When patients notice sagging skin or facial wrinkles, the only solution that comes to mind may be a facelift. However, in recent years, new types of facial fillers have opened the doors to younger-looking, wrinkle-free skin. The fact that these changes can occur without undergoing surgery creates the opportunity for additional patients to seek improvements to these cosmetic issues.What Are Dermal Fillers?
Injectors use dermal fillers to produce the effects of a facelift–lifting and smoothing the facial features–without surgery. These fillers usually contain hyaluronic acid. This substance is found organically in the body. In addition to collagen and elastin, hyaluronic acid acts as a skin rejuvenator, helping moisturize and restore.Dermal Fillers For A Liquid Facelift
Depending on the areas that require treatment, injectors will use various fillers to accomplish the desired results. Some fillers are suited to the midface region, such as the cheeks and nasolabial folds, while others are better equipped to deal with aging and wrinkles in the chin and jaw. Let’s discuss fillers frequently used by injectors and the locations where they are most effective.Some of the most popular dermal fillers are those produced from the naturally occurring element called hyaluronic acid. This substance can enhance the face, decrease lines, and add volume and bounce to the skin. Hyaluronic acid serves these purposes in many areas and through many different products. Juvederm can create plump lips and less hollow-looking under eyes, while Restylane has several formulas that target areas like the cheeks and fine lines around the mouth.One option for a long-term filler is Sculptra. This acid-based medicine is a collagen producer that helps restore the appearance of the skin and brings back a youthful look and feel. Sculptra’s effects can last for several years after the initial treatment sessions.While dermal fillers are the star of the liquid facelift, injectors may also use Botox or other wrinkle relaxers such as Xeomin, Dysport, and Jeuveau. These neurotoxins temporarily affect the muscles, relaxing them so they produce less movement at the surface. This limitation allows the skin above these muscles to rest and lose the wrinkled texture gained by overuse.What Are The 7 To 9 Points Of A Dermal Filler Facelift?Depending on the gender of the patient, injectors will target the majority of the following points.- Cheeks
- Upper & Lower Cheekbones
- Under Eyes Or Tear Troughs
- Around The Eyes
- Near The Temples
- Chin
- Jawline
- Lips
- Around The Mouth
Enhancing these points helps provide facial definition and shapes that flatter the patient. Qualified injectors can alter the liquid facelift to suit the patient. For example, men often wish to concentrate on enhancements to their masculine features, such as a well-defined jaw. Women prefer to focus on creating volume and lift in strategic areas like the cheeks to produce a classically feminine appearance. A master injector will be able to help patients showcase their best features. Are You Considering a Liquid Facelift
The 7 to 9 point facelift, also known as the liquid facelift, is a viable procedure for patients desiring quick and natural results. Injections of dermal fillers and wrinkle relaxers can produce stunning results without surgical intervention. The various choices of medicines and the specific areas they can target make this a highly customizable and personalized treatment option.Are you considering a facelift or a minimally invasive alternative? Call The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery at (425) 775-3561 to schedule a consultation today.
Abdominal surgery can include various procedures. Some of these surgeries are medical, such as an appendectomy, hernia repair, or even a C-section. Cosmetic abdominal surgery usually refers to a tummy tuck, known as abdominoplasty.Women across the world undergo emergency and pre-planned C-sections to deliver babies. Some of these women have relatively easy recoveries, while others experience intense pain and discomfort for the first few days after delivery.Women considering a tummy tuck after having a C-section may wonder how the two procedures compare–especially when it comes to pain levels and recovery time. Let’s break down the details of each surgery to distinguish the differences.Tummy Tuck Procedure And Recovery
A tummy tuck is the most popular cosmetic procedure to create a smooth, taut stomach. One of the top cosmetic surgeries in the world, this operation has seen many developments over the years. During this procedure, the surgeon can craft an aesthetically pleasing abdomen, tighten loose or stretched stomach muscles, and complete hernia repair when necessary.The surgeon begins the procedure by making an incision low on the stomach. After making the incision, the surgeon will remove tissue such as excess fat and skin from the abdomen. To achieve the tucked appearance, the surgeon will tighten the remaining skin and reposition the belly button to a more aesthetically pleasing location.During this surgery, the surgeon can repair abdominal muscles if they have stretched due to pregnancy or weight gain. Hernias that form in the abdomen can be uncomfortable and painful. Surgeons can repair these protrusions during a tummy tuck.Tummy tuck recovery is less intense than that of a C-section. There will still be pain and discomfort after surgery, especially if the patient has had muscle repair. Complete recovery occurs six to eight weeks after the procedure.C-Section Procedure And Recovery
The primary purpose of a Cesarean section is to deliver a baby. If there are health concerns about the mother or baby during childbirth or if labor does not progress naturally, doctors will perform a C-section.For this operation, the surgeon makes an incision through seven layers of skin, tissue, muscle, and the uterus. After delivering the baby through these layers, cutting the umbilical cord, and removing the placenta, the surgeon closes the incisions.The initial C-section recovery period may be rougher than that of a tummy tuck due to the many layers of tissue involved. Pain should improve after a week. Patients usually recover from a C-section in a similar time frame to that of a tummy tuck–six to eight weeks.Tummy Tuck versus C-Section
A tummy tuck and a C-section are both abdominal surgeries. Another similarity between the two is the incision location. Both procedures involve incisions placed low on the abdomen. If a patient has had a C-section, their surgeon will try to use the site for a tummy tuck incision to reduce or even repair scarring.Conclusion
A C-section and a tummy tuck have similar recovery times and incision locations. While a tummy tuck and a C-section possess similarities, they are unique procedures that accomplish vastly different purposes.The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery is here to help you accomplish your aesthetic goals. Call us at 425-775-3561 to learn more and schedule a consultation.
Breast augmentation ranks highly among the most popular cosmetic procedures. Breast implants are some of the most researched medical devices in existence. Technological advancements have led to increasingly safe implants. With these improvements comes the ability to customize breast augmentation. Patients can now choose implant type, shape, and size. They can also opt for different incision locations and methods of implant placement.The ability to customize most details of breast augmentation may partially explain its popularity. Another possibility is that a growing number of women pursue breast augmentation as a procedure to provide definition and femininity to their natural figures. This change shows the shift in the focus of breast implants. Their purpose is no longer to create volume and dramatically alter the appearance. Instead, more women see it as a way to add a more subtle enhancement to their figure while improving their self-confidence.Current Size Options In 2024
Breast implants come in a range of sizes. Where profile is concerned–how far the implants extend from the chest–there are four options: low, moderate, high, and extra high. The next choice is how many cubic centimeters make up the volume of the implant. The usual sizes are 120cc to 800cc, though some cases require sizes outside this range.Breast Implant Customization Options
Patients can choose the shape of their implants along with the size. Traditional implants have a round shape, creating equal volume at the top and bottom of the breast. Teardrop implants provide a more natural, subtle shape that starts narrow at the top and widens toward the base. These implants are anatomically correct and mimic the organic shape of the breast tissue.During a consultation, patients may be able to see the projected outcome of their procedure. Most plastic surgery offices provide patients with digitally altered images or 3D models, showing how their implant choices will impact their overall appearance.Choosing Breast Implant Sizes: Medical Considerations
Breast implant sizes are about more than aesthetics. Surgeons recommend different implant sizes and profiles for each patient. These sizes depend on the patient’s chest width, weight, and height. Sizes too large can interfere with daily life and cause discomfort. An experienced surgeon will suggest sizes that produce a balanced, proportionate figure.Advancements In Breast Implant Technology
There have been significant improvements to breast implant materials. These advancements in safety and efficacy have led to a procedure that produces better, more satisfying results. Patients are also less likely to experience adverse reactions or surgical complications. Surgeons can perform breast augmentation through a procedure designed to have as little impact on the body as possible. With these advancements, patient recovery times have improved significantly.Patient Satisfaction And Breast Implant Customization
Allowing patients more control over their surgical decisions has proved to be beneficial to the success of breast augmentation. Patients who choose their implant sizes are less likely to seek revision surgery or express dissatisfaction with their results. These patients report an increase in self-esteem and overall confidence.Conclusion
Advancements in breast implant technology have led to many choices regarding implant sizes. With options for the shape, material, and implant placement method, patients can customize much more than the size of their implants.The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery offers patients various breast augmentation choices. Contact us today at 425-775-3561 to schedule a consultation.
Breast augmentation is a popular surgery for women who want to feel comfortable and confident in their bodies. The recent trends show patients have chosen appropriately sized breast implants that suit their frames and highlight the organic curves of their figures.There are many questions patients should ask before their breast augmentation. Most questions will primarily focus on the pre-operative process, the surgery, and the immediate aftermath. However, patients should inquire about the long-term conditions of the implants and possible revision surgery. Before patients decide to undergo plastic surgery, they want to know that it will be worth the time, effort, and expense they spend on the procedure.Questions for patients to ask their surgeon about their procedure include: How long will the surgical results last? Do the implants need to be replaced? Are there any risks associated with implants that remain in place for years? Do other options exist besides replacing the breast implants? Patients can trust a board-certified plastic surgeon to address these and other concerns. What Makes Implant Replacement Necessary?
These are a few conditions patients can develop that may require implant replacement.Capsular ContractMost cases of capsular contraction are mild and don’t require treatment. A scar tissue barrier that forms around the implants is natural and can be beneficial. If an individual is prone to scar tissue development, this can lead to thicker tissue that begins to harden and contract around the implants. Severe cases can cause the implants to feel overly firm and produce an unnatural look.Rupture/LeakageA patient with saline implants will likely notice a rupture or leak. Saline-filled implants will shrink if the interior fluid leaks, leading to a flat, deflated appearance. The sterile salt water at the core of these implants shouldn’t be a concern since the body can absorb and dispose of this solution.Leaks and ruptures of silicone gel-filled implants are more difficult to detect. Doctors recommend regular scans to ensure the implants are in good condition. If a leak does occur, the gel will likely hold its shape and cling to itself, preventing the silicone from seeping out of the chest.Change In Implant Position Or ShapeOver time, breast implants can rotate or move in the chest. The shape of the implants can also alter. These changes can lead to a disproportionate or asymmetrical appearance. How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
The general belief is that breast implants will last for ten years. While this may be the average number of years patients have their implants before undergoing revision surgery to replace them, ten years doesn’t necessarily speak to the lifespan of the implants. Some patients have had their implants for twenty years or more. As long as the implants are in good condition and the patient isn’t experiencing any difficulties, the implants can remain in place. The Next Step: Breast Revision
Patients may choose to have revision breast surgery if they experience issues with their implants. During a revision procedure, the surgeon can remove and replace the implants with a similar size or larger ones. If the patient doesn’t want to replace the implants, they can choose to have a breast lift. This procedure will remove any skin stretched by the implants and tighten the remaining tissue. Revision procedures are excellent ways to regain the youthful, feminine figure the implants first produced. Conclusion
The lifespan of breast implants varies. Some patients may need replacement implants after ten years. Other patients have gone two decades with the same implants. If the patient doesn’t experience any issues, breast implants can remain in place for many years.If you’re interested in revision breast surgery or breast augmentation, the Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery can help. Call us at 425-775-3561 or fill out our online contact form to learn more about our procedures. 
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