The Valley Institute of Plastic Surgery offers a complete range of cosmetic procedures and services. To learn more about a particular procedure, click on a topic below:
Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation is a surgical procedure used to increase the size and/or alter the shape of a woman's breasts through the use of an artificial implant. Women may choose to have this operation either as a reconstructive technique following breast surgery, to balance different sized breasts, or to enhance the contours of the body. Whatever the specific purpose, women who undergo breast augmentation can expect larger, firmer, and more visually satisfying breasts.
The Surgery
The surgery begins with an incision, made either in the crease of
the breast, the armpit, or the perimeter of the areola (the dark skin
surrounding the nipple). The placement of the incision will vary according
to body type and the specifics of each procedure. The surgeon enters
through the incision and creates a pocket, either underneath the breast
tissue or under the chest wall muscle. The implant is placed in either
location, centered directly behind the nipple. Finally, the original
incision is sutured.
After Surgery
Once the incisions have been closed and taped, the breasts are wrapped
and supported by a gauze bandage. Patients are fitted with a surgical
bra that provides support for up to several weeks. Postoperative fatigue,
soreness, and discomfort may be greatly reduced through medication.
Swelling gradually subsides and becomes undetectable in a month's
time. Stitches are removed within seven to ten days.
Health Concerns
As with any surgical procedure, complications, although rare, do exist.
The biggest fear is a leak in the surgical implant. The FDA currently
prohibits the use of silicone filled implants except for women involved
in specific medical studies. Therefore, in a normal procedure, a leak
would involve only a saline water solution. Capsular contraction (a
tightening of the scar or capsule surrounding the implant) can occur
following a breast augmentation procedure. If this happens, the surgeon
either "scores" the scar tissue or removes the implant and
re-inserts another. Other complications include excessive bleeding
and infection in the area surrounding the implant. Scars may be evident
for several months but gradually fade. In some cases, the nipples
may become hypersensitive or under sensitive for a period of time
after the surgery. In rare instances, the breasts may produce milk
for several days afterwards. To maximize the success of surgery and
minimize the risk of complication, always follow your doctor's instructions
for surgical preparation and postoperative care.
Botox
No matter how well skin is preserved and pampered, everyone eventually develops facial wrinkles. Fortunately, there are a number of options available to remove the lines that accompany aging. Botox is perhaps the easiest of all these options. Botox is an extremely quick approach to softening or removing the natural wrinkles between the eyes (frown lines), on the forehead, at the sides of the eyes (crow's feet), or at the base of the nose (glabellar frown lines).
What is Botox
Botox is a purified protein toxin that is derived from a specific
form of bacteria. It was originally utilized as a remedy for neck
and facial spasms, but in the last decade it has been used effectively
to remove facial wrinkles.
How Botox is Used
Each day, the muscles between the eyes (frown lines) and on the outside
of the eyes (crow's feet) contract many times. Over time, these muscle
contractions create "creases" or wrinkles in the skin. To
remove these wrinkles, Botox is injected through a very small needle
into the muscles that cause these contractions. Botox essentially
impedes the nerve impulse from reaching these muscles. Gradually,
the muscles relax and the facial wrinkles soften or disappear. Patients
may experience a slight discomfort when the needle is inserted and
the Botox injected, but this only lasts approximately five to seven
seconds. The entire treatment is performed in the physician's office
and lasts 10 to 15 minutes.
Once the Botox Treatment is Complete
In the majority of cases, patients return to their normal routines
the same day. The muscles relax within a few days of the Botox injection,
causing wrinkles to either lessen or to disappear completely. The
muscles remain in a relaxed state for three to five months. Further
treatment is necessary to erase returning wrinkles. After several
treatments, the length of time that Botox is effective can increase,
sometimes lasting up to eight months.
Health Concerns
Botox has been used to diminish facial wrinkles for a number of years
and exhibits very few side effects. Although it causes a temporary
paralysis of the muscle, it does not affect the nerve, so numbness
does not occur. Immediately after the treatment, Botox can spread
slightly and possibly lead to a temporary drooping of surrounding
muscles. Because of this, patients should avoid rubbing the treated
area for 10-15 hours following surgery. If drooping does occur, the
surrounding muscles typically return to normal within a couple of
weeks. In very rare instances, a blood vessel may burst, causing a
temporary black and blue area. Patients who are pregnant or have been
diagnosed with a neurological disease should refrain from having this
procedure performed.
Liposuction
Inherited traits often prevent people from achieving their desired body shape. Even years of exercise may not yield significant or noticeable results in certain people. For many, the answer is liposuction, a surgical procedure which extracts fat from specific areas of the body. Following the procedure, patients can expect a slimmer, more shapely figure.
The Surgery
The surgeon begins by inserting a cannula (a slim, hollow tube) into
small incisions near the area to be recontoured. The cannula is moved
through the layers of tissue and extracts the necessary fat. Once
the fat and tissue have been removed, the surgeon stitches the incision
and trims away excess skin. Several techniques exist. The super-wet
technique involves an injection of fluid into the patient's body,
roughly the same amount as the fat to be extracted. The tumescent
technique involves an injection of double or even triple the amount
of fluid. In UAL (Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty), a specially designed
cannula uses ultrasound to liquefy the fat and suction it away. Except
in the most extreme cases, procedures are performed on an outpatient
basis. Your surgeon will suggest the most appropriate form of anesthesia
(epidural block, intravenous sedation, local, or general anesthesia).
After the Surgery
Following surgery, an elastic bandage is applied in order to reduce
swelling and keep the skin in place. In complex procedures, patients
should be monitored closely to make sure no complications occur. Patients
return to work after several days and stitches are typically removed
in one week.
Health Concerns
As with any cosmetic surgical procedure, complications are rare, but
include infection, a reaction to the anesthesia, blood clotting, and
fluid loss. Less severe risks include numbing of the skin and moderate
changes in skin pigmentation. It is extremely important to choose
a physician who has proper and extensive training, with state-of-the-art
facilities and a good standing in their field. If you smoke, your
surgeon will advise that you stop both two weeks prior to and following
surgery. To maximize the success of surgery and minimize the risk
of complication, always follow your doctor's instructions for surgical
preparation and postoperative care.
Rhinoplasty
Surgery to reshape the nose is a common cosmetic procedure that can have profound results on a person's appearance and self-confidence. Rhinoplasty can accomplish any number of changes, including size augmentation or reduction, a narrowing of the nostrils, changes in the bridge or tip of the nose, or an alteration to the angle of the nose and upper lip. Regardless of the specific purpose, surgery to reshape the nose creates a more contoured and shapely nose.
The Surgery
The surgeon begins by making an incision, either from within the nose
or across the columella (the vertical strip separating the nostrils).
The skin is then separated from the underlying framework of the nose
and the bone and cartilage is sculpted to the desired shape and size.
Finally, the surgeon reattaches the skin to the new contoured framework
and stitches the incision. Surgery usually lasts one to two hours
and is performed on an outpatient basis.
After the Surgery
Following surgery, a splint is applied to the nose to maintain the
new shape. The surgeon may also decide to place nasal packs or soft
plastic splints in the nostrils to stabilize the septum (the dividing
wall between the air passages). Patients can experience some swelling
and bruising around the eyes and nose, although medication greatly
reduces any discomfort you may experience. Stitches are usually removed
in five to seven days and patients can return to work in ten to fourteen
days. Patients who wear eyeglasses must have them specially fitted
to their heads for up to seven weeks.
Health Concerns
As with any cosmetic surgical procedure, complications are rare but
may include infection, nosebleeds, or a reaction to the anesthesia.
In certain cases, small burst blood vessels may appear as tiny red
spots on the skin's surface (a minor but permanent condition). Some
patients may experience mild depression - a common and temporary side
effect. Minor scarring may occur if the surgeon makes the incision
across the columella. To maximize the success of surgery and minimize
the risk of complication, always follow your doctor's instructions
for surgical preparation and postoperative care.
