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.

Liposuction Recovery: 5 Things To Expect After A Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction is an effective means to remove unwanted fat from your body. Read on to know the 5 things you need to know about liposuction recovery & some tips.

Are you gearing up to get your liposuction surgery?

Congratulations! You’re getting ready to take the first steps to get a better-looking body.

Liposuction isn’t an uncommon fix for losing weight. In fact, it’s the second most common form of plastic surgery.

While liposuction isn’t nearly as serious as something like heart surgery, it’s still major surgery. You need to take care of yourself after you go through the procedure, so your body can recover correctly.

Keep reading to learn what to expect during your liposuction recovery.

1. Swelling and Bruising

You will have swelling after the procedure around your incision points. While you might not notice it there in everyday life, it can cause discomfort for some people.

Many doctors will provide you with a compression garment or bandage to wear around the treated areas. This will help keep the swelling under control and minimize bruising.

You can expect to wear your garments for a few weeks after the surgery, but the swelling might not go away after you stop wearing it. This can last for a few months.

2. Pain

Pain after surgery isn’t uncommon. You can expect to have some pain for a few days after you get home.

You can use over the counter medication like Tylenol to control your pain.

In some instances, your doctor may prescribe you something more potent. This can depend on the type of liposuction you get and how severe your pain is after the surgery.

If your pain medication starts to become ineffective, then it could be a sign that something is wrong. You should see your doctor if this happens.

3. Antibiotics

Your doctor may sometimes but not frequently prescribe antibiotics to you after your surgery is over. You need to take these for as long as recommended by your doctor.

4. Incision Care

You just had major surgery. Any incisions made on your body aren’t going to heal overnight.

Most people can expect their incisions to heal after around two weeks. During this time, you will have either strips or tape to hold things together.

You will also have to take care when bathing yourself. You should avoid showers for 24-48 hours after the operation. Your doctor will give you a specific time.

After this time you can take a shower, but you should avoid getting into a bath.

IT IS NORMAL FOR BLOODY LOOKING FLUID TO COME OUT OF ANY OF THE INCISIONS USED FOR LIPOSUCTION AND THIS WILL CONTINUE FOR 1-2 DAYS AFTER SURGERY. VIRTUALLY EVERY PATIENT EXPERIENCES THIS AND IT IS JUST HAPPENS BECAUSE OF THE INJURY TO THE TISSUES BENEATH. THINK ABOUT HOW A SCRAPE OF YOUR SKIN OOZES UNTIL IT SCABS OVER.

5. Watch for Side Effects

You can have side effects from surgery even if everything goes perfectly. Here are some problems to watch out for:

• Increasing pain
• Fever
• More swelling
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Leg pain

If you encounter any of these symptoms, then call your doctor immediately so you can get checked out.

Tips for Handling Your Recovery

Now that you know what to expect after your surgery, you can prepare action steps that can help you during your recovery. Follow the tips below to help recover from your surgery.

Get Plenty of Rest

You might feel like you can get up and move around after your surgery and walking frequently is advised but don’t go overboard.

If you get tired during the day, make sure you take it easy and get some rest. Don’t ignore the importance of napping during this time to help your recovery.

Listen to your body.

Get Proper Nutrition

Your body needs fuel to recover. If you eat nothing but junk, then you are going to have a hard time recovering. Protein is far better than carbs.

Make sure you follow a proper diet during your time after the surgery. Your diet will give your body everything it needs for a quick recovery.

Light Exercise

You shouldn’t go to the gym and try to hit a weight lifting record your first week after surgery, but that doesn’t mean you can’t engage in any light exercise.

Walking is one of the best forms of exercise there is. The day after the surgery, try getting out for a short walk during the day so you can get your body moving. If the weather is bad walk inside for 10 minutes several times a day.

Wear Loose Clothing

When you wear tight clothing, your incision doesn’t have enough room to breathe. Constricting the surgery area can irritate it and cause more problems and reduce your recovery speed. Very often you will have a garment designed to gently compress without the damaging constriction that too tight clothing, belts and elastic waistbands can cause.

You will also be more comfortable during the recovery process with loose clothing. Tight clothing can cause discomfort and bother you through the day.

Keep Hydrated

Your body needs to be hydrated if you want your recovery to go smoothly. Make sure you are drinking enough water during the day.

It’s also important to avoid drinks that dehydrate you. This means no alcohol, caffeinated soft drinks, or coffee.

Check in With People

Make sure you have people who can check in with you during your recovery time. You don’t need a constant companion, but having someone to check in a few times a day can offer you peace of mind and insurance in case something happens.

They can also help you with tasks that you might have trouble doing right after the surgery. Make sure you have all the support you need.

Try Aromatherapy

Depression can occasionally happen to people who have just gone through surgery. You should have a plan in case this occurs.

Research has shown that aromatherapy can help manage depression. You can pick up a diffuser to put in your common living areas. This can help regulate your mood during the day. Your doctor wants to know if this happens so don’t be afraid of letting those that can help know if you’re really feeling blue.

Make Sure You Prepare for Liposuction Recovery

Your liposuction recovery shouldn’t take too long. Most people can return to work after a few weeks and many after only a few days.

Once you’re past that stretch, it’s up to you to keep making healthy choices for your body. When you do this, you can keep the body you want to have.

Are you ready to schedule an appointment for liposuction? Call us today to learn how to get started.n how to get started.

Mini Tummy Tuck vs Full Tummy Tuck: Which Is Right For Me?

The suitable type of tummy tuck procedure varies from patient to patient. Read about mini tummy tuck vs. full tummy tuck to learn which surgery is right for you

Each year, nearly 200,000 tummy tuck procedures are performed in the US.

A tummy tuck involves a surgical procedure that gives you a quick way to have a flat tummy and toned abs. People that have high levels of fat deposits around their lower abdomen often prefer to undergo the surgical procedure as it is the quickest way to get rid of loose skin.

People often find it hard to choose between the full or partial procedure. The details about mini tummy tuck vs full tummy tuck can help you in deciding which one is a better option.

Find out more about mini vs full tummy tuck.

Mini Tummy Tuck vs Full Tummy Tuck

In order to eliminate loose skin, people often prefer this treatment to have a quick way to get rid of the excess fat deposits.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck procedure varies, and it depends on the patient who wants to have the surgery. Mini abdominoplasty is for those who want less surgery. Liposuction to the upper abdomen is frequently included.

The procedure is suitable for those how to have excess loose skin below the belly button. The muscles lying underneath can also be tightened through this procedure. The recovery from a mini tummy tuck is faster. Unfortunately many individuals are not good candidates for this procedure because they have skin laxity above the belly button and this cannot be fixed with the mini tummy tuck.

This procedure involves less surgery and people are seen recovering from the surgery in a short time. Those who have loose skin only in their lower abdomen region can benefit from this procedure. If you have a noticeable space between your ab muscles (that often occurs after pregnancy) then this may not be the right surgery for you. Full abdominoplasty will correct that space (aka diastasis recti).

Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck is performed on people who need more correction. A full tummy tuck is performed on those who have loose skin in lower and middle abdominal regions. Abdominal muscles are tightened once the excess skin has been removed. In order to enhance the results, the procedure is often combined with liposuction.

For males who find it hard to see results even after strenuous exercise and a healthy diet, the option of liposuction is also available.

Both of the procedures have their own side effects. The surgery and its result vary from patient to patient. Even after the surgery, the patient is required to follow a strict diet plan as well as a workout plan to keep the results intact.

It is important to understand the difference between the two procedures to have better and long-lasting results.

Mini vs Full Tummy Tuck: Which One Is a Better Option?

Your body is different from many others. Your contours or curves are not like all others. This is the reason that the decision is highly dependent on the type of body and fat deposits.

If you have loose skin only below the belly button then you are more likely to qualify for a mini abdominoplasty. However, if loose skin is present above the belly button then there is a chance that you might go for a full tummy tuck.

This is just a rough idea and there are many other factors that are considered while making the right decision. There are different approaches to these procedures. A surgeon is responsible for making the right decision so that your transformed body can complement the existing one.

This is one of the important decisions as you must bear the results.

Mini tummy tuck procedures are suitable for those who:

• Have good upper body muscles
• Have good muscle tone
• Have problems mostly in the lower abdomen region
• Are close to an ideal weight according to their body
• Have good health
• Don’t have a significant space between the rectus muscles (diastasis recti)

The gist is that mini tummy tuck is suitable for those who have loose skin in the lower abdominal region or below the belly button. A state of good health is also essential to deal with post-surgery issues.

A full tummy tuck is a bit different. It has different requirements. If you have loose skin above the belly button or stretch marks, then in such a case full tummy tuck is more suitable.

So, it is highly dependent on the type of body and fat deposits that will determine the type of surgery that is best. It is important to know about these procedures so that you can make the best decision.

Tummy Tuck and Pregnancy

Pregnancy comes with many new changes. Women while enjoying the birth of their baby may occasionally experience some depression as they have to deal with their transformed body. Many deal with it and through a strenuous workout get their body in proper shape.

For some, however, this becomes a challenging task. Even after trying hard, they are unable to achieve results. Postpartum depression can affect both sexes. Women often opt for surgery either a partial tummy tuck or full tummy tuck. However, the effect does not remain the same if a woman gets pregnant after the surgery.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Full Tummy Tuck

There are some pros and cons to this procedure.

Pros are:

• Removes excessive skin both above and below the belly button.
• The patient gets a more completely transformed body.
• Belly button issues can often be dramatically improved

Cons are:

• It has a longer recovery period that can affect your daily tasks.
• Wound healing issues and seromas are definitely more common than with Mini abdominoplasty.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Partial Tummy Tuck

The advantages and disadvantages of a mini tummy tuck are given below:

Pros are:

• Shorter scars
• Shorter recovery time

Cons are:

• Does not deal with the upper abdominal region issues
• Less transformation of the body as compared to full tummy tuck

Learn more about male tummy tuck or abdominoplasty here.

Get a Flat Stomach Today!

Seeing the difference between the two procedures is essential for you to make the right decision so that you can benefit in the long run.

A mini tummy tuck vs full tummy tuck can help you in understanding the procedure and reaching the right decision. Make sure you are not overlooking the minute details and your body can deal with the post-surgery issues.

To know more about the procedure contact us here.

Brazilian Butt Lift Recovery: What To Expect + Tips

Brazilian butt lift is an extremely popular surgery, but lasting results also depend on surgery aftercare. Learn the best Brazilian butt lift recovery tips here

This procedure was invented by Dr. Pitanguy with his first plastic surgery in 1963. There is no denying that BBLs (Brazilian Butt Lifts) are gaining immense popularity. According to ASPS statistics, more than 24,000 buttock augmentation with fat grafting procedures were performed in 2018 – an increase of 19 percent over the previous year.

The Brazilian Butt Lift also called gluteal fat augmentation is a surgical procedure where surgeons use one’s own fat which is removed by liposuction from other body areas where it is simple to obtain. The isolated fat is then injected into the subcutaneous tissues of the buttocks to enhance their size and shape. A well-performed procedure will give you a natural looking buttock while giving the desired enhancements of the areas where the fat was removed.

The prime turn-off with getting this procedure is the post care requirements. Like all other surgical procedures, a Brazilian Butt Lift has become an extremely popular procedure, but lasting results also depend on surgery aftercare. Learn the best Brazilian butt lift recovery tips here.

What to Expect Post Procedure

Here’s what you can expect after the procedure.

1. Pain and Discomfort

After liposuction has been done, you are likely to experience some discomfort in the areas where fat was removed. The severity will vary but you can get rid of the pain through over-the-counter or prescriptions from your surgeon to help you through the Brazilian butt lift recovery process.

2. Fluid Draining

After a BBL procedure, you’re likely to notice blood-stained fluid oozing from the incisions where fat was removed. This should not worry you as draining is due to the excess fluids from these points which is entirely normal. This typically stops within 24 hours after the procedure.

3. Swelling

Don’t be alarmed to notice some swelling or asymmetry on your buttocks. After the procedure, some of the injected fat will be eventually digested as normal fat calories. This is why when aiming at a preferred enhancement size the surgeons have to go a bit bigger because not all the fat will be retained. After about 5-6 weeks post procedure, you’ll be able to tell the amount of fat that has survived.

After this, the Brazilian butt lift recovery process will be smooth and everything should stay consistent and there should be no more fat loss and the injected fat will remain incorporated into your own body tissues.

4. The BBL Recovery Process Differs for Everyone

Everyone will respond to the procedure differently. This means the timeline for BBL recovery will not be the same for everyone. The time you will have to wear the compression garment will differ from patient to patient. How well your skin will contract during the first week’s post-procedure visit will vary according to many factors.

Creative Sitting Positions

Don’t be surprised to realize how many times you sit in a single day. Sitting after the BBL procedure exerts pressure on your buttocks which interferes with the process of fat transfer. This can cause less fat to survive. It’s important to avoid sitting until given the go-ahead by your surgeon. After that, you can use your Brazilian butt lift pillow to sit on.

Tips on Butt Lift Recovery

The above are the five things you should expect immediately after the operation. Now that you’re well prepared, let’s look at the 5 Brazilian butt lift recovery tips you need to follow to maximize your BBL results.

1. Sitting and Sleeping

Are you aware of how many times you’re sitting down in a day? We sit down almost the whole day at work, in the nicely padded movie seats, at the dinner table, in the car, etc. If you get a BBL this is something you’ll have to avoid at all costs. With the exception of the toilet, you have to avoid sitting down for a period not less than 10-14 days after the procedure.

This is because you need to protect the grafted fat. The new fat cells need to settle within the tissues and heal. Sitting down introduces pressure to the fat preventing this healing. You will also need to avoid sleeping on your back because it will add pressure on your buttocks.

You’ll need to sleep either sideways or on your chest down during the entire recovery period. In case you’re worried about unconsciously rolling over onto your back while sleeping; you could wear a backpack with a golf/tennis ball in it. If you assume a back position while sleeping, the ball will cause your back discomfort, making you shift onto your side.

2. Compression Garments

Following the BBL operation, the surgeon will recommend wearing a special compression garment to help treat the liposuctioned areas. It’s recommended to wear the garment for a period determined by your surgeon to ensure that the areas heal well. It also helps to minimize swelling, reduce discomfort, and help the skin contract.

3. Exercise

You are advised to keep away from all high impact physical activities/exercises until cleared by your surgeon. Performing strenuous routines before when you’re yet to heal fully could affect the fat transferred. After about 6-8 weeks following the operation, the fat cells transferred will be stable enough to undertake vigorous exercises. Here’s a quick guide of the useful butt exercise routines:

• Squats
• Donkey Kicks
• Lunges
• Standing lateral leg raises
• Side leg raises
• Plank leg raises

4. Healthy Diet

You’ll need to follow your surgeon’s recommended dietary guidelines. This will include plans like eating well-balanced meals, low sugar intake and fat consumption. You’ll also need to watch out for salty foods because this will promote liquid retention.

Usually, after any surgical procedure, you want the swelling to subside as soon as possible. Consumption of whole foods containing low sodium naturally achieves this.

5. Stay alert for Infection Signs

You’ll need to be wary of the signs for a possible BBL infection. Such signs might include excessive amounts of swelling and/ redness; if either of these symptoms occur, you are advised to contact the surgeon immediately. Other less common but nevertheless serious symptoms that may arise indicating an infection can include an odor that is usually unpleasant oozing off the wound, a fever, swollen glands, or increased pain.

What to Expect in a Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure and Recovery Tips

Now you’re well aware of what to expect during a Brazilian butt lift recovery, you should be good to kick off your own transformation process. There’s also a lot of information on our website to help you as well as the testimonials of our happy clients.

Take the first bold step and Contact Us to schedule a consultation.