Dr. Brian Heil • Plastic Surgeon, Pittsburgh • PA

What’s the greatest factor in making a plastic surgery operation a success?  The expectations of the patient.  For this reason, you need to be as fully informed as possible about your operation and what it will achieve.  Now, the Internet is offering even more ways to help you understand what you can expect.

New Jersey plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Parker is one of the surgeons who are leading the way.  His site offers before and after pictures, blogs and articles, videos and more.  The content on his site informs future patients about his clinic’s techniques and staff.  It even helps educate patients on the emotional aspects of plastic surgery, and the effect it will have on your life.

Like his clinic, which specializes in New Jersey breast augmentation, we want to offer our future patients as much information as possible.  Plastic surgery is a big step toward molding a new you, and you should know exactly what to expect.  You have lots of questions, and we want them to be answered before you set foot in the clinic.  For example:

• What can I expect from my plastic surgery?  What can be done?
• What risks and complications are there, and how long is the recovery time?
• What facilities does the clinic use, and what will the surgeon do during the operation?
• What are my choices for sizes, placement techniques, incisions and types of implants?
• Is this procedure right for me?  Am I an ideal candidate?
• What will I look like when the operation is finished?

Once you’re fully informed about your options, it’s time to make the call.  The next step is a consultation; let’s discuss what we can do to make the New You!

Parker Center for Plastic Surgery, New Jersey
122 East Ridgewood Avenue
Paramus, NJ 07652

Breast augmentation is a procedure in which breast implants are placed behind your existing breast tissue or under the muscles of the chest. It is generally used by patients who are looking to enhance or increase the size of their breasts.

While considering breast augmentation, Pittsburgh residents now have a center where they can obtain the natural results they desire. The reasons for undergoing this treatment are manifold. You may feel your breasts are too small; your breasts might have lost their usual shape after pregnancy; or perhaps, they could be misshapen, and you’d like them to be symmetrical.

Pittsburgh patients are offered an option of either silicone implants or saline implants. Silicone implants which were at one point considered to be unsafe are now approved by the FDA and are considered to be as safe as the saline ones. Prior to the surgery, our surgeons discuss the types of implants, and the points where they have to make the incision on your body, so you can feel secure about the procedure at every point.

Every patient is different; therefore the process of breast augmentation, Pittsburgh board-certified surgeons say, is also different for every patient. The height, weight, the size and shape of the chest, the ribcage, the tightness and elasticity of the patient’s skin, and the amount of breast tissue contained, have to be looked into. Also, every patient has different expectations from us. Some women would like a smaller breast augmentation. Pittsburgh patients might just like a modest B cup, instead of a D for example.

Our doctors will set up a discussion with you, on what kind of implant is suitable for you, where exactly the incision is to be made, whether it should be under the chest muscle or over it. You can be rest assured that the most appropriate treatment will be given, with individual attention, all thanks to the expertise of our specialists. Now you can enhance not just your breasts, but also your confidence!

Plastic surgery, Pittsburgh, is a medical specialty concerned with the correction or restoration of form or function of any part of the body. The word “plastic” derives from the Greek word ‘plastikos’ meaning to mould or to shape.

Aesthetic plastic surgery involves the “enhancement” of the patient’s appearance through surgical and medical techniques, and is specifically concerned with maintaining normal appearance, restoring it, or enhancing it beyond the average level toward some aesthetic ideal.

Some common cosmetic surgery procedures are breast enhancement, reduction and lift, face lift, forehead lift, upper and lower eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty), laser skin resurfacing (Laser resurfacing), chemical peel, nose reshaping (Rhinoplasty), and reconstruction liposuction, as well as tummy tuck.

When it comes to Plastic Surgery, Pittsburgh surgeons offer exceptional patient care, artistry and surgical expertise to help you achieve naturally beautiful results. Through their customized approach and strict attention to detail, they strive to provide you with guidance, security, and support in choosing the surgical or medical spa options best suited for you.

As women, no one can deny the power of brand name recognition.  Most of us who know our brands see them everywhere! Whether they are in our fashion and beauty magazines, cars and even the bottled water we drink!  Yes, there is no denying that brand names make us feel good about ourselves; they help to influence our decision on buying.

Brand recognition has also made its way into the Plastic Surgery industry, especially in the area of Liposuction.  Pittsburgh patients may wonder how the “branding” of liposuction technology really deliver improved safety and effectiveness?  It is true of any medical procedure that the better the technology is, the safer and more efficient the procedure becomes for both patient and surgeon.  Of course the surgeon’s skills are another factor in safety and effectiveness, and you would always want to choose a fully-experienced plastic surgeon that is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Liposuction Names You’ve Heard

• VASER® LipoSelection® uses an ultrasound probe to break up fat cells for easier fat removal.
• Prolipo Plus ™ is a minimally invasive, ultra-high powered laser system that melts unwanted fat and coagulates tissue, for a smoother, tighter, and more attractive body contour.  Benefits include minimal downtime, bruising and discomfort, as well as a fast treatment time.
• Cynosure Smartlipo™ uses laser energy to break up fat cells. It has the added benefit of reducing bleeding and bruising for faster recovery and can aid in the tightening of skin after liposuction, for a smoother look.
• Palomar SlimLipo™ also uses laser energy and suggests benefits similar to those of the Smartlipo procedure.
• CoolTouch® CoolLipo™ is also a method of laser-assisted liposuction.
• Zeltiq ™ uses the method called Cryolipolysis ™ to cool and remove excess fat.  The technology targets only fat cells, so skin and other tissue remains completely unharmed.  This procedure is non-invasive and non-surgical.
• ZERONA ™ uses low level laser energy.  Fat cells are liquefied and your body gradually absorbs and removes the treated fat through its natural cleansing process.

Brian Vassar Heil, MD FACS has carefully selected the PRO-LIPO™ laser lipolysis system for his AAAASF Surgery Center.  The ProLipo™ Nd:YAD laser has both 1064 nm and 1319 nm Nd:YAG source filters. This combination of wavelengths is desirable for blending different types of lipolysis. For example, the 1064 nm wavelength improves skin tone, acts on collagen fibers, concentrates on blood vessels and fat cells, and heats the skin more slowly. The 1319 nm wavelength targets water in the dermal collagen and melts the fat by bursting the cells, making fat extraction easier and also promoting skin tightening, while heating the skin more quickly. Used together, these wavelengths can both increase successful outcomes and patient throughput.

Doctor Heil has found ProLipo™  truly lives up to its claims of limited recovery time and exceptional results.  However, no matter the hyped brand names, there are the tried and true technologies that he will continue to use in his practice. Among those include Ultrasonic Liposuction and Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL), procedures providing optimal safety and effectiveness.

In short, the explosion in medical aesthetic technology and the use of “branding” has resulted in literally a flooding of new products, procedures and devices, all claiming to be the latest and greatest.  Doctor Heil takes pride in his dedication and caution in sorting out the so called, “hype” to provide his patient’s with safe and effective liposuction. Pittsburgh residents are lucky his methods of treatment are based on quality and his own experience-based conclusions, NOT marketing and advertising hype. In doing this, he can provide a positive, powerful and lasting impact on his patient’s life.  Better names do not necessarily mean better results.  This at least is true in the aesthetic world.

To learn about the basics of liposuction, Pittsburgh residents should visit our colleague’s blog at http://www.drroseblog.com/2010/03/liposuction-the-basics/

Abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” is a procedure used to make the abdomen more firm and slender. Pittsburgh Surgeons specialize in this cosmetic procedure, which involves the removal of excess fat and skin, and helps patients achieve a toned abdomen. Women find that post-pregnancy their abdominal region is loose and unresponsive to diet and exercise, and therefore opt for the surgery. Both women and men who desire a smoother, flatter stomach should consider abdominoplasty; Pittsburgh surgeons can help you, during your consultation, to decide if you are the right candidate for the procedure.

You have a choice between a full tummy tuck and a mini abdominoplasty. In a full tummy tuck, an incision is made from hip to hip just above the pubic area whereas in a mini or partial tummy tuck, the incision is much smaller. A full tummy tuck may take around one to five hours depending on the amount of fat that needs to be removed and a mini tummy tuck may take somewhere around one to two hours.

Pittsburgh surgeons offer a mini abdominoplasty, which is able to achieve an even flatter stomach. Female patients who are unsure if they might get pregnant in the future or plan on getting pregnant at some time must see their qualified surgeons to discuss the possibility of an abdominoplasty. Pittsburgh cosmetic surgeons may use either of the procedure depending on the patient’s skin elasticity and muscle tone.

It takes a few months before the final result can be seen in the wake of an abdominoplasty. Pittsburgh surgeons take special care to ensure that their patients are able to enjoy their new shape. The scars from the surgical procedure fade with time, but they never fully go away. The severity and visibility of the scars depend on the type of the method that is performed.

Your dream of having a sleek and flat abdomen can come true with the help of a tummy tuck. As far as the cost factor is concerned, it would vary depending on the type of tummy tuck you need to undergo, your age factor, your weight and of course your state of health.

Have you ever noticed Americans love big.  We think that bigger is always better.  Big cars, big houses, supersize portions of food.  However, is bigger always better when it comes to breast implants?

I answered this question just recently from a patient that came in to see Brian Vassar Heil, MD FACS for a breast augmentation consult.  She was AA all her life.  She remembers in college always wearing padded bras and being very self conscious about her body image.  Now at 32 years old, she is successful in the business world, but still feels when she looks in the mirror there is a young girl looking back at her.

She is now going to undergo a Pittsburgh breast augmentation with Doctor Heil.  Now the exciting part – What size should I go?  Well, she felt the cost is the same regardless if she decided to get 500 cc silicone implants instead of 350cc silicone implants.  Bigger is always better, right?  This was going to be her first and last time to get the body she always dreamed.

Well, this is what I told her –

Breast implants come in many varieties, including:
Implant surface: smooth or textured
Implant shape: round or shaped
Implant filler:  silicone or saline
Implant profile:  how far the implant protrudes

The correct size of an implant is determined not by the size, A, B, C, D etc.  Instead, implants are measured in cc’s.  The cc’s tells you the number of grams the implant weighs.  The heavier the implant the more it will weight and overtime you may droop.  The weight of the implant may also cause back pain and neck pain if you are a small framed women.  This is why so many women get lifts and reductions.  Do not consider the size implants by comparison of your friends or celebrities; you don’t know where they started.  Their body shape, chest size, and breast size are not exactly yours.  Computer simulation is not good either.  Pictures are good to bring into your consult because it is helpful to get an understanding of your thoughts about size and proportion, but pictures are a poor way to decide on implant size.

The whole point of a breast augmentation is the final result.  So think about PROPORTION, using your OWN body to demonstrate.  You don’t necessary want them to look unnatural, round or fake.  If you think you want large, try wearing them for a while, try exercising, or buttoning up your favorite white blouse.  This is just advice from one girlfriend to another.  We do see many oversized implants coming into our Cranberry and Upper St. Clair office.  The have droopiness, back pain, and they want to DOWNSIZE.  So take a long-term view not just for the here and now.  Besides, in Pittsburgh, we don’t see many FAKE breasted women.  If you wish to look a little fuller on those “special nights”  just wear a great push up bra.  Go for pretty and natural.  GO for Medium size.  Isn’t more fun to keep people guessing?  How does she look so good????????  Now that turns heads!

Doctor Heil will discuss all your options during the consultation.  I will be adding more information on breast augmentation in Pittsburgh on this blog, but if you want more discussion, please see one of Doctor Heil’s collegues blogs.  He is from New Jersey and his blog is rather detailed.  Visit him at http://www.drbrianglatt.com/blog/breast-surgery/part-1-of-series-frequently-asked-questions-about-breast-augmentation-surgery/.

Rhinoplasty in Pittsburgh has a closed procedure in which the incisions are hidden within the nose. This makes it a little more difficult for the plastic surgeon to visualize the internal structure of the nose, but in well-trained hands, it can achieve the desired results. When alterations are limited to the bridge or minor tip issues, a closed approach may be more appropriate. Rhinoplasty in Pittsburgh also offers an open procedure that utilizes an additional incision across the strip of tissue that separates the nostrils to allow the plastic surgeon better visualization. An open procedure is often the preferred choice for patients who have had previous rhinoplasty.

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.