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Category Archives: Body Contouring

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.

The Most In-demand Plastic Surgery Procedures for Men

By | Body Contouring, Botox, Male plastic surgery, Rhinoplasty | No Comments

shutterstock_165451562With the ever-changing definition of modern masculinity, men of all ages are confronted with images of athletic and wrinkle-free models that define the new standard for men. The gruff, furrowed brow and slight paunch that once may have been a sign of overt manliness has been replaced with a line-free face and a trim, V-shaped torso.

The new standard for masculinity has influenced men in every aspect of their life, from their romantic relationships to their careers. To compete effectively in the dating and business world, where younger men and women often have the advantage, men are increasingly turning to plastic surgery to gain a younger, healthier and more attractive look. The following plastic surgery procedures have proven to be favorites of men the world over.

Botox

The number of men having Botox treatments rose 84 percent over the last five years, and this trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Men who want to get rid of fine lines, or even deep furrows, on their foreheads and around their eyes, nose and mouth without having to undergo surgery often opt for this alternative. And since Botox treatments are short (15 minutes or less) and painless treatments that require no downtime, men can have them done on their lunch hour and return to work that same afternoon without any problem. Plus, their new, more youthful yet natural-looking appearance increases confidence and their status as a virile competitor in the business world.

Rhinoplasty

Some men are dissatisfied with the size or shape of their nose and wish to bring better balance to their facial appearance with a rhinoplasty, or nose re-shaping, procedure. Rhinoplasty at Re-Nova Plastic Surgery can re-sculpt a man’s nose by altering its width, fixing an unsightly hump and reshaping a drooping nasal tip, among other things. This change can provide our male clientele with a subtle, though more attractive profile.

Male Breast Reduction

What man wants to keep his shirt on while at the beach, playing sports or during intimate moments with his lover? Extra breast tissue can make some men feel awkward and self-conscious about a softer, more feminine-looking chest. Gynecomastia, a condition that affects a third of men and causes them to have excess breast tissue, often occurs as a result of obesity, hormonal changes or the use of certain medications. In the year 2014 alone, over 26,000 male breast reduction surgeries were performed in the U.S. Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez has helped numerous men achieve a fitter, more masculine-looking chest with his male breast reduction procedure.

Liposuction

Despite going to the gym regularly and eating healthy most of the time, men often find it difficult to keep a trim figure — especially as they get older. Fat deposits on the waist, which create that dreaded “spare tire,” can resist the healthiest of habits, as can extra fat on the back, neck and other areas. Liposuction has proven to be a popular procedure for men who want to get rid of these pockets of fat for a leaner, trimmer shape. At Re-Nova Plastic Surgery, Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez offers both a traditional liposuction procedure as well as LASER liposuction, which delivers a wave of laser light to the treatment area to dissolve fat cells. The LASER liposuction procedure results in less bleeding and bruising than a traditional liposuction procedure.

Want to find out more about the male plastic surgery procedures offered at Re-Nova Plastic Surgery? Call our office at (412) 638-2391 and schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez.

FAQs about Body Contouring

By | Body Contouring | No Comments

Body contouring questionsBody contouring procedures designed to eliminate sagging skin and unwanted fat deposits have been on the rise in recent years. However, there is a degree of confusion with regard to what these procedures achieve. At ReNova Plastic Surgery, we believe the most satisfied patients are those who are well-informed. Here, leading plastic surgeon Dr. Julio Clavijo-Alvarez answers the mostly commonly asked questions we hear from our body contouring patients.

Is Body Contouring a Good Way to Lose Weight?

Body contouring is not meant for weight loss. Instead, it is used to improve the shape and tone of your underlying tissue and remove excess fat and skin. Many bariatric (weight loss) surgery patients seek to sculpt their smaller body figures by removing sagging skin that no longer properly hugs the contours of the body. Body contouring procedures such as body lift, thigh lift and arm lift can get rid of the drooping skin, while liposuction removes stubborn fat around the body to achieve a more toned look.

Am I a Candidate for Body Contouring?

If you are within 30 percent of a healthy weight for your size or 15 pounds away from your ideal weight, you may be a candidate for body contouring. If you seek to reduce your body mass, it’s recommended you use diet and exercise or bariatric surgery instead of, or before, seeking body contouring procedures such as body lift and/or liposuction.

What Happens During My Pre-Op Consultation?

During your initial consultation, Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez will discuss with you your aesthetic concerns and goals, and create a personalized plan. He will also evaluate your overall health and assess any potential co-existing medical conditions that may be affected by the procedure you seek. Your one-on-one consultation is also a great time for you to ask any questions you may have regarding your procedure or plastic surgery goals.

How Do I Know Which Body Contouring Procedure is Right for Me?

The procedure you and Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez decide on will ultimately depend on your plastic surgery goals and concerns. For example, if you seek a flatter abdomen only, Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez may suggest tummy tuck surgery. If you have sagging skin on the abdomen and other parts of the body, such as the buttocks and outer thighs, a lower body lift may be more appropriate. At ReNova Plastic Surgery we offer a range of body contouring procedures, including:

How Do I Prepare for Body Contouring?

Your weight should be stabilized before undergoing surgery. Additionally, if you smoke, it’s recommended you stop several weeks before your procedure. Smoking dramatically increases your risks of surgical complications.

What Are the Risks of Body Contouring?

Although rare, there are several risks and complications to body contouring. The most common complications are related to fluid collection within the tissues and minor wound healing problems. Other risks include scarring, and numbness. The best way to minimize your risks is to choose an experienced, qualified surgeon such as Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez. He has helped countless patients in the Pittsburgh area achieve their aesthetic goals safely.

How Long Do Results Last?

Body contouring can produce long-lasting, beautiful results. However, patients are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle following their procedure. Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez recommends that you avoid smoking, follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to ensure that your body contouring results last.

To learn more about your body contouring options, schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez. Please call ReNova Plastic Surgery today at (412) 638-2391.