Liposuction is a popular plastic surgery procedure among men and women of all ages. This body contouring technique has been performed millions of times in the past several years and has continually evolved to achieve the best possible results with the lowest amount of risk. As far as we’ve come with various liposuction techniques, including the use of tumescent fluid and ultrasound waves to disrupt fat cells before removal, there is one problem that has yet to be resolved. That is the issue of loose skin after liposuction.
The Cause of Loose Skin after Liposuction
Does the liposuction procedure cause loose skin? It does not. Our skin is supported by various chemicals, including collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. After age 20, the cells that make these chemicals enter a state of dormancy. Without continual production of these vital substances, the skin loses firmness, elasticity, and overall resiliency. This is why we get wrinkles. It’s also why tissue can sag more easily after liposuction.
The liposuction procedure creates tiny tunnels when fat cells are removed through a small hollow tube. The tunnels are then filled with the surrounding fat cells that have been left intact. By collapsing into tunnels, the layer of subcutaneous fat that has been treated becomes smooth. We want this so the body doesn’t look lumpy. However, the shift in subcutaneous fat will naturally affect the appearance of the skin. The outermost layer of tissue isn’t being plumped by fat cells anymore. If it does not have good elasticity, it may pucker and look loose after fat is removed.
Can Loose Skin be Treated?
The best way to treat loose skin after liposuction is to keep this from happening in the first place. A skilled plastic surgeon observes all facets of tissue to determine what can be achieved with the intended procedure. When conducting consultations for liposuction, Dr. Berschof observes the skin for signs of laxity. This helps him predict how the skin may respond to having less fat beneath it. When the skin is lax, it means that it may not retract or bounce back as well as it could. When laxity is noticed, the option for skin tightening can be discussed.
Surgical tissue tightening is usually referred to as a lift. Excess skin and loose tissue on the backs of the arms is addressed with an arm lift. The abdomen is treated with a tummy tuck. A thigh lift can be performed to restore nice contours to this area after liposuction. The benefit of any one of these techniques is that loose skin can be eliminated for good.
Dr. Berschof has been performing liposuction and body lift procedures for several years. During your consultation, he will provide you with a professional opinion about what liposuction can and cannot do for you.
To schedule your liposuction consultation in our Denver office, call303.399.7662.
Male Breast Reduction Could Be Your Best Gift to Yourself
Sunday, March 15, 2020
The word “breasts” is one that we have historically associated with women and probably always will. While both men and women technically have breast tissue, the appearance of breasts on men’s bodies is quite different than what we see on women’s bodies. The concept of male breasts doesn’t align with our image of what the male chest looks like. For the man whose body has developed more than the normal amount of breast tissue, years of frustration and emotional turmoil may ensue. Trying to understand the factors that contribute to enlarged male breasts is only slightly beneficial. What we really need to do is resolve the problem, and the best way to do that is with surgery.
What is Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
Gynecomastia is the condition that is characterized by enlarged male breasts. The underlying cause of this problem could be genetics, weight, the use of certain medications or drugs, or hormones. When a man has true gynecomastia, he may have rounded or puffy breasts regardless of how much weight he loses. Male breast reduction surgery is a proven method of restoring masculine contours to the chest. The procedure should only be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon and only after a thorough consultation, an examination of breast tissue, and discussion about what surgery should entail and why.
Nearly all breast reduction procedures for men involve liposuction to remove the excess fatty tissue causing the breasts to enlarge. In some cases, the breast gland also needs to be removed. This can be done through a small incision around the areola, the colored skin around the nipple. Removing the breast gland eliminates the risk that the breast could become puffy in the future. Depending on the condition of the skin and degree of gynecomastia that has occurred, a man may also need to have overlying skin tightened. Dr. Berschof relies on years of experience to achieve the best results for men suffering from gynecomastia.
Male Breast Reduction Recovery
Male breast reduction is an outpatient procedure. Patients are released into the care of a loved one once they have regained an adequate degree of alertness after surgery. At home, they must follow post-surgical instructions for showering and caring for healing incisions. A compression garment is applied after surgery and should be worn as directed to help manage swelling. The results of breast reduction can be seen right away. Though a few activity restrictions may remain for up to 6 weeks, patients can expect to resume most normal activities in 10 to 14 days.
If you are in the Denver area and wish to regain your masculine chest contours, call303.399.7662 to schedule a consultation to discuss male breast reduction.
Is Blepharoplasty Your Ideal Rejuvenating Procedure?
Friday, February 14, 2020
Aging wouldn’t be such a bad thing if it didn’t cause us to look so worn out. The changes that affect the skin, especially the delicate tissue around the eyes, do that and more. Hooded, sagging eyelids depict fatigue and cause people to perceive the face as angry-looking. People with tired-looking eyes are also people that others often see as unfriendly or uninterested. Inaccurate perceptions can have a profound effect on a person’s social and professional success. Fortunately, aging eyelids have become much easier to correct. In recent years, the number of people undergoing blepharoplasty has increased significantly. Here, we discuss how to determine if this procedure may be ideal for you.
Who is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
People often ask about the “right age” for blepharoplasty. This is an especially common question among patients in their forties. Cosmetic lifts like eyelid surgery are meant for older people, right? No. Many forty-somethings undergo blepharoplasty to address age-related tissue sagging and hooding before appearance is severely impacted. Conversely, blepharoplasty is also often ideal for people in their sixties or seventies. The bottom line here is that there is no “right age” for blepharoplasty. Eyelid rejuvenation is ideal for you when the tissue on the eyelids looks droopy, saggy, puffy, or otherwise problematic.
Blepharoplasty and the Question of Scarring
You may realize that all types of surgeries leave scars where incisions are made. This fact can present concerns related to blepharoplasty. How will scars on the eyelids look? Won’t everyone be able to see them? Interestingly, blepharoplasty scars are quite discreet. The visibility of scarring relates to the thickness of the skin. Because the skin on the eyelids is so thin, the scars that result from incisions made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid are hardly noticeable. By that, we mean the only way someone would see your upper blepharoplasty scars is if they were looking for them while you had your eyes closed. Lower blepharoplasty incisions are usually made on the inside of the eyelid where resulting scars are not visible.
Learn more about blepharoplasty and how a little eyelid rejuvenation could refresh your whole look. Call our Denver office at 303.399.7662 to schedule a consultation.
Why Microdermabrasion Should Be Part of Your Beauty Routine
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Today, we've got a sea of skincare products we can incorporate into our beauty routine to support aging skin. Medical-grade skincare, in particular, carries the nutrients the skin needs to regenerate at maximum capacity. However, we sometimes need a more powerful modality to keep this process going. This is why we recommend periodic microdermabrasion treatments for adults of all ages.
What is Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a form of gentle exfoliation that is performed using a slightly abrasive instrument. The point of treatment is to remove dead and damaged cells that cover the surface of the skin.
How Microdermabrasion Works
Treatment is very simple and can be performed during your lunch hour. First, the technician cleanses the skin. Then, a small handpiece is used to spray fine crystals along the epidermis. With each gentle swipe of the handpiece, crystals gently abrade the upper layer of the epidermis and get swept back up into the applicator via soft vacuum pressure. After the entire face has been treated, a warm towel or brush is used to remove any crystal debris.
Microdermabrasion can be combined with light chemical peel treatment to achieve more dramatic results. This combination remains gentle enough to avoid substantial downtime. At most, patients typically experience minor redness that lasts an hour or so.
Benefits of Microdermabrasion
Brighter complexion
Smoother skin
Softening of fine lines
More even skin tone
Deep-cleaning of the pores
Side Effects
An additional benefit of microdermabrasion is that there are very few side effects to speak of. Post-treatment redness typically resolves within two hours. If microdermabrasion is combined with a chemical peel or if the treatment itself targets a deeper layer of epidermal tissue, slight stinging or burning may be felt during treatment. This usually does not affect post-treatment recovery.
We enjoy helping patients in the Denver area feel their very best. Understanding that not all beauty concerns call for plastic surgery, we are pleased to provide several nonsurgical treatments that can quickly boost the beauty of the skin. To schedule your microdermabrasion treatment, call 303.399.7662.
Has Your Face Lost its Energy? It Can Be Revived!
Sunday, December 15, 2019
It may sound funny to say that the face has energy. However, we all know what this looks like in real life. Think back to a time when you met someone that you instantly liked. What did their face look like? Chances are, the magnetic attraction had nothing to do with 5-Star beauty and much more to do with the energy exuded from their expressions.
When the face starts to age, it isn't as good at projecting the energy we feel on the inside. Tissue and muscular changes can make us look angry or sad, or all-out unfriendly. In many cases, these inaccurate character traits revolve around the appearance of the eyes. Here, we discuss the common problems we see and how they can be dealt with.
Problem: Frown Lines
Correction: Botox®
Most of the lines that develop around the eyes and on the forehead are due to muscle movement. We use the same muscles in the same way every time we squint, frown, smile, laugh, and make other facial expressions. Just like doing crunches in the gym tones the abdominal muscles, frowning tones the muscles used to make that expression. Muscles that are toned are constantly contracting. Botox releases the contracted state so the muscles can rest. To eliminate frown lines (and worry lines and crow's feet), a small amount of Botox is injected into the muscle. It's that easy. Treatment lasts less than 15 minutes. Results last about 4 months.
Problem: Under Eye Bags and Circles
Correction: Dermal Fillers
The skin changes with age, and so does the fatty tissue just beneath the dermis. Under the eyes, tissue changes can do two things. They can cause the fat pads under the eyes to look swollen or they can cause the eyes to look sunken. Either way, the resulting appearance ages the face. Dermal fillers can disguise puffiness and correct mild shadowing by adding volume to the subcutaneous tissue beneath the eyes. Dermal fillers injected into the curved line that separates the under-eye area from the upper cheek eliminates the crease and makes bags disappear. Adding volume beneath the eyes also changes the reflection of light off the skin. This is how dark circles can be improved.
Problem: Under Eye Bags
Correction: Eyelid Surgery
Didn't we just state that dermal fillers are a good solution for under-eye bags? We did. They are. However, they don't last forever. Dermal fillers can improve the under-eye area for up to 2 years. For more permanent rejuvenation of the eyelids, we consider blepharoplasty. This minor plastic surgery uses a small incision just at the lash line to access fatty tissue. This tissue may be repositioned to smooth the under-eye area, or some may be removed. Loose skin is then tightened to achieve a look that refreshes the face.
It isn't difficult to bring good energy back into the face. To discover the approach that's best for you, schedule a consultation in our Denver office at 303.399.7662.
Are You Considering Rhinoplasty? Keep These Points in Mind!
Friday, November 15, 2019
Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, is one of the top plastic surgery procedures across the board. It is sometimes referred to as a "cosmetic surgery" procedure, but we should remember the important distinction between various types of surgical training, especially when discussing matters of the nose. Rhinoplasty surgery is popular because, when it goes well, the results can permanently improve a person's appearance, as well as their self-confidence. For rhinoplasty to go well, the patient must understand all points, even those that aren't talked about as much as others. We're going to cover those here.
No nose is a perfect nose. We get it. It's difficult to look at the celebrity nose you've long admired and think of it as imperfect. This can be somewhat tricky. See, the nose that you may love on another person's face is perfect for them (although we'd bet there are still tiny imperfections). Their nose was made for their face, either by their genes or by a good plastic surgeon. When you visit a plastic surgeon for rhinoplasty, their job will be to reshape your nose so it fits perfectly with your other facial features.
You may be disappointed. When the time comes to remove surgical dressings and take a look at the initial results of rhinoplasty, patients should expect to see minimal improvement. At first, the nose will look swollen. The skin around the nose and eyes will be bruised to some extent. The lips may even look slightly puffy. This is not the time to assess anything more than how the nose is healing. Over several weeks, the nose will look significantly better. After one year, the final outcome of surgery will be evident.
Things may change. Among them are breathing and vocal tone. Breathing changes are typically for the better when rhinoplasty is done well. Vocal tone changes are usually subtle. They happen because changes inside the nose change the vibrations that occur when speaking or singing. Unless your voice is a big part of your career or hobby, this probably won't matter a bit.
Some things may not change. When there is an aspect of appearance that we do not admire in ourselves, it stands out like a sore thumb. To us, that is. You may have felt self-conscious about the shape of your nose for years but others may have never noticed. Therefore, when you feel thrilled at the new shape of your nose, others may not notice the change you do. In this matter, the important thing is that you're happy with the New You, not that anyone else is.
Dr. Bershof is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, as well as board-certified in Head and Neck Surgery, making him one of a few plastic surgeons in the United States double-boarded in plastic surgery procedures. If you would like to consult with Dr. Bershof about rhinoplasty. Call our Denver office at 303.399.7662.
Restore a Youthful Appearance and More with a Neck Lift
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
The neck can be a tricky area of the body. Its skin is susceptible to sun damage. Its muscles may become weak and loose along with that sun-damaged skin. In the uppermost part of the neck, just under the chin, the effects of aging may allow small fatty deposits to develop, giving way to a double chin. It is when these effects combine when many people consider a neck lift.
Neck lift surgery is performed for several benefits that are not gained with a facelift alone. It is for this reason that a lot of patients choose to combine these two techniques. One improves the lower face, and one improves its frame. Through this limited-incision surgery, a patient can obtain benefits such as:
Improved chin and jawline contours
Tighter muscles below the chin
Smoother skin, reduced platysmal bands
Tighter, younger-looking skin (no more turkey neck or crepey skin)
Thinner looking neck
A Youthful and Rejuvenated Appearance Through Neck Lift Surgery
As much as we’ve come to observe the face for signs of aging, it has become easy to overlook the neck. Studies suggest that the neck is one of the very first areas of the body that will show the signs of aging. In some cases, patients achieve the results they desire with a neck lift alone, no facelift needed. When necessary, minor liposuction can also be included to remove fatty deposits that create the appearance of a double chin.
Techniques may differ based on the problem that needs correcting. Cervicoplasty is a surgical technique in which fat, connective tissue, and skin are tightened and trimmed for a smoother appearance. Platysmaplasty is a technique that addressed loose neck muscles, those that result in horizontal lines, usually in the mid-neck area. Platysmaplasty is also sometimes referred to as a midline lift for this reason.
Neck lift surgery typically incurs a short recovery period of five to seven days. After this short time, patients resume normal activities with very few remnant side effects like swelling or bruising.
Learn more about neck lift surgery and how it can refresh your appearance. Call 303.399.7662 to schedule a consultation in our Denver plastic surgery office.
The Breast Implant Recall Needs to be Discussed
Sunday, September 15, 2019
A recall on breast implants is a big deal. Even if you do not have the type of implants that the FDA has asked to be taken off the market, you may be wondering how this recall might affect you. We can understand why this event may cause lingering concern for millions of women. For this reason alone, it is a topic that needs to be discussed with as much clarity as possible. We’ll do that here in hopes that specific details may set your mind at ease.
Why Were Breast Implants Recalled?
In 2011, a handful of cases of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) were identified. In response to these cases, the FDA began an investigation into additional cases. A registry was established to accept new reports of this rare cancer, allowing researchers to track the number of cases and their details. Recently, statistics demonstrated that, of 573 cases of BIA-ALCL worldwide, 481 of them involved the same family of breast implants. The increased risk of disease related to these implants led to the prompt recall of specific types.
Which Breast Implants Have been Recalled?
Only textured breast implants and tissue expanders have been recalled.
All devices are in the Natrelle line by Allergan.
The BioCell breast implants in the Natrelle line include saline, silicone, and highly-cohesive anatomically shaped silicone textured breast implants.
Natrelle tissue expanders type 133 with and without suture tabs are also included.
What is Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma?
This medical term has become more familiar in recent years as the risk of disease has been analyzed. BIA-ALCL, as a type of lymphoma, affects the immune system. Cancerous cells first develop in fluid that may accumulate around a breast implant. Over time, these cells can migrate to lymph nodes, where they pose a more serious risk.
BIA-ALCL is not without symptoms. Women are encouraged to schedule an exam with a plastic surgeon if they experience:
Breast pain
Swelling in one breast
Itching
A mass in the breast
Changes in the shape or firmness of a breast
Symptomatic breast implants do not mean that BIA-ALCL has developed. It means that something may be going on in the tissue around the breast. To diagnose this cancer, a doctor may first order imaging that can observe the presence of fluid around the breast implant. Then, a sample of this fluid can be obtained to test for cancer cells.
It is important to note that BIA-ALCL can be easily treated when symptoms are checked early. In more than 90% of cases, the removal of both breast implants and their surrounding capsular tissue has achieved complete eradication of the disease.
The fact that certain textured breast implants have been recalled does not mean that your breast implants need to be removed. It means only that the specifically named implants pose a higher risk for complication. Unless a complication occurs, there is no reason to undergo an unnecessary surgery.
Do you have questions about breast implants? We’re here for you. Contact our Denver office at 303.399.7662 to schedule a visit.
Bring Your Body Back with a Mommy Makeover
Thursday, August 15, 2019
For the most part, women we meet express that they welcomed the changes that came with motherhood. Even many of the physical changes feel pleasing at first. Weight gain means a growing fetus is receiving nutrients. An expanding belly means that the baby is developing well. Growing breasts are part and parcel of the whole shebang and a beautiful source of nourishment for a newborn. As much pride and privilege a woman may feel about motherhood, she may also be plagued with discontent about her body. It is possible to both revel in being a mom and wish for a better body. This is demonstrated by the popularity of Mommy Makeover surgery.
What is a Mommy Makeover all About?
Essentially, a Mommy Makeover is all about you! Plastic surgeons who routinely conduct specialized procedures understand that no two women come out of pregnancy and childbirth the same way. To undergo a Mommy makeover means to have your unique concerns addressed. The procedures that are involved in your makeover process are completely tailored to you. While most Mommy Makeovers revolve around particular breast and body concerns, there are virtually no restrictions on what can and cannot be added. Some women include a form of facial rejuvenation into their treatment process and some stick to the basics. Because a Mommy Makeover is all about Y.O.U., the options are endless.
Correcting Breast Changes
Breast enhancement surgery is commonly included in Mommy Makeover treatment. How this looks will differ from one woman to another. In some situations, breast enlargement with implants can successfully reinstate adequate volume to secure adequate physical proportion. Some women are better served with a breast lift in addition to moderately sized breast implants. With a strong interest in natural appearance, more women are opting to restore shape with a breast lift alone. In our Denver office, a thorough consultation is performed to understand what you wish to achieve and to discuss how we can achieve it.
Refining the Mommy Belly
There is a certain sense of pride and admiration a woman gains for her pregnant belly. Over time, however, the stretching that allowed life to grow can feel frustrating. Mommy Makeovers often involve liposuction to remove the fat that won’t seem to go away with diet and exercise. Additionally, abdominoplasty is frequently included to tighten the abdominal muscle that has severely loosened or separated during pregnancy.
Restore Form and Confidence
There is a reason for the popularity of Mommy Makeover procedures. Discover the emotional benefits of physical improvement by scheduling your consultation at 303.399.9609.
Will Breast Augmentation Make Me Look Unnatural?
Monday, July 15, 2019
Breast augmentation surgery has been popular for several years. The procedure can help women gain fullness that they never had. It can correct issues like dramatic asymmetry or deflation. Breast augmentation can also give a woman the kind of satisfaction and body confidence she’s always wanted. As you may have noticed, it is also possible that enlarging the breasts could make a woman appear completely unnatural.
Many of our patients ask us if breast augmentation may make them look unlike themselves. A change is wanted, but not one that is so severe that the breasts look and feel like they don’t belong in relation to the rest of the body. It is understandable to have this concern and also to ask about it so Dr. Berschof can discuss the ways in which a natural appearance can be retained. The process is actually pretty simple.
First Things First
Usually, the first question that a woman asks before breast augmentation is what size implant she should get. Sometimes, the question is what type of implant. Regardless, these are not the first questions to ask. To obtain the best results from breast augmentation, the most valuable question to ask is how a larger sized breast will fit into a particular lifestyle. For example, a runner or swimmer may feel out-of-sorts if she were to make a drastic change in breast size.
In addition to getting to know our patients’ preferences and lifestyle, we also know that breast augmentation needs to consider the condition of the skin and how much breast tissue exists before surgery. These small details can make a big difference in outcome.
Now for the Implants
The choice between saline and silicone implants is just the beginning of the breast augmentation journey. Both types have advantages that are worth considering. Saline implants are made better now than they ever were, which has decreased the potential for unnatural look and feel. Silicone implants are also more integral these days, with a decreased risk of leaking fluid into surrounding tissue. The advantages and disadvantages of each type of implant can be discussed at length during the consultation visit.
For the most natural-looking results from breast augmentation, implant size and profile are considered in unison. This is because each relates to the final appearance of the breasts. Implant profile is the characteristic that determines forward projection. Some implants have a wider base, which gives them less projection. A narrow base creates a high profile and greater projection from the chest wall. It may be possible that a higher-profile implant could have a generally smaller size but still achieve the desired fullness.
Breast augmentation should result in the natural result you desire. To explore your options, schedule a visit to our Denver office at 303.399.7662.
Liposuction is a popular plastic surgery procedure among men and women of all ages. This body contouring technique has been performed millions of times in the past several years and has continually evolved to achieve the best possible results with the lowest amount of risk. As far as we’ve come with various liposuction techniques, including the use of tumescent fluid and ultrasound waves to disrupt fat cells before removal, there is one problem that has yet to be resolved. That is the issue of loose skin after liposuction.
