Your eyes can tell a lot about you – including how old you are. In some cases, wrinkling, puffiness, or sagging of the eyelids can make you appear much older than you actually are. Today, men and women alike are realizing eye lift surgery can make a dramatic difference in their appearance, taking years off of their look and restoring their self-confidence.

Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is the surgical enhancement of eyelids. It can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids to aesthetically improve the look of the eyelid or to repair functional issues on the eyelid. At Buckhead Plastic Surgery, our patients love the results because it rejuvenates the area surrounding your eyes for a tighter, firmer and more youthful look. 

Since the bleph is a serious procedure, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of eye lift surgery.

How Does Eye Lift Surgery Improve The Eyes

Before exploring the pros and cons of eye lift surgery, it is important to know how this procedure can correct or treat your eye concerns and issues. A blepharoplasty can provide a variety of benefits including:

• Loose skin that disrupts the natural contour of the upper lid (sometimes impairing vision)
• Fat deposits under the eye that give an appearance of puffiness
• Under eye bags
• Drooping lower lids that reveal white below the iris 
• Excess skin and wrinkles of the lower lid

The Pros of Eye Lift Surgery

Improved Appearance

Blepharoplasty can improve the appearance of droopy, sagging, or puffy eyelids, making you look younger, more rested and more alert.

Increased Self-Confidence

Many people feel self-conscious about their sagging eyelids and bags under their eyes. By correcting these issues, blepharoplasty can increase self-confidence and self-esteem.

Improved Vision

In some cases, sagging eyelids can interfere with vision. By removing the excess skin and fat, blepharoplasty can improve vision and quality of life.

Long-Lasting Results

While the results of eye lift surgery are not permanent, they can last for many years. This means patients can enjoy the pros of eye lift surgery for a long time without additional procedures. 

Our patient struggled with creasing and darkening under her eyes that she felt aged her appearance. It was her wish to refresh her face, brighten her expression and achieve a lifted appearance to her cheeks. In this video, Double Board Plastic Surgeon, Alan N Larsen, MD performs eyelid surgery, aka – a lower blepharoplasty procedure – to make his patient’s wishes a reality.

The Cons of Eye Lift Surgery

Risk of Complications

Like any surgery, blepharoplasty carries risks, including bleeding, infection, scarring, and anesthesia-related complications.

Recovery Time

Recovery from blepharoplasty can take several weeks, during which time you may experience swelling, bruising and discomfort.

Unrealistic Expectations

Some people may have unrealistic expectations about what blepharoplasty can achieve. It is important to have a realistic understanding of the potential results and limitations of the procedure.

Possible Asymmetry

There is a small risk of asymmetry in the eyelids after surgery, which can require further corrective procedures.

What Happens During Eye Lift Surgery?

Your eyelid surgery at Buckhead Plastic Surgery starts with a consultation, so Dr. Alan Larsen understands your concerns and your aesthetic goals. Together you will discuss the procedure, the recovery and the intended results. 

Eyelid surgery is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Dr. Larsen is extremely intentional and talented in placing incisions to reduce scarring, so it will be naturally hidden by the eyelid structure. In fact, most patients do not see any scars following this procedure, which is one of the pros of eye lift surgery performed at Buckhead Plastic Surgery. 

For surgeries regarding the upper eyelid, incisions are made along the natural crease above the eye. After the incision is made, excess skin is removed and fat deposits are repositioned or removed and the muscles are tightened for a youthful, more alert look.

For surgeries correcting issues of the lower eyelid, an incision is usually made just below the lash line. Following the incision, a similar procedure is done where fat deposits are removed or repositioned and excess skin is removed. 

At times a specific procedure called a transjunctional incision may be used. This procedure is an alternative technique that is sometimes used to correct under-eye conditions. Most commonly when fat deposits need to be removed or repositioned but no skin needs to be removed. Dr. Larsen will present the best surgical or non-surgical options for you to meet your goals.

For some patients, the upper eyelid skin may be more prominent than they would expect after surgery because removing all of the extra skin would not allow you to close your upper eyelid. Additionally, some patients may have more or less of an upper eyelid crease. These are examples of the potential cons of eye lift surgery. However, most patients are thrilled with their eye lift results.

Want to learn more about eyelid surgery? Check out this helpful blog post! 

What Is Eye Lift Recovery Like?

When it comes to the pros and cons of eye lift surgery, recovery tends to be a con, because there is downtime. However, the downtime tends to be relatively painless and your surgery team will give you specific guidelines and instructions to make recovery as easy as possible.

•  Immediately following your surgery you will wake up with a lubricating agent and cold compresses on your eyes. Sometimes loose gauze is applied. 
• The initial healing process will include some bruising and swelling. (These are both common with most facial surgeries)
  
• Most patients will notice a dramatic reduction in swelling after the first 4 to 5 days. Although bruising will take longer to heal.
  
• Some patients experience dry eyes, discomfort or irritation at the incision site. All of these are a normal part of the healing process and no cause for concern.  In the majority of cases, it is easily managed by applying cold compresses and taking pain medications.
• Most patients return to their normal activities within 2 weeks of surgery after swelling and bruising have reduced revealing the surgery results. 
• As your body continues to heal over the next few months, your results will only improve as the contours of your face settle. You will quickly notice that although the results of this procedure are dramatic they are also extremely natural looking, which is another pro of eye lift surgery at Buckhead Plastic Surgery.

Even though you will be returning to most of your normal activities after the first 2 weeks, there are a  few exceptions like high impact sports or any activities that could specifically cause trauma to the face or eyes.

Eyelid Surgery Before & After Photos

Some people may be surprised to learn that this facial feature is more important than the eyes and mouth when it comes to a youthful appearance – the brow. Eyebrows play an essential role in defining and framing the face. The gentle counterbalance of the arch in the brow and the shape of the jawline all work together to accentuate the face.

During aging, due to a lack of elasticity in the skin and constant movement of forehead muscles, brows can begin to look creased, furrowed, and tired. People with dropping or heavy brows begin to look tired, angry, and grumpy. If you want a more youthful, lively look, a brow lift might be exactly what you need.

At Buckhead Plastic Surgery, we offer brow lifts with stunning results. If you are considering treatment options, there are three things to know about brow lifts and mini brow lifts to ensure your desired aesthetic goals.

What Is A Brow Lift?

A brow lift is a cosmetic procedure that repositions your forehead, resulting in a lift of the eyebrows and a decrease in fine lines and wrinkles. A brow lift can also address other periorbital signs of aging, like excess sagging skin and permanent lines between the eyes caused by using the glabella, a strong muscle that is responsible for frown or scowl lines. 

Over time, even if you are happy and rested, having horizontal lines on the forehead and vertical lines between the eyes can make you look older and give off the wrong emotional expression in social settings. This is why patients at Buckhead Plastic Surgery opt for a brow lift. It permanently improves the forehead by making it look smooth and supple and repositions the eyebrows for a lifted, fresh-faced look.

As with most cosmetic procedures, different types of brow lifts address different aesthetic goals. Plus, since everyone has a unique facial anatomy, certain procedures work better for certain people. Amazing brow lift results depend on meticulous attention to detail with the technical portion of the procedure, as well as Dr. Larsen’s artistic touch to create the balanced facial features you desire. 

One of the three things to know about brow lifts and mini brow lifts is the techniques available to you.

3 Types of Brow Lifts and Mini Brow Lifts

• Coronal Brow Lift
• Endoscopic Brow Lift
• Limited Incision or Temporal Brow Lift

Coronal Brow Lift

At Buckhead Plastic Surgery, Dr. Alan Larsen is skilled in various techniques for brow lifts and mini brow lifts. However, this technique is the industry standard for this procedure and yields the most impressive and lasting results.

One thing to know about this brow lift procedure is it removes the excess skin from the forehead and eyebrows without shifting the hairline. Another benefit of the coronal brow lift is it requires one long incision made in front of the hairline that runs from ear to ear. This incision can be well-hidden as part of the natural hairline. 

With just one incision, Dr. Larsen can remove excess skin and reposition the remaining brow and glabellar muscles for a more flattering, youthful appearance. He can also make small adjustments to create a smoother forehead and browline by removing excess fat and tissue.

Endoscopic Brow Lift

An endoscopic brow lift is also known as a mini brow lift. It is called a “mini” brow lift because it is less invasive than other brow lift procedures. While it is less invasive, we do not encourage all patients to get mini brow lifts because it does not provide optimal results.

The thing to know about a mini brow lift is it shifts the hairline back, so it is only ideal for individuals with a low hairline. In an endoscopic brow lift, small incisions are made just behind the hairline, then muscles are repositioned, and the forehead tissue is lifted.

Temporal or Limited Incision Brow Lift

This procedure is similar to an endoscopic brow lift but is slightly more invasive because larger incisions are made above each temple and behind the hairline. 

During the procedure, Dr. Larsen will then reposition the tissues of the outer brow area through the upper incisions (hairline) and smooth out the worrisome lines furrowed between the eyebrows using the incisions made through the upper eyelid (temples).

Recovery After Brow Lift

Another one of the three things to know about brow lifts and mini brow lifts is there is a recovery to consider that will last 3-4 weeks. Downtime is a concern of patients having a brow lift, especially with younger patients. 

Immediately following surgery, your forehead, eyes, and temporal areas will be swollen. For the first two days, specialized ice packs will be placed on your forehead 24 hours a day to relieve the swelling and discomfort. The ice is applied for the first 48 hours followed by warm compresses. 

Keeping your head elevated with no movement helps promote a speedy recovery for most patients. During the healing process, your forehead and eyes will feel tight for the first week or two. Meanwhile, healing will continue for quite some time. It is not uncommon for mild swelling and small lumps and bumps to take 1-2 months or more to resolve. After one month, you should see better results, and after three months, you should see great results. 

When it comes to looking youthful, trim, and fit, most people desire a flat stomach that enhances their silhouette. As we age, even with diet and exercise, it can be hard to maintain a flat stomach. As fat cells increase in size and volume with time, getting rid of stubborn fat in the abdominal area can be extremely frustrating. In some cases, liposuction is the best solution to the tummy of your dreams. 

At Buckhead Plastic Surgery, we treat many patients with this aesthetic procedure with stunning results. Before your journey with liposuction, it is important to fully understand how it works and if you are a good candidate. There are some common misconceptions about it, so here are 5 things to know about stomach liposuction. 

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a tried and true surgical procedure that breaks down and removes fat from parts of your body. Most patients get liposuction in areas that are resistant to diet and exercise like the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, chin or neck. Liposuction removes these isolated pockets of fat with a microcannula inserted into the treatment area. This process loosens the fat cells so they can gently be suctioned away. 

Some liposuction techniques use ultrasound, radiofrequency, or laser energy to melt the fat first for easier elimination. Tumescent liposuction is when your surgeon injects a sterile solution into the area where the fat is to be removed. It may consist of saline, lidocaine and epinephrine. This specific kind of solution makes it easier to suction the fat with less blood loss and pain.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) uses sound wave energy under your skin to rupture the cell walls of the fat. This liquefies the fat so it can be suctioned out. Laser-assisted liposuction, or SmartLipo, uses a laser to produce a burst of energy to melt the fat.

Liposuction Is Not a Weight Loss Surgery

One of the misnomers about liposuction is that it is a surgery used for weight loss. While liposuction can remove small pockets of fat, it is a cosmetic surgery intended for a slimmer aesthetic. Liposuction helps reshape your body by contouring it. In the case of stomach liposuction, if diet and exercise are not providing the desired result, liposuction may help achieve that goal. 

However, there are other factors to consider, like the type of fat you are dealing with (subcutaneous fat or visceral fat), your skin’s elasticity, and your weight fluctuations or potential fluctuations. Even if you are an ideal candidate for stomach liposuction, the procedure does not prevent you from gaining back weight in your stomach or gaining weight overall. It is not a “quick fix” that lasts indefinitely, because it requires maintenance for lasting results.

Liposuction Does Not Get Rid of Cellulite

While liposuction can remove pockets of fatty tissue, it cannot treat the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite is actually caused by subcutaneous fat pushing against connective tissue bands, which then cause deformations (dimples) in the skin. Since liposuction only removes soft fat tissue, the fat pushing against the fibrous bands is not affected. 

This is one of the important ‘5 things to know about stomach liposuction’ because liposuction can actually worsen the appearance of cellulite in some cases, making the dimpling more obvious. However, adding a laser treatment to liposuction may help get rid of cellulite. 

The mommy makeover surgery that Dr. Alan N Larsen suggested for his patient, to achieve her ultimate goals consisted of a Breast Aug, a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction to her belly & flanks.

Liposuction Does Not Reduce Sagging Skin

Another important thing to know about liposuction is it only removes fat, not sagging skin. As you age, the amount of collagen your body produces decreases, which results in less skin elasticity. Sagging skin may not be completely treated through liposuction. To achieve your desired results, you may need a skin tightening procedure to address sagging skin if liposuction cannot fix the area.

For some, liposuction needs to be combined with either a tummy tuck or a laser contouring procedure for the abs of your dreams.

Liposuction and Tummy Tucks Are Different Procedures

A common misconception about stomach liposuction, as explained above, is what the realistic results will look like. For some patients, by removing small pockets of fatty tissue, they will achieve the sleek, slim silhouette they desire with more defined ab muscles. But for patients with excessive sagging skin, they might be envisioning results from a tummy tuck, not stomach liposuction. 

That’s why one of the ‘5 things to know about stomach liposuction’ is it does not necessarily give you the transformative results a tummy tuck provides. A tummy tuck is ideal for people who want to flatten the area above and below the belly button. During this procedure, your surgeon will tighten the muscles and remove excess skin. While liposuction can be used during a tummy tuck to aid in contouring your physique, the removal of excess, sagging skin and tissue is only performed during a tummy tuck.

You Can Still Gain Weight Back After Liposuction

One of the most important things to know about stomach liposuction is there is still required maintenance after the surgery and recovery. After stomach liposuction, your body will have about 70% less fatty deposits in the abdominal area. But you can still gain weight, and if you do, your body will store the same amount of fat in the same places it usually does. This means if you were to gain weight, your stomach would be smaller than it would be without the surgery, but it can still gain back fatty tissue. 

This is why ideal candidates for stomach liposuction already follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly. They are within 30% of their ideal weight and have maintained that weight for the last 1-2 years. Plus, they have firm elastic skin and good muscle tone. All of these things contribute to achieving fantastic results for beautiful, contoured abs.

Want to learn more about tummy tucks? Check out this helpful blog post! 

Why Choose Buckhead Plastic Surgery For Your Stomach Liposuction

Buckhead Plastic Surgery is the premier choice for liposuction procedures in the Atlanta area. Dr. Alan Larsen is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for impeccable skill and an eye for detail. He will present you with all your options and help you visualize and understand realistic results. Call us today at 404.367.9005 to schedule your consultation or book a consultation online. We are confident you won’t be disappointed.

As we age, our bodies change too. Over time skin loses its elasticity, so it begins to sag or look crepey. Despite dieting and exercise, keeping the muscle tone we once had and getting rid of stubborn areas of fatty tissue is challenging. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can change certain body areas forever, making it nearly impossible to return to the pre-pregnancy figure. 

When it comes to improving how your body looks and boosting your confidence, Buckhead Plastic Surgery offers two options—the Body Lift and the Mommy Makeover. The body lift is a surgical option to remove sagging skin and tighten, slim, and tone your overall shape. The popular Mommy Makeover is also a surgical option, but it is geared towards specific changes in the body resulting from pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Both options provide a one-and-done solution, meaning you only need one surgery to do it all instead of multiple surgeries over a few years. The impressive results of a Body Lift and a Mommy Makeover are also very similar because they rejuvenate your body, giving it a slimmer, more toned and youthful appearance.

What is a Body Lift?

A Body Lift is a cosmetic surgery that aims to resculpt all body areas, including the abdomen, thighs, groin area, buttocks, tummy, hips and back. This procedure includes the removal of fat, the resculpting of tissue, and the removal of excess skin. Usually, these procedures are reserved for areas with poorer elasticity and may be performed along with liposuction for optimal results.

For the procedure, Dr. Alan Larsen makes a circumferential belt-like incision that runs across the top of the pubic area, up along each side, from hip-to-hip, and around the top of the buttocks. Using this one incision, he can remove subcutaneous fat and tissue in the abdomen, skin in the waist and buttock areas, resulting in a smoother, more youthful body contour. 

Since most Body Lift patients have separated abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis), Dr. Larsen can repair underlying muscles and excess fat may be removed using liposuction if the skin has enough elasticity to bounce back to a newly toned shape.

Jaclyn tells her story, about her results, recovery, and why she chose Dr. Alan N Larsen at Buckhead Plastic Surgery for her Body Lift Procedure.

Why do Patients Choose a Body Lift?

Some patients choose to do a body lift because they have lost significant weight, but they no longer have the skin elasticity they once had, so surgery is the only option to remove excess, sagging skin and show off their slimmer shape. For patients who have experienced stretching or even separated abdominal muscles after pregnancy, body lifts will correct those problem areas, and the tummy will be smoother, tighter and stronger as a result. The abdominal muscles will be surgically sewn back together, and depending on the skin’s elasticity, liposuction may also be used to sculpt the tummy area. 

Patients who choose the body lift may also have skin that ages more rapidly due to genetics, which can be frustrating and lead to low self-esteem. These patients have spent lots of time, energy, and money trying to achieve their aesthetic goals, but they are still self-conscious about their appearance.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

The physical changes your entire body goes through from the first months of pregnancy to breastfeeding, are too many to count. After pregnancy, several body features like the breasts, abdomen, flanks and even changes in your face have likely been affected. Even after years of exercise and dieting, your post-baby body may still have stubborn areas between your hip bone and rib cage. A Mommy Makeover can work to address them, giving you back your pre-pregnancy figure. 

At Buckhead Plastic Surgery, a Mommy Makeover uses a combination of procedures to achieve your desired results: Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation, Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, and Cosmetic Injectables. We tailor Mommy Makeovers to each patient, so we will choose the procedures that best suit your goals.

Why do Patients Choose a Mommy Makeover?

Patients who choose a Mommy Makeover typically look for specific results in specific body parts. They want to reduce excess skin and fat in the midsection with tighter, more smooth skin. Patients want to eliminate sagging breasts, minimize stretch marks and remove stubborn pockets of fat in various areas like the flanks, thighs, or buttocks. Mommy Makeover patients may also choose fillers and Botox to restore a more youthful appearance by improving the look of fine lines. 

Unlike the Body Lift, the Mommy Makeover often includes a Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation with implants. A breast lift is ideal for certain patients because surgery lifts the breasts to a higher position by simply removing extra skin, giving a perkier aesthetic. For some patients, perkier breasts can only be achieved using implants to add volume and a new, more youthful contour to the bustline.

Recovery from a Body Lift vs. Mommy Makeover

While both options have a few key differences, recovery from a body lift and a Mommy Makeover are quite similar. Since both involve surgical procedures, patients are required to spend the first night of recovery in our facility. We will provide you with round-the-clock care and pain management to make you as comfortable as possible.

Once you return home, healing will take time. We will provide you with a list of everything you need post-op, including specific items that will be helpful in your home recovery. The amount of time it takes to recover from a body lift or a Mommy Makeover depends on how quickly your body can heal, but most patients can return to their normal activities within 8 weeks.

Most discomfort tends to decrease after the first 3-4 days, although swelling may last much longer. During the first two weeks, it’s essential to rest and follow Dr. Larsen’s instructions, plus you will have post-op follow-up appointments to make sure your incisions look good, and you’re healing properly. 

Why Should I Choose Buckhead Plastic Surgery for My Body Lift or Mommy Makeover?

Dr. Larsen is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience. The professionals at Buckhead Plastic Surgery put the utmost priority on patient care and surgical precision. Dr. Larsen and his team have years of experience in various tummy tuck procedures and a list of 5-star reviews from previous patients. 

Contact us today at 404.367.9005 to book your consultation and see what a difference Buckhead Plastic Surgery can make in your life. No matter which option you choose, you will be thrilled with your new and improved body.

Bringing a child into the world is one of the most miraculous things in the human experience. However, many moms find that after giving birth, they feel disconnected from their bodies after effects pregnancy and childbirth. If you feel that disconnect, there are many options, both surgical and non-invasive available. 

The surgical option commonly known as the Mommy Makeover is a combination surgery that focuses on the areas most affected by pregnancy and childbirth. Typically it involves a tummy tuck with optional liposuction and breast augmentation or lift. Some patients choose to include labiaplasty as well. This surgery is best for those who want a one-and-done procedure. Although it requires lengthy recovery and significant time commitment and investment, the results can be dramatic. 

However, many moms are ready to improve their look after kids but don’t want to undergo a significant surgery and choose a non-invasive option. These results provide a more natural look that improves gradually over time. They also require little to no downtime and can be scheduled over a period of time, giving you flexibility in your schedule, which moms can appreciate! Here are some of our most popular non-surgical options:

Morpheus8

One of the areas most affected by pregnancy is the abdominal area. Morpheus8 is a minimally invasive radiofrequency technology used on the face or body. This treatment gained popularity when Kim K revealed her success with it after childbirth. It’s an awe-inspiring technology that can effectively tighten the skin commonly stretched in the tummy area during pregnancy. As a bonus, it’s able to reduce the appearance of cellulite. It provides incredible results and is the most profound and most effective radiofrequency microneedling device on the market. 

However, if your abdominal area has significant amounts of loose skin, a tummy tuck is still the best solution. If you’re curious about which procedure is best for you, call us today at 404.367.9005 to get more information. We’d love to schedule a consultation and answer any questions you have.

ThermiVa

ThermiVa is gaining popularity because it’s a painless and non-surgical alternative to more invasive procedures. In addition, it’s the only treatment that uses temperature-controlled radiofrequency to tighten internal and external vaginal tissue and is an excellent surgical alternative.

Patients love ThermiVa because it’s FDA-approved, non-invasive, non-hormonal, and non-surgical. This procedure is ideal for women who want to treat vaginal laxity, vaginal vulvar dryness, experience mild to moderate stress incontinence, or experience sexual or orgasmic dysfunction. Typically patients see results after just three sessions with results lasting up to 2 years. 

Many moms suffer from excessive vaginal relaxation after vaginal birth, which affects satisfaction during intercourse. If you are experiencing any of these issues, ThermiVa might be an excellent solution for you. 

ThermiVa is a fantastic treatment, but it only focuses on tightening the vaginal tissue. Many women who have delivered their children vaginally deal with distortions of the labia after birth; if you suffer from these distortions, a labiaplasty might be a better solution.