Gayoso Plastic Surgery Blog | Tampa Cosmetic Surgery

Areas Liposuction Can Be Used to Contour

Mon, 05/14/2012

Liposuction is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in use today. Part of the reason for its popularity is its incredible flexibility. It can be used on virtually any area of the body. Wherever you find you have an excess fat deposit, liposuction is likely able to remove it and give you a more slender appearance.

Some of the more common areas where liposuction is used include:

  • Chin and neck
  • Chest (including male breast reduction)
  • Upper back (bra rolls)
  • Upper arms
  • Abdomen
  • Flanks (including love handles)
  • Lower back
  • Buttocks
  • Thighs
  • Knees
  • Ankles

If you have other areas of concern, we can discuss the possibility of liposuction. Some treatment areas get better results with ultrasound liposuction. These include:

  • The back
  • Breasts
  • Male flanks
  • Previously treated areas

These areas have tougher tissue that ultrasound liposuction is better at removing.

Another possible concern about any liposuction treatment area is the elasticity of your skin. If your skin is highly elastic and likely to retract after fat is removed, then it is a good treatment area for liposuction. If you skin is not elastic and unlikely to give you the smooth contour you desire after liposuction, we might recommend a procedure that removes skin as well as fat, such as a body lift. The disadvantage of these procedures is that they will leave scars, but in some cases it may be the only way to achieve the contours you desire.

To learn whether your area of concern is a good treatment area for liposuction, please contact Tampa board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Antonio J. Gayoso for a consultation today.

Should I Wait to Have a Tummy Tuck until After I’m Finished Having Children?

Wed, 04/11/2012

A tummy tuck can remove fat and excess skin from the abdomen and tighten slack abdominal muscles. It is often used to correct the effects pregnancy can have on a woman’s body, including stubborn baby fat and stretch marks on the abdomen.

It’s recommended that you wait until after having children to have your tummy tuck because future pregnancy can diminish the quality of your tummy tuck results. Your skin may become stretched again, additional fat may accumulate, and muscles may become detached again. Then you would need a second procedure to correct the results, which means the additional inconvenience, expense, and risk associated with another surgery.

You may worry that a tummy tuck might interfere with future unplanned pregnancies, but this is not the case. Many women with prior tummy tucks go through successful full-term pregnancy that includes their chosen birth method. Some women have reported additional discomfort during pregnancy that they attribute to a prior tummy tuck, but it’s hard to tell whether this is due to the tummy tuck or just natural variation between pregnancies, since other women report no such discomfort.

To discuss timing your tummy tuck with Tampa board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Antonio J. Gayoso, please contact Gayoso Plastic Surgery today.

How to Choose the Right Size Breast Implant

Wed, 04/04/2012

One of the important decisions you must make about your breast augmentation surgery is selecting the size of breast implants you desire. There are many factors that go into finding the right size of breast implants. Ultimately, you won’t be able to make this decision until talking to a Dr. Gayoso, who will have important insights based on his training and years of experience, but it’s also important to come to your consultation with an idea of the results you desire.

First, consider why you want breast implants. Do you want breast implants to fit in, feel normal, or restore a previous appearance? If so, then you will likely want smaller implants that give a subtle, natural appearance. If you want breast implants to attract attention and stand out, then you will want larger implants.

Next, think about times in your life when you were happy with the appearance of your breasts. If your breasts swelled during pregnancy, for example, you might have been happy with that size of breasts, and this can serve as a guide for finding the right size breast implants. Find pictures that show you and your breasts at this time.

Another method that some women find useful is the rice test. Place rice, quinoa, oatmeal, or another dry grain in a stocking and place it under your breast. Adjust the amount of grain until you feel happy with the appearance. Try on several outfits to see how you like the effect. When you are happy with the size, record the amount of grain used. This will give you a good starting place for your size discussion with Dr. Gayoso. You can also bring in the outfits you want to wear after surgery, which can also help Dr. Gayoso understand your breast augmentation goals and find the right size breast implants to meet those goals.

To talk to Dr. Gayoso about finding the right size breast implants for you, please contact Gayoso Plastic Surgery in Tampa, Florida for a consultation.

For Long-Lasting Facelift Results, Sooner Is Better Than Later

Thu, 03/15/2012

According to a study published in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (JPRS) in January, patients under 50 get the longest-lasting results from their facelift surgery.

This recent study compared the short-term and long-term patient satisfaction with expert analysis of photographs. Researchers then analyzed differences in long-term outcomes for patients in three age groups, based on their age at the time of surgery: <50, 50-60, >60. The patients in the youngest age group had the highest and most consistent satisfaction with their results at both short and long-term follow-up (mean 12.6 years after surgery). Results for the over 60 age group were more mixed. Although in general they looked younger than age-matched controls, they had signs of regression in the areas treated by facelifts. This confirms previous results by the authors showing that older patients had less consistent results from a facelift. Overall, patient satisfaction was high (97.8% one year after surgery and 68.5% at long-term follow-up).

The study authors use this information to recommend “maintenance” facelifts among patients who might normally be steered away from facelifts to less invasive rejuvenation methods. They say the best age for a facelift may be under 50 for most patients.

Gauging the longevity of facelift results is difficult because they last so long it can be hard to arrange follow-up and assessment at the required ten year and more intervals. Therefore, these study results are welcome and provide helpful insight into selecting candidates for facelift surgery.

To learn whether you are a good candidate for facelift surgery, please contact board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Antonio J. Gayoso at Gayoso Plastic Surgery in Tampa, Florida.

Preparing for Face Lift Surgery

Thu, 03/08/2012

You have an important part to play in making sure you get the best face lift results. One part of your role is getting yourself ready for face lift surgery. This is a basic summary of things to do before your face lift surgery. If you are a current patient, please consult your more specific preoperative guide or call us at 727-895-1515 with specific questions.

About a month before face lift surgery, you should quit smoking. Smoking can interfere with healing and increase your risk of serious complications. It is also not a bad idea to consider quitting altogether, since smoking can diminish the lifespan of your face lift results.

You should also arrange for a ride home from surgery and someone to stay with you for the 24 hours after surgery. This is generally long enough in advance to respect people’s schedules, but if you know your family and friends have very full schedules, you might want to arrange this a little early.

This is a good time to plan your menu for the recovery period. You will likely not want to be cooking, but eating nutritious food is essential to a speedy and complete recovery. You can either plan to utilize healthier types of convenience food, have someone cook for you, or prepare a number of nutritious freeze-and-eat dishes beforehand.

About two weeks before surgery, it’s time to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E supplements. Also stop taking herbal medications and supplements unless specifically allowed by your surgeon. This is also the time to prepare your recovery space with lots of comfortable pillows, reading material, and other entertainment. You won’t be confined to bed, but resting helps recovery, so make your recovery space comfortable.

The week of surgery, start using a germ-fighting soap if your skin tolerates it. Also, be on the lookout for signs of a cold or infection and let your surgeon know if you see any. Stop taking over-the-counter cold medication. Pick up your prescriptions from the pharmacy. Make sure you have enough button-up tops for the recovery period—you won’t want to be pulling anything over your head during recovery.

The day of surgery, do not wear makeup or jewelry. Shower the night before and the morning of surgery and use the germ-fighting soap. Do not eat or drink anything. Do not wear contacts. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Take only medications explicitly cleared by your surgeon. Get a good night’s sleep and wake up refreshed and ready for your rejuvenation!

If you want to talk to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Antonio J. Gayoso about scheduling a face lift surgery, please contact Gayoso Plastic Surgery in the Tampa, Florida area.

When Is the Best Age for a Nose Job?

Wed, 02/22/2012

If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your nose, you may be considering a nose job. You may be wondering when is the best time for you to get a nose job. Here are some factors to consider:

Development: A nose job cannot be performed before your nose has reached its mature size. Typically, this is at age 15 or 16 for girls, a little older for boys.

Family History: If other members of your family have had nose jobs, ask them about when they timed their surgeries. Also, look at pictures of your family members at different ages to see how the rest of their face changed and whether your nose will become more in balance with your face at a later age.

Affordability: At Gayoso Plastic Surgery, we do everything possible to control costs while providing quality plastic surgery, but the cost is a significant concern. You don't have to be able to pay the entire cost up front, but you should have regular income that can allow you to make monthly payments using our plastic surgery financing.

Emotional Readiness: A nose job is a permanent procedure, so you want to make sure you're truly ready to make this decision. Consider some recent decisions you have made and how long you have been happy with them. If you tend to make decisions and then regret them, perhaps you should wait until you have more confidence in your decisions before committing to a nose job.

During your consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Antonio J. Gayoso, he will talk about the right timing for your nose job and help you make the best decision for you. Please contact us today to schedule your consultation at our Tampa area office.

Why Choose Dr. Gayoso for Your Breast Augmentation

Thu, 02/16/2012

There are many cosmetic surgeons offering breast augmentation procedures across Florida and in the Tampa area, but it's important to select the right surgeon to give yourself the best chance of getting great breast augmentation results and having a great surgical and postsurgical experience. There are many reasons to choose Dr. Antonio J. Gayoso for your breast augmentation.

Board Certification and Beyond: Dr. Gayoso is board-certified in plastic surgery, which means he has the specialized training necessary to properly perform your breast augmentation procedure. He also works hard to remain at the forefront of his field, participating in ongoing clinical research (such as research on using the BRAVA external tissue expanders), and attending annual research conventions such as the Southeastern Breast Symposium.

Beautiful Breast Shape: Dr. Gayoso knows that great breast augmentation results depend on more than just the size of the breasts. Shape is also crucial to getting attractive, natural-looking results, something that many surgeons neglect. You can see examples of Dr. Gayoso's results in our Before and After gallery and judge for yourself.

A Personal Commitment: Dr. Gayoso got involved in breast surgery due to the number of his family members who had breast reconstruction. He understands what breasts can mean to a woman and is dedicated to making sure that every woman feels comfortable and confident in her body.

To learn more about what makes Dr. Gayoso a good choice for breast augmentation, you can read his biography page. The best way to learn whether he is right for you is to schedule a consultation at his Tampa area office.

Am I a Candidate for Breast Implants?

Mon, 01/30/2012

If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your breasts, you likely know that breast implants can help. They can not only increase the volume of your breasts, but can increase their firmness and give them a perky, upward thrust to give you a youthful appearance (but they can't address true sagging--this requires a breast lift). The only question you may have is: Am I a candidate for breast implants?

The ideal candidate for breast implants:

  • Is 18 or older (22 or older for silicone gel breast implants)
  • Is in good general health: at or near healthy weight, no untreated infections, no autoimmune disorders, and a non-smoker
  • Is not pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Has a generally good attitude about herself and her life
  • Is willing and capable of understanding the procedure's benefits and risks

If you do not meet all the above characteristics, you may still be candidate, but there may be some reasons why you have to wait or accept additional risk. During your consultation, we will discuss these factors.

The best way to learn whether you are a candidate for breast implants is to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Antonio J. Gayoso. Dr. Gayoso's office is convenient for patients across the Tampa area, including St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Florida.

Facelift Surgery Recovery

Wed, 01/25/2012

If you are considering a facelift, one of the important factors to take into account is the recovery time. A facelift is surgery, and as such does require some time to recover. Unlike injectable treatments, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic you can't just go back to work right after your facelift. Here are a few things to keep in mind about facelift surgery recovery:

  • Recovery is variable and depends on many factors
  • Count on taking at least one week off from even non-strenuous work--this includes housework, and you may want to have some help around the house
  • Visible swelling and bruising may persist for several weeks, but after the first week, concealing makeup can be used to cover bruising
  • You may feel fully healed within a month or so, but results may continue to improve for up to eight weeks
  • Following postoperative instructions will reduce your risk of complications and speed your recovery

The important thing to remember is that your facelift results will last for years, unlike injectable treatments that only last for a few months, so letting yourself take it easy for a few weeks so you can recover properly is well worth it. It's also important to note that if you want to get the best results, you should quit smoking several weeks before and after having a facelift because smoking can dramatically impact healing.

To learn more about facelift recovery, please contact Dr. Antonio J. Gayoso in Tampa to schedule a consultation.

Why Does Upper Arm Skin Sag?

Fri, 12/23/2011

Upper arm skin is unfortunately subject to the same ravages of age as much of the rest of the body, only more so for many of us. Sagging in the upper arms is due to two main factors: changes in the skin tissue and gravity.

As we age the chemistry of our bodies changes. One of the significant changes occurs in the skin, where production of collagen and elastin goes down. These two vital proteins give your skin firmness and tightness, they help it resist deformation and bounce back after changes. As production of collagen and elastin decrease, then, your skin becomes more vulnerable to changes from which it cannot recover. Damage to the skin can be increased by sun exposure and poor skin care.

Then gravity takes over. Although it is the weakest force in the universe, gravity’s implacable persistence means that it always wins. (After all, we ultimately end up lying flat on our backs, don’t we?) The force of gravity pulls on the skin of your arms and day by day attempts to stretch it. When we are young, the elastic proteins in our skin resist the pull of gravity, but as those proteins decrease, gravity wins the battle, leading to stretched arm skin.

Fortunately, an arm lift is a very successful procedure for removing excess stretched skin from your upper arms. To learn more about this surgical procedure, please schedule a consultation with Tampa board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Antonio J. Gayoso today.

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Gayoso Plastic Surgery offers body contouring procedures including breast augmentation, liposuction, facial plastic surgery, and reconstructive surgery. Our board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Gayoso has provided this website for information purposes only and is not meant to be taken as professional medical advice. Contact our office for more information about our cosmetic surgery procedures. We are proud to serve patients in Tampa, St Petersburg, and Clearwater, Florida.

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