Category: plastic surgery
In an ideal world, all of those articles that promise us our dream body if we eat right, exercise several times a week, drink green tea, and perform the latest “miracle cleanse” would all be true. Obviously, we’re not living in an ideal world. We live in the real world, where genetic predispositions, hormones, and age control the distribution of body fat… And where dieting down to a very low body fat percentage in order to banish stubborn fat is usually more dangerous than it is healthy.
This is not to suggest, of course, that we can’t maintain a healthy body weight via natural means. Barring a medical issue, most of us can (and should). There are, however, a number of obstacles that stand in the way of achieving the “ideal” body this way, such as:
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Metabolic factors.
Our bodies instinctively react badly to being deprived of food. (And of course, when you look at our evolutionary history, this isn’t exactly shocking.) When we lose a significant amount of weight, our metabolisms slow down as our bodies desperately try to hold onto their stores of energy (AKA fat). This makes it extremely difficult for most of us to safely and healthily lose those “last couple inches” of stubborn belly fat.
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Genetic factors.
Unfair as it may be, sometimes our genetics simply work against us. If you’ve ever seen a thin person with a distinct double chin or love handles, you know that nature doesn’t always get her proportions right. If you’re genetically predisposed to having one or more deposits of stubborn fat, they’ll probably remain present in some capacity even if you’re quite slender.
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Motivational issues.
Because we’ve been led to believe that we’ll somehow obtain the perfect body if we just behave well enough (i.e., eat “whole” foods, do cardio, and so on), most people end up disappointed by dieting. Sure, it may shed the pounds, but it just won’t produce the really attractive shape and obvious muscle definition most of us want. This realization leads to a loss of motivation, a lack of effort, and inevitably, weight gain. In fact, numerous studies have shown that people who have cosmetic surgery following weight loss are much more likely to keep the weight off than those who don’t.
This naturally brings us to the real solution for stubborn fat: Liposuction. If you’re battling metabolic or genetic challenges, liposuction is the most effective way to safely get rid of your remaining “problem fat.” Remember: There’s no shame in turning to cosmetic surgery for assistance. You’ve done the hard work of weight loss, after all— now it’s time to reap the reward. Contact Dr. Florence Mussat for a liposuction consultation today!
Having invasive cosmetic surgery remains a popular choice for many people owing to the dramatic results these procedures can produce. However, with that being said, it can easily feel like there’s never a convenient time to spend weeks or months recovering from surgery. You know you don’t want to miss important events like seasonal holidays, peak times at work, etc… So when should you plan to recover so that it has the least impact on your busy life?
For many people, the fall or winter months are better for plastic surgery recovery, but this isn’t always the case. In some instances, choosing to recover from plastic surgery in the summer can actually be ideal. If you’re wondering when you should book your surgery, consider the following potential advantages of summertime:
1.Work often slows down during the summer.
Because so many people take vacations during the warmer months, the pace of business tends to slow down. This may make it easier for you to book a couple of weeks off in order to heal. Likewise, when you do return to work, you’ll have fewer demands to contend with
2. Not everyone likes to be outdoors in July and August.
If you live in an especially hot or humid climate, your idea of having a good time during the summer is probably “hiding indoors with the AC cranked up.” Why not use this time to rest, relax, and recuperate from cosmetic surgery while binge-watching your favorite movies and TV shows?
3. Having surgery during the summer ensures that you’ll look your best by winter.
Some procedures (such as tummy tuck and facelift surgery) require 2-3 months or more of total healing time. If you’re having one of these more intensive operations and you’re hoping to look and feel great in time for the winter holidays, having surgery during the summer is strongly recommended.
If you do choose to have surgery during the summer, there are some additional precautions you need to take while healing, such as staying out of the sun and making an extra effort to stay hydrated. Be sure to discuss this with your plastic surgeon; he or she will be able to help you create a comprehensive recovery plan. Contact Dr. Florence Mussat for a plastic surgery consultation today!
You’re going to need time off from work after plastic surgery, use the opportunity to take a vacation. This guide will help you plan a safe and enjoyable, post-plastic surgery vacation.
Try a Staycation
You’re going to need to meet with Dr. Mussat several times in the days after your surgery. Don’t plan a trip to sunny Florida or head overseas. A nearby, staycation is a better idea for a post-surgical recovery vacation. Try one of our favorite, nearby destinations:
- Indiana Dunes
- Madison, WI
- Crystal Lake
- Milwaukee, WI
- Evanston
- Lake Michigan
- Lake Geneva, WI
- Woodstock, IL
Don’t Overschedule
There are many sights to see in and around Chicago, but on this trip, plan for more R&R and less sightseeing. Pick a room with a view and gaze at the shoreline or go birdwatching from the shade. After plastic surgery, you’re not going to want to pack your day full of activities. Rest and relaxation should be your top priority.
We recommend that patients take gentle walks in the days after their procedure. This helps healing and encourages good circulation. Enjoy taking walks somewhere new, but don’t overdo it.
Pack Your Sun Protection
You’ll be more likely to sunburn after a plastic surgery procedure, so plan on covering up if you’ll be outdoors. A large hat, sunglasses, and light-weight long sleeves can help keep you covered while you heal. Sunscreen is essential too. Don’t spend hours lounging on the beach in the sun. Stick to the shade, especially during the middle of the day.
Be very careful not to burn while you’re in recovery. If your incisions get too much sun, too soon, they may darken and become permanently more noticeable. As long as your scars are pink, they are still healing and need special care in the sun.
How Long Will My Plastic Surgery Recovery Take?
Recovery times vary depending on the procedure you receive and the extent of the surgery. Here are some general recovery guidelines to give you a better idea of how much time you may need off from work.
- Liposuction– Liposuction recovery progresses quickly. Plan on a few days to a week off from work, depending on the areas treated and the quantity of fat removed.
- Breast Augmentation- Most patients miss at least one week from work after breast augmentation.
- Tummy Tuck- Plan on missing about two weeks from work after a tummy tuck.
- Facelift– Many patients return to work about two weeks after a facelift. It will take a couple of months before the signs of surgery are no longer noticeable.
We can give you a better idea of what timeline to expect from your procedures.
Don’t sulk in bed as you recover from plastic surgery. Take a quick vacation and make the most of your recovery period.
A perfect bridal body doesn’t happen on its own. If you’re getting ready for a walk down the aisle, come see us first. A little plastic surgery or a few well timed cosmetic treatments can help you to look your best on your big day. Whether you have two years before your wedding or just a few weeks, put a visit to Dr. Mussat on your pre-wedding to-do list.
Six Months or Longer Before Your Wedding Day
If you have time before your wedding day, your options are endless. You’ll have time for plastic surgery or cosmetic treatments, without worry about recovery times. Come in as soon as you can. Planning ahead ensures that you’ll have plenty of time to recover before your final dress fitting. Come see us as soon as you get engaged. These surgical procedures are top picks for brides-to-be.
Many brides want to drop a few pounds before the wedding. You don’t have to do it alone. We offer medical weight loss to help you drop excess weight and discover your best body. Losing weight is hard, but with our help you’ll have the support, and medical advice, you need to finally achieve your goal.
Six Weeks or Less Before Your Wedding
If you have a month or two, but not a lot of time before your wedding day, come see us. You still have time to improve your appearance before you say, “I do”. When you’re short on time, minimally invasive treatments work best as they don’t require lots of downtime or recovery.
- Botox- Smooth lines and wrinkles around the eyes, on the forehead, or between the brows with Botox. This treatment relaxes the muscles that cause many common wrinkles. Results are very natural looking when the treatment is performed by a skilled injector like Dr. Mussat. Botox results appear in just a few days, but come in a bit sooner to ensure any redness is gone before your wedding. Since results last 3-4 months you can come in early and still look great.
- Dermal Fillers- Restore a youthful appearance to your skin with dermal fillers. These injectable fillers can smooth lines and wrinkles and restore fullness and volume to the skin. They can even enhance the lips and perfect your pout. Results are instantaneous with many fillers, but come in at least a few weeks before your wedding. Redness, bruising, and swelling may occur right after treatment and can last for a few days.
- Chemical Peel- Every bride deserves gorgeous, glowing skin. Get yours with a chemical peel. A light, superficial peel can be performed a few weeks before your wedding to remove dead skin cells and brighten dull skin. Deeper peels provide even more dramatic results and remove hyperpigmentation, but will need a recovery period, so plan ahead.
As you count down toward your big day, come see Dr. Mussat. When all eyes are on you, you need to look your best.
Transform your body with plastic surgery. If you’re considering making a change to your appearance, one of the best first steps is a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Mussat. This consultation provides an invaluable opportunity to explore your options, ask questions, and find out if you’re a good candidate for surgery. Take the first step toward a new you by giving us a call today. These tips will help you prepare for your consultation.
Check Your Surgeon’s Qualifications
The success of your plastic surgery procedure largely depends on the skill of your chosen surgeon. As you consider potential plastic surgeons, pay attention to their qualifications. Here are a few things to look for.
- Board Certification– Board certified plastic surgeons have demonstrated their skill, education, and expertise in the field. Dr. Mussat has been board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since 1999.
- Advanced Training and Education– Look for a surgeon with specialized training and skill. Dr. Mussat has completed multiple fellowships at prestigious universities including a fellowship in Critical Care at the University of New York Health Science Center, a Microvascular Research fellowship at Mount Sinai Medical Center, and a fellowship in Burn Surgery at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. She also completed a Plastic Surgery residency at UIC in Chicago.
- Awards and Honors- Mussat is an award-winning doctor.
- Experience in the Field- Look for a surgeon with extensive experience, especially performing the procedures you’re considering.
- Positive Patient Reviews- Patient reviews can tell you a lot about a potential surgeon. Read some of Mussat’s reviews here.
One thing you shouldn’t focus on is finding the lowest price. When it comes to plastic surgery, quality matters. Focus on experience and skill, not on saving a few hundred dollars.
Do Your Research
Dr. Mussat takes the time to explain every detail of your procedure and to answer all questions you may have, but many patients find it helpful to come to their consultation with a little knowledge about their intended procedure. This makes it easier to communicate with the surgeon, helps you to focus your questions, and makes the consultation a more productive experience for you.
Our website provides an excellent starting point for plastic surgery research. We have detailed information on most of the procedures that we offer including:
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons also offers detailed information about common plastic surgery procedures.
Write Down Questions
As you learn more about your procedure, you’ll likely find that you have some questions. Write them down and bring your list with you to your consultation. During the excitement of a consultation, many patients forget their questions. This list of questions may give you some ideas.
Figure Out What You Want
What does your ideal body look like? Your anatomy may limit the results we’re able to achieve with plastic surgery, but it is a good idea to come to your consultation with a basic idea of what you want. Some patients bring pictures of friends and celebrities to illustrate their ideals.
Gather Your Medical History
During your consultation, we’ll discuss your medical history in depth. Come prepared to talk about other surgical procedures you’ve had, your medical conditions (and those of immediate family members), and the medications you take. Bring a list of any supplements, prescription medications, and over-the-counter medications you use. If you can, bring any relevant medical records.
Call to schedule your consultation with Dr. Mussat today.
