Patient’s Story: Breast Reduction Surgery – “I am a very active person. I enjoyed playing sports but my very large breasts made me uncomfortable. It was hard to swing a bat, difficult to run—my breasts were limiting my activities and that was very frustrating. The pivotal incident which was my personal “breaking point” happened one day when I went shopping for a bathing suit with my mom. When I came out of the dressing room I was in tears. I was so frustrated that I could not find a suit that fit me/looked flattering on me. When the top fit the bottom was huge. My mom convinced me that it was time to go see a plastic surgeon about a breast reduction.” » MORE
Patient’s Story: Facelift, Brow Lift, Blepharoplasty – “I am a fair-skinned woman who recently turned 50. When I was in my teens and early twenties I never wore sunscreen. My friends and I would spend hours sunbathing and even used baby oil and sprayed ourselves with a water mist while we were out in the sun to achieve a better tan, or in my case a darker “sunburn”. Because I had years of damaging sun exposure and such fair, “Nordic” skin, I had many wrinkles and my face was starting to sag and lose definition at the jawline. My neck was starting to sag as well. To add to the problem my eyes were becoming more “hooded” which made me look even more aged and tired.” » MORE
What types of breast implants are there and how do I know which type to choose? – There are two main types of breast implants that are currently FDA-approved, and the surgeons at EPS have vast experience with both types of implants. The type of implant that is best for you can depend on a number of factors, including your physical anatomy and your goals. » MORE
What areas are treatable with liposuction? – Liposuction can involve the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, back, knees, neck, calves or ankles, and sometimes involves many of these areas. It is a very common procedure that is done as an outpatient in generally 1-3 hours. » MORE
What is the best way to get rid of loose belly skin and fat? – Loose belly skin and fat can usually be addressed with an abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). The results can be dramatic and immediate even though there will be additional improvement over time. Many patients have had incredible results with this procedure. » MORE
Who is a good candidate for liposuction and where can it be used? – The ideal liposuction candidate is a person who is in good overall shape and is close to their weight goal, yet has areas resistant to diet and exercise. Thus, liposuction is a shaping procedure, not a weight loss procedure but can produce incredible results. » MORE
Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck and does it get rid of loose belly skin and fat? – Loose belly skin and fat can usually be addressed with an abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). The results can be dramatic and immediate although there will be improvement over time. Many patients have had incredible results with this procedure. » MORE
Who is a good candidate for a breast lift and how are the changes made? – The best candidates for mastopexy are healthy women who are realistic about what the surgery can accomplish. The best results are usually achieved in women with small, sagging breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in heavy breasts. Besides reshaping and raising the breasts, mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. » MORE
What is a brachioplasty? – An arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, reduces excess skin and fat between the underarm and the elbow, reshapes the arm for smoother skin and contours, and results in a more toned and proportionate appearance. » MORE
What are some of the causes of excess skin on the underarm area? – Fluctuations in weight, growing older and even heredity can cause your upper arms to have a drooping, sagging appearance. Exercise may strengthen and improve the underlying muscle tone of the upper arm, but it cannot address excess skin that has lost elasticity or underlying weakened tissues and localized fat deposits. Brachioplasty can address those issues. » MORE
How do I know if I am a good candidate for an arm lift? – If the underside of your upper arms are sagging or appear loose and full due to excess skin and fat, an arm lift may be right for you. When you come in to Edina Plastic Surgery for a free consult with one of our three board-certified plastic surgeons they will discuss your options with you. » MORE
What are the benefits of brachioplasty? – An arm lift will accomplish the following:
- Reduces excess skin and fat between the underarm and the elbow
- Reshapes your arm to result in smoother skin and contours
- Results in a more toned and proportionate appearance » MORE
Does a brachioplasty result in a visible scar? – In order to achieve your improved image, there will be a scar on the inside of your upper arm. Your surgeon can discuss this with you in detail and show you before and after photos of other patients. Incisions are generally placed on the inside of the arm or on the back of the arm, depending on the surgeon's preference, and may extend from the underarm (axilla) to just above the elbow. » MORE
What is the goal of a body lift? – Patients will achieve a firmer, more youthful looking body contour as the result of a body lift. A surgical body lift improves the shape and tone of the underlying tissue that supports fat and skin. » MORE
What is involved in body lift surgery? – During a body lift, excess sagging fat and skin are removed to treat conditions caused in part by poor tissue elasticity. » MORE
Who is a good candidate for body lift surgery? – The person that is the best candidate for this procedure has skin laxity which extends around the body. This condition may be the result of massive weight loss, such as gastric plication/gastric bypass surgery, large pregnancies, or even genetically lax skin. » MORE
What kind of scarring can patients expect as a result of body lift surgery? – The body lift procedure leaves a significant scar, but that scar is necessary to obtain even more significant results. » MORE
What is the recovery time after the surgery? – It is usually 2-3 weeks before the patient can return to work, and it can be 2-3 months before all normal activities can be fully resumed. » MORE
What causes breasts to sag? – Over the years, pregnancy, nursing, and the force of gravity take their toll on a woman's breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. Breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. If your breasts are small or have lost volume—for example, after pregnancy—breast implants inserted in conjunction with a mastopexy can increase both their firmness and their size. » MORE
What changes are made during breast surgery and who are the best candidate? – Besides reshaping and raising the breasts, mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The best candidates for mastopexy are healthy women who are realistic about what the surgery can accomplish. The best results are usually achieved in women with small, sagging breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in heavy breasts. » MORE
Can you do a breast lift before you are done having children? – Many women seek mastopexy because pregnancy and nursing have left them with stretched skin and less volume in their breasts. However, if you're planning to have more children, it may be a good idea to postpone your breast lift. While there are no special risks that affect future pregnancies (for example, mastopexy usually doesn't interfere with breast-feeding), pregnancy is likely to stretch your breasts again and offset the results of the procedure. » MORE
What does breast lift surgery involve? – Mastopexy usually takes one and a half to three and a half hours. Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast. The incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down and together to reshape the breast. Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast. » MORE
If you have small breasts is there an alternative type of surgery? – Some patients, especially those with relatively small breasts and minimal sagging, may be candidates for modified procedures requiring less extensive incisions. One such procedure is the "doughnut (or concentric) mastopexy”, in which circular incisions are made around the areola, and a doughnut-shaped area of skin is removed. If you're having an implant inserted along with your breast lift, it will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue, or deeper, under the muscle of the chest wall. » MORE
Who is a good candidate for liposuction? – The ideal liposuction candidate is a person who is in good overall shape and is close to their weight goal, yet has areas resistant to diet and exercise. Thus, liposuction is a shaping procedure, not a weight loss procedure. » MORE
Where are the areas I can have liposuction? – At Edina Plastic Surgery we have treated many areas of the body with liposuction including: the neck, arms, back, abdomen, thighs, knees and even ankles. However not every area is appropriate for liposuction. For example, in some large abdomens the fat may be inside the abdominal wall, and those abdomens cannot be helped with liposuction. When patients come in for a free consultation with our surgeons they discuss all the possible options. » MORE
What type of anesthesia is used for liposuction procedures? – The liposuction procedure is typically done under adequate anesthesia to allow your surgeon to do the very best job possible. For larger areas, this will be a general anesthetic. While local anesthesia can be used for smaller areas, there are limits to the area that can safely be done with this technique. Our surgery is done in our on-site, fully accredited and licensed specialty facility. » MORE
What does a typical liposuction procedure involve? – The typical procedure may involve, the neck, arms, back, abdomen, thighs, knees, or even ankles and sometimes all these areas. It is common that surgery will take from 1-3 hours and patients wear a compression garment for 3 to 6 weeks post-operatively. » MORE
How long does the recovery process take? – After a liposuction procedure patients can usually return to completely normal activity within 4 to 6 weeks, but a certain amount of swelling may be present for up to 6-9 months. It is common to not lose weight (because of swelling) for 2 weeks or a little longer. It is important to follow instructions during this time to get back to a normal life style and speed swelling resolution. » MORE
What types of breast implants are available at Edina Plastic Surgery? – We currently use one of two types of breast implants, both FDA-approved in the U.S. The first type of breast implant is saline filled breast implants with a silicone elastomer shell. The second type of breast implant is a cohesive silicone gel filled breast implant that also has a silicone elastomer shell. » MORE
What options are there for incision types/placement for breast augmentations? – There are three incision options for placement of a breast implant in breast augmentation surgery: 1. Transaxillary from the under arm area, in which an endoscope is used to assist in creation of the pocket. 2. Inframammary which is located in the breast crease. 3. Periareolar which is where the incision is placed from the nipple area. » MORE
How can a loose belly after pregnancy be treated? – Loose belly skin and fat can usually be addressed with an abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). This surgery is done under a general anesthetic. » MORE
Where are the scars located after breast augmentations and how visible are they? – Some type of incision is always needed to place a breast implant.
Each incision made in a breast augmentation will result in a small scar. » MORE
What is the minimum age for breast reduction surgery? – I am considering having breast reduction surgery. Is there an age you recommend because I am only 18. What are the general requirements for insurance to cover this procedure, and how much pain would be experienced post-surgery? » MORE
Can you explain the muscle repair that is done with a lower body lift/tummy tuck? – I read something recently about the lower body lift addressing "muscle repair" that had "fallen." Could you enlighten me on what that means? » MORE
What is the recovery timeline after breast implant surgery? – I am considering having breast implant surgery and need to plan time off from work and also need to coordinate any help I may need at home for recovery. Can you give me an approximate recovery timeline? » MORE
What is the "Mommy Makeover"? – I recently overheard a woman say she was thinking about a "Mommy Makeover". What is this? Recently I have been considering the possibility of having a tummy tuck but am thinking that I should look into this instead, so I'd like an explanation of the term. » MORE
Breast Implant Sizes – I'm worried that if I get breast implants they will give me a top- heavy look, so I'm trying to figure out what size breast implants should I get. Is there a rule of thumb or tips for choosing breast augmentation sizes? What are my options in breast implant size? » MORE
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Patients come to us from cities all across Minnesota; Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina, Minnetonka, Wayzata, St. Louis Park, Bloomington Burnsville, Faribault, Rochester and St. Cloud. Many people also travel from Wisconsin, Iowa and virtually every other state in the country; from cities like Eau Claire, Madison, Milwaukee and Des Moines. Patients enjoy the unique features that our practice offers, including the privacy and comfort of our accredited on-site surgical center and our discreet back elevator and entrance for post-op visits.
