Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
Can I smoke?
For any individual who is scheduled for surgery in the near future, cigarettes should not be part of your regimen. Studies have shown that smoking cigarettes (nicotine) before surgery can significantly increase post-surgery complications and adverse effects such as increased risk of infection, prevent proper wound healing and overall slower healing processes. Moreover, cigarettes interfere with the body’s ability to use oxygen effectively which can put a person at risk during procedures requiring anesthesia. Therefore, it is strongly advised that no cigarettes are smoked anywhere 4-6 weeks prior to undergoing an operation or procedure and at least 2 weeks post operative. Any items containing nicotine, should be avoided to prevent procedure cancellation To ensure the best results possible, it is best to avoid cigarettes completely in order to reduce risks associated with surgery.
Will I be in a lot of pain after my procedure?
Experel has become an increasingly popular way to minimize pain after surgical procedures. Experel is injected directly intraoperatively to the surgical areas effectively keeping patients comfortable during the first 48 hours of their recovery period. Experel is not an opioid but controls pain by slowly releasing a numbing medication to the procedure area.
Will I have any scarring?
Scarring following any surgical procedure is common, but Dr. Boulos takes great care to ensure that healing is beautiful. Additionally, he makes precise incisions that are hidden by a garment. If a surgeon promises that you will have no scarring, RUN! Scars are usually not an issue for women because they are so happy with the outcomes. We also offer and recommend Alastin products to minimize scarring.
Do you combine procedures?
Patients undergoing breast procedures frequently also undergo body contouring procedures. For example, it is common to combine a breast procedure with a tummy tuck and/or liposuction. Combining operations is safe when done by a qualified, experienced surgeon like Dr. Boulos. During your consultation, you can talk about all your options.
What can I expect on the day of surgery?
Your procedure will be in our certified out-patient surgical center. After completing blood work, you will be prepared for your procedure by our trained professionals. Patients will meet with Dr. Boulos to discuss their aesthetic desires and ask any questions. During your procedure, general anesthesia will be used to ensure you are comfortable and pain free. After the procedure, your vitals will be monitored before you are allowed to leave the center. You will need a caregiver at least 18 years of age to drive you and stay with you for at least 24-48 hours post procedure.
Liposuction and Brazilian Butt Lift FAQs
What is Liposuction 360?
Liposuction is a procedure used to target and remove fat from specific areas of the body. Generally, a cannula – a small tube – is inserted into the area that requires fat to be removed. The cannula when connected to a powerful vacuum suction is moved around beneath the skin in order to break down and suction out unwanted fat cells. This method has become popular in recent years due to its ability to create dramatic changes with minimal scarring. Liposuction 360 is an innovative procedure that offers full contouring of a patient’s abdominal and back area. Patients have the option to target multiple areas on the body simultaneously with a Liposuction 360 by adding on additional areas, such as bra roll, arms, thighs, chin and other areas. An additional benefit liposuction 360 provides is an entire sculpted torso area leaving them feeling more confident about their bodies than ever before.
Is Microaire Liposuction better compared to Traditional (manual) Liposuction?
Power assisted liposuction is an advanced technology that offers numerous improvements on traditional liposuction. Microaire liposuction cannulas break down fat deposits with more precision than ever before. The gentle oscillation of the cannula effectively breaks down stubborn fat cells while greatly reducing trauma, blood loss and recovery time. As a result, power assisted liposuction can provide better results in a shorter recovery period than traditional methods – making it an excellent option for patients looking to improve their silhouette safely and reliably.Though liposuction should never be considered as a proper weight loss solution, this technique will help individuals look and feel closer to their ideal image.
What is Renuvion Jplasma?
Renuvion Jplasma is a cutting-edge technology that utilizes the power of helium plasma and radio frequency from a precise handpiece to instantly tighten skin, stimulate collagen formation and reduce fat in areas such as the face, neck, arms, and abdomen. Furthermore, due to its precision, it helps accelerates recovery and skin tightening achieving significant aesthetic transformation.
What is a BBL and is it safe?
The Brazilian butt lift is a procedure that involves transferring purified fat from other areas of the body to enhance the buttocks and hips. It is considered to be a safe procedure, with a low risk of complications, when performed by a certified experienced surgeon like Dr. Boulos. Fat is only transferred superior to the gluteal muscle and ultrasound technology is offered.
When will I see my Liposuction and BBL results?
You may start to see initial results immediately after surgery, however the full results won’t be apparent until approximately 8 to 12 weeks or sometimes even longer after surgery. The healing process takes time—your body will need this time to heal and adjust to its new shape. Dr. Boulos strongly recommends strict compliance with post-operative instructions, care and massages.
Breast Procedure FAQs
What is a Breast Augmentation?
Over the past few years, breast augmentation has continuously rated among the top five cosmetic procedures carried out in the US. Breast augmentation can enhance the breasts of women with an implant whose natural breasts are too small for their frame, whose breasts have altered in size or form as a result of childbirth, nursing, or weight changes, or who are simply dissatisfied with the way their breasts look.
Am I a Candidate for a Breast Augmentation?
If you’re dissatisfied with the size, shape, or unevenness of your breasts as they are now, you might want to think about having breast augmentation surgery. Breast augmentation surgery is a terrific option for anyone who wishes to feel more self-assured, have greater breast projection, and have larger, more rounded breasts. A certified surgeon like Dr. Boulos will assess your health and aesthetic desires to determine your candidacy.
How do I know what type of implant and size?
Dr. Boulos will discuss the differences and size options between silicone and saline implants and how they will affect your results. Silicone implants have a gel ‘gummy’ consistency and offer a more natural look and feel. On the other hand, saline implants use sterile saline solution to achieve volume; however, it may create a firmer feel than silicone implants. The patient’s unique anatomy should also be taken into account when determining which type of implant will give them the best outcome from their procedure. Majority of patients choose the ‘gummy’ silicone implant due to its superior quality, safety profile and natural feel.
Where do you make an incision and where is the implant placed?
Dr. Boulos strategically prefers a periareolar incision due to its unique ability to hide any scaring once healed. He commonly places the implant into a sub-muscular position which provides implant support and natural appearance.
Can I breast feed and/or get mammograms with an implant?
Yes! There is no limitations on breast feeding. Dr. Boulos highly encourages and requires all patients 40 years and older to get a yearly mammogram.
What is the recovery for a breast procedure?
Most patients experience 2-5 day down time post procedure, many resuming normal activities at 1 week. During your recovery, you will be wearing a special supportive bra and will have light lifting restrictions for 6 weeks. Any discomfort can be managed with medication.
Do you recommend fat transfer to the breast?
Some surgeons will use a patient’s own fat for breast enhancement instead of an implant. Unfortunately, the results are unpredictable because not all fat survives the transfer process. Due to the inability to properly contour the breasts, Dr. Boulos does not offer fat transfer to the breasts.
Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation?
Combining a breast lift with breast implants might produce stunning results if you’re worried about sagging breasts in addition to size issues. Despite adding volume, implants cannot raise the breasts. During your consultation with Dr. Boulos, measurements will be taken and you will discuss your options for the best aesthetic results. A breast lift by itself can produce a perkier breast shape if you’re satisfied with the size of your breasts.
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that helps to reshape saggy breast tissue and restore the breast to a more desirable contour. This can be achieved by removing excess breast skin or by lifting and repositioning breast tissue. It is most often recommended for patients who have experienced changes in breast shape due to age, pregnancy, breast feeding, or significant weight loss. This procedure can be combined with or with an implant. A breast lift offers both aesthetic advantages and improved self-confidence by providing breast rejuvenation with minimal scarring. Overall, this procedure can help improve the shape and position of a woman’s breasts to create a more balanced look that looks natural.
What is a Breast Reduction?
A breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves removing excess breast tissue and skin in order to reduce the overall size of one or both breasts. In many cases, breast reduction can also help to improve breast shape and provide relief from the physical discomfort and embarrassment caused by overly large breasts. This type of surgery typically takes between two to five hours and most patients are able to return home the same day.
Am I a candidate for a Breast Lift or Reduction?
If you have noticed a change in the appearance of your breasts due to pregnancy, breast feeding, age, genetics, or dramatic weight loss then you may be considering breast lift surgery. This procedure can effectively improve the size and shape of your breasts by lifting them up on your chest and making them appear firmer and more youthful. If you want to learn whether breast lift could be the right option for you then it is essential that you book an initial consultation with a qualified surgeon like Dr. Boulos. During this appointment, he will assess your breast tissue, discuss potential risks and benefits associated with breast lift surgery, as well as evaluate any other contributing health factors.
What type of incisions are made for a Breast Lift or Reduction?
The most common incision is an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola and extends down to the breast crease and along it. Commonly referred to as periareolar, anchor and lollipop lifts, these incisions allow for the breast to be lifted and reshaped to ease sagging or asymmetry. These incisions vary greatly depending on the size of breast, amount of excess skin, degree of breast droopiness and desired outcome. Regardless of which type of incision is needed to get optimal results, all suitable techniques offer effective reshaping of breast tissue while preserving breast fullness and keeping scars as inconspicuous as possible at all times.
Why should I consider an implant with my Breast Lift?
Adding an implant to a breast lift results in a more full and balanced aesthetic result. An implant will give better projection and upper pole fullness to the breasts, while a breast lift alone can only reduce sagging or restore the shape that was lost after pregnancy. Breast implants give improved shape, contour, size and position of the breasts, allowing them to look more youthful and feminine. Combining the two surgical procedures further enhances progress from the initial procedure, helping patients achieve their desired outcome with greater satisfaction.
Abdominoplasty FAQs
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure used to restore muscular and skin tissue in the abdominal region for a more toned and contoured appearance. During abdominoplasty, excess skin from the abdomen that has lost elasticity is removed, abdominal muscles are tightened and repositioned if necessary, and any remaining loose skin is pulled together and stitched into place to create a firmer midsection. The tummy tuck is an incredibly popular cosmetic surgery procedure due to the natural-looking results it achieves. It can be done on those who have had children or lost a large amount of weight as well as those that are looking to improve their overall shapes without extreme diets or exercise routines.
What is an Avelar Procedure?
Also known as a Lipoabdominoplasty. An innovate procedure pioneered by Brazilian surgeon Dr. Juarez Avelar. This modern approach combines liposuction and a tummy tuck with a smaller scar line and faster healing time. This procedure is typically best for patients with a lower BMI, whom do not require muscle plication. Patients will typically add a BBL on with this procedure.
What is a diastasis recti?
A diastasis is a separation of the rectus abdominis, or ‘six-pack’ muscles, which run down the center of the abdomen. This condition is normally caused by pregnancy, but can also be due to other factors such as extreme fluctuations in weight or age. An abdominoplasty procedure will restore muscle strength and improve the appearance of the abdominals. This creates a feminine snatched waist line.
Can I do liposuction with a Tummy Tuck?
For the right candidate, yes. Typically liposuction of the back and flanks can be combined with a traditional abdominoplasty. This allows the patient to sculpt their back and waist line and achieve a flat toned abdominal area. Patients commonly add a BBL with this procedure.
What is the recovery like after an abdominoplasty?
The usual downtime for a full tummy tuck is 7-10 days. The overall recovery process after a tummy tuck can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the specific circumstances of each individual patient. During this time, it is important to get enough rest and to abstain from strenuous activities such as heavy lifting and running. Mild exercise such as walking can be beneficial in helping to increase circulation around the incision site. Additionally, it will be recommended you wear a special supportive garment during the healing process. Following all instructions given by your surgeon will ensure that you have an optimal recovery with long lasting results.
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