So first and foremost if you are reading this and I have kept you waiting, or will keep you waiting, I offer you my sincere apologies. There is more to this blog however. I thought you might find it interesting to know how and why we can get backed up.

—–The cascading arrival time: While we have a good scheduling program all it takes is one late arrival to shift the schedule off kilter by 30 minutes or more. Unfortunately that will happen on average about twice during an office day at anyone of my plastic surgery practices in the Washington DC, Virginia area.

—–The exploding consult: for the average consultation we have a pretty good estimate the time it will take for me to evaluate, explain and go over treatments. However, it is extraordinarily common for a patient to book a consultation about one type of surgery but then also ask about two or three more. At 25- 30 minute per topic the math gets a little scary. Interested in knowing more about that topic, read my past blog “What Goes Together- More Than One Procedure of Plastic Surgery”.

—–The mom /friend phenomena: I love it when a patient brings a friend or family member to the consultation another set of ears and eyes is comforting and helpful. It is extremely common though that the friend or family member becomes the second consult in that room at the same time.

—–I am long winded: yes, it’s true. I love to teach and educate my patients and I don’t want anyone to leave feeling they did not get the best and most informative experience they could. So if one topic becomes 3 or if mom or friend has a question I will always feel compelled to answer it in detail.

I hope this doesn’t scare you off. A busy cosmetic plastic surgery practice is a good thing.

So a few tips: Morning consults are less prone to cascading delays, if you’re interested in many things, or so is your companion, just let us know ahead and we’ll leave more time. Bring a book just in case. Whether it’s breast, body, face, nose, or liposuction I’d love to meet you and I’ll do my best not to keep you waiting.

If you have any more questions about my office or to schedule a consultation please contact me.

Labial tissue comes in all shapes and sizes. Some have more, others less. Common concerns patients share with me include a self consciousness during sexual activity, difficulty wearing certain clothing or swimwear and even discomfort with some athletics.

There are two basic types of Labioplasty and I perform both procedures. I believe both are good as long as the patient’s goals are accomplished. The labia minora is the most commonly reduced.

Straight excision simply cuts away the redundant tissue and leaves a straight narrower labial edge. It is the simplest and removes the most tissue. Some believe that it leaves an unnatural looking edge but I have not found this to be the case.

The other method involves removing a wedge or wedges of tissue which preserves the natural edge of the labia.

Labioplasty can be done under a local or general anesthesia. I am happy to show examples in consultation but I don’t put Labioplasty photos on the web. If you are interested in a Labioplasty then contact me to schedule a consultation.

While I can’t really change the diameter of the neck, I have liposuctioned liters of abdominal and flank fat from servicemen (and women) at bases all over the Maryland, D.C. and Virginia area.

So why talk about this here? I want you to know you are not alone. Liposuction is far more common than you think in the service. I have treated almost every rank with a great sense of pride.

How much you will shrink depends on how much you carry in the first place. I can never guarantee a waist size but it is not uncommon to lose at least two pants sizes or more. The flanks or love handles tend to make the biggest difference as most men wear their belt below the lower abdominal fullness.

I perform many other surgeries for men including breast reduction, rhinoplasty facelift and others, but thanks to the United States government, flank and abdomen liposuction remains the most popular.

If you are considering liposuction and you are part of our armed forces here in Maryland. Washington D.C. or Virginia you are in good company and I would be happy to evaluate you. Yes, we offer military discounts. So please contact my office for further details.

Unfortunately, the body does not always do as good of a job restoring itself. Following child-birth skin loses elasticity and breasts often lose even more volume than they started with before pregnancy. The combination of loose skin and diminished volume can leave the breasts deflated and saggy. The abdominal wall can remain loose despite exercise, and weight can be unbearably difficult to lose. These affects are often discouraging for many women.

After pregnancy, and in general, I always encourage my patients to be healthy and attain a comfortable weight. This doesn’t imply stick thin and certainly does not involve crash dieting. It simply means a realistic weight that can be reasonably maintained.

Unfortunately, sometimes doing the right things such as eating an appropriate diet and exercising are not always enough. That is where I come in. The first part of my involvement is a consultation and physical examination to see if a patient would be healthy enough to undergo a Mommy Makeover and which procedures such as tummy tuck, breast lift, breast augmentation, liposuction, labioplasty and or another type of procedure they would benefit from. Safety must always come first and surgical treatments can only proceed after a clean bill of health is ascertained.

Here are the most common procedures or treatments I offer my postpartum patients in the area of Maryland and Virginia.

Breast Augmentation
Breast lift
Breast lift and augmentation
Tummy Tuck mini or full
Liposuction
Labioplasty

This is certainly not a complete list of the procedures that I perform in the postpartum patient, but these measures are in many ways the most gratifying. These are the options that many people initially explore with trepidation and ultimately regret not pursuing sooner.

If you are interested in learning more about the mommy makeover, contact Pei at our practice today to learn about special pricing for procedures booked in August. We have three convenient locations, Rockville, Maryland; Annapolis, Maryland; and McLean, Virginia.

Because of improved techniques for gastric bypass and the lap band procedure, we are seeing more and more patients after dramatic weight loss hoping to look normal again. Tightening all the areas of concern in the weight loss patient covers almost every aspect of cosmetic plastic surgery. Rather than going over every option, I hope to give some guiding principles.

It is best to consider cosmetic surgery for weight loss when you achieve your goal weight and have been stable for a while. If I do a tummy tuck and then that patient loses another 40 pounds, he or she may need it done again. A stable weight does not necessarily mean rail thin, it means a realistic weight that you are comfortable with and can maintain. Being at the weight you want is worth the wait. It will make your surgery safer and more successful.

Dramatic weight loss patients are what I call “works in progress”. There are always areas that can be tightened. It is important to have a long term plan to define which plastic surgery procedures can be safely combined and which cannot. I ask my patients to create a wish list so that we can determine the best order of procedures so that one procedure will not interfere with another.

If you need help learning about surgery after dramatic weight loss or even help achieving your weight loss goals please let me know. Contact my office today, to schedule a consultation with me at one of my three offices located around the DC, Virginia and area of Maryland.

The group of people described above is usually well read, well researched and in good physical shape. So into my office walk a group of women who are trying to do everything right with diet, exercise etc. and they wonder why their tummies are not behaving. About 80% of these women come in looking for liposuction. This is where the education begins. While in some cases it might be OK, for the majority liposuction is not the right answer.

The post partum tummy has a few things going on. First, the hormones associated with pregnancy have literally allowed the deep tissues of the abdominal wall to stretch. Second, the midline muscles (abs) spread to the side leaving a gap between them called “diastasis.” Lastly, the overlying skin has stretched, usually beyond the point where it can fully recoil like a spring that has been pulled too far.

A patient like this can do everything right with exercise, diet, and good nutrition, but despite her best efforts the loose abdominal wall won’t shrink back. The muscles won’t come back to midline and with weight loss the skin will usually become looser. It seems very unfair.

When these patients come to my office wanting liposuction I explain that liposuction makes the loose skin looser, not tighter and that’s when they realize I’m about to embark upon a discussion of the thing they hoped I would not bring up…. the dreaded tummy tuck. Nobody really wants it, they are hoping that I will have a laser or lotion that will shrink up the loose skin, but unfortunately in this year of 2011 a tummy tuck is still the most predictable option for the loose post partum belly. About every 6- 12 month a new laser is released or cream promoted that can wipe away the loose skin, but if it worked I would be doing it.

So what does the tummy tuck do? It allows us to balance or tighten the muscles, flatten the abdominal wall, throw away loose skin and often stretch marks. Liposuction can’t tighten the muscles or flatten the abdominal wall. Yes, it leaves a scar which daily I try to hide or minimize. There are different types of tummy tucks depending on how loose you are– full, mini, fleur de lis and even those I do sometimes without tightening the muscles. An evaluation and a pinch of the skin will help determine which option is best.

So sometimes even if you are doing everything right, the skin, the tummy may still misbehave and your best bet may be a tummy tuck. What about the breasts that fell or flattened? That’s another article.

Dr. Adam Tattelbaum is a Board certified plastic surgeon. He has offices in Rockville, Maryland, Annapolis, Maryland and Mclean, Virginia. You can visit his web site at www.atcosmetics.com. Please feel free to contact us to make an appointment.

Well now you don’t have to. Liposuction can help change your body into a more pleasing shape. It can melt away all those pesky fat bulges and give you a flatter, tighter stomach and can give you that little boost to help you achieve your goals to finish this New Year’s resolution in record time.

The good news is that Liposuction is a simple procedure that is done on an outpatient basis, meaning once the surgery is complete you can go home! After the procedure patients will be given a compression garment to help reduce inflammation and swelling for a couple days following the liposuction. Not to worry most patients have reported that the garment is hardly noticeable and that every day activities were still possible.

Depending where liposuction was performed, the benefits often offer the appearance of tighter thighs, abdomen, back  or all areas, which will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Liposuction might just be what you need to help you achieve all your New Year’s goals as well as to look your best in 2011. For individuals who lost the weight in 2010 and are looking to achieve the body they desire after massive weight loss, other procedures such as tummy tuck, thigh lift, arm lift or a combination of procedures can be performed to help you feel your best this year.

To find out if you’re a candidate for liposuction or any other plastic surgery procedure please feel free to contact Dr. Tattelbaum today.

Cold weather can wreak havoc on the on your skin causing it to dehydrate. Dehydration can cause skin to feel dry and itchy, or crack and lips become chapped. On top of the damage our skin undergoes during the winter, wrinkles and fine lines can start to become more visible on dry skin causing people to look older then they really are. Then some feel they must undergo Botox, Restylane or another type of cosmetic surgery procedure to achieve their youthful appearence, which is not always the steps that need to be taken. Cold air is not the only factor for dry skin in cold months, but additionally time spent inside the well heated house can dry out the skin, decreasing the moisture in skin. To help keep your skin protected this winter, here are some hints:

Add Greenery to Your Life

During cold months in the DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia areas, redecorate the house, room or office space with some fresh new plants. House plants can promote hydration in your place since plants releases water into the air through the process of photosynthesis. Hydration in the air helps your skin maintain it’s moistness.

Add a Layer over your Skin while Inside

While in the house, it is essential to keep your delicate skin on your hands and feet in tact. To help keep from loss of moisture in your skin, wear gloves when you are washing the dishes. After washing your hands, add a layer of hand moisturizer. Rather than walking around barefoot in your house, wear socks made of cotton to keep in existing moisture.

Upgrade your Skin Care- Try Medical Grade Skin Care

Ingredients found in Medical grade skincare contain higher concentration of essential components that can help preserve skin hydration. To protect your skin from elements, apply daytime moisturizer, while to keep your skin hydrated through dry cold winter nights use a night time moisturizers. If you have dry skin chose a cream cleanser. On top of your cleaners, on a weekly basis use an exfoliate scrub, which removes dry dead skin and can help you maintain fresh looking skin. Toners and facial masks are also a great way to condition your skin because they deeply penetrate you’re pores and help preserve your skin for years to follow. To give your skin additional support all year long; on a quarterly, semi-yearly or yearly basis, depending on your skin type Facials or Microdermabrasion can help you maintain a youthful appearance.

Don’t Forget Your Lips

To hydrate your lips use a balm or chap stick that has oil in it. Common oils that help hydrate cracked or chapped lips are shea butter, olive oil, or coconut oil. Exfoliate your lips as well. To exfoliate lips either use your face exfoliate as long as it is approved to do so by your plastic surgeon or dermatologist, or try using sugar and oil. And finally for extra moisture, apply honey to your lips at night.

Skin can change as we age, through the seasons and for many other reasons. It is important to have a skin care regimen that is tailored to your specific needs and skin type. To learn more about medical grade skin care contact Dr. Tattelbaum today.

Obesity can have an affect on individual’s personal life, as it can cause people to feel self-conscious about their bodies. However, many people don’t realize how big of an impact it has on their professional life as well. Not only does the lack of mobility have an affect on the type of work that can be done, but obesity can make an individual more prone to illness, causing missed days of work. ² Additional, recent analysis by researchers at George Washington University, located in Washington D.C., suggests obese women make less compared to related working non obese women and obese men.

Plastic Surgery is a moot matter. Individuals decide to undergo procedures for different reasons, from aesthetic purposes to necessity. The outcomes from a procedure may not just enhance your personal life, but can make an impact in your professional life as well.

Obesity may be caused by numerous factors including genetic endowment, inadequate diet, lack of physical exercise, childbirth and hormonal imbalance, among other things. A lot of people choose to make the necessary changes in their life to loose weight, become healthier and accomplish weight loss, but do not ever acquire the confidence they believed they would because of lax, dropping skin.

Extra skin is oftentimes bothersome not merely to see but can be galling in clothes too. If you’re such an individual an abdominoplasty, arm lift, thigh lift or another type of procedure might help you attain the overall end results you want by toning your shape.

Obesity rates among Americans, especial children are growing. ³ Nearly 300,000 premature deaths were caused by Obesity and related illness. Being obese can make you more acceptable to other illnesses. Do not allow it to be your issue.

If you’re gaining weight or are overweight, consult with a doctor or dietician to determine what is the best wellness regime for you to achieve a healthier weight. If your stomach muscles are lax due to childbirth or you have drooping skin because of weight loss contact a board certified plastic surgeon, like me to find out about procedures that might help shape your body after weight loss. For additional information on plastic surgery procedures, contact one of my three office locations in the Northern Virginia, DC, Maryland area or visit the following page on my website to learn about body procedures http://www.atcosmetics.com/html/body.html.

Resources:
1.) Rabin, Roni C. “Disparities: Obesity Costs Women More, Study Finds” New York Times Online. 27 September 2010. 8 Dec. 2010 <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/28/health/research/28disparities.html?_r=1&ref=research>.
2.) Dor, Avi Ph.D.; Ferguson, Christine J.D.; Langwith, Casey B.A.; Tan, Ellen M.Sc.”A Heavy Burden: The Individual Costs of Being Overweight and Obese in the United States.” The George Washington University, School of Public Health Services, Department of Health Policy 21 Sept. 2010 2. 8 Dec. 2010 <http://www.gwumc.edu/sphhs/departments/healthpolicy/pdf/HeavyBurdenReport.pdf>.
3.) Center on an Aging Society, Georgetown Univeristy.”Childhood Obesity A lifelong threat to health.” Online. December 8, 2010.<http://ihcrp.georgetown.edu/agingsociety/pdfs/obesity.pdf>.

Liposuction is not only about the fat—it’s about the overlying skin. Liposuction can be used to remove fat from just about any area of the body but the key to a nice looking result is having good skin tone. When I evaluate my Clientele in Maryland and Virginia for Liposuction, with their permission, I pinch them to assess the skin tone.

If the skin tone is good (good elasticity) and I remove fat from under the skin, the skin will shrink up and that person will have a nice result. If the skin tone is loose, I can still remove fat, but the skin may wind up looser, wavier or more irregular. In order to be happy a patient with a skin tone that is loose will need a different set of expectations then a patient with good skin tone.

The paradox of liposuction is the people who do the best are often the people who need it the least. Young people with good skin tone often get the best results from liposuction. This is not true with all procedures of cosmetic surgery.

The best candidates for cosmetic liposuction have good skin tone and specific diet resistant areas. It is much easier and safer to satisfy a patient with a specific goal than someone who says “make me skinny”.

I used to think the term “body contouring” was just an attempt to call liposuction something sexier. Twenty years later body contouring describes exactly what I do. I can’t make a heavy person skinny, but I can make them more streamlined. I can’t erase all fat but I can make it fit the body better.

Liposuction can be performed alone or in combination with a procedure such as abdominoplasty. The treatment option depends on a patient’s goal, healthy, amount of fat, and location of area or areas that need treatment. If you live in the Maryland, D.C. or Virginia area and have been considering liposuction and want to be as healthy as you can be; contact my office. I’d be happy to give you a pinch and a heartfelt opinion.