
Abdominoplasty is a tummy tuck procedure. However, there’s more to it than that. Going beyond the basics, you want your surgeon to explain to you what kind of tummy tuck you need, a full abdominoplasty, mini-tuck, rectus repair? Do you need more than one technique, or do you need something else entirely? A very good surgeon will be able to make a recommendation and also back it up with clear reasoning. The options for tummy tuck surgery are varied, which means you should know a little about your own anatomy.
The abdominal wall is made up of various layers. The skin, then fat, then muscle at the innermost layer. For a tummy tuck to successfully achieve optimal contouring, every layer must be addressed. In more detail, the abdominal wall has two vertical rectus muscles that sit front and center. They are surrounded by the oblique muscles on each side. When the central muscles split, it is referred to as rectus diastasis. If the muscles require repair, this may be done without a full tummy tuck incision if the patient does not have excess fat and skin to trim.
The layer of abdominal fat may be the primary problem that needs correction. In this instance, the surgeon would recommend liposuction instead of a tummy tuck. The skilled eye observes the skin and anticipates how it may or may not retract after fat reduction. For some patients, the skin may look loose and wrinkled after liposuction alone. Tissue laxity may be corrected surgically, with the proper abdominoplasty technique, or a doctor may correct the problem with a nonsurgical skin tightening protocol performed after liposuction incisions have healed. The same treatment protocol may be advisable for patients with minimal unwanted fat and loose skin or for patients concerned primarily with the appearance of sagging or wrinkled abdominal skin. For skin tightening alone, patients may consider Refirme Skin Tightening treatment. For nonsurgical fat reduction and skin tightening, Refirme may be combined with Liposonix. The treatment can also be added to a treatment protocol after surgical liposuction.
The question of whether or not to have a tummy tuck is just the tip of the iceberg. For a more in-depth discussion about your cosmetic goals, schedule a consultation with us in Pottsville or Hazleton.

ReFirme™ treatments are one of our two powerful skin-tightening services. This procedure combines infrared light and bipolar radiofrequency to safely and effectively tighten the skin by stimulating new collagen growth. Immediate improvement is noticed thanks to instantaneous collagen tightening. Long-term improvement occurs as the body remodels collagen with healthy new production over time.
For more profound results, some of our patients choose to address their loose, lax skin through Triniti skin-tightening. This process combines the power of the Refirme system with FotoFacial RF and Matrix IR Fractional, each of which targets specific concerns. Triniti is more comprehensive in its targeting of laxity, fine lines and wrinkles, and pigment concerns caused by aging and sun damage.
The loss of volume and firmness in facial tissues is not the only thing about our appearance that changes with age. For many of our patients, this time of year motivates them to address the issue of stubborn fat. Maybe you’ve been following a diet and exercise routine that you’ve carefully developed to reach a goal, and yet you’ve got a problem area. You’re not alone. Weight loss is not all that difficult, but body contouring can be. In our Pottsville and Hazleton offices, we’ve got options to correct those areas.
Liposonix® is a nonsurgical body contouring treatment that employs high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to permanently destroy unwanted fat cells. The body naturally clears the broken down fat cell products over time. Liposonix® treatment takes about an hour. While results do not occur overnight, patients realize about one size difference as the body clears the unwanted fat. This is a huge benefit of Liposonix, that one treatment, taking about one hour, can make you one size smaller.
For more pronounced body contouring, patients might consider “tickle liposuction.” Technically, the procedure is called Nutational Infrasonic Liposculpture (NIL). It is performed using an FDA-approved device that utilizes an air pressure powered cannula (tiny metal tube) to create a patented triple motion of piston-like micro oscillation, rotation, and vibration. This increases efficacy and comfort while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissue.
With a new year ahead, there is a lot to look forward to. More beauty is one example! Contact us to schedule your visit.
Deciding to have plastic surgery is momentous. For most people, it takes months, if not years, to make the decision that surgery is the best approach to their cosmetic concerns. Once the decision is made, the expectation has been set. Most people, once they have consulted with a surgeon, begin imagining what life will be like after surgery. They imagine their new and improved appearance and just know that they will feel happy that they chose to take the path that they did. It is very rare for any other perspective to emerge. There is no inkling whatsoever that feelings of sadness may occur after plastic surgery. Feelings of sadness can occur, so this is an issue that we must discuss.
The term postoperative depression has been used to describe the strong emotional reaction that some people have after a major procedure. This condition is often related to open heart surgery, hysterectomy, or other procedures in which there may be some sense of loss. In such situations, feeling a little blue makes sense. It doesn’t make sense to most people to encounter sadness after a cosmetic procedure, and this can be precisely what makes it so challenging.
Postoperative sadness after plastic surgery is akin to postpartum depression in one major way. In both situations, the affected person feels sad when everything tells them they should feel immensely happy. The conflict here creates confusion, guilt, and can feel very isolating.
Some of the ways that sadness can present after surgery include:
Any surgical procedure is stressful on the body and the mind. This is one of the primary reasons people can feel sad after a successful cosmetic surgery. The nervous system is simply doing what it does to process what has happened “to” the body. Having to rely on others, even for a short time, can exacerbate the emotional aspect of recovery, as well.
Emotional balance will return as the body heals and energy is regained. Patients who experience postoperative sadness tend to feel increasingly better as side effects like swelling, bruising, and discomfort subside, and as they can do more for themselves. However, there is no need to wait it out.
Some ways to attend to emotional needs after surgery include:
The vast majority of people who have plastic surgery are very glad they did. You can be one of them, and we are here to see you through. To schedule a consultation, contact our Pottsville or Hazleton office today.

As we mentioned, breast augmentation is one of the most well-known of all plastic surgery procedures performed today. This makes it more accessible to more people, but also allows room for some misconceptions to occur. Patients who are interested in enhancing the appearance of their breasts need to discern the minute differences between augmentation and mastopexy (breast lift) in order to achieve the results that are perfect for their bodies.
Breast lift surgery is the procedure that is performed to restore a more youthful breast position. In bringing the breast mound back to a higher position on the chest wall, breast lift surgery can result in a perkier shape. The crease beneath the breast is less obvious, and the nipples project forward. Also, it is possible that the size of the breasts may look slightly smaller due to the removal of bulky tissue that once filled out a bra. In some cases, bra size may decrease up to one cup size. Patients can better understand their risk of this result after consulting with a plastic surgeon.
Breast augmentation is performed to increase the volume of the breasts. This enhancement can improve overall breast shape, correct asymmetry, and improve body proportions. Breast implants fill out the breasts but do not always fill out loose and sagging tissue that covers the breast mound. This is why breast lift surgery may be a better choice in some cases. Inserting breast implants can increase both the size and weight of the breasts and could, therefore, worsen sagging that is not properly addressed.
Is a breast lift ideal for you? Could breast augmentation be your best procedure? Contact our Pottsville or Hazleton office to begin your journey of discovery!

We love helping adults of all ages feel their best. When the signs of aging alter the face’s youthful “Y” shape into more of an inverted “V,” we perform specific treatments that restore firmness and shape. It doesn’t always take surgery to do this, either.
Facial rejuvenation need not be impossible nor difficult. We have several treatment options for you to explore. To do so, contact our Hazleton or Pottsville office today.

Compression garments are worn at all times after surgery to assist with several aspects of healing.
In the past year, many people who had never thought they would have plastic surgery have decided to take that leap. If you’re interested in learning more about a particular procedure, schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. We’d love to see you in our Pottsville or Hazleton office.

Breast tissue is fatty, glandular, and connective. Three different layers of tissue all contribute to contouring. The layer of connective tissue is related to shape and perkiness, as it contains “the cooper’s ligaments.” These suspensory ligaments are threads that form a matrix that suspends, lifts, breast tissue. With age, these ligaments can stretch and weaken. In addition to changes in connective tissue, we also experience changes in the firmness and thickness of the skin. Without a lot of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, the skin also loses resiliency.
We know the biological factors of drooping breasts, but what about the factors that relate to them? Some of the most common reasons that breasts lose their perkiness include:
It is impossible to prevent breast sag. It happens to every woman at some point. However, it may be possible to reduce the severity of the problem with the following:
Sagging breasts are a problem for many women, regardless of breast size or age. The ultimate solution? A breast lift! If you would like to learn more about this procedure, contact our Pottsville or Hazleton office to arrange a consultation.

Adults have many options in nonsurgical body contouring these days. We have carefully selected treatment options because we know that results matter. LipoSonix is a nonsurgical treatment platform that destroys fat cells using focused ultrasound waves. This technology allows us to selectively reduce fat in areas where contouring often needs the most improvement: the midsection. Abdominal fat has been a common problem that adults have tried to eliminate using a plethora of strategies. The thing about abdominal fat is that some people are genetically predisposed to it. That doesn’t mean that diet and exercise cannot help. It means that even with good eating habits and a healthy, active lifestyle, a small amount of fat may linger. For such situations, LipoSonix nonsurgical fat reduction may be ideal.
If you are one of the millions of people who are struggling with that last 10 to 15 pounds around your midsection, LipoSonix may be an excellent treatment to improve your shape. The treatment takes about one hour and, according to clinical data, can reduce the waistline by up to one inch. That’s about one pant or dress size. During treatment, ultrasound waves permeate superficial tissue without causing harm. Energy is absorbed into subcutaneous fatty tissue, where disruption occurs to cell membranes. The body eliminates the damaged cells through natural lymphatic processing.
LipoSonix is the result of 10 years of research and testing. The device has developed quite a reputation for safe, consistent results as it has been used in Canada, Japan, and Europe for several years. It has been common in the United States since 2011 and continues to be popular today.
As we start to look forward to more outdoor time this summer, many people are contemplating how they can refine their shape after gaining the COVID 15 or 20. LipoSonix may be the solution that feels right for you. To explore this option and compare it to liposuction, schedule a consultation at our Hazleton or Pottsville office.

For several years, plastic surgery trends revolved around the body. We had the “year of the butt” that lasted quite some time and involved thousands of buttocks augmentation procedures. Body contouring was also a driving trend for many years. Adults underwent liposuction, abdominoplasty, and other lifts and tucks to sculpt their bodies. Last year, we saw a massive shift. While body contouring continues to achieve outstanding results, we’re seeing more interest in facial rejuvenation than we have in years. There are two primary reasons.
One of the big changes that occurred as a result of the novel coronavirus was that many people shifted into a work-from-home situation. Working from home lent more flexibility to daily scheduling. People had time to schedule beauty treatments or plastic surgery because they had more time to recover at home. The work-from-home situation also put people in front of a screen far more often than they were used to. Video conferencing allowed us to see our coworkers, but it also allowed us to see ourselves in real-time, and that led to the identification of beauty goals. Perhaps you’ve made a few of your own in the past year.
As we saw in 2020, we expect trends to remain focused on facial rejuvenation for the remainder of this year, too. Treatments that are commonly sought include:
We have several ways to help you feel your best in 2021. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

There are several reasons a person may give for wanting to address abdominal laxity. Motivations must be personal for every person, not made to please anyone but the patient. Common healthy reasons for a tummy tuck include the following.
If you’ve had children or have lost weight, you may be left with loose, sagging tissue in your midsection. In your mind’s eye, you can recall when your tummy was flatter and tighter. A tummy tuck is performed to meet your specific needs so that you can look as good as you once did, if not better.
Confidence is not created by our appearance but the two are related. Numerous studies have confirmed this theory. When you have that image in your mind’s eye of what your body used to or could look like, and that image is not what you see in the mirror, you’re bound to have an emotional response. This is only natural. Addressing loose and sagging abdominal tissue rewards you with harmony between how you see yourself and how you see yourself, if you know what we mean. Your self-image is what you will see in the mirror. In addition to looking like your best self and feeling confident about that, your tummy tuck can also expand your clothing options to include more form-fitting fashions without unsightly bulges.
A tummy tuck is not done to help a person lose weight. It is designed for muscle and tissue looseness. The procedure is a great complement to a healthy lifestyle that supports weight management and muscle tone. With healthy habits firmly in place before surgery, patients can enjoy lasting improvements from their abdominoplasty.
Learn more about the benefits of a tummy tuck. Schedule your consultation at our Pottsville or Hazleton office today.

There is a common misconception about gynecomastia that it may somehow be a man’s fault. This is untrue. Men who have enlarged breasts do not get that way because they are overweight. They get that way for reasons outside of their control. Related to weight or not, gynecomastia has a genetic component. Scientists believe that the problem could have something to do with a man having too much estrogen compared to testosterone. This hormonal imbalance creates susceptibility to breast overgrowth.
More information has become available in recent years, leading to greater understanding as well as more confusion than is necessary. Because gynecomastia has ties to hormones, some companies have developed supplements that claim to eradicate the excess tissue. This can be a potentially dangerous approach. While gynecomastia surgery is, well, surgery, it is also the most direct and reliable way of addressing this condition.
Gynecomastia surgery is a personalized procedure that is designed around each patient’s unique anatomy and the severity of overgrowth. In some cases, liposuction is an appropriate approach. However, some men need breast gland removal. Some need surgical skin-tightening. Ultimately, a plastic surgeon develops procedures to achieve outstanding, lasting results that free a man to live his most confident life.
If you or someone you love is living with gynecomastia, there is no need to suffer in silence. Let’s have a conversation that could change your life for the better! Contact our Pottsville or Hazleton office to schedule a consultation.

Juvéderm is referred to as a dermal filler, which is correct. However, we must clarify that there is not a single Juvéderm product; it’s an entire line of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers under one brand name. All Juvéderm fillers are made of the same base ingredient. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring chemical that the body uses to lock in moisture in important structures, including the joints, eyes, and skin. As a dermal filler, hyaluronic acid traps water molecules in a target area. The addition of water plumps the skin to eradicate lines and creases or build volume to rejuvenate facial contours. Juvéderm products are used to plump the lips, reduce nasolabial folds, augment the cheeks, eliminate undereye bags, and more. Results are immediate and can last from a few months to 2 years.
We call Sculptra a dermal filler but it does not act like other fillers. When a person receives Sculptra, they do not see immediate results. That’s not the intent. Rather than immediately fill lines and wrinkles, Sculptra is administered to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is the protein that supports tissue firmness and suppleness. The decline in collagen can result in gaunt or hollow areas. Common uses of Sculptra include volume restoration in the temple and cheek areas. This restoration occurs gradually, so no one knows you’ve had injectables. While a series of 2 to 3 Sculptra sessions are scheduled to achieve optimal results, studies suggest that benefits can last two or more years.
There is no “perfect” dermal filler. This is why we have so many options. Within those, we can find the perfect injectable for you. Call our Hazleton or Pottsville office today to schedule your consultation and treatment.

Shapewear has lost its appeal.
Shapewear may be a great idea for temporary contouring. Compression can work splendidly for holding in bulges or hiding cellulite that may show in that special outfit. The thing about shapewear, though, is that it only works in certain areas. They happen to be the most common areas, such as the tummy, hips, buttocks, and thighs. As good as shapewear may work for the occasional event or night out, it may not be something you want to wear every day. As you may know, it isn’t exactly easy to squish excess fat into garments that fit tightly!
With liposuction, you wear what you want because your body is always ready. No more wiggling into and out of uncomfortable compression shapewear.
You want something more long-term.
While shapewear can give you the contours you want for a night, liposuction can give you that shape for years. The procedure is performed using a local anesthetic in most cases. To sculpt the body, the surgeon uses a small cannula, a hollow tube attached to a medical device that suctions fat cells into a reservoir. The tube extracts lines of fat cells, and surrounding cells fall into the space to create a smooth, natural result. Fat cells do not grow back so, with a healthy lifestyle, the slimming effects of liposuction can last a very long time.
You want to love the skin you’re in.
Wearing Spanx, you might feel great in the little black dress you wear to that holiday dinner party. When you get home, though, you see something different in the mirror. Shapewear is a lovely illusion for special occasions, but it may not meet your true desire to feel great no matter what you wear. Liposuction does not conceal the problem of extra fatty deposits, it eliminates it! So, no matter what you’re wearing, or if you’re wearing nothing at all, you feel great in your own skin.
We are pleased to perform liposuction for patients in the Hazleton and Pottsville areas. For your consultation, contact an office near you today.

When people become concerned about lines and creases becoming obvious, they often think of Botox as the ideal solution. This is because this FDA-approved drug is pretty much a household name at this point. The first thing to recognize is what it is used for. Botox treatment can help you if you have frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead lines, a lowered brow line, or horizontal lines on your neck. These are the most common uses of Botox.
Your first Botox treatment does not begin with injections, it begins with a conversation. Injectable treatments like Botox and dermal fillers are customized to each individual. So, before we can plan your treatment, we need to know a few things. We need to know what you want to accomplish, first, and we need to assess where you’re at. A brief look at your skin can give us the information we need to know to plan the right treatment for you. Sometimes, dermal fillers are a better approach. Sometimes, a combination that includes Botox and dermal fillers is best. Your provider will explain their recommendation and answer any questions you have.
Botox injections can be given right after your consultation. Your provider will cleanse the skin in the area where injections will be given and will then use a small needle to administer treatment. No anesthetic is needed for injectable treatments. The needle is so small that you should feel only a minor pinch. You don’t feel the liquid entering the skin or getting absorbed. The entire process usually takes 15 minutes or less.
Being new to injectable treatment, you may want to plan to go home after your appointment. The side effects of Botox are typically limited to minor swelling and pinpoint redness. These fade very quickly. This is why injectables are thought-of as lunchtime treatments. Once you know how your body responds to treatment, you can schedule future visits as they suit you. Some people who get Botox notice a mild headache that lasts a few hours. Some feel a little achy like they would if they had the flu. These are normal side effects, though less common.
Your rejuvenating results appear gradually after your Botox treatment. In about one week, you should see the peak effects of your wrinkle-reduction. From there, these effects will gradually fade after 3 to 6 months. You may schedule touch-ups as often as every 12 weeks.
Schedule your Botox consultation now! Call our Hazleton or Pottsville office.

It doesn’t seem logical to have the blues after undergoing an elective procedure. After all, most patients spend months if not years looking forward to looking better! There are several reasons why the blues may pop up out of nowhere in the first days of recovery. The primary issue that seems to arise is frustration about results. Bruising and swelling are common side effects of surgery. When these don’t go away as quickly as a patient would like, they can feel like they are not healing properly and wind up feeling down. Surgery is also very fatiguing. Patients may feel relatively comfortable and able to resume some of their normal activities but they become easily tired. This can also lead to sadness. The list goes on: feeling unable to take care of others as they normally do, not being able to work or socialize for a few weeks, feeling bored or unproductive; these are all feelings that can result in the blues. Also, they are all normal.
In the end, the majority of people who have plastic surgery are glad they did. We think the process can be pleasant from start to finish! To schedule your consultation for a face or body procedure, contact us in Pottsville or Hazleton.