Dr. Brian Heil • Plastic Surgeon, Pittsburgh • PA

Summer is just around the corner. You’ve been working off excess pounds since the holidays and are almost ready for your swimsuit again, but are your breasts perky and attractive the way you want them to be? Perhaps the weight loss has caused them to droop unattractively, or maybe the effects of aging have changed the way you look. Breast augmentation in Pittsburgh can help, but you need to act quickly!

The sooner you schedule your breast augmentation with a Pittsburgh plastic surgery center, the better you will be able to enjoy those results. It takes several weeks after surgery, and up to two months for some women, before the full results can be seen as swelling lessens and implants drop into their position. You won’t be jumping out of the hospital and into your bathing suit, because your body will be swollen and bruised. Having the procedure now will give your body sufficient time to heal before you need it to be bathing suit ready.

Another reason you will want to schedule your appointment soon is the increasing popularity of breast augmentation in Pittsburgh. If you wait, the available surgery slots may fill up before you do. This could mean you have to have surgery too close to the summer or, worse, during the summer when you would rather be out there enjoying the sun and water. So choose a qualified plastic surgeon and schedule your consultation today to learn how this procedure can give you the curves you have been dreaming of.

If you are struggling with unwanted bags and sags around your abdomen, the answer may be a tummy tuck! Pittsburgh men and women continue to turn to this procedure to tighten and tone the skin in their middles, giving them the flat midsection they once enjoyed.

The tummy tuck is a hot procedure right now, as more and more fashions are exposing the midriff, especially for women, making a slim tummy essential. In 2004 the tummy tuck was the sixth most performed cosmetic surgery by surgeons with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This number continues to increase, with the 35 to 50 year old demographic receiving over half of the tummy tuck procedures. In 2009, the procedure became the fifth most common procedure, and physicians registered with the ASPS performed over 127,000 of the procedures. This is an 84 percent increase since 2000, making the highest increase in frequency of all cosmetic procedures.

The procedure is particularly popular with women, as childbirth and pregnancy stretches the skin around the abdomen tremendously, often leaving them with stretched out pockets of tissue that simply cannot be exercised away. With a tummy tuck, Pittsburgh moms no longer have to hide after having kids. They can get back into that bikini when they take their kids to the beach.

And it’s not just women getting a tummy tuck. Pittsburgh men are also turning to the surgery as a way to remove excess skin and stubborn fat after weight loss, allowing their six packs to show through and getting their bodies in beach-ready shape, or simply look better for their next trip to the gym.

So whether you are a guy or a gal, if you have excess rolls around your middle, consider a tummy tuck. Soon you will be sporting the toned, flat body you have been dreaming of.

Today, more and more people are turning to one procedure when it comes to reclaiming their youthful appearance, and that is the face lift. Pittsburgh patients who deal with bagging skin, jowls, deep lines, and wrinkles can benefit from this fairly straightforward cosmetic procedure. Patients need to understand exactly what they should and should not expect from their face lift.

What Face Lifts Do

A face lift tightens the skin of the face. Basically, it pulls the skin tight again, smoothing out the creases and folds that come with time. This can lift bags around the eyes, tighten the look of jowls around the chin and neck, and smooth out some deep creases that are caused by baggy skin and loose muscle tone. It can also improve the appearance of loose skin and fatty deposits under the chin that create the “double chin” look. This, in turn, helps the face look more youthful. It also gives the individual a more alert appearance.

What Face Lifts Cannot Do

A face lift cannot change the tone of the skin and remove fine lines and wrinkles. These issues are not caused by bagging, sagging skin, but rather by the effects of the sun and aging. However, a face lift can be combined with other procedures, like microdermabrasion or injectables, to further rejuvenate the face. To plan for your full facial rejuvenation, consider a consultation at Premier Plastic Surgery where experienced Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. Brian Heil can assess your unique look and recommend the procedures that would work best to help you achieve the youthful glow you once enjoyed.

Often when a woman chooses to get a breast lift, she also has breast augmentation. Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. Brian Heil encounters certain patients who are often left to wonder if they need to have both procedures at once. If a woman is happy with the size of her breasts, does she have to have implants to achieve the perky look she once enjoyed before children and aging? Or, if she simply wants to add volume with a breast augmentation, does she also have to have a breast lift as well?

Breast Lift Without Breast Augmentation

If you wish to have a breast lift, you do not necessarily have to have a breast augmentation. Pittsburgh patients who do not want to change their size can have a breast lift, which lifts the breasts and tightens the tissue surrounding them, without adding implants. The woman’s own tissue is sufficient to add the curves she wants to maintain. The physician can reshape this tissue to support the breast in its new position, also while removing any stretched out skin.

Breast Augmentation Without a Breast Lift

Again, a breast augmentation is completely possible without a breast lift. Young women who have not experienced much sagging but wish to have more volume can add implants without repositioning or tightening the breast tissue. The need to reposition comes when the breast has sagged and is not in its proper position. So the bottom line is yes, you can have either procedure without the other. However, many women choose to have both to achieve optimum positioning and the ideal size. Your surgeon will discuss your options with you, helping you choose the right combination of procedures to achieve the look you want.

If you live in Pittsburgh, plastic surgery options can be discussed with Dr. Brian Heil of Premier Plastic Surgery.

If you are dealing with stubborn deposits of fat in certain areas of your body that do not seem to respond to exercise or diet, you may be ready to consider liposuction. Pittsburgh patients who consider this procedure are in good company with Premier Plastic Surgery.

Keep in mind that not all areas of the body respond well to this procedure. If you are considering liposuction, consider these areas, which are the most common areas treated:

Abdomen

The abdomen is, by far, the most common area of the body treated through liposuction. The procedure works quite well on the abdominal area, provided the fat is superficial and not located deep within the abdominal cavity. Your surgeon will help you determine if you are a good candidate for liposuction of your abdomen.

Thighs

The thighs, particularly the anterior region of the thighs, are also a common area to have liposuction. The goal for liposuction here is not necessarily to reduce volume, but rather to smooth out the look. Patients need to be careful, because too much liposuction in this area can cause skin irregularities.

Back/Flanks

The back and flank area are also commonly treated areas. For men, the goal is usually to remove the “love handles” from the flanks. For women, the goal is usually to smooth out the fat rolls created when wearing a bra. Both male and female patients see good results through liposuction of these areas.

Ankles

The calves do not respond particularly well to liposuction, but the ankles do. Patients claiming to have “cankles,” can achieve a slimmer look through liposuction.

If you have stubborn fat in one of these areas, schedule a consultation with your surgeon to talk about liposuction. Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. Brian Heil is ready to consult your options to help you reach great results through this common and effective cosmetic procedure.

If you’re considering a tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, Pittsburgh plastic surgeons want you to know you’ve got a lot to think about. Not all tummy tucks are created equal! With a little information, you’ll be ready to decide if an abdominoplasty is right for you, and if so, which type.

The full tummy tuck is an extensive procedure that not only sculpts the midsection, but also tightens the underlying muscles by stitching them together into a more taut position. Sometimes liposuction is used and other times, the removal of excess skin does the trick. Women who have had children are good candidates for this version since the muscles of the abdomen have been stretched and sometimes will not become firm again without surgical intervention.

A mini version of the abdominoplasty, Pittsburgh specialists can tell you, focuses more on the lower portion of the waistline, as opposed to the sides and area above the naval. The incision is shorter and involves just removing the lax skin from below the naval, with possibly a little liposuction. The main difference, however, is that this version doesn’t include the muscle tightening. Good candidates for the mini tummy tuck are those who have firm abs underneath, but just can’t seem to lose those last few pounds and that stubborn little bulge at the waistline.

Lastly, sometimes patients who see a plastic surgeon for an abdominoplasty in Pittsburgh end up not needing one at all. These patients can achieve their desired result with liposuction alone.

The important thing to keep in mind is that an abdominoplasty isn’t an alternative to diet and exercise. It’s reserved for patients who have failed to achieve the results they want through eating right and doing regular targeted ab work.

If you have questions about abdominoplasty, Pittsburgh plastic surgeons are ready to answer them at premierplasticsurgerpa.com.

After pregnancy or significant weight loss, many women find themselves unhappy with the look of their tummy. After these events,  there may be a great amount of loose skin left in the abdomen. Although diet and exercise can help,  sometimes the elasticity of the skin is not what it used to be and you may consider abdominoplasty, to return to the way you once looked.

Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, removes excess fat and skin simultaneously from the abdominal area. You may have seen the before and after pictures of abdominoplasty Pittsburgh patients, and some of the scars may look rather large and frightening, but there are several options for the tummy tuck procedure. Depending on the severity of your bulge and loose skin and depending on the results you want to accomplish, there are various types of tummy tuck procedures that can help you achieve what you want.

The endoscopically-assisted abdominoplasty procedure is minimally invasive and allows you to recover quicker than other methods. This is best for those looking for a small fix to their slight bulge with minimal scarring. A mini-tuck is another way to avoid major visible scarring, best for patients with minor bulging in the abdomen and mild to moderate excess skin in the lower abdomen region. This, combined with some liposuction, can tighten your muscles and reduce your unsightly tummy. Though the surgery is considered a “mini” one, keep in mind that it is still surgery and you should plan for a longer recovery time.

The high-lateral tension tummy tuck is usually used on those patients that seek a more defined waste line. This type of tummy tuck allows for liposuction to be performed more thoroughly. Finally, an extensive abdominoplasty is most likely the option chosen by those who have undergone extensive weight loss. Both the lower and upper abdomen regions are targeted and usually involve an umbilicus transposition—which means you will have a new belly button. This type of abdominoplasty procedure is usually performed on a bariatric patient who has lost a tremendous amount of weight and has no other way to get rid of the loose skin. However, this type of procedure may also be required if you have had a pregnancy in which you gained an unusual amount of weight, significantly stretching out your skin.

To be a candidate for any tummy tuck procedure, it is advisable that you be at a healthy weight. Losing large amounts of weight after an abdominoplasty procedure will likely negate the results of the procedure, once again creating loose skin. Also, pregnancy after this kind of procedure is not advisable, thus you should think carefully about your current and future life plans and goals and decide accordingly.

Once you have carefully considered your options and believe you are a candidate for any of these types of abdominoplasty, Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. Brian Heil is ready to personalize a plan for you.

It’s every man’s worst nightmare: Male Boobs. Remember the Seinfeld episode, “The Mansierre,” in which Kramer developed a bra for guys who were suffering from a little too much breast development? Apparently the term “male boobs” is just about everywhere. Just returning from NYC, I noticed there seems to be a fascination with taking terms familiar to the female population and converting them into a masculine form. For example “The Man Purse,” describing handbags for men.  I saw “the Male Purse” all over the streets of Manhattan, worn by men of all ages.  But, let’s face it, men don’t want breasts- no man wants to wear a bra. The term “male boobs” is a medical condition called, Gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia or enlarged male breasts is a condition, which can lead to lack of self-esteem and confidence in men who are affected. Approximately 40-60% of men today live with Gynecomastia. Many men settle for the fact that they will have to wear loose fitting shirts to cover up their “female-like” chest.  Others may work at gaining control of their diet and committing to an exercise program. Although this option is a wise choice, it does not decrease the severity for most males; they are left with a continuing desire for a masculine appearance.

There are several causes of Gynecomastia and possible combinations that can lead to this condition such as:

*Puberty
*Steroid abuse
*Obesity
*Breast Tumors
*Genetic disorders
*Chronic liver disease
*Aging
*Side effects of certain medications

Medications known to cause Gynecomastia include some anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, mood altering drugs such as Effexor, and acid reducers such as Tagamet, Zantac, and Pepcid. Steroids, commonly used by many athletes, are also known to cause Gynecomastia. Occasionally, it can occur with no identifiable cause.

Treatment – Gynecomastia in Pittsburgh

Surgery is the only effective treatment for men affected with Gynecomastia. Enlarged male breasts can be reduced by liposuction and/or by cutting out excess glandular tissue. The procedure for male breast reduction can last from one to three hours depending on the extent of the correction.

Liposuction

If your gynecomastia is primarily caused by fatty tissue, your Pittsburgh plastic surgeon may recommend a liposuction procedure. Liposuction surgery can actually remove unwanted localized deposits of fat cells from the body. A straw-like cannula is inserted through a tiny incision to remove excess fat cells. The result is a resculpting of bulging breasts into more attractive contours.

Traditional Surgical Excision

If your gynecomastia is the result of a glandular disorder, a Pittsburgh liposuction alone is not likely to be adequate. Traditional surgical excision may be a better option. The excision may be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction. Typically, the incision is placed on the edge of the areola (colored area of the nipple) or in the underarm area. Your surgeon will work through these incisions to cut away the excess glandular tissue, fat and skin from the breast.

Following your Pittsburgh male breast reduction surgery, you can enjoy a more pleasing shape and enhanced self-confidence.

Finding the right surgeon

The surgical procedure requires skill and experience by the plastic surgeon. Gathering the right information with our Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Brian Vassar Heil, MD, FACS will help you determine the success of this treatment and help you meet your personal expectations.

Whatever the reason behind you having grown breasts, it is important for you to know there are solutions that can help you!  Seek a proper diagnosis and investigate your treatment options. We do not want this condition to affect other areas of your life.  I urge you to explore our websites and pursue the information with our Board Certified Pittsburgh Plastic Surgeon, Brian Vassar Heil, MD.  We want you to take your shirt off in public and show off the confidence that we all deserve.

There are benefits of having both liposuction and tummy tuck. Pittsburgh residents- like most of us- seek a smaller belly, less fat around the mid section and better definition.  Sounds great, it gets even better….. The tummy tuck will removal stretch-marks, tighten and flatten the belly and your muscles.  These are the benefits of having both procedures at once.  If you skin is not too loose, then liposuction alone may be just enough to get you into the body you dream about.  Doctor Heil at Premier Plastic Surgery will use his surgical experience and expertise to help you choose the right option.  Skin has a limit of how much it will stretch and return to normal particularly after pregnancy or weight loss.  When it stretches beyond a certain degree it is very difficult to get back your original shape and firmness.

If your goals are to have some fat removed around your belly, than ultrasonic liposuction or laser liposuctions is the best option for you.  However, if stretch marks, loose skin, or the so-called “little pouch” is your concern, then a better option would be a tummy tuck.  Pittsburgh residents should know that liposuction removes fat but the tummy tuck removes skin, tightens muscles, and shapes the belly.  Doctor Heil will work from the belly button down to the groin hairline.

Doctor Heil performs Tummy tuck surgery in his AAAASF surgery center.  He begins with an incision made from hipbone to hipbone, creating a skin flap. Next, the skin is separated from the abdominal muscles, which are then tightened, providing a firmer abdomen and a narrower waistline. Once the muscles are stitched into place, the skin flap is folded down and the extra skin is removed. Lastly, the incision is stitched closed and a dressing is applied. Your procedure will take between two to five hours, depending on how much work is needed and if multiple procedures will be done at the same time.

The tummy tuck procedure will result in a scar, but it is located below the bikini line so it is as inconspicuous as possible. The results of Dr. Heil’s tummy tuck, Pittsburgh patients found, are long lasting if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly, so you can keep your toned abs for years to come!

The costs of a full tummy tuck surgery include the surgical fee, facility fee (O.R. & Recovery) and anesthesiology fee.  Although Doctor Heil, and most other fully trained board certified plastic surgeons, do not quote prices before a proper consultation, I can provide you with a general idea of the costs.  The surgical fee ranges from $5,500 to 7,000 and the total package cost ranges from $7,000 to $10,000 in this region.  Doctor Heil’s surgical fee is usually $6,000 depending on the case details and total package cost runs about $8,200.

What are the risks and side effects of either of the procedures?  Just like any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with tummy tuck and/or liposuction. These generally include swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, and undergoing anesthesia. Tummy tuck and liposuction are a very safe procedure and, when performed by properly trained individuals, it is an excellent way to look the way you desire. A personal consultation with Doctor Heil about tummy tuck and liposuction at his Upper St. Clair, Cranberry or Butler offices in Pittsburgh is the best way to get the information that is exactly right for you.

Remember that you get what you pay for, even in cosmetic surgery.  There are many so-called “cosmetic surgeons”  who (1) have not been trained in general and plastic surgery by ACGME accredited plastic surgery residencies, (2) are not Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (the only Board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties), (3) are not credentialed to do plastic surgery in hospitals because of their lack of proper credentials and training, (4) operate in their offices or so-called “surgicenters”, and (5) further risk their patients safety by using nurse anesthetists without anesthesiologists.  It’s scary and yet true.

When it comes to your body, please insist on the highest safety and training qualifications insured by the board certification that I listed (regardless of whether it is Doctor Heil or another surgeon with whom you ultimately pursue your care).  The three most import aspects of my patient care are: (1) uncompromised patient safety, (2) individualized and customized treatment plans specific to both the patients needs and desires, and (3) always treating each patient in as caring and understanding a manner as I would my own family member.

We hope this information has been helpful in answering your questions. If you do have further questions about tummy tuck or liposuction, contact the Premier Plastic Surgery today at 724-776-2111.

To learn more info on the tummy tuck, Pittsburgh residents can look to two of my colleagues, Doctors Richards & Jabs, who have a very informative blog. See link:  http://cosmeticplasticsblog.com/.

There are benefits of having both a Pittsburgh tummy tuck and liposuction because most of us seek a smaller belly, less fat around the mid section and better definition.  Sounds great, it gets even better….. The tummy tuck will removal stretch marks, tighten and flatten the belly and your muscles.  These are the benefits of having both procedures at once.  If your skin is not too loose, then liposuction alone may be just enough to get you into the body you dream about.  Doctor Heil at Premier Plastic Surgery will use his surgical experience and expertise to help you choose the right option.  Skin has a limit of how much it will stretch and return to normal particularly after pregnancy or weight loss.  When it stretches beyond a certain degree it is very difficult to get back your original shape and firmness.

If your goals are to have some fat removed around your belly, than ultrasonic liposuction or laser liposuctions is the best option for you.  However, if stretch marks, loose skin, or the so called “little pouch” is your concern, then tummy tuck would be a better option.  Just know that liposuction removes fat but the tummy tuck removes skin, tightens muscles, and shapes the belly.  Doctor Heil will work from the belly button down to the groin hairline.

Doctor Heil performs Tummy tuck surgery in his AAAASF surgery center.  He begins with an incision made from hipbone to hipbone, creating a skin flap. Next, the skin is separated from the abdominal muscles, which are then tightened, providing a firmer abdomen and a narrower waistline. Once the muscles are stitched into place, the skin flap is folded down and the extra skin is removed. Lastly, the incision is stitched closed and a dressing is applied. Your procedure will take between two to five hours, depending on how much work is needed and if multiple procedures will be done at the same time.

The Pittsburgh tummy tuck procedure will result in a scar, but it is located below the bikini line so it is as inconspicuous as possible. The results of a tummy tuck from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  plastic surgeon Dr. Heil are long lasting if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly, so you can keep your toned abs for years to come!

The costs of a full tummy tuck surgery include the surgical fee, facility fee (O.R. & Recovery) and anesthesiology fee.  Although Doctor Heil, and most other fully trained board certified plastic surgeons, do not quote prices before a proper consultation, I can provide you with a general idea of the costs.  The surgical fee ranges from $5,500 to 7,000 and the total package cost ranges from $7,000 to $10,000 in this region.  Doctor Heil’s surgical fee is usually $6,000 depending on the case details and total package cost runs about $8,200.

What are the risks and side effects of either of the procedures?  Just like any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with tummy tuck and/or liposuction. These generally include swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, and undergoing anesthesia. Tummy tuck and liposuction are a very safe procedure and, when performed by properly trained individuals, it is an excellent way to look the way you desire. A personal consultation with Doctor Heil about tummy tuck and liposuction at his Upper St. Clair, Cranberry or Butler offices in Pittsburgh is the best way to get the information that is exactly right for you.

Remember that you get what you pay for, even in cosmetic surgery.  There are many so-called “cosmetic surgeons”  who (1) have not been trained in general and plastic surgery by ACGME accredited plastic surgery residencies, (2) are not Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (the only Board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties), (3) are not credentialed to do plastic surgery in hospitals because of their lack of proper credentials and training, (4) operate in their offices or so-called “surgicenters”, and (5) further risk their patients safety by using nurse anesthetists without anesthesiologists.  It’s scary and yet true.

When it comes to your body, please insist on the highest safety and training qualifications insured by the board certification that I listed (regardless of whether it is Doctor Heil or another surgeon with whom you ultimately pursue your care).  The three most import aspects of my patient care are: (1) uncompromised patient safety, (2) individualized and customized treatment plans specific to both the patients needs and desires, and (3) always treating each patient in as caring and understanding a manner as I would my own family member.

We hope this information has been helpful in answering your questions. If you do have further questions about tummy tuck or liposuction, contact the Premier Plastic Surgery today at 724-776-2111.

To learn more, two of my colleagues, Doctors Richards & Jabs has a very informative blog on tummy tuck see link  http://cosmeticplasticsblog.com/.