Tips to De-Stress Your Plastic Surgery Recovery
If you are preparing to undergo plastic surgery, don’t forget to plan for your recovery period in advance. Any surgical invasive cosmetic procedure entails some downtime, and planning for it properly can make your recovery as stress-free as possible. In this blog post, the surgeons of Aqua Plastic Surgery share their top tips for a successful recovery.
Clear Your Schedule
Most patients need to take one to two weeks off their normal routines, including work. It is wise to take as much time off work as possible so you can focus on getting bed rest and healing. It’s also a good idea to clear out your social calendar, as you will be sore and not have enough energy to socialize. Surgery is a serious undertaking; give yourself enough time to recuperate both physically and mentally.
Enlist a Caretaker
Running errands, chores and other household duties will be off-limits during your initial recovery. We recommend you ask a friend or family member to help you with everyday tasks so you can rest easier. Enlisting the help of a loved one is especially a good idea if you have children that need to be taken to and picked up from school, or small children and babies at home.
Prepare Your Recovery Zone
You won’t have energy to make your bed or change the sheets after surgery, so it is best to prepare your recovery zone before surgery. Prepare your bed or couch with plenty of fresh pillows, blankets and bed sheets. Have everything you anticipate needing (medication, hair ties, TV remote, etc.) close at hand.
It is also a good idea to shop for recovery essentials before your procedure. Stock up on light, easy-to-prepare foods and meals. Make sure to have ice packs or frozen vegetables on hand to manage swelling. Buy magazines, DVDs or other entertainment essentials to keep you entertained. Fill your post-op prescriptions so your medication is ready to take when you get home from surgery.
To get more tips on recovering from plastic surgery, please schedule a consultation with Dr. David Rankin or Dr. Allyson Deziel. Contact Aqua Plastic Surgery by using our form or by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Best Procedures to Highlight a Thinner Figure after Weight Loss
Losing a significant amount of weight is a tremendous achievement. However, a common side effect of massive weight loss is folds of skin and tissue that conceal a smaller and thinner figure. Body contouring procedures are a great way to put the finishing touches on a post-weight loss body and highlight a smaller shape. South Florida plastic surgeon Dr. David Rankin of Aqua Plastic Surgery has helped hundreds of post-weight loss patients achieve a thinner figure with body contouring. In this blog post, our surgeon discusses the best post-weight loss body contouring procedures.
Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is used to remove loose, flabby skin on the abdomen. The procedure also tightens abdominal muscles that have separated or stretched. When combined with liposuction, tummy tuck can also eliminate small, stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to weight loss efforts. After tummy tuck, the abdomen looks flatter and tighter, and the waistline looks thinner.
Body Lift
Body lift is a comprehensive body contouring treatment that eliminates excess skin on the abdomen, buttocks, hips and/or thighs. Once the excess skin is removed, the underlying tissues are tightened for tighter and firmer body contours. Body lift is a highly individualized treatment. The specifics of your treatment will depend on the body areas being targeted. Body lift can also incorporate liposuction techniques to produce more refined results.
Arm Lift
Arm lift focuses on addressing loose skin and tissues that can sag off the upper arms. The procedure eliminates excess skin and tightens the underlying muscle and tissues. If necessary, fat deposits will be removed using liposuction. Following arm lift, the arms are smaller, tighter and firmer.
Breast Lift
Breast lift can be used to restore a youthful and more attractive appearance to breasts that have become deflated and saggy after massive weight loss. The procedure removes loose skin, and reshapes and repositions the breasts for a perkier appearance. Breast lift can be combined with breast augmentation to produce fuller breasts and a more attractive overall figure.
Learn More about Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring
For more information about body contouring, or the other surgical and non-surgical procedures we offer, contact Aqua Plastic Surgery. Please call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
How to Pick a Plastic Surgeon for Breast Implant Revision
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed today. But while most women are happy with their results, some are dissatisfied and choose to undergo breast revision surgery. This could be because they developed a complication after surgery (e.g., capsular contracture) or because they are no longer happy with the shape or size of their breasts.
When this happens, it is important to choose the right plastic surgeon specialist to perform breast implant revision. Dr. David Rankin is one of the top breast revision surgeons in South Florida. Known for his exceptional surgical technique and compassionate approach, he has helped hundreds of women unhappy with their initial breast augmentation results finally obtain the beautiful results they desire. Here, the plastic surgeon shares important guidelines to follow when choosing a breast revision surgeon.
Consider Experience
In addition to being board-certified, your plastic surgeon should be experienced in breast revision surgery. Breast revision is typically more complex than breast augmentation surgery because of the additional scar tissue that develops after surgery and tissue that may have been incorrectly altered. An experienced breast revision surgeon is able to correctly determine the problem and steps needed to produce successful revision results. In addition, an experienced breast revision surgeon is knowledgeable of the best incision techniques to minimize additional scarring.
Don’t hesitate to ask your potential surgeon as many questions as necessary regarding their qualifications and experience, including the number of breast revision surgeries they have performed. It is also a good idea to look at before-and-after photos of previous patients so you can better visualize the surgeon’s skill and the results you can expect.
Look at Patient Reviews
Having undergone breast augmentation before, you are likely aware of how important it is to have an open and honest relationship with your surgeon. Being able to accurately describe your concerns and goals with your surgeon dramatically enhances your chances of a successful outcome. You should work with a surgeon who is attentive and willing to take the time to thoroughly understand all of your concerns and explain to you every step of treatment in detail. Before choosing a breast revision surgeon, read reviews and testimonials from past patients to get a sense of the surgeon’s demeanor and patient care approach.
To learn more about breast revision from a board-certified and experienced breast revision surgeon, contact Aqua Plastic Surgery or call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Top Plastic Surgery Procedures Inspired by New Year Resolutions
There is no shortage of resolutions made each year by millions of Americans who desire self-improvement or better overall well-being. Unfortunately, less than 10% of people are successful in actually achieving their resolutions. It is hard to stick to resolutions, and many people could benefit from some motivation. Each New Year, we get an influx of people to Aqua Plastic Surgery who are inspired to seek cosmetic enhancement to meet one or several of their resolutions. Our talented South Florida plastic surgeons share some of the most popular plastic surgery requests.
Liposuction and CoolSculpting
Some of the most common resolutions made each year center around losing weight. However, even the strictest diet and exercise regimens do not always yield the best results, as stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to weight loss efforts may linger. Liposuction can be performed on the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, back, chin, face and upper arms. Recovery from liposuction typically takes one to two weeks, depending on each patient’s healing progress.
Patients who wish to slim down without surgery can benefit from CoolSculpting. This non-invasive body contouring treatment uses innovative fat-freezing technology to permanently eliminate fat cells, which are painlessly and naturally eliminated by the body over time. CoolSculpting can be used to treat the abdomen, flanks, the area under the buttocks (“banana rolls”), inner and outer thighs, chin and face. Treatments are quick and most patients require multiple sessions to achieve their desired results.
Ideal candidates for both liposuction and CoolSculpting should be near their ideal weight. If you wish to lose a substantial amount of weight, we recommend you do so before pursuing liposuction or CoolSculpting.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
The beginning of a new year inspires many to take better care of their skin. Whether you wish to look younger or refresh dull or sun damaged skin, Aqua Plastic Surgery has you covered. Among the most popular options for skin rejuvenation is laser skin resurfacing, which can treat wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, irregular texture, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and facial scars. Laser treatments use precisely calibrated laser energy to target old and damaged skin cells, in the process triggering the body’s collagen regeneration. The result is tighter, firmer and younger-looking skin.
Breast Augmentation and Male Breast Reduction
Breast augmentation and male breast reduction are two of the most popular requests among men and women who simply want to feel more confident in their skin. Breast augmentation with silicone or saline implants helps achieve a fuller and sexier breast appearance. Many of Dr. David Rankin's and Dr. Allyson Deziel's patients report feeling a boost of self-confidence following breast augmentation. Feelings of embarrassment or self-consciousness often disappear, wardrobe options expand and overall well-being skyrockets.
Male breast reduction surgery helps men bothered by “man boobs” (enlarged breast tissue) achieve a more classically masculine chest. Following surgery, men are more confident about taking their shirts off in public and pursuing personal/romantic relationships.
Make This Your Year
To discuss your cosmetic concerns and how we can help, schedule a one-on-one consultation. Please reach out to Aqua Plastic Surgery through our contact form or by calling our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
How To Repair Sun-Damaged Skin
Excessive sun exposure speeds up your skin’s aging process, resulting in skin discoloration, wrinkles, or a leathery texture. A lifetime of sun damage can really take a toll on your skin’s appearance, especially if you don’t always protect yourself using a high SPF sunscreen.
A variety of treatment options are available to repair sun-damaged skin and restore your skin’s natural appearance. In this post, Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel of Aqua Plastic Surgery offer their recommendations for repairing sun-damaged skin.
Laser Treatment Options for Repairing Sun Damage
Laser treatments can be used for a variety of purposes, including hair removal, skin tightening, and reversing sun damage. Two common laser skin treatment options for sun damage are Fraxel laser treatments and laser skin resurfacing.
Fraxel treatments can be used to treat age spots, irregular texture, wrinkles, and other skin problems caused by sun damage. The Fraxel laser uses precisely targeted laser beams to eliminate damaged skin cells and stimulate the growth of new skin cells.
Laser skin resurfacing can also be performed using a CO2 laser. These lasers tend to be more appropriate for older patients, deeper wrinkles, and more severe scars. However, every patient’s skin is different, so consult your plastic surgeon about which option is right for you.
Chemicals Peels Can Give You a Fresh Look
Chemicals peels such as the Vitalize Peel® from SkinMedica® are a fast and effective way to treat sun-damaged skin. The treatment can be performed in as little as 20 minutes to remove the outer layer of skin to allow new skin cell growth.
Chemical peels are also a good choice for people who aren’t good candidates for laser skin treatments, such as patients with darker skin tones.
Use the Very Best Medical-Grade Skincare Products
Medical-grade skincare products offer a higher concentration of active ingredients than you will find in over-the-counter skincare products. This means you get more powerful results — whether you need to repair damaged skin or protect your skin from further photoaging.
Skincare products such as the Obagi Nu-Derm® System or Kinerase Pro+Therapy® skin care products can be used to address a variety of skin care needs. Talk to your plastic surgeon about developing a skin care regimen that’s personalized for your unique skin type.
Learn More About Your Skin Rejuvenation Options
South Florida plastic surgeons Dr. Rankin and Dr. Deziel have years of experience helping patients undo the damage done by photoaging. To discuss all of your skin treatment options with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830 or fill out the form below.
Things Every Man Should Know About Plastic Surgery
The latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveal that men are undergoing plastic surgery in record numbers. Despite this growing trend, there are even more men who are hesitant to enhance their appearance due to misinformation or misconceptions about plastic surgery. In this blog post, Florida plastic surgeon Dr. David Rankin of Aqua Plastic Surgery sets the record straight on male plastic surgery.
Plastic Surgery Is Tailored Differently for Men and Women
A common concern among male patients is that plastic surgery will make them look feminine. However, a qualified plastic surgeon understands that men and women have different features and will take this into consideration when treating each gender. Male plastic surgery focuses on creating or improving upon the masculine features of the patient. It’s important for men to choose a plastic surgeon who is trained and skilled in male plastic surgery techniques. Make sure to view the surgeon’s before-and-after photos so you know what results to expect.
Plastic Surgery Is Not Weight Loss Surgery
Contrary to what some may believe, plastic surgery is not an appropriate weight loss tool. In fact, body contouring procedures (e.g., liposuction, body lift, tummy tuck) require patients to be at, or close to, a normal body weight. Lift procedures like body lift and tummy tuck are used to eliminate excess skin while liposuction is used to remove small fatty deposits on various body areas for a slimmer and firmer appearance. If you wish to lose a substantial amount of weight, you should consider doing so via weight loss surgery or diet and exercise.
Surgery Isn’t Always Necessary
Not only are more men seeking plastic surgery, many of them are opting for non-surgical treatments. Injectables like Botox and Restylane are popular ways to tweak the facial appearance. These non-surgical treatments smooth out wrinkles and fine lines without incisions or downtime. Men who wish to lose the “love handles” or “muffin top” but don’t want to undergo surgery can benefit from CoolSculpting. CoolSculpting uses freezing technology to safely and permanently eliminate unwanted fat cells without the extensive downtime or potential risks associated with surgery.
Explore Your Plastic Surgery Options with Us
Dr. Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel have years of experience helping both men and women achieve their plastic surgery goals. To discuss your cosmetic needs with our experienced plastic surgeons, schedule a consultation with Aqua Plastic Surgery. Please call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
What Is the Difference between Breast Explant and Breast Revision?
Recently, Dr. David Rankin was featured on the daytime show "The Doctors" to discuss a breast explant procedure he performed on former Playboy playmate Karen McDougal. Since then, Aqua Plastic Surgery has received numerous inquiries from women wanting to know more about explant surgery, including how the procedure differs from breast revision surgery. Dr. David Rankin and Dr. Allyson Deziel have years of experience treating women in need of explant and revision surgeries. In this blog post, they outline the differences between the two procedures.
Understanding Breast Implant Illness and Explant Surgery
In recent years, some women, like McDougal, have reported experiencing symptoms that some believe to be connected to “breast implant illness.” Common symptoms believed to be related to breast implant illness include fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, muscle pain and weakness.
Breast explant surgery is performed on women who wish to remove their breast implants, some of whom report having symptoms of breast implant illness. In any case, our doctors will design a treatment plan that will yield the most successful results. The doctors meet with each patient to discuss her implant concerns and evaluate her symptoms. Aqua Plastic Surgery Explant Concierge Dee Hicks has worked with hundreds of women reporting symptoms of breast implant illness and offers expert advice on breast implant illness and explant healing.
When Is Breast Revision Surgery Appropriate?
Breast revision surgery is appropriate when a woman is unhappy with the results of her previous augmentation procedure and wants to replace her implants. Breast revision may be performed to replace implants that have deflated, leaked or rippled. Or, it may be performed simply because the patient is unhappy with their current implant size. Breast revision surgery can also address capsular contracture, a complication that develops when scar tissue forms and hardens around the implant and constricts it. Breast revision surgery is performed to replace breast implants, while breast explant is performed to remove implants and almost always without replacing them.
If you wish to remove or replace your breast implants for either cosmetic or medical reasons, Aqua Plastic Surgery can help. Dr. Rankin or Dr. Deziel can personally meet with you to discuss your concerns and your treatment options. Please call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Pre- & Post-Op Breast Augmentation Checklist
At Aqua Plastic Surgery, our South Florida plastic surgeons are committed to educating their patients thoroughly to help ensure successful plastic surgery results. The trusted doctors get many inquiries regarding how to prepare for breast augmentation. In this post, the doctors provide a general pre- and post-op checklist for the day of breast augmentation surgery.
Before Surgery
- Quit smoking at least four weeks ahead of surgery.
- Request at least one week off work for your procedure.
- Fill your prescriptions to have your medications ready to take after surgery.
- Stock up on post-op essential items such as water and easy-to-make foods like soups.
- Do not eat anything the morning of surgery.
- Do not take medications or vitamins the day of surgery, unless cleared by your doctor.
- Do not wear any lotions, creams, hairspray or perfume the day of surgery.
- Dress in loose, comfortable clothing, including tops that zip or button in the front.
After Surgery
- Have a loved one drive you home so you can rest for the remainder of the day.
- Elevate your head and neck using firm, comfortable pillows.
- Rest in a comfortable position on your bed or couch.
- Avoid bending, lifting and any vigorous movement for the remainder of the day. Do not resume these activities until cleared by your doctor.
- Drink at least eight ounces of water every two hours.
- Take pain medication as prescribed.
- Eat a light meal, such as soup or Jell-O.
- Wear your compression garments as instructed.
- Have ice packs or bags of frozen vegetables on hand to help with swelling and bruising.
- Keep your doctor’s contact information near you at all times in case you have questions or experience complications.
Keep in mind that this is a general list of guidelines. Your plastic surgeon will tailor your list to your personal needs and goals.
To learn more about breast augmentation, including whether you are a suitable candidate, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Allyson Deziel. The trusted plastic surgeons from Aqua Plastic Surgery can meet with you to discuss your specific concerns and goals for breast enhancement. To schedule your appointment, please call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction
Considered to be the gold standard in fat removal, liposuction has long been the preferred choice for patients seeking a slimmer and sexier physique. CoolSculpting is a relatively new treatment and alternative to liposuction that removes fat without surgery. In this blog post, Aqua Plastic Surgery surgeons offer more information on each procedure to help patients decide which fat removal procedure is right for them.
Treatment Areas
Both liposuction and CoolSculpting are FDA-approved to treat excess fat on the abdomen, flanks and thighs. Liposuction is able to treat more body areas including the buttocks, lower legs, back, upper arms, chin and neck.
Procedure Details
Liposuction is a surgical procedure performed on an outpatient basis. Prior to surgery, general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation will be administered. There are several types of liposuction, tumescent being the most common. In tumescent liposuction, a solution is injected into the treatment area that causes the fat to firm and blood vessels to swell. A hollow tube is then used to break up fat and remove it from the body. Several incisions may be needed to adequately remove all the targeted fat. Liposuction can take anywhere from one to three hours to complete.
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical procedure that does not require incisions, anesthesia, injections or incisions. During the procedure, a handheld device is placed over the treatment area. The device draws up the fat between two cooling panels and the fat cells crystallize. The frozen fat cells are then naturally eliminated from the body over the next few weeks.
Recovery Details
The initial recovery period for liposuction can take anywhere between a week and two weeks. During this time, patients will need to take time off from their normal routine, including work and exercise. Rest is essential to allow the body to heal. Swelling, bruising and soreness are temporary side effects with liposuction.
CoolSculpting does not require any downtime. Patients are free to resume their regular routine almost immediately following treatment. Temporary post-op side effects include redness, bruising and numbness.
Find Out Which Procedure Is Best for You
The only way to find out which treatment is best for you is to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Rankin or Dr. Allyson Deziel. The trusted plastic surgeons from Aqua Plastic Surgery can meet with you to discuss your specific concerns and goals to determine which treatment is appropriate. To schedule your appointment, please call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.
Dr. Rankin on 'The Doctors' For Breast Explant on Playmate
Last year, Playboy playmate Crystal Hefner made headlines for removing her breast implants after she said they made her sick. Now, Karen McDougal, another former Playboy playmate, is coming forward to share her story. McDougal says she began to constantly feel sick and experience severe allergies and thyroid problems seven years after she underwent breast augmentation surgery.
“I would get sick every couple of months and be sick for six to eight weeks at a time,” McDougal tells People. “It just never went away.”
McDougal and Hefner are not the only women to report experiencing symptoms of a condition some refer to as breast implant illness (BII). Symptoms include fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, muscle pain and weakness. A number of plastic surgeons, including Dr. David Rankin of Aqua Plastic Surgery, believe these symptoms may be a result of an inflammatory reaction triggered by a foreign body, which in this case would be the breast implants.
Dr. Rankin removed McDougal’s breast implants in a procedure called a breast explant. The renowned surgeon recently made an appearance on the daytime show “The Doctors” to discuss breast implant illness and the explant procedure he performed on McDougal.
“I had them removed six weeks ago,” McDougal said on “The Doctors.” “Honestly, the day after surgery my blurry vision went away, my heart palpitations went away, and my hearing sensitivity went away.” Although the Playboy playmate says that the majority of her symptoms have subsided, she did acknowledge that she had a long road to recovery. Nevertheless, McDougal was grateful she had the procedure done.
“Do I regret removing [my breast implants]? No.” McDougal tells People. “Do I miss having larger breasts? Yes, of course I do. But my health is so much more important than breasts.”
About Breast Explant
If you choose to have your implants removed, whether it’s for cosmetic or medical reasons, there are options available. The goal of breast explant is to remove the breast implant and capsule while preserving a natural-looking breast appearance. Many women who report symptoms of breast implant illness choose to remove their implants without replacing them. Others choose to undergo a breast lift to remove excess skin and achieve perkier breasts.
Dr. Rankin has performed hundreds of breast explant procedures. The surgeon works closely with Aqua Plastic Surgery’s explant patient liaison Dee Hicks to ensure patients with breast implant illness have a successful procedure and recovery.
If you would like to learn more about breast explant, please call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830.