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Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift: Determining What’s Right for You

It’s not uncommon that a woman will wish to transform the look of her breasts with cosmetic surgery. But, not all women wish to make their breasts larger in size. So, they choose to consider cosmetic procedures to either reshape or resize their breasts. And, while cosmetic procedures are undoubtedly successful in providing the desired results, women are often unaware that there are different kinds of cosmetic procedures which are used to reshape or resize the female breasts. Determining the difference between the two most commonly used procedures, breast reductions and breast lifts, may help you to determine which one you can benefit from most.

What is a Breast Reduction?

As the name suggests, a breast reduction is used to reduce the size of the breasts. This is done by surgically removing fat cells to help release pain or discomfort due to oversized breasts. However, women experiencing sagging and drooping breasts due to size can also benefit from this procedure as it works to also reshape the breasts. Those qualified for this type of procedure may experience neck and/or back pain, rash underneath the breasts, a limitation of physical activity, or other debilitation due to breast size. Or, simply wish to live a life with smaller breast size.

What is a Breast Lift?

Those who are experiencing drooping or sagging breasts not due to size, but to aging or breastfeeding, can get their desired results from a breast lift procedure. During this surgery, a patient’s breasts are reshaped and positioned surgically. Also, this surgery allows for the replacement of nipples which have elongated or reshaped over time. While a breast lift can be utilized as a procedure on its own, it’s often paired with other cosmetic surgeries like breast augmentations and reductions. Those qualified for this type of procedure may experience sagging breasts, breasts of uneven shape or size, and flattened-appearing chests.

Still Don’t Know Which One is Right for You?

If you still don’t know which procedure may be right for you, or if utilizing both is the best way to get the results you want, a consultation can help to provide you with the answers you’re looking for. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Carp contact us today. Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center of Green and Beachwood, Ohio is proud to serve the communities of Akron, Cleveland, Canton and surrounding areas.

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Do Facial Injections Hurt?

It’s typical that people expect pain when it comes to cosmetic procedures. After all, the common saying goes, “pain is beauty.” However, with the introduction and increased popularity of dermal fillers, more and more people are finding they can get wanted results without the need for surgery. Obviously, this eliminates the need for incisions and lengthy recoveries. But, do dermal fillers free patients from the unwanted pain that comes with surgery? Or, do they hurt? And, what can someone expect as far as pain during and after these dermal fillers are injected?

What to Expect with Facial Injections

First and foremost, while you won’t be put under for facial injections, there are anesthetics available. Both topical ointments and injections are utilized, depending on the procedure, patient, and amount of treatment fluid per treatment. Those who opt for dental blocks (anesthesia injections) can expect a small, stinging pinch when the anesthetic is injected. However, once the initial prick is complete, patients can expect to experience numbing of the treated area.

Obviously, the injection of the filler product itself is not comfortable. If you ever have had an injection of some kind before, the sensation mirrors that of any other injection as it can be uncomfortable to experience the swelling of the skin. However, most first-time facial injection patients note that the sensation is much less severe than they initially expected. And, those who utilize the local anesthetic options often feel no pain during the procedure whatsoever.

Choosing Facial Injections

Overall, as far as pain goes, facial injections offer drastic results with little discomfort. And, with the advancing of these products, patients can now expect results to last for up to a year. But, it’s important that patients considering facial injections do understand that some pain may be involved. And, to consider anesthetic options and discuss with a plastic surgeon before determining a treatment date.

Talk to Dr. Carp About Your Facial Injection Procedure

If a little pain is worth it to you to experience up to a year’s worth of results, facial injections may be a good option for you. But, consulting with a plastic surgeon beforehand about your expectations is a crucial and helpful step in the process. Here at our practice, Dr. Carp is more than happy to address any of your questions or concerns. Schedule your consultation for a facial injection procedure today. Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center of Green and Beachwood, Ohio is proud to serve the communities of Akron, Cleveland, Canton and surrounding areas.

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The Importance of Choosing a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Almost everyone has heard of the circulating plastic surgery horror stories. Sadly, these stories tarnish the reputation of the plastic surgery industry and hurt those who have worked so hard to be able to help people through plastic surgery. However, being sure that a plastic surgeon is board certified can help to determine whether or not your doctor is the right fit for your procedure. And, can help to ease your nerves as you are certain your surgeon is qualified for the job at hand.

What Does It Take to get Board Certified?

Legitimate plastic surgeons go through rigorous training and lengthy schooling to achieve their certification through the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In most cases, it requires up to 16 years of higher education after high school graduation. During schooling, perspective surgeons are meticulously supervised and specially trained in plastic surgery skills. Plus, along with passing classes and meeting all requirements, each perspective surgeon is required to pass two exams, oral and written, over the course of a 2-day span. These exams test the individual’s newly gained knowledge, surgical skills, and even the ethical reason for wanting to be a plastic surgeon.

The Qualified, Certified Plastic Surgeon

Knowing that your plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery means that your surgeon knows what they need to know and is in the field for the right reasons. Obviously, those who weasel their way into providing unqualified plastic surgery procedures are not up to par with the board’s standard of judgment. And, those who are serious about getting the qualified care they need can use this standard of judgment for themselves.

Dr. Carp, Certified Plastic Surgeon with the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Looking for a qualified, certified plastic surgeon you can trust? Here at our practice, Dr. Carp has been offering the immeasurable results plastic surgery can provide to patients who want the help of a quality, highly trained professional for many years. And, he may be able to help you too!

To speak with us about a consultation for a plastic surgery procedure, contact our offices today. Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center of Green and Beachwood, Ohio is proud to serve the communities of Akron, Cleveland, Canton and surrounding areas.

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What is the Tummy Tuck Recovery Like?

The results one can get from a tummy tuck procedure are unlike any other. After weight loss or having a baby, it’s easy to see why so many people take advantage of this common procedure. However, the recovery is the price that every tuck patient must pay for a smooth, tight belly. Fortunately, there are a few things tummy tuck patients can do to make sure that recovery goes well. And, to ensure that recovery takes as little time as possible so patients can show off their results sooner.

Make Sure to Get Your Beauty Rest

Especially in the first few days of the recovery, movement should be minimal. Resting during the first few days, at least, is crucial to allowing surgical incisions to heal. Additionally, it’s important to not lift anything heavy, even groceries, for the first week after surgery. Doing so could strain the abdominal muscles and lead to complications.

Adhere to Surgical Garment Instructions

After surgery, your plastic surgeon will equip you with a compression garment which you will wear around your midsection. This piece of clothing is vital for a fast recovery. Plus, it will keep you more comfortable in the days of your early recovery. It’s extremely important not to take the compression material off to bathe or shower until recommended. Doing so could encourage infection and hinder a quick recovery. In most cases, the garment can be removed to resume routine hygiene practices five days after surgery.

Get Support from Loved Ones

If you have children or daily responsibilities, as most people do, you may wish to gain some support during the days of your recovery. While you may feel like you can walk around with ease or are not experiencing any pain, you still could hinder recovery progress by going overboard. So, even if you’re feeling better, make sure to take the support from those around you at least until your doctor suggests you resume regular activity.

Ready to Talk to Us About Your Tummy Tuck Recovery?

While there is recovery to keep in mind when scheduling a tummy tuck procedure, the results are worth it for many. If you wish to take advantage of this procedure and are ready to take a speedy recovery seriously, we can tell you if you are a good candidate. To schedule a consultation with our experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Carp, contact us today. Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center of Green and Beachwood, Ohio is proud to serve the communities of Akron, Cleveland, Canton and surrounding areas.

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Plastic Surgery vs. Exercise

Exercise has its indisputable evidence of working to accelerate fat reduction and provide a number of other health benefits. But, while every plastic surgeon would suggest a lifestyle which incorporates exercise, there are some benefits to plastic surgery procedures that exercise alone may not offer. And, for those who do actively engage in a healthy lifestyle, plastic surgery may be the only way to achieve desired results.

Getting Rid of the Stubborn Fat Deposits

Even those who routinely exercise may find themselves with stubborn fat deposits. And, maintaining a healthy lifestyle of constant exercising can seem pointless when dream results are never accomplished. When no number of sit-ups or meal plans can rid an individual of unwanted belly, thigh, arm, or other area affected by excess fat deposits, plastic surgery can help.

Working to Tighten Loosened Skin

When a person does establish a lifestyle which incorporates exercise and does lose weight, he or she may be ashamed to show off new results because of loosened skin. While exercise does work to eliminate fat cells, it doesn’t reduce the amount of skin the body has to accommodate excess fat cells. So, plastic surgery works to provide tighter, firmer skin in the treated areas.

Helping to Adjust Body Shape

Even with exercising and losing weight, a person may still remain a specific body shape. And, it can be discouraging to continue with a healthy lifestyle if a person isn’t happy with their own curves. So, liposuction procedures can be used to proportion the body in a way that complements an individual’s figure.

Book Your Plastic Surgery Consultation

While plastic surgery and exercise compare differently, they offer their best results when used together. In fact, liposuction works best for those who have already established healthy lifestyles of exercise and diet. After all, even those who have been exercising all their lives may find something plastic surgery can help to achieve.

It’s important to know that the difference between the two practices; exercise is a lifestyle and plastic surgery is a tool. When the advantages of exercise do not match expectations, plastic surgery is a beneficial tool which can be utilized to boost results. If you’re ready to boost the effects of your exercise, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Carp today. Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center of Green and Beachwood, Ohio is proud to serve the communities of Akron, Cleveland, Canton and surrounding areas.

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Tired of Shaving and Waxing? We’ve Got a Solution!

Does it feel like you’re constantly shaving or waxing certain areas of the body? Undesired body hair can be an aggravating hassle, but we’ve got a solution: LightSheer™ laser hair removal.

What is LightSheer™ and How Does it Work?

LightSheer™ is a type of laser hair removal treatment that utilizes lasers to weaken hair follicles. Since the lasers are absorbed in the pigment of the follicle, only the hair follicle is affected and surrounding skin cells remain unharmed, which results in a nearly painless way to remove hair on a long-term basis.

Lasers are pulsed from a small, handheld device that is placed directly on the skin. Guided by the use of a computer, the device is positioned carefully. This helps to focus the laser on only follicles that have not yet been treated. And, allows the laser to reach and affect a number of hair follicles at once. The technology allows not only for a safer way to get permanent hair removal but more effective too.

What are the Results of LightSheer™ Treatments Like?

Patients who choose LightSheer™ treatments for their skin laser removal can expect to experience an 80% reduction in body hair. Plus, the hair that may grow back is commonly reported as thinner and lighter colored, which reduces its appearance as well. Usually, patients can expect to undergo four treatments to experience the results they want. But, because this treatment is so effective in treating hundreds of hair follicles at once, treatments may only take a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treated area.

Wanting to Experience the Benefits of Permanent Hair Removal for Yourself?

If you’re sick of shaving and waxing but don’t want the pain and lengthy treatment of some available laser skin removal treatments, LightSheer™ may be the right solution. Here at Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center, we specialize in laser skin removal of the arms, legs, back, neck, nose, ears, chest, cheeks, underarms, bikini line, and more! To see if you are a good candidate for LightSheer™ laser hair removal treatments, contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Carp.

 

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The Difference Between Injectables and Fillers

These days, there are countless ways to enhance your appearance and give you the youthful, energetic look you desire. Although many assume that surgery is the only way to improve an aging appearance, you should know that there are plenty of non-invasive ways to take years off your face. Injectables and fillers have long been popular choices for removing lines and wrinkles. The terms are used so often together that you may wonder if there is a difference between the two types of procedures? And if so, what exactly is the difference? Allow us to explain.

Injectables and Fillers Work in Different Ways

First, it is important to understand that injectables and fillers are, indeed, different. While injectables such as Botox® and Dysport® paralyze the muscles that cause wrinkles, fillers such as Juvederm®, Restylane®, and Sculptra® are used to fill, plump, and add volume to the treatment area. Essentially, injectables remove lines by preventing the muscles that cause them from moving, while injectables fill up creases to smooth out the surface of the face. Both provide beautiful results but do so in different ways.

Due to the different methods that injectables and fillers use to remove wrinkles, they can be used together to treat different problem areas more effectively. For example, while Botox® may be used to remove creases around the eyebrows and forehead, Juvederm® may add volume to the cheeks. So, instead of assuming you can only use one or the other, you may discover that your best results will occur when you use both.

Does One Last Longer?

Regardless of which option you choose, you should keep in mind that these non-invasive treatments are not long-term solutions. Depending on the product you have chosen, and the speed at which your body breaks it down, you could enjoy your results for several months to over a year. If you wish to continue with maintenance appointments, you may do so to preserve your younger look. Alternatively, if it seems that your aging has sped up beyond what is possible for non-invasive methods to treat, it may be time to consider other options, such as facial surgery.

We’ll Help Determine the Best Option For You

If you have been considering injectables and fillers, then you have come to the right place. Our team at Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center is skilled at assessing our patients’ unique needs and giving them the refreshed, energized and stress-free look they crave. Ready to step forward into your new look? Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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Understanding the Mommy Makeover

Most people would agree that childbirth is a beautiful process. What is less beautiful, however, is the way the body is affected by carrying and delivering children. Although many women are perfectly content with their post-childbirth bodies, if you are wishing for the pre-childbirth body you once had, you are not alone! Fortunately, a Mommy Makeover can help. So, what is involved? Allow us to explain.

What Procedures Are Included?

One of the best aspects of a Mommy Makeover is that it can be specifically tailored to suit your body’s unique needs. A Mommy Makeover can include a breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction. These procedures work together to lift and tighten sagging skin, reshape the breasts, and remove unwanted love handles that may be difficult to work off with diet and exercise alone.

Are there any Pre-Surgery Requirements?

Although many women are already excellent candidates for a Mommy Makeover, we recommend that patients interested in this procedure remain in good health with a stable weight in advance of their surgery. A healthy body that is no longer producing milk or in the process of losing baby weight is important in facilitating a smooth healing process that will give the results you are seeking.

Can I Have Children After a Mommy Makeover?

It is certainly possible to have children again after a Mommy Makeover. However, since this procedure is designed to counteract the negative physical changes brought on by having a child, any pregnancy and childbirth after the surgery will likely undo the results you were seeking. That said, you may want to schedule the procedure for a time when you feel fairly confident that you are finished having children, so that you can enjoy the results of your procedure for many years to come.

How Soon Until I Can Return to Daily Activities?

Recovery time will vary based on the individual and the combination of procedures involved. However, during this time, it is important to adhere to your doctor’s recommendations, so that you can achieve the high-quality results you have been seeking.

At Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center, we pride ourselves on helping women return to their pre-childbirth bodies, regain their confidence, and obtain a more positive outlook on life. If you have questions about a Mommy Makeover and what it can do for you, we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation, and take the first step on the road to reclaiming your dream body.

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Four Skin Care Tips to Prepare for the Winter Months

When the cold weather rolls in, many notice that their skin has lost some of its luster. What used to be a radiant complexion may now be a little dry or chapped. With the changes in temperature, and especially with the extreme cold that winter can bring, it makes sense that your skin may be in need of a little boost. Fortunately, there are many options for you to take care of your skin, all winter long. Here are four tips that we recommend:

#1: Look Your Best With Proper Hydration

In the winter, the most important aspect of healthy skin is hydration. The bitter cold will zap moisture out of your skin in the blink of an eye. To combat dryness, we recommend using a trusted moisturizer, ideally directly after showering. Moisturizers are more effective on damp skin, so you’ll get more bang for your buck and better protect yourself in the long-run.

Additionally, it’s important to continue drinking water, as our bodies need this hydration for beautiful, problem-free skin. So, before you have that second latte, consider a mug of warm lemon water instead.

#2: Opt for Gentle Exfoliation

If you are going to be stepping up your hydration routine, you will also want to make sure you are gently exfoliating your face on a regular basis. After all, dead skin cells can prevent moisturizers from working their best, so you’ll be doing yourself a favor by sloughing off the old skin before attempting to lock in moisture.

#3: Add Humidity to Your Home

In the summer, it seems that the last thing anyone wants is a humid environment. However, humidity is actually good for keeping skin looking and feeling its best. As you prepare for the cold, dry winter ahead, consider adding a humidifier in your bedroom.

#4: Visit Our Med Spa for Products Tailored to Your Needs

If you are unsure of what kind of products you should be using on your face, we are happy to help! The team at Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center is equipped with the knowledge and experience to help guide you on best practices for your body’s unique requirements. After all, every face is different, and yours deserves individual attention to ensure you get the results you are seeking.

Schedule a Consult for a Tailored Skin Care Regimen

When you are ready to prepare your face for winter, we are ready to help. Our team, led by seasoned surgeon Dr. Carp, looks forward to helping residents of Green and Beechwood, Ohio successfully combat the winter months with a beautiful glow. Contact us today to learn more.

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Tragically, breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women today. This means that most of us have some sort of connection to breast cancer patients. Whether we have endured treatment ourselves or know someone who has, it goes without saying that a breast cancer diagnosis affects more than just your medical state. For many women, breasts are a key factor in feeling feminine and beautiful. The potential for cancer to take all of that away can be overwhelming, to say the least.

Fortunately, you are not alone. At Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center, we are proud to offer services to help you get back to looking and feeling like yourself after your battle with breast cancer.

About Breast Reconstruction

After winning the battle against cancer, one of the first questions on your mind may be “how can I re-establish my breasts?” Whenever possible, we recommend breast reconstruction be performed during the same appointment as the mastectomy, which tends to be better for patients on a financial and emotional level. However, reconstruction can take place at a later time due to a variety of different circumstances.

Recovery from breast reconstruction typically requires at least six weeks. Patients should understand the seriousness of this procedure and give themselves plenty of time to rest so that the body can properly heal.

Our Cancer Aesthetic Program

Our Cancer Aesthetic Program is especially designed to help individuals navigate the side effects of their cancer treatments and regain a feeling of beauty and ease. In this program, we will gladly review your current cosmetic products for safety. We also offer specially customized facials, hand, foot and scalp treatments and makeup consultations to leave you feeling like your best self.

Although breast cancer is never good news, you can rest assured that you do not have to face your situation on your own. At Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center, we have helped countless survivors in Green and Beechwood, Ohio reclaim their femininity, increase their self-confidence and begin embracing life once again. If you have questions and would like to schedule a consultation, we are here to help.

Dr. Carp looks forward to discussing the treatments that will be best suited to your needs. Do not hesitate to contact us today for your consultation.