Hundreds of thousands of plastic surgery procedures are performed each year. These range from minimally-invasive body contouring procedures to breast enhancement to facial rejuvenation. Regardless of the procedure that is in your future, chances are you are already thinking of two things: your recovery and your results. You must get through one to see the other. Here, we discuss a few must-haves to see you through the most pleasant surgical recovery possible.
Must-Have #1 – Help
As you move closer to your surgery date, you may hear that you should have one or more people assembled to assist you for a few days. Most people who undergo plastic surgery hear this recommendation. Many do call in the reinforcements and, a fair amount of people quickly struggle with their position of “helplessness.” This is why we’re mentioning this as a leading must-have. After you have plastic surgery, you not only need to arrange help, you need to prepare yourself emotionally to accept that help. The kind of help we’re talking about is cooking, childcare, pet care, maybe even a little light cleaning. Additionally, you mustn’t overlook the personal needs you may have. Some days you may need someone to administer your pain medication on time. Some days, you may just need someone to keep you company.
Must-Have #2 – Home Remedies
During the first several days of surgical recovery, you may rely on prescription pain medication to maintain comfort. Most patients are ready ahead of time, having filled their prescriptions well before surgery. Another few items are needed, though. One is ice. You can use a bag of peas or a formal gel ice pack. Whatever you choose, have an extra. Ice might be your BFF for a few days. Additionally, to help manage the potential side effects of prescription pain medication (specifically, constipation), you may also want to purchase a fiber supplement or a bottle of magnesium citrate tablets. Both have been shown to remedy constipation.
Berschof Plastic Surgery offers friendly, professional care to help people feel their best. Schedule a consultation at our Denver office at 303.399.7662.
Is Liposuction Worth It?
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Liposuction has been a popular procedure for many years. There are several reasons why it has consistently ranked within the top 5 plastic surgery procedures. It is often sought when diet and exercise are not providing the extent of body contouring a person would like. Let’s face it, body sculpting can be much more difficult than it seems. A little help can go a long way to achieve a well-defined body. While this procedure may be popular, many people still question if it’s worth it. We’ll discuss that here.
We’ll begin by saying that, whether you’re seeking body contouring, facial rejuvenation, or any other kind of cosmetic enhancement, it is essential to know what a given procedure can and cannot do. Expectations are everything. When it comes to liposuction, patients should know that this procedure is not going to help them lose weight. In fact, liposuction does not achieve the best results in patients whose BMI is much outside of the normal range (about 18 to 25). This is because liposuction removes no more than 5.000 mL of fat at once, and it is not healthy to undergo multiple liposuction procedures in a short time frame. When a person is within about 15 pounds of their normal and best weight, that’s when liposuction achieves noticeable, pleasing results.
Some of the situations in which liposuction performs very well include:
Removing localized deposits of fat from areas such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, and chin. Many of these areas are difficult to sculpt with diet and exercise because they may hold stubborn fat.
A desire to look better in one’s clothes. Excess fat in certain areas often creates problems fitting into clothing as one would like. For example, some people do not like wearing short-sleeved shirts because of fat on the backs of their arms. Excess abdominal fat causes a telltale “muffin top” over pants and shorts.
Perfecting physical proportion. It’s no secret that we all hold weight differently. Excess fat in one area, such as the outer thighs, can throw off proportions across the middle region of the body. Eliminating those localized fatty deposits slims where needed to bring harmony to the shape.
When Might Liposuction be a Bad Idea?
There are relatively few instances in which liposuction would not be a good idea. The two primary situations would be if a person wants to lose weight or has loose, sagging skin. Otherwise, the liposuction procedure holds the keys to lasting rewards!
Want to know more about liposuction? Contact our Denver office at 303.399.7662 to schedule your consultation.
Where can liposuction be performed?
Friday, October 30, 2020
Men and women of Scottsdale, AZ often work hard to keep their bodies in shape and stay active and healthy. However, there are many areas of the body where excess fat tends to accumulate—and can be stubborn to address! Dr. Joseph C. Berardi is a board-certified plastic surgeon who works regularly with patients dealing with excess fat on the body and are seeking a solution to treating these targeted areas.
How liposuction works
A popular method of body contouring and fat removal is liposuction. Liposuction is an elective surgery that is performed to remove fat cells from targeted areas of the body. This is done with the use of a long wand like device attached to a suction machine. The wand, called a cannula, is inserted into very small incisions in the treatment area and is moved around to suction out unwanted fat—permanently. Liposuction is a more invasive procedure, and results surgery and downtime to heal and recover properly.
Where can liposuction be performed?
Dr. Joseph C. Berardi finds that any area of the body that is impacted by excess fat cells can be improved with the use of liposuction. Some of the more common targeted spots include:
Hips
Thighs
Abdomen
Chest
Back
Buttocks
Upper arms
Abdomen
Chin/neck
Who is a candidate?
To determine candidacy for liposuction, it is vital for patients to start with a consultation visit. Dr. Joseph C. Berardi takes this time to connect with these patients and find out what their goals are. A patient who is in good overall health and wellness, is within their ideal weight, and is interested in liposuction will want to speak to our provider about what they would like to achieve with this procedure. Patients should have realistic expectations regarding what can be done with liposuction, and may also consider combining other treatments into the same surgical appointment.
Call our board-certified plastic surgeon today!
Liposuction is a common procedure used to reduce and remove fat cells from specific areas of the body, and continues to be a popular choice for both men and women seeking improved body contours. If you live in the Scottsdale community and are considering liposuction, book an appointment with Dr. Joseph C. Berardi by calling (480) 397-0711. Our providers are here to help!
How to be Fully Prepared for Breast Augmentation Surgery
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Breast augmentation is an exciting prospect. It allows you to look like you’ve always thought you should. There are many benefits to having breast augmentation surgery, which we can see from the fact that his procedure has led the plastic surgery pack for many years. When researching breast augmentation, it’s easy to focus on a few details, like choosing a fully qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon and stocking up on entertainment for the short recovery after surgery. These are important and do require attention. However, there are other tips to be fully prepared for breast augmentation. We’re going to tell you what they are.
Preparing for Breast Implants
When you’ve wanted breast implants for some time, you may think you know exactly what you want and exactly what your life will look like after your procedure. You might come very close but we would hate for you to make common mistakes. When you decide to have breast augmentation, you may have a specific idea in your head about cup size. You may have pictures of women’s bodies that you admire. These are good ways to prepare. However, keep in mind that your body may not look as good with that imagined cup size as you think. What looks good on another woman’s body looks good because of her overall proportions, not just her breasts. When you consult with a plastic surgeon, have an idea in mind, and also have an open mind. Our objective with patients is to achieve breast enhancement that looks natural.
Preparing for Recovery
If you’ve been researching breast augmentation, you may know that you need to take about a week off work. This is the minimum. If your job has high physical demands, you may need to take a full two-week vacation to ensure you can return to work without adverse complications. In addition to taking time off work, you also need to step back from your domestic duties. Someone else will do the cooking, the dog-walking, the laundry, and pretty much everything else that may normally fall onto your plate. Even caring for children. This can be more challenging than some people expect, which is why we point it out. Think of it like this: after breast augmentation, you finally get that Me Time you’ve been wanting for so long!
We are proud to serve the Denver area with friendly, professional service. For more information about breast augmentation, call 303.399.9609 and schedule a consultation.
Reasons women consider breast reduction
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
While the breasts make women feel feminine, they can also be a source of frustration as well. This typically occurs for women who have larger breasts. Large breasts can make it difficult for women to feel comfortable or perform certain activities, which is often the point at which they consider the benefits of breast reduction surgery.
Understanding breast reduction
Dr. Joseph C. Berardi is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ who offers breast reduction procedures. Breast augmentation with breast implants are the most common procedure; however, some women want to reduce their breast size. This involves the removal of fat, breast tissue, and skin, and in some cases involves the repositioning of the areola. Women with large breasts often find there are many advantages to reducing their breast size.
Why undergo breast reduction?
Below are just a few of the more common reasons why women consider breast reduction surgery:
Unwanted attention. Many women with large breasts feel as though they are distracting to others, especially when wearing a lower-cut blouse or swimsuits.
Difficulty finding clothing. Large breasts can make it difficult for women to find properly fitted clothing, causing them to wear larger, baggier clothes instead of more form-fitting alternatives.
One common complaint amongst women with larger breasts is pain and discomfort. Large breasts put a lot of weight on the upper front part of the body, which results in back pain, shoulder pain, and neck pain.
Inability to exercise. Running, jogging, and other physical activities can be difficult or even impossible with larger breasts, due to their weight. With breast reduction surgery, many women can lead a more active, healthy lifestyle.
Self-confidence. Women who deal with large breasts may have decreased self-confidence and self-esteem, making surgery a life-changing solution for their emotional health.
Speak to a professional about breast reduction today
If you live in the area of Scottsdale, AZ and are interested in discussing the benefits of breast reduction, now is the time to call Dr. Joseph C. Berardi and his team at (480) 397-0711. His practice is located at 8900 East Bahia Drive, Suite #110 and is a board-certified plastic surgeon open to new and current patients.
How to Sleep After Breast Surgery
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Having any surgical procedure will tax the body of physical resources. This is why after any kind of surgery, even a less invasive procedure like breast augmentation or a mommy makeover, patients typically find that they need a little extra rest than they usually do. The problem is that surgery itself can create a challenge for getting that rest. Here, we officer a roadmap that leads back to normal sleeping habits.
Sleep Reclining
One of the most common side effects to occur after surgery is swelling. There is also a risk of excessive fluid accumulation in the surgical area. This is true of most procedures, not just plastic surgery. To prevent this after a procedure on the upper body, patients are advised to sleep reclining. If you have a recliner, this may be easy. If you don’t you can prepare for a comfortable recovery by purchasing a few extra pillows to place under your back. In addition to helping prevent fluid accumulation and reduce swelling more quickly, a reclined position is much easier to move out of when you want to stand up.
Prepare to Sleep on Your Back
Once you no longer have to sleep reclining, you can transition to a more normal sleeping position but perhaps not entirely. If you’re accustomed to sleeping on your stomach, the instruction to sleep on your back may sound challenging. Having slept in a reclining position for a few days, this may be easier than you imagine, though. To help you remain on your back throughout the night, wedge the edge of a pillow under each arm.
Take the Support You’re Given
After breast surgery or a mommy makeover, a support garment is applied. Patients may wear this for a few weeks. During the first several days, the garment may be worn nearly all the time, removed only for showering. When you sleep, your support garment will prevent tugging on your incisions and will keep the breasts in place as you make slight movements.
Set Yourself Up for Success
Knowing that sleep is of the utmost importance after surgery, you want to set yourself up for success. One way to do this is to move around during the day as approved by your surgeon. Patients can typically take short walks as long as they are comfortable. The physical activity is minimal at first but usually sufficient to promote good sleep. Patients should also avoid things that inhibit quality rest, including caffeine, sugar, and late-night screen time.
Are you ready for a change? Contact our Denver office at 303.399.7662 to schedule your breast enhancement or mommy makeover consultation.
To Maximize Your Facelift Recovery, Follow These Tips!
Saturday, August 15, 2020
Having a facelift is an exciting life event. It is a big decision that can lead to amazing, long-lasting rewards. Most people who have a facelift once do not need to repeat the procedure a second time. Once tissue has been precisely repositioned, the face will look younger than it would have if surgery were not performed. This happens regardless of the continued aging process.
If the appearance of your aging face has you feeling a little less like yourself, you may be interested in exploring a facelift as an option to look younger. Sure, we’ve got dermal fillers, lasers, and radiofrequency devices that have been developed in recent years, but none of these approaches can achieve the extent of rejuvenation that’s possible with a facelift. As you explore your option for surgical facial rejuvenation, you’ll want to know what you can do, and what you shouldn’t do, to get the very best from your experience. We’ll cover that here.
Facelift Recovery Do’s and Don’ts
Pain
If you’re going to have a facelift, prepare ahead of time to avoid being a superhero. After surgery, you’ll be sore. You may be tender. At first, though, you may be surprised at how good you feel. This is because it can take several hours for the effects of local or general anesthesia to wear off. Whether you feel well enough to skip that first dose of pain medication, don’t. This could lead to unnecessary pain and a longer-than-expected wait to feel good again.
Rest
After you have a facelift, your body needs to devote the majority of its energy to regenerating tissues and producing healing chemicals like collagen. Your post-op period is not a time to put everyone else’s needs before your own. If you’re a mother, putting your needs on the back burner may be old hat. After your facelift, you’ll need to let someone else take the reigns for a bit. Don’t expect to be doing the cooking, for yourself or anyone else. Don’t expect to be doing chores or taking care of children or pets. Do expect to want to indulge in naps and more rest than what you’re used to. Do give yourself the time you need. Within a few weeks, you’ll be right back to your normal energy levels.
Our Denver office has been established as a comfortable facility in which to explore the benefits of plastic surgery. To learn more about facelift surgery, call303.399.7662 and schedule your visit.
Your Face Refreshed: How Do You Get There?
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Facial rejuvenation is an exciting prospect no matter how much correction you want to achieve. The only hiccup in knowing how to move forward is trying to decide the best way to accomplish your goals. There are several options for facial rejuvenation now available. The most commonly known are the surgical facelift and the nonsurgical facelift, both of which are performed in our Denver office. If you are ready to refresh your face but aren’t quite sure which approach you want to take, we’re about to offer two simple questions to help you take the next step.
How Quickly Do You Want to Look Refreshed?
You’ve become frustrated enough with the signs of aging to explore ways to correct your concerns. When asked how quickly you want to see a difference, of course your knee-jerk reaction will be to say “now”! Many people respond in this way; and why not, with that being a real possibility? If your priority is to look younger and more refreshed right away, then injectables may be the ideal solution for you. A liquid facelift, as it has been called, can make the face look up to 10 years younger. It is accomplished with various products, from Botox to dermal fillers to Kybella; sometimes a combination of all of these. With injectables, we can treat:
Worry lines on the forehead
Low eyebrows
Undereye puffiness or hollowing
Flattened cheek contours
Thin or deflated lips
Nasolabial folds around the nose and mouth
Marionette lines at the corners of the mouth
Mild jowling at the jawline
Double chin
With so much that injectables can accomplish, is there any downside this option? Possibly. Injectables can last up to two years and as little as a few months, so treatments will need to be repeated periodically to maintain a youthful appearance.
How Long Do You Want Results to Last?
By pointing out the potential downside of injectables being that they only last temporarily, we point out the primary benefit to facelift surgery. With this technique, the lower and mid-face are beautifully rejuvenated in a way that makes the face look about 10 years younger. A facelift can decrease a mild double chin, jowling, creases around the nose and mouth, and can restore some of the contours of the midface. It does not correct problems around the eyes, brows, or forehead (other procedures do that). After a short recovery period, people who have a facelift enjoy results that last for many years. These results can be enhanced with injectables if so desired.
We often think of plastic surgery as something someone turns to when diet and exercise don’t put them where they want to be, cosmetically speaking. To undergo any plastic surgery procedure is to make a meaningful investment in oneself. Overall, patients who reduce fat, tighten their abdomen or another area, enhance their breasts, or rejuvenate their faces are happy that they did. In fact, many patients are more motivated than ever after plastic surgery to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
Regardless of the procedure that is performed, it is important to follow plastic surgery up with healthy habits that include regular exercise. The benefits that come from good habits include:
Long-term results are more easily maintained with regular exercise, especially body-contouring.
Sustained self-confidence, both in the physical outcome of surgery and in the self-discipline it takes to maintain results.
Optimal health and a decreased risk of developing various weight-related diseases.
Better overall mood and emotional health due to regulated levels of “happiness hormones” produced during and after exercise.
Exercise is not only recommended after one has healed from a plastic surgery procedure but also during their recovery process. The activities that are engaged in may be light, but they are advantageous to promoting blood flow that supports tissue recovery. Light activity also reduces the risk of developing a blood clot after surgery. For this reason, many surgeons encourage their patients to begin walking as soon as they feel up to it following their procedure.
Resuming an Exercise Routine After Surgery
Exercising after plastic surgery is advantageous but only if taken slowly. Too much too soon could result in a prolonged recovery period at best and unnecessary surgical complications at worst. While walking is encouraged, patients are advised to postpone more rigorous exercise until they have fully recovered. How long this takes depends on the procedure as well as the body’s natural healing process. Every person is different, which is why we make activity recommendations based on direct follow-up visits with each patient.
In general, it may be possible to resume light cardio such as riding a bike or certain low-intensity workouts 2 to 3 weeks post-op. More moderate activities may resume about one month after surgery. It may take 6 to 8 weeks for the body to be ready for more strenuous exercise that includes heavy lifting or strain.
Are you interested in a particular plastic surgery procedure or spa service? Contact our Denver office at 303.399.7662 to schedule a visit.
Many men throughout many years have been affected by the condition doctors call gynecomastia. Men who consult with their doctor or the internet about what is more often called enlarged male breasts, or man boobs, are often surprised to know there is a medical term to describe what they are living with. They are even more surprised to learn that there are treatments that may help them return to their natural, masculine shape.
In recent years, the awareness of male breast enlargement as something more than obesity has increased. This has enabled men to at least begin to understand that they are not alone, nor are they without hope. However, with so much information circulated about gynecomastia, there is a chance that the right treatment may not be immediately identified. By the time a man sees a plastic surgeon for gynecomastia, there is a strong chance he has tried to correct his shape with diet and exercise. In many cases, patients tell us they have tried that and supplements or hormones because losing weight didn’t help. We know why, and it’s a big deal.
The Nature of Gynecomastia
There is a common misconception that breasts are made up only of fat. This is especially true for men. If there is any knowledge of breast tissue that is different than fatty tissue, it relates to women. It makes sense that women have more structural complexity in the breast area. They have milk ducts and breast glands that make their breasts grow in the first place. Rarely do we stop to realize that men also have glandular tissue in their breasts. Due to hormone differences, though, the average male breast gland is typically not stimulated to grow. Not typically. But when it is, we have to know how to address it.
Breast tissue is glandular. It is dense and heavy. On the contrary, fat tissue, which is part of the breasts, is soft and made of fat cells. Most cases of gynecomastia involve an excess of both types of tissue. And then there is the skin. In some cases, skin laxity exacerbates the appearance of female-like breasts. This is often seen in men who have lost a substantial amount of weight.
Depending on the tissue involvement, gynecomastia may look like:
Puffy nipples. This is indicative of gynecomastia that involves swelling in the breast gland. Men who are slim and fit can still develop this symptom of gynecomastia. Furthermore, men who undergo liposuction alone may experience this sign of gynecomastia sometime after their procedure.
Female-like breasts. This degree of gynecomastia is very common and involves an excess of breast and fatty tissue that extends beyond the nipple area.
Sagging breasts. When men have lived with enlarged breasts for a long time or have lost a lot of weight, they may be left with enlarged, sagging breasts. This is because stretched skin has lost its ability to retract.
Gynecomastia surgery is not all about removing fat. For the best results, a plastic surgeon usually removes fat and breast tissue. In more severe cases, the skin is also pulled tighter and trimmed to restore the masculine curve to the chest.
Get the details you need about male breast reduction. Call our Denver office at 303.399.7662 to schedule your consultation.
Hundreds of thousands of plastic surgery procedures are performed each year. These range from minimally-invasive body contouring procedures to breast enhancement to facial rejuvenation. Regardless of the procedure that is in your future, chances are you are already thinking of two things: your recovery and your results. You must get through one to see the other. Here, we discuss a few must-haves to see you through the most pleasant surgical recovery possible.
