Breast augmentation has been one of the top cosmetic procedures for many years. Women all around the world have turned to this surgery to enhance their shape and their self-confidence along with it. As common as this breast surgery has become, it has not been without certain disadvantages. Some women who undergo breast implant surgery need to or want to have their implants removed at some point. When they do, they may want a secondary option that will revive their shape without the same risks presented by the implant route.
There are several reasons why breast implants may be removed. Outside of personal choice, some breast implant revision procedures are necessary due to leakage or rupture of an implant. Capsular contracture, the formation of firm scar tissue around an implant, is another complication that may require revision surgery to restore the supple, soft curve of the breast. Breast implant removal doesn’t always mean that implants have to be removed altogether. Often, revision surgery involves the replacement of one implant type with another.
What if I want another option?
More and more in recent years, we are meeting women who want an entirely different option for breast enhancement. As a solution, the fat transfer technique has been developed. Fat transfer is not a new type of treatment, doctors have been using harvested fat tissue for years in reconstructive procedures. The first major cosmetic use of harvested fat was the Brazilian Butt Lift. Over time, we began to use small quantities of pure fat cells to reduce wrinkles in the face, add shape to the cheeks, and even to shape the lips. Now, it is finally possible to increase breast size using the same concept.
Fat transfer breast enlargement is an excellent solution for women who are interested in a one- to two-cup size increase in breast size without the use of breast implants. The draw to this natural breast enlargement technique ranges from wanting an entirely natural look and feel to wanting a lower risk process. The minimally invasive procedure is two-fold, beginning with liposuction and ending with the insertion of fat cells into the breasts. Even with the extra step, patients typically recover more quickly from this technique than from traditional augmentation surgery.
Fat Transfer After Breast Implant Removal
There may be additional factors to consider when reshaping breasts after implant removal. Depending on tissue elasticity, the implant-free breasts may sag. Fat transfer cannot correct this. However, a breast lift can. For optimal results after breast implant removal, a combination of lift and enhancement with fat may be ideal.
Are you considering a change in your implant situation? Visit our Bryn Mawr office to explore your options. Call 610.527.4833 to schedule your consultation.
Breast enhancement is a popular area of treatment for many women. It is easy to assume that enhancing the breasts means to add volume to small breasts. This isn’t true in every situation. Here, we discuss how breast augmentation and breast lift surgery differ to achieve specific results.
Breast Augmentation for Increased Volume and Size
Breast augmentation is the surgery in which breast implants are inserted beneath breast or muscle tissue. This procedure is the most popular breast surgery in our country. It also is one of the most sought-after of all cosmetic surgeries in general. What breast augmentation seeks to achieve is symmetrical, proportionate size. This procedure is suitable for women who:
- Would like larger breasts
- Want to improve the shape and symmetry of their breasts
- Have breasts that are relatively firm and perky
Breast Lift for Rejuvenated Shape
With age, one of the changes that most women experience is a loss of firmness in breast tissue. The ongoing decline of collagen results in lax, loose skin and connective tissue. These are what hold breasts higher on the chest wall. When breasts sag, the nipple may point downward or the breast crease may elongate. In this situation, breast augmentation alone will not achieve an optimal outcome.
Breast lift surgery is performed to reposition the existing tissue. This procedure does not increase the size of the breasts. However, it can result in the breasts looking slightly larger because a lift allows them to sit higher on the chest wall like they did years ago. Breast lift surgery may be ideal for the woman who:
- Has drooping, sagging breasts
- Is happy with her current volume and general size
The Common Choice
What many of our breast lift patients do is choose to combine the two procedures. This can be advantageous because a lift will naturally decrease volume ever-so-slightly. When the two are combined, a woman can choose the implant size that best suits her frame and her preferences and enjoy younger, perkier breasts.
Schedule Your Breast Surgery Consultation
Explore your breast enhancement options. Schedule a consultation in our Bryn Mawr office at 610.527.4833.
At some point, many people wish to shave a few years off their face. Historically, this has been accomplished with a surgical facelift. Because surgery is involved, there may be a tendency to postpone treatment as long as possible. Today, we approach the aging process much differently. In our office, a fair percentage of our patients visit us for nonsurgical treatments. While injectables are great for smoothing wrinkles, they can’t tighten the skin. What can is PrecisionTXTM.
PrecisionTX is a laser treatment that focuses on the effects of aging on the lower face and neck. You know them, the jowls that droop from the sides of your face, the thin and crepey skin on the front of your neck, that double-chin. These issues all relate to the loss of firmness and elasticity in the dermis. And that loss relates to collagen depletion. One of the reasons why PrecisionTX is revered as a knifeless facelift is that the 1440 nm YAG laser energy targets the cells that produce collagen for substantial change from the inside out.
These Targets are No Match for PrecisionTX
There are three particular signs of aging that are targeted by the PrecisionTX laser.
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles
The customizable settings built into the PrecisionTX treatment platform allow us to monitor and adjust as needed to improve facial contours and common areas where wrinkles develop, such as around the nose and mouth.
- Skin Texture
Elasticity is vital to smooth, soft skin. As the skin loses this trait, lax tissue begins to look rougher. Pores may appear larger, as well. These concerns are often worsened by dehydration in the skin due to a lack of collagen. The energy absorbed by the PrecisionTX laser stimulates collagen and elastin and also encourages accelerated cell turnover in superficial layers of the skin.
- Jowls and Sagging Neck Skin
One of the benefits of the PrecisionTX laser device is that it features a small cannula that can be inserted just beneath the skin. The exposure of problem areas to the YAG laser results in immediate constriction and continued improvement for up to six months.
Look and feel like your younger self again. Call 610.527.4833 to learn more about PrecisionTX in Bryn Mawr.
Under-eye puffiness or “bags” can add years to your appearance and make you look chronically tired and unwell—even if you’re in the prime of your life! The tissue around the eyes is more delicate than most other areas of the body. This is why we often notice aesthetic concerns here first.
Orbital fat (the small fat deposits beneath the eyes) tends to droop outward due to factors such as ethnicity, genetics, weight loss, illness, skin thinning, and reduced collagen and elastin production with age. Fortunately, we have procedures and treatments available to minimize or eliminate under-eye bags at our Bryn Mawr office.
Injectables for immediate eyelid rejuvenation
Surgery is not always necessary to address eye bag appearance issues. We often suggest patients consider first trying dermal fillers to refresh their under-eyes. Fillers such as JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, and the RHA® Collection can achieve nearly immediate lower eyelid rejuvenation with no recovery time required.
Eye rejuvenation with dermal fillers consists of injecting precise amounts of filler into the uppermost section of the cheek to smooth the transition between the cheek and lower eyelid. For the right patient, the added volume in this area will cause the appearance of bags to largely disappear and thus achieve a more youthful eye appearance. Treatment takes less than 30 minutes, and results can last up to 2 years; touch-up treatments can extend these results even longer.
Dermal filler treatment in the eye area can temporarily disguise weak tissue and lax skin, but, unlike eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), fillers cannot address excess skin or reposition muscles and tissues. That said, fillers allow patients to preview what they may look like if they decide to have surgery to eliminate under-eye bags.
Blepharoplasty for long-lasting eyelid rejuvenation results
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that offers longer-lasting eyelid rejuvenation for the upper and lower eyelids. An eyelid lift can revitalize your facial appearance by removing excess tissue and fat deposits and repositioning the remaining tissues to achieve a tighter, smoother eye appearance. A lower eyelid lid lift typically takes less than an hour to complete, and most patients are able to return to work within 10 days.
Patients seeking a lower eyelid lift often benefit from an upper eyelid lift to achieve comprehensive eye rejuvenation. In some cases, a brow lift can help achieve complete upper face rejuvenation, as a heavy brow contributes to drooping eyelids.
Although age will continue to affect the skin over time, the manual repositioning and trimming of fat and dermal tissue around the eyes will be long-lasting, and most patients enjoy their eyelid lift results for many years.
Medical spa treatments to support younger-looking skin
In addition to these two primary under-eye bag treatments, we also offer med spa treatments that support optimal collagen remodeling and provide younger-looking skin, including:
Schedule your Philadelphia eyelid rejuvenation consultation today
Philadelphia board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brannon Claytor and Physician Assistant Julie Holesh perform all injectable treatments here at Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. We offer a full range of premium injectables to meet your aesthetic goals, including Botox®, Xeomin®, DAXXIFY™, Dysport®, GALTOX®, Kybella®, Bellafill®, and Sculptra®.
Dr. Claytor has over 20 years of experience offering cosmetic plastic surgery procedures and proudly serves patients from Philadelphia, Main Line, and surrounding areas. A member of The Aesthetic Society’s Board of Trustees, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Dr. Claytor continuously advances his surgical techniques and teaches his methods to colleagues at national meetings. In addition to his surgical work, Dr. Claytor is the Chief of Plastic Surgery for Main Line Health Systems, and is a Clinical Associate Professor at Lankenau Institute of Medical Research.
To learn if you are a good candidate for non-surgical facial rejuvenation or eyelid surgery, call (610) 527-4833 or schedule a consultation online today.
Weddings have a way of making us want to look as good as we feel. On the happy day, whether you are in the spotlight or in the front row, you want your face to reveal the happiness and energy you feel on the inside. Often, wedding planning takes up so much time that those in or close to the wedding party (Hello, Moms and Dads!) believe they’ve missed their chance to correct those stubborn cosmetic flaws before the big day. This isn’t so. Here, we want to point out how easy it can be to feel like a star at that Summertime wedding.
Refreshing the Eyes
The eyes are one of the first places on the face to start looking old and tired. Lines and creases around the eyes tend to be more noticeable in pictures, which is one reason why so many brides get Botox treatment before their special moment. Lines are only one problem that may need to be addressed, though. To refresh the eyes, it may be necessary to correct:
- Undereye bags
- Drooping eyebrows
- Heavy or crepey upper eyelids
- Furrowed brows
Our team has the skill to address each of these problems within a short time. You may be surprised to know that it’s possible to have eyelid rejuvenation surgery, blepharoplasty, just a few weeks before a Summertime wedding. The downtime in which bruising and swelling gradually subside is typically 10 to 14 days. If surgery sounds like too big a leap, most of the issues that affect the eyes can be addressed with injectables like Botox and dermal fillers. Much less downtime, still great results.
Fitting into That Dress (or Suit)
Summertime weddings are an invitation to put on a little something special that you might not wear on normal occasions. A tummy pooch, spare tire, or jiggly thighs can interfere with feeling as good as you’d like. Here again, you may be surprised at what is possible with only a few weeks left before the special event. Excess fat can be expertly removed in our Bryn Mawr office utilizing the SmartLipo technique. This minimally-invasive procedure does not require general anesthesia, only a local. Because SmartLipo melts fat cells, extraction is simplified and downtime is limited to one to two weeks. And when we say downtime, we mean that there will be slight swelling and bruising.
The countdown to wedding day may have begun, but you’ve got time to address your cosmetic concerns. Call 610.527.4833 to explore the numerous ways in which we can help.
There are definitely some perks to having information at our fingertips 24/7. At the same time, the sheer vastness of the internet means we can’t always be sure if what we’re reading is complete truth. Liposuction is a common procedure and, as such, has had a fair amount of misinformation distributed about it. In our Bryn Mawr office, liposuction continues to be one of the leading procedures. Seeing that we perform this fat-reducing treatment so often, we think we are a good resource to clear up any confusion. We’ll do that here.
- Liposuction is a fat-reducing treatment but it will not help you lose weight. The objective of this procedure is to refine the contours of one or more areas of the body. For example, liposuction can decrease the circumference of the thighs. The amount of fat removed, though, will not result in weight loss.
- Fat can return after liposuction. Fat-reduction treatment does remove a number of fat cells for good. However, weight gain occurs when fat cells expand in size, not when they grow in number. The results of liposuction can last indefinitely, but it does take work. Making healthy food choices and prioritizing exercise that you enjoy can support your best body after liposuction.
- Liposuction is not a painful procedure. In many cases, liposuction can be performed using a local anesthetic and you feel nothing but a bit of pressure. General anesthesia is typically only used when liposuction is being performed on multiple larger areas or is combined with another procedure like a drainless tummy tuck or mommy makeover. After the anesthetic wears off, many patients can manage comfort with over-the-counter medication. Prescription medication can be taken as directed as needed. Within a few days, you can expect to be back to most of your normal routine.
- Nonsurgical body contouring is better and safer than liposuction. Liposuction is a surgical procedure and therefore it does carry inherent risk. It is important to undergo this procedure only from a board-certified, highly qualified surgeon. As for nonsurgical treatments, they do work. We offer a few in our office. However, it is necessary to undergo multiple sessions to get optimal results and, even then, they may not match what could be achieved with liposuction.
Undergoing liposuction is a personal choice that we can help you make. We can do so by providing you with clear information regarding the procedure, what it can achieve, and what you can expect. To learn more, schedule a consultation in our Bryn Mawr office.
Think the man in your life isn’t interested in looking his best? Think again. According to data from the American Society for Plastic Surgery, an increasing number of men are seeking cosmetic treatments. Today, surgical and nonsurgical procedures alike are popular among women and men, and we can’t think of anything better for Father’s Day than to suggest a few treatments for men that Dad may love.
At Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery in Bryn Mawr, we offer services that address a wide variety of cosmetic concerns. Here, we can help Dad manage:
His Dad Bod
Busy Dads may sweat it out on the playground with the kiddos rather than in a gym, and this may leave a bit to be desired in the area of physical fitness. If love handles have gone soft around the edges, Dad may love the help that comes from non-surgical modalities. Liposuction, as well, has become much more streamlined and less invasive than ever before. Liposuction is a popular fat-reducing procedure that is commonly sought by men interested in either a flatter midsection or a more sculpted jawline. That’s right, this technique can permanently eliminate a double chin!
That Aging Face
An aging face can affect a man in similar ways that the signs of aging affect women’s faces. It isn’t that the appearance of lines and wrinkles makes the face appear older; that alone we may be able to tolerate. What happens when facial structure changes over time is that the eyes begin to look tired or angry. Men often develop deep creases on their forehead and, truth be told, those worry lines don’t do much to support a professional, competitive image. Facial laxity, loss of volume, and undereye bags are all problems that men face. Fortunately, they are all also problems that can be dealt with easily and, often, without surgery.
After a thorough consultation and skin assessment, our team can make the best recommendations to bring out the best in Dad’s skin. From Botox to dermal fillers, laser skin resurfacing to chemical peels, we’ve got the treatment modalities that get fast and lasting results.
Learn more about the unique gifts available for the man you love. Call our Bryn Mawr office for more information.
Throughout our lifetime, we have many moments of joy. We tend to wear them on our face. Rarely does one feel prepared when the signs of aging begin to show up. In fact, it takes many people years to do anything about the cosmetic changes that concern them. Fortunately, there is very little (if any) social stigma left around the idea of plastic surgery. Men and women of all ages are now much more open about their interest in facial rejuvenation and how they are taking control of their aging process.
Facelift surgery continues to be a primary method of facial rejuvenation. The technique used for each patient is customized to provide meaningful results that last for years. While facelift surgery offers substantial benefits, the fact remains that the face will continue to age after treatment. Here, we offer a bit of insight gained through numerous studies regarding how to promote lasting results from facelift surgery.
First, the Cause; Then, the Solutions
In order to know what can help prolong a youthful appearance, we must first understand what causes the face to age in the first place. For the most part, studies indicate the immense value of collagen and elastin for healthy, youthful skin. These two chemicals are produced abundantly during childhood and adolescence but not in adulthood. In fact, collagen production begins to decline in our twenties. Being the building block of resilient tissue, collagen is a must for anyone interested in postponing the onset of lines and wrinkles, sagging, thinning skin, and pigment issues.
In addition to helping us understand the role of collagen and elastin in the body, studies have also discovered some valuable ways to keep these chemicals going strong for many years. One way is to avoid unprotected sun exposure. UV light can be good for the body; it aids in the natural production of vitamin D. However, anything more than a few minutes of UV exposure will lead to collagen breakdown. The strands of collagen that hold the skin firmly fray when they become damaged by UV rays. If you want healthy skin and you want to be in the sunshine, wear sunscreen that filters both UVA and UVB light.
Additional strategies for maintaining skin after facial rejuvenation include taking vitamin C daily. Vitamin C is a significant contributor to collagen production as well as the prevention of oxidative stress in the body. Hydration, as well, is a must for the skin to maintain moisture that keeps it smooth and supple. Finally, experts encourage the avoidance of smoking. The chemicals in cigarettes prevent adequate oxygen delivery to tissues, which can sharply increase the rate of aging.
If you’re considering how you can correct the signs of aging that concern you, we can help. Contact our Bryn Mawr office to schedule your consultation to explore surgical and nonsurgical facial rejuvenation treatments.
Dr. Claytor also offers men’s facelifts.
Thread lifts have been making a comeback in the last few years. It’s easy to see why. This creative technique designed to refresh the appearance of the face doesn’t require surgery or anesthetic and there is virtually no downtime. These are the finer points of having very fine threads inserted beneath the skin. However many benefits there seem to be to the modern-day thread lift, it is important for people considering this treatment to know what to expect.
One of the primary draws of thread lifting is that this technique achieves natural-looking results. This is advantageous and also not exclusive to the thread lift. People interested in natural-looking facial rejuvenation may be able to achieve their desired outcome and then some with a well-planned mini facelift. Here, we point out why.
Thread Lifting vs. Facelift Surgery
Thread lift techniques were first developed in the 1990s. At that time, treatment involved the insertion of permanent barbed or knotted sutures beneath the skin. Conceptually, this sounded ideal; insert threads, press the skin up and out, and lock it into place on the knots or barbs. In reality, the technique had some shortcomings. Patients experienced skin dimpling, higher risk of infection, and other concerns. In light of these potential complications, the thread lift somewhat fell out of favor with doctors and patients.
The thread lifts that are performed today are much better than what was previously available. Surgical grade sutures are made of biodegradable filaments; they don’t stay in the body forever. Threads are also treated with tiny bidirectional cones rather than barbs. These improvements, combined with insertion techniques, have largely eliminated undesirable side effects. However, that doesn’t mean a thread lift is right for everyone.
The biodegradable filament used in thread lift treatment can gently lift superficial tissue. It can also encourage collagen production for a few months, which means the skin is likely to improve gradually over time before the effects of treatment begin to fade. The results of a thread lift last an average of 21 months. A surgical facelift, on the other hand, will manipulate the deeper plane of tissue that supports facial contours. Mini facelift treatment focuses on the lower face, where jowls and sagging skin make the face appear older. Treatment may be slightly more involved, but the results achieved in a mini lift can last between 2 and 6 years.
We offer facelifts for women and facelifts for men. Learn more about facelift treatment and other methods of facial rejuvenation in our Bryn Mawr office. Schedule your consultation today.
Labiaplasty is a type of vaginal rejuvenation that has become quite popular in the last few years. This surgical technique is conducted to modify the appearance of the inner or outer labia as needed to improve a woman’s comfort and confidence. While the results of labiaplasty may sound appealing, the idea of surgery may not. What our patients want to know most is what it’s like to recover from labiaplasty. Here, we offer a general timeline and what to expect as healing occurs.
Day 1 to 3
The first few days after labiaplasty may be mildly uncomfortable. Most patients obtain adequate pain relief from the medication prescribed by our office. Genital tissue is likely to be swollen and bruised during initial recovery. This may be more pronounced on one side. During this time, physical activity should be limited and patients should focus on rest.
Week 2
By the end of the first week of recovery, patients are typically much more comfortable; so much so that they no longer need prescription pain medication. At this time, it is common for swelling to still exist, though not to such an extent that physical activity must be limited. Patients are encouraged to resume normal activities that feel comfortable. In week 2, it is also possible to return to work. Itching may occur as tissue continues to heal. Cold compresses can be applied to relieve this side effect.
Weeks 3 – 4
The dissolvable stitches used to close incisions are typically gone by week 3 or 4. At this time, comfort is significantly improved and patients are able to resume most normal activities, even relatively strenuous exercise. However, tampon use and sexual intercourse might need to be postponed another few weeks.
Week 6
Ninety percent of the healing after labiaplasty occurs in the first 6 weeks after surgery. By this point, a patient can expect to be cleared for all normal activities, including sexual intercourse and tampon use. Though residual swelling will continue to subside for another few weeks, patients may see a glimpse of their final result from labiaplasty at this time.
Interested in learning more about labiaplasty? Contact our Bryn Mawr office at 610.527.4833 to schedule a consultation with our friendly team.