Advanced Plastic Surgery Centre

4 Questions to Ask During a Cosmetic Surgery Consultation

During your cosmetic surgery consultation, it’s important to feel free to ask any questions you may have. For some helpful questions you should consider asking your plastic surgeon, take a look at the information below.

• What Results Can I Expect?

One of the most important things you can do during any cosmetic surgery consultation is to get an idea of what can realistically be accomplished by the procedure. Every patient is different, and your cosmetic surgeon can help you address your specific desires and discuss what is or isn’t possible through cosmetic surgery.

• How Should I Prepare For My Cosmetic Surgery?

Be sure to ask if there are any specific requirements you need to consider before surgery. This includes taking time off from work, asking family or friends to help you out around the house or bring you home after your procedure, and stocking up on foods or medications in preparation for your recovery. Your surgeon may also advise you to abstain from smoking at least temporarily.

• What Can I Expect During Recovery?

In order to achieve the best results, you must closely follow aftercare instructions, so it’s important to ask about the details of your recovery. Will you need pain relief or antibiotic medication? Will you have any movement or diet restrictions or requirements, and for how long? You can never ask too many questions of your cosmetic surgeon, and understanding the recovery process will make your entire cosmetic procedure go much more smoothly.

• Where Will My Cosmetic Surgery Be Performed?

Many cosmetic surgeons can perform minor procedures directly in their offices or at nearby outpatient facilities, but some procedures require an overnight hospital stay or a full hospital facility to perform. The location will depend both on your procedure and on any specific health requirements; your cosmetic surgeon can explain his choice during your consultation.

Tips for Recovering From Your Tummy Tuck

  Your plastic surgeon will help you through the tummy tuck procedure from start to finish, explaining the surgery and recovery process. Be sure to check out the following tips to ensure your tummy tuck recovery goes as smoothly as possible.

A tummy tuck, like any type of surgery, involves the administration of general anesthesia during the cosmetic procedure. You may need to stay overnight at the hospital or surgical facility the day of your procedure, and you will likely experience minor discomfort, bruising, and possible numbness.

Your plastic surgeon will likely prescribe medication to reduce discomfort and prevent infection. It’s important to follow all instructions regarding medication, especially antibiotics, which should be taken as a full course. Remember to take pain medication before you need it and on a regular schedule to help minimize discomfort.

Avoid putting strain on your stomach or torso by bending slightly forward when you walk and placing pillows under your knees when resting in bed. Try to minimize all activity for at least 48 hours following your cosmetic procedure, giving your body time to rest and recuperate. Do not resume any sort of exercise for at least two weeks, and talk to your cosmetic surgeon about what types of exercise you can do and when.

Don’t bathe for at least two days after your tummy tuck, and only shower once bathing is permitted. It is advisable to ask for help during your first few showers to avoid putting strain on your abdomen and to prevent any slips, falls, or bumps that could result in pain or swelling. Talk to your cosmetic surgeon about when normal bathing can be resumed.

If you’re considering a tummy tuck or other cosmetic procedure, visit Dr. Joseph Perlman of The Advanced Plastic Surgery Centre in Houston. Find out how a body, breast, or facial procedure can have you looking and feeling younger and enjoying life to the fullest. Click through our website or call (281) 205-4006 to learn more.

A Guide to PRP Skin Rejuvenation

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is an effective treatment that has been utilized by doctors and cosmetic surgeons for years. Now, PRP can be used as a natural facial filler to rejuvenate skin, promote the body’s natural healing capabilities, and stimulate collagen production.

• What Is PRP?

Platelets are present in your blood and principally act to prevent bleeding by promoting clotting and healing of cuts and wounds. A cosmetic surgeon can make use of the healing and rejuvenating properties of platelets by taking a small one-ounce sample of your blood and separating the platelets. The resulting platelet-rich plasma is then injected into your skin or other parts of your body to promote rejuvenation via the helpful properties of the platelets. PRP is used not only for cosmetic surgery, but also to promote healing in patients with arthritis, joint injuries, and more.

• How Can PRP Be Used To Rejuvenate Skin?

PRP skin rejuvenation is an all-natural method of addressing cosmetic corrections of the face. PRP therapy can be used by your cosmetic surgeon to correct wrinkles around the eyes, lips, forehead, and neck. It can also address bags or dark circles under the eyes, loose or sagging skin, and even scars from acne or other skin conditions. The effects of PRP as a dermal filler are long-lasting—up to a year—and promote your body’s own natural production of collagen to give your face and skin a more youthful appearance. PRP is often used following cosmetic surgery to promote optimal healing and scar reduction at the site of the procedure. PRP is a quick and relatively painless procedure with very little downtime and is performed in your cosmetic surgeon’s office.

"I've been using PRP and platelet gel for over two years" says Dr. Joseph Perlman, board-certified plastic surgeon in the Houston area. "I find that the increased growth factors in PRP improves healing up to 50% faster and the skin has a definite glow." Using the platelet gel allows me to add volume to the facial soft tissue for up to a year at a much more affordable price that off-the-shelf dermal fillers. The added bonuses that it's your own blood cells so there's nothing artificial"

What is Smart Lipo?

SmartLipo greatly improves upon the popular and classic cosmetic surgery technique of liposuction. To learn more about this new treatment and its efficacy, watch this helpful video.

This video explains how SmartLipo works to address stubborn fat deposits on your body that diet and exercise just can’t fix. SmartLipo is a minimally invasive version of liposuction that utilizes a laser to remove fat and tighten skin along the body. This method has significant advantages over traditional liposuction, including minimal downtime. Learn more by watching this entire video.

Get rid of stubborn fat or loose skin with SmartLipo at the Advanced Plastic Surgery Centre of Houston. We can help you achieve a lean, trim body when diet and exercise aren’t enough. Find out more about SmartLipo and our other cosmetic offerings by calling (281) 205-4006.

Liposuction, Chemical Peels, Juvederm, and More

• For more information about using Juvederm, check out this informative webpage.
• This article from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons provides details about the liposuction procedure.
• Check out this article from the FDA to learn even more about the applications for liposuction.
• Read this document from the University of Maryland to learn more about varicose vein treatments.
• What makes chemical peels so effective? Ohio State University’s website will help you learn more about chemical peels.

Call Advanced Plastic Surgery Centre of Houston at (281) 394-4167 to schedule your surgical consultation with Dr. Joseph Perlman today.