Having a child can be one of the most rewarding and incredible times in a woman’s life. However, it can also be extremely demanding on the body. Combine hormonal fluctuations with post-baby body changes, and you may be longing to get your body back! Despite healthy eating habits during and after pregnancy, hormonal changes play a role in affecting weight in the thigh and stomach regions. Many women also experience changes in their breasts such as decreased or increased volume. Although these physical changes may seem insurmountable, there is hope. One option for success is the Mommy Makeover.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
A Mommy Makeover is a personalized combination of procedures designed to restore the patient’s body from the physical stressors of childbirth. Some of the procedure options include:
Breast augmentation, lift or reduction- These procedures help to restore volume and shape to the breasts.
Tummy Tuck– This procedure removes excess fat and skin, helping to create a smoother and firmer abdomen.
Liposuction- This procedure removes excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body.
Non-Invasive Skin Tightening- This procedure uses a laser to tighten loose skin.
Mommy Makeover Expectations
Dr. Pollard meets with each patient to ensure a Mommy Makeover experience that is in alignment with the patient’s personalized goals for the surgery and her body. Being a mom means that you are always on the go and juggling a million different things at once. This procedure will require you to slow down, but it will not keep you off your feet for too long. Most women return to their daily activities within two to six weeks of the procedure. It is advised to avoid all forms of exercise and heavy lifting for approximately six weeks. It is vital to arrange for support at home to help with everyday tasks to give yourself time to make a full and quick recovery.
Make an Appointment Today!
If you have questions regarding a Mommy Makeover, contact Pollard Plastic Surgery to learn more about options and treatments. Start your journey towards reclaiming your body today.
A neck lift is a popular cosmetic surgery option that helps both men and women look younger and feel great about their facial features. Pollard Plastic Surgery, which proudly serves the Bala Cynwyd and Philadelphia communities, invites you to schedule a consultation so you can discuss the procedure with Dr. Pollard and make an informed decision about moving forward with the surgery. Our goal is understanding that every patient is different and we strive to work with each patient to best suit those differences.
Whether you’re looking to reduce fat pockets, sagging skin, or vertical bands, Pollard Plastic Surgery offers a variety of procedures to meet your needs.
EndyMed™ Body Contouring
EndyMed™ body contouring is a non-invasive option for neck procedures. It uses radiofrequency energy to heat up the deepest areas of your concerns and tighten the collagen. The resulting effect smooths out the skin. It has even been known to even out your skin tone. EndyMed™ also prevents bothersome side effects that other practices may be prone to such as burning and discomfort. Learn more about EndyMed™.
Kybella®
If your issue is excess fat beneath the chin, Kybella® is the first and only FDA-Approved injectable to improve the appearance by physically destroying fat cells. Kybella® melts the fat with no anesthesia or surgery. Through a series of injections Kybella®’s man-made form of deoxycholic acid (a naturally occurring material that helps the body absorb fat) will destroy the fat cells that create to double chins. Learn more about Kybella®.
Liposuction
If you have minimal signs of aging, liposuction is typically the recommended. Our office uses the VASER® liposuction system to achieve the best results possible. The VASER® liposuction system uses high energy ultrasound beams to get rid of unwanted fat cells. The procedure provides a fast and easy recovery by reducing common post-treatment side effects caused by other systems at other practices such as tissue damage and bleeding. Learn more about liposuction.
Neck Lift Surgery
For more advanced cases we may recommend a neck lift. Neck lifts are optimal for patients with fat deposits and loose muscles. We may even suggest pairing this procedure with a skin rejuvenation treatment, which will help to tone and smooth your skin further. During this procedure we will tighten and lift the skin and muscles to provide you with a more youthful appearance as well as a healthier structure for your muscles. Learn more about neck lift surgery.
We invite you to discuss these and other surgical and nonsurgical options with Dr. Pollard during your consultation. Contact Pollard Plastic Surgery today and start your cosmetic surgery adventure.
As the fall season approaches, it is time to start thinking about getting your body ready for the summer season. If you’re interested in having a tummy tuck, we often recommend the September through December months as an opportune time to schedule your surgery. Pollard Plastic Surgery, which proudly serves the Bala Cynwyd and Philadelphia communities, is happy to welcome you to our office. We have been helping men and women achieve their aesthetic goals for 25 years.
One of the most common questions we are asked in our office is about the recovery time for a tummy tuck. We’ve created an outline to help you understand the recovery process for this popular cosmetic surgery option.
The First Week after a Tummy Tuck
The first five days after surgery is typically a regiment of bed rest. It is important to keep your head elevated, and knees slightly bent over pillows as this position eases pressure on the operation site and encourages better blood flow. You will wear a supportive abdominal garment to help prevent fluid retention. You will most likely have drains to help remove excess fluid that can occur after the operation. The drains are usually removed with in the first two weeks of surgery. During this time, you will be encouraged to walk short distances around the house every day to help reduce the formation of blood clots and promote healing. The first few days are the most challenging, but every day you should feel better than the one before. You’ll need to stay hydrated and drink lots of water. On or about the first week, you will have your first check-up with Dr. Pollard where you will be given further instructions based on your progress.
The Second Week after a Tummy Tuck
On the second week, we encourage slow but steady movement. The key here is to not overdo it because you are still healing. It is a good idea to have a family member or friend around to help. The less strain you put on the operation area the better. You shouldn’t be driving at all up to this point, as sudden braking and accelerating can cause your body stress even if you are a passenger.
The Third Week after a Tummy Tuck
Week three represents another increase in movement. At this point it is still best to have a friend or family member purchase groceries, pick up the kids from school and run errands. However, a leisurely walk in the neighborhood can be a form of healthy movement. We encourage you to take breaks during physical activity; there’s no need to push yourself. The majority of our patients head back to work around this time, as long as they have jobs that are not physically taxing.
The Fourth Week after a Tummy Tuck
You should feel significantly better. You should be able to resume many of your pre-surgery activities, but don’t be surprised if you still do not have your pre-surgery stamina. You shouldn’t lift anything over five pounds, but you can perform low impact exercises.
The Fifth Week after a Tummy Tuck
You may still feel some tenderness or experience some swelling but in most instances, you are free to resume activities as usual.
Schedule a consultation with our office and get on our fall surgery schedule sooner rather than later.
Having healthy skin is not only physically beneficial; it also gives you confidence, which allows your beautiful personality to shine through. Sadly, the extra sun exposure that we encounter in the summer can be harsh and damaging to our skin. In order to make sure your skin is glowing in the fall, try to incorporate these quick and easy skin care tips into your routine!
#1 Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen!
Sunscreen is extremely important when it comes to protecting your skin and keeping it youthful. Famous stars such as Jennifer Aniston and Halle Berry have disclosed that daily sunscreen usage is a major contributing factor to their incredible complexions. Even though we see less sunshine in the fall, the UV rays are still present. Wearing a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher will help to prevent signs of aging such as sunspots, creases, and wrinkles. Our favorite EltaMD UV Facial SPF 30+ is a medical grade sunscreen that is beneficial to all skin types and can be worn alone or under makeup. We also love EltaMD UV Elements SPF 44 a multi-tasking mineral sunscreen that combines a 100% physical sunscreen in a hyaluronic moisturizing base with a touch of universal tint.
#2 Invest in a Quality Moisturizer
Due to the cold, dry, and oftentimes windy air that we are exposed to in the fall, our skin tends to become seriously dehydrated. Therefore, it is important to use a moisturizer on your face, hands, and any other area that will be unprotected from the chilly air. Hyaluronic based moisturizers are loaded with anti-oxidants to saturate your skin with moisture and rejuvenate your skin. For your face we recommend DermHA Hyaluronic Moisturizing Crème Plus a rich and nourishing moisturizer that helps reduce free radical damage while providing excellent moisture. For your entire body we love DermHA Therapeutic Crème to hydrate, protect and soften.
#3 Use Your Exfoliating Cleanser
Fall is the time to rid oneself of any skin cells that were damaged by the summer sun. Although it may sound like a difficult process, it can be easily achieved. Avoid fragranced cleansers, as they can irritate the skin. We recommend DermHA Gentle Exfoliating Cream and DermHA Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum which combine fruit acid and vitamins to lighten pigmentation, minimize blemishes, while reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
#4 Get Some Vitamin A
Take your skin to the next level. Using a prescription retinoid is proven to smooth the texture of the skin. It can help repair damaged summer skin and combat signs of aging by reducing the appearance of brown spots, lines, and wrinkles. It heals from the inside out to create clearer, brighter, smoother skin. We recommend Obagi® Tretinoin as a prescription strength retinol that can only be used under the guidance of a physician.
Dr. Emily Pollard and the rest of the staff here at Pollard Plastic Surgery are dedicated to your safety, happiness, and health. To learn more about healthy skincare products and routines, or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 610-674-0779. We proudly serve men and women in the greater Philadelphia area through our office in Bala Cynwyd.
We couldn’t be more pleased and honored to share a fantastic recent article in the Philadelphia Tribune celebrating Dr. Emily Pollard, who the Tribune cited as, “one of the region’s leading plastic surgeons”. The article, entitled, “Local surgeon celebrates 25 years in practice”, describes how, “In September, Dr. Emily Pollard celebrated her 25th year in practice. She specializes in cosmetic surgery which includes body contouring, facial rejuvenation, and breast surgery.”
Going on to note that, “Dr. Emily Pollard is a board certified plastic surgeon”, the article describes in magnificent detail how Dr. Pollard, “was drawn to plastic surgery while doing her rotations in medical school. She says she liked the problem-solving that was involved and seeing the end product.”
It really is this commitment to problem-solving on behalf of her patients that characterizes Dr. Pollard’s career of service to her community. But leave it to Dr. Pollard to be extremely thankful and appreciative to everyone who has supported her in fulfilling that mission: “’I am certainly grateful to all of my patients, the staff that I have and my family for supporting me during this time,” Pollard said as she reflected on her years practicing medicine.”
Patient-centric care runs deep in the Pollard family, as Dr. Pollard’s father was a urologist, who encouraged Dr. Pollard to pursue her ambition of helping patients realize their aesthetic and cosmetic dreams, even though she and her father both knew she would need to be a genuine trailblazer, as even “early on, Pollard knew she would be a rarity in her field. She was one of two African-American women out of a group of 35 surgical residents when she completed her residency at Georgetown University during the 1980s.”
This took tremendous courage and resilience on Dr. Pollard’s part, and she recently reflected on those early struggles, recalling how as an African-Americans, she frequently was “mistaken for someone other than a surgeon and asked to retrieve a wheelchair or draw blood for lab work while in various medical settings.”
The courage and persevering attitude that Dr. Pollard exemplifies is a tribute to her upbringing and tenacity: “When I went into practice, there were very few African-American plastic surgeons and there were even fewer African-American female plastic surgeons, so it was kind of a lonely trip,” Pollard recalled. Nevertheless, Dr. Pollard persevered, and that persevering attitude paid off, in large part because she was able to stay grounded, for which she “credits her parents and being a member of the National Medical Association, the nation’s oldest and largest organization of African-American physicians.”
Dr. Pollard at first practiced in the Indianapolis area before making the decision in 1996 to move to Pennsylvania and establish her cosmetic surgery practice near Philadelphia, and as the Philadelphia Tribune notes, “Dr. Pollard currently runs her private practice in Bala Cynwyd and has served as the chief of plastic surgery at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood since 2006.”
The Philadelphia Tribune article captures the essence of Dr. Pollard’s philosophy, which is the essential component to the caring and compassionate way that she treats all of her patients.
In the Tribune article, Dr. Pollard describes her approach to helping patients achieve their dreams: “If somebody comes in for body contouring, we want to look at them from all sides, not only physically but physiologically,” Pollard explained. “I may ask lifestyle questions because we know that you are what you eat and we know that exercise improves your muscles, your bone strength, and your posture and supports your metabolism. That all goes into a good-looking body,” she continued. If you ask to be pencil thin but you have lousy posture or no good muscle or bone support, then nothing I do is going to turn out all that great.”
But beyond just her own words, the article aptly sums up the feelings that Dr. Pollard’s fellow physicians have for her, their respect and admiration for her skill as well as her ability to achieve outstanding results for her patients. Dr. Wilfreta Baugh, an internist who referred patients to Dr. Pollard for many years, sums up the sentiments of her fellow physicians: “She’s one of best doctors, from my perspective as a physician to refer patients to,” Baugh said, because she is so, “extraordinary gifted. She’s also extraordinarily kind to people who have problems.” Many patients that Dr. Baugh referred to Dr. Pollard had “developed scars and other types of physical issues”, and often times, “the problems that they were having would be physical [issues] that caused them to have emotional difficulties, and that’s where (Dr. Pollard) is a real jewel,” Baugh said.
Dr. Baugh, who is a former president of the local chapter of the National Medical Association, the Medical Society of Eastern Pennsylvania, reports that “Dr. Pollard has been an active member of the Medical Society and noted that other African-American physicians who hold similar positions don’t often show up to their meetings.”
As the article notes, Dr. Pollard has worked long and hard to be able to be of such service to her patients, beginning with her college education at the exclusive and elite Seven Sisters college, Smith College: “Pollard was an honors student at Smith College and received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin. She graduated from Meharry Medical College, where she was class valedictorian. She completed her general surgery residency and served as chief resident at Georgetown University Medical Center. Pollard completed her plastic surgery residency at Indiana University.”
We are beyond delighted to have this kind of recognition for Dr. Pollard’s incredible 25 years in practice, and we encourage you to take the time to read the article and then to schedule your consultation with Dr. Pollard. No matter whether you need body contouring or facial rejuvenation procedures, which are among the most popular procedures requested by Dr. Pollard’s patients, to help you so that “unsightly bulges are removed from (your) thighs, hips, abdomen or other areas”, Dr. Pollard can help you get the kind of results you deserve.
Take the time today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Pollard, and receive the benefits of Dr. Pollard’s professional skill and expertise, but also her positive outlook on life: “Have faith in yourself and gravitate toward positive thinking [and] supportive people.”
It’s that time of year again when holiday music starts to echo in the stores, and sparkly decorations begin to pop up everywhere, and we are all starting to think about holiday gift giving and finding just the right present for that special someone on our holiday gift giving list. Are you looking for a gift that keeps on giving, something that can be remembered for years to come? Or are you thinking about giving yourself a gift, something special that will add a little light to the season?
How about a unique and timely gift basket from Pollard Plastic Surgery? We have amazing gift baskets that start at $120.00 and they can be customized to your wishes, and feature skin care basics but can be personalized as well to include any products that you or that special someone might wish for. And, for even greater flexibility in your gift giving, we can add gift cards to any basket for whatever amount you wish.
The gift cards to Pollard Plastic Surgery are an annual tradition, and each year we see more and more patients who are getting treatments – and results – they really love thanks to the kindness and generosity of someone who gave them a gift certificate to Pollard Plastic Surgery. We have seen the smiles and happiness that a gift from Pollard Plastic Surgery can bring, and the good cheer that it stirs in a loved one’s heart all year long.
For instance, with a combination gift card and gift basket, you can make a friend or loved one feel really special, giving them the freedom to choose whatever treatment or procedure at Pollard Plastic Surgery is right for them, no matter whether its Botox® or Juvederm® for a more youthful glow, or laser resurfacing or microdermabrasion to enhance the skin tone, or any one of our range of restorative and rejuvenation focused treatments and procedures.
They say with giving gifts that it is the thought that counts, and when you give the gift of a Pollard Plastic Surgery gift card or gift basket, the lucky recipient always knows that you really cared to give the very best with the most heartfelt intentions.
Why not stop by Pollard Plastic Surgery early on in your holiday shopping season this year and let the caring staff in our office help you put together a customized gift basket designed exactly the way you want it, stuffed with delicious skin care products and a generous gift card. While each of our gift baskets comes with skin care basics, you can personalize your gift by choosing from our exclusive collection of physician grade skin care products, so the recipients on your holiday list know that you took the time to give a gift with only them in mind.
Don’t let this holiday season pass without considering the gold standard in seasonal gift-giving, a holiday basket and generous gift cards from Pollard Plastic Surgery. For yourself, for a loved one, or for a special friend, they are the gift that shows someone just how much they mean to you!
Contact our office today, and learn more about our customizable holiday gift basket, the ultimate in spreading good cheer that lasts throughout the year!
Help, I want my body back! This is a common statement made by women who have had children and know all too well the physical toll of childbirth. Mommy Makeover refers to a combination of aesthetic procedures that are designed to reverse the physical damage caused by childbirth. Mommy Makeover has received a 97% Worth It rating on RealSelf (based upon 2,762 respondents over 24 months).
increased belly fat that does not improve with weight loss
weak abdominal muscles that do not improve with exercise.
skin loosening on the belly and breast area
stretch marks on the belly and breast
increased volume of breast tissue
decreased volume of breast tissue
enlarged nipples
Mommy Makeovers generally combine breast and body procedures.
Breast Procedures Body Procedures
Breast Lift Liposuction
Breast Augmentation Tummy Tuck
Breast Reduction Non-Invasive Skin Tightening
Since every woman is unique and has specific goals there is a wide of the cost of a Mommy Makeover. The cost of a mommy makeover depends on the many variables for each person that giving one solid price just doesn’t make sense. This is because the plastic surgeon is working on reversing the effects of being a mommy on each individual. The surgeon may also be reversing the effects of age, large amounts of weight loss, old scars, and all manner of other damage that life offers. The plastic surgeon is also working based on the preference for the final result of the aesthetic procedures. On top of all of that, other factors such as the genetics of each individual change how things will heal, and how they remodel during that process. A plastic surgeon must design the strategies for each person based on all of these factors, and so there is not a fixed cost of a Mommy Makeover.
Suffering from the problems caused by wearing heavy earrings, stretching or even tearing your pierced ears experiencing low-grade trauma to the ear-lobe using gauges
Don’t despair Pollard Plastic Surgery can Repair that Tear. Damage to the ear lobe can be fixed. Earlobes are prone to tearing because they do not contain any bones or cartilage, just skin and fat. Dr. Pollard can perform a quick pain-free, in-office procedure that requires only local anesthesia, so you don’t have to go to sleep. The procedure takes about an hour and you will leave with just a bandage covering the ear lobe. In about six or eight weeks, your earlobe will be completely healed, and Dr. Pollard can even re-pierce your ear.
Did you know that Oprah flew Dr. Pollard out to pierce her ears on air? Check out the video on our website here.
As summer approaches, we get excited about ditching bulky clothing for some lighter, brighter and possibly some new additions to the wardrobe. Unfortunately for some, this excitement is short lived, and some anxiety sets in about how warmer weather also brings some sweatier underarms. Millions of people suffer from hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating due to overactive sweat glands. You are not alone! Fortunately you do not have to resort to an all-black wardrobe to hide sweat. The solution lays in a quick stop to Pollard Plastic Surgery for Botulinum toxin injections to the axilla
I recently had the procedure done at Dr. Pollard’s office. The procedure took less than 10 minutes. Dr Pollard had me rest the back of my head on the palms of my hands. She then proceeded to apply iodine to my underarms. After the iodine dried, she sprinkled starch on top. The areas with the most sweat turned dark blue. Based on where it was the darkest, Dr Pollard injected about 10 spots under each arm with botulinum toxin. The shots had numbing medication in them, and each prick actually hurt less and less. Before I knew it, the treatment was done. I was not allowed to go to the gym or shower that night, but the next morning I showered, and went about my day as I normally would. There was no bruising or any noticeable swelling, and a few days later I was dancing the night away it my beige dress-not a single sweat stain in sight!
How does it work?
Botulinum toxin temporarily blocks the secretion of the chemical that is responsible for “turning on” the body’s sweat glands.
How long does a treatment last?
The results will first be seen in about 2-4 days after injection, and will last for 4-12 months. Some studies show it can even last 14 months.
Does insurance cover this?
The best way to check is to call insurance benefits and ask if this code will be reimbursed:
64650 – Chemodenervation of eccrine glands, axillae.
Pollard Plastic Surgery does not accept insurance, but can provide itemized receipts and procedure codes for out of pocket reimbursement.
Also Allergan, the maker of Botox, also offers savings up to $100 reimbursement or rebate per treatment. Visit their website to see if you qualify. https://www.botoxsavingscard.com/
Similarly, Galderma, the maker of Dysport, offers rewards for each treatment received. Visit www.aspirerewards.com to learn more.
Cleansing Day and night is very important to remove impurities such as dirt, dead skin cells, pollutants and viruses from the environment. dermHA’s Gentle Face and Body Wash is the perfect cleanser for the summer. Recommended for all skin types and contains a few necessary treasures that do wonders for your skin
Hyaluronic Acid – retains moisture, softens and smoothes the skin
Aloe – moisturizer that helps to protect the skin.
The best part about this product is that it can be used on your entire body!
2. Exfoliate
Exfoliating helps to remove built up dead skin, oil and debris, normally the culprits of pore clogging and improve hydration and allows for a smoother application of your morning make-up routine. We recommend dermHA’s Rejuvenating Tonic for daily exfoliation. This product is alcohol-free with witch hazel, multi fruit acids and hyaluronic acid. Those ingredients rejuvenate the skin and remove impurities without depleting the skins natural moisture.
Step it up a notch with dermHA’s Lactic Acid Exfoliating Body Gel. This product is actually a leave on body exfoiliant which can be applied to the rough areas of the body! We love to use it on our feet in the summer. It is also a great product for that annoying back and chest acne. Our little secret is that it helps prevent in grown hairs in between waxing or shaving!
3. Skin Brightening
dermHA’s Skin Brightening Serum is highly recommended to achieve the summer glow. It has skin lightening properties that help to reduce pigmentation issues caused by blemishes and sun damage. It contains natural plant extracts, kojic acid, arbutin, vitamin c and antioxidants, ingredients that improves effectiveness of the product ability to penetrate the skin.
4. Sunscreen
Last but not least, Sunscreen is one of the most important all year round skin products! Without protection measures from the sun, your risk of early skin aging and skin cancer are increased. We recommend elta MD UV Facial and Broad Spectrum Sun Screen minimum SPF 30. Sunscreen is most effective when you apply 15 minutes before you go out into the sun.
Bonus tip: Hydration improves skin tone and quality.
