Best Anti-Aging Procedures for the Lower Face and Neck
For patients seeking dramatic improvement in the appearance of the lower face, facelift remains the go-to choice. After more than a half century of popularity, this proven surgery is still referred to as the “gold standard” in facial rejuvenation.
There are alternatives, however, including an ever-expanding array of noninvasive options. Here, experienced South Florida plastic surgeon Dr. David Rankin discusses the full range of available choices.
Facelift
Facelift works by tightening facial skin and muscles, while sometimes also removing skin and fat. It comprehensively corrects signs of aging by focusing on the middle and lower facial regions. It targets loose skin, displaced fat or sagging tissue on the cheeks, creases beneath the lower eyelids, excess skin and fat along the jawline and furrows between the nose and corners of the mouth.
Neck Procedures
If you were born with skin that lacks flexibility and resilience, you may develop neck skin that sags, creates folds or hangs loosely. This is especially true in the case of patients who have lost a great deal of weight: Skin that lacks suppleness will not shrink sufficiently to conform to the reduced volume of a slimmer neck.
Liposuction, cervicoplasty and platysmaplasty are the main surgical solutions for improving the appearance of the neck. Liposuction removes fat, cervicoplasty eliminates excess skin and platysmaplasty goes even deeper by tightening or excising neck muscles. Platysmaplasty is indicated when sagging neck muscles create a “banded” appearance. These procedures are often part of a neck lift.
In most cases these procedures can be performed endoscopically, which reduces scarring and typically can be done as an outpatient procedure with a local anesthetic.
Other Options
To improve the appearance of the lower face, there are many noninvasive options to consider in place of surgery. Laser resurfacing can smooth and tighten the skin, and injectables will fill lines, wrinkles and hollows on your face that make you look older. New varieties of dermal fillers not only add volume to targeted facial areas but also trigger the production of collagen, the natural protein that adds strength and flexibility to the skin.
Fat transfer is an older technology, but it is very effective in specific cases. This technique harvests excess fat from elsewhere in the body and transplants small amounts into areas along the jawline to build volume.
When too much volume is the concern, liposuction under the chin to the neckline can be an effective option. Other techniques that can impact the look of the jawline include Kybella injections to shrink under-chin fat, ultrasound treatments and new radiofrequency (RF) energy treatments such as FACEtite, AccuTite and Agnest RF.
To find out more about plastic surgery solutions for the lower face and neck, please contact Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
When Breast Implants Rupture
When a woman chooses breast implant removal, she usually has plenty of time to make her decision. In cases where implants have drifted, lost integrity or have become visible on the surface of the skin, she has space to weigh options and choose an appropriate surgical solution.
But when an implant ruptures, most patients want to address the issue quickly. Implant rupture can cause pain, swelling and misshapen breasts. And although studies have failed to demonstrate clear health risks, allowing silicone gel to drift through your body is not a prudent choice. Experienced South Florida plastic surgeons Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel explain what to expect in the case of an implant rupture.
Causes of Ruptures
A rupture is a tear in the silicone shell that encases the silicone gel or saline. Ruptures can also be caused by failure of a shell’s valve. The longer you’ve had your implants, the greater the chance you will experience a rupture.
The skill of your surgeon has a significant impact on the longevity of your implants. According to a 2013 study, a majority of silicone implant ruptures can be traced to damage to the shell caused by instruments during breast augmentation surgery. That said, even the most expertly placed implant won’t last forever.
Silicone’s Fantastic Voyage
Because saline is readily absorbed by the body, a saline implant rupture will have few, if any, side effects. Silicone will not be absorbed, and may in fact migrate to other areas of the body, invading the lymph system and traveling to the lungs. Scar tissue may form around silicone granules that have lodged in disparate areas of the body.
Sometimes when the outer layer of a silicone implant ruptures, there is little if any seepage of the silicone gel, but the tear can nonetheless distort the shape of the implant and breast. Symptoms can range from severe pain to no discomfort at all. The latter is often referred to as a “silent rupture.” An MRI may be needed to detect this type of tear.
At one time, it was believed that migration of silicone throughout the body was correlated with an increase in connective tissue disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Several recent studies seem to disprove this theory, however.
The solution for implant rupture is surgery to remove the implant, scar tissue and any silicone gel that is accessible to the surgeon. At this point, some women choose to receive new implants, but an autologous procedure is also an option. This is a reconstruction procedure using your own body’s tissue to restore a natural profile after the removal of an implant.
To find out more about implant benefits and risks, please contact Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830 or using our contact form.
Mommy Makeover Questions To Ask Your Surgeon
Mommy makeover is the broad term for a suite of body contouring surgeries that target changes to a woman’s body that occur during pregnancy. Mommy makeover is highly customized, tailored to each woman’s needs and expectations and also greatly dependent on a plastic surgeon’s skill to achieve optimal results.
Because so many key decisions are made by the patient, it is important to collect as much information as you can before the surgery, and to ask your surgeon questions that will inform your decision-making process. Below, experienced South Florida plastic surgeons Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel provide answers to some of the questions most commonly asked by patients seeking mommy makeover.
What are my choices for mommy makeover surgery?
Available procedures include liposuction, to target specific areas of stubborn fat; abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, to repair the abdominal wall and pare away excess folds of skin; and breast lift to restore the natural profile and firmness to breasts.
How soon after childbirth can I undergo mommy makeover?
The first step in choosing a mommy makeover procedure is to allow your body time to bounce back after pregnancy. Dr. Rankin and Dr. Deziel recommend waiting at least six months after childbirth to see how much of the weight and shape of pregnancy was temporary, and how much may need a surgical solution. This also allows time for the skin, muscle and uterus to regain their typical size and shape.
Can I have more children after mommy makeover?
With a few exceptions, it is recommended that women wait until after their final pregnancy before undergoing tummy tuck, a procedure that is central to mommy makeover. Pregnancy can undo the results of an earlier tummy tuck or other mommy makeover procedure. With a new pregnancy, the muscles that were repaired can separate once again, and the tightened skin can loosen.
Will mommy makeover erase stretch marks?
If your stretch marks are located in the lower abdomen, they will disappear when the skin is surgically removed during tummy tuck. Stretch marks on the mid-portion of the abdomen can be improved but not entirely eliminated. Stretch marks on the upper abdomen usually remain.
Will I have scarring?
Tummy tuck performed as part of mommy makeover requires a large incision in the lower abdomen, so scars are unavoidable. Dr. Rankin and Dr. Deziel are careful to make the incision in the least noticeable area, usually on the bikini line. If scarring is a concern, a mini tummy tuck or liposuction can be considered, if appropriate.
To find out more about mommy makeover options, please contact Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
How Long Should You Wait to Have Breast Implant Revision?
Recovering from breast augmentation is an emotional process filled with highs and lows. It can be hard to keep a positive attitude amidst discomfort, bruising, swelling and limited range of motion. It is common to experience some internal conflicts or even regrets over having breast implants placed.
In many cases, these regrets are fleeting, and patients are ultimately satisfied with their decision to undergo breast augmentation.
But this may not ring true in your experience. Perhaps you are experiencing persistent regrets or “buyer’s remorse” over your implants. If that is the case, you might want to consider breast implant revision. There is no reason to live with implants that do not provide the look or feel you want — or worse, have developed a complication.
The Aqua Plastic Surgery team can evaluate you as a candidate for breast revision and explain more about what breast revision can do for you. We will work to understand your implant-related concerns and goals and put together a suitable plan of action to help you achieve the look and feel you desire.
Timing Breast Implant Revision
How long you wait before having breast implant revision depends on the reason for your revision.
In the case of cosmetic issues, such as problems with the size of your implants, it is wise to wait a minimum of three to six months before pursuing breast implant revision. Residual swelling takes time to subside and your implants need time to settle in their final position.
You might end up changing your mind about the cosmetic issue once your results have stabilized. If, after six months or so, you are still not happy with the appearance of your implants, breast implant revision can fix the problem.
In the case of implant complications, the timeline for breast implant revision is different. Problems such as implant leaking, deflation, implants becoming displaced or “bottoming out” — i.e., when an implant falls below the inframammary crease — do not resolve on their own with time. When trying to address an issue that is not going to fix itself, sooner is usually better.
Talk With Our Breast Revision Experts
If you are interested in breast implant revision but have questions about timing your surgery, the team at Aqua Plastic Surgery can help. We will learn more about your reasons for wanting breast implant revision and advise whether the problem should be treated promptly or whether you should give it time to work out on its own. We will answer all of your questions and help you decide on the safest and most sensible plan of action.
Contact us today to request an appointment.
Treatment Options for Tired-Looking Eyes
No one likes to be told they look tired. But if you have puffiness, sagging or wrinkles around your eyes, you might hear this a lot. No matter how many creams or serums you use, those pesky signs of aging may be there to stay.
If this bothers you, consider a long-term treatment solution to rejuvenate your tired-looking eyes. The team at Aqua Plastic Surgery can review the available treatment options and help you find the approach that works best for your unique concerns.
Botox
Botox helps smooth crow’s feet and fine lines around the eyes by temporarily relaxing targeted muscles. The injectable can also treat vertical lines between the eyebrows, sometimes referred to as the “11’s.” Small amounts of Botox are injected into selected muscles, and as the muscle relaxes, the overlying skin around the eyes looks smoother, softer and more youthful. The results of Botox last three to six months, and repeat treatments are required to maintain the effects.
Dermal Fillers
Injecting dermal fillers can minimize the appearance of lower eyelid bags or shadows, helping you look rested and awake. The filler is strategically placed where the lower eyelid and upper cheek meet to soften this transition and camouflage bags or hollows. Like Botox, the results of dermal fillers are temporary, lasting anywhere from six to nine months or more; repeat treatments are needed to maintain the results.
Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery removes excess eyelid skin and fat and tightens the remaining skin to treat puffy, saggy or droopy eyelids. After surgery, the eyes look brighter, more rested and more youthful.
Eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. The incisions for eyelid surgery are concealed within the natural creases of the skin, so scarring is not noticeable.
Brow Lift
Brow lift is performed to elevate a heavy or drooping brow that may create a hooded effect over the eyes. Lifting drooping brows not only helps you look more awake and rested, it opens up your entire face, giving you a more approachable expression.
During brow lift, excess skin along the brow and forehead is removed, and the remaining skin pulled tighter to subtly lift the brows. The muscles of the forehead are gently adjusted to reduce wrinkling around the eyes and on the forehead. The brow lift incisions are made in the hairline above each brow so that any scarring is easily concealed.
For more information about our treatment options for tired-looking eyes, use our contact form to request a consultation at Aqua Plastic Surgery or call us at (561) 776-2830.
Is There Any Way to Reduce the Risk of Capsular Contracture?
Capsular contracture is a complication of breast augmentation that occurs when the scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant hardens. The scar tissue can contract around one or both implants, causing pain and distortion.
Nowadays complications like capsular contracture are rare, as surgical techniques have evolved and plastic surgeons have become more knowledgeable about the circumstances that raise the risk of problems.
If you are planning breast augmentation, understand that some of the factors that lead to capsular contracture are out of your control. There is no surefire way to predict exactly how your body will react to the presence of breast implants.
On the other hand, the team at Aqua Plastic Surgery believes that some factors are in your control, and by making a few key decisions, you may reduce your risk of problems. Take a moment to learn more about managing your risk of capsular contracture.
Capsular Contracture at a Glance
Whenever any kind of medical or cosmetic implant is placed in the body, a “capsule” of scar tissue naturally forms around it. This is the body’s way of attempting to isolate the implant by creating a type of barrier around it. With breast implants, this capsule is helpful, as it keeps the implants in their intended position.
However, in some patients, the scar tissue becomes unnaturally hard and puts pressure on the implant. Depending on the severity of capsular contracture, the breasts can become sore, tender or painful to the touch and appear hard-looking or distorted.
There are numerous theories about what causes capsular contracture. A common theory is that it occurs when an implant is exposed to bacteria at the time of surgery. The bacteria can attach to the implant and form a sticky coating called biofilm. If blood clots form after surgery, they can encourage the growth of biofilm by providing nutrients to the bacteria.
Lower Your Risk
One of the most important things you can do to reduce your chances of getting capsular contracture is find a board-certified plastic surgeon you can trust. Experienced surgeons know how to carefully screen patients for any conditions that can increase the risk of breast implant complications, such as conditions that increase the risk of blood clots. A trusted board-certified plastic surgeon will use preventative strategies during surgery to limit the possibility of bacterial contamination.
Next, do your homework about your implant options. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the size of your implants as well as how and where they are placed may affect how likely you are to develop capsular contracture. For instance, placing implants below the chest muscle may reduce the risk of capsular contracture.
To learn more about what our surgeons do to minimize the risk of complications like capsular contracture, please contact Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830 or filling out the contact form.
What Will My Belly Button Look Like After Tummy Tuck?
The idea of getting a tummy tuck may be very tempting if you are bothered by loose skin, excess fat and stretched-out fat on or around your stomach. When you choose Aqua Plastic Surgery, we will strive to exceed your expectations of what is possible with tummy tuck. We believe that the key to exceptional results is in the details, and one of the most important details of the stomach is the belly button.
Better Than Before
A poorly performed tummy tuck can leave the belly button looking large, stretched-out, slit-like or otherwise abnormal. This is why it is so important to work with an expert who cares about the details.
When you trust your tummy tuck to Dr. David Rankin or Dr. Allyson Deziel, expect your belly button to look better after surgery than it did before. We use meticulous surgical techniques to optimize the appearance of the belly button.
There is no universal belly button shape or size that looks best on everyone, so we will work with you to plan out a belly button that aligns with your desired shape and looks good with your body type and torso length.
What Happens to the Belly Button During Tummy Tuck?
A common misconception is that the belly button moves during surgery. In fact, the belly button remains in its natural position and the skin around it moves.
During the operation, an incision is created around the belly button, leaving it attached to the umbilical stalk in the abdominal wall. The abdominal skin is separated from the underlying tissue and muscles. Once loose, saggy skin and unwanted fat have been removed from the abdomen, and the muscles have been repaired, the abdominal skin is re-draped more tightly over the newly contoured stomach. A new opening for the belly button is created in the skin and the belly button is pulled through, similar to the way a shirt button is pulled through a buttonhole.
Examples of Our Work
To see examples of how belly buttons can look after tummy tuck, check out our before-and-after patient gallery. Notice how the belly buttons in the “before” picture often look stretched-out or saggy; sometimes, they even look like slits. In the “after” photos, the belly buttons look smaller and aesthetically appealing.
Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery in Jupiter
To schedule a tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Rankin or Dr. Deziel, please contact Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Reasons to 'Downsize' Breast Implants
Are you dissatisfied with the results of a previous breast augmentation and believe your large breasts no longer suit your lifestyle or taste? Lately there has been a growing trend of women “downsizing” their breast implants by replacing them with a smaller pair. Downsizing can help you get the more attractive, comfortable breasts you want.
Here, the team at Aqua Plastic Surgery discusses some of the reasons why downsizing may make sense for you.
More Natural Size
Maybe you got breast implants when you were young and single, but after having children, you find that your large breasts no longer align with your lifestyle. Or perhaps you had breast augmentation after having children to replace lost volume, but after going through menopause, prefer smaller, perkier breasts. In either scenario, downsizing your implants can give you a more natural size that looks proportional to your body shape.
Less Physical Discomfort
Perhaps you are pleased with the look of your augmented breasts but not the feel. This may be especially true if you have become more athletic or active. Large implants can cause discomfort and pain during intense physical activity like long-distance running, cycling or aerobics. If your implants make it difficult to do the things you love, downsizing to a smaller, lighter pair is an appealing prospect.
Revise the Results of Your First Operation
Even with all of the knowledge and sizing tools plastic surgeons offer today, it is nearly impossible to know what the results of breast augmentation will look and feel like before undergoing surgery. Despite careful consideration and consultation with your surgeon, you may be unhappy with your final results.
Ideally, you should live with your implants for at least six months before considering downsizing; this allows them time to stabilize. However, if you are truly disappointed with your results, arrangements can be made to replace your implants with a different pair.
The Process of Downsizing Breast Implants
No matter what your reasons are for wanting smaller implants, rest assured you are in good hands with the team at Aqua Plastic Surgery. We will get to know more about you, your lifestyle and your personal desires, and walk you through your options. If it has been a while since you had your implants placed, you will be pleasantly surprised with the new and improved options available to you. We can recommend an implant size, shape and type that aligns with your preferred breast look and feel.
To schedule an appointment to discuss breast implant revision, please contact Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
What to Expect During Your First Botox Appointment
It is understandable that you might have hesitations or concerns about your first Botox appointment. If you are looking for information about what to expect, you have come to the right place: the team at Aqua Plastic Surgery has been providing Botox treatments for many years and is committed to making every patient’s experience safe and smooth.
Luckily, treatments are quick to perform and cause little discomfort. Read on to learn more about what you can expect during your first appointment for Botox Cosmetic injections.
Botox Treatment Details
You will recline in a comfortable position in the treatment room and have an opportunity to ask any last-minute questions. Next, you will be asked to make certain expressions, such as furrowing your brows, so the injector can identify the area(s) where they need to administer the Botox. Then, small amounts of Botox will be carefully injected through tiny, thin needles into the overactive muscles causing your wrinkles. The injections should feel like a tiny pinprick or pinch.
Expect your appointment to take between 10 and 30 minutes. The exact time will depend on the severity of your wrinkles and how many injections are needed.
What Happens After Treatment?
After your Botox appointment, you might have some temporary redness and swelling. You may also have tiny red marks where the needle pricked your skin. These aftereffects should subside quickly.
You can immediately resume almost all of your normal activities. Unlike a surgical procedure, there is no recovery downtime needed. However, there are a few important precautions to take.
For instance, you must avoid pressing or rubbing the treated area(s) for several hours after your procedure. Botox is administered in a deliberate, precise manner, and applying pressure to the treated area may cause it to spread or migrate. For three to four hours after your procedure, you should also avoid laying down. Avoid strenuous exercise or other vigorous activities for 24 hours.
It can take anywhere from two to seven days to see a difference in your skin. The results will last three to six months, at which point repeat treatment is needed to maintain the effects.
Talk to our Experienced Injectors
If you are interested in Botox to relax overactive, wrinkle-causing muscles, it is essential to find the right injector. Botox is a medical procedure and requires a qualified and experienced provider.
To speak with our team about our experience with Botox and how it can help you, please contact Aqua Plastic Surgery or call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
What To Ask Your Doctor During a Breast Explant Consultation
Ensuring a successful breast explant procedure requires careful thought and consideration on your part. One of the best opportunities to learn more about your options and the procedure itself is to schedule a consultation with a breast explant surgeon.
To help this conversation go smoothly, Dr. David Rankin suggests questions you should ask during the consultation.
What is your experience with breast explant surgery?
Start by asking questions about the surgeon’s experience with breast explant surgery. What are the plastic surgeon's qualifications? How many explant procedures have they performed? How often do they perform explant surgery?
What happens during the procedure?
Ask for a step-by-step description of what happens during the procedure. Where will it be performed? How long will the surgery take? What techniques are used? Where are the incisions made, and what type of scarring can you anticipate?
How long will the recovery from explant surgery take?
Next, you will want details about the recovery period. Ask how long you can expect the recovery to take, and what kind of activity limitations or restrictions you will have to follow. Try to get an idea of how long you will need to take off of work and other responsibilities, and what type of assistance you will need as you recover.
What will my breasts look like after removing the implants?
Depending on the size of your implants, your skin laxity and other factors, your surgeon should provide an idea of what your breasts will look like after surgery. The surgeon can also explain whether you might want to have a breast lift to ensure your breasts are firm and perky after implant removal; another option is to have breast augmentation with fat transfer to achieve an attractive breast shape and size.
What are the risks of surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with breast implant removal. These risks should be explained to you so that you can make informed decisions about your care.
If I am not happy with my surgical outcomes, what are my options?
You probably do not want to think about the possibility that you will be dissatisfied with your outcomes. But it helps to know you have options if you are unhappy after surgery.
Request a Consultation with Our Team
If you are interested in removing your implants and would like to discuss your options with Dr. Rankin or Dr. Allyson Deziel, please contact Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830 or by using our contact form.