Are Cosmetic Procedures Dangerous For The Elderly?

Leave a reply

It is not difficult to find information on the Internet that states that elderly patients are much more likely to experience complications after a surgical procedure. With this information readily available, it is easy to decide to forego that cosmetic procedure you’ve been dreaming about because you’re afraid.

However, according to a recent study presented in October’s annual scientific meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), this belief just isn’t true. This quick guide will help you to understand why plastic surgery in Las Vegas isn’t more dangerous for the elderly.

The Facts

The following facts were taken from the study presented in October at the ASPS annual scientific meeting. In this study, information was collected and analyzed about cosmetic procedures done between 2008 and 2013 from the CosmetAssure database. This is what the study revealed:

  • doctor consults with older female patient about plastic surgery las vegasElderly patients (average age 69) experienced complications at a rate of 1.94 percent. Younger patients (average age 39) came in at 1.84 percent.
  • Patients over the age of 80 experienced complications at a rate of 2.2 percent.
  • These comparatively low rates of complication occurred even with elderly patients who have health related indicators hinting toward a higher rate of complications. These indicators were commonly the presence of diabetes and a higher body mass index (BMI).
  • The only procedure after which elderly patients experienced more complications than younger patients is the abdominoplasty. Elderly patients had a 5.4 percent rate of complication while younger patients had a rate of 3.9 percent.
  • The most common complications experienced by elderly patients after a cosmetic procedure were hematoma, infection and difficulty healing.

What does this mean for you?

The results of this study are clear. Elderly patients, generally speaking, do not have to be concerned about a higher risk of complication if they are considering plastic surgery in Las Vegas. People over the age of 65 can safely pursue cosmetic procedures while facing a risk of complication only slightly higher than younger people who pursue those same procedures.

However, it is important to remember that the rate at which you are at risk of complication depends solely on you. While these statistics are pleasing, you want to make sure that you are truly a good candidate for whichever plastic surgery procedure you are considering.

This rate of risk also depends on whether or not you are working with a plastic surgeon that is board certified by the ASPS. Before you consider going under the knife, be absolutely certain that your surgeon is certified. This is a huge contributor to the overall success of any procedure you decide to undergo.

The best way to do this is by scheduling a consultation with one of the professionals at Reynolds Plastic Surgery. These board certified Las Vegas plastic surgeons have the skill and extensive knowledge to guide you toward your best course of action while respectfully considering your needs. For more information about plastic surgery in Las Vegas, contact 702.410.9800.

New Techniques Help Women Make An Informed Decisions About Breast Reconstruction

Leave a reply

Breast Reconstruction

In an effort to help women make “good decisions” about breast reconstruction, information about breast reconstruction has been gathered, analyzed and published in many medical journals.  Armed with this information, women will be able to make the best possible decisions once they thoroughly consider their personal preferences.

Decision Analysis

doctor consults with patient about breast augmentation in las vegasThe combination of information and personal preference is being referred to as decision analysis. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the process involves “finding alternatives, obtaining information about the uncertainty of outcomes, and clarifying preferences and values.”

When you think about it, this makes perfect sense. Women who are facing breast reconstruction have so many options to sort through before they can choose the procedure that is best for them. These women have to consider the purpose for the procedure as well as the results they would like to see from it. They need to think about the best time to have the procedure done and what kind of tissues they are going to use.

When these choices come after surviving breast cancer, you can see how making the best decision may be clouded by an anxiety to get back some sense of normalcy in life. Thankfully, that is when sensitivity analysis comes into play.

Sensitivity Analysis

Sensitivity analysis helps a patient weigh out all of her options in a way that respects the different factors that are involved. Things like costs, recovery time, risk and doubt are all taken into consideration during this part of the decision making process.

Many medical professionals believe that this is a critical step in the decision making process that is often overlooked. Women need to be able to make a decision having considered all their options as well as their concerns. The benefits and successes of breast reconstruction and breast augmentation in Las Vegas need to be weighed just as heavily as the risks and assorted uncertainties.

When women are able to made decisions that are well-informed, their overall experience increases. Patient outcomes increase because they are more aware of the reality of the procedure at hand. Their expectations are discussed and risks are considered before a decision is made.

To ensure that you have the best possible experience, schedule a consultation with a professional at Reynolds Plastic Surgery. The plastic surgeons here are dedicated to providing quality care so they will address your concerns as clearly as possible. For more information about breast augmentations in Las Vegas, call 702.410.9800.

What Type of Liposuction Options Are Available?

Leave a reply

Types of Liposuction Options

Liposuction is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Developments in the plastic surgery industry have made it so that there are a number of different options and ways to approach this standard plastic surgery procedure. Understand the options that are available to you so that you can make an informed decision about the type of liposuction procedure you’d like to undergo.

chose the right plastic surgery las vegas offers

Wet Liposuction

This is where a solution made of lidocaine, epinephrine and saline is injected into the area that is to have fat removed. The solution helps to loosen the fat and protect the area from bruising, pain and excessive bleeding. The amount used is usually less than the amount of fat that is being removed. The fat is then removed with a cannula via suction.

Super-Wet Liposuction

A solution similar to the one used in the wet technique is injected into the body. The primary difference is that there is more saline in this solution to dilute the medications in it. The amount of the solution used is roughly equal to the fat that is being removed. This makes high-volume liposuction procedures a little easier because the fluid levels are better balanced.

Tumescent Liposuction

In this procedure, the solution used in super-wet liposuction is diluted even more. The amount of solution that is injected into the body is equal to three or four times the volume of the fat that is being removed. The extra solution creates more space between the muscle and the fatty tissue so that the surgeon has more room to loosen the fat cells with the cannula. Because of the increased liquid volume, this procedure tends to take a much longer time than standard liposuction in Las Vegas.

Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

This is a relatively new development in liposuction that uses a powered cannula. The tip of the cannula used can move quickly with a calculated spinning rotation or in-and-out-movement. This power-assisted technology reduces how much the plastic surgeon needs to mechanically move the cannula. This decreases the discomfort and complications the patient is likely to experience.

Internal Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

This type of liposuction procedure uses a special cannula that sends ultrasonic vibrations into the body. The vibrations make fat cells explode so that they become liquefied and easier to remove. This is said to result in a procedure that is less traumatic for the patient because there is reduced bleeding and damage to connective tissues.

This procedure is usually done with general anesthesia or another form of heavy sedation because it can take longer than standard liposuction. This is also because there is an increased risk for burns, tissue death and scarring.

External Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (EUAL)

This procedure is very similar to UAL except that the ultrasonic waves are applied outside of the skin using a paddle rather than inside the skin with a cannula. This reduces the patient’s risk of complication and discomfort.

Just remember that this liposuction method isn’t used often because studies regarding the procedure’s safety and effectiveness aren’t completely conclusive.

Learn more about the liposuction treatment options available to you by scheduling a consultation with the plastic surgeons Las Vegas offers at Reynolds Plastic Surgery. These friendly professionals are dedicated to providing you with quality care and an enjoyable experience. For more information about our board certified liposuction doctor in Las Vegas, call 702.410.9800.

How Long Do Liposuction Results Last?

Leave a reply

How long do liposuction results last?

If you have been considering liposuction to treat stubborn fat cells, it is natural to wonder how long the results will last. While there are a number of resources that claim the results from liposuction are permanent, this is not completely true.

plastic surgeons las vegas use clock and calendar for resultsHow long the results of your liposuction last depends on a number of various factors. In order to alleviate confusion, reliable plastic surgeons compiled a quick guide to understand the results of liposuction better.

The primary determining factor in the permanence of your liposuction is how you manage your body after the procedure.

Your body has a certain number of cells. The quantity and location of your fat cells is determined by your genetics before adulthood. This means that you do not gain or lose fat cells. When you lose weight, the preset number of fat cells shrinks. When you gain weight, these cells get bigger. This is the cause of stubborn fat deposits in certain areas on the body.

When you undergo a liposuction plastic surgery procedure, fat cells are removed forever. They will not regenerate or multiply out of other fat cells. Because of this, the contour of your body is markedly improved. However, this only lasts as long as you treat your new body well with proper diet and exercise.

For example, let’s say you undergo a liposuction procedure in your abdomen. In this procedure, some – but not all – of the fat cells will be removed. Because there are still fat cells in the area, you can gain the weight back if you aren’t careful about what you eat and how much you exercise.

What does this mean for you?

In short, the takeaway message is that your liposuction procedure will be as permanent as you decide it will be. The choice is yours to eat well and exercise regularly.

Liposuction does not grant you an all-access-pass to your favorite snacks. Treat your body with respect and exercise a little discipline to make the most of your liposuction procedure.

You can also make your liposuction permanent by not considering it a weight-loss treatment. You will receive the longest lasting results if you are within 10 pounds of your ideal weight.

If you are unsure if you qualify for the liposuction procedures, schedule a consultation with one of the best plastic surgeons Las Vegas residents can trust. The professionals at Reynolds Plastic Surgery will be able to answer your questions and direct you toward the best course of treatment. For more information about our Las Vegas liposuction procedures, call us today at 702.410.9800.

What is Wetting Solution?

Leave a reply

If you have been researching the process of liposuction in Las Vegas, there is a chance you have come across the term wetting solution. If you have been curious about exactly what that is, Las Vegas plastic surgeons have provided an answer.

What is a wetting solution?

wetting fluid from las vegas plastic surgeonsAccording to many resources, wetting solution and tumescent solution can be used interchangeably. However, tumescent solution is used more often so that may be why you are unfamiliar with wetting solution.

Fundamentally, a wetting solution works the same as a tumescent solution. It is a fluid that is injected into the fat before a liposuction procedure. This is done to help prep the desired area so that the excess fat can be removed easily.

A wetting solution also makes it so that heavy sedation or general anesthesia are sometimes not necessary. It also reduces blood loss and the need for the intravenous resuscitation of fluids.

What’s in it?

A wetting solution works in this way because it is made with saline, lidocaine, epinephrine and sometimes bicarbonate.

The lidocaine is what numbs the area that is going to be treated with liposuction. It temporarily blocks the ends of the nerves from sending and receiving signals.

The epinephrine is what helps to reduce blood loss by causing the blood vessels in the area to narrow. Epinephrine is also useful because it helps prevent the body from absorbing too much lidocaine. This is important because lidocaine can become toxic if too much is absorbed by the body. Lidocaine toxicity can lead to an irregular heart rate, brain complications and even death.

Sodium bicarbonate is what makes the lidocaine less acidic. This is necessary in order to keep the solution from irritating the tissues and creating pain when it is injected into the body.

This concoction is beneficial for a number of reasons. With the help of wetting solutions, there is a reduced need of blood transfusions and other IV fluids. For the patient, there is less pain and nausea that can often be experienced after general anesthesia.

How is it used?

Wetting solutions are used primarily in liposuction procedures. However, it is also possible to see wetting solutions complimenting tummy tucks, breast lifts, breast reductions and facelifts.

To learn more about the possible use of wetting solutions in your plastic surgery Las Vegas procedure, schedule a consultation with one of the professionals at Reynolds Plastic Surgery. For more information about a good liposuction doctor in Las Vegas, call 702.410.9800.