Signs You're a Good Candidate for Liposuction
Liposuction is a safe and effective way to get rid of unwanted stubborn fat and achieve a more beautiful body contour. If you have been dreaming of a slim, sculpted physique, liposuction can help you get there.
But like any cosmetic procedure, liposuction is not suitable for everyone. Read on as Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel explain the qualities that suggest liposuction is right for you.
You are in a normal, healthy weight range yet struggle with isolated pockets of fat.
One of the leading misconceptions about liposuction is that it is a quick and easy fix for weight loss. Actually, liposuction is designed for individuals who are at or near their ideal body weight but have one or two areas (e.g., the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, back or upper arms) where unwanted fat just won’t budge. If you are within your ideal weight range but want to kiss stubborn fat goodbye, you might be a great candidate for liposuction.
You are already in the habit of working out and eating a healthy diet.
You will see the best and most lasting results from liposuction if you are already in the habit of working out regularly and eating a balanced, healthy diet. This will help you avoid weight gain after surgery, which can have a deleterious effect on your results.
Your physical health is also crucial to the safety of your procedure. If you have a serious health condition, it can raise the risk of complications (e.g., adverse reaction to anesthesia, poor healing) during and after surgery.
You have firm, elastic skin.
The firmness and elasticity of your skin is crucial to the type of results you will see from liposuction. Ideally, your skin should be firm and elastic, so that it can easily retract over the area from which the fat is removed. Removing fat from an area with loose, saggy skin will only exacerbate the laxity.
You understand what liposuction can and cannot achieve.
Liposuction is a wonderful body contouring treatment, but it is not a fix-all solution for every imperfection. As mentioned, it will not improve the appearance of areas with loose, saggy skin. Furthermore, while liposuction can eliminate fat, it cannot improve the appearance of cellulite (cellulite is a complex problem caused by more than just stubborn fat).
Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery Today
The team at Aqua Plastic Surgery has helped countless patients eliminate stubborn fat and enjoy a more beautiful physique with liposuction. To find out whether liposuction is right for your personal goals, please use our contact form or call our Aqua Plastic Surgery Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Can Breast Implants Make You Feel Ill?
In our blog, we have discussed breast implant illness — a group of symptoms that some people believe are a result of an inflammatory reaction triggered by breast implants — extensively. In recent years, reports of breast implants being linked to a rare type of lymphoma have also received significant media attention. Dr. David Rankin discusses the topic in this blog post.
What Is BIA-ALCL?
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL, is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer. It develops in scar tissue and fluid near breast implants. Symptoms that could indicate BIA-ALCL include persistent pain, breast swelling, lumps or a sudden change in breast shape.
The cancer is extremely rare, and occurs more commonly in women with textured implants than in those with smooth implants. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the current lifetime risk of developing BIA-ALCL is estimated to be 1:2,207 – 1:86,029 for women with textured implants.
Treating BIA-ALCL
When detected early, BIA-ALCL is curable. If the lymphoma is limited to the area around the implant, the implant itself and the surrounding scar tissue around it (called the implant capsule) are removed. This is called breast explant surgery. In advanced cases where the lymphoma has spread, additional treatment with radiation and/or chemotherapy may be needed.
Dr. Rankin is a renowned expert in breast explant surgery. They can remove the breast implant and capsule together as one so that there is no residue left behind. After surgery, drains are put in place to prevent seroma, or fluid accumulation, and discourage the formation of scar tissue. The drains also help the breast return to its original shape.
If you are not experiencing symptoms of BIA-ALCL, you do not need to worry. We recommend you stay closely attuned to any changes affecting your breasts and discuss your concerns with your doctor.
If you are experiencing symptoms or are concerned about your risk of developing BIA-ALCL, we encourage you to speak to our doctors. Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Look and Feel Great for the Holidays
The beginning of the fall season is the perfect time to start planning your holiday look. Many non-surgical cosmetic procedures and skin treatments require time to take full effect. At Aqua Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel offer a full suite of cosmetic procedures to put your best face — and body — forward at all your holiday parties this year.
Cosmetic Injectables
If you’re concerned about a tired, worn out or prematurely aged appearance, cosmetic injectables can help. Injectables like Botox can be used to soften the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and creases. Other injectables, like Restylane and Juvederm, can also be used to restore youthful volume and contour to saggy or flat cheeks or jawline. Treatment with injectables is quick and virtually painless, and results appear within days of treatment. Results are temporary, so repeat sessions are recommended for long-lasting results.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments use precisely calibrated beams of light to reach the deep layers of the skin and stimulate the production of new collagen. This results in younger, tighter and firmer skin. We offer an array of laser treatments and customize each one to fit the unique needs and goals of each patient. One of our most popular laser treatments is laser skin resurfacing, which can be used to treat hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, lines, uneven skin tone and poor texture. Laser skin tightening is a great choice for mild to moderate skin sagging on the face and neck.
Laser treatments offer immediate results with further improvements over the following months, as new collagen is formed. For this reason, we recommend booking treatment well ahead of the holiday season.
CoolSculpting
Sometimes no amount of crunches and dieting can get rid of stubborn pockets of fat around the waistline or other body areas. CoolSculpting is a non-surgical, in-office procedure that uses revolutionary fat freezing technology to permanently remove fat and enhance the body’s contours. CoolScupting can be performed quickly and painlessly. Most patients see the final results from their CoolSculpting treatment about three months after their session.
To learn more about the cosmetic treatments we offer, please call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830 or fill out the contact form.
Mommy Makeover During Back-to-School Season
For women struggling to feel confident in their post-baby bodies, mommy makeover is a great solution. Mommy makeover combines two or more body and breast procedures to create flattering body contours and a better breast appearance.
As top South Florida plastic surgeons, Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel see mommy makeover patients year round. However, they do notice an uptick during the back-to-school season. Here are a few reasons why.
You Can Recover While the Kids Are Away
Now that that classes are back in session and your kids are occupied during the day, you likely have more alone time. Having alone time is an asset when it comes to recovering from mommy makeover (or any plastic surgery procedure). Bed rest is critical, and many normal activities such as errands, taking care of the kids, cooking and chores will be off limits during the first one to two weeks after mommy makeover. Many patients find it much easier to rest and recover during the back-to-school season when the house is emptier and quieter.
You Can Recover More Comfortably
Summer can be quite hectic with family vacations and outings, making it difficult to recover from a mommy makeover. Many patients find that it is more comfortable to recover during the fall season. Chances are that your social calendar is less busy than it was during the summer so you can relax and spend more time indoors. Also, the cooler weather makes it much easier to camouflage swelling or bruising with cozy sweaters, scarves and other cold-weather clothing essentials.
You Can Look and Feel Great in Time for the Holidays
It’s not too early to start thinking about the holidays. It takes several months for the body to fully heal from mommy makeover. If you schedule surgery now, you will look and feel fabulous when the holidays begin.
Explore Your Mommy Makeover Options
Every mommy makeover is unique. Depending on your cosmetic needs and goals, your mommy makeover can include breast augmentation to add fullness and shape to the breasts, breast lift to improve breast sag, tummy tuck to firm and tone a flabby midsection, and liposuction to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat.
Dr. Rankin and Dr. Deziel would be happy to discuss your mommy makeover options in detail with you during a personal consultation. To contact us, please call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Fat Grafting to the Breasts After Explant Surgery
The goal of breast explant (i.e., breast implant removal) is two-fold: to safely remove breast implants and restore or maintain an attractive and natural-looking breast appearance. For women who do not wish to replace their implants, they have an alternative option in fat grafting. Also known as fat transfer, fat grafting involves using a patient’s own fat to augment the breasts. Breast augmentation with fat transfer is very safe; it involves fewer risks than augmentation with breast implants and is completely hypoallergenic.
Dr. David Rankin has performed hundreds of fat grafting procedures after breast explant. Continue reading to learn more about the procedure.
Understanding Fat Grafting After Breast Explant
Fat grafting after breast explant is appealing to many women, including those who want to maintain a larger breast size but have experienced symptoms of breast implant illness (BII). The natural fat used to augment the breasts can come from various body areas, including the abdomen, hips and back. In addition to enhancing the breasts, fat grafting offers body contouring benefits as it slims the donor areas. Since fat grafting uses natural tissue, the patient must have sufficient excess fat in other body areas to qualify for the procedure.
Fat grafting can be performed as a solo procedure or in conjunction with a breast lift. Breast lift modifies excess skin that has stretched out due to the placement of implants. Some patients achieve the best results by combining fat grafting with lift, while others benefit from a single procedure. Ultimately, this depends on various factors, including the patient’s personal preferences, skin elasticity and the amount of natural breast tissue present.
How Fat Grafting Is Performed
During fat grafting, a series of small incisions will be made in the donor area. A thin tube called a cannula will be inserted through the incisions and used to break up the fatty tissue. The fat will be removed using gentle suction before it is purified. Once the fat has been prepared, it will be re-injected into the breasts. Our surgeons are very meticulous in their approach. They will re-inject the fat into strategic points of the breasts in order to create the desired shape and size. Once the procedure is finished, the incisions will be closed with sutures, and compression garments will be placed over the breasts and donor area. Recovery is slightly shorter and easier than the recovery from breast augmentation with breast implants. Patients can typically resume normal activities several days after surgery.
To learn more about fat grafting after breast explant, please schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Rankin or Dr. Allyson Deziel of Aqua Plastic Surgery. Contact us by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
What To Expect After Your Dermal Filler Treatment
Dermal fillers are a popular and versatile treatment for smoothing out lines and wrinkles for a full and youthful facial appearance. While downtime is minimal, there are some post-op guidelines patients need to follow for the best possible results and experience.
Here, Aqua Plastic Surgery shares what to expect after your dermal filler treatment.
Short Recovery and Few Restrictions
The full recovery time from dermal filler treatment varies patient to patient. Generally, recovery lasts one to two days. Most patients are available to return to their normal activities immediately after treatment. In fact, some people schedule their treatment during their lunchtime hour and return to work right after. There are very few restrictions with dermal fillers. However, vigorous exercise should be avoided for the first day or two to allow the filler product to settle into place and the skin to heal with as little swelling and bruising as possible.
Minimal Discomfort and Side Effects
Dermal fillers come with few but very minor side effects. These include redness, bruising and tenderness at the injection sites. Discomfort or tenderness lasts only a few days and can generally be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen. Hypersensitivity and numbness are also common for the first few days after treatment.
Serious complications, such as infection, are rare when you work with an experienced injector. Nevertheless, our team will discuss with you all possible side effects and risks during your consultation.
Immediate Improvement
You will see an immediate improvement in your appearance after your dermal filler treatment. However, it can take a few days or weeks for the final results to materialize as swelling disappears. This will depend on the specific product used. How long your results last will also depend on the product used, the amount injected and facial areas treated.
Explore Your Dermal Filler Options
Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel will happily discuss your dermal filler options with you in detail during a personal consultation. Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
The Dangers of Medical Tourism
Medical tourism, or the practice of traveling to another country for medical care or elective cosmetic surgery, has become a popular option in recent years. While the idea of going to a tropical destination — especially during the summer months — for discounted surgery may seem appealing, experienced plastic surgeons advise prospective patients to consider the potential risks. Here, Dr. David Rankin shares a few reasons why medical tourism can be a risky endeavor.
The Truth Behind Discounted or Cheap Plastic Surgery
Cheap surgery may seem like a great deal at first but consider the potential reasons why a surgeon is able to offer surgery at rock-bottom costs. Some plastic surgeons may do so because they use outdated practices. Other surgeons may perform surgery at non-accredited facilities that lack the proper medical equipment and staff needed to handle medical emergencies. Your risk of a complication increases when you work with a plastic surgeon who does not offer or invest in the latest and most advanced techniques and technologies available to keep you safe.
When your health and safety are on the line, saving money should not be your first concern. Your first priority should always be to find a qualified plastic surgeon who adheres to the highest standards of safety and care, like one who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
Communication Barriers
Patient-doctor communication is critical for successful plastic surgery and a positive patient experience. Working with a plastic surgeon or medical staff who speak a foreign language that you’re not fluent in can pose serious challenges. Not only is there the potential that you may misunderstand important pre-op or post-op instructions, but your ideal aesthetic outcome may get lost in translation, leading to unsatisfactory results.
Recovering Abroad May Not Be As Comfortable As You Think
If you’re considering having plastic surgery abroad, you may imagine recovering at a tropical destination or exploring your surroundings. But the reality is that you will not be able to enjoy your vacation immediately after surgery as your energy and mobility will be limited. Even lounging poolside or at the beach will be prohibited as overexposure to the sun can impair scar healing. It is also important to note that flying immediately after surgery should be avoided as it increases the risk of blood clots or other serious complications.
Meet with Our Experienced Plastic Surgeons
If you are seeking world-class plastic surgery care, look no further than Aqua Plastic Surgery. Dr. Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel are experienced plastic surgeons. To schedule a one-on-one consultation, please call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830 or use our easy contact form.
The Top Plastic Surgery Procedures According to ASPS
A report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reveals that Americans spent more than $16.5 billion on cosmetic surgery in 2018. The report also revealed the top surgical and non-surgical procedures of the year, as well as some interesting statistics. The team at Aqua Plastic Surgery breaks down the report’s findings.
Top Cosmetic Surgical Procedures
More than 1.8 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2018. The top five procedures were:
- Breast augmentation (up 4% from 2017)
- Liposuction (up 5% from 2017)
- Rhinoplasty (down 2% from 2017)
- Eyelid surgery (down 1% from 2017)
- Tummy tuck (about the same as 2017)
Top Cosmetic Non-Surgical Procedures
There were a total of 15.9 million cosmetic non-surgical procedures in 2018. The top five were:
- Botox up 3% from 2017)
- Soft tissue fillers (up 2% from 2017)
- Chemical peels (up 1% since 2017)
- Laser hair removal (down 1% from 2017)
- Microdermabrasion (down 4% from 2017)
Body Contouring Procedures on the Rise
The ASPS found that there was a surge in body contouring procedures in 2018. For instance, Brazilian butt lift procedures increased by 19% from the previous year, while both liposuction and thigh lift increased by 5%.
Interest in non-surgical body sculpting and fat removal procedures also rose in 2018. Among the most popular non-surgical treatments is CoolSculpting, an in-office procedure that uses freezing technology to permanently destroy fat cells. Unlike liposuction and other surgical procedures, CoolSculpting does not use incisions or anesthesia. Treatment is virtually painless and there is no recovery or downtime needed.
Achieve Your Cosmetic Goals with Aqua Plastic Surgery
Whether you desire a subtle tweak or dramatic enhancement, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Rankin can help. After meeting with you to evaluate your cosmetic needs and goals, the surgeon will recommend a treatment plan that achieves the best outcome.
Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery through our contact form or by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Facial Implants vs. Fat Grafting vs. Dermal Fillers
As humans age, their faces lose subcutaneous fat. As a result, facial muscles become more apparent near the skin’s surface, and lines and wrinkles become more prominent. Aging also means your skin becomes less firm. Stretching occurs, so you have less volume. Fortunately, there are numerous options to turn back the hands of time and restore fullness and volume. These include facial implants, fat grafting or dermal fillers. Which is the best choice for you? Aqua Plastic Surgery's board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel, explain the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure.
Facial Implants
Facial implants, made from silicone and other synthetic materials, add volume and shape to flat, hollow or overly small facial areas. They are used most often in the cheeks, chin and jaw. Incisions are made in the treatment areas, and the surgeon then places the implant into a pocket created from facial tissue.
Facial implants are surgical procedures. Expect to take at least a week off work if undergoing a facial implant. It may take a few months for full healing to take place.
Fat Grafting
Do you have fat you’d like to move elsewhere? Fat grafting involves taking a small amount of fat from an unwanted area, such as the stomach or hips, and injecting it into the face to boost volume and eradicate wrinkles. Because the fat comes from your own body, there’s no chance of an allergic reaction and it lasts longer than other types of fillers.
There are a few disadvantages to fat grafting, including the possibility that a person’s face may absorb most of the transferred fat over time.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers plump up the area into which they are injected, making lines and wrinkles less noticeable. Common dermal fillers include natural substances such as collagen or hyaluronic acid, or synthetic fillers that work by stimulating collagen production. The latter are especially useful for treating deep lines and wrinkles.
Dermal fillers have few side effects. They are not permanent, however, and therefore regular touch-ups are needed. Depending on the type of dermal filler used, that could mean a visit every six months or an annual touch-up.
For More Information
If you would like more information on facial implants, fat grafting, dermal fillers, and which procedures are right for your needs, please contact Aqua Plastic Surgery or call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
4 Ways Men Benefit from Plastic Surgery
Although the number of women undergoing plastic surgery still exceeds men by a considerable percentage, the gap is narrowing. More and more men are discovering the benefits of plastic surgery, whether it aids them in the career and romance department or just makes them feel better about themselves. At Aqua Plastic Surgery, our double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Rankin explains why plastic surgery offers male patients so many advantages.
The Age Factor
It’s no secret that many companies have an age bias when it comes to hiring. Some men may seek plastic surgery to look younger and stay more competitive in business, and that holds true for more than the face. Men with excess fat that isn’t responding to diet and exercise may consider liposuction to help their physique appear firmer.
Medical Reasons
Some men seek plastic surgery to correct medical conditions, such as a deviated septum. When the septum – the wall of cartilage separating the nostrils – is irregular, it can lead to issues such as sinusitis, congestion, nosebleeds and sleep disorders, as this European study explains. Surgery to correct a deviated septum may include septoplasty, a reconstructive procedure to straighten the septum, which can also make the nose more aesthetically attractive.
Other common medical conditions corrected by plastic surgery include gynecomastia, or excessive male breast tissue.
Wrinkle Reduction
Men want to look their best, and that includes wrinkle eradication. Many men find the ideal way to retain a youthful look is via regular Botox (often dubbed “Brotox”), hyaluronic acid or other dermal filler injections. By removing crow’s feet or smoothing forehead lines, these procedures make men appear younger, not to mention more relaxed.
A Confidence Booster
For either sex, there’s a link between confidence levels and success. Knowing you look your best is a great confidence booster, and that’s another reason for men to seek plastic surgery. If a man has always felt his nose is misshapen, ears too large, chin too weak, or whatever the perceived inadequacy, plastic surgery can change that. When you feel handsome and fit, the world is your oyster.
Get More Information
If you’re a man interested in finding out more about what plastic surgery can do for you, please send us an email or call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.