Posted on Tue, Jun 18, 2013
NYC Tummy Tuck
Occasionally, we get an interesting question from a patient that we think more of you should know about. This question is about a tummy tuck. The patient asked if it was true that you could get a tummy tuck while you were awake. The answer is yes, but not in all cases.
A Real Eye-Opener
The procedure this patient is referring to is called a mini tummy tuck.
Generally, patients think of a mini tuck as abdominal liposuction. That is a half-truth. As in, it only accounts for half of the procedure. What you really need to know is that a mini tummy
tuck only addresses the lower half of the abdomen. Also, awake abdominoplasty only involves liposuction and excision of the excess skin; there is no tightening of the abdominal muscles.
During the procedure, you will go through two marking sessions:
1. The first is for the body sculpting
2. The second is for the removal of the loose skin
There is one other difference at this stage of the game: the liposuction is much more aggressive than regular body sculpting procedures. Surgeons are able to be more aggressive because all of the lax tissue they create will be removed.
It’s Time for Round Two
Once the liposuction stage is complete, you will be re-marked for the tuck.
Depending on if your belly button will be moved or not; particular attention will be paid to how much tissue is removed. This allows surgeons to adjust for proper positioning and closure. Some surgeons opt for dissolvable stitches and glue to seal the incision and minimize aftercare; others choose regular suture material.
Either way, you will still have external drains for several days following the surgery. The drains prevent infection by allowing any built up fluid to drain out.
An awake tummy tuck isn’t appropriate for every patient, or available at every clinic. Check with our patient coordinator to see what surgical style is best for you. We try to make complete matches whenever possible. Not only with your surgical options, but with your chosen surgeon too. Schedule a consultation today.
Posted on Mon, Jun 17, 2013
What does a Tummy Tuck Cost - Financing $299 A Month
A tummy tuck in NYC will cost somewhere between $6,500 and $10,000+. It’s not as wide a range as most patients are used to looking at. Unlike other plastic surgeries; a tummy tuck stays in that range no matter where you go in the U.S. This is one scenario where NYC may not be more expensive than anywhere else in the country.
A Surprising Rumor
Given what you now know; you can imagine our surprise when we started hearing rumors that patients were getting $4,000 and $5,000 abdominoplasty.
We went online to check out the facts behind the rumor and we wanted to share our findings
with you. It turns out you can get a $5,000 tummy tuck in places like:
· Mexico
· Dominican Republic
· Africa
No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. You read that right; we said Africa. We’d like to take some time to tackle this issue in detail.
Let us be the first to say, that there is nothing wrong with booking an exotic, once-in-a-lifetime vacation. When you’re well-prepared, it can be a great and memorable experience. However; vacation and plastic surgery should never mix.
Never the ‘Twain Shall Meet
There are a lot of risks in traveling internationally for plastic surgery. Too many patients don’t take these risks seriously enough. They end up paying the price in revisions, health problems, and their quality of life. Pause before you read this article any further. Please, take these warnings seriously.
The first thing that you need to know is, once you leave American soil, you are not covered by our medical regulations. Each country has their own and nothing outside of the U.S is standard. Meaning; the quality of your care is not guaranteed. It will be several weeks before you can fly home after a tummy tuck. The care during this time matters.
Secondly, a tummy tuck is a very intricate and involved operation. Getting it done “on the cheap” is a bad idea all-round (even in the U.S.). Please use our reputable financing options instead. Too much can go wrong otherwise.
Posted on Fri, Jun 14, 2013
Tummy Tuck Loans - $299 a month
A tummy tuck is one of the most extensive surgeries you will undergo. It is extremely important that you plan to use the full recovery time table that you’ve been given and that you do not push yourself to recover too quickly. This is not a minor change, nor is it a minor surgery.
Why Preparation Should Equal Process
A tummy tuck is more than just removing unwanted tissue. It involves a lot of releasing, tightening, and stretching as well. A process like that needs preparation that equals it.
According to both doctors and patients, there’s no real way to describe the aftermath of a tummy tuck. Surgeons do say that it’s not uncommon for patients to have some buyer’s remorse at first; especially during the first two weeks of recovery. They also reassure that this feeling turns to patient satisfaction within a few weeks.
There’s no two ways around it. A tummy tuck is the only way to:
· Minimize or remove a C-section scar
· Tighten stretched abdominal muscles
· Flatten and smooth the belly area
· Get rid of excess skin
You won’t lose a significant amount of weight with a tuck 3 maybe 4 inches maximum), but you will have a tighter, flatter, and sexier tummy. This surgery is often used to return your body to a pre-pregnancy look or correct for skin laxity after a massive weight loss.
You need to be physically and mentally prepared for surgery, but it’s also important to be financially ready for your life post-surgery.
Past, Present, & Future; Budgets Matter
A full tummy tuck, requires a financial investment. That investment begins with budgetary planning.
Just like you plan for a physical recovery; you have to plan for a financial one too. The best advice we can give is to plan for the long-term. An investment like this takes a while to pay off. Try not to be short-sighted. Plan for the expense for the life of the balance, not just in the months following the procedure. This is the best way to avoid falling into debt.
In-house financing is available.
Posted on Thu, Jun 13, 2013
Every morning, thousands of Americans gaze at their reflections in the mirror and sigh unhappily, lamenting the fact that they cannot fulfill their weight loss or fitness goals, such as losing baby weight or sculpting the perfect six-pack. Those hours spent at the gym or counting calories seem to have gone to waste.
If you are unhappy with your body’s appearance and are not getting the results you want with diet and exercise, turn to the professionals at Body Cosmetica. Our New York City plastic surgeons offer body contouring to help you achieve your ideal figure. Let’s explore your options in more detail.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a popular body sculpting option; it removes excess fat from localized regions of the body — the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, hips, upper arms and even the neck. Liposuction may be performed on several areas of the body or can be limited to one specific area. It can also be combined with other procedures, such as body lift or tummy tuck.
Tummy Tuck
The goal of tummy tuck surgery is to slim and sculpt the abdomen and waistline. Tummy tuck involves removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal muscles. The navel may be repositioned as well. Tummy tuck is popular amongst women who have noticed abdominal changes after having children.
Body Lift
Body lift is recommended for patients who have lost a large amount of weight and have excess sagging skin around the body. Body lift surgery sculpts the abdomen, hips, thighs and buttocks and tightens loose or sagging skin. Liposuction may be used to reduce the flanks, and the navel may be repositioned. The results of body lift are very dramatic.
VASER Lipo
VASER Lipo is a minimally invasive type of liposuction that uses ultrasonic waves to break up fat cells for easy removal. VASER can precisely sculpt delicate and hard-to-fix spots around the body. VASER also tightens loose skin for an allover more toned look. The procedure can be performed in the comfort of our offices, is not painful and has a short recovery period.
Brazilian Butt Lift
Brazilian butt lift is designed to elevate and add volume to the buttocks using the patient’s own fat. Fat is harvested from the thighs, abdomen and/or hips, and is then injected into the buttocks to increase its shape and projection. The results look naturally beautiful and curvaceous.
Enhancing the appearance of your body through plastic surgery can boost your confidence and self-esteem. If you are interested in any of the body contouring options available at Body Cosmetica, please contact our practice by calling (888) 220-3169 today.
Posted on Wed, Jun 12, 2013
Are Breast Augmentations Common
Growing up you may have heard the phrase, there’s no such thing as a stupid question. At Body Cosmetica we believe that principle applies to plastic surgery. That’s why; the question are breast augmentations popular doesn’t bother us in the least. In fact, we’d be happy to answer it.
Thank You, Captain Obvious
This question may be met with a fair amount of common sense responses, but the answer to it does actually hold value.
For instance, breast augmentations are actually one of the top three most requested surgeries in plastics. They rank in between Liposuction and Rhinoplasty. This popularity has also led to
improvements in how the implants are made and the testing used to evaluate patients.
Until just over a year ago, silicone implants were off the market. The fluid filler was causing too many complications for patients. The introduction of the cohesive-gel silicone implant put an end to that. The gel sticks to itself and stays inside the casing even if it is cut in half; similar to a gummy bear. Of course, the redesign can’t fix every problem.
It’s been discovered that certain patients can’t get implant-based breast augmentations. Due to allergies and genetic antigens, the silicone used in all implant casings and the re-designed filler cause a toxic reaction in the body. The toxicity and cascading illnesses can only be eradicated once the implants are fully removed.
Luckily, patients can now see an allergist and a rheumatologist before they get implants. While there is no implant-based alternative for these patients; they can opt for an augmentation by fat transfer.
The Link between Popularity & Cost
The popularity of this cosmetic improvement has even brought the cost down. The average surgeon’s fee is over $4,000. Even if you live in a city where the cost is higher than average; there’s competitive financing available. Plans start as low as $199 a month.
Like we said; it is not a stupid question at all. It leads to some very important information being shared with patients in need. Where we come from, that’s not stupid at all. Consultations are available.
Posted on Tue, Jun 11, 2013
Where Can I Finance a Breast Aug - $199 A Month
The simplest way to plan for breast aug financing is to apply for it in-house. The focus on cosmetic affordability has made the in-house option more accessible than ever. Collaborations with medical boards and physicians networks have made it possible for clinics like Body Cosmetica to offer cosmetic improvements to more patients.
Not All Financing is the Same
Lenders would like you to believe that all breast aug financing is cut from the same cloth; it’s not. Certain lenders have strict eligibility requirements without a back-up plan. Body Cosmetic
offers a comprehensive approach.
Yes, there are eligibility requirements for in-house financing, and you will be expected to put forth a down payment. That said; there is good news. If you can’t afford or don’t qualify for our financing program, we can refer you to a Healthcare Credit provider. These lenders have experience in constructing budget-friendly payment plans for medical procedures. More than that; they specialize in funding healthcare needs.
Unlike traditional lenders; we don’t want to see any patient in need turned away. These financing options keep that goal in mind. They also provide a workable way to rebuild your credit.
A Creative Solution
Poor credit can kill more than one financial opportunity. It is also a reality of the times that we are living in. Sometimes it takes a creative solution to turn things around both personally and financially. A breast aug can do just that.
It takes long-term planning and commitment, but a healthier credit score can be yours. The key is to understand that you need to set a long-term budget and stick to it until the balance is paid in full. Always make payments on time and never miss one.
Follow these simple rules and healthy credit can be yours again. Talk to a patient coordinator about breast aug financing today. Plans start as low as $199 a month.
Posted on Mon, Jun 10, 2013
Does a Tummy Tuck Cause Scarring
Certain surgeries have earmarks or tell-tale signs that they have been performed. The light scar at your beltline is the classic sign of a tummy tuck. The right surgeon can make sure that scar is barely visible.
How Scars Form
Scars are a natural part of the healing process. Surgical wounds need help to close. The sutures are put in place to encourage new tissue to form underneath them. Once the wound has closed, the sutures are removed or they simply dissolve.
You’re left with a small line of puncture marks across a line of raised and discolored scar
tissue. The small puncture marks quickly fade, but it will take quite a bit longer for the tissue to smooth out and blend it. Don’t be surprised if the appearance of the tissue looks worse before it gets better. Even though your external sutures are out, it will take your skin time to recover from the tissue trauma brought on by surgery.
It’s not uncommon for the skin to look bruised with a bright pink bumpy line running the length of the bruise. Over the next 9 to 12 months the skin will transition from raised to glossy to smooth. As the texture of the scar changes, the color will too.
A Matte Finish
Most patients are left with an abdominal scare that is white or tan in color. It may stay glossy for several months before blending in with your surrounding tissue. The small visible line that’s left is easy to cover up even in a swim suit.
The average time for scar tissue to go from fresh to a skin-supported blend is 12 months. However; every patient is different. How quickly this process occurs depends on the quality and elasticity of your skin. Some patients take up to 24 months to go through the process after a tummy tuck.
If it is taking you longer to see optimum results, make sure to check-in with your doctor frequently regarding the appearance of your scarring. There are secondary conditions that lead to an over-abundance of scar tissue. Scar revision is available.
Posted on Sun, Jun 09, 2013
Is Liposuction Painful - $99 A Month
Liposuction and pain used to go hand in hand. It makes perfect sense that many patients apprehensively question whether or not this is still the case. The advances in technology don’t hold much water when you don’t know what to expect.
Speaking of water; that’s where the whole body sculpting process started. Originally, liposuction was performed without any form of liquidity involved. Unwanted fat was simply
sucked out using powerful suction. As you can probably imagine, the process lead to pain, infection, and disfigurement. The good news is that process was shelved long ago; before the procedure came to American soil. Sliming you down while managing your pain has always been part of the western plastics policy.
The Truth about the Tumescent Technique
That policy started in 1983 with tumescent liposuction. This version of body sculpting added an important component to the process: liquid.
Not just any liquid, the tumescent technique uses a high percentage of saline mixed with an anesthetic. This causes the unwanted fatty deposits to swell up making them easier to smoothly remove. The drawback is that all of the fluid used to pull the fat out has to drain out post-surgery. The process can take up to a week. While the anesthetic helps with the pain for about 24 hours afterward; it does not reduce the bruising, swelling, or laxity left behind.
Many plastic surgeons talk about laser and ultrasonic-assisted liposuction like they don’t employ the tumescent technique at all. The truth is they do, but they use it differently.
The Baby & the Bath Water
If you watch a laser or ultrasonic-assisted procedure online, you’ll notice something interesting.
It’s true that melting the fatty deposits with energy or heat before removing them allows for a gentle, fluid-free removal. It’s also true that these methods reduce your post-op pain and recovery time. Have you ever wondered how that’s possible? Yes, the cannulas used automatically cauterize the removal sites to reduce bleeding, bruising, and swelling; but the tumescent technique is still used to provide immediate post-op pain relief.
The difference is it’s used sparingly. Its role is minor.
Posted on Sat, Jun 08, 2013
Breast Augmentation Pricing NYC- $199 a month
Cost is a popular topic of conversation in NYC cosmetic offices. You might have guessed that already. Even so, when it comes to some of our top requested procedures, patients are curious to know exactly how large of a price difference there is between NYC clinics and clinics in other cities. The price varies by surgery, so to explain this difference more clearly, we will look at one surgery in particular: breast augmentation.
From National to Local: How Cosmetic Pricing Works
Statistically, the national average for a breast augmentation tops out at around $7,500. The difference between this average and the average in NYC is where the pricing starts.
The average maximum is the local minimum. In other words, the NYC price range starts at $7,500 and tops out at around $9,500. This is because coastal clinics attract a clutch of top-quality surgeons. The higher the quality; the more you pay for your procedure. You might find surgeons who charge similar fees in other areas of the country as well. Their clinics are just more spread out than costal locations.
The good news attach to this kind of price tag is two-fold:
1. The results you receive match the quality of the surgeon you choose
2. Financing is available.
These are two of the biggest factors that we ask patient to consider before they reconsider due to sticker shock.
Don’t get Priced-Out
Plastic surgery is an investment, and it’s an important one. Whether it’s a breast augmentation or another type of alteration; you are talking about making permanent changes to your body. Those changes need to be made with careful consideration.
Cosmetic improvement is about more than the price tag. It is primarily about your health and quality of life. Elective surgery is not worth the cost of either of those things. That’s why; Body Cosmetica offers competitive financing options for breast augmentation and other procedures.
Quality and affordability matters. Talk to a patient coordinator about financing options and find out how our plans give patients equal access to the kind of results they deserve. Also, ask about pre-implant testing.
Posted on Fri, Jun 07, 2013
Pricing for a Tummy Tuck NYC - $399 A Month
Classic cosmetic procedures can still surprise you. No other surgery proves this more than the tummy tuck. Patients are usually stunned to realize that a surgery this extensive is relatively
bloodless. This is one fact that shows how much there is to learn about “classic” cosmetic improvements. Before you sign up for $399 a month in financing; Body Cosmetica wants to be sure you understand what you’re getting into.
The Surgical Plan
You will be put under full sedation for a tummy tuck.
The surgeon’s first step is to follow the incision line. It will be low across the belt line. The location of the incision depends on whether you have had a C-section or not. If you have, the incision for your tuck will be made below it. This stratagem allows the scar from your C-section to be revised without adding to it.
Your abdominal tissue is carefully lifted off of the muscular housing. Your surgeon may have to go over the incision several times in order to expose the muscular layer. During this process, anesthetic is added to the musculature and nerves. Anesthetic will reduce bleeding and control pain after the surgery.
As opposed to what many patients think, your abdominal muscle is never fully exposed during a tummy tuck. There are simply too many delicate structures underneath your muscles to safely suture them that way. Instead, the sutures are threaded through the housing and pulled to move the muscles closer together from above. Two permanent suture lines are made to hold this repositioning in place.
The belly button is sutured int place your skin is pulled into place. You will be placed in a sitting position before your incisions are fully closed. This insures that the proper amount of excess tissue is removed. The incision areas are cleaned and closed.
Waking up
None of what you’ve gone through will immediately come to mind when you wake up.
You will notice bandages and might feel your drains pull a little. It will take 24 to 48 hours for you to see the first results of your tummy tuck.