January 5, 2017 By Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS

What Are the Benefits of Shedding Excess Fat?

In today’s society, many of us often chase the perfect look by every means. When it comes to perfect look, everyone thinks about slender bodies and youthful skin. To achieve a slender body and youthful look, medical procedures are also available. Take the example of liposuction procedures. With such options available, you don’t have to undergo harsh diet and exercise plans. In fact, lipo (as it’s affectionately termed) seems to offer instant fat reduction to get rid of those side bulges. No wonder, the demand for such medical cosmetic procedures is increasing at a skyrocket pace.

Even though lipectomies are effective, there are some pros and cons associated getting rid of excess fat. When it comes to cons, the cost factor comes first. Nobody can deny the fact that surgery can be expensive. However, there are a number of benefits to trimming down, even if you resort to surgery to do it.

Benefits of Losing Body Fat

Here is a detailed list of body fat loss benefits:

Better Diet

Dieting is the crucial factor in weight loss. Generally as you cut back on Calories, you also improve the quality of the food you eat. Ignore the fad diets. Proper nutrition affects just about everything. Sure, with surgery, you could lose fat immediately. And some of it you can’t get rid of without surgery. But once you lose the weight, diet is paramount to keeping the fat off long term.

You Look Great

Who doesn’t want a healthy, slender body? Yes, exercise and diet is critical. But what if it’s not enough? The best part of liposuction is it permanently removes fat cells from the body. That means you can retain your new slender look even months after your liposuction procedure. As the process involves permanent removal of fat cells, there is no question of weight gain. Just by following a healthy lifestyle, you’re best able to maintain your ideal body weight and figure.

Improved Health

Medical conditions like lipomas, lipodystrophy syndrome, and gynecomastia are attributed to excess fat cells. Psychologically and emotionally, it is true that a healthy and slender body makes one feel confident and happy. Structurally, your body just has that much less weight to lug around which is better on your knees, hips, back, and more.

Having trouble removing stubborn fat? Give Dr. Liebscher a call to talk about lipo during a free cosmetic consultation.

December 12, 2016 By Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS

How Are Breast Implants Removed?

Breast Implants Removed in Colorado Springs

Making the choice to have breast implants removed can be a difficult decision. Understanding the process of how are breast implants removed will likely help with your decision. More importantly, talking to a highly skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Greg Liebscher in Colorado Springs allows you to get answers to all your questions. Likewise, you might learn other things you didn’t consider before.

The Breast Implant Removal Process

The process of having implants removed isn’t that difficult for your plastic surgeon. The procedure only takes about 30 minutes. And recovery time is usually pretty short. Unlike augmentation, you will not have the down time that comes after surgery for enhancement. You may be sent how with drains that will be removed when your visit your doctor for a follow up appointment. Many doctors request that you wear a bandage for support during the healing process.

The pain after breast implant removal can be very minimal. You will likely be able to resume your normal activities right after your procedure. This is a procedure that is not as invasive as an actual enhancement. This will help you to recover much faster with a very small amount of pain accompanied during the procedure and the recovery time. This is often a concern for many women that are considering removal of implants. Understanding what to expect after the removal can help to relieve these fears.

Sometimes a woman may want breast implants removed due to an implant integrity problem. Implants can rupture and also implants can have capsular contracture. When this happens, many women simply have the breast implants replaced. But you can opt to have them removed entirely if you wish. If you have the implant removed, there can be a lot of hanging tissue. You can work with Dr. Liebscher to come up with a plan to repair the tissue, perhaps with a breast lift.

About Mastopexy

A Mastopexy removes loose skin you may have after an implant is removed. The scar that remains from this type of surgery is often very minimal as healing continues. You can talk to your doctor about things you can do to eliminate scarring.

When you decide that breast removal is the preferred choice for your needs, you will need to begin preparing for the process. You will meet with a plastic surgeon and this initial appointment is a great time to ask any questions that you may have. You will want to know the risks of any surgery you plan on proceeding forward with. Your surgeon will often look at your case personally and give you answers on how long the surgery will take, and also any instructions for before and after surgery.

After surgery you will want to take it easy for the first couple of days after surgery is completed. Many surgeons will recommend that you wear a surgical bra for a while after surgery is complete. You can also take pain medication during this time. After the first few days after surgery you will be able to resume all of your normal activities. You will not need pain medication any longer and you can simply move forward with your life.

Breast Implants Removal Statistics

According to the site FDA.gov, “As many as 20 percent of women who receive breast implants for augmentation have to have their implants removed within 8 to 10 years.” This is a very high incidence and there are many reasons for this removal. No matter what your reasons are for wanting implants removed, you can find a knowledgeable plastic surgeon to help you through the entire process.

What Does It Cost?

Finally, removal of implants is considered a cosmetic procedure and not covered by insurance. However, it may be covered in situations where complications, such as infection, warrant emergency surgery. Always talk to your surgeon about the costs and complications regarding any medical or cosmetic procedure.

October 25, 2013 By Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS

Should You Perform Breast Self Exams after Breast Augmentation?

Breast self exam after breast augmentation

Conducting monthly breast examinations is important to maintain your health even after breast augmentation. Women who perform regular self exams often find lumps in the breast earlier than women who rely on their gynecologist to detect problems during their yearly check-up. This is critical since breast cancer is the second most common cancer found in women.

Early detection is believed to be the most important predictor of a positive response to treatment for breast cancer and breast cancer survival rates. Research has shown that over 96 percent of women who were diagnosed with breast cancer before it had spread to the the lymph nodes survived at last five years after the treatment had been completed.

Women who have had breast augmentation surgery often question if this health practice is safe for them to perform. Many worry they may rupture the implant, or that the implant will impair their ability to detect a lump. However, according to the American Cancer Association, even women with breast implants should conduct monthly breast self exams.

It can be helpful for the surgeon who placed the implants to identify the edges of the implants for the woman so she can be certain she is examining breast tissue. In some cases, women report that after having implant surgery it is easier to conduct breast self exams since the implants push the breast tissue outward.

The technique for performing breast self exams after implant surgery is slightly different than when there are no implants. In order to perform a self exam with implants, press firmly inward at the implants edges until you feel the ribs. Take care not to squeeze or push on the implant excessively to avoid rupturing or deflating the implant. If you fear you may have accidently damaged the implant, have your surgeon check the implant as soon as possible.

The best time to perform breast self exams is when the breasts are not sore or swollen. Many professionals recommend performing monthly exams about a week after the woman’s period. When conducting a breast self exam check for any changes in breast texture, lumps, or sores. Should you find any of these symptoms, see your physician immediately to have a complete breast examination. This may include a biopsy.

If you are being examined or treated by a new physician make sure they are aware of the fact you have implants so they will use appropriate care when performing examinations, mammograms or biopsies to prevent damaging the implants.

Depending on the size of the implants used in breast augmentation surgery, detecting changes in breast tissue or new lumps can be difficult using only self breast exams. This does not mean that women with implants should not continue to perform self exams regularly, however, it is also important for them to have regular exams conducted by a professional.

Source:

American Cancer Society, (n.d.). Can breast cancer be found early? Retrieved, 10/9/2013.

Always consult with a board-certifed plastic surgeon like Dr. Greg Liebscher in Colorado Springs about a cosmetic breast procedure.

September 17, 2013 By Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS

What’s a Nip & Tuck?

A nip and tuck, more commonly referred to as a facelift, is actually a proven, effective cosmetic surgery procedure known formally as a rhytidectomy. Although cosmetic surgeons offer a number of procedures to make you look and feel your best, facelifts are still the procedure of choice for many people who wish to enjoy the benefits of a firmer, more youthful, wrinkle-free face and neck.

It’s not really certain where the nickname, nip & tuck came from.

During a nip & tuck, your cosmetic surgeon removes the sagging and drooping skin and adipose tissue that can make you look older than you feel. This allows the surgeon to tighten your muscles and skin to reveal the natural, youthful contours of your underlying bone structure. Necessary incisions are strategically located at natural creases in your skin or along your hairline, where they are not noticeable after you have healed from your surgery.

Nip & Tuck Popularity

Although the idea of a procedure that could turn back the clock and make a person look years younger seemed impossible only a few generations ago, today facelifts have become popular choices for people of both sexes. In fact, in America alone, 120,000 people had a facelift in 2012. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the main reason these patients cited for choosing a facelift was a desire to achieve a more attractive and youthful appearance.

Another study published by the AMA showed that people who have facelifts achieve these goals, concluding that facelifts are an effective way to take years off a person’s appearance. This is not only true for younger patients; the JAMA reports that older patients were even more satisfied with the results of their surgery than their younger peers.

Considerations

If you are considering a nip n’ tuck, here are some things you should know.

Many patients go home after surgery. However, some people stay the night at the hospital, so pack an overnight bag just in case.
Expect to go home with bandages on your face. These bandages typically come off a day or two after surgery, and your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to remove your stitches in a week or so.
You may be given medication for pain relief following surgery. Applying cold compresses and keeping your head elevated may also help.
Swelling and even bruising are normal after a nip and tuck. Also, don’t be surprised if your face feels stiff for a few days.
As with any cosmetic surgery, your results are heavily dependent upon the skill and experience of your cosmetic surgeon.

Nip & Tuck in Colorado Springs, CO

If you’re considering a a nip and tuck procedure, please contact the office of Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS. Dr. Liebscher is one of the most practiced and respected plastics surgeons in Colorado Springs.

September 12, 2013 By Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS

Is It Harder to Exercise with Breast Implants?

Colorado Springs Breast Implants Exercise Information

For those who are fitness-conscious, you will want to make sure you have an amazing body to go along with the new breast implants. Before heading back to the gym, it is important that you remember that cosmetic surgery is an invasive and traumatic surgery and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Moderate exercise will help make sure your body properly heals with a minimal risk for infection, stretch marks and scar tissue.

Placement and size of the implants will determine the intensity and type of exercise that can be performed immediately following the surgery. Implants can weigh close to a pound or more. When placed beneath the muscle, the muscle helps to support the additional weight.

If the implant were to be placed in front of the muscle, take the necessary precautions against any harmful stretching of the skin and their resulting stretch marks. Extra weight can cause soreness in the surrounding muscles in the neck and back. Look for warning signs of discomfort and pain and make the necessary adjustments to your workout routine.

Functions within the Muscle and Shoulder Joint

Based upon the type of exercises performed before the surgery and your fitness level, the implants may not interfere with your workout routine.
Making the change from an A cup to a C cup may be a lot more difficult than going from a B cup to a C cup due to the changes in structure. The increased mass can cause difficulties in movement.
Minimize engaging in any weight-bearing shoulder movements until the pain and inflammation subside.
Avoid participating in any kettleball exercises requiring dynamic movements from the early stages.

Exercising to Aid in Recovery

Moderate exercising can help to speed up the recovery process following surgery.
Cycling or walking can help to reduce inflammation.
Wear added support to help prevent any excessive movements in the breasts.
Moving the joint slowly through the full range of motion will help to restore your flexibility and promote healing.
Avoid any extreme stretching until such time as the swelling and pain have disappeared.

It is entirely normal to experience a significant amount of inflammation and pain after the breast enhancement surgery, but you should experience a lessening of the pain over time. Exercising too aggressively or too soon following the surgery can slow down the recovery process. If inflammation and pain worsen, you will want to contact the surgeon right away. Scar tissue can form around the implant to the point where it will constrict the capsule and cause hardening and pressure. Implants can end up shifting from their intended location and provide you with a distorted and imbalanced appearance.

Always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Greg Liebscher in Colorado Springs about the proper care of breast implants and daily activity restrictions.