Some women may feel ready to get a mommy makeover in their thirties, while others may wait until they are closer to forty or fifty. Are you wondering what’s the best age to get this cosmetic procedure? Today, the experts at Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI will help you decide what’s the best time to get this life-changing procedure.

What’s the Best Age To Get a Mommy Makeover?

Mommy makeovers are becoming increasingly popular, and many women are wondering what’s the best age to get one. There’s strictly no “best” age to get this cosmetic procedure – but the best time to get the procedure depends on your situation and circumstances. If you have finished having children and are looking to restore your pre-pregnancy body, you may be at the right age to get cosmetic surgery. We recommend that you get this procedure anywhere between 30 to 50.

Some factors need to be considered when determining the best age for a mommy makeover, including overall health and fitness level, pregnancy history, and existing medical conditions. We recommend that you carefully assess your situation and schedule a consultation with our team so you can know about the most important factors to consider.

Consider Your Current Health and Fitness

How well have you been taking care of your body? Are you near your pre-pregnancy or ideal weight? If you’re in good health and have been able to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle, then you may be a good candidate for major cosmetic surgery. This procedure is not a weight loss solution, but it can help you achieve an overall more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Undergoing major surgery requires you to be in good health to achieve the best results and a smooth recovery period. The results of your surgery will also tend to last longer if you can take care of your body and maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, if you’re not in yet in good shape and have a lot of weight to lose after pregnancy, it’s probably not wise to get this cosmetic procedure yet. Cosmetic surgery is not a substitute for a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.

When Did You Last Give Birth?

Another thing to consider is how much time has passed since you had children. If it’s been less than two years since giving birth, your body may not have fully recovered yet and it would be wise to wait a while longer. However, if a few years have passed since you had your last child, you may find that you have dropped excess weight after pregnancy and are ready for procedures like breast augmentation or tummy tucks.

Additionally, you must consider the fact that undergoing major surgery requires you to take a downtime of a few weeks. Can you arrange for help around the house? If you’re still nursing an infant, it may be wise to wait until after you’ve weaned your child before undergoing surgery.

What’s Included in This Procedure?

A mommy makeover involves a combination of cosmetic procedures that are designed to help women who have had children regain their pre-pregnancy bodies. Getting this procedure can be an extremely effective way for women who have had children to improve their appearance and feel more confident about themselves without undergoing multiple downtimes.

During your consultation with our team, we will personalize your treatment plan and recommend the best combination of procedures based on your concerns and goals. The most common procedures included are breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction.

Breast Augmentation

The goal of breast augmentation is to add volume or size to the breasts. During the procedure, breast implants are placed under your existing breast tissue. Breast augmentation can make your breasts look larger, firmer, and perkier.

Breast Lift

A breast lift is a surgical procedure that repositions and reshapes drooping or sagging breasts. During the procedure, small incisions near the areola are made and excess tissues are removed. The remaining breast tissues are then lifted and reshaped to a height that looks natural. The result of a breast lift is perkier, rounder breasts that look more youthful.

Tummy Tuck

During a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed from the abdominal area. The procedure involves making incisions between your bikini line and navel. The skin on your abdomen is lifted so that we can repair the underlying muscles by making permanent sutures. Excess skin is trimmed to eliminate the appearance of an abdominal pouch. The result is a flatter, tighter abdominal area with minimal sagging and loose skin.

Liposuction

Many women find that pregnancy and childbirth have left them with pockets of stubborn fat. As part of a mommy makeover, liposuction can be performed to remove unwanted fat deposits throughout the body. During liposuction, we remove unwanted fat by making very small incisions in your skin. A cannula that suctions fat is then inserted through these incisions. The result is a slimmer, more proportionate body contour.

What Can a Mommy Makeover Do for You?

Regardless of your age, we can help you minimize your post-pregnancy aesthetic concerns such as:

• Loose, sagging skin
• Weakened abdominal muscles
• Sagging breasts,
• Stubborn pockets of fat

The results of this cosmetic procedure can be life-changing: you can expect to achieve a trimmer, tighter appearance, with more contouring and definition in certain areas. In addition to improving your physical appearance, you may also feel an increase in self-confidence after undergoing this procedure.

Are You an Ideal Candidate for the Procedure?

The best candidates for mommy makeover surgery are women who have had children and are unhappy with the changes to their bodies. These changes can include stretched skin, excess fat, and muscle laxity. Candidates should be in good health and have realistic expectations about the results of surgery.

A mother who feels that her current appearance does not reflect her true self may consider getting cosmetic surgery.  Moms who want to improve the appearance of their post-child bodies may also benefit from cosmetic surgery. We can use surgical techniques to tighten loose skin, reduce fat and repair weakened abdominal muscles, all while restoring a more youthful appearance.

You Are Finished Having Children

Are you still thinking about having kids in the future? If so, you may want to wait a little longer before deciding to get a tummy tuck or liposuction. Women who no longer plan to get pregnant in the future are the ideal candidates for a mommy makeover surgery. The procedure does not affect fertility, but you’ll be able to achieve the best, long-lasting results from the procedure if they do not get pregnant and gain weight in the future.

You Are Bothered by the Changes in Your Body

Pregnancy and childbirth can change women in many ways. But if you want to feel like yourself again by minimizing the unwanted physical changes brought by having children, we can help. Cosmetic surgery is not only about improving your appearance, but also about making you feel confident about yourself.

You Have Realistic Expectations

Anyone who’s considering a cosmetic procedure must have realistic expectations about the results that can be achieved. Before you undergo a tummy tuck, breast lift, or breast augmentation, it’s important to understand that your results will be unique to you. It’s not realistic to expect that surgery can make you look like another person.

During your consultation with our team, we will ask about your concerns, goals, and ideal results. We can then provide you with an estimate of the results that can be achieved after performing a number of surgeries. Our goal is to provide you with natural-looking results that complement your unique anatomy.

Get the Right Cosmetic Procedure for Your Age

While we recommend that you get a mommy makeover anywhere between 30 to 50, keep in mind that there’s no one “right” age to get this cosmetic procedure. The best time and age for you to get this procedure will depend on your current circumstances and goals. You may choose to wait until your children are older, or you may want to undergo surgery sooner so you can enjoy the benefits of having a more youthful appearance before your children reach adulthood.

Every woman’s body changes differently after childbirth. If you’re wondering what procedures are right for you, contact Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI and schedule a consultation with our team. We will listen to your concerns and recommend the best combination of procedures that will make you look and feel your best.

If you have never tried Botox before, you might be wondering how long the injections last before you need to renew them. Millions of people get this treatment every year, making it the world’s most popular med spa service. Part of the reason people choose this option is its longevity. At Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI, we can answer all of your Botox questions, including how long it lasts.

How Long Does Botox Last?

On average, these injections last between 3-6 months. During that time, you will enjoy a noticeable reduction of your fine lines and wrinkles. The longevity varies from person to person, based on the rate at which your body metabolizes the product. People who repeat the treatment tend to enjoy longer intervals between appointments because the muscles “learn” to stay relaxed.

Why Does This Treatment Last So Long?

How can you get up to six months out of one Botox treatment when so many other anti-aging solutions require daily repetition? The answer is that this treatment is different. It interrupts the aging process going on beneath the skin by tackling its very source: muscle contractions.

The Science of Aging

Today, we understand more about aging than we ever have before. Youthful skin stays taunt and supple because it produces several anti-agers in abundance: collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. As we get older, our production of these anti-agers lessens, allowing our skin to develop fine lines and wrinkles.

The purpose of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid is to help the skin maintain its shape despite daily use and environmental exposure. Without an abundance of them, lines and wrinkles occur as a result of our facial movements. When the muscles in the face contract, the skin above creases. As we make the same expressions over and over, fine lines and wrinkles start to appear.

How Botox Works

Getting Botox injections is a way to minimize fine lines and wrinkles even if your skin has already become more prone to aging. Developed decades ago as a way to control eye spasms, this treatment works as a muscle relaxer by using cosmetic-grade botulinum toxin. Soon after, skincare experts realized its potential for addressing fine lines and wrinkles.

When injected into the muscles that cause your wrinkles, botulinum toxin temporarily interrupts the neural signals that instruct them to become tense. The muscles will stay relaxed for as long as the botulinum toxin stays in your system, allowing your skin to look smoother and more youthful. Most skincare experts agree that apart from surgery, these injections are the single most effective way to maintain smooth skin as you get older.

The Longevity of This Treatment

After you receive this treatment, you can expect between 3-6 months of smoother skin. That’s how long it takes most people to metabolize the botulinum toxin. This longevity comes from the fact that the active ingredient is injected beneath the skin, unlike topical solutions that need to be reapplied every day.
It is important to note that while the results last for months, this treatment will not have a permanent impact on your face. That makes it a popular alternative for people who are not quite ready for cosmetic surgery. You can feel free to try it out and see how you like the results you get.

How Can I Get Results That Last Longer?

With this treatment, you can absolutely enjoy significant benefits for as long as you continue to book appointments. When you see the effects begin to recede, simply come back for another round of injections. They are safe to repeat every 4 months, and there is no upper limit to the number of times you can have them done. Many patients book their appointments at regular intervals, making this treatment a routine part of their long-term anti-aging strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Wrinkles Does This Treatment Improve?

These injections are effective against all the most common types of wrinkles. You can use them to lessen:

• Crows feet
• Frown Lines
• Brow lines
• Chin dimples
• Parenthesis
• Lip Lines

When you come in for a consultation, we will take a look at the wrinkles you want to address. We can explain how they will likely look after receiving this treatment, and how many units of botulinum toxin you will need to achieve your desired results. If you are interested in combining the injections with other treatment options, such as dermal fillers, we will customize an anti-aging plan that is designed especially for you.

When Do the Results Start To Show?

Most people notice improvements in their skin within 24-48 hours. The full results develop over approximately two weeks following your appointment.

Do the Results Look Natural?

Yes. Some people worry about having a frozen look following their injections, but we can assure you that your face will stay dynamic and expressive. Our licensed staff is made up of professionals who have ample experience and an expert understanding of facial anatomy. We administer the injections in a tasteful way that only targets the muscles that cause wrinkles.

The fact that millions of people get these injections each year speaks to the natural-looking results they deliver. Even though Botox patients are everywhere, you can’t tell who they are unless they tell you they’ve had the treatment.

How Old Should You Be To Get This Treatment?

When you are deciding whether or not to begin this treatment, the condition of your skin is more important than your age. Everyone’s skin develops wrinkles at a different rate. Factors that cause some people to get wrinkles earlier than others include genetics, sun exposure, environmental pollution, diet, and stress.  The good news is that this treatment will improve your wrinkles regardless of what caused them.

A good time to start this treatment is when you begin to see thin lines on your face. In the beginning stages of aging, these lines might appear more noticeable in certain lighting conditions or on days when you are tired or dehydrated. Untreated, they will deepen into wrinkles. While you can get your first round of injections at any age, many people begin in their 20s or early 30s.

What Is Preventative Botox?

When people use this treatment in a preventative way, they are treating their fine lines early to minimize the severity of the wrinkles that develop later on. The reason this approach works is that by using the product to minimize your muscle contractions before the onset of wrinkles, you don’t give the lines as much of a chance to deepen in the first place.

Does This Treatment Work Better on Some Skin Types?

No! Everyone can benefit from this treatment, regardless of skin type. It doesn’t matter if your skin is dry or oily, and it works on all skin colors.

How Are the Injections Administered?

This treatment is done with a very fine needle after a topical anesthetic has been applied. There are usually only a few injection sites, depending on which area of your face you would like to treat. The process is so gentle that after the treatment, you can resume your daily routine without taking time off work or arranging for another person to drive you home. You heard it right, there is no downtime after your appointment!

How Long Does the Appointment Take?

You will be in and out of the med spa in less than half an hour! Generally, it takes a few moments to check-in and get settled. Afterward, the actual injections are done in about 10 minutes.

We Want To Meet You!

Do you have more questions about this treatment? Would you like to learn more about all of your anti-aging options? We would like to invite you in for a consultation. When we meet you in person, we will examine your skin and match you with a treatment plan that will give you the best individual results. Call us anytime at 269-280-2311.

Discover This Long-Lasting Anti-Wrinkle Solution!

If you are looking for a reliable, long-lasting way to reduce your fine lines and wrinkles with tasteful results, Botox is an excellent option. You will love the natural-looking improvements in your skin, and the fact that you can enjoy them for months and months. These injections are safe, fast, and non-surgical. To learn more about how you can get started on this treatment, contact Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI, today!

If you want to look younger and rejuvenated whilst still looking totally natural, you may be interested in Voluma. This groundbreaking treatment works to smooth and lift the skin, filling out the wrinkles, fine lines, and thin lips that can leave you looking aged and tired. We’re proud to offer this treatment here at Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI. If you’re interested in learning more about this fantastic treatment, read on.

How Long Does Voluma Last?

Incredibly, the effects of Voluma can last for up to two years. The exact length of results will vary depending on the individual and how their body functions. But one thing’s for sure – during this time, you’ll be able to enjoy glowing, smooth skin that has you looking younger and naturally gorgeous. When the results fade, many of our patients come back in to get treatment all over again, since appointments are so quick and easy that they can be booked in for your lunch break!

What Is Voluma?

This groundbreaking treatment is an FDA-approved series of injections made to the face. It’s part of the “dermal filler” family, which means it adds volume and hydration to the face by delivering the body a substance called hyaluronic acid. This lifts your skin, leveling out wrinkles and plumping out sagging and hollow areas. The result is a more youthful-looking appearance that can renew confidence. Patients love that this treatment doesn’t “reconstruct” the face, but rather refreshes and enhances your natural beauty.

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. Its job is to bring moisture to the skin, which keeps it soft. It’s also directly linked to the body’s production of collagen and elastin, proteins that keep the skin supple and lifted. The problem is, as we age, we produce less and less HA, and as such less and less collagen and elastin. This is why the skin becomes more coarse and sagging the older we get.

In this treatment, a synthetic version of HA is injected directly into the skin. Once inside the body, it searches for water molecules and binds with them. Incredibly, HA can carry a thousand times its weight in water, which it then brings to the skin’s surface to immediately replenish it with moisture. The HA then settles into the face, tightening the skin gradually creating a more sculpted look. It commonly takes about two weeks for patients to see optimal results.

So What Should I Expect Out of Treatment?

An Initial Consultation

You’ll first need to come into our gorgeous Portage office for a chat. This will be our opportunity to hear all about your skin concerns and make sure this treatment will work to address them. We’ll also go over any medications you might be on and your medical history. If everything looks good, we’ll design a treatment plan specifically tailored to your face and aesthetic goals. This will include how many injections you’ll need, where they’ll be made, and how much product will be used.

Your Appointment

On the day, you’ll be asked to come in with a clean face so that there’s no risk we’ll contaminate the needle with any makeup or sunscreen. We may first apply a topical numbing agent to the treatment area to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process. We’ll then follow along with the treatment plan, making careful injections to the areas you’re looking to correct. The entire process only takes about fifteen minutes, then you’re all done!

Where Can This Treatment Be Applied?

This treatment works on all sorts of cosmetic concerns, from fine lines to more severe wrinkles. Some of the most popular areas it’s used on include:

• Frown lines
• Smile lines
• Thin lips
• Hollow cheeks
• Sunken temples
• Marionette lines: the lines that go from the corners of the mouth down to the chin
• Nasolabial folds: the lines that go from the nostrils to the corners of the mouth
• Hands

 

How Much Recovery Time Will I Need After My Treatment?

Get excited, because this treatment doesn’t require any downtime! You’ll be able to immediately get on with your day, even driving yourself to and from your appointment because we don’t use anesthetic. So whether it’s heading back to work or meeting a friend for a coffee, your schedule won’t take a hit. We may recommend a few precautions to take or things to avoid based on your specific needs or medical history, but it will only be for a few days after your session.

What Other Fillers Are Available?

Here at Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery, we’re thrilled to offer a range of cosmetic solutions that fight the signs of aging and refresh dull, tired skin. During your consultation, we may discover that Voluma won’t be the most effective treatment to remedy your cosmetic concerns. Instead, we’ll be happy to suggest an alternative treatment that will get the job done, whether that’s another type of injectable or something else entirely.

Alternative Derma Fillers

• Perlane: This HA injectable is used mainly on the mouth to reduce lines and create fullness in the lips.
• Prevelle: This injectable combines HA with Lidocaine, which makes injections more gentle. It has a very even texture that makes the results look smooth and consistent.
• Restylane: A very popular lip filler, it’s also very effective when used on crow’s feet and nasolabial folds.
• Radiesse: This injectable is made up of a protein called calcium hydroxylapatite, which makes it a stronger filler that can effectively restructure areas of the face. These areas commonly include the cheekbones and nasolabial folds.
• Juvederm: A more gentle, natural-looking option for candidates who want to treat lines all over the face, this soft gel filler will give you a more subtle, but still stunning, look.

 

Other Injectables

Sometimes it’s not a loss of HA that’s caused our wrinkles, but rather repeated facial movements that make lines and indents on the skin. If this is the case, dermal fillers won’t do much to remedy it. But neuromodulators like Botox and Dysport will. These incredible injectables target the nerves under the skin’s surface and block their communication with nearby muscles. When this happens, the muscles can’t contract, meaning you can talk and laugh without wrinkles forming! These treatments are particularly effective on frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet.

Facelift

If you’re looking to treat more severe skin sagging, then injectables may not do the trick. A facelift is a surgical procedure that involves removing and pulling back excess skin on the face, notably around the neck and cheeks. The results are incredible, with patients looking years younger and enjoying results that can last for up to a decade. If you have time to take off work and you’re struggling with severe jowls or “turkey neck”, this can be an incredible option.

What Other Factors Cause Wrinkles?

Despite wrinkles and lines being called “the signs of aging”, age is really only one piece of the puzzle. Did you know that things like alcohol consumption, smoking, weight fluctuation, and even air pollution can affect how quickly our skin starts wrinkle sag? Plus, as mentioned above, dynamic wrinkles are caused by making the same expressions over and over. While there are certain lifestyle changes a person can make to minimize the development of wrinkles, it’s great that treatments exist to turn back the clock on them too!

Who Is a Good Candidate for Treatment?

Certain medical conditions and medications may prohibit you from being able to undergo this treatment. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding will also be ineligible, as will anyone under the age of 18. Beyond this, however, we encourage anyone who’s been feeling self-conscious about aging skin to come in for a consultation. These cosmetic concerns don’t affect one single age, skin tone, or gender, so if you’re noticing your skin start to sag or crease, you might be a great fit for this treatment.

Are You Ready for Rejuvenated, Younger-Looking Skin?

If you want to give your skin a boost of volume and hydration, but still look like yourself, then you might be interested in Voluma. Whether it’s to plump up your lips or turn back the clock on aging skin, this unbeatable injectable can have you feeling gorgeous in just a few minutes. So what are you waiting for? Schedule a consultation with our wonderful team here at Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI, today.

If you spend all your time balancing your diet, drinking enough water, and logging hours at the gym but you aren’t getting the body that you want, then it may be time to consider aesthetic treatments. Sometimes, no matter how much effort we put into it, stubborn pockets of unwanted fat can linger on the body. Instead of stressing over your body shape, you may be able to turn to body sculpting treatments at Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI to help you reach your aesthetic goals.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Body Sculpting?

At our clinic, we use the TruSculpt iD system, which uses thermal energy to reduce unwanted fat and tighten skin on virtually every area of the body. This treatment is a great option for people who have mild to moderate unwanted fat and who want to see results quickly. The results of this treatment can last several years – or can even be permanent if you maintain your weight. But who are good candidates for this body sculpting treatment?

You Want To Treat Multiple Areas

For most people, if you’re struggling to get rid of unwanted fat in one area, then you’re likely struggling in other areas of the body, too. The TruSculpt iD treatment is unique because it can be used to treat virtually all areas of the body, from larger areas like the stomach to smaller areas like the neck. Some of the most common treatment areas include:

• Abdomen
• Thighs (inner and outer)
• Knees
• Buttocks
• Hips
• Back
• Chest (men)
• Arms
• Neck

Contrary to popular relief, losing targeted pockets of fat in some areas of the body can be difficult. Everyone has different metabolic responses to weight-loss methods and genetics may be a factor in how easily you can lose unwanted fat. For example, some people can easily reduce belly fat but may struggle with fat on the neck or beneath the chin. Body sculpting treatments can help bridge this gap.

You Want To Reduce Fat

The TruSculpt iD system is incredibly effective. The thermal energy generated with this unique system can reduce about 24% of fat in all treated areas – and that’s like shaving off 1/4 of your unwanted fat in only a single treatment per desired target area. This system is easily one of the most powerful body sculpting treatments currently available, rivaled only by brands like CoolSculpting. If you want to reduce unwanted fat, then this treatment is likely ideal for you.

You Want To Tighten Skin

Unlike some other sculpting treatments, this system can also tighten loose skin on the body. One of the effects of significant weight loss is loose skin on the body, which can take several months or years to become tighter, if ever. However, the thermal energy generated by this treatment actually stimulates collagen and elastin production, which then tightens your skin so your skin is firmer and younger-looking. This means you can tighten skin and reduce unwanted fat at the same time.

You Want To Reduce Cellulite

For some, the goal of using this treatment is to reduce the appearance of cellulite, especially on the thighs. Cellulite is more commonly found in women and does not necessarily indicate that you are overweight; rather, cellulite is caused by underlying fat poking through fibrous bands, which creates the appearance of dimples on the skin. This treatment works by increasing collagen in the skin to thicken the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

You Are Not Overweight

TruSculpt iD is not a weight-loss treatment so it will not help you shed a significant amount of weight. The best candidates for this treatment are those who are not significantly overweight or with a BMI of 30 or greater. You are likely a good candidate if you are within 10 to 20 pounds of your target weight or if you plan to lose additional weight after your treatment.

That said, although this treatment will not help you lose weight, you may see a change in your clothing size after this treatment. This sculpting treatment reduces targeted pockets of fat, which can help slim down your shape and help you reduce your clothing size by at least one to two sizes.

You Are Committed to a Healthy Lifestyle

Good candidates for this treatment are also committed to a healthy lifestyle, which means you are prepared to maintain your results by maintaining your weight. While your weight can normally fluctuate about five to 10 pounds in either direction each month because of water retention, suddenly gaining more than 10 pounds usually means that you are storing more fat from your food intake. By maintaining a healthy weight, you will be able to enjoy your results for a longer time.

You Do Not Have Medical Restrictions

People who are qualified for this treatment must also not have certain medical restrictions. For example, you should not be pregnant, have any active skin infections, and should not have any medical devices such as pacemakers in your body. During your consultation, we will assess your medical information to determine whether you are medically qualified for this treatment.

You Want To Slim Down

People who use this treatment have the general goal of slimming down or achieving a thinner, sleeker appearance. Generally, wanting to appear slimmer is not the same as wanting to lose weight. Those who want to have a slimmer silhouette are usually already near their goal weight, so a sculpting treatment is something that can be used to achieve an aesthetic goal, such as moderately altering the size of the waist.

You Want Fast Results

People who use this treatment also want to enjoy fast results. Most people can see the results of this treatment in as little as one to two treatments, with the full results of this treatment appearing in about 12 weeks. Usually, you will be able to see the results of this treatment about four weeks after your first appointment.

You Do Not Want Surgery

If you’re looking at a body contouring treatment, then you’re likely not interested in having any invasive surgeries. One of the most common plastic surgery techniques to remove unwanted fat is liposuction, but this is an invasive technique that has a longer recovery time and doesn’t always produce natural-looking results. Non-surgical energy-based treatment can produce exceptional results without any invasive techniques, scarring, or other health risks.

You Do Not Want Extensive Downtime

In addition to non-surgical treatments not involving any invasive techniques that can create scarring, energy-based treatments such as this one do not have any downtime. This can be an advantage for people who do not have the time for an extensive recovery period, or those who simply don’t want a disruption in their daily lives.

After this treatment, you can go back to work, resume your normal exercise schedule, and much more. The only thing you will need to do after your treatment protects your skin from direct sunlight and drink plenty of water.

You Want To Feel More Confident

This treatment is also ideal for those who want to feel more confident about their appearance. The inability to get rid of unwanted pockets of fat can be detrimental to your overall feeling of self-confidence, particularly if you are unable to fit in clothes. Some people also use this treatment to feel more confident about important events in their lives, including weddings, work functions, and special vacations.

Feeling more confident has more than just psychological benefits. Many people who feel more confident about their appearance also tend to make better health decisions. Because you will want to continue looking slim, you will be more likely to adopt a better diet and exercise routine so you can maintain your desired results.

Be Proud of Your Body Shape With TruSculpt iD

If you’re struggling to get the body shape you want with traditional diet and exercise, it may be time to explore other options so you can love the way you look. Body sculpting treatments with TruSculpt iD are a good solution for anyone who wants to reduce unwanted fat on virtually all areas of the body. These treatments can be completed in as little as 15 minutes and will produce visible results as early as four weeks after your first treatment. Contact us at Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI to schedule your consultation today.

Are you unhappy with your nose, or perhaps you experience difficulty breathing? Don’t worry anymore because Rhinoplasty delivers the solution you need. Whether you want reconstructive or cosmetic surgery, getting a nose job gives you a completely different look. No matter what you’re looking for in a new nose, our team at Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI, will give you top-tier care and results.

Rhinoplasty, also called “nose job,” is a standard solution for patients unhappy with their nose’s shape or size. Apart from cosmetic benefits, the procedure has more versatile applications like improving nasal function after an illness or traumatic injury or helping with breathing problems that affect sleep and exercise. Therefore, this surgery aims to revise the nose to suit the patient’s desired functionality and appearance without forgetting skin type and face architecture.

How Does Rhinoplasty Work?

Most patients that get a nose job have their unique reasons. Your specific reason will determine the nose job type you’ll get after an initial consultation with our doctor. It’s vital to note that nose jobs are classified into two: functional nose jobs and cosmetic nose jobs.

1. Functional Nose Jobs

A functional nose job is for those seeking to fix a problem with how their nose works. There are different reasons why a patient will pursue a functional nose job, such as the cartilage septum being deviated or nasal passages being too narrow. Deviated septum usually occurs naturally or as a result of an injury.

Also, patients may seek functional nose jobs due to allergies or sinus infections that cause the turbinates (nasal concha) to become elongated. These shell-shaped structures are made of blood vessels, bone, and other tissues and may become swollen and inhibit airflow. Supposing it turns out to be a chronic problem, a turbinate reduction may help by removing tissue to make more space for airflow.

2. Cosmetic Nose Jobs

Cosmetic nose jobs are for individuals whose noses work just fine but desire to change the shape or size for aesthetic purposes. One main reason for this nose job is an asymmetry of some kind; perhaps your nose size isn’t proportional to your face and throws off your facial symmetry. Maybe you’re not pleased with the size of your nose or the width or the position of your nostrils; fixing a crucial nose area may improve facial symmetry.

Plastic surgeons are skilled in addressing different nose areas at once. There are two practical approaches to nose jobs: the endonasal approach (closed approach) and the external approach (open approach). With the help of a surgeon, you’ll be able to know the best approach for your needs.

I). Endonasal Approach

A closed endonasal approach is perfect for minor changes to a nose. With this approach, all incisions are done inside the nostrils to prevent visible scarring around your nose. Although this approach leaves no visible scarring, it has unique limitations, which you must understand as a patient.

The endonasal approach is excellent for minor, simple fixes since it doesn’t allow the doctor to access the underlying nasal structure fully. Moreover, the skin may not be repositioned fully when the nasal cavities are not attached. However, if you’re only interested in a minor change, this approach is perfect since it doesn’t require extensive repositioning or a full nose view.

II). External Approach

The external approach is mostly suggested for those looking for significant changes to their nose. For an external or open nose job, our surgeon will make a small bridging incision known as a trans-columellar incision that connects the nostrils and allows the nasal skin to be folded upwards, enabling the surgeon to access the underlying structure.

If you need serious changes to your nasal structure or have complicated nasal issues, and an external nose job is a suitable option for you. The best thing is that, when healed, the trans-columellar incision is often invisible.

What To Expect

Before a rhinoplasty surgery, you’ll have to consult with our surgeon to ensure we all are on the same page. Here, you’ll let the doctor know what you’re looking for in a nose job, including what you want to accomplish. Also, the surgeon will examine your medical history and inquire about any medications you take.

The doctor performs a medical exam by closely examining the skin on the inside and outside the nose and letting you know what changes can be made to achieve your desired nose. The doctor will take pictures of your nose from various angles and later use them for reference during the surgery and assessing the results. The surgeon may order a blood test or other blood tests to ensure your body is ready for surgery.

Health Precautions

Patients are advised to avoid painkillers that contain aspirin or ibuprofen for at least two weeks before and after the surgery. Medications with these substances may slow down your body’s blood-clotting process, leading to more bleeding. Being open about the supplements and medications you take will help your doctor advise you on the ones that are safe to continue and those you should avoid using before surgery.

In general, smokers have more difficulty recovering from surgeries, and nose jobs are not an exception. Cigarettes slow down the recovery process since the nicotine constricts your blood vessels, leading to less oxygen and blood circulating and healing the tissues. Smokers are encouraged to stop smoking before and after the surgery to help with the healing process.

The Day of the Procedure

It’s safe for you to get your Rhinoplasty done in a hospital, a doctor’s office, or in an outpatient surgical facility, but the degree of the work will determine the kind of anesthesia that you’ll receive. A pretty simple procedure may only require local anesthesia to the nose to numb your face. The doctor may give you anesthesia via an IV line to make you groggy, but you’ll still be awake,

In other cases, patients are given general anesthesia to make them unconscious during the surgery. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon will begin to make incisions inside or between your nostrils to separate your skin from the cartilage and start reshaping underlying structures. Depending on your individual needs, a small amount of cartilage needed for reshaping will be removed from your ear or deep inside your nostrils, but if more is required, you may get a bone graft or implant.

Recovering From a Nose Job

After the surgery, the surgeon may place a plastic or metal splint on your nose to retain the new shape during the recovery period. Also, he will insert splints or nasal packs in the nostrils to support your septum (the piece between your nose). You’ll be under doctor’s observation for several hours to ensure you’re doing well; if that’s the case, you may be able to go home later that day.

You’ll need someone to drive you home since you receive anesthesia during the procedure. Supposing the process is more complicated, you may be required to stay in the hospital for a day or two to help you recover. As you rest and recover, make sure your head is kept high above your chest to help yourself heal more quickly.

Aftercare

You’ll need to get lots of rest after your surgery before you can return to your daily activities. Strenuous activities such as running or those that may expose your nose to water, like swimming, should be avoided for several weeks after the surgery. Avoid blowing your nose and eat soft foods only to avoid excessive chewing.

Do not wear clothes that have to be pulled over your head as you might damage your nose. Also, try to reduce the facial expressions you make that require movement, like smiling and laughing. Therefore, how you take care of your nose after your surgery will determine the results — follow your doctor’s instructions for proper aftercare.

Get Your Desired Nose

Nose jobs are the best remedies to change everything you want about your nose. A nose job will reshape your nose to improve facial symmetry and help with problems affecting your breathing. Thanks to Rhinoplasty, you can get your perfect nose, allowing you to reshape your nasal structure completely.

Invest in yourself today and have your nose changed to feel more comfortable and confident in your skin. Talking to a specialist will help you understand how Rhinoplasty works for you. If you have any questions or want to schedule a consultation, call us today at 269-280-2311 to talk to our team or visit us at Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI.