Liposuction / Body Contouring

Learn more about Atlanta Body Contouring Surgery performed by Dr. Franklyn Elliott with Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. who has offices at Northside & Alpharetta, GA.

May 10, 2017

What Will My Liposuction Scars Look Like?

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Scarring is a natural and unavoidable part of any plastic surgery procedure. That said, certain procedures are associated with far less visible scarring than others. The scar size from a liposuction procedure is determined by the size of the cannula used to make the incision. Since I personally perform liposuction with a small micro-cannula that allows for smaller incisions (typically about a quarter of an inch), the scarring is minimal. In my experience, patients are generally delighted by their results and find the pro of their aesthetic improvement to be well worth con of whatever liposuction scarring may occur.

As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, I do believe it is my responsibility to discuss potential scarring with all of my patients during their pre-surgery consultations. Patients who are trying to determine which plastic surgery procedure is the right choice for them should choose based on their true aesthetic needs, not on the scar it may leave. Despite the marginal scarring that occurs after a liposuction procedure, scarring is still an issue that should be thoroughly considered. That’s why I have taken some time in the video below to detail what kind of scarring patients can typically expect following their liposuction procedure.

Regardless of what plastic surgery procedure you undergo, closely following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions during your recovery is the first step towards keeping your scarring to a minimum. Liposuction scars can disappear over time, but the smoothness and discreetness of your scar can depend on how well your body heals following your procedure. You can aid the healing process by taking your post-surgical care instructions to heart. If you are interested in liposuction surgery and would like to discuss this in more detail, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, to schedule a consultation today. You can also follow along with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery tips and information.

May 3, 2017

Answering Some Common Questions about Male Breast Reduction & Gynecomastia

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For many men, the idea of breast enlargement can seem pretty embarrassing. But the truth is that male breast enlargement, or gynecomastia, is far more common than you may know. In fact, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) estimates that gynecomastia affects roughly 40% of the male population in the US. Gynecomastia can be caused by many things including hormonal changes, hereditary factors, or certain health conditions. Regardless of the cause, gynecomastia can be a source of significant frustration and self-consciousness for men of all ages.

For men who seek to rid themselves of their enlarged breasts, male breast reduction surgery may be the solution they desire. By removing excess breast tissue and fat (as well as excess skin in certain cases) male breast reduction is able to give the chest a more sculpted and masculine contour. I have witnessed firsthand the tremendous, long-lasting results this procedure is able to provide. For patients who are curious about gynecomastia and how male breast reduction can help, I have provided answers to the following commonly asked questions:

What drugs or substances can increase my risk of gynecomastia?

In addition to the causes listed above, a number of medications and drugs can potentially increase a man’s risk of developing enlarged breasts. These can include steroids, certain antibiotics, medicines used to treat heart conditions, some chemotherapy drugs, and more. Consuming alcohol or certain recreational drugs like marijuana, methamphetamine, and heroin may also lead to gynecomastia.

What ages are men potentially vulnerable to gynecomastia?

The truth is, gynecomastia can affect men from birth all throughout adulthood. For newborns, breast enlargement is caused by estrogen from the mother, though this typically goes away after about six months. For teenagers and preteen boys, breast enlargement can occur as a result of hormonal fluctuation during puberty. This too will typically correct itself over time. For adult men who experience gynecomastia, surgical intervention is typically required to minimize the symptoms.

What can I do after my male breast reduction surgery to achieve the best results?

Like any other plastic surgery procedure, it’s vital that you closely follow your surgeon’s pre and post-op instructions. After the procedure, I instruct my patients to wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and support their new chest contour as it heals. Male breast reduction patients should wait about a week before returning to work (though this depends on their job) and at least two to three weeks before exercising following their procedure.

I hope you found these answers helpful. No matter the patient’s age or the cause of their condition, I believe male breast reduction can be a life-changing procedure for men trying to achieve a more desirable contour. To discuss whether you may be a candidate for male breast reduction surgery, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, to schedule a consultation today. Or, for more of the latest plastic surgery news and helpful information, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

March 8, 2017

What Liposuction Can and Can Not Do

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Liposuction has been among the most popular plastic surgeries in the country for decades, and this isn’t surprising considering how many of us look in the mirror every day and think, “If only I could get rid of this little bulge here…” But before any cosmetic surgery, it’s important to have accurate expectations for your results so that you can be sure you’re actually receiving the right procedure for your needs. There are many misconceptions about what liposuction will or will not do, so here is a handy guide that may be able to help:

Liposuction Can…

…remove fat that is resistant to diet and exercise.

As simple as it seems that burning more calories than you need will make your body use the fat it’s stored, the fact is that we can’t choose whether that fat comes from our abdomen, our back, our legs, or other areas, and some areas just tend to hang onto fat more than others do. Instead of relying on your body chemistry, liposuction manually removes and breaks down fat cells directly—especially the stubborn fat cells that are difficult to lose naturally.

…produce specific, fairly predictable, and sculpted results.

In addition to removing fat that is stubborn, liposuction allows you to essentially sculpt your curves the way you want them. So if you want to maintain the volume of your abdomen, buttocks, and thighs but slim your hips down, liposuction offers the control that is necessary to do so. Of course, this must all be within reason—liposuction cannot change your genetics.

…remove fat from nearly any area.

When you think of liposuction, you probably think of the midsection, because that’s a particularly common “problem area” patients want to treat. However, liposuction is versatile enough to be used nearly anywhere, including particularly small pockets of fat like the “double chin,” the upper arms, and even the area above the knees.

…provide fat for you to use in other areas of the body.

Fat transfer is a process which involves removing unwanted fat with liposuction, purifying it, and then injecting it into an area where a patient wants to add volume, such as the face, breasts, or buttocks. Depending on your specific goals, this may be a way to address two cosmetic concerns at the same time.

…put the finishing touches on weight loss.

Even losing moderately small amounts of weight can be a long and difficult task, and when patients reach their goal weight, they want to be able to enjoy their ideal figure. In cases where patients have reached their weight loss goal but still have a troublesome bulge or two of excess fat, liposuction can provide the contouring to help them truly enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Liposuction Can Not…

…serve as a substitute for weight loss.

The goal of liposuction is to remove small amounts of fat in order to create more desirable contours—not to decrease the number on the scale or provide the health benefits that come from having a lower body mass index. If this is your goal, it’s generally advised to reach or get very near your goal weight before liposuction. The more stable you can keep your weight after surgery, the longer you will be able to enjoy your results.

…prevent weight gain.

The number of fat cells in your body actually stays rather stable throughout your life—weight gain and weight loss primarily happens when existing fat cells get larger or smaller. Liposuction actually removes a number of fat cells, which are not expected to return. However, if you do take in more calories than you burn in the future, your remaining fat cells (both in the liposuctioned area and in other areas) can still grow larger, causing you to gain weight.

…remove sagging skin, cellulite, or stretch marks.

Liposuction treats the fat underneath the skin—it does not affect the skin itself. If you want your skin to be firmer, this can be achieved through procedures like tummy tucks, arm lifts, thigh lifts, or similar surgeries.

…bring you from a size 20 to a size 2.

Liposuction can only safely remove small amounts of fat at one time—enough fat to produce noticeable and highly successful results, but not enough to simulate a weight loss of 30, 40, or 50 pounds or more. If you want to slim down overall, the best course of action is to lose the weight you want to lose first, then simply use liposuction or other cosmetic surgeries to put the finishing touches on your results.

When my patients come in to discuss liposuction (or any plastic surgery, for that matter), my main focus is to listen to the patient’s specific cosmetic concerns and then, based on over thirty years of experience, recommend the procedure or set of procedures which will best achieve their goals. In truth, the only way to know if liposuction is right for you is through a plastic surgery consultation. Call my Alpharetta or Atlanta plastic surgery offices to schedule your appointment. Or, for more plastic surgery tips and the latest health news, follow me, Dr. L. Franklyn Elliott on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

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