Surgical Vs. Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation

Undergoing a facial rejuvenation treatment is a critical cosmetic decision you may elect to make at some point in your life. The treatments are effective in changing, refreshing, and revitalizing the face, eliminating adverse effects of aging, and restoring a glowing, youthful appearance.

There are a variety of facial rejuvenation procedures. And so the right procedure depends on the cosmetic issue you want to resolve, whether you want a short-term or long-term solution, and on whether you want an invasive or non-invasive option.

 

What are the most common surgical facial rejuvenation procedures?

 

1. Facelift

A facelift is a surgical procedure to create a younger look in the face, often by removing unwanted wrinkles by tightening the skin of the face. The procedure can reduce sagging skin. It can also help smooth folds of skin on the cheeks and jawline

A facelift can help you to:

  1. Remove fat and sagging skin, especially in a less defined chin
  2. Eliminate jowls that appear clearly distinct
  3. Remove deep skin folds that cause thick lines to appear around your nose and mouth

Pros and cons of a facelift

Pros:

  1. Tightens facial muscles
  2. Repairs loose skin
  3. Improves facial contours
  4. Produces long-lasting results

Cons:

  1. Like every other surgery, there are risks
  2. Out of pocket costs
  3. Aftercare needed
  4. Requires prolonged recovery time

2. Endoscopic brow lift

Endoscopic brow lift is a surgical procedure to correct loss of soft tissue elasticity in the upper third of the face.  During the procedure, your doctor inserts a flexible tube through a surgical incision. Then, the tube is used for various reconstructive and cosmetic surgical techniques.

Brow lift surgery removes excess sagging skin from around the forehead. And since sagging of forehead skin is a major cause of drooping (ptosis) of the brows and wrinkling of the forehead, the procedure helps to create a more refreshed, youthful appearance.

Pros and cons of endoscopic brow lift

Pros:

  1. Treats drooping eyebrows, which when untreated can obstruct vision
  2. Corrects sagging eyelid skin, which can makes many appear grumpy and fatigued
  3. Eliminates frown lines and forehead creases between eyebrows
  4. Makes you look younger, friendlier, and more pleasant

Cons:

  1. May cause scarring, fluid accumulation, bleeding, and eye irritation
  2. May cause hair loss around the incision sites

3. Eyelid surgery

Eyelid surgery is a cosmetic procedure to remove excess skin or fat from the eyelids. It improves drooping or hooded eyelids.  There are two types of eyelid surgery:  upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery.

Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin in order to achieve a refreshed eye appearance. On the other hand, lower eyelid surgery corrects eyelid bags and hollowing.

Pros and cons of eyelid surgery

Pros:

  1. Corrects eye puffiness
  2. Eliminates fine lines around the edges of the eyes
  3. Removes hooded skin around eyelids
  4. Reduces eye bags around the lower eyelids
  5. Makes eyes to appear younger, healthier, and refreshed
  6. Improves peripheral vision

Cons:

  1. Results take time to appear after the procedure
  2. Can cause itching and dryness
  3. Can cause scarring, bruising, and swelling
  4. In rare cases, may cause temporary blindness and double vision—which tends to last a few hours after the procedure; sight usually regained in a day

4. Facial implants

For reconstructing, augmenting or rejuvenating facial contours, facial implants are a great option. Your doctor makes an incision and inserts an implant at the treated area. Upon healing, the area acquires enhanced contours. 

There are a wide range of sizes and styles of facial contours and your doctor will give the right recommendation depending on the nature of your facial contours.

Pros and cons of facial implants

Pros:

  1. Quick procedure that produces permanent results
  2. Eliminates facial deficiencies and asymmetry, particularly at the chin, jaw, or cheek
  3. Does not require procedures elsewhere in the body, such as abdominal fat grafting

Cons:

  1. Comes with the risk of infection, which may require implant removal
  2. May cause abnormalities if the implants shift
  3. May damage facial muscles and nerves

 

What are the most common non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures?

When you want to get rid of wrinkles and restore a youthful appearance but can’t afford a prolonged recovery time, non-surgical rejuvenation may be ideal.  The non-surgical methods take just a few minutes to perform, require no downtime, and produce results that can last 3 months to 5 years.

Common non-surgical procedures include:

  1. Dermal fillers
  2. Botox injections
  3. Fat transfer
  4. Ultrasound
  5. Laser lifts
  6. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
  7. Kybella

1. Dermal fillers

If your skin has become wrinkled, saggy and lax, due to your age, you can rejuvenate the affected areas through dermal fillers. Tissue fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane are effective in sculpting, firming, and restoring affected areas by stimulating collagen production.

Dermal fillers can help to treat:

  1. Jowls
  2. An aging neck
  3. A lax jawline
  4. Chin wrinkles
  5. Volume loss
  6. Marionette lines
  7. Nasolabial folds (smile lines)

The pros and cons of dermal fillers are:

Pros:

  1. Quick, non-invasive treatments
  2. Help to achieve cosmetic goals
  3. There are a variety of filler options

Cons:

  1. Results last for varying times—some a few months, others up to a year
  2. May require repeat treatment to maintain results
  3. The costs of treatments and touch-ups may be high

2. Laser treatments

The two major laser options are laser skin tightening and laser skin resurfacing. Both are quick, easy techniques of addressing subtle signs of aging.

Pros and cons of laser treatments

Pros: 

  1. Smooth out wrinkles
  2. Long lasting results
  3. Even out skin tone
  4. Tighten the skin
  5. Eliminate age and brown spots
  6. Stimulate collagen production
  7. Treat acne scars
  8. Treat sun damage
  9. Provide skin with a beautiful glow

Cons:

  1. Longer recovery period
  2. Can have adverse effects, such as scarring, cold sores, and skin darkening or lightening, depending on how powerful the laser used is.
  3. Skin redness after treatment, which gets worse before it can get better

3. Botox injections

Botox treatment involves the injection of the cosmetic form of botulinum toxin. When administered, Botox reduces or eliminates facial lines, including forehead creases, Crow’s feet, and frown lines.

Botox works by removing tension from muscles, which in turn reduces wrinkles and produces a younger, smoother, more refreshed appearance. It also relieves migraine headaches, helps with excessive sweating, and minimizes muscle spasms in the neck and eyes.

Pros and cons of Botox treatment

Pros:

  1. Softens wrinkles, producing a refreshed appearance
  2. Relaxes muscles of the forehead and eyes, giving outstanding results.

Cons:

  1. Accompanied by flu-like symptoms (rare) and headache
  2. May cause a little pain and bruising

 

Which facial rejuvenation treatment is best for you?

Since there are a variety of facial rejuvenation treatments, it can be difficult to make the right choice. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon, and don’t hesitate to talk about your desired outcomes. They will assess you, consider your goals and expectations, explain to you the available options, and guide you in making the fitting choice.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we offer a wide range of surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments. Dr. Effie Politis is a board-certified plastic surgeon, who has extensive experience in facial rejuvenation procedures. She will gladly assist in examining which options are suitable for you, to get the best possible outcome. 

For more information on facial rejuvenation treatments and options, contact us today! 

Breast Augmentation Featuring Dr. Effie Pappas Politis

 

Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammoplasty, is surgery to increase breast size. The ultimate goal of the procedure is to help you look and feel your best. 

Many women feel that their breasts are too small or have concerns that one breast is smaller than the other which can lead to less confidence. Also, you may struggle with how to dress or with the type of bra to help you with the asymmetry.  

But through augmentation, you can adjust for uneven breasts, whether after pregnancy or following significant weight loss. Most women feel good about their breasts after surgery and regain confidence and self-esteem.

Making the decision

Breast augmentation involves placing breast implants under your breast tissue or chest muscles to enlarge your breasts.  But it is not something your doctor or someone else can decide for you.  It is a personal decision made by you and for you.  

Nevertheless, if you’re considering the procedure, you should speak with a plastic surgeon to help you understand what the surgery involves, including the benefits, possible risks, complications, and follow-up care. Your surgeon will also help you find out if the procedure is the right decision for you in terms of your overall health.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we make sure our patients have thoroughly considered the procedure before they schedule their operation. So when you book your consultation with us, we use the session to review your goals, expectations, and what we can achieve together. 

During the consult, we also review your medical history and educate you on the FDA approved breast implants available in the market today. At the end of the session, we’ll make the decision whether the procedure is appropriate for you, discuss the techniques we will use, and give your instructions on how to prepare for the surgery.

Types of implants used

In today’s market there are a variety of breast implants available for breast augmentation. We encourage you to use your initial consultation to discuss your implant options with your plastic surgeon. 

Generally, the implants differ in terms of surface, filler material, shape, and how they are inserted.

  1. Filler material

Generally you have the choice of implants filled with cohesive silicone gel or with saline (salt water solution) both of which have an outer silicone shell. 

If you are 22 years or younger, your surgeon is likely to recommend saline implants. These implants are inserted empty, and then filled with sterile salt water once they are in place.

  1. Implant surface

You also have a choice between smooth and textured implants. Textured breasts implants have bumps on their surfaces, which are aimed at reducing the risk of contracture—a complication that may develop after augmentation. 

But if you want a softer, more natural feel, then implants with smooth rather than bumpy surfaces are ideal. Speak with your plastic surgeon about contracture and other complications as you make your implant choice.

  1. Shape

There are two shape options for breast implants: round and tear drop. Round implants are very popular as they conform best to the natural shape of the breast and provide a bustier and fuller look or what’s is called a responsive look.

Tear drop implants, also called anatomic or contoured implants, are a great option for women with parts of their breasts removed during prior surgery, such as reconstruction or mastectomy. 

Also, if you have a significant amount of your breast tissue descended, then a tear drop implant can provide the volume to elevate and mount your breast back to the chest wall. 

Likewise, your surgeon may recommend tear drop implants if you’re undergoing revision surgery due to rippling or malposition or to give shape to your breasts if you have so little breast tissue.

  1. Placement

Breast implants can be placed either behind your breast tissue (sub-glandular) or behind the chest muscles (sub-muscular). 

Roughly 75-percent of augmentation is usually done in the sub-muscular plane as it reduces the chance of scar tissue contracture and allows for easier mammography after the surgery. 

Plus, sub-muscular placement usually offers better results if you are thin or are hoping to drastically enlarge your breasts. 

Alternatively, sub-glandular placement gives great results for breasts that are sagging.

Quick, outpatient procedure

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we perform breast augmentation as an outpatient procedure. So in virtually every case you can expect to go home the same day. And to ensure the procedure is safe and successful, we have assembled a team of experienced nurses as well as board-certified anesthesiologists to provide you the best experience possible.

While there are lots of myths about recovery from breast augmentation, at Politis Plastic Surgery, we provide you with specific post-operation pain relief.  As well, there are blocks performed by board-certified anesthesiologists, which ensure less anesthetic drugs during the procedure and better pain relief after the procedure.

Our patients typically go home satisfied the same afternoon and resume showers and activities the next day. For more information on breast augmentation and other plastic surgery procedures, visit the site “Politis Plastic Surgery.”

Top 3 Recovery Tips for Successful Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) results

The Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is one of the quickest, safest and most efficient ways of achieving a curvier and fuller butt. And because the procedure involves liposuction, where your body fat is extracted, purified and re-inserted into your buttocks, the procedure provides a dramatic full-body transformation that looks and feels natural.

With the more natural BBL, you’ll avoid the risk of out-of-proportion implants should your body change with time. And if you maintain a proper diet and regular exercise, the procedure gives you a more contoured, appealing and youthful appearance that can last a lifetime.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, the Brazilian butt lift is a popular procedure. And we’re happy to meet and discuss your options. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Effie Politis is available to discuss patient’s goals and concerns weighing the benefits, risks and potential complications of the surgery. Also, the preparations for the procedure and the recovery process will be explained and explored as well.

What are the top 3 recovery tips for successful Brazilian butt lift (BBL) results?

  1. Avoid putting pressure on your butt?

This may appear obvious but it is often a very challenging part of the Brazilian butt lift recovery. Of course, sitting is not only an instinctive response whenever you feel tired but also something that’s natural and almost inevitable when traveling, eating a meal, working at your desk or watching a movie.

Nevertheless, after a butt lift surgery you’ll need to avoid sitting, particularly during the initial healing period, to reduce the pressure on your butt. The procedure uses your own cells by transplanting a precise amount of your purified fat into your buttocks. These newly transplanted cells require special care to settle, heal and get accepted by your body. 

Sitting down on the newly relocated cells adds pressure and restricts blood flow. In turn, a greater portion of the fat cells may die. Also, the fat cells may shift in position which adversely affects the final results and the eventual shape of the butt.

After the BBL procedure, you must avoid sitting on your butts by standing more often or resting on your side or front when you can’t stand. And when sleeping, you’ll need to avoid pressure on your back by lying on your front or side. Placing a pillow between your legs will help to keep you in position.

Still, if you have to sit, then you’ll need to minimize the pressure on your butt by:

    • Keeping your sitting time to less than 5 minutes, especially for the first 14 days.
    • Not driving or flying during the first 2-3 weeks after your procedure.
    • Using a doughnut-shaped cushion for up to 6 weeks after your operation to help relieve pressure on your butt.
    • Opting for sitting techniques that will reduce pressure on your butt, such as sitting backward on a chair or sitting on your thighs while using pillows for extra support.
    • Avoiding prolonged soaking, baths, hot tubs, pools, and the beach. Regular showers are better.
  1. Wear a compression garment

After the procedure, you will be discharged with a compression garment to diminish swelling and enhance comfort. Typically, you should wear the compression garment as instructed for 3-6 weeks and in some cases up to 8 weeks after the surgery.

During the first 2-3 weeks after BBL, you will wear the garment during the day and night and only take it off when bathing. Then from week 4-6, you will wear the garment for about 12 hours per day, either during the daytime or nighttime, depending on your routine.

The compression garment should fit comfortably. It should not be too tight to cause excess pressure to your buttocks. So speak with us if you have any concerns about your garment—how it fits or any discomfort it causes. We will inspect the treated area and make the necessary garment adjustments.

  1. Be patient and listen to your body

The final results after Brazilian butt lift takes time. And so please be patient with your body as it heals. During the first 3 weeks, there will be a significant but temporary increase in the size of your butt due to expected postoperative swelling.  

Don’t be anxious or alarmed if your butt appears slightly out of proportion or asymmetrical to the rest of your body as this is a normal part of the healing process. Plus, even after the swelling subsides, it may take up to 6 months before the final results are permanent.

To enhance your recovery, you should also:

    1. Maintain a nutrient-rich, healthy diet

A balanced diet made of healthy fats (like avocado and fish), lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and lots of fruits and vegetables will give your body the ingredients it needs for faster recovery. 

It is essential not to gain significant weight that can distort the results. Also, you should avoid any weight-loss exercises or diets during your recovery.

    1. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated

Being hydrated will support your body to heal faster and will help you achieve desired results.

    1. Stay active

Generally, you should avoid strenuous exercises and rigorous activities for at least one month.

    1. Use the prescribed painkillers

Pain and soreness is part of the Brazilian butt lift recovery period. So you’ll need to manage the pain and discomfort during the first few days after the procedure using the prescribed pain medications. As the pain subsides, you can use over-the-counter medicine as directed by your physician to make your recovery as easy as possible.

    1. Get help from a friend or loved one

Seek the assistance of your friend or loved one with various tasks around the house during the first few days. This will minimize the risk of injuring yourself or causing complications.

that her post-operation instructions will help you recover fast and get back to work quickly.

For more information on the Brazilian butt lift and other plastic surgery procedures, visit the site “Politis Plastic Surgery.”

Dr. Effie Politis Named to Tampa Magazines’ 2022 Top Doctors List

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

July 5, 2022

Contact: Dr. Effie Politis

(813) 542-2587

Dr. Effie Politis Named to Tampa Magazines’ 2022 Top Doctors List

July 18, 2022 — Dr. Effie Politis was voted by her peers to Tampa Magazines’ 2022 Top Doctors list in the specialty of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.

In May, Tampa Magazines sent surveys to 11,260 physicians practicing in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties asking them to nominate the peers they believe stand out from the rest. Tampa Bay physicians chose nearly 300 of their peers from 68 practice areas as this year’s Top Doctors.

“Our annual Top Doctors edition has become one of our most popular issues,” says Shawna Wiggs, group publisher of Tampa Magazines. “The winners list is a valuable resource that readers consult all year long when they find themselves in need of medical guidance and treatment.”

The 2022 Top Doctors list will be available in the August 2022 edition of TAMPA Magazine, South Tampa Magazine, Tampa Downtown Magazine and TAMPA Digest Magazine, as well as online at tampamagazines.com.

About Tampa Magazines

Tampa Magazines is the parent company of TAMPA Magazine, TAMPA Downtown Magazine, South Tampa Magazine and TAMPA Digest Magazine. The Tampa Magazines team has been telling the city’s story since 2003, highlighting the best that Tampa has to offer in arts and culture, food and drink, home and garden, business, history and personalities. Keep up with the latest online at tampamagazines.com and on social media at @tampamagazine, @southtampamagazine and @tampadowntown

What is the fastest way to recover from breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation can produce delightful, life-changing results. After a successful procedure, many feel more confident, more comfortable, and more self-assured with your body than you’ve felt in years. 

But when thinking about the procedure, you’ll also be considering how soon you’ll recover and how quickly you’ll be able to resume work and get on with your usual routine. That is why at Politis Plastic Surgery, we offer the rapid 24-hour recovery breast augmentation. 

The 24-hour fast-track recovery breast augmentation is a tailored technique that incorporates various operative and post-operative measures to reduce downtime and shorten the total recovery time.

If you’re interested in the rapid recovery breast augmentation surgery, please call our office at Politis Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation. If after the consultation session you’re deemed an appropriate candidate for the procedure, we will schedule your surgery and provide instructions on how to prepare for it.

So what is the fastest way to recover from breast augmentation?

A quick recovery after the procedure relies on the recovery protocols crafted before the procedure and implemented soon after the surgery.

24 Hour Rapid Recovery
Traditional Surgery
Surgical Instruments
Electrocautery forceps
An “L shaped” breast blunt dissector
Surgical Technique
  • Atraumatic dissection
  • 14 point plan to minimize bacterial load
  • Precise and gentle systematic dissection with instruments using prospective hemostasis
  • no drainage tubes
  • no bulky dressing post-operatively (no bands, no massaging breasts)
  • Blunt dissection without clear visualization of pocket which may lead to injury to the muscle and ribs
  • Blood vessels not sealed before they bleed
  • Patient may have drainage tubes
  • Large, bulky compression dressings usually used
Post-operative Routine
Arm exercises performed frequently after surgery, including ambulation and showering that night
Arm movement limited for two weeks
Incision
Under the Breast (IMF)
Usually under the breast but can be axillary or peri-areolar
Possible risks
Same as traditional but significantly reduces due to precise operative dissection and prospective hemostasis
Capsular contracture, bleeding. Implant malposition, implant pocket asymmetry
Anesthesia
General with ERAS recovery pathways initiated preoperatively
General with local blocks
Recovery
24 hours
2 weeks
Price
Slightly less given less operative time spent intraoperative on implant selection and stepwise dissection process
Same ($8000-$8500)
Implant Selection
Narrow implant range chosen preoperatively using tissue based planning
Narrow implant range chosen preoperatively using tissue based planning
Implant Position
Subsfacial or Dual Plane
Either Subpectoral, Dual Plane, or Subglandular
Revision rate
<5%
10-15%
Capsular Contracture
minimized <5%
10-15%

Benefits of the rapid recovery breast augmentation

  1. Less need for narcotic pain medications
  2. Less downtime, being out and about in 24 to 36 hours
  3. Reduced risk of complications
  4. Being able to enjoy your augmented breasts more comfortably

Safe, effective quick-recovery breast augmentation

Would you like to undergo rapid recovery breast augmentation? For more information on breast augmentation and other plastic surgery procedures, visit the site “Politis Plastic Surgery.”

Can I have a combined plastic surgery consult with my mother, partner or friend?

A major tenet of plastic surgery is that you do it for yourself. Not to please your mother, spouse or friend.  You want to be certain that you’re undergoing a procedure that will change a feature you may want to improve or perhaps make you appear more youthful or just boost your overall appearance. 

Of course, you want to think it over carefully, get all the critical information and eventually make a decision that will help you look your best. 

Can you have a plastic surgery consultation that includes a friend or family member ?

If you’re comfortable with having a loved one or friend accompanying you then yes you are welcome to accompany you at your surgery consult. 

For privacy reasons, your plastic surgeon will speak with you to establish whether you would like the accompanying person to leave or stay in the room for that segment of your visit.

But before you decide to have a combined consult, make sure to first consider the pros and cons of doing so.

The pros of a combined consult include:

  1. Remembering important details

Having your mother, partner or friend with you can help you remember crucial details regarding the procedures you discuss with your plastic surgeon.  

During a typical consultation, many important medical and personal issues are discussed and a partner or friend may help you retain some details you missed or remind you of the questions you intended to ask your surgeon but have forgotten.

  1. Winning their full support

If you have an important person in your life that is helping you assess your options, meeting the surgeon together can help to address any specific concerns your friend or partner may have about your decision to undergo plastic surgery. 

  1. Making the sessions more relaxing and comfortable 

Being with a spouse or friend can make a consultation a more relaxed experience instead of an overwhelming one. The trusted confidante may give you the support you need to feel at ease if you are nervous about the consultation sessions or regarding the impending procedure.

  1. Making informed decisions

When making important and weighty decisions, you may need to hear from those who know you well and whose opinion matters the most to you. Going to a consultation session with a trusted friend or partner ensures you get timely feedback on the cosmetic changes you plan to have. In turn, you will feel more confident that you’re making the right decision.

  1. Ensuring a smoother recovery

After your procedure, you’ll need your post-op caretaker to give you the best possible support. A face-to-face meeting with your plastic surgeon is a great forum for your mother, spouse or other caretaker to learn what will be necessary during your recovery.

The cons of a combined consult include:

  1. You may find it difficult to speak openly

Your plastic surgeon expects you to speak honestly about your medical history and to share crucial personal information. If you find this difficult or embarrassing to do with another person listening, consider going alone.

  1. You may be overly influenced by another person’s opinion

A consultation session is a chance to express your personal feelings and preferences. It’s critical that you deeply consider what you really want. If you are an agreeable person by temperament, it may be difficult to tease out your desires versus your friend or family members preferences. 

  1. They may end up distracting you

If you attend a consult with someone who might dominate the conversation rather than listen, you may end up distracted. It’s important that anyone involved in your decision process considers your preference and best interests.

Are you planning to undergo plastic surgery to tackle a bothersome cosmetic issue? At Politis Plastic Surgery, we offer comfortable, relaxed consultation sessions to help prepare our clients for their procedures.

For more information on plastic surgery procedures, visit Politis Plastic Surgery

What is breast lift surgery?

A breast lift is a surgical procedure performed to raise and firm the breasts. Also called mastopexy, the procedure involves removing excess skin, tightening surrounding tissue, and creating and reshaping new breast contours.

Breasts tend to lose their shape and firmness, reduce in size, or sag over the years due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the effect of gravity on them. As a result, the breasts become unattractive and may cause a dip in a woman’s self-confidence.

Through mastopexy, such breasts can be raised, reshaped, and contoured to look more attractive. And if the breasts have lost their volume, implants may be inserted alongside a breast lift to increase both size and firmness.

In women with breast ptosis — nipples that sit below the inframammary fold or point downwards—the procedure restores the nipples to a position higher on the breasts. And for women with enlarged areola, the darker skin around the nipple, the surgery can reduce the size of the areola.

Who needs a breast lift?

Generally, women go for a breast lift surgery after pregnancy and breastfeeding, which usually leave them with stretched skin and reduced breast volume.  But it is also effective in getting rid of the adverse effects of aging on the breasts.

The procedure helps to change the alignment of the breast and nipple, eliminate breast sagging, and correct breast ptosis. Plus, it reshapes the breasts, changes the size or shape of the areola, and raises the nipple position relative to the rest of the breast.

Mastopexy is ideal for you if you have:

  1. Sagging, soft, out-of-shape breasts
  2. Flatter, elongated or pendulous breasts
  3. Nipples and areolas that point downwards
  4. Stretched breast skin and enlarged areolas
  5. One breast that is lower than the other
  6. Breasts that when unsupported have their nipples fall below the breast crease

But to undergo the procedure, you should also have:

  1. Fully developed breasts
  2. Good overall health
  3. Realistic expectations
  4. No future plans of pregnancy, which can reverse the results of the procedure

Besides, you should know that:

  1. A breast lift surgery will not radically change your breast size or perfectly round out the upper part of your breasts.  So if you desire much fuller or smaller breasts, then you should instead go for breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery.
  2. Pregnancy and breastfeeding after mastopexy will stretch the skin and reverse the results of the procedure. Hence, you should wait until breast development, child birth, and breastfeeding have stopped before you undergo the surgery.
  3. The size and shape of your breasts before mastopexy with influence both the procedure and the outcome. In fact, while breasts of any size can be lifted, you may not achieve long-lasting results if you have heavier breasts.

How is a breast lift surgery done?

The procedure begins with anesthesia. A specialist anesthetist administers a general anesthetic to keep you completely asleep as the surgery is performed. This helps to make the breast lift surgery painless.

Your plastic surgery will then make the appropriate incisions into your breasts to allow for resizing and reshaping. Incisions can be made around the areola, then vertically down to the breast crease, and further vertically down from the breast crease and horizontally along the breast.

Through the incisions, your plastic surgeon outlines the areas from which to remove excess breast skin and defines a new location for the nipple. The surgeon then uses the incisions to remove excess skin and to move the areola and nipple to a higher position.

Also, the skin around the areola is brought down. Then the breasts are reshaped. Usually, stitches are located around the areola, vertically extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the breast’s lower crease.

When a breast implant is to be inserted, together with the breast lift, it is placed in a pocket directly below the breast tissue, or much deeper under the chest wall muscle.

Finally, your surgeon closes the incisions. Some incision lines are buried in the natural breast contours while others are visible on the breast surface. Though incision lines are permanent, they fade and significantly improve with time. 

Your surgeon will layer out sutures deep within the breast tissue to create and support the newly contoured breasts. The skin is closed using skin adhesives, surgical tape, or sutures.

Remarkable, delightful results

Though the results of a mastopexy are not immediately visible due to bruising and swelling, the size, shape, position, and firmness of the breasts will change right away. Then, the overall results will improve as healing occurs, with lasting, pleasant results taking up to 6 months to be realized.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we offer a breast lift surgery to women, who are unhappy with their drooping, soft breasts. Our procedure is preceded with an open, candid consultation session that helps to explain the benefits, risks and alternatives to the procedure, define the goals of the treatment, and outline how to prepare for the surgery.

If you are looking for breast lift surgery in Tampa, FL, call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Effie Politis. For more information on breast lift, breast augmentation, breast reduction, and other plastic surgery procedures, visit the site “Politis Plastic Surgery.”

What is breast augmentation with fat grafting or fat transfer?

Breast augmentation is the surgical procedure to increase breast size. It is a great option for women who don’t like their breast size and would like to improve the shape of their bust line. While increased breast size can be achieved through implants, some women don’t like foreign substances being placed in their bodies.

If you are such a woman with concerns about the use of implants, then breast augmentation with fat grafting or fat transfer is a viable option for you. Plus, it is a safe procedure that achieves great results.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we provide a combination of high quality implants and safe fat transfer surgery to help women achieve their desired breast shape and volume. And we proudly offer the fat transfer approach as an effective alternative to implants in enhancing breast appearance.

What is fat grafting?

Also called autologous breast augmentation, fat grafting is the removal of fat through liposuction from one area of the body and transferring it to another part where it helps to enhance volume. 

The fat is usually harvested from the stomach, flanks or thighs and then separated from blood and other liposuction fluids. It is also cleaned with antibiotic solution to ensure that only healthy, non-infectious tissue is used for breast augmentation. 

Processed fat is then slowly injected into the breasts to the desired shape and volume, completing the augmentation procedure. Once injected, the fat fills in the hollowing that has occurred due to weight loss, trauma, surgery or ageing, and immediately helps to increase volume and enhance shape. 

After the injection of fat, the plastic surgeon gently massages the breasts to make sure the fat deposits are distributed evenly for a smooth, uniform appearance. Since the fat comes from the body, there are typically no adverse reactions to it.

Is the procedure ideal for you?

Breast augmentation by fat transfer is a perfect option for you if your breasts are naturally smaller in size or asymmetrically shaped. The procedure may equally help if you have loss of shape or volume after pregnancy, dramatic weight loss or aging.

More specifically, fat grafting is a great option if you desire a more natural alternative to breast implants.  Of course, you’ll need to have an adequate amount of fat on your body so that your plastic surgeon can harvest enough of it for the grafting. If you are a very thin woman or lack excess fat in your body, then you’re unfit for the procedure.

Increasing breast size by fat transfer is also perfect for you if you don’t like the dramatic results produced by breast implants. Fat grafting typically results in a more subtle enhancement. Plus, you won’t need to remove or replace the fat like is done with breast implants.

Besides, fat transfer is great if you want to fix minor issues. You can undergo breast augmentation by fat grafting to achieve a smaller increase in breast size, fix minor breast asymmetry, enhance breasts without scarring, or fine-tune the results of a breast implant procedure. 

During your initial consultation, Dr. Effie Politis will assess your body to determine if you have enough fat for liposuction. The surgeon will also establish whether you are in good health for the procedure. Likewise, you will be instructed to refrain from tobacco products or to quit smoking before the surgery as smoking directly affects the healing of cells and tissues.

What results should you expect?

You should expect your breast to increase by one full cup size after fat grafting. The breasts will feel soft and natural, and you will see the full effects of the procedure within a few months.

Dr. Effie Politis uses safe, cutting-edge liposuction technology to efficiently harvest fat without damaging the surrounding tissue. So by following your post-operative care instructions carefully, you should expect quick recovery and should be back on your feet within a few days.

It is normal for the body areas that underwent liposuction to feel sore. Also, you’ll have some bruising and swelling in the treated areas. But you’ll have prescribed pain relief medication to help minimize the discomfort as you recover.

Unmatched breast augmentation results

Would you like to enhance your breasts naturally? Through breast augmentation by fat transfer, you can achieve your desired breast size without the risks associated with breast implants.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we offer a safe, effective fat grafting procedure that produces remarkable results. When you contact us for the procedure, Dr. Effie Politis will schedule your consultation session immediately. 

Then, during your visit, she will review your medical history, do a physical examination, and discuss your aesthetic goals and options. She will not only answer your questions and make valuable suggestions, but will also design for you a personalized fat grafting procedure to achieve your desired results.

For more information on how to enhance your breasts through breast augmentation, visit us at Politis Plastic Surgery in Tampa, FL for your plastic surgery.

Is a Mini Tummy Tuck Right for You?

In recent years, the tummy tuck has been on the lips of many people. The procedure works to remove excess fat and skin from your abdomen, hence tightening the stomach muscles. Because of this, this impressive and result oriented procedure has gained massive popularity, becoming a wish item for most women, especially after childbirth, and huge weight loss.
 
However, since abdominoplasty is a minor surgery, most people might not be ready for it. Both cost-wise and psychologically. So, if this sounds like you, you might want to consider a mini tummy tuck. But what exactly is it? Below is everything you need to know about a mini tummy tuck to help you make a perfect choice.
 

What Does a Mini Tummy Tuck Mean?

 
Unlike the tummy tuck which is a major invasive surgery, a mini tummy tuck is so much less invasive and works to remove only a small amount of fat from your lower abdomen. Due to its nature, a mini tummy tuck can therefore not help you deal with other issues such as muscle separation. Also, only a small amount of skin is removed in this procedure, making it favorable to combine with liposuction to outline your entire abdomen.
 

Is a Mini Tummy Tuck Right for You?

 
Most patients are not suitable for a mini tummy tuck for one reason or the other. But if you have no muscle separation, and have been leading an active lifestyle, meaning you’re physically fit, then you’re a good candidate.
 
Also, it’s even better if you have tight upper abdomen abs. Because, the procedure will only help you lose a little amount of loose or excess skin, so you ought to have done the most part yourself through physical training and fitness.
 
That said, it’s always better to listen to your plastic surgeon’s advice because they know what’s best for you. Remember, they possess all the necessary skills and expertise, which you don’t, and this is the major reason why you consult them in the first place. For instance, if your doctor suggests that you get abdominoplasty, it might not be a good idea to insist on the mini tummy tuck. Yes, it is less invasive, but the results will also be less, and might not entirely solve your issue or meet your expectations.
 

What Should I Expect When Healing from the Mini Tummy Tuck?

 
Although the mini tummy tuck is less invasive compared to the full tummy tuck, the healing process is pretty the same. You will need compression garments and drains to speed recovery and help you heal well. Also, you will not be allowed to carry any heavy weights for around 6 weeks. Plus, you can get back to your other regular daily activities in 4-7 days.
 
The major difference in the recovery of the full and mini tummy tuck is that the former takes longer to resume their day-to-day schedule. For instance, someone who underwent a full tummy tuck can resume their daily activities in a week or two.
Note: Always let your doctor guide you as to when you can resume your workout sessions.
 

What will my Mini Tummy Tuck Scar Look Like?

 
You don’t have to worry about getting large scars when it comes to a mini tummy tuck. Since there is minimal invasion, the scar is also smaller than the standard full tummy tuck incision. You will only have to deal with a 10-12 centimeters scar in the mid-section of your lower abdomen and just above your bikini line.
 

How much will I Have to Pay for a Mini Tummy Tuck?

 
Although there is no standard price for this procedure since it depends on the type of facility you visit, and the doctor who attends to you, it costs less than the full tummy tuck. In fact, in most facilities such as Politis Plastic Surgery the price is almost half of what you would pay for the traditional procedure.
 
Reason? You will spend less time in the procedure room, which is usually around 90 minutes so it’s only fair if you pay less. So, if you’re physically fit, with less skin and fat to deal with, and are operating on a tight budget, you might want to go for it.
 

In Summary,

 
Although the mini tummy tuck is popular due to its less invasive nature, there are still other procedures that can give you a perfect abdomen. For example, there is an umbilical float. Let Dr Effie Politis take you through all the available options, and settle on that which meets your needs.