What is the Difference Between a Breast Augmentation and a Breast Lift?

Breast augmentation and breast lift are two popular cosmetic procedures aimed at enhancing the appearance of a woman’s breasts, but they have different benefits and techniques. Our teams of board-certified plastic surgeons at NuBody Concepts Nashville and NuBody Concepts Memphis provide both of these services for Tennessee patients. In this article, we will compare breast augmentation and breast lift to help you understand the differences between the two procedures and make an informed decision.

NuBody Concepts patient before and 6 months after breast augmentation with 350cc silicone implants. View Before & After Gallery.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure aimed at increasing the size and volume of the breasts. To achieve this, the surgeon inserts silicone or saline implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles. It is an ideal procedure for women with naturally small breasts, uneven breast size, or breasts that have lost volume due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. 

Both saline and silicone breast implants are safe and FDA-approved. Implant types vary depending on factors such as firmness, shape, and cost. In a personal consultation, your plastic surgeon can help determine which implant is best suited to your goals.

Breast Lift

Breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at lifting and reshaping sagging or droopy breasts. To achieve this, the surgeon removes excess skin and tightens the remaining breast tissue. A breast lift is an ideal procedure for women who have lost breast firmness and shape due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging. 

Breast lifts are generally safe with a high success rate and level of satisfaction. By working with the existing tissue, no implant is needed to improve the shape and position of the breasts. However, it should be noted that breast lifts often lead to an overall decrease in cup size. Some women elect to combine a breast lift with implants to make up for this effect. 

NuBody Concepts patient before and 6 months after breast lift. View Before & After Gallery.

Should I get a breast lift or a breast augmentation? The answer depends on the goal you’re trying to achieve. A breast augmentation increases volume, meaning you will end up with a bigger cup size than before and a more womanly cleavage. A breast lift surgically raises dropping breasts without increasing volume (and may in fact slightly decrease your cup size). But what about the actual surgery, or the recovery? Let’s look at some other factors to compare these two procedures:

Comparing breast lift and breast augmentation

1. Technique: Breast augmentation involves inserting implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles, while breast lift involves removing excess skin and tightening the remaining breast tissue.
2. Incisions: Breast augmentation incisions are usually made under the breast, around the nipple, or in the armpit. They are also typically shorter, particularly for saline implants which can be inserted in a deflated state through a very small opening. Breast lift incisions are made around the nipple, down to the crease under the breast, and sometimes along the breast crease.
3. Recovery: The recovery time for breast augmentation is usually shorter than breast lift, with most women able to return to normal activities within a few days. Recovery time for breast lift is usually longer, with most women needing to take a week or more off work and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks.
4. Age: If you are younger and have not had any children, you typically do not need a breast lift. You may just want to enhance volume or adjust for unevenly sized breasts, both of which can be achieved with implants. If you are older or have undergone one or more pregnancies, you will achieve the biggest benefit from a breast lift to reverse drooping and tighten up the skin.
5. Nipple position: Another way to determine the best breast procedure is to look at where the nipple is positioned in relation to the breast fold. Above the fold is typically desirable, whereas a nipple positioned below the fold (especially if pointing downwards) may indicate the need for a breast lift.  

Is a breast lift better than a breast augmentation?

Neither procedure per se is better than the other, it really depends on where you come out when going through the above factors. 

If your breasts have sagged for whatever reason, a breast augmentation alone will not correct for this problem, no matter which implants you choose or how skilled your surgeon. 

Both procedures are outpatient surgeries performed under local anesthesia and IV sedation, but a breast lift can be viewed as more invasive based on the size of the incisions, the length of the procedure, and the recovery time. In rare cases it can also lead to a loss of sensation in the nipple, though this typically resolves over time. 

A breast augmentation leaves the nipple alone so that this is not an issue. But there can be other complications such as capsular contracture, the formation of excessive tissue around the implant that can occur during the early healing process. It can be remedied with a capsulectomy but of course most patients would prefer not to need any follow-up procedures. 

This 39-year old NuBody Concepts patient went from a B/C cup to a D cup after a breast lift combined with saline implants.

How long does a breast lift last?

It is very hard to predict how long your breast lift results will last, but you can assume it won’t be forever. As we age, the skin loses elasticity, and this leads to sagging. Your breast lift will reverse this natural process and restore your breasts to a younger looking state, but eventually the aging process will continue to take its toll, meaning your breasts will begin to gradually sag again. Very broadly, you can expect your results to last for 10-15 years, though some patients are able to enjoy them much longer before needing a revision.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise is a good way to ensure your results last as long as possible. If you lose a substantial amount of weight after a breast lift, it can impact the quality of your results. The weight loss will trigger a loss of fat in your breast tissue, which can lead to sagging.

In fairness, it should be said that breast implants don’t last forever either. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, implants are not considered to be “lifetime devices” and typically last anywhere from 10-20 years before needing replacement. The biggest risk factor is the rupture of an implant, the chance of which is said to increase by one percent a year. Other complications include capsular contracture, rippling, changes in position, and a change in personal preference.

We hope that we’ve helped you understand the differences between breast augmentation and breast lift so that you can make a more informed decision as to which procedure to choose. It is important to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to determine which procedure is best for you and to ensure the best possible outcome. Please contact us today if you have any questions!

The post What is the Difference Between a Breast Augmentation and a Breast Lift? appeared first on NuBody Concepts.

source https://nubodyconcepts.com/blog/difference-between-breast-augmentation-and-breast-lift/

How to Get a Tummy Tuck Covered by Insurance

A tummy tuck is the most effective way to remove fat and extra skin from your abdomen – whether you’ve recently lost a lot of weight, had a baby, or just want a flatter stomach. However, insurance companies view tummy tucks as elective surgeries that are not medically necessary, and therefore almost never cover them.  

Typically most people opt to finance this surgery over 12-24 months with no interest, which works out to around $395-$790/month). NuBody Concepts Cosmetic Surgery partners with several medical financing providers that finance tummy tuck surgery for patients in Nashville and Memphis, TN. 

NuBody Concepts Nashville tummy tuck patient before and after surgery. View more results in Tummy Tuck Before and After Gallery 

What is a deferred interest payment plan and how do you get your tummy tuck approved for one? A deferred interest payment plan allows you to spread out payments for your medical procedure over the course of 12 months, in some cases even up to 24 months. Interest charges only apply if you exceed the 0% interest promotional period. 

To get your tummy tuck pre-approved before your consultation with a plastic surgeon, simply request a “soft” credit check from a free service like Credit Sesame or CreditKarma. You’ll need to provide some information and create an account but this just takes a few minutes and will not hurt your score. If your credit score is at or above 600, you will typically qualify for a payment plan for your tummy tuck. Each provider varies slightly in its credit score cutoff. If you struggle to be approved, you can reapply using a co-applicant with a higher credit score and add yourself as an authorized user on the account.

Can a tummy tuck be medically necessary?

Even though most insurance companies treat tummy tucks as purely cosmetic procedures, there are indeed medical benefits of a tummy tuck.  

• Reduction of stress urinary incontinence. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a condition that mostly affects women after childbirth via vaginal delivery, but it can also occur in men. It is most often treated non-surgically but studies have shown that tummy tuck surgery can help improve SUI by relieving pressure on the urethra and thereby reducing incontinence. 
• Reduction of post-partum back pain. As your uterus expands during pregnancy, it alters your posture and can weaken your abdominal muscles. Together with the weight gain, which is normal, this puts added pressure and strain on your back. In many women, the pregnancy-induced back pain does not resolve after childbirth. Tummy tuck surgery can alleviate such pain by strengthening the abdominal muscle (more on this below).
• Correction of a ventral or umbilical hernia. A hernia is a condition where an organ in the stomach bulges through an opening in the muscle or tissue. Ventral hernias are caused by weakened muscles near the anterior abdominal wall, and umbilical hernias occur near the belly button. Both are repaired in a surgery that is very similar to a tummy tuck. Even with surgery, they can redevelop. Combining the hernia repair with a tummy tuck to repair the muscle and strengthen the abdominal wall is a safe and cost-effective way to prevent future hernias.

Will insurance cover a tummy tuck due to back pain?

Extensive studies have shown that tummy tucks provide considerable relief to women affected by both back pain and incontinence after childbirth. The back pain can be triggered by a condition called diastasis recti – a separation of the abdominal muscle during and after pregnancy. A full tummy tuck repairs and thereby strengthens this muscle, which often improves the patient’s posture and thus relieves back pain.

Unfortunately, despite these proven health benefits of tummy tucks, most health insurance companies still treat them as purely cosmetic procedures. If you want to improve your post-partum quality of life, consider investing in a tummy tuck with a no-interest payment plan.

How do you get approved for a Panniculectomy?

A panniculectomy is the removal of hanging skin and fat from the abdomen to create a better contour. It is different from a tummy tuck in that it does not repair any underlying muscles. 

While tummy tucks are considered elective procedures, panniculectomies can be covered by insurance in very specific cases that meet the following minimum requirements:

• The skin of the lower abdomen (called pannus) hangs at or below the level of the pubis
• There is evidence of a rash in or under the excessive skin folds that has not gone away despite topical anti-fungal treatment (typically at least 3 months)
• Documented stable weight (typically at least 6 months). For patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, most insurance plans require at least 18 or sometimes 24 months of documented stable weight

To apply for approval for your panniculectomy with your insurance, you will have to document your case using pictures and possibly supporting letters from a physician.

We hope that we have helped you learn more about the medical benefits of tummy tucks and how to finance them. If you have any other questions, please contact us – we’re always happy to help! If you are ready to move forward with your tummy tuck, simply schedule a consultation with our plastic surgeon by clicking below.   

The post How to Get a Tummy Tuck Covered by Insurance appeared first on NuBody Concepts.

source https://nubodyconcepts.com/blog/tummy-tuck-covered-by-insurance/

How Long Does it Take for Skin to Tighten After Liposuction?

Liposuction is a great way to remove fat resistant to diet and exercise. But it can take time for the resulting loose skin to tighten afterwards. And if not done the right way, it may not tighten at all, according to plastic surgeon Dr. John Rosdeutscher of NuBody Concepts Nashville who has extensive experience in belly fat removal.

NuBody Concepts Nashville patient before and 12 weeks after liposuction to the upper abdomen, lower abdomen, and flanks. View Gallery.

When should you expect your skin to tighten after liposuction? As a minimally-invasive procedure, liposuction has a fast recovery. Most patients return to their daily activities and even light exercise within 1-2 days of their procedure. But it takes longer for your skin to tighten after liposuction and your best results to show.

• First Week: Even though liposuction can remove a large amount of fat cells from your body, you may not see and feel the fat reduction immediately after your procedure. Post-operative swelling  and fluid retention may make you look more bloated in the days immediately following a lipo treatment, typically peaking at 3 days post-op. The swelling usually begins to subside by the end of the first week, but in some cases it can last 6 weeks and longer.
• After 2 Weeks: By now most of the swelling has typically subsided but you may still see irregularities. You may also begin to notice loose skin in the areas treated with liposuction. This is normal and your skin will continue to tighten over the next 2-3 months. 
• After 6 Weeks: Even though your skin will continue to tighten for up to 6 months after liposuction, by now you should see a body contour approaching 80-90% of your final results. If you are still seeing a lot of loose skin, you probably don’t have enough skin elasticity for liposuction alone to achieve the desired results.

How do I get rid of wrinkly and sagging skin after liposuction?

It can be frustrating when your skin looks worse after liposuction than it did before. But this is a very common result in patients who have undergone extreme weight loss or have high skin laxity due to pregnancy or aging. 

While some plastic surgeons recommend surgical skin removal (such as a tummy tuck) to alleviate loose skin after liposuction, there is a better alternative. Dr. Rosdeutscher has seen excellent results in his patients by combining liposuction with Renuvion skin tightening, which uses radio frequency energy powered by helium plasma to contract the skin. This does not require a separate procedure, meaning liposuction patients get a 60% boost in skin contraction without having to undergo any additional treatments.

Similar results can be achieved with BodyTite, another type of radio frequency assisted lipolysis used by Dr. Mark Peters of NuBody Concepts Memphis with great success. Not only does it help tighten the skin when combined with liposuction, it can also reduce cellulite in patients with skin laxity issues.

Do compression garments help with loose skin after liposuction?

Wearing a compression garment after your liposuction procedure is your single most important piece of post-op liposuction care. This is not only true for liposuction but other procedures as well, such as skin tightening and tummy tucks.

Compression garments:

• Encourage aesthetically-pleasing contours by keeping pressure on the area where the skin is reattaching to the muscle after the fat has been removed
• Should be worn for 8-12 weeks immediately following a liposuction procedure
• Help reduce swelling and mold the skin to your new contours
• Improve results when diligently worn, even if you’re already happy with your immediate post-op results
• Should only be taken off for showers and washing

Different surgeons may give varying instructions for how long you should wear a compression garment after liposuction. At NuBody Concepts Cosmetic Surgery in Nashville (link) and Memphis (link) we encourage patients to wear them for a minimum of 6 weeks – but longer never hurts!

Why do I have a FUPA after lipo?

FUPA stands for “Fatty Upper Pubic Area.” If you are concerned about the appearance of a FUPA after your liposuction procedure, make sure it is not simply the kind of post-operative swelling discussed above. Remember that post-op swelling may take up to six weeks, or in rare cases even longer, to subside. Also make sure you follow your plastic surgeon’s post-op instructions to keep swelling to a minimum and promote healing.

Even if this area itself wasn’t treated, swelling of the pubic mons after liposuction is common. The swelling fluid slowly makes its way down from your abdomen, meaning it can linger even as your abdomen is already looking slim and improved. 

If your FUPA persists longer than 3 months, it could be due to the lack of targeted treatment of the upper pubic area by your surgeon. At this point you can simply go back for a follow-up liposuction treatment, ideally combined with skin tightening, to remove the fatty cells that cause swelling in the upper pubic area.

For more info, read our detailed guide on liposuction recovery.

If you have any other questions about skin tightening after liposuction, please contact us. We’re always happy to help! If you are ready to move forward with your belly fat removal, simply schedule a consultation with our plastic surgeon by clicking below.   

The post How Long Does it Take for Skin to Tighten After Liposuction? appeared first on NuBody Concepts.

source https://nubodyconcepts.com/blog/skin-tighten-after-lipo/

Skincare Options in Nashville and Memphis

Our licensed aestheticians at NuBody Concepts Nashville and NuBody Concepts Memphis have slightly different skincare portfolios based on their years of experience treating patients like you. Please call the office closest to you for more information. We will customize a treatment plan based on your personal needs.

NuBody Concepts Memphis Licensed Aesthetician Lindsay

NuBody Concepts Nashville Licensed Aesthetician Diane

What is Skin Rejuvenation?

There are many affordable options to rejuvenate your appearance without surgery. Our facial skin treatments are ideal for women – and men – who want to treat their face without downtime. Some of our non-invasive skin treatments, such as skin tightening and scar revision, can be used on any part of the body.

What is a Good Skincare Routine?

The goal of any skincare routine should be focused on tuning up your complexion so that your skin is functioning at its best. This may involve focusing on targeting areas that are giving you the most trouble. Your skin will change as you age, and with it the best products and routine you implement. However, there are three steps that should be a part of any daily skincare routine you choose to pursue: cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.

Cleansing

Keeping your skin clean and washing your face daily is one of the most beneficial steps to achieving beautiful and younger looking skin. Your skin comes into contact with a variety of environmental pollutants, dirt, oils, and grime throughout the day, and they should be gently removed. Washing your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, will help you avoid clogged pores, dullness, and even acne.

Toning

Toners have changed drastically over the years. Older toners used to be alcohol based and would dry up the skin in order to remove any unwanted dirt or oils. However, many toners you can find today deliver extra nutrients and even help your skin absorb any additional products you may use to balance your complexion. Toner is optional, but can be a good way to add specific nutrients that may not be found in other products. Some of the more notable ingredients of a good toner include:

• Alpha and beta hydroxy acids: helps remove dead skin cells, improve sun-damaged skin, and reduce dullness. 
• Hyaluronic acid: helps boost hydration and subtly treats fine lines and wrinkles.
• Rose water and green tea: have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce skin irritation and redness.
• Vitamin E and C: help fight exposure to free radicals that age the skin.

Additional skincare products that act similarly to toners include serums. Serums are often filled with microdoses of active, antioxidant ingredients that may help mitigate dark spots or wrinkles. Some of the ingredients to look out for to target specific issues include:

• Vitamin C: to brighten the skin and to reduce dark spots
• Retinol, vitamin B3, peptides: to stimulate collagen and elastin production. These help prevent fine lines and skin sagging.
• Colloidal sulfur, niacinamide: to reduce reddening or irritation of the skin by decreasing inflammation. They are also known to improve acne with their antimicrobial effects.

Moisturizing

Hydrating the skin is important no matter your age or skin type. Moisturizers, as implied in the name, help to hydrate and soften the skin. Essentially, a moisturizer serves to prevent loss of water in the outer layers of skin. Moisturizers also complement naturally occurring, protective oils in the skin. As we age, our skin loses its ability to retain moisture. Certain moisturizers should be added into your daily skincare routine – year-round and for all skin types.

We carry the full range of Alastin skincare products at both our Nashville and Memphis locations.

What are the Types of Skin Care Treatments?

Rejuvenating facial skin can be accomplished by reversing sun damage, uneven skin tone, wrinkles & fine lines, hyperpigmentation, age spots, or acne scarring. There are various methods to achieve this, including microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, microneedling, laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, and radio frequency assisted treatments.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a minimally-invasive procedure used to renew skin tone and texture. Microdermabrasion can help improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, acne scarring, sun damage, and many other skin-related concerns or conditions.

Think of it as a mechanical exfoliating procedure. Typically, the procedure utilizes an abrasive surface to gently sand away the thick, outer layer of skin. This encourages natural collagen production, which helps make the skin look younger, fuller, and softer.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that involves pricking the skin by means of tiny, sterilized needles to reach the skin under the surface. These tiny wounds encourage collagen and elastin production to heal the skin, making it look younger and brighter. Microneedling is often called collagen induction therapy.

Chemical Peel

Chemical peels achieve similar results as the above treatments, but the process is chemical rather than physical, via the application of a liquid to the skin. Typically, your aesthetician will apply one or more chemical solutions to your face, neck, or hands, after they have been thoroughly cleansed. The chemicals can vary but often include: glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or carbolic acid (phenol). This will create a controlled “wound” or blister that will allow for new skin to take its place.

Hydrafacial

This is a treatment offered at our Memphis location by our aesthetician Lindsay. A hydrafacial is a non-invasive skin resurfacing treatment that essentially removes dead skin cells. It cleans the skin of impurities and builds up and moisturizes the dermis with a combination of cleansing, exfoliation, hydration and antioxidant protection. Of the non-invasive skin treatments for those who want to stay away from any surgical procedures, this is one of the most effective options to rejuvenate the skin.

NuBody Concepts Memphis patient before and after hydrafacial treatment

Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning is a more manual form of resurfacing using a fine blade to peel away the outer layer of the skin. You may hear it also called microplaning or microblading. The aim of dermaplaning is to make your skin’s surface smooth, younger looking, and reduce dullness. This treatment can help remove deep tissue scarring caused by acne and other uneven pockmarks on your skin.

Dermaplaning patient before and after treatment

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing techniques help remove skin layer by layer with precision. A dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon will target wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, or forehead individually, or treat the whole face. These treatments will often require a topical anesthetic or sedation depending on the size of the area being treated.

Radio Frequency Assisted Treatments

Non-invasive radio frequency assisted treatments can be used to tighten skin. These include Thermi, Exilis, Forma, Fractora, and Morpheus.

The post Skincare Options in Nashville and Memphis appeared first on NuBody Concepts.

source https://nubodyconcepts.com/blog/skincare-nashville-memphis/

Your Belly Button After a Tummy Tuck

Tummy tucks are among the top three most popular procedures among our patients at NuBody Concepts Cosmetic Surgery in Nashville and Memphis, TN. And if you worry about what happens to your belly button after a tummy tuck, you are not alone. Even most plastic surgeons agree that belly button reconstruction is an important, if not the most important, part of a tummy tuck.

Today we will explain everything you should know about belly button design.

The Aesthetics of Your Belly Button

You may remember comparing your belly button to those of your siblings or friends when you were a child. If you had an “outie,” you probably spent way too much time wishing for a prettier belly button – that perfectly round depression, not too shallow and not too deep, slightly more horizontal than vertical.

Or maybe you already had a perfectly nice belly button until pregnancy changed that entire landscape drastically. As your midsection expands, whether as a result of pregnancy and childbirth or another form of weight gain, your belly button also changes its appearance. Instead of round and tight it can become undefined or even shift its location. If you have a lot of excess skin, your belly button may be enlarged. It might be elongated and look more like a slit. Or it might be entirely invisible because the surrounding skin covers it up.

Since this usually happens gradually over time, we tend to forget that it doesn’t have to be this way. This is where a tummy tuck comes into play!

If I have a tummy tuck, what happens with my belly button?

NuBody Concepts tummy tuck patient. View Tummy Tuck Gallery.

NuBody Concepts tummy tuck patient with belly button reconstruction. View Tummy Tuck Gallery.

A Tummy Tuck Needs a Well-Designed Belly Button

A tummy tuck is an excellent choice to remove excess skin and fat from your abdomen. While liposuction is less invasive, it can only tighten flabby skin so far. Patients who have undergone pregnancy or substantial weight loss or whose skin has lost its elasticity due to aging cannot attain an entirely flat stomach with liposuction alone. Only a tummy tuck can achieve that.

But you might ask: If I have a tummy tuck, what will happen to my belly button?

What Happens to the Belly Button During a Tummy Tuck

During tummy tuck surgery, a plastic surgeon removes – via excision – the patient’s excess fat and skin. Depending on the type of tummy tuck you’re having, he or she may also repair the abdominal muscle if it is torn or split (a common occurrence after pregnancy and childbirth called diastasis recti). As you might imagine, this will result in things moving around quite a bit, meaning your belly button will likely not end up in a natural-looking location unless it is reconstructed.

Luckily, experienced plastic surgeons know exactly what to do. And even better, there are many ways you can design a belly button – now may be the time for you to get your wish of a perfect one!

How Belly Button Reconstruction Works

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon for Your New Belly Button

While plastic surgery has its foundation in the medical science, it is often as much art as science. A good plastic surgeon has an eye for aesthetics, for what is pleasing to the eye, for the right proportions. Our navel may only be a small part of our bodies, but its location and shape are crucial for our overall look.

Belly button reconstruction – also known as an umbilicoplasty – can be performed standalone but is most often incorporated into tummy tuck surgery or even as part of a complete Mommy Makeover.

“Now may be the time for you to get your wish of a perfect belly button!”

Double-board certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Rosdeutscher of NuBody Concepts Cosmetic Surgery

A good plastic surgeon knows that a tummy tuck accomplishes more than just a flat tummy.

Planning Your Belly Button Design and Reconstruction

You may have heard of a “designer belly button.” To perform a tummy tuck for the sole purpose of getting yourself a nicer belly button would be an overkill, so the term is a bit misleading. But it’s certainly a good idea to discuss preferred placement and shape of your belly button with your plastic surgeon during your pre-surgery consultation.

It’s a good idea to bring in pictures of particular belly buttons you like. It may sound strange, but it will help your surgeon better understand your aesthetic goals. If you help your hairdresser understand which hairstyle you prefer by bringing in sample pictures, why not do the same when meeting with your plastic surgeon to discuss your tummy tuck and belly button placement?

Moving the Belly Button During Tummy Tuck Surgery

During a tummy tuck, your plastic surgeon makes a small incision around the belly button, leaving it attached to the abdominal wall underneath. He can now pull the released skin tight and remove any underlying fat. Once the stomach is completely flat with tightened skin, the surgeon repositions the belly button to the most aesthetically pleasing location and reattaches it to the skin. The good news: Given its nature, it’s not very hard to hide a scar inside a belly button, so there is no need to worry about scarring!

However, while it’s easy to hide the resulting stitches under the folds of the belly button, shaping and positioning it correctly requires the touch of a skilled plastic surgeon.

If you only have a small amount of loose skin, your belly button may already look close to normal. In that case, your surgeon may opt to simply remove some layers of fat without the need to repair any muscles or reposition the belly button. This is also referred to as a “mini tummy tuck.” Mini tummy tucks typically can be accomplished with a smaller scar than a full tummy tuck.

If you are unhappy with excess tummy flab, it may be time for a tummy tuck and get yourself a new belly button in the process. Your first step is to contact a plastic surgeon and schedule a personal consultation. 

The post Your Belly Button After a Tummy Tuck appeared first on NuBody Concepts.

source https://nubodyconcepts.com/blog/belly-button-after-tummy-tuck/

What is the Best BMI for Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck?

Before you make the decision for any kind of plastic surgery, you want to make sure you’re a good candidate for that procedure. But how do you know if you’re a good candidate? One factor that cosmetic surgeons look at is BMI. In this article we will discuss how to calculate your BMI and how to use it to decide between two popular procedures: liposuction and tummy tuck.

If you’re ready to meet with a physician to discuss your options, please use the calendar below to schedule a consultation with a NuBody Concepts board-certified plastic surgeon in Nashville or Memphis. To learn more, read on!

Lipo/Tummy Tuck Nashville

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Lipo/Tummy Tuck Memphis

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First off it should be said that it doesn’t all hinge on your BMI. There are several factors a plastic surgeon will consider when evaluating a prospective patient. It would be misguided to base the decision on one single factor. During a consultation, the doctor will want to know if you’re generally in good health, whether you are a smoker or non-smoker, and what expectations you have about your outcome.

Non-smoking and good general health are always indicators for fewer complications during any kind of surgery, which of course is preferable. And your expectations are important so the surgeon can gauge whether you will be happy with the outcome. When a patient has unrealistic expectations that are impossible to achieve, undergoing surgery will only lead to frustration later.

However, looking at a person’s BMI is a good approximation to determine if – and which – cosmetic surgery is warranted.

Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck

Let’s start by looking at one of the main targets of cosmetic surgery: the abdomen. It just seems so hard to have a flat belly, and diet and exercise alone often don’t work. What does work is using cosmetic surgery to remove belly fat and/or excess skin. It can be best achieved with liposuction (which there are various techniques for) or with a tummy tuck. Which one is preferable?

NuBody Concepts patient after belly fat removal with liposuction. More Liposuction Before & Afters.

NuBody Concepts patient after belly fat removal with a tummy tuck. More Tummy Tuck Before & Afters.

In most cases, it comes down to which of the two you’re a better candidate for. Younger patients and women who haven’t gone through pregnancy and childbirth tend to have more elastic skin. This helps the skin shrink back once the fat is removed with liposuction. Older patients, patients who’ve experienced drastic weight loss, or women who’ve had one or more children tend to have saggier skin that won’t shrink back even when fat is removed. Such patients will need a tummy tuck to remove the excess skin.

A plastic surgeon can help you choose the right procedure after a personal evaluation. However, it can be frustrating to spend time and money on a consultation only to find out that you’re not a good candidate for what you have in mind.

How to Calculate Your BMI

One of the quickest ways to know whether liposuction or a tummy tuck is best for you is to calculate your Body Mass Index or BMI. Measuring the BMI is an easy screening method to categorize a person by weight, from underweight to healthy, overweight, and obese. It is a simple calculation based on your height and weight.

So what’s your BMI? Let’s find out!

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Guide to Using BMI To Select Best Cosmetic Surgery

You should know that BMI calculated in this way does not measure body fat directly. However, it has enough correlation with more direct measures of body fat that it can be a useful indicator. And the great news is that you didn’t have to see a plastic surgeon to figure it out. In fact, you didn’t even have to get up from the sofa!

And now, for the results.

If Your BMI Is Under 30:

Congratulations! If your BMI is below 30, you are a good candidate for any kind of cosmetic surgery. Again, this doesn’t mean a plastic surgeon will invite you into their OR sight unseen. He or she will still want to evaluate you personally to rule out possible complications based on health issues, medications, smoking, etc.

But generally, a BMI under 30 is good news. In addition, it is especially well suited for minimally-invasive procedures such as liposuction and skin tightening. With your BMI, you are likely to see good results from both procedures. Liposuction will take care of your extra fat pockets, and adding BodyTite will help you tighten that skin even more.

NuBody Concepts patient after belly fat removal with liposuction. More Liposuction Before & Afters.

NuBody Concepts patient with fat removal on belly, flanks and back with BodyTite. More Skin Tightening Before & Afters.

If Your BMI Is Between 30 and 40:

With a BMI between 30 and 40 you may still qualify for liposuction, but you are likely to see much better results from a tummy tuck. Your overall weight is still low enough that your’e not likely to experience too many complications during surgery. This is good news. But your weight is high enough to indicate that your abdominal skin has been stretched quite a bit. With those numbers, it is very likely that you will experience moderate to severe sagging after the belly fat has been removed. You might go down a pant size or two, but you won’t like the way your tummy looks.

Another route you could take is to first bring down your weight to get closer to your target weight, and then have liposuction. The Orbera Weight-Loss Balloon is an excellent option for this. It requires a little bit of time – 6 months, to be precise – but most patients see excellent long-term results from it.

Tummy Tuck patient. More Tummy Tuck Before & Afters.

Orbera weight-loss balloon patient. More Orbera Before & Afters.

If Your BMI Is Over 40:

Unfortunately, you are not an ideal candidate for either liposuction or a tummy tuck. In fact, most plastic surgeons are reluctant to take on patients with BMIs over 40 for any kind of procedure, due to the risk of complications discussed above. Even breast implant surgery could become more risky at such a high BMI.

What can you do? We advise patients with BMIs of over 40 to enroll in a weight loss program and contact us again when they’ve been able to get their BMI in the target range. However, we realize that not all patients are the same, and individual circumstances differ. If you are in a borderline range from 40 to 42, please contact us for a pre-screening. By asking a few more questions, our consultant can determine whether a meeting with a plastic surgeon is warranted.

We hope we’ve helped you understand how to calculate your BMI to get a better idea whether liposuction, a tummy tuck, or even a weight-loss balloon is the right procedure for you. Get started by scheduling a consultation with a plastic surgeon in Nashville or Memphis!

The post What is the Best BMI for Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck? appeared first on NuBody Concepts.

source https://nubodyconcepts.com/blog/bmi-liposuction-tummy-tuck/

What is Included in the Cost of a Breast Augmentation?

Are you thinking about getting a breast augmentation? Once you have determined whether you are ready for elective surgery and have settled on your procedure, you will likely research the cost of a beast augmentation and compare prices between providers.

The best way to receive an all-inclusive quote for breast surgery is to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon. But it is important to know that some providers may not disclose all fees in their quote. Read on to learn how to ensure you are quoted a fair price.

Breast Augmentation Nashville

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Breast Augmentation Memphis

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Breaking Down the Cost of a Breast Augmentation

According to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (as of 2022), the average cost of breast augmentation surgery is $4,516.

But it comes with the following disclaimer:

This average cost is only part of the total price – it does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses. Please consult with your plastic surgeon’s office to determine your final fee.

It is important to keep this in mind when comparing providers. The average number listed above is only a base fee for the procedure, which will vary depending on which part of the country you are in (the coasts typically being more expensive), the doctor’s experience, the type of implants, etc. Most doctor’s offices will then add various fees to this base cost when billing you for the procedure.

When you ask for a breast augmentation quote, you need to make sure you know what is included and what isn’t.

All-Inclusive Breast Augmentation: No Hidden Fees

At NuBody Concepts, we understand that you are on a budget. We make it our goal to offer affordable breast augmentation to all our patients, and to make it easy and transparent. For this reason, all breast augmentations at NuBody Concepts are all-inclusive. There are no separate fees for the surgeon, no anesthesia costs, no hospital fees, no add-on medical tests. We simply have no hidden fees whatsoever. This is true for all our plastic surgery services.

Breast augmentations at NuBody Concepts Nashville and NuBody Concepts Memphis start at $5,900 for saline implants and $6,900 for silicone implants. Please also consult our pricing page for the most up-to-date information including current special offers.

The precise cost for your procedure will depend on the type of implant you choose, who manufactures it, and other factors like body type, placement under or above the muscle, and whether you require a lift as well as an implant. But you can rest assured that the quote you’ll receive is your final price.

Is Your Plastic Surgeon Upfront With All Fees?

If you do choose to compare our prices for a breast augmentation to other practices, make sure you ask about additional fees. Insist on receiving an all-inclusive quote or a detailed list of estimated add-on fees. These could include:

• Anesthesia fees
• Hospital or “surgical facility” costs
• Surgeon’s fee
• Fees for medical tests
• Price of post-surgery garments
• Taxes

Don’t Pay for Extra Luggage

We like to think that we are the Southwest Airlines of plastic surgery – we don’t charge extra for “luggage” or any kind of other service. If a practice makes you a great offer, like one that’s at or below the national average of $4,516, it is very likely that some of the above fees are not included. That is just how the medical field operates.

We believe that this isn’t fair to the patient, even if it’s always been done that way. At NuBody Concepts, we believe in transparency. We want our patients to know what to expect, both in terms of results and price. That is why we always quote you the full price of your procedure at NuBody Concepts. Please see our breast augmentation cost page for additional information.

Pay for Your Breast Augmentation with Interest-Free Financing

In addition to offering affordable breast augmentations to patients in Tennessee, we have also partnered with several medical financing providers to allow for interest-free financing of your procedure. These plans typically run for 12 months, allowing you to spread out your payment over the course of a year. Some even allow for no payments at all until the 12 months are over.

To get started, visit our payment options page, where you can do a free credit check and begin your application at the click of a button!

We hope that we have helped you clear up the mystery surrounding breast augmentation cost so that you can focus on achieving the body you’ve always wanted!

References:

1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons: What is the Cost of Breast Augmentation?

The post What is Included in the Cost of a Breast Augmentation? appeared first on NuBody Concepts.

source https://nubodyconcepts.com/blog/blog-what-is-included-in-the-cost-of-a-breast-augmentation/