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.
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.