“Natural” Breast Augmentation

Considering breast reductionYou may have seen advertisements for “natural breast augmentation” and wondered “is that real?”. The answer is yes. But it also might be difficult to find. When this procedure is done properly, it seems like an all-around good situation: fat is taken from one area of the body and then placed into the breast as a natural enhancement.

This procedure has been advertised as having no side effects ever reported, but doctors disagree. Transferring fat from one part of the body to another may require multiple procedures over time, because grafted fat can dissolve. Another concerning thing is that when fat is transferred, it can die before it then hardens. During a breast exam, this hardened lump can easily be misdiagnosed as breast cancer.

To find objective information about natural breast augmentation is not easy. Searching for this on the internet will usually bring up pages of testimonials and positive articles from practices that do this operation. They will claim it’s safer and more natural.

Fat transfer to breast tissue started originally to help women who had a mastectomy reconstruct their tissue. Doctors have argued that traditional breast implants will be treated by the body as “foreign” and the body will attack. But placing something that is already found in the body may make it easier for the body to accept it.

However, problems could occur because it’s difficult with imaging. The fat that’s removed with liposuction no longer has a blood supply, and when it’s washed and put into a syringe, there is a risk of infection because it’s foreign body for a period of time.

If the transferred fat doesn’t grow the vessels, then those areas will die. You will then get oily cysts and hardened areas of scar tissues. These hardened lumps aren’t dangerous by themselves, but they can possibly increase the chance that when a woman is screened for cancer, those lumps will be mistaken for cancerous.

What are the side effects?

There are common side effects such as soreness, itchiness, discomfort. When doctors were asked about the cancer screening problem and doctors said while it was a problem, it’s very rare. Improvements in screening in the future will make it easier to discern the differences between cancerous lumps and lumps from these surgeries. This will make it less likely that women will need to get biopsies unnecessarily. 

As with any surgery, there are always concerns. However, if this is done correctly, there may not be any complications. It is definitely something to consider when thinking about the option of breast augmentation, but it may not be the best idea knowing all the risks that are involved. Infections are a serious concern and because of this, it is important to make sure that a qualified doctor is used to complete the procedure. Decreasing all possible risks of infection is a very important step to ensure that your procedure is done correctly and that you will have the best, most satisfactory results. There are pros and cons to “natural” and more traditional breast augmentation. Make sure to weigh these before making a decision.

 

 

Why You Need a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

 

Why You Need a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Top 10 Doctor - 2014

Plastic surgeons, just like other doctors, should obtain a board certification before they can open their practice. This means that they have experience in general surgery, as well as specifically in plastic surgery. Before you have a procedure done, you want to be sure you surgeon knows what he’s doing, don’t you? Well, how do you know if he’s certified? What does that mean?

What is Board Certification?

In order to practice medicine in the US, doctors have to be licensed by the states they wish to work in. However, just because they are licensed doesn’t mean they’re qualified to practice in that specific medical area.

Board Certified doctors voluntarily meet additional standards that go above and beyond basic licensing. They will demonstrate that they have expertise through Member Boards that are part of the Board Certification process. Before a doctor can be considered certified, they must complete four years of pre-med education at a college or university, course study that leads to an MD degree from a medical school, and three to five years of residency training.

In order to earn this residency, doctors have to pass a written test and sometimes even an oral exam that’s created and administered by a Member of the board in his specialty. This is only the first step. For the rest of their career, they must continue to undergo additional tests to maintain this board certification. This means they have to keep up with the newest advances in treatments and technology to give the best possible care from their practice.

Why do I need a doctor that is Board Certified?

Well, isn’t it obvious? A board-certified doctor has essentially proven that they are up-to-date with treatment and care, and that they understand, specifically, how to help you. You wouldn’t want a pediatrician giving you a face lift, would you? Definitely not.

In plastic surgery, there can be a lot of sketchy people who try to gouge you for money by professing they offer services that they really know little or nothing about! It should be important to you that the doctor you choose to use has the proper amount of education. You should be able to trust that you will be in good hands as you undergo possible life-altering procedures! This is not something you want to take a risk with.

How do I know if my Doctor is certified?

Your potential doctor may have some sort of display or indication in their practice. You can check for that or be sure by CLICKING HERE to enter your doctor’s name and find out if he is certified as we have done below for Dr. Reynolds!

Record Count: 1

REYNOLDS, BRANDON QUAYLE

Certified
11/16/2013 – 12/31/2023
Las Vegas, NV 89135

Plastic surgery, and any other surgeries for that matter, are serious procedures that should be approached with every level of caution and care possible. You wouldn’t want to risk your well-being at the hands of an inexperienced doctor! Make sure you’re taken care of, and you’ll be much happier with your results!

What is a Rhinoplasty?

SANYO DIGITAL CAMERAYou’ve probably heard jokes or seen movies that talk about getting a “nose job”. But what is it? This is also known as a rhinoplasty. This article will discuss what occurs during surgery, and what you can expect.

What is a Rhinoplasty?

This is a surgery used to reshape the nose. It can either make it smaller or larger, change the angle of the nose in relation to the upper lip, change the tip of the nose, or remove and correct bumps. It can also remove indentations or other defects in the nose.

During this procedure, the surgeon will make incisions in order to access the cartilage and bones that support the nose. These are usually made inside of the nose so they can’t been seen once the surgery is complete. Depending on what the patient desires, some bone may be removed, or tissue may be added (either from a synthetic filler or from another part of the body). After the surgeon has shaped and arranged the bone and cartilage, this skin will then be redraped over the structure of the nose. A splint will then be placed on the outside of the nose so the shape is supported as it heals.

This surgery can be done using local anesthesia or general anesthesia. It is typically done as an outpatient procedure, but may require a one-night stay in the hospital, or surgery center.

How well does it work?

Depending on what kind of correction you want, the results of your rhinoplasty may be very minor, or very significant. You and your plastic surgeon need to make sure you agree on the goals of the surgery. If you have realistic expectations, and your plastic surgeon shares those with you, you will likely get the results you desire.

This is a permanent thing, although if you get a subsequent injury, that could affect the nose’s appearance. Cosmetic surgery should only be done on a fully developed nose. This usually occurs by age 17 or 18 in males and by 15 or 16 in females. If a surgery is done before development is complete, continued growth can alter the results and even cause complications.

What are the Risks?

There will likely be temporary swelling and bruising around the nose and the eyes after a rhinoplasty has been completed. Other problems may include:

  • Injury or holes in your septum
  • Skin problems, including the breakdown of skin tissues and irritation from bandaging.
  • Bleeding
  • Infection. Antibiotics may and should be taken after surgery to reduce the risk of possible infection.
  • Complications of anesthesia
  • Severe nasal blockage, caused by swelling inside the nose.
  • The results may not be what you wanted.

As with any surgery, there are always complications and risks. But if it’s something you desire to have done, talk to your doctor to find out of this procedure is right for you. It may not only improve your appearance, but other things like your ability to breathe! A rhinoplasty can be a great procedure if done by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Reynolds.

Eyelid Surgery Las Vegas

What is Blepharoplasty?

What is Blepharoplasty?

Eye Lid SurgeryYou may have heard the term blepharoplasty and wonder – what on earth is that? Actually, chances are, you haven’t heard of that at all because the common explanation or word for this surgical procedure is an eyelift or eyelid lift. This article will explain more in depth on what to expect from this surgery.

What is a blepharoplasty?

A blepharoplasty is a procedure in which excess fat pockets and skin are surgically removed from the lower and upper eyelids. There is a trend that states that removing as much skin as possible in people with eyelid changes as well as age-related facial changes end up with conservative surgery and natural looking results. Other approaches include adding volume by grafting fat to the area or laser resurfacing.

When deciding whether or not you would like this surgery, you need a board certified surgeon that focuses on the structures around the eyelid, and not just the eyelid itself. All areas surrounding – such as mid face, eyebrow and cheekbones are necessary to have good and desirable results. If you have droopy eyelids or eyebrows, you will need to address this in a different way if it occurs in the same time. If you have hollowing of your lower lid, it would simply make things worse to remove more fat. If you add more volume with filler agents, you can improve the appearance of your face.

How do I know if I am a candidate for this surgery?

If you desire to acquire this surgery, you should consider a few things first. Have you had a prior eyelid surgery? This may increase your risk. Do you have a history of dry eyes? This surgery could make it worse. If you have excess eyelid skin or low set brows, you may be wise to combine a brow lift with the upper-eyelid blepharoplasty. You should customize your treatment plan so your age, examination findings, and gender, as well as your desired results are all taken into account. When you have a brow lift, the incisions could incorporate your eyelid-lift surgery. These incisions can be well-hidden underneath your brows and not leave a lasting scare. If you want a transformation, it needs to be approached with subtlety. When you combine these two surgeries, you likely obtain a more natural and youthful look. This also means you will have less skin to remove from the upper portion of your eyelids.

If you are interested in this surgery, it may be because you have a “hollowed-out” look in your upper eyelids. This could be age-related or possibly even caused by a previous eyelid surgery. Your doctor should perform an evaluation of your appearance be able to recommend the best thing for you that will allow you your desired results.  Often times, in place of surgery, you can acquire non-invasive injections or volume augmentations using fillers instead for a less evasive solution. You can obtain this procedure at the hands of a cosmetic surgeon. A ptosis repair can also improve the appearance of your eyelids.

This is a very delicate surgery and there is a lot to consider before completing it! Please schedule a consultation with Reynolds Plastic Surgery to see what your best options are. For more information, call our staff in Las Vegas at 702.410.9800.

What is a tummy tuck?

Girl in a pink bikini after a tummy tuck

What is a tummy tuck?

By far the most powerful surgery available to improve the abdomen is a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes extra skin from the abdomen and tightens the muscles in the abdominal area. Liposuction can be performed with every tummy tuck as well, to remove excess fat so the skin doesn’t have to stretch over that.

A tummy tuck is not the same as liposuction, although you may choose to get liposuction
along with a tummy tuck. This is a major surgery, so be sure to consult your regular doctor before having this procedure done. You may or may not be a candidate but it is important to find out beforehand.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Tummy Tuck?

Any man or woman who is good health could be eligible for a tummy tuck. Women who have had several pregnancies may find that they can no longer tighten their abdominal muscles and reduce excess skin with exercise. A tummy tuck may be useful in this situation. It is also an option for women or men who were once obese and may still have loose skin or excess fat deposits around the belly.

Who Should Not Consider a Tummy Tuck?

If you are planning to become pregnant at any point, you should postpone a tummy tuck until you’re through having children. During the tummy tuck surgery, your muscles are tightened. Pregnancy stretches the skin and can separate those muscles which can not only be painful but very dangerous.

If you are planning to lose a lot of weight, then a tummy tuck is not for you. This procedure should be a last resort after you have gone through every other option and it should definitely not be used as an alternative to weight loss.

Also consider this: there is a chance of scarring after a tummy tuck. You will want to talk about this possibility with your doctor before surgery. Removing excess skin can leave a scar.

How to Prepare for Tummy Tuck Surgery

Before undergoing surgery, your first step is to choose and meet with a surgeon for a consultation. At that consultation, you should talk about your goals and options.

If you are a smoker, your doctor may ask that you quit smoking at least two weeks before the surgery and two weeks after. Just cutting down on smoking is not enough. You must stop completely. Why? Smoking makes complications during surgery more likely and it will slow healing process after surgery.

Decide what kind of procedure you want:

  • Complete abdominoplasty. In this procedure, the surgeon will cut your abdomen from hipbone to hipbone. He will the contour muscle, tissue, and skin as needed. The surgery will involve moving your belly button. You may also need drainage tubes for a few days following the surgery.
  • Partial or mini abdominoplasty. If your fat deposit is located below the navel, you can have a mini-abdominoplasty done. During this procedure, the surgeon will mostly likely not need to move your belly button. This is also a much shorter procedure.

Is a tummy tuck right for you? Call us today at 702.410.9800 to set up a consultation!