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Is a Mini-Tummy Tuck Right for Me?

You’ve tried everything to get rid of that tummy pooch, but crunches every day and eating nothing but celery doesn’t seem to be doing the trick. Maybe you are trying to decide if you should go the plastic surgery route to tone your tummy, but a tummy tuck sounds a bit extreme. A mini-tummy tuck may be the answer! 

How is a mini-tummy tuck different from a full tummy tuck?

A mini-tummy tuck is often recommended for patients with excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen. Full tummy tucks are typically recommended for patients with excess skin and fat above the belly button. 

It is less invasive than a full tummy tuck – it leaves a smaller scar, and because a mini-tummy tuck tones the lower abdomen, your belly button won’t have to be repositioned as it is during a full tummy tuck. A mini-tummy tuck also takes less time than a full tummy tuck (2 hours as opposed to around 5 hours), and it will also end up costing less. 

How does the doctor decide if I can have a mini-tummy tuck?

Your doctor will take a look at where your skin and fat are located, and how much excess skin and fat you have in order to advise you on which type of tuck you should have. 

You should be healthy and at a stable weight and dedicated to staying in good health with diet and exercise. You should also have realistic expectations as to what a tummy tuck will accomplish. You should also know that, although a mini-tummy tuck is less invasive than a full tummy tuck, it will still take some time to recover. You will be sore and swollen for a few days after the procedure, and you should expect to take about a week off of work to heal. 

A mini-tummy tuck is a great way to get rid of that extra bit of fat that just won’t seem to go away. Contact Dr. Gary J. Price in New Haven and Fairfield County, CT, to see if a mini-tummy tuck might be right for you. Call (203) 453-6635 for an appointment today!

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How Crisalix Can Help You

Having a plastic surgery procedure is a dramatic decision; after all, you are changing your appearance, and that’s a big step to take. Choosing the right doctor to get the best results is very important – but wouldn’t it also be nice if you could somehow see what you were going to look like after the procedure? Now you can, with Crisalix! Read on for more information about this state-of-the-art technology and how it can benefit you! 

What is Crisalix?

Crisalix is a 3D imaging system. Take three pictures of your face or body (whatever area you are considering a procedure for), upload them to the Crisalix site, and then see how you would look after your chosen procedure. It’s as simple as that. 

Why should I try Crisalix?

Crisalix reduces any doubt as to whether you should have that procedure or not, because you can see exactly what you will look like when it is all complete. You don’t have to leave it up to your imagination. 

You can use the Crisalix system to get an advanced peek at how you would look with just about any procedure your favorite plastic surgeon offers, including nose jobs, cheek implants, breast enlargement/reduction, tummy tucks, and body contouring. You’ll be able to not only see how you would look after such a procedure, but Crisalix can help you decide exactly what the procedure should entail. For example, perhaps you know you want a breast enlargement, but you don’t know how large you would like them to be. Crisalix can help you decide. 

If you need help making those final decisions, Crisalix also makes it easy for you to show your friends and family your images, so you can get their opinions as well. 

Crisalix offers patients the opportunity to decide if they would like to proceed with plastic surgery, while also helping them to decide exactly what they want. Dr. Gary J. Price uses the Crisalix system to ensure his patients will be happy with their results. Call the office in New Haven and Fairfield County, CT, (203) 453-6635 for a consultation today!

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Rhinoplasty for Your Health

Most people probably think of rhinoplasty – also known as a “nose job” – as a cosmetic procedure. True, it can drastically change your appearance, since the size and the shape of your nose can affect how the rest of your face looks. But rhinoplasty can also help to solve some health issues you may have while improving your quality of life – it’s not just for cosmetic purposes! 

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon adjusts the amount of bone and cartilage in the nose in very specific ways to change the size and/or shape. It can remove a bump on the nose, reshape the tip of the nose, and even reshape the nostrils. It is often used for cosmetic reasons, but it can also help if a patient has had a broken nose, which often doesn’t heal the way the patient would like it to. These are just a few reasons someone may have rhinoplasty. 

Rhinoplasty for medical reasons

Rhinoplasty is often used to help people who snore or have breathing issues. A common cause of snoring is problems with the septum or cartilage; rhinoplasty can fix these structural problems in the nose. 

A nose job can also help patients with sleep problems, such as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a very serious condition in which the patient briefly stops breathing during the night. This happens over and over again, waking the patient up many times throughout the night. This not only makes them feel tired all the time, but it can eventually result in serious health problems. Rhinoplasty can remove any blockage in the nasal passage, helping the patient to breathe easier and sleep better. 

Rhinoplasty can make quite a difference for your facial features, but it can also make quite a difference to your health and your quality of life. Whether you would like rhinoplasty for medical or cosmetic reasons, you want to make sure you are getting the right doctor to help. Contact Dr. Gary J. Price in New Haven and Fairfield County, CT, to discuss the benefits of rhinoplasty! Call (203) 453-6635 for a consultation.

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What Are Ideal Breast Implants?

Plastic surgery technology has come a long way since its beginnings, and new and improved techniques and products are being discovered all the time. Ideal Breast Implants are the newest kind of implant, and they have many benefits over the older kinds of implants.

Here is some more information on these implants, their benefits, and why they are becoming more and more popular. 

Ideal Breast Implants are natural looking

Ideal Breast Implants look and feel natural. They have an internal structure that reduces wrinkling and collapse, which is often seen with other kinds of implants. The saline is held in two different chambers, which helps to contribute to the “real” look of the implants. Even the outside edges of the implant have been designed in such a way to make them look contoured and natural. 

Ideal Breast Implants are safe

The structure of these implants not only gives them a natural look and feel, but it also makes them very safe. They contain saline, which is safer than silicone gel, which makes up other kinds of implants. They have been shown to have a higher rupture strength and a lower rupture rate. 

In patients with silicone implants, an MRI is recommended every year, to check and make sure they haven’t ruptured. If a silicone gel implant does rupture, it can be very painful and must be removed surgically. However, with an Ideal Breast Implant, all that is needed is a look in the mirror to check that everything is all right and your implants are intact. If a rupture should occur with an Ideal Breast Implant, the saline is absorbed into the body harmlessly. 

Although there are many options for breast augmentation, Ideal Breast Implants have many benefits to consider. They are safe and natural looking, and patient satisfaction with this type of implant has been very high ever since they first started being used. If you have been considering implants, call Dr. Gary J. Price in New Haven and Fairfield County, CT, to discuss if Ideal Breast Implants may be right for you. Call (203) 453-6635 for a consultation today!

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Differences between breast implants

When a patient is considering undergoing a breast augmentation, there are many choices when it comes to implant type, size and placement. Here are seven things you should know about breast implants and their differences. 

  1.     Silicone breast implants are the most popular implant type because they consist of a gel that feels most like natural breast tissue.
  2.     Silicone gel implants won’t collapse when ruptured or leaking, which is why you will need to see your surgeon regularly to ensure your implants are intact. If it ruptures, the gel may remain in the shell, but it could leak into the breast implant pocket without you knowing.
  3.     Saline implants consist of an outer silicone shell that are inserted into the breast implant pocket and then filled with sterile salt water. This allows for smaller incisions and custom sizing during surgery.
  4.     If a saline implant ruptures or leaks, the implant will collapse, and the patient will know right away. The body will naturally absorb and process the sterile salt water.
  5.     Silicone implants are FDA-approved for patients ages 22 and older, while saline implants are approved for patients 18 and older.
  6.     The IDEAL IMPLANT is a type of saline implant that has additional structure to give the patient a more natural feel. It’s similar to a traditional saline implant in that if it ruptures, the body will absorb the harmless saline.
  7.     During your consultation, Dr. Price will discuss different placement options. Submuscular implant placement is the preferred method because it provides a more natural appearance and less chance of wrinkling or rippling. Subglandular implant placement means that the breast implant is placed behind the breast tissue and in front of the pectoral muscle. It helps women who have sagging but don’t want a breast lift.

 

Dr. Price uses a 3D imaging system to help you see what your body would look like with different implant sizes. If you are interested in learning whether you are a candidate for breast augmentation, call (203) 453-6635 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Price. 

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How to get more luscious lips this summer

Aging is to blame for the formation of lines and wrinkles, and it’s also one of the top reasons why your lips start to look thinner over time. A lip enhancement procedure can give you the fuller, plumper lips you want. Here’s what you need to do about this popular cosmetic treatment.

  • Lip enhancement is good for women who are self-conscious about the appearance of their thin lips.       
  •  Lips can be restored to a more natural, normal appearance, or a lip enhancement can even out uneven lips.
  •  There is more than one way to enhance the appearance of your lips, and different methods can be combined to give you the look you desire. This includes fat transfer, natural or synthetic fillers, dermal grafts, lip implants, lip lifts and Vermilion advancement. Vermillion advancement is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision around the borders of the lips and pulling the skin around the border to achieve fullness.
  • The newest dermal filler Restylane Kysse is increasingly popular as it can provide results for up to a year. Other dermal fillers provide great results but last anywhere from three to six months.
  • Most lip augmentation procedures take around 30 minutes or less.
  • For patients who choose dermal fillers, the recovery period is relatively short. You may notice redness, swelling and bruising at the injection sites for the first 1-2 days after surgery, but this can be covered with lipstick or makeup.
  • For patients who undergo lip augmentation surgery with implants, you will need to lay low for about 1-3 days after surgery. For the first 1-2 weeks, you’ll want to avoid putting any pressure or pulling around the lips as it can cause implants to shift.

You have many options when it comes to lip enhancement. Dr. Price will discuss your options and help you determine the best one for your condition and goals. If you’ve been wanting more youthful, kissable lips, call (203) 453-6635 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Price.

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6 things you need to know about a neck lift

The neck is often overlooked when it comes to restoring the youthful appearance of the face. But a “turkey wattle,” double chin and jowl lines may negate the improvements made to the appearance of the face. When skin on the neck loses its elasticity and sags due to aging or when excess fat makes the neck look heavy, a neck lift procedure can give you a younger-looking neckline. Read on for six things you should know about a neck lift.

  1. A neck lift addresses loose skin, excess fat and weakened muscles in the neck.
  2. This procedure removes unwanted skin and fatty deposits as well as restructure the neck’s underlying muscles.
  3. Turkey wattle neck is a common concern when it comes to the neck. A neck lift will remove excess skin and fat from this area to address this concern.
  4. The incision starts at the sideburn near the hairline and continues along the area around the ear, ending at the back of the hair. The skin of the neck is lifted so that excess fat can be repositioned or sculpted. The neck muscle is tightened at this time as well, and underlying neck tissues are repositioned. Then the skin is draped over the new contour, and incisions are closed with sutures.
  5. Patients will see results just a few days after surgery. Bruising and swelling will gradually disappear, and most patients return to social activities two weeks after surgery.
  6. Good candidates have a positive outlook and realistic expectations for surgery. Candidates for surgery also should be in good general health and do not have medical conditions that may impair healing. You should not smoke for at least two weeks before surgery because smoking interferes with healing.

Your final results from a neck lift will give you a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance and make you feel more confident about yourself. To see whether you are a good candidate for surgery, call (203) 453-6635 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Price.

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Frequently asked questions about Botox

Who says you need to accept the appearance of aging on your skin? Botox is the top-selling non-surgical treatment for smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, and for good reason. Read on for some of the most frequently asked questions about this treatment that has become a household name when it comes to turning back time on your face.

What is it?

Botox is the first and only treatment that is FDA-approved for temporarily smoothing out and softening the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines in adults.

How does it work?

Botox targets the upper third of the face where lines and wrinkles form over years of repeated muscle contractions from smiling, frowning, squinting and raising your eyebrows. These wrinkles are called dynamic wrinkles. Botox is injected into the muscles to temporarily reduce muscle activity and smooth out lines and wrinkles.

How long does treatment take?

Treatment usually takes 20 minutes or less, depending on how many injections you need. Definitely something you can take care of during a lunch hour.

Is it painful?

Botox injections are administered through a tiny needle, and patients often report a small pinching sensation. While most patients don’t need it, some patients choose to have local numbing cream applied to the treatment area before treatment, which will extend your appointment time.

How long is recovery?

There is minimal downtime. You can return to your daily routine after you leave your treatment session. No one will even know you had anything done!

When will I see results?

Patients begin to notice results within 24-48 hours. While results vary from patients, typical results last for up to four months, at which time you’ll want to return for repeat treatment. Some studies show that people who get ongoing Botox treatments need the injections less frequency because they are able to achieve wrinkle-smoothing effects that last.

Botox can help you achieve a more youthful appearance and can be done on its own or in combination with other regenerative procedures. To learn more, call (203) 453-6635 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Price.

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When should you consider a tummy tuck?

If you’re bothered by an abdomen that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise, you may have been thinking about talking to a plastic surgeon about getting a tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty. This surgery flattens the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening abdominal muscles. Since it’s major surgery, here are some things to know about the procedure and whether you’re a candidate.

  • You’ve tried several diet and exercise programs to lose weight, but you’re still dealing with an abdominal pooch that won’t go away.
  • Your abdominal muscles and skin are stretched and sagging after pregnancy. If you plan on getting pregnant again, you should consider postponing a tummy tuck until you’re done having children as future pregnancies can separate the abdominal muscles and undo the work done during surgery.
  • You’ve lost a significant amount of weight and have loose, excess skin hanging around your belly like an apron.
  • If you are planning to lose weight, you may want to wait to have surgery. A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure.
  • You’ve always been in good shape but you still have a belly that sticks out.

Different types of tummy tuck

A full tummy tuck involves one long incision made across the lower abdomen and a second incision made around the belly button. Skin and muscle from the chest down to the pubic area are tightened and the belly button is repositioned. Liposuction may be used to enhance the result.

A mini tummy tuck leaves a smaller scar and doesn’t require relocation of the belly button. This surgery is only for patients who need the skin of the lower abdomen tightened. Liposuction may be done as well.

Another technique is an endoscopic-assisted tummy tuck. This minimally invasive procedure consists of a tiny camera inserted through small incisions. It is best for patients who have fairly tight abdominal skin but excess fat in the abdomen and weak lower abdominal muscles.

If you’re interested in learning more about tummy tuck and which procedure may be best for you, call (203) 453-6635 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Price.

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What you should know about enlarged male breasts

Men who have enlarged breasts may feel self-conscious, but they should know that they aren’t alone. Breast enlargement, or gynecomastia, affects nearly half of adolescent boys and up to two-thirds of middle-age and older men. Here’s what you should know about gynecomastia and how you can get rid of it.

  1. Gynecomastia is characterized by excess localized fat, excess glandular tissue development, and can be present in one or both breasts. Some patients have excess breast skin that needs removal.
  2. Hormonal changes, heredity, obesity and the use of certain drugs are linked to enlarged or overdeveloped breasts. Drugs such as steroids, antibiotics, heartburn treatment drugs, and tricyclic antidepressants are all possible influences. Heavy drinking, weight gain and aging all potentially contribute as well.
  3. Gynecomastia can hurt your self-confidence and cause emotional discomfort. Some men avoid taking off their shirt at the beach or when working out and may avoid other physical activities because of enlarged breasts.
  4. Your breast development needs to stabilize before surgery can be considered. While adolescents could benefit from surgery, they may need future procedures if their breasts continue to develop.
  5. If your condition can’t be corrected with medical treatments such as over-the-counter supplements to regulate hormones, you may be a candidate for surgery for gynecomastia. You should be in good physical health and not smoke.
  6. The best treatment option is to surgically remove excess fatty and glandular tissue. For excess fatty tissue alone, liposuction may be the only thing necessary. For patients who have more severe gynecomastia, liposuction and tissue excision may be necessary.
  7. Incisions are designed to be hidden. Incisions are made around the areola, which is the darkened area around the nipple. This allows the scar to form at the natural border of the areola.
  8. Gynecomastia shouldn’t reoccur after surgery, but steroid or drug use or major weight gain could cause the breasts to grow again.

If you have enlarged male breasts and are bothered by their appearance, call (203) 453-6635 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Price.

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