Category Archives: Cosmetic Surgery

Questions to Ask Your Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgeon | Huntsville | MadisonWhen the patient is considering a major cosmetic procedure such as abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery, they should acquire relevant information about the procedure as well as the surgeon’s professional credentials. A well-informed patient will feel more confident about the procedure and will be in a better position to make the correct choices.  

A dedicated surgeon will encourage the patient to ask questions and clear their doubts and concerns about tummy tuck.

During the initial consultation, the surgeon’s aim will be educate the patient about all aspects of tummy tuck and help them make an informed decision. Dr. Landon McLain provides tummy tuck surgery to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and cities and suburbs in this part of America.

 

Questions about the Surgeon

  • What are qualifications in the field of general and cosmetic surgery?
  • Have you performed body contouring procedures previously, and what is your success rate in such procedures?
  • How many years of training and experience do you have in the medical field?
  • Would you perform the procedure at a hospital, an accredited surgery center or a private surgical suite?
  • Do you have operating privileges at one of the local hospitals or surgery centers?
  • Can your office deal with any emergency that may arise during or after my surgery?
  • Do you have a policy to perform revision procedures, if the primary surgery is unsuccessful?
  • What type of cosmetic procedures do you usually perform?

 

Questions about Tummy Tuck Surgery

  • Will I make an appropriate candidate for tummy tuck surgery?
  • Is it possible to make the surgery less invasive or combine it with non-invasive procedures?
  • Are there any lifestyle or dietary adjustments that I need to make before the surgery?
  • Would you perform the tummy tuck surgery using general anesthesia?
  • What type of tummy tuck incision and surgical technique do you recommend?
  • Can I return home the same day of the surgery?
  • What are the potential risks and complications in tummy tuck?

 

Questions about the Costs 

  • What will be the estimated cost of tummy tuck surgery?
  • Does the price include pre- and post-operative expenses?
  • Will I have to pay separately for any post-surgical appointments?
  • If I choose multiple procedures, including tummy tuck, will I be eligible for a rebate or a special package price?
  • Are there any circumstances where tummy surgery is covered by insurance?
  • Will your office be able to offer me guidance about my financing options?

The patient should request for tummy tuck before and after photos during the initial consultation, and may also review testimonials of past patients, if available. To familiarize with the practice, they may request a staff member to give them a brief office tour on their first visit.

 A committed surgeon and personable will established a relationship of trust and open communication with the patient, and will encourage them to share their inherent cosmetic needs and goals. The commendable and righteous Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for tummy tuck surgery.


McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Preparing for Tummy Tuck Surgery | Huntsville Plastic Surgery | CullmanTummy tuck, clinically known as abdominoplasty, is one of the major body contouring procedures to create a firm and youthful midsection. Detailed preparation and careful planning will help to achieve safe and sustainable results and high levels of patient satisfaction in this procedure.

 Patients who prepare well for the surgery will usually feel more confident about their decision and will attain better final outcomes. Patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations have an opportunity to receive tummy tuck surgery from the committed and fabulous Dr. Landon McLain.

 

Balanced Diet

One of the earliest steps in preparation for a tummy tuck surgery should be to have a healthy, balanced diet. If the patient focuses on good nutrition, they will have stronger immunity and it will mitigate their risk of infection and other complications. Lean protein intake should be increased, which will support better and faster healing. Foods such as eggs, fish, yogurt, chicken, and light cheese can provide higher protein content.

Although vitamins are critically important in the diet, the surgeon will advise the patient to avoid vitamin E supplements for some time before and after tummy tuck surgery. Patients who choose a balanced diet will be more comfortable with continuing the healthy eating habits during the recovery and beyond. This will help to extend the results of tummy tuck for many years to come.

To achieve success with tummy tuck, the patient should have a moderate and stable body weight. A healthy diet will support this goal. Patients should seek the surgeon’s guidance about diet and avoid crash diet programs or other excessive measures to reduce weight.

 

Exercise and Fitness 

The patient should follow a regular workout and fitness regimen ideally from the time they have made up their mind to undergo tummy tuck procedure. This will enhance their muscle mass and improve the metabolic rate. Patients with good fitness levels will typically have an easier surgery as well as recovery. An exercise regimen will also help to achieve an overall lean and proportionate body.

Patients who can maintain fitness will usually manage to avoid natural weight gain in the days following the surgery when they have to refrain from vigorous activities and exercises.

Patients can make regular exercise a part of their long-term healthy lifestyle, which will help to maintain the results of tummy tuck for years. Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and other areas in The Yellowhammer State for tummy tuck surgery.

 

Other Preparatory Steps

If the patient has a habit of smoking, they will have to give it up for a specified time period prior to the surgery. Certain medications and herbal supplements will also have to be avoided. Working people should apply for at least one week’s leave well in advance for the early recovery phase.

Patients should arrange for transport and aftercare as needed. On the day of the surgery, the patient should wear comfortable and loose fitting clothes with buttons in the front. They should not eat or drink anything for about eight hours prior to the surgery.


McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Your Tummy Tuck Consultation | Huntsville | Scottsboro | Madison A comprehensive consultation process will lay a solid foundation for the tummy tuck body contouring surgery. It will provide an opportunity to the patient to learn about the essential aspects of the tummy tuck procedure as well as the surgeon’s practice. They can ask questions directly to the surgeon and clear all their doubts and concerns during the consultation.

The surgeon will acquire patient’s feedback about their health and cosmetic goals, and use those inputs to create a customized tummy tuck surgery plan. The consultation will ideally be scheduled sufficiently ahead of the actual surgery so that the patient gets the required time to prepare for it.

Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Landon McLain provides tummy tuck and various other innovative and advanced cosmetic procedures. Dr. McLain will carefully determine the patient’s candidacy during the consultation and prepare a customized surgical plan. He provides tummy tuck to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities and cities in the Yellowhammer State.  

 

Health Assessment

Evaluating the candidate’s medical condition is a vital part of the pre-op consultation process. Tummy tuck is a major surgery, and the patient should be in a position to safely go through anesthesia and the surgical process. The surgeon will review the patient’s medical records as well as examine their general health. In some cases, a few medical tests may be ordered to determine candidacy.

 

Information Disclosure  

During the consultation, the patient will be required to disclose full information regarding any underlying health issues as well as any specific lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking or drugs. To save time, the patient should prepare a list of all the prescription and non-prescription medications that they may be currently taking, and carry the list to the surgeon’s office for the consultation.

 

Anatomical Evaluation

The surgeon will examine the abdominal anatomy of the patient during the consultation, and assess their skin type, thickness of the skin and tissue laxity, including the position of the underlying abdominal muscles. Some patients may need liposuction of the abdomen along with tummy tuck for more effective results. On the other hand, some other patients may only require a partial abdominoplasty.

 

Customized Surgery Plan

Based on the patient’s health condition and their anatomical and personal cosmetic needs, the surgeon will create a tummy tuck plan that is tailored to meet those needs. They will determine the type of surgical technique, the location and size of incisions, and the degree of correction required. Therefore, a detailed consultation process allows the surgeon to create a surgical plan that can produce targeted outcomes in a least invasive manner.

 

Other Key Tasks

The surgeon may perform a few more key tasks at the time of initial consultation, which could include taking pictures of the patient’s current abdominal appearance, apprising the patient about alternative treatment options and costs, sharing tummy tuck before and after images of other patients, and providing detailed instructions about preparation and recovery.

Hard working and the wonderful surgeon that is Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for tummy tuck surgery.    


McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgery Risks and Safety | Huntsville | MadisonInnovations in surgical techniques over the years have made a body contouring procedure such as tummy tuck less invasive and less risky. However, some of the risks that are typically associated with any surgery are also integral to tummy tuck surgery. Therefore, it is vitally important for a candidate to know about the potential risks in order to make an informed decision.  

A committed surgeon will take care to educate the patient about all aspects of tummy tuck surgery, including the potential risks and side effects. The patient should weigh the risks against the expected benefits and then make a judicious choice.

Profound and reliable cosmetic surgeon Dr. Landon McLain provides tummy tuck and various other procedures to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities.

 

Potential Complications

Adverse Anesthesia Reaction

A major surgery such as tummy tuck will normally be performed using general anesthesia. To minimize anesthesia related risks, the anesthesia team will assess the patient’s medical records and determine their fitness for anesthesia.

A few patients may still have a poor response to anesthesia. General anesthesia will be performed by anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist who will remain present throughout the surgery to anticipate a reaction quickly and take corrective measures.

 

Blood Clot Formation

Some patients may have an existing tendency of clot formation, but even those without a history of clotting, may form a clot inside a blood vessel during the surgery. This can obstruct the blood flow, and in rare situations, the clot may travel to the brain, lungs or heart. This severe condition is known as Deep Vein Thrombosis.

 

Infection

The surgeon will choose an operating facility where completely sterile conditions for surgery are assured. This will mitigate the infection risks during the procedure. On their part, the patient should diligently adhere to the surgeon’s post-op recovery instructions to minimize infection risk. They should avoid exposure of incision sites to contamination and not submerge the site in water until the surgeon has allowed.

 

Slow Healing

Following tummy tuck surgery, the bruising and pain will usually resolve completely in four to six weeks, even though swelling will linger on for a longer time. However, for some patients, the overall healing process may be delayed, especially in cases where a full traditional tummy tuck has been performed, including muscle tightening.

Smokers have a higher risk of poor healing, and should avoid smoking for a specified time period before and after the surgery as advised by the surgeon.

 

Unfavorable Scarring

Although some degree of scarring is unavoidable in a tummy tuck surgery, but in a few cases, the scars may be more apparent due to a variety of factors. Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and other communities and cities in this part of the American southeast for tummy tuck surgery.

 

Safety Information

The complication rate in tummy tuck surgery is under five percent, according to an ASPS survey report. Infection risks are most common in this surgery, while rare complications include hypoxia, fluid accumulation, hypotension, and pulmonary dysfunction.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Tummy Tuck Procedure Steps | Huntsville | Scottsboro | AthensAbdominoplasty, commonly known as tummy tuck, is one of the popular body contouring cosmetic surgery procedures today. As a major surgery, tummy tuck will involve a number of steps, which may sometimes vary according to the type of surgical technique selected to perform the procedure. During the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will discuss the steps with the patient.

Patients who have clear insights about how the tummy tuck surgery will be performed will often have better confidence levels and will make correct decisions about the surgery. It helps to mitigate the pre-surgery anxiety once a patient is aware about the steps involved in the procedure.

Fantastic and sagacious cosmetic surgeon Dr. Landon McLain provides tummy tuck to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities.

 

Incision Placement

Once the patient has been placed under anesthesia inside the surgery room, the first step will be to place the incisions in pre-decided locations in the abdominal region. The surgeon will keep the incisions as discreet as possible, but their length and number may vary according to the extent of surgery required. A circumferential tummy tuck will require an incision around the waist line, including the back, while a mini tummy tuck may only require a small incision under the navel.

 

Repositioning the Navel

Repositioning of the belly button may be a part of a traditional tummy tuck surgery. Once the surgeon has lifted and tightened the abdominal area, it may be necessary to raise the navel to a new, youthful position to make it look natural.

Either the original navel will be detached from its place and repositioned, or in a few cases, a new navel may be sculpted, while the older remains unchanged. Only a skilled surgeon should perform the sculpting of the new navel to make it appear natural.

 

Tightening of Abdominal Muscles

If the muscles in the abdomen have loosened due to aging or pregnancy, this additional step will be included in the tummy tuck procedure. The surgeon will separate the skin from the abdominal walls through the incisions. They will pull the sagging muscles closer together and suture them into a new position to create a better toned abdomen. Tightening of the abdominal muscles will make the waistline look narrower.

 

Removing Excess Skin

After the abdominal muscle tightening is completed, the surgeon will pull the skin downward to make it taut. Loose skin will be then trimmed away. The surgeon may perform abdominal liposuction in a few cases at this stage to eliminate stubborn fat tissue before the skin is pulled tight. Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and other cities and communities in this part of The Yellowhammer State for tummy tuck surgery.

 

Closing the Incisions

Although tummy tuck is not designed to remove stretch marks, but some improvement may be achieved with traditional tummy tuck surgery. Once the procedure is over, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. Temporary drain tubes will be placed beneath the skin in the incision sites. The area will be initially wrapped in bandages, and later replaced with a compression garment.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Time

CfUFtk6wOEcaM_xu3-B7dyW_hk2DFVKTmF6Q_1EhqFoTummy tuck is a major body contouring cosmetic procedure that involves a considerable recovery component. A dedicated surgeon will explain all aspects of the procedures, including recovery, to the patient at the time of initial consultation. Prior to the surgery or after the surgery, they will also provide care instructions to the patient and their caregiver.

The patient should have the commitment to diligently follow the surgeon’s instructions for a safe and speedy recovery. Judicious cosmetic surgeon Dr. Landon McLain provides tummy tuck surgery and other procedures to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities in this part of the country.

Estimated Downtime

Each patient will go through a few days of downtime following tummy tuck, which can usually range for one to two weeks, depending on the surgical technique used. If the tummy tuck procedure involves only skin and fat reduction, but not muscle tightening, the downtime may be around one week.

To prepare in advance for recovery, a patient should apply for leave from their workplace well ahead of the surgery. They will be required to stay at home for at least one week, but the surgeon will encourage them to take short walks and perform light activities at home. This will help to improve blood flow in the incision areas and promote healing.

Early Recovery Experience 

The patient will receive instructions for how to manage the temporary drainage tubes that may be placed after tummy tuck. The patient should empty the drain regularly as instructed and keep the area free of contamination. The surgeon may also provide a compression garment, which should be worn at all times during the early recovery phase to help achieve firmer skin.

In the first few days, most patients will experience mild swelling, bruising and soreness in the incision areas. The surgeon will prescribe pain medications to keep the patient comfortable. Heavy lifting of weights and vigorous activities and exercises should be avoided for the first three to four weeks.

Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for tummy tuck surgery and other procedures.

Minimizing Scarring

Tummy tuck surgery will inevitable involve some amount of scarring, but it is possible to make the scars less visible by placing the incisions in discreet locations. The patient should avoid direct sun exposure in the incision sites during the recovery phase. As directed by the surgeon, they may also apply silicone cream, silicone sheets or petroleum jelly to mitigate the appearance of scar tissue.

Refraining from Smoking

For a few weeks before and after the tummy tuck surgery, the patient will be required to avoid smoking. During the recovery process, smoking can cause a delay in healing because it interferes with the blood flow. Risks such as scarring, infections and other complications are higher if smoking is continued during the recovery period.

Patients should recognize that recovery is a vital part of the overall tummy tuck procedure. Long term success and sustainability of outcomes will depend on how well the patient recovers and maintains a healthy and active lifestyle.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Tummy Tuck Candidates

flat tummyTummy tuck surgery ranks among the more popular body contouring cosmetic procedures in the US. Both women and men can get rid of sagging skin and excess fat in the midsection with the help of tummy tuck surgery. However, it is important to choose the most appropriate candidates who have not benefitted from diet or exercise to improve their abdominal contours.

Dr. Landon McLain is an accomplished cosmetic surgeon providing a variety of cutting edge cosmetic procedures, both surgical and non-surgical. Dr. McLain will carefully determine a patient’s candidacy before recommending tummy tuck surgery.

He provides tummy tuck to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding locations in this part of the country.

Who can benefit from Abdominoplasty?

Any healthy adult who is bothered by the appearance of sagging or loose skin in the abdominal area, or have loose or separated underlying abdominal muscles following a weight loss, can benefit from tummy tuck procedure. After a pregnancy, many women have weak abdominal muscles and stretched tissue. A tummy tuck can help them regain their pre-pregnancy figure in the waist area.

Although tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure, but it can enhance contours around the waist when diet and exercise have not successfully improved the shape and contours. If the individual has stubborn fat pockets in the tummy area, they may benefit more from a combination of liposuction and tummy tuck. The cosmetic surgeon will make the final decision about an individual’s candidacy for tummy tuck.

Attributes of a Candidate

People with the following attributes typically make suitable candidates for tummy tuck surgery:

  • The candidate’s general health condition is good, and they do not have any specific medical condition that could pose risk during surgery or recovery
  • They suffer from loose or sagging skin in the abdominal area
  • They have presence of excess fat tissue in the midsection
  • They have realistic expectations
  • They are committed to following the pre- and post-surgical care instructions and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle in the long run

Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for tummy tuck surgery.

What a Candidate should Do

Tummy tuck surgery candidates should:

  • Stop smoking for a certain period of time before and after the surgery as advised by the surgeon
  • Disclose all relevant medical information that will help the surgeon to plan the tummy tuck surgery
  • Refrain from taking any type of prescription or non-prescription drugs, herbal supplements and vitamins before and after the surgery without the surgeon’s knowledge
  • Not have plans for a pregnancy in the near future
  • Not have plans to undergo a major weight loss procedure
  • Choose tummy tuck only when they are fully convinced, and not under pressure or influence of others

Heredity

Some candidates suffer from excess fat in the abdominal area due to heredity factors. These candidates may be suitable candidates for tummy tuck even in their 20s or 30s because of the genetic predisposition.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgery

plastic surgeryAbdominoplasty, popularly known as tummy tuck surgery, is an important body contouring cosmetic procedure. Recovery is a significant component in such major procedures, and patients should take it with all seriousness. The surgeon will provide post-operative care instructions, which will make it easier for the patient to recover in time and with minimum risk of complications.

During the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will discuss all aspects of recover and the expected downtime. Working people and busy moms are usually more concerned about the downtime involved because they want to resume their regular routine as early as possible.

Dr. Landon McLain is a dedicated cosmetic surgeon providing tummy tuck and various other procedures to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities and cities in The Yellowhammer State.

Recovery at Home

Most patients can return home the same day after tummy tuck surgery. In the first week, they should stay confined to the home and take plenty of rest. Short walks and light activities during this period are encouraged to promote blood flow in the incision areas. Downtime in abdominoplasty can range from 10 to 14 days, but if muscle tightening is not involved, the patient may resume normal routine faster.

Working people should preferably apply for leave from the workplace well in advance so that they can have a stress-free recovery time at home. The patient should stay sufficiently hydrated and eat a balanced diet. Intake of lean proteins may be increased to support healing. Strenuous activities and exercises as well as heavy lifting of weights should be avoided during the early recovery phase.

Drains and Sutures

The surgeon will usually place temporary drainage tubes under the skin in the incision areas before the bandages are applied. The drains should be kept free from contamination. The patient should measure and empty the drain every day as instructed. If the surgeon has provided a compression garment, it should be worn at all times during the recovery phase.

If the surgeon has placed traditional sutures to close the incisions, these may be removed along with the drains in about a week to 10 days after the surgery. Thereafter, many patients are able to return to their workplace, but should go through another week of lighter physical activity at work. Judicious and focused on his craft Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for tummy tuck surgery.

Diminishing Scar Appearance

Prior to choosing a procedure such as tummy tuck, the patient should have a clear idea that some degree of scarring will occur. However, a skillful surgeon will be able to minimize the impact by placing the incisions in discreet sites. On their part, the patient should avoid sun exposure in the incision areas during recovery. Petroleum jelly, silicone sheets, or silicone cream may be used to improve scar tissue appearance.

During the recovery period, the patient should be committed to refraining from smoking. Smoking can delay the natural healing process and increase the risk of post-op complications. The surgeon will give clear instructions about avoiding smoking during recovery.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Facelift Risks and Safety | Huntsville Cosmetic Surgery | AthensA facelift is a well-established and commonly performed cosmetic procedure, but like any other surgery, it has certain risks associated with it. At the time of initial consultation, the surgeon will apprise the patient of the potential risks and help the patient make a carefully considered choice.

Dr. Landon McLain provides facelift and several other surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. Dr. McLain will answer all the questions and concerns of the patient during the consultation, and educate them about the surgery. He provides facelift to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and other cities in the region.

 

Common Risks

 

Poor Reaction to Anesthesia

In many cases, facelift will be performed with the patient under general anesthesia. The procedure is very safe, but if the patient suffers from a specific health condition, they may have increased risk of an adverse response to anesthesia.

 

Infection

Infection risks are unavoidable during and after the facelift surgical procedure. However, the risk can be minimized if the hospital or the surgery center adheres to the sanitation protocols, and the patient carefully follows the surgeon’s post-surgical care instructions. The incision areas should be protected against dust or dirt to prevent infection.

 

Hematoma

If bleeding occurs below the skin, it can cause hematoma. The patient may experience some discomfort as well as swelling and skin discoloration in case of hematoma. The surgeon may have to perform a corrective procedure to repair this condition.

 

Nerve Damage

In rare situations, a facial nerve may get cut, nicked or cauterized during the surgery. This may lead to numbness in the incision area or facial paralysis. However, in many cases, repair is possible and the damage will not be permanent.

 

Unfavorable Scarring

Some amount of scarring is unavoidable in any surgical procedure such as facelift. However, a skilled surgeon can ensure that the scars remain discreet due to smaller and carefully placed incisions. In rare cases, scarring can be conspicuous and marks may not be hidden in the hair or behind the ear.

 

Minimizing the Risks

It is possible to minimize the risk of complications in case of facelift surgery. To start with, the patient should choose a fully trained and qualified cosmetic surgeon. A dedicated surgeon will adopt advanced, less invasive techniques, invest in continuing education, and follow the latest safety protocols.  

The patients, on their part, should be willing to disclose complete relevant information about their health condition and specific lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol. This will allow the surgeon to advise appropriate precautions and adjust the procedure as needed. The patient will be required to stop smoking for a certain time period prior to the surgery, and they should stay committed to it.

 

Managing Side Effects

Temporary side effects will typically dissipate over a period of few days or weeks. To manage the post-op condition, the patient may use prescription or over the counter pain medications with the surgeon’s advice. Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and other communities across the region for facelift surgery and various other procedures.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here. Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Facelift Surgery 

blonde girlA facelift has emerged has one of the more sought after cosmetic surgery procedures over the last decade. Both women and men can choose this surgery to regain a youthful facial appearance. Pre-op consultation is an important component of the facelift procedure, and will constitute the basis for a custom facelift surgery plan.

Dr. Landon McLain provides facelift and various other surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and other cities spread across the region. Dr. McLain will closely engage with the patient and educate them about facelift during the initial consultation.

Determining Candidacy

To begin with, the surgeon would like to determine whether the patient is a suitable candidate for facelift surgery. They will review the patient’s health records and ask questions about their current health status. If the patient has any underlying medical condition, it may have to be addressed first before going ahead with facelift. The surgeon will also advise the patient about adjusting any current medications, if necessary.

Some patients may have to go through certain medical tests or allergy tests. The patient’s age, skin type, amount of skin laxity in the face, and body profile will be reviewed to determine whether facelift may be recommended as an independent surgery or in conjunction with other procedures such as neck lift, upper face procedures or non-surgical treatments such as Botox and facial fillers.

Evaluating Cosmetic Goals

The surgeon would like to understand what exactly may be bothering the patient about their existing facial appearance. Some patients may want to dramatically improve their facial youth, while some others may only want subtle changes to maintain the current look or delay the onset of deeper signs of facial aging.

Based on the patient’s specific cosmetic needs and goals, the surgeon will decide on the best surgical technique for facelift, and whether additional procedures may be necessary. A surgical plan tailored to meet the unique requirements of the patient will be prepared. Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for facelift and other innovative and advanced procedures.

Patient Education

A committed surgeon will use the consultation opportunity to apprise the patient on various aspects of facelift and explain its benefits and limitations. They will also answer the patient’s questions and concerns related to the surgery as well as their own practice, and inform about the estimated costs. These facts will help the patient to make a well-considered decision.

The consultation process will also be utilized to help the patient develop realistic expectations. The surgeon may present facelift before and after photos before the patient so that they know what to expect and what not to expect from a facelift. Reviews and testimonials of past patients may also be presented, if required.

Preparatory Guidelines

The surgeon will ask the patient to refrain from smoking and adjust the schedule of certain prescription and non-prescription drugs. Arranging for transportation on the day of surgery and aftercare for a few days may be recommended. Insurance and financing guidance may also be provided.

 

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here. Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.