Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon - Body Procedures
Abdominoplasty near Allentown (Tummy Tuck)
In Berks County and everywhere else, a flat stomach is important to a physically fit appearance. However, a healthy diet and regular abdominal workouts sometimes can do little to eliminate accumulations of excess fat and loose, sagging skin in the abdominal area. If you are bothered by these appearance problems, abdominoplasty may be a good choice for you.
Abdominoplasty is designed to firm and smooth the abdomen. This cosmetic procedure removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and may also tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The result is a flatter, tighter abdominal profile.
You may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Excess or loose, sagging abdominal skin
- An abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of the body
- Abdominal muscles that have been weakened by pregnancy or aging
- Excess fat that is concentrated beneath the abdominal skin
Before you decide to go ahead, and before Dr. Ellenberger or Dr. Reedy can agree that you should, however, you need to understand (1) what will be done, (2) what you can expect during post-surgery recovery, and (3) the risks that come with this or any similar elective surgery.
Please contact Dr. Ellenberger’s and Dr. Reedy’s Berks County office, at Berks Plastic Surgery, to see if you are a good candidate for abdominoplasty.
The Procedure
An abdominoplasty is an individualized procedure in which your goals are realistically determined and discussed with your surgeon. Together you will determine what specific procedures will be performed. An abdominoplasty is often performed in conjunction with other procedures such as liposuction, so that the hips can be shaped to match the smaller tummy.
You should plan on the surgery taking several hours or more, depending on the work you are having performed-full abdominoplasty, or partial abdominoplasty for patients who only need to reduce the lower belly. The surgeon will create an incision that runs along the lower waist line and then will remove excess fat and skin. The abdominal muscles will then be tightened and set into place. Full differs from partial in the extent of work done. Generally, the partial procedure does not require the navel to be separated from tissue below it, while the full procedure does. The full procedure reduces the size of the abdomen to a greater extent. The recovery period for the partial procedure is normally shorter and results in a smaller scar. It is important to note that Dr. Ellenberger and Dr. Reedy work with a board-certified anesthesiologist-a doctor of medicine.
Recovery
Some pain and swelling may occur during the first few days after the procedure. Recovery typically takes several weeks. You will be fully advised about exercise, which can help speed the process.
Risks and Complications
There are risks and possible complications associated with any surgery. Dr. Ellenberger or Dr. Reedy will discuss with you thoroughly the risks of an abdominoplasty, so you can make an informed decision on whether a tummy tuck is right for you. While very unusual, abdominoplasty complications can include a bleeding episode, infection, loss of skin sensation, skin contour irregularities, wrinkling of the skin, excessive scarring, and other undesirable results.
For these reasons especially, Dr. Ellenberger and Dr. Reedy take great care to evaluate each patient individually. They will advise you of your own unique risk profile, and enable you to compare it with that of abdominoplasty candidates in general, before it’s determined whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
Plastic surgeons Dr. Ellenberger and Dr. Reedy can help you achieve your goals. They specialize in procedures relating to cosmetic surgery, including procedures such as facelift, breast implants, breast lift, breast reduction, liposuction and tummy tuck. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about abdominoplasty, please contact us today.
Office near Reading - Liposuction
In today’s world, in Berks County and elsewhere, looking and feeling good mean having a fit, well-proportioned body. For many people, however, that may seem an unreachable goal. Sometimes even a strict diet or a disciplined exercise program cannot conquer stubborn areas of excess fat.
For those who seek a smoother or better-proportioned body contour, liposuction may be the answer. Liposuction, also called lipoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes deposits of excess fat from specific areas of the body, face or neck. It is commonly used to remove stubborn, diet- and exercise-resistant fat deposits and to sculpt the body into a slimmer profile-to slim the hips and thighs, flatten the abdomen, shape the calves and ankles or eliminate a double chin. Liposuction is most successful in people who are 20 to 35, with good skin tone and with isolated collections of fat. Results are seen almost immediately and will continue to improve as swelling subsides.
You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you desire fat removal or contouring in any of the following areas:
- Cheeks, chin and neck
- Upper arms
- Breast or chest area
- Back
- Abdomen and waist
- Hips, buttocks, thighs
- Inner knee, calves and ankles
Before you decide to go ahead with liposuction, and before Dr. Ellenberger or Dr. Reedy can agree that you should, you need to understand (1) what will be done, (2) what you can expect during post-surgery recovery, and (3) the risks that come with this or any similar elective surgery.
Please contact Dr. Ellenberger’s and Dr. Reedy’s Berks County office, at Berks Plastic Surgery, to see if you are a good candidate for liposuction.
The Procedure
Liposuction is an outpatient procedure. General or sedation anesthesia is used for safety and comfort. It is important to note that Dr. Ellenberger and Dr. Reedy work with a board-certified anesthesiologist-a doctor of medicine. A wand goes through a tiny incision to melt the fat. A second wand is used to loosen and suction the fat. Compression garments or taping are advised for about four to six weeks, to reduce swelling. Before your liposuction procedure, you must stay away from products that contain epinephrine-like drugs, including cold medications.
Recovery
Initial discomfort is controlled with oral medication. When general anesthesia is employed, patients normally require one to three hours of observation afterwards, before being discharged to go home. Full recovery from swelling and bruising takes a few weeks.
Risks and Complications
There are risks and possible complications associated with any surgery. In liposuction, irregularity of the skin is one, but it is greatly minimized by our use of small-diameter cannulae, along with massage of the affected areas immediately after surgery. Hematomas and seromas are abnormal localized collections of blood or inflammatory fluid after surgery. Adequate drainage of incisions can help prevent them. Hyperpigmentation can occur, but it usually fades and may be improved by bleaching creams; the patient must stay out of the sun until all bruising is gone. Swelling of the legs and ankles also can occur, and proper compression garments can minimize these effects. Extremely rare but severe complications can include blood clots, injury to abdominal organs, excessive blood loss, allergic reactions to drugs, and cardiac arrhythmias during general anesthesia. Caution: liposuction is not recommended for weight loss and will not produce any substantial weight loss results. Liposuction is best for treating localized areas of fat.
Dr. Ellenberger and Dr. Reedy take great care to evaluate each patient individually. They will advise you of your own unique risk profile, and enable you to compare it with that of liposuction candidates in general, before it’s determined whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
Plastic surgeons Dr. Ellenberger and Dr. Reedy can help you achieve your goals. They specialize in procedures relating to cosmetic surgery, including procedures such as facelift, breast implants, breast lift, breast reduction, liposuction and tummy tuck. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about liposuction, please contact us today.
Cutera CoolGlide Hair Removal
Now men and women alike are making unwanted facial and body hair a thing of thee past - thanks to the Cutera CoolGlide Laser. No more painful waxing, electrolysis or razors! The CoolGlide laser delivers 21st century technology for treatment of this distressing problem. Cleared for permanent hair reduction, the CoolGlide laser can treat men and women of all skin types and tones safely and effectively. Even patients with a suntan.
The Cutera CoolGlide Difference:
The Cutera CoolGlide is the best laser hair removal system on the market for all skin types and tones, from light to dark, including tanned patients. Its unique design, longer wavelength, and innovative cooling design, allow extremely effective, safe and permanent results.
What areas can be treated with the CoolGlide?
The CoolGlide can remove hair from all parts of the body including the face, legs, arms, underarms, and back. It can also treat sensitive areas like the chest, nipples, and bikini line.
What do CoolGlide treatments feel like?
As the name implies, the CoolGlide handpiece cools and soothes as it glides along your skin. When the pulse of light is delivered, some patients experience a mild pinching or stinging sensation. No local anesthesia or pain medication is typically required; however, some patients may prefer to use a topical anesthetic when sensitive areas are treated.
How many treatments will I need?
Most areas require 3-6 treatments. However the number of CoolGlide treatments required for optimal long-term benefits depends on multiple factors - hair thickness, the area treated and your hair’s growth cycle. Interestingly, not all hairs are actively growing at the same time and actually go through three distinct phases: growth, regression, and resting. CoolGlide treatments work by disabling the hair that is principally in the active growth phase at the time of treatment. Since other hairs will enter this active growth phase at different times, additional treatments may be necessary to disable all of the hair follicles in a given area.
What happens after the treatment?
Immediately following your CoolGlide treatment, the area may appear a bit red and swollen. Three to seven days after treatment you may experience what seems to be regrowth of hair. Actually, most of these hairs are being shed as a result of your treatment and are not regrowing. Between treatments you should not wax or pluck your hair, but it is permissible to shave.
Are there any restrictions on my activity after treatment?
Following the treatment, you can return to your normal activities right away, but some redness may occur. The use of sunscreen is recommended on any treated areas exposed to the sun. In addition, your physician may recommend that you use a specially formulated skin care product line or prescribe a skin care regimen especially formulated for your skin type.
What are the possible side effects?
Although patients experience few side effects, the most commonly noticed are slight reddening and local swelling of the skin, similar to sunburn. These effects typically last for several hours or less. In rare instances, blistering may occur. Consult with your medical professional for complete information on the benefits and risks of treatment.
How does the CoolGlide compare with other hair removal methods?
Shaving, waxing and depilatory creams are all temporary methods which must be repeated on a frequent basis. The CoolGlide offers permanent hair reduction for lasting results.
How does the CoolGlide compare with electrolysis?
Electrolysis is a tedious, invasive, and painful process that involves inserting a needle into each individual hair follicle and delivering an electrical charge to them one at a time. Electrolysis often requires years of treatments at regular intervals. By delivering light energy to hundreds of hair follicles at a time, the CoolGlide effectively treats an area in just seconds that would take over an hour with electrolysis.
Why choose CoolGlide over other laser hair removal systems?
Using the latest technology in laster hair removal, the CoolGlide can rapidly treat large areas without the limitations of older technologies. The CoolGlide longer wavelength allows it to be used safely and effectively on patients with light or dark skin as well as tanned skin. Unlike other systems, the CoolGlide can treat the fine hair on a womans upper lip just as easily and effectively as the coarse hair on a man’s back. The cooled handpiece increases patient comfort and minimizes the adverse skin reaction commonly seen with other lasers.
CoolGlide Vein Therapy
The Cutera CoolGlide difference
The Cutera CoolGlide Combines the ideal laser wavelength with the most flexible pararneters to deliver a superior vascular laser system. It treats a broad range of vessels from tiny spider veins to deep blue reticular veins quickly, safely and effectively. Patients with dark, light or tanned skin can experience outstanding results with minimal bruising or blistering.
How does CoolGlide Vein Therapy work?
The Cutera CoolGlide systems deliver pulses of light energy which cause the blood within the vein to coagulate, eventually destroying the vessel which is later reabsorbed by your body. Blood flow will then be redirected to veins deeper below you skin’s surface where it should be.
Who can be treated with the Cutera CoolGlide?
The Cutera CoolGlide features a unique design and long wavelength that allows treatment of patients of all skin tones. Your physician will advise you if CoolGlide Vein Therapy is right for you.
What types of veins can be treated?
The Cutera CoolGlide can remove unsightly veins from all parts of the body. Small, facial veins (or “telanlectasia”) can be treated quickly without bruising or complication. Spider veins and large blue leg veins can also be treated with excellent results. Knotly varicose veins are not good candidates. A careful evaluation with your physician will help you determine which vessels can be treated and the best course of treatment.
How does this compare to Sclerotherapy?
Your doctor will advise you on the best course of action, but many physicians and patients prefer CoolGlide Vein Therapy because there are no painful injections.
What about blood blisters and port wine stains?
Blood blisters or “hemangiomas” respond very well to CoolGlide Vein Therapy, usually with just one treatment. Patients with port wine stains and other vascular lesions who had given up on finding a solution have been overwhelmed by the success of their CoolGlide vascular treatments. Consult your physician for thorough evaluation.
How many treatments will I need?
Often patients find that one or two treatments are sufficient. However, the number of treatments necessary depends on the number, color, and size of the vessels being treated. Since individual results vary, ask your medical professional about your specific condition.
Do the treatments hurt?
Most patients experience a stinging sensation as the pulses of energy are delivered through the handpiece. Although no local anesthesia or pain medication is typically required, many patients opt to use a topical anesthetic prior to treatment. Following the treatment, the pain is minimal to nonexistent.
What happens after the treatment?
Following your treatment, some redness or bruising may occur. When larger veins are treated, a tan or brownish pigment may persist for a few weeks or months following treatment. Patients who have leg vein treatments may be advised to wear support hose for a short period of time.
What are the possible side effects?
Although many patients report few if any side effects, those most commonly noticed are slight reddening and local swelling of the skin. These effects typically last for less then 24 hours. Some patients may experience bruising and, in rare instances, blistering may occur. Consult with your medial professional for complete information on the benefits and risks of treatment.
Are there any restrictions on my activity after treatment?
Patients generally resume most normal activities immediately. However, it is recommended that you avoid vigorous activities such as strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours after treatment. The use of sunscreen is recommended on any treated areas exposed to the sun. As always, it is a good idea to limit your sun exposure.
When will I see results?
Most patients find that the majority of the treated veins have shown significant improvement within two to six weeks of treatment. However, your final results may not be apparent for several months. Over time, it is possible for new veins to appear, but these too can be removed with the Cutera CoolGlide.
Brachioplasty (Arm Lift)
Many people find themselves affected by excess weight in the upper arms. While arm exercises can help to reduce unwanted fat in this area, they do not address the surplus of hanging skin that may also be present. Additionally, arm exercises may render ineffective for some individuals, sometimes due to heredity or a medical condition.
Arm lift surgery (”brachioplasty”) can reshape the upper arms to appear more toned and attractive. Typically, the procedure can address the length of the underarm to the elbow. As with other body contouring procedures, if there is a high concentration of fat in the area, we may determine that liposuction is appropriate for you as well. This may be performed prior to, or in conjunction with, arm lift surgery.
Thigh Lift in Reading - Body Contouring
Aging, weight changes, and childbirth can cause unwanted changes in several areas of the body - and the thighs are no exception. Thigh lift surgery can tighten loose, sagging skin on the inner and outer thighs, resulting in a toned appearance and smoother skin texture.
Because it is a common occurrence for excess fat deposits to accumulate on the outer thighs, some patients may require liposuction on this area as well. If so, liposuction may need to take place prior to thigh lift surgery, or be performed as a combined procedure.
In order to determine which method is right for you, we will assess the amount of excess skin and fat in the target area. Following this, we can develop and implement a surgical plan that will help you attain optimal results.
The Beauty of a VelaShape TM Cellulite Treatment
80% of all women over the age of 20 have cellulite, regardless of size or shape. Cellulite occurs when fat cells in the deepest layer of skin become over-inflated from an increase in fat storage. The fats cells protrude up through the tissue causing dimpling or a “cottage cheese” appearance.
VelaShapeTM your body. Schedule a personal consultation today.
Treat yourself to a smoother, sexier figure!
VelaShapeTM Cellulite Treatment contours, shapes and slims the body by improving cellulite and reducing circumference in as few as 4 treatment sessions. VelaShapeTM Cellulite Treatment has been cleared by the FDA and provides dramatic results without downtime or significant discomfort.
The secret behind VelaShapeTM Cellulite Treatment is that it’s the first and only technology that combines powerful energies to reduce the volume and appearance of fat tissues. With this unique approach, we are able to treat multiple areas including abdomen, buttocks and thighs in less than 40 minutes.
Experience the only complete non surgical alternative to liposuction! Schedule a personal consultation today!
How does VelaShapeTM Cellulite Treatment work?
VelaShapeTM Cellulite Treatment uses combined energies known as elos to precisely target and heat fatty tissues within the treatment area. In addition, the vacuum and tissue manipulation evens out the skin to reveal a smoother, tighter figure.
How quickly will I notice a change?
Gradual improvement of the treated area can be seen following the first treatment - with the skin surface of the treated area feeling smoother, firmer and tighter. Results in circumference and cellulite reduction will be most apparent 6 - 8 weeks following the final treatment session.
How many inches can I reduce from my circumference?
In clinical studies, patients report an average reduction of 1 inch post treatment. In clinical trials, the average range of circumferential reduction was 0.5 - 3 inches.
Is treatment safe?
Treatment is safe and effective for all skin types and colors. There are no reported short - or long-term health effects.
Does it hurt?
Most patients find VelaShapeTM Cellulite Treatment comfortable - like a warm deep tissue massage. The treatment is designed to accommodate your sensitivity and comfort level. It is normal to experience a warm sensation for a few hours post treatment. Your skin may also appear red for several hours.
How do I Improve and maintain results?
Following your complete treatment regimen, it is recommended to get maintenance treatments periodically. Like all non-surgical or surgical techniques, results will last longer if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
50 Commerce Drive
Wyomissing, PA 19610
PHONE: 610.320.0200
FAX: 610.320.9962
