Comparisons of Body Contouring Procedures: Which One Is Best for You?

Comparisons of Body Contouring Procedures:
Which One Is Best for You?

by Dr. Diane Gibby • M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S

While recent media attention may leave one with the feeling that liposuction procedures are simple operations, liposuction remains a surgical procedure that requires serious consideration, pre-operative preparation, with post-operative recommendations that must be followed for a complete and healthy recovery.

It is important to have a good understanding of the different liposuction procedures available when considering body contouring surgery when exercise and diet have lost their “battle with the bulge.” Currently, three of the most popular choices available are
traditional, tumescent and ultrasonic-assisted liposuction.

Traditional liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to remove localized fat pads. A tubular instrument or cannula is inserted through small incisions into the problem area. A suction unit is attached to the outside of the instrument, where the fat is suctioned.

General anesthesia is usually required for this procedure, unless only small areas are suctioned. Recovery time is four to six weeks and requires wearing support garments to reduce swelling. Typically, patients can return to work in three to six days. After several weeks, the patient may resume regular exercise.

Another option is the tumescent technique, which requires local or general anesthesia. With this technique, “numbing” fluid made of sterile saline, mixed with a dilute solution of anesthetic and medication to constrict blood vessels, is injected into the problem area. This shrinks the blood vessels and loosens the fat.

With this procedure, a small incision is made and the fluid and fat are suctioned out by the cannula. This technique allows for a much smaller cannula than used with traditional liposuction, resulting in less blood loss, bruising and less risk of contour irregularities. Most
patients will require three to six days off work, unless only a small area is treated.

Syringe liposuction, often referred to as “syringe liposculpture,” applies the above techniques. However, a hand-held syringe is used to create suction rather than a mechanical suction machine. Proponents of the techniques claim it is less traumatic to the tissues, resulting in less blood loss and better contour. The ideal patient for this procedure would have small areas of localized fat to be removed.

Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction (UAL), yet another option, uses high-frequency sound waves to “melt” fat into an easy-to-extract liquid. Ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the tip of the
specially-designed suction cannula. When the tip contacts the fat cells, they implode, allowing for removal by a low-pressure suction. There is less blood loss with UAL, probably resulting in less bruising and swelling and a faster recovery time.

Patients don’t have to be at their optimum weight for the UAL procedure. In many cases, patients may have twice the amount of fat removed with UAL than traditional liposuction.

The benefit of both tumescent and ultrasonic-assisted liposuction is that the fat cells are “adjusted” or “treated” before they are removed. As a result, more fat can be suctioned and better postoperative results can be achieved.

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Makeup Techniques Following Plastic Surgery

Makeup Techniques Following Plastic Surgery
by Dr. Diane Gibby • M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S

Most people are eager to return to work and social activities after plastic surgery. How quickly you do so depends on two factors how you feel and how you look. Your surgeon will let you know when it's physically safe to resume your normal activities. But only you can decide how comfortable you feel with the way you look.

Almost everyone has some temporary cosmetic side effects from plastic surgery, such as swelling, bruising, or visible incision marks. It may be days, weeks, or even months before these signs disappear and you can fully appreciate the results of your surgery. But there's no need to sit at home and wait. There are a variety of makeup products and techniques that can be used to camouflage the temporary side effects of surgery and help you face the world with confidence and ease.

Here we will introduce you to the kinds of products available and show you how to use them to your best advantage. It may take some practice. But the skills you learn now will serve you well right after surgery and in the long term, helping you to enhance the permanent effects of your cosmetic surgery.

When to start

It's best to ask you surgeon's advice before you start using camouflage cosmetics. Most people can begin applying makeup to cover bruising or disguise swelling as early as a day or two after surgery. If you want to hide incision lines, you'll need to wait until the stitches have been removed and the incision is completely closed.

After nose surgery, you can normally use makeup as soon as the cast is removed. With a chemical peel or dermabrasion, if a crust has formed you'll need to wait until it's completely gone.

What to look for

You may use special camouflage products recommended by your plastic surgeon, commercial camouflage products available in many large department stores, or even a standard makeup that you already use.

The important thing is to look for products that are hypoallergenic and fragrance free. If you're happy with the products you currently use, you can continue using them after surgery--but buy fresh ones with new applicators so they'll be as clean as possible.

There are three basic approaches to camouflage cosmetics concealing--hiding incision lines and bruises; color correcting--neutralizing color in reddened or yellowish skin; and contouring--disguising swelling and creating the illusion of highlights and shadows.

Concealing

Concealers are thicker and more opaque than regular foundation makeup. They can cover healed incision lines as well as scars or bruises on your face or body. Concealer can be used to hide the visible incision lines, along with the surrounding discoloration, that may follow facelift or eyelid surgery.

Choose a concealer that's opaque and waterproof, but creamy enough that it doesn't pull on your skin when you apply it. If you can find a concealer that closely matches your skin tone, you may not have to use a foundation on top of it.

It's not a good idea to use concealer on the thin, delicate skin around your eyes, since concealer is thick and will collect in the creases. Instead, try using a normal fluid foundation, color corrector, or eye makeup alone.

Color correcting

Color correctors are used to disguise the yellowish shade of a bruise or the overall redness that follows chemical peel and dermabrasion. They come in tints lavender corrector neutralizes yellow tones, while green corrector removes red.

Less opaque than concealers, color correctors have the same consistency and sheerness as foundation. They're generally used under your foundation.

Contouring

Contouring can be applied anywhere on the face, but it's most often used to disguise the swelling that accompanies nose surgery and facial implants. Contouring creates dimension using light and shadow lighter areas appear to come forward, while darker areas recede.

You'll need two separate products for contouring a highlighter, which is about two shades lighter than your normal foundation; and a contour shadow, about two shades darker than your foundation. (You probably won't find products labeled highlighter and contour shadow. Just look for the appropriate shades of foundation makeup or pressed power.)

Using highlighter and contour shadow, you can create the appearance of higher, better defined cheekbones. Blending is the key to successful contouring you want to create the illusion of angles without seeing stripes of makeup. The techniques of contouring are subtle and take some practice. Once you're adept, however, you can use contouring to create "higher" cheekbones, narrow your nose, or minimize a swollen chin. Contouring can also make a swollen nose appear narrower, or minimize a swollen chin.

Removing camouflage cosmetics

Camouflage cosmetics tend to be thicker and more adherent than everyday makeup, so it's important to remove them every night. First, use a cleansing cream that removes all of your makeup. Then use a gentle, alcohol-free toner applied with a cotton ball to remove any cleanser residue. Follow this with a moisturizer formulated for your skin type oily, dry, or combination.

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Herbs And Surgery Can Be a Harmful Combination

by Dr. Diane Gibby • M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S
Using herbal supplements before undergoing surgery may interfere with anesthesia or put patients at risk for complications such as increased bleeding. Patients would do well to lay off the herbs before going under the knife, according to Dr. Suzanne Yee, a plastic and cosmetic surgeon of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Speaking here at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Yee said there is ``an unspoken 'don't ask, don't tell' policy in most doctors' offices, where physicians don't ask and patients rarely tell about their herbs or dietary supplements.''

She stressed that "The patient's silence could be deadly, since many herbs can increase bleeding time during and after surgery, cause changes in blood pressure and prolong the effects of anesthesia.''

Because people may not regard herbs as medication, they may be unaware herbal supplements can carry side-effects. Some supplements that can interfere with bleeding time during surgery include ginkgo, feverfew, ginger and vitamin E.

In addition, ginseng may trigger high blood pressure, while garlic supplements may lower blood pressure. Herbs that can intensify or prolong anesthesia include St. John' s wort and kava kava.

Yee advised that ``all herbal supplements be stopped two weeks prior to elective surgery, no matter how minor.''

She also urges patients to speak with their doctors about their supplement use and advises physicians to make it a formal part of the patient's medical history. Such awareness can prevent problems, alter care and help manage complications, Yee said.

http://www.drgibby.com

What is Plastic Surgery?

by Dr. Diane Gibby • M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S

Plastic surgery can enhance your appearance subtly or significantly, and with it, your entire self-image. It can help make your features more youthful-looking or improve the appearance of normal body features. The word "plastic" comes from the Greek word plasticos, which means to mold or give form. The specialty of plastic surgery involves two areas: cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic surgery enhances the attractiveness of your features. Reconstructive surgery minimizes disfigurement and improves or restores physical functions that may have been impaired because of birth defects, injury, or disease.

Your expectations for surgery should be realistic. Plastic surgery may renew your self-confidence but will not guarantee happiness. You must have a strong personal desire to make such a change-both physically and mentally. Dr. Gibby will fully discuss the improvements you desire and explain what is possible with surgery so that your goals are clear. This will help you evaluate surgery in terms of how well it satisfies your needs.


Some Important Considerations

As with any surgery, the quality of the result is based on the expertise of the surgeon. It is extremely important to select a surgeon whose skills are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certification means that the surgeon's training includes both medical and approved plastic surgical training and that the candidate has passed extensive written and oral examinations in the Plastic Surgery specialty. While any physician who holds a medical license can practice plastic surgery-even without surgical training-board certification ensures the highest level of expertise. Membership in the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS) is another important factor.


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10 secrets you shouldn't keep from your doctor

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/03/05/ep.secrets.doctors/index.html

Dallas area Orthopedic Surgeon John T. Gill, MD, Elected President of the Texas Orthopaedic Association

Elected President of the Texas Orthopaedic Association at the 71st Annual Meeting, Dr. Gill also serves on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Dr. John Gill
Orthopaedics
8230 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 708
Dallas, TX 75231

Phone: 214-890-0906

Texas Monthly in its 2008 annual listing of “Super Doctors.”

Here are some of the Dallas area "Super Doctors" from the Texas Monthly 2008 list.

Neurosurgery
Richard H. Jackson, MD

Ophthalmology
James Merritt, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
Michael Champine, MD
John S. Early, MD
Michael M. Katz, MD
James B. Montgomery, MD
Howard A. Moore, MD
Scott O. Paschal, MD
John H. Peloza, MD
John A. Racanelli, MD
Robert R. Scheinberg, MD

Otolaryngology
Henry M. Carder, MD
Gregory N. Rohn, MD

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
James C. Sterling, MD


Plastic Surgery
Jack P. Gunter, MD
Patrick L. Hodges, MD
Bryan H. Pruitt, MD
Hamlet Newsom, MD
Patrick H. Pownell, MD

Urological Surgery
David H. Ewalt, MD
Brian A. Feagins, MD
Joshua K. Fine, MD
Steve M. Frost, MD
Pat Fox Fulgham, MD
L. Michael Goldstein, MD
Michael B. Gross , MD
Mason Holden, Jr., MD
Keith T. Kadesky, MD
Donald L. McKay, MD
Mitchell O. Moskowitz, MD
Keith D. Newman, MD
Robert C. Schoenvogel, MD
Matthew L. Wilner, MD

Michael Desaloms, M.D., discusses neurosurgery advancements on talk radio.

Robert Scheinberg, M.D. discusses orthopedic hip arthroscopy on talk radio.

Dmagazine list of best doctors in Dallas

These Doctors are a few of the physicians in Dmagazine's Annual List of "Best Doctors in Dallas" for 2008

Hand Surgery
Michael V. Doyle, MD
W. Dennis Stripling, MD

Infectious Disease
Mirza S. Hasan, MD
Allison M. Liddell, MD
Gabre K. Tseggay, MD

Neurosurgery
Jeremy W. Denning, MD
John M. Desaloms, MD
Richard H. Jackson, MD
Richard L. Weiner, MD

Ophthalmology
James Merritt, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
Michael Champine, MD
John S. Early, MD and another bio
Michael M. Katz, MD
James B. Montgomery, MD
Scott O. Paschal, MD
John Racanelli, MD
Timothy Schacherer, MD
Robert Scheinberg, MD
William Tucker, Jr., MD

Otolaryngology
Ford D. Albritton, MD
Evan S, Bates, MD
Bradford Gamble, MD
John R. Gilmore, MD
Gary P. Goldsmith, MD
Stephen A. Landers, MD
Presley M. Mock, MD
Gregory Rohn, MD
Pain Management
Charles Banta, MD
Robert R. Bulger, MD
Kenneth Reed, MD
Renaud P. Rodrigue, MD
James Sterling, MD
Kelly R. Will, MD


Cosmetic/Reconstructive Surgery
Gregg M. Anigian, MD
C. “Spencer” Cochran, MD
Jack P. Gunter, MD
Fred L. Hackney, MD
Patrick L. Hodges, MD
Hamlet Newsom, MD
Todd A. Pollock, MD
Patrick H. Pownell, MD
Bryan H. Pruitt, MD
Steven J. White, MD

Radiology
Evan L. Cohn, MD
Paul H. Ellenbogen, MD
Cynthia S. Sherry, MD

Spinal Surgery
John H. Peloza, MD

Urology
James Cochran, MD
Brian A. Feagins, MD
Joshua K. Fine, MD
Steve M. Frost, MD
Pat Fox Fulgham, MD
L. Michael Goldstein, MD
Michael B. Gross, MD
Keith T. Kadesky, MD
Meredith Lightfoot, MD
Donald McKay, MD
Mitchell Moskowitz, MD
Robert C. Schoenvogel, MD
Matthew D. Shuford, MD
John R. Ware, MD
Matthew L. Wilner, MD

Dallas Orthopaedic Surgeons

Here are Dallas, Plano and Richardson area doctors with an orthopedic specialty.

Dr. Bruce Beavers
Dr. Michael Champine
Dr. Charles Cook
Dr. John Early
Dr. John Gill
Dr. Benzel MacMaster
Dr. James Montgomery
Dr. John Noack
Dr. Scott Paschal
Dr, Corry Payne
Dr. Tim Schacherer
Dr. Robert Scheinberg
Dr. Dennis Stripling
Dr. Steven Thornton
Dr. John Racanelli

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