Elizabeth Laikhter, BA & Eric Shiah, BA contributed to this article.
Dr. Samuel Lin is a double board-certified Plastic Surgeon and Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School who practices in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Lin is an active Board Member of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Bright Pink Foundations. Dr. Lin is active in both basic science and clinical research with a focus on face/neck/nose surgery (rhinoplasty), breast surgery (reduction, lift, and reconstruction), and body contouring. He collaborates with engineers, scientists, and other plastic surgeons at other institutions within the New England area, nationally, and internationally. He is the editor of several medical textbooks including Aesthetic Atlas of the Head and Neck, Atlas of Body Contouring, and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Pearls of Wisdom and Pearls of Wisdom Second and Third Editions. Haute Beauty Expert Dr. Samuel Lin dishes on the top requested procedures plastic surgery treatments going into the Spring season.
Photo Credit: ShutterstockWhile a lot of people haven’t put their winter coats away quite yet, this is the time to plan for warmer temperatures and all the activities they allow. The arrival of spring comes with longer days and more outdoor fun in the sun. However, as many people’s social lives are flourishing coming out of winter, so are insecurities about signs of aging, excess fat, and other aspects of physical appearances.
When it comes to nonsurgical or surgical cosmetic treatments, generally, it is better to start them earlier in the season to give your body some time to heal. If you have a vacation planned, it is recommended to plan for plenty of healing time to ensure that you can also feel your best during your trip or just having a procedure or treatment after your trip.
Let us explore some of the top requested plastic surgery treatments going into the Spring season.
Minimally Invasive Facial Rejuvenation
Recovering from plastic surgery does not always have to mean spending precious spring and summer weeks at home. It is understandable to want to be back on your feet as soon as possible. There are several shortened and less-invasive versions of traditional facial rejuvenation procedures that are more affordable and have shorter procedure and recovery times.
A mini facelift, also called the “weekend facelift,” is ideal for patients with moderate signs of aging on the lower face or neck who are looking to achieve a fresh face and youthful glow without having to undergo a lengthy surgery. The procedure is performed through incisions near the ears or hairline and can be done with gentle numbing local anesthesia in an office setting. Patients can generally return home the same day of surgery, and return to normal activities after one week.
Other facial rejuvenation procedure options include mini brow or forehead lifts, eye lifts, and neck lifts. A mini brow lift improves the appearance of the forehead by raising the soft tissue of the forehead and brow, which tends to sag with aging. Tiny incisions are concealed within the hairline, and recovery times are much quicker than traditional brow lifts. Similarly, a mini eye lift can be done in 30 minutes under a local anesthetic and produce immediate results. Through minimally invasive techniques, extra folds of skin above the eyes are removed which helps the eyes appear larger and fresher. Patients are usually very happy with their results, which can last for many years.
Lastly, Botox and dermal fillers are non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures that will continue to be popular treatment options for those with mild signs of aging, or those who are just looking for a touch-up.
Other non-invasive procedures such as radiofrequency treatments are available for patients who want to see an improvement in the contour of the arms, face, body but not yet surgical candidates.
Photo Credit: ShutterstockAbdominal Contouring
Swimsuit season is arriving! The perfect way to compliment the hard work put in maintaining your body this winter is with abdominal contouring. These procedures include a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), liposuction, and coolsculpting (cryolipolysis).
An abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure involving removal of excess fat and skin, as well as restoration of weakened abdominal muscles, thus creating a smoother and firmer abdomen. The surgical incision is hidden in the lower abdominal line.
Liposuction involves the removal of fat by injecting a solution called tumescent that allows for the fat to become amenable to suctioning by a thin instrument called a cannula. The incisions involved in liposuction are minimally noticeable. However, it may take a few months to see the final contoured results after liposuction.
Cryolipolysis (Coolsculpting) utilizes cold temperature to break down fat cells. During the procedure, the area where fat is to be reduced is covered with a gel pad and an applicator attached to a vacuum. The body area is suctioned toward the applicator and cooled. The cool temperature numbs the area, so patients typically do not feel pain during the procedure. The whole procedure takes a few hours depending on the number and size of sites being treated and patients usually watch TV or read during the treatment time. Recovery after cryolipolysis takes a few days and the injured fat cells typically take four to six months to be fully eliminated.
Varicose Vein Removal
Finally getting to shed those winter layers this summer means your legs will be on full display in summer dresses, shorts, and swimwear. Prominent veins on the legs (varicose veins) can make you feel self-conscious, limiting the enjoyment of summer weather and fashion styles. The options for varicose vein removal include sclerotherapy and laser vein removal. Both are effective, safe, and relatively painless ways to reduce the appearance of varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a substance that irritates prominent veins, causing them to collapse and diminish their appearance. After injection, patients are required to wear compressive dressings or stockings for a period of time.
Laser vein removal involves using beams of light directed at veins to reduce their appearance. Multiple sessions are often recommended, and sometimes laser vein removal is used in combination with sclerotherapy.
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