Tummy Tucks to Get Rid of Belly Bulge: What Really is an “Ideal Candidate”?

Are you an ideal candidate for plastic surgery? Atlanta plastic surgery is a very popular trend today. These cosmetic surgeries range from rhinoplastys to the very popular tummy tucks. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, tummy tucks, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin, and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. This is a very popular procedure especially among middle-aged women because in many cases no amount of exercise and diet will get the smoothed tummy that every woman is trying for.

Many people are against these types of “elective cosmetic surgeries”, thinking that it is the easy way out or unnecessary. In some instances this could be the case, but not always. A flat well-toned abdomen is what we all strive for, usually through exercise and weight control. While in some circumstances the outcomes are successful, but sometimes these methods just do not achieve our goals.

There are many things that cause people (mostly middle aged women) to elect this surgery. To name a few, pregnancy, aging, fluctuations in weight, heredity, and prior surgery are the most common. If these causes speak to you then you could be an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck. But not so fast, there are a few more conditions.

A tummy tuck, or abdominosplasty is not a simple procedure and should be researched and well thought out before the decision to choose this operation. “You are a good candidate for an abdominoplasty if you are physically healthy and at a stable weight, you have realistic expectations, and you do not smoke” says Dr. Ashraf of Perimeter Plastic Surgery. If you do not meet these characteristics then you should consider changing some habits, or abdominosplasty just may not be the solution for you.

Realistic expectations seem to be a reoccurring problem. Some might be unreasonable in what they expect a tummy tuck to do. Tummy tucks are not weight loss programs, or an exercise replacement option and tummy tucks cannot correct stretch marks. They do, however, remove excess skin, and ultimately make the abdomen firmer.

Perimeter Plastic Surgery provides the latest techniques in cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery in Atlanta, GA and are committed to providing you with high-quality personalized care.

The Tummy Tuck – Right for Me?

By Lyla Koon, Freelance writer

The flat stomach is back! With the profusion of ads showing low-cut jeans, high-cut shirts and pierced belly buttons, women are seeking a flatter abdomen.

An abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck,” can restore that youthful, “hourglass” appearance in the right patient – ideally one with loose excess skin in the lower abdominal area. A good candidate would be close to their ideal body weight and not smoke.

There are usually three steps to an abdominoplasty, according to Mark Deutsch, M.D., FACS, with Perimeter Plastic Surgery. The first involves tightening the abdominal muscles, which may have become lax over time either due to pregnancy or weight gain. Next the surgeon removes excess skin in the abdominal area and finally, liposuction may be used in the flanks region.

If the patient has loose skin only between the umbilicus or “belly button” and the pubic area, then a “mini” abdominoplasty is indicated. This procedure uses a short, low scar just above the pubic area that does not include an incision around the umbilicus. Therefore only the muscles below the umbilicus can be tightened. Dr. Deutsch explains that if the patient has loose skin and fatty rolls both above and below the umbilicus, then a “full” abdominoplasty is indicated.

“Again, the incision can be kept low near the pubic area, but extending it slightly longer and including an incision around the umbilicus means I can tighten the muscles both above and below this area,” he says, “allowing a maximum tightening of the entire abdominal skin.” If the patient has had a Caesarean section, this scar is often removed and the abdominoplasty incision takes its place.

Women should not worry about getting pregnant after undergoing an abdominoplasty, “although women who are thinking about getting pregnant in the next year or two should consider postponing the surgery until after having the last child,” adds Dr. Deutsch. A pregnancy will stretch out a previously tight stomach in patients who had undergone abdominoplasty, so he recommends that women wait at least 3 to 6 months after the baby is born. This also allows all of the circulating hormones to return to their normal levels.

For some patients, only liposuction is recommended, and not a tummy tuck. “However, if there is loose skin in the lower abdominal area, then liposuction alone is unlikely to lead to a good outcome,” says Dr. Deutsch. A decision on the best course to take is made only after a thorough consultation.

Patients undergoing a full abdominoplasty generally stay overnight, while mini-abdominoplasty patients can go home the day of surgery.

Perimeter Plastic Surgery expands in Fayetteville

Dr. Mark Deutsch and his practice, Perimeter Plastic Surgery, are moving to a newer, larger facility. The expansion reflects the practice’s success, and will help to prepare for continued growth that the Atlanta plastic surgeon anticipates.

In the current economic climate, many potential patients’ budgets are too tight for luxuries such as high quality plastic surgery. However, Dr. Deutsch and Perimeter Plastic Surgery have continued to book patients for an array of procedures, particularly abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, breast reduction and breast lifts. Dr. Deutsch’s reputation as a quality, board certified plastic surgeon – the kind of doctor that patients feel completely comfortable working with – has kept his schedule full. While other practices are experiencing cancelled bookings and seeing fewer new patients, Perimeter Plastic Surgery has not only weathered the storm, it is expanding.

The new office in Fayetteville provides easier, faster hospital access, which makes every step of the process, from consultation to recovery, easier for Perimeter Plastic Surgery patients. The new facility is also more aesthetically pleasing and boasts more amenities, fitting improvements for a doctor whose business is enhancing the beauty of his patients while making them feel comfortable at the same time.

Perimeter Plastic Surgery welcomes the chance to operate in a facility that is well suited to one of the leading cosmetic surgeons in Atlanta. Whether patients seek a simple procedure, such as Botox or Restylane, or something more comprehensive, like a tummy tuck or liposuction, they will be better served and more comfortable at the new Fayetteville office.

Combining a Tummy Tuck with a Breast Lift Yields Great Results, Saves Time and Money

Atlanta, GA October 26, 2008 — Atlanta area mothers looking to restore their bodies after pregnancy should place two plastic surgery procedures at the top of their list, says Mark Deutsch, M.D., of Perimeter Plastic Surgery. Both the “tummy tuck,” or abdominoplasty, and the “breast lift,” or mastopexy, could benefit a woman’s appearance and self-esteem. Perimeter Plastic Surgery will now perform the operations simultaneously, at both their Fayetteville and Atlanta plastic surgery facilities.

The tummy tuck, a tightening of the abdominal muscles and removal of excess skin around the abdomen, can give a patient a flat stomach when weight loss alone has not completely restored a woman’s midsection to its ideal appearance. A breast lift removes excess skin around the breast to alleviate sagging, restore fullness and shapeliness, and bring the nipple back to the correct height.

The best way to obtain both procedures without straining the budget is to visit an Atlanta plastic surgeon who will do them simultaneously. Dr. Mark Deutsch is board certified and has the clinical skills and experience to deliver results that exceed patients’ expectations.

Combining the operations offers many benefits:

The patient is anesthetized only once, saving anesthesiology fees.

The surgeries are done in one day – Atlanta plastic surgeons are heavily booked and are often difficult to schedule.

Overall recovery time is shorter, which means fewer days off from work.

Dr. Deutsch and his staff are available for consultation regarding these procedures, which can be performed at their Fayetteville or Atlanta plastic surgery facilities.

Busted Myths about Breast Implants and answers to other common questions

By Joy McNutt

Breast implants and augmentation are more popular and safer than ever, studies show breast augmentation is one of the most popular and common of elective surgeries in the United States. Breast enhancement procedures became fashionable and accepted in the 1960s with the introduction of sophisticated, less invasive medical techniques. As doctors and researchers discovered more elite procedures and found higher quality materials for those implants, their popularity continued to rise. More than 250,000 women elected to get implants in 2005.

“An uncomplicated breast implant can be performed as an outpatient procedure under anesthesia in about an hour,” says Mark F. Deutsch, MD FACS. “They usually last about 15 years.”

Women generally offer two reasons for desiring breast enlargement. Some women have always had a small cup size. Other women have lost their original fullness or perkiness due to pregnancy or weight loss.

“Breast implants can help both these women by enhancing volume and adjusting the position of the nipple,” Dr. Deutsch says. “Today’s implants allow women to select a natural look or a custom-designed figure. A skilled surgeon can help a woman have the correctly-proportioned figure that most complements her height and body type. She can have the larger breasts she has always dreamed of, or can enjoy the same youthful figure she had before pregnancy.”

Dr. Deutsch advises women considering a procedure to choose their doctor carefully. Word of mouth is an excellent way to begin the selection process. Pay attention to the doctor’s listening skills, too.

“A surgeon should always schedule a lengthy conference so he can fully understand her picture of her dream figure.” Dr. Deutsch “He can help her consider her desired cup size and the shape of the breasts she wants.”

Breast implants generally last 10 to 15 years, Dr. Deutsch says. Saline implants are the most common material used in breast augmentation – they look good, feel natural and are not linked to the side effects of older silicone implants.

“There remain some rare complications women should be aware of,” Dr. Deutsch says. “Some saline implants have deflated up to 10 percent over a five-year period. Implant companies have a standard warranty and offer an extended warranty.” Meanwhile, the FDA continues to research alternative implant materials.

Common myths:

Dr. Deutsch debunks some common misconceptions about breast implants. There are no data linking breast implants with breast cancer, and new mothers can nurse their babies, even with implants. Women with implants have no excuse for skipping the annual mammogram, either.

A careful surgeon can keep scarring to a minimum. “It depends on the procedure,” Dr. Deutsch says. “In the case of a breast lift, the incision will be around the areola, the colored skin surrounding the nipple. An incision under the breast is fairly common and unnoticeable, as well as an armpit incision.”

The recovery for breast augmentation is much easier than before. “The patient must not exercise or lift heavy objects for a few weeks,” Dr. Deutsch says. “She will wear a surgical bra for the first week and then a sports bra or jogging bra for a few weeks afterward. The stitches will dissolve and she can shower the day after the surgery.”

Breast Augmentation: Saline Implants or Silicone Implants, that is the question!

Advancements in technology have been favorable toward the female population in the United States. Plastic surgery has created a way for women across the nation to boost their confidence levels and improve the way they feel about themselves and about life. There have been an increasing number of women that have opted to have plastic surgery for various reasons. One procedure that has continued to grow in popularity is the breast augmentation. The number of women receiving breast augmentations, or breast implants, across the United States is currently rising.

Making the decision to have a breast augmentation performed is just one factor of many that a woman must take into consideration before deciding to go under the knife. Size, shape and feel are major pieces in the decision making process. Women also have the choice between silicone implants or saline implants. The real question, however, is which type is safer for women to receive: Saline or Silicone?

Silicone implants became increasingly popular in the mid 1980’s. Shortly after, there was a decrease in silicone implants because women discovered that it ran the risk of rupturing inside the body. Due to this reason, saline implants began to increase popularity. Saline is a mix of salt and water, which is less hazardous if it were to rupture inside the breasts. However, this trend didn’t remain this way for very long.

Moving into the 21st century, both types of breast implants are now considered safe and widely used. We have actually seen a jump in the number of Silicone implants used in breast augmentations; silicone implants account for sixty percent of all breast augmentations performed in one year. Needless to say, people’s perception of the safety of Silicone has greatly changed and saline implants are getting almost as much attention as the traditional silicone. The issue is no longer safety, but rather preference when it comes to choosing breast implants.

After making the decision to receive plastic surgery, whether it’s a breast augmentation or a tummy tuck, the next critical step is to decide on the best plastic surgeon to perform the procedure. There are a number of plastic surgeons in the Atlanta area that specialize in procedures such as breast augmentations, but finding the right surgeon with the required training and certifications is crucial. “When choosing a plastic surgeon, make sure that the surgeon is ‘Board Certified’ by the Atlanta Board of Plastic Surgeons” says Dr. Mark Deutsch M.D. of Perimeter Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, Georgia. “It is very important to have a qualified professional perform your surgery, otherwise, the results could be less than favorable”.

Perimeter Plastic Surgery has excellent surgeons that can provide a variety of plastic surgery procedures. Their goal is to help you attain the goal you set for yourself.

Breast Augmentation Revealed: The Scoop on Plastic Surgery After Pregnancy

Have your breasts lost their youthful vigor after breastfeeding? “Breast implants can help women by enhancing volume and adjusting the position of the nipple,” Dr. Deutsch says. “A woman can enjoy the same youthful figure she had before pregnancy.”

While a standard breast augmentation may be all that is necessary, many women need adjustments in shape as well as size. Some breasts even require lifting. Only a surgeon with training and experience in all aspects of surgery of the breast is qualified to assess and treat this need. Often, unqualified surgeons who are unaware or incapable of all options perform augmentation without a breast lift. For women with sagging, poorly supported breasts, the breast augmentation procedure on its own is not enough. As a result, the breasts will have a heavy appearance and hang low. This unsatisfactory result leaves most women disappointed. Your plastic surgeon should listen to your concerns and develop an individualized plan to avoid such problems and increase the likelihood of an outstanding result.

Word of mouth is an excellent way to begin the selection process. “A surgeon should always schedule a lengthy conference so he can fully understand her picture of her dream figure.”

At Perimeter Plastic Surgery, Dr. Deutsch will work with clients to “Consider her desired cup size and the shape of the breasts she wants. Today’s implants allow women to select a natural look or a custom-designed figure.” This is appealing as it deflates many myths about breast implants. “Many women believe that all breast implants look artificial and feel that there is nothing that they can do to achieve the look that they once had before breastfeeding,” says Dr. Deutsch.

Breast implants generally last 10 to 15 years, Dr. Deutsch says. Silicone implants are actually being used more often now than in the recent past since several studies have shown that there are not the adverse side effects with silicone implants as was reported in the early ’90s. Saline implants are another option. Silicone implants do have a softer and more natural feel but each patient needs to be evaluated individually to see which implant best suits her needs. “An uncomplicated breast implant can be performed as an outpatient procedure under anesthesia in about an hour,” says Mark F. Deutsch, MD, FACS.

Mark F. Deutsch, MD, FACS, is board certified in cosmetic plastic and reconstructive surgery, and founder of Perimeter Plastic Surgery located in Atlanta and Fayetteville. Perimeter Plastic Surgery is a boutique-style facility catering to patients seeking elective surgery or more personalized attention. Author of several articles on cancer reconstruction, Dr. Deutsch has earned a solid reputation in the field as an expert on all parts of the body, not just breasts or face. Perimeter Plastic Surgery offers the latest techniques for popular cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation and reduction, facial plastic surgeries, tummy tuck, liposuction and more.

5 Shocking Plastic Surgery Myths

Plastic Surgery can be a wonderful and exciting experience. It has many benefits, like enhancing appearance and boosting self-esteem. However, it’s important to research the whole process and take the necessary precautions before diving in headfirst. There are many myths and truths to plastic surgery and it’s important to differentiate what is true and what is fiction by consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Myth Number One: Choose the cheapest surgeon to avoid getting ripped off. A good plastic surgeon with experience and board certification is going to provide pricey services. The equipment used to perform the surgery itself, such as the anesthesia, is also pricey which adds to the cost of the procedures. it’s important to keep in mind that anything that is worthwhile requires loosening the purse strings.

Myth Number Two: A good plastic surgeon can have any type of certification. A plastic surgeon should be board certified from the American Board of Plastic Surgery in order to be considered fully and properly trained. The reason behind this is that anyone with a medical license can be considered a “plastic surgeon”, which is why it’s important to look at the type of certification that surgeon holds.

Myth Number Three: Plastic surgery is not the same as medical surgery. Plastic surgery is considered surgery, period. It requires all of the same necessary precautions as medical surgery as well as the right doctor to perform the surgery. A plastic surgeon needs to have a medical license just like any other surgeon, as well as be board certified.

Myth Number Four: Anyone can get plastic surgery. Every person is not created equal, which is why it’s so crucial to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon about the procedures before making a final decision. People with poor health, for example, are generally not good candidates for plastic surgery.

Myth Number Five: A good plastic surgeon will not cause scars. Any procedure that involves making incisions on the body will cause scars. However, scars will vary for each person depending on body and skin type.

Rather than listening to what people claim to know about plastic surgery, it’s better to consult with an actual plastic surgeon. Dr. Mark Deutsch is a plastic surgeon at Perimeter Plastic Surgery in Atlanta and is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Deutsch shares his views on people considering plastic surgery: “There’s a lot of misconceptions when it comes to plastic surgery. You want to weed out the myths from the facts by consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon. In my eyes, all of my customers are unique and I would never tell two people the same thing because each person’s body is very different.”