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Liposuction Vs. Tummy Tuck: Which Option Is Right For Me?

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tummy tuckThe abdomen is a common trouble spot for many people. Whether due to fluctuations in weight, pregnancy and childbirth, or simply the natural aging process, the stomach and abdominal area can go through many changes. Many adults develop areas of stubborn fat and loose skin that are resistant to diet and exercise. Those individuals who desire a more toned, shapely waist and abdomen may benefit from body contouring procedures such as liposuction or abdominoplasty. These procedures can help to flatten the stomach and shape the waist for a taut, rejuvenated appearance.

Abdominoplasty

An abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a procedure that significantly flattens the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the abdominal muscles. The best candidates for this procedure are overall healthy adults who have loose skin and pockets of excess fat. This surgery is not recommended for patients who need to lose a significant amount of weight, or woman who may become pregnant in the future, since significant changes in weight may alter results. A tummy tuck is performed in abut two to three hours. Recovery time will vary from patient to patient, though it typically takes anywhere from 6 weeks to a few months following surgery. The procedure will leave a scar on the lower abdomen spanning from hip to hip, though it is made low enough that it can easily be hidden with clothing or a bathing suit. With proper weight management and exercise, the results of a tummy tuck are long-lasting.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a less invasive and more customizable approach to body contouring. This technique works best for patients who are close to their goal weight but have pockets of excess fat in targeted areas. It is not a treatment for significant weight loss or loose skin. Liposuction sculpts and slims these areas by removing fat cells through a small suction tube, known as a cannula.  Recovery time is typically much quicker.

Want To Learn More About Body Contouring Procedures? Contact Dr. Frank

If you are interested in body contouring in Calgary, contact us today. We can be reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Breast Lift Vs. Breast Augmentation: Which Procedure Is Right For You?

Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift

breast procedureBreast procedures are among the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the world. Many women choose to undergo plastic surgery to enhance or rejuvenate their bustline for various reasons, whether it be to restore their breasts following weight loss or pregnancy, or to achieve the contour that they have always desired. To the patient, it can be confusing when deciding between breast procedures. A patient may think they need a breast augmentation to achieve their goal, when in act a breast lift would better suit them.

During the pre-op consultation, Dr. Frank and his nursing team will expertly examine each patient’s anatomy and take into consideration their cosmetic goals, then design a customized treatment plan. This post will discuss various breast surgeries to help patients become acquainted with each procedure.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation can not only increase the size of a patient’s breast, but can also restore balance and fullness. There are many implant options available to help patients achieve natural-looking, aesthetically pleasing breasts.

This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, and usually lasts one to two hours. Recovery time tends to be short, with many patients returning to work and other daily activities within one week following surgery.

Breast Lift

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, creates a more youthful contour by lifting the breasts and restoring firmness. During this procedure, the surgeon trims away excess skin and tightens the tissues of the breast. This not only creates fullness, but allows the breasts to sit higher on the chest. A mastopexy typically takes one to three hours to perform, and requires one to two weeks of downtime to allow for proper healing.

Interested in Learning More About Breast Procedures? Contact Dr. Ryan Frank.

If you are interested in breast enhancement in Calgary, contact us today. We can be reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you.

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10 Plastic Surgery Myths, Busted!

Plastic Surgery

plastic surgeryMany have misconceptions about plastic surgery. To follow are the top 10 plastic surgery myths, busted for your education.

Top 10 Plastic Surgery Myths

  1. Plastic Surgery is Only for the Wealthy. This myth no longer holds true. With numerous advancements to technology, many plastic surgery procedures are considerably less invasive, which lowers costs. In fact, popular procedures like BOTOX® Cosmetic injections and laser hair removal have decreased in cost since 1997, according to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
  2. Plastic Surgery is Only for Vain and Materialistic People. This is entirely false, many patients report having realistic expectations and surgical goals. Most patients also report feeling healthier and happier after undergoing plastic surgery.
  3. Plastic Surgery Results in Excessive Scarring. This myth is entirely false, skilled plastic surgeons deliberately hide scars in natural contours to reduce visibility and make sure that patients look their best after their procedures.
  4. Liposuction is a Weight Loss Procedure. This is false, although liposuction removes stubborn fat, it is not a weight loss procedure. Those who undergo liposuction should not expect to necessarily lose weight, but rather improve upon the contours of their body.
  5. Cosmetic Surgery is the Same Thing as Plastic Surgery. This false statement is a slightly confusing, because although plastic surgery goals may be cosmetic, a plastic surgeon and a surgeon referring to his or herself as a “cosmetic” surgeon are not equally certified. Plastic surgeons are board certified and have undergone a five-year surgical residency with a minimal of two years dedicated directly to plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgeons are not board certified and can be any surgeon performing a procedure with cosmetic goals.
  6. BOTOX®, is botox, is botox. Yes, all injectable botolinum toxin brands contain the same active ingredient, however “botox,” is a popular brand name, BOTOX® Cosmetic.
  7. Breast Implants Can Kill You. This is an incredibly rare occurence, Breast augmentation is one of the most popularly performed plastic surgery in the world, and produces some of the most satisfying results. The FDA has approved numerous brands of breast implants that have gone under rigorous testing to ensure their safety or the masses.
  8. You Can’t Breast Feed if you Have Breast Implants. Studies have found that mothers with breast implants face the same challenges with breast feeding as mothers with natural breasts.
  9. Plastic Surgery is Dangerous. As all surgery poses some risk, many plastic surgeries have relatively low associated risk. Selecting a board certified and experienced surgeon can additionally lower risks of complications.
  10. Plastic Surgery is Only for Women. According to the ASAPS, since 1997, men undergoing plastic surgeries has increased 273 percent.

Interested in Plastic Surgery? Contact Dr. Frank.

For more information about plastic surgery in Calgary, contact us today. We can be reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Why Choose Breast Augmentation?

Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast AugmentationThere are plenty of reasons why individuals engage in breast augmentation surgery. Even though it is one of the more common forms of cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation surgery is still an important procedure and many factors must be considered before scheduling a consultation.

There are many medical and aesthetic reasons for seeking breast augmentation surgery. Some of the more common reasons are listed below.

Breast Augmentation and Weight Gain

Breasts shift as time progresses. Weight gain can have an impact on a breast’s size, shape and placement on the body. Breast implants can provide better balance and present a more visually aesthetic appearance, years after nature and time have taken their toll.

Breast Augmentation and Weight Loss

During childbearing years, breasts often lose volume and may appear droopy. While there are no proven exercises or diets that can restore a woman’s body to the way it looked pre-childbirth, breast augmentation has been proven to be a viable option in re-shaping breasts.

Athletes and Breast Augmentation

Having a large chest can lead to back problems in more active candidates. Marathon runners, for example, complain about back pain being an issue and will often opt for breast reduction surgery. Athletes may also opt to enhance breast size, and there are many options in choosing the correct implant size that will not interfere with athletic performance.

Cancer and Breast Augmentation

After suffering through the long, oftentimes arduous journey of breast cancer, many women opt for breast reconstruction surgery. A mastectomy may be required to remove one or both breasts, resulting in a massive shift in physical appearance. By restoring a woman’s figure and creating a new shape, a patient feels a sense of normalcy in the wake of such a traumatic experience.

Undergoing a breast augmentation procedure is a serious decision. Whether a potential patient has gained or lost weight, survived cancer or is seeking to reshape themselves with more athletic contours, it is important to weigh the options and understand the reasons behind making such a decision.

Are You Interested in Enhancing Your Breasts? Contact Dr. Ryan Frank in Calgary

If you would like more information on the breast procedures Dr. Frank offers, please give us a call at (403) 245-1228, or contact us.

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Five Myths About Plastic Surgery

Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgeryAs plastic surgery continues to grow in popularity, many myths and misinformation about these procedures have grown as well. Let’s take a look at some common myths and misconceptions about plastic surgery.

Five Myths About Plastic Surgery:

  1. Plastic surgery is only for vain people. Plastic surgery is performed for many reasons, and not for vanity alone. For example, women who suffer from having overly large breasts or who have undergone treatment for breast cancer may opt for a breast reduction or reconstructive breast surgery to restore their appearance. Plastic surgery can also corrects defects, such as a cleft palates, or deviated nasal septum, giving a patient a more natural appearance.
  2. Only the wealthy can afford it. While plastic surgery was once considered a luxury that only the wealthy could afford, financing plans have made it more accessible and affordable than ever before. Today, patients undergoing plastic surgery come from all income levels and age ranges.
  3. Plastic surgery is only for women. These days, more and more men are exploring plastic surgery procedures. Popular procedures for men include liposuction, facelifts, and even breast reductions.
  4. The results of plastic surgery last forever, and won’t leave scarring. While plastic surgery can give you years of satisfaction, results are usually not permanent. Many factors determine how long your results will last, including your overall health as you age. As for scarring, cosmetic surgeons are more adept than ever at reducing visible scarring following surgery. However, all types of plastic surgery leave behind some scarring, though the scars will fade with time.
  5. Plastic surgery is the same thing as cosmetic surgery. While these two terms may seem interchangeable, cosmetic surgery focuses on enhancing a person’s appearance. Plastic surgery focuses on repairing certain defects on a person’s body, restoring a more normal appearance.

Are You Considering Plastic Surgery? Contact Dr. Ryan Frank.

If you are considering undergoing plastic surgery, or have any questions about how it can benefit you, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Ryan Frank today. Our office is located in Calgary, Alberta, and we can be reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Three Things To Consider Before Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation

Breast AugmentationBreast augmentation is one of the most in-demand procedures among women today. The procedure involves the insertion of implants to make a patient’s breasts larger, correcting breasts that are uneven or “deflated-looking” following life-changing events, such as pregnancy or weight-loss. While breast augmentation has many benefits, including restoring the patient’s appearance and self-esteem, there are several things women need to keep in mind before electing to undergo surgery.

Three Things to Consider Before Breast Augmentation

  • Breast augmentation is not risk-free. Like with any surgery, breast augmentation does have its risks. Some of the most common risks include changes in nipple sensation, swelling, pain, and possible scarring. However, if the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon, risks of the surgery are considered minimal. We use a infra-areolar incision, made underneath the nipple to conceal any scarring.
  • Breast augmentation will not make you perfect. While breast augmentation can help improve your appearance, as well as your self-esteem, it is still a surgery that requires downtime and a recovery period. The procedure cannot make you perfect, and ideal candidates for this surgery are those with a healthy self-image, who have realistic expectations about what the surgery can do for them.
  • The results of breast augmentation may not last forever. While there is no “expiration” date on breast implants, your results may not last forever.  Weight gain or loss, as well as hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause, may cause your breasts to sag or lose their shape. As a result, some patients may need to undergo an additional breast augmentation surgery or breast lift to restore their original results.

Before your decide to undergo any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to learn as much as you can about the surgery. Do your own research, and ask your plastic surgeon as many questions about the procedure as possible.

Interested in Exploring Breast Augmentation? Contact Calgary Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Ryan Frank.

If you are considered undergoing breast augmentation surgery or have any questions about the procedure, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Ryan Frank today. Our office is located in Calgary, Alberta, and we can be reached at (403) 245-1228.

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Is Breast Reduction Surgery Right for You?

Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast ReductionWhen most people hear about “breast surgery,” they immediately think of breast augmentation. However, not every woman wants to make their breasts larger. Each year, many women choose instead to undergo breast reduction surgery to reduce the size of breasts which they feel are too large for their body.

Is breast reduction surgery right for you? Take a look at these common questions about this procedure.

Top Four Questions about Breast Reduction Surgery:

  1. Am I a candidate for breast reduction surgery? The best candidates for this procedure are women who feel uncomfortable with the unwanted attention often associated with having overly large breasts. In addition to causing self-esteem problems, large breasts can also cause physical discomforts to patients, including back pain. Breast reduction surgery can significantly reduce these issues. During your initial consultation, Dr. Frank will evaluate your medical history and determine if breast reduction surgery is right for you.
  2. Are there different types of breast reduction surgery? Yes. Traditional breast reduction surgery is performed on women with very large breasts, while Vertical Incision Breast Reduction is used for women with moderately large breasts.  Occasionally, liposuction alone can be used as a means to reduce breast size. Dr. Frank will determine which technique will be best for you.
  3. How long will it take to recover from a breast reduction surgery? The exact recovery period will depend on the individual patient. Immediately following surgery, most patients experience soreness, swelling, and bruising, which will subside after several days. In most cases, physical activity should be limited for about two weeks after surgery.
  4. Are there any complications associated with breast reduction surgery? Complications are possible following any surgery. The most common complications associated with breast reduction surgery are scarring, infection, bleeding and a partial loss of sensation in the breasts. Fortunately, most complications can be treated without requiring further surgery.  These will all be discussed at your consultation with Dr. Frank.

Contact Dr. Ryan Frank about Breast Reduction Surgery

If you are interested in learning more about breast reduction surgery, or would like to learn more about any of the other cosmetic surgery procedures we offer, contact Dr. Ryan Frank today. Our offices are located in Calgary, Alberta, and we can be reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Breast Augmentation: Is There An Ideal Contour?

Breast Augmentation

Breast AugmentationIt’s no secret that breast augmentation is popular. In fact, it’s the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure in Canada, and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. While the effectiveness of this procedure is well-known, researchers recently set out to find out what people thought was the “aesthetic ideal of the breast.” What they found was that breasts with an “upper pole to lower pole ratio of 45:55” have almost universal appeal.

As reported in the September issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, researchers from the Cadogan Clinic and the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust in London conducted several surveys aimed at discovering if there is truly an ideal breast contour. These surveys contained images of breasts of all different sizes, digitally altered to fit a number of different proportions. These proportions were based on the ratio of the upper pole to lower pole of breast, and included 35:65, 45:55, 50:50, and 55:45. The nipple was defined as the dividing line, meaning that 45% of the breast would be above the nipple, and 55% would be below.

Out of the 1,315 people who participated in the study, which also included 53 plastic surgeons, the 45:55 ratio was almost unanimously found to be the most popular — it was favored by 90% of men, 87% of women, and 94% of plastic surgeons. While there has long been a commonly-held belief that men prefer larger, oversized breasts, the results of this study have marked a change in that more people are interested in breast augmentation for natural-looking results.

So what can be taken from all of this? While the 45:55 ratio was found to be the most popular amongst several different groups, breast augmentation is still a personal procedure that’s unique to each individual patient. Together, you and your plastic surgeon will be able to decide what size and shape is right for you. If you’re ready to find out what this procedure can do for you, contact us and schedule a consultation today.

Breast Augmentation in Calgary

If you’re interested in learning more about breast augmentation or any of the procedures we offer, contact Dr. Frank today. Our offices are located in Calgary, and we can be reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you!

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The Most Important Things to Know about Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation

Breast AugmentationIn the world of cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation is one of the most requested procedures among patients. Breast augmentation is performed for various reasons, like to restore breast size following events events as weight-loss or pregnancy, which may cause breasts to shift in size or shape.

Are you considering breast augmentation? If so, here are some of the most important things to know about this procedure.

  1. You must have realistic expectations about your surgery. Since any cosmetic surgery comes with risks, patients must have realistic expectations about their procedure. Despite what many people think, plastic surgery cannot make you perfect. However, breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and restore a sense of self-confidence.
  2. Patients must be involved in planning their surgery. It is important for patients to ask questions before any surgery, so they will be aware of both the risks and benefits of the procedure they are about to undergo. When it comes to breast augmentation surgery, patients must choose a breast implant size that is suitable for their body so that they will look natural. Patients are not advised to choose an implant size that is too large for their body, since this can lead to complications.
  3. Breast implants are not considered permanent. Women’s bodies change frequently, especially due to pregnancy, weight gain, and menopause, all of which may cause implants to shift or breast shape to change. At some point in the future, the patient may need to undergo a second breast augmentation or lift.
  4. No surgery is the same for every woman. Breast augmentation surgery is a highly personal procedure, and it is tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient.
  5. Risks during this surgery are rare. There are risks with any surgery, and breast augmentation is no exception. Possible early complications may include swelling, pain, scarring, and infection.  The most common possible late complication is implant displacement and capsular contracture.  These complications will be discussed with you in detail during your consultation.

Contact Dr. Frank  for more information about Breast Augmentation.

If you are interested in having breast augmentation surgery, or want to learn more about any other procedures we offer, contact Dr. Ryan Frank today. We can be reached at (403) 245-1228!

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The Top 5 Cosmetic Surgery Procedures In The World

Plastic Surgery

Breast-Implant-OptionsApproximately 23 million cosmetic procedures were performed throughout the world in 2013, and those numbers are expected to rise as plastic surgery surges in popularity, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, which recently released statistics on surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures around the world.

Botulinum Toxin (usually known by its brand names, BOTOX and Dysport) took the top spot as the number one cosmetic procedure. Here are the top five plastic surgery procedures in the world:

  1. Breast Augmentation: Breast augmentation has long reigned supreme in the world of plastic surgery, so it’s no surprise that it took the top spot again in 2013, with 1,773,584 procedures performed. With so many options available including implant size, type, shape and minimal down time, it’s easy to see way so many women choose to enhance their appearance with this surgery.
  2. Liposuction: Liposuction has been around for decades, though the techniques and technology used have evolved over time. This procedure is easily tailored and is targeted to remove unwanted fat from several areas of the body, including arms, thighs, abdomen and even neck. In 2013, 1,614,031 patients underwent some form of liposuction to sculpt their bodies.
  3. Blepharoplasty: Also known as eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty rejuvenates the appearance of the eyes by removing extra skin and fat. Many people with sagging, tired-looking eyes tun to this procedure to give them a more youthful an alert look. Aside from its cosmetic application, blepharoplasty can also help patients whose vision is hindered by sagging or drooping skin. Last year, 1,379,263 men and women opted to undergo eye surgery to improve their appearance.
  4. Fat Grafting: Fat grafting, also referred to as lipostructure or lipofilling, is a technique that uses a person’s own fat to fill in areas of the face that have become sunken or hollow, such as the eyelids or  cheeks. The fat is removed through a small liposuction procedure, and then transferred to the new area in small pieces, sometimes called “pearls”. There were 1,053,890 reported fat grafting patients throughout the world in 2013.
  5. Rhinoplasty: Rhinoplasty, also known as nose surgery, is another procedure that has remained in-demand over the past few decades. This surgery has both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes, as it can reshape or reduce the size of a patient’s nose or correct defects from birth or caused by trauma. There were 954,423 rhinoplasties performed in 2013.

Plastic Surgery in Calgary

If you are interested in learning more about any of the cosmetic procedures we offer, contact Dr. Frank today. We can be reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you!

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