How Laser Skin Resurfacing Can Transform Your Complexion
Laser technologies offer profound treatment options for many skin concerns. These cosmetic treatments improve imperfections on the surface layer and address issues in the deep tissues for total facial rejuvenation. At Aqua Plastic Surgery, we utilize Cutera’s Pearl laser for laser skin resurfacing, which can revitalize your complexion and restore a younger, smoother look.
What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?
Laser skin resurfacing can treat fine lines, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin texture and facial scarring and help to clear acne-prone skin. These treatments can be ablative or non-ablative. Ablative lasers create superficial injuries in the skin’s outer layer, destroying skin cells and triggering the renewal process for faster cell turnover and more collagen and elastin production, so your skin looks and feels smoother and softer. Ablative laser treatment involves a longer recovery and strict aftercare but leads to dramatic results.
Non-ablative laser treatments penetrate the deeper skin layers without wounding the skin’s surface. While more treatment sessions are needed to reach your desired results, the recovery process is less intense. Non-ablative treatments work well for pigmentation concerns such as brown or red spots and spider veins and acne.
These laser technologies provoke your body’s natural healing abilities to jumpstart the production of nutrients and proteins required for youthful, supple skin. Collagen and elastin work together to smoothen and tighten your tissues for a better facial appearance.
Cutera’s Pearl Laser
The Pearl laser by Cutera uses energy wavelengths to target water molecules in the skin and vaporize (ablate) them. This ablative treatment removes a very thin layer of skin but keeps the remaining tissues intact. Pearl requires a four-day recovery that typically involves redness and skin flaking. This laser option can effectively address brown spots, uneven tone and texture, signs of aging and freckles.
Pearl Fusion Laser Treatment
Pearl Fusion is another ablative laser treatment that works to renew and resurface your skin. The YSGG laser technology heats the inner skin tissues with controlled depth energy and removes a thin layer of skin. Pearl Fusion offers more customized treatment and is an excellent option for mild skin tightening and regeneration. Laser skin resurfacing with this technology boosts collagen growth for better facial volume and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Pearl Fusion can improve skin discoloration as well as signs of aging.
Schedule Your Laser Skin Resurfacing Consultation in Jupiter
If you struggle with acne scarring, deep lines and wrinkles or other facial skin concerns, contact Aqua Plastic Surgery. Schedule your consultation with our experienced team of providers in Jupiter at (561) 776-2830 or fill out our online contact form.
Can I Have Breast Implant Removal and Breast Lift Together?
Part of breast explant surgery, or breast implant removal, is addressing changes in skin laxity and reshaping the breast tissue. Elevating the breasts may be needed if you are not replacing your breast implants because your skin stretches to accommodate the new size after breast enhancement. The breasts may droop or sag when implants are removed, and a breast lift can restore a perkier bust.
David Rankin, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon devoted to helping his patients achieve their cosmetic goals through artistry, attention to detail and commitment to patient satisfaction and safety. He can determine if you need a breast lift with your breast implant removal.
How Does Breast Explant with a Breast Lift Work?
Many women add a breast lift to their breast implant removal procedure for youthful fullness and elevation. The breast explant procedure starts with a nerve block to control discomfort for 72 hours, which limits the need for pain medications after surgery. Dr. Rankin removes the breast implant and the scar capsule surrounding it. Then he removes excess skin and reshapes the breast tissue. Our plastic surgeon may reposition the areolas and nipples for better projection if necessary.
Breast lift corrects breast ptosis (drooping) to provide a better contour higher on the chest. Dr. Rankin has developed unique surgical techniques for predictable, successful and safe results for combining breast implant removal with a breast lift. One of these techniques involves moving breast tissue from the lower pole of the breast into the upper portion to enhance tissue volume for better breast fullness. A portion of the altered tissue remains attached under the breast to preserve blood supply. Dr. Rankin calls this technique the “tissue wrap around.”
Fat grafting can also improve the loss of volume caused by removing breast implants. Unwanted fat deposits are removed from another area of your body, such as the abdomen, and reintroduced into the breasts to restore some volume and avoid the risks associated with breast implants.
At the end of your procedure, drains are placed to aid healing. The implant and capsule are photographed and may be sent off to a lab to study.
Schedule Your Breast Implant Removal Consultation in Jupiter, FL
If you are unhappy with your breast implants or are experiencing complications linked to your implants, schedule a consultation at Aqua Plastic Surgery. Contact us in Jupiter at (561) 776-2830 or fill out our online contact form.
How Abdominoplasty Can Improve Low Back Pain
An abdominoplasty can do more than restore your pre-pregnancy body shape. Research published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in March 2018 suggests that tummy tucks that repair the abdominal muscles can improve back pain and urinary incontinence after childbearing. While a tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure, it can offer improvement for the two most common physical complaints facing women after they give birth, providing a functional incentive on top of a better figure.
Our experienced plastic surgeons in Jupiter, Fla., offer the tummy tuck and other procedures that can give you back your pre-baby contour.
Abdominoplasty Improves Diastasis Recti
The 2018 study involved 214 women undergoing tummy tuck and repair of the rectus abdominis muscles. These muscles — the same muscles that make up the so-called "six-pack" — are stretched during pregnancy and may even separate, causing diastasis recti.
Diastasis Recti
Diastasis recti is common in pregnancy and postpartum and can't be fixed with exercise. It can lead to lower back pain, urine leaking, constipation and other symptoms. Some medical professionals believe this is because the abdominal muscles help to support and stabilize the spine, and diastasis recti may contribute to chronic low back pain. A tummy tuck can help by tightening these muscles and pulling them back together for a flatter stomach.
Abdominoplasty Research Study Results
On average, the women in the study were 42 years old with 2.5 deliveries. Before their tummy tucks, 51% of patients reported "moderate to severe disability" from back pain, and 42.5% had significant issues with urinary incontinence.
Researchers reevaluated these scores six weeks and six months after their tummy tucks with reports that both problems improved majorly at six weeks. Only 9% of women still had a moderate disability due to back pain at the six-month mark, and less than 2% still experienced significant urinary incontinence problems.
Tummy Tuck Improves Diastasis Recti
These improvements after a tummy tuck with muscle repair are likely due to stabilizing and strengthening the abdominal and pelvic regions, including diastasis recti. This rectus repair leads to a better quality of life for women who have given birth and experience back pain and incontinence.
Many postpartum women seek a tummy tuck to contour their body shape and eliminate loose skin left over from pregnancy. However, these results show that abdominoplasty can have functional benefits for the postpartum population in addition to cosmetic improvements.
Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery in Jupiter and Miami
If you're interested in learning more about the tummy tuck procedure, contact our experienced plastic surgeons to discuss your body contouring options. Schedule your consultation by calling our offices in Jupiter at (561) 776-2830 to schedule your consultation.
Is Facelift Different for Men and Women?
A facelift can turn back the years on your complexion regardless of gender, but the procedure has traditionally been associated with women more than men. Facelifts are gaining traction among men in recent years, with many people citing the rise of remote work as the reason. High-definition Zoom calls can highlight facial imperfections, and remote work allows for a more discreet recovery.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons in Jupiter offer various face procedures to restore a youthful complexion, and these plastic surgeries are customized to your needs. Your facelift results are tailored to your cosmetic concerns and take into account whether you desire more pronounced feminine or masculine features.
How Male & Female Facelifts Differ
Women often wish for a supple and soft appearance, but men usually desire a chiseled look. The male facelift focuses on providing a more rugged, masculine result that boosts confidence for 10 years or longer. Where women typically want to address jowling, wrinkles and volume loss in the cheeks for a delicate complexion, men usually look for the opposite. Male facelifts can provide more jawline definition and remove loose skin under the chin and along the neck for a dynamic appearance.
More About Male Facelift
The Male facelift procedure is slightly different because men have thicker skin, connective tissues and muscles. The male facelift accommodates the stronger bone structure and dense muscles to avoid a "too-tight" or “windblown” appearance while creating a younger, defined look. Our plastic surgeons must account for facial hair in men, which alters the incision sites to ensure hair growth remains aesthetically pleasing.
Many men choose to have a neck lift or chin liposuction with a facelift to achieve a strong, defined facial profile. The full facelift is typically better than a mini-facelift for men due to thicker and heavier tissues.
Both male and female facelifts offer a younger, more vital appearance. The facial tissues are carefully lifted, and underlying structures are repositioned to improve jowling, sagging cheeks and loose skin in the mid-face and lower face regions.
Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery About Male Facelift
Many men struggle with jowling and loose skin as they age. Facelift results can improve your self-esteem and may boost your social life and career. Contact our board-certified plastic surgeons at Aqua Plastic Surgery to discuss your facial plastic surgery options.
Call our offices in Jupiter at (561) 776-2830 to schedule your consultation.
Dermal Fillers Can Complement Your Facial Plastic Surgery Results
A facelift, mini facelift, eyelid surgery or other face procedure can give you a more youthful appearance by reducing loose, sagging skin tissue and repositioning underlying structures. However, these plastic surgeries won't erase all signs of aging. Many of our Jupiter patients follow up with injectable treatments such as dermal fillers or BOTOX® Cosmetic to enhance their facial plastic surgery results.
Are Dermal Fillers Needed After a Facelift?
Our experienced plastic surgeons may suggest you wait up to six months before touching up your results with fillers to allow your face time to heal and adjust to your younger facial contour. Aqua Plastic Surgery can help you identify the right dermal filler and neuromodulator injectable to target your concerns, such as dynamic wrinkles, static wrinkles and volume loss.
BOTOX Cosmetic and Dysport target the cause of dynamic wrinkles, focusing on the muscles responsible for the formation of lines in the forehead, around the eyes and between the eyebrows. These injectables contain botulinum toxin and are expertly placed to soften wrinkles while allowing you to maintain a full range of facial expressions. BOTOX Cosmetic and Dysport can last several months, with results showing in the first week after treatment.
Juvéderm and Restylane
Restylane® and the Juvéderm® family use a naturally occurring substance called hyaluronic acid. Your body already contains hyaluronic acid, a sugar mainly found in your skin, eyes and joints, but production slows down as you age. This compound binds to moisture and is responsible for hydrated, supple skin. Restylane® improves facial wrinkles and folds, including nasolabial folds, marionette lines, perioral lines and volume loss. Results show up right away and may last six to 12 months, depending on the area treated.
Juvéderm offers a versatile array of dermal filler treatment options for static lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth, volume loss in the cheeks, chin enhancement and lip augmentation. Results are immediate and can last up to six months or longer depending on the type of Juvéderm and the area being treated.
Radiesse
This dermal filler contains calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a watery gel. Radiesse® can deliver immediate results for deep wrinkles, including nasolabial folds that run from your nose to the outer edges of your mouth and marionette lines that extend from your mouth to your chin. The CaHA in Radiesse® stimulates your body to produce more collagen to back up your initial results for a longer-lasting, more youthful appearance. Radiesse® may last 12 to 18 months, depending on the injection site.
Sculptra
Sculptra™ is a semi-permanent filler made with a biocompatible material called poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). The dermal filler addresses the cause of aging instead of just the symptoms (wrinkles). The PLLA pushes your body to jumpstart collagen and restore the underlying skin structure and diminish wrinkles from the deep skin tissues to the surface layer. Sculptra™ does not provide immediate results like other injectables but offers gradual, discreet improvements as collagen production increases after treatment. You can enjoy Sculptra™ results for up to two years.
These injectables are a great way to enhance your facial plastic surgery results and reduce lines and wrinkles. Fat injections are another way to complement your facial plastic surgery results. They involve harvesting fat from a stubborn area of your body, such as the abdomen, and relocating the fat cells to parts of the face with volume loss and lines and wrinkles.
Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery
Our plastic surgeons can help you determine if injectables are right for you. Contact our office in Jupiter at (561) 776-2830 to schedule your consultation.
The Liposuction Procedure From First Consult to Your Final Results
Liposuction is one of the top three most popular plastic surgeries every year, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). This procedure surgically removes unwanted fat from stubborn areas such as the dreaded "love handles," abdomen and thighs. Our doctors will discuss the process with you to help prepare for liposuction at Aqua Plastic Surgery in Jupiter, FL.
Your Liposuction Consultation
Come to your consultation with a few questions to ask our plastic surgeons about their experience and liposuction. During this initial meeting, they will evaluate the desired treatment area and discuss your medical history and expectations. Liposuction can address one or more problem areas with unwanted fat pockets at once, but a combination of plastic surgeries may be a better fit for some patients. Liposuction is often combined with a tummy tuck and breast surgery for a "mommy makeover" to restore a pre-pregnancy figure.
If liposuction is right for your body, health and cosmetic goals, we will schedule the procedure and provide you with the information you need to prepare. That may include stopping smoking, avoiding certain over-the-counter medications and lining up help for the first 24-48 hours after liposuction.
The Liposuction Procedure
Our doctors are well-versed in various types of liposuction such as power-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, and suction-assisted. We've discovered that the liposuction technique that yields the greatest success for most patients is tumescent liposuction. In this procedure, fluid is injected into the area to break up the fat deposits and constrict blood vessels to suction away the fat cells more efficiently. The fat is removed through a thin, narrow tube (cannula) using a tiny incision. The tumescent method minimizes pain and reduces post-operative bruising.
Liposuction Recovery
You will likely experience some mild to moderate pain along with swelling and numbness after liposuction. Our plastic surgeon may prescribe you pain medication to fill beforehand, but over-the-counter options also work well to minimize discomfort. We will provide a compression garment right after liposuction, which helps your skin adjust to the new contour and alleviates some swelling. Wear the compression garment for several weeks. Swelling and bruising are typically gone by the six-week mark.
Every patient heals at a different pace, but bending, lifting and strenuous activity or exercise need to be put off until you are cleared to resume these habits. Most liposuction patients return to work one to two weeks after their procedure. Eat a healthy diet, stay hydrated during liposuction recovery, and go on walks (but don't push your limits) to help your body heal.
Follow-Up Visits at Aqua Plastic Surgery
Our doctors prefer to see patients one to two days after their liposuction procedure and four to six weeks out to assess their recovery and preliminary results. Some people notice a slimmer contour right away, while others must wait until the swelling is gone. A final follow-up appointment at our Jupiter office will take place up to six months after liposuction.
Schedule Your Lipo Consultation
If you're interested in liposuction, us our contact form to schedule your consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons at Aqua Plastic Surgery or call our Jupiter, FL, office today at (561) 776-2830. Begin your journey to your dream figure.
How Laser Technology Can Help Your Skin
Laser technology has terrific capabilities and can improve our lives in many ways, including aesthetically. Common skin concerns such as pock-mark scars from acne, rosacea and pesky wrinkles are not as challenging to treat as they once were, thanks to advancing technology. At Aqua Plastic Surgery, our skilled aesthetician offers several types of laser treatments designed to address most skin conditions and aesthetic issues with safe, effective results.
Skin Rejuvenation for Sun Damage
Long-term sun exposure takes a significant toll, producing discolored patches on the skin and compromising your skin’s integrity. The UV light causes structural changes to elastin. Elastin is a supportive compound in your skin that maintains flexibility and firmness, and your body produces less and less as you get older.
Our doctors use a variety of lasers such as the Pearl Fractional Laser, Enlighten Laser, Limelight IPL and Laser Genesis for skin rejuvenation. These lasers can address skin concerns caused by excessive UV exposure from the sun, tanning beds and other sources but may also help acne scars, lines and wrinkles, skin redness and large pores.
Laser Skin Resurfacing for Wrinkles & Scars
Laser skin resurfacing can address a number of issues, from common signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles to sunspots and acne scars. We can restore your youthful glow and smooth skin through ablative or non-ablative treatments. Ablative lasers treat wrinkles and skin discoloration through tiny wounds in the skin, providing dramatic results, and non-ablative lasers are good for acne, rosacea and other skin concerns. Non-ablative treatments use less laser energy to penetrate the skin without creating small punctures, offering a faster recovery but with less noticeable results.
Laser Tattoo Removal
Tattoos can be a beautiful expression and display remarkable artistry. However, many people are unhappy with their “ink” five, 10 or 20 years later. Some tattoos fade, bleed or may not fit with your personality anymore. The Q-switched Nd: YAG laser restores your natural skin by breaking the tattoo pigments into tiny particles for your body to eliminate. The laser light targets and absorbs tattoo ink. Multiple treatments are required, and colorful tattoos will take more time to respond to laser treatments because black ink reacts best to the laser light.
Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery in Jupiter
If you’re interested in improving your skin with laser treatments, contact our medical spa at Aqua Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation. We will develop a treatment plan to reach your cosmetic goals and restore a smooth, youthful complexion.
Reasons Women Are Unhappy With Their Breast Implants
Most women are satisfied with their bust after breast augmentation with breast implants, but a few struggle with painful symptoms and asymmetrical results. Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel perform breast explant procedures to remove breast implants for women who are no longer happy with their results.
Breast Implant Illness
One of the most common reasons women choose to remove their breast implants is the phenomenon called "breast implant illness." This autoimmune and inflammatory syndrome may happen after any breast implant type is placed during breast augmentation, including saline, silicone, textured, round and teardrop implants.
The wide range of symptoms makes it difficult to diagnose breast implant illness at first. These symptoms include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Skin irritation and rashes
- Breathing problems
- Anxiety or depression
- Hair loss
- Dry mouth and dry eyes
- Gastrointestinal problems
Researchers understand little about breast implant illness, but symptoms often subside after the procedure to remove them. This surgery is ideal for breast implant illness because it removes the entire scar tissue capsule with the implant to avoid contaminating the surrounding tissues.
Capsular Contracture and Other Implant Complications
During the breast augmentation procedure, the implant is placed above or underneath the pectoral muscle in the breasts. Your body creates fibrous scar tissue around the foreign object, which forms a tissue capsule. That scar tissue is typically soft or slightly firm but should not be noticeable and holds the implant in place. Capsular contracture occurs when the tissues tighten and squeeze around the implant, leading to pain and distorting the appearance of the breasts.
Other implant concerns include implant deflation or rupture, which is reasonably apparent with saline implants but may require imaging with silicone implants. Breast explant may be performed to address these complications and either replace the implants or utilize fat grafting techniques to add volume and symmetry to the breasts.
Unhappy With Breast Implant Results
Sometimes the results from your breast augmentation don't match your expectations. Perhaps they are too small, too big, too soft or too firm. Incorrect implant placement and similar issues may lead to uneven breasts and other cosmetic problems.
The breast explant procedure are safe and effective options for removing your breast implants. Each breast surgery is unique, and our doctors will discuss your options during a one-on-one consultation. They may recommend combining breast implant removal with a breast lift to elevate the tissues and avoid drooping breasts afterward.
Schedule Your Breast Explant Consultation
Our doctors have removed breast implants for hundreds of women to recreate an attractive bust. Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery in Jupiter, FL, today or call (561) 776-2830 to schedule your breast explant consultation.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Breast Lift?
Most women would love it if their breasts stayed in the same position for their entire adult lives, but age, gravity and pregnancy often have other plans. Breast sagging is one of the best examples of this unfortunate process. Fortunately, a surgical procedure called breast lift can restore your young, attractive physique. The expert surgeons at Aqua Plastic Surgery in Jupiter, Fla., discuss what makes someone the ideal candidate for this procedure.
Your Breasts Point Downward
Youthful breasts generally point either up or out until sagging starts to push the projection of the breasts downward. The best option for women who would like to elevate their breasts to their former position is surgery. The ideal candidate for breast lift is a woman who has significant sagging on her chest and is dissatisfied with the breasts’ appearance as a result.
Your Nipples Sit Below the Breast Crease
The nipples are also likely to sink along with your sagging breasts. Women often become unhappy with the position of their nipples when they rest lower than the breast’s natural crease against the chest. During breast lift, your plastic surgeon will not only pull the breast tissue up, but also readjust the position of the nipple itself. If your areola has gotten larger over time, the surgeon can also take off some of the skin to make that look smaller as well.
You Are Not Planning to Have Any (More) Children
The two life events that are most likely to influence the breasts are pregnancy and breastfeeding. In fact, most women will see their breasts sag following the early phases of motherhood. Those who have had breast lift prior to nursing will usually see the work achieved from the surgery reversed. If you are considering having children, or an additional child, at some point in the future, we suggest that you wait until you no longer intend to get pregnant again to schedule breast lift.
You Are in Good Health
Although breast lift is remarkably safe when performed by an expert surgeon, given that it is not medically necessary, it may not be suitable for women with certain risk factors to undergo this elective surgery. Women who smoke will need to quit months ahead of the surgery, too, since smoking can interfere with the healing process and yield worse results.
You Like the Size of Your Breasts
With breast lift surgery, your surgeon repositions the existing breast tissue rather than adjusting the size. Those women who want larger or smaller breasts will need to consider breast augmentation or reduction. The good news is these procedures can be combined with breast lift if you want your breasts to be repositioned and resized.
Speak to a Surgeon Today
The best way to determine if you are a great candidate for breast lift is to meet directly with a surgeon. During a consultation, the skilled team at Aqua Plastic Surgery will examine your breasts and several health factors to determine your suitability for the procedure, as well as answer any questions you may have. To make an appointment, please call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830 or use our contact form.
When Is Liposuction Not Recommended?
Over the years, the surgeons at Aqua Plastic Surgery have helped countless patients achieve attractive body contours with liposuction. While the surgery is suitable for most patients who are interested in reducing unwanted fat deposits on the body, there are circumstances that may make you a less preferable candidate. Instances when our surgeons would not recommend liposuction include:
If You Have Certain Medical Conditions
Risks associated with liposuction are low overall, but can be heightened for patients with certain underlying health concerns. The doctors at Aqua Plastic Surgery will want to know if you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, diabetes or asthma to make a complete assessment of whether you are appropriate for this elective surgery.
If You Intend to Use It as a Substitute for Diet and Exercise
It is a common misconception among patients that liposuction is an “alternative” to dieting and exercising. In reality, liposuction is not an appropriate weight loss strategy. The procedure works best on patients who have already put in the work to lose weight and simply wish to eliminate lingering fat deposits. First do your best to achieve your goal weight, and then use liposuction to enhance your contours.
If You Do Not Intend to Maintain Your Current Weight
To the previous point, liposuction is also inadvisable for patients who are not committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Although the results from liposuction are considered permanent, that only holds true for patients who do not let their weight fluctuate moving forward. If you are not prepared to commit to a healthy lifestyle, you could very well see the results vanish over time.
If You Smoke
While smoking cigarettes or vapes is bad for your health at any time, it can be particularly damaging to people recovering from surgery. The impact it has on the circulatory system makes it harder for your blood to clot and increases the risk of infection. Current smokers who want liposuction, or any other cosmetic elective surgery, should quit smoking as soon as possible, and well in advance of scheduling a surgery.
If Your Expectations Are Unrealistic
On the whole, the patients we treat at Aqua Plastic Surgery are thrilled with the improvements liposuction makes for their body contours. However, we do occasionally encounter a patient who develops expectations so lofty that they are bound to be disappointed. It is important that you set sensible expectations about what liposuction can achieve.
Are You Interested in Liposuction?
The surgeons at Aqua Plastic Surgery would be happy to meet with you to determine your candidacy for liposuction. To schedule a consultation with our expert team, please contact our Jupiter, Fla., office today or call (561) 776-2830.