine the type and dosage of anesthesia administered. Tell your anesthesiologist if you have experienced nausea due to anesthesia in the past. You will be asked to sign an anesthesia consent form. Your anesthesiologist will monitor you during the procedure to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Final discussion with Dr. Brantner. Before surgery, you will meet with Dr. Brantner. He will confirm your procedure and mark you for surgery. If you have not already done so, you will be asked to sign a surgical consent form.
Surgery. The anesthesiologist will administer the anesthesia, and you will be taken to a clean, equipped room for surgery. The medical team will monitor you closely throughout the procedure. After surgery, you will be taken to a Post Anesthesia Care Unit where nurses will monitor you until you are fully awake. The friend who accompanied you for surgery will pick you up in post-op, receive any final care instructions from the medical team, and take you home.
Have questions about your cosmetic procedure? Call Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery or ask Dr. Brantner during your cosmetic consultation.
The number of breast augmentations may have decreased 2% in 2015, but it’s still the most popular cosmetic surgery by over 50,000 procedures.
Anesthesiologist interview