“Rejawvenation” with Radiesse

 
 
 
 
 
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With CaHa biostimulator called Radiesse. ⁣

It works by placing calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres in an organic vehicle or carrier which provides both volume replacement and collagen biostimulation creating long-lasting improvements for >18 months resulting in tighter and more elastic skin with increased skin thickness. ⁣


This is like bone putty and works really well for building up the posterior jaw given we lose skeletal support to our facial buttresses each decade. This leads to loss of soft tissue support and descent inferiorly. ⁣

Unfortunately, many injectors are performing this on people of all ages given its popularity on social media which can also masculinize the jaw when applied to the wrong patient. ⁣

As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I provide each patient with a customized beauty plan that best suits their needs and long term goals. This involves analyzing the face from top to bottom in thirds, and medial to lateral in fifths. ⁣

Our customized beauty plan ensures gradual improvement so patients look natural and refreshed. ⁣

What is midface augmentation?

 
 
 
 
 
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Maintaining the golden ratio or phi in this patient by mid-face augmentation. ⁣

This hyaluronic acid filler has inherently high lift capacity (Vycross technology) which helps maintain the inverted triangle of youth. ⁣

This will maintain fullness by expanding the midface centrally while using the bony support of the zygoma (bony arch of the cheek) laterally as a scaffold to detract from forming deep central wrinkles like the nasolabial folds (commonly known as smile/laugh lines). ⁣

She had 1 cc Voluma to right and left mid and lateral face for a total of 2 cc. ⁣


A few things to know about fillers : ⁣

–– Smooths fine lines & facial wrinkles⁣
–– Restores youthful volume to areas like the midface and jawline⁣
–– Creates balance in areas that are slightly asymmetrical⁣
–– Reverses mild skin laxity due to aging⁣
–– Fills out shallow scarring for a smoother look⁣
–– Rejuvenates the area under the eyes to produce a refreshed, awake appearance⁣
–– Requires little to no recovery time⁣
–– Results are temporary & requires repeat injections⁣
–– Results are dependent on the experience & qualifications of your injector⁣

Always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. ⁣

What is a butt lift?

Do you have loose, sagging skin in your buttocks? Are you uncomfortable with the excess fat? Have you just had dramatic weight loss and feel self-conscious about your gluteal area?

Well, you don’t have to let this situation hurt your self-confidence and frustrate your efforts to achieve a slimmer, more sculpted body. You can get a butt lift and have smoother, more youthful buttocks!

What is a butt lift?

A buttock lift is a procedure to remove excess fat and skin through surgical excision and liposuction. It helps with loose, sagging skin, extra fat from aging, or mobility problems. It also alleviates discomfort due to the excess skin, makes the buttock area smoother and more toned, and gives long-lasting results.

A butt lift surgery can help you to:

  • Remove the loose skin and cellulite below your waistline after pregnancy
  • Eliminate skin laxity and sagginess (ptosis) of your buttocks
  • Make your butts proportionate to the rest of your body, particularly after significant weight loss or bariatric surgery
  • Make your buttock area smoother and more toned

Continue reading about Butt lift surgery here.

Interlocking Cogwheel Suture for Mastopexy

 
 
 
 
 
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The Interlocking Gore-Tex periareolar suture technique is used for periareolar closure to avoid postoperative widening of the nipple-areola complex. ⁣

The GORE-TEX® Suture is a microporous, monofilament suture of flexible biomaterial for excellent handling, reduced hole-leakage, and minimal irritation in soft tissue approximation. ⁣

This permanent suture helps in stabilizing the nipple-areolar complex over time to prevent widening or stretch deformity.⁣

Swipe for a video of Dr. Effie using this technique and an uncensored version of this photo! ⁣

Lower Eyelid Rejuvenation with Dr. Effie Politis

 
 
 
 
 
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There are a variety of treatments to help rejuvenate the lower lids. ⁣

First and foremost, the eyes and upper/middle face are examined in terms of skin quality, bone structure, volume loss, and fat descent/deflation. ⁣

Typically, the upper lids are always paired with the brows as they complement each other, and treating one may leave the other deficient. ⁣

The lower lids must be treated as part of the midface. I typically examine the relation of the globe to the bony orbit and facial width vs projection. ⁣

Most opt for a blending of the lid-cheek junction. This can be done with a single HA filler or sandwiching two different fillers with different lift capacities. ⁣

In addition, some benefit from surgical repositioning of fat and tightening of the lower lid. Others may benefit from energy-based skin tightening modalities in conjunction with neuromodulators or fillers. ⁣

See your board-certified plastic surgeon for a treatment plan that will benefit you and your lifestyle!

Abdominoplasty Procedure with Dr. Effie Politis

 
 
 
 
 
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Here I showed the steps of an abdominoplasty procedure which includes:⁣

1. preoperative evaluation and marking⁣
2. excision of the lower abdominal skin⁣
3. undermining of her abdominal flap to her costal margins⁣
4. recruitment of superior and lateral tissue⁣
5. excision of sub-scarpal fat ⁣

 
 
 
 
 
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6. repositioning of the umbilicus⁣
7. liposuction of the flanks ⁣
8. and finally, sewing of the superior and inferior flaps in a layered closure. ⁣

The various steps of an abdominoplasty as shown here is a methodical process that needs to be precisely executed. ⁣

Preoperative evaluation is key, as well as obtaining ideal weight with diet and exercise. ⁣

Before and After: Abdominoplasty or ‘Tummy Tuck’

 
 
 
 
 
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This lovely patient is 41 years old and has lower abdominal laxity and skin changes consistent with having two children. She was interested in abdominal rejuvenation.

During her evaluation, her diastases were evaluated as well as any previous surgeries and possible hernias. Skin tone and skin laxity were also assessed. With diet and exercise, she was able to get down to her ideal weight. This allowed us to remove more skin during the abdominoplasty and perform a tighter plication. With our enhanced recovery protocols, the patient was back to work within 7 days. ⁣Typically these procedures require drain but there are some patients who are a candidate for drainless abdominoplasty. Please come see me, and find your best option!⁣ Watch out for upcoming posts this week on some behind-the-scenes for this procedure! ⁣

What is the 14 Point Plan?

 
 
 
 
 
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During your consultation, an important question that you need to ask your surgeon is whether or not they follow the 14-Point-Plan. ⁣

What is the 14-Point Plan

The 14-Point-Plan is designed to minimize the number of bacteria that can contaminate breast implants at the time of surgery. It was first published in 2013 and has since been widely adopted all around the world. Bacterial contamination of breast implants at the time of surgery has been shown to cause capsular contracture – hardening, pain, and deformity following breast implant surgery. ⁣

The 14-Point-Plan outlines strategies that can be incorporated into breast implant surgery that reduce the number of bacteria that can contaminate the breast implant surface. ⁣

Here you can see a funnel is being used to place the breast implant into the dissected pocket.⁣

Finding the Right Surgeon for Breast Augmentation

Whether your breasts are sagging, asymmetrical or too small for your body size, breast augmentation can help you regain a feeling of attractiveness, positive self-image and confidence. But the success of the procedure depends on good communication and the expertise of your plastic surgeon. A skilled surgeon will not only enlarge your breasts to the desired size, but also apply measures and techniques that minimize the risks and complications of the procedure.

What makes someone the right surgeon for breast augmentation?

1. Board-certified

Board certification indicates that the surgeon has undergone rigorous training and testing. It is also proof that the surgeon is competent and experienced enough in performing the procedure. Find a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) and check the status of his or her license before you schedule a consultation.

2. Experienced

Your breast augmentation surgery is more likely to be successful when performed by a plastic surgeon who conducts the procedure on a regular basis. Remember, the right surgeon will not only determine the type and shape of breast implants to use, but will also align the procedure to meet your goals. Plastic surgeons get better at the procedure with time and frequency.

3. Runs an accredited facility

While breast augmentation is typically an outpatient surgery, it should be done in a facility with the highest standards of safety, quality and patient care. Accreditation is proof that the facility is committed to best practices, and a qualified surgeon will work at or run an accredited and accommodating facility.

4. Candid and compassionate

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that should be tailored to the needs of the patient. To find a surgeon who can perform the surgery in a way that is in line with your goals and expectations, look for someone who takes the time to get to know you.

At the same time, a surgeon should give you correct, straightforward guidance on the best approach to achieving your aesthetic goals—and tell you the honest truth, not what you want to hear. Pick a surgeon who is open, frank and caring.

So how do you find the right surgeon?

1. Get recommendations

Recommendations by people you trust are a great way to find a competent plastic surgeon. Speak with friends, relatives or colleagues who have had the surgery to give you some references. Ask them to share their experiences with their surgeons, what they liked about the experience, and whether their procedures met their aesthetic goals and expectations.

2. Use the internet

Searching the internet is an easy way to find plastic surgeons performing breast augmentation in your local area. For instance, if you reside in Tampa, type keywords such as “plastic surgeon in Tampa,” “best breast augmentation surgeon in Tampa,” “breast implant surgery Tampa,” or “breast augmentation center in Tampa” and see what comes up in your search results. Open the links that appear in your search results and check out details like names and addresses of the surgeons.

3. Narrow down your options

From the recommendations and internet searches, you should have around 5-10 options to choose from. Further research will help you identify the top 2-3 surgeons. To narrow down your options, check out patient reviews posted on patient forums. You might also look for patient testimonials, before and after photos, gallery of patient cases, and case studies to help you get a clearer picture of the work and outcomes achieved by every surgeon in your list.

4. Book an appointment

Now that you have found 2-3 surgeons you believe can perform breast augmentation that meets your aesthetic goals, you should schedule a consultation session with each of them before choosing one. The meeting should help you determine if you are comfortable with and trust the surgeon, and to get a sense of whether or not the surgeon understands what you want from the surgery.

During consultation, the surgeon will thoroughly explain all aspects of the procedure and answer all your questions. This is when you should ask questions, raise your concerns, and find out what to expect before, during and after the procedure. You can also ask to look at before and after photos, patient testimonials, reference to previous patients, and case studies from the surgeon.

5. Make your decision

From your list of 2-3 plastic surgeons, consider choosing the one with whom you most easily communicated and established a rapport during consultation. The right surgeon is the one who made you feel more confident about your surgery through an open and honest discussion about your overall health, lifestyle, aesthetic goals, and your questions and concerns.

At Politis Plastic Surgery, we believe that working with a skilled and experienced board-certified surgeon is the best way to achieve your aesthetic goals through breast augmentation. Dr. Effie Politis is a candid and compassionate surgeon who can help you on your journey to a happier, more confident you. She performs breast augmentation frequently and with remarkable outcomes for her patients. For more information about plastic surgery, visit the site Politis Plastic Surgery website.

Bioengineered Breast: Hybrid Breast Reconstruction

 
 
 
 
 
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𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘩𝘺𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. ⁣⁣⁣

I was first introduced to the concept of “bioengineered breast” in 2009 by Dr. Pat Maxwell and colleagues. He originally coined this term to describe an enhanced breast form consisting of a combination of cohesive gel breast implant, regenerative scaffold, and regenerative cells. ⁣⁣⁣

The implant and the soft tissue covering it can both be enhanced to achieve the optimal female breast form.

Enhancing the soft-tissue cover not only supplements volume and shape but also further alters how the recipient’s host tissue responds to the foreign body implant. ⁣⁣⁣

This powerful combination of constructs better allows us to achieve the ultimate goal of breast reconstruction: to recreate a breast that appears and feels like the natural breast. ⁣⁣⁣

This patient had large breasts and underwent bilateral skin-sparing mastectomies. She opted for one-stage reconstruction to minimize downtime. This was achieved using a hybrid concept after the mastectomy flap perfusion was evaluated. ⁣⁣⁣

I was able to pair an anterior acellular dermal matrix sheet with a posterior stable Galaflex base to provide the patient with both softness and stability. ⁣⁣⁣

She plans on having fat grafting during her nipple-areolar reconstruction to further augment her soft tissue envelope and soften her breast borders.⁣⁣⁣
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