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What to Know Regarding Body Contouring Surgery


Body contouring is a general term that refers to any surgical procedure that alters the shape of different areas of the body. Body contouring after massive weight loss refers to a series of procedures that eliminate and/or reduce excess skin and fat that remains after previously obese individuals have lost a significant amount of weight, in a variety of places including the torso, upper arms, chest, and thighs.
Obesity is in epidemic proportions in the US and many parts of the world. It is defined as a condition where a person’s body mass index (BMI) is 30 or greater. BMI is calculated by dividing the patient’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters, squared. Normal weight individuals have a BMI that ranges from 18 to 25. Overweight people have a BMI from 26 to 30, with 30 and above people considered obese. Once the BMI reaches 35 and above, patients are considered morbidly obese. From a BMI of 30 and above a person’s life span is shortened. In addition, obesity negatively affects the economic health of a society as well as other aspects of adult and child health, often for life. Childhood obesity is on the rise in Europe as well.

The Facts About Body-Contouring Surgery

When you lose 100 pounds or more, what happens to the extra skin? For many, the answer lies in body-contouring surgery.

Body Contouring: Is It For You? continued…

Short of surgery, there is really nothing that can help. Exercise won’t tighten it, and skin creams and lotions won’t do a thing to help.

7 Things to Do Before Having Surgery

If you are considering body-contouring surgery, here’s what you should do before surgery:

  1. Stabilize your weight — at your goal — for at least three months, and be sure to correct all nutritional deficiencies (which are common after weight loss surgery).
  2. Establish a reliable support network of family and friends to help you during recovery.
  3. Make sure you can get enough time off from work to recover. It will take 4-6 weeks depending on the procedure.
  4. Understand that everything is a trade-off between removing skin, getting a contour, and having a scar. Scars are permanent. They do get lighter, but don’t disappear over time.
  5. Prioritize your body according to the area that bothers you the most, and concentrate your surgery there first. You may find you don’t need additional procedures.
  6. Prior to surgery, stop smoking (to reduce complications) and increase your protein intake to 50 to 70 grams per day to speed healing.
  7. Choose a surgeon who is board-certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery — not just a board-certified doctor.

At the office of Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa our treatment plan is specifically designed for patients who have recently undergone bariatric surgery and are left with loose, sagging skin as a result of the extreme weight loss. Cosmetic surgery after massive weight loss includes procedures such as facelift and neck lift, breast lift, abdominoplasty, arm lift, thigh lift, body lift, and abdominal hernia repair.  Please contact our office to ask more about body contouring procedures at (817) 473-2120 or visit our website at www.MarkBisharaMD.com.
 

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Cosmetic Surgery and the Modern Man

Background

Although men do not face the same hormonal changes with aging that women do, the male biological clock still ticks, and over time changes in a man’s appearance can lead to a negative self-image, which can take a toll on mental and physical health. Today, men are turning to cosmetic surgery in an effort to help break the cycle of interaction between appearance and negative self-image. Because of this emerging trend, more male patients will be asking their trusted primary care providers for advice in navigating the potentially treacherous world of cosmetic surgery.
Whether in the public eye or leading a more private life, many men put forth energy, effort, and income to maintain a healthy, youthful appearance. Increasing access to more affordable, innovative, and less invasive forms of cosmetic surgery has resulted in more men turning to cosmetic procedures in an effort to look and feel younger. In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2010 Report of Plastic Surgery Statistics indicates that of the 12.6 million plastic surgery procedures conducted annually, over 1.1 million were performed on men — a dramatic increase from the 225,009 procedures performed on men in 2000. Demonstrating their cost-effectiveness in these challenging economic times, minimally invasive procedures, such as botulinum toxin injections (Botox) and fillers, were up more than 9% from the prior year in 2010-2011. The more costly operative procedures that men undergo in large numbers include robotic hair transplants, nose reshaping (rhinoplasty), liposuction, cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), and facelifts, as well as surgery to correct male breast enlargement (mastopexy).
The ideal cosmetic plan maintains a life-stage balance of facial and body appearance that allows one to look their best throughout adult life. At earlier stages in life, avoiding excessive sun exposure, toxins from smoking, and recreational drug use will help to stall the progression of environmentally related aging changes. Later, avoiding significant weight fluctuation minimizes the development of loose or flabby skin. Body issues unrelated to such lifestyle factors as diet and exercise are best addressed once bone and soft tissues have reached maturity. For some, a time may come when surgery is considered for body issues unrelated to lifestyle, and plastic surgery may be the best option to help maintain a healthy self-image.
When selecting a plastic surgeon, patients should be sure to consider expertise and board certification. It is important to do the research and be patient with the selection process, because it can take some time. Patients should consider the procedure carefully and discuss with the surgeon whether a procedure is the right step to help meet their goals; this is an important part of the process because cosmetic surgery is not the answer for everyone. Patients should consult with their physician so that they can ask the correct questions in order to move forward appropriately.
A plastic surgeon will help identify patients whose body image goals and objectives may not be met with an operation alone. Postponing surgery with referral to a nutritionist, exercise trainer, or internist may be the appropriate outcome of the initial consultation. For surgery that is entirely elective, all patients should be close to their ideal health before having an operative procedure. If lifestyle choices and habits are not addressed preoperatively, the results of most cosmetic surgeries will be transient and therefore ultimately not worthwhile.
The following is a guide to help men look and feel their best throughout the lifespan.

Men in Their 30s

A man’s circulating testosterone level begins to decrease after age 30 years, with loss of lean muscle mass averaging 1% a year. Because of this, the most important thing a man can do to keep himself looking youthful is to continue building and maintaining his muscle mass. A regular program of cardiovascular fitness paired with weight training is essential to mitigate the natural aging process of decreased muscle mass. Proper hydration and attention to rest and diet are reflected in a healthier, more youthful appearance.
At this stage, age-maintenance procedures that are less invasive and are cost-effective can deliver results that look far more natural than other, more radical surgical choices. Skin care, sun avoidance, and proper use of sunblock are also crucial at this and every life stage.

Men in Their 40s

The use of botulinum toxin injection (Botox) and fillers has become much more common among men in their 40s and 50s, who are beginning to deal with the loss of facial skin elasticity. Because a man’s face has a more robust blood supply than a woman’s face, surgeons performing any personal enhancement treatments on the face must consider such factors as the depth of skin peeling, energy levels for light base treatments, and frequency of past use of topical medications.
The most common aesthetic procedure for men in this age group involves rejuvenation around the eyes. Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), when done well, can help revitalize a man’s face in a discreet manner, without announcing to the world that a cosmetic procedure was performed.

Men in Their 50s and Beyond

Men in this age group will typically experience increasing skin accumulation along the jawline and the neck; this is often referred to as “jowls.” Traditional approaches for face and neck lifts do not work particularly well on men because the scars cannot be hidden under the hairline, as with women. To avoid the problems caused by hairline alteration, an alternative operation to a traditional face and neck lift is performed: Using a geometric incision pattern to remove the excess neck skin hides the scar in the area between the bottom of the chin and the Adam’s apple. The presence of hair follicles in the beard also helps camouflage the scar.

Regardless of age, encourage your patients to take a planned, realistic, and conservative approach to achieving their ideal body image. Less favorable cosmetic surgery outcomes among men, such as those seen in Bruce Jenner, Mickey Rourke, and Burt Reynolds, can and should be avoided with the guidance and support of surgeons who demonstrate a clear understanding of what cosmetic surgery options are available, along with knowledge of overarching health concerns.
At the office of Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa, we provide a wide range of cosmetic procedures to help patients look and feel their best. These procedures are designed to improve the appearance of the face and body through minimally invasive techniques that provide highly effective results. Many of these procedures can be combined in order to achieve your desired appearance.  Please call our office to find out more about us at (817) 473-2120 or visit our website at www.MarkBisharaMD.com.

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9 Top Cosmetic Treatments for Aging Skin

1. Retinoid creams

A host of over-the-counter products claim to help fight wrinkles. One option: topical retinoid (derived from vitamin A) creams; look for retinol in the ingredient list. The SkinCeuticals line has products with retinol in them to help fight existing wrinkles . 

2. Over-the-counter peptide creams

Creams containing peptides—short snippets of linked amino acids—can be useful for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, but they haven’t been shown to work as well as retinoids. As skin ages, it loses collagen and becomes wrinkled and thin; creams containing peptides are supposed to encourage the skin to make new collagen. Peptides are found in a variety of products, from the inexpensive to the very expensive. There are many SkinCeuticals product that can help.

3. Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion uses tiny, fine particles or a very hard diamond-tipped wand to slough off cells from the top layer of the skin and encourage new skin growth. The procedure is usually not painful, though it can be uncomfortable, and it doesn’t require an anesthetic or recovery period; skin heals quickly. But you may require multiple procedures spaced a few weeks apart.

4. Laser skin resurfacing

Laser resurfacing uses high-intensity light to zap and improve the look of wrinkles and scars by tightening loose skin. The effect of your treatment and recovery time vary. There are lasers that can be superficial or intermediate and deep. You may see redness from one day to two weeks, depending on how aggressive the treatment is. 

5. Chemical peels

Used to address mild acne scars, age spots, dull skin texture, skin discoloration, or wrinkles around the eyes or mouth, chemical peels remove the outer layers of the skin and encourage the growth of new, smoother, more evenly colored skin. Depending on the peel’s intensity—which can range from superficial to medium to deep—it may cause reddening and peeling that can last up to several weeks.

6. Botox

Injections of Botox —which also contains botulism toxin and  is approved by the FDA, can paralyze tiny facial muscles, smoothing out the appearance of lines or wrinkles. The cost of Botox will vary depending on location and doctor. The effects of injections may last three to six months, depending on whether you’re a repeat customer.

7. Filler injections

Injections of fillers containing hyaluronic acid can fill in lines and wrinkles and add volume to skin. Hyaluronic acid is a “naturally occurring sugar that gets lost when you age,” and injecting it into wrinkles effectively plumps them up. Juvederm Ultra Plus XC and Juvederm Voluma are the newest and best.

8. Cosmetic surgery

Lifting the skin on the face, neck, eyelids, and forehead can give a tighter appearance. What were once traditionally open procedures—with larger incisions—can now often be done endoscopically, with smaller incisions strategically placed in difficult-to-detect areas, such as under the hairline. The effects of cosmetic surgery are somewhat permanent. 

9. Try prevention

If all this sounds extreme, remember that you can start immediately to prevent any further damage: Start wearing sunscreen every day. Lifetime exposure to the sun can wreak serious havoc. When people were younger…they didn’t think the sun caused any bad signs, but now they’re really feeling the effects of it 30 years later.
This information is brought to you courtesy of Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Mansfield and Southlake, TX

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Revitalize Your New Look in the New Year

Start 2014 with a New Look     

It’s common knowledge that people often make resolutions to take better care of themselves in the new year.  Some get a personal trainer or a gym membership, some start a diet, but a new trend of starting the year with plastic surgery is becoming more common.  Instead of heading off to the gym, patients are headed to the plastic surgeon for everything from injections of Botox to a face lift or breast augmentation.
Adding to the increase in ringing in the new year with surgery, is the increase in gift cards for the services of a plastic surgeon being given on Christmas. And now that the fun — and stress — of the holidays are over, it’s a good time to renew yourself so you can look as young and energetic as you feel.
Announcing a New Year’s resolution can be the impetus for change, but there are other moments in time that prompt people to seek aesthetic plastic surgery as the best choice for enhancing their appearance. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, common “watershed moments” include someone mistaking you as being much older; entering the competitive job market, where wrinkles are frowned upon; and post-pregnancy blues, when many new moms struggle with excess fat and sagging skin. Your defining moment might be the holiday photos posted on social media, when you realized your image isn’t as attractive as you’d like.
Once you’ve made the decision to rejuvenate, you’ll find many surgical and nonsurgical options including new techniques and classic, tried-and-true solutions. Breast augmentation is the most-requested cosmetic surgical procedure.
January is a great time for people to ‘restart’ themselves after the holidays. Many people follow through on a New Year’s resolution to improve their appearance by having breast augmentation, a tummy tuck, eyelid surgery, or a face-lift. Winter is also a time when we’re bundled up from the cold and we’re not as social. It’s the perfect time to have surgery, so when spring and summer come around you’re in shape and you have the look you want, so you can get out and enjoy the warm weather.
At the office of Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa, with offices in Mansfield and Southlake, we offer services from Cosmetic Surgery to Hair Restoration to Med Spa services.  We can help you kick on 2014 with Botox injections, fillers like Judederm Ultra Plus XC and the NEW Juvederm Voluma, laser hair removal, and many other laser procedures.  Please call our office at (817) 473-2120 to schedule a consultation for cosmetic surgery or hair restoration or visit our website at www.MarkBisharaMD.com to learn more about the procedures we offer.
 
 

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Three Reasons Why Fall and Winter are the Best Times for Plastic Surgery

Thinking about going under the knife, but not sure when the best time for plastic surgery may be? The fall and winter months are some of the most popular times for plastic surgery, so you may want to book a consultation now. Here are some reasons why:

1. Recovery is easier
Many people are hesitant to undergo procedures like breast augmentation, breast revision surgery, body contouring, or a tummy tuck, because of the time it takes to recover. Unfortunately, there’s not much of a way around this issue, unless you choose a non-surgical procedure like Botox injections or microdermabrasion. However, if you are going to be taking it easy and mainly indoors for a few days, the cold, winter months might be a better choice. And, once you are able to go outside and move around again, wearing layers of clothes or accessories to hide any post-surgery garments, dressings or scars would be completely normal.
2. A great reason for a “staycation”
Do you know people who take time off to do things around town and spend some much deserved time relaxing in their homes? If you have a stressful job or life and have been thinking about having a procedure, this could be the perfect opportunity to have a “staycation” and recover. Being close to home means your doctor is accessible for follow-ups visits and you have your family and friends around to help. Medical tourism to plastic surgery hot spots, like Los Angeles or Miami, might be tempting, but could create complications if it involves airplane flights and lack of follow-up care.
3. The gift of beauty and care
For many, the holidays are the best part of the winter season. It’s not uncommon to hear of couples giving each other the gift of plastic surgery as a present. Many times mothers and daughters will go in for a skin treatment or Botox together. Even if you don’t get a trip to the plastic surgeon’s office as a gift from someone else, there’s no reason you can’t treat yourself. After all of the chaos that the holiday shopping season brings, it’s great to give yourself a little treat to help minimize stress.

If you are thinking of a procedure or would like to gift a friend or relative, be sure to contact our office at (817) 473-2120 to get more information. The winter holidays will be brighter for everyone when safety is a top priority.  Please also visit our website at www.markbisharamd.com.
 

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