Plastic Surgery Archives - Plastic Surgeon in Philadelphia

April 15, 2021January 12, 2021

Is a Breast Lift Painful?

If you’ve been considering a breast lift, you’ve probably also wondered what the healing process of a breast lift involves. One of our patients’ biggest concerns about a breast lift is the pain that comes along with it. We’re here to tell you that you don’t have to be afraid of post-operative pain and discomfort. Let’s take a deep dive into what a breast lift is, what you can expect during your breast lift procedure, and how you can best manage your discomfort following your surgery.

What is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift is a surgical cosmetic procedure that involves lifting the position of the breasts on the chest without adding or removing volume from the breast itself. Unlike other breast procedures, a breast lift does not increase or decrease your breast size at all – rather, a breast lift simply creates a more flattering shape and appearance that better compliments your natural frame.

What Can I Expect During my Breast Lift?

Your breast lift surgery will be completely tailored to you, your body, and your desired results. That being said, there are a few things that you can expect during your procedure. Your breast lift will be performed under general anesthesia. Once asleep, Dr. Emily Pollard will make a series of incisions around the breast, through which she will be able to better shape the breasts to enhance their overall shape and position on the chest. She will then close your incisions, and your healing process will begin.

What is Recovery After a Breast Lift Like?

Following your breast lift, you will be asked to wear a special surgical bra. This bra is specially designed to be comfortable and soft enough to not cause irritation following your procedure, but supportive enough to ensure you heal correctly. Dr. Pollard will be happy to provide you with a list of post-operative care instructions prior to your breast lift to ensure you have a quick and easy healing process. Patients typically make an initial recovery after about six weeks, and a full recover after about three to six months.

How Can I Manage My Pain After a Breast Lift?

When it comes to managing your pain following your breast lift, there are a few steps you can take. Dr. Emily Pollard and her team encourage the following:

Take prescription medication as instructed. Prescription pain medications can be intimidating, but are prescribed for a good reason. In small doses, these prescription medications allow for pain relief without causing blood thinning or bleeding. Keep in mind that these medications may cause constipation in small doses and can be dangerous when taken outside of Dr. Pollard’s instruction.
Over-the-counter medications are great too. Pollard, along with many other surgeons, may recommend taking over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen within the first few days of recovery to reduce swelling and help your prescription medications work more smoothly.

We hope we were able to answer some of your most pressing questions about breast lifts. If you still want to learn more about the procedure, contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Emily Pollard today. We are also offering virtual consultations, so you can get all of your questions answered in the comfort and safety of your very own home.

June 4, 2020May 4, 2020

3 Things That You Can Do During This Time to Prepare for Surgery

Social distancing may have you feeling like your cosmetic goals can never be achieved, but this is actually an ideal opportunity to prepare for surgery. You can focus on yourself, and take steps that will help your body heal faster. By following a few steps, your recovery may be minimized, and your post-surgical symptoms may be less significant. The body relies on oxygen, healthy blood flow, nutrients, and recovery each day to heal properly.

Stay Physically Active

Keeping your body in good shape during social distancing promotes faster healing. After any type of surgery, your body uses a few mechanisms to heal the wounds. Blood clotting is the one that we are most familiar with, yet this is only the beginning. Your body delivers nutrients and oxygen to the area through the blood vessels. Exercising and staying active ensures that your body has a healthy volume of oxygen, and you also strengthen your blood vessels and circulatory system.

Eat Well

The nutrients that your body needs during those periods of healing come from the foods that you eat. Eating lower quality foods not only starves your body of key nutrients, but also burdens the body with removing unhealthy and harmful substances from the body. As you prepare for your surgery, eat a variety of foods, and avoid processed foods. The challenges in finding groceries right now may tempt you to settle for lower quality foods, but you should remain diligent and mindful about what you put into your body. You want to come out of the current challenges healthier.

Get Enough Quality Rest

Sleep is intended to give our bodies time to recover, heal, and recuperate after the energy that is expended during the day. Your mind also needs time to process the massive amount of information that you internalize. Stressors are high right now, but you need to find ways to get high-quality rest every night, and even take short power naps during the day. We recommend that you set a time every night when you will shut of the news on television and social media and do something that feels normal, relaxing, and peaceful. This is different for each person, but it may be reading, music, crafts, or meditation. The goal is to do something that completely engages your mind. Do this activity for at least one hour before going to bed.

Schedule a Virtual Consultation

Dr. Pollard and the staff of Pollard Plastic Surgery look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your cosmetic goals. A virtual consultation is an excellent way to focus on the future and beyond the current public health crisis. Just like a face-to-face consultation, our virtual consultation is when you can learn about the procedure and other tips for how to prepare for your surgery during social distancing. We can also share our plans going forward with how we will serve our patients as the COVID-19 crisis evolves.

April 5, 2020March 4, 2020

Five Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips

Getting a tummy tuck is no small procedure. Tummy tuck recovery is often more involved than patients anticipate. After a tummy tuck, patients are left wondering:

How do I sit or sleep?
How do I walk when I’m supposed to be bent over?
What do I do with the binder?
How do I go to the bathroom?

Dr. Pollard wanted to give you a list of five tips to help you with your tummy tuck recovery. Use this as your guide to help you have the most successful tummy tuck recovery with the best ultimate results.

1. Use a Walker or Cane

A tummy tuck will naturally put tension on the area where Dr. Pollard made her incision. You’ll generally feel straining around the incision area and where the abdominal muscles were tightened underneath the skin. This tension may make it hard for you to walk upright, and staying slightly bent at the waist will typically feel more comfortable. Consider using a walker or a cane for support while you’re bent over. While this isn’t completely necessary, patients typically find it easier to make their way around with the extra help.

2. Use Maxi Pads or Gauze

Sometimes wearing the binder can feel uncomfortable against your hip bones and your incision. While you should never touch your dressings without getting the OK from Dr. Pollard first, it is beneficial to keep 4×4 pads of gauze or maxi pads around to add a buffer and some padding between yourself and the binder. This extra padding typically makes the binder more comfortable for patients to wear during tummy tuck recovery.

3. Adjusting Your Binder

When tummy tuck incisions are low, the binder used after tummy tuck surgery will have to rest at the top of the hips. Because of this, it generally has the tendency to ride up or shift when you sit. You’ll want to make sure you’re regularly readjusting your binder into the correct position at the correct tightness. With a marker, place a mark at how tight you’re supposed to adjust it. This guarantees you’re making sure it’s at the right fit every time. Putting your binder on can also be made easier while reclining or in bed.

4. Get Some Compression Stockings

With any surgery, there’s always an opportunity for blood clotting issues. Dr. Pollard will provide you with a pair of knee-high compression stockings to reduce the chance of blood clots forming after tummy tuck surgery. While the stockings may not be the most comfortable things in the world, they will keep some of the swelling out of the legs and continue to reduce the chance for a blood clot while being worn.

5. Toilet Seat Booster

Generally, toilets are fairly low to the ground and we don’t realize this until some part of our legs, pelvis or core is sore. After a tummy tuck, getting low enough to sit down on the toilet can be difficult and uncomfortable. A toilet seat booster may just be your new best friend. This device can be purchased online and delivered to your home for your convenience. We guarantee this is one purchase that you won’t regret.

To learn more about recovering from a tummy tuck, contact us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Emily Pollard.

March 5, 2020March 4, 2020

What You Need to Know about the Tummy Tuck

It’s normal for many women to see their bodies post-pregnancy and wish they had their tight tummy back. Thanks to tummy tuck surgery, you can get your bikini body back in no-time. Here’s your guide to everything you need to know when considering a tummy tuck.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, targets two areas of the midsection – the abdominal muscles and the skin covering the tummy area. Not only does this procedure help get rid of any excess fat or skin around the midriff, but it also tightens the muscles in the abdomen to make your core look and feel stronger than ever before.

Can I get Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck at the Same Time?

Liposuction alone can work wonders for removing fat from your abdominal area. However, this popular procedure has some misconceptions. Contrary to popular belief, there is no way to tighten your tummy with liposuction alone. That’s why this procedure is the perfect complement to the tummy tuck. With the power of both, you can remove stubborn pockets of fat from your midsection while removing excess skin and tightening the core.

What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

There are many benefits to getting a tummy tuck surgery, including:

Tightened abdominal muscles
Removal of excess skin and fat
Liposuction may be performed at the same time to optimize results
Flatter stomach

What is the Average Cost of a Tummy Tuck?

The cost of your tummy tuck is going to depend on multiple factors including the condition of your abdominal area before surgery and the addition of liposuction or other procedures to your tummy tuck. Dr. Pollard’s staff will review the cost of your plan during your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Pollard. If you’re worried about paying for your surgery, worry no more. Dr. Pollard offers financing options like CareCredit® and Alphaeon™ to help you break your bill up into smaller monthly payments.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Tummy Tuck?

The tummy tuck is an involved procedure that requires general anesthesia. Because of this, tummy tuck recovery should not be taken lightly. Dr. Pollard generally advises patients to take two to four weeks off from work to rest and let their bodies heal. Keep in mind, it’s typical to feel uncomfortable for the first few days. You may not be able to stand straight and your midsection will feel very tight.

If you are interested in learning more about tummy tuck surgery, contact us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Emily Pollard. She will sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and develop a fully customized treatment plan to help you achieve your ultimate aesthetic goals.

February 5, 2020February 5, 2020

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Breast Augmentation?

When undergoing any surgery, it’s important to remember that the surgery is only half of the process. Recovering from breast augmentation surgery can be just as daunting as the surgery itself if you do not know what to expect. We’re going to take you through each step of the way and what you can expect when you recover from breast augmentation surgery.

The First 24 Hours

Immediately after breast augmentation surgery, it’s normal to feel a moderate amount of discomfort. Keep in mind this can generally be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medication, depending on what Dr. Pollard recommends to you. Your arm movements will be restricted for the first day or two, so make sure you have some easily removable shirts around, like button-down or zip-up tops. Remember you will need to avoid anything that will thin your blood during this time, including nicotine and tobacco.

Five to 10 Days Post-Augmentation

During this period, you’ll typically be asked to do some displacement exercises. These exercises help you achieve a more natural-looking breast augmentation after your recovery. After 48 hours, you should be cleared to drive, so long as you are not taking any prescription medications that can impair your motor skills and you feel physically able to make a sudden turn. Make sure to check with Dr. Pollard before getting behind the wheel. Keep in mind you may have one or two follow-up visits in the first 10 days.

10 to 14 Days Post-Augmentation

This is the point where everything starts to settle and return to normal. You will get the green light to return to work and resume light lower-body exercises and activities. Although you are getting back to normal after recovering from breast augmentation, it is still important to note you should not lift anything heavy or participate in any intense aerobic activities at this time.

Two to Six Weeks Post-Augmentation

About one month after breast augmentations surgery, you’ll begin to see your final results. Your breasts will start to settle into their natural position and you shouldn’t be experiencing much discomfort anymore. At the four week mark, you can also start to transition from your surgical bra back to your regular bras. At about six weeks, you should be able to start more rigorous physical activities again like upper body workouts and running.

Bonus Breast Augmentation Recovery Tips

Keep these in mind when you’re recovering from breast augmentation surgery.

Avoid blood-thinning medications, like Aspirin.
Once Dr. Pollard gives you the OK, moisturize regularly with the dermHA Therapeutic Creme to avoid stretch marks.
Make sure you get lots of rest – this will help speed the recovery process.
Avoid sleeping on your sides. Instead, rest upright with pillows behind your back.
Don’t be alarmed if your nipples are hypersensitive or lacking sensation after your breast augmentation – they’ve been through a lot and sensation will generally return to normal on its own.

If you are interested in learning more about breast augmentation or recovery from breast augmentation, contact us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Pollard.

December 10, 2019April 26, 2019

Liposuction vs. CoolSculpting® in Philadelphia, PA

When working hard to achieve a healthy, fit body, diet and exercise are key. However, there are times when diet and exercise alone are not enough. Even with the most regimented and careful plans, you may find yourself struggling with excess fat that refuses to budge. If this sounds familiar, then you may have been considering fat removal options such as liposuction and CoolSculpting®. So what is the difference between the two, and which one should you choose? Here is what you need to know.

The Cost is Customized

At Pollard Plastic Surgery, we strive to provide our patients with the most comprehensive treatments available. Because we believe there is no one-size-fits-all cost, we price each procedure according to the individual. This means that you can expect to discuss your customized treatment cost during your consultation.

Liposuction 101

For years, liposuction has been a trusted method for removing unwanted fat from areas such as the abdomen, hips, torso, arms, thighs and more. Dr. Pollard uses the VASER® liposuction technique to target the unwanted fat cells, while still protecting the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. During the procedure, high-energy ultrasound beams target and liquefy unwanted fat cells. These liquefied cells are then suctioned out of the body through small incisions. Thanks to Dr. Pollard’s skills and advanced techniques, recovery and potential side effects are minimized.

CoolSculpting® 101

A non-invasive choice, CoolSculpting® is another option for individuals seeking to contour their shape and remove pesky, unwanted fat. This procedure uses a controlled cooling method to freeze the unwanted fat cells. Once the targeted cells are frozen, they will be naturally eliminated from the body. Most patients report the procedure is painless. Additionally, there is no required downtime and you are free to return to your daily routine as soon as your procedure is complete.

Which Option is Best?

Ultimately, the best way to determine which procedure is right for you is to schedule a consultation. This will allow you to speak with Dr. Pollard regarding your concerns so that she can create a plan that is most suited for your needs. It is important to remember that neither one of these procedures is considered a weight loss procedure, but rather, a way to contour your shape.

Our team has already helped countless patients in the Philadelphia area with their body contouring journey, and we are ready to do the same for you. So when you are ready to take the next step, do not hesitate to contact us.

October 8, 2019April 26, 2019

Philadelphia’s 6-Month Guide to Planning a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is an excellent procedure for anyone seeking to address excess skin or sagging muscles in the abdominal area. This procedure can successfully sculpt and contour your body so that you can appreciate all of your hard work after childbirth, weight loss or any other major physical transition. So if you have been curious about what is involved in a tummy tuck and are ready to learn more, here is a six-month plan to keep in mind:

Six Months in Advance: Lifestyle

If you are reading this article, then chances are now is a good time to evaluate your diet and exercise choices. Although a tummy tuck is a highly successful procedure for contouring the body, you want your body to be in as good a shape as possible, so that you can achieve the most desirable results. Be sure to revamp your food and movement choices, so that you are supporting your body in staying healthy and fit as well as healing properly after surgery.

Four Months in Advance: Consultation, Financing

Around this time, you should schedule a consultation with any surgeons you are interested in meeting. This will allow you to decide if you feel confident in the surgeon’s abilities. This will also help you to determine how you will be paying for your procedure. At Pollard Plastic Surgery, we accept a variety of payment including CareCredit® and Alphaeon™ Credit payment plans, so your procedure can fit in your budget.

Two Months in Advance: Prep Your Work and Family

As your surgery date begins to draw closer, you’ll need to make sure your work and family are prepared for your absence and recovery time. Schedule time off, ensure any work projects are taken care of and make arrangements for any childcare or pet care you may need. Recovering from a tummy tuck will take the majority of your attention, so having these support systems in place is important for keeping the rest of your life running smoothly.

One Month in Advance: Prep Your Home

In the final month before your procedure, stock up on any necessary supplies as recommended by your surgeon. You may also want to prepare a meal plan or make food in advance, so as to eliminate uncertainty during your recovery.

Let Us Answer Your Tummy Tuck Questions

At Pollard Plastic Surgery, we understand how daunting a surgery like a tummy tuck can be. That is why we are here to help, every step of the way. Our team has already assisted countless patients in and around Philadelphia, PA. Now, we are ready to do the same for you. So if you have questions and are ready to take the next step, do not hesitate to contact us.

September 10, 2019April 26, 2019

Philadelphia Residents Ask: Does CoolSculpting® Work?

The idea of freezing away unwanted fat almost sounds too good to be true! However, that is exactly what you can experience with the help of CoolSculpting®. This innovative and effective procedure is ideal for those who have worked hard to achieve their desired weight. So if you have been wondering how, why and if this treatment actually works, here is what you need to know:

The Procedure is Simple and Effective

Designed for those who are within range of their target weight but who just need a little more help to eliminate unwanted fat, CoolSculpting® is FDA-approved and non-invasive. During the procedure, the CoolSculpting® applicator is placed on the treatment area to pull the skin close to the device before activating the cooling technology that freezes unwanted fat cells. Once frozen, these cells will be naturally processed out of the body, leaving you with the slimmer and more defined form you desire. Whether you have excess fat on your back, arms, abdomen, bra area, thighs or midsection, CoolSculpting® can help.

CoolSculpting® Could Fit Your Budget

At Pollard Plastic Surgery, we strive to provide the most custom-made experience for each of our patients. As a result, costs are calculated on an individual basis, at the time of your consultation. Rest assured, we accept a wide range of payment options, including CareCredit® and Alphaeon™ Credit payment plans, so you can afford the body of your dreams.

Benefits are Long-Term

There are several major benefits to CoolSculpting®. In addition to the fact that it is non-invasive and does not require incisions or anesthesia, CoolSculpting® is pain-free and requires zero downtime. You can return to your normal routine as soon as your procedure is complete. And once the targeted fat cells are eliminated, they can never return. This means that provided you follow a healthy diet and lifestyle, your CoolSculpting® results can last a lifetime.

Freeze Away Unwanted Fat Today

The simple, seamless and effective approach of CoolSculpting® means that there is no better time than the present to finally eliminate your unwanted fat, to make way for the sleek, toned and beautiful body you have been working towards. Our team has already helped countless patients in and around Philadelphia, PA, and now we are ready to do the same for you. So if you have questions and are ready to learn more, do not hesitate to contact us.

July 9, 2019April 26, 2019

Breast Augmentation Factors to Consider Besides Cost in Philadelphia, PA

If you have been considering breast augmentation, there are several factors for you to consider. However, many people tend to focus solely on cost. While cost should, of course, be an element of your decision-making process, it is by no means the only issue to keep in mind. Here are a few other factors to consider:

Your Doctor’s Credentials

Surgery is not a procedure to be taken lightly, and, as a result, it is important for you to choose your surgeon with the utmost care. When selecting a breast augmentation surgeon, you’ll want to make sure that this is a procedure your surgeon not only specializes in but performs regularly. It is always a good idea to view before-and-after photos to get a sense of the kind of results you can expect. Additionally, you should see if you feel comfortable during your in-person meeting. You are trusting your body goals to this surgeon and should feel confident that they will do the best possible job.

Affordability

Although cost may not be the first issue to consider, it is important to understand how this procedure can work in your budget. At Pollard Plastic Surgery, we strive to make our procedures accessible to all of our patients. As a result, we are proud to accept a variety of payment methods including financing options through CareCredit® and Alphaeon™ Credit.

Safety

Another key factor to consider is the safety of the procedure. While breast augmentation is entirely safe for a wide range of women, there are some medical concerns that may make this procedure more of a risk. The best way to determine your candidacy for breast augmentation is to schedule a consultation. This will allow you to speak with Dr. Pollard directly regarding any extenuating health issues and determine a plan designed with your needs in mind.

Recovery Time

Of course, after the procedure is complete, you will need to give your body plenty of time to rest and heal. This means that you will need to be sure you schedule your procedure during a time when other commitments can be put on hold.

Considering Breast Augmentation? We Can Help

At Pollard Plastic Surgery, we are proud to have helped a wide range of women in Philadelphia and the surrounding communities finally achieve the breasts they have always wanted. Our team is well prepared to help you consider all the necessary factors so that you can be as informed as possible before you decide to undergo your procedure. So if you have questions and are ready to learn more, do not hesitate to contact us.

June 4, 2019April 26, 2019

5 Reasons Men are Having CoolSculpting® Treatments in Philadelphia, PA

Having a sleek, toned and defined body isn’t just for women. In recent years, men have become increasingly interested in what the plastic surgery world has to offer, specifically with regard to how they can benefit from the innovative and effective CoolSculpting® procedure. FDA-approved to freeze away unwanted fat, there has never been a better time to achieve the shape you desire. Here are five reasons men are having CoolSculpting® treatments in Philadelphia, PA:

It’s Convenient

One of the most attractive aspects of CoolSculpting® is how convenient the procedure can be. This non-invasive treatment does not require incisions or anesthesia. In fact, most patients say it’s entirely painless, given the controlled cooling method. Once your procedure is complete, you are free to return to your daily routine, with zero required downtime. And since the frozen cells will be naturally processed through the body, CoolSculpting® offers a relatively hands-free method for shedding that lingering unwanted weight.

The Procedure is Cost-Effective

At Pollard Plastic Surgery, our procedures are priced on an individual basis. This allows us to charge you the most accurate fee, based on your specific treatment. As a result, you can expect to discuss cost and any relevant financing during your consultation. Given the fact that with proper diet and exercise, your CoolSculpting® results can last a lifetime, many patients feel that this is a procedure that is entirely worth their investment.

Each Treatment is Customized

When you trust your CoolSculpting® to Pollard Plastic Surgery, you can rest assured that you will receive only the highest quality in personalized care. Whether you are seeking to eliminate a double chin, reduce fat on the abs, flanks, or a combination of regions, we are here to help customize your treatment to your specific needs.

Pollard Plastic Surgery Can Help

Men, there is no longer any reason to settle for unwanted fat that makes you feel uncomfortable in your skin. With the help of CoolSculpting®, you can achieve the defined shape you desire. Our team has already helped countless male patients in and around Philadelphia, PA. Now, we are ready to do the same for you. So if you have questions and are ready to learn more, do not hesitate to contact us.

CALL TODAY to schedule a consultation

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