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5 Areas of the Face That Can Be Improved with Fillers


When you look in the mirror, the signs of aging you see on your face can be distressing. Beginning as early as your 30s or even late 20s, fine lines around the mouth and nose, dark circles under the eyes, and drooping upper eyelids, little by little, have started appearing.

Many contributing factors can be causing these irritating symptoms: smoking, stress, lack of sleep, excessive sun exposure, and genetics are all to blame for the early signs of aging.

Fortunately, the board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg in Virginia have several non-surgical options in the form of injectable dermal fillers that can rejuvenate your face and help turn back the clock on aging.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Also known as injectable fillers, dermal fillers are a valuable tool in restoring fullness and volume to your face, ultimately reducing the appearance of age-related lines, wrinkles, and other flaws. Many patients experience facial fat and volume loss as a natural consequence of the aging process.

Fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin with a blunt tip cannula. Many of the elements injected, such as hyaluronic acid and collagen, occur naturally in the skin, making them well-received by most patients. Even better, injections require no recovery time and provide immediate results!

We offer a comprehensive selection of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, specifically formulated for specific skin areas, to patients in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area. These include:

  • Juvéderm® Voluma
  • Juvéderm® Ultra
  • Juvéderm® Ultra Plus
  • Restylane®
  • Restylane® Lyft
  • Restylane® Silk

Dermal Fillers, A Noninvasive Alternative

Dermal fillers are highly effective and easily customized for each patient, addressing specific problem areas. For long-lasting results, patients can maintain their results by following a customized treatment plan with routine scheduled treatments.

Curious about how your face could benefit from filler injections? Check out this list of five common areas where dermal fillers can be used!

1. Cheeks and Temples: Added Contour, Curve, and Lift

The rich formula of Juvéderm® Voluma can create more structured-looking cheekbones and add plumpness to your temples, adding a more youthful look to your mid-face.

2. Smile Lines: Smoothed Nasolabial Folds

Filler applied to the mid-face fills in the smile lines and wrinkles known as nasolabial folds, providing a perfect balance of flexibility and smoothness. It’s an ideal treatment for an area that constantly moves as you talk and smile.

3. Lips: Volumized, Smoothed Vertical lines, Improved Symmetry

Not only can we use dermal fillers to achieve natural-looking volume in our lips, but they can also smooth vertical lip lines and wrinkles that form around the lips.

4. Chin: Balanced Proportions, Added Definition

By adding definition to the chin, fillers can create an improved, balanced, and better-defined profile. Many patients are surprised at how much more youthful they look with artfully placed filler injections creating a slimmer chin, together with filled-in lines and wrinkles.

5. Jawline and Neck: Smoothed, Confident, Youthful

The highly cohesive Juvéderm® Voluma formula can be applied along the bony jawline area, strengthening the natural contours, smoothing horizontal wrinkles and lines in the neck.

Take the Next Step, Refresh Your Appearance!

Are you tired of fine lines and wrinkles on your face? Then dermal fillers or other non-invasive facial rejuvenation may be your best move towards refreshing your appearance.

Since no surgery is involved, the recovery time associated with injectable fillers is virtually nonexistent. Patients can quickly complete a filler treatment and then continue with their daily routine, even returning to work the same day.

For more information, schedule a consultation at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, conveniently located near downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Call us today at (540) 371-7730 to start your path towards a more youthful appearance!

Popular Treatments In Early Spring


This is the time of year that you want to fall in love with yourself again. It’s the best time to finally get started on those beauty treatments you’ve had on your wish list for way too long. For many reasons, this is the best time of year to think about cosmetic treatments that can help you look your best all year round.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are the perfect choice if you’re looking for a non-surgical way to restore or improve your youthful look. These fillers can be injected to restore lost facial volume under the eyes, in the temples, and cheeks and offer some amazing benefits:

  • Immediately Visible Results
  • No Recovery or Downtime
  • Boost in Self-Confidence
  • Long-Lasting Results
  • Minimal Risk

You could even consider a non-surgical liquid facelift to rejuvenate the overall appearance of your face, providing a boost that everyone will notice. The best part is that the results are transformative but natural – no one will suspect you’ve had “work” done.

Injectables

The passage of time can leave your face with an aged and tired appearance. However, JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC, made from hyaluronic acid, is an excellent treatment to fill in lines and wrinkles, provide additional volume to your face, and rejuvenate your look. It is a gel that gently lifts the skin on your face and restores lost volume, resulting in a smoother, more natural and youthful look.

Chemical Peels

Many skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and dull aging skin may be treated with a Chemical Peel. The process loosens and removes dead skin cells and allows healthier skin to grow back and be visible on the surface. Chemical peels can be performed alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures and applied at different depths, from light to deep. Light peels are perfect for exfoliating and unclogging pores and for increasing new skin production. Deeper peels take longer to recover from, but they can decrease discoloration and give you a smoother skin texture. Either way, you can expect a restored glow.

At Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, we offer an Obagi Radiance Peel and various Vi Peels, with each treatment being customized to your unique requirements.

Fraxel Laser

Recognized as one of the most popular skin resurfacing tools, Fraxel Laser can penetrate the thickest layer of the skin known as the dermis. It works without burning or damaging the skin. This medical laser can selectively dissolve aged and damaged cells affected by hyperpigmentation, sun damage, wrinkles, or acne scarring by applying gentle heat.

Spar Treatment

As a special treat, you could visit our Medical Spa in Northern Virginia, which offers various services. Here is a sample of the treatments we have to offer:

  • Chemical Peels

Spoil Yourself for a Beautiful Look All Year Long

Your next step in planning to look your best is to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg in Virginia. The best way to recapture your youthful look is through an individualized, custom-tailored treatment plan. Call us today at (540) 371-7730.

10 Things to Expect from your Upcoming Procedure | Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg

You may have been thinking about having plastic surgery for some time. Rather than allowing yourself to feel overwhelmed by relying on friends or your Internet research for advice, keep reading for some things you can expect when you choose the Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg.

1. Meeting the Team

From the moment you enter our fully accredited facility in Northern Virginia, you are joined by a team of professionals whose mission is to help you achieve your goals. You will be paired with one of our board-certified surgeons who will work closely with you to obtain a thorough understanding of your expectations.

2. Feeling Safe at All Times

Your safety, comfort, and full understanding of your procedure is at the top of our team’s priorities. Our surgeons, staff, and operating facility are held to the highest standards in patient safety and care, which is why we have received one of the highest and most stringent surgical center accreditations available.

3. Understanding Your Procedure

During your initial consultation, any questions and concerns you might have will be addressed. These could include:

  • How many procedures have you done like the one I’m considering?
  • What other health care professionals can I expect to be involved in my care?
  • Is this the best treatment for me? Are there other procedures that might be more appropriate?
  • What does the procedure entail?
  • How long is the recovery period?
  • How much discomfort can I expect?
  • Will I have any scars, and what will they look like?

4. Understanding the Risks

All surgeries, including cosmetic procedures, carry an element of risk. When you meet with your surgeon, these risks will be discussed in relation to your personal health history.

Some of the possible risks associated with your procedure could include:

  • Complications related to the anesthesia
  • Infection of the incision site
  • Mild bleeding
  • Numbness and tingling from nerve damage

5. Understanding the Costs

We will discuss cost issues with you once we have formulated a procedural plan to reach your goals. These would include but not be limited to:

  • What is the total cost?
  • Are there any hidden fees?
  • Does this quote include the anesthesiologist?

6. Understanding What Happens on the Day of Your Treatment

It’s essential to have a clear understanding of what will happen on the day of your procedure. You will have been briefed on your expected arrival time and whether you need to have someone to drive you home afterward.

7. Understanding the Results

Realistic expectations for your treatment are essential — the goal is towards improvement, not perfection. Keep in mind that your bruising and swelling will be temporary, and while scars are permanent, they will fade over time.

8. Understanding Your Recovery

Recovery times vary depending on the person and procedure. Expect a minimum of 6—12 weeks for many cosmetic surgeries.

9. Expect Follow-up Appointments

During your consultations with our team, any follow-up appointments would be scheduled. These may need to be reviewed and adjusted depending on the outcome of your procedure.

10. Expect Outstanding Care from Beginning to End

The one thing we strive for continually in our practice is a dedication to our patients in any step of their journey. Our team of experts is here for you before, during, and well after any procedure you choose.

Ready to Learn More?

Our team at the Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg is highly skilled in offering people of all ages personalized cosmetic surgery treatment plans tailored to their cosmetic needs and desires. Contact us online to request a consultation or call us today at (540) 371-7730.

Benefits of Vaginal Rejuvenation You Never Knew

Plastic surgery is often regarded as making noticeable aesthetic changes to one’s appearance, such as tightening the skin for a facelift or increasing bust size during breast augmentation. However, there some aesthetic issues that go unnoticed to others but can still impact the way we feel, but most importantly our confidence.

The vagina is a sexual organ designed for pleasure but also childbirth. As women age, this organ loses its elasticity and youthful appearance, often affecting the way women feel when intimate with their partner, leading to embarrassment. Vaginal rejuvenation aims to rectify this loss of self-esteem by tightening vaginal tissue, helping women regain their sense attractiveness, and even boosting sexual pleasure.

Factors Affecting Vaginal Appearance

Vaginal rejuvenation is a term used to refer to reconstructive surgery of the outer lips (labia majora) and/or the inner lips of the vagina (labia minora) called labiaplasty. During childbirth, these structures stretch and contract to accommodate the passage of an infant, but the tissue may not always bounce back to the way it looked pre-childbirth. 

Additional complaints women have due to loose vaginal tissue include increased pain during sexual intercourse, loss if vaginal tightness, and reduced sensitivity.

Age also plays a significant role in female dissatisfaction with their vaginal appearance. As women get older a natural reduction of the sex hormone estrogen occurs. This hormone is responsible for maintaining vaginal tightness, moisture, and elasticity. Over time, the taut appearance of the vagina may diminish due to this fact regardless if you have had children. 

Benefits of Vaginal Rejuvenation

Labioplasty will tighten the tissue of the vagina by removing excess skin. By doing this, both you and your partner will benefit from increased stimulation that would have been lost otherwise, leading to greater sexual gratification and improved sex life. It can even help reduce pain caused by excess vaginal tissue being pulled into the vagina during intercourse. 

The labia minora is normally situated behind the labia majora, but this is not always true for older women. When the labia minora protrudes forward, beyond the labia minora, it can give an aesthetically displeasing appearance. Labiaplasty can correct this, returning your vagina to its previously youthful look.

The clothing we choose to wear impacts the way we feel. Having loose vaginal tissue can lead to unwanted friction in the crotch area, making even wearing underwear an unpleasant experience. Women’s fashion is geared towards showcasing the female figure which leads to discomfort and irritation when wearing form-fitting clothing, such as bathing suits. Labiaplasty can reduce labia protrusion and reshape the vagina to mitigate this undesirable consequence. 

Premature urination is a common issue facing older women, especially those who have had multiple vaginal births. Premature urination occurs when you are unable to adequately control the flow of urine, leading to unwanted leaks. By tightening the vaginal tissue, it makes it easier to hold on to urine and preventing untimely accidents. 

What You Can Expect

Labioplasty is considered an outpatient procedure with most patients leaving the hospital to recoup at home the same day. Your vaginal area will feel sore and swollen for about a week, so it is recommended to wear loose clothing during to this to avoid excess pain. Using ice packs on the area as needed can also aid in relieving pain and swelling. Your doctor will also advise you to avoid using tampons, sex, and other vigorous activities for about four to six weeks post-procedure to ensure adequate healing.

Speaking to highly trained and experienced plastic surgeons is the first step in discovering your options when considering vaginal rejuvenation. The excellent doctors at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg are committed to understanding your needs and desires to help you achieve your cosmetic surgery goals.

To schedule a personalized consultation, call the Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg at (540) 371-7730 today!

Not All Board Certifications Are Created Equal

You may be surprised to find out that not all surgeons who advertise themselves as a “board certified” have the same level of training. A board-certified plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), has completed years of hands-on training by experts in the field and demonstrated mastery of their specialty through oral and written examinations.  At the completion of their training, they will have performed hundreds of surgeries like the one you are considering. Additionally, some board certifications can be bought while others are earned. Those who earn the board certifications are truly trained in the field, as opposed to those who are not truly trained but advertise as “Board Certified”. Taking the time to check and verify a board membership is definitely worth the effort and will help ensure that the doctor meets at least a minimum expertise.

What does it mean to be “board certified,” and is it really that important?

Once physicians complete medical school, they embark on a residency program in the specialty of their choosing. Residency programs consist of multiple years of hands-on training during which the physicians are guided by experts in the specialty with extensive experience.  After completion of these years of training, the residents are then eligible to take a rigorous examination that allows them to demonstrate their expertise in their chosen specialty.  Only after they have completed the years of hands-on training and passed their exams are doctors then able to advertise themselves as “board certified” in their chosen specialty. Additionally, to maintain their board certification, surgeons must engage in continuing education activities, so you know that they are constantly learning and improving in their practice.

The bigger organization that accredits and oversees the individual specialty organizations is the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).  The ABMS determines which programs are of sufficient rigor to guarantee proficiency in a particular specialty.  For patients considering cosmetic surgeries, the only ABMS-recognized board certification is American Board of Plastic Surgery. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is not recognized by the American Board of of Medical Specialties.

So, what does this mean for you? If your physician is not “board certified,”by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, there is no guarantee that they have completed extensive hands-on training in their field or have been able to demonstrate proficiency in the requirements of their specialty.  The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is not American Board of of Medical Specialties recognized. In fact, in many states, physicians who have not completed a residency at all can practice medicine, even performing cosmetic procedures.  But do you want a “cosmetic surgeon” who has not had years of hands-on guidance and demonstrated mastery to perform surgery on you? Unlikely. But, unfortunately, not all patients are knowledgeable about accrediting organizations, and some doctors are happy to take advantage of this.

So how do I know if my plastic surgeon is really board-certified?

Fortunately, there are a couple of questions you can ask to protect yourself:

  • Ask your physician about their board certification. For cosmetic surgery, you want an American Board of Plastic Surgery board-certified surgeon. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
  • Ask the doctor if they have privileges at the local hospitals should you have complications from your procedure. While most procedures are performed in stand-alone surgery centers or even in the office, your surgeon should be able to treat you if you were to be admitted to a local hospital with complications.  Physicians who are not board-certified are not given hospital privileges and would be unable to treat you.

When you are considering plastic surgery, don’t risk your health and aesthetic outcome to a surgeon who doesn’t have the highest level of training! Call 540.371.7730 to schedule your personal consultation today, and know that you will be treated by experts!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why is a Mini Facelift Suitable for Younger Patients?

Facelift surgery is considered the “gold standard” in facial rejuvenation for a reason: It can treat even the most advanced signs of aging, and it produces elegant, natural results that last for ten or more years. Facelift surgery is, however, a complex operation that’s intended for older patients who have obvious loose face and neck skin. Patients under the age of 45 seldom need the extensive alterations offered by this procedure because the skin below their jawline and around their eyes is still fairly firm. That’s why we offer what is known as a “mini” facelift here at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg; this procedure is ideally suited to younger patients who have only just started to notice visible signs of aging.

Understanding the Early Stages of Aging

Though collagen loss begins fairly early in life (the rate of collagen production drops by about 1% per year after age 30), it takes a while for skin to become stretched to the point of visible looseness. Most people don’t experience sagging eyelids, hanging neck skin, and other signs of severe skin laxity until they reach about 55-60 years of age. During the early stages of the aging process, most visible aging is caused by changes in the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS).

The SMAS plays a crucial role in supporting facial skin, the connective tissues below the skin, and the fat pads that give shape to the face. As the SMAS drops, as it does during our 40s, fat pads slide downwards, creating hollows around our eyes and under our cheeks. Sometimes, fat pads on the lower face form jowls and a double chin as they descend into the submental area. The weight of these fat pads can also make creases and folds of loose skin appear more prominent.

How Can a Mini Facelift Help?

The mini facelift is designed to treat just SMAS sagging, thereby reversing undesirable changes while keeping scarring and recovery time to a minimum. To perform a mini facelift, our surgeons make two small S-shaped incisions behind each ear. Through these incisions, they can access and lift the SMAS. This raises fat pads, restoring youthful facial contours, and minimizes the appearance of loose skin.

Mini facelift surgery usually only takes two hours to complete, and most patients recover from this procedure within just one week. Better still, mini facelift surgery produces subtle results that look natural on younger faces. Because no loose skin is removed during this procedure, your skin won’t look “tight” after having a mini facelift.

For best results, we recommend combining mini facelift surgery with one or more injectable treatments. Injectable treatments can target areas of the face not treated by mini facelift surgery, like the brow, lips, and nasolabial folds. BOTOX® injections can relax the muscles around the temples, smoothing out forehead lines and crow’s feet. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are used to fill in creases and add volume to the lips and cheeks. Injectables don’t require any additional downtime, so they’re perfect for younger patients who have a demanding work schedule or active family life.

To learn more about these treatments and how they can help you manage the early signs of aging, just contact our practice; we’ll be happy to arrange a one-on-one consultation for you.

 

 

 

Last Minute Spa Treatments for All Your Holiday Events

We all want to look our best during the holidays—after all, more social events occur in December and January than at any other time of the year. Unfortunately, that same hustle and bustle make taking time out to pamper ourselves next to impossible. Few people can fit cosmetic surgery before the holidays, and even taking a full day out to visit the spa can be challenging. That’s why we offer several “lunchtime procedures” here at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg. These non-surgical treatments can make a big difference in how you look, without impacting your busy schedule.

3 Quick and Easy Holiday Spa Treatments

1. Vampire Facelifts

If you’re looking for a refreshing and rejuvenating facial treatment before the holidays, vampire facial procedures may be right for you. While the name seems intimidating, these treatments utilize PRP (platelet-rich plasma) to encourage cell turnover and help the skin look renewed and youthful. Vampire facelifts utilize PRP in addition to microneedling, which allows for deep penetration of the PRP serum and improved collagen production by creating microscopic perforations that heal quickly. If you choose a PRP facelift, you can benefit from the plumping and lifting effect of a variety of dermal fillers with the use of PRP to improve the skin’s tone and texture. The result is vibrant skin that no longer looks hollow or drooping. Your procedure is customized to address specific areas of concern.

The vampire facelift does not require downtime for recovery. While the skin may appear slightly red after a vampire facial treatment, any residual side effects will quickly dissipate so you can enjoy the holiday season looking your best.

2. The Fraxel Laser

During Fraxel laser treatment, our doctors use a specialized medical laser to abrade the top layers of the skin gently. This removes damaged and highly pigmented skin cells while speeding up the rate of cellular renewal and boosting collagen production. Fraxel laser treatment is, therefore, a great way to get rid of fine lines, age spots, acne and acne scars. It will also make your skin firmer, smoother, and younger-looking throughout a few treatments.

Unlike a chemical peel, laser skin rejuvenation won’t cause your skin to peel or flake. You’ll be able to resume all your normal activities on the same day you have this procedure, making it an ideal last-minute spa treatment.

3. BOTOX®

Though most people have heard of BOTOX®, few realize how no-fuss this injectable treatment really is: Most BOTOX® appointments take just 15 minutes to complete, you won’t have to rest afterward, and this compound rarely causes any side effects. At the same time, BOTOX® is powerful enough to erase forehead lines and crow’s feet.

The holidays will be here soon, so if you’re interested in having a few last-minute spa treatments, you should contact us to arrange a consultation. We’ll help you pick the best low-maintenance treatments to meet your needs.

 

 

Most Commonly Requested Liposuction Areas

Liposuction is as versatile as it is effective: This convenient, low-risk procedure can permanently remove unwanted fat from almost anywhere on the body. Liposuction is the best way to contour small areas, too; the thin cannulas used during this procedure can shape even the fingers, toes, ankles, and knees. Most non-surgical fat removal devices are too large to be used similarly.

If you’re considering having diet-resistant fat removed, it’s useful to know the most commonly requested liposuction sites. Having this information will help you work with our surgeons to develop a comprehensive body sculpting plan that meets all your objectives.

The 6 Areas Most Commonly Treated by Liposuction

1. The Abdomen

Unsurprisingly, the upper and lower abdomen are two of the most popular liposuction sites. Liposuction can quickly and permanently eliminate up to ten pounds of belly fat. Keep in mind, however, that this procedure is not meant to serve as a substitute for lifestyle changes. Removing more than ten pounds of fat at a time can cause surgical complications, so it’s not possible to use this procedure as a treatment for central obesity.

Eligible candidates use liposuction to treat age-related fat centralization or inherited fat distribution problems. Mothers also turn to liposuction to get rid of the lower belly “pouch” that often develops after pregnancy.

2. The Breasts

Both men and women can benefit from liposuction’s ability to contour the chest. Men frequently use liposuction to treat gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts). Women may use it to correct breast asymmetry or decrease the size of their breasts slightly (more dramatic reductions in breast size can only be achieved using breast reduction surgery). Some women also use liposuction to get rid of the small pocket of fat that sometimes exists between the breasts and the armpits. Removing this fat can reduce irritation while wearing a bra and make clothes drape in a more flattering way.

3. The Area Under the Chin

Though non-surgical treatments for submental fat exist, they don’t produce results as quickly as liposuction. They can also cause more localized irritation for some patients. Liposuction is therefore still the treatment of choice for most patients who wish to get rid of a double chin.

5. The Thighs

Some women have what’s known as an accentuated “pear-shaped” figure: Their upper body is very lean, while their thighs and buttocks retain stubborn bulges of fat. Liposuction can be used to slim the lower body, giving these women more balanced proportions.

6. The Upper Arms

High estrogen levels tend to increase the amount of fat that’s stored on the arms, as well as increasing breast size. Unfortunately, natural or not, this extra arm fat can make a woman look heavier and less toned than she actually is. Having arm liposuction can improve visible muscle tone and decrease upper body mass at the same time.

To learn more about how liposuction can be used to sculpt a shapelier body, contact PSSF to arrange a consultation. Our surgeons will be happy to answer any questions you have about this procedure.

 

 

Why is Fall Facelift Season?

Autumn offers many things to look forward to: Cooler days, the scent of frost in the morning, ripe pumpkins, and cozy socks and sweaters. For those interested in having facelift surgery, fall has the added advantage of providing a convenient, comfortable recovery period.

3 Reasons Why Fall is a Great Time to Have a Facelift

1. Finding recovery time is easier between September and November.

Most Americans feel like they’re busy almost all year long, and for good reason: Between summer and winter holidays, spring break, and peak times at work, finding time for rest and relaxation often proves challenging. Fortunately, for parents, in particular, fall provides something of a reprieve from constant activity. After September, any children you have will be back at school, making childcare help a bit easier to arrange. (You’ll need someone to assist you at home for a couple of days after you have a facelift.) At the same time, both your child’s school and your workplace will be in a post-vacation lull.

Keep in mind that many patients prefer to take one to two weeks off work if they’re having a full facelift. Facelift recovery isn’t usually uncomfortable (as long as patients consume soft foods and take their pain medication on schedule), but some patients experience redness and swelling that lasts from 10 to 14 days. For aesthetic reasons, you might want to remain at home until the signs of facial swelling completely subside. (Note that the recovery time required after a mini facelift is typically much shorter. Most patients return to work just seven days after having a mini facelift.)

3. Covering incisions is easier during the cooler months.

Facelift incisions are usually made along the hairline and around the ears so that visible scarring is greatly reduced. Still, patients need to take certain precautions in order to ensure that their scars fade away over time. Foremost among these precautions is avoiding direct sun exposure: Sun damage is the number one cause of thickened, darkened, and raised scar tissue.

For best results, you should keep your face protected any time you go outdoors, even on cloudy days. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and a medical grade sunscreen with a high SPF value. (You may also want to wear a scarf, both for added protection and to hide any facial swelling you’re experiencing.) You should make sure to limit your sun exposure as long as your incisions are pink. Incisions are still vulnerable to sun damage for several weeks after they have closed up.

3. Having surgery in the fall will help you prepare for the holidays.

Facelift surgery can take up to three months to completely “settle,” but most of this process is completed within six weeks post-surgery. As such, if you have a facelift in September, you can rest assured that you’ll look completely revitalized by the time the winter holidays arrive.

Autumn is already on our doorstep, so if you’d like to have facelift surgery this year, you should act quickly. To begin your personal transformation, contact Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg either online or via the telephone at (540) 371-7730. If you’re a resident of Virginia, we’ll be happy to help you achieve the youthful, graceful results you deserve.

 

 

 

BBL Safety : Why PSSF is Your Safest Choice for Buttock Augmentation

Medical scare stories are one of the most popular types of “clickbait” on the internet. Whether they’re warning us of hidden toxins in our food or calling attention to the purported risks of popular cosmetic treatments, these articles play on our most basic instincts in order to drive revenue. Unfortunately, while these kind of stories often contain a nugget of truth, they’re typically heavy on exaggeration and light on factual information. This can make it difficult for the average person to make informed, rational choices.

One of the trendiest plastic surgery procedures in the world—the Brazilian Butt Lift—found itself at the center of such unwanted attention last year, after reports of postoperative casualties hit the media. The BBL was dubbed “the most dangerous plastic surgery procedure in the world,” and a number of otherwise eligible candidates decided to avoid it in favor of alternatives. This has, however, simply led to worse problems: Many people are now turning to much riskier treatments, like implants and injectables that have not yet passed FDA approval, in their quest to get the perfect posterior. Meanwhile, there are safe ways to have the buttocks augmented through surgery. Before you rush into having any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to do your research, learn the facts, and decide for yourself whether the rewards outweigh the risks.

BBL Surgery Explained

Underneath all the hype, the Brazilian Butt Lift is actually a fairly straightforward procedure: A plastic surgeon first extracts some of the patient’s own body fat (via liposuction), then he (or she) prepares it for injection back into the body. Once the fat has been processed in a centrifuge, it’s inserted into the patient’s buttocks and the healing process begins. This surgical technique—which is known as a fat transfer—is actually nothing new. Plastic surgeons have been safely using it for years, usually to augment the breasts or combat age-related fat loss on the hands, feet, and face.

It’s not a particularly high-risk operation if performed properly by a board-certified or board-eligible plastic surgeon.   At Plastic Surgery Service of Fredericksburg, we are very knowledgeable on appropriate techniques to achieve maximum safety.

Why Choose Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg for Your BBL?

The concern over the BBL highlights the need to always select a surgeon who is both qualified and experienced, no matter what procedure you plan on having. Because the BBL is still relatively new, there aren’t many surgeons in the United States who are well versed in BBL techniques. PSSF is a rarity in that our practice employs three experienced plastic surgeons who thoroughly understand the intricacies of fat transfer techniques. (One of our surgeons, Dr. Aflaki, also completed two years of research at the Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Gene Transfer at Harvard Medical School.) Furthermore, we perform all of our surgeries in fully accredited facilities. These practices have allowed us to perform a number of BBL procedures safely and successfully.

Fat transfer procedures, while they’re invasive, have a number of benefits when they’re performed correctly. Because they use the patient’s own fatty tissue, they produce a completely natural look and feel. They also carry no risk of allergic reaction, unlike synthetic implants and injectables. In summation, if you want a noticeably fuller buttocks, the BBL is probably the safest way to achieve it—as long as you’re in the capable, caring hands of our board-certified plastic surgeons.