Archive for October, 2022

Emotional Health After Plastic Surgery

You have been dreaming of that plastic surgery procedure for years, and you finally had it done. You thought you’d be ecstatic, and everything would be perfect from now on – so why are you feeling a bit sad? It doesn’t make sense, but you should know that feeling depressed after any procedure, even plastic surgery, is normal.

After-surgery depression

When a person has had a major surgery, such as a heart operation, it is very common for them to feel depressed after such a stressful and life-changing event. It is less common for a patient who has had plastic surgery to feel depressed, but it does happen. It could be caused by the body’s reaction to the surgery; after all, any medical procedure is a disruption of the nervous system. Or, maybe your results aren’t what you expected they would be, or maybe the swelling hasn’t gone down yet, and it is hard for you to imagine what you will look like once you are all healed.

It may help just to realize that some unhappiness after any surgical procedure is normal and something many people go through. So what can you do about it?

• Take care of yourself. Have you really taken the time to relax and let your body heal? Are you eating properly and getting exercise (once your doctor has said you can)? Are you getting enough sleep?

• Talk to someone. A support system is always good to have, but especially after a major event like surgery. Let a friend or family member know that you need some extra support at this time.

• Talk to your doctor. If you feel like you aren’t recovering as quickly as you should or you aren’t seeing the results you wanted, ask your doctor if you are on the right track.

• Have realistic expectations. Plastic surgery can do wonders, but you have to be realistic about what the outcome will be.

The staff at the Weinstein Plastic Surgery Center wants to make sure you look and feel your best. If you are considering a plastic surgery procedure, or if you have questions about your recovery, call the office in Chester, New Jersey, at (908) 879-2222.

Posted in Plastic Surgery Guide, Plastic Surgery Recovery on October 30th, 2022

Don’t Be Haunted By Surgery Scars

Tips for a Healthy Recovery

This Halloween season, don’t be haunted by your surgery scars! Heal up from your procedures and minimize scarring with these tips.

First, it’s important to note that there are some factors that increase the risk of scarring that are out of your control. Some of these factors include:

• Your age
  • The older you get, the less elasticity your skin has. Aging paired with sun exposure, smoking, exposure to the environment and other lifestyle issues make it harder for the skin to heal as you age.
• Your race
  • Your race may determine whether you scar more than other people. Fair-skinned people tend to find their scars more noticeable than those with darker complexions.
• Genetic Tendency To Scar
  • If members of your family tend to scar, you’re also more likely to scar.
• Size and Depth of Your Incision
  • Larger, deeper incisions take longer to heal and are more likely to have a lasting scar.
• How Quickly Your Skin Heals
  • You may just be someone whose skin heals quickly and easily leaving minimal scarring.

Keep in mind that these factors are already at play and may slow down your healing process. With that being said, there are steps you can take to prevent scarring when possible. Other than following your doctor’s orders to the letter, here are other suggestions to consider:

• Don’t smoke
  • Besides all of the other health risks associated with smoking, smoking also slows down your healing. Smoking is such a significant risk factor that many plastic surgeons will not operate on a patient if they’ve smoked within two weeks before your surgery.
• Don’t drink
  • Alcohol dehydrates your body and skin, which decreases your overall state of health. While you’re recovering from surgery, it’s advised not to drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
• Up your protein intake but also eat a balanced diet
  • Protein makes up the building blocks of healing skin, so it is essential to provide your body with adequate protein for optimal skin healing.
• Stay hydrated
  • Dehydration happens when you are not taking in enough fluids. In severe cases, this can cause electrolyte imbalances and heart issues. In less severe cases, you will feel thirsty and your overall health will be diminished. Stay well hydrated—you will know if you are well-hydrated because your urine will be almost colorless or light in color.
• Take good care of your incisions to prevent infection.
  • Don’t take medication that isn’t prescribed or use ointments without consulting your doctor. Check on your healing and treat infections quickly if they occur.
• Get plenty of rest.
  • Follow your doctor’s orders but also listen to your body. Take it easy and rest.
• Don’t put stress on your incision.
  • Avoid lifting, bending, stretching, or anything that adds stress to that area.
• Avoid sunlight as much as possible.
  • If you can’t cover the incision because it’s on your face, make sure you’re wearing plenty of sunscreen.

As always, if you have any questions about your healing or aftercare instructions, don’t hesitate to give us a call, 908-879-2222.

Posted in Plastic Surgery Guide, Scar Revision on October 15th, 2019

3 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Surgery

Whether you want a little tummy tuck or just a small rhinoplasty, Dr. Larry Weinstein and his medical staff can make all of your cosmetic dreams turn into a reality. And although we will do all of the heavy liftings, it’s important to know what you can do on your end to get out of recovery safe and fast. This article will list three ways that you can get the most out of your surgery. Read on to learn more.

1. Follow Recovery Tips

As soon as you are released from our care following surgery, it’s up to you to make sure that you are following the recovery tips and protocol. Make sure that you are referencing the care pamphlet we sent you home with regarding how to clean your incision site, things to avoid doing (like heavy lifting and exercising), and signs or symptoms of an infection.

2. Have Realistic Expectations

Whether you’re getting a rhinoplasty or breast augmentation, one thing is for certain, no matter how hard he tries, Dr. Larry Weinstein or any other cosmetic surgeon won’t be able to change your entire appearance. So, if you want to look like J.Lo but don’t have her facial structure or features, to begin with, we can’t make that happen. Before you go into your surgery, it’s important that you have realistic expectations. The more realistic you are, the more satisfied you will be.

3. Stop Smoking Beforehand

If you are a smoker, we won’t be able to perform surgery on you until you have stopped smoking for at least two weeks. By decreasing your body’s ability to fight off infection, smoking makes you more susceptible to such problems and prevents you from healing properly.

To learn more about recovery tips or to schedule your consultation, contact Dr. Larry Weinstein today!

Posted in Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Guide on August 30th, 2017

3 Ways to Accentuate Your New Curves This Summer

One of the many benefits of getting surgeries like liposuction or a breast augmentation from Dr. Larry Weinstein is that you’ll get to show it all off with confidence. However, to help boost your appearance, even more, we have created a brief guide listing ways that you can take it one step further to accentuate your new curves. From using self-tan to wearing clothes that hug you in all the right places, this article will give you a few tips to use. Read on to learn more.

Self Tanning

Yes, it is true: the tanner you are, the thinner you will look. And because tanning beds are thankfully cancer causing a thing of the past, you may not know how to get a fast tan. Luckily, because the cosmetic industry has upped its game, there are now tanning creams and lotions that can give you an instant tan without looking too orange. As a tip, remember to apply the tanning cream in a circular motion so that you cover every inch of your body— and whatever you do, don’t forget to scrub your hands and fingers afterward.

A Supportive Bra

If you just got a breast augmentation or lift from Dr. Larry Weinstein, one of the best ways that you can show off your new breasts is by wearing a supportive bra. And that doesn’t mean that it has to be super padded. In fact, by getting a bra that has some underwire and a little bit of lining, you can take pressure off of your back while making your breasts more supported.

High Waisted Bikini

If you are planning on really showing off your body this summer, you may want to head to the swimming pool. As one of the most flattering cuts of swimsuits, a high waisted bikini will allow you to show off your newly tightened tummy while not revealing too much.

Whether you just got a tummy tuck, liposuction, or some breast surgery, it’s nice to be able to show off your body with confidence. Use these tips to take your confidence up a notch this summer. To learn more about these and other surgical procedures, contact Dr. Larry Weinstein today!

Posted in Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Guide on June 30th, 2017

2 Things to Look for When Choosing a Surgeon

Whether you’re getting fillers or a facelift, you have a variety of decisions to make— including what type of procedure to go with, the results you want, and most importantly, what surgeon you are going to choose. Even though websites offering coupons or group deals to for cosmetic surgery procedures may sound appealing, unless they are being administered by a board certified surgeon like Dr. Larry Weinstein, you run a huge risk. So, how can you ensure that you are going with a surgeon you can trust? Read on to learn more.

Board Certification

The best thing you can look for when choosing a surgeon is to find one that is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certification means that the doctor:

• Sticks to a strict code of ethics.
• Has completed five years of surgical training with a minimum of two years in just plastic surgery.
• Only operates in approved and accredited hospitals and clinics.
• Maintains standards and patient safety innovations while fulfilling continuing medical education requirements.
• Is trained and has experienced in all plastic surgery procedures.

Look At Reviews

In this day and age, it can be almost foolish not to use the Internet to research the surgeon you are going with. Most websites offer the ability to look at reviews of the surgeon you are interested in. If the surgeon has mediocre or negative reviews, make sure to cancel your appointment with them and schedule one with a surgeon who has positive reviews.

If you are looking for a surgeon you can trust, look no further than Dr. Larry Weinstein himself. Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and with years of experience performing procedures like breast implants, rhinoplasties, abdominoplasties, and more, you know that you are in the best of hands. To learn more about Dr. Larry Weinstein or to schedule a consultation appointment, contact our office today!

Posted in Dr. Larry Weinstein, Plastic Surgery Guide on May 15th, 2017

3 Ways to Prepare for Tissue Expansion Surgery

Depending on the size of your body and the cosmetic surgical procedure you would like to have done, you may not have enough skin to cover the area. For instance, if you are petite and would like to get a breast augmentation, you may not have enough skin to cover the implants. Luckily, with a procedure called tissue expansion, Dr. Larry Weinstein can expand your skin so that it properly covers and protects the surgical site. To help you prepare for this surgery, we have created a brief guide with three easy tips. Read on to learn more.

1. Stop Smoking

Before you undergo surgery from Dr. Larry Weinstein, you should stop smoking at least two weeks before your surgery. Smoking decreases your body’s ability to heal after surgery which puts you at an increased risk of complications. If you need help quitting smoking, contact a local hotline or reach out to our staff for additional support.

2. Avoid Blood Thinners

If you are on any blood thinning medication, make sure to notify Dr. Weinstein in your initial consultation. Blood thinners can make the surgical process a lot more complicated and can increase your recovery time. If you take medications like Ibuprofen or aspirin on a regular basis, you will be instructed to stop taking it for at least a few weeks before surgery.

3. Get a Ride Home

Typically, Dr. Larry Weinstein can start the tissue expansion project at the same time as your breast augmentation surgery. However, because these are two fairly invasive surgeries, you will be under anesthesia which means that you won’t be able to drive home. Before you come in for surgery, make sure that you schedule a ride home from either a friend or family member. If you don’t have anyone to pick you up, let us know beforehand, and we can arrange for a taxi service.

Before you get a tissue expansion surgery, make sure that you stop smoking and taking blood thinners, and that you arrange for a ride home after surgery. To learn more about this surgery and more, contact Dr. Larry Weinstein’s office today!

Posted in Dr. Larry Weinstein, Plastic Surgery Guide on March 15th, 2017

Can Cosmetic Surgery Improve your Quality of Life?

There are innumerable reasons why men and women may seek cosmetic plastic surgery. Many of those who consider improving a particular physical characteristic, such as the size or shape of their nose, continually procrastinate. Others move ahead with their elected procedure, having a sense that they will feel better about their appearance. Rarely are patients told that cosmetic plastic surgery will improve their life or their relationships. Why? Because it is not always the case, and we are seeing both sides of this question answered by research.

The Positive Outcomes of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

We see the positive outcomes of plastic surgery on a routine basis, and it brings us joy to hear how our patients are renewed in the area of self-confidence. Our personal experience reflects findings from various research studies. Two, conducted by Dr. Neil Sadick in 2008, investigated both surgical cosmetic treatments and non-surgical procedures. The findings were similar across the board.

• 95% of patients who underwent breast lift surgery reported both physical and psychological improvements after their procedure.
• A large percentage of patients who were treated with cosmetic surgery of one kind or another reported significant improvement in general quality of life 6 months post-surgery. Specific areas of improvement included relationships, social interactions, and sex.
• A final study by Dr. Sadick found that patients who underwent facial plastic surgery felt significantly more satisfied with their appearance, and also felt less anxious and more independent.

An Interesting and Important Point

One of the aspects of plastic surgery that is discussed at length is expectations. When you look at the research findings, you could assume that every person who changes an aspect of his or her appearance would gain greater happiness in general. This is not necessarily true, and older research confirms this point.

A mid-90s study, Physical attractiveness and subjective well-being, investigated the how and why of improved psychological well-being after plastic surgery. What researchers found was that expectations really do matter. They looked at “target happiness” based on appearance, and found that it is not beauty, per se, that improves happiness, but our own unique perception of our own attractiveness. Greater beauty does not translate into more happiness, on average. Not all participants in this study would be deemed “attractive” by societal standards; but by their own standards, if they felt attractive, they enjoyed a greater sense of happiness overall.

The takeaway? Cosmetic plastic surgery, when approached with realistic expectations and an open mind, can improve your physical appearance and, as a result, your life. We are happy to speak with you about your esthetic goals. Give our office a call!

Posted in Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Guide on June 15th, 2016

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