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Preparing for Cosmetic Surgery

By admin | August 9, 2011

Emotionally and Physically Preparing for Cosmetic Surgery

If you are considering a cosmetic procedure, one of the crucial aspects to recovery and achieving satisfying results post-surgery has to do with the preparation process.

Cosmetic surgery can not only affect an individual physically, but also emotionally. It is important to be in good health before a cosmetic procedure and also have a clear picture of what the surgery entails.

Before having a procedure done, be sure to do your research. Know the risks and side effects of your procedure and be informed about everything your procedure involves. It is also important to have realistic expectations; the results from plastic surgery do not happen over night and recovery depends upon the individual. Your doctor will discuss both pre-operative and post-operative care with you during the consultation.

There are certain precautions a patient should take before surgery. He or she should stop taking stopping certain medications, such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients should also refrain from smoking and drinking at least two weeks before and two weeks after surgery.

On the day of your procedure, arrange for someone to drive you to and from your surgery. Also, have someone designated to help assist you for at least 24 to 72 hours after the procedure.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery, whether surgical or non-surgical, I can go over all you need to know during an initial consultation at my practice. I will discuss with you what to expect and help you decide if you are physically and emotionally ready for surgery. To learn more, please feel free to make an appointment at my office.

Topics: Plastic Surgery | No Comments »

Obamacare and Plastic Surgery

By admin | August 2, 2011

Obamacare: How it affects plastic surgery?

Obamacare may include adding a tax onto elective surgical procedures, such as corrective and cosmetic surgeries. All of which are not presently controlled by the federal government. However, there has been talk of the feds levying a “Botox tax,” as well as on other cosmetic procedures. 

In the past, cosmetic surgery has never been taxed. Now, if it were to be taxed, the cost of cosmetic surgery would increase significantly. This may affect the number of men and women who end up undergoing cosmetic surgery. Despite the financial crisis, the percentage of individuals opting for cosmetic procedures has not taken too much of a dive. However, a majority of people are steering more towards non-surgical enhancements, such as injectables and fillers, and the popularity of cosmetic surgery continues to rise.

If a plastic surgery tax is put into effect, it is important for prospective patients to plan ahead financially before undergoing a cosmetic procedure.

At my practice, we offer a number of financing options for our patients. The primary finance companies offer 12 months of no interest, as well as extended payment plans. We also offer an E-flex finance program for patients looking to build their credit. This will entail the individual to put down 50 percent of the cost of surgery and the remaining half can be financed for 12 to 24 months.

 To learn more, please feel free to contact my office or schedule a consultation.

Topics: Plastic Surgery | No Comments »

Breast Revision Cleveland

By admin | July 29, 2011

Breast Revision to Improve Previous Surgery Results

CLEVELAND, OH – Oftentimes, women visit my practice to learn about their options with breast revision surgery. They are either dissatisfied with their initial breast augmentation results for cosmetic reasons or there is a complication that poses a health risk. When performing a breast revision surgery, I commonly remove and replace the breast implants.

One of the most common post-operative complications that occur are capsular contracture, which is when scar tissue forms around the breast implant causing breast stiffness and possible leakage. Although, there is no predictable way of knowing which type of woman may experience capsular contracture, it can be often prevented by following your doctor’s instructions pre- and post-surgery. Other potential complications include nipple sensitivity or loss in sensitivity as well as rippling or rupture of the breast implant.

When performing a revision breast surgery, incision and placement options are the same as breast augmentation. Incisions can be placed below the breast crease, around the areola, or through the armpit. Placement options include directly under the chest muscle or directly under the breast tissue. Under the chest muscle (pectoralis) is known as the sub pectoral placement and is the most common method I perform.

If you are considering breast revision surgery, please feel free to contact my practice. I will go over all the information you need to know before undergoing a breast implant revision. During a consultation and a thorough examination, I will determine the best breast revision surgery approach for you.

Topics: Breast Revision | No Comments »

Lipo Cleveland

By admin | July 25, 2011

Reduce Stubborn Pockets of Fat with Liposuction!

CLEVELAND, OH – When healthy diet and regular exercise are not providing an individual with the results they desire, liposuction may be a good option to consider. It is a leading cosmetic surgery procedure that is designed to get rid of excess fat and tissue from specific areas of the body. Such regions that can benefit from liposuction include the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck.

There are a number of new techniques that I commonly perform, such as power assisted liposuction, ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), the tumescent technique, and the super-wet technique. Depending on the individual, I will help determine which method will provide the most optimal outcome, based on the patient’s goals and body type. All of the techniques performed at my practice provide precise results and quicker recovery times than traditional liposuction methods.

I will perform the liposuction procedure by inserting a tiny, narrow tube known as a cannula through an incision area to vacuum out excess fat; the cannula is gently moved back and forth in order to break up the fat cells before being suctioned. This process allows to effectively re-contour the patient’s body.

A good candidate for liposuction is someone who is realistic in his or her goals and expectations, and is in a healthy weight range. If you are interested in learning about your liposuction options, you may come to my practice for an initial consultation. I will carefully examine your medical history and goals to help you determine if liposuction is right for you.

Topics: Liposuction | No Comments »

Breast Augmentation Cleveland

By admin | July 19, 2011

The Basics of Breast Augmentation

CLEVELAND, OH – Among one of the most common procedures I perform at my practice is breast augmentation. The ideal candidate for this procedure is a woman who feels that her breast size is too small or is looking to enhance the shape of her breasts for personal reasons.

I incorporate the most advanced breast implant technologies to ensure a gentle, more patient-oriented approach. Depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals, I perform each breast surgery procedure with a personalized approach. Different breast incisions and placement may be used when undergoing a breast implant procedure.

Typically, I will make an incision either under the breasts, the lower edge of the areola, or through the armpit. Implant placement options include: directly behind the breast or underneath the chest wall (pectoralis) muscle. The latter is referred to as subpectoral placement, which is the most commonly used technique.

Breast surgery patients have the choice between saline breast implants or silicone filled breast implants. The size and type of breast implant that is used during your procedure will be determined by your body frame, existing breast tissue, and aesthetic goals.

Women who undergo breast augmentation are able to return to light activity within 24 to 48 hours after surgery, and often feel back to normal in three days. If you are interested in learning about your options in breast surgery, you may schedule a visit with me for consultation, during which I can determine if this procedure is right for you. The best candidates for breast surgery are physically healthy and realistic in their expectations.

Topics: Breast Augmentation | No Comments »

Breast Augmentation with Fat Cleveland

By admin | June 28, 2011

Breast Augmentation with Fat Injections?

When it comes to breast enhancement surgery, there is typically very little variation with how to achieve a fuller breast contour – augmentation is a straightforward, safe procedure that entails the use of either saline or silicone gel implants. However, interest in another form of enlargement is becoming increasingly popular, more specifically – fat injections. This method has been discussed in the past, yet never fully embraced.

Although it may sound like a promising technique to achieve a fuller bustline without the use of a foreign object, there are still many concerns with fat injections. This method is still under investigation and not widely performed by many surgeons. Personally, I do not offer this technique, as I prefer the use of saline and silicone gel filled breast implants; and because the fat injection procedure is not yet perfected I would not provide this as an option for my patients. I care about their safety and satisfaction.The fat that is injected in the breasts may be  reabsorbed resulting in loss of volume.. This leaves the patient unhappy with her results and may turn to a more traditional breast enlargement procedure.

In addition, there have been some studies that show that the fat interferes with a proper reading of a mammogram. When the scan is viewed, there may be some confusion in differentiating between the fat injected and cancerous cells. For this reason, patients must be sure to carefully research the procedure as well as the surgeon who will perform their surgery.

Please feel free to visit my website and learn more regarding breast augmentation. You may also schedule an appointment at this time to further discuss your options and have your questions/concerns addressed.

Topics: Breast Augmentation | No Comments »

Short Scar Facelifts Cleveland

By admin | June 21, 2011

Short Scar Facelifts

Early signs of aging can be bothersome to numerous individuals, which is why many men and women visit my practice for facial rejuvenation. One of the most popular procedures I offer is the “short scar facelift,” which can help achieve a more youthful appearance. It produces only a small amount of scarring that is left in the crease behind the ear and in front of the ear.

The short scar facelift procedure evolved from the standard  facelift surgery, and it can provide patients with results similar to a traditional rhytidectomy but with less scar. Many of those who are interested in this procedure are younger in age (most facelift patients are in their late 40s to 60s) and are very concerned about limited scaring following surgery. Based on the patient’s needs, the extent of the incision is determined and can be greatly reduced when compared to traditional facelift incisions.

This surgery is designed to lift the cheek, reduce jowling,   improve the appearance of the neck.  Short scar facelift surgery can provide a refreshed and younger-looking image, with natural-looking results and minimal scarring. Furthermore, most patients return to  normal, daily activities approximately one week after surgery.

Patients who visit my practice to learn more regarding their facial rejuvenation options are informed of the short scar facelift. This allows them to consider the various techniques available and have their questions/concerns addressed. It is my goal to provide patients with the information necessary to help them choose the most appropriate procedure.

Topics: Facelift | No Comments »

Tummy Tuck with Liposuction Cleveland

By admin | June 14, 2011

Tummy tuck with Liposuction and Direct Fat Excision

Unfortunately, exercise and healthy dieting do not always provide the flatter midsection that most individuals desire. This prompts many to turn to cosmetic plastic surgery. By undergoing such body contouring procedures as abdominal liposuction and tummy tuck surgery, which when performed in conjunction with one another is known as “lipoabdominoplasty,” both skin and fat are removed at the same time. This type of surgery can provide patients with dramatic results – a better-toned abdomen.

Liposuction can be performed on various areas of the body: neck, abdomen, hips, flanks, back, and thighs. However, specifically with the lipo-abdominoplasty procedure, liposuction is performed as part of the tummy tuck, in order to remove excess fat and achieve a flatter stomach area, while the tummy tuck procedure additionally tightens the muscles and removes loose, excess skin. A combined body contouring procedure, lipoabdominoplasty offers an optimal reshaping outcome.

Although this procedure can be performed safely and effectively, it is not performed by all surgeons. I offer this surgery to my patients in order to help them regain a more slender, better-contoured body with the same amount of recovery as a traditional tummy tuck procedure. Usually, this procedure is discussed during a consultation and patients are provided with the proper information regarding the surgery in order to make an informed decision.

If lipoabdominoplasty is of interest to you, please feel free to schedule an appointment at my practice. It is my goal to help you achieve your desired results with a natural-looking appearance.

Topics: Liposuction, Tummy Tuck | No Comments »

Morning Reflection

By Dr. Carp | June 8, 2010

As usual I am sitting in my office, well before any staff or patients arrive, completely paperwork, charts, and preparing for the day.  I thought about the stack of work in front of me and quickly remembered what it is I really do.  I was reviewing a record of a patient who had undergone breast augmentation.  She was shy, self conscious about her appearance, and appeared to have some level of reduced self esteem.  As I reviewed her before and after photos I saw in her posture and recalled her attitude after surgery.  It was different…more confident.

This is why plastic surgeons do what we do.  The transformation is not just the physical, but in many, if not most, it is also psychological.  Year after year I see patients thrilled with their result and how it has changed their life.  And in some ways, this seems more true with plastic surgery than when I was a general surgeon.

Each time I see this, I am reminded that what I and other plastic surgeons do daily is important.  It is a critical part of health care.  It is what being a physician is all about.

Topics: Home | No Comments »

Understanding your result…

By Dr. Carp | May 11, 2010

How can you be sure that your result is what you want?  While nothing is certain, I have found that visually reviewing results is best.  For example…I have all my breast surgery patients bring in pictures that represent the look they are seeking.   This includes breast augmentation patients.  This simple step gives me some insight into the minds eye of each patient.  Not surprisingly, most patients are realistic in terms of what size breast will look good with their frame.  For those that bring in pictures that are not realistic or do not make good medical sense, I will discuss modifying their expectations.  If they cannot accept this, then they should not have breast surgery.

The key is to take the time, talk with the patient, use what ever tools necessary to better understand the patient’s desires and whether their expectations are achievable.

Topics: Home | No Comments »


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