March 2014

Abdominoplasty: Tummy Tuck FAQ

Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck

Tummy TuckCommonly known as a tummy tuck, abdominoplasty helps flatten and shape the stomach area and waist. The surgery removes excess fat and skin, while also tightening muscles to create a more flat, sleek and trim midsection.

What Is the Procedure?

During the surgery, which takes approximately two to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia, two incisions are made. One is from hipbone to hipbone, while the other incision is around the navel. The skin is then separated from the abdominal muscles, which are then pulled together and stitched into place for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist.

The skin flap is then stretched down and over the newly tightened muscles, while excess skin is trimmed away and the navel is reattached in a natural position. The incisions are then carefully closed, with the hip to hip incision’s sutures located close to the pubic area so that it is as discreet as possible.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Do you have loose, stretched skin and belly folds because of pregnancy? Or do you have excess skin as a result of major weight loss? Then you are a great candidate for abdominoplasty.

Candidates should be in great physical condition and non-smokers. Many people who undergo abdominoplasty because they have pockets of fat or loose skin that haven’t responded well to diet and exercise. Abdominoplasty can also help older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity.

What Other Factors Should I Consider?

Are you planning to have a child in the near future? Having a child can undo the results of the procedure, so we advise patients who plan to become pregnant to delay abdominoplasty.

Are you planning to lose more weight? Since further weight loss can cause more skin to become loose, we encourage patients who intend to lose a substantial amount of weight to wait  until they reach their goal weight before undergoing the procedure,

How Long Is Recovery?

The recovery process after abdominoplasty may include the temporary insertion of a tube that will drain excess fluid from the surgical site. Following the surgery, a patient’s recovery time can range from 8-12 weeks.

Abdominoplasty in Calgary

If you are interested in abdominoplasty or would like to learn more about any of the other cosmetic surgery procedures we offer, contact us today. We can be reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Gynecomastia: FAQs

Male Breast Reduction

GynecomastiaGynecomastia is the benign enlargement of breast tissue in males. While it does not pose serious threats to a man’s health, it may cause self-esteem issues and discomfort. Let’s take a closer look at some frequently-asked questions about gynecomastia.

  1. What causes gynecomastia? Gynecomastia is usually linked to changes or abnormalities in hormones. Sometimes, the male body experiences an imbalance in the production of the hormones testosterone and estrogen. Males normally produce estrogen in very small amounts. However, when males produce abnormally high levels of estrogen that are out of balance with levels of testosterone being produced by the body, breasts may form. Additionally, taking certain antibiotics, medications, or having serious health conditions can contribute to formation of enlarged male breasts. Aging also plays a part in the growth of male breasts.
  2. Can males of any age experience this problem? During puberty, many young men will experience the appearance of enlarged breasts. Usually, the end of puberty will also signal the disappearance of the male breasts. Enlarged breasts in males are most commonly seen in men between the ages of 50 and 80.
  3. What are the symptoms of gynecomastia? Some of the main symptoms associated with gynecomastia include swollen breast glands, swelling, and breast tenderness. Patients are urged to see a doctor if they experience persistent pain, tenderness, or discharge from the nipples of one or both breasts.
  4. How is gynecomastia treated? Medications may help some men manage the pain or symptoms of gynecomastia. For younger male patients who have the condition due to puberty, medication and periodic evaluations of the individual’s condition will be necessary. For men who find the condition extremely bothersome, breast reduction surgery may be the best option. Reduction surgery will remove fat and tissue from the breasts, as well as excess skin, giving patients a firmer, more flattering appearance.
  5. Is breast reduction surgery for me? If you feel stressed out or embarrassed by the appearance of enlarged breasts, reduction surgery may be right for you. Your doctor will work closely with you to determine what treatment is right for you!

Male Breast Reduction Surgery in Calgary

If you are interested in male breast reduction surgery, or would like to learn about any other procedures we offer, contact us today. We can be reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you!

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What is a Breast Mastopexy?

Breast Lift

Breast Mastopexy?Over time, women experience significant changes in both their body and their breasts. These changes can be caused by life-changing factors, such as aging, changes in weight, pregnancy, and menopause. These life events can often lead to saggy-looking breasts that look unflattering, and make a woman feel uncomfortable about her appearance.

Women who are experiencing these changes in their body may benefit from breast mastopexy (“breast lift.”) Let’s take a look at some commonly-asked questions about this procedure.

  1. What exactly does breast lift surgery involve? Breast lift surgery is firms and lifts the appearance of breasts, with the removal of excess skin in the area that causes the breast to look saggy or unflattering. The remaining skin is tightened, which restores and reshapes breasts. As a result, the patient has a more flattering appearance.
  2. Will the size of my breasts change as a result of this surgery? No, the breasts will not be altered in size during this procedure. Breast lift surgery does not provide the same benefits as breast augmentation. Breast lifts are performed to restore a more flattering shape to a woman’s breasts.
  3. What will this surgery involve? Breast lift surgery is usually performed in a hospital or surgical center, as an outpatient procedure. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and normally lasts for about 1 to 3 hours. Incisions will need to be made in order to remove excess fat and reposition the breasts. Results are immediately noticeable. Most patients return to normal activities a week or so after undergoing the surgery.
  4. Is breast lift surgery the right choice for me? Ideal candidates for breast lift surgery are healthy individuals who do not smoke and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Doctors also recommend that candidates seek breast lift surgery to improve their own self-image, and not seek surgery to please someone else.
  5. Are there risks associated with breast lift surgery? Risks of the breast lift procedure include persistent pain, infection, and scarring. Fortunately, most patients who undergo this procedure only experience temporary side-effects, and are able to heal well following surgery.

Breast Mastopexy in Calgary

If you are interested in breast lift surgery, or would like to learn more about any of the other cosmetic surgery procedures we offer, contact us today. We can be reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Top Questions on Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast Reduction Surgery

breast-reductionUpon  hearing the term “breast surgery,” most will immediately think of the breast augmentation. However, not every woman wants to enlarge her bust size. Each year, millions of women with larger breasts undergo breast reduction surgery. Let’s take a look at some questions about breast reduction surgery.

Top 4 Questions about Breast Reduction Surgery:

  1. What does breast reduction surgery involve? Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia, and takes a few hours to complete. The techniques used for breast reduction will depend on the individual patient, and what the doctor determines will be best for the patient.
  2. Am I a candidate for breast reduction surgery? The best candidates for this procedure are women who are uncomfortable with the unwanted attention that is often associated with having overly large breasts.  In addition to causing self-esteem problems, large breasts can also cause physical discomforts to patients, including back pains, breathing issues, and posture issues.  Breast reduction surgery can help correct these issues. During your initial consultation, a plastic surgeon will evaluate your medical history, and determine if breast reduction surgery is for you. Ideal candidates for the procedure should not be pregnant or breast-feeding, and should be non-smokers.
  3. How long will it take to recover from a breast reduction surgery? The exact recovery time often depends on the individual patient, although most patients will need about 2 weeks to recover. Patients will normally be able to have their stitches removed 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure. Strenuous activities or exercises should not be resumed until about a month after the surgery. It is also important to schedule regular visits with your doctor, so they can evaluate how well you are healing.
  4. What are some side-effects of a breast reduction? While breast reduction surgery is considered quite safe, there are some potential side-effects associated with the procedure, as there are with any surgery. Some common side-effects associated with the procedure include scarring, and bleeding. Your plastic surgeon will discuss the procedure in detail with you prior to surgery.

Breast Reduction Surgery in Calgary

If you are interested in breast reduction surgery, or would like to learn more about any of the other cosmetic surgery procedures we offer, contact us today. We can be reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you!

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