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 Structural fat grafting is making headlines and gaining popularity in cosmetic surgery circles. Dr. Burnett has been researching this new method of fat injection, which has all the benefits of other soft tissue fillers—and longer lasting results.
“Loss of fat, or fat atrophy, is a major factor in facial aging,” says Dr. Burnett. A typical facelift rejuvenates by pulling and tightening the skin, actually taking it away from the face. But fat injections replace lost fat, filling out creases and grooves and adding volume. “Because you are adding something instead of taking it away, the result is a fuller, more youthful face with higher contours and smoother skin,” he says.
One of the most positive aspects of this new procedure is that it uses autologous (the patient’s own) fat, which minimizes allergy and rejection issues. The fat is removed via liposuction from the abdomen, hips or thighs, and the pure fat cells are carefully separated from other liquids and then injected in small quantities. “This process keeps the fat cells intact, so they are not reabsorbed by the body,” Dr. Burnett explains. “This means the results will last longer than when using synthetic fillers such as collagen.”
Dr. Burnett will begin using the technique with patients who are interested in large volume enhancements such as cheek or chin implants. He adds, “It is also a good option for those who want to look younger but are not ready for a full face lift.”
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Do you have a question about a cosmetic procedure?
Email your query to Transformations@contourdoc.com and look for the answer in upcoming newsletters.
Q: If I believe what I see on television, I can have a face lift or tummy tuck and be back to my usual routine in a snap! When it comes to recovery time, what's the reality?
A: Cosmetic technology is continually changing and improving, and there is no doubt this has resulted in safer, faster healing. However, I must emphasize that cosmetic procedures are serious surgery—and you need to allow ample time for your body to recover.
Just how long can you expect to be out of commission? Recovery times vary by procedure and patient, but there are general guidelines. Regardless of the procedure, I recommend taking it easy for the first 2 weeks. If you are taking pain medication or had breast work done, let others do the driving during this time. After liposuction or a breast procedure, I recommend light walking at 2 weeks and you should be ready to resume a normal schedule after 6 weeks. Tummy tuck patients should allow up to 8 weeks before they are back in the gym doing crunches.
Those undergoing face lifts, eye work and nose reshaping will experience noticeable bruising and swelling (using Arnica Montana pre and post-op helps reduce both.) Although you will see results as soon as the initial swelling and discoloration subsides, it usually takes 6 months for eyes and noses to really define themselves. Noses in particular may need to be fine-tuned, and I recommend waiting a full year before you come back for a redo.
The good news is that most patients say they are pleasantly surprised to find that their pain and discomfort are not as bad as they expected—and that the results are well worth it. |
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January is a time of transformation. We feel a surge of motivation to do better, feel better and look better. To help jump-start your resolutions, we suggest giving yourself a beauty boost. These simple in-office treatments create instant results and involve no downtime before or after. So you can put your best face forward this year—and feel empowered to tackle the rest of your 2005 goals!
- Rejuvenate your looks with Restylane. This safe, gentle treatment softens lines and wrinkles, sculpts lips and shapes facial contours. The results are natural, immediate—and bound to be noticed!
- Smooth those deep worry lines between your brows with a Botox treatment. This simple cosmetic technique will really perk up your appearance—and have your friends and family talking.
- Combine a Glycolic Peel with an Eyebrow Shaping by Amalia Riccardi at Skin Savvy. The peel restores even tone and leaves skin moist and glowing. Then Amalia works her magic with wax and scissors, reshaping brows to open your eyes—and give your entire face a miraculous lift!
Amalia Riccardi, owner of Skin Savvy, offers expertise in skin care and advanced aesthetic treatments that compliments the services of our practice. 100 Quimby Street, Suite 4, Westfield, 908.301.1500, www.myskinsavvy.com.
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Patricia Burnett, RN, specializes in guiding patients through the pre and post-operative experience. In this column, she shares her tips on how to feel better—and heal better.
Preparing for your recovery means having the health essentials on hand before your surgery. We like to help out our first-time liposuction and tummy tuck patients by giving them a home recovery kit—customized for their specific procedure. From dressings to pull-up straps, wedge pillows to bendable straws, these kits have everything you need to feel comfortable and cared for when you arrive home.
The Home Recovery catalogue (which was created by a nurse) has a terrific selection of products. There are Chux pads to protect linens, a soft shammy to pamper skin and Arnica gel to reduce swelling. The tummy tuck kit has a pillow for propping your knees and the liposuction version comes with a battery-operated massager. And I love the way they are packaged: in Styrofoam coolers you can fill with ice and healthy juices.
Set up a station next to your bed or sofa so everything is within reach. I even send along a catalogue so you can order extras yourself (they deliver—of course!) Check out Home Recovery Cosmetic Surgery Comfort Products at www.homerecovery.com or call 1.888.HRS CARE.
Have a helpful hint to share? Email us at Transformations@contourdoc.com and we will include it in a future issue. |
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We appreciate your interest and hope you are enjoying our newsletters. Fell free to drop us a line at Transformations@contourdoc.com and let us know what you think!
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