When the COVID-19 outbreak hit the country earlier this year, plastic surgeons and facilities in the United States were some of the first to shut down due to the elective nature of most cosmetic surgeries. State and federal governments mandated these closures to focus on hospitals and clinics and prevent the virus from spreading.
Now, many plastic surgery practices in San Francisco, including ours, are reopening. Although a cure for COVID-19 is still pending, the increased understanding of how to prevent its transmission has sparked interest in cosmetic procedures.
So, what are patients looking for as plastic surgeons resume their services? Here are the top five procedures that have been in demand since the lockdown began.
Table of Contents
Liposuction
Despite efforts through diet and exercise, shedding those last few pounds can be a challenge. Liposuction has become a popular solution, especially in recent months.
This quick and straightforward procedure targets fat in areas like the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs, helping to achieve a more contoured silhouette.
Tummy Tucks
Commonly sought after weight loss or pregnancy, tummy tucks involve removing excess abdominal skin and fat to create a smoother appearance.
Tummy tucks, also known as abdominoplasty, are usually performed by a plastic surgeon. The procedure can help tighten the abdominal muscles and remove unwanted fat, resulting in a flatter and more toned stomach.
It is important to note that tummy tucks are not a weight loss solution, but rather a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of the midsection. Patients should maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine to ensure long-lasting results.
Like any surgical procedure, tummy tucks come with risks such as infection, scarring, and complications from anesthesia. It is important to consult with a qualified surgeon and discuss the potential risks and benefits before undergoing the procedure.
Lip Implants
Enhancing lips with implants has gained popularity, providing a permanent fuller look compared to temporary fillers, all under local anesthesia.
Breast Augmentation
For fuller and perkier breasts, many opt for breast augmentation, particularly after significant life changes like aging, pregnancy, or weight loss.
Facelifts
To combat signs of aging such as wrinkles and sagging skin, facelifts offer patients a natural and youthful look, making them a sought-after procedure.
Other Growing Procedures
Procedures like breast asymmetry correction, eyelid surgery, breast lift, breast reduction, and ear surgery are appealing to many individuals exploring cosmetic enhancements.
Body lifts, which include abdominal muscle elevation, can significantly enhance one’s physique but come with their own set of risks, making them a potentially life-changing option for some patients.
Rhinoplasty, known for its challenging recovery process due to discomfort in the facial and neck areas, is still a popular choice for those seeking cosmetic transformations.
Recovery times vary across procedures, with some allowing a return to work after a few days, while more extensive treatments might require a longer recovery period.
It is important for individuals considering these procedures to carefully research and consult with qualified professionals to understand the risks and benefits associated with each option. With advancements in technology and techniques, cosmetic enhancements continue to evolve, offering a wider range of options for those looking to enhance their appearance.
If You’re Considering Plastic Surgery.
Now is the time to schedule a consultation if you’re contemplating plastic surgery. Our practice has implemented safety measures to ensure a secure environment for both patients and staff. Dr. Sieber, a board-certified plastic surgeon, offers exceptional service and care in San Francisco and the Bay Area.
When you’re ready to pursue your aesthetic goals, reach out to Dr. Sieber for a consultation today!
While cosmetic procedures can offer significant improvements in appearance and self-confidence, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved, especially with high-risk procedures. Some common risks associated with high-risk cosmetic procedures include:
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Scarring
- Implant rupture or leakage
It’s crucial to thoroughly research your procedure, choose a qualified and experienced surgeon, and follow all pre- and post-operative care instructions to minimize these risks. Remember, your safety and well-being should always be the top priority when considering plastic surgery.
The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
Considered one of the most dangerous cosmetic surgeries by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), BBL comes with a high fatality rate, with reported deaths due to complications during the procedure.
Despite its popularity, seeking cheaper options for BBL abroad can increase the chances of unsuccessful surgeries due to lower safety standards.
Risks associated with BBL include the severe condition of pulmonary fat embolism if fat is injected too deeply, which can be life-threatening.
It is important to research and choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in performing BBL to minimize the risks associated with the procedure.
Before undergoing BBL, patients should have a thorough consultation with their surgeon to discuss realistic expectations, potential risks, and post-operative care.
Following proper pre-operative and post-operative instructions can help ensure a successful outcome and reduce the risk of complications.
Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasty)
While tummy tucks are common for both men and women after weight loss or pregnancy, they come with significant risks if not performed correctly, such as blood clots, infections, and unsatisfactory results.
Prioritizing one’s health and evaluating the appropriateness of the procedure, especially after recent surgeries, is crucial for those considering abdominoplasty.
Liposuction
Although seen as a straightforward fat removal solution, liposuction is a complex procedure with potential risks like infections, blood clots, and irregular body contours from incorrect techniques.
Understanding the risks associated with liposuction is essential for patients embarking on this cosmetic journey.
Facial Reconstruction Surgeries
From aesthetic enhancements to trauma repair, facial reconstruction procedures, such as orthognathic surgery to reshape the jaw, can be risky due to critical blood vessels nearby.
Even seemingly simple procedures like facial injections can lead to adverse reactions and disfigurement if conducted by unqualified individuals, highlighting the importance of choosing accredited practitioners.
Body Lifts
Among the most extensive cosmetic procedures, body lifts involve removing excess skin from various areas, posing increased risks during the recovery process for patients, especially after significant weight loss.
Considering the lengthy recovery period associated with body lift surgeries is essential for individuals contemplating this transformative procedure.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Reducing the risks of cosmetic procedures starts with selecting a reputable surgeon. Patients should seek recommendations, verify the surgeon’s credentials, ask relevant questions, and understand the financial aspects of the procedure.
For those who have experienced surgical complications due to medical negligence, legal support is available to explore potential compensation options.
Breast Surgery
Following any breast surgery, patients may experience mild discomfort that can be managed with anti-inflammatory medications. Restrictions on heavy lifting, initially not exceeding 15 pounds, are common postoperatively to allow the body to heal properly.
Most women find this procedure relatively low-impact and can return to work or their routine activities within 4-5 days.
Facelift
Contrary to popular belief, facelift surgery may result in facial numbness for several months, and swelling usually peaks around the third day post-op. Wearing a compression garment as recommended can aid in the recovery process, with a majority of swelling subsiding within two weeks.
Facial bruising is normal, particularly around the neck area, and typically resolves within a few weeks.
Brow Lift or Eyelid Revitalization
Procedures like brow lifts or eyelid surgeries follow a similar recovery pattern to facelifts, with minor nuances that patients should be aware of before undergoing these rejuvenating treatments.
These procedures usually cause minimal pain and discomfort, mostly due to swelling. Similar to an elevator, the peak of swelling in or around the eyes or eyebrows is likely to occur around the third day after the surgery and should resolve by about 80% within 2 weeks post-surgery. Unlike a facelift, dry eyes and blurred vision are also common side effects in the first week. This may seem particularly alarming if your surgeon forgets to discuss these common side effects with you beforehand and can be even more unpleasant if you are not advised to avoid wearing contact lenses for approximately 2 weeks post-surgery. In short, this is an example of why choosing the right surgeon for YOU is so important.
Dry eyes and an inability to wear contact lenses for about two weeks are normal. Blurred vision during the first week is also normal.
Rhinoplasty (nose job)
Making the decision to have a rhinoplasty is a serious choice that requires a caring, meticulous surgeon. For the best rearrangement of cartilage and bones in the nose (ultimately creating the desired external appearance), Dr. Lucas insists that every potential patient come in for a detailed consultation where he works with them on a surgical plan suitable for their unique face.
After rhinoplasty, discomfort due to swelling is common (as expected with any facial surgical procedure). However, pain is minimal— at least it is at The Lucas Center! Since the main cause of discomfort after a nose surgery is the placement of packing, Dr. Lucas does not do this during his rhinoplasties. He requires patients to wear a splint for the first 3 days post-surgery, followed by nose decongestion for 2 weeks. This allows the upper skin to adapt to the new shape underneath.
Another significant side effect during rhinoplasty recovery is bruising. Although some discoloration is expected, Dr. Lucas makes efforts to create a plan using gentle techniques that prevent bruising in the eye area. Breathing difficulty may also occur, but can be improved with over-the-counter topical and oral decongestants like Afrin or Sudafed.
Overall, full recovery from this operation takes about 6 months, but you should see significant improvement and return to normal, non-strenuous activities after the first month.
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
This procedure aims to remove excess skin and fat to restore abdominal muscle and improve the overall appearance of a patient’s midsection. While it is a powerful, restorative procedure that Dr. Lucas strongly recommends, recovering from it may be quite painful. This is because the patient’s core strength is restored during the procedure, causing some discomfort when moving up or down.
The first week is the tough part of this recovery. Around 2 weeks post-surgery, patients will feel much better and notice feelings of relief and true confidence begin to set in. As part of Dr. Lucas’s protocol, anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, and temporary placement of a narcotic pump are used to ease pain post-surgery. Patients are also fitted with temporary drains and recommended to wear compression garments on the belly for about 6 weeks.
This may sound like a lot (and it can be for the faint of heart), but this procedure remains one of the most transformative in the modern industry.
PAL-Liposuction and/or Buttock Augmentation
For those who don’t know, PAL is a unique, highly advanced technique often used at the Lucas Center. It can be used on several areas of the body (arms, flanks, thighs, and others) and allows the release of connective tissue, facilitating the extraction of loosened fat through a very small incision. This technique, as described by Dr. Lucas, is “extremely transformative and more precise than traditional liposuction, providing a smoother surface and truly satisfying results.”
The best part? Virtually no downtime after the surgery! Patients may experience bruising or some slight discomfort and are recommended to wear compression garments, but overall these procedures are nothing compared to more extensive surgeries. Usually, those opting for one of these restorative procedures can return to work within a few days.
Gynecomastia (male breast reduction surgery)
After a man decides to improve his chest through male breast reduction surgery, compression garments are required for about 6 weeks. This helps reshape the skin and achieve the desired look discussed during the initial consultation with his surgeon.
In terms of pain, many compare it to the pain after a good chest workout. Patients are usually able to return to work and non-physical daily activities within a few days with barely noticeable scars. Since Dr. Lucas only makes two small incisions (one on the areola and one near the armpit), any scars are almost unnoticeable in patients who have not lost significant weight.
Men who have lost significant weight or dealt with stretched, non-elastic skin usually require more tissue removal during the procedure, so they also experience some additional scarring. These scars are located in the folds of the chest and around the areola and become less noticeable over time. If this causes concern for his patient, Dr. Lucas recommends a good over-the-counter ointment to help reduce the visibility of scars.
The Lucas Center has been serving Knoxville, Maryville, Tri-Cities (Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City), and the surrounding areas of East Tennessee for over 20 years. Our commitment to building confidence makes us the first choice for plastic surgery in East Tennessee.
Under the guidance of a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Jay Lucas, our practice is known for exceptional patient care and an artistic approach to achieving precise results. Dr. Lucas’s prestigious education includes extensive training at some of the top medical centers in the country, including a craniofacial fellowship and dental school. This education, along with over twenty years of experience, makes him the preferred choice for plastic surgery in Knoxville, the Tri-Cities, and beyond.