Inevitably, we all lose skin elasticity with age. And when that occurs, excess skin around your cheeks, under your chin, and along your jawline can emerge, developing what many call “jowls.” Why do some people seem impervious to the condition, while others deal with this frustrating concern that’s so hard to hide? There are several reasons, including genetics, stress levels, weight fluctuation, and lifestyle choices.
The critical question is not about where jowls come from, but how to eliminate them to retain a more youthful appearance. Consider these proven treatments available from board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Florence Mussat in Chicago.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers restore lost volume for facial balance. As a minimally invasive option, fillers are an injectable solution that can enhance your cheeks and the skin around the jawline and mouth. This treatment can non-surgically improve your the jawline contour, but it isn’t a permanent fix. Instead, consider it an excellent “in-between” option if you are not ready for a more invasive procedure like a thread lift. Still, too much filler can make your jawline look square and unnatural. You’ll eventually reach a point where you want a more dramatic improvement.
InstaLift
Patients who deal with facial aging, volume loss, or sagging skin and are not ready for cosmetic surgery are excellent candidates for our InstaLift procedure.
It is an optimal minimally invasive solution for people who want facial rejuvenation without incisions, sutures, or extended downtime. In addition, this advanced technology offers a sagging facial skin solution for patients with good skin elasticity and moderate jowling.
InstaLift employs fine, biodegradable sutures, which Dr. Mussat positions deep into the skin tissues. With this innovative suture design, she can elevate sagging skin tissue about the midface to a more youthful position. You will enjoy immediately noticeable results, which should last approximately 18 months. InstaLift is safe and practical, with minimal discomfort.
Facelift
A facelift surgically removes excess skin, tightens lax muscles, and repositions the skin to enhance the lower two-thirds of your face. Facelifts are ideal for anyone dealing with moderate to excessive jowling. While Dr. Mussat’s minimally invasive procedures also address jowls and sagging skin, a facelift delivers a dramatic improvement that can last for decades.
Timeless Beauty in Chicago
If you’re interested in eliminating excess skin and tissue under your jawline, you must choose an experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon. Facial rejuvenation involves skill, artistry, and extensive knowledge to ensure the desired outcome.
If you have questions about which facial procedure will help you eliminate jowls, or if you’d like to schedule your consultation, please contact us at (312) 751-9000 or complete our convenient contact form today.
Many women are disappointed to discover that they cannot bounce back to their pre-baby figure immediately after giving birth to a child. Often, diet and exercise alone are not enough to reverse the changes caused by pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. That’s where a procedure called a mommy makeover comes in.
What Can a Mommy Makeover Do for You?
A mommy makeover is a customized combination of cosmetic corrections designed to improve women’s body contours, specifically on the breasts and belly. For example, breast surgeries may include a lift or reduction, and tummy tuck surgery can reinforce your abdominal wall and remove excess abdominal tissue and skin. Meanwhile, liposuction can reduce stubborn pockets of unwanted fat, and a labiaplasty can improve the appearance of your most intimate area.
Many women dream of getting a mommy makeover to look and feel their best after having children. However, timing is a critical factor. Here are three variables you should consider before scheduling your Chicago mommy makeover.
1. Childbirth Recovery
After having a baby, your body needs time to heal from all the changes that occurred due to pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing. For the first few months after delivering your baby, your breasts and abdomen will contract back toward pre-pregnancy contours. However, breastfeeding will prolong this process.
You’ll want to allow your body enough time to complete this transformation. Then, Dr. Florence Mussat will devise a customized surgical plan to address your health needs and aesthetic goals.
2. Aftercare Restrictions and the Responsibilities of Motherhood
While you may want to schedule your mommy makeover as soon as possible, ensure you can accommodate the recovery period that’s necessary to let your body heal from surgery.
For example, while recuperating from a mommy makeover, you will need to avoid bending and lifting for some time. You may find these restrictions make it difficult to care for your baby. For this reason, you may want to wait until your child is older before undergoing surgery.
3. Family Plans
Finally, it’s essential to look toward the future when timing your mommy makeover. While getting plastic surgery does not inhibit your ability to get pregnant or breastfeed, another pregnancy can reverse many of the improvements made during the procedure. To achieve beautiful mommy makeover results that will last for years, wait to have surgery until you are no longer planning to add to your family.
Are You Ready to Learn More About Chicago Mommy Makeover Surgery?
Your tailored mommy makeover surgical plan will allow you to resolve multiple post-pregnancy concerns simultaneously.
There are several advantages to combining aesthetic procedures in a mommy makeover. For one, less time in the operating room means an affordable cost. Plus, you will only have one recovery, which will require no more additional downtime than a stand-alone procedure.
To schedule your private mommy makeover consultation with Dr. Mussat, contact us or call (312) 751-9000.
Someday, you might look in the mirror and realize droopy eyelids and undereye bags are giving you a perpetually fatigued or unfriendly appearance. That’s when it’s time to consider restoring your youthful appearance with blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery.
Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Florence Mussat believes her patients should be well-informed before considering cosmetic surgery, including what happens afterward to ensure your recovery is as successful as possible. Review these helpful tips to ensure your eyelids heal appropriately after surgery, so you can get back to looking and feeling your best as soon as possible.
Clear Your Schedule
Most of our patients return to their usual daily routine within 10 days to two weeks after surgery. Take time off from your job and other activities to concentrate on the healing process. One way to prepare is to have your house ready when you return home from the operation, including stocking your pantry with easy-to-make meals and asking friends and family to take care of household chores, including looking after young children. It’s critical to have plenty of time to rest and focus on self-care.
Follow After-Surgery Care Instructions
Dr. Mussat will provide instructions to follow to ensure a successful recovery. These may include how to care for your incisions and when to return for follow-up appointments. To speed healing, eat a balanced diet that includes lots of fresh, unprocessed foods. You should also wear sunglasses when going outdoors to prevent scarring.
On the initial days following surgery, applying cold compresses to reduce swelling, eye drops to avoid dry eyes, and an ointment for lubrication are additional responsibilities.
Patience Is a Virtue
Don’t expect instant results. Post-surgery swelling will create some puffiness, and your incisions may appear red. Some patients experience the equivalent of a black eye because of post-surgical bruising. During this time, it’s easy to become disenchanted. But remember, these are all part of the natural healing process.
The swelling will take about two weeks to go away. Then, the bruising will subside, your eyes will look clearer and more beautiful, and you’ll feel on top of the world.
Get Plenty of Rest
Sleep is the most restorative thing you can do for your body. Healthy adults need seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Keep your sleeping schedule consistent, waking up and going to bed at the same times each day even on days off.
Healing demands a lot of your body’s energy reserves, so you’ll probably feel more fatigued than usual. Plan naps during the day, and don’t rush – it’s not a race to heal as quickly as possible.
Skip Strenuous Activities
During the first two to four weeks after eyelid surgery, avoiding activities that increase blood flow to your eyes is crucial. These include high-impact activities like jogging and interval cardio. You’ll also want to be mindful of everyday activities that increase head pressure and force blood into your eyes, like bending, heavy lifting, and lying on your back. However, you can take gentle walks to improve your circulation.
Learn More About the Best Eyelid Lift in Chicago
Are you ready to have brighter, younger-looking eyes? To schedule your private eyelid lift consultation with Dr. Mussat, contact our Chicago office online or call (312) 751-9000 today.
