Capsular contracture is a condition that occurs when the body’s scar tissue contracts around a foreign substance. The etiology for this is hypothesized to be reactive to an irritant, usually a micro amount of bacteria that normally co-exists on the skin. This subclinical infection can result in a fibroblast response which can result proliferation of myofibroblasts which contract to form a tight band around the implant. THis is usually a process that takes several weeks to months or even years to occur.
It is highly unusual for a capsular contracture to form in a matter of days. It is however, no unusual or in fact is more likely than not the scenario that a native breast that has a new implant takes several days to accommodate the now volume and can “feel” very tight and firm. Close evaluation by your surgeon is vital during this period as periodically a hematoma may form and this would result in noticeable asymmetry.
Liposuction can help you make a beeline for the physique you have been wanting. Many men and women use this surgery as a way to put the “icing on the cake” of their weight loss journey. There are enormous benefits to be had from taking the leap, but that leap should also be carefully assessed. Here, we will talk about a few things you want to do, and a few things you don’t.
- DO take your time in choosing the cosmetic plastic surgeon you want to perform your liposuction. Also do your research on the types of liposuction that are available today. Tumescent liposuction has been proven safe and effective, as has ultra-sound or laser-assisted liposuction, which minimize tissue trauma during surgery. There are also non-surgical laser liposuction procedures used today, but this approach is not likely to be as effective as surgical fat-reduction.
- DO talk with your doctor about any questions at all regarding your surgery, how to prepare, and how to recover. Following post-operative instructions is vital to a smooth recovery. This means that you will be careful about listening to your body, and mindful about how much you try to do during the first month after your surgery.
- DO avoid smoking and taking over-the-counter or herbal remedies not approved by your doctor. Smoking inhibits oxygenation to tissue, which gets in the way of optimal healing. Certain home remedies, such as vitamin E, can inhibit proper clot formation and also stand in the way of healing.
- DON’T expect to see a new physique immediately after surgery. This high of an expectation can leave you feeling frustrated, and may even make you wonder why you went through surgery at all. Post-operative swelling will fade week after week. After about a month, you should see a better you in the mirror. However, swelling continues to subside for another few months.
- DON’T choose a liposuction procedure based on cost or any type of special deal. It is vital that you know your physician’s qualifications in order to feel confident in the safety and precision of your procedure.
Liposuction could be your ticket to a svelte midsection, smaller thighs, or even a thinner chin. Learn more when you call 610-527-4833.
Tummy tucks with partial skin excision and no incisions around the belly button are called mini tummy tucks or modified tummy tucks. When patients do not have enough excess skin to need a full tummy tuck then they may be a good candidate for a mini or modified tummy tuck.
The difference between the two procedures is that a mini tummy tuck is dissection and advancement of the lower abdomen after removal of skin and fat from BELOW the belly button and LEAVING the belly button attached to the abdominal wall. Often patients who are good candidates for this have a small tummy pooch and little to no anatomic issues above the umbilicus and that area of the belly is left undisturbed except for some possible liposuction if indicated.
Now the Modified tummy tuck is a procedure that is also known as the “float” abdominoplasty with the umbilicus being released from the abdominal wall to allow access for the repair of any rectus diastasis if it exists and then translocating the umbilicus lower as the entire skin flap is advanced inferiorly with the skin excision to make the abdomen flatter and tighter. This often lowers the position of the umbilicus.
A persistent gap in the rectus muscle may be a natural post-operative result.
Call for a consult (610) 527-4833 or Contact us today to learn more »
Tummy tuck without the use of drains is a novel concept that involves modifications to the classic tummy tuck procedure. It is not simply the same operation just without the use of drains. One of the modifications involves placing quilting sutures. While this is a widely used technique, it too has some shortcomings. First, it can lengthen the duration of the surgery. Second, it may result in some abdominal contour irregularities which if present you hope will resolve with massage and lastly it may be operator dependent.
Our technique involves keeping Scarpa’s fascia at the abdominal wall and thus the lymphatic system is preserved and drains into the groin lymph nodes. Thus this technique requires a level of sophistication and technique experience to perform. It was pioneered by Brazilian plastic surgeons and has been reported many times in the literature.
Look for a plastic surgeon with this experience if you are interested in drainless tummy tuck.
View before and after photos of Dr. Claytor’s abdominoplasty patients.
*Individual results may vary.
Breast augmentation surgery has lead plastic surgery procedures for several years. Within this area of aesthetic medicine, we have seen a change in trends that reflects what women find attractive, and what they consider to appear beautifully feminine. To make a major decision like enhancing the breasts takes time, and it takes a lot of contemplation. Here, we will discuss how being critical could be your best method of getting the results you want.
The Usual Path
One of the things that the typical plastic surgery patient says during her consultation for breast augmentation is “I want a C cup,” or any other size cup, for that matter. Her decision may have gained support from well-intended girlfriends who agree that a certain cup size would be a great choice. Here’s the thing . . . Cup size is only one measure of breast size. You could look at a number of different women, all with the same cup size, and notice marked differences from one to another. So, if you can’t necessarily just choose a cup, how do you move forward toward your desired result?
Dr. Claytor practices with outstanding surgical skill and an eye for details. He takes pride in working with each patient through the process of planning the most appropriate surgery. During your consultation in our friendly practice, you will discuss your expectations and preferences, and will observe images to help you identify what these are.
Here’s When to be Critical!
It is so easy to look at Before and After Images and think “that’s it! I want that!” Here is when it’s vital to slow down and develop a critical eye. Remember, a given size or shape will look different based on body type. When considering what may look best on your frame and size, it is necessary to view only the images that resemble your own attributes. This way, you get the most accurate depiction of the results that are possible for you.
Breast augmentation surgery can be an exciting endeavor. We are here to support you through your process. For a consultation with Dr. Claytor, call 610-527-4833.
For a number of years, we have seen breast augmentation sit at the top of the list of cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. The decision to enhance any part of the body is one that is personal to each patient. Ultimately, though, the outcome of larger, more shapely breasts tends to be greater satisfaction with personal image and, in turn, improved confidence overall. The fact that breast augmentation is so popular proves that there are benefits to this procedure. It also creates room for misinformation. Here, we will resolve questions you may have.
Final Appearance
One of the most common misconceptions about augmented breasts is that they will no longer look authentic. We can understand where this idea came from; there was a time during which the trend really was for augmented breasts to look larger and rounder more than to look natural! Today, the trend is to achieve the right result for the individual patient. In fact, many of the patients who opt for augmentation today choose smaller sized implants; just enough to round out or add volume in all the right places.
Consequences of Implants
Here is a myth about breast implants: they will cause the skin to become saggy sooner in life. This has not been proven. One of the points of our initial exam and consultation is to assess the elasticity of the skin before we place implants. If necessary, we will discuss the value of mastopexy, or lifting, in addition to augmentation. The presence of implants beneath skin or muscle actually does not create weight that increases the pull of gravity on the breasts. The reason that breasts naturally become saggy as women grow older is that the skin changes, not because breast tissue is too heavy.
Patients of Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery in Bryn Mawr receive personal attention for their cosmetic concerns. If you are not fully satisfied with the size, shape, or volume of your breasts, schedule a consultation with us. This way, you know that you are obtaining the most accurate information to help you feel confident about your decision regarding breast augmentation.
Often patients will ask for volume replacement in their face to erase sun damage or years of damage from mimetic muscle injury to the soft tissue. Of course the quickest and least amount of down time would be a filler. This is a very good option sand will last many months.
However, ultimately the bodies own response to this filler will be to degrade it and break it down. A more durable and pliable alternative is to use ones own fat. By transferring the fat from the abdomen or thighs where women often have unwanted fat to areas of the face or buttocks a reasonable amount of retention of transferred fat would be in the order of 50%. This transplanted tissue now brings a vitality and luster to the overlying skin that is not possible with filler alone. However, it is a much more involved process. Look for a plastic surgeon who operates in a Quad-A certified surgical facility to maximize safety.
Patient’s who have large abdominal excess lipodystrophy that are refractory to conservative measures such as diet and exercise may be candidates for non surgical treatments or even minimally invasive procedures such as liposuction with Smartlipo. However, in certain cases a full abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is in order. Consider finding a plastic surgeon who has experience on “NO Drain” tummy tuck as drainless tummy tuck techniques have many benefits and can be less uncomfortable in the post op period.
If you’re concerned about large nipples affecting your overall proportions, breast augmentation may be the ideal solution to achieve a balanced and harmonious look. Increasing breast volume can complement naturally larger nipples for a more proportional silhouette. Our board-certified plastic surgeons operate in Quad-A certified surgical facilities, where state-of-the-art technology and patient safety are top priorities. By performing these procedures under local anesthesia, we not only ensure a comfortable experience but also offer significant cost savings, making your journey to enhanced beauty efficient and effective.
For mothers, these two procedures are often combined in a full mommy makeover—a customized set of procedures, such as breast surgery, tummy tuck, and liposuction—that restores your pre-pregnancy shape.
The first question that you should ask is will the implant be in front or behind your pectoralis muscle. You wisely have asked about the location of your planned implants in relation to your pectoralis muscles. While a simple answer does not address all of the complexities that are involved in breast implant surgery, at a certain point, you will be able to resume normal activities. This is directed by your surgeon based on the specific details of your operation and the amount of muscle manipulation that was necessary to achieve your post operative result. You are correct that implants in the retro-pectoral space will result in breast shape change with animation during muscle activity and this is to be expected. Wearing good bra support in heavy activity following breast augmentation is a reasonable measure to reinforce support for implant positioning.
Before & After Gallery
Dr. Brannon Claytor uses advanced techniques to provide natural-looking outcomes. See the results for yourself in our patient gallery.
The optimal fill volume ratio for patient’s seeking to volumize their face is dependent on many factors. The skin turgor, underlying boney resorption of the facial super structure. When assessing opportunities to address signs of facial aging, it is important to remember the adage, “Beauty is not skin deep, it is BONE deep”. When we age, the boney support to our face involutes and thus in addition to volumetric decrease from atrophy of soft tissue, we have volume loss from bone depletion. Full assessment of what it will take to revolumize one’s face is best done in person with tactile and in depth analysis of health history, smoking history, diet and overall BMI.
Another important consideration is how the product is injected. Practitioners who utilize the latest in technology employ blunt needles to minimize bruising and a distractor to minimize pain. You will be glad you choose a surgeon who uses the latest in techniques.