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cosmetic surgery Alpharetta

Am I a Good Candidate for a Thigh Lift?

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The appearance of the upper legs can make many people feel self-conscious as they age. It’s quite common for the thighs specifically to suffer from an accumulation of fat cells, cellulite, and excess skin that can make the legs look older, heavier, and less fit than many of us would prefer. As the years pass, the thighs can become stubbornly resistant to diet and exercise. Toning and improving the appearance of the thighs can be especially challenging for those who have excess skin after significant weight loss.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Thigh Lift

A thigh lift (or thighplasty) is a cosmetic surgery procedure that helps recontour the appearance of the thighs. During surgery, I am able to remove unwanted, excess skin, tissue, and fat from the thighs while firming the remaining skin to create a more shapely, appealing appearance. The incision can be made either along the top of the outer thigh or in the groin area. This will depend on the amount skin that needs to be removed as well as its location on the thigh. There are multiple methods to perform thigh lift surgery, the most common of which is known as a medial thigh lift. During a medial thigh lift, an incision is made in the inner thigh area to help patients who experience significant excess skin along the inner thigh.

Determining if you are a good candidate for a thigh lift will require speaking with a board-certified plastic surgeon. However, thigh lift candidates generally need to be in good physical and mental health. It’s important to maintain realistic expectations and a positive attitude going into your procedure. Additionally, thigh lift candidates should have the following characteristics:

  • A stable, healthy bodyweight
  • An excess of soft tissue, skin, and/or fat along the inner thigh region or the outer thigh
  • A generally healthy lifestyle that does not include smoking or other nicotine use
  • A commitment to maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen after surgery to help promote the best long-term results

There is no need to feel bad about the appearance of your thigh area. If you believe that a thigh lift can help rejuvenate your look and improve your self-esteem, I encourage you to contact me, Dr. Frank Elliott, to schedule a plastic surgery consultation today. During your consultation, we will discuss your medical history, aesthetic preferences, and surgical options to help determine the best helpful plastic surgery path for you. And don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more tips, news, videos, and more.

Can Capsular Contracture be Prevented?

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The risk of possible complications over time is an inherent part of undergoing cosmetic surgery. Even for patients who visit the most skilled, experienced surgeons in the world, certain complications can still occur. In my decades as a double board-certified plastic surgeon, I have performed a number of breast augmentation surgeries and worked hard to develop my skills and provide my patients with outstanding, long-lasting aesthetic results. Still, I educate all of my patients about the possible complications of their procedure so they will know the warning signs to look for and how to appropriately react should they ever occur.

Capsular contracture is the most common complication associated with breast augmentation, though it’s important to note that it still occurs very rarely. When a foreign object (like a breast implant) is placed into the body, scar tissue will naturally form around the foreign object as the body’s natural response to the change. However, this new scar tissue can contract and tighten around the implants, causing the implant to become hard and appear unnatural looking. This is known as capsular contracture. In addition to affecting the appearance of the breast, capsular contracture can be painful and uncomfortable. Patients often ask me if there are things they can do after their surgery to prevent capsular contracture. Although we can’t guarantee prevention, there are many steps that can be taken during surgery to help significantly reduce a patient’s risk of developing capsular contracture. In the video below, I discuss these preventive measures and how they can help.

The best way to minimize your risk of complications after any cosmetic surgery procedure is to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive training and experience performing your respective procedure. During your consultation, I will walk you through your procedure and the steps we will take to help avoid any complications, as well as post-surgery instructions to help maintain the best-possible results for years to come. If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation today, please contact Dr. Franklyn Elliott today. And follow us Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for more plastic surgery tips, news, updates, and more.

3 Things for Patients to Know Before Chin Surgery

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Performing cosmetic surgery for the face extends far beyond just performing facelift procedures. Plastic surgery can be performed on areas all over the face including the ears, forehead, and chin. Chin surgery, or mentoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that can help patients alter the size and shape of their chin. I provide both chin enhancement or chin reduction options, depending on whether the patient wants to minimize, modify or further emphasize the appearance of their chin.

3 Things for Patients to Know Before Chin Surgery

I have spoken with many patients over the years who were concerned that their chin was “weak” looking or receding. I have also met just as many who felt their chin was too prominent relative to their other facial features. No matter which side of this divide the patient may fall on, I am confident that chin surgery can help improve their appearance by restoring balance to the face. To help readers gain a better understanding of what can be achieved with chin surgery, I have provided a few things to know about this outstanding procedure.

Chin Surgery is Commonly Paired with Other Cosmetic Procedures

The balance of our facial features can be delicate. When patients choose to undergo a facial plastic surgery procedure, they can occasionally upset this balance despite receiving the results they wanted for the facial feature that was operated on. However, in many cases pairing two facial procedures can offer the patient more comprehensive, balanced facial rejuvenation. This is why it is quite common for patients to pair chin surgery with other facial procedures like rhinoplasty.

There are Several Implant Options for Chin Enhancement Surgery

I offer patients several options when selecting the right implant for their chin augmentation. Chin implants can be made of different materials including Silicone, Gore-Tex®, and more. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If the situation warrants it, I can adjust the shape of a chin implant for a custom fit depending on the specific needs of the patient.

Chin Surgery Will Require Downtime for Recovery

Patients generally need about ten days after their chin surgery to begin their normal daily routine again. I recommend avoiding more strenuous activities for a few weeks and waiting four to six weeks before participating in more intense exercise like heavy weight lifting. Even though complications from chin surgery are quite rare, it is very important to closely follow your surgeon’s post-surgery instructions in order to successfully heal and achieve the best possible long-term results from your procedure.

Education is a crucial component of my duties as a board-certified plastic surgeon. I take great pride in sharing the knowledge I have gained over my 30 years of working with patients and performing cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. If you are considering chin surgery and would like to discuss this in a more personal setting, please contact me, Dr. Frank Elliott, to schedule a plastic surgery consultation today. You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery news, updates, and more.

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