Today’s technology and innovations are making plastic surgery procedures more safe and reasonable for you to receive the cosmetic beautification that you desire. For the last 10 years, plastic surgeons have seen an uptick in procedures to reshape the upper arms. It’s no wonder, right? You finally lose those extra pounds, you’ve got a nice healthy glow to your skin, and there you are, stuck with all that excess flab on the underside of your arms. Well, you don’t have to go through life with ‘Bat Wings’.  Consider an upper arm lift, also called a brachioplasty, to reshape the appearance of the underside of the arm from the armpit to the elbow.

Who Should Consider an Upper Arm Lift?

If you have significant underarm skin or flab but you are not excessively overweight, you are a non-smoker and you are willing to accept a scar in exchange for a shapelier arm, then you should consider this procedure. Ridding yourself of the dreaded bat wings will give you more confidence and boost your self-image, you will definitely look better in form fitting clothes as well as your favorite sleeveless summer tops.

What Does this Procedure Involve?

Depending on how much skin and flab have to be removed dictates the type of brachioplasty that your plastic surgeon will perform and what anesthesia will be given. But very basically, incisions are made under the arm in as inconspicuous a location as possible, the excess skin and fat are removed and the incisions are brought back together to provide a firmer and more smoothly contoured arm. The procedure is normally performed on an outpatient basis, but you should have someone drive you home and stay with you the first night following surgery. Stitches are removed within a couple of weeks.  Even though there may be bruising and puffiness after surgery, you should be able to see the results of the operation almost immediately.

Call Parkway Plastic Surgery and schedule a consultation with Dr. Mobley to discuss whether your arms can be re-shaped to give you a more appealing look.

For years, the only viable option for getting rid of a double chin was to undergo neck lift surgery. It’s a popular and highly effective choice, but it’s also pricey and can mean more downtime than many are able or willing to endure. Then came Kybella, a revolutionary, FDA-approved injectable proven to destroy stubborn chin fat and give patients a more streamlined chin line that can take years off their looks at a fraction of the price and requiring little to no downtime.

But which option will best address your issues? Here are a few key factors about each that will help you and your surgeon determine the most effective course of action.

First, consider what’s involved in each of the two procedures. Kybella involves a series of injections of deoxycholic acid – a substance naturally occurring in the body – into your chin fat. Over the next few weeks, the acid dissolves the fat. Though the singular treatments take only about 20 minutes, a typical treatment course may involve two to six treatments performed about a month apart, which can mean visits spanning up to six months.

By comparison, a neck lift is far more invasive. Typically, your surgeon will cut incisions that run behind the ears, under the chin and back toward your hairline, then remove excess fat, redistribute remaining fat and tighten muscle to create a tighter, younger look. He or she then will carefully lay your skin back over your neck, cutting away any excess skin. The full procedure may take two to four hours and you’ll likely be asked to make several follow up visits.

Next, consider the differences in recovery from each procedure. With Kybella, you may experience swelling and tenderness, typically lasting for several days. But you’ll be able to return to your normal routine immediately. Recovering after a neck lift will take several weeks, depending primarily on the extent of the surgery. Most patients return to work and their routines about two weeks following surgery.

Now, let’s talk results. Because a neck lift addresses fat, muscle and skin, you’ll see a faster, more dramatic and long-lasting result. But if your only issue is fat, Kybella, while it may take a while to reach your desired result, is the less expensive, noninvasive and likely more appropriate option.

If you’re looking to rid yourself of a double chin, call Jacksonville’s Parkway Plastic Surgery at 904-396-1186. We’ll help you determine which course of action is best for you.

Springtime marks the beginning of one of the busiest travel seasons in the United States, starting with spring break and continuing through the carefree summer months. While you may be looking forward to a break, don’t let time away from the day-to-day put a damper on your skincare routine. Jacksonville’s Parkway Plastic Surgery offers these top tips for maintaining excellent care of your complexion while on the road.

1. Prepare ahead of time: If your travels will take you to a locale with a significantly different climate that the one to which you and your skin are accustomed, know that you may need to tweak your skincare routine. For instance, a more humid climate may call for a lighter cleanser and moisturizer, while thicker, cream-based options work best in a cooler, dryer area. Do a little research and pack accordingly.
2. Pack the essentials: When packing for a trip, make sure to pack all of your skincare essentials, including cleanser, toner, moisturizer and sunscreen. If you’re flying to your destination it’s a good idea to pack skincare items and a change of clothing in your carryon bag in the case of an unexpected layover or misrouted checked luggage. Just be mindful of TSA requirements that liquid cosmetics be held in re-sealable containers of 3.4 ounces or less and packed in a clear, plastic, re-sealable 1-quart-sized bag.
3. Skip the foundation: Your skin needs an occasional break just as much as you do. Pamper it and still look great with a high-quality tinted moisturizer and refresh with a periodic spritz of mineral water for a few days instead.
4. Hydrate: The dry air inside a car, bus, plane or train can sap the moisture from your skin, particularly during long routes. Slather on the moisturizer before heading out and drink plenty of water throughout your trip.
5. Get your beauty rest: Often, we pack so much into our travel schedules that we return home needing a post-vacation vacation. Be sure to schedule a bit of beauty rest during your travels and return in time to recover a bit before heading back to work.

One surefire way to know you’ll look your best during your travels is to take advantage of Parkway Plastic Surgery’s Parkway Peel Package. For just $375, you’ll get three chemical peels and one microdermabrasion session, and go home with a travel-size facial cleanser and sunscreen. Call 904-396-1186 to schedule your initial consultation today.