Across various aspects of life, we could describe the modern age as an era of instant gratification. There are exciting perks to this; we can reach into the pantry for food, whip up a meal in a matter of minutes, and we can even refresh our facial aesthetic in under an hour. Getting instantaneous results from cosmetic treatment can be very rewarding. We offer several procedures that provide immediate or expedited facial rejuvenation. Here’s what you need to know.

“Injectable” doesn’t mean Instant

It is easy to think that you can come into the office and walk out looking several years younger. In some cases, this is possible, but not always. There are a few ways in which wrinkle-reduction may be approached. The method that is most appropriate, even with injectables, will differ based on the type of wrinkle that needs correction.

Dermal Fillers for Smoother Skin

Dermal fillers may be one of the only ways to truly achieve immediate rejuvenation. These products, whether they are natural or synthetic, are designed to replace volume in the tissue beneath the skin. A natural filler, such as Juvederm, will do this with hyaluronic acid, sugar that attaches to water molecules to add moisture to certain parts of the body. When the cross-linked HA compounds bind to water beneath a wrinkle, that line plumps to surface level, restoring a youthful appearance. A synthetic filler like Sculptra deposits tiny molecules of a lab-made product, such as poly-L-lactic acid into a tissue to restore the foundation beneath the skin. The granules of acid in Sculptra also stimulate increased collagen production for long-lasting support.

Botox: Different Action, Same Goal

Botox is classified as a neuromodulator. This class of cosmetic injectables reduces signs of aging by interrupting communication between nerves and the brain, hence the term neuromodulator. Injections of either of these products prevent the transmission of acetylcholine, ultimately keeping the targeted muscle in a relaxed state. This action takes some time to reach full effect. So, while the face may begin to look refreshed within the day of treatment, final results are best noticed after about one week.

Kybella is a new injectable treatment that whittles away a double-chin. Multiple treatments are usually necessary for maximum effect, and results appear gradually over a few months. Wait time is a given, but results are well worth it.

Call 610-527-4833 to reach our Bryn Mawr office, where we are happy to consult with you about your aesthetic goals.

Liposuction is a well-known and very safe cosmetic surgery procedure that has helped millions of men and women achieve the contours they want. Over the years, the way that liposuction is performed, or with which technologies or technique, has changed to improve patient outcomes. For instance, laser or ultrasound-assisted liposuction may decrease bleeding and, therefore, post-operative bruising compared to the original liposuction technique.

Bruising is a natural side-effect of any surgery, as is swelling. Here are some details that you need to know to make your recovery process that much better.

Post-liposuction swelling is not a short-term side effect

After liposuction, tissue is in “settling” mode for many months. The bulk of post-operative swelling decreases during the first few weeks after surgery. However, the full extent of healing occurs much more gradually. Don’t worry. This does not mean that you will look swollen. The effects grow more and more subtle with time.

Expect ups and downs

Yes, there may be ups and downs regarding your feelings after cosmetic surgery, but we’re talking about swelling. After the first few weeks, when substantial healing takes place, you may notice that your surgical area appears more swollen on some days and less on others. A lot of the time, this boils down to physical movement. When you start moving more, areas of the lower body that have had liposuction, such as the thighs, may retain fluid for short periods of time. On the other hand, areas on the upper part of the body, such as the arms, may swell when movement is lacking. In either situation, elevating that part of the body can reduce the side effect.

Compression is your friend

One of the post-operative instructions that patients seem to dread, but end up loving, is compression. Compression garments support the tissues as they heal after liposuction, and may also secure drains if any are placed. The support that is obtained with compression eases swelling and can improve comfort.

Remember, recovery means rest. It means listening to your body, not pushing to resume physical activity. Doing so will increase swelling and also exacerbate the risk of bleeding.

Are you in the Bryn Mawr area and interested in learning more about liposuction? We’d love to speak with you. Call 610-527-4833.

There are so many reasons to be excited about the change of seasons. As much as we may enjoy cozying up to a warm fire on cold nights, there comes a time when all that merriment just gets, well, old. As we move toward Spring, what may be on many people’s minds is how they will look come bikini season. Even if you’re not one to don a two-piece, the changes in clothing styles from Winter to Summer is dramatic enough to make you do a double-take at your physique. Here, we want to offer some suggestions on how you can get a  head start on your summer body.

Time to Trim the Fat

There is an inherent shift that tends to occur during the cold-weather months: we eat more! This could occur in a few ways. It could be that we are enticed by all the tasty treats on buffet tables at holiday parties. It could be that we indulge in a few extra drinks here and there or a few extra cookies. It could be that we don’t overeat at all, but that we consume more calorie-dense foods to warm the soul throughout Winter. Whatever it is that drives us, Springtime is a great time to trim the fat, and diet and exercise alone may not do it.

Turning to your Philadelphia plastic surgeon for fat reduction doesn’t necessarily have to mean liposuction or abdominoplasty, though it could. At Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery near Philadelphia, patients may also explore body contouring options, such as SmartLipo.

SmartLipo is a gentle, minimally-invasive liposuction procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis using a local anesthetic. The involvement of laser energy melts the lipids in fat cells before extraction, creating a very conservative process.

We all like to look our best and to feel confident about our appearance. To consult with Dr. Claytor and our friendly, experienced team, call 610-527-4833.

There is no denying the popularity of breast augmentation. Even in the midst of changing trends related to body type, women continue to seek treatment that will restore, or achieve, the breast shape and volume that brings harmony to the physical form. While the current trend in breast augmentation is to fill out the shape with smaller implants rather than larger, more obvious profiles, this has had little to no effect on overall popularity.

Why Women Undergo Breast Augmentation Surgery

The reason that breast augmentation may continue to be one of the leading procedures in cosmetic plastic surgery is simple: the benefits are only partially physical. In most cases, the woman who enhances her body with breast implants gains a sense of confidence that had been missing. This seems to be true across the board, regardless of patient age.

And yet, one of the most common questions about breast augmentation is “am I too old / too young for implants?”

Breast Augmentation and Age

Women of all ages can undergo breast augmentation surgery. The minimum age requirement is 18. However, it is important to note that one must be over the age of 22 to receive silicone breast implants. Before this time, the FDA approves only saline implants. Aside from the minimum age, there are other considerations that are more telling than the number of candles on the last birthday cake. These include:

• Physical characteristics. Only breasts that have fully developed should be augmented, and you cannot place an age on this. One woman may have completed the developmental stage by the age of 18, whereas another woman may continue to develop for another few years. The benefit to waiting is knowing that the results of the enlargement procedure will not be altered by further growth, only by the progressive age-related changes to small breast size that occur over several years.
• A woman who has had breast implants can still breastfeed and should have no difficulty during pregnancy or the nursing period. This is not the issue. What patients do want to consider, though, is how the breasts will inherently change throughout the year or so of carrying, then birthing, then nursing a child.
• Psychological readiness. It has been so widely documented that breast enhancement can improve a woman’s sense of confidence that this fact can be misconstrued. The emotional benefits of cosmetic surgery are possible only when a woman already has a steady sense of herself, and this has little to do with age.

Would you like to know how your shape would improve with breast augmentation? Call our Bryn Mawr office at 610-527-4833.

A facelift for men and women who want to achieve a noticeable improvement in the youthfulness of their face, there is nothing like a facelift. With so many non-surgical treatments available today, it is easy to think that the concerns you have will be successfully corrected without surgery and its recovery period. Here, we want to point out the specific benefits that are available to facelift patients, one facial region at a time.

Cheeks

A facelift can improve the appearance of facial structure from the cheeks on down to the chin and jawline. As age depletes our stores of collagen, elastin, and other chemicals that support the foundation of a youthful face, we lose volume. Primarily, this is noticed in the mid-face. The cheeks no longer look round or sit high. In fact, they may seem to flatten out completely. During a facelift, the superficial layer of muscles beneath the skin is redraped. This adjustment reinstates some degree of fullness to the cheeks. To accentuate cheek contours, even more, we can add volume with autologous fat or with an appropriate dermal filler.

Nasolabial Folds

Also, a significant concern related to the mid-face aging process are the lines and creases that form between the nose and mouth. The nasolabial folds can become particularly deep, creating a perpetually sad or angry appearance. As the muscles across the mid-face are lifted, the appearance of the smile lines decreases. In some cases, it is necessary to fill in the remaining lines with dermal filler or fat to fully erase them.

The Jowls

When the cheeks flatten and hollow out, where does all that tissue go? It falls. You may have noticed that your jawline has lost its definition; that there are small pockets on each side of your face that hang ever-so-slightly (or quite a lot) downward. One of the primary benefits of facelift surgery is the increase in the sharpness of the angle across the jawline, achieved by removing excess tissue that accumulates against the mandible ligament.

In addition to sharpening the curve along the jaw line by correcting jowls, a facelift can also result in a smoother, better-contoured chin.

We love helping our patients regain confidence in their appearance. To learn more about our deep plane facelifts and facial rejuvenation procedures in our Bryn Mawr office, call 610-527-4833.

Sometimes, a little nipping and tucking is the best way to overcome the changes that have occurred over time. Yes, we can diet, and we gain a lot from eating healthy. The body also benefits from a good workout several days a week. However, if you’re one who struggles to get that midsection tight and toned, you may realize that there is more to this game than saying “no, thank you” to that extra cookie or that glass of wine. Falling short of your ideal shape doesn’t mean you have to settle. As you continue your healthy lifestyle, a tummy tuck could be exactly what you need to get over the finish line.

A Slimmer Waistline, and then what?

You probably know that abdominoplasty is just a compliment to your healthy living habits. This procedure had helped many men and women attain the taut tummy they lost when weight was gained, or when pregnancy occurred. So, following that nip and tuck, sit-ups seem like the logical next step, right? Yes, but not so fast. Let’s talk timing.

Abdominoplasty Recovery – Month 1

During the first month after abdominoplasty, there may be very little desire to work out. This is fine! Feeling poorly for lack of activity won’t do you any good. What you can do in the first several weeks after your procedure is fueled your body with healthy foods that are easily digested. Clearly, the blues can cause you to want to eat processed foods or other unhealthy options. For this reason, pre-cooked, home-made meals that you love are highly recommended. Just heat and serve, it doesn’t get much easier.

Regarding exercise, the most you may want to do is walk on a level surface. This does not mean hopping on the treadmill for hours on end – or at all! Pain medications could create a bit of instability, and the last thing you want is to take a tumble.

Abdominoplasty Recovery – Month 2 and Beyond

After about 4 to 6 weeks, some patients are rocking and rolling down their road to recovery. On the one hand, this is great, because who likes to feel sore and limited? On the other hand, though, feeling so good could be deceiving. You see, physical sensation is not a very good indicator of healing when it comes to abdominoplasty. The muscles and connective tissue that has been tightened will require up to 6 months to get back to 100% usability. And until these muscles are completely healed, they should not be used.

Your Best Bet

The safest protocol to follow after a tummy tuck is the one provided to you by your surgeon. If you have questions, we are here to support you in your recovery. If you want to learn more about the tummy tuck procedure, call our Bryn Mawr office at 610-527-4833.

Change. It’s a constant we can count on. This is especially evident as it relates to fashion. As Heidi Klum says: “one day you’re in, and the next day, you’re out.” Trends change from one season to the next, and we are inundated with images of how we should look; women, in particular. While we stay at the forefront of trends in cosmetic surgery and non-surgical procedures, we also see the importance of timeless beauty.

Why Beauty should be Personal

If you look back over the past 30 years alone, you will see a vast difference in how the majority of women present themselves. To drive this point about trends home, we’re going to go back to the turn of the Century – and not the most recent one!

• The early 1900s woman wanted to look like The Gibson Girl, a shapely figure that was impossible to obtain without the use of a breath-stealing corset. Essentially, the waist-trainer of its day.
• By the 1920s, the adoration of the Gibson Girl was moved toward the all-but-shapeless flapper, whose fringed dress was the center of attention.
• World War II brought changes of its own. Namely, a trend toward a stronger, more angular woman – shoulder pads and pointed bra and all!
• The aggressive fashion of the 1940s melted into the Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe shapes of the fifties, and then into the Twiggy figure – or lack thereof, in the 60s.
• Twiggy-esque model Kate Moss brought back the love for petite, waif-like women in the 90s.

Can you pinpoint today’s cosmetic surgery trend?

According to People Magazine, we are in the era of the booty. Officially, People called it the Year of the Butt. However, the desire to be bootylicious sprouted in 2010!

Why Trendwatching in Plastic surgery is Vital

Many people love following trends. However, this is best left to fashion, not to your choices in plastic surgery. The historical review of what was deemed beautiful throughout the last 100 years demonstrates that this current booty-loving trend will end. And then, it will come back around again. That’s just how it goes.

Cosmetic plastic surgery is about you. It’s about bringing out the best in your figure, not following a trend or perceived idea of beauty. Let’s talk about how we can help you reveal your personal glamour. Call 610-527-4833.

Breast reduction is a common procedure through which we are able to modify the breasts to a more appropriate size and shape for a woman’s physical frame. Breasts that are too large present physical and psychological challenges that seem difficult to overcome. Every woman deserves to feel confident in her appearance. Breast reduction can help with this. It can also resolve the issue of pain in the neck, shoulders, and back that develop from the forward pull of excess breast tissue.

If having smaller, more comfortable breasts has sounded like a dream to you, there is no time like the present to consider breast reduction. Dr. Bryn Mawr plastic surgeon has all the details, and you can learn more about this procedure in a consultation with our friendly staff. Read on to discover more about what comes after the breast reduction procedure.

Maximizing Recovery from Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is a straightforward procedure through which excess tissue is carefully removed and, if necessary, skin tightened over the breasts. The simple fact that there are incisions and excision means you want to plan well for recovery. Some tips for healing include:

• Don’t rely on over-the-counter medication at first. The level of post-surgical discomfort that a patient experiences is difficult to determine. Everyone has a certain pain tolerance. Rather than wait to see where yours is, we recommend taking the prescription medication provided to you by your plastic surgeon. Typically, the need for prescription strength medication lasts only a few days.
• One of the prime ways to maintain comfort is to minimize disruption to the surgical site. This is achieved with a surgical bra. Sports bras may be your new best friend a few weeks after your procedure. Initially, though, it is the surgical garment that should be worn at all times.
• Showering? Don’t worry if you skip this grooming habit for a few days! Skin sensitivity and tissue soreness may prevent you from wanting to stand under warm water, or any water. This should pass in a day or two, and you will be back to your squeaky clean self.
• An interesting question that many breast surgery patients have is “when can I work out?” This question is asked even more than when one can go back to work. First and foremost, we tell our patients not to rush their physical activity after breast reduction. Give it 3 weeks. At that, many patients do not return to work for 2 to 4 weeks.

Recovery is one of the crucial elements to cosmetic surgery, and we are here to see you through it. For more information on breast reduction, call 610-527-4833.

This time of year piles more on our plate that we may know what to do with. While we busy ourselves with all the holiday hoopla, we also want to know that we will feel our best when the time comes to revel in the holiday cheer with friends and family. If what you see in the mirror only reminds you of the sleep you’re not getting, or the number of birthday candles that were on your last cake, come see the team at Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery. Many of the treatments that are so popular today provide you with immediate or fast results, giving you the confidence you deserve this holiday season.

Wrinkle Reduction

Of course we do not want our wrinkles to show up in all those holiday photos! Using neuromodulators such as Botox, we can help you revitalize the appearance of your eyes. These products have been used extensively for the reduction of crow’s feet, frown lines, and even for non-surgical brow lifting. Just remember, it takes about a week for the full extent of results to show up, so schedule your visit to our Bryn Mawr office accordingly.

Fat-Reduction

Results from fat reduction start to become noticeable after 2 to 3 weeks, and continue to improve over months. If there is a certain LBD you want to wear for New Years Eve, consider an early-holiday fat-reducing treatment. Because each of these procedures is completely non-invasive, very little time is needed for your office visit – and there’s no downtime.

Volumizing Facial Treatments

Flat cheeks, deflated lips, and creases around the nose and mouth make us appear older, sometimes much older than we feel. The holidays are a time of child-like wonder, so we want our inner youthfulness to be reflected in our appearance. Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery offers a number of options for filler products. During your consultation, we can discuss which approach may be best for your concerns and expectations. Fillers achieve an immediate, beautiful change in your skin, so you can schedule treatment up until a few days before your big event.

Schedule a consultation

Let’s get Holiday Ready! Call 610-527-4833. Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery serves Philadelphia, Bryn Mawr, Main Line PA and surrounding areas.

A large majority of the women who visit our Philadelphia plastic surgery practice for breast augmentation share an interest in staying physically fit. Their reasons for wanting to enhance the size and shape of their breasts may differ, but the ultimate goal is usually to bring better harmony to their proportions. Shapely breasts complement the curves of the hips and shoulders, and have a way of balancing the body out. Because physical fitness is an important aspect of wellness for many women, the prospect of recovery after breast augmentation is a crucial point of conversation. Let’s look at what to do – and what not to do – to maximize the surgical experience.

Making the Most of Breast Augmentation Recovery

There are general guidelines for breast augmentation patients for a reason. This surgery has been around long enough for physicians to know what works and what doesn’t. Yes, every patient is different, but recovery is recovery; that is a simple point to remember. Maximum impact from post-surgical healing comes from:

• Following instructions. We know your case, and are careful to dole out instructions for post-surgical care according to your needs. Where exercise is involved, the primary suggestion is to wait. Wait several weeks if you must. As we follow up with you after your procedure, we will discuss appropriate forms of exercise for your current state of recovery.
• Listening. Of course, we recommend that our patients listen to our instruction – and follow it. But there’s more. Listening to your body is also one of the primary ways to ensure injury does not occur when you get back into the gym, or on the road or treadmill. Every form of exercise could work muscles you don’t think about. If your body tells you to slow down or stop, do it.
• Resting a little more for a little longer. Strength trainers usually schedule in a rest day in between heavy sessions or big muscle groups. This is especially useful after breast augmentation, regardless of the type of exercise you are accustomed to. Schedule an extra rest day as needed. Remember, in a few short months you can be back to your old routine.

Schedule a consultation

Learn more about breast augmentation with implants or fat transfer when you call 610-527-4833.