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Ask Dr. Elliott: How Do I Decide Between a Facelift and a Neck Lift?

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While everyone has aspects of their appearance they want to change, self-consciousness about particularly visible areas (like the face and neck) can take an especially large toll on one’s self-esteem. Depending on what your aesthetic concerns are, plastic surgery may be the most effective way to restore your confidence in your appearance. However, it’s important to choose the right procedure for your needs, and this can be more difficult than it initially seems. If you aren’t sure whether a facelift or a neck lift is the best choice for you, these tips can help you have a better understanding of your options.

Ask Dr. Elliott How Do I Decide Between a Facelift and a Neck LiftA facelift can rejuvenate areas including and above the jawline and chin, while a neck lift targets the neck below the chin.

Both the neck lift and facelift improve sagging skin, but finding the line between where a facelift stops and a neck lift begins can be difficult, especially considering that a facelift can be customized to focus on the specific areas of the face each individual patient wants to address. While some patients consider the jowl area to be closer to the “neck” region, a facelift or short scar facelift is generally the better way to address this popular concern. A neck lift, on the other hand, targets areas further down the neck. When you schedule a consultation with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, we can discuss your needs and determine which procedure best fits your desired results.

A facelift primarily improves signs of aging, while a neck lift can also have a slimming effect.

As we age, our skin loses volume and firmness, and while this doesn’t generally have the effect of making the face look heavier, sagging skin in the neck area can unfortunately create a less flattering appearance, and excess fat below the chin can amplify the effect. While lifting and repositioning facial tissue (which is done during a facelift) can take years off your appearance, a neck lift also has the result of giving you a more slender (and, of course, younger) profile, so it’s important to decide whether this is a desired result when you’re choosing a procedure. While simply removing excess skin will have a slimming effect, combining a neck lift with liposuction may produce even more significant results, so be sure to discuss your aesthetic priorities during your pre-surgical consultation.

Doing your research and reading articles such as this to learn about your cosmetic options can be a great way to begin your cosmetic surgery process. However, your final decision about any aesthetic procedure should be made with the guidance of a board-certified plastic surgeon, and a personal consultation is a vital step in the process. For more helpful information and the latest news about plastic surgery, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Why Some Women Choose Breast Revision

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For women who are insecure about the size and shape of their breasts, cosmetic surgery can be a life-changing experience by giving them a confidence they’ve never had before. But, while nearly every patient plans for her results to last forever, some do find themselves back in the operating room years later for a breast revision procedure. When most people hear that a woman had a breast revision, they assume it’s because something went wrong or she wasn’t happy with her results, but in reality, that’s often not the case. To help patients develop a better understanding of what breast revision is and why over 70,000 women received the procedure last year, I’ve examined a few of the many reasons why a woman may opt for this surgery.

  • breast-reduction-atlanta-georgiaHer breasts have changed since her last surgery.

Nearly every part of our bodies change with age, but this is especially true for breasts. For instance, a woman may have breast augmentation in her early 20s and be thrilled with her results, but after twenty years of aging, weight fluctuations, and possibly even pregnancies and breastfeeding, her chest can look completely different by her early 40s. In this case, breast revision can be a way to restore her breasts to a shape and size that makes her feel confident once again.

  • She wants to take advantage of changes in breast implants.

Today, breast implants come in a variety of shapes and materials so that women can have greater control over the feel and appearance of their enhanced breasts. Unfortunately, not all of these same options were available decades ago (or, in some cases, just a few years ago), so breast revision can be used to exchange one type of implant for another.

  • She has complications which need to be corrected.

While complications with breast surgery are very rare, some do occur and may require a surgical procedure. In some cases, the scar tissue your body natural forms around the implant becomes hardened and gives the breast a less natural feel. Or, the breast implant may rupture or change position. In these cases, breast revision may resolve these issues and restore the feel and appearance the patient once enjoyed.

  • She wants to improve upon her initial results.

There are times when a patient’s breast enhancement results aren’t exactly what she expected. In the case of breast surgery, the two breasts may be asymmetrical or the size or shape may not be what the patient had hoped for. Fortunately, breast revision is an option which can allow many patients to achieve the appearance they were hoping for.

  • Her vision for the breasts she wants has changed.

As years go by, a patient may change her opinion about the size or shape she wants her breasts to be. For these women, changing the size or shape of her breast implants may allow her to once again feel like confident in her appearance.

Breast revision can serve many purposes, and the procedure can be very different from one patient to another. However, the overall intention is always the same: to help the patient to be happier with the appearance of her breasts. To discuss whether breast revision or another plastic surgery procedure is the right choice for you, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Or, for more helpful information and the latest cosmetic surgery news, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Common Questions about Male Breast Reduction

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Most discussions about cosmetic breast surgery are centered around women. However, women aren’t the only patients who want a chest they can feel comfortable with. When men develop excess tissue in the breast area, it can cause embarrassment and self-consciousness which holds them back on a daily basis. For these patients, male breast reduction may be the solution to getting their confidence back. To help men have a better understanding of the procedure, I’ve broken down some of the most commonly asked questions about male breast reduction.

male breast reduction atlanta georgiaWhat is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the clinical term for male breast enlargement. The condition can be caused by a number of factors, including hormonal changes, weight fluctuations, heredity, or certain medications or illegal drugs. For some men, gynecomastia simply involves the development of excess fat tissue in the breast area, while others also experience an increase in glandular breast tissue and/or breast skin. In many cases, the most effective way to treat gynecomastia and improve the appearance of a man’s chest is through plastic surgery.

What is involved in a male breast reduction procedure?

The details of each patient’s surgery vary based on the nature of his gynecomastia. If the breasts only require fat removal, liposuction alone may be the best choice. However, for most men, the procedure requires the removal of excess breast tissue and/or skin. This is especially true for men whose skin has begun to lose elasticity with age, because the skin will likely not be able to regain its firmness after liposuction removes the fat that once supported it.

What can I expect during my recovery from male breast reduction?

The most important way to help your body heal properly is to follow all post-surgical instructions and to keep up with your follow-up appointments. Most men are able to return to work within a week after their procedure, although this depends on how extensive your surgery was and how much physical activity is involved in your job. We typically advise patients to avoid exercising for two to three weeks after surgery.

What scarring will I have after male breast reduction?

Because I design each patient’s procedure based on their individual needs, incisions and scars will vary from patient to patient. If only liposuction is used, you’ll have tiny scars around the breast area, and if skin and/or glandular tissue needs to be removed, you will likely have a horizontal scar which is either in line with your nipple or across the bottom of your pectoral area. In extreme cases which require areola reduction, you will also have a scar around your areola where some pigmented tissue is removed. Regardless, I place every incision as discretely as possible to minimize the appearance of future scars.

Are male breast reduction results permanent?

For patients who maintain a healthy lifestyle after their surgery, yes, the results of male breast reduction are expected to be permanent. However, if a patient resumes or takes up a habit which contributes to gynecomastia (such as weight gain or using specified medications and drugs), he can develop new breast tissue or excess fat which may recreate the appearance of enlarged breasts. To maintain your results long-term, be sure to follow post-surgical instructions about how to avoid breast redevelopment.

While male breast reduction is not the most talked-about plastic surgery, the value it holds for men with gynecomastia shouldn’t be underestimated. If you think male breast reduction may help you restore your confidence, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Or, for more helpful information about plastic surgery, join me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

The Truth Behind Breast Augmentation Myths

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Breast augmentation is not only one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures today—it’s also one of the most talked-about procedures. It seems to be that every week a new celebrity is featured on tabloid covers with questions about whether she’s undergone breast enhancement surgery. Unfortunately, all this conversation has also come with a variety of myths and rumors about the procedure, which can have a strong impact on women whose self-confidence could benefit greatly from breast augmentation. To help potential patients have an accurate understanding of the surgery, I’ve compiled and explained the truth behind some of the most common breast augmentation myths and misconceptions.

breast lift atlanta georgia mastopexyMyth: Breast augmentation is only for women who want larger breasts.

Fact: While some patients want their breasts to be larger so that they are better-proportioned with the rest of their body, many women choose breast augmentation to improve the appearance of breasts that are tubular, asymmetrical, or have other irregularities.

Myth: The only way to make breasts larger is with implants.

Fact: While breast implants are typically the best way to get a more substantial improvement in breast size, in recent years, fat transfer has become an increasingly popular procedure. This surgery involves performing liposuction to remove unwanted fat from an area like the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. The fat is then purified and injected into the breasts to add volume. When it’s performed by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, fat transfer can provide a natural-looking enhancement for the breasts.

Myth: Breast augmentation leaves large, prominent scars.

Fact: While every surgery will leave a scar, I ensure that every breast augmentation patient’s incisions are placed as discretely as possible. Depending on the individual patient’s needs, the incision can be made under the arms, around the nipple, or within the natural crease below the breast. For patients who choose fat transfer for breast augmentation, scarring will be especially minimal, because they will only require small incisions at the liposuction site and injections into the breasts.

Myth: You will lose sensitivity in your nipples after breast enhancement.

Fact: Some patients do experience changes in sensitivity after breast surgery, but this is typically temporary, often fading within a few weeks or months after the procedure. Permanent loss of sensitivity is a very rare complication, especially when the surgery is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast procedures.

Myth: Breast implants will make your breasts look younger.

Fact: Breast augmentation focuses solely on increasing the size of your breasts, and it does not affect the youthfulness of their appearance. However, for patients who want their breasts to be both larger and raised to a more flattering height, we may be able to combine a breast augmentation with a breast lift to provide the more comprehensive results they’re looking for.

Myth: Silicone implants are dangerous.

Fact: While silicone breast implants were removed from the market in 1992 due to a lack of long-term data, they have since been studied and tested rigorously for safety, and as a result, the FDA again approved them for use in 2006. Since then, they have become increasingly popular. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, as many as 77% of all breast implants placed in 2014 were silicone.

Myth: It’s more difficult to exercise with breast implants.

Fact: After the body has healed appropriately, patients with breast implants should be able to exercise in the same way they did before their surgery. However, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s recommendations for when you can resume various types and intensities of exercise. Patients also need to remember to support their new breasts with an adequate sports bra during their workouts.

Myth: You won’t be able to breastfeed after breast enhancement.

Fact: Difficulty with breastfeeding is a potential complication of breast surgery, but only in rare cases. There are also steps we can take to minimize this risk, such as selecting where to place the incisions and inserting the implant below the chest muscle rather than on top of it.

Myth: Breast augmentation is a rather simple procedure, so any plastic or cosmetic surgeon can perform it.

Fact: While breast enhancement is a rather straightforward operation for those who have the necessary expertise, the results depend on the surgeon’s level of in-depth knowledge, training, and experience. Patients should be sure to look for a board-certified plastic surgeon (rather than a “cosmetic surgeon”), and preferably one with a wealth of experience in breast procedures.

Myth: It’s obvious when a woman has had breast augmentation.

Fact: While someone who knew you in the past may notice that your breasts are larger than they were a year ago, the field of plastic surgery has come a long way in making breasts look and feel especially natural. Patients who are concerned with results that are discrete can choose a breast size which is proportionate with the rest of their body and can discuss which methods and implants will look more like natural breasts.

There is no shortage of incorrect and outdated information floating around about breast augmentation, but the bottom line is that breast enhancement can be very different from one patient to another, so the most reliable source of information is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has conducted an exam and is familiar with the specific details of your situation. To start discussing whether breast augmentation is the right choice for you, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Or, for more helpful information, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Ten Tips for Choosing a Breast Reconstruction Procedure

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Throughout more than thirty years as a board-certified plastic surgeon, I have developed a passion for helping breast cancer survivors and other mastectomy patients to reclaim their lives and their confidence with breast reconstruction. But I also recognize how overwhelming this process can be, because within the category of breast reconstruction procedures, they need to choose between a wide number of surgical options, and this is a decision which will affect them for many years to come. For instance, patients may choose one of several types of breast implants, or they may choose from a number of techniques that utilize their own tissue (like fat and muscle from the abdomen or another area) to reconstruct the breast. If you’re considering your options for breast reconstruction, below are some tips that can help in your decision-making process.

  • breast-reconstruction-atlantaKeep your future cancer treatments in mind. Radiation can cause changes to both the scar around an implant and to the tissue if you choose autologous breast reconstruction (any of the techniques that use your own tissue), so knowing whether you’ll be undergoing future radiation will be helpful in discussing your options during your plastic surgery consultation.
  • Weigh the pros and cons of immediate and delayed reconstruction. Immediate reconstruction is performed during the same surgery as your mastectomy, while delayed reconstruction can be performed at any time after you’ve healed from your mastectomy. This will have an effect on which reconstructive options are available to you and on your recovery time.
  • Think about the long-term effects of your procedure. For instance, if you want your breasts to age with your body and to look especially natural throughout the years, autologous reconstruction may be the right choice, but if you want to limit the degree to which your breasts will sag as you age, you may prefer implants. Be sure to also understand the scarring that each procedure will entail and also the loss of sensation on the chest with any type of mastectomy.
  • Consider how each option will impact the rest of your body. The TRAM flap, for example, is a breast reconstruction method which uses tissue from your abdominal area. This means you will have a scar on your lower abdomen, but you’ll also receive a tummy tuck-like effect.
  • Recognize that your breast skin will impact your choices. If your mastectomy removes a large amount of the skin from your breast area, an implant reconstruction may require the use of a tissue expander, which lengthens the overall process, and an autologous reconstruction may require more skin to be transferred from your abdomen or other area.
  • If you’re having a mastectomy or lumpectomy on only one breast, ask how symmetrical the results will be. In general, autologous breast reconstruction is more likely to give your breasts better symmetry when only one breast needs to be reconstructed, and your breasts will likely age in a more symmetrical way as well.
  • Decide how long of a recovery you can accept. Though every patient’s recovery is different, a reconstruction with breast implants tends to require less recovery time than an autologous reconstruction.
  • Discuss all your medical conditions and current medications with your surgeon. Being upfront and telling your surgeon all of your existing conditions can help them know how safe each choice is for you. For instance, an autologous reconstruction may not be the best option for those who smoke or who have a higher risk of complications because of the length of the operation.
  • Consider your surgeon’s experience with each procedure. Autologous procedures like the TRAM flap are largely dependent on the surgeon’s expertise, so they may be a better choice for patients of Dr. Elliott, who actually contributed to the development of the TRAM flap, as opposed to patients of a less experienced surgeon.
  • Be sure to discuss the entire process and your expectations. Many breast reconstructions require multiple procedures to achieve the best results in a safe and healthy way, so make sure you understand what will be involved and what you can expect over the coming months.

Whether you’ve just recently been diagnosed with breast cancer or you have a mastectomy or lumpectomy years ago and have been considering reconstruction ever since, making a decision about breast reconstruction is an important and personal decision which you should make with the help of a trusted and experienced plastic surgeon. To start discussing your options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Or, for more tips and helpful plastic surgery information, follow Dr. Elliott on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

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