Today, more women (and men!), are consulting with plastic surgeons than ever before. They are seeking answers to troubling personal issues. Perhaps they were born with a large nose or small breasts. Maybe they have been considering liposuction for their love handles or sagging necks. Or maybe they are driven by the need to look younger in a competitive marketplace.
The reality is, most of us have physical imperfections that really bother us. No one goes through life unscathed by the physical changes from pregnancy or weight gain, childbirth, or the aging process. In these modern times, we no longer have to accept the things that really bother us. We can fix them! Fortunately, much of the negativity that used to surround plastic surgery has been replaced with enthusiasm and a “why not?” attitude. Plastic surgery today is much safer and advanced, with methods for minimal scarring. Often procedures require less downtime than you may think.
It is increasingly common to combine surgeries, such as eyelid surgery with a facelift, or a breast lift with a tummy tuck, and so on. Recovery time is minimized this way and there is a cost-saving as well. So, it’s important to know that there are many smaller add-on procedures to any surgery that can really elevate the outcome of your surgery. A good surgeon will address your particular concerns and make suggestions. But they don’t know your unspoken, smaller concerns or desires, and the typical patient has no idea of the possibilities available. It’s hard to ask for answers when you don’t know the questions!
Consider the “À La Carte Menu” below, for a few examples. The À La Carte menu isn’t an actual menu, but suggested popular add-on procedures for you to consider. Discuss all your concerns with your plastic surgeon, no matter how small you think they are. Communication is key in your relationship with your plastic surgeon.
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PLASTIC SURGERY
~ À La Carte ~
♦ The Problem: Torn Earlobes
The Solution: Earlobe repair – Earlobes stretched or torn by wearing heavy earrings (or gauges!) can be easily trimmed, sewn and then re-pierced 3 months later.
♦ The Problem: Ugly Scars
The Solution: Scar removal and repair – Scars that are raised, thick, ugly, and painful can be easily excised, leaving a nice, thin scar. For deep acne scars, a punch biopsy can be performed, the bad tissue removed and a tiny stitch placed for healing. Laser and/or injection therapy is also very effective in improving scars.
♦ The Problem: Chubby Chipmunk Cheeks
The Solution: Buccal Fat Pad Removal – The fat pads that create the chipmunk look can easily be removed from a small incision inside the mouth and closed with a few stitches. The result is a thinner, better-contoured face. Recovery time is minimal.
♦ The Problem: A Recessive Chin and Weak Profile
The Solution: Chin Augmentation (mentoplasty) – Chin implants can correct a weak chin, strengthen the appearance of a receding chin and improve the overall appearance of your face and profile by restoring balance.
♦ The Problem: Thin Lips
As we get older, the skin between the nose and top lip often elongates, leaving the pink part less visible. Volume is often lost due to aging, but some of us are just born with thin lips.
The Solution: Lip Augmentation – A thin incision is made under the nose, the skin pulled up and shortened, revealing more of the plump pink upper lip. Lip implants are a permanent option for volume, or you may choose to inject fillers to replace or create volume.
♦ The Problem: Elongated Nipples from Genetics or Breastfeeding
The Solution: Nipple Shortening – Elongated nipples can be corrected surgically by shortening the stem of the nipple without jeopardizing sensitivity or damaging the milk ducts that are needed for breastfeeding.
