The Buzz on Mommy Makeovers

Mommy Makeovers

In an effort to return to a pre-pregnancy body state, women will commit themselves to workout schedules and healthy diets. The physical training they perform improves cardiovascular health and muscle strength and helps to lose unwanted pounds. However, no amount of exercise can tighten skin that has been stretched by pregnancy. Surgery and proper diet together can remedy those problems that cannot be fixed by hard work alone.

Fortunately, surgery has become an acceptable tool to use for restoring a body to the pre-pregnancy shape. In an effort to avoid multiple surgeries and minimize recovery time, many women chose a combination of procedures to be performed simultaneously. Most common among the procedures for the ‘Mommy Makeover’ are breast lift, liposuction and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). The breast lift can either be done with or without implant placement. The tummy tuck removes excess abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. Liposuction removes localized or regional fatty deposits from various areas of the body.

Mommy makeovers are not a new concept. For generations women have tried to minimize bodily changes that occur from pregnancy. Currently, fine-tuning nature through surgery has become a more acceptable technique. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports an increase in the three most popular mommy makeover procedures by 11% in 2006. These moms ultimately chose to have surgery for themselves and the results gave them an increase in their self-esteem and confidence.

The cost of a mommy makeover depends upon which procedure or procedures will be used to give each patient the final result they are looking for. A consultation is the best way to have
questions answered. At this visit, the patient can explain to Dr. Baldwin exactly what they would like to achieve through surgery. After a discussion and examination, Dr. Baldwin will determine what she can do for each person individually.

If you would like more information or to schedule an appointment, please either call our office at 713 791-1975 or email us through our web site. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Archives

Augmentation Mammaplasty

Reshaping or enlarging the breasts with the use of implants is called augmentation mammaplasty or breast augmentation. This surgical procedure creates breasts that are larger and more fully shaped. If you feel your breasts are too small in proportion to your body, this may be a procedure that is right for you.

Weight loss, heredity and pregnancy all can influence a woman’s breasts. These factors can cause the bustline to change shape and size and decrease firmness. Although it is natural to have slight breast asymmetry, occasionally, one breast will be noticeably smaller than the other making a woman feel self-conscious. These changes or differences in the breasts can complicate wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting top. All of these conditions can be helped by breast augmentation.

The women who are best candidates for this surgery have completed their breast development, are emotionally mature and are not seeking perfection. It is not recommended for young women who are still in their developmental years. The best motivation for wanting this procedure is to feel better about yourself. Yes, breast augmentation can enhance one’s figure.

The first step toward any surgery is an appointment with the surgeon to discuss the procedure of interest. At an initial consultation for breast augmentation, Dr. Baldwin speaks with the patient to understand their desired results from the surgery. After discussing breast augmentation, Dr. Baldwin examines the breast size, shape and skin as well as the placement of the nipples and areolas. If the breasts are sagging, she may suggest that a breast lift procedure is performed in conjunction with the augmentation.

Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure. It involves a small incision that is inconspicuously placed in the crease under each breast. This approach allows the surgeon to enter the sub-pectoral area, under the muscle, without disturbing any breast tissue. A pocket is then created under the chest wall muscle where the implant is placed. The incision extends approximately one and a half inches and is concealed in the infra-mammary fold at the base of the breast.

Immediate results will not be noticed from this procedure. Swelling may be present for weeks. Even so, most women are very pleased with the outcome. They no longer wear padded bras and their new curves allow them to wear a variety of fashions with increased self-confidence.

If you feel you are a candidate for this procedure and would like to discuss it with Dr. Baldwin, please contact our office by email through this website or by phone at 713 791-1975.

Blepharoplasty

The eyes are a revealing and intriguing facial feature. We express ourselves to others through our eyes. The eyes also are a reflection of our emotional and physical well-being. Occasionally, the eyes are affected by factors such as heredity or aging, which may mask true feelings. Droopy eyelids or puffiness can make a person appear sad or angry. Cosmetic eyelid surgery can improve the upper eyelid, lower eyelids, or both to create a more youthful and lively appearance.

Blepharoplasty is the surgical procedure performed to eliminate droopy eyelids and under eye bags. A firm contour of the upper eyelid can be created through an incision in the upper eyelid. This incision is hidden in a natural crease of the eyelid. Corrections to the lower lid are through another well-concealed incision. Through both incisions, muscles can be tightened, fat removed and skin excised to restore firmness to the surrounding area.

The results of cosmetic eyelid surgery evolve over a period of time. The surgery is followed by a period of swelling, bruising, and dry or irritated eyes. Gel eye pads are recommended for comfort and to reduce post-operative swelling during this time. Sutures remain in place for about a week. Once removed, the healing process continues for several weeks.

During the recovery period, the patient can resume wearing make-up, return to work and light normal activity. As the swelling and bruising dissipate, the final outcome of smooth and firm contours of the eyes can be realized.

If this procedure is of interest to you and you’d like to schedule a consultation to discuss your desired results with Dr. Baldwin, please email Dr. Baldwin or call our office at 713 791-1975.

Face Lift

The face is a person’s most visible feature. Changes to the youthful contours of a face can influence how people feel about themselves. As a natural part of the aging process, skin loses elasticity and wrinkles form. Fatty deposits combined with loose skin in the chin present as a “double chin.” Heredity, gravity, stress and the environment impact these factors. The plastic surgery that restores firmness and corrects sagging tissues of the face and neck is the facelift.

A facelift does not change a person’s natural appearance. This surgery results in a rested and more youthful appearance by improving the tone of facial muscles and skin. The procedure does not stop the face from aging but, allows the aging process to progress from a new and more youthful point.

Incisions for a facelift are discreetly placed behind the hairline and extend around the ear with the ending still within the hairline in the lower scalp area. This incision allows for access to the underlying tissues. From this point of entry facial tissues are repositioned, facial muscles are lifted and fat is sculpted or redistributed from the face, jowls and neck. The skin is then redraped over the new contours and excess skin is trimmed away. Another incision can be made under the chin to further improve the neck area if necessary. These incisions are usually well healed within a week of the surgery.

During the initial post-operative period, the head should be elevated at all times to prevent additional swelling. Swelling and bruising are part of the natural healing process. The patient may also experience numbness and restricted facial movements. These conditions are expected and will subside with time. Medication is prescribed and should be used for any discomfort. Healing time progresses for several weeks however, it is common for the patient to return to light activity and work within a couple of weeks after surgery. Any remaining bruising can be covered with make-up at this time.

If this procedure is of interest to you, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Baldwin to have questions and individual concerns answered. At this visit, you can explain exactly what you would like to achieve through surgery. It is only after a discussion and examination that Dr. Baldwin can determine what is best for you.

Should you be interested in a consultation, please call our office at 713 791 1975 or send an email from our website. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you on this important decision.

Liposuction

We live in a society that values personal appearance. This is evidenced by the number of people from every age group who are active with exercises that range from daily walks to extreme competitions. Most of those driven toward fitness are also very conscious of their dietary intake. The combination of healthy foods and regular exercise should promise a well-proportioned body. However, this is not always the case. For many, it is frustrating to have unwanted fatty areas despite keeping a dedicated workout schedule and healthy eating habits.

If this sounds familiar, keep in mind that body contours uninfluenced by a proper diet or a fitness plan may be strongly related to heredity or family traits. These excess fatty deposits, whether on the face or the body, that do not respond to diet or exercise may be helped by a procedure called liposuction.

Liposuction is the surgical removal of localized or regional fatty deposits. The benefit of this procedure is that it can permanently reshape areas that are disproportionate in an otherwise balanced figure. The removal of the excess fatty tissue leads to improved body contours and proportions. Though, this procedure cannot be used as a substitute for proper diet and exercise, nor as a treatment for obesity.

The procedure involves incisions made near the area to be suctioned. The incisions are the point of entry for a cannula that is used to loosen excess fat. This fat is then suctioned using a surgical vacuum. The incisions are small and may not require a stitch for closure.

The cost of liposuction surgery depends upon the amount of time needed to attain each patient’s desired outcome. A consultation is the best way to have questions concerning each individual’s needs answered. At this visit, the patient can explain to Dr. Baldwin exactly what they would like to achieve. After a discussion and examination, Dr. Baldwin will determine what she can do for you and your body type.

Should you be interested in a consultation with Dr. Baldwin, please call our office at 713 791-1975 or send us an email from our website. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

An Interview With Dr. Baldwin

Interviewer: Dr. Baldwin, I know you have been a highly regarded surgeon for many years and you have performed several procedures. The point of this interview is not to discuss your educational background but your approach to the cosmetic surgery patient. I’d like to use this time to draw a picture of what it is like to have a consultation with you.

Dr. Baldwin: That sounds fine. Of course, our first meeting with each patient is the consultation. Once a patient schedules a consult, we are aware of which procedure they are interested in having. My staff sends everyone scheduled for a consultation an informational packet that includes my medical experience and background as well as a brochure concerning the procedure the patient is considering.

Interviewer: The consultation lasts how long?

Dr. Baldwin: We schedule 45 minutes for each consultation. My nurse and I meet with the patient in a private room. We discuss the patient’s pertinent history and the procedure they are contemplating. We talk about the surgery and which facility can be used. We discuss pre-op and post-op care as well as the recovery time frame. I answer any and all questions. Then the patient moves to an examination room where I can determine if the patient is a candidate for that surgery.

Interviewer: A candidate for that surgery? Not everyone who wants to have cosmetic surgery gets that surgery?

Dr. Baldwin: I believe that if you are bothered on a daily basis by something that can be corrected by a surgical procedure, then you are a candidate for that surgery. In this situation, patients report an increase in their self-esteem that re-energizes their lives. Cosmetic surgery is about doing something for yourself. With that said, it is elective surgery and it is intended for a healthy patient. And the patient must have realistic results in mind.

Interviewer: What if the patient has a history of health complications?

Dr. Baldwin: I understand that people have health issues. Of course we have patients with various disease processes. For elective surgery, the patient needs to have any health issue under control. I may recommend that a cardiologist clear the patient before performing the surgery. The anesthesiologist in the operating room needs to be aware of any issues in order to manage the issues while the patient is asleep.

Interviewer: After the conversation and examination, what is next?

Dr. Baldwin: Once we have together determined the surgery or combination of surgeries needed to achieve the results the patient desires, the patient is given a price quote of the approximate cost if the surgery. They then go home to think about our consultation; talk with their family about the surgery and recovery period. When they are ready to schedule, they call the office.

Interviewer: Is there a long wait between that phone call, “I’m ready for surgery.” and the actual day of surgery?

Dr. Baldwin: No, we usually can schedule the surgery in about three to four weeks. Sometimes patients want to schedule a couple of months ahead of time. Either way, we put them on the calendar and start preparing them for their upcoming procedure.

Interviewer: Thank you for walking us through the consultation process. Is there anything you’d like to add before we close?

Dr. Baldwin: You’re welcome. I would only add that the consultation is a very important meeting. Patients should come with questions, bring a friend or family member to have another person to think of questions and help remember the answers. If they’d like, they can take notes to refer to after our meeting.

I have a nice office. We have a very professional, helpful staff working here. If anyone would like to come in to talk with me, they can schedule a consultation by calling 713 791-1975.