Plastic Surgery

11 Questions To Ask Your Plastic Surgeon Before Surgery

asian woman wearing swimsuit posing with arms crossed Choosing to have plastic surgery is a very personal decision. If you are considering surgery, it is essential to do your research and choose a reputable surgeon. You should also feel comfortable asking your surgeon any questions you may have.

The Importance of Asking Questions 

Having questions for your plastic surgeon is natural and even encouraged. In fact, asking questions is one of the best ways to ensure that you get the treatment you want and that you are comfortable with the treatment plan.

Your questions should be specific to your situation and your goals for treatment. For example, suppose you are considering breast implants. In that case, you might want to ask about the different types of implants available, the risks and benefits of each type, and the expected recovery time.

Asking questions also shows that you are taking an active role in your treatment, which is another way to help ensure a successful outcome. So don’t be afraid to ask your plastic surgeon any questions you may have – they will be more than happy to answer them.

What to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon 

To help you get started, here are 11 critical questions to ask your plastic surgeon before surgery:

1. Are you board-certified?

2. How many times have you performed this procedure?

3. What are the risks and potential complications associated with this procedure?

4. What type of anesthesia will you be using?

5. How long will the surgery take?

6. Where will the surgery be performed?

7. What is the expected recovery time?

8. What are the post-operative care instructions?

9. When can I expect to see results?

10. How long will the results last?

11. Are there any potential side effects?

Asking your surgeon these questions will help you feel more informed and comfortable about your decision to have plastic surgery.

Trust Your Instincts 

Choosing the right plastic surgeon is vital in ensuring you get the desired results from your plastic surgery procedure. It is crucial to research and choose a board-certified surgeon with experience performing the type of procedure you are interested in.

Once you have narrowed down your choices, it is also essential to trust your instincts. If you feel good about a particular surgeon, they will be a good fit for you. Make sure to ask plenty of questions and get all the necessary information before making your final decision.

Are you considering a plastic surgery procedure in Calgary? You don’t have to look any further than Ryan Frank. Get in touch with us by calling 403-245-1228.

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4 Plastic Surgery Procedures To Help You Age Gracefully: Healthy Aging Month

charming mature asian lady looking at camera and smiles In celebration of Healthy Aging Month, let’s look at 4 different plastic surgery procedures that can help you age gracefully. Whether you’re looking to improve your skin health or correct a physical deformity, these procedures can help you look and feel your best as you age.

What is Healthy Aging?

The aging process is different for everyone. Some people age gracefully, while others seem to age overnight. But what does it really mean to age gracefully? And is there anything we can do to promote healthy aging?

Healthy aging is relatively new, but it is quickly gaining popularity. Healthy aging is all about making lifestyle choices that will help you age in a way that is healthy and sustainable. It means making choices that will help you stay independent and active as you age. And it means taking steps to prevent age-related diseases.

How Can You Age Healthy?

So what are some of the critical things you can do to promote healthy aging? 

  • Eat a healthy diet: This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also means eating lean protein and healthy fats. 
  • Exercise regularly: This means at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise most days of the week. 
  • Keep your mind active: This means engaging in activities stimulating your brain, such as reading, crossword puzzles, and Sudoku.

You can promote healthy aging by doing these things.

4 Plastic Surgery Procedures to Help You Age Gracefully

As we age, our skin begins to lose its elasticity, and we start to see wrinkles and sagging. This is a natural part of the aging process, but it can be frustrating to look in the mirror and see signs of aging that we’d rather not see.

Fortunately, several plastic surgery procedures can help turn back the clock and help you age gracefully. Here are 4 of the most popular procedures:

  • Facelift: A facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens the skin on your face and neck, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin.
  • Botox: Botox is a minimally-invasive procedure that helps to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause them.
  • Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers are injections that plump up the skin, filling in wrinkles and fine lines.
  • Liposuction: Liposuction can help to remove unwanted fat deposits that can make you look heavier and older than you are.

If you’re considering these procedures, be sure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to see if they’re right for you.

You Can Count on Us

Would you like to age gracefully with plastic surgery? If you work with a qualified plastic surgeon, you can get through this process smoothly. Dr. Ryan Frank is the best choice. Get more information about plastic surgery and how it can be your best choice for a younger you by calling 403-245-1228.

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Plastic Surgery Mythology

Cosmetic Services CalgaryMyths are as old as mankind. The original meaning of the word was that of a traditional story, passed on from generation to generation and often explaining superhuman feats. That could be why they meaning of the word has shifted to a belief that is widely held, but false.

There are plenty of myths out there these days, such as that American beer is as good as Canadian beer! The aesthetic industry and plastic surgeons have their fair share. Here are six myths about the business that Dr. Frank would like to dispel.

Plastic surgery doesn’t leave scars

When human skin is cut, healing creates a scar. That is without exception. Talented plastics surgeons such as Dr. Frank, however, are expert at minimizing the appearance of scars by placing the incisions in inconspicuous places such as where a natural crease occurs.

Liposuction is a great weight loss tool

Nope. Liposuction is meant to remove pockets of fat that don’t respond to exercise or to diet. Things like love handles. It is not meant to be a procedure for people that are over 10% above their ideal weight. In fact, removing too much fat during liposuction is dangerous. Dr. Frank requires his liposuction patients to be within 10% of their ideal weight to have liposuction.

Breast augmentation is a one-time event

While breast implants have a longer lifespan now than they formerly did, they still have a lifespan, usually around 10 to 15 years. Plus, as the person with implants ages, her breasts will still droop with that aging. So, you will likely need another breast implant replacement procedure, and possibly a breast lift.

You can’t go out in the sun after surgery

When you live in a beautiful place such as Calgary, it would be a crime not to be able to go outside. After surgery, you should limit your sun exposure because it can delay your healing to a degree and it can make your scars redden. But, as long as you wear sunscreen, you don’t have to pretend you’re a vampire.

Liposuction isn’t permanent fat removal

Fat removed by liposuction is permanently gone from that area. We only have so many fat cells; the number is basically finished when we exit puberty. If you gain a ton of weight new fat cells can be created, but otherwise, their number is static.

Cost is all you should consider when contemplating cosmetic surgery

A procedure isn’t going to make you an entirely new person. You may have a nicer nose or rounder chest, but a procedure doesn’t make your whole life change. Unrealistic expectations make for unsatisfied patients.

Now that we’ve set those misperceptions straight, are you interested in having Dr. Frank help you turn back the clock just a bit? Call us for a consultation at (403) 245-1228.

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Debunking Cosmetic Surgery Myths

plastic surgeryAround the turn-of-the-century, the way humans went about fact-finding changed dramatically. Rather than seeking information in printed literature, or from trusted personal sources, we now tend to turn to Google to learn about everything from home decorating to medical care. We encourage our patients to find their facts in the right places. Otherwise, there is a risk of being fooled by plastic surgery myths. Here, we will set the record straight.

It is a cosmetic surgeon who should perform cosmetic plastic surgery.

This is an interesting topic, and a belief on which your entire surgical plan could go awry. A “cosmetic surgeon” is a doctor who has, in fact, been trained to perform certain procedures. However, there is no acknowledged specialty for cosmetic surgery. The specialty board certification that indicates the necessary training is in the area of plastic surgery. Dr. Frank performed rigorous residency training and plastic surgery at the University of Calgary. Additional fellowship training was obtained in the areas of  cosmetic and pediatric surgery at the University of California, San Diego. This level of training is reflected in the skills that have been consistently demonstrated throughout the numerous procedures performed on our patients.

The factor that drives cosmetic surgery is price.

This is true on one front. Certainly, you have a budget to keep in mind as you go about choosing a cosmetic plastic surgeon. However, keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to obtain the appearance you desire. This does not come from a special deal, it comes from years of training and experience on the part of your chosen physician.

Cosmetic treatment is for women.

Throughout the 20th century a great deal of change occurred. One of those changes is the idea that only women are concerned about their appearance. In the past 15 years, the number of men seeking cosmetic care from a trusted plastic surgeon has increased dramatically; to the tune of more than 200%.

There are numerous ways in which we can help you feel better about the appearance of your face and body. For more information on our services call (403) 245-1228.

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Can Older People Take Advantage of Cosmetic Surgery?

plastic surgeonAccording to a study by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (Consumer Attitude Surgery 2010), 77% of people over the age of 65 years are open to undergoing plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgery is not just for young people. Older men and women can also benefit from cosmetic surgery. More and more people over the age of 55 are going under the knife to look younger or improve their looks.

A study by the Vanderbilt University Medical Center says that senior citizens are not more at risk from plastic surgery than younger people. The most common types of cosmetic surgery done by senior citizens are face lifts, eyelid surgery, liposuction, breast reductions. Forehead lifts, breast augmentation and breast lifts are also popular, though not as much as the former. Here’s more about each of these procedures.

Most Common Cosmetic Procedures for Senior Citizens

  • Face lifts: Rhytidectomy or facelifts are performed to give the face a more youthful look. During this process, excess skin is removed and the skin given a more taut look.
  • Eyelid surgery: Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is used to correct deformities, defects and disfiguration in the eyelid. With age, the eye lids can begin to droop and this can be corrected by cosmetic surgery.
  • Liposuction: Liposuction is done to remove excess fat from areas like the sides, upper abdomen, back, thighs, neck, buttocks and other areas.
  • Breast reduction: Breast reduction or reduction mammaplasty removes excess skin and tissues from the breast, reducing and reshaping the breasts in the process.
  • Forehead lift: Browplasty or forehead lift is performed to correct sagging eyebrows.
  • Breast augmentation: Breast augmentation or augmentation mammoplasty is performed to increase the size of the breast, either through breast implants or fat transplants.

All these procedures can help senior citizens improve their confidence and self image. But before you undergo any of these procedures, please speak to your doctor carefully about the associated risks.

Interested in Learning More About Cosmetic Surgery for Seniors? Contact Dr. Ryan Frank.

For more information about hair cosmetic surgery for older patients, contact Dr. Ryan C. Frank. We are located in Calgary, Alberta. We can be directly reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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The Risks of Plastic Surgery Tourism

Plastic surgeryOver the past several years, a trend has emerged in the world of plastic surgery. An increasing number of people are traveling overseas to undergo cosmetic and medical procedures, typically at a much lower price than it would be in Canada or America. While the prospect of cheap plastic surgery may be appealing to many, medical tourism is not without its risks. In fact, undergoing surgery in another country can be dangerous and even potentially fatal. Take a look at some of dangers of plastic surgery tourism and find out why you should think twice before scheduling your trip overseas.

The Risks of Plastic Surgery Tourism

  • Potential lack of safety standards. Countries like Canada and the United States have very strict safety guidelines set in place in regards to surgery, both cosmetic and medical. Many countries, like the Dominican Republic, Mexico and the Philippines don’t have these same safety standards, which can greatly raise the risk for complications.
  • Unable to have followup appointments. One of the most important aspects of a successful plastic surgery procedure is routine followup appointments with your surgeon, to help ensure that you are healing properly. If you travel for plastic surgery, it’s unlikely that you will be able to have these appointments and no one will be able to monitor you for any potential problems.
  • Traveling can raise the risk of complications. Following a plastic surgery procedure, your surgeon will most likely recommend that you rest and take it easy for a designated period of time. Many surgeons even ask that patients avoid flying in the weeks after surgery, as it can raise the risk for certain post-surgical complications. If you have to fly back home after a procedure performed abroad, you’re leaving yourself increasingly susceptible to problems.
  • No legal protection or recourse. In a typical surgical procedure performed at home, you will likely be protected by the law against surgical negligence. If such negligence occurs outside of this country, these laws may not apply and you can be left without any legal recourse.

For More Information about the Dangers Of Plastic Surgery Tourism, Contact Dr. Ryan Frank Today.

To learn more about plastic surgery tourism, contact us 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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10 Plastic Surgery Myths, Busted!

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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Five Myths About 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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The Top 5 Cosmetic Surgery Procedures In The World

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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Breast Reduction Techniques: Which One Is Right For You?

breast reductionBreast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a solution for women who are unhappy with their appearance, or who suffer from back pain or breathing problems due to overly enlarged breasts.

This procedure involves removing excess fat, skin and breast tissue to reshape smaller breasts that are more proportionate to the rest of the body. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes about two hours.

There are a number of breast reduction techniques used by plastic surgeons, each with its own set of pros and cons. Some surgeons specialize in several techniques, so that they can tailor the procedure to each individual patient’s needs and desired outcome. The breast reduction technique used in each surgery should be chosen with care, based on a number of factors. During the consultation process, Dr. Frank carefully examines each patient and offers his recommendation on the technique that will work best and is in alignment with the patient’s goals.

Here is a guide to the three breast reduction techniques most frequently performed by Dr. Frank:

Traditional Breast Reduction

The most widely used technique, this method involves the surgeon making an anchor-shaped incision to remove fat, skin and glandular tissue from the lower breast. The incision is then closed, lifting the skin, and the nipple and areola are repositioned. This technique is ideal for women with very large breasts. However, scarring is more apparent with this method.

Vertical Incision Breast Reduction

Also known as a “lollipop” or “short scar” reduction, this technique requires the surgeon to make incisions which extend around the areola and down to the breast crease, creating a scar that resembles a lollipop shape. The vertical incision technique is ideal for women with moderately large breasts, since it creates a shapelier breast profile and the scarring is minimal. However, this technique cannot be used for women who require extensive breast tissue to be removed.

Scarless Breast Reduction

This method of reduction uses the liposuction technique to remove fatty tissue from the breast area. This procedure leaves little to no scarring, however it only removes fat cells. Therefore, the patients who would best benefit from this technique are those who have a large amount of fatty tissue as opposed to glandular tissue. This technique is commonly used on men who suffer from enlarged breasts.

Breast Reduction in Calgary

If you are interested in undergoing breast reduction surgery, contact Dr. Frank today. We can be reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you!

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