Your New Body Blog.com | A Cosmetic Surgery Blog Presented by PlasticSurgery.com

Every year, many women become pregnant and give birth to bouncing babies; however, while the end product brings much joy, the toll it takes on the mother’s body can be unpleasant for most. Oftentimes, the breasts become enlarged; and when breastfeeding stops, women can lose their volume and begin to sag. In addition, the abdominal muscles stretch and produce an unappealing bulge in the lower abdomen; loose, excess skin is commonly present as well.

In order to correct these characteristics, women opt to undergo a combination of body enhancing procedure in what is called a “Mommy Makeover.” Typically, breast augmentation and/or breast lift surgery, tummy tuck surgery, and liposuction are performed to help women regain their pre-pregnancy body. Although plastic surgery was considered taboo in years past, there are now more women openly discussing their procedures. Some feel that undergoing body enhancing procedures gives them a boost in self-esteem, while others do it to gain an advantage in the workforce. It is also an increasing trend to see mothers in their late 30s to mid-40s undergo the surgeries – many of which have waited until their children are grown and/or in college.

You may learn more regarding these procedures on the website of Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Stuart A. Linder, M.D., F.A.C.S. He performs face, breasts, and body contouring surgeries to help patients achieve their ideal outcome.

For a decade, breast augmentation surgery was the most popular cosmetic plastic surgery procedure to be performed in the United States. Now, according to a new study by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), liposuction has surpassed breast enlargement – liposuction makes up 18.8 percent of plastic surgery procedures, while breast augmentation comes in second with 17 percent.

As the rate of obesity is increasing, there is no wonder why liposuction has become more popular and has surpassed breast augmentation in numbers. Even as individuals attempt to lose weight the natural way – diet and exercise – there are certain areas of the body that do not respond well, if at all. Therefore, to remove stubborn fat deposits, a qualified plastic surgeon can perform liposuction and help patients achieve a more slender body contour. However, liposuction surgery is not a replacement for natural weight loss; this should be combined with a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain optimal results.

In San Diego, board certified plastic surgeon Carol Hollan, M.D., F.A.C.S. performs liposuction and breast augmentation surgery. She has the experience and training to provide patients with their desired outcome through these breast and body enhancing procedures. Further information regarding both surgeries is available on Dr. Hollan’s website.

The summer season is just around the corner and the weather is heating up, which means that many will be heading out to their local beach. However, there are some men who may not feel confident going shirtless due to enlarged, female-like breasts. Medically known as “gynecomastia,” this is a common condition that affects approximately 40 to 60 percent of all men, although it is rarely talked about openly. In order to achieve a more masculine contour, men often undergo male breast reduction (“gynecomastia surgery”), more so when the heat starts to increase.

Unfortunately, there is no definite cause of gynecomastia, but there are some correlations with those who use certain medications, steroids, and marijuana. Typically, gynecomastia can be corrected with liposuction surgery (“lipoplasty”) if excess fat deposits are the only issue. However, excision of breast tissue and skin may also be necessary in certain individuals, which can provide optimal results. Most patients experience minimal scarring post-surgery, as well as loss of sensation in the treated area for a limited period. Results are visible within a few weeks; patients can enjoy a better contoured chest region and head to the beach with more assurance.

Based in Morristown, New Jersey, Brian S. Glatt, M.D., F.A.C.S. offers gynecomastia surgery to those who wish to reduce the appearance of over-developed breast tissue. Prospective patients may browse his website to learn more regarding their options and schedule an initial consultation.

Cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are an increasingly popular trend, especially with so much focus on maintaining youth and beauty from various media outlets. Recently, the emergence of “Couples Surgery,” specifically mother-daughter plastic surgery, has made headlines. It has been reported that the mothers are the first to undergo some type of face and/or body enhancing procedure, while their daughters follow in their footsteps shortly after or at the same time.

As it was seen in 2009 in the television program, “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” Lynne Curtin and her daughter Raquel underwent a facelift and nose surgery, respectively. Recently, former model Christie Brinkley and her daughter Alexa Joel also had the same procedures. This trend is now extending throughout the country, with several brides and their mothers undergoing cosmetic plastic surgery months before the wedding. While some may opt for extensive procedures, such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and/or tummy tuck surgery; there are also those who choose to receive minimally invasive treatments, such as Botox ® injections.

In addition, mothers and daughters who share a similar “family trait” have been known to undergo the same procedure, such as nasal surgery. However, some plastic surgeons have been known to turn away patients who are “over critical” of their daughter’s “flaws.” Although it may be a bonding experience for a mother and her daughter, others appear to be “stage-mothering” when visiting a plastic surgeon. Other instances include women who want to look better than their daughters and undergo extensive surgery to do so. These patients may also be turned away if the surgeon does not deem them psychologically healthy to undergo surgery.

In Orange County, plastic surgery specialist Andres Taleisnik, M.D. performs various face, breasts, and body enhancing surgeries. A board certified plastic surgeon in Orange County, Dr. Taleisnik has the experience and qualifications to help guide patients throughout their plastic surgery procedure. Those interested in breast augmentation and/or liposuction may contact his Orange County plastic surgery practice.

Despite the fact that her recent 10 procedures in 1 day plastic surgery spree nearly killed her, Heidi Montag, the 23-year-old reality TV star told “Access Hollywood” that she is open to having more.

“I almost died after my procedure,” Montag said. “I had too much Demerol like Michael Jackson did and my breathing was five breaths per minute which is like almost dead. [I was] in an aftercare center, there were nurses that were supposed to be tending to me at all times.”

“So thank God, Charles, one of my security guys used to be an EMT, and he was timing my breath on his watch and he called the nurses,” she added. “They had to put oxygen on my face and called my plastic surgeon to come in for an emergency. So, it was a very traumatic experience for me.”

Montag began having plastic surgery in 2007. Her first bevy of procedures included breast augmentation, rhinoplasty and collagen lip injections.

In November of 2009, she had her second breast enlargement to a DDD, brow lift, Botox in forehead, liposuction on waist, hips and thighs, nose job revised, fat injections into her cheeks and lips, chin reduction, neck liposuction, buttock augmentation and had her ears pinned back. Montag also claims she is willing to take the risk in order to have even larger breasts.

“I actually want [size] H for ‘Heidi’,” the MTV star recently told the entertainment show, “Extra.”

Though Montag has stated that she is not addicted to cosmetic surgery, most psychologists and plastic surgeons would suggest otherwise.

“…Fundamentally, when somebody goes on for many, many, many procedures, and starts at a young age, they’re trying to change something about themselves, they want to become a new person…The bottom line is they want to in some way change who they are because they’re not happy with it at the core,” said Debbie Then, a California-based psychologist who specializes in women and appearance.

Patients interested in the effectiveness and risks of having multiple procedures can contact plastic surgeons such as Houston breast augmentation surgeon, Dr. Michael Eisseman, who offer specialized consultations for multiple-procedure patients. It is important for patients to remember that numerous factors, such as age, body type and health history are crucial in determining if a prospective patient is even eligible for multiple plastic surgery procedures.

Since the surgeries, Montag is now starting to experience diminishing pain as well as regaining most of the movement in her face.

“I’m starting to move my face more and more,” she said. “[But,] I feel very plastic … especially when I first came out, it was so hard for me even to smile and it’s still hard for me to chew sometimes. But it’s feeling more and more natural everyday because the swelling is going down.”

“I do love it and I appreciate it and I appreciate the science behind it,” she explained. “We [are] blessed to even have this surgery that we have. We’re so advanced. If Cleopatra were alive now, I’m sure she’d have triple D’s … there’s always been a struggle between pain and beauty. I feel like since the beginning of time.”

For now, however, Montag is content with her recent breast implants surgery and hopes to show them in Playboy, having previously posed for the magazine’s September 2009 cover.

“I’m beyond ready to do it again,” she said.

I am a board certified Miami plastic surgeon who is also widely known as the “Booty Plastic Surgeon.” Recently, Elana Pruitt of PlasticSurgery.com asked me a few questions regarding the popularity of butt enhancement after we met at the ASAPS show in San Diego. Here is a part of our conversation:

Elana Pruitt: Dr. Mendieta, why do you think butt enhancement has become so popular?

Constantino Mendieta, M.D.: Well, the buttock wasn’t addressed for years because, really, there was more concentration on other body parts. Then there was Jennifer Lopez and the green dress, and I realized that there was nothing out there to really enhance the buttock area. The biggest misconception about butt enhancement surgery is that women want to make their butt bigger. But really what they want is to make it shapelier. That is why I have created my own system of evaluation: “Highlight Liposculpting and Lipo Fat Transfer.”

E.P.: What type of patients visit your practice for butt enhancement surgery?

C.M.: Patients of all cultural backgrounds and ethnicities come in for consultation, ranging in ages from 18 to 65. However, the bulk of the operations are performed on those in their late 20s, early 30s. Hispanics were always interested, and in the last couple of years there has been a 20% increase in blacks undergoing buttock enhancement. There are also more Caucasian patients interested in this procedure.

E.P.: Do you also use butt implants in addition to offering the fat transfer method?

C.M.: In the beginning, the implant was used because there was nothing else out there. It just made the butt bigger. Lipo-contouring allows me to use the patient’s own body fat, inject it into specific areas of the buttocks, and shape it much better with more creative freedom. In 2000, 70-80% of cases were with butt implants, and now the numbers have switched to 98% fat transfer.

E.P.: Do males also visit you for this butt enhancement surgery?

C.M.: Yes, 92% of the guys who come in share the complaint that they are tired of their pants falling off!

E.P.: What makes your specialty so unique?

C.M.: “Highlight Liposculpting and Lipo Fat Transfer” is an artistic concept: removing fat from selective areas to specially highlight and sculpt other areas, such as the hip and buttock area. This technique is a sexier, highlighted art, and it gives me a panoramic view – a 3-dimensional view – while creating these new curves.

E.P.: Do you predict that butt enhancement will eventually rise to the growth and popularity of breast augmentation?

C.M.: I think it will, but it’s a concept of re-sculpting the buttock. It still has a negative connotation. When you open the view of it, it’s more “pan-cultural.” Lipo is the #1 procedure across the world, so it’s just learning how to transfer the fat into the buttocks.

Photo Credits: Jennifer Lopez http://www.celebspin.com
Photo Credits: Kim Kardashian: http://www.celebnewswire.com

Surgeons everywhere are reporting huge increases in the number of patients who undergo bariatric surgery — the procedures that reduce the size of the stomach and the amount of food it can hold.

Because any meal is then limited to only about a half a cup, bariatric patients lose such huge amounts of weight, doctors have assigned a new medical status for them: “MWL,” meaning massive weight loss.

S. S., 48, of Avada, Colorado, is one such patient.

S.S. at work, showing a horse before her surgery.
(Photo courtesy of patient)

Bariatric Surgery

At exactly five feet and 260 pounds, she (who asked for medical privacy) could not properly do her job as a horse groomer and shower of horses. And, being so heavy, it was hard to get – and stay – on any steed. Moreover, it was exhausting for her to stay on her feet all day to do the horse grooming.

After fighting obesity her entire life, S.S. opted for bariatric surgery as a final solution in March, 2005. With her stomach surgically reduced to hold only ounces of food, her weight dropped to 133 pounds within a year.

But there was another problem — loose hanging skin.

S.S.’s skin had been stretched by the excess pounds for so long, it could not spring back. An apron of skin hung from her stomach while her legs, rear end and breasts sagged with useless folds of skin. When she worked or exercised, the sheets of skin rubbed together and created sore spots. Also, there was a lot of skin flapping around when she tried to jog or sit on a trotting horse.

Read the rest of this entry »

I have two young children, so I understand the difficulty many women have when it comes to losing weight after pregnancy. It takes a lot of work to bounce back to the pre-pregnancy stomach you once had. Tummy tuck surgery (“abdominoplasty”), is a procedure done to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the tummy, and repair damaged abdominal muscles. The end result is a firmer, smooth abdomen.

It is a popular, body contour procedure for women seeking a “Mommy Makeover!”

Childbearing, aging, genetics, and rapid or excessive weight loss can cause unwanted abdominal skin, and fatty tissue. With childbearing or excessive weight changes the abdominal muscles can also become damaged and separate, a condition known as “diastasis.” These unwanted features will not resolve with exercise alone, and usually need to be surgically corrected. This procedure is not meant to take the place of diet and exercise in individuals who simply wish to lose weight.

During the abdominoplasty procedure, the surgeon will repair the separated or weakened abdominal muscles. Liposuction is also sometimes used to assist in body contouring.

This procedure is considered cosmetic in nature and is generally not covered by medical insurance. The cost of abdominoplasty ranges significantly from $4,000 to $20,000 dollars, although it depends on a variety of factors.

However, until you decide that plastic surgery is worth your dime, Tummy Tuck Jeans could be an effective fashion style to incorporate into your overall Mommy Makeover!

Photo Credit: http://modmom.blogspot.com/

When the people who are ready to hand over thousands of dollars for cosmetic surgery procedures are denied during a consultation, they are left stunned. Many of them might even ask themselves if they are being discriminated against. My guess would be that many of them had serious health conditions, or have a history of tobacco use. What many people don’t realize is that smoking puts your health in great danger, especially when surgery and anesthesia are involved.

Smoking causes damage to the vascular system (veins and arteries) and puts people at greater risk for atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a disease that leads to the formation of plaques within the arteries. Plaques can also impede blood flow and lead to ischemic (lack of blood flow/ oxygen) events such as heart attacks and strokes.

Many plastic surgeons worry about a patient’s smoking history due to the high risk for adverse events during and after surgical procedures. Anesthesia becomes more dangerous, and the ability to heal properly is compromised. If you have had a plastic surgeon deny you service due to your smoking history, you should be thankful, not angry.

What many plastic surgeons will request is that an individual stop smoking several months (or weeks) prior to and following a plastic surgery procedure. This will decrease the risk of adverse events and optimize healing and recovery time. And of course, smoking cessation will also contribute to a more youthful complexion, and most important, a longer, healthier life.