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Atlanta liposuction

Procedures for a Slimmer Midsection

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As summer ramps up, many of us have already planned a beach vacation or two into our schedules. And while circling those dates on our calendar gives us something to look forward to, it can make both men and women spend a lot more time examining their midsections in the mirror and making a note of all the flaws that will make them self-conscious in that new bathing suit. Even if a beach vacation isn’t on the books, summer brings our abdominal woes to the surface as we spend more time in cooler clothing that shows more skin. While a healthy diet and exercise are important for people of any size, sagging skin and stubborn fat often doesn’t respond as we would hope. For patients who know this frustration, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John LeRoy offers several cosmetic procedures to help them regain their self-confidence.

  • Liposuction is a great option for patients who want to remove pockets of unwanted fat. In this procedure, a narrow tube is used to break up targeted fat cells and suction them out of the body. For precise contouring, tiny incisions (hidden in the natural creases of the body when possible) are used in order to access the treatment area from multiple angles. Depending on a patient’s needs and “problem areas,” liposuction can slim down several areas in the same procedure, like the abdomen, back, and “love handles.” However, this is not a procedure that should be used as a form of weight loss, but rather as a finishing touch for patients who have already reached their goal weight or have maintained a health weight and simply have small areas of stubborn fat.
  • Band Aid Liposuction is a less invasive version of traditional fat removal. Developed and performed exclusively by Dr. LeRoy, Band Aid Liposuction is performed in a similar way to standard liposuction (stubborn fat is removed through a narrow tube), but this unique procedure can be performed in-office with gentle numbing because it uses smaller incisions and targets smaller areas of fat. Band Aid Liposuction can be a perfect option for patients who don’t necessarily have weight to lose, but are bothered by small bulges of fat.
  • Tummy Tuck procedures are ideal for patients who may want the fat removal that liposuction offers but who also have excess lax skin and/or a separated muscle that gives them the appearance of having a “kangaroo pouch.” As a more comprehensive procedure, a tummy tuck often involves removing unwanted fat, repairing and tightening abdominal muscles that have been stretched. These concerns are especially common among mothers and patients who have lost significant amounts of weight, and a tummy tuck can be tailored to fit the needs of each patient.
  • Band Aid Tummy Tuck procedures have similar goals to a traditional tummy tuck, but like Band Aid Liposuction, can be performed in a comfortable office setting using gentle numbing. By targeting only the areas of the abdomen that need the most improvement, rather than using a longer incision that tightens the skin across the entire tummy, a Band Aid Tummy Tuck can achieve great results with minimal downtime and scarring.

So how do you know which procedure is right for you? Check out the chart below for a brief comparison, then schedule a consultation with Dr. John LeRoy. After discussing your desired results and your priorities, he can recommend the procedure that will provide the best balance for all your needs. To stay up-to-date on these slimming procedures and other plastic surgery topics, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.Procedures for a Slimmer Midsection

Who are the Right Candidates for Band Aid Procedures?

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A recent issue of Atlanta Magazine featured double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John LeRoy‘s original line of Band Aid cosmetic procedures. Because of these innovative techniques, patients can achieve great aesthetic results through minimally-invasive procedures that are performed in-office with gentle numbing. Most plastic surgery patients begin their journey with the question, “I want to feel better about my appearance, but which procedure is right for me?” One way to begin learning about your options is to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, but to determine whether a traditional cosmetic procedure or its Band Aid counterpart is the better fit for your needs, decide whether you fit into any of these groups who tend to be the best candidates for Band Aid procedures.

Jan2014_ATL MagPatients Who Want to Minimize Recovery Time

Many patients find that while they know they’ll feel better about their appearance after a procedure like liposuction, they’re struggling to clear out the necessary recovery time in their schedule between work, caring for their families, etc. Resuming your normal activities too soon after surgery can result in complications and less-than-optimal results, but because Band Aid procedures are less invasive than more comprehensive surgeries, the recovery time required is significantly less, and patients can more easily work their aesthetic goals into their busy schedules.

Patients Who Have a Strong Focus on Natural Results

No patient wants to look “fake” or “operated on,” but for many patients, results that are discreet and look natural are their top priority. These patients generally want a less dramatic improvement—in terms of facial rejuvenation, for example, just enough of an enhancement to help them look younger and more rested. While this subtle look can be achieved with a traditional facelift, Dr. LeRoy’s Band Aid Facelift can produce the results these patients want with less risk of visible scarring, lower costs, and less recovery time.

Patients Who Don’t Need a Comprehensive Procedure

Some patients come to us during an “in-between” point in their appearance—for instance, a patient who is unhappy with a bit of unwanted fat and loose skin on their abdomen, but doesn’t have enough excess tissue or muscle damage to warrant a full tummy tuck. For these patients, a minimally-invasive procedure can provide a better balance. In other words, instead of the going through the moderate amount of inconvenience and discomfort associated with a tummy tuck to achieve the mild results they want, patients can opt for a Band Aid Tummy Tuck to attain the same results with minimized effort and expense.

Patients Who Are Seeking More of an Improvement than Non-Surgical Procedures Can Provide

To meet the needs of all our patients, we offer not only plastic surgery but non-surgical procedures as well, such as dermal fillers, Botox® and Dysport®, and a variety of skin treatments. Non-surgical options can be perfect for patients who have minor cosmetic needs like fine lines and wrinkles, but if these treatments are too mild to achieve results that can help the patient become their most beautiful and confident self, Band Aid procedures are a great next step that can produce sufficient results without the more extensive recovery time of a traditional surgery.

One of the ways that Dr. John LeRoy has developed a reputation for his superb results is by having expertise in such a wide variety of procedures that he can offer each patient the ideal cosmetic option to fit their needs. While Band Aid procedures are a perfect option for many patients, other patients are best suited for traditional plastic surgeries, and still others are a great fit for non-surgical treatments. To learn more about your options and discuss the best way for you to reach an appearance you can feel confident in, schedule a consultation with Dr. John LeRoy.

What You Can Do Before Plastic Surgery to Get Better Results

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While every plastic surgery patient is different, there is one consistent truth: each patient wants to get the best surgical results possible. While it’s certainly important to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced and skillful in your procedure, not many patients realize how much they can do to improve their cosmetic results and healthy recovery, and even fewer realize that this process starts long before the procedure itself. Below are a few steps you can take to make the most of your cosmetic surgery.

  1. Reach or maintain a healthy, steady weight.

Generally, the better a patient’s health is before a cosmetic procedure, the more quickly and smoothly they’ll heal and the less risk they’ll have for complications. But for procedures of the body, such as a Band Aid Tummy Tuck or liposuction, reaching a maintainable and healthy weight before surgery is especially important. Gaining or losing weight in the future can affect the appearance of your results, so rather than using a cosmetic procedure to kick off your weight loss efforts, it’s better to reach your goal weight first and use plastic surgery to contour areas of stubborn fat or excess skin.

  1. Stop smoking.

Any doctor will tell patients that quitting smoking is imperative for their health, but this is especially true when it comes to plastic surgery. Smoking (or the use of any form of nicotine) strongly increases your risk of complications and of more pronounced scarring, which is why I require every patient to refrain from any use of nicotine for 2-4 weeks before their procedure, as well as 2-4 weeks after the procedure. But to help my patients be healthy enough to enjoy their results for years to come, I encourage all my patients who are smokers to permanently quit before their procedure.

  1. Develop realistic expectations.

For every patient, my goal is to achieve results that make them feel like their most confident and beautiful self. With that in mind, the only way to be happy with your surgical results is to have a realistic understanding of the potential outcome. For example, for someone who wants to lose weight, losing 10 pounds in a month is an accomplishment to be proud of, but if they had set an unrealistic goal of losing 30 pounds in a month, they will still be unsatisfied. To set realistic expectations for your plastic surgery results, start by checking out before-and-after photos for patients who have had similar procedures, and do some research about the procedure you’re considering. By scheduling a consultation appointment with me, we can also discuss what results you can expect based specifically on your physiology and goals.

  1. Make a list of all medications you’re taking, and follow instructions on when to take or not take them.

One question you’ll be asked in your consultation is what medications you’re taking, and this isn’t just limited to your prescriptions—you should also tell the surgeon about any over-the-counter medications, including herbs and vitamins. Many patients find it difficult to remember all this at once, so it may be helpful to give yourself several days to complete your list. Write down everything you can remember, then carry your list with you for a few days, keeping it accessible so you can jot down any additions you think of. It can also be helpful to actually go through your medicine cabinet to jog your memory. You’ll be given specific instructions regarding whether/when to discontinue using your medication before the procedure, and when you can resume taking them afterward. To minimize your risk of complications, be sure to follow these instructions precisely.

  1. Stock up on everything you’ll need during your recovery.

You’ll probably be prescribed pain medication and/or an antibiotic to use after your procedure, and it’s best to get these prescriptions filled before your surgery. It’s also helpful to stock up on everything else you’ll need for the first few days of your recovery, like soft foods, basic toiletries, and anything you’ll need to care for your dressings. This will allow you to get the rest you need during your recovery without straining yourself and risking injuries or complications by making a trip to the store when you should be resting.

 

At your pre-operative consultation, you’ll receive more specific instructions pertaining to your surgery and the days before and after your procedure, but the suggestions above can help you improve your chances for optimal results and a smooth recovery. The only way to meet your aesthetic goals is to view your procedure as a partnership between you and your plastic surgeon—each of you must do your part in order to achieve the best results possible. For more helpful tips about maximizing or maintaining your surgical results, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Three Procedures to Get You Swimsuit-Ready

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Summer is a favorite season for many people, and for good reason—it often comes with long-anticipated vacations to the beach, or other ways to enjoy the great outdoors. But a common and unwelcomed side effect of beach vacations is self-consciousness, as swimsuits have a tendency to expose the physique flaws that make us feel less than confident. Understandably, many of my patients ask how plastic surgery can help them to enjoy their relaxing summers rather than spend them feeling insecure. Every patient has their own “problem areas,” so below are three popular procedures that can actually leave you excited to put on a swimsuit.

john leroy mdBreast Lift
While the natural aging process causes most women to experience some degree of breast sagging, factors like genetic predisposition, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy cause some women to experience more sagging than their peers. And because swimsuits don’t exactly provide ample support, trips to the beach can be a stressful affair. That’s where a breast lift comes in. Using an incision around the areola and down the bottom of the breast, I am able to remove excess skin and fat and re-shape the remaining tissue to have a more elevated, youthful position. With a somewhat brief recovery period (most daily activities can typically be resumed a week after the procedure) and scarring that is hidden by even low-cut swimwear, the breast lift procedure can be an effective option for patients who want a younger bust, and in some cases it can be combined with a breast augmentation or a breast reduction for patients who also want a change in size.

Tummy Tuck
The midsection is one of the most common sources of insecurity for patients, and although our standards of beauty for both men and women call for a flat, athletic stomach, these results aren’t always achievable with diet and exercise alone. A tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) can be tailored to fit each patient’s needs, but involves a combination of removing excess skin and tightening the skin that remains, removing stubborn fat, and tightening the abdominal muscles. Besides my signature Band Aid Tummy Tuck (a minimally-invasive version of the procedure, performed in-office with gentle numbing), the procedure can range from addressing solely the abdominal area to affecting most of the lower body with a circumferential abdominoplasty. For most patients, though, the incision and scarring can be easily concealed by most bathing suits.

Liposuction
Liposuction is an incredibly versatile procedure; it can be used to remove stubborn fat from nearly any area of the body, and can be minimally-invasive like my Band Aid Liposuction or more comprehensive. Many patients turn to liposuction to slim down an area that is notoriously difficult to naturally improve: the thighs. Even the upper thighs, often known as “saddlebags,” which are a source of discontent for many patients but are often unconcealable in a swimsuit, can be improved through liposuction. Using a narrow tube and small incisions for minimal scarring, I am able to break down and remove unwanted fat cells to create more precise and desirable contours.

 

Throughout my years as a double board-certified plastic surgeon, I have seen so many patients’ lives changed for the better. For some patients, feeling unhappy with how they look is a nagging presence that adds stress to any situation, especially events like beach vacations that are meant to be relaxing. I believe that every patient deserves to be their most confident and beautiful self, whatever shape that may take, and I’m honored to help my patients achieve this goal. For more information about procedures that can give you back your confidence, explore my website, schedule a consultation with me, or check out the John L. LeRoy, MD page on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Band Aid Procedures Featured in Atlanta Magazine

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Throughout my years as a plastic surgeon, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know my patients and helping them achieve their aesthetic goals. My relationship with my patients also helped me to identify a need that wasn’t always being met: the need for minimally-invasive versions of traditional plastic surgery procedures. As a result, I developed my line of Band Aid procedures.

plastic surgeon atlantaBand Aid procedures, like the Band Aid Facelift and Band Aid Blepharoplasty, are essentially “mini” versions of their more comprehensive counterparts, because they use minimally-invasive techniques and can be performed in-office with gentle numbing. For instance, my Band Aid Tummy Tuck targets a smaller area of the abdomen that needs attention, so rather than removing fat and skin across the entire tummy, it requires a much smaller incision than a traditional tummy tuck. Each of these Band Aid procedures can be performed in-office using gentle numbing.

Of all the procedures that I offer, I am best known for my Band Aid procedures. For many of my patients, Band Aid plastic surgery not only gives them safer and more natural-looking results, but in fact allows them to access plastic surgery when they otherwise wouldn’t be able to. Depending on the surgery itself and the patient’s unique needs and goals, some plastic surgery procedures can be too much of a commitment for a patient. For example, a mother with three small children may be able to improve her self-confidence with liposuction to remove a small amount of fat on her hips, but cannot dedicate the downtime she needs in order to fully recover. In her case, Band Aid Liposuction can give her a more desirable contour while being able to fit more easily into her life.

Every day, my goal is to help my patients be their most beautiful and confident selves, and being experienced in a wide variety of procedures helps me to provide each patient with the best possible care. To learn more about the procedures I offer and to see which fits best with your needs and aesthetic goals, explore my website and schedule a consultation to discuss you surgical and non-surgical options.

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