Menu

Blog - ReNova Plastic Surgery Info - Pittsburgh

All posts by Julio Clavijo-Alvarez

Feb 17
0

Tips for Maintaining Your Facelift Results

By | Facelift | No Comments

shutterstock_240864379Facelift surgery, especially when performed by an experienced surgeon who knows how to deliver natural-looking results, has the ability to take up to 10 years off of your appearance. But how do you maintain these beautiful results? Though your skin texture and how quickly it shows signs of aging are largely a matter of genetics, certain lifestyle habits are also key factors that can either hinder or prolong your results. In this blog post, facelift surgeon Dr. Julio Clavijo-Alvarez discusses what to do— and what not to do — to keep your skin looking smooth and youthful after facelift surgery. Read More

Feb 04
0

Breast Implants or Fat Transfer: Which is Right for You?

By | Breast Augmentation, Natural Breast Augmentation | No Comments

shutterstock_143274550At ReNova Plastic Surgery, Dr. Julio Clavijo-Alvarez offers both breast augmentation using breast implants and natural breast augmentation using fat transfer (a process that removes fat from another part of the body via liposuction, refines the fat, and then injects it into the breasts). In this blog post, Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez discusses which one might be ideal for you, based on your surgery goals and body type. Read More

Jan 22
0

The Emotional Effects of Breast Augmentation

By | Breast Augmentation, Uncategorized | No Comments

iStock_000001087977SmallDeciding to have breast augmentation surgery can solicit many different emotions throughout the process, from the preoperative period through recovery. Plastic surgeon Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez has helped countless women feel good about their breasts through his breast augmentation procedures at ReNova Plastic Surgery. He is familiar with the emotional aspects of the process, and is here to help you understand what types of emotions are common for women to have — both before and after surgery. Read More

Jan 09
0

What to Wear after Tummy Tuck Surgery

By | Tummy tuck, Uncategorized | No Comments

Are you imagining your new, flattened belly and how you’ll look stretched out on a beach towel in your two-piece? Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez of ReNova Plastic Surgery has helped many patients get the flat stomach they’ve dreamed of, but were unable to achieve with diet and exercise alone. After surgery, you will most likely have many new clothing options available to you — clothes you might never have tried prior to your tummy tuck. Here we discuss what to wear for the first weeks and months after tummy tuck surgery, for a safe, comfortable recovery and for rockin’ your new body after you’re healed. Read More

Dec 27
0

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.

Dec 15
0

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.

Oct 22
0

Questions to Ask During Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

By | Breast Augmentation, Natural Breast Augmentation | No Comments

shutterstock_113018866Your breast augmentation consultation is a time for you to voice your concerns and ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your breast augmentation procedure. Because there are many factors to consider before undergoing surgery (e.g., choice of implant size and type, the procedure itself and what it entails, what to expect after surgery), it is easy to feel a bit overwhelmed. That is why Dr. Julio Clavijo-Alvarez recommends that his patients bring a list of questions and topics they’d like to discuss for their consultation; he has included a few questions in this post as an example of important topics to cover during your consultation.

Am I a Candidate for Natural Breast Augmentation?

At Re-Nova Plastic Surgery, Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez offers patients the choice of natural breast augmentation (using the patient’s own fat injected into the breasts) as well as the traditional breast augmentation procedure using breast implants. Good candidates for the natural breast augmentation procedure are typically women who have excess fat stored in another part of their body, such as the stomach or thighs. Women who are looking to drastically increase the size of their breasts are generally not considered good candidates for this procedure.

If I Decide to Use Implants, What Size Would You Suggest for My Frame?

Whether you want a significant size increase or a modest one, Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez will help you to determine a breast implant size that will fit both your frame and body shape and meet your esthetic goals. Breast implant sizes are measured in cubic centimeters (cc’s) and not cup sizes.

What Should I Consider When Choosing Between Silicone and Saline Implants?

Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez uses both silicone and saline implants at Re-Nova Plastic Surgery. There are advantages and potential drawbacks of each, and these vary greatly depending on the patient’s physicality and their expectations for surgery. For example, some patients prefer silicone implants because they look and feel the closest to natural breasts. Other patients, however, might consider the smaller incision needed to place a saline implant to be an advantage. These and other factors to consider when choosing an implant type will be discussed during your consultation.

What Can I Expect from the Procedure and During Recovery?

Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez can give you an idea of what to expect during your surgery, including what kind of anesthesia he will use and how long the procedure will take. Details such as what you will wear (such as bandages or a surgical bra) the first few days after surgery and how to best alleviate swelling and discomfort during that time can be discussed. You will also get an idea of how long you will have to be off of work or school, and when you can resume normal daily activities after surgery.

What are the Risks Involved with Surgery?

As with any other surgical procedure, there are inherent risks involved with breast augmentation. Though rare, it is important to get an idea of the potential complications so that you can know what to look for, and so that you can make sure you are healing properly. Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez can give you details on the most common risks involved with this surgery — including capsular contracture, excessive bleeding and infection of the incision sites — so that you can be alert to the signs.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

With these questions fresh in your mind, why not schedule your breast augmentation with Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez today? Call Re-Nova Plastic Surgery at (412) 638-2391.

Oct 11
0

Breast Cancer Awareness – Pittsburgh

By | Awareness | No Comments

Breast Augmentation

  • breast cancer awareness - ReNova Plastic surgery- Julio Clavijo - Pittsburgh3

Breast Cancer Awareness – Pittsburgh

At ReNova Plastic Surgery we firmly believe that awareness is the beginning of change.

To all women survivors of breast cancer, we send our prayers and hope that you become a happy survivor.

Thanks for being strong.

ReNova Plastic Surgery.

Re-Nova Plastic Surgery serving Wexford, Pittsburgh, and Monroeville (Western Pennsylvania). Let our top 10 plastic surgeon guide you in the search for your ideal you.

Oct 07
0

Why Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery is On the Rise

By | Body Contouring, Brazilian butt lift | No Comments

shutterstock_80743537The year 2014 saw a significant increase in the amount of butt lift procedures — 58 percent increase when compared to the previous year. Re-Nova Plastic Surgery has outlined a few reasons why this plastic surgery procedure continues to be one of the fastest growing procedures.

The “Apple Bottom” Shape Is In

Like it or not, celebrity culture is mostly responsible for the popularity of this procedure. With pop stars and debutantes that include the likes of Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Nicki Minaj proudly displaying their buxom backsides in “butt selfies” (termed “belfies”) on social media, people (most often women) are desiring a rounder, curvier rear end. Brazilian butt lift surgery, which adds fat that has been removed through liposuction from another area of the body and injected into the buttocks, gives the butt a fuller, more voluptuous appearance.

Fat Grafting is More Natural Than Implants

If you are unhappy with a flat or deflated buttocks, or if you simply want a more balanced, hourglass shape, the Brazilian butt lift procedure is the safest, most effective way to add volume to your posterior. Unlike buttock augmentation procedures that use gluteal (butt) implants, the Brazilian butt lift uses your own fat that has been removed from another part of the body (most often a “problem area” with excess fat) and refined before it is injected into the buttocks. This surgery is less invasive, involving only minor incisions where the needle is injected (as opposed to the larger incision created when placing implants) and there is less bleeding and a shorter recovery period. Plus, with Brazilian butt lift surgery, there is no need to worry that your body will “reject” any foreign material (like an implant), because it involves the use of your own fat! As such, the Brazilian butt lift procedure also creates the most natural-looking results.

You Can Slim Your Body and Plump Your Rear All At Once

Who wouldn’t want the benefit of two procedures in one? Brazilian butt lift surgery not only gives you a sexy, round derriere, it also removes fat from another part of the body (often the stomach or thighs) and gives you an all-around smoother body shape. The result? A smaller waistline or thinner thighs to accentuate your shapely new rear. What’s more, with Brazilian butt lift surgery you only have to go through one recovery period!

Schedule Your Brazilian Butt Lift Consultation Today

Are you ready to fill out your jeans and bikini bottoms with a curvier bottom? Find out more about the Brazilian butt lift procedure when you call Re-Nova Plastic Surgery at (412) 638-2391 to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez.