Three Plastic Surgeries That Can Boost Self-Esteem

With body issues such a popular topic in the media, the public opinion of plastic surgery seems to change every day. Sometimes, it’s a great way to express your personal identity and on other days, it’s a false attempt at improving self-esteem. In reality, much research has been conducted regarding the psychological effects of plastic surgery and how it may provide that boost of confidence after all. Many different types of plastic surgery exist today, each offering patients the chance to reclaim their own bodies and appearances for themselves. There are three main procedures, however, that seem to outshine all the rest when it comes to bolstering self-esteem.

Facelifts Can Make You Appear Younger

The battle against aging has been raging for decades and likely much longer. Facelift surgery is one approach to combat some of the unwanted signs of aging that plague the face, specifically the lower portion and the jaw line. The traditional facelift emerged about a century ago, but today’s version is refined and perfected to provide patients with a youthful appearance by erasing up to 10 years. Specifically, facelift surgery does much to combat the loose and sagging skin, creases and wrinkles, jowls and skin folds that are common for patients to experience in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond.

The facelift surgery begins with a well-hidden pattern of incisions that extends along the hair line, behind and around the ears, then down along the lower scalp. From here, your surgeon is able to tighten the supportive tissues of the lower face, remove the excess loose skin, and redistribute or remove the fat cells that have collected around the chin and jaw. The facial muscles may also be tightened to improve facial contour and give you a firmer, more refined profile. Finally, once all of the necessary changes have been made, your surgeon will lay the skin back over the area in a natural-looking but more youthful position.

Rhinoplasty Offers Nasal Improvements

When it comes to the facial features, the nose takes a lot of heat for being shaped or sized wrong. Many prospective rhinoplasty patients choose surgery out of frustration, unhappiness, and even embarrassment. The nose is such a central part of the face that any kind of dissatisfaction can become very frustrating. A crooked, hooked, pointy, or bulbous nose can draw attention, stand out in photos, and seem to distract from the other facial features. For those suffering with a nose they don’t want, it can be an all-consuming feeling. Through rhinoplasty, it’s possible to make constructive changes to the nose that can alleviate some of these negative emotions and issues.

Rhinoplasty can reshape or resize the entire nose or just part of the nose. It is often chosen as a solution for big noses, small noses, bumps or bumps, narrow or too-wide nostrils, crooked noses, and much more. The procedure itself is fairly straightforward, involving incisions placed inside the nostrils for a closed rhinoplasty or an incision on the underside of the nose, between the nostrils for an open rhinoplasty. Your surgeon will ultimately choose the right approach for you based on what is required to achieve the results you desire. With the problems your nose has caused now resolved, rhinoplasty can result in an immediate boost in your self-esteem and self-confidence. Research has shown that positive results from rhinoplasty can be directly linked to an improved quality of life, simply because patients are happier with the way they look and this happiness infiltrates every part of their lives. Feeling good about the way you look can have incredibly powerful effects on your personal and professional life.

Breast Augmentation Creates Feminine Curves

Of course, not every plastic surgery procedure is for everyone, but for the right candidates, breast augmentation can be a truly life-changing experience. There are many women who feel that their smaller-sized breasts are an inconvenient source of frustration and disappointment. Many of these women turn to breast augmentation to feel more feminine, more appealing, and more comfortable in their own bodies. Sometimes, women may even lose volume from their breasts either from weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or age. In these cases, they may opt to restore their breasts to their previous size or even something larger. Breast augmentation can also be used in conjunction with breast reconstruction to recreate breasts in women who have undergone a mastectomy.

No matter what the reason, women who are looking for breast augmentation can experience tremendous results on an emotion and psychological level after surgery. By designing the approximate size and shape of their new breasts, they have the power to achieve the ideal they have for their own bodies. A plastic surgeon can work with you to collaborate on a plan for your surgery. The surgery techniques used will vary based on your unique body type, your desired results, and the type of implants used. To be considered a candidate for breast augmentation, you should be in good overall health and have a positive outlook on your surgery with specific, realistic goals in mind. For the right patient, breast augmentation can increase self-esteem and self-image.

Achieve Results With a Plastic Surgery Consult

If you think surgery would be a good self-esteem boost, start the process off right with a consultation. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert Kessler, a board certified general and facial plastic surgeon, and learn more about plastic surgery procedures that minimize your risk for complications. He completed his medical degree with honors from Tufts University in Boston as well as a distinguished General Surgical Residency with North Short/NYU in New York. Prior to that, he completed a Plastic Surgery residency with the U.S. Air Force and the University of Texas.

Today, Dr. Kessler operates two practices in California, has worked as a surgical consultant and surgical assistant on ABC’s Extreme Makeover, and has lectured nationally and internationally on topics including facial rejuvenation, plastic surgery, and body contouring. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kessler, contact his office, located at 2121 East Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 200, in Newport Beach, CA, by calling (949) 644-6544.

The Biggest Risk Factors for Any Plastic Surgery

There’s no such thing as a surgery that carries no risk. That doesn’t mean that every surgery is associated with life-threatening consequences, but you should treat every procedure seriously. If you’re identifying the major risk factors that could make you prone to post-surgical complications, you’re already protecting yourself from some of the biggest threats to patients. Find out which risk factors you may have and how to minimize them for surgery.

You’re Not in Good Overall Health

Before you can have any plastic surgery procedure, it is essential that you are evaluated to determine your health status. Many health conditions can put you at risk for complications, including delayed or poor healing. If you have a history of heart disease or are overweight, for example, you will likely be at a greater risk of complications from general anesthesia.

While it might be frustrating to delay your cosmetic surgery, remember that it is in your best interest overall to address your personal health issues first. Certain medications used in your treatments may also put you at increased risks of certain complications, including excessive bleeding or infection. Make sure your general practitioner (or specialist) and your plastic surgeon are fully aware of your medical status and all of your current treatments so they can work with you on a procedural plan that suits your constraints.

You Are a Smoker

Being a smoker is a basic no-no for every type of cosmetic surgery, mostly because the risks are too great. Many surgeons will ask you to temporarily quit smoking for a period of several weeks before and after your procedure, while others may ask you to stop completely. Remember, these requests are made to ensure your optimum health throughout your surgery. Smoking can put patients at an increased risk of the following complications:

• Necrosis, or the death of tissues due to insufficient oxygen supply. Smokers are at a higher risk of blood vessel constriction, which results in a decreased oxygen supply that could lead to necrosis.
• Delayed healing. The nicotine in cigarettes can close off blood vessels and restrict blood flow to the areas that need to heal, slowing the recovery process.
• Pulmonary infection. The lungs are clogged by smoking, which can increase a patient’s risk for a lung infection, including pneumonia.

You Tend to Scar Easily

While scarring might not be a life-threatening complication, for many patients, it’s a deal-breaker. If you’ve had a history of producing excess scar tissue, you could be at risk for the same consequences after a plastic surgery procedure. But don’t panic just yet. By making your surgeon aware of your potential risk for this complication, you can work together to develop strategies that will minimize your chances. Your surgeon may choose a different style of incision placement and you may be asked to incorporate some other techniques into your healing process. Some skincare treatments after surgery can also diminish the appearance of scars, so you always have options.

You Take Herbal Supplements

In today’s world, herbal supplements have become the all-natural champions of the health and fitness world. Many patients make the assumption that these products can’t have an impact, so they often don’t mention them during a plastic surgery consultation. Unfortunately, herbal supplements can indeed increase your risks of bleeding, cardiovascular problems, and more.

It’s not that the herbal supplements are harmful to you so much as how easily they can lead to harmful drug interactions. These supplements can intensity or nullify the effects of the medications necessary for your surgery, including your anesthesia. When patients take these supplements without telling their doctor, they are putting themselves at an increased risk for many unwanted side effects and potentially life-threatening complications.

You Had Unrealistic Expectations

Every patient is unique and every surgery has its limitations, so the combination of patient plus surgery can only result in so much. This is not to say that your results won’t be dramatic, because they certainly can be, provided you work with your plastic surgeon to design the right procedure for you. If you’re looking for rhinoplasty to create an entirely new nose that would be out of proportion with your face, you probably won’t be as satisfied with your results as you expect. Listening to your plastic surgeon and following his or her expert advice on size, shape, and more can guarantee that your results will be right for you every time. Having unrealistic expectations will only lead to disappointment and psychological trouble later on.

You Weren’t Honest With Your Surgeon

During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will ask many questions about your health, medical history, daily habits, and more. Even if these questions make you uncomfortable, try to remember that he or she is asking for an important reason: your health and well-being. Before the surgeon can perform a safe operation, he or she needs a full picture of your health, restrictions, needs, and more. Don’t be embarrassed to answer questions about your own history, especially if the answers could save your life. Talk about any allergies you have, bad reactions you’ve had in the past, and any significant family history that could prepare him or her to perform your surgery. Being honest with your surgeon is one of the best ways to minimize your risk for complications because it gives him or her the power to make smart choices for you.

Minimize Risks With the Right Surgeon

Choosing the wrong plastic surgeon can leave you open to many potential complications during and after your surgery. Instead, schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert Kessler, a board certified general and facial plastic surgeon, and learn more about plastic surgery procedures that minimize your risk for complications. He completed his medical degree with honors from Tufts University in Boston as well as a distinguished General Surgical Residency with North Short/NYU in New York. Prior to that, he completed a Plastic Surgery residency with the US Air Force and the University of Texas.

Today, Dr. Kessler operates two practices in California, has worked as a surgical consultant and surgical assistant on ABC’s Extreme Makeover, and has lectured nationally and internationally on topics including facial rejuvenation, plastic surgery, and body contouring. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kessler, contact his office, located at 2121 East Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 200, in Newport Beach, CA, by calling (949) 644-6544.

The Real Deal With Nonsurgical Facelifts

For decades, prospective patients seeking facial rejuvenation have chosen facelift surgery to address their aging concerns. With the advancement of medical research and the development of new anti-aging techniques, patients now have a wider range of options. Despite the continued popularity of traditional facelift surgery, nonsurgical facelift treatments are getting noticed. For some patients, a nonsurgical approach could be the best fit. How would you decide between a surgical and a nonsurgical facelift? Consider these facts about each procedure so you can make the wisest choice for yourself.

About the Surgical Facelift Procedure

Traditional facelift surgery, known as rhytidectomy, has its roots in the early 1900s, when it became popular among Hollywood stars and rich women. The techniques have advanced leaps and bounds since the first facelift was performed. Today’s patients receive three to four hours of surgical time, during which the muscles, skin, soft tissues, and fat cells are manipulated to achieve the desired results. The procedure begins with incisions placed along the hairline, in front of and behind the ears, and ending at the lower hairline. They are placed in order to remain well hidden in the hair and/or the natural creases of the face.

With the incisions in place, the real changes can be made. The facial plastic surgeon then works to tighten and reposition the facial muscles along with the inelastic skin to create a more youthful appearance. If needed, fat cells can be removed or redistributed to improve the contour of the chin and jawline. The major changes are focused on the lower portion of the face, where gravity sends loose, sagging skin and misplaced fat pads from other parts of the face. With the necessary corrections made, your surgeon will close your incisions to complete the facelift surgery.

About Nonsurgical Facelift Techniques

A “nonsurgical facelift” isn’t really a procedure you can request as a pre-made package. This is a catchy, easy way to describe a group of treatments called injectables that offer quick results without a long recovery time. The procedure sometimes begins with a numbing agent like lidocaine applied to the treatment area. The substance is then injected into the skin, where it will begin to show results right away. Some injectable treatments are used to relax facial muscles, which diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, including worry lines and crow’s feet.

Injectable fillers, on the other hand, smooth wrinkles by plumping the skin with a biocompatible filler agent. These treatments are most effective on worry lines and nasolabial folds. Fillers can also be used to reduce sagging facial skin in specific areas, as well as raise depressed scars and add fullness to the lips. Injectable fillers, combined with anti-wrinkle injections, can create a rejuvenated look for your entire face.

Comparing the Risks of Both Facelift Types

Every procedure comes with the risk of complications. Although choosing your surgeon wisely can help you cut down on your risks, it’s important to be aware of them, especially when making a decision between two types of procedures. With that in mind, facelift surgery does pose some of its own risks, all of which have a very low rate of occurrence. They can sometimes include: infection, visible scarring, heavy bleeding or hematoma, tingling or numbness. Some patients also experience unpleasant side effects after surgery, including nausea and vomiting as a reaction to anesthesia, hair loss near the incisions, and prolonged pain or tenderness.

In comparison, nonsurgical treatments with Botox or Restylance don’t pose very many risks. Those that are associated with the procedure tend to be minor as well. Many patients may experience redness, bruising, and swelling around the injection site.

Comparing the Benefits of Both Facelift Types

Traditional surgical and nonsurgical facelifts both offer their own unique benefits. First, they can both be customized, but each to a different degree. Every nonsurgical facelift treatment is unique, because every patient is looking to achieve different results or correct different trouble spots. While surgical facelifts are customized to suit each patient as well, the basic approach is the same. Injectable treatments can focus on one area or many, use one type of injection or multiple. There is a lot of individual customization to each step of a nonsurgical treatment like this.

Furthermore, a nonsurgical facelift can be designed to address specific concerns, one at a time. Some types of injections are good for diminishing wrinkles, others for adding volume to parts of the face. Through a consultation with your facial plastic surgeon, you can receive only the treatments that address your concerns. He or she will likely talk to you about the typical products used for nonsurgical treatments, including Botox and Restylane. While the end results are temporary in nature, they are instantaneous and can be achieved without a single incision.

While nonsurgical facelifts will only last four months to a year, a facelift surgery has been shown to provide lasting results for eight to 12 years. Nonsurgical treatments can be “touched up” every so often to keep your results looking good, but a second facelift surgery won’t be scheduled for around 10 years, if at all. Many patients are happy to have one facelift surgery to last the rest of their lifetime. Some even touch up a surgical facelift with injectable treatments later on, just as a way to keep that rejuvenated look. Whatever approach is best for your needs, your facial plastic surgeon can help you to make the right choice for you.

Get Informed and Make Your Own Decision

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert Kessler, a board-certified general and facial plastic surgeon, and find out if you’re a better candidate for a facelift surgery or a nonsurgical treatment. He completed his medical degree with honors from Tufts University in Boston as well as a distinguished General Surgical Residency with North Short/NYU in New York. Prior to that, he completed a Plastic Surgery residency with the U.S. Air Force and the University of Texas.

Today, Dr. Kessler operates two practices in California, has worked as a surgical consultant and surgical assistant on ABC’s Extreme Makeover, and has lectured nationally and internationally on topics including facial rejuvenation, plastic surgery, and body contouring. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kessler, contact his office, located at 2121 East Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 200, in Newport Beach, CA, by calling (949) 644-6544.

I Had Liposuction, So Why Do I Have to Work Out?

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that permanently removes fat cells from the body. Since the body loses these fat cells for good, most patients assume their fat cannot return. But is this really true? Some patients claim their fat returned to “weird places” or that they “gained it all back.” Liposuction is not a weight-loss technique, nor is it designed to provide patients with a permanent lock on their ideal weight. Your plastic surgeon will likely recommend you keep up your exercise routine even after all of those fat cells are gone.

But do you really need to?

Liposuction Isn’t Forever

After you spend all that money on your liposuction procedure and all that time recovering from it, the last thing you want to hear is that it isn’t a permanent result. The sad truth is that the body is always changing and there’s no such thing as permanent when it comes to body-contouring surgeries, even those that remove fat cells. Not only can your fat come back, but it might get redistributed deep within the abdomen where it’s even harder to control. Before you start panicking, there is good news: your liposuction results will last as long as you allow them to.

The Secret to Long-Lasting Liposuction

Long-term studies have shown that patients who take an active interest in maintaining their body shape and fitness levels will have more success with lasting results from liposuction. Not engaging in exercise can increase your amounts of visceral fat in a matter of months. It’s just like before you had liposuction surgery: if you don’t exercise, you lose form and contour while your body fat percentage increases. This doesn’t stop just because you’ve trimmed down specific areas of body fat. Your commitment to your body and your health should only increase once you’ve invested in yourself through liposuction treatment.

How Much Exercise Is Enough?

If you’ve already developed an exercise routine before the time of your liposuction, nothing needs to change in order for you to maintain your results. If you haven’t been great about exercise, it’s time to spend some time caring for your body through a combination of cardio and strength-training exercises. Even for those who haven’t been active before, adopting a moderate exercise plan can make a difference when it comes to keeping the fat off. Aim for 30 to 60 minute sessions three times each week to help your body maintain its form after liposuction.

Why Not Just Have More Liposuction?

If it sounds like it might just be easier to have a second (or third or fourth) liposuction surgery to stay ahead of your fat gain, think again. When fat does return after a liposuction, it comes back deep in the abdomen as visceral fat that surrounds your organs. Liposuction can’t do anything to treat this hard-to-reach fat. Furthermore, it can be detrimental to your health and lead to a higher risk for certain health problems like heart disease and diabetes.

The truth is that taking a proactive health stance is always your best option, even after you have consulted with a plastic surgeon to trim your figure with liposuction. Visceral fat can appear even in patients who have never had liposuction, yet exercise can always keep it at bay. If you’re concerned about maintaining your own exercise routine after liposuction, have an open conversation with your surgeon about your worries and how you can plan ahead for post-operative success.

Planning for Your Own Liposuction Surgery

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert Kessler, a board certified general and facial plastic surgeon, and find out if you’re a good candidate for liposuction surgery. He completed his medical degree with honors from Tufts University in Boston as well as a distinguished General Surgical Residency with North Short/NYU in New York. Prior to that, he completed a Plastic Surgery residency with the US Air Force and the University of Texas.

Today, Dr. Kessler operates two practices in California, has worked as a surgical consultant and surgical assistant on ABC’s Extreme Makeover, and has lectured nationally and internationally on topics including facial rejuvenation, plastic surgery, and body contouring. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kessler, contact his office, located at 2121 East Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 200, in Newport Beach, CA, by calling (949) 644-6544.

Getting Botox? Consider the Source

When it was first FDA-approved a few years ago, Botox Cosmetic changed the world of cosmetic procedures. This noninvasive, nonsurgical option gave men and women the opportunity to achieve anti-aging results overnight without a long recovery period.

Botox can help to eliminate deep creases, fine lines, and other signs of aging, making it an ideal treatment for various areas of the face. Yet, Botox is similar to plastic surgeries in one very important way: it’s important to find a safe, reputable clinic and physician to perform the procedure.

What Is Botox?

 

Botox Cosmetic is an injectable substance that is derived from botulinum toxin, a nonpoisonous substance that can temporarily paralyze targeted facial muscles. The nerve impulses to these muscles will be blocked for four to eight months on average. 

When the muscles are immobilized, the wrinkles in that area will lessen gradually; without the muscle contracting beneath it, the skin above is able to lay flat and undisturbed. The injection itself is virtually painless and the paralytic effect will not leave any lasting damage. 

When Botox is delivered in small amounts to specific areas of the face, it is safe to use this anti-aging treatment to diminish your aging concerns.

Where Is Botox Used?

 

Delivered through a very thin needle, Botox can be used to treat aging problems almost anywhere on the face.  Common treatment areas include crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes, marionette lines between the nose and mouth, laugh lines at the corners of the mouth, frown lines between the eyebrows, and more. 

While Botox cannot restore elastin to sagging skin, the effects of immobilized muscles in these areas will do much to remove years of your age after your injections.

Are There Risks for Botox?

 

Generally speaking, Botox injections are both safe and effective. Complications do exist, although they are extremely rare. These potential complications may include bleeding, scarring, infection, numbness in the area, and asymmetry after your injection. 

Choosing a respected, credentialed cosmetic surgeon for your procedure is the only way to safeguard against any unwanted side effects.

Why Does the Source Matter So Much?

 

With the potential complications listed above, your choice of physician is more important than ever. By selecting a less experienced, discount facility to get your Botox injections, you are exposing yourself to serious risks, including illness and death. 

Without the proper care and guidance of a trained plastic surgeon, your Botox procedure can go horribly wrong. Some of the mistakes that could be made during your procedure may include:

·         An injection that is too large and potentially dangerous. Botox is safest and works the best in small doses that will be carefully measured by a proper surgeon.

·         An insufficient screening process for patients. There are certain medical conditions that can make you prone to complications following Botox. A trained surgeon will ask the tough questions needed to determine if Botox is safe for you specifically.

·         The inability to respond to complications right away. A clinic that isn’t run properly may be ill-equipped to manage side effects or complications when they occur, putting you at an increased risk and leaving you worried or afraid.

·         A higher risk of botulism, a condition that can occur when the effects of Botox affect other areas of the body. Symptoms of botulism include weakness all over the body, double or blurred vision, hoarseness of the voice, difficulty speaking words, a loss of bladder control, and trouble with breathing and/or swallowing. 

·         Counterfeit Botox, a real concern. In late 2012, news sources reported that cases of counterfeit Botox were thought to have been shipped to 350 nationwide clinics along with food gifts to family members.  Reputable surgeons won’t want to have anything to do with these products and will gladly follow the rules for returning bad cases of Botox. But will your less-expensive surgeon follow the same protocol?

For the reasons listed above, finding a surgeon you can trust will take you very far with your Botox injections and any facial plastic surgeries you’ve been thinking about. When you take the time to consider the source of your injections and your procedure, it’s easy to see the benefits. If you’re not willing to sacrifice your safety to save a few dollars, it’s better to consult with a licensed plastic surgeon to cover all your bases.

Where Can I Get Botox Injections Safely?

 

Minimize your Botox risks by choosing the right surgeon for the job. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert Kessler, a board certified general and plastic surgeon, to find out if you’re a good candidate. 

He completed his medical degree with Honors from Tufts University in Boston and completed a distinguished General Surgical Residency with North Short/NYU in New York, before a Plastic Surgery residency with the US Air Force and the University of Texas. 

Today, Dr. Kessler operates two practices in California, has worked as a surgical consultant and surgical assistant on ABC’s Extreme Makeover, and has lectured nationally and internationally on topics including facial rejuvenation, plastic surgery, and body contouring after substantial weight loss.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kessler, contact his office, located at 2121 East Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 200, in Newport Beach, CA, by calling (949) 644-6544.

Correcting the Top Facelift Myths

There are no boundaries when it comes to the myths people create about plastic surgery procedures, especially the facelift. Many of these myths emerge from a misunderstanding about the procedure, a rumor they heard about a botched surgery, and even a mistrust of plastic surgeons.

In practice, however, the myths that have been created about the facelift procedure simply are not true. A facelift is a positive surgical experience that can restore a patient’s youthful appearance and natural glow, changing his or her life for the better. Let’s take these myths and bust them so would-be facelift patients won’t miss the opportunity to improve their lives.

Facelift Myth #1 – Facelift Surgeons Just Pull the Skin Tighter 

 

There was a time, about a century ago, that facelifts were performed by pulling and tightening the skin only, then trimming away the excess. Those surgeries had very short-term results, caused many complications including nerve damage, and looked very unnatural, especially after multiple tightenings. 

Plastic surgeons took note of these shortcomings and worked to develop a better approach. They noticed that adjusting the skin alone would not achieve results; it was necessary to work with the underlying tissues and muscles of the face.

Today’s facelift procedure concentrates on restoring the youthfulness of the lower portion of the face. The facial muscles are tightened and repositioned, then the skin, to create an overall younger look. In many cases, excess fat deposits that have traveled to the jawline over time can be removed to improve the angle and contour of this area. Many patients are thrilled to discover they look and feel 10 years younger after a modern facelift procedure.

Facelift Myth #2 – Facelifts Always Look Unnatural

 

Given what you now know about the facelift procedure, this myth may already sound wrong. To achieve the best facelift results, the tightness and firmness is restored to the area, not imposed.

 A plastic surgeon’s chief priority is to turn back the clock for a patient, meaning you’ll look a lot more like your old (well, young) self than someone new. 

A facelift procedure is only deemed successful if the results look natural, which means no overly tight skin, no loose or lax muscles left behind, and no uneven contours that look altered in any way. Real, natural results are the name of the facelift game.

Facelift Myth #3 – Recovering from a Facelift Takes Months

 

All surgeries require recovery time, some more than others. In the case of a facelift procedure, recovery takes much shorter than you may think. After your procedure, the major issue you need to contend with is swelling, so rest and ice packs are all that should be on your reschedule. If you give this crucial recovery time its due, the rest of the process should fly by. 

You’ll likely revisit your doctor for drainage tubes and stitches to be removed, and then you can gradually begin to resume some lighter daily activities. Most patients are able to resume work and nearly all daily activities within 10 to 14 days following surgery. Some light swelling may persist for a few more weeks, but it will not be very noticeable. Click here to view facelift before and after images.
 

Facelift Myth #4 – Only Women Get Facelifts

Traditionally speaking, facelift procedures were predominantly sought by women, at least until a few years ago. There is nothing about the surgery that makes it strictly feminine in nature, which more and more men are beginning to realize. Facelifts can offer the same benefits to men as they have been to women for decades. 

Men can enjoy improved definition and contour to their chin and jawline, restoration to a more youthful appearance, and natural-looking results that can eliminate lines and wrinkles. In today’s highly visual and competitive business world, many men and women alike seek facelift surgeries to look younger and compete with their junior counterparts.

Facelift Myth #5 – Only Rich People Get Facelifts

Plastic surgeries can be expensive and are very rarely covered by insurance, leaving you to pick up the tab. With that said, most plastic surgeons only see rich and famous people in the tabloid magazines sitting in the lobby; their actual patients are everyday people who want to boost their self-confidence, improve their image, and regain some of that youthful glow.

Everyone is on a tight budget these days, yet patients are willing to make the investment to their physical well-being by visiting a plastic surgeon for a facelift. If money is a source of concern for you, don’t be afraid to bring it up during your facelift consultation. Many doctors will offer schedule delays to allow you more time to gather funds, as well as payment plans and other options. You can’t know for sure if a facelift is affordable for you unless you ask.

Facelift Myth #6 – Only Mature People Get Facelifts

Many women and men in their 30s and 40s have begun to notice the signs of aging all of their faces, yet won’t follow up with a plastic surgeon because they don’t think they’re old enough. The truth is, there is no magical age when a person gets a green light for a facial. If you have concerns about aging on your face, you could be a facelift candidate.

When those concerns get to the point that you can no longer ignore them and they are interfering with your self-esteem, schedule a consultation to take about your options. The only person who can really determine whether a facelift is right for you is your plastic surgeon, so give him the chance to evaluate your eligibility, discuss you expectations, and examine your face and features.

Facelift Myth #7 – A Facelift Lasts Forever

Wouldn’t it be nice if a surgery could stop the aging process and reverse time? Well, a facelift can help to make it look like you’ve reversed time, but it won’t be able to stop anything. Time moves forward, gravity takes hold, and eventually the same problems that plagued your face may be plaguing it again. Of course, if you’ve had a facelift, you’re still going to look ten years younger than you are, but you might start to feel like it’s time to have more work done.

This is all a natural part of the process and, unfortunately, there’s nothing that can be done to stop it. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper hydration can help to keep your insides well and your outsides looking younger. 

Take care of yourself to make those results last. You might also want to seek touch-up treatments between facelift surgeries, like dermal fillers or facial injections. Then, eventually, it will be time for a second facelift. Many surgeons recommend facelifts to be performed in 10-year intervals. Discuss your thoughts about the long-term care for your facelift with your plastic surgeon.

Get More Information About Facelifts

If you still have concerns that are keeping you from scheduling a facelift, why not get the answers that could set your mind at ease? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert Kessler, a board certified general and plastic surgeon. 

He completed his medical degree with Honors from Tufts University in Boston and completed a distinguished General Surgical Residency with North Short/NYU in New York, before a Plastic Surgery residency with the US Air Force and the University of Texas. 

Today, Dr. Kessler operates two practices in California, has worked as a surgical consultant and surgical assistant on ABC’s Extreme Makeover, and has lectured nationally and internationally on topics including facial rejuvenation, plastic surgery, and body contouring after substantial weight loss.

 To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kessler, contact his office, located at 2121 East Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 200, in Newport Beach, California by calling (949) 644-6544.

Celebrate Extreme Weight Loss With a Tummy Tuck

According to the CDC, more than 34 percent of the adults in the United States are obese.

 If you're one of the success stories who managed to lose a substantial amount of weight, you should feel amazing.

Yet, many men and women report that they actually feel worse after losing large amounts of weight. Loose sagging skin is one of the biggest complaints, and it's one that can make it impossible to fit into clothes and enjoy the weight loss.


Following excessive weight loss, head to a plastic surgeon to discuss a tummy tuck. While it is a surgical procedure, you'll feel amazing when the loose skin is gone.

The Surgical Steps to a Tummy Tuck

To remove excess skin and fat following weight loss a tummy tuck is often advised. Not only do the rolls of excess skin get removed in this procedure, but the surgeon tightens the abdominal muscles to help create the new, more slender form.

With this surgery, expect to be under general anesthesia for two to five hours. Once you are under the effects of  anesthesia, an incision is made from one hip bone to the other, just above the pubic hair. An additional incision may be made at the belly button. The abdominal muscles are adjusted and secured with sutures and then excess skin and fat are removed from the lower abdomen and the incision at the belly button.

Once the tummy tuck is complete, the incisions are closed using sutures. Drains may be put in place to help fluids drain from the incisions. Your body is wrapped in a compression garment to control swelling and support the healing abdomen. Once you've recovered from the anesthesia, you'll go home to recover.

Recovery and Beyond

At home, your recovery will take at least two weeks, but some patients need a few months before they are able to return to full workout routines. Bruising and swelling are common complaints, but you can use pain medications your surgeon recommends to help alleviate any discomfort. You must avoid vigorous activities for approximately four to six weeks. Your surgeon will advise you when it's safe to resume fitness activities, sexual intercourse, and heavy lifting.

Check out these before and after shots of one of Dr. Robert Kessler's tummy tuck patients. The results are truly amazing. You can experience the same benefits after extreme weight loss. Call Dr. Kessler at (949) 644-6544 to schedule a tummy tuck consultation.