Blogs

Slower Eating and Tummy Tuck May Prevent Weight Gain

Posted on January 2, 2014 by Dr. William LoVerme

Tummy tuck and weight loss are two words most people string along together these days, but many are still unaware of the differences between the two. Just to clear the air, a tummy tuck does not induce weight loss among plastic surgery patients. Diet and exercise are key elements to help reduce a person’s weight and a tummy tuck can help resolve the issue of excess skin or fat that hinders the abdomen from returning to its normal shape.

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as tummy tuck, resolves multiple issues that most men and women suffer from following significant weight loss or pregnancy. Here are the three main benefits achieved with tummy tuck:

No More Loose Skin

Post-pregnant mothers, weight loss patients or men and women who worked their tails off at the gym consider their loose skin as the only thing stopping them from a toned torso. Poor skin tone mostly holds back people from wearing slim-fit jeans or a flattering top that attracts attention for the wrong reasons, unwanted loose skin. A tummy tuck can rightfully trim this skin from the torso to a slimmer proportion for the patient’s body type.

Redefined Abdominals

Mostly post-pregnant women have trouble with this issue, but many men who countered their weight issues suffer from loss of muscle tone in the abdomen. During pregnancy it is common for the woman’s abdominal muscles to become weakened or separated during pregnancy. Even men who struggled with excessive weight encounter stretched out abdominals. Sometimes exercise cannot settle the issue and can make matters worse if exercise is too intense on the weakened core. The procedure will carefully repair the weak muscles and engage the surrounding tissues to help them lie flat again.

Good Night Bulging Fat

Every person’s body has their own unique structure, including fat distribution. Most people who struggle with abdominal fat have an abundance of fat cells in either love handles, pooch under the belly button, or both. When patients consider tummy tuck for skin correction or muscle repair they also get to have these fat deposits removed.

Keeping the Weight Off

According to a study published in the Journal of Academy Nutrition and Dietetics, researchers from Texas Christian University reported that eating speed rather than calorie intake, may have more of an impact on hunger suppression. However, those who were at a healthy weight consumed 88 calories less than those who were obese or overweight who consumed an average of 58 less calories.

A tummy tuck requires an individual to engage in a healthier lifestyle that requires lifelong dieting and exercise. The study does show the effects of eating slowly to avoid hunger, but the number of calories consumed and the meal itself play an even more crucial role. Though people may consume food at a slower rate, it does not mean they can eat as much as they want, especially after a tummy tuck.

Long-lasting results may be held by many who commit to eating healthier and engaging in physical activity after recovering from a tummy tuck. If you are ready for a slimmer and toned stomach for the New Year then acquire the assistance of board certified plastic surgeon in Wellesley. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

Filed Under: body, Tummy Tuck
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Three Simple Exercises for Toned Arms after an Arm Lift

Posted on December 2, 2013 by Dr. William LoVerme

Perhaps the biggest trend in cosmetic surgery this year has been seen in the boost in statistics for arm lifts, known as brachioplasty. An arm lift reshapes and contours the upper arms to feel smoother, while complementing a proportionally slim figure. By reducing excess skin and fat between the underarm and elbow, both arms appear tightened and youthful. Though many of us wonder if we can maintain the toned look long after the procedure. The short answer is yes, it is possible. Following a well balanced diet and exercise will keep the fat away, and continue to make the arms appear normal in size. Today we will talk about how to help maintain your results after making a full recovery from your arm lift.

1. Overhead Tricep Extension

We know our time is precious and we do not have enough time to make it to the gym everyday, so with a chair or a bench and dumbbells or weighted bags you can get in a quick workout for the back of your arms.

Sit straight up with your feet planted, grasp a single dumbbell or two and raise them above your head. Bend the elbows slowly, lowering the weight behind your head until it is a 90-degree angle. Slowly straighten the arms to the original position above your head and repeat for 15 to 20 repetitions. Add on more weight slowly, or do more reps for increased toning.

2. Triceps Press Up

If you do not have access to dumbbells, simply lie on your stomach and push back. Similar to a push up, you can lie face down on a mat or floor with both hands beside your chest. Keep the elbows tight to the ribs and press up slowly using the triceps for support. Continue for 20 reps or more depending on your skill level.

3. Alternating Hammer Curls

With dumbbells or weighted bags you can do this exercise to sculpt lean arms. Stand with feet hip-width apart and hold a weight in each hand. Curl one arm straight up with your palm facing in towards your body. Lower the arm and do the same motion with the opposite hand. Keep count of each rep and repeat 15 to 20 times on each arm.

These exercises can be alternated or completed everyday throughout the week for as long as you can continue. The key to toned arms is consistency, the more effort put into it, is the more noticeable results you will achieve.

According to Medical News Today, exercise can strengthen and improve muscle tone of the upper arm, but it cannot treat excess skin that has lost elasticity in the arm. The arm lift procedure can correct the weakened tissues and fat deposits.

For more information about continued success after your procedure ask your board-certified plastic surgeon about maintaining slim and toned arms. He will guide you in the right direction for long lasting results.

Filed Under: Arm Lift, Brachioplasty
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The Trick to Healthier Weight May Be Found in Sleep

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Dr. William LoVerme

Women everywhere struggle with weight issues all the time. With the holidays approaching that means hearty meals and potential stress with family matters. However, a new study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion shows that women who keep to a consistent sleep plan will be able to keep a healthier weight. It has been said before that sleep loss has a negative impact on weight management, but with the help from Brigham Young University researchers we may be able to put weight issues to bed.

Over 300 women (17-26 years old) from two major universities in the United States took part in the study. After several weeks of observation, research determined that those with consistent sleeping habits had healthier weight.

Getting a Well Balanced Sleep

In the beginning the participants were assessed for body composition and kept activity trackers to record daily movement at all hours. This translated the information needed for researchers to predict and survey sleep patterns throughout the course of the week. Researchers concluded that:

  • Consistent bedtime and waking hours related to lower body fat

  • Less than 6.5 hours or more than 8.5 hours of sleep a night associates with higher body fat

  • Participants with varied sleep and waking hours by 90 minutes had more body fat

  • Quality sleep is important to maintain body composition

Keeping Your Internal Clock Set to the Right Hour

Researchers were surprised most from the participants who had more than 90 minutes of variation in sleep and waking hours. These females were associated with higher body fat than those with fewer than 60 minutes of varied sleep patterns.

In terms of hours of sleep, the range between 8 and 8.5 hours was the targeted time for participants who had kept to this cycle on most nights. These women had the lowest percentage of body fat overall.

Staying to the body’s internal clock and not throwing it off balance will better the chances of allowing the body to regulate its weight.

Battle of the Bulge Can Be Won

Women who struggle with their weight day in and day out often find themselves spending countless hours at the gym and resorting to strict diet plans. This is the first step to a healthier weight level, but many women possess layers of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. This is where liposuction can be effective. Removing unwanted fat cells from the bulging areas of the body is the best solution to shrink large areas of the body. Throw in a healthy sleep pattern and women will be able to maintain a slimmer body contour and healthier weight.

Don’t spend your nights tossing and turning about burning calories and losing weight. Get in the habit of going to sleep and waking up in a consistent pattern that stays is within 8 or 8.5 hours of sleep. Maintaining a healthier weight after liposuction will be easier to maintain when keeping to a healthy diet and exercise plan, as well as getting a good night’s sleep.

Filed Under: body, Liposuction
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Five Foods for Beautiful Skin

Posted on October 24, 2013 by Dr. William LoVerme

New creams, ointments and treatments can all bring about the excitement of giving you the beautiful skin you desire, but the price for beautiful skin can be expensive for many of us. We all want to keep our skin in great shape, and everything discussed below is effective in enhancing the appearance of skin, so take a stroll through your local grocery store for a better diet, and foods for beautiful skin. Making healthy and cost effective choices is good for your body, so keep your skin firm and your bellies full by adding these five foods to your shopping cart forever.

Pumpkins Aren’t Just for Carving

Though pumpkin seeds make for a healthy fiber snack, the pulp of a pumpkin contains vitamin C, E and A to help cleanse the skin. The substance can be mixed with low vanilla yogurt, honey and pumpkin pie spice to be used as a facial cream. The remnants make for a tasty snack while you wait for the contents to settle in.

Strawberries for Anti-Aging

This fruit not only fulfills one of our servings in essential food groups, but it is packed with powerful vitamin C. Research shows that people who consume foods rich in vitamin C have fewer wrinkles and less age-related skin symptoms.

Mixing the berries together by themselves or with raspberries and blueberries can be used as a moisturizer for the face. Combine the ingredients with vanilla or yogurt and honey, stir together for a smoothie and facial mask.

According to WebMD, there are many uses for food as homemade beauty products, especially for people with sensitive skin. Strawberries can be used as a foot exfoliant to help remove rough and dead skin. Mix strawberries, salt and olive oil together in a bowl and apply to the rough patches on feet.

Soft Skin Comes from Olive Oil

Antioxidants and anti-inflammatories in olive oil help fight against a variety of disease agents the body is exposed to. Even better, it acts as a topical application to give smoother and more radiant skin. Dry skin users can apply this product regularly as a skin soother and lip gloss.

At the dinner table dip whole grain bread into a few tablespoons of olive oil and enhance your skin from the inside out. After your meal, it can be used to clear up rough patches on the heels and elbows.

Sweet Pleasures of Green Tea

Green tea is used as one of the toughest natural inflammation fighting antioxidants available. Drinking three cups a day can help prevent skin cancer, slow down signs of aging, as well as protect against heart disease.

For longer-lasting effects add a few ounces of citrus juice to boost the staying power of antioxidants in every cup. Place the tea bags in refrigerator and let it chill, then place them on the eyes for 10 minutes. The substance in the tea bags contains tannins which help reduce puffiness around the eyes.

Pomegranate Heaven

Last but not least from the antioxidant corner is the pomegranate. The fruit juice contains more anti-inflammatory substances than green tea itself, and scrubbing it on skin a few times a week removes dead skin cells.

Cut the pomegranate in sections and place in water for 10 minutes, strain the seeds, blend the sections and seeds along with oatmeal. Transfer the contents to a bowl, add honey and buttermilk and stir together. Apply to the face and rough patches, then rinse.

Remember your skin is hungry too. Feed it with some natural ingredients that can be found at any market. Synergistic skin care can also be used for people who are on the go and cannot spare the time to make their own treatments. Give your skin the healthy supplements that it needs to improve your body from the inside and out.

Filed Under: Skin Care
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Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants

Posted on September 19, 2013 by Dr. William LoVerme

A woman who is in the stuck on deciding which breast implant is suitable for her often gets the support from her surgeon to make an informed decision. Experienced plastic surgeons encourage their breast augmentation patients to educate themselves about breast implant options and discover the differences and similarities between saline and silicone breast implants. Women want to know which implant is better, but in reality, what is better for one woman may not be better for another when it comes to breast implants. After research and consultation with a trusted plastic surgeon women often find that it is easier to make the right decision which leads to greater satisfaction following the procedure.

Breast implants are available in two forms for breast augmentation, saline or silicone. Each of these have the ability to increase volume, shape and size. These medical implants are utilized to achieve the aesthetic goals in desired breast volume or to reconstruct lost breast tissue after mastectomy. They both are cased with an outer shell made of silicone and they are both approved by the FDA. However, they both differ in consistency, appearance and touch.

Silicone implants were made available for breast augmentation up until being banned in 1992 for false assumptions of being harmful to the body upon leakage and rupture. After several long term studies proved that silicone implants were very safe they were approved once again by the FDA in 2006 and classified safe for cosmetic use. Silicone implants come pre-filled with cohesive silicone gel before placement. The common perception is that silicone implants have a feel that is closer to normal breast tissue which makes it a popular choice among women seeking a more natural feel to their breasts.

Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline solution that mimics the fluids generated in the human body. The silicone casing is empty until the surgeon places it in the breast and subsequently fills it with the solution.

Which Implants are Right for me?

Most women know they want bigger, beautiful breasts, but how big a certain implant will look on the body depends on more than just the size of the implant. The desired results and recommendations of the surgeon, will give the patient the ability to make an informed decision.

Silicone implants are touted as feeling and appearing more natural than saline implants. Women who have less breast tissue are expected to benefit from silicone more than saline, although this may not be true for all patients. Silicone implants are now more durable than they were previously manufactured.

Saline implants can be filled to any size the patient desires. Since the implant casing is empty, the incision made is smaller than it would be with silicone implants, making the incision scar easier to hide.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 72 percent of all breast implants in patients are silicone. This result stems from the return of silicone implants in 2006. The FDA stated that the new silicone implants are firmer and more stable than its previous generation which makes them more flexible with fewer risks.

What You Should Know About Breast Implants:

Women are in search of a procedure that leaves them with natural results in sight and touch. Saline implants will deflate upon tear and the solution is absorbed in the body. Silicone implants can rupture but the improved implants will not leak or pose a threat to surrounding tissue.

Though both implants can cause rippling of the overlaying skin, silicone implants are less likely to reveal rippling effects. Present day silicone implants have the lowest rate of scar tissue development. The silicone gel is also said to feel more natural as opposed to the firmness of saline.

Saline implants are known for their ability to correct symmetry issues better than silicone since they are able to be filled with more or less solution. The implant does not need a large incision for placement, so the scar is simpler to hide. If rupture occurs the patient or physician can detect it easily.

For more information on saline and silicone implants visit Dr. LoVerme in Boston. His offices are among the best and serve its faithful clientele with respect and determination. Put your worries to rest and discover which breast implants are suitable for you.

Filed Under: breast, Breast Augmentation
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Aesthetician Hours Expanding!!

Posted on September 13, 2013 by Dr. William LoVerme

skincare

Fall special 20 % off skin services

Great news! Erin Bradford, our superb medical aesthetician, is coming back to work 4 days per week. Her son who was so sick is now better and she will be able to focus more on work again. On an alternating basis, every day of the week will be covered so we can assure you to have an available spot at your convenience. To ramp up her schedule we are offering 20% off on facials, photofacials, hair removal, microdermabrasion, peels, rosacea treatments and skin care consultations by the aesthetician. This goes for treatments completed by November 1st.
Book now to to begin reversing that summer skin damage!

Remember that we also offer Botox, Juvederm, Exilis Elite, Co2 laser and the full slate of cosmetic plastic surgery including breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, face and necklifts as well as liposuction and tummy tucks.

Filed Under: Skin Care
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Arm Lift: For Better Looking Arms

Posted on August 8, 2013 by Dr. William LoVerme

After significant weight loss, people often find large amounts of excess skin lingering all over their body. It is not that they didn’t try hard enough to lose the weight, but instead the cause of this excess skin is aging which causes skin elasticity to diminish as our bodies get older. Having smooth and slim upper arms is a confidence booster and helps men and women feel better about themselves. When excess skin droops from the underarm to the elbow the skin tends to wave as the limbs are in motion. This can make people feel uncomfortable and self-conscious about their arms. For a tightly-shaped arm, an arm lift will improve the look of your arms and get rid of the flabby waves.

An arm lift, medically termed as brachioplasty, reshapes the bottom portion of the upper arm, from the armpit to the elbow by use of liposuction or excision of skin. An incision is placed on the inner part or back of the arm depending on the areas of treatment. Liposuction will then remove excess fatty tissues and excess skin can be removed. The surgeon will then reshape the arm, making the skin smooth and tightened over the new contour of the arm.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 15,000 upper arm lifts were done in 2012. Women made up 98 percent of the total, because for most women this is a target area for unwanted fat that is difficult to get rid of. The increasing popularity of this procedure is in response to the rise of sleeveless fashion and the demand for sleek and trim arms being shown off by celebrity women like First Lady Michelle Obama and actress Jennifer Aniston. Healthy diet and exercise cannot remove the fat and excess skin that is left behind after weight loss, but an arm lift makes it possible to define and reshape arms to desirable results.

Am I a candidate for an Arm Lift?

Arm lift surgeries are commonly performed by board certified plastic surgeons. A candidate must be in good general physical and psychological health. All candidates should have realistic and attainable goals for a successful arm lift. Possible candidates include:

  • A patient at or near their desired weight

  • Does not have major health conditions

  • Unhappy with arms appearance

  • Those with excess, hanging skin

  • Those who are non-smokers or willing to quit

What are the benefits of an arm lift?

Patients experience a long lasting impact from an arm lift surgery. Within weeks of the procedure they immediately feel the difference and carry themselves with more confidence. Some of the many benefits of an arm lift include:

  • Increased self-esteem and confidence

  • Slender and rejuvenated arms

  • Better muscle definition

  • Comfortable wearing sleeveless clothing

  • Clothing fits better

The surgery itself also has its share of benefits. The surgeon only needs a few hours to remove the excess skin and fat and does not require the patient to stay overnight. Only a recovery period of 10 to 14 days is needed for a healthy recovery post surgery.

Look forward to better looking arms

Initial bruising and swelling occur after the surgery, but that disappears over time. After the bandages come off, so will the sleeves from those T-shirts and blouses. You can be able to raise your hand and wave without feeling ashamed of flapping skin dangling from your arms. Those arms are smooth and sexy now, there is no need to hide them.

The new shape and toned upper arm improves appearance and touch. The results of an arm lift are long lasting, as long as the patient maintains their weight and engages in fitness activity. As the body ages, it is natural for certain places to lose firmness, but you do not have to live with those imperfections. Get an arm lift from Accurate Aesthetics Plastic surgery and say goodbye to those saggy arms. Say hello to slim and toned arms, and get the feeling you have always longed for. Find out how to get an arm lift today.

Filed Under: Arm Lift, Brachioplasty, Plastic Surgery Blog
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How do I know if I am a Tummy Tuck Candidate

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Dr. William LoVerme

tummytuckcandidate

Those who have lost a significant amount of weight suffer from loose and excess skin. Women who were pregnant and lost a lot of weight after delivery can also observe signs of saggy skin. Some cases are worse than others, but the one thing that men and women have in common is the need to have a flat abdominal structure. The excess skin and fat that cover our abdominal muscles make it difficult for some to feel comfortable in a bathing suit. Substantial amount of dieting and exercise can make the belly look deflated and unflattering. The loose skin that is still there after countless gym sessions can make you feel depressed and hopeless. A tummy tuck can change that and give you the confidence you have been looking for. Here’s what you will need to know that will determine if you are a good candidate.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat and skin to flatten and smooth out the stomach. The procedure restores weakened muscles and restores the abdomen back to its original state.

According to the plastic surgery statistics report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 106,000 patients had the procedure in 2012. Their abdominal muscles were tightened and improved their appearance of stretch marks. The procedure is not a substitute for weight loss or exercise; these patients worked their way to a targeted weight and got rid of the excess skin.

What makes me a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

If you have way too much excess and sagging abdominal skin, you are not alone. There are lots of thin people that also suffer from this even after weight loss. A tummy tuck brings the abdomen back to its rightful appearance and tightens the muscles.

If you have a stomach that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of my body, you may also be a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery. There are a lot of patients that suffer from the “beer belly,” and desire to have a stomach that doesn’t stick out from their clothing. The candidates whip their bodies into shape and yet their stomach still sags down from the bottom of their shirt, but the procedure will redefine the shape of the abdomen and flatten it out as you desire.

Patients that have constant weight fluctuations, even though they eat healthy, there’s still that unnecessary flab in the stomach. Once you realize that your body isn’t responding to all of the healthy fruits and vegetables you are consuming it will be advised to go in for a tummy tuck to get rid of the excess fat. It will still be necessary to continue your strict diet to keep the weight off, as well as regular exercise.

Also, patients that are finished having children and no matter how much they exercise they cannot lose the excess skin. Every mother that cannot afford a personal trainer and dietician understands what you are going through. After your pregnancy you will see that your skin and abdominal muscles have been stretched out too far. Multiple pregnancies will have stretched the stomach beyond a point where it will not return to its normal shape. The procedure will help by cutting the excess skin and bringing the abdominal muscles back together again. If you plan to become pregnant again or lose more weight in the future, you should discuss this with your surgeon.

There are a number of reasons that will determine if you are able to get a tummy tuck. If you are unsure, visit Dr. William LoVerme at Accurate Aesthetics Plastic Surgery. He will kindly answer all of your questions about the surgery and how it will benefit you. Don’t spend this summer hiding your body in big bulky clothes, make the call today and get that sleek, smooth and sexy stomach back.

Filed Under: body, Plastic Surgery Blog
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5 Tips for Tummy Tuck Recovery

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Dr. William LoVerme

Tummytuck

When a patient has a surgical procedure such as abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery, there are several tips and guidelines to follow to optimize healing time.

  • Take Care of the Incision

The incision area can be numb and have no feeling at all.  The incision site must be taken care of though.  With any major surgery, the site must be kept clean and sanitary to avoid infections.

  • Wear a Compressing Garment

The tummy muscles are not strong enough to keep everything in place at this point.  Right after surgery, and for a while, the muscles are limp and loose.  A compressing garment will help the muscles do their job.  The compressing garment also helps keep down the swelling.

  • Elevate

Make sure the feet and legs are elevated.  This will help with circulation to the tummy tuck area and it will keep the swelling down. Resting in this elevated position is recommended because it will speed up the healing process.

  • Limit Physical Activity

The tummy tuck area will be sore not only to touch underneath the incision area.  This means the muscles are not ready for physical activity just yet.  While walking does keep the circulation flowing to the legs and helps heal faster, the amount of physical activity must be kept to the bare minimum, as rigorous activity could cause the patient to tear the incision area or strain the healing muscles.

  • Eat Right

In all cases of major surgery, eating healthy is a great way to help your body heal.  When the body has enough nutrients, it can not only speed up recovery, but also make recovery less painful.  During the rest period, the patient should avoid certain medications and alcohol.

The patient should follow all of the instructions given to him or her by the doctor.  The most important tip is to rest.  The body can heal on its own if it has enough rest and relaxation.

 

Filed Under: Plastic Surgery Blog
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