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Tips for Overcoming Anxiety Before Plastic Surgery

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Choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery can be incredibly exciting, but this decision can also be a source of considerable fear and anxiety. Many patients that I have spoken with over the years admit that they were very nervous heading into their surgery. This is natural. Even a relatively minor cosmetic procedure is still surgery, which can be a scary proposition for many people. Part of my job is to make my patients feel assured and at ease heading into their procedure. That’s why I wanted to provide a few tips from my personal experience of what patients can do to help overcome their pre-surgery anxiety.

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Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Knowing that you are in good hands during your plastic surgery procedure will go a long way towards easing your pre-surgery fear and anxiety. That’s why it’s so important to pick an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your cosmetic procedure. Finding a surgeon who has the knowledge, manner, and medical team to make you feel comfortable through every step of the process can make all the difference in the world.

Do Your Research Before Your Surgery

I know no one wants to do homework, but learning more about your prospective procedure in advance can help you feel more in-command before surgery. Knowing more about your respective surgery, including exactly what it does and how it is performed, can relieve a great deal of worry and help you be more prepared for your consultation appointment.

Make the Most of Your Consultation

Your pre-surgery consultation appointment provides the ideal opportunity to ask your plastic surgeon about any aspect of your procedure that you are feeling unsure or anxious about. This can range from the final results you hope to achieve, to potential risks or complications associated with your surgery, or anything else you would like to know. The consultation appointment can also be a great time to confirm that you have a good rapport with your prospective plastic surgeon and feel comfortable in their care.

I know surgery can seem scary, but plastic surgery is safer today than it has ever been before. Staying optimistic about your procedure and the final results you hope to achieve is an important component of having the best plastic surgery experience possible. So, if you’re feeling uneasy, take a deep breath and look forward to the new, improved appearance that awaits you after surgery. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional cosmetic surgery tips, news, videos, and more.

What to Know Before Your Tummy Tuck Surgery

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For people attempting to achieve a trimmer, more shapely body contour, there is perhaps no area more frustrating to rejuvenate than the abdomen. Even for those who prioritize eating right and working out regularly, it can be nearly impossible to flatten the appearance of your belly with diet and exercise alone. That’s because in many cases, it is actually stretched, excess skin and not fat that is causing this. This is why tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, has remained so in-demand with men and women for so long.

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A tummy tuck is designed to help trim the midsection and waistline by removing excess skin and repairing damaged or weakened abdominal muscles. In order to know for sure if a tummy tuck is the right procedure to help them achieve their specific aesthetic goal, I like to assist prospective patients by outlining a few basic things they should know before undergoing this procedure. Here are a few things everyone should know before considering tummy tuck surgery:

Aesthetic Effects of a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is known as an excellent way to achieve a flatter, more-toned abdomen. It is commonly recommended to patients who experience excess skin around their belly that results from pregnancy, significant weight loss, or natural skin laxity over time. Additionally, a tummy tuck can help treat muscle separation in the abdomen that can lead to the appearance of a belly “pooch”. For patients who have their procedure performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, the results of a tummy tuck are intended to be long-lasting.

There are Different Types of Tummy Tucks

Like so many other cosmetic surgery procedures, a tummy tuck is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. I perform three different varieties of tummy tucks that each provide their own unique benefits to patients. Depending on the patient’s specific needs and preferences, I may recommend a standard tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck, or an extended tummy tuck. In some cases, I may also suggest combining a tummy tuck with liposuction to remove stubborn, excess fat from the abdomen and enhance the contours around the waist.

Medical Effects of a Tummy Tuck

In addition to improving the appearance of a person’s abdomen, a tummy tuck can provide medical benefits as well. A tummy tuck can repair the abdominal wall, which can help treat and even prevent future hernias. Many patients experience improved posture as a result of tightening weakened muscles in the abdomen. In some cases, tummy tucks have also been used to treat the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence.

Recovery After a Tummy Tuck

Recovery after a tummy tuck can last anywhere between two weeks and a month, though this will vary from patient to patient. It is common to use a temporary tube called a drain to help handle excess fluid from building up in the surgical site. I recommend patients wear a compression garment during the recovery to reduce post-surgical swelling and expedite the healing process. It’s important to avoid strenuous physical activity and any heavy lifting in the first two weeks of recovery.

As the old adage goes, knowledge is power. Hopefully knowing more about the procedure can help prospective tummy tuck patients make an informed and educated decision when considering all of their potential options. For more information on tummy tuck surgery or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter for additional plastic surgery tips, news, videos, and more.

Breast Revision Surgery: The Right to Be Satisfied with Your Procedure

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With decades of experience, I have seen thousands of patients in my time as a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon.  I have grown to have a deep understanding that each patient’s body is different and cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures can be both very different, yet extremely personal choices.

Atlanta Breast Reconstruction SurgeryWhen my patients consider a plastic surgery procedure like breast augmentation, I am always thorough in explaining the possible changes that can occur with implants over time. For patients who have had complications with their implants or experienced natural changes in breast tissue due to weight-loss or childbirth, breast revision surgery may be recommended. A further reason I see patients for breast revision surgery is that they are not satisfied with their results from their first surgery from other surgeons.  It is for this reason that I never stop encouraging patients to do complete research before pursuing cosmetic surgery. Always be sure to consult a board certified plastic surgeon who has sufficient experience and countless hours of practice in the procedure you are considering.

Breast revision surgery is never something to be ashamed of. You have a right to be fully satisfied with your procedure, and I’m committed to doing whatever is in my power to make that happen. Common reasons for breast revision surgery also include implant deflation, desire to change implant size or type, or capsular contracture. In this rare condition, the tissue around an implant can tighten and develop scar tissue, resulting in subsequent discomfort or an assymetric appearance. In these cases, breast revision surgery is crucial to achieve balanced, natural-looking breasts.

So, how does it work? During breast revision surgery, I make an incision to replace the original implant and address any other soft tissue issues.  If at all feasible, I prefer to use the original breast surgery incision to minimize additional scarring and keep you looking as natural as possible.  This varies according to each case but breast revision surgery may also be coupled with a breast lift to address sagging breasts.

If you would like to learn more about breast revision surgery, please contact us to schedule a consultation.  Be sure to connect with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news and information.