Tummy Tuck Basics

A tummy tuck – or abdominoplasty, is a procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal area. Your cosmetic surgeon can additionally tighten loose muscles and reattach those that have separated due to pregnancy. This procedure is commonly confused with liposuction, but the two are distinctly different.

Liposuction removes small fat deposits in places like the buttocks, hips, and midsection. Abdominoplasty, on the other hand, targets excess skin removal and may also remove a small degree of fat. Our staff takes an innovative approach to abdominoplasty and performs what’s known as the Brazilian tummy tuck. This specialized procedure combines tumescent liposuction with excess skin removal to give you a more balanced appearance.

Tumescent liposuction is safer and more effective than traditional liposuction. It is also less painful and yields a faster recovery time. Aesthetically speaking, this revolutionary technology allows the removal of more fat, which in turn encourages the toned appearance you want.

What to Expect

Your care and comfort are our top priorities. For this reason, our team will discuss with you every aspect of the abdominoplasty and carefully answer your questions. The procedure requires minimal cutting and is extremely safe. There will be a small incision in your abdomen, and after, you will have some downtime to allow your body a chance to heal.

The good news is you’ll return to your normal routine with stronger abdominal muscles and a trimmer, fitter appearance. But do keep in mind results may take time to fully develop. The results of abdominoplasty are considered permanent. Neither the fat nor the excess skin that was removed will return unless you experience substantial weight fluctuation or another pregnancy.

For this reason, patients are encouraged to continue a healthy lifestyle after their procedures. This includes a low-sugar diet and regular exercise. Immediately after your procedure, drinking water and eating foods rich in protein – like meat and yogurt – can fuel your body with the nutrients it needs to recover.

Special Considerations

After your procedure, your surgeon may recommend you sleep on your back or in a chair for a brief period of time to prevent inadvertent stretching of your abdominal muscles. You may also need to limit physical activity so your body can properly rest and to allow your incision to heal.

It’s equally important to remember a tummy tuck is a highly individualized procedure, one that requires your decision to be based solely on your desires. No two people experience the same results, and we will provide guidance every step of the way to help you achieve the body you want.

Will I See the Results?

The short answer to this question is yes, you will see and feel the results of an abdominoplasty, although probably not immediately. In addition to a flatter and more contoured stomach, you may drop one or two clothing sizes. This change in appearance can yield relief and significantly raise your confidence.

Before undergoing cosmetic surgery, many patients complain they are unhappy with their bodies. But after, they often feel more youthful and lose the feeling that they need to hide imperfections.

Abdominoplasty Candidates

Patients choose to undergo abdominoplasty for a variety of reasons, and we fully respect all of them. Some mothers want to return to their pre-pregnancy bodies, older men and women want to eliminate sagging skin, and men and women who have lost weight want to get rid of stretch marks and excess bumps.

It is our goal to help everyone who decides to move forward with abdominoplasty, but candidacy is considered on a per-patient basis. Here, we outline the reasons we believe a tummy tuck is a viable option for some people.

Your Long-Term Goals

We’ve already mentioned abdominoplasty is a permanent procedure, but we want to circle back to this point because it is critical. If your weight is stable and you have no intention of getting pregnant, your long-term goals likely align with abdominoplasty. The care required after your procedure, and the mental boost you’ll likely experience, are no small feats.

You should, therefore, elect to have this surgery if you’re willing to commit to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and understand the benefits of the surgery can be with you for a very long time. If you do plan to get pregnant again, or pregnancy is a possibility in the future, we recommend you wait on having an abdominoplasty. Pregnancy can separate muscles and stretch belly skin, meaning the effects of the procedure would only be short-term.

 We recommend that before choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery, you first look at what you want from your future. Our team is here to offer any medical advice that will make your decision easier.

Realistic Expectations

Abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss tool, but rather a way to smooth your abdomen. Results will depend on your physical shape and size, as not all bodies are created the same. If your best friend dropped three dress sizes after her procedure, that’s cause for celebration. But we caution you not to expect the same.

The surgery, as we discussed earlier, is individualized, meaning your results will be, too. Rest assured you’re in the best hands with our staff, and we will work to educate you in every way possible. Factors to consider with abdominoplasty include muscle tone, skin elasticity, age, and the fat and skin you want to be removed during the procedure. Each of these will play a part in determining how your body looks after the surgery.

Your goal should be to have the best body and most confidence you can personally achieve. Abdominoplasty can mark an exciting turn in your life, so we don’t want you to get bogged down with comparisons to other patients. Enjoy the journey and look forward to the ways this procedure can benefit you.

Healthy Body

Anytime you undergo surgery, you should be in the best health possible. Abdominoplasty is a low-risk procedure, but this rule still applies. Your surgeon will discuss your current and previous health conditions to get a look at the whole you, not just your abdomen.

Please be aware that some pre-existing disorders can interfere with the healing process. In addition, if you tend to develop thick or raised scars, you’ll want to mention this to your surgeon before the procedure. Together, we can explore the options and make a decision that bridges your health with your wish for a firmer midsection.

Mental Health Considerations

Emotional issues you’ve recently experienced or are currently going through can impact your overall health and well-being. Job loss, divorce, death of a loved one, or any other trauma may require that you speak with a professional before proceeding with your abdominoplasty. Here’s why: after the procedure, you may experience some discomfort and/or pain.

This can make you feel worse if it’s added to an already depressed or unhappy state. Your mental health also plays a large role in your immune system; negative thoughts may suppress immunity and make you heal more slowly. For these reasons, we recommend you have a strong support system prior to your surgery. Friends and loved ones can help you emerge from the healing much like a butterfly from its cocoon.

We provide superior results to patients through compassionate care, experienced staff, and cutting-edge technology. We also provide a safe and comfortable environment. When coupled with your own support system, you can expect a process that will leave you asking, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”

Current and Future Weight Goals

Again, we want to discuss weight and the influence it can have in determining who’s a good fit for abdominoplasty. The procedure is ideal for men and women who have experienced weight loss and now have loose skin and some stubborn fat they want to be removed. The same is true of women who have had pregnancies and want to tighten muscles and improve their overall abdominal profiles.

We suggest you have the surgery if you’re near your ideal body weight and neither plan nor want to experience significantly more weight loss in the future; this can interfere with your results later down the road. It’s perfectly normal to fluctuate 5 to 10 pounds in weight, and such small losses or gains will not affect your abdominoplasty results. Depending on how your body gains and/or loses weight, it’s even possible you would see no change in your abdomen with natural weight fluctuations.

But significant weight gain can lead to fat around the middle and stretch marks, just as substantial weight loss can produce loose, stretched skin. We’ll discuss your weight in-depth during your consultation, but knowing you’re comfortable with the scale will help us make a more informed decision.

Smoking and Abdominoplasty

While the two may seemingly have nothing to do with each other, it is highly recommended you not smoke if you want to undergo an abdominoplasty. The reasons make perfect sense once you look at them. Smoking causes blood vessels to constrict, which essentially means less blood flow. Without oxygen, skin tissues can die. This can lead to delayed wound healing, thicker scars, and a loss of suppleness in the skin.

We should also mention that smoking can impair the body’s natural immune response. Therefore, if you smoke before or immediately following surgery, you’re at an increased risk of infection. While you already know abdominoplasty is a low-risk procedure, it is performed with the use of anesthesia.

To avoid the potential of complications and increase your candidacy for abdominoplasty, your surgeon may discuss with you the benefits of quitting smoking. Quitting can also help you lead a healthier lifestyle after the procedure by allowing you to exercise and maintain the healthy weight you desire.

Learn More or Get Started

Abdominoplasty can give you more than a sculpted abdomen. It can restore your confidence and help you feel years younger. If you have been thinking about it for some time or are only now considering the benefits of this procedure, we recommend you wait no longer.

Call Bella Forma Cosmetic Surgery Center & Medspa in Duluth, Georgia, today and schedule your appointment. We can answer all of your questions and provide you with comprehensive care in a modern facility. It is our pleasure to serve you.

The post Are You a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck? appeared first on Bella Forma.

Understanding Your Skin: An Overview

You may already know that skin is your largest organ, but you may not always stop to think about all the fascinating ways it protects you from the outside world. Between outside invaders such as harmful bacteria and viruses and exposure to the elements, your skin is continuously warding off attacks from your environment. At the same time, it is also helping to regulate your body temperature, making Vitamin D, and storing water and necessary fats.

With all this hard work, it’s no surprise that skin begins to break down with age. It loses its elasticity, blood vessels become more fragile, and thinner skin near our eyes and lips begin to appear sunken and wrinkled. This is why many people turn to dermal fillers to restore the volume they once had in these areas.

The Epidermis, Dermis, and Subcutaneous Layers

There are two main layers of skin, with a third layer underneath made up of fatty tissues. The first layer is called the epidermis. This is the thin outer layer of skin, though it changes in thickness depending on its location and purpose (i.e. on the bottoms of your feet). This is what creates our skin tone and gives us a barrier to the outside world.

However, it is the second layer of skin called the dermis where dermal fillers are typically injected. This layer is what gives our skin its strength and flexibility, and it is also where we sense pain and touch. It contains hair follicles and sweat glands and acts as a cushion from stress and strain. Sometimes thicker dermal fillers are injected into the subcutaneous layer, which is the fatty layer underneath.

What Happens As Skin Ages

As we grow older, our skin faces challenges as it adjusts to hormone changes and an overall decrease in the production of oils and cells that give it its youthful appearance. The layers of skin tend to become thinner, and the blood vessels more fragile. Collagen also decreases over time, adding to the sagging effect of aging skin.

For men, the sebaceous glands continue to produce oil until around age 80, after which it diminishes only minimally. For women, this process can start much earlier at around the time of menopause. As oil production slows and the fatty connective tissues thin out, the skin begins to look paler, rougher, and saggier.

Effects of Aging

As the skin layers begin to thin, you may notice changes in your sensation of touch, pressure, heat, and cold. This can make you more prone to skin injury, which can exacerbate the appearance of aging. In addition, older skin takes much longer to heal than younger skin, and bruising is more common as blood vessels become more fragile over time.

In addition to wear and tear, our skin is also particularly susceptible to harsh weather, bad habits, and stress. These stressors make our skin more fragile and less able to rebound as we age.

Voluma: What You Need to Know

What Are Dermal Fillers?

In the past several years, advances in dermal treatments have made leaps and bounds in scientific development. For decades, the main option for dermal fillers was collagen. While this is still a viable treatment option, its effects tend to last less than six months. With the advent of newer technologies, longer-lasting treatments are gaining popularity.

Dermal fillers act primarily as a substitute for lost collagen under the skin. Since their effects vary depending on where they are injected and how long they last, several filler options have become available, including hyaluronic acid, collagen, calcium hydroxyapatite, polymethylmethacrylate, silicone, and poly-L-lactic acid.

How Is Voluma Different?

Juvederm Voluma is a hyaluronic dermal filler that is proven to lift the soft tissues of the face and tighten the epidermal layer for a natural facelift without surgery. Because of its unique formulation, it resists breaking down in the body longer than other hyaluronic acid treatments. With technology that strengthens its molecular structure, this treatment lasts twice as long as most other hyaluronic fillers.

Patients are also attracted to the convenience of treatment. An outpatient office visit generally lasts less than an hour and there is very minimal downtime. The patient can typically resume normal activities immediately.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid consists of a chain of sugars that occur naturally in the skin. It is important as an agent of hydration, as it can hold almost one thousand times its weight in water. We produce hyaluronic acid on our own, but as we age production levels taper off, which diminishes the plump, hydrated appearance that we once had.

In addition to holding water, higher amounts of this acid also stimulate collagen production and the transfer of nutrients through the skin. This is what gives young skin its resilience. Hyaluronic acid promotes elasticity and faster healing from things like sun exposure and environmental damage.

What Areas Can Be Treated?

Midface

Juvederm Voluma is specifically designed to plump and firm the cheeks and surrounding skin. Because it is a thicker, more viscous gel, it goes deeper into the layers of skin and doesn’t migrate to other areas. It stays put and gives the upper and middle cheeks that signature long-lasting contour.

While it is intended as a cheek filler, it is also used to treat other midface areas such as the nasolabial folds. These are the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth. As they lose collagen, these areas descend over time, making us look older and more tired. This treatment has been used to successfully lift and treat the nasolabial areas as well as the upper and middle cheeks.

Lower Face

The lower face areas include the lower cheeks, mouth, and jawline. Because the lower face is particularly susceptible to the appearance of frowning or descending lines, the chin area deserves the same attention as the cheeks. Many doctors are now using this treatment for the chin and surrounding areas as well.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Treatment?

Almost anyone over the age of 21 who is experiencing reduced elasticity and plumpness of skin can benefit from treatment. One of the most attractive things about this treatment is that it can be used by many people who are not good candidates for cosmetic surgery. This gives those who would otherwise have opted for surgery the hope of a non-invasive option with minimal downtime and long-lasting benefits.

What to Expect 

Before Treatment

For about a week or so prior to treatment, you should avoid taking over-the-counter pain relievers that are known to be blood thinners. These include aspirin and any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications such as Advil and Motrin. Blood thinners may create challenges for injectable treatments.

In addition, for 7-10 days it is best to stop any habits that may create sensitivity in the skin, such as waxing, plucking, or bleaching skin. Since you will be receiving a series of small injections, you will want to make sure your skin is not already subjected to any other irritations. Avoiding alcohol will also minimize the risk of bruising.

During Treatment

Upon arrival at our office, you will be invited to relax in our modern suite. Our staff are experienced practitioners and will make you feel at ease. Most sessions last under an hour.

The vials we use to inject the gel contain lidocaine, an effective local anesthetic. The very fine, specially-designed needle encourages accuracy and comfort as the treatment is received. Most patients report a very comfortable experience.

After Treatment

Most patients can resume normal daily activities immediately after treatment. You may be encouraged to continue avoiding irritants to the skin (such as tanning or waxing) for a day or two afterward. For those who bruise easily, you may also be encouraged to continue avoiding alcohol for the following 24-48 hours.

Benefits 

Dermal fillers do more than just enhance facial contouring. By lifting and plumping the skin, they also elevate any old scars such as those left from acne or sun exposure. They can brighten shadowy, hollowed areas and obscure blood vessels. Voluma specifically offers several benefits.

Well-Tolerated

Voluma mimics substances found naturally in the body and is not derived from animal sources. Because of this, it is well-tolerated by the body with very rare occurrences of rejection or allergic reaction. Typically, when such a reaction does occur it is due to an added ingredient to the filler, such as the lidocaine.

Consistent Results

Hyaluronic acid treatment has been proven effective time and time again after various studies. It remains a top recommendation for cosmetic professionals due to its history of long-lasting results with minimal risk and downtime. In addition, some research has shown that repeated use of hyaluronic acid treatments can actually make permanent improvements to the skin over time.

Works for Nearly Everyone

Anyone who is dissatisfied with their skin’s appearance can benefit from hyaluronic acid treatment. If you are someone who wants to have a more contoured jawline and fuller cheeks, a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, and an improvement in mid-face elasticity, then you are likely to be a good candidate for this treatment.

In addition, this treatment is compatible with other dermal treatments. If you use peels, laser treatments, or other dermal fillers, you can also use hyaluronic acid treatments. The key is timing, which we will be happy to discuss with you.

Lasts Longer

Due to its cutting-edge technology, Voluma’s molecular structure is more stable, less likely to migrate, and lasts longer than other dermal fillers. It is the only filler FDA-approved to last up to one year, but many patients see the benefits for up to two years. This saves you time and money on recurring treatments and solidifies long-term benefits.

Because it is a thicker gel, it gives a great deal of volume to the face while minimizing over-correcting or nonconforming. It is injected deeper into the tissues, which gives it endurance and the convenience of fewer office visits.

Don’t Wait for Immediate Effects

Voluma is a safe and efficient treatment to enhance skin laxity and facial contours. The effects can last up to two years and is a non-invasive treatment with minimal downtime. Contact Bella Forma CSC & Medspa in Duluth, today for a consultation. We take great pride in offering compassionate and effective care. 

The post What Areas Can Be Treated With Voluma? appeared first on Bella Forma.

While nothing lasts forever, the results of a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) come pretty close. As long as your weight remains relatively stable, you won’t notice fat gain in the fat donor sites or fat loss in your buttocks. However, several factors affect how long your results last. Today, we’re discussing everything you need to know.

How Long Does a Brazilian Butt Lift Last?

There are two parts to a Brazilian butt lift. First, fat is harvested from a donor site, cleaned, and processed for transfer. Second, fat is injected into the buttocks to enhance the projection and size. Maintaining the results of the fat harvesting is pretty simple.

When Will the Results of Fat Grafting Fade? 

The results of your fat grafting will only fade if you eat and drink too many calories consistently over a period of several months. There’s no way to know where you will show your weight gain; however, there’s a good chance that the fat cells in the areas fat was harvested will expand if you gain weight after your procedure.

Depending on your BMI and where you carry your weight, you may notice weight gain after you’ve gained between three pounds of fat and eight pounds of fat. For the longest-lasting fat grafting results, we recommend not gaining over 10 pounds after the procedure.

When Will the Results of Fat Transfer Fade? 

Some of the results of fat transfer will fade within the first six to eight weeks. During the BBL process, we harvest about 24 ounces of fat from at least one donor site. During the fat harvesting process, liquid is also collected. We rinse the liquid away and clean the fat. Then, we select only the whole, healthy fat cells for transfer to the buttocks.

Unfortunately, even with only the strongest, healthiest fat cells being transferred, some will not survive the transfer process. In fact, depending on your health and lifestyle, up to 40% of the fat cells injected initially won’t “stick.” At Bella Forma CSC & Medspa in Duluth, GA, we inject the fat cells close to your veins, so we have a much higher success rate than other methods can achieve.

When Will the Final Results of Fat Transfer Fade? 

Like the body contouring results of fat grafting, the final results of fat transfer will last for decades. Once the transferred fat cells have settled into the injected area and are being fed by your venous system, they will remain plump unless you lose a significant amount of weight in the future.

Just as there’s no way to know which regions of your body will show a fat gain, there’s no way to know which regions of your body will show a fat loss. If you lose weight, the volume loss may occur in your buttocks, and you may need a follow-up procedure. For the best results, we recommend losing no more than 10 pounds after your procedure.

How to Get the Best Results From Your Fat Transfer

To get the best results from your fat transfer, you must follow all post-op care instructions. Such instructions include not smoking, not sitting, and not performing cardio for eight weeks post-op. Let’s take a closer look at what you should do and why.

Avoid Smoking

One of the most important things you can do to ensure the best results from your fat transfer is to not smoke. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemical compounds, including chemical compounds that are damaging to your collagen and elastin. Healthy collagen and elastin are important for smooth, tight, lifted skin.

Even worse, cigarettes contain a chemical compound called nicotine. Nicotine elevates your blood pressure by restricting blood flow. Unfortunately, your circulatory system needs to be as strong as possible because the injected fat needs blood to send it nutrients while it’s settling.  

Avoid Sitting

During the first three to four weeks post-op, it is important that you sit as little as possible. When you have to sit, sit on a pillow specifically designed for use after a Brazilian buttocks lift. Sitting on such a pillow ensures that you don’t place too much pressure on your buttocks while the newly transferred fat cells are trying to settle.

If you don’t want to buy a special pillow, you can use a soft bath towel to take the pressure off of your buttocks when you sit. If using a towel for sitting, roll it so it looks like a hot dog and place it between your thighs when you sit.

Avoid Cardio

Many of our clients are anxious to hit the gym shortly after their BBL. They feel smaller in areas they were embarrassed by because fat was harvested from those areas for the fat transfer. They want to lose even more weight to further enhance the contours of their treated trouble areas.

However, weight maintenance is the most important things you can do to preserve the results of your procedure. If you lose weight in the first two months post-op, you will probably burn fat from your recently transferred fat cells. Avoiding cardio is also important in the first two months post-op because you must keep your blood pressure within a healthy range as you recover.

Take a Stroll

While vigorous exercise should be avoided, walking during your recovery period is strongly encouraged. Walking supports a strong circulatory system. A strong circulatory system will deliver all the micronutrients your fat cells need to properly take root in your buttocks. Walking at a moderate pace won’t facilitate weight loss and will facilitate a smooth, rapid recovery.

Wear Baggy Shorts

If you’ve been waiting for a reason to wear your basketball shorts constantly, your post-op recovery is it. One of the worst things you can do after your procedure is to wear clothing that hugs your buttocks tightly. This means that you should be wearing boxers instead of briefs and gym shorts and sweatpants instead of pants that are too tight.

We also encourage our female clients to wear loose shorts and pants during the first two months post-op. However, wearing light, flowy dresses or skirts that are loose below the waist are also acceptable alternatives. Tight underwear and pants can cut off circulation to the buttocks. Poor circulation starves the injected fat cells, and some of them will not implant themselves.

Stay Hydrated 

Staying hydrated is another critical step you must take to ensure most of your transplanted fat survives. To stay hydrated, we strongly encourage you to drink beverages with plenty of essential electrolytes. Vitamin Water and Sobe LifeWater are good sources of vitamin C to keep your immune system strong during recovery.

Gatorade is a good source of potassium and sodium, and sodium is important for keeping you hydrated because it ensures you do not flush out too much water when you use the restroom. If you don’t like coconut water or sports drinks, add a few pinches of salt and No Salt to your water. No Salt is a potassium supplement you can find at the grocery store.

Eat Healthy Foods

While it’s helpful to drink beverages that are high in electrolytes, you still need to eat plenty of fruits, veggies, and other foods that are high in essential micronutrients. We strongly recommend that you make a meal plan for at least the first week after your procedure. Make sure you’re getting plenty of protein, fiber, and B-complex vitamins.

We also recommend that you cook and refrigerate or freeze meals for your first few days post-op. This ensures that all of your focus can be on resting rather than prepping and cooking your meals and cleaning your kitchen. If you don’t already get your RDA of micronutrients in your diet, ask a certified nutritionist for help with your post-op meal plan.

Sleep on Your Stomach

Sleeping on your stomach is absolutely crucial during your first eight weeks post-op. We encourage you to try sleeping on your stomach for a couple of weeks before your procedure so you can get used to the feeling. If you try to sleep comfortably on your stomach for 14 days and feel like you can’t get enough rest, sleep on your side.

However, it is crucial that you don’t roll onto your back if you sleep on your side. Sleeping on your back will put too much pressure on your buttocks, and you may have a lower fat survival rate. If you toss and turn in your sleep, mitigate the risk of rolling onto your back accidentally by sleeping with rolled-up towels pressed up against your back.  

Sleep at Least Nine Hours Nightly

During the first two months post-op, getting at least nine hours of sleep nightly is crucial. At night, you cycle through several phases of sleep, including a phase known as REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Cycling through all phases takes approximately 90 minutes. Sleeping for nine hours allows you to get six full REM phases.

However, it is very important to note that if you wake up in the middle of the night and fall back asleep, you re-set your sleep phases. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that you sleep for 90 minutes at a time. Otherwise, you will get little-to-no REM sleep.

Good Candidates for a BBL

You may be a good candidate for a BBL if you are fairly healthy and have realistic expectations about the results. This procedure is ideal for adults who want to remove fat from one or more parts of their body while moderately enhancing the projection and shape of their buttocks.

If you’re seeking a dramatic increase in the projection and shape of your buttocks, you would be a better candidate for buttock implants. During your initial consultation, we will review your aesthetic goals and assess the current structure of your buttocks to determine which modality is ideal for you.

Discover How to Sculpt the Contours of Your Dreams Today

Only you can know if the results of a Brazilian butt lift are worth the time required to prepare for and recover from the procedure. While your skin may start to sag again 10 to 15 years after the procedure, the results of the volume increase can last forever if you can maintain your weight.

For more information regarding a BBL and how to extend the longevity of the results, please contact us today at Bella Forma CSC & Medspa in Duluth, GA to schedule your initial consultation. We can’t wait to meet you and help you sculpt the body you’ve always dreamed of.

The post How Long Does a Brazilian Butt Lift Last? appeared first on Bella Forma.

Dear Members of the Bella Forma Family,

Concern about the coronavirus (COVID-19) has been increasing in our country and around the world for the last several months. At Bella Forma, the health and well-being of our employees, customers and patients is our top priority. You depend on us to provide safe and reliable medical treatments every day.

We’re committed to maintaining our service to you, while also doing our part to limit the spread of COVID‐19. We have been following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and various state Departments of Public Health. While we continue to practice universal precautions and observe strict sterilization practices as we always do, we are taking extraordinary measures to disinfect the common areas in our office as well.

We urge patients that have traveled within the past 30 days or may have been potentially exposed to the virus to please postpone their appointment. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please contact your primary care physician for screening and treatment.

We have always offered online consultations and will continue to do so for anyone who would prefer this method by using facetime, WhatsApp or other modalities. If you are coming in for your appointment, we thank you for coming unaccompanied as we are doing our part in limiting exposure to our patients.

We are currently still operating under normal business hours, but effective 3/24/2020 we will be opening Tuesday-Thursday only, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. We thank you for working with us as we all navigate this uncertain climate.

CLICK HERE to download a PDF list of tips on how to prepare for the coronavirus. Please share with family, friends and your community

The post Important Message Regarding COVID-19 appeared first on Bella Forma.

What Is Juvederm?

There are many different kinds of injectable treatments, and this particular variety is a high-quality “dermal filler” produced by Allergan. Allergan is perhaps best known for making Botox, but their dermal fillers work in a slightly different way. They can be used in place of Botox, or in combination with Botox, depending on a patient’s needs.

How Is This Different From Botox?

Botox is a neurotoxin that works by temporarily causing a relaxation of the muscle contractions in the face. This contraction disruption relaxes the muscles and reduces the appearance of fine lines on the surface. It is especially useful when it comes to treating forehead lines and the “worry lines” or “frown lines” that appear between the eyebrows.

Dermal fillers are a little different. Rather than relaxing the muscles, they actually add a substance just underneath the surface of the skin. These substances provide volume and are an excellent choice when the skin has become thinner with age. Because of this, Botox is often used for the upper part of the face, while dermal fillers are extremely effective for treating lower areas like cheeks, lips, and the area around the chin and mouth.

How Does a Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler Work?

There are a number of ways that dermal fillers can add volume, depending on the type of filler and the treatment area. Juvederm is a specific type of dermal filler known as a hyaluronic acid filler. These fillers work to replenish levels of hyaluronic acid in our skin.

The Importance of Hyaluronic Acid

When you read the name out loud, “hyaluronic acid,” it sounds like it’s probably some type of dangerous, toxic substance. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Hyaluronic acid is actually a naturally-occurring sugar that all humans have in their skin. We are born with it and produce it throughout our lives.

This vital polysaccharide helps to keep our skin hydrated. It does this by binding to water molecules, which in turn helps our skin stay full and plump. Hyaluronic acid also assists in delivering nutrients to areas of the skin that need it and helps our healing processes. Without it, the skin loses volume.

Age-Related Hyaluronic Acid Decline Leads to Volume Loss

Unfortunately for many of us, our hyaluronic acid levels start to drop as we get older. The sugar breaks down with time. We do not naturally replace our hyaluronic acid as quickly as we need to, and this means a drop in our ability to retain the moisture in our skin. As one might expect, this leads to a reduction in the water content in our skin, a reduction in overall volume, and an increase in the appearance of facial folds and wrinkles on the skin’s surface.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Correct Wrinkles and Volume Loss

Hyaluronic acid fillers work to correct age-related volume loss by restoring hyaluronic acid levels in the skin. They are generally used by people 35 and older, although many are cleared for patients over 21 who may be experiencing these symptoms earlier than usual. When injected into a specific treatment area, a hyaluronic acid filler will trigger a sequence of events that results in more hyaluronic acid and better water retention, leading to more supple and youthful skin.

Why Do People Choose Juvederm in Particular?

There are several brands of hyaluronic acid fillers on the market, yet there are a few reasons many patients prefer this particular filler:

It’s Low-Risk

The first version of the filler was approved by the FDA in 2006. It was primarily used for the treatment of nasolabial folds, as this was something that was often more difficult for Botox to correct. In time, multiple varieties have been developed, allowing for dermatologists to address concerns in the cheeks, lips, and facial lines. There is a unique advantage in using hyaluronic acid as the foundation for treatment: because everyone needs hyaluronic acid, the risk of an allergic reaction is extraordinarily low.

It’s Effective

Every year, roughly two million of these injections are performed in the United States alone. Many patients continue to maintain their results with follow-up treatments. It is also very common for patients to experience success in one area and return for another treatment later. The treatment’s excellent track record and popularity speaks to the quality of its results.

It’s Long-Lasting

In addition to providing quality results, patients also rely on this dermal filler for long-term effects. There are multiple injectables that can only provide benefits for a six-month period. But in this case, patients can see quality results for one to two years. This means that there are fewer follow-up treatments required, which is a savings of time and money.

It’s Efficient

Unlike some other skin treatments, this filler also works very quickly. Patients often see some initial results on the same day. As the filler begins to set, the long-term aesthetic results will begin to come into focus, with ideal results being visible after roughly two weeks. This efficient treatment process is part of what makes it such a popular item. Patients don’t have to wait for months to see a change.

What to Expect From Treatment

If you’re going to get a treatment session, what should you expect? Many first-time patients are particularly curious about what they should do to prepare for treatment. The session itself is incredibly quick, usually lasting under an hour. The overall treatment process lasts a few weeks, beginning with the preparation steps, and ending when you see your “final results” in the mirror.

How Do You Prepare for Treatment?

When we compare this dermal filler with other treatment options–facelift or browlift surgeries, for instance–it is clearly a convenient and low-hassle choice. However, there are a few things that patients should be aware of and a few ways they should prepare for treatment:

Avoid Taking Certain Supplements or Medications

In the 7-10 days before treatment, our staff may ask you to discontinue using certain supplements or medications, depending on your specific health needs. These may include:

Aspirin

Aspirin and NSAID painkillers work by thinning the blood. This is part of the way in which they provide pain relief. Although this is a very effective medication for many people, it can also cause challenges in an injection process. Most injectors will ask that patients cease the use of this type of medication for at least a week before treatment.

Health Supplements

Many people take natural supplements that have a similar effect on the bloodstream. They increase blood flow or lower blood pressure, which can be problematic during the injection session. In the 7-10 days before treatment, patients may be asked to reduce or stop their intake of:

• Vitamin E
• Gingko Biloba
• Fish oil
• St. John’s wort
• Ginseng
• Garlic
• Primrose oil

Certain Topical Skin Creams and Treatments

Because an injectable filler is a localized treatment, it is important for the treatment area to be healthy and free of any substances that may increase sensitivity. Patients may also be asked to refrain from skin creams and certain habits, including:

• Retinol treatments
• Glycolic acid
• Tretinoin
• Anti-aging cream
• Hair-removal cream
• Waxing skin
• Bleaching skin
• Plucking skin

Avoid Alcohol

Patients are advised to avoid alcoholic substances for at least 24 hours before and after their injection. This will minimize the risk of bruising as well as ensure that a patient feels their best during treatment.

When you get a treatment, you will be given a comprehensive list of how to prepare and what to avoid. Of course, if you have any questions about a particular topic, please feel free to ask! We always want our patients to be well-informed and comfortable.

What Happens During a Session?

Injections are conducted at our offices in an aesthetic session with our medical staff. A single aesthetic session typically lasts less than an hour and often less than 30 minutes. When you arrive at our facility, you will be able to relax and get comfortable. Our medical staff injects the filler into the treatment area using a specially-designed fine needle, which allows us a high degree of accuracy.

All vials of the treatment contain lidocaine. This is an effective local anesthetic that will help reduce the risk of bruising and encourage comfort during the treatment process.

What Do You Do After Treatment?

Patients are encouraged to continue avoiding alcohol for at least a day after their session, but most patients can return to their daily routines immediately after treatment. For two to three days, patients should avoid very hot showers, sunbathing, tanning, or any other situations where their skin is exposed to a high degree of heat or direct sunlight.

How Quickly Do Results Appear?

Some patients notice that results appear immediately following treatment. During the first few days, you will notice a change, but it is important not to judge the final results based on the first week. The filler takes nearly two weeks to settle after the injection, after which point, you will have your final results.

Because the filler needs to set in place during this period, we also recommend that patients do not get professional massages and that they also try to avoid massaging their faces, especially in the treatment area.

How Long Will My Results Last?

Everyone is different and results may vary, but the typical longevity with this filler is from one to two years. This long-lasting treatment is one of the chief benefits of the filler. After one or two years, many patients return for “touch-up” appointments in order to maintain their results.

Am I a Candidate for Treatment?

Because these fillers all use hyaluronic acid, they work with nearly any patient! They are compatible with any skin tone, patient gender, and a wide age range.

The treatment may not be appropriate for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for patients who have an allergic reaction to lidocaine. When you contact our office, we will meet in person for a consultation and determine whether this treatment is right for you.

Contact Us Today

Are you ready to get a younger and fuller look and reclaim the youthful vibrancy of your skin? Come experience the benefits of Juvederm! Call Bella Forma CSC & Medspa in Duluth, GA to set up your personal consultation today!

The post What Should You Do to Prepare for Juvederm Treatment? appeared first on Bella Forma.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, referred to in medical terms as mastopexy, improves the position of your existing breast tissue, giving your bosom more shape and definition. This treatment is commonly used to remedy breasts that are sagging and sit lower on the chest. Lift treatments essentially reshape the tissue in the breast to give it a better contour while also removing any extra skin that is contributing to sagging. For some patients, the nipple is also repositioned. On its own, a lift will give the bosom more shape and definition. Patients who also want to increase the size of their breasts can incorporate implants into the treatment.

Why Are They Necessary?

Pregnancies, weight fluctuations, and the aging process all take their toll on a woman’s body over time and deplete the elasticity of the skin in the chest area. Women often seek out a lift as a way of restoring a more youthful look to their bosom. Other patients turn to a lift as a way of resolving breasts that are uneven or that have different shapes. Lifts can also be used to reshape the chest after a mastectomy or an injury.

How Can I Tell if a Lift Is Right for Me?

There are several signs that your breasts are sagging enough that a lift may help. If you’ve lost fullness in the upper portion of your bosom and most of the tissue has shifted downward, with the nipple sitting below the fold of the breast, that may be a sign that a lift could help. If your breasts are not as firm as they once were, or if you have extra loose skin in the chest area, those could also be signs that it’s time for a lift. The pencil test is sometimes used to determine whether a bosom needs lifting. If a pencil placed in the fold beneath the breast remains in place unsupported, the breast may be sagging enough to merit a lift.

What Should I Expect?

The first step will be a consultation where we’ll review your medical history and your cosmetic goals. During this appointment, we’ll walk you through what’s involved in a lift and determine whether or not you are a good candidate. If you are entertaining the idea of incorporating implants into your lift, we can also talk about that option during the consultation. The next step will be to schedule your treatment, which will take place in our state-of-the-art facility.

The Day of Your Procedure

We’ll begin by marking your bosom, essentially developing guidelines that we can work from during the treatment. A lift almost always involves making an incision around the perimeter of the areola of each breast. In some cases, an additional incision is made from the areola down to the fold under the breast, and in still other cases, a final additional incision is made horizontally along the fold of the breast. The approach to your incisions, which will be discussed with you in advance, will depend on your current breast position and the severity of your case. Your preference regarding incisions will also be taken into account.

After making the incisions, the excess tissue in your bosom will be removed and the remaining tissue will be reshaped. The nipple and areola may also be repositioned for a more natural and youthful appearance. If the areola has become stretched out as a result of the sagging, it will be reduced in size by removing some of the skin at its perimeter. At the end of the process, sutures are used to close the incisions. The sutures are embedded deep in the breast to provide support to the reconstructed bosom.

Recovery

You’ll be able to head home after your treatment, and most of our patients return to work and their regular schedules in about two weeks. We ask patients to avoid rigorous activity for several weeks. The extent of your treatment, including whether or not it includes an implant, will influence your recovery.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

Your treatment will be overseen by Dr. Janho. A native of Jerusalem, Dr. Janho attended Furman University in Greenville, S.C. and the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C. He completed a general surgery residency at the New York Medical Center/Bellevue Hospital and spent a number of years working in emergency medicine at hospitals around the country before pursuing additional training in plastic surgery. In 2004, he opened Bella Forma Cosmetic Surgery Center. Dr. Janho attends surgical conferences around the world and has a true passion for his work.

What Kind of Results Can I Expect?

Most patients see results immediately after their treatment. The breasts will sit higher on the chest and will be firmer and better shaped. Although a breast lift doesn’t increase the size of the bosom, the breasts may appear larger because of the reshaping they’ve undergone. Most patients say they feel more confident, sexier, and more youthful after a lift. In some patients, the lift helps balance the overall appearance of the body by making the bosom more proportional to the other features.

What Other Benefits Are Associated With a Lift?

A lift offers benefits that go beyond cosmetic improvements. Most patients who have undergone a lift say they experience less chafing and are more comfortable overall. That’s because the lift removes some of the extra tissue that leads to sagging. Once that extra tissue is gone, you’ll experience less rubbing and irritation.

The convenience associated with a lift is also a major benefit. Lifts are an outpatient treatment performed in our comfortable and modern facility. You won’t have to worry about the hassle and inconvenience of a hospital stay. And although there is a recovery period associated with any cosmetic procedure, you’ll be back on your feet in no time.

How Long Will My Results Last?

A lift represents a permanent reshaping and repositioning of the breast. However, gravity and the aging process will continue to influence your body and your bosom, so you may continue to see subtle changes over time. Maintaining a healthy and consistent weight will go a long way toward preserving your results. A significant weight loss will deplete the amount of fat in your bosom, resulting in drooping. Significant weight gain can stress the tissue in the chest area, which can also result in drooping.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Having sagging breasts isn’t the only factor that signals an individual is a good candidate for a lift. Several other criteria help determine whether a woman should undergo this treatment.

Your Breasts Are Fully Developed

We refrain from performing lifts or other forms of augmentation on patients until their breasts have fully developed. For the majority of patients, this means waiting until the age of 18, or sometimes until the early 20s, to allow the development process to run its course. It’s fruitless to treat breasts that are still developing and evolving.

Your Breasts Are Uneven

Some women have breasts that don’t match even though they are fully developed. In some patients, the differences between the two breasts are significant and notable. The reshaping of tissue and the repositioning of the breasts that takes place in a lift can address this problem.

You Have Small or Medium-Sized Breasts

Women with breasts that are small or medium in size often see the best results from a lift. Larger breasts sometimes don’t respond as well to a lift and don’t produce results that last as long. If you have large breasts but are still interested in seeking out a more shapely and firm bosom, consult with your physician about the best treatment for your situation. Sometimes a breast reduction treatment can offer women with large bosoms the reshaping and firmness they desire.

You’re Healthy

As with any treatment, it helps if the patient is in good physical health and is a non-smoker. This treatment is not recommended for patients who have cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, breast cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, or certain other health conditions.

You’re Not Pregnant

This treatment is not an option for women who are breastfeeding. In fact, it’s wise to delay this treatment until after your pregnancy years, because pregnancy-related shifts in your weight can influence the shape and profile of your breasts, potentially negating the results of your lift.

You’re Emotionally Stable and Mature

This is another criterion that is frequently considered, especially for patients undergoing cosmetic treatments. It helps if you’re emotionally stable enough to handle the range of potential outcomes associated with plastic surgery, as well as the change your body will undergo. It’s also important that patients make the deeply personal decision to undergo this treatment for themselves and not to satisfy another individual or to fit into society’s vision of what the ideal body looks like.

Can I Do Anything to Prevent Sagging?

There are a number of factors that play a role in sagging breasts, including genetics, having a large cup size, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and the aging process. There’s no foolproof way of warding off a drooping bosom, a condition that is known medically as ptosis, but there are steps you can take that might help.

Refraining from smoking, living a healthy lifestyle, and maintaining a consistent weight are all good steps to take. Some sagging is almost inevitable, and that’s why many patients are turning to lifts or other augmentation treatments.

At What Age Do the Breasts Usually Start to Sag?

Every body is different, but the first signs of sagging and breast inelasticity usually start to show up when a woman is in her forties. A history of smoking, which can speed up the aging process, may cause sagging to develop earlier in life.

What Other Breast Treatments Does Your Practice Offer?

In addition to lifts, our practice offers a wide array of implants as well as a sizing system that allows our patients to simulate the various size options available. If you are unhappy with your bosom but unsure about which treatment to pursue, our staff can help assess your situation and determine the appropriate course of treatment.

Our Practice

If you’re ready to put your drooping bosom behind you and take a step toward a sleek new silhouette, call Bella Forma CSC & Medspa in Duluth, GA and schedule a breast lift consultation.





The post What Should You Expect From a Breast Lift? appeared first on Bella Forma.

What Is the Key to Tighter Skin?

Recent strides in technology have made cosmetic treatments more revolutionary and effective than ever before. Taking advantage of new treatment systems, med spas such as ours have found new ways to help every patient find a high-tech solution that works for them. These are treatments that put the patient and their individual needs first, which ultimately returns power to the patient so you can keep loving the way you look.

The key to these tailored treatments is how these technologies address the root causes of your skin concerns. Before you schedule your appointment to tighten your skin and rejuvenate your appearance, learn about the causes of skin laxity and how advanced technology can help.

What Causes Loose Skin?

Loose skin, or skin laxity, refers to skin that has lost its suppleness. Loose skin is often thin and dry, can sag in places where gravity drags it down and is more prone to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. In short, loose skin ages you. The unfortunate truth, however, is that loose skin is an inevitable side effect of aging, and, short of finding a way to stop time, cosmetic treatments and a comprehensive skincare routine are often the only ways to slow aging.

Why Key Skin Proteins Matter

As we age, the natural regenerative properties in our bodies slow. Natural regeneration refers to the renewal of cells and other microscopic functions in our bodies that are naturally replaced in preset cycles. When we are young, the renewal of our cells is rapid to keep up with growing bodies; however as we get older, that renewal slows as our bodies reach a growth stasis, which is usually around age 25 for most people.

This effect of aging is a reason older adults have weaker immune systems and why our skin changes as we age. In fact, skin regeneration is usually the first regenerative ability that slows. Why? It has to do with the two key proteins found in the skin.

Collagen

Collagen is the main structural protein within the skin and makes up more than 30% of the natural proteins found in the human body. Collagen is found in connective tissues, especially the connections between skin cells. You can think of collagen as something similar to mesh netting that holds balloons up on a ceiling; when the netting fails, the balloons soon follow. As a key protein for the skin, collagen is mostly responsible for skin structure, specifically for upholding the volume of skin.

Elastin

Elastin is a unique structural protein within the skin and is found in many connective tissues. Elastin is unique because of how it behaves. Not unlike a rubber band, elastin can stretch and return to its original shape. In the skin, elastin is responsible for the elasticity of skin, or the way that skin can stretch and eventually shrink back to a normal state. The best example of this is the way the skin of the stomach stretches during pregnancy and then bounces back after childbirth.

How Does Advanced Technology Help?

While you can certainly find collagen supplements to help replace collagen production all over the body, taking these supplements is usually a way to support bone and ligament health and is not as effective for treating collagen loss in the skin. For the skin, there are plenty of over-the-counter serums and creams that are made with collagen, but for patients with moderate or severe skin concerns, these products may not be as effective. Additionally, none of these products can help support elastin production, which means they are only treating half of the problem.

Advanced technology is the only way to address both collagen and elastin renewal. This is because advanced technology works to stimulate the production of these skin proteins at the same time.

Introducing Exilis!

What is the all-over skin rejuvenation treatment rapidly becoming the number one choice of cosmetic physicians nationwide? None other than Exilis Elite, a second-generation advanced technology skin rejuvenation treatment that is an all-in-one solution for many skin concerns. We are thrilled to offer Exilis Elite to our patients as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for all of your aesthetic goals.

What Is Exilis?

This is a non-surgical and non-invasive skin treatment that has a variety of uses. This treatment can be used for skin tightening, body contouring, and fat reduction, as well as rejuvenating the superficial appearance of skin. It sounds too good to be true, right? But it isn’t. This revolutionary treatment is effective, and the results speak for themselves.

How Does It Work?

What’s the key to this innovative advanced technology treatment? Broadly speaking, this is a treatment that helps stimulate the body’s natural regenerative abilities, taking advantage of proteins already present in the body to produce desired results. But if you’re asking about the specifics of the technology, then you should know that this treatment utilizes two popular cosmetic treatment methods.

Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency is the tried-and-true golden standard in non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Radiofrequency technology emits wavelengths of energy and is delivered through a specialized treatment device. There are several different types of radiofrequency cosmetic treatments, each with their own patented device that can be used directly on the skin. Radiofrequency treatments produce a heat sensation on the skin, which penetrates the dermis and stimulates the production of proteins in the sub-dermal layers.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound technology has been used for over 50 years for medical purposes, such as examining the internal organs. Ultrasound can be used to show an image of the tissues of the body, not unlike an x-ray. However, recent novel treatments have found that ultrasound technology can also be utilized in cosmetic treatments. Ultrasound cosmetic treatments allow technicians to see beneath the layers of skin and target specific areas of treatment, meaning that ultrasound cosmetic treatments are effective because they leave no stone unturned.

What Does It Treat?

As an all-over, all-in-one treatment, every part of the body and every aesthetic concern you have can be treated with this unique system. Virtually every area of the body, including places with sensitive skin, can safely use this treatment. This includes places such as the face, eyes, neck, arms, stomach, buttocks, and thighs. Additionally, almost all aesthetic concerns can be corrected with this treatment, including:

• Skin laxity
• Excess body fat
• Cellulite
• Uneven skin tone
• Uneven skin texture
• Dark spots and sun damage
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Loss of skin volume
• Lifting the eyes and eyebrows
• Loose skin beneath the chin
• Scarring

What Are the Benefits of Treatment?

As the most diverse and versatile cosmetic treatment on the market, the benefits of this treatment are seemingly endless. We have winnowed the benefits down to these main points that prospective patients find most appealing:

Tightens Skin

As a skin tightening solution, this treatment can address skin laxity on both the face and body, which is especially useful for patients who have multiple areas of concern. Like any other skin tightening treatment, this advanced system can lift and tighten lax skin and restore volume to sagging skin, especially beneath the eyes and in the cheeks.

Reduces Fat

This treatment can be used for reducing excess fat on the face and body, meaning this system is considered a body contouring treatment. The reduction of fat can help smooth away the dimples of cellulite and also sculpt the shape of the cheeks, the area beneath the jaw, and any swells of unwanted fat on the body, such as the stomach, arms, and thighs.

Combats Aging

The combination of radiofrequency and ultrasound technology means that this treatment is also suitable for anti-aging. Like other rejuvenation treatments that help patients restore a more youthful appearance, this treatment can address many of the superficial skin concerns associated with aging, such as uneven skin tone, rough skin texture, and wrinkles.

Works Safely

This treatment is FDA approved, meaning it has passed all clinical trials and studies that test the safety and efficacy of the treatment. This treatment has been approved for the use of tightening skin, reducing fat, and resurfacing skin on both the face and the body. Additionally, this treatment can be used by all patients regardless of the severity of their skin issues or the pigment of their skin.

Has No Downtime

There is no downtime associated with this treatment. Most patients complete this treatment and return to work or other normal daily activities the next day. Some patients even return to work and their regular schedule on the same day as treatment. While we do ask that patients take care to minimize exposure to excess sun and heat and to always use sun protection, there are very few limitations associated with recovery from this treatment.

Gives Lasting Results

The results of this treatment can last up to 6 months. Most patients have a recommended “round” of initial treatments (usually 2 to 3 sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart) to produce the desired results. After this completed round of treatments, results will last for about 6 months, after which patients will need to maintain regularly scheduled appointments to maintain results. Sessions for this treatment last about 30 minutes.

Are You a Candidate for Treatment?

The vast majority of patients who express interest in this treatment are qualified candidates. Ideal candidates for this treatment include anyone who is not satisfied with any aspect of the appearance of their face or body. Candidates are determined qualified for this treatment after attending a consultation appointment. You may be a good candidate for this treatment if you want to:

• Correct skin laxity
• Reduce unwanted fat
• Improve skin tone and texture
• Restore skin volume
• Treat multiple areas of the body and face
• Diminish the appearance of scarring
• Correct other flaws or blemishes

Exilis Is Your Key to Tighter Skin

Aging may be inevitable, but living with the visible signs of aging doesn’t have to be. With the vast capabilities of advanced technology, you can easily correct skin concerns. It’s time to take the plunge and start rethinking your methods for maintaining your youth. If you think that Exilis is your key to tighter skin and a rejuvenated appearance, contact Bella Forma CSC & Medspa in Duluth, GA to schedule your consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve all of your aesthetic goals!

The post Exilis Elite: Your Key to Tighter Skin appeared first on Bella Forma.

What Is a Brazilian Butt Lift?

A Brazilian butt lift is a highly sought-after cosmetic surgery procedure that involves the transfer of fat from one part of your body to another to augment the shape of your butt without implants. The procedure requires fat to be taken from a donor site located on your body (often the abdomen, hips, or thighs) via liposuction. Once the donor fat has been removed from your body, it goes through a purification process to separate healthy fat from unhealthy fat. What remains is sterile and injected in layers directly into the butt to produce the desired results.

Are You a Good Candidate?

To be a good candidate for the procedure, you must currently have a flat, deflated bottom and the desire to transform and reshape it into a rounder, fuller, shapelier, and smoother butt. The reason for your desire for change could simply stem from wanting to have a fuller backside, or because a significant change in your weight has caused your butt to sag.

As with all surgical procedures, you need to be in good health and have the time available to spend on a proper recovery. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, you’ll want to stop as soon as possible. Smoking causes blood vessels to restrict, making it more difficult for vitamins, nutrients, and the building blocks your body needs to heal to reach the site of the procedure.

Why Is It So Popular?

The next time you turn on the TV or take a walk around town, you’ll be able to see why the procedure is so popular. Bigger butts are in right now in a major way. Curvy models are showing up on magazine covers the world over and are getting roles in major motion pictures. Clothing brands are producing larger sizes to allow for women with more curvaceous bodies to wear clothes that hug their curves in all the right places. The rail-thin physique so associated with beauty in decades past is giving way to a standard of beauty that includes women of all shapes and sizes.

You Get Two Procedures in One

Brazilian butt lifts are often referred to as a two-in-one procedure because two separate areas of your body are benefitting from a single procedure. This has to do with the liposuction necessary to harvest donor fat for the procedure. One problem area-with too much fat-is slimmed and sculpted with liposuction. Then your butt is enhanced with the fat that was taken from the donor site. What you’re left with are natural-looking results and a body with curves in all the right places. If you’ve been earnestly seeking an hourglass shape, this is the way to get there.

Celebrities Illustrate the Benefits With Their Bodies

Between the Kardashians, Shakira, Amber Rose, and Nicki Minaj, it’s easy to see that the trend of bigger, rounder butts has arrived. These celebrities, and others, have received a great deal of press attention due to the size of their buttocks. Often, celebrities are mum on the subject, not wanting to admit the secret to their curvaceous physiques, but the reality is that many turn to procedures such as this to get the curves they want.

A Brazilian Butt Lift Is the Go-To Option

When it comes to enhancing the butt, this procedure is the go-to option among women all over the world, including Georgia, for a number of reasons. The procedure provides more natural-looking results when compared to implants alone. The liposuction procedure necessary to harvest fat for injections makes it ideal for women looking to obtain an hourglass figure by removing fat from one area and placing it in another. Last, recovery is almost always much shorter and less intense with a Brazilian butt lift than with implants.

What Happens at Your Initial Consultation?

If you think the procedure is right for you, the first thing to do is call and make an appointment to speak with one of our medical professionals. You and your surgeon will discuss your cosmetic goals at your initial consultation.

Evaluation

You’ll be evaluated as a candidate for surgery, and your surgeon will clarify what the procedure can and cannot do. As your surgeon obtains a better understanding of your goals and desires, they may suggest additional treatments or procedures to better achieve the results you’re looking for.

During your evaluation, your surgeon will examine your buttocks, taking note of size and shape, skin quality, and what kind of augmentation may be required in lieu of your stated goals and body type. They will then assess the various fat donor sites on your body to determine which would be most appropriate.

Medical History

Your surgeon will want a full rundown of your complete medical history at your consultation, so make sure you have the information available. You’ll need to inform your surgeon about any previous surgeries (particularly cosmetic surgeries that took place in the same area, such as a tummy tuck). They will also need to be well-informed regarding any past or present medical conditions, allergies, and any prior history of injections in the buttocks region.

Plans

It’s very important that you provide complete information about your medical history to your surgeon. If you have any plans to lose a significant amount of weight in the future, inform your surgeon before you do anything. If you plan to lose a significant amount of body weight before your Brazilian butt lift, your surgeon may recommend that you undergo any weight loss before the surgery as opposed to after. Dramatic weight loss can significantly affect your long-term results.

How Should You Prepare?

Your surgeon will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions and answer any questions you may have before your procedure. As mentioned, a detailed medical history will need to be taken, and this will likely be followed by a physical exam to ensure you’re healthy enough to undergo the procedure.

Some patients need to make minor-to-moderate lifestyle changes in order to minimize complications with the procedure. If you’re a smoker or use other tobacco products, you’ll need to stop at least six weeks before undergoing surgery. You will also need to stop taking any aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications or supplements that can lead to an increase in bleeding.

Adequate hydration is critically important both before and after the procedure. Your surgeon will advise you on how to stay hydrated and avoid complications involving dehydration.

On the Day of Your Procedure

Procedures like the Brazilian butt lift are most often performed in either an accredited hospital, a free-standing ambulatory facility, or an office-based surgical site. The procedure itself typically takes anywhere from two to three hours to complete, though they’ve been known to take longer.

Comfort

You will be given medications for your comfort before your procedure. The anesthesia often used in the procedure is general anesthesia, though local anesthesia or intravenous sedation can also be used in certain circumstances.

Safety

The medical staff will set up monitors in the operating room during your procedure to help ensure your safety during surgery. They will show your vital information, including heart, blood pressure, pulse, and blood oxygen levels throughout the procedure.

Surgery and Recovery

One the monitors are set up and medications and anesthesia have been administered, your surgeon will proceed with the surgical plan you discussed together before your surgery. After the procedure is complete, you’ll be moved to a recovery area where you can be monitored while you rest and the anesthesia wears off. Surgical drains will most likely be in place already, and a compression garment will be placed over the liposuction site(s) as well as your newly shaped buttocks.

For most patients, the immediate post-surgery recovery period is short and they’re permitted to go home that same day. It’s very important that you make plans to have someone bring you home from the facility and provide you with aftercare while you heal.

What Are Aftercare and Recovery Like?

Everyone’s body heals differently, and your surgeon will inform you of how long it will take before you can return to work and/or your daily level of activity. You and the person acting as your caregiver during recovery will receive detailed instructions on what to do for your post-surgical care. The instructions will include information about the surgical drains and how to care for them as well as what normal recovery symptoms you’ll face.

Immediately After Your Procedure

The incision sites where a cannula was inserted during liposuction may drain fluids for several days post-procedure. This is why drainage tubes are used to funnel fluid away from the wound. Sometimes the fluid drainage is significant and there can be some bruising. These are both normal aspects of the procedure.

Continuous use of your post-surgical compression garments is required to keep your buttocks compressed and help them to maintain their shape. How long you’ll have to wear these garments can vary, but your doctor will let you know exactly which garments to wear and when you can stop wearing them.

How Long Will the Results Last?

The results of your Brazilian butt lift will, by and large, last for a very long time. Once a successful fat transfer occurs, the fat which remains will stay there for the rest of your life provided you do not experience any drastic weight loss. The fat will grow and age in its new location just like the rest of the tissues in your body.

The procedure itself is an extremely effective way to improve your physique, attain an hourglass shape, increase your self-esteem, and make you look great in the clothes you wear. However, it’s possible you may need to make some lifestyle changes intended to maintain the appearance of your new shape. Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a consistent exercise regimen (once your surgeon clears you to do so) should be incorporated into your daily routine to keep you in shape.

Find Out for Yourself

The Brazilian butt lift has exploded in popularity in recent years. Celebrities may be mum about their surgeries, but the effects cannot be denied. Sexy, round buttocks are in vogue today and aren’t going anywhere any time soon. If you’re dissatisfied with your appearance and think that this procedure might be right for you, contact us at Bella Forma CSC & Medspa in Duluth, GA today at 678-824-8600 to discuss your options.

The post Discover Why the Brazilian Butt Lift Is So Popular appeared first on Bella Forma.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that can give women the shape they either used to have or have always wanted. If you’re happy with the size of your breasts but would like them lifted higher on your chest plate to give you a firmer and a perkier look, this procedure can help you achieve those results. After this procedure, women feel more comfortable and confident in all their clothes, including form-fitting clothing, bathing suits, and lingerie.

Breast lifts can be customized based on each patient’s goals, and there is no “one size fits all” procedure. Your doctor will listen to your specific desired outcome and talk you through what to expect and how he’ll attain the look you want.

Why Choose a Breast Lift?

When most people think of breast-related surgery, they think implants. Implants can serve a tremendous purpose in boosting a woman’s self-esteem and restoring the shape she once had that time or motherhood have taken away. If you’re happy with the size of your breasts but not with the shape, position, or symmetry of them, a lift can address those concerns.

A lift is a great option if your cup size hasn’t changed but your breasts seem to need a bra more than they ever did before. A good test to see if you could benefit from a breast lift is the pencil test. Ideally, breasts would be lifted and firm enough to not hold a pencil when it’s placed in the crease under the breasts. If the crease under your breasts can hold the pencil, a lift may provide the solution you’re looking for.

What Causes Breasts to Sag?

There are a few major factors that can lead to a loss of firmness and result in sagging breasts and unwanted positioning of the nipple and areola. The first is just the passage of time. When we age, we lose collagen and elastin, which are responsible for firm skin and strong underlying tissue structure. As we age, gravity begins to win as our structure naturally breaks down, leaving breasts hanging lower on our chest than when we were young.

Another factor in sagging breasts is motherhood. Motherhood brings a few changes to the breasts. During pregnancy, weight gain and milk production can cause breasts to enlarge, but as breastfeeding stops and the weight is lost, breasts can be left sagging and hanging lower on the chest than before.

Weight gain and loss can cause the skin of the breasts to lose elasticity and the desired perkiness of a proportional profile. Some women are genetically predisposed to have weaker muscle tone and breast structure so they may experience sagging in adolescence. Whatever the cause, a lift can address all these issues.

What Issues Can a Breast Lift Address?

It’s not just sagging breasts this procedure can address. While it’s not always comfortable to talk about, women should feel empowered enough to own their own desired aesthetic and talk about the issues they’re experiencing. One such issue is downward facing nipples. The nipple and areola should face outward and not sit lower than the crease underneath your breasts. A lift can reposition breast tissue to help you achieve that aesthetic.

If you have asymmetrical breasts, you’re not alone. Many women have one breast that is slightly larger than the other and, for most people, it’s not significant enough for anyone else to notice or to cause them discomfort. If your breasts’ asymmetry makes you uncomfortable or self-conscious, however, a lift can position the tissue differently in each breast to make them appear more symmetrical without adding volume to either.

How Is a Lift Different From Augmentation?

Often, women think a lift automatically means they will have to get implants. Not so. Augmentation, or implants, is a completely different procedure from a lift and each has a different goal.

Breast augmentation will increase the size and enhance the shape of the breasts and may include implants. A lift does not include implants and will only improve the position of the breasts. If a woman has only one concern, each procedure can be done as a stand-alone surgery. They can also be done in conjunction with each other if the woman would also like to add volume to her breasts while they’re being lifted.

While a lift isn’t adding any volume, it can appear, sometimes, to have the same effect on breast size as a small implant. Some women experience a “deflated” look to their breasts. When the excess skin is removed and the native breast tissue repositioned higher on the chest, not only are the breasts perkier, but the movement of existing breast tissue makes the now firmer breasts appear larger.

What to Expect

An in-depth consultation is needed with a plastic surgeon to decide the right course of action and type of breast lift you’ll need. Each woman is different, so each procedure will be tailored to that woman’s specific body and desired results. Cosmetic surgeons will examine the breast area and, using a marker, show you where the issues lie and the places they will make incisions to help you achieve your goals.

The Incisions

The location of the incisions your surgeon will make depends on several factors, including:

• Position of the breasts and nipples
• Amount of excess fat
• Severity of the sagging
• Surgeon’s preference
• Patient’s preference

There are three common techniques for incisions. You and your surgeon will discuss each one so you understand how each one will affect the lift and the other areas of concern you have. Each type of incision involves different areas of the breast, so you and your physician can choose the location that will benefit you the most.

The Procedure

When you have both agreed on a course of treatment, the incision, and the result you’re looking for, your surgery date will be scheduled. During your procedure, your surgeon will focus on:

• Lifting and reshaping the underlying breast tissue to achieve the targeted contour and firmness
• Repositioning the nipple and areola to a more natural, youthful height and position
• If part of the treatment plan, reducing areolas by excising perimeter skin
• Removing excess skin to compensate for lost elasticity

Each patient, surgery, and surgery center varies, so preparation and aftercare instructions will be individualized and personal. It’s important to follow any pre and post-surgery directions your surgeon has given you and contact them with questions and concerns at any point in the process.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Most adult women in good overall health and who are unhappy with the position of their breasts or nipples and areolas may be good candidates for this procedure. Only your surgeon can determine if this procedure is right for you, so a consultation is necessary. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding will need to wait to have their breasts lifted. You and your surgeon can discuss if a lift is right for you if you’re still planning on having more children and breastfeeding.

If you’ve grown tired of the self-consciousness you feel because your breasts aren’t the shape you’d like them to be, or if they have dropped from their perky, youthful position, talk to your surgeon about this procedure.

The most important part of the motivation for wanting this kind of surgery is that it’s simply because it’s what will make you feel better and more confident. It’s never a good idea to have surgery to fulfill the wishes of someone else or chase an ideal image. Making this decision for you and only you will ensure you are thrilled with your results.

Breast Augmentation

Unlike a lift that addresses only the position of the breasts, augmentation helps women achieve the size, shape, and volume they’d like to have. You don’t have to live with a breast size that makes you unhappy. A consultation with a skilled surgeon can start the process of achieving the proportions and silhouette you’ve always wanted.

After you and your surgeon have discussed your goals for surgery, you may be able to view your expected results through a simulation program in their office. These systems allow you to see what your results will look like so you’re completely comfortable with your plan. During surgery, your doctor will place implants behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle.

Implants are surgical-grade sacs filled with either sterile saline or silicone. Where and how your surgeon makes incisions depends on the kind of surgery you’re having, your surgeon’s preferences, and your individual circumstances. Your medical team will give you detailed aftercare instructions to ensure you have a quick and comfortable recovery.

Breast Reduction

Women can be just as unhappy with large breasts as they can with small. Whenever a woman feels her breasts are out of proportion with the rest of her body or don’t match what she’d like her image to portray, she’s a candidate for surgery.

Some women have genetically large breasts that can cause them physical pain, as their bodies have to adapt to carrying around disproportionate weight in the breast area. Women with large breasts may find enjoyable activities like exercise uncomfortable and challenging, while others can feel emotional distress or more significant mental health issues.

While most breast reduction surgeries are performed to reduce physical and emotional strain on the patient, that doesn’t have to be the case. If a woman is simply unhappy with the aesthetic of her breasts and would like a reduction in their size, she’s a viable candidate for surgery and should have a consultation with her surgeon.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

Deciding to have this type of cosmetic surgery is deeply personal and should only be trusted to the very best surgeons. You want to be sure you’re choosing a doctor who will get to know you as a person so he can offer you the very best options to achieve the kinds of results you’re looking for.

Call Bella Forma CSC & Medspa in Duluth, GA and schedule a consultation with Dr. Janho. Dr. Janho leads our team and, together, we are committed to offering comprehensive and compassionate care to each client that walks into our modern and technologically advanced facility. A more confident, fulfilled and self-assured you can be just a consultation away.

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One day post op from 3D Liposculpture, lipo 360, and BBL at Bella Forma with Dr. Janho in Atlanta, GA

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