If you have stubborn fat and extra skin around your midsection that even dieting and exercise cannot touch, a tummy tuck can often help. A surgical procedure, a tummy tuck (also known as an abdominoplasty) removes excess fat and skin while tightening the muscles of your abdomen, giving your belly a smoother appearance.
Before getting a New York City tummy tuck, you must meet your surgeon in a consultation. Ask plenty of questions to be sure you will get the best possible care and see the results you expect. Here are some questions to get you started:
Are you board certified? Plastic surgeons who have been board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery are qualified to safely perform a tummy tuck.
How much experience do you have?Find a doctor who has plenty of experience performing tummy tucks. Ask not only how long he’s been doing the procedure, but how many he’s done. Look through the before-and-after photos to see results.
Is the facility accredited? An abdominoplasty should only be performed in an accredited facility, whether it is a hospital or surgery center.
What about anesthesia?Who will provide anesthesia? What type of anesthesia will be used? Is the anesthesiologist board certified? Will any medications or supplements I’m taking interfere with the anesthesia?

How do I prepare for surgery?How do I physically prepare for my tummy tuck? What paperwork do I need to bring? How early should I arrive on the day of surgery?
What happens during the tummy tuck?How long will the surgery take? What complications can arise during surgery?
What about my appearance?Where will my scar be? How do you avoid or treat “dog ears” at the ends of the scars?
Would combining procedures be advisable?Would liposuction along with the tummy tuck help optimize my results?
What happens after the tummy tuck?When will I go home? When can I go back to work? How much discomfort should I expect, and what can I take to relieve the pain? When can I resume regular activity such as exercise and sex?

SOURCE Central Park Plastic Surgery
Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/23/4207698/questions-to-ask-your-doctor-before.html#storylink=cpy

• As the economy continues to improve, demand for facelifts and other facial rejuvenation surgery will increase. Non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures will also see some growth, but people who have been putting off surgery for the past few years because of the economy will be ready for the gold standard in facial rejuvenation in 2011.
• The growth and popularity of cosmetic injectables (Botox, Dysport, Sculptra, Radiesse, Evolence, Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane etc.) will continue to increase as products continue to evolve and new players enter the market.
• As our population increasingly realizes the dangers and health consequences of obesity, the number of patients seeking plastic surgery procedures for body contouring after dramatic weight loss (abdominoplasty, lower body lift, upper arm lift, etc.) will rise in 2011.
• As the baby boomer generation continues to age, so do their breast implants. This year many baby boomer women who have aging implants and/or breast ptosis will replace their implants and have breast lifts.
• Consumers looking for a bargain on cosmetic procedures will unfortunately lead to an increase in horror stories about “discount injectables” bought offshore and cosmetic medicine and cosmetic surgical procedures performed by untrained or poorly trained practitioners.
• While liposuction (lipoplasty) will continue to be the gold-standard in fat reduction, there will be continued interest in experimental techniques for non-invasive fat removal (freezing, zapping, lasering, etc.) as a future alternative or adjunct to liposuction (lipoplasty) surgery.
• Aesthetic Medicine has seen a dramatic increase in the diversity of the patients treated over the past decade and this trend is expected to continue to grow stronger than ever, with applications that cater to all people. The appeal of both aesthetic surgery and cosmetic medicine will continue to spread across the spectrum of our population, as plastic surgeons further tailor treatments to meet the sometimes unique needs of that expanding population.
• As the popularity of non surgical and minimally invasive procedures continues to grow, surgeons and manufacturers will develop new techniques and products that advance the science, produce even better results and lessen recovery time.
• Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, and Jennifer Lopez have made a shapely rear-end a must have accessory. In the coming year patients will be seeking posterior body lifts, buttock lifts, surgical and nonsurgical buttock augmentations to shape and augment their buttocks.
• Following the trend in increased consumer sophistication patients will increasingly want to know if the latest procedure and device being touted on the internet and TV talk show really works and if it is safe. By incorporating evidence-based medicine into the core specialties of plastic surgery, the Aesthetic Society will make it easier for both doctors and patients to determine fact from fiction.

So what trends did we see in 2011? 2011 brought a sharp increase in men going under the knife. It brought celebrities constantly talking about their plastic surgery procedures – and the news constantly talking about celebrity plastic surgery. It brought television and game shows where people could compete to win their wanted procedure.

The industry did see an increase in facelifts, as ASAPS did predict. Breast implants still remain a top trend and so does liposuction, even with increased interest in noninvasive fat removal alternatives. Botox and other dermal fillers continued to grow in populartiy as well.

What do you think 2012 will bring?

There is no doubt that this question is asked a lot with the continuing popularity of breast augmentations. It is not a far-fetched question. The statistical reality is that one may be more right than wrong when asking or assuming. In fact, according to ASPS, the number of women who underwent breast augmentations rose nearly 40% over the past decade! And there is no sign that this is slowing down.

Also according to ASPS, in 2010 the breast augmentation was the #1 most common cosmetic procedure- up 2% from 2009. It has held this first place title since 2006. Why are so many women choosing to undergo this procedure? To improve their appearance, self-esteem and lives.

So who is doing it?

When it comes to age, breast augmentations are being performed all over the board. Thirty percent of breast augmentations in 2010 were performed on women ages 20-29, 36% women ages 30-39, 28% on women ages 40-54, 3% ages 13-19, and 2% on women 55 and over.

Obviously this procedure is being performed all over the United States (and world!), but where exactly is it happening? Of all breast augmentations performed last year:

• 14% were performed in the New England/Mid Atlantic region (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT, NJ, NY, PA)
• 16% were performed in the East and West North Central region (IL, IN, MI, OH, WI, IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD)
• 15% were performed in the South Atlantic region (DE, DC, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, WV, VA, PR)
• 16% were performed in the East and West South Central region (AL, KY, MS, TN, AR, LA, OK, TX)
• 38% were performed in the Mountain and Pacific region (AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, UT, WY, AK, CA, HI, OR, WA)

So why are breast augmentations so popular?

As mentioned above, this procedure improves appearance and self-esteem which is a main reason it is so popular. It is also a surgery that gives patients very rapid, noticeable results- making it very attractive to undergo. While there is some recovery time it is usually very short in duration and your final result is almost noticeable right away. It is an instant gratification. The surgery has also been performed so often for so many years, meaning these days the surgery is very efficient with the changes that have been implemented over the years.

Maybe it is because we care a lot about celebrity appearances? Some individuals even ask themselves which starlet they want to look like prior to visiting their plastic surgeon’s office. According to a survey of about 900 plastic surgeons, top tabloid celebrity plastic surgeries come up often in consultations- where patients ask doctors to re-sculpt them to resemble their most admired Hollywood star.

Now, while surgeons are very good at giving you the results you want, it is important to remember it is very hard to look like someone else. Each person has their own unique facial structure. Trying to look like someone else when your nose, cheekbones and chin are different from theirs will make you look very artificial. In the end, it is best to figure out what YOU want and what is best for YOUR body.

But, while we’re on the topic of celebrities, let’s discuss some of the most wanted celebrity body parts according to the survey mentioned above.

Women’s most wanted lips? Angelina Jolie. I’m sure you all could have guessed that one. Second on the list? Scarlett Johansson.

Men’s most wanted abs? You guessed it! Matthew McConaughey. Do we ever see him with his shirt on? No. With abs like that, you could imagine the envy of men. Although when most visit the plastic surgery office to look like this, they don’t think first about the sit-ups and cardio required to look like this.

Women’s most admired butt? The one and only Kim Kardashion. Many women want the backside of Kim K. and we’re not surprised. Second on the list? Jennifer Lopez.

Men’s most admired butt? Brad Pitt. Although men want Brad’s butt not for the same reasons women want Kim’s. Men want a more firm, sculpted posterior.

Women’s most wanted breasts? Jessica Simpson! She may take the heat when it comes to her weight gain or chicken vs. tuna knowledge but her breasts still remain as the most wanted.

Women’s most wanted cheeck bones? Madonna. There is no stopping her on how radiant she always looks.

Men’s most wanted legs? David Bechkam of course. His sculpted quads, hamstrings and calves don’t come without hard work- thanks to his career.

Also on the list: Nathalie Portman’s nose, Scarlette Johansson’s chin, George Clooney’s veneers, Taylor Swift’s hair, and Megan Fox’s eyes.

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As sad as it is, bad plastic surgery does occur. Although we have strict medical and professional standards here in the U.S. that exceed those of other nations, occasionally heartbreaking results occur. However, this should be something that rarely happens and there are easy steps that YOU can take to ensure an outstanding outcome.

So let’s talk about somethings you want to note:

1.) Make sure the surgeon is board certified. Be sure that the surgeon you select is board certified. Look to see if they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This assures that they specialize in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, have received adequate training and have undergone stiff examinations.

2.) Verify that your surgeon specializes in the procedure you want to undergo. Be sure that the surgeon you’re seeing specializes in the procedure and has performed it numerous times. Ask to see before and after pictures.

3.) Determine you’re in good health. An examination of your past and present physical health should be conducted.

4.) Be honest and open with your surgeon. Be sure to tell the truth about any medications (even vitamins and supplements), medical conditions, drinking and eating habits, smoking, etc. Your lifestyle and medical history are extremely important to the success and safety of your surgery.

5.) Be realistic. While procedures can deliver outstanding results that improve appearance tremendously, it is important to be realistic on what the outcome will be.

6.) Ask for pictures and testimonials. As mentioned above, be sure to ask for before and after pictures. A doctor with a good track record will show you pictures of former patients and provide testimonials.

7.) Listen carefully when your doctor explains risks and complications. All surgeries carry risks. Be sure to understand what the risks are.

8.) Understand the price. If a quote seems too good to be true, it probably is and there is usually a reason why its so cheap.

The most important thing you can do is research. The more you know on the surgeon, the procedure and your personal health, the less of a risk it will be.

Many of us strive for a flat, toned stomach and do what we can to eat good and work out in order to achieve it. But for some people, healthy eating and exercising just cannot achieve their goals. For these individuals or individuals like Olivia who have had extreme weight loss, many opt to have abdominoplasty- also known as a tummy tuck.

A tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin and sometimes restores weakened or separated muscles. The ultimate goal for this procedure? Create an abdomen that is smoother and firmer.

There are many factors that go into having an abdomen that protrudes, is loose or sags. But the most common causes of this include aging, pregnancy, significant fluctuations in weight, heredity, or prior surgery.

If you are interested in learning more about tummy tucks or interested in undergoing the procedure, the first thing you’ll do is meet with your surgeon for a consultation. You’ll discuss your medical history, desired outcome, what to expect before, during and after, among other things. You’ll be given specifics on how to prepare for the surgery and what to expect after.

So let’s discuss what happens during the procedure. First, medications will be administered for your comfort. Second, a full tummy tuck procedure requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and navel. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the degree of correction necessary. Weakened abdominal muscles are repaired through this incision and sutured while excess fat, tissue and skin is removed. A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.

Following your surgery, bandages will be applied. You will be given specific instructions following your surgery. These instructions will include how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid in healing and reduce potential for infections, and specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health.

The procedure will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight. Within a week or two, after the swelling has gone down, you’ll see your slimmer profile. We do want to mention that tummy tucks are not a substitute for weight loss or exercise program.

First, and we can not express this enough: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize! It is not uncommon to see people using the same moisturizer year round. As weather conditions change, so should your skincare regimen. Find a moisturizer that is oil-based as it will retain more moisture. You do want to be careful on what type of oil-based moisturize you chose. Look for nonclogging oils such as avocado, mineral or primrose oil.

Second, be sure to wear sunscreen. Here in Arizona, with strong year round sun it is so important to never leave the house without putting on suncreen. Don’t forget to put it on your hands too! Also, while we’re on the topic of hands, it is important to mention that your hands have thinner skin than most parts of your body and have fewer oil glands so it is important to keep them moist especially as the weather turns cold. Cold weather can lead to itchiness and cracking in the hands, which no one wants!

Third, it is not a bad idea to think about hooking up a humidifier. Central heating systems blast hot, dry air throughout your home and office. Humidifiers place moisture into the air which helps prevent your skin from drying out. Fourth, avoid taking extremely hot baths or showers. The intense heat of the shower or bath can actually break down the lipid barriers of the skin which can result in a loss of moisture. It is best to use warm water.

Depending on how oily or dry your face is, you will want to exfoliate one to three times a week at the end of your shower (this is when your pores have steamed open). Don’t exfoliate more than three times a week or you may end up making your skin even more dry and flaky. Also, be sure to moisturize immediately after taking a shower to lock in moisture.

One habit we see all the time that we highly suggest you break is licking your lips. Never lick your lips as it will dry them out and they will begin to flake. Always use lip balms! Another thing to keep in mind during the cold(er) months is never leave the house with wet hair. Leaving your house with wet hair in the cold air can cause damage to your scalp- drying it out.

Most importantly, seek a specialist for your skin care needs. If you go to your local drugstore to buy products it will be hard to find someone to give you great skin care advice. An esthetician or dermatologist can examine your skin and develop a skin care regimen tailored to you.