Blog

Are you unsatisfied with the appearance of your skin? Do you notice areas of discoloration or redness on your face or other areas of your body? Do you regret a tattoo and want a safe treatment option with an easy recovery? If so, the Pico Laser may be the treatment you’ve been waiting for! At the Plastic & Cosmetic Center of South Texas in San Antonio, TX, we’re proud to offer this groundbreaking laser treatment to help you achieve your aesthetic goals!

What Is the Pico Laser?

Pico Laser is a revolutionary laser treatment designed to treat a variety of concerns in the skin without causing painful, long-lasting side effects. Unlike other laser treatments, this laser uses strategic energy blasts to break pigments down into smaller pieces. This process does not burn or destroy the skin and involves little to no recovery time.

Even better, treatment can result in boosts in collagen and elastin, which provide vital structure to the skin. With different wavelength options and a range of treatment possibilities, this laser can effectively reveal your ideal image in just a few appointments.

Which Concerns Can It Treat?

The Pico Laser is able to treat a variety of common skin concerns. One of our talented doctors will help you determine whether this treatment is right for your unique situation during an initial consultation. Here are a few of the most popular concerns we can treat:

Melasma

This common concern causes dark brown or gray areas to develop on the surface of the skin. Without treatment, these patches can be difficult to conceal. Our laser treatment can break down the pigment in the skin and restore an even skin tone. 

Redness

Facial redness can be caused by minute blood vessels under the skin. This condition can often develop as you grow older. Laser treatment can reduce these blood vessels and minimize the appearance of a red undertone in the skin.

Acne Scars 

Acne scarring can cause you to feel unsatisfied with your skin long after your acne is gone. With laser treatment, the skin can be smoothed and dark scars can be faded, restoring a bright, even tone while increasing your confidence in your appearance. 

Signs of Aging

Fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots can develop as you grow older. While these side effects are a natural part of aging, you don’t need to live with them. Laser treatment can fade signs of aging to create a more youthful appearance. 

Veins

Veins often become more noticeable as you age. They can appear on the hands, legs, and other parts of the body and may seem impossible to cover. For some patients, laser treatment can reduce the appearance of veins. 

Tattoo Removal 

Tattoos are affected by aging, sun damage, and other environmental factors. Over time, they can begin to look unattractive. Traditional tattoo removal is painful and takes a long time to complete. With our laser treatment, we can target and break down any color of tattoo ink to completely erase the tattoo from the skin. Best of all, this treatment is faster and less painful than other tattoo removal options.

How Does It Work?

Consultation 

We begin with a simple consultation, which allows us to examine your areas of concern and determine whether this treatment is right for you. One of our doctors will recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your concerns and ideal results. Once you are approved for treatment, you can look forward to your first laser session.

Treatment

On the day of your appointment, we recommend that you avoid wearing makeup in the target areas. Our doctor will ensure that your skin is clean before applying a numbing agent to ensure your comfort during treatment. They will then use a handheld laser device to treat the skin with quick, high-energy laser blasts. A normal appointment takes 20-25 minutes, and you can return to your normal activities immediately after treatment with zero downtime required.

Results

Your skin will heal for 2-4 weeks, during which time you should wear a strong sunscreen and avoid direct sun exposure to protect your skin. Your doctor will help you determine how many treatments are necessary for your unique concerns. Once your treatment plan is complete and your skin has healed, you should notice a significant improvement in your areas of concern. You can expect your results to be permanent but should continue to practice good sun protection habits to keep your skin healthy.

Am I an Ideal Candidate?

If you’re an adult man or woman who is concerned about the appearance of your skin, you could be a perfect candidate. You should be generally healthy and free from any skin irritations or conditions which could interact negatively with laser treatment. If you have questions about your candidacy, one of our doctors can help you evaluate whether this treatment is right for you during your initial consultation.

Contact Us to Learn More! 

If you’re ready to learn more about Pico Laser, contact our team of experts at the Plastic & Cosmetic Center of South Texas in San Antonio, TX, to schedule an initial consultation today!

Female pattern baldness is a condition that affects over 30 million American women every year. In fact, it affects two out of three post-menopausal women. Unfortunately, thinning hair and hair loss are pain points for self-confidence in women. At the Plastic & Cosmetic Center of South Texas in San Antonio, TX, we’d like to talk to you about NeoGraft hair growth.

If you’re worried about female pattern baldness, or any other form of alopecia, NeoGraft hair growth can boost your self-esteem like you can’t even imagine.

Frequently Asked Questions About NeoGraft 

How Long Does It Take to See NeoGraft Hair Growth? 

On average, it takes between four and six months to see NeoGraft hair growth. However, everyone grows hair at a different rate based on several factors, These include genetics, nutrition, hormone levels, and stress. Therefore, you may see hair growing from the transplanted follicles after 3.5 months or 6.5 months.

How Long Will It Take to See the Final Results? 

The most important thing to understand is that NeoGraft hair growth, just like any other kind of hair growth, takes time. While you may be chomping at the bit once you see the initial results at four or five months, don’t feel discouraged if it takes between 12 and 18 months to see the final results. This is to be expected and just part of the hair growth process.

Do I Have Enough Hair for Grafting? 

The only way to determine if you have enough hair for grafting is to schedule a consultation. We will evaluate the density of your hair in other areas while considering your aesthetic goals. At the end of the day, your aesthetic will still be improved even if you don’t have “enough” working hair follicles for grafting and transplantation.

One of the most exciting things about NeoGraft is over 95% of the transplanted follicles survive. This is in stark contrast to the old-fashioned hair replacement procedure which offers only a survival rate of around 47.3%. This means, for traditional hair transplantation, you would need more than twice the density of healthy hair follicles than are required with NeoGraft.  

How Many Sessions Will I Need? 

The number of sessions you will need depends on how much hair loss you have already experienced. If you are covering only a small area of baldness, you may only need one or two sessions. Contrastingly, if you are trying to cover most of your head, you will need many treatment sessions.

What Can I Expect During the Procedure? 

During the procedure, you will experience no pain or discomfort. We use a local anesthetic to ensure that you don’t feel a thing during the grafting or transplantation process. If you’d like, we can also provide you with sedation to ease any uneasiness you are feeling. Most of our clients fall asleep. However, you are free to read or watch TV.

During the harvesting process, a specialized handpiece will apply gentle pressure to the donor area to extract thousands of healthy follicles. Then, we will create tiny holes in the recipient area and gently place the healthy, functioning hair follicles in these holes. That’s it. After about a week, these hair follicles will have successfully taken hold and will start to grow hair.

How Long Do the Results Last? 

The results of NeoGraft hair restoration are permanent. Once the transplanted follicles have taken hold, they will grow just like the other hair follicles on the top of your head. As long as you keep your stress levels under control and do not suffer from temporary alopecia, you will not experience diminished results.

Will People Know That I’ve Had Work Done? 

Absolutely not. There will be no visible scabbing, scarring, or incisions. The transplanted hair follicles are grafted from your own body. After around a year, the hair that has grown will look like your hair because it is your hair. Nobody will know that you have had “work done” unless you tell them. More importantly, the results look natural because they are.

Can I Drive Home After the Procedure? 

After the procedure, you are free to drive yourself home if you have only received a local anesthetic. However, sedation will make you drowsy. Therefore, you must arrange for a ride home after your procedure if you receive oral sedation before your procedure.

What Can I Expect After the Procedure? 

After your procedure, you are free to go home. Because general anesthesia is not used, there is no need for an observation period after your procedure. You are free to go home. A mere 24 hours after your procedure, you are free to return to your usual daily activities, such as washing your hair. Just be gentle for the first seven days post-op.

When Can I Return to Work? 

This depends on the type of work you do. If you have an office job, you are free to return to work the day after your procedure. If, on the other hand, you have a manual labor job, you may want to take two to three days off of work. Just listen to your body. You’ll know when you are ready to return to work.

Some clients think this is the perfect opportunity to schedule a full week off of work. It is a lot easier to rest and relax when you don’t have to worry about all the work you have to catch up on the next day. If you’d like, ask your supervisor if you can take five vacation days. Whether you go on vacation or not is up to you, but you’ll probably enjoy your ‘recovery” more.

When Can I Resume Strenuous Exercise? 

We understand how important strenuous exercise is to your quality of life and aesthetic. However, we strongly encourage our clients to avoid strenuous exercise for seven days post-op. This gives the transplanted hairs time to take hold without being put under undue stress. In fact, we ask that you minimize any activities that can elevate blood pressure.

What Activities Can Elevate Blood Pressure?

Any cardiovascular or strength training exercise that results in difficulty holding a conversation can elevate your blood pressure. Moderate exercise, such as walking, jogging, running, or spinning at a moderate pace is fine. In fact, walking is encouraged because it supports your cardiovascular system and helps nutrients get to your scalp.

Other activities that can elevate your blood pressure include consuming an excess of spicy foods, over 200 mg of caffeine, over two grams of sodium per day, and exposing yourself to extreme heat. For example, you should avoid saunas, tanning beds, steam rooms, and long, steaming hot showers and baths.

Can I Wear a Hat After My Procedure? 

Yes. Wearing a hat after your procedure will not put undue pressure on your scalp. However, wearing a cover on your head is not required to protect your transplanted hair follicles from the damaging rays of the sun. If you don’t want to wear a hat, limit your exposure outdoors between 10 and 4 when the sun’s rays are at its strongest.

If you work outdoors during those hours, we strongly encourage you to apply sunscreen to your scalp every four hours that you are working. If you have darker skin, you can get away with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen. However, if you have a fairer skin tone, you will need at least a sun protection factor of 55.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Loss

What Causes Hair Loss in the First Place? 

Any number of things can cause hair loss. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis for the cause of your hair loss because if the root cause is not addressed, the condition will recur. Perhaps the most overlooked cause of hair loss in women is their preferred hairstyle. Braids, cornrows, and tight ponytails can all cause traction alopecia and this damage can be permanent.

Exposure to toxic substances, such as certain pharmaceuticals, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy can cause a temporary type of alopecia known as manager effluvium. This type of hair loss affects the hair while it is in the growth stage. Other causes of hair loss in women include alopecia areata and genetics.

How Do My Genes Affect My Hair? 

Genes are responsible for the most common type of hair loss, female pattern baldness. Women can experience this kind of hair loss at any point in their lives. However, it usually rears its ugly head when estrogen levels drop around the time of menopause. Understanding if this is the cause of your hair loss is important because it can recur if your hormones are not also addressed.

Which Women Have the Highest Risk of Developing Hair Loss? 

Just because you wear your hair down even on the hottest San Antonio days does not mean you are safe from hair loss. Women who have recently given birth are at extremely high risk of developing temporary alopecia due to stress.

Women who are 41 and older are at higher risk of developing permanent follicle damage due to hormonal deficiencies. Finally, women who are taking certain medications, such as chemotherapy, are at high risk of developing hair loss.

How Breast Augmentation Can Boost Your Self-Esteem

At our clinic in San Antonio, we also offer breast augmentation: another great way to boost your self-esteem. You can choose between several sizes, shapes, and textures for your augmentation. The best part is you don’t have to look or feel “plastic.” Sometimes, all you want is to correct asymmetry due to weight loss, breastfeeding, or an illness. Dr. Jeneby can even add volume to just one breast.

If you think enhancing your breasts, as well as the volume of your hair, will help you achieve your aesthetic goals, please call to request an appointment. Dr. Jeneby is more than happy to meet you in person for a consultation or provide you with a virtual consultation. Just let us know your preference when you call.

Discover How to Boost Your Self-Esteem Today

If you are experiencing hair loss at a rate that you have never experienced in the past, you may benefit from NeoGraft hair growth. It takes about four to six months to see the initial results and roughly 12 to 18 months to see the final results. However, the healthier your hair and body are, the faster you will see the results.

To determine if you are a good candidate for NeoGraft hair growth, you need a quick, accurate diagnosis of the cause of your hair loss. To learn more about this life-changing procedure, or to meet with Dr. Thomas T. Jeneby for a professional consultation on breast augmentation in San Antonio or any other treatment you’re interested in, please contact us at the Plastic & Cosmetic Center of South Texas in San Antonio, TX today to schedule your initial consultation.

Millions of Americans are frustrated with the appearance of stubborn body fat. Luckily, modern technology has given us a wealth of options for ridding ourselves of stubborn body fat. In addition to offering plastic surgery options like breast augmentation in San Antonio, at the Plastic & Cosmetic Center of South Texas in San Antonio, TX, we offer two popular body sculpting options: smart liposuction and Coolsculpting. Smart lipo vs Coolsculpting: which is better for you?

Before we can help you decide between smart lipo vs Coolsculpting, we first have to examine how each one works. They are very different treatments, each with their own pros and cons.

What Is Smart Lipo?

Smart liposuction, also knows as laser liposuction, is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive procedure that works a bit like a scaled-down version of traditional liposuction. Where liposuction uses vacuum suction to remove fat, smart lipo uses heat to melt fat before it’s siphoned out.

The treatment starts with a local anesthetic. Once the area of treatment is numb, a tiny incision is made. A fiber optic laser is inserted into the incision; this laser liquifies the fat. After that, a small tube called a cannula is used to suck the fat out from under the skin. This technique allows for hyper-targeted fat reduction, and the heat even has a beneficial side effect: it can stimulate the production of collagen. Collagen is the compound that keeps skin firm, so unlike with traditional liposuction, there are no worries about sagging skin post-treatment.

At the Plastic & Cosmetic Center of South Texas, we offer smart lipo in the form of a treatment called TightLase.

What Is Coolsculpting?

Where smart lipo uses heat to melt fat, Coolsculpting goes in the opposite direction and uses cold. Fat cells freeze at a slightly higher temperature than the skin and muscle that surrounds them, which means that with careful application of cold temperatures we can literally freeze away stubborn body fat.

Coolsculpting is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that uses a specialized device to apply cold temperatures to the area of treatment. An applicator is placed on the targeted area. At the start of the treatment, you’re likely to feel cold temperatures and a sucking or pulling sensation. The area is soon numbed, though, and for the rest of the treatment, you’ll feel very little. There is no anesthesia, local or otherwise, involved, and when the treatment is done you can go right back to your daily routine.

We also offer Coolsculpting treatments at the Plastic & Cosmetic Center of South Texas.

Smart Lipo vs Coolsculpting

Between these two treatments, which is more effective? Which better suits your cosmetic goals and your lifestyle? In this section, we’ll break down the key elements of each body sculpting treatment to help you pick your winner in the battle of smart lipo vs Coolsculpting.

Effectiveness

Both treatments are highly effective. One Coolsculpting treatment can remove up to 23% of the fat from the targeted area, effectively reshaping it. Smart lipo can remove even more fat: up to five liters, depending on the amount of fat present and the size of the area being treated. Smart lipo can actually remove enough fat for a noticeable reduction in weight, though it should be noted that weight loss is not the primary reason anyone should undergo a smart lipo treatment.

When it comes to the speed of results, smart lipo again bests Coolsculpting. Patients can expect to see results from smart lipo in as little as a week, while Coolsculpting can take three weeks for results to begin to become visible and three to four months before the final results take shape. This is because, while smart lipo removes fat outright, Coolsculpting just freezes and kills the fat cells and leaves the body to break down and metabolize them. This process takes time.

Duration of Results

The results of both smart lipo and Coolsculpting are intended to be permanent. This is due to how fat cells work in the human body. Rather than creating new fat cells when we gain weight or destroying them when we lose weight, the body just stores more or less fat in its existing fat cells. In fact, the number of fat cells in our bodies stays more or less the same once we exit adolescence. It’s very difficult to destroy fat cells through diet and exercise alone; this is one of the main reasons some pockets of body fat are so tough to get rid of.

Because the body almost never creates new fat cells in adulthood, killing and/or removing them with smart lipo or Coolsculpting gets rid of them for good. The only reason results might not be permanent is because these treatments inevitably leave some fat cells behind. In the event of weight gain, those remaining cells will expand, resulting in the reappearance of body fat. If you live a healthy lifestyle though, this won’t be a concern.

Duration of Treatment

Smart lipo treatments take an average of one hour per targeted area, depending on both the amount of fat present and the size of the targeted area itself. It can take longer if there is a large volume of fat in the targeted area, for example. Coolsculpting takes anywhere from 35 minutes to one hour per targeted area, again depending on where that targeted area is.

Number of Treatments Required

Most people will only require one smart lipo treatment to achieve their desired results in their targeted area. Of course, if you plan to target multiple areas you might need more than one treatment to do so. Coolsculpting, on the other hand, can require multiple treatments to achieve the best results. Because it can remove up to 23% of fat in an area per treatment, you might require two or three treatments total to see a 50% fat reduction.

Post-Treatment Downtime

As mentioned above, Coolsculpting usually requires zero downtime for recovery. You can get your treatment and go right back to your day with no one the wiser. You may experience some tingling as the treated area thaws out, but that’s about it.

Smart lipo, as a minimally invasive treatment, requires some downtime. Experts usually recommend two to four days of rest and downtime post-treatment, and patients should wait for three weeks before resuming any strenuous activities like lifting weights.

Cost

The cost for both treatments varies based on a number of factors. For smart lipo, it can range from around $2500 to $4500 per targeted area. Smaller areas like the thighs and chin cost less, while larger areas like the lower and upper stomach cost more.

Individual Coolsculpting treatments are usually a little less expensive, but their cost also depends on the size of the targeted area and the applicator used to treat it. A treatment with a smaller applicator can cost as little as $750, while the largest applicators can cost around $1500. The smaller applicators, as you might expect, are used on a smaller area like the upper arms or chin, while the larger applicators are used on larger areas like the abdomen. Because many people require multiple Coolsculpting treatments, the total cost averages between $2000 to $4000, depending on the area being treated.

Who Are These Treatments for?

Most people in good health are candidates for both treatments. The ideal candidate for both is someone in good overall shape but who has a spot or two of stubborn body fat that they want to get rid of. People who are overweight and want to lose weight are not candidates. It must be noted that these are aesthetic treatments and not suitable solutions for weight loss. If you want to lose weight, you should speak to your doctor and formulate a diet and exercise plan that works for you.

There are a few other conditions that rule people out from undergoing these treatments.

Smart Lipo

Smart lipo might not be the best body contouring solution for you if you:

• Have recently had surgery
• Take anticoagulants
• Have a pacemaker or defibrillator
• Have heart disease or a heart condition
• Have insulin-dependent diabetes

There are other conditions that may prevent someone from undergoing this treatment. If you have questions, speak to us to learn more.

Coolsculpting

Coolsculpting might not be the best option for you if you:

• Have a current or past hernia in the targeted area of treatment
• Have lymphoma or another lymphatic disorder
• Have a neuropathic condition, such as diabetic neuropathy
• Have a clotting disorder
• Have a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis in the targeted area

Just like with smart lipo, there are other conditions that may prevent someone from being a good candidate for Coolsculpting. If you’re wondering if it’s right for you, contact us to find out.

Smart Lipo vs Coolsculpting: Which Is Right for You?

Both smart lipo and Coolsculpting are FDA-approved and proven to be safe, effective ways of treating stubborn body fat that won’t respond to diet and exercise. Both offer a permanent solution to this frustrating fat, either by destroying the fat cells or removing them from the body entirely, for people who lead a healthy lifestyle. There are some key differences, however, that can help you decide which is the better overall body contouring solution for you.

Speed and Fat Removal

Coolsculpting’s lack of downtime for recovery is one of its key selling points. If you’d rather have a one-hour treatment and go back to your normal day, Coolsculpting might win out over smart lipo, which requires at least two days’ rest and three weeks of refraining from strenuous activities.

If, on the other hand, you’d rather take a couple days’ worth of downtime away from work rather than have multiple Coolsculpting treatments, smart lipo might be a better solution. Smart lipo’s ability to remove more fat in one sitting gives it the edge over Coolsculpting in this way.

Cost

The average cost for both treatments is roughly similar. If, however, you want to target a smaller area like the chin and remove just a small amount of fat, Coolsculpting might be cheaper. If you want to target a larger area and remove more fat, smart lipo might be more cost-effective. The best option for you will always depend upon the goals you want to achieve.

Call Us Today!

Smart lipo and Coolsculpting are both great options when it comes to melting away a belly bulge or a double chin. If you’re still undecided, call us at the Plastic & Cosmetic Center of South Texas in San Antonio, TX today! We can schedule your initial consultation and help you decide which of these two highly effective treatments is right for you.

Pregnancy, natural childbirth, nursing and other factors can cause your body to change after having children. However, a healthy diet and regular exercise are often not enough to give you back your ideal aesthetic. At the Plastic & Cosmetic Center of South Texas in San Antonio, TX, we believe you should be comfortable and confident in your skin, regardless of how many children you have, and you can get back your confidence with a mommy makeover.

What Is Included in a Mommy Makeover?

What will be included in your mommy makeover depends on the aesthetic goals you are trying to achieve. No two women are alike. Dr. Thomas T. Jeneby will meet with you to review your aesthetic goals and create a customized plan to help you achieve the look of your dreams. Among the most popular procedures and treatments included in a mommy makeover are those focused on improving the breasts, abdomen, buttocks and upper arms.

Breast Improvement

Among the most popular procedures included in a mommy makeover are those focused on improving the appearance of the breasts. Some women feel they need a breast lift in combination with a breast augmentation. Other women feel more confident about their bodies after a breast lift combined with a breast reduction. If you are looking to improve the appearance of your breasts after pregnancy and nursing, Dr. Thomas T. Jeneby has a solution for you.

What Can I Expect From Breast Augmentation in San Antonio, TX?

Breast augmentation in San Antonio can seem overwhelming because there are so many things to consider. What type of implant do you want? What shape will best help you achieve your ideal aesthetic? How much volume are you looking to add to your breasts? Should the implants be placed above or below the muscle? What incision pattern are you most comfortable with?

At the Plastic & Cosmetic Center of South Texas in San Antonio, TX, Dr. Thomas T. Jeneby makes things simple and stress-free. During your initial consultation, he will review your aesthetic goals, lifestyle and current body shape. Then he will help you decide which shape would enhance your aesthetic the best. He will ensure that the size increase you want will not make your new contours disproportionate to the rest of your body. He will even advise you on which textures are the most attractive and which materials are the safest and have the lowest maintenance requirements.

Vaginal Rejuvenation

Childbirth is one of the leading causes of the structure of the vagina changing. While there are feminine rejuvenation procedures, like vaginoplasty and labiaplasty, you may also include a non-invasive vaginal rejuvenation treatment, such as IntimaLase, to gently restore the structure of your vaginal walls.

This revolutionary non-ablative laser treatment coagulates existing collagen fibers and increases collagen production. This tightens the vaginal canal and drastically enhances sexual satisfaction. While alternative laser and injection treatments can cause discomfort or pain and require extensive healing, there is no downtime associated with IntimaLase.

Upper Arm Improvement

With pregnancy comes weight gain. Some of that weight gain results in the fat cells in your upper arms expanding. When you lose your baby weight, you risk both sagging skin and excess skin. Many women choose to include an arm lift in their mommy makeover to tighten and reshape the skin and muscle tissues of the upper arm. Moreover, excess skin is often used to remove excess skin, and excess fat can either be reduced with liposuction or excised.

Buttocks Improvement

Another common region of the body mothers seek to improve is the buttocks. Buttocks improvement can come in many forms. For example, some women feel they need a butt lift. Others benefit the most from a Brazilian butt lift. If you’re self-conscious about the shape of your butt or the way your skin hangs off your buttocks, you may be a good candidate for a procedure designed to lift, augment or reshape your buttocks.

Brazilian Butt Lift

The phrase “Brazilian butt lift” is a bit of a misnomer. Rather than “lifting” your butt, it enhances the butt’s aesthetic by reshaping the silhouette and adding a bit of girth to your buttocks. While some surgeons use silicone implants to augment the buttocks, Dr. Thomas T. Jeneby uses fat grafted from your problem areas to help you add volume while contouring another part of your body. Most commonly, women choose to have fat removed from their hips, thighs or abdomen via liposuction before it is cleaned and prepared for transfer to your buttocks.

There are many advantages to a Brazilian butt lift over a traditional butt augmentation. There is no risk of an allergic reaction or other negative reaction because your butt is being augmented by your own fat rather than a foreign material. Moreover, it allows you to reduce fat from a part of your body that you can’t budge fat from. This can achieve everything from improving your self-confidence to making it easier to find clothes that fit properly.

Tummy Tuck

Pregnancy can wreak havoc on your abdomen. On average, pregnant women put 10 to 12.5 pounds of fat onto their abdomen. This rapid, drastic weight gain can result in excess skin or sagging skin that does not rebound with time. Moreover, pregnancy can lead to such medical conditions as a ventral hernia or stress urinary incontinence. A traditional tummy tuck is an incredibly effective method for repairing the damage caused by ventral hernias. A mini-abdominoplasty is often used to reverse the triggers of stress urinary incontinence.

Mini Tuck

A mini tuck is one of the most common aesthetic services chosen by mothers. This procedure uses a short incision at or just above the pubic region. It is similar to the incision made for a cesarean section. However, it is much more discrete. This procedure is used primarily to tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin below the navel. However, many clients have enough fat in the region that they benefit from an additional liposuction procedure performed at the same time.

Traditional Tuck

A traditional tuck is a bit more extensive than a mini tuck. It addresses excess fat and skin both below and above the navel. During a traditional tummy tuck, the abdominal walls are sewn back together and tightened. This gives your entire stomach a flatter, more toned appearance. Tightened abdominal muscles can improve posture and drastically decrease back pain caused by lordosis resulting from poor posture.

During your initial consultation, we will discuss your aesthetic goals to determine which iteration of the procedure is right for you. However, if you have a history of keloid scarring, you may be a better candidate for a mini tuck. The incision created is much smaller and made at the bikini line where it is very rarely visible. Moreover, you are a better candidate for a mini tuck if you have tight skin above the navel. A little “give” in the skin is necessary to make a viable incision.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a cosmetic body contouring procedure designed to re-sculpt your contours by removing excess deposits of fat. This procedure can be performed just about anywhere, including the inner and outer thighs, upper and lower abdomen, flanks, upper arms, beneath the chin, at the bra line, the upper and lower back, the buttocks and the neck. If you have around an inch of pinchable fat, there’s a good chance the SmartLipo laser can sculpt your ideal body.

About the SmartLipo Laser

Dr. Jeneby uses the FDA-approved SmartLipo laser to assist in liposuction. This quick, simple, powerful procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and the SmartLipo device has permanently changed the liposuction landscape. This revolutionary technology allows clients to remove fat from trouble regions quickly and without stitches or pain.

How SmartLipo Works

The SmartLipo laser was designed specifically to make liposuction safer, more effective and more efficient than ever before. The procedure starts with the creation of a tiny incision in the targeted region where a cannula (thin tube) with a laser fiber is inserted. This laser fiber produces thermal energy which heats up the treatment site. With time, the treatment site is heated to the point that the excess adipose tissue is liquified and easy to be removed. Finally, the fat is removed via gentle, powerful suction.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Unless your liposuction is being performed in concert with other procedures that involve general anesthesia, you will be awake during the procedure. The local area is anesthetized to ensure you are comfortable. However, there is no need for general anesthesia or sedation. While you will not feel any pain or discomfort, you may feel a bit of pressure. On average, the procedure is over in 90 to 120 minutes. However, this depends significantly on how many areas you are treating and the size of the area or areas.

Timeline of Results

The results of liposuction are considered to be immediate because the excess fat cells are immediately removed from the treatment sites. However, your results will continue to improve gradually over the course of three to six months. Therefore, you will look like you are losing weight naturally without the help of a cosmetic surgeon.

What Results to Expect

The results you can expect from this procedure depend on several factors, including how much fat you have in the targeted site and your BMI. On average, only 10 to 12 pounds of excess fat and fluid can be removed safely during one procedure. Therefore, you may be able to lose six pounds from your abdomen, two pounds from your chest and two pounds from your upper arms. Typically, clients enjoy a 25 to 40% reduction in localized fat after each session.

Candidates for Laser-Assisted Liposuction

If you have a region or regions of your body with pockets of excess fat, there is an excellent chance that you are a good candidate for this procedure. In general, the only people who are poor candidates for this procedure are over 30 pounds away from their goal weight or not confident that they can maintain their ideal weight. However, the only way you can know for sure if this procedure is right for you is to come in for a consultation with Dr. Jeneby.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

Motherhood may be the best decision you have ever made. But it can be hard to feel confident with your post-natal aesthetic. Do you want to learn more about a mommy makeover or find out if it is right for you? Contact us at Plastic & Cosmetic Center of South Texas in San Antonio, TX today to schedule your initial consultation. We can’t wait to meet you and help you get back the body of your dreams.

Our bodies are constantly changing shape, whether due to the effects of aging, significant weight gain or loss, or just genetics. Sometimes our bodies change in satisfying ways, and other times not. If time has left you dissatisfied with the look of your butt, you can enhance your physique and feel more confident than ever before with a Brazilian butt lift. Call the Plastic & Cosmetic Center of South Texas in San Antonio, TX today to discuss your options with a qualified aesthetic surgeon.

How Long Does a Brazilian Butt Lift Last?

The Brazilian butt lift procedure is intended to be a permanent change. Once a successful fat transfer has been performed, the fat that remains should stay there for the rest of your life. It will grow and age with you just like the rest of the tissues in your body. If any implants have been placed, they will not need to eventually be removed.

The procedure is popular for a reason: it provides results that last. However, it’s extremely important that you make any necessary lifestyle changes geared toward the maintenance of your new body. You should never endeavor to undergo significant weight loss after autologous fat transfer to your buttocks unless you absolutely have to. If weight loss is part of your aesthetic goals, make sure you do it before you get the procedure done.

Who Should Consider a Brazilian Butt Lift?

There are a number of people who may want to consider undergoing a procedure to enhance their backside. If your buttocks are too small for your frame and you desire a more balanced look, butt augmentation should be considered. If genetics has given you buttocks that are flat or too square and you desire a more curvaceous appearance, or if extreme weight loss or aging has left your buttocks loose, sagging, or flat, you may be an excellent candidate for the procedure.

What Are Your Surgical Options?

The Brazilian butt lift is far and away the most popular method for contouring and enhancing your buttocks. It involves what’s known as autologous fat transfer, or using the patient’s own body fat, to shape and contour the buttocks. For those who desire additional contouring, gluteal implant surgery can be an option.

The Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure

During an autologous fat transfer, fat from one place in your body is removed and used to shape and enhance your buttocks. The procedure involves liposuction with suction tubes that removes fatty tissue from the donor site. These are places in your body that generally have excess fatty tissue, such as the belly, thighs, upper arms, and love handles.

Post-Removal Fat Processing

After being removed from the donor site, the fat will be processed for transfer. Syringes are filled with your body fat and then connected to cannulas (specialized needles used for liposuction procedures) which are used to inject it. Three to five small incisions are created for injecting the fat and are strategically placed in areas that will otherwise be covered up with clothing. The fat is then grafted to your buttocks in layers at multiple levels as the cannula moves back and forth to ensure a smooth, linear deposit of fatty tissue.

Concluding the Procedure

Once the fat transfer is complete, the incisions will be closed with sutures, drainage tubes will be inserted, and a compression garment will be fitted to be used while you recover.

Not all of the fat that is transferred from the donor site to your buttocks is intended to survive in its new location. In some cases, the final result ends up a little smaller than initially projected. That being the case, repeat procedures are sometimes advised in order to achieve your desired results.

Despite its name, the procedure is focused primarily on improving the contours of your body, reducing back rolls, and providing you with a more curvaceous figure. Typically, no skin is removed during this type of procedure and the “lift” that is experienced is due to an increase in the outward projection of the buttocks.

Buttock Implants

Sometimes, a patient’s desired results exceed what can be done with a Brazilian butt lift. Other times, a patient simply doesn’t have enough extra body fat to make a significant difference in their buttocks via autologous fat transfer. For patients in these situations, buttock implants are sometimes recommended to treat flat or poorly-defined buttocks.

During this procedure, a soft, shaped silicone implant will be placed inside the body through an incision your surgeon creates inside the natural crease of the buttocks. There are other eligible locations for your incision, though this location is the easiest to hide. You and your plastic surgeon can discuss these other optional sites during your consultation.

After making the incision, your surgeon will position the implant in a pocket below the large gluteal muscle and above the pelvic bone. Once your surgeon is satisfied with the positioning of the implants, the incisions are closed with sutures, drains are inserted, and you will get instructions about wearing compression garments for a while.

How to Decide Between Your Options

The butt lift and buttock implants are the two main procedures you can undergo to improve and augment your buttocks. Based on your stated aesthetic goals and your current body shape, your surgeon will recommend how best to move forward. Generally, if you have adequate fat deposits for autologous fat transfer and you desire contouring, reshaping, and enlargement of your buttocks, the butt lift is your go-to option. However, if you want a more rounded shape to your buttocks and lack the requisite excess fatty tissue, your surgeon may recommend implants.

What Happens at Your Initial Consultation?

During your initial consultation, you will discuss your cosmetic goals with us. We will evaluate you as a candidate for surgery and clearly explain to you what the procedure can and cannot do for you. As your surgeon obtains a better understanding of your goals and condition, they may suggest additional treatments or procedures to better achieve the results you want.

Your Physical Examination

A physical examination will occur in which your surgeon will examine your buttocks, taking note of their size and shape and the quality of the skin. Your surgeon will use this information to assess what kind of augmentation may be appropriate according to your stated goals and your body type. If an autologous fat transfer is decided on, appropriate fat donor sites will also be evaluated.

It’s important that you inform your surgeon regarding your complete medical history, including information about any and all previous surgeries (whether medical or cosmetic). They will also need to be informed about any past or present medical conditions, allergies to any medications, and any prior history of injections into the buttocks.

Post-Surgery Weight Loss

If you have any plans to lose weight in the future, you should mention it to your surgeon at your initial consultation. If significant weight loss is in your future, your surgeon may recommend that you lose the weight first before undergoing a Brazilian butt lift. Your results will be highly dependent on a stable weight. Dramatic weight loss can significantly affect your long-term results.

How Should You Prepare for Your Procedure?

Before your procedure, we will answer any and all questions you have regarding your procedure. We will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions, take a medical history and perform a physical exam to ensure you’re fit for surgery.

Some patients need to make a few lifestyle changes in order to minimize the chances of complications during and after the procedure. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, we will advise you to quit at least six weeks before undergoing surgery since it can complicate healing. You should also stop taking aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs, supplements, or treatments. Hydration is extremely important both before and after surgery. Your surgeon will advise you regarding how much water you should be drinking.

The Day of Your Procedure

The procedures take anywhere from two to three hours to complete, though they can sometimes take longer if large amounts of fat are being removed.

Considerations for Your Comfort

You’ll receive medications before your procedure to enhance your comfort. General anesthesia is often used during buttock augmentation, but local anesthesia or intravenous sedation are also options. Monitors will be set up to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse, and the amount of oxygen in your blood during the procedure.

Commencing the Procedure

Once everything has been set up and your medications and anesthesia have been administered, your surgeon will follow the surgical plan you discussed before the procedure. Once it’s complete, you will be taken to a recovery area to be monitored while you rest. Drains will be in place already and, if you’ve had an autologous fat transfer, a compression garment will be placed over the liposuction sites as well as your buttocks.

Most often, patients are allowed to go home after a short period of observation. It’s very important to make plans with someone before your procedure to take you home afterward and provide you with aftercare while you heal.

Your Aftercare and Recovery

Your surgeon will advise you regarding the duration of time you need to relax before you can return to your normal routine. You and your caregiver will receive detailed instructions on how to care for you after the procedure, which will include information about the drains and how to care for them as well as what normal symptoms of healing you’ll experience.

Your Care Immediately After the Procedure

The incision sites your surgeon used to insert the cannula during liposuction and/or insert implants may drain fluids for several days. Drainage tubes are often used to channel fluid away from the wound. Your surgeon will give you more information about the drainage.

You will need to continue wearing your compression garments to keep your newly shaped buttocks compressed while you heal. How long you’ll need to wear them will depend on a lot, but your doctor will fill you in when you speak. Some surgeons will provide these garments for you while others do not. Regardless, they are very important.

Learn More

If you’re dissatisfied with your appearance due to aging, weight gain or loss, or genetics, and you want a fuller, sexier, more contoured buttocks, then the Brazilian butt lift procedure may be for you. Of course, there are many cosmetic options from which you can choose aside from (or in addition to) a butt lift, such as breast augmentation. In case you’re not aware of breast augmentation San Antonio and what it can do to augment your physique, a qualified medical professional is available at our office who can provide you with all the information you need.

If you have questions about what cosmetic surgery can do for you, call us at the Plastic & Cosmetic Center of South Texas in San Antonio, TX at 210-890-2415 to discuss your options today.