Men's Procedures:
Male Breast Reduction:
Male breast reduction surgery is usually performed for a condition referred to as gynecomastia. This condition may occur in young and older men and can be caused by multiple factors. It is important to identify the cause of gynecomastia. Sometimes this condition may be caused by an underlying factor that can be withdrawn and thereby improve the appearance of the chest. Some of these factors, like chronic marijuana or anabolic steroid use can cause gynecomastia and may return after surgery if these substances are not abandoned. There are several other instances that surgery to reduce the male breast is not appropriate. At the initial consultation, a thorough discussion between you and the surgeon will help to identify those men that will benefit from a breast reducing procedure and those men that will not benefit from this procedure. Over the years, this procedure has been improved upon leaving minimal scarring, very short recovery process, and pleasing results.
Reasons for choosing a male breast reduction surgery
- Larger amount of breast tissue in a male without an identifiable cause that may be withdrawn
- Social anxiety in a young person that has demonstrated breast enlargement
- Rash or skin infections under the enlarged male breast
- Desire to sculpt and define the chest
General Procedure
This procedure is performed under general anesthesia in the operating room depending on the amount of breast tissue to be removed. The type of incision to be used to remove the breast tissue will be discussed during the initial consultation with the surgeon. Some men will have excellent results with liposuction alone, while others may require an additional small incision around the lower border of the areola to remove excess tissue. The surgery usually lasts between one and two hours.
Recovery Process
After surgery you will have a supportive garment that will be worn until specified by your surgeon, usually for the first few weeks, and only removed to shower or to wash the garment. Such garments are utilized to minimize bruising and swelling after surgery. Oral pain medications will be given to help alleviate post surgical discomfort. While complications are rare, these can be minimized by following the post operative instructions given to you by the surgeon.
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Face Lift (Rhytidectomy):
A facelift (Rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to smooth and firm the skin, providing a youthful, refreshed appearance. The aging process is exacerbated by the sun’s radiation, stress, gravity, and other factors that cause the skin to loosen and relax over time. Certain areas of the face and neck are more prone to this accelerated aging process. These gradual changes can make an individual feel dissatisfied and self conscious with their aged appearance.
Facelift surgery involves removing the loose skin and smoothing out the remaining face and neck skin. In some instances, removing or adding fat in conjunction with this surgery may help restore a more youthful appearance. A facelift can also be combined with other facial cosmetic procedures, such as an eyelid lift, brow lift. This surgery can be performed at any time when signs of aging are noticed by the patient. However, most patients are generally in their late forties or older when the procedure is performed.
Reasons for choosing a facelift:
- Sagging skin, muscle and fat in the face and neck that is unacceptable to the patient.
- Excess skin and fat on the face and neck.
- Sagging jaw line (jowling) or neck laxity.
- Deep creases along the cheeks, mouth, chin, and neck.
General procedure
The procedure for a facelift involves making incisions just inside the hairline, along the ear, continuing under the earlobe to the backside of the lower scalp. The skin is lifted and stretched back to remove the sagging appearance. The excess skin is then removed. If the neck lines require attention, an additional incision is made under the chin; through this incision the neck muscles can be tightened. Very small stitches are used to close the incisions and to minimize the chance of scarring. A facelift can take several hours to perform depending on the extent of skin removal or additional procedures that are added.
Recovery Process
After surgery, the face is fitted with bandages in order to help decrease swelling and bruising. Occasionally, a drain is left in place for a day to minimize fluid accumulation. Ice packs may be applied to the face to also help minimize swelling and discomfort. The stitches are generally removed within a week. Any discomfort after surgery can be treated effectively with oral pain medication. Post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the recovery and healing process.
While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions given after the procedure.
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Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty):
Nose surgery (Rhinoplasty) is a procedure to reshape the nose in order to create a more pleasing appearance. Rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. This procedure usually involves reducing the size of the nose, removing a “hump” in the nose, or correcting the shape after a broken nose. A rhinoplasty generally provides the patient with better facial balance and a pleasing result.
Reasons for choosing nose surgery
- Allow better proportion to the nose and bring facial symmetry.
- Remove an arch or “hump” in the nose.
- Reshape a broken or elongated nose.
- Help with breathing problems by rebuilding the nasal passages.
General Procedure
A rhinoplasty generally lasts two or three hours. This is usually done under general anesthesia, depending on the extent of surgery required. Small incisions are made to allow access to the underlying nose structures. Once these incisions are made, the cartilage and bone can be reshaped.
There are two common ways to perform this surgery. They are referred to “open” or “closed” rhinoplasty. The choice of surgery will be decided by the patient and physician on initial consultation.
Recovery Process
A nasal splint (hard covering over the nose) is worn for one or two weeks after surgery. Some swelling and bruising may be noticed after surgery. This improves gradually over time. Pain medications and ice packs can be used for effective pain control. Patients must refrain from smoking for several weeks before and after surgery. Any corrective glasses must be positioned (taped) off the nose. The physician will advise light activity to protect the nose the first few weeks. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by follow post-surgical instructions given by the surgeon.
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Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy):
A lower body lift, also called a “belt lipectomy”, is a procedure used to reshape the abdomen, flanks, buttocks, and thighs. This procedure is significantly more complex than a tummy-tuck alone, as it addresses other areas in addition to the abdomen.
As our bodies change with time, the skin loses elasticity and characteristic changes in body shape occur. In women this tends to be more noticeable in the inner and out thigh regions and the lower abdomen. Men are somewhat different, with typical changes occurring in the central abdomen and flank regions.
This procedure is designed to remove excess or sagging skin and fat around the mid-body region. A body lift restores a more youthful appearance and a more appealing body contour. Liposuction may also be performed in conjunction with a body lift to further sculpt the mid-section.
Reasons to choose a body lift
- Massive weight loss resulting in excess skin around the mid-section.
- Correct sagging skin and fat as a result of the aging process.
- Correct stretching skin after weight gain.
General procedure
There are many components to consider prior to deciding to undergo a body lift. These depend significantly on each individual patient and what they would benefit from the most taking into account their specific body habitus. On initial consultation, the doctor will discuss what your “concern areas” are and will address each accordingly. In general, the incision is made completely around the waist, excess skin and fat are removed, and the upper thigh, buttocks and abdominal skin are redraped and sutured back together. There is an incision around the belly button, and multiple suction drains may be placed during surgery. The procedure can take up to 6-8 hours depending on the extent of surgery which is tailored to meet each individual’s specific needs.
Recovery process
After surgery, you will be required to wear supportive garments while you are recovering. These garments are left on for several weeks, and only removed for showering and cleaning the garments. Supportive garments are worn to minimize bruising and swelling after surgery, they also help to support the healing wounds. Pain is controlled with oral pain medications. Recovery time varies with the extent of the procedure. Patients are encouraged to ambulate the day after surgery, and are usually up and about 7-10 days later. Most are able to return to work full time after about two weeks. It may still take up to two months to fully recover. While complications are infrequent, patients can minimize potential problems by following the post-surgical instructions specified by your surgeon.
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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty):
An abdominoplasty is commonly referred to as a “tummy tuck”. This procedure is designed to remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen. With weight gain, and aging the abdomen may develop stretch marks, laxity of the muscles, and bulging skin or fat. These problems are often difficult to correct with exercise and diet alone. A tummy tuck restores the youthful waistline, tightens the abdominal muscles and improves contour abnormalities. Liposuction may also be performed in conjunction with an abdominoplasty to further sculpt the mid-section
Reasons for choosing abdominoplasty
- Stretch marks from weight gain
- Excess skin or fat not improved with diet and exercise.
- Separation of the abdominal muscles, or loose abdominal wall.
General Procedure
Abdominoplasty starts with the patient completely asleep under general anesthesia. A skin incision is made as low as possible to try and hide the scar under clothes or bathing suit bottoms. Next, the muscles of the abdomen are sewn together to tighten the abdominal wall. The skin is then re-draped over the tighter abdomen. Sometimes an incision around the navel is required. Drains are placed during surgery and generally removed within a week. The procedure usually takes several hours and is performed on an outpatient basis.
Recovery Process
After surgery you will be required to wear a supportive binder over your abdomen. This is worn both for your comfort and to help minimize bruising and swelling after surgery. You will learn to care for the drains placed during surgery and record the output daily. The drains will be removed in the office as the output decreases. You will also be required to stay bent at the waist while you are walking or lying down for the first week after surgery. Pain is controlled with oral pain medications. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by following the post-surgical instructions given by the surgeon.
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Liposuction:
Liposuction is a procedure that is used to sculpt the body, allowing us to selectively remove fat that is unresponsive to exercise and diet. Liposculpting, as it is sometimes referred to, is not meant to be a weight loss procedure, and instead, enables us to “touch-up” or tone problem areas restoring a more shapely figure. Liposuction can effectively treat love handles, saddlebags, buldges around the waist and thighs, lower abdominal fat, a double-chin, and the upper arms.
Reasons to choose liposuction
- Removes fat from the following areas:
- Back
- Waistline
- Stomach
- Upper arms, and legs
- Hips, thighs and buttocks
- Neck
General Procedure
Liposuction is performed as an outpatient procedure in the operating room under moderate sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of liposuction required. This will be decided on initial consultation with your physician. During surgery, the areas are treated by first injecting a solution that decreases pain and bleeding, and allows the surgeon to remove the fat in a liquid form using the liposuction machine. The procedure can last for several hours depending on the extent of suctioning required.
Recovery process
After surgery, you will be required to wear supportive garments during your recovery. These garments are left on for several weeks, and only removed for showering and cleaning the garments. Supportive garments are worn to minimize bruising and swelling after surgery. Pain is controlled with oral pain medications. Recovery varies with the extent of the procedure. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by following the post-surgical instructions given by the surgeon.
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