emurphy

Brazilian Butt Lift Myths

If you want to improve the shape and proportion of your buttocks, a Brazilian butt lift will achieve your goals. Unfortunately, there are lots of misconceptions about this surgery, and perhaps some of these myths are making you think twice about undergoing a Brazilian butt lift. Once you have the facts, you can make an informed decision about having this procedure. At Aqua Plastic Surgery, our trusted plastic surgeon Dr. David Rankin busts some of the myths surrounding butt lifts.

Other People’s Fat is Used

No stranger’s fat is injected into your body during a Brazilian butt lift. The surgeon removes fat from one part of your body, usually the abdomen or hips, and injects it into the butt. Because the procedure is completely autologous, there is no chance that your body will reject the donor fat or that there will be an allergic reaction.

Thin People Can’t Have Brazilian Butt Lifts

This myth probably started because thinner individuals obviously don’t have as much body fat as those carrying some extra pounds, and the idea spread that skinny people don’t have enough fat for liposuction. While its true thin people have less body fat, they usually don’t need as much body fat transferred to get the results they want.

Butt Implants Look More Natural

Butt implants are the right choice for some people, but a more natural look isn’t a reason to choose them. Not only do implants look less natural, but there are also practical considerations. Butt implants may shift over time, causing discomfort and the need for removal.

Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery

To discuss what a Brazilian butt lift entails and have all of your questions answered, please contact Aqua Plastic Surgery. Call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.

by emurphy

Breast Implant Removal & What to Expect

The team at Aqua Plastic Surgery is committed to providing exceptional treatment and care to all patients. Breast explant (removal) surgeon Dr. David Rankin and his team educate patients as they prepare for surgery and help them make the necessary arrangements.

Here, we break down what you can expect before, during and after explant surgery.

Before Explant Surgery

The first step of the breast explant surgery process is an initial consultation, either through the phone, video chat or in person. During your consultation, you and our doctors will discuss your reasons for seeking breast explant surgery, as well as what you hope to achieve with the procedure. If you are experiencing symptoms of breast implant illness (BII), we will document these symptoms as well as any other health conditions that may affect your candidacy. Once we determine you are a candidate, we will schedule your surgery (or schedule an additional in-person appointment) with the doctor of your choice. A small refundable deposit is required at the time of booking your surgery.

In the weeks leading up to your surgery, you will remain in constant contact with our patient concierge, who will answer all of your questions and concerns. If you are traveling from out of town, we can help make your hotel and transportation arrangements.

We will also provide you with a detailed list of pre-op instructions to follow, including what medications to avoid, foods to fuel your body before surgery, and which, if any, pre-op tests you will need to have. If you suffer from BII, our team can also provide recommendations on how to alleviate symptoms as you await surgery.

What to Expect the Day of Your Explant Surgery

The morning of your surgery, you will come to our facility and meet with your surgeon (if you are traveling from out of town, we suggest you arrive to your hotel the night before surgery). You will also meet with our anesthesiologist who will evaluate your medical history to determine whether you have any health conditions that can cause a rare adverse reaction to the IV sedation.

Your surgery will take place in our state-of-the-art and fully accredited operating room. It will take approximately two hours to complete. Immediately after, you will be taken to our recovery suite so you can rest as the effects of IV sedation wear off. Since no anesthesia is used, you will not experience nausea or any other side effects associated with anesthesia. About an hour after surgery, you will be cleared to go home or your hotel room to rest in a comfortable position for the remainder of the day.

After Explant Surgery

The following day, you will need a loved one to drive you back to our office. We will monitor your healing progress, and ensure that the drains in place are functioning. A surgical bra will be placed to support your breasts as they heal. We will also explain how to empty out your drains, which you will need to do twice a day until they are removed approximately four to seven days after surgery. Typically we require that the fluid drainage level is under 20 cubic centimeters for 24 hours before removing them.

Follow-up visits will be scheduled for the three-month and six-month marks. Our patient concierges will be available via their direct cell phone lines to answer all of your questions and concerns. 

To learn more about breast explant surgery, please schedule a personal consultation with Dr. David Rankin. Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.

by emurphy

What Is a Nerve Block, and Why Is It Used During Breast Explant?

At Aqua Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel are committed to making your breast explant experience as successful and comfortable as possible. This includes offering the option of performing a nerve block during surgery. Nerve blocks are a useful and increasingly common post-op pain management treatment option that can greatly enhance the post-recovery phase.

Our trusted South Florida plastic surgeons explain everything you need to know about nerve blocks.

How Nerve Blocks Work

A nerve block is an injection of numbing or anti-inflammatory medication that blocks or “turns off” pain signals traveling along a nerve or group of nerves before they reach the brain, stopping or minimizing pain in the treatment area. The first step in performing a nerve block is to locate the targeted nerve or nerves. Our team uses advanced imaging technology to determine the location that will allow the patient to receive the maximum benefits from the injection. The anesthetic medication is then administered via a thin, sterile needle in small, controlled doses. The number of injections varies from patient to patient. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes for the medication to take effect.

No special preparation is needed prior to having a nerve block. Before your surgery, you will meet with our anesthesiologist who will review your medical history to ensure you are a candidate for a nerve block.

What Are the Benefits of a Nerve Block?

Since nerve blocks minimize pain and discomfort, they may also reduce or even eliminate the need for prescription pain medication after surgery. In addition, nerve block patients typically have better mobility and less post-op restrictions than those who did not have a nerve block performed during their surgery. Overall, nerve blocks offer a faster and more comfortable recovery for our breast explant patients.

Side effects with nerve blocks are very minimal. Soreness in the injection site is minor and temporary.

Learn More

To find out more about breast explant surgery or what to expect during recovery, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Rankin or Dr. Deziel. You can reach Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830 or using our contact form.

by emurphy

What to Expect on the Day of Your Explant Procedure

If you are considering getting your breast implants removed, you can rest assured that you are in good hands with Drs. David Rankin and Allyson Deziel, who are renowned for their skill and expertise in breast explant surgery. The cosmetic surgeons and the entire team at Aqua Plastic Surgery in Florida will be with you every step of your breast explant journey to ensure your safety, comfort and wellbeing. To help you prepare for your procedure, our team breaks down what to expect on the day of your surgery in this blog post.

Before Your Surgery

When you come into our Florida practice the morning of your surgery, our staff will greet you and have you meet with the anesthesiologist, who will review your medical history and discuss any concerns you may have in regards to the anesthesia. Once the anesthesiologist has determined it is safe for you to be put under anesthesia and has thoroughly discussed any concerns you may have, you will meet with our nurse. The nurse will explain in detail what will happen during and immediately after surgery. The nurse will also take pictures of your breast implants and review your pathology report with you.

You will then meet with the surgeon performing the procedure, who will examine you and make preoperative markings on the breasts that will outline the incision patterns that will be created. Our surgeon will also answer any questions and concerns you may have prior to surgery. Remember, your safety and comfort are our top priorities, so no question is too big or too small to ask!

After Your Surgery

The actual explant procedure is performed in our state-of-the-art and accredited operating room and will take approximately two hours to complete. Immediately after surgery, you will be taken to one of our recovery suites so our team can monitor your vitals. You will remain there for approximately one hour and then be released into the care of a loved one who will drive you home or to a hotel so you can rest for the remainder of the day. Plan on taking it easy for the remainder of the day and getting plenty of bedrest. It’s a good idea to prep your recovery space before your surgery, whether it is your bed or a comfortable couch. Our team may prescribe oral pain medication to manage any discomfort you may feel after surgery.

Your Follow-up Appointment

The next day, you will need a loved one to drive you back to our office for your first follow-up appointment. Our doctors will monitor your healing process, and ensure that the drains that were attached during surgery are functioning properly. A surgical bra will be placed to support the tissues as they heal. You will return to our office again five or six days later to have your drains removed, a process that takes five to ten minutes to complete. Our team will schedule follow-up visits with you at the three-month, six-month and one-year marks, all of which are included free of charge. Should you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, our patient concierge will be available to help.

Schedule a Consultation with Aqua Plastic Surgery

To learn more about breast explant surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. David Rankin or Dr. Allyson Deziel. Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.

by emurphy

What To Consider Before Getting a Tummy Tuck

The success of tummy tuck surgery is dependent on several factors, including having realistic expectations. The more you know about what to expect from the procedure, the more you can prepare beforehand, and the better you can anticipate the results.

South Florida plastic surgeons Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel share some important facts to consider before getting a tummy tuck.

Tummy Tuck Is Not a Weight Loss Tool

One of the most common misconceptions about tummy tuck is that it can be used as a means to lose weight. The truth is, tummy tuck is not a weight loss tool. Instead, the procedure excises folds of excess skin and tightens the remaining skin and tissue for a smoother and firmer appearance.

Ideal candidates for tummy tuck are individuals who are at or near their ideal weight. If you wish to lose a large amount of weight, you should do so before or instead of getting tummy tuck.

Scarring Is Inevitable

Because tummy tuck involves removing excess skin and tissue from the abdomen, an incision must be made. In traditional tummy tuck, the incision is made from hip bone to hip bone, right above the pubic area. The good news is that your tummy tuck scar will fade over time until it is barely noticeable. To ensure the most beautiful results, be sure to work with an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon who uses the most advanced incision techniques. To get an idea of what results to expect (including scarring), view before-and-after photos of our plastic surgeon’s past tummy tuck patients.

Future Weight Gain Can Alter Results

Gaining or losing a substantial amount of weight after tummy tuck can cause the abdominal muscles to separate and the skin to loosen and stretch out, effectively reversing the cosmetic effects of tummy tuck. For this reason, women are advised to postpone their tummy tuck until they are done having children. Patients should also be committed to preserving their results by maintaining a healthy and stable weight.

The Final Results are Not Immediate

Although some of the results of your tummy tuck will be visible immediately after your procedure, it will take several months (or even a year) for the final results to appear. This is because it takes several months for residual swelling to subside and your scar to heal. As you await your final results, it is important to follow your plastic surgeon’s recovery instructions and be patient. The vast majority of tummy tuck patients agree: the slimming results of tummy tuck are well worth the wait!

To learn more about tummy tuck, schedule a consultation with one of our doctors. Reach out to Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830 or using our contact form.

by emurphy

Breast Augmentation: Why Sometimes Less Is More

According to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), breast augmentation continues to be the most popular plastic surgery procedure in the U.S. But while women getting breast implants is nothing new, some patients’ aesthetic preferences are shifting. Top South Florida plastic surgeon Dr. David Rankin and the staff at Aqua Plastic Surgery have noticed more women requesting moderately sized breast implants over larger implants.

Dr. Rankin explains why in this blog post.

Achieving the Hourglass Figure

Though there is no denying that the breasts are an important feature in a woman’s silhouette, they are no longer expected to take center stage. Instead, more women are requesting cosmetic surgery in order to achieve a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing figure. More than anything, women want breast augmentation results that are noticeable yet natural-looking. They also want breast implants that accentuate their figure. Overly large breast implants can be disproportionate to the rest of a woman’s figure and make her look “top-heavy.” When properly planned and performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, breast augmentation with moderately sized implants can enhance a woman’s chest and create the ideal hourglass figure.

Looking to Downsize?

Are you a former breast augmentation patient who wishes you opted for a smaller size? If so, you are not alone. Each year, hundreds of women choose to have their breast implants replaced, many because they are no longer happy with their breast size and wish to downsize. Dr. Rankin offers breast revision surgery to remove or replace breast implants. If desired, the doctors can replace your implants with a more moderately sized pair that creates a more balanced and attractive overall figure.

Contact Us Today

Every breast augmentation patient is different. What works for your friend or neighbor may not work for you. The only way to obtain the beautiful and natural-looking results you desire is by working with an experienced breast augmentation surgeon. Dr. Rankin has performed hundreds of breast augmentation procedures and helped countless women achieve the breast and body shape they have always wanted. To discuss your cosmetic concerns and goals, schedule a consultation with Aqua Plastic Surgery. Call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.

by emurphy