Blog - ReNova Plastic Surgery Info - Pittsburgh

Monthly Archives: December 2015

Why Plastic Surgery is Popular During the Holiday Season

By | Holidays, Plastic Surgery | No Comments

Plastic Surgery During the HolidaysEvery year around this time, Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez sees an influx of men and women visiting his Pittsburgh plastic surgery practice in hopes of enhancing their appearance. This is no coincidence as these men and women know that the winter season is a great time to have plastic surgery. Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez explains why.

Ample Time to Recover

Surgical cosmetic enhancements such as tummy tuck surgery, breast augmentation and facelift require time off from work and daily activities to allow the body to heal properly. Many people already plan to take time off from work during the holidays, making recovery from plastic surgery  easier and much more feasible.

Bandages and Scars are Easily Concealed

Some plastic surgery treatments require patients to wear surgical bandages or garments. This is to promote faster healing and beautiful results. Most people are not inclined to show off these unsightly bandages and garments. The cold weather during the holiday season means comfy sweaters, jackets and pants, making it easier to conceal bandages, incisions and scars.

Less Outdoor Distractions

Recovering from plastic surgery requires avoiding strenuous activity, including exercise. It also means plenty of bed rest and relaxation. With the days getting shorter and the weather getting colder, most people are spending more time indoors. Plastic surgery patients are able to allow their bodies to recover as they enjoy traditional holiday pastimes like drinking hot chocolate and watching holiday movies from the comfort of their couch.

Beach-Body-Ready for the Summer

While the initial recovery period lasts just one or two weeks, a patient’s body will continue to heal during the following months. During this time, incision scars will continue to fade until they match the color of the surrounding skin. An additional benefit of pursuing plastic surgery during the holiday season is that patients are fully healed by summer. They are ready to reveal and show off a more beautiful physique or a rejuvenated facial appearance once it’s summertime.

Are you considering pursuing plastic surgery? Learn more about your plastic surgery options by scheduling a personal appointment with Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez. Please call ReNova Plastic Surgery at (412) 638-2391.

Your Mommy Makeover Questions Answered

By | Mommy Makeover | No Comments

Mommy Makeover QuestionsIf you wish to enhance your physique following pregnancy or weight loss, mommy makeover surgery is a great option. This combination of plastic surgery treatments addresses several problem areas brought on by pregnancy and weight fluctuations, including saggy breasts and excess fat and skin on the abdomen, thighs and hips.

In this blog post, Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez answers the most commonly asked questions about mommy makeover.

What Does a Mommy Makeover Entail?

Mommy makeover is a customized plastic surgery treatment designed to fit the needs and goals of each patient. The procedure can include breast augmentation and breast lift for fuller, perkier breasts, while tummy tuck surgery can be performed to remove saggy skin and repair weakened or separated abdominal muscles. Liposuction can also be included to remove small, stubborn fat deposits from the hips, buttocks, arms and thighs. The result: more attractive curves and body contours.

When Should I Have My Mommy Makeover?

Ideally, you should have your mommy makeover after you are done nursing and only once you done having children. If you breastfeed or have more children after mommy makeover, you risk altering your results from the procedure. Nursing and weight fluctuations caused by pregnancy can cause the skin and tissue to loosen, possibly reversing the results of your mommy makeover.

Is Mommy Makeover Painful?

Mommy makeover itself is painless because it is performed under general anesthesia. Following your surgery, Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez may prescribe oral pain medication to relieve minor pain and discomfort.

What is the Recovery Like?

The recovery, like the procedure itself, varies from patient to patient. You should expect to take one to two weeks off from work and your normal routine. During this time you should plan to rest in bed and refrain from housework and exercise. Because your range of motion will be limited, it is a good idea to ask a loved one to help you with chores, pets and children. While the initial recovery period takes up to two weeks, your body will continue to heal in the ensuing weeks.

How Can I Make My Results Last?

The best way to ensure beautiful mommy makeover results is by choosing a qualified and skilled plastic surgeon to perform the surgery, like Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez. Maintaining a healthy, stable weight through exercise can also help make your results last. Moisturizing regularly, not smoking and practicing proper sun protection will keep your skin firm and elastic following surgery.

Do you have more questions regarding mommy makeover? Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez will gladly answer them. Schedule a personal consultation today by calling our Pittsburgh office at (412) 638-2391.