Last updated 1 year ago
Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation
By Dr Alina Sholar
What is known as the “Rapid Recovery” breast augmentation is a technique of gentle tissue handling and specific postoperative care I have been using since 2006. While all discomfort cannot be totally eliminated, it is likely you will experience minimal discomfort and a quick return to normal non-strenuous activity following breast augmentation. Normally my patients do not have a single bruise on their breasts postoperatively, they have very little swelling, and require minimal pain medication. No pain pump or other costly devices are required to achieve this.
The process is a gentler approach to breast augmentation that begins even before the procedure is done. Several medications are given prior to surgery that will help to decrease discomfort, swelling, bruising, and muscle soreness. These include diazepam (Valium), Arnica montana (Sinnech), and bromelain.
During the operation, the procedure is performed in a very precise, gentle manner to minimize injury to the breast tissue, reduce muscle strain, and minimize trauma to the chest wall. Even the anesthesia used is lighter and safer than the traditional deep anesthesia methods used. In the past, breast tissues were handled by bluntly pulling and dissecting the muscles from the chest wall, causing trauma, bleeding and postoperative pain. By being more gentle with the tissues, the body experiences less inflammation, and therefore less discomfort.
Postoperatively, we use a comfortable soft-cup surgical bra for light support. This allows the implants to settle into their natural position, but still helps keep swelling away. At this time, patients are encouraged to begin stretching exercises of their arms and chest immediately after surgery. Imagine working out your legs to the point that when you get out of bed in the morning that they are so tight and painful that it is difficult to move. The worst thing you can do is just lay on the couch! You must warm-up and stretch the muscles to alleviate the pain. This is exactly what we have our patients do after surgery- keep the muscles lengthened and stretched. This dramatically reduces stiffness and discomfort and speeds return to normal life. I even tell our patients’ families to take them out to dinner to celebrate the night after surgery!
Our patients’ experiences are very different from those who have surgery elsewhere. Many patients have returned to non-strenuous activities within 24 hours following the procedure, required very little pain medication, and got back to work within a few days.
Real patients’ testimonies:
“I wanted a breast augmentation for years, but was always too scared. I finally made an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Sholar after she was highly recommended by friends. She was very down to earth and answered all my questions, and made me feel completely confident and even excited about the procedure! The results were amazing! I have never felt so confident with my body image! I only wish I had done it sooner! I am truly thankful for Dr. Sholar. She took away my biggest insecurity and did a fabulous job!”
A.J., Newburgh, IN
“Looking back, 42 years was really too long to wait to remedy a problem that's bothered me all of my adult life. When I finally decided to act I researched surgeons on the web. I knew right away that Dr. Sholar was the one for me. From the moment I walked into her beautiful facility I felt warmly welcomed by the receptionist, nurses, office staff, and of course Alina too. It was as though she and Marc held my hands through the whole process. On the hday of my breast aug, I was so excited, not nervous at all! Alina and Marc were just as excited as I was before and after my surgery. The follow ups have been a pleasure. I recommend that anyone considering this surgery not put it off any longer. Waiting too long has been my only regret…”
Dee, Evansville, In
“Dr. Sholar is not just a plastic surgeon , she is a women that generally loves and cares for her patients. She is a perfectionist at what she does and I thank her for that. I am more confident today than I have ever been thanks to Dr.Sholar!!!!!! Dr. Sholar has surrounded herself with the most caring and professional staff, you can truly tell her staff love their jobs!!!!! Thank you again Dr. Sholar!!!! The Sholar Center is the best in Evansville by far!”
DW, Evansville, IN
Last updated 1 year ago
Often our office phone rings and a voice on the other end asks “Do you do SmartLipo?” Our patient concierges will say “We do micro-cannula tumescent liposuction.” The person on the other end, not-so-confidently, will usually add something like, “I’ve heard SmartLipo is better.” The concierges will then politely and succinctly inform them of the truth regarding the various liposuction techniques. So this week, we’ll save you the phone questions and give you the “skinny” on the various liposuction techniques.
Whether you have good or poor liposuction results is more dependent on the person using the machine than on the machine itself.
Most people are well aware of the benefits of liposuction in body contouring. Simply put, it removes fat by suctioning it out through very small (<2mm) incisions using a cannula hooked up to a suction machine. There are many different types of liposuction, including: traditional liposuction, tumescent liposuction, ultrasonic-assisted liposuction, laser liposuction (SmartLipo), power-assisted liposuction, and water jet liposuction. Traditional liposuction was the first liposuction performed frequently in the early 1980′s in France and set the whole industry in motion as it was shown to be very effective in body contouring. The problem with it was the large amount of blood loss that accompanied it. From this, tumescent liposuction evolved which involves first injecting a “wetting solution” into the fatty tissue which constricts the blood vessels to reduce bleeding and cushions the fat tissue from too much trauma.
All other liposuctions now use the tumescent technique (also called the “superwet technique”), which by itself doesn’t actually remove fat. Tumescent liposuction uses very small (<3mm) cannulas to remove the fat cells, utilizing the surgeon’s own arm-power to dislodge the fat cells. This technique has the fewest side effects and complications, and it gives the surgeon the most control over the thickness of the tissue remaining, often yielding the smoothest results. This remains the most commonly-used technique among reputable plastic surgeons. Ultrasonic liposuction also uses the tumescent technique, but additionally uses internally applied, high frequency ultrasound waves to break up fat cells and liquefy them for more ease of removal of the fat. This is the same concept behind laser liposuction, or laser lipolysis, except that it uses laser light energy rather than ultrasonic energy, but still uses the tumescent wetting fluid as well.
SmartLipo is the most marketed brand name for the laser technique. Skin burns and nerve injury have been reported with ultrasonic and laser liposuction that aren’t associated with the other techniques. A recent survey of Board Certified Plastic Surgeons that perform a significant amount of liposuction showed that only 10% of them use laser liposuction because of this limitation. SmartLipo does not have any benefit in results over any other forms of tumescent liposuction. Power-assisted liposuction is traditional liposuction with a cannula attached to a hand-piece that moves the cannula in and out to make it easier on the surgeon. Water jet liposuction, as the name implies, uses a stream of pressurized water to help break up the fat cells. These methods have not been shown to improve outcomes.
Indeed, your liposuction results do not at all depend on the particular machine used to do the liposuction, but lies entirely with the skill, training, and experience of the surgeon performing it. Only Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons are adequately trained to perform liposuction. AND there is NO OTHER “certification” that exists that ensures that your safety is first and foremost of importance. I hope this helps clarify the confusing nomenclature of liposuction so that you’ll be able to discern the truth from the hype.
Dr. Alina Sholar with the Sholar Center help you determine which procedure is right for you by contacting our facility at (812) 618-1976. Y
ou can also visit our website for a listing of services.
Last updated 1 year ago
Body contouring surgeries are among some of the most common plastic surgery procedures available today, but determining which procedure best suits your needs can be a difficult task. Consider this overview on liposuction and tummy tucks to determine which procedure is right for you.
Liposuction
Liposuction, or lipoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to slim and reshape areas of the body that are unresponsive to diet and exercise. The procedure works by removing excess fat deposits from localized areas of the body to improve an individual’s body contours for an improved proportion. Ideal candidates for liposuction are those who are in good health and maintain a reasonable level of fitness and healthy eating habits. You may be a candidate for liposuction if you have stubborn fat deposits in your thighs, waist, buttocks, thighs, hips, back, chest, arms, inner knees, or the cheeks. After making a very small (2mm) incision in the skin, your plastic surgeon will insert a thin, hollow micro-cannula to dislodge fat cells using slow and controlled back-and-forth motions. Once the fat has been dislodged, it is suctioned out using a surgical vacuum, thus the suction part of the term liposuction.
Tummy Tuck
An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is another popular plastic surgery procedure used to remove excessive amounts of skin and fat from the abdominal area. Tummy tucks can also be performed to restore separated or weakened abdominal muscles from pregnancy. Unlike liposuction, a tummy tuck can remove much larger portions of fat, along with skin excess, from the body, as well as contour the muscles to make the abdomen flatter, thus helping individuals achieve a slimmer profile following pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations.
The best way to determine which procedure suits your needs is to set up an initial consultation with Dr. Alina Sholar with the Sholar Center help you determine which procedure is right for you by contacting our facility at (812) 618-1976. You can also visit our website for a listing of services.
Last updated 1 year ago
If you are planning a trip to the spa, you want it to be the best experience it can be. So, be prepared, and it will be a memorable, enjoyable time.
In this video, you will hear from a spa associate about the what to expect, and what is expected of you, during your spa treatment.
We strive to give you our very best in order to enhance your spa experience with us. We adhere to certain policies to benefit you, our most special guest, and also to benefit our valued therapists.
Arrival 20 minutes prior to your treatment is requested, allowing ample time to check-in. Arriving late will simply limit the time for your treatment, reducing its effectiveness and your relaxation. Your treatment will end on time so that the next guest is not delayed.
We proudly recruit and train our staff to be the most qualified medical spa professionals in the industry. Leaving 15 to 20 percent gratuity is customary. Tips may be given directly to your aesthetician or may be left at the reception desk, which will have gratuity envelopes to pass along to the therapist. Received services from more than one therapist? Leave a separate tip for each one. Also, more often than not, spa staff appreciates when the gratuity is left in cash. At a medical spa, you are tipping your stylist, aesthetician or massage therapist, not the medical doctor.
Your cell phone should be turned off--and kept off--while in the spa. In a treatment room, conversation is fine as long as it's in a soft tone.
A spa is a great place to get a little alone time, so it's best to not to bring children under 16. No children are allowed in the spa and medical office areas when you are having a treatment performed. We do not offer childcare services, so please be aware that your services may be forfeited should you bring your children with you. Children who are receiving salon services are welcomed in the salon area, but proper behavior is essential to everyone’s comfort.
Nudity is probably the aspect of spa-going that causes guests the most anxiety. Let's be serious--baring it all to someone you've just met can feel awkward. But keep in mind that most therapists go to great lengths to maintain guest modesty, stepping out of the treatment room to allow you to disrobe and get comfortable under the sheet on the massage table. If you're uncomfortable about being in the buff, you don't have to undress completely; it's perfectly okay to wear underwear while having a massage. Second, there are select treatments for which spas will often supply disposable undergarments.
All aspects of treatment can be modified to your taste: amount of light, music selection and volume, room temperature, talking or no talking. If you would like for the pressure of your massage to be adjusted, let your therapist know. Also, feel free to ask questions. If any part of your experience is unsatisfactory, first tell the therapist. If the response isn't helpful, please speak to one of your customer service representatives.
If you plan on shaving prior to a treatment (as is advised for men receiving facials), do so at least two hours before your scheduled appointment to avoid any irritation.
Try not to eat for at least an hour before a treatment, and avoid the consumption of alcohol on the day of a treatment. Drink plenty of water before and after your treatment.
Now you will be more than ready to visit the spa! Visit the Sholar Center's Green Room Spa & Salon. We offer a variety of spa treatments, including massage, facials, makeup services, and more. To learn more about the many services we offer, check out our website or call us at (812) 618-1976.
Last updated 1 year ago
A common question asked during our consultations for plastic surgery is "When is the best time of year to do this surgery?" To maximize results from cosmetic surgery, it’s wise to plan according to the season, and plan ahead! It is simply better to undergo certain cosmetic operations at certain times of the year to allow an appropriate period for safe recovery, conceal the swelling and scars, and, just as importantly to many, to provide the best alibi to those nosy people who you prefer not to tell.
Universally, this is an ideal time to undergo just about any type of cosmetic surgery, from facelift to liposuction. Cooler weather allows bulkier clothing to conceal swelling and bruising. Turtlenecks, scarves and hats hide the effects of a facelift, eyelid lift, laser resurfacing, browlift and rhinoplasty. Big, cozy sweaters and trousers camouflage the obvious change in body shape from breast augmentation, breast reduction, liposuction or tummy-tuck. Rest and recovery is important and it is best to stay out of direct strong sunlight after any of these procedures. It is a slow time for many businesses, and long holiday weekends can give you even more time off if needed.
By mid-January our facelift and eye lift consultations seem to spike. The holidays are over and popular social events like summer weddings and reunions are more than several months away. January and February seems to be the choice time for patients to explore having facial rejuvenation surgery. Roughly 95,000 facelifts are performed by Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons each year. Winter is a great time to recuperate without attracting too many questions, and then to re-emerge to look rested and refreshed- like returning from a relaxing vacation. Savvy patients that opt for anti-aging procedures want to plan ahead to look their best, especially for important events. I always recommend scheduling surgery well in advance of an important social occasion. This will ensure a safe and stress-free recovery.
One more hint: planning ahead also allows you to make certain incidental changes in things like hair color or makeup to shake things up in your appearance just enough to throw nosy folks off the scent.
