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Many men and women have stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to even the strictest diet and exercise regimen. They’re often in areas such as the jowls, saddlebags, lower stomach, upper arms, and thighs. According to CNN, liposuction remains one of the top 5 most requested procedures, offering an immediate reduction of trouble spots by removing excess fat. Though every surgery involves risk, and the recovery can be complicated or painful, many patients are thrilled with the long term results. Here is some helpful information about liposuction aftercare. About the Procedure During the procedure, typically done under local or general anesthesia, a plastic surgeon will insert a suction tube under the skin into the pockets of fat that will be removed. The surgeon suctions away the fat using a syringe or vacuum pump. It’s important to seek out a qualified, experienced surgeon, for the results will be dependent on his or her skill. Excess fat removal can leave a wrinkled or lumpy look. Failing to remove enough fat will not produce the optimal contour. There are several methods of liposuction that might be used: tumescent liposuction, where a mixture of lidocaine, epinephrine, and IV fluids are injected to help flush […]

If you have unsightly bulging veins, spider veins, or painful varicose veins, then pursuing sclerotherapy results through a plastic surgeon is the right choice to help improve your life and your look. In this simple procedure, your plastic surgeon injects a chemical into the veins which will cause the veins to harmlessly close. The body then reabsorbs the vein tissue and you are left with no more visible veins the in area, not even the faint blue shadow of normal vein tissue where the problem veins used to be. This is often done quickly and safely by a plastic surgeon to get your skin marred by unsightly veins back to its beautiful original form without affecting blood flow in the area. However, everyone who has had plastic surgery or at least looked into it before knows that not all results are permanent, some results can last for years while others only a few months before another treatment is needed. In most procedures, the results often wear off eventually because the body is constantly changing. So the question stands: If you have sclerotherapy, how long do you have before those veins come back? Will Sclerotherapy Treated Veins Come Back? There is […]

A circle of debate continues around coffee table conversations when it comes to which type of breast implant is better: Saline or silicone. While there is no right or wrong answer, there might be a right or wrong option for you. Breast augmentation should be a procedure specifically tailored to each unique body structure, and that includes the material used to augment each type. A one-on-one consultation with a board-certified surgeon will help determine which is right for you. And in the meantime, we have outlined some of the pros and cons to help answer some questions you might have about silicone and saline implants. Silicone Silicone implants have made leaps and bounds since their inception in the 1960’s. In the past, it was not uncommon for a gel-filled silicone implant to rupture and spill into the body. This was because of the thin outer shell used in second generation implants. Today, cosmetic surgeons use third-generation prefilled silicone implants, typically referred to as cohesive gel implants. Patients who benefit the most from these types of implants typically have a smaller frame with little to moderate natural breast tissue, to begin with. This is primarily because of the rippling effect that […]

Liposuction is a powerful way for people to lose weight and keep it off. However, they need to pair this procedure with a careful diet and exercise routine. That said, exercise cannot be started too soon or you run the risk of complicating your surgery. Some Exercise Is Possible While you won’t be able to start lifting or doing any serious workouts after liposuction, it is possible to do light physical activity a day or two after the procedure. For example, you can take a few short walks around your neighborhood or do chores in the house. In fact, this type of exercise is typically suggested as a way of avoiding blood clots in the operation area. Heavy Duty Exercise Will Have To Wait If you’re excited about getting into exercise after liposuction, you need to wait at least a week or two before starting light aerobic or lifting exercises. Your surgery is still too fresh and you may injure yourself if you start too soon. Even when you start a week or two later, you should go at about half-speed until you feel comfortable with heavy exercise. Symptoms You’ve Worked Out Too Hard  Make sure that you watch yourself […]

Are you searching for the best option to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins? Sclerotherapy is a generally simple medical procedure that can eradicate varicose veins and spider veins. By injecting a solution directly into your veins, the veins will then collapse and eventually fade away. Moreover, since the 1930s, sclerotherapy has proven itself as a safe and effective treatment. Nevertheless, many patients have questions. Today’s article proves answers to the most common. 1. How long are sclerotherapy sessions? – The initial treatment session can take several hours, but is usually less. The physician will want to observe how you react to the injections. Nevertheless, most people have multiple varicose veins and spider veins that will require several sessions. During each session, there is a limit of 10-20 injections. So, many patients will need 2 or 3 sessions over several weeks. 2. What occurs following a sclerotherapy session? – After a sclerotherapy treatment, the area is wrapped and bandaged. It is also important to keep your leg elevated for several hours. Also, to help control swelling and bruising, it is recommended that you wear a compression stocking. The reality is that your legs will look worse before they start to look better. Final results take about a month. 3. Will […]

We couldn’t be happier to be here today to tell you about how some patients of ours have tried every skin tightening cream, lotion, and wrap on the market. We know a patient whom went from 252lbs to 100lbs due to gastroparesis. In one years time she had lost a large amount of weight, and she acquired a large amount of sagging skin. She struggled for years using creams that had negative side effects, like burning, itching, or even worse; the ones that make you bounce right back when you stop using them. Caffeine is an active ingredient to most skin tightening and firming products, which can be extremely dangerous to your health. These creams are especially dangerous to those who cover a large portion of skin, or who have other medical issues. The patient began exercising and it just wasn’t doing anything for the skin sagging issues, so she decided to try one of those fancy wraps that everyone keeps posting online about. That was when she realized there was something scary happening. It turned out that she was already dehydrated before she began to use the wrap, so when she put the wrap on – it further dehydrated her. This caused her to faint, and realize she had […]

Recently, a client mentioned reading a study about liposuction. The researchers concluded that fat is “redistributed” to other areas of the body after treatment. Her question was if CoolSculpting had the same risk. Could fat return, but simply be redistributed to another part of the body? So, today’s article addresses the question, “With CoolScupting, is there a risk of fat returning to the body, only in a different place?” Here is one thing that needs to be made very clear, fat cells cannot return, either with CoolSculpting or liposuction. When it comes to CoolSculpting, the fat experience cell death and are absorbed into the body, then expelled as waste. Additionally, during a liposuction procedure, the fat cells are physically removed. Once those fat cells are gone, they are gone forever, never to return. It is impossible for those fat cells to become “redistributed” to other parts of the body. Nevertheless, a person is still able to gain weight. If, after a CoolSculpting or liposuction procedure, a patient does not maintain their weight with a healthy diet and lifestyle, the fat cells in other parts of the body can and will grow larger. The result is that a person will gain weight. Moreover, because of having had CoolSculpting or liposuction […]

How often have you heard about the latest and greatest thing, only to learn later that it does not actually measure up to all the hype? Some product will promise magical weight loss, with no effort. But, how do you know for sure that it really does work? How can you trust that CoolSculpting is not just an old-fashioned snake oil sales pitch? The answer to whether or not CoolSculpting is really worth it comes from those who received the treatment. Over a 24 month period, RealSelf.com surveyed 1,121 CoolSculpting patients. The overall satisfaction with the body-shaping procedure resulted in a “Worth It Rating” of 82 percent. RealSelf.com collects information on hundreds of cosmetic treatments, and reports patient feedback in their exclusive “Worth It Rating”. It is one of the easiest and most straightforward ways to discover authentic opinions about any cosmetic procedure. CoolSculpting has a very high review rating from those who have actually had the procedure completed. However, the reason it works is based on sound science. Researchers at Harvard Medical School found when fat cells are cooled, under specific conditions, they will actually die. The body will then naturally remove the fat as waste from the body. […]

The skin industry offers no shortage of miracle products promising a firmer, younger-looking you. For women in particular, skin tightening and firming products offer a certain allure with their promises to eliminate cellulite, get rid of wrinkles around the eyes or mouth, cure sagging skin, and reduce the signs of aging. As we age, our bodies produce less elastin and collagen, proteins that help keep our skin firm. In addition, fat deposits store in pockets beneath our skin, leading to the cellulite, particularly in women. Wrinkles, cellulite, and sagging skin cause embarrassment for many. If you could find a product that reduced or eliminated these unwanted effects of aging, it only makes sense that you would want to use it. But do these skin tightening and firming products really produce the results they promise? Sadly, many products on the market today simply do not work. They do not include the ingredients necessary to produce even a temporary result to firm your sagging skin. Other products, however, can produce a noticeable, although temporary, improvement in your skin’s firmness and elasticity. These products include ingredients such as caffeine or retinol.  Caffeine can help the skin appear smoother and firmer, but its effects will not last. […]

The internet has become a valuable resource for gaining information. However, it has also become a place where rumors can start and quickly spread. Recently, a number of patients have come into the office asking, “Can CoolSculpting cause hernias?” The fast answer is no. CoolSculpting cannot cause or increase the risk of developing a hernia. Hernias form when an organ pushes through the muscle wall which holds it in place. They are most common in the abdomen. However, they can also occur in the groin area, the belly button, and even the thigh. Additionally, hernias happen when the combination of weak muscles and strain cause a tear. The muscle weakness can come from old age, an injury, chronic coughing, or a congenital defect. Examples of a strain include coughing, sneezing, sudden weight gain, constipation, heavy weight lifting, and others. There is no risk of developing a hernia after CoolSculpting. The procedure only affects fat cells, and it does not impact the muscle. So, there is no risk of either weakening the muscles or causing strain. However, it is possible for CoolSculpting to uncover a hernia that was not apparent beforehand. CoolSculpting is an extremely safe, noninvasive, cosmetic procedure. The most common side effects include some mild discomfort, bruising, numbness, tingling, […]

Recently, we had a person reach out to our office who had a CoolSculpting procedure at another office. They were worried because of abdominal swelling and pain, describing the feeling of having done a million crunches. The person was really upset. She was young and fit, but had a small tummy bulge. She does have a good diet and exercise routine, and now worries that CoolSculpting was a mistake. Her ultimate question was, “Is abdominal swelling and pain normal after CoolSculpting?” Ultimately, this is an issue of a patient not being properly educated before the procedure. It is not uncommon for a person to experience some pain and swelling after a CoolSculpting procedure. This is usually short-lived but can last up to 2 weeks. Other issues that you can experience is an itching, numbness, muscle spasms, cramping, and even diarrhea. Nonetheless, this is all something that should also be explained in the post-care instructions. Here are some quick things to keep in mind. 1. Pain Killers – Extra Strength Tylenol is enough to relieve pain. However, avoid aspirin. Also, a compression garment may help reduce discomfort. 2. Activities – Any discomfort is similar to doing a lot of sit-ups or […]

One of the biggest concerns people have, when it comes to weight loss, is the possibility of loose skin. As you age, you will begin to lose skin elasticity. So, if you have lost a large amount of weight, especially in a short period of time, there is a possibility of loose skin. That said, CoolSculpting does not specifically contribute to this problem. The typical CoolSculpting client is within 20 pounds of their ideal weight. If you were excessively overweight, and loose skin was going to be an issue, it would be an issue and can be included in your consultation. Many people who lose weight have a dream of a tight, toned body. It is frustrating when you have put in all that work, only to have extra skin that does not reflect your hard work. Moreover, loose skin is not only an issue of aesthetics. There are health risks as well, like rashes, infections, and back pain. In many cases, it can take two years to conform to your new body. But, if you were obese, with a BMI over 30, for a long period of time, your skin may never shrink and you will need another option. […]

One of the most important things to have, when considering liposuction, are realistic expectations. Patients are often prepared that, after the procedure, there will be some pain, swelling, and bruising. However, the whole reason for having liposuction is the cosmetic effect. While the majority of patients report satisfaction with the outcome, it is possible that the things will not turn out the way you wanted or expected. This is why Dr. James Apesos takes the time to counsel his patients about the importance of reasonable expectations. Granted, it is sometimes challenging to have reasonable expectations with some of the advertisements you have seen or after looking at pictures of those before and after liposuction. Regardless, one must understand that advertising is created with the intent of persuading you to purchase a product or service. Advertisements rarely provide useful and informative information. That is the prime reason Dr. Apesos keeps and maintains this blog, believing an informed client makes the best patient. Wouldn’t you agree? In most instances, the results from liposuction are long-lasting if you maintain a healthy weight. Although, if you gain weight, this can change your fat distribution. So, while your new body shape is generally permanent, your figure can grow to a larger version. Nevertheless, […]

Although it is one of the most common cosmetic procedures, there is still a great deal of misinformation and misunderstanding regarding breast augmentation. The following seeks to separate fact from fiction regarding some of the most common breast augmentation myths. Myth 1: It is easy to tell when someone has implants. The goal of any plastic surgery procedure, including breast augmentation, is to create a natural looking result. Dr. Apesos will work with you to choose an implant that will give you the fullness and shape that you desire while still appearing natural and in proper proportion with your frame. Myth 2: A particular implant will produce the same result in each patient. Every woman is different, and a number of factors will determine the final results of your breast augmentation, including the placement of the implant, the condition of your skin, and your size. While it is helpful for you to provide pictures of the type of look that you are trying to achieve, it is also important to look at the range of results possible on individuals with a build and configuration similar to yours to get an idea of the type of result that you might expect. Myth […]

Breast augmentation, while normally used to enhance the size of the breasts, can also be used to improve breast shape and symmetry. Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation does require a certain amount of recovery time. The following tips will help you remain as comfortable as possible while you recuperate. Immediately After the Surgery: It is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first couple of weeks following breast augmentation. Dr. Apesos will prescribe pain medication to help alleviate the discomfort. We recommend that you create a comfortable spot with plenty of pillows where you can relax. It also helps to have ice packs available to reduce swelling and discomfort. You should avoid sleeping on your stomach for at least two weeks following the procedure. For your safety, you should also arrange for someone to be with you for the first 24 hours following your surgery. Returning to Work: Most patients are able to return to work about a week following surgery; however, you may want to schedule a little extra time off to allow yourself more time to heal. You should avoid strenuous activity or exercise and heavy lifting for about a month following your surgery. The Results: […]

Although forms of this cosmetic procedure have existed since 1995, micro-needling has gained increased popularity over the years due to its variety of beauty-enhancing benefits.  While examining your options, no doubt many questions arise over what sets this procedure apart from other cosmetic treatments.  Even before you schedule your consultation with your plastic surgeon, consider these frequently asked questions. What is Micro-Needling? Using very small needles, this procedure produces small, limited injuries that stimulate an increased production of collagen, a structural protein that creates firm, plump skin. The mild, minimally invasive injuries created by this treatment are therapeutic and produce powerful skin benefits. What Benefits does this Procedure Have? This treatment has the potential for remedying or reducing many skin conditions such as scars, wrinkles, stretch marks, and hyperpigmentation.  Because its effects are so varied, micro-needling is a wonderful alternative for patients with a wide variety of undesirable skin defects.  Rather than enduring a host of procedures or treatments, many patients have found the answer to various skin conditions with micro-needling. Is This Procedure Unpleasant? This procedure in minimally invasive and most patients do not report many negative side-effects. However, some residual tenderness and redness is expected following the treatment.  By following […]

We’ve all heard the term and maybe even snickered about it a little. But it’s not so funny when it’s your arms that have morphed into the flabby, unflattering upper arm condition commonly referred to as “lunch lady” arms.  Losing muscle tone as we age is common and natural, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept it as irreversible. The Cure Your plastic surgeon has an answer: A procedure known as an arm lift will get rid of lunch lady arms (along with the self-conscious feeling that often accompanies them). Whether your “lunch lady” arms are the result of age, heredity, losing weight or any other reason, an arm lift can restore tone and shape to the appearance of your arms. The Procedure An arm lift or brachioplasty, is a surgery where the surgeon removes excess fat and skin from your upper arms and tightens the underlying tissue to restore a more toned-looking appearance to your upper arm area. Since an arm lift is a surgical procedure, your surgeon will want to know you’re in generally good health, and may require certain test results before proceeding. The Amazing Results But the results of arm lift surgery are immediately noticeable […]

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The prospect of finally getting rid of unwanted fat deposits can be exciting. Yet, some patients approach liposuction with a little apprehension if they’re not quite sure what to expect as they recover. Here are the answers to a few common questions patients have about the days, weeks, and months after their liposuction procedure. How bad is the pain? Most patients rate their discomfort as mild to moderate. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate the discomfort if needed. Wearing the compression garments your doctor recommends after surgery will help keep swelling down, and as long as swelling is minimized, you should not be too uncomfortable. You can expect the bruising and tenderness to subside greatly during the first week after the procedure, though you might have a little swelling for another month or so. When can you go back to work? Unless your job requires hard physical labor, you can likely resume work within one to two weeks of your procedure. Your doctor will schedule several checkups and let you know for sure when it’s safe to return. Typically, patients can resume light exercise, like walking, within a few days of surgery. It’s actually good to get out […]

Botox has long been used to remove wrinkles and fine lines. It has helped thousands of men and women achieve the more youthful, toned look they desire. However, there are a lot of false myths floating around about Botox that may deter patients from seeking this reliable, effective treatment. Here’s a look at the real truth being masked by those Botox myths. Myth: Botox is toxic and unsafe. This myth may stem from the fact that Botox is made from a substance called botulinum toxin, which is the toxin that causes botulism food poisoning. The name sounds scary, but in reality, Botox is very safe when administered by a trained doctor. The botulinum toxin does not spread outside of the injection site, so you will not get botulism from the treatment. Botox was tested extensively before being FDA approved for cosmetic use in 2002, and it was used or non-cosmetic reasons long before that. It has a long history of success and safety. Myth: Botox will make your face look expressionless. Some people fear that Botox will leave them looking plastic and emotionless since it temporarily paralyzes the muscles in the face. While the injected areas may appeal a little overly […]

Discover how Skin tightening and Firming Products work on your aging skin. There are ways to get younger and tighter looking skin without opting for cosmetic surgery. Use of skin tightening treatments is a good option to choose. However, many people ask whether they truly work and how do they work? The effects of skin tightening and firming products are as a result of the ingredients that make skin get tighter and firm. Use of film forming agents on the skin gets you closer to the results that you want. Below are ways of how skin strengthening and firming products work on sagging skin I. The doctor focuses on skin collagen which makes the sagging skin bounce back. Building collagen is very essential because it supports your skin so it is less sagging. We advise people with sagging skin to help their skin generate lots of collagen through use of skin-repairing ingredients and potent antioxidants. ii. Vitamin A is also essential in skin tightening and improves the elastin’s shape of your skin. Vitamin A builds elastin as well as collagen. Applying skin products containing vitamin A at night helps a lot to strengthen the skin such as Renova. iii. Use of exfoliates contain […]

Pauline was nervous about her face lift. Not because she was afraid of the surgery, it’s just that the changes she wanted were subtle, and she didn’t want to end up looking like she’d just had a face lift.

Did you know, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic procedure? Nonetheless, the surgery is not insignificant. Many patients have questions about caring for their breast implants. As with anything, proper care increases longevity. Immediately after surgery, you can expect some tenderness and discomfort. Additionally, there is bruising and swelling. It will slowly subside, but can last a month or more. Depending on the patient, you may receive a prescription for pain or nausea. Nonetheless, if you notice any signs of infection, such as a fever, report this immediately to your doctor. Immediately after surgery, you must wear a postoperative bra until healed. However, after it is also important to wear a bra that provides excellent support. Breast implants add weight, and this weight can affect breast shape. Moreover, a sports bar is essential for physical or strenuous activity such as jogging, biking, or other exercises. Additionally, daily massage of your breasts should become part of your routine. The purpose is to help move implants into position, but also aids in keeping them soft and may reduce scarring. Nonetheless, if you have surface implants, or had a breast lift with augmentation, massaging is not recommended. Some surgeons will recommend a massaging routine for […]

Are you considering breast augmentation surgery? There are many decisions ahead. At the forefront of most people’s minds is choosing the perfect size, and the choice between saline and silicone. However, before you get ahead of yourself, choosing an experienced plastic surgeon is arguably the most important factor for a successful breast augmentation surgery. So, how do you choose? Deciding on which plastic surgeon to perform a breast augmentation is serious. There are some doctors that you will immediately feel a connection. Their charm and confidence manifest instant trust. This can be a good thing, but first take a pause. There are doctors who are more salesperson than an experienced surgeon. Almost every cosmetic surgery horror storing was because the doctor had a greater ability to sell themselves than perform the procedure. With this in mind, we are providing some advice for picking an experienced plastic surgeon. Board Certification – Ask if the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Some people wrongly assume any doctor performing a breast augmentation is certified to for the procedure. In reality, any surgeon can legally do a breast augmentation. Board certification ensures your doctor has completed specialized training in plastic surgery. History – Would you choose a doctor if you knew […]

Silicone breast implants were pulled off the market in the early 1990s because of fears they caused autoimmune disease, increased the risk of cancer and contributed to all sorts of health issues. However, after years, scientific studies found no link between silicone implants and an increased risk of any systemic disease or long-term health problems. If you are thinking about breast augmentation, you can safely choose between silicone and saline breast implants. With that said, women seek breast augmentation to make their breasts larger and/or fuller. At times this is a reconstruction, like after a mastectomy, but often it is for cosmetic reasons. Regardless, if you are seeking breast augmentation, there are multiple decisions. Many start thinking about size, but even more important is choosing between silicone and saline breast implants. All breast implants have a silicone outer shell. However, they differ in the material filling the implant. Saline is sterile salt water and silicone is a thick, sticky silicone gel that more closely imitates human fat. This means that silicone breast implants more closely look and feel like natural breasts. Nonetheless, both have similar risks such as capsular contracture, infections, and implant leakage. Still, there are some additional differences. Saline implants are often inserted empty, and then filled, while silicone implants are pre-filled. This means a […]

Liposuction is a cosmetic medical treatment that removes extra fat to reshape and slim certain areas of the body and improve proportions and contours. Some of the most common areas where patients have the procedure done include the hips, thighs, abdomen, waist, and face. It may sound like a miracle cure, but there are some things to keep in mind before going through with the treatment.

I always felt inferior about my breasts. In a family where everyone was large busted, I was the anomaly. I bought all the expensive water bras and did everything I could to compensate for my obvious lacking.

Microneedling may not immediately come to mind when you think about cosmetic surgeries or procedures.  However, microneedling is certainly a procedure you should be considering. What is microneedling? Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the puncturing of the top layers of skin with tiny, microneedles. What does microneedling do? Puncturing tiny holes into the top layer of skin causes the natural, bodily response of repairing the holes by with the creation of new collagen and elastin. Essentially, your body’s natural repair methods are engaged. These natural repairs have cosmetic benefits. Microneedling allows for cosmetic improvement through a natural and minimally invasive procedure. What results can be attributed to microneedling? The natural bodily repair response of increased collagen and elastin at the site of the microneedling can cause a number of desirable cosmetic results. Improved elasticity and firmness of the skin is one of the most common cosmetic results of microneedling. Acne scars, fine lines, sunspots, stretch marks, pore size, cellulite, and other types of scarring may be visibly reduced through the increased production of collagen and elastin caused by the microneedling process. Who can benefit from microneedling? Anyone can benefit from microneedling. As it is a minimally invasive procedure that […]

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Aesthetic plastic surgery has become a very popular trend, typically among celebrities and those of high incomes, considering the cost of most procedures, all seeking to enhance their looks in some way. While it is rather common these days, where did plastic surgery begin? The first book on plastic surgery was written in Latin in 1597, entitled De Curtorum Chirurgia per insitionem by Gaspare Tagliacozzi. The first documented breast augmentation was done in 1895 with the first training program in United States established almost three decades later, in 1924, by Dr. John Davis at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Davis was later appointed the first professor of plastic surgery. Aesthetic plastic surgery today includes procedures of all kinds, both cosmetic and reconstructive, from arm lifts to cleft palates to hair replacement. While most of the procedures are surgical, some of them are nonsurgical. If you are considering aesthetic plastic surgery for any reason, be sure to do your research first. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons  is the perfect place to visit to find information on all procedures, and to find a surgeon near you. Not only is there information, but you can also browse through the articles and galleries on their website to view before and after photos and watch […]

Have you had trouble exercising and dieting off those excess pounds of fat around your waist, tummy, hips, thighs or ankles?  How about the fat under your neck?  These collections of fat, known as lipo-dystrophy, can be easily removed using safe techniques introduced by plastic surgeons.