Brian Pia – Gentera CPM

Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck: Which Is Right for You?

Either liposuction or a tummy tuck may be right for you if you’re looking to lose fat, improve your health or overall boost your confidence. However, when considering these procedures, you may have some questions: What is the difference between liposuction and tummy tuck? How do I know which one is the right choice for me?

This article will help you understand the differences between the two procedures. But, it’s no substitute for a consultation with a professional. If you are considering a tummy tuck in Miami or liposuction in Miami, book a consultation at our clinic.

Now, let’s dig into liposuction and tummy tucks.

Liposuction Vs. Tummy Tuck: What are the Similarities?

First, it’s essential to know that liposuction and tummy tuck – also known as abdominoplasty or flat-stomach surgery – are two surgical procedures that patients may undergo to change the appearance of their midsection. Both of these surgical procedures aim to make the patient’s stomach look flatter, smaller, tighter, or more “aesthetically pleasing.”

Patients typically choose one of these stomach surgeries to boost confidence and self-esteem, but the procedure also aims to improve health in many cases.

In addition to improving the look of the stomach, tummy tuck, or flat-stomach surgery, also:

Is excellent for strengthening abdominal muscles
Can restore a weak core
Can improve flexibility
Can improve the patient’s posture
May help relieve lower-back aches

Abdominal liposuction aims to do many of the same things. Some of the benefits of abdominal liposuction include:

Boosting overall health
Removing fat in a safe way
Permanently removing fat cells
Improving a person’s appearance
Helping with self-esteem
Helping remove fat that exercise and diet can’t

When considering liposuction vs. a tummy tuck, it’s vital to know that most of the benefits are similar. Moreover, plastic surgeons perform both of these procedures. Also, since both procedures are “cosmetic,” your health insurance will not cover them.

The main differences between liposuction and tummy tuck lie in the actual procedures, the potential risks, and the recovery time.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

So, what is a tummy tuck? This popular cosmetic procedure helps make your abdomen look and feel more firm and thin. First, the plastic surgeon removes excess fat and skin from the lower and the middle abdomen to make the muscle and fascia (the fibrous tissue enclosing the muscle) of the abdominal wall tighter. Then, the surgeon repositions the remaining skin to create a more “aesthetic,” “toned” appearance.

What Is Liposuction?

Essentially, liposuction, or “lipo,” utilizes a suction technique to remove fat in specific areas of the body, such as the neck, arms, thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen. Overall, liposuction contours or shapes these areas of the body. Some other common names of this procedure are body contouring or lipoplasty.

In addition to abdominal liposuction, you can also opt for liposuction of the following:

Buttocks
Ankles and calves
Back and chest
Neck and chin
Hips and thighs
Upper arms

Overall, if you want to remove fat from a specific part of your body, you may want to choose liposuction.

A simple diet and exercise regime will often not give you the results you want. With a calorie deficit and exercise, you cannot choose which body part you want to lose fat from. In this case, liposuction of a specific area, such as the tummy, the neck or the thighs, could be a good option for you.

When Should I Choose Liposuction?

Liposuction and a tummy tuck are very different procedures, so it’s important to educate yourself on whether you are the right candidate for the procedure.

Liposuction may be your best choice when you want to:

Get rid of small fat deposits
Eliminate fat from a specific area of your body
Improving the body contour
Reduce specific bulges.
Remove excess fat from the buttocks, thighs, hips, and stomach area.

When is Liposuction Not the Best Choice?

On the downside, if you are obese, abdominal liposuction will not work for you. In addition, some experts claim that abdominal liposuction is not suitable for weight loss.

When Should I Choose a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck may be a better choice than liposuction if you:

Are struggling with excess abdomen fat
Want to get rid of excess skin
Want to address the effects of significant weight shifts that have stretched out the skin around the stomach
Want to address the effects of pregnancy on the skin around the stomach
You want to get back the “flat look”
Your rectus abdominus muscles have been separated due to pregnancy

However, a tummy tuck or flat-stomach surgery is not a good choice for you if:

You are actively trying to lose weight
Your BMI is over 30
You are planning to become pregnant in the future
You suffer from a chronic heart illness

What Are the Possible Complications of Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?

As with any surgical procedure, you may experience some side effects associated with liposuction and a tummy tuck, and complications are possible. Choosing a good plastic surgeon will help you minimize the risks of health complications.

The potential complications of a tummy tuck include:

Fluid accumulation
Changes in sensation (feeling of numbness)
Tissue necrosis (a surgeon must remove the tissue)

The risk of complications from liposuction can be higher if the surgeon is working on a larger area. Also, if the surgeon is performing more than one procedure during one operation, you may be at higher risk.

Some possible risks of liposuction include:

Fluid accumulation or seromas under the skin
Numbness in the affected area (typically temporary)
Contour irregularities (making the skin look less smooth)

Rarer risks of liposuction include:

Fat embolism
Internal organ puncture
Infection

What Is the Recovery From Tummy Tuck vs. From Liposuction?

If you undergo liposuction (an outpatient procedure), you may be able to go back to your everyday activities reasonably fast. In some cases, patients who have lipo can do anything they typically do – except cardio and heavy weightlifting – within the following 48 hours.

Tummy tuck patients, on the other hand, will need at least six weeks and some follow-up appointments to heal.

Remember, only an expert can give you the results you are looking for, and your healthcare professional is the best person to answer any further questions related to the recovery process.

Book Your Tummy Tuck or Liposuction Consultation or Appointment Today

Call us today if you have any questions or concerns about liposuction or a tummy tuck. Our team of experts will help guide you through these procedures with ease. Amazing results guaranteed.

If you’ve made a firm decision and are looking for a trusted facility that will give you expert results, consider our clinic for a tummy tuck in Miami or liposuction in Miami. Of course, we encourage you to book a consultation first and decide whether tummy tuck or liposuction is the right choice for you.

What to Expect After a Mommy Makeover

We’re excited to help you restore and enhance your shape after childbirth with a Mommy Makeover. We know it’s tough to decide to take some time to take care of yourself right now, and we’re glad you’re planning to do so.

Your Mommy Makeover at the Gentera Center for Plastic Surgery will be customized for your individual needs. As a part of our Mommy Makeover procedures, your stomach will be restored to its pre-birth contours, and other parts of your body will be treated as well.

We are confident that this commitment to your own wellness and confidence will pay off.

Just like the Mommy Makeover itself, your recovery plan will be personalized for your specific needs. So, before you start looking for the best Mommy Makeover specialist in Coral Gables, here’s an idea of what you can expect.

Mommy Makeover Surgery Recovery

Before beginning the Mommy Makeover, you should plan for your recovery. You will need to take at least two weeks off from most activities – including work.

During this time, you will need pain management, child care assistance, and rest. We recommend that you refrain from physical activity like pushing strollers, carrying groceries, or lifting heavy objects, including children.

Strenuous or daily workout routines will need to be put on hold for four to six weeks following the Mommy Makeover surgery, but you will need to move around – gently and carefully – each day.

The Healing Process

After your procedure, you’ll be on the road to a restored and enhanced post-childbirth shape, but first, you’ll need to heal.

Here’s what the healing process may look like:

48 hours after Mommy Makeover surgery: Having a plan in place for childcare and meals for the next two days will minimize worrying about the little things right after Mommy Makeover surgery. Your caretaker should already have pain medication prepared, along with any antibiotics you may need.

By pre-planning, you can ensure a restful recovery over the next few days, during which you will experience the majority of the pain and swelling associated with the procedure.

Small and gentle movements before heading straight to bed will help prevent blood clots. Staying hydrated with lots of water and minimizing salt intake will reduce excess swelling.

Pain management: The pain from a Mommy Makeover can be managed with over-the-counter medications like Motrin or Tylenol. Taking scheduled doses may be enough to keep you comfortable throughout your recovery.

However, it’s important to note that the type of pain management you receive from your doctor will depend on your surgeries. Labiaplasty surgery and a tummy tuck are sometimes considered the most uncomfortable of all Mommy Makeover procedures. Labiaplasty surgery can be uncomfortable when a patient uses the bathroom and keeps the area clean during recovery. Tummy tuck pain can vary depending on the need for muscle repair. Compared to these procedures, breast augmentation may cause the least amount of discomfort.

Childcare assistance: Moms with young children under five years old should consider having a caretaker stay with them for at least ten days. You will not be able to pick up your kids because you can risk injury and affect the surgery results. For moms with young children at home, it’s best to elicit the help of friends and family during recovery.

You may need as long as six weeks to feel like yourself again. Since you may undergo various surgeries or treatments in one session, taking the time to fully recover will yield the best results.

Seeing the Results: Your Restored and Enhanced Post-Childbirth Shape

Results of a Mommy Makeover can be long-lasting as long as weight is maintained and weight fluctuation is minimized.

The procedure will not affect subsequent healthy pregnancies, but a new pregnancy can compromise the results. It is highly recommended that you wait until you’ve completed building your family before moving forward with a Mommy Makeover or labiaplasty surgery.

Depending on which procedures you get, the final results may reveal themselves at different times:

After one month, you can expect the swelling of all areas treated to have drastically improved.
Labiaplasty can take up to three months to heal.
Tummy tucks and breast surgeries can take up to six months to heal fully.

In about four weeks, you will be able to get a general sense of what your results will look like, but you will have to be patient to see the final outcome. It may take up to a year for the full results to be revealed.

Call us to learn more about restoring and enhancing your shape after childbirth.

We offer a highly customized and personalized option that is in harmony with your unique life and circumstances, and surgical goals.

Our medical and health care providers and state-of-the-art technologies allow us to combine two or three surgeries, along with laser and other procedures and treatments, into a single visit. This helps minimize downtime and may allow you to see your restored post-childbirth shape more quickly.

You’ll be in excellent hands with our women’s wellness specialist. Learn more about Mommy Makeovers here.

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Botox vs. Fillers – Make the Best Choice for Yourself

Injectables are growing in popularity and have been a beauty staple for many people for more than 10 years. Botox is still the most popular injectable, but dermal fillers are also a viable option that many people choose.

It’s a good idea to explore the benefits of all of these injectables and determine which product is best for your skin goals. It’s also important to know the difference between Botox and fillers, so here is some expert advice to help you make the best decision before visiting your cosmetic surgeon. At Gentera Center, our cosmetic surgeon in Coral Gables offers both types of injectables.

What Is Botox?

Plastic surgeons emphasize that Botox is a botulinum neurotoxin. Four Botox-type fillers are FDA-approved: Botox, Jeauveau, Xeomin, and Dysport. These injectables work by paralyzing or weakening the facial muscles. This is why Botox is ideal for temporarily eliminating lines between the eyebrows, frown lines, and crow’s feet.

In addition to using Botox and other Botox-type injectables to treat wrinkles and fine lines or as a chin filler, a cosmetic surgeon might inject Botox in the armpits to manage excessive sweating or in the jaw muscles to reduce symptoms of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain. Botox-type injections will start to take effect 2-10 days after the treatment. This time frame depends on how your body reacts to the injections and exactly which neurotoxin is in the injection ingredients.

What Are Fillers?

Fillers are usually made from hyaluronic acid, which has a gel-like consistency. These injections fill creases in the skin and restore volume to the face. Fillers can also contour the face or fill in the chin to improve the shape of the face. They can make the cheekbones appear higher or fill in other areas to make the face look slimmer.

Fillers that contain hyaluronic acid include Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero. You can also opt for Radiesse, which contains calcium.

Fillers made from hyaluronic acid come in several thicknesses, so you’ll need to choose one that’s ideal for your skin type. These fillers last anywhere from 5-24 months. If you have deep creases or lines or need chin filler, you may want to try Radiesse, which will last for about a year.

Botox vs. Fillers: Which Works Best?

When it comes to Botox vs. fillers, there are several points to consider. Fillers and Botox are both effective, and which one you choose depends on what your cosmetic goals are.

In some cases, it is not a matter of Botox vs. fillers; you may need both to achieve the look you want. In fact, Botox and related injectables are often used together with hyaluronic acid fillers, as they work to address different areas of concern.

You can use either Botox or fillers as a way to prevent wrinkles. In fact, patients as young as their mid-20s use Botox and fillers to maintain a youthful appearance even before wrinkles start to form in their 40s and 50s.

Chin Botox is also ideal if you want to keep the chin from sagging or if you’d like to make your face look more alert. Botox lips are also growing in popularity since fuller lips are on-trend these days. Botox lips can prevent smile or frown lines around the mouth, and the procedure can also make the lips look bigger.

People often use Botox or fillers to improve fine lines under the eyes and on the jawline and cheeks. Patients should choose the injectables they prefer based on their problem areas.

As a general rule, you can treat facial impressions with Botox. The lines that remain when your face is at rest require a filler.

Botox is ideal for getting rid of creases that form when the facial muscles contract. Chin Botox is ideal for getting rid of folds of skin on the chin when you smile or frown. However, fillers are best for treating deep lines that remain even when the face is expressionless.

It’s important to have a detailed consultation with a cosmetic specialist to know which treatments will treat the areas of your face that you want to improve.

Potential Side Effects

The solution used in Botox and other neurotoxin brands is an extremely diluted form of botulinum, so you don’t have too worry much about reacting to the actual solution in the injection. However, you should make sure a qualified surgeon performs your Botox lips, chin Botox, or facial injections, since this is the best way to avoid harmful side effects.

Before you decide to get Botox or a filler, you should be aware of the possible side effects. These side effects can occur whether you’re receiving chin Botox or Botox lips or getting Botox or filler injections in other areas of your face.

You may experience:

Extreme blushing
Swelling or bruising at the site of the injection
A bluish tint on your skin
Bumps under the skin that look like acne

These side effects are fairly rare but could occur, especially if you have sensitive skin. It’s crucial that you only receive injections from a board-certified plastic or cosmetic surgeon.

It’s important to be aware of the Tyndall effect if you’re receiving hyaluronic acid injections. This side effect makes the skin look blue and will occur if the injection doesn’t go deep enough into the skin. Treating the Tyndall effect involves injecting a tiny amount of hyaluronidase into the original injection site.

Bumps that resemble acne are also a side effect, but this rarely occurs. It’s much more common to experience skin tenderness, mild inflammation, and bruising. In some cases, these side effects can last for up to two weeks, depending on how many injections you’ve received.

It is important to note that acne-like bumps and the Tyndall effect are primarily a result of improper injection and not necessarily a reaction to the ingredients in the filler.

The most common side effects after receiving Botox or fillers are pain and bruising after the procedure. This is not considered a toxic reaction, and the bruising and inflammation should subside in a few days.

It’s not normal, however, to experience drooling, a drooping eyelid, a crooked smile, or extreme eye dryness. If you do, it’s important to tell your doctor right away. After receiving your injections, you should not have trouble speaking, seeing, or breathing.

It’s best to stay at the doctor’s office for a few minutes after the injection so the surgeon can monitor you for any possible reactions. If you experience any of these side effects after you leave the office, get in touch with the doctor immediately.

The Price of Injections

On average, you’ll pay around $500 for Botox injections, according to recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The cost will vary and depends on the severity of the fine lines you’re treating and the qualifications of the professional administering the injections.

The price for fillers varies depending on the product you select. Recent American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports state that the average price of Radiesse is around $700. Hyaluronic acid fillers are about $680.

Conclusion

Fillers and Botox can improve your quality of life since they enhance the appearance of your face and boost your confidence. And, new research indicates that Botox can do more than get rid of wrinkles and keep you from sweating excessively. It may also prevent you from grinding your teeth, and even get rid of chronic headaches and depression.

Fillers and Botox each have their own unique set of advantages, and these two treatments are not used for the same purposes. However, using both fillers and Botox can make your face look younger and more symmetrical.

Speak with a dermatologist or board-certified plastic surgeon if you think you would like fillers or Botox. Your dermatologist will assess your skin so you can choose the injections that are right for your skin, desired outcome, and budget.

The Gentera team is here to answer your questions and help you decide on the best cosmetic procedure for you. If you’re in need of a plastic surgeon, you can schedule a consultation to learn more about how fillers and/or Botox can boost your confidence.

If you live in or near the Coral Gables area, the expert Gentera team can help you achieve the look you’ve always wanted.

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Neck Lift: A Complete Introduction

The neck is one of those body parts that can reveal our age quickly. All of us want to look fresh and youthful, but visible sagging skin around the neck and under the chin may get in the way. Fortunately, neck lift surgery is a relatively quick and straightforward procedure that will rejuvenate your appearance by tightening and smoothing your skin. This article will focus on everything you need to know about this procedure, from suitable candidates to neck lift recovery.

Now, for neck lift surgery, you’ll want to find a reliable professional at a good health clinic. Luckily, if you’re in the area or you’re just looking for the best neck lift surgeon in Miami, we’ve got you covered.

With that in mind, here are all the must-know facts about the neck lift procedure.

What’s the Deal With Neck Wrinkles, Lines, or Sagging?

Neck wrinkles, necklines, or a sagging neck tend to happen naturally as we age. However, since the skin on the neck is much thinner than facial skin, any change may become noticeable.

Besides aging, several other factors may contribute to neck skin changes:

Genetics
Repeated motions
Sun exposure
Rapid weight loss

As you can see, the look of aging skin isn’t always linked to advanced age. People who smoke, consume alcohol, and lead an unhealthy lifestyle are also at risk of neck aging.

Liposuction and the Neck Lift Procedure

A neck lift surgery may or may not include liposuction. For example, if you are overweight, you may have a double-chin. In this case, you may want to consider liposuction to remove the excess fat and give your neck a more sculpted look. People who want to lose fat locally (in this case, in the face) may also want to consider liposuction of the face.

Who Is Suitable for Neck Liposuction?

You may need this procedure if you say “yes” to the following:

You want to reduce the look of fullness under your chin
You want to refine your jawline
You agree with maintaining a steady weight

Who Is Suitable for Neck Lift Surgery?

You may need this procedure if you say “yes” to:

You want to reduce or get rid of “turkey neck.”
You want to smoothen out creases and wrinkles on your neck
You want to boost the look of vertical neck bands
You are considering combining a neck lift with a facelift for even better results

Sometimes people use the terms “facelift” and “neck lift” interchangeably, but the two are very different from each other. In the simplest terms, a facelift may also target the neck, but a neck lift only focuses on the neck, starting from the jawline to your clavicle.

What Does a Neck Lift Actually Do?

A neck lift (lower rhytidectomy or platysmaplasty) is a simple cosmetic plastic surgery procedure that will eliminate visible signs of sagging skin, wrinkles, creases in the neck and your jawline.

Here are some benefits of the neck lift procedure:

It removes sagging or loose neck skin
It eliminates the surplus fatty deposits around your chin or the “double chin”
It removes abnormal contours in the neck due to muscle banding
It smoothens the skin by pulling it tighter
It tightens the underlying muscles giving you the impression of losing weight
It gives you results that diet and exercise fail to do
It gives you results with minimal scarring
The neck lift recovery is fast and painless
It improves your confidence and boosts your self-esteem

How Does Neck Lift Surgery Look Like?

As mentioned, neck lift surgery is a relatively simple procedure. Here are the basic steps you may expect at your doctor’s office:

Firstly, you will receive either local anesthesia or intravenous sedation to ensure ultimate comfort. Your healthcare provider will discuss which option is the best one for you. The second step is the incision. Depending on the degree of results you want to achieve, you may opt for a limited incision neck lift or a traditional neck lift incision. The limited incision neck lift involves incisions only around your ear. If you opt for this one, the incisions may be shorter, but the results will be limited.

On the other hand, the traditional neck lift incision starts at the hairline (at sideburn level) and continues downward around your ear, and stops in the posterior of your hair. With the traditional neck lift incision, the doctor will sculpt the fat or redistribute it from the neck and the jowls.

The third step is closing the incisions. The doctor will close the incisions via sutures or, in some cases, skin glue. Once you are healed, you can expect minimal scarring that goes unnoticed.

Initially, you may see bruising and swelling, but these signs go away once your neck has fully healed.

What Can I Expect During Neck Lift Recovery?

During neck lift recovery, you may need to wear a bandage around your face and your neck to reduce the chances of bruising and swelling. You may also have a thin tube to drain extra fluid or blood that may collect under your skin.

Rest assured, your healthcare provider will give you all the necessary instructions for a fast recovery process. You will also receive detailed tips for a speedier neck lift recovery, including how to care for the drains and the surgical site, as well as specific medications you can take in case of an infection.

For a faster neck lift recovery, you will want to keep the head elevated above the heart to reduce swelling. Also, you should keep your head straight as much as possible and make sure to minimize neck bending or twisting.

Warning: Do not apply ice to your neck. If you do this, you risk compromising blood flow.

Side Effects of a Neck Lift

Although side effects are rare, they can happen, especially if you choose an unskilled doctor. Above all, select a professional with experience and knowledge.

That being said, when you arrive at the clinic, your healthcare provider will ask you to sign consent forms to make sure you have understood the procedure and the potential complications. These are some risks associated with a neck lift:

Infection
Facial asymmetry
Bleeding
Persistent pain
Anesthesia risks
Prolonged swelling
Numbness
Hematoma or fluid accumulation
Skin loss
Discoloration and other skin irregularities
Scarring
Hair loss (either temporary or permanent)
Rare nerve injury

Take your time and choose the proper plastic surgeon for this procedure. Also, make sure that the clinic is clean and sterile.

Should I Prepare for a Neck Lift?

Yes, there are certain things you should do before the actual procedure. Firstly, you’ll want to get medical evaluation and lab testing to ensure you don’t have any underlying illnesses or conditions. Also, you will want to stop smoking.

Patients should also avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, or herbal supplements, because these may boost bleeding and raise blood pressure. A good healthcare professional will discuss all of the steps you’ll need to take before you arrive for the procedure.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you’ve been considering a neck lift procedure, you’re in good hands. Our team of highly skilled and experienced professionals will help you achieve your desired results. Book an appointment with us today.

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Thinking About Rhinoplasty: Everything You Need to Know

Nose correction surgery, or rhinoplasty, may be done for cosmetic or functional reasons. Like any surgery, it has benefits and risks.

Doctors perform nose correction surgery at our Coral Gables clinic to help improve lives.

Here are some of the important things to consider about rhinoplasty.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

The medical term rhinoplasty refers to nose reconstruction surgery, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports there were over 350,000 cosmetic rhinoplasties in 2020 alone.

Because of its popularity as plastic surgery, many people know rhinoplasty only as surgery performed for cosmetic purposes. However, many rhinoplasties are performed for the sake of breathing assistance.

Should I Get a Nose Job?

People with both cosmetic and medical motivations have perfectly valid reasons to request a rhinoplasty. Millions of patients before them have found nose correction surgery to be transformational.

Though nose correction surgery is certainly not a procedure to undertake without careful consideration, there are many benefits to it.

Should I Get a Reconstructive Nose Job?

For reconstructive rhinoplasties, the arguments in favor of the procedure can be obvious.

It is possible to treat an aging or chronically stuffy nose by targeting the cause of the problem, which is often the shape of the nose.[2] Breathing problems are extremely difficult to live with, and when a nose job is the only evident solution, the rewards outweigh the risks.

There are several possible benefits of a reconstructive nose job at our Coral Gables clinic, including:

Fix snoring issues. Snoring is often a result of the shape of the nose, and it can cause difficulties that extend as far as marital problems.
Correct congenital disabilities.
Remedy long-term breathing difficulties.
Obtain an adjustment for a broken nose.

These medical benefits positively impact the quality of patients’ lives.

Should I Get a Cosmetic Nose Job?

When it comes to cosmetic rhinoplasties, you may consider whether it is worth pursuing surgery for the sake of personal appearance.

Boost Your Confidence With Rhinoplasty

The truth is that our looks correlate with our confidence, and confidence is more important than many people acknowledge. For example, studies have shown that dressing well can improve performance.[3] So, how much greater might the difference be when the change in appearance comes from something more permanent than clothes?

Never underestimate the importance of personal desires to modify your appearance.

Potential benefits of a cosmetic nose job at our clinic:

Increasing facial symmetry can add to the face’s aesthetic appeal.
Correcting congenital disabilities can have a transformational effect on a person.
Bullying is often associated with differences in appearance. Though everyone is beautiful in their own way, sometimes a nose job can bring out an individual’s other strong features and enhance their natural charm.
Increased confidence can help people succeed in life and reach new heights.

Clearly, cosmetic nose correction surgery can dramatically improve an individual’s quality of life. It’s well worth it for the many who weigh the risks and rewards.

What Does the Rhinoplasty Process Look Like?

Regardless of your motivation for wanting a nose job, the best first step is to speak with a doctor. A medical professional can provide answers personalized to the individual.

Our nose correction surgery team in Coral Gables, Florida, takes each patient’s holistic health and well-being into consideration when advising them about this surgery. There are both physiological and psychological variables that we must examine for each patient.

Nothing about the reconstruction process should be a surprise, so here is an overview of what the rhinoplasty process will look like:

First, you will meet with a doctor to see if this procedure will fit you well. The doctor will consider your facial structure and medical needs while weighing your individual pros and cons. If you live near Coral Gables, Florida, those of us at the Gentera Center will be happy to help you.
If nose correction surgery is right for you, we will take pictures without makeup in order to help surgeons perform analyses necessary for the procedure. These photos will also be useful for comparison when it comes time for the beautiful “after” pictures.
For six hours before the start of the surgery, you must avoid consuming food or drink. If the operation happens in the morning, this is far easier.
For the surgery itself, patients typically do not need to stay overnight. You should arrange transportation in order to ensure your own safety and the safety of others on the drive home.
On the day of the procedure, you should avoid wearing makeup, jewelry, or tight-fitting clothes that cannot easily fit over the head.
Though operation lengths may vary based on differences from person to person, it usually takes between one and several hours.

What Should I Expect After My Nose Correction Surgery?

Throughout the first day of recovery, you should be fine with the help of a caretaker. After that, supervision is usually not necessary.
Post-operation, you will need to keep your head elevated. Bruising or swelling is a normal experience, and elevation of your head, along with the application of ice, can help mitigate the severity of these effects.
Doctors will recommend the right painkillers and care instructions. By the end of the week, patients should feel relatively normal again.
Within several months, the swelling from your nose job will likely be gone completely. You’ll be able to enjoy results from the other side of a full recovery!

How Long Is a Nose Job Recovery?

During your first week after the nose correction surgery, you’ll need to stay home from work or school, and you may need assistance with childcare if you have children. During this first week, you will most likely see consistent improvement.

Swelling will likely continue for months after the surgery, but this does not impede normal productivity and eventually stops being noticeable.

All in all, a nose job does have a recovery period, as would any major surgery. However, it does not severely limit the ability of patients to continue their normal lives. And with an end result of a new look or medical benefits, millions of patients have decided that the reward of a nose job outweighs the risk.

Learn More About Whether Rhinoplasty Is Right for You

Nose correction surgery at our Coral Gables clinic is undertaken only after our team considers your individual needs and helps you decide whether this procedure is right for you.

Though many people have decided in favor of this procedure, many have also decided against it. Always seek the opinion of a medical professional.

If you are looking for rhinoplasty in Coral Gables, contact us, and we will be glad to help you on your journey.

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Aging Changes in the Face: Understanding Why the Face Ages

The human body goes through many changes with time, and these changes are especially evident when you look at an aging face. Learning what makes a face look older can help you find the best care for your face at any age.

At Gentera Center for Plastic Surgery in Coral Gables, facelift surgery is just one of the ways we can help your aging face look younger. We’ll help you boost your confidence and feel your best.

What Makes a Face Look Older?

There are several underlying reasons why your face starts to change as you get older.

Fat loss

One of the biggest changes is fat loss. When you are young, fat is distributed evenly around your body. However, after years of using up and replenishing your fat supply, your fat cells start to bunch up. Certain areas, such as under the eyes, tend to look thinner and sunken, but fat deposits also make areas like the cheeks and neck sag.

Loss of collagen and other connective tissue

Another major change in an aging face is the loss of collagen and other types of connective tissue. Collagen is a special type of tissue that gives your skin its elasticity and softness.

Your body produces less collagen as you age, so your skin looks thinner and less elastic. Instead of snapping back into a smooth plane, it creases and folds into wrinkles.

The loss of elasticity also makes the effects of gravity more apparent, so your face may begin to shift downward. These sorts of changes usually cannot be fixed without a rhytidectomy, or facelift procedure.

Weakening cartilage

Your body might lose collagen with age, but it does gain another form of support. Cartilage, the firm tissue in your ears and nose, continues to grow your whole life. The change is very subtle, but your nose and ears will get larger with age. Unfortunately, while your cartilage keeps growing, it also gets weaker. As your nasal cartilage weakens, expect the tip of your nose to droop a little.

Aesthetic changes

In addition to all these structural changes, there are also some aesthetic changes. Once your hairline has retreated a little, your forehead will start to look larger. Your skin will begin to produce less oil, which causes it to look drier.

The number of cells you have that produce melanin will also begin to decrease. The end result is skin with patchy brown, or red “liver spots.”

Since some skin cells are more likely to mutate with age, you are more likely to end up with skin tags, warts, and other growths.

At What Age Does Your Face Change the Most?

The short answer: Your face changes the most sometime during your 50s or 60s.

Keep in mind that many changes tend to happen with time. You can go years without any noticeable changes. However, there are a few key periods when you can start to look drastically older and possibly need facelift surgery.

To answer the question “At what age does your face change the most?,” you need to understand the aging timeline.

Teens and early 20s

The aging process tends to start as early as your teens. Throughout the teens and early 20s, your face gradually loses its “baby fat,” and the supporting bones under your face finally quit growing and shifting. Though your face will still look very youthful, there is a noticeable difference between the face of someone in their 20s and that of a preteen.

Late 20s and 30s

Typically, the late 20s is the time fine lines first start to appear, but from a distance, you still won’t look recognizably old. Major changes usually don’t begin to happen until you are in your late 30s. Your skin will begin to appear thinner, duller, and drier, and you will get more pronounced wrinkles, especially around the mouth, nose, and eyebrows. Over the next decade, wrinkles and sagging will typically get worse.

Your face changes most in your 50s and 60s

For most people, the answer to “At what age does your face change the most?” is sometime in their 50s or 60s. This is around the time that the effects of gravity and fat loss become extremely noticeable. Especially for women going through menopause, the decline in estrogen causes the skin to become significantly drier almost overnight.

Once you reach your mid-60s, you can usually tell what your senior face is going to look like. Though you will gradually lose more skin elasticity and fat, you won’t have any other drastic changes unless you develop a chronic health condition.

What Makes a Face Look Older?

There are all sorts of things that happen with age. However, not all of them are noticeable to other people. Instead, people tend to only pay attention to a few key changes when they try to determine age.

People may assume you are older if you have one or more of the following characteristics:

Flattened, hollow cheeks
Wrinkles, especially those around the mouth and forehead
Extra weight around the jawline and neck
Hollows at the temples or under the eyes
Dull, dry skin
Skin with patches of discoloration
Bumpy, uneven skin
Droopy upper eyelids
Bags underneath eyes[4]

What Can You Do About an Aging Face?

Now that you know a little about what makes a face look older, let’s take a look at some common ways to address this.

Preventative measures when you’re young

If you’re still young, a few preventative measures go a long way. Sun causes skin cells to break down more quickly, while tobacco and alcohol use can damage blood vessels in the face. Therefore, simply wearing sunscreen, avoiding smoking and drinking can drastically help with aging.

Addressing the aging face: from filler to facelifts

No matter how careful you are, you cannot entirely avoid the changes your body undergoes.

This doesn’t necessarily mean everyone needs a facelift procedure. The right solution will depend on the underlying cause of your aging.

If your main issue is just wrinkles and thinning skin, filler can be a great non-invasive option. Unlike a facelift, or rhytidectomy, filler doesn’t involve major surgery. Instead, you just need regular injections to restore the lost moisture and fat in your face. Another option is Botox, an injectable that helps to relax muscles and make wrinkles less evident.

There are also all sorts of cosmetic procedures that can address specific effects of aging. A few examples:

If you struggle with bumpy skin, you might want a chemical peel or laser skin resurfacing.
If you are mostly unhappy with drooping eyelids, a blepharoplasty can make your eyes look larger and more open.
And if your nose is starting to look odd as you age, a rhinoplasty can return it to its former shape.

When Should I Consider a Facelift Procedure?

At a certain point, the only way to reverse the aging process is with a rhytidectomy. Also called a facelift procedure, this surgery involves manually adjusting the support structures of the face.

During a rhytidectomy, the surgeon can remove excess skin, reposition fat, and tighten muscles. A facelift tends to provide drastic results and help reduce any effects of aging for years to come.

Facelift Surgery in Coral Gables

If you are ready to stop aging in its tracks, Gentera is here to help. Our Coral Gables plastic surgery center can assist with all sorts of effective procedures. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

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What to Know About Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammoplasty or the surgical reduction of the breasts, offers physical and emotional benefits.

How does breast reduction work?

Surgical breast reduction involves reducing breast volume while maintaining the nipple and areola on each breast.

This procedure has a very high level of patient satisfaction. Many patients report they’re aesthetically pleased with the results, and most patients feel better physically and mentally.

Does a breast reduction include a lift?

Many of our patients are pleasantly surprised to learn that, yes, breast reduction surgery does include a breast lift. This lift will make you more comfortable and give you breasts that look more youthful.

A breast lift is an important part of breast reduction surgery. Why? Over time, gravity can cause large breasts to appear even larger. Giving birth and nursing can cause breasts to lose their perky appearance. With breast reduction and lift, you fix these two problems at once.

How does the breast lift work?

Your surgeon removes extra skin and tissue to reduce the size of your breasts. Then, your nipples are moved upwards to lift your breasts.

Breast reduction and lift helps large-breasted women:

Reduce headaches, chest rashes, deep bra-strap indentations, chronically painful breasts, and shoulder, neck, and backache pain
Alleviate negative postural changes and get relief from upper extremity neuropathy
Improve chronic breast pain and inflammatory intertrigo (skin inflammation that occurs in warm or moist areas)
Have an easier time finding clothing that fits
Get or stay fit without the need to wear specially designed bras for large breasts
Improve or correct the symmetry and contours of the breasts

Many patients can’t stop smiling after their breast reduction surgery. They often ask, “Why did I wait so long to get a breast reduction and lift?”

Like most other surgical procedures, this procedure comes with some risks. Make your personal decision about whether to have this surgery after considering the risks and benefits and having a consultation with our Miami breast reduction surgery team.

After Your Breast Reduction and Lift Surgery and Recovery, You’ll Feel Great

Numerous studies show that women feel better about their body image, physical health, and self-esteem after having their breast size reduced.

A study published by the National Institutes of Health found that 95% of respondents were happy with their outcomes and would do the surgery again. What’s more, individuals’ satisfaction with their breast reduction and lift was not affected by their age, size, or weight. If you are a candidate for surgery, you have a high likelihood of satisfaction.

Exercise after breast reduction

If larger breasts make it difficult for you to commit to regular exercise, consider this in your decision-making: Adding healthy habits like exercise may add years to your life. Improved circulation and cardiovascular health are just some of the benefits of regular exercise.

Your breast reduction may make it easier and more comfortable for you to exercise.

Breast Reduction Surgery Recovery Time

Post-op recovery time is a fact of life. If you have surgery, you’ll likely need some downtime.

Does breast reduction require hospitalization?

No, the procedure doesn’t usually require hospitalization.

Most patients who elect to have breast reduction surgery at our Miami center are admitted as outpatients in the morning or afternoon. Most go home the same day or stay overnight for discharge the next morning.

How will I feel after my breast reduction surgery?

As with any surgery, you may feel sore or sleepy.

We recommend that you:

Clear your work or school schedule to rest for several days.
Engage in gentle walking as early as possible during your recovery.
Avoid vigorous exercise for at least a month or as your doctor advises.

Understand the Options for Your New Cup Size

Macromastia, or the genetic tendency to have large breasts, brings physical and emotional challenges for many women. Smaller breasts mean positive life changes for these patients.

You may have questions about the minimum size for this type of surgery. It’s important to discuss your goals with the doctor beforehand.

If you wish for a B cup or C cup bra size, understand that your surgeon can’t guarantee it. How much the surgeon can reduce your breast size mostly depends on the composition of your breasts.

Most women lose one or two cup sizes. For instance, if you’re a DD cup now, you may wear a C or D cup after surgery.

Other Important Considerations for Breast Reduction

You’ll Have Some Surgical Scars

Breast reduction surgery removes breast tissue and skin to reduce your breast size and improve your breast shape. Typically, the procedure involves a visible incision.

Your surgical wounds will leave some scars. The appearance of scars improves over time for most patients.

Immediately after your breast reduction and lift, the incisions often look swollen. Swelling and redness resolve as your incisions heal. Follow your doctor’s post-op instructions to care for these incision wounds.

While they’re likely to fade over time, scars will probably remain. Your genetics also play an important role in the skin healing process.

Your Nipple Sensitivity May Decrease

You may lose sensation in your nipples after the procedure. However, most women report that their nipples’ sensitivity returns rather quickly. Discuss your concerns before surgery if this is important to you.

Your Breast Surgery May Impact Future Lactation and Breastfeeding

Breast surgery can limit your choices to nurse or breastfeed a child later. If you wish to nurse a baby after mammary reduction surgery, discuss this with your doctor.

Breast surgery won’t always affect your lactation choices, but it is difficult to predict the impact of surgical reduction if you plan to get pregnant and nurse a child later.

Your Medical History and Surgery

The doctor will examine your breasts to note their shape, symmetry, mass, consistency, and size. He or she will also evaluate your skin’s elasticity, looseness, stretch marks, bra strap grooves, and rashes.

In the assessment, the doctor will measure the position of the nipple and areola of each breast and its relation to the underlying chest wall.

Your Post-Surgical Results

Patients are often surprised by how quickly they recover from breast reduction surgery.

Some patients say that smaller breasts are one of the best gifts they’ve ever received. It’s possible for some patients to wear new styles of clothing for the first time in their lives. It’s also possible for them to exercise and enjoy active sports without fear of skin irritations or infection.

According to studies, women who undergo surgical reduction experience a reduction in psychological and physical symptoms and report a higher quality of life.

Discuss your goals and desires with the surgeon during your consultation. Tell the doctor about any factors that will help to determine the most appropriate next steps to achieve your desired result. A reduction mammaplasty with breast lift helps to realize your vision for your body and your health.

Are You a Candidate for Breast Reduction?

A consultation is the first step to achieving your goals. Contact the Gentera Center for Plastic Surgery in Miami to request a consultation now at 305-684-8987. Our board-certified surgeons are here to discuss your questions and goals.

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What is the Difference Between a Normal Facelift and a Mini Facelift

If you’re unhappy with your aging face, your first instinct might be to get facelift surgery in Coral Gables. However, it’s important to remember that cosmetic surgery is always advancing. New treatments, like a mini facelift, can be quite effective. How do you decide between a regular or mini lift? Learning the difference between the two can help you determine which procedure you would prefer. Here are some of the main differences between a mini and regular lift.

Effects on an Aging Face

Of course, the main difference is simply the overall outcome. Both types of lifts help address some of the effects of aging, such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and drooping cheeks. However, as you might be able to guess from the name, a mini lift tends to have milder results.

Generally, mini lifts are good for addressing early facial muscle sagging. They can tighten up the jawline and gently lift the cheeks. A mini lift also helps fix the deep grooves around the nose and corners of the mouth. Some styles of mini lifts can help to tighten up the neck or reduce the size of jowls, too. Mini lifts do not usually address the upper part of the face, like the eyes and forehead.

A full facelift provides even more effects. In addition to fixing all the things a mini lift would, a full procedure can also entirely reposition facial volume and remove excess skin. It can ensure you get a smooth jawline, a neck without any wobble, less droopy eyelids, and firm, youthful cheeks. Full lifts also help to deal with deeper wrinkles like forehead grooves.

Preferred Candidates for the Procedure

Due to their different effects, these two procedures tend to attract different patients. Mini lift patients are often in their early 40s or older. They are in generally good health but may have mild, chronic health conditions like arthritis.

Meanwhile, full lift patients are typically in their mid-60s. Due to the more intense procedure, full lift patients need to be in the best health possible.

Medical Techniques Used During the Lift

Most of the differences between these lifting procedures depend on how surgeons work. The standard lift has been around for decades. It involves your doctor making incisions all around the hairline and the ears. The doctor then goes through these incisions to remove excess fat, pull up drooping muscle, secure supportive tissue to the cheekbones, and remove excess skin around the cheeks.

Meanwhile, a mini lift is a newer technique that is less invasive. Your doctor will make smaller incisions and remove less skin and underlying tissue around your face. There won’t be any drastic repositioning of your facial support structures. Instead, your doctor will just remove a bit of excess tissue and maybe install some small sutures.

Recovery Time for Mini Facelift vs. Facelift Procedures

Since a full lift is a more complicated procedure, the recovery time also tends to be longer. Every patient’s recovery speed is a little different depending on the patient’s health, tobacco usage, and surgery type. However, the general rule of thumb is that it takes about twice as long for a patient with a full lift to recover.

Mini lift patients usually need to rest and relax for at least a week. It may take up to three weeks before they feel ready for vigorous physical activity. Furthermore, swelling and bruising take at least a month to disappear. Meanwhile, for a full procedure, you’ll need to wait at least two weeks before returning to work, and you shouldn’t do any strenuous activity for a month. It can take up to four months for all the swelling to disappear and your final results to be visible.

Potential Shapes and Sizes of Scars

In any type of lift, some scars are inevitable. Usually, they are hidden under the hair or ears, so they are not immediately evident. Furthermore, your doctor can provide you with special creams and medications that make your scars as small and light as possible. However, the potential for scars is still something worth considering.

Mini lift scarring is very minimal. Most patients just have a short line hidden in the crease of their earlobe. Full procedures result in hidden scars, but the scars will be a little longer. You may get a scar that runs along the full length of your ear, and you will also have scars a few inches long under your hairline.

Cost for the Procedure

Generally speaking, a full lift is more expensive than a mini lift. Of course, cosmetic surgery prices can vary quite a bit depending on which doctor you see. For example, if you have a mini procedure from a renowned doctor who serves high-class clientele, it might cost just as much as a full procedure at a sketchy clinic. Many other factors will determine end costs, including your aesthetic goals and your general health.

It’s impossible to compare costs fully until you get a consultation at your desired clinic. On average, though, mini procedures tend to be around $3,500 to $8,000. Meanwhile, according to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, full procedures cost about $7,500 to $11,780. This means a mini lift is usually the better option for patients who want to save money but still get impressive results.

How Long Do the Results Last?

When comparing the two procedures, don’t forget that neither is permanent. Unlike Botox and fillers, they do provide long-lasting results. However, gravity and aging will eventually make your face start to droop again. When this happens, you have the option of getting another procedure if you desire.

Generally, a full lift lasts at least 15 years, and plenty of people still see the benefits 20 years after their surgery. Mini lifts do not have quite as lengthy results. There’s a greater variety of mini lift types, so the outcome just depends on your procedure. Some people may have lifts that last around three years, while those with a more intensive mini lift may still see results ten years later.

Find the Right Option for You

As you can see, both types of procedures can have great outcomes. The right choice for you depends on your face shape, your preferred recovery time, and your desired goals. At Gentera CPS, we’re happy to discuss your options and offer personalized recommendations. If you’d like to learn more about facelift surgery, contact us to schedule a consultation.

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Breast Lift Surgery: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you want to entirely reshape your breasts or just restore the look of your original breasts, Miami’s Gentera Center for Plastic Surgery can help.

A breast lift is a common type of surgery that can help to make your breasts look rounder, perkier, and more lifted. Continue reading below to learn about breast lift types, breast lift options, and whether this procedure might be right for you.

What Is Breast Lift Surgery?

Also called a mastopexy, breast lift is a popular type of cosmetic surgery. This procedure allows an individual to change the look of her breasts without inserting implants. Since 2000, the number of breast lifts has increased by 70%.

A breast lift involves taking away excess skin and tightening all of the surrounding tissue.

Instead of adding or subtracting from the overall breast volume, the goal of a breast lift is to recontour the breast. There are multiple breast lift types, including the lollipop lift, crescent lift, anchor lift, and donut lift.

Who Is Breast Lift Surgery For?

A breast lift might be for you if you are concerned about how your breasts look after childbirth or significant weight loss, if you want your breasts to look younger, and in some cases of abnormal breast development.

Breast lift surgeons primarily focus on treating sagging or elongated breasts. Over time, the skin around the breast stretches due to hormones, loss of collagen, and the effects of gravity.

Plastic surgeons in our Miami clinic will remove excess skin and raise the overall position of the breasts. This can make your breasts look like they used to before age or childbirth altered them. It can also help to reverse breast sagging due to weight loss.

In some cases, breast lifts can also help to correct abnormal breast development. Some women, regardless of age, have breasts that look tubular or droopy. A breast lift can help address breasts that point downwards instead of outwards. It gently reshapes tissue and helps alter nipple position. Since a breast lift removes skin and makes breasts look firmer, it may slightly decrease your cup size.

Despite their significant results, a breast lifts are not always the most drastic breast surgery option. If your goal is to significantly change your breast size or make the top of the breast look rounder, you might benefit from options like breast implants.

Your breast lift surgeons may recommend a breast lift alongside other procedures like breast reduction, depending on your situation.

Common Breast Lift Types: Anchor Lift, Crescent Lift, Donut Lift, & Lollipop Lift

When exploring your breast lift options, you may notice that there are different types of lifts. The main difference between breast lift types is simply where the breast lift surgeons place the incisions. Each style has its pros and cons.

Anchor Lift: An anchor lift involves making a circular incision around the nipple, a vertical incision to the bottom of the breast, and a curved incision along the crease at the bottom of the breast. It’s excellent for situations where you need dramatic reshaping, but scars will be visible.
Crescent Lift: This involves a small incision just along the top half of the areola. It doesn’t work in situations where you need more than a small lift. However, it has minimal scarring.
Donut Lift: Your doctor places an incision around the areola, and then removes tissue or skin through this small opening. Breast lift surgeons often use this type of lift if you have mild sagging, and it can also reduce areola size if you want.
Lollipop Lift: This lift looks like a donut lift, with the addition of a vertical line down the bottom of the breast. Since the incisions are larger, your doctors can remove extra skin and shape the breasts even more.

Is a Breast Lift Right for You?

To make sure one of these breast lift options will work for you, your doctor will pay close attention to your health, breast shape, and aesthetic goals.

You might be a good candidate for breast lift surgery if:

You don’t like how your breasts droop or sag.
Your main goal is to make your breasts look like they did before childbirth or aging.
You are in good health and do not have any serious illnesses.
You’ve noticed your nipples fall below your breast crease, and you aren’t happy with their appearance.
Your areola seems oversized or misshapen in proportion to the rest of your breast.
One of your breasts is drooping lower than the other.

What to Expect With a Breast Lift Surgery

The process starts with a consultation at our Miami plastic surgery center. Your doctor will talk to you about your breast lift options and create a treatment plan that suits your goals.

On the day of your surgery, you will go to either an outpatient surgical facility or a hospital. Typically, breast lifts happen under general anesthesia.

After the procedure, your surgical staff will cover the incision sites and give you a surgical support bra. There is some risk of infection after the procedure, but chances are minimal as long as you follow your doctor’s care instructions.

During the first few days after your surgery, you will need to take it easy and should not perform any strenuous activities. You should begin walking the evening of your surgery and walk at least five times a day. There will be some discomfort, so your doctor may prescribe pain medication.

You can usually go back to work after about a week. However, it may be six weeks before you can lift anything heavier than 5 pounds.

Your surgeon will discuss with you all postoperative instructions in more detail. Make sure to follow them.

How Soon Can You See Results From a Breast Lift?

As soon as the surgery is over, your breast shape will be noticeably different. In the first few weeks of recovery, your breasts might look swollen or misshapen. However, as your body heals, the shape will start to change and settle. By around six months after the procedure, your final results will be visible.

Scars tend to look somewhat red and lumpy at first. Over time, they will soften and lighten. The final scars from a breast lift are usually a pale, thin line around the incision site. They typically are minimal within one to two years.

Schedule a Breast Lift Consultation in Miami

Now that you know a little more about breast lifts, are you ready to get started? At Gentera Center for Plastic Surgery in Miami, we love helping patients boost their confidence. Our team of highly trained plastic surgeons can assist you with finding the right procedure for your goals.

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Mommy Makeover and Vaginal Rejuvenation

Here at Gentera Center for Plastic Surgery, we want to help women live their best, most holistic lives. That can include not only nutrition, exercise and self care for wellness, but also cosmetic surgery, which may be especially indicated after giving birth.

Childbirth can be one of the most transformative and exciting experiences in a woman’s life. But for many women, some of the transformation of one’s body can be unexpected and unwelcome.

A Mommy Makeover at the Gentera Center for Plastic Surgery offers a way to recapture the figure you enjoyed before having children, while committing to your own wellness, confidence and holistic lifestyle.

The Mommy Makeover can restore – and even enhance – your shape. These procedures can make dramatic changes that restore your stomach to its pre-birth contours or address other parts of your body that need attention, including your breasts and vaginal area.

The Mommy Makeover surgeries are not only about looking good and increasing confidence – they will help you feel better, both inside and out.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

Mommy Makeover surgery typically involves a tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation and/or a breast reduction/lift.

The Mommy Makeover procedure provides full-body contouring that helps restore comfort and self-confidence to women in many stages of life. As one of the most comprehensive procedures, it is highly effective at reversing some of the more unwelcome after-effects of childbirth.

Our Mommy Makeovers also address issues such as:

Loose and sagging skin
Excess fat and bulging of the abs, hips, thighs and arms
Sagging breasts or changes in breast size

Well-Woman Wellness Checkup With a Mommy Makeover

If you wish, you may include a well-woman checkup as part of your Mommy Makeover. Our women’s wellness specialist and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Astrid Marina Zorrilla, can perform your annual wellness exam. This visit includes your Pap smear, a thermal breast exam and recommended wellness blood tests.

Vaginal Rejuvenation with a Mommy Makeover

After childbirth, skin sagginess can also happen in the birth canal. Many women find that adding a vaginal rejuvenation procedure to their Mommy Makeover provides life-enhancing satisfaction. At Gentera Center for Plastic Surgery, we offer non-invasive and surgical procedures to help address this concern.

Vaginal rejuvenation options include labiaplasty, vaginoplasty, and on-surgical vaginal rejuvenation.

Labiaplasty

For some women, childbirth changes the size of the labia, or inner folds of the vagina. This can lead to discomfort and pain during intimacy or when engaging in physical activity. Sometimes, the enlarged areas can be visible under tight clothing and might cause self-consciousness and embarrassment.

Labiaplasty, a well-tolerated procedure that can be a key part of the Mommy Makeover, can help restore self-esteem and relieve emotional and physical distress. It is one of our most popular procedures, and we have many reports from women who have loved its results.

Vaginoplasty

Some women may experience skin laxity or sagginess in the birth canal after childbirth. The vagina may feel loose and sex may not be as enjoyable as it was before. With a vaginoplasty, the vaginal canal can be tightened to improve this. A mommy makeover can be combined with a vaginoplasty, all in the same surgery day, providing a complete restoration of your body.

VIVEVE Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation

Vaginal canal skin laxity and urinary leakage can be treated with a non-invasive procedure, the VIVEVE System.

This one-time treatment gently tightens the vagina, leading to greater pleasure for you and your partner. It is especially helpful for those concerned about the effects of aging, or who have had multiple pregnancies.

VIVEVE System for Stress Urinary Incontinence

Some women may experience urinary leakage when they cough, sneeze or with certain movements. This is known as stress urinary incontinence, and can worsen with pregnancy or after childbirth. The VIVEVE System helps tighten the tissues underneath the urethra to prevent leakage of urine.

Benefits of Combining a Mommy Makeover with Vaginal Rejuvenation

Many women find that combining the Mommy Makeover with a vaginal rejuvenation procedure, whether non-invasive or surgical, provides a highly satisfying outcome.

There are a number of benefits when these two procedures are combined. Because they can be done in one session, multiple surgery dates are not needed. What’s more, one recovery time means a faster return to daily life.

Combining a Mommy Makeover With Other Procedures

Your health, function, how you feel and how you look are all treated together at Gentera Center for Plastic Surgery. After consultation with our physicians, women may decide that other complimentary surgeries can be part of the Mommy Makeover. That might include butt augmentation, arm lift and liposuction, as well as facial procedures.

Call us to learn more about a Mommy Makeover.

We offer a highly customized and personalized Mommy Makeover that is in harmony with your unique life and circumstances and surgical goals. With our women’s wellness specialist and state-of-the-art technology and facilities, you will be in good hands.

By combining two to three surgeries in one session, we can help you live the holistic, happy, fit and energized life you deserve with minimal downtime.

You are a good candidate for Mommy Makeover surgeries if:

You are in good overall health
You are in good psychological health
You are near or currently at your goal weight, with a history of sustaining this weight for the past six months
You are a non-smoker

Call us today for a consultation to discuss your next steps!

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