ASPS conducted a poll asking women which celebrity had the most admirable arms.  While popular celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Biel and Demi Moore were among the top answers, it was first lady Michelle Obama who took number one for her sculpted and toned arms.  Celebrities are constantly in the public’s view, whether in print or television and have influenced people electing cosmetic body contouring procedures to attain similar celebrity aesthetics.  With fashion trends and warmer weather encouraging arm-revealing clothing, some are seeking arm lift (brachioplasty) procedures to restore a more youthful look to their arms.

Weight loss efforts have increased among Americans, and while exercise may improve muscle tone in the body, it cannot correct lax skin, weakened tissue or exercise-resistant fat deposits.  Last year, there were over 200,000 Americans that underwent a body contouring procedure such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and arm lift.  Fluctuations in weight, substantial weight loss, aging and even heredity can cause skin on the upper arms to droop and sag over time and can only be corrected with surgery.  Since the arms are a noticeable part of the body, some patients who choose an arm lift feel self-conscious about the remaining excess fat and skin on the arm because it tends to make them appear out of proportion to the rest of the body.

Arm lift procedures are performed under anesthesia.  The incision size is based on the amount and location of excess skin and fat to be removed and can be made on the inside or back of the arm, between the armpit and elbow.  Excess skin is removed with or without liposuction to reduce the amount of upper arm fat prior to tightening and reshaping the skin for a smoother, more contoured appearance.  While results can be seen almost immediately following an arm lift procedure, patients reveal a new toned and proportionate look and feel to their arms after full recovery.

When deciding on a plastic surgery procedure, Athens plastic surgeons Drs. Ed Pittman and Piotr Skowronki believe it is important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon to determine the best fit for your needs.  If you are interested in learning more about body cosmetic surgery, contact our office at (706) 549-3203 to schedule your consultation today.  Be sure to connect with Pittman Plastic Surgery on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest news in plastic surgery.

These Belotero Balance before and after photos were supplied by the manufacturer.

BELOTERO and BELOTERO BALANCE are registered trademarks of Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Merz Aesthetics and the Merz Aesthetics logo are trademarks of Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Click to read safety information about BELOTERO BALANCE.

These Belotero Balance before and after photos were supplied by the manufacturer.

BELOTERO and BELOTERO BALANCE are registered trademarks of Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Merz Aesthetics and the Merz Aesthetics logo are trademarks of Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Click to read safety information about BELOTERO BALANCE.

These Belotero Balance before and after photos were supplied by the manufacturer.

BELOTERO and BELOTERO BALANCE are registered trademarks of Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Merz Aesthetics and the Merz Aesthetics logo are trademarks of Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA.”

Click to read safety information about BELOTERO BALANCE.

Join us at Pittman Plastic Surgery on Wednesday, May 22^nd, 2013 between 2pm and 5pm to learn more about this fat reduction technology.

Last month, we began offering DualSculpting™ with the addition of a second CoolSculpting® machine. As the first plastic surgery practice in Athens to offer DualSculpting™, this procedure allows shorter treatment times and the ability to treat more than one area simultaneously. Patients who want to treat the flanks (love handles) or both sides of the lower back can now treat two areas in approximately one hour.

Our May 22^nd DualSculpting™ event will feature presentations and free mini consultations available each hour at 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, and 5:00 pm. Attendees can receive 25% off their treatment when they schedule an appointment at the event. Attendees can also enter to win a FREE CoolSculpting® treatment and other skin care prizes. Attendance is free, but space is limited.  Please RSVP to (706) 549-3203 to reserve your spot today!

Complete your Mother’s Day shopping with savings on Obagi® skincare products. With the purchase of an ELASTIderm® eye cream or gel, receive a FREE ELASTIderm® Complete Eye Complex Serum ($99 value). Obagi® ELASTIderm’s smooth, rich formula keeps skin smooth and firm and helps protect skin from free radicals. The serum refreshes delicate skin around the eyes to reduce under-eye puffiness for a rejuvenated look.

For more details, see our May specials flyer below and stay tuned to our blog for more updates. Also, be sure to connect with Pittman Plastic Surgery on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for plastic surgery news and updates.

Saline and silicone breast implants are both comprised of an outer silicone elastomer shell. Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline solution while silicone implants contain a silicone gel. The FDA also recently approved the use of Allergan’s highly cohesive silicone gel implants, also known as gummy bear implants, which consist of silicone gel in a form-stable implant. These types of implants are available in round or teardrop shapes with either smooth or textured surfaces. Round implants typically provide more volume while teardrop implants conform to the patient’s body shape. Textured implants help prevent the devices from moving around the breast cavity but may pose a slightly higher risk for leaking. As discussed in a previous breast implant blog, implant choice is a very personal decision and requires thorough research and discussion with your plastic surgeon to choose a type.

The first component most patients consider is size. Dr. Pittman and Dr. Skowronski will help each patient determine which size will complement her body and what types of results to expect. Instead of bra cup sizes (A, B, C, etc.), implant sizes are measured by volume in cubic centimeters. It is important to consider each patient’s weight, body structure, and goals. Patients may also opt for breast lift surgery, which improves breast appearance by lifting and tightening breasts that have lost their shape over time due to factors such as aging, pregnancy, gravity, and weight fluctuation.

To learn more about breast surgery or other body and facial cosmetic procedures, contact our office to schedule a consultation today. Connect with Pittman Plastic Surgery on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest updates in plastic surgery.

CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment FDA-cleared to reduce areas of unwanted fat of the hips, abdomen, or flanks.  The treatment may also be used to reduce the back, arms, and thighs. Using a process called Cryolipolysis™, CoolSculpting® applies extremely cold temperatures to safely freeze fat cells. After treatment, fat cells are naturally expelled through the body’s lymphatic system. This procedure is beneficial for patients as it does not require anesthesia, compression garments, incisions, scars, or downtime.

While each treatment time is typically short, approximately one hour per treatment, DualSculpting™ allows even faster treatment times so patients can return to their daily activity sooner. For example, patients who want to treat their flanks (love handles), CoolSculpting® could previously only treat one side at a time. Now DualSculpting™ can simultaneously treat both sides.

This procedure is not a weight loss solution and cannot remove larger areas of fat. For patients looking for a more comprehensive body contouring procedure, we offer tummy tuck surgery and liposuction. It is important to schedule an in-person consultation with Dr. Pittman or Dr. Skowronski to determine if you are a good candidate for CoolSculpting®. For more updates from Pittman Plastic Surgery and cosmetic surgery news, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

When it comes to choosing a body procedure, Drs. Pittman and Skowronski meet with each patient to discuss aesthetic goals and to educate them on their options available at our AAAHC accredited surgical center. Skin elasticity, excess skin, and areas of isolated fat are all factors to consider. Liposuction is more commonly recommended for patients with small amounts of unwanted fat in different parts of the body. Popular treatment areas include the hips, abdomen, flanks (love handles), chin, and arms. This procedure is not a weight loss tool, and it does not address hanging skin caused by substantial weight loss.

Tummy tuck surgery specifically targets and removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. This procedure treats patients affected by weak abdominal muscles, pregnancy, and/or weight fluctuation. During the procedure, the abdominal muscles are tightened and excess skin is removed to achieve a flatter, narrower midsection. Unlike liposuction, tummy tucks can treat other concerns in addition to unwanted fat in the abdominal area. Both of these procedures can be combined to improve overall body contour. Mommy makeover surgery is a common combination of procedures typically including both liposuction and tummy tuck to help mothers restore their pre-pregnancy bodies.

For patients who aren’t quite ready for surgery, we offer CoolSculpting® non-surgical fat reduction to treat areas such as the abdomen, flanks, arms, inner thighs, and back area. CoolSculpting® can essentially treat any area that can be pinched without the need for anesthesia, compression garments, or any downtime. By applying cold temperatures to treatment areas through a process known as Cryolipolysis, the body gradually and naturally disposes of targeted fat cells. With various body procedure options, it is important to discuss your needs and goals with your plastic surgeon. If you’re interested in a cosmetic body procedure or any other plastic surgery procedure, please contact us today to schedule a consultation. Also, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery updates and news.

Check out the specials flyer below for more details. Be sure to stay connected with Pittman Plastic Surgery on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for a big upcoming announcement about CoolSculpting® non-surgical fat reduction in Athens and to keep up with the latest plastic surgery news and skin care information.