4 Great Plastic Surgery Procedures Before Your Beach Vacation
by Cosmetics Expert Mike Dune
As the days get shorter and the air gets cooler, many people try to hold on to summer by booking winter trips to warmer climates. While an impending tropical getaway is definitely something to look forward to, the prospect of spending leisurely afternoons in a swimsuit can make some people anxious or insecure about their bodies. Undergoing plastic surgery prior to a big trip can enhance your enjoyment of your upcoming vacation and of many more beach days to come. Here are 4 popular options for plastic surgery procedures that many people choose to help them look better on the beach.
- Tummy tuck: Also called an abdominoplasty, tummy tuck surgery is a great way for many people to achieve that elusive flat abdomen, especially after pregnancy or a big weight loss, which can leave loose skin behind. During a tummy tuck, a plastic surgeon surgically tightens abdominal muscles and removes excess skin in addition to suctioning fat away for a comprehensive improvement that can last for many years.
One common misconception about tummy tuck surgery is that the procedure leaves a conspicuous scar. Most traditional tummy tucks do require an incision that extends from hip to hip, but it’s typically made quite low on the body, just above the pubic area. In most cases, the resulting scar is concealed beneath clothing and swimwear.
- Cellulite treatment: Although most women deal with cellulite to some degree, these dimples are still a source of embarrassment for many. Some believe cellulite has to do with having excess fat, but it is actually due to the growth of connective tissue that pulls on skin from below. This is why creams, massage, and other external remedies typically don’t do much, and it’s why cellulite is even common among thin people. Recently, treatments that disrupt the structure of cellulite have appeared in plastic surgery practices around the country, including the office of Dr. Shim Ching, one of the only plastic surgeons in Honolulu to offer the treatment.
According to Dr. Ching’s website, the treatment, called Cellulaze™ (more info right here), uses laser energy to release the connective tissue that pulls on skin and to encourage collagen development for thicker, smoother skin. Cellulaze requires a few very small incisions and a brief recuperation period, making it a perfect pre-vacation option.
- Male breast reduction: The presence of “man boobs” is a common concern that affects hundreds of thousands of adolescent boys and adult men. While the condition is often related to hormones, medication, or an underlying condition, it can also have no discernible cause. Fortunately, the growth of overly large male breasts, called gynecomastia, is fairly easy to alleviate. Liposuction of the chest is a common option that requires a few small incisions. For more severe cases, plastic surgeons may recommend surgical excision of the entire mammary gland. Although this option requires a few more days of recuperation, it eliminates the possibility of regrowth. Men who undergo male breast reduction describe an enormous boost in confidence during many activities, such as working out, heading to the beach or pool, and sexual intimacy.
- Butt lift: One procedure getting a lot of positive press in recent years is the butt lift. Several versions of aesthetic buttock surgery exist, including the popular Brazilian butt lift. As its name implies, butt lift surgery can lift a sagging derriere, restoring it to its former glory. Some patients also opt to add volume through implants or even autologous fat grafting, which uses fat harvested from another part of the body to improve the size and shape of the butt.
All these body contouring procedures can give patients a big boost of confidence before a tropical vacation, but it’s important to remember that they all require a varying degree of downtime. Consult with a qualified plastic surgeon soon if you’d like flawless results by winter.