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Dolly Parton Dishes About Aging with Breast Implants
The Denver Channel recently published an article about Dolly Parton, the movie star, singer, songwriter who has never been shy when it comes to talking about her plastic surgery procedures.
That also includes her breast implants. She says aging with her breast implants has been “just fine,” and according to People magazine’s September 2003 issue, she has had plastic surgery for her eyes, lips and breasts. None of which Dolly denies.
Her Beverly Hills surgeon, Dr. John Grossman, claims Parton is genetically gifted with beautiful skin. She’s also had a number of face rejuvenations, but never a full face-lift. Parton herself says a tan in the South used to be a sign that you worked in the fields, so she never went out in the sun. But with Parton’s usual, self-deprecating humor, she is proud to say that Dr. Grossman “does all my fender work.” She’s even described her cosmetic procedures to Larry King in an interview as getting “sucked, plucked or tucked.”
Parton Pokes Fun at Her Image
With her trademark grace and humor, Parton sees her overall flashy look and image as a result of her growing up dirt poor in Tennessee, the fourth of 12 children. According to her 1994 biography, Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business she hides none of her past augmentations and addresses them all with a non-nonsense attitude.
With nearly forty years in the entertainment industry, you don’t even have to know anything about country music to know Dolly Parton and the flashy, campy icon she’s become. In the Nightline interview she even gests about her entry into a drag queen look-alike contest. Standing among the other contestants, who spent months perfecting the make-up, hair and her signature look, Dolly Parton lost.
Harnessing Natural Fat Stem Cells for Fat Grafting Injections
The uses for fat grafting injections are becoming more widespread and more firmly established. The recent release of a new technique for this procedure has only increased the popularity of fat transfer, with its uses in both facial and body procedures.
This new system of classification was published in the journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons under Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. A press release regarding the new technique was recently issued by PRWeb. This will prove to be important for many types of plastic surgery involving aspects of this process, including liposuction, breast augmentation, buttock lifts, and other body contouring procedures.
Fat Grafting Techniques Improved for All Types of Plastic Surgery
According to Dr. Rod Rohrich, the creator of this classification system: “Not all fat grafting is the same. It is a complex procedure with definable subtypes. The new classification system is a good example of using evidence-based medicine to make efficacious decisions that benefit patients. Fat grafting is here to stay, but we are in the process of defining how to use it. The possibilities are very exciting—including the use of a person’s own stem cells within the fat cells to support the regeneration of fat.”
The new classification system focuses on four key aspects of any fat transfer process that must be handled properly for a successful result. These include proper methods for harvesting the donor fat, processing the fat cells, transplanting the processed fat and managing the chosen recipient site.
Fat transfer injections are often used for body contouring procedures, but can also be used as facial fillers, to provide youthfulness and balance to the face. Part of the future of these procedures lies in harvesting the rejuvenative potential of the stem cells found naturally in fat. Research may someday lead to dramatic benefits from these cells, as their secrets are unlocked and used in a wide range of cosmetic procedures.
Photo by gareth1953 Need a By Pass on Flickr.
Patients Choosing Buttocks Lifts with Fat Injections
A recent development in the plastic surgery world is the use of buttocks lifts via fat injections, which combines liposuction and buttocks augmentation. In addition, these two procedures provide benefits to the figure that help to accent the results of the other procedure.
This procedure allows patients to increase the volume and shape of their buttocks without using implants. Using their own fat is a particular advantage for many patients who choose to undergo the procedure.
Natural Fat Injections Used for Buttocks Lift
According to a recent article in the New York Daily News, this procedure has sharply risen in popularity in the last few years. One possible factor may be the ever-changing trends in popular and celebrity culture.
Dr. Ashkan Ghavami, an experienced buttock lift surgeon, says that the focus has changed dramatically over recent years. “A lot of people focused more on breasts — for the buttock to be a focus of body shaping is definitely very new. Finally, thanks to Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and all the media, now we are realizing this a much more natural way than butt implants.”
This method is considered to be more natural than buttocks implants because the material being used comes from the patient’s own body. First, liposuction is used in trouble spots to remove the necessary amount of fat. This fat is processed and purified, and then injected back into the buttocks using a specialized technique.
“When I’m injecting into the buttock, we do what’s called the fanning technique,” says Dr. Ghavami, “It actually improves cellulite, because it fills the skin underneath.”
This procedure is often performed by itself, but it can also be added onto other procedures, such as standard liposuction or other forms of liposuction, body lifts and thigh lifts. Best results are achieved by following all instructions and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Photo by …love Maegan on Flickr.
World-Class Surgeons Provide Free Plastic Surgery for Veterans
The highly successful Operation Mend, a joint military/civilian program, has been able to provide more than 50 veterans with free cosmetic surgeries since 2007. The program is been growing in scope and popularity since its beginning.
To provide the best care possible, the program uses world-class surgeons who lead their fields in scar treatments, skin treatments, burn reconstruction, body contouring and facial plastic surgery. This allows the veterans to receive levels of care they would be unable to afford otherwise and that would not be covered by standard insurance.
Burn Repair and Cosmetic Surgery for Wounded US Military
According to a recent story in the Dallas News, this program is gaining more public support and donations, with the hope of being able to reach more veterans each year. Originally founded by Ron Katz and his late wife Maddie, Operation Mend has developed beyond the original structure.
Successful on a number of levels, the results achieved through the Operation Mend program have given soldiers improved health and self-confidence. The surgeries have included scar repair, burn treatments and reconstruction of facial traumas to the ears, nose and mouth. Other secondary benefits have included improved mental conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
One soldier who has benefited from the program is 26-year old Joey Paulk, who says he was very self-conscious of his appearance after nearly burning to death in 2007. In his words: “I wasn’t very happy with the way I looked.” Yet three recent surgeries with Operation Mend have changed all that, greatly improving his self confidence. “It’s helped my friends and family, too,” Paulk says. “Because I’m happy, they’re happy.”
With dramatic success stories like this for veterans of both the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, the program has been widely successful, despite the surprisingly high cost of the surgeries. According to Katz, many of the surgeries cost upwards of $500,000.
One of the key sponsors for the Operation Mend program, billionaire T. Boone Pickens, has long supported the program, as he says he is committed to helping wounded veterans. In his words, “We want to do our best for these men and women when they come home.”
Tummy Tuck Recovery Timelines
The period following your tummy tuck procedure, which is known as the recovery time, is a crucial part of the surgical process. To ensure the best possible results, follow all of your physician’s instructions and get plenty of rest.
Due to the wide variation in the different approaches and required treatments with the tummy tuck procedure, each patient will experience a unique recovery period. This variation makes discussing your expected recovery period particularly important. You should also be periodically assessing your recovery progress throughout that time, according to the American Society for Plastic Surgeons website.
Unique Nature of Each Tummy Tuck Procedure Gives Personalized Recovery Period
Though there is a wide range of recovery timelines, plastic surgeons have developed general guidelines that represent the average patient experience. According to the surgeons who responded on the trusted plastic surgery website RealSelf.com, one of the best ways to segment these guidelines is based on when patients will be able to resume certain activities.
Patients may often be able to stand straight comfortably in 1-2 weeks, begin driving in two weeks, exercise lightly in about four weeks, and fully regain normal and comfortable levels of activity in eight weeks. Yet each patient heals in their own way, and by discussing these various stages of recovery in detail with your surgeon you will be able to best understand your own body’s response.
A less extensive version of this procedure is known as the Mini Tummy Tuck, and generally has a shorter recovery period, with levels of activity returning more quickly at each step along the recovery timeline. Other recovery treatments, such as the use of compression devices, may also improve recovery times. Other body contouring procedures performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck, such as liposuction, arm lifts or thigh lifts may add to the overall recovery period depending on the specific patient.
Facial Fillers and Other Procedures With Fat Grafting
Fat transfer injections are one of the most natural procedures available, due to the basic procedure, which involves the use of the patient’s own fat as an injectable filler. These procedures provide the double benefit of fat removal and increased volume to the target area. Their wild success has led to the development of uses for this procedure throughout the body and refined techniques for each.
According to recent research that was published in the September 2012 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the variance in the use of this procedure has become so large that new naming methods may be needed. As reported in a recent article on DoctorsLounge, these surgical techniques have been constantly evolving, producing more effective procedures and dramatic results.
Fat Grafting for Facial Fillers, Breast Augmentation and Reconstruction
Initially begun as a simple procedure to replace tissue loss due to disease and other causes, fat injections have benefited by advancements at each stage in the procedure. They are now used to restore volume to the face through facial fillers, enhance areas of the body through a Brazilian butt lift or breast augmentation, and various other forms of restoration.
In the words of the researchers, “Thirty years after the inception of lipoaspirate injection, autologous fat transplantation has evolved from an underrated, oversimplified procedure to at least four different strategies that take into account harvesting technique, lobular size, processing of the graft, [and] injection technique.”
Working in Boston and Texas, researchers Dr. Daniel Del Vecchio and Dr. Rod J. Rohrich have had extensive experience with the many aspects of fat transfer. This procedure begins with the targeted removal of excess fat through liposuction. This fat is then purified through a specialized procedure to maximize its effectiveness, and reinjected carefully into the treatment areas. This injection technique is done at various depths and spacings to ensure the best possible results.
Addressing Muscle Strains and Tears with a Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck procedures are known the world over for giving patients smoother stomach contours and reduced fat deposits. Significant benefits for health may also be achieved through the repair and strengthening of the abdominal muscles. This supports the stomach and provides improved comfort and flexibility.
Widely performed in both men and women for its muscle repairing benefits, the tummy tuck procedure is especially helpful for women who are recovering from pregnancy. As noted by several surgeons on the trusted plastic surgery website Realself.com, the tummy tuck procedure may also improve core strength and posture.
Abdominoplasty Improves Stomach Strength, Posture and Appearance
The muscles of the stomach may separate for a number of reasons, including aging, birth, trauma or accidents. These accidents most frequently occur during rigorous activity, athletics or unusual strains on the body. In many cases, these damages cannot be naturally healed over time, and when left untreated may result in long-term loss of strength and flexibility.
The various abdominal muscles and the fascia (or protective tissue) which surrounds them can vary in structural integrity for each patient. The strain or separation of the muscles for women following child delivery often extends above and below the belly button.
In addition, women who are having their tummy tucks following childbirth may need to have their rectal muscles tightened. As an interconnected part of the birth process, these muscles may become strained or separated, allowing other tissue to poke through this space. This painful condition is known as a hernia.
Similar body contouring procedure may be added to the tummy tuck to improve the overall results. These may include thigh lifts, arm lifts, or body lifts. Liposuction, a minimally invasive procedure, is often used to enhance the contouring of these procedure, but it may also be used on its own.
Jessica Ennis Creates International Interest in Tummy Tucks
One of the most moving figures of the 2012 London Olympic Games was Jessica Ennis. Now her figure is having a ripple effect in women throughout the world, who are looking to improve their stomachs after being inspired by her performance.
According to a recent Huffington Post article, demand for stomach-shaping procedures such as tummy tucks and liposuction has skyrocketed internationally as a result of her inspirational achievements. Increased attention has been particularly strong for the liposuction and tummy tuck procedures.
Olympic Gold Medal-Winner Jessica Ennis Inspires Women Worldwide
Demand has been particularly high in the United Kingdom, where coverage of the national hero has been the heaviest. According to one local clinic owner, “Since the Olympics started we’ve had a lot of women coming to us with pictures of Jessica Ennis saying they want to have a torso similar to hers, but they have said they need a bit of extra help because they struggle to get down to those levels with just a couple of gym sessions a week.”
Options for women wishing to improve their stomach appearance may vary greatly depending on the severity of the situation. Laser treatments and other non-surgical procedures may be highly effective for patients who wish for minimal adjustment.
Liposuction, which has long been one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world, may be used to provide customized removal of excess fat tissue from the spots where it has accumulated the most. Ever-increasing technology has led to several versions of the standard liposuction procedure.
For a more dramatic result, a full or mini tummy tuck may be performed, in which the excess fat tissue is surgically removed along with any loose or excess skin. This procedure is particularly good for patients who have had significant weight loss, and may be enhanced by other body contouring procedures such as arm lifts, buttocks enhancement or thigh lifts.
Photo by little-pete on Flickr
Internationally Renowned Supermodel Tyra Banks Supports Plastic Surgery
Women around the world have been empowered by Tyra Banks, as supermodel who believes in self-confidence for women. Host of the popular and long-running “America’s Next Top Model,” Banks recently stated in an Enstarz article that she is in favor of plastic surgery.
Banks expressed frustration with those in her profession who look down on plastic surgery. “What’re you talking about? You won the genetic lottery,” she stated, in comments directed at cosmetic surgery naysayers in a recent interview. “You look like this specimen that’s making people everywhere feel insecure and you’re going to ridicule someone for getting plastic surgery?”
Tyra Banks Calls Cosmetic Surgery “Absolutely Fantastic”
In Banks’ opinion, some people have been more lucky than others in the genetic lottery, and it’s “not fair” that they be helpless in living with the things they don’t like. She considers herself one of the lucky ones, but knows that aging affects everyone: “Black people and Asian people have similar (strong) skin… But if one day I have wrinkles and I don’t like it… maybe… a little Botox, fillers?”
Banks has long been a proponent of women and models having a realistic beauty, and in dealing with the discussion of beauty in an honest and open fashion. She believes in support models on her show that have unconventionally attractive features and great self confidence in their bodies, regardless of shape and traditional ideas of beauty.
She is also famous for being open about her own body, discussing cellulite issues and other physical issues with her many fans through social media. A recent Instagram photo she released revealed a self-consciousness about the size of her forehead, for example.
Banks believes in empowering women to do what it takes to have high self-confidence in themselves and their bodies. It would seem that having plastic surgery procedures such as Botox, fillers and facelifts to correct personal issues would fall under this greater goal.
Photo used under Creative Commons license from Wikipedia
New Tummy Tuck Suture Technique Eliminates Need for Surgical Drains
Tummy tucks may now be performed to heal without drains, according to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch. A surgical team made up of a father and son pioneered this technique, which may diminish scarring as well.
Reported in the August edition of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, an in-depth study of this technique is the largest of its kind involving the use of this specific type of surgical suture. Benefits of this particular suture technique for tummy tuck patients include elimination of drains, faster recoveries, lowered overall cost and improved long-term scarring.
Abdominoplasty Suture Technique Eliminates Drains, Reduces Scarring
The innovative suturing technique, which is known as progressive tension sutures, or PTS, was originally developed by a father/son team of surgical specialists. The surgeons, Harlan Pollock, M.D. and Todd A. Pollock, M.D., both serve on the medical staff at the Texas Institute of Surgery.
“Our technique sews the tissue back together, closing the space, and leaving no room for fluid to accumulate,” says Dr. Todd Pollock. “More importantly, progressive tension sutures (PTS) hold tissue together with abdominal movement during the healing process.”
In a typical tummy tuck procedure, patients may require as many as two or three drains to ensure that the fluid can be easily removed from the healing area. These drains are often required for several weeks, and can serve as a hindrance, eyesore, and possible cause of infection.
This technique has been called the greatest tummy tuck advance in the past few decades. In use by the surgical team for several years, the study involved information on the use of the suture technique in 597 consecutive cases, performed by the surgeons who developed the procedure and authored the study.
Additional research may be necessary to determine how useful this technique may be for body contouring procedures in other areas of the body, such as arm lifts, body lifts, thigh lifts or breast lifts.
