Plastic surgeons are usually one of the first to adopt new cutting-edge technologies. This is most often attributed to the importance of the end results of plastic surgery. People get work done because they want to look and feel better.

Advancements in technology have enabled surgeons to give their patients a more realistic expectation of how the final results will look. Virtual Reality (VR) is one of those new technologies that’s taking plastic surgery by storm.

Once relegated to the video game industry, VR has now gone mainstream with many different industries taking advantage of its benefits. We’re going to look at the various technologies such as VR, 3D modeling, and AR, and how they’re being used by surgeons.

What is VR?

Virtual Reality is most often associated with a headset connected to a high-powered computer. When people put on the VR headset, they are instantly taken to another reality. Everything they see on the headset appears in 3D.

Basically, a virtual world is instantly created. For example, someone could put on a VR headset and be immediately transported to a beach in Hawaii.  As they turn their heads and look up and down, the images inside the VR headset would move as if they were there in real life.

While Virtual Reality has been around since the 1990s, it was often considered more science fiction than science fact. This is due to the technological limitations of the computers that ran VR in those days.

In the past 10 or so years, computers and the software/hardware that powers virtual reality have become powerful enough to create an image that looks extremely life-like.

Many video game manufacturers have taken advantage of this and released video games which completely immerse people inside their virtual worlds.

Medical science has benefited as well. Plastic surgeons will often give their patients a virtual reality headset that can show them what their new breast implants would look like.

This can be especially helpful in helping the patient decide what size implants to get. Patients can literally “try on” a new set of breasts by simply putting on the VR headset over their head.

Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) differs from virtual reality in that the headset worn by the person doesn’t cover their eyes completely. It merely augments what someone is seeing.

The “Google Glass” craze a few years ago is a good example of augmented reality. In it, a special pair of eyeglasses were worn, and selected images were shown on the screen which “augmented” what the person was seeing.

It’s been said that AR is much easier to use than VR in this day and age. This is because VR requires much more powerful software and hardware and it’s relatively new. 

As time goes by, it stands to reason that VR will undergo a series of technological innovations which will make it the go-to technology for plastic surgeons.

3D Modeling

Before the advent of 3D modeling, a patient would come into a plastic surgeon’s office for a consultation. They would bring with them a bunch of pictures clipped from magazines that show the shape of the nose, breasts, or other body parts they want to have worked on.

The problem with this method is that it was in 2D and didn’t give an accurate picture of what to expect. Surgeons nowadays are using powerful computers and 3D imaging software/printers to give prospective patients a clear understanding of what to expect.

3D modeling works by taking pictures of the patient from different angles. These pictures are then compiled into a special computer program that the surgeon can manipulate at will. It offers a real-life 3D image of what a certain breast size would look like.

If the surgeon has a 3D printer, he can print out a very life-like 3-dimensional image of what the patient’s face, breasts, or other body parts will look like after surgery.

This gives the patient more confidence to undergo the procedure because they will already have a good idea of the outcome.

How Can VR Help Plastic Surgery?

Plastic surgeons are already using Virtual Reality in breast augmentation procedures.  When they sit down for a consultation, patients are given a special wearable bra.  They then put on the virtual reality headset and can instantly see what their new breasts would look and feel like.

The surgeon sits at a computer and can instantly change the shape and size of the breasts which will be reflected in real time on the headset that the patient is wearing. VR also gives the doctor and patient the ability to see the asymmetries of a proposed procedure and check if it’s possible or not.

Conclusion

Virtual reality augmented reality, and 3D modeling offers patients a way to see the results before they undergo the knife. This can help avoid any “buyer’s remorse” and give the patient a much clearer understanding of what they’re trying to achieve.

As time goes by, advancements in medical technology will get better and better. It stands to reason that one day, a patient will be able to walk into the office of a plastic surgeon and see a 100% life-like image of themselves on a virtual reality headset.

Americans in this day and age are healthier and living longer than ever. This is especially true when compared to people from generations past. Back in the Medieval times, if you were lucky enough to reach the ripe old age of “35”, you’d be considered a senior citizen.

As the Baby Boomer generation enters into retirement age, they don’t look nor do they feel their actual age. “60” is now the new “40” and it’s getting harder and harder to tell how old someone is just by looking at them.

However, there are certain conditions that can cause a person to look his or her age:

• Facial wrinkles
• Lines on the face
• Age Spots
• Saggy breasts

It’s no wonder that plastic surgeons are now reporting a massive surge in adults over the age of 55 who are looking to get work done.

In this article we’re going to explore plastic surgery for older people, what it entails, who might it be best suited for, and answer the ultimate question:

“Should I get work done at my age?”

The Baby Boomer Generation

Baby Boomers make up the largest older adult population in our nation’s history. According to the National Census Bureau, there are 50 million Americans who are now over the age of 65.

Better healthcare, better eating habits, and better exercise routines have contributed to a huge population of over-65 adults that don’t look anywhere near their actual age.

In fact, more and more older people are looking better and more physically fit than people 20 years their junior. They work out, eat healthy, and want their faces and bodies to look as good as they feel.

So why not get a little bit of work done?

Why Do People Consider Plastic Surgery?

There used to be a stigma in the U.S. where getting plastic surgery was not only taboo but something you wanted to keep between you and your surgeon.

Over the past 30 or so years, that has all changed thanks in part to social media, celebrities, and our culture in general.

Many older adults don’t feel anywhere near their actual age and want to look their best regardless of how old their driver’s license says they are.

They don’t feel nor do they look anything like their parents and grandparents. However, many older adults still think that they’re too old to get work done.

This can’t be further from the truth.

Yes, as our bodies age they tend to become more fragile, and certain medical conditions can develop which would make plastic surgery unsafe.

However, for the vast majority of older people, a little bit of plastic surgery can make them look and feel many years younger and will act as a strong psychological morale booster.

In short: You’re not old.

You only want to look better, and there’s nothing wrong with that at all.

You should be celebrated that you’ve made it this far in life and look and feel as good as you currently do.

There are millions of Americans who are over the age of 55 who have undergone the proverbial knife and not only lived to tell about it, but now look better than they ever did.

Am I a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?

While it’s true that the older we get, the frailer our bodies become, and the longer it can take to heal up from surgery. However, all that means is some extra precautions must be taken.

Before a surgeon agrees to perform plastic surgery, they will want to know your medical and surgical history. They will also want to know what medications you’re currently taking.

The reason for this is because certain medical conditions and medications would prevent a surgeon from recommending or agreeing to perform a procedure.

In short, you need to be healthy.

Your surgeon may ask you to go back to your primary care physician and get a medical clearance that states you’re healthy. In some cases, you may be asked to undergo additional testing, such as blood or EKG tests.

Your current lifestyle may factor into the decision as well. If you’re a heavy drinker, smoker, or drug user, your doctor may not feel comfortable giving you the go-ahead.

The same goes for people who have certain medical conditions that could inhibit or prevent healing from plastic surgery.

Once your primary doctor has given you clearance, your surgeon will sit down with you again to discuss results and expectations.

Reasonable expectations

After you’ve been given clearance by your primary care physician and the surgeon has agreed to perform the procedure, you will need to set your expectations properly.

While plastic surgery can do amazing things, you should keep in mind that you’re not going to walk out of the operating room looking like a 20-year-old.

There are, however, alternatives to undergoing the knife.

Such procedures as Botox, dermal fillers and even ThermiVa (a vaginal tightening procedure), can still take years off of your body and face.

Injectables are also safer to get and don’t require long healing times or incisions into your body. They’re also much less expensive than traditional surgery.

Many adults over the age of 65 are now flocking to Botox and dermal fillers to smooth out the wrinkles and lines in their faces, necks, and bodies and they look amazing!

Plastic Surgery for Adults Over 55

If you’re an older adult and would like to see if it’s possible to get some work done, give our offices a call at (214) 965-9885 or contact us via our website to schedule a consultation with Dr. Adams.

Remember, you’re only as old as you feel, and it is possible for many older adults to get plastic surgery or injectables to help them look and feel great!

Over the past decade, plastic surgery and non-invasive treatments such as Botox have experienced a massive boom in popularity. As time has gone by, advancements in medicine, techniques, and new technologies have enabled people to look better than they could ever have imagined.

Certain plastic surgery trends have become very popular in 2018, and we fully expect demand for these procedures to increase in 2019. While we don’t have a crystal ball, and we can’t read minds, we’ve come up with what we think are the top five plastic surgery trends for 2019.

Some of these trends are pretty obvious (spoiler alert: Injectables, fillers, and Botox are more popular now than ever), and there are a few other trends that are sitting on the cutting edge of medical technology.

Without further ado, here are the top five plastic surgery trends that we think will be popular in 2019:

Injectables

Injectables consist of any non-invasive beauty treatment that is administered via an injection into the skin. Botox and dermal fillers are two of the most popular treatments out there.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPA) has reported that since the year 2000, injectables have grown over 200% in popularity. It’s easy to see why. There is no downtime when getting Botox or fillers. Just walk into the plastic surgeon’s office and once the procedure is done, walk out and continue with your day.

The cost of injectables is also much less than actual surgery. Due to recent advances in the formulation of certain injectables, many patients are now able to put off getting a facelift for another ten years. As time goes by, we fully expect injectables to be further refined and work better than they ever have before.

Skin Tightening

As human beings age, our skin tends to loosen. This is exacerbated in people who have recently lost a lot of weight, including women who were recently pregnant. There are many treatment options to fix loose skin and rejuvenate its overall appearance.

Such treatments as Thermi-Tight use cutting-edge radio frequency energy to treat areas right below the surface of the skin. It can be used on the breasts, tummy, thighs, and neck areas to tighten the skin and give off a more youthful appearance.

ThermiVa is another popular treatment that we think will continue to grow in popularity in 2019. It can restore vaginal tightness to women who are aging or have had children. ThermiVa uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate and heat the internal tissue. This, in turn, stimulates collagen production which can lead to a tightening of the vaginal area. The treatment is usually performed over three months.

Smaller Breasts

Long gone are the days of women looking to get massive, cartoonish-like breasts. Over-inflated lips and buttocks are also decreasing in popularity. Social media and selfies have given rise to an “au natural” look and feel.

The ASPA said that breast reductions increased by almost 11% in 2018 and we will most likely see that trend continue throughout 2019. Many women are now focusing on the actual look of their breasts and resorting to plastic surgery procedures that give them a fuller, perkier look and feel.

Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty reshapes the labia by reducing its overall length for comfort or aesthetic purposes. The popularity of this procedure increased by 23% in 2016 and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down.

The most common labiaplasty technique is the trim procedure, which is designed to help remove excess tissue and reshape the remaining labia. While this used to be a very sensitive and hush-hush procedure many years ago, women are now openly embracing labiaplasty as the stigma of getting surgery on their private parts has been completely removed from popular culture.

PRP Injections

PRP injections are on the cutting edge of medical technology. PRP stands for “platelet-rich plasma” and are starting to show promise in recent clinical studies. It’s designed to help with a variety of conditions such as growing more hair, promoting soft tissue healing, and reducing inflammation.

PRP uses the patient’s own blood, which is first extracted, then spun in a medical centrifuge to extract the platelets from within. The platelets are then injected back into the patient’s body where they go to work. The process has relatively few side effects, with mild nausea and dizziness being the two most common.

Conclusion

As 2019 progresses, it will be interesting to see which plastic surgery procedures will experience an increase in popularity. As time goes by, more and more medical advancements will be discovered, and revolutionary new beauty treatments will be created.

If you have any questions about the above procedures or would like to schedule a consultation, give our offices a call at (214) 965-9885 or contact us via our website. Dr. Adams is a world-renowned plastic surgeon who can help transform your look and rejuvenate your appearance!

Being a teenager nowadays comes with more challenges than it did just 25 short years ago. Teens are constantly reminded of their looks whenever they post pictures or visit the social media accounts of their friends and classmates.

This can lead to many serious psychological conditions in which depression and other forms of self-harm can easily set in. Perhaps this is why over 200,000 teens opted to undergo plastic surgery in 2017.

While plastic surgery for adults is perfectly acceptable by today’s societal standards, it’s not the same for teens. Many people will look down upon teens who get plastic surgery or the doctors who perform the procedures.

While there is an epidemic of body dimorphism in this country that’s caused in major part by social media, there are some situations and instances where plastic surgery for teens is not only acceptable, but in many cases entirely necessary.

We’re going to look at what plastic surgery for teens means. Is it morally wrong to allow a teenager whose body isn’t fully developed to undergo the knife? Are there any acceptable reasons for a teen to get plastic surgery?

And we’ll answer the most important question of them all: Should plastic surgery be off-limits for teens?

What Kinds of Surgeries Do Teens Opt For?

For many teenagers, looking like a particular celebrity is more important than anything else in life. As they comb through their social media pictures, teenagers may realize that perhaps their nose or chin doesn’t quite look like the nose or chin of their favorite Hollywood starlet or actor.

Plastic surgeons are reporting that they are seeing more and more teens come in for rhinoplasty, liposuction, and non-invasive rejuvenation treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers.

Sometimes parents will even give the gift of plastic surgery to a teen who recently graduated high school or turned 16 years old. Parents who encourage their teens to get plastic surgery for shallow aesthetic reasons are acting unreasonable and being irresponsible.

The bodies of many teenagers will continue to develop long after they graduate high school. If a surgeon were to agree to operate on them for a non-medical reason, it could cause significant complications later down the road. As the bodies of teenagers are still maturing, the work the surgeon did six months prior could be completely wiped away, or worse yet – cause severe and immediate health issues.

When is Plastic Surgery for Teens Acceptable?

From both a medical and moral perspective, unless the teen is suffering from a condition which could hamper their self-confidence or otherwise cause harm, they should wait to get surgery until their bodies have stopped developing.

For example, a teenager recently walked into the offices of a plastic surgeon seeking labiaplasty. She was only 16 years old but had an enlarged labia minora which prevented her from wearing a bathing suit due to self-conscious reasons. She also could not participate in sports and was getting urinary tract infections on a regular basis.

Both the parents and the surgeon decided that labiaplasty to correct the enlarged labia minora was the right thing to do – not only for the health of the teen but for her mental well-being as well.

Nose jobs are also a tough call for both surgeons and parents alike. If a child was born with an elongated nose, there could be self-esteem issues, or there could be a serious medical condition that can only be fixed via corrective surgery.

Non-Invasive Treatments

Such non-invasive treatments as Botox and dermal fillers have exploded in popularity, not only amongst adults but with teenagers as well. Many teens think that such procedures as chemical peels, laser hair removal, and microdermabrasion are minor things – no different than waking up and putting on makeup every morning.

While teens usually don’t have facial wrinkles to smooth out, many teens who suffer from migraines or other forms of headaches have found relief and comfort when their condition is treated via a series of Botox injections from a qualified plastic surgeon.

Some teens will fixate upon a particular self-perceived body defect – often to the point of suffering mental issues because of it. The more active they are on social media, the higher the chance of them being dissatisfied with their bodies.

If left unchecked, it can turn into a serious psychological condition called body dysmorphic disorder, in which the teen will fixate and obsess over a tiny self-perceived defect of their face or body.

For example, one 17-year-old female recently posted a question on a medical forum. She wanted to know where she could find a plastic surgeon who would be willing to give her a Botox injection to remove two small lines on the side of her mouth.

No reputable plastic surgeon would agree to help her, but there are plenty of fly-by-night Botox “med spas” who will treat underaged children provided that a parent or other legal guardian is present.

Teenage Plastic Surgery

If you have a teen who is wanting to get plastic surgery and you as a parent feel that their reasons are valid due to health or major self-esteem concerns, give us a call at (214) 965-9885. Dr. Adams is a world-famous plastic surgeon, and he will sit down with you and your teen to discuss the possibility and potential outcomes of getting plastic surgery.

When it comes to the longevity of your plastic surgery procedure, there’s simply no “one size fits all” answer. This applies not only to each surgery but also to each patient. Factors such as age, aftercare, surgeon, and more play significant roles in determining the lifespan of your results.

Over the years we’ve seen thousands of cases. Aside from being expert cosmetic surgeons, we’ve also become experts at estimating how long results will last—and at offering advice on getting results to last.

From facial injections that fade after months, to nose jobs that’ll remain forever, let’s discover which plastic surgery procedures are permanent and which ones will require another trip under the knife.

Breast Augmentation

Average Lifespan: 10–25 years; Sometimes no update needed

Reasons for Redo: Rippling; Ruptured implant; Hardening

The breast augmentation is the most popular invasive cosmetic procedure in the U.S. with 300,378 surgeries completed in 2017. Though everything about the procedure is continually improving, most people will still need to update their implant at some point.

Though a small number of patients require a revision breast augmentation within the first two years of the initial surgery (usually from improper sizing or rare side effects), most breast implants last for an average of 10-20 years—though they can last even longer. The need for a replacement is usually due to the implant gradually wearing down after years of the body’s natural movements.

Signs that it’s time for a breast implant revision surgery include:

• Visible rippling of the skin (most common with saline implants)
• Implant Hardening
• Implant Rupture or Deflation
• Capsule Contracture (excess scar tissue build-up)

If you notice any sudden or significant changes to your breasts, it’s time for a visit to your plastic surgeon.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Average Lifespan: 5 years to life

Reasons for Redo: Sagging

Unlike breast augmentations, a breast lift requires no artificial materials or implants. If you’re happy with your results and never desire a future upgrade or revamp, consider this procedure good for life.

However, gravity does our body few favors—at least aesthetically speaking. As time goes on, it’s possible that your skin will once again begin stretch and sag requiring additional procedures to maintain that youthful perkiness.

To preserve the results of a breast lift, avoid sun damage, minimize weight fluctuations, and always wear a supportive bra. Women with smaller breasts are also less likely to sag. If staying perky is important, reconsider going too big if you’re pairing a breast lift with a breast augmentation.

Breast Reduction

Average Lifespan: Usually permanent

Reasons for Redo: Breast tissue regrowth; sagging

Breast reduction results are typically permanent, as long as the patient doesn’t experience weight fluctuations, and it was completed after puberty. If the patient does gain weight post-procedure, or their breasts have yet to finish growing, an increase in breast size is possible.

Though surgeons will try to resolve any sagging during surgery, some may still exist after recovery. In this case, a follow-up breast lift might be recommended.

Tummy Tuck

Average Lifespan: Permanent, without weight fluctuations

Reasons for Redo: Weight gain; stretched skin; post-pregnancy

Since no implants are used in the tummy tuck, results will be permanent barring excessive changes in weight. Also permanent is a significant scar that’ll run just below your bikini line. However, it can be easily hidden by a bathing suit.

Even though results can potentially last a lifetime, it’s no guarantee. If you become pregnant or gain significant weight for any reason, results can completely disappear. Though not necessary, if this occurs, many people choose to get another tummy tuck.

Liposuction

Average Lifespan: 6 months to permanent

Reasons for Redo: skin looseness, potential Fat regrowth if weight gain

Liposuction will last as long as you refrain from regrowing the eliminated fat. This is why patients should already be at their ideal weight before undergoing the procedure. If you maintain this weight, fat won’t return. Otherwise, all weight loss due to liposuction could be fully regained in less than a year.

It’s true that a liposuction procedure will permanently banish many of those stubborn fat cells, creating a smoother, more contoured body shape. However, excessive fat needs to go somewhere. Instead of distributing to more cells, existing cells just grow bigger.

This makes liposuction a less than ideal for long-term weight loss fix. Instead, it’s perfect for when you’re at the weight you love but want to redistribute where and how that fat is seen.

Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

Average Lifespan: Permanent; if done correctly

Reasons for Redo: Not ideal results; Touch-ups

Nose jobs are considered permanent procedures. As long as the rhinoplasty was successful, the bone structure of your new nose isn’t going anywhere, though natural changes due to age will inevitably occur.

Initial results from a rhinoplasty should be visible within a few weeks, but final results can take up to a year. If you’re still not pleased with your nose’s appearance or function, consider a touch-up or revision surgery.

Botox

Average Lifespan: 3–4 months

Reasons for Redo: Results dissipate

Typically used on the forehead, frown lines, and for crow’s feet, a Botox injection works thanks to a toxin called bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The toxin stops nerve signals from telling muscles to contract. This causes wrinkles to release which minimizes their appearance.

Every person rids toxins at a different pace, but it generally takes about 3—6 months for the body to clear out Botox. To maintain the effects, you’ll need a new injection. Limiting sun exposure, not overdoing treatments, and avoiding aggressive facial cleansers for the first week after treatment may help results last longer.

Facial Fillers (Lips, Cheeks, Etc.)

Average Lifespan: Six months to two years

Reasons for Redo: Results dissipate

With over 2.6 million procedures done in 2017, the popularity of soft tissue fillers, or facial fillers, has grown a whopping 312% since 2000, exceeded only by Botox at 819%. Developed to soften lines and plump up features, fillers are an effective way to amplify youthfulness temporarily.

There are many popular fillers on the market with some of the most common including:

• Juvederm
• Voluma
• Radiesse
• Sculptra
• Belotero

Like Botox, each injected material is eventually metabolized by the body and results will disappear. This timeframe varies depending on the specific filler.

As a patient, the best way to achieve incredible, long lasting results is to choose a board-certified cosmetic surgeon that specializes in your desired procedure. Also, diligently follow all post- and pre-op instructions from your doctors, go to every follow-up appointment, and don’t hesitate to contact your surgeon with questions or concerns.

Ready to look and feel better than ever? Looking for a board-certified plastic surgeon backed by years of experience? Trust Dallas’ Dr. Adams. Dedicated to providing every patient with incredible results and top-notch care, contact the office of Dr. Adams at 214-965-9885 or schedule a consultation online anytime.