Part of the Ballantyne Plastic Surgery breast augmentation recovery process involves breast massage, which can be done by the patient in the convenience of their own home. Here’s a look at how you can use breast massage and why it helps with your new breasts.

Why should I breast massage?

Your body will not automatically adjust to your new breasts. Your body’s response to this unnatural substance will be to create scar tissue. That scar tissue could affect your breasts in numerous ways. It could misshape the breasts, lessen the pocket size, or restrict the implant’s movement within the pocket. Regular breast massage can also avoid breast asymmetry while also maintaining their new contour. It also gives breasts a more natural feel that is not unusually firm.

When should I breast massage?

Breast massage should begin after the procedure. Your plastic surgeon will instruct you when and how to do your breast massage. It is usually recommended to engage in breast massage at a minimum of three times a day. There will be some discomfort initially, but this is a critical time as your breasts will begin to take on their new contour, position and shape. Once three months have passed, your doctor will instruct you how to continue your breast massage. Typically, around the four-month period, you can go down to once a day, and your doctor may even recommend daily massage all the way up to a year.

How do I breast massage?

There are several different techniques women can use for breast massage. The simplest way is to start out with your opposite hand on top of your breast implant and place the same side hand on top of the first hand. Push downward and count to ten. Your doctor may also want you to push to the middle or up on your breasts depending on how tight the skin is and where he wants the implant to move. Most patients do 10 “reps” like this a few times a day.

There are several other techniques that can be used, which include specific ones for specific problems or goals. Nevertheless, it is recommended to perform the basic breast massage as instructed by your doctor after your breast augmentation.

At Ballantyne Plastic Surgery, breast augmentation is performed by Dr. Liszka an experienced board certified plastic surgeon who considers every patient a priority. Charlotte plastic surgery has never been easier as liposuction, rhinoplasty, and all other kinds of cosmetic surgery are just a phone call away. Contact Ballantyne Plastic Surgery today and give yourself the look you have always wanted while discovering the art of confidence.

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The Initial Aftermath

Expect to be sore after your procedure because that will indeed happen. Your muscles will feel very tight, which will require you to have the help of someone for a day or two after the procedure. That help is not just to make your life easier, but it is also part of the healing process. Doing too much activity could do damage to yourself.

Expect swelling and bruising. Some women have hypersensitivity, or too much feeling, to their nipples and they can be very sensitive at this point. This is self-limiting and not permanent. Some also use ice for short intervals over the course of the day as well as pain medicine prescribed by your doctor. Recovery is also enhanced in this stage by wearing a surgical bra that will be placed at the conclusion of your operation. Within a week’s time, most of the immediate aftereffects should subside and you will be able to return to work and engage in some light activity.

Returning To Normalcy

Most of the initial side effects will be gone after a week’s time, but that doesn’t mean you are in the clear just yet. Some swelling and soreness will likely remain into the second and third week of recovery. You can then increase your activities, but do not overdo it. Your doctor will tell you when it is safe to resume exercise to decrease the risk of bleeding. Week four is when you should really start to feel “back to normal” as if you never had surgery.

A New Look

Scarring should begin to fade away in the first few months and your new breasts will begin to take on their new shape. All soreness and swelling should be gone by that point. Patients can also continue to practice regular breast massages. Your doctor will instruct you how to do the massage and for how long.

In Charlotte, NC Ballantyne Plastic Surgery can provide you with the breasts you have always wanted. Dr. Liszka will walk you through every step of the process and answer any questions you may have. For the best in Charlotte plastic surgery, contact the experienced team at Ballantyne Plastic Surgery. Discover the art of confidence today.

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Thigh lifts are a popular form of plastic surgery among women and are also referred to as a thighplasty. While this may not be the most common form of plastic surgery, it can be an effective way for women to get rid of pesky, unwanted fat in their thigh area.

To be considered a candidate for a thigh lift, patients should be relatively healthy and possess a body mass index that is below 35. The more ideal candidate would actually have a body mass index that is below 30. It’s also important to note that this is not a procedure recommended for people with extreme weight problems and is more appropriate for patients who find themselves at a stable weight and in good health.

While thigh lifts are a safe procedure, there is always a risk when undergoing any kind of surgery. Some of those risks include, skin discoloration, blood clots, asymmetry and fluid accumulation. However, qualified candidates generally experience a safe and effective procedure without any serious issues.

Just as the case is with most surgeries, there will be a recovery period that will limit day-to-day activity. Patients should expect some bruising and swelling following a thighplasty. Wearing a compression garment will aid a great deal in reducing the amount of swelling.

Patients should go into a thighplasty with the knowledge that there will be scarring afterward. However, the incisions are usually made right in the groin crease. That makes scarring easily concealed with clothes or even a bathing suit. Furthermore, those scars eventually fade and become less noticeable. Occasionally, an incision is made down the inner part of the leg to the knee for patients with extreme skin excess usually after massive weight loss. A thigh lift can leave you with the thighs you have always wanted.

Women request thigh lifts more frequently than men. The thighplasty procedure usually lasts between two and four hours and is done under general anesthesia. A thigh lift is usually an outpatient operation.

Ballantyne Plastic Surgery is staffed with a capable team of plastic surgeons that will enable your thigh lift procedure to be a successful one. Charlotte plastic surgery has never been better as Ballantyne Plastic Surgery offers all kinds of cosmetic surgery, including breast augmentation, liposuction, mommy makeovers and much more.

The post The Basics of Undergoing a Thigh Lift for Women appeared first on Ballantyne Plastic Surgery.

The Do’s

Do enlist some help because you are going to be off your feet for a while. Your little one is going to still make the same demands regardless of how you are feeling. Rest is important so make sure you have some help around the house and with your children.

The Don’ts

As is customary with any surgery, there are restrictions placed upon what women can do following a mommy makeover. There should be no heavy lifting of anything more than five pounds for the first few weeks. Patients should also plan for six weeks free of any aggressive activity.

The Realities

There is going to be some pain afterward, but maybe not as much as childbirth. It is perfectly normal to experience pain when undergoing a tummy tuck or breast augmentation, so expect it. Also, stay positive during your recovery time. This was a conscious choice and one that is rightfully yours, so don’t feel the need to always have to explain your decisions to others.

The Diet

Following your mommy makeover, be sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Protein shakes are good to drink as well. It is also important to stay away from foods that contain a lot of salt, because they could intensify swelling.

The Walks

The pain from your tummy tuck is going to cause you to walk a little bit hunched over. That is okay. You will not be expected to return to normal activity right away. Try walking around the house a little more each day after your mommy makeover, but don’t overdo it.

The Ice

Once you return home, ice is going to be your best friend. When applied in the first 72 hours, ice can really help reduce your swelling. Ice up in 20-minute intervals and you will see much less pain in your recovery.

If you are interested in a plastic surgery or cosmetic procedure, place your trust in Dr. Thomas G. Liszka, MD. Ballantyne Plastic Surgery center is the one and only place for cosmetic surgery in Charlotte. Whatever type of plastic surgery you are looking for, the team of experienced professionals at Ballantyne can give you the look you have always wanted.

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Before BOTOX

Inform your plastic surgeon of which medications you are taking. Certain medications can thin out your blood, which could lead to additional swelling after receiving your injections. Plenty of over-the-counter medications like aspirin and Ginseng can also thin your blood.

There is also the option of selecting a numbing agent if you do not want any pain whatsoever. You can opt for injections, which sends a numbing agent into your skin. You can also select non-invasive methods to ensure there is no pain, such as a cold spray or prescription cream.

During BOTOX

Don’t get too comfortable because BOTOX injections only take about 10-15 minutes to complete. Most patients don’t report much pain, but tolerance levels differ. What is happening is the BOTOX relaxes the muscles that lie underneath your skin. These muscles are what bring about wrinkles. A thin needle injects small amounts of something called botulinum toxin into the desired parts of your face.

The injections will not take effect for at least couple of days, in some cases, a little bit longer. However, you can resume your daily activities right after your injections. And if you are planning your BOTOX for a big event, such as a wedding, allow at least six weeks to pass after the injections for it to take its full effect.

After BOTOX

BOTOX requires time to settle, so do not engage in any strenuous activity for at least 24 hours and try not to lay down for at least four hours after receiving the injections. It is also important to avoid rubbing the area of injection. Doing so could cause the botulinum toxin to spread into different areas of your face. There can be some bruising or swelling, but don’t expect much pain afterward.

Before receiving any future injections, make sure you are completely honest with your doctor upon your next visit. BOTOX strengthens over time, so overlapping injections might be too much to handle and drastically alter your face.

Ballantyne Plastic Surgery has everything you need to give yourself the look you deserve. In addition to nonsurgical BOTOX treatments, B.P.S. offers a wide range of cosmetic surgery, including rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, Gynecomastia and much more.

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As women get older, many spend a good deal of time wondering whether or not a breast lift is right for them. Instead of continually wondering, there are ways to actually determine whether or not you are a qualified candidate for a breast lift. There are also different types of lifts for all different types of breasts.

It is first important to note that all breasts have a natural droop to them. So there is no need for every woman with even the slightest of droop to undergo this kind of procedure. However, there are tips to help women make the best decision.

The pencil test is a very revealing method. Place a pencil underneath the inframammary fold of your breast. Then release your breast and release the pencil. When the pencil falls to the ground, it means that you have passed the pencil test. If the pencil remains where it is, that’s an indication that sagging breasts need to undergo a breast lift. However, there are exceptions.

A woman can pass this test and still need a breast lift. That occurs when nipples are low and puffy. That indicates there is a need for reshaping and that can be accomplished with a breast lift.

Another way of determining whether or not a breast lift is right for you is to get an accurate gauge of where the nipple is in relation with the inframammary fold. Nipples that hang down low right in line with the inframammary fold could definitely be helped by a breast lift.

It is also important to note that candidates change over the course of time. Pregnancy, excess weight and normal aging all cause breast to droop. Therefore, a perky pair of breasts on a 20-year old woman may not be so perky when she nears the age of 40.

There are also different kinds of breast lifts. The Periareolar lift removes the round portion of skin that encircles the areola and may include parts of the areola as well. This is done in an effort to draw the breasts closer together.

A vertical lift is a common procedure that is used on breasts that tend to really sag and it does not leave a scar in the inframammary fold. Lastly, the full lift is the most extreme which removes extra skin on the lower part of the breast.

When it comes time for your breast lift, contact the experienced team at Ballantyne Plastic Surgery. Charlotte’s leader in cosmetic surgery, Ballantyne’s team of professionals will help decide which procedure is right for you.

The post How to Determine If You Need a Breast Lift appeared first on Ballantyne Plastic Surgery.

This is extremely important because it means the device has been safety tested and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. And while many people are just starting to learn about microneedling, it becomes even more important to have a semblance of security when opting to go through with this process. A product that is cleared by the FDA typically brings peace of mind to the people who use it.

It is also important to gain FDA approval when it comes to microneedling because of the process involved. Microneedling actually creates micro-injuries, which serve the function of stimulating the body’s healing process. This product is used to remodel scar tissue, which is usually a result of acne. It is a way for people to regain clearer skin after having been forced to deal with unpleasantness of acne.

Using any type of product or service on your face should always be considered with a great deal of scrutiny. A microneedling product has the potential to bring positive results but using the wrong one could bring about adverse effects. SkinPen has taken extensive measures to be cleared by the FDA, something not all microneedling products can claim.

So what did the FDA clear exactly?

It goes beyond just clearing the product, but also the process involved. The FDA has cleared the BioSheath used to prevent cross contamination. That is attributed to the customized design of the BioSheath. The product is unique in its creation. The FDA also cleared the Skinfuse ® Lift HG hydrogel, which is also used in the microneedling process. This component protects skin from friction and abrasions while treatment is being administered.

It should really come as no surprise that the FDA has cleared SkinPen because it was created with safety as its top priority. And to be the first product of this kind to receive FDA approval means that SkinPen has established the industry standard in microneedling. Any competitor will now have to strive just to meet that standard.

There is now no reason to take a chance on any other device when SkinPen’s safety has already been tested and approved.

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A cosmetic surgery approach is the only guaranteed way to win the fight against a double chin. Many people have tried dieting, although weight loss cannot always eliminate the double chin. Genetics also play a big part in one’s facial structure and it is not something that can be altered with more vitamins, less fats or a low-carb diet.

A quick online search will showcase numerous ways to battle the onset of a double chin. There are holistic methods, recommendations for drinking more water and getting more sleep, and even different facial exercises. These are no match for quality plastic surgery, such as the ever popular neck lift, or non-surgical injections.

The traditional neck lift remains the most popular solution even with the recent introduction of Kybella injections, designed to reduce neck fat without the knife. The reason so many people opt for a neck lift is because no other method is able to actually remove excess skin. A neck lift will take away fat deposits and change the muscle structure. The gift of technology enables a plastic surgeons to perform this procedure with just a minimal amount of scarring. Due to the fact that there are only a small number of incisions, the end result will look very natural.

Another excellent perk that comes with a neck lift is that the results are immediate. There is no need to adhere to a strict diet and wait months upon months for results. The procedure only lasts a couple of hours. Sometimes, results can also be achieved strictly with liposuction and no actual surgery.

Many men report more confidence after undergoing a neck lift as there is a certain masculine feature that comes with having a pronounced jawline. Women also report more confidence as a neck lift provides them with a more youthful look and gives them a thinner appearance.

A neck lift is more expensive than dieting or some other type of do-it-yourself method, but the value is in the results. So if you start to notice a double chin in the mirror, know that there is only one proven option to end that battle.

A neck lift can also be done in conjunction with other types of plastic surgery, such as a face lift or facial implants. With all those proven methods on your side, the dreaded double chin will not stand a chance.

Ballantyne Plastic Surgery has years of experience performing all types of facial surgeries and non-surgical procedures. From rhinoplasty to face lifts to eyelid surgery, Ballantyne has you covered with the best in Charlotte plastic surgery. Discover the art of confidence – calling today.

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Medicate

Following a facelift procedure, your doctor will prescribe some kind of antibiotic and/or pain killer. The antibiotic will eliminate any potential infections, so be sure to follow through with the doctor’s instructions in terms of taking the medication until it is finished. Also stay mindful of the adverse effects certain medications may have on you, such as drowsiness or nausea.

Mind your diet

In order for the healing process to run its course, your body needs the proper nutrients. Your facial muscles actually depend on the right nutrients to aid in the healing process. That not only includes eating healthy, well-balanced meals, but it also includes taking the necessary vitamins.

Sleep right

This does not mean just getting your necessary eight hours of sleep, but it also means elevating your head when you sleep. This will help lessen any swelling while also allowing any fluid to drain from your face.

Enlist some help

After your face lift surgery, you will not be able to drive home. Arrange for someone to give you a hand the day of the surgery as well as assisting you the following day or two. Usually, it takes a couple of days for patients to be able to move around the house, although plenty of rest is still recommended.

Be prepared to be puffy

When your bandages are removed, your face will be swollen and bruised. Some people may get depressed upon seeing this. Remember that it is only temporary. Your swelling will fade, although the procedure itself will bring about some initial changes. So be prepared for it.

Expect some discomfort

The few days that follow the actual face lift will bring about some discomfort. However, after those few days, you will start to feel better. Do not be alarmed if you experience tightness after the first week while a dry, roughness in your skin could last as long as a couple of months.

Get a cold compress

Bruising and swelling after a face lift is to be expected, although investing in a cold compress and using it throughout the day can help speed up the healing process. Use a cold compress throughout the day and combine that with rest. Follow the advice of your doctor on how and when to use the compress.

Face lift surgery at Ballantyne Plastic Surgery gives patients the look they have always wanted. With Dr. Liszka and his team of experienced nurses and aestheticians, Ballantyne Plastic Surgery provides complete service from beginning to end, making for a pleasant, safe and productive experience that will enhance your inner beauty.

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Gynecomastia, also known as male breast enlargement, can be caused by a number of factors. Some men notice an increase in breast size at puberty. While this usually subsides, some men continue with this into adulthood. Other causes of male breast enlargement can be from obesity, prescription drugs, or marijuana. It can also occur as we age. As men grow older, they produce less testosterone. A common effect of this decrease in testosterone is a rise in estrogen levels that could lead to an enlargement of the breasts. Whatever the cause of gynecomastia, its appearance often gives men an unnatural look while also causing them to become more self-conscious.

Fortunately, there is a successful surgical solution for gynecomastia. The ease of male breast reduction surgery makes this a very popular procedure for men afflicted with gynecomastia.

According to the 2014 American Plastic Surgery Report, there were over 286,000 male breast reduction procedures done in the United States in 2014. That ranks No.1 among all male cosmetic surgical procedures.

The procedure itself is not very long and usually lasts between one and two hours and is done as an outpatient. The operation is done under general anesthesia is administered, making for a painless procedure.

Many men attempt to hide their gynecomastia with baggy clothing while others avoid places like the beach and swimming pools. Gynecomastia surgery can restore self confidence in your appearance that can also result in less stress and anxiety in social situations. Essentially, a male breast reduction will help from a medical standpoint with stress reduction as well as a cosmetic one.

The trend of male breast reduction is also becoming more common among teenage boys. The American Plastic Surgery Report indicated that the number of boys who underwent a breast reduction was up by 14%. There were 8,040 procedures done in the United States in 2014 on males ranging from ages 13-19 years of age.

Dr. Liszka of Ballantyne Plastic Surgery has over twenty years of experience working with male patients who have gynecomastia. From the very beginning of the process, Ballantyne Plastic Surgery can help men of all ages get the results they truly want with as little inconvenience as possible.

Resources
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Documents/news-resources/statistics/2014-statistics/cosmetic-procedures-teens.pdf
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Documents/news-resources/statistics/2014-statistics/cosmetic-procedures-men.pdf

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