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Plastic Surgery

The Most Popular Areas for Liposuction

By | Plastic Surgery

Target your trouble spots with treatments from a qualified plastic surgeon in the Boise area

Despite your best efforts to eat well and exercise regularly, you may still have a few “trouble spots” on your body that are impacting your confidence. Certain areas of the body can stubbornly hold onto pockets of fat, no matter how hard you hit the gym. This is where plastic surgery can help you achieve a silhouette you’re happy with.

A liposuction treatment from a qualified plastic surgeon can smooth out those stubborn areas so you can feel good wherever you go, whether it’s the beach, backyard, or boardroom.

How does liposuction work?

Liposuction is a proven method of plastic surgery that over half a million people choose every year to help them achieve the appearance they want. This procedure aims to shape and contour specific areas of the body, so it’s most appropriate for people who have a BMI in the recommended range and aren’t looking to lose a significant amount of weight.

There are two types of liposuction: traditional liposuction and SmartLipo. Traditional liposuction involves making incisions at the trouble areas and inserting a small tube that gently suctions out fat. SmartLipo uses a laser to dissolve the fat which makes it easier to suction from the body and also provides a few other benefits, such as tightening the skin. Your plastic surgeon can discuss your options and help you choose which method is best for you.

What are the most popular areas for liposuction?

While every area on your body is a potential candidate for liposuction, there are some areas that are frequently requested among patients.

Tummy and waist

Fat in this area is often referred to as “love handles” but few people love the look they create. Unwanted fat can roll over the waistband of your pants and diminish the flat, smooth tummy and waistline you’re hoping to achieve. Liposuction eliminates the fat for a trim and shapely figure.

Thighs and hips

“Hip dips” and heavy thighs can often be a matter of genes, which means no amount of exercise can get rid of them. Liposuction gently contours these areas to create a sculpted and streamlined look that evens out your proportions.

Back

Excess fat in the back appears in the form of rolls that show up when you try to wear slim-fitting or tight clothing, such as a swimsuit or tank top. Once again, exercise can’t do much to eliminate these bulges, but liposuction can quickly achieve the flat, slender look you want.

Find a plastic surgeon in the Boise, Idaho area

Are you interested in getting rid of your trouble spots through liposuction? The Rodgers Center for Plastic Surgery can help you navigate your options. Schedule your consultation today.

Eyelid Surgery Is Growing in Popularity. Is It Right for You?

By | Plastic Surgery

The skin around the eyes is thin and delicate. It’s part of what makes them the most expressive part of the face.

It’s also the reason why your eyelids are one of the first areas to show signs of aging. A good skincare routine can help slow this process but even the most expensive creams and silk pillowcases won’t stop wrinkles and bagginess from forming, and this can start as early as your 30s.

To reduce that tell-tale bagginess and preserve the definition of the upper eyelid crease, more and more people are turning to eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty.

If you’re wondering whether eyelid surgery is right for you, here are some of the benefits to consider.

It creates a more youthful and rested appearance

Surgery removes excess loose skin from around the eyes, brightening your appearance and taking years off your face. It also reduces the puffiness that can contribute to a tired or worn look.

Its benefits are long lasting

Whereas some cosmetic procedures require ongoing maintenance and touch-ups, eyelid surgery is much more enduring. Procedures on the upper eyelid generally have a lifespan of five to seven years while lower eyelid work typically does not ever need to be repeated.

It’s a simple and short procedure

Most surgeries take just one to two hours and can be performed under local anesthesia. There is also no need for a hospital stay during your recovery—you can go home right after.

The recovery time is short

Most patients find they can return to many of their normal routines as early as two days after their procedure and are completely recovered by ten days after. Pain associated with eyelid surgery is minimal and is commonly treated with over-the-counter pain relief medicine. Some bruising may occur but is usually easily masked with makeup.

The risks are minimal

All surgeries carry some risk. However, complications arising from eyelid surgery are rare and are usually minor.

The results are natural looking

Eyelid surgery aims to give you a refreshed look without drastically altering your appearance. Many people won’t even know you had work done—they’ll just wonder why you look so much more vital and well-rested.

Schedule a Consultation

Are you interested in learning more about eyelid surgery? At Rodgers Center for Plastic Surgery, our experienced professionals can help you decide if this simple procedure is right for you. We serve the Boise area as well as surrounding areas of Eagle and beyond.

The first step is scheduling a consultation. Contact us today at 208-939-9000.

Comparing Botox and Dermal Fillers

By | Plastic Surgery

If you’re self-conscious about wrinkles or crow’s feet, but going underneath the knife is a dealbreaker, there are other, less invasive options – such as botox or dermal fillers. You’ve probably heard both of these terms thrown around before, but what do they mean, and what are the differences between the two?

Botox

Botox is an incredibly common non-surgical procedure designed to help get rid of wrinkles or visible signs of aging. It works by stopping certain nerve signals from communicating with the facial muscles. As a result, the muscles are paralyzed in place, and any wrinkles there will automatically relax and soften.

Botox is especially popular for getting rid of forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, or even softening frown lines around the mouth.

The neurotoxins in botox usually take less than a week, or three to five days, to take effect – but you may not see noticeable results for up to two weeks. Keep in mind that botox isn’t permanent, and eventually, the muscles and nerve signals will start to communicate again. You can expect your botox procedure to last anywhere from three to six months.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers also work to counteract aging, but they do so in a different way. Rather than get rid of wrinkles, dermal fillers fill out areas on the face that have thinned due to aging. The most common areas you’ll see dermal fillers include in the lips, around the mouth, or the cheeks.

Fortunately, the effects of dermal fillers are instantaneous, but it can take up to a month for the filler to completely integrate with the existing tissue. Once it’s integrated, fillers can last up to a year before you may need to repeat the procedure.

Interested in Dermal Fillers or Botox?

Are you interested in dermal fillers or botox? At Rodgers Center for Plastic Surgery, our experienced professionals can help you create the stunning effects you want with botox or fillers. If you’d like to schedule a consultation with a member of our staff, contact us today at 208-939-9000.

Laser Skin Resurfacing Can Transform Skin Texture and Tone

By | Plastic Surgery

There are various different surgical methods to transform the skin on your face to make you look younger, but there are non-surgical methods available too. These are less invasive, and ideal for those that would rather not go under the knife. One such non-surgical method to restructure your skin is called laser skin resurfacing. This can allow you to make your skin look more youthful and boost your self-confidence with absolutely no surgery involved.

What is laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing does exactly what the name suggests. It involves using laser light to take the top layer of dead skin away from the skin’s surface. In doing so, the skin left behind is exfoliated, and can make you look much younger as it is tighter and more defined. This is the ideal treatment to correct damage from excessive exposure to the sun, or to simply transform your skin to make you happier with your appearance. It’s a simple procedure, and you can choose to have it performed on specific parts of your face, or all over.

Who should get laser skin resurfacing treatment?

Laser skin resurfacing, like any skin rejuvenation procedure performed by a plastic surgeon, is usually best for adult men and women that are otherwise in a healthy physical and mental state. It’s the ideal procedure for anyone that wants to repair damage to their skin caused by the sun, or to simply make their face look younger and more defined.

It’s also ideal for anyone that wants to achieve the naturally beautiful complexion that they have always wanted, but never wanted to go through any invasive surgery. Laser skin resurfacing is a simple yet effective way to shed layers of dead and damaged skin, to reveal the healthy and beautiful layer underneath. As with all treatments of this kind, it’s best to seek the help of a professional, to ensure you get the right treatment for your skin.

Botox is One of the Best Solutions for Laugh Lines

By | Plastic Surgery

It’s human nature to want to smile and laugh. But alas, it is also human nature that many of us will develop confidence-shattering wrinkles as a direct result of these happy moments.

Laugh lines are unsightly creases that crop up predominantly around the nose, mouth, and chin. Lucky for those of you in despair, Botox — one of the most popular cosmetic procedures on the market — is an excellent remedy to this problem.

These creases are the result of prolonged smiling and laughing over a long period of time. When we engage in those actions, we’re wearing down the underlying tissue in our face. This causes the muscles to become overactive, in turn creating what we know as laugh lines.

Other factors, including aging, sun damage, and weight changes have also been shown to play a role in the development of laugh lines. However, by addressing the muscles underneath your face with Botox, we can nonetheless alleviate the issue.

The compound at the heart of the Botox procedure, botulinum toxin, is a natural muscle relaxant. By injecting it into your face, your overactive muscles will relax, erasing the cause of the laugh lines and the lines themselves. Just like that, your youthful good looks have returned.

Does it sound too good to be true? Due caution is encouraged with Botox. As a result of the popularity of the procedure, many unqualified doctors have attempted it and induced serious side effects in their patients.

However, under a qualified physician’s care, the procedure carries minimal risks and should only take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. So long as your doctor is fully aware of the FDA-mandated guidelines and follows them properly, getting Botox should not be an issue.

For more information on the treatments we have available, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rodgers today.

Steps to Reducing Your Plastic Surgery Recovery Time

By | Plastic Surgery

Whether you’ve just undergone breast lift surgery or a full facelift, you need to remember that recovery is key.
But how long can recovery take and what can you expect once you’ve left the operating room?
Because we’re all busy with our lives, recovering as soon as possible is always on patients’ minds. Being stuck in bed isn’t fun, but it may be necessary during recovery no matter how long it takes.

Fortunately, you can speed up the recovery process with a few tips:

1. Follow Instructions

Be mindful of following your board-certified plastic surgeon’s instructions for post-op care to avoid complications and ensure you get the best results.

2. Choose a Qualified Surgeon

How long you were under anesthesia will determine how long it might take for you to feel normal again after surgery. Make sure you choose a qualified surgeon who will be administering the anesthesia properly.
Anesthesia is very safe when performed or supervised by an experienced, board-certified anesthesiologist.

3. Ask Questions and Get Answers Before the Surgery

When searching for a board-certified surgeon to perform your procedure, ask how long your surgery will take and who will be in the operating room helping with the surgery. Ask for referrals from other patients who had similar surgeries and about their recovery time.

4. Get Moving… Carefully

Even though you might want to get up and about right away, don’t rush it. Doing simple movements can keep you from getting stiff and prevent potentially dangerous complications like blood clots.
Start slowly by taking short walks and/or do light stretching throughout the day. Both of these activities help circulation and keep important body systems moving.

Don’t go running around the block, just do easy movements. Also, it’s not wise to get sweaty and overexert yourself as a rising heart rate and blood pressure can slow healing.

When stretching, go easy so you don’t put pressure on incision sites that could stretch or open. Always have someone with you during the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery to help you stand up and sit down.

5. Share Your Medical History

Make sure your surgeon and the staff know about your medical history, past surgeries, and complications during your first consult. Be forthright and tell your doctor everything in case something unexpected occurs during surgery. Not doing so could prolong your time under anesthesia or require more extensive surgery. Disclose all medication or drugs in your system, as well as current medications and all supplements you are taking.

Following any or all these tips will speed up your recovery and get you back to normal sooner rather than later.

Why is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Important?

By | Plastic Surgery

There has been an increase in the number of people undergoing plastic surgery over the last decade with the practice becoming more widespread and commonplace. 

Unfortunately, with this upsurge of interest, the number of cases where surgery has gone wrong has also increased. There are even TV shows about it!

These botched procedures are largely performed by general surgeons who are not trained specifically in plastic surgery. Patients are drawn to these doctors because they tend to be cheaper than specialized plastic surgeons.

The outcome is, of course, devastating for the patient. It can take money, time, and multiple corrective surgeries to undo the damage.

How do you know if your plastic surgeon is board-certified and why does it matter?

As with any surgery, there are always risks of complications or unforeseen difficulties.

Check to see if your plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons by running a Google search and checking their medical credentials on sites like Healthgrades and WebMD.

This is important because, technically, any surgeon can carry out plastic surgery work. Board-certified plastic surgeons, however, have completed years of technical training and examinations before they can be certified. They need to provide evidence of their experience and take the right tests whereas general surgeons don’t need to do this.

It takes dedication and years of hard work to be board-certified. There is therefore a huge difference in the level of skill and experience between a general surgeon and a plastic surgeon.

What actions should you take before choosing a plastic surgeon?

  • Do your research. Simply spend some time Googling the surgeon you are thinking about using. You should quite easily be able to find their credentials and examples of their work. This should help you get a feel for their experience.
  • Ask your doctor.  You can also try asking your general physician whether they have anyone they might recommend. A recommendation should give you more confidence that you are safe in the hands of a particular surgeon.
  • Research costs.Do some research to find the average cost of the procedure you are interested in. If the price the surgeon is charging is much less than average, you should be cautious. If someone offers you a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Let us help you  Dr. Bret Rodgers is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a wealth of experience. If you are contemplating surgery, please get in touch for a consultation where you will have time to discuss any questions or concerns you might have in a safe and comfortable setting.

Botox and Dermal Filler Myths

By | Aesthetic Treatment, Plastic Surgery

Botox and Dermal fillers have gained a reputation lately. Some have been good, while some, not so much. Here are some of the common myths associated with botox and dermal fillers and why they really are nothing more than myths.

Botox and Dermal Fillers Are The Same

The only thing similar between botox and dermal fillers is that they’re injected. Botox is a muscle relaxant, while dermal fillers restore the volume and lift the facial tissues, thus giving a youthful look. Other than this, dermal fillers tend to last longer than botox.

Botox and Fillers Are Really Painful

When it comes to any non-surgical cosmetic treatment, there is a small level of discomfort involved. The pain, however, is nowhere near intolerable. Dermal fillers tend to be at a higher level of discomfort but the pain is often reduced with the help of numbing agents.

Once you get Botox or fillers, you must continue to have them forever

One of the most common misconceptions of botox and dermal fillers is that the skin turns wrinkly and starts to sag even more than its original condition after the effect wears off. The truth is far from this. When the effect does wear off, your skin returns to its normal state, it does not get worse than it was at the beginning of the treatment. The only reason why people continue with botox and dermal fillers is that they’re happy with the results.

Botox is Dangerous

Safety is a primary concern for people undergoing any procedure. Many people believe that botox is toxic and dangerous. While there’s no denying that Botox is a product of a purified protein that comes from toxin, it is safe to use. Botox has a well-established history and there is no reason to worry about its safety.

They look really unnatural

There’s no running away from the fact that sometimes fillers and botox can give an unnatural appearance. However, it has more to do with how the procedure is performed and less with the actual procedure. While administering botox and fillers, it is important to have a sense of proportion and aesthetics. Just like any other procedure, non-surgical or otherwise, there are risks involved.

That being said, with the expertise of the right surgeon and a controlled sense of usage, there is no reason to worry about an unnatural outcome from these procedures.

Six of the Most Popular Reasons for Rhinoplasty

By | Aesthetic Treatment, Plastic Surgery

Rhinoplasty, popularly known as a ‘nose job’ is a common cosmetic procedure that isn’t complex and high-risk. It’s favored by many to help provide a better balanced and symmetrical look on the face. Though most rhinoplasty procedures are cosmetic, it also involves helping fix abnormalities in the nose that make breathing challenging.
Let’s take a look at the six most popular reasons for rhinoplasty below, in no particular order:

Straighten out the dorsal hump

The dorsal hump on your nose is one of the most popular rhinoplasty corrective procedures. This procedure looks to smooth out the hump so that, especially from the side angle the nose is quite a lot sharper and straighter. How complicated of a procedure that’s carried out depends on whether it’s primarily bone or cartilage that needs to be surgically removed. 

Lift nasal tip

The nasal tip usually points down on many individuals and as a result,  its a common request to have this nasal tip lifted to provide a much sharper feature. A simple procedure, adjusting the nasal tip can have a big change in the overall profile of the nose. 

Make the bulbous tip more subtle

As you age, the bulbous tip can become more pronounced and round. This then can make the overall profile of the nose unappealing. As a result, rhinoplastic procedures can be carried out that try to refine the nasal tip and ensure that its size is kept proportional.

Fix a deviated septum

A deviated septum can be challenging and impede critical functions such as breathing. Because of this, fixing a deviated septum is less a cosmetic procedure and more one that improves the quality of life and health. This is considered a rhinoplastic procedure and can also improve the overall symmetry of the nose and profile. 

Adjust the size of the nose

We’ve all wondered whether our nose is big or small, and the size of the nose in relation to the overall face can make it look quite pronounced. Many are not a fan of this and prefer to undergo a procedure that helps to reduce the size of the nose. This procedure is typically a combination of many of the other ones mentioned.

Contour the nasal bridge

Contouring the nasal bridge involves trying to make the nasal bridge a lot flatter and narrower. This helps to contour the nose and give it a more symmetrical look in conjunction with the overall face. The procedure can also help give the face a narrower look.

Body Contouring

The Benefits of truSculpt 3D Body Contouring

By | Aesthetic Treatment, Plastic Surgery

truSculpt 3D is one of the latest innovations in body contouring treatments. It uses monopolar radiofrequency (RF) to target fat cells underneath the skin, and then heats and destroys them so they can be eliminated by the body’s natural waste systems. The treatment is non-invasive and is FDA-approved for reducing the circumference of the abdomen and flanks (thighs).

How does it work?

During the truSculpt 3D session, a technician uses a handheld device to pulse RF energy into the fatty layers of the skin. The surrounding skin and tissue are not impacted by the frequency. The fatty, adipose tissue is selectively targeted and heated, while skin temperature remains relatively low.

truSculpt 3D uses two megahertz (MHz) of energy instead of the one MHz used by other contouring systems. Because the rate of heating is higher, treatment times are significantly shorter. Each session requires only a 15-minute session, and most patients start seeing results six to eight weeks after their first treatment.

While fat cells are permanently destroyed, truSculpt 3D is not meant to treat or prevent obesity. Providers recommend a healthy diet and regular exercise in combination with sessions to achieve optimal results.

Recovery time

While discomfort varies for each patient, most report that the procedure is virtually pain-free. Since it is a non-invasive procedure, recovery time is virtually non-existent, with some patients reporting some mild swelling or slight soreness after the procedure.

Unlike other body contouring treatments that pinch or suction the skin, truSculpt 3D moves on the top layer of the skin. The result is less bruising and redness than most patients experience with other methods.

Benefits

One benefit of truSculpt 3D that other body contouring options don’t offer is tightened skin. The RF energy penetrates deeper layers of the skin in addition to targeting fat cells. The result is an improvement in skin texture, tone, and firmness. Many users also report a reduction in the appearance of the “dimpled skin” effect caused by cellulite.

While truSculpt 3D is currently FDA-approved for contouring treatment of the stomach and thigh areas, it has been proven safe for use on the entire body. Because of the handheld device that is used to deliver radiofrequency, it is an excellent method for targeting smaller, hard-to-reach areas like fat under the chin or around bra straps or underarms.

Studies of truSculpt 3D have shown its ability to reduce the circumference of problem areas after just one treatment. As an added benefit, many subjects continue to eliminate targeted fat cells for several weeks following their treatment, further reducing the size and circumference of treatment areas.

While the main benefit of truSculpt 3D is targeted fat reduction, the added benefits of tighter skin, no recovery or downtime, and a reduction in the appearance of cellulite make it an increasingly popular option for patients seeking fast, effective body contouring treatments without painful surgery or inconvenient downtime.