A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Scottsdale
Posts by Dr. Aldo
New Techniques for Brazilian Butt Lift
09 months ago
by Dr. Aldo
in Brazilian Butt Lift
Scottsdale – Every once in a while you might hear of a new technique that really impresses you. Today, I will talk about a techniques using the Aquavage® canister for fat collection and fat transfer. In principle, the canister allows a smoother collection of the fat using liposuction and then it improves the ability to separate the fat for fat transfer into the buttocks during Brazilian Butt Lift.
With experience using a similar technique, it has been noted that use of a canister like this one, will speed up the process and reduce the anesthesia time. In addition, with the right liposuction cannulas, the best fat cells can be harvested and then reintroduced into the buttock region more readily.
According to the manufacturer website, the Aquavage® is the first of its kind which allows volume for up to 2000 cc of fat harvest and “meets the needs of the surgeon performing high volume autologous fat transfer for full body sculpting, enhancement of the male pectoralis, rejuventation of the face and enhancement of the buttocks”.
Solid fat parcels are also a good idea when it comes to hand rejuvenation, but I especially like it for Brazilian Buttock Lift.
Ways to Reduce Capsule Contracture.
010 months ago
Scottsdale – Capsule contracture after breast augmentation has been recently discussed on the blog. I would like to share strategies employed to reduce the incidence of capsular contracture with breast implants. Even using these techniques, the incidence of contracture may be up to 5% over the implant’s lifetime.
The most likely reason for this 5% incidence of contracture even when employing the most up-to-date techniques is the lack of complete scientific understanding of the interaction between the human body and breast implants. Currently, additional studies are under way to develop strategies for improvement in the capsular contracture rate.
At this point I will outline the techniques I use to reduce capsular contracture after breast augmentation in my practice:
- Use of a direct visualization technique for the creation of the breast implant pocket.
- Use of techniques which minimize bleeding and trauma to the tissue.
- Antibiotic irrigation of the breast implants for 10 minutes.
- Antibiotic irrigation of the breast pocket.
- Minimal handling of the breast implants.
- Use of brand new sterile gloves when handling the breast implant.
- Use of a sleeve like the Keller Funnel for a true no-touch technique in placement.
- Use of a nipple cover to prevent aerosolization of bacteria from the nipple.
All of the steps outlined above are used in every case involving breast implants. All of these steps can help reduce the incidence of capsular contracture.
On the Breast Lift Pedicle.
010 months ago
Scottsdale – A pedicle is defined as a stem or stalk of tissue that connects parts of the body to each other. In the case of the breast lift pedicle, this is defined as that part of the anatomy that connects the major arterial and nerve supply to the nipple complex. Historically the inferior pedicle has been a preferred technique for breast lift and breast reduction.
Other pedicles have been described, in an effort to improve results and reduce some of the shortcomings from the use of the inferior pedicle breast lift technique. For instance, the inferior pedicle technique preserves the bottom of the breast, which is normally seen as the saggiest tissue. Breast lift using inferior pedicles do have a tremendous capacity to “bottom out” a condition in which the breast tissue in the inferior pedicle looks saggy while the rest of the breast remains in non-saggy location.
That’s why I have turned to using the medial and superior based breast pedicles, over the years. Currently, a preferred method of breast lift includes removal of the breast tissue that normally would include the inferior pedicle. This is advantageous because it allows for the removal of the “saggiest” breast tissue and limits the amount of “bottoming” that can occur. In addition, the medial pedicle has the advantage of housing the major blood supply to the nipple complex via the internal mammary branches.
Silicone Breast Implants Rising in Popularity.
010 months ago
Scottsdale – The trend this year is for more and more prospective plastic surgery patients to request breast augmentation with silicone breast implants.
In years past, saline was more popular. The demand for silicone breast implants has grown in my practice has been impressive! Silicone breast implants offer some advantages:
- Silicone feels softer and appears more natural.
- The shell is stronger and is less likely to leak.
- Cohesive gel is an improvement over more liquid silicone.
- Memory Gel® Breast implants are FDA-approved.
All patients should know they have the option to choose saline or silicone breast implants. An advantage of saline breast implants is that leakage is easier to detect.
Muscle Work Considered Standard.
010 months ago
by Dr. Aldo
in Tummy Tuck
Scottsdale – I recently mentioned another option for tummy tuck surgery which does not include the traditional approach to muscle tightening. These types of plastic surgery operations have been around for a long time, but recently have developed more hype.
When a woman or man desires abdominal skin tightening and they have no muscle weakness or “pooch”, then the person will likely be a good candidate for a tummy tuck without any muscle tightening. The benefits include:
- A faster recovery.
- Less pain.
- A quicker return to work and other physical activities.
However, if the individual does not have the right physique or the right anatomy and no muscle work is carried out, then the results of the surgery will be less than optimal. The likely result will have an improvement in the skin tightness and a smoother tummy, but the “pooch” will persist!
I recommend a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon who can tell you if you are a good candidate for tummy tuck without muscle work. Currently, tummy tuck with muscle work is considered to be the standard for most women after gestation. If tummy muscle work is needed we recommend a ON-Q PainBuster® pain-reducing pump which can be introduced at the time of surgery to reduce pain and improve the recovery time.
No Muscle Tummy Tucks Growing in Popularity?
010 months ago
by Dr. Aldo
in Tummy Tuck
Scottsdale – Recently, I have seen on several news and media sites reports involving tummy tuck surgery with a faster recovery than normal. This is carried out, most often, when the tummy tuck operation is carried out without any muscle work.
Of course, it is possible to perform your tummy tuck without any muscle work and this can lead to less pain and a faster recovery. The question is, are the benefits and side effects of changing the procedure in this manner worth it for each individual patient?
Recently, the Smooth Tuck™ was introduced by Dr. Matthew Schulman in New York City, and was featured on the popular daytime tv show, The DRs.
Many patients may clearly see the benefits of a faster recovery and less pain when the muscles are not tightened. This is not going to work for everyone. If your muscles are weak and you have developed a “pooch” because of this anatomic situation, a procedure like a smooth tummy tuck – may not give you the breast results.
I recommend you carefully consider muscle versus no muscle work and do your research! We must all weight the benefits and potential risks of any surgery, but especially cosmetic plastic surgery.
Quick tips for Plastic Surgery Success…
010 months ago
Scottsdale – Hi folks, I just wanted to point out a few ideas about plastic surgery of the breasts and tummy tuck, which might help to improve your experience after these operations.
Most cosmetic surgery patients have some constipation as a result of having anesthesia and pain medications. Because these types of drugs, while necessary, slow down smooth muscle contraction, they lead to slowing of the intestinal movements. Constipation after surgery, like breast augmentation or tummy tuck with and without liposuction, can lead to a mild or, in some cases, a more pronounced form of constipation.
I see it more often with breast augmentation, in my practice, actually. You can surely do something about this… but it starts before surgery.
Most patients know to take a mild stool softener after surgery, but the key is going to be to start using a stool softener before your scheduled plastic surgery. That’s right, I recommend you start a gentle stool softener a full 2 days before your procedure. However, if you suffer already from irregular bowel rhythms, then I recommend using a stool softener a full week before the operation.
If you do this, I believe, your experience will be better and you will return to normal function faster.
Adding a high fiber diet is also very important. Of course, when you are on high fiber you must also drink lots of water! It is easy now-a-days to find a high fiber cereal, like FiberOne which can provide you with as much as 57% of you daily fiber with one serving!
Best of luck, everyone!
A Little More on Fat Grafts…
011 months ago
by Dr. Aldo
in Facial Surgery
Scottsdale – A more refined introduction to fat grafting, based on history. Historically, it was believed that facial fat was a continuous layer of tissue under the skin. Similarly, facial aging was looked as the result of gravity pulling and stretching the facial skin and fat layer.
Plastic surgeons made great strides in understanding facial aging. A critical publication was the 1965 article by Gonzalez-Ulloa, who described facial aging as involving all the structures of the face, including the muscles, bone, skin and fat.
More recent studies have demonstrated the facial fat is not a continuous layer, but is compartmentalized into sections. With this understanding, techniques for facial plastic surgery have evolved.
For optimal cosmetic surgery results, the modern plastic surgeon should have a three dimensional understanding of the facial structures and how aging can affect these over time.
In other words, consideration fat injections should carefully consider all four levels of volume deficiency. When performing facial rejuvenation surgery, volume restoration, skin tightening and skin resurfacing should be combined.
A little more on fat grafting will come in on the blog tomorrow…..
Zinc Supplements help Reduce the Common Cold Severity.
011 months ago
by Dr. Aldo
in In the news
Scottsdale – A new study reported via Foxnews, says people who take zinc supplements within one day of a cold’s onset will reduce the severity and length of illness. The study involved the “common cold” and zinc lozenges, which were first introduced in 1984.
Data from the study, showed the patients who took zinc felt better within 7 days compared to those who took placebos. Interestingly, kids who consistently took zinc lozenges for at least five months per year developed fewer colds and did not miss as much time off from school.
“This review strengthens the evidence for zinc as a treatment for the common cold,” said lead researcher Meenu Singh in a press release.
On the Dangers of Prescription Pain Medications.
011 months ago
Scottsdale – Even while it is rare, the Food and Drug Administration has issued several warnings to consumers about prescription pain medications. The risks are even greater when prescription medications and consumed along with some over-the-counter pain relievers.
In early January of this year, the FDA began asking manufacturers of prescription drugs that contain acetaminophen to limit the acetaminophen dosage in each capsule or tablet to no more than 325 mg. The agency is also requiring a “black box” warning label be included on all packaging for acetaminophen products.
We use different pain medications in our practice to control pain after breast augmentation, liposuction and tummy tuck. Common prescriptions like Vicodin, Percocet, and others contain a hefty does of acetaminophen. There is a large list of acetaminophen containing products for all to see.
The safe dose of acetaminophen, I recommend, is anywhere less then 4 grams in a 24 hour period for healthy individuals. We encourage most plastic surgery patients to take less than this maximum daily dose. Be aware that a dose of 7 to 10 grams of acetaminophen is associated with liver toxicity, including liver failure and death.
The FDA says that acetaminophen is also sold under the brand name Tylenol and in multiple generic versions. Acetaminophen sends an estimated 56,000 people to the emergency room each year, the FDA said. About 100 people die each year after unintentionally overdosing on the drug. We ask all our patients to call us about any questions or concern and also to discuss any issues regarding this post with their pharmacists carefully.
