Neck lift cosmetic surgery procedure can help create a sculpted, youthful neck appearance and make a person look slimmer and younger. Although the procedure is relatively less invasive, but it still requires a thorough preparation process to help ensure safe and desirable results. The surgeon will discuss the preparatory steps with the patient during the neck lift consultation.
A patient who is adequately prepared will typically feel more confident about the procedure and will achieve better satisfaction levels once the surgery is over.
Patients should diligently follow the preparation process to pave way for a smooth surgery. Board certified and profound plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) provide neck lift to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding locations in this part of The Lone Star State.
Steps for Preparation
The patient should take the following steps for preparation before the neck lift surgery:
- Request the physician, specialist or hospital to send the patient’s past medical records to the surgeon’s office for their review
- Make a detailed list of medications, herbal supplements and vitamins that the patient may be currently using
- Complete any x-ray or laboratory tests as advised by the surgeon
- Adjust the schedule of prescription medications, if advised by the surgeon in consultation with the prescribing physician
- Refrain from smoking for a specified time period as instructed by the surgeon
- Complete all urgent tasks at home and office well before the surgery in order to have a stress-free initial recovery at home
- Arrange for someone responsible to drive the patient back home after the neck lift surgery
- Apply at least one week’s leave at the workplace from the date of surgery
One Day before Surgery
Just a day prior to the neck lift surgery, the patient should follow these simple preparatory tips:
- Rest sufficiently at home and sleep early on the night before the surgery
- Avoid eating or drinking anything for eight hours prior to the schedule neck lift surgery
- Do not drink alcohol for at least 48 hours before the surgery
- Avoid wearing any jewelry, makeup, body piercings, nail paint, or contact lenses while going to the surgery center
- Choose comfortable clothes, including a loose fitting top with buttons in the front to wear on the day of the surgery
- If the patient suffers from diabetes, they should have their vital health parameters checked on the morning of the surgery
Other Aspects
In all likelihood, a patient will have some degree of anxiety or pre-op stress just a day before the surgery. In some cases, the surgeon may prescribe a calming medication for the night before the neck lift surgery. Patients can do some advance planning at home to make their post-surgical recovery more comfortable.
They should have pain relievers, loose fitting clothes, extra pillows, ice packs, gauze bandage, and other items at home before they undergo the surgery. Successful and astute cosmetic surgeons at the ACPS receive patients for neck lift and various other procedures to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and nearby communities and neighborhoods in this part of the country.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.
A neck lift, clinically known as lower rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery procedure to restore a youthful looking neck. The procedure is often combined with facelift, but may also be performed independently.
The surgeon will schedule a pre-op consultation to determine candidacy and address the patient’s doubts and concerns. They will use the consultation opportunity to educate the patient and help them make an informed decision.
Board certified plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) provide neck lift and several other cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. The ACPS surgeons will encourage the patient to proactively engage in the consultation process, and learn about different aspects of neck lift surgery. Patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and other communities across the landscape have an opportunity to receive neck lift from the ACPS surgeons.
Patient’s Inputs
During the neck lift consultation, one of the first things that the surgeon will seek to know is why the patient wants to undergo neck lift plastic surgery, and which specific aspects of the neck are bothering them.
The surgeon will also need to have clear information about the patient’s current health status and previous medical records. Patient’s cooperation and inputs on these issues will help the surgeon to create a customized neck lift surgery plan.
Patient’s Cosmetic Goals
The surgeon will utilize the consultation opportunity to understand the patient’s unique cosmetic goals with regard to their neck and facial appearance. Once the surgeon has a clear idea of the patient’s innate cosmetic needs, they can develop a customized neck lift plan that incorporates those needs. This will allow them to create most effective outcomes in a less invasive manner, while achieving high patient satisfaction levels.
Current Medical Condition
To save time during the consultation, it is a good idea if the patient arranges for their past medical records from their physician and specialist to be sent to the surgeon’s office in advance. The patient should be forthcoming about any current underlying health condition, known allergies, or autoimmune disease. The surgeon can modify the procedure as needed in order to minimize the risk of surgery.
Ongoing Medications
The patient should ideally note down all the prescription and non-prescription drugs that they may be currently taking, and also include any herbal supplements and vitamins in that list.
They should present this list during the consultation, and also inform the surgeon about any specific lifestyle habits such as smoking. This will allow the surgeon to adjust the medication schedules and give instructions to stop smoking for a few days or weeks for the patient’s safety.
Questions and Answers
At the time of initial consultation, the patient will have the chance to ask questions about neck lift surgery as well as the surgeon’s professional credentials. They should freely ask questions and make their decision only once they are fully satisfied.
The patient may also request for neck lift before and after images as well as testimonials of past patients who have undergone a successful procedure at the practice. Committed and marvelous ACPS cosmetic surgeons receive patients from Houston, Texas, TX, and nearby areas for a neck lift.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.
When considering a major cosmetic surgery procedure such as facelift, the patient should make an independent choice without being swayed by the opinion of others. However, they should carefully deliberate over the decision in consultation with a facelift surgeon, and clear all their doubts and concerns about the procedure.
Once the patient is satisfied about the procedure and the choice of the surgeon, they will feel more confident about their decision. A dedicated facelift surgeon will answer the patient’s questions in a detailed and accurate way. Board certified plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) provide facelift to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding communities across the landscape.
Questions about the Surgeon
- Do you have a board certification in plastic surgery?
- How long have you trained, and what is your experience in the field of plastic surgery?
- Do you have specific experience in facial surgery procedures, and what is your success rate?
- Would you perform my facelift at a hospital or an accredited surgical center?
- Are you affiliated with one of the local hospitals for surgery?
- In the event of an emergency, is your practice equipped to handle it?
- Do you have a policy for revision procedures in case I am not satisfied with the outcome of the facelift surgery?
Questions about Facelift Procedure
- Do you think I am a good candidate for a facelift?
- Would you recommend another procedure such as neck lift in my case?
- Will you perform my surgery using general or local anesthesia?
- Which facelift surgery technique would be most appropriate in my case?
- How long would the surgery take inside the operating room, and can I go back home the same day?
- What preparatory steps can I take to make my surgery safer and more effective?
- Can I receive a set of facelift before and after photos of earlier patients to understand the results better?
Questions about Recovery
- Is the facelift recovery going to be long and difficult?
- How much downtime should I expect after the surgery?
- What are the potential risks and side effects involved in this surgery?
- When can I expect to return to my regular routine or resume my exercise regimen?
- Will you provide me with instructions for recovery and will there be any follow-up visits to your office?
Questions about Costs
- What would be the total cost of facelift surgery?
- Is your cost estimate inclusive of the pre- and post-operative expenses?
- Can the costs reduce if the procedure is performed at a surgery center or a private surgical suite?
- Will you charge separately for any post-surgical appointments?
- Will I be eligible for a rebate if I choose to have another procedure in addition to facelift surgery?
- Will your office guide me about my financing options to pay for the surgery?
Experienced cosmetic surgeons at the ACPS receive patients from Houston, Texas, TX, and nearby areas for facelift and various other surgical and non-surgical procedures.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.
Neck Lift Plastic Surgery (Lower Rhytidectomy)
Neck lift cosmetic surgery procedure is popular among both women and men who wish to have a rejuvenated and youthful looking neck and get rid of sagging skin and unsightly neck bands. The procedure is usually performed as an elective surgery, whereby the patient is required to pay out of pocket for the costs. Therefore, for many patients, cost becomes a key starting point.
During the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will educate the patient on all aspects of neck lift, including its costs.
The first goal of a committed surgeon will be to help the patient make a well-considered decision. Board certified plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) provide neck lift to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding communities.
Extent of Surgery
Neck lift plastic surgery costs can differ according to the type of surgical technique used and the extent of surgery performed. The surgeon will assess the patient’s candidacy for a particular technique and discuss its specific costs during the pre-op consultation.
Neck Liposuction
If stubborn fat tissue deposits are present in excessive amount in the neck or under the chin, but the skin elasticity is reasonably intact, the surgeon may only recommend neck liposuction to reshape the neck. This procedure will be relatively more affordable than a full neck lift surgery. The cost of neck liposuction may also vary according to the type of surgical technique applied.
Cervicoplasty
Excess loose skin from the neck region can be removed with the help of this neck lift technique. The remaining skin will then be re-draped smoothly over the neck to create a taut appearance. Cervicoplasty can cost a little more than liposuction, or may sometimes be combined with liposuction, which will further add to the costs.
Platysmaplasty
The surgeon may decide to tighten the underlying muscles in the neck if they are weak or separated. A part of the platysma neck muscle may be removed to create an enhanced and refined neck contour. Cervicoplasty may be combined with this procedure to produce more effective results. The price tag for platysmaplasty may be a little higher than other neck lift techniques.
In many cases, neck lift is performed in conjunction with facelift or cheek lift surgery to create more uniform and natural looking results. If two or more procedures are combined, the overall procedure becomes more cost-effective than when these are performed separately. Experienced cosmetic surgeons at the ACPS receive patients from Houston, Texas, TX, and other areas in this part of The Lone Star State for neck lift surgery.
Cost Components
The major cost components in neck lift surgery will typically include fee charged by the anesthesiologist, fee charged by the plastic surgeon, surgical venue expenses, and post-surgical costs such as medical tests, prescription medications, compression garment, and visits to the surgeon’s office.
Financing
Third party financing is commonly available to support patients who want to undergo an elective surgery such as neck lift. Several professional medical care finance firms offer uniquely designed loans for such patients. The surgeon’s office may sometimes be able to arrange for an appropriate payment plan.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.
Neck Lift
A neck lift cosmetic surgery procedure is designed to enhance the neck appearance by tightening loose skin and underlying muscles and improving the jawline contour.
Neck lift may be performed as a standalone procedure, but is often combined with a facelift, cheek lift or liposuction surgery. Board certified plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) provide neck lift to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding communities.
Cosmetic Enhancement
Neck lift surgery creates a sculpted and slimmer appearance of the neck, which will make a person look younger. In many cases, it can give the impression that a person has achieved weight loss, even though it is only a body contouring surgery. More substantive and natural looking outcomes can be created when neck lift is performed in conjunction with a facelift surgery.
When excess neck skin is removed and underlying muscles are tightened, it will also improve the jowly effect to reveal an enhanced jawline. If the patient has excess fatty tissue deposits in the neck, a liposuction surgery of the neck may be combined with neck lift to create a more attractive and slimmer neck appearance.
Candidacy
Neck lift plastic surgery procedure is usually performed on women and men above the age of 40, when the neck skin typically begins to sag. The average candidate will have one or more of the following characteristics for neck lift surgery:
- Skin is damaged in the neck area due to sun and wind exposure over the years
- Excess fat pockets in the neck have led to the appearance of a double chin
- A turkey wattle neck is notable due to sagging neck skin
- Pronounced jowly look due to the presence of excess skin and fat under the jaws
- Conspicuous wrinkles, folds and creases in the neck area
Procedure
If the candidate only requires minimal neck contouring, the surgeon may recommend just neck liposuction. However, where a full neck lift surgery must be performed, the following steps will be a part of the procedure:
- The patient will be placed under general or local anesthesia and sedation
- Incisions will be discreetly placed below the chin or behind the ears or both, depending on the chosen surgical technique
- The platysma muscle will be tightened and sutured together to lift the neck
- Loose skin and excess fat tissue will be removed
- Remaining skin and tissue will be carefully repositioned and secured with sutures to create smooth neck contour
- Incisions will be closed with sutures, and temporary drain tubes may be placed in the incision areas before the wounds are bandaged
Experienced cosmetic surgeons at the ACPS receive patients for neck lift and various other procedures from Houston, Texas, TX, and other cities and communities in this part of the country.
Recovery
A full neck lift procedure may involve a downtime of about one week. The patient should take plenty of rest during this time, but perform short walks and light activities at home. The surgeon may prescribe pain meds and antibiotics for a few days. Sutures and drain tubes may be removed at the end of the first week. Most patients can return to their normal routine at this point, but should avoid strenuous activities for another two to three weeks.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.
Liposuction Surgery
Liposuction can usually be performed using the tumescent technique, which makes it a less invasive cosmetic surgery requiring only local anesthesia. But the procedure is still considered a major surgery and will involve certain amount of advance preparation in order to achieve safe outcomes.
A well-prepared patient will typically have more confidence and will feel less anxious prior to the surgery, and will also have higher chances of a smooth and easy recovery. Board certified plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center of Plastic Surgery (ACPS) provide liposuction to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding locations.
Preparation Guidelines
The patient can follow a few simple guidelines provided by the surgeon in order to prepare for liposuction plastic surgery:
- Arrange for past and current health records from the physician and specialists to be sent to the surgeon’s office.
- Prepare a detailed list of medications, including blood thinners, NSAIDs, prescription medications, and herbal supplements and vitamins that the patient may be currently using.
- If the patient has not had a mammogram in the previous six months, she should get a baseline mammogram performed ahead of time. Additionally, the surgeon may order a mammogram with specialized views, depending on the case.
- If the schedule of any prescription medications needs to be changed, have the surgeon speak to the general physician.
- Avoid smoking for a certain period of time before the surgery as instructed by the surgeon.
- If any pressing household or office tasks are pending, have them completed prior to the surgery in order to have a stress-free post-operative recovery.
- Preferably, arrange for a friend, family member or a professional caregiver to assist during the first two days after the surgery.
- Arrange for a responsible person to drive the patient back home after the liposuction procedure.
Following the surgeon’s advice for preparation will help the patient to have a safer surgery with minimal risk of complications or delayed recovery.
Common Instructions
The surgeon may provide a printed set of common instructions to the patient as a part of the liposuction preparation process. These instructions may include:
- Stop using aspirin, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs for about two weeks prior to liposuction.
- Avoid using vitamin E, vitamin C, herbal remedies and dietary supplements for a month before the surgery.
- Refraining from consuming alcohol for about 48 hours before the procedure.
- Do not eat or drink anything for eight hours prior to the surgery.
- Take adequate rest and sleep on the night before the surgery.
- On the day of surgery, do not wear makeup, nail paint, body piercings, jewelry or contact lenses.
- Wear loose fitting and comfortable clothes and shoes on the day of the surgery.
- Diabetic patients should have their vital parameters checked on the morning of the surgery.
It is normal to have mild pre-surgery stress, and the surgeon may prescribe a calming medication to be taken the night before the surgery. Hard working and committed cosmetic surgeons at ACPS receive patients from Houston, Texas, TX, and nearby areas for liposuction.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery(ACPS)physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.
By Sherri Roberts
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The two most recent plastic surgeons to join The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS), Drs. Rolando Morales and Kristi Hustak, added a prestigious new credential to their list of achievements in 2015: board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). ABPS certification is considered one of the most important credentials when it comes to evaluating a physician’s qualifications to perform cosmetic surgery procedures. It signifies a physician has met the following standards:
- Graduation from an accredited medical school, with five years of additional training as a resident surgeon in a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeon of Canada
- Completed residency training covering all areas of surgery, including at least three devoted entirely to plastic surgery
- Passed comprehensive written and oral examinations which cover all plastic surgery procedures
Many people might be surprised to learn that physicians trained in specialties other than plastic surgery legally can perform cosmetic surgery procedures, a financially lucrative practice that can have dangerous consequences for unsuspecting patients. ABPS certified surgeons have undergone extensive and comprehensive training not only in performing plastic surgery procedures but also in recognizing and correctly treating any complications that could arise during all stages of the surgical experience. That’s why it’s crucial that women and men interested in having a cosmetic surgery procedure verify in which specialty their prospective physician has received board certification by visiting this site: http://www.certificationmatters.org/.
Morales said, “Potential patients will continue to be offered plastic surgery by non plastic surgeons, and this trend will only get worse. This is very confusing for them, and it can lead to disastrous consequences. A real plastic surgeon is the right choice for cosmetic surgery. As ABPS says, ‘board certification matters.’”
Morales’ and Hustak’s achievements come at a dynamic juncture for ACPS, where its six board certified plastic surgeons are orchestrating plans to expand the practice and further solidify its leadership role in blending artistry with surgical precision, advanced technologies and research.
Hustak commented, “It’s an exciting time at ACPS with the establishment of our aesthetic fellowship program and our first fellow starting in 2016, the expansion of our surgical center and medical spa, and our continuing research to improve patient safety and surgical techniques. This gives us more resources to treat patients in the Houston area and beyond.”
Morales and Hustak share a vitality-infused vision for the practice, one that builds on the solid foundation its founding partners established after forming the practice in 1997. As the architect of the group’s fellowship program, which is endorsed by the prestigious American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Morales is working to strengthen ACPS’s educational relationship with the four plastic surgery residencies in Houston. Along with this, he plans to increase the practice’s research production and continue its dedication to education and patient safety.
He noted, “The partners are some of the greatest surgeons and mentors I’ve ever known. To work alongside them is an honor and privilege. I will do everything I can to [further establish] ACPS as one of the best practices in the nation. We are going to do great things!”
By Sherri Roberts
[email protected]
What began as a quest to create more attractive tummy tuck results has culminated in a year of multiple honors for Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Patronella. Dissatisfied with the “flat-as-a-board” abdominal appearance that standard tummy tuck methods produced, Patronella set out to reproduce, via a combination of surgical techniques, the subtle anatomical details that characterize a naturally beautiful, toned feminine abdomen—a 15 year process that resulted in his True Form Tummy Tuck® approach.
The Aesthetic Surgery Journal, considered the premier publication of cosmetic plastic surgery, spotlighted Patronella’s method as the “Featured Operative Technique” in its November/December issue article, “Redefining Abdominal Anatomy: 10 Key Elements for Restoring Form in Abdominoplasty.” In the article, Patronella details the techniques he uses to create physical characteristics that include a smooth, even skin tone; soft contours of varying depth; and a deep, oval-shaped navel.
Earlier in the year, Patronella won the Fox award for the best paper presented at the Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons annual meeting in San Antonio for his talk on the same subject. He received the award based upon the votes of plastic surgeons throughout Texas who attended the conference. Patronella also presented his method at the 2015 meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Montreal, and he was invited to present it at a 2016 meeting of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Argentina.
Patronella said, “One of women’s greatest fears about having a tummy tuck is that it will look unnatural and easily identified as a surgical looking abdomen rather than their natural state. Through careful analysis of what creates an aesthetically appealing abdomen and reproducing those features, we can offer patients a much better outcome—one that allows them to feel more confident wearing a swimsuit and going to the pool.” He added, “Women will wear tummy tuck results the rest of their lives. They deserve the best plastic surgery has to offer.”
Dr. Christopher Patronella is a founding partner of The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) one of the largest private cosmetic plastic surgery practices in Texas, and a clinical professor of surgery in the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He and his ACPS colleagues have introduced numerous plastic surgery innovations to improve patients’ safety and aesthetic results. In addition to performing facial, breast, and body contouring surgery, Dr. Patronella offers a wide range of nonsurgical treatments with minimal recovery time required to help women and men look and feel their best.
View Marketwired press release.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.
Breast enhancement cosmetic surgery procedure involves surgical insertion of saline or silicone breast implants to increase the size and volume of a woman’s breasts. In a few cases nowadays, fat transfer may be used instead of implants. Breast enhancement has remained one of the most popular surgeries in recent years, with the ASAPS reporting nearly 4.5 million procedures carried out between 1997 and 2012 in the US.
Need for Breast Enhancement
Augmentation mammoplasty, which is the clinical name of breast enhancement, is primarily performed for cosmetic purposes. If the woman is unhappy with the naturally small or under-developed size of her breasts, or simply wishes to achieve a more pronounced breast appearance, breast enhancement may be recommended.
In a few cases, it may be a necessary procedure to correct asymmetrical breasts or to perform breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) is a premier practice, led by experienced plastic surgeons, which provides this procedure to patients in Houston TX, and surrounding communities.
Customizable Surgery
Breast enhancement is more popular today because the plastic surgery procedure can be customized to meet the unique aesthetic needs of a patient. The patient will have multiple choices for the type, size, profile, shape, and texture of breast implants. The implant may be placed below the pectoral muscle or behind the breast tissue, as needed.
Incisions to perform the surgery may be placed in the armpit, around the areola, or in the breast crease as suitable. Experienced cosmetic surgeons will engage with the patient at the surgical planning stage to determine the best treatment approaches. ACPS receives patients from Houston TX, and nearby areas for breast enhancement and other procedures.
Procedure
Breast enhancement is usually performed as an outpatient surgery, using general anesthesia or IV sedation. The surgeon will begin the procedure by placing the incision discreetly in the pre-determined location. A breast pocket will be created through the incision to accommodate the implant. The implant will be placed submuscularly or subglandularly as required.
Once the implant is adjusted properly into its position, the surgeon will close the incision with sutures. The incision area will be initially wrapped in bandages, and a special surgical bra will be provided for extra support. The patient will be required to wear the bra for several weeks to support the healing process. The surgeon may also place drainage tubes beneath the skin to collect excess fluid and reduce the risk of infection.
After the procedure, the patient will be moved to a recovery area where she will remain under observation for a few hours. Once the effect of general anesthesia has subsided, she may return home escorted by someone to drive her to the home.
Recovery
In the first week, patients may experience mild pain and discomfort, which can be addressed with pain medications. Slow walking and light activities can be started in the first week. Most patients can return to their regular activity or workplace in about 10 to 14 days.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.
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