Menu

sagging skin

How Can I Maintain My Cosmetic Surgery Results Over Time?

, , , , , , ,

One of the most reassuring things I often tell my patients during plastic surgery consultations is that, in most cases, the results achieved with cosmetic surgery are meant to be long-lasting. In addition to wanting to look your best for as long as you can, cosmetic surgery is also an investment of time, energy, and financial resources. It’s only natural to want the most out of it. This is why I wanted to discuss how patients can successfully maintain their cosmetic surgery results over time.

Plastic surgery implantsWhile this can vary depending on the specific cosmetic procedure performed and the details of each individual case, there are some universal recommendations I would make to any patient trying to ensure that the results of their cosmetic surgery last as long as possible:

  • Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle. In the case of body contouring procedures like liposuction, tummy tuck surgery, and arm lift surgery, it’s critical to keep up positive lifestyle habits to help promote long-lasting results. Natural aging over time may lead to some degree of stretched skin and stubborn fat in the years following surgery, but eating a healthy, low-fat diet and prioritizing regular exercise can absolutely help maintain the results achieved with surgery. Additionally, avoiding smoking and other tobacco and nicotine products will also be incredibly helpful in this regard.
  • Prioritize Sun Protection. The Sun’s UV rays are incredibly powerful and can negatively affect a patient’s skin after any anti-aging procedure. This includes facial procedures like facelift and eyelid surgery, as well as surgeries to address the arms, chest, and any other routinely exposed area. UV rays can damage the skin’s support structures and lead to lax, sagging skin, as well as changes to the skin’s texture. A great habit to get into is applying broad-spectrum SPF sunblock and wearing protective clothing and hats any time you will be outdoors for an extended period.
  • Don’t Forget About Follow-Up Care. Following up with your plastic surgery is extremely helpful when it comes to maintaining plastic surgery results over time. This includes the initial post-procedure follow-up appointment to ensure that everything is healing properly, as well as occasional appointments in the following years to confirm the status of the results and address any new concerns. In some cases, occasional touch-up treatments including cosmetic injectable treatments may be able to help patients extend their results even further.

I understand that this may sound like a lot of work to some people, but in my experience, patients tell me that it is more than worth it. Patients owe it to themselves to do what they can to get the maximum out of their cosmetic surgery experience. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also follow along with me on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, news, and much more.

Questions to Ask During an Arm Lift Consultation

, , , , , ,

woman-pulling-skin-under-armEvery patient wants the very best from their plastic surgery experience. One way to help ensure long-term satisfaction with the results of a cosmetic surgery procedure is to make the most of the pre-surgery consultation appointment. The consultation provides patients with the perfect opportunity to gain a full understanding of their procedure and address any lingering questions or concerns they may have. This can also serve as a great opportunity for patients to get more familiar with their plastic surgeon and any specific methods or techniques they use when performing the procedure.

As we age, it’s natural to experience fat and sagging skin in the upper arm area that can negatively impact our overall appearance. In these cases, arm lift surgery can be of assistance. During an arm lift, I am able to help patients improve the contour of their arms by safely removing loose, excess skin and fat deposits that accumulate in the upper arm area. But arm lift surgery is not a one-size-fits-all procedure and there is a lot that patients should know before their procedure takes place. That’s why I have taken some time to put together a list of essential questions that patients should ask during any arm lift consultation:

  • Are you a board-certified plastic surgeon?
  • Do you have any other relevant certifications, accreditations, or memberships with plastic surgery associations?
  • How many years of experience do you have performing arm lift surgery?
  • What type of incision and technique would you recommend for my arm lift procedure?
  • What kind of anesthesia will be used during my arm lift?
  • How much visible scarring can I expect following my arm lift?
  • Will my procedure be performed in the office, a hospital, or a surgery center? If a hospital, where do you have hospital privileges?
  • Can my arm lift safely be combined with other cosmetic procedures?
  • Do you have arm lift before and after pictures from your previous patients?
  • How much downtime for recovery should I expect following my arm lift?
  • What other post-op instructions are common following arm lift surgery?

I understand that every patient is unique and will inevitably have their own questions or concerns. However, these questions can be an excellent starting point to help anyone make the most of their arm lift consultation. If you’re curious about arm lift surgery, don’t hesitate to contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, to schedule a plastic surgery consultation today. You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter for additional plastic surgery tips, news, videos, and much more.