Plastic surgery is a specialty dedicated to the enhancement of the face and body.  For those who wish to improve their appearance, cosmetic surgical procedures offer patients the opportunity to reshape physical features and improve their self-esteem.

Patients tolerate postoperative pain in ways that are different from each other.  Appropriate pain medications, which minimize discomfort, are prescribed for postoperative patients.

There is no precise answer to this question.  Surgery does not affect the ongoing aging process which is largely dependent upon genetics.  What cosmetic plastic surgery does is turn back the clock.  Unfortunately, aging is inevitable.  Although with cosmetic surgery, you are able to continue to look more youthful and in shape.

Our doctors perform surgery under most types of anesthesia:  local anesthesia, intravenous sedation ("twilight"), general anesthesia and regional anesthesia (nerve blocks).  The method of anesthesia used is based on the patient and surgeon's preference.   

As a general rule yes.  Some women, however, cannot breast feed even before a breast augmentation, so specific guarantees can't be made.

Every surgical procedure entails some risk.  Those associated with this type of surgery are infection, changes in the sensitivity of the breast, and scar contracture.  These and other complications rarely occur and can usually be avoided.  Thousands of women undergo breast augmentation successfully each year and are very satisfied with their outcome.

The saline implants (filled with sterile saline solution) used for breast augmentation surgery are available in both round and teardrop shapes.  They also come in both smooth and textured styles.  Your doctor will discuss which implant type would best give you the results you are seeking.

.

If the sagging is not severe, a "nipple lift" can be performed.  The excess skin is removed after making an incision around the outside of the areola (the pigmented skin around the nipple).  The resulting scar is confined to the area where the pigmented skin meets the normal skin at the edge of the areola.

In cases of more severe sagging, a procedure similar to breast reduction may be performed by removing skin only - not breast tissue - to result in a more youthful shape. Breast lifting is an excellent alternative to breast implants for many patients.                                                      

With saline implants exchange may be necessary if your implant wears out and leaks.  Also some implants may need to be changed if capsular contracture occurs.

Today's saline implants are more durable than ever.  Although risk of rupture is extremely small, if this should happen, the implant deflates as your body absorbs the saline.  There is absolutely no health hazard should this happen.  The implant can be easily replaced with minimal discomfort.  The implants used at Salem Plastic Surgery have a warranty by the manufacturer who will usually replace the implants and give you monies towards the cost of the replacement.

Ultrasonic liposuction is a high frequency sound wave device that emulsifies the fat so that it can be removed with less trauma and bruising.  Dr. Tucker has been using UAL for the last four years.

If you like your profile and the tip of your nose is too wide, prominent, projects too much or droops, it can be corrected.  Rhinoplasty is an excellent procedure for the nasal tip when it droops with age. 

Skin and facial tissue that sag along with aging can give you an appearance of tiredness or anger even when you are feeling happy and energetic.  Jowls and drooping skin around the neck cause you to appear heavy.  With facial rejuvenation, you appear rested, healthy and more youthful.  The idea is to look better, not different.

Often a mini-lift can be performed instead of a full face-lift.  The mini-lift is limited to the lower portion of the face, correcting jowl and neck problems, while the traditional face-lift includes the upper part of the face as well.  Some patients opt to combine a face-lift with other procedures, such as eyelid surgery, or skin resurfacing to achieve a full effect.

The techniques used by our physicians create a natural, non-surgical appearance.  Every effort is made to improve your appearance in the most natural view.

The length of time for recuperation after plastic surgery varies depending on the procedure.  Most patients will require assistance for a day or so, and then will be able to care for themselves.  We will discuss with you in detail your postoperative care and recovery instructions.  The techniques offered today allow patients to return to work fairly soon following surgery.

Depending upon the procedure most patients can get back to full activity within four to six weeks.  Other less aggressive forms of exercise may be allowed earlier.

There is no ideal age to have cosmetic surgery.  The time to have an elective procedure is when the desired change will justify the time, effort and the cost involved.  Another factor to take into consideration is the potential length of time to enjoy the benefits.  For example, if an individual has a facelift earlier in life, the rewards of this surgery can be enjoyed for a greater period of time.