What is liposuction?

In a liposuction procedure, a small tube is inserted into the body through tiny incisions and the fat is suctioned out. Your doctor will place the tube in just the right places to remove fat deposits. Here are some other things you should know about liposuction:

1. You should be in good overall health for this procedure.

2. Liposuction can be used not only on the abdomen but also the hips, back, knees, arms, thighs, buttocks, face, and neck.

3. It is an outpatient procedure, which means you don’t have to stay in the hospital overnight.

4. It is performed using local anesthesia or intravenous sedation. You may feel a pinching sensation at the beginning of the procedure, but after that you should feel no pain at all.

5. You will probably have some bruising in the area for about 2 weeks. You may need pain medication for a few days after the procedure.

6. You will be given a compression garment to wear after the procedure.

7. You should limit your exercise for about 2 weeks after the procedure, but after those 2 weeks you can return to your regular activities.

8. It can take 3 to 6 months to see the final results of liposuction, although you will start to notice results at about 6 weeks afterward.

9. Liposuction removes fat cells permanently, but you can always regain weight! Make sure that you eat a healthy diet (with lots of low-fat dairy, fruits, veggies, and whole grains) and get lots of exercise!

Liposuction is a quick and easy way to get rid of those stubborn pockets of fat. Contact the office of Dr. Gary J. Price in New Haven or Fairfield County, CT, about liposuction. Call (203) 453-6635 for an appointment today!

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Self-breast exams

Checking your breasts every month is easy to do, only takes a few minutes at a time, and costs nothing! You should check your breasts after your period has ended so that they aren’t tender or swollen. And, even if you have been through menopause, you should still check them every month.

One part of the exam is a visual check – perform this in front of a mirror, first with your hands on your hips and then with both of your arms raised. You should also feel your breasts for any lumps, while standing up and also while lying down. Check the entire breast, including the sides and underneath. Check to see if they have changed at all in the past month. Pay attention to their color, size, and shape, and any signs of the nipple inverting (pushing inward instead of outward). Check for any redness, dimpling, or puckering.

If you do find a lump, don’t just assume the worst. There are other reasons for lumps besides cancer. Make an appointment with your doctor right away so that he or she can check and, hopefully, put your mind at ease.

Many women who have had a breast procedure, such as a breast lift or an augmentation, wonder how this will affect their breast health. Research has shown that a breast procedure does not increase the odds of getting breast cancer, and it should be no harder to detect cancer.

Monthly breast self-exams are important for catching cancer early, which increases the odds of successful treatment. Take care of yourself! And, if you are considering a breast or another procedure so that you can both look and feel your best, contact the office of Dr. Gary J. Price in New Haven or Fairfield County, CT, for a consultation. Call (203) 453-6635 for an appointment today!

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What is laser skin rejuvenation?

Laser skin rejuvenation can help improve skin that has wrinkles, acne scars, freckles, sunspots, or skin pigmentation problems. Your doctor can use lasers to tighten the skin and reduce lines while creating a more even skin tone and removing skin irregularities. Lasers can also help to stimulate the growth of collagen, which helps skin to look young, healthy, and smooth.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

The biggest benefit of laser skin treatment is that it is noninvasive. There are no needles and no incisions, and therefore hardly any downtime is needed for healing and there are no scars to worry about. It is done on an outpatient basis in your doctor’s office, and it can usually be done in less than a couple of hours, depending on what exactly you would like treated.

What happens after a laser procedure?

You don’t have to deal with the pain and scars that can come with a cosmetic surgery, but your skin may be swollen, irritated, and uncomfortable after a laser procedure. You should make sure to stay out of the sun as much as possible, and slather on the sunscreen when you do have to go outside. You should avoid any harsh cleansers or exfoliants. Aloe vera can help to make the skin feel cool and moisturized and can reduce inflammation.

Lasers really are incredible, and laser skin rejuvenation may be just what you are looking for to correct skin imperfections. Contact the office of Dr. Gary J. Price in New Haven or Fairfield County, CT, about laser skin rejuvenation. Call (203) 453-6635 for an appointment today!

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What happens during a tummy tuck?

• A tummy tuck (also known as “abdominoplasty”) is surgery to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen. There are different types of tummy tucks – your doctor can help you decide which one is right for you:
• The full tummy tuck. This is a good option for patients who have lost a lot of weight. A long incision is made across the lower abdomen and a second incision is made around the belly button. The belly button is repositioned and the skin and muscles are tightened.
• The mini tummy tuck. This is known as a “mini” tummy tuck because the belly button is not repositioned, the scar is shorter, and the recovery time is quicker than it is with a full tummy tuck.
• Endoscopic-assisted tummy tuck. This procedure uses smaller incisions (and therefore there is minimal scarring) and is a good option for those who still have fairly tight abdominal skin.

Who should get a tummy tuck?

Patients considering a tummy tuck should understand that it is not a substitute for weight loss, and they should also have realistic expectations about what the outcome will be. You should be in good overall health, and you should know that after the surgery you will have to live a healthy lifestyle to maintain your tummy tuck results, with exercise and a healthy diet.

That extra bit of fat around the waist can be very difficult to get rid of – but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it! Contact the office of Dr. Gary J. Price in New Haven or Fairfield County, CT, for a tummy tuck consultation. Call (203) 453-6635 for an appointment today!

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It’s not just gauges that can damage earlobes

Gauges are large cylinders placed in holes in the earlobes. The holes needed to accommodate gauges go way beyond those needed for earrings – gauges can be half an inch or even bigger. If the individual decides that he or she doesn’t want the gauge anymore, the hole doesn’t just shrink and disappear. The skin is too stretched out and disfigured.

However, earlobes can become stretched out even if you don’t have gauges. Wearing heavy earrings for many years or some sort of trauma – such as having an earring ripped out of your ear – can also cause damage to the earlobe.

Correcting earlobe damage

Fortunately, the earlobes can be repaired in a fairly simple procedure. In otoplasty (the medical term for cosmetic ear surgery), your doctor will plan the reconstruction of your earlobe so that it will look completely natural. Tiny sutures may be used to help repair the damage. General anesthesia is used, and the procedure can be performed in your doctor’s office – there’s no need for a hospital stay. It typically takes less than an hour and you can return to your normal activities right after the surgery. There will be some discomfort, but most patients find that over-the-counter pain medication is enough to manage this.

Having a gauge may get your ears some attention, but the stretched-out skin you’re left with after you take out the gauge will get you even more. Otoplasty is a quick procedure that can repair your earlobes so you don’t have to keep regretting your decision to get gauges. Contact the office of Dr. Gary J. Price in New Haven or Fairfield County, CT, for an otoplasty consultation. Call (203) 453-6635 for an appointment today!

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Breast lifts and breast augmentation

Both procedures improve the appearance of your breasts, but they do this in very different ways. In a breast augmentation procedure, implants are used to increase the size of the breasts and give volume to the chest. There are different kinds of implants to choose from, such as saline, silicone, and the IDEAL implant – your doctor will be able to go over the benefits and disadvantages of each to help you decide.

Fat grafting is also an option. In this procedure, fat is taken from one area of the body (such as the thighs or lower stomach) and transferred into the breasts. This is a great option if you are concerned about any side effects that can come with an implant – because it comes from your own body, you don’t have to worry about any safety issues.

In a breast lift, excess skin is removed and the breast tissue is tightened and contoured. It can be used to “lift” breasts that sag after pregnancy, nursing, or after a dramatic weight loss.

Which one should you choose?

Your doctor will be able to tell you which procedure would be best for you – it will depend on the results you would like to see and some other factors as well. Some patients even opt for both procedures, with a breast lift to raise sagging tissue and an augmentation to increase firmness and size.

If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your breasts, it can begin to affect your self-esteem and can even start to affect your quality of life. A breast procedure can lift sagging breasts and give you a curvier figure. Dr. Gary J. Price in New Haven or Fairfield County, CT, can discuss the different breast surgery options and can help you decide which one would be best for you. Call (203) 453-6635 for a consultation today!

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Protect your skin

Spending time outside is good for you, both physically and mentally, and summer time means that there are lots of fun activities just waiting for you to do outside. Here are some tips for staying safe this summer:

• Stay indoors between 10 am and 4 pm, if possible. This is when the sun is at its strongest.

• Don’t forget the sunscreen! Even if it is a cloudy day, the sun’s rays can still cause damage to your skin. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply it often if you stay outside for long.

• For maximum protection, in addition to sunscreen, cover up with pants and a long sleeve shirt. A wide-brimmed hat will protect your skin and will also help to keep you cool.

• Protect your eyes as well, with sunglasses that block UV rays and cover the skin around the eyes.

• If you do want to tan, you should sunbathe for no more than 20 minutes a day.

Sun exposure increases the odds that you’ll get skin cancer, but, unfortunately, skin cancer can strike even if you don’t go outside very often. If you notice any spots or moles on your body that just don’t look right, see your doctor right away. Skin cancer is very treatable when it is caught early, but can be deadly if it is not.

Taking care of your skin and protecting it from the sun will help to keep it looking young and beautiful – and will help you to stay healthy, too. For help taking care of your skin and keeping it beautiful, contact the office of Dr. Gary J. Price in New Haven or Fairfield County, CT. Call (203) 453-6635 for an appointment today!

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What happens during a blepharoplasty procedure?

Eyelid surgery typically takes less than 2 hours and is an outpatient procedure. It can be done on the lower lids, the upper lids, or on both eyelids. Your eyelid area will be numbed and an incision will be made to tighten the muscles, and then excess fat and skin will be removed. Fine sutures will be used to close the incision.

Some patients have eyelid surgery along with other cosmetic procedures, such as a brow lift or a facelift.

What can blepharoplasty do for me?

As we get older, fat accumulates in the eye area, making the eyes look puffy, creating bags under the eyes, and making us look old and tired. Blepharoplasty can get rid of this fat and excess skin, tightening up the eye area and making you look younger and more alert. Blepharoplasty is also performed for medical reasons. It can remove excess skin around the eyes that can make it difficult to see properly and can cause functional problems with your eyelids.

What can I expect after the procedure?

Patients can usually return to work and regular activities within a few days, although you should avoid strenuous activity for at least a week (follow your doctor’s instructions). The eye area will be swollen and bruised, but ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication can help. You should sleep with your head elevated higher than your chest for a few days and avoid smoking and rubbing your eyes. You shouldn’t wear contact lenses for a couple of weeks, and when you go outside make sure to wear dark sunglasses to protect your eyes from the wind and sun.

Blepharoplasty can help you to see better and look younger. If you are interested in eyelid surgery, contact the office of Dr. Gary J. Price in New Haven or Fairfield County, CT, for a consultation. Call (203) 453-6635 today!

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Myth #1: You can’t breastfeed after you get implants

For the majority of patients, the ability to produce milk is not affected by implants, which can be placed in such a way as to not interfere with mammary glands or milk ducts.

Myth #2: Breast implants aren’t safe

This may be what concerns women the most, and for good reason. However, thousands of women get breast implants every year and live with them for years with no problems. Please feel free to ask your doctor about the risks involved and discuss your concerns with him or her.

Myth #3: They will need to be replaced in a few years

Breast implants are made to last. They may need to be replaced over time, but some women’s implants last for decades with no problems.

Myth #4: They will look obviously fake

You may not want implants because you are concerned they won’t look natural. However, with the right surgeon, the right implants, and the right technique, you can have implants that look natural and beautiful.

Myth #5: Breast implant surgery is painful and recovery is hard

The thought of the pain and downtime involved in a surgical procedure may be the reason you have decided against a breast implant procedure. However, recovery from this type of procedure is not as difficult as you might think. Most patients report only discomfort, not pain, and recovery typically only takes about 2 to 4 weeks.

Learning all you can before deciding to go through with a surgical procedure or not is a smart move. Dr. Gary J. Price and his staff want to make sure that all of your questions are answered so that you can make the best decision possible. Contact the office in New Haven or Fairfield County, CT, for a breast implant consultation. Call (203) 453-6635 for an appointment today!

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Botox facts

1. Botox is made from the botulinum toxin. Although the word “toxin” isn’t very encouraging, when used correctly this toxin can be very useful. It is not only used cosmetically, but it can also be helpful for people who suffer with migraines, lazy eye, and even bladder problems.

2. Botox works by blocking signals that pass between muscles and nerves. This keeps muscles from contracting, which relaxes wrinkles.

3. Although Botox is very well-known to help reduce wrinkles, there are other injectables that can be used to do the same thing, such as Dysport. Your doctor will be able to discuss with you the differences between them and which one would be best for you.

4. Botox is a great alternative to a surgical procedure such as a face lift. It only takes a few minutes, is painless (most patients report it only feels like a little pinch), and there is no downtime afterward, all of which is much better than surgery!

5. Botox can be combined with other procedures or fillers, so that you can get the exact results that you want.

6. It may take a few weeks to really see the effects of your Botox injections, although you will start to notice a difference within a few days. These effects can last for months. Once they wear off you can have another Botox treatment – many patients get it every 3 months or so.

7. Some patients feel a bit bruised after a Botox treatment, but this will fade in a couple of days.

Botox is a great option if you aren’t ready for a face lift or other surgical procedure, but you have found that serums and creams just aren’t doing a good job of reducing your wrinkles and fine lines. Schedule a Botox appointment with Dr. Gary J. Price at the office in New Haven or Fairfield County, CT, at (203) 453-6635. Call today!

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