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How to Prepare for Your Tummy Tuck

Posted on by Dr. Fichadia

If you’ve already scheduled your tummy tuck appointment, we understand that you may be overwhelmed about your upcoming surgery. With all of the processes you’ve gone through to get to this point, you want to make sure the procedure goes smoothly.

So what can you expect in the upcoming weeks leading up to the event? If you’re curious about the lifestyle choices you can make to ensure optimal recovery after the surgery is complete, here’s what you can do.

Clean up Your Lifestyle

The first tactic you can begin taking today is cleaning up various parts of your life. Do you smoke, drink, or have an unhealthy vice? By reducing the amount of time you partake in these activities, you increase your odds of having a healthy system when the surgery happens.

If you had to focus on the number-one habit that you can eliminate before your surgery date, it’s smoking. Smokers who undergo surgery are more likely to have wounds that will not close or heal after the surgeon finishes their job.

We understand that eliminating smoking from your life can be a challenging task, so we’ve established a list of go-to tactics to help you:

  • Nicotine-replacement therapy
  • Vaporizers with no nicotine
  • Chewing low-sugar candy
  • Establishing a support group
  • Massage therapy
  • Meditation and yoga

These tricks, when used in conjunction with one another, can greatly increase your odds of dropping the habit of smoking.

Get Rid of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Aspirin

Although it may sound somewhat graphic, for post-surgery wounds to heal correctly, the blood needs to clot and seal properly. When you rely on aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs daily, you can create excess bleeding during surgery.

While you may need to take these medications to stay healthy, talk with your physician about your upcoming surgery. They may provide an alternative treatment plan that can be used in the weeks leading up until the procedure.

Get Close To Your Ideal Weight

Perhaps the most critical step that you can take to ensure a safe tummy tuck is getting as close to your goal weight as possible. When you consult with your doctor or surgeon, define the weight that you desire to be in the future. Once you have this number, it’s time to get to work!

Much like smoking, getting into shape can seem like a daunting task. Knowing this, we advise you to approach the subject slowly. Through a combination of cardiovascular routines and smart dietary choices, your goal can become a reality.

Be Positive

Lastly, we want to encourage you to stay optimistic and hopeful for your procedure. While it may seem intimidating and scary, it’s a new start for your life! From here on out, you’ll be able to look into the mirror and feel confident and proud of your figure. Never again will you let a little bit of weight hold you back from experiencing the life you desire!

Schedule a Consultation

To get started with your tummy tuck journey, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hetal Fichadia, located in Portland, OR. To request your appointment, complete our online form.

Understanding Liposuction: What to Expect

Posted on by Dr. Fichadia

Liposuction is one of the best options for removing stubborn fat that’s left from events like weight loss or pregnancy. However, it’s important to make sure your expectations are in line with a successful and safe procedure. There are a lot of misconceptions about liposuction and what it can do, so you should be sure and discuss your expectations with Dr. Fichadia during a consultation. Here are some things to know about liposuction and what you can expect from your results.

Liposuction Will Not Fix Sag

One common accompaniment to rapid weight gain or loss is stretched skin. Unfortunately, liposuction can’t fix this concern and can even worsen it if more excess fat is removed. If lax skin is a concern, then make sure to discuss your options for a lift procedure with Dr. Fichadia.

Liposuction Is Not For Weight Loss

Liposuction isn’t meant to be a weight-loss method. In fact, you should be at or near your ideal weight before opting for liposuction. It’s also important that your weight be stable so that fluctuations don’t affect your results. The amount of fat removed by liposuction isn’t often substantial, meaning liposuction won’t drastically change the number on the scale. Rather, it can positively affect your figure and overall look.

Liposuction Is Not The Same As Bariatrics

In the same vein, liposuction will not induce weight loss like bariatric surgery. If you still need to lose weight, it’s important to discuss your plan with Dr. Fichadia so you can plan the right timeframe for your liposuction procedure and ensure you’re successful. If your BMI is above a certain threshold, bariatric surgery may be more beneficial for you.

Schedule a Consultation

Liposuction is an excellent option for refining your weight loss results and improving your figure after you reach your weight loss goals. Dr. Fichadia is a double-board certified plastic surgeon located in Portland, OR. To discuss your options for stubborn fat, contact our Portland office by calling or filling out our online form.

Everything you need to know about a mommy makeover

Posted on by Dr. Fichadia

A Makeover Specially Designed for Moms?

What is a mommy makeover and why would a mother be interested in having one in the first place? It’s no surprise that the secret behind the trim and fit bodies of celebrity moms is more than just a good diet and exercise plan. While it is necessary to combine a healthy body type with these two things, at the same time there is no mystery as to what the extra boost to vibrant looks comes from. It’s more than only celebrities that are seeking makeovers that extend even further than face makeup or a new hair cut. Everyday, ordinary mothers are just as likely to seek certain procedures to revert their bodies back to the glory that existed before introducing the world to a new member of the family.

Achieving Your Desired Results

Due, in part, to the influence of celebrity mothers, there is a great demand for “mommy makeover” plans. These plans include a series of procedures that are specially designed to help restore a woman’s body by repairing the natural damage that it has undergone throughout their pregnancy. Even though this series of procedures can help individuals in reaching their physical goals, it is important for patients to be realistic in their expectations. Clear communication between doctor and patient can help everyone involved in getting to where they need to be to understand what can and cannot be achieved. Great things can be done with cosmetic and corrective surgery. However, what can be done and when will depend on each individual case.

While it may seem as if celebrities who lose a ton of weight and achieve a toned body soon after giving birth do so with some sort of surgical miracle, that is not necessarily the case. Since all mothers go through extreme stress throughout their pregnancy and while giving birth, it is not realistic to be prepared for major corrective surgeries right off the bat. It may take weeks or even months of recovery before a patient will be fully ready for the physical healing demands that certain cosmetic procedures will require of them. Dr. Fichadia will be able to go over all of the important details pertaining to an individual’s needs during your consultation.

What Does This Makeover Include?

Even though a mommy makeover is a very personal thing, there area few common types of surgeries that are usually included in a customized plan. When a woman undergoes months of pregnancy, her body tends to go through changes that differ depending on the woman. For some, certain areas of the body may be much more affected than for others. For example, one mother may see an extreme gain in weight in all areas of her body, while another mother may only experience significant weight gain in a few areas.

For this reason a tummy tuck is one of the absolute most common types of cosmetic procedures for recently pregnant women to undergo. Since pregnancy is renown for extending the stomach, there is a good reason for this. In the same vein, some individuals may seek liposuction, breast lifts, and labiaplasty to help in repairing damage experienced while giving birth.

To learn more about mommy makeovers and how to get started on your journey to your ideal look, come into Dr. Fichadia’s office, located in Portland, OR. Call 503 488 2344 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fichadia to see if this will be beneficial to you.

After Liposuction, Can Fat Pockets Return?

Posted on by Dr. Fichadia

Liposuction is a popular form of cosmetic surgery in the US. The beauty of getting liposuction is that the results are immediate as it instantly gets rid of unwanted and excess body fat. This dramatically improves the body contour and shape. Liposuction is an especially effective method for removing stubborn fat that seems resistant to shrinking, even with regular exercise and dieting. Other than the near immediate results that this procedure provides, most patients are concerned about its long-term results. One of the common questions that candidates ask is whether fat will return after having liposuction.

Liposuction for fat removal

The main aim of undergoing liposuction is to remove fat cells from a targeted or localized area on your body. Dr. Hetal Fichadia is a double board-certified plastic surgeon that is experienced in performing liposuction. As a cosmetic surgeon, she closely evaluates every case to ensure that all her patients are satisfied with their results. Several techniques are used in liposuction, but all have the goal of eliminating excess fat. In contrast to dieting, which makes fat cells shrink, liposuction uses a hollow tube called a cannula, to suction out the fatty tissue. Thus, liposuction permanently removes excess fat from localized areas in your body.

Can this fat return?

The best way to maintain your liposuction results is to have it done when you are at a stable, healthy weight that you can maintain. Any increase in weight after the surgery will hinder its results, as they will be less dramatic. The patient needs to maintain their “post-lipo weight” to preserve the results and to maximize the body contour achieved after liposuction. It is still possible to gain fat in other areas of the body not touched by liposuction. A small or moderate weight gain may diminish the results of liposuction, but the improved body shape will still be visible. This is because the areas targeted by liposuction have fewer fat deposits than the rest of the body. However, if you experience a significant weight gain, fat cells all around your body will enlarge and eventually proliferate, including those in the targeted areas for liposuction. The effect after significant weight gain will be more noticeable in the untreated areas but will ultimately affect the whole body. Thus, if you undergo liposuction and gain weight, you will still look better than having not done the surgery at all.

How to ensure your liposuction results last

The most vital aspect that can significantly affect your liposuction results is your weight. If you want long-term results, you will need to maintain a healthy weight after surgery. By incorporating regular exercise and a balanced diet, you can be sure that your results will be long-lasting.

Dr. Fichadia will provide you with post-procedure instructions to follow to get the best results.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about liposuction and how to get started on your journey to your ideal look, come into Dr. Fichadia’s office, located in Portland, OR. Call 503 488 2344 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fichadia to see if liposuction will be beneficial to you.

 

 

Common Reasons People Undergo Breast Surgery

Posted on by Dr. Fichadia

Without a doubt, breast augmentation has become a well-known cosmetic procedure often performed in the United States. Despite differing opinions about this type of surgery, there are many reasons why women across the country choose breast augmentation, including the desire to improve the shape and volume of their breasts. Each patient holds a unique reason for wanting to enhance their breasts and it is important that they are guided by a board-certified plastic surgeon throughout their journey. Besides breast augmentation, there are many other breast surgeries available, even for men who are unhappy with the appearance of their chest! Let’s delve into some of the more common reasons why people undergo breast surgery, including some of the benefits associated with the surgery for both men and women.

Mastectomy

People who have had breast cancer sometimes undergo a mastectomy, or removal of the breast tissue. This can happen in the case of both men and women. After a mastectomy, some patients choose to undergo reconstructive surgery, which often involves the placement of breast implants. Although breast reconstruction is different from a breast augmentation, they both share a similar end goal—to achieve fuller and better-shaped breasts to increase confidence in the patient. A breast reconstruction poses unique challenges for the surgeon, as the limited or absent amount of remaining natural tissue can hamper the achievement of a natural look. Breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy may also require skin or fat grafting, as well as nipple and areola reconstruction.

Post-Pregnancy Breast Volume changes

It’s not uncommon for women to experience a change in the volume of their breasts after having a baby. In an effort to achieve their pre-pregnancy physicality, some women choose breast augmentation with or without a breast lift. While it’s possible to get back to physical fitness through diet and exercise, that’s not the case when it comes to restoring breast volume. Breast volume can be increased using breast implants or using the patient’s own fat tissue. Depending on the goal size and the characteristics of the breasts, a board-certified plastic surgeon will be able to help you decide the option that works best for you.

Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is an enlargement of the breast tissue in boys and men causing “man boobs”. An imbalance of estrogen and testosterone is usually the cause of this condition. Gynecomastia is a common reason for which males choose to undergo breast surgery, as the procedure reduces the size of the breast tissue that causes a feminine-like profile and restores the patient’s confidence.

Enhanced Youthfulness

Some women start to notice loss of volume and sagging of their breasts as they age. While this isn’t an issue for all women, some prefer the restoration of perky breasts that tend to have a more youthful appearance. A breast lift or mastopexy can help reshape and reposition the breasts, allowing them to have a firmer texture and sit at an optimal position on the chest. A breast lift can also correct the nipple enlargement that sometimes is present after pregnancies, or as a part of the natural aging process. A breast augmentation with or without implants can help restore the fullness of the breasts but it will typically not change the position of the nipples on the chest. A breast augmentation can be performed alone or in combination with a breast lift. Depending on your specific needs, your board-certified plastic surgeon will be able to help you choose the best path towards perkier and more youthful breasts.

Back and Neck Pain

Women with disproportionally large breasts often report back and neck pain, as well as other symptoms associated with the weight of their breasts. Although these symptoms can be caused by multiple reasons, reducing the size of the breasts has shown to help ameliorate the pain and discomfort in most patients. A breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty allows fat tissue and skin to be removed from the breasts. This results in proportionally sized breasts, which are also repositioned higher on the chest wall, resulting in more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing breasts.

Self-consciousness

A positive self-image and high self-esteem are important in life. It’s actually one of the reasons why some women choose breast surgery. Studies of individuals that have received breast augmentation often reveal a significant increase in confidence. Living with the self-consciousness of having a body part that is bothersome to the patient may weigh heavy on their mind. Discussing these issues with your doctor is the first step towards living a happier and healthier life.

Improved Fit of Clothing

Some women choose to have breast surgery because they would like their clothing to fit better. Whether they feel as though their breasts are too large, too small for their frame, or simply sitting too low on their chests, breast surgery can help women achieve the breast shape that maximizes their comfort, happiness, and health. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will shed light regarding the surgical intervention that best addresses any particular concerns.

We’re Here to Help You

Regardless of your situation, elective breast surgery is a decision that should be made thoughtfully. It’s also a decision that should be made in consultation with a qualified doctor. Dr. Hetal Fichadia is a double board-certified surgeon located in Portland,OR who has received comprehensive training in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Fichadia has the knowledge and expertise to help you make a decision that best fits your needs. You’ll have an opportunity to ask any questions about breast surgery so that you can make an informed decision. Whether you are considering breast surgery because you are a cancer survivor or because you simply want to boost your self-confidence, Dr. Fichadia will guide you through the process.

 

Your Carpal Tunnel Options

Posted on by Dr. Fichadia

Hand surgery is a significant part of plastic surgery training.  Hand related problems are treated by two kinds of doctors: Orthopedic Surgeons and Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Fichadia received comprehensive training in hand surgery during her plastic surgery residency at Oregon Health and Science University, and is proud to offer surgery to treat diseases that cause pain and impair the strength, function and flexibility of your hand and fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a characteristic combination of symptoms, with or without physical findings, which are believed to result from a problem with one of the major nerves to the hand (the median nerve) located at the anatomical site known as the carpal tunnel, which lies at the heel of the hand. The tunnel is the gap between the bones of the wrist and the transverse carpal ligament – a fibrous band. Nerve injury occurs from raised pressure in the carpal tunnel.

The most characteristic symptoms are tingling and numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers which tend to wake patients up at night. Anyone who experiences this regularly should consider the possibility that they may have carpal tunnel syndrome. The diagnosis is usually made from the description of the symptoms and confirmatory tests are available as well. In the later stages, symptoms become constant rather than intermittent and eventually there is weakness and wasting of the muscles at the base of the thumb.

Initial treatment includes splinting, oral or injectable anti-inflammatory medications.

For patients who have persistent or progressive symptoms, surgical release is indicated. The surgery can be done using an open or endoscopic approach.

Open carpal tunnel release is done through an incision about one inch long in the palm of your hand near the wrist. If you are having an endoscopic carpal tunnel release, you may have a 0.5 inch incision near the wrist crease. It should be noted that if you’re having an endoscopic carpal tunnel release, Dr Fichadia would always reserve the right to convert this to an open procedure if she feels that this needs to be done for safety issues based upon your anatomy. The advantages and disadvantages to open versus endoscopic carpal tunnel release will be discussed at your visit.

The transverse carpal ligament that is the roof of the carpal tunnel is then cut. Once this ligament is cut, the space in the carpal tunnel is increased and the nerve is less likely to be constricted by surrounding structures. After surgery, the pain associated with the tingling and nighttime awakenings go away rather quickly. The numbness takes longer to resolve, and depending on its severity, may not resolve completely.

The operation is performed on an outpatient basis in the hospital or at an ambulatory surgical center. Various types of sedative and local anesthetics are used according to your surgeon’s and anesthesiologist’s preference to make you relaxed and comfortable during the operation. Skin sutures are used to close the wound and a soft dressing is applied to the hand. The procedure generally takes no more than 20 minutes. After surgery, you can move the fingers and thumb freely. Detailed post-operative instructions on hand exercises are given at the time of surgery. While patients should avoid heaving lifting for 4 weeks following the surgery, most patients are free to return to work as early as a few days after the operation if they have a job that permits it, and if their pain is well controlled. In general, patients return to work earlier after an endoscopic carpal tunnel release compared to open carpal tunnel release.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are struggling with carpal tunnel syndrome in the Portland area, contact Dr. Fichadia, a double-board certified plastic surgeon in Portland for more information or to schedule a consultation!

 

 

How Long Can Breast Implants Last?

Posted on by Dr. Fichadia

Breast augmentation is the most popular plastic surgery procedure in the US, according to ASPS. That means that women across the country are scheduling their consultations to learn more about this procedure. When it comes to breast augmentation, there are many things to consider, including choosing the right implant for you, placement, and how to take care of your implants for long-lasting results. One of the most popular questions regarding implant care is, “How long do breast implants last?” Read on for the answer to this question, and more about breast implants.

Breast Implant Lifespan

Breast implants are not life-long devices, but are designed to be long-lasting. Saline and gel devices have individual rates of failure but average around 1% per year. This means in 20 years there is a 20% (1 in 5) chance of failure.

For saline devices it is easy to know when they fail, as they will deflate. Gel device failures are not as easy to detect with the naked eye, but can be determined with an MRI. The FDA recommends that women who choose silicone breast implants get an MRI three years after their initial surgery, and then every two years following to ensure a silent rupture has not occurred. This is only a recommendation and not a mandate. Patients can consider getting an MRI roughly 10 years after augmentation if they choose.

Women who choose to undergo breast augmentation with implants should be prepared to have regular annual checkups with their surgeon, as well as perform self-checks to ensure that their implants have not ruptured. If a rupture were to occur, it is important to tell your surgeon as soon as possible.

It is very important to understand that if breast implants have not deflated (saline) or ruptured (silicone gel), there is no need to remove and replace either kind of implant merely because a certain amount of time has passed since the augmentation surgery. At the same time, for young women considering breast augmentation, it’s reasonable to assume that they will, at some point, need to replace their implants.

During your breast augmentation consultation, be sure to ask any questions that you may have about breast implants and their upkeep. Dr. Fichadia, a double-board certified surgeon in Portland, would be happy to go over these questions, as well as help you decide which breast implants are right for you.

If you are located in the Portland area and are interested in breast augmentation surgery, contact our office today!