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Gynecomastia is a fairly common problem for males, and the chances of developing this condition increase with age. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that one in four men between the ages of 50 and 69 are affected by gynecomastia, although it can happen to males at any age and is not uncommon for teens and young adults. Hormonal changes and imbalances, heredity, obesity and the use of certain prescription and recreational drugs may cause an increase of fat or tissue in the male breast area. Although this condition affects many people, sometimes men feel body shame to the extent that it inhibits their sports activities, clothing choices and intimacy with others. While diet and exercise are important, they can often do little to reduce the appearance of male breasts.

Gynecomastia surgery can eliminate male breast insecurities by reducing breast size and flattening and sculpting the chest. If you are considering gynecomastia surgery (aka, reduction mammaplasty), you are not alone. The staff at bodybyZ will be there for you every step of the way. Your results will depend on you being candid during the consultation and preparing yourself properly for a successful surgery. Here are some ways to prepare yourself.

Determine the Procedure You Want

The first thing you need to do is determine which procedure will meet your individual physical needs. You’ll have a medical exam with Dr. Zienowicz to assess whether the fullness in your chest is from too much glandular breast tissue, excess fat, both excess breast tissue and fat or from loose skin around the areola (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple). Sometimes gynecomastia can be unilateral (meaning, one breast needs correction) or bilateral (both breasts are affected).

Because the causes for gynecomastia may be hormonal or due to anabolic steroids, recreational drugs and prescription medications, it is important to include a complete medical history when consulting with Dr. Zienowicz. We want to ensure permanent results, so we will order lab tests to ensure your hormone levels are in the correct range prior to surgery.

The surgical technique employed by Dr. Zienowicz depends on the excess weight of the breast tissue, how much the breast(s) sag and the stretch of the areola, so that if necessary the position and size of the areola can be improved, and the excess fat and tissue will be reduced. When gynecomastia is mostly the result of extra fatty tissue, liposuction techniques via cannula insertion into small incisions may work best to create the optimal result and allows for sculpting of the chest wall for a toned and athletic chest. When there is glandular breast tissue or areola reconstruction or reduction, excision techniques are recommended to remove excess skin and to reposition the areola. The goal will always be the combination of surgical techniques to provide the patient with a natural male contour. You and Dr. Zienowicz will determine the technique(s) most appropriate for your body type prior to your procedure.

Your Well-Being Is Paramount When Preparing for Surgery

There are things you should avoid before gynecomastia: smoking, herbal supplements and taking anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. Let Dr. Zienowicz know about any medication you take to verify if you should stop taking it or continue before your procedure.

Aim to reach the healthiest version of yourself to prepare your body for surgery. If your gynecomastia is the result of a nutritional supplement, prescription medication or recreational drug use, you may be asked to refrain before surgery.

If your excessive chest fat is due to poor diet and overeating, then before surgery is the best time to examine and fix your exercise and diet habits. Surgery is always best when you are either at or close to your ideal body weight. Ways to improve a poor diet are:

• Drinking plenty of water to flush out toxins
• Eating more fruits and vegetables
• Limiting the amount of sugar, salt and fat in your diet
• Reducing alcohol intake

Ways to improve your physical endurance and exercise regimen are by doing 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise at least three times a week and doing resistance work, such as lifting weights, using arm and ankle bands, or balls.

Remember that the healthier you are, the faster your body, skin and tissues will heal.

Make Logistical Arrangements Prior to Surgery

Know the procedure time and duration of your post-op stay. The surgery is usually a one-time treatment and it takes about two hours, plus the time for anesthesia preparation and recovery.

Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you to our office-based surgical facility and home after the surgery. Have your trusted caregiver handy in case you need to pick up a prescription or need to run an errand during the first 24 hours following surgery.

Have your meals prepared ahead of time so you can rest without stress.

Prepare for a Successful Recovery

The liposuction cannula incisions are typically very well hidden and inconspicuous, so healing is fast and redness fades quickly after a few months. You can expect some bruising and puffiness for at least two weeks. Recovery downtime is quick, but you’ll need to take it easy for the first week after surgery. You can look forward to resuming normal active exercise within just a few weeks after surgery; however, avoid upper-body workouts for at least four to six weeks.

You may also have drains for 24 to 48 hours after surgery and wear a compression vest for six weeks to two months. The vest helps reduce swelling and fosters great results.

Always set realistic expectations about your recovery and results. Patience and a positive mindset are key to healing. Your chest contour may look puffy, red or irregular at first, but this heals and resolves with time. With proper preparation, you can enjoy results that bring out the best version of yourself.

If you’re considering gynecomastia or other procedures, we would be delighted to help guide you through this process. Get in touch today to learn about your options and schedule a consultation at your convenience.

If you have landed on this page, you are most likely concerned about areas of localized fat on your body and are considering liposuction, and would like to understand aspects of the procedure. In the past, you may have tried exercise — and just about every other way you can think of — to get rid of stubborn areas of fat, but you just can’t seem to get your body where you’d like it to be. Liposuction can help you reach your body goals.

To help determine whether liposuction is a good fit you, there are 15 common questions candidates ask their surgeons most frequently.

1. What is liposuction?

For starters, liposuction is a surgical procedure that helps contour your body by removing excess fat deposits located just under the skin. It removes the pockets of fat that are most resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction may also have several clever names which essentially mean the same thing. Liposculpture is how a surgeon many sculpt areas of your body using the liposuction method. Lipo 360 essentially means lipo around the full circumference of your body – in other words you are turned over during the procedure 360 degrees so that both the front and back of your body are treated.

2. Am I a good candidate for liposuction?

There are two layers of fat you need to understand before determining if you are a good candidate for liposuction: subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat can be stubborn to lose, and it lies between muscle and skin. Visceral fat, on the other hand, is the layer beneath the muscle layer around organs. Visceral fat cannot be removed, but the subcutaneous layer can. The subcutaneous layer’s integrity, as well as your skin’s elasticity will help determine if you are a good candidate. An important consideration when evaluating whether liposuction is right for you is ensuring the skin envelope will not sag or look wrinkly with fat removed. This will be determined in your consultation.

Ideal candidates are healthy, close to their weight goals, and nonsmokers. An office consultation with your surgeon is recommended to determine if you could benefit from liposuction. Dr. Zienowicz will be able to help you best determine the areas you will see the most benefit from liposuction and how he can sculpt those areas for an ideal result.

3. What parts of the body can I have liposuction performed on?

The optimal area(s) for you depends on your unique response to exercise and diet. Common problem areas of the body where women want liposuction performed are:

• Chin and neck area – double chin removal
• Abdomen and Flanks – create curves and sculpted abs and remove love handles and muffin tops
• Breasts – remove “side boob” fat
• Hips – eliminate squareness
• Outer, anterior, and inner thighs – define thighs in proportion to knees and calves
• Knees – create runners’ knees
• Arms – sculpt and define for the appearance of toned and “cut” upper arms
• Back – removed dreaded back fat to soften and create a more feminine physique

Men tend to have liposuction performed most commonly on the chin and neck area, flanks (love handles), abdomen, and male breasts.

Dr. Zienowicz will help you determine where liposuction would benefit you most.

4. Is liposuction safe?

Tumescent liposuction that is performed by a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon under local, IV sedation or general anesthesia is very safe. The determination of anesthesia type would be made based on the number of areas being addressed and the projected amount of fat expected for removal.  

Compared to other surgical procedures, liposuction is one of the safest. The procedure is non-invasive; the liposuction cannula is a narrow stainless-steel tube that removes subcutaneous fat through a very small insertion cut in the skin.

5. Is liposuction a weight loss procedure to treat obesity?

Liposuction is not for obesity, and it’s a misconception that liposuction is a weight-loss treatment. Rather, it’s a fat reduction procedure. The amount of fat you can have removed depends on many factors, including the surgeon’s assessment of your health and body goals. That said, even if you are over-weight, liposuction will help remove several pounds and in such a way to enhance your figure.

6. What are the differences between liposuction and a tummy tuck?

Liposuction removes fat from undesirable areas on the body. With liposuction the surgical incisions are small and recovery time is minimal. Liposuction by itself does not tighten excess skin from massive weight loss or childbirth.

A tummy tuck involves removing excess fat and skin and begin with surgery to correct and tighten weakened abdominal wall muscles (diastasis recti). A tummy tuck’s surgical area is larger, and the incision is longer.  Neither procedure is for weight loss, rather they both help boost your body confidence with a slimmer appearance and help you achieve your ideal body contour. Dr. Zienowicz will perform an examination of your abdominal muscles and any excess skin and stretch marks to determine if a tummy tuck is necessary.

7. Is liposuction covered by insurance?

Because liposuction is considered cosmetic by health insurance carriers, it is not a covered procedure.

8. What are the costs and is financing available?

Costs vary by the patient’s needs and on how many areas are treated by liposuction. One area for liposuction treatment costs less than multiple areas. Following your consultation, Dr. Zienowicz’s surgical coordinator will review costs and help you assess various financing options to put a liposuction procedure within reach of your budget. Dr. Zienowicz accepts www.carecredit.com and www.goalphaeon.com and both plans may be reached directly from our website <LINK HERE>>.

9. How does a patient prepare for liposuction surgery?

Your surgeon will provide instructions for the days prior to liposuction. Be sure to ask a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from the surgical center and to help assist with postsurgical care. Blood thinning medication, such as aspirin should be stopped before the procedure. When using general anesthesia, blood work is done ahead of time to ensure you are good candidate for anesthesia. On the surgery day, no food or drink should be consumed for about 12 hours prior to the surgery appointment time.

10. What happens during the liposuction procedure?

The surgeon makes small cuts in the skin and inserts a tool called a cannula into the fat pocket, just under the skin. This cannula attaches to a suction or a syringe that pulls out the fat. It’s typically an outpatient surgery, so even if you are put under anesthesia, you will go home on the same day as the surgery.

11. What is the recovery like?

The patient can usually return to work within just a few days and resume normal exercise activities within 2-4 weeks, or less. You will likely be asked to wear a surgical compression garment for several weeks and this will be put on you immediately after your liposuction procedure. Recovery and postsurgical care may vary, depending on the area(s) treated and the amount of fat removed. Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions to minimize pain and its duration. Rest, hydration, and not smoking will help with healing time and to eliminate complications.

The most common postsurgical effects can include some swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the area of the procedure. The surgical team will offer some options on pain relief after surgery as well as a list of pain relievers to avoid. 

12. Will there be scarring?

Because the modern cannula (microcannula) is a small instrument, scars are tiny or unnoticeable. Redness will coincide with how many insertion points are necessary for the procedure and will depend on the skin’s elasticity and this will fade over time. Dr. Zienowicz will discuss ideal locations for discrete insertion points and the best ways you can minimize redness and care for your skin after liposuction.

13. What postsurgical and follow-up care is necessary?

Compression garments are used to reduce puffiness and speed up healing. If special care is required, you can plan it with your surgeon for optimal healing. The surgeon may require only one or two post-surgery visits to confirm that everything is healing according to schedule or if multiple areas were treated, you may require multiple follow-up visits, depending on your situation. Following your liposuction procedure, you and your care team will be watching out for any post-surgical fluid collection in the areas treated. If fluid pockets are present they are easily aspirated during a follow up visit to ensure a nice long-lasting flat result.

14. What results should a patient expect after the procedure?

Your surgeon will discuss and help you visualize realistic results. Immediately after surgery, there may be swelling and loose skin that will go away during the healing process. It may take several weeks to months to see the full extent of the results of the procedure. The final result will be a lovely enhancement to create a slimmer more toned figure.

15. Will I gain the fat back after liposuction?

Fat cells removed via liposuction are permanently removed; however, we recommend you maintain a stable weight to keep new fat from coming back to problem areas. Be sure to exercise and eat a healthy diet to help achieve long-lasting results.

If you’re considering liposuction or other procedures, we would be delighted to help guide you through this process. Get in touch today to learn about your options and schedule a consultation at your convenience.

Like most surgeries, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) has a recovery period that requires special care and patience during the recovery process. Because the procedure removes excess fat and skin, and helps to tighten weakened abdominal wall muscles, there will be significant after care to ensure proper healing and a beautiful result.

With Dr. Zienowicz you can anticipate following up at our office every week for several weeks, then bi-weekly for several months with subsequent visits as needed through your first-year. We believe that the optimal result comes from an experienced and expert surgeon combined with frequent follow up care by our well-trained and experienced team. Here is a breakdown of what to expect during recovery and tips on how to obtain optimal healing ̶ for results that promote a firmer, flatter and smoother abdominal profile.

Know What to Expect During Recovery

Your recuperation rate depends on the type of tummy tuck, your age, health conditions, and body weight. As with most surgeries, healing is gradual. Complete healing may take several months, while recovery time may be shorter for a mini tummy tuck.

After spending the day at our fully accredited outpatient surgical center, you will go home when feeling alert and well recovered from anesthesia. It is completely normal to have discomfort and swelling for the first few days after surgery, which may be controlled by medicine and a compression garment. While we expect general physical discomfort, the idea is never to cause pain. You will hear from someone in our office when you arrive at home to check in on you and help manage your discomfort. Walking around carefully and as soon as possible after the surgery will help reduce swelling and promote healing.

Once you are home, recovery care may include:

• Tending to surgical site and drains. It’s important to make sure dressings and bandages are clean and changed often. If drains are necessary to aid in fluid removal, you’ll be instructed on how to take care of them and how to keep the area clean.
• Wearing an elastic girdle, abdominal binder, or compression garment for about six weeks post-surgery. These minimize swelling, help eliminate fluid buildup, and support the abdomen.
• Taking prescribed oral medications to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, such as antibiotics, anticoagulants, and pain management. You may also be given topical medications to apply to the skin and scars.
• Meeting with your plastic surgeon for follow-up care.

The appropriate time for you to go back to work and start driving again will depend on the extent of the procedure and your health, but patients are usually able to resume work activities between two and three weeks following surgery. Always feel comfortable asking your surgeon specific, individualized questions about what to expect during your recovery period.

Helpful Tips for Optimal Healing Results

Remember to allow yourself time to recuperate and heal. To help with your recovery, follow these seven tips:

1. Eat a proper diet before and after surgery. Drink plenty of water to help flush toxins out of the body and reduce swelling. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables because they are full of antioxidants and vitamins to aid in healing. Protein-rich foods are also a good idea, like salmon and chicken. They have healthy fats.

2. Rest as much as possible and sleep on an incline. Raising your upper body slightly with knees bent can help reduce swelling. Another tip while sleeping is to put pillows under your knees to reduce pressure on your abdomen. Ask your surgeon about appropriate positioning for a restful night’s sleep.

3. Keep moving, even if it’s just to walk around. This helps to keep blood flowing, to heal, and to decrease blood clots.

4. Don’t push yourself past your limit. Avoid strenuous activity and lifting for at least 6 weeks to avoid injury.

5. Stay positive. Feeling a little sad after a tummy tuck is normal, especially during the first week due to the effects of your pain medication or because you can’t see the immediate result due to post-operative swelling. Focus on why you had the surgery in the first place, your experience with your surgeon and the end results, not immediate discomfort or swelling. You will see these results very soon.

6. Avoid smoking and alcohol. Nicotine causes complications and hinders healing. Alcohol can have dangerous interactions with prescribed pain medications. We can’t stress enough the importance of staying away from people who are smoking or from smoke filled locations.

7. Take care of your scar. There will be bruising in your abdominal area and swelling above the scar, but this will go away. Scars may be red and bumpy at first, but it will fade and flatten after several months. Apply silicone gel or patches may help heal your scar faster and always avoid direct sun exposure for a year. If you can’t avoid the sun, be sure to use 50 SPF or higher before the exposure.

Recovery time is different for everyone, so whether your progress comes in small steps or giant leaps, take it all in stride.

If you’re considering a tummy tuck or other procedures, we would be delighted to help guide you through this process. Get in touch today to learn about your options and schedule a consultation at your convenience.

Over the past several years there has been an increasing trend for labiaplasty as an popular procedure in plastic surgery. As a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Zienowicz is extremely experienced performing labiaplasty procedures with beautiful results. View Gallery.

What Is Labiaplasty?

We typically refer to female genitalia broadly as the vagina, though this is a misnomer. Your vagina is actually your internal genitalia. External genitalia–the parts you can see–is the vulva. 

Labia majora are the large, fleshy outer folds you see when you first look at a mirror and are where hair grows unless you shave or wax that area. The primary purpose of the labia majora is to protect the more sensitive tissue between them, including the labia minora, which are the inner folds, or “lips” leading to your vaginal opening. 

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure most commonly performed to reshape the labia minora, the “inner lips” of the vulva. 

The most common reasons for labiaplasty are as follows:

• Uneven appearance – more tissue on one side than the other
• Too much labia – excessive tissue that hangs longer on one or both sides or hangs out longer than the labia majora
• Discoloration – the excess tissue is much darker than the labia majora
• Pain or discomfort – the excess skin creates friction with movement or sexual activity

What Happens During Labiaplasty?

During your labiaplasty procedure Dr. Zienowicz will make an incision along the edge of each side of the labia minora, allowing the even removal of excess tissue on each side. This approach creates a symmetrical appearance of skin along the opening of the vaginal canal. Dissolvable sutures help ensure the most predictable healing with natural-looking beautiful results.

In some instances, if in addition to excess skin on the labia minora the labia majora are felt to be too small or thin, fat grafting may be performed to enhance the outer lip size and projection.

During your consultation Dr. Zienowicz will speak with you to better understand exactly how you would like the appearance of your labia to look after the procedure.  He will then examine the labia majora, labia minora and clitoral hood to decide with you how to best reshape your genital area.   He will also address all of your questions about the procedure, including preparation, length of time, expected discomfort and follow up requirements.

What to Expect During and After a Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a relatively quick procedure performed in the comfort of our office and typically takes about an hour. Upon your arrival you will be given medication to help you feel relaxed. While you will be alert and awake for the duration of the procedure, the area will be sufficiently numbed so that you will not feel any discomfort. You will go home with a prescription for pain medication should you experience any discomfort when the local anesthesia wears off.

Post-operative care is relatively simple. The sutures used by Dr. Zienowicz are dissolvable and while there may be a small amount of bleeding, this is minimal and will go away in approximately 24 hours. The initial recovery period is between two and five days and it is completely normal to experience slight swelling or bruising during this time.

You will come back for 1-2 follow up appointments usually at one and then two weeks to ensure optimal healing has occurred. Because the small sutures are completely dissolvable you will not have a painful suture removal experience. It usually takes between three to four weeks to see a final result and you are able to resume sexual activity.

Are You Considering Surgery?

We encourage you to review the information we provide on our website to help in your research of a cosmetic procedure and we urge you to call us with any questions or additional information that may be helpful to you as you embark on this journey.  We always encourage our patients to openly discuss their goals and want you to feel comfortable with Dr. Zienowicz and his team of experienced care-givers. It is Dr. Zienowicz’s greatest joy to provide our patients with renewed confidence and to always answer your questions with honest and clinically-sound guidance.

If you’re considering labiaplasty or other procedures, we would be delighted to help guide you through this process. Get in touch today to learn about your options and schedule a consultation at your convenience.

 

In 2016, the number of breast augmentation procedures in the United States were 290,467. More people are seeking cosmetic surgery to change the shape or size of their breasts.

While at it, understanding saline vs silicone implants is important so that you opt for what will suit your needs.

The two breast implants are in different sizes and are both safe. Silicone is viscous and creates a natural feel when implanted. Saline-filled implants have saline fluid that fills a silicone envelope.

If you are considering a breast augmentation surgery, read on about saline vs. silicone implants to know the breast implants for you.

Saline vs Silicone Implants: Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Breast Implants

Silicone and saline breast implants have different features and the choice is dependent on several factors. Your decision will depend on these factors and on your preferences. Here is what you need to know and consider before making this decision.

1. Age

The FDA approves saline implants when patients are 18 years and above. On the other hand, silicone implants are for people who are above 22 years. While going for either option is not illegal, manufacturers are not liable for any side effects if you opt for a breast implant that is beyond your age.

In most cases, younger women opt for breast implants to increase the volume of their small breasts. If you are above 40 years, breast lifting will often be necessary along with augmentation to address cases of sagging breasts.

Your age along with current size and shape should determine the choice of breast implant.

2. Cost

The cost of breast implants is dependent on the type, location, and the doctor. Health insurance is not an option in cosmetic surgery. Most of the breast augmentation costs range between $7,000 and $10,000.

On average, saline implants are cheaper than silicone implants. While still considering cost, it is important to understand that the outcome will be different. Contemplate other related costs such as future monitoring to avert ruptures and breast-augmentation recovery procedures.

The FDA recommends recipients of silicone implants to have regular MRIs in case of silent ruptures. The MRIs are expensive. Most plastic surgeons do not feel regular MRI’s are necessary. When choosing the best breast implant, consider such additional costs.

3. The Nature of Your Breast Tissues

You can opt for saline implants if you have adequate natural breast tissues. Filling the implants is vital because it reduces rippling. With more breast tissues, filling with saline gives it a firm feel.

Most patients who go for breast augmentation procedures have few breast tissues, causing their doctors to recommend silicone implants. In contrast to saline, silicone implants have a viscous filling. The silicone gives the breast a natural look because the implant is quite soft.

Consultation with your doctor will help identify the number of breast tissues you have. A professional cosmetic surgeon will direct you on the best implant. Research more so that you can make decisions from an informed perspective.

4. The Degree of Scarring

For saline implants, the incisions are smaller but more versatile. An incision is necessary to create a breast pocket where an implant is placed.

With silicone implants, you can have a transaxillary or inframammary incision. The degree of scarring is dependent on the incisions and the outcome you desire. The saline implants have fewer cases of scarring because of the small incisions.

Seek your surgeon’s view on the procedure that will have minimal scars. Smaller scars can increase women’s confidence and makes the breasts more attractive without having to hide some marks.

5. Implant Ruptures

When going for breast augmentation surgery, you should know that a future revision surgery might be necessary. The breast implants can rupture any time. Whether silicone or saline breast implants, the rupture is inevitable.

If you have an implant rupture, going for breast revision with a Plastic surgeon can restore your confidence. The breast revisions can also be ideal if the symmetry, shape, placement, and size of the implants don’t impress you. Seek a professional to avoid a botched procedure.

For saline implants, you can sometimes detect a rupture within hours. The affected breast reduces in shape and size because of the deflated implant. The body naturally absorbs the saline with no recorded side effects.

You might never detect a ruptured silicone implant even over many years. Silicone is cohesive and can remain in the breast’s fibrous capsule. When it ruptures, the breast might change in shape and experience discomfort. The recommended MRIs can detect a ruptured silicone breast implant in time. You will have to undergo minor surgery to remove the leaking silicone and implant shell. If any of the implants rupture, you can replace them at your convenience.

Choose a Great Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon

You should always select a qualified and professional surgeon to undertake your procedure. A good doctor will let you know of possible side effects and advise you accordingly.

For instance, breast augmentation can affect the ducts and nerves in a breast. If the implants are below the muscles, the effect on milk production for lactating mothers is not an issue.

Some of the risks associated with either of the implants include breast pain and infection. The breast sensation might change temporarily especially if you had an areolar incision. One of the major risks is rupture or implant leakage, which can be undone through augmentation revision.

A good doctor will be available in case you need a breast augmentation procedure.

The Choice of Saline vs Silicone Implants Is One of the Hardest Because They Both Have Their Pros and Cons

If you desire a natural feel, silicone breast implants are your ultimate solution.

Despite the negative attention from the media, the silicone breast implants don’t have adverse health impacts. FDA has prompted in-depth clinical research to determine the safety of the implants. Whether you choose saline or silicone implants, your main concern should be to get a professional and board-certified Plastic surgeon.

Your body anatomy should guide a surgeon to the best implant choice for best results. However, after researching saline vs silicone implants, the choice is on you. The FDA has approved both types of breast implants, making one confident when going for the surgery.

Contact us for any cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, and experience firsthand quality service of a dull board certified, experienced and skilled surgeon.