Is Plastic Surgery Right for You?

Is Plastic Surgery Right for You?

Why You Should Consider Plastic Surgery

There are many reasons why men and women of all ages choose to have plastic surgery. Oftentimes, plastic surgery is a want rather than a need. The want for plastic surgery may stem from an underlying insecurity an individual has within themselves. Or maybe, they just want to fit in with a group or feel more masculine or feminine. Whatever the desire, it is an important decision to consider.

Plastic surgery gives you the option to achieve a physical look that you’ve never been able to achieve on your own. Whether you want a proportional figure, a distinguished nose, a voluptuous bust, or even a smoother face, you may want to consider plastic surgery for peace of mind and satisfaction with your body.

Common Plastic Surgery Procedures

You can get cosmetic plastic surgery on virtually any part of your body. The most common types of plastic surgery procedures include areas of the body, such as:


Facelift
● Buttock lift
● Liposuction
● Nose reshaping
● Lip augmentation
● Microdermabrasion
● Vaginal rejuvenation
● Laser skin resurfacing
● Botox injections & fillers
● Laser treatment of leg veins
Breast lift, augmentation, or reduction

Advantages of Plastic Surgery

Self-Confidence
When your body is finally where you want it to be, it helps boost your confidence and self-image. Looking good makes you feel good, and when you feel good, it also makes you look good. Owning your look and power gives you the confidence to achieve anything.

Improved Mental Health
When you’re more confident, it shows in your mental health. Your physical surgery has improved your mental outlook on life. Maybe you have less social anxiety and want to get out more. Positive changes in your body can affect every aspect of your life; maybe you can finally have that girls’ night with your friends or take on a challenge with your buddies.

Enhanced Physical Health
Depending on your plastic surgery, it might improve your physical health in addition to your outward appearance. For example, a rhinoplasty (reshaping of the nose) could change your breathing for the better. A breast reduction could alleviate back pain associated with the weight of having large breasts.

Personal & Professional Growth
Once you feel more attractive and confident, you have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. You’ve learned more about yourself and what you can handle. Especially in the professional world, people will perceive you as more powerful and deserving of an opportunity. After a successful procedure, you may recognize other benefits from it that you never imagined would be possible.

Disadvantages of Plastic Surgery

Expense
Cosmetic procedures are fairly pricey. People often take out personal loans to pay for them. But if you’ve had plastic surgery on your mind for a while, it may be helpful to start saving a little money here and there. Depending on the medical facility that performs your procedure, you may be able to set up a financing program.
Health Risks
As with any surgery, there is always the chance of something going wrong. Even if the surgery is medically necessary, there is a chance for mistakes and even death to occur during or after surgery. Patients react differently to anesthesia, and your health history is also something to consider before deciding to get plastic surgery.

Unmet Expectations
Have you ever said something out loud, only to find it sounded better in your head? Plastic surgery tends to work the same way. You may have a vision of what you expect to look like after your facelift, breast enlargement, or liposuction. The doctor removes the bandages, and what you see is not what you want. For best results, talk with your doctor to make sure they understand exactly what you expect and what they can realistically deliver.

Recovery Time
After your surgery, your mobility will likely be limited for at least two or three weeks. Depending on your procedure, it may be longer. Keeping this in mind, if you really want the surgery, you’ll need to prepare to have someone at home with you for an extended period. You can’t expect to be up and back to normal the next day.

Potential Complications


● Scarring: For most cosmetic procedures, the chance of scarring is not an option. However, surgery of any kind typically results in some form of scarring. Scarring is most evident in tummy tucks.
● Infection: Doctors take the risk of infection very seriously. However, sometimes it occurs when patients ignore their postoperative care. Infections are very common in patients who undergo breast augmentation.
● Nerve damage: If you experience numbness or tingling after plastic surgery, you may have nerve damage from your procedure. Nerve damage is also very common in patients who have undergone breast augmentation. About 15% of women experience permanent nerve damage in their nipples.

 

Call Now to Schedule a Consultation Today – Be Confident, Feel Beautiful.

Call (423) 328-9000 or schedule your consultation online with Jim Brantner, M.D. today.
Dr. Brantner is located in Johnson City, TN. He also services the Tri-Cities region of Tennessee, including Kingsport, Johnson City, Bristol, and the surrounding smaller communities.

5 Questions to Ask your Vaginal Rejuvenation Consultant

5 Questions to Ask your Vaginal Rejuvenation Consultant

For residents of the Tri-Cities (Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, and Elizabethton) Tennessee, vaginal rejuvenation is a lesser discussed, yet helpful treatment for many women living with discomfort, pain or in need of aesthetic or functional improvement.

Our Bodies Change Over Time – and that’s ok

It’s a perfectly natural process for a woman’s body to change over time. Whether from aging, childbirth or other factors, these changes can be both unsightly as well as uncomfortable, and in some cases even painful.

Luckily, modern medicine and the advent of vaginal cosmetic procedures have made it possible for women just like you to roll back the sands of time and rejuvenate their vaginas, brining them back to their former look and feel.

Surgical and Non-Surgical Options for Tri-Cities residents of: Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, and Elizabethton

These procedures, both surgical and non-surgical are known collectively as “Vaginal Rejuvenation” procedures, and provide women with a way to improve their self-esteem, enhance their sexual satisfaction and comfortability, and alleviate pain and discomfort.

Potential Benefits for Tri-Cities, TN residents

While benefits of the different types of procedures vary slightly, they most effectively address the dual purpose of tightening the vaginal canal and reshaping the outer vulva.

Questions to Ask your Vaginal Rejuvenation Consultant

If you’re considering vaginal rejuvenation procedures, read on to learn more about the top five questions you should ask your medical practitioner prior to the procedure.

Question 1: Am I A Good Candidate for Vaginal Rejuvenation?

Thanks to recent advances in vaginal rejuvenation technology, the majority of women are good candidates for a procedure of some type, though more risks and greater recovery time are associated with those procedures which are more invasive.

However, not everyone is a good fit, and you’ll want to consult with your vaginal rejuvenation surgeon to find out for sure. For example, while non-surgical procedures are generally considered an option for a wider range of women, those women with “a pacemaker or an automatic implantable cardioverty/defibrillator (AICD)” are less likely to be candidates.

Each case is different, and the risks and benefits of each type of procedure should be discussed with your vaginal rejuvenation consultant and your plastic surgeon. The degree of vaginal laxity plays a large part in deciding whether or not to take a surgical route for many women. Those women with only a minor degree of vaginal laxity can expect the desired results from a non-surgical procedure, such as radiofrequency vaginal rejuvenation or laser vaginal rejuvenation.

Question 2: How Long Will Recovery Take?

Non-surgical procedures such as radiofrequency vaginal rejuvenation, sometimes known by brand names such as Geneveve, or laser vaginal rejuvenation, typically require minimal downtime after the procedure, while surgical options may require 2-5 days of downtime.

Women who suspect they may need a more invasive procedure, such as surgery, should plan ahead to take time off work or arrange for childcare well in advance of the procedure. Those women who follow a healthy diet and exercise plan and generally follow a healthy lifestyle will commonly experience shorter and easier recovery periods.

Your plastic surgeon will be able to recommend any lifestyle changes which might make the recovery process easier.

Question 3: What is the Process for the Procedure?

The process for a surgical procedure, such as a labiaplasty or vaginoplasty, will be somewhat different than a non-surgical procedure such as radiofrequency vaginal rejuvenation or laser vaginal rejuvenation, due to the more invasive process of a surgery.

Most surgical vaginal rejuvenation procedures can be performed in under an hour in the operating room, according to Real Self of Seattle, but will require advance preparation at the hospital and some recovery time at the hospital afterward before returning home to bedrest.

Non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation requires almost no advance prep, and no recovery time in the office after the 30-minute procedure is finished. However, your vaginal rejuvenation consultant and your plastic surgeon will be able to explain the process in detail prior to the start of the procedure and help quell any anxiety you might be feeling.

Question 4: What Risks Should I Be Aware Of?

While scientific advances in vaginal rejuvenation procedures have made both surgical and non-surgical procedures safer and easier than ever, any medical procedure does carry some risk.

That said, there is typically very little downtime for these procedures, ranging from no more than 2-5 days for surgical options, and none at all for non-surgical procedures. Your plastic surgeon will discuss the specific risks to be aware of in your unique case, allowing you to make an informed choice of vaginal rejuvenation procedure.

Question 5: What Results Will I See?

Results are generally positive, but will vary depending on your unique situation, symptoms, and body. In the majority of cases women can expect benefits such as:

  • Increased self-confidence and an improved self-image
  • Greater sexual drive and satisfaction
  • Improved vaginal laxity following pregnancy, childbirth, aging, or other causes

Most women will begin to see results from a surgical procedure once healing and any associated swelling or light bruising has diminished. While some non-surgical procedures get better over time, with full benefits being realized within 2-3 months post-procedure. Your plastic surgeon will be able to describe the timeline for full benefits to reveal themselves based on your individual procedure.

Final Thoughts

Advances in vaginal rejuvenation procedures have made it possible for women of all ages and in all stages of life to regain the youthful vaginal area they desire. Thanks to a range of both surgical and non-surgical procedures, a vaginal rejuvenation option exists for almost every woman’s circumstances and preferences.

If you’re ready to learn more about the procedures and are interested in finding out if you’re a good candidate, contact Jim Brantner, M.D., your local Tri-Cities plastic and reconstructive surgery professional. His friendly team is ready to help.

Who Can Benefit from a Mommy Makeover?

Who Can Benefit from a Mommy Makeover?

There are few occurrences that cause more strain on a woman’s body than parenting. From the initial physiological stress of pregnancy to the trauma of childbirth and following endless late nights and long days that come with motherhood. While being a mother is one of the most rewarding experiences on earth, many women end up feeling, and looking, at least a little worse for wear due to it.

Thankfully, the Mommy Makeover is here to save the day. Dr. Jim Brantner and his team of friendly medical professionals has helped countless local Tri-City, TN area residents of Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, and Elizabethton look and feel better.

A mommy makeover involves a combination of surgical or non-surgical procedures that allows women who want to go back to looking their best, regain their youthful appearance, shape and feel. While the combination of procedures can be customized to suit your unique needs, there are some general facts to consider when choosing whether to undergo a Mommy Makeover.

Who can Benefit from a Mommy Makeover?

The “multi-procedure” Mommy Makeover, which involves some combination of liposuction, tummy tuck and breast lift was originally made popular on reality tv and social media, but now is available in the Tri-City, TN area, where residents of Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, and Elizabethton can enjoy all the benefits this treatment has to offer.

A mommy makeover can be tailored and customized to help treat any number of aesthetic and other issues faced by women, including but not limited to:

  • Weight gain from causes such as pregnancy, stress or decreased self-care
  • Increased excess skin from a cycle of weight gains and losses, or from stretching during pregnancy
  • Stretch marks and skin that doesn’t “bounce back” like it used to
  • Weakness, loss of structure and general distortion of shape in the abdominal muscles and belly area
  • Increased breast sagging
  • Wrinkles or loss of elasticity and vibrancy of skin
  • Cellulite
  • Vaginal appearance, discomfort or looseness
  • And more…

Every woman wants to look and feel tight, toned, and sleek, not sagging and bagging. While having children can be a wonderful time in a woman’s life, childbirth and pregnancy take a heavy toll on a woman’s skin, muscle tone and general appearance, especially in the abdominal and breast region. The combination of liposuction, tummy tuck and breast lift found in a Mommy Makeover addresses all these concerns, typically in a single session under the knife.

What is a Mommy Makeover Procedure Like?

The classic Mommy Makeover combination of liposuction, tummy tuck and breast lift is essentially a combination of surgeries. Most surgeons prefer to perform this complex procedure under general anesthesia to ensure maximum comfort and minimal memory of the event.

For a procedure like this, involving general anesthesia, the patient is required to set aside time for prep work at the hospital, in addition to recovery time in the hospital afterwards and potentially several days of recovery time at home.

Liposuction – Liposuction helps to contour the body and help it regain a sleeker, more pleasing shape by removing stubborn pockets of fat which don’t respond to diet and exercise.

Tummy Tuck – A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat around the abdominal area, and also addresses separated or traumatized abdominal muscles to create a firmer, smoother abdominal look and shape

Breast Lift – A breast lift reduces the sagging of the breast tissue which typically follows pregnancy and breastfeeding, and is also usually combined with breast augmentation, which adds fullness to the breasts and creates a more rounded shape.

Other Procedures – A mommy makeover may also involve any other number of procedures including:

  • Sculpsure
  • Injectable fillers
  • Face, neck and brow lifts
  • Rhinoplasty / nose jobs
  • Non-surgical laser treatments
  • Vaginal rejuvenation & tightening
  • And more…

No matter what your goals, Dr. Jim Brantner can help. If you’re in the Tri-city, TN area, call or stop by his office today to learn more.

What Benefits Will I See with a Mommy Makeover?

The well-known Mommy Makeover combination of liposuction and tummy tuck addresses the sagging skin and excess fat many women pick up during pregnancy or through the stress of parenting.

The addition of a breast lift, and possibly breast augmentation creates a trifecta of image-perfecting procedures: in addition to toning, slimming and reshaping the abdominal area and removing excess fat from other areas of the body as needed via liposuction and a tummy tuck, a breast lift will also address sagging breasts and loss of shape from pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Adding a breast augmentation on top of this creates not only lifted and more youthful breasts, but also fuller, rounder ones. Together, all these procedures create a slimmer, tighter figure, plus full, rounder, perkier breasts. Look out, world, here comes a hot mama!

What are the Risks?

As with any surgical procedure, a Mommy Makeover has risks, and while most women find the risks to be well worth the gain, each individual should discuss her unique medical situation with her doctor before scheduling any surgical procedure.

Final Thoughts

While we may not be able to physically turn back time, when it comes to regaining one’s youthful shape, time travel has now been made possible. While the benefits of a Mommy Makeover might seem frivolous or self-serving, no woman can deny how much happier, more confident or more alive she feels when she knows she’s looking her best.

For the devoted mothers of the world, a Mommy Makeover might be just the thing they need to start feeling on top of their world again. Call or stop by our local Johnson City, TN office today. Our friendly team of medical professionals would love to learn more about how we can help.

Weighing Your Anesthesia Options for a Mommy Makeover

Weighing Your Anesthesia Options for a Mommy Makeover

Motherhood can take a heavy toll on a woman’s body. All those long days and late nights caring
for your family can leave your body feeling drained and looking exhausted. While you wouldn’t
dream of trading those precious memories of your family for your youthful looks, you may wish
there was a way to get back your self-confidence and vitality without stepping into a time
machine.
Thankfully, for residents of the Tri-Cities, TN area (Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, and
Elizabethton), Dr. Jim Brantner has a solution: the “Mommy Makeover”.
A “Mommy Makeover” entails a combination of surgical and non-surgical procedures that help
to reduce and even erase the signs of fatigue and aging that come with parenting.
Yet for many women in the Tri-Cities, TN area, thoughts of these types of procedures often
come with a number of questions and concerns. One of the primary questions we see is
regarding the various types of anesthesia options available and what those entail.
If you’re considering a Mommy Makeover, along with your doctor, you’ll need to decide what
anesthesia option is right for you. This guide is meant to provide you with an introductory
glance into the options available, so you can come prepared to ask Dr. Jim Brantner any questions
you might have.

Your Anesthesia Options Explained

Option One: General Anesthesia

General anesthesia generally results in complete unconsciousness and prevents all feeling or memory of the procedure being performed. General anesthesia is administered by a certified anesthesia provider and can be given either intravenously or via a mask for inhalation.

No matter which method is used, the anesthesiologist will closely monitor your vital signs, including respiration and heart rate, throughout the entire surgery to ensure that breathing and other bodily processes continue as usual.

General anesthesia is the most common, and most preferred, option for surgeons performing Mommy Makeovers. While some individual procedures, such as breast augmentation or liposuction, can be carried out by some surgeons with just IV sedation with a local anesthesia, a true Mommy Makeover involves complex surgery affecting several areas of the body simultaneously, and most surgeons won’t perform such an operation without general anesthesia involved.

Option Two: IV Sedation and Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is usually given intravenously, and is utilized to prevent pain and discomfort during the surgery, but does not cause a complete loss of consciousness. While you will technically be awake during a procedure involving a local anesthesia, you will not feel pain or discomfort, and will likely not remember much about the procedure. This type of anesthesia also reduces pain and discomfort after surgery, just like general anesthesia, but is considered a better option for patients with certain other health conditions.

IV sedation and local anesthesia, however, can only be used to perform certain procedures, such as breast augmentation or liposuction, and most surgeons will not perform a true Mommy Makeover, involving a combination of procedures on multiple areas of the body, with anything but a General Anesthesia.

Option Three: No Anesthesia

There are some procedures during which anesthesia is unnecessary or unneeded. However, these procedures are generally limited in scope to those options which are non-invasive and less extensive.

Such unique treatments generally have very little (if any) downtime, and include those procedures such as:

A few options for those wanting an anesthesia-free Mommy Makeover Include the following:

 

  • Coolsculpting – This modern nonsurgical liposuction alternative gently reduces the appearance of tummy flab, love handles, back fat and other bumps that just won’t budge through other methods.
  • Botox and Dermal Fillers – Wrinkle reduction injectables like these help reduce the wrinkles and facial folds you may have picked up over the years, without surgery
  • Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation- Treatments like radiofrequency vaginal rejuvenation can be done in-office without anesthesia in as little as 30 minutes, with no downtime afterwards

 

 

Final Thoughts Regarding Anesthesia Options

If you’re a Tri-city, TN area resident of Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, or Elizabethton, and are concerned about or have questions regarding anesthesia options, reach out to Dr. Jim Brantner today.

No matter what anesthesia option is right for you, a Mommy Makeover could be just the ticket to feeling like your former vibrant, radiant self. These days, thanks to procedures like Mommy Makeovers, women really can have it all, including the jackpot combination of great kids, a wonderful family, and eternal good looks.

Feel like yourself again with ThermiVa

Feel like yourself again with ThermiVa

Feel like yourself again with ThermiVa

Are you struggling with vaginal sagging, dryness, or pain during sex?

Are you frustrated that menopause or childbirth caused a decrease in pleasure during intercourse, or do you fight dryness with messy creams every day?

Unfortunately, changes like menopause, hormone fluctuations, and childbirth can take a toll on the body – including the vagina. Dryness, stretched lips, sagging, and incontinence can all be results of otherwise-wonderful events like childbirth.

Even if you haven’t had children recently, changes in hormones (menopause, new birth control medications, or even diet changes) can cause pain during sex and mild incontinence. While these are all normal side-effects, they aren’t desirable or pleasant.

The Non-Invasive Solution

That’s why our East Tennessee clinic offers ThermiVa treatments to our Johnson City and Kingsport residents. ThermiVa is a non-invasive, surgery-free vaginal rejuvenation method using warm radiofrequency therapy. With ThermiVa, a small wand is waved around and inside the vagina, radiating a comfortable level of warmth alongside tightening radio frequencies. Many tri-cities women report increased vaginal tension after just the first session, with no recovery time needed between a session and regular activities.
Our friendly clinic
Our tri-cities clinic focuses on providing patient-centered service. During your ThermiVa treatments, we make sure you are always aware of what we are doing, help you feel at ease, and adjust treatment based on your personal comfort level and health.

If you’re interested in learning more about how our ThermiVa could help you, we’ve listed some of the top benefits of a ThermiVa treatment below:

ThermiVa benefits

Enhanced / Improved orgasms

When your vaginal walls tighten, as they do with ThermiVa, they are better able to sense and control pressure. This increased capability gives many of our Johnson City patients better orgasms post-treatment, helping increase pleasure during sex.

Kiss incontinence goodbye!

ThermiVa strengthens the pelvic floor – the layer of muscle that supports the uterus and bladder. Many Kingsport women know about the pelvic floor because of its role in decreasing incontinence. While performing Kegels and other floor-strengthening exercises can help keep your body healthy, with time, incontinence can become a more significant issue.

ThermiVa can help resolve mild incontinence issues. We recommend you see us early on, before incontinence becomes a significant factor in your lifestyle.

Reduce vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness can be caused by hormone changes, including childbirth and menopause. While vaginal creams are messy and can be difficult to apply, ThermiVa is a quick treatment option that will have you shelving your vaginal creams for years to come. By rejuvenating the tissues surrounding the vagina, ThermiVa helps your body return to its natural, glowing state.

Relieve from painful intercourse

Pain during sex can be caused by a variety of issues. Though you may not think vaginal dryness plays a part in painful intercourse, in reality, dryness affects sex more than you would expect. If you’ve noticed an increase in painful sex in the past few months, ThermiVa may be able to help your tissues return to a healthy state that supports better experiences.

What makes ThermiVa unique

One of the greatest benefits of ThermiVa is its unique approach to treatment. Here are some of the reasons our tri-cities patients choose ThermiVa:

Non-invasive and non-surgical

ThermiVa doesn’t involve surgery or invasive procedures, so you don’t need to be concerned about a hospital stay or scarring.

No hormonal effects

If you’re currently on hormonal medication, or you’ve experienced cancer in the past year, talk with our Johnson City staff – ThermiVa is likely still safe for you, as it has no hormonal effects.

Virtually painless

ThermiVa treatments should never be painful. If you feel pain during a ThermiVa treatment, you’ll be able to communicate that during the session, so that treatment can be altered to your comfort level.

Improvement in as little as one session

ThermiVa shows incredibly quick results, with some patients seeing changes after just one session (multiple sessions are usually recommended for best results).

Return to normal activities (including sex) immediately after

Because ThermiVa isn’t surgical, you won’t have restrictions on activities after your treatment. This also allows our Kingsport staff to treat you in a subtle way that won’t let anyone else know you’re receiving vaginal rejuvenation.

Try ThermiVa to improve your vaginal health

If you’ve been struggling with a stretched vagina, an unsatisfying sex life, and dryness that rivals the Sahara desert, give our friendly tri-cities clinic a call. We’d be happy to answer any of your questions regarding ThermiVa, or schedule a consult with you when you’re ready to be your healthiest self again.