Dr. Brian Heil • Plastic Surgeon, Pittsburgh • PA

Abdominoplasty, Pittsburgh based specialist removes excess skin, tightens the underlying muscle and incorporates liposuction, either ultrasound or ProLipo® to give you a flat tummy.  During the first week after surgery, expect to experience discomfort and difficulty standing completely upright. It’s especially important to walk around during this time to prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. Your plastic surgeon will place drains in the surgical areas to facilitate healing.

After an abdominoplasty, Pittsburgh based surgeon explains that most of the patients are back to sedentary work in two weeks, but it can take six to eight weeks to fully recover. As for the pain level, advances have been made in recent years that increase post operative comfort. Long lasting local anesthetics are used in the treated areas before the incisions are closed in order to make the first few days of the recovery process more comfortable. Our board certified plastic surgeon emphasizes the need for patients to take it easy even though they may feel comfortable so soon after surgery. If you’re too active too soon, fluid can build up, and that can increase healing time.

Liposuction, Pittsburgh based surgeon suggests that it is not considered a procedure with much post-op pain – you are more likely to feel stiff and sore. But if you feel sharp or excruciating pain, or experience sever and sudden swelling in your legs or feet, shortness of breath, dizziness, high fever, or extreme nausea, this is a sign to call your plastic surgeon immediately. Though each person’s surgical experience is different, most patients report feeling similar to how they would feel after a heavy workout.

As far as recovery, give yourself time for the swelling to improve which can range from a few weeks to several months. After a liposuction, Pittsburgh based surgeon suggests that during the healing phase, there will be days with more swelling and days with less. During this time your shape may change somewhat, and your skin will too. It is vital to protect the areas that have been treated from direct sun exposure. Sun exposure to treated areas that are still healing can result in permanent pigmentation changes.

Intend to address signs of aging from the forehead to the neck, and all areas in between?

How about a traditional, full facelift. In Pittsburgh, facelift surgeon provides the most dramatic results that can infact take 10 years off your face. This procedure is the ultimate in restoring shape and dimension to your eyelids. It can correct puffy eyelids with a downward slant or droop at the outer corners.

For the brow, a lift can smooth the years and worry lines from your forehead and elevate eyebrows that are hooded, droopy or downright low. A lift can smooth away the creases and craters beneath your eyes, from your nose to your mouth, your mouth to your chin and anywhere in between. It can correct a droopy jowl to reveal what once was your jaw line, can trade two chins for one and change your neck from turkey to swan

For more information on facelifts in Pittsburgh, contact us at premierplasticsurgerypa.com.

The small or big size of the breasts is not a problem that only affects women. There is a condition called gynecomastia in which men have excess fatty tissue on their breasts. This can create emotional problems as well as social embarrassment for many men.

In the past, many men had to silently bear with the situation as viable options were not available to correct it. But, now, with the advancement in cosmetic surgery, male breast reduction, Pittsburgh, is a common and relatively simple procedure.

Opting for a cosmetic surgery to correct some features of the body has become common among men. Male breast reduction surgeries have gone up in number in both the United States and the United Kingdom in the past several years.

“According to estimates, roughly 10 percent of men pass through gynecomastia in their adult years. It is common for all men to experience some problematic situations due to enlarged breasts during puberty and teenage years. It is the result of hormone changes and most men come out of the situation, saving themselves from gynecomastia,” Pittsburgh plastic surgeon Dr. Heil explains.

Male breast reduction, Pittsburgh, is the best option available for you if you have not grown out of gynecomastia due to genetic reasons or certain medications.

The breast reduction procedure is performed after administering general anesthesia. The plastic surgeon makes an incision along the bottom of your breast and up around the areola and nipple. Then, he loosens the underlying tissues and removes the excess fat and skin.

Then, the surgeon repositions the areola back on the breast for a natural look and sutures back the incisions. This procedure will leave behind small scars and there will be fewer traumas for the body.

You will feel some pain and experience swelling in the recovery period but the swelling will gradually subside. You can start going to work a few days to weeks after the surgery. But, you should limit strenuous physical activity for at least another week You will have to wait for six months to get the final results. However, the results of male breast reduction, Pittsburgh, are well worth the wait.

Getting a normal breast size will help you regain your self confidence.  You will also feel comfortable in outdoor activities that you have been avoiding for so long.

Learn more about male breast reduction on at premierplasticsurgerypa.com. For any questions or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.

During an abdominoplasty, Pittsburgh plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Heil smoothes and shapes the abdominal area and removes excess skin left behind after extreme weight loss or pregnancy. There are many variations of the procedure including a mini-tuck, a full tuck and adding liposuction to the procedure, there are still risks and problems that may present themselves during the surgery. The pre-operative instructions provided by Dr. Heil help reduce the risks.

Pre-operative instructions:

• Divulge complete medical history. During the consultation for a tummy tuck, Pittsburgh patients must reveal any medical conditions and medications they are taking.

• Eliminate aspirin and ibuprofen 2 weeks prior. These products, commonly taken for heart conditions, thin the blood and hinders blood-clotting. During surgery, it results in excessive bleeding and of course, if the blood cannot clot, the incision will not heal very quickly.

• No smoking 2-6 weeks prior. Smoking causes the blood vessels of the body to constrict which hinders blood flow and slows the healing process.

• No alcohol 2 weeks prior. Even just a few drinks days before surgery can cause problems. Alcohol compromises the immune system which leads to an increased chance of infection after surgery.

• Reduce salt intake. Salt causes bloating and swelling. Reducing it in the diet prior to the surgery helps reduce the amount of swelling afterwards.

• Increase water consumption. This helps the body flush out unhealthy toxins that cause illness and will hinder healing during recovery.

• Make post-operative arrangements ahead of time. Dr. Heil strongly urges his abdominoplasty Pittsburgh patients to fill their post-op prescriptions ahead of time so that they are on hand as soon as needed. It is also essential to arrange not only for a ride home, but to have help for at least the first 24 hours.

For an abdominoplasty in Pittsburgh or any cosmetic procedure, these pre-operative instructions are essential to safety during the surgery and a faster recovery afterwards ending in the best possible results.

“Safety and natural-looking results are the cornerstones of my practice. I want to give each patient the best tummy tuck,” says Dr. Heil. “But, I have to have the cooperation of my patients in those situations I cannot control. I cant be with them 24-7 leading up to the procedure to make sure they are taking care of themselves.”

For more information on an Abdmoniplasty, contact us at premierplasticsurgerypa.com.

As we get older wrinkles and folds in our skin become more and more prevelant. Botox injections are the best option for if you are considerering a solution for these wrinkles. The treatment has become much popular nowadays in the US as it is simple and the results are fast.

Botox, Pittsburgh plastic surgeon explains, is the purified version of the Botulinum Toxin A. It is normally used to treat deep wrinkles non-surgically, mostly between the eyebrows, forehead lines, and the crow’s feet.

When Botox is injected into your muscle, it temporarily stops the unwanted muscle movement around the eyes and blocks the nerve impulses. A very tiny needle is used for the injections. And the injected Botox gets itself attached to nerve endings.

During the muscle function, the nerve endings release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine that causes   muscle contractions. The released acetylcholine is blocked by Botox, making the muscles relaxed. This removes the wrinkles and frown lines from your face.

Usually, your Botox treatment lasts for about 10 minutes. When you are injected with Botox, Pittsburgh surgeons may numb the area with an anesthetic cream or a cold pack. Normally, you don’t require any anesthesia. The discomfort you experience will be minimumal. Mostly, you will have the sensation of a pin prick.  There is no need of for recovery time after the treatment.  You can resume your normal activities soon.

The full effect of Botox, Pittsburgh surgeon Dr. Brian Heil says, is visible on your face in five to seven days.  The effect will usually last for around three to five months. After this period, your face may go back to its original condition with the wrinkles. So, you need to repeat the injections every three to six months, adds the Pittsburgh plastic surgeon.

If you are in good health, you can go for Botox.  But, it is recommended for those between 18 to 65 years of age. Also, it is better if pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and persons with neurological problems stay away from Botox injections. You should also make sure that the Botox injections are administered by a qualified doctor.

You should also not go for Botox, Pittsburgh plastic surgeon reminds, if you have an infection. It is better to avoid the injections if you can have any allergic reaction to this kind of treatments. To clarify all your doubts about Botox injections, schedule a consultation with Dr Brian Heil.

Learn more about Botox treatment at premierplasticsurgerypa.com and clear all your doubts. For any questions or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us today. In the Tri-State area, we have 6 locations throughout.

Are there visible changes in the areas around your eyes due to aging, gravity, and heredity? Has your lower eyelid disappeared, creating a more sunken appearance? Is there a bag under your eye? If you have all or any of the above conditions, eyelid surgery, Pittsburgh, may be your best option. The surgery can remove baggy lower eyelids and droopy upper lids and make you get back the youthful appearance that you have been wanting for long.

You may always look tired, older, or sad due to the wrinkles, drooping, and puffiness around your eyes. Eyelid surgery (also known as Blepharoplasty) offers you a solution that will make you appear more rejuvenated and youthful within a few days of the surgery.  You can enjoy the long-lasting results of having a firmer eye area.

As the healing process is gradual, you should wait a few weeks to get a clear picture of the final results. Over a few months, incisions will fade over and will become barely visible.

“Eyelid surgery,” Pittsburgh surgeon says, “can be combined with other procedures like a forehead lift, Botox injections, chemical peeling, or laser resurfacing to get amazing results.”

During the recovery period, there are certain things that demand your attention. You should rest quietly with your head elevated in the first few days. You can also apply a cold compresses to your eyelids. Make sure that you do not take aspirin or certain anti-inflammatory medications during this time.

“Even though the results are long-lasting, some factors like heredity and lifestyle can affect them. Usually, the puffiness of your eyes will not occur again. But, at some point, if your eyebrows start sagging giving the appearance of drooping eyelids, you may need a secondary eyelid surgery,” Pittsburgh surgeon, Dr. Brian Heil notes.

Learn more about eyelid surgery at premierplasticsurgerypa.com and clarify all your doubts. For any questions or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.

Unhappy with the shape of your nose? Does your deviated septum create breathing problems?  Want to improve the appearance and functioning of your nose?  If the answer to all the above questions is yes, it may be time to think about rhinoplasty. In Pittsburgh, our surgery center can assist you in achieving your desired look.

Rhinoplasty is the surgical procedure that reshapes the nose to correct both the internal and external deformities. The procedure can be extremely beneficial in improve your nasal breathing.

If you are under 16 years of age, your surgeon will ask you to wait till you are at least 16 to get the procedure done. It is necessary for you to be in good health and refrain from smoking prior to the surgery.

The nose surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia. Commonly, we make an incision inside the nostrils or across the columella that separates the nostrils. Then, we will rework the soft tissues of the nose and reshape the cartilage and the bone.

During the recovery period, it is better if you can remain at home for a week. The sutures and the cast are removed within a week. You can experience shifting and settling of the nose, mainly in the first year when the wound is healing. Even though the surgery is safe, some complications like bleeding and infection can arise.

If you are concerned about gong into surgery, there is also the option of non-surgical rhinoplasty. In Pittsburgh at Premier Plastic surgery we use fillers to shape your nose without surgery. This procedure is also useful in correcting the birth defects associated with your nose.

To enhance the look of your face, go for a rhinoplasty. Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. Brian Heil can easy any worries and answer any questions you may have regarding the impact of the procedure. Visit premierplasticsurgerypa.com to know more about the procedure. For any questions or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.

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Many of us have thought about the body we dream we could have. Some of us also get worried about the small size of our breasts and experience low self-confidence.  Due to this breast enhancement has become a common cosmetic surgery procedure that can help you better your physical appearance and change your attitude.

But, the opposite is also true. Like disproportionately small breasts, very big breasts also have a harmful effect on many of us. You may feel odd in your workplace and social gatherings. The unwanted attention that you get due to large breasts can dent self-esteem.

According to Pittsburgh plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Heil, oversized breast can actually pose a health risk like neck pain, skin irritation, skeletal deformities, etc.  If you have large-sized breasts, it may become difficult for you to run, even walk.

You might also get bruises on your skin as the ill-fitting bras dig into your ribcage or shoulders. All these make you uncomfortable and affect your posture and general health.  Pittsburgh plastic surgery center offers you the breast reduction procedure that can help you to avoid these problems and boost your self-esteem.

Breast reduction surgery, known as mammoplasty, removes the extra tissues from your breasts, and transforms them into the size and shape that you want. At the Pittsburgh plastic surgery center, the breast reduction procedure can be performed within three to five hours under general anesthesia.

You will feel slight pain or discomfort for about a week after the surgery. There will also be bruising for a few weeks. Make sure that you take the pain reliever prescribed by the doctor during this time. Your chest should always be supported during this time and you should avoid strenuous activity for a month afterwards.

According to the Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, after the surgery, some scarring is unavoidable. Luckily, you can cover most of it by regular clothes and scars often fade with time. Other risks include nipple insensitivity, possible inability to breastfeed, and asymmetrical breasts.

Most of the side-effects discussed here are the most common. But, they do not necessarily happen to all patients. Even though reduction surgery isn’t always a walk in the park, most of the women who go through it have been happy with the results.

Don’t get worried about the large size of your breasts. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Heil to clarify all your doubts.

Learn more about breast reduction at premierplasticsurgerypa.com. For any questions or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us today. You can approach any of our 6 locations throughout the Tri-State area.

As years pass, the natural processes of life like childbearing and breastfeeding might have made your breasts sag, taking away your youthful appearance. Or, you may be self conscious due to breast that are asymmetrical . It is natural that this affects your confidence and that you are concerned about your looks in these situations.

It can be a constant struggle to regain your “pre-baby” body or simply to lose weight. When rigorous exercise regimes and dieting also do not give the desired results, breast lift surgery is the natural choice for you. It can correct the unwanted effects of childbearing and breastfeeding.

Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. Brian Heill says, “Breast implants are essential for breast lift surgery.  They give your breasts the shape and size you desire.  They are also the best option for you to get shapely and perkier breasts, which can make you return to your pre-pregnancy shape easily.

In the breast lift surgery, along with placing the implants, the nipples and areolas are shifted to a higher position and the skin is tightened. The procedure makes your breasts higher and firmer. It takes one to two hours to complete the surgery and it can be performed in an accredited outpatient facility.

An important step in considering a breast lift is that you must first decide which implant you want to get. Most of the implants are made of a soft silicone shell filled with saline water but there are other options to consider.

During the surgery, if the implants are properly placed, there will not be any risk to them during pregnancy. However, pregnancy does not remove the possibility of rare mishaps such as hardening or deflation. Even though there is an increase in the breast size during pregnancy, this does not usually affect the implants and you get an improved look to your breast shortly after pregnancy.

“After a breast lift, you may be concerned about the possible problems caused to breastfeeding due to the breast implants,” Pittsburgh surgeon Dr. Brian Heil notes. “Because of the way the implant is placed there will typically not be any issues as the implant is under the muscle allowing for an extra layer of protection between the milk ducts and the implants.”

After placing the breast implants, Pittsburgh surgeon explains that there will be some side-effects such as temporary soreness, bruising, swelling, discomfort, scars, etc.  The scars will fade gradually. Best of all, you can return to work in one week, avoiding strenuous activities for two to four weeks.

Read more about breast lift using breast implants at premierplasticsurgerypa.com.  For any questions or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.