What is True Lipo and How can it Help Me?

True Lipo is a laser assisted liposuction procedure that helps to remove unwanted fatty deposits and tighten excess skin. It is always done by a board certified Plastic Surgeon at a fully accredited out-patient center. General anesthesia and overnight-stay are available. Recovery is quick with most patients returning to a light duty job within 48 hours.

Benefits of True Lipo

The True Lipo procedure uses laser energy to melt unwanted fatty deposits and tighten excess skin. It is less expensive than our previous traditional liposuction. Other benefits include quick recover time, ability to be done under local anesthesia and high level of patient satisfaction.

The First Step to a New You

If you've tried everything to lose weight, but nothing seems to work or last very long, it may be time to consider other alternatives. True Lipo may be the ideal solution for you. Your first step should be to talk to a doctor, such as John W. Menard, M.D.F.A.C.S. who has extensive experience with the procedure and will work with you to craft a customized surgical plan.

Please call (205) 391-9038 or visit http://www.menardplasticsurgery.com to find out more information on True Lipo and other plastic surgery procedures offered by Dr. Menard.
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Is Breast Augmentation a Good Option for You?

Breast augmentation—mammoplasty—is a surgical procedure in which the size and shape of a woman's breasts is increased and accentuated. Many women with small breasts are comfortable and happy with their size, but many women aren't, and would like to do something about it.

Augmentation is carried out for a variety of reasons. For many women it's simply about increasing the size of their breasts to enhance their body shape, and general appearance. For others, breast augmentation is a way of correcting a more specific issue.

-  Pregnancy and nursing can cause breast tissue to reduce in volume, causing breasts to appear flatter and less full than they once were. Augmentation is carried out to restore the breasts to their pre-pregnancy size and fullness.
-  Some women have breasts of two markedly different sizes; an augmentation procedure on the smaller breast is carried out for a more symmetrical appearance.
-  Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy or breast injury.

About the Breast Augmentation Procedure

Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia, which usually takes about one hour. The general technique used in breast augmentation procedures is the same for most patients, but there are some differences with how it's carried out. One important difference is the type of implant that's used to augment the breasts. The most common options are silicone gel and saline.

Another difference is the location where incisions are made for the placement of breast implants.
The most common site is the lower part of the breast, but there are other options, such as in the areola of the breast, or in the armpit or bellybutton area. Which option a woman chooses is often about personal preference, and in each case, the choice is made collectively by the woman and her surgeon.

Recovery Time

After the surgery, it's important for optimum healing and recovery to get plenty of rest, and keep excessive movement to a minimum. Bandages and a special surgical bra are worn for several weeks to support the healing process. Most patients are able to return to a light duty job within one week.

Get the Look You've Always Wanted

If you're unhappy with the size or shape of your breasts and want to make a change to improve breast size or symmetry, an augmentation procedure may be the right solution. For more information, contact us at Menard Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation at our Tuscaloosa office.

Should I Consider Getting a Breast Reduction?

Bigger isn't always better. Although we live in a society that seems to glamorize and glorify women with large breasts, these physical attributes can often promote health problems.

If you have overly large breasts, there's a good chance that you experience negative effects on a daily basis. For many women, weight loss will not help to reduce the size of their breasts. These women appreciate the alternative solution of breast reduction surgery to decrease daily discomfort.

What is Breast Reduction Surgery?

A breast reduction is a surgical procedure that aims to make breasts smaller, lighter, and firmer.

The Benefits of a Breast Reduction

A breast reduction may be right for you if are experiencing regular shoulder, neck, or back pain or a submammary rash. A breast reduction can give you:

- Decreased pain and breast sagging
- A better-looking silhouette
- An easier time finding better fitting clothing
- Quick results
- Recovery Time

You will need to rest for a few days after breast reduction surgery. It is common to experience minor pain that can be controlled with medication. In addition, you will need to wear bandages on your breasts for many days after the surgery as well as a special bra for a number of weeks.

Can a Breast Reduction Help Me?

If you are experiencing chronic pain or discomfort as the result of your large breasts, breast reduction surgery may be right for you. You should talk to a plastic surgeon to figure out the best course of action to take. Contact Menard Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation today.

Erase Lines and Wrinkles with Botox®

Would Botox significantly change what you see in the mirror? Are you happy with the face peering back at you? Or do your eyes immediately go to the lines on your forehead or around your eyes? If you are unhappy with the way you look, perhaps it's time you did find out more about Botox®

Lines and wrinkles appear for a number of reasons, including collagen depletion, changes in cell structure, and damage from free radicals. In addition, when you frown, the muscles between your eyebrows contract, which makes your skin furrow. When you squint, or even laugh, the muscles around your eyes contract, which can lead to crow's feet.

One of the most effective ways to smooth out lines and wrinkles is by using Botox. It is a naturally-produced protein that blocks nerve impulses that cause muscles to tense, thereby creating wrinkles. The muscle stays relaxed and lines and wrinkles become less prominent.

How does Botox® work?

Botox is injected directly into the neuromuscular tissue at the desired location. It usually takes 24 to 72 hours to take effect, but for some people it can take up to five days to see results.
What are the advantages of Botox?

 - Botox is proven to be very effective at treating frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow's feet

 - The procedure is very quick

 - Results can be seen within 72 hours and can last up to four months

 - Botox is the first and only FDA-approved prescription to treat lines and wrinkles

Botox is safe to use and produces few side effects

If you're tired of seeing all the lines and wrinkles on your face and want to regain a more youthful appearance, consider Botox. MenardPlastic Surgery offers Botox and several other non-surgical procedures to improve facial aesthetics.

Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Options for Alternative Age-Defying Results

 At one time, the only effective method of reducing facial wrinkles and achieving a younger appearance was to undergo a facelift. A facelift is a surgical technique that pulls back and tightens the skin. Fortunately, today there are many non-surgical treatments available that have proven effective at achieving similar results.

Powers of Botox®

Botox has become very familiar to the general public in the last few years because of its popularity with celebrities. It is a naturally-produced protein that blocks nerve impulses that cause muscles to tense, thereby creating wrinkles.  The toxin is injected directly into the facial muscles, producing temporary targeted weakness and causes skin to have a smoother look.

The results typically last up to six months, at which point the muscles return to their normal state. However, regular treatments with Botox for some people can result in long-lasting improvement by renewing skin and causing wrinkles to diminish.

The Juvederm Solution

Another option for a youthful appearance is a product called Juvederm. It involves the injection of hyaluronic acid in the dermis. Hyaluronic acid is normally found in sugar in the body. It works by retaining water at the site of the injection, which gives temporary volume to the skin. This smoothes out wrinkles and gives a more youthful appearance.

The results for Juvederm typically last from nine months to a year and they are most noticeable in areas around the nose and corners of the mouth. Side effects are mild and can include redness, tenderness or swelling of the affected area, but they usually last only a few days.

 Reaction Skin Tightening Stimulates Natural Correction

A third option for obtaining a youthful appearance is called Reaction Skin Tightening. It uses radio frequency (RF) to stimulate the skin and improve elasticity. It does this by boosting the secretion of collagen, which strengthens skin texture and reduces sagging. Results should be noticeable after the first treatment, though repeated treatments are necessary to achieve the best results.
DermaPen, a popular European alternative

A new option to consider is calledDermaPen, which is a brand name for a form of skin needling that has been popular in Europe for many years. It works by creating a tiny wound on the skin, which encourages the body to produce collagen and new skin cells. It is a simple mechanical treatment that uses the body’s healing properties to achieve healthier and younger-looking skin.

With so many options available, it is possible for just about anyone to gain a more youthful appearance. Whatever an individual’s situation, there is bound to be a treatment that works best and offers great results. Menard Plastic Surgeryof Tuscaloosa, AL will help answer all your facial rejuvenation questions.

Can a Tummy Tuck Help Me?

 Excess fat around your middle can be annoying and also a real health hazard. The loose skin that remains after pregnancy or extreme weight loss won’t disappear with diet and exercise, no matter how hard you try. But, as you probably discovered, losing stomach fat is difficult and the end result may not give you the look you desired. It may be time to think about a tummy tuck.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty to get technical, is a procedure that removes excess skin and fatty tissue from the abdominal wall. In addition, the abdominal muscles can be tightened. A tummy tuck can make a stomach much flatter and tighter.

A tummy tuck is perfect for people with loose skin or fat deposits in their abdominal area who need help to achieve the look they have worked so hard to obtain.

What Does a Tummy Tuck involve?

A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia. To start, a horizontal incision is made near the pubic bone. After the excess skin and fat is removed and the stomach muscles are tightened, the incision is closed. Often there is loose skin in the upper abdomen, which requires an incision close to the belly button in order to allow improvement of the upper abdominal area. The whole procedure usually takes around  two-and-a-half hours.

Recovery Time

After a tummy tuck, patients will need to spend a few days resting and avoiding unnecessary movement. Most people are able to resume their normal activities two to three weeks after surgery.

Results

Results can be seen from a tummy tuck as soon as the swelling goes down. It can take up to four months for the body to fully adjust. As long as patients maintain a healthy diet and get regular exercise, the results of a tummy tuck are long lasting.

Is a Tummy Tuck Right For You?

If diet and exercise hasn't helped you remove that stubborn belly fat or excess skin, a tummy tuck might be your best option. You should consult with an experienced plastic surgeon to see if a tummy tuck is right for you. Contact Menard Plastic Surgery today.